Letters Celebration Recently our family held a Celebration of Life for George Wilson. George as a longtime local resident, volunteer fireman, and bricklayer, and many chimneys in the Cedar/ Chase River/South Wellington Area are his handiwork. We would like to extend our thanks to the many people who contributed and attended this day to join us in shedding a few tears, telling a few stories, and having some good George Wilson laughs, hugs and handshakes. We were especially touched by the kind donation of sandwich platters from the 49th Parallel in Cedar. -George Wilson family
Health & Wellness I enjoyed reading the Health & Wellness article about Kathy Schoenewolf. I thought she had some great advice, especially her “Top 5 Health Tips”. From a personal training pointof-view, the fifth one was especially important - “Get off the COACH and do more!” Sometimes typographical errors can be funny! Thanks for the laugh! - Scott Kimler Ed Note: Hey if we can’t laugh at our mistakes where would we be? Yes that was supposed to be: Get off the couch. Thanks.
QE Jubilee medal My riding of Nanaimo-Cowichan has some outstanding constituents who have devoted much of their time to their community. Up to 30 constituents from the riding could be awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for their efforts and service. On Feb 6, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marked the 60th anniversary of accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. To commemorate Her Majesty’s 60 years of service 60,000 medals will be awarded to Canadians. These medals provide an opportunity to honour exceptional Canadians for their contributions to our communities.
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A selection committee of seven community members will identify eligible candidates for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. A presentation ceremony will be held to award the medals to the successful candidates. Deadline for nominations is Nov. 16, 2012 and the presentation ceremony will be held in January or February 2013. To be eligible for this honour, a person: -Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, but need not necessarily reside in Canada, must have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and must be alive on Feb. 6, 2012, the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne. Nominations can be submitted by email, jean@jeancrowder. ca or by mail, 101-126 Ingram Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1P1. Nominations should include a short statement or brief summary of your candidates’ achievements. There are many outstanding constituents in the riding of Nanaimo-Cowichan who have made significant and meaningful contributions to the community, province, and abroad. It is important to recognize a small number of the exceptional individuals who strive to make a difference every day. - Jean Crowder, MP, Nanaimo-Cowichan
Dementia won’t wait Every five minutes, someone in Canada develops Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, yet there are still thousands of people who delay a visit to their doctor to talk about symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, and problems with language. New research by the Alzheimer Society of Canada reveals that a treatment gap has emerged nation-wide for people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While Canadians recognize the symptoms of dementia, almost half of people with dementia delayed seeing their doctor and receiving treatment for longer than one year. In fact, 75 per cent of people with dementia who responded to our survey said they wished they had seen their doctor sooner about their symptoms. With all the benefits of early diagnosis,why do so many people delay a visit to the doctor about dementia symptoms? Our survey of 400 caregivers for persons with dementia revealed that 57 per cent of caregivers felt they (or their family member or friend) were reluctant to seek a diagnosis because they thought the symptoms were a part of normal aging, didn’t want to talk about it with anybody, didn’t want to see their doctor, or didn’t think anything could be done about it anyway. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, and though there is no cure yet, there are treatment options available and there is help. Visit our campaign website at www.letsfaceitbc.ca to get more information about the warning signs. If you are the one in two British Columbians who knows someone with dementia, we also have links to programs and support information that can help. - Jean Blake, CEO, Alzheimer Society of B.C. 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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54-40 on songwriting BY NICK LONGO Lately I’ve been musing about creating my own song(s). So now I’m on a quest to find out how to proceed writing a song. A “Music Man” should have an “Ocean Pearl” of wisdom or two to offer up, my editor said. Then asked, “Since When” did you want to start writing songs? I explained to her, When my “Baby Ran” and told “Lies to me” like “Nice to Luv You” “One Day In Your Life” you might consider trying to write a “Radio Luv Song” my editor said. Baby, Have Some Faith’ I said, I truly “Miss You” and your great advice. It’s not “Easy to Love” a concept when you‘re “Crossing a Canyon’ of difficulties and the muse doesn’t show. So now I’m on the hook to write a song. I know just who I’m going to ask for an interview. I had a chat with one of Canada’s finest singer/songwriters (the other members of this band are no slouches either ) Neil Osborne, from the band 54-40. They will be playing March 30 at the Port Theatre. 54-40 is celebrating 30 years of writing music and playing together (come on out and celebrate with them, you’ll enjoy them and have a great time). How easy is it to access the Muse? Neil’s response: “a lot of it is waiting around. Sometimes it’s just hard work and all craft. I’m going to put this together with this, breathe fire into it and sometimes it comes out automatically, effortlessly. It’s a good thing when that happens. You find things you like or resonate within you and then see where it takes you. The whole trick is to stay completely out of the way. As soon as you desire to make something out of it, just put this here and that chorus there the muse leaves. It gets crowded out by your desire to make something out of it. The real art is to leave space not just for the muse and the craftmaker (the left brain, right brain) but also some space just for nothing. Looking at the
54-40 Canada’s rock band. Photo: Kandle Osborne
whole thing from outside and giving it that space. Take a step back and let it go. How much does this song need to stay afloat? Keep it simple. Find a groove. Play in tune. Go out and play it to an audience. A room of strangers. In that environment your relationship with that song will become apparent and you will find out if your intentions with that song are true to you and your audience. Bottom line, keep writing and playing. Like a garden some things will take, some won’t. Don’t sweat it. Keep playing.” Join 54-40 on March 30th at the Port Theatre and celebrate their 30th year of music. Some of this article features the titles from 54-40’s songs.
