Letters Refugee family The Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group is happy to report that the family sponsored by our community arrived safely in Nanaimo on Dec. 22. As one would imagine, they are exhausted, relieved, excited and grateful. Within days of their arrival they had signed up for weekday English lessons through the Nanaimo Multi-cultural Centre. They were introduced to city transit, bank machines, infant car seats and apartment intercoms; they applied for health coverage, social insurance numbers, and bank accounts. Because they speak and write only Arabic, each transaction has been assisted by one of the several wonderful interpreters who have devoted a lot of time to this family. They have happily reunited with friends from Syria who preceded them to Nanaimo, and their maternal family who had arrived in Courtenay a week earlier. The second half of 2011 will be remembered by the Sponsorship Group for the heart-warming support and cooperation demonstrated by the people of Chemainus, Ladysmith, Cedar and beyond. Our commitment to the family extends to the end of 2012. By that time, it is hoped that they will be functionally literate in English and financially independent. - Judy Wilson, Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group
The Phantom Bus Rob Johnson is right as usual about the folly of spending our tax dollars on a bus ‘service’ that serves nobody. (As I see it, Dec-Jan 12 TAKE 5). A good example of ideology overcoming common sense. I’m not against subsidized transit but ours is not even a service: it is a financial black hole. I don’t agree with Rob’s alternative, however. He talks about “maintaining the same level of service”. Paying a taxi company $100,000 to run empty vans along the routes is only half as Above: Syrian families sponsored by Ladysmith, Nanaimo and Courtenay area churches are reunited on Vancouver Island. Photo submitted
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silly as running empty buses. One of the original reasons for the bus was to provide transportation to seniors and the physically challanged who found it hard to get about town. If that is still a priority, the town could provide that transportation by providing vouchers to use with our local taxi services for a fraction of the cost of running a bus and at far greater convenience. The trolley might have seemed a good idea at the time, but by now the powers that be should be seeing our big red bus for what it really is…a big white elephant. Brian Bradshaw
North Oyster Fire Hall CVRD Area H Director Mary Marcotte’s Directors’ Notes (Dec-Jan/12, TAKE 5), requires a response . Some of the ways the Community supports the North Oyster Fire Department and its members: free instruction in Emergency First Aid, free instruction in qualifying for both Airbrake and Class 3 Driver’s Licence (These are skills that make members more appealing to employers and benefit the community), free Dress Uniforms, provides the Fire Chief with a four wheel drive pickup with no restrictions. Regarding Equipment; The community supports the fire department in the following ways; In 2010 the operating budget was $257,365 with a total application of funds of $789,284. In 2011 the projected operating budget is $232,002. In 2012 the projected operating budget is $243,603 The New Fire Halls Capital Cost, as presented in the failed Referendum, would have added approximately another $262,500 annually, on top of the operating budget for the next 20 years.
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In November the Fire Department received delivery of a new First Line Pumper Fire Truck to replace the present unit, six years before it was necessary. They now have seven units, five fire trucks, one First Responder truck and the Chief’s pickup. We only have hall accommodation for three units. The Ad Hoc Committee spent over a year researching the best possible solution for community support for a new Fire Hall. In short they recommended - Acquire an extra 1/4 acre of land at the present hall, permitting four bays, three for fire trucks, build a garage type hall at Coffin Point for one fire truck. Funding was available for this; but staffing could be a challenge. Use assessment based taxation method. The above possible for aprox. $2,000,000. The defeated referendum would have provided no extra land, $750,000 for a hall at Coffin Point, parcel based taxation method, was asking for $3,030,000. The Ad Hoc Committee provided a guide for getting the necessary support for a new Fire Hall. Our input was ignored and dismissed with predictable results. The taxpayers were not willing to support the referendum as presented. I hope the above might clear up some of the misunderstanding. We have to build a fire hall that serves the community and our fire fighters needs at a price we can afford. - Greg Wyndlow
Role of architect clarified In the November 2011 issue of TAKE 5 you published a letter from a reader that incorrectly outlined my company’s role in the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s North Oyster Fire Department Number 1 Fire Hall Project. I would like to take this
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opportunity to correct the reader on our role and the role of the architect in this project and, as an aside, the role of architects in the construction industry specifically and the community as a whole. I am a registered Architectural Technologist, not an Architect, and hold an Associate membership with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. My company, Tectonica Management Inc., is the project manager for the CVRD’s North Oyster Fire Department Number 1 Fire Hall Project. In this capacity we prepared and issued an RFP for Architectural and Engineering Services to which several experienced and reputable firms responded. As a result of this open and public process the firm of Johnston Davidson Architecture and Planning, and their team of engineering consultants, was engaged to provide Basic Architectural Services. The roles and responsibilities of Tectonica Management Inc. and Johnston Davidson Architecture and Planning are clearly defined and engage both parties in their respective areas of expertise. Furthermore, each party is engaged directly by the Owner under standard form contracts appropriate to project management, in our case, and architectural services, in JDA’s case. It is important to note that the practice of architecture is a regulated profession subject to governance under the Architects Act. This Act defines who can become an architect, who can provide architectural services, continuing professional development requirements, and professional conduct standards. The Architectural Institute of British Columbia is the governing body for the practice of architecture in BC and actively promotes this highly skilled profession. Although it is common for
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people to use the terms “architecture”, “architectural design” and “architectural services” in a broad variety of contexts it is misleading to the public and harmful to the profession. Media, in general terms, propagates this misunderstanding by not making themselves aware of the high educational and professional standards one must meet to become a Registered Architect. Architects are engaged in their communities through the careful and diligent practice of their chosen profession, by sitting on design panels and advisory boards, advising municipalities on code and bylaw changes, making presentations to schools, and by continuously placing the public interest ahead of their own when designing and supervising the construction of their clients’ projects. They are, in effect, responsible to the public for the built environment. This is a weighty responsibility that each architect takes seriously and one which can not be assumed by an unregistered individual. You can learn more about the practice of architecture at the AIBC’s website at www.aibc.ca - Bil Derby, AT.AIBC, Principal, Tectonica Management Inc. Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Please note that letters published do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TAKE 5. editor@take5.ca, or post your comments directly at www.take5.ca
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Ladysmith Mayor’s Report A $5.2 Million Dollar Gift BY LADYSMITH MAYOR ROB HUTCHINS On January 19th, Member of Parliament James Lunney announced a belated Christmas gift of $5.2 million to our community to assist us with upgrading our aging sewage treatment system. This is the largest single grant our Town has ever received and it could save about $2,300 per property in borrowing costs over the next 25 years. The grant is funded through the Gas Tax Fund, a Federal Government commitment to provide long term funding to help rebuild and upgrade local government infrastructure (roads, water and sewer systems, transit) across Canada, to help lessen our impact on the environment. We do need that help, and we are thankful for it. Like many communities across Canada, for far too long, our community’s sewage waste polluted a nearby body of water. The Town’s first sewer lines were built some 110 years ago – and for the next 64 years we dumped raw, untreated sewage out of an outfall where the Ladysmith Community Marina stands today. I have been told that in the 1940’s and 50’s Smelter Beach, now occupied by the dry land sort, was a favorite bathing spot for the children of our community -- but they were only allowed to swim on an outgoing tide. For thousands of years, our harbor produced an abundance of oysters and clams. But by the 1960’s the harvesting of shellfish was banned from these shores because we continued to treat our beautiful harbor as a convenient disposal site for our waste. We did learn, however, and in 1966 the Town built one of the first primary sewage treatment plants on the island. Over the last four and half decades, we have continued to make improvements to our treatment system.
