Cover Photo by Critter Care Wildlife Society
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Rural
Solar Site C
Serving the Juan de Fuca: Port Renfrew Jordan River Otter Point East Sooke Malahat Shirley
Cover Photo by Wild Arc
Newsstands $1
Celebrating Our Rural Commu-
JDF Marine Trail Revisited Drop in on Salmon
Irony in Steel
Vol. 13 Issue 4 October 2016
Living with Wildlife
Celebrating Our Rural Community Lifestyle
OBSERVER Serving the Juan de Fuca: Port Renfrew Jordan River Otter Point East Sooke Malahat Shirley
Rural nity
Eagle Awareness
Vol. 13 Issue 4 October 2016
The Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society
Rural OBSERVER
Mission Statement
Celebrating Our Rural Community Lifestyle
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.
BECOME A MEMBER or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
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.
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 $20, become 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: 2617 Seaside Drive, Shirley BC V9Z 1G7
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 2617 Seaside Drive, Shirley, BC V9Z 1G7
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October 2016
Living With Wildlife
by Meg Toom, Urban Wildlife Conflict Specialist
There are many benefits to rural living; being able to connect to nature and living with wildlife top the list for many. Residents often enjoy seeing wildlife in their neighborhoods, and as long as the animal is just passing through, there are usually no issues. An increased potential for human-wildlife conflict occurs when we allow wildlife to find food, water or shelter within our properties. It’s important for our safety and well-being, as well as for the conservation of wildlife, to ensure our neighborhoods are porous to wildlife activity…let’s keep them moving through. Wild animals are born with a healthy fear of humans. Bears, and to a lesser degree cougars, can become used to human activity or “human habituated” in a fairly short period of time. They learn from every experience and encounter, and if the encounters are not negative ones (i.e. they are not scared away) they will soon learn that being around humans is OK. Even though they are still wild animals they will tolerate and adapt to human activity because they know the rewards are worth the risk. By allowing potentially dangerous wildlife to feel comfortable on our properties we are contributing to their habituation. When wildlife is human habituated and they are human food conditioned from eating garbage or predating on pets/ livestock, the situation can quickly escalate into humanwildlife conflict.
yards. Even something as innocuous as feeding birds can attract rodents, raccoons and other natural prey so ensure bird seed is not scattered or collecting on the ground. Leaving pet food outdoors can also attract prey and opportunistic cougars. The bottom line is we don’t want our neighbourhoods to become suitable hunting grounds. Come fall, in preparation for hibernation, bear activity will increase as they seek food sources outside of their normal home range and spend more time foraging. While breeding season occurs in May/June, the fate of the embryo is determined by the amount of fat the female can accumulate prior to hibernation. This process is called delayed implantation, the embryo doesn’t implant into the uterine wall until November and only if there are sufficient fat stores to sustain the pregnancy. This is the epitome of self-preservation. Lean food years produce limited litters while bountiful years can result in successful pregnancies with multiple cubs. If we provide bears with unnatural food, we are in essence, impacting their fertility success rate. Too many bears competing for finite natural food sources results in more bears seeking food in our neighborhoods, resulting in greater potential for human-wildlife conflict.
Cougars are elusive animals that present a higher human safety concern. Deer are their main prey, typically killing one every 7-10 days. Being very territorial, they will not share home ranges and young cougars must strike out and find their own territory once they leave their family unit. These young cougars haven’t quite honed their hunting skills so they may turn to domestic pets or livestock because these are easier prey. We inadvertently create food chains in our neighborhoods when we encourage natural prey like deer to forage in our
We can make our communities safer and reduce the potential for human-wildlife conflict. To achieve this, wildlife ...continued on page 4
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October 2016
2904 Tillicum Road
Helping constituents with federal government programs and services.
Randall Garrison, MP ESQUIMALT – SAANICH–SOOKE
RG-RObanner1609-generic.indd 1
Victoria V9A 2A5 10am–4pm, Mon–Thurs or by appointment 250-405-6550 Randall.Garrison@parl.gc.ca www.RandallGarrison.ndp.ca 2016-09-14 4:33 PM
must be encouraged to keep moving; being too tolerant to their presence adds to their level of habituation and allowing them access to non-natural food adds to their food conditioning. Living a rural life means living with wildlife.
