TAKE 5 June 2019 by Take 5 Print & Digital Media

take5.ca

MARCH 2019

TAKE 5

take5.ca

TAKE 5

take5.ca

Letters Electric Cars In your May issue, Frank Weaver responds to my enthusiasm for electric vehicles (TAKE 5/April 19) by referencing a German study, which claims that they are more polluting than diesel vehicles. The study has been criticized for basing its data on Germany, where they still burn a lot of coal to produce electricity, while here in B.C. our electricity is fully renewable. It has also been criticized for including the energy needed to make an electric vehicle, but not the energy needed to make a conventional vehicle. Readers can view the critique here: www. tinyurl.com/germanEVstudy. Frank also mentions the metals needed to make an electric car, which include lithium, cobalt and nickel. Cobalt is also used to make laptops, smart phones, jet engines and gas turbines. It is true that mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo is associated with atrocious human rights and very toxic working conditions. UNICEF and Amnesty International think that as many as 40,000 children as young as six are working in the cobalt mines for less than $2 dollars a per day. For this reason, Tesla, GM and Ford source their cobalt elsewhere. If the use of cobalt is an argument against electric vehicles,

it should also be an argument against computers, cell phones and jet airplanes, but I never hear anyone arguing that we should cease using these. Electric vehicles are one of many essential solutions to the growing climate emergency, and I hope readers will take advantage of the $10,000 that is now available as federal and provincial rebates to discover how great they are, as we are. – Guy Dauncey

Oysters cleanup Five years ago, I read about a group of visionary New York City school teachers with an idea for cleaning up the area’s brutally polluted waters. They imagined restoring the natural paradise, teeming with fish and wildlife, which had greeted early European arrivals. They had discovered the amazing fact that a SINGLE oyster filters and purifies 50 gallons of water per day. The Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Project had already restored more than 6.7 billion oysters on 2,200 acres of oyster reefs. Oyster reefs once covered more than 220,000 acres of New York’s Hudson River estuary, filtered the water, provided habitat for other marine spe-

take5.ca

cies and attenuated wave energy, minimizing erosion. They were functionally extinct due to overharvesting, dredging and pollution. As for the Chesapeake, its historic oyster population filtered that entire body of water once a day, and oysters harvested there were as large as dinner plates. Those oysters needed to be cut into quarters to be eaten. In 2014, these teachers established a foundation to undertake something similar. They called this the Billion Oyster Project, and its goal was to restore a billion live oysters to New York Harbour by 2035. Last month, I found an article celebrating their accomplishments so far. They have recruited restaurants, oyster farmers, fishermen, boaters, neighbours, businesses and especially, young people. Pictures of teenage boys wading into the water with oyster cages most inspire me. I’m a retired family doctor, and what engages them as well as the whole community looks like saving the world, to me. So far, according to the Billion Oyster Project website they have also restored 28 million oysters, filtered 19.7 trillion gallons of water, removed 72,500 pounds of nitrogen, and

JUNE 2019

reclaimed/recycled a million pounds of oyster shells. Ladysmith Harbour is so very beautiful; I was sad to discover that it too has suffered a lot of damage. Worldwide, over 90 per cent of oysters and other bivalves have disappeared. In response, coastal remediation around the world is currently experiencing an explosion of interest. Oyster reef rebuilding is taking place all up and down the US East Coast, Gulf Coast, northern Europe, South Africa and Hong Kong Harbour. Broader coastal ecosystem restoration is accelerating globally as a means of enhancing shoreline protection, carbon storage, water quality, fisheries and biodiversity. The impact of 1768 individual projects undertaken since 1964 was evaluated in 2018, with an eye to assessing what approaches work best. So far, about 4 per cent of historic populations have been restored. The US Gulf and East Coast have done better, restoring 45 per cent of the area of their historic oyster reefs. Towns consider seeding and growing shellfish as a way to reduce nitrogen levels in coastal waters because

TAKE 5

they are a cheaper and faster alternative to building sewers and wastewater treatment systems that could cost billions of dollars. Certainly what originally excited me was the idea that all this cleaning up could be done without pumps to rust away or wiring break down. I’ve been inspired to talk to people about doing this locally. One neighbour who lives on the shore told me the bottom had been ruined by logging sludge, but she was excited by the idea that mountains of oyster shells can be reused to create the hard bottom baby oysters need. A second told me the bottom had been polluted by heavy metal from a historic smelter, which led us to the fascinating archived original records. A third feared the risk of people poisoning themselves if we succeeded in re-establishing oysters ﬁltering toxins. About this, a Cape Cod Extension ﬁsheries and aquaculture specialist said, “You can think of it in terms of your garden. You wouldn’t think twice about eating Swiss chard or tomatoes grown in your garden, and yet they have incorporated nitrogen from the soil to help them grow. Oysters

take5.ca

and other living organisms do the same thing.” We have the Ladysmith Maritime Society, we have businesses, we have First Nations, we have great schools and great politicians. This story could nurture community collaboration. The best comment I got was from a young woman taking my gas money at Oyster Bay Village. I asked her if she knew that an oyster could ﬁlter and clean 50 gallons of water a day. She laughed and said “No, I didn’t! We should hire an oyster!” — Frances Griﬃths

Saltair Easter Egg Hunt Sunny Saltair lived up to its name again on Easter Sunday this year. The annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by CVRD Parks and Trails Area G brought out 60 eager egg hunters and their families. They packed the playground, socialized and created masterpieces at the craft table. Prizes were given out to the egg hunters while juice, coﬀee, and delicious Easter mini muﬃns were served from the kitchen. There were many longtime residents in attendance as well as

take5.ca

JUNE 2019

TAKE 5

take5.ca

JUNE 2019

TAKE 5

take5.ca

Friends of Morden Mine and supporters gathered together May 25 to celebrate the stablization of the historic site. The containers are part of the rehabilitation work in progress. Nanaimo - North Cowichan MLA Doug Routley was presented with a painting as a thank you from FOMM President Sandra Larocque for his efforts in obtaining the $1.4 million grant securing the headframe’s future. Photo: Marina Sacht Isabelle Ouelette waiting for ramp. Photo: Marina Sacht

Senior trapped in home BY MARINA SACHT Isabelle Ouelette has been waiting a long time to get out. In her eighties and facing health issues, Ouelette is no longer able to use the house stairs to get outside. Last year she applied for a wheelchair ramp grant from Home Adaptions for

Independence (HAFI), a government run service. She waited then was told their funding had ran out. So she applied again this year, to face more delays. “I couldn’t believe the number of hoops I had to jump through,” she said. Fed up, Ouelette is now paying for the $5500 ramp out of her own pocket. There are many seniors who are trapped inside bureaucracy when all they want is to get out. In some cases

family members are “packing” their senior members up and down stairs while waiting, says Ouelette. With freedom on the horizon, Ouelette is looking forward to resuming her volunteer duties at the Ladysmith Archives.

Nanaimo Dragon Boat festival It’s a new era for the Save On Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, one of Nanaimo’s most popular events, slated to drop paddles July 5–7. According to

take5.ca

the organizers, there are many upgrades this year, including the level of competition and international flavour, with two teams making their first trip from California. “We raced in Victoria a couple years ago and met paddlers from Nanaimo who told us it’s a great race in a great place,” says Carol Beaver, captain of the Alameda Dragon Flyers from San Diego. And the reputation for a quality event is only growing. This year will be the 17th Save on Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival at Maffeo Sutton Park. Wind and waves challenge paddlers on the water, while the market place, the food trucks, Longwood Beer Garden and three days of multicultural performances brings everyone together. New this year is the addition of Lights of Courage. Beautiful paper lanterns, with personal messages about someone or some experience with cancer, will add colour to the park. All visitors can hang a lantern on site over the festival weekend. Sue MacSporran, captain of the MS Warriors team calls the Nanaimo Festival her favourite of the year. “Everyone on the team loves the venue, the camaraderie with all of the teams, the crazy races (you never know how the water will be), going to the dance in the evening,” she says. This year, the festival is capped at 72 teams to offer a new Guts and Glory 1500-metre timed race at the end of the normal racing schedule on Saturday and Sunday. This annual event donates 100 per cent of the net proceeds to improve the treatment and care of cancer patients and their families. While they are honoured to be recognized for the $700,000+ contribution, it’s the paddlers, sponsors, volunteers and members of the general public that are the true heroes. All festival information at www.nanaimodragonboat.com.

