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Rural Serving Port Renfrew Jordan River Otter Point Willis Point East Sooke Malahat Shirley
OBSERVER Celebrating Our Rural Community Lifestyle
A Circle of Sharing SEAWEED and RADIATION Rejuvenate Your Garden
Photo From Sooke Region Museum Archives
South Coast Summer Highs
Vol. 8 Issue 2 May 2011
The Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society Mission Statement A group of Juan de Fuca residents formed a non-profit society to launch a news and advertising publication for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. We provide a forum for our rural communities to share news, exchange ideas and develop a sense of community. At the same time the publication gives businesses within and outside the electoral area an opportunity to promote their products and services and reach potential customers. We also hope to make current information about the region and its services available to the many tourists who visit the area each year. Our goal is to protect, preserve and enhance rural life. The publication will rely on community members to share their interests and points of view through articles, correspondence and photographs. We welcome articles and letters reflecting the very diverse interests of our member communities and expressing all points of view. The editorial committee reserves the right to edit for brevity, accuracy, clarity and taste. Though every reasonable precaution will be made to verify the accuracy of material submitted, the editorial committee assumes no responsibility for the content of published articles. The responsibility is that of the writers. References and descriptions of products or services are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. We’re online! www.ruralobserver.com If you wish to submit an article for an upcoming issue of the Rural Observer, please email it to: submissions@ruralobserver.com Or mail to: Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society 6790 East Sooke Road, Sooke BC V9Z 1A6
BECOME A MEMBER or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! Celebrate our rural community lifestyle by helping us share stories and information about our region. Become a member of the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society today. Our fee structure is as follows - you may renew/join at the basic level of $10, become a “Friend” of the Rural Observer for $25, a “Supporter” for $50, or a “Lifetime Member” for only $100. We recommend the lifetime membership - you won’t need to remember to renew each year! The Rural Observer needs your support to keep it strong, viable and independent. Please make out cheques to the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society and mail to: J.Roots, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6
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Name ____________________________________ Address _______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Phone ____________ E-mail ______________________ Are you able to help? _____________________________ Return to: JdF Rural Publication Society, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6
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May 2011
On Our Cover
A Circle of Sharing
by Elida Peers, Historian, Sooke Region Museum
How appropriate to share farm stories, situated as we are alongside what is probably the oldest continuously-operated farm in British Columbia, Woodside. Pete Wilford spoke not only of the early Muir operation of Woodside Farm but of the historic fruit trees, the Glinzes, dairying, cheese making and the 75c chicken dinners on summer Sundays. Pete, a farmer at heart like his parents Phil and Elsa, continues to farm the land today, with livestock and crops. He’s hoping the renewed interest in farming will keep the future of Woodside agricultural. The farm stories ranged from early to the late 1900s and the speakers were encircled in fellowship by many of today’s farmers, gathered at Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre. The afternoon started with recollections sent by Jerry Filippo, of his young days helping his parents, the Pete Filippos as they tried to wrest a living from the historic old Tugwell/Gordon farm in Otter Point. Dutch immigrants after World War II, the Filippos were working to reclaim the farm that had been lost to the Scott & Peden Feed store in Victoria for non-payment of a feed bill during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Photo of the Cartwright and Engleson Family 1914 -16 from Sooke Region Museum Archives
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“Purchased farm in 1951 ... first things we bought were coal oil lamps and a wood burning kitchen stove. We got water in pails from the creek that runs through the lower field, until we got the windmill working. In 1952 we bought 2 or 3 cows and 250 chickens; that was also the year we got electricity and phone and built a proper bathroom. The first phone call we got, though, was from people in Sooke saying that day’s milk tasted like onions. We had a problem, two days before the cows broke out of the pasture and I found them on the beach ... I checked where the cows had been and found wild onions growing there. We had to throw out all our milk and butter.” Anna (Jensen) West told of her grandfather Charles King who pre-empted 103 acres in Otter District in 1896. In 1904, joined by his bride from London, Jane Camp, he built a tworoomed log cabin near the creek. He built chicken houses, rabbit hutches and pig pens from cedar shakes and poles, and planted fruit trees and strawberries, which grew quite successfully. Their only child Margaret, born two years later, sadly lost her mother when she was but three, and was fostered by the Murray family who also farmed on Sooke Harbour. Grown up, Margaret married Kai Jensen, and settled in Saseenos. In season, they sold chickens and strawberries to the Glinzes at Woodside Farm for their chicken dinners. The Jensens expanded to running a dairy farm, selling about fifty bottles of milk and cream daily. While the eight cows were milked by hand, a milk separator was used. Later they shipped the milk to Northwestern Creamery in Victoria, two 10 gallon cans daily. Anna West recalled how she and her siblings spent hours in the fields weeding, particularly the rows of mangels, which were grown for winter cattle feed. Velma (Cook) Jessiman spoke of her grandfather Joseph Poirier Jr, remembering him mowing oats with a team of horses, in the days when the Poirier family farmed a section of land at the oceanside end of Kemp Lake Road. She continued on page 4 3
May 2011
scrambling to pick up pennies thrown down to the kids by Wes Carscadden, a teamster in the centre of Sooke who took his team to plow and harvest for neighbouring farmers. When he needed a gate opened for his team, the lure of pennies soon got the youngsters hopping for him. Audrey’s grandparents Eustace and Anne Arden kept their team in a stable on Otter Point Road, near where Dumont Tire is today. When the Ardens moved out to the then-remote Sheringham Point Lighthouse, they got a large garden going to feed their family. At age 9, Audrey’s mum Frances Arden herded the milk cows along the beach rocks to find pockets of grass.
recalled helping to plant large fields of potatoes and carrots. The Poiriers raised sheep for market, and it was a challenge to keep them safe from hungry cougars. Tales by John Martin of growing up on his dad’s family farm alongside Sooke River, where handy pools tempted the three Martin youngsters to a cooling dip, brought chuckles from the listeners. One of John’s humorous yarns was about a farmer who sold a dozen eggs, with only 11 in the carton. The farmer had an explanation, though – one was double-yolked. Her roots go way back, and Elinor (Eve) McClimon shared stories of her great-grandparents WH and Azuba Anderson of Malahat Farm. In 1895 WH purchased 160 acres from the E & N Railway for $3.00 an acre. The industrious Andersons (remembered by Anderson Road in Shirley) continued to build their enterprise. As Elinor recalled, “No longer did they just trade produce with their neighbours but their market expanded. Elder’s Camp and Sooke became part of their sales area. An abundant garden also supplied Scott & Peden in Victoria. Deliveries were made by foot, by Harry Clark’s stage and by WH’s Model A Ford ... One story has it that the Victoria mailman even hauled a substantial order of Christmas holly with him as he headed back to town!”