Be alert and aware. Look for signs of fresh activity i.e. claw marks on trees, scat or paw prints. Avoid surprise encounters by making noise, use your voice. Hike or bike in groups, keep children close by. Keep dogs leashed. Avoid food caches: cougars will cover unconsumed portions of kill with twigs, leaf litter or soil. If you see a cache, leave the area immediately. Be alert to circling ravens or turkey vultures. Riding/running quickly and quietly increases your risk for surprise encounters. Use caution around blind corners, make noise. Cougar kittens are usually well-hidden. Do not approach, leave immediately. Carry bear spray.
TIPS TO REDUCING CONFLICT: Cougar encounters: Do NOT run. Never turn your back on wildlife. Pick up children. Back away slowly. Use a confident, loud voice. Maintain eye contact. Make yourself appear larger i.e. raise arms overhead. Throw objects if the cougar approaches i.e. rocks, sticks. Ready your bear spray. If attacked, fight back with anything available to you including sticks, rocks, and your fists. At home: Do not attract or feed wildlife. Deer, raccoons, mice and rabbits are natural prey. Keep pet food inside. Ensure birdseed is not attracting rodents. Ensure garbage is locked to prevent attracting rodents or raccoons. Roaming pets are easy prey. If they must stay outside at night, ensure the kennel has a secure roof. Cut back brush to reduce cover and to increase sight lines. Install motion sensor lights. On the Trails:
For wildlife encounters call the 24/7 Conservation Officer Service hotline at: 1-877-952-7277 (References: District of Squamish & Ministry of Environment)
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October 2016
Journey to the Centre of the Soul
the sheep. My new neighbours helped me get the bear out. Other neighbours brought hay, water and casseroles. The point is, I didn’t fall to pieces. I stood up to life, brave and strong and I felt proud of myself.
by Colleen Minten
All my life I have been a part of someone or something. I came from a large family and, as a child, I was always involved in group activities such as band, sports, drama, Guides and church. Most job sites I was on, I was part of a team. I met my husband Chuck when I was twenty-one, and we became another team - involved in many groups in our community such as the Shirley Women’s Institute, Shirley Community Association and Shirley Volunteer Fire Department. Because of a lifetime of group activity, I developed a fear of being alone and the thought of it made me quite anxious.
After I completed my 16,000 km journey, I planned to take a day off and then tackle the U.S.A. Halfway through the day I started to feel antsy, so I grabbed by camera and went along Seaside to Flea Beach where a young man and his three beautiful little daughters were playing in the sand and on a swing. One little girl asked if I came to play on the swing. I said, “No, I came to Flea Beach for the memories, because I used to play there when I was a little girl.” The child looked up at me and asked, “When you were a little girl, was it in the olden days?” I laughed and said I hadn’t thought of it that way but I guessed it was.
Two and a half years ago, I started on a personal journey that would eventually change my life. Quite simply, the goal was to walk for exercise and meditation. In the beginning, I would trundle up Sunny Brae Road to the Shirley Community Hall, and it was a task. I was very nervous. I carried a pack of belongings “just in case”. I wore many layers of clothes and I carried my father’s old cane. I was burdened down with fear. What if a bear, cougar, wolf or dog gets me? What if I fall and break a leg, neck or arm? I felt cumbersome. My brain was bursting with “What ifs”.
When I am on the road I always wear colourful clothes. Often I wear a bright red and black shirt. One day, walking along the highway, I saw a flash of red and it was a moth wearing the same colours as I was. It landed on my hand. A moment of pure, simple beauty. Now, instead of What if? I ask myself, What’s next?
After about a month or so I began to increase the distance. I was able to relax and enjoy myself. I got a stationary bicycle and began to strengthen my legs. I kept a logbook of my distance walking and cycling and I began to track myself on a map of Canada. Roughly I had 16,000 km to go, and I was determined to do it alone. I used the time to enjoy the present, to reflect on the past and to look forward to a healthier future. I had a lot of amazing experiences. I lost some weight, which is good, but it is what I have gained that is important. The ability to stand alone, to love myself, to cope with adversity. I give thanks to my two feet and the heart that beats solidly in my chest. Recently my husband became quite ill and was in the hospital for weeks, which left me alone to cope of the farm. The stress of his being ill, the demands of the farm and its animals needing attention was scary. My water system failed, so I had to carry water in 5 gallon buckets to the greenhouse and the livestock. The trip to Victoria every day to the hospital was tiring. One night when I got home there was a big male black bear in the barn with 5
October 2016
Corrections to the Article, “Juan de Fuca Marine Trail Provincial Park Revisited” Vol. 13 Issue 3 July 2016
has a Chin Beach as well as China Beach. Chin and Bear Beach are the 2 wild beaches, officially accessed by hiking the most challenging sections of the trail. This most challenging section of the trail is also in the narrow ribbon of park , some times routed outside the park due to the difficult terrain. This narrow section is vulnerable to activity on the adjacent land parcels.
