Seaside Times January 2012 Issue by Seaside Magazine

WEST COAST CULTURE JANUARY 2012

Healing and Self-Discovery Amid Frozen Landscapes

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Seaside Times

contents

west coast culture – january 2012 issue features

Demon Slayer Margo Talbot – a remarkable example of human resilience against overwhelming odds

People, 17 Community Community Coffee

A new year, and fresh faces of Brentwood Bay grace the walls of Zanzibar Café Spotlight 42 Restaurant Food & drinks with a view:

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Columns First Word............................................ 6 Tweet This!........................................ 37 Forbes & Marshall........................... 46 Skin Deep......................................... 47 Weatherwit...................................... 49 Smell the Coffee............................. 51 Last Word......................................... 55

departments 7................................................. Letters 8............................ Raincoast Update 10.....................................Grey Matters 12................................... Can We Talk? 24.......................................... Footprints 45............................. Veterinary Voice 52...........................What's Happening 54................................. Entertainment

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On the cover: "Climbing in Ouray, Colorado." Photo courtesy Alain Denis Photography. (page 15)

first w o rd Welcome to a new year at Seaside Times as we embark on our seventh year. In each issue, Seaside Times embraces words and pictures to get to the heart of the matter: the heart of our community. This issue is our third compilation of photos of people on the Saanich Peninsula, in our Community People, Community Coffee series. Our photo essay this month features the people of beautiful Brentwood Bay. In every journey, and in every community, we were able to uncover the beauty of why we call this home and enjoyed learning about some of the people who work in, live in and love their community from the bottom of their hearts. Allison and I (pictured above) had the honour of participating in and filling a few tummies and hearts (Seaside Times was the media sponsor) at the Seventh Annual Saanichton Community Christmas in December, where we helped raise over $2,000 for the Sidney Lions Food Bank.

book, All That Glitters, is the story of her journey to find herself and her quest to exorcise her inner demons through a lot of hard personal work and a loving connection to the healing wonders of nature – specifically, for her, ice climbing. It’s a beautiful story of hope and courage. So curl up with a cup of java and enjoy the rest of what this issue has to offer. We hope you’re inspired to take care of your heart, to follow your heart and to open your heart to others. My daughter wrote to me last year: There’s a place in your heart And I know that it is love. The love that I bring It will always be with you Wherever you go. My love will always be beside me You have your love Wherever you go, Up high or down low Or wherever you go Eva – seven years old

We are happy to annouce the winner of our $1,500 Sidney Speaking of hearts, the cover of this issue and the story Shopping Spree – congratulations to Rene Nielsen! of Margo Talbot went directly to my heart. As you’ll read, Sidney Pier Spa • Seaside Times Jan 2012 Ad • Size: 7.75” (w) x 4.925” (h) • Rough 2 • Dec 15/11 Publisher (pg 15), Margo fought depression and addiction, and her

Sue Hodgson,

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letters

www.seasidetimes.ca Publisher, Advertising Sales

Seaside Times welcomes your feedback! Please send letters to the editor via editor@seasidetimes.ca. Allison … just received the Seaside Times this a.m. It is GREAT. You and Sue are doing a fabulous job in providing a local magazine that supports community endeavours and local businesses … always worth the read. Regards, Marie R.

Sue Hodgson 250.516.6489 sue@seasidetimes.ca

Editor-in-Chief

✢ ✢ ✢

Allison Smith 250.813.1745 editor@seasidetimes.ca

You girls are rockin' it! The magazine looks fantastic. Great cover shot, great layouts … you go, girls! Kris Cater Knickerbocker's Home Décor

Advertising Sales

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Lori Swan, Patti Anthony 250.516.6489

This Month’s Contributors Trysh Ashby-Rolls • Shelley Breadner • Chris Burdge Dianne Connerly • Alain Denis • Michael Forbes Dave Gartley • Chris Genovali • Doreen Marion Gee Valerie Green • Pene Beavan Horton • Devon MacKenzie Carole Pearson • Ken Pleasance • Steve Sakiyama Steve Sheppard • Susan Simosko • Geoff Smith Dr. Mark Smith • Jim Townley • Heather Zais Seaside Times magazine is printed 12 times a year in Richmond, British Columbia by Rhino Print Solutions. 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.

I picked up a copy of your Seaside Times for the first time at a friend's place. I thought, oh, West Coast Culture, probably some interesting info about the West Coast area, which if you have been around the southern Island for a while, usually means west coast of Vancouver Island, or west part of the southern Island, such as Sooke. But none of the above was in the issue. It is ALL Sidney and Salt Spring Island. Seems a bit snobby. Mind you, the graphics around the "S" are extremely attractive. Well done! So it now seems you have a misnamed magazine, right? In the spirit of being helpful, and maybe pointing out some insight you have not noticed, why not publish some articles/features about places the magazine's heading leads the new reader to believe they are going to learn about? West Coast culture is not ONLY about Sidney, Saanichton and Saltspring Island. Fair comment ? Best Regards, Ken Showers, Metchosin

In-Room at:

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january 2012

A Family Affair by Chris Genovali

he Raincoast Conservation Foundation staff is a tightly-knit group of people, but for Raincoast biologists Andy Rosenberger and Adrianne Jarvela Rosenberger, it’s literally a family affair. In addition to their work as biologists for Raincoast’s wild salmon and marine conservation programs, this husband-and-wife team have taken on two other important roles for the organization: Andy serves as Raincoast’s GIS (Geographical Information 8

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Systems) technician and Adrianne handles our donor stewardship duties. Proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, their young son Finn is already showing a fascination with the ocean and predictions are he’s a lock as a future marine biologist for Raincoast. The west coast of Canada is a relatively new home for Andy and Adrianne, having lived on the other side of the country for most of their lives. However, the longer they

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rainco ast update Andy and Adrianne Rosenberger with son Finn. Photo by Andy Rosenberger

under ice pans, eating the freshest urchin roe, making sushi with leftover lab fish and having polar bears, narwhal and musk ox wander around and through the camp were frequent occurrences. The love of marine waters and its creatures has always brought Andy and Adrianne back to the ocean. After graduating from the University of Guelph, they relocated to St. John's, where Adrianne completed a postgraduate diploma in Coastal Zone Management at Memorial. After that, perhaps the defining moment of their fledgling careers as biologists appeared. Adrianne was offered a summer of field work based on an icebergsurrounded island off the coast of Labrador studying whales, so off they went, spending the summer watching humpbacks glide under their tiny zodiac. Their efforts added to the identification catalogue of highly migratory Atlantic humpback whales and rare North Atlantic killer whales, as well as documenting large groups of whales and dolphins feeding in concert.

reside in B.C., the more captivated by the West Coast they become. Their lives connected on a marine biology field trip in New Brunswick while doing research on small sharks and other Atlantic fish. Andy and Adrianne’s undergraduate research work took them to many places, including Newfoundland, where they later moved. Some of Andy’s most interesting field work was in the Arctic, where diving

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After a brief stint in Ontario, Andy and Adrianne moved to B.C., eventually ending up in Victoria. A year later, they continue to grow more and more enthralled by West Coast culture and the wonders of the Pacific. Chris Genovali is the executive director of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation. www.seasidetimes.ca

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grey matters

Plowing Through Winter by Trysh Ashby-Rolls You got through Hanukkah, I'd filled a stocking for the Child Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa Within, which I opened with my and even New Year's Eve – all difficult if you live on your cat and teddy bear. Guatemalan worry dolls. An oldown. Some people positively love amusing themselves, but fashioned puzzle. A decorative box. Fruit. A dollar coin. there are those for whom the holiday season is a time of Cookies. Chocolates. Beads. Bath goodies. A gorgeous grief and depression, and there is still the rest of winter to coloured shawl, a gift from Mummy – how carefully get through. One woman described how she got through she'd chosen it. I pulled it around my shoulders. Christmas Day – imaginative yet practical steps that provide Somehow it protected me in ways she never could.” a starting point from which to think up ideas of your own. What about adapting this idea and giving yourself Things could not have been worse for this woman: her a small gift each day until April 1st? It doesn't have to partner had left her for a younger woman; she was in cost much, if anything at all. Maybe your apartment almost constant pain from recent surgery; her son had left doesn't allow pets of any kind, or you can't stand most to live on the streets and she was recovering from various furry critters. No problem. You may feel ridiculous addictions while addressing childhood trauma. She wrote: buying, never mind cuddling or talking aloud to a teddy bear. Do it anyway. There are a lot of lonely “Christmas day was sad, simple, gentle. The previous night teddy bears in thrift shops longing to be taken home. Or get yourself a puzzle and work on it a bit every day. Eat properly. Those Food Group Guides, while telling you you must eat fruit and veg every day, often also tell you a small bit of dark chocolate is vital. You could simply have a dress-up session just to please yourself. Sometimes getting ready for a party is more fun than the party itself. Flowers, of course, are always lovely unless you're allergic to them. One beautiful bloom can make a difference on a grey day.

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That woman had never volunteered nor had she reached out to anyone outside her circle. Frankly, it scared her. "If I wasn't afraid, would I do it anyway?" she asked herself. Yes, she thought. By jumping beyond her fears, her afternoon turned out to be far from lonely. In fact, she felt fulfilled.

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Or what about doing something for others? The same author wrote: “I took my scrapbook, made for me in 1944, to Nellie's, a safe house for battered women, and shared it with a three-year-old boy. I thought of (the child I'd been), of the children my father and my mother had been, of my sister, of my son. The boy snuggled close and we talked about the pictures in my book. I showed him my worry dolls, hidden in my pocket with a tangerine. Out of the blue he hit me. 'I don't like being hit,' I told him quietly. He stopped and held my hand instead, staring intently. Several women eyed me curiously. Some smiled.”

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january 2012

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can we talk? . ........ Publisher Sue Hodgson talks with Jenner Richards, What is Quaternion Aerospace? Quaternion Aerospace is a company specializing in designing, building, testing and flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). At Quaternion, we are involved with several UAV projects including the development of our own specialized UAVs as well as prototyping customer designs. We also use UAVs to perform services such as aerial photography. What is a UAV? How does it work? UAVs are an emerging class of aircraft that can range from the size of a hummingbird up to a full-sized jet liner. UAVs have no onboard pilot but are still capable of carrying out complex missions due to onboard computers (autopilots), cameras and other electronics. Typically, an operator on the ground can program the aircraft to perform a variety

of tasks before launching it; the operator can then monitor the aircraft on a ground-based computer in real-time and send additional commands to the aircraft when needed. Currently you are VP of Operations with the company and doing your PhD at the University of Victoria in mechanical engineering. What steered you towards this specific type of aerial engineering? I have always been fascinated with airplanes and things that fly! I started out in engineering so that I could one day help design aircraft and, just as I was starting, UAVs really began to become a hot subject. The thing I love about working with unmanned aircraft is that I can be involved in all aspects, from the high level design to manufacture all the way up to flight test planning and operations. Manned aircraft tend to be much more complex and highly regulated, so usually many engineers are involved, with each one focusing on only a small aspect of the overall project. Tell us about the exciting project you are currently working on with the University of Victoria and Virginia Tech. This is a really exciting project. We have been asked to evaluate a Boeing aircraft design for a very unconventional aircraft concept. Quaternion

Jenner Richards VP of Operations Quaternion Aerospace

With a passion for aerospace and a fascination with airplanes, Jenner Richards takes his talent to new heights.

In 2009, while studying mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria, he and a colleague formed Quaternion Aerospace in Sidney, specializing in designing, building, testing and flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jenner went

straight into his PhD, which he is currently completing.

In the two years since forming, the company has gained some major aerospace customers and has partnered with several businesses and institutions, such as the University of Victoria, Camosun College and Virginia Tech. Currently, Quaternion and the Universities have partnered to flight test a 1/9th scale Boeing "Joined Wing Sensorcraft." The fullsized concept has the same wingspan as a 767 commercial jet but would perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions while being fully autonomous (no pilots or crew).

