TAKE 5 November 2015

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Letters Liveaboards stewards of Dog Patch I am a resident of the Town of Ladysmith. It has recently been brought to my attention that the boats in Dog Patch, including the “liveaboards”, have been served eviction notices after an existing bylaw was amended declaring that short term moorage has now been changed to seven days or less.

I was in Dog Patch the night that the float house next to the Viki Lyne II was burned. The first responders to that fire were two liveaboards. I observed them quickly leave their vessels with fire extinguishers and rush in their dinghies to the Viki Lyne II, knowing full well what a disaster it would be if the Viki Lyne II was to catch fire. It was due to their diligence throughout the early morning, returning even later to snuff out more flames, that Ladysmith did not wake up the next day to an environmental disaster.

These are the folks our town wants to kick out?

I agree, some of them do have too much junk. There is also a house down the street from me with too many cars on blocks but I still consider them good neighbours. I personally consider most of the liveaboards to be the stewards of Dog Patch and I say, “Let them stay.” — Diane Constantineau

Centre lines in Cedar poorly marked Thank you for your periodic informative updates for residents of RDN Area A in the TAKE 5. As one of your Area A residents, I have an observation and a question for Area A Director Alec McPherson.

When driving home to Cedar by the Sea, I follow the newly painted yellow centre line down Holden Corso Road until it disappears when the road becomes Barnes Road. Why is this?

Did they run out of yellow paint?

With the season of mellow fruitfulness, frost, fallen leaves and fogs rapidly approaching, I would have thought that the centre line marking would be a municipal highway priority. I have found the reflective yellow centre line paint marking to be a good friend in the dark nights of fall and winter, especially with so few street lights in this area.

Would you please make inquiries and assure me and the many

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residents of this community that we are not forgotten citizens and that the paint is on its way! — Brian McCormack Director Alec McPherson responds: Brian’s observations about the absence of road markings is simply another complaint that highlights the poor maintenance of roadways in the rural areas. I took his comments and those of a couple of others and sent them on to Stuart Johnson with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). Some of the concerns raised besides the centre line markings included suggestions about altering signage at various intersections, missing signage (struck by the snow plough in past years and not replaced) and the site of banks of mailboxes, creating safety concerns for residents picking up mail. With an obvious increase in traffic volume over the past half-dozen years or so, it is time for these issues to be addressed to the satisfaction of the residents. I expect that MOTI and their contractor, Emcon, will be addressing the issues shortly. We in rural areas do not have any jurisdiction over the road-

ways as those remain a responsibility of the provincial government.

Oops: In the Oct. edition of TAKE 5 in the Face of Business, it should have read JOHNsurtees Personal Real Estate Corporation of RE/MAX of Nanaimo. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Letters to the editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Multiple submissions will not be considered. Include name, address and phone for verification. Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TAKE 5, advertisers or contributors. Email editor@take5.ca. or submit at www.take5.ca. Facebook. com/take5publications

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Mastering Disaster On October 14, 2015, Ladysmith Search & Rescue, in conjunction with the Town of Ladysmith, CVRD, and TAKE 5 Magazine, held an information evening for “Mastering Disaster.” The packed house received tips on what to expect and how to prepare for a natural disaster. Featured speaker, Sybille Sanderson, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Public Safety Division at CVRD, provided commentary and video outlining the materials you’ll need — from food and water to shelter and energy to first-aid and survival skills — to help you safely live through the worst.

Wayne Hartley, representing Emergency Management B.C., was on hand to speak and share his experience dealing with disasters that have occurred in B.C. over the past decade. Disasters often strike without warning and leave a trail of destruction in their wake. No two disasters are the same and EMBC is always learning from each occurrence, so they can address any deficiencies and be better prepared for the next one.

There were many displays, including Ladysmith Fire/Rescue, North Oyster Fire/Rescue, Ladysmith Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, Vancouver Island Insurance Centre, Ladysmith Pharmasave, ONO Safety Supply, Regional District of Nanaimo, Ladysmith SAR and St. Johns Ambulance to name a few.

Ladysmith SAR would like to thank all those that participated and those that attended “Mastering Disaster.” Are you ready?

To view video visit YouTube at take5newstv.

Banner year for LMS It was an amazing year for the Ladysmith Maritime Society with visitors from out of town, off island and out of the country. “Right from the start, in April, we had more visitors than any previous year in our history, and if it wasn’t for our local boaters allowing us

Participants came out to get informed at the Mastering Disaster 2015. Photo: Nick Longo

to put visitors in their slips when they were off boating, we would have been out of space all of August and most of July,” says Rod Smith LMS Managing Director.

“Last year our visitor numbers were up 31% over the previous year, and they were up again this season probably about 20%. We have become a destination with a reputation of being the friendliest marina on the West Coast,” says Rod, attributing much of that success to the attitude of staff and a team of 200 volunteers, looking smart in their blue LMS shirts, ready to grab a line or assist people getting into town.

“Dine on the Docks was a huge success again this season, with chefs from

Odikas, Fox and Hounds and In the Beantime doing a tremendous job.” The LMS run Oyster Bay Café has become a destination itself. “On the heritage side, we launched the restored Sudbury and Lesley heritage vessels, unveiled our new coal diorama in the Harbour Heritage Centre, initiated our school education program and achieved greater attendance at our Heritage Festival and our Kids’ Pirate day. It was a very busy year but great fun — just ask our exhausted volunteers,” says Rod Smith.

Volunteer Dinner at Ladysmith Maritime Society’s Welcome Centre.

Photo: Rob Johnson

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the Cottonwood Golf Club. The World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio and Polio Plus will include appetizers, music, a presentation and a special action for $15.

If you would like to attend or donate to this worthy cause, please contact Cheryl at 250-245-2024 or cherylis@shaw.ca or visit www.wgmeal.com.

Remembrance Day In Ladysmith, Remembrance Day events begin November 6, with the Colour Party and band visiting La Rosa Gardens and the Lodge on 4th Ave, and then St. Mary’s Catholic Church, November 8. On Saturday, November 7, it’s the For King and Country Veteran’s Dinner — $25 person, but veterans are free. For more info contact Diane 250245-2273 or rcl171@shaw.ca.

On Remembrance Day, November 11, services in Ladysmith begin at 10:30 a.m., with the parade from the Ladysmith Legion Hall to the Cenotaph. There will be rides available for veterans.

Filling “the Gap”

Renee Russell Dunlop of Pemberton Holmes and Gerry Beltgens Ladysmith Rotary president practising for the putting green contest sponsored by Pemberton Holmes

Ladysmith Rotary The Rotary Clubs of Ladysmith and Chemainus hosted their 5th annual golf tournament at Mount Brenton on September 26. The tournament grows each year with 120 players registered, and new teams and sponsors coming on board.

The event offered a buffet breakfast, 18 holes of golf with a cart and a barbecue luncheon. Three companies sponsored holes-in-one, with prizes ranging from

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$5,000 to a brand new Hyundai Tucson.

Hole sponsors were invited to have representatives at the hole they sponsored.

The event raised over $27,500 before expenses. The balance will be split between the two clubs to support local and international projects in the respective communities.

Ladysmith Rotary’s next event is “The Faces of Polio” Gala on December 5 at

When local fisherman Ron “Fuzzy” Maddin found he had some extra salmon, he decided to do something nice for his friends and throw a dinner. Pretty soon it mushroomed into a community dinner held last month at the Aggie Hall and a celebration for Isabelle Ouelette, who turned 82.

“I wanted to do something nice for the people of the Gap,” says Maddin, referring to Porlier Pass and the local community who fished and spent their summers there in the 1960s. Many of the Gap people were present, including Buster Ouelette, also known as one of the “Gold Dust Twins” along with Les Phillips. This nickname was given to them because they were masters of catching spring salmon and caught more than anyone at the Gap back in the 1970s.

With help from friends, including Myfanwy Plecas, it turned into a “fisherman’s salmon banquet.” Maddin plans to hold another dinner as a fundraiser for the Ladysmith Soup Kitchen.

Isabelle Oulette celebrated her 82nd birthday at the Gap Community Salmon Dinner. Photo: Rob Johnson

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Ladysmith community engagement info night Nanaimo Foundation invites you to join them for a Ladysmith Community Engagement Information Night on Monday, November 30, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Eagles Hall, 9211st Ave, Ladysmith. This event is open to all members of the Ladysmith community. The Nanaimo Foundation’s vision of a healthy, vibrant, livable and sustainable community. In their vision, our community is able to include, and offer opportunities to, everyone. For more information, please contact Laurie Bienert, Development Officer Nanaimo Foundation, at 250-6674292 or aurie@nanaimofoundation.com.

