Creative Culture Celebrating The Good Life in Nelson
Volume 1 - Issue 5 - www.creativeculturemagazine.com - July 2011 - Priceless
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KAI ECKHARDT (BASS) PAUL PERESS (DRUMS & COMPOSITIONS)
MICHAEL PAULO (SAX)
PETER HORVATH (KEYS)
Publisher’s Perspective T
he last few weeks have been eventful. Not only did I have the pleasure of putting together this issue (blessed with the contributions of many) but also had the opportunity to perform at Lakeside Park on Canada Day, on what seemed to be the first day of summer. Though the fun did not stop there! The next day I was up at dawn and at one of two day jobs, before setting up temporary shop in Otter Books to meet and greet and autograph my new book, audio book and DVD for those interested in my self-help, new-age tome entitled The Law of Reaction, a playful yet digestible morsel of contemporary buddhism, I like to believe.
Luckily, the event flew under the radar, which allowed me to indulge in a favorite past time of all creatives: an afternoon brainstorm / daydream. For two comfortable hours I sat, doodled, scribbled and stared off into space, which inevitably led to a profound realization on the exchange of value.
Instead of setting (not inflexible) fixed prices for my marketing and publishing services in the next month, I intend to practice what I am now calling The Zen of Business. The idea behind The Zen of Business is to simply ask my clients to compensate me in direct proportion to the value they believe they receive; a system much like a sliding scale, I suppose. I know, you may be thinking “That’s nuts. You won’t make any money.”
Au contraire, mon frere. Sure, there will be those (of course) who do not value my products and services in the same delusional way my ego does, though this experiment may also bring to light how little I value my creative efforts. The result of the latter eventuality taking shape? Those who do business with me may just surprise us both.
How much value do you and/or your business provide? I believe aiming to exceed our customers’ and clients’ expectations can only end in personal and/or professional growth. What if we focused solely on creating value? A revolutionary idea? Perhaps. Scary? Yes. We just may find we get what we truly want. Gee, what would we do then? Would we sleep better, laugh more, live longer? I will let you know how it goes... Creative Culture Magazine is published 10 months of the year in Nelson, British Columbia. The first Thursday of each month 3,000 copies are distributed throughout the downtown core by The Nelson Cares Society and 3C Staff. We also deliver to Ainsworth Hotsprings, Ymir and Salmo. You can also find our flipbook online at: www.creativeculturemagazine.com Issue #5 published July 7th, 2011. © 2011 by Creative Culture Canada. No part of this publication may be copied or duplicated without permission.
Editor: Austin Partridge Proofreader: Snowball Jessel Design: Lisette Cook Contributors: Jennifer Sebastian, Freya Shaw, Diana van Eyk, Simone Bova, Bob Abrahams, Nyree Marsh, Deborah Burnett, Michael O’Connor, Joy Barrett, Bernice Rabbis and Kathy Hartley.
Cover Photo: Eye of the Mind Photography is the brainchild of Kootenay born photographer Louis Bockner: eyeofthemind.zenfolio.com His work is on display at the Kootenay Bakery at 377 Baker Street until July 22nd.
Publisher’s Perspective...............................................3 The Creative Spark.....................................................4 The Valley of Lost Souls.............................................5 Strawberry Pavlova....................................................6 Support Your Local Farmer........................................7 Cowan’s Total Recycling Program.............................8 What’s The Roar About Raw Foods?.........................9 Welcome To Nelson..................................................10 Empathy................................................................11 Tara Davis Studio Boutique.....................................12 One Playgroup At A Time........................................13 Nelson’s Premier Arts Festival................................14 High Fives & Hair Balls...........................................15 The Friendly Faces of Nelson...................................16 The Friendly Faces of Nelson...................................17 Be In The Don’t Know.............................................18 In Tune With The Sun & Moon................................19 Electric Bills Are Shocking......................................20 The New Way To Get Around...................................21 Creative Culture Magazine reserves editoral rights. The deadline for the August issue is Monday, July 25th. Send all submissions directly to the editor via email: austinpartridge@gmail.com
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The Creative Spark another big step, because that means creating your own work, having a voice, and having things you want to express; trying to express them in an interesting way.
So when I got out of school I was doing a lot of new work, like recently written plays with a company called Theatre Scam in Victoria. I’m writing a musical right now with the former artistic director called Small Town, and they are producing it next summer.
Creative Culture Magazine: Where did it all begin?
Lucas Myers: My mother and my father were intimate; it began with Amoeba Man in junior high school. I was in theatre when improv was becoming popular, and I came up with Amoeba Man in a game of Super Hero. I distinctly remember walking out from behind the curtain and people laughing.
We created our own work by presenting plays outdoors, in restaurants. There were not a lot of venues in Victoria at the time; we were just doing it wherever we could. I was also doing shows at established theatres like The Belfry and The Vancouver Playhouse.
I kept doing one person shows, and had never done film and television, so we moved to Vancouver so I could give it a try, then hello baby! I always knew if I had kids I would raise them in Nelson, and we both had family here, so we moved back here and lived in Krista’s parent’s house for the first while.
