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Letters Power outages: How to get by in style Following the horrific wind storm just before Christmas, my family lost mains power for some 60 hours. For some the power outage was less, but we were lucky as others had no power for much longer than two and a half days! Getting through a prolonged power outage in style needs some advanced planning. Here are some ideas that might help. Transfer switch: When we spoke to our electrician when our new house was about to be wired, he explained that a transfer switch would enable us to run our generator into the house to run electrical power to circuits that we considered essential. There are two types of transfer switches: manual or automatic. We opted for a manual transfer switch. So in the event of a power outage, we could start up the generator, plug it into the house input and operate the switch. If you don’t have a transfer switch, your certified electrician could certainly provide a quote to install one. What to power: Certainly the fridge/freezer, lights, safety devices like smoke detectors, fans for wood stoves — all normal-
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ly 115 Volts AC. Also the water pump, normally 230 Volts AC, so that you retain running water. In our case, we did power our TV and were able to receive some off-air digital TV signals. Remember when the power is out for more than a few hours, you will likely lose cable/ internet and cell phone service. Dry batteries: Without main power, you will certainly want some light. Flashlights run on dry batteries, such as AA or AAA. Dry batteries have a long shelf life, which means that you can store them, typically, for a few years. Heating and Cooking: In an area prone to power outages, it is always best to have an alternative type of heating that does not rely on electrical power, unless you have a generator of course! For cooking, an outside BBQ is always a good alternative. Amateur Radio: My wife and I are licensed radio amateurs. This means we can contact other radio “hams” from all over the world. Amateur radio comes into its own during emergencies when all normal communications, phones and the internet, are down. During the power outage, members of our local Coastal
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Emergency Communications Association (CECA) called us via VHF radio to make sure that we were okay. We are also members of the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association (NARA), which supports repeater stations as part of the Island Trunk System, linking Port Hardy to Victoria — great in an emergency. Amateur radio can provide essential radio communications services to agencies in CVRD, Nanaimo and Ladysmith. Family Communications: We all take instant communications with family members for granted. It is wise to develop a family communications plan for when cell phones and the internet are no longer available. It is possible that tex-
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ting via a cell phone might work, but don’t rely on it. Have a plan for all family members to return home or meet at a pre-arranged location! Emergency supplies: Keep an emergency supply of non-perishable food and drink in case you are not able to leave your home (trees down). Include medications and all supplies that you consider essential for a week! Sooner or later, there will come a time when you wished that you had planned for an emergency. It does require some investment in time and money, but it is worthwhile. Planning ahead could save you money and stress when things go wrong. If you do some research now, you will breeze through the next power outage in style! - David Evans (Ladysmith) Member of the Association of PublicSafety Communications Officials (APCO) Letters to the Editor may be edited for space, clarity or legality and do not necessarily represent the opinions of TAKE 5 and its affiliates. editor@take5.ca or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, V9G 1A1
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Make tracks for Heritage Week Events BC Heritage Week’s theme this year is the Tie the Tie that Binds. In Ladysmith railways were the glue that held the community together from moving coal, and transporting miners to work and home, to the logging railroads that brought a period of great prosperity under the Comox Logging & Rail Co., to the E&N Railway that connected us to the rest of the Island. In celebration of this theme the Ladysmith & District Historical Society and The Ladysmith Maritime Society are hosting a Heritage Day celebration at the Ladysmith’s waterfront’s historic Comox Logging & Rail site on Saturday Feb. 23. This is a great family event with refreshments and activities for kids. The LMS Heritage Boat Restoration Shop will be open for people to see the restoration work on the wooden boat, CA Kirkegaard. The Harbour Heritage Centre and the Naval Display will also be open. LDHS volunteers will have the Locomotive Shop open so visitors can view the restoration progress on the 1923 steam locomotive #11 and the unique humdirgen. There will be a slide show in the restored First Aid building and other exhibits. One of the highlights of the day will be the opportunity to ride a restored hand-pump car on the tracks that day. Brought down special for this event, by Harry and Shirley Blackstaff from their private collection, the car was used
Quentin Goodbody and Brianna and James Morrison enjoy a ride. LDHS volunteers will be giving kids and adults ride om the restored hand pump car. Photo: Shirley Blackstaff.
by Comox Logging and later for Crown Zellerbach, says Harry Blackstaff. “It was used by the guys to go up to Nanaimo Lakes looking for any trouble along the track.” The restored car would have been used in the 1930’s up to the 1970’s, according to Harry. There will be many interactive activities for young and old to make this a truly memorable day. Events take place at the 610,614 & 616 Oyster Bay Drive sites, Ladysmith from 10am-3 pm.
New at Ladysmith Museum Ladysmith Museum is hosting Family Day Monday, Feb. 18 with activities, featuring classic games.
Come on out try out a board game. Take in the new War Exhibit and watch some archival films. Snacks served, from noon until 4pm. The museum has extended their regular hours to be open noon to 4pm until Friday Feb 22. For more info call 250-245-0423.
Heritage Collage project In celebration of Heritage Week, Ladysmith’s Heritage Collage located on First Avenue will be getting a makeover. This is an important heritage project says Marnie Craig, Chair of the Ladysmith Heritage Advisory Commission. “We felt that the Ladysmith & District Historical Society was the best group to
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Marnie Craig in front of the Heritage Collage located downtown Ladysmith. Photo: Marina Sacht
work on the project because they already had access to the Ladysmith Archives and they also had a number of members that were on the commission willing to take on the regeneration of the heritage collage,� says Craig. Improvements include adding more archival photos and landscaping in the coming months to revitalizing this piece of our heritage, says Craig. The Heritage Advisory Commission was disbanded Dec. 3, following recommendations to Council to simplify and avoid duplication amongst other commissions and committees.