The Juan De Fuca Marine Trail has 6 major beaches China, Mystic, Bear, Chin, Sombrio and Botanical. China, Mystic, Sombrio and Botanical are day use beaches It
October Hike
Drop-in on Salmon
Saturday October 8: Juan De Fuca Community Trails Society Hike - Sooke Potholes Park to Peden Lake.
Saturday, November 12 | 11am–2pm Salmon Sensation (Drop-in Event) – All ages Charters Interpretive Centre (Sooke)Salmon have returned to the rivers. Drop in anytime for fishy-fun activities, a craft and guided walks with CRD naturalists along the Charters River. A close-up look at these magnificent fish as they return to spawn and complete their life cycle awaits. Meet at Charters Interpretive Centre off Sooke River Road.
This is a JDFEA Sponsored hike. Meet at William Simmons Memorial Park, west parking lot (Sooke Business Park) at 9:00 a.m. Alternatively meet at Sooke Potholes Upper Parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Difficulty level 3, elevation gain 300 meters. Through beautiful forest. Wear good boots, bring water and lunch. Everyone welcome. For more information, call Sid Jorna at 250-642-2767, or email jdf.cts@gmail.com 6
October 2016
Introducing Irony in Steel: A Book of The Sculptures of Jan Johnson by Mary Alice Johnson
A team of friends and family have been working on a book about Jan Johnson who welded discarded bits of metal and found objects into creations brimming with humour, rich with historical and current references, and laden with implied meaning, stories and irony. The book will be out early in November and will be available from his wife, Mary Alice Johnson. The book highlights pieces that focus on his exploration of myths and monsters, power and conflict, toil and trouble and distortion and dystopia. Richly textured and often kinetic, his pieces invite you to interpret and reinterpret their meaning and to ponder the relationship between whimsy and tragedy. His work blends satire, play, distortion and the profound observation of human frailty and human-caused suffering. The photographs in the book are by James R. Page, a close friend and an established nature and wildlife photographer. He has been photographing Jan’s work since 1997.
Irony in Steel, Metal Sculpture A book about the life and art of Jan Johnson To purchase or learn more about this book Visit www.almsculpture.com or email info@almsculpture.com or call 642-3671
Born to a ranching family in Huelett, Wyoming in 1943, Jan discovered the welding torch as a release from the brutalities he witnessed during the Vietnam war. Later, as a transportation consultant, he travelled and worked overseas at a time when foreign faces were rare in the developing world. He eventually settled in Sooke, creating a magical playground of wit and whimsy, sculpture and found objects, surrounded by moss-covered cedars and dripping ferns. For over 30 years, Jan could be seen walking the beaches of Sooke or having a beer in Buffy’s when he wasn’t in his shop welding or on a project in Laos, Cambodia, China or another country in South East Asia. He was a well-known face at Sooke Fine Arts and is honoured in a memorial award, the Jan Johnson Award for Best Social Commentary. He died after a brief and fierce battle with cancer in 2011.
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October 2016
The Traditions of Community Spirit and Volunteerism Alive and Well in Shirley by Fiona McDannold The Shirley Hall and adjacent Pioneer Park were very busy places on Sunday, August 21 when the Shirley Community Association hosted its annual Shirley Day. There were over 20 vendors and community groups in the park, the Fire Department showcased their equipment and fire trucks for the public, a very popular closed bid auction was held in the hall, the Shirley kitchen produced its usual yummy fare, the Salmon BBQ was well attended, there were activities for the children ‌all contributing to an extremely successful day raising approximately $3000 toward the maintenance of our 75+ year old Shirley Hall and Pioneer Park.
on donated land on the corner of what is now West Coast Road and Sheringham Point Road. The Shirley Community Association has evolved from those days, yet remains true to the tradition of community spirit and volunteerism.