Vice President of Operations, Quaternion Aerospace and the Universities have partnered to flight test a 1/9th scale Boeing “Joined Wing Sensorcraft.” The full-sized concept has the same wingspan as a 767 commercial jet but would perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions while being fully autonomous (no pilots or crew). Because of the unconventional design, we are building a series of reduced scale aircraft to test-fly and then we can scale up the results to predict how the full size aircraft would behave. This is challenging because these aircraft need to be similar in many ways (for instance the same amount of flexibility in the wings and same flight characteristics) in order to predict the full scaled airplane's response. Adding to the challenge is that these aircraft are powered by two actual jet engines and are very unstable in flight! In the news recently, the CIA lost a RQ-170 Sentinel stealth aircraft (Unmanned aircraft). It was downed by the Iranian Army's electronic warfare and worth about $750 million dollars. What do you think will come of this aircraft and are you building similar prototypes? Unfortunately we don’t have this kind of budget to work with but our UAVs can perform similar surveillance and reconnaissance missions, just on a much smaller scale (shorter range, altitude etc.). The military drones such as the RQ-170 are extremely complex systems, often with more advanced technology than their manned counterparts. Unfortunately, I think Iran will likely try and reverse engineer the technology and/ or sell it to other countries. The company is almost two years old; what is the most interesting project you have worked on? I think all of the projects where we get to go out and fly an aircraft that we have had a part in designing is the most interesting. There is nothing like watching the first successful flight of a new aircraft design. Are there other applications that have been used for the UAVs? What other areas of business could it expand to? UAVs can be used for most applications that full-sized aircraft are used for at present. This would include aerial mapping, firefighting, wildlife monitoring etc. Another advantage is that UAVs are capable of performing dull and dangerous missions that may not be safe or practical for a manned aircraft to perform. At the moment, government regulations still SEASIDE TIMES

limit widespread use of UAVs in Canada’s airspace, but I think once these become relaxed we will see a lot more applications of unmanned aircraft. Do you believe in UFOs? I have never really seen any evidence that would convince me of their existence, therefore I would say it is highly unlikely. However, if you know where I can find one let me know … I want to borrow some of that technology for our next aircraft! While I was travelling abroad recently, I met someone working for Area 51, considered to be a top secret military base testing exotic aircraft and weapons and thought to be the test centre for captured UFOs. Any thoughts on this and do you think the types of aircrafts we are talking about will be tested and used there? The US Air Force can be very protective of their secret technology and I am sure they have lots of secret test sites all over where they test exotic aircraft like the ones we have discussed. I have even heard some crazy stories of the extent they will go to in order to conceal their top secret designs. For instance: I read that while flying one of these aircraft, they have another larger nonclassified aircraft flying as well. Then, when a foreign satellite is above them, they will actually fly the top secret aircraft under the larger one to conceal it from the satellite. It's pretty cool. Will you be testing any of the joined wing UAVs in the near future? If so, where do you do all the testing and what does it involve? We just completed our first round of tests this fall and are planning another round in the spring. Because of the size and complexity of this aircraft, Transport Canada insists that we operate at a remote rural airport in Foremost, Alberta. Besides the long drive, it is an ideal location since it is in the middle of the prairies with few local residences and hardly any air traffic. At such a young age, you are incredibly versed in this industry. What do you want to be when you grow up? I am very fortunate to be doing something I love here at Quaternion. It allows me to work in an exciting area of the aerospace industry while still being able to live in a very beautiful part of the world. When I grow up I would like to be doing exactly what I am doing now (but maybe with a little more vacation time!). For more information visit www.quaternionaerospace.com.

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january 2012

Demon Slayer

by Doreen Marion Gee

t takes courage to battle dragons. The worst kind are in your head. Problems like depression and drug addiction can lay waste a life, and surmounting them is an Everest-like challenge. Margo Talbot is a remarkable example of human resilience against overwhelming odds. Her book, All That Glitters, describes her journey to find herself and her quest to exorcise those inner demons through a lot of hard personal work and a loving connection to the healing wonders of nature. Her story is a travel guide for all of us on how to come back from a personal hell and into a hopeful world once again. Margo’s book describes her Maritime childhood as a desolate landscape of severe neglect and abuse, devoid of any human sunshine or loving nutrition. Painful flashbacks to her early years include being chased around a kitchen table when she was three by a drunken uncle wielding a knife, suffering with pneumonia for almost a year while her mother refused to take her to hospital, and years of sexual abuse by a relative. Over the years, Margo turned to alcohol and drugs to anesthetize herself from this trauma. I was stunned at how anyone could survive a life that could only be called a war zone; a roller-coaster life with a charismatic drug dealer, violence from men, mental breakdowns – her book grabs you by the throat. Margo’s own ground zero was being arrested in Jasper for selling marijuana. Margo knew that a "mood problem" ran in the family – her mother rarely got up before four in the afternoon – and when years later Margo experienced similar symptoms, she sought answers. Her mind-bending story transports us through years of a grinding struggle to reclaim her life. With extraordinary courage, she faced her own bipolar demons of manic highs and life-long "great depressions" and embarked on a journey to get well. Early on, Margo discovered the healing power of nature: “I felt at peace standing at the base of that ice strip, on the

side of a mountain, surrounded by the beauty of nature.” Margo fell in love with ice climbing, an extreme sport of scaling frozen waterfalls. Here, she found the perfect route to mindfulness, confidence and mental strength. She writes: “I think climbing kept me sane. It had become a form of meditation, a place where I could be so focused that the battles inside my psyche faded into the background” and “I had just accomplished something using my own strength, and this gave me a feeling of confidence.” Using intuition and creativity, Margo harnessed her own brain power to overcome her black and manic moods. She writes about putting “the power of reshaping my psyche into my hands.” This is the crux of Margo’s message – that true recovery starts with the realization that we really do have the power to make choices that will help us get well. Margo also recognized the pivotal role of supportive friends and counsellors in her renewal. Talk therapy from skilled therapists helped her recover from the abuse and her ruthless depressions. Margo saved the mother lode for her epilogue: “If you were to ask me what got me through the pain and torment of my decades of depression, my answer would be hope.” That’s the best weapon to slay dragons. For more information visit www.margotalbot.com or Sono Nis Press at www.sononis.com. Book cover design by Jim Brennan; cover photo by Alain Denis Photography.

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A Toast to You … Here’s to Another Great Year With Great Clients ~ Wishing You A Successful 2012

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Sam's "labour of love" is working with horses, and now it's her business. Training horses and riders in Dressage takes years of practice; Sam feels a great sense of pride when a rider accomplishes one of their goals.

At 94, Sylvia is involved in many aspects of St. Stephen's Anglican Church. "There's a big family feeling at this church where we exchange hugs," she says. Sandy gives tours of the graveyard – "there are no ghosts here."

Community People, Community Coffee A New Year, and Fresh Faces of Brentwood Bay Grace The Walls of Zanzibar Café by Jim Townley, Fresh Cup Café I must start by saying: Our staff and I were pleasantly surprised to see how many people from all over the community came into the café in December to view the display of portraits on the walls. There were a number of warm conversations, and some very robust laughter about those pictured. I also noticed some quiet pauses by those who mentioned they knew someone in a photo, but gave off the impression they were rediscovering that individual again for the very first time! Sometimes a picture is worth more than a thousand words, and Geoff’s images seem to capture

a lot of emotion. In this month’s edition of Community People, Community Coffee, hosted at the wonderful Zanzibar Café in January, you’ll meet some of the people who make Brentwood tick. These monthly photo essays were the idea of photographer Geoff Smith and Sue Hodgson, publisher of Seaside Times – who wanted to bring a renewed sense of life back to a topic often taken for granted: the everyday people within our community. It was never really about the coffee, except for the fact that coffee remains Canada’s hallmark when it comes to starting up new connections with people or www.seasidetimes.ca

rekindling those that have faded a bit; no matter, conversation over a fresh cup of coffee remains an entrenched part of the Saanich Peninsula culture. In January’s edition, you’ll soon discover that Brentwood Bay is known for more than its ferry to Mill Bay – there is a deep-seated history here of "Wet-Coasters" that embrace all the village has to offer. So what’s next for Community People, Community Coffee? I hear from the publisher that, after a short break, future editions will resurface with even more beautiful photography of our great community and its people when you least expect it. In the meantime, if you know any interesting people, send them an email; you never know who you’ll see next ! Photo this page and following pages courtesy Geoff Smith. january 2012

(1) Ellie'spassion passionfor forlife life and (1) Ellie’s and adventure foundunder underthe the adventure isisfound water. "Winter diving welcomes water. “Winter diving welcomes some of the clearest views of some of the clearest views of the giant Pacific octopi and Giant Octopi and Cloud cloud Pacific sponge." Sponge.” (2) Being part of a fifth (2) Being part the fifthbutchers generation of of Scottish makes Fraser a proudbutchers business generation of Scottish partner working alongside his makes Fraser a proud business siblings. At Orr's, customers partner. Working alongside his are greeted as friends.

siblings, customers are greeted as friends. (3) For 12 years running, Music

in the Park brings sweet sounds (3) Twelve years running Music to founders Leslie, Glenda and in the Park sounds many otherbrings musicsweet lovers. A musician Leslie to the ears ofherself, founders Leslie, has performed Glenda and manyseveral other music times this stage. lovers. on A musician herself, Leslie

has performed several times on (4) With grease under their this stage. nails and sawdust on their

clothes, Rob and Jean are (4) With grease under and their nails masters at restoring and sawdust on their clothes building wooden boats. Sourcing localare wood, these Rob and Jean masters at craftsmen breathe life into restoring and building wooden centuries-old boats. Sourcingvessels. local wood,

these craftsmen breathe life into (5) Brian and Brennan may centuries oldyears' boats.difference have a few

between them, but they shared (5) Brian of andalways Brennan may have a dream wanting to a years difference befew firefighters. Brian between has 19 them, they shared a dream of years' but volunteer firefighting experience. Brennan, who always wanting to be firefighters. grew up community, Brian hasin19the years volunteer started outexperience. as a volunteer firefighting Brennan, and is now full time.

who grew up in the community, started a volunteer andput is (6) Ritaout andasstepson Adam now fullhours time. baking cookies, in long pies, cakes and bread at (6) Rita and stepson, put in Breadstuffs. "BakingAdam amazing food and feeding people" is long hours baking cookies, pies, what is about. cakes this and business bread at Breadstuffs.

“Baking amazing food and feeding

(7) A Coast Salish artist, Chris people” is what glass, this business is sells carvings, print work about. and jewelry. He gives much back to the community through (7) A coastal artist, "In Chris teaching andSalish donations. sells carvings, work childhood, as glass, in anyprint culture, you are 'given'He – it's now and jewellery. gives much time to the givecommunity back." back to through

teaching and donations. “In

(8) A self-taught furniture childhood as England, in any culture maker from Ian you are ‘given’, it’s now time to and give explores the local forests back.”his backyard for wood to even use in his craft. He modestly (8) A self taught furniture mentions that the Queenmaker owns a walnut box he from England, Iancreated. explores the

local forests and even his back yard for wood to create his craft. He modestly mentions the Queen owns a walnut box he made.

Present …

The 14th Annual

Hearts of the Community Volunteer Awards

Help us recognize outstanding volunteers in our community!

Nominations requested by January 30th @ 4p.m. Nomination forms available at SHOAL Centre, Beacon’s Peninsula Thrift Shops, Beacon’s Third St office in Sidney, Peninsula News Review and www.beaconcs.ca

 Service to Seniors – For service by an individual that helps improve

Free event the quality of life for seniors living on the Saanich Peninsula Tickets Available – For service by an individual mid-January to children, youth, and/or their families living on the Saanich Peninsula  Overall Service to the Community – For outstanding efforts by an individual in a variety of volunteer activities in the Saanich Peninsula community  Outstanding Youth Volunteer – For a youth, age 14-19, who provides exemplary volunteer service in their school and/or the Saanich Peninsula community (youth also receives a $1,000 education scholarship)  Community Service/Project by a Group – For a service/project by a group which benefits the Saanich Peninsula community  Lifetime Service Award – For an individual contributing exemplary volunteer service in the Saanich Peninsula community over a lifetime  Service to Children & Families

Note: Eligible nominees are Peninsula residents and groups, as well as those outside the area, who do/have done beneficial volunteer work on the Saanich Peninsula. If nominating a group, please identify one individual to represent the group.

