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Letters Ecoforestry Institute Society now holds Wildwood in Trust As of December 23, 2016, and thanks to hundreds of donors and volunteers, the Ecoforestry Institute Society now holds Wildwood forever in trust. After a celebration or two, EIS is now well into the throes of the financial planning needed as Wildwood resumes its place as a working demonstration ecoforest and serves as a learning centre for all.

EIS will be creating a number of events to welcome the public back to the forest. Watch for details about the Spring Open House as well as the new tours and workshops schedule. Already school teachers are making enquiries to bring their classes to experience the magic of Wildwood, and organizations are booking their own tours. A new membership and donation program will be unveiled shortly.

For event and other updates, visit the EIS website at www. ecoforestry.ca or the Wildwood Ecoforest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodecoforest. You can also send your enquiries to admin@ecoforestry.ca.

EIS looks forward to welcoming you to Wildwood once again.

— Kathleen Code, Eco-Forestry Institute

Recycling Rob Pinkerton stated, in the Dec/Jan 2017 issue of TAKE 5 in his letter, titled “Recycling has to be easy”) that we need “a closer to town” recycling depot.

We have had one for ages. It is the Junction Bottle Depot at 149 Oyster Bay Drive, behind and across the street from Home Hardware /Ladysmith Chronicle. They take most everything — plastic film, plastic and metal containers, paper products, cardboard, styrofoam, glass jars, paint, electronics, etc. They are open seven day a week. — Paul Williams I was intrigued to read the letter from Rob Pinkerton complaining about the inconvenience of having to take all his recyclables to Peerless Road. He was suggesting that it would be nice to have a collection depot closer to town. Ironically, the letter was placed right beside the ad for the Ladysmith Junction Bottle Depot, which is very close to downtown and takes all the previously mentioned recyclable items.

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that was not hard to find; there are some real good complainers all over.)

You won’t believe this, but I am actually starting to love this job! But only under my terminology, common sense, logic and practicality. I may run into trouble, I know. No one knows what I am talking about. The Dodo bird took a lot more than we know; it’s not likely ever to return. Sad but true ..— Jim Szasz Letters to editor: editor@take5.ca

We are privileged to have a local business, such as the Ladysmith Junction Bottle Depot, right here in town. The facility is always clean, and the staff is very friendly, hard-working and efficient. — Diane Bianchini

Complaints Department I have been approached many times by young and old.“Jim, now that you are retired would like to be our representative of our complaints department ?”

I said, “I would not touch that with a ten foot pole! After listening to the younger generation tell their story.”

They say, “We don’t have the time to complain. We work two or three jobs to make ends meet, paying for a home, cars and credit cards. We just don’t have time.”

Old people come to me and say, “I can’t get out to do the complaining as I used to.” They were really good at it. Nobody is listening to them, absolutely no ears.

“What we decided is to just have one representative, and we decided to choose you, as you might be our best choice. You tell it the way it is, and do look a little bit intimidating.”

I thought for a few minutes … if they don’t listen to a college grad, what makes you think they will listen to a grade six rocket scientist!

I know it is a rotten job, but someone has to do it.

Not being a good complainer, I needed some fine tuning (and

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Reading tracks & signs Several times this winter we have woken up to a fresh carpet of snow. The rarity with which this happens here makes it a visual thrill. And a walk in a winter wonderland is amplified by the stories one observes in the tracks of the creatures that live around us. Observing tracks opens the door to understanding the life of that animal. At one time this knowledge may have been a matter of survival. And in a way it still is. The better we are at understanding others’ lives, the more aware we are of how we are all connected. We all share this world. In addition to tracks, there are lots of signs, such as nibbled twigs, seeds and cones,

Clockwise: Bear track Racoon tracks Rabbit tracks Bear scat. Photos submitted.

scat and nests, that help us identify and understand wildlife. Every bit of information is valuable.

When observing tracks, the first thing one is curious about is the identity of the animal and then its behaviour. Clear prints are nice to have, but not always available. Gait pattern is important and in some species very distinctive and more important for identification than a clear print. These patterns reveal the size of the animals, their manner of motion and even a bit about behaviour, such as feeding, moving slowly or running from predators or pursuing prey. (Fossilized prints of birds and dinosaurs tracks add to an understanding of the social structure of the species, such as if an animal was solitary or lived in groups — information that could not be determined from fossilized bones.)

Most tracks are ephemeral — lasting until the next snowfall or snowmelt, rain or a rising tide. Wind, time and new tracks obscure or add challenges to discerning patterns of movement or behaviour. The best tracks tend to be on a fresh surface, such as at a receding tide, on the edges of puddles or streams and after new snowfall.

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Because rabbits and squirrels both hop, they leave a distinct pattern of four tracks. The hopping motion causes the hind feet to land in front of the front ones. This indicates the direction of travel. Rabbits place one front foot in front of the other, while squirrels place their front feet more or less beside each other.

The other big differences between the two are size and habitat.

Deer have an alternating pattern when walking, and the hind foot usually lands over the track of the front print. In snow, one often finds drag marks as well.

Dog and cat tracks are familiar to most of us. Their wild relatives have similar patterns, though the size variability is far greater in the domestic breeds.

Raccoon tracks are easy to identify and common as they frequent areas where tracks are easily formed, such as the edges of streams and puddles where they look for earthworms, crayfish, etc. They wander widely and are found in forests as well as in rural and urban areas.

There are a lot of good resources that teach us how to identify tracks — some creatures are easily identifiable, while others more mysterious. Many animals are difficult to spot because they are shy or nocturnal. Even for animals that show themselves, tracks show how they behave when they are not being viewed.

Being in nature, as well as focused observation and immersion, allows us to develop a larger perspective of life — we are but one among many.

Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point ecoforestry@gmail.com

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2016 — A year in review Happy New Year! Happy Canada 150!

Well, another year has come and gone. I would like to take this opportunity to recount where we have been through 2016 as well as where we’re headed in 2017 … and beyond.

Let’s start at the beginning then!

Through the fall of 2015, council spent several long sessions working through priorities and actions for 2016–2019 to guide our decision-making, budget and work plan processes. We worked through everything from asset management to communications and came up with a clear set of priorities to act on over the coming years. These priorities are Employment and Tax Diversity, Natural and Built Infrastructure, Watershed Protection and Water Management, Communications and Engagement, and Partnerships. All of these areas have defined action items for each and are contained in the document available on the Town website (search online for “Town of Ladysmith Strategic Priorities” for more detail). Be sure to check out the plan to see what we’ve completed, what we’re working on, and what is on the horizon for 2017 and beyond. I think you’ll agree that it’s a big, bold list, and we’re already achieving success by being focussed on these priorities. We will review and refine these priorities early in 2017 and each year moving forward.

On a regional level, the Cowichan Valley Regional District Board and staff have been working hard to improve the outcomes in key areas this year and endorsed bold action on Tourism and Economic Development. Ladysmith residents contribute to both of these functions through the CVRD, and it’s been a key priority for myself, and the other members of the board, that we drive greater value for the entire region with these efforts.

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The CVRD Tourism function, which manages destination marketing and promotion throughout the region, has partnered with the Tourism Cowichan Society to better leverage the funds and expertise of both organizations, working to deliver the best tourism marketing products on Vancouver Island. Although still in the early stages, great strides have already been made, and we continue to work with the Tourism Society to better position all CVRD communities (and Ladysmith in particular) within the competitive tourism market. Check out more at http://www.tourismcowichan.com/.

As the website says, “Everything looks better from here.”

In Economic Development, the CVRD Board and staff have also been making big strides in delivering an actionable Economic Development plan that will bring success. The biggest win in 2016 might be the hiring of Amy Melmock as the new head of Economic Development for the region. Though success is almost always a team effort, it takes a special kind of individual to bring all of the stakeholders to the table to get things done. This seems to be Amy’s specialty. From day one, the new EcDev team has been engaging individuals and organizations around the region at every level. Whether a business leader, elected official, marketing agency or a small business looking to grow and become sustainable, the new EcDev group, and Amy in particular, have been engaging, listening and providing good analysis and advice for all involved. In the new year, we will be working with this team to review the implementation strategy for 2017. I know that I’m quite excited to get this work underway.

