WEST COAST CULTURE MAY 2011
Hello Neighbour!
Live life on your terms Our caring
in-home support staff
helps promote independence within the comfort of your own home environment. We help you get things done with grace and dignity so that your daily routine is as smooth and comfortable as possible. •
personal care
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transportation
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meal preparation & clean-up
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shopping, with you or for you
laundry, ironing, sewing • housekeeping & home maintenance •
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flexible service available
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9752 Third Street, Sidney 250-656 -7176 or 250-589- 0010 Come see our NEW
Seniors DayCare & Educational Centre located right next door 2
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www.sidneyseniorcare.com email: sidneyseniorcare@shaw.ca SIDNEY AND EDUCATIONAL CENTRE
may 2011
Upcoming Events
Find all event details on our web site along with parade applications.
Volunteer with us
We are looking for community spirited helpers for all our events. Visit our web site or contact us for more information.
www.PeninsulaCelebrations.ca
A NINSUL
PE
SO CI E TY
Multiculturalism Day - June 27th Sidney Days! - June 30th & July 1st
S
Mark your calendar
Upcoming Events
LEBR ATIO
N
! e t a r b e l e C
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250 656 4365 info@peninsulacelebrations.ca
Sponsorship Drive Underway!
Sidney Days, Summer Sounds, Sidney Sparkles, SailPast and SO much more!
Whether you are a big business or our biggest fan, your involvement makes it all possible. Contact Peninsula Celebrations to find out more or download your sponsorship kit today! Phone: 250.656.4365
There’s never been a better time! www.PeninsulaCelebrations.ca/sponsor
Succulent… At Thrifty Foods we believe that you don’t have to dine out to enjoy great tasting beef. Often times the best place to enjoy a succulent steak or prime rib roast is at your home (or on the patio!) Our Triple ‘A’ Sterling Silver Canadian Beef is exclusive to us and guaranteed to be tender, juicy and full of flavour. Try some today! Thrifty Foods Sidney 9810 Seventh Street Sidney Thrifty Foods Central Saanich 7860 Wallace Drive Saanichton
• Naturally aged a minimum 21 days • Cut from Canadian AAA beef exclusive to Thrifty Foods • Guaranteed to be tender, juicy and flavourful or your money back
thriftyfoods.com
west coast culture
Seaside Times may 2011 First Word May Two-Four
Get Out! Biking Victoria and Area
Weatherwit May Weather Forecast
Sumptuous Garden Oh Deer!
Island Dish Mother May I?
Forbes & Marshall Serendipity Doodads
Veterinary Voice Adopting a Pet
Seaside News Salish Sea Citizen Science “The Raptors at Church & State“ is an exciting new program running daily at the winery. It is totally unique in the Greater Victoria area. Imagine being up close and personal with bald eagles, hawks and owls and watching them soar through the sweet country air!
“spirits in balance” ~
p. 10
Smell The Coffee The Fine Art of Blending
Footprints Conversations From the Past
What’s Happening Community Calender
Walkabout Italia
On the cover:
A view of Mount Baker from B.C.'s Southern Gulf Islands.
Entertainment Sudoku & Astrology
Last Word Talented
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FIRST WO R D
May Two-Four
V
ictoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend, commonly referred to as the Victoria Day Weekend, the May Long Weekend, the May Long, or the May Two-Four (a flat of beer is called a "two-four" and many of these are consumed over the holiday). The weekend is also called the May 24th weekend, although it does not necessarily fall on May 24th. The Victoria Day Weekend is the first popular weekend for spring/summer travel. Lots of people open up their cabins, plant gardens or just get away. Expect crowds at resorts and hotels and busy highways. The birthday of the monarch was a day for
Time to get new glasses?
Then it’s also time to get a comprehensive eye exam. Eye doctors do more than determine if you see well.They can detect serious eye and health problems that often show no symptoms at the early stages. Conditions like glaucoma and retinal tears that lead to permanent vision loss, and health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease and even some brain tumours cause vision changes. If you do have vision changes, they’ll assess the underlying cause. A visit to your eye doctor is a vital part of your overall health.
Call a B.C. Doctor of Optometry to make your appointment today:
Central Saanich Optometry Clinic
Dr. Paul Neumann Dr. Gurpreet Leekha
Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tues/Thurs 9-6, Saturday 9-2
#1, 7865 Patterson Road, Saanichton 250.544.2210 • www.cseyecare.com 6
SEASIDE TIMES
celebration in Canada long before Confederation, with the first legislation regarding the event passed by the parliament of the Province of Canada in 1845 to officially recognize May 24th as the Queen's birthday. It was noted that on that date in 1854, the 35th birthday of Queen Victoria, some 5,000 residents of Canada West gathered in front of Government House in Toronto to "give cheers to their queen." On May 24th, 1866, the town of Omemee, also in Canada West, mounted a daylong fête to mark the occasion, including a gun salute at midnight, pre-dawn serenades, picnics, athletic competitions, a display of illuminations, and a torchlight procession. Following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, May 24th was by imperial decree made Empire Day throughout the British Empire, while in Canada it became officially known as Victoria Day, a date to remember the late queen, who was deemed the "Mother of Confederation." Over the ensuing decades, the official date in Canada of the reigning sovereign's birthday changed through various royal proclamations: for Edward VII it continued by yearly proclamation to be observed on May 24th, but was June 3rd for George V, June 23rd for Edward VIII (their actual birthdays), and various days between May 20th and June 14th through George VI's
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reign as king of Canada. The first official birthday of Elizabeth II, whose actual birthday is April 21st, was the last to be celebrated in June; the haphazard format was abandoned in 1952, when the GovernorGeneral-in-Council moved Empire Day to the Monday before May 25th, and Elizabeth's official birthday in Canada was by regular vice-regal proclamations made to fall on this same date every year between 1953 and 1957, when the link was made permanent. The following year, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day and in 1977 it was moved to the second Monday in March, leaving the Monday before May 24th solely as Victoria Day. Enjoy the weekend, the nice weather and maybe drinking some good Canadian Two-Fours. Happy Birthday Queen Victoria … cheers!
*****
Sidney North Saanich RCMP and the Town of Sidney are holding A “Black & White” Gala for Constable Bob Lacroix, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer before Christmas. Doors open at Sidney's Mary Winspear Centre at 6 p.m. on May 14th. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes appetizers by Stonestreet Café, live music, a silent auction and cash bar. Theme is black and/or white attire. All proceeds from the event will go to Constable Lacroix’s family. Tickets can be purchased at the Stonestreet Café and the Sidney North Saanich RCMP Detachment.
Tim Flater
www.seasidetimes.ca
Publisher, Advertising Sales Tim Flater 250.686.1144 sales@seasidetimes.ca publisher@seasidetimes.ca
Go From This To This
Editor-in-Chief Allison Smith 250.813.1745 editor@seasidetimes.ca
Advertising Sales Patti Anthony 250.589.3690 patti@seasidetimes.ca
This Month’s Contributing Writers Trysh Ashby-Rolls • Rob Bond Georgina Bourdeau • Jennifer Bowles Shelley Breadner • Anthony de Goutière Michael Forbes • Moira Gardener Doreen Marion Gee • Frank Gee Valerie Green • Tina Kelly • Ryan Labelle Helen P. Lang • Barry Mathias • Teagan McKay Steve Sakiyama • Tara Saracuse • Ada Serson Steve Sheppard • Fraser Smith • Anne Stopps Anne Swannell • 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.
In-Room at: 250-655-9445
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may 2011
7
get o ut !
Biking Victoria and Area by Frank Gee
one of the most active cities in Canada.
The Get Out series is aimed at reminding us how lucky we are to live on southern Vancouver Island – one of the most diverse and livable places on earth! All my adventures are from the basis of a family with pre-teen kids. Get out and enjoy! The Galloping Goose is Victoria’s famous bike path. Used by thousands for commuting to work, a long, one-way bike trail would not normally be on my radar, but the Goose’s multiple trailheads changes all that. Over the past couple of years my family has loaded the bikes into the van and driven to various trailheads for five- to 15-kilometre rides (return) and has almost completed the entire route from Victoria to Sooke. Even the grandparents can join us, since the trail follows an old railway bed, which means no (OK, few) hills! Add to that the services and shops along the route and eating and repairs become easy.
The Galloping Goose starts downtown and crosses the upper reaches of the Inner Harbour, then, at the top of Douglas Street, turns towards the western communities and Sooke following the Trans Canada Highway before flowing in and out of Colwood, Metchosin and East Sooke. I love riding the more rural sections between Glen Lake and Sooke, but every section of the Goose has its own special character. We have met folks walking their llamas near Goldstream Avenue, interrupted an owl munching on rabbit near the Luxton Fairgrounds, rested in the sun watching vultures circling overhead near Happy Valley, shared a quiet moment with a deer family near Matheson Lake
Victoria’s bike path network is a great way to enjoy a slower pace and be part of Victoria’s reputation as
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and watched salmon jumping in Sooke Harbour. What an amazing place so close to our city. Another rail-to-trail is the Lochside Trail; it starts at the top of Douglas Street, wandering past Swan Lake and the McKenzie-Quadra area, then follows Blenkinsop valley to Cordova Bay and Mattick’s Farm before reaching the agricultural lands of Island View and ultimately Lochside Drive, Sidney and Swartz Bay (yes you can ride to the ferry). My trips on the Lochside Trail generally include a stop at Adrienne’s Café at Mattick’s Farm because I have a weakness for bakery goods and the kids love ice cream. Common start points are Sidney, Michell Brothers Farm, the Saanich Municipal Hall and the Inner Harbour. A ride with two families starting at opposite ends, but with a central meeting/rest stop is another option for linear trails. Bike routes are continually being added to the system. Central and North Saanich have added paved and marked shoulders to many roadways: these are suitable for older kids with well-developed riding skills. West Saanich Road offers an almost continuous shoulder from Royal Oak to Lands End. There is mixed path and roadside shoulder from the Red Barn to Interurban. Closer to the city most municipalities have developed both bike paths and bike routes (on roadways) and the maps available on the web are easily accessed and printed. Try:
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• www.northsaanich.ca and go into their parks brochure; • www.centralsaanich.ca then open the Parks maps bike routes;
Complete Dry Food Needs
• www.gov.saanich.bc.ca for the Saanich Bicycle Tourist Route; • www.gallopinggoosetrail.com for a complete trail map or by section; and • www.crd.bc.ca/parks and search for bike trails to get specific info and maps. So you may not have thought about riding “way out there,” but really it isn’t that difficult to ride somewhere other than around the block. Remember to ride safely, which includes wearing a helmet. Bring a spare tube or two and the tools to change a tire. That is the most common repair; might as well avoid a disappointing walk back to the car. But get out there and take advantage of these great trails. Happy riding. www.seasidetimes.ca
Largest Raw Food Selection For Dogs & Cats Open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Keating Plaza (2140C Keating X Rd., Saanichton)
250-652-2411 • www.buddiesnaturalpetfood.ca may 2011
9
Church stands for the heart. State stands for the head. That’s the secret behind Kim Pullen’s name for his beautiful Church & State Wines in Brentwood Bay. This keen sense of balance and harmony permeates Kim's business sensibility. With his wines,
environment of his cherished grapes. The Church & State Wines facility and vineyard graces 25 acres of rolling verdant landscape near Brentwood Bay. Starting in May, wine tasting will be available daily and the restaurant will be opening for lunch. The winery boasts many diverse services from selling fine wine, teasing patrons' taste buds at the wraparound bar, providing a gourmet lunch inside or on the patio, wine tasting and offering goodies from the gift shop to hosting special occasions such as parties and weddings.
