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Letters
May and Derrick Chesterton take a whack at cutting down Scotch broom. He is proposing an Adopt-A-Road Program to curb the spread of this and other invasive spacies Photo Marina Sacht
Adopt-A Road program needed After living overseas for the last 30 years I have moved back recently and have concerns about the invasive broom that appears to be taking over your highways and side streets. In Hawaii we have an adopt a highway program where business and even individuals volunteer to remove garbage and invasive species.There are signs along the roads designating who is maintaining that section of road. After dealing with broom firsthand since arriving I have found that apparently if cut while flowering it will eventually die off. I have found it not that hard of a job to cut this in large amounts with garden clippers..I think that if you could start such a program you actually might bring the broom under control and even bring the community together to keep our area beautiful. This would be at minimal cost with signs and maybe clipper loan program. After recently becoming a senior I am also looking at volunteer work and I think that even some of our seniors would be more than happy to give it a hand. I suspect that given a couple of years of a program like this
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there would be very little broom left. I have also noticed broom in people’s yard and driveways.. Maybe people need to be made aware of what they can do by a dedicated awareness program, like for instance on their tax bill... asking “Have you eliminated your Broom? For such a small cost, there are many things that could be done. How about a volunteer broom patrol of senior volunteers with fliers to handout. and report concentrated areas? Seniors need things to do to keep their minds healthy and their bodies healthy, maybe you would be helping them at the same time help their community. - Derrick Chesterton
Concerts In The Park The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is now in its 13th season of Concerts in the Park which take place at the Amphitheatre at Transfer Beach Sunday evenings in July and August from 6 to 8 pm (weather permitting). Every year, businesses and individuals in the area support the concerts through financial contributions as well as attendance throughout the summer. Take 5 donates space to advertise the concerts and introduce our performers. We try very hard to showcase performers from around the island as well as offer a broad range of music. Over the years we have seen many island favourites perform at the Amphitheatre, one notable being Ryan McMahon who was raised in Ladysmith and resides here. Admission to the concerts is by donation, and it is these donations that are earmarked for LRCA program funding and support. Last year, the funds raised by Concerts in the Park went to Adventures in Early Literacy, Mother Goose, and our Dad’s Group programs to purchase fresh food for nutritious meals and snacks as well as craft items used in running the programs. Funds were also used by our Family and Youth Support Services as well as our Volunteer Counselling program. This summer we have seven concerts planned over the months of July and August. Please see our advertisement in this issue of Take 5 as to exact dates and our line-up of performers. Looking forward to seeing you there, - Valerie Duckworth, Program Coordinator
Roundabout woes There’s a girdlock every morning at the roundabout on Symonds and First Avenue in Ladysmith.The roundabout was meant to move traffic not stop it for coffee drinkers at Tim Hortons. So what’s the answer? Suggestion: Make a two lane road (out of the single lane road out of the parking lot that already
Gridlock on the round-about from 8am, on everyday in Ladysmith onwards. Cartoon: G. Barney exists now) to the drive through to clear the congestion at the roundabout for anyone wanting to access the Highway when people are going to work or to school. Who designed this mess I wonder? - Gord Barney
Ladysmith’s new museum The Ladysmith & District Historical Society volunteers have done a wonderful job with the opening of the Ladysmith Museum. What a wonderful thing to do for the community. There are so many people who have volunteered their time, energy, funds and more to make the Ladysmith Museum a reality. I would like to congratulate all who have participated. I know that I will be taking all visitors, family and friends to the Ladysmith Museum, whenever possible, to learn about our town, Ladysmith, Heritage by the Sea and the Heart of Vancouver Island. - Art Lindala
“6th Annual Kids Learn to Fish Day” May 5th at Chemainus Lake I attended the recent “Kids Learn to Fish Day” with my two grandsons aged 10 and 7. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to the Cowichan Fly Fishers Club and numerous corporate and individual sponsors for putting on this event. The educational value and great positive feeling of this event are beyond words! The boys left the event “ walking on clouds” as they both won new fishing rods. They are so proud! - Stephen B. Smith
Ladysmith Railway Re: Ladysmith Railway Station article by Kit Wilmot (TAKE 5/MAY2012) Looking Back. Page 35 says records of Station Masters/Agents are scanty. I remember Andy Easton was Station Agent/Master from approx. 1944/1945 up till approx. mid 1960’s. He had an assistant named Cora Dabb for a time then Cora moved to Victoria. Cora passed away recently. Andy and also his wife were both
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very well known and liked in town. My wife Dorine and their daughter Isabelle graduated high school together. Andy, Mrs. Easton, daughter Isabelle and Cora Dabb are all deceased. - Bob Erskine
Exhilarated by the friendly competition Tiny Tim bits teams race to be first at the Coast post Or even better the Jumparound slide While in the distance the smell of Lions cooking Blends with a tantalizing promise at the mini donut stand
World Cup Mini Soccer Weekend
Under the watchful caring eye Of the Red Serge Standing proudly at attention
Mini World Cup 2012 Golden sunshine Gentle breeze blowing Air reverberating With the sounds of pure joy Hundreds of children Out of breath Overcome with laughter Recovering from friendly contests Amidst a full day of fun Celebrating the innocence of childhood On all of the pitches Prepared by our good Town staff In hopes of a good time to be had by all Superbly organized by our tireless Mid Isle Club volunteers A Parade of Nations celebrating our similarities Embracing our differences Sporting colors of the rainbow Pulled out of 49th Parallel bags
Along with soon to retire Parks and Recreation Pat Guardian of ball fields Green space and playgrounds too Welcomed to town By Mayor Rob and Council Local merchants, residents, Neighbours and friends While coaches, parents and visitors alike Comment one to another Driven by but never stopped Never knew what was on First Avenue Or up the hill People are so friendly Forrest field is amazing You get there on Jim Cram Drive They have a Trolley how cute Have you seen that ocean view? Or rented a kayak At Transfer Beach
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All these years I’ve missed what a pretty town Ladysmith is But I know now We will certainly be back Later in the evening Off for a savory spaghetti dinner Served up by smiling Eagles Who call out reminders As you leave Full from the table We are serving breakfast too On Mom’s Day See you then On May 12th and 13th So many giving people of our wonderful town Created an gift to all the rest of us A testimonial event To the promise of our future Children at play For the joy of the game: Soccer Is Life Thank you Mid Isle Soccer Club and the many volunteers who brought the WOrld Cup Mini Soccer Weekend to Ladysmith! - Steve Arnett 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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Morden Mine structure in peril BY DR.ERIC RICKER The three illustrations that accompany this article tell three different stories of Morden Colliery, the venerable mine site which is, as most readers of Take 5 will realize, a provincial park smack in the middle of the growing Cedar – South Wellington areas just south of the City of Nanaimo. In fact it’s an “historic” provincial park – the only one of its kind in the province. The first photo shows Morden as a going concern, c. 1920 – its boiler house belching smoke to provide power for the elevator in the headframe that took miners 600 feet below. Rail cars are positioned underneath the tipple and loading chutes, ready to deliver coal to tidewater at Boat Harbour. The second photo shows Morden as it is today – a stately but much weathered and highly vulnerable structure that evokes a ghostly presence among the tall trees surrounding the boiler house ruins
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“The structures at Morden are now in perilous shape and emergency repairs are required to prevent the collapse of all or some significant part of the structures.” and remnants of other foundations. The third illustration is John Hofman’s imaginative water colour rendition of Morden’s possible future – a future in which a world-class coal mine interpretation centre has been added to the site. Within its walls would be exhibits honouring Vancouver Island’s rich, long and in many respects, tragic coal-mining history as well as equipment to provide hands-on experiences for visitors. Earlier this month a delegation of the Friends of Morden Mine society met with Environment Minister Terry Lake to discuss the future of Morden as well as its current plight. In attendance were the writer, professional engineers John Hofman and John Knappett (all of us mem-
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bers of the society), and Ron Cantelon, Liberal MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. The message we delivered was straightforward: the structures at Morden are now in perilous shape and emergency repairs are required to prevent the collapse of all or some significant part of the structures. The minister was presented with technical documentation to make this point clear. He was also presented with a number of letters of support authored by local MLAs, RDN representatives, and the mayors of Ladysmith and Nanaimo. These letters addressed Morden’s potential as a recreational and tourist site and urged the government to save the ailing heritage structures. What the minister delivered was a commitment to proceed with a new engineering study, one focused upon the most vulnerable areas of the structures in need of repair. A proposal for such a study has now been submitted and we await the minister’s decision to proceed. With any luck, the study will be undertaken this summer and the government will commit to fixing the structures over the next couple of budgetary cycles.