Skellig to compete in Toronto Ladysmith based Celtic rock band Skellig qualified 3rd out of 300-400 bands nationally for the Canadian Hard Rock Rising finals. It’s a contest held worldwide by the Hard Rock Cafe. ‘Kingdom Come’, the title track of their brand new album, was downloaded free on Facebook by anyone wanting to vote for them to play at the Hard Rock Cafe in Toronto. They qualified along with eight other bands. Skellig is competing in Toronto on March 1 with three other bands. If they win they’ll play on March 8 in the Canadian final. The top prize is the opportunity to play in Hard Rock Rising at Hyde Park, London, supporting Bruce Springsteen. For
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Skellig, new album and competition keeps them busy
more info check out www.reverbnation.com/hard_rock_rising/650121 While the band is excited to be competing, it’s going to cost a lot of money in airfares. If you’d like to help, an account has been set up in Skellig’s name at Ladysmith and District Credit Union. March is a busy time for Skellig. They have an acoustic CD release March 3 at the Willow Street Cafe in Chemainus. This will also be the cafe’s first Open Mic with Skellig hosting. Catch them on St. Paddy’s night at the Crow and Gate Pub and March 24 for an electric CD release at the Crofton Hotel and Pub. www.skellig.ca or Skellig facebook page.
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Musical comedy at Ladsymith Theatre Ladysmith Players present the musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, running from March 22nd to April 15. Broadway’s greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written. It takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from the 2000 year old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. Tickets: $25 Dinner: $20 available Friday & Saturday only. For tickets 250-9240658 or www.ladysmiththeatre.com Wear a Toga to the show and be entered to win a prize!
Elvis music inspired play at Chemainus Theatre What’s a Mayor to do when a hip-swiveling roustabout - determined to rock n’ roll her little hamlet out of its dull ways peels into town? You’ll find out at The Chemainus Theatre Festival’s production of All Shook Up, playing now until April 7. Incorporating 26 Elvis Presley-inspired hits, and loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this lively 50s-era story of mistaken identities, searching for freedom, and loving someone no matter who they are will positively “razz your berries”. All Shook Up is an entertainment triple-threat for Big Daddies, Bobby Soxers and theatre-goers of all ages. Contact The Chemainus Theatre Festival Box Office at 1-800-565-7738 or book online at http://www.chemainustheatre.ca
Singer /Songwriter Ladysmith United Church Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Linna Good with David Jonsson will be performing at the Ladysmith United Church March 11 at 7pm. Admission $20 Adults, $15 seniors, teens and children are free. Tickets available at the door or Church office call 250-245-2183 or Joan 250-245-9252
Port Theatre hosts Ladysmith Black Mambazo Black Mambazo brings their glorious voices and mesmerizing movement and dance to the Port Theatre, March 6, 7:30pm. This latest CD has been nominated for a 2012 Grammy Tickets at (250) 754-8550, www.porttheatre.com
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From horrible to home sweet home BY MARINA SACHT For years Penny Ryan had been walking past the Ladysmith house. It had fallen into neglect through the years and now weeds and shrubbery choked the property. A rotting back deck was filled with debris, stacked with boxes, and an old boat. For the neighbourhood it had become an eyesore. But Penny could see its potential. “Many people thought the old girl was past her prime and needed to be demolished. I did not agree. The roofline was straight, the foundation strong, the floor trusses true . . . . I felt she had many years
Clockwise: Penny Ryan and Bob Fearon, owners. The clean up was a grim job. Before: The house and yard before the reno. Photos: Rob Johnson After: The house with a makeover. Grounds were cleaned up, a new roof, windows, gutters instlled by Aarseen. Photo: Penny Ryan Opposite page: Boxes, garbage and things filled the house. Photo: Rob Johnson Living room: When they’d emptied the room they discovered a piano , and a fireplace. . Photo: Marina Sacht
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left in her; she just needed some TLC.” Bob (Mr. Bob) Fearon agreed the house “had good bones” It was built in an era when good clear fir was plentiful. When the house came up as an estate sale they were ready. This project began as Penny trying to