I did a post-modern vaudeville act with the billed-as Amazing and (inexplicable) Impermeable Cromoli Brothers. They would do shows at the Scout Hall. I did Hello Baby 1 and Hello Baby 2, and another After 4 years of theatre at university and 1 year in The show called East, which included some of the songs National Theatre School I finally asked myself “am I I sang at Ellison’s this May. I slowly just built up an doing this because I have an affinity for it, or am I doing audience base in town, and then started touring to it because this is what I want to do with my life?” If Silverton, Kaslo and Ymir. I was totally introverted and incredibly shy growing up; still am, yet there was something about creating something imaginatively and then physicalizing it. People enjoyed it.
you’re good at drawing, you just keep drawing.
I was good at acting, so I kept doing it. At no point did I think this is what I’m going to do with my life. In terms of job security, being self-employed and making money, it was kind of crazy, so I decided to do it. I enjoy it that much. Then I decided I wanted to be an artist, which is
CC: Do you have any new shows coming up?
LM: I have a show at the end of September called iShow: A Play From The Future and it will run at the Capitol Theatre on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st.
LOVE OF SHIVA & CRYSTAL CAVE 526 STANLEY ST NELSON 250 352 7418
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The Valley of Lost Souls I love the mythology around our lovely little community. It’s been called the Valley of Lost Souls, and is rumoured to sit atop a huge chunk of amethyst.
a salve that helps us through our struggles.
Our community is made up of innovators, artists, writers, gardeners, healers and activists. Who could ask for a better mix?
It’s also said to be a spiritual power spot, and it’s claimed that it was a sacred site to the original people of this land.
I’ve heard that many who feel at home here are the black sheep of their families. If that’s the case, we make a fine flock.
Why does this place resonate so well with so many of us? Why do we feel at home here, and love this place so deeply?
So many are inspired to serve the common good: we have rideshare, freecycle, amazing co-op and nonprofit sectors, and world class educational institutions.
These feelings are such a mystery; I don’t know where they come from. Where does love originate anyways? I only know how blessed I feel to be in this place. And the feeling never goes away. I’m still as smitten with this valley as I was when I first happened upon it nearly forty years ago. This community inspires me to do right by it and all who live here. When I’m out and about it’s always a good experience. There are so many special places in and around the area, and so many amazing people.
We can’t know what the future holds, but the economic and environmental indicators lead me to believe that this is a good place to be right now: in our loving little community tucked away in the mountains.
We have rock walls built into the mountainside that demonstrate the commitment to this community of those who came before us.
“I’ve heard that many who feel at home here are the black sheep of their families.” Economic hardship has always been a reality for many in this region, so we grow food, preserve, freeze and find creative ways to stretch everything.
We share and innovate and do what we can to help each other out. And we understand the value of kindness,
We have beautiful parks, scenery that can take your breath away, guerrilla gardens, secret pathways and a labyrinth anyone can walk when in need of guidance.
It’s an honour to live here, even if meagrely, and my sense is that this sacred place has much to teach us. Magic seems to ooze from its pores. Little wonder it’s steeped in mythology. ~ Diana van Eyk is a writer living in this valley of lost souls. Photo: Waferboard’s photostream.
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Strawberry Pavlova Strawberry Pavlova (Serves 4-6) 4 egg whites pinch of salt 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 tsp. white vinegar
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peak & fresh strawberries. To ensure success, only make meringue on a dry day. If there is any moisture in the air, the Pavlova will not bake and dry out properly. Preheat oven to 250F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Using a cake pan as a guide, trace an 8” circle on the paper. Put the room temperature egg whites into a clean mixing bowl, along with a pinch of salt. Turn the mixer on low and beat until whites are frothy. Increase to high speed. Gradually add the granulated sugar, a couple of tablespoons at a time. Allow the sugar to beat in for half a minute before adding another two tablespoons.
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his month’s dessert is composed of red juicy strawberries and mounds of cool whipped cream piled on a crispy shell of marshmallowy meringue. Inspired by beauty, it is the perfect ending to a perfect day. Back in the early part of the 20th century, a Russian ballerina was the most famous dancer in the entire world. Chefs everywhere vied to honor her, attempting to create the dessert that emulated her delicate beauty and ethereal dancing style. In 1926, Anna Pavlova performed in New Zealand and Australia, sparking
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culinary inspiration. A pristinely white meringue, topped with fluffy cream and decorated with brightly coloured fruit bears her name. Both countries claim this gorgeous dessert as their own.
As I’m not the type of person who likes to get involved in international disputes, far be it from me to assign it to either. The Pavlova has danced its way into many countries since, leaping and twirling on happy taste buds, smiles in its wake. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own dance.
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Continue until all the sugar has been incorporated, and the meringue holds soft peaks, that just bend at the tips. Remove bowl from mixer. Fold in cornstarch, and then the vinegar.
With a large spoon, carefully spread the meringue mixture on the prepared baking sheet, keeping it within the 8’ circle. The Pavlova should be of even thickness so that it bakes properly, but it doesn’t have to be perfectly flat.
Bake for 1-1 ½ hours, until it is crisp and light. Turn off the oven, leave the door ajar and allow the Pavlova to further dry out overnight. When you are ready to serve, whip the cream and pile it on the Pavlova. Top with whole strawberries.
P
Support Your Local Farmer
urchasing from local farmers in our diverse geographic region can be a challenge; unless you are lucky enough to have a grocery store that carries locally grown vegetables, fruit, eggs, and honey, you may have to plan your shopping around nearby Farmers Markets. Alternately, you can purchase a farm share; also know as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), from a farmer in your area. Community Supported Agriculture builds a direct relationship between farmers and the people who eat their food. CSA farms sell a share of the season’s harvest, typically in late winter to early spring and the shareholder receives a weekly food box containing farm fresh products.
