Seaside Magazine May 2021 Issue

SEA SIDE M A G A Z I N E

YO U R S A A N I C H P E N I N S U L A VO I C E

MAY

2021

Therapy Dogs

MORE THAN MAN'S BEST FRIEND

SALISH SEA NEWS ON EAGLE WATCH PENINSULA VOICES SYLVIA OLSEN IN FASHION DRESSING FOR YOURSELF

SEASONAL RECIPES

Asparagus 3 Ways

Arts Scene

MEET THE PENINSULA PLAYERS!

KID-APPROVED FAMILY FUN

We Asked the Experts!

Professional Real Professional Real Estate Estate & & Property Property Management Management Services Services

Dan Van der Vlugt Dan Van der Vlugt

Stephanie Peat Stephanie Peat

John Bruce John Bruce

Maureen Vincent Maureen Vincent

Frank Berke Frank Berke

Tony Clemente Tony Clemente

2405 2405 Bevan Bevan Avenue, Avenue, Sidney Sidney BC BC www.dfh.ca www.dfh.ca

Anna Clemente Anna Clemente

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We will get through this time of uncertainty, together, by supporting and protecting our community, and taking care of each other.

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OWNER / PUBLISHER SUE HODGSON 250.516.6489 sue@seasidemagazine.ca

EDITOR IN CHIEF ALLISON SMITH 250.813.1745 allison@seasidemagazine.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LEAH-ANNE MACLEOD leahanne@seasidemagazine.ca

TOP STORIES 10

ASPARAGUS THREE WAYS Fresh, Flavourful and Versatile

22

A PLACE FOR EVERY DOG Play, Learn, Communicate

14

PENINSULA VOICES Talking with Sylvia Olsen

35

THE NATURAL PATH Your Spring Sugar Detox Game Plan

18

ASK THE EXPERTS A Kids' Day Out on the Saanich Peninsula

36

IN FASHION: SETTING GENDER ASIDE Dressing for Yourself

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DEBORAH ROGERS deborah@seasidemagazine.ca

ACCOUNT MANAGER STEVEN HALEY-BROWNING 250.217.4022 steve@seasidemagazine.ca

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JANIS JEAN hello@janisjean.com AMANDA CRIBDON amanda@amandacribdon.com

THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS Jo Barnes, Karen Elgersma, Janice Henshaw, Jesse Holth, Matt Jackson, Tina Kelly, Katie Kroeker, Paula Kully, Sheila Molloy, Cassidy Nunn, Deborah Rogers, Joan Saunders, Marita Schauch, Morgan Shaw, Susie Stockham, Christopher A. Straub, Jude Wheeler P.O. BOX 2173, SIDNEY, B.C. V8L 3S6 news@seasidemagazine.ca To find Seaside Magazine near you, visit www.seasidemagazine.ca/get/ Get Seaside direct to your door; email news@seasidemagazine.ca for subscription details Seaside Magazine is printed 12 times a year by Mitchell Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Reproduction requests may be made to the editor or publisher via the above means. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the publisher and editor. Staff of the magazine cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

photo by Nunn Other Photography

Contents

MAY 2021

EVERY MONTH 8 10 14 17 21 27 28

First Word One Food, Three Ways Peninsula Voices Salish Sea News Common Cents Inside Out From the Kitchen

31 35 36 41 48 53 54

New & Noteworthy The Natural Path In Fashion Deb's Day Out Living Off The Land

57 58 63 68 70

Out for a … Beachcomb Seaside Homes West Coast Gardener Take Note Last Word

Seaside Book Club Arts Scene

ON THE COVER Natalie & Cal - see story pg. 37 photo by Janis Jean Photography

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MAY 2021 YOUR SAANICH PENINSULA VOICE

Contributors

KAREN ELGERSMA PAGE 14

JESSE HOLTH PAGES 22, 39

MATT JACKSON PAGE 10

It was pure joy to spend a few hours with author and historian, Sylvia Olsen. Hearing her story and learning about the extensive and important research she has done on First Nations housing was not only inspiring but it dramatically shifted how I saw this very important and timely issue.

When Tovay Helgesen met Jane Hansen – through Tovay's business, Love The Leash Dog Walking Service – it was kismet. They bonded over their shared dog philosophies, and a desire to increase awareness of responsible dog ownership. What happened next is an inspiring story about dogs with physical and behavioural challenges.

Driving around the Peninsula it's easy to get excited about food this time of year. I have had the opportunity to chef in a lot of different places around the world.

Join me in going to a local farm and picking up some fresh vegetables, like asparagus – taking a harvest-to-table experience to a new culinary horizon.

MORGAN SHAW PAGE 37

SUSIE STOCKHAM PAGE 27

JUDE WHEELER PAGE 36

The most significant role in my life is being mum to my beautiful daughters.

They remind me daily to cherish the little moments and stop to notice the wonders of life through bright eyes, which brings a refreshing perspective and passion to my role within the community.

"We are better together" have always been my words to live by as an alternative therapy practitioner. With mental wellness at the forefront of our thoughts, I was honoured to have the opportunity to highlight how the alternative wellness community can contribute to western medicine in beautiful ways.

I've always marched to the beat of my own drum. I don't take my style too seriously, rather I choose to have fun with it. There are so many rules and restrictions in life, especially right now; it's freeing to shed those for what we want to wear. The most interesting people do not fit into boxes.

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truthandalibi.ca MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 7

First Word

from the

Editorial Director

Deborah Rogers

No, don't worry, you're not seeing things; Sue asked me to step in this month and write First Word! It's no hardship either as there's so much content in this issue that I'm proud to share with you. We have a focus on kids and family this month. Our editorial was planned a little while ago, but it wasn't until we saw some shots from the In Fashion photoshoot with Morgan Shaw and her daughters (pg 37) that we knew we had a cover! These little sweeties melted our hearts in their spring outfits!

I personally had lots of fun on my assignments this month including interviewing a number of very wise children who had nothing but good ideas about ways to stay busy, even during covid-times (pg 18). I also got to experience a little quality time with my own children (and husband) on a family picnic for my "Day Out" (pg 41). Combined with another really wellattended online Book Club meeting, everything has added up to remind me of how much opportunity we still have to connect with others and to have fun.

I wasn't alone in hanging out with my kids – Joan Saunders shared her kitchen with her son this month (pg 28), cooking up some tasty treats together. With warmer weather, local produce is really starting to flourish and we are excited to share with you the next in our "One Food, Three Ways" recipe series. Matt, the Sidney Chef, has created some beautiful dishes using asparagus – you better try them quickly as this vegetable is only in season for a short time!

In fact, I recommend you read the whole magazine cover-to-cover; you are sure to find something for just about everyone. Just as the farm stands will be soon, we're overflowing with seasonal, timely and fresh goodies for your enjoyment!

b e D Clothing provided and styled by MODEN Boutique.

For more, visit www.modenboutique.com.

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BILL TOZER

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DEBBIE GRAY

DENISE GALLUP

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RON PHILLIPS ronsoffice@shaw.ca

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Asparagus Three Ways

by Matt Jackson, The Sidney Chef photo by Janis Jean Photography

Nothing signals the arrival of spring like fresh asparagus at the market.

The incredibly flavourful vegetable has a relatively short growing season that peaks between April and the end of May. But whether you boil, bake or sauté it, this easy-to-cook vegetable makes up for it with an incredible amount of versatility and is the ideal addition to breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Low in calories, the fibre-rich asparagus is one of the most nutritionallybalanced vegetables, chock full of vitamins such as folic acid, potassium, thiamin and vitamins A, B6 and C. I recommend enjoying the green variety offered here in the Victoria area. It’s just as flavourful as the white at far less the cost.

The beauty of asparagus is that it can be a standalone vegetarian dish or can accompany a meat dish just as equally. It’s one of my favourite vegetables to work with due to its diversity … and there’s also that rumour it has the additional benefits of functioning as an aphrodisiac!

For complete recipes visit www.seasidemagazine.ca or email news@seasidemagazine.ca.

CHICKEN STUFFED WITH ASPARAGUS 2 chicken breasts

1/2 cup goat cheese

1 bunch of asparagus, ends removed

2 tbsp cream

6 slices of crispy cooked bacon

2 sprigs each thyme and rosemary, chopped

4 cloves garlic

baby potatoes (about 4-5 per person, depending on appetite) salt and pepper olive oil

ASPARAGUS SALAD 1 bunch asparagus: cut on an angle in larger chunks (approx. 1.5 inches) 1 bunch radish, sliced thinly 10 black olives, cut in half 1/4 cup capers, chopped 1 lemon, zest and juice 1/2 cup mayonnaise parmesan cheese for garnish salt and pepper to taste olive oil

ASPARAGUS & EGGS WITH HOLLANDAISE 1/2 bunch asparagus handful of spinach 1 clove garlic, sliced 4 eggs 2 egg yolks 1/2 cup butter, melted splash of lemon juice splash of white vinegar olive oil salt and pepper paprika

Love Local. Buy Local.

Sidney is proud to partner with Support Local BC, an online marketplace supporting small businesses.

Support Local BC sells gift certificates to generate cash flow during COVID-19.

Find out more at supportlocalbc.com/collections/sidney.

Find out more about Downtown Sidney at ExploreSidney.ca © Sidney Business Improvement Area Society

P E N I N S U L A VO I C E S

by Karen Elgersma | photo by Janis Jean Photography

Talking with Sylvia Olsen Sylvia Olsen (PhD) is an author and a storyteller who has extensive knowledge of First Nations housing program development.

Dr. Olsen is also an adult educator and trainer who co-created and teaches the First Nations Housing Managers' Program at Vancouver Island University. As an experienced researcher, she completed her PhD with a focus on government housing in First Nations. Sylvia is also an avid knitter, mom, grandma and wife. It was pure joy to sit across from her on a log in Centennial Park, listen to her story and understand why the work she did with Indigenous Housing was the most important work of her life.

You were born and raised in Victoria and then you married a Coast Salish man and moved to W̱JOȽEȽP, Tsartlip First Nation, where you lived for 35 years and raised your family. Share with us what that experience was like and how it influenced you.

I was only 17 years old so it was like a full-life immersion into a completely different Canadian reality. I was faced very early with the question "How can this be in Canada, the country that's supposed to be the best in the world, and yet you just have to cross the street and you go from such privilege to such poverty?" It's a question that I've struggled with for close to 50 years.

As a storyteller and author you have published 20 books – tell us about 14 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

your first book "No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Stories of Kuper Island Residential School" in 2001?

My sister-in-law, Diane Harris, from Stz'uminus First Nation, was a social worker there in the late 80s. She told me that things went on at Kuper Island Residential School that her clients only talked about in secret. Both her parents went there and she worried that they had suffered at the school. She wanted to talk to ex-students to find out why so many were so troubled. In those days no one was talking about the schools. She convinced me to tag along with her to write down what the people said.

The stories changed my life. The people pointed their fingers at me and said the only reason they were telling me anything was because they wanted me to write it down and tell the world. It was a desperately heavy responsibility and one I took very seriously. It took years and with the help of Rita Morris and Ann Sam, from Tsartlip, I finally was able to write No Time to say Goodbye. I wasn't a writer so on many fronts the book was excruciating to write and terrifying to publish because it was at a time when so few residential school stories were being told.

On your blog you wrote "I eat and sleep housing. Working on housing can never stop, not until everyone has a safe, life-affirming place to be and become." What did you discover through your research during your PhD around First Nations housing?

In two sentences. One: Government-controlled housing, for a racially defined population, for almost a century, that denies access to common financing tools so people can house themselves, does not work. And two: The outcome of that housing system is severe social disintegration that rivals the devastating effects of residential schools.

You shared with me that you can tell who a person is by seeing where they live. What do you mean by this and how has this discovery impacted your passion for housing independence for First Nations?

Most Canadians know very little about First Nations other than what they see, and housing is the most significant visible aspect of First Nations communities. First Nations housing has been extremely substandard when compared to their neighbours so Canadians have made very negative connections. The thing that Canadians don't know is why First Nations housing is so different.

I remember 35 years ago talking to my friend, who is First Nations, and she told me about her passion for self-government and how it was imperative if B.C. First Nations were going to thrive and grow. Why has it taken so long for this to happen and what damage has been done as a result?

Government does not know how to get out of the way. Bureaucracies only know how to perpetuate themselves. But at the heart of it all is systemic racism. Canada has never believed that First Nations people can manage themselves without "help." As one housing program failed, government designed another one with even more oversight.

It seems almost inconceivable to government that the problem is not and never was the First Nations' ability to deliver the programs but the problem was and is the programs themselves. First Nations can manage themselves. The problem is that Canada still doesn't believe it.

"Growing Up Elizabeth May, The Making of an Activist" will be coming out soon – a book you helped write for the young adults – what inspired you to be part of this project?

Jean Jordan, a long-time friend from Sidney, phoned me one day and said, "Sylvia, Elizabeth has been an activist since she was a tiny girl. We need to write her story for kids." What she meant by that was that I needed to write it. I said yes, of course, but then I could not find the story. It seemed like Elizabeth was never a child. It wasn't until Cate, Elizabeth's daughter, partnered with me that the story unfolded. We worked with the wonderful Shauna White and her grade seven class at Bayside Middle School to help tell the story. It became a wonderful celebratory experience of family, women and an extreme desire to care for the planet.

You are also a knitter (yes the sweater Sylvia is wearing in the photos is Also exhibiting in Sidney Pier Hotel

her creation) and your book "Unravelling Canada" is about to launch – share with us what it is about.

Unravelling Canada is my first travel book. It's about the knitting road trip Tex (my husband) and I took that started in Victoria and ended up in St John's Newfoundland six weeks later. It was epic. I did about 60 workshops along the way that were a combination of storytelling and knitting instruction. When I got home I realized that the whole trip was a story I needed to tell. Circling back to your first question, the road trip gave me the opportunity to explore my thoughts and feelings about my country. The book is not as deeply analytical as I tend to be about the topic of belonging because it's a road trip and the wheels keep turning. It is a drive through of the stunning Canadian natural landscape and of the historical, social and personal issues that emerged along the way.

You have left an incredible legacy with the work you have done with First Nations housing – what thoughts can you share with the people who live and work on the Saanich Peninsula who want to be part of the solution?

If the fix to any problem is to be real it must be as intense, thorough and profound as the problem itself. The history of racism towards First Nations in this country is so deeply rooted, so in our blood as to be almost invisible to us. Its effects have been so devastating for so long that it has, to our shame, become our normal.

We need to peel off one layer after the other to get to the core of what racism is and what it means to us personally and, as importantly, to us as a society. We must be persistent and patient with each other.

Canada is finally growing itself up. We haven't been the good guys we thought we were. We don't like some of the things we are seeing. It's awkward and often uncomfortable. But self-awareness is never bad.