Spirits in Balance by Doreen Marion Gee
an equal measure of soul and mind infuses the exquisite experience of tasting premium spirits. That balance principle seeps into Kim’s quest for excellence and quality, and his inclusion of a unique program at the winery also shows his zest for harmony in the natural
Soaking in the ambience of Church & State winery is a sensual and wonderful experience. Spring’s fresh sunlight sparkles through glass doors, highlighting walls of polished woodwork and bright bottles in the massive posh facility. As proud lord of the estate,
Kim Pullen exudes the kind of tangible confidence reserved for those who know they do their job well. He is passionate about the art of quality wine making. There are no half measures for Kim: his goal is being one of the top three wineries in the province. When it comes to wine, he sets the bar at “excellent,” producing super premium top tier palate pleasers. When Kim bought the winery in 2004, he quickly acted to make it his own unique brand. To produce sterling spirits, he had to start afresh with new vines and wine makers so he went to the Okanagan to consult with growers that shared his vision: producing wine in the super premium category. Kim only grows and uses high quality grapes produced with environmentally sustainable organic practices, and therein lies the essence of Kim’s principle of balance. When he bought the winery, Kim says, “There were so many things that were out of balance.” To match the beauty of the resplendent facility and surroundings, “we needed to produce quality wine.” He added that Church and State is “the balance between your head and your heart. Both of those better be in balance if you want to be successful.” Ambience and sound business sense is a heavenly match.
knickerbockers.ca • pandora.net May 1 ST-8 TH • Sidney Location • 250.656.5506 May 2 ND-7 TH • Brentwood Bay Location • 250.544.8211
Gift with Purchase Receive a PANDORA ring holder (a $45 CAD retail value) with your PANDORA purchase of $125 or more.* *Before taxes. Charms and bracelet are not included. Good while supplies last, limit one per customer. U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507 • © • All rights reserved • PANDORA.NET
MKTG11760_KNICKER_3.75x4.925rev1.indd 1
As I sipped his sumptuous mellow Chardonnay, I didn’t realize I was drinking the cream of the crop. That exotic 2008 nectar won the Best Chardonnay Double Gold award in 2010 at the “All-Canadian Wine Championships“ and the “San Francisco International Wine Competition.” The latter award gives Kim Pullen and his staff international honour and prestige because the event judges the best wines from all over the world. It is a gold star on the Island’s lapel that Kim’s Chardonnay beat out the best of California, France and Australia. A shelf at Church & State is chock full of awards such as Pullen’s 2007 Double Gold Award for his Coyote Bowl Cabernet Sauvignon (SFIWC) and the 2007 Gold Award for his Coyote Bowl Merlot (ACWC). The small vineyard at Brentwood Bay cannot support Pullen’s huge winery so he also uses and harvests grapes from the Okanagan, where he recently opened his new facility: Coyote Bowl Winery. Giving back to the community infuses balance between business interests and the needs of larger society. In this way, Kim’s wine making enterprise SEASIDE TIMES
2/25/2011 10:00:58 AM
BHUTAN & INDIA 2ND ANNUAL HOSTED TOUR
“The Last Place on the Roof of the World” Highlights: 7 nights in India, 10 nights in Bhutan; Old Delhi; Taj Mahal; Jaipur; visit a development site in Delhi; Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s Nest); all meals in Bhutan. Your host Barry Mackey has invested has invested over 42 years of his life and career in international relief and development including 25 years of residence in South Asia.
$5,499
18 days Departs Nov 7, 2011
FREE Travel Talk: Join us for a presentaion on May 10, to learn more about Bhutan. Please RSVP. Sidney 105–2506 Beacon Ave. | 250.656.0961 Colwood 1913 Sooke Rd. | 250.478.9505 Victoria 3617 Shelbourne St. | 250.477.0131 1.800.409.1711 merit.ca CDN$, pp, dbl occ. Land only. Single supplement $1225. Hosted based on minimum 16 passengers.
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ON–4499356/4499372 | BC–33127/34799/34798 | QC–7002238 | Canadian owned.
may 2011
11
Continued from page 9 benefits benevolent causes and worthy recipients. Church & State Wines has a founding Barrel Club, Club Q, consisting of 125 members. Each year the winery donates $25,000 on behalf of this club to a charity chosen by the Club. The vote for the charity is done between October and December with the donation released in the first quarter of each year.
from the knowledgeable staff and appreciate their glorious presence in our lives and skies. Lastly, the raptors perform a vital function at the winery as natural predators of starlings and robins who normally ravage grape crops. In this case, nature’s perfect harmony maintains that all-important sense of balance at the winery.
A sense of balance in nature also defines something new at Church & State Wines. “The Raptors at Church & State“ is an exciting new program running daily at the winery. It is totally unique in the Greater Victoria area. Imagine being up close and personal with bald eagles, hawks and owls and watching them soar through the sweet country air! A vulture, scavenger by trade, adds some goose bump moments. It was one of the most enchanting afternoons of my life to see this show and breathe in the queenly majesty of “Hera,” the resident female bald eagle. Gillian Radcliffe is the director of “The Raptors at Church & State” and Robyn Radcliffe is the manager. Robyn is bubbling over about their wild west show: “We are just very excited for this opportunity to let the birds fly here; the winery is such a beautiful location for showcasing raptor flight. The wind, space and weather will create excellent flying conditions and the birds are already having a great time flying here.” Shea Wyatt, biologist and interpreter, is keen to tell me about the many important functions of the raptor show. The event is obviously a thrilling form of entertainment to young and old, but it also provides vital education to visitors about our wondrous and wild winged creatures on the West Coast. Guests learn about the habits of these spectacular birds
Even the Office of the Lieutenant Governor recogizes the exceptional wines coming out of Church & State. The 2006 Syrah won one of their awards for “Excellence in British Columbia Wines” and Kim Pullen’s top iconic wine, the 2006 “Quintessential,” won the Best Red Wine in all of Canada. On the bottle, the tag line states “The perfect embodiment of a class.” When it comes to the Church & State experience, that says it all. For more information, please visit www.churchandstatewines.com.
PUPPY LOVE Pet Care Centre THE CAT’S MEOW
A Boarding Kennel with the best Spa in town. Grooming Specialists: Caring, gentle handling • 30+ years experience in all breeds • Cats too! Special handling for geriatrics • Minimum restraint • Spaniels a specialty
2918 Lamont Road, Saanichton – just minutes from Victoria Airport & BC Ferries
250-652-2301 • www.puppylove.ca • info@puppylove.ca 12
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may 2011
20 Years of … ‘Everything Fresh’ • Free Admission • Free Parking • Live Music
Ever y Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 4th – Oct. 8th 1528 Stelly’s X Road (Saanich Fairgrounds)
Community Partners : WEST COAST CULTURE
Knickerbocker’s
Unique Home Accessories & Gifts
EscapeSolutions.com
Private Condos for Perfect Holidays Vancouver Island and Mexico
New Vendors Welcome Call 250-216-0521 www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca
Peggy Yelland & Associates Inc. is a local Saanich Peninsula accounting firm which provides:
How many links does it take for you to make your next move?
Craig Walters
craig@craigwalters.net
Renee Colonnello
reneecolonnello@remax.net
Ross Shortreed
Jim Allan
jimaallan@shaw.ca
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ldighton@shaw.ca
Jack Barker
jack@jackbarker.net
Deborah Gray
sagegray@shaw.ca
camosun
Gaye Phillips
gayesoffice@shaw.ca
Peninsula Properties #14-2510 Bevan Ave Sidney, British Columbia 250-655-0608 remaxsidney@vreb.bc.ca
Roy Coburn
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weatherwit
May Weather Forecast by Steve Sakiyama It’s true. I have confidence issues. If I have to do something I am not particularly good at in front of people, it hits me. I blame it on my childhood piano recitals – instead of moving people’s hearts with soulful music, I had a unique ability to elicit nervous facial tics and bodily twitches in what remained of the audience. Quite amazing really. Even washing machines have confidence issues. The comedian Jimoein noticed that his machine would stop washing whenever he lifted the lid – as if to say: “I am not doing this when you are watching.” Our old washing machine did the same thing – I would shout encouragements into the open tub: “These delicates look wonderful!” and “Your spin cycle is amazing!” Sure enough, when I closed the lid it would happily start up again. Our new washing machine is even worse – it locks the lid during washing, as if to say: “There is absolutely no way you are peeking in here.” Not wanting to be outdone, the clothes dryer has picked up on this behaviour, so I’ve considered taking them both with me to therapy. I hear there is a group discount for appliances. Speaking of confidence boosting,
#108-1901 Mt. Newton X Rd. Saanichton SEASIDE TIMES
let’s review my weather forecast performance and let the nervous twitches begin. The prediction of a wetter and cooler winter/spring has been half right. Since January 1st we have received 10% more precipitation than normal, with March being especially wet (50% more than average). Temperatures over this period have been average, so the cooler side of the forecast has not transpired – yet. For May, expect a greater chance of cooler temperatures with a precipitation outlook that shows no preference between drier or wetter conditions. Forecasting the weather months ahead is tricky business, and those who do it use words like “uncertainty” and “confidence.” That’s because the behaviour of the atmosphere involves complex and sometimes mysterious processes, many of which are tied to the ocean (which in turn, has a very complicated life of its own). Scientists call this a “coupled” system, where the atmosphere affects the oceans and vice versa. All of these coupled behaviours are programmed into powerful computers and longrange predictions are produced with qualifiers that leave the door open to uncertainty in the outcome.
250-652-6939 www.seasidetimes.ca
Although everybody wants absolute certainty, for long-range forecasts the best we can do is to indicate the chances of something happening – and even that is a challenge. Although it may be cooler in May, my sentimental forecast is for a cozy Queen Victoria’s birthday with a royal blue sky and a starry night to provide the backdrop for fireworks. So on the night of the 23rd, I’ll gaze upwards and affirm that it is OK to do things for pure enjoyment versus whether I am particularly great at it or not. When somebody lifts the lid on the washing machine of my life, I can confidently look up and say “I’m having a great time doing this. Join me for a spin?” ~ Weatherwit. Questions and Comments? Email info@seasidetmes.ca. For a Victoria weekend weather forecast blog, visit http://weatherwit.wordpress.com.
www.gartleystation.com may 2011
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Presto – Your Dream Home! Your dream home is within your grasp! It doesn’t take a huge bank account or a credit line with “Luxury Furniture and Lighting” to have a wonderful living environment. At the Peninsula partnership of ReMarkable Redesign & Home Staging and Styles By Stacey Staging and Re-design, Tracey Jones and Stacey Kaminski will turn drab into gorgeous at a reasonable cost. Having a peaceful, attractive and functional living space is critical to mental health and emotional well-being. Tracey (pictured at right, top) and Stacey (pictured at right, bottom) perform a very important service that can mean the difference between just having housing and having a beautiful sanctuary to call home.
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SEASIDE TIMES
by Doreen Marion Gee
Tracey and Stacey are professional, certified staging and redesign stylists. They do redesign work in people’s homes, redesign staging for furnished houses on the market and vacant property staging for similar sales purposes. Redesigning rooms and homes for present occupants is their real passion (see before and after shots below and on following page). They love it when the creative juices are flowing and their well-honed skills and talents at artistic design come into full play. In our meeting over coffee, they were both warm and personable – just the kind of people you would want in your home. In their joint venture, Tracey and Stacey will
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come into your home and beautify your surroundings. These miracle workers will transform any humdrum space – house, suite, mobile home – into a thing of elegance and serenity and they will do it at an affordable price and with everyday items. Clients do not have to own the latest luxury couch; these energetic women will turn any furnished space into a glamorous artistic oasis. If extra furnishings are desired or required, they will purchase them at a reasonable cost. Tracey and Stacey definitely have a Midas touch. They showed me a makeover they performed on a colourless tiny suite. With a few shifts in furniture and pictures and a red sheet from Walmart over the couch, the apartment was suddenly a beautiful, chic living space. A disorganized office (like mine) was magically turned into a glistening neat-as-apin professional hideaway that could be on any home design magazine cover. They put the happiness of their customers first by respecting their tastes and making changes comfortable. “What works for you” is their mantra: these two smart entrepreneurs never impose their views on anyone. Their redesign service can be a four-hour job or take a few days, but the cost will never go over the negotiated price. Their redesign service is a valuable tool: “Our lives are so busy and cluttered. We carve out a space that is calm, works for you and has a purpose and place.” We all know how stressful it is to live in a chaotic cluttered environment. Stacey and Tracey will separate the different areas according to their function and leave your room or house a calm and relaxed environment. Their creative redesigns also result in a lot more space to move around. According to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health in London England: “It is well recognized that good quality homes are important for the health and well-being of those who live in them.” To take that further, it makes sense that beautiful, classy surroundings are also essential for optimal mental health. We all feel better when our homes are tidy and look great.
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A Great New Peninsula Partnership:
ReMarkable ReDesign & Home Staging Inc.
Tracey Jones 250.812.1625
Styles By Stacey
Staging and Re-design Stacey Kaminski 250.208.5025 remarkableredesignstaging.com Many people are downsizing and moving into condos in the Sidney area and Tracey and Stacey are also there to put the golden touch on your smaller place. They love their jobs and “want to give a whole new life to your place,” but they are also tuned into everybody’s secret desire: “Uncover your hidden dream home!” For more information, visit www.remarkableredesignstaging.com.
may 2011
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Peninsula Country Market Season – “Coming Soon” by Jim Townley, President, Peninsula Country Market (after the Saanich Fair) we take the market inside the RCMP Barn at the Fairgrounds for our new Fall Series. This will ensure vendors and customers who want to minimize Mother Nature’s affect have a few predictable dry hours each week to sell and enjoy the wonderful items made here on the Peninsula. I am proud to be a part of the longest standing open air Market on southern Vancouver Island and strongly endorse the captivating energy a day at the Market provides. I always judge the success of an event by the number of people who show up … and in this case more than a couple of thousand people each week can’t be wrong!
It seems the “in thing” over the past couple of years is the 100 mile diet and, with food costs steadily rising, many families will likely plant a garden for the very first time this year. For many on the Peninsula; however, having the time and space to reap the benefits of a garden is not always a convenient option. Luckily, going to the Peninsula Country Market at the Saanich Fairgrounds starting June 4th is! Since 1991, the Peninsula Country Market has offered a “buy local,” fresh alternative for produce, fruit and other wonderful locally made food items. Over the years, a number of fabulous crafters have joined the mix and the Market has blossomed into a weekly get together for many local residents who want to enjoy some sunshine, live music and foster a deeper sense of community … with natural grass underfoot! This year there a few surprises planned for market go-ers, and in the fall
The Peninsula Country Market is held every Saturday at the Saanich Fairgrounds (1528 Stellys X Road) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit us at www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca. FREE ADMISSION & PARKING!
