TAKE 5 February 2018

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Letters Four Syrian Families to be Reunited The Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group is excited about our newest project, one that involves a reunion between four units of an extended family.

The Salamat family of seven arrived in Nanaimo in the spring of 2016. Government-sponsored Syrian refugees, they left behind three small families that were part of their close extended family. Two married daughters, each with a husband and child, plus the father’s sister, were unable to join them.

Through the coordinated efforts of three sponsorship groups, one in Ladysmith, the Salamats are anticipating a family reunion this spring or summer.

Interviews with the Canadian Embassy in Amman, Jordan, took place on January 15, 2018. Although there are several more steps in the process before their arrival, the Salamat family in Nanaimo received the news of this interview with great joy. Our group has applied to sponsor the sister, Dalal, and her three youngest children, boys aged 6, 14 and 19.

Dalal’s husband died in a workplace accident several years ago. When their village was destroyed by violence and her brother was beaten up, they fled first to Lebanon and then to Jordan. She and her brother in Nanaimo are particularly close — he wants to help care for her and her family.

Refugee sponsorship entails a one-year commitment to a family’s needs. In financial terms, for a family of four, this means a minimum of $30,000 for basic needs, plus more for special needs (dental care, for example). Finding and furnishing a home is a second major concern. Finally, the family will face many social and cultural adjustments, from learning English to taking the bus, to opening bank accounts, to learning to drive. They will initially need to be accompanied to their many appointments.

We need people with many different skills: household repairs, shopping, driving and computer skills (to name just a few). The work can be very rewarding. It’s a chance to meet people from all over the world, including local people you may not have met. You’ll get to try new foods and experience another culture while sharing your own. You will probably learn a few Arabic words and be amazed by the usefulness of apps that are already

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installed on your mobile devices.

The Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group has openings for new members. If you are available to help, we can put you to work. For more information or to volunteer, call Ken at 250245-9525.

The generosity of Ladysmith residents over the past years means we already have some household effects — but not enough for a whole family. As we get closer to arrival time, the committee will know what is still needed and a list will be circulated more broadly.

Although enough funds have been raised to assure the committee that we can successfully go ahead, it is not fully funded and a spring fundraising drive is being planned. Tax deductible receipts are available for any donations of $20 or more.

Cheques may be made out to Ladysmith First United Church, PO Box 124, Ladysmith, V9G 1A1, with a memo directing it to Refugee Family 2. There is also a secure mail slot at the back door of the church.

Dalal’s family will be the third one the Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group has sponsored. In 2011, we brought a Palestinian family of three that had been stranded between Iraq and Syria. They have moved to the Lower Mainland, where the father works full-time as a barber. More recently, a Syrian family of six (children aged 2 to 11) arrived in April 2017. They are working with the LRSG and the Multicultural Society to plan their move to independence.

We are proud of the work we have done and look forward to welcoming these three families in the next few months, and

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helping them settle into the new world they have chosen. We thank everyone who has helped make this possible.

- Ken Hiebert, Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group

Saltair Salute A Super Saltair Salute to all the volunteers, donors and sponsors who made the Saltair Halloween Celebration a resounding success! The bonfire, kids treats, hotdogs and hot chocolate were great. The fireworks were outstanding and worthy of a much larger community. Altogether, it was an outstanding event, showing how the whole community can come together to continue a Halloween tradition for over 30 years. On behalf of myself and the 100 plus spectators, I thank you and hope you continue this Halloween tradition in the future.

- Greg Taylor

Saltair Earthquake Saltair residents could have had a new seismic-designed purpose-built Community Centre to be used as an emergency shelter in the event of an earthquake, but CVRD Director Dorey was in a hurry to put a $300,000 band aid into the almost 70-year-old school building renamed the Saltair Community Centre by the CVRD. What about all the adults and daycare children in the building in the event of an earthquake? Trapped or worse. How could Director Dorey ignore the option of a newly constructed seismic-designed purpose-built Community Centre as a safe shelter for Saltair residents instead of the residents having to stand in the open Centennial Park field?

Why did the CVRD board deny Saltair taxpayers/voters a democratic say in these matters?

- Lynne Smith, Saltair

Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited for space, clarity or legality. This is an open forum and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. email: editor@take5.ca, PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, or fax: 250-245-7099 Facebook: Take5Publications

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Ladysmith’s Heritage Stands the Test of Time How fortunate are we to live in a community that honours and conserves its heritage? How many people live in places that actively celebrate over FIVE THOUSAND YEARS of history and heritage? Each morning as I sip my first coffee of the day and gaze across the Ladysmith harbour, I am reminded that for thousands of years, those waters have been home to and provided a living for the first residents of this land. And each morning as I arrive at my business on Ladysmith’s historic First Avenue, I am filled with awe and gratitude for the colourful buildings that proudly stand as

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permanent reminders not only of what once was, but also of the possibilities that can arise when a community decides its history is something to be both valued and preserved.

More than 100 years ago, the Ladysmith Trading Company building, which currently houses several businesses, including my own, was a bustling department store where people purchased their dry goods. Today, I feel so privileged to work in that beautiful old structure. The shelving that now holds computers and other modern equipment was once used to display clothing and shoes. We tried to retain as much of the original shelving and fixtures as possible and have even kept some of the former “sale” signs that would have been placed strategically around the store back in the day.

Another heritage building that brings back many memories is the antiques shop at the corner of Roberts and the highway. There’s a reason it’s called Post Office Antiques — years ago, it was actually Ladysmith’s post office. Some of you may know that I spent much of my childhood there. My bedroom was in one of the upstairs apartments, and after school,

I worked in the shop itself, refinishing antique furniture and rewiring lamps. Upon reflection, I’ve realized that my first job — revitalizing vintage items and making them as good as new — was a theme that would follow me throughout my adult life in this community. Like many other Ladysmith residents, I was raised to see the value in the past and to remember where I came from.

Each year, during the third week in February, communities across the country showcase their local heritage — this year’s BC Heritage Week theme is “Heritage Stands the Test of Time.” The rich history of our Stz’uminus First Nation partners and neighbours, the stewards of the land who preceded us and whose rich history is woven throughout our community like the threads in a tapestry, has truly withstood the test of time. The Stz’uminus continue to practice many aspects of their traditional lifestyle, preserving a culture and heritage that spans thousands of years, while also setting their sights on future opportunities for thoughtful growth and development. It makes them a wonderful example of an enduring legacy and also an excellent partner for the Town.

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From our vast array of heritage buildings, to our life-size heritage artifacts, to our very own museums, to First Nations art installations, like the Salish Wind, a beautiful red cedar canoe permanently displayed at Transfer Beach, Ladysmith does an excellent job all year long of bringing the past to life while simultaneously forging ahead on new initiatives. This had never been more evident than the way our Ladysmith Heritage Walks link the vibrant history of our buildings and artifacts with the waterfront area and Transfer Beach Park. Whether we are restoring an old building or planning a new development, we always do so in a thoughtful and progressive manner.

There’s something comforting about a community that values its history and its heritage. I can walk down most streets in our town and be reminded of something or someone from long ago — the past is captured in the signs, the sidewalks, the structures and the people.

It’s everywhere. It’s also easy to forget the past when we are caught up in everyday activities and hassles. The next time you go for a walk or drive through our community, I challenge you to look for symbols of years gone by. Grab a free brochure from City Hall, the Visitor’s Centre or a downtown business and treat yourself and your family to a heritage walking tour of Ladysmith’s artifacts and buildings. You may be surprised by how much you didn’t realize stood here long before you, your parents or even your grandparents were born.

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You might also be pleasantly shocked to know just how much of our heritage has been lovingly preserved so that years from now, your children, your grandchildren and others can also enjoy Lady-

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smith’s vibrant history and small town charm.

Trading Company.

Photo Ladysmith Archives

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Celebrating 75 years of Squadron 257 On February 9, 2018, Squadron 257 Parallel Ladysmith will mark its 75th year since it received its Charter from the Air Cadet League of Canada on February 9, 1943. The early days of the squadron saw our Cadets in training under the watchful eye of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who ensured that properly trained individuals were prepared for the regular wartime Air Force. The driving force behind this unit was F/O Thicke, the first Commanding Officer and a teacher at the local high school.

Cadets were permitted (and at times required) to wear their uniforms to school where some of their training took place.

Over the years, the Cadet training program has evolved to one of the largest youth programs in the country. With the partnership between the Department of National Defence and the Air Cadet League of Canada, membership has grown, nationally, to around 70,000.