Sequoia Tree The Town of Ladysmith staff and Council planted a sequoia tree at Transfer Beach Park in celebration of Local Government Awareness Week in British Columbia. Funding and support for the event was provided by the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia (LGMA) and the BC Hydro Community Regreening Grant. The LGMA supports professional development of local government employees, and this year marks the not-for-profit organization’s 100th anniversary. The Town of Ladysmith’s employs 97 people across five departments.

JUNE 2019

Joanna Winter, Manager of Legislative Services, Glen Britton, Parks Supervisor, Kevin Bell, Parks and Maintenance Worker, Guillermo Ferrero, Chief Administrative Officer, Felicity Adams, Director of Development Services, Aaron Stone, Mayor. Photo: Rob Johnson

Ladysmith Council Approves 2019 Budget This year, Ladysmith residents residential municipal taxes will rise to 3.4 per cent, based on the assessed value of your property as determined by BC Assessment. “Ladysmith Council made ﬁscally responsible decisions during the 2019 Budget discussions to keep your municipal property taxes low while also ensuring we continue to provide reliable services and invest in new and existing infrastructure,” says Mayor Aaron Stone. “Key cornerstone projects such as the new Water Treatment Plant help to ensure our community has reliable access to the highest standard of clean, safe drinking water for decades to come. We are excited that this facility is on track for completion later this year.” Ladysmith’s total municipal taxation for 2019 is $8.451 million. This helps to cover the ongoing costs of maintaining parks, roads and other infrastructure, keeping our community safe, running the Frank Jameson Community Centre, supporting many local community organizations through Grants-inAid and more.

TAKE 5

take5.ca

JUNE 2019

Over 700 people attended the Ladysmith Public Works Day. Photo: Cindy Damphousse/Kim Black The marine festival season kicked off with Heritage Boat Day on May 25 at Ladysmith Community Marina. Photo: Marina Sacht

There are a number of additional projects underway or planned for our community in 2019 including moving the Waterfront Area Plan forward, completing the Town’s Water Filtration Plant, making improvements to the water main on Baden Powell, replacing the Rocky Creek culvert on Fourth Avenue, adding emergency backup generators for the Public Works building and three lift stations, renovating and completing safety upgrades at the Machine Shop Information about the budget is available at (www.ladysmith. ca) and at City Hall. info@ladysmith.ca or by calling City Hall at 250-245-6400.

Grad ceremonies This year Ladysmith Secondary School is hosting their Graduation Ceremony June 7 at 5pm. Family members and the community are invited to attend to wish the 120 students good luck in the future. During the ceremony there will be over 100 bursaries, scholarships and awards handed out to lucky recipients. Andrea Stachow won the Stem (Schulich) Scholarship worth $100,000. Andrea will be attending Queens University in the fall. Sophia Steele won the Chancellor Scholarship worth $42,000 and she will be attending Guelph University in the fall. The Stz’uminus Community School has 13 students graduating this June, and they will be handing out three scholarships. In total the Stz’uminus is proud that 30 students will be graduating between the Community School & Ladysmith Secondary. This year Cedar Secondary School is very proud to have 55 students graduating They will be handing out 40 bursaries, scholarships and awards between their District and School ceremonies this year.

Council briefs At the May 6 Ladysmith Town Council Meeting Ladysmith Resources Centre Association executive director Christy Wood provided an annual update to Council. The LRCA recently received a $12,000 grant from Island Health to further food security initiatives and map every food tree in Town.

Council approved first and second reading of bylaw amendments that will allow for new land uses within the area referred to in the Waterfront Area Plan as the Arts and Heritage Hub. These changes to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw provide support for commercial and mixed-use businesses and activities by adding artifact and boat restoration, brewery, distillery, bottling and distribution, coffee shop, micro-brewery, restaurant, and retail sales to the list of uses under the Comprehensive Development 4 Zone. The amendments will be the subject of a public hearing on June 3 at the Eagles Hall. Council approved up to $20,000 from surplus to make safety improvements to the waterfront trail on Lot 5. The Town acquired Lot 5 through expropriation on April 1, 2019. The Town will notify the public in advance of any access restrictions to the waterfront trail while the work is being completed. The Lot 108 Working Committee has submitted a proposed revised site plan which includes a soccer warm-up/practice pitch, fitness stations and multi-use hiking trail. Ladysmith Council met in a Special Meeting on May 13 to award the contract for the Gill Road Lift Station improvements to David Stalker Excavating and increased the budget for the project by $80,000 for a total of $322,230. The additional funds are coming from the Town’s Sewer Reserves. The estimated cost for the improvements is $267,50, based on the successful bid, and the remaining funds approved by Council will be for contingency and to cover project management fees.

New museum exhibits opens Ladysmith & District Credit Union and its 75 years of history will be chronicled at the Ladysmith Museum. The new exhibit Our Community. Our Credit Union will be opening June 15. While at the museum check out the display of Ladysmith souvenirs. Along with the LDCU exhibit, a 75th anniversary video produced by TAKE 5, has been released. The 24 minute documentary features many archival photos and interviews. It can be viewed on the LDCU website ldcu.ca.

2019 Photo Contest The volunteer spirit in BC continues to thrive with the announcement of the winners of the 2019 National Volunteer Week Photo Contest sponsored by Volunteer BC.

TAKE 5

take5.ca

A photograph from the Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS) taken by Shirley Blackstaﬀ was selected as the 2nd place photo in the contest. The photo shows a LDHS Industrial Heritage Preservation volunteer taking young people for trips on a restored hand-pump rail car during Ladysmith’s BC Heritage event. This was an experience enjoyed by young children, teens and adults. “We are pleased to have received such a large number of photo entries that illustrate the immense pride that British Columbians have in their communities and for their volunteers,” said Lorelynn Hart, Program Director, Volunteer BC. “This winning photo celebrates the dedication, the impact of volunteers and how they lift our communities.”

take5.ca

Water Supply Ladysmith BY GREG ROBERTS Part One: The Big Picture Security of water supply has long been an issue for the Town of Ladysmith. In a recent newsletter, the Town of Ladysmith stated that since the water treatment plant is well under construction the next action area is to look at increasing storage in the Holland and Stocking watersheds. This is the ﬁrst in a series of three articles. These musings are being shared with the community in the hope that water supply decisions will be made in a publicly open and transparent manner. There are a wide range of economic, social and environmental issues that need to be considered in a community decision-making process. The three articles put forward some ideas in the following areas: 1. Consideration of the “big picture” questions that need to be addressed around climate change, population growth, water supply and demand, and long term options for water supply. 2. Issues speciﬁc to increasing storage in Holland Lake will be raised in the second article. If the answers to the big picture questions point to increasing storage in Holland Lake reservoir as the best solution, what engineering, economic and environmental questions need to be addressed? 3. The third article will look at ways to engage the public in coming up with the best solution to long-term water supply. So, when we are asked to consider increasing water supply for the Town of Ladysmith what are the “big picture” questions