A diverse CSA farm may offer vegetables, herbs, berries or tree crops, eggs and honey as part of their share, expect to pay more for a higher value box with animal products. Farmers benefit from Community Supported Agriculture in many ways. Farmers are able to raise seed money before the growing season begins; making crop selections and harvest projections more accurate. Establishing customers during the planning part of the season allows farmers to focus on what they do best during production season: Grow food! Farmers also enjoy knowing the people who eat their food and are passionate about sharing their food knowledge.
CSA shareholders enjoy the benefits of eating fresh, naturally grown, seasonal farm products. By purchasing a harvest share consumers receive high quality food at less than retail cost, and are not vulnerable to price fluctuations of the open market.
BODY PIERCING &
Good news for connoisseurs of organic vegetables and
herbs! Shareholders get first hand experience of farm life through farm visits and develop a deeper appreciation for the true value of food production.
The Community Supported Agriculture farm is an asset to the greater community. Local economies benefit when food dollars stay in the community.
Joining a CSA is a way for people who share concerns about sustainability, food security, and viable farm life to connect. Successful organic farms create “green jobs” in the local economy, which is essential for rural economic development. The best part of the Community Supported Agriculture model is the relationship that develops between farmer and consumer.
Shareholders and farmers share the bounty and the risk of each season together, which builds important community connections; giving strength and value to farm life and local food systems. ~ Nyree Marsh is owner of Sustain Urban Farm in Salmo. She can be reached at sustainurbanfarm@gmail.com.
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Cowan’s Total Recycling Program This year they gave a chunk to the Nelson Cares Society.
Wondering where all the inkjet and toner cartridges they were selling were ending up, and figuring they had to be going somewhere, Paul and Andy did a little research, found this company, and thought it was a perfect fit.
Cowan’s has been proud of supporting charities for the last 5 years. Since they began their recycling program, they have probably given away close to $10,000 to groups like the Kootenay Society for Community Living in Castlegar, Castlegar Community Services, The Cancer Society and The Hospital Foundation. The volume is increasing all the time, and it seems they are shipping constantly. The word is spreading and it’s really working. They even pick toner and inkjet cartridges up from businesses, once they start to pile up; Walmart even has a bin set up for this purpose, so they can collect the cartridges from there.
Why Recycle Empty Inkjet Cartridges? At the end of June, Andy & Paul Cowan presented a cheque for $1000 to Janet Sawyer of The Nelson Cares Society.
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here is a Canadian company that pays for used toner and inkjet cartridges, so Cowan’s collects these cartridges from their customers, boxes them up, and ships them off to Ontario to be remanufactured and refilled. The company then sells these refilled cartridges back to Cowan’s, who sells them in their store for a discounted price. It’s a great product for less money.
The money received from the sale of these cartridges is then donated to various charities. For instance, Cowan’s sponsored a $500 bursary through LVR, and last year gave a bunch of money to the CT Scanner fundraiser.
- Over 30 million inkjet cartridges are dumped each year in North America. Worldwide this figure increases to over 400 million.
- Plastics used to engineer inkjet cartridges can take over 1000 years to decompose.
- Statistics reveal that only 5% of all empty inkjet cartridges are currently being recycled. - 95ml of oil is used to produce each inkjet cartridge. - In the last six months alone, inkjet cartridge recycling saved more than 50 million litres of oil.
For more information contact Cowan’s at 250-352-5507.
You can be a part of this great community effort by returning your old cartridges to us. We will return them to the company that refills them, and donate the rebates to various community non-profit charities. It’s good for the environment, and for the community we live in. For more information, or to arrange pick up, please contact us at Cowan’s. 517 Victoria Street Phone: 250-352-5507 Toll Free: 1-800-332-4474 Open Monday - Friday 8:30-5:30 & Saturday 9-5
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What’s The Roar About Raw Foods? B
How much should be Raw?
ased on scientific evidence and anecdotal experience, advocates of a raw food diet believe that it is the most healthful diet for us. But what exactly is a raw food diet?
Suzanne Havala Hobbs, DrPH, MS, RD is a nationally-recognised author on issues relating to food, nutrition and health policy, with a special interest in vegetarian nutrition and who has tracked the raw-foods movement.
Dr. Ann Wigmore (1909-1993), humanitarian, educator, writer and raw foods pioneer, defined it this way: “Living food is provided by nature, organically grown in its original, uncooked state. Live foods provide the body with the life-giving, easy-to-digest nourishment needed to strengthen the immune system. Seeds, grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables in their natural, uncooked state are the living food used to rebuild health - physically, mentally, and emotionally”.
Living and raw foods all lose their life force, or potential life force, and substantial nutritional value when they begin to naturally decompose and when cooked with heat above 116 degrees Farenheit.
Raw foods, also called living foods, or live foods are foods that have their enzymes (the givers of their life force) in an activated state, such as ripe apples, fresh carrots and leafy green vegetables, sprouted seeds, nuts, beans and grains.
Raw foods includes foods whose enzymes are in a dormant stage, such as dried seeds, nuts, beans, and grains, which when activated by water, can come to life and germinate and grow into sprouts.