Ladysmith Kinsmen Food Drive To raise food and support the local food bank, Ladysmith Kinsmen are having a Christmas food drive and a hot dog sale at the 49th Parallel Grocery Store in Ladysmith on November 7–8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Kinsmen are looking for food or donations, and encourage companies and stores to participate.

Call Jim Delcourt 250-245-3137.

Help fill a Shoebox Alana Newton is coordinating the Shoebox Project in the Ladysmith area.

“I have signed up to be the coordinator for Ladysmith. The Chamber of Commerce have agreed to collect the shoeboxes.”

The Shoebox Project is a not-for-profit organization that provides gift-filled shoeboxes during the holiday season to women living in a shelter. “I believe there are people in Ladysmith who

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would like to do something nice for someone, but can’t afford to ‘adopt’ a whole family,” says Newton.

Weencourage donors to be creative with their shoeboxes and put their own personality into making them. Please keep the value to approximately $50. Women can get together as a team or individually to create a shoebox. Some suggestions include body or hand lotion, makeup, chocolates, cookies, candies, mittens, a hat, gloves, a scarf, gift certificates, and a personal message or poem of hope. Drop off your shoebox at the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. For more info ShoeBoxProject.com.

Water Regions Mapped Online The Regional District of Nanaimo has launched a new website interface that offers a friendly map-based method of accessing information to support the Region’s Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP) program.This service works to educate, collect data, and improve decision making related to water and land-use planning in the region. The new website can be found at www.dwwp.ca. “The interactive maps will connect residents to a place to understanding about water where they live, and serve as a hub for water information,” said RDN Chair, Joe Stanhope.

The new interface is part of the RDN website, www.rdn.bc.ca.

Publications titled “The State of Our Streams” will be mailed to residents to profile streams in their local area. The publications are based on water quality information gathered through local community partnerships over the last four years.

A model guy Congratulations to Ron Burchett. He was one of the recipients at the recent SS Beaver 2015 awards. Held by the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, the Beaver Medal recognizes outstanding contributions to the marine sector. Ron is well known in the community for his incredibly detailed remotecontrol boats. The working models test sea-keeping, efficiency and stability, and his boats are used by international companies.

The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, was at the ceremony to present awards.

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COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID

Colour Party & Band — La Rosa Gardens 2pm, Remembrance Event — Legion #171 Colour Party & Band — The Lodge on 4th, Ladysmith

November 1-7

6–24, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery — Rainy Days, Guest Speaker Kim Goldberg, Tuesday to Sunday

1, 10am to 6pm, McNab’s Corn Maze family fun in the country, 4613 Yellow Point Rd., 250-245-0666

10, 9am to noon, Food Bank Tuesdays, 630 2nd Ave., 250-245-3079 10, 1:30pm, Ladysmith Seniors General Meeting at the Resources Centre, 630 2nd Ave., Ladysmith, ladysmithseniorscentre.ca/calendar/

6, 9:30 to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111

10, 7:30pm & 9pm, TheatreOne’s Emerging Voices presents “Two Thirds” by Julie McIsaac, Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo

6, noon to 8pm, Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd., Admission $4

11, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111

1, 9:30am to 11am, Baha’I Children’s classes, 250-327-0823

7, 10am to 5pm, Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd., Admission $4

11, 10:30am, Remembrance Day Parade depart RCL 171 to Ladysmith Cenotaph.

1, 2pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz, Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., 250-324-2000

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11, 10:45am, Remembrance Day Opening Service followed by two minutes of silence at the Ladysmith Cenotaph.

1–2, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery — Harvest, Tuesday to Sunday 250-245-1252 1–7, 7:30pm, “Grace and Glorie” Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820

2, 11:30am, Soup and Sandwich, Ladysmith Seniors at the Resources Centre, 630 2nd Ave., www.ladysmithseniorscentre.ca/calendar/ 2, 4:45pm, Monday Bingo, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 2, 7pm, Ladysmith Council Meeting, City Hall 410 Esplanade, 250-245-6400 3, 9am to noon, Food Bank Tuesdays, 630 2nd Ave., 250-245-3079 4–29, Exclusive Exhibition of Noted Artist Claude G. Camacho, 516 First Ave., Pemberton Holmes 4, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 4, 5pm, LRCA Wednesday Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3079 5, 2pm, 9 & Dine, enjoy nine holes of golf and a delicious three-course meal every Thursday, Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157 6, 10:30am, Remembrance Event — Legion #171

8–29, Exclusive Exhibition of Noted Artist Claude G. Camacho, 516 First Ave., Pemberton Holmes 8, 9am, Remembrance Event — Legion #171 — St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 8, 9:30am to 11am, Baha’I Children’s classes, 250-327-0823 8, 1pm to3:30pm, Free Dyslexia Information Seminar, 250-245-8412 8, 2pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz, Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., 250-324-2000 9, 11:30am, Soup and Sandwich, Ladysmith Seniors at the Resources Centre, 630 2nd Ave., www.ladysmithseniorscentre.ca/calendar 9, 1pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Health & Community Services Fair, Frank Jameson Community Centre., 810-6th Ave., info 250-739-5777 9, 4:45pm, Monday Bingo, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111

11, 5pm, LRCA Wednesday Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3079 12, 2pm, 9 & Dine, enjoy nine holes of golf and a delicious three-course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157 13, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 13–15, 6pm, Personal Mastery Seminar (Professional and Personal Development) at Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo, info call Chrissie 1-250-885-5295 or JoAnne 1-800-577-5447

November 15-21 15–29, Exclusive Exhibition of Noted Artist Claude G. Camacho, 516 First Ave., Pemberton Holmes 15, 9:30am, to 11am, Baha’I Children’s classes, 250-327-0823 18–21, 7:30pm, TheatreOne presents “Eva Cassidy How Can I Keep From Singing,” Malaspina Theatre at VIU, info 250-754-8550 15,2pm. Pianist May Ling Kwok, “The Genius of Schumann,” St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus, Tickets: door $20, advance $17, 250-748-8383, http://www.chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca/ 15, 2pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz, Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., 250-324-2000 16, 11:30am, Soup and Sandwich, Ladysmith Seniors at the Resource Centre, 630 2nd Ave., www.ladysmithseniorscentre.ca/calendar/ 16, 4:45pm, Monday Bingo, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 17, 6:30pm to 8pm — FREE SWIM — Frank Jameson Community Centre, sponsored by Tim Hortons. Please bring a non-perishable food item

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for the Food Bank, 250-245-6424 17, 9am to noon, Food Bank Tuesdays, 630 2nd Ave., 250-245-3079 17–Dec 17, 10am to 2pm, 2015 Christmas Cheer Fund at the Ladysmith Resources Ctr., every Tues, Wed, Thurs, info 250-245-3079, lcra.ca

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20, 6pm, Aaron Pritchett / Ethan Brown benefit concert Nanaimo Entertainment Centre. 46 Nicol St., tickets www.aaroninnanaimo.ca 20–21, 7:30pm, “Elf: The Musical” — a holiday special, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-2469820

16, 7pm, Ladysmith Council Meeting, City Hall 410 Esplanade, 250-245-6400

21, 11am to 2pm, Ladysmith First United Church Bazaar, High Street and 3rd Ave.

18, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111

November 22-29

18, 7:30pm, North Oyster & Area Historical Society AGM — N/O Community Hall 18, 9:30 am, Chemainus Sketch Group at Fuller Lake Arena, speaker Claudia Lohmann. This will be our AGM. Guests welcome.

18, 5pm, LRCA Wednesday Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3079 19, 2pm, 9 & Dine, enjoy nine holes of golf and a delicious three-course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157 19–22, 10am to 5pm, 27th Annual Country Christmas Free Self Guided Tour, info www. cyartisans.com 19, 6:30pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club monthly meeting, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church hall, 314 Buller St at 3rd Ave. 20, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 20, 6:30pm to 8:55pm — DIVE in Cinema presents: Descendants — Come watch a movie while enjoying a fun and refreshing swim, Frank Jameson pool, $5 at the door. *All children under 7 must be accompanied in the water by an adult.