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Saanichton: 2134 Keating X Road 250-652-4400 Tillicum: 3170 Tillicum Road 250-384-0060 Yates: 759 Yates Street 250-384-4136, ext. 3
Caring for Pet Wellness and Nutrition
This is one event you will not want to miss! Members of the Rotary Club of Sidney are very excited to present Blush: Taste of the Peninsula, a wine tasting, dinner and auctions taking place May 7th, 2011 at the Mary Winspear Centre. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for the wine tasting, followed by a fabulous dinner and a very exciting silent and live auction featuring our own spirited town councillor Kenny Podmore as master of ceremonies and auctioneer.
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The silent and live auction prizes, generously donated by local businesses, will have something for everyone to bid on. Tickets are $50 per person and are available through the Mary Winspear Centre box office – 250-656-0275.
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may 2011
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In the spirit of community cooperation, parents of the Parkland Secondary School grad class of 2011 will be assisting the Rotary Club of Sidney by providing assistance with the event and, in return, the grad class 2011 committee will receive a donation towards graduation celebration expenses.
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Offering a full line of premium pet foods and supplies for your dog, cat or small animals.
The Mission Statement of Mount Newton Centre: “to provide and manage a wide range of health programs and services to promote care at home and fill gaps in services to meet the needs of the residents on the Saanich Peninsula.” The Centre needs the assistance of the community to help it deliver these much-needed and appreciated programs, so the Rotary Club of Sidney decided to make it the beneficiary of the auction proceeds at this fund raising event.
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This evening of community celebration features the epicurean delights of our own neighbourhood, with local vineyards providing tastings from their awardwinning cellars and local chefs tantalizing guests’ taste buds with fabulous creations from ingredients produced locally – on and around the Peninsula. A silent and live auction to benefit the Mount Newton Centre will provide much-needed funding to support ongoing programs benefitting seniors in our community. It also provides services such as adult day programs, outreach referrals and medical equipment loans.
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Oh Deer! by Rob Bond In a perfect world, deer would fleet-foot though our gardens creating a look. They might nap or dine on treats set out by kindly gardeners. But not our plants; they wouldn’t snarf them. Nor would they overpopulate, in spite of nimble bambis prancing hither and thither. Yes, yes, in that perfect world.
rainfall or watering. An egg, stirred into a gallon of water and allowed to ferment to its full stinky potential, is one way. Of course, the deer won’t be the only ones staying clear of your stinkaroo garden, but it’s one way to a bambi-free landscape. Rob Bond (pictured) is an independent garden designer. Like a Pacific Northwest Johnny Appleseed, he spreads his knowledge and passion around the Saanich Peninsula. Contact him at rob.bond.design@ gmail.com. Photo of Rob courtesy Jeremy Ferguson; deer pic courtesy Carol Clemens.
But, in this pathologically imperfect world, we have a love-hate relationship with these resilient mammals. We adore them until they come snacking: chomp! The solution lies in designing your garden to discourage deer. For starters, create uninviting entryways; a closed gate goes a long way. Close off garden views with a high hedge or privacy fence. This can cost: it takes a six-foot-high barrier to discourage deer. If they’re hungry, you have to go to eight. If gates, hedges and fences are out, make your garden deer-resistant. Use xeriscape or minimalwater landscaping techniques. Deer love juicy leaves with high moisture content but aren’t fond of the drought-resistant plants of the xeriscape garden. With our long, dry summers, this is a natural. You’ll find many deer-resistant plants at local garden stores, but deer don’t read the manuals: if they’re starving, they’ll eat plants they’d shun in fatter times. What makes a plant deer resistant? A strong scent like Mexican orange leaf, or leathery leaves like those of the rhododendron. Thorny stems and leaves like barberry (roses don’t count, since the juicy leaves can be torn away from the thorny stems), or fuzzy leaves like lamb’s ears.
Arbutus and strawberry trees are safe because of their height. Caging them when they’re young protects them until they’re safely out of reach. You can also try deer repellents. There are many varieties, but you must apply them frequently and after every SEASIDE TIMES
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may 2011
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Our comprehensive oral health care includes Oral Hygiene Services White Fillings Implants Crown and Bridge Teeth Whitening Veneers Sedation Solutions for added comfort and much more! We accept payment directly from Insurance companies, and ask about our 0% Financing options
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Mother May I? by Jennifer Bowles You can absolutely do this. Yes you can guys! Follow along carefully. Trust me: this is better made by you for Mother’s Day than by a Chef any day! (OK, marginal exaggeration … go with it – that boys’ golf weekend is just a meal away gentleman!)
Scallops
6 medium scallops Butter 1 lemon 3 white potatoes 2 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped Milk Salt Everyone know how to make mashed potatoes? Good, but skins off please! The texture of these has to be like velvet: no lumps. Toss in white chocolate and melt and season. Heat pan to medium. Toss 3 tbsp. salted butter. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to flavour and pop the scallops in the pan. 1.5 minutes each side until a golden crust forms. Plating: Take a spoon and a dollop of your mashed potatoes. Smear across the plate, like a brush stroke. Place scallops on potatoes and drizzle with a little bit more of the butter sauce. Garnish with an edible flower. Stage one: she’s smiling now!
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Arugula Fresh basil Goat cheese (½ small log) 150 g prosciutto Cherry tomatoes (cut in half) Lemon vinaigrette
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Pan Seared Scallops Lemon Butter Sauce White Chocolate Potato ~~ Arugula, Goat Cheese & Prosciutto Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette ~~ Beef Tenderloin with a Brandy, Shallot & Cream Reduction Tender Asparagus Spears ~~ Crème Brûlée Spoons Fresh Berries
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This salad is incredibly easy. Take 2.5 large handfuls of arugula, a handful of basil and a handful of cherry tomatoes as you like and toss into a salad bowl. Bake prosciutto until crisp. Crumble goat cheese in with the prosciutto, then LIGHTLY toss. Drizzle greens with the vinaigrette (fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt and a dash of white balsamic vinegar). Toss in prosciutto and goat cheese. Loosely pile in centre of plate. Stage two: she’s wondering what the big deal really is with a boys’ weekend away … .
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Beef Tenderloin 2 tenderloin medallions 4 tbsp. brandy ½ cup beef stock Butter 2 large shallots, finely chopped ¾ cup heavy cream – SLIGHTLY whipped (I love slightly whipping the cream and I mean slightly – it adds a beautiful texture to the sauce – very billowy – DON’T add “whipped cream” – it won’t work) Salt and pepper Bunch of asparagus
Tenderloin is simple; the trick to gorgeous tenderloin is in the seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Heat skillet with oil. Place each medallion in hot pan and sear each side for 5 minutes until a brown crust is formed. Remove from pan and place on cutting
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may 2011
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Sauce: Toss shallots into the same pan and sauté. Add 2 tsp. butter. Add beef stock and simmer. Add brandy and season. Taste it … you like? You can STOP here if you don’t want the cream. Going all the way? Slowly add cream. Taste. Let the sauce simmer to thicken. Turn to low. Asparagus: Big pot of salted water. Set timer for 2.5 minutes ONLY. Boil water, toss in asparagus, cook for 2.5 minutes. Drain asparagus and shock in a bowl of ice water. Drain, toss with butter and salt.
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Plating: Pool sauce on plate in a circle. Lay asparagus down on plate in a row. Slice tenderloin into strips and fan across the asparagus to make a beautiful “bridge style” presentation. Stage three: “You know what hun? I would love to buy you that club you’ve wanted for a while … .”
Brûlée Spoons
These are showstoppers: every time I serve them they disappear in a heartbeat!
Google crème brûlée or, if you have a recipe, even better. When the brûlée sets up, take a porcelain Chinese spoon and scoop the brûlée into the spoon, then flatten off the top with a knife. Coat with sugar as you would normally and torch with a brûlée torch or blow torch. BE CAREFUL! Serve the spoons spread around on a serving plate with fresh berries for a bite-size, stunning treat!
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Stage four: success! “Have fun on your trip babe!” Questions? Email fabfoody@gmail.com.
Westcoast Motorcyle Ride to Live The Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live “Vancouver Island” is an organization of volunteers that dedicate their time to save B.C. men in the fight against prostate cancer, a common cancer among Canadian men. Our primary annual event is a large spectacular motorcycle fundraising ride involving hundreds of motorcyclists from all over southwestern B.C. and the Interior. The main reason for this ride is to bring awareness to men and their families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The main purpose is to raise funds for prostate cancer research, education and support for Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands in B.C. What happens on the Island, STAYS on the Island! All the money raised through the Vancouver Island Ride to Live stays in our community to help fight prostate cancer. The Vancouver Island Motorcycle Ride to Live gets started at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 5th and makes it way to the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney where good food and entertainment awaits around 2 p.m. In 2010, the Ride to Live raised over $66,000 but our goal for 2011 is $150,000 and 1,000 bikes. With your help, we can do it!
In addition to the ride, there will be a full weekend of activites: • The WEEDS Fundraiser Dance for the Vancouver Island Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live will be at the Langford Legion Friday, June 3rd, 2011. Cash bar, 50/50, draw prizes, silent auction and munchies. DJ Circomplex, the Zone’s band of the month Step Back Dave, and The WEEDS. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets $15, available at Steve Drane Harley Davidson and Serious Coffee on Blanshard. • Vancouver Island 2011 Hot Rod & Harley show – June 4th and 5th at Pearkes Rec Centre. Open to all pre ’70s modified and specialty cars, trucks and all modified and custom motorcycles. All of the money raised from the Ride to Live will be dispersed back into the community through education and research grants, by September 2011. For more information on the Ride to Live visit www.vanisland.ridetolive.ca. For more information on how to submit a proposal for funding, contact The Prostate Centre at 250-388-0214 or by email at tpc@theprostatecentre.org.
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may 2011
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The Denta-Vet of McTavish Road by Tara Saracuse Ever heard of a collie with braces? What about a diamond embedded in a dog’s tooth? These are surely a few of the most unconventional procedures that Dr. Sue McTaggart has performed in her 34 years of practicing veterinary medicine, but at the Dean Park Pet Hospital, that old adage rings true: “Every tooth in a dog’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” Dr. McTaggart loves animals and teeth, and if you have a cat with a toothache, make sure your first stop is the Dean Park Pet Hospital. “Dentists have said ‘floss or pay the price,’” says Dr. McTaggart. “But our pets don’t floss, so it is all the more important to get regular dental checkups and cleaning. Dental care has been shown to lengthen and improve the quality of pets’ lives, not to mention their breath!” The good doctor first arrived in North Saanich in 1982. She chose North Saanich as her new home because she knew the area was in need of a vet, but also because “it was a good place to raise a family.” She opened the Deep Cove Pet Clinic on Cromar Road, where it operated for seven years. In 1992, Dr. McTaggart built a larger clinic on McTavish Road and renamed it the Dean Park Pet Hospital. In her 19 years at this location, Dr. McTaggart has focused on developing skills and equipment to stay at the forefront of veterinary practice as it continually evolves. When the talented Dr. Christina Klimaschka joined the practice in 2006, Dr. McTaggart took the opportunity to pursue a Fellowship in Veterinary Dentistry. This difficult and prestigious degree has brought her new challenges and venues to explore. She is now able to perform nearly any dental procedure available to humans – and this writer should know, since Dr. McTaggart has performed three root canals on my very grateful cat. This year, having become a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, Dr. McTaggart decided it was time for the clinic to expand once again. This 26
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month, the Dean Park Pet Hospital is moving down the street to 1700 McTavish Road – a location that will have more space for the complicated dental procedures that Dr. McTaggart performs. The new location offers digital radiography (X-ray) and will develop a prototype that does both dental and regular radiography using new technology. Dr. McTaggart has added her own special touches to the new clinic, such as windows installed at pet eye-level for curious patients and giant paw-prints in the parking lot to lead clients straight to the front door. The new space also includes a large seminar room, where Dr. McTaggart plans to hold workshops on animal health for her clients and also advanced dentistry workshops for colleagues and veterinary staff. The new Dean Park Pet Hospital will be celebrating its grand opening on May 15th, 2011. It will be an open house style event, so whether you’re a long-time client, a new pet owner looking for a vet or you have an interest in animal dentistry – stop by! This will be one of the few times the surgery suites will be open to the public, and the doctor is excited to share her exciting new space with the entire community. “My favourite part of being a veterinarian,” Dr. McTaggart says, “is having the ability to help an animal which cannot express its pain to humans. This in turn brings joy to people in knowing their pet is so much happier and healthier.”