One of Sooke’s earliest immigrant families was the Welshes. Granddaughter Helen (Welsh) Yost spoke of her father farming in the Maple Avenue area, including where Burnside House stands. William Welsh produced abundant potato crops, while her brother Ernie Welsh farmed on the spot where in 1849, Captain WC Grant, the Colony’s first immigrant settler had planted the district’s first turnips between Grant and Caldwell Roads. Maywell Wickheim, who grew up on a small family farm in Saseenos, spoke of the varied types of farms during the 1920s to 50s and came up with 35 working farms that he could bring to mind. “Bare-footin’ it in Becher Bay” was how Louise Wright Paterson’s entertaining yarn went. “When planting, we never used pesticides .... harvesting was all done by hand and our treat at the end of the day was to take a turnip down to the saltchuck, wash it in the saltwater and eat it ... Weeding and thinning was done by hand for the more delicate produce, but the larger crops required horse power. Our first horse was a wind-broke logging horse; Mom paid $75 for her, a beautiful big Clydesdale. I was always the one riding Lady-horse, all day on the back of this big barrel belly ... As a logging horse, she had been taught to lunge in the harness so she could start the logs skidding. Well this is not the choice method for farming, and many a seedling went by the wayside before I could slow her down to where Mother could control the cultivator.” Telling about his parents’ strawberry farm between Phillips Road and the Sooke River Bridge, Doug MacFarlane remembers that one strawberry weighed in at a shade over ¾ of a pound. Space does not permit us to do justice to the afternoon’s wonderful stories – thanks, folks!
Darryl Sheilds spoke of picking stones on a neighbouring farm near his Caldwell Road home as a youngster. Also of his greatuncle William Sheilds’ farm way up Phillips Road, where there was a large cattle barn, flocks of sheep, and where the famous Sheilds bull kept the fields free of trespassers. A childhood memory of Audrey (Sullivan) Wilson was of
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May 2011
Readers’ FORUM
vocals of 14 year-old Finn and 17 year-old Millie. They played a mix of fine originals and some great covers, playing with a poise, professionalism and stage presence far beyond their years. Make sure you check this family out if you have a chance to see them play.
Juan de Fuca Trail: Working Around Government I share the concern about the threat to the trail. The origin of the problem, of course, is the ill-advised action of the provincial government. Participation and involvement in government is important. In my view, anyone concerned about the environment should not consider casting a vote for any BC Liberal or federal Conservative. And those who have given their time and energy to keep the pressure on local government bodies are owed a real debt of thanks. But on this issue, perhaps we could also think about working around and beyond governments. Here is one idea as an example.
Food for the night was provided by Nindi Singh, the new owner of the Otter Point Bakery in Sooke. Stop in some time and sample his excellent and authentic Indian dishes. There are so many people that make a community event happen, and we want to make sure we tip our hats to them. It all began in December last year with Janet Caplan doing bookings and organizational pieces that were crucial and then she, for months, carefully and consistently, co-ordinated with Charlotte Senay and provided invaluable background support.
Why not consider organizing and funding a campaign to respectfully and lawfully inform prospective buyers about the new development. It would be a service to prospective buyers to inform them that local residents have nothing against them personally, but think they should know before they buy that this project is considered destructive by many, and there is conflict in the community.
Noella LeDrew designed tickets again - beautifully. Valerie Braunschweig assisted generously with hall arrangements and decorations - prior to and the day of. Richard Pyke was there hooking up electrical stuff so the musicians’ needs were met. Kay Lovett transformed the stage and front of the hall by hanging her stunning mural and working with Kelly to drape Trinita Waller’s loaned black cloth.
Are there other ways to work around government and save the trail?
Trent Arterbury graciously donated his stage. The firefighters and chief, kindly moved all of their weightlifting equipment and games out of the hall so it would be filled to capacity with chairs and musicians. Vivi and Terri enthusiastically sold raffle tickets (Sooke Harbour House and Brian White, of Royal Roads, donated lovely prizes). Also thank you to James Craven and Sarah Nakatsuka for their donations.
William S. Geimer Sooke BC
Successful RO Fundraiser – Thanks To Volunteers!
Too many people pitched in to clean up to even start to list. The audience was certainly an East Sooke base, but included people from Victoria, Pearson College, Sooke, UVic and Shirley; they were loudly enthusiastic and appreciative! Thank you all! You bought tickets - HUGE thanks- and most came and had a blast double thanks!!! Your support is heartwarming. You made this a true community event.
Before you know it, East Sooke just might become the musical hotbed of Greater Victoria. Many from East Sooke and beyond gathered once again for a great night of music at the community hall on Saturday April 9th. The evening was another very successful fundraiser for the Rural Observer.
Kelly Nakatsuka has thanked the musicians who were utterly amazing, but the evening also belongs to Kelly - our host and MC from CBC’s All Points West. Kelly and his beautiful wife, Sarah, live on Beecher Bay Road. From the beginning, these musical events were his manifestations, his dream. We, at the Rural Observer have talked for two or three years of organizing events like this to bring the community together. Kelly made it happen. HE is the guy who gets the musicians, and then, with Richard takes care of their needs. HE is the first person to get the ball rolling - get a musician and a date - and the last person to arrive home after the event because he is delivering items back to their kind lenders. He MCs the event with an ease and flair and warmth that makes it flow like silk. East Sooke and the Rural Observer are very grateful for you and to you!
Aidan Knight made his long-anticipated appearance and did not disappoint. Fresh off his first coast to coast Canadian tour, Aidan was in fine form. His ease with the audience and youthful charm were a great fit for a crowd that ranged in age from six to, well... much older than that. For someone as young as he is, Aidan writes songs that sound like they’re coming from someone much older. He has a unique and engaging style that sets him apart from most singer-songwriters of his generation, and it’s easy to see why he has captured the attention of music fans across the country. Opening the evening with a truly wonderful set was the O’Brien family from Victoria. Paul O’Brien is a veteran performer from the UK who has called Vancouver Island home for several years now. He has recently begun performing with his three teenage children and the quartet wowed the crowd. With Paul on guitar and mandolin, he and his son Cormack on stand-up bass provided the rhythm section for the lead 5
May 2011
The Powerful Benefits of Stinging Nettles by Marcie Gauntlett
temperate climates like BC, but all across North America. The leaf is almost heart-shaped, but serrated, and the fine “hairs” (stingers) are almost naked to the human eye. Each “hair” is filled with the most amazing raft of ingredients including acetylcholine, histamine, and formic acid which, when touched, will send you hopping several feet away! If you are not sure, just test a finger and be prepared; you’ll know immediately and will only have to suck the finger for maybe 6 hours! Of course the leaves lose their “sting” upon immersion in hot water or in cooking.
With the “greening” of almost everything in our lives these days, one amazing “green” I can totally recommend is the ubiquitous stinging nettle. On the other hand, especially if you have to make a pit stop on a local hike, it is Murphy’s Law that invariably you will back into the bush and suddenly be completely paralyzed for a moment! It then dawns that you have backed into their territory and they have let you know immediately! So be forewarned, they are in our area and you have to be aware of this rather attractive plant with its pinkish-green buds and bristles - just waiting for a poor unsuspecting soul. But I digress - the purpose of this piece is to let you know that we couldn’t be eating anything better in this world as far as greens go. Sure, kale and chard and collards are absolutely wonderful, and people are growing them these days, but nettles are totally free. You just have to know where they are, and they are (usually) down by the riverside, the ocean, or lake. You must wear gloves of some sort and also jeans of course and long sleeves - no real armour necessary.