The Town, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and Ladysmith Downtown Business Association have also been collaborating on new initiatives, kicking off with a Business Walk earlier this year. The results of this work are available through the Chamber. Connect with them for more great information on what we’re all working on to improve business success in Ladysmith.

Locally, we’ve had a good year. As I learned in my first year as mayor, this work doesn’t come without its challenges and often solutions to issues take longer than we would like, but with persistence and dedication, solutions do come.

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With a good dose of hard work, determination and smart strategic actions, we have had many successes in 2016.

With the retirement of our city manager, director of Corporate Services and director of Infrastructure Services, we have welcomed new talent to our management team. We owe a debt of gratitude to Ruth, Sandy and John for their hard work and dedication over the last many years. I am personally very thankful for their guidance, leadership and patience as a new mayor in my first term. We are fortunate to welcome Guillermo Ferrero and Geoff Goodall to our team as city manager and director of Infrastructure, respectively. The skills, experience and leadership abilities Guillermo and Geoff bring to the Town are noteworthy, and I am very thankful for their energy and enthusiasm for the work ahead. These changes also afforded our new team the opportunity to complete a reorganization of exempt staffing to improve our effectiveness and lower operational costs.

I’ve never worked with such a dedicated, effective and motivated group of people, and the results are already showing. This is great news.

For more than two years, council, community and our Stz’uminus First Nation partners have aggressively lobbied the federal government for a solution to derelict vessels, and in particular the removal of the Viki Lyne II from our harbour. With many thanks to the hard work of our new MP Sheila Malcolmson, the Viki Lyne II was finally towed away and scrapped in October. I cannot thank our community enough for the support on this issue and the determination of particular groups (Ladysmith Maritime Society, Stz’uminus FN, Take 5 and others) and individuals (Rod Smith of LMS, Rob Pinkerton for arranging the rally on the waterfront, Chief John Elliot of SFN and the aforementioned MP Malcolmson) for ensuring the pressure remained high and that we were prepared to take advantage of any opportunity to have the vessel safely removed. Thankfully, that opportunity presented itself earlier this year, and through the many months of negotiation, Ladysmith benefitted with her removal and disposal. This was a potential environmental and economic disaster (and a $1.2 million disposal cost) that was resolved thanks to the collaboration and constructive efforts of so many in our community.

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Ladysmith Town Council: (lr) Steve Arnett, Mayor Aaron Stone, Cal Fradin, Carol Henderson, Rob Hutchins, Joe Friesenhan, Duck Paterson. Photo submitted.

This leads me to reflect on our waterfront … the “last of the unplucked gems” if I can quote a great Canadian, Gord Downie. Throughout this year, council and staff worked through the process of securing the team (Dialog Design) and the engagement plan to put together an actionable, “Made in Ladysmith” plan for our waterfront. This work started in earnest with “pop up” engagement stations, rotating around high traffic locations in Ladysmith this fall/winter, where community members pro-

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vided input to kick start the process. In the new year, there will be many more of these as well as higher profile engagement activities that will lead us through to a finalized plan later this year. I hope you will attend the Speakers Series on February 1 at the Aggie Hall.

We are already working with investment groups, individuals and senior government teams to ensure we have action resulting from this planning process. A vision to action: 2017 will be an exciting year where our waterfront is concerned. We will bring forward a plan endorsed through community consultation, one that will provide a generational opportunity for Ladysmith.

We will begin to realize the great potential of our waterfront while ensuring it remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Learn more by searching online for “Town of Ladysmith Waterfront Area Plan.” There is a landing page on the Town site with updates and links to all of this important work.

We scored a big win last September at the UBCM conference in Victoria. On the final morning of the conference, it was announced that Ladysmith (along with others) had received a significant grant for major infrastructure projects. The grant awarded to Ladysmith for our water filtration project (more than $8.8 million) was by far the largest awarded in B.C. and came after 18 months of meetings with senior government staff, elected officials and other stakeholders. Though we had failed to secure this funding through previous grant applications, this previous “failure” ended up being a blessing. The new funding formula in the latest round of granting resulted in additional senior government funding (about $1.5 million) for the project.

This project is estimated to cost upwards of $13 million, though this significant investment from the Provincial and Federal governments will dramatically ease the cost. The project will take over two years to complete and should be in operation early in 2019. We will have the best and most reliable water quality, and along with our recently completed Waste Water Treatment Plant, we will be able to provide stable, predictable costs to residents, businesses and other investors over the long term.

This is a foundational piece in our plans to drive financial sustainability and support strong economic growth.

The year 2016 has also been a banner year for investment in

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our community. In addition to more than $10 million in senior government funds directed to Ladysmith this year, the private sector has also seen a reason to invest in our community. Although the final 2016 figures are yet to be tallied, we have seen the greatest level of residential and commercial investment in Ladysmith in nearly a decade. A remarkable improvement over the last few years. Although this is great news, we still have much more work to do. Our Development Services group, management team and I worked through the latter part of 2016 to improve our processes around permits and investment readiness. We held initial meetings with local builders and developers over the last few months, and we are putting together a plan incorporating their feedback on how we can better manage our processes and make it easier to invest in Ladysmith.

We recognize that better process doesn’t mean relaxing requirements or lowering standards. Better process means that we expect more from ourselves as we work to provide a friendly investment climate that protects our environment and quality of life and supports strong economic growth. In 2017, we will launch new tools and processes that allow for high standards of development and a strong investment opportunity here in Ladysmith.

This is all good news, but it serves to recognize that many of these efforts weren’t successful the first time. We will always have new issues to grapple with and challenges to resolve. An example of this is the bio-solids composting operation at the Public Works yard. Although we have been composting biosolids at that site since the 1990s, the improvement in our Waste Water Treatment Plant, while good news for our marine environment, created quite an unpleasant situation in the surrounding area. Since February of 2016, staff had been working to find a permanent solution in a different location. However, as we have seen with many of our successes this year, finding solutions does take time. Unfortunately, we had to keep composting at the Public Works yard in the meantime. This created a truly unpleasant situation for those who live and work nearby. We were pleased to announce earlier in January that we had finally secured a new site where we can build a proper, enclosed composting facility complete with bio-filters to control odour.

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It will take some time to get up new composting facility up and running, and we committed to putting interim measures in place so that we could stop composting operations at the Public Works yard without waiting another several months. We have been very fortunate to find partners who will take our biosolids in the short term until we can process them ourselves at our new facility, and we are very grateful for their help and support. We will continue to provide regular progress reports and as much information as we can on the Sewage Treatment and Bio-Solids pages on the Town’s website.

There are many more 2016 highlights for me, but I don’t have space to recount them all. Just a few more: The resurgence of the “Heart on the Hill” added an extra shot of vibrancy (Running of the Balls, Hill Dash, Hip on the Hill and more!) to Ladysmith and put a new FUNdraising face on the LRCA. This will allow them to better help those who need it most in our community. The continued growth and success of Ladysmith Family and Friends (the LAFF AGM was a big heart moment for me this year) has had tangible results, showing some improvement in the childhood Early Development Index for our area. The Arts Council continues to raise the bar for Arts and Culture in Ladysmith with the Waterfront Gallery, Arts on the Avenue/Light Up the Night and so much more. I was so honoured to read the story of Vincent Platt on Remembrance Day. Vince was a local Veteran, Legion Member and the patriarch of a Ladysmith family I know very well. To read his story in front of his wife Kay, who is such a sweet and wonderful woman, was a special honour. Our celebrations on Aboriginal Day, Canada Day, Ladysmith Days and of course Light Up/ Festival of Lights were all, again, spectacular … and the list goes on and on.

You can catch more of the highlights and the lowlights by checking out my Facebook page (Aaron Stone — Working Together) and the Town of Ladysmith page as well. Scroll back through the year and see so much that has happened.

In the year ahead, we have much to celebrate. It’s 2017, and we are celebrating 150 years of Canada! I have always been so proudly Canadian, but these last two years as mayor have highlighted to me the best of our nation and our com-

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munity. We are especially blessed in Ladysmith. We have a community of volunteers, service clubs, non-profits and community groups that bring an entirely different level of investment and heart to Ladysmith. We have a respectful, caring and growing relationship with the Stz’uminus First Nation where we continue to lead by example in our reconciliation work. We have many partners in our efforts to improve the lives of every single person in Ladysmith. We have achieved many of the successes of the past year as a result of these partnerships and community-minded people. I expect 2017 will be much the same.

