TAKE 5 July 2017 by Take 5 Print & Digital Media

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Letters Passing of a Light Up Legend In the mid-1980s my sister and I rented a store front from Bill Fitzpatrick in the Hall Building on First Avenue in Ladysmith. Bill Fitzpatrick was helpful to two young entrepreneurs starting out in the rag trade because of his past experience in said trade. He was a great source of information about weaving our ideas into the fabric of the business community in Ladysmith. It was our ﬁrst November in the building, and in he walks with a box full of Bill Fitzpatrick strings of outdoor Christmas lights. Though neatly stored, there were many colours of lights — some missing — in the strings. In true Bill-style, he informed me that we were to replace the bulbs with two green bulbs, one twinkle, two green, one twinkle and so on, and have them up outside of the store front by the fourth Thursday of the month. It did get under my skin that I had no say in the colours because I was to foot the bill for these lights. ( I was young then; those things no longer matter to me now.) I was promptly informed there was a colour theme, starting at the Bob Stuart Park and ending at the Hall buildings. Far be it from me to argue with Bill Fitzpatrick. For those who have tried to win an argument with him you will know my dilemma. I wondered at this point just how Chuck Perrin and Diana Childs were going to deal with the Pharmasave Building, as the size was far greater than what I had to deal with. Bill was on his way to their place, with a car loaded down with boxes of strings of lights. My goodness, it would have been a treat to see Uncle Walter’s reaction to this polite demand. Wayne and Harmina Richmond had no qualms of meeting these requests, and the 49th Parallel Grocery store looked beautiful for Light Up. When my future husband, Garth, entered into the picture and

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it was obvious we where a forever ﬁt, Bill informed me I was crazy for getting married, as it would get in the way of our thriving business. I actually think Bill had the hots for Garth, in all honesty. I questioned this again the year Bill came into the shop and invited us to a “screwing party” at Myf Plecas’ house. (These would become known in the future as “screwing parties” because volunteers worked on screwing in the light bulbs.) In the following years, those strings of lights have grown into the huge Festival of Lights we know today. When my son, Tyler, was born so to was “Uncle Fitzy.” My daughter, Hahlay, and Tyler have had Christmas gifts sent to them from the far reaches of the world that where a great source of joy to them, but not always to their parents. The parcel under the tree that was beaten up from travel and covered in strange stamps always held fascinating wonders inside, such as unique puppets and daggers sent from Thailand, India and other exotic places where Bill spent his winters. He enjoyed pushing the limits even when it came to child safe and appropriate gifts. He was right. I did prefer family life over being a business owner, but thankfully this did not prevent us sharing birthday celebrations through the years, being there for each other as we mourned the loss of loved ones, enjoying many a meal together at 910 4th Avenue, and having numerous discussions on the topics of Light Up and all things and people relating to Ladysmith. When Garth and I decided to explore our options a few years ago and take up long-term employment in Whangarei, New Zealand, Bill shared our excitement and oﬀered to keep a close eye on Tyler, Hahlay and Katie, and so he did. He kept us informed on the important matters and sugar coated nothing. I have had many a good laugh over the last few years, as phone conversations that you are too far away to do anything about can be. It was his honesty I admired most. As we all know the humble beginnings of The Festival of Lights has grown into a key part of our history. Duck and Tracy Paterson took a gorgeous photo of the roundabout last year, covered in snow and alive with light. I shared it with our loved ones in New Zealand and had great pleasure in telling them all about the festival and the beautiful people of Ladysmith that continue to commit so much of their heart and soul to the town.

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I am relieved he is at peace, but this is not making the missing him feeling any lighter. The memories that my family shared with William Fitzpatrick will glow like two green Christmas lights and one twinkling light forever. - Loyola van Rooyen Buck Ed Note: There will be a bon voyage party at 3770 Shell Beach Rd. in Bill’s memory on July 23, 4pm. Bring a dish for a pot luck picnic, your beverage of choice and a lawn chair. Join us as we celebrate a life gone but not forgotten.

Shout-out to Local Heroes When Rosie, our 1994 three-quarter-ton Chevy farm truck, decided to take a leak in the middle of the road, we knew she was not feeling herself. She usually is able to retain her water, but this day she was really steaming about something. We took her to a local mechanic who told us that her case was terminal. It was obvious that, given her age, she was suffering from a blown-head gasket. He said that it would cost over $2000 to get her up and running again, and she probably wasn’t worth the effort. We were very sad. While lamenting old Rosie’s state to a neighbour, she suggested that we call her mechanic Brian Priddle. She was sure he’d offer us a second opinion. And she was right: Brian said that he’d be happy to take a look at our poor dear truck. The very next day, he not only had her incontinence under control, but had also fixed some minor ailments that we didn’t even know about, and he gave us a bill that was an entire zero less than our first estimate. Thanks to him, Rosie is part of the farm family again, and we couldn’t be happier about it! Here’s a shout-out to Brian Priddle. Thank you for your expertise and professional care. - Pamela Walker Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited for space, clarity or legality. This is an open forum and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. email: editor@take5.ca, PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, or fax: 250-245-7099 Facebook: Take5Publications

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Stz’uminus Ladysmith Canada 150 Celebrations This year, Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of confederation — the date our nation formally became a country. Canada and our own community are awash in national pride as we gear up for a year-long birthday bash to celebrate this land we all love so much. Here in Ladysmith, Festival of Lights volunteers have been hard at work (and I thought they took a bit of time oﬀ during the spring!) bedecking our trees in red and white lights and installing a big “150” on the roof of City Hall. In April, we saw red and white tulips in the

Town’s flower beds, and now we are seeing red and white geraniums, impatiens and petunias. I’m curious to see what blooms next. I have a strong feeling it will continue along the same colour scheme (though, I am assured Town staff will still plant vegetables.) I was somewhat uncomfortable when the federal government first announced plans to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. I’m as proud of being Canadian as anyone, but in this time of truth and reconciliation, following the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a great big birthday party for a 150-yearold Canada seemed to undermine what we are trying to accomplish: healing hurts and injustices by forging ties of trust, respect and friendship with Canada’s indigenous people.

An appreciative audience filled ladysmith’s Transfer Beach Amphitheatre to celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

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As such, I am very pleased that the Stz’uminus First Nation and Ladysmith communities are working together on a shared celebration, using the 150th anniversary of confederation as a launching pad to celebrate together the things that make our communities and our land so special. The Stz’uminus Ladysmith Canada 150 Committee has been meeting for several months, and the results of their leadership are already visible in our community. Those red and white lights and the big 150 on the roof of City Hall? The colourful red and white ﬂowers? The amazing new banners along First Avenue? They are all thanks to the leadership of the Committee and its dedicated members. Through hard work and community spirit, they are ensuring that celebrations, like Ladysmith Days, the Ladysmith Ambassador Program and even the Ladysmith Show and Shine, all include the Canada 150 theme. They also made strong links between National Aboriginal Day on June 21 and Canada Day on July 1. I would like to extend personal thanks to committee co-chairs Duck Paterson and Roxanne Harris, and members Chris Baker, John Silins, Cecilia Harris, Shirley Louie, Mark Drysdale, Jim Raddatzand, Marina Sacht and Anita McLeod, as well as Communications Committee members Cecelia Harris, Cindy Damphousee and Andrea Rosato-Taylor. Your enthusiasm is infectious, you exemplify the spirit of Naut-sa Mawt (Working Together), and you know how to keep a party going throughout the year!I had

