Boulevard Magazine - November 2013 Issue

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blvdmag.ca NOVEMBER 2013

get cozy eaturing winter walks

find your own path

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advertising feature boulevard business

profiles

the old attic : It’s the stories that’ll reel you in.

PHOTO CREDIT: DON DENTON

O

H, THE IMMACULATE 1920s doubleended wicker chaise from a McClure mansion might catch your eye. Or the exquisite century-old green teapot might take your breath away. But once The Old Attic owners Vic Clive and Lynne Parker tell you the tales behind the pieces … that’s when you’re hooked.

Vic leads the way to the front window of the restored 1898 Moose Hall, one of Saanichton’s four remaining original buildings. “These were handmade in the 1880s as a wedding present for a young farming couple,” he says, gently touching one of three matching wooden chairs. “The owners are downsizing and even though they’re very attached to the chairs, they don’t have room for them anymore.” “Lots of people like to consign with us because they can come back and visit their things,” Lynne says, adding a cheerful warning: “But other people fall in love with them too, and they go to new homes very quickly!”

Through estate sales, helping downsizers, and accepting consignments, Lynne and Vic have created an eclectic collection of furniture and art. The spacious old hall hosts a mix of ancient, merely old, and quite new. There are Roman coins and pottery, for example, collected by a local university student since childhood. There is an 1840s cork and leather English fire brigade helmet owned by a retired airline attendant, and a pristine A. Sibau glass-topped dining table with six cherry wood chairs.

There’s the humble, like old wooden hayforks, and the exalted, like a sculpture by world-renowned Inuit artist David Ruben Piqtoukun, whose work is also in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and the Canadian embassy in Washington, DC. As well, Vic and Lynne have commissioned some old-to-new pieces: furniture handcrafted from reclaimed wood. “When people buy things from us, either for

themselves or to give as gifts,” Lynne says, “it can be something that they or their friend or loved one collects, or it can be because the story behind it has some kind of meaning for them. “It’s like History 101 in here,” she continues. “Vic and I research everything and we learn the most amazing things.”

They love to talk about the items, and their enthusiasm makes the place feel personal, less like a shop and more like the home of a very cool relative. As you gaze at an antique desk and wonder who sat there to write letters or poems or cheques, Lynne wonders right along with you. If you run a finger over the cold steel of a mysterious implement, Vic will explain how it was designed to release pressure from Champagne bottles.

Everything is in terrific condition, many things are unique or rare, and each piece has been well used and loved. Such a diverse collection on display in the warm, bright space guarantees that there’s something for every need, whether practical or esthetic.

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,” said William Morris, about the same time that a carpenter was pegging together that set of kitchen chairs for the newlywed farmers.

At The Old Attic, you’ll find plenty of both. Come visit Lynne and Vic and discover useful beauty — from the past to the present.

THE OLD ATTIC 7925 East Saanich Road Saanichton Village 778.426.1660 theoldattic.ca

CONTENTS November 2013 Issue 11, Volume XXIl

NOVEMber 46 68

18

38 73

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

18 an aircraft REINCARNATIon

By Stuart Eastwood

9

CONTRIBUTORS

10

EDITOR’S LETTER

34 the drive of laura nashman

By Susan Lundy

11 YOUR LETTERS 16

FASHION FAVES Darian Hocking, Free/Man

By Lia Crowe

COLUMNS

17

BOULEVARD BUZZ

12 HAWTHORN

Giving thanks to war

veterans from all eras

By Tom Hawthorn

24

HOT PROPERTIES A gathering place on Lake Cowichan

By Carolyn Heiman

36

BEFORE & AFTER Renovation is a family affair

By Sarah MacNeill

38

14

local, defined

By Megan Cole

STATE OF THE ARTS Get that novel out of your head

By Alisa Gordaneer

61

FOOD & WINE Get a jumpstart on holiday baking

By Cinda Chavich

68

TRAVEL FAR Family remembrance in Northern France

By Sandra Dennis

73

HEALTH & WELLNESS No excuses! Local walks get you outside

By Shannon Moneo

on

6

80

41 SPECIAL PUBLICATION

United Way seeks

agents of change

FRONT ROW South Pacific; Fumbling Towards Ecstasy; Adam Noonan; and more

By Robert Moyes

87 FINANCE

Talking with Tess:

Kathryn Laurin

By Tess van Straaten

c our

90

WRY EYE A disruptive donkey rules the farm

By Jan MacRae

94

SECRETS & LIVES Jim Schneider, United Way of Greater Victoria campaign chair

By Shannon Moneo

ov

er:

Katie Crowe, Black Press marketing coordinator, bundles up for a winter walk. Photo by Don Denton.

Oh Santa, I’d love a gift cer tificate from clinic 805!

Group Publisher Editor Design & Production Coordinator

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Pip Knott Pat Brindle Janet Gairdner

Advertising Director

Oliver Sommer

Advertising Manager

Janet Gairdner

Circulation Director

Bruce Hogarth

Contributing Photographers

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Kate Lautens

Advertising

Contributing Writers

NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Penny Sakamoto

Cinda Chavich, Megan Cole, Lia Crowe, Sandra Dennis, Stuart Eastwood, Alisa Gordaneer, Tom Hawthorn, Carolyn Heiman, Susan Lundy, Sarah MacNeill, Jan MacRae, Shannon Moneo, Robert Moyes, Tess van Straaten Don Denton, Arnold Lim, Gary McKinstry, Sheena Ridley

Advertise Boulevard Magazine is Victoria’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 23 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.

250.595.3888 | 805 Fairfield Rd www.clinic805.ca

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.

DR. KENNETH A. SMITH CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

Clinic 805 and Dr. Kenneth Smith are proud supporters of Project H.A.N.D.S. For more information please visit our website www.clinic805.ca 8

$5.95

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS SANDRA DENNIS is a physiotherapist by day and a freelance writer by night. She has had the good fortune to travel throughout Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, and North, South and Central America, first with her husband and then with the addition of their three adventurous children. Her writing and photographs have appeared in numerous publications, including The Globe and Mail and the Vanuatu Daily Post.

STUART EASTWOOD believes history is considerably more interesting than simply memorizing dates.

A previous contributor to Boulevard, this month he shares the extraordinary story of “F for Freddie” and how Victoria Air Maintenance came to be involved in the restoration of a significant piece of aviation history. Eastwood has previously contributed to Western Driver, The British Canadian, and Auto Life Quarterly.

JAN MACRAE is a freelance writer

who finds the twists and turns of daily life seldom perfect but always entertaining. In her former life as a BC Government wordsmith, a sense of humour wasn’t required but often helpful.

She lives on a Saanichton mini-farm with one cat, one husband, three horses, a large manure pile … and fond memories of Caesar, the delinquent donkey she writes about in this month’s Wry Eye. susan lundy has been a writer since age six, when she reinvented the lemonade stand by selling handmade books at roadside booths. A former journalist, she’s currently a freelance writer and the editor of Tweed and Soar magazines. She’s also the author Heritage Apples: A New Sensation (Touchwood Editions, 2013) and writes a family column for several Victoria newspapers. She was charmed to meet and interview BC Pension Corporation CEO Laura Nashman.

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9

EDITOR’S LETTER I SUPPOSE I AM LUCKY — I do not have a war story. My close relatives did not participate in any wars: my maternal grandfather suffered from polio as a child, so he did not serve; my paternal grandfather was a teletype operator, an essential service, so he did not go overseas, either. However, my dad was born in the middle of the Great Depression, so he knew about living in hard times. Growing up, my siblings and I were never allowed to leave food on our plates, and if we left a light or TV on when we weren’t in a room, boy, were we in trouble. Those hard times stayed with my dad — and you won’t catch me doing either of those things to this day.

We are all affected by war in some way. Like everyone born before about 1990, I remember where I was on 9/11, and feel more connected to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The First and Second World Wars are topics I studied in high school history class, making them meaningful, but still something from a past I was not part of. It’s sad to think that there are fewer and fewer people who experienced those war years and can truly understand what it was like, and share their experiences with the rest of us.

Here in the Capital Region, we have CFB Esquimalt and all those who work there as a reminder of the effects of war. Most people either work on the base or know someone that does — a friend, a spouse, a child. We have Fort Rodd Hill, Royal Roads (a military college until 1995), the cenotaph at the legislature and the one in Oak Bay, all to remind us of our region’s military history. We know the sacrifices that were made, and continue to be made, in the name of peace.

This month, we pay tribute to soldiers, both those who are gone and those who remain with us, with several war-related stories.

We look at the local restoration of a Second World War aircraft, and explore Northern France war sites. Hawthorn, meanwhile, reminds us that soldiers are still deployed all over the world for military and peacekeeping operations — and some don’t make it back.

Other stories this month include a Lake Cowichan Hot Property, a fearless local businesswoman, and tips for getting started on your holiday baking a little early, for once. Don’t miss our new Boulevard Buzz page, featuring fun tidbits about the issue and other local happenings.

This issue also contains a special insert from United Way, which you can find on page 41. This year’s funding campaign asks you to become an agent of change and help raise awareness and funding for United Way of Greater Victoria’s most pressing focus areas.

In this month of remembrance, we can all remember those in our community who need our support.

Kate Lautens, Editor 10

YOUR LETTERS MAKING A SPECIALIZED TOPIC ACCESSIBLE Congratulations on the excellent article about Avielah Barclay and the Congregation Emanu-el Torah scrolls (State of the Arts, September). It’s fascinating to know that such treasures are to be found in our city. Alisa Gordaneer made a rather specialized topic accessible and of interest to readers in and outside the Jewish community. And it was a genuine scoop — I didn’t see this story anywhere else in the Victoria media.

Sid Tafler

IN PRAISE OF CORNER STORES AND TINY ISLANDS I was delighted to read “Stepping Back in Time on the Isle of Sark” (September), having visited four years ago. It really is like stepping back in time. A wonderful addition to the article “Little Stores Making a Big Difference” (September) would be The Local General Store on Haultain. The aromas of baked goods, local produce and fine soaps are divine.

Pleased to see the integrity of Boulevard continues!

Carol Williams

Readers Weigh in Online

Barbara Gergel Claudia is a beautiful woman inside and out. Bernstein and Gold is a retail gem. [Fashion, October] Angela Batchelor Jay Thank you for featuring this unique and fabulous home. My husband built the pool and it’s very exciting to see his work being featured in a local publication.

[Hot Properties, October] @Purevictoria Love the article “Came Back Haunted” get your copy at @shopmatticks and perfect timing for Halloween. Love this publication. [Feature, October] @mccreajenn Great article on BRCA — knowing that I was a carrier saved my life. [Health & Wellness, October]

We love hearing from you

We welcome your letters: editor@blvdmag.ca or visit us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and links to featured stories and local events.

BoulevardMagazine @BoulevardMag

11

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on remembrance day, the old men stand again in pressed uniforms, medals gleaming in the mid-morning sun. They snap sharp salutes, aged muscles repeating what was once so long ago part of daily routine.

The aged warriors gather at the cenotaph on the legislative grounds and at the war memorial in Oak Bay. The annual ritual is comforting in its familiarity — the raising of the flag, the placing of wreaths, the bugle sounding Last Post and Reveille, as though each lonesome note was calling to mind a fallen comrade. The old men wipe tears, though if you ask them about it they will cite the wind or a speck of dust. Their generation remains uneasy about speaking of loss.

It is natural to think only of the old-timers on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. We are such a great distance from the Great War, whose horrors were ignited a century ago, less a year. The Second World War ended 68 years ago, and the war in Korea, whose veterans never received the attention they deserved, ground to a stalemate 60 years ago.

The veterans of the First World War are all gone, the last Canadian among them, Jack Babcock, having died three years ago, aged 109. The Second World War vets are in their 80s now; each passing year, the soldiers at the ceremonies seem that much older. They cry silently for lost friends and brothers, and it is easy to forget how young they all were at the time.

A new generation of soldiers Our war dead are not all from a generation ago. We have lost peacekeepers and, more recently, we have lost 154 members of the Canadian Forces (as well as a diplomat, a reporter, and two aid workers) in action in Afghanistan.

On Remembrance Day, my thoughts turn to Myles Stanley

John Mansell, a bombardier killed with three comrades in 2006 when his lightly armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb on a dusty road outside Gumbad. He was 25.

He died with men named Turner and Dinning and Payne.

Even in their sharp grief, the Mansell family sent notes of condolence to the other families.

He had been born a few months after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, the beginning of a war whose outcome is still not settled. The boy, known as Smiley Myley, played soccer and lacrosse in the Victoria suburbs, but disliked swimming despite having sailors in the family. Myles came home once in tears because the teacher had said kilometres were replacing miles and he thought he’d have to change his name, too.

As a young man, he worked in the “It is important family business and joined the for us to know reservists of the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, firing that others cannons at Fort Rodd Hill on Canada think of Myles.

Day and at the Legislature to greet And remember a new lieutenant-governor. When Canada agreed to fight the Taliban, Myles. We don’t Mansell volunteered for service. He want him to be was not an expert on the subject, but forgotten.” thought the people of Afghanistan deserved the same life and freedoms he enjoyed in Canada.

A peaceful resting place If you go to the Veteran’s Cemetery off Colville Road in Esquimalt, you will find a small chapel surrounded by a squat stone fence. This is known as God’s Acre, a tidy garden of grave markers. Only songbirds interrupt the silence.

You will find a granite marker on which Mansell’s name, rank, serial number, regiment, date of death, and age have been etched. Forever 25. He rests between plots holding his maternal grandparents and great grandparents, the men having served in the Royal Canadian Navy.

In Langford, a leafy cul-de-sac was the scene of an impressive display two years ago. A pair of 105 mm howitzers flanked the entrance to the street. Artillery shells lined the roadway. A bugler played, as did a bagpiper, while a military padre intoned a prayer.

Of the 200 in attendance, only one wore a Memorial Cross.

She was Nancy Mansell and it was her son after whom the quiet suburban street was being named. It was a modest gesture for so grave a sacrifice, but it meant more than one could imagine to a mother who wore her son’s name on a medal no one ever wishes to receive.

“It’s important for us to know that others think of Myles.

And remember Myles. We don’t want him to be forgotten,” she told me then. A mother contemplated what it would mean if her son was not remembered by name. “Just a number.” She need say no more.

13

state of the arts

 by alisa gordaneer

A novel month to write

your masterpiece

My goal is to help you reach yours.

Looking for timely market insights?

Consider a complimentary subscription to my monthly Letter to Clients.

Roderick MacMillan, B.Comm (Hons) FSCI, CSWP Investment Advisor TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice 1070 Douglas Street, 5th Floor Victoria, B.C. 250-356-4148 rod.macmillan@td.com www.rodmacmillan.com TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. The TD logo and other trademarks are the property of the Toronto Dominion Bank, as a wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada and/or other countries.

14

There’s an apocryphal quote, attributed to Canadian author Margaret Atwood, about a writer who met a surgeon who claimed he’d like to write a novel when he retired.

Replied the writer: “I’m hoping to become a brain surgeon when I retire from writing.”

Of course, most of us have more hope of successfully writing a novel than successfully conducting a brain transplant, perhaps if only due to access to specialized equipment. The point is, spend enough time chatting at a cocktail party and you’ll find everyone has a novel just waiting to get out, if only they had the time.

But every November, hundreds of thousands of people around the world make that time, pledging to finally write their longanticipated, much-procrastinated novels. In just 30 days.

It might sound crazy, but it’s popular. National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo as it’s known to the cool kids on the Internet, started in 1999 as a dare among 21 Silicon Valley colleagues, of whom only six finished. Participants in 2011, the most recent year for which numbers are available, numbered just over 256,600 worldwide. Of those, just over 36,800 managed to achieve their goal. That’s a lot of novels getting out of people’s brains and into actual words. Victory over procrastination!

Dealing with deadlines When you think about it, writing is kind of like brain surgery.

It involves a lot of concentrated effort, and a lot of somewhat addled brains. To “win” NaNoWriMo, writers need to hit at least 50,000 words. Like a marathon, it’s daunting, but do-able — many published novels are 80,000 words and longer.

Personally, I’m pretty familiar with the NaNoWriMo madness.

This year marks my 10th year of tackling the full-on crazy task. I do it because I love the creative challenge, and I love the idea that

there are thousands of writers around the globe, and hundreds around the city, doing the same thing — experiencing the same plot and character and storytelling excitement as I am.

I asked another accomplished Wrimo (as they are known), Victoria middle school teacher Lisa Taylor, why she does it. “I wish I knew,” she says. “I spend the whole month of November asking myself that very question, and the rest of the year looking forward to it!”

Like many others, Taylor started NaNoWriMo-ing because she liked the motivation that came with the deadline.

“Having a preset goal that gives you no leeway for self-doubt, writer’s block, or just not being in the mood to write is probably the most useful motivational tool I’ve ever used,” she says.

“And being part of a community that can and will kick you repeatedly in the pants when necessary is crucial!”