To our council and staff, thank you for your thoughtful dedication in 2016. To our partners, community groups and volunteers who do so much for all of us … THANK YOU! To every single person of Ladysmith, may 2017 bring you all of the peace, joy and comfort you deserve. Happy New Year! Look out 2017, here we come! astone@ladysmith.ca

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Local resident receives BC Heritage award

BY MARINA SACHT Congratulations to Ladysmith’s Shirley Blackstaff who was recognized by Heritage BC with the 2017 Heritage BC Distinguished Service Award.

Heritage BC’s mission is to provide leadership for sustainable conservation of British Columbia’s unique cultural heritage. Towards this goal, the Annual Awards Program recognizes the outstanding and significant achievements in heritage conservation of individuals, organizations, groups, businesses and government in communities across B.C. “It is well-deserved,” says Marnie Craig, Chair of the Town of Ladysmith’s Heritage Revitalization Advisory Commission. Craig has worked with Black-

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staff on a number of community heritage projects including the Harbour Heritage Centre.

A tireless volunteer Blackstaff has been involved in many projects such as the Harbour Heritage Centre, Holland Creek Interpretive Signs, and educational programs at Ladysmith Maritime Society as well as being an author of several local history books.

“It’s a well-deserved award – an acknowledgement of the many years of service she has put towards the history of our town,” says Bill Drysdale.

Tom Parkin describers her as the administrator, ideas person, political contact, diplomat and ambassador. “She’s out raising money, creating awareness, and has educational contacts so that the greater community will utilize this resource.”

The 36th Annual Heritage BC Awards Gala will be held on February 15th at Heritage Hall in Vancouver.

Shirley Balckstaff is the recipient of the 2017 BC Heritage Distinguished Service award. Photo submitted.

Comox Valley to take Ladysmith bio-solids as an interim solution Ladysmith, January 17, 2017 – The Town of Ladysmith has secured an agreement to send its bio-solids to the Comox Valley Sewerage Service composting facility for up to five weeks.

“On behalf of Council and our citizens, I want to express deep gratitude to the Comox Valley Regional District for agreeing to take Ladysmith’s bio-solids on an interim basis,” said Mayor Aaron Stone. “This will allow us to temporarily stop processing new bio-solids at the Public Works Yard effective this week.”

While securing a suitable site to relocate its composting process and construct an appropriate facility to house the operation, Ladysmith officials continue to seek partners who can process the Town’s bio-solids until this new facility is up and running.

Discussions with other potential partners continue and further announcements are expected in the coming days.

“Sending our bio-solids to the facility in Cumberland is the first step toward a

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solution that will carry us through until our own composting facility is fully operational,” added Mayor Stone.

In addition to the cost to transport the bio-solids from Ladysmith to Cumberland, the Town will pay a tipping fee of $100 per tonne of bio-solids to the Comox Valley Sewerage Service.

Composting of Waste Water Treatment Plant bio-solids has been carried out at the Town of Ladysmith Public Works Yard since the 1990s. Provincial regulations require the operator of a Waste Water Treatment Plant to manage the resulting bio-solids. Composting is a viable and beneficial option for responsible bio-solids management. The Town must comply with regulations laid out in the Organic Material Recycling Regulation and the composting operation at the Public Works Yard has been authorized by the Ministry of Environment. The final product is a high-quality nitrogen rich soil amendment (compost/fertilizer) that meets Class A standards. The Town does not mix household compostables with the bio-solids.

The Town has always intended to deal with the odour from its bio-solids composting operation, and has a grant to help pay for construction of the facility. Council voted last summer to delay construction until the composting operation could be moved to a more suitable location.

However, appropriate sites with the right location and zoning were not easy to find. Council announced last week that it has secured a site at 4142 Thicke Road to house the composting operation. The process of securing regulatory approvals has begun, and construction of the new composting facility should be completed in 2017.

Updates and additional information can be found on the Sewage Treatment and Bio-Solids pages on the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca.

Rotary Lights Up the Night for Polio On February 16 you will be able to look up to sky and see a wondrous sight.

The glow of a thousand lanterns as they gently float up into the night – each light a symbol of hope.

The Rotary Club of Ladysmith’s the third annual “Lantern Festival” will be once again at Transfer Beach. The popularity of the event has grown – with

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lanterns quickly selling. This year the club will have a 1000 lanterns available for sale at $5. The funds are used to support Rotary International’s “End Polio Now” initiative.

Every dollar raised in Ladysmith -- through the sale of the lanterns -- will generate additional dollars from Rotary International ($2) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Fund ($2). In other words, every dollar raised results in a $5 contribution to the Polio Plus fund, explains Ladysmith Rotarian Ed Nicholson.

Whether you are coming to launch a lantern as a family celebration, a memorial or just for fun, this is a special event you will not want to miss.

It’s also a rare one as obtaining permission for these events is difficult.

The Light Up the Night to End Polio starts at 7:45 pm with lantern sales and instructions on lighting them starting at 8 pm at the Ampitheatre. All lanterns will be lit simultaneously at 8:45pm.

Mini donuts, coffee and hot chocolate will be available at Transfer Beach.

Ladysmith Volunteer Fire Department and RCMP will be there to help with Fire Safety and Traffic.

For more information contact Ed Nicholson at kaixin@mac. com or 250-924-3402 or Cheryl Leukefeld cherylis@shaw.ca or 250-245-2024.

A video of the event will be available at youtube.com/take5newstv.

Let Love Fly – Kite Flying Event If you told Cherie Taylor to go fly a kite, she’d be thrilled.

Taylor is the organizer behind a new community event planned for Family Day, Monday Feb. 13 at St. Joseph’s School in Chemainus.

Let Love Fly – Kite Flying is a free event from 11am-2pm, with kite flying, build-a kite instruction, entertainment by Mbira Spirit. Lunch at noon by donation for Harvest House Food Bank.

With the help of St. Joseph’s and the Chemainus community, she is hoping the idea soars. Kites are fun and inexpensive, she says recalling her first time flying a kite with her father when she was a youth, and a great way to spend time outdoors getting some exercise.

You can bring your own kite or build one for $3. Wayne Pattison, a member of the British Columbia Kitefliers Association will be teaching a kite building workshop. He helps in organizing kiting activities on the island including the Lions Parksville Kite Festival that takes place in July.

With enough community interest this may become an annual event, and a fun introduction to the fascinating world of kiting.

It’s an “opportunity to come together on Family Day and have fun together,” says Taylor.

For more information email letlovefly.kites@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page: Let Love Fly: Kite Flying Event

Coldest Night of the Year walk On Feb. 25, the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is hosting the “Coldest Night of the Year”, a 2km or 5 km walk in support of hungry, homeless and hurting individuals in our community.

The LRCA is a non-profit charity that coordinates and pro-

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Ladysmith Legion members enjoying the public pancake breakfast. The Legion welcomes new members.

vides services and information to enhance the quality of life in Ladysmith and surrounding areas. The umbrella organization offers many free services to the community.

Programs such as the Food Bank, Soup Kitchen, Extreme Weather Shelter, Christmas Cheer Hampers and Coats for Folks, help reduce the affects of poverty.

Here is your chance to help them help others – while getting exercise and having fun in this family event.

Join them on Feb. 25 by registering individually or as a team to collect pledges and show off your community spirit.

To register, please visit https://canada. cnoy.org/register.

For more information, call 250.245.3079 or email info@lrca.ca Your pledges will help to support and operate LRCA main programs which provide essential services, including: Food Bank - approximately 300 people per week access the Food Bank, 41% of whom are children. Soup Kitchen served 725 meals from January-August.

Extreme Weather Response Shelter – In 2015/16, the shelter was open 178 nights and provided a warm place to rest and a warm meal to 78 people. Christmas Cheer Hampers - delivered to over 150 homes.

Waterfront fun begins at the Ladysmith Community Marina

BY CHERYL BANCROFT The member of Ladysmith maritime Society have been busy planning out a new year. In 2017 you can expect more of the annual events such as the Heritage Boats Festival (May 28) and Kids Pirate Day (June 3). There’s also a Sea Life viewing gazebo where the family can

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explore what swims below the water surface Oyster Bay Cafe reopens May 19 and will operate 7 days a week from 8 am - 3 pm offering breakfast and lunch menu plus wine and Ladysmith Community Marina beer service. The popular Dine On The Dock evenings begin on Friday, June 2 and are held every other Friday until September 8. (visit the web site for dates and details).