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the privilege of attending the unveiling of the new First Avenue banners in May, along with Chief John Elliott. For me, the banners represent everything that the Canada 150 celebration should capture — pride, hope and walking together toward a brighter, shared future for this great country of ours. One of the banners was designed by Ladysmith Secondary School grade nine students, Kendra Forester and Eve Lovett. The maple leaf represents Canada and its provinces and territories while other designs located at the top and bottom of the banner pay tribute to area First Nations. A second banner depicting a red and white salmon and eagle was created especially for our community by renowned Stz’uminus artist and my friend, John Marston. The salmon represents First Nations culture and the connection to nature and the environment. John spoke recently about the signiﬁcance of the majestic raptor in Coast Salish cul-

ture saying, “The eagle is beautiful and graceful, with the never-ending strength to survive.” Although those words were in the context of the eagle that John designed for the new BC Ferry, the Salish Eagle, I think they are equally applicable to our country. Canada is relatively young in terms of when it became a confederation in 1867. However, the land that we all call home has nurtured its residents for thousands of years. As we celebrate Canada 150, let’s not forget what we all have in common: a collective duty to protect and preserve our country and a ﬁerce drive to provide opportunities for our children and grandchildren. We all share Canadian values of kindness, generosity and inclusiveness. We walk together in this land, and we try to remember to tread lightly as we do so. Together, we are the true North strong and free. I look forward to celebrating with you! mayor@ladysmith.ca

Downtown’s quiet revival BY ROB JOHNSON Slowly and without fanfare, there has been an injection of new life in Ladysmith’s downtown core. Many heritage buildings, especially in the 500 block of First Avenue, have been undergoing improvements, revitalizing the buildings. One of the most noticeable examples of this is the transformation of what was the Vacuum/Scooter shop at 530 First Avenue. Soon, this site will be opening as Zack’s Lounge. This 110-year-old building, originally a butcher shop, was in need of a major revitalization. Dan Zacharias, the building’s owner, has been revitalizing the premises for over a year, bringing it up to today’s building code. As a result, the renovated building has been given another lease on life. Once the renovations are completed, it will become a heritage building where residents of Ladysmith

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and visitors will be able to enjoy a drink and a light meal around its fireplace and heritage-looking bar. Zack’s Place is not the only downtown building that is presently undergoing a revitalization. The J. Cochrane building, which has also been home to many different businesses, including Shop Easy that morphed into Cochrane’s Market, then into to Mainwaring’s Ladies Wear, and then Uncle Walter’s Emporium before becoming the present Worldly Gourmet. Today, the owners of the store and the building, Kamal and Therese Saab, are upgrading the building’s wiring and plumbing. They are also designing living accommodations. Their plans to live above the building and give the building a combined commercial and residential look will help create a feeling of community, as the building will reflect a warmer residential influence in the downtown core. Other buildings that have been recently renovated include the Pemberton Holmes Realty at 530 First Ave. This building has a rich history that has housed numerous businesses over the years. One thing that makes this building stand out from a historical point of view is that it was shifted over from its original location by Mr. Cochrane, who owned what is now the Cochrane Building next door. Mr. Cochrane wanted to expand his business from what is now half of the present Cochrane building, so he purchased what is now housing Pemberton Reality and had it moved one lot to his left, creating a space for him to expand his building and doubling his floor area. The building’s new owners have taken up residence in a newly renovated apartment above the commercial building below. Again, by taking up residence above

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their building, the owners are bringing more life to the downtown core. The commercial space has also been given new life as it too has had major upgrades in both electrical and plumbing, reassuring that it will be around for decades to come. Most of us have been into the Old Town Bakery in the last year and have seen the new renovations. This new look and space will contribute to the continuing success of one of the town’s bestknown businesses. This investment and the owner’s additional investment in their other store, the Wild Poppy, are key drivers in the renaissance of the downtown core. It is this type of reinvestment in the downtown that is making Ladysmith a desirable place to live and visit. Another business owner who has taken on the challenge of revitalizing the building they own is Left Coast Fashions Tamara Stone. Her plans include a revamp to her commercial space and eventually a redesign and renovation of rental suites that will bring more residents to our downtown area. Luke Kolk, owner of what is best known as the Ladysmith Trading Company Building, has created both an attractive commercial space that, because of its upgrades, will be around for years to come. He has also created attractive and aﬀordable apartments above the commercial space below, which, again, will bring more people to live in our downtown core. Recently, the renovated Home Hardware on High Street, which was empty for a couple of years, has become the Fox and Hounds, a pub-style restaurant. It has become a reason for many to come downtown, both during the day and evenings. A lot of activity is happening downtown, and one reason is that we are attracting more people to come and live

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downtown. At least four building owners of the 500 block of First Avenue are taking up residence above their building or are providing rental housing downtown. They enjoy the quality of lifestyle that living in a heritage downtown oﬀers and know that others will too. Above: Kamal Saab with computer display of future plans for Worldly Gourmet’s exterior. Photo: Rob Johnson (opposite page) Dan Zacharias soon to open Zack’s Lounge. Photo: Rob Johnson

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Ladysmith Days return For over 40 years, Ladysmith Days has been a highlight of the summer. Join the fun this year August 5-6 for an exciting weekend of musicians, singers, dancers, kids games and much much more. The weekend kicks oﬀ with the popular Kinsmen Parade and ends with the Ladysmith & District Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular. The parade starts August 5 at 10 a.m. If you woudl liek to enter your business or group in the parade Mike Sumpter 250-245-2104 or Duck Paterson 250245-2263. Saturday August 5 the party gets started with the Bullhead Derby at the Ladysmith Community Marina. After the parade at 10 am, head over to Aggie Field where the 49th Parallel Grocery is hosting children’s activities. Later in the day things heat up at Transfer Beach as the Kinsmen host Rib Fest followed by the Beach Party. Sunday August 6, Transfer Beach is the place to be for the Ladysmith & Dsitrict Credit Union’s Kids Count Fun Zone and the Oceanview Community Church’s Family Fun & Games center. Tons of things to keep everyone busy, face painting, bouncy castle, dunk tank, and more. Returning again are the popular greasy pole and the zucchini races, build your zucchini mobile down at the beach and have a blast racing your friends. The grand ﬁnale is the LCU Fireworks Plesae check their webiste for up to date listings and volunteer opportunities, www.ladysmithdays.com

Connecting waterfront to downtown Ladysmith BY MARINA SACHT A couple of volunteers are hard at work clearing an overgrown trail that connects Ladysmith’s waterfront to downtown. Bill Drysdale and Chuck Forrest meet every Wednesday to do back-breaking work because they believe that it’s a valuable addition to the community. A cleaned up trail will provide better

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security and safety for local residents, and encourage visiting boaters to visit downtown Ladysmith, says Drysdale. By thinning out some of the trees and cottonwoods, and pruning back some bushes a visual corridor could be created from First Avenue & Gatacre Street to the harbour, connecting the downtown area to the waterfront, he says. But cleaning up this trail isn’t without its challenges. It runs through three jurisdictions, the Town of Ladysmith, the Vancouver Island Rail Corridor, and Department of Highways. “We want to clean it up because our visitors down at Ladysmith Marina don’t know how to get to town,” says Forrest, who says they have been frequently asked directions while working on the trail. Their goal is to make the trail more inviting for boating tourists and local residents to walk down to the art gallery, visit the Loci 11, or the marina “We need to be able to connect the people that come here to our local businesses,” says Forrest. Once the trail is cleared, they plan to lay down ground cloth with gravel and wood chips. When the visual corridor is opened up, they would like to tackle the viewpoint that is now over-grown beside the old Expo building. “It’s not only a beautiful spot but will once again enhance the view corridor… it would be lovely to have it so that it’s physically and visually an invitation for boaters to get to town and the town to come down to the water.” As part of rehabilitating the trail they have removed truckloads of debris from people dumping illegally, and painted over graﬃti appearing regularly on the vacant railway station building. “The station should be a priority because if it isn’t, it will just be a pile of rubble soon,” says Forrest. But right now, it’s one step at a time, one blackberry bush at a time. If you can help, join in on Wednesdays from 11:30 to 1 pm.