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may 2011
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by Helen P. Lang
Mother’s Day
Everybody on earth has a mother, but few people have had a mother like ours. Her name was Grace, and it was the perfect name for her. Her grace wasn’t just physical: it was her manner, her goodness, her caring for others. She was strong. She had to be. There were three of us kids, plus a husband who loved her, but I recall her during tough times when we were living in a house without plumbing, running water or electric lights. She never lost her sense of humour, nor wept in our presence, though God knows she had cause. We were poor, but then so were most others. We wore clothes donated by richer relatives, but she had a “thing” about second-hand shoes, believing that you would inherit foot problems suffered by the original wearer, so, although we often had shoes with holes in the soles (covered daily with cardboard)
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During the Great Depression she raised chickens and turkeys to be sold for Christmas money and grew an enormous vegetable garden. She bottled fruit, made jam and mincemeat, washed clothes on a washboard in a huge tub on the back porch, dried them on a clothes-line and ironed them with what was called a “flat iron” which she heated on top of the stove. This stove, of course, burned wood which had to be chopped, carried into the house and fed into the stove’s innards. The ash had to be dumped daily. It makes me tired just to recall those days. My mum had a big copper “boiler” in which really soiled clothes were first soaked and then boiled on top of the stove before being transferred to the washtub on the porch. That same washtub was our bathtub, and we children took turns using it, being careful not to splash water on the wooden floors. There was what was called “an airtight heater” in the hall outside the bedrooms, and this, too, required wood, but during the winters, when the wood burned low and the fire died, we piled on the blankets, some of them tattered grey woollen ones purchased from the Salvation Army.
MT (Look for us in the courtyard)
and went barefoot all summer, we always got new shoes when school started in the fall.
We children didn’t realize we were poor; we loved the freedom of the outdoors on what was,I suppose, a small farm where we had a cow as well as the chickens. There was a barn, and on the rise above the slough, a most wonderful treasure – a pile of discarded articles: broken saucers, cups without handles, wheels from a broken bicycle, pieces of scrap lumber – all the marvelous things children need to build forts, make furniture, cars and even houses (whose roofs always leaked). During those lean years men looking for work, when passing our house, always seemed to come in and ask for something to eat.
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Mother always fed them but, determined to save their pride, always asked them to do something first: chop some wood, feed the hens, get the cow some hay, something so that they would feel they had earned the meal. She always sent them off with a fat sandwich tucked into a pocket.
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When the financial crisis eased we moved into a larger centre where I could attend high school, The Perfect Complement to Your and my Father bought Mother a piano. She was a wonderful pianist Sandwich, Soup, Muffin or Doughnut and played the organ in church as well as the accompaniment for a variety of singers at community events. She always played for two of our Uncles who sang wonderful songs. One I remember was “give me some men who are stout-hearted men and I’ll soon give you 10,000 more.” My Dad used to sit in an easy chair and close his eyes as he at the corner of Wallace Drive listened to her play. She has been gone & East Saanich Road Sidney but Pier Spa • Seaside Times for more than 40 years, remembering herMay now2011 • Size: 7.75” (w) x 4.925” (h) • Rev 3 • April 04/11 I could weep. She was one grand lady, my Mum.
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Pender Island Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce THE VOICE OF BUSINESS
O
Crystal Awards
for Business Excellence
Congratulations 2011 Award Recipients:
Business of the Year, 1-10 Employees Sponsor: Flader Hale Hughesman Award Recipient: Melinda’s Biscotti Certificate of Merit: Wendy L. Everson Law
New Business Sponsor: Seaside Times & Muse Winery Award Recipient: Wendy L. Everson Law Certificate of Merit: Lolly Gobble Sweet Shop
Business of the Year, 11-30 Employees Sponsor: The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa Award Recipient: Beacon Law Centre Certificate of Merit: Truffles Catering
Tourism Excellence Sponsor: Van Isle Marina Award Recipients: Oceanside RV Resort Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Business of the Year, 31+ Employees Sponsor: Island Savings Credit Union Award Recipient: Sidney SeniorCare Certificate of Merit: The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa
Employer of the Year Sponsor: Peninsula Co-op Award Recipient: Deep Cove Market Certificate of Merit: The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa
Not-For-Profit Organization of the Year Sponsor: Viscount Aero Centre Award Recipient: Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society Certificate of Merit: Mary Winspear Centre
High Tech or Scientific Innovation Sponsor: Victoria Airport Authority Award Recipient: Applied Bio-nomics Ltd. Certificate of Merit: Novaera Fuels Ltd.
Contribution to the Community Sponsor: Thrifty Foods Award Recipient: Salon J Hairstudios Certificate of Merit: Panorama Recreation
Land-Based Business of the Year Sponsor: Green Party of Canada Award Recipient: Smyth Farm Market Certificate of Merit: Michell Bros. Farm
Environmental Responsiveness Sponsor: Canoe Cove Marina Award Recipient: Sidney Bottle Depot Certificate of Merit: BC Hazmat Management Ltd.
Newsmaker of the Year (for 2010) Sponsor: Horizon Power Installations Award Recipient: ProNautic Custom Yacht Interiors Certificate of Merit: Victoria Costumes
Entrepreneurial Spirit Sponsor: The Smith Manoeuvre Award Recipient: Melinda’s Biscotti Company Certificate of Merit: 5252 Motorsports Ltd.
Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee: Jennie Butchart, founder, The Butchart Gardens
Thank You 2011 Crystal Award Sponsors
2011
n a cool blustery day in early April, I was standing in a large flat field on the Ross Smith Farm, trying to envisage the prolific fecundity that is produced here every summer by the members of the Pender Organic Community Garden Society (POCGS). With me was Debbie Katz, the enthusiastic president. “You would be amazed how much we grow,” she said. POCGS was formed in 2006, and was able to rent this parcel of land from George Ross Smith, a long-time farmer, for a mere $400 per year. “My husband, Herb, planned out the 24 lots, each 25 by 30 feet, and they are rented out for $20 per year to individuals or families. He also arranged the irrigation with the help of Jonny Meredith, our past president.” Debbie (pictured) pointed to the three paths that separated the four lines of six identical plots. After the recent heavy rains, the land was waterlogged, but it was still possible to see the green shoots of garlic growing in one area, and the withered rows of last year’s sunflowers bravely withstanding the fierce breeze. A high wire fence keeps out the abundant deer, and so far the envious herbivores have been kept at bay. All members are free to grow whatever they choose, and while some prefer onions, leeks and garlic, others produce rows of broccoli, carrots and beans of every kind. “We harvested more than 400 tomatoes last year on our plot, together with a fine crop of cucumbers and squash,” Debbie said. “And over there, Dr. Don
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Organic Community Garden at the start, but once the ground is raked, the seeds are planted and the bean poles erected, then the crowd thins as the early rush of enthusiasm diminishes.
Williams produces wonderful artichokes.” While lettuce, spinach and beetroot are popular, there is little enthusiasm for fruit bushes or strawberries. The one issue that is not debated in an organic garden is the banning of chemical sprays.
“We share the responsibility for the security of the gardens, and people help each other with tools and advice,” noted Debbie. Some of the members are knowledgeable gardeners, while others are keen probationers. The majority are young families or retired couples: both ends of
by Barry Mathias the social spectrum. Perhaps the best known expert is Koichiro (Arthur) Kikuchi who, with his family, runs an organic farm on Port Washington Road, yet still finds time to run a model plot in the gardens. I had imagined there would be considerable bartering of produce between the growers, but this is not the case. Debbie explained that most members grow a variety of crops, but only enough for their own use. One plot, run by teacher Julie Johnston, involves her students in growing wheat and producing flour. There is no doubt that community gardens have their place in the gradual move towards providing more local food. We are in a new age, and may have to return to an earlier, simpler time.
Watering is the ongoing problem during the hot months. A simple hosepipe arrangement exists, whereby two plots share a pipe that is connected by a valve to the main system, which is activated by a master valve near the front gate. It is the obligation of each gardener to turn off the system when they leave. “There is a lot of bartering over the watering of each other’s plots,” Debbie said. “Many of the members live up at Magic Lake, and it’s a long drive to come here if all they need to do is a five-minute watering.” This sharing of the annual workload begins as soon as the land dries off, with the rototilling of the whole area. This mass preparation of the land is like the beginning of a marathon race: everyone is there www.seasidetimes.ca
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Once in a Lifetime Opportunity by Fraser Smith * Note to readers: This article is part of an advertisement paid for by Smith Manoeuvre. The opinions expressed here are those of Fraser Smith and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and editor of Seaside Times.
W
e are on the brink of an opportunity that may never come again to our federal riding of Saanich – Gulf Islands.
We have all been presented with the chance to do something about the way our federal government is run. We have the power in this riding to elect a woman who has the will as well as the ability to fix most of what you and I have been grumbling about for the last half a century. She is the Leader of the Green Party of Canada. Her name is Elizabeth May. If we all vote as we have in the past, nothing will change for Canada. We will continue to be governed by large parties that like things the way they are. For instance, they like to hate the other parties and have brought us the abomination that is the attack ad. They like to run Question Period as the place to humiliate their opponents, to ridicule, to jeer, to interrupt – which is why nothing gets done. No teacher would ever knowingly take their class to see Question Period to watch the MP’s on the floor acting like spoiled brats. It is a travesty. The acrimony in the house extends into the committee work. Most committees end up functioning poorly because of partisan politics being brought into the meeting rooms. Canada does quite well by most measures in spite of our government, not because of it. You know there is a problem when they still stand up one by one to vote in the parliament. They waste huge amounts of time for each vote, whilst other countries use instant computer voting. The bunch of them can see to it that the Green Party, with candidates in every riding in Canada, supported by over 900,000 voters in the last election, is left out of the national TV debates. But they can’t get rid of the penny? It costs more to make a penny than a penny is worth. Why is it that the Green Party gets over 900,000 votes and elects zero MP’s? Because of our 32
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ridiculous first-past-the-post election system. We could end up with a majority government that only got 40% of the popular vote. That’s scary. What we need is a form of proportional representation as used in most countries around the world. Why don’t we have it now? Because the big parties like it the way it is. They take turns governing us lemmings, and let us think we really matter to their agenda. But we absolutely don’t, except when election time rolls around. Thankfully we have not turned into a true dictatorship, although the prime minister has told us that he will only answer four questions when he meets the press. Elizabeth May is a single mom whose family was unable to finance university for her so as an adult, she went to Dalhousie and got her law degree. She ran the Sierra Club of Canada for years, and has no problem admitting she is a tree hugger – she is proud of it. Millions of us know there is something wrong when the government stands by watching our environment corrode around us, using the excuse that it would hurt our economy to do something about it. In the meantime, smart business people all around us have realized that it is possible to have a sound economy based on green principals. Right here in Sidney we have a company that has, in just the past three or four years, received permits for construction of over $2 billion worth of wind farms in the Peace, with billions more coming. Elizabeth May is quite certain that it is possible to bring civility back into government. You and I were taught the importance of respect for others, the importance of kindness to others and we came to understand that being polite was where cooperation began. Respect, politeness and civility are the basics of the soup in which real problem solving and good business can occur. We have none of that in Ottawa and we need it desperately. Few Canadians are proud of what they see going on in Ottawa, and it needs to change. How can one person effect change? The rules in the House are quite plain that debates and exchanges must be conducted with decorum. Because all parties have succumbed to the rude and uncivil brawls we witness in public,
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the speaker does not enforce the rules.
It is true that Elizabeth May is a tree hugger, but she is also a very good conservative when it comes to the economy and she is a rabid liberal when it comes to ensuring that we find the ways to help those who cannot help themselves. She is just like you.
When Elizabeth May stands to speak for the first time in the house, she will be heckled, interrupted, jeered at and insulted just like any other parliamentarian. It is the norm. When the rubes start that, she will sit down without speaking. The speaker will admonish the rubes, and Elizabeth will stand again. The rubes will start heckling again. Elizabeth will sit down. Sooner or later, the speaker will come to understand that if he does not do his job and start ejecting rubes, Elizabeth May will be denied her right to speak for all of us in this riding, and her right to speak for all Canadians as leader of a national party that is growing stronger every day.
The Green Party has a platform that takes the best out of the other major parties. I spent six years on the national executive of the Reform Party, but I also voted for Trudeau many years ago. Our polarized political system had me going in circles. I have found my home in the Green Party, and so will you. Google “Green Party” and read their platform for yourself. Do a little research, and then, on voting day, give this lady a chance to demonstrate to all Canadians how the tools of kindness, civility, respect and decorum can restore our pride in our government, which has been so sadly lacking all these years. Elizabeth May needs you, but she would be the first to say that Canada needs you more.
In truth there are not many rubes in parliament. Almost all our parliamentarians are good, hard-working citizens in our communities. Gary Lunn is one of the nicest people I know, but, like all parliamentarians, he is held captive by the system that has evolved over the years which has ruined our parliament.
Convert your mortgage interest into tax deductions! 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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Rotary raises money for our community and for people who need help around the world. To see what we are up to right now, have a look at the outside back cover of this edition of Seaside Times.
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For morning people, we have Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club which meets every Thursday morning at 7 a.m. for a big breakfast, good times and good works.
IS YO U R M ORT GAG E TA X
The wonderful service club that is Rotary International is well represented on the Peninsula.
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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.