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In the last three years we have spent upwards of $5.5 million on the first two phases of a new treatment plant. This new funding of $5.2 million will allow us to move forward with the third phase: full secondary treatment. The new plant will be the first of its kind in North America. Its innovative design is based on a model used widely in Europe, which features an exceptionally small environmental footprint compared to conventional technology. It is especially well suited for coastal towns or communities like ours with constricted plant sites. The total cost of this phase and previous phases of the project is estimated to be about $21 million dollars. In the not too distant future, we should once again be able to fully enjoy the rich bounty that nature produces in our harbour, and by our efforts both honour and respect this gift of nature we share with the Stz’uminus First Nation. Below:Kayakers enjoy Ladysmith Harbour. Our waters are about to come cleaner thanks to upcoming sewage treatment upgrades. Photo: Marina Sacht
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Stand up to bullying Did you know one in seven students is either a bully or been victimized by one? Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres is committed to the Anti-Bullying Campaign and Pink T-shirt Day, and is the driving force behind the Pink Wall, a new online social networking resource. PinkWall.ca was founded by Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres, and deals with the growing problem of bullying. VIIC has pledged 20,000 pink t-shirts to be distributed to children on Vancouver Island. VIIC Ladysmith has also partnered with 89.7 Sun FM to make this year’s Anti-Bullying Campaign bigger and better in the Cowichan Valley. Every Vancouver Islander can stand up against bullying on Feb.29 by wearing pink. Visit facebook.com/pinkwall.ca or follow PinkWallCa on Twitter
Chocolate Madness Ladysmith Little Theatre invites you to attend the Valentine ‘Chocolate Madness’ show to celebrate the most joyous of our human emotions “love”. Three variety shows on Feb 10-12 will include declarations of love. Love is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Tickets $25 or $40 per couple Ladysmith Little Theatre, www.ladysmiththeatre.com, or call the Box Office 250-924-0658.
Locals head to national curling championship Talk about an active and healthy life style. Having the right to compete in a national championship was accomplished at the Tim Hortons BC Junior Women’s Championship recently by sisters Kesa, Kalia and Marika Van Osch and Brooklyn Leitch along with their coach Jim Newlands of the Nanaimo Curling Club. As we go to print preparations are well underway for the team to be at their best for the Junior Nationals; Feb 4 - 12, in
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Napanee, Ontario. While attending the send off reception for the team it was clear they have it in them to compete at the top level of the sport. They are focused, confident and capable of directing all that nervous energy into their best effort to date. If the Van Osch sisters seem familliar to some of our readers and you don’t curl it’s because they can be found along with their brother Mathew and their mom Cindy and chuffer /dad, Ed, each weeksinging in the choir at St Mary’s Parish in Ladysmith. Amateur sports is possible through fundraising and if you’d like to support this team contact the Nanaimo Curling Club at 250 753 3474 - Loyola van Rooyen Buck
Community Awards It’s that time of year when we honour community spirit. Ladysmith is presenting its Spirit Awards and Chemainus its Golden Brush Awards. The Spirit Awards recognize achievement and leadership in Ladysmith: Nominees are Business of the Year (1-10 employees) The 49th Café, Community Link Connexions Inc., GNB Builders Inc., Little Rascals Pets and Supplies. Business of the Year (11+ employees) Pharmasave, Western Forest Products, Entrepreneur of The Year, Nikki MacCallum of Nikki Design, Peter Richmond of 49th Parallel Grocery, Steve Wilkinson of Pharmasave. Service Employee of the Year: (1-10 employees) Inga Anderson, Coleen Andreychuk-Burke, Jill Collins, Danielle Eastic, Margie Forester, Sandra Hendricks, Heidi Kulhawy, Jacquie Nelligan, Cheryl Onciul, Lesley Parent, Colin Pickell, Monica Stiede, Marti Westergaard Service Employee of the
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Kesa and Kalia Van Osch, coach Jim Newlands, Marika Van Osch , Brooklyn Leitch of Nanaimo Curling Club. Photo: Loyola van Rooyen Buck
Year (11+ employees): Colleen Gaudreault, Non-For-Profit of the Year: Kinsmen Club of Ladysmith, Ladysmith & Dist Historical Society, Ladysmith Family and Friends. Volunteer of the Year: Audrey Ballageer, Hilary Bell, Nita Grant, Jim Masyk, Isabelle Ouelette, Duck Patterson, Ed & Marie Polachek, Rod Saunders, Carol Sparham, David Walbank, Volunteers at Ladysmith Family & Friends. Youth of the Year: Annika Bouma, Noah Hendricks, Katrina Stirling, Brendan Wilkinson Winners announced Feb. 11, at Aggie Hall. Tickets are $15 and include appetizers, award ceremony Kinsmen bar and dance available at the Chamber office (250)245-2112 Chemainus will be hosting their 7th Golden Brush Awards on Feb 18, in the Chemainus Theatre Festival Playbill Dining Room to honor all of the finalists, and to announce the winners. www. chemainus.bc.ca
Best tree festival The winner of the Best Decorated Tree for the First Annual Festival of Trees at Chemainus Garden was BC Auto Wrecking Ltd. The event raised $1263 towards Little Town Christmas and the Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank. Organizers thank sponsors: Peter Matthews from the Saltair Pub, Brad Lesiuk from Island Savings in Chemainus, the
Festival of Tress presentation. Photo: Chris Marsh
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Red Hat “Glitter Gals” from Chemainus, Simon Young from Results Training, Pudge Dodd from Dodds Lumber and Len Wansbrough from Artisan Properties.
Harvest season for the Chemainus Theatre
Mahle House Steve Wilson with a bounty of food. Patrons to the fine dining restaurant in Cedar dropped off donations for their food drive over the holidays. Photo: Nick Longo
Cropping up for the first time in British Columbia, Harvest, a comedic life-after-retirement play by Ken Cameron, is taking root at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. Called “Comic Gold” by the Calgary Herald, the play has been supported by arts organizations and theatre-goers nationwide due to its quintessentially-Canadian roots. www.chemainustheatre.ca/ or phone 1-800-56-7738.