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Then: Tipple at Morden Mine near Nanaimo River Image F-04252 courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives
Now: Morden Mine as it is today. Photo courtesy of FOMM
Possible future? An imaginative rendering of the site with the proposed interpretation centre, a watercolour by John Hofman
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We live in difficult economic times when government money is tight. Morden Colliery is now 100 years old and has been a provincial park since 1972, yet over the last 40 years almost nothing has been done to protect the structures from the forces of erosion. That means that governments formed by all the main parties during that period have by and large ignored the park – and the result is a repair deficit that must be addressed if a catastrophic collapse is to be avoided. Unfortunately Morden cannot await better times: it requires action now before the damage becomes irreversible. The minister seemed persuaded of this point but ultimately Morden’s fate will depend on a cabinet level decision to proceed with what are bound to be very expensive repairs. Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park has also been designated a Canadian “Historic Place.” It has very high heritage value as the first example of the application of reinforced concrete technology to the construction of a coal mine headframe and tipple. Morden is unique in Canada and only one of two such structures in all of North America that remain from the era when “coal was king.” It is not only well worth preserving and further developing – it would be a crime against history if it is lost through sheer neglect. (For more information about Morden’s past and its potential, Google Friends of Morden Mine. For an expert tour of the site and other south Nanaimo coal field sites, join popular historian Tom Paterson’s Black Track tour in September. A reservation may be booked through the www.mordenmine.com\
Free Guided Tours Join the Friends of Morden Mine during the Be A Hometown Tourist Weekend, June 9,10 by offering free on demand tours of Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park between 10 am. and 3 pm. on both Saturday and Sunday. Tours will provide information about Morden Colliery’s 100 year old history as well as about Friends of Morden Mine’s continuing endeavours to ensure that Morden’s unique, still standing structures survive as monuments to early coal mining days and industrial innovation. Too many residents of Nanaimoand area remain unfamiliar with 4.2 acre Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park, named by Parks Canada as a nationalHistoric Place. A 10-minute drive south from central Nanaimo on the Island Highway, plus a further three minute drive to the eastern end of Morden Road takes one to a sign announcing the park entrance. A left turn and two hundred or more feet under a canopy of leafy green trees leads to a towering 74 foot grey, formidable, somewhat crumbling structure that will be 100 years old in 2013. Nearby is the 1.2 km walking trail that follows the route of part of the P.C.C.M. railway line that carried the company’s coal from Morden and South Wellington down to the NanaimoRiver. This beautiful wooded trail was developed and is maintained by the Regional District of Nanaimo and its Trail Committee. From 1909 to 1920 the line crossed the river on a wooden trestle bridge, continued across country and eventually arrived at BoatHarbour, where the coal was loaded onto steam or sailing ships. The bridge was long ago swept away by floods, but a further section of this railway route can be accessed from beside the Wheatsheaf Inn or from Hemer Park.
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5 reasons to visit Niagara Falls Niagara Falls in Ontario has a vertical drop of more than 50m and the highest flow rate of any other waterfall in the world. Impressive yes but equally impressive is the Niagara Falls located in Goldstream Provincial Park (16 km north of downtown Victoria, BC). This less popular waterfall may not have the same flow rate as its namesake but compares in height at 47.5 meters. Niagara Falls in Goldstream Provincial Park is easily accessible all year round. Park at Goldstream’s main parking lot and walk 10 minutes along the Visitor Centre trail. Parking is also available on the west side of the Trans Canada Highway. The path to Niagara Falls is not long so add a short yet overlooked hike along the Gold Mine trail and experience a waterfall adventure Ontario’s Niagara can’t beat. If the waterfall is not reason enough to visit I can give you five more. Reason number one – a tunnel. Trans Canada Highway travels through Gold-
stream Park and crosses over Niagara Creek, thus the tunnel. Depending on the time of year the tunnel will have water flowing through. Not enough water that would prevent access from the west side of the highway to the east side where Niagara Falls and the Gold Mine trail are located. Enough that you may get your feet wet pending the season. Walk-
ing through tunnels is always a hit with our children. Heck even I enjoy going through them. Who can resist yelling and screaming just to hear it echo? Reason number two – beginner spelunking. Spelunking by definition is exploring wild cave systems. The “spelunking” near Niagara Falls is not done in actual caves. I would describe it more
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like crawling over and under large boulders. It’s a great way to get a feel for what spelunking is all about. Near the base of the falls is the perfect place to give it a shot. My only advice is: if scared of spiders, enter cautiously! Reason number three – the trestle. The E&N train tracks border the west side of Goldstream Provincial Park. Just off the Gold Mine trail is a train trestle crossing over the Niagara Creek. Built in 1910, the Niagara Creek trestle towers 85 m and tempts you to cross. Not for the light hearted and I will admit being a bit anxious walking across. Childhood movies of getting caught on train tracks had me freaked out. Reason number four – abandoned gold mine. It’s called the Gold Mine trail for a reason. Along the trail is an abandoned gold mine. It is what’s left over from a brief mid-19th century gold rush on Vancouver Island. In fact, Goldstream Provincial Park has three mines. Two on the east side and the one along the Gold Mine trail. The mine shaft did not go in very far. Walking hunched over for only a few moments made me wonder how miners could do this day in and day out. Reason number five – Miner’s Spring. A short path off of the Gold Mine trail leads you on a journey into the past. During the gold rush in 1862 it is likely that this spring was an ideal source of water for miners working on a nearby quartz seam. It was conveniently located and easily provided the 500 or so prospectors with fresh water daily. History of the gold rush era, exploring new adventures in spelunking, mine exploring and heart stopping trestle crossings, walking through tunnels, grand waterfalls, and beautiful old growth temperate rain forests. More than five reasons to visit the Niagara Falls right here on Vancouver Island.
OPPOSITE PAGE Left: Niagara Falls in Goldstream Park cascades water from 47.5 meters along the Niagara Creek Centre: Crossing the Niagara Trestle. It towers 85 metres above Niagara Creek Photos Jill Collins
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The new nest Nesting was a scramble in our yard this spring. The hedge has white-crowned sparrows, robins, towhees and wrens. The house that is supposed to be for wrens has chickadees and of course, the flicker box is inhabited by the wily starlings. There is another robins’ nest around the back. The sharp shinned hawks are, as usual in the Smiths’ firs. A pair of crows inhabit the huge shrub across the road. If a raven comes around, crows send out a call and the predator is quickly driven off by half a dozen pals. If a crow gets too close, the robins go into a frenzy and attack it. The maraud-
Cedar Waxwing. Photo:Rob Pinkerton
ing black squirrels are chased from the yard by starlings and robins. When the fat, lazy cat rolls around on the grass, the still leafless ginkgo tree is festooned with white-crowns, towhees and robins all chipping and squawking alarm. She does have some history with them and they are right to be concerned. The trilliums put on a wonderful display this year. The deer laid off the tulips and bluebells for the first time in many years. I had forgotten what colours the tulips were. Lilacs and viburnum scented the yard and rabbits chased each others tails. The neighbours’ double cherries were spectacular. Just as the crabapple was starting to show colour, we packed up and left our huge beautiful park and moved to a tiny fenced back yard of dirt
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and rock. After 30 years, it was hard but it was time. The only living thing in our new yard is a very old cherry tree. I set up the bird bath underneath it. The first day a flock of about 40 cedar waxwings sat in the tree and took turns having a drink. This was a real treat. We haven’t seen these for years. Sleek crested birds, slightly smaller that a robin, a tan shade with yellow belly, white on the tail underside and yellow on the tip of the tail. They sport an elegant black mask and a shiny black throat on the males. The wings have flashes of white and red... very cool looking bird. They are primarily berry eaters and nest late to take advantage of ripening fruit. They range from coast to coast and from Alaska to central California. The apple tree next door has gold finches nesting and the huge cedar on the other side has hummingbirds, somewhere; can’t see the nest. There are a couple of English sparrow families around the front. A stellar jay visited the bath and I have seen a flicker spooking around. I’m sure there will be lots more to discover. Our yard may be bare but we are in an old established neighbourhood that is bird paradise. I’ll miss the deer...sort of. I’m sure the coons and rabbits will be around. By next year, the dirt patch will, hopefully pass muster and fit in with our spectacular surroundings. The first day here, the fat cat killed a mouse and the sparrows are giving her a hard time.
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Ladysmith Maritime Society opens Community Marina Reception Centre The floating Reception Centre at the Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) Community Marina was officially opened May 25 in a community ceremony marking the start of the Ladysmith Maritime Festival. The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, attended the Grand Opening, representing the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. The federal government provided significant funding of the Centre’s construction. Funding for the project was also provided by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), the LMS and the Town of Ladysmith. Welcoming remarks were extended by President Doug Bell of LMS, Chief John Elliott of the Stz’uminus First Nation, and Mayor Rob Hutchins of the Town of Ladysmith. Mayor Phil Kent, Chair of ICET, also addressed the guests. “The Stz’uminus First Nation shares with the Ladysmith Maritime Society a deep concern for the well-being of the Ladysmith Harbour. The improved marina facilities will help to enhance the environmental well-being of the harbour and create economic opportunities as well,” stated Chief John Elliott. “ICET supports marine tourism in the region as an important part of its mandate to expand and diversify the Island and Sunshine Coast economy. The new facilities here in Ladysmith will greatly enhance the experience for marine visitors,” noted Mayor Phil Kent, Chair of The Reception Centre opens during Ladysmith Maritime Festival. Photo: Marina Sacht (right) John and Betty Pearson Photo Cindy Damphousse
Chemainus Band Council Members and Ladysmith Town Council Members at opening of the LMS Reception Centre. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
Cedar Skate Park Update
ICET and Mayor of the City of Duncan, in his remarks. The centre was declared open by LMS lifetime members Erma and Dougall Warren and Betty and John Pearson representing the enormous contribution of LMS volunteers to their community over the past 27 years.