Ladysmith accepts oﬀer for land at 900 Russell Road An accepted oﬀer is in place for the sale of Town of Ladysmith-owned property at 900 Russell Road. “Town Council is grateful for input from neighbours of 900 Russell Road,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.

Bill Drysdale and Chuck Forrest clean up the trail to town. Photo: Marina Sacht

“Their advice and suggestions, whether in person at the June 5 Council meeting, in writing, or by phone, provided us with valuable information that we then used during the sale negotiations.” Under the terms of the offer, the purchaser of the property has agreed to Council’s request to set aside 1.4 acres or approximately 15 per cent of the 9.4 acre parcel for use as parkland. Council specifically requested the area encompass the flat open area of the property, as suggested by nearby residents at the June 5 council meeting. A covenant will be registered on the title of the property to preserve the parkland. In addition, the offer ensures two public access points to the parkland area, and a connection to a large natural park area south and west of 900 Russell Road.

The Brits are coming! Get ready for the 17th Annual Brits on the Beach . This year the fun starts July 9 from 10am to 3pm at Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. Along with the car show there will be British related vendors. Admission is free! Come early and enjoy a hot breakfast. The Ladysmith Lions Club will be running the concession.

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War canoe races Paddlers from the Stz’uminus First Nation (SFN) are getting to host Coast Salish War Canoe Races July 22 and 23. The two-day race series will be held at Kulleet Bay. Competitors from BC and Washington State to compete in singles, doubles and big dugout canoes. An MC will host the event to keep you abreast of the action. Everyone is welcome to attend. Watch for details at facebook.com/ladysmithstuminuscanada150/

Outdoor fitness Looking for a way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors? A new fitness program is offering just that. Jump Start Fitness is holding classes in Ladysmith for a summer trial at Transfer Beach park on Mondays at 6:15 pm and Friday 6 am and 9:15 am at Holland Creek Trail. If there is interest they will offer classes throughout the year.

Rainbow Crosswalk A ribbon cutting for the new rainbow crosswalk in downtown Ladysmith was held on June 19. The crosswalk at Gatacre and First is now sporting Pride colours in support of the LGBTQ community and honouring a commitment to celebrating diversity for Pride 2017.

Address numbers offered How visible are you? Would members of fire, ambulance, or RCMP be able to locate your address quickly in case of an emergency? This is the problem that the Nanaimo HubCity Lions want to fix. They are selling reflective address signs at a cost of $40. These high visible signs are fade resistant, with pre drilled holes for easy installation. They are available in horizontal or vertical lay out. To order or for more information call 250-729-7860 or 250-933-4747.

Students helping seniors Students Helping Seniors is a Ladysmith based summer program that connects youth who want to work with seniors who are looking for some help. Seniors must be 55+ and willing to pay $10.85 an hour. Students must be between 14-18. All parties must live in the Ladysmith District. Call 250-245-3079 or email studentshelpingseniors@lrca.ca

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Dancers head to Broadway Rhythm Dance Academy in Ladysmith has some exciting travel plans coming up in July. A team of 12 dancers, between the ages of 12 and 17, have successfully auditioned for a chance to be part of the Dance the Magic program and perform in New York City on Broadway. For the past two years, they have been fundraising to cover the cost of the trip. So far, they have exceeded their goal of $500 per dancer to a total of $1000 per dancer thanks to the generosity of the community. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime for these dancers, and we will be making the most of our time in New York,” says coowner Elise Samson. During the fourday trip, they will be performing four dance routines, two of which are choreographed by Samson. They will also be attending workshops and dance camps. This is not the ﬁrst time this dance studio has sent dancers to perform out of country. They have also had performances at Disneyland in California and will be travelling there again in two years.

Islands Folk Fest Returns On July 21, the steady rhythmic beats of the Tzinquaw Dancers from Cowichan Tribes will ﬁll the air at Providence Farm in Duncan, marking the start of the 33rd annual Islands Folk Festival. This captivating local drum and dance group will kick oﬀ what promises to be another

Students of Rhythm Dance Academy in Ladysmith. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

wonderful weekend of music at one of Canada’s longest running folk festivals. Some of the highlights this year on the musical front will see the award-winning Canadian folk legends, The Bills, celebrating their 20th anniversary year at the festival. The rapidly rising folk and bluegrass outﬁt, The Lonely Heartstring Band, join us from Boston, showing Vancouver Island why they are one of the most talked about young folk bands in North America. Other groups that will bring festival goers to their feet include the multi-award-winning band, Big Little Lions, Tom Landa’s (The Paperboys) Latin music project Locarno, and the Island-based trio Lion Bear Fox. If guitar wizardry is what you’re looking for, then groups like the Marc Atkin-

son Trio (Hornby Island and Victoria), Quinn Bachand’s Brishen (Victoria) and Incendio (California) will be on hand. The legendary Island folk group The Eccleston’s are getting back together after a hiatus and will be there, as will award-winning emerging groups like Fox Glove, West My Friend, Coastline, and the 2014 CBC Searchlight winner Lauren Mann. Singer-songwriters, like Sarah Jane Scouten, Craig Cardiﬀ, Linda McRae and Jay Aymar, will be telling stories and playing songs throughout the weekend on one of ﬁve stages. This year new Artistic Director Kelly Nakatsuka is launching a project that aims to bring increasing numbers of Indigenous artists to the festival stages in the years to come. Along with the lo-

cal Tzinquaw Dancers from Cowichan Tribes, Island residents Art Napoleon (Saulteau First Nation) and Ed Peekeekoot (Ahtahkakoop First Nation) will both be performing solo sets and together, a special Cree language set aimed at our young audience. The multi-award winning a cappella trio Asani will be on hand, who sing in a mix of English, Cree, and French, combining elements of traditional and contemporary music in their sets. And from the Apsáalooke Nation in Montana, Christian Takes Gun Parrish, better known as “Supaman,” will bring his incredible and unique performance to the festival, blending traditional powwow fancy dancing, with a musical mix of traditional instrumentation, and modern hip hop. islandsfolkfestival.ca.

Concerts in the Park return Concerts in the Park series kicks oﬀ another season on Sunday, July 2. This year’s series oﬀers a variety of genres every Sunday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., throughout the summer. The series is supported by local business and admission is by donation, with all pro-

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Hip on the Hill Following the success of last year’s “The Hip on the Hill,” the Ladysmith Resources Centre presents “Hip Replacements On The Hill” Concert and Beer Garden. On July 29, enjoy the band The Hip Replacements, a beer garden and burgers. All ages welcome, with the exception of the beer garden for 19 years plus. The fundraiser for the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association goes from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the LRCA (630 2nd Avenue; lrca.ca).