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Cedar Hall: Shelter From the Storm BY KATE GIRARD When Vonda Croissant started volunteering at Cedar Community Hall last fall, she had no idea what the Christmas season would bring. Croissant, who manages the hall office and looks after rentals, suddenly found herself running an Emergency Warming Centre in the aftermath of the worst windstorm in B.C. Hydro’s history. “We were at the hall on Friday, the day after the storm,” says Croissant, “having a regular work party. I thought, why not open the doors to the public? The generator was on, the hall was warm and the coffee was brewing.” Several years ago, Cedar Hall was designated an Emergency Reception Centre by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). However, until the recent storm, it had never been tested. Croissant posted on Facebook that the hall was open for area residents. She brought in some baking to serve with coffee, and residents started to gather. Vonda Croissant . Photo: Kate Girard
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By Saturday, it was clear the power outage would be a long one. Percy Tipping, Chief of the North Cedar Fire Department, dropped in to see what Croissant had started, and by 3 pm on Saturday afternoon, the RDN formally announced the hall open as a warming centre. Regional district staff arranged for platters of fresh food to be delivered. All in all, there were 90 to 100 visits to the hall over the first four days of the outage. Volunteers from the RDN covered 12 hours, and Croissant and her friends hosted the rest of the time. Area residents came to share a warm drink and food, to fill jugs with water for home use and to charge their electronic devices. Even BC Hydro workers stopped in to grab a snack. Croissant notes people also gathered because they were seeking a sense of community. “People wanted to talk about their own experiences and to find out what was happening in other parts of the area. You could hear them describing all the trees down on their laneway or asking someone else, ‘How long has your power been out?’ I think that com-
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ing together in this way helped reduce people’s worries. They could see they weren’t alone.” Croissant says she witnessed many acts of generosity. Some people offered to share their generators with others. One gift, though, really stood out for her. On Christmas Eve, Sharon and Mike Wojnarowski, who live across the street from the hall, arrived with a big pot of chicken soup and homemade biscuits and then set up a TV so people there could watch movies. The whole thing was a good learning experience for Croissant and the other volunteers at Cedar Community Hall. For one thing, they realize they have to let the community know the hall is an Emergency Reception Centre. She recommends that everyone should sign up for online RDN Emergency Notifications. She also plans to start an emergency response team so Cedar Hall can better support the community in future emergencies. Anyone interested in joining the team should contact her at cedarcommunityhall@gmail.com.
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Family Day at the Museum Come celebrate Family Day on Monday, Feb 18 from noon to 4pm with a visit to the Ladysmith Museum. Enjoy vintage games, puzzles, entertainmnet and free snacks. Games have always been a form of family entertainment long before the invention of home computers and video games. Try board games - Chutes and Ladders, Parchesi, Sorry - among others. Do you remember Crokinole, Pick up Sticks and Jacks? February 18th is also Heritage Day in Canada and the start of Heritage Week in BC. View two new displays and archival film footage in recognition of our diverse cultural heritage. The Museum will be open all week as part of Heritage week. For more information or to volunteer, call 250-245-0423.
Public washrooms Plans for a downtown Ladysmith public bathroom are in the works says Ladysmith Kinsmen spokesperson Duck Paterson. The local Kinsmen first presented the
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Proposed public washroom, First Avenue, Ladysmith
idea to Ladysmith council almost two years ago. The location for the amenity is located at the end of the alley between the Royal Bank building and the Ladysmith Health Food store coming onto First Avenue. The total cost for the public bathrooms is $80,000 which will include two bathrooms with toilets, sinks and child change tables. The building will also have a separate room to hold cleaning supplies as well as plumbing, electrical and heating equipment. The existing bench as well as two ornamental cherry trees are to remain and the pathway leading to the public parking and dance studio behind will be enhanced using brick pavers to match what is already at the location. Improved lighting for the facility as well as lighting the path and alley is also planned on being installed. The Kinsmen have received donations from the Eagles as well as the Ladysmith Rotary Club along with the Ladysmith & District Credit Union, Yellow Point Lodge, Nanaimo Airport Commission, the Maritime Society, McCallan Construction Survey Ltd., Turner Land Surveying and others “but we are still a bit more than $30,000 short” says Paterson. You can make a donation at the Ladysmith & District Credit Union under the “Downtown Bathroom” name. For details contact Duck Paterson at 250-245-2263.
A magical year at Wildwood! Get your calendar out for a year of exciting and magical events at Wildwood! Come learn about forest edibles or digital painting, drool over vehicles past and future, experience the serenity of Forest Bathing -- we have something for everyone! Here’s a sneak preview of just some of the activities in 2019. Jay Rastogi, former Wildwood forest manager, returns with a series of workshops featuring edible plant identification, mushrooms, wild teas and winter plant identification. EIS is proud to introduce Forest Bathing at Wildwood with Michael Timney. Recent studies suggest that this Japanese practice of being in the forest is restorative and healing. Don’t miss the social event of the year! Doc Walton’s Curated Classic Concours is scheduled for the May Day long weekend. Rare vintage cars, high profile vendors and the best vintners, distillers, and food crafters mingle with forest tours, music events, and live interactions with birds from the Raptor Centre. For more info visit ecoforestry.ca
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Nanaimo Museum mysteries A safe-cracking ex-cop, the last public hanging in the city and sea monster sightings are just a few of the mysteries under investigation in the Nanaimo Museum’s latest feature exhibit, “Nanaimo Mysteries,” running from February 16 until September 2. “Nanaimo Mysteries” explores aspects of local history that are usually left buried and busts the myths surrounding some of our most infamous stories. “This exhibit pulls together stories that you wouldn’t expect to find in one exhibit,” says Aimee Greenaway, curator at the Nanaimo Museum. “From cold cases and solved murders that date back 125 years to ghost stories and a psychic brought in to solve a missing persons case, visitors will be surprised by Nanaimo’s history.”