Watoto Children’s Choir The Watoto Children’s Choir from Africa will be in concert at Bethel tabernacle on Feb 9,7pm A free will offering for the choir will be taken. Bethel - 1149 – 4th Ave. Ladysmith phone 250-245-8221 or btoffice@shaw.ca
Recreation and Culture grants benefit Area ‘A’
On Jan 12, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 171 donated $3200 to various groups in the community. Back Row -(l-r) RCL 171 First Vice President Gary Phillips, Shirley and Dave Perry, Salvation Army Nanaimo, Jennifer Barnes Van Elk Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Assn., Hanna Coulson Errington Therapeutic Riding Assn., Heather Owen Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society, Roy Empey, President RCL #171 Front Row - (l-r) Jacquie Neligan, Ladysmith Family and Friends, Meghan Anderson Royal Canadian Air Cadets #257 Parallel Squadron, Maggie McDonald - Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society, Denise Rae - Ladysmith Chemainus Swim Club. Photo: Rob Johnson
The Regional District of Nanaimo is inviting groups in Cedar, Cassidy, South Wellington, and Yellowpoint to apply now for recreation and culture funding. Non-profit organizations can submit applications until Feb 20 for grants as high as $1,500 for new or expanded programs, events, or special projects. The Regional District has awarded funds in Electoral Area ‘A’ twice each year, in May and December, since fall 2008. “Over the past four years the RDN has approved $22,850 in recreation and culture funding for more than a dozen organizations in Area ‘A’” said RDN Chair Joe Stanhope. “The events, programs, and services we support through this program provide an ongoing benefit to the community as a whole.” 1st Cedar Scouting is one of the groups that benefited from the funding. “We were surprised to find that money was available,” says Ryan Rangno a Scouts group leader. “Not many groups take advantage of it.” He says that the criteria are fairly broad to include nonprofit organization that promotes culture or recreation, sports clubs, youth clubs. The Cedar Scouts received $3000 over the last two years.
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1st Cedar Scouting recently held a Winter Family Camp at Mt. Washington. Over 80 people - Youth from Beavers , Cubs , Scouts , Venturers and Rovers attended. Support from the RDN and others allows the group to buy equipment needed to take this many people camping at one time Photo courtesy of Ryan Rangno
With the money they were able to purchase new camping equipment and replace some of their aging supplies. 1st Cedar Scouting, started over 40 years ago, offers youth programs for ages 5-18. For more info or to volunteer as an adult leader call 250-722-0045. The RDN Recreation and Parks Pro-
gram is administered through the Electoral Area ‘A’ Recreation and Culture Commission and RDN staff. The next application deadline is Monday, Feb. 20. Please visit www.rdn.bc.ca/cms. asp?wpID=992, or contact Tracy Stuart, Recreation Programmer 250-722-0123 for more information.
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Do you know that Municipal taxes have over the past five years increased by 64% for the average home in Ladysmith, while its assessed value has only increased by 15%? Are you aware that the preliminary budget for the Town is suggesting that this years residential taxes jump a further 5.39%? For the most our tax dollars are well spent but often our citizens feel that some of the money could be better spent, and wish they had more input. Well, now they can. On Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 the Town of Ladysmith will be holding Public Meetings as part of the Budget process. This is the first time that I can recall such an open process. You can view a copy of this year’s preliminary budget, posted on the Town’s website (www.ladysmith. ca). Remember this is only a proposal After looking at it, you may want to give Council your feedback on expenses like spending $162,190 to kept the trolley running while collecting $20,000 in fares. Do you think the Town should put $804,000 towards construction of a $1.2 million baseball field? Should the Town spend $40,000 of its reserves on a bicycle connecter path? A summary of some of the key areas of the budget are: an increase for Development Services of 17.22% , Economic Development up 186%, and 12% for Heritage. Administration Department up 13.27%. Recreation & Cultural Services up 2.33%, and Parks up 3.84%. Perhaps you want to see more money used for other projects, such as sidewalks, paving of the streets, or improvements at Transfer Beach. Offer Council your ideas and tell them about any concerns you have about how much you are paying in taxes. Thank Council for holding these meetings because it is the type of transparency we wish to see. It’s nice to have a say on what we think is the best way to spend our money. At least that’s how I see it
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THE EAGLES’ HALL Aerie #2101 Fraternal Order of Eagles BY KIT WILMOTT The Ladysmith Eagles Hall with its distinct tower and color is a local landmark but it also has a rich history. Originally known as the Leader building it was built by Wellington Collieries in 1901 to house the Ladysmith Leader Wellington Extension News which rolled off the presses with its first edition that year. Following that paper was the Ladysmith Recorder, the Duncan and Ladysmith Ledger, the Standard, and then in 1908, the Ladysmith Chronicle which moved to Roberts Street in 1908. In 1910, the building was acquired by Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir) Ltd. and used by the City Brass Band for practice,
Ladysmith’s Eagles Hall showing the transformation of the building through the years. Photo below as it looks today. Photos courtesy of Ladysmith Archives
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becoming known as the Band Hall. During the miners’ strike 1912/14, it was used as a barracks by the 5th Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery brought in to restore order during the rioting; and who camped outside; other army units including the Irish Fusiliers, followed until the end of the WWI. In 1931 it was acquired by the Native Sons of B.C. in which year the Native Sons & Daughters of B.C., Dunsmuir Post # 7 was initiated, and in 1932 the Daughters became joint owners; in 1942, the Sons ceased to function, so the Daughters became sole owners; however, in 1945, there was a revival of the Sons. In 1994, due to declining membership, the Daughters decided to cease formal operations but still maintain their charity account for bursaries etc. That year they sold the building to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie # 2101, who carried out extensive external and internal renovations, the latter including the kitchen, enabling the members to continue the service started by the Daughters, of providing food for meetings and public events. Visit Ladysmith Archives for more stories and photos. 250-245-0100.