Cedar’s Got Talent in abundance! The Cedar community came out in support of their youth and talented folk made their final fundraiser a huge success. The organizers wish to thank the MC, all the performers, sound system operators, stage managers, kitchen helpers, and sponsors who donated gift certificates Their AGM is June 20, 7 pm at Cedar Community Secondary School. Everyone is welcome.
Chemainus Canada Day - Free Family Festival On Sunday July 1, celebrate Canada Day Chemainiac style! Renowned performer, Rick Scott, will entertain with Dulcimer. Also on stage,
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Chemainus BIA supports art
Chemainus BIA Cheque presentation to ArtBeat and CVCAS. Photo submitted
Oh Ogopogo, a new and funky children’s band from Victoria. Kids will love the baby animals in the Barnyard Petting Zoo and riding the beautiful, gentle ponies. And surprise! There’ll be more baby animals to meet and Canada Day cake
to eat. And don’t forget anthem singing, flag waving, scavenger hunts, Art exhibit and more. “We still have room for more volunteers”, says Dee Kinnee of the Chemainus BIA. Contact ChemainusBIA@ gmail.com
The Chemainus Business Improvement Association (BIA) contributed $2,000 to local organizations to promote community events. Members of Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society (CVCAS) and ArtBeat look on as front centre left - Randy Huber, BIA presents a cheque to Phil Mavis, ArtBeat Chair; and front centre right - Kathy Wachs, CVCAS Chair accepts a cheque from Ben Werbski, BIA. “The funding helps us spread the word about our incredible summer festivals in downtown Chemainus.” says Kathy Wachs, Chair of Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society. “Drawing a larger audience makes our events more successful and helps local business as well.” Phil Mavis, Chair of the ArtBeat Committee says, “This support from the BIA is so welcome. It will help us showcase Chemainus; its vibrant cultural community and village atmosphere.” For more information about CVCAS and ArtBeat go to cvcas.com
New mural to view Chemainus Festival of Murals is adding a new mural to its collection. The 3D, sound enhanced, Mural is a depiction of Lenora Mines at Mount Sicker. It’ll be ready to view by Father’s Day. On the wall of the Silver Mine shop.
Tea at the Eagles There were 135 people at the Mother’s Day Tea this year which included a bake table, raffle table and door prizes. Cora and Jack Maier with the Over the Hill gang entertained all. This year the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary donated over $34,000 to charities here and in the province. “Thank you to everyone for all the help.” said Convener Shirley Hunt, Madam Chaplain. The Aerie gave out about the same. Through out B.C. the Eagles gave more that $750,000 last year to charities.
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Jean Crowder, Nanaimo-Cowichan MP, attended the Ladysmith Royal Canadian Air Cadets Review. Photo: Rob Johnson
New Historic Plaques for Ladysmith
13th Season for LRCA Concerts in the Park The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is now in its 13th season of Concerts in the Park which take place at the Amphitheatre at Transfer Beach Sunday evenings in July and August from 6 to 8 pm (weather permitting). Every year, businesses and individuals in the area support the concerts through financial contributions as well as attendance throughout the summer. “We try very hard to showcase performers from around the island as well as offer a broad range of music. Over the years we have seen many island favourites perform at the Amphitheatre, one notable being Ryan McMahon who was raised in Ladysmith and still resides here,: says Valerie Duckworth, program coordinator. Admission to the concerts is by donation, and it is these donations that are earmarked for LRCA program funding and support. Last year, the funds raised by Concerts in the Park went to Adventures in Early Literacy, Mother Goose, and our Dad’s Group programs to purchase fresh food for nutritious meals and snacks as well as craft items used in running the programs. Funds were also used by Family and Youth Support Services as well as their Volunteer Counselling program. This summer the LRCA has seven concerts planned over the months of July and August. Please see advertisement in this issue of Take 5 page 33 as to exact dates and line-up of performers.
The Town of Ladysmith recently unveiled interpretative plaques for buildings listed on the Town’s Community Heritage Register. Along with information on the building’s date of construction and historic use, the plaques feature an archival photograph. Take a stroll down First Avenue to view the plaques and learn something new about Ladysmith’s rich and diverse history!
Champs Kaleb Hartig, 12, of Ladysmith attended The War Amps 2012 BC Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar in Victoria. Born a right arm amputee, he attended the three-day seminar, which covered all aspects of growing up as an amputee, including the latest developments in artificial limbs, parenting an amputee child, dealing with teasing and bullying, and learning the importance of staying active. CHAMP is funded solely through public support of The War Amps Key Tag and Address Label Service. For more information, call 1 800 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
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Knights in shining armour Ladysmith’s Knights of Columbus handed out generous contributions to community groups on May 8 at St Mary’s Church. (l-r) Ross Lubben, Financial Secretary, Ladysmith Resources Centre Dennis Lait $1000, Ladysmith Boys and Girls club Nikky Stewart, Ladysmith Festival of Light Greg Edwards $1000, Shawn O’Toole, Ladysmith Secondary School Total of 4 $525 each, St. Josephs School Gwen Jahelka $2000, Cowichan Independent Resources Centre - disabled sailing Kathy Campion, Alfons Gallant Grand Knight (sitting) Cross Roads pregnancy Centre Bonnie Moody $2000, Ladysmith Food Bank Caroline Davidson $2000, Patti Fredrickson Boys and Girls Club. Photo: Rob Johnson
Ladysmith’s Museum is Open! Well, the ribbon has been cut, the dignitaries have gone home – and now the Ladysmith Museum is open for business! They will be open 11am-4pm, six days a week. (Closed Mondays, except for holiday weekends). Volunteers are always welcome. 250-245-0100. Volunteer Gary Knol, Maureen Martin, president of Ladysmith & District Historical Society with John deLeuw, Ladysmith & District Credit Union manager and museum curator Bernardien Knol celebrate opening of the museum. The Credit Union donated the use of the former Ladysmith Resources building. Photo: Marina Sacht
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A Duke Of Edinburgh Awards Ceremony was held at the Hotel Vancouver, Feb. 15, 2012. The Governor General of Canada presented (Left) Naomi Muller, Ladysmith and Jessica Margetts, Saltair with their Gold Awards for outstanding achievement in self-discipline and determination. They met the challenges in the program for Leadership and Community Service. Accompanying them (left) are Gerry and Joan Yellowless. Photo submitted
20th Annual Mahle House Garden Party. On Sunday July 15 enjoy a fabulous al fresco luncheon and sample dozens of wines from our backyard and from around the world. From now until the end of market season you can take some of the best of the Mahle House to your house. They are at the Cedar Farmer’s Market on Sundays where you can pick up house-made specialties such as ice cream, peanut butter pie, sauces, duck confit, pulled pork and sausages as well as Bolognese - made from beef tenderloin and braised for 12 hours.
Nanaimo Pirates Update The Nanaimo Pirates Premier Baseball team has enjoyed a great start to the 2012 season winning 15 of their first 19 games. The BC Premier Baseball League club currently sits in 3rd place in the standings, and has some players leading in some major statistical categories. Nanaimo’s Colby Morgan is the league leader in Earned Run Average, while Griffin Andreychuk, Ben Dunbar, and Brendan McCarthy are all in the league’s Top 10 in Batting Average. It’s not all about the stats at Serauxman Stadium however, as the on-field product is exciting, while the grandstand has a classic ballpark feel. Just last season, this team won the BCPBL pennant for the regular seasons best record. As well, it’s not only Nanaimo players on the Pirates – the team boasts two Ladysmith residents in David Jerome and Ryan Smith. The Junior Pirates have also provided a place for development to Zach Diewert of Chemanius, and TJ Mah of Ladysmith as well. The British Columbia Premier Baseball League is often considered to be the top U18 leagues in North America as well as the Top High School League in Canada. Many players each season are recruited for US colleges, Canadian Universities, and MLB clubs. Operating under the Premier umbrella is the Junior Premier League which consists of kids 13-17 years old. Players in this league are the up and coming prospects for the Premier League. For more information www.bcpbl.com
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Mark your calendars and join us June 8, 9 & 10, 2012 in Ladysmith and area for a fun weekend. We live in a community renowned for its natural beauty, waterfront, friendly people, arts, history and festivals! We invite all residents to discover our Central Vancouver Island communities of Ladysmith, Cassidy, Cedar, South Nanaimo, Saltair and Chemainus. The event offers locals an opportunity to discover some of the special attractions, shops and services in their own hometown. This campaign serves to remind us of the wonders that are literally in our backyard. So grab your camera and get ready to play tourist in your hometown. Amazing things happen in a small town! Please note some attractions and business require you book ahead of time and while most do not require a coupon some do. Listed below are the events that will be held this year, be sure to check our web site www.take5.ca/hometowntourist regularly for updates!