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bring life back to an old, rundown house and property and turned into a shining example of what can happen when neighbours work together. Once the neighbourhood realized that the house would indeed be restored and not demolished they gathered to offer
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support and assistance. Strangers to Penny, they showed up to haul trash, shovel, move boxes, sort. “Charlie MacKenzie, who lives across the street, was here everyday. He worked endlessly and although I’m certain he was as tired as we were, he never faltered. His grandson Noah, from Vancouver, even came to assist. Rob Johnson, another neighbour, was also a huge help. He’d arrive with a myriad of gidgets and gadgets that he had designed or found to assist with the cleanup. Cheryl Mottishaw would also pop in to help. I say pop in because it was never prearranged and yet, she popped in quite regularly. She’d have her work gloves on, smile at me and say “So, what room are we clearing out today?”
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And clear out they did. The neglect had spread inside as well and they found the house filled with boxes, empty bottles, garbage, animal droppings, dead rats and worse. The freezer in the basement had 875 lbs. of food and had been unplugged for about two years.
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Before the reno the kitchen was unuseable. Now the kitchen is bright offering views of the harbour, Butcher block counters, double fridge freezer and two ovens offer all the convenience a serious cook would want. Photos: Rob Johnson
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Load after load was removed from the house. The dumping fee came to over $5000. Penny held a garage sale and then donated truckloads of items to the Ladysmith Thrift Store. “When I reached a utter exhaustion and was at the point of meltdown, which I must admit, did happen, Paul and Janice Bouma would give me a thumbs up and a huge smile. People would wave as they drove by, sometimes stopping to chat and offer encouragement. It was those gestures of support that helped me pull on my gloves and pick up another box.” Along the way there were also some treasures uncovered. After three long days of clearing out the clutter from the living room they discovered a fireplace and a beautiful piano. They unearthed a complete household and some special treasures. A violin from the 18th century, collector dolls, Royal Dalton china and many antiques. Many items where still in their original boxes. One of the treasures Penny has kept was the previous owner’s dowry box containing personal mementos and photos and papers she hopes to re-unite with the relatives of the owner.
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With the house finally empty they got to the actual work. The exterior got new windows, new roof and gutters, a new deck. The bathrooms were gutted, and the kitchen taken down to the studs. All surfaces where washed, sealed and primed. The entire floor had to be replaced throughout the house. They started the project in March and
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by the end of August the house was ready to move in. Penny’s favorite room is the kitchen . “I love the kitchen – it’s so bright and comfortable. The energy star appliances heating system, her cooking profession is obvious …from the double door built in fridge /freezer to the two ovens. A warm butcher block counter says “I like to cook here.” French doors opens onto a large deck with sweeping views of Ladysmith harbour. A bbq, deck heater and gazebo offer year-round enjoyment. ‘What began as one person’s vision, became something far larger. The house that was an eyesore can once again stand proud and tall and the neighbourhood is once again the community it was years ago.” Some of the businesses contributing to this renovation: ABC Water Systems Inc., Aarsen Gutters, Alpine Group, Brownlow & Sons Windows Contracting, E&S Heating, RE/MAX Ocean Pointe Barbara Bezeau, RE/MAX John Surtees, Sawmill Sales Direct, X Ray Roofing For more photos www.take5.ca or visit us on Facebook.
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Confessions of a Compost Queen BY DIANNE ANDREWS Many women of contemporary society enjoy manicures; I prefer manure. As a rule, most people are afraid of our local garter snakes. I love them! Composting has always been one of my favourite hobbies. The magic of how beautiful, black organic matter is created never ceases to delight me. Families often have culinary recipes handed down from generation to generation. From my family of origin, I