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When reviewing the research conducted on raw food diets, Hobbs found one study that showed selfreported improvements in health and quality of life in American adults after adopting the raw food diet. The study results showed that intakes of vitamins A, B6, C and E, folate, copper and potassium were significantly higher in these subjects. Read more at www.livestrong.com. Hobbs however, recommends a moderate approach. “The idea that everybody could increase the portion of raw foods and vegetables in their diets and benefit from it is probably an accurate statement. It doesn’t necessarily translate into a raw-foods diet.” ~ Freya Shaw, is a Marketing Generalist at the Kootenay Coop, located at 295 Baker St. in Nelson, B.C.
Check out our selection of organic produce, superfoods, raw chocolate treats and tons of great resources for a raw diet!
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Welcome To Nelson
The folks at The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre, located at 225 Hall Street, are a welcoming bunch.
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Empathy A
ll of us encounter difficulty truly listening to someone else. With such busy lives, we are easily distracted by activity in our minds and around us that being still and listening becomes difficult. Listening is actually one of the key components to communicating with another, and to really listen and understand, you need to be an empathetic listener. Empathy is the art of understanding, being aware, being sensitive to and really getting another person’s feelings and experiences.
With practice, we can improve our empathetic listening skills and therefore deepen our connection in relationship. Empathetic listening is a concentrated effort to ensure that the speaker feels that you are truly comprehending and valuing them without judgement. It is a skill that may not come naturally but can be improved.
One way to improve as an empathetic listener is to put yourself in the shoes of the other and even if you haven’t experienced their exact situation, think of one where you may have felt similar feelings and then let yourself go there. As you’re listening, also pay attention to more than just the words. Non-verbal communication is sometimes clearer than verbal. Tone of voice, facial expressions and posture are great indicators of what may be going on with the other person. This will give you an opportunity to understand even better the feelings they are having.
Often if a person is deeply upset about something they have difficulty finding words, partly from the emotional upheaval and partly from a fear of loss, like rejection. If you’re able to tap into this, even if it’s a guess, it provides a chance for connection and empathy to begin. Paraphrasing can be used in empathetic listening, which simply means to reword the thought or statement made
by the speaker to see if it was understood or needs to be clarified. For example, if someone is telling you about how they made a mistake in life by marrying too young. You may say something like, “I’m sure it is difficult getting married at a young age.” Reflecting feelings is also helpful when trying to connect with another empathetically.
For example, you may say something like, “That must have been so painful for you,” when they are telling you about the loss of a parent, and are obviously experiencing pain in talking about it. At the end of a lengthy conversation, it’s very helpful to summarize the main theme and feelings of the speaker. This again provides a deeper sense of empathy and provides a chance for the speaker to sort out what has been said and felt during the conversation.
Like anything, empathy is a skill that can be honed with practice, practice, practice. ~ Deborah Burnett is a certified Life Coach and is the owner of Pathway Life Coaching in Nelson, B.C.
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Tara Davis Studio Boutique Many items are made from upcycled materials, including a line of shoulder bags and clutches made from men’s suits and leather jackets by Roy Liang, Dandee’s line of bags made from upholstery fabric and ties and Davis’ own line of reworked vintage jewellery and paintings done with vintage lace and dollies.
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hen Tara Davis saw the retail space at 566 Baker Street on a visit to Nelson a two and a half years ago, she thought it would be a perfect fit for her dream concept store. Now that dream is a reality and Tara is celebrating her one year anniversary. “We moved to Nelson because we fell in love with the community and the location” says Davis, “but when we arrived in April and I saw that the space I loved was for lease I knew it was meant to be!”
The boutique carries a selection of gifts, accessories, and jewellery with a particularly unique artistic flair. As a weaver and jewellery maker and painter herself, Davis sees the art in craft and has assembled a collection from likeminded artisans. The space functions as a gallery and shop, with a working studio now located above KC restaurant Tara shares with Kim O’brien and Amy Douziech, who also supply the shop. Initially sad to lose the studio element in her shop, she is now happy that there is more space available for
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“so many lovely things” where customers can watch Davis weaving luxurious scarves and art pieces on her loom or assembling her line of jewellery, which is still made in the shop.
“We moved to Nelson because we fell in love with the community.” All of the goodies are “Made with Love in Canada” by over 40 handpicked producers from both across the province, and across the country, including 20 local designers.
Featured local work includes two different lines of glass belt buckles by Galadrial Lawrence and Richie McBeath, felted owls by Kim O’brien, cute hair clips by Lou Lou Belle, headbands and belts made from vintage silk scarves by Giulia Fatica, acorn jewellery by Hannah Deboer, purses made from vintage fabric by Ginger Makortoff, clocks by Kreetco, feather earrings by Fly with Me Feathers, and feather headbands by Candice Gibney.
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Tara brings a strong background in retail and art and design to her new endeavor. She studied Industrial Design and Fiber Arts at The Ontario College of Art and Design where she received both the Industrial Design Faculty Award, and the Design Innovation Award. She also holds a Jewellery Arts Certificate from Sturgeon Creek Collegiate in Winnipeg.
Tara has worked for two of Canada’s premier fashion stores, Le Chateau and Club Monaco, and for several years she managed The Urban Boutique in Winnipeg’s trendy Osborne Village where she launched her jewellery line in 2005. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, India and South East Asia and this expansive world view informs her design aesthetic.
Tara also finds delight in creating opportunities for local designers, especially young women, some of whom are actively fashioning hair accessories or earrings, and are now building their own businesses with the help of our local small business incubator Community Futures. You can see photos of the Boutique and some of Tara’s work online at www.taradavis.ca.