Locally, many of our Cadets have gone on to become pilots, RCMP Officers, Armed Forces personnel and a Mayor of La-

dysmith. This Squadron is involved in many community events and is proud to assist the Ladysmith and Chemainus Royal Canadian Legions, along with many other service groups and organizations.

Ian Wyndlow was a cadet from 1979 until 1982 and earned his glider and power licences through the air cadet program. His father Keith Wyndlow also earned his power licence as a member of 257 squadron much earlier. He recalls seasonal gliding at the Nanaimo airport and summer camps provided life-long memories. Other memories he cherishes from the summer camps, other than courses on knots, the principles of flight, navigation and communication, were the friendships that developed during time-off and his first solo in a glider when he gained 2000 feet in altitude and found himself soaring with the eagles in a thermal, literally. “I had heard stories of my father flying over to Richmond to visit my mom and having to be back to the farm in Yellow Point in time to milk the cows. I was thinking of that when I circled over the farmhouse and saw my parents come out

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to wave as I flew my first cross-country flight from Victoria to Nanaimo, to Tofino and back in 1982.”

He recalls another highlight of being in Ladysmith Air Cadets was the shooting range in the basement of the Aggie Hall.

“I kept my best target and have it somewhere in a box of memories in storage.”

With the generous support of the Canadian Department of National Defence for training Camps, Award Courses, training supplies and officers, Squadron 257 Parallel Ladysmith will continue to provide this valuable youth program for many years to come.

Special thnaks to Cathy Gilroy for photos and research.

Effective speaking competition

Cadets take off with Flight Simulator Ladysmith Air Cadets are a step closer to taking to the sky!

The Ladysmith Air Cadet Squadron No. 257 has upgraded its Computer Air Simulation Centre Flight Simulator Program. The Computer Air Simulation Center (CASC) was developed to provide Cadets with the opportunity to experience flying without having to leave the ground. It incorporates the use of a flight simulator program and flight console (control yoke and rudder pedals), with three monitors per station.

The series of lessons develop the Cadet’s skills and knowledge by creating a “total flying environment” that mimics what a cadet would see if he or she were to participate in a familiarization flight!

The CASC program has been in operation in BC for a decade or more and is structured as a series of twenty lessons culminating in a “flight test.” The program is an optional program for Ladysmith Air Cadets, held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and is open to all Cadets of any rank.

Adding the CASC Program to the many other great activities offered to local Cadets expands the program, ensuring that there is truly “something for everyone” at 257 Squadron!

The Cadets thank Darcy Dean for getting the program up and running, Captain Karen Peel, C.D. Commanding Officer, Mr. Rod Peel, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 171 and Uforik Computers for their support for this project, says Cathy Gilroy.

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From the back: FCpl. Ariel Veys, Cpl. Ryan Dean, Cpl. Jacob Dean and (in the front): Cdt. Zachary Doering.

Photo: Marina Sacht Opposite page: March Past, 1948.

Photo courtesy Cathy Gilroy

The 257 Squadron is hosting the 2018 Air Cadet League/Vancouver Island Wing Effective Speaking Competition, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m., at the Aggie Hall.

Cadets from six Island Wing Squadron will meet to present their speeches in front of judges. The winner will then move onto the Provincial Competition held in Richmond in April. The successful candidate from this level will compete in the National Competition in Laval, Quebec, in June. The public is welcome to attend, as it is free, but please register by contacting Cathy Gilroy at ladysmithaircadets@yahoo.ca to help us ensure adequate seating and refreshments.

Locally, the Squadron offers a sixweek Effective Speaking Course open to any Cadet of any rank. The purpose of the course is to introduce and encourage youth to understand the importance of brevity of expression, effective writing skills, and tips and tricks to get over the jitters, which we all experience when faced with speaking in public.

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Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary donates more than $266K in 2017

Explore Ladysmith’s waterfront heritage As part of BC Heritage Week, the Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) and the Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS) and Stz’uminus artist John Marston are inviting you to see what is new — and old. The public is invited to the Ladysmith Waterfront Heritage Tour on Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The LMS Boat Restoration Shop will be open at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for visitors to see the C.A. Kirkegaard restoration progress. Everyone is invited to visit the Heritage Park site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see the Humdirgen running and talk to the LDHS volunteers doing the restoration work on the track, Steam Locomotive #11, and one of the few Humdirgens left in the world.

There will be cookies and coffee at the Heritage Park Reception Centre, located in the restored first aid shed.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. join LMS in celebrating the re-opening of the renovated Harbour Heritage Centre. See the new slide show, heritage books and exhibits, and learn about the joint LMS and LDHS 2018 education program. If you have not seen it before, you are in for a treat. If you have, come see the changes!

World renowned Stz’uminus carver and artist John Marston will be on site demonstrating canoe carving and more at the Harbour Heritage Centre.

This is a fun family event. Refreshments will be available, and there is plenty to explore along the rails and the waterfront.

Want to learn more? Local history books will be available at the event, as well as the Ladysmith Museum and Archives, with all proceeds going to preserving our heritage. Call 250-245-0100 for more information.

Above: Steam Locomotive 11 will be part of the displays on Feb 24 at Heritage Park.

Photo: Nick Longo

A total of $266,724.03 in donations was approved by members of the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary (LHA) in 2017. Since its inception, almost a 100 years ago, the LHA has donated over $5 million towards health and wellness equipment, projects and services benefitting local residents.

Currently, the LHA has 216 members, including 138 volunteers who work in the Thrift Store on 1st Avenue. Other volunteers work in areas such as, but not

limited, to Meals-on-Wheels, the gift shop located in the Ladysmith Community Health Centre, and maintenance of the Memorial Gardens located behind the health centre. Approximately 34,000 hours were worked by LHA volunteers in 2017.

Youth volunteers work at the Lodge on fourth Avenue, providing a variety of supportive roles for residents. Junior members, who volunteer in other areas of the auxiliary, are youth from 12 to 18 years. Youth volunteers and junior members are eligible for bursaries each year, totaling $16,000, to further their education in health related fields.

Contributions by LHA in 2017 included a $143,526 to the Ladysmith Community Health Centre, primarily for equipment, including a portable ultrasound, $28,000 to the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society, $10,000 to the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, $18,746 to

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the Victoria Hospital Foundation and $30,000 to the Ladysmith Resource Centre to support a variety of services and programs.

The LHA began in 1909 as a small group of women donating their services to at the Ladysmith Hospital. Today, funds donated by the auxiliary are raised through sales at the Thrift Shop and the Gift Shop. In 2017, sales from the Thrift Store alone contributed approximately $340,000 to LHA coffers. We could not do what we do without the support of the people of Ladysmith, both as donors and customers, and we thank them for their support.

The BC Association of Healthcare

Auxiliaries was established in 1945 to promote education, leadership, effective communication, and high standards of performance as key factors in member auxiliaries’ success. According to the BCAHA, many auxiliaries are closing their doors because of the advanced age of many volunteers and increasingly fewer new members. While this has not yet affected the Ladysmith Auxiliary, with 29 new members in 2017, this is a concern for many charitable organizations dependent upon volunteers to stay in operation.

If you would like to learn more about LHA and its activities can go to http:// www.ladysmithhealthcareaux.ca/ or the LHA Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/Ladysmith-HealthcareAuxiliary-399436413468975/.

Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary Photo courtesy of Bonnie Weisz

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Waterfront Plan unveiled On January 22 an open house was held at Aggie Hall in Ladysmith to unveil the new Ladysmith Waterfront Area Plan.

It was a packed house as more than 200 people came out to hear the presentation and see first hand the new vision. The Mayor and Town Council along with member of the Stz’uminus First Nations were in attendance.

A continuous waterfront walkway extending from the commercial fishing wharf to Slack Point, and to Transfer Beach Park, and the capping of the park area at Slack Point Park are some of the highlights. A pedestrian overpass/ bridge to connect the downtown with the waterfront, Stz’uminus First Nation Cultural Centre, expanded marina, a pub, and a small boutique hotel were some of the proposals.

The least popular with residents was a residential development of 2-3 storey townhomes and 5-6 storey apartments.

Myf Plecas spoke out against the heights of the buildings, and potential loss of access of waterfront to public.

This plan has been a long process with much community involvement; 908 online surveys, 200+ speaker night attendees, 1500 direct interactions, 12+ stakeholder meetings and 150+ open house comments.

There has been a lot of attention paid to planning for the development of the waterfront for many years.

While built on past studies and proposals, this current Plan is set apart from past planning processes in two important ways.