20, 7pm to 9pm, In the Bean Time — Glen Foster $10 show — $20 dinner, 250- 245-2305 20, 7:30pm, Red Rock Diner, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 250-748-7529, cowichanpac.ca

22–29, Exclusive Exhibition of Noted Artist Claude G. Camacho, 516 First Ave., Pemberton Holmes 22–Dec 17, 10am to 2pm, 2015 Christmas Cheer Fund at the Ladysmith Resources Ctr., every Tues, Wed, Thurs, info 250-245-3079, www.lcra. ca 22, 2pm, TheatreOne presents “Eva Cassidy How Can I Keep From Singing,” Malaspina Theatre at VIU, info 250-754-8550 22, 10am to 5pm, 27th Annual Country Christmas Free Self Guided Tour, info www.cyartisans.com 22–28, 7:30pm, “Elf: The Musical” holiday special, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820 22, 9:30am to 11am, The Baha’I Children’s classes, 250-327-0823

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25, 5pm, LRCA Wednesday Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3079 26, 2pm, 9 & Dine, enjoy nine holes of golf and a delicious three-course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157 26, 3pm, 28th Festival of Lights, downtown Ladysmith — Join thousands for Light Up along 1st Ave., the Kinsmen Parade, fireworks, and a visit from Santa!

26, 5pm, Ukrainian Dinner, Legion Br 171, 621 1st Ave. — Cabbage Rolls, Bratwurst, perogies and refreshments and sweets, info 250.245.2273 26, 2pm to 6pm, Ladysmith Museum open for Light Up, 721 1st Ave., 250-245-0100 27-28, 7pm, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Chemainus Gardens, www.cvas.com/ladyday

November 29-30 29, Exclusive Exhibition of Noted Artist Claude G. Camacho, 516 First Ave., Pemberton Holmes 29–30, 7:30pm, “Elf: The Musical” — a holiday special, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820 29, 9:30am to 11am, Baha’I Children’s classes, 250-327-0823

22, 2pm, Sunday Afternoon Jazz, Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., 250-324-2000

29, 2 pm, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Chemainus Gardens, Crofton Pub, www.cvas.com/ ladyday

23, 11:30am, Soup and Sandwich, Ladysmith Seniors at the Resource Centre, 630 2nd Ave., www.ladysmithseniorscentre.ca/calendar/

30, 11:30am, Soup and Sandwich, Ladysmith Seniors at the Resource Centre, 630 2nd Ave., www.ladysmithseniorscentre.ca/calendar/

23, 4:45pm, Monday Bingo, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111

30, 4:45pm, Monday Bingo, Chemainus Senior Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111

24, 9am to noon, Food Bank Tuesdays, 630 2nd Ave., 250-245-3079 24, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club — “The Naturalist as Photographer” with acclaimed naturalist, author and photographer Bruce Whittington. www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

(l-r) Nov. 9 - Ladysmith Health & Community Service Fair Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day Services Nov. 27-28 - Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar

Enjoy the season!

Nov 1, 10am, Carols Craft Market at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-754-8905 Nov 6, 10am to 9pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Holiday show & sale, 24 potters are stocked up, Country Club Centre, 3200 North Island Hwy Nov 6, noon to 8pm, Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd. Nov 7–8, 11am, Mary Fox Pottery 2015 Studio Sale, 321-3rd Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-3778 Nov 7, 10am to 5pm, Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd. Nov 7, 10am to 6pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Holiday show & sale, 24 potters are stocked up, Country Club Centre, 3200 North Island Hwy Nov 7, 11am to 2pm, CWL Christmas Bazaar at St. Mary’s Parish, 1153 4th Ave., Lunch, crafts, sewing, baking, books and lots of gift ideas, 250-2453414 Nov 8, 10am to 4pm, Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd. Nov 8, 10am, Carol’s Craft Market at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-754-8905 Nov 8, 11am to 5pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Holiday show & sale, 24 potters are stocked up, Country Club Centre, 3200 North Island Hwy Nov 12–13, noon to 8pm, Annual Christmas Chaos, Island Savings Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 Nov 14, 10am to 5pm, Crofton Art Group’s annual fall sale of ready-toframe art, also nice jewelry and pottery, Crofton Senior’s Centre, adj. ferry dock, 250-245-7738 Nov 14, 11am to 2pm, St. John’s Anglican Church Christmas Bazaar, 314 Buller St., lunch, bake table, crafts and more, 250-245-8872 Nov 14–15, 10am to 5pm, Annual Christmas Chaos, Island Savings Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529

For more information and updates please visit take5.ca/events Nov 17–Dec 9, Grand Christmas 2015 shop local promotion sponsored by the LDBA Nov 19–22, 10am to 4pm, Carol’s Craft Market 7th Annual Christmas Craft Fair at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-754-8905 Nov 19–22, 10am to 5pm, 26th Annual Yellowpoint Country Christmas Self Guided Tour. Four days of fun, food and local artisan talent, for more info www. cyartisans.com Nov 20, 10am to 4pm, Carol’s Craft Market, 7th Annual Christmas Craft Fair at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-754-8905 Nov 21, 11am to 2pm, Christmas Bazaar and Tea, bake table, crafts, jewelry, kid’s area, and books along with tea, Ladysmith First United Church Hall, 232 High St. Nov 21, 9am to 12pm, Christmas Pancake Breakfast with Santa, prepared by N.O.A.H.S. at the Cedar Community Hall, kids $2, adults $5, door prizes, crafts, fun for everyone!

Nov 21, 9am to 2pm, Christmas Craft Sale, Chemainus Legion Hall, 9775 Chemainus Rd., 250-246-2481 Nov 21, 10am to 4pm, Carol’s Craft Market 7th Annual Christmas Craft Fair at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-754-8905 Nov 21, 10am to 3pm, LaFF’s 4th Annual Mistletoe Merchants, enjoy refreshments, baked goods & pizza from the concession; admission is cash donation towards LaFF’s Family Resource Program and/or non-perishable items for the Ladysmith Food Bank; Aggie Hall, First Ave./ Symonds St., Ladysmith, contact: mistletoemerchants@familyandfriends.ca Nov 21, 10am to 2pm, Celebrating Mental Health Through Art & Creativity Art and Craft Sale, Brechin Church, 1998 Estevan Rd., Nanaimo

Nov 22, 10am to 4pm, Carol’s Craft Market 7th Annual Christmas Craft Fair at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-754-8905 Nov 26, noon to 9pm, Kris Kringle Craft Market, Beban Park Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd. Nov 26, 3pm, 28th Annual Festival of Lights, entertainment, concessions, craft fair at the Aggie Hall, Spaghetti Dinner at the Eagles Hall, Kinsmen Parade along 1st Ave., and LDCU Fireworks Spectacular. Lights stay on until Jan 4/16.

Nov 26, 5pm to 8pm, Ukrainian Dinner. Cabbage rolls, bratwurst, perogies, refreshments & sweets, $12 regular, $7 small, Ladysmith RCL Legion, 621 1st Ave. Nov 27, 10am to 9pm, Kris Kringle Craft Market, Beban Park Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd. Nov 26, 2pm to 6pm, Ladysmith Museum will be open for Festival of Lights Nov 27, 10am to 4pm, 8th Annual Christmas Craft Extravaganza, delightful Christmas gift ideas, Quality Resort Bayside, 240 Dogwood St., Parksville Nov 28, 10am to 2pm, Cassidy Mobile Home Park Craft Fair, bake table, crafts, tea and raffle, 1572 Seabird Rd., 250245-2725 Nov 28, 10am to 6pm, Kris Kringle Craft Market, Beban Park Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd. Nov 28, 10am to 4pm, 8th Annual Christmas Craft Extravaganza, delightful Christmas gift ideas, Quality Resort Bayside, 240 Dogwood St., Parksville Nov 28, 11am to 1:30pm, St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church Bazaar & Full Christmas Tea, baking, mincemeat, preserves, Christmas crafts and New to You Jewelry; admission is free and the tea is $7/person (includes sandwiches, sweets, coffee, tea, or juice) Nov 29, 10am, Carol’s Craft Market at the North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., 250-754-8905 Nov 29, 10am to 5pm, Kris Kringle Craft Market, Beban Park Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd.

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ets are available at Chemainus Foods, Chemainus Gardens, Crofton Hotel, Baan-Do’s, Duncan, and Cardino Shoes, Duncan. For more information, visit www.cvcas.com/ladyday.

Photography exhibit Country Christmas Artisan Tour Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Tour is a fun thing to do with family or friends.

Whether you are a tourist or live here, on November 19–22, take the Country Christmas self-guided tour and meet the creative people of beautiful Cedar Yellow Point. Nestled among the forests and picturesque waterfront, you will discover local artisans in their home studios waiting for you: photography, glass, pottery, upcycled furniture, fine art, and craft, wood, and fabric art, just to name a few. Visit the farms for a taste of sweet honey, or indulge in flavorsome herbs and homegrown cranberries. Enjoy the country setting and take a deep breath, because there is no need to hurry here.