The Shirley Community Association was established in 1934, and the Shirley Hall was constructed in 1937
The Association provides and maintains the Shirley Hall and Pioneer Park as facilities for public and private events, hosts Shirley Day on the third Sunday in August each year as well as spring and fall craft fairs; and provides a base for the JDF Emergency Response, Shirley Chapter; and the Shirley Volunteer Fire Department. The hall provides a home to the Shirley Quilters and Crafters and the Shirley Women’s Institute, as well as a venue for
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various recreational programs. In the summer months the park is used for a weekly Sunday market, as well as a green space for travellers to enjoy a picnic lunch. Shirley Day could not occur without its very hard working volunteers. Specifically, Mary Dunn, our Shirley Day chair, Fern Dunn who organized all the vendors in the park, Colin McMechan, along with his crew of Mel Kimmel, Bernard Sauve, Michael Scott and Judith Carder kept the kitchen humming, Sean Rafferty, our jack of all trades, Christian and Pascale Knoglinger, Salmon BBQ chefs extraordinaire, Robin Fleming and Grant Richardson who went above and beyond to source donations to our closed bid auction and looked after the auction table along with Jean Conway and Veronica Diment. Catherine Hawkins, Karen Skripitsky, Veronica and Jeff Roby kept the children entertained, Ron Ramsey got the kitchen deck finished just in time, Colleen Minten and Mary Brown took in the money for the concession and BBQ dinner and James Powell counted it, and Chuck Minten placed all the road signs. Thank you to all those who donated items for the auction as well as the fresh produce donated for the concession table to sell. Music by 14 West as well as Garry and Jude made for a very pleasant atmosphere in the park. Above all thank you to everyone who came out and made Shirley Day such a success!
Calendar of Events for Shirley Unless otherwise indicated, events held at the Shirley Community Hall Shirley Fire Department Practices held Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. To volunteer: 250-646-2107 Pilates Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. info@sandrasmithyoga.com 250-646-2651 Yoga with Megan Sundays 6:00–7:15 p.m. Fridays 10:00-11:00 a.m. Gentle Yoga for Women Mondays 10:00-11:00 a.m. Elizabeth Tse: 778-528-6602 bloomingyoga4kids@gmail.com Nia Dance/Movement Thursdays, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Sundays 10:00-11:15 a.m. (September, 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)
movingmelody@gmail.com or 250-646-2995 Shirley Quilters and Crafters Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Shirley Women’s Institute 2nd Wed of the month: 10:30 a.m. stephaniecroft@hotmail.com Shirley Fire Commission Meeting 3rd Monday of the month 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall Kids After School Drop In Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m. Kellywilliams1978@yahoo.ca 250-646-2745 . Fall Dance with Southbound & Friends Saturday, October 15, 8 - 11:00 p.m. Tickets $10 in advance ($12 at door), available mid-September at Sooke Shoppers Drug Mart and Shirley Delicious. 9
For info & tickets: shansjams@gmail.com www.southboundandfriends.com Shirley Community Association Meeting Wednesday, November 9, 7:30 p.m Remembrance Day Observance Friday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. Christmas Craft Fair Sunday, November 13, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For info: marydunn@shaw.ca From Sidney to Shirley: Art Show & Sale Saturday, November 26, 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. For info: slr@slrimaging.ca Karate Mondays, 6:00–7:00 p.m. Armin: asielopp@telus.net
October 2016
Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society Volunteers Begin Restoration by the SPLPS Board of Directors If you’ve been paying attention, you will know that the Society recently acquired the Canadian Heritage Lighthouse site at 1 Sheringham Point Road, including the parcel that holds the lighthouse structure. After almost 106 years, the site is now available to the public as a passive park. Society volunteers are excited to announce that efforts are now underway to restore the site, tower and engine room. Included in the 2017 schedule are: a new trail connecting to lighthouse view trail, re-connection of power to the site using solar panels, and a new and improved front gate system and fence to enhance security. Work will begin soon so please check the website for updates and more information ( sheringhamlighthouse. org).
This photo depicts the Sheringham Lighthouse property as it was in 1976. The photo was taken by Lee-Anne Ruttan of Otter Point.