Canada 150 Quilt Doctors of Love, will perform at this year’s Concerts in the Park series

ceeds going to the Ladysmith Resources Centre’s many programs that are oﬀered at no charge.. Ladysmith’s Transfer Beach amphitheatre is a the perfect venue, with the backdrop of the harbour and grassy lawn to enjoy this fun fundraiser.. For a full schedule, please see pages 24 and 25 in this issue of TAKE 5.

On June 25th the Saltair District Ratepayers Association held the Grand Unveiling of Saltair’s Canada 150th Celebration Quilt. Residents came by to admire the beautifully detailed quilt that showcases our community. Members of the Saltair Quilters Group wanted to do something special to commemorate Canada 150. Entitled “Remember where in Saltair, the quilt features landmarks such as Big Rock at BoulderPoint, Stocking Creek Falls, The Old Plantation, Saltair Pub, the Da-

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Author Kevin Lamport

Members of the Saltair Quilters Group with their Canada 150 Celebration Quilt

vis Lagoon Bridge,and other signiﬁcant places in Saltair. Started in September, 14 artist and quilters contributed their talents. The group meets every Tuesday at the Saltair Community Centre and drop ins are welcome.

New book by local author Long-time Ladysmith resident, Kevin Lamport, has released his ﬁrst novel, “Death and a Few Days Oﬀ.” Set partially in Northern Canada, Kevin has drawn on his experience as a bush and Arctic pilot to write an action-adventure novel

that is fast paced and humorous. “Death and a Few Days Oﬀ” is available on Amazon and iTunes in print format or as an eBook. It is also available locally, at the 49th Parallel Café, as well as Salamander Books, both located in Ladysmith. Kevin’s second novel, “A Night on the Town” will be released in October. For more information kevinlamport.com.

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Cookbook seeks recipes The Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace (CVCM), Cowichan’s newest farmer and food processor co-operative, has much to celebrate these days. Not only is its online farmers’ market (cowop.ca) helping residents of the Cowichan source and order locally grown fresh or processed foods, but it is busy working on a new cookbook project that will feature Valley recipes with emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. The CVCM is currently seeking local community recipes to help build a regional cookbook featuring local wisdom and seasonal Cowichangrown ingredients. The project, funded in part by the government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, will see the CVCM gather recipes not only from its own co-operative members, but also reach out to the community for content from those who have a connection to the Valley’s deep agricultural history. To that end, the CVCM is currently seeking recipes (old favourites or new concoctions) and stories that showcase the region’s farm-fresh heritage and fea-

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ture Cowichan-grown ingredients. Other opportunities to get involved in the making of the cookbook include helping with editing and proofing, photography and community outreach. This is where you come in! If you love food, cooking, gardening and farming, the book needs your voice and contributions. To submit a recipe or for more information on how to participate contact Heather at info@cowop.ca or visit www. cow-op.ca/cookbook. Summer Fresh Minty Pea Soup Serves 6 to 8 Mint and fresh greens marry beautifully with the nutty sweetness of tender young peas. 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1 clove garlic, minced 1 large onion, chopped 1 small head lettuce, shredded 15 large leaves of fresh spinach 1 tbsp chopped parsley 5 cups fresh young peas 5 cups chicken or veggie broth 2 tsp (10mL) sugar salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint 1 cup milk or cream Garnish sprigs of fresh mint In a large saucepan, warm the olive oil and butter. Add the garlic and onion and sauté over medium-low heat for three to five minutes, or until onions are softened. Add the lettuce, spinach and parsley. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are wilted. Add the peas and three cups of

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broth. Cover the pan, bring to a boil, then quickly reduce to a simmer and cook for about ﬁve minutes or until peas are soft. Remove saucepan from the heat. In a food processor or blender, process the soup mixture until coarsely blended. Return to the pan. Add the remaining two cups of broth. Bring to a boil. Add the sugar, salt and pepper to taste, and the chopped mint. Stir in enough milk to create desired consistency. Heat slowly over low heat, stirring, just until the soup is hot. Do not boil. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint. Garlic Scape Pickles For one quart jar of pickles: 30-35 garlic scapes, cut into long straight pieces that ﬁt into a quart jar standing upright 1 tsp (5 mL) pickling spices 1 tbsp. (15 mL) pickling salt 2 large garlic cloves 2 heads fresh dill Optional: 1-2 hot peppers Wash the scapes. Place one head of fresh washed dill on the bottom of a quart glass jar with the spices, salt, garlic and peppers (if using). Pack the jar with scapes standing upright, and add more dill on top. Fill with cold water, leaving a quarter-inch of headspace. Seal the jar tight. Shake to dissolve the salt. Store in a cool, dark space for up to 12 months. Carolyn Herriot is author of “The Zero Mile Diet” and “The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook.” Available at your local bookstore. She grows IncrEdibles! in Yellow Point (www.incredibles.vision).

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49th Parallel Grocery marks its 40th years BY ED NICHOLSON The 49th Parallel Grocery marks its 40th anniversary under the leadership of the Richmond family, but its roots are even deeper. The corner of First Avenue and Symonds Street has been continuously occupied by a business carrying that name since December of 1951. Prior to that date, Verna and Arvo Mackie had purchased the Lot 3 portion of City Block 31 and built a home on the site. By 1940, the front of their home had evolved into a small serving area with several tables and chairs where Verna served the “best coﬀee and soup in Ladysmith.” As Comox Logging and other businesses in the area expanded, so did the popularity of “Mackie’s Fish and Chips” on First Avenue. On Dec. 5, 1951, the Mackies sold both Lots 3 and 4 to Frans (Frank) and Lempi Paivarinta for $9,500. (According to a Bill of Sale, the business itself and store contents were sold separately for $500.) On December 14, the store reopened as the 49th Parallel Grocery — in recognition of its unique geographic location in Ladysmith. According to Arvo Paivarinta, (now residing in Nanaimo), he and his mother “ran the show.” The three of them lived in the back part of the house while his cousin, Pentii, lived upstairs. As his mother couldn’t stand the smell emanating from the deep fryer, an expanded deli counter soon replaced the ﬁsh and chips side of the business, despite its success.

Above: The 49th Parallel Grocery store in Ladysmith. Photo Cindy Damphousse. Right: 49th Parallel Grocery built by the Paivarintas in 1960 and bought by the Richmonds in 1981. This 3000 sq. ft. store faced on to First Avenue and included a small café.