Start your tour early in the morning with map in your hand, some friends and a cup of coffee. It’s going to be a great day!

If you are hungry or need a place to stay, Cedar Yellow Point boasts excellent dining and lodging experiences. So why not visit a local B&B, and make a weekend of it.

Pick up a Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Tour Brochure at Ladysmith, Nanaimo or Chemainus tourist information centres or libraries, or download your copy from www. https://justine-keefer. squarespace.com/#christmastour. Tour dates are November 19–22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Lady Day pays tribute to Billie Holiday The talented, award-winning Cowichan Valley vocalist, Glaucia Desrochers, is taking on the role of a lifetimeplaying Billie Holiday, one of the most influential jazz vocalists ever, in the one-woman musical and Broadway hit, “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.”

The play is billed as “an evening filled with personal tales of difficult choices, bad breaks, worse men and some of the most glorious songs ever written,” including “God Bless the Child,” “What

Glaucia Desrochers plays Billie Holiday in the musical and Broadway hit, “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”

a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Strange Fruit” and “T’aint Nobody’s Biz-ness.”

When the show’s co-producer, Pat Selman, first heard Desrochers sing, “I knew I’d found the perfect star for Lady Day,” which she’d dreamed of producing for 20 years.

Lady Day is set in a seedy bar in south Philadelphia in 1959, a few months before Billie Holiday died. The show begins with Billie, just a little inebriated, kibitzing with Emerson, the owner and bartender, with her pianist, Jimmy, and with the audience.

Before the evening is through, she’s high on booze and heroin and, between 14 heart-rending songs, she’s spilled her entire gut-wrenching life story to the audience.

The play’s director, Michelle Tremblay, said “it gives a glimpse into the iconic persona of Billie Holiday, not only as a singer but as a character in real life.”

Written by Lanie Robertson, the musical is co-produced by Pat Selman and the Chemainus Valley Cultural Society, with Karel Roessingh as pianist Jimmy Powers, along with bassist Nick Mintenko and drummer Ron Joiner.

“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” will be staged six times only at venues in Chemainus and Crofton in late November and early December. Advance tick-

Claude Camacho, a local artist, first became interested in photography in college but due to the high cost of film the hobby soon fell by the wayside. It was when he moved to Vancouver Island in 2005 and was so inspired by the landscape that he picked his camera up and began shooting landscape photos.

In 2006 he submitted a photo to the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery and the photo sold within 10 minutes. His shift went from candid people shots to landscapes, now the majority of his work.

Claude is holding an art exhibition at the Pemberton Holmes office 516 First Ave from Nov. 4 to 29.

Young author, Kat Rose, writes her third book Kat Rose is an emerging young author from Nanaimo. Her debut book The Loss has pulled at heartstrings and paints a picture of strength, determination, love and loss. Her follow up, Building It Up, collides two worlds that have been desperately trying to forget a day that took a life.

Her words create images that play out like a film. Her characters are strongwilled and captivating. Her third release will be unleashed in 2016, A Father’s Daughter.

All of her books are available to order in paperback and Kindle at Amazon.ca.

For more information visit “Kat Rose Writing” on Facebook.

Young author Kat Rose with two of her books. The third is coming soon.

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NOV 2015

A super collector!

BY MARINA SACHT John de Leeuw, like most collectors, started with just one piece — a superman action figure caught his eye while shopping one day with his wife. Now a dozen years later, he has assembled an impressive collection of memorabilia, housed in its own Superman room that is, without a doubt, the ultimate man cave.

John has been involved with the Ladysmith community for many years, having served on the Chamber of Commerce and other community boards. Most people know John in his public role as CEO of Ladysmith & District Credit Union.

However when not at work, he is active in sports and involved with family. (His daughters are talented swimming competitors.) But not many people know what an amazing collector he is.

“I’ve always been a fan of the man of steel,” he says. His enthusiasm is contagious.

A few years ago, they were renovating their new home when John realized that the drywaller was also a fan of the superhero. They custom made a replica of Superman’s stylized red-and-yellow “S” shield, which is front and centre in the room.

Some of the highlights in John’s collection include a 1978 Superman Pinball machine and an early 1980s TAIKO Superman arcade video game. He remembers playing them both as a kid. One of his more unusual items is a Superman savings bank he found online from the 1950s.

John started collecting comic books years ago so this was natural progression. “The pieces come from all over.

Some are gifts from family and friends.

Others have come from stores or online.

All of them have a story.”

“My staff bought me this,” he points to a standup life-sized superman.

Besides fun and informative, collecting can be a good investment. For instance, if you were lucky enough to ever find one as only a hundred are believed to exist today, the Action Comics #1, a June 1938 comic book, where Superman first appeared would sell for a cool million — a nice return considering it cost a dime.

But you can’t put a price on weekly

John de Leeuw, an avid collector, with a pinball machine from the 1970’s that he recalls playing as a youth. Photos: Marina Sacht

family nights, and the de Leeuws would all get together weekly to watch “Smallville.” The series, which ended its tenth and final season in 2011, follows Clark Kent (Tom Welling) in the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas, before he becomes known as Superman.

Superman, created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, has been labeled as the greatest comic book hero of all time and is the blueprint for superheroes as we know them today. Superman has superhuman abilities, which he resolved to use for the benefit of humanity.

Most of us grew up either reading about or watching Superman on TV. As

the years went on, several versions of Superman evolved. Many of us remember watching the 1950s television program “Adventures of Superman” with George Reeves. But being a super fan can lead to adventures other than those from watching TV. A few years ago, John and his daughters, who are also fans, had the opportunity to meet Dean Cain, who starred in “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”

For this collector, one of the traits John likes best about the man of steel is his integrity: “He is strong and smart, and he always does the right thing.”

Good words to live by.

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Economic development Economic development. There are as many ideas about what works as there are about what it is. The Town is active on a large number of fronts to encourage and support economic development. Council and me personally are deeply committed to supporting existing businesses, bringing new business investment to our community, and creating jobs.

Council has highlighted Vibrant Downtown and Economic Development as one of its eight focus areas for 2015.

We are considering a number of options and next steps that will yield tangible positive results and deliver a good return on the investment for Ladysmith’s taxpayers. Economic development will be high on the agenda of Council’s upcoming planning session.

The Town is currently investing in economic development on two fronts both regional and local.

The first is a contribution of about $58,000 each year to the Cowichan Valley Regional District Economic Development Department. Services we receive in return include business retention and attraction initiatives, regional tourism marketing, promotion and support, the film office, and overall regional marketing and attraction activities. We support this regional approach to economic development because we believe that the Regional District is in a better position to market and attract investment to the

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Cowichan Region as a whole.

Once investors (and visitors) have been attracted to the Cowichan Region, we must ensure that at the local level, here in Ladysmith, we offer the right environment and support to capture and keep their business. Council also believes it is imperative to support existing businesses to thrive and prosper. As a part of these efforts, the Town has supported the operation of the Chamber’s Visitor Centre for 15 years. In 2014, the Town contributed $42,000 in business licence revenue to the Chamber. This is a unique approach in the Cowichan Region.

The measures the Town has taken and continues to deliver to support local businesses and attract new investment in Ladysmmith include: * Local tax incentives such as the Revitalization Tax Exemption program and the Economic Revitalization Tax Exemption Program * Investment in significant water and sewer infrastructure improvements to ensure services exist for business, and providing other core services like the Fire Department and RCMP * Development of the Rocky Creek light industrial / business park with reduced Development Cost Charges for investors * Working with property owners and Stz’uminus First Nation to develop the South Ladysmith Industrial Park * The recently updated “Business and Development Portal” on the Town’s website to provide a simple point of entry to local business information and resources (www.ladysmith.ca/businessdevelopment/overview) * Business licence program options such as the Inter-Municipal Business Licence (Cowichan Region) and InterCommunity Business Licence (Malahat north) for mobile businesses. * The annual Community Profile of economic and community information providing local information for businesses looking to expand or investment in Ladysmith, as well as Ladysmith participation in the Cowichan Region Investor Profile. * Targeted business recruitment and investment in six key economic sectors: Tourism Infrastructure, Forestry and Wood Products Manufacturing, Green Industry, Marine Manufacturing and Services, Professional Services, and,

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Food and Beverage Processing * Creation of parking options and exemptions for businesses in the downtown resulting in new business investment in heritage buildings. * Supporting home-based business * Hosting the www.tourismladysmith. ca website * A tax policy in response to business requests to hold the line on commercial property tax increases, while also reducing our overall reliance on industrial taxes * Investing in local tourism promotion and advertising, in addition to taking part in regional tourism promotion by the CVRD Economic Development Commission * Playing a key role in the establishment of Leadership B.C. and Leadership Vancouver Island, building the community’s leadership capacity and bringing together local government, not-for-profits and businesses * Exploring a social enterprise initiative with the LDBA and Chamber of Commerce, incorporating a social procurement and buy local focus It is important to note that in addition to specific activities that directly encourage economic development, a number of the Town’s other initiatives indirectly support economic development across all departments. We are investing in major capital projects, such as a new waste water treatment plant, a water filtration plant, upgrades to the downtown (including the recent Gatacre Street project), and we have recently made a major investment in downtown Ladysmith with the purchase of properties on First Avenue and Buller Street as the future City Hall site.