If you’re looking for an adventure in a heritage boat, take a Harbour Tour aboard the Maritimer where you’ll learn about wildlife and inland history! Tours run April, May and June by request, and in July and August 7 days/week. In September, tours return to “by request”.

New for 2017 is the Paddling Centre, scheduled to open in early summer and will offer everyone a chance to get out on the water. Bring your kayak, paddle board, or canoe to the launch at the marina or rent one!

Also new this year will be the opportunity to take in tours of wineries, craft beer breweries, distilleries, caves, forests and historical locations throughout the Island. Tours will be conducted by Vancouver Island Expeditions with pick up/drop off near the marina. You can select from a wide range of tours that last a few hours, a day or several days!

Come down to the waterfront at the Ladysmith Community Marina and let the fun begin! For more information phone 250245-1146 or visit www.lmsmarina.ca

PlaceSpeak launches The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and its member municipalities is launching PlaceSpeak, an online location-based citizen engagement platform, for consulting with residents on an ongoing basis.

PlaceSpeak provides a single stop for residents to engage with the issues that directly impact their communities. Once a resident has signed up for PlaceSpeak, they will automatically be notified of new public consultations based on their chosen notification distance.

This ensures the CVRD, City of Duncan, Town of Ladysmith, Town of Lake Cowichan and Municipality of North Cowichan are hearing from residents within the specific boundaries of their jurisdiction.

“Engaging with our residents is a key priority,” explains North Cowichan Mayor and CVRD Board Chair Jon Lefebure.”

J24 To start participating, visit www.placespeak.com/Cowichan, and start sharing those favourite Cowichan hidden gems!

About PlaceSpeak PlaceSpeak is a pioneering location-based citizen engagement platform. For more information, please visit http://plac-

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Good year for musician McMahon It’s been a good year for music. Ladysmith musician Ryan McMahon is part of Lion Bear Fox — a band that tours worldwide and has become a top folk rock act at showcase festivals all over Canada and the U.S. The band is releasing a new album in February and holding an Official Video and CD Release Party at the Port Theatre as part of Festival Nanaimo on March 25. This will be just after the release of their first single to radio in January and their return from touring the Maritimes and heading a showcase for BreakOut West at Folk Alliance (the biggest folk music festival and conference in the U.S.). They have represented Canada at AmericanaFest in Nashville, Western Arts Alliance in Los Angeles and Arts

Ladysmith musician Ryan McMahon is also the Fox in the band Lion Bear Fox Photo submitted.

Northwest in Spokane this fall as well as five other Canadian showcases.

Recently, the band and Cathleen McMahon have partnered to open a new record label, Elbowroom Recordings Ltd.,

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and this will be the first release off of the label.

Lion Bear Fox, which includes Christopher Arruda, Cory Woodward and Ryan McMahon, craft compelling, honest stories. The three men, known initially for solo careers, joined forces in 2012, and soon after, Peak Performance Project selected them as one of the top 20 unsigned bands in British Columbia.

In the fall of 2013, the band released their self-produced breakthrough EP “We’d Be Good Men.” The next two years, they toured, with appearances at Canadian Music Week (Toronto), Contact East (PEI), OSAC (Regina), the Mission Folk Festival and the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, amongst many others. They also shared stages with artists, including Tom Wilson, Good For Grapes, Elliot Brood and Kim Mitchell.

In 2016, Lion Bear Fox further cemented their growing status as a new Canadian band to watch, and with the help of friend and producer Nygel Asselin (Half Moon Run), the trio spent 10 days in the Vancouver Island wilderness crafting “the record of their lives,” a collection of songs steeped in character and full of warmth.

One part folk, one part rock, with a pinch of gospel and a dash of growl, their self-titled LP is a testament to the trio’s strength as songwriters.

“This was a big undertaking for us all — our producer Nygel included — and it certainly marks a shift in sound and seriousness for Chris, Cory and myself.

When we use the phrase ‘record of our lives,’ we’re not kidding. It’s the most important work I’ve ever been a part of in 17 years of calling myself a musician, and I’m very proud of the result that has come from the hard work we all put in,” says McMahon.

Divorce Sale Ladysmith Little Theatre’s latest play “Divorce Sale” by Linda Stockham takes a humorous look at relationships.

As a soon-to-be divorcee holds a garage sale, her neighbours gather to help. In the process, their own marriages get the comic once-over. Bernice’s suspicions about her spouse’s faithfulness are driving him batty; Ozzie and Kay seem to have the perfect union, but their friends have yet to learn the story behind it; and Wilma is convinced her late husband has

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come back as a plant. Throw in a tell-it-like-it-is medium and a raucous séance, and you have a hilarious and telling look at the flip-side of marital bliss.

Directed by Charles L. Harman, the show runs until February 12 at Ladysmith Theatre (Box office (250) 924-0658).

Exit the King Prepare to laugh and prepare to be moved with Nanaimo Theatre Group’s next production “Exit the King” by Joan Roszmann, which opens February 22 at the Bailey Studio (2373 Rosstown Road), Nanaimo. This play is an absurdist comedy by internationally acclaimed Eugène Ionesco, translated by Geoffrey Rush and Neil Armfield. It premiered in 1962, the third in Ionesco’s “Berenger Cycle.” The story takes place on King Berenger’s dying day, also (not coincidentally) the last day of the universe. Director Robb Mowbray and his team convey the decline of King Berenger through set, costumes and properties.

The show runs Wednesdays to Sundays, February 22 to March 11. Tickets can be reserved at www.nanaimotheatregroup.ca or by calling 250-758-7224.

Music trivia fun Looking for some fun? RCL Legion 171 Ladysmith Lounge Bar offers lots of laughs and fun with Music Trivia every Thursday in February! Par 4 DJ services will be hosting. Drop in and find out why being a member can be rewarding and fun.

Shorts on screen Film Buffs get ready — it’s time for the annual Vancouver Island Short Film Festival.

Sixteen short films from around the world have been selected for the screening February 10 and 11 at Malaspina Theatre.

The festival received a record 112 entries from 14 countries.

The VISFF Selection Committee settled on a diverse array of films from Vancouver Island, the United States, Spain, Ireland, China, Iran and the UK. Tickets available at the Port Theatre or by calling 250-7548550.

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TRANSFER BEACH PARK

BY ED NICHOLSON Transfer Beach Park is known as the jewel of Ladysmith.

This family friendly park is the site for many community events and activities.

Here you can swim, picnic, kayak, play horseshoes, basketball, sand volleyball or catch a concert at the Amphitheatre.

Children enjoy the spray park and playgrounds, while adults enjoy the park’s beauty and convenient concession, offleash dog area, and access to a number of walking trails.

Transfer Beach Park also has a rich history and The Town of Ladysmith’s Heritage Revitalization Advisory Commission is recognizing this. During BC Heritage Week from Feb. 13 – 19, watch for commemorative posters featuring Transfer Beach Park.

The story of Transfer Beach Park starts in 1859 when Captain Richards of the Royal Navy was conducting a hydrographic survey when he came to a harbour replete with oysters, and named it Oyster Harbour. When the coal seam at the South Wellington colliery was depleted, James Dunsmuir opened a new mine

at Extension eight miles to the northwest of the town of Oyster Harbour, soon to be renamed Ladysmith. Dunsmuir decided to build a railway from Extension to Oyster Harbour, and in 1898 built coal bunkers and a wharf near what locals refer to as Slack Beach. In 1900, a spur line was added to what became known as Transfer Wharf. As local author T.W. Patterson has noted, Transfer Wharf was a first for Vancouver Island as it enabled loaded rail cars to be transported to the mainland by barge; previously, cargo had to be lightered to dock.

The first Government wharf was built 100 yards to the south some time before 1904. It was used by pleasure craft and fishing boats, and for a short period by the CIL Co. to unload explosives – hence the nickname ‘Dynamite Wharf’. (It was also used for dumping ‘night soil’ from

the ‘honey wagons’!)