JUNE 2019

that come to mind? This list is simply a starting point for opening a discussion about the future of water supply and demand in Ladysmith. There have been a number of Ladysmith studies on water demand and supply. To start, these reports need to be reviewed, and where they are found to be inadequate, they need to be updated or redone to ensure there is reasonable base data that can be understood by the public. A clear understanding of the hydrologic nature and current capacity of the system is of fundamental importance. The relationship between population growth and water consumption needs to be better understood. Particularly, the relationship between policy options that encourage water conservation and long-term water demands needs to be assessed (e.g. recycling grey water; yard and garden designs that minimize water use; individual or group rain water collection and storage systems etc; urban design that returns water to natural hydrology rather than storm drains, etc.). The impacts of climate change on water supply and demand need to be more thoroughly assessed than appears to be available currently. For example, existing high level climate modelling forecasts higher winter rainfall and longer periods of summer drought in our area. But the Ladysmith watersheds in question have some unique characteristics that present different scenarios for snowpack, rain and snow events, temperature, evaporation and drought that are unique to our area. Prior to making large investments that may in the medium to long term prove ineffective, these questions need to be addressed. Is there any hope of restoring salmon runs to the Holland Creek and Stocking Creek system? If so, what are the implications for maintaining water flows in the creek in relation to extracting water for community use? What is the relationship between forest practices in the watersheds and water supply and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and hydrologic systems? What future demands for water can be expected to support agriculture and industrial uses in the region’s future? What are the options for water supply? Has an assessment of other surface or ground water resources (Cassidy and other aquifers) been explored? What is the cost-benefit analysis of the various options? Some parts of the world rely on desalinization; is this a future option? Is there a need to look at limits to community growth through land use controls to ensure water supply can be sustained to support healthy ecosystems, along with human needs? Saltspring Island has land use controls because the capacity of the water system has been reached; what can Ladysmith learn from this experience? What are the limits to growth with respect to water supply, and what does a “green and sustainable community” really mean? Perhaps others will add their questions to this list? In the next edition, we will look at some of the questions that need to be addressed about increasing storage in the Holland Creek Watershed. Greg Roberts trained as a geographer, worked as planner and policy wonk. He retired to Ladysmith in 2001 with a variety of hobbies and interests.

TAKE 5

Lace up your running shoes, grab your cameras and get ready to play tourist in the Annual “HomeTown Tourist” Weekend, June 14–16, 2019. Enjoy specials and events, from races, heritage tours, kayaking and e-bike excursions at special low rates. For a full lineup visit take5.ca/hometowntourist/ or contact Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce at 250-245-2112 or TAKE 5 at 250-245-7015 or info@take5.ca.

Schedule of Events Note some attractions and business require you book ahead of time. Be sure to check our website for updates! June 12–15 Citrus Cycle is oﬀering “buy 1, get 1 50% oﬀ ” eBike rentals booked from June 12–15 when you book in advance, visit 1-1158 Rocky Creek Rd. for more info, citruscycles.ca, 1-888-342-0102

Friday, June 14 11am–7pm, Transfer Beach Food Trucks, featuring Thunder Trucks & Bob’s Ice Cream 1:30pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, a great way to network and have a great day on the links, ladysmithcofc.com 5pm, Dine on the Dock, the oﬃcial kickoﬀ for the weekend, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., have dinner and see what’s going on at the dock, reserve your ticket call 250245-1146, lmsmarina.ca

Saturday, June 15 7:30am–6pm, “Buy 1 Get 1 FREE” specialty coﬀee drinks at the 49th Café, 1020 1st Ave., mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, facebook. com/the49thcafe, 250-245-3221 8am–6pm, “2 for 1” workout at FJCC, 810 6th Ave., mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, ladysmith.ca, 250-245-6424 9am–5pm, Sealegs Kayaking is of-

take5.ca

fering “2 for 1” single 1-hr sea kayak rentals at Transfer Beach, mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, sealegskayaking.com, 250-245-4096 $$ 9:30am, Hill Dash Race Registration, corner of High & 3rd Ave., Ladysmith, 250-924-4444 10am–2pm, Citrus Cycle is oﬀering free eBike demos, visit 1-1158 Rocky Creek Rd. for more info, citruscycles.ca, 1-888-342-0102 10am–4pm, Ladysmith Visitor Centre is open to answer all your questions, ladysmithcofc.com, 250-245-2112 FREE! 10am–5pm, Forget Me Not is having a storewide sale, save 10% on everything, 539 1st Ave., facebook.com/forgetmenotscg/, 250-924-5452 $$ 10am–3pm, Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club presents “B.C. Family Fishing Day” at Bush Creek Hatchery, learn to ﬁsh license free, food donation for the Ladysmith Food Bank accepted, 250245-3690 FREE! 10am–4pm, Ironworks Café & Creperie is serving up their four-berry crepe at only $6.50, 422 Esplanade Ave., Ladysmith, 250-710-9441 $$ 10am–4pm, Ladysmith Golf Course all-day golf for $15 or nine holes for $10, mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, ladysmithgolfclub. ca $$ 10am–5pm, Open House at Kiwi Cove Lodge is hosting, stop by and view the 12 spacious guest rooms and peaceful waterfront location, tour the Kiwi Vineyard & Community Garden, 5130 Brenton Page Rd., Ladysmith, www.kiwicovelodge.com FREE! 10am–4pm, Ladysmith Museum will feature a display of Ladysmith souve-

nirs that show our pride of place & community, outside games (weather permitting) croquet, bocce, ring toss, tug of war games — all long-time favourite activities from Ladysmith early days to now, ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca, 250245-0423 FREE! 10am–2pm, Citrus Cycle is oﬀering free eBike demos, visit 1-1158 Rocky Creek Rd. for more info, citruscycles.ca, 1-888-342-0102 10:30am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, 610 Oyster Bay Rd., will be running harbour boat tours, no reservation required, lmsmarina.ca, 250-245-0109 11am–until closing, Fox & Hound, 11 High St., $5 dessert specials, with the coupon found in the June TAKE 5, foxandhoundsladysmith.com, 250-9241747 $$ 11am–3pm, Festival of Lights Open House, 1163 4th Ave. Ever wonder where all the Christmas decorations live after Festival of Lights is over? Join them for a behind the scenes look; refreshments will be served, ladysmithfol. com FREE! 11am, Hill Dash Race, corner of High and 3rd Ave., relay team members are required to run/walk/crawl up High St. from 1st. to 3rd. Ave., then roll a ball down the hill to the next team member, 250-924-4444 11am–3pm, Beer Garden at Spirit Square, 630 2 Ave., Ladysmith, ID required for beer 11am–4pm, Rainforest Arts features Antonia Olak “Equine Series,” 9781 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-4861 FREE! 11am–7pm, Transfer Beach Food Trucks, featuring Thunder Trucks & Bob’s Ice Cream $$

take5.ca

JUNE 2019

TAKE 5

noon–4pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery’s exhibition is Connections Art Show, ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com, 250-245-1252 FREE! Noon, Kids Dash 12:30pm, Running of the Balls 2pm, Ladysmith Maritime Society, 610 Oyster Bay Rd., will be running harbour boat tours, no reservation required, lmsmarina.ca, 250-245-0109 3pm–6pm, “2 for 1 Swim, Soak or Sauna” at FJCC, 810 6th Ave., no reservation required, mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, ladysmith.ca, 250-245-6424 9pm, Osborne Bay Pub presents Renovation Blues Band, 1534 Joan Ave. Crofton 250-324-2245 osbornebaypub. com 9pm, The Sportsman Pub presents Pulp Friktion, 640 1st Ave. 250-2458033 facebook.com/The-SportsmanPub-220018021461859/ $$

Sunday, June 16 7am–1pm, Annual Fishing Derby Tournament, entry $30, ﬁsh for rainbow trout and win prizes, contact Zuiderzee Campsite at 250-722-2334 7:30am–6pm, “Buy 1 Get 1 FREE” specialty coﬀee drinks at the 49th Café, 1020 1st Ave., mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, facebook. com/the49thcafe, 250-245-3221 8am–6pm, “2 for 1” workout at FJCC, 810 6th Ave., mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, ladysmith.ca, 250-245-6424 9am–5pm, Sealegs Kayaking is of-

take5.ca

fering “2 for 1” single 1-hr sea kayak rentals at Transfer Beach, mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, sealegskayaking.com, 250-245-4096 $$ 10am-2pm, Chakalaka Bar & Grill welcomes you to enjoy Sunday Brunch Buﬀet, 13230 TCH 250-924 10am–4pm, Ladysmith Golf Course all-day golf for $15 or nine holes for $10, mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, ladysmithgolfclub.ca 10am–5pm, Forget Me Not is having a storewide sale, save 10% on everything, 539 1st Ave., facebook.com/forgetmenotscg/, 250-924-5452 10am–4pm, Ironworks Café & Creperie is serving up their four-berry crepe at only $6.50, 422 Esplanade Ave., Ladysmith, 250-710-9441 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers Market, enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, local products, organic fare and entertainment, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar, cedarfarmersmarket.org FREE!

