Seaside Times 0709

WEST COAST CULTURE JULY 2009

Summertime Sippers

Page 18

C

CO N T E N T S JULY 2009

Established in 2005

Seaside Times PO Box 2173 Sidney, B.C. V8L 3S6 Publisher, Advertising...................................Tim Flater 250-686-1144 sales@seasidetimes.ca publisher@seasidetimes.ca

West Coast Culture

formerly

Editor-in-Chief ..................................................Allison Smith 250-544-4022 info@seasidetimes.ca editor@seasidetimes.ca Contributors Natalie Agate • Arlene Antonik Jennifer Bowles • David Bremner Joseph Fasciani • Anne Fearon-Wood Chris Genovali • Wendy Hacking Linda M. Langwith • Lisa Makar Sandy McElroy • Carole Pearson Sheri Rypstra • Bill Stockmann Marion Wilk • Heather Zais

FEATURES 5 Peninsula Country Market – The Pie Guys

Website...................................................................Tige Johnson Mosaic Internet Designs tige@mosaicdesigns.ca

6-7 Capturing Treasured Moments, by Sandy McElroy

Distribution .........................................................Sonya Jones Gail Rooney Randy White

11 Gardening the Green Way, by Linda M. Langwith

Printed by ................International Web Express Island Office 888-364-2500

8-9 Raincoast Conservation Foundation, by Chris Genovali 16 Summer Visitor ABCs,

by Wendy Hacking

The Regulars

25 1st Annual Grape & Graze The First Word ........................................4 Cover by Tim Flater Cordova Bay WEST COAST CULTURE JULY 2009

Summertime Sippers

Page 18

Footprints ..........................................12-13 Business Profile ..............................14-15

by Sheri Rypstra Island Dish ..................................18, 29 28 Ride For Your Life, What’s Happening .....................22

by Tim Flater Sudoku ...........................................................25 36-37 Failed Communications, Snapshot ....................................................30 Part III, by Joseph Fasciani Zais Astrology....................................32 The Last Word ...................................38 And Many More…

26 Farm Tours & Ostriches,

THE FIRST WO R D (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story).

Horrified, the woman asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter’s butt and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.

COSTCO won’t let me shop there anymore. * * * * * * * On a completely different note, last month I forgot to give credit to Salon J (www.salonj.ca) for make-up in our cover photo and Ben Shum (www.benshum. com) for hair, make-up and the photo in the inside Cinderella picture. Please accept my apologies.

Enjoy the July issue everyone!

A Trip to COSTCO

Tim Flater

I apologize in advance if this upsets anyone but I just had to share this emailed story with you. They say that laughter uses over 90 muscles, and I consider that a work-out!

Yesterday, I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit the Wonder Dog, and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had, an elephant? So, since I’m retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog, that I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn’t because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I’d lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

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I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete, so it works well and I was going to try it again.

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JULY 2009

Peninsula Country Market – The Pie Guys To continue our series of monthly introductions of the many interesting vendors at the Peninsula Country Market, this month we are featuring “The Pie Guys,� a.k.a. Phil and Iris Rowlands.

This gifted couple has had a permanent place at the Market for the last four years, offering very special and delicious meat pies. The pies are fully cooked and frozen, so customers can stick them in the freezer for later enjoyment, or straight in the oven for supper after the Market.

The Rowlands developed their recipes and skills at pie making while they were weekly vendors at the Strathcona Farmers Market in Edmonton. Over 10 years there, Phil and Iris produced, by hand, 100,000 pies (yes, folks, that’s a hundred thousand pies). Their local production is at a slower rate, but they’re still busy.

After retiring from full-time pie making, they moved to Sidney by the

bray, Cornish Pasties and Sausage Rolls, but they also sell a mean Tourtiere, which is definitely Canadian.

Sea to relax and enjoy the wonderful Saanich Peninsula. Such was not to be, however, because their itchy fingers couldn’t wait to get back at their baking, but this is only on a parttime basis now. They also enjoy many

Before retiring into pie-making, Phil worked as a civil engineer in his native England and in Guyana, St. Lucia, Iran, Nova Scotia, and Alberta, so the couple and their two children moved about quite a bit. Cooking was just a nice hobby in those days.

The Rowlands really enjoy attending the Market in Saanich, and think it can’t be beaten for both the quality of vendors and the appreciation of their customers.

They love the ambiance and easy pace, and have made many new friends. There is usually live music, and everyone sits out in the middle of all the marketing activity, meeting their friends and listening to the music, enjoying their conversation with a snack and a cup of coffee, and basking in our wonderful summer climate.

The Pie Guys retirement activities such as Square and Round Dancing and bridge.

Although Phil and Iris left their native Britain in 1966, their pies still have a British flavour, with Steak & Kidney, Steak, Chicken, Melton Mow-

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JULY 2009

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Click, click, click – it’s time to capture summer memories. Long warm days with kids free from school and seniors shedding their winter woolens are perfect for spontaneous photos.

Forget the stiff and stuff y portraits of yesterday. Now is the time to dust off the old film camera or unwrap the shiny new digital camera and have some fun capturing everyday moments. Don’t just photograph the birthday party or the summer vacation with the traditional poses.

Think of July as a big pie. Each week cut a new slice with a theme to document during the week. Perhaps this week your pictures will be on a water theme. You could begin with the kids playing in the sprinkler or looking pensively out the window should rain darken the skies. Maybe the dog frolicking at Island View Beach or drinking from a colourful bucket or bowl might make your shutter finger twitch.

How about droplets of water causing rainbows to form in your garden?

Next week you might consider focusing on generaSolange Valiquette photographs tions sharing time granddaughter Traylyn McElroy together. Train your feeding the seals at Fisherman’s lens on the interWharf in Victoria. actions of the young and old, focus on the young playing together or perhaps other generations sharing special moments. The opportunities are endless for the inquisitive eye.

Remember there are no rules in photography. You can experiment by shooting into the sun for dramatic silhouettes or laying on your back to capture the view by looking upwards. How about a series of close-ups, maybe of grandpa’s whiskers or baby’s pudgy fingers? If you think that you have framed a perfect picture try moving in twice as close and see what happens.

Most of us only bring out the camera on a special occasion, but photography is like anything else; you have to practice to get better at it.

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Capturing Treasured Moments by Sandy McElroy

With today’s digital cameras it does not cost anything to shoot and shoot. The trick is to be ruthless in using the delete button when it comes time to edit your images.

Any camera can capture special moments, so don’t feel

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that you have to go out and buy an built-in flash, can shoot closeexpensive camera to take pictures ups, come with zoom lenses and this summer. Instead, practice getting some can even capture brief video to know the camera that you already sequences. Best of all these camhave. If you don’t have a camera then eras are so small that they can fit research on the Internet some of the easily into a purse, pocket or small various brands and models. Talk with backpack. There is no longer any more than one camera sales person excuse not to keep a camera nearat stores that specialize in photog- by this summer. raphy. Describe There are the kind of picpictures all tures that you around you. think you would Look around like to take. Be home, your garfrank about your den and as you budget and travel around don’t let anyone the Peninsula. sell you more Photograph camera then your family, you really need friends and if you are just pets. If a substarting with interests Grandma (Solange Valiquette) and ject photography. grandson (Jerod Gelderblom) together you, try photoSimple at the beach on a beautiful sunny day. graphing it five different ways. ‘point and shoot’ cameras today can do more Simple tricks like that will help you then many professional cameras capture special summer moments could do a decade ago. Many have with a new and fresh style.

Summer Splash Garden Party Carolwood Manor Summer Splash Foundation is holding a formal garden party on July 26 from 4-9 p.m., in support of the elevator installation alongside Panorama’s new waterslide which is being built as part of the Centre’s pool renovation and expansion. This event will assist in funding what will be the first waterslide in North America that will allow people with mobility challenges to share in the enjoyment of a waterslide ride.

The event will include a live auction and dinner by the Victoria Branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCF). Partial proceeds will also assist the CCF’s scholarship fund. The evening will be emceed by Barry Bowman with entertainment by Dal Richards.

For more information and tickets visit www.panoramarecreation.ca or call 250-655-2171 or 250-655-2179.

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JULY 2009

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photo courtesy Tim Irvin

Introducing Raincoast Conservation Foundation

by Chris Genovali, Executive Director Raincoast Conservation Foundation is a team of conservationists and scientists empowered by our research to protect the lands, waters and wildlife of coastal British Columbia. Our mandate: Investigate, Inform, Inspire. We investigate to understand coastal species and processes. We inform by bring-

ing science to decision makers and communities.