First, this planning process was rooted in a partnership between the Stz’uminus First Nation and the Town of Ladysmith, to work together to build a better relationship and develop partnerships for the mutual benefit of both communities.

Sixteen potential joint initiatives, including harbour clean-up and expansion of marina services have been identified.

Second, this planning process benefited from environmental studies in

Hundreds came out to the Aggie to see Ladysmith's new Waterfront Area Plan presentation and ask questions. Photo: Nick Longo

2010-2012 that provided new understanding of existing conditions and cost constraints relating to environmental contamination and geotechnical issues.

Some components of the plan could take 20-30 years to complete.

The first step of implementation will be to adopt the new Waterfront Plan into the Official Community Plan. The Town of Ladysmith will have updates posted to their website.

Lantern light festival returns Mark your calendars, and head down to Transfer Beach Feb. 24 for the Rotary Club of Ladysmith’s Annual Lantern Festival – Release the Light Lantern Night. This year’s theme is Volunteers are the Heart of Ladysmith. This event

serves as a reminder that so many community organizations are in need of volunteers. These commitments can be as little as a couple of hours a month but can make a world of difference.

The festivities begin at 5pm at the Transfer Beach Amphitheater where lanterns can be purchased for a cost of $5. Come early as the lanterns sell out quickly.

Once the all clear signal is given, lighting will begin around 6pm. If you have not witnessed this before the moment the lanterns are lit and fly off into the night sky is magic.

Proceeds from the lantern sales will go to support local Rotary Club of Ladysmith projects. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available.

Ladysmith Volunteer Fire Department and RCMP will be on site to make sure things run smoothly. Whether you are planning to launch a lantern as a memorial, a family celebration or just for fun this event is one you don’t want to miss.

Check out our video of last years Lantern Night https://youtu.be/5L5nQXYkCw

Shiver for a Good Cause The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is hosting the “Coldest Night of the Year,” a family-friendly walk in support of hungry, homeless and hurting individuals. The fundraising walk is set for Saturday, February 24.

You can register individually or as a

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Town of Ladysmith and Stz’uminus First Nation at the new Ladysmith Waterfront Area Plan unveiling. Chief John Elliott on mic. Photo: Nick Longo

team to collect pledges and walk with or volunteer at the event (https://canada.cnoy.org/register). Your pledges will help to support LRCA’s main programs, which provide essential services.

LRCA is a non-profit charity that works to reduce the burden of poverty with many programs, such as the Food Bank, Soup Kitchen, Extreme Weather Shelter, Christmas Cheer Hampers and Coats for Folks. Join in and help bring some warmth to the cold.

Fill the bag for the Food bank It’s all in the bag, for Denise Tutte, Gerry Beltgens and the Van Isle Real Estate team.

The group purchased 2,000 reusable bags that are being distributed around Ladysmith. The message inside the bags is simple. Please fill or partially fill your bag with non-perishable goods for the Ladysmith Food Bank.

The bag idea caught on since it was launched at Christmas, said Gerry, with many of the bags making multiple trips to the food bank.

The need is real. Approximately 300 people per week access the Food Bank, 41 per cent who are children. In 2017, volunteers served 1482 meals at the Soup Kitchen.

You can still pick up a bag at the Van Isle Real Estate office at 516 1st Ave. For more information call 250-924-4808.

Seafood dinner fundraiser at Stz’uminus School Come have a feast and help raise funds for youth.

Stz’uminus Community School is hosting a seafood dinner and silent auction fundraiser on February 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The dinner is in support of the Stz’uminus Eagles to help raise money for uniforms. For information, call the Stz’uminus Community School at 250-245-6650 or email Pearl Harris quatxwamaat@gmail.com.

Help needed to restore forest industry artifacts The Ladysmith & District Historical Society’s Industrial Heritage Preservation Committee has undertaken the responsibility to restore/refurbish forest industry artifacts, which include one of the world’s few remaining Humdirgens and steam Locomotive #11.

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But they need some help. Through the years parts have gone missing or have been removed. The group has limited funds and cannot afford to fabricate all the missing pieces to refurbish Locomotive #11.

Items needed include two steam injectors, throttle, Johnson bar, two check valves, right angle valves for 1.5-inch or 2-inch pipes, generator, water glass and fittings, three tricots, 12 regular steam valves, and two big safety valves.

If you can help, contact Shirley Blackstaff, LDHS Director & Industrial Heritage Preservation Committee Chairperson, at 250-245-0100.

Public washrooms planned The Ladysmith Kinsmen are embarking on another major project. And you could say this one has a sense of urgency!

The Kinsmen envision a gender neutral public restroom facility at the alley end between High St. and Gatacre St. The facility would be a single concrete block building, with hardi-plank siding wrap so that it matches the surrounding

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buildings and fits in with the heritage flavor of downtown. The facility will have two full bathrooms, a change table for infants and a drinking/bottle filling fountain.

Project chair Duck Paterson says the group is trying to get as much support from the community for the $80,000 they anticipate will be the cost of the facility.

“The bulk of the costs will be raised by local fundraising projects the club will be taking on, as well as by donations from the community,” says Paterson. If anybody is interested in helping or making a donation, they can contact Kinsmen Duck Paterson or Mike Richardson. If successful in their fundraising plans, their hope is to have the project completed by late summer.

The Knights’ bench will remain, as well as the two ornamental Japanese cherry trees that already exist at the site.

branch of the Women’s Institute is inviting you to come out and find out.

The group meets in the United Church Hall, Cedar Road, on the first Monday afternoon of each month, at 2.30 p.m.

Following a short business meeting, there is an afternoon tea and social.

Their primary aims are to continue to educate ourselves and to pass on their knowledge and skills to future generations. The group also raises funds for charities and good causes.

The WI in British Columbia was started in 1909, and as of 2015, there are 212,000 members.

If you’d like more information about contact Jane Brook (jebrook@gmail. com or 250-816-4593) or our President Connie Grinnell (conniegrinnell@shaw. ca or 250-753-9131). The next meeting is Monday, February 5, at 2 p.m., at the Cedar United Church.

It’s Women’s Institute month

Cedar Trails Stewards group has continued to meet and research the issue of the loss of public access to areas of Hemer Park and other trails. If you have used these trails in the past, are interested in helping out, or have any questions, please contact Cedartrails@outlook.com

There is more to the Women’s Institute (WI) than making jams and jellies, baking, crafting or sewing, and the Cedar

Cedar Trails Stewards Group

Talk on the Docks The Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) is hosting another year of Talk on the Dock events, starting with a talk by author, humourist and sailor, Catherine Dook. Dook’s talk, “Anchoring in the Gulf Islands,” on February 24 at 2 pm at the Welcome Centre, located on the Ladysmith Community Marina dock.

John and Catherine Dook are liveaboards and philosophers, but they are not very good boaters. Enjoy Catherine’s stories of meandering around the Gulf Islands, dispensing engine exhaust and blackberry jam, catching mooring buoys and colliding with docks while discovering the meaning of life among the salal and seaweed. Or not. There is satisfaction in boating, and some joy, but only if your anchor doesn’t drag.

Coffee and treats will be served.

Books will be available for purchase.

(Three have been nominated for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.) This is a free event and open to all!

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Local humourist publishes Slightly Corked book Well-known local wine expert and restaurateur Delbert Horrocks has just released Slightly Corked, his collection of articles and stories, some of which were written for TAKE 5. Horrocks established his reputation as the co-owner of the Mahle House restaurant in Cedar for 27 years. As he points out, “It’s a long time to go without a real job.” Calling on his years of experience in the hospitality industry and keen eye for the absurd, Horrocks authored his monthly articles to inform and delight his community of devoted readers. Notable for its wideranging subject matter, Slightly Corked shows how Horrocks’ unique sense of humour and acerbic commentary on modern life won him notoriety and esteem throughout mid-island.

Initially, copies of the book ($20) will be available at the Mahle House restaurant, the Coco Café and the Wheatsheaf beer and wine store in Cedar, and in Ladysmith, at Delbert’s residence. Failing that, autographed copies will also be sold out of the trunk of the author’s much loved Honda Civic — Have Book Will Travel. For details email dhorrocks@shaw.ca or phone 250-924-2100.

Cooking Up Comedy “The Kitchen Witches” is cooking up some fun at the Ladysmith Little Theatre. Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle

Marshall Soules. editor, with author Delbert Horrocks at the Mahle House pre-book sale of Slightly Corked, a collection of humorous stories. Photo: Marina Sacht

are two “mature” cable-access cooking show hostesses who have hated each other for 30 years, ever since Larry Biddle dated one and married the other. Together on a TV show called The Kitchen Witches, the insults are flung harder than the food! Dolly’s long-suffering TV-producer son, Stephen, tries to keep them on track, but the show becomes a rating smash as Dolly and Isobel top both Martha Stewart and Jerry Springer!