Public Access to the Lighthouse Heritage Site The Society has signed a 5 year renewable agreement with the CRD to maintain the existing public access via Sheringham Point Road (off West Coast Road). Planning for clean-up and small improvements to the access and parking area began immediately, and work on the road will begin shortly including improved turn outs and road surfacing. Safety and continued public access via Sheringham Point Road are the hallmarks of this project. Flea Beach: The Society continues to manage and maintain a Shirley right of way called Flea Beach under a licence from the Ministry of Transportation. Since community consultation
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 3pm, Juan de Fuca Local Area Services Building #3 – 7450 Butler Road, Otter Point, BC Public Welcome to Attend For meeting confirmation or enquiries, please call 250.642.1500.
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was completed, the Society worked with local volunteers and others to complete a work plan and has removed unsafe trees, begun ecosystem and watercourse restoration, completed drainage improvements, and has repaired the road. Lighthouse View and Jennie’s Trail: After 5 successful years managing and maintaining the 3-4 kilometer trail that was obtained by the Society for the community and the public, the Society volunteers are hoping to renew the agreement. Oral History: The Society continues to record and add histories to the Oral History Project. If you go to www. sheringhamlighthouse,org and click on “Oral History”, it will take you to the YouTube channel for viewing. Should you have information or want to share any history, please contact the Society. “To The Lighthouse…An Explorers Guide to the Island Lighthouses of Southwestern BC”, authored by Peter Johnson and John Walls with Photography by Richard Paddle. For over a century, British Columbia’s island lighthouses have guided ships through stormy seas and brought hope to countless mariners. Today, these elegant beacons are ideal destinations for coastal explorers looking for historical sites in spectacular maritime settings. This new guide from BC historian Peter Johnson and lighthouse enthusiast John Walls offers a comprehensive look at 25 of these remarkable landmarks, blending practical information on location and accessibility with riveting facts, local lore, and gorgeous photography. From Fisgard Lighthouse at the mouth of Esquimalt Harbour to the remote west coast sentinels of Cape Beale and Pachena Point to the community supported restoration project at Sheringham Point, this book celebrates a unique culture of public service passed down through generations. “A History of the Sheringham Point Lighthouse” Published in celebration of the lighthouse’s 100th birthday, the Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society’s 20 page booklet, written and researched by Rebecca Quinn and the volunteers of the SPLPS is undergoing a complete update with new photos, new insights into the history and a new design. Only a few copies of the first edition are still available. A History of the Sheringham Point Lighthouse is available at www.sheringhamlighthouse.org
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
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October 2016
Everyone Should See This Film!
Awareness Film Night
by Jo Phillips
One night back in 1994 two friends, Kathy and Jo, upon the recommendation of Kathy’s young son, Isaac, viewed the video, “Manufacturing Consent”, featuring American linguist and brilliant political analyst Noam Chomsky. After sitting thru the almost 4 hour film that details the wily ways of marketing and how cleverly, thoroughly, and clandestinely the media creates public opinion and consent, Kathy and Jo looked at each other and said, “everyone should see this film!” And so, Awareness Film Night was born.
Change and thought-provoking films. Screened monthly from October thru May. Available every day at the lending library in A Sea of Bloom. Details / Current Film: awarenessfilmnight.ca
We began with a TV and VCR in the staff room of Edward Milne Community School and had under 10 attendees most months for the first few years of screening documentaries on “topics normally disregarded by the mainstream media”. Awareness Film Night took a leap of faith and moved into the lovely theatre at EMCS in 2005 and never looked back. Post-screening guest speakers have included filmmakers, local, provincial and federal politicians, Alexandra Morton, stand-up paddler Norm Hann, two riveting residential school survivors, Guy Dauncey and many inspiring local folks sharing their wisdom and know-how and vision for a more sustainable future. AFN has collaborated with local and regional groups including Transition Sooke, Sooke Region Food CHI, Mining Justice Action Committee, Sierra Club and Ancient Forest Alliance and screened documentaries on topics from Afghanistan and “affluenza” (the “disease” of needing to always have more and bigger stuff) to Zapatistas and Zero Waste. Good documentaries were hard to find in the 1990s, and people were not as inclined to question the mainstream media’s version of things as they are now (partly in thanks to the internet). For example, in 1997, we screened the film, “Genetic Time Bomb”, about the dangers of genetically modified organisms in our food and environment and had zero (!) attendees. Fifteen years later, in 2012, more than 70 people came out to see “Genetic Roulette” and hear genetic scientist Dr. Thierry Vrain talk about the same topic.