We inspire by building a vision of stewardship for the BC coast. Raincoast employs a unique ‘informed advocacy’ approach that combines rigorous science, applied ethics and community outreach.

Although our work often takes us to remote areas of Vancouver Island and the mainland coast, Raincoast has been a part of the local community for some time, as our main office has been situated on the Saanich Peninsula for more than a decade. We just recently moved from Dunsmuir Lodge into new offices at

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the Landmark in downtown Sidney.

main research platform.

Raincoast is proud to have been selected as an official charity for the Charity Pledge Program of the 2009 Royal Victoria Marathon (RVM). This program is modeled on the successful Boston Marathon Charity Program. The RVM Pledge Program will help support our Raincoast Kids initiative, a conservation and science outreach program for youth. You can find out more about the RVM Pledge Program, running in the marathon and Raincoast Kids by dropping by our booth at the Sidney summer market, which is held each Thursday evening from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Wild salmon conservation is at the heart of Raincoast’s mission, as we recognize the ecological, economic, cultural and spiritual underpinning they provide our coast.

Like the Serengeti’s wildebeest, spawning salmon support numerous large predators, both terrestrial and marine in B.C.’s case.

Raincoast is engaged in various research projects focused on marine mammals, marine birds, large carnivores (including grizzly bears, black

photo courtesy Mark Carwardine

bears, wolves and cougars) and wild salmon. Our partners and collaborators are from numerous academic institutions such as the University of Victoria and the University of California at Los Angeles. Our 68-foot steel hull sailboat Achiever serves as our

In December of last year, the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences published Raincoast’s findings on the status and monitoring of BC’s wild salmon. They show that an alarming number of salmon streams do not meet the minimum number of returning salmon needed to sustain future fish populations.

Further, Raincoast is concerned that salmon are managed strictly for human consumption and that fishing plans ignore the needs of other species, like bears and whales, that also depend on the resource.

Given the uncertain future facing Pacific salmon due to climate change, impacts from fish farming, and continued degradation of their habitat, reducing fishing pressure is a critical step in recovering salmon

photo courtesy Ian Jansma

populations. Raincoast is working intensively on all these fronts on behalf of B.C.’s wild salmon.

Raincoast is excited to be associated with the Seaside Times and we look forward to bringing you more about our work and the ecology of this magnificent coast in future issues.

For more information visit www. raincoast.org.

* DID YOU KNOW that salmon can see a broader range of colours than humans? We have three colour photoreceptors (blue, green, and red) while salmon have four colour photoreceptors (ultraviolet, blue, green, and red). *

Rick Shumka Realtor, Victoria, BC

My local expertise and extensive real estate experience will bene t you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time.

I consider Victoria an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you my enthusiasm for the many neighbourhoods that encompass it. I pride myself on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can best assist you with your real estate needs.

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JULY 2009

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Suzanne Huot photo

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Gardening the GREEN Way: Yes We Can!

by Linda M. Langwith Gardening without pesticides begins with recognizing that everything is interconnected.

Think of those little green caterpillars growing fat on the leaves of your favourite fruit trees. Resist the temptation to spray them into extinction, for the harried parents of demanding baby birds rely upon beakfuls of them to satisfy their youngstersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; insatiable appetites.

Fewer birds mean more harmful insects.

Even when those annoying caterpillars spin to the ground they are fodder for the waiting ants who hustle them back to their colonies. Maybe for the greater good we just have to live with less than perfection in the garden.

out benefit of a mate. They are indeed a challenge in the garden but not an insurmountable one. Regular inspections of susceptible plantings should be top of the to-do list. A three-pronged approach is great for controlling aphids: squishing, spraying and soaping. For minor infestations, simply squishâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;messy but oh so satisfying.

Alternatively, the pressure of a steady jet of water will knock them off their perches and leave them too exhausted and demoralized to climb back.

Call out the big guns though for population explosions: one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in one litre of water. Fill a spray bottle with the stuff and spray away. Remove any leaves

Ladybugs love to snack on aphids so whenever you find one of these colourful little darlings just shift them onto any aphid colonies. You can even purchase large amounts of ladybugs from certain nurseries. Another way to repel insect pests is to sow aromatics in a buffer zone around susceptible plants. Chives, green onions and marigolds are highly effective as a deterrent against any bug that relies on an olfactory radar such as the carrot fly.

Keeping the garden clean of debris and diseased plantings is also a great defense against creepy crawlies determined to picnic on whatever you have to offer. Maybe your pesticidefree patch of green paradise wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look perfect, but at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing your bit to save the world!

Linda is the author of the mystery suspense novel The Golden Crusader. For more info visit www.lindalangwith.com.

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When it comes to many garden pests, the best defense is an intimate knowledge of their habits, likes and dislikes. Take slugs for example; since they enjoy munching your lettuce crop in the cool of the evening, take a tour of the veggie garden around then, pick the slugs off the leaves and discard them. Slugs also love moisture, so water early in the morning. By evening when they have emerged from their hiding places, the soil and the lettuce leaves are nice and dry and much less inviting. Slugs have tender skins, so crushed eggshells and used coffee grounds, sprinkled liberally along the lettuce rows to form a prickly barrier, make a great deterrent. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really no excuse to use slug pellets ever again.

Then there are the aphids. You have to admire these little creatures; they can replicate at an alarming rate and procreate with-

that have died or wilted from the attentions of the aphids.

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JULY 2009

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Saanich Archives 1989-008-225 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; McMorranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tea Rooms, Cordova Bay.

Long Ago Summers in Cordova Bay

by Carole Pearson In the first half of the 1900s, Cordova Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three miles of sand and sea made it a popular destination for summertime crowds of campers and people just seeking a day at the beach.

The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first settler was Philip Touet, a immigrant from the Channel Islands, who established a farm and a one-room log house there in the 1880s.

There was no road into Cordova Bay at the time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just a rough trail, and wolves and cougars were fre-

quently encountered.

In 1981, author Anne Pearson interviewed Touetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 86-year-old granddaughter, Edith, who â&#x20AC;&#x153;laughingly remembers that her grandfather constructed the winding Cordova Bay Road in 1898 by simply going around all enormous trees and rock

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In 1915, the Canadian Northern Pacific railway came north from Victoria to Patricia Bay via Cordova Bay. The Cordova Bay station stood at the Saanich Archives 1989-008-082 – Boat regatta, southeast corner of Cordova Bay Beach.

Lochside and Haliburton and passengers had a pleasant walk down the slope to the waterfront.

It was the throngs of summertime visitors that created opportunities for local businesses like Jack Hambley’s general store which opened in 1913. Jimmie Little’s Little Arctic store, located on the present-day site of Parkview Grocery, was so-named to convince customers that Little’s ice cream and soft drinks were truly icy cold.

By 1918, traffic had grown to the point that Police Chief James Dryden was writing to the District of Saanich, requesting 10 sign boards posting a 15-mph speed limit along Cordova Bay Road.

The first Cordova Bay Regatta was held in August 1919 with a list of festivities that included childrens’ running races, canoe and dinghy races, and a ‘ladies log cutting competition.’ The regatta turned into an annual event and offered direct transportation from Victoria via special cars that ran every 10 minutes from Douglas and Fort streets.

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In May of that same year, George Stark McMorran decided to open an ice cream stand in Cordova Bay. He rented land from Archibald Feltoe for five dollars per year and spent four days building a six- by 12-foot structure. He even worked through the night of the 23rd of May in order to be ready for the beach crowds arriving to celebrate Empire Day (now Victoria Day).

“We opened at 7 a.m. on the 24th of May,” McMorran told Island Events and Motor Club News in August, 1956. “The shelves were well supplied with Fairall’s pop, John Varo’s nut bars, one-cent candy and Royal Dairy ice cream, which was delivered in large wooden tubs with cracked ice.”

The first day, McMorran made $4.65 – almost enough to cover the annual cost of renting the land. Business was so good that in two years, McMorran purchased the neighbouring property and built larger premises (20 by 30 feet) which became McMorran’s Tea Rooms.

Besides McMorran’s, other reminders of the early seaside days still exist today. Some former beach cottages are listed in the Saanich Heritage Register.

Over the past decades, the Cordova Bay area has evolved from a settlement of a few farms to a bustling, summer seaside town and, now, a year-round community that retains a small town feeling.