Friday, June 8 Early kick off to the weekend begins on Friday June 8, enjoy 2 for 1 Golf Fridays, at Ladysmith Golf Club’s 9 hole facility located behind Coronation Mall, 380 Davis Road, Ladysmith, 250-245-7313. Later that evening at 7pm join Jayse van Rooyen representing Ladysmith in the British Columbia Ambassador program with a fundraiser concert Tunes & Tiara at the Aggie Hall. Musical guests the Common Band, Skellig and Lena Birtwistle with Jen. Tickets are $15 at In the Beantime, Salamander Books, the 49th Cafe. World Ocean’s Day – Pot Luck Dinner also on June 8. Enjoy a slide show and talk on the Nanaimo River estuary, at St Philip Anglican Church in Cedar, 1797 Cedar Road. Doors open at 6pm; please bring your favourite dish. A suggested $1 donation to offset costs. For more information www.missimidisland. com or call: Mid Island Sustainability & Stewardship Initiative, 250-722-3444
Saturday June 9 Start your Saturday with the popular Historical Walking Tour – free –10am. Learn about the history of Ladysmith and its colourful past with local history buff Rob Johnson. Find out about the “gold rush” that had the streets dug up and our local ghost. Relive the early mining and logging pioneer days. The walks are about 90 minutes and will meet in front of the Chamber of Commerce office 411 1st Ave. This is a free event
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sponsored by TAKE 5. Hazelwood Herb Farm is offering free tours. Come and see what they are growing and learn about how they transform flowers and herbs into cosmetic and culinary products. Free guided tours will be held on Saturday, June 9 at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm. 13576 Adshead Road, behind the Nanaimo Airport. Open daily from 11-5pm. 250-245-2005 www.hazelwoodherbfarm.com Open house at Altair Montessori Learning Centre, Saturday June 9, 11–2pm. 250-245-1414 www.altairmontessori.com 11225 Trans Canada Hwy, Ladysmith, 1 km south of Coronation mall just off South Davis/Baker Road. Shake Rattle and Roll Fund Raiser, Chemainus Festival Theatre. Poodle skirts and blue suede shoes welcome! On Saturday, June 9, join the party at the Chemainus Theatre as Bruce Williams (CTV Vancouver Island) leads a nostalgic evening of live music by entertainers Virtual Elvis and Flashback Freddy, popular 50’s finger foods, malt shop shakes with a twist, costume and dance contests, auctions, and more! Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is $80 (includes a $50 tax receipt). Contact Box Office at 1.800.565.7738 or www.chemainustheatre.ca/ mem_ball.html.
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Sunday June 10 Estuary ‘walkabout’ with Naturalist, Sunday June 10, 1011:30. Walk along the river and around the estuary with a naturalist’s eye to guide you! Meet at in the parking lot at the end of Raines Road Cedar, 10-11:30am. Free – everyone welcome! This is a great opportunity to have fun, kick off the summer and enjoy the company of outdoor enthusiasts. website www.missimidisland.com or call: Mid Island Sustainability & Stewardship Initiative, 250-722-3444
June 9 & 10 Friends of Morden Mine, www.mordenmine.com are pleased to support Hometown Tourist Weekend by offering free on demand tours of Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on both June 9 and 10. For more information on the Morden Mine see story on page 11 www.mordenmine.com Ladysmith Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer a 2 for
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1 work out, swim, soak and sauna as part of the Home Town Tourist event. Come down to the Frank Jameson Community Centre 250-245-6424 www.ladysmith.ca Tee up for HomeTown Tourist weekend at Cottonwood Golf Course, grab your clubs and bring a friend because it is 2 for 1 after 11am. After grab a bite to eat and a cold beverage at the Cotton Club restaurant. 250-245-5157 www.cottonwoodgolfcourse.com/ Sealegs Kayaking Eco Adventure Centre is located at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith’s beautiful harbour. To celebrate Be a Hometown Tourist weekend Sealegs is offering 2 for 1 kayak rentals. Discover Ladysmith’s fabulous harbour up close and personal with a friend! Rent a single or double kayak for 1 hour and get the second rental free! To book 250-245-4096 www. sealegskayaking.com The Ladysmith Maritime Society is offering harbour tours 10:30am and 2pm Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a two-hour cruise through the area’s history, viewing eagles, seals, cormorants, starfish, jellyfish and other wildlife along the way. A donation of about $10 for each adult and $5 for kids accepted on board the boat. Call 250-245-0109 www.ladysmithmaritimesociety.ca/tours.html Ladysmith Museum is open June 9 and 10. On the corner of First Avenue and Buller Street, downtown Ladysmith www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca Art of Brewing mini beer and wine tour see how it is done 1156 Rocky Creek Rd. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm 250-245-0077 http://www.artofbrewing.com/
B & B SPECIALS To celebrate ‘Be a Tourist in your HomeTown’ event, Ladysmith Accommodation Association has created a special offer ‘Second Night Free’ for your visiting friends and relatives. Each of our 12 Ladysmith accommodations will award ‘a second night free’ to the first person who books on line at www. ladysmith-bc-accommodations.com before June 30 for a stay any time until Dec. 31, 2012. When making the booking, please quote ‘Be a Tourist in your Home Town Event’. Act now; tell your visiting friends and relatives. Please check the ads in this section for specials. Or visit www. take5.ca/hometowntourist
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New Life for an Icon BY ROB JOHNSON Twenty years ago the Ladysmith Maritime Society relaunched the the wooden tug boat , “Saravan”making it the flagship for the Society. Built in 1938, Saravan worked many parts of the island, including a stint tending anti submarine nets at Esquimalt during the World War II. In 1988 she was in sad shape with little if any prospects of working much longer.. It was then that Ken Mulholland of Hull Towing found her and donated her to the Society as a restoration project. After many months and hundreds of man hours she was restored in 1992. For the past 20 years Saravan has been on display at the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s docks, and has represented LMS at boat shows. She has also been used to take groups of people out on the bay so that they can enjoy what boaters experience by being on the water. In order to do this she was modified to allow larger numbers
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of people on these outings, but this resulted in changing her from being a “heritage” vessel to more of a tour boat. As with all wooden boats, the Saravan was subject to the ongoing problems with her deck and hull due to weather. After 20 years of use, she developed serious dry rot in her stern, and her future was questionable. Rather than looking at this as a catastrophe, the Society and a group of dedicated volunteers decided to take on the task of repairing her a second time. They saw this as an excellent opportunity for not only repairing her, but a chance to re-
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store her to her roots as a tug boat. Photographs of Saravan in the 1940’s were found, when she was at the height of her working career. It was decided to bring her back to that era. To accomplish this, the volunteers would have to remove the non-heritage aft deck railings and deck roof and re-install the towing post on the stern working deck. After much discussion it was decided to replicate her former look when she had a black hull and a white wheel house and permanent fenders. This meant that they would have to paint over much of the beautiful clear varnished wood that was installed during the previous restoration. A compromise was reached, and she now sports a black hull and a white cabin while still maintaining a varnished wheelhouse, (l-r) John Beams, Dan Spence, Doug Dobbs, Ken Mulholland and crouching Eric Sandilanas. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
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much like she was in the 40’s. On Thursday May 24, the newly restored Saravan was finally put back in the water as a heritage vessel. The small group of volunteers that have spent almost two years of effort scraping the hull, replacing planks, rebuilding the stern, rewiring her and so much more were on hand to enjoy the relaunching, knowing that they have given her many more years of life, and that she will be the pride of the Ladysmith Maritime Society and its members. Plans call for her to be entered in many wooden boats shows, so that the public can admire the beauty that wooden boats represent and appreciate the hard work that this small group of volunteers have supplied.
Georgia Strait. The waters of the Pacific Northwest have come to be known throughout the world as the Emerald Sea. During the summer of 2011 local divemaster Gord Bell led divers visiting our waters from Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Israel, Switzerland, Australia, Netherlands, and Spain. For those of us that live here there is so much to be appreciated and protect for our children and the generations to follow. Diving with killer whales and blue sharks is an uncommon occurrence in our coastal waters but diving with giant pacific octopus and wolf eels is normal. We are fortunate to have a variety of rockfish to view, but their numbers are diminishing. Numerous varieties of beautiful nudibranchs and seastars live in our waters. Intriguing ratfish swim by fortunate scuba divers. For the adventurous and those physically able, scuba diving is an incredible way to appreciate the variety and beauty of life in Georgia Strait. Those not able to dive can appreciate the life through the photographs and videos taken by scuba divers. Scientists tell us that only a small percentage of life in our waters is known at this time. Sadly we know that the number of species threatened or endangered is increasing. The time is now to appreciate the diversity, as we presently have 113 species of the Salish Sea listed as threatened or endangered which has almost doubled from the 64 listed in 2008. www.seadocsociety. org/species-of-concern-2011 .