As long as history has been written, stinging nettles have been used as a cure for colds, sore throats, even scurvy and cancer, and can be brewed up into a rather tasty tea. They are rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, sulphur and iodine to mention a few elements, as well as vitamins C and B complex. I love to make them into a delectable and nutritious soup. They can be frozen after washing and you can look forward to a real warming soup on a cold winter day.
Take a couple of plastic bags with you and fill up two, taking the new shoots in the early spring and the tops of the plant later on. Do not pull up the entire stalk which is easy to do, just be gentle and snap off the top of the plant. It will continue to grow and nail other people who are out hiking!
Here is my recipe: Cut up leaves and stems coarsely and pack into food processor along with a good splash of olive oil and 2 or 3 cloves of minced garlic. Process until reduced to fairly small pieces. Saute one large onion, 2 stalks of celery cut up, and 10 baby carrots chopped, for about 5 minutes and then add the processed nettles, stirring into the veggies. Stir fry for about another 5 minutes and then add one or two litres of either chicken broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.
Nettles belong to the Urtica species and are found more often in
Simmer this all for about one hour. Check for taste and add salt, pepper and a dash of turmeric only; you don’t want to disguise the nettle taste with other spices. Now take your wand mixer and give the mixture a good go - it will come out all creamy and nice. It is great this way or if you want to make it really special, add a can of coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve as a starter for a grand dinner with a dollop of sour cream in the middle - it’ll be a hit for sure!
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May 2011
Calendar of Events for Shirley
Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Shirley Community Hall
Shirley Fire Department Practices held Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Chief Donovan Ray 250-646-2107 Shukokai Karate for all ages Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Alida – 642-4631 Hatha Yoga Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. To Register: sarahlouisericher@gmail.com Shirley Quilters and Crafters Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All welcome Nia Dance/Movement Thursdays, 6:45-8 p.m. movingmelody@gmail.com or 250-646-2995 Shirley Community Association Meeting Wednesday, May 11, 2011 7:30 pm. Fiona – 646-2730
Seaweeds And Radiation: Protection & Detoxification by Christine Hopkins, From the Garden...at French Beach & Amanda Swinimer, Dakini Tidal Wilds
We have all been plunged into circumstances we could not have anticipated just a short month ago. I always prefer to emphasize the positive – but our current dilemma, precipitated by the massive earthquake, tsunami, and severe breakdown of the Fukushima Nuclear plant in Japan –is very serious. We continue to go through our daily lives, but any thinking person knows our world view needs to change. We are suddenly so vulnerable here on our beautiful, wild coast – in spite of the thousands of kilometres separating us from the horrific destruction in Japan – it is really only one ocean. We are at risk in so many ways. Over the past couple of years, my neighbour, Amanda Swinimer, and I have been co-presenting workshops – teaching people the phenomenal nutritional and therapeutic properties of a large assortment of seaweeds. We have found our businesses and focus remarkably compatible – since Amanda harvests the large brown kelps, focusing on edible seaweeds while my specialty is seaweeds in treatments, integrated with essential oil therapy – and I am a very strong advocate for skin absorption of nutrients. We believe both methods provide optimum protection. As people vitally concerned with the pristine quality of our ocean foreshore, we began researching immediately to determine how serious the threat of radioactive contamination could be to our coastal environment. Among the myriad of questions, we were searching for factual material as to whether our situation is being monitored. We were pleased to find articles and commentary online from CBC news stories and interviews with scientists and health officers. Briefly, one article (March 18) from Health Canada, indicated that it “...is deploying nine more radiation-monitoring devices to BC ...in addition to six units already in place along the BC coast.”
One scientist, Dr. Kris Starosta, from Simon Fraser University commented in a separate news story (March 29) “We can clearly see from the data we have there is on the order of seven days between the releases in Fukushima and radiation reaching us here.” He also stated that researchers will continue to keep an eye on radioactive iodine 131 – a key component of nuclear power plant radiation – but also on cesium 37, adding that “Cesium is harder to detect than iodine 131” and “iodine 131 also decays rapidly, lessening the risk. Cesium can remain in the atmosphere for 30 years”. The story continued, “BC scientists have said that local radiation levels that can be linked to the Japanese reactor are miniscule and pose no threat to the public.” [http:/www.cbc.ca/news/canada/britishcolumbia/story/2011/03/28/ bc-radiation-iodine-131.html] More recent stories focused on the massive quantity of radioactive contamination being caused by the serious leak in the power plant and the inability to stop it. In spite of assurances, we are left worrying about severe consequences of both air-born exposure and the prevailing winds and currents, which leads us to want to share valuable information that we have both accumulated as to the dynamic potential of seaweeds to provide us with unique prevention of the absorption of radioactive iodine and to assist our bodies to safely detoxify from exposure. Here is Amanda’s summary of the tremendous protection from seaweeds in general, and specifically kelps: Seaweeds, Iodine & Radiation Protection ~If the body is saturated with natural, nonradioactive iodine, there is nowhere for the radioactive iodine from the nuclear fallout (Io- 131) to bind. Seaweeds in general are rich in iodine, but kelp is especially high in natural iodine (Io-127). ~To protect against radiation, the thyroid needs to be saturated with natural iodine BEFORE the nuclear fallout reaches us. ~The iodine in kelp is very similar to the way iodine is stored in our thyroid hormones. ~Seaweeds are rich in complimentary nutrients (especially selenium) needed to process iodine. ~Seaweeds contain 100-200mcg/gm of iodine (depending on species, location and time of year). continued on page 14
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May 2011
Marlene Bowman: “National Treasure”
Marlene’s workplace and is home to her wedging table, wheel and supplies. She welcomes visitors during the Stinking Fish Studio Tour.
by Janet Caplan
Marlene Bowman, potter, has been working at her art for over thirty years. She began in the 1970s, a time when making pottery was enjoying a surge in popularity. Marlene, who then lived in Tsawwassen, ventured into a series of classes with the Delta Potters. The rest, as they say, is history.
On my recent visit, not only was I greeted warmly, but I was also fortunate enough to be given a demonstration of Marlene’s skill and her striking appliqué technique. The slab form that she repeatedly threw on her wedging table took on a life of its own as she created a forest landscape on its surface by layering on strips of clay and applying varied textures with some of her found objects. She then threw the slab again, stretching it and the picture she’d created - “letting it go” and in the process, altering it to the point of her satisfaction. Designs for current pieces are focused on land use: from forest to city. Marlene’s work is also showcased in the Fired Up! Contemporary Works in Clay exhibit. She was invited to join the group of British Columbia ceramic artists several years ago and as a member, participates in the annual show, now in its 27th year. It is held at the end of May in the Metchosin Community Hall.
Mostly self-taught, Marlene has experimented over the years with a variety of techniques including the use of paper clays, stretched slab forms and clay infused with colour. Her art is always evolving, both in technique and style. Inspiration for design and texture comes from our landscape of rocks, mosses and trees. Marlene layers or appliqués clay on top of the vessels that she fabricates. By using texturing tools, including items that she finds on the shore, and applying clay strips to her stretched slab pieces, she creates impressive vases, bowls, pitchers and more.