As First Nations regain their place in this country, where they were and always should have been, we will all be better for it.

What's next for Sylvia Olsen?

I am shifting out of the front line work in housing and teaching.

There are so many brilliant younger people pushing beyond what I have imagined. I will continue writing. My next project is to write my PhD dissertation into a book. It's a huge undertaking. I've been avoiding it. Just thinking about it makes me slightly nauseated. Of course, more knitting. I work with my daughter Joni in her business Salish Fusion, which she intends to get up and running again in the next year. I'll be there to help her. And time with my children, grandchildren, Tex and Piper our dog. And … more thinking, more loving, more compassion … .

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SALISH SEA NEWS

by Tina Kelly, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Keeping Up with the Eagles: Season 11

Less screen time and more time outside. These days that's the advice from experts. But we raise our hand high to suggest an exception: the Salish Sea reality show staring Trooper and Ma Delta, a mated pair of bald eagles featured in one of Hancock Wildlife Foundation's live cameras.

For some time now, my colleagues and I have been eagerly awaiting the hatching of Trooper and Ma Delta's clutch. The nest may be physically located in Delta, across the Strait of Georgia, but the nest's activity can be streamed anywhere and has been playing out on at least two of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea's screens. If you've visited the Centre recently, you may have met an Educator excited to point out the activity in the nest. This year Ma Delta laid three eggs; a bald eagle clutch can range from one to three eggs. Both parents – one at a time – dutifully and diligently tend the eggs, giving them a turn and keeping them warm and hidden from predators.

Which parent is on the nest at any given time is anyone's guess.

Bald eagles are sexually dimorphic – displaying visible differences in sex in size only with the female being up to 25% larger than the male.

Unless viewed side by side at just the right angle, we just can't be sure.

(Moderators and avid watchers of the site have discovered a small visible difference between these two particular individuals; check out the website's forum for more information.) Eggs hatch after incubating for 26 to 34 days. These three eggs were laid February 27, March 2 and March 5 and at the time this article was submitted, two eggs had recently – to staff delight – hatched and fingers and toes were all crossed the third would soon safely hatch.

Just like taking turns incubating the eggs, eagle parents share the responsibility of hunting for food and feeding their offspring. Bald eagles are incredible hunters. Eagle eyes, as the expression goes, are extremely powerful. Eagles can see objects four to five times farther away than the human eye. They also have monocular and binocular vision and are able to use their eyes independently from each other.

When one parent arrives at the nest with food, the other parent flies off to hunt. Newly-hatched eaglets have little control over their

bodies. The unsteady neck movement reminds me of a bobblehead ornament you'd see on a car dashboard. This is most noticeable during feeding time. The feeding parent uses its sharp hooked beak to tear food into small manageable pieces for the eaglets. In years past, we've seen a variety of prey brought to the nest including salmon, flounders, sculpins, rabbits, black oystercatchers and mallard ducks.

The young eat a lot and grow fast, from clumsy balls of grey fluff to fully feathered fledglings in roughly 12 weeks. Watch them practise flapping their wings as they ready themselves to leave the nest. Bald eagles are mottled brown until they reach sexual maturity at four to five years old. It's then that their head and tail feathers turn white and their beak changes colour from black-brown to vibrant yellow.

There are a couple more months to view this season's "Keeping up with the Eagles." We recommend watching through to the season finale and tune in again next year starting in February. Just like an eagle beak, you'll be hooked! Website: hancockwildlife.org/delta-2-cams/.

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a non-profit aquarium and education centre located on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people. For more information visit www.salishseacentre.org.

We are neighbourhoods www.lrrs.org Livable Roads

for Rural Saanich

MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 17

Ask the Experts -

A Kids’ Day Out

by Deborah Rogers

It’s all very well suggesting ideas for outings with the young people in your life this spring and summer, but I thought I should get my information from the people who really know: Peninsula kids! They’ve been living under the same strange conditions as us for over a year, but none of the kids I spoke with seemed too put out by Covid restrictions. It seems that kids are happy to explore and play close to home; perhaps we could all take our cue from them!

What to do on the Saanich Peninsula – approved activities for 3 to 15 years It can feel challenging to find ideas for activities for older teens, so I was very happy to chat with Ava who reassured me there's still lots you can do, even during Covid-times.

Ava (14) – One of the best things about living in North Saanich are the beaches. At Pat Bay or Norris Beach you can safely meet with friends, paddle, kayak if you have access to one, and feel really free. A favourite place to meet up with a friend is Wain Park – there's lots of space and grass to play ball on, or the tennis courts. When you're ready for a break, walk up to Deep Cove Market and get an ice cream (this works whatever time of year it is!). Sidney has a beach volleyball court at Tulista Park which is a great new option for outdoors activity; you don't have to play a proper game, just try and get your teams roughly even! The Airport Path is a good destination to ride bikes with friends, and with grassy spots on the way round there's space to hang out without getting in anyone's way. The library is also a regular destination and their summer reading club often has great prizes!

Siblings who love the outdoors, Aanya Amber and Yash live in Brentwood Bay. Aanya Amber (13) – Clearly, Aanya Amber likes to be moving as her favourite activities are horse riding (she goes to Oaklands Equestrian) or motocross! She also loves mountain biking with friends. You can go to Hartland or Mount Work for trails, but it's also lots of fun finding all the hidden spots around Brentwood Bay to ride and practise skills. Grabbing a milkshake at the Brentwood Bay Village Empourium is highly recommended too.

Yash (9) – Playing with friends at Centennial Park is the best. Large groups can play games like manhunt or camouflage or tag. Or make up your own games! You can play disc golf at Bayside Middle School now (don't forget to take a frisbee with you). For a more structured activity, book a session at Boulders Climbing Gym. Further afield, the siblings loved visits to Durrance Lake and Sooke Potholes last summer. The water is cool and refreshing and really clean. Top tip: get ice cream from Sooke River Store afterwards.

18 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

A family with four siblings was bound to have lots of ideas. From their Central Saanich home they have all sorts of adventures. Highlights include: Calder (9.5) – Thrifting and antiquing. A history buff, Calder loves to visit The Old Attic in Saanichton and Everything Old in Brentwood Bay to find intriguing items to add to his collections. He says a visit to the thrift stores in Sidney can bring some unexpected bargains too, including a tabletop pinball machine on one memorable occasion. Pair that with a treat from Sidney Bakery and you have a winning day out!

Selah (8) – Take a walk at Centennial Park, or, at Oak Haven Park (in Brentwood Bay) you can hike up a mountain and see the whole world from the top (mom assures me it's a manageable 40-minute round trip!). Another fun outing is to visit the Brentwood Bay Village Empourium for a tea latté and one of their Empourium eggs.

Thea (6) – The Country Bee Honey Farm is a favourite destination to visit all the animals in the petting zoo. You can buy food there to feed them; Thea's favourite is Penny the bunny. If you're allowed you can also get a treat for yourself at the farm: the Compost Cookie has potato chips AND chocolate chips!

Evrah (4) – Any beach visit is fun for Evrah. She likes building forts with her brother and sisters at Island View, and looking for sea glass at Glass Beach in Sidney.

She's happy to paddle sometimes too.

Although there's lots of playgrounds on the Peninsula, and Tulista gets a great recommendation, Calder points out the lesser-visited Fire Station playground on Keating Cross Road.

The wisest words I heard in all my delightful chats came from Yash: "just find some friends, social distance, and have fun!"

Photos provided by respective families; Photo of Amber and Yash by Janis Jean Photography

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COMMON CENTS

by Christopher A. Straub Henley & Straub LLP

MONEY TALKS … SO TALK MONEY WITH KIDS! I delivered the local paper in North Saanich as a kid.

My bike was equipped with a pair of very stylish blue-and-yellow saddle bags. I remember taking my monthly $30 paycheque to the bank to deposit it into my account, and the satisfaction of getting my bankbook updated. In my monthly trips to the bank, I also often deposited a roll of coins and any other money I had saved that month from odd jobs and my small allowance.

Nowadays, everything is at your fingertips in our virtual world.

Banks don't offer bankbooks for kids. Most people pay for everyday items with credit and debit cards. There are very few opportunities for children to watch their parents hand over hard-earned cash, and hear a cashier count out the change. They see a tap, hear a beep, and just like that you've got groceries.

Financial literacy in its simplest form is the ability to understand how much money you have, and the things that you can do with it. What is the best way to teach financial literacy in a time where kids perceive a little plastic card as an unlimited money fountain?

This is a question I suspect many parents struggle with. It starts with open conversations.

I encourage everyone to initiate more discussions about finances, and not just with kids. Speak with your partners, parents and grandkids – not about how much is in their bank account, but about how much things cost, how interest rates work, and ideas on how to monitor assets and help them grow.

It is an awkward topic for some folks, but good management of personal finances is one of the most valuable things anyone can learn. It is good for kids to know that it would take them more than a whole day's work to pay for one dinner at White Spot for their family. It is good for teens to know that their new "free" cell phone isn't free at all and is really just the phone company locking them into a longer, more expensive term. It is good for college students to know that credit card companies will throw credit at them, and that they make their money when students can only make the minimum payment. And it is good for parents and grandparents to understand what opportunities may be available at various stages of their lives, even opportunities as novel as cryptocurrency.

Regardless of changes to the way we interact with our money – whether we're writing cheques, sending e-transfers, buying crypto or bringing our rolls of coins to the bank – we will still rely on basic financial knowledge to guard our assets. Next time your family is sitting down to dinner or you are having a Zoom call with your parents across the country, don't be afraid to talk about money – and opportunities!

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Janice recently welcomed her children, Emily and Murphy, to the team.

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MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 21

A Place for Every Dog: Play, Learn, Communicate

by Jesse Holth photos by Amanda Cribdon Photography

Tovay Helgesen, owner of Love The Leash Dog Walking Service, used to work very long hours on the farm – especially during birthing season. When she looked for someone to walk her dog Chester, she realized there was a problem: she couldn't find anybody willing to take him.

"He was a new rescue," she explains, "and he had behavioural issues towards people and other dogs." So when she moved on from farming, Tovay started to take courses in dog behaviour. "I wanted to focus primarily on one-on-one walks with dogs that had either behavioural or physical challenges – including blindness, heart failure, severe behavioural issues, eating disorders, chronic injuries, deafness and paraplegia."

22 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

It was through these on-leash services that Tovay met Jane Hansen – she would walk Jane's three dogs, and the two realized they were both looking for an increase in awareness in responsible dog ownership, as well as allowing dogs to socialize safely. Jane offered the family property for Tovay to initiate dog socialization groups. "She was absolutely awesome," says Tovay.

The groups, which are based on temperament and what each individual dog needs, have grown from there. For dogs who would never be able to socialize in public, this is a huge accomplishment.

"They can have friends now, and socialize with each other," Tovay explains. She says it's allowed her the control she needs when working with dogs who can be a bit unpredictable. "I'm a big proponent of

leashes in public, and for having safe spaces for dogs to be on-leash."

Tovay says the name of her business is no coincidence. "I don't like the idea that people see leashes as some form of punishment – it's not! A leash is a tool to make sure everybody is safe."

There's another benefit to on-leash time with your dog: connection.

"It's the difference between taking your dog for a walk, and going for a walk with your dog," says Tovay. She explains that engaging with them, and interacting with the world alongside them, can profoundly change the experience for both dog and owner. "It's amazing to see their faces light up when you take an interest in what they're doing, what they're looking at." Tovay wants to change the idea that we're somehow "restricting" our dogs by having them on-leash. It's for the safety and comfort of everyone, including other dogs. She says the phrase she least likes to hear is "my dog is friendly," which usually means the owner has no recall skills. "It's not safe for the dogs I'm walking," she says, whether they're in wheelchairs or dealing with chronic pain.

"I'm also a huge proponent of muzzles; I love muzzles!" Tovay explains that muzzles provide freedom, and can give life back to dogs who can't socialize safely or who have severe allergies like anaphylaxis.

In these cases, it can be a big problem when a dog eats something off the ground or is given treats by strangers. Muzzles can help, allowing the dog to socialize and build their confidence. For example, Tovay's dog Chester has pica. "He tends to eat nonfood objects such as rocks or wood, so he wears a muzzle when I don't know the area, and we can walk safely," says Tovay. "Neither leashes nor muzzles are punishment – they allow everyone to enjoy the world safely!"

Tovay advocates for training methods that don't use fear and punishment, especially for behaviour like growling. If you punish a growl, you're discouraging the dog from communicating. "That's how you get dogs that bite out of nowhere: because they're not allowed to communicate through growling," says Tovay. "I want to know when the dog is uncomfortable," she explains, "so I would much rather have a snarl than silence." Tovay says that any other behavioural issues can be worked on, as long as a dog knows how to communicate and tell you when they're uncomfortable. Sometimes, communication can be tricky: for dogs with paraplegia, they have to use different methods. "Paraplegics don't have tail motions, so they can't communicate with the back half of their body. They use different body language because they're limited in what they can say, so their playmates learn to read them differently."

For all the dogs that Tovay works with, she begins by taking them for one-on-one walks to get to know them. "I usually have four or five groups in the field per week, and choose which group would be suitable," she says. "If none of them are, I have a client named Gary who is incredible – he is a one-in-a-million dog with the best social skills I have ever seen. With his human's permission, Gary helps me evaluate and prepare other dogs for group." The groups are rather structured: they get to play, but also learn recall, have places for timeout, and take breaks when needed. "It all depends on who's there and what sort of management they need. I always make sure the dogs are listening to each other."

They learn how to be successful in their interactions, build up their confidence and socializing ability, and get better at communicating – and that makes for some happy dogs.

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

The Centre of Your Experience

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | 250-656-0275 | marywinspear.ca

Meeting Our Donors Who Was Mary Winspear?

Born in 1901 in Birmingham, England, Mary Willan Winspear's life spanned almost a complete century!

In 1910, the family joined many new émigrés and boarded the "Empress of Britain" and sailed to Canada, settling for a short period of time in Calgary, Alberta. They soon moved to Namaka, a small railroad town 40 miles east, that no longer exists on maps today. Mary grew up in a family of five children with very strong ties to the Anglican Church and a belief in the value of an education. She was schooled in Namaka's one-room, red-framed schoolhouse. All of the siblings excelled in their chosen vocation and Mary followed in her mother's footsteps and chose education.

After graduating from grade 12, Mary went on to teach in that same schoolhouse. One of her students was her younger sister.

Looking to broaden her education and work experience, in 1927 she convinced her sister to go east with her to St. Hilda's College at the University of Toronto. Together they had saved $1500 for the adventure. Mary completed her undergraduate degree in 1930 and then continued on at the same university, earning both her MA in English (1931) and PhD in Philosophy (1942). She became Dean of Women at both the University of Alberta and Queen's University and lectured in English at the Universities of Alberta, McGill, Concordia and Queen's.