A special panel will select a winner in each category to be honoured, along with all nominees, at the

2012 Hearts of the Community Volunteer Awards Ceremony & Luncheon Thursday, February 16th - 11a.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre For information on nominating and free event tickets, please call 250-656-0134

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Saanich School District Jumpstarts Student Careers with Apprenticeship Program by Devon MacKenzie For much of 2011, 15-year-old Jorge Costa’s trek to school each day began before most people were even out of bed. He walked and transited from his home in the Western Communities to get to the Independent Learning Centre in Saanichton before classes started. Why did he go to all the trouble? Because the Saanich School District had something Costa wanted. He'd long dreamed of becoming a hair stylist, and last year he got a chance to sign on to do just that, for free, and all while still earning high school credits toward graduation. Costa is one of 16 students accepted into Saanich School District’s specialized trades program in hairdressing and cosmetology. Offered in partnership with Vancouver Island University and the Industry Training Authority, it's comprised of comprehensive technical training and a gradual introduction to working in a community-based salon. The program includes a full-time apprenticeship for two months and ultimately leads to continuing full-time employment in the field.

Saanich School District's trades programs? “You have to just show that you want it and be prepared to commit to it and the school will organize everything else for you. It’s such a great opportunity.” With his sights locked firmly on his future, and School District 63 ready and willing to help him achieve his goals, Costa is looking forward to a career in the trade he always knew he wanted to do. If you want to see Jorge in action, contact Eco Verde Salon and Spa at 250-474-8999 for an appointment. Studio 63, the district’s teaching salon, will be open to the public beginning April 2012 with a new set of students. Call 250-652-5381 for more information. For more information on how to get involved as a student apprentice, or as an employer sponsor in the career program, contact Stu Rhodes at srhodes@sd63.bc.ca or at 250-4159211. For an overview of the trade training opportunities offered by the Saanich School District, be sure to view the promotional Youtube video, “Jump Start Your Career” at http://www.youtube.com/user/saanichcareers.

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The school district’s partnership with VIU and other post secondary training institutions has allowed District 63 to be able to offer almost any trade to almost any student who is interested – all free of charge. “We work with the student so each program is tailored specifically to the individual student and his or her desired trade,” said Stu Rhodes, the apprenticeship coordinator. www.freshcup.ca

Costa is now an indentured apprentice and working full time at Verde Eco Salon and Day Spa in Langford – something he is very excited about. “I love my job. I love making people feel special. You can work anywhere and there’s always new stuff to learn,” Costa said, speaking passionately about his career choice. "Jorge is a very talented young stylist who has a passion for hairdressing," said Costa’s instructor from VIU, Anastasia Antoniadis. Costa’s advice for those interested in any of the

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Saanichton: Mt. Newton X Road www.seasidetimes.ca

january 2012

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Sidney Lions Club: Helping Others Since 1964 by Ken Pleasance

In 1964, the Chinatown Lions Club of Victoria sponsored the formation of the Sidney Lions Club. Officially, the Club was chartered on June 27th. In the ensuing years, the Club pursued a variety of projects locally, including the building of an outdoor sunroom at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, construction of playground equipment for local youth, the establishment of the local Food Bank and funding for the RCMP-Sidney Lions Club Bike Rodeo. The Sidney Lions Club is particularly proud of its eyeglass program for children in the elementary school system on the Peninsula that provides prescription glasses (306 to date) for any child needing corrective lenses up to the fifth grade level.

constructed in local parks. The Club has also sponsored a number of youth organizations. The Sidney Lions have provided support on a provincial basis to the three camps owned and operated by the BC Lions Easter Seal Society. These camps provide disabled children the opportunity to enjoy the “camping experience,” with opportunities to challenge themselves and learn new skills in a safe environment. On an international level, the Sidney Lions Club provides funding to underdeveloped countries for programs to address blindness prevention and also collects used eyeglasses for Third World Countries.

There have been a multitude of other smaller projects successfully undertaken by the Club over the years. Residential wheelchair ramps have been built, hearing aids have been purchased and picnic tables and benches have been

The Club’s current commitment to the community will be rebuilding the Tulista Park Playground equipment to bring it up to present day standards and to make it accessible for people of all abilities. The Club is presently

investigating a memorial brick project as a means to fundraise for this endeavor, as anticipated costs are approximately $70,000. Sidney residents have been very supportive of the Club in its previous fundraising efforts and there is every confidence that this support will continue for the Tulista Park project. With 30 members, the Club is hoping to increase membership in the future. Anyone is welcome to join and experience the satisfaction that comes from helping local and international communities. The Club welcomes any inquiries from people, 19 years or older, who would like to be part of this international service club. For more information, call Brian Dunic at 250-655-1077 or Bob Orchard at 250-656-7829. Meetings are held twice a month (first and third Tuesday evenings) from September through June at the Glen Meadows Golf Club. Guests are always welcome!

It’s our hospital. Buyers & sellers unique quality items

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When a parent or spouse, close friend or relative has received exceptional care at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, leaving a legacy gift helps ensure that staff can continue to provide the same outstanding level of care to other patients into the future. All donations, whether annual, monthly, periodically, or a legacy gift planned for in your will, are deeply appreciated.

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For more information please call Donna Randall at 250-652-7531 www.seasidetimes.ca

january 2012

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Managing the World’s Most iMportant investMents:

yours!

by Valerie Green

In this business…

susan dafoe

Conversations from the Past – Nellie McClung

Experience Matters!

investMent advisor susan.dafoe@nbf.ca

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down and talk with some interesting characters from Greater Victoria’s past? If so, wonder no more. In a series of upcoming “interviews,” imaginary conversations will be conducted with some well-known (and some lesser-known) men and women from Greater Victoria’s colourful history. Although these conversations are merely creative figments of my imagination, they are all based on fact. A woman far ahead of her time, Nellie McClung was well known for her ongoing fight for women’s equality. She lived in Saanich for only 17 years but is still considered one of our own. (Interview conducted in the late 1930s.)

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Interviewer: Mrs. McClung, can you please tell me about your early life?

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mcclung: I was born in Ontario in 1873 and my family moved to Manitoba when I was seven. I taught in rural schools at age sixteen. In 1896 I married Robert Wesley McClung and we moved to Winnipeg in 1911. I: How did you first become involved in women’s rights – and why? M: I helped to organize the Women’s Political Equality League in 1912 because I had always felt women were treated unfairly. In 1918, I was the only woman chosen to be present at the Canadian War Conference.

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I: What kind of issues did you fight for?

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M: I always supported the women’s suffrage movement and I helped to make Manitoba the first province to admit women to its legislature. I strongly believed in women’s rights on such issues as divorce, birth control, property rights and mothers’ allowance. I: Those were certainly all “hot” issues. M: Indeed they were! I: Jumping ahead … when did you move to Saanich? M: We moved to Gordon Head in 1934.

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I: Wasn’t the name of your house taken from one of your many books? And, how on earth did www.seasidetimes.ca

you manage to write books and raise a family while still being involved in political matters? M: Easy! – I was just doing what I felt passionate about. Yes, I wrote 17 books and many articles and essays and we called our house on Ferndale Road “Lantern Lane” because of the lantern we hung at the end of the driveway. It was featured in two of my books. I: I hear from neighbours that you are also renowned for your delicious homemade cookies and your sauerkraut and dill pickles. M: (Laughing) How kind! I: Of course you are most famous for what you did back in 1929 to establish women as “persons.” Can you tell me about your famous confrontation with Manitoba’s premier who had told you that “nice women” did not want the vote? M: Yes, I was incensed! My reply to his statement was widely circulated. It went something like this: “By nice women, you probably mean selfish women who have no more thought for the underprivileged, overworked women than a pussycat in a sunny window has for the starving kitten in the street. Now, in that sense, I am certainly not a nice woman, for I do care … ” I: We feel honoured that you are spending your retirement years here on Vancouver Island. Women everywhere are grateful for all that you have done on their behalf.

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M: Thank you for your kind words. I may well have been a crusader for women but I’m afraid I was also often referred to as “a hyena in petticoats!”

Open Mon - Fri 9:30-5:30 Saturdays 9-4 #104 - 2506 Beacon Ave., Sidney

(Nellie McClung died in 1951. For her numerous contributions to Canada, her name was commemorated on a stamp in 1974, and a library was opened in her name in Saanich in 1976. Today her house on Ferndale Road in Gordon Head is a designated heritage house.) Valerie Green is an author and historian and can be reached at valgee@shaw.ca. Photo courtesy Saanich Archives #1981-023-004a (Portrait of Nellie McClung).

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www.seasidetimes.ca

january 2012

Your Health: Sturdy Through a Peninsula Winter by Dr. Mark Smith The shorter, gloomier, overcast days, fallen leaves and falling temperatures have marked the end of a summer long gone and the beginning of our Peninsula winter. For many, this also means participation in "cold and flu" season. Unfortunately, our fair Peninsula is not immune to this yearly plague, despite our relatively mild winters. While it’s true that more people tend to harbour these common bugs during this time of year, the actual cause of sickness and symptoms lies deeper. Consider your coworker in the cubicle next to you who never takes a sick day while, just next door, you seem to be at the mercy of every wave of infirmity being spread around. Is your neighbour just lucky? Likely not. The unfortunate (and somewhat gross) fact is that they’re sharing the same air that you do. By extension, they’re also being exposed to the SAME airborne particles (i.e. cold and flu germs) yet are not showing symptoms. That’s because getting sick has as much to do with the state your immune system as it does to WHAT you get exposed to. The cause is therefore more directly related to poor

lifestyle habits this time of year. A typical winter evening on the Peninsula does not involve the same activities it might in July. More likely it involves sitting on the couch with some variation of spiked eggnog or a sugary, high-carbohydrate snack in hand while watching TV. In addition is the inevitable lack of sunshine (and therefore Vitamin D necessary to support immune function), eating sugary, rich, high fat foods (which essentially stun immune function), decreased physical activity and the stress of holiday planning, hosting, and gift-buying. When combined, it’s enough physical, mental, and chemical stress to make even the stoutest immune system want to go into hibernation – and it will if it must! The key is therefore lifestyle modification during this season. Try to emulate your spring/summer routine as much as possible while supplementing your diet with Vitamin D3, B complex and multivitamins. Also consider seeing your chiropractor during this season to help remove physical stress and nerve irritation from the body so that you can function to your highest ability during this season when you need to most. Finally, remember that heaping unnecessary stress upon yourself is completely counter to the very reason for the holidays – a season meant for peaceful reflection and quality time with the ones you love. So make time to enjoy it, because if you don’t take time to slow down, the cold or flu bug just might do it for you! Victoria Chiropractor Dr. Mark Smith’s practice, Progressive Chiropractic, is conveniently located on the corner of Shelbourne and McKenzie in the Gordon Head region of Saanich near UVIC and is the only chiropractic office in Victoria using low-level video X-ray of the spine.

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VICTORIA 250-383-7227

3937 Quadra Street (2 blocks south of McKenzie)

Tempt the Taste at Orr's Family Butchers by Doreen Marion Gee Robert Burns, Scotland’s troubled son, brilliantly captured the unique Scottish passion and zeal for life in his haunting poetry. That earthy Scottish charm came alive as I enjoyed the thick accent and jovial wit of Stewart Orr of Orr’s Family Butchers. When it comes to the calibre of their products, Burns’ ode to his main squeeze in Lass of Cessnock Banks comes to mind: “Tempt the taste. Charm the sight.” As I fiddle around on my keyboard, I can almost hear a faint bagpipe and the rustle of leaves as they blow down over the lush emerald moors to Inverness. The Orr family emigrated from Scotland, bringing their fine butcher skills with them. In 1979, Ronald and Caroline Orr launched their shop in Brentwood Bay and built up a solid successful family business. After Ronald’s passing in 2001, his children took the reins. Fraser and Stewart now own and run the business, with Rhonda up to her elbows in pastry flour. Their superior meat products won the Times Colonist Readers' Choice award for “Best Sausage Maker” in 2003 and earned TC readers' vote again for “Best of the Island” Butchers in 2006.

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Brentwood Bay at Trafalgar Square 250.544.8211 Sidney at Sidney Pier Hotel 250.656.5506

Here’s the scoop: They offer authentic British products MKTG29650_KNICKER.indd and their groceries are straight from the Old Country. So when you order Scotch pies, dream about savouring a pint in a wintry village pub while watching the telly and eating bangers and mash. Stewart is proud of their supreme quality fare. Their fresh well-trimmed lean Alberta Prime beef is antibiotic- and hormone-free and all of their meat pies, sausages and bacon are made at the shop.