Joining the club Yes, there’s a community. Through the website (nanowrimo. org), participants can have online discussions with writers from around the world, share tips and tricks, trade plots, and get occasional emailed pep talks from founder Chris Baty and other well-known authors. And many writers, Taylor included, participate in informal “write-ins” at coffee shops or other locations, where they can write in the misery-loves-company school of thought. And if you’re going for coffee anyway, why not get some words in?

“It doesn’t take as much time out of your day as you’d think, but it takes way more energy than you’d expect,” says Taylor.

True enough — if you’re a fast typist, banging out the daily quota of about 1,600 words is a fairly simple task. But the all-consuming obsession with the story, its characters, and what’s going to happen next — well, that creeps into every waking (and many a sleeping) moment. And before you know it, November’s over and you’ve written a novel.

“My advice to would-be [Wrimos] is to do it,” says Taylor. “Just go for it, man. What do you really have to lose? It’s 30 days out of your life, and the prize you win at the end of the month is a complete novel that you’ve written yourself! Where and how else are you going to get that?”

While most NaNoWriMo novels never see the light of day, some notable works — such as the book (and subsequent movie) Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen — start off as NaNoWriMo novels. Want more proof? There’s a long list at nanowrimo.org.

I’ll admit, I haven’t done much towards publishing my own previous nine works of utter genius, but for me, the fun is in the writing, not in the slog of revising that comes after. It’s one of those things where the reward truly lies in the doing. Instead of saying “one day, I’ll write a novel,” by the end of November, you can say you’ve actually done it.

Now, about that brain surgery …

AVAILABLE AT

It’s not too late! Sign up online at nanowrimo.org to participate.

15

FASHION FAVES

with

Darian Hocking Editor-in-chief of Free / Man online journal and creative director at large  By lia crowe the 1939 photo shows a man — the grandfather of Darian Hocking’s girlfriend, in fact — standing in a marsh with his two hunting dogs and a shotgun over his arm. “Just standing there, he looked so well put together! The care and attention looked so effortless,” Darian says. Influenced by the man’s gentlemanly nature, Darian used the image to create the logo for his menswear style website, Free / Man, which highlights well-crafted, heritage-inspired brands.

Darian draws inspiration from the infinite ocean seen from the shores of Tofino, and the Design and Architecture section of Munro’s books. A “gentleman,” he says, is “an engagement, a genuine authentic nature. The ability to entertain the room by being yourself. To live with intention. Can’t go wrong with that.”

 Darian Hocking

 Reading Material Print: Free & Easy from Japan.

Photo book: A Visual Inventory by John Pawson.

 Fashion Go-to item: The blue shirt.

Darian admits that his love of blue shirts is almost a problem: “Oxford, denim, chambray. I probably have 20 in my closet.” Seen here: A Patrik Ervell standard blue buttondown. Every man should own: “A good pair of classic boots for all seasons.” Shown here: Viberg boots. Coveting: A Bell & Ross watch.

Despite Free / Man’s international readership and Darian’s travels to connect with his clients, “Victoria is definitely home for me.”  Style Inspirations Both for their simplicity of style.

Icon: Steve McQueen.

Art: Group of Seven, Lawren Harris.

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 Grooming Products Hair: Cream Pomade by Baxter Of California.

Scent : Burning Barbershop

by D.S. & Durga.

BOULEVARD BUZZ

NOVEMBER Spend a moment remembering those who bravely fought — and continue to fight — for freedom and peace. We pay tribute with Hawthorn (page 12), a feature (page 18), and a Travel Far (page 68).

Christmas in November

Love to get the holidays started early?

Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade

runs Nov. 23, 5:45–7:00 pm. From marching bands to dazzling floats, the parade wends its way along Government Street from Belleville to Chatham streets. Come for Santa, stay for the delicious free treats in the Capital Iron parking lot.

For another way to get a jump on the holidays, turn to page 61 for some festive baking you can start now — and enjoy throughout the season.

1,501: The number of NaNoWriMo members in Victoria as of press time. Don’t know what NaNoWriMo is? Turn to Alisa Gordaneer’s State of the Arts column for an introduction from this veteran participant.

Our story on NaNoWriMo starts on page 14.

Mustaches unite!

The world’s longest moustache is 4.29 metres

(14 feet), belonging to Ram Singh Chauhan of Rajastan, India, according to Guinness World Records.

Movember is upon us, so grow your mustache (or support someone who does), raise funds for men’s health, and break down barriers that often prevent men from talking about their health. Remember: one in seven men will develop prostate cancer during his lifetime and one in 28 will die of it.

Visit ca.movember.com for details on this mustachioed month.

Still hooked on aquaponics

Our friends at Mason Street City Farm are hosting Boots ‘n’ Suits, a fivecourse feast of a fundraiser co-hosted by the Island Chefs’ Collaborative, featuring local eats from the likes of Peter Zambri and Jonathan Pulker, plus drink pairings and boot-stomping tunes. Proceeds go to Mason Street Farm’s aquaponics system, which we explored in the May 2013 edition of Boulevard.

Book it: Nov. 9, 6 pm, at Odd Fellows Hall, $85.

Visit bootsnsuits.eventbrite.com for tickets.

17

18

In a hangar at Victoria International Airport, a team of dedicated professionals are fitting the final components to a de Havilland Mosquito aircraft — a significant piece of aviation history.  by STUART EASTWOOD

f the 7,781 de Havilland Mosquito aircraft built between 1940 and 1950, the Mk. 35 Mosquito being restored by Mike Ingram and the talented craftsmen at Victoria Air Maintenance (VAM) will become one of just two airworthy Mosquitos in the world.

VAM’s impressive resumé includes restoration of Second World War fighters such as the Hawker Sea Fury, Fairey Firefly, and 35 examples of the North American Aviation T-28 Trojan. Set to return to the skies over Vancouver Island before Christmas, the Mosquito, affectionately called F for Freddie, is in capable and sympathetic hands.

O

A challenging and unique design  Aircraft maintenance engineer Mel Johnstone works on a de Havilland Mosquito engine at Victoria Air Maintenance.

“Every aircraft was different,” Ingram says of the Mosquito’s unique construction. “As there are no complete manuals, we are working from blueprints on microfilm of the original de Havilland drawings.” Additional support has come from an unlikely source. “One of the best sources of information has been from

 photos by don denton

modelling books, as modellers take lots of pictures,” he says.

Passing through a number of owners over the years, the Mosquito was purchased in 2005 by Robert Jens, owner of Million Air Vancouver, a corporate aviation service based at Vancouver International Airport. Already an owner of a Second World War Spitfire, Jens initially planned to restore the aircraft himself. Time became a factor, so Jens passed the job to VAM. The Mosquito arrived at VAM’s hangar in 2009, and work has steadily continued ever since.

Aluminium and other vital metals were in short supply in wartime Britain.

In 1940, the Air Ministry placed an order with de Havilland for a prototype aircraft built largely of wood. While respecting the integrity of the design, updates have been made during the VAM restoration.

“Originality gives way to safety,” Ingram says.

Designed to carry two crew members, and powered by a pair of powerful RollsRoyce Merlin engines, the aircraft would rely on speed as its only defense: the earliest examples weren’t fitted with gun

19

ďƒŁ Former Mosquito aircraft pilots, from left, Burt Ramsden, George Hickson and Tom Burdge stand with F for Freddie.

20

armament. Production versions were subsequently fitted with a variety of armaments, allowing the Mosquito to fulfill a number of operational roles.

The wings include one-piece spruce wing spars and plywood screwed and glued together. “The spars are created from trees harvested on Haida Gwaii, the specific tight grain structure providing the necessary strength,” Ingram says, while balsa wood sandwiched between diagonal layers of Baltic birch plywood comprise the fuselage, “an early example of composite construction.”

As clever as the design was, the materials used in the aircraft are also the reason for its rarity. Unlike conventional metal aircraft, aging Mosquitos suffer from unique problems. Ingram explains, “Wood rot, and a breakdown of the animal glues that hold them together, has resulted in few surviving aircraft.”

The Mosquito in Ingram’s care was built in 1950, missing an active service role. Surplus to immediate requirements, the aircraft was placed into storage for four years, until Spartan Air Services of Ontario purchased it and put it to work in a photo survey role. Operating from DEW (Defense Early Warning) sites, the aircraft mapped large tracts of Northern Canada. The durability of the aircraft in such challenging conditions is a testament to the brilliance of the original design.

The Mosquito Driver Victoria nonagenarian Tom Burdge is watching the restoration of the Mosquito with keen interest. Joining the Royal Air Force in 1941, Burdge was eventually posted to Scotland, joining 248 Squadron, attached to the Banff Strike Wing, as a Mosquito “driver.” Charming, and self-effacing, Burdge enjoys a quick wit. Asked why he was referred to as a driver, rather than a pilot, Burdge smiles and replies, “I was the driver. My crewmate was the conductor!”

The Banff Strike Wing operated between Scotland and the Norwegian coast, attacking U-boats and other enemy shipping.

Burdge candidly discusses his war service, although on one specific point he is exceptionally adamant: “I have not done anything that any other chap would not have done in similar circumstances.” Burdge celebrated his 90th birthday in the VAM hanger, with friends, fellow members of the Vancouver Island Aircrew Association and, of course, F for Freddie.

F for Freddie will fly again The restored aircraft at VAM is finished in the markings of Mosquito B. IX. LR503 GB-F (for Freddie), which flew during the war with 105 Squadron. Freddie had the distinction of having completed a Bomber Command record of 213 sorties. Sadly, the aircraft was lost in a flying accident on May 10, 1945.

During a War Bonds tour of Canada, the crew celebrated the end of the European war by performing a spectacular demonstration of aerobatics over, and through, Calgary. Office workers on the sixth floor of the Hudson’s Bay building saw the 21

 Mike Ingram, president / director of maintenance, leads the crew responsible for restoring the Mosquito.  Mechanics manuals for a de Havilland Mosquito.

Restoring a Spitfire in the Comox Valley Mosquito pass beneath their windows at speeds in excess of 300 mph; those on the riverbank watched the aircraft pass under bridges. Tragedy struck the following day.

VAM aircraft maintenance engineer Mel Johnstone explains the events leading to the crash: “The Mosquito made a number of low-altitude, high-speed passes across the airfield, before colliding with the anemometer tower and the control tower flag pole, which sheared the port wing and horizontal stabilizer.”

Further research reveals the Mosquito was travelling at nearly 400 mph when the collision occurred, and travelled a further half-mile before crashing. The impact and resulting fire killed her crew — flight lieutenant Maurice Briggs and flight officer John C. Baker.

Seeing this rare and important aircraft fly will be a fitting way to remember and honour those who served during the war years. Summing up his experience with the Mosquito, Ingram simply says, “This is the most historical and significant aircraft we’ve seen — and the most challenging in my 40 years of experience.”

Visit the Victoria Air Maintenance Facebook page to follow the restoration progress. Local media will also be contacted when the Mosquito is ready for flight. See facebook.com/VicAirMtnc.

In a rare coincidence, Vancouver Island is home to another significant Second World War aircraft restoration. Under the direction of Vintage Wings Canada, a Spitfire Mk. IX is coming together in a small hangar a few hundred metres from the Comox Air Force Museum.

The Spitfire is an iconic symbol of the Battle of Britain.

Constructed from a wreck formally belonging to the South African Air Force, the finished aircraft will carry the markings Y2-K, in honour of flight lieutenant Arnold “Rosey” Roseland, who was killed during a dogfight over France after D-Day, and 442 Squadron, which remains operational at Comox.

Robert Fleck, president of Vintage Wings Canada, says, “Though she is an inanimate object of breathtaking beauty, we are rebuilding the Spitfire Mk. IX primarily to remember and pay tribute to the one thing that gave a Spitfire a soul — her pilot.”

Visitors are welcome to see the aircraft most Saturdays, from 10 am–3 pm. Call ahead to confirm the hangar is open, 250339-8162. The Spitfire is expected to fly in 2015.

HOT PROPERTIES

ďƒ¤ A river of pebble tile in front of the fireplace travels wall-towall, separating the living room from the bedroom space.

Salvaged barn beams make a perfect custom coffee table.

24

they

it Iike this Shaping a gathering place on Lake Cowichan  by carolyn heiman  photography by GARY MCKINSTRY

D

ream houses come in many shapes and sizes. For Doug and Debra Vincent, a dream house is one where wet bathing suits, sandy feet, and sticky fingers are never minded. It is a home where an endless stream of friends and family share laughter and a glass of wine.

A tile plaque on the kitchen counter reinforces the idea with this mantra: “Sunshine, laughter and friends are always welcome.” And it must be true. At one point this past summer, the couple housed 21 people in their Lake Cowichan home, proof — one hopes — that they are living the dream. “It felt a little like the old woman in the shoe,” reflects Debra — without a hint of resentment about the home invasion. “I wanted to build a place where people would come to visit, and love to

25

 High-contrast colours in the kitchen create drama.

stay,” she adds.

The casual, welcoming atmosphere at the 4,200-square-foot, lakefront residence results from care taken to make the home fuss-proof. Wide-plank hardwood floors on the main floor, and vinyl floors in the basement in a masquerading distressed wood pattern, ensure no one ever gets wound up over a spill or wet feet. An unfinished wood dining table invites everyday wear and tear, and promises that one day it will have the patina and markings of a cherished family heirloom.

And in the living room, salvaged barn beams have been transformed into a custom-made coffee table that couldn’t

26

give a care if feet rest on its surface.

Even the singular plane of the sit-around kitchen island was a conscious choice.

Debra rejected the popular tiered island because as people age, their depth of perception can change; even a small miscalculation about where the edge is and the glass of wine is on the floor.

Commuting for now, fishing for later The Vincents purchased the undeveloped land several years ago. The Lake Cowichan property met the test of being within commuting distance of

Victoria for the years remaining in their working lives. As well, Doug needed to be near good fly fishing, a hobby he loves and plans to pursue in earnest when he steps away from his role as an electrical contractor.

Initially, they requested a one-level rancher with a walk-out basement; the couple admits to being a little chagrined when the designer returned with plans for a two-storey house. “It was as if [the designer] wasn’t paying attention to what we asked him to design,” says Doug. But they quickly realized that the plans made complete sense for the sloping lot, “so we stuck with it,” and even permitted the size

ďƒĄ The rich patina of coppercoloured tiles lends the kitchen a warm, traditional look, accented by a copper line above the cupboards.

27

THE ORIGINAL HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS

of the home to grow beyond their original idea, something they’re happy about now that they are experiencing the home as a gathering place for family and friends.

They turned to Citta Construction for the build, and their designer, Deborah Patterson, helped Debra translate her ideas into a home that reflected her desire for a space that had a touch of modern with a traditional twist.

“She’s very good at listening and taking direction, but when you’re going off track with an idea, she can redirect you,” notes Debra.

Patterson says her goal was to create “a beach/lake cottage home with a contemporary twist.” The combination of traditional and contemporary esthetics “doesn’t date as quickly. In 10 years that home will still look fresh.” It helped that the clients “were very brave” and open to ideas.

Two elements — the pebble beach in front of the property and the copper-handled stove — defined features including pebble tiles on the floor in front of the living room fireplace and pebble tile accents in bathrooms.

Copper-coloured tiles and accent trim along the kitchen cabinet valence create continuity and a traditional flavour.

Long before owning the property, Debra admits to buying accessories she imagined would one day look perfect in their home — like the pebble-patterned pillows in the master bedroom that now mirror pebbled tile work elsewhere in the home. It seems implausible that they were purchasing decisions made years apart. “I didn’t have to train her how to shop,” Patterson says of the serendipitous purchases.

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In terms of the home’s electrical and mechanical framework, Doug had a leg up, being in the electrical business. “I used a lot of LED products,” he says, reasoning that “hydro isn’t going to get any cheaper.” From his experience and research, he turned to BC manufacturer Dasal Industries for a myriad of pot lights and other feature lighting.

Complementing LED lighting is conventional

ďƒŁ Homeowner Doug looks forward to filling his expansive wine cellar. ďƒĽ LED products make up much of the lighting in the home.

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 Countertops are either concrete embedded with recycled glass, or manmade quartz.  An unfinished wood table will one day have the patina of a cherished family heirloom.

low voltage, but Doug notes that the three conventional pendant lights overhanging the kitchen island likely consume more electricity than all of the LED pot lights that power the rest of the room.

He chose a “simplified lighting control system” over more costly and complex control systems. “All I want are lights to come on and off, a holiday mode, and evening light,” says Doug, appreciating too that systems can get so complex they overwhelm guests who may come and go without the owners.

Designer Patterson’s goal was to create a “beach/ lake cottage home with a contemporary twist.”

His pride and joy is a French-designed Stuv wood-burning fireplace with retractable glass, allowing it to morph from a glorious open fireplace to a highefficiency heater. An undulating river of pebble tile passes in front of the fireplace and travels wall-to-wall, like a creek bed, separating the public area of the home from the private master bedroom. It’s as if the beach outside their home has extended to the inside.