10:30am, Ladysmith Maritime Society, 610 Oyster Bay Rd., will be running harbour boat tours, no reservation required, lmsmarina.ca, 250-245-0109 $$

10:30am, Ladysmith Historical Bus Tour, join local historical Rob Johnson as he hits the road with MyGo Tours & Transportation to bring a you a 1.5-hour historical tour of the Ladysmith area, limited seating, $10 with all money going to the Ladysmith & District Historical Society, 250-245-0100 (between 10am–2pm Mon–Fri) to reserve your

take5.ca

seat. 10:30 am–2pm, Treat Dad to Father’s Day brunch at Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., Nanaimo. 250-2455157 for reservations. 11am–until closing, Fox & Hound, 11 High St., $5 dessert specials, with the coupon found in the June TAKE 5, foxandhoundsladysmith.com, 250-924-1747 11am–7pm, Transfer Beach Food Trucks, featuring Thunder Trucks & Moodies Ice Cream 11am–4pm, Wildwood Guided Tour a unique demonstration ecoforest, visit the old growth forest as it has existed for centuries, then relax at the Homestead with a Woodland Tea, ant hills and highways, silent auction, woodland tea, grand ﬁr shortbread, $25 individuals, $75 for a family of four, Wildwood, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith, ecoforestry.ca/

JUNE 2019

noon–4pm, Open House at Ladysmith Little Theatre, come by and see behind the scenes, costume design, set design learn tricks of the trade, 4985 Christie Rd., ladysmiththeatre. com, 250-924-0658 FREE! noon–4pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery’s exhibition is Connections Art Show, ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com, 250-245-1252 FREE! 2pm, Ladysmith Maritime Society, 610 Oyster Bay Rd., will be running harbour boat tours, no reservation required, lmsmarina.ca, 250-245-0109 3pm–6pm, “2 for 1 Swim, Soak or Sauna” at FJCC, 810 6th Ave., no reservation required, mention “HomeTown Tourist Weekend” special, ladysmith.ca, 250-245-6424 Rain or Shine our area has so many awesome things to do. Take some time for a family-fun day during “Home Town Tourist Weekend.” You will be pleasantly surprised at what is right here in your own backyard! For more info visit http:// take5.ca/hometowntourist/ or phone the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce 250-245-2112 or TAKE 5, 250-245-7015. Running of the Balls in 2018.

take5.ca

JUNE 2019

TAKE 5

take5.ca

JUNE 2019

Native Plants: The right plant in the right place It’s strange to think that we do not value the native plants that grow around us so successfully. That’s apparent because they are usually all removed, along with the topsoil, during property development. Urban gardeners, therefore, don’t become familiar enough with the plants that were originally growing in their gardens and, as a result, do not consider them worthy plant choices. Indigenous plants are adapted perfectly to their native habitat, which makes them drought-tolerant, pest and disease-resistant choices. Attitudes toward native plants are

changing as we come to appreciate their value, beauty, diversity and appropriateness. If you see the flush of pink from a bank of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, kinnickinnick, in spring, you know what a great ground cover it makes. With glossy, evergreen leaves, it happily spreads to a dense carpet in sun or shade. The best part is that kinnickinnick’s flowers also attract butterflies and bees in spring, and the red berries in fall and winter are an excellent food source

for wildlife. Have you ever noticed the heady fragrance of the creamy-white ﬂowers of Oemleria cerasiformis, Indian plum, which heralds spring? Did you know that Indian plum also produces clusters of plum-coloured berries in summer, which are surprisingly sweet to eat? For a shrub that thrives in shade, try Vaccinium ovatum, evergreen huckleberry, which also has attractive ever-

TAKE 5

take5.ca

April to July by the fragrance of Lonicera involucrata, twinberry, and Rubus spectabilis, salmonberry and the cerise-red colour of Dicentra formosa, Pacific bleeding heart. From July to October the pink flowers and red pods of Epilobium angustifolium, fireweed, keeps them humming. Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna) overwinter on southern Vancouver Island. They lay two broods a year, starting in February. They have been sighted in many places in British Columbia, but nest mainly in Victoria, with a few in Nanaimo and Greater Vancouver. It is estimated that there are 500 breeding Anna’s hummingbirds around Greater Victoria. Selecting the right native plant for your garden is important if you want it to thrive. “Right plant, right place” means not planting a moisture-loving plant in a dry spot, or one that needs well-drained soil in a wet spot. Initially, just like any other introduction to your garden, you’ll need to water native plants to get them established. Once established, though, they will be low maintenance and will not require watering. As they thrive in native soils, native plants do not need feeding, but will benefit from a yearly application of leaf mulch and compost. There’s a native plant for every garden. It’s just a question of looking at them with new eyes and appreciating them for the perfectly adapted plants that they are. 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.

green foliage and pink flowers, followed by edible berries. If it’s fall colour you are after, plant Viburnum opulus, highbush cranberry, which has stunning red leaves in fall, along with orange-red fruit. The greatest benefit of integrating native plants into a home landscape is that they are of great value to wildlife. They provide habitat and forage, such as berries, seeds and nuts, for mammals and birds, and flowers that feed beneficial insects. Native plants attract hummingbirds to the garden year round. From March to April, hummingbirds are lured by the bright red flowers of Ribes sanguineum, red flowering currant; from

take5.ca

JUNE 2019

Art Show at Museum On June 1, 2019, the Ladysmith Museum will open its upstairs room with an exhibit and sale of Derrick Chesterton paintings in acrylic and oil, featuring Ladysmith and district street scenes from today and yesterday. These bright works of art capture the spirit of local landscapes, architecture, waterfront and industrial heritage past. “It’s important we keep the memories and lessons of the past alive,” said Chesterton, who has generously donated 50 per cent of all sales to the Ladysmith & District Historical Society. Derrick J. Chesterton, born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, has come a long way to practice his art in Ladysmith. Derrick is inspired by the beauty of the Gulf waters, Ladysmith’s unqiue history of mines, farming, logging, ﬁshing, oys-

Derrick Chesterton with one of his paintings will be showing at the Ladysmith Museum’s upstairs gallery. Photo: Marina Sacht

ter bay, and in recent years, the renewal of First Avenue as a tourist destination. He’s been painting portraits of family, friends and historic ﬁgures in B.C. and Hawaii. The Ladysmith Museum’s upstairs gallery will feature heritage-themed art

Mort Paul and Torry Clark play the roles of 16 other male and female actors in Stones In His Pockets. Photo: Mike Dietrich.

relating to the community and is open during regular museum hours. For more information, call 250-245-0423.

Stones comedy continues If you missed it ﬁrst time around, here’s your chance to see the comedy Stones In His Pockets, the hit play by

TAKE 5

take5.ca

Marie Jones. The show plays until Sunday, June 9, at the Ladysmith Little Theatre (Box Oﬃce: 250-924-0658; www.ladysmiththeatre.com).