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The Orrs deeply value the human touch. They offer friendly face-to-face service and are ready to answer any questions. Stewart emphasizes that they are “old school” traditional butchers with a long history of skilled knowledge about their trade. The family is thrilled to serve three generations of faithful customers. Bubbling with emotion, Stewart confides that a young mother wanted her newborn girl weighed on their shop scale years ago. Over the span of decades, that grown daughter came to their shop, and now her adult children are loyal customers. Stewart is proud to announce the opening of the butchers' new shop in Sidney at the Landmark Building (#104 - 2506 Beacon Avenue). Come and join the haggistasting at the Orr's Sidney location on Robert Burns Day, January 25th. If their meats “charm your sight,” go home and “tempt” your taste buds with a delicious steak.

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For more information, contact : www.orrsbutchers.com. www.seasidetimes.ca

january 2012

advertorial

My Mortgage and Me: A Love Story I love my mortgage. This may seem an odd thing to say given that for most of us, having a mortgage means having a sizeable debt hanging over our head, but I do. Here’s why: my mortgage is what’s called a readvanceable mortgage. By definition, this is a twopart facility with a loan portion and variable (line of credit) portion working in combination with each other. Sounds confusing, but the reality is that it is just like any other mortgage, except it comes with some special powers if used in the correct manner. To give you a sense of the special powers of a readvanceable mortgage, we’ll first need a little background. By now, those of us with a mortgage should be aware that each time we make our regular payment two things are happening: 1) Part of our payment – the interest or cost of borrowing – is going directly to the bank in exchange for loaning us the money to purchase our home in the first place. Nice of them, but let’s not forget they’re in the business of making money and our interest payments are part of that process. It might be argued that this is why the banks continue to be some of the most profitable businesses in Canada. 2) The other part of our payment – the principal – is going toward reducing our mortgage balance. With each mortgage payment we are reducing what we owe the bank. At the start of our mortgage this is a very small amount (just check your most recent yearly cost of borrowing statement), and as time (and many, many payments) passes, this amount increases to the point that towards the end of the life of a mortgage the payments are nearly all principal. This is how your typical garden-variety mortgage is structured in Canada and has been for as long as I can remember. New developments in the way mortgages are structured have arisen over the last number of years and there are now many financing options available to the average borrower/homeowner – my personal favourite, and the reason I love my mortgage, is the readvanceable mortgage.

How Does it Work?

Being a visual person, I often find the best way to picture how a readvanceable mortgage works is to imagine two elevators in the same building: one on the top floor of the building, one on the bottom floor. As you make your regular mortgage payment (principal plus interest), the elevator on the top floor goes down 28

SEASIDE TIMES

one floor representing the reduction in principal. Simultaneously, the principal is readvanced to you, as an available credit balance, on the line of credit (LOC) portion – the elevator on the bottom floor goes up one floor. Here’s the point: this money that has been readvanced to you is yours for the taking – this is the portion of your home you’ve purchased back from the bank and the bank is willing to lend it right back to you. This money is hanging out, as an available credit balance on your Line of Credit, meaning that you can choose to withdraw and spend it at any time.

Decision Time Each month that passes will show a growing balance of available credit on the line of credit (LOC) side of your loan. With each month the elevator on the top floor will be going down and the elevator on the bottom floor will be going up and you will have the choice to withdraw the funds available to you to use in a manner you see fit – here’s where it can get good.

Special Powers In Canada, if you borrow money with the expectation of making a profit you can deduct the interest expense – the cost of borrowing – on that money. This is fancy talk for generating a tax deduction by borrowing to invest. So if you choose to withdraw the money available to you in your line of credit and invest it – in a business, an investment property or mutual funds for example, the cost of borrowing will in turn create some deductions for you from Canada Revenue. This is why I love my mortgage. By investing the principal amount readvanced to me each month I am able to accomplish two things: I am saving for my future by investing for my retirement and I'm generating a tax deduction for myself and my family by borrowing to invest. Each year come tax time, I eagerly await a nice refund from Canada Revenue for contributing to the Canadian economy by borrowing to invest, knowing full well that I’ve also saved up a significant amount of funds for my future needs. Invested wisely, these funds may serve to make my retirement quite comfortable. The power of the readvanceable mortgage doesn’t come without the requisite small print that most financial instruments these days seem to contain. The available balance on the line of credit portion is money that can be used for consumption just as easily. This type of borrowing isn’t the good, deductible kind: it’s the bad, non-deductible debt. Borrowing money in this fashion is akin to using your

www.seasidetimes.ca

house as a bank machine – all that is being done is you are reducing your non-deductible debt on the loan side via mortgage payments but ramping it right back up again when you reborrow to finance cars, dinners out and other consumption items. The other thing to note of course is that I’m still borrowing this money, so I’ll need to pay for that as well. This expense, the cost of my borrowing, is reduced

Wow! What a Great Idea dinner with a stranger A handful of young men in Victoria, dubbed The Charity Guys, began a special project called “Dinner With A Stranger” where they take a person who is experiencing poverty first hand out for dinner and to hear their story. The goal behind it is to shed light on the stigma associated with homelessness, mental illness and poverty in Victoria. If this project only changes one person’s perspective and elicits more compassion, they said, then in our world it was a success.

however as it is tax deductible. As there are risks involved, it is very important that any investing be done with the guidance of a trusted financial professional. Don’t attempt it on your own.

my debt will remain constant; however, the nature of my debt will have changed dramatically: it will be tax deductible debt providing me refunds from CRA for as long as I choose.

In the end, it comes down to a personal choice about borrowing and saving for the future. Eventually the elevator that started on the top floor will have reached the bottom and the elevator that started on the bottom floor will reach the top. This means that

If you are interested in falling in love with your mortgage by learning more about the power of The Smith Manoeuvre, call LuAnn at 250-656-7077 or visit www.smithman.net to order the book. Hope you had a great Holiday Season!

Convert your mortgage interest into tax deductions!

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Check out www.charityguys.org for the full story and to check out the many projects these young men are involved in.

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This strategy was developed in 1984 by Fraser Smith with support from Vancity, and is now utilized by financial planners across Canada.

If you would like further information on the book and Smithman Calculator, please call LuAnn at 250-656-7077.

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Usually the greatest of messages are disguised in simplicity, and Reta il $2 4.9 sometimes, the simplest of gestures5 send the greatest message.

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The Charity Guys packed up the leftovers of our dinner and gave them to Dwayne and he thanked them. But as he was leaving, he took the box of leftovers and gave it to a 2952 -0-1 homeless woman that happened to pass by.

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But the most powerful message Dwayne had for them? “I feel safe with you guys,” he said. “But what made my day wasn’t the fact that you took me out for dinner, it was the fact that you came up to me and said ‘Hi. How are you?’”

THE S M ITH MAN OEU VRE

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Thousands of Canadians have learned how to utilize The Smith Manoeuvre to convert their mortgage interest into tax deductions which they receive every year for the rest of their life. For instance, mortgage interest of $10,000 per year gets converted into a $10,000 tax deduction, and those deductions produce tax refund cheques, year after year, for you and your family.

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january 2012

Karat Gold Chains Cruise Wear Baden-Baden & Bracelets 25% off Boutique Ltd. 2485 Beacon Ave Sidney, BC, Canada V8L 1X8 Tel: 250-655-7118 Fax: 250-655-4484 www.badenbadenboutiques.com

Jewellery & Giftware

Publishers’ Remainders and Overstocks at Bargain Prices!

Diamonds • Gold

Sterling Silver • Earrings Bracelets • Pendants

Open 10 am - 5 pm Daily!

Crystal • Giftware

Featuring Dunes Relaxed Fashion

Jewel Cases

2432 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.656.7141 www.christinelaurentjewellers.ca

Please visit our Travel Section at Barbara’s

Barbara’s 2392 Beacon Ave Sidney, BC V8L 1X3 Tel: 250-655-0372

Barbara’s Showroom #104-9840 5th St Sidney, BC V8L 2X4 Tel: 250-655-0372 Fax: 250-655-7752

New Year, New Start, New You –

fter the chaos of Christmas is behind you, and you've spent so much time caring for, planning around and thinking about everyone else, it's time to treat yourself! Or maybe, after the holiday decorations have been packed away for another year, you're noticing that the house needs a little "something" to spruce it up for the coming year. What better way to treat yourself, and your home, than to take advantage of Sidney's unique shops and their amazing post-holiday sales? Whatever your needs, Sidney's diverse range of stores has everything you're looking for. Shop local and stay connected to the merchants in your community – all year round! Bras Panties Cami’s

Affordable and Distinguished Gifts For Your Loved One!

❀ Warm,Cozy Nighties, Robes & PJ’s ❀ Winter Wear Lingerie 20-30% off

cards & gifts You bring the moments, we’ll bring the words.

available at

2424 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.656.1002 www.sweettalkandlacelingerie.ca

2449B Beacon Avenue, Sidney, B.C. (across from Tanner’s Books) 250-656-4316

Size: 2.6” (w) x 3.65” (h) • Rough 1 • Dec 15/11

GIFT CARD

If you got it... use it!”

LERY JEWEL GEMS & GIFTS

Receive 15% off any regular priced service when paying with your holiday gift card.* (*Valid Jan 1st – Jan 31st, 2012, not valid in conjunction with other promotions)

To book your appointment Call 250-655-9797

the new jewellery store at Mineral World 9808 Seaport Place

mineralworld.ca

Open Monday – Saturday 9 am – 6 pm

Shop Sidney

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Map by John Webber pacificsafety@shaw.ca

M a p b y : J o h n W e b b e r p a c i f i c s a f e t y @ s h a w . c a

• Handmade

Winter …

• Machine Washable

From Head to Toe

• Functional

* sweaters * jeans * coats * boots * scarves

• Unique and Trendy Designs

Available at:

Papyrus Cards & Gifts 2389 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC 778.426.0479 • www.missbliss.ca

#104 - 2537 Beacon Ave 250.656.1358 papyrus104@yahoo.com

Marmalade Boutique

Tart

Well-groomed women DO make history …

Got the January blahs? We can fix your hair flaws

Fun, Flirty, Fabulous Fashion!

Think sustainably: support ethicallymade products and the planet! Discover how comfortable, affordable and luxurious eco-conscious clothing can be!

The Soap Exchange Refill Centre The Wet Cleaner Drop-Off Site

Visit us in the Landmark Bldg #102-2506 Beacon Avenue

Mon - Sat 10-530 • Sundays & Holidays 1130-5 778-426-3356 • www.marmaladetart.com

#3-2310 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250.656.2321 www.existhairworx.com

Hemp & Company Sidney 2348 Beacon Ave, Sidney ✢ 778-426-3088

www.facebook.com/hempandcosidney

New Year, New Start, New You –

Are you sleeping naturally?

Visit Riverbank Design at Hearth eco home 2348 Beacon Ave, Sidney BC riverbankdesign.ca & replyhome.com 778.426.4270

bed frames, latex mattresses and more...

We have the LARGEST selection of new & used scooters!

250-654-0021 2378 Beacon Ave, Sidney

19 www.canadascooters.net 20

103-2537 Beacon Avenue (in the Cannery building) Sidney 250.656.5606 info@waterlilyshoes.com

Knickerbockerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

for the season

Home Accents & Gifts

victoriA @ broAdmeAd villAGe

Warm for the Winter

The Dancing Orchid 2416 Beacon Avenue 250.656.1318 thedancingorchid@yahoo.com

250-658-5578

sidney @ tHe pier Hotel & spA

250-656-5506

Wall Mount & Free Standing Towel Warmers

brentwood bAy @ trAfAlGAr squAre

250-544-8211

Flush Bathroom Essentials #102-2537 Beacon Ave Sidney, BC

250.655.7732 www.FlushBath.ca

Shop Sidney

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All these great shops and free parking too! Shopping Sidney really is simple!

www.knickerbockers.ca

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Map by John Webber pacificsafety@shaw.ca

M a p b y : J o h n W e b b e r p a c i f i c s a f e t y @ s h a w . c a

A Candy Store for the Spirit

Discontinued items up to 50% off

dragon horse

Date: January 10th - January 31st Time: 9:30-5:30 Mon - Sat, Sun 12-4 Where: Both locations

- unique

cards & gifts -

Sidney Store

2494 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.655.7171

2408 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250.656.3088 www.dragonhorse.com

Winter Sale!

Oak Bay Store

2533 Estevan Ave, Victoria 250.595.6501

www.buddiestoys.ca

Save 20%

SIDNEY - 2389 Beacon Avenue 656-0011 Toll Free 1-800-656-5575 MARKET SQUARE - 1437 Store Street 382-3201 Toll Free 1-866-382-3201

December 27 - January 15, 2012 Muffet and Louisa invites you to save 20% - kitchen, dining, bed & bath almost everything in-store is on sale!