Mary had spent many of her summers visiting her younger brother Francis at his summer house in North Saanich, British Columbia and upon her retirement, she moved to the neighbouring small town of Sidney, settling into the community. She continued to live an independent and active life, keeping an active mind as an avid reader and as a keen and regular bridge player. She took an interest in her community and its constituents and enjoyed the arts, the love of learning and, of course, the seascape so abundant in this area.

Mary never married but she remained a favourite aunt to three generations of nieces and nephews. The Winspear family who are now dispersed throughout continental North America continue to celebrate her life and legacy by assisting the Sanscha Community Cultural Centre Foundation's Honouring the Past Building For the Future Campaign. The beautiful new community cultural centre built by the foundation is named in her honour and is called the Mary Winspear Centre.

When the veterans returned from World War II teaching opportunities for women in universities took a drastic downturn. It was at this stage, in 1946, that Mary bought "a respected but somewhat run down schoolhouse," as her sister described it, in the Westmount area of Montreal, Quebec. She spent 25 years there as headmistress and owner of what was called Weston School, a private school for girls. Her time as headmistress and was marked by two main characteristics. She was an outstanding educator.

She pioneered, for example, the concept of teaching classes in both French and English, whichever was the more appropriate language for that subject, so that her students became bilingual. Also, she had exceptional interest in and empathy for her students and for this she was much loved and respected. Weston School closed its doors after operating for 90 years in June of 2007.

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INSIDE OUT

by Susie Stockham Core Consciousness

5 Ways Alternative Therapies Can Complement Western Medicine For many people, the past 14 months have forced some reflection. From staying at home more, spending time alone and taking honest inventory of our outer and inner environments, it has been a collective invitation for people to further get to know themselves on even deeper levels. For many this chapter has not been an easy one, and increasing anxiety and mental health numbers are validating this. With changed medical office policies and procedures now firmly in place, more people are turning to alternative health or complementary health therapies, for extra assistance and support.

Here are five reasons alternative therapies can complement the mainstream medical system and offer some extra peace and calm.

1) Body, mind, soul approach. Alternative therapists are usually deeply passionate about their modality. Many bring a different style and perspective than the mainstream medical path, targeting specific areas for healing with concentrated results. A greater scope of healing often occurs as a beautiful by-product, by finding other areas or layers of release; for example; emotional connections which link to your physical triggers, allowing for shifts and healing on different levels.

2) Time spent with you. One-on-one connection is validating.

Allowing one to be seen, heard and felt can be a powerful adjunct to human healing and especially important to mental well-being.

Choosing an alternative therapist does not replace medical care but can offer a beautiful complement to it. Time spent on meaningful person-to-person connection invites a place of possibility where many

people feel more empowered and willing to participate in their own growth and healing.

3) Choosing YOU (choosing your self care). It is powerful to choose practises to assist you with the everyday stresses. Most alternative health practises have many added benefits all of which include stress reduction and improved sleep on their list of personal advantages. Personal allowance can positively influence healing and assist with many ailments, including mindset and personal worth.

4) Added personal value. You will often receive more than you pay for in terms of value from alternative therapies. Along with the physical advantages of feeling good in the body, many therapists also share resources – added tools you can use following your session(s) which can stimulate personal power adding extra value to the physical benefits.

5) Intuitive connection. Alternative therapies can also be very intuitively guided if you choose to be open. This allows the body to receive and heal from a place of greater awareness. When self awareness is recognized and increased, one can receive a more rounded personal wellness where body, mind and soul are in closer alignment.

Alternative therapy is a safe personal invitation to feel better in your body.

Especially during insecure and stressful times where loneliness, anxieties and lack of connection is at an all-time high, it is possible for everyone to find alternative options to nurture and maintain a healthy connection with themselves.

Mental Health Awareness Month

MENTAL WELLBEING TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS:

Living through a period of great

Practice self-care … whatever that looks like for you.

uncertainty is extremely stressful.

We encourage you to recognise the impact that COVID-19 has had on the

Know the facts … & share information responsibly.

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mental wellbeing of everyone in our

and brighten up their day!

community. Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Calm

Get help … if you need it, don’t be afraid to ask.

are great words to live by.

For resources: www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/ covid-19/about-covid-19/mental-well-being-during-covid-19

your community, your health 250-656-2948 sphf.ca MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 27

F R O M T H E K I TC H E N

by Joan Saunders | photos by Amanda Cribdon Photography

A Win-Win Situation

Last Mother's Day, at the beginning of this wacky time,

I told my son Connor that all I hoped for as a gift was for him to bake cinnamon buns with me. It was a present that gave me all I really wanted: time doing something together while the world swirled around and, very importantly, cinnamon buns. It was a win-win situation.

This year, we're making empanadas. What's not to love? Pastry wrapped around a meaty filling ticks a lot of boxes in this household.

What I also love about empanadas is that you can throw in whatever works for you. Don't want to use beef? No worries: use turkey, chicken or make them vegetarian with cooked diced potatoes and vegetables. I like to add in some chorizo or sriracha 28 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

to add a bit of a kick, but if your kids don't like spice, just keep it simple. They're an exciting alternative for a lunch kit; you could even put together a breakfast empanada with cheese, sautéed veggies and scrambled egg.

My son and I have been baking and cooking together since he was little. In the early days it was a bit more of an abstract adventure as the kitchen usually looked like a flour/sugar bomb had gone off by the time we were finished.

Now, however, he's a creative cook who inspires me to push myself a bit further and learn new skills. We like to sit down, crank up the tunes and explore some cookbooks. And that, for me, is definitely another win-win, even without cinnamon buns or empanadas.

Empanada Dough (or you can purchase ready-made) 4½ cups all-purpose flour

2 eggs

3 tsp salt

2/3 cup ice water

1 cup / 8 ounces cold, unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch pieces

2 tbsp vinegar

Using a large bowl, put salt and flour in, add cubes of butter; blend with pastry blender until you have a coarse mix with some small lumps of butter. Mix together the eggs, water and vinegar in another bowl. I use a fork. Add to the flour; mix with fork until combined.

Turn out onto lightly floured counter; gently knead enough to bring dough together. Form dough into two flat rectangles; wrap in plastic.

Chill for at least an hour (up to six hours).

Empanadas (makes about 16 six-inch empanadas) 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped

2 tbsp raisins

½ onion, chopped small or bunch green onions, chopped

1½ tbsp chopped green olives

1 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 tsp ground cumin ¾ tsp oregano

1 14-ounce/398 ml can diced tomatoes in juice, drained; reserve 2 tbsp juice And, if wanted, spice: I like to add a few dashes of sriracha

¾ lb lean ground beef To bake: 1 egg beaten with 2 tbsp water for wash Using skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil. Cook and stir until softened. Add in garlic, oregano and cumin; cook for another minute, stirring. Add the beef; cook.

Stir to break up lumps. Cook for about 4 minutes until no longer pink.

Add raisins, olives, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and tomatoes along with extra 2 tbsp juice. Cook until liquid reduces but meat mix is still moist: about 5-7 minutes. Stir in hard boiled eggs. Put the mixture on a plate to cool; it's easier to put the empanadas together with the filling cooled.

Preheat oven to 400° To make the empanadas, you can use an empanada maker/folder, as we did. Or use a six-inch round cookie cutter and fold and crimp them by hand. Using a fork to seal the edges works best.

Take one of the dough rectangles and cut into 8 equal chunks.

Roll out individually on a floured board. You will need to put some strength into this, but the dough is very stretchy, which is great. Cut out the circle, put about 2-3 tbsp of meat mixture into the centre of the circle, then fold over to form a semi-circle. Crimp with a fork.

Place on parchment-lined cookie sheets.

To bake: Brush empanadas with egg wash and bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool on baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Freezes well.

Extra dough? Fill with jam and sprinkle on some sugar to make a yummy turnover. Bake as with the empanadas.

Other filling options: walnuts, diced cooked potatoes, chorizo, chicken or ground turkey, cooked diced carrots, peas, diced ham, cheese, diced red pepper, chopped apple.

These empanadas are amalgamated from wonderful sources you can check out: www.tastesbetterfromscratch.com/empanadas/ www.cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014844-beef-empanadas www.smittenkitchen.com/2009/03/beef-empanadas/ www.smittenkitchen.com/2007/04/chicken-empanadas-with-chorizo/

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N E W & N OT E WO R T H Y

by Paula Kully

News, changes, updates, launches? Email news@seasideamagazine.ca.

On the Move Moving On Sidney Town Crier Kenny Podmore will say farewell this summer to his counterpart, Richard Riddell, as he moves to Nova Scotia.

Richard has been Town Crier since 2007, a position that was created in 1997 as a direct result of the Sister Cities agreement with Sidney.

Moving In Ravens Crossing Cohousing, located on Brethour Avenue between Seventh Street and Resthaven Drive in Sidney, anticipates completion

by September. People will move in from as close as a few blocks away and as far as France and New Zealand. Some friends of Ravens Crossing, such as Barb Whittington and Tracy Mills, have worked together for five years, while the last two households joined just this spring. All 35 families have made this dream become a reality.

People Helping People Help VTRA Drive On! Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA) is fundraising $8,000 to buy their own cart and equipment for their hugely successful adaptive cart driving program that offers a unique learning opportunity to participants who do not participate in mounted horseback riding. VTRA offers the only adaptive cart driving program opportunity on Vancouver Island. To donate, visit https://fundrazr.com/driveonwithvtra.

Home Made Senior Living Assist is a new service available to Saanich Peninsula seniors, which helps them navigate the myriad of housing solutions available, from assisted living, long-term care, market housing to seniors' retirement complexes. They offer a free consultation followed by a range of packages to help find the best choice for individual needs and taking care of all the details that go along with moving. www.seniorlivingassist.ca.

High Spirits on the Peninsula Raising the Big Top Sea Cider Farm and Cider House has completed a new 2,800-squarefoot pavilion to replace the large tent that has been a popular location for weddings and special events. The Pavilion, which was inspired by the tent and designed by Cascadia Architects, is white, bright, open and airy and ready to host your next big event once Covid protocols allow.

Great Acquisitions Doubling Up

Pauquachin First Nation is purchasing the Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club with the sale closing May 22. The 129-acre parcel located within the Agricultural Land Reserve sold for $5.38 million.

Pauquachin now owns two golf courses as they purchased Ardmore Golf Course in February 2020.

Creative Genius Coming Home The Village Gallery is back under its previous ownership. Stop by to see some familiar faces and view work by many talented artists at 2459 Beacon Avenue in Sidney or call 778-426-1113.

Call to Artists Sooke Fine Arts' Call to Artists is open now until May 25. Artists from Vancouver Island and B.C.'s coastal islands are invited to submit their works for the 2021 Sooke Fine Arts Online Show, Vancouver Island's premier juried art event. More info at www.sookefinearts.com or 250-642-7256.

Surprise From the Island This Mother's Day, the "From the Island" artisan surprise box is offering a truly special gift filled with a collection of handmade treasures from five of Vancouver Island's most established artists, two guest artists, and a sweet treat that will melt your heart. The surprise box sells for $125 with $10 from each sale going to Wild Arc, the BC SPCA Rehabilitation Centre.

To order call 250-665-7132 or 250-507-1722 or islandrainstudio@yahoo. com. For details, visit www.islandrainstudio.com.

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Service Dogs:

So Much More Than Man's Best Friend

by Jo Barnes | photos by Amanda Cribdon Photography

He works hard to serve others. He's sensitive to their needs. And he will respond every time, sometimes, with a lick on the face!

Groot is definitely a gorgeous golden retriever, but he is also a

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highly trained service dog who helps Tyson King, a retired Canadian serviceman, to manage the symptoms of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).

"It has been a positive change to the quality of my life," shares Tyson.

Groot is one of a growing number of specially trained service dogs, a dog who works hard but who is so much more than just a companion.

The existence of service dogs is not a new concept by any means.

For years now, guide dogs have been helping individuals who are visually or hearing impaired or dealing with epilepsy. Dogs like Groot, though, are uniquely trained to respond to the specific needs of a person who is manifesting the symptoms of physical or psychological injury. Such a person might be a police officer, paramedic, military veteran, or any member of the public.

So how does a dog like Groot develop this specific set of skills?

What kind of training is involved? Dogs to be trained as service dogs for PTSD must not have protective tendencies and need to possess desirable qualities in terms of trainability, physical ability, health, temperament and obedience. The most successful breeds are golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and poodles.

Many people, like Tyson, are matched with a dog through Courageous Companions (CC), a charity that provides service dogs to veterans and first responders. This organization sources dogs from breeders out of

Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. The animals are raised with a humane, non-aggressive and well-balanced approach. Key to training is imprinting and learning specific cues. A service dog working with someone with PTSD helps its owner by being able to sense problematic situations and emotions before they even appear. For example, a trained dog might give a visual cue like raising his paw or a physical signal like transferring his body weight to a part of the handler's body.

These dogs receive a variety of training such as distracting or calming their handler if they are panicked, interrupting a disruptive behavior, and providing stimulation. Once in service, these special dogs are quite amazing, but most of the time a passerby wouldn't be able to see the many ways these dogs interact with and support their handler. Members of public should not intervene or interrupt a service dog and handler. Let the dog do its job.

"99% of people never see the dog work when they are with someone," comments John Dugas, Chairman of Courageous Companions. "They are relentless when they work."

The work of training is challenging and requires understanding and experience. Young dogs go through phases of learning and growing.

"It's critical to imprint a dog when it's young, up to a year old," says John. "At six months is fear imprinting. When it gets scared of something, then that stays with it for its whole life. We have to manage fear."

Helping the dog manage its fear allows the dog to better serve a potential handler down the road.

An additional challenge is training the new owner in how to handle their service dog.

"Training clients with these dogs needs to be done with someone who knows what they're doing," says Tyson. "You train the dog and you train the client too. You are also dealing with reactions from others and educating society in the process."

The positive impact these service dogs make to other's lives is remarkable. They can free their handlers from trauma-induced fears.

Successfully managing PTSD with the help of these service dogs has many benefits like removing the need for daily medication, reconciling relationships, or even positive career changes. For Tyson, receiving his first service dog was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life. After seeing how well he worked with his service dog, Master Trainer George Leonard recommended that Tyson become a trainer himself.

"I found it therapeutic. I could relate to others with PTSD. I could help," says Tyson.

In 2016 Tyson started VIK9, an organization that trains service dogs for people living with a wide variety of medical conditions such as PTSD, autism, or seizures. He has trained a number of dogs and helps clients of all ages and situations. Using his personal experience and having the opportunity to apply new skills is rewarding.

"I coach dogs and I coach people," says Tyson. "It has given me a sense of purpose."