To attract and keep business investors

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and their employees in our community, we must also offer an excellent quality of life. This is why we ensure that we offer top-notch facilities and programs at the Frank Jameson Community Centre, and invest staff time and resources into maintaining our parks and trails. Our leadership in sustainability is also attractive to investors and their employees. In 2013, Western Forest Products invested in a $38-million upgrade in the Saltair sawmill in north Ladysmith, illustrating its commitment to the industry and Ladysmith. While being an award-winning municipality, we also attract and retain award-winning businesses, such as GNB Builders and Oyster Bay Quay.

I understand we still have some way to go to fully reinvigorate our business base, increase tax revenues and enhance local employment. The challenge is identifying the opportunities and properly facilitating the projects that will bring small and medium-sized businesses to our community. We will also move forward on updating the Waterfront Area Plan, encouraging new residential and commercial development and exploring other development opportunities.

Economic development does not take place in isolation. We need a strong economic base, customers to support our businesses, and viable opportunities in our target sectors of green business, marine industry and tourism. Council and the Town have a role to play in this, as do the LDBA, the Chamber of Commerce and local business people.

Council would welcome the opportunity to discuss other ways we can all work together on economic development initiatives and strategies to maximize our efforts and the return on our investment of hard-earned tax dollars.

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Regulating Groundwater (Wells) & Surface Water In February 2010, the B.C. Ministry of the Environment (MOE) released the Water Act Modernization Discussion Paper (WAM) as part of a review of the Water Act, RSBC—the first overall review since the Water Act came into force in 1909. In doing so, the province indicated that they wanted to address current and future challenges to freshwater supplies resulting from population growth, and industrial and agricultural expansion as well as the often conflicting demand for water that these factors induced.

The WAM discussion paper outlined four primary goals: 1. Protecting the aquatic environment and the health of streams 2. Improving water governance 3. Providing more efficiency and flexibility in the allocation of the water resource 4. Regulating groundwater extraction and use The Ministry’s original schedule, from background research through engagement, policy development, legislative drafting and bill approval, was very ambitious and included a planned introduction date for the Water Sustainability Act in 2012.

In the 2010 round of discussions with MOE staff, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) submitted a number of comments. These comments primarily related to the governance options, water allocation rights, and the need for flexibility to changing demands and environmental conditions. The RDN commented that the province should be primarily accountable for the protection of water resources but also share their approach with those involved locally in order to enhance the planning and decisionmaking process. The RDN also felt that current surface water licensing based on

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First in Time/First in Right (FIT-FIR) doesn’t provide the flexibility to manage the resource effectively or equitably, and there needs to be consideration to bringing groundwater into a water budget model.

The most complex and most contentious issue, in my opinion, is the licensing of groundwater use. Until sometime in the 2003/04 period, surface water rights were recognized through the issuance of a license in perpetuity. Following that, the licensing was based upon a license with a ten-year expiration period.

The questions of how the water resource would be allocated in a water scarcity situation remained unclear.

In late 2013, the MOE released the Water Sustainability Act Legislative Proposal for review. The document contained seven initiatives and the RDN commented on these based on their relevance to our region.

The following is a short summary of those initiatives: 1. Protection of Stream Health and Aquatic Environment The concept of Environmental Flow Needs (EFN) to ensure sufficient water flow to maintain stream health for fish and other aquatic life was introduced and extended to the approval process for new allocations of either surface or groundwater.

2. Water to be Considered in Land Use Decisions This initiative suggested the need for objectives to provide strategic direction for both provincial and local government decision makers and to encourage a common approach in the planning process.

3. Regulation and Protection of Groundwater With an absence of groundwater regulation to date, this initiative holds the most likelihood of creating controversy.

Unlike stream flows and lake levels, where surface water licensing is in effect and measurement of water resources

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can be established, the measurement of available groundwater resources is complex. And in the case of groundwater existing in bedrock aquifers—like in the Yellowpoint area, where water resides in fractures and chasms in the bedrock— the measurement of the water resource availability over a wide area is impossible.

4. Regulating During Scarcity In allocating water resources in such conditions, clearly those holders of licenses with shorter tenure would be the most vulnerable. Domestic users may also find themselves facing restrictions in such times. The question of how adherence to any restrictions would be measured raises the possibility of well metering in the future. Did I mention the potential for controversy?

5. Improving Security, Water Use Efficiency and Conservation This initiative is intended to improve the regulatory authority to require efficient use of the licensed water, which would also require license holders to measure and report usage. The initiative also contemplates the establishment of the Agricultural Water Reserves intent to protect future water supply needs for agricultural use.

6. Measuring and Reporting While fairly self-explanatory, the information gathered is key to understanding the cumulative impacts on surface and some groundwater resources. While limiting assumptions, it is not as accurate for groundwater resources.

7. Enabling a Range of Governance Approaches The RDN has supported a higher level of local government involvement in the decision-making process.

In the Summer/Fall period of 2015, the MOE released a further-policy discussion paper covering the licensing of groundwater use, groundwater protection, dam safety and strengthening compliance. Unfortunately, based on the experience of the RDN, local governments

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were not advised of the initiation of a consultation period. However, the RDN has been advised that comments will be accepted from them beyond the end of the September consultation period.

Any regulations issued pursuant to the Water Sustainability Act are proposed to come into effect in 2016. While many of the proposed regulatory authorities issued to date consider the mandatory registration of wells and licensing of high consumption users (defined as more than 250 cubic metres or 55,000 gallons per day), domestic users are exempted. I would encourage all domestic users to register their wells to take advantage of the “First in Time First in Right� concept should water scarcity become a continuing reality.

If you wish to review the latest proposals please visit the following site: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/watersustainabilityact/2015/07/30/blog-post-16-proposed-water-policies-what-do-youthink/ alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

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CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) Community Meeting on Curbside Collection Results: I want to thank all of the residents of North Oyster/Diamond who attended the community meeting on the issue of curbside collection options in Area H. I was very pleased with the public turnout and very grateful that so many people took time away from their lives to provide input on this topic.

During this meeting, residents who had not yet turned in the survey cards that were attached to the blue bins in late September were given an opportunity to fill out the card and submit it. A presentation was made by CVRD staff; the presentation identified options that had been refined and changed since I first wrote about the different options in an earlier Take 5 submission.

Also at the meeting, Paul Verhey had the opportunity to provide information about his waste collection service to local residents as an alternative to the CVRD curbside collection. Verhey op-

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erates North Oyster Waste, which is the only private sector waste collection service in this area. He distributed information sheets to those who were interested in learning more about North Oyster Waste. Please feel free to contact him at 250-667-6312 if you were unable to be present at the meeting.

A public question and answer period came next, with concerns expressed about the cost of twice-monthly garbage collection and also about organics collection. The final portion of the evening included the use of electronic “clickers” to gather public input. By pressing the appropriate button, the public expressed their opinion to simple “yes” or “no” questions, such as “do you want glass collected as an additional service?” and “do you want your organics collected?”

I will be discussing the meeting with staff to see if change has been clearly endorsed by the public and we can proceed to the next step. If not, we may require a further meeting to clarify any anomalies.

The other CVRD Electoral Areas will also be hosting community meetings; tentative dates have been set in some cases but not all. At this time, I believe only Areas A and H have held a meeting. I expect that these basic information meetings will be completed in the early 2016.

Once all of the public input has been received and analyzed, the CVRD will be able to move forward in the New Year with any changes approved by the public. I will keep you posted on the results for North Oyster/Diamond.

2015 Election: I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the candidates who let their names stand in the 2015 Federal Election. The time, energy, money and dedication that it takes to run a campaign is phenomenal. Thank you very much to Jack East, Mark McDonald, Sheila Malcolmson, Paul Manley and Tim Tessier for having the courage to step up and ensure that the voters had a choice. You are key players in the democratic process.