Sidney 2506 Beacon Ave. 656-0011 Victoria 1437 Store St. 382-3201

Sidney Pier (Haro’s) Seaside Times Ad Dec 2011 • Size: 7.75” (w) x 4.925” (h) • REV 1 • Nov 30/11

Every Wednesday Evening is Pasta Night

$17.95

Includes Caesar or Organic Greens, choice of Pasta (menu changes weekly) and garlic toast. Italian wines for $25/bottle

Welcome

Make your reservation now! Call 250.655.9700 www.sidneypier.com

to The Cedarwood

Beautiful waterfront location on the Saanich Peninsula • Pet and child friendly Daily, weekly and monthly rates • Free long-term parking available Ask about our island resident rates • Friend us on Facebook!

The Cedarwood Inn and Suites – Your Home away from Home 9522 Lochside Drive, Sidney, British Columbia 250-656-5551 • 877-656-5551 • www.thecedarwood.ca

SEASIDE TIMES

www.seasidetimes.ca

11 Ways to Achieve Weight Loss Resolutions

by Dianne Connerly

henever a new year rolls around, it hits us: that inevitable urge to reform, recharge, resolve and remake ourselves into our ideal selves. New Year's Eve resolutions can be great, but how do you maintain that new-year excitement over the long haul? Here are 11 ways to do so: 1. Strengthen your resolve by deciding why weight loss is important to you. 2. Know your weaknesses. Keep yourself out of temptation's way when possible.

with TOPS, a nonprofit, affordable weight loss support and wellness education organization. For more information call 250-743-1851, 1-800-932-8677 or visit www.tops.org.

3. Learn to recognize which emotions trigger your worst food habits. Find other ways of dealing with these emotions. 4. If simple boredom is the culprit, seek out fun, constructive activities. This makes it less likely you'll overeat to fill the vacuum in your life. 5. When you make a mistake, acknowledge it and move on. Everyone stumbles once in a while, but the successful person refuses to stay down for long. 6. Set specific, measurable and realistic goals. It's not enough to set a goal: you must figure out how you will achieve it. An "action plan" is an integral part of any goal. When you have a plan of action in place, it helps to organize your time, energy and effort. A small goal you can meet is better than a bigger one that makes you anxious and sets you up for failure. You feel good when you achieve small goals and are much more likely to continue on with what you are doing. 7. Focus on performance, not outcome. 8. Favour positive over negative goals. Positive goals tell us what to do. Negative goals tell us what to avoid. 9. Associate with positive-thinking people as they will encourage and support your weight loss efforts. 10. Set priorities. Spend your limited amount of discretionary time on things that really matter, like your health. 11. Be flexible. Successful weight-losers have a plan yet "go with the flow" to alter that plan when needed. The decision to change may have been impulsive, but carrying through with it requires new ways of thinking and acting. Travel the Road To Success

Marmalade Tart Boutique

MT Fun, Flirty, Fabulous Fashion! Visit us in the Landmark Building #102-2506 Beacon Avenue, Sidney

Mon - Sat 10-530 â&#x20AC;˘ Sundays & Holidays 1130-5 778-426-3356 â&#x20AC;˘ www.marmaladetart.com www.seasidetimes.ca

january 2012

Time for a new roof? • Fully Insured • Reroofing

Call Victoria’s trusted re-roofing specialists

• New Construction • Repairs • Torch-on Systems • Skylights • Fiberglass Shingles • Cedar Shakes & Shingles

Call 250.652.1818 For a Hassle-Free Estimate www.admiralsroofing.com • info@admiralsroofing.com #9 - 6782 Veyaness Road, Saanichton BC

up to

50% Off

EVERYTHING Until Jan. 7th (excluding Chamilia)

SEE THE LIGHT. Home and Garden 6666 West Saanich Road Brentwood Bay (beside Butterfly Gardens)

778-426-4436 • doyleandbond.ca 36

SEASIDE TIMES

creativethinking MARKETING | ADVERTISING

PHOTOGRAPHY

ct-photo.ca

www.seasidetimes.ca

The Year of the Social Dragon

“The YYJ,” as Victoria is referred to on Twitter, is already one of Canada’s “most connected cities” according to Maclean's magazine and – as Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin so eloquently stated in his Social Media Day proclamation – “Victoria punches above its weight.” Here are a few rough* Victoria social media stats from 2011: • There are more than 220,000 personal Facebook accounts. • According to Twellowhood (Twitter Directory) there are more than 4,100 Twitter accounts. • More than 300 new Facebook Business Pages were set up. • There were more than 40 “tweetups” (a physical meeting of people who first met on Twitter). • Saanich was home to the first #YYJBleeders tweetup which met at the Blood Clinic to donate blood. (*Numbers are approximate using the somewhat unreliable analytic tools currently available.)

Other Victoria social media events of note: • The 2nd annual Social Media Camp attracted 670 people from across British Columbia and from as far away as Boston, Los Angeles and Acapulco. • June 30th marked the 2nd annual “Social Media Day” in Victoria. • The 3rd annual Twestival – a global fundraising event that happens simultaneously in hundreds of cities around the globe – was held at the Fairmont Empress. From an industry perspective, the big news of 2011 was the much-anticipated launch of Google Plus, Google’s latest attempt at a social network. The jury is still out but there are already a few hundred users in Victoria. Social media is one of the fastest areas of growth for businesses and companies are beginning to realize its usefulness and impact on the bottom line. While nobody can accurately predict what will happen in the future, it's fun to try. Here are a few of my social media predictions for 2012: • Businesses will hire people to manage social media accounts. • More businesses will use social tools to provide customer service. • Blogging will become a natural part of the marketing mix. • Social media’s affect on search results will increase (especially with the launch of Google Plus) and companies in the know will take advantage of this. What will you do to make 2012 your social year of the dragon? More predictions for 2012 can be found on Chris’ blog at www.bwest.ca. january 2012

A C C E S S O R I E S

2011 was a difficult year for many Victoria businesses as they struggled to grow in a challenging economy. Many companies, including the Seaside Times, made their initial foray into social marketing. Others started to take it more seriously by creating strategies and applying the resources to ensure their success.

2011 was also the year I met Seaside Times Publisher Sue Hodgson at the BMW1 launch party at Church & State Winery, a few months before she acquired the magazine. I followed up by connecting with Sue on LinkedIn, which I typically do after meeting people at networking events.

A N D

I have a few social media predictions for 2012 but first, let's take a look back at what happened in 2011.

M E N S W E A R

According to the Chinese calendar, MMXII (2012) is “The Year of the Dragon” – a powerful year. It’s also a leap year and includes three Friday the 13th’s: in January, April and July.

by Chris Burdge

d.g.bremner & co.

tweet this!

A Heartfelt Thank You Casual Grillhouse with a Friendly Bar

On November 26th, a silent auction was held at the Prairie Inn. The goal of the event was to raise funds to support me during my recovery from a kidney transplant. $9,000 was raised that night, and I would like to thank Seaside Times and everyone who donated and participated in the auction. Thank you also to Jamie Day and the Prairie Inn for hosting the event.

Bar Feature

.45¢ Wings

every day from 2-6 pm *conditions & taxes apply

Sincerely,

Joak De Castro Alves Open 6:30am - 9pm Bar open till 11pm 4670 Elk Lake Dr, Victoria (next to the Howard Johnson Hotel)

250.658.8989

Hearts of the Community Award Nominations Open As we kick off 2012, it’s a great time to show gratitude for those (like community volunteers) who have helped make past years wonderful. You can do that by nominating someone for a special volunteer award – nominations are being accepted for the Peninsula’s 14th annual Hearts of the Community Volunteer Award. All nominees will be honoured at a February 16th public ceremony and community luncheon. Co-sponsored by Beacon Community Services and the Peninsula News Review, Hearts of the Community honours individuals and groups who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism in one of six award categories: service to seniors, service to children and families, overall service to the community, community service/ project by a group, lifetime service and outstanding youth volunteer (the winner of the youth volunteer award also receives a $1,000 scholarship). Residents and groups are eligible for volunteer work they do, or have done, on the Saanich Peninsula (the area north of Sayward Road). "There are so many volunteers doing great work on the Peninsula – I hope nominations come flooding in so they can all be thanked and honoured," says Beacon Community Services Board Chair Bob Cronin. Nominations close January 30th. Nomination forms are available at www.beaconcs.ca, Peninsula News Review, any Beacon Community Services’ Peninsula thrift store, the SHOAL Activity Centre, or at Beacon’s office at 9860 Third Street.

SEASIDE TIMES

www.seasidetimes.ca

Lemon Trees Abloom in North Saanich Have you heard tea and by Carole marmalade are now part of the “One Hundred Mile Diet?” Thanks to Bob Duncan, a North Saanich grower, ingredients for these breakfast favourites are now grown locally. The annual Saanich Peninsula Harvest Feast serves slices of lemon meringue pie made with fresh lemons from Bob’s experimental orchard. For more than 25 years, Bob has been pushing the limits as to what can be successfully grown in this region. “Victoria has a climate that is often described as a modified Mediterranean climate. It means winters are mild and wet and summers are rainless and sunny,” he explains. “A number of plants typical of the Mediterranean are hardy to -10°C, temperatures we only rarely have here.” The sunny 1/3-hectare lot on Wain Road provides suitable conditons for Bob and his wife, Verna, to grow fruits not commonly associated with southern Vancouver Island. There are fruits most of us have never tasted and some we’ve never heard of: pineapple guava, quince, kumquats, jujube, papaw and yuzi. They also grow tea, olives, avocados and figs, but their biggest claim to local fame is for growing lemons outdoors. Yet, growing fruit is not the main objective of this enterprise. “The fruit is almost just a secondary thing,” Bob says. “We’re more about demonstrating and selling trees but we obviously do have fruit. We’ll either market it directly from the farm or make secondary products like marmalade or fig jam.” With more than 30 varieties of citrus on the property, there is an abundance of lemons, oranges, limes and tangelos. It has become a family tradition for the Duncan clan to gather in the kitchen over the Christmas holidays to turn some of this crop into colourful jars of marmalade

Pearson

“We have developed a small cottage industry making Canadian marmalade,” says Bob. “ As far as I know, we are the sole producers.”

He explains there are two types of citrus: acid and sweet. Acid citrus are lemons and limes while sweet citrus encompasses oranges and everything else. Acid citrus do not need prolonged warm temperatures for the fruit to ripen (unlike sweet citrus), which makes them suitable for growing outdoors here. All that’s required is a spot against a south-facing wall and some shelter, such as plastic tarp. One of Bob’s lemon trees measures eight by 14 feet and is loaded with lemons and blossoms. “Lemons are a unique crop because there is ripe fruit on the tree every day of the year. There is no other crop like that,” he notes. Bob also grows sweet citrus varieties like navel and blood oranges, tangelos and grapefruit in an unheated greenhouse, but his main focus is on plants that can be grown outdoors. He says: “If you have to heat (the fruit) every day of the winter, you may as well import it from California or Mexico or wherever because the carbon footprint will be just the same as shipping it in.” Bob stocks over 400 cultivars, including over 25 varieties of fig trees and more than 200 varieties of apples through his Tree Fruits and More custom propagation nursery. These are sold, along with marmalade, jams, juice and whatever produce is ready to harvest. “What I am doing is opening up possibilities for home fruit production of crops that were not previously considered possible here,” he says. So far, alas, no homegrown coffee beans or mangoes are available.

Sales • Service • Installation … Over 30 years Experience

All Central Vacuums, Portables & Air Purifiers Free pick-up & Delivery

Dealer

Built-in Vacuum Specialists 778.426.3622 • 11-9843 Second Street, Sidney (just off Beacon) january 2012

A Boarding Kennel that loves your pets as much as you do.

A Match Made in Heaven …

Award-Winning Level Ground Coffee & Delectable Cakes Etc. Treats Bring in this ad and get a free medium coffee with the purchase of a Cakes Etc. treat (after 5pm, until Jan 31st, 2011) at the corner of Wallace Dr. & East Saanich Road

More Than JusT hardware: • gardening supplies • patio & BBQ gifts • sports accessories • tools • toys • culinary and kitchen supplies … and much more!