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forbes & marshall
Serendipity Doodads Forbes & Marshall are the hosts of 98.5 The OCEAN’S popular morning show. They are one of the few married morning show teams in Canada and have two children, Noah and Adam. Join Forbes & Marshall weekday mornings from 5:30 to 10:30 a.m. How many times has this happened to you? You’re sitting in front of the TV and your wife says “Do you want another pickle?” and, right at that moment, Ellen says the word pickle. “What a coincidence,” you think to yourself as you munch your salty cuke. We mentioned coincidences on the air recently and a women phoned and said she had a pretty good one. The story starts with how she was dragged kicking and screaming to a flea market by her sister. She had better things to do than poke around in other peoples knickknacks. In fact, the woman even refused to wander around, preferring instead to look at all the losers flitting about buying macramé plant hangers and various other useless doodads. After 10 minutes, she decided she was bored and reluctantly dragged herself over to the nearest table. Piled on top were a lot of old books and what appeared to be a dusty album full of black-and-white photos. Why on earth would anyone want to buy snapshots of people they didn’t know? the woman wondered. Curiosity peaked, she started thumbing through the worn pages. As she gazed at the first set of pics, her eyes fixed on a photo of a man she instantly recognized. It was a picture of her deceased grandfather! Heck, there were loads of photos of him. This was a revelation because her own family only had one or two beat-up snapshots of the man. The weird thing is, the seller couldn’t say where it came from … it must have been dumped off with a box of old books. It was the best toonie she ever spent.
by Michael Forbes
This kind of strange serendipity has happened to our family too. We recently traded in an old beater van that we used for hauling a cargo of kids for years. We were sad to see it go, but things were starting to break down and it was going to end up costing more than it was worth. Fast forward six days later … Lisa decides to take me on another one of her boot camp, punish your husband marathon runs that sees us scramble down Ocean Boulevard to Esquimalt lagoon. We ended up having to run with the traffic because it was too narrow to jog on the other side. It’s not a busy road but the cars that do use it obviously can’t wait to get to the beach because they are all going a thousand miles an hour. At one point, I turned to Lisa to curse her name and this powerful blast of air almost slam dunked us both into the ditch. It seems a vehicle had strayed too far over to the shoulder and came within millimetres of making us road kill. My life flashing before my eyes abruptly ended in grade six (around the time I poured gas on my sister’s Barbie and lit it on fire) because another, more powerful feeling took over: amazement. I realized that the car that almost ended us was our old beat-up van we’d traded in days earlier. The only difference was a fresh “N” sticker slapped horizontally on the back and an oblivious teen behind the wheel. I shared these stories with a friend who is not big on coincidences. To him, everything is black and white and has a logical explanation. I couldn’t convince him that these were truly extraordinary life events. Unimpressed, he said: “Maybe if Ellen was driving your old van and was distracted because she spilled pickle juice on a photo album of her dead grandfather, then you’d have something.”
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SEASIDE TIMES
www.seasidetimes.ca
may 2011
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A Renaissance Woman With a Green Thumb
T
by Tara Saracuse here’s a true Renaissance woman living in North Saanich, and if you have some time on a Saturday afternoon, treat yourself: pop over to Dig This, where you’ll be sure to find Marnie Cassidy.
Marnie is new to the West Coast, but she found her place here last October when she purchased Dig This, Sidney’s best resource for gifts and gear for the garden. Whether you like to grow flowers or vegetables, or shape outdoor or indoor spaces, Dig This will get you set up with the tools, knowhow and special touches you need to fulfill your goals. Marnie is thrilled to join the Dig This family, a franchise that was founded on Vancouver Island in the 1980s and now includes five stores. Now that she’s a shop owner, Marnie is thinking about where she would like to take Dig This: “My natural love of gardening makes me excited to get more gardening stuff. If we sell tools, we should sell lots of tools … and new and interesting things that people may not know about.” Since taking over Dig This Sidney, Marnie’s been stocking the shelves with every gardener’s favourite products: Felcos, Bogs Boots (pictured below), Garden Bandits, Renee’s Garden Sweet Pea Seeds and beautiful giftware for the home and garden. She has also carries the largest selection of West Coast Seeds north of Elk Lake. Marnie hails from Edmonton, where her gardening season was gallingly short. “(It’s) only about four months long,” she says. “I imagined what it would be like to garden all year round.” She decided to
move to the West Coast to be closer to family and pursue this possibility. Upon her arrival here, she secured a job at Marigold Nurseries, where she was able to fill the gaps in her West Coast gardening knowledge and confirm that a life spent with plants and people was what she truly craved. In September 2010, Marnie and her boyfriend Albert were driving down Beacon Avenue when Marnie remembered she’d seen online that Dig This was for sale. The rest is history, she explains: “Albert said, ‘You can do it.’ I started laughing, ‘No I can’t. I don’t know how.’ But he convinced me and two weeks later I owned the store. I had no retail experience, no small business experience, but here I am!” Despite her lack of formal know-how, Marnie brought other skills to her new venture that would prove invaluable. In Edmonton, she worked as a flight attendant and
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as a supervisor for Canada Post, experiences that taught her the value of solid customer service and teamwork. She’s also an avid hobbyist, having dabbled in quilting, pottery and stained glass arts. Marnie’s natural aptitude for creative ventures has helped her to create attractive displays. Marnie also came here with the best support a new business owner can ask for: her two daughters. Hannah (age 12) often helps Marnie in the store on weekends, and Ceili (age 10) likes to help at special events. Marnie also feels blessed to have the support of her “dream team” staff: Gillian, Christine and Wendy. A Renaissance woman with a green thumb – Sidney is lucky to have Marnie’s ambitious and energetic spirit at the head of Dig This. Marnie is excited to be offering all kinds of workshops at Dig This. “For me,” she says, “Workshops are so much fun. People come to the store and it’s like you’re entertaining. There’s food, we put on some music, we learn something and it’s wonderful!” In March, the store hosted a seed starting workshop, and Marnie’s especially looking forward to her May workshop which will focus on growing succulents. Mostly, Marnie is happy to be part of a community like Sidney. “I’m thankful for the people who have come in already and encouraged me,” she says. “I want my store to be a destination, where gardeners or people who appreciate gardens can come and connect with information, other people and products that will inspire them to learn, create and enjoy.” If you’d like to receive the Dig This email newsletter, which includes information on upcoming workshops, sale announcements and gardening advice call Marnie at 778-426-1998 or email her at sidney@ digthis.com. If you drop by the store and ask to have your email added to the list, you will receive a free Bottle Top Watering Tool (perfect for seed starting). Also, don’t forget to visit www.digthis.com.
Join the Theatre of Nature! Experience Floriade 2 0 1 2
This world-class horticultural event only happens once every 10 years, and 2012 sees it combined with the uniqueness that is Uniworld Boutique River Cruising!
Gems of Germany, Belgium & the Netherlands with 2012 Floriade Brussels to Cologne – May 13, 2012
Murray Coell
**other dates also available**
Pricing from $3,013 CDN pp
MLA Saanich North and the Islands
Office: F-2412 Beacon Avenue Sidney, BC V8L 1X4 Toll Free: (866) 655–5711 Phone: (250) 655–5711
www.murraycoellmla.bc.ca
Included: all taxes, daily shore excursions (entrance fee to Floriade), wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner, bottled water in your stateroom daily and much more. **based on double occupancy** BC Reg No. 2550-6
Expedia CruiseShipCenters Sidney – 250.656.5441 sidney@cruiseshipcenters.com Mt. Doug – 250.477.4877 mtdoug@cruiseshipcenters.com
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may 2011
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Your Co-op, Your Community, Your Choice. Peninsula Co-op started as a simple idea with a handful of members back in 1977 and has grown and matured to a sophisticated, strong and successful organization which is owned by over 55,000 members locally and throughout the Region, all of whom benefit from our services and profit sharing. Today, 71% of the private dwellings in Central Saanich are members of Peninsula Co-op! Your Peninsula Co-op is now at the point where a new food store is an absolute requirement to serve the community of Central Saanich. The original Co-op Food Centre is located in the Keating industrial area which is increasing more suited for light industry and technology. We want to remain a vibrant part of the Brentwood community and have submitted plans to build a new food market closer to the community hub at the entry of Brentwood Village. Sixteen years ago your Co-op purchased property located on West Saanich Road, adjacent to the Co-op Gas Centre in Brentwood. This land was not and is not in the Agricultural Land Reserve and has been idle for many years. The new food market design takes full advantage of currently available sustainable technologies and sound planning principles resulting in a more energy efficient, ecologically sensitive and long-lasting contribution to the Brentwood community. We have a successful business model and remain committed to local ownership, democratic governance and creating benefits for our members and the communities we serve. With the support of our members, customers and community partners we look forward to building the most attractive and energy efficient locally owned food market on the island.
W hat’s on Your Bucket List?
T
by Georgina Bourdeau
here has been much talk over the last couple of years over a phenomenon called “The Bucket List.” A movie has been made and it was a contest on the local radio station. There’s always a buzz when it’s mentioned – an excitement in the air that feels like Christmas and, to some, an awakening to what is possible at any point in one’s life no matter how old you are. It is a list of what you would like to accomplish before you kick the bucket but, more than that, it’s a list of dreams that you work toward the whole duration of your life. When you bring a dream to realization you cross it off your list and go on to the next. Some may think this is silly, but let’s give it some thought. Without dreams our lives may become mundane, a life full of monotonous choirs. You become imprisoned within the walls of society. However, what if you were to draw up a list of things you would like to accomplish in your life and grand adventures you would like to embark on? This list rewards us, fulfills us and thrusts us into the unknown where anything is possible. So arm yourself with pen and paper. Sit down and start writing. Granted there are some individuals that would give this great thought, but that’s not what the exercise is about. We give our lives great thought. As soon as we leave school we plan a career path, the purchase of a house and how many children we are going to have. Then we continue to plan our retirement. The bucket list is the spontaneous person inside of us just waiting to be let out. No matter how zany your ideas are, write them down. Do you want to go to Africa on a safari? Write your memoirs or the next best selling novel? Do you want to meet the Dali Lama? Paint your house in shades of red, orange and yellow or meet long lost relatives in Hungary? Whatever your dreams are, this is the moment to release them, to set them free and to be as uninhibited as possible. Now that you have created a bucket list, it’s not enough to slip it under your pillow and hope for the best. Putting it out there to the universe is a good start but there are things you can do to make that bucket list come to fruition. Pick something on the list and ask yourself “what can I do to make this happen?” In order SEASIDE TIMES
to write a book, do I start a writing group to surround myself with people who have the passion to write? If it’s a trip do I start Googling for house swapping, couch surfing or ride sharing? Do I start looking at last-minute plane tickets or cruise ships? Even five dollars here or there in a bucket list account at the bank is working toward fulfilling your dreams. Visit the library and read about the places you want to go to. Gather all your old magazines, cut out pictures of the things you have on your bucket list and make a collage. Paste your face on people having the adventures you want on the computer, then print it. These are ways to be inspired and to start the ball rolling. The bucket list helps us to reconnect with ourselves – the wild part of us that has been suppressed by responsibilities. What’s on your bucket list?
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Expedia CruiseShipCenters Sidney – 250.656.5441 sidney@cruiseshipcenters.com Mt. Doug – 250.477.4877 mtdoug@cruiseshipcenters.com
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may 2011
39
veterin ary voice
Adopting a Pet – In Search of Your Forever Friend by Shelley Breadner, DVM Spring is upon us and with it comes new abundance of life. We only have to look at our local classified ads to discover numerous offers for puppies and kittens and other animals. Dogs have the ability to reproduce year round whereas cats, birds, rabbits and other small critters tend to be more productive in the spring and summer when nature’s planned boost in food sources occurs. You are thinking about adopting a new pet. So how do you know what pet is best for you and your family? Do you like to be active outdoors? Are you one to have quiet evenings reading or watching television? Are you away from home for long hours each day? How much time are you able to commit to this new family member on a daily basis? Families that love outdoor adventures with hiking, swimming, camping and more are highly suited to having a dog that is active like they are. Remember if you have a family and smaller vehicle, it will be difficult
Splish Splash...
Adopting a puppy is a wonderful experience, yet requires a large amount of time with house training, social dog training and managing the “teenager” period. If you are not prepared, you can become frustrated and lose interest. Even worse, your pet may become a burden for you or develop behavioural problems and end up at a local shelter. Shelters are great places to find dogs of all ages, and amazing relationships are waiting for an opportunity to develop! Take time to go to your local shelter to see what they have to offer.
An Orderly Bath 250-655-7732 www.FlushBath.ca
to find room for that Bernese mountain dog on all your adventures. Various websites have questionnaires to help find the breed most suitable for you. Take into account expenses such as social dog training classes, grooming and veterinary care. Pet insurance is recommended for all dog and cats.
Flush Bathroom Essentials
102-2537 Beacon Ave, Sidney BC
Spring kittens are in great demand, yet end of summer finds more kittens than homes available for them. Check your local shelter as they often have young cats in need of homes. If you do adopt a kitten or puppy, please ensure it is spayed or neutered before any opportunity of having babies! This is a great way to educate your younger family members about the responsibilities of being a great pet owner. Most cats
Sidney ’s Pet Centre & Aquatics For Everything Your Pet Needs
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SEASIDE TIMES
www.seasidetimes.ca
do well living indoors. This keeps your cat safe and helps support the diversity of our wild bird populations. Environmental enrichment is essential for all animals, and cats are no different, even with an entire house to roam in. Create various perches, tunnels, hiding spots and climbing venues for your cat. They are fast learners and can learn amazing tricks, if you take time to teach them with positive reinforcement!