In May 1960, a new store of 3,000 square feet was built next door on Lot 4 by Ross Harris Construction. The Paivarintas continued to live in the rear of the original building on Lot 3, but the front part of the house was leased to Faye Chadwick, where she operated Faye’s Beauty Shop for seven years. (This original building was also used as the passenger and parcel depot for Vancouver Island Coach Lines until it was torn down in 1990.) On February 29, 1964, Frans (Frank) Paivarinta passed away. Lempi continued to operate the new store with help from Arvo and Pentii. In 1966, Arvo offered to buy the store from his mother for $66,000, but she refused. Finally, in 1973, the café and grocery business

and both buildings were oﬀered for sale at $135,000, but Arvo was no longer interested. Later that same year, Lempi Paivarinta leased the building, contents and the 49th Parallel name to Alex and Jo Campbell. In 1977, Alex Campbell was driving back to Ladysmith with Wayne Richmond after looking at stores for Wayne to buy. Wayne and Alex had worked together in the 1960s and 1970s for Shop Easy and were old friends. During a “rest stop” on the Malahat, Alex Campbell (Campbell would go on to establish Thrifty Foods) suggested to his friend that he should buy his grocery business in Ladysmith. Wayne immediately agreed, and on August 15, 1977, Wayne and Harmina Richmond signed a lease

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A family affair. Peter, Kathy, Wayne and Harmina Richmond.

for the main store, the 49th Parallel name and some equipment. This was later purchased from Lempi Paivarinta in 1981. By 1990, the Richmonds owned all of Block 31 and decided to build a new grocery and liquor store facing onto Symonds Street, with a total area of over 17, 000 square feet. A further expansion and modernization was undertaken in 2010 .

The 49th Parallel Grocery Store today BY MARINA SACHT It’s all about family and community, says Wayne. His son Peter is the president, daughter Kathy the executive secretary, his grandchildren, nephews, and nieces are all part of the family owned chain. For many young people, the 49th is the start of their working career. Approximately 1400 young people have gone through its doors, for many of them it was their first job, says Peter. “We feel proud of giving people life skills that way” Some have gone on to become doctors, pharmacists and musicians such as Ryan McMahon, and some have liked it so much that they have grown with the company. Pat Battie and Lesley Parent are marking their 39th year. The secret to success is it’s friendly service, competitive pricing and a diverse inventory that holds its own against other bigger stores, says Peter. But most of all it is that warm neighbourly feeling you get when the cashiers and staff care enough to know your name. The 49th supports organizations and events too numerous to list here to the tune of $80,000 a year. That doesn’t include the many hours they contribute by sitting on boards and volunteering. Take for instance the World’s Largest Street Hockey Game. They are still awaiting official word from the Guinness Book of Records, but it is likely a new record has been set. That event was spearheaded by the 49th. That kind of community involvement has paid off. Despite the changing environment of grocery stores, the 49th has continued to grow with four grocery locations, flower and garden shops, cafes, a printing shop and a dollar store. “We are open to opportunities says Peter “when it makes sense.” Today there are over 240 employees, some of them family, but all of them friends.

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Naming Time and eternity filled the Snuneymuxw Longhouse, spring still underway, summer in the air. Reconciliation and healing, the quiet strength of society, to be named this day. Two men, the centre of attention, a thirst to live with honour and respect linking them, the bridge between indigenous and European cultures spanning a century and more. Harry Manson, Xul-si-malt, had almost been forgotten until Vancouver resident Robert Janning began research that took him to 1898. Robert never expected the discovery of a star athlete to lead him here, to stand before Xul-si-malt’s ancestors, to receive the highest honour of his life. Rare, unknown in the memory of the elders in the Longhouse, a man of European descent was to be given a gift, a name he would carry forever. At a time when relations could use a bit of mending, when Canada has yet to bridge the gulf between indigenous and European cultures, this gift would come from the heart. “For as long as the sun shines, as long as the waters flow downhill, and as long as the grass grows green ...” the first peoples have kept their culture alive in Canada. And remembering this, from treaties as far back as the mid-1600s, First Nations have patiently awaited the promised relationship of equity and peace. As with all cultures, however, events and circumstances can lead to individuals, even leaders and heroes, being forgotten in history books if not in the hearts of the people. Janning’s writings, as he looked into the roots of British Columbia’s soccer history, led him to one

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such forgotten hero. Into the Longhouse then, where tradiSeeing more than an indigenous soction and ceremony would see an ancescer star, however, Janning was struck by tor remembered and a name bestowed. Harry Manson’s considerable contribuDrumming, masked dancers, rings of tion to family and culture. Here was a clam-shells shaking in one hand, cedar man who broke down racial barriers in boughs waving in the other. Circling, the late 1800s. Here was a man who’s mesmerizing, hypnotic, bare-foot, feathlife should be honoured. ered and caped, they wound round and Not one to hide from a challenge, round, tireless and timeless. Then sudJanning set about inviting recognition denly a charge towards Xul-si-malt’s of Harry Manson, leading portrait, or to Janning beside him, turnto Xul-si-malt, “one who ing at the last moment, until finally, in leaves his mark,” formally drum thunder and a flurry, the dancers inducted into local, national disappear. and international sports halls Xwu-xwi-é:m (Storyteller), a name of fame. Robert Janning would now carry, a reStep by step, the legacy sponsibility of a high order, and a new of Xul-si-malt has grown family for him to belong to. since, inspiring pride and For Xul-si-malt and Xwu-xwi-é:m, confidence, new skills and this is a legacy moment, earned with a dedication to soccer — a honour and respect. Personal challenges, sport First Nation youth, injustice and mistakes of the past have elders and communities inbeen well met with honesty, good hucreasingly call their own. mour, friendship and new beginnings. Many indigenous amateur and profesAll who’ve loved these lands and this sional sports are similarly experiencing country, for 150 years and since time a renewed energy and team spirit. immemorial, stand just so, waiting to Welcoming the interest and attention, be remembered, to once again help us the Manson family have embraced the overcome our differences and to build a memory of a life well lived by their world our children will inherit, together. great-great-grandfather, an athlete who played for and against both indigenous and European soccer teams of the day. Whether it was with the Nanaimo Thistles, the Snuneymuxw Wanderers, or in some other championship game, Harry Xulsi-malt Manson was the best, the athlete all wanted to be. And this allbut-forgotten memory came as a gift from the Creator, that Janning had offered, now to be wit- Robert Janning and Dean Manson (Harry’s youngest grandson). nessed in a gath- Photo courtesy of Laurie Gourlay. ering of family, Inset: Soccer Star Harry Manson courtesy of Nanaimo A Pictorial friends and elders. History by J. Douglas Steel.

RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Increasing Transit Ridership and Recreational Use In mid-May 2017, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) launched a new program to encourage use of transit while providing youth ages 12 to 18 the opportunity to use swimming, skating and gymnasium facilities within the RDN — including Oceanside Place Arena, Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre, Beban Pool and Oliver Woods Community Centre. With the introduction of a $99 Play and Ride Pass, youth can ride transit and participate in youth drop-in programs between June 29 and September 4, 2017. This combined program came about through a partnership agreement involving the Island Health Authority, the City of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo. The pass can be purchased at any of Oceanside Place Arena, Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Beban Park or Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. This program is intended to encourage youth to stay active and healthy throughout the summer months. While not listed as a beneﬁt in the RDN’s media release, this program will allow those youth who seldom or never use transit to become familiar with

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the transit system and perhaps become lifelong transit riders. Currently, the penetration rate of transit use by residents within the RDN is at or near three per cent — meaning that only about three per cent of the population regularly uses transit. On many occasions over the past ﬁve plus years, I have heard fellow directors question why additional transit hours are being made available when empty or near empty buses are frequently observed. While attending the recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities AGM and Conference in Ottawa, I participated in a study tour of what was billed as “Bus Rapid Transit System.” For myself, this description seemed to be an oxymoron. How could any system employing a bus be deemed “rapid transit”? I did not have the same opinion by the end of the tour. More than a decade ago, the Ottawa/ Gatineau area embarked upon developing express routes that not only accommodated buses and emergency vehicles, but also cyclists and walkers on a path beside the expressway. Transit using these express routes operates nominally at 80 to 90 kilometres per hour between stations. Stations in the system were not the large stations associated with systems like Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain; rather, they consisted mainly of a set of stairs (or a ramp for disabled clients), by which to ascend to street level from the