Written by Caroline Smith, and directed by Josee Duff hues, the comedy runs from February 15 to March 4, 2018.

Tickets can be reserved online at www. ladysmiththeatre.com or by phone 250924-0658. The box office is open Mon Wed Fri from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

YPDG mystery dinner theatre If you are looking for a fun interactive night of mystery you will find it at “Murder Is Only Skin Deep”, a fund raising dinner theatre for Yellow Point Drama Group on Saturday, Feb. 10th at Cedar Community Hall.

The “Miss World Food Group” beauty pageant has contestants from around the world but someone isn’t playing by the rules. When the queen is crowned a body appears on the floor and now Colombo must try to figure out who is “dressed to kill”. You will play detective, or a contestant, or the culprit. Tickets are only $35 for theatre and dinner. Reserve your seats at www.yellowpointdramagroup. org or 250-722-2459.

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Nanaimo Sings Festival

Ladysmith Fine Arts Show February 3 – 24, 2018

Nanaimo choral community is a buzz. Singers, directors and accompanists are working towards the fourth Nanaimo Sings!

Festival, a three day Choral Extravaganza.

On February 23 and 24, 14 local choirs will perform in a series of mini-concerts at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. And on February 25, at 7 p.m., all will gather at The Port Theatre for a Gala concert, where each choir will perform again individually and as part of a powerful massed choir of 350 voices, accompanied by talented local instrumentalists.

Nanaimo Sings! is delighted to once again present Willi Zwozdesky as MC and guest conductor of the massed choir.

Mr. Zwozdesky is a noted Vancouver composer, arranger, director of The Vancouver Men’s Chorus and executive director of the BC Choral Federation.

The Biennial Ladysmith Fine Arts Show opens February 3rd at 7 p.m. This show brings exceptional art and artists from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to this exhibition and sale. All submitted art has been juried and only those with exceptional work have been accepted making for an incredible exhibition. The art is two and three dimensional and photo digital.

Over 200 entries have been accepted for the judges’ approval.

Cash prizes for 2D, 3D and photo digital as well as Best in Show will be awarded at the opening on February 3rd. Peoples’ choice will be awarded on opening night as well, and selected by those in attendance, who will vote for their favorite piece in the exhibition.

This year’s judges are Luke Marston, Sean Sherstone, and Pamela Speight.

The Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery’s hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.. For more information, please check out www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com/ fineartshow/ or call 250-245-1252.

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Love & Health

BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE “Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage,” sings Frank Sinatra in the song that hit the charts in 1956.

“This I tell ya, brother, you can’t have one without the other.”

Well times have changed. Marriage is not the institute it used to be. Updated lyrics for 2018 would be more appropriate to our times if he substituted the word marriage for health, because you can’t have one without the other.

A loving relationship is good for your mental, spiritual and physical health.

And when you engage in a healthy lifestyle you are more likely to find and enjoy a fulfilling loving relationship.

Married people have longer life spans.

When we are connected with others we are calmer and happier.

Outisde of the obvious benefits that sex in stress relief and exercise, it also boosts our immune system, improves sleep, and helps lessen pain.

Researchers have found that even without sex, couples who are in a supportive relationship enjoy the benefit of imporved cardiovascular health. How’s that for following your heart?

This Valentine’s Day whether you are with your lover or your best friend, celebrate the love in your heart and you will be on your way to a healthier you.

Clockwise: Outdoor wedding at Kiwi Cove Lodge.

Photo submitted.

Picture perfect setting at Thistledown Farm for your photo shoot.

Photos: Angie McCabe

Weddings Beautiful back drops of ocean vistas, mountains and islands make for memorable wedding photos and memories.

That is exactly what you get holding your wedding at one of the many venues in Ladysmith and surrounding areas. It’s a great location, with everything you need to make your special day the best it can be. From flowers at 49th Parallel Blooms and personalized wedding invitations at 49th Parallel Printers to delicious, catered meals, romantic B&B’s and honeymoon outings with a unique twist, here, in our slice of paradise, you can get it all.

With a variety of venues, from outside to inside, waterfront or farm land, there is a setting to make every bride to happy. No matter where your perfect day is

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spent there are photo opportunities everywhere in our scenic region. Spring, with its explosion of pink pedals, the sunny days of summer along the beach and warm fall colours, these seasons afford that perfect event for you!

At Kiwi Cove Lodge, you can enjoy your family wedding to the fullest.

Imagine your wedding ceremony in the great outdoors, fiancé by your side, surrounded by family and friends in their ten-acre waterfront property. Shaded woodlands, breezy meadows and a real kiwi vineyard provide a tranquil setting for you to exchange your marriage vows. The spacious 12-room Kiwi Cove Lodge comfortably accommodates in rooms that are casually elegant. Before and after the wedding, have fun outdoors! Bring your favorite games along, like bocci ball or croquette, or spend an evening snuggled around a crackling blaze at the outdoor fire pit. Kiwi Cove provides many opportunities to socialize and relax.

Gardens, fruit orchard, a giant cedar grove, hayfields and ten acres of mature second-growth forest at Thistledown Farm also make a beautiful backdrop for wedding or engagement photographs.

With their heritage barns and cabin, two white horses, tame black sheep and friendly long-haired Lassie collies, everything you could dream of for a unique and exquisite wedding photo shoot is here.

A number of excellent photographers are available to serve you. Click Start my Heart is a local photography service for weddings, engagements, bridal showers and any special occasions. Good food is critical to a good party. The award-winning CoCo Café is a local favourite for not only hanging out with friends, but also for catering. They will make any party go smoother.

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Healthy Living The term healthy lifestyle is tossed around like a football on game day, but what does that really mean? For some, a healthy lifestyle is being at the gym seven days a week, for others it is walking the dog and staying away from sugar.

All these choices are part of doing the right thing, but a healthy lifestyle means finding the right balance of actions and healthy choices and being happy in what you do, because if you don’t like what

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you are doing, you won’t do it. Finding that “thing,” whether its hiking, swimming, dancing and so on, has to be right for you. Keep exploring until you find it so that it becomes how you live and not just a routine. Following are some tips and some ideas to get you started on a lifestyle that you can live by.

Grey skies and dreary days can seem unbearable during the winter months.

In order to boost your mood, try these strategies suggested by Great Life Counselling’s Tricia Toth.

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How to Beat the Winter Blues: • Let the light in, literally! Open the blinds and curtains. Even small amounts of sunlight make a difference in increasing serotonin, which improves mood, melatonin for improved sleep and provide us with vitamin D. • Go outside. and enjoy the fresh air.

Fresh air cleans the lungs, boosts your immune system, increases your energy level and stamina.

• Get moving and be as active as you can during the winter months. It can

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be a difficult time to get motivated; offered through the counselling centre are however, the payoff is significant both available at no charge. There is a broad physically and mentally. spectrum of support by trained volunteers • Help others. The winter months under the supervision of our program coare a perfect time to offer your assisordinator. Referrals can be made by famtance, such as helping out at the loily doctors, mental health specialists and/ cal shelter or food bank, or helping a or self referrals. “The goal is to meet the neighbour. Acts of kindness not only needs of the community,” says Program help the recipient, but provide us with Coordinator John R. Parker, who is a rega confidence boost and offer life puristered clinical counsellor with a master’s pose. degree in counselling psychology.

• Talk to a counsellor. If you are unWith allergies are on the rise at this time able to get out of your funk, talking it of year, the immune system is in need of out with a professional can provide a support. Naturally Healthy Clinic has a neutral sounding board where you are great team of doctors and therapists to get Tricia Toth counsels acts of kindness to supported in exploring additional copyour immune system up to speed. get out of the winter blahs. ing strategies.

One of the many therapies that they offer Tricia has been helping empower fam- Photo: Cindy Damphousse is acupuncture. Community acupuncture ilies for over two decades. She works as means to treat patients in a group setting. a clinical counsellor and is registered with the BC Association This way of acupuncture aligns with acupuncture traditions of Clinical Counsellors and the BC College of Social Workers. all around the world. While in a group setting, each patient She has worked as a forensic therapist and is able to provide can rest during the therapy in their own comfortable recliner court ordered treatment, as well as is recognized through the or on a therapy table. This enables team at Naturally Healthy BC Crime Victims Assistance Program.