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Cats, small birds, rabbits and small pets can be given a wonderful home, even if you do work long hours. Larger birds can be very loud, and require higher levels of social interaction. Although beautiful, they are not for everyone. Many pets do better with companions, so consider this an option with the smaller pets. Some pets such as sugar gliders must be housed with a companion, as this is essential for their well-being. If you adopt a pet, please take time to learn about how to care for it properly. Exotic animals including reptiles or amphibians require special husbandry and knowledge on how to keep them healthy. Your veterinarian can provide information for you on this to help your new pet stay healthy.
The Name Says it All!
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Consider adopting a pet and experiencing a life long relationship that will give you far more love than you ever imagined! It may be the best decision you ever make. For more information visit www.breadnervet.com. black I flavoured black I green I flavoured green I high antiox decaf I rooibos I flavoured rooibos I oolong I organic I herbal
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Hours: Weekdays 7:30 am - 4 pm / Saturday 8:30 am - 4 pm / Sunday 9 am - 4 pm www.seasidetimes.ca
may 2011
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Star Cinema – A Community Experience by Moira Gardener
Coming to the Star in May!
www.starcinema.ca
250.655.3384
Your cosy local cinema has...
Great Movies! Great PoPcorn! Great Prices! Sidney’s 9842 Third Street, Sidney, BC
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SEASIDE TIMES
Arriving in the lobby of Star Cinema, with its red carpeted entrance and homey atmosphere, I’m welcomed by Sandy Oliver, co-owner of the Cinema with her sister Carolyn Lewis. We take a tour, then settle down on the red chaise lounge in the lobby to talk about the Star. In 1998, Sidney residents were looking for something for the town’s youth to do. The mayor contacted Sandy, who was then living and working as a theatre projectionist and manager on Salt Spring Island. He invited her to Sidney in hopes of bringing back a movie house. It had been 25 years since the Martman family’s Gem theatre, and Sidney was long overdue. Sandy (pictured, right) thought the idea was not only possible but probable, so she, Carolyn (pictured at left) and sisters Judy and Marlene Holt, along with many helping hands, got the theatre off the ground. First they needed a home. There was a building on 3rd Street and Sidney Avenue that had seen several transformations: for cold storage and as a furniture store and bowling alley. The most recent occupant, who’d closed the doors in 1996, had run a bingo hall. This meant smoking, so the women had their work cut out for them, but this is where they decided to settle and still reside. www.seasidetimes.ca
As we wind down our time together I look around the lobby at the blue wooden dresser brought over from Salt Spring Island, the china cabinet surrounded by stars and a stuffed animal named Cinamutt. I smell the popcorn, appreciate the ambience and think: locals supporting locals. It’s contagious.
Sweet shop sidney’s traditional Candy Store British Candy chocolate 7 84 2 62 54 1 novelty Candy ph:7 jar candy . eets com lollipops lolly Jelly Bellies w gobbles candy gifts Sugar free Candy Bouquets Dutch Licorice
9774 third street sidney (behind BMO) may 2011
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Our spring collection showcases a unique and diverse selection of shirts from
Gobble y l l o L
Without losing its grass roots appeal, Star Cinema has been flung into the digital age. They still operate one film projector, but in March they modernized the other. Digital cinema has come into its own and Star is evolving along with it. “We have arrived,”
d.g.bremner & co.
What’s ahead? Hopefully a second digital projector with satellite capabilities, seating that is reconfigured for better legroom and sight lines and the launch of a community film society – all very exciting!
A C C E S S O R I E S
What makes the theatre a real “star” is the personalized, heartfelt extras. The sisters listen to what the audience wants and bring in smaller films. They keep the volume reasonable, and will even reserve a seat. During birthday parties the kids get to start the movie and sign the wall and the audience loves it when Carolyn or Sandy stands up to greet them before a show. It’s these touches that keep Star from being just another theatre.
Sandy says with enthusiasm. “This little theatre has brought us over 14,000 films in 12 years – now that’s amazing.”
A N D
In September 1998, with the finest of first-run films, affordable goodies, real buttered popcorn and a professional mural on the side of the building, the doors opened. What began as a youth initiative quickly found its way into the hearts of the community, both young and old alike. In 2002 the Holt sisters took a step back, but Sandy and Carolyn continued. There is passion in Sandy’s voice as she explains: “Cinema is a social event. It’s about the community, stimulating hearts and minds and it’s like getting ready for a party.”
M E N S W E A R
In the summer of 1998 these women and their supporters used elbow grease to scrub, scrape gum off old theatre seats, polish and paint and in the end, a Star was born. They’d recreated the era when the movie house was the community gathering place; a home away from home.
In a sea of information, a new website is helping connect citizens with ocean science. Marineapedia, created by The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, is a marine diversity website modelled after Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org). Marineapedia, registered as www.mysalishsea.ca,
N
Salish Sea Citizen Science by Tina Kelly, Ocean Advocate, Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
FOOD SPeCiALS Mondays – Halibut & Chips $10.95 Tuesday – Burger & A Pint $9.95 Wednesdays – Victoria’s Best! 35¢ Wings Thursdays – Great Pizzas $7.95 Fridays – “Happy Appies” 2 – 6 pm Steak Sandwich $10.95 Saturdays – Roast Beef Dinner $9.95 Sundays – Pot Pies $7.95
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SEASIDE TIMES
is designed to encourage Internet users to participate in citizen science by blending computer literacy skills with an appreciation for nature and research skills. Through the site’s simplified format, users of any age, with no specific scientific training, can engage in informal scientific research related to the vast biodiversity of the local marine ecosystem. The information their research uncovers is shared on the website for other users to access as a source of information and as a springboard for further research. My Salish Sea takes its name from the newly named and accepted bi-national Northern Pacific ecosystem that includes Washington State’s Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands, as well as British Columbia’s Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia. The name recognizes and pays tribute to the first inhabitants of the region, the Coast Salish people. www.seasidetimes.ca
For each species, basic information
News from the Seaside
d.g.bremner & co.
Users start by creating a user account. Once a Citizen Scientist account is created, users can follow the steps to create a species page. Pick a species from any of the five categories: invertebrates, birds, mammals, plants and fish.
M E N S W E A R
The Salish Sea is home to more than 3,000 species, from small invertebrates to birds and large marine mammals. My Salish Sea celebrates the diversity of this region and its creators hope it will serve as an easy-to-access database for information on all of these species.
A N D
If users are able to get a firsthand look at their species, the addition of their own photography and video is welcomed. The final stage of the process involves submitting the information to the site administrators who review and approve the material prior to online publication. Once verified, users can see their citizen science published on the web.
Grab a computer, become a Citizen Scientist and explore local biodiversity
By using a tool that is central to the interest of most people − the computer − My Salish Sea helps citizens discover nature, share their discoveries and inspire others to investigate the biodiversity of the Salish Sea.
may 2011
45
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Although only 64 of the more than 3,000 species are endangered, threatened or candidates for listing, users are encouraged to research and learn the conservation concerns and status for their chosen species. These concerns may include threats to the habitat that supports the species, sustainability issues surrounding a fishery for the species or disruptions to the species food web.
A C C E S S O R I E S
needs to be researched, compiled and entered for publication on the site. The basics include species identification such as size, shape, behaviour and distinctive markings, as well as habitat, diet and predators. Space is also provided for information on Coast Salish uses and “Did you Know” offers users a chance to add fun facts and interesting anecdotes that do not fit into other categories.
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The Fine Art of Blending
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by Steve Sheppard I was driving along listening to the different leaders talk about Canada on the news the other day, and it reminded me how diverse our population really is. Diversity is a good thing, especially when it comes to the blending of coffee!
The whole purpose of blending is to amplify, leverage or enhance certain characteristics of each coffee Call 250.652.1818 For a Hassle-Free Estimate type within the blend itself while www.admiralsroofing.com www.admiralsroofing.com • info@admiralsroofing.com de-emphasizing any shortcomings or #9 - 6782 Veyaness Rd, Saanichton BC “voids” in the flavour profile. It’s been said that “a great blend is one that yields more than the sum of its parts.”
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In terms of espresso making, blending is a requirement as few single origin coffees are complex enough to satisfy the complex requirements of most people’s taste buds. It’s also very difficult to have a single origin be full flavoured enough to stand alone as an espresso shot, and be diverse enough to cut through milk without “getting lost.”
In the espresso blending process, having the balance of crema (natural sugar and oil on top of an espresso shot) with the to hours make.les the Pour des corrections, veuillez communiquer avec votrebody conseillerdans 48 heure ommuniquer avec votre conseillerdans les 48 heures . / For corrections, please contact your Consultant within 48 drinker feel as though the coffee experience wasn't and uninteresting is the goal. The crema Veuillez apposer“flat” votre signature pour pour Signature _____________________ Signature ______________________________________________________________________________________ confirmer votreis approbation aujourd’hui. jourd’hui. an emulsified layer of tiny, smooth bubbles Nom / Name ___________________ Nom / Name ______________________________________________________ Date ________________________ Please sign to confirm your approval today.compounds. This layer coats roval today. that trap aromatic J’ai pris connaissance des conditions au ve J’ai pris connaissance des conditions au verso et j’yconseillerdans consens. / I haveles read the conditions on the reverse and I accept them.contact your Pour des corrections, veuillez communiquer avec votre 48 heures . / For corrections, please Consultant within 48 hours the tongue and breaks down over time, allowing Annonce de 100.0% taille réelle impr nnonce diffusée est Veuillez de 100.0% de la taillepour réelle imprimés. 14661997AB / Ad shown isPage 100.0% size. est ofof1 actual apposer votre signature Signature ______________________________________________________________________________________ the 1espresso toprinted be diffusée enjoyed long after it de haslabeen confirmer votre approbation aujourd’hui. consumed. Therefore, it’s essentialDate to________________________ combine an Nom / Name ______________________________________________________ Please sign to confirm your approval today. J’ai pris connaissance desaromatic conditions au verso et j’y consens. / I haveones read the conditions on the reverse and I accept them. coffee with that are higher in acidity réelle imprimés. / Adthat shown is 100.0% of body actual printed size. or ones have more (depth). 14661997AB Page 1 of 1 Annonce diffusée est de 100.0% de la taille(lively) Some coffee experts say that you need to have four or more beans to make a good espresso blend,
46
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Remember: taste is always subjective, but freshness is not. Trust your own taste buds; they’re always right for you. Steve out.
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One note: don’t use too many dark or French roast coffees in a blend, as it’s not always going to give you the balance and taste experience you think you should get from it.
A C C E S S O R I E S
In terms of experimentation, blending is limitless; however, don’t be fooled by what is said on the label of your favourite blend. It’s still up to you to decide what it tastes like and whether you enjoy it or not.
A N D
The most common method of blending is called “Artisan Blending,” which simply means the combination of beans from different countries. Each bean is first roasted to perfection, then the tough part begins. A roastmaster must then take the beans and find combinations of the different varieties that enhance the flavours of the original beans themselves. This process itself takes time and, if done incorrectly, will cause the wonderful
properties to cancel themselves out. Coffees known for their “brightness” might include Costa Rica, Guatemala, Columbia and Venezuela. Other coffees known for their body include Sumatra, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Sulawesi and New Guinea. These coffees add the body to the blend, allow the brightness at the beginning to be memorable and separate the finishing characteristics to be noticeable.
M E N S W E A R
which is simply untrue. I’ve tasted a number of two-bean blends that are wonderful, and because taste is so subjective each person will experience the same blend in a slightly different way. Some examples of “base beans” (as they’re called in the coffee roasting business) are: Brazil, Peru, Mexico or Panama. These coffees have a reputation for not being too overbearing, while at the same time adding enough body and sweetness to allow the other more distinct coffees to shine with their uniqueness.
footprints
Conversations From the Past – Jennie Butchart by Valerie Green 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. Everyone is familiar with the world-renowned Butchart Gardens in Tod Inlet. How great it would have been to sit down and talk with the lady who started it all: Jennie Butchart. (Interview conducted in the late 1930s).
Interviewer Can you tell me a little about your early life before you moved to Vancouver Island, Mrs. Butchart?
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I That is so sad. B Well, I made the best of it. My aunt tried to teach me domestic skills but I must have been quite a handful for her during my teen years. I Is it true you once made a trip in a hot air balloon and also flew in one of the latest flying machines with a French aviator?
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Butchart Ah yes indeed … I was quite the adventurous young lady. Sadly, I never knew my father, who died the year I was born and then my mother died when I was twelve. I was then sent to live with an aunt in Owen Sound.
B Yes, that was Louis Bleriot who flew across the English Channel solo from Calais to Dover in 1909. I was always up for an adventure but I was not allowed to neglect my education. I graduated in 1885 from the Brantford Young Ladies College with a scholarship to study art in Paris. I So how did you end up coming to Vancouver Island? B (A spark came into her eyes.) Well,
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I fell in love with dear Mr. Butchart. I was only 18 you know, and he was almost 10 years older than me, but he completely swept me off my feet.
I How romantic! B He was very ambitious and his career was about to take off in a big way. We moved out west because he wanted to get in on the ground floor of the business of manufacturing cement. While exploring the Tod Inlet one day, he found just the right location for his cement plant. I And that was where you also had your family home built?