Tara Davis Studio Boutique is located at 566 Baker St. in Nelson. Call 250352-5358 or email studioboutique@ taradavis.ca
One Playgroup At A Time K
ootenay Kids Society was pleased to partner with Alpine Lake Suites this past spring to bring two outreach programs to the low-income apartment complex. The owner, Anne Gover, contacted KKS with an idea to offer services for residents in a vacant suite they were renovating to become a community space. The location of the apartment building often prevented parents from accessing services in the community. Together we were able to provide 2 days a week that included one playgroup and a morning of resource and referral services. The response from families with young children who live there was nearly 100%. This is truly amazing. Play and literacy groups promote healthy, positive development in children. Structured playgroups provide valuable learning opportunities for social skills, cognitive development, physical activity, and emotional wellbeing. It provides parents with an opportunity to gather, network, share parenting tips, talk about challenges and problem solve with other parents.
Many of the participants at Alpine Lake Suites appreciated the socialization opportunities for their children as well as the chance to develop positive relationships with other parents in the building. Highlights for the kids were eating good food, singing songs, and playing with other kids. Prior to this initiative, most participants did not know one another or interact with other parents in the building. They have since started a clothing and toy swap and continue to support one another outside of group activities. Alpine Lake Suites has been working hard to develop a sense of community within the apartment complex. In addition to the community suite, they established a community garden and through generous donations, have created a play area for children complete with basketball
hoops, hockey nets, and a variety of children’s toys. Other residents of the building have been enjoying the newly created outdoor space, sitting at the picnic tables and chairs and watching the children play. Manager Ray Stothers has noticed a positive influence for all tenants as this ‘community within a community’ is evolving and collective ownership of the space is developing. Participants of the KKS program have decided to continue to meet on their own and collectively provide nutritious snacks and activities now that the KKS playgroup is finished. This is community building in action. KKS would like to thank Alpine Lake Suites and the participants for making this program a success. Due to financial restraints, the future of the outreach program is uncertain at this time. For more information, or to get involved, contact Jen at the Family Place (part of Kootenay Kids Society) at 250-352-6678 extension #227.
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Nelson’s Premier Arts Festival Brochures with maps will be available at each of these venues, as well as at the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall. For the first time ever, three banks have come on board to showcase jewellery work from Kootenay School of the Arts’ graduates. The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, The Royal Bank, and the Bank of Montreal will display these stunning pieces on plinths during normal business hours.
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elson’s premier arts festival is back for its 23rd year, and what an event it is shaping up to be! With the Grand Opening scheduled for July 22nd, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, this year’s line-up looks to be one of the best yet. This six-week extravaganza, which runs until September 2nd, will showcase some of the best emerging and professional artists in the area.
The not-to-be-missed opening night will feature the musical stylings of the infamous Oxygen Orkestar, who will roam the venues in and along Baker Street, delighting the masses with their Balkan brass band.
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World-famous sand sculptors Peter Vogelaar and David NicholDucharme will create one of their masterpieces along Baker Street, and local chalk artists will amaze and amuse with their terrific though temporary work. Participating venues this year are: Baker Street Menswear, Bijou, The Craft Connection, Ellison’s Market, Grounded Coffee, the John Ward Coffee Company, Kolmel Jewellery, the Kootenay Bakery Café, the Kootenay School of the Arts, the Kutenai Clothing Co., Mountain Interiors, The Royal Bar & Grill, Self-Design High and Touchstones Nelson.
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Not only does Nelson’s ArtWalk offers area artists the opportunity to have their work viewed by more than a thousand art-lovers; it gives downtown businesses a doorway into creative culture; and it’s a veritable feast for the ArtWalking public.
This cultural smorgasbord is served up by the the Nelson & District Arts Council with the generous support of the Cultural Development Commission, the City of Nelson, the Columbia Basin Trust and everyone involved. Locals and tourists alike simply pick up a brochure and get ArtWalking. For more info visit The Nelson & District Arts Council website at www.ndac.ca, or contact Joy Barrett, the City’s Cultural Development Officer at: cultural@nelson.ca.
High Fives & Hair Balls HIGH FIVES to our friends who rented our place while we were in Canmore. They looked after it really well. There’s good people around here. ~ Nature Conserver _____________________________ HAIR BALLS to people who talk on their cell phones and drive. Twice in 2 days, drivers didn’t even notice me. I have changed my driving habits and now pull over when my phone rings. ~ Almost run over _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to The Career Centre. I go there a lot and they are really helpful. ~ Grateful _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to Harv at The Capitol Theatre for quenching my thirst. ~ Replenished _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to the parking meter lady. She’s so flexible. If you’re parked where you shouldn’t be and you run out there, she’s going to have a pleasant conversation with you and let you go. She’s a really good ambassador for our community. Rather than “I’m sorry. Take it up with the judge. I’m nailing your ass to the wall.” ~ Downtown parker _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to Vogue Studio. ~ Thankfully employed.