Transfer Beach was a social centre in summer with many picnics and lovers’ trysts. Boys, to prove their manhood, would jump or dive off the Transfer Wharf tower, which was nearly 80 feet high! In 1953, the CP Railway built a transfer slip in Nanaimo and the wharf fell into disuse. The beach, however, was where boys and girls continued to play or were taught to swim by siblings or parents, in spite of the logs and unpleasant scrapes from barnacles. In the 1940’s, the Ladysmith Lions built a changing room and basic washrooms – but no showers. In 1956, a lifeguard, Janice White, was hired to give swimming lessons while she trained for a race across the Juan de Fuca Strait.

In 1965, Kay Grouhel was elected Mayor of Ladysmith. She took a particular interest in the development of Transfer Beach – with the vision of transforming the area into a public park. After Pacific Logging agreed to remove the wharf, the Town Council purchased the land for $10,000 and following extensive consultation, a park plan was drawn up. The story of how “Concrete Kate” enlisted the support of Transfer Beach Park.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives

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Transfer Beach Park showing the lifeguard station and swimming raft.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives

both community volunteers and Malaspina College heavy equipment students to develop the area is well known, and Transfer Beach Park, with a new change house and washrooms was ready just in time for Canada’s Centennial Celebration. In 1971, the town was honoured to have Queen Elizabeth 11 and Prince Philip stop at Transfer Beach to watch the logging sports at the new facility.

In 1996, the Dynamite Wharf was declared unsafe and had to be demolished, with much protest from townspeople who wanted it preserved. Sadly, its timbers were rotted beyond repair and it was demolished in 1997. The 1990’s saw a new playground constructed, the Rotary Tot Park opened and the RV park closed.

In 1999, Mayor Rob Hutchins suggested an amphitheatre for Transfer Beach. and the project was completed in May 2000.

Since then, it has been the venue for many events, and a popular venue for marriage ceremonies and music band concerts.

In 2004, during Ladysmith’s Centennial Celebrations, Transfer Beach received the B.C. Parks and Recreational Association Award. In 2005, the Water Spray Park was opened and since 2006, a Eco Centre houses kayak and boat rentals and lessons.

Transfer Beach is a jewel of a park, and exists today because of the active involvement and support of the local community, particularly the service clubs and society organizations of Ladysmith.

Looking for more information on Ladysmith’s history? Interested in exploring your family ‘roots’? Drop in during Heritage Week (or at any time) and peruse your town’s archives at Unit B – 1115 First Avenue (behind Tim Hortons) [250 245 0100]; or visit the Ladysmith Museum on 721 First Ave [250-2450423]; or go to our website @ www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca Thanks to Ed Nicholson, Harald Cowie, Rob Johnson and the Ladysmith & District Historical Society for research and photographs.

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Saving Loci. 11

BY MARINA SACHT It’s Saturday morning and already members of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society are hard at work digging up the rotting ties in front of the Comox Logging Company Steam Locomotive No. 11, (Loci. 11) at Ladysmith’s Heritage Park.

The group is working with shovels and picks – this is hard back-breaking work – but the volunteers are in good spirits, united in their passion to save Loci 11. The Industrial Heritage Preservation Committee was set up under LDHS to take action to save not only the steam train but the other artifacts from our industrial past in front of the old Comox and Logging buildings. These artifacts represent an important part of local history.

The volunteers are replacing every third tie in order to bolster the tracks.

The plan is to move the loci 11 down its existing track to the switch then push it over to the inside track that leads into the old Train Workshop. There they will be able to restore the locomotive and protect it from the elements while turning the shop into a display museum says Shirley Blackstaff.”

Heritage is a major part of tourism, says volunteer Tom Parkin. “We are serious about bringing this locomotive back to life and sharing the history with the

Above: Comox Logging and Railroad’s Steam Locomotive No. 11 at the Ladysmith log dump. Circa 1930s Photo: Ladysmith Archives

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town and the visitors that come here. We are focusing on turning this into a proper Heritage Park. There are school groups coming already.”

Recently the group renovated of the old First Aid Shed into a Visitor Interpretive Centre that will feature the history of the railroad and Ladysmith.

The group has its challenges. With the Loci. sitting in the weather for years it was in danger of rusting out as well it has been stripped by vandals and wellmeaning rail fans who took pieces sometimes to protect them from getting lost to vandals.

With the restoration now underway the group is appealing to the community to return any of the pieces of locomotive.

“We know parts are still here in town, in people’s basements and we need them back. If you have anything from this train or you’re not sure, please return it so they can put it back together again.” says Parkin. “Gauges, brass handles, whatever, it’s more useful back on the locomotive than in somebody’s basement.” This will save the group having to re-manufacture those parts and result in a more authentic restoration.

Bill Drysdale agrees. “Some people took things off the train because they knew that it was likely to be stolen as a way of preserving them. We are ready to take them back.”

The group could also use some financial help in terms of material and funds.

Locomotive 11 was made in 1923 by Baldwin, it worked in Washington State until Comox Logging bought it, spending the remainder of its career working from Nanaimo Lakes to Ladysmith until it was retired in 1961 and put on display a year later.

“So many people love steam locomotives,” says Parkin, who describes steam as the breath of life. “...you take this vaporous substance and you make that into power. It’s clunky and huge but it’s phenomenally powerful. You have to be in tune with the machine.”

The train engineer didn’t have speedometers and gauges but had to rely on his senses.

“You listened to how it sounded, and smelled. You looked at the colour of the smoke coming out the stack -- and you could tell if you had an efficient burn....

It was an amalgam of all the senses,” says Parkin who hopes someday the

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Comox Logging and Railway Company Baldwin Locomotive No. 11. The locomotive was built in 1923 and later purchased by Comox Logging and Railway from Bloedel and Donovan in Washington. Photo: Ladysmith Archives Volunteers replacing the ties in order to move Loci. 11 into shop. Photo: Marina Sacht

steam engine can run again.

Efforts are also underway restoring the Humdirgen, used to push logs off the rail cars.

Once restored the group the loci 11 could be brought out of the shop for special events and festivals.

“Ladysmith’s theme is “Heritage by the Sea” so we are just continuing the good works, says Parkin. “This is actually going to be a great benefit not just to save history but also economic befits in the future.”

“It’s a community project and Lady-

smith is all about community,” says Drysdale. “We invite those interested in rails to step forward.

You can help with your time, donation, materials, tools, or if you know of anyone who may have some of the missing parts of Locomotive No. 11, asking them to return the artifacts and help get Loci 11 back on track.

Contact the Ladysmith & District Historical Society at 250-245-0100 or visit the weekly work parties at the Heritage Park on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1 pm.

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) This month’s column will highlight several items that are of note or concern to the residents of EA “A.” We have recently experienced one of the longer and colder stretches of weather in a fairly long period of time.

It seems that each time we do have snow that many drivers find themselves unprepared — no snow tires and limited experience put them and others on the road in jeopardy. When one considers that seven or eight years have elapsed since the last real snowfall and then before that the winters of 2003/04, 1995/96 or 1968/69, it is easy to understand that drivers might become complacent. As I write this column, we are now experiencing doubledigit temperatures and fairly heavy rainfall, which create other concerns — not limited to swollen rivers, the chance of trees falling as the ground is saturated and the potential flooding of basements and crawl spaces. This rapid change in conditions is also leading to upheaval of blacktop on roadways with many potholes to dodge. Just a reminder that if you encounter road hazards, it would be helpful to report them to Emcon Services, the provincial highways contractor (250-722-9494), and perhaps, prevent another driver from experiencing damage to their vehicle or person.

I was alerted recently to several postings on a Facebook site, suggesting that the planned bridge over the Nanaimo River intended to join the communities of Cedar and South Wellington and complete the Morden Colliery Regional Trail will somehow be swept away in the floods. It is an annual ritual for these prognosticators. The engineers who have designed the structure would rightly disagree that such will be the outcome.