Typically several guest artists from BC are invited to display their work along with that of the core group. In the past some of the invitees have included graduates of the Emily Carr Institute. This year’s exhibition will be somewhat different. In addition to the work of the Fired Up artists, ceramic art from across Canada will be displayed and available for purchase. The creators of these pieces will be represented at the Fired Up show by the Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery of London, Ontario, Canada’s leading contemporary ceramic gallery. A selection of work by 11 of the gallery’s top artists, all living and working outside of our province, will be presented by Mr. Bancroft-Snell himself. The theme of this year’s exhibition is the “Axis of Art”: art being the central point in the connection between the artist or creator, the connector or gallery, and the collector – all are equal participants. An elaboration of the theme will be put forward by Jonathon Bancroft-Snell when he addresses the Opening Night Gala on Thursday evening, May 26th .
East Sooke has been home to Marlene and her husband for the past 20 years. Marlene’s studio, Seagirt Pottery, is adjacent to the Bowmans’ house. The studio serves as a gallery and as
In addition to local exhibitions, Marlene’s work has been shown at the Bancroft-Snell Gallery in London. Last summer she participated in “Upstarts”: a show for active potters over the age of 70: “national treasures” as Jonathon stated. In 2009, Marlene’s work was on display as part of the Fired Up exhibition in Waterloo, Ontario at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery.
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May 2011
East Sooke Community Calendar East Sooke Volunteer Fire Department Fire Practice Thursdays 7:00 p.m. New Volunteers Welcome Chief Roger Beck 642-4411 East Sooke Fire Protection And Emergency Services Commission Third Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Public Welcome Chair Layton Engwer 642-4411
Throughout Marlene Bowman’s many years as a potter her enthusiasm has not waned. Her style evolves and changes; it’s an exciting process. There is always something new to think about and try out. And Marlene continues to have the strength and energy required to create her art. She truly is a “national treasure”. Marlene enjoys sharing her work with fellow artists and collectors alike. Go see for yourself this May in Metchosin. The Fired Up! Contemporary Works in Clay exhibition will be held at the Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Road from May 27-29, 10:00 am-4:00 pm with the Special Opening Night Gala on Thursday evening, May 26 from 6:00-9:00, sales from 6:30 pm.
Yoga Classes East Sooke Fire Hall training room Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. For Info: 250 891-1788 Karate Classes For All Ages East Sooke Fire Hall training room 1397 Coppermine Rd. Tuesdays 7:00 pm Instructor: Armin Aielopp 642-3926 Coffee, Conversation & Book Exchange Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,beginning April 23rd Ragley Farm, 5717 East Sooke Road E-mail: ragley@telus.net
Holistic Healing Salon www.healingbymeg.com/english.html Reservations only.
NOW CHAIR MASSAGE AVAILABLE! $20/15 minuets $40/30 minuets
Meg Peterson 250-891-7406 heal-thyself@hotmail.co.jp
Doug Read Licensed Realtor 25 years experience~15 years *Selling* in *East Sooke* Put my local Knowledge & Experience to Work for You. Doug Read Pemberton Holmes Real Estate 250-361-7939 or 250-642-2705 or toll free 1-866-536-7169 email: info@dougread.com web site: www.dougread.com
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May 2011
Port Renfrew Takes A Stand by Liz Welliver
Forest Alliance, TJ Watt and Ken Wu, to discover the Avatar Grove and the small town of Port Renfrew.
Pearson College is a paradigm for globalization. In one school, I study and live with students from nearly 100 different countries. At Pearson, we often discuss environmental economics in terms of multinational corporations, debating the role of Walmart in solving the environmental crisis. Recently, however, I have discovered that the solution to effectively addressing our most pressing ecological issues is within our own communities. I now question, what can our local businesses do to protect and conserve nature?
My first impressions of Port Renfrew came with our arrival at the Coastal Kitchen Café: the heart of the town and a necessary stop for all visitors. The host and co-owner, Jessie, greeted us by offering home-cooked soup and ample space for the Ancient Forest Alliance to gather before we took off for our hike. I felt right at home in the friendly atmosphere of greetings exchanged between the locals and newcomers alike. I also gained a true appreciation for the character of Port Renfrew, and its small business community that collaborates for the goodwill of the community.
As part of Pearson’s mission for using education as a force for peace and a sustainable future, students participate in an experiential-based learning opportunity called project week twice a year. In designing a project this February, I decided to work on a team with three co-years, Danielle (the Netherlands), Luke (Yukon), and Amelia (Ontario), to produce a documentary about BC’s oldgrowth forestry. We focused upon the conservation of the Avatar Grove, a magnificent stand of old-growth forest fifteen minutes outside of Port Renfrew.
In fact, the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce has shown incredible support for the protection of the Avatar Grove in recent months. In our interview with Rose Betsworth, president of the Chamber, she stated her on-going support, “We support our community and our businesses thrive because people come to see the old-growth forest.” Jon Cash, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Soule Creek Lodge, stated, “It’s the only thing this community was missing to be a jumping point to something bigger.” The leadership of the Chamber of Commerce has propelled the opening of an information centre (expected to open May 1) to help direct tourists and visitors to the Grove and “Canada’s Gnarliest Tree.” Several cooperative initiatives, including a fundraiser at the Sooke Harbour House on March 17, have raised funds for the Ancient Forest Alliance for the chamber’s information centre.
On February 27, we set out with the co-founders of the Ancient
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5pm, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Office, #2 – 6868 West Coast Road
The people of Port Renfrew give me hope that small business communities can act with ecological awareness in the future to solve the environmental crisis. By engaging local chambers of commerce in the fight to preserve wilderness, we demonstrate the necessity of sustainable actions for our economy and for future generations.
Public Welcome to Attend For more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/jdf/parks. For meeting confirmation or enquiries, please call 250.642.1500.
To view our documentary, please visit Youtube and search, “Avatar Grove: Making a Stand”.
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May 2011
South Coast Summer Highs
by Tom Rahme
While this may be the typical scenario, hope is not lost for the West Coast summer because, as mentioned, this summertime HP does get restless. On numerous occasions throughout the season, off-shore HP shifts northwards through coastal waters, and with it goes the onshore flow. What often happens in these cases is a strong NNW flow across the top of the Island that helps create a nice little back eddy that I like to call the South Island Back Eddy (SIB). The SIB brings light winds to the lower half of the Island’s West Coast and with light winds and sunny skies comes warmer temperatures. Now it’s feeling like a real summer’s day, until ... as daytime sun warms the land, we see air over the land rise. This effect creates an area of low pressure near the surface called a thermal low. When summer skies are clear over the South Coast, and daytime heating gets going, we get these thermal lows around different parts of the region. One of these occurs in our region that I like to call the South Island thermal low (no acronym).
It’s been six years since I last brought words of weather to the Rural Observer and since then I’ve been be-trothed, be-childed and be-located back east…to the Highlands. But with board on car I still manage regular visits to your part of the world. So thank you for welcome passage through your lands, and thank you for letting me back into your hands and heads. Anyway, the last story I did for the RO was titled, “West Coast Winter Lows” (Suggested reading on Page 10 http://www. ruralobserver.com/FebIssue.PDF), so I thought it might be time for the sequel, “The South Coast Summer High”… sorry to have left you hanging. I like to think of the High Pressure (HP) system on the West Coast as being THE permanent year-round resident, muscled out by the constant intrusion of those winter low pressure systems that bring all that wet season rain. During the stormy months of October through March it may seem like HP makes only a rare appearance, but actually it’s always lurking on the sidelines, dancing around the South Coast like a prizefighter, poking and jabbing, searching for a chink in the armour of steel-grey skies that defend the wintery West Coast. On occasion it even manages to win a round or two of nice dry weather.