Email: jdfepc@crd.bc.ca Phone: 250-642-8105 Cell: 250-883-0607 #3-7450 Butler Road Email: jdfepc@crd.bc.ca
Sooke, BC V9Z 1N1
Fresh and Local... Just like you The Stick in the Mud 6715 Eustace Road M-F 6-5 S&S 7:30-5
SpeedStick
The New Branch
Right next to The Stick 6711 Eustace Road 7 days 8 (ish)-1
Open 7-1 seasonally in the lobby of The Prestige Hotel
www.stickinthemud.ca
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October 2016
The 2016/17 season will open on October 12th with a new Noam Chomsky documentary, “Requiem for the American Dream”. Released last Fall, this seems a fitting film to assuage any unease we might be feeling about the imminent US presidential election. November 9th will feature a re-screening of a film we screened in 2011 called “Peace Out”. Post screening speakers will bring us up to speed on concerns around the proposed Site C dam that would flood the beautiful Peace River Valley, including farmland, critical animal habitats and land claimed by several First Nations communities. And tentative plans for December’s Awareness Film Night are for it to be a collaboration with and fundraiser for the Harmony Project Sooke, with a film, live music and tea and goodies in the theatre foyer. Awareness Film Night has generated a lending library of over 100 of the DVDs that have been screened over the years (the older VHS were converted to DVD pro bono by former Sooke Video To Go proprietor Bryan Davies). The DVD library is graciously housed at A Sea of Bloom on Otter Point Road in Sooke. A list and descriptions of the films in the library, as well as details about the current upcoming screening are available in a binder at the store and also at: awarenessfilmnight.ca. AFN is also on Facebook and Twitter.
John Horgan
MLA Juan de Fuca
Your Rural Voice in the Legislature #122–2806 Jacklin Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5A4 250-391-2801 john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnhorgan.ca
JH-RurObs-1506.indd 1
2015-06-03 4:09 PM
• local food for local people •
Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5-9pm 1831 Maple Avenue • Sooke, BC • 250.642.3596 • wildmountaindinners.com
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October 2016
The East Sooke Community Hall Speaker Series Wednesday Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. - Gord Baird Sustainable Gardening. Gord returns to discuss sustainable gardening techniques and the use of Permaculture in the garden. Wednesday November 23, 7:30 p.m. - Stephen Hindrichs Stephen Hindrichs will be talking about Permaculture and how it can apply to everything from gardening, farming and community planning to business and personal relationships.
East Sooke Community Calendar
Unless otherwise noted, all events held in the East Sooke Community Hall 1397 Coppermine Road
Pilates Class Tuesday & Thursday 9:30–11:00 a.m. Gina:ginatremblay@yahoo.ca 250-882-0637 Karate Classes for All Ages Tuesday night 6:30–8:30 p.m. Armin: asielopp@telus.net 250-642-3926 Hatha Yoga Classes Thursday night 7-8:15 p.m. Connie: connieroseyoga@gmail.com 250-889-0753 East Sooke Books for Breakfast For preschool aged children Friday, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 Stephanie: sookeliteracy@gmail.com Seniors’ Lunches 12 noon 4th Wednesday of the month Oct. & Nov. Watch for notices posted in area East Sooke Fire Protection & Emergency Services Commission Third Monday of month 7–9:00 p.m. @ Community Hall East Sooke Volunteer Fire Department New Hall - 6071 East Sooke Road Fire Practice Thursday nights 7–9:30 p.m. Volunteers Welcome Contact: esvfd.deputychief@gmail.com
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Rural RECIPE
Let cool slightly, then transfer the berries and their juice to a blender. Puree until smooth. Strain half of the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much puree as possible. Discard the solids. Add the unstrained puree to the same bowl and stir once to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For ..... by Susan Nelson & Vivi Curutchet Moderation in all things – except ice cream. When we decided it was time to let go of milking the cows, we parted with the milking machine, most of the cheese moulds, the cultures and so on. But separating from the fancy Italian ice cream machine was too much for us.