These same postings have suggested that the monies be put to another use — like improving the roads, a provincial responsibility. In previous columns, I have

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“...the RDN will be the first area in B.C., and perhaps in Canada, that has a transit fleet totally fuelled by Compressed Natural Gas” tried to provide some understanding of the basics of taxation with the principal premise being that the monies collected from tax bylaws must be spent on the services giving rise to the bylaw. They cannot be diverted to a use that has not been approved by the province by way of the bylaw. In the case of the monies for the bridge, the Electoral Area “A” share is minute, with 95 per cent of the costs being borne by the other municipalities and electoral areas comprising the RDN. The Morden Colliery Regional Trail is exactly that — “regional” — and will be a tremendous asset to this community in attracting tourists to our B&Bs, restaurants, pubs and other merchant services/ offerings in the coming years. Tourism is becoming one of the prime economic drivers in the RDN and should be encouraged. Without this bridge, there will be no way for the walkers, equestrians and cyclists to take a side trip to our area when they walk the E&N trail. In my opinion, in terms of regional parks and trails, our electoral area has been shortchanged, with most of the facilities being established in the northern part of the RDN. By the time this February 2017 edition of TAKE 5 reaches your mailbox, the RDN will be the first area in B.C., and perhaps in Canada, that has a transit fleet totally fuelled by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Two years ago, the RDN received the first 25 CNGpowered buses. While the units are decidedly quieter than the old diesel units, there is also the benefit of a huge drop in annual fuel costs and fleet maintenance requirements. While one often hears that the CNG buses are environmentally superior to the old diesel driven ones,

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science would disagree with that conclusion as the CNG is just as detrimental in production of greenhouse gases.

In any event, kudos to B.C. Transit for partnering with the RDN and continuing to investigate alternatives to fossil fuels.

We may well be seeing electric vehicles in service within the next several years, and I will withhold any comments at this time on their greenhouse gas production.

On a final note, the Dec/Jan issue of Take 5 highlighted the fact that Wildwood has been saved through the efforts of the Eco-Forestry Institute and donors within the community. While they still have to produce an economic plan that will make them sustainable in the long run, Wildwood and other areas within this electoral area with first growth or old second growth are experiencing pressure from firms who wish to log the adjoining areas. How this may affect the eco-systems within the conservation areas is yet to be determined. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) Town of Ladysmith Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission: The Town of Ladysmith has recently advised me that changes are being made regarding the Town’s local commissions. The reason they sent me this information is because the residents of Area H, North Oyster/Diamond, pay a significant tax contribution to specifically the Frank Jameson Centre — in fact, the amount is more than twice as much as another nearby rural area pays.

In order to actually send money to the Town, a referendum was held for Area H residents. The results of the referendum showed that about 60 per cent of North Oyster/Diamond residents approved an annual monetary contribution to the Frank Jameson Community Centre.

To ensure that rural residents would have an opportunity to provide input

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on how the centre was constructed and managed, a commission was set up.

There would be one representative from North Oyster/Diamond and one from Saltair. The majority would come from the Town.

Over the years, North Oyster has had only sporadic representation on the Commission. Both Areas G and H were initiating our owns parks commission to oversee the many areas that are designated and zoned as parks. Because the Commission was made up of mainly Town residents, our representative could easily be out voted. It became very difficult to fill the empty seat.

Fast forward to today. The recent changes to the Town Parks and Recreation Commission have once again provided for representation from Areas G and H. The Town has given the new Commission a shiny new name. It’s now called the “Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Commission.”

Some of the highlights of the Commission start with the membership. This information is available in detail on the Town’s website, and I am quoting from the website as I put this information forward. The Commission consists of eight members. Five citizen representatives appointed through council through a public recruitment process: one representative from CVRD Area H, one from CVRD Area G and one from the Stz’uminus First Nation; and representatives from council as required, one staff member and one member of council, both are ex officio.

The terms of the CVRD appointments are for two years. The chair of the Commission will be elected by the members; the meetings will occur once a month

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from September to June or at the call of the chair.

The Purpose of the Commission includes providing advice to council, providing input consistent with the Parks, Recreation and Culture, working cooperatively toward securing funds for implementation of the plan and much more.

I encourage anyone who resides in North Oyster/Diamond to go to the website for more in-depth information on this proposal. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Commission, please put your name forward by submitting a Letter of Application to: Director Mary Marcotte, 175 Ingram Street, Duncan, B.C. V9L 1N8.

Or you can email the information to mmarcotte@cvrd.bc.ca. The application letter should include a brief bio and the reason you are interested in participating in the Commission. The submissions must be submitted no later than February 6, 2017.

I wish the very best for all of you in the New Year.

CVRD Area G (Saltair) SELLING WATER BOARD PROPERTY The CVRD has decided that the water board building on Chemainus Road in Saltair is in excess to their needs. The property was developed in the sixties as an office and an equipment shop for the Saltair Improvement District that operated the Saltair Water System. That was where you paid your water bill and the local water board had their meetings. It even had a concrete walk-in safe to store money and their files for safekeeping. The office was

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torn down last year because it was deteriorating, it cost money to upgrade and the future need was in doubt. Over the years, the Saltair Advisory Committee, the Saltair Parks Commission and the Saltair and District Ratepayers used it for their meeting place. After the purchase of the Mt. Brenton School, these community groups started meeting there instead. Today there is still the shop at the back of the property remaining, but it is used very little by the CVRD water department. They stow the backhoe there, but that is not owned by the Saltair Water System; it’s owned by the central CVRD water department for the whole regional district.

Because the building is owned under CVRD Budget 640, Saltair Water, the money for the sale will stay in the 640 budget and can be used for our water upgrades. It will help speed up the 15-year water upgrades program. This year the program will focus on Dogwood Road and Chemoy Road where there have been several breaks.

In the late eighties, the province demanded that the Saltair Water Improvement District turn over the operation of the Saltair Water System to the CVRD. This was done for a few reasons. Water systems were becoming much more technical, and the CVRD was better equipped with staff that could do the scientific testing of the water and had certified staff for operations, which was being required at the time. There was also a minor dispute with Ladysmith, who share the Stocking Lake source of water and licenses with Saltair.

SALTAIR COMMUNITY CENTRE The CVRD is signing a two-year service agreement with the Saltair Community Society and two-year lease agreement as well. This will allow the Society to operate recreation programs in the Saltair Community Centre and sub-lease part of the building to the ILM Daycare. As part of the total CVRD asset management program, the CVRD will do a building assessment of the Saltair Community Centre, as to the needs for repairs to the building. The most obvious upgrades would be the ceiling tiles in the gym along with painting, and also the furnaces need to be upgraded because there is no heat in the back wing. The CVRD will require a fiveyear financial plan as well. The building loan will be paid off in 2018.

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For many people the New Year represents a new beginning and that usually means a renewed commitment to eating healthy and getting more exercise.

We are fortunate to have a number of health stores and services available in our area.

Here is just a few that will help you get on track.

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the first order, From Farm to Fork “Food Co-op” now has a following of 2500 members who order periodically and has three main ordering/pickup locations: Victoria, Nanaimo, and Ladysmith, says Ladysmith branch member Natasha Yagelnesky.

The Food Co-Op is a group of families and volunteers who want to eat healthy fresh fruits and vegetables at a rate that they can afford. It costs a lot of money to eat healthy while in comparison we can

Farm to Fork Food Co-op The From Farm to Fork “Food Co-op” began as an idea around a coffee table with friends in Victoria, August 2013.

Word got out and spread quickly and within five days, the first inaugural order of 189 families became a reality. Since

purchase junk foods at a cheaper rate, according to Yagelnesky.

You can sign up for a full share or a half share. A full vegetable share has approximately three fruits and 15 vegetable varieties and is $65.

While the food may not look perfect the co-op purchases various grades, you may have to trim a bruise off an apple, the mushrooms might be different sizes, and peppers have different shapes, it’s all nutritious and that is what it’s all about.

Good health starts with eating well and the co-op goal is to make healthy eating affordable for all families.

First choice is given to local island farms, and produce that is not sprayed or are non-GMO. For more info visit foodcoop.ca, email FoodCoop@shaw.ca or phone 250-2458063.

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Mindfulness for kids Life ain’t easy if you’re a kid. You are just beginning to come to terms with who you are and how you fit in with everything and everyone around you.

There are expectations about how you should behave and what you should be able to accomplish.

You may be bullied in school. You may have a reading disorder that makes it hard to learn. You may be dealing with anxiety. And on top of it all, you are expected to be able to control your emotions, something you (and likely those around you as well) know little or nothing about. They just happen.

What if we gave kids the tools they needed to become aware of their thoughts and emotions? What if they could interrupt the negative downward cycle of the kind of thinking and feelings that lead to poor self-esteem? What if they were able to nip those problems in the bud so that they could eventually enter adulthood with awareness and confidence?