Congratulations to Sheila Malcolmson for her election win representing the new Nanaimo/Ladysmith riding. I wish her every success in her new endeavours and I look forward to working with her to ensure our constituents are heard at the federal level.

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CVRD Area G (Saltair) The newly-formed Saltair Community Society has been having meetings to prepare for the public opening of the recently-named Saltair Centre. The new centre is the former Mount Brenton School, purchased and owned by the CVRD. These past months meetings have been held by CVRD groups only. The Saltair Advisory Planning Commission and the Saltair Parks Commission were the main users along with Inquiring Little Minds daycare.

Olsen Road Paved: What has been an object of many complaints over the years is looking really good now. Olsen Road has been widened, given a new gravel base and paved by Hub City Paving under the direction of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Stuart Johnson, the local area manager, and Jonathan Tillie, his supervisor, were very responsive to the community in their request to have the road upgraded. Over the years, it was only through careful and courteous driving that many accidents were avoided. Such investments like this maintain the values in our homes. Olsen is the main secondary road in Saltair, with school bus traffic and other large vehicles on it. I am especially happy for the people who live in the large Saltair subdivision.

Delay on Summer Water Upgrades: The completion of the waterline upgrades down near Davis Lagoon bridge will be delayed for a month or so due to an unforeseen problem. The installers, David Stalker Construction, a local company, uncovered a First Nations midden near the bridge. When it was discovered, work stopped in that area until archeologists could do a study and find out the significance of the shell midden. They found heavy concentrations of large shells and some tools. The lagoon area has always been a source of clams and oysters, so it stands to reason that there would be ancient activity there. By law, these discoveries must be reported to and investigated by professional archaeologists. This is the third year of our 15-year upgrade program to the water system and things are generally going well.

Look up: sunnysaltair.ca to find out more about Saltair.

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“If a man says he’ll do something, he will. There’s no need to remind him of it every six months.”

—Garage sale sign & treasure of Cedar’s Welsh Pony Equestrian, Jesse James

Manana Man I’d been putting it off with reasonable success for quite some time, rather pleased with myself and the quaint predilections to procrastination that I’d cultivated over a lifetime.

Postpone the inevitable. A creed, a way of life, or maybe a biological imperative? Some of us were simply born this way, compelled to carry the gene and burden, which so many take issue with. But really, what’s the rush?

Tomorrow comes soon enough and usually sooner than I think. Enjoying the moment while it’s at hand is a responsibility, a feast that should ease the senses, nourish the soul and leave one waiting for more. And waiting is one of those things I’m naturally good at—a joie de vivre of the male persuasion that falls to a select few, who’s DNA writhe and twist in the wind of the infinite moment.

But someone’s got to do it.

There’s a thousand or so things to be done, some of which I’d like to be doing, but by my very nature I’m not inclined to. This have I learned after many a weak moment, oft’ when fairness and justice were explained to me in great detail, when divvying out “a fair share” of chores seemed to some like a reasonable concept. Despite good intentions, I’d found however, over a long and trying life for others around me, that the dishes I’d promised to wash would, more often than not, still await my considered opinion the morning after a jolly good Thanksgiving supper.

Why rush in where fools wouldn’t go,

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my second thoughts would ask in the blinding light of day? Take your time, find the right headspace, set the mood ...you know? Like, get in touch with your inner self if you’re really going to connect with those cups and saucers, imagine that grease and grime sliding right off those plates, and the shine and polish coming back into those pots and pans once they’re scrubbed with love and harmony. And if I could find that headspace, and remember where I put the elbow grease, I’m sure the dishes would get washed just like that.

“If you’re going to do something, then do it right,” my poor weary, ever-hopeful mom once said, but never repeated within earshot again to my knowledge.

Not wanting to disappoint my dear sweet Cinderella of a mother, there was many a time I simply did not start in on a project, or even try to repair the things that I broke, that I knew in my very bones I would not be able to complete to her heavenly standards. A good son, I did not want to disappoint, nor did I shirk my duty in remarking with great pleasure on what a fine job when all was fixed and done!

Those were the days when the final exam would be the day before I’d planned to re-arrange and clean up my room, “the pigsty” as my fun-loving mom used to call it. Down to the wire, books and notes still to be read, filed and digested, I’d found the world that much more comfy and secure, copacetic actually, if I could just please mom and count on a neat and tidy room to return to, scifi books all alphabetically arranged on the window shelf. And truth be told a C+ was usually within reach if you sat very close to the class brainiac, and neither mother nor teacher expected much bet-

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ter. Go figure.

A friend who came by the other day agrees. “A deadline sees me at my best,” he told me, by way of explaining why he’d probably be up past midnight, packing for an early morning flight to the Maritimes the next day. It was only midafternoon, so no rush. His plan involved waiting, enjoying life for the rest of the day and moseying on into the evening, until just before his partner was to get off her 12-hour shift from the hospital.

Then, clothes and suitcases liberally scattered about hither and thither, so as to find everything that’s to be found that’s going. Maybe pour a glass of wine, thence to stand over by the sink and last night’s dishes. Passionately embrace and express your undying love to the most beautiful nurse who ever lived, empathizing about how tough the day was and how tired she is when she arrives home. And doubling down on the empathy as she discovers how much still has to be done before they leave early the next morn. Then simply watch and admire her glorious being as she expertly gets stuck into it. Maybe pour a glass of wine for her too! That’s how this male deals with the stress of packing. I made a mental note for next time I’d be left with such demands.

Ahhh, and there’s so much more to be said about life in the moment, if only I had the time. Manana, man!

Laurie Gourlay and Jackie Moad have regularly procrastinated when faced with environmental, social justice, women’s and community issues over the past thirty-odd years—especially Laurie! Most especially when farm chores call on their 20 organic acres, and even more so when there’s reason to seek local solutions to global challenges!

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The perfect apple pie I was once very fortunate to be a tasting judge at a fundraising barn dance when the dessert was an apple pie contest.

The winner was a “knock-your-socksoff” pie made with “Belle de Boskoop” apples by farmer Robin Tunnicliffe. I remember it to this day, as since then I have thought of growing this apple variety, so that I could replicate this delicious pie.

“Belle de Boskoop” is a heritage apple dating back to 1856 and hails from a town called Boskoop in the Netherlands.

The tree produces abundant yields of large russet-type apples that are crispy,

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sweet and juicy, which fits the bill as a perfect eating apple—no wonder it has survived the test of time.

In addition to great fresh qualities, “Belle de Boskoop” apples are good for pie, as they hold up well to baking. This apple is also known as a long keeping storage apple because the quality remains good for six months when stored in a cool place (safe from rodents). The apples change colour from olive-brown to red and gold as they ripen to perfection, and better yet, the flavour improves during storage—rather like fine wine!

They are justly featured as one of the top nine varieties by the Salt Spring Apple Co. (See http://www.saltspringapplecompany.com)

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So imagine my delight this summer to discover that when we bought the 5-acre farm next door, we also acquired an established heritage fruit-tree orchard with a “Belle de Boskoop” tree. I was even more thrilled by the fact that this variety only fruits once every two years, and this was the year we got the bumper crop off! So having just waxed lyrical about all this, I feel obliged to share my recipe with you. I know you will be grateful if you too were rewarded with bumper crops of apples this year.

Above: Perfect for pie is “Belle de Boskoop” a heritage apple dating back to 1856. Photos courtesy of Carolyn Herriot.

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The perfect apple pie Apple Filling Mix together: 6 large apples, peeled, cored and thinly-sliced 1 lemon, juice and zest 4 Tbsp (60 ml) brown or cane sugar 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp (2 ml) nutmeg (optional) 3 Tbsp (45 ml) flour or cornstarch for thickening Flaky Pie Crust Recipe Mix with your hands until crumbly in texture: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) unbleached flour (or 50:50 with whole wheat flour) 1/2 lb (227g) softened butter, cut into small chunks 1 Tbsp (15 ml) baking powder Pinch of salt In a measuring cup beat together: 1 egg 1 Tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar Add chilled buttermilk (sub. milk or water) to fill the measuring cup to 3/4 cup (180 ml).

Pour the wet over the dry ingredients and using a fork, mix together lightly until it comes together into a mound. Place on a floured surface and form into a smooth mound. Cut in half.

Roll out to fit your baking dish, making two circles of an even quarter-inch (six-millimetres) thickness. Line the pie dish with one circle and fill with the apple filling. Cover this with the other circle, crimping the edges together with your fingers to seal. Brush the top with an egg wash (one egg mixed with two tablespoons (30 millilitres) cream or milk). Prick with a sharp knife and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.