Make the Base: Arrowroot, like all starches, should be whisked and diluted in a little cold liquid (some of the milk used in the recipe). Set that aside. Then, in a heavy nonreactive saucepan stir together the cream, the rest of the milk, salt and sugar. Put the pan over medium heat and bring it to the level of “steaming hot”. Now, quickly whisk in the milk with the diluted Arrowroot and continue to cook the mixture – while whisking the base – for about 2-3 extra minutes. The base should be kept hot but not boiling, since Arrowroot begins to stabilize at lower temperatures than, say, corn starch. Prolonged or too much heating will actually diminish the stabilizing effect. But in my experience, a couple of minutes or so of cooking the starch only seems to aid the stabilization process.
Now we live in a very small space. We have room for only 4 bowls, 4 plates and 4 cups, 4 folding chairs and we eat meals on one folding tv table (since our dining table has become the office space). BUT, the ice cream machine sits proudly in her special place right next to the printer on top of the BC Government horizontal file cabinet. A simple life is important to us for sure and given that, our focus on things has been ‘what is it we need if what we truly want is a life not consumed by consumption’. Ice cream, while not a basic human need perhaps, lives in the realm of simple pleasures. And if you believe as we do, that joy (not acquisition of money or things) is integral to quality of life, ice cream, being a generous producer of joy, is essential. Here’s a recipe for joy production:
Once taken off the heat, the base should be cooled down as quickly as possible. Once cooled down, chill the base in the fridge for a few hours or preferably overnight. Freeze the Ice Cream: Whisk the Salal Puree into the chilled base.
Salal Berry Gelato
We prefer to make the base without eggs, Sicilian style, the thickness achieved by a starch. The eggs are harder to digest and sometimes the taste of the eggs obscures the actual ice cream flavour. We avoid cornstarch for many reasons. So, arrowroot with its multiple positive qualities is our choice of stabilizer.
Freeze in your ice ream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While the ice cream is churning, put the container you’ll use to store the ice cream in the freezer. Enjoy right away or, for a firmer gelato, transfer to the chilled container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Ingredients: For the Salal puree 2 cups Salal berries ¼ cup sugar For the base 1 cup heavy cream 1 ½ cups whole milk (find the real stuff!) ½ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 2 ½ tablespoons Arrowroot Cook the berries: Combine the berries with the sugar, in a small nonreactive saucepan and stir well. Put the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the berries are soft and the liquid they release has reduced somewhat, about 10 minutes.
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October 2016
From the desk of John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca Christy Clark is putting our kids last. For 15 years, the BC Liberal government has starved BC public schools, and today we’re seeing the effects: closing schools, slashed budgets, program cuts, fields of portables and parents and teachers paying the bills for classroom basics. Many students across the province will spend this year learning in a portable outside their school – which shows just how badly this government is failing to plan for growing communities. The premier seems to think it’s acceptable that some students will spend their entire education learning in one portable after another. I disagree. We need to build real classrooms, and we need a government willing to make that investment in our children’s future. And parents have already spent hundreds of dollars getting their kids ready for the school year. But it doesn’t stop with school supplies. Today, parents are expected to foot the bill for everything from playground equipment to materials for art and music classes. And when the BC Liberal government announced that computer
coding programs would be offered in BC classrooms, some schools were forced to turn to parents just to buy functional computers. This is our public education system, but for parents, it’s far from free. Not every parent can afford all these extra costs. It’s unfair to our kids, and it’s unfair to households already struggling with the high cost of living in BC. These increasing educational costs reveal the gaping holes the BC Liberals have created in our public education system. Since 2001, this government has dragged public education funding in this province from the second best in Canada to the second worst. But that hasn’t stopped the premier and her ministers from claiming BC’s schools are enjoying “record levels” of funding from the province again and again. Just a few months ago, when faced with budget crises in school districts across the province, that’s exactly what they told British Columbians – funding is at record levels, so nothing to see here, folks. Here are the facts: • Under the BC Liberals, per student funding in this province has gone from second best in the country to second worst. • BC kids get nearly $1,000 less in per student funding than the Canadian average. • At the same time, the BC Liberals have downloaded a host of hidden taxes and rate hikes, from hydro rates to MSP increases, onto school districts. Last week, analysis by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives revealed just how bogus the BC Liberal government “record funding” claim really is. According to their report, the share of our province’s GDP that we dedicate to public education has fallen by an incredible 25 per cent since 2001. The premier knows this. Her ministers know this. But instead of restoring funding to our schools, they’re popping up across the province with random acts of education funding, hoping to get rid of their bad headlines before the election. Most recently, they announced emergency funding for school bus programs – the same programs they encouraged school boards to cut just months ago. We need a government that gets that our schools need stable, sustainable and adequate funding. We need a government that puts our kids first. John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca Website: www.johnhorganmla.ca Tel: 250-391-2801 Email: John.Horgan.MLA@leg.bc.ca