Exercise, what you eat and what you think all have a part to play in creating anxiety and depression. Practicing yoga at an early age encourages body awareness and self esteem. It also improves concentration, relaxation and a sense of calm. On a physical level, yoga enhances flexibility, strength and coordination.

For more information contact Tricia Pearson at 250-802-3663 or at tricia@ stepuptotheplatenutrition.com.

Tai Chi Tai Chi is truly timeless not only because of its ancient roots but it’s an activity that you can practice at any age.

Many Tai Chi practitioners make this stand-up and/or seated activity a life-

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long commitment for improved health and wellbeing. Tai Chi (a Chinese soft martial art) is a form of 108 moves set to maximize the health benefits for faster health improvement, an exercise that was good for health was more important than a martial art for fighting. According to the Canadian Tai Chi Academy (CTCA) website. The seated form is an extension of Tai Chi for those with limited mobility or strength issues.

Regular Tai Chi helps reverse the physical effects of stress as well as improved flexibility, and balance, motor coordination; reduction of pain and tension, better sleep patterns, and increased energy.

Know your meds Pharmacy Manager Nishant Patel, of Guardian Hillside Family Pharmacy welcomes Ladysmith and area residents to stop by and check out their products and services. The pharmacy is conveniently located below the Hillside Medi-

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cal Clinic on 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith.

Nishnat says education is important when it comes to taking prescription medication and before taking any medication it is important for the customer to understand what they have been prescribed, how it works,

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and interacts with other medications -- whether they are over the counter or prescribed. It’s important to also consider the time of day the medications are taken, what they are taken with and even how certain vitamins and daily supplements can affect the performance of certain medications.

- Submitted by By Kareen Holyer, MITCC member

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Putting Nanaimo on the map Oh, oh. They’re at it again. Here’s a headline from our local paper: Event Centre Designs, Costs Presented. Sports and Entertainment Complex Could Cost $62 to $83 Million.

Apparently Nanaimo City Council has made a sports and entertainment centre a top priority in its strategic plan. Would that be the same strategic plan that urged them to spend $100 million on a convention centre where no one convenes and a cruise ship terminal that serves mainly as a target range for seagulls?

This strategic plan is remarkably similar to the one used by boxer Floyd Mayweather, the world’s wealthiest athlete, net worth $500 million, who, when he’s not buying Bugatti Veyrons at two million a pop, occupies himself with actually setting fire to $100 bills. As Floyd says, and I’m sure our city officials would agree, “It’s just paper.”

Fanning the flames of this financial insanity is the Toronto architecture firm hired by the city to conduct the initial study. According to them, Nanaimo’s problem is that we’re not on the map, and the way to get on the map is to have a WHL team. Which is funny because I thought that was us sandwiched between the World’s Largest Hockey stick (Duncan) and World’s largest Garden Gnome (Nanoose).

The firm maintains a WHL team is important because it provides you with an anchor tenant for at least 36 home games. They also admitted that finding replacements for those 36 games would be difficult. Hold on. The last time I looked there were 365 days in a year, possibly more in Newfoundland. Subtract the 36 from that number leaves you with 329 other days to book. That’s a lot of dancing elephants.

But why be pessimistic? Let’s look at some numbers, $63 million gets you

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your basic WHL facility with 5200 seats and maybe a washroom or two, but with minimal facilities for travelling shows responsible for filling in the other 329 days. But if you want all the bells and whistles, and what’s a hockey game without them, the cost goes up to $83 million. For that kind of dough, we get an environmental showcase. Hopefully that doesn’t mean composting toilets.

“Nanaimo’s problem is that we’re not on the map, and the way to get on the map is to have a WHL team.”

But now it’s time to do the due diligence. With absolute certainty we know the project will be over budget. Not that anyone is to blame; it’s just the nature of building, ever since Eve talked Adam into installing an en suite bathroom in their first cave. As Adam told the judge at his bankruptcy proceeding, “It’s the plumbing man. It’ll get you every time.”

Public projects are particularly prone to go over budget as our ex-premier Glen Clark found out with his fast ferry project that was supposed to cost $210 million “right down to the toilet paper,” but cost $460 million instead. Ever since then, quotes on public projects don’t include toilet paper. If you want premium double ply, that’s extra.

Even if the facility comes in on budget, we have to deal with sports team owners who are either: (a) major egomaniacs with a sense of entitlement; (b) egomaniacs with a sense of entitlement in training; (c) nice people, but prone to excessive dreaming; or (d) individuals who spend all their free time talking to the mayor about how they’re going broke and need to renegotiate the lease, and hey, while we’re at it, how would the mayor like to co-own the WHL’s newest team, the Nanaimo Rink Rats?

That’s why as a rink owner, you must be prepared when the trainer skips out midway through the season with the six remaining unbroken sticks and all the lunch money, leaving you holding the goalie’s much dented athletic supporter and a ten year supply of “go Rats go” bumper stickers.

But back to filling in the other 329 days. An enthusiastic city official, who might or might not be addicted to the

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smell of hockey bags, is of the opinion, “This is something different. This is an event centre, cultural, multicultural.

Think art exhibits and cultural meetings (whatever they are), dances and drum offs, or, who knows .....”

With all due respect to that city official, and not belittling the drawing power of a good drum off, I think those events might not be the ones we need. No, we need more traditional events: monster trucks, mud wrestling, roller derby, marbles, tidley winks, and the ever-popular hoola hoop twirl off.

Now perhaps you scoff at these events, and question their ability to attract patrons.

Well, you’re partially right, their success will depend on corporate sponsorship.

But if we choose our corporate sponsor carefully, say if Victoria’s Secret supplies the contestants as well as uniforms, build it and they will come, brother.

But there’s a much simpler, more politically correct way to put our town on the map, one that will attract conventions, cruise ships and sports patrons alike. As many of you know, every summer alongside the Bastion our historic fort, at noon sharp, plug your ears everyone, we set off an exact replica of an antique cannon, but not before assuring everyone that the cannons were never used on indigenous people out for a day on the water, but on the seagulls overhead who had last been seen dive bombing the cruise ship terminal.

To put Nanaimo on the map, and believe me we’ll be in the headlines of all the major newspapers right across North America, we light the cannon’s fuse with a flaming $100 dollar bill, money saved by not building the sports and entertainment complex. Who could resist the sight of an idiot burning a new, crisp hundred? People will come from miles around, which is more than can be said about watching the Rink Rats finishing last in their division.

Now all we need is a new town name, something more pronounceable, declutter a few n’s and a’s. Let’s see, we’ll change it to Mayweather. Yeah, that’s got a nice ring to it.

Here is something you won’t be wasting your money on -- from Portugal -Cavalo Bravo, a juicy red for about $12.

Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID

FEB 1–4 1, 7-9pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Plan Speakers Night at Aggie Hall, 1110 1St Ave. What’s Happening – Join the Conversation. 250-2456405 11–4, “Divorce Sale” playing at the Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd.; reservations 250-924-0658 1–3, 7:30pm, TheatreOne presents “Flotsam & Jetsam: Life on the West Coast”; theatreone.org or 250-754-7587 1–15, Chemainus Sketch Group, Check out our Show of Art at the 49th Café, Ladysmith 1, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 1,7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 2, 7pm, Music Trivia every Thursday in February at the Legion Lounge! Come out and claim bragging rights (cash too), Legion 171 Ladysmith Lounge Bar, 621 First Ave. 3, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 3, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Whitey Somers at the Saltair Pub. 10519 Knight Rd. 250-246-4942

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3, 7pm to 9pm, Draw by Night Nanaimo 2 is a free public event that promotes creativity, imagination and collaboration through the process of drawing. Grab your free ticket online at tickets. drawbynightnanaimo.com 3–17, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery –“Mythology,” 610 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1252 4, 2pm & 7:30pm, TheatreOne presents, “Flotsam & Jetsam: Life on the West Coast,” theatreone.org or 250-754-7587

FEB 5-11 5, 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors 5, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts, Duo Beija-Flor: Charles Hobson, guitar, and MarieNoëlle Choquette, flute; tickets $20/$5 (Adv. $17); St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus; 250-748-8383 www.chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca 5–11, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery – “Mythology,” 610 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1252 5–11, “Divorce Sale” playing at the Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd.; reservations 250-924-0658 5–15, Chemainus Sketch Group, check out our Show of Art at the 49th Café, Ladysmith 6, 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 6, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 7, 1pm to 3pm, Senior’s Drop-In “Toonie Tuesdays” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies at the North Oyster Community Centre

FEB 2017

8, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 8, 9:30am, Chemainus Sketch Group, Meet Up with Guest Artist Carla Flegel, Fuller Lake Arena; new members most welcome 8, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 9, 7pm, Music Trivia every Thursday in February at the Legion Lounge! Come out and claim bragging rights (and cash too) Ladysmith Lounge Bar, 621 First Ave. 10, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 10, 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Valentine’s Dance, bring your dancing shoes and your Sweetheart and dance the night away with Flashback Freddy; tickets $20, refreshments, Silent Auction, dance prizes! Call 250-327-3086 for ticket info; St. Andrews United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo 10, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Wallace & Harvey at the Saltair Pub. 10519 Knight Rd. 250-2464942 11, 9am to 10:30am, Pancake Breakfast $5, hosted by the Mah Jongg players, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org.