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Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well. ~Marcus Valerius Martial
What more can we ask for than good health? In this month’s feature we present some helpful information to get you healthy, fit and motivated. There’s a variety of ways to help you get on your path to health and wellness and they are available right at your doorstep. BY MARINA SACHT Most people in the local fitness scene know Kathy Schoenewolf. Mother of three, former legal secretary turned personal trainer, the Ladysmith resident won her first bodybuilding competition in her 40’s. “I knew being a legal secretary wasn’t for me, it was too sedentary,” says Kathy. Instead she started teaching aerobics part-time. She soon discovered running but repetitive injuries slowed her down. She started working for Ladysmith Parks, Recreation and Culture when the new fitness centre opened at the Frank Jameson Community Centre a few years ago. With
her children now older she turned her attention to weight training and building a career as personal trainer. Today she owns and operated Pulse Fitness in downtown Nanaimo. The studio offers private and semi private personal training, pilates, and clean eating nutrition classes. While working out at the gym one day a friend asked her if she had ever competed in a body building competition. “That got me thinking,” she said. “Women are afraid to lift heavy weights, yet the heavier weight I lifted, the smaller and tighter I got,” she said. “I’m thinking: this is awesome.” Many women fear that heavy weightlifting will make them bulk up “but we don’t have the testosterone required to build big muscles like men do.” For women there seems to be an invisible
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Brian Parton, Kathy Schoenewolf, Aaron Olsen working out at the Frank Jameson Community Centre gym. Photo: Marina Sacht
barrier beyond the 10 lb mark. “They can do it. When I start training a new client and I hand them a weight, they look at it but then they do it, and they are amazed.” There is another bonus to weightlifting. You can eat more. “Muscles burn more calories, they increase your metabolism. I loved it. I can eat and still indulge occasionally.” As Kathy got stronger her joints injuries from running improved as stronger muscles build a better support system for your joints. “For
the first time in my life I felt fit and healthy.” Kathy FEB was 2012 sold. “I started taking courses and lifting weights and my body responded.” When Heather Osler asked her to compete with her at the Western Natural Body Building Competition in 2010 she did -- and took first place in figure and overall. She was scheduled to compete again in 2011 but a car accident two weeks before her last competition last stopped her. This year its full steam ahead as she will be entering three competitions. So if you aren’t an athlete and just an average person - how much exercise to do need? “If you enjoy a good diet, 30 minutes of cardio three times a week. If you are working on weight loss you should increase that to five times a week.” Experts agree that when it comes to losing weight it’s 80 per cent diet and 20 per cent exercise. That’s why she advocates eating “real food”. “Choose food that has only one ingredient: apple, rolled oats, chicken. Read the ingredients. Unless you made it yourself, it shouldn’t have any more than five ingredients.” If you stick to real food and make sure you have enough protein you will see results. An average person in a sedentary lifestyle would need about .75gms per lb of muscle mass. One way to determine how much protein your body needs is to get a body composition test available at most gyms and fitness centres. Other tips for weight loss and wellness: Shake the salt habit. Use herbs for flavouring and get creative. Drink water, lots of water and watch your alcohol intake. Drinking and weight loss don’t go together. It doesn’t take much to make a positive change in your life and send you on the path to improved health and wellness. The results can be impressive. “I love walking into a gym full of guys and putting on the big weights. They see me and I can see they are thinking, oh, oh, and they are waiting to save me,” Kathy smiles. You can read her blog at www.mypulse.ca
Kathy’s Top 5 Health Tips 1. Eat as clean as you can 2. Increase your vegetable intake 3. Lift weights 4. Do cardio activity 5. Get off the coach and do more.
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Golfing! BY ROB JOHNSON Playing golf isn’t just good for the game, it’s good for your health. It is estimated that just by playing 9-holes golfers who walk and carry their own bag will burn 721 calories, golfers using a pull cart burn 718 calories, golfers walking with a caddie burn 613 calories, and golfers riding in a golf cart burn only 411 calories on average. So if you play 18 holes a week you can quickly burn through calories. Maintaining a healthy weight will greatly reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It is easy to see how playing more golf can factor into a healthy lifestyle. Need more convincing? Researchers have found that the death rate for golfers is 40 percent lower than for other people of the same sex, age and socioeconomic status. This equates to a 5-year increase in life expectancy for regular golfers. Now, go and tell that to your golf widow. Golf is great not just for its stress release it also burns calories. Winston Michell gets into the swing at Cottonwood Golf Course. Photo: Rob Johnson
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FEBRUARY Feb 1-25,11am, Morden Maples Open house, 1850 Morden Road in Nanaimo 250-754-1334 Feb 1-11, Harvest, Chemainus Theatre . 250 246-9820 Feb 1- Apr 14, “Illuminating Peace, Seeking Peace”, Nanaimo Art Gallery 250-740-6350 Feb 1, 9:30am, Employment Navigators Workshop 21st Century Job Search, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 1, 8:15pm, Zumba, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 2, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 2, 7pm, Opera Express, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Feb 2, 8pm, Windborn, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 3, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 3, 7pm, Jazzfest 2012, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Feb 3, The Sound of Music, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529
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Feb 3, 8pm, Gerry Barnum, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
Feb 11, 7pm, Dance – Happy Hans, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111
Feb 4, 10:00am, Theatre Sports Workshop, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
Feb 11, 7:30pm, Scrapartsmusic, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Feb 4, 11:30am, Discover Your Medium, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
Feb 11, The Sound of Music, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529
Feb 4, 7:30pm, Dancestreams – Dance Odyssey 2012, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Feb 12, 10am, Carols Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall 13467 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2556
Feb 4, 8pm, Bowker Creek, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
Feb 12, 2pm, Anna Borch, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
Feb 4, The Sound of Music, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529
Feb 12, 7:30pm, Jamie Adkins – Circus Incognitus, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Feb 5-6, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks –Take Shelter, 150 Commercial St. 250-754-7587 Feb 5, 10am, Carols Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall 13467 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2556 Feb 5, 2pm, Hope King, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 5, 8pm, The Griffith Hiltz Trio, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 5, The Sound of Music, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529 Feb 6, 11am, Latin Fit, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 6, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111 Feb 6, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council Meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 Feb 6, 8pm, Lena’s Living Room, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 7, 10:30am, Yin Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 7, 11am, St. Joseph’s School Open House, Chemainus 250-246-3191 Feb 7, 7:30pm, Ballet Nacional De Cuba, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Feb 8-25, 8pm, Is He dead, Nanaimo Theatre 250-758-7224 Feb 8, 9:30am, Employment Navigators Workshop Microsoft Word Basics & Beyond, 250-245-7134 Feb 8, 1pm, Employment Navigators Workshop 1 Week Job Documentary, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 8, 8:15pm, Zumba, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 9, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 9, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 10-12, Valentine Chocolate and Madness Variety Show, Ladysmith Little Theatre. 250-924-0658 Feb 10, 8pm, Mike Edel, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 10, The Sound of Music, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529 Feb 11, 10:00am, Theatre Sports Workshop, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 11, 11:30am, Discover Your Medium, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 11, 6:30pm, Spirit of Ladysmith Community Awards, Aggie Hall 250-245-2112 Feb 11, 7pm, Benefit for Diabetes Research, Ladysmith Eagles Hall 250-245-2457