A Diver’s Perspective BY KATHLEEN FENNER We are fortunate to live in an area filled with fascinating and diverse underwater life. Recreational scuba divers get a glimpse of Georgia Strait’s biodiversity, exploring life in the top 130 feet of the ocean. Georgia Strait is filled with invertebrates, fish, and mammals. As a recreational scuba diver I’ve been fortunate enough while diving to view diverse life in Georgia Strait including tiny nudibranchs, a blue shark and killer whales. Even after hundreds of dives there is always something new to be seen. Many people from around the world come to see the life in Above: Killer Whale. Photo: Gord Bell
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Pirates and kids enjoyed the Ladysmith Maritime Festival.
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RDN - Area A BY ALEC MCPHERSON “You are simply being piggish!” This quote is attributed to Lionel BeevorPotts, Police Magistrate as he found two local men guilty of hunting out of season in 1963. In what has become the landmark case, Regina vs Bob and White, Clifford White, Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo First Nations) defended his actions by claiming that the accused were hunting for food for themselves and families as they had the right to do so by treaty. In 1965, a young Tom Berger, acting for the accused had the decision overturned by the Supreme Court of Canada. The Court confirmed that the provincial government did not have jurisdiction to infringe on the rights granted under the “Douglas Treaty” (also known the Vancouver Island Treaties). In subsequent cases, the Court has affirmed the validity of the Douglas Treaties. In one of the most recent cases, Regina vs Morris (2006), involving the North Saanich Douglas Treaty, the Court reaffirmed that treaty rights are solely within Federal and First Nation jurisdiction. James Douglas, Chief Factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company was appointed the first Governor of the new Vancouver Island Crown colony in 1949. Between 1850 and 1854, 14 “treaties” were ‘negotiated’ by Douglas. A review of the documents in the B.C. Archives indicates that all these treaties employed the same basic wording. The treaties clearly state that “The condition of our understanding. . . is . . . that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow after us. . . it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry out our fisheries as formerly.” “Enclosed fields” may be considered to be those assets needed to make a living. The “village sites” were extensive and include some of the most prestigious
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commercial and residential lands in the Nanaimo and surrounding area. Over two days in early May 2012, the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Vancouver Island University hosted a symposium investigating the interpretation and implementation of these treaties. Chiefs and representatives from bands involved in the Douglas Treaties along with a long list of distinguished experts and speakers including B.C. Lt. Gov., the Hon. Stephen Point and Tom Berger provided their knowledge and perspective. Clearly, the Court decisions introduce the question of lands, resources and the decision-making process. The most recent Court decision places the onus on the Crown to prove that what the First Nations are doing is beyond their rights and jurisdiction. In closing, Chief Douglas White III, indicated that while the litigation route is always available, the preferable way to reach a settlement is through relevant conversations between the parties having jurisdiction. His statement that, “It is not going to go to the next generation” should be sufficient impetus for all of us to urge the Federal Government to start the conversation. Failure to address these issues impacts on each one of us. In this respect, we are all “treaty” people.
CVRD - Area H BY MARY MARCOTTE 49.45 per cent Tax Increase: Last month, posters and notices that advertised an upcoming community meeting were circulated in North Oyster/Diamond. The notices stated that the CVRD has increased taxes by 49.45 per cent over the last six years. While this is technically correct, I would like to clarify the facts as they pertain to Area H taxpayers. I can assure you that this level of tax increase does not apply to any single jurisdiction in the Region and most assuredly, not to this area. The Regional District system is difficult to explain and can be very confusing. The
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simplified explanation is that taxpayers only pay for the services that they participate in, but the final budget numbers include the Region as a whole. For instance, the taxpayers in Electoral Areas F & I and the Town of Lake Cowichan approved contributing almost $8 million to upgrade their sports arena. Although only those three specific areas paid for those upgrades, the tax increase was reflected as an increase to the total CVRD final budget. Other examples of increases that apply only to specific areas but are included in the overall CVRD Budget are increases to transit, Island Savings Recreation, Community Parks; these combined increases resulted in a 3.72per cent increase of which North Oyster/Diamond taxpayers contributed $0. Taking on new services can also add a significant increase to the overall CVRD Budget. A few years ago, at the request of Arbutus Ridge residents in Electoral Area C, the Region assumed responsibility for their sewer system. This resulted in a $500,000 expansion to the overall budget, yet only the residents who made the request were impacted by the change in operating the system. Other reason that there can be an increase in the budget, is that individual assessments increase or that there is new housing in the area. If Area H’s overall assessment increases are greater than other areas, then a greater portion of the tax requisition will come from Area H, but it may actually have little or no impact on the average taxpayer. That is, even if the tax requisition does not change, it is possible that Area H as a whole will pay more taxes. In 2012 the overall regional assessment numbers went up by 1.85 per cent for the entire CVRD, while Area H’s went up 10.49 per cent and in 2011 the overall regional assessment went up 3.9 per cent while Area H’s went up 11.7 per cent. Both of these major increases are attributed to the LNG Plant that was constructed and now provides approximately 20 per cent
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of the Area H tax base. Area H is now contributing more to the region, but the vast majority of the increase is paid by the owner of the LNG Plant. For North Oyster/Diamond, excluding the costs for Fire Protection services, the cost per $100,000 of assessed value went from $106.21 in 2011 to $112.46 for 2012 which is a $6.25 increase. The average residential property in Area H is $400,000; the result is a $25.00 tax increase to the average taxpayer. Between 2006 and 2012, the average tax increase has been a total of approximately $85 for a property owner or $14 per year. Of that $85 lift over six years, $20 can be attributed to the Regional Parkland Acquisition Fund, which was approved by the public through the referendum process. Costs for CVRD fire protection services are not paid by all North Oyster/ Diamond taxpayers; therefore they have been addressed separately. In 2012, the requisition for North Oyster Fire Protection has been increased from $60.27 per $100,000 assessed value to $69.18 per $100,000 or $35.64
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per average home. The reason for the increase has been explained in previous publications. As you can see from the above information, the statement that the CVRD has increased taxes by 49.45 per cent over the past six years could mislead Area H property owners into thinking that taxes for this area have increased over 49 per cent since 2006, when they actually have not. This clarified information was provided to those who attended the meeting mentioned on the posters and notices. Because I believe that all taxpayers, not just those who were able to attend the meeting, should receive this information, I have used this venue to share it with all of you.
CVRD - Area G BY MEL DOREY The Saltair Water System is in need of major upgrades. That was obvious to all that attended the three public meetings held at the old Mt. Brenton School in Saltair. Dave Leitch, the water manager from the CVRD, outlined the problems with the system. Through these
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meetings and a series of questions the people voted with digital clickers to do the upgrades and how to finance them. They also agreed on the method to get public approval. It was agreed that we would do $4.5 million in upgrades over a 15 year period. It would mean $358 extra on the parcel tax that is added to the yearly land taxes that we pay. If you already defer your taxes, you would also be able to defer this tax as well. The method chosen for public approval was a petition. We needed to sign up more than 50% of the property owners who represent more than 50% of the land value of the service area for the water system. This would turn out to be a huge task as there are 175 absentee landowners in Saltair and are not aware of the water issues. They were mailed petitions but very few of them mailed them back. That meant we would have to get more than 2/3 of the property owners that actually live here to get our 50%. 22 members of the Saltair Ratepayers took on the task as canvassers and went door to door and sometimes had to visit a home 5 or 6 times before getting a signature. If two
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Canvassers for the Saltair water petition. Around the table (l -r) Dennis Ahola, Mike Smith, Sue Roe, Debbie Neil, Mel Dorey, Betty Peebles, George Peebles, Lenore Thomas, Catharine Hammond Standing (l-r) John Sillins, David Thomas, Phil Little, Gerald Porter, Glen Hammond, Daphne Carlyle. Missing: Hans Nelles, Tami Edwards, Margaret Perry, Jim Whittaker, Janet Evans Photo: Art Carlyle
people were on the title of the property then two signatures were needed. Home owners lead busy lives and quite often weren’t home and because we were asking for $358/yr they also wanted to think long and hard about it. But other than air, what is more important than water? A good water system also gives you the security of fire protection and the basis for a strong community. These canvassers did a terrific job explaining to the people about our water system and how local government works. The CVRD manages our water system but it is really owned and financed by the people of Saltair. The money raised from this parcel tax stays with the Saltair water system and we will apply for federal government grants each year as well to speed up the work and save us money. There will be about $400,000 worth of work done each year for the next 15 years. Local companies can bid on the work which will provide local employment or they can work for the contractor that gets the bid. Because only $400,000 is spent each year, it will probably not attract outside or Vancouver companies. So the money circulates in the local economy as another benefit. For the canvassing campaign Saltair was divided into 27 zones. Each of the canvassers was assigned a zone of say, 25 or 30 houses. And each week we would
have a group meeting of the canvassers to review how things were going and talk about questions that homeowners had that they couldn’t answer. Canvassing
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went well and they really enjoyed talking to people. Most people welcomed them in and they chatted about a lot of things other than the petition. Sometimes a shared problem draws the community closer together. Some people wanted to talk to their neighbours about the petition before they signed. All of this discussion makes for a stronger community. People are generally very happy living in Saltair. At press time we had collected 462 petitions which are more than our target of 425 to reach the 50% threshold for the petition to pass. One other condition has to be met. That is we have to have the total all the assessments of the signed up properties exceed 50% of all the properties in Saltair. This part we don’t know about yet because the values are still being totalled but are optimistic that it will pass. The canvassers have done a terrific job and have had an experience of a lifetime talking to neighbours about our community, the local government and the water system. The whole community is wiser for it.