Now comfortably settled into their four-bedroom home, the Vincents know they made the right choice in terms of both location and design. Their neighbours “are just like us. They’re either retired or near to beginning to think about being retired. They all like to be outdoors and enjoy a good glass of wine,” says Doug, who is quietly amassing an impressive collection of wine in their new wine cellar in anticipation of continuing celebrations with friends and family.

Carolyn Heiman explores beautiful Island homes each month for Boulevard. If you know of a gorgeous home you’d like to see profiled she can be contacted at cheiman@shaw.ca.

31

Vision Accomplished On time. On budget.

250-380-4605  horizoncontracting.ca  Custom homes  Renovations  Kitchens  Sunrooms  Commercial 32

Supply List Millwork: Citta Millwork

Interior Finishing: Citta Interiors General Contractor: Citta Construction Home Design: Dezign Zone Countertops: Colonial Countertops Concrete Countertops: Szolyd Manufacturing Plumbing: Calibre Mechanical Plumbing Fixtures: Bartle & Gibson Electrical: P.R. Bridge Systems Ltd. Light Fixtures: Illuminations Lighting Solutions, Mclaren Lighting, and Dasal Industries Wood Floor: Wide Plank Hardwood Painting: Black Sheep Painting Tile Contractor: CT Designs Windows: Starline Windows Doors: Slegg Lumber Furniture: Luxe Home Interiors, Restoration Hardware, and Citta Millwork Upholstery: Morgan’s Upholstery

33

Rise of the Matadora A determined drive leads Laura Nashman to the top  by susan lundy  photography by don denton

D

espite her impressive title as CEO of BC Pension Corporation, Laura Nashman has a surprisingly non-descript office. Spacious but simple, the room is adorned by only a few personal items, and located mid-level on the non-view side of BCPC’s Jutland Road building.

But a small photograph on one wall speaks volumes. The image is of Christina Sanchez, one of the first female bullfighters to gain prominence in the 1990s in a traditionally male-dominated world. Seemingly in a dance with the bull,

34

Sanchez’s arm is raised, red cape flying.

Nashman doesn’t endorse bullfighting, but the photograph — a gift from her husband, Lawrence Saunders — aptly articulates her determined drive to finesse her way to the top.

“To me, the image was the perfect metaphor for Laura: fearless, and able to handle the most daunting challenges with apparent ease,” says Saunders, who first spotted the photograph in The Globe and Mail in the 1990s.

Petite and dressed with a quiet classiness, Nashman is warm, engaging and, true to her form of leadership, completely

focused, answering questions thoughtfully and articulately.

“I’m very much an in-the-moment kind of leader and thinker,” she says. “I don’t want to be scattered or distracted. I want to leave the previous meeting behind, focus my attention, and truly be in the moment with [the next] person.”

Nashman’s leadership style has been much touted since 2008, when she took over BCPC — an entity that provides administrative services to five public sector pension plans, which have more than $70 billion in assets, more than 1,000 plan employers, and just over 500,000 plan members.

The Women’s Executive Network named her one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, while Vancouver Magazine included her on its Power 50 list. She’s known as an active mentor for women — volunteering formally through the Women’s Executive Network and informally by “doing what I can to demonstrate behaviours and habits that lead to success,” she says.

Since leaving public sector roles in her hometown Toronto to join BCPC, Nashman has spearheaded a strategic plan called 12|21 Our Way Forward. It aims “to meet the changing needs and expectations of plan members, employers, trustees, and staff,” she says, noting that it’s a transformative strategy. “It’s not an expression of how to incrementally improve — this is a fundamental rebuilding of the core of the foundational elements of the corporation.”

Finding the balance

Nashman also parents 16-year-old twin sons and stays active by biking, golfing, running, and “moving any way I can.” At the core of her success is the fact she loves her work.

“I think about it all the time. Work doesn’t feel like an imposition,” she says. “It would be as if — when I was at the office — I didn’t think about my kids.”

Nashman’s husband of 25 years, who teaches marketing and organizational behaviour at the University of Victoria’s business school, has been extremely supportive, she says. “We have a healthy and productive division of responsibility on everything.”

Nashman obtained a master of industrial relations degree from the University of Toronto. The arrival of twins in 1997 occurred while she worked in a senior position at Legal Aid Ontario, enabling her to take a flexible maternity leave and work from home.

“I was in a comfortable place [in my career] where I

wasn’t trying to prove anything,” she says, recalling with a smile the humming of the fax machine in her kitchen. “When you’re in it, you make it work.”

Nevertheless, she says, her climb to the top required “years of hard work demonstrating my talents, my initiative, my creativity, and my ability to problem solve and present solutions that work.”

“My job is to clear the path, provide input and direction when necessary, secure the resources, and create the environment for others to be successful.”

And although she recognized her skills early, and began “cultivating her leadership brand as time progressed,” she points to patience and humility as the cornerstones of her success.

“I had a sense that I could make a positive impact, and I demonstrated instincts that continued to be on mark,” she says. “But often, just when I thought I was ready for the next step, I recognized a deficiency and knew I needed to strengthen that skill before moving ahead.”

Eyes on the future

Skilled leadership is crucial at BCPC now, as the corporation awaits a giant wave of baby boomers rolling towards retirement.

“We’re already feeling the trickle and it’s going to increase substantially, so we need to have the tools in place to deal with it,” Nashman says.

In tangible terms, this means she spends much of her day interacting with people, “listening to ideas, working with staff to ensure we are staying on our strategic course while also successfully performing in the present.”

She says, “My job is to clear the path, provide input and direction when necessary, secure the resources, and create the environment for others to be successful.”

Clearly, she performs the delicate dance of a bullfighter. “The irony is that in all of her achievements, both professional and personal, Laura has never had to resort to coercion or forceful methods,” Saunders says of his wife. “She always seems able to generate the co-operation and enthusiasm of those around her, regardless of the situation.”

A matadora indeed.

35

design MATTERS

af ter b e f or e an d

after

Dark grey paint is SherwinWilliams “Peppercorn.”

Custom kitchen shelves made from reclaimed fir are simple and functional.

The original radiators weren’t going anywhere — their vintage character is part of what the Smiths loved about the house.

The heated tile floor is warm in both temperature and tone.

Our home is centred around our kitchen, a warm place to gather, dine, cook, and visit.

36

Natural wood warms up the grey and white palette.

FAMILY MATTERS The family that renovates together, stays together  text and “after” photo by sarah macneill Top-of-the-line appliances were major scores off the UsedVictoria website.

White subway tile — you can’t go wrong.

before

Do you prefer to shower indoors?

Do you find “horror movie-esque” basement rooms to be offputting?

Are you expecting a baby?

Are you completing a master’s degree?

For Bronwen and Joel Smith, the answer to all of the above was “yes,” but they bravely began an all-consuming DIY home renovation anyway. The young couple was living in Fernwood but dreaming of the country — somewhere with easy access to hiking trails, canoeing, and summer dips in a lake. When they discovered their fixer-upper on a quiet street in Duncan, they made the move up-Island and got to work. The 1929 fivebedroom character home was in a state of disrepair when the Smiths bought it in 2010. There was rot in the basement, a weak foundation, and a ubiquitous film from years of cigarette smoke clinging to the walls and ceilings.

With the help of Bronwen’s talented family — her father, an experienced contractor and builder who mentored Joel throughout the demolition and construction phases, and her mother, who has a keen eye for detail and design — the transformation began to take shape.

“Fortunately, both my parents have excellent taste, which made joining forces as a design team fluid,” Bronwen says.

“We saw eye-to-eye on most things, which made for quicker decisions, and I believe shared pride over the project.”

The original kitchen, with a lone light bulb dangling from the ceiling and a giant chimney occupying the central area, is perhaps the room that now leaves the greatest impression.

An open, bright, uncluttered space for cooking, dining, and entertaining was paramount to the couple and their growing family. Windows took precedence over upper cabinets, the natural light well worth the sacrifice. Ikea cabinets with oak countertops are contemporary, but not out of place in this rejuvenated character home — they blend beautifully with traditional elements like the tongue and groove ceiling and farmhouse sink.

The clean lines and simplicity is a nod to Scandinavian and mid-century modern design, while several restored pieces, including vintage French doors, enhance the character of the new construction.

Q&a

with the Homeowners

q: What were the best and worst parts about the renovation?

A: The best part was being able to see our vision develop before our eyes, one project at a time, and know we had a hand in the innovation and labour. The worst was the anticipation of knowing what we were working towards but not knowing how long it would take to get there. q: What do you consider to be the essential qualities of your home’s completed transformation?

A: Warmth — Creating open, welcoming, functional spaces drenched in natural light, and having comfortable seating areas throughout the house, was essential. Our home is centred around our kitchen, a warm place to gather, dine, cook, and visit. Our integration of natural wood, the use of quality reclaimed materials, and our restored hot water radiators and fir hardwood floors contribute to the warm esthetic and solid feel.

Simplicity — Maintaining a minimalist environment helps us preserve the positive feeling that comes with a clean, simple, wellorganized space.

Landscape — Our outdoor space is important to us and it will likely keep us busy for many seasons to come as we continue to expand and adapt our cottage-style garden, create seating areas, and maintain our edible garden. q: What advice would you give to anyone about to begin a home renovation?

A: Select a part of the house to be construction free, even if it is a small bedroom. Put up plastic dividers to keep the dust and smells out of the construction-free zones. Expect the unexpected — be prepared to shower and cook outside!

37

local? the new

38

Changing food labels in Canada hits home  by Megan cole

D

 Under the new definition of local, apples from the Okanagan can be labelled as “local” on Vancouver Island.

uring certain seasons, “local food” for chef and author Bill Jones means what is grown directly on his property or in the woods surrounding it. Jones, who recently published The Deerholme Mushroom Book: From Foraging to Feasting, is not only a local food advocate, but also a forager.

For him and a group of Vancouver Island chefs who make up the Island Chefs Collaborative, local food is vital — not only for sustaining great restaurants, but also for the survival of Island farmers.

“We’re a great supporter of farmers right at the grassroots,” he says. “Our programs revolve around helping farmers produce more food, so there is an amazing micro-loan program. There have been fundraisers in the past to help purchase equipment for farmers and so on. We try to help farmers directly.”

But the meaning of “local” has changed. In the spring, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced a new definition for their labelling regulations. According to an interim policy adopted by the CFIA, “local” is now defined as “food produced in the province or territory in which it is sold, or food sold across provincial borders within 50 [kilometres] of the originating province or territory.”

For devoted local food consumers like Jones, the new definition is “ridiculous,”

but he says for consumers, it dilutes what locally produced food actually is. “Local should be about getting the freshest, healthiest food possible with the lowest carbon footprint,” says Jones. “This confuses the issue and makes it more about profit and regulations than it is about good food.”

Changing organics Despite recent trends around the growing support of farmers’ markets throughout the province, the CFIA said in an email that the definition was changed to stay current and to balance the needs of industry and consumers.

“The CFIA recognized that the previous policy did not reflect current food production and industry marketing practices or consumer needs and expectations,” reads the email. “So the CFIA put in place a broad interim policy to provide maximum flexibility and options, until we are able to consult with all stakeholders as part of our Food Labelling Modernization initiative, which is anticipated to take one to two years to complete.”

The previous policy described local food as originating within a 50-kilometre radius of the place where it was sold, or the food sold originated within the same municipality or an adjacent one.

For Vancouver Island farmers like North Saanich’s Brian Hughes of Kildara Farms, the new policy seems to represent

39

 Organic farmer Brian Hughes walks between rows of salad greens on his Kildara Farms acreage in North Saanich.

the needs of mass producers.

“The CFIA were likely getting pressure from mass producers and ‘the commodities,’ as they are referred, but I would never refer to any of the food that we grow as a commodity,” says Hughes.

Hughes and his wife Daphne bought Kildara Farms in 1985 with the intention of producing organic food to feed their family. Today, the farm sells its salad greens and heirloom tomatoes at Thrifty Foods and the Market on Yates. Their produce is also found in the boxes delivered by SPUD and Share Organics.

Hughes began farming organically before there was even a Vancouver Island organic certifier, and has seen the way interest in organic products has changed — much like the interest in local food.

“There has been talk here on the south end of the Island to have some kind of logo or sticker that says it is a South Island product, or even for the whole Island,” he says. “That will eventually happen because the new definition blurs the line of what local is.”

photo by don denton

photo by don denton

Beyond labels

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Farmers like Hughes have helped develop a strong identity for BC products, and BC Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm believes the integrity of provincially grown and produced food will make it a desired export.

“I believe consumers will continue to choose BC products, whichever definition the CFIA adopts,” he says. “BC has a well-deserved reputation for producing an incredible range of great tasting, high-quality products, and those are always going to be in demand — locally, domestically, and around the world.”

Under the new CFIA definition, consumers in Prince George would be able to enjoy salad greens grown in North Saanich, and have them labelled as “local.” According to Pimm, British Columbians shouldn’t simply be supporting farmers and producers in their own community, but also throughout the province, a goal that is assisted by the new definition.

“BC residents can experience firsthand the great food produced in their region and province, and I encourage all to explore and enjoy the foods from their communities,” he says.

But while the new “local” could help strengthen the idea of “BC-grown,” advocates for Vancouver Island-grown and produced food believe something may need to be done on the grassroots level to educate consumers.

“I think we’ve seen huge leaps in things like farmers’ markets in the last few years,” Jones says. “It is a concept that had almost died out in BC 10 or 15 years ago, and now it is back stronger than ever. The kind of thing we have to do is help that distribution chain and go directly to the producers or to farmers’ markets. Nothing to do with government, labels or anything else. It is an act of purchasing from the people who grow the foods.”

» SPECIAL INSERT CELEBRATING UNITED WAY

CALLING ALL

AGENTS OF CHANGE TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE INSIDE: ALL THAT KIDS CAN BE // FROM POVERT Y TO POSSIBILIT Y // YOUTH IN AC TION STRONG COMMUNITIES // A PERFEC T UNION // BUSINESSES GIVING BACK

PHOTO CREDIT: DON DENTON

When you invest in United Way, you invest in people

W

E ARE OFTEN ASKED what exactly United Way does.

Simply put, we invest in people. Chances are you know someone who has used a program we support.

We are improving lives and changing communities in meaningful, progressive ways. Our team ensures that programs and services deliver quality support to people who need a helping hand.

In the past 76 years, our region has seen significant improvements in social conditions as a result of people like you who believe in what we do. We are part of a national movement with a local mandate. With a focus on both intervention and prevention strategies, we engage with over 12,000 donors, 400 companies and fund approximately 100 community programs. In 2012 alone, United Way helped more than 80,000 individuals from Victoria to Sooke to Sidney to the Southern Gulf Islands.

United Way has two distinct roles in building a strong, caring community.

First, we invest in the immediate needs of our community by financially supporting local programs. Second, we are increasingly partnering with leading educational institutions to develop evidence-based reporting tools that will further demonstrate the high level of return when we invest in social well-being. These tools will help our partners and agencies measure and demonstrate our collective impact.

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UNITED WAY WOULD LIKE TO THANK VIKING AIR LIMITED, MCCONNAN BION O-CONNOR & PETERSON, AND UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA FOR SPONSORING YOUR WAY.

To invest in the people in your community, visit UNITEDAGENTS.CA, call 250-385-6708 or drop by our office at 1144 Fort Street.

UNITED WAY PRODUCTION TEAM Like a financial advisor who helps increase personal wealth, we increase community health by strengthening its people, with an annual community investment over $5 million. No other organization has the depth of reach to affect change in such a tangible way.

This year’s engagement theme asks you to become an “Agent of Change.”

Like classic agents Humphrey Bogart, James Bond or Agent 99, we can all take on roles in local projects that will lead to positive change.

As you read through the stories that follow, you will witness how donations to United Way make profound differences. You will read about how the Ready to Rent program finds stable housing for widowers, new Canadians and single parents. You will learn about Success by 6, which works with families to empower children to grow up to be leaders of the future. You will be inspired at what an industrious, young farm boy did as a result of his belief in helping others. These are our everyday heroes — agents of change.

We invite you to become an agent of change. Join us in our mission. Be a volunteer, donor or co-conspirator of action. See what role awaits you at unitedagents.ca.

Heather Gardiner Chief Executive Officer (interim) Peter Lockie Chair, Board of Directors

Heather Gardiner, CEO (Interim) Heather Skydt, Director Catherine Schissel, Director Jo-Anne Silverman, Director Brittany Decker, Director Lilaine Galway, Manager CONTACT US: e: unitedway@uwgv.ca w: uwgv.ca

BOULEVARD TEAM Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto Editor Kate Lautens Design Pip Knott Writers Alisa Gordaneer, Shannon Moneo, Catherine Schissel, Vivian Smith Contributing Photographers Jessica Clark, Don Denton, Arnold Lim, Sharon Tiffin The Boulevard team would like to extend special thanks to Geoff Wilcox, who also worked on this publication.

Your Way ® is a registered trademark of the United Way of Greater Victoria. All rights reserved. No part of this insert may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Printed in Canada.