Feb 13, 11am, Latin Fit, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 13, 1pm, Employment Navigators Workshop Preparing for an Interview, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 13, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111 Feb 14, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 14, 10:30am, Yin Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 14, 5pm, Valentines Menu, Odika Restaurant, Chemainus 250-324-3303 Feb 14, 5pm, Valentines Menu, Mahle House Restaurant, Cedar 250-722-3621 Feb 14, 5pm, Dinner Special in the Pub, The Wheatsheaf Pub, Cedar 250-722-2240 Feb 14, 8pm, Blues Tuesday, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 14-Mar 7, Cowichan Music Festival, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529 www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca Feb 15, 9:30am, Employment Navigators Workshop 21st Century Job Search, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 15, 9:30am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111 Feb 15, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111 Feb 15, 8:15pm, Zumba, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 16, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 16, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 16, 8pm, Willy Blizzard, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 16, 8pm, Carmen, Pacific Opera Victoria, 1815 Blanshard St.,Victoria, 250-382-1641 Feb 18,9am, Don Giovanni – Live at the Met, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529 www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca Feb 18, 9:30am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111 Feb 18, 10:00am, Theatre Sports Workshop, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 18, 10:00am, Free Heat Pump seminar, E&S Heating, Ladysmith 250-924-0114 Feb 18, 11:30am, Discover Your Medium, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 18, 12:30pm, VIS Community – Free Open Rehearsal, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
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Feb 18, 5pm, Pot Luck Birthdays, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111
Feb 22, 9:30am, Employment Navigators Workshop Microsoft Word Basics & Beyond, 250-245-7134
Feb 25, 8pm, Wen Wei Dance/Unbound, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Feb 18,7:30pm, Vagina Monologues, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529 www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
Feb 22, 8:15pm, Zumba, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
Feb 18, 7:30pm, Believe, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Feb 22, 7:30pm, Down with Webster, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
F eb 25, 8pm , S hel ly Dubois Tr io, Dunc an G arage S how room , 201- 330 Dunc an S t . 250-748-7246
Feb 18, 8pm, The Midnight Hours, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 18, 8pm, Carmen, Pacific Opera Victoria, 1815 Blanshard St.,Victoria, 250-382-1641 Feb 19, 10am, Carols Craft Fair, North Oyster Community Hall 13467 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2556 Feb 19, 2pm, Naomi Payan, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 20, 11am, Latin Fit, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 20, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111 Feb 20, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council Meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 Feb 20, 8pm, Lena’s Living Room, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 21, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce General Meeting 250-245-2112 Feb 21, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Computer for Beginners, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 21, 10:30am, Yin Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 21, Pancake dinner, book and video sale, St. Philips Anglican Church 250-722-3455
Feb 22, 8pm, Carmen, Pacific Opera Victoria, 1815 Blanshard St., Victoria 250-382-1641 Feb 23, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Feb 23, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 23, 8pm, Craig Cardiff/Ryan McMahon, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 24 – April 7, All Shook Up, Chemainus Theater 250-246-9820 Feb 24, 9am, Vancouver Island Early Years DATA DAY, Arbutus Room VIU 250-731-6241 Feb 24, 8pm, Flora Ware, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 Feb 24, 8pm, Carmen, Pacific Opera Victoria, 1815 Blanshard St., Victoria 250-382-1641 Feb 25, 10:00am, Theatre Sports Workshop, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 25, 11:30am, Discover Your Medium, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 25, 7pm, Dance – Esquires, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111
Feb 26, 7:30pm, Jay and the Americans, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Feb 26, Aspects of Love, Chemainus Classical Concerts. 250-748-8383, chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca Feb 26, 8pm, Carmen, Pacific Opera Victoria, 1815 Blanshard St.,Victoria, 250-382-1641 Feb 27, 11am, Latin Fit, Cedar Heritage Centre 250722-0123 Feb 27, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop-in Centre 250-246-2111 Feb 28, 10:30am, Yin Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 Feb 28,7pm, Sarah’s Key-Reel Alternatives Film, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529 www. cowichantheatre.bc.ca Feb 28, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera feature “Getting Your Colour Right” Hardwick Hall info@LadysmithCameraClub.com Feb 29, 8:15pm, Zumba, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
To submit your special event or to view the complete events calendar please visit www. take5.ca/events
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The i-Opener, world premier For those of you who didn’t receive the Steve Jobs book for Christmas, all seven of you, here’s what you need to know. He was fun to work for but only if you liked getting yelled at. During his fruitarian diet stage there was a propensity not to bathe which resulted in questionable workplace aromatics. He was an industrial design perfectionist who despised poorly designed products. Even the Apple box was redesigned fifty times, which is damn fussy for a guy who didn’t believe in soap. Though possibly not as recognized as Jobs, we at Slightly Corked are also on the cutting edge of our field, which happens to be cork extraction. Patents are pending on three of our latest tech-
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niques. One utilizing a number three wood screw, pliers and a leggy, scantily clad assistant. The next using duct tape and your mother’s vacuum (sorry, no long legged assistants at Mom’s). And finally, our “desert island” technique where a bottle of wine is opened with a shoelace. (More on this cork popping technique later.) Considering our reputation in the cork pulling world, it didn’t come as a surprise when the call came from the Steve Jobs Foundation enlisting our help at purging the world of what must be the worst designed product out there, the cork destroying “Scarecrow” opener. Those chrome monstrosities with a cork screw on one end, a beer opener on the other and two arms which flap up and down like the arms of a scarecrow are usually found at vacation properties. Like bibles in a cheap hotel, they show up at condos, ski cabins or on yachts. Spots where you really need a corkscrew but have forgotten to bring one. The Scarecrow opener was originally designed for the Woman’s Christian Temperance League by the legendary
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Mortimer Huffright who before that had designed the grill of the Edsel. The Scarecrows were never intended to work properly. Instead the opposite was true, they were designed to malfunction causing the user to forego wine and turn to non-alcoholic herbal tea or possibly a carbonated beverage. Anyone using a Scarecrow will utter one, if not all of the following statements. 1.Everyone okay with a little cork? 2. Just ignore the glass shards. 3. About the carpet…. 4. !@#&*! In case you’re wondering, a proper wine opener is called a waiter’s corkscrew and is the size and shape of a Swiss army knife with both a knife to cut the foil and a handle that folds. They fit easily into your pocket and would serve as dangling earrings for those with very large heads. The Slightly Corked team will be working with the Job’s Foundation on a massive retrieval operation called The Corkscrew Retirement Program whereby everyone will be invited to turn in their Scarecrow and receive a newly developed Apple iOpener which features a