11, 7pm, Show at 8pm, Vic Vaga tribute to Rod Stewart; Ladysmith Legion 171 in the downstairs lounge, 621 First Ave.; tickets $25 (available in the lounge); call 250-245-2273 for info. All Welcome; introduce yourself to a Member and ask them to

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sign you in.

FEB 12–18 12, 9am to noon, Pancake Breakfasts Sunday, Ladysmith Legion #171, 621 First Ave.; pancakes, eggs, hash browns; $7 and $5 for small portions, kids under 5 free; all welcome

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16, 7pm, Music Trivia every Thursday in February at the Legion Lounge! Come out and claim bragging rights (and cash too); Par 4 DJ services hosting; Legion Lounge; Legion 171 Ladysmith Lounge Bar, 621 First Ave. 17, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Mark Crissinger at the Saltair Pub. 10519 Knight Rd. 250-246-4942

12, 2pm to 4pm, Valentines Tea, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

17–March 25, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, Call 250-246-9820 or check www.chemainustheatre.ca

12–15, Chemainus Sketch Group, Check out our Show of Art at the 49th Café, Ladysmith

17, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

12–17, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Water Front Gallery –“Mythology,” 610 Oyster Bay Dr., 250245-1252 12–28, “Divorce Sale” playing at the Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd.; reservations 250-924-0658 13, 11am to 2pm, “Let Love Fly” Kite Flying Event Family Day – rain or shine – St. Josephs School, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus; entertainment by Mbira Spirit; bring your own or Build-a-Kite for $3; for more info contact letlovefly.kites@gmail.com 13, 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 13, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 13–18, Heritage Week – My Transfer beach 14, 1pm to 3pm, Senior’s Drop-In “Toonie Tuesdays” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies at the North Oyster Community Centre 15, 9:30am to11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 15, 9:30am to 11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 15, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 16,7:45pm Ladysmith Rotary Club’s Light Up the Night. Lanterns are $5 can be purchased at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith between 4:30pm and launch time. All proceeds go towards The Polio eradication campaign by the Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus program. Lantern Launch between 8:45pm and 9:45pm. In the event of rain the launch will be cancelled.

16, 7pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club monthly meeting, in the Library of Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6th Ave. 16, 6:45pm, LDBA AGM, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. Ladysmith

18, 5pm to 8pm, 18th Birthday Party pot luck dinner, bar and entertainment, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

FEB 19–25 19, 3pm to 5pm, Creative Drumming Workshop with MJ Vermette at the Saidi Sisters Studio, 420 4th Ave., Ladysmith. Some drums available upon reservation. Registrations by Feb. 17th; www. sacredfiremusic.com or 604-848-9543

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22–25, Nanaimo Theatre Group presents “Exit the King”; tickets can be reserved at www. nanaimotheatregroup.ca or by calling 250-758-7224 23, 7pm, Music Trivia every Thursday in February at the Legion Lounge! Come out and claim bragging rights (and cash too); Par 4 DJ services hosting; prizes 1st $25 gift certificate for Legion Lounge, 2nd $15 gift certificate for Legion Lounge; Legion 171 Ladysmith Lounge Bar, 621 First Ave. 23, 7:30pm, Jo Miller Quartet’s 3 Days in Winter, SIMONHOLT Restaurant, 6582 Applecross Rd., Nanaimo; tickets $20 ($10 for students); (250) 933-3338 24, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Lady O at the Saltair Pub. 10519 Knight Rd. 250-246-4942 24, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 25, 5pm to 10pm, 25th Mardi Gras dinner $20; entertainment by the Chemainus Dixieland Band; Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

FEB 26–28

20, 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

26, 10am, Ladysmith Community Gardens AGM, LRCA Food Bank Room, 630 2nd Ave. 250-2451436

20, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council Meeting in the Council Chamber at 410 Esplanade in Ladysmith. Council encourages and welcomes your participation. Please visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca or call 250.245.6400.

26, 9am to noon, Pancake Breakfasts Sunday, Ladysmith Legion #171, 621 First Ave.; pancakes, eggs, hash browns; $7 and $5 for small portions kids under 5 free; all welcome

20, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 20–26, the Wounded Warrior Run is on again they will be though Ladysmith and stop off at the Ladysmith Legion for a break on the way though.

They will arrive in Ladysmith either Friday or Saturday morning. If anyone wishes to meet them or donate to their cause please come down and support.

21, 1pm to 3pm, Senior’s Drop-In “Toonie Tuesdays” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies at the North Oyster Community Centre 21, 7:30pm, Sarah Hagen Plays Rachmaninoff “An intensely beautiful journey,” Port Theatre; presented by the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music; www.ncmusic.ca; tickets 250-754-8550 22, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 22,7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

26–28, Nanaimo Theatre Group Presents “Exit the King”; tickets can be reserved at www. nanaimotheatregroup.ca or by calling 250-758-7224 27, 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 27, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 28, 1pm to 3pm, Senior’s Drop-In “Toonie Tuesdays” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies at the North Oyster Community Centre

MARCH 2017 4, 8am, Diggers Antique and Collectable Show, Chemainus Elementary School; info 250-726-7783 (above, l-r) 10 Valentines Dance 19 Creative Drumming 21 Sarah Hagen

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

FOR RENT WANTED - 1 BRDM SUITE OR COTTAGE from Saltair to Cedar. Excellent references, one wellbehaved cat. Reasonable rent, Call Juhli 250619-1743.

WANTED LOOKING FOR homeshare/home support in Ladysmith for a young woman with disabilities.

Prefer a single woman or small family. For more information, call Sandra at 250-818-7855.

BUSINESS 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).

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Web content, books, resumes, documents, prepare eBooks. Fiction or nonfiction.

For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE. Over 25 years 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.

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

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

BEADS BEADS BEADS ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-3242227.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 CLICK START MY HEART PHOTOGRAPHY. January/February Valentines Special $125 pkg.

FEB 2017

Weddings, family, boudoir, pinup, pregnancy, themes, etc. Facebook for more info, free shoots and specials. Call for consult 250-466-4571.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 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.

TAI CHI For mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Sept., Mondays at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am to noon $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.

YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS. Book four consecutive Relaxation Massages for $50 ea. (reg. $65 ea.). Other treatments, Chakra Balancing, Exfoliating Rubs and Hot Wax treatments. Call for appointment and brochure 250-618-8218.

EASY DOES IT FITNESS.CA for beginners and beyond. New schedule, prices, and open gym hours effective April 1. Exercise classes; Ballet, Balance, Chair, Yoga, Toning, and Easy Zumbaish.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website; editor@take5.ca.

HOME & YARD 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 250-668-8383.

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.

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 1-250-709-1364.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. I also do odd jobs.

Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-6189217.

ISLAND GARDEN SCAPES.CA for all your garden needs, booking now for fall clean up. Call/text/ email islandgardenscapes@gmail.com or 250802-0461.

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.

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.

SANDPIPER LANDSCAPING/GARDENING. 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.

VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, facebook or your website. editor@take5.ca

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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 four locations: Victoria, Cedar, Parksville 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 250-722-2201.

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.

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.

SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, wheelchair ramps; interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project ready to to press. Available in print and e-book format.

Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. editor@take5.ca or phone 250-245-7015.

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