Clinic to provide highest quality therapy that is affordable for We are fortunate to have access to many health-related proeveryone. Community acupuncture is suitable for all genders grams that are available at the Ladysmith Resources Centre. and ages, says owner Eike Jordan.

Staying healthy is not just for the body alone; the mind is an “Our clinic has a very soothing atmosphere and patients love important part of over good health. From birth to senior livto relax in a group during the acupuncture treatments. This kind ing, there are programs for everyone to benefit from. Programs of collective stillness is like a healing island in our rushed and

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busy society — rare and precious. Patients frequently commented that the group setting is comforting, and they often return for many more treatments together with their friends and family.”

Looking for a fun and easy way to improve your health that will also save you money and help the environment?

With a pedal assist electric bike, you can experience the joy of cycling while still getting exercise. An eBike is the fitness tool that you’ll look forward to using every day. Numerous studies have shown the many health benefits of eBikes and unlike the regular bike sitting in your garage, you’ll actually ride your eBike! According to Kelly Demoline of CitrusCycles.ca, eBikes have helped many of his customers become healthier — even when recovering from injuries or surgery.

“The great thing about an eBike is you can choose how hard you work. It is much gentler on your joints, and you get to see so much more because you can go further distances.” Pedal assist electric bikes are ideal for commuting, running errands, mountain biking, cruising and exploring. There are urban and commuting bikes, mountain bikes, cruiser bikes for ultimate comfort and even fat bikes for riding on the beach or in the snow! Cargo eBikes are becoming increasingly popular as a car replacement since you can bring everything with you — including kids! It only costs a few cents to charge the battery, and you get the same health benefits you would from riding a regular bike, but now you have the freedom to go further, with a lot less motivation needed to get off the sofa.

Acupuncture improves immunity at Naturally Healthy Clinic.

E-Bikes are a fun way to improve your health at Citris Cycles, Ladysmith. Photos submitted

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Federal Government Infrastructure Spending and Local Transit Over the past number of years, as a member of the Regional District of Nanaimo’s (RDN’s) Transit Select Committee, I have had a number of individuals and groups make impassioned requests to have public transit extended to their residence. Some of these requests originated from seniors experiencing ageing problems that limit their ability to drive. Others are from parents who want their children to have access to a diverse range of recreational and occupational opportunities not currently available in their communities.

While public transportation throughout the region is a worthy goal, there are a number of limiting factors, including monies available to local governments from senior levels of government. Under BC Transit (a provincial Crown corporation), for example, routes must be approved by BC Transit before funds are made available — currently operating costs are split between the province (53 per cent) and local government (47 per cent). Additionally, total provincial funding to BC Transit limits the number of hours of operation. Another factor that is at work is the lack of population density in the region. Peer-reviewed

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studies point to a general consensus that seven housing units per acre — or in terms of population 17 persons per acre — is required to support 30-minute transit service. This density level is only achieved in two communities within the RDN — both situated within the City of Nanaimo.

While those studies may apply to large urban centres with a high ratio of the workforce employed in non-trades ventures, it does not apply here. In an earlier column, I noted that in Ottawa, Ontario, for example, where a large percentage of the workforce in employed in office jobs, approximately 32 per cent of the workforce uses public transportation services. On the other hand, urbanized cities, like Nanaimo and Kamloops, B.C., have a large percentage of workers employed in construction trades, which require the worker to have their own tools and be mobile to a number of construction sites, and thus, the usage rate is in the 3 per cent to 5 per cent range. Expanding the public transportation network cannot be done through a “user pay” (fare box) approach; rather, it requires that senior levels of government need to not only step up with more infrastructure funding, but also elevate public transit in their list of spending priorities.

Recently, the Federal Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, on behalf of Transport Canada, asked the Council of

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Canadian Academies (CCA) to provide an evidence-informed, authoritative assessment of how technology and innovation can improve the accessibility of the federal transportation system for older adults. I expect that the timing of the study may be tied to their announced infrastructure-spending program. With the “federal transportation system” limited to their regulatory role of air, rail, inter-provincial bus and trucking and certain ferry systems (located primarily in Atlantic Canada), it remains unclear how this will aid or otherwise affect public transportation in B.C. and, more specifically, within this region.

The federal study has some interesting statistics as to the level of mobility of adults in the age brackets 65 to 74, 75 to 84 and 85 plus. The study also indicates that many of these adults have increased ability to travel due to fewer time of year limits and, for a goodly number, resources to do so. While the study was focussed on a “door-throughdoor” approach, this, out of necessity, included provincial and municipal components. This “door-through-door” approach considers all stages of a journey from stations and terminals, riding in vehicles to getting through the door at the chosen destination. This requires that the whole of the Canadian transportation system — cars, buses, trains, planes and ferries, whether under federal, provincial or municipal governance — be considered. My read of the study is that much of the focus is on physical access, but it also considers other factors, such as comfort, respect and safety. Over the past decade, significant changes have been made to increase accessibility of vehicles, ranging from a percentage of taxis in a fleet having lifts for wheelchair bound clients to buses that “kneel” and provide a ramp that makes access easier for both wheelchairs and other mobility-challenged people. In terms of comfort and respect, the use of the HandyDART buses has

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allowed for residents to attend to non-discretionary trips, such as those to a doctor, as well as discretionary trips to visit social venues, which reduce feelings of isolation and enhance the quality of life of older adults.

Are we there yet? As noted earlier, there are existing limitations that prevent the public transportation system from being extended more widely. The study identified the following three pathways to help achieve the goal of make the Canadian transportation system more inclusive: advancing human and social resources; advancing technology and infrastructure; and advancing policy. While I see some hopeful signs in this study, past practice has shown countless examples of such pathways used by those charged with implementing them as barriers to change.

For those wishing to read the entire 160 plus page Panel Report, it is available at: www.scienceadvice.ca/.../transportaging-full report_en.pdf alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

CVRD Area G (Saltair) Saltair Community Centre Funding The Saltair Community Society has shown that they are very successful operators of the community centre. The rooms in the centre are almost fully booked and rented out to different organizations. The anchor tenant is the daycare, housing up to 60 children with nine daycare workers. The arts group has up to 60 members that use one of the rooms that is rented out full time, and the quilting group of 25 members has another room.

A physiotherapist operates a business out of the old office. The society signed a lease with the CVRD, as well as an operating agreement.

At a recent CVRD board meeting, funds were put into place to renew the whole roof, fix furnaces and renew the inside of the gym. The funds came from $130,000 of Federal gas tax money, $31,000 from reserves and a small loan of $139,000 to be paid back over five years. The yearly tax requisition for the community centre is $45,000 or $8.80/$100,000 and has been the same for the last four years and will be the same for the next five years, so there will be no tax increase. The centre is financially secure. The society also has their own money that is building up from rentals so that they can do improvements as they see necessary. They have already put in one new furnace from their own funds. The rental groups have also paid for all their own tables, chairs and furniture.

Regional Recreation The Regional Recreation Select Committee has completed the first two phases of their work on Regional Recreation Funding. The first phase involved going out to the communities and asking people what they like in recreation and how the recreate. The second phase was study of facility use at the nine major facilities in the Cowichan Valley. The third phase will involve coming up with a plan to look at any changes to the funding formulas.

CVRD Area H (North Oyster) CVRD Area H Director Mary Marcotte will return to Directors’ Notes in the next issue of TAKE 5.

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Business excellence awards Two local businesses received awards at the 18th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, celebrating the best of business on the island for the year, on Thursday, January 25, at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria.

There were 15 other categories, with Cedar’s award-winning Coco Café receiving the Entrepreneur award and Riot Brewing of Chemainus honoured for Food & Food Production.

Dodd’s Furniture was named Business of the Year and Balance Home Cleaning, Small Business of the Year.

The sold-out event celebrated the best of the best of business on the island for the past year.

Cedar's CoCo Cafe (top) received the Entrepreneur award, and Riot Brewing of Chemainus was honoured for Food & Food Production (above) at the 18th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.

Photos submitted.

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A New Library for Chemainus Vancouver Island Regional Library is planning to build a new library in Chemainus. The new Library’s project budget is $2.25 million. Once built, the state-of-the-art new library will offer 5,000 square feet of floor space, and with the increase in space, there will be more of everything. Residents will enjoy expanded hours and an expanded program schedule. During construction, library services will continue to be offered at the current location of the Chemainus branch.

Classical Concerts Chemainus Classical Concerts presents: “The Complete Chopin Studies” Antoine Joubert, piano Feb.4, 2 pm at St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus. Awardwinning Montreal pianist Antoine Joubert, performs Chopin’s Etudes.