As air heats up over a sunny, calm South Island, thermal low pressure is created at the surface which draws westerly winds down the Juan, around Victoria and up the east side of the Island (counter clockwise around a low). This heating tends to be greatest towards the afternoon, which is why we often see these winds pick up through the afternoon and into the evening before dropping off by the AM. If heating is strong enough inland, these West winds may persist through night and day and extend across toward Puget Sound. So now we’re back to cool winds down the Juan.
As winter turns to spring, and spring to summer, our fair-weather friend engages in a slow reclamation of its rightful home. With the threat of a strong low pressure visit all but gone, HP takes up its summertime position just off the West Coast of the USA, shifting back and forth, up and down, never quite settled, but always working hard to keep us under sunny skies throughout the dry season months of April-September.
The real summer gems are the South Coast heat waves. Since the 70s and 80s the occurrence of these events has increased from an average of less than two per summer, to around 2.5 per summer. Heat waves most often come about with strong HP and clear skies extending up from the Western States and over the South Coast. Light winds and sunny skies mean hot temperatures, often in the 30s. Even the West Coast will hit the upper 20s or higher, particularly if this HP extends into the BC north and interior creating an offshore flow. Personally I love this hot weather.
In its most typical position, the counter clockwise rotation of winds around this HP brings an almost constant push of relatively cool, moist marine air off the Pacific and across our West Coast - and the path of least resistance…the Juan de Fuca. As westerly winds flow down the Juan, temperatures drop with them, all the way to Victoria and beyond. The difference in temperature between areas along the water and those inland (like the Highlands, or Saanich) can be as much as 10 degrees. When these winds flow they bring cool low level moisture off the Pacific, which often means fog. If you’ve spent any time in Ukee or Tofino, you know that summer there is marked by the constant presence of cool drizzly, foggy mornings that may or may not burn off as the heat of the day progresses. Further south in our neck of the woods, we’re under those same influences, only marginally less extreme. Away from the water it’s a different story... more sun and warmer temperatures.
So, there you have it, your high pressure summer on the Juan… more traffic, more tourists and more pressure. So if you need a break or a taste of some summer heat, come on down to the Highlands, you’re always welcome! Tom Rahme is an amateur meteorologist who runs a community weather website, www.coastwatching.ca, and a local house painting business www.tomthepainter.ca.
11
May 2011
BANANA SLUGS
by Moralea Milne
One of the creatures that most astounds visitors to our wet, west coast is our Pacific banana slug. Evincing gasps of astonishment and revulsion in equal measure, banana slugs can reach 25 cm in length and weigh 113 grams! Usually a light tan colour with random, darker blotches, like an over ripe banana, they can be anything from white to black, spotted or not. Although they are common in rural and natural areas, they have not adapted well to urbanization and are rarely found in developed regions; there you will find a selection of introduced, invasive species that bedevil gardeners and greenhouses operators alike.
daily. With the help of up to 27,000 backward pointing teeth-like projections (radula), they devour fungi, lichens and plants, while a few species prefer a modicum of protein in their diets and consume insects, carrion, even other slugs. Slugs process information through sensory cells that are found throughout their bodies, especially around their mouths, tentacles and along the foot. Slugs have two sets of tentacles, the longer pair is tipped with eyes that can distinguish light from dark and are possibly able to detect sources of heat. A shorter set, close to the ground are used for taste and smell.
The great grey garden slug (10 cm), milky slug (5 cm), midget milky slug and the greenhouse slug (7 cm) are formidable pests of the agricultural industry as well as home gardeners. Another introduced slug species, the black or licorice slug (15 cm), has strayed far from urban centres. This glossy, black pest can be found rapaciously feeding from ocean side to mountaintop. Wild native slugs are generally territorial and solitary animals, preferring to remain in the vicinity of a favoured, protected space.
What is more synonymous with slugs and our sense of disgust than slug slime? Slugs produce two types of mucus that aid in locomotion, prevent dehydration and protect them from predators. Their mucus has the ability to absorb water up to 100 times its initial volume; in practical terms, this means do not try to remove slug slime from your hands with water, it will only increase the amount of mucus. Instead, roll it off your hands, the same way you would with glue or gum. Scientists are studying slug mucus and exploring ideas that use the mechanics of slug mucus in new drug delivery systems, as pollutant traps for sewage treatments plants and as water based lubricants. In recent scientific experiments it has been found that slug slime accelerates decomposition in leaf litter, contributing to soil accumulation and forest health. Banana slugs hibernate through the hot, dry summer months (estivate). Wet weather triggers their mating instincts, so in the Pacific Northwest, that means mating can occur during much of the year.
All slugs are members of the mollusc family which also includes oysters, octopus and snails. Invertebrates with soft bodies, often with hard outer shells, molluscs are most often found in aquatic environments. Those that have adapted to land, particularly without shells, need sufficient moisture to survive, and you will most often find them out on rainy days or in the night. Banana slugs can crawl along at the great speed of ten metres per hour, the locomotion provided by a powerful band of muscle in the sole of its foot. For interest, place a slug on a piece of plate glass and view the fascinating interplay of rippling muscles in action.
WARNING!! The sex life of a slug is an x-rated affair, so if you are easily offended or suffer from a delicate condition, you should skip this section! Slugs are hermaphrodites; that is they are equipped with both male and female sex organs and if a potential partner is not in the vicinity, they can successfully reproduce by themselves. In the long term, however, the genetic vitality of the species as a whole is increased through the exchange of genes. Slugs have developed an elaborate courtship; they spend hours circling one another, while lunging, nipping and sideswiping each other with their tails. They have a disproportionately enlarged penis, up to half their total body length. The scientific species name for our banana slug is “dolichophallus� or long penis. As the mating progresses the slugs entwine into an S position, continuing to stimulate and encourage each other for hours, finally releasing and receiving sperm simultaneously. Banana slugs go even further into the world of the bizarre; after hours of sticky foreplay with such well endowed sex organs, they can become stuck together, like the two randy dogs I recently witnessed in a doorway of a Mexican hotel. To uncouple, one will chew off the penis of the other slug. Hmmm, apparently the penis-less slug will now act the role of a female, supplying eggs only, while the victorious penis-endowed slug will be able to both provide and receive fertilisation, giving it a genetic advantage. Enough said!