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Spice Up Your Summer With Epicure Selections!

by Arlene Antonik Epicure Selections wants to spice up your life! At your next patio party, impress your friends and family with your Dijon Tarragon Dip, barbecued T-bones with Tuscan Rub, and â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as the icing on the cake â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Edible Blossoms in cream cheese!

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the time or the skills to prepare food like this? Making it easy for you is the goal of Epicure Selections, a division of Victorian Epicure, one of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest-growing companies.

Their product list includes more than 190 top-quality spice blends along with grilling sauces, rubs, fruit dip mixes, jellies and even a mix of edible flowers. Time-saving recipes show you how to put it all together to create delicious, nutritious, family-friendly meals for less than $3 per person.

Victorian Epicure is a 100-percent Canadian, family-owned company. It employs approximately 150 staff, called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Home Team,â&#x20AC;? at its 80-acre manu-

facturing and distribution centre on West Saanich Road.

There are approximately 7,000 independent contractors across the country (over 200 locally) who sell the products mainly through Epicure Tasting Parties, similar to Tupperware parties. Sales are projected to top $40 million this year through online ordering (www. epicureselections. com) and direct sales.

This story began in 1991 with a motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to Founder and President of Epicure Selections, Sylvie be at home with Rochette, and daughter Amelia Warren, vice-president. her young children while earning a livadditives and preservatives and ing and providing them with inexpen- thought she could do better. sive, healthy and flavourful meals. SylShe began mixing herbs vie Rochette was dismayed by food and spices in her kitchen and products with high levels of sodium, developed her first four spice blends: Lemon Dilly, Herb & Garlic, 3 Onion, and Curry. She packed the jars into the back of her 1981 blue station wagon, headed for summer fairs and country markets and was delighted at her immediate success.

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Demand quickly outgrew supply and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one woman showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; became a thriving business which Sylvie called Victorian Epicure. In 1996, Epicure Selections was created as a catalogue division to market and distribute the increasing number of products.

Giving back was always a priority for the company, inspired by the mantra passed down by Sylvieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To whom much is given, much is expected.â&#x20AC;?

Sylvieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Amelia Warren, saw a way to better focus the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charitable giving. She joined Epicure Selections in 2007 and created the Epicure Foundation which annually contributes more than five

percent of pre-tax profits to grass-roots organizations across Canada including Victoria Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transition House.

These days, Sylvie Rochette travels the world pursuing her many philanthropic activities while seeking out tantalizing new spices. Amelia became vice president of Epicure Selections in January and is pro-active in the day-to-day operations of the company.

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Be amazed and entertained in a way youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a blessing to work with Mom,â&#x20AC;? Amelia said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud to be part of her growing legacy. Through the company, we nourish people with wholesome, healthy food and opportunities in their lives.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through the company, we nourish people with wholesome, healthy food and opportunities in their lives.â&#x20AC;? ~ Amelia Warren With the downturn in the economy and the increase in Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unemployment rate, Epicure Selections does indeed offer opportunity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are well poised to provide self-employment to Canadians,â&#x20AC;? Amelia noted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our consultants are independent business owners who, with our ongoing support through incentive plans and training, are able to earn substantial incomes through the products they sell.â&#x20AC;?

Where it all began: Sylvieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s station wagon, used in the early days to transport her spice blends to summer fairs and country markets.

Tamara Knott of Cordova Bay became a consultant oneand-a-half years ago and is enthusiastic about the opportunities available to her through Epicure Selections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I encourage people to take on this kind of business,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It offers flexibility and great potential for growth, both personally and financially.â&#x20AC;?

Providing these kinds of opportunities and nurturing success is what Sylvie Rochette, president and founder of Victorian Epicure, is all about: â&#x20AC;&#x153;From a payroll of one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; me! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Epicure family has expanded to include and benefit countless Canadians. I am so proud of the incredible contribution our family is making to lives and communities across Canada!â&#x20AC;?

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Call 250-655-5211 to book your tour today!

www.ecocruising.com

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a science centre, gift shop, bookstore and kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; playzone combined.

Search for gemstones, pan for gold, collect seashells, discovery unique rock and fossil specimens and learn fun facts about earth science, all while enjoying the beautiful waterfront at Sidney-by-the-Sea.

Open 364 days a year!

9891 Seaport Place, Sidney (beside the Sidney Pier Hotel)

t XXX TDSBUDIQBUDI DPN

www.seasidetimes.ca

JULY 2009

15

Summer Visitor ABCs

by Wendy Hacking Have you ever thought of taking a summer jaunt to a small Southern Gulf Island? Perhaps youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve thought youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d call up those friends of yours, the ones you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen since they retired and made the big move to live full time on one of those Islands. You might chat a bit, feel them out and drop a few broad hints that you could find some time to come over and stay for a few days or maybe a week.

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; List is reserved for visitors that we just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see. We want these friends and relatives to come soon, have a comfortable and pleasant stay and leave when we are all happily satisfied and looking forward to their next visit. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; List is the repository for everyone else.

If you want to find out if you are an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;B,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I have some hints for you.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; List, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear something like the following from your potential host when you make that phone call: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catch the early ferry. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never overloaded and always leaves on time. Better yet, forget your car and walk on the ferry. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pick you up at the dock and give you a tour on the way to our place.â&#x20AC;?

Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be great to catch up on old times, have a few rounds of golf, some trips to the beach, a brewski or two on the deck with a burger on the barbie? Arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you just itching to make that phone call now?

Hold the phone! Before you make that call Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll let you in on a little secret: just like the potential pool of stars and starlets for Hollywood parties, as a summer visitor to the Southern Gulf Islands your name will automatically be cast on your hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; List or relegated to their so-much-less-welcome â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; List. Of course youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Listâ&#x20AC;Śarenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;No, thanks, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring any groceries and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got lots of your favourite tipple chilled and waiting for you.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How soon can you come?â&#x20AC;?

But if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; List, what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear sounds more like: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catch the last ferry of the day. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take reservations so make sure to get in the ferry line-up an hour or two ahead of time, three to be safe.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our place is a bit hard to find in the dark. The house number fell off and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use the lights in the summer to keep the bugs away.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Could you pick up some cold cuts and salad on your way here? And stop at the liquor store, too. I like a good chardonnay, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re asking.â&#x20AC;?

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a final hint before you pick up that phone: you have a chance of moving up from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; if you offer to paint the fence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both sides â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and make it a case of that really good chardonnay.

Now, ready to make that call?

DOG & BARK

La Dolce Vita: amazing soups and sandwiches, true Italian espresso, great customer service and a huge selection of Italian imports & giftware

Open Late Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Telephone: 250-665-7222 on Wallace Drive across from Thriftyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 16

SEASIDE TIMES

The Dog & Bark Boutique offers exclusive high end luxury pet products for the cosmopolitan canine who only accepts the finest styles and products.

Dog Food Now Available

Treats Collars Toys Leashes Carriers Beds Fashion Grooming Products

BECAUSE YOUR DOG IS WORTH IT! 1&54 t XXX %PHBOE#BSL DPN 8FTU 4BBOJDI 3E #SFOUXPPE #BZ # $ www.seasidetimes.ca

The (Almost) Lost Art of Choosing the Right Wild Shirt

by David Bremner Honestly, I never get tired of hearing and then relating customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comments about the attention theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve received about a great shirt from our stores. Regardless of age, there is quite often that boyish look of amazement thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually followed by â&#x20AC;&#x153;you know, no one has ever commented on my shirt before.â&#x20AC;?

But hey, before you run out and buy the craziest shirt you can find and head out to see what kind of great reactions youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll getâ&#x20AC;Śletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bear in mind that you want the comments to be positive!

Is there a secret? No, but it could be considered the lost art of choosing the right wild shirtâ&#x20AC;Śand there are a couple of important things to consider. There must be a connection between your personality and the personality of the shirt you choose. It should be obvious to you and those around you that you can comfortably pull it off.

Whatever look you are trying to achieve, the shirt has to be in keeping with the nature of the outfit as a whole. Yes, right down to your shoes; but particularly the pants, and yes, even socks. Great shirts ought to fit properly; sleeves should not be too long, nor the body too big (or too tight!) Tailoring a shirt to fit is an important part of the experience of buying a great shirt...and Kim is REALLY good at it!

Colour, pattern, hand and drape are equally important parts of ensuring the end result stands out but also is appropriate for the environment youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in at the time.