Tickets: At the door $20. Under 18: $5 In advance: $17. or by phoning 250748-8383. For more information: http:// www.chemainusclassicalconcerts/.ca

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It’s All About the Microbes!

There’s a lot of talk of the role of gut micro-biomes in good health these days, about the gut/brain connection and how microbes rule the day. Well I have just discovered by reading ‘The Hidden Half of Nature’ by David R. Montgomery and Anne Bikle, that plants have a micro-biome too, a mass of microbes that coat their roots, shoots, leaves, fruits and seeds, and that each plant hosts a unique microbial community. Chemicals released from a plant’s roots influence populations of soil micro-organisms to gather around the root to form

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Microbes abound. Photo submitted.

a ‘rhizosphere’, where they interact with millions of gossamer-thin plant hairs projecting from the root. Simply by balancing their inner chemistry, plants choose which nutrients they need and the soil micro-organisms transfer nutrients from the soil to the plant.

In today’s world soil continues to be depleted by industrialized methods of food production and high inputs of petrochemical-based chemicals, synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that damage and destroy microbial soil life.

There has been a spike in awareness of the impact that intensive farming techniques are having on the world’s soils and its biodiversity. In 2015 a UN spokesperson warned that at current rates of degradation, the world’s topsoil could be gone within 60 years. The UK is 30 to 40 years away from “the fundamental eradication of soil fertility” in parts of the country, the environment secretary Michael Gove has warned.

(Source: The Guardian) Every time crops are removed without restoring organic matter the soil is depleted, which results in reduced fertility, decreased plant health and soil erosion.

In organic food production the soil is regenerated by inputs of organic matter, including crop rotations, green and animal manures, mulches and compost.

Nutrients are restored and beneficial soil microbes are fed, so that they can continue their job of slowly breaking down and releasing essential elements to plants.

Let’s take a journey under the soil for a moment, to explore what goes on in the soil food web. It’s like an unexplored planet, teeming with life forms that affect everything that goes on in the garden. An amazingly diverse web of life

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exists in the soil, without which plants would not exist, and neither would we.

Soil-dwelling organisms range from one-celled bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa, to more complex nematodes, micro-arthropods (microscopic bugs), and creatures we are more familiar with, such as earthworms, insects and small vertebrates.

The role of these organisms is to decompose organic matter, fix nitrogen from the air, store nutrients and make them available to plants, enhance soil tilth, and manage or destroy pests and pollutants. They are critical in creating, regulating and maintaining healthy soils and plant growth.

These organisms are found wherever there is organic matter to feed on, but mainly in the top few inches of soil.

They are mostly concentrated around roots, in plant litter, on humus, and on the surface of soil aggregates. Tillage, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides have an enormous impact on non-target species in the soil food web. Disruption of the intricate relationship between the pathogens and beneficial organisms opens the door to problems with pests and diseases. This is why industrialized agribusiness using monoculture food production is forced to rely on ever increasing inputs of pesticides.

Organic practices that respect the fragile interdependency of the soil food web protects microbial life, which in turn results in healthier plants (and more nutrient-dense food), while protecting the precious topsoil we need to grow food around the world. Feed your soil and it will feed your plants. My four secrets of soil building are free and readily available- manure, compost, leaves and seaweed. If you incorporate these into your garden you will spend less time fighting pests and more time enjoying abundant harvests, and if we transition to organic farming we will save the soil for future generations.

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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In defense of the word “genitals” I was taken to task lately for using the word genitals. I had been describing what could poke out when the medical community subjects you to one of those one-stringed bed sheets they make you wear while feeding you a barium milkshake.

“What’s the problem with genitals?” I asked, “Offensive,” they replied.

Wait until they try the barium milkshake.

When I recovered enough to use my words, the supply of which had just diminished by one, I asked what they would suggest for a substitute. “Nether

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regions,” they said. (Not making this up.) Whether a name change to Tinker Bell would be required, they didn’t say.

What I want to know is who declared genitals offensive and why wasn’t I informed? I make a determined effort to read the news daily, a large butterfly net at port arms, just in case something goofy floats by. But other than the never-ending Trump circus, there has been nothing. No emails, no registered letters, no phone calls from lawyers. I even went down to the post office to see if any proclamations had been posted advising that a state of war exists between the nation of Canada and the word genitals.

Apparently not.

I suppose genitals received the “nethernether region” censure because genitals are used for sexual purposes. But then, so too are legs, butts, the torso, mouth, tongue, ears, arms, breasts, don’t forget skin and especially hands, which can be tied behind your back if that 50 Shades Of Gray fellow can be believed. (He gets away with glorified smut, bondage even, sells over 125 books, and I can’t get away with genitals? Being offensive just

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isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.)

Since all these parts at times have been guilty of sexual activity, shouldn’t they too be considered offensive and banned from use, fair being fair?

For the record, not once have I heard the word genitals, or a derivative thereof, used in an offensive manner. I’ve heard some pretty inventive cussers, but when it comes to the word genitals, they take a pass. Phrases like “Look at the genitals on that one” or “Smokin hot genitals” simply haven’t caught on.

Usually the word is reserved for hospitals, the operating room, where the surgeon turns to his nurse and says, “Tonsils? What do you mean tonsils? I thought it said remove genitals.” (Thinks for a moment. Sage nod of head.) “At least that explains the screaming.”

But I could be wrong. So over the Christmas holidays, with lots of visiting friends and relatives, I did a little checking. Wherever you would expect to find a four-letter word, I substituted genitals or a variation thereof.

For example, when I discovered that for the 50th consecutive year, there was

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no Porsche 911 under the tree with a “To Delbert, From Santa” sticker on it, I turned toward the North Pole and, in my outside voice, yelled, “Santa is a phony genital.” No one who heard me walked away thinking, “Boy, has that Delbert got a foul mouth.” They did, however, gain an understanding of why I wasn’t being trusted with a Porsche.

The reason genitals fail as a cuss word? Too many syllables.

When it comes to offending people, you just can’t beat a onesyllable four-letter word, the f-word being a prime example.

But genitalia? (Say it loud and there’s music playing. Say it soft and it’s almost like praying.) It sounds like something Rogers and Hammerstein would do. Walt Disney maybe.

With all due respect to the nether-nether crowd, if you’re looking for offensive material, you’re barking up the wrong word. For that, you have to go over to the whale pool. Think about it, did the largest-toothed predator on the planet really need to be named Sperm? And Humpback. What kind of message is that sending to our young impressionable, adolescent males?

Father: What kind of whale is that son?

Son: (stretching his nine-year-old vocal cords to the limit) That’s a SPERM!!! whale.

Father: And how about that little one trying to get away.

Son: That’s a … (Fills lungs with air. Getting ready to project.) HUMPBACK!!!

Father: (proudly) Hell of a sharp kid.

Here’s why it’s important we rescue the word genitals: Both Lenin and John Maynard Keynes (not to be confused with Maynard G. Krebs, another famous Maynard) were of the opinion that there is no quicker way to destroy a nation than to debase the currency. Well, they’re wrong. Debasing the language is quicker. Get them speaking baby talk and they’re yours for the taking. And if referring to your once proud, reproductive organs as the nether regions isn’t baby talk, I don’t know what is. What’s next? Raising your hand for permission to go number one or number two? (Or if it isn’t too offensive, number three, the combo.)

Well, I say when it comes to words, it’s important to return to our core values, to call a spade a spade, or in the case of a weed wacker, a weapon of mass destruction. As Google puts it, “to call something ‘as it is,’ that is, by its right or proper name, without ‘beating about the bush’ — being outspoken about it, truthfully, frankly, and directly, even to the point of being blunt or rude, and even if the subject is considered coarse. …”

That’s why I’ve formed the Word Defense League (WDL).

Our job: To protect all words, especially those with a little salt on them — just in case you’re wondering why all those geezers in the “Genitals: not a dirty word” t-shirts are assembling in the parking lot. Our mission statement: To restore genitals’ reputation, and while we’re at it, ask Santa what’s the hold up on the 911.

When we’re finished with that, we’ll circle the wagons and enjoy a tasty Italian red, Barone Montalto Cabernet Sauvignon Nero D’avola at just $11.79.