Slugs are voracious, some eating up to several times their weight
Finally, three to fifty white or golden eggs are laid in a suitably moist location, under a rotting log or in a hole in the ground. Depending on weather conditions, the eggs will hatch in three to eight weeks, although eggs laid in the fall will usually overwinter. Banana slugs are generally not a major problem for gardeners but the introduced species can destroy tender young shoots soon 12
May 2011
after planting. Slug bait formulations can be bought at garden supply outlets but they are EXTREMELY TOXIC to birds, cats, dogs and young children. Some kill off earthworms and other soil fauna. Instead, when waging battle against these ravenous mollusks, try some of the following, less harmful methods. Alter the environment by removing slug hiding places; avoid overwatering; cultivate bare soil to destroy slug eggs; supply habitat for snakes, such as south facing rock piles (all of our snakes are harmless and feast on the slimy mollusks). Most slugs feed at night, hand pick and drop into soapy water; please do not use salt, which is a cruel and painful end. Build beer traps and let the dead slugs accumulate; they are an added enticement to the thirsty, alcoholic slugs. Erect three inch, solid copper barriers around your most sensitive and favoured plants; contact between slug and copper produces an unpleasant electric shock, which will deter all but the most dim-witted slugs! There are several other native slug species on southern Vancouver Island. Taildroppers, as their name implies, have the ability to release a tasty section of their tail, cover themselves in less appetizing mucus and hopefully gain time to escape their predator. In BC, the blue-listed scarlet-banded taildropper is found only in the Southern Vancouver Island area and the blue-grey taildropper is a rare, redlisted species, recently found at Mary Hill and Devonian Park in Metchosin. The more common yellow banded taildropper I recently found was about 2.5 cm long, with an almost teal blue foot that had a faint yellow edge. Actually quite remarkable when viewed in a magnified photo. Another new discovery is the dromedary jumping slug, found at Muir Creek. Jumping slugs protect themselves by twisting, turning and leaping frantically when disturbed. Don’t be repulsed by our native slugs as they play an important ecological role in our forests; by hastening decomposition of organic materials, by fertilizing the soil and by dispersing seeds and spores. Marvel in their unique lives and appreciate their contribution to our distinctive southern Vancouver Island ecosystems. [Previously printed in the Metchosin Muse]
THIS VIBRA N T L IF E Connect. Grow. Thrive.
East Sooke Counselling
FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
Vibrant Ceremonies Vibrant Seeds
250-642-4074 Sarah Nakatsuka BA, RPC Registered Professional Counsellor Interfaith Officiant
www.thisvibrantlife.ca
Pharmacy service the way it is meant to be…..over 20 years of service in the communities of Sooke, East Sooke, Otter Point, Jordan River, Shirley, and Port Renfrew, ( and even for our customers who have moved to Victoria and still use our service ). Pharmacy practice to benefit the needs of OUR community and more importantly….. with PEOPLE in mind. Talk to our pharmacy staff about how we can confidentially transfer your prescriptions to our location.
PEOPLES DRUG MART
Helping people live better lives
642-2226
Ron Kumar Pharmacist/Owner 13
May 2011
Wild Seasons at the ARC submitted by Wild ARC
education and training are a must. “Every animal care volunteer must complete workshops on baby bird care, mammal care and animal health as well as shadow shifts that provide hands-on training before they are ready to work on their own,” says Angela Kendall, Administrator for the BC SPCA Wild ARC.
April showers bring May flowers, they say, but spring at the BC SPCA Wild ARC brings much more than just tulips and rain. As the winter season eases and the natural environment begins to blossom and bloom, local wildlife also begins to awaken and bring into the world…..babies!
And once trained, it’s not all cute and fluffy. Just like domestic pets, wild animals are messy and require frequent cleanings and feedings. That means more cleaning, dishes and laundry than one can even imagine. Being a volunteer is incredible hard work and it takes a special person to commit such time, energy and patience to caring for these fragile creatures.
Every spring, the BC SPCA Wild ARC takes into care several hundred wild animal babies that have been injured or orphaned throughout southern Vancouver Island. Relying on public support for funding and having only a handful of staff, this means over 100 volunteers must be recruited and trained every season to help feed and care for all these hungry little mouths.
And unlike domestic pets, volunteers must be very hands off, too. “There’s no cuddling or talking to our patients,” says Danni Smith, Wildlife Assistant. “Our patients need to stay wild so human contact has to be kept to an absolute minimum, but it is completely worth it when you get to see these amazing creatures recover and be returned to their natural habitat”.
Becoming a wildlife animal care volunteer involves more than just a love of animals – it is a specialized environment where volunteers have a tremendous amount of responsibility, so proper
Wild ARC is holding several orientation sessions over the next couple of months for people who are interested in volunteering and are looking to learn more about how they can get involved. For more information on attending one of the upcoming volunteer information sessions visit www.wildarc.com or call Wild ARC directly at 250-478-9453.
Continued from page 7 Kelp, Sodium alginate & Radiation Protection ~The seaweeds that belong to the order ‘Laminariales’ are called kelp. Kelps are unique in their ability to safely remove heavy metals, PCBs and the by-products of radiation from the body. ~Kelps contain a compound called Sodium alginate. Sodium alginate binds to the by-products of radiation (radioactive isotopes), forms an INSOLUBLE salt (so it is not released in our bloodstream), and is safely excreted through our urine. Using Kelp to Protect ~Seaweeds are a very concentrated nutrient source. The key to benefiting from their therapeutic properties is consistency, not quantity. As little as 5g/day of kelp provides the body with protection against heavy metals, radiation and other environmental toxins as well as providing an easily absorbed mineral supplement, many vitamins, anti-oxidant and immune support. For more information, contact: fromthegarden@telus.net and dakinitidalwilds@yahoo.com 14
May 2011
Rejuvenate Your Old Garden by Bonnie Coulter
NUMA FARMS NURSERY 30-40% OFF
Like most people, I don’t have enough time to execute all the good ideas and to finish lists I create for myself. As Rodney Dangerfield put it, “my mind keeps making appointments my body can’t keep.” I must therefore, take the path of least resistance.
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Back in April a friend asked if I could give her some ideas about what to do with her 30 year old overgrown garden. This situation sneaks up on a lot of us. In a matter of a few years a cute little mugo pine (sold as a dwarf) can spring to 10 feet tall and wide and be well equipped to menace unsuspecting guests.
usually advertised in the local papers and on websites like Used Victoria or Craig’s list. *Look to your vertical spaces to add another dimension to the garden. Climbing roses will go nicely up a lilac for instance. The roses will be in bloom long after the lilac has finished its swan song. Clematis will shinny up just about anywhere. Plant mixed cultivars that bloom at various times for good effect. Hydrangea anomala subspecies petiolaris (climbing Hydrangea) is a well behaved climber that will go 75 feet up a limbed fir tree. It will not hurt the tree, you don’t have to give it support and it flowers well in part shade. This plant looks good in every season.
What to do? Here are a few hints for getting that senior garden back on track. *Make a ‘must have’ plant list as a reward before you start. Include plants that will replace older varieties with new cultivars. It will help you be ruthless when deciding who goes and who stays. *Make a budget, now go back and cross off half the plants on the ‘must have’ list. (just kidding!) This will help you to decide on how many years the plan will take to implement.
*Use the internet for specifics on how to rejuvenate the plants you own. You may need to do a little work to identify your plants and check for pruning specifics before you start cutting. For instance, lilacs should be reduced over three years to bring them back to full glory. Some trees will not grow new foliage on old wood. Some plants like lavender or Spanish broom (not the road side variety) will up and die if you cut back to old wood.