From Household Supplies to Outdoor Products …

Your local hardware store offers a wide range of goods and services

2356 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250.656.2712 40

SEASIDE TIMES

• Comfortable, clean & healthy fresh air environment • Quality, nutritious foods • Exercise yards up to one quarter acre • Feline “Cuddle Time” • K-9 Playschool course • All managerial staff “Certified Kennel Technicians” • Recommended by veterinarians • Full grooming services available

2918 Lamont Road, Saanichton 250-652-2301 www.puppylove.ca • info@puppylove.ca Just minutes from Victoria Airport & BC Ferries Terminal

Is Social Media confusing you? Providing simple and effective guidance for:

• Developing and

implementing your company’s social media strategy

• Setting up your blog

and developing good blogging practices

• Creating a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms

• Tracking results and

measuring your success

Call us for a free consultation 250.508.7761 Book a workshop at www.bwest.ca www.seasidetimes.ca

“But, Mom, you know you can’t see well enough to drive any more!” “I’ve still got one good eye!!” “Well, the doctor thinks you shouldn’t drive any more … so do we.” “You shouldn’t interfere. It’s my life and my car and I’m not giving it up!” In one case, I’m told, it wasn’t until the kids finally let the air out of the tires and hid the driver’s licence that they were able to prise the vehicle away from their elderly parents’ tenacious grasp. I, on the other hand, have willingly given up my car. In fact, I begged my children to come and take it away. The service station who sold me the new battery that kept dying told me that I wasn’t driving it enough to keep the battery charged. I was driving it – once a week to church and back. Otherwise it was just sitting in its parking space like a large dog, panting to be taken for a walk. Plus, I hate driving and my waking hours were spoiled just thinking that the car was waiting for me to drive it somewhere to charge its battery. I explained this to my children when they came to jump-start the car and take it away and sell it. I said how some friends of mine had been

I mentioned Bertha (not her real name!) who complained that every accident she’d had (about 11 of them) was caused by drivers running into the back of her vehicle. I commiserated until I discovered while driving with her one day that she simply stopped dead in the middle of any road, for no particular reason. (Something her kids probably knew or suspected when they kidnapped her car.) I think I know why elderly parents want to keep driving into their 90s … they don’t want to lose their independence. It feels like one step short of being put in long-term care. If you can’t drive, if you lose your car, you’re on your way out. They perhaps don’t realize that giving up driving is very freeing. You can turn down invitations because you don’t drive any more. You can blame someone else if there’s an accident. You don’t have to worry that you’re going to mow someone down in the street because you haven’t seen them step in front of your car. Also, think how good you’re being to the planet. One more car off the road. No toxic fumes as you sit idling at a stop light … you’re actually being a benefactor to the whole human race, since we’re all in this global environment together. Time to give up the car? I say, yes, absolutely! But I can understand if you don’t agree with me … .

www.genesishair.ca

• hair

• esthetics • tanning january 2012

A C C E S S O R I E S

“How can you do this to me? You know how much I love driving! I love my car! I want to keep it!”

so difficult and here I was nicely just asking them to take it away. No tears, no recriminations. Just grateful thanks. Did they realize what a blessing this was?

A N D

Various dear friends of mine have had real trouble giving up driving and losing their beloved cars. The struggle involved tears, hurt feelings, deeply hurt feelings! And recriminations all round.

M E N S W E A R

by Pene Beavan Horton

d.g.bremner & co.

Time to Give Up the Car?

The RC Grillhouse n’ Lounge is a vibrant community hub that offers excellent food, great drinks and spectacular views, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Located almost on the tarmac of Victoria International Airport, the restaurant is the brainchild of chef Rick Peters and his business partner and fellow

chef, Cory Stachowski. They opened the restaurant to strong reviews almost four years ago and have never looked back. “We grabbed the opportunity to open here,” explains Rick, “because we wanted to serve the community. We couldn’t be happier with that decision.” In a low-key manner that belies his

Food & Drinks With a View: RC Grillhouse n' Lounge by Susan Simosko

Zanzibar Taste What the Peninsula Has to Offer

Wishing Everyone a Very Happy & Prosperous New Year

Breakfast O Lunch O Dinner O Espresso O

Open

Tues~Saturday 730 - 4 Thurs, Fri, Sat 530 - 830 GLOBAL FLAVOURS O LOCAL TASTES

202-9800 McDonald Pk Rd North Saanich 250.665.7353

www.rcgrillhouse.com

Dinner Reservations Recommended

1164 Stelly’s X Rd, Brentwood Bay 250.652.1228 • www.zanzibarcafe.ca

passion, Rick says: “Cory and I love cooking and the food industry. And we also love people – so owning a restaurant offers the perfect combination!” Between them, the two have over 40 years' experience as chefs and restaurateurs. “I owned a restaurant up Island,” Rick explains, “but when we decided to buy a place together, we definitely wanted it to be here.” He adds: “We love that we serve so many different types of customers. During the day we prepare lots of sandwiches, burgers and salads but by night 42

SEASIDE TIMES

Thanks for your continued support New Lunch Menu Coming Soon! www.spitfiregrill.ca 250-655-0122 • 9681 Willingdon Rd, Sidney

we focus on things like steak, blackened tuna and dishes that are often Asian- or Italian-inspired.” The RC Grillhouse offers a varied menu with an emphasis on locally-grown produce, seafood and their own smoked meats. “People often express surprise at how much we do ourselves,” Rick says. “All of our soups, pastas and sauces are made in-house – we wouldn’t have it any other way.” Reflectively, he adds: “We are so lucky to have access to so much locally-grown www.seasidetimes.ca

Quality food is only part of the RC Grillhouse success story. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff too,” says Rick. He and Cory employ 10 and work with others on a contract basis for catering jobs. When asked if he’s had difficulty locating staff, Rick laughs. “No. We never have trouble finding people to work, but finding great staff, that’s a different matter!” He extols the virtues of the current staff, saying: “They are excellent in every way: hardworking, inventive and easy to get along with. They bring so much to our business and our customers!” Mentioning customers, Rick explains how over the years they’ve modified the menu to accommodate special dietary needs. “For example, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who suffer from Celiac disease, so we’ve learned to adapt our recipes

250- 479- 6612

The Latch

Tuesday: Steak & Lobster

the latch inn & restaurant • sidney

$19.95

Fri, Sat, Sunday:

Live Music! Sunday: Prime Rib Seafood & Sushi Redefined. Visit the Seagrille to experience our fresh approach to seafood & sushi in Victoria’s most spectacular seaside setting…Enjoy our Chef’s seasonally inspired menu with ingredients harvested from the sea and grown fresh on Vancouver Island. Watch our highly trained Japanese Sushi Chefs

$18.95

Jan. & February: Book a party for 10 or more ~ organizer eats free!

Discover a British Columbia Heritage Home

January 18th: Virtual Elvis Dinner & Show

• Offering superb continental cuisine with an Italian flair

• The casually elegant, cosy dining rooms offer a perfect setting for a romantic dinner

create a truly authentic “West Coast” sushi experience.

• Open Tuesday through Sunday

for dinner (group lunches by request)

• Ask about our special packages

2328 Harbour Rd, Sidney

SEAFOOD & SUSH1 AT B R E N T W O O D B AY R E S O RT

849 VERdIER AVE 250.544.2079 WWW.BREntWoodBAyRESoRt.Com

250.656.4015 info@latchinn.ca www.latchinn.ca

Open Tues - Sun 11:30am - late night 5285 West Saanich Rd, Victoria

www.saanichroadhouse.com

to ensure that everyone can enjoy eating out and their overall experience with us.” As if cooking and running a busy restaurant weren't enough, Rick and Cory also do a lively catering business. “We can cater for two or 1,500,” says Rick, “and we enjoy responding to customers’ requests.” On top of this, the partners also oversee the North Saanich Yacht Club restaurant and run Cakes by Us, which offers a full range of cakes, including those for people with Celiac disease. “Do you ever sleep?” I ask. Rick offers a quick, mischievous smile and laughs: “Sure, when time permits!” The RC Grillhouse is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is served on Sunday. january 2012

Check out These Great Peninsula Restaurants!

produce. The quality of Peninsula-grown fruits and vegetables is amazing.”

C.J. (Kip) Wilson laW offiCe

January

clearance sale!

Corporate Real Estate Wills & Estates

Up to 50% Off These Great Brands!

38+ years of experience #6-7855 East Saanich Rd. Saanichton, BC, V8M 2B4

9824 5th Street, Sidney 250-656-3666

250-544-0727 â&#x20AC;˘ kipwilson@shaw.ca

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veteri nary v oice

Feathered Facts by Shelley Breadner, DVM There is a wide variety of birds kept as pets in North America. The two most common are budgies and cockatiels. Both of these birds are native to Australia and have an average life span of seven years, however they can be a member of your family for 15 years or more. They are wonderful pets and can be very entertaining and loving, but because of their lifespan and care, they should not be adopted on a whim. Birds enjoy a roomy and interesting environment. Perk up your avian friend by placing a variety of lead free toys in his cage. These should be rotated every one to two weeks so as to be “new” and of interest. Perches should be natural wood and in a variety of sizes and levels, decreasing pressure placed on any one point of the foot and encouraging exercise. Sandpaper perches should not be used as they are abrasive. Cage placement should be where interaction with the family will occur. Drafts and direct sunlight should be avoided. Birds enjoy (and require) frequent baths or misting. Some even shower with their human friends! Good hygiene and proper nutrition are essential in maintaining your bird’s good health. Daily cleaning of the cage is important in the prevention of disease. Water and food containers should be scrubbed daily to prevent accumulation of bacteria, slime and algae. Proper nutrition of a pet bird is one of the most challenging aspects of their care. Birds have a very high metabolic rate and the smaller the bird, the higher the rate. Most small birds cannot go without food for any longer than one day. Unfortunately, many first-time bird owners believe that seeds and seed treats provide complete nutrition. Seed diets are unbalanced, very high in calories and low in nutrients. It would be like us humans living on popcorn, potato chips and plain spaghetti! A balanced diet occurs when your bird eats from all food groups. This consists of 60% grains (various

bird seeds, cooked brown rice, oatmeal, dry corn, barley, wheat and whole grain bread), 10% fresh vegetables (beets, broccoli, dark greens, carrots, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato), 5% max. fresh fruits – no more unless nectarivores – (apple, mango, papaya, cantaloupe and apricots), 25% protein (cooked beans, tuna, fish, chicken or eggs) and a calcium source such as oyster shell. Of course, your bird must actually eat all of these to get the right nutrition. We recommend a commercial pelleted diet without preservatives or colours. It takes patience and persistence to convert your bird to this novel food source. Small amounts of veggies can be used as a supplement to the balanced diet. No avocado for birds as it is toxic! Birds also have very efficient lungs and because of this are very sensitive to toxins. High heat to Teflon pans (that’s right, the non-stick pans) can kill a bird in minutes. Sick birds will hide signs of illness until the disease is well established. The “wait and see” approach should not be used; it may already be too late! Signs that your bird may be sick include: fluffed up feathers, decreased activity, a change in vocalization, leaning on objects for support or sitting on the cage bottom, a change in droppings or poor appetite. If any of these occur, contact your veterinarian right away. If possible, transport your bird to the hospital in his own cage. Please don’t clean it before you come – empty the water but leave the food and be sure to bring any medication or vitamins the bird is taking. A few of the health problems to be aware of include obesity (from seed diets), tumors, overgrown beak and nails, egg binding, sinus infections, liver failure and goiter. Let’s keep your feathered family member the healthiest of the bunch. Keep your beak up, feathers crossed and the only trip to the vet will be for a health examination and spa day! More information can be found at www.breadnervet.com.