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Sweet pepper addiction. North America is under attack. No, I’m not talking about some crazies flying into buildings, that’s been done. I’m talking about something more insidious, more personal, an attack on our bank accounts, The kind of threat where an evil third world power gets you addicted to a substance then slowly ratchets up the price until financial ruin stares you in the face. A threat that could potentially drive old guys like me back to work, and if you don’t think that’s a threat to the labour force, ask my long suffering coworkers. The keen readers among you think you have the answer, but no, I’m not talking about gasoline, what’s fifty cents more a litre, a mere speed bump along the road of supply and demand. Nor am I talking about BMW’s, that’s a Vancouver only phenomenon. I’m speaking about 1200% price increases, where prices can range from one dollar a pound up to twelve; I’m talking about sweet peppers. First some background. Thirty years ago, the average household didn’t have red and yellow peppers, just highly nonaddictive green ones that no one would pay more than 39 cents a pound for. These were used in Greek salads, or if your mom was a gourmet cook, stuffed with hamburger and served in the formal dining room to honour the occasion. Then one day in Mexico, where our peppers are grown, there was a farmer’s strike. Green peppers were left unpicked on the vine and after ten days, what do you know, green turned to yellow and after that to red. One vegetable, three colours. Not since the AMT 3 in1 car models have we seen such a nifty trick. The picketing Mexicans soon got tired of pitching rocks at passing motorists and started eating the new brightly coloured peppers. “Carumba,” they said. “These are far better than those stupid green peppers those gourmet broads are stuffing up North. Pass me another, willya.
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Man these things are good, I can’t stop eating them. Those rich amigos up north are really going to like… Ah ha!” It was at this point the Mexicans realized what they had, a highly addictive substance. A substance once people got hooked on, they would pay great money for. Which kind of explains that fateful day in Hawaii where I paid six dollars for one organic yellow pepper, yes folks, $12 a pound. As with any addiction, it started slowly. I remember that first time. There I was at a friend’s, living a clean, pepperfree lifestyle. Clueless, I watched as he fried up red peppers with garlic and olive oil, and then shredded asiago cheese on top. Then I tried them. It was just like pesto all over again; my life would never be the same. (Clinical note: Basil addiction, though similar to pepper addiction, is considered less damaging to society, especially if you live in an Italian neighbourhood.) The addiction developed quickly, almost overnight our eating habits changed. Pretty soon you couldn’t have a pasta or salad without peppers. And barbequing changed forever. Where there used to be space on the grill for chicken or steak, now every square inch was monopolized by peppers. I later found out the man who introduced me to peppers secretly vacations six months every year in an Acapulco mansion, that town being the home of the Mexican pepper cartels, all of whom belong to the dreaded Capsicum family. The big question about peppers is of course, price fluctuation. How can a red pepper sell for 99 cents a pound one day and $5.99 the next? I went on the Internet to find out. And here’s where things got mysterious. I got the runaround. Oh, there were vague references to the law of supply and demand, but push harder and you get shunted over to a Viagra ad. Push still harder and they park you on a Depends site, the message being very clear, either mind your own business or find yourself in an adult diaper. Gulp! Meanwhile the Capsicum family plays the law of supply and demand like a Stradivarius. They squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, $2.99, $3.99, $5.99, just to the point we realize we can’t go on living this way. Then they drop the price down to $1.99 and we’re back to our old habits,
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barbequing large batches of pepper every night. Using brightly coloured peppers as Christmas tree ornaments. Stuff like that. But this sweet spot seldom lasts, pretty soon prices start to ramp up again as the Capsicums do a little “profit taking.” So now you know why we’ve formed a self-help group. We’re working on a twelve-step program, but so far have only one step. Get your self a green house and grow your own. It worked for marijuana, didn’t it? With your grilled peppers tonight, I recommend a bottle of Tommasi Valpolicella, $20, well worth ordering. Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House. Read more at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com.
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ArtBeat in Chemainus
ArtBeat is a collaboration of Chemainus businesses and the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society to create a recurring art walk and street party in Chemainus. The event runs every Friday evening from 5pm to 9pm from June 22 to August 31 and features high calibre artists, creative demonstrations and a sparkling line-up of entertainment. Shops and eateries will stay open late to join the festivities. “When speaking about the arts in Chemainus, we would be remiss not to honour our world famous murals. So we are thrilled that two of Chemainus’ resident mural artists will be on hand to help us launch our newest art event,” says Peggy Grigor, artist coordinator for ArtBeat. ArtBeat is originally the brainchild of Phil Mavis, owner of The Willow Street Café in Chemainus, who was inspired by a similar event in Hawaii. Two of Chemainus` most accomplished artists and muralists, Cim MacDonald and Connie Greig-Manning, will be featured artists to inaugurate ArtBeat on June 22. “As an artist, I support ArtBeat’s concept of a recurring arts event that is both fun and engaging for local families and visitors alike,” says Cim. Cim and Connie will be on hand June 22 to greet people, display their paintings and demonstrate their techniques Artists from the Malahat to Nanaimo and the Gulf Islands are invited to download ArtBeat’s Call For Artists at www. cvcas.com or contact Peggy Grigor at peggy@thepotterystore.ca. Musician and performers, if you’re interested in busking at ArtBeat, please contact Kathy at kathywachs2@gmail. com
Events in Chemainus Sat Jun 23. Chemainus Summer Fest – 8am to 2pm. Downtown! This year’s theme is Dance, Dance,
ArtBeat’s Phil Mavis, Cim MacDonald and Peggy Grigor. The new arts festival will run weekly in the summer. Photo submitted.
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Mulch, mulch and more mulch
Dance! 8am Pancake breakfast. 11am Parade begins at Victoria and Willow St. BBQ lunch. Entertainment and activities for all ages. cedarridgegang@shaw.ca Sun Jul 1, Canada Day in Chemainus – 11:30am. Waterwheel Park Renowned performer, Rick Scott, will entertain with his very UnUsUaL instrument that looks like an Electric Snowshoe and is called a Dulcimer. You’ll get to hug bunnies and pet baby goats in the Barnyard Petting Zoo then ride the ponies. There’ll be First Nation activities, Canada Day cake, anthem singing, a craft tent, scavenger hunt, Art exhibit and more. More info: visitchemianus. com
Ladysmith’s Community Canvas The Arts Council of Ladysmith and District had a Hanging! The 4 ft x 30 ft painting that children and adults alike helped create and took 3 weeks to paint was hung on Friday May 25 as the Com-
Above: Community Canvas hangs outside in front of the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery. Photo: Marina Sacht
munity Canvas. It will hang outside of the gallery for the summer, to attract people to the gallery and increase awareness about arts for all ages in the community. “We even have plans for a winter project this was so much fun,” said Kathy Holmes. The project was instigated by a grant from Arts BC.