*Start with a really good clean up. Remove all dead, diseased and dying shrubs and trees. Limb up the ones that are crowding out your beds and borders. Shape and thin shrubs like potentilla, spiraea and viburnums. Banish the invading thugs like goutweed, periwinkle, English ivy and blackberry vines.
*Stand back often and look at what have done, walk around and make notes. Take the garden back in stages; you don’t want to accidentally take too much off a tree and wish you hadn’t.
*Get down and dirty with areas too clogged to consider conventional weeding. Weed whip the area as close to the ground as possible, then put down a few layers of cardboard or thick newspaper and hose it down. Get it really wet. Cover this with a layer of bark mulch and leave it for the summer. This works like a charm. In as little as 3 months most of the weeds are dead. When you are ready to put a few choice shrubs and perennials back in just cut away enough mulch to pop the plant in place. For a large bed with lots of plants you can pull up all of the cardboard or paper and work in the mulch. The cardboard can also be held in place by rocks or temporary potted “place marker” plants.
*Hire an arborist for the really big trees if you don‘t own a chain saw and climbing spurs. The professionals will help you sort out fruit trees; they also need a three year plan. If you take off too much in one year the tree will put on a multitude of water shoots that will rob fruit production and make more work the next year. *Phase the work over a few years if necessary. This will be easier on the back and the pocket book. Target the big payback spots like front yard first, and then spots you see from your windows next and leave the spots furthest from your house for later. Good Luck and Happy Gardening!
*Now is your chance to get year round color and interest back in the garden. Visit the nurseries once a month to buy shrubs and perennials that are either in bloom or have really colorful foliage or bark. You will soon have colour in all seasons. I particularly like this approach when buying Rhododendrons. *On a tight budget? Look for seasonal bargains, plants that are healthy but have finished flowering or gone dormant. These are often cleared out at half price or better. Last spring I put in 3 Sedum spectabile, ‘Autumn Joy‘, in November I came across 10 more at 75% off. These little sisters turned the display from nice to spectacular. A large grouping always looks better than a oneoff. Be sure to check the roots to insure you are getting a healthy plant. *Shop the garden club and private garden plant sales. These are 15
May 2011
Our Dream – Realized
by Lynn Zandee, a Sooke Hospice Volunteer
the butterfly
what do i see in front of me held and bound upon the ground what do i
see
that struggles free from cocoon of skin so weak and thin what do i see that longs to flee what must be shed that it be led it is the butterfly that sees the sky and soon takes flight on wings so bright from
the hand of love to soar above
the ring of life
For 25 years the Sooke Hospice Society, a member of the B.C. Hospice/ Palliative Care Association, has been in a process of transformation. It began as a dream that evolved into a working team of four - Ruth Bowring, Dr. Ellen Wrathell, Jerry Daly and Carol Harding. From that foundation, many others joined in over the years. Through their unfailing determination, patience, dedication and several challenging stages of growth, the dream of a hospice home was envisioned. Sooke Hospice’s management team hoped for a home to meet the growing needs of the dying and bereaved within our regular service area between Metchosin, East Sooke, Sooke and Port Renfrew, a home where our specially trained team of Hospice and Palliative Care physicians, counsellors and volunteers could work together in a unique way with the community physicians, nurses and the home support team from Vancouver Island Health Authority. This would be a home where they could offer care, understanding and relief to those with life-threatening illness and to their families. This dream in the life of Sooke Hospice gradually began to unfold.
Now again, we warmly welcome you, the public, to view our home at 6669 Goodmere Road - by appointment only. We invite your feedback on how you think the house could be used if your loved one were in need of care and support. We also welcome you to join us as a volunteer. Volunteers are always needed in various ways - driving, office work, going into the community, delivering beds, fund-raising, board members as well as people with training in massage and therapeutic touch etc. Should you be interested or feel you have gifts to offer, please call us at 250 64- 4345 for more information.
In 2009, the estate of John Oliver of Metchosin gifted our Society with a substantial legacy. Mr. Oliver had asked his lawyer, Roger Cardinal to recommend some organizations as beneficiaries in his will. Sooke Hospice was suggested because Roger’s parents-inlaw had previously received the benefits of its palliative care.
We realize that there will be growing pains in the course of bringing this home to its potential for the benefit of our communities. However, throughout our society’s transformation, the people and businesses of this area have continually encouraged and supported us. They have made this dream possible. With them, we confidently look forward to the future.
As a non-profit organization, the Society is required to convert such monetary funds into a relevant local project. This was our dream coming true - the possibility of purchasing a house to assist individuals in care to remain in their communities. Our vision also includes the prospect (along with family help) of offering beds to those who for various reasons cannot or do not wish to die at home or in a hospital.
In the meantime, the Sooke Hospice Society will continue to offer the free service of ensuring high quality care of palliative individuals as well as their families. Our dedication to assisting with the control and relief of pain and the discomforts of the illness will be maintained while respecting the personality and individual rights of patients and their loved ones.
w h e r e p a i n’s s o r i f e that’ s
A house was eventually offered to us in a private sale by Greg Banner and Sue Daniels Ferrie kindly closed the deal for us free of charge. The legal work was generously performed without charge by Peter Faulkner of Hallgren & Faulkner. Following that, volunteers worked countless hours with painting, maintenance, carpentry, gardening and other activities in order to welcome the public to an Open House on March 2nd of this year. We were grateful for the beneficial comments and advice our visitors brought forth on that day.
John Horgan
what i see
MLA Juan de Fuca
Your Rural Voice in the Legislature
in front of me released and free
800 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, V9B 2X7 250 391 2801 john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnhorgan.com
for eternity by Lynn Zandee
JH-RurObs-0909.indd 1
16
May 2011 9/24/09 12:41:00 PM
Kids’ Fun
by Tricia Pincombe of Sooke Montessori School
Rural RECIPE
Science - Dancing Raisins
Sopa de Fideo
(Mexican Noodle Soup)
Procedure : 1. Pour in some club soda into a glass 2. Drop in half a raisin 3. wait for about 30 seconds Now for the fun part, 4. Watch the raisins dance!
This is a soup we eat often on our days off and as staff meals. The recipe is from Markus’ childhood while growing up in Mexico City. The recipe serves 4. Ingredients: 200g fine noodles, such as spaghettini 1 small onion, peeled and halved 4 serrano chiles or jalapeños 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro 4 large tomatoes, pureed or 1x 200g can of crushed tomatoes 4 tablespoons canola or grape seed oil 2 cloves of peeled garlic, left whole 1 L vegetable, beef or chicken stock 2 limes 2 ripe avocados Sea salt Method: Preheat a large pot on high heat. Add oil, onion halves, garlic cloves and chiles and sauté until they start to brown while stirring constantly. Break the pasta into 2-3 inch long pieces and add to soup pot and continue stirring.
What happens : The bubbles stick to the irregular sides of the raisin and make the raisin rise to toward the top of the glass. As the raisin moves toward the top, it looses some of its air bubbles, causing it to sink . Then the bubbles start to stick to the raisin again and the cycle repeats
Rock Dominos
Collect 28 flat beach rocks. Using white paint and a medium to fine paintbrush begin by painting a line across the center, on each side paint dots in every combination from zero to six. This is a wonderful game for children of all ages.