Trained and skilled, service dogs provide far more than companionship to those for whom they work. They can move someone beyond depression to self-confidence, revitalized health, and towards meaning in life again. That lick on the face can mean a new lease on life.

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T H E N AT U R A L P AT H

by Dr. Marita Schauch, ND Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre

Your Spring Sugar Detox Game Plan Is anyone else finding themselves here in spring and still riding the Christmas, then Easter, then … anytime sugar high? Phew!

Glad I'm not alone. But the sugar addiction is real, and spring is the perfect time to get off the sugar rollercoaster in time for the ease of warm weather. I've even roped my husband into detoxing alongside me, because let's face it, going off sugar cold turkey can be hard.

If you're finding yourself in the midst of sugar addiction, read on. I've put together a list of effective ways to set yourself up to nix the sugar habit with ease.

Set Yourself Up for Success! There are a lot of things you can do to help make your transition as easy as possible.

• Increase your protein and fat intake. Make sure to eat protein and healthy fats with every meal. This will help you feel satisfied and help regulate your blood sugar.

• Make sure to eat regular meals. The last thing you want is a blood sugar crash, which will intensify any withdrawal symptoms.

• Get lots of rest and stay well hydrated. Lack of sleep and dehydration can increase sugar cravings and leave you feeling weaker in your resolve to cut sugar.

• Limit caffeine and alcohol. These substances can contribute to blood sugar irregularities that will make the sugar detox experience harder.

• Read labels. Added sugar is hiding in unexpected places.

Common names for sugar include high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar or juice, maltose, dextrose, rice syrup and caramel.

But what happens when you've done everything you can and you still find yourself hankering for a mid-afternoon cinnamon roll?

Stop right where you are and follow this checklist.

1. What to do When You Get a Craving • Consider your motivations. Are you REALLY craving sugar, or are you really just bored or feeling a little down and looking for a pick-me-up?

• Drink a glass of water and wait 15 minutes. Chances are you won't be craving it anymore.

• Eat something bitter. Bitter foods such as cocoa, arugula and traditional digestive bitters actually put the brakes on the receptors in the brain that triggered the craving in the first place.

2. Satisfying an Incessant Sweet Tooth. Can't get past the craving? Here are some options that will satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your process.

• Eat fresh fruit and berries. Your body processes the natural sugars in fruit differently than refined sugar, plus fruit is packed with nutrients and fibre.

• Drink herbal tea. Teas like peppermint and licorice root have a natural sweetness that is very satisfying and hydrating.

• Nibble on some dark chocolate. Chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher is your friend. It is low in sugar and has antioxidant and antiinflammatory benefits. And well, it's chocolate!

3. Remember, Life is Really all About Balance. Indulging every once in a while and being a part of the moment that includes sugar is part of the joy of being alive. You can always bookmark this article for future reference when cravings come along a little too often.

Lianne Macdonald and Del Elgersma welcome Karl Maier to their friendly, effective, award-winning law practice.

Karl has over 20 years’ experience helping adults of all ages with estate planning, real estate and business matters.

Our offices in Sidney, Victoria, and Brentwood Bay are all fully accessible. We look forward to meeting you!

250.656.3280 • www.beaconlaw.ca MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 35

I N FA S H I O N

by Jude Wheeler Will + Wheel Hair Lounge

Setting Gender Aside: Dressing for Yourself

I have always enjoyed the artistic expression offered by clothing choices. That expression can be fun and playful, or serious and conservative. Mixing textures, patterns and colours offers unlimited options for expression. Finding a personal style doesn't have to be limited to any particular era, department, store, or to the gender binary.

Escaping from the constraints of traditional ideas of gendered clothing expands our clothing vocabulary. Clothing allows us to wordlessly express ourselves. Clothing can be our armour that communicates our willingness to have people approach us or keep at a distance.

There is no inherent gender to an article of clothing. I have a family member that is transgender, and they have shown me the importance of dressing in a way that make oneself feel comfortable. Changing your perspective on what constitutes masculine or feminine is refreshing; dispensing with labelling is freeing.

Gendered clothing is actually a relatively newer concept: historically, all people dressed similarly. Clothing was a piece of fabric draped around the body, and later developed into more defined shapes. The kimono, sarong and tunic are examples of attire that was worn by everyone. The western world created the gender division in clothing.

There have always been public figures that resisted the constraints of gendered fashion. David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Prince are recent examples. Kurt Cobain embraced a gender subversive style and often performed wearing a dress. One of my personal heroes, Frida Kahlo, not only wore men's clothing occasionally, but embraced her

Give her the gift of pampering

facial and body hair. Current trendsetters who are helping create new gender free norms are Dan Levy, Billy Porter and Billie Eilish.

Fashion has been a reflection of what is happening in the world at the time. Everything from wars to the sexual revolution affected how people presented themselves. Choices of colours and fabrics, length of hem, shapes of pants, and styles of hair are all affected. Today people are more conscious consumers. Choices about where we shop, who we support and the environmental consequences of those choices are important to us. Supporting small local businesses and consigning or reworking older items are all good conscious choices.

When I was in university, the dean of the women's dorm pulled me into her office to ask me why I insisted on dressing androgynously.

I'm sure this had more to do with her irritation in repeatedly thinking I was a man in the women's dorm, but she was obviously uncomfortable with my chosen appearance. I wore my hair short, loved oversized vintage jackets and rarely wore makeup. I was working out my chosen style and enjoying playing with different looks. Not much has changed today; I am still having fun with my personal style.

Exploring what we like without limits of traditional classifications opens up options to celebrate our own unique personality. I enjoy combining things that seem incongruent: a fancy top with distressed bottoms, or a vintage piece with a modern one. To me, clothing offers a way to express myself. Be brave; don't limit your choices; blend and merge the things you like to create your own unique style.

bbqsalmonburgersfunlivemusic jewelrywhimsicalitemshandmade

outside at Mary Winspear Centre

Every Sunday from May 9th - Oct 10th 11am - 3pm

The Dancing Orchid 250.656.1318

#104 - 2537 Beacon Avenue

36 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

glasswarebakedgoodspottery SidneyStreetMarket.com localproducejewelleryclothing

In haircare?

SEASIDE talks with Morgan Shaw , Executive Director of the the Sidney BIA, about what's

in FASHION …

Olaplex for mom; Pipette for Natlie and Cal. In your closet? Any simple or layering piece.

MODEN Boutique is my go-to! On your bedside table? Bedtime stories.

In the kitchen? Cheese from The Farmer's Daughter for me; cookies from Quince for the girls. Adding sparkle to your outfit?

Anything sweet and simple. On your luxury wish list? Take me on vacation – anywhere! On your walls? Original art pieces by Nat & Cal. In home décor? Plants and candles.

When it comes to your go-to "uniform?" I love my capsule wardrobe!

When you want a night out? Nights out have become date nights in, typically with Sabhai Thai. On your playlist?

Anything for a toddler dance party.

On your feet? I love my Glerups from Waterlily Shoes! In your bathroom cabinet? My girls love Bubble Whoosh products – found at Kiddin' Around. On your Netflix queue? Schitt's Creek – channelling my inner Moira!

On your skin?

Always Éminence Organic Skincare. When you

want to smell irresistible?

Does Calm hand sanitizer count? When you want to throw fashion out the window and be all about comfort? A bamboo sleepshirt, every time. When you don't care how much it costs? A pedicure at Haven Spa – bliss!

In your makeup bag? Italian lip balm by Acca Kappa.

photos by Janis Jean Photography

WITH

Peter Dolezal

Extracting Home Equity in Retirement Peter Dolezal is a semi-retired Sidney resident. He offers INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES to individuals, couples and companies.

To date, he has assisted more than 255 clients across Canada, principally in Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland.

No Financial Products to Sell Leads to Truly Independent Advice.

Homeowners are aware that the equity they accumulate in their personal residence will become a substantial reserve, which may be accessed as a future means of enhancing retirement lifestyles. In pursuing this option, homeowners sell their single-family residence, replacing it with a significantly lower-value property. In the process, they often extract hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity. The excess funds can then be invested, and gradually accessed to enhance retirement incomes.

Even greater financial benefit may be realized by the retiree who sells a high-value single-family home and downsizes to a townhouse or condominium apartment. In today’s super-heated real estate market, such as that in Greater Victoria or Vancouver, selling a typical single-family home is likely to generate $1 million or even more – leaving significant flexibility in finding a much lower-priced strata unit.

However, the most beneficial move financially could be for retirees to sell their home, regardless of type, and decide to RENT a replacement residence going forward. Today, new, very comfortable, purpose-built apartments are available, such as the hundreds nearing completion in Sidney and other town centres. A luxuriously outfitted two-bedroom unit, sometimes with views, can be found for around $2,500/month. This may seem very expensive, until one considers the overall cost difference.

this portfolio will generate $24,000 in tax-efficient annual income. When one considers the elimination of property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs on a family home, it becomes clear that the portfolio income alone will closely approximate the incremental cost of the rented unit.

Over the long term, it is reasonable to also expect that the portfolio, in addition to virtually covering the couple’s rental cost with its income stream, will also gain in market value – thus allowing for the extraction of additional funds for travel, or other lifestyle upgrades.

Because the extracted funds are so substantial, downsizing from ownership of a single-family home to a rental unit should work well for retirees of any age. If, however, the retiree owns and sells a condominium, the proceeds will be substantially less – perhaps between $400,000 and $500,000. To minimize the risk of outliving financial resources, this may limit the viability of the rental option to those aged 75 years or older.

Giving up home ownership is a significant decision. It should not, however, be automatically ruled out. Moving to a bright new rental property in a central location, with zero maintenance, no property taxes or strata fees, while enhancing previous retirement income, may be just the solution for some retirees. A relocation to a more central location in the community may even allow for downsizing to a single vehicle, offsetting rental costs even more.

Author of

Let’s assume, in choosing the rental option, that a retired couple has extracted $800,000 from the sale of their single-family home.

They invest the entire amount quite conservatively, in a low-cost, globally diversified, balanced portfolio which provides a reliable 3% annual income stream (yield), through a combination of dividends and interest. Even with zero market appreciation,

(Third Edition)

For a Covid-Safe Meeting, contact pdolezal@shaw.ca or visit www.dolezalconsultants.ca for Client Testimonials and more

The Smart Canadian WealthBuilder

Included in the curriculum of several Canadian Colleges.

If you are retired, home-equity rich, but cash flow constrained, significantly reducing the funds tied up in your residence, or even eliminating ownership entirely, may be just the answer for upgrading your lifestyle. Give it some thought.

U N I Q U E LY PENINSULA Open 7 Days a Week

A New Eatery on Lochside Trail:

Eat in-house, outdoors on our patio, or take-away.

7900 Lochside Dr Saanichton, BC (Mt. Newton Cross Rd Exit)

Marigold Café

themarigoldcafevictoria www.themarigoldcafe.com | info@themarigoldcafe.com | 250-544-6359

by Jesse Holth

This is part of a rotating series of articles about some of the Saanich Peninsula's unique shops and services.

There's a new neighbourhood favourite in Central Saanich – at 7900 Lochside Drive, you'll find The Marigold Café, serving gourmet soups, sandwiches, pastries, specialty coffee and more.

"We've been open a couple months now, and we've had a really great response from the community here," says Jenny, who owns the café with her husband Ryan. The couple live right nearby with their one-year-old son Will – and when an opportunity arose, their interest was piqued.

"My uncle Tim Hackett and Steve Mann did the Marigold development," Jenny explains, "and when they talked with the community, they really wanted a coffee shop in the area." With previous careers in hospitality, the duo was perfectly suited to the task. "I've worked in hospitality in hotels, and my husband Ryan is a Red Seal executive chef with 20 years of experience."

When the baby came last April, they both decided to be involved in the business. That worked out well, although Jenny says it's been a lot more work than she thought it would be! "It's great to have him on the kitchen side, making really quality food you don't typically get at a café."

There have been many repeat customers already: Ryan says some of their regulars come in three or four times a week. "People are starting to know our names; they're taking quite an interest in us and baby Will, and we really love that." The Café is becoming a destination for cyclists as well, whether they're travelling between Victoria and Sidney looking for a pitstop, or just making a day of it. The prime location right on Lochside Drive is convenient for anyone looking to stop and relax.

"People really enjoy our housemade items," says Jenny. "All of our soups, sandwiches and some baked goods are made in-house."

The focus on quality has made for a great community turnout. Ryan says they're even hoping to extend their hours in the late spring and early summer. "We'd like to offer small plates after 4 p.m., and we're looking to get a liquor license so we can serve wine and drinks." New additions might include charcuterie platters, cheese and crackers, and small tapas-style dishes. "It's been so lucky to have a nice patio, especially during the recent restrictions," says Jenny.

Their goal is to become a gathering place for the whole community, and it looks like they're well on the way. The Marigold Café is open seven days a week.

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Rodco

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ols Draperies & Uph

Thank You to everyone for taking our journey seriously Thank You for your support!

Yes we can help you with blackout shades & draperies for your bedroom or for your WHOLE strata 250.656.4642 rodcointeriors.com Looking forward to warmer days and lighter layers with new arrivals landing weekly!

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2418 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.655.0774 @boutiquemoden modenboutique.com

D E B ' S D AY O U T

by Deborah Rogers | photo by Janis Jean Photography

Picnic in the Park It's been a year when I've seen very few people except my little family of four. Having spent far more time together than usual, I wasn't sure how my offer for them to join me for my Day Out this month would be received. But there was a promise of food, and assurance of minimal photos, and a date was set for a Saturday picnic.

It's something we used to do very often when the children were younger; picnics on beaches and at parks were routine, and food choices made based on what was in the fridge and who was being picky about what at the time! With toddlers it was never about the food, always about the location. As we've got older I've been less inclined to bother with the work of packing up lunches for outings. For this Seaside Magazine picnic I was thrilled to relinquish responsibility to the Vancouver Island Picnic Company (www.vipicnicco.com), trying their Picnic to-go option.

I ordered ahead, two 2-person baskets – no meat please – and was able to collect on the Saturday morning. It gave me the chance to have a chat with owner Alana. She started the business a year ago, focusing on picnic experiences, the sort of thing you might arrange for a special celebration. Now she's added the "to-go" option so anyone can make a regular outing an occasion. Alana was inspired by the happiest memories from her childhood: picnicking with her family. Food is always an opportunity to bond, and food outdoors usually tastes better!

The picnics were very portable, packed in cardboard take-out boxes, which I resisted peeking into ahead of time. We chose Lillian Hoffer park in Sidney as our destination for its lovely green grass and water

views. Picnic 101 – bring enough blankets for everyone to sit on!

Yes, true, you could sit at a picnic table, or on a rock at the top of a mountain, but a picnic blanket on a grassy lawn is quintessential.