Our goal is not always to make a sale, but always to build trust: to help our customers choose pieces that naturally complement their personality, that enhance their presence and lifestyleâ&#x20AC;Śclothing that makes friends and associates want to respond positively.

The great shirts are out there, and as always we hope you find the right ones for you. If we can help, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to drop by! Thanks again for reading!

Great Shirtsâ&#x20AC;Ś Onâ&#x20AC;Śand Off!

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Two locations to serve you: Sidney Broadmead Village 2449 Beacon Avenue 440-777 Royal Oak Drive 250-654-0534 250-744-5791

www.seasidetimes.ca

JULY 2009

17

Lychee liqueur, Blue Curacao, sour apple Most importantly, invest in a good syrup and Limoncello. All martini bar stamartini set with just the basics: a stainless ples. Are any found in my liquor cabinet? steel shaker, an accurate shot glass and a Not the last time I checked. Enticing and long handled stirring spoon.

by Jennifer Bowles delicious but made in colours unknown That’s it, so relax and recline. Cheers! to science. All of these liqueurs are usually blended into tropical juices, garnished with neon pink ribbon, SPRING ONION COCKTAIL a whole apple, a tinker toy and a spritz of the latest cologne.

First up at the bar – Spring Onion Cocktail. This martini How’s that for your Friday afternoon cocktail? Yummy? Yes. is extraordinary and has a nice little smack from the onion No nonsense? Hardly. If you have a degree in ‘flair bartending’ pickling juice: nestling up alongside the sweet white grape and the movie Cocktail egging you on, I say go for it! For the juice, it is simply delicious.

It’s about a ‘4’ on the finicky rest of us, let’s just work on some drinks we can pronounce scale but it’s so worth it!

(For one martini). and that won’t make us look like a gobstopper-sucking nine3 tablespoons gin year-old with luminous blue teeth.

8 very thin slices green onion tops Summertime is all about light, drinkable blends you 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice can customize to suit your tastes. Make a drink recipe 1 tablespoon white grape juice your own by adding or subtracting ingredients, making 1 tablespoon simple syrup creative substitutions or keep it virgin by upping juices 3 teaspoons pickling liquid from Pickled Pearl Onions and tangy mixes.

1 cup ice cubes 5 Pickled Pearl Onions

Lazy Libations

Art…no longer just for walls

Place all ingredients in martini shaker. Shake vigorously.

Pour contents into martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of spring onion and a pickled onion. This will truly be a conversation piece! * This recipe is loosely adapted from one printed in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

RUBY RED SANGRIA Flamenco in with this classic Spanish fruit punch which is great for patio sipping. Make it light, as fruity as you want, sparkly or nice and velvety smooth. It is so colourful and easy to make. Place this charmer in your fridge overnight so that the wine becomes infused with those fruit slices, pour into wine glasses, garnish with citrus wedges or my favourite , a few frozen grapes.

West Coast Wood Designs 9851 Seaport Place, Sidney westcoastwooddesigns.com

1 bottle red wine ( Rioja for classic Sangria, but if you like something else , you’re the bartender!)

1.5 cups each of orange juice and raspberry Juice ¼ cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice Several Slices of lemon, limes, grapefruit, oranges, apples, mango and even peaches if you like ¼ cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, boil until sugar has dissolved; allow to cool) ¼ cup brandy Top off with a can of soda water Recipes continued on page 29

18

SEASIDE TIMES

www.seasidetimes.ca

JULY 2009

It’s Salad Season!

New Mexican Fiesta Salad Made fresh in our own Thrifty Kitchens, our new Mexican Fiesta Salad features some of the indigenous flavours of Mexico including chili, cumin, coriander & lime, mixed in with kidney beans, black beans & brown rice.

Top it off with a light salsa dressing and this salad is sure to be the “talk of the table” at your next summer BBQ! Pick up some today at our full service Deli!

Sidney & Central Saanich

Customer Service • 544-1234 • visit thriftyfoods.com

NINSUL

PE

July 5

Peninsula Celebrations Society presents A Summer of Rockin’ Sounds every Sunday from 2 pm - 4 pm at the new Sidney Beacon Pavilion

SO CIETY

July 5

S

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The Timebenders Sponsored by LiveYoung Medical Services

Beacon Avenue Sidney Sidewalk Sale

One of North America’s most unique and sought-after corporate show bands, the Timebenders deliver an interactive, high energy performance covering the best music from the ’50s to today.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Sidney Business Association

July 12

July 19

July 26

Aug. 2

Aug. 9

The Sutcliffes Sponsored by Beacon Books

The Commodores Sponsored by Mark’s Work Wearhouse

Johnny Vallis Sponsored by Salvador Davis & Co.

Paul Wainwright Sponsored by Tanner’s Books and The Children’s Bookshop

Kumbia Sponsored by Stonestreet Café & Catering

Yeah, a Beatles band, but one that has a slightly different take.

Their focus is on the songs they wrote, the songs they covered and the songs they loved. They’ve figured it out: The Beatles rocked!

The Commodores Big Band is based in Victoria and is a crowd favourite. It was formed in 1975 and has a repertoire that has grown to over 700 arrangements including Latin, swing, rock and Dixieland.

This popular and versatile impersonator can sound uncannily like Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Garth Brooks, John Lennon, Mick Jagger and many others. His comedy style is clean and never offends.

Wainwright has toured extensively and his recordings continue to receive worldwide airplay. His energetic and entertaining shows create a bond between performer and audience for a memorable experience.

This band has a very popular Latin rhythm, and for over 20 years has been Victoria’s Latin Band, providing audiences with the feeling of a tropical atmosphere that brings out the desire to party. Let’s dance!

Aug. 16

Aug. 23

Aug. 30

Sept. 6

Cold Cut Combo Sponsored by Triangle RV & VI Fitness Centres

Fat Hat Cat Sponsored by A.J. Finlayson Architecture

The Naden Band Sponsored by Knights of Pythias

The Push Sponsored by G.E. Equipment Rentals

Victoria-based acoustic group specializing in Gypsy Jazz, Parisian Musette waltzes and Swing & Latin standards. The duo can be seen playing around Victoria and on the West Coast festival circuit.

Featuring some of the top musicians on the West Coast, Fat Hat Cat delivers a program of funky blues and irresistable rhythms. This dynamic team is not to be missed!

This band has been part of naval tradition on the West Coast since 1940. Formed during World War II, the band kept up civilian and military morale with concerts, dances and broadcasts.

One of the most versatile and requested groups on the West Coast.

This seasoned group plays its all and focuses on dance hits that everyone loves. The Push fits the bill – every time.

Thank you to all our Community Partners & Event Sponsors 100.3 the Q The Island’s Rock A.J. Finlayson Architect Ltd. A Touch of Salt Spring Beacon Books Best Western Emerald Isle Motor Inn Brown’s the Florist Christine Laurent Jewellers Ltd. Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula Curran Consulting Ltd. Dean Park Pet Hospital District of Central Saanich District of North Saanich G&E Equipment Rentals Ltd. Heritage Canada Holmes Realty (Michele Homes & Barbara Erickson) Gordon Hulme Realty Island Blue Print Co. Ltd. Knights of Pythias

LiveYoung Medical Services Malcolm Electric Marigold Nursery Mark’s Work Wearhouse Marker Developments McTavish Store Peninsula Co-Op Peninsula Riparian Property Association (PRPA) Peninsula Track & Field Club Re/Max Camosun Rogers’ Chocolates Rumrunner Pub Salon J Hairstudios Salvador Davis & Co. Scotia Bank in Sidney Scott Plastics Scotty Marine & Fishing Products Seaside Times Magazine Sidney Business Association

Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club Sidney Cleaners Sidney Kiwanis Club Sidney Lions Club Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa Sidney Rotary Club Sidney Waterfront Inn and Spa Slegg Lumber Smitty’s Restaurant Sparling Real Estate Stonestreet Café & Catering Tanner’s Books and the Children’s Bookshop Thrifty Foods in Sidney Town of Sidney Triangle RV Twin Peaks Nursery VI Fitness Centres Video Express

Opportunities still exist to sponsor these and other events, which support your community while increasing the profile of your organization.

For more info call the Peninsula Celebrations Line at 250-656-4365

... brings you

what’s happening | july 2009

Thursdays, July 2 - August 27 Royal Victoria Marathon Sign-Up

July 8, 15, 22, 29 Wild Adults Evenings

Raincoast Conservation Foundation Tent, Sidney Market 250-655-1229, marathon@raincoast.org Join Raincoast’s Marathon team, an of cial charity of the 30th annual Royal Victoria Marathon held October 11th, 2009. Run or Walk the Full or Half Marathon, 8K Road Race or the Kid’s Run all in support of Raincoast Kids!