Storyteller Tours Quebec Local author and storyteller Rachel Dunstan Muller has just returned from a tour of Quebec’s Lower North Shore, a remote, area just south of Labrador. Muller was one of three storytellers and 26 children’s authors and illustrators chosen to participate in this year’s TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, an initiative of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Unique transportation was a highlight of Muller’s adventure. She made stops in six tiny, snow-bound communities, travelling by small plane, helicopter, ATV and skidoo. “As much as I loved the travel, it was the kids who stole my heart,” says Muller. “At one school, I was introduced to a young boy with autism and warned he might have diﬃculty focusing. Instead, he was visibly engaged for the entire hour-long session. I was given a wonderful photo of him smiling radiantly, and another of him palming his forehead in disbelief at a surprising moment in one of my stories.” You can learn more about Muller’s work at www.racheldunstanmuller.com

Live Music at Osborne Bay Pub in June 2019 A number of bands will be coming to Osborne Bay Pub this June, starting June 1, with Tropic Mayhem, a three-piece beach band from Duncan (9 pm/$10 door). June 7, features Black Angus, whose sound is a mix traditional and contemporary Irish, acoustic roots, Americana, West Coast Celtic, blues and old-time (9 pm/$10 door). On June 8, Big Paciﬁc, a gamut of 70s music, from Cream to Little Feat and even Huey Lewis and the News, will perform (9 pm/$10 door). Then June 9, you can meet the Cuban Baseball from Union De Reyes, with music by the Doug Towle, lead singer and guitarist from the Supernatural, Santana Experience, accompanied by some suave latin drumming (6 pm/$20; tickets at Osborne Bay Pub or call Rick Shay at 250-709-7524). June 14, will feature the dance band Sons of Guns, performing classic rock, rhythm and blues, soul, pop, reggae, country standards and of course requests (9 pm/$5 door). Renovation Blues Band, delivering high-energy live blues will play June 15 (9 pm/$10 door). On June 21, the pub welcome’s Dan Challis Solo, an Australian songwriter who shares his story to the rustic sounds of classic folk and troubadour blues (8 pm/$5 door). The feature act this month, The Unfaithful Servants, will release their latest album June 28, with Juno nominee Oliver Swain (8 pm/$15 advance tickets, $20 door). With an original approach to traditional music, The Servants serves up explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling and high powered vocals. Juno nominee. Finally, on June 29, Deb Rhymer Band Sultry brings a funky, and soulful blues brew (8 pm/$10 door). Oliver Swain plays June 28

RDN Area A Cedar BY KEITH WILSON One of the things that comes up quite often when I am talking to Area A residents is emergency preparedness. All of us in rural areas need to be careful during the hot, dry days of summer. And we also have to be aware that we live in an earthquake zone, so we should be prepared for the potential of a dayslong spell of no power and possibly no way to get out from our rural properties. Last December’s windstorm made many of us aware that we’re vulnerable to the whims of weather, climate change or not. I was recently asked what the RDN is doing about emergency preparedness,

take5.ca

and I answered the best way I could. While the RDN does have an emergency services role and provides some support to our region for emergency centres, there is little that the RDN can actually do to help individual property owners prepare for an emergency. What the RDN can do (and does do) is hold emergency preparedness workshops from time to time to guide residents through the process of making sure they are as ready for emergencies, as is possible. Any neighbourhood in the regional district can contact the Emergency Services department to have someone come out to their area and give a detailed presentation on being ready for any emergency. This presentation will probably use the Regional Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program Manual to guide the discussion. This manual is available on the RDN website at www.rdn.bc.ca/cms/wpattachments/ wpID1274atID9237.pdf. If you’re interested in doing your own review of your emergency readiness, have a look at the manual for guidance. The manual is designed to guide users toward developing a Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program. That is, interested people in a neighbourhood can come together, go through the process of defining potential threats and then develop a plan that responds to them. Each neighbourhood is different, so no two NEPPs will probably be the same. Such things as which neighbour has a small tractor or who has a power generator can be shared so that, in the event of an emergency, everyone in the neighbourhood has an idea of where to go for help. During any disaster, your neighbours will be the most dependable source of assistance. And you will be their assistance as well. Knowing who can fell trees safely, who has the equipment to put out small fires and other similar details can be the difference between a situation being unpleasant and one becoming life-threatening.

JUNE 2019

First responders will be inundated with requests and emergencies, so do not depend on them for help. Depending on your neighbours and yourself will be the safest, most eﬀective way for you to deal with emergencies. If you want more information on emergency preparedness, feel free to contact the Regional District of Nanaimo oﬃce and ask for the emergency services department. They will start you on your way to being ready for any emergency that may come up.

CVRD Area H CVRD Area Director H Mary Marcotte notes were not available by presstime

CVRD Area G Area G Saltair To the volunteers who helped create High Tea in the Park, thank you! It was a wonderful event. About 70 people attended and enjoyed family, friends, neighbours and our lovely Centennial Park under the huge white tent. They stopped for tea and amazing treats. Saltair Water System Filtration System At the April 8th CVRD Saltair Water System Meeting, attendees indicated Saltair wants to pursue a stand-alone filtration system. Stocking Lake has low levels of turbidity. Accordingly, a standalone system for our water will cost less than the Ladysmith filtration system, which is required for higher turbidity levels. CVRD staff will test three different systems to find the best option for Saltair. A loan will be required. We will hold a referendum to obtain taxpayer assent. We are still waiting for the result of our August 2018 grant application. Saltair Section of the Cowichan Valley Trail The opening ceremony for the Saltair section of the Cowichan Valley Trail took place on April 26. I thank

TAKE 5

the residents in Saltair who worked tirelessly to make this section a reality. Many worked on submissions to the CVRD. Some participated in a cycling protest on Chemainus Road. Others spent days or weeks beside Chemainus Road collecting the data that enabled the CVRD to apply for grants. They deserve special applause. Usage demonstrates the new section is a major hit. I was having cataract surgery on April 26, but I was thinking about how important this section of the trail is to our community. It connects us to the Cowichan Valley in a way Chemainus Road does not. It provides a more personal connection, a chance to greet neighbours as we enjoy the beauty of our little corner of the world. I remind those who cycle to please attach and use a bell to warn hikers you are coming. Some hikers wear headsets. A loud and timely ring helps avoid accidents. Saltair Parks & Trails The Saltair Community Parks Advisory Commission has created a Saltair Outdoor Recreation Survey and will be going door to door in Saltair over the next couple of months. The data collected will then enable the Commission to have a fuller understanding of the Saltair residents current and future outdoor recreation aspirations. Emergency Preparedness The presentation by Sybille Sanderson, CVRD Emergency Program Coordination, at the May 9th CVRD Emergency Preparedness meeting in Saltair provided those in attendance an opportunity to learn more about what exactly emergency preparedness is and our part in being prepared. Workbooks were handed out and a short exercise was done that indicated most of us are just not prepared to deal with most emergencies. I recommend the following links: www. cvrd.bc.ca/86/Emergency-Management and www.firesmartcanada.ca/. Please sign up for the CVRD Emergency Alert Registration (www.cvrd.bc.ca/2276/ Emergency-Alert-Registration). Stay safe and keep your eyes open for any smoke. Report a wildfire at 1 800 6635555 or *5555 on a cell. The fire information line is 1 888 336-7378. Canada Post Recently, I had an opportunity to speak to Canada Post about two mailbox locations in Saltair. One, on Chemainus Road

take5.ca

between North Watts and Gait, appears to create safety issues for those delivering and retrieving mail. Canada Post is looking for a safer option. The mailbox on Chemainus Road at Saltair Road appears to have a ﬂooding issue. Canada Post is looking for a solution. CVRD Solid Waste & Recycling Did you know the garbage collected from Saltair is shipped to the USA? This year, there is an increase of $250 US per ton. Saltairians are amazing recyclers. However, some of us may receive notices that we have placed items in our recycling bins that do not belong there. How does the CVRD know this? The trucks are equipped with cameras enabling the contents of our bins to be monitored.