As we unpacked the boxes we discovered everything was locally produced, or purchased locally (like the cheese selection from The Farmer's Daughter). I don't want to spoil any potential picnics readers may have, but I can say that the food was delicious, varied, well-balanced and included things we hadn't tried before, like the kombucha brewed in Vic West. One stand-out inclusion was dessert from the Fat Macaron, which has been mentioned more than once since our outing! There were nice touches too, like compostable cutlery, a welcome card with the vendor list (in case you need to get some more of those macarons!) and a suggested playlist. The picnic basket also included some conversation starter questions which we had a lot of fun with.

When someone else is responsible for the food it takes away the pressure of pleasing everyone. I'm probably not alone in having felt the weight of expectation fall heavily on my shoulders when I suggest a family activity. This was great though, a low-key treat; a chance to connect and catch up on each other's week; and some precious time away from distractions. Oh, and no clean up! The sun was out, the food was great, the company seemed much more conversational than they are at home. All in all I'd say it was a perfectly, pleasurable picnic experience!

What do you want to see Deb do next? Email news@seasidemagazine. ca with your ideas or an invitation!

MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 41

Active Balance Physiotherapy Studio Shelley Dumais, Emma Rigsby & Cydney Smith

Did you hurt yourself in the garden?

I N G O O D H E A LT H

by Paula Kully

Are you sitting too much at work?

Are you frustrated because you can’t sleep?

Are you suffering from dizziness?

Do you have fitness goals you want to crush?

We treat all these things and more.

KEEP DOING WHAT YOU LOVE!

CALL TO BOOK FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY & ACUPUNCTURE 103-9816 Seaport Pl | 250.208.5942 | www.activebalancephysio.com

Family & Implant Dentistry

Now Offering Sedation #104 - 9845 Resthaven Dr, Sidney 250.656.1199 | coastdentalcare.ca

Get to know our great

Physio Esmé!

She is an expert in treating kids and performers.

250.652.0132

www.saanichphysio.com 42 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

Exercise is Medicine:

Active Balance Physiotherapy Studio As the owner of Active Balance Physiotherapy Studio, Shelley Dumais has a philosophy that exercise is medicine.

With movement and exercise as a focus, she brings her strong educational background and personal experience with fitness, sport, outdoor recreation, and endurance running and cycling to her clients.

Shelley moved her practice from Deep Cove to #103 - 9816 Seaport Place in Sidney to expand her professional health care team and has since welcomed Cydney Smith and Emma Rigsby. Her team offers hands-on Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Bracing, Vestibular Therapy, Women's Health, and Sports Physiotherapy. The new space has private treatment rooms and an amazing view of Mount Baker and the Sidney waterfront.

The team at Active Balance addresses the cause of your pain as opposed to merely treating your painful structures. They work to change your movement patterns to be able to get you back to doing all the things you love.

Shelley, you have stated that exercise is medicine. Can you elaborate on what this means?

You may have heard the term that sitting is the new smoking. The truth is that our society spends a lot more time sitting than we used to, and it has had an impact on our health in regards to increasing chances of cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and back pain. The solution to this problem is movement. There is a book, which I highly recommend, called Younger Next Year. It talks about how important exercise is for good health, especially as you age.

How can physiotherapy assist people in following the path of exercise as medicine?

Physiotherapists are movement specialists. We break down your daily life movements, work, and sport and find out what is not working optimally. We help clients regain their mobility. So this might mean if you have knee pain or knee arthritis, for example, we will look at the mechanics of your pelvis, lower back, hip and ankle to see what might be contributing to dysfunction in the system to get you moving again. We assess and restore movement patterns so that

Welcome

Molly Smith our clients have optimal mechanics to keep moving and exercising.

What kind of exercise do you recommend, and what are the benefits?

There is a lot of research that suggests that cardiovascular exercise is necessary for pain management as well as for knee and hip osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, vestibular and balance issues and for recovering from surgery. Cardiovascular exercise can take many forms, including walking, biking, swimming, aquafit, exercise classes, hiking, running, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

For people who are at the start of their weight loss and health journey, cardio exercise may seem daunting for them and cause them to give up before they even get started. What is the best way for these people to ease into a fitness routine that eventually incorporates something like running?

This is where Physiotherapy comes in. We help to create awareness of how you sit, stand, walk, and move so that we can create less load on your structures to decrease your pain and fatigue. We can then help you with a selfcare program of stretching, strengthening, and core exercises to get you moving more efficiently. Finally, we can give you a program to progress your fitness routine that aligns with your goal. So if that is running, we would prescribe a progressive your walk/run program.

How does physiotherapy help with vestibular and balance issues?

Treatment will include thorough testing of your vestibular systems, including visual tests, ear canal positioning, balance tests to determine the cause of your vertigo and dizziness. If appropriate, your physiotherapist may use the Epley Maneuver to alleviate your symptoms. You will be given special exercises to remove the inner ear crystals in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and self-care management exercises.

Active Balance also provides acupuncture. What are the benefits of this?

Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny needles to alleviate conditions including sleep difficulties, headaches and migraines, injuries from sports, and pain from accidents. Acupuncture also works to treat internal conditions such as hormone balance, digestive problems, weight loss, addiction, menstrual concerns, skin issues, allergies, fertility, stress, mood/emotional issues and more. It can also help with fine lines and wrinkles using cosmetic facial acupuncture.

"Our society spends a lot more time sitting than we used to, and it has had an impact on our health.

The solution to this problem is movement."

Reg. Massage Therapist Call or Book Online

PENINSULA PHYSIOTHERAPY & MASSAGE PENINSULAPHYSIO.CA 9733 4TH ST, SIDNEY 250.656.4717 CALL OR BOOK ONLINE, WE DIRECT BILL

hear inc.

Audiology is so much more than hearing aids. Whether your issue is dizziness, speech processing, hearing loss or excess earwax, give us a call. We’d love to help.

Donna Stewart Audiologist/Owner

Because we’re 100% privately owned, we work for you, not a hearing aid manufacturer.

Saanichton: 778-351-1145 Brentwood: 778-426-4876

Brittani Trapp

Doctor of Audiology

SIDNEY CENTRE FAMILY DENTISTRY Dr. Loren J. Braun

Celebrating 20 years in Sidney!

• New Patients Welcome • Emergency Treatment • Insurance Accepted • IV Sedation Available 250.655.7188 | #215-9764 Fifth St. | sidneycentredental.com MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 43

DISCOVER E X T R AO R D I N A R Y

At Amica Beechwood Village, you’ll experience the senior lifestyle you deserve with premium amenities, your choice of engaging activities, and delicious meals prepared by Red Seal Chefs. Our professional staff will ensure your safety and well-being always remain a top priority while supporting your every need, even as those needs change.

V I R T UA L & P R I VAT E T O U R S

2 315 M I L L S R D

250 - 655 - 0849

A MICA .CA

Your

Love

LOCAL …

Saanich Peninsula Shops & Services

Trouble Sleeping?

When you don't sleep well,it is often easy to assume that it can't be a problem with the mattress because it's relatively new and was expensive. Don't make that mistake.

Come and see us to

Begin Starting Your Day Rested!

778.351.2113 | sidneymattress.com 1A - 2353 Bevan Ave, Sidney

Seaside Cabinetry & Design is a boutiquestyle cabinet showroom located in downtown Sidney.

Custom Design, Merit Cabinetry, Lifetime Warranty. We have hundreds of styles and colours to choose from.

Showroom Open by Appointment

250.812.4304 | 9715 First St, Sidney SeasideCabinetry.ca

Sidney by the Sea Dental Hygiene Clinic Inc. We focus on preventative dental hygiene in a relaxed environment. Complimentary complete dental hygiene exam and diagnosis ($100 value).

We are accepting new patients!

Paulette Reid, RDH, BBA, MSc 250.655.4884 #102 - 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney www.SidneyDentalHygiene.com

Bright Greens Canada Fresh from the farm, local salad greens, leafy greens and microgreens YEAR ROUND. We are specialists in sustainable, pesticide-free hydroponic farming. #lettucefeedyou.

Farmgate every Saturday 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m. at 6346 West Saanich Road.

250.213.9352 brightgreens.ca tamara@brightgreens.ca

Sidney by the Sea Dental Hygiene Clinic As one of the first independent dental hygiene clinics in Canada, we specialize in oral disease prevention. Our customized services are essential to optimum health. Poor oral health can cause pain, disrupt eating and sleeping patterns, diminish quality of life, and contribute to serious life-threatening illnesses.

Regular teeth cleaning is vital, despite the best home care practices, plague still builds on everyone's teeth. We work hard to keep your mouth happy between clinic visits and we also focus on preventing future problems or worsening conditions. Our clinic is full-service and our dental hygienists provide therapeutic treatments in a bright relaxed space. We offer full head and neck exams with every appointment, remove build-up, decrease the chances of bleeding, reduce bacteria levels, help with stain removal and denture cleaning.

We have implemented many Covid protocols to prevent the transmission of infectious disease and keep you safe. Sterilization and cleanliness are hallmarks of our practice along with top-of-the-line PPE equipment for our staff as well as air purifiers and air exchangers. Our augmented hygiene, physical distancing and disinfecting routines are taken seriously. Dental hygienists are an important part of your overall health care team. Call now for your appointment while we are taking new patients. ~ Paulette Reid, RDH, MSc

Your

Love

LOCAL …

Saanich Peninsula Shops & Services Our comfortable but stylish Cuisine apron is making us famous. Made in Europe of stonewashed pure linen, and a fit to suit everyone. muffet&louisa 102-2360 Beacon Avenue, Sidney

Ecotopia Naturals

Sidney's Eco-Clothing Store is full of new natural fashions. Comfortable, durable and stylish Canadian designs in amazing fabrics including bamboo, hemp, linen, organic cotton, and more. Locally made personal care products and home to Soap Exchange Refill Centre.

778.426.3088 across from the Sidney Pier Hotel Online store: ecotopianaturals.com

muffet&louisa part 2 105-2360 Beacon Avenue

Brentwood Bay Village Empourium Whatever fills your cup … We're all easing our way back into life's normal routines, bit by bit. It 's been a very tough year and sometimes it's hard to know what is OK, what is safe and what is ''normal'.' But the simple act of enjoying a beverage with a friend can restore our feeling of living the good life. So whether it's sharing time over a cappuccino, a glass of wine or a local craft beer, at Brentwood Bay Village Empourium you can indulge in one of life's small but important pleasures without worry. We take your health and happiness seriously, so that you don't have to sacrifice your sense of well being to drink in life's little pleasures.

Our expanded, weather-friendly outdoor seating allows for plenty of room while catching up with friends. Our menu always features new and exciting fresh offerings, and our methods for creating and serving food and drink are certified

by Island Health and Covid-Safe™. Our unique retail selection is freshly stocked and easy to browse. We offer in-store and on-line shopping.

We need each other. Together as a community we will get back to the wonderful life we all enjoy here in beautiful Brentwood Bay. CHEERS!

250.656.0011 muffetandlouisa.com

We look forward to seeing you!

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10-4 250.658.3419 | snowdonhouse.ca 1890 Mills Road, North Saanich

Hansell & Halkett vintage home décor Carefully curated vintage pieces, layered with local goods. Unique and thoughtful gifts for Mother's and Father's Day. Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4. Located in Garden Court.

105 - 2360 Beacon Ave, Sidney 778.351.2773 | hansellhalkett.com

Spring Clearance Sale!

We are offering great savings for our Spring Clearance Sale!

No need to wait – buy off our floor. Discounts on floor items and custom orders. We look forward to seeing you!

#202 - 9768 Fifth St, Sidney 250.655.7467 (SHOP) onestopfurniture.ca

You are investing in your community by supporting its unique businesses. Appreciate what makes our neighbourhoods different. Our one-of-akind businesses are an inherent part of the distinctive character of our Saanich Peninsula neighbourhoods; that is what brought us here and will keep us here. Stay local and stay connected to the merchants in your community.

By supporting independent businesses today, you are investing in a unique and sustainable future for the Saanich Peninsula community.

DCC Cabinets Local, affordable custom cabinets … right here on the Saanich Peninsula! We offer a full-service shop, from design and manufacturing through to the installation of our exceptional product.

Ecotopia Naturals

250.412.3472 deepcovecustoms.com 2071 Malaview Ave, Sidney (call for appt.)

Brown's The Florist Brown's the Florist is your local choice for flowers and floral gifts to help you and your loved ones stay connected from a distance.

We are locally owned and passionate about supporting our local growers, economy and the environment.

We are open seven days a week and deliver from Sidney to Sooke and some of the Gulf Islands.

Sidney • Downtown • Westshore BrownsTheFlorist.com WINE KITZ WINE KITZ is a local, family-run business with a passion for serving quality wine. They offer wines with minimal preservatives at their on-premises wine-making facility and to the home vintner. Award-winning wine for pure enjoyment at a fraction of the cost of commercial equivalents; visit WINE KITZ today.

250.654.0300 | winekitzsidney.ca #5A - 2042 Mills Rd West, Sidney

Ecotopia Naturals is Sidney's eco-clothing store for women and men. If you have not visited Ecotopia in a while, you may be surprised with what is on offer. You can also browse at their online store: ecotopianaturals.com.

When Lisa and Martin Pedersen became owners of Ecotopia they wanted to expand on the vision the previous owners had for the store. Working with Canadian designers who focus on sustainable fabrics and processes, Ecotopia is filled with fashionable and comfortable clothing in bamboo, linen, hemp, organic cotton, and more. These fabrics have a lower environmental impact in production plus they are exceptionally durable and will outlive other alternatives. You may be pleased as to the affordability of eco-fashion.

Ecotopia's suppliers are small and Canadian, often solo, or with only a few employees following their passion for sustainable products. This includes lines of skin care products, jewelry, artwork, and more. There are so many talented local people that contribute to the selection found in store.

Ecotopia is proud to be a refill centre for Soap Exchange. Use their containers or bring in your own and they will be filled with household cleaners, laundry soaps, dish soaps, stain removers, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and others – great low impact products without using single use plastics.

LIVING OFF THE LAND

by Jo Barnes | photos by Amanda Cribdon Photography

Phil's Farm:

At Home on the Land Sometimes you know what you want in life from a very young age. For Phil Christensen, his heart didn't long for amusement parks or travel to distant lands, but for life on the farm.

"When I was a little kid, if I was given a choice of going to grandpa's farm or going to Disneyland, I'd choose the farm," shares Phil. "I like the countryside, growing things; farming has always appealed to me."

Situated along Oldfield Road, Phil's Farm boasts firs and cedars at one edge, an onsite pond, quiet creek, and many fields. Here blueberries and raspberries are the featured crop and have been for over 35 years. Phil is no stranger to the farming lifestyle.

"I had lots of relatives with farms," says Phil. "This is my 28th year here working the farm full-time. I was working part-time for nine years before that."