BC landscapes featured at Cowichan Theatre Gallery Edward Epp captures the spirit of British Columbia’s northwest region in the featured exhibition for June at Cowichan Theatre Lobby Gallery, Spiritual Geography, BC Landscapes. It’s open for viewing one hour before performances, no ticket required. Or to view by appointment, contact Edward Epp at eepp@te-
BY NORM WAGENAAR The quest for the zero-maintenance property goes on. I see lawns replaced with pea gravel, lined with landscape cloth, edged with perennial raised bed gardens, only to be transformed to grass again, all with the goal of reducing cost and avoiding work. Truth is, we live on an island that wants to go back to forest; any gardening we do is an exercise in deciding what stage of the succession process we’re comfortable with. The best approaches I’ve seen include combinations of shrubs, perennials and ground covers. Given Vancouver Island’s climate, the options are staggering, with inspiration and advice easy to find at any good garden centre. The usual gardening considerations apply – does the plant want sun, shade, or a bit of both? Will it require irrigation or will it tolerate our droughts? How big will it grow? Will it eventually try to take over the garden? Once you’ve done your planting, I recommend covering any exposed soil with about three inches of mulch to conserve moisture and inhibit weeds. Mulched leaves will work, and the price is right, but some people find them unsightly. The least expensive store-bought solution is fir-bark mulch purchased by the yard; you’ll need a truck or at least know someone who has one. Resist the temptation to put landscape cloth underneath. It will stop the weeds for a year or two. But if you forget to either replenish the mulch or keep up with maintenance weed pulling (yes, you still have to do this) you’ll someday spend a hot afternoon scraping turf roots off your expensive landscape cloth and it’ll make you cry. If you want to see how far it’s possible to go with mulching, I recommend googling ‘Back to Eden documentary’ You’ll learn how Paul Gautschi, a gardener in the Olympic peninsula, uses ground up tree branches in a permaculture project that imitates nature with amazing results. Norm Wagenaar is a writer and landscaper living in Cedar. See his website at www.naturescapesnanaimo.com
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3, 2pm, Hope King, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
9, 11am, Open House Altair Montessori Learning Centre, 11225 Trans Canada Hwy, 250-245-1414
3, 6:30pm, Enchanta, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
9, 6:30pm, Shake, Rattle ‘n Roll Fundraiser for Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9800
4, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111
9, 7pm, Dance - Esquires, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111
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4, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400
9, 8pm, The Electric Druids, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
1-30, Edward Epp – Spiritual Geography: BC Landscapes, featured exhibition Cowichan Theatre
4, 8pm, Elage Diouf, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
10, 9am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate, parking lot, Cedar
Ladysmith Harbour Tours in June weekends 250-2450109 or visit www.lmsmarina.ca
5, 11:30am, Nanaimo/Ladysmith Retired Teachers’ Association AGM, 2062 E. Wellington Rd. 250-753-5971
10, 1:30pm, Dyslexia Seminar, 250-245-8412
1-2, Noises Off, Chemainus Theatre 250-246-9820
5, 7pm, Nanaimo Glad & Dahlia Society monthly meeting, Paine Horticulture Centre 250-722-2109
1, Water Restrictions move to Level 2 – North Cedar Improvement District 250-722-3711 1, 6:30pm, Bingo, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 1, 8pm, Etta James Tribute, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 1, 7:30pm, Acoustic Jam, Twisted Sisters Tea Room 9885 Maple St. Chemainus 250-246-1541 2, 3 Nanaimo City Slow Pitch, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3142 2, 8am, T.O.P.S Garage Sale, 1041 1st Avenue Ladysmith, across from the 49th Parallel 250-245-0000 2, 9am, Flea Market, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 2, Spring Tea, St. Philip Anglican Church, 1737 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3455
5, 7pm, Music in the Park – Ed & Gail Peekeekoot, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus. 250-416-0382 6, 9am, Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park 250-246-3944 6, 11:30am, D-Day Celebration Lunch, Chemainus Legion Hall 250-246-4532 6, 8pm, Old Man Luedecke, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 7, 7:30pm, Steve Earle, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan 250-748-7529 7, 8pm, Trevor Davie, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 8, 6:30pm, Bingo, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 8, 7pm, Tunes & Tiaras concert, Aggie Hall
2, 1pm, Queen’s English Tea Party, Waterwheel Park Chemainus 250-246-1541
8, 7:30pm, Mexican Bus Ride Clubhouse Party, Mount Brenton Golf Course 250-246-9322
2, 1:30pm, Sipping wild teas Workshop, Wildwood 250816-1816
8, 8pm, World’s Ocean Day Pot Luck Dinner, St. Philip’s Anglican Church 1797 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3444
2, 9am, Crofton Market beside BC Ferry Terminal 250-246-9871
8, 8pm, Wind Up Radio Sessions, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
2, 7pm, Songwriter’s Open Mic, Willow Street Café 250-246-2434
9-10, Be A Home Town Tourist, Ladysmith & Area 250245-7015 250-245-2112 www.take5.ca/hometowntourist
2, 7:30pm, Cowichan Consort Chamber concert, Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay
9, 9am, Flea Market, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133
3, 9am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot, Cedar
9, 9am, Crofton Market beside BC Ferry Terminal 250-246-9871
2, 8pm, Peter Cribb, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
9, 10am, Free Nanaimo River Estuary ‘walkabout, parking lot at the end of Raines Rd., Cedar
10, 8pm, Ayla Nereo, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 11, Big Bike Event, 250-754-5274 11, 8pm, Richard Grai, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 11, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 13, 9am, Chemainus Market, Waterwheel Park 250-246-3944 12, 7pm, Twilight Shuffle 5km run Island Runners 250-595-2378 12, 7pm, Music in the Park - Skellig, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus. 250-416-0382 12, 8pm, Blues Tuesday, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 13, 8pm, Cam Stiles Trio, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 14, 8pm, Signs & Symbols, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 15-30, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chemainus Theatre Festival. 250-246-9820 15, 10am, Workshop for collecting /composting curbside organics, 4955 Hwy 1, Duncan 250-733-2213 15, 1pm, Elder Abuse Awareness Day Tea, Seniors Centre on 2nd Ave. 250-245-3079 15, 6:30pm, Bingo, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 15, 7:30pm, Sid Johnson CD Release, In the Beantime Café 18 High St. 250-245-2305 15, 7:30pm, Acoustic Jam, Twisted Sisters Tea Room 9885 Maple St. Chemainus 250-246-1541 16, 8:30am, Last plant sale of the season, Saltair Station House 10445 Chemainus Rd. 16, 9am, Flea Market, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 16, 9am, Crofton Market beside BC Ferry Terminal 250-246-9871 16, 9:30am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 16, 10am, Dad’s Group Open House, 630 2nd Ave. 250-245-3079 16, 5pm, Pot Luck Birthday Party, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 16, 8pm, Conor Searle, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 17, 8am, Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Legion 250-246-4532 17, New Miner Mural, Silver Mine on Chemainus 9650 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-5003
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17, GutBuster Trail Run, Transfer Beach 250-245-6414 17, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot , Cedar 17, The Joy of Music Making, Chemainus Classical Concerts. 250-748-8383, chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca 17, 8pm, Jason Buie Band, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 18, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 18, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 18, 8pm, Andrew & Zachari Smith, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 19, 7pm, Music in the Park Tropic Mahem, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus. 250-416-0382 20, 9:30am, Blood pressure clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 20, 11:30am, Lunch, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 20, 9am, Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park , Chemainus 250-246-3944 20, 8pm, Songwriter’s Circle, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 21, 10am, Petroglyph Animal Hospital Open House, 990 Old Victoria Rd., Nanaimo 250-754-8822 22, 1:30pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Cottonwood Golf Course 250-245-2112 22, 5pm, Artbeat. Local arts, culture, entertainment, shops, eateries and more downtown Chemainus 22, 6:30pm, Bingo, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 23, 24 Mixed Slowpitch Make Up Games, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3142 23, 9am, Flea Market, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 23, 9am, Crofton Market beside BC Ferry Terminal 250 246-9871 23, 8am, Chemainus Summer Fest Pancake Breakfast, Parade, BBQ Lunch 250-246-2994 23, 7pm, Dance – Happy Hans, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 24, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot, Cedar 24, Gabriola Home & Garden Tour, Gabriola Island 250-247-7311 25, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop in Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 26, 7pm, Music in the Park - Tuber, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus. 250-416-0382 26, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club “Night Photography Insights” Brad Powell, Hardwick Hall 250-606-7011 27, 9am, Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park 250-246-3944 27, 4pm, Open House & BBQ, Chemainus Legion Hall 250-246-4532 28, 7pm, Ladysmith Search & Rescue meeting, classroom behind Ladysmith Fire Hall 250-245-8726 29-Aug 6, Duncan Summer Festival 2012 29, 5pm, Artbeat, local arts, culture, entertainment, shops, eateries and more downtown Chemainus 29, 6:30pm, Bingo, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133 29, 7:30PM, Acoustic Jam, Twisted Sisters Tea Room 9885 Maple St. Chemainus 250-246-1541 30, Crofton Market 9am-1pm beside BC Ferry Terminal 250-246-9871 30, 9am, Flea Market, Royal Canadian Legion Hall Chemainus, 250-246-3133
July Ladysmith Harbour Tours in July daily 10:30am and 2pm 250 245-0109 or visit www. lmsmarina.ca
You can submit your event for free or view our full events calendar at www. take5.ca/events. Ask us for our special event rates!