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

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FEB 1 – 3 2, 7pm, Vancouver Island Short Film Festival, tkts $15/students $10, VIU’s Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo 2–11, 7:30pm (except Feb. 4, 11 at 2pm), “One Night Stand,” Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, 250-816-6459 3, 2pm & 7pm, Vancouver Island Short Film Festival, tkts $15/students $10, VIU’s Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo 3, 7pm, Gala Opening for Ladysmith Waterfront’s Fine Art Show, refreshments and awards, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 3, 9am–10:30am, $5 Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 3, 7:30pm, Fanfare, a solo artist who uses a violin, beat boxing and a looping machines, Riot

Brewing Co., 3055 Oak St., Chemainus 3–24, 8th Annual Fine Art Show at the Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1252

4 – 10 4, 2pm–4pm, John Miller Quartet Parallel Universe Project, tkts $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 4, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts, Antoine Joubert, piano “The Complete Chopin Studies,” tkts $20 adult/$5 under 18, Adv. tkts $17, St. Michael’s Church, 2852-58 Mill St., Chemainus, 250-748-8383

ages welcome, Riot Brewing Co., 3055 Oak St., Chemainus 7, 7:30pm, “Anastasia,” presented by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 8, 7pm–9:30pm, Grapes of Craft: An Evening of Art & Wine, registration $30 members or $35 non-members, Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commercial St., 250-754-1750 9–March 10, “Once,” Chemainus Theatre, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, 1-800-565-7738 9, 7:30pm, Bob Johns CD release party, Riot Brewery Co., 3055 Oak St., Chemainus 9, 75th Anniversary Ladysmith Air Cadets

5, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, City Hall 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400

10, 1pm, Theatre One presents “Cinderella,” tkts $12, VIU Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo

6, 7pm–10pm, Ruby Tuesday, a circle jam hosted by Glenn and Yetta, all skill levels and

10, 7pm, Valentines Dinner & Dance, Chakalaka Bar & Grill, 13230 TCH 250-924-0324

11 – 17 11, 2pm–4pm, A Valentine’s Tribute to Broadway, tkts $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 11, 2pm–4pm, Valentine’s Day Tea, tkts $10, sign up at centre by February 2, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 15, 7pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club meeting, guest speaker David Pink, presenting “Irrigation Systems,” Ladysmith Community Health Centre, Room G18, 1111 4th Ave. 15–March 4, “The Kitchen Witches,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, for show dates and tickets contact 250-924-0658 or visit the box office 4985 Christie Rd., Ladysmith 15, 7:30pm, “Onegin,” an Arts Club rock musical production, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 15, 7pm–9pm, Open Mic hosted by Bob Johns, Riot Brewery Co., 3055 Oak St., Chemainus 17, 5pm–8pm, Birthday Party and Potluck dinner, bar and entertainment, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111

18– 24 18, 2pm–4pm, NMA Big Band, tkts $20, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

18, 10:30am–3pm, 2018 Air Cadet Vancouver Island Effective Speaking Competition, Aggie Hall, Ladysmith 19, 7pm–9pm, Island Stitchery Group Meeting, come and have fun embroidering with other keen stitchers, membership includes Embroidery Canada Assoc. membership, Christ Community Church, 2221 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo 19-23, Chamber Week 19, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, City Hall 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 20, 7pm–10pm, Ruby Tuesday, a circle jam hosted by Glenn and Yetta, all skill levels and ages welcome, Riot Brewing Co., 3055 Oak St., Chemainus 20, Chamber Week Open House, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce 250-245-2112 21, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 21, 11:30am–1pm, Soup and Sandwich with entertainment, $6, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 23, 5:30pm & 7:30pm, Nanaimo Sings! Festival, Choral Extravaganza, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 100 Chapel St., Nanaimo 23, 6pm–8pm, Ladysmith and Surrounding Community Seafood Dinner, tkts $20, silent auction and 50/50 draw, fundraiser for athletes’ new uniforms, Stz’uminus Community School, 3951 Shell Beach Rd., Ladysmith, 250-245-6650 23, starts 7:30pm, Ratfish Comedy, cover at door, Riot Brewing , 3055 Oak St., Chemainus 24, 9am–2pm, Ladysmith Little Market, unique items available, Diamond Hall, 4962 Christie Rd. 24, 2pm, 4pm, 7pm & 8:30pm, Nanaimo Sings!

Festival, Choral Extravaganza, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 100 Chapel St., Nanaimo 24, 9am–1pm, Workshop with Sheri-D Wilson, registration $50, VIU, Building 356, Room 111, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo, 250-734-1066 24, 7pm–10pm, Word Artist – Sheri-D Wilson, tkts $10/students $8, VIU, Building 356, Room 109, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo, 250-734-1066 24, 5pm, Rotary’s Release the Light Lantern Night Festival, Transfer Beach Ladysmith

25 – 28

MARCH

25, 2pm–4pm, Ryan Oliver, tkts $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

3, 8am–3pm, 47th Annual Digger’s Club Antique & Collectibles Show & Sale, Island Savings Centre, 2687 James St, Duncan, 250-746-0440

25, 6:30pm, Ladysmith Newcomers, Legion Hall upstairs, general meeting, socializing, potluck dinner, new residents of Ladysmith and surrounding area welcome, call Shanon at 250924-8809

17, 3pm & 7pm, John McDermott in concert, Vancouver Island Symphony, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo, 250-754-8550

25, 7pm, Nanaimo Sings! Festival Gala Concert, Choral Extravaganza, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo 27, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club – “Portrait Secrets,” with professional Kurt Knock, Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith, www.

LadysmithCameraClub.com

24, 1pm–3pm, Vintage Fashion Show, charity event, tkts $25, St. Andrews United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-327-3086 10, Valentines Dinner & Dance, Chakalaka Bar & Grill, 18, 2018 Air Cadet Vancouver Island Effective Speaking Competition 23, Comedy Night, Riot Brewing Co.

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FEB 2018

Highway spells end of the Arboretum – but could it be revived?

BY ROB JOHNSON As you turn off the highway or cross the highway at Roberts Street to go down to Transfer Beach Park, you will see the remnants of what was one of Ladysmith’s greatest treasures: the Ladysmith Arboretum. The arboretum was a park that contained thousands of flowers as well as displays of steam trains, heritage logging equipment and over 50 species of trees, both native to the area and exotic. In its prime, visitors from across Canada and from around the world would stop and admire the beauty that was exhibited.

The idea of creating this garden and arboretum to include not only flowers but also a collection of logging equipment goes to Fred Mulholland. Mr. Mulholland was the first Chief Forester of Comox Logging and Railway Company Limited and a leader in forest management in the province.

The park started taking shape in 1948 and 1949 when Jesse Swetnam, the head gardener, started landscaping the site.

Entrance to Tranfer Beach Park passes the area where the Arboretum was located.

Only a few trees remain.

Photo: Rob Johnson (right) Comox Logging Arboretum with the Steam Locomotive #11 displayed was a popular picnic and photo site.

Photo courtesy of Rob Johnson

He and a number of other gardeners planted the thousands of plants and trees.

The new garden had extensive rockery beds containing a number of mixed annuals and perennials. A pergola or trellis, running parallel to the E&N railway tracks, was covered in climbing roses

and silver fleece vines, creating a glorious backdrop to the rest of the gardens.

Dozens of different types of flowers burst out from all areas of these flower beds, extending over 320 feet. Many of these beds set off the numerous displays of trains and logging equipment along

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the museum grounds.

The star in the logging display was the steam locomotive Shay No. 12. Along with other historic logging equipment, it was “permanently” placed in the gardens. Most of the annuals in the garden were raised in the company-owned greenhouse at the back of the office building. In the front of the office, the garden was planted with geraniums in summer and wallflowers in late winter.

The highlight, though, was the creation of the parent company, Forest Products, logo — a “CIRCLE F” outlined with seasonal flowers.

Swetnam was also entrusted with the planting of over 30 different species of trees in the arboretum. These trees were to help reflect the value of merchantable forest to our economy and to showcase some unique species of trees from different parts of the world, including trees from South America, Central China, Scandinavian, England, Palestine and various states in the US, including California and Colorado. The site also contained many native trees to our area.

In 1987, Crown Zellerbach, along with representatives of the Native Sons and Daughters of B.C., who were instrumental in having the Pacific dogwood named the provincial flower, planted a dogwood to the site.

Recognizing the uniqueness of the arboretum, Crown Zellerbach officially dedicated the site to preservation of early logging equipment from 1962. It was an outdoor museum containing most of the artefacts we presently see around town: the steam donkey on the way to Transfer Beach Park, the Fordson tractor by Aggie Hall and the ship’s anchor in the middle of the roundabout.

By 1986, Crown Zellerbach ceased operation in the area, and the Town took the opportunity to secure the company’s waterfront lands, including the arboretum and company office building for future economic development. Unfortunately little has been achieved over the years. These lands are still an opportunity for future development in our community.