Painters’ Tape Painting
Have your child decorate a piece of cardboard with painters tape or masking tape. Using poster paint have them paint the board and remove the tape while the paint is still wet. The end result is a masterpiece sure to fit any decor!
When the pasta starts to lightly brown, add the crushed tomatoes and mix well. Reduce to medium heat then add stock and cilantro leaves. Season to taste with sea salt approximately 2 teaspoons [Taste after adding the first one because quantity depends on the type of stock used].
Make Food Fun
Simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes, but check the noodles’ consistency often to avoid overcooking.
By adding a few drops of food coloring any food can be more exciting. Some suggestions are to add green to yogurt and pizza dough to make it “dinosaur”. Another is to personalize pancakes and milk with favorite colors. And of course green scrambled eggs to go with the story “Green Eggs and Ham”
Serve in large bowls with sliced avocado in soup and sliced limes on the side to squeeze into soup. The more lime the better. This soup is a well-tested hangover cure and also perfect for a cold winter’s day. Yum! [This recipe was provided by Tatum of Markus’ Wharfside Restaurant.]
17
May 2011
From the desk of John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca from becoming Premier, but convention suggests she seek a seat at the earliest opportunity and she has done so by calling a bi-election in the Vancouver area for early in May.
A New Premier and a New Way of Doing Things?
In January I announced that I would seek the leadership of my party. After a three month campaign, my colleague and friend Adrian Dix was selected to become the Leader of the Official Opposition. You would think that changing two leaders would be enough upheaval, but the political environment in BC is still far from settled.
There has been much change on the political landscape over the past number of months. Last fall, both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition stepped down forcing leadership contests on both sides of the political landscape.
We have a new Premier, we have a new Leader of the Opposition and we have a scheduled start date for the Legislative session that lasted only four days in February. In fact, since last June, your MLAs have only been in session four days. It is hard to find many democratic systems that meet for less than a week in 10 months.
On the government side, Christy Clark was selected to lead the BC Liberals, and by extension become the Premier of BC and the leader of the government in the Legislature. Her first order of business was to create a new executive council, or Cabinet. This new Cabinet is comprised of many of the very same decision makers who brought us the HST, sold off BC rail, ignored fixed legislative calendars, reversed legislation to ensure balanced budgets, forced BC Hydro to buy expensive private power, and hid behind smoke and mirrors instead of promoting transparency as promised. And one other problem, she does not hold a seat in the Legislature. That does not preclude her
Confusion and uncertainty in our political system, causes uncertainty with the economy. The fate of the Harmonized Sales Tax remains unknown. A mail-in referendum will take place in June. Will people support a tax that transfers $1.8 billion in costs from businesses to consumers? Apparently we will not have an answer to that question until sometime in August once Elections BC has counted the mail in ballots. I am looking forward to getting back into the Legislature to talk about issues that matter to people. Not just to score a point in debate, but to make progress for people here and across the Province. While recently travelling the province and meeting with people in rural and urban communities alike, I was told time and time again that they want leaders who tell them the truth, and who have the patience to work with interests from across the political spectrum, with the goal of building a better future for our province. They want a hard-working government with integrity that puts the peoples’ needs first. Not too much to ask in my opinion. On a more personal note, I would like to thank everyone for their very best wishes and patience as I recently toured the province during the leadership race. It was an exceptional experience, and I learned more from folks I met on the road than I ever thought possible. I visited dozens of small communities and spoke with thousands of people from every walk of life. It has reinforced my belief that British Columbia and its citizens are the most amazing in the world. I am hopeful that I can put the lessons I have learned from the people and places I have been to better represent the people of southern Vancouver Island. As always, I encourage you to contact my community office if you have questions or need assistance with provincial government programs. John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca www.johnhorgan.ca
18
May 2011
The Rural Observer’s publication schedule for 2011 is as follows: June 30th, September 1st and November 17th.
A Sea of Bloom Floral Designs p.6 250-642-3952 Alice McLean Pottery p.11 250-642-3522
Deadlines for submission of articles and photographs are: June 3rd for June; August 5th for September; and October 20th for November.
Arnet Fencing p.10 250-391-0801 Board Walk Designs p.4 250-380-0370
If you would like to submit an article or photograph please send to submissions@ruralobserver.com. Enquiries are welcomed by our editorial staff, so if you have an idea for a story or a photograph of high quality and resolution that you think would work on our cover, please call 250 646-2528.
Custom Digging p.10 250-413-7685 Deb’s Barbershop p.5 250-391-7566 Doug Read - Pemberton Holmes Realty p.9 250-642-2705 Earthly Goods Craft Market pp.8, 13 East Sooke Counselling p.13 250-642-4074 East Sooke Fire Protection Commission p.9 250-642-4411 Felix Irwin - Chartered Accountant p.4 250-642-5277 Force of Nature Landscaping p.9 250-686-6920 Fotoprint p.2 250-382-8218
250-642-2226
Pure Elements Hair Design p.14 250-642-6452 Race Rocks Automotive p.12
250-478-1920
Rural Observer - Advertising p.19 250-642-1714
From the Garden... at French Beach p.3 250-646-2177 Holistic Healing Salon p.9 250-891-7406 Hugh Gregory Fine Painting p.9 250-480-8295 James Craven & Associates p2 250-744-9455 JdF Emergency Program p.2 250-642-2266 JdF Ground Search and Rescue p.4 250-642-1085 JdF Parks & Recreation Commission p.10 250-642-1500 John Horgan - Juan de Fuca MLA p.16 250-391-2801 Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic p.14 250-478-0422 Kimmel Massage Therapist p.6
People’s Drug Mart p.13
250-646-2865
Markus’ Wharfside Restaurant p.17 250-642-3596
Sage Garden Services p.15 250-217-8797 Sarah Richer Hatha Yoga p.16 Sheringham Point Lighthouse Pres. Soc. p.20 250-646-2528 Sooke Harbour House p.3 250-642-3421 Tale of the Whale p.14 250-642-6161 Victoria Alarm Service p.11 250-721-0266 Vivi’s Flowers & Ducks p.8 250-642-1714 Walk, Sit & Stay - Dog Walking p.9 250-642-0458 Westside InstaPrint p.7 250-478-5533 Worklink p.14 250-642-3685 Wren House Garden & Shop p.13 250-642-0874
Mosaic West Consulting Services p. 8 250-642-0399 Noella LeDrew, Graphic & Web Design p.19 250-889-4100 Numa Farms p.15 250-474-6005 Otter Point Electric p.12 250-588-4324 Pacific Rim Dental Centre p.17 250-478-4114
Vivi Curutchet
Advertising Sales Ph: (250) 642-1714 Email: advertise@ruralobserver.com
19
May 2011
Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting since 2003
Join the fight to protect the Sheringham Point Lighthouse, surrounding land, and public access by going to: www.sheringhamlighthouse.org Your membership and contribution now will help ensure this piece of British Columbia history is saved. PLEASE HELP NOW, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
WWW.SHERINGHAMLIGHTHOUSE.ORG 20
May 2011