HIGH FIVES to the person who found my sailboat floating away and tied it up by the soccer fields at Lakeside Park. ~ Grateful Sailor _____________________________ HAIR BALLS to City Council for doubling the parking meter rates. ~ Not made of money _____________________________ HIGH FIVES & HAIR BALLS to ganja. You bring me up and you bring me down. ~ Stoned in Nelson _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to the Market Fest organizers for supporting local food and culture. ~ Local music and food lover _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to all who came out for Market Fest, despite the weather. ~ Volunteer _____________________________ HAIR BALLS to the elk in my front yard eating all my roses. ~ How do I get rid of them? _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to the people who cleaned things up on Nelson Clean Up Day on June 15th. I don’t know how much was done, but it was a good community spirit of people out there. ~ Grateful _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to The Chamber for the Canada Day celebrations. ~ Vendor
HIGH FIVES to Cheryl. ~ Sarah _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to people who slow down. ~ Sylvan _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to Aza at Cymatica Tattoo. ~ Sarah Rose _____________________________ HIGH FOURS to people missing fingers. ~ Can only count to nine. _____________________________ HAIR BALLS to cellphone users who text while they’re walking and almost run into me. Use your cellphone responsibly. ~ New to town. _____________________________ HIGH FIVES for the fireworks on Canada Day. ~ The Lake _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to all of the drivers who now stop at crosswalks. ~ Nearly hit many times _____________________________ HIGH FIVES to Kootenay Movers. ~ Newcomer to Nelson _____________________________ HAIR BALLS to people who park illegally and leave their engines idling in order to reserve their illegal parking spot. ~ Anonymous
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Be In The Don’t Know
O
ne of my most loved and respected teachers speaks about being in the “don’t know”. That place full of potential where ones direction is not set and exists only as endless possibilities.
Having traveled with my family through Mexico for the last 7 months I understand being in the “don’t know on a entirely new level. Leading my life here in Nelson is filled with with many directions and scheduled responsibilities.
Pick up the kids at 2:40 pm, get cheese for the potluck dish and remember to attend the potluck (on time) tomorrow evening. While there are certainly many opportunities for existing in the ‘don’t know’ in my scheduled life it does somewhat limit the field of potential possibilities for the freedom and adventure, whereas life on the road was full of it! There were 5 of us in a big diesel pick-up truck equip with a camper that slept 4. We would drive until we found some place we wanted to stop. We would pile out of the vehicle and just see what would happen. Where do we eat? Don’t know! Lets go see what looks good. Where do we sleep? Don’t know! Let’s see what we can find, perhaps a spot on the beach or near the zocalo (town square). What will we do? I
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don’t know; let’s go discover what this place has to offer. Sometimes it would be a pristine waterfall, others times a vibrant mercado (market), still other times it was a dodgy feel and a clear message that we were not welcome and should move on.
All of it was part of our journey, experiences like beads strung together to create a trip to Mexico which I could never explain in one short article. I can say though that it was a lesson on existing experientially in the ‘don’t know’, in that delicious space of endless possibilities and adventure. So how do I take these lessons and apply them here back in Nelson, where life necessitates writing about the flow versus just being in it? Each of us needs to find these sweet moment in our own way. Me? I dance, write, sing, meditate, enjoy spontaneous gathering and chance meetings. I recommit myself to letting go of the overscheduled lifestyle that muscles out many opportunities for infinite possibilities.
I commit to being comfortable in the ‘don’t know’, trusting that when life is allowed to flow, the results are beyond my imagination. How do you invite the ‘don’t know’ into your life? ~ Bernice Rabbis is an artist, wander, procrastinator, dreamer, lover, a womyn, a warrior and a fantastic cook.
#110 - 601 Front St. Nelson, BC
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In Tune With The Sun & Moon T
he New Moon in Cancer on July 1st at 1:54 am PDT is also a Solar Eclipse. Generally, everyone is either directly or indirectly affected by the Moon, whether people like it, believe it, or not. Scientific studies show that if there was no Moon there would be no life on our planet. There is reason to believe that intelligent life on any planet, at least with sentient beings, would require the rhythmic and regulatory properties of the waxing and waning cycle of the Moon. This premise is easier to prove than disprove. Given these perspectives, we might look again to the Moon cycles and its affects here on earth.
The turn of Astronomy over the past couple of decades has been to bring much more emphasis to our Solar System than to the farther reaches of the galaxy and Universe.
This is especially so regarding the potentially hazardous effects of comets and asteroids. In light of these potential dangers, the Moon may pale.
Yet, from the standpoint of daily life, verses the apocalyptic threat of cosmic cataclysms, we can tunein to what is now. The Moon may not be a God as many traditional world mythologies maintain, but it is very significant to us. In this scientific age, it is simply unscientific to simply say, “I don’t believe the Moon has any effect on our emotions or consciousness.” The premise of science asks that we prove or disprove.
The problem is that to enter into a fair study of its potential effects, we must tune-in to our subjectivity which includes our ever changing moods and emotions and to synchronistic shifts on inner and outer level that
correspond with the timing of the phases and aspects of the Moon to other planets.
The dates and timing of these is readily available in any Astrology Calendar, which is the same as any other, yet with added information indicating the date and time of the ongoing aspect patterns. Bringing in the subjective and emotional feeling function may not sound like good science. But maybe that is a core issue of scientific thought since we are very much emotional beings. Denying this is apparent in the left brain tilt of modern civilization, the consequence of which suggests that despite all our technological advances, our world is in crisis.
Is it possible that at least some of the problems we face stems from a denial and suppression of our very nature? Yes, many would agree that we have become emotionally unintelligent. But the tide is turning. So, this Solar Eclipse New Moon offers us a golden opportunity to pay closer attention to the intrinsic relationship we share with the ever changing face of the silvery light reflected by our very own Moon. Read all about it and more in my free New Moon Newsletter.