» IMPACT AREA: ALL THAT KIDS CAN BE

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUNG WOMEN OF SPIRIT

All that kids can be Supporting children and youth to be their best

BY VIVIAN SMITH

“D

ON’T WALK THERE,” advises Kaiea Sampson, pointing to a green shoot that a visitor nearly steps on while touring the Sampson family garden. When you’re five years old, you might not be seen as a serious gardener, but Kaiea is no novice.

She plants vegetables alongside her grandmother, Karen Sampson, while her great-grandfather, Ken Sampson, offers advice. She has already learned that wide rows give veggies, and young gardeners, growing room. “This is a continuing generation garden,” says Karen. Four Sampson families enjoy the food it produces and the family activity it provides.

But even generations of knowledge weren’t enough to prepare soil for such a big (60-by-100 feet) garden. The Sampsons, members of the Tsartlip First Nation, needed help — in the form of a rototiller — so they went to gardening mentor Myrna Crossley, whose work is supported by United Way’s All that kids can be impact area.

Crossley organizes workshops on everything from composting to beekeeping, and helps dozens of families on the reserve with their gardens.

United Way includes this garden program inside the Success by 6 collaborative initiative. At the heart of each association under the All that kids can be umbrella is the understanding that every child deserves to achieve his or her full potential. Thousands of kids involved in the many programs on Southern Vancouver Island are not mere recipients of support, however.

They teach workers, volunteers and donors the importance of supporting families and communities one relationship at a time, and that starting early in life makes a real difference.

“Research shows the early years do set the path for everyone’s life,” explains Catherine Schissel, United Way director of community investment. As one of United Way’s three impact areas, All that kids can be is designed to fund community agencies so they can run programs that

help prevent bullying, develop selfesteem and improve the chances for children’s success in school, right up to high school, graduation day and the workforce.

Locally, four United Way-supported projects reflect this focus on children and youth:

THE EARLY YEARS: SUCCESS BY 6 Through the reach and diversity of the Success by 6 initiative, most kids on Southern Vancouver Island have been touched by its mission to help build their emotional, social, intellectual and physical wellness from birth to age 6. Provincially, Success by 6 is a partnership between United Way, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and BC credit unions. Over the past 10 years in the Capital Region District, programs have included literacy projects, parenting workshops, drop-in programs, training for early childhood professionals and Kaiea’s garden program.

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TRANSITIONING TO ADULTHOOD: SOOKE TRANSITION HOUSE SOCIETY — YOUNG WOMEN OF SPIRIT

THE MIDDLE YEARS: BEYOND THE HURT — BULLYING PREVENTION Bullying is not new, but awareness about its devastating effects, from anxiety and depression to suicide, is growing. Research shows that the minority of kids who bully are watched by many bystanders who feel powerless to stop it: one study suggests 100 per cent of adolescents have seen a bullying situation and 50 to 60 per cent reported being targeted at some time.

For kids 11 and older to learn how to counter bullying, peers appear to be more effective than adults. That is why United Way is a sponsoring partner in the Red Cross Beyond the Hurt program.

It trains students in Grades 10 and 11 how to talk to younger kids in Grades 6 and 7 about the impact of bullying and to help them understand that kids have the power to act when they witness it.

Participating schools include Lambrick Park, Lau Welnew Tribal School, Reynolds and Victoria High.

THE MIDDLE YEARS: IN-SCHOOL MENTORING Imagine being a seven-year-old Victoria girl, a month into the school year, when something happens that causes your family to move from a house into a tent. And then a motel.

The only constant in your life is a volunteer mentor, a businesswoman who meets you at school every week.

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Together you talk, read and just hang out. The mentor, through your relationship, keeps track of your difficult circumstances. She makes sure (anonymously) that you receive a coat through Big Brothers Big Sisters when the weather changes, and assures you that no matter where you live, she will always be there. “It would be so easy for [a child like this] to get lost,” says Rhonda Brown, executive director of Victoria’s Big Brothers Big Sisters, which runs the In-School Mentoring program with United Way support.

“This little girl cannot keep her eye on the big picture, but the mentor can,” says Brown. The businesswoman, through a single relationship, also begins to see the big picture regarding the extent of poverty in our community.

Counsellors or principals refer mostly middle-school children to In-School Mentoring, but some are as young as six. Big Brothers Big Sisters vets potential volunteers. Brown notes that participating children are less likely to have behavioural problems in high school, less likely to be bullied or to bully, and boys in particular show great strides in academic success. Over 12 years, hundreds of students have been mentored — around 100 students are part of the program in Greater Victoria each year.

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Three years ago in Sooke, a group of young women aged 15 to 20, and another of 13- to 15-year-olds, began to meet weekly to work on issues like self-confidence, bullying, abandonment, family break-ups, cultural pressures — the whole gamut of issues that derail many vulnerable young women. But this was no therapy group: through dance, yoga, photography and challenging outdoor activities, the girls began to discover their inner strength.

The young women used social media to display their new, empowered approach to life. Their poems on Facebook have garnered hundreds of enthusiastic “likes” and a video they filmed themselves, over just a weekend, shows them connecting enthusiastically with each other, the outdoors and their own inner power. “They were not given any limits on what they could say,” says Arlene Rees, executive director of Sooke Transition House Society and founder of the Young Women of Spirit program. “And they were so genuine, giving such powerful testimonials.” Parents are thrilled about the life-changing results they see in their daughters, she says.

United Way support is essential, Rees concludes, offering the context of the importance of healthy relationships, and the flexibility the Young Women of Spirit need to grow into confident adults. •

children and youth used more than 50 United Way-funded programs related to school readiness, school achievement and a successful transition to adulthood and the workforce in 2012.

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Youth in Action

Letting young people take the lead

BY ALISA GORDANEER

F

OR PEOPLE BETWEEN THE ages of 15 and 24, the world is full of possibility and potential — if you have access to the resources necessary to turn the amazing things you can imagine into a reality. But for youth in less-privileged families and neighbourhoods, bringing ideas to life isn’t always easy.

A new facet of United Way’s neighbourhood strategy is called Youth in Action. It engages young people who live, work, learn or even just hang out in the Hillside-Quadra and Esquimalt neighbourhoods who are looking to make good things happen close to home.

This initiative is in partnership with Coast Capital Savings and works for both United Way, with its impact area of Strong communities, and Coast Capital, with its focal point on youth involvement.

Coast Capital has focused specifically on funding projects that increase youth leadership, so it made perfect sense for the company to contribute $200,000 to the three-year project. With the Coast Capital funding and another $400,000 from United Way, Youth in Action will develop projects that are designed by youth and create positive change.

“Youth have always been a large part of United Way and this program continues the tradition,” says Lilaine Galway, United Way community

PHOTO CREDIT: SHARON TIFFIN

The dropout rate for Grade 12 students in the public school system was 22% last year in the Capital Regional District.

development manager. “Youth in Action recognizes the strength of young people in building a strong community and gives them a place to voice their opinions about what type of programs they would like to see.”

“Not only is the program benefitting youth in those communities, it’s also youth-led,” adds Maureen Young, Coast Capital community partnerships and investment manager. While all the ideas for the projects come from youth, Coast Capital provides funding, resources and even the needed expertise to help projects happen. The end result, as Young says, is “a richer future for youth in our community.”

To get the ball rolling, United Way has hired two “youth animators” who will connect with youth in the HillsideQuadra and Esquimalt neighbourhoods.

After bringing together interested young people, they will discuss and explore what the communities already have in place in terms of resources and what could be developed in the future.

The two animators are Kluane BuserRivet and Jordan Perrault. Together, the duo has already begun connecting with youth in areas where they congregate, like Quadra Village.

One of the first activities, explains Perrault, 25, is a community walk, where youth wander through the neighbourhood and assess the various

sites where they meet. In particular, they’ll talk about the neighbourhood’s history and what matters about each site.

They also consider ways people live in each community — whether there are single family or multi-family dwellings and if those residences are rented or owned. That’s all part of a community mapping exercise, which helps the youth recognize what’s found in the community, and what’s needed.

From there, youth, supported by the animators and facilitators from Coast Capital and United Way, will begin to develop a list of projects that they’d like to see in the communities.

While nothing will be decided until a range of ideas have been explored, a few of the ideas that have already been bandied about could help the neighbourhood’s environment.

Some are related to sports activities.

Others talk about community spaces, where people of different ages and backgrounds can meet and get to know one another.

There’s no doubt about it — when youth are engaged and recognized, everyone benefits from their creativity and innovation. If you know of a young person that would like to get involved in the Youth in Action program, please call Lilaine Galway at 250-220-7363 or email lilaine@uwgv.ca. •

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Discovering the full potential in everyone

BY ALISA GORDANEER

I

N THE CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT, the intertwined issues of employment, food and housing security are critical, as prices rise and homelessness continues to grow.

On one night in February 2012, the Coalition to End Homelessness counted 1,205 people staying in emergency shelters, temporary housing, or on the streets in Victoria. High rents, low levels of income assistance, and a low minimum wage all contribute to the problem.

Unemployment contributes to homelessness. Addictions and mental health issues can affect a person’s employment options, as can family violence. And a weakened economy means many find themselves unemployed as businesses close down or move to other communities.

For organizations like United Way, solving the puzzle means addressing all the basic needs and digging deep into the root causes. Its Poverty to possibility impact area helps agencies get people employed, fed and housed — all key strategies to find pathways out of poverty.

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ALL-ENCOMPASSING ASSISTANCE One program that provides a onestop shop for people needing help is the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s Resource Employment Education and Support program (REES). It helps people with housing, work, finances and legal concerns, while also offering a peer support program and an outreach team that helps those living with addictions and mental health issues. Its community volunteer training program, entirely funded

by United Way, provides an eightweek course for volunteers working with non-profits that aid those with mental health and addictions issues.

This past spring, the program trained 30 volunteers from 25 community agencies.

A JOB TO DO Fifteen years ago, Blaine Sparvie was homeless, having bounced between Calgary and Nanaimo before ending up in Victoria. When the demolition company he was working for moved away, he found himself

without work, so he turned to the Cool Aid Casual Labour Pool, one of the resources connected to the REES program. The Pool helps anyone who needs work connect with those who need work done — today.

Wendy Stone, co-ordinator of the Casual Labour Pool, says it employs people in recovery, new to the city, or who just have trouble finding steady work in a fragile economy. They just need to show up on the days they’re willing to work, and Stone does her best to find something for them to do.

Homeowners call the Pool for help with yard work, housecleaning, moves and more. Businesses rely on the Pool for temporary labour, such as clean-ups, demolitions and even office work.

Stone keeps track of workers’ skills: some are skilled as painters, landscapers, renovators, or office, retail and restaurant workers. “We’ve been able to make good matches,” she says.

Janice Maxwell, who runs Fieldstone Farm on Oldfield Road, relies on the Pool for help harvesting

PHOTO CREDIT: JESSICA CLARK

Poverty to possibility

» IMPACT AREA: POVERTY TO POSSIBILITY

regular meals for new Canadians, single parents, and seniors, who can connect with each other while enjoying a healthy dinner. Overall, the program reaches about 7,000 people each month.

PHOTO CREDIT: SHARON TIFFIN

A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD

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people used more than 20 United Way-funded programs last year to become more self-sufficient, find healthy food, affordable housing and sustainable employment.

cherries and raspberries. “It’s a godsend for us,” says Maxwell, who appreciates the professionalism of the Pool and its workers.

In April 2012, the Pool provided work for 40 people, with an average wage of about $15 an hour. That’s an improvement over the $10.25 British Columbia minimum wage.

A larger program, the Neighbourhood Food Access and Distribution program, connects people in need of food. Under the program, each of eight neighbourhood houses operates as a “Food Hub,” with a community kitchen and an emergency food pantry where people can get free produce and canned and baked goods.

Program co-ordinator Danielle A BITE TO EAT Stevenson explains that once a Food security means reliable access month, program partner Cold Star to food, but the reality is that food Freight gathers unsold food from costs are high when you live on an its warehouse and brings it to the island, and people don’t always get Blanshard Community Centre. There, enough nutritious food to eat. United volunteers sort the food — which also Way wants to make sure healthy food comes from organizations like Sysco, is available for everyone.

Planet Organic, and the LifeCycles Local food Fruit Tree project — resources like and distribute it to The food we get makes it neighbourhood the communities. possible for agencies to gardens and “The food we get provide free, hot meals community through this program every week. kitchens meet makes it possible for some of that need, agencies to provide as do food and snacks provided free, hot meals every week, and fruit for activities and programs run at and veggies in childcare programs,” centres that belong to the Coalition of says Stevenson. It also supplies the Neighbourhood Houses. community kitchens, which provide

A stable place to live is essential for well-being, but finding that place — and being able to afford it — isn’t easy, especially in the Capital Regional District, where rents are high.

Plus, other barriers come from poverty and a lack of financial literacy, says Colleen Kasting, the founder of Ready to Rent, a nonprofit that helps people find suitable housing and learn how to keep it.

Kasting says the agency helps young single parents, new Canadians, older women who are recently widowed, families on and off reserves, and others, all of whom share in common the fact that they might not have ever rented before, and may lack good references that would help them find a place to live.

Completing the 12-hour, six-week Ready to Rent course is as good as having an excellent reference, which Kasting says is particularly helpful for those who are just starting out.

The course includes workshops on how to be a good tenant and a good neighbour, teaching skills that make graduates of the workshops appealing to potential landlords. They also learn to budget, develop communication skills, and educate themselves about tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities.

In four years, Ready to Rent has helped more than 650 people go on to find stable housing in both publicly supported and privately operated residences. By helping agencies that connect people with jobs, food and housing, United Way helps move our communities out of poverty to discover their full possibility. •

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Strengthening individuals, families and neighbourhoods

BY ALISA GORDANEER

A

S YOU WALK THE STREETS to work, gather groceries, meet with friends for coffee or shop for your granddaughter’s birthday present, have you ever stopped to think about the network of social services working behind the storefront windows you pass? Many have unmarked doors and limited staff and resources, but they are making big and small miracles happen.

These change-makers work to bring possibility, inspiration and hope to many in the Capital Regional District, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities — seniors, new Canadians and those struggling with addictions. By offering support to those who might need help understanding medical information, rides to doctors’ appointments, or even just someone to listen, community agencies like the Saanich Volunteer Services Society, Inter-Cultural Association and Oasis Society for Spiritual Health can reach hundreds of people every year who would otherwise find themselves alone and struggling to

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challenges, early dementia, or other issues that keep them otherwise isolated in their homes. Volunteers help by driving people to doctor’s appointments, picking up groceries, and even just by visiting or phoning to make sure things are all right.

“It’s the kind of thing neighbours, or NEIGHBOURS HELPING adult children, would do,” Zerb says, NEIGHBOURS but when neighbours and adult The municipality of Saanich has children are far away, and not able to about 110,000 residents in an area of assist as directly, the volunteers about 1,000 square kilometres — so it’s can help. a spread-out place where you might The volunteers learn skills like first not see your neighbours, or even meet aid and companion driving, to them, unless you made a point of doing help people in and out of cars and so. To prevent isolation, especially for wheelchairs. They even learn how the municipality’s many seniors, the to engage in Saanich Volunteer For some seniors, the only way conversations, Services Society they can get to the store is by and to notice early connects about 170 signs of dementia volunteers with having a volunteer’s help. or other illnesses, people needing a making them a first line of response little day-to-day help. for concerns that could lead to Susan Zerb, executive director of the greater issues.

Saanich Volunteer Services Society, The clients depend on volunteers for explains her organization provides more than just rides, though. “They say direct, one-on-one volunteer services they don’t know how they would do to seniors who may have health get through each day.

United Way’s Strong communities impact area supports organizations that develop people’s life skills, address mental health and addictions and build community connections.

PHOTO CREDIT: DON DENTON

Strong communities

A HEALTHY WELCOME With the help from United Way’s Strong communities impact area, the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) provides a “one stop shop” where new Canadians can learn how to adjust to this community; they can get help with renting homes, finding work, learning English, getting their kids enrolled in school and learning about Canadian customs. But even more importantly, the ICA provides health information — finding doctors and getting connected with the health care system.

New Canadians face health challenges that are as new as their country. First, they’re dealing with a medical system that might be different from the one they’re familiar with.

Second, differences in language and cultural practice can make them reluctant to see a doctor.

For example, the ICA, in partnership with Island Health, offers prenatal classes that cover the same concepts as any other prenatal class, but the instructors speak slower, use hand gestures and provide glossaries of

terms ahead of time to accommodate language differences. They also include information about the health care system that immigrants might not know about. “The goal is to help immigrants integrate better into [their new] community,” says Jean McRae, executive director of ICA, “so our community can be welcoming and capable of attracting and retaining immigrants.”

OPEN HEARTS AND OPEN MINDS Paying attention to a person’s whole being means being present for them, listening to their story, and hearing their experience. For Margaret O’Donnell, executive director of the Oasis Society for Spiritual Health, the most vulnerable people in the community need the greatest sense of connection in order to remain on a path to recovery.