Tree House Studio, 860 Melody Place, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

250-544-4057, wildartsvictoria.com Relax, let go, refresh and dive into your creative wild side with Wild Arts in a free form drop-in class of process painting and movement, held on the deck of the Tree House Studio, overlooking the Saanich Inlet. Snacks are available. Cost is $15 (all materials included). Call ahead to reserve space as numbers are limited to eight.

July 3 – 4-7 p.m., July 4 – 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

July 5 – 11 Victoria Hindu Temple Open House

July 11 For the Love of Africa Presents Third Annual Water Garden Tour

1934 Cultra Avenue, Saanichton 250-727-2651, www.victoriahindutemple.com Come and experience Hindu culture and heritage. Enjoy classical and folk dances, music, stage shows, arts, crafts, cooking demos, fashion, food and snacks. Learn about Hindu religion and traditions. Admission is free.

10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

250-544-2177, www.fortheloveofafrica.org A self-guided tour of 12 water gardens throughout greater Victoria. Live music at most sites and garden designers present to answer your gardening questions.

Tickets $20 and available at all Dig This, Gardenworks, Cannor Nursery, and Art Knapp locations

July 4 Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure

July 13-15 and July 20-22 Really Wild Arts Three-Day Summer Camps

Matheson Lake Regional Park (Metchosin), 8 - 11 a.m.

250-478-3344, www.crd.bc.ca/parks The lake’s waters are surrounded by steep banks of lush forest, giving this park the feeling of wilderness. Let’s see what we can discover. Canoe equipment and instruction are provided and no experience is necessary. Pre-registration is necessary; cost is $15+gst/person. Adults only.

Tree House Studio, 787 Melody Place, 1 - 4:00 p.m.

250-544-4057, wildartsvictoria.com Adventuring into our creative wild side, Wild Arts encourages respect, self con dence and tons of fun through the free form arts of painting, drawing, movement and dance. Held in the magical and wild Willis Point, the Wild Arts Creative Cottage is a peek into paradise. Cost is $60 (all materials included).

July 4 & 5 2009 Organic Islands Festival

July 16 Centre for Self Awareness First Annual Fundraising Cruise to Pender Island

Glendale Gardens, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

250-658-8148, www.organicislands.ca Walk the Green Path with your children and friends through interactive exhibits about composting, gardening, eating organic food, story yoga, protecting watersheds and caring for pigs and chickens. Children 12 and under free; tickets $7.50 and up. Buy advance tickets online and save 25%.

Sundays, July 5 - September 6 Peninsula Celebrations Society Summer of Rockin’ Sounds Concerts Sidney Beacon Pavilion, Beacon Park, 2 - 4 p.m.

250-656-2229, sshields@telus.net Sunday afternoon concerts featuring bands such as The Timebenders, Fat Hat Cat, Kumbia and The Sutcliffes. See ad on preceding pages for more information.

Board at Deep Cove Marina, 10990 Madrona Drive 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

250-544-0005, info@victoriacsa.com An all-day cruise taking guests to Hope Bay and Port Browning on Pender Island with all the natural beauty and charm that the Gulf Islands have to offer. Potluck dinner on board after the cruise. Donation is $100 per person or $175 per couple.

July 31 - Aug. 2 Tsartlip Yellow Wolf Intertribal Pow Wow 800 Stelly’s X Rd., Brentwood Bay This annual Pow Wow is hosted by the Tsartlip Reserve and features a variety of dance competitions (youth, teen and adult), a drumming contest, arts and crafts, traditional foods and a re dance. The event is free and open to the public.

First Annual

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Do you love wine and food? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this event.

The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Mary Winspear Centre have partnered on an exciting new venture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first annual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Grape and Graze,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a celebration of the Saanich Peninsula, where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;More to Exploreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wine, cider, food and creativity. The outdoor event will take place on Saturday, August 1st from 3-7 p.m., under the big white tents at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

Take advantage of this opportunity to sample the exquisite wines and cuisine of the Saanich Peninsula and Salt Spring Island and the produce and hand-made products of local growers and artisans. You will find many of the wines paired with food from local restaurants and be able to talk with those that actually make the product.

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Get your tickets early as this will be a fantastic event.

For tickets or information visit or phone the box office at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney at 250-652-0275.

Piaf: Love Conquers All A story of courage and love, Edith Piaf lived to sing.

Her life and songs are interchangeable; her place in history is irreplaceable.

This intimate off-Broadway hit, appearing at the Mary Winspear Centre August 20-22nd, presents the life and loves of the legendary French singer who stood only 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10â&#x20AC;? and whose voice shattered the world with a passion that cried from the heart.

As Piaf, actress Naomi Emmerson will share anecdotes of her passion for men, music and morphine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The multi-talented Emmerson acts Piafâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dizzy highs and devastating lows with all the passion necessaryâ&#x20AC;Ś gorgeous singingâ&#x20AC;Śmakes the songs fresh and powerful,â&#x20AC;? raved a recent review.

Tone Poet Productions (formerly LVR Productions) with Naomi Emmerson as the artistic producer and Jake Langley as president, was formed in Toronto in 2005 to present the production Piaf: Love Conquers All at The Toronto Fringe Festival. It was picked as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top Ten of The Fringeâ&#x20AC;? and tickets sold out. The production then toured Ontario and Quebec in the summer of 2006 to great success.

SEASIDE TIMES

www.seasidetimes.ca

JULY 2009

23

Sun, Sand and Spa!

by Lisa Makar, General Manager, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa Summer is fantastic for us. We spend all day outside in the fresh air, we get more exercise and we feel rejuvenated when that sunlight hits our skin. But we also pay a price. Our skin gets sun-damaged, our hair gets dry and we all know the condition our feet end up in after a summer of walking around in flip-flops!

itself and generate new skin cells. As our old cells die off, the dead skin cells collect at the surface â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which gives us a dry and dull appearance.

Facials and Body Exfoliation services c help make our bodies glow, giving in us a refreshed look and feeling while increasing our blood circulation w to t help balance dry skin. The removal of o dead skin cells allows moisturizing products to better penetrate your skin p for f smoother and softer results.

After recent weeks of being out in my garden and at the beach, my skin was in desperate need of professional help.

I made an appointment at the Haven Spa for a Green Tea Exfoliating Wrap and a Yum Gourmet Facial. Studies show that the majority of consumers are keeping spas in their budget as they place a priority on the health and wellness component that spas provide in their everyday lives.

I know the l k h treatments will make me feel relaxed and pampered â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but what about the health and wellness aspect?

According to Julie Banister, spa director, many of us notice that, no matter how much lotion we put on our skin, it still feels dry, especially in the summer. Healthy blood circulation allows our skin to constantly renew

She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more correct: after my m exfoliation and wrap my skin looks and feels better than my four-yeara oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really due in large part to the o exceptional products. The lines, YUM e and are both local and organic and use d Deserving Thyme, h all-natural ingredients and plant extracts. I cannot recommend the Avocado Moisturizer enough and the Chia Seed Masque is going to be a staple for me this summer as it keeps your skin hydrated and healthy despite the sun.

So get out there and enjoy your summer, the sun and the beach. Just make sure you stop by Haven afterwards!

Nurtured by the Sea Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Jeans & Jazz Relax in the casual comfort of Haroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with live Jazz every Monday from 6-9pm. Enjoy our great selection of tapas and feature wines at $5 above cost.

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LOCATED AT

2538 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250-655-9700 www.sidneypier.com/haros complimentary parking

24

SEASIDE TIMES

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Sudoku Puzzles July 2009

Easy Breezy

4 2

2

9 5

Keep Your Brain Healthy The Alzheimer’s Association recommends doing puzzles like Sudoku to strengthen brain cells and the connections between them.

Instructions 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 4.

3 4 1 9 7 8

3 1 5

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

Middle of the Road

3 1 5 8 6

5 4 1 7 8 2

2 4 9 5 9

1 5 2 8 4 6

7 3 8 4

4 9 3 7

Quiz: Canada Day Trivia 1. What are Canada’s two national sports?

2. Canada has two national symbols. What are they?

3. How many time zones are there in Canada?

4. What is the highest mountain in Canada?

2 9 5 8

6 8 4

5.Which province has the largest concentration of moose in North America?