JUNE 2019

The curbside recycling contamination can result in entire loads of recyclables being landﬁlled. This is an unnecessary expense and waste we all share. If you are unsure about what to recycle, please consult www.cvrd.bc.ca/78/Garbage-Recycling or call the CVRD Recycle Hotline at 1-800-665-3955. Thetis Island has its own solid waste and recycling system. It is a Gold Star system. If you passionately want to reduce waste or earn a CVRD Recycling Gold Star, please visit the Thetis Island Solid Waste & Recycle Depot. Thetis Islanders really know how to do it right. New Area G Communication Link The Saltair News & Views website (saltairnews.com) has added a new heading: the Director’s Page. SN&V will post whatever I ask it to post on this page. It is good to have a community website that keeps Area G residents informed and politically involved. Thank you, SN&V, for including me on your website.

North Oyster Report BY MURRAY MCNAB It would appear that the addition to the existing Fire Hall, (which was beyond repair) has been completed. The old part of the building has been completely renovated and I am told, will provide much needed training space and an office. The continued use of the original building is very important to all of the community members, who worked so hard to raise funds and build it. Rumour has it that the Advisory Planning Commission (APC) along with CVRD staff, have made major progress regarding the review of the Regional Harmonized Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Area H OCP. New drafts, including the changes/additions/deletions, requested will be prepared soon. The next phase of this project will be to modernize the plans, to reflect changes that have taken place, since the old plans were developed and installed. A public review of the final drafts will be scheduled for later in 2019. It seems that the Area ‘H’ Parks commission has been disbanded. This is a real shame as it was once, a very “hands on” group who did a lot of work to keep our parks looking good. Members of Yellow Point Ecologocal Society (YES) and individuals have been removing Broom from Yellow Point Park. Thank you, on behalf of all that enjoy this gem. It appears that all parks decisions are now being made in the Mothership, CVRD offices. Hopefully many of you were able to attend the, Emergency Preparedness Community Open House on May 29. It has become apparent that there were many problems with regard to the handling of the large forest fires, which involve, rural areas and housing interfaces. It is very important for every landowner to do their best to fireproof both their structures and any surrounding forests or grasslands. Since neither CVRD Area H Director nor her alternate Colin Hamie has submitted a Directors Report since Feb, 2019, local resident Murray McNab brings you some brief updates on local happenings in Area H.

TAKE 5

Embrace your age Who me? I’m not a senior. I am only 74, and that’s not old. Well, let’s stop and think about this. According to the government, I am. They started sending me my pension when I turned 65. According to many shops, I am because they started oﬀering me the “senior discount” when I reached 55.

Should we be willing to accept that we are seniors just because someone says so? When I first joined the Ladysmith Seniors Centre Society, I resisted because the organization, I felt, was for “old people,” and I didn’t feel old. How you think about your age has to do with your state of mind. Age is not only chronological, but is psychological. Most older people feel that we are 10, 20, 30 years younger than that of our established biological age. This is why many of us still participate in social and physical actives that are often associated with younger people, like bike riding, hiking and fitness classes. We may not go about it as strenuously, but we do pretty well at it. As we gain more life experiences over time, we slowly realize that we can be the stabilizing influence for our families and our community. We can help those who

take5.ca

seek out our advice, and we should be willing to share our experiences freely. In today’s youth-orientated society, we are often ﬁghting the realization that we are getting older. Getting older is not a bad thing; it is giving us a chance to take pride in our accomplishments, be they family or our past work life. With ageing, we see many of our old friends and our family less and less, and in too many cases, we lose these connections. This is where organizations like the Senior Centre can be a great asset. Through them, you have an opportunity to engage with others of similar age and activity level. It can become a conduit for making friends and keeping in touch with our older community. Another organization that many of our retired older citizens enjoy is the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary. Ladysmith also has an active Probus Club, which encourages retired or semiretired people to meet at social gatherings, meals and monthly meetings, with various guest speakers. With a capacity of 125 members, the Ladysmith Probus is so popular that it has had to create a waitlist. As I see it, the bottomline is, for me, to accept that we are the age we are. Senior Week is June 2-8. But why not embrace your age and take advantage of what it oﬀers you, be it shopping discounts or the opportunity to be a mentor to family, or your community. Ladysmith Lions are active seniors. Photo: Rob Johnson

Pillow Fight Attention all North American males: Get your butts oﬀ the couch, your hands out of the fridge and report to your muster station. We are currently under attack. Yes, it’s Martha Stewart again. Who else? In case you haven’t noticed, North American homes have been taken over by pillows. In the old days, it was one pillow per occupant, an extra pillow for the cat if he played his cards right, that meaning no regurgitated Tuna Surprise on the bed spread. Today’s home looks like a Pillow Town warehouse. Pillows are stacked everywhere. Thanks to Martha, an eight-foot sofa that used to sit four, now seats two. Less even, if Big Sheila’s in town.

take5.ca

All this because the home decorating diva can’t take a little ribbing. You see, when Martha was in the slammer, some of us took liberties. Specifically with the M.S. Rule 5634 regarding coffee tables, which clearly states no more than five magazines per table, all fanned at exactly 33 degrees, as measured by the official M.S. protractor, which can always be found in Martha’s purse next to any outstanding warrants. Furthermore, it is imperative that the magazines contain no male content, messy shit, as Martha calls it. No pictures of hot rods, no four barrel carburettors and no bust sizes greater than a very short stack from the International House of Pancakes. Preferring a much looser ship, and a much taller stack, a small group of rugged individuals, in a covert operation, went after Martha’s beloved magazine fans, reclaiming our coffee tables one at a time. Even numbers were introduced, a 32 here, a 34 there, in no time at all the tables were returned to their natural state, bloody messy. Then we’d send a picture of the fan, complete with mismatched angles to Martha in the slammer. According to

JUNE 2019

the guards, these pictures drove her crazy, causing her to bang her head against the wall in a very unladylike manner. It was fun while it lasted. But now she’s firing back, and hard. She’s used her influence and Oprah-like powers to fill your house with pillows. Not only is this financially draining, it’s also dangerous. It was our anniversary, a date which had become a lot easier to remember ever since my daughters had the date, with details, tattooed on my forehead. We were overnighting in Victoria, at a B&B in the Rocklands, called something cutesy enough to induce vomiting — The Granola Muffin or quite possibly the Lavender Pillow — a well-preserved Victorian house with new paint, a welltended garden, and two cats in the yard, one with a bird in its mouth, one without. As to the healthy marijuana plant snuggled up against the porch, the less you know about that, the better. We’d been out for dinner, drinks before and after. By the time we hit the B&B, I was ready for bed. But there were obstacles, all pillows, six on my side of the bed alone. Twelve pillows, two occupants. Were

TAKE 5

take5.ca

we expecting visitors? Apparently not. The problem was where to put the damn things. The room was small, with little room between the bed and the wall. My wife, an advocate of neatness, stacked her five extra pillows in the corner, using the metre-long straight edge she always carries to insure my path is straight and narrow. My technique was a little different, speed being favoured over accuracy, the technique not dissimilar to the neighbour’s Labrador, paws a-flying, digging up a pork chop bone he’d buried in your lawn last April for safekeeping. In no time at all, I had the pillows where they belonged: on the floor. By the time my wife was satisfied with her stack, I was sound asleep. At exactly 1:17, my internal alarm sounded, signalling that, this being Victoria, the fish gathered around the sewage outlet pipe off Clover Point needed feeding and would I mind making a contribution. Being in a new environment, poorly lit, half asleep, and to be honest, still suffering the effects of having too much fun the night before, I should have exercised more caution. But no. I sprung out of bed like Dwight (Who names their kid Dwight? Probably the same people who name their kid Delbert.) Stones clearing an eight-foot bar, turned left and proceeded at full speed toward the washroom, not that I could remember where it was hiding. I was doing fine until discovering that some idiot had mined the floor with pillows, which I’d stumbled over, placing my body at 45 degree angle, the very same angle used by the human cannonball folks to shoot their lightest, dumbest relative over ten Los Vegas buses, and as many as a dozen assorted vehicles specifically stolen for the task. It was later calculated by the contractor, who fixed the wall, that to do that much damage, my head must have been travelling at 30km/h, which is pretty good for a guy my age. That’s how I ended up at the emergency room at 2:15 am, half a roll of toilet paper wrapped around my head to stem the bleeding, awaiting treatment. Once the staff had determined that I wasn’t a serial head banger, just an ordinary guy staying at a B&B with FAR TOO MANY %@#$! PILLOWS, the attending physician explained what happened to me was commonplace. In the busy summer season, it’s not uncommon to have men with head injuries, all staying at B&B’s, lined up down the hall. The make-shift toilet paper bandage wrapped around their heads makes them easy to spot. With that kind of experience, they made quick work of my injuries, vacuuming drywall dust off my head and removing the occasional splinter of hemlock from my skull. Next they tested