Oasis, which was founded in 2006 and received funding from United Way in 2012, works mainly with people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Most belong to Vancouver Island First Nations, and most have been in and out of detox facilities. “We’ve supported people who want to be well,” says O’Donnell, adding that by helping people find their own inner peace, the organization helps them stay on a course towards wellness, despite challenges from past trauma, addictions, and living on the street.

“People do their own work,” O’Donnell says, explaining that a huge part of the organization’s efforts go towards supporting people as they recover. “Our work is to

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walk with them during the recovery process.” To connect with clients, and give them a place where they can tell their stories, Oasis often holds retreats in the country, where participants eat nutritious meals prepared by volunteers and served close to nature.

» IMPACT AREA: STRONG COMMUNITY

without it,” says Zerb, adding that for some seniors, the only way they can get to the store for fresh produce, or be able to visit an ailing spouse in the hospital, is by having a volunteer’s help to get there. “To know there are caring and compassionate people out there, who can be relied on, is reassuring.”

It reduces stress and isolation, and it lets families feel better, knowing that someone is looking out for their loved ones, especially as more and more families are trying to keep elderly relatives at home as long as possible.

“Imagine the relief of knowing you can go to work today, and someone’s providing companionship for mom,” says Zerb.

The organization has received support from United Way to promote its services — both to those who could offer an hour or two out of their week, and to those who could use a helping hand.

“People do their own work,” O’Donnell says. “Our work is to walk with them during the recovery process.”

It’s a healing space that creates safety and opens the door for recovery.

While some might think of spirituality as being connected with a particular religion, O’Donnell says it’s more about “listening from the heart.” The organization acknowledges whatever religious traditions people may come from, but lets individuals find their own way and connect with others who care about them and their well-being. “Oasis created more community for me, more people to relate to and interact with. It is just nice to be a part of something,” says participant Karl Smith. “That’s what everybody needs in this world.” •

individuals used more than 30 United Way-funded programs to enhance their life skills, address mental health and addictions, and provide opportunities to connect with others in 2012.

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Building a blueprint

Community tables bring citizens together

BY CATHERINE SCHISSEL

How many Victorians does it take to build a strong and caring community?

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F UNITED WAY HAD ITS WAY, everyone in the region — from pre-schooler to youth to senior — would have the opportunity to put their community building tools to use.

From painting a picture of a favourite place to throwing a block party for a street to hosting a clothing drive, people have unlimited ways to make their neighbourhoods even better.

United Way is committed to finding solutions to social issues that affect the most vulnerable members of our community. Throughout the last 76 years, they have learned that it takes the input of a great number of people and many approaches to be successful.

Their neighbourhood strategy recognizes that this region is diverse; what is effective in downtown Victoria doesn’t necessarily work in Colwood or Central Saanich.

SEEING THE COMMUNITY FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE Through their “community tables,” United Way is taking a resident-centred approach to giving communities a boost. They invite residents — people who live, work or play in a specific 50

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neighbourhood — to come out and join a community table discussion.

For several months, community table participants meet regularly. This gives people a reason to meet their neighbours, see their community from a different perspective — appreciating what’s there and imagining what could be — and develop an action plan filled with potential projects, programs or strategies that could make positive change on a local scale and have a big impact on their community.

Throughout the last two years, United Way has hosted community tables in Brentwood Bay, Colwood, Gorge-Tillicum, North Park and Oaklands. Each of these tables created stronger connections across the community — between citizens who participate in the table process as well as between residents and local organizations, businesses and institutions who support the table activities.

“People come to the discussions

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with their own ideas and passions.

Each neighbourhood is unique in its strengths and challenges — so much so that each of the community tables has ended up envisioning or working on really different projects and activities,” says Lilaine Galway, community development manager at United Way, and the staff member responsible for leading this work. “But they all have one common desire — to make their communities stronger and more vibrant.”

The University of Victoria’s Institute for Studies and Innovation in Community–University Engagement also plays a role in the process. It’s just one of the many ways that they partner with United Way. They supply graduate students who help gather the information about each neighbourhood, and create asset and vision maps — snapshots of how the neighbourhood looks today to the people who live there, and how they’d like it to look in the future.

The Capital Regional District has one of the highest rates of income inequality in BC and 13% of the region’s population lives below the low income cutoff.

ART AND CULTURE BLOOM IN NORTH PARK Since the spring of 2012, North Park community table participants regularly gather in someone’s home to bring to life one of the action ideas identified during their meetings. Many people drive or bike through North Park every day, but may not see it as an artsy, funky and multicultural place.

Table participants — working as a sub-committee of the North Park Neighbourhood Association — have created large-scale maps to highlight the great things in the neighbourhood.

The maps and their cedar frames, built by residents at Anawim House, one of two transitional housing shelters in the neighbourhood, will soon be posted at Royal Athletic Park, Crystal Pool and Franklin Green. The goal is to encourage people to shop at local businesses, visit North Park’s health, social and cultural organizations, relish in its diversity and appreciate its many gardens and parks.

SPACES FOR CELEBRATION IN GORGE-TILLICUM The Gorge-Tillicum community table has also been busy. They too continue to bring the ideas developed in their action plan to fruition, and have become a sub-committee of their local community association. This table’s focus is on creating spaces — both physical and virtual — where locals can gather. Their first event was “Lights on the Gorge,” a Winter Lantern Festival held between Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas to celebrate

was helpful. “In the midst of rapid the diversity in Saanich and fill the development that often focuses on need for neighbours to meet one economic and commercial growth, another. They created a free, all-ages reflecting on the community and how event that locals could walk to, where we meet the social needs of vulnerable guests received hot chocolate and people was appreciated.” roasted chestnuts, while singers, In Central musicians and Saanich, the impromptu The community table Brentwood Bay choirs provided was a wonderful and Tsartlip people entertainment — way to bring together see opportunities created just for community-minded people. to create a safer this event by a walking pathway crew of talented between the two communities and friends. make it possible for salmon to return Table members are also active to the inlet. Affordable housing for trying to create two new community seniors and access to healthy food gardens — one at Tillicum School and were also important issues that table the other on the Gorge. The proposed members felt they could address over design for this garden serves doublethe long term. “The community table duty. “While food is the central focus was a wonderful way to bring together of the garden, it could also be used as community-minded people and to a venue for community gatherings learn from one another about the and celebrations involving youth, historical and modern-day treasures families and seniors,” says table found in Brentwood Bay and Tsartlip,” member, Gabe Epstein. says table member, Alicia Cormier.

IDEAS ABOUND AT NEW “The community map we created is a COMMUNITY TABLES IN beautiful collection of the stories we COLWOOD AND CENTRAL shared along the way!”

SAANICH Ultimately, it’s about building the The latest two community tables people, not just the projects. “We know have just begun to put their concepts that communities are better off when into action. In Colwood, there’s a focus people come together and work to make on creating more neighbourhoodchange,” says Galway. “Supporting based programs, affordable housing community programs and services and gathering spaces for both youth is vital for a healthy region, but so is and adults. Colwood residents also making sure that communities are wanted to protect green spaces, put safe, welcoming and engaging.” It’s the in recycling bins around the lagoon blueprint for building strong and and work towards creating a Colwood caring communities. • community centre or neighbourhood house.

Table member Ken Gray says that the community table process

In BC, 36% of senior women and 17% of senior men live alone. The lack of social connections can negatively affect a senior’s overall health. Bereavement or loss of a spouse is a key risk factor for isolation.

36%

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A hard worker with a soft spot for those in need

PHOTO CREDIT: ARNOLD LIM

Mickey Hajash

BY SHANNON MONEO

T

HIS IS A MODERN FABLE: an industrious, intelligent farm boy with movie-star looks leaves the family farm for the city, earns a degree in mining engineering, marries a beautiful woman, fits in a pro football career, adopts two children and embarks on a rich career that takes him and his family around the world. When he retires, he doesn’t retreat to some castle to count his money. Instead, he and his lady give it away.

This is the story of Grayson “Mickey” Hajash, 89, and his wife Donna, 85, who, after moving to Victoria in 1986, launched their extremely generous relationship with United Way. Since Mickey’s start as a board member in 1987, Mickey and Donna have given United Way more than half a million dollars. And when the former track athlete, baseball player and football star flexed his fundraising muscles, $3 million-plus flowed into

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United Way. “This year, I called up some friends and got $30,000, $20,000, some $15,000 and a bunch of $10,000 donations,” Mickey says. For the future, Mickey has arranged a Legacy Gift in his will so that even after he has passed on, his estate will continue to serve United Way. But why United Way? “United Way researches the organizations who ask for help to see if they’re worthy of help,” Mickey says.

He recalls his early days as a board member, when he’d visit organizations to get a feeling for exactly what the needs were. Those visits gave him a lot of faith in United Way. A few of his favourite groups include Women In Need and the Native Friendship Centre.

“I know how much our money can help,” he says. “I want people to have the opportunity to better themselves.”

Daughter Trish, who also lives in Victoria, notes that the “community” aspect of United Way was a drawing

point for her parents. “They like to see their money going to local places,” she says.

And taking it to the individual level, “You know you’re helping somebody’s life,” says Donna, whose health has been failing in recent years.

It was Mickey’s own early years that sowed the seeds of his remarkably charitable nature. “Dad grew up with not very much,” Trish says. “He came from poverty.”

Born in Hungary, five-year-old Mickey came to Canada in 1929, his family settling in Estevan, Saskatchewan. One event foreshadowed young Mickey’s future.

At a field day, he won several track and field events, bringing home $1.15, which he gave to his mother. She gave him back 15 cents.

By 1935, Mickey, his four siblings and parents moved to a farm near Brooks, Alberta. There, he perfected his work ethic, rising at 5 am each day to do

“I know how much our money can help,” Mickey Hajash says.

“I want people to have the opportunity to better themselves.”

chores, then run or walk three miles to school, followed by more chores after school. This was when summer “holidays” were timed so that farm kids like Mickey could work from sunrise to sunset.

In 1943, Mickey got the chance to set his sights beyond the farm, thanks to advice and encouragement from local businessmen, another harbinger for Mickey. He attended the University of Alberta, working on seismic crews in the summer, graduating in 1947 with a degree in mining engineering. “I’ve never forgotten the value of education,” he says. In 1949, he married Donna, an Edmonton girl, while working for Imperial Oil in northern Alberta doing seismic interpretation. He did manage to take a week of his vacation to play for the Calgary Stampeders in the Grey Cup. Mickey worked for Imperial Oil in Western Canada for 14 years and for Exxon for more than 26 years as an exploration geophysicist. Stops included

Baghdad, Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, New York, Houston and Kuala Lumpur. “I never could have imagined it,” says Mickey, still a distinguished gentleman. But while he and Donna enjoyed the adventure, entertaining, antique shopping and golf, he knew that when he retired, his focus would shift. “I was ready to give our money and time to the people who need it right now.”

Beyond United Way, in 1990, the family created the Donna and Mickey Hajash Foundation, contributing their own monies to fund $517,000 in university scholarships and the remainder to charities.

A slew of charities have been the beneficiaries of their outstanding generosity. The Mustard Seed is one particular favourite. At the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Mickey, the former track star, was attaché to the ill-equipped Sierra Leone team. He rallied support to provide the

team with uniforms and running shoes.

Mickey’s good will hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 1993, he received United Way’s Volunteer of the Year Award. In 1997, he was made an Honorary Life Member of United Way. In 2009, he received the national Philanthropy Day Spirit of Generosity Award and in 2011, he was given the André Mailhot Award, United Way – Centraide Canada’s highest honour, which recognizes exemplary work and commitment to community philanthropy. “It’s the one I’m most proud of,” Mickey says.

This past summer, Mickey, Donna and Trish spent time in Brooks in the 100-year-old house the family has lived in since 1944, near where Mickey spent many hours herding cows, harvesting alfalfa and planting potatoes. The historic bungalow was built for the Duke of Sutherland.

Mickey is happy to share his biography, It’s Been Fun! Call United Way to obtain a copy. •

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A perfect union PHOTO CREDIT: DON DENTON

Trevor Davies inspires CUPE members to give close to home BY ALISA GORDANEER

T

REVOR DAVIES, CITY OF Colwood’s health and safety inspector, was in his late teens when he first heard of United Way. The government had cut funding for a group home for developmentally disabled adults in his hometown of Kamloops. He saw a story on the news about one of the home’s former residents who had no place else to go.

United Way stepped in to help that person find resources and housing.

Then, when a friend was struggling with addiction, Davies saw United Way in action again, pulling his friend out from between the cracks.

When Davies started working for Colwood in 2003, it was a natural fit for him to contribute to United Way through the payroll deduction program. He estimates 60 per cent of the Colwood city staff gives to United Way with each paycheque.

The donations make a lot of sense for members of CUPE local 374, which also represents city workers in Oak Bay, North Saanich, Sidney, Sooke and Metchosin.

In 2012, unionized workplaces and

their employees raised well over half of United Way’s workplace campaign total. While union members give time and money to United Way, they also access the resources. For example, union members who work part-time have less secure incomes, as their jobs are the first to be cut when times get tough, says Davies, who represents CUPE 374 and is the general vice-president for CUPE BC. Many access resources directly funded by United Way, like family services or food programs. That’s why there’s been a longstanding relationship between unions and United Way. •

Schneider Electric

BY SHANNON MONEO

A

S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION leader at the Saanichton office of Schneider Electric, Mike Adams knows that his job is to ensure clients of the global company are well-served.

But when Adams took over the role of Employee Campaign Chair in 2008 for Schneider’s annual United Way fundraising drive, he didn’t know what to expect. It didn’t take long for Adams to recognize the value of his latest task.

“United Way is one of those organizations that, once you know what it does — giving assistance right into the community — people respond,”

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he says. “The first year, I was stunned by the generosity.”

Schneider Electric is headquartered in France, with 120,000 employees throughout the globe. The roughly 350 staff at the two Saanichton offices includes employees from a range of countries.

Adams has discovered that when someone from, say, China or Russia, is asked to contribute to the United Way campaign, they do so with great pleasure. He believes it’s because people are grateful to be working at a wellpaying job in such a beautiful part of the world. “Our company culture

PHOTO CREDIT: DON DENTON

A big company with a big heart

stresses giving back to our community,” Adams says.

Schneider Electric also matches employee donations. Last year, together they donated $41,000 to United Way. The most popular fundraising event was an online auction for the “Rock Star Parking Space,” right in front of the office doors. •

Sponsoring Donors

Viking Air Limited Best known for the global success of the Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft, Viking Air Limited is a world-class aerospace manufacturing company incorporated and based in Victoria, British Columbia. With corporate headquarters located at the Victoria International Airport, and a secondary aircraft assembly facility in Calgary, Alberta, Viking employs nearly 600 staff between the two operations.

Along with David Curtis, Viking’s President and CEO, Viking employees are dedicated to supporting our local community. Viking began working with the United Way in 2006, and as part of the company’s first campaign, integrated a payroll deduction program to encourage donation as part of the corporate culture. Viking’s annual United Way campaign has now become a tradition that employees look forward to every year.

In 2013, Viking anticipates an intensive two-week campaign that will focus on increasing participation levels across the organization, and create inspiration while raising money for a great cause.

McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson is a full-service law firm founded in 1975. For the last 38 years, they have provided legal advice to businesses and individuals in areas including incorporations, real estate transactions, family law, wills and estates and estate planning. They strive to maintain the highest standard of practice and as one of Victoria’s largest leading law firms, are very proud of the service they have provided to clients. Since the inception of the firm, their lawyers and staff have been staunch supporters of the arts, sports and many charitable organizations. Firm members have sat on the boards of numerous community organizations and many have been recognized individually for their support of initiatives through their volunteer aid.

They know that a strong community depends on the participation and support of local businesses and are proud to be a strong supporter of United Way through sponsorship, staff payroll deductions and individual volunteer services.

University of Victoria Ranked among the world’s top universities by Times Higher Education, the University of Victoria is one of our region’s defining organizations. UVic uses its strong sense of community to encourage its 20,000 students to engage with communities throughout Greater Victoria. UVic is committed to developing skills and community capacity by forging strong community partnerships related to research and professional development across a range of areas, including United Way’s impact areas. “Partnering with United Way is a natural fit for the University of Victoria,” says Mary Ellen Purkis, dean of the Faculty of Human & Social Development and chair of the UVic 2013 United Way Campaign.

Since 2005, UVic faculty, staff and students have raised over $2 million through individual pledges, payroll deductions and campus-wide fundraising events. The university’s 2013 United Way campaign kicked off in early October.

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$42,500:

profiles

The Real Deal

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

T

HE MAGIC NUMBER OF $42,500 has been popping up all over Vancouver Island, thanks to the representatives of Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. They’ve been spreading the word about government rebates for newhome purchases, owner-built homes and substantial renovations to existing homes during the tenure of the HST, and $42,500 is the upper limit a homeowner can receive for a project. Together with the Ontario-based company Rebate4U, Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. has already helped homeowners apply for rebates totaling $4.5 million.

Many clients hesitate on their way out of Canada’s Reno Rebate principal Sean Leitenberg’s Fairfield office, where they have just handed over a sheaf of paperwork and receipts for a major home renovation.

“Is this for real?” they ask Sean.