Over the years, Phil has tried his hand at a variety of farm activities including raising cattle, pigs and chickens. Eventually, he chose to focus on cultivating berries. Quality is something he strives towards daily. Customers notice and often use words like "best", "excellent", and "sweetest".

"I try very hard to grow the very best produce I can," comments Phil. "Berries are fresh picked and prime."

48 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

Phil also values his place as a farmer within the local farming network. In fact, he's an active member of the Southern Vancouver Island Direct Farm Marketing Association, a non-profit group of growers and producers on Southern Vancouver Island who sell their farm and vineyard products directly to consumers.

"Currently I'm treasurer of this farming collective," says Phil.

"Our farms are listed on the Island Farm Fresh website. Our mantra is Buy Local."

He also enjoys the network of mutual support that exists in the farming community, especially with neighboring farmers.

"I'm fortunate to have fabulous neighbours," notes Phil. "There's cross support here. Say, if my tractor gets stuck, I can call a neighbour and he'll bring his tractor and help me out."

Phil's Farm is 12.5 acres, eight of which are devoted to blueberry bushes and raspberry canes, with the rest consisting of forest, homestead and outbuildings. Now, you might think just two crops is somewhat limited, but a closer look reveals that Phil has great variety within these crops. He grows five kinds of each berry. This variety offers different flavours and sizes to customers. Blueberries, for example, include the classic bluecrop or the chandler, known for its very large size.

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Like growing any crop, it takes hard work and good methods to produce a successful harvest. Phil feels that fertilizing is key.

"I use chicken manure for the high nitrogen content," he says. "For plant growth, chicken manure is the jet fuel."

Attention to details like weed control, watering and other elements is critical.

"Sawdust works well for keeping weeds down and also to wick moisture along," shares Phil. "It also reflects light onto berries. This helps them ripen more evenly."

The daily approach is an organic one. Over the years, he has learned effective measures for pest control.

"With blueberries, you have to contend with aphids," says Phil.

"We have a two-prong approach. We use Safer's Soap, and secondly, predator bugs like ladybugs and aphidoletes."

Seasonal preparation, daily maintenance, and harvest; there's definitely work to be done. One employee, however, is not only experienced, skilled, and a hard worker, but is someone who has become a respected, valued member of the farm team. Ignacio Bernal Villela hails from Mexico, and each year travels to the Peninsula where he works on Phil's Farm.

"Ignacio has been with me for 12 years now," notes Phil. "He fits in really well. I like him. I don't speak Spanish and he doesn't speak English, but the language of farming we both understand."

Like many farmers here on the Peninsula, the arrival of the pandemic brought challenges. For Phil, it meant the delay in Ignacio's arrival to begin work on the farm.

"He usually comes by mid-June, but he had to quarantine," says Phil. "Covid delayed his start for a month."

An additional challenge that resulted from Covid was the impact on his U-Pick service, an opportunity for members of the public to pick their own berries. Social distancing regulations complicated things.

"I wasn't sure we could do U-Pick. I had people make reservations, and I had to limit the numbers," says Phil.

All the efforts, though, paid off.

"Last year, we were apprehensive going in," Phil adds. "But Victorians really stepped up and supported us."

He works hard to provide something delicious to the community, he works with others to tend the land, and he works to build good relationships with the farming community. This is all part of being a farmer. And for Phil, when he's on his farm, he's home.

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Boneless Chicken with onions and mushroom in a creamy nutmeg

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Pan Fried Rainbow Trout with a shrimp sauce Beef Stroganoff Beef steak braised with onions

Extra lean sausages with pan gravy

Baked Virginia Ham (GF) With a

breast stuffed with Herbed butter

Seafood Crab Cakes With a Cajun cream sauce

Hungarian Goulash Beef steak braised with onions, tomatoes and imported paprika

ground beef combined with fresh vegetables and topped with mashed potato

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“Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe” Quilt Fundraiser Raffle tickets are on sale for two unique, hand-crafted quilts, raising funds for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation. The designs pay homage to Dr. Bonnie Henry and her fabulous shoe style! Each quilt – created by the Sidney quilting group the Sew N Sews – features 12 different shoes, all inspired by the designs of John Fluevog. Fluevog released a special limited-edition Dr. Henry shoe at the start of the pandemic, which sold out immediately. Now Fluevog fans, or indeed fans of Dr. Henry, have the chance to get their hands on another limited edition.

The Sew N Sews are a group of eight creative women with a history of collaborating to produce inspirational art. These individually crafted and highly detailed quilts have been generously donated to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation for fundraising purposes.

Viv Harding, a member of the group, explained how the idea was turned into a reality: "It was challenging to decide which shoes to make as there are so many to choose from. With John Fluevog's permission, and after scrolling through the Fluevog website many times, we each downloaded whatever shoes took our fancy, and then created the shoes (allowing for a little poetic licence). We circulated photos of each shoe square as it was finished, and made sure there were no duplicates."

Viv says it took at least two to three hours to make each square, "not including the time spent deciding on the shoe, and sorting through fabric stashes to find the right colours!"

The result of all that work are two completely unique pieces of art. As well as real buckles and bows, these quilts feature the signatures of both Dr. Henry and John Fluevog.

Money raised from the raffle will be used to purchase needed equipment for

operating rooms in Acute Care at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

Tickets are on sale until June 30 and the draw takes place June 30 at 3 p.m. at the SPHHF office in Sidney. Tickets cost $20 each, or buy three for $50. Visit the SPHHF website to find out where you can view the quilts, and to purchase your tickets: www.sphf.ca/sphhf-quilt-raffle/ or you can call the Sidney office: 250-656-2948.

Photo: Foundation President Karen Morgan displays one of the two Dr. Henry Fluevog shoeinspired quilts being raffled to raise funds. Photo by Janis Jean Photography.

Ever Ready.

Your donation now will help us prepare for what comes next.

We need your help to complete important projects at our hospital, to ensure that we stay ready for whatever comes next.

Please donate today.

Less than $ 250,000 left to raise to reach our campaign target!

your community, your health 250-656-2948

MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 51

Monthly Giveaway! #loveyourlocal with the monthly Seaside Magazine giveaway box, filled with amazing gifts from our local businesses.

How to Play?

Find the image of the box hidden somewhere in this issue.

Visit www.seasidemagazine.ca/SeasideBox

by May 31st to let us know where you found it.

Thanks to March’s Community Partners: Level Ground Trading • Lifestyle Markets RockCoast Confections • author Valerie Green Panorama Recreation Centre *one entry per person, per issue. Each entrant is eligible to win the Seaside box giveaway no more than once per calendar year.

52 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

Cycling Without Age Society Announces 2021 Relaunch CWAS was formed in 2018 to serve the vulnerable residents of Sidney and North Saanich. The first passenger was a care home resident who had not been on a bike in her life and wanted to knock a bike ride off her bucket list.

Needless to say, it was an inspiring experience for all! Many more rides and stories occurred before Covid brought the experiences to an abrupt halt. After coming up with a Covid safety plan ensuring it was safe for everyone, the first 2021 relaunch ride took place in April with a resident from Resthaven Lodge. He had a wonderful tour down to Roberts Bay to check out the low tide.

CWAS volunteers invite you to get yourself or a loved one out on the road for a bit of fun and fresh air. Covid safety protocols are in place! Bookings are available seven days a week. All rides are about an hour long, weather permitting. Sanitized helmets are provided (if you don't have your own) and bring along a blanket or heavy coat to keep warm. And if you don't mind, rides in the rain can happen! Volunteer pilots are eager to start peddling! You can ride alone or with someone in your Covid safety bubble.

Reserve your FREE ride around Sidney online at www. cyclingwithoutagesociety.com and "hop right in" the cozy passenger seat. Feel the wind in your hair and have a smile on your face! All Rides are free; donations are always welcome.

April Book Club

Open 9am to 5pm - 7 days a week

Check out some of our new and bestselling titles!

by Deborah Rogers

Book Club

Richard Wagamese was an incredible writer and speaker, and our book club thoroughly appreciated getting to know some of his words this month. Our book for discussion, Medicine Walk, was published in 2014, and was his last novel. Several of those who joined our meeting had had the good fortune to have seen Wagamese speak, and we enjoyed hearing their recollections.

Medicine Walk is a slim novel that covers a short time period, yet contains within it beautiful, poetic descriptions of the land, and a devastating narrative tale of loss and redemption. The story is of a teenage boy who is asked by his father to take him on a final journey.

The son, Franklin, has been raised by another man; the father, Eldon, has been largely absent from his life. As we follow the two on their short journey to a sacred place, we hear Eldon explain for the first time the story of his life and how he came to be the abusive, neglectful father that Franklin knows.

Our readers discussed the way that storytelling is used as a form of therapy. Eldon's unburdening allows him a moment of peace after a tortured life. We pondered how the writer's own experiences of having been abused, and raised apart from his family, would have influenced the characters. And we reflected on the essential fact that people need to know where they come from; Franklin's late discovery of who his mother was, and why he was raised by another man, was a terrible burden for him. The topic of reconciliation is never far from mind when reading this book. Intentional or not, the very notion of whether reconciliation is possible is deeply rooted in the story. Can damage be undone? Is forgiveness possible or desirable? How can you move forward after a deep harm is done to you? It is the writer's deftness that means we can ponder these questions without the book feeling overwhelmingly heavy.

We also reflected on the tremendous sense of place in the book.

Our members who have lived or travelled in the B.C. interior found the writing took them right back there. The poetry in the language, the authentic dialogue and the layered characters made this a wonderful read for our group.

Book Club meets next on Tuesday May 11, 6:30 p.m via Zoom to discuss The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman.

You need to join our email list in order to get the Zoom invite: seasidemagazine.ca/book-club/.

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MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 53

ARTS SCENE

by Jo Barnes | photo courtesy Peninsula Players

Peninsula Players: In the Company of Community

A cardboard box becomes your castle; a wooden spoon is your microphone. When you're a child, using your imagination while playing is just part of your day. But when you're an adult, playing can transform your day.

Since 1952, local community theatre group Peninsula Players

has been offering opportunities to people from all over the Saanich Peninsula to play, to tap into their imaginations, combine their talents, and tell a good story.

"Community theatre stimulates creativity," shares Allan Haynes, President of Peninsula Players. "Theatre is something out of the Don’t miss Mother’s Day and stay out of the doghouse with a special something from Seaberry Garden & Flower.

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ordinary in our lives."

Based at and in partnership with the Mary Winspear Centre, Peninsula Players is not merely a local club of experienced actors, but a vibrant, inclusive group that welcomes anybody who wants to have some fun, make friendships, and use their skills in a variety of ways both on and off the stage.

"Our aim is to bring community theatre to the Peninsula and to attract as wide an audience as possible," says Allan. "We want to get people involved in community theatre."

Adds Past President Anna Lorenz: "Peninsula Players provides an avenue for creativity and camaraderie on stage, back stage and for audiences."

So how does someone get involved? Whether it's a variety show, musical or play, there are a number of ways people can participate.

Maybe you love performing and are keen to portray a character.

Maybe you're handy with a hammer, nimble with a needle and thread or creative with cosmetics and would enjoy building the set, creating costumes or coordinating makeup. Often just taking that first step and getting involved can pave the way to other rewarding theatre experiences.

"Some people first get involved because they're a parent of a child in a show. Then they themselves go on to participate as an actor or writer," comments Allan. "Exposure to the creative side is a great thing."

Valerie Rangeley, an actor in a recent show, reflects: "I thoroughly enjoyed it. When you get involved in community theatre, you get to know new people."

Like other theatre groups, the pandemic has impacted the lineup of regular live shows. The productions Steel Magnolias and Black Adder have been pushed to May and September of 2022.

The temporary postponement of live theatre, however, has not stopped the Peninsula Players from offering entertainment to local audiences. This past December, the group collaborated with Radio Sidney to produce A Child's Christmas in Wales narrated by long-time Peninsula Player's member Susan Anderson. The success of the show led to The Velveteen Rabbit, Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Tolling Bell, and Radio Sidney Hour of Smiles featuring students from Four Seasons Musical Theatre and Theatre Al Dente. Further broadcasts are planned for May including Sherlock Holmes – Scandal in Bohemia and The Adventures of Flash Gordon in the Multiverse written by Sasha Moriarty-Schieven.

The shows are aired monthly then available on a podcast through Radio Sidney Soundcloud.

"We now have radio shows lined up until next October," notes Allan.

The radio theatre programming has been well received all around the Peninsula.

"Apparently 400 people tuned in to listen, which I understand was a significant number," says Allan.

In addition, Peninsula Players is finding other ways to prompt creativity from the community. Last fall, they ran a Halloween photo contest. Participants fashioned clever costumes and submitted photos. Another contest is planned in which contestants will need to record a song performance on video. Details will

be posted on the Peninsula Players and Mary Winspear websites (www. thepeninsulaplayers.ca and www.marywinspear.ca).

"We are looking for creativity," says Allan. "There will be a prize!"

Peninsula Players has a long history of mounting high quality productions including comedies, dramas, and musical theatre. The group has participated in juried festivals and garnered awards and performed at other locations such as the Berwick Royal Oak and Muse Winery. Venues, participants and the board executive may have changed over the years, but the appreciation for theatre remains constant.

"We have many regulars in our audience. We see familiar faces from show to show," shares Allan. "There is a keen interest in community theatre in Sidney area. Many are desperate for it to come back."

The annual panto presented by Peninsula Players is always a favourite which draws a wide range of ages both in participants and audience.

"We hope to do our December Panto. This time round we have Puss in Boots," says Allan. "But we shall see; the schedule is up in the air."

While live theatre may currently be on pause, Peninsula Players continues to provide entertainment and excellent storytelling. After all, the joy of reaching into our imaginations and playing is something that can never be stifled and brings out the kid in all of us.

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Rest Haven Lodge Sunroom Needs Facelift Some people find it too hot. Some think it's too cold.

L e t ’ s b o o k yo u r s p r i n g fa m i ly s es s i o n to day !

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56 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

But the people who live and work at Rest Haven Lodge can agree on one thing: it's time for a "face lift" for the Care Home's aging sunrooms.

"I spend time in the sunroom seven days a week, for Happy Hour, or exercises, or games, or whatever they're having. But it's very cold in the winter. Even if you're doing exercises, sometimes you sit still, and it's too cold. And in the summer, it's so hot.

The heat kind of gets stuck, and it's not nice to spend time there," said Doris, who lives at Broadmead Care's Rest Haven Lodge in Sidney. She likes to spend time daily in the main floor sunroom, which is the largest gathering space at the Lodge.

Right now, it's also the only place for residents to socialize together. When the room is uncomfortable, the only alternative is to stay in their rooms, alone.

Broadmead Care's team members agree: "We do everything in there – Fun & Fitness, afternoon games, happy hour, arts and crafts. Before the pandemic, our musical entertainment happened here, and families visited together."