Sidney ’s Pet Centre & Aquatics Now CarryiNg: “recovery” - Mobility Formula for Pets “Vetericyn” - wound & infection Treatment endorsed by Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan

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january 2012

fo rbes & marshall

The Canine Einstein by Michael Forbes I saw a bumper sticker the other day that read: “I Wish I was the Person My Dog Thinks I Am” and I had a good laugh. If you have a pup, you know how forgiving they are and what bundles of unconditional love they can be. The fact that we’ve been able to put up with each other for thousands of years says a lot about the special relationship we have. A little of their unconditional love must have rubbed off on us too: anyone who has ever shared a bed with a bulldog who passes gas must know that you love these guys no matter what! I even think dogs are getting smarter because of us! One example, that I plucked out of many, is the story of Rocky. He’s a German shepherd who has a routine. When he goes outside, his mom will only let him in the house if he goes through the ritual of

having his paws washed in the bathtub. They’ve done this many times and Rocky is just fine with it. Recently, Rocky’s mom went out for a couple of hours and left him in the backyard. They live on a bit of land, so it's one of Rocky’s favorite places. His master comes home and discovers there is no dog. She roams the yard and calls out, and he's nowhere to be found. As she opens the door to go into the house, Rocky bolts across the room to greet her. She is relieved, but dumfounded as to how this big dog could have gotten into the house. Even more surprising was the fact that there was not a single dirty footprint to be found! It turns out that this 70lb German shepherd somehow contorted his body and squeezed through the cat door. It must have looked like a mouse giving birth to a watermelon! Not only did this canine Einstein manage to get into the house, but he made his way into the bathtub, turned the water on and washed his paws! The only thing he forgot to do was turn the water off. The good news is, there was no stopper in the tub. Bad news? He almost drained the well completely dry. I know a particular human dishwasher deliveryman that didn’t even have the courtesy of wiping his feet before he came in! Vilmos Csányi, a Hungarian ethologist who has experimented with dogs, wolves and their owners for years, has found that dogs are not just "smarter" on many tests than wolves, but smarter than chimpanzees. Even though dogs evolved from the wolf, their close relationship with humans has made them more intelligent. Some believe that someday dogs will be able to talk. If your dog could speak, what do you think would be the first thing she'd say to you? Probably “I love you, gimme a treat and I’m sorry for peeing in the foyer.” Forbes & Marshall are the hosts of Ocean 98.5’s popular morning show. They are one of the few married morning show teams in Canada and have two children, Noah and Adam, and their own canine companions: a bichon named Bailey and a shih tzu named Luna. Join Forbes & Marshall weekday mornings from 5:30 to 10:30 a.m.

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skin deep

A Perfect Pair by Dave Gartley Did we serve that fruity and non-tannic pinot noir with the Christmas turkey dinner? Probably not â&#x20AC;Ś and why not? The worst case scenario would have resulted in recorking the pinot and dragging out that bottle of chardonnay you had standing by. No harm done. There are two ways to approach wine and food pairing: pairing the wine to the food and pairing the food to the wine. Typically, we plan the meal and then choose a wine to go with the meal. Try this instead! Take your favourite wine, analyse it and then design the meal around the wine. You already know and love the wine, so how can you possibly lose?

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In order to successfully pair wines with foods, one must develop the skill of imagining and manifesting tastes. That sounds difficult, but it really isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Imagine biting into an apple. We have eaten so many apples that we have an expectation of what that apple will taste like: crisp, tart and fruity. We have unconsciously developed a mental image of that taste. You can actually taste and smell it just by thinking about it. If I say pizza, broccoli, asparagus or steak you will probably get an equally strong taste image.

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Zenith of Life – Peninsula Elder College by Doreen Marion Gee Aging is not a downhill slide but an elegant ascent to new peaks of achievement and personal glory. With a lifetime of experience, knowledge acquisition and skills polished to perfection, many are at a mental zenith. Overall health can improve as we grow smarter about what is good for our bodies and what is toxic. Adventure and a pulsing joie de vivre can still be on the radar. A towering example is my dear friend Ralph Newton-White: at 86, Ralph regularly traverses the planet to Burma, to help orphans and lepers while spreading a global message of kindness and compassion. The incredible reservoir of human potential within our mature citizens is smartly tapped by an exceptional Elder College program through Panorama Recreation Centre. The role of the elder is eloquently described by Dr. Art Soloman,

Ojibway elder: “… the concept for me is like if you go into a strange land … the ones who have been (there) longer are the good guides because they know how to get around the swamps, who know where to go on, and so on.” The Peninsula Elder College keys into this concept of the bounty of ability within older adults who want to learn and to teach. This innovative new program, offered through Panorama Recreation Centre and its various satellites, is the brain-child of Brenda Harfield. She was captivated by the Elder College programs in Duncan and up-Island and brought the idea to the Peninsula. It all resulted in a partnership with Panorama to bring this unique concept to our community in the Fall of 2011. According to Dustin Ray-Wilks, Panorama’s Community Recreation Coordinator of Adult

Programs, the Elder College definitely filled a niche on the Peninsula for active retirees who still need a mental and physical fix readily available. The vision of the Elder College is to engage mature learners by making education affordable and accessible. The courses are taught during the week in daylight hours and are unbelievably low-priced (a few are free). A minimal fee buys a membership in the Elder College, numerous perks and access to workshops for as low as $9. The cost is further reduced by the Leisure Involvement For Everyone (LIFE) program for those financially eligible. "Learning for life" is the catchphrase at the Peninsula Elder College. All of the instructors volunteer their time and talents. The Elder College honours the wealth of knowledge and abilities of all participants. Involvement in the programs exercises the mind and body, infuses learners with global knowledge, provides essential social interaction and increases overall wellbeing. This raises the quality of life for many mature people on the Peninsula and makes us stronger and healthier as a community. Come out and enjoy an afternoon of wood carving, learn about philosophers in India or trek through Dominion Brook Park. Brenda's passion shows: "Elder College members are interested in leaving the world a better place." As we stand on that mountaintop in the zenith of our lives, the sun is not setting. It is rising with flames of orange and red, revealing horizons we never knew existed.

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Panorama staff wish to thank all their volunteer instructors for sharing their knowledge. For contact info and a new program guide, visit www. panoramarecreation.ca, or for course suggestions and instructor applications, email eldercollege@panoramarec.bc.ca.

weatherwit

January Weather Forecast by Steve Sakiyama My Great Big Fat Green Parka. Cold weather reminds me of the parka I wore as a child living in Northern Ontario, a place where 10 months of the year snow flies, and the other two months – black flies. It was dark green, with buttons festooned about it and really puffy – like a quilt with hundreds of tiny inflated airbags skillfully stitched together. It could have been used to run the Fraser Canyon rapids with a load of perfectly dry tourists. With a gentle push mother would roll me out into the winter cold – like a green version of the Michelin man. I felt invincible knowing that snowballs or even teasing words would simply bounce off me. After all, my parka survived Tom P. throwing up on it (thanks for sharing your lunch with me Tom … wherever you are), and Jamie W. wiping his ink-covered hands on it – as if it were an ideal palate for a Rorschach (i.e. inkblot) test. My parka was a close friend, and together we walked to school in -30° C with joy – unlike my dad who walked barefoot in the snow, uphill both ways – you know, in the days before wheels and fire. Since cold weather brings people together, others joined me on the journey, all wearing parkas of different colours that dotted the snowy backdrop and created a symbolic picture of Canada. While thinking of the past, let’s do a “year in review” of the weather and my forecasts using Environment Canada data collected at Victoria airport. Starting with winter, my prediction was “cooler and wetter” due to the effects of La Nina. Did this happen? Well, the temperatures were closer to normal, but it was a bit wetter – so half right is better than all wrong. For spring, the same “cooler and wetter” theme was forecast – which

was accurate on both counts. I’m feeling better. The summer forecast was “normal temperatures and drier” – and surprise, surprise this really occurred. I’m on a roll now. Finally, the fall forecast was “normal” for both temperature and precipitation, which was true for temperature but not for precipitation (it was a bit drier). So I can’t be right all the time, especially in this game. After reviewing the past weather, let’s look to the future to see what January holds. La Nina will still be in full bloom, and there are strong signals that indicate cooler temperatures and wetter conditions will continue … so keep your parkas ready. With that outlook, my sentimental forecast is for a few days in January to have snow and to be at least - 5° C. Sorry about that, but we should all walk barefoot in the snow, uphill both ways – just like the rest of Canada. After all, since cold weather brings people together, let’s start the New Year by getting reacquainted with our old friends (yes even Tom P. and Jamie W.) and our parkas – green or otherwise. ~ Weatherwit. Questions or comments? Please email info@seasidetimes.ca. For a humorous weekend weather forecast for Victoria, visit www.weatherwit.wordpress.com.

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january 2012

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BeACOn lAnding reStAurAnt & lOunge Daily Specials Monday – Feature Pasta Dish $12 Thursday – Steamed Mussels & Artisan Bread $12 Tuesday – Two Piece Cod & Chips $12 Friday night – Prime Rib & Yorkshire Pudding $29 Wednesday – Grilled ½-lb. Beef Burger $12 Sunday – Breakfast Buffet (11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) $21 * Kitchen open until 10:30 p.m. nightly *

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smell the c o ffee

A Fresh Start by Steve Sheppard Resolutions, resolutions … my kingdom for a resolution! OK, maybe not my kingdom, but let's be honest, the whole idea of resolutions at the beginning of a new year is a crock. While I get the point of a "fresh start" to the year, I question people’s ability to deliver. Most people can’t make fresh coffee, so why commit to weight loss? Here’s a resolution revelation for you: you can start anytime! Here’s my resolution for 2012: Eat Better, and Drink Better! When I say better, I mean higher quality and local. Last year I started to wander from my coffee roots and started drinking any old caffeine I could get my hands on, and I simply won’t do that. If a café doesn’t put the effort into making great coffee that’s freshly roasted, local, organic and fresh … I’m gonna pass. I’m also going to treat my coffee beans better. I recently bought a canister online that allows me to remove the air once I seal the top. Most people don’t have the first clue how to treat their beans properly, so below are two important tips. Rule #1 – NEVER store your beans in the freezer! However, there is one exception to Rule #1 – if you buy from a local roaster and get your coffee while it’s "de-gassing," then you’re safe to put it in the freezer during that time. When the coffee is releasing the CO2, you can slow this process down by putting it into the freezer while you purge yourself of the Christmas stash. If you’re buying your coffee from a grocery store or "Charbucks" … forget about it – all you'll be doing is locking in the staleness for another day. Rule #2 – Don’t grind all your beans up at once. If you do, the only pot that will taste good is the first one

Sudoku Solutions 9 4 2 1 7 6 5 3 8

3 1 6 5 8 2 7 9 4

4 2 9 8 1 7 3 5 6

Puzzle by websudoku.com

1 6 7 2 3 5 8 4 9

5 3 8 4 6 9 1 2 7

7 8 1 3 9 4 2 6 5

2 9 3 6 5 8 4 7 1

6 5 4 7 2 1 9 8 3

Exceedingly Evil

8 7 5 9 4 3 6 1 2

3 8 6 4 1 5 2 9 7

2 5 7 3 9 8 1 6 4

4 9 1 7 6 2 8 5 3

8 1 5 2 4 7 6 3 9

Puzzle by websudoku.com

9 2 4 6 5 3 7 1 8

7 6 3 9 8 1 4 2 5

6 4 2 5 7 9 3 8 1

5 7 8 1 3 6 9 4 2

1 3 9 8 2 4 5 7 6

Hardly Simple

and the rest will go progressively downhill every day. Why? Well, ground coffee has more surface area, which expedites the staling process, and if you break both these rules simultaneously, you’re essentially committing a double homicide against coffee and should be jailed indefinitely (kidding). Bottom line: "Grind as you go." I don’t want to hear excuses about how grinding is a pain … it’s part of the coffee ceremony, and if you’re worried about the noise, grind the night before. So for 2012 I urge everyone who ever said they loved their beans to start treating them better. You can make the relationship last, but you have to go the extra mile, and before Rule #1 and Rule #2 can take effect, you need to start with fresh beans or it doesn’t matter what you do to them … Steve out.

24-day Mediterranean Cruise

aboard ms nieuw amsterdam S e p t e m b e r 23 - O c t O b e r 17, 2012 Itinerary: Barcelona, Spain • at sea • Monte-Carlo, Monaco • Livorno, Italy • Civitavecchia (Rome) Italy • Naples, Italy • at sea • Nafplion, Greece • Katakolon, Greece • Kerkyra (Corfu) Greece • Dubrovnik, Croatia • Venice, Italy • Venice, Italy • Venice, Italy Kotor, Serbia and Montenegro • at sea • Piraeus, Greece • Dardanelles Strait, Turkey Istanbul, Turkey • Istanbul, Turkey • Mykonos, Greece • Kusadasi, Turkey Santorini, Greece • at sea • Split, Croatia • Venice, Italy

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Sidney – 250.656.5441 sidney@cruiseshipcenters.com Mt. Doug – 250.477.4877 mtdoug@cruiseshipcenters.com

www.seasidetimes.ca

january 2012

What’s Happening – January 2012

Tuesday Evenings

January 15

January 22

Saanich Peninsula Toastmasters Meeting

New Year, New Beginnings (Guided Adult Walk – 18+)

Winter Birds of Island View Beach (Guided Walk – 12 yrs +)

Vancouver Island Regional Library, Sidney, 7:30 p.m. 250-656-3738, camjen@shaw.ca

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Saanich), 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 250-478-3344, www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Toastmasters has a specific structure that provides a safe forum for speaking while giving encouragement and support. It is a program designed to broaden our abilities and comfort in public speaking. If you are looking for an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding experience, please come out to one of our meetings.