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monitor, an iPhone for winery communication and pictures of labels, a breathalyzer, and the latest in GPS equipment to determine at what liquor store you’re parked. Also thrown in will be two heretofore unavailable apps. One called the Cheapskate, which tracks down who brought a cheap screw cap bottle to your dinner party and sends a stealth missile up their toilet. And the Wine Bore app which bores an invisible hole in the bottom of a wine snob’s glass, causing a dribble which sends them home before they get to trot out their pretentious patter. In the meantime, here’s what to do if stuck with a Scarecrow while on vacation. Grab a bottle of the excellent 2009 vintage of the Perrin & Fils Cote du Rhone Village ($18.00). Throw Scarecrow out window being careful not to impale gardener. Carefully follow the instructions below. Push cork into bottle utilizing, pen, pencil, stick, or if built like Pinocchio, your nose. Trick drinking companion into volunteering shoelace. Tie three or more knots in lace on top of each other creating a little monkey’s fist approximately ¼ inch in diameter. Push knot under edge of cork with stick or pen, preferably not nose. Gently pull lace out once bottom of cork is snagged. Solicit wild applaud. Return shoelace for washing. So, that’s how we developed the award winning iLace. Simple, elegant, user friendly, everything a demanding fruitarian can ask for. Now if only we could get this packaging right. Delbert Horrocks is the co-proprietor at Mahle House. Check Delbert’s blog: Slightlycorkedand more.wordpress.com
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RDN - Area A BY ALEC MCPHERSON This is my inaugural column in Take 5 and I thank the editor for providing this space as a public service. The swearing-in ceremony for Electoral Area Directors took place on Dec. 13, 2012. For the past five weeks, my time has been consumed in regular Board meetings, Committee of the Whole meetings, orientation seminars, budget seminars and making myself familiar with all the activities that are in various stages of being advanced or implemented. Recently, there have been several stories published in the local media involving youth activities within Electoral Area ‘A’ and, more specifically, in the Cedar Village area. Most of the stories focus on the dearth of recreational opportunities for youth within the area and attempt to rationalize recent vandalism by connecting the two activities. It is clear that most of the organized competitive sport activities are centred in the facilities located within the City of Nanaimo. In order to access these programs, youth must rely on dedicated in-
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dividual parents or parent groups to arrange transportation to the facilities as the transit schedule and routing within the area is limited. Based on the registration data, there are a number of local residents that are regular users of the aquatic and arena facilities available in either the City of Nanaimo or the Town of Ladysmith. There are a number of locally-based recreational and cultural programs being offered through either the Community Schools or at community facilities such as the Cedar Heritage Centre and the Cedar Community Hall. Opportunities to implement more program offerings are limited as most of the prime time space is allocated to regular user groups. Several years ago, Electoral Area ‘A’ formed a Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Commission to advance recreation and cultural activities for all residents of the area. Recently, the RDN advertised for applications for the three positions that were available for 2012 with the deadline for submission of applications being Jan. 13, 2012. I encourage interested members of the public to attend these meetings and provide input on planned expenditures and the priori-
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ties for recreational/cultural opportunities. Once a schedule of meetings is prepared, I will post the schedule on my blog (http://rdninsights.blogspot. com). Alternatively, you may access the RDN website for details. In an effort to provide more opportunities for youth, the RDN, in October 2009, authorized up to $139,000 from the Electoral Area ‘A’ community Parks Operational Reserve Fund be allocated to the construction of a Cedar Skate and Bike Park in the area. In November 2011, the RDN authorized an application to the Province of B.C. for a grant approximating $296,000. The province will announce the successful applicants by March 31, 2012. The second major project involves the design and construction of a model Tipple structure with related signage and lighting for the small plaza park at the entrance to the Morden Colliery Trail leading off Cedar Road. This projecthas not advanced beyond the preparation of working drawings, tendering documents and developing a cost estimate.
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CVRD - Area H BY MARY MARCOTTE Development Proposal: In early January, the local papers published a story regarding development of residential lots in conjunction with the development of a golf course on the west side of the Trans Canada Highway. The proposed access is from Oyster Sto-Lo Road. After the articles were published, myself and one CVRD staff member had the opportunity to meet with the proponent. Also present was a representative from Stz’uminus First Nations. Although the proponent stated that, over the past three years, he has been working in conjunction with First Nations this proposal has not yet been brought to the Regional District. What has been presented to the Region so far is one conceptual drawing of a higher density residential development, bordering on a golf course. It is proposed that part of the golf course will be on Stz’uminus First Nations lands, and that they become a partner in the development. The First Nation Land Use Plan includes the development of residential, main street, commercial, and a mixed use village centre on the properties that straddle the highway. Major parks & trails are also in the plan. The portion of the land within Area H is adjacent to the Heart Lake Development. To proceed, amendments must be made to both the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws. The full public process, including a public hearing, will be required. 2012 CVRD Budget/5 Year Plan: Now that the newly elected Directors have settled in, the budget process has begun in earnest. By Provincial legislation, the Regional District must adopt its Five Year plan by March 31st of every year. It can be a very confusing process for those involved. Although individually, the nine electoral areas consider and set budgets for all of the services they provide for their individual areas, the full Regional Board must approve and adopt them using a weighted vote formula. Budgeting rules can be difficult to understand, but I would like to give a brief explanation about the tax requisition rules as applied specifically to the North Oyster Fire Department. By bylaw, almost all of the CVRD budgets have a maximum amount that can be requisitioned through taxation. If a service has been in effect for many decades, sometimes the maximum amount must be increased in order to continue providing the services. Simply put, over time the costs may exceed the maximum taxation income. This can also occur if the maximum amount did not accurately project future costs when it was first set. The Province recognizes that servicing costs are not stagnant, and addresses this by periodically allowing an increase in the taxation limit if it is within a certain percentage. The Fire Department Service has been requisitioning tax dollars even before the CVRD assumed responsibility in 1995. The requisition limit has not increased since then. Even though the borrowing referendum did not pass, there are still major building deficiencies. While the Department may be able to address some of the deficiencies within the current budget limits, I believe that it is prudent to raise the requisition limit at this time. We are exploring all options for correcting the deficiencies including repairs to the building envelope, replacing existing water and sewer servicing, inspecting electrical and if possible, new construction connected to the existing facility. The addi-
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tional funds would allow the Department to consider all available possibilities and to take advantage of the most cost effective option. The projected costs of raising this limit to the maximum amount allowed would result in an additional $15.02 on every $100,000 of assessed value. Just because the maximum requisition limit has been increased, does not mean that the requisition will actually be increased for 2012 or any other year. That has yet to be determined. We would not increase the requisition until such time as we have firm estimates of the costs entailed in undertaking the repair work, and doing a comparison of the options. Sooner or later, whether we ever build a new hall or renovate the existing hall, the maximum requisition amount will have to be increased in order to continue providing the service. Referendum Stats - Out of all the eligible voters, only 27% participated in the referendum process. Of that 27%, only 58.1% voted in opposition to the referendum. That means that about 17% of the residents determined the future of fire services in North Oyster.