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makes an appearance in the exhibit. Using cutting-edge techniques for the 1930s, Vance was key to putting local safe-cracker George Hannay behind bars. “Hannay was so afraid of Vance’s testimony that he tried to have the inspector murdered,” says Greenaway. “We are excited that the Vancouver Police Museum & ArInspector John Vance, known as Canada’s Sherlock Holmes, is part of the Nanaimo Mystery exhibit at Nanaimo Museum. chives have loaned Photo: Vancouver Police Museum & Archives us some of Vance’s own case files for the exhibit.” Vanished heritage also makes an apThe Nanaimo Museum is hosting a pearance in the exhibit, including a presentation for this exhibit on February number of buildings and places that 27 from 6:30–7:30 pm. Pre-registration no longer exist, such as a World War I is required and the cost is $10 per perinternment camp and the Green Mounson. At the presentation, visitors will tain Ski Hill. join curator Aimee Greenaway to hear Inspector John Vance, known in his highlights from the exhibit. time as “Canada’s Sherlock Holmes,” A new program, “Case Files: Bound for Murder,” is a chance for youth ages 13–17 years and adults to put on their detective hats and investigate a tangled, twisty murder from Nanaimo’s past. For more information, visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca or call 250-753-1821.
Cowichan plays Coppélia! Canada’s Ballet Jörgen brings a whimsical, funny ballet to the stage with Coppélia! Set to hit the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre stage on February 7, at 7:30pm, this funny love story delves
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into the mysterious mind of Dr. Coppélius, a lonely toymaker who wishes to bring his creations to life and find his perfect wife. Revealed through the choreography of the award-winning Bengt Jörgen, Coppélia is a classical ballet that is sure to delight! For details call 250-748-7529 or cowichanpac.ca.
A tasty murder Yellow Point Drama Group presents Murder Is No Jive, written and directed by YPDG member Brian March on February 9, at 6 pm. It’s graduation night 1957! As everyone awaits the crowning of the prom king and queen, Johnny Angel shows up to spoil the party. Only one thing is certain: Someone is not going to graduate alive! Whodunnit? The stuffy chaperone? The sweetest girl in class? The shy quarterback? You gotta be there to find out. Order tickets for this murder mystery dinner by calling Armando at 250-722-2459 or online at www.eventbrite.ca. Tickets are $40 and suggested dress is 1950s prom.
Waterfront Gallery December’s storm caused damage to the roof of the old Comox and Logging Building where the gallery is located. The building was closed for repairs but things are back to normal, and the February exhibit Maps is showing at the gallery February 1–25. The gala opening is February 2, from 1–3 pm, with guest speaker Julie Chadwick, author of The Man Who Carried Cash.
Beloved musical hits Chemainus Theatre Family musical “The Sound of Music”, by Rodgers and Hammerstein, plays at the Chemainus Theatre Festival from February 15 to April 6. Based on the true story of the von Trapp family singers, this inspirational musical follows the story of Captain von Trapp and governess Maria as they fall in love during the turbulent time preceding World War II. Their story comes to life with beloved songs “My Favourite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Every Mountain,” and of course “The Sound of Music.” For details call 1-800-565-7738.
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The health benefits of volunteering BY TRICIA TOTH Volunteering is a necessary component to the existence of many organizations providing essential and invaluable community programs and services. While these organizations benefit from the time and effort offered by the volunteer, the rewards are two-fold. Volunteers gain from scientifically-proven physical and psychological health benefits. Assisting others helps combat stress, as it provides us with a distraction from other challenges in our lives. We are given a purpose, which allows us to witness the positive results of our efforts and enhance our sense of accomplishment. Volunteering provides an opportunity to socialize for those who may otherwise isolate themselves or have limited opportunity to interact with others; therefore it acts as a catalyst to combat depression and anxiety. Volunteering can trigger reward centers in the brain, essentially making us happier. Community volunteers have the opportunity to establish meaningful connections with others, which may present friendships, professional opportunities and fun. According to one UK study, employers were 73 per cent more likely
Ladysmith Thrift Store volunteer Pam Fraser, chair of Building Committee
to hire an applicant with volunteer experience than one without. The volunteer is able to see the world from a wider lens and recognize how little acts of kindness can make a big impact. According to one study, those who volunteer are less likely to develop hypertension and have reduced hypertension (Cohen and Sneed, 2013); improving our heart health. Other benefits to volunteering include skills development, contact with others, social and professional connections, life fulfillment and purpose. If you are uncertain where you would like to contribute your time and attention, consider where you would like to make an impact. For instance, if you are a parent, perhaps volunteering with children and families may be especially rewarding for you. If you were a war vet or employed in the public service field, offering your support to those affected by
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trauma could be an area that is particularly rewarding for you, or helping in the healthcare field (e.g., hospital auxiliary). Many communities and organizations have volunteer coordinators, who can assist in matching the volunteer to the area they would be most useful in. You can explore volunteer opportunities in your own community by checking in with your local resource centre, health care auxiliary or facility, art gallery or council, museum, or Chamber of Commerce. While helping to create a healthier community, you’ll also be a healtheir and happier you. Tricia Toth has over two decades of experienced assisting individuals and families. She operates Great Life Counselling in Ladysmith.