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expressway, combined with a pedestrian overpass to allow clients to cross busy highways. With density increasing as projected in and about these stations, installation of multi-car rail on the expressways is supplanting the use of buses. Anyone visiting the Ottawa area will see a lot of construction, which includes the building of tunnels at all major intersections to allow the trains to move unimpeded by traffic lights or other vehicular traffic. Most impressive was that the penetration rate of transit for the OttawaGatineau area is at 17 per cent or almost six times that of the RDN. Why the difference? Obvious reasons are population density and system convenience. The third primary reason is the demographics of the work force. Many people are employed in government jobs with standard hours and little shift-type work. In contrast, the labour force within the Nanaimo area is comprised of many employed in the construction industry where worksites are often remote from a transit system that does not accommodate workers who require their tools to accompany them. Starting/finishing times of the workday for many others is not well accommodated by the transit system. The BC Transit/RDN system allows children five or under to travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. In contrast, effective January 2017, the City of London, Ontario, embarked upon a program to try to create large numbers of future transit users by offering free transit to youth under the age of 12. Each person who registers for the program receives a key fob that serves as their fare pass. It will be interesting to watch this experiment unfold and see if it achieves the goal of increased use of transit in the future. As local governments try to encourage residents to abandon the use of single occupancy vehicles, we will, no doubt, see many other such experiments introduced in the near future. - alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

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who read this column will know what to expect. Hard-hitting, factual stories, exactly what an informed reader needs in this era of fake news. Who else, for example, would have predicted that millions of retirees are forsaking traditional hobbies, like model railroading, and turning to nose harvesting?

It’s a book! Seven years ago, I retired from the restaurant business. Not only was I an old man in a young man’s game, but I’d also developed Parkinson’s. Believe me, you don’t want a guy with Parkinson’s delivering your soup. A bowl of crackers maybe, but only if they’re tightly wrapped. It was decided I needed a hobby. According to my financial adviser, there were three I could afford: (a) writing, (b) walking, and (c) harvesting my nose for boogers. A tough field, but I chose writing. So there I was, about six months back, huddling over a delicious French Grenache Noir (Paul Mas, $12) with my retired doctor friend, a very smart fellow who knew, since retiring, I had written several hundred stories, most unread. “What are you going to do with them?” he asked. “Some stink up the place, but others are gems.” “What would you suggest?” “A book. Something for your kids to read after you die.” “After. Why after?” “Dunno. That’s the way it works.” By then, the Grenache had kicked into play. Exactly the wrong time to make an important decision. “What shall we call it?” I asked. “Slightly Corked. What else? I have a picture for the cover. When the four of us were in Italy, every time I looked over, you were staring at shelves of wine. I got a shot.” And then, he looked me in the eye, raised his glass and, with his doctor’s authoritative voice, said, “Hey, got any more of this?” (Old doctor joke: What’s the definition of a drinking problem? When you drink more than your doctor. What do you do when that happens? Get a second opinion.) But enough of the jokes. This is an official announcement that the book “Slightly Corked” will be ready for your enjoyment by the end of the summer. Those

This is an official announcement that the book “Slightly Corked” will be ready for your enjoyment by the end of the summer. As one ex-biker put it, “Swinging my leg over a Harley was just getting too hard on the hips. Besides, with nose harvesting, there’s no dress code. You don’t have to put up with the goofy leather chaps and Village People jokes — ‘Macho, macho man. I gotta be, a macho man.’” The challenge with a book, of course, is marketing. Traditionally, this is done by holding a book reading. You round up a group of your friends — those who couldn’t come up with an excuse for not attending — sit them down in an overheated room and then hope like hell they don’t fall asleep when you read to them. (That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a multi-purpose excuse taped to the wall above the phone where you can get at it. One we’ve had success with: “Love to come, but that’s the weekend we usually get a flat tire.”) Well, you can forget the book reading. Thanks to Parkinson’s, my voice is as melodic as a flushed toilet, plus the occasional stutter makes not sounding like an idiot a challenge ... Wait a minute, not sounding like an idiot was always a challenge. Another traditional way of marketing a book is the book launch. This is most popular in coastal communities and works far better with hardcover books than soft covers. Breaking a bottle of champagne on a softcover is no small accomplishment, as those who have attempted the task will verify. The reality is books make lousy boats and should not be launched. Paper airplanes maybe; paper boats, never. No one knows this better than I do, with the exception of the town’s librarians. The problem is bathing. I love reading in the bathtub. Unfortunately, whenever immersed horizontally in a warm liquid, whether it be bathwater or a large bowl

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of carrot and ginger soup, I fall asleep. When this happens, my fingers release and “kerplunk.” We have a book launching. This gets expensive as the library charges full price for damaged books. And since many of their books were bought from American publishers with a 65-cent dollar, it’s easy to get charged $38 even if the book has been read fifty times and has a fried egg stuck between the pages of chapter nineteen. The obvious solution is to stop reading in the bathtub. Read on the toilet where normal people read. But no, I’m not that smart. I always manage to convince myself that this time will be different. This time, I’ll stay awake and keep my little fingers tightly clenched. According to Albert Einstein — the only member of the “Bert” family to get anywhere — doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. To him, I say, “Persistence is a virtue.” Since I bathe frequently, the price of these launchings was adding up. The kids were complaining that their inheritance was “going down the drain.” That’s why we started “Book Overboard Drill.” For help, we turned to BC Ferries, who recommended family members wear D.O.T.-approved survival suits at all times and never stray far from a boat hook. When the klaxon horn sounds, everyone heads to the tub. The thinking being, if the book is retrieved quickly enough, the water damage will be kept to a minimum, and we’ll be able to slide it by library staff. Ferry workers also recommended we have a crash boat with heavy netting draped over the side. That and a midget submarine. As one ferry worker put it, “You get a thick book, one with heavy thoughts and long words — say anything from Conrad Black— you got yourself a sinker. The sub is the only way to go.” So as you can well understand, book launching is out. How then do we market my highly anticipated book called “Slightly Corked”? Easy. I’ll just … what’s that up ahead? Curses, it’s the end of the page. Guess we’ll have to wait until next month to find out. Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant and a soon to be author! Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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Mount Brenton Restaurant’s Patio. Photo: Allen McDermid

Summer Garden & Wine Party Plans are underway for the annual Mahle House Garden Party on Sunday, July 23 from noon to 3pm. The party is a Mahle House tradition for 25 years. Here you will get a chance to sip and savour selections from premium BC wineries and ask questions from the representatives attending. This is a great way to discover BC wines and find a new favorite. Throughout the afternoon enjoy a fabulous selection of canapés that will be offered by staff in the gardens. Local Beatles tribute band the DeafAids will be returning to provide live music. Partial proceeds from this event go to our friends and neighbours at the Coco Café. The café was established to provide employment, training, and socialization opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Tickets are $65. Phone 250-722-3621 to reserve a spot.