Oh and do I need to mention the whipped cream?

Carolyn Herriot is author of “The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food” and “The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food” (Harbour Publishing). Available at your local bookstore.

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Hot growing season!

An exceptional amount of sunshine meant a bumper crop for many local food producers and markets.

Cedar Farmers Market has seen another exceptional season. Over 80 vendors showcased hundreds of quality products and fresh foods. Cedar Farmers market extends a huge thank you to all the locals who walked the walk and supported us rain or shine.

Many new vendors this year including fresh oysters and a food truck serving tacos for lunch Attendance averages around 2000. Mother’s Day saw almost double that. With the growth of this market, the use of the additional one acre lot for parking was welcomed!

The Ladysmith Farmers Market wound up its season on October 27 featuring over 30 vendors that participated at the Transfer Beach and 49th Parallel Grocery Store locations. Plans for next year include expanding the quality and diversity. See you in the Spring at the 49th Parallel Grocery. Linda Bannerman is Market Manager, Ladysmith Farmers Market is hosted by Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce.

It was another great year for McNab’s Corn Maze and Produce. The maze closes Nov. 1 but their produce stand is loaded. Stop by 7 days a week to get your squash, beets, carrots, beans and of course, and pumpkins! It’s a cash only basis. They expect the stand to remain open well into November. But don’t forget the many farm stands that are open throughout the year.

Cedar Farmers Market Photo Nick Longo Pumpkins galore at McNab’s Corn Maze and Produce.

Photo: Betty Bartleman Ladysmith Farmers Market summer location at the beach.

Photo: Cindy Damphousse

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Balsam poplar Populus balsamifera Homo sapiens evolved with the green world and so their lives intertwined with the lives of plants—learning from them, and literally ingesting and absorbing them on a cellular level. Human observation of the natural world has lead us to so many scientific adventures, and many effective and potent herbal medicines.

Take the observation of bees, for example. When they build a hive, they use their own biology to produce the wax.

However they have to import the resin, which is of vital importance to the construction and health of the hive.

The resin I speak of is found in the bark fissures of pine and poplar, but to a greater degree it is found on poplars’ winter bud. The bees fly the resin home, and then mix it with spittle to construct and seal the hive.

Observing this, we see that the resin creates a sterile environment that is antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant—and smells really good. The bees figured this out long ago.

Above: Poplar buds in snow

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So following the bees example, we, humans, can go straight to the source just as they did. This is easily done: find the stand balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) and gather the bud on a cool day.

Why a cool day? The warmer the temperature the stickier the bud and the harvester’s fingers. Once you get a little on your fingers or gloves, they become unmanageably covered with sticky resins and everything sticks to everything—it is endless and a forager’s nightmare. Brown fingers don’t go over well with others either.

Good news! Rubbing alcohol cleans the sticky resin off.

Pick buds conservatively from branches that are within easy reach. Be careful not to take too many from any particular branch and make sure to leave the terminal buds intact. With care, one can collect this potent medicine with minimal impact on the tree and habitat.

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After a windstorm, you will find some of the branches fallen on the ground will have lots of buds on them. It is the easiest and most prudent way to gather the medicine.

Place a quantity of buds in a jar with a lid. Cover the buds with vegetable oil. Place the jar in a warm spot or sunny windowsill for 14 days.

Then, strain out the buds and your oil is ready. To make an ointment, add a quarter cup of beeswax to one cup of your strained poplar bud oil. Place in containers ready for use.

This salve possesses all the qualities that the bees discovered. It is a very potent salve that is antiseptic and has stimulating and healing qualities. It also makes a nice little gift for those you care about.

To order and view sample pages from Kahlee’s two new books in The Standing People series please visit www. thestandingpeople.com To contact Kahlee - email symbionts@shaw.ca

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A chicken named Henrietta READER ALERT: The following story is mostly true. Certain facts however have been formatted to fit your screen.

First impressions mean a lot. Greeting people properly is important. That’s why when Henrietta the chicken showed up at the Mahle House back door, résumé in hand, I jumped at the chance to hire her. Henrietta’s timing was perfect. The cat that normally worked the door was at summer camp, or wherever cats go in the summer. And whoever thought about using a chicken for a front person? Not even Walmart, but I did, that’s who.

And what a go-getter she turned out to be. On the very first shift, she redefined the job. Instead of just propping herself up by the reservation book and waiting for customers to come to her, she went to the parking lot to greet them as they drove up. After introducing herself, “Hi, my name is Henrietta, I’ll be your chicken tonight,” she would escort customers from their car right up to the restaurant door, and then returning two hours later to walk them back to their car.

At first we thought communication would be a problem, but Henrietta spoke a dialect of pigeon English; and if you tried real hard, you could almost under-

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stand what she was saying, much like cousin Elmer from Newfoundland. True, she was more of a monologist that a conversationalist. But then the same could be said about Elmer.

She was, in fact, the most ambitious chicken that ever worked for us. Not satisfied with just working at night, she also interned in the flower garden with my wife. It was quite cute to see them together: my wife trowel in hand, and Henrietta at her side, munching on any bugs that came to the surface and learning all she’d need to know so that one day she could have a garden of her own.

Henrietta had other uses as we found out. Occasionally pushy wine salespeople, bearing crappy product, victimized us. Okay, her name was Sheila, and she would show up every week with the latest news release on how her crappy Pinot had won some prestigious award, a gold metal maybe at the Longshoreman’s Local 8 Belch-a-thon. Whether she made these releases up herself, we would never know, but that the wine was more suitable for marinating pork chops, we were certain.

But Sheila was persistent, bothering us every week. Finally we bought a case just to get rid of her. Let me tell you, this did not over joy the pork chops. They immediately reported us to the SPCPC, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Pork Chops. The rules on the issue being eminently clear: never use a wine for a marinade that you wouldn’t drink yourself.

But buying the case backfired. Now Sheila started showing up twice a week.

This pissed Henrietta off to no end, as it infringed on her time with my wife and I in the garden—a place where Henrietta had taken great interest. (Sound of

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drums in background, let the foreshadowing begin.) “I’ll handle this,” said Henrietta, as she stomped to the parking lot and up to Sheila’s door. There she pawed the ground like a bull, daring Sheila to get out of the car—a prospect not appealing to Sheila, who was obviously not a chicken person. In vain, she tried shooing Henrietta away, but after five minutes of that, she drove away. My wife and I hid behind the bushes laughing. After that Sheila always remained in contact by email. Long live the delete key.

But all good things must come to an end. Annie the cat came back, and she and Henrietta did not get along. The issue was who got to work the door. Annie pointed out she had seniority, and as far as taking summers off, she had always been granted that privilege. Besides, she added, “Who in their right mind wants to cuddle a chicken?” Compounding matters was that Henrietta went a little strange on us. Plants and bulbs in the garden began to go missing. Chicken tracks at the scene of the crime pointed in Henrietta’s direction.

But it could have been any chicken, a crow, even, with large feet. You can’t just accuse a valued employee without being able to back it up. So we pulled the full Joel Matlin Alarm Force routine with cameras. For further effectiveness, we took a chapter out of Joel’s book and played his annoying commercial over and over again. If this wouldn’t keep intruders out of the garden, nothing would.

But we were wrong. Shortly after midnight, along came Henrietta: bold and brassy, knife and fork in hand, napkin draped saucily around neck, and most important a large pair of industrial ear protectors to filter out Joel.

Later when buying more plants to replace the ones Henrietta dined on, Buckerfield Bob showed us the poster: Wanted. Serial Plant Molester goes by the name of Henrietta, also known as Rhode Island Red, aka, the Plant Bandit.

Buckerfield Bob gave us the full story.

Apparently, Henrietta had been working the scam on the better gardens up and down the street, relying on her cuteness to gain access to all the good plants.

This was more than a little depressing, because if you can’t trust a chicken who can you trust.

We should have handed her over to

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Buckerfield Bob and the authorities; instead, we dropped her off at a friend’s farm where she is presently incarcerated. We told her to stay in touch by email. (When it came to hunt and peck, she was a keyboard wizard.) But, we never heard from her. That’s why if a chicken ever shows up at your door looking for work, exercise extreme caution. Ask for references and, most important, check with Buckerfield Bob. Henrietta was last seen enjoying a light snack of panck-battered, pan-fried tulip bulbs, washed down by a B.C. white Gehringer Brother’s Classic Riesling—about 13 bucks.

Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant.

Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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Flying their colours.

Clockwise: Rose, Fire weed, Maple and licorice fern, trailing blackberry.