Thrift store builds healthier community BY MARINA SACHT “We have no shortage attracting customers,” says Pam Fraser, chair of the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary Building committee as she gives me a tour through the crowded Thrift Store. The shipping and sorting area is jam-packed with donations waiting to be processed. The Healthcare Auxiliary will be expanding its outgrown workspace, office and lunchroom following a 2500 sq. ft addition proposed for the building. “Hopefully it will hold us for a generation,” laughs Fraser. The Ladysmith Thrift store attracts
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Plans for the expansion of the Ladysmith Thrift Store. Photo submitted.
customers near and far. Every morning there is a queue waiting for the doors to open. In the back, a steady stream of donations are processed by three shippers, “and we could use more” says Fraser. “We need a lot of volunteers to try to keep up with what’s coming,” she explains. The Ladysmith Thrift Store is one of the Island’s great success stories. Not only does it attract shoppers near and far with its affordable prices and friendly service but it has contributed to the well-being of the whole community. Another smaller store is operated at the Ladysmith Community Health Centre. The Gift Shop offers many handmade unique gifts at a fraction of what they cost elsewhere. Started in 1909 as a small group of local women donating their services to perform various tasks at the local hospital, the Auxiliary has grown to become a vibrant community entity with over 200 members. Every year the Auxiliary donates funding to the Ladysmith Community Health Centre and other health-related services that benefit our citizens. In 2018 they Auxiliary contributed $262,589.33. The Ladysmith Fire Department received two thermal image cameras enabling them to see through smoke. The Ladysmith Resources Centre was able to use their $30,000 towards their community programs. The $10,000 donated to LaFF will go towards making our children healthier, $125,000 went to Cowichan Valley Hospice Society’s Hospice House...and that’s just a small sample of what’s possible because of volunteers. Organizations like the Auxiliary could not exist without them. Last year was a banner year – with 41 new members joining them. “It’s rewarding,” says Fraser. “It’s the reason we do it.” And it’s one of the best things you can do to ensure a healthy community.
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RDN Area A Cedar Have you been to the Nanaimo Airport lately? It’s a busy place and getting busier all the time. At the January 8 RDN Electoral Area Services Committee meeting, we received a report from staff about a consultation plan for the Nanaimo Airport Planning Bylaw Update. This plan contains draft amendments that will be presented to a number of stakeholders over the spring and early summer. So if you have an interest in what happens (planning-wise) at the Nanaimo Airport, watch for announcements of dates for public input. Public sessions are planned to be held in April 2019. They include several days in Cassidy for residents of the area, as well as other locations for the general public. And you can also go to the RDN’s website and watch the “Get Involved” pages for regular updates on the process. There will be a page there devoted to this project. Consultation is also planned to include the adjoining Cowichan Valley Regional District, City of Nanaimo, Town of Ladysmith and several First Nations who have indicated they have an interest in the lands upon which the airport is located. The objectives for the Bylaw Update are listed as follows: Consider the proposed land uses on Nanaimo Airport lands within the local and regional land use context. Ensure that development on the Nanaimo Airport lands is consistent with the vision, principles and goals of the Electoral Area A OCP. Build on previous work to update RDN planning bylaws for the airport lands. Ensure policies, regulations and guidelines are in place to protect the Cassidy aquifer and other ecologically important habitats and features. The RDN has committed to ongoing and meaningful public consultation and recognizes that not only do the people who live with the impacts of any of its plans, policies, programs or projects
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expect to share in the decision-making process, but that better decisions are made through a shared approach. The plan for community engagement for this project is based on the following principles: - Inclusiveness: Engage the widest possible audience through multiple consultation opportunities. - Timeliness: Offer early and ongoing opportunities for participation well before decisions are made. - Transparency: Make records of all consultation activities available to the public. - Balance: Provide opportunities for diverse perspectives and opinions to be raised and considered. - Flexibility: Adapt as required to meet the needs of participants. - Traceability: Demonstrate the impact of participation input on decision making. You can learn more about the project by going to the RDN website (www.rdn. bc.ca) and looking at the agenda for the January 8, 2019, EASC meeting. Notices for the public meetings will be placed in area newspapers, social media posts and by direct mail in some cases.
CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond Christmas 2018 - The Christmas season is over, and now it is back to work! The New Year has just begun. Due to a fierce wind storm that shut down power lines and downed large trees; debris was left on roads, pathways and private property. The local farmers had to work hard to keep their animals fed and watered in very difficult circumstances. Pets also required care. Heat, water, food and lights were hard to get. Generators, electricians and BC Hydro crews were a hot commodity. Neighbours assisted neighbours whenever needed. I want to thank and compliment the residents of North Oyster/Diamond for
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all the assistance that was provided to those who needed it. The Hydro workers did their jobs efficiently and carefully. They worked hard through many hours and days. This community is very fortunate to know that dedicated, welltrained emergency responders can be called on in times of emergency. In the past, the Shell Beach area residents have set up meetings to learn about neighbourhood issues, including emergency preparedness and Neighbourhood Watch. The storm damage will surely be a “wake-up call” for all of us. Feel free to contact me or CVRD Emergency Preparedness staff to learn more about emergencies. The Annual Mount Brenton Power & Sail Squadron Christmas Lights Cruise Co-Sponsored by The Mt. Brenton Power & Sail Squadron and The Ladysmith Yacht Club The first Christmas Cruise in Ladysmith Harbour was initiated in 1982. Although I have researched the number of boaters participating in the cruise, I could not find the exact number of boaters who joined the inaugural cruise. Initially, the cruise was conducted by the Cruise Master from the Mount Brenton Power & Sail Squadron; some members of the Nanaimo Power Squadron also joined the cruise. Currently, it is my honour to take the role of the organizing Cruise Master. Since the first cruise in 1982, the date has been set for the second Saturday of December of each year. I expect that the tradition will continue. The 2018 Annual Christmas Lights Cruise went out on Saturday, December 8, to display their vessels’ magnificent lights. Ladysmith Yacht Club Commander Terease Saunders and Barb collaborated with the Mount Brenton Power & Sail Squadron. The effort proved to be quite successful; at least eleven vessels participated. All members from both organiza-
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tions assisted Terease and Barb with providing food and snacks for the social gathering while tied to the Yacht Club Wharf. Everyone who participated made a collaborated effort to share such an outstanding event. Thank you to everyone who joined the parade. Councillor Duck Paterson organized the annual bonfire at Transfer Beach, with help from the Kinsmen. Refreshments, hot dogs and happy people watched from the shore. Shore watchers near Boulder Point were delighted when the fireworks were sent into the sky. The Lead Boat was Sun Mariner followed by Ocean Warrior, Milisa Jane, Elusive Destiney, Ken Chattel’s vessel, Val Dia, Saravan, Sunday Soon, Keltic Sunrise and Song Bird. The Ladysmith Search and Rescue volunteers were also out keeping our local waters safe. Thank you to the Town of Ladysmith for supporting this event. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event. I look forward to seeing you in 2019.