Mount Brenton Restaurant, Lounge & Patio Did you know that the Mount Brenton Golf Course in Chemainus has an exciting new restaurant, lounge and patio with a great view of the golf course? Manager/Operator Paul Katsiavos has been hard at work to create a new menu featuring daily lunch and dinner delights. The restaurant and lounge is open at 10 am daily and each night there are food specials with Happy Hour all day. Chef Sophos Poulos is excited about the menus and the venue. There is something for everyone’s palate from wraps, burgers, appetizers, Italian dishes and daily Greek cuisine with added dishes on Friday’s Greek Night. Located at 2816 Henry Road in Chemainus..

Love in a small candy shop Do you love sweet treats? Stop by Mr. Poppers and choose from our selection of homemade fudge, British candies, Dutch licorice, or even one

Andrew Parsley pops corn for Mr. Popper’s Kettle Corn. Photo: Allen McDermid

of their 14 flavours of ice cream nestled in a homemade waffle cone. How good is their ice cream? People fall in love with it -- and over it. Three years ago a man and a woman would come each week to get a cone. One day they happened to come in at the same time. The man was in the line-up ahead and asked her what she wanted, a scoop of salt and caramel in a waffle cone. He said that sounded good and bought one for himself as well. They come back to Mr. Popper’s often to get ice cream together and have just celebrated their anniversary. So you never know who you’ll meet over their candy counter but one thing is sure, you will love their sweet treats. Mr. Popper’s Sweet Shoppe is open 11am to 5pm Tuesday to Fridays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, #1-32 High Street, Ladysmith 250-924-8486.

JULY 1 1, Canada Day 150 Events at Transfer Beach, Ladysmith 1, 11am to 3pm, Canada Day 150 Events at the Waterwheel Park in Chemainus 1, 11am to 4pm, Canada 150 celebration at North Oyster Community Centre, Cedar Road.

2–8 2, 6pm, Whitey Somers with Mark Crissinger, Concerts in the Park, LRCA, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, Ladysmith

9, 10am, Brits on the Beach, Transfer Beach Ladysmith

21–22, 33rd Annual Island Folk Festival, Providence Farm in Duncan, www. islandfolkfestival.ca

4, 7 to 8:30pm, Alexander’s Bluestime band, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

9, 6pm, Doctors of Rock ’n’ Roll, Concerts in the Park, LRCA, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, Ladysmith

5, 7:30pm, “The Italians Are Coming,” Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Rd., Duncan

11, 7 to 8:30pm, Beverly McKeen and Sweet Band, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

23– 29

7, 5pm, Dine on the Dock at the Ladysmith Community Marina Welcome Centre, 250-2451146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

15, 10am to 4pm, Wild Woman Day, North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, Errington

23, Noon to 3pm, Mahle House Annual Garden Party, 250-722-362, 2104 Hemer Rd., Nanaimo

15, 1 to 8pm, Bluegrass Extravaganza, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

23, 33rd Annual Island Folk Festival, Providence Farm in Duncan, www.islandfolkfestival.ca

7, 7:30pm, “The Italians Are Coming,” St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo

16 – 22

8, 9am, Garage/Street Sale, Coffee & Donuts, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus 8, 8am to 3pm, Chemainus Giant Street Market on Willow St., Chemainus July 8, 9am-2pm, Annual Multi Unit garage sale hot dogs & pop, Town & Country Mobile Home Park 10980 Westdown Rd. 8, 2 to 7:30pm, Chemainus Valley Blues Festival, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

9 – 15 9, 1 to 8pm, Chemainus Valley Blues Festival, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

16, 11am to 3pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Garden Tour, nanaimohort@hotmail.com 16, 1 to 6pm, Bluegrass Extravaganza, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 16, 6pm, Daragh Fitzgerald with DUBLIN2, Concerts in the Park, LRCA, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, Ladysmith 18, 7 to 8:30pm, The Military Forces Pacific Naden Band, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 19, 11am to 7pm, Cottonwood Golf Course 21st Anniversary, 1975 Haslam Rd., Nanaimo 21, 5pm, Dine on the Dock at the Ladysmith Maritime Society Community Marina Welcome Centre, 250-245-1146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

22, 10:45am to 1pm, Vancouver Island Trail Running Series, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith

23, 6pm, Lust Life Jazz Band, DUBLIN2, Concerts in the Park, LRCA, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, Ladysmith 25, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club, “Macro Photography,” with Jurgen Schwerdt Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith 25, 7 to 8:30pm, Entangados from Argentina, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 29, 5 to 8pm, The Hip Replacements, Ladysmith Resource Centre, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith

30 – 31 30, 6pm, Chasey Rae with Terry Brannen, Concerts in the Park, LRCA, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, Ladysmith

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AUGUST 1, 1 to 8:30pm, Fin De Fiesta, Flamingo dance, song and guitar, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 5–6, Ladysmith Day Parade and Celebrations at Transfer Beach 13, 6pm, Dirty Mountain, Concerts in the Park, LRCA, by donation Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, Ladysmith

ONGOING EVENTS MONDAYS 10 to noon, Seniors Drop-In, Ladysmith Resource Centre, 250-245-3079, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith 11am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, Daily Harbour Tours, 250-245-1146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus 7pm, Bridge, Mount Benson Branch 256 Legion, 250-754-8128, 1630 East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo 7pm, Cribbage Night, Ladysmith RC Legion Branch 171, 621 First Ave., Ladysmith

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Mixed Ortho, Night-Time Play at the Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Ladysmith 10am to 3pm, Chemainus Famers’ Market, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 10:15am to 2:15pm, Born Healthy Ladysmith Resource Centre, 250-245-3079, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith 11am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, Daily Harbour Tours, 250-245-1146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith 5 to 9pm, Bingo at St. Mary’s Church Hall, 1135 Fourth Ave., Ladysmith 7pm, Bridge, Mount Benson Branch 256 Legion, 250 754-8128, 1630 East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo 7pm, Music Trivia and Karaoke at the Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo 7pm, Darts, Ladysmith RC Legion Branch 171, 621 First Ave., Ladysmith Mixed Slow Pitch, Night-Time Play at the Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo

THURSDAYS

1 Field – Men’s Fastball and 1 Field – Mixed Slow Pitch at the Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo

FRIDAYS 9:30 to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus 10 to noon, Seniors Drop-In, Ladysmith Resource Centre, 250-245-3079, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith 11am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, Daily Harbour Tours, 250-245-1146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith Noon, Hot Rod Golden Oldies Car Club, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo 1pm, Euchre, Mount Benson Branch 256 Legion, 250 754-8128, 1630 East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo 4 to 6pm, Meat Draws, Ladysmith RC Legion Branch 171, 621 First Ave., Ladysmith Mixed Ortho, Night-Time Play at the Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo

SATURDAYS 9am, Honeymoon Bay Market starts every Saturday from May 13 to Oct. 7, 2017, Honeymoon Bay 11am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, Daily Harbour Tours, 250-245-1146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

Mixed Slow Pitch, Night-Time Play at the Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd.,

9:30 to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus

TUESDAYS

11am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, Daily Harbour Tours, 250-245-1146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

11:30am, Soup and Sandwich, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, Ladysmith RC Legion Branch 171, 621 First Ave., Ladysmith

SUNDAYS

7pm, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Maritime Society, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

1pm, Bridge, Mount Benson Branch 256 Legion, 250-754-8128, 1630 East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo

11am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, Daily Harbour Tours, 250-245-1146, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

7pm, West Coast Swing, Mount Benson Branch 256 Legion, 250-754-81287, 1630 East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo

10am, Cedar Farmers’ Market, open to the end of October, 2313 Yellowpoint Rd., Cedar

8 to 10pm, Music Trivia at the Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo

Opposite page: July 9 Brits on the Beach, July 23 Mahle House Garden Party

7pm, Euchre, Mount Benson Branch 256 Legion, 250-754-8128, 1630 East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo 7:30 to 9pm, Ladysmith Toastmasters meeting, all summer, upper level at the Ladysmith Resource Centre, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith

10:15 to 12:15pm, Dad’s Drop-In, Ladysmith Resource Centre, 250-245-3079, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith 3 to 5pm, Meat Draws, Ladysmith RC Legion Branch 171, 621 First Ave., Ladysmith

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10am to noon $25/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.