for concussion, this was done by showing me a 9 by 12 glossy of Don Cherry in full game-night regalia, then asking whether I would wear his outfit while shopping for plumbing fixtures at Home Depot. Answer yes and they treat you for concussion. Bottom line is, they recommend protective head gear whenever the pillow count exceeds more than two pillows per occupant. The brands to look for are Night Cap and Bed Beanie. Just tell them Martha sent you.) For that southern Italian flavour, pick up a Salici Salentino from Codici, $15. Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked available at the Mahle House. and CoCo Cafe.

Crepes clean up BY MARINA SACHT For Dina Stuehler her love of crepes came naturally. Owner and chef at the delightful Ironworks Cafe & Creperie she grew up eating them as part of her Dutch heritage. Every Sunday her mom would make crepes until Dina was old enough to make them for the family. The restaurant, located in a heritage building on the Esplanade, offers savoury and sweet crepes as well as some of the best coffee around. The large dogfriendly outdoor patio has been spruced up with the addition of several tables and chairs to accompany the picnic tables. Bright table cloths and flower pots add a splash of colour “It definitely runs deep in our family,” she says as she pours the batter out for a four berry crepe. I’m having the Spinach & Brie stuffed with artichokes, and my companion is

take5.ca

having the breakfast special. We end up sharing them, unable to decide which one we liked better. What makes them so good is that they are not only made with love and pride but the best ingredients Dina can find. “We have tweaked our menu items as far as where we are getting our product.” They now have a partnership with Page Point Farm, a fully organic small farm. “This summer they’re going to be giving us lots of fresh berries, and vegetables. We are also getting their organic free range eggs and we’ve noticed a massive difference which I love.” A little while ago, they switched their flour to True Grain in Cowichan Bay. “All the grains are organic and from Vancouver Island which is wonderful.” Sourcing local ingredients is important to Dina. “I can’t say I’m 100% local and 100 % organic but we do try to get those items wherever we can.” Her commitment to local and organic also translates to her caring for the planet. “When we first opened a year ago, we decided against using any kind of plastic. All of our cups are biodegradable and recyclable. We recycle. We don’t use single use plastics. But I felt I just wasn’t doing enough.” So they partnered with the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. They are in the process of being Surfrider Approved Ocean Friendly restau-

JUNE 2019

Dina Stuehler is cleaning up with her “green” crepes at Ironworks Cafe

rant making them the ﬁrst one located in mid Vancouver island. That means that paper, compostable or reusable straws used in place of plastic straws, tap water is used rather than bottled (still) water, take-away containers are compostable, and a business does not distribute single-use plastic bags to customers. “But I still felt I wasn’t doing enough so we’re creating the “Green” crepe which is vegetable based.” For every purchase of the green crepe they are donating a percentage to Surfrider so they can continue their eﬀort in cleaning up local beaches. “We are also pledging for every “green” crepe sold to pick up a pound of trash. “I feel that more and more people realize we need to look after the beautiful nature we have here. We are so lucky.”

TAKE 5

Dina and volunteers will meet once a month to honour that promise. And you can bet that cleanup will start with a delicious “green” crepe.

Community in Cider Here’s something to drink to -- the Cowichan Green Community (CGC) and the Valley Cider Company new collaboration is Community In-Cider alcoholic cider. To celebrate the release, CGC and the Valley Cider Company will be hosting a launch party at Small Block Brewery at #203-5301 Chaster Road on June 15th, 2019 from 2 – 8pm. Community In-Cider stemmed from the eﬀorts of CGC’s FruitSave program and the owner/operators of the Valley Cider Company. FruitSave relies on a community of volunteers to help ensure that fruit grown in Cowichan doesn’t end up rotting on the ground. In 2018, FruitSave volunteers gathered nearly 11,000 lbs. of potentially wasted local, fresh fruit from 47 diﬀerent properties. A portion of this bounty was pressed into 1,000 litres of raw apple juice that formed the basis for the cider-fermentation process.

take5.ca

“Spring being a tough act to follow God created June.” - Al Bernstein

The Gift of June Ahhh June. Long awaited and much loved with its warm days, glorious sunsets and balmy evenings. Many see this month as extra-special for the summer solstice on June 21st, the longest day of the year, when that warm day is six hours and 31 minutes longer than the December equinox. For the avid horticulturalist, June signifies the month of roses. All those different colours and that dreamy smell. As NP Willis lamented: “June is when pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.” And of course going hand-in-hand with this uber-romantic flower ... here comes the June Bride. That would include me. I didn’t have roses for a bouquet, but we were wed outdoors by a lake, with nature, family and friends all around us. It was June 5th, a very significant day because

Jackie Moad takes the time to smell the roses. Photo: Eddie McDonald

just two years before, in 1974, the United Nations began a campaign to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. World Environment Day is still celebrated on June 5th by more than 143 countries. Although we had milestone anniversaries parties (Laurie being so much better than I at organizing), there was always a project, an event and sometimes just a wee act of environmental kindness to celebrate June 5th. A few years ago, he heard of a fellow that was going to cut down a plot of small

JUNE 2019

garry oaks, and he quickly got a couple of friends together and dug them up for transplant. This year, my plan is to start a garry oak meadow, complete with cerulean blue Camas flowers. I’ll start on that special day; who knows when I’ll finish. A lofty undertaking for sure, yet I gotta dream big! But every act, large or small, will make a difference. Our downfall is in thinking that someone else will fix things. So I wonder what would happen if everyone that reads this (plus any friends you tell) did just one small act of kindness for the environment, be it to help the water, the air, the soil? What to do, you ask? If trees are really the lungs of the Earth, drawing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen, why not plant a tree or two on June 5th; give ol’ Momma Earth a bit of a lung transplant. Or how about a sunflower for the bees. Or when you’re at the beach, pick up some unsightly garbage left by a true ignoramus! Maybe decide that from that day on you say no thanks when the checkout person asks if you want to buy a plastic bag for your groceries. Speaking of plastic: Take the Cedar Woman’s Institute for example. Selling our baked goodies at the Farmer’s Market for years now, we’ve started a no plastic campaign. No ziplock bags — heck, you have to cut off the zip part if you want to recycle them! We use biodegradable paper bags for take home and coffee filters if you want to munch your goodie while you peruse the Market. The ways to help the planet are endless. Thinking of the young’uns I figure

TAKE 5

I owe it to them to help out a bit while I can. After all, look at the mess we’re leaving them to ﬁx. It’s their tomorrow ya know. I often read Laurie’s prose. It somehow both comforts me and continues to teach me. Many years ago he wrote: “I know why I’m here and what I have to do. Act as if I can make a diﬀerence, as if the world needed just one more person to stand up and be counted. As if paradise lost could be found, and our common future held the promise of peace and prosperity for all.”

take5.ca

I think I can do that. I think you can do that too. World Environment Day, June 5. For our common future. Whadaya say? You will feel sooo much better. I promise. Jackie Moad will be celebrating WED with garry oak transplanting, stopping periodically to smell the roses, as she continues farming that 20 acres of paradise, actively seeking local solutions to global challenges.