CVRD Area G Area G Saltair Best of the New Year to All Area G Residents - Kudos to all the Saltair and Thetis Island residents who pitched in to help their neighbours and others after the windstorm that ravaged our area and to those who went out and bucked-up trees across roads to make sure emergency equipment could get where it was needed. Thank you to all those that took the time to check on neighbours, share hot food, generators, freezer space, warm showers and help with debris clean up. Saltair Parks & Trails - Our Parks & Trails have deteriorated over the past four years while the Saltair Community Parks budget paid down its loan for purchasing the former Mt. Brenton Elementary School land in 2014. By 2019, the Parks budget will have paid out about $170,000 for this purpose. In 2017, $25,000 gas tax funds, which were originally set aside for parks, were reallocated for a conditional assessment of the building. Accordingly, neither Parks budget nor gas tax funds were available to keep the Saltair parks and trails up to the standard we expect. The question taxpayers will have to face in 2019/2020 is whether we are willing to increase our Parks budget taxation to bring these trails up to the standard we enjoyed in
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Stocking Creek Park. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
the past. In 2018, the CVRD staff started developing a concept plan, a revitalization plan for Centennial Park. In 2019, staff will meet with the Saltair community to obtain input. The necessary decisions will be about taxation. As of the January 9, 2019, the CVRD Board approved a new Bylaw No. 4153, Parks Advisory Commissions. It has a minimal effect for Saltair Parks. The CVRD Parks & Trails Volunteer Policy is moving forward. When this new policy is in place, we will again be able to use volunteers in Saltair parks and return to those times when many of us put on our work gloves and gumboots to demonstrate our community spirit. OCP (Official Community Plan) Where is the Area G Saltair OCP headed at this time? Earlier in 2018, the CVRD started working on a two-stage process: “harmonization” and “modernization.” Harmonization is simply combining all the existing policies and local plans into a single document. This should be completed by mid-2019. The modernization stage will start later in 2019. Modernization will involve a plan update for all the CVRD communities. When we get to the modernization stage, there will be extensive consultation with the residents in each of the nine electoral areas. Saltair is unique. We will be working to entrench and protect this uniqueness in the new documents. As of November 7, we have a new CVRD Area G/Saltair Advisory Planning Commission that will be involved in the OCP stages as they move along. What is important to you as a Saltair resident? Please take the time to read the OCP and be ready to participate in the upcoming conversations. The Area G/Saltair OCP, Bylaw 2500, is avail-
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able at www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentCenter/View/567/Area-G-Bylaw-Section1?bidId. Saltair Water System - The scheduled upgrades along Chemainus Road and Old Victoria Road started in early January 2019. CVRD Water Department staff have finished their groundwater investigation. There is not enough flow to replace Stocking Lake as our water source. Staff have also indicated the cost of using the Town of Ladysmith filtration system and purchasing water from the town would be greater than the cost of our own filtration system. Currently, staff are exploring another type of filtration system that is less expensive than those explored in the past. We are waiting for the award of the grant that was applied for in August 2018. There will most likely be an announcement in the spring of 2019. There will be a meeting in 2019 with the CVRD staff to go over these options and costs. 2019 CVRD Draft Budget - The CVRD has published the 2019 CVRD Draft Budget (www.cvrd. bc.ca/2016/2019-Draft-Budget). The CVRD Board will be working on this draft in January and February. Currently, the draft does not include the taxation increases for the two new regional service bylaws, the Annual Financial Contribution to Cowichan Affordable Housing and Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Services. As directors, we will have to sharpen our pencils and work hard to keep these increases to a minimum. Saltair Community Centre - What exactly have our tax dollars and gas tax been spent on? In 2018, a new $137,000, five-year, short-term loan was authorized by the CVRD Board, which Saltair taxpayers are paying off using the Saltair recreation budget. $130,000 of Area G gas tax and a $33,000 operating reserve have also been spent for a total of $300,000. This was for work done on the building. Rents collected by the Saltair Community Society are not used to repay the loan. In 2019, there will be opportunities to look at options for the centre. Should it be a community resource funded and maintained through private donations, rental income, membership fees, nonprofit grants and user fees? Forbes Hall,
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North Oyster Community Hall and the HUB are examples of community centres funded primarily in this manner. The centre is currently leased to the Saltair Community Society, and we need to join the society in order to participate. I have applied for membership and urge everyone who wants to inuence the centre’s future direction to do the same. This will generate funds for the centre and help ensure the centre meets our future needs and expectations. 2019 - Thanks to the Saltair News & Views www.saltairnews. com for quickly posting articles I have sent in to communicate with the Area G community. 2019 is going to be a full year with many decisions for our communities. Please come out and get involved. Communities working together cooperatively are powerful forces for positive change. - lynne.smith@cvrd.bc.ca 250-701-1407
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Are our food seeds in good hands? When I was writing my Zero-Mile Diet book, I included growing information for food and herb plants from A to Z, and for each one, I described the appropriate seed-saving method. Growing food and saving seeds belong together. We cannot be food secure unless we have the seeds with which to grow the food. I feel even more secure when I grow open-pollinated varieties,
because this means I can save my own seeds from these plants for the future. So how seed secure are we locally? I went online to find the Incubator Seed Farm in Duncan, Cowichan’s first Community Seed Bank, which has a mission of preserving, improving and sharing an array of locally-adapted and culturally significant seeds. They seek out unique and interesting varieties of vegetables that you have been growing, or that were passed onto you (ideally with an exciting story to boot!). After building a local seed bank, they will be launching the public branch of the project with the Cowichan Seed Library. We can also be proud that on Vancouver Island, we have more Seedy Saturday events than anywhere else in Canada. This is where you can get the best selection of locally-grown, openpollinated seeds. To find out Seedy Saturday dates click www.seeds.ca on Seeds of Diversity’s website. Locally, there are Seedy Saturday and Seedy Sunday events in Victoria, Sooke, Cobble Hill, Duncan, Nanaimo, Qualicum and Courtenay, where you can meet the seed savers who grow and harvest the seeds and know that the seeds are fresh and mostly certified organic. By procuring locally grown seeds, we also support seed adaptation to our changing climatic