In 1986, Mayor Alex Stewart and his council managed to get an Expo 86 Legacy grant for the restoration of the old Comox maintenance buildings. The plan was to convert the building into small business incubator spaces. Work was

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done at that time to prevent the buildings from rotting away. One part of the plan to capitalize on this Expo Legacy grant was to expand the original arboretum and museum. Design plans were drawn up by the University of B.C.’s Landscape Architecture program in 1986. This plan would make the arboretum one of the nicest tourist attractions on the Island.

The arboretum already saw the 50 or so families a day and new designs could increase this number to hundreds a day, if not thousands per month.

The plan for the arboretum space was to convert the office into a tourism office, a lounge and restaurant with a pub below the building. The grounds would contain an interpretative forest with a pond and a separate museum dedicated to early days of logging. There would be a covered picnic area around the showcase piece, Loci No. 11 and a civic platform for community events.

This was all part of the master plan to help make this area an economic stimulator for the Town. In addition the Expo Legacy, the cost of this project now climbed up to $750,000. The plan was

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to be a tri-party development process, with the province and the federal governments and private developers working together to ensure that the wishes of the residents were included — much like the present day charette plan addressing the waterfront.

Unfortunately, the B.C. Department of Highways was looking into widening the highway with plans to put in a new entrance to Transfer Beach Park.

The result was that a large swath of the arboretum was lost, leaving little of the original arboretum.

While the dreams of yesteryear may have evaporated, we have not lost the opportunity to revive some of the ideas that were part of the 1986 plan. During the review of the latest waterfront plans, there has been little or no discussion of revitalizing the arboretum. If the plans were to include an updated arboretum, it could become both a great gateway to the new development along the waterfront and a major tourist attraction that could do wonders for the economy and reputation of the Town.

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FOR SALE SCROLL SAW 16” variable speed, new blades, manual & pattern books $85; L-shaped glass & chrome computer table like new cond. $200; Mens’ cross-country skis $75; Womens skis and boots size 8 $75. Call Norm 250-245-5775.

STANDUP HAY FEEDER, metal, $200. 250-2459165 or 250-756-8892.

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

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.

ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design, www. islandgardenscapes.ca. Ask for Kathleen 250-802-0461.

JANICE’S HOME CARE SERVICES. All care inside and out of the home; home care, house work, yard work and transportation. Contact janjamieson101@gmail.com or call 250-7012909. Great Rates!

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.

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

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 250-714-2738 or kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, editor@take5.ca 250-245-7015.

EDUCATION COTTAGE PAINT 101. Transform old furniture into AWESOME! Learn the basics plus creative decorative techniques. All supplies included + 15% off Cottage Paint purchase at ANTIQUE ADDICT. Call now to book 250-245-6533 or email shop@antiqueaddict.ca.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER available for spring, summer and fall 2018. References avail.

Prefer long stay. www.peaceofmindhousesitting. wordpress.com. Call Kathleen 250-619-0786.

ROMAX MASONRY. Chimney repairs and rebuilds. Stonework. Patios. Interlocking pavers.

Fireplaces. Slate installs. Minor excavating.

Romaxmasonry.com, romax-bc@shaw.ca or 250-516-7597.

NEED HELP WITH HOUSEWORK? Let Lean On Me Housecleaning take care of it for you! Reliable and friendly service with attention to detail. Your home will sparkle! Call 250-245-2478.

HOUSESITTERS INC. Insurance & security checks of your home or vacant property. Pet care, senior check ins & concierge services. Details on website www.housesittersinc.com. Insured.

Retired RCMP owned. Call 250-713-5110.

FEB 2018

HEALTH & BEAUT Y JACLYNN COTTRELL REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY. $100 for one hour; $60 for 30 minutes. Available evenings. Located across from Friesen’s on York Rd. in Cedar. Call 778971-0444.

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am to noon $25/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org.

Call Sara 250-245-1466.

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

RETIRED RMT. Yellow Point Body Works. $60 each for 4 consecutive massages, non medical.

See FB, yellowpoint.bodyworks.ste.314@gmail. com, or 250-618-8218.

GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free.

Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421.

THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. I also do odd jobs.

Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250618-9217.

SENIORS UPGRADES. Railings, grab bars, wheelchair ramps, interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/ storage, decks, benches. Make the home you love more comfortable and functional.

Namaste Home Improvements 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

GARDENING, YARDWORK, BUILDING & PROPERTY REPAIR, we do it all! Free estimates, serving Cedar to Chemainus. Call Paul Dunn 250-714-3573; all calls promptly returned.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from $100 a minute. We will help you get on YouTube, call TAKE 5 for an estimate on your project. editor@ take5.ca 250-245-7015.

PETS

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

KEEP IT CLEAN SOLUTIONS. Home & office cleaning. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule.

Contact Alicia Johnson 250-709-1364 or aliciajohnson@telus.net.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now three locations: Victoria, Cedar and Comox Valley.

Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com.

Call Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.

FEB 2018

THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Call Shanon or Bill at 250-924-8809, Ladysmith.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR. I provide services to help with behaviour issues, lost animals, messages your animal wants you to hear and much more. Contact me at www.janicematthews. ca or 250-246-3394.

GOLDEN LEASH OBEDIENCE. Certified Balanced dog training specialist, covering Nanaimo to Duncan, puppy and adult classes private lessons, help with aggression and problem behaviours. Text or phone 250-667-3878.

SINGLE, INTELLIGENT 7-YEAR-OLD MALE Black Lab, papers, very friendly & well trained, looking to meet sweet, calm female Lab. Object – son to raise and play with. Call Brant 250-7160001.

DOG WALKING/ HIKING OFF LEASH 2 hour avg. walk, weekly walks year round, pick up & drop off, Insured & Licenced. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action!

SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment.

Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcome. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391.

CEDAR SENIORS DROP-IN held every Wednesday 1 to 3pm at the Cedar United Church Hall. Games, refreshments and an opportunity to meet your neighbours. Call Donna at 250-7223536 or Barb at 250-722-2346.

LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, cookbooks, personal histories, we can get your project ready to press. Print and eBook format. Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. editor@take5.ca or phone 250-245-7015.

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Jessica Wolf wins volunteer award for Wildwood work The Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) congrat ulates Jessica Wolf for being selected as an Outstanding Volunteer through the 2017 Island Savings #SimpleGenerosity program.

Jessica has been an ardent Wildwood supporter for many years, and this award recognizes her significant role in ensuring Wildwood remains in the public domain, as well as her contributions since EIS acquired Wildwood. In addition to the volunteer recognition, Jessica was also awarded $1,500 to give to a charity of her choice. She has donated the funds to EIS. “We are very proud and grateful for the support Jessica has given us over the last few years. She has been integral to our success and has been generous in sharing her expertise, energy and time to save Wildwood. She continues to help us along the path of sustainability now that we are Trustees of Wildwood,” said EIS Co-chair Peter Jungwirth.

During the three years EIS worked to keep Wildwood in the public domain, Jessica was a powerful voice. She played a pivotal role in garnering public support, leading a petition campaign that gathered strong community support and well over 2,000 signatures.

Since EIS successfully acquired Wildwood, Jessica has helped EIS develop a strategic framework and now serves as a board advisor.

As a volunteer charitable society with no paid positions, EIS is keenly aware of the value of volunteers and the difference they make to the social fabric of the community. Jessica has

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proven time and again that selfless devotion to a cause can enhance the quality of community and the people we serve.

Wildwood is a renowned demonstration ecoforest, the longest continuously managed ecoforest on the West Coast of North America. Merv Wilkinson began logging the property in the mid 1940s after studying the Scandinavian method of selective harvesting. He was awarded the Orders of Canada and British Columbia for his pioneering work in ecoforestry.

Under the Wildwood Trust Deed, EIS is mandated to continue Merv’s work at Wildwood as tangible evidence that humans can substantially benefit from the environment while maintaining a fully functioning ecosystem. Wildwood stands as a global example of an ecoforest, boasting numerous old growth and mature trees, intact wetlands, lake foreshore and an abundant wildlife habitat managed in a woodlot landscape. Selective logging practices ensure that forest growth is maintained entirely through natural regeneration cycles.

Clockwise: Wildwood EcoForest . Photo: Ian Baird.

Jessica Wolf and Erik Piikkila of the Ecoforestry Institute Society with Brad Lesiuk, Manager, and Jenna Sutherland, Assistant Branch Manager, of Island Savings. Photo submitted.