That’s the most common question Sean gets, and his answer is a firm, “Yes, this is real.”

Sean understands the skepticism, though.

He asked the same thing when his brotherin-law in Ontario called him and said, “You might be entitled to a rebate on the HST you paid when you did your reno.”

This rebate has been available for the last three years and it’s about to disappear.

It must be claimed within two years of the purchase of a new house or condo or completion of an owner-built home or a major renovation. If you sell your home, you also miss out so you must submit your application before your closing date.

“There is a misconception that if your home is worth more than $450,000, you are not entitled to any government rebates, but this is just not true,” says Sean.

Canada’s Reno Rebate has teamed up with builders, trades, designers and Realtors to share the good news about the potential rebate with their qualifying clients.

“We know several contractors and Realtors who are going through their files and calling everyone they helped to fix up or buy a house between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013 when the HST was repealed,” he says.

It comes down to this: if you built or purchased a new home or did a substantial renovation to an existing home for yourself or for rental during that period, you are entitled to a rebate for a portion of the provincial sales tax embedded within the HST. Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. handles all the paperwork and follows through with the government until you receive your cheque. Because Sean and his staff know the forms, the processes, and who to call, they efficiently and quickly collect the information and submit exactly what the government agencies need. The company charges no upfront fee and if you don’t receive a rebate, the application costs you nothing.

Because all the required paperwork can be done via email and fax, “clients are coming

to us from all over this great province,” says Sean.

If you know someone who might qualify, you can pick up a postcard at Glen Lake Liquor & More or the Commons Liquor & More store in Duncan and pass it to your friend; if your friend receives a rebate through Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc., you’ll both receive a $50.00 gift certificate to help celebrate!

“Handing people cheques for thousands of dollars that they had no idea they were entitled to is our goal,” Sean says. “We are happy to answer any questions that potential clients have, so give us a call.

What have you got to lose?”.

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Breathtaking views of Brentwood Bay & beyond from all principal rooms in this 1995 home. 4 decks overlook this sheltered bay. Master on main with its own balcony. Serene & private, 3,750 sq.ft. – water view kitchen, 5 bdrms, 4 baths. 105 ft. of waterfront with dock & deep water moorage! $1,750,000

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New kitchen with granite counters, 6 burner gas cooktop, heated slate floors, Merbau wood floors. Master retreat with 2 way fireplace to ensuite. 3 decks, 3,800 sq.ft. Moorage buoy included. $1,450,000

Custom built architect’s home with 18 ft. vaulted ceilings & 6 skylights. Bright and open! Kitchen with new double wall oven, granite counters & custom cherrywood cabinetry. Master with his & her closets. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, & gorgeous walk-out private garden. Close to UVic & Camosun. $880,000

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This home is walking distance to Mill Bay Centre and Brentwood College and is ideal for Victoria commuters. Easy care .43 acre private yard. Entry level rancher with walk out basement features 2 bedrooms on main both with walk in closets and ensuite baths.

Lower level offers two bedrooms, media & games room with pool table. Energy efficient heat pump. $759,000 MLS#329158

LISTED BELOW ASSESSED VALUE. Exceptional, 2 large bdrm., 2 full bathrm. condo in the fully remediated 21 unit building, Park Place, with the balance of warranty in place. Enjoy outdoor living on the spacious wrap-around deck!

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In-suite laundry. Short walk to Jubilee Hospital, shopping, parks, tennis courts, or downtown. Bus routes nearby. Underground secure parking with heated storage. Move-in condition. Immediate occupancy available. Entrance off Coronation St. $289,900 MLS #328921

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Gourmet kitchen for the chef in the family. 2 master suites for optimum privacy. Separate room with a view for a library, office, TV/family room or dining room. Exterior is surrounded by mature landscaping, waterfalls and a putting green. $1,100,000 MLS #319327

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! PIER ONE two bedroom, two bathroom spacious 2,001 sq. ft. condo in the heart of James Bay. Walking distance to downtown and Dallas road waterfront. Breathtaking view of Inner Harbour. Building amenities include: squash court, hot tub and sauna. Small pet welcome. Underground secured parking.

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FOOD & WINE

Sugarplums Visions

of

ď § by cinda chavich

It may seem early to think about fruitcake and gingerbread, but the rush to get everything done in December leaves little time to bake.

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 Pastry chef Daniel Vokey at Patisserie Daniel uses special moulds for his speculaas, a Dutch type of gingerbread.

T

raditional holiday sweets require early planning: some take weeks to produce, plus time to mellow and age.

At Victoria’s Patisserie Daniel, pastry chef Daniel Vokey is well into his holiday preparations. “We really start in October with our own mincemeat made with dried and fresh fruit for our own pies and to sell to home bakers,” he says. “We do a lot of baking early — plum puddings, tourtière, and mince pies topped with gingerbread: that’s one of our big things.”

Gingerbread is big at Patisserie Daniel. “We make gingerbread all year round, but there are lots of different kinds,” he adds, describing the tender, eggless speculaas he presses into special moulds and spices with his own elaborate blend, gingerbread men ready to decorate, plus other spicy holiday cookies. “We use 20 different spices in our gingerbread — the fragrance in the bakery is intoxicating.”

Vokey makes everything for his holiday treats from scratch.

“We use our own orange and lime peels in our fruitcake and stollen,” he says, “and make hundreds of meat pies, from rabbit and goose to duck and braised elk with salal berries I pick myself.” It’s all part of the season, he says, a time for celebration and togetherness.

This month, plan a baking bee with family and friends. Open your house and host a cookie exchange party to spread the baking burden around, or just order some gingerbread men from the bakery and get the kids together to decorate them. Your freezer will be full and you’ll have sweets and hostess gifts on hand when guests arrive.

FRUITCAKE FANATICS If you don’t love fruitcake, you obviously haven’t had a good one yet. Dark, rich, and loaded with dried fruit and nuts, 62

photo by don denton

fruitcake benefits greatly, both in flavour and texture, from several weeks or even months of aging — we often wait a year before consuming my mother’s fruity creations. Drizzle it with rum or cognac, wrap well in waxed paper and foil, and let it age.

You’ll have a treat you can pull out any time during the holidays and beyond.

FRUITCAKE DRINK PAIRINGS Serve dark fruitcake with a glass of port or a fruity brandy (perhaps the one you’ve used to soak it) to end any holiday meal.

Tawny port, with its nutty flavour, makes a good match, or try a fruity late harvest Muscat like Hungarian Tokaji or a fortified dessert wine.

THE WORLD OF GINGERBREAD While rum-soaked fruitcake may be more of an adult indulgence, gingerbread is a family affair. Whether you’re making a batch of chewy ginger cookies or building an elaborate gingerbread house, you can gather the kids and supplies and get creative.

Many ginger cookies are traditional at this time of year: German honey and ginger lebkuchen, Dutch speculaas and Swedish pepparkakor. I like to make chewy, Swiss-style leckerli — glazed honey and ginger bars filled with almonds, lemon and orange peel, and kirschwasser (cherry brandy).

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Hot apple cider or spicy mulled Gluhwein (a.k.a. Smoking Bishop) — red wine steeped with sugar, spices, and sliced citrus — pairs well with gingerbread, as does grape or fruit brandy. Or, try a bottle of seasonal Dough Head Gingerbread Ale from Vancouver Island Brewery.

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gingerbread Daniel Vokey shares this Patisserie Daniel recipe for classic gingerbread men. If you’re making a gingerbread house, he recommends using margarine instead of butter and adding a little more flour for a gingerbread that’s crisper and keeps longer.

3¼ cups (800 ml) all-purpose flour 1¼ tsp (6 ml) baking soda ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt 1 tsp (1 ml) ground cloves 1 tsp (1 ml) ground allspice 1 tsp (1 ml) ground ginger 1 tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon ¼ tsp (1 ml) ground white pepper 1 cup (250 ml) softened butter 1½ cups (375 ml) brown sugar 1 large egg ¼ cup (50 ml) molasses In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat to combine.

On low speed, add flour mixture, mixing to incorporate.

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and form into a flat patty. Refrigerate for an hour or overnight.

Dust with flour and roll out at ¼" thick. Cut with a cookie cutter into desired shapes.

Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 12–15 minutes.

Cool completely before decorating.

mom's dark christmas cake My mother, Norah Chavich, has made this old-fashioned family recipe every year for decades, a recipe I published in my very first cookbook, The Wild West Cookbook.

This recipe makes three cakes, one of each size: 8 oz (250 g), 1 lb (500 g), and 2 lb (1 kg). Fruitcakes were traditionally made in three stackable tiers for wedding cakes. You can use deep square pans or loaf pans.

Option: Replace candied cherries with chopped dried apricots, chopped figs, dried local cherries, and cranberries.

4 cups (1 l) raisins 4 cups (1 l) dried currants 4 cups (1 l) red candied cherries 4 cups (1 l) green candied cherries 4 cups (1 l) chopped dates 2½ cups (625 ml) chopped walnuts 2½ cups (625 ml) slivered blanched almonds 1¼ cups (300 ml) chopped pecans 1 cup (250 ml) glazed fruit or candied peel, chopped ½ cup (125 ml) rum, scotch, or brandy for soaking Batter: 2 cups (500 ml) butter 2 cups (500 ml) granulated sugar 12 eggs ¾ cup (150 ml) orange juice ¼ cup (50 ml) molasses 4 cups (1 l) all-purpose flour 2 tbsp (25 ml) allspice 2 tbsp (25 ml) cinnamon 2 tbsp (25 ml) nutmeg Wash the raisins and currants the night before you plan to bake to remove grit. Cut cherries in half and chop dates, walnuts, and pecans. In a bowl, combine all the fruit with rum, scotch or brandy and soak overnight. Set nuts aside.

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream butter together with sugar; increase speed and beat until fluffy.

Beat in eggs, one at a time.

In another bowl, stir together flour, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Measure the orange juice, and stir in the molasses. Add the flour mixture and orange mixture alternately to the batter, beating to combine after each addition.

Drain fruit, reserving any excess liquor. Fold fruit into batter. Fold in nuts.

Pour batter into three greased, graduated fruitcake pans lined with parchment paper and smooth the tops. Bake at 275°F (140°C) for 2½–3 hours, until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Baking times vary, as cake pan sizes vary. Placing a pan of water in the oven while baking keeps the cakes moist.

Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then remove, discarding parchment. Brush the cakes with the reserved liquor, or poke with a skewer and drizzle the liquor over top. Wrap tightly in waxed paper and foil, then keep in a cool place until Christmas. They should age at least one month before serving, but will keep indefinitely if well-wrapped and refrigerated or frozen.

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$2,998,000 Lisa Williams 250-514-1966 lisawilliams.ca

Boulevard magazine supports Southern Vancouver Island's top Realtors representing the region's finest real estate. In our pages, 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. Both of these monthly advertising features bring you the finest selection of homes and condominiums Victoria has to offer.

$1,795,000 Lynne Sager 250-744-3301 lynnesager.com

SPECTACULAR OAK BAY custom home nestled in an exclusive & private enclave of multi-million dollar homes!

Incredible design with 5 bdrms/ 5 baths, incorporates cedar, stone, oversized windows, 9’-20’ ceilings, indoor/outdoor fireplace, walnut HW floors, amazing gourmet kitchen, sumptuous main floor master suite with spa ensuite bath & private office, and so much more! Enjoy the deluxe media room, games & recreation area, fitness studio, wine cellar and private guest suite with outside access ... a world-class home!

SUPERB PARKER AVE. WATERFRONT. Recently refurbished Pamela Charlesworth home will impress even the most discerning buyer. Gleaming Brazilian hardwood floors, soaring vaulted ceilings, & sweeping views of the Ocean to San Juan Island and Mt. Baker’s glowing glacier beyond. Fabulous new kitchen. 4 bedroom, master with commanding views.

Private .33 acre lot with patio hot tub, to enjoy the views.

Dbl car garage. 5255 Parker Ave., Cordova Bay

Camosun

$1,695,000 Dallas Chapple PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

250-744-3301 dallaschapple.com Camosun

GREAT INVESTMENT with wonderful water views from all the principal rooms. Whether you renovate or re-build, this .84 acre property extends from Upper Terrace to Midland with stunning tiered gardens!

Spacious living rm & dining rm, cozy den, plus the master & 2 more bedrooms on this main level. Down is a rec rm, bdrm, fam rm & workshop.

Great opportunity to build your waterview dream home and enjoy views from 10 Mile Pt. & Mt. Baker to San Juan Is.

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Sitting higher on the south side with a pretty vista this 1987 home has been totally renovated. The formal living room & dining rooms are very bright with plenty of windows, French doors with access to the south-west facing sun-exposed deck. Custom kitchen cabinetry, granite countertops, Wolf appliances, $1,250,000 oak floors and a comfortable eating nook. The lower level Sharen Warde & Larry Sims offers a cozy media room with projector system and the 250-592-4422 main offers a yoga studio. wardesims.com MLS#329015

$949,000 Wayne & Cindy Garner 250-881-8111 cindygarner.ca

$779,000 Cassie Kangas 250-589-0368 cassiekangas.com

SIMPLY THE BEST house on the block! This 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home with a one bedroom legal suite will impress from the moment you arrive. Start with the detached 2 car garage, big enough for toys and a workshop, walk up to a traditional veranda style front porch. Inside you’ll be impressed with the wood floors, high ceilings and terrific layout including a formal dining room and office.

This light & spacious 3 bed, 4 bath half duplex is right in the heart of James Bay. The home is just over a year old & the current owners have made many upgrades.

This home is ready for you to move right in ! The 2 upstairs bedrooms both have full ensuites. The 3rd lower floor room would be a fabulous bedroom or media/rec room having its own kitchenette & full ensuite as well. There is a private fully fenced back yard, plus a spacious garage & plenty of storage. Close to all amenities! MLS #327644

$759,000 Margaret Leck 250-413-7171 margaretleck.com

SPECTACULAR VIEWS of Mt. Baker, Saanich Inlet and beyond. This home is walking distance to Mill Bay Centre and Brentwood College and is ideal for Victoria commuters.

Easy care .43 acre private yard. Entry level rancher with walk out basement features 2 bedrooms on main both with walk in closets and ensuite baths. Lower level offers two bedrooms, media & games room with pool table.

Energy efficient heat pump.

MLS#329158

A bright home not to be missed near the Cook Street Village! Abstract Development conversion in 2002 – modern colour scheme, wide plank flooring, 9 ft. ceilings, very well maintained move-in condition. Nice layout with open plan offering two bedrooms plus den. Terrific $549,000 location to the Cook Street Village, Dallas oceanfront Sharen Warde & Larry Sims walkway. Park your car and walk into the City. Low 250-592-4422 monthly maintenance fees. wardesims.com Welcome home!

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$149,900

Tim Ayres 250-885-0512 TimAyres.ca

JEWEL OF THE WEST COAST: ERINAN ESTATES • Ocean view lots for sale • Minimum ⅓ acre lots • All services underground • Natural gas, sewer, municipal water • Beautiful, natural lots rocky outcrops, mature trees • Minutes from great fishing, hiking, beaches, parks, trails • 37 km to Victoria; 24 km to Langford

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Se 13 B m ou in l ar ev Pa ar rt d ic ip a

TRAVEL FAR

 Poppies bloom in the old battlefields of northern France — said to have inspired John McCrae’s famous 1915 poem.

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emembrance A more meaningful

ďƒ TEXT & Photos BY SANDRA DENNIS

T

He Dieppe beaches had a certain surreal quality, with their clear, aqua blue water and a faint fog rolling across sheer green-topped bluffs, the haze making the imposing limestone cliffs appear magical.

We were pleased to find monuments commemorating the Canadian soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Dieppe. We ate a lovely picnic. My husband and the kids played soccer and Frisbee on the beach while I read a book.

We enjoyed ice cream from a mobile vendor. If only those soldiers could see what a peaceful place they had left for us.

A family adventure with our three children took us through northern France, where we honed our knowledge of military history and came to a deep appreciation for those who secured our freedom. The poppies were in wonderful spring profusion and the affinity for Canadians that we felt from the people on our travels was palpable. We learned about the 300 days of warfare at Verdun.

Here is the tomb of 130,000 French and German soldiers who died in the trenches and on the fields during the First World War. Climbing the stairs of the monument, we all peeked into the 30 stereoscopic viewing boxes where black and white photographs bring the grim realities of war to life. We looked out on the 15,000 identical crosses in the immaculate cemetery, geometrically pleasing to the eye and yet so sobering.

Struggles and sacrifices The picturesque city of Bayeux proved a perfect base for exploring the history of the Second World War in northern France. The seaside village of Arromanches was smack in the middle of the fight on the D-Day beaches.

Today, a panorama cinema, the only circular movie theatre in France, is a highlight. Projected on nine screens simultaneously, the theatre provides 360 degrees of powerful images and ensures

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ďƒ The French National Cemetery and Douaumont ossuary near Fort Douaumont commemorates the mass casualties of the 1916 Battle of Verdun between French and German armies during the First World War.

you are enveloped in the action. A new film, Apocalypse, began airing here in February 2013 to rave reviews.