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conditions and encourage people to keep saving for future generations. While on Seeds of Diversity’s website click on “Looking for seeds?” and you will get an amazing list of all the seed sources across Canada, with a link to their websites so you can browse their catalogues and listings. What a great selection to choose from! Another good resource and is http:// www.bcseeds.org where you can visit the pages of B.C. seed producers’ catalogues. BC Seeds believes in collaboration and is working with Farm Folk City, the Bauta initiative and a range of partners from farmers to educational institutions to advance the ecological, economic and community aspects of seed production. Collaborators include the University of British Columbia, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the University of the Fraser Valley, the BC Eco Seed Co-op and a network of farmers across B.C. and Canada. Then there is the Citizen Seed Trial, supported by Vancity Credit Union, and entering its second year. This is a seed trial that can be done in a small space with a small time commitment, ideal for beginner seed savers and backyard (or balcony) gardeners. The 2018 Citizen’s Seed Trial focussed on cherry tomatoes — with four varieties to trial and track. Participants are walked through planting, care, observations data collection and seed saving via emails and social media. This is a great way to learn more about seed growing and be a part of the growing B.C. seed community! “In this time of changing climates, increased wildfires, floods and hurricanes, there is more thought being given to the possibility that ‘local’ could realistically and rapidly become all we have! Sup-
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porting local seed is building community resilience,� says Rupert Adams, Salt Spring Seed Sanctuary. Our ancestors have been saving and passing their food seeds onto the next generation for ten thousand years. In learning that we are invested in all these initiatives locally, I feel reassured that we will not let this ancient tradition die. 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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Corkscrews, wine glasses and other things One thing I’ll say about bad ideas, they sure have staying power. I’m talking about those useless chrome contraptions masquerading as corkscrews, the kind with two metal arms that flap up and down in case you’re caught on a desert island and want to signal a passing aircraft. These things can always be found in the kitchen junk drawers where they lurk, like leg-hold traps, gleefully awaiting the arrival of the so-called wine expert. You’ll be over at your friend’s for dinner, when your host presents you with a
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bottle of wine, saying, “You’re the expert. Do the honours.” And then, instead of handing you a proper corkscrew, the kind used by waiters that fold up like pocket knives, he hands you a chromed monstrosity best described as a contraption. As Google puts it: “A contraption is a machine or device that appears strange or unnecessarily complicated and often badly made or unsafe.” Unlike a waiter’s corkscrew that comes with a knife for trimming the capsule around the cork and can be operated successfully with two hands, the chrome contraptions take five: one hand for each handle, another to hold the bottle upright, and a fourth to employ sign language so the hearing impaired won’t miss out on the off-colour commentary provided by our unhappy wine expert, who just wrecked the cork because the screw has the cutting edge of a Japanese eggplant. The fifth hand belongs to the guy with the over-sized catcher’s mitt stationed in front of the most vulnerable window, toward which the chrome contraption will soon be headed. Well I say get rid of these
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contraptions. They are a danger not just to this country’s windows, but to any passerby who forgets to duck and ends up with the contraption embedded in his forehead. (It’s called getting screwed.) That’s why I propose the creation of the National Corkscrew Registry, which if we apply the lessons learned from our long gun registry, shouldn’t cost us much more than several gazillion dollars, which when you really think about it is a small price to pay for a country to protect its citizens from breaking glass and hurled contraptions that BEAR NO RESEMBLANCE WHATSOEVER TO A PROPER CORKSCREW!!!! Here’s how it works: You hand your contraption corkscrew to me, and I throw it through an official CSA approved window. In return you get a proper waiter’s corkscrew, the kind that look like pocket knife and can fit in your pants pocket without fear of looking like you’ve been over-prescribed Viagra. Though at first these openers may seem unfamiliar, they are about as easy to use as a gin and tonic. With a little practise, you will feel comfortable using your new corkscrew on park benches,
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BC ferry car decks, on church pews and everywhere a bottle of wine is appreciated until you finally qualify for the National Corkscrew Offender shortlist. They are called waiter’s corkscrews because just about every waiter on the planet uses one. If a waiter approaches your table with a contraption opener, chances are high that he’s an imposter and up to no good. For some reason non-waiters have trouble grasping that the folding knife on the waiter corkscrew knife is there to cut the capsule around the top of the bottle. If you catch a waiter removing the capsule with his teeth, this is a sure sign that he is a Somali pirate and should be kept as far away from the soup lest he be tempted to put a rat in it or something larger, say a camel. Once you’ve got the wine open and the window fixed, you’ll need proper glasses. That’s when you discover your friend, a man obsessed with technology, a man who prides himself on having more apps on his iPhone than the next guy and, thanks to the miracle of modern science, can now raise or lower his toilet seat from any country in the world, regardless of whether that country observes National Toilet Day or not. Yet despite all this, the best wine glasses he can come up with are clay. For the record, wine glasses should not be metal, clay or coloured glass. Rubber can be tolerated, but only if your nickname is Dropsy. Any wine glass with vacation hot spots printed on them should also be disposed of, regardless whether it be Puerto Vallarta, Niagara Falls or Disneyland. The only exception being The Five Stages of Lucky Lager