~ Michael O’Connor is a full-time professional Astrologer/Numerologist, published author, presenter and workshop facilitator. Michael brings a wealth of insight about Astrology, Psychology, Spirituality and esoteric understanding of the evolution of the soul. Contact Michael to set up a personal appointment by email sunstarastrology@gmail.com or 1-888-352-2936.
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Electric Bills Are Shocking O
ne significant increase in your utility bill you cannot blame on City Council is the Hydro Bill.
When B.C. Hydro wants to increase its rates, it applies to B.C. Utilities for permission. Once it gets the okay, it then raises its rates to the purchasers of the power, such as Fortis, who then pass the increase on to us. Why is B.C. Hydro requesting a 10% increase? This increase, B.C. Hydro tells us, is to pay for expanding the Waneta Dam near Trail, at a cost of $450 million, adding two more turbines at the Mica am at a cost of $1.3 Billion, and installing another turbine at Revelstoke Dam, and expanding its legacy dams at a cost of $5.3 Billion. That’s three times more than the upgrades done for a whole decade (1998-2008). Why weren’t these upgrades done then?
B.C. Hydro will also be building a new Northwest Transmission Line Project. This is a 344 kilometre line from near Terrace to a new substation yet to be built, at Bob Quinn Lake. On Feb. 23, 2011, the Environmental Assessment Office granted B.C. Hydro a certificate to proceed with the project. The project is expected to cost $400 million but we all know about cost
About 77 percent of B.C. Hydro’s work force earn in excess of $75,00 per year and its CEO earns approximately $700,000 per year. The Government of B.C. has taken no steps to have B.C. Hydro curb its wild spending. Instead, it’s telling us to conserve energy. over-runs. In 2010, B.C. Hydro’s net income was $447 million, up from $365 million a year earlier. Also, in 2007 B.C. Hydro had a net revenue of $379 million. Last year, despite an income of $447 million, it operated at a loss of $249 million. This is a differnce of $648 million in only three years! B.C. Hydro should get control of its expenditures. It spent one billion dollars on computerized electric metres which did nothing to reduce electricity consumption. Perhaps it should avoid spending $62,000 for a reception at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention. What other expenditures do we not know about? In 2004 there were about 4,200 employees at B.C. Hydro. In 2010 that number exploded to 5,800 employees, an increase of 38 percent. In 2009, salaries increased by 73% above the 2004 level and by 2010 it had increased by another 11%.
The 10% rate increase imposed by B.C. Hydro is an acceptable increase in their view. This is a cumulative increase. That means that every year your electricity bill will increase by 10% over the previous year’s bill. Your electricity rates will double in only eight years! This is a regressive tax, taxing the rich and the poor alike. However, it has a much more devastating impact on those who are on the lower income scale and those on fixed incomes.
This increase comes at a time when electricity use has fallen by 22 GWh between 2006 and 2010. In addition, all of this inappropriate spending and operating at a loss comes at a time when corporate tax levels have been reduced. Guess who makes up for this government’s friendship towards corporations? You know who! ~ A retired teacher, Bob Abrahams calls Nelson home.
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The New Way To Get Around G
as prices are hovering around $1.37/litre. You need a cheaper alternative but don’t know what the answer is. Short of walking or cycling the answer is….a scooter. In China they’re the most popular method of personal transportation.
gas is 250 km. They have the power to make it up the steep grades in Nelson. Other models can take passengers. All have trunks and under seat storage to carry groceries, books, etc.
They are far more economical to buy, insure, and fuel than a car and free to park. Most scooters require only a normal Class 5 driver’s license; some require no license at all.
MAC’s require a bicycle helmet, LSM’s require a motorcycle helmet. Prices are similar between the 2 types but vary widely between dealers.
The average electric scooter uses a 500 watt motor with a 20-30 km range on a charge. Standard recharging time is 4-7 hours. Most electrics can’t go up Stanley Street without pedal assist so are suitable for errands around town or short hops.
In Europe scooter sales are soaring. In Canada there’s growing interest in these fun little machines. We’re not referring to slow moving mobility scooters. Scooters for the new age are slick, fast and fun. If you can ride a bicycle you can ride a scooter.
So the question is: gas-powered or electric. This is where personal choice kicks in, fueled by a little comparative knowledge. Here’s the scoop: Gas powered scooters are limited speed motorcycles (LSM’s) with speeds up to 70 km/hr (50cc models) or 90 km/hr (150cc models). Larger models require a motorcycle license; 50cc scooters only require a Class 5. They need to be registered and insured. Electric scooters, or motor-assisted cycles (MAC’s), look like small motorcycles but run on batteries,
with detachable pedals to assist manually. Their maximum speed is 32 km/hr. Fine for around town but not designed for long distances and they don’t have the speed to be highway legal except on the shoulder (like bicycles). Electric scooters don’t require licensing or insurance. So consider speeds for the terrain you intend to travel and different licensing regulations but there’s another huge difference … power source and travelling range. As an example the popular “Retro” model at New Age Scooters in Nelson :
This single seat scooter has a 5 litre gas tank; fuel consumption averages 2 litres/100 km; range on a tank of
Prices for gas scooters at New Age Scooters range from $1,999 – $2,599. Recently advertised prices around town for the electrics range from $2,299 - $4,999. So it’s up to you…determine your needs and where you want to go and then research the right scooter for you, but switch today. Do it for your wallet and for the environment.