6. When was “Oh Canada” proclaimed as our national anthem? * anwers at bottom of page

Hardly Simple

3 5

1 7

3 9 6 8

9 7 2 1 3 5

2 9 5 4 4

5 1 7 4

4. Mount Logan 5. Newfoundland 6. 1980 1. Lacrosse and ice hockey. 2. The Beaver and the Maple Leaf. 3. Six

www.seasidetimes.ca

4

7 4 2 6 JULY 2009

25

Farm Tours and Ostriches aristocratically inspected his visitors over a six-foot wire fence. Our guide turned around and started his spiel. The male ostrich makes a grunting groan while courting. Every time our guide imitated this noise, the male bird behind him would shake his head as if to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done,â&#x20AC;? which roused a wave of chuckles from the crowd.

by Sheri Rypstra On a sunny July weekend last year, my family and I were looking for outdoor fun when I picked up a brochure: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tour of Farms: Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan Valley.â&#x20AC;? Within was an extensive list of farms, vineyards and cheese makers on Southern Vancouver Island participating in the one-day only, self-guided family tours. Little one in tow, we eagerly drove to the Saanichton Christmas Tree and Ostrich Farm.

It was a popular pick. The many visitors were organized into half-hour tour groups. Our guide, an easygoing and personable fellow, started by leading us to an ostrich pen.

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A large male ostrich with gorgeous black and white feathers, pink-lipped beak and prehistoric looking two-toed feet

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Proceeding to an even larger pen holding a flock of female ostriches and a male, our guide again turned his back. This time however, he held up his fingers by his shoulder, allowing the birds to peck at them, keeping them close to the fence. They were evidently looking for a snack as an alfalfa dispenser that accepts quarters stood nearby. He then started this fascinating story: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fifty years ago somebody was in the Namib Desert in western Africa on an expeditionâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

WHAM! The ostrich closest to him pecked his ear!

The guide repeatedly grabbed his ear and looked at his fingers expecting to see blood, but without missing a beat he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got any diamonds in your earrings, please step close to the fence.â&#x20AC;? Following another wave of laughter, he continued. The ostrich in the Namib Desert was shot, and when the gizzard, which is as large as a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head, was opened, it was full of diamonds.

Ostriches will eat anything shiny.

The tour rounded off with the incubation and hatchery building. In the gift shop there were some adorable ostrich chicks only a few weeks old, their variegated colouring a surprise after the relatively plain plumage of the adult birds. The shop sold ostrich products including leather items, feather dusters and meat. The red meat is extremely healthy, being low in fat and cholesterol: a great beef substitute for those on a strict diet due to heart conditions.

Personally, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist buying an empty ostrich egg, an amazing marvel of nature. It can withstand a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weight when uncompromised, and holds the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite an omelet!

This year Farm Tours in the greater Victoria area will be on July 26 (10:00 to 4:00), and in the Duncan area on August 9th. For more info visit www.islandfarmfresh.com.

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26

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Salt Spring Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture

Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest locally owned and operated Consumer Electronics Retailer

Photo courtesy Michael Ableman

The new Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture at Foxglove Farm recently opened on Salt Spring Island, B.C. The Centre was established to demonstrate and interpret the vital connections between farming, land stewardship, food, the arts and community well-being; to model the economic possibilities for small and medium scale sustainable agricultural and forestry projects and to nurture the human spirit through public programs, classes and events.

This year, from July through September, the Centre will be offering 12 workshops on topics ranging from organic seed production, food gardening and preserving to eco forestry, landscape painting, illustrated journaling and Brazilian samba. The Centre is also offering a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm camp. The workshops will take place at Foxglove Farm, offering people an opportunity to learn and be inspired within the context of a working farm.

More information and registration for classes is available at www.foxglovefarmbc.ca.

Foxglove Farm is a 120-acre working historic organic farm located on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. It is surrounded by hundreds of acres of protected forest, pastures and creeks, bordering Maxwell Lake.

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JULY 2009

27

‘Ride For Your Life’ – 2009 B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer beside sit at a bed side and comfort.

Back in January of this year Shelley Rebneris wanted to do something that combined physical exercise and fundraising for cancer, so she decided to get involved with the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

The bike ride, Shelley found out, would take place June 20 to 21st and go from Surrey’s Guilford Mall to the University of Washington in Seattle – 262 kilometres over two days! This wasn’t going to be a walk in the park.

by Tim Flater When you see the human spirit in action and when you see the results of that action, you begin to believe that anything is possible. I recently met an amazing group of 16 moms,

dads, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, all focusing on one thing; how they could help join the fight to cure cancer. The group has all been touched in some way by the disease, and they wanted to do something

Undeterred, Shelley started recruiting friends who in turn recruited more friends and before she knew it they had a 16-person team. Now, you’d think anyone interested in such a challenge would be serious cyclists but think again; most of them didn’t even have a bike, let alone one that would take them 262 kilometres. But the group was

It’s all fun, It’s all games.

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undaunted by the ride that lay ahead.

To take part in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ride for Your Life,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; each rider had to raise a minimum of $2,500, so the team members started to fundraise; doing events and getting pledges from friends, family and corporations.

In the meantime, they all had to get into shape, so they started on a very rigorous training program. Rain or shine, snow or wind, the team trained every week for six months.

When the pain of training would get to them, Andrew Tidman, one of the team members, would remind the group: â&#x20AC;&#x153;at least we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have cancer, so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get on with it.â&#x20AC;? Greig Jenkinson, who had experience cycling, gave the team support on both equipment and the type of training they needed. At first, they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe how hard a 20-kilometre ride was, let alone a 130-kilometre leg, which made up the first day of the Ride.

Saturday, August 1st 3-7 pm

Over 1,700 cyclists began the journey, raising over $6 million. All the proceeds raised stay in the province, going directly to help support people with cancer (and their families) and to find a cure.

Mary Winspear Centre

Thanks to the donations and the support of their families the team raised an amazing $84,153.68 for the B.C. Cancer foundation. The Team (shown at left): Shelley Rebneris, Cathy Ball, Dave Bukovec, Kimberly Bull, Kelly Bull-Tomer, Michele Dolan, Phillipa Fairburn, Troy Hilder, Brenda Houston, Julie Kaye, James Morrell, Bill Reilly, Karen Rogers, Andrew Tidman, Mike Wood and Joanne Kennedy.

For more information on how you can be involved go to: www.bccancerfoundation.com.

Recipes continued from page 18

$25 each

PEACH PARADISE

includes 6 tasting tickets

Ease back into your lounge chair and soak up some of those summer rays while slowly nipping at this long cool refresher. Take a moment to fire up your BBQ and throw a few peach halves on. Slice them up and plunk them down amongst the iceâ&#x20AC;Śtalk about fresh!

Fill a long tall pint glass full of ice Pour in half a glass of peach or apricot juice Squeeze a little lime and lemon juice in Top with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kings & Spiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; apple cider, nestle that peach wedge right down. Pure Heaven.

Featuring local wineries, farms restaurants

COFFEE CAP Nightcap anyone? Let your regular coffee take a break tonight and willingly skip dessert with this one.

Brew a pot of decaf or regular and let it cool. Fill up a brandy snifter with ice; pour coffee in until ½ way up.

Grab your shot glass and fill half with Baileys, ½ with Kahlua and top with cold milk. Stir. Crown with a dollop of fresh whip cream and, if you are so inclined, shave a few chocolate curls right over the top. Divine!

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JULY 2009

29

SNAPSHOT Snapshot is dedicated to showcasing the visual side of life on the West Coast. Send us your snapshot of family, friends, parties, pets, nature and of course all the embarassing moments captured for all to see! Send high resolution (300 dpi minimum) digital photos to editor@seasidetimes.ca

Clockwise from top left: Gardener Garry’s raspberries – Arlene Antonik • Butter y – Marion Wilk Windsailing – Bill Stockmann • Okisollo – Natalie Agate (centre) Saanichton Sun ower – Arlene Antonik • Bluffs Park, Galiano Island – Anne Fearon-Wood

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JULY 2009

31

Zais Astrology JJuly uly 2 2009 0 by b y Heather Hea eath Zais (heather_zais@telus.net) Aries A riiess march m arch h 21 - aapril prii 19

TThe he sun su un is like a sspotlight. pottlig ght. t.. Itt b brings iinto nto ffocus ocus many tthings hing gs that thaat aare re ruled byy the b he ssign iig gn it’s itt’s in. in This month places mont m onth iitt p lacces aadded on aattention tten ntio on o n home aand nd property property ty matters matte of orr fa yyourself you ourse selff o family. Discuss D plans changes moves. Part pla pl anss fo forr ch chan ange an ges or moves your decisions may base of off yyou our de deci cision ons m ayy affect your b operations well. where best will be oper op rat atio ions aass we well ll.. Lo Look okk at wh wher re tthe he b est location o w forr the fo the long lo g term. ter erm m. Meet M Mee eett VIP’s VIP’ P s in private pri rivvate to talk.