drinking glass, which should be regarded as a collector’s item. A proper wine glass should have tumblehome, examples of which can be found at the yacht club. Look at a sail boat from the stern. Notice the classic fishbowl shape: narrow on deck, wide in the middle, back to narrow on the waterline. If you don’t have a yacht club, check out Kim Kardashian’s butt on the Internet. Notice how it tapers from narrow to wide, then back to narrow. When your wife walks in unexpected and asks in a frosty tone why you’re staring at Kim’s butt, simply say, “Studying naval architecture dear,” then prepare to have the lumps on your head refreshed. By far the most important consideration when choosing a wine glass is size, because sooner or later your doctor is going to ask you how much you drink. This question must be danced around carefully, and not while wearing flip-flops. If there is ever an argument for being proactive, this is it. Go down to the Thrift Store and pick up a used fishbowl, ten bullhead size, larger if they have one . Take it over to your local glass blower and have a stem welded on. If your doctor asks how much you drink, tell him the truth, that you limit yourself to a glass a day. If your doctor is the diligent type and asks about the size of your glass, tell him the truth, that it’s on the large size. Just don’t let on that it’s large enough to film the sequel to Jaws in it. Now that you’ve all disposed of your thimble-size wine glasses and contraption corkscrews, it’s time to practice on a truly excellent French red, Domaine Guisset, a steal at $20. Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked available at the Mahle House, and CoCo Cafe.
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FEBRUARY
St., Duncan, 250-748-7529
1–3
7–9, 7:30pm, “Person of Interest,” VIU’s Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo
1, 10am–9pm, Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society’s Annual Show and Sale, Nanaimo North Town Centre, 4750 Rutherford Rd., Nanaimo 1–25, 11am–4pm, Exhibit: Maps, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 1, 7pm, 14th Annual Vancouver Island Short Film Festival, with Q&A, Bldg. 300, Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo 2, 9am–10:30am, $5 Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 2, 10am–6pm, Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society’s Annual Show and Sale, Nanaimo North Town Centre, 4750 Rutherford Rd., Nanaimo 2, 1pm–3pm, Opening Gala for Maps Exhibit, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1252 2, 2pm, 14th Annual Vancouver Island Short Film Festival, Bldg. 300, Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo 2, 7pm, 14th Annual Vancouver Island Short Film Festival, Awards Ceremony, Bldg. 300, Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo 3, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 3, 11am–5pm, Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society’s Annual Show and Sale, Nanaimo North Town Centre, 4750 Rutherford Rd., Nanaimo 3, 2pm–4pm, Dockside Drive, Pat’s House of Jazz, , 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
4 – 10 7, 7:30pm, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s Coppelia, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James
8, 7:30pm, Matthew Good – Acoustic Tour, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529
17, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 17, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Leave No Trace,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo
8, 9pm, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033
17, 2pm–4pm, Ralph Barrat, Tom Vickery, Joey Smith and Ron Joiner, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
9, 1pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Meeting, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., Nanaimo
17, 2pm, Dessert and a Play: “The Golden Fleecing,” St. Andrews, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-753-1924
9, 1pm, Theatre One Just Kidding for Kids: “Blue Beads & Blueberries,” VIU’s Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo
18 – 24
9, 6pm, Murder Mystery Dinner, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-722-2459 10, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 10, 12:30pm, Mahjong Tournament, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 10, 2pm–4pm, Vocalist Sue Newman Band, Pat’s House of Jazz, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 10, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts presents guitarist William Feasley, St. Michael’s Church, 2858 Mill St., Chemainus, 250-7488383
11 – 17 13, 9:30am, Chemainus Art Group Meet Up, guest artist Kathryn Fudge, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith 16, 6:30pm, Dinner and a Play: “The Golden Fleecing,” tkts $28, St. Andrews, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-753-1924
18–22, noon–4pm, “The Tie That Binds,” Heritage Week Event, 721 First Ave. and 610 & 614 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith 18, 7pm–9pm, Island Stitchery Group Meeting, Christ Community Church, 2221 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo 18, 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Leave No Trace,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 19, 5pm–7pm, Ladysmith Chamber Event: Business after Business Mixer, free, cosponsored by the Ladysmith Historical Society, Ladysmith Museum, 721 1st Ave., Ladysmith, RSVP 250-245-2112 20, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 21, 11:30am–1pm, Ladysmith Chamber Week Lunch & Learn, with Tammy Leslie, Palme Leslie CPA, free, Royal Canadian Legion, 621 1st Ave., Ladysmith, RSVP 250-245-2112 22, 9pm, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 23, 10am–3pm, “The Tie That Binds,” Heritage Week Event, 721 First Ave. and 610 & 614 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith
23, 2pm, Talk on the Dock presents “Aging with Grace: Dispatches from the Front Lines,” featuring Author Helen Hinchliff, Welcome Centre, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 23, 9pm, Live Music – Son’s of Guns, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 24, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033
charge by a volunteer approved by CRA, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 10, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Nothing Like A Dame,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo
24, 10am–2pm, North Oyster Museum, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Road
11, 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Nothing Like A Dame,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo
24, 2pm–4pm, Jazz guitarist Astrid Lyre’s electrifying modern jazz trio, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
16, 7:30pm (doors open 7pm), St. Paddy’s Sing Along with Terry Boyle, tkts $20, St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-753-1924
25 – 28 26, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club presents “Telling Stories with Street Photography,” with lifelong photographer Pat Haugen, Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith 27, 9:30am, Chemainus Art Group Meet Up, guest artist Kathryn Fudge, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith
MARCH 4–April 29, Qualifying Seniors can have their income tax return completed and filed at no
24, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Capernaum,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 25, 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Capernaum,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 1, Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society’s Annual Show and Sale, 7, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s Coppelia, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 18–22, “The Tie That Binds,” Heritage Week Event, 721 First Ave. and 610, 614 & 616 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith
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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. WANTED LADYSMITH AREA HOUSEKEEPER required for general cleaning duties in our home, experienced applicants; pls text or call Janet 778-847-1675. REQUIRING A QUOTE to trim a very large, tall cedar hedge in the Ladysmith area. To make an appointment to review the job and submit a quote, please contact Leo at 250-616-5904. SMALL FIBRE ARTS GROUP mid-island looking for members. Meetings twice monthly. Interested? Call Louise 778-268-1453 ACTIVE SENIOR LADY looking for reasonable rental accommodations, Ladysmith, Saltair, Chemainus, Cedar & Duncan areas. Possible care taking would be acceptable. Excellent references. Call 250-924-6314 or leave message. 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.
EDUCATION MUSIC LESSONS: Experienced, qualified teacher of piano and theory. Two locations: Cedar and Nanaimo’s Old Quarter. Call Anne Dalton, ARCT RMT 250 323-6695.. HEALTH & BEAUT Y 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–noon, $60/3 mo., www.taichinanaimo.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466. HOME & YARD QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800. DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 30 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No Job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015
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 or 250-802-0461.
EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER booking for Spring 2019. Now offering Senior Companionship and concierge services also! peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen kgrcoaching@ gmail.com or 250-619-0786.
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. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com or 250-714-2738. GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free. Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 and get them working for you today!
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SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, grab bars, wheelchair ramps. Interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/ storage, raised garden beds, benches. Stay in the home you love longer. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad). ALL ACRES TREE SERVICE providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265. MAKE IT NICE Qualified, experienced gardener available for private, residential gardens. Please call 250-754-9346. WE HAVE 2 SPACES on our farm available to grow your own vegetables. For more info, call Nick Dudink, 250-740-0302. 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. DOG WALKING/Hiking OFF LEASH! 2-hour avg. walk, weekly walks year-round, pick up & drop off included, insured & licensed. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action! Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC at walken@shaw.ca or 250-754-TREC(8732). THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill sburchard@ hotmail.ca or 250-924-8809. 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. GRANNYS ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES. Are you looking for someone that can help you with an active senior family member? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-924-1515. 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 1-250-7012909. Great rates! MEMOIRS Editor@take5.ca or call 250-245-7015.
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Love Lost, Love Remembered February, Valentines ... the month and occasion means something different to me now. Before, I hustled around, trying to get the perfect gift for Laurie, knowing all along that his would surpass mine, always had. He loved the act of giving, and I really think got much more out of it than the receiver ever did. Chocolates, plants, cards and not just for me. In Ottawa, he always took a box of chocolates to his staff and the Parliamentary Library staff, recognizing their work with his search requests while working for an MP. For me, well, I got something much more than the traditional chocolates and flowers. I got poems and weekends
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away, with the van all packed up and full of all my favourite treats. And there was his prose. ... He professed his love of me for all eyes to see and read, unabashed and with great flourish, as only Laurie Gourlay could do. I was so very lucky to be with him. And I knew it. I just thought it would last a whole lot longer. Like forever. I often think of that Valentines issue of the Take 5 back in 2013: “Wicked in Love,” the picture of us in younger years, swoon-kissing. Things never changed for either of us, always so very much in love, yin and yang, two crescent pieces of the heart, L&J, J&L. Valentine’s Day feels so foreign to me now, now that he’s gone. It has become a day of remembering, but most of all a day of missing. Ellen Gates penned it right: “I shall be lonesome — I shall miss / Your hand, your voice, your smile, your kiss.” And as I watch folks getting all excited, sometimes stressed, preparing and rushing about getting their gifts for the big day, I feel the urge to stop them in their tracks and remind them of just how fortunate they are to have that special person with them to share that lovey-dovey day. Cherish the time I
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want to say to them; cherish your special Valentine. In that 2013 issue, Laurie had forgotten the words of our wedding vows and was feverishly wracking his brain to remember: “This was no time to throw love’s vows and elicitations of god-like devotion to the wind. This was of a higher order, a defining time of my past, when I must swear my eternal love and the passions that flamed hot and bright. And there it was, chiming in, right on time, before I could dig myself deeper. Good ol’ brain. ‘I promised to love you for time and eternity,’ I said, with a great big smile. And for that I got a wondrously poignant hug and a sweet, sweet kiss that I’ll never forget. Never.” And then I’m reminded again of that same poem by Gates: “Not always shall this parting be For though I travel slow I too may claim eternity And find the way you go And so I do my task and wait The opening of the outer gate.” Jackie Moad continues on the road of organic farming, community campaigns and the quest for local solutions to global challenges!