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October 2016
Local Refugee Sponsorship Update
by Sharon Sterling
Bit by bit, all the pieces are falling into place for the communities of Sooke/Juan de Fuca to welcome an Iraqi family of four early in the new year. It’s a long wait, but the good news is that the family’s paperwork has been approved and sent to the Canadian visa office in Lebanon. This is a major step forward in the process. Thanks to a recent grant from the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, we reached $47,000 of our $50,000 goal at the end of August. Thank you Malahat, Willis Point, East Sooke, Otter Point, Shirley, Jordan River and Port Renfrew! Over the summer we had a good response to publishing our wish list of items we need to set up the family’s home. We will be posting a revised list later in the fall. For information or updates, email teamsookejuandefuca@gmail.com or visit the Team Sooke Juan de Fuca website or Facebook page. Team Sooke/JdF table at Canada Day on the flats, hosted by the Lions. We continue to receive tremendous support from organizations, faith groups, and individuals in our amazing communities.
Saturday & Sunday
November 19 & 20 10am- 5pm
Stinking Fish Artists schooling under one roof at West-Mont Montessori 4075 Metchosin Rd — SPECIAL GUESTS — New artists in the ‘hood!
250-474-2676 www.stinking fish studio tour.com 17
October 2016
From the desk of Randall Garrison, MP Esquimalt Juan de Fuca Bill C-51 Must Be Repealed If the Liberal government is hoping that Canadians will forget about Bill C-51, they are mistaken. Once Canadians learned what was actually in Bill C-51 after its introduction in 2015, it was met with large and vocal protests across our country, including in Victoria. As nearly a year has passed with no action on C-51 from the Liberals, we can only assume that their assurance that they would amend Bill C-51 is set to join a growing list of broken election promises. Bill C-51 is a dangerous part of the Harper government’s legacy, and New Democrats believe that it should be released in its entirety. Rather than make Canadians safer, Bill C-51 weakens our fundamental freedoms and promotes an atmosphere of fear and suspicion that is incongruent with Canadian values. By giving enforcement agencies additional powers without providing any additional parliamentary oversight, Bill C-51 puts the rights of all Canadians at risk. In fact, Bill C-51 is inconsistent with our Charter of Rights and Freedoms and it is being challenged in the courts. Although terrorism remains a real concern, when C-51 was before parliament almost every expert and even officials from our national security or law enforcement agencies
agreed the major problems were a shortage of funding for investigating possible terrorist threats and the lack of any counter radicalization programs in Canada. Instead of providing what we really needed, the Conservative government created legislation that threatens our privacy rights and expands the definition of threats to national security so that First Nations and environmental activists may end up targeted. My New Democrat colleagues and I are not alone in our concern about Bill C-51. Canada’s Privacy Commissioners and the Canadian Bar Association have voiced their strong objections to this legislation, and thousands of Canadians have signed petitions against C-51. Unfortunately, the Liberal government no longer seems to share these concerns. In 2015, the Liberals voted with the Conservatives in favor of Bill C-51 but promised to repeal what they called “problematic elements” of this legislation. Since they formed government last fall, they have taken no action. They have failed even to explain what they still think is “problematic” about this legislation and instead promised to consult Canadians further. Canadians cannot wait any longer for this dangerous bill to be repealed. To that end, I decided to put forward a private member’s bill to repeal Bill C-51 at the first opportunity during this coming fall session. My New Democrat colleagues and I, as Canada’s progressive opposition, believe that parliamentarians must enact legislation that keeps us safe while at the same time protecting our rights and freedoms in a democratic society. The most effective way to make our country safer from terror threats remains to focus on counter-radicalization efforts and provide security agencies with the resources they need to address those threats. Rather than fiddling with C-51, lets repeal it and start making progress on these more effective approaches that don’t compromise our basic rights.
R® REALTO
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October 2016
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RURAL OBSERVER 2016
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October 2016
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October 2016