We looked out over the cliffs at Gold Beach, offering stunning vistas. To the west, we came upon four surviving casements, three with guns. We were fascinated to see the German batteries and how well they had stood up to the bombings. Further west yet, we visited the American Military Cemetery above Omaha Beach, home to almost 10,000 white marble crosses in perfect rows. At Utah Beach we stared up at the cliffs, so sheer and high.

It is difficult to imagine scaling them at all, let alone packing full military gear while under a constant barrage of Germany artillery — no wonder so many died here.

Juno Beach, where Canadian infantry came ashore, is peaceful and calm today, with sand dunes and grasses. The Juno Beach Centre, an interactive, informative museum that opened its doors on June 6, 2003, offers audiovisual presentations on the contributions Canadians made to the war effort, whether civilian or military, at home or abroad. The exhibits also paint a stirring picture of the many faces of contemporary Canadian society. The centre is very family-oriented and we were cheerily welcomed by 70

the bilingual Canadian students working there.

At the Canadian Military Cemetery, 2,048 soldiers are interred, and poppies grow, between the crosses, row on row.

The lovely site features a memorial in the centre, and beautiful flowers planted at each graveside. As we made to go, four of us reached to our collars, as if orchestrated, and removed our tiny Canadian flag pins and lay them on the memorial. Our older son reached into his pocket where he kept his lucky stone, smooth and polished from constant rubbing. He laid the stone by the four pins. “We all have to make a sacrifice, mom,� he said.

Forgive but not forget Caen is home to the huge, well laid out Peace Museum. Jour J (D-Day), with its amazing footage of landings on the Beaches of Normandy, should not be missed. The 30-minute presentation depicts the buildup to D-Day and the successful campaign all the way to Berlin. A split screen shows the Germans and the Allies preparing for the epic battle. Clips from the movie The Longest Day are interspersed with actual battle footage.

We stopped at a German military cemetery, physically unique 71

 The 1944 amphibious landing of Allied infantry took place along an 80-km stretch of Normandy coast divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

with two storeys of caskets in a circular arrangement and gorgeous red roses climbing the walls. We were chagrinned to observe our children’s reactions to the site: their arms were folded and their mouths set in a grim line. “Remember, the first step to peace is forgiveness,” my husband offered.

A pamphlet on the way out shared personal stories of the young men buried there. Our 14-year-old son, Aaron, sitting in the back of our rental car, read a letter from a soldier to his mother. It recounted tales of food rations, endless mud, the rare hot shower, optimism for the future, and signed off with how much he missed home — reminiscent of the many letters we had read in the Peace Museum.

“Listen,” he said, “these boys were just like our soldiers.”

I know that Remembrance Day is now a much more poignant time for us all, as we have a richer understanding of history and Canada’s part in it. As our older two prepare with their high school band to play at a service on November 11 and our youngest works to perfect The Last Post on his trumpet, I know that they will not forget.

if you go:  Juno Beach Centre: junobeach. org/centre. Note that it is closed for annual maintenance in January.  Other high interest sights in the area include the Bayeux Cathedral, which is a gorgeous example of Normand architecture, and the famous Bayeux Tapestry.  Magical Mont Saint Michel, with its 8th-century stone walls, attracts hordes of visitors. This tidal island is both historic and visually like something from a fairy tale.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

take a Walk!

Greater Victoria is a year-round walker’s paradise  By shannon moneo

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W

hen John Crouch settled in Victoria two decades ago, the lifelong athlete embraced the area’s trails, streets and sidewalks.

Shocked that there wasn’t a book extolling Victoria’s walking wealth, he released Walk Victoria in 2003, and a revised second edition in 2009. Sold only through independent booksellers, Walk Victoria became a walkaway bestseller, with almost 10,000 copies sold to date.

“Victoria is a beautiful place, very accessible,” Crouch says. “There are great trails in the city and surrounding environment.” He points to the CRD Parks system, BC Provincial Parks, and Saanich’s excellent park system, making Victoria a walker’s dream year-round.

photo by sheena ridley

Why walk?

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Nick Walker is a dedicated walker, runner, and hiker, and co-owner of the Frontrunners Footwear stores in Victoria and Langford. “Walking is probably one of the most accessible forms of exercise. You don’t need a lot of equipment,” he says. Even on soggy winter days, there’s no excuse for not getting invigorating fresh air. Owning a dog adds motivation, says Walker, whose Siberian husky Taio gets all-season walks. As the saying goes, “You’re not made of sugar.”

Not as strenuous as running or swimming, walking gets you outside without putting too much strain on your body.

It also keeps the joints lubricated, is great for mental health, boosts metabolism and the immune system, and keeps blood sugar balanced, the aptly-named Walker says.

Where to?

Easy walks, good for seniors or small children The Sidney waterfront and downtown core is a favourite of both Rick Desjardins, trail master with the Juan de Fuca Pathfinders Walking Club, and Trina Mousseau, Tourism Victoria’s director of destination marketing. “It’s an interesting walk,” says Desjardins, a dedicated walker for almost a decade.

He also recommends the 55-kilometre Galloping Goose, the level, former railway track accessible at many points between downtown Victoria and Sooke. The companion to the “Goose,” the 29-kilometre Lochside Trail, is another forgiving walking route.

Crouch recommends the “very user-friendly” gravel-andchip trail that runs around Cedar Hill Golf Course. Popular with walkers, it offers a half-hour or full-hour loop. It’s even stroller-friendly, he says.

The Juan de Fuca chip trail, which starts behind the Juan de Fuca library in Langford and features Garry oak meadows, is also a great choice for seniors. “It’s an easy trail, a complete loop, that takes about 45 minutes,” Crouch says.

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Family forays Mousseau favours the walk that starts at the legislative building, along the water to Fisherman’s Wharf, and then back by the Ogden Point Terminal to the Breakwater. It’s an easy saunter, taking about one hour.

There’s also the Westsong Walkways that leads walkers to Westbay Marina.

Crouch suggests a walk that starts behind the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, leading to Bowker Creek and Willows Beach.

Desjardins likes the trails at Beaver and Elk lakes, which aren’t too steep and allow for short or long explorations. The forest trails through the Royal Roads University property are also great family destinations.

Rambling with visitors “There’s one walk I always take visitors up,” says Mousseau. No matter what time of year, her guests do the trek on Pkols (Mount Doug). “It gets the heart rate up and everyone is speechless when they get to the top. There are 360-degree views of the city. Not a lot of destinations can say that,” she says.

In Sooke, the Boardwalk, accessible at Ed Macgregor Park, or Whiffen Spit are good choices when the sun is breaking through.

Crouch also suggests the all-season, 90-minute loop

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around Langford Lake on the Ed Nixon Trail. Starting on Goldstream Avenue near Highway 1, it offers a boardwalk, fishing platform, bird-watching, and varied scenery.

And if you like to mix beauty with history, there’s nothing like a walk through the gardens at BC’s Government House.

PHOTO BY EVAN SEAL

Treks with an edge

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For those looking to break a “winter” sweat, try rambling around Swan Lake and up Christmas Hill. Crouch says the elongated trail offers great views and presents some challenging terrain.

One of Crouch’s favourite excursions is an all-day walk in East Sooke Park, along the ocean and in the woods. “It’s just amazing,” he says.

Desjardins says Thetis Lake Regional Park trails can be challenging, but the beautiful scenery, in all seasons, is worth the slogging.

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park in the Highlands is also an area with various trails.

Desjardins is fond of walking at Witty’s Lagoon in Metchosin, which takes you by Sitting Lady Falls, forest, estuaries, and orchards.

What to wear Footwear is the most important item, says Walker. “If your feet aren’t comfortable, nothing else is.” Water-repelling Gortex is now a staple in shoe design. Depending on the terrain, consider walking shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots. Moisture-wicking socks are also wise, Walker says.

Desjardins advises rain pants or jackets, or else a windresistant outer shell. Try layering a jacket, a second shirt, and a moisture-wicking base layer. But as a former Vancouver resident, Mousseau says, “I hardly ever use my umbrella here.”

With less daylight in the winter, visibility is a major concern. Walker’s excited about New Balance’s new glowin-the-dark jacket. Not to be left in the dark, Saucony has released a jacket with built-in, red LED lights in the front and back. Walker also highly recommends using a flashlight or wearing lights, such as a headlamp, which guarantees visibility. Reflective clothing only works when light hits the reflective material, and sometimes that happens too late.

A cap keeps rain off the face. Older walkers might benefit from using a walking stick or Nordic pole.

And for all ages and abilities, Desjardins says water and a first-aid kit are must-haves for longer walks.

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FRONT ROW  by robert moyes

TWO ENCHANTED EVENINGS

 South Pacific opened on Broadway in 1949 and ran for nearly 2,000 performances.

A “semi-staged” version runs this month at the Royal Theatre.

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South Pacific, the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is one of the most revered musicals in the canon. It features an American nurse serving on a South Pacific island during the Second World War who falls in love with an expat French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. Pacific opened on Broadway in 1949 and ran for nearly 2,000 performances. The 2008 revival won more Tony awards, and wasn’t just an exercise in nostalgia: the progressive message on racism, controversial for the ’40s, still resonates today. Pacific Opera Victoria and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra are joining forces in a unique collaboration of Pacific featuring gifted performers of opera and musical theatre, notably Jason Howard, who has performed the lead role of Emile de Becque on Broadway tours and in London’s West End. This rendition will be a “semistaged” version under the direction of musical-theatre veteran Jacques Lemay, with some movement, costumes, and suggested set elements. According to POV’s Robert Holliston, a noted music scholar and lecturer, this performance has one key advantage: a full orchestra. “Today, a Broadway musical might use just seven musicians,” he says. “With a symphony you get to experience the whole palette of orchestral colours.” And then there are those legendary songs, from Some Enchanted Evening to Happy Talk, just two of many hits that have become much-loved standards. Holliston, who saw the revival of Pacific three times in New York, recalls how the story could be serious and moving but also filled with moments of lightness and comic relief. “South Pacific spans the gamut of emotions, and the issues it covers are every bit as relevant today as they were in 1949,” he says.

Running November 23 and 24 at the Royal Theatre. For tickets, call 250-386-6121.

 Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo perform a mix of traditional and modern tango in Te Amo, Argentina.

A CELEBRATION OF TANGO

Born in the brothels of Buenos Aires over a century ago, tango has long-since become respectable … while losing none of its erotic tension and sizzling sense of style. Mostly known as a dance, it is inextricably partnered with a musical tradition that is equally revered. Both these aspects of tango — as well as a wide-ranging journey through the history and culture of Argentina itself — are celebrated in Te Amo, Argentina, a multimedia presentation that grew out of a Grammy-winning CD by renowned cellist Antonio Lysy. “This is a labour of love,” says Ian Case, director of UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium. “I’ve been trying to book this for a long time because it’s a special show, created by people doing something they really, really believe in.” Nine musicians will perform a broad repertoire of Argentine music, from a piece for solo cello by classical composer Alberto Ginastera to several compositions by José Bragato and the legendary Astor Piazzolla. Award-winning dancers Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo — acclaimed stars of Broadway who have also performed on NBC’s Superstars of Dance — will perform a mix of traditional and modern dance that reflects both the classical and contemporary aspects of tango. If you’ve got a pulse, you will love this show!

Performing November 20, 8 pm, at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium. For tickets, call 250-721-8480.

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ART AL FRESCO

Photographer-turned-painter Adam Noonan arrived in Victoria in ’92 and inside of two years had his first show in the original Winchester Gallery at Oak Bay Junction. Winchester has long since moved east up Oak Bay Avenue and took Noonan along for the ride — his 17th solo show is set for later this month.

A so-called plein air painter, Noonan paints “on location” in the fresh air. (When the weather is rainy or cold, he paints inside his Chrysler Sebring, which has been retrofitted with a purpose-built easel that secures the composite-board panels he prefers to canvas.) If Noonan is doing a small painting he will finish it in one go; for larger works, he sketches out the scene, then retreats to his home to finish it in the outdoor studio in his backyard. Noonan is famous for his urban landscapes, which are mostly literal but are rendered in boldly expressive colours. “I paint what I want to see,” he says. “It’s a process of being inspired by what you are looking at.” Trained as a photographer at Toronto’s Ryerson University, Noonan got into the fashion business for 10 years, prior to selling antiques and, later, working in a brokerage firm. “I was always getting bored after a decade or so; I just got tired of what I was doing,” he explains. Now in his 70s, he’s never been happier than with a brush in his hand. “Painting is the only thing I’ve done for more than 15 years,” he adds. “In fact, I like it more than ever.”

Showing November 9–30 at 2260 Oak Bay Ave. For information, see winchestergalleriesltd.com.

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 Remembering Ontario (oil on board, 30x40") is an example of Adam Noonan’s plein air style; more of his work will be on display at the Oak Bay Winchester Gallery this month.

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 Set designer Jonathan Maxwell, a fourth-year student, drew up costume designs for UVic’s The Skin of Our Teeth.

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APOCALYPSE THEN, AND NOW

Revered playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder won a trio of Pulitzers in his storied career, including one for 1942’s The Skin of Our Teeth. This is a raucous, crazy and wildly ambitious play exploring deep themes about philosophy, religion, and the human experience — all contained within an allegorical narrative that spans thousands of years and includes a massive Ice Age, Noah’s flood, war, and other apocalyptic events. “This is a rousing comedy with a serious underbelly, one with strong satirical elements,” explains director Linda Hardy, a veteran professor in the theatre faculty at UVic. Hardy has seen the play done several times, including at Stratford in the mid-’80s, and can’t wait to mount her own version — not least because of the play’s startling relevance to today. “Teeth is so very apropos, what with our melting polar caps, and all the environmental and political refugees,” says Hardy. “And it first appeared just as the United States was heading to war,” she adds. “Sound familiar?” Despite the play’s provocative content, Hardy points out that it was meant to rally the spirits of the American people at a difficult time. “Every minute of the play is fast and fun,” she says. “And it’s done in a way that really connects with an audience.”

Running from November 7–23 at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre.

For tickets, call 250-721-8000.

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BILLY THE KID RIDES AGAIN!

Born in Sri Lanka and educated in England, renowned writer Michael Ondaatje eventually moved to Canada; in 1970, he won the Governor General’s Award for a novel, The Collected Works of Billy the Kid. A potent and virtuosic mix of eyewitness accounts and tall tales, it played with the nature of history and myth while contemplating the man behind the legend of the ruthless New Mexico outlaw credited with 21 murders. Fashioned into a play in 1973, Collected was a challenging piece of theatre due to its poetical language and non-linear storyline. It received a memorable performance at the Belfry Theatre 20 years ago, and was recently revived in a daunting new version where five actors play all the different characters more or less all the time. Just the sort of risk-taking venture that Theatre Inconnu’s Clayton Jevne would take on. “It’s a challenge to the actors as well as the audience,” admits Jevne. “The play still delves into the romance of this folk legend,” Jevne says. “But was he a Robin Hood or just a monster?” To add to the play’s texture, Jevne is adding a trio of musicians to evoke the feel of Wild West balladry. “Some of the dialogue is supposed to be sung anyway,” explains Jevne. “And this will take it even further into the realm of a folktale.”

Running November 27–December 14 at 1923 Fernwood Rd. For information, see theatreinconnu.com.

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 The music of Sarah McLachlan — centre, in gumboots — creates the narrative in Fumbling Towards Ecstasy.

THE ECSTASY OF SARAH MCLACHLAN

Alberta Ballet’s artistic director and resident choreographer, Jean Grand-Maître, has earned oodles of praise for ballets inspired by the musical legacies of two contemporary artists: Joni Mitchell in 2007, followed by Sir Elton John in 2010. Lightning seems to have struck for a third time with Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, which debuted in 2011 to sensational reviews. Based on the Grammy-winning music of singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, Fumbling uses 16 of her iconic folk-pop compositions to provide the narrative for an elegantly choreographed ballet that celebrates the ever-changing lives of women. “This work, with its warmth and authenticity, has captured the lyricism of McLachlan’s songs,” says Dance Victoria producer Stephen White. “It has a soft beauty underpinned with feminine strength and confidence.” Conceived of as a spiritual odyssey, Fumbling follows a woman’s life from her first romantic encounter to the love she discovers in her maturity. “This is contemporary ballet with the line and extension and musicality you’d expect,” explains White, “although there is more expressive freedom like you find with modern dance.” Enhanced with evocative lighting and atmospheric projections, the ballet’s bold yet sensitive synthesis of music and choreography gives the company’s 30 dancers room to shine. It probably won’t appeal to too many macho footballers, but McLachlan fans should love it even if they aren’t ballet aficionados. “For devotees of Sarah McLachlan, this is their chance to see the music,” adds White.

Running November 8 and 9, 7:30 pm, at the Royal Theatre.

For tickets, call 250-386-6121.

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we also

recommend:

Paradox: An exhibition of new and recent work by the current permanent teaching faculty in UVic’s Department of Visual Arts, Paradox is the first group faculty show in nearly 40 years. Opening reception November 1, 5:30–7:30 pm. Runs November 1, 2013–January 12, 2014, Legacy Art Gallery, 250.721.6562, uvac.uvic.ca.