I (I could tell that Mrs. Butchart did not want to talk about that any further so I changed the subject). I Tell me about your other passion – automobiles. B Well, Mr. Butchart loved the automobile and I was one of the first ladies in Victoria to own an electric car. I Electric? That too is amazing! (After our interview, Mrs. Butchart served me tea in the conservatory at Benvenuto). Robert Butchart died in 1942 and Jenny in 1950, but Butchart Gardens has continued under subsequent family ownership for over 10 decades and today is comparable to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Valerie Green is an author and historian and can be reached at valgee@shaw.ca. Photo of Jennie Butchart courtesy The Butchart Gardens Ltd.
B Yes, and we soon moved in with our two daughters, Jennie and Mary. We called the house Benvenuto which means “welcome” in Italian, and while my husband was busy with business, I planted some sweet pea seeds and a single rose bush we had received in our garden which we had received as a gift. I So that was the beginning of the Gardens? B Yes, but I really knew next to nothing about gardening. I soon began to love it with a passion and once the old disused cement quarry dried up, I turned it into a sunken garden. Eventually people came from around the world to see how spectacular it all was.
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I How did the custom of serving tea begin?
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B Well, I always loved to entertain. Do you know that by 1915 they tell me that tea had been served to at least 18,000 people? I That is amazing! B Yes indeed. Our two daughters married well too: Mary in 1910 to William Todd of the prestigious Todd family, and Jennie married Harry Ross. Sadly he died and then Jennie got herself involved with some Russian prince who was many years her junior … strange affair.
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I
The Month of May – World War II by Ada Serson
was six years old when Hitler interrupted my life with his evil and depraved dream of ruling Europe and populating it with the Aryan race. He not only interfered with my life, but with millions of other children’s lives. On May 10th, 1940 the Germans gave the city of Rotterdam the ultimatum to surrender or it would be bombed on May 14th, 1940. The city surrendered immediately but nonetheless, on May 14th heavy bombardment began on Rotterdam. The heart of the city was completely destroyed and 40,000 people lost their lives that day. We lived approximately 30 kilometres east of Rotterdam. Our house was built below the dyke that prevented the river from overflowing. When we heard the noise of all those planes flying overhead, we ran up to the dyke to see what was going on. I remember holding my Dad’s hand and looking up as wave after wave of bombers, swastikas painted on the underside, flew directly overhead. We had never seen airplanes before and watched in stunned silence as the sky was filled with the sight and sound of all those planes. The rumble of the engines was deafening and they flew so low that in my imagination they almost touched our heads. Then, far away, we saw the bombs fall and the first flames shooting into the air. When the planes
returned, the horizon was full of flames and black smoke.
there and then and admired her courage.
My next memory is of soldiers everywhere. Our school was seized by German soldiers who had been fighting at the front and were in need of a resting place. Straw was put on the floors in the classrooms and the soldiers were de-liced and de-fleaed and generally cleaned up. The eight commanding officers lived and slept in my parent’s parlour. Again, straw on the carpet and muddy boots stamping through our house.
Finally spring came and with spring Liberation. Hitler’s dream had come to an end. On May 5th, 1945 people were dancing in the streets all night long. The next day I walked past the butcher’s store and saw a crowd of people in front while the butcher stood in the doorway, brandishing a knife. Some men rushed past him and dragged his daughter out. They took her to the market square, shaved off all her hair and painted a red swastika on her bald head. My mother told me that the daughter had dated a German soldier and the men shaving her head were underground resistance fighters.
My grandmother, aunt, uncle and their two children who lived in southwest Holland were evacuated and came to stay with us when the Germans broke the dykes in their area and the land was flooded. For my brothers and I this was fun: kids to play with! I shared a bedroom with my grandmother, a feisty little lady who clandestinely listened to a radio that she had hidden in our wardrobe. One summer evening when we were going to bed there were mosquitoes in our room, so my grandmother took her apron, opened the windows while the light was on and shooed the mosquitoes out. From the dark outside someone yelled “lichts aus” (meaning lights out). She must have been angry and irritated about life in general, so she leaned out of the window and yelled back in Dutch “Dirty Hun.” I thought she would be shot right
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May the surviving veterans of the Second World War know that without their help many of us children would have been forced to be part of Hitler’s Aryan dream. Instead, the world has become a better place. A mixture of people of different race and colour now live in a united Europe that includes Germany. A free and independent Jewish state, free to defend its own borders, has been in existence since 1948. I and all the people in Holland will be forever grateful to the Allied Forces and in particular to the Canadian soldiers who liberated us from the evil that would have been perpetrated had Hitler won the war.
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14/07/10 3:22 PM may 2011 51
Building a Platform One Recipe at a Time “You’re just not famous enough,” a high falutin' New York literary agent told Pender Island-based Theresa Carle-Sanders. “And there will never be another Julia Child.”
by Trysh Ashby-Rolls
Carle-Sanders had been invited to submit ideas for a book based on the recipes of a best-selling novelist – according to the New York Times, no less. Theresa might have retorted, not famous enough … yet! But she is far too busy “getting there” – wherever “there” is – to worry about a momentary sting. In any case, if you want to be a writer, get used to rejection. So by now you may be saying, who is this Theresa Carle-Sanders? How do you get famous when you’re not? What the dickens is “building a platform?” Theresa has always adored cooking. After years in managerial and executive positions, she decided to change course and do what she loves. First, she trained as a chef, graduating top of her class at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver. She didn’t want to open a restaurant or even a lunchtime sandwich bar. This 40-year-old wanted to be a cooking writer and food personality. To do that, she has to do what marketing and promotion people call “build a platform” in order to get known. Building a platform is somewhat akin to a doctor with a general practice specializing in, say, catching babies at home, writing papers, articles
Carle-Sanders started by writing a daily internet food blog. Never before had she sat down every day to write a piece in its entirety. Doing so gave her experience and confidence. She approached a small arts and entertainment magazine where she began writing a monthly Wild Food column. Meanwhile, the blog morphed into a full-blown website, www. islandvittles.com. It currently attracts 300 visitors a day. Now she is doing radio appearances – CBC’s On the Island and CFAX, where she’s a regular on Lifestyle with Patty Mack. They talk food, which Theresa would happily chat about all day if anyone would let her. “I’d like to get people back to cooking whole foods from scratch, nothing processed,” she says. “Updated dishes so they’re quick and easy, and under an hour from prep to table.” The site is entertaining, interactive and practical, with step-by-step close-up photos of a dish in the making as well as shots of the finished product. Together with husband Howard Sanders, a real estate agent, she made some videos in which she forages for wild foods – rose hips, watercress and nettles – then returns to her kitchen to make rosehip syrup, nettle pesto and baked potato stuffed with watercress. “Perfect for vegan gourmets,” she says.
Jim Laing – 250-652-2923
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A family owned and operated community business with more than 40 years of service 52
SEASIDE TIMES
and books and getting herself into the media until she has her own show – just like Dr. Oz or Dr. Phil.
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You can view them on YouTube or on Theresa’s website. Originally, she considered specializing in wild foods but now feels more drawn to the recipes, menus and foods consumed by characters in fiction, movies, history and plays. Island Vittles already features two interviews, with literary stars Diana Gabaldon and Audrey Niffenegger. Theresa raves about the 18th century dishes in Gabaldon’s Outlander series. “The descriptions are so vivid you want to go straight to the kitchen to reproduce them.” One thing’s clear: if Theresa Carle-Sanders doesn’t get wherever that agent wants her to be in order to represent her work, it won’t be for lack of grit, slog and the motto Never Give Up. More importantly, she’s having a heckuva lot of fun on the way.
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Donna Stewart Sidney Pier (Georgia) Seaside Times AdM. May 2011 • Size: 7.75” (w) x 4.925” (h)Rd • Final File • April 05/11 7159A W Saanich hearcentralsaanich.com Audiologist/Owner
Welcome back the summer with soft serve ice-cream at Georgia Cafe starting May 1st Grab a coffee and enjoy a light meal of ever-changing daily features including breakfast sandwiches, grilled wraps, and fresh salads... and of course we have ice cream too!
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may 2011
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Pizza & Calzones • Amazing Mexican Food Specialty Coffee & Ice Cream
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may 2011
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Soaring With Eagles
Make a note of this name – Stephanie W. Mungai: a name sure to be linked with a major scientific breakthrough or social advancement someday.
Right now Stephanie is enrolled in Class 6 at Kimuri Primary School on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. She is the class monitor, a Girl Guide and an athlete, and contributes to fund-raising efforts at her school by participating in sponsor walks and races. This year Stephanie’s grades earned her the distinction of top scholar in her class of 48 students. Stephanie’s parents earn their livelihood by operating a small shoe store on the outskirts of Nairobi and a quality education for their daughter is not within their means. Through the auspices of Eagle Heights Africa;
however, a generous Sidney family has guaranteed Stephanie’s education until her high school graduation. Eagle Heights Africa in BC is a new society registered in British Columbia and working with partners in Kenya. Its members are united by the motivation to turn educational hope into reality. The B.C. Society raises funds to sponsor quality education for deserving students in Kenya. Take Lewis, for example: an engaging and cheerful nine-year-old boy living on the outskirts of Nairobi. He has five brothers and sisters, and on the small farm where he lives, his parents can barely eke out an existence to support the family, let alone pay for a luxury like school. Students at Parkland Secondary School have
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Admission includes live entertainment performances, full gourmet tea, silent and live(ly) auction Proceeds benefit education opportunities for deserving students in Kenya
Tickets available at: Fresh Cup Saanichton • Parkland School • Stelly’s School • Tanner’s Books 56
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5 9 7 1 3 6 8 2 4
3 6 2 4 7 8 1 9 5
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Exceedingly Evil 4 7 1 9 6 5 3 2 8
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Puzzle by websudoku.com
2 8 9 5 4 6 1 7 3
6 1 4 7 9 3 2 8 5
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Photo: tomorrow’s leaders – the Eagle Heights Africa students (Stephanie, far left; Lewis, centre).
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Welcome
How easy is it to become part of the Eagle Heights Africa story? Very easy. For more information about Eagle Heights Africa in BC (membership or sponsorship) contact president (and Peninsula resident) Bill German at 250-8894103 or wbgerman@telus.net.
Sudoku Solutions 4 2 6 7 8 3 5 1 9
Eagle Heights Africa is about making connections – offering B.C. residents an opportunity to provide African boys and girls with good schooling, something completely outside their families’ means. It’s an opportunity for people who believe in the power of education to make a difference in shaping the direction of Africa’s future leaders. Funds raised in B.C. are managed and distributed in Kenya by Eagle Heights Africa (Kenya), thereby eliminating costly administration fees. Eleven students are currently registered with Eagle Heights Africa.
EHA in B.C., in partnership with Parkland students, is holding its main fund-raising activity later this month – the Spring Gala. Mark the date – Sunday, May 29th – and plan to be there (for more details see ad previous page). Your ticket includes an afternoon filled with some of the Peninsula’s best emerging musical talent, a gourmet tea and silent and live auctions. Well-known Shaw TV personality, Karen Elgersma, will be master of ceremonies
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singled out Lewis and made a commitment to sponsor his education until he graduates from high school. So far, Parkland students have raised the funds to cover the next four years of Lewis’s tuition and school supplies.
to The Cedarwood
Beautiful waterfront location on the Saanich Peninsula • Pet and child friendly Daily, weekly and monthly rates • Long-term parking available Ask about our island resident rates
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 www.seasidetimes.ca
may 2011
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What’s Happening – May 2011
Tuesday Evenings Saanich Peninsula Toastmasters Meeting
Vancouver Island Regional Library, Sidney, 7:30 p.m. 250-656-3738, camjen@shaw.ca 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.
Saturdays & Mondays Bridge Sessions
The Centre For Active Living 50+ 1229 Clarke Road, Brentwood Bay 250-652-4611, cssca@shaw.ca We invite you to experience one of the many experiences we offer. Of special interest are the bridge groups. Saturdays 1-4 p.m. is a bridge clinic, and Mondays from 1-4 p.m. is for more advanced players. Come for two free sessions!
May 6
Music-Aid Benefit Concert Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, 7:30 p.m. 250-656-0275, www.marywinspear.ca All profits from this event, put on by a group of students (Music-Aid) from Heather McLeod School of Music, will be used to support the musical education and performing arts programs within the curriculum of school district 63. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for students and seniors.
May 6 & June 17
Spring into Stories: Story Fest 2011 Intrepid Theatre Club, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. www.victoriastorytellers.blogspot.com Story Fest 2011 is a series of concerts highlighting the joy of adult storytelling told by Victoria Storyteller’s Guild. Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for mature children and VSG members.
May 7
Blush: Tastes of the Peninsula Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, 4:30 p.m. 250-656-0275, www.marywinspear.ca This evening of community celebration, presented by the Rotary Club of Sidney, features the epicurean delights of our own neighbourhood, with
local vineyards providing tastings from their awardwinning cellars and local chefs tantalizing your taste buds with fabulous creations from ingredients produced locally on and around our Peninsula. A silent and live auction to benefit the Mount Newton Centre will provide much-needed funding to support ongoing programs benefitting seniors in our community. Tickets are $50 per person.
May 8
Mother’s Day Fête Muse Winery, 11195 Chalet Road, N. Saanich 250-656-2552, www.musewinery.ca Bistro Muse is offering a special Island Harvest Bounty to honour your mother this year. The harvest table will be overflowing with carefully prepared indulgences for the palate. Treat her with a flight a Muse Wines chosen to enhance your eating pleasure. Seating is limited and by reservation only.