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CVRD - Area G BY MEL DOREY SECOND WATER MEETING On Nov. 17 a meeting was held to discuss some of the problems with our aging Saltair water system. Dave Leitch, the water manager from the CVRD, outlined some of the issues. On Feb. 2 a second meeeting will be held at the old Mt. Brenton School to decide where we go from here. The water lines are old and made of concrete asbestos pipe that tends to break if stressed. Some lines have the pressure too high and others too low, some need to be looped to give better circulation so the water remains fresh, and some of the lines need to be increased in size so there are better fireflows in the fire hydrants. We used to have a local water board that built the private system and oversaw the maintenance. Due to battles with Ladysmith the provincial government dissolved our local water board and forced the CVRD to take over the system. Over the years the CVRD has been doing upgrades only when we had extra money in our reserve fund or when we got a grant to help us do the upgrades. The
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leaks would be fixed hoping they would diminish in number as we addressed the troubled spots. This strategy worked for quite a few years but the number of breaks has been increasing lately. We have had four serious water line breaks in the last two years on Gardner Road alone. In retrospect we should have taxed more for water to allow for these capital upgrades plus the provincial government kept increasing safety standards for water quality forcing us to spend more money. The time has come where we have to upgrade the system, and with grant money in short supply we will have to foot the bill. In order to do extra taxing or borrow money we need public approval which will be talked about at the Feb. 2nd meeting. There are different ways to get this approval. We can have a referendum which would take 6 months and cost the taxpayers of Saltair about $15,000. We can do the Alternate Approval Process or AAP and it would cost about $1500 take about 4 months. If more than 10% of the voters of Saltair disapprove, then the project must go to referendum to be done. We can do a petition where we get the signatures of more than 50% of the households in Saltair and that amounts to more than 50% of the assessment value of the properties. The cost of the petition is minimal.This can be done in about 3 weeks. Any money we spend on public approval will be charged to the Saltair Water System. We can raise the taxes and save up for two or three years and then do some work and repeat this a few more times. Or we can borrow all the money needed and do all the work and pay for it over many years like a mortgage. Taxes will have to be raised to do this as well. At the meeting these options will be discussed
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CLASSIFIED ADS PAINT & SAVE OPTION: Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look. Making the world a brighter place over 25 years. Call Harvey 250-245-2174 DRIVING LESSONS: Approaching Road Test time? Need an Evaluation of your driving skills? Collision Avoidance Training. Road Test Package Discounts. Gift Certificates available. 49th Parallel Driving School 250-416-1606 or 250619-2713 WINDOW WASHING, GUTTER CLEANING, Yardwork, and House Cleaning. Careful and considerate. Call David at 250-722-3599 AJ’s PLUMBING AND GAS Licensed-Bonded-Insured Service-Installations-Renovations-New Construction. Quality workmanship. No travel charges. Free estimates. On time every time. 250-802-7123 GOT GRANITE? Have your Granite and Marble Countertops professionally sealed and buffed. Kitchens starting at $75. We do tile as well! SealTech Specialties Call Stuart at 250-734-2681 www.sealtechspecialties.com AGILE HOME REPAIR & IMPROVEMENT For all your carpentry and home repair needs. From repairing/replacing siding, decks, fences to interior finishing including home ventilation FULLY INSURED call IAN 250-714-8800
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PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured & bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250-246-3394. HOME BUDDIES PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kindhearted, experienced & reliable care for all pets. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional through Westguard Security. When loving care & security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith 250-245-0151 BOBBY’S MINI HOE & CLEANUP Landscaping, lot clearing, debris removal, excavating, small deliveries with dump trailer, mulch, lawn soil, garden soil, driveway chip, serving Nanaimo, Cedar, Ladysmith & area call Bobby 250-713-4970 EMBELLISH ESTHETICS, Pedicures, Manicures, Waxing, Tinting, and Facials available at affordable prices! Mobile service also available. I look forward to seeing you! Stephanie 250-616-4271 THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? Perhaps ready for a fresher look in your existing home? The affordable design services provided by Rooms n Blooms can help. Call Shar at 250-2450548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca SEMI RETIRED MASSAGE THERAPIST working in Cedar By The Sea, $65 an hour session. 250-722-2669
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OVERCOAT PAINTING - Professional - Reliable - Reasonable. Operating 6 years in Ladysmith. No job too small. Will do minor painting repairs. Special senior rates. Call Heather McIntosh for a free estimate. 250-245-5557 PRUNNING FRUIT TREES AND ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. Towable landscape chipper available for onsite jobs. Yard waste and storm damage removal. 250-618-6660 Dunn Lawn & Garden HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jewelry table at Campers Corner Saturday flea market, 8am-3pm 250-245-3829 QUALITY RENOVATIONS, big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For a free estimate call Lars 250616-1800. ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR - Get Lean & Healthy Fast - Less than $5/ meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. Suzanne Deveau 250-245-8407 KAREN’S INDUSTRIAL SEWING Alterations and repairs, from Grad and Wedding to heavy work clothes and accessories. Can also do Manufacturing and Prototypes. Second Ave., Ladysmith. For appt. call Karen 250-245-7945 JUNK TO THE DUMP Jobs Big or Small, I haul it all. I recycle and donate all usable items to local charities. Call Sean today. 250-741-1159
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LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME High Quality Personalized Care. Warm caring environment, Great food & snacks, Family events, Couples & Pets welcomed, Ocean views, Gardens. North of Ladysmith. 250-245-3391 www. lynnsseniorcare.com LADYSMITH KYOKUSHIN KARATE -Traditional Japanese Karate. Adult classes 12yrs and up. Beginners always welcome. Start anytime call Brad 250-245-1352 PERSONAL COACHING INTENSIVE- Guaranteed results: muscle toning – strengthening – detoxing health. Combined ancient and modern proven fitness methods create fast, lasting results. $48/ hr or $295 8/sessions Discount 45+ 250245-8188 infit@hotmail.ca LEARN A LANGUAGE -Small groups, conversational approach, excellent teachers.French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin and more. Ongoing registration WENTWORTH COURT LANGUAGE CENTRE, 517 Wentworth, Nanaimo 250-716-1603 SAVE $$$ WITH GORD’S YARDWORKS LOW RATES -it’s yard cleanup time and I will haul it away. Ask about all my services and seniors discounts. 250-246-3640 250-210-3860, email gordsyardworks@shaw.ca LOOKING FOR hand crafted Ornamental Gates, Truck and Marine accessories? See us at Jora Design welding & fabricating shop located at 656 Pine St., Nanaimo 250-591-5772, 250-713-5672 joradesign@shaw.ca REORGANIZING, DOWNSIZING, OR MOVING - Has your situation changed, need more space? MORE SPACE can help to find new homes for unwantables, our proven decluttering system works! Call Randy 1-250-5101330 havemorespace@gmail.com UNIQUE 14 DAY CRUISE from Copenhagen. Visit Norway, Lerwick, Faroe Islands Iceland, Glasgow & Ireland. INSIDE ”IC” $2114 CAD per person double occupancy. OBC per stateroom. Aeroplan Points. dwulff@cruiseshipcenters.com 250-390-7401