Big Band Bash: Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing presents the Swiftsure Big Band, The Commodores, and Island Big Band. Live and silent auction, plus a free swing dance lesson. Tickets $30, $40 at the door. November 12, 7–11 pm, DaVinci Centre, 250.592.8144, idhhc.ca.

16th Annual Souper Bowls of Hope: Support the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society to help today’s at-risk youth.

Pick a bowl, eat soup, and bid on fabulous auction items, all to empower at-risk youth in Victoria. November 13, 11 am–1:30 pm, Inn at Laurel Point, 250.383.3514, souperbowls.com.

HEROES by Gérald Sibleyras: Three First World War heroes have been living for years in a home for retired soldiers, forming an uneasy friendship. November 13–30, 8 pm nightly, 2 pm matinee on 23 & 30. Langham Court Theatre, 250.384.2142, langhamtheatre.ca.

Celebrating John Dowl and: “Pleasant are the teares which Musicke weeps” celebrates the 450th anniversary of the birth of English composer John Dowland and features music from Fretwork and Elizabeth Kenny. Tickets $50, call for pickup locations. November 16, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral, 250.383.2714.

GVYO performs inspired Beethoven: The 60 players of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra perform a brilliant symphonic program. November 17, 2:30 pm, University Centre Farquhar Auditorium, 250.721.8480, gvyo.org.

Open Word: Carmen Aguirre, as part of Open Word: Readings and Ideas, will read from her memoir, Something Fierce, followed by an interview with local writer Kevin Kerr. November 20, 7:30 pm, Open Space, 250.383.8833, openspace.ca/CarmenAguirre.

A Literary Celebration of Lorna Crozier: Honour the literary legacy of this multiple award-winning, much-loved poet and writer with readings by guests Anne Michaels, Jane Urquhart, Patrick Lane and CBC’s Shelagh Rogers — and Lorna herself!

November 28, 7–9 pm, UVic’s David Lam Auditorium, 250.721.8480.

The esquimalt and nanaimo railway story: Photos of the people, places, and events of the E&N Railway, 19052013, enhance this talk by Robert Turner. November 28, 7.30 pm, James Bay New Horizons Centre, victoriahistoricalsociety.bc.ca.

Oak Bay Artists’ Christmas Studio Tour: Meet the artists of Oak Bay in their home studios and discover beautiful, unique seasonal gifts. November 30–December 1, 12:00–4:30pm, Oak Bay, 250.595.7946, oakbay.ca/parks-recreation/events/calendar.

Visit our website, blvdmag.ca, to submit arts and culture event details online. Listings for the December issue must be received by November 8 to be considered for inclusion.

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PHOTO BY DON DENTON

FINANCE

Talking with Tess  By tess van straaten

featuring Kathryn Laurin

A

s president of Camosun College, Kathryn Laurin is on the front line of the post-secondary revolution. Responsible for a $105-million operation, Laurin tries to find creative ways to do more with less. And despite the risk-adverse structure and culture of academia, this highly acclaimed leader has shown she’s willing to take smart, calculated risks to reap big rewards. Tess van Straaten sat down with this trailblazing academic — who started her career as a music conductor — to see what she can teach us.

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 You were the first woman to head up a music conducting program in Canada and now you’re a successful college president in what has traditionally been a very maledominated field. As a leader, how do you inspire people and get them to buy in to your vision? It’s a huge challenge and it takes time. People have to get to know who you are. Leaders have to demonstrate integrity, demonstrate values, and they have to walk their talk. They have to take risks, engage people, and speak to them. They have to strike at the chord of what’s valuable to individuals in the organization because when people are inspired, they can move beyond wherever they thought they could go. To me, that’s the ultimate success of a great leader.  What’s been your biggest business success at Camosun? At the institutional level, the greatest success so far in my role at Camosun has been getting $30 million from government for a new trades building. It’s going to forever change the way in which we deliver trades training in the province at a time when there’s so much focus on developing a skilled workforce.

People are looking at areas such as trades and saying, “we need to make sure people have the right skills to fill the jobs we know are going to be out there.”

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 On that note, where do you see opportunity in the economy now and five years from now? A lot of work is being done to identify where jobs are going to be needed. A couple examples we already know are in health care — nurses and healthcare workers. We know there will be a need in technology in general and a great need in trades training; if you look at what’s happening in the province, the premier is very focused on LNG development and oil and gas, so post-secondary institutions can play a key role in economic development.

Right now, we’re on both the provincial and federal government’s radar, and that’s tremendously exciting because that’s not always the case. There’s a huge opportunity for us to impact the economy, and we would be wise to take advantage of those opportunities.  Taking advantage of big opportunities often involves risk.

How do you do that in a conservative college environment?

We’re so connected to government that taking a huge financial risk is not an option for us. But I’ve taken what I call intelligent financial risks by finding small amounts of money at a time when colleges have had to make significant cuts because that’s been the environment we’ve been in. I’ve used that money to seed projects and to provide opportunity for innovation across the institution. Even in times of fiscal constraint, I don’t want people to think it’s hopeless. It’s really

important people still think there’s opportunity to make change and be innovative.  Tell us how you’ve made innovation a priority. Early on in my tenure here, given the financial constraints, I really wanted to show the community that there was still room to be creative and innovative, so I took $100,000 and set up a President’s Fund to seed projects that would enhance the college in some way. We had a huge response and were able to fund 25 applications. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it was an incentive, and they could use it to leverage more money. It was a bit of a risk because you were taking money away from other things, but I felt it was really important because in the end, it’s all about the great ideas.

B LVD D E S I G N ANNUA L 2 0 1 3

 What do you think we’ve learned from the financial crisis? I think it was a wake-up call to make sure we have the proper parameters in place so we’re not vulnerable again. We’re having to be more responsible in the way we use our money as a country.  What’s been your biggest money mistake? My husband and I sold our house in Saskatchewan, and about six months later the value of it doubled — a huge mistake on our part. Had we taken the time to look around at what was happening economically in Saskatchewan at the time — potash took off and oil and gas were starting to boom — we would have seen what was coming. It was absolutely crazy and if I’d had a little more foresight, we would have hung in there.  What keeps you up at night? Trying to find creative ways to keep Camosun vibrant and sustainable in times of financial constraint, because we’re trying to do more with less and we want to be leading edge. Our vision is to be Canada’s college of life-changing learning, a pretty lofty goal. That means we have to be continually renewing, continuously improving, and always looking to the future. It’s not just what’s working today — it’s also what’s going to work tomorrow. We have to keep raising the bar and if we don’t do that, we’re not competitive.  What’s your best parting advice? Take intelligent risk because without risk, there’s no innovation and without innovation, there’s potential for stagnation. Think outside the box and anticipate what’s going to be the next big thing.

This interview has been condensed and edited.

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

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WRY EYE

HAIL CAESAR  By JAN MACRAE

We should have been warned when Caesar’s previous owner said, “I won’t be home when you come to get him, but he’s in the paddock with two others. He’s the one in the red halter. By the way, he hasn’t been handled much.”

After seeing photos of three-year-old Caesar, a chocolatecoloured miniature Sicilian donkey, my husband Joe and I had fallen in love with him. Then we read that this breed is truly born affectionate and that the dark X on the back is said to represent the Christ child being carried there. We were hooked.

A good-natured donkey, complete with folklore factor, would be a perfect addition to our Central Saanich mini-farm. Because of a tight schedule, we opted to forego a meet-up and closed the deal by phone.

Act I: A muddy meeting Off we went to Duncan on that blustery November day. As we pulled in the driveway, three curious donkeys ran toward the fence, then darted off as we walked through the gate. The owner

90

hadn’t mentioned the paddock was actually a muddy half-acre with a creek running through it. Caesar outsmarted us for 40 minutes until we caught him and attached the lead line.

The next challenge was to get him to the truck and trailer.

“Submissive” was not in his vocabulary. And miniature, in this case, meant 100 kg. He planted himself secure as a lamp post as we tried friendly overtures, pushing, pulling, then one of us on each side. His attitude seemed to say, “I’m not impressed.”

Catching us off guard, he suddenly bolted forward, dragging us like pull-toys through the creek. Soaked and muddy, but victorious, we finally got him into the trailer and headed home in great anticipation.

Act II: A temperament revealed We felt sure he’d be content with us and our two horses once we gained his trust. Loving kindness, firm but fair; it never fails. Well — November, with its wind, rain and early nightfall, isn’t the best month to begin donkey bonding. After work we’d go out to feed Caesar and put him in his stall for the night. We thought he’d prefer clean and dry; he preferred the elements.

We hoped he’d return our affection; he remained disdainful.

That same winter, unexpectedly but willingly, we hosted a German exchange student for two weeks. Eager to learn about daily life in BC, Bridget took part in our routines, including

some of the barnyard chores. I wonder if she thought a typical BC pastime was running around in muddy gumboots while being shunned by a dismissive donkey.

Like parents of a troubled child, we lamented, “Where are we going wrong?” Joe has trained several horses; even the most difficult one ended up following him like a puppy. But no amount of goodwill, authority, or even (I admit) sucking up, worked with Caesar.

Act III: A reluctant defeat Later that year, at a country fair, we met the owner of a miniature donkey farm. After discussing our dilemma, he suggested Caesar would likely be happier with others of his own kind. He offered to buy him. Now defeated and wanting the best for all, we agreed. When we met again the next year and asked about Caesar, he replied, “That devil. He’s gradually infecting some of the others with his attitude. Soon they’ll all be hard to catch!” But we were glad to hear a definite tone of affection, even admiration.

Over many years since then, we’ve been assured that Caesar’s aloof behaviour wasn’t typical of his breed. He truly was an enigma. And he taught us a strong lesson in humility.

So with fondness we say, “Hail Mighty Caesar, he made asses of us all.”

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Vital A

IDEA

Vital Loans keeps Dance Victoria at centre stage “The Victoria Foundation was very responsive and understood the urgency of solving cash flow problems. I was impressed with how smooth the process was in terms of getting cash at a moment when the society needed it.” – Jason Dubois, Dance Victoria At Dance Victoria, bringing the world’s best dance companies to the Capital Region is the priority — “Everything from classical ballet to contemporary dance and other forms in between,” says Jason Dubois, Dance Victoria’s executive director. It fosters professional and creative development of the local dance community by hosting artistic development and outreach programs, and also offers the $15,000 Crystal Prize, the largest dance prize in Canada. “It supports Western Canadian dance artists who are collaborating with an international choreographer or vice versa,” Dubois says.

DANCING WITH SHORT TERM CAPITAL But Dance Victoria has a unique situation: the Royal & McPherson Theatres Society (RMTS) manages its ticket sales. “They retain all of the box office proceeds until each show happens [at the Royal Theatre]. Following each performance, they retain funds to

cover their expenses, and then pay out the remaining funds to Dance Victoria,” explains Dubois. “We’re outputting funds in terms of marketing, deposits for dance companies, and general operating costs, but not seeing any of the box office revenue [yet].”

Bridge financing through the spring and

summer would help the cash flow shortage until the fall productions begin. “We have very few assets, there’s little of value,” says Dubois. Qualifying for a bank loan is simply not possible for many non-profits. “The Victoria Foundation’s Vital Loans program seemed like an ideal option,” says Dubois.

“We, as a small, non-profit society, could have access to financing without having board members or other supporters put up personal guarantees.”

Unlike a traditional bank loan, a Vital Loan looks at a charity’s role in the community. Combined with Island Savings Credit Union’s knowledge of the local economy, Vital Loans can evaluate loan opportunities in a whole new way. The program offers loans up to 36 months, to a $500,000 maximum, to federally registered

FOR MORE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY MAKING A DIFFERENCE, WATCH CHEK NEWS AT 5PM EVERY SUNDAY FOR VITAL PEOPLE

92

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

VITAL SIGN: ECONOMY

36

MONTHS MAXIMUM LOAN DURATION

500K

MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT

IS MY PROJECT ELIGIBLE? SUITABLE LOAN APPLICATIONS  Bridge financing for operations  Capital projects  Major renovations  Equipment purchase or upgrades  One-time expenses (e.g. moving to a new location, temporary staff hire)  Requests below $500,000 NOT ELIGIBLE  General fundraising campaign contributions

charities on Southern Vancouver Island or the Southern Gulf Islands for specific purposes (see sidebar). Interest rates are lower than traditional banks, with various payment options available. Dance Victoria’s loan was a one-year term for $55,000. Their first presentation activity of the season, Alberta Ballet’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, runs November 8–9. “When that show settles, we’ll get a significant payout of box office revenue, at which point we’ll pay back another portion of that loan,” Dubois explains.

Although still a relatively new program, Vital Loans has aided numerous other non-profits. “Vital Loans gave us a flexible credit line to help with our funding ebbs and flows throughout the year as we continue our focus on growth,” says Christianne Wilhelmson, executive director of the Georgia

VICTORIAFOUNDATION.CA

Strait Alliance, a citizen’s group focused on protecting the marine environment in and around the Strait of Georgia. “Due to some belt tightening and intensified fundraising efforts, and the reassurance of the line of credit, we managed a recent challenging period very well and find ourselves in a stronger position.”

Meanwhile, Dance Victoria knows there would have been impacts if not for access to Vital Loans. “The hope is to rearrange our relationship with RMTS such that we don’t need to rely on [Vital Loans],” Dubois says.

Dance Victoria plans to establish a line of credit with Island Savings once the Vital Loan is paid back. “That has been a real positive thing that’s come out of this — just to know that we will be able to have that credit available should we need it again.” 

 Severance payments or staff benefits/travel  Paying off another loan or an old debt  Religious or sectarian organization  Political advocacy  Sponsorships  Curricula for schools or universities

To apply for a Vital Loan, visit victoriafoundation.bc.ca/vital-loans for the FAQ, eligibility checklist and application form.

250.381.5532

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SECRETS & LIVES  Why did you agree to be campaign chair in Victoria?

I’d been a campaign chair in Fort McMurray. It’s a good opportunity to help rally the community for a common cause and make it a better place.

 How did you initially get involved with United Way? I began about 20 years ago in Fort McMurray with the Boys & Girls Club, a United Way-funded agency. I got a good perception of how it ran, seeing it from a user point of view. I also sat on the United Way board and saw the great scope of work they do — how the money has a direct impact.

 What’s your professional background?

I’m general sales manager for Ocean 98.5 and 103.1 Jack-FM. I’ve been in the radio business for four years in Victoria. Before

 By shannon moneo  photo by arnold lim

that, I was in Fort McMurray in the radio industry and prior to that, the weekly newspaper industry in Alberta.

 How does your sales experience augment being campaign chair?

The best salespeople have to be good listeners. It’s not as much what you say as what you hear. With United Way, I hear the stories. I know how United Way affects individual people, everyone from Larry Langford to Betty Beacon Hill.

 How do needs differ between Fort McMurray and Victoria?

In Fort McMurray, youth and the working poor were big issues: people earning good money but unable to afford the cost of living. In Victoria, it’s similar, but United Way is further along. There’s been a lot of work done with kids and youth here.

 Fort McMurray led Canadian United Ways in per-capita giving the year you chaired their campaign. Can Victoria top it?

Usually Windsor, Toronto and Calgary are at the top. The interesting thing about Fort McMurray is it’s not about the big companies giving. There’s a very strong culture there about individuals giving to United Way. Thirty-five years ago, Fort McMurray didn’t exist, so we created a culture that went along with United Way giving.

There’s also a very strong labour presence. The unions are great partners. In Victoria, I’d like to see awareness, pride, passion.

Victoria is the most beautiful place in the world. I also want it to be known for having the most caring people in the world.

 Where have you been targeting your campaign energies?

Strategizing about where United Way is going over the next three to five years.

 Victoria has, per capita, one of the lowest rates in Canada for charitable giving. Why? People give a lot of time. That’s not captured. And I don’t trust the numbers. For me, it’s not a competition. Our goal is that our community is strong.

 Has the uncertain economy had any effect on charitable giving?

I’ve worked with United Way for 20 years, in uncertain economic times and during labour issues. When things are toughest is when we all pull together.

 Are you enjoying Victoria?

I love it. My wife Ellice and sons Joshua, 6, and Jacob, 5, also love it — the beaches, the beauty, and the people. But there are more similarities than differences with Fort McMurray. Both are remote, have their own identity, are independent, and are very expensive to live in.

 What do you do for fun?

I have two boys! Our last holiday was taking them to Legoland in San Diego.

 What’s the last book you’ve read?

Getting Things Done. It’s kind of the Bible for how to organize your work life.

 What do you miss about your home province?

I like to say I’m a dumb farm boy. I grew up in southern Alberta on the farm. If you’re a Prairie person, you miss the beauty of the Prairies. But I love the people everywhere I go. You gotta grow where you’re planted.

This interview has been condensed and edited.

JIM SCHNEIDER, 42 UNITED WAY OF GREATER VICTORIA, 2013 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

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