May 10
Rotary Club of Royal Oak Centennial Harvesting Hope II Gala Union Club, Victoria, 6 p.m. 250-652-1232, harvestinghope@shaw.ca A fundraising event to support the Food For Families Program at Jeneece Place. Entertainment, dinner, wine and a silent auction. Keynote speaker Dr. Dave Hepburn, syndicated columnist across Canada. Tickets $100 with partial tax receipt.
May 11
A Chemical Reaction (award-winning documentary) Star Cinema, Sidney, 2:30 & 7 p.m. showings 250-656-3747 Informational film that shares Paul Tukey’s personal story of his experience with the chemical lawn care industry and his efforts to reduce and/or eliminate pesticides. Also highlights the 20th anniversary of Hudson, Quebec, the first community in North America to ban the use of pesticides in their town. Fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society: Minimum $5 donation.
May 14
North Saanich Farm Market Spring Markets St. John’s United Church Annex, 10990 West Saanich Rd., 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. www.northsaanichfarmmarket.com Seasonal produce, locally raised meat, eggs, seeds and crafts.
May 15
Saanich Pioneer Society “Talks and Tea” Log Cabin Museum, Saanichton, 2 p.m. 250-658-8347, www.saanichpioneersociety.org John Adams, our Victoria historian, author, tour guide, ghost tracker and story teller extraordinaire.
May 16
Companions of the Quaich Dinner & Tasting Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, 7 p.m. 250-658-1109, wuhrer@shaw.ca “Drams that leave Money in yer Sporran.” Is blended scotch as good as a single malt? This dinner tasting will feature four blended scotch whiskies for you to nose and taste and introduce you to scotches that are not only are enjoyable but also friendly to your wallet. Dinner & tasting $60, dinner only (designated drivers) $50.
May 21-22
Saanich Scattered Artists Studio Tour Lakehill/Cedar Hill area, noon - 5 p.m. daily 250-475-0820, www.gobc.ca Artists will open their studios to the public. Brochures available from Cedar Hill Rec Centre. Visit the GoBC website for a handy numbered map!
May 21-27
North American Safe Boating Awareness Week ian@smartboater.ca, www.smartboater.ca Be Safe On The Water; Wear a Lifejacket, Don’t Drink and Boat, Take a Boating Course, Be Prepared, Beware of Cold Water Risks. Join Ready Set Inflate.
May 28 & 29
From the Heart: Songs in the Key of Love May 28 - Oak Bay United Church, 8 p.m. May 29 - St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 2:30 p.m. 250-544-4393, www.soundingsmusic.com Soundings Vocal Ensemble, Victoria’s eclectic chamber choir, along with Denis Donnelly, director, present this show. Tickets $15 available in advance. or at the door.
Seaside ad revised.pdf
Carrie Loy at Her Saanich Glass Kiln
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Excited to be part of the Art Community of the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands.
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Island Blue Print Co. Ltd. Downtown: 905 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3K3 Tel: 250.385.9786 Sidney: 2411 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC V8L 1X5 Tel: 250.656.1233 Website: www.islandblue.com Toll Free: 1.800.661.3332
“Then, when I drew sketches for my fashion design course and had graphic artwork to do in my visual merchandising program, it was clear that art was my forte.” Calling herself “Itz’aglass,” Carrie specializes in creating sets of matching square glass dishes in clear jewel tones “I like to help people get exactly the right thing for their personal taste and to suit their décor,” she says. “People can order one eyecatching centrepiece for a coffee table, for example, a set of four dessert bowls or a whole dinner service custom-made in their favourite colours.” Carrie, who was born in Ashcroft but has lived in Victoria since she was five, is a very private person. “I don’t like to talk about myself much,” she says. “But I do like to talk about my work.” Carrie first got into fusing glass when she took a workshop at Sunshine Glass in Surrey. She also took a workshop given by Glass Smith on Tennyson, where she buys most of her glass. “You have to buy glass that will withstand the temperatures of the kiln,” she explains. “A full fuse takes 12 hours at 1,450° F, whereas a tack-fuse you can do at a lower temperature. You can see Carrie’s work in person during the Saanich Scattered Artists Tour, coming up May 21st and 22nd. Brochures are available at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre and the GoBC website (www.gobc.ca) has the artists’ websites and a numbered map to make finding their studios a breeze! SEASIDE TIMES
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IslandBlue’s Sidney Art Store
by Anne Swannell Carrie Loy is one of many artists who live in Saanich. Asked whether she was artistic as a child, Carrie replies: “I was always drawing, painting, doing crafts and so on. Once, in grade four, I drew a flower in pastels that won a prize. I guess that’s what started it!
4/15/11
REGISTER TODAY!
What better way to make a splash this summer than to offer camps at not one, but TWO great locations: Greenglade Community Centre and Centennial Park in Saanichton! The Peninsula will be our playground as we embark on local adventures to explore the seven seas, uncover unsolved mysteries and discover the wonders of a backyard safari! In between our rodeo-roundups and outer space invasions, we will make use of our green thumbs to grow and maintain our thriving camp vegetable garden. Your days will be filled with laughter and fun as we leave the everyday behind to discover an adventure beyond your imagination! 250.656.7271
www.seasidetimes.ca
www.panoramarecreation.ca may 2011
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In the spring of 2003, good friends of ours in Switzerland suggested we meet them there, rent a car and do a tour of Tuscany and Umbria together. On the Internet we booked self-catering apartments in small villages central to all the amazing places we had read about. Penny and I also booked a small hotel in the hills above Sorrento for our final week in Italy. From London we flew to Geneva, picked up our lease car, a Renault Scenic, at the airport and drove into the mountains above Nyon to St. Cergue to stay a few days with our Swiss friends in their family chalet. The Renault Scenic is small but the four of us managed to squeeze in with our luggage and off we went. We drove through Geneva and on through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Northern Italy where we stopped for a picnic lunch in a park with Mont Blanc as the backdrop. After a long drive to Tuscany, with two overnight hotel stops en route, we arrived safely at our first accommodation on the outskirts of Casole d’Elsa, a delight-
Italia
by Anthony de Goutière ful hilltop village. Our apartments were in an old house on a quiet road – comfortable with en suite bathrooms and beautiful views of the surrounding hills and woods. On a small patio at the rear of the building we had our dinner and celebrated arriving in Tuscany with good Italian wine and a large block of ice cream the ladies had purchased in the village. The rest of our week’s stay was spent exploring hilltop villages and towns such as San Gimignano, with its many towers; Volterra with an amphitheatre; Certaldo; Massa Marittima; Monteriggioni and the spectacular city of Siena where Penny and I climbed the 396 steps in the Torre to take photos of the distant plaza below and the red-tiled roofs of the town. We also found time to visit the Duomo (cathedral) with its horizontal white and dark marble construction.
May 4 - June 5 “Small Expressions”
Tuesday - Sunday - 10 ~ 4
An assortment of multi media works 12 by 12 inches.
Park Tulista Wieler, & e Lochsid ney Sid -7400 250-656 p.com s c a .c www
June 11-August 29 Artisans Summer Gift Gallery Open Daily - 10 ~ 4
The perfect show for you and your friends to visit and purchase Canadian made products that are produced on the Peninsula.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Town of Sidney, District of North Saanich, the Municipality of Central Saanich.
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Our eventful week in Tuscany was up and we drove on to Umbria via the beautiful town of Cortona. Our new apartments were in the grounds of a working olive farm near Gualdo Cattaneo. Once again, there were panoramic views, also a small swimming pool and farm animals to pet. Every evening we were treated to an incredible display of fireflies: hundreds of them cavorted and flashed their tail lights for over an hour along the hedge separating the house from the olive trees! We took a different direction each day, sharing the driving, and explored many delightful places too numerous to describe. Some towns we visited were Perugia with its 13th century Fontana Maggiore; Assissi
and St. Francis’ tomb; Orvieto with its incredibly ornate Duomo and Spoletto with the nearby Torri aqueduct and the almost deserted hilltop village of Civita de Bagnoregio. This ancient Etruscan town is only accessible via a long narrow causeway across a valley. Sadly, the original stone causeway was destroyed during the last war. The new steel and concrete causeway is just wide enough for people, donkeys and motor scooters. Apparently, there were only 12 permanent residents in this village including an old lady named Maria who showed us her very interesting little museum. Our week in Umbria ended much too soon and, at that point, our friends left us to return to Geneva by train. Penny and I then drove south to Sorrento, but that will have to be another story. may 2011
Sudoku Puzzles Middle of the Road
2 7 9 6 5 3 3 6 7 7 9 1 5 3 7 6 4 7 8 9 4 1 4 7 2 6 9 5
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Puzzle by websudoku.com
9 8 1 3 2
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Exceedingly Evil
6 8 7 8 1 6 2 2 4 3 1 9
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Keep Your Brain Healthy
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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 57.
Zais Astrology – May 2011 by Heather Zais (heather_zais@telus.net) Aries (march 21 - april 19) The new moon shines a positive light on your finances. Other or enhanced sources bring increase on various levels. You can take more control as others place the reins in your hands. They have confidence in your future vision.
Libra (september 23 - october 22) Get everything in writing when partnering in personal or business. A pre-nup can ease worries on both sides. Don’t let emotional blackmail sway you out of your comfort zone. Check documents relating to taxes, estates etc.
Taurus (april 20 - may 20) Take a bold step forward. Handle responsibilities in a stable, steady manner as some restraints may test your patience. The ultimate results will be worth it. You have what it takes for the long haul. Respect for you is growing.
Scorpio (october 23 - november 21) Take the time to negotiate terms with mate or partner. Decide who will be responsible, now or in the future. It will have an effect on the longevity of the relationship. Your generosity will be returned to you tenfold.
Gemini (may 21 - june 20) Meetings are important. The personal touch will influence how things progress. Others feel more secure when they can talk to you face-to-face. Your talent for words can be the key motivator in moving projects along. Go for it.
Sagittarius (november 22 - december 21) A focus on work is fine, but don’t overdo it. Slow and steady wins the race. Health could be an issue for you or those close. The full moon adds intensity to your emotions and helps you focus and concentrate. Be selective.
Cancer (june 21 - july 22) You have more “fans” than you realize. Be open to invitations even though there may have been some misunderstandings between you. Take time out for mending fences – business or personal. Powerful associates will assist.
Capricorn (december 22 - january 19) Take time out for love or special entertainments. A display of your creative talents attracts others to you as well. You can work on a broader scale, giving you more freedom of movement. You gain ground or personal status.
Leo (july 23 - august 22) Your status is on the rise and you should be feeling more secure about your future. Luck is in the air. Look at past connections. Sometimes hindsight is 20/20. Rub elbows with those in the know or positions of power. Ka-ching.
Aquarius (january 20 - february 18) Define your needs regarding home, office or base of operations. You’re ready for something more suitable or comfortable. Location, location, location is likely to be your mantra this month. You can win big. It’s your turn.
Virgo (august 23 - september 22) You can navigate through obstacles or obligations on your way to the top. Your intuition will guide you. Others’ intentions will be made clear by their unguarded remarks or actions. Your patience will pay off – it’s tested.
Pisces (february 19 - march 20) You fine-tune your plans and goals. Cut away the deadwood personally or in business in order to gain momentum. Be out and about so that you can look after any changes in person. Stability is the key on all fronts now.
last word About a week ago, I was lucky enough to see musicians Harry Manx and David Lindley at UVIC's Farquhar Auditorium, and they were amazingly talented. "When I was a little boy," said Harry Manx, "I wondered how I could become a great guitar player." "Then I saw Jackson Browne lay his guitar on his lap and play it that way, and the rest," Manx said as he rippled his fingers up and down the strings of his guitar, "is history." History indeed. Manx has released nine albums in eight years, been nominated for six Junos, won many prestigious musical awards and is known worldwide. If only it were that simple.
Talented I envy talented people. Not just professional musicians, but anyone who can play an instrument well. I played the clarinet for years in school, but I don't think I was "talented." People who can sing also make me jealous. When I'm by myself in the car, I belt out songs and truly believe that I'm singing on key. The next time I'm with my sister Kathryn, however, and sing along to something, I get a reality check when she firmly tells me that I most definitely am not in tune. Ever. Drawing, art, sculpture of any kind? It would be nice to be able to check any of those off the old list of talents, but no such luck. My artistic ability
hasn't evolved much since I was a child, a fact that's confirmed whenever I colour with my boyfriend's eight-yearold daughter and you can't really tell who did which drawing. I know I'm not the only person without a big talent, so maybe it's important that we give ourselves a pat on the back by celebrating the small things we CAN do? Our little talents? I'll start: I can whistle with my fingers in my mouth. Not particularly skillful, but handy when getting someone's attention. I can juggle (three things, and not for long). And ‌ I read really fast. Now it's your turn: send me an email at editor@seasidetimes.ca with your little talents and we'll celebrate being ordinary together.
Editor-in-Chief
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may 2011
Sidney introduces a brand new service for seniors
“You can’t turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.”
Call (250) 656-7176 for more information.
“James Bond” nd l o c se nua Monte Carlo Night an raising funds for community & international projects • North Saanich free-ride bike park • air cadets • sea cadets • scholarships •
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