Taurus apr april ril 20 - may 20 0 You will be on the move more this month. Talks and short trips bring people and plans together. Follow up on all correspondence and RSVP where required. This can be a very busy month for you.

A match of wits or meeting of the minds can be very fruitful for all involved. The full moon eclipse in harmony with your sign and Saturn goes a long way toward your sense of achievement.

Gemini may 21 - june 20 The sun shines on your finances this month. Due to the influence of the lunar eclipse in Capricorn, there will be some involvement with others or those having a degree of control in this area. The upside is additional income no matter what the circumstances. There are many sources. Buy, sell or accept bonuses with other perks or gifts. You can turn negative situations around to your advantage. You are impressive.

Cancer june 21 - july 22 The position of the sun in your sign puts you in the centre one way or the other. You can step out of your shell and show your talents or leadership abilities. Take a more head-on approach with most matters. You will feel more secure about behind the scenes deals when you know the time limit attached. Your self-confidence grows as others come on board. Protect influential contacts.

Leo july 23 - august 22 Pull strings behind the scenes instead of head on. Others need to be brought around slowly. There will also be confidential issues surrounding the health of yourself or those who affect your life.

Take time out to look at the past and separate from or let go of anything no longer needed for your future. You will feel better after all is said and done. Become more decisive with ‘grey areas.’

Virgo august 23 - september 22 Powerful energies are at work in your romance and speculation department. Hopes and wishes can come true with the full moon lunar eclipse highlighting expectations.

Stay positive no matter how things are going at the moment. Changes occur suddenly when the time is right.

Control excitement so your intuition can show you what is really happening. You find solutions to problems or a better way of getting the job done. Involve associates.

Libra september 23 - october 22 You feel the need to make changes to your position or enhance your status. This could also affect where you live or your base of operations. The influence from others may be stronger than expected; the decision will not be yours alone.

Events occurring with family will need some consideration as well when looking at the whole picture. Meet with VIP’s on the QT or at someone’s home as confidentiality is important.

Scorpio october 23 - november 21 Your thoughts of distant shores or locations could see you making travel plans automatically. Two eclipses this month can cause life-changing events affecting important choices for you. You will be more focused on your goals and ready to do what it takes to achieve them. This could include leaving people or places behind. You have fearless courage in most areas, and you will need this now. Consult with power people.

Sagittarius november 22 - december 21 The two eclipses this month are focused on finances – your own as well as some involvement with others’ money or assets. Major decisions will need to be made by you or in association to them. Time could be an issue with some of this. The angle from Saturn indicates that patience will pay off in the long run. Follow paper trails to a tidy conclusion.

Positive vibes enhance relationships – personal or business.

Capricorn december 22 - january 19 This can be the time your life changes, especially in the area of personal or business relationships. New or enhanced relationships are favoured. Don’t be shy if things seem to move fast; it’s meant to be that way now. The two eclipses this month are a strong influence. Once you move forward you won’t want to turn back. Some will be getting together and others will be letting go, by choice or not.

Aquarius january 20 - february 18 You go through a lot of soul searching now. Health issues need attention and a different approach. Take care of tests, exams or treatments for yourself or those you are concerned about.

Some involvement with hospitals or other institutions is likely.

You gain important information that makes you feel the power behind the scenes. Pull strings in ways that won’t be blocked or re-routed. Two eclipses this month are strong influences.

Pisces february 19 - march 20 Faith has carried you a long way and now you can feel sure that it was all worth it. Those who count or have positions of influence in your life are seeing things your way – at least to the extent that you can hope. The two eclipses this month give you the edge in any chances you take. You will feel guided by unseen forces this month. Swim with the tide or float along.

New in Sidney, But Not in Business!

Brenda Dean, the former owner of Tree Frog Gallery and Natural Clothing on Mayne Island, has returned to her passion for buying and her love of the retail environment.

Her focus at Smashin Fashin on 3rd Street in Sidney is natural fibre clothing (hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, linen and soy) and supporting Canadian manufacturers.

Shoppers can find ECO-fashion and clothing for travel, exercise, recreation, and casual elegance. Footwear, including the iconic Onesole shoes, (one sole, hundreds of interchangeable tops) will be available, along with fashion forward flip-flops. West Coast artisan creations will be featured throughout the store, look for unique gift items such as hand blown glass, porcelain and jewelry. Accessories such as hats, handbags and jewelry finish off the selection of merchandise (geared for age 20 to seniors).

formerly Piccolo Restaurant

Matt & Cheryl are making changes!

Clean flavours, great ingredients and simple, properly executed cooking without all the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pretentious fuss.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Call for a reservation today SEASIDE TIMES

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See Smashin Fashin ad page 37 for more details.

JULY 2009

33

Evolution and Farm Fresh Produce at Michell With actual and encouraged resurgence in ‘buying locally’ and ‘growing your own’ produce, it seems timely to take a look at farming and what it’s becoming on the Peninsula.

Versions of the Michell family history have appeared in area papers several times over the decades, revealing that these contributors to the farming community have been with us since the purchase of 50 acres of land by Thomas Michell in Vern and Dorothy Michell.

1868. He began a way of life that’s flowed through branches of the family to this day, encompassing six generations.

As recent arrivals from Wales in 1862, Thomas, his wife Margaret and their infant son John settled first in Victoria.

The couple reportedly worked as proprietors at a hotel and later operated a grocery store. The lure of the gold rush called Thomas away in 1863 and again in 1865. His mining efforts brought modest success, supporting the eventual move to rural Saanich Peninsula. The rigors of clearing forest to create farm land were demanding, as they have been in every generation, including the fourth-generation Michells who are currently farming the land, with the fifth moving into major roles and the sixth alongside.

Brothers Vern and Fran farmed adjacent to W.D.’s sons, uncles Ralph and Bud, for many years as they developed their land and expertise with their brother Wilmer, who passed away last year. They now farm over 300 acres of their own land and over 100 acres they lease.

Over the years Michell farming has evolved to meet market needs, which is a primary interest for the current Michell Brothers.

“My uncle Bud was the cow master,” Vern reports, “and in the mid ’70s things weren’t going so well in that respect, so the cows were sold and that era ended. Uncle Bud retired. My Uncle Ralph had initiated growing potatoes earlier on, and that became the major crop.”

Hardship came in 1982, when one hundred acres of his uncle’s farm, and many acres of their developing Michell Brothers farm, fell to a Federal government ban on growing potatoes and related crops in an approximate 800acre area of Central Saanich, due to failure to eradicate the golden nematode, a pest potentially threatening seed potato exports.

Thomas was among the first to bring binding and threshing machines to the Island, a controversial choice at the time. The current Michell family faces farming square on, amidst diminishing commitments with family farms dissolving and thousands of acres going out of production in the western growing region that includes the United States.

“The ban put my uncle and my cousin out of business” Vern acknowledges, “and we were hard hit too, but Daughter-in-law Celia and grandwe’d been growdaughter Nicole play very active roles ing some other in the Michell Brothers Farm market. crops as well, and we made it.” The government ban was accompanied by suggested alternate crops to grow, and the Michell Brothers planted about 15-20 acres to explore their viability.

As the farm became the focus of Thomas’ son William David, known as W.D., some grain was grown for feed yet attention was on a dairy herd. Current Michell

The experiment led to a new development; direct sales.

They put a table out by the road, Vern’s wife Dorothy describes, and sold $50 worth of produce in their first

34

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day, which meant a lot back then. The decision to provide this service saved their farm, and they sold fresh produce for years in an outdoor stand before purchasing the land with the current market at the corner of Highway 17 and Island View Road, renovating and opening up year round.

The Michell Brothers grow approximately 30 different vegetable crops, selling 40 percent directly to consumers. All their fruit crops are sold through the market, Vern states, which includes apples from 2,000 trees, strawberries, raspberries, loganberries and tayberries.