On the third floor, the sunroom overlooks Mills Road. This area should be an oasis, away from the bustle of the rest of the Lodge.

People should be able to spend time reading, listening to calming music, or watching planes headed to or from the airport. But, like the main floor, the sunroom is often uncomfortable, and when it can't be used, residents have to stay in their rooms.

"It's important to have this space for people to relax," says Kassandra, Activation & Adult Day Program Manager at Rest Haven Lodge. "When it's too hot, we can open the windows and have a fan blowing, but it's still unpleasant. And when it rains, the windows leak."

Rather than repairing structures that are 40 years old, Broadmead Care will replace them. Modern rooflines, overhangs and thermal glass will protect the people inside from the cold and heat, and give them welcoming, comfortable spaces that feel like home.

You can help us build comfortable areas for the people who live and work at Rest Haven Lodge with your gift to the "Fresh Face" campaign. The renovations will cost $300,000, of which $194,000 has already been raised. North Saanich resident Craig Mearns has made a matching gift challenge – which means right now, every donation, to a total of $40,000, will be doubled!

Please help us give Rest Haven Lodge a "face lift" to create beautiful new areas for people to enjoy, now and in the future.

Visit www.broadmeadcare.com/ways-to-donate to make a donation, or for more information.

O U T FO R A … B E AC H CO M B

by Sheila Molloy

Coles Bay Regional Park Coles Bay Regional Park, located on the western shore of the Saanich Peninsula covers 3.6 hectares of forest bordering on Coles Bay. Beautiful woodland trails, a canopy of deciduous and coniferous forest and the bay and beach are perfect for beachcombing at low tide. A quiet, underrated gem.

Details

Welcome to BOḰEĆEN: Land of the cliffs and bluffs.

Coles Bay Regional Park is between Brentwood Bay and Deep Cove in North Saanich. Take West Saanich Road to Ardmore Drive. Turn left on Ardmore, and left again on Inverness Road, which leads you to the park entrance.

There are two trails that lead from the parking lot to the beach. The first is the most common route that begins next to the map and is called the Beach Trail. Alternatively, you can choose the Nature Trail.

Both trails lead through old-growth forest for a short but relaxing stroll to the expansive, barnacle-covered rock beach that overlooks the Saanich Inlet.

At the end of either trail, where it meets the beach, there are rows of driftwood to manage over carefully.

Beachcombing is best at low tide, but if you are a little late, there is still much combing to enjoy.

We elected to make a kidney-shaped meander starting to our right after the driftwood, which allows a lot of coverage. If you can arrive at the lowest tide during the week, the muddy-sandy ocean bottom is exposed a good distance out and will allow more adventure.

Intertidal treasures abound: seaweed varieties and bivalves including oysters, clams, scallops and mussels. Rumour has it you can find sea stars as well. This is great habitat to find and learn the various types of shellfish as there are different varieties.

Things to Note Facilities include accessible toilets and picnic areas.

Coles Bay is subject to a year-round, permanent ban on bivalve shellfish harvesting due to contamination.

Pauquachin First Nation, in partnership with others in the region, are starting a project to try and restore shellfish harvesting at Coles Bay. Wear waterproof shoes with a good grip and that can be washed off easily.

MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 57

SEASIDE HOMES story by Janice Henshaw | photos by Janis Jean Photography

Small Sidney Condo Renovation Creates a Great Living Space It is pretty easy to buy a high-end condo in the Sidney area. As more people discover that Sidney is a wonderful place to live, developers answer the demand by building gorgeous luxury condos. But at the lower and mid-range of the market, attractive, affordable space is often harder to obtain.

That wasn't the case for Tanya, a business analyst, who bought her 1,000-square-foot condo for $470,000 in downtown Sidney last October before the buying frenzy went ballistic. What Tanya loved about this condo was the living room with its wall of eastfacing windows and 15-foot ceiling. It gives her a big sky view and gorgeous light. As a bonus, she says the 1997 building is super quiet. Living on the top floor helps too.

58 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

2020 was a "pretty horrific year" for Tanya, a year in which she sustained a concussion in a fall on ice. She learned firsthand how debilitating a head injury could be. But the renovation proved to be a good focus even during the most challenging days of her recovery.

As soon as she took possession of the condo, Tanya set up interviews with three contractors. She was surprised to find that the first one didn't seem to care whether he won the contract or not. During her second interview, Tanya felt uncomfortable with the contractor's laissez-faire attitude about permits, legal aspects and bearing walls.

Luckily, her third interview turned out exactly right, and Tanya hired EB Renovations to bring about the complete "redo."

On December 1, the four-month renovation began. After the initial demolishment phase, the living room popcorn ceiling was changed to a smooth finish and highlighted with walnut-stained pine beams, pot lights and a ceiling fan from Wayfair. The gas fireplace was powdercoated in black and has a new fresh white tile surround and pine mantle. Tanya loves to shop for bargains on "Varagesale" and "Facebook Marketplace," to name just two local online sources, and was happy to talk about her success in buying her black ScanDesign couch online and the striking blue sideboard from Shawnigan Vintage Barn.

Hardwood floors are not allowed in the condo's living room due to noise transmission. So, Tanya installed low pile grey carpet in the great room and two bedrooms from Camino Carpets and

vinyl flooring in the hallway, pantry, kitchen and office. The walls are painted in six shades of Sherwin-Williams greys, whites and blues.

It can be a hectic time for the homeowner at the start of a reno to make all the design, plumbing and electrical decisions. Tanya managed it well, but later she brought in a designer to review her ideas and plan the kitchen cabinet layout. Between them, they decided that Ikea cabinets would be a good idea, but a supply issue proved insurmountable. Deep Cove Customs came through at the last moment and installed great-looking custom-built Shaker cabinets, which are two-toned in dark grey and white. The countertops are granite, and the backsplash is white subway tiles set in a herringbone pattern. Tanya estimates she saved 50% on the white farmhouse sink and hood fan, which she bought online. New appliances are Fisher & Paykel from Trail Appliances and a Bosch dishwasher.

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102-2537 Beacon Ave Sidney 250-655-7732 MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 59

Tanya's office with its attractive barn door may well be the smallest room to ever hold that title at 5 by 3.5 feet. It's the result of making space for a walk-in closet in the main bedroom. Despite that, it has some redeeming features like the antique wall-mounted rotary-dial pay telephone. The phone is used to admit guests at the main door and can also function as a money bank because you can drop dimes and quarters into the coin slot. The office's end wall has white floorto-ceiling barn wood tiles that stand out from the subtle grey walls.

Lighting includes a modern decorative wall sconce and an overhead lamp. A rolling chair, small filing cabinet and a live-edge desk complete her "urban" office.

Highlights in her daughter's bedroom include a wall-size mural of the Paris skyline and a crystal chandelier. Tanya found the bed and desk at a garage sale. The walls are painted in Sleepy Blue. In the main bedroom, Tanya spent some of her thrifty shopping savings on a deluxe electric bed with a remote control that raises and lowers the bed's head or foot to a comfortable position. Two glossy white Ikea shoe cabinets are ideal for storing footwear. The primary wall colour is a soft Silver Strand that contrasts with Blustery Sky on the unique feature wall. It has geometric shapes made from decorative trim and moulding. Tanya found the design on Pinterest and asked her contractor if he could create it in her bedroom. "No problem," he said, "we can build that." Dreamy morning light fills her room through glass balcony doors.

60 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

Both bathrooms have 12- by 24-inch grey tiles and cozy in-floor heating. An industrial-styled closet with some carefully chosen wall fixtures and shelving leads through barn doors into Tanya's luxurious ensuite, which was made possible by removing the old bedroom closets. It has a free-standing bathtub, a tiled and glass shower, and matte black fixtures, which add some snap to the modern look. There is a tall, illuminated shelving unit that separates the toilet area from the bathroom cabinet. The white countertop and sink are all one piece, and the cabinetry below features an attractive back-lit shelving section.

A few days before Tanya held the "reveal" of her completed condo for her family, she said how glad she was that she had chosen EB Renovations as her contractor. "They did high-quality work and brought into being everything I wanted. As well, they made suggestions that helped my project become even better." The renovation, new appliances and furniture cost $130,000.

Tanya, aka "The Treasure Hunter that always finds a deal," has created a sweet little oasis for herself and her daughter. It's her place, her style, and she loves it.

CREATE AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Outdoor Oasis

DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION | ARBOR SERVICES IRRIGATION | MAINTENANCE victoriagardencity.ca | info@victoriagardencity.ca | 250.385.4858 MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 61

Your

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Made using local organic tree waste, our mulch meets or exceeds the guidelines set out by the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment.

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Family Owned & Operated At Michell Valley Plants, we carry a great selection of non-gmo veggie starts, herbs, seeds, small fruits and berries; along with a wide variety of perennials. Our 150+ varieties of basket stuffers and bedding plants mean we have something for everyone! Looking for something for Mother’s Day? Gift certificates, baskets and planters are sure to please!

Find us on Instagram @michellvalley or Facebook: @michellvalleyplants

250.886.0494 | michell-valley-plants.business.site 2451 Island View Road, Saanichton

Eurosa Farms and Three Sheeps to the Wind Family Farm Proud members of the Saanich Peninsula community for over 40 years.

We offer wholesale cut flowers and off sales via our farm stand at 1246 Greig Avenue, along with eggs, cut flowers and seasonal produce.

1246 Greig Avenue, Brentwood Bay

Local Family-Run Patio Gardens is a unique Garden and Home shop with a variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, indoor plants, ceramic pots, soil , garden and home décor and much more. We are also famous for our large selection of beautiful Hanging Baskets.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9-5; Sunday 10-4; closed Mondays.

250.652.8338 | patiogardensvictoria.ca 6536 West Saanich Road, Saanichton

W E ST COAST G A R D E N E R

by Katie Kroeker, Pacific Ridge Landscapes

Fowl Play

Lately several clients have asked us to design bird gardens, so I thought I'd share some practical pointers on how to make your own garden more bird friendly.

The next time you're in your garden, take a look around to discover if it has what it takes to become an avian hot spot.

Evergreen trees or shrubs. Birds need safe places to nest and to provide cover during inclement weather. Evergreens are their preferred choice. Conifers (cedars, pine, firs) are very important nesting options for birds, and dense broadleaf evergreens like hawthorn and ceanothus are also known nesting trees. In my backyard, our seating area is tucked under a hawthorn tree, and last summer a pair of robins built their nest in the branches just above our heads. It was so fun to watch them build their nest and feed the babies!

Plant Layers. Layers of vegetation are very important in order to provide food and cover. In particular, native plants are easily recognized by birds and will encourage them to visit. Planting low, medium and tall shrubs and perennials in a tiered effect will attract a variety of birds to your yard. Ground covers, colourful perennials, shrubs and trees that produce berries will bring birds to your garden all year.

Different birds nest at different heights – some in trees and some on the ground – and a variety of plant sizes and types will mean more bird species in your yard. The more cover you have, the more nesting birds you will attract. Birds will also use fallen leaves, twigs and plant debris to build their nests, so if your garden is too tidy, birds will be forced to go elsewhere to build their nests.

Food. In addition to bird feeders, there are all kinds of ways to keep your neighbourhood and visiting birds well fed. If you stagger the timing of berry and seed production throughout the year, you will attract a wider variety of both native and migrant bird species.

Oregon grape, hawthorn, viburnum, wild rose, holly, ash, honeysuckle, sunflower, ivy, cotoneaster, beauty berry and serviceberry will all attract and feed birds over the winter. The rest of

the year, plants such as coneflower, aster, camellia, cherry, mahonia, fuchsia, monarda, cosmos, penstemon, salvia, yarrow attract and feed all manner of bird species. Don't forget that birds like to eat bugs too!

Water. Birds are attracted to the sound of moving water and the difference it makes to the quantity and variety of birds should not be underestimated. A bird bath is a good start, and if you can add a pump to create the sound of water or scale up to a natural looking water feature, you'd be amazed at who arrives. I have a small, shallow ceramic pot that I've filled with stones and water, then added a pump and ever since, our yard is visited by all kinds of cute little birds.

Clients of ours have even come outside to find ducks in their water feature instead of in their natural pond! Now that patio season is upon us, I'm looking forward to my own back yard nature channel.

Maybe I'll even have time to brush up on my avian ID skills!

Get comfortable in your garden!

9813 Third Street, Sidney • 778.426.1998 • sidney@digthis.com

MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 63

1031 Sluggett Road - $985,000

Spacious home on large lot offering many options. Currently offering 3 BR, 2 BA upstairs. A 1 BR in-law suite with separate parking, patio and deck area. Also on the main floor a full office which includes a 3-piece bathroom and kitchenette. Enjoy the evening sun on the lovely private seating area in the front of the house. Lots of garden storage with 3 sheds and plenty of off street parking for both the house and the offices. A lovely home ready to be adapted to your family's needs.

Karen Dinnie-Smyth Personal Real Estate Corporation www.karendinnie-smyth.com 250.655.0608

Hot Properties STUNNING 3 LEVEL DUPLEXED HOME $1,995,000 SO LD

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Karen Dinnie-Smyth Personal Real Estate Corporation www.karendinnie-smyth.com 250.655.0608

Mixed historic character in a stunning modern 4533 sq.ft. up/down LEGAL DUPLEX: lower level with 1820 sq ft with fabulous South Facing patio, gourmet kitchen, 4 bds & 4 ba. 224 ST.ANDREWS includes main floor and third floor: many stunning features.

Main offers 3 bd/3ba and updated kitchen. Third floor: stunning separate living 1B/1B. MLS 871919

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Maryan van Stolk * (personal real estate corp*)

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OAK BAY VILLAGE $1,139,500 With over 20 years

of extensive awardwinning real estate experience, Maryan is committed to providing her clients with a high level of Newly renovated two level townhouse has hardwood personalized flooring throughout, new paint, new ceiling lighting, service and completely finished the downstairs.

The popular to detail. and attention Rowan Oaks complex offers a peaceful setting off the Avenue but convenient to all the amenities. Main flr As workshop. a professional has 1489 sq.ft. + 1100 sq.ft. down with Easy to view. MLS 866477 Realtor, she takes

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64 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY

THINKING OF SELLING?

pride Maryan van Stolk* in engaging with her clients to understand their 250.656.4626 (personal real estate corp*) specific needs and developing 2021 a plan, with them, to turn their

I have serious buyers looking to purchase in the North Saanich, Deep Cove areas. If you're thinking about making a change, give me a call for a complimentary market evaluation.

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Exceptional 2 bed, 2 bath 1225 sqft with 2 Balconies; one a Sunroom. Penthouse with Custom Kitchen is an Investor's dream, and may come with furniture. Turn-Key and shortterm rentals is a notch above heaven. Gorgeous Views with Shops, Butchart, and Boating close by.