Photos: H. Masata

Falling Leaves Many calendar photos on display this month show brilliantly coloured leaves from eastern North America. Our trees and shrubs are perhaps a bit easy going in this regard—they are after all west coasters. However, similar processes are underway here too. The subdued beauty of the yellow and brown maple, willow and cottonwood leaves interspersed with reds from dogwood leaves and contrasted by the green of the conifers is still a sight of great aesthetic value. This transformation in leaf colour in deciduous trees is also of great practical value because during this time nutrients are recycled from the leaf to other parts of the plant to support growth until next spring.

Leaf drop is the final stage in leaf development, but the leaf has prepared for this since the spring. The junction between the leaf and stem has a special layer of cells through which pass tiny tubes that carry water to the leaf and food back to the stems and roots. In the autumn, these special cells start to swell and slowly cut off the connection between the tree and the leaf, until the leaf falls.

Leaves contain multiple chemical compounds which give them colour; however during the growing season, these colours are overpowered by green chlorophyll. When chlorophyll production slows or is stopped by decreasing daylight (and this year by the drought), the gold, yellow and browns of the leaf become visible. Red colours are a little different. They are produced by anthocyanins in the autumn. (The anthocyanin is an antioxidant such as found in beets or purple grapes.) The reason for this is not understood. Production of anthocyanin requires carbohydrates and nutrients. Why a plant would commit energy to change leaf colour shortly before leaf drop has puzzled plant physiologists.

Some think that the red acts to reduce sun damage. This may allow the leaf to stay on for a few weeks longer and thus recycle more of the nutrients in the leaf.

Another idea is that when the leaves drop, the anthocyanin in them inhibits the growth of other plants around the tree, thus reducing competition. Chemical defences are not uncommon in the plant kingdom—walnuts are known to inhibit the germination of other seeds via the chemical juglone in the leaves (and tissues). (I had a teacher once tell our class that when you can’t think of a reason why a plant is not doing well think about allelochemical interactions.)

Interestingly some species which have the ability to turn leaves red seem to also do this for stress of other sorts. The Pacific dogwood frequently does this early in summer in response to disease.

Many herbaceous plants follow the similar strategy to deciduous trees and shrubs: allow the photosynthetic tissues to die and store energy in the roots. Annuals prefer to put their efforts to seed growth and let the adults die each winter.

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Seeds have very low metabolic requirements and if the conditions are right, they can live many years in this dormant state.

Evergreen trees have gone a different route. They keep their needles or leaves green all year and have had to develop strategies that minimize damage to leaf tissues from the cold and wind. Even on sunny days in winter, little photosynthesis occurs as many metabolic processes are hindered by low temperatures and, if soils are frozen, by lack of available water. The waxy needles (or leaves) have resins, which act like anti-freeze. They also have the ability to close the stomata (pores that allow air and moisture exchange) on the underside of the needles to prevent water loss.

During early summer, both evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs prepare for dormancy with the production of winter buds. These buds contain all the components for the next year’s new growth and sit mostly dormant for the winter.

As I watch the leaves change colour this autumn (and every autumn), I am amazed at the variety not just between species but within a species. Sometimes even when growing side by side in what seems like uniform growing conditions, different individuals will have leaves of different colours.

This morning I walked by four redosier dogwood in a patch and collected a few leaves from each. A close up inspection revealed a tremendous variety: some yellow, others brown, red and some completely green. Most had some specks of brown or yellow. One yellowing leaf had a dime-sized patch of green—a sign that a small fungal colony had established itself and was using the plant’s chloroplasts for its benefit. A couple of the leaves were rolled up into an over-wintering home for an insect. In this small patch of plants was a world of wonder and discovery.

Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point.

Reach him at ecoforestry@gmail.com

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FOR SALE MINI CAR replicas. Signature models 1/35 scale: 34 Auburn; 35 Dussenburg; 63 Studebaker; 55 Buick Skylark; 17 Reo Touring; 2 x 33 Cadillac. $35 each OBO. Call 250-758-5816.

MEAT CUTTING Maple butcher block table & hand meat saw, cleaver & 2 butcher knives. $130 OBO. Call 250-758-5816.

4–16 INCH GOODYEAR NORDIC SNOW TIRES on G.M. rims P225/60R16 excellent condition. $300.

Call 250-245-2546.

LOVE SEAT in good condition. Asking $150 OBO. Call 250-245-5440.

12 FOOT extending pole unit for window washing — no squeegee. $75. OBO. Call 250-758-5816.

JAZZ GOLF RH set 3 yrs. old 10 clubs, including drivers and putters, used bag & cart. $125 OBO. Call 250-758-5816.

KNIFE SHARPENER. Oil sandstone bath style, ideal for all kinds of blades. $125. Call 250-758-5816.

FOR RENT

BEADS BEADS BEADS Etc! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow us on facebook/etcinchemainus. Call 250-324-2227.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives.

35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE for odd jobs, painting, staining and power washing. Call Blair 250-245 -5621.

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).

YOU MADE THAT? You could sell it! Online/ Offline Mentor & Coach for your new arts and craft business venture. We start from ground zero.

Proven results. Contact Mei@myogastudio.ca or 250-797-1218

OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. Call 250-245-3395.

DOES YOUR BUSINESS or society have an important milestone? Let TAKE 5 help Call 250245-7015.!

BUSINESS

EDUCATION

SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Don’t trust just anyone! We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits to glamour and corporate clients. Free photo book included of your images. Email for quote and portfolio: marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165.

SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT LTD has limited registration for before and after school programs still available! at North Oyster Community Centre (Lic#KRIS-9MPPYV). 7:30am to 5:30pm, Mon. to Fri. Nature programming, arts/ crafts, hiking, building, music, games etc. Full-/ part-time and drop-in spots. Subsidy welcome. patti@senseofplaceyp.com, senseofplaceyp.com, or call 250-667-1222 or 250-618-3396.

KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE, over 25 yrs licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing and maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical, etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756.

BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS Fishing and sightseeing. Call 250-210-0787 or 250-245-4185.

MUSIC LESSONS. Qualified, experienced music teacher in Cedar area. Piano, organ, cello and theory. Private lessons tailored to your individual needs. Ages 5 to adult. Call 250-323-6695.

HEALTH & BEAUTY ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR. Get lean and healthy fast! Less than $5/meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. www.taketimetoday.com. Call Suzanne Deveau 250-245-8407.

BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com. For information and appointments, call 250-245-7738.

NOV 2015

TAI CHI For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts September and February, Mondays, on-going class Wednesdays. Both classes 10am to noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Rd. $20/mo. Call Sara 250-245-1466 or www. nanaimotaichi.org.

RETIRED LPN AND REHAB ASSISTANT looking for private in home nursing care. I also have extensive Hospice experience. Asking $25.00 per hour. Please call Katie 250-594-3090.

HOME & YARD PAINT & SAVE OPTION. Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro. Together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look.

Making the world a brighter place for over 25 years. For more information, please call Harvey 250-245-2174.

INTERIOR PAINTING. Refresh your walls... and your spirits! Careful, respectful work. Attention to detail. Help with colour choice. No job too small.

Reasonable rates. Call Kari 250-245-2751.

NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250668-8383.

ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backslash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com. Call 250-924-4924.

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

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.

BI-MONTHLY CLEANING for houses.

Experienced, reliable and attention to detail. $20 per hour. References available. Ladysmith and Chemainus. Call Jamie and Ingrid 250-246-4938.

AJ’S HOME CLEANING 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 1-250709-1364.

SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE specializing in fall & spring cleaning inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-9244735 or 1-250-218-4735.

TAKE 5 WOOD SHEDS, interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, railings, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home and yard you love. Namaste Home Improvements.

Call 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

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 250-245-1260.

THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. Also do window washing and odd jobs. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-618-9217.

NATURESCAPE YARD & GARDEN Tree and shrub trimming and pruning, fall cleanups, fences and other landscaping projects. Knowledgeable, hones and reliable service. Call Norm at (250) 585 5955, email: naturescapesnanaimo@ shaw.ca or check our website at: www. naturescapeyardandgarden.com 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 your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in a home setting, birds and only birds, budgies to macaws. Nightly rate $5, $10, $15, sml, md, lrg. Pre-booking visits welcome. Call Diana and Kip Slater 250-7222201, www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com.

KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL. Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties.

Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. Check out our new home at 2740 Heather Way, Nanaimo. Take a virtual tour www.kittykorners.com. Call 250-740KATS (5287).

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. Call 250-245-3391, www. lynnsseniorcare.com.

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).

CLASSIFIEDS in TAKE 5 work! ads@take5.ca

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