FOR SALE BAYVIEW FRAMING & ART. A profitable picture framing business in its 17th year, with continued strong growth. Purchase price includes training. Contact Wanda or Bruce at 250-245-0011. GYM EQUIPMENT. Marcy power cage $350; Marcy home gym $150; one Marcy workout bench $30; 1” iron weights 260lbs $180; plastic weights 433lbs $200. Call 250-245-2546. MASTERCRAFT BENCH SAW with work stand, extra blades, like new $70. Call 250-245-2546. 33 FOOT RANGER SLOOP, in top shape, ready to go, excellent single-hander, $35,000. Moored at Ladysmith Community Marina, call Rob 250245-7804 rlpink@telus.net FOR RENT BEAUTIFUL LARGE ROOM w/ ensuite on a delightful 50-acre property in S. Nanaimo. Suitable for middle-aged female. Sharing situation or full board $450 to $750 per month. Call 250-716-001. WANTED SUMMER STUDENT wanted for MUSEUM ASSISTANT – Events and programs at the Ladysmith Museum suitable for a student returning to school in the fall. It is a nine week position starting immediately. 40 hours week, with some flexibility. $12 /hour. Orientation and training is provided. Some of the tasks are: Designing activity sheets, quizzes/ puzzles for visitors of all ages, research on the historical collections and developing new programs, welcoming visitors to the museum in town and attending events and activities at the Ladysmith Maritime Museum and the Heritage Centre, photographing objects on display and in collections storage. Gain some new skills. Add to your resume . Meet and work with a fun and creative team. Please contact Lesley Moore, Museum Manager at moorele4@gmail.com or 1-250-826-3228.

JULY 2017

WANTED LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER for elderly gentleman on rural acreage close to Ladysmith. Salary paid bi-weekly or monthly. Call Laura 250591-0733.

EASY DOES IT FITNESS.CA for Beginners and Beyond. Hundreds of exercises to perfect your workout. Arthritis friendly; specializing in knee, shoulder, neck, hand and back exercises. Call 250-591-7665.

BUSINESS

HEARTMATH. The fastest, easiest way to reduce stress! Contact me at www.energyhealingwithjan. com. I would love to be of help.

MID-ISLAND HOME SUPPORT since 2009. Personal assistance and house cleaning available. Bondable, licensed, certified and insured for your safety and ours. For the best rates, around, please call 250-924-2273 (CARE).

YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS. Book four consecutive Relaxation Massages for $60 ea. (reg. $75 ea.). Other treatments, Chakra Balancing, Exfoliating Rubs and Hot Wax treatments. Call for appointment and brochure 250-618-8218.

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction; web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015

BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS. Fishing and sightseeing. Call 250-210-0787 or 250-245-4185. CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING. Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250-6688383.

BEADS BEADS BEADS ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-324-2227.

QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015

DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 30 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No Job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall, etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823.

EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER available for summer/fall 2017. References avail. Prefer long stay. www.peaceofmindhousesitting.wordpress. com. Call Kathleen 250-619-0786. ROMAX MASONRY. Chimney repairs and rebuilds. Stonework. Patios. Interlocking pavers. Fireplaces. Slate installs. Minor excavating. Romaxmasonry.com, romax-bc@shaw.ca or 250516-7597. HOUSE CLEANER. Attention to detail. Reliable & trustworthy! References available. Call 250-7342714. HOUSESITTERS INC. now accepting home and cat-sitting jobs for spring and summer. Fully insured security & insurance house checks by retired RCMP personnel. Call 250-713-5110. HEALTH & BEAUTY JACLYNN COTTRELL REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY. $100 for one hour; $60 for 30 minutes. Available evenings. Located across from Friesen’s on York Rd. in Cedar. Call 778-971-0444. TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan. Mondays at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes

HOME & YARD

KEEP IT CLEAN SOLUTIONS. Top to bottom service. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule. Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 250-709-1364. HOME SWEET HOME CARE SERVICES. All care inside and out of the home; home care, house work, yard work and transportation. Contact janjamieson101@gmail.com or call 250701-2909. HOUSE CLEANING. Fast, Efficient, Reliable and Fully Insured. References Ladysmith & Chemainus. Call 250-245-5507. ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design ISLANDGARDENSCAPES.CA. Call 250-8020461 ask for Kathleen. ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260.

JULY 2017

KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Call Karl at 250-714-2738. GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free. Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421. MAKE IT NICE. Qualified, experienced gardener available for private, residential gardens. Please call 250-754-9346. GET YOUR BIZ ON YOUTUBE - We can produce your video from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website. Free estimates, editor@take5.ca. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now three locations: Victoria, Cedar and Comox Valley. Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com. Diana and Kip 250722-2201. THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Shanon or Bill at 250924-8809, Ladysmith. ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR. I provide services to help with behaviour issues, lost animals, messages your animal wants you to hear and much more. Contact me at www.talktotheanimals. ca or 250-246-3394. SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcomed. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project ready to press. Available in print and eBook format. Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. Editor@take5.ca or phone 250-245-7015.

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Ladysmith Museum welcomes new manager Lesley Moore is the new manager of the Ladysmith Museum. She brings a passion for community heritage and the roles museums play. She believes museums bring together “people” and “places” by capturing stories and preserving artifacts, recognizing the di- Lesley Moore. verse voices in their communities, Photo: Rob Johnson bridging cultural traditions, sharing knowledge and sparking awareness through their collections, exhibitions and programs. “In our busy, fast-paced world museums oﬀer continuity through time sharing the past in the present for the future,” says Moore. The Ladysmith & District Historical Society Board and volunteers have given Lesley a warm welcome. She looks forward to working with them and engaging with the local community and visitors this summer.

Jennifer Merilees joins Royal Le Page Barry Clark, President of Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty is proud to appoint Jennifer Merilees to their Management team in charge of the Ladysmith Branch. Jennifer was born and raised in Nanaimo, graduating in 2002 from VIU in Business Management, then joined her mother Sharry Curry in the Real Estate Industry. In 2010 she was elected as a Director of the Real Estate Board of Vancouver Island, chairing several portfolios including Multiple Listing, Technology and The Quality of life Communications. In 2013 Jennifer followed her father Dave Curry into Management by upgrading her Real Estate Licence to a Managing Broker and Property Management. Jennifer is excited to join Royal LePage Ladysmith’s Branch as their new manager, and looks forward to assisting clients and customers. You can contact Jennifer at her new oﬃce 250-2452252