Enquire soon. This one will go fast! $699,000.

Marilyn Ball | 250.818.6489

MAGICAL COUNTRY RETREAT! $1,698,000

You’ll be captivated by this authentic, custom, West Coast inspired Linwood Home, with fantastic layout over 2,000sf, 4BD, 3BA, private 3.7 acres, own your own mountaintop amongst the Garry Oaks, Arbutus and Wildflower meadows. Enjoy the amazing craftsmanship with vaulted cedar ceilings, wood-trimmed windows, natural light through extensive windows and skylights and wood-burning fireplace. MLS 870898 Ingrid Jarisz* 250.656.4626 (personal real estate corp*)

SAYWARD HILL TERRACE - $1,495,000

Exquisite Sayward Hill PENTHOUSE with sweeping OCEAN AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS of Cordova Bay Golf Courses, Mt. Baker, Salish Sea & the Gulf Island. A West Coast inspired home with an open plan of 1,945sf, 2BD/2BA. Fully wired media, home office & chef's dream kitchen including Gas Cooktop. Private and spacious balcony offers gas BBQ. MLS 871671

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(personal real estate corp*)

THE PINNACLE at Sayward Hill $1,675,000

Cordova Bay's newest & finest offering exceptional space & quality, 2 BD/2BA plus Home Office, Media Room, 1,837sf of concrete/steel rarely seen in today's market.

This near-new updated home is in the sought-after SE position with unobstructed OCEANVIEWS overlooking Cordova Bay & Ridge Golf Courses, Mt Baker & the Salish Sea. Call now. MLS 869619

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This exceptionally bright & meticulously maintained quality condo by Jawl Dev. built in 2005 concrete & steel building, 2,034sf, 2BD/2BA, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic unobstructed vistas over Gulf Islands, Salish Sea & Mt Baker! Spacious chef's kitchen, and luxurious spacious master suite, walk-in closet & spastyled Ensuite with soaker tub. Media room works great as Home office. MLS 871084 Ingrid Jarisz* 250.656.4626 (personal real estate corp*)

MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 65

Panorama to Open Full Day Preschool Panorama Recreation is excited to be expanding programming in the early year's area to offer a full day preschool for ages 30 months to five years old at Greenglade Community Centre. The 2020 Child Care Inventory and Action Plans, completed for the communities of Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich, identified a shortage of licensed childcare spaces on the Saanich Peninsula and we are thrilled to help address this community need.

The licensed preschool will open in September 2021 and will operate Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a focus on creating a nurturing learning environment to empower children's curiosity, exploration and creativity. Upgrades to our preschool room and outdoor space with a focus on natural elements will create a warm and inviting environment for children to flourish. The preschool children will have access to the vast amenities at Greenglade including the natural outdoors, gymnasium, community garden, pottery studio and special activities such as dance, yoga, language, arts and sports.

Our passionate staff are certified Early Childcare Educators (ECEs) with years of experience delivering quality preschool programs.

"Children are curious and capable learners that are best supported through a strong and connected partnership between families and educators. We will provide a gentle, calm, nurturing space rich with possibilities. Children are welcome to direct their own learning, to create, and to explore their theories about the world through visual art, dramatic play, or whatever strikes their fancy. We value the ideas of children; as educators we will offer materials through observations of the group and respond to emerging curiosities.

Ample opportunity to play and learn outdoors is provided in our play yard and natural environment to support physical, social, and cognitive development. We see children as both community members and individuals with their own unique gifts to be celebrated. We create, we explore, and we belong." Words from our educators: Freya Perraton and Anita Dzus-Spady, ECEs. Registration opens online Monday May 3 at 10 a.m. Preschool spots will be offered on a first come, first serve basis with priority given to full time registrants.

For further information regarding the preschool program including details about registration and FAQs visit us online at: https://www. crd.bc.ca/panorama/programs/early-years/full-day-preschool.

Home health care services

Our priority during the COVID-19 pandemic and, more importantly, every day, is the health and safety of our clients and our staff.

Whether you need a live-in caregiver, help with housekeeping, regular visits from a registered nurse or the attention of a personal care worker, our qualified team is here to help.

At Bayshore Home Health, we can provide one-to-one care for your loved one at a time when it is needed the most. We will insure that the same care worker visits each time, limiting exposure and keeping everyone safer. If more care is required, we can provide a small dedicated team to assist your loved one. Our caregivers are screened daily and suitable personal protective equipment is worn.

For immediate home care solutions or to plan for the future, call us today!

Our Care Managers are pleased to provide free, no-obligation consultations.

Sidney, Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox and all points in between

778.749.0014

sidney@bayshore.ca

bayshore.ca 66 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

A Modified Market for Sidney in 2021!

Are you looking for something special to do with Mom this Mother's Day? How about a trip to the Sidney Street Market at the Mary Winspear Centre? You could treat mom to lunch from one of the food trucks or buy her some homemade goodies, or fresh, locally grown produce.

You could even find a special piece of jewelry, some organic personal products to pamper her, or an original creation by an Island artist.

Despite the current pandemic restrictions, Sidney Street Market Manager Laurie McDermid of Westcoast Impressions has found a way to bring a modified market to Sidney for the 2021 season.

Laurie says: "Of course, this Market will look different from the Street Market that runs down four blocks of Beacon Avenue, with throngs of people. However, we are doing our best to produce a vibrant, exciting market while following Covid safety guidelines. It will be a wonderful place to purchase locally-grown and created products while supporting these small business owners and entrepreneurs who have been especially hard hit by pandemic restrictions."

Laurie attributes making the market happenning to the support and cooperation of the Mary Winspear Centre's Executive Director Brad Edgett and his staff, as well as staff from the Town of Sidney, and the Sidney Fire Department who have assisted with ensuring safety protocols are met.

The modified Sidney Street Market at the Mary Winspear Centre will take place outside on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will run from Mother's Day, May 9 to Thanksgiving weekend, October 10. Laurie is estimating approximately 50 vendors per market, all of whom fall under the "make it, bake it, grow it" guidelines of a farmer's market. Due to Covid restrictions, it will also be a pet-free zone so patrons are asked to leave their fur friends at home.

Laurie feels that the modified time, day and location provides an opportunity to extend the Market into the fall, something that people ask for every year when the Street Market finishes at the end of August due to limited daylight hours.

"It is my hope and assumption that the Sidney Street Market will return to Beacon Avenue on its usual day and time in 2022, but that will ultimately depend on where we are with the pandemic. In the meantime, Westcoast Impressions welcomes you to the 2021 Sidney Street Market at the Mary Winspear Centre!

This is another great example of how this wonderful community pulls together during tough times, to support one another."

MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 67

TA K E N O T E

Mystic Mandala Stone Painting

by Jo Barnes

MAY 8

12:30PM–3PM

McTavish Academy of Art

How to Grow Squash & Pumpkins! Via Zoom

MAY 1

1-2:30PM

Vancouver Island Regional Library This free virtual course is presented by the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association (VIMGA). Please register in advance by clicking on the REGISTER button or emailing NanaimoHarbourfront@virl.bc.ca. www.virl.bc.ca

Art on the Deck

MAY 1

ONWARD

ArtSea Gallery

1720 McTavish Road, North Saanich Led by instructor Jess Glover, you’ll learn how to create a stunning painted stone featuring the mandala, a symbol recognized for meditation, protection and healing. A stone and all the materials needed to paint it are included in the class fee. You will have the use of your own six- by three-foot table following all public health guidelines. www.mctavishacademy.ca

Beginners Drawing

MAY 11 – JUNE 15

CHOOSE EITHER: 9:30AM-12PM OR 5:30-8PM

McTavish Academy of Art

Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney While ArtSea Gallery is temporarily closed, due to COVID-19, you can still take a peek at the stunning treasures in this collection through the window at the ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park. Creative pieces using a variety of activities including glassblowing, soapmaking, pottery, painting, weaving and many more! Free.

1720 McTavish Road, North Saanich Come learn the basics of drawing and have fun playing with line, form, shape, shading and perspective. You’ll be given demos and one-on-one tips from your instructor.

Class is limited to maximum of 10 students per session to ensure physical distancing. Each student has a six- by three-foot table. All guidelines from public health officials are followed.

www.artsea.ca/events

www.mctavishacademy.ca

Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk (Free)

THROUGHOUT

MAY

Peninsula Newcomers Club: Virtual Meet & Greet

MAY 13

12PM–1:30PM

First open in 2012, this 3.6km walkway offers not only stunning oceanside views but an opportunity to see up close a variety of unique art pieces created by awardwinning local artists like Fred Dobbs, David Hunwick and Armando Barbon.

Welcoming Women to the Peninsula since 1987.

Come meet others via Zoom! Pre-registration is required. Please contact the 1st Vice President at: pncmeetandgreet@gmail.com.

www.sidney.ca

www.peninsulanewcomers.com

Festival of Hearts

MAY 1

ONWARD

A wonderful initiative launched by ArtSea Community Arts Council, the festival celebrates community spirit.

Participants are encouraged to create their own heart design or print off one of the examples on the ArtSea website and then attach a kind note to deliver to someone or decorate the heart and display it in the community. www.artsea.ca/events

Kid-Tributors

MAY

ONGOING

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea 9811 Seaport Place, Sidney A great activity for young budding marine biologists or just creative kids who love to draw or write! Youth age 17 and under are invited to write a short account (10-100 words) of a species or habitat and related illustration or art piece. It’s a great opportunity to research, write and develop art skills all at the same time! Submissions: oceaneer1@salishseacentre.org and include first name, last name initial and age.

Babysitting Training (age 11-15)

MAY 21

9AM-4:30PM

Panorama Recreation Greenglade Community Centre, Room 6 2151 Lannon Way, Sidney Designed by the Canada Safety Council, this course covers rights and responsibilities, child development, behavior management, nutrition, safety, handling emergencies or sick children, games and basic first aid. Successful participants will receive wall certificate and wallet card.

Programs follow COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines. www.crd.bc.ca/panorama

Blood Donor Clinic

MAY 24 7:30PM

SHOAL Centre for Independent Living 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney Book your appointment to save a life! Appointments are available only at this time to enable the team to adhere to public health guidelines for safe physical distancing.

www.salishseacentre.org/creature-features

Book through: https://www.blood.ca/en or the GiveBlood app or by calling 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

68 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | MAY 2021

.

Song Circle: A SingAlong Session (age 3+)

MAY 25 1:15-2PM

Greenglade Community Centre Sports Field 2151 Lannon Way, Sidney A free event that builds community through song! There will be opportunities to do rounds, call and response, simple songs that include basic harmonies, and repetition songs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.crd.bc.ca/panorama

Artwork at Coast Capital

NOW UNTIL

MAY 31

Coast Capital Savings, 2297 Beacon Avenue, Sidney Coast Capital Savings, 3750 Shelbourne Street, Victoria A joint project between ArtSea Community Arts Council and Coast Capital Savings, this event covers two locations and features artwork created by ArtSea members. Interested artists can get details at: www.artsea.ca/calendar/coast-capital-art-display

ONGOING

Caregivers Connect: BC's Virtual Support Group 2nd & 4th Thursdays | 2:00-3:30pm

This virtual support group brings people from across the province together twice a month around a mutual experience of caregiving for a family member or friend.

This is a time for reassurance, where caregivers can realize they are not alone. Pre-register each week to attend. Visit www.familycaregiversbc.ca or Call toll free 1-877-520-3267 extension 1.

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Sidney Sister Cities Association Virtual Meeting 3rd Thursday

The group remains active during the pandemic! They are also being joined by members from Anacortes Sister Cities Association and hope to be attending their meetings over the coming months. For information on how to join our virtual meetings, please contact the Secretary at tecarrier2@gmail.com.

Saanich Peninsula Business for Business Network Virtual Meeting Thursdays | 8-9:30am

The Saanich Peninsula Chapter of BforB is a peersupport (mastermind) group for local business owners and leaders of professional practices. Guests are welcome, at no charge. For current members and other details at bforbnetworks.com.

For info: doug@cambiumleadership.ca

Have something for Take Note?

Email takenote@seasidemagazine.ca

GREAT SELECTION of Daniadown, Revelle, Brunelli, Laundress, Cuddle Down & more

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www.sweetdreamsboutique.com MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 69

ST WO R D LastL AWord from the Editor-in-Chief Allison Smith

As I'm sitting here writing this month's column, sunshine is streaming through my window, I can hear birds chirping happily outside and the first few days of our April "heat wave" have arrived. "Sunny and warm for the next week!" crows the weatherman, happy to finally be able to give his viewers a positive forecast for the first time in months.

After all, we're over a year into Covid now and for many, getting outside seems to make a huge difference to our mental outlook.

For this next stretch of sunny days we'll trick ourselves into thinking that the warm weather is here to stay (wilfully "forgetting" that these lovely April days will inevitably devolve into our typical wet coast spring in weeks to come) and we will stream from our houses and out onto the beautiful Saanich Peninsula.

We all have our favourite spots to get out to, and will gladly share them with anyone who asks. We know how lucky we are to live where we do, with so many amazing locations right on our doorstep. But maybe that's too much of a good thing, sometimes? Maybe you visit Island View beach every few days, but how often do you explore outside your usual go-to's and add a new favourite to the list? And how do you choose where to begin a new adventure when there are so many starting points?

In "Ask the Experts" (pg 18), seven local kids, from ages four to 14, are eager to share their favourite things to do locally with us all. From Oak Haven Park (a recent addition to my favourites list) to Country Bee Honey Farm and even the local library, I promise there is something for everyone in these suggestions! Whether you're six or 60, getting out and exploring someplace new on our beautiful Saanich Peninsula is always a worthwhile endeavour. And maybe these kids hold the secret to your new favourite hidden gem!

n o s i l l A

Clothing provided and styled by MODEN Boutique.

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CAPTURING SPECIAL MOMENTS

STELLY'S FILL THE HIVE FOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, May 5th 4 - 8 pm

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All donations will be given to the saanich peninsula food bank.

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saanichton, keating, and Brentwood bay

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We will be going door to door to collect pre-bagged, non-perishable food and monetary donations.

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timescolonist.com 7/28/20 1:36:42 PM71 MAY 2021 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA

SIDNEY All Care Residence

Anita Westover: Support Services Manager

Tyson Girling: Maintenance Manager

Denny Warner: Community Relations Manager

We would like to wish our moms a very Happy Mother’s Day! We would be honoured to meet and care for your mothers. We offer bright, comfortable, private rooms, delicious fresh food, enriching activities and compassionate, professional team members who specialize in delivering complex care.

We look forward to welcoming your mom (or dad), home to Sidney All Care Residence.

Call for more information.

Proudly Offering Long Term, Respite and Palliative Care 778.351.2505 • www.allcarecanada.ca • 2269 Mills Rd, Sidney