Visit New Age Scooters at 721F Front St. in Nelson. Open Tuesday to Saturday or call 250352-0704. ~Submitted by Kathy Hartley.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT. YOUR DONATION AND PURCHASE OF CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ALLOW US TO PROVIDE: • A nutritional breakfast • Occassional hot lunch on cold days • Coffee & Conversation • A warm place for those living outside • Shower facilities • Laundry facilities • Job Search • Counselling & Referral services • Food Bank
• Free Clothing (seasonally appropriate) • Christmas & Winter relief (toy and food hampers) • Employment & Volunteer opportunities (Thrift Store and Drop-In) • Student Practicum Site (ie: Nursing program, Social Work program, High school leadership classes) • A sense of dignity and hope
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Advertising Is An Investment • The 1st time someone looks at an ad, they don’t see it. • The 2nd time, they don’t notice it. • The 3rd time, they are conscious of its existence. • The 4th time, they faintly remember having seen it. • The 5th time, they read it. • The 6th time, they turn up their nose at it. • The 7th time, they read it through and say “Oh, goodness!” • The 8th time, they say “There’s that confounded thing again!” • The 9th time, they wonder whether it amounts to anything. • The 10th time, they ask their neighbour if they’ve tried it. • The 11th time, they wonder how the advertiser makes it pay. • The 12th time, they think it must be a good thing. • The 13th time, they think it might be worth something. • The 14th time, they remember they wanted it for a long time. • The 15th time, they are tantalized for they cannot afford it. • The 16th time, they think they will buy it some day. • The 17th time, they make a memorandum of it. • The 18th time, they swear at their poverty. • The 19th time, they count their money carefully. • The 20th time they see the ad, they buy the article.
~ Thomas Smith, London, England, 1885
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6624 Highway 3A ~ $649,000
3132 Keniris Road ~ $599,900
816 Carbonate ~ $309,000
7032 Hwy 3A ~ $1,599,000
Best Buy Waterfront 125’ Of sandy beach with a new dock. 0.80 Acres. 3 Bed/4 bath home with wing containing indoor pool & hot tub. View deck with new stairs. Panoramic Sunshine Bay views. Recent upgrades. Rare lake front. Call John.
Straw Bale Custom design eco-friendly home with amazing attention to detail. Hand-crafted cabinetry, beautiful wood beams, hardwood floors & in-floor heat. 3.29 Acres, organic gardens, abundant fruit trees & views of the lake & mountains. Call John.
Cute as a Button Charming 3 bedroom home on 50 x 120 level lot just steps from downtown, schools and hospital. Lots of off street parking, paved drive & carport. Landscaped & gardens. Nice mountain view. Call John.
Kootenay Lake Waterfront Captivating 4 yr old custom designed 2 storey lake shore home. Features include a master suite fireplace & covered deck. 1.64 Acres, sandy beach, foreshore lease & dock. Over height garage, triple garage, carport & single garage. By Appointment Only. Call Burke.
10, 2756 Greenwood ~ $79,900
7626 Highway 3A ~ $639,900
821 Tenth Street ~ $372,000
4898 Highway 3A ~ $699,900
Open Concept Spacious 1991 14’ wide mobile. 3 Bdrms, large bath, vaulted ceilings & skylights + workshop, large walk-thru bath. Open concept kitchen/dining, sunken living room. Sun room addition with skylights accesses front & rear decks. Garden shed too. Call Trevor.
Balfour Waterfront Waterfront living - a great opportunity to enjoy Kootenay recreation. 3 Bedroom home with basement suite. Large lot is terraced with level lawns. Gentle access to sandy beach & dock, great boat access. A Must see, call David today!
Upper Fairview Charming 50’s era home with hardwood floors, gas fireplace, updated decor, newer roof & garage, private patio & hot tub. Great investment location near campus. 1 Bdrm in-law suite down. Level 50 x 110 Lot. Call David for details.
Beasley Paradise Wooded 15 acre paradise overlooking Kootenay River. Beautiful 3 bdrm log home, loft, 3 balconies, solarium, wrap veranda, hot tub deck & BBQ deck. 77x26 2-Storey shop w/double garage & loft + triple garage too. Call Trevor.
1518 McQuarrie ~ $209,900
214 Hart Street ~ $315,000
Valhalla River Suites ~ $775,000
3651 Kendall Court ~ $624,900
Great Accommodation 3 Bdrm 1.5 bath 1/2 duplex in Rosemont. Updated laminate flooring & opened living areas. Easy care lot. Back deck. Off Street parking. Newer roof & windows. Close to schools & bus route. An alternative to paying rent. Call Trevor.
Uphill Rancher 3 Bdrm, 2 bath home on level 60 x 106 lot. Well appointed interior, new appliances, gas fireplace in living room & potential to develop suite. Private fenced back yard, shed, gardens, lane. Carport, paved drive, hot tub & covered patio. Call David.
Unique Riverfront Vacation rental property on Slocan River at Passmore. 4 Fully self contained furnished suites + 5th wheel RV. 1.53 Acres with 142’ of river frontage. Decks & patios take in the views, boardwalk thru natural landscaping to private hot tub. Call Burke.
Slocan River Front Paradise - 325’ on the river on 1.48 acres. Detailed 2188 sq.ft. 3 bdrm rancher. Open design, vaulted ceilings, covered river view decks. 1680 sq.ft. heated garage & shop. Geothermal in-floor heat. Paved drive, fenced side yard. Call David.
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433 Josephine St. • Nelson, BC • 250.352.2100 • www.nelsonrealty.ca