JUNE 1–2 1, 10am–4pm, Kid’s Pirate Day, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 1–30, 11am–4pm, “Equine Series” exhibition, featured artist Antonia Olak, Rainforest Arts Gallery, 9781 Willow St., Chemainus 1, 1pm–4pm, Sipping the Wild – An experiential workshop on wild tea plants with Jay Rastogi, Wildwood Ecoforest, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith, www.ecoforestry.ca 1, 7:30pm, Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra presents “Music In the Air,” with Benjamin Loyst and Nadya Blanchette, VIU Theatre, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo 1, 7:30pm (doors 7pm), Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets,” 4985 Christie Rd., 250924-0658 1, 9pm, Tropic Mayhem, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 1, 9pm, The Shakes, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 2, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 2, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets,” 4985 Christie Rd., 250-924-0658 2, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts presents DieMahler Trio, St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus, 250-748-8383 2, 2pm–4pm, Tom Vickery & Mark Lewis Quartet, $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 2, 2:30pm, Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra presents “Music In the Air,” with Benjamin Loyst and Nadya Blanchette, Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville

3–9 6–8, 7:30pm (doors 7pm), Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets,” 4985 Christie Rd., 250-924-0658 7, 9pm, Black Angus, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 8, 9am, Multi Family Community Garage Sale, Cedarwood Rd. ( up near Forrest Field) Ladysmith 8, Beer & Burger Fundraiser – Rhythm Dance Academy, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 8, 9pm, Big Pacific, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 8, 9pm, The Hip Replacements & Diamond Dawgs, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250245-8033 9, 1pm–3:30pm, Forest Bathing, Wildwood Ecoforest, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith, www. ecoforestry.ca 9, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets,” 4985 Christie Rd., 250-924-0658 9, 2pm–4pm, Kinga Heming Trio, $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 9, 6pm, Cuban Baseball Meet & Greet, Dinner & Dance, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-709-7524 9, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar

10 – 16

14, 1:30pm, 12th Annual Ladysmith Chamber Golf Tournament, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., Nanaimo, 250-245-2112 14, 9pm, The Hip Replacements & Diamond Dawgs, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250245-8033 14, 9pm, Sons of Guns, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 15, 10am–4pm, Ladysmith display inside and lawn games outside (weather permitting) for Hometown Tourist Weekend, Ladysmith Museum, 721 1st Ave, Ladysmith 15, 9pm, Renovation Blues Band, $10, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-3242245 15 & 16, Hometown Tourist Weekend, various locations 15, 9pm, Pulp Friktion, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 16, 2pm–4pm, NOLA NightHawks, $20, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 16, 10:30, Father’s Day Brunch, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd, Nanaimo 250245-5157 16, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar

17 – 23 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day 21, 8pm, Dan Challis Solo, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

12, 7pm–9pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Meeting, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., Nanaimo

22, 1pm–4pm, “Fork Off: Animals, Art and Advocacy” Art Show, Opening Reception, Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith

13, 6:30pm, Ladysmith Death Café, Hardwick Hall, 232 High St., Ladysmith, preregister via ladysmithdeathcafe@gmail.com

22, 6pm (bar open 5pm), Summer Barbeque, members only, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111

23–30, 11am–4pm, “Fork Off: Animals, Art and Advocacy” Art Show, Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith 23, 2pm–4pm, Ralph Barrat Quartet, $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

100 Comox Rd., Nanaimo 6, Chemainus Blues Festival 6, Chemainus Giant Street Market

23, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar

8-12, 9am-3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp – Animal Planet, Transfer Beach 250-245-6424

24 – 30

13 & 14, Chemainus Blue Grass Extravaganza & Festival

28, 8pm, The Unfaithful Servantsw/Oliver Swain, Album Release Party, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 28, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club -“Let the Images Speak: Historic Rephotography in the Canadian Mountain West,” Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave. 29, 2pm, Artist Talk with Sheila Norgate as part of “Fork Off” Art Show, Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith 29, 7:30pm, The Tenors, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo 29, 8pm, Deb Rhymer Band, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-224527 – 31 29, 7:30pm, Celebrating Beauty Through Music: the Orontes Guitar Quartet, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo, 250-754-8550 30, 4-7pm, Ladysmith Intermediate School Fun Fair, LIS Gym & Playground community event to support the school 30, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar

JULY 2-5, 9am-3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp - Adventurezone Artists, Transfer Beach 250-245-6424 5–7, Save On Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, Maffeo Sutton Park,

15-19, 9am-3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp – Mad Science, Transfer Beach 250-245-6424 22-26, 9am-3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp –Game Show Mania, Transfer Beach 250-245-6424 26-28, 35th Annual Cowichan Folk Festival, Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan 29- 31Aug 2, 9am-3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp –Sports Extravaganza, Transfer Beach 250-245-6424 1, Kid’s Pirate Day, Ladysmith Community Marina 1,2,6-9 Stones in his Pockets, Ladysmith Little Theatre 29, The Tenors, The Port Theatre-Nanaimo

take5.ca

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. WANTED MATURE FEMALE to share cabin with same for 7 day New England Cruise. Friend had to cancel. Leaving Montreal Sept.14th to Boston, with overnight stay in Province Town. 250-245-3007 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for a variety of positions at the Ladysmith & District Historical Society. Greeter at Ladysmith Museum, volunteer events co-odinator, researchers. Ladysmith Archives. Call 250-245-0100 or info@ ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca FOR RENT HORSE PASTURE, with trees, stables, quiet beautiful surroundings. Riding trails, parking lots, near Cassidy. Self Boarding $ 135/mth Complete Boarding $435/mth. Call Claus 250-245-5039 FOR SALE FOUR FRAME HONEY BEE HIVE nucleus for sale with 2 frames of brood, a frame of honey, a frame of honey and pollen with enough bees to cover the brood and a laying queen. Cost $250. plus one on one instruction. Call 250-510-4490 for more information. BALDWIN ‘80s E;ECTRIC ORGAN “Fun Machine” Some wear and tear, Works! Loud and fun, comes with music books and bench, solid wood has a split keyboard and many cool instrument sounds. Must pick up …FREE 250245-4073 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.

BEADS BEADS BEADS, ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-3242227. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER Now offering Senior Companionship and concierge services also! peaceofmindcare.wordpress.com. Kathleen 250-619-0786 kgrcoaching@gmail.com. BUSY BOOKKEEPING with Jenny Vallance. If you would like any help with your bookkeeping needs, please let me know. I am located at 3165 Ingram Rd., Nanaimo. I am an Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada member. IPBC 250-739-1221 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! Call our office and find out how we combine print and digital media to give you the best results. 250-245-7015 ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design, www. islandgardenscapes.ca or 250-802-0461. ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260. KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com or 250-714-2738.

JUNE 2019

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. 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. INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL Blackberries, Ivy, Broom, etc. We get to the root of the problem. Thorough and reliable. Manual and machine removal. Free Quotes. Contact Alder Environmental info@alderenviro.com or 250-686-5090 A1 HOME TURF Minor home repairs/ renovations, reduce weeds with mulchseveral colours available, weekly/bi-weekly lawn maintenance & trimming. Call Mike 778-971-0879 LANDSCAPING, EXCAVATING, TRUCKING, mini excavator (can narrow to 38” for tight spots), bobcat, dump truck, driveways, ditching, backfilling, drainage, ponds & fencing. Delivery of driveway chips, sand, bark mulch, etc. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Phone or text for free estimates, Mike Williams BMCnanimo@ gmail.com or 250-668-2873 VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website. We also offer BOOK PUBLISHING - print or e-book options at very affordable rates. Call TAKE 5 for a free consultation and estimate, 250-245-7015. Editor@take5.ca. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. 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.

TAKE 5

take5.ca

SENIORS LYNNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 250-9241515.