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PIANO AND SAXOPHONE LESSONS - Certified Teacher w/over 16 yrs. exp. All ages, levels, styles. Lessons tailored to needs. Cost $20/ 1/2 hr or $30/ hr. Other instr. avail. upon request. First lesson free. Call Jen 250-327-0109 ISLAND PRUNING Serving Ladysmith and area for over 7 years. I strive to give professional tree and shrub pruning and shaping. Call Darcy Belcourt and lets talk pruning today 250-245-1260 RESIDENT CARE AID - available to assist elderly in their home. Duties at residence may include companionship and housekeeping: making beds, laundry, dishes, light meals. Ladysmith area. Reasonable rates. Lynda 250-924-4425 TAKE IT TO THE T.O.P. Nutrition supplement testers wanted. For tangible results with Quality Nutritional Supplements. Participants are required to pay for their supplement supply. Contact Diane Saunders 250-722-3996 CEDAR WORLD HAND-DRUMMING, Sundays starting Feb. 5, 2012, for ages 5 - 105 Everyone welcome. $15 per class, includes drum. A few sponsorships are available. Beginner to advanced. 3:30 - 4:30. Phone Cindy 245-5778 TRAVEL DEALS! CALL DARLENE 250-390-7401 for all your reservations. Special prices on 9 and 14 day cruises to Europe in 2012. Prices starting at $1472.00 CAD per person. dwulff@ cruiseshipcenters.com HELP WANTED for caregivers to provide a home environment for youth in need of withdrawal management and stabilization related to substance use. Situated in the Ladysmith or surrounding area, caregivers will provide non-medical care and support to youth ages 12 -19 in a private, safe, alcohol and drug free home. A reliable vehicle, criminal record check, references, and participation in a care home study are required. If you are interested, have good people skills, a calm approach, and enjoy working with youth, please contact the Transitions Care Home Coordinator 250-754-2773 ext 222 or visit www.narsf.org - employment tab
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YOGA CLASSES: a new yoga studio offering variety of classes and workshops available this spring in Cedar. Call or email Kristina for more information 250-619-4942 or abhyasayogi@ gmail.com TIME FOR “5 DAY CLEANSE PROGRAM” Science based, simple and easy to follow. Low Glycemic. For a Healthy You!. Sale $136 + tax. Contact: Diane Saunders 250-722-3996 Certified Health Coach READY TO DE-CLUTTER! Feeling overwhelmed? I can help! Objective & empathetic support can make a difference in creating space that allows you to b r e a t h e. Free consultation-Kari at Re-Inspired Spaces, 250-749-6473 FAMILY HELPER-SENIOR CARE, CHILDCARE. Healthy meals, errands, shopping, organization, light housekeeping, pet care, overnight stays and house sitting. Experienced, dependable, friendly. References available. Linda 250 245 8647 mail laughterlinda@telus.net BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www. bowtech.com CINDERELLAS CLEANING SERVICE Same Old Story Residential or Commercial Call: Erin Saysell at 250924-4475 CEDAR HERITAGE BRIDGE-lessons & play. Tuesday & Thursday afternoons. Please call 250 722 3399 or 250 722 3546 BOWEN THERAPY - B-Well Bowen works provides lasting pain relief. This very gentle yet effective manual therapy evokes deep relaxation and renews the body’s capacity for self healing. 250246-4812 Email bowtech2@telus.net www.bowenworkacademyusa.com WANTED bed and furniture, reasonably priced please. 250-245-9165.
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Cedar Village - a community vision The 1950’s are out, 2020 is in. Cedar came out to mull over possibilities and opportunities in their growing neighbourhood as the new year began. A family-friendly, rural roots, workwith-nature approach seems to be sitting well with Cedar residents who are taking a long, hard look at their village homestead and what might be. Not your run-of-the-mill fluffy makeover, paint and touch-up approach, the design team that sat at the Cedar Heritage Centre for four days in late January, cut to the chase. Sketches were flowing, maps highlighted and a lot of hopes and wishes for the future expressed as planners and residents got back to the basics. What’s a community all about anyway? This old stagecoach route is looking to its agricultural, mining and logging past, considering ways to slow-down traffic, and how it might create a centre that opens its arms to residents and visitors alike. The old potato field outback of the 49th, York Lake to the trumpeter swans who frequent it, is being eyed as a ‘spectacular and unusually attractive feature”, according to UBC prof and architect Daniel Roehr. Combining ideas that
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have kept communities thriving in Europe and North America Daniel spoke to the wrap-up session. A ‘community green’ and social spaces would invite walking, a people and senior-friendly feel that would grow the community for the next 50 years. A Village Square, oriented around Cedar’s Anglican Church and the old Firehall, resonated with many. A library and meeting rooms, creating a landmark that combines traditional and contemporary styles would “connect people with civic life and special events” according to consultant James Tver. Coming out of the ‘planning speak’ of Area A’s recently revised Official Community Plan, ideas were broached about anchoring Cedar as an “urban containment boundary”, leading to the village design workshop last October. A 100 or so folks walked the main street, and sat in focus groups over a weekend, asking themselves what Cedar might be. Ideas were unleashed, hopes and dreams recorded - with the January design session mapping the potential and options that will focus the discussion as the final concept takes shape for public approval later this year. Safety for pedestrians, school kids and family walks were high on the priority list, with roundabouts to slow-down those in a big hurry to get to the Nanaimo malls and strip development. None of that chain-store people-unfriendly approach for Cedar though. Bike routes for the daily to-and-fro’s of school, and local shopping, were seen to fit with support for the enthusiasts who pedal Cedar and Yellowpoint’s country road cycling circuit. And voices were raised to ensure that at least some of the
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area’s 2000 horses would be welcomed into the village centre as well, at a pace that befit such dignified equestrian lifestyles! So too the Design workshop heard of a proposal to bring the national Trans Canada Trail through the heart of Cedar, connecting to the coalbed rail-line of the Morden-Colliery Mine, and the longpromised pedestrian bridge over the Nanaimo River to South Wellington. Granny flats, and coach houses around the back, two and even three-storey multi-family buildings, were all suggested as means to increase the density of the village, in turn supporting local businesses and a vibrant “downtown”. Old garages and streetfront houses could transform into stores and offices, offering a walkable mixed-use roadway, friendly to all. The heart of the village could see sidewalks on one side, or two, with parking buffers, trees and flower beds retained to fill out the 20-metre right-of-way. And, as local food production increases and oil prices double, the boomers face their retirement, and 2040 approaches faster than anyone imagines, things are going to change ‘whether we like it or not”, said one participant. With the session wrapping local residents, Cheryl and Brian Bancroft, offered their thoughts about the vision taking shape suggesting;“This is the genesis of how a village is formed ...embracing change. We may not have all the answers, but this is a wonderful start, respecting the community and our long-term plans and vision.” Official info can be found on the RDN’s Cedar website www.rdn.bc.ca or locally run www.icedar.ca. Go have a look at Cedar with fresh eyes, take a slow drive through town. Things are changing, and a promising transformation is on the horizon. Here comes a wholesome, family-oriented, thriving, natural, small town rural community. Really. We’re back! Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for thirty years, farms 20 acres organically on Vancouver Island with life-partner Jackie Moad, and vows such eternal love to her so that all the wee creatures might hear and rejoice too, whilst actively seeking local solutions to global challenges of course.