If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new trend in farming, Vern observes, it could be selling a higher percentage of produce directly to customers who are looking for quality and getting back to basics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve looked into organic practices,â&#x20AC;? Vern states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and we grow everything as naturally as we can, using natural predators for pest control and having the fields monitored for possible infestations twice a week. We make decisions on the information we get, sometimes sacrificing a row to save the rest of the crop. We also plant accordingly, so crops arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t at risk when known problems are likely to occur.â&#x20AC;?

That said, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open to try new crops customers might want. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anyone can make a suggestion to us,â&#x20AC;? he emphasizes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll consider it.â&#x20AC;?

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to stop?

METHING TO GO! GRAB SO

2009 Gallery-By-The-Sea Sidneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gallery-By-The-Sea is back this year with eight artists displaying their work at the Fish Hut at the end of Beacon Avenue.

The theme for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork is to tie in with the new Marine Centre. The pieces will be on display until September, and polling stations are put up in various locations in town (Sidney Historical Museum, The Breezeway in the Canner, Laroche Gallery and the Arts Centre at Tulista park in Sidney) and the public is invited to vote for their favourite. The winners will be announced in September.

This annual event has been going on in Sidney for 10 years, and is presented by the Arts Council with the help of sponsorship from local businesses. This year the sponsors are: Beacon Books, Cedarwood Inn and Suites, Holmes Realty, Tannerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Books, Christine Laurent Fine Jewellry, Alexanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Company, Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florist, Fish on Fifth, Pleasant Street Studio, Bubba Loo Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique, Philbrookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boatyard, Itty Bitty Signs and Emerald Sea Adventures.

Open Daily â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til 10 pm

On the corner of East Saanich Rd & Wallace Drive, Saanichton

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JULY 2009

35

Failed Communications – Part III A Novella by Joseph Fasciani What a harvest it had been at times! Some of the results were at first subject to great scepticism by old line officers, who scorned them as pointless occult wanderings.

But when later events and highly credible professionals confirmed the uncanny accuracy of much of the reporting, even the sceptics accepted the utility of this strange new intelligence. In truth, it was really a very old intelligence, one of several discounted and ignored so long ago that they came to be thought of as having never existed.

(known as ‘Brilliant’ to English Canadians), the last of the great Doukhobor rural farm communes, just outside the site that later became Castlegar, B.C. on the Columbia River.

There his psychic abilities were taken

There he soon found that a strong, healthy young man such as himself could get good paying work in the war-time shipyards.

That was what Ian had learned from his mentor, a woman sent out from Ottawa three years ago to train and deepen his abilities.

Shirley Leggat had in turn been an early student of the grand master of Canadian remote viewing, Nikolas Demoskoff. Demoskoff was born in 1920 and raised in Ootischenia

36

SEASIDE TIMES

break from the community and its agrarian life, he traveled to Vancouver, thinking he’d make or break himself in the great world he’d learned about only as rumour and oral history. Although raised as a Christian pacifist and warned about the pitfalls of the great urbs, (all Canada’s 10 of them), it was to B.C.’s largest city that he went to find himself.

at face value, a ‘gift from God,’ but nothing to fuss about in the compassionate, loving-God society he knew.

When Nikolas felt old enough to

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Unfortunately, his psychic abilities were all too amply demonstrated in his first payday game of dice, as he won seven consecutive rolls. The four other players stood, pulled Nikolas up roughly by his shirt, and prepared to demonstrate their hand skills to his surprised face. But before the fight got to the fatal stage, he was sent to the ship-

yardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations director as a trouble-maker.

There he naively explained that he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cheating, not at all! It was simply that he knew what was coming, and he really had no control over it at all. Fortunately for Nikolas Demoskoffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future life and livelihood, Operations Director Peter Blundell had both a family and an educational background that allowed him to appreciate what Nikolas did.

After telling him not to take chances on such games again or risk losing his job, he sent Nikolas off, then sat down and immediately phoned the Naval officer to whom he reported.

In 1942, Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military was aware of the psychic talents that the U.K. had set to work as soon as war officially

Some of the results were at rst subject to great scepticism by old line of cers who scorned them as pointless occult wanderings. But when later eventsâ&#x20AC;Ścon rmed the uncanny accuracy of much of the reporting, even the sceptics accepted the utility of this strange new intelligenceâ&#x20AC;Ś broke out. This branch was already organised in England, under Military Intelligence from the very first day.

Highly co-ordinated in every aspect, it worked 24 hours a day without a break to penetrate the mysteries of Aryan mysticism, with its often bizarre, irrational mythologies.

Local Race Car Driver Seeks Sponsors Amateur car racing is surprisingly exciting and amazingly competitive. Bill Lushaw, a local Sidney resident, has been racing at Western Speedway in the Bombers division for the past eight years. He is seeking help from sponsors to help his team build a competitive vehicle during the current racing season. This is a great opportunity to gain recognition for your company. Your logo will be on Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car and company listed with car #24 in the Western Speedway program. Thousands of people come through the pits after the races so your company logo will be displayed to many people. A website for Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team and car is presently being developed, where your logo will be shown along with links to your website.

Bill needs support from the community in order to continue to compete this season. He has only reached 50 percent of his sponsorship goal, and would greatly appreciate anything your company sees fit to help him with. Donations from the general public are also welcome. Racing at Western Speedway is a great family event, but it requires drivers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; without your involvement there may be one less driver in the lineup.

If you would like to support your local race car driver you may contact Bill at 250-888-0100 or 250-514-4480.

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When Nikolas left that office his life was set on a new course, one that even his abilities could not have shown him.

Within a week he was called back to Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, offered a role as a civilian in the Navy, one he could both work in and create as he went. The pay was twice what he had made doing heavy labour, so he gladly said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, sir!â&#x20AC;? to both the unidentified fellow in a rather severe suit, and Blundell.

Nikolas liked Peter Blundell because â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was a common name at home, and it brought back warm memories.

5,>

Over the years since then Nikolas rapidly taught himself what he needed to know, and then in turn taught others. There were never more than a few dozen in total; Canada was in the second tier of psy warriors, but that was fine, as there were no hot wars to attend, and he was able to pass all he learned unto them.

By the time Nikolas died in 2009, Canada was in the first rank, and had several notable, although not advertised, successes. Shirley Leggat was one of his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 apostles,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; as he had affectionately tagged them. If only the average Canadian could know that Canadian peace-keeping was more psyche than physical presence! But that day would be a long time offâ&#x20AC;Ś To be continuedâ&#x20AC;Ś

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JULY 2009

37

THE LAST WO R D met ingenuity and sensible development are just beginning to sprout. There are family-run wineries, cider houses, eateries offering gourmet cuisine made with local products and charming little communities,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Boy is she rightâ&#x20AC;Śas I put this issue together I was reminded yet again what an amazing community Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a part of. I hope the stories that we feature this month make sure you never forget either! * * * * * * * The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Feed the Soulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CD Release Charity Fundraiser on June 28 marked the culmination of months of hard work by many people towards a common goal: raising money for the Sidney Lions Food Bank and giving exposure to a group of extremely talented local musicians. The project, which started with Open Mic nights at the Fresh Cup cafĂŠ in Sidney, involved a CD produced by Jim Townley of Fresh Cup that featured nine local artists. All proceeds of the CD sales will go to the Sidney Lions Food Bank. If you werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to attend the fundraiser, CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are available at Fresh Cup Sidney, Fresh Cup Saanichton, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa and Knickerbockerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Brentwood.

On June 23rd, an article by Margo Pfeiff appeared in the Vancouver Sun that called the Saanich Peninsula â&#x20AC;&#x153;Provence on the Pacific.â&#x20AC;? Pfeiff describes her recent trip to this end of the island and raves about all that it has to offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The peninsula is a patch of comfy, old, small-town B.C. countryside where the first signs of world-class rural gour-

* * * * * * * On another note, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to say congratulations to my mom, who got engaged recently to a wonderful man.

Jim became a part of our family quickly and completely, and I could imagine no better match for her. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brought her all the happiness she deserves but was missing for so long, and for that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;us kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are very grateful. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all so happy for you two!

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38

SEASIDE TIMES

www.seasidetimes.ca

JULY 2009

1st Annual ‘Music Fest’ August 1st COMMUNITY PARTNERS :

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Music Fest &

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FREE Parking t '3&& Admission Extended Market Hours !

August 1st Musicians Hourly 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Located on the Saanich Fairgrounds 1528 Stelly’s X Road, Saanichton

Saturdays until Sept. 30th

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Vendor Space Available – Call 250-216-0521