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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 250-619-2713 AJ’s PLUMBING AND GAS Licensed-BondedInsured Service-Installations-Renovations-New Construction. Quality workmanship. No travel charges. Free estimates. On time every time. 250802-7123 KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL - Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. 2km North Nanaimo Airport Take a virtual tour www.kittykorners.com 250-740KATS(5287) 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
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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 250-7134970 OFFICE SPACES -Downtown Ladysmith, modern, a/c, renovated, wired, reasonable rent or lease. Furnished office space available by the day or week. 250-245-3395 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 250-245-0548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca
THE HAPPY GARDENER Weeding, Digging, Raking, etc. Cheerful & Conscientious. I also do window washing. Call David at 250-722-3599 SEMI RETIRED MASSAGE THERAPIST working in Cedar By The Sea, $65 an hour session. 250722-2669 OVERCOAT PAINTING - Professional - Reliable - Reasonable. Operating 6 years in Ladysmith. No job too small. Will do minor painting repairs. Special senior rates. Call Nicole Spratt for a free estimate. 250-667-4355 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 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 250-616-1800. 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 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 JUNK TO THE DUMP Jobs Big or Small, I haul it all. I recycle and donate all usable items to local charities, now offering pet waste removal and disposal service. Call Sean today. 250-741-1159
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LEARN A LANGUAGE -Small groups, conversational approach, excellent instructors. French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin and more. Also “Summer Immersion” programs. Wentworth Court Language Centre, 517 Wentworth, Nanaimo 250-716-1603 SAVE $$$ WITH GORD’S YARDWORKS Time for summer yard preparations. Need lawn mowing and yard debris cleanup and removal? Special services, seniors discounts available. 250-2463640, 250-210-3860, gordsyardworks@shaw.ca ISLAND PRUNING Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamentals. Ask about summer pruning. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-245-1260 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 ReInspired Spaces, 1-250-749-6473 HOW IS YOUR CONCRETE DRIVEWAY? Need a facelift? Have your driveway cleaned and sealed to improve the curb appeal of your home. See our website www.sealtechspecialties.com SealTech Specialties, 250-734-2681 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 CINDERELLA’S CLEANING SERVICE Same Old Story Residential or Commercial. Call: Erin (DeFrane) Saysell at 250-924-4475 CEDAR-LADYSMITH-YELLOWPOINT FIDDLE GROUP starting Sept. 2012. Beginners Fridays 3:15-4:15pm. Upper Beginners will be Fridays 4:30-5:30pm.For ages 9 - 99.Cost $30/mo. Phone Cindy 250-245-5778 LEARN TO DISC GOLF! It’s fun and affordable. Call Nick to sign up for a lesson. Approx 1.5-2hours, $25 per person opr $40 for two. 250-245-9165 BE PROUD OF YOUR HOME. Driveways, walkways, gutters, roofs. Dirt, slime, algae, mould, moss. Seicoat’s technology cleans gently, thoroughly We can prevent. Technology is what we do. 250-816-5002 www.seicoat.com TRUST AN EXPERT WELDER Jora Designs will fabricate gates, railings and benches for your home, boat or business. Need welding done of any size they probably can handle it. 250-591-5772 “SHADES OF CARE” Seniors Room & Board. Starting at $1450/month , respite $50.00 per day. Meals, snacks, personal assistance, outings and local doctors app. 1-250-591-8639 for viewing
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WANTED A STUDENT FOR SUMMER JOB to help senior with yard work. Please call Gerry 250245-0029 BOWEN THERAPY – B-Well Bowenworks provides lasting pain relief. This very gentle yet effective manual therapy evokes deep relaxation and renews the body’s capacity for self healing. 250-246-4812 bowtech2@telus.net www. bowenworkacademyusa.com NEEDS A GOOD HOME: 3 yr. old female orange tabby cat. Spayed, friendly & funny. Indoor & outdoor. Travel cage included. Urgent family situation call 250-245-4268 PASTURE AND STABLES for horses near Cassidy airport available. 250-245-5039 EXPERIENCED RESIDENTIAL CLEANER available in Ladysmith area. reliable, fast, thorough and bondable. $18 per hour. All products provided. $18 per hour. Senior discount. Please call 250-740-5727 10 YR. OLD BELGIAN/QUARTER HORSE cross mare for sale. Green broke, has been to two 4 day natural horsemanship clinics. Needs experienced rider. $1000. 8 YR. OLD PERCHERON/ QUARTER HORSE cross mare, bred to Grullo Stallion (due mid June). Mare is green broke, has been to two 4 day natural horsemanship clinics. Needs experienced rider. $1000. 250-510-5482 2001 JAGUAR XJR SUPERCHARGED. Black exterior, black leather interior, excellent condition $10,000. 250-510-5482 CHILDREN’S JUNGLE DAYCAMP-one week only. M-F Aug. 20-24. Cedar United Church in South Nanaimo, 1:00-4:00pm. Free games, crafts, songs. For ages 5-12 Everyone welcome. Phone Cindy 250-245-5778 BASEMENT SUITE AVAILABLE June 15 Nonsmoker must have reliable transportation 250245-3041. Ask for Ann. FINISHED SCREENED DRY organic compost for sale call Greg Wyndlow 250-245-4235 NEED YOUR LAWN MOWED? Experienced local student, friendly & reliable, owner mower & weeder, very reasonable rates, satisfaction guaranteed call Ladysmith resident Connor 250245-5518 BLASTED Rocks ,garden soil 250-748-0932. AFFORDABLE PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICE providing engagement, wedding, modeling, Rivington Photography rivfoto@hotmail.com CAMP IN COMFORT! For rent 24 trailer, older but clean, sleeps 2, located in popular Zuiderzee Campground. $45/night, (plus regular campground fees apply.). 250-245-9165 or email marinasacht@ yahoo.ca for photos & info.
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Nanaimo River estuary walkabout The City of Nanaimo, has proclaimed support and encouragement for World Oceans Day (June 8) and Rivers to Ocean Week (June 8-14). "As well as locally we have seen interest growing nationally and internationally in estuary and river conservation," Laurie Gourlay states in MISSI's request to the City. "And, as the Rio+20 UN Earth Summit approaches, we wanted to help Canada's efforts to protect the world’s oceans." Nanaimo's Proclamation adopted MISSI's request, recognizing that "the Government of Canada proposed the concept of World Ocean Day in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, and the day has been celebrated internationally ever since, being officially declared in 2009 by the United Nations as "World Oceans Day." MISSI is pleased that Nanaimo, home of the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, is similarly supporting Environment Canada's efforts to recognize Rivers to Oceans Week. June 8-14 is an
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opportunity "to work together to create an understanding of Canada's watersheds, our connection to fresh-and saltwater environments and what everyone can do to protect and keep watersheds healthy for people and wildlife," according to the Canadian Wildlife Federation. "MISSI has been leading a Mid Island campaign for a northern extension to the proposed Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area," according to Gourlay. "We have been gaining momentum ever since we received a letter from Canada's Environment Minister, suggesting that boundaries were still under consideration ...and this Proclamation by the City of Nanaimo helps us all understand the importance of our rivers, estuary and ocean." Nanaimo's Proclamation recognizes that the "mid-island coastal region and communities have benefited greatly from a historic, cultural and natural relationship with the Nanaimo River," and that the estuary "is one of the greatest natural assets in the region." The Mid Island Sustainability & Stewardship Initiative believes that implementing sustainable development and
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stewardship practices will continue to see the mid island region prosper economically, as well as achieve a balance of ecological and social benefits. "To encourage the public to celebrate our river and ocean heritage MISSI will co-host, with TAKE 5 magazine, an evening presentation and potluck dinner on World Oceans’ Day, and lead a walk in the estuary on Sunday morning. "MISSI hopes everyone on the west coast will take time for a stroll along the river or ocean shores during Canadian Environment Week" says Gourlay, "to enjoy the biodiversity, water, fisheries and marine habitat that benefits us all."
World Oceans Day & Rivers to Ocean Week EVENTS In support of World Oceans’ Day & Rivers to Ocean Week, Canadian Environment Week & the Rio+20 UN Earth Summit for Sustainability and Stewardship, please join us to celebrate the local treasure that is the Nanaimo River and estuary, and our coastal ocean waters! Co-hosted by MISSI & Take5 Magazine. Friday June 8 - World Ocean's Day Pot-Luck Dinner & Social Potluck get-together at St Philip Anglican Church in Cedar (1797 Cedar Road). Potluck: Doors open at 6pm; homecooked dining begins at 6:30. Please bring your favourite dish. Special guest speaker MLA Doug Routley followed by MISSI's slide show on the Nanaimo River Estuary and Gabriola Coastal Waters: 8-8:30pm. Q&As encouraged. Everyone welcome! Sunday June 10th Sunday morning estuary 'walkabout' along the river and around the estuary with a botanist’s expertise to guide you! Meet at in the parking lot at the end of Raines Road (Cedar), 10am-11:30am. Free This is a great opportunity to have fun, welcome the summer and enjoy the company of outdoor enthusiasts ...and to show support for efforts to protect the Nanaimo River, estuary and coastal waters! Nanaimo River Estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island. A guided walking tour with a naturalist will be held June 10 from 10-11:30am. Photo: Craig Letourneau
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