Burn off some of the holiday treats on a 10 km walk around the lake with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist. Discover fascinating cultural and natural history about this gem of a park. Bring a lunch and water and wear sturdy footwear. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre.

Island View Beach Regional Park (Central Saanich), 9:30-11:30 a.m. 250-478-3344, crdparks@crd.bc.ca www.crd.bc.ca/parks

January 1

New Year's Double Skate Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich, 1-2:20 p.m. 250-656-7271, www.panoramarecreation.ca Bring a non-perishable food item and skate for free! Games, activities and glow sticks for everyone welcome in Arena A. Adult only skate in Arena B.

January 1

Peninsula Celebrations Society Polar Bear Swim

January 16

Companions of the Quaich Robbie Burns Dinner & Tasting Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, 7 p.m. 250-658-1109, wuhrer@shaw.ca This event will feature a traditional Robbie Burns dinner and four special whiskies in celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robbie Burns. Graeme Macaloney, a native Scot, will address the haggis and introduce four very different styles of malts. Smart-casual highland dress or tartan attire welcome. Members $60, guests $70, dinner only (designated drivers) $50.

January 16

Lochside Drive, just past Tulista Park 11:30 a.m., 250-656-4365

Victoria Storytellers Guild Evening

Legend has it that one dip on the 1st and you'll be healthy for the rest of the year! Join other brave souls at this fun annual event.

1831 Fern Street, Victoria (park on Begbie) Doors open 7:15 p.m., stories begin 7:30 p.m. 250-477-7044 www.victoriastorytellers.org

Jan. 2 - March 31 7th Annual Lego Exhibit

Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney Open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 250-655-6355, www.sidneymuseum.ca More models join the over 250 Lego models from pirates to Star Wars and cranes to castle that are on display in Sidney Museum. This year the Super Star Destroyer is the feature exhibit (over four feet long!). Admission by donation.

January 11-12

Canadian Blood Services Blood Donor Clinic Activity Room 2, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney Jan. 11th: 11-6, Jan. 12th: 12-7 250-656-0275, www.marywinspear.ca It's in you to give.

The Victoria Storytellers Guild welcomes you to hear and tell stories. Admission $5 adults, $3 students (includes tea and goodies).

January 21

The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD - The Enchanted Island Star Cinema, 9842 3rd St., Sidney, 9:45 a.m. 250-655-3384, www.starcinema.ca In one extraordinary new work, lovers of Baroque opera have it all: the world’s best singers, some of the finest music of the Baroque masters, and a story drawn from Shakespeare. In this highly-anticipated world premiere, the lovers from A Midsummer Night’s Dream are shipwrecked on the other-worldly island of The Tempest, providing the dramatic setting for a fantastic journey. Run time: 215 minutes

Island View Beach is one of the premier winter birding locations in the region. Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to look for hawks, owls, sea ducks, loons and more. Wear warm clothes and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Road, off Island View Road.

January 24

Canadian Federation of University Women Saanich Peninsula Meeting Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, 7 p.m. 250-656-7010, www.cfuwsaanichpeninsula.org A visit to Dr. Christie's Brain Research lab at the University of Victoria has been arranged as a follow-up to the September meeting. New members are always welcome.

January 28

Durrance Lake Loop (Guided Walk – 8 yrs +) Mount Work Regional Park (Saanich), 1-2:30 p.m. 250-478-3344, crdparks@crd.bc.ca www.crd.bc.ca/parks Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist for a hike around this picturesque lake to explore its many inhabitants. Meet in the Durrance Lake parking lot off Durrance Close, off Willis Point Rd.

January 29

Balkan Babes Sunday Serenade Concert St. Mary's Anglican Church, 2:30 p.m. 1973 Cultra Avenue, Saanichton 250-652-5392, sueandjohn@shaw.ca The third concert in the Sunday Serenade Series features this popular women's choir which specializes in music of eastern European countries such as Macedonia, Croatia and the Ukraine. Adults $12, students $10, children 12 and under free. Available at the door or by calling or emailing via information above.

For details on other events happening in your community, visit www.mypeninsula.ca

You Can Always Get What You Want at Pop ROCKS! Back in 1968, young rockers Mick Jagger and Keith Richards had a new song ready to record. Jagger came up with a crazy idea: Why not record the song with a choir? Not your standard ploy for a 60’s rock group, but it worked. You Can’t Always Get What You Want became a hit, with the London Bach Choir chorus of 60 children on the soundtrack. Urban legend has it that Jagger came up with the inspiration for the song in 1964 when he met a local character in Minnesota who was disappointed that he couldn’t get his favourite cherry coke. When he was given a different flavour, “Mr. Jimmy” said: “Y’know, Mr. Jagger, you can’t always get what you want.” The song’s lyrics are about how hard it is to find happiness, for no matter what we have, we always seem to want more. Jagger and Richards aren’t in town, but Victorians can still get what they want in Pop ROCKS! performed by the Starlight Pops Choir, with their own four-piece band. Their early February concerts will feature the music of The Rolling Stones, Sting, Paul Simon, Elton John, U2, Coldplay and Queen, among others. From its start in the fall of 2008, Starlight Pops Choir has more than doubled in size to 70 singers, ranging in age from 23 to 88 years. Their individual stories, and reasons for singing, are as diverse as the music they sing. A common theme is that they’ve found what they need to make them happy. Tenor Jean Jickling has been performing for 78 years! She says: “Singing means doing what I love to do with people I enjoy, and not feeling guilty about neglecting housework.” As a child in England during the war, fellow tenor Joy Fox sang to help take people’s minds off the air-raids. “Neighbours would throw up the windows and lean in to listen. It was their entertainment.” Barry Bell, a bass, had a rough start to his singing life: “When I was in elementary school, our class was singing as the teacher walked among us, listening. When she got to me, she rapped her knuckles on my head and made a ‘shush’ gesture with her finger to her lips. So I shut up.” Bell says it took him decades to get up the nerve to sing again. Yes, the singers in Starlight Pops Choir know that you can get what you need – and want – at Pop ROCKS! Just tell them Mr. Jimmy and The Rolling Stones sent you. Starlight Pops Choir presents “Pop ROCKS!” Friday, February 3rd at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 5th at 2:30 p.m. at St. Aidan’s United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s Street, Victoria. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students and are available at the door (cash only). For more information visit www.starlightpopschoir.com. SEASIDE TIMES

y unda

e erenad

SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT January 29, 2012

2:30 pm at

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, SAANICHTON 1973 Cultra Ave. @ East Saanich Rd.

TICKETS

Adults $12/Students $10/Child (under 12 free) Tickets will be available at the door

For tickets/information, please call 250-652-5392 or email sueandjohn@shaw.ca SPONSORED BY...

19-day panama canal cruise aboard ms amsterdam A p r i l 28 t h - M A y 16 t h , 2 0 1 2 Itinerary: Fort Lauderdale, Florida • at sea • at sea • Oranjestad, Aruba • at sea • Panama Canal Panama Canal • Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, Caldera, Costa Rica, Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala • at sea • Zihuatanejo, Mexico • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico • at sea • San Diego, California • at sea • at sea • Victoria, BC

Pricing from $1,759** CDN per person

Includes $50 pp shipboard credit and complimentary Pinnacle Grill Dinner, wine tasting and complimentary wine and luncheon * government fees additional - $415.39 pp * ** all pricing based on double occupancy, inside stateroom and availability **

Ear n

miles on every cruise! BC Reg No. 2550-6

Sidney – 250.656.5441 sidney@cruiseshipcenters.com Mt. Doug – 250.477.4877 mtdoug@cruiseshipcenters.com

www.seasidetimes.ca

january 2012

Sudoku Puzzles Hardly Simple

4 8

2 6 4 6 2 8 9 3 4 5 8 3 9 7 6 5 8 7 5 3 1 4 5 1 5

Puzzle by websudoku.com

7 5 9

Exceedingly Evil

3 4 1 2 6

7 2 9 3

8 2 3 8 4

Keep Your Brain Healthy

9 4 2 9 7 5

1 9 8

Puzzle by websudoku.com

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends doing puzzles like Sudoku to strengthen brain cells and the connections between them. Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. * Sudoku Solutions can be found on page 51

Zais Astrology – January 2012 by Heather Zais (heather_zais@telus.net) Aries (march 21 - april 19) Efforts to advance your position will pay off. Associate with those of equal or better influence to make it happen. They admire your willingness to go where others fear to tread. Ride on your reputation or past performance.

Libra (september 23 - october 22) New or improved surroundings have a positive influence on your sense of well-being. "Keeping the peace" will be very important now. Avoid any legal entanglements. Follow a secure path towards your future goals.

Taurus (april 20 - may 20) Look at your options for the future; plan for the long term. Certain matters that interest you take time to pull together. Put the paper trail in proper order so it all falls into place in a natural way. You should feel optimistic.

Scorpio (october 23 - november 21) You want to get your "message" across to others in a way they can accept. Use your charm and natural intuitive instincts to show you the way. Visit or attend meetings and special events. You shine in the public arena.

Gemini (may 21 - june 20) Your ability to investigate increases. You find answers or evidence that you need. Others are willing to help or work with you. There is added luck with funding or converting assets. Sell what you can or exchange.

Sagittarius (november 22 - december 21) Finances improve with an increase of income; perks or other favours come your way. You also gain more from work or business efforts. Your path seems secure and others notice some changes with you – for the better.

Cancer (june 21 - july 22) A turn of events affects mate or partnership matters. Take care of any related paperwork. You have influential contacts that can assist you with decisions or legalities. Focus on closure so you can move forward personally.

Capricorn (december 22 - january 19) You are the star of the zodiac this month, so step into the spotlight or accept a new position. You have what it takes to be the leader; others are counting on you. Lay out your plans for the long-term future – it's positive.

Leo (july 23 - august 22) You recover or break out of restrictions. Your relationship with associates or coworkers is changing as they see how strong you really are. Go with the new or improved methods and system changes. Production improves.

Aquarius (january 20 - february 18) A lot goes on behind the scenes. Some of this involves soul searching for yourself or those you are assisting. Important choices need to be made. Others who are well connected are helpful or supportive. Join forces.

Virgo (august 23 - september 22) You are out and about more socially as invitations keep coming. Your personal or love life will be enhanced as well. Display your talents and abilities to the delight of others. You can relax as things are moving forward.

Pisces (february 19 - march 20) Make important changes with your associates or those you count on. Some situations have passed their usefulness. Focus on your hopes and wishes and connect with those who can open doors or provide funding.

last w o rd A few nights ago I watched the movie Another Earth. While I was disappointed by the film, the premise got me thinking.

of another me is intriguing. It's interesting that for so many (including myself), a new year also means the chance for a "new you." We all have regrets: choices we've made, friends we've lost touch with and lies we've told. Don't get me wrong: I'm happy with who I am now and understand that every one of our choices makes us who we are today, but there are things I think we would all go back and change if we had the chance.

In the movie, another earth becomes visible to the naked eye, and it soon becomes clear that the "new" earth is a near-perfect reflection of our own planet. As one character puts it: "There's another you out there. Now you begin to wonder … has the other me made the same mistakes I've made, and is that me better than this me?" The main character in the film is a girl who, driving her car while drunk, kills a mother and child. With the discovery of what becomes known as "Earth 2," she believes there may be hope – that in this alternate world she might discover a version of herself who hasn't made the same tragic mistake and through whom lies the possibility of redemption.

Unfortunately, there hasn't been an Earth 2 discovered yet so, for now, I suppose all we can do is look forward, not to the past, and strive to become our best selves in the coming year. While New Year's Day seems to be the accepted time for the launch of a journey to self-improvement, as Steve Sheppard says in this month's Smell the Coffee: "Here’s a resolution revelation for you: you can start anytime!" So here is a New Year's toast to you, our wonderful readers, clients and contributors, and may 2012 be the year of the best you yet!

Allison Smith,

With 2012 upon me as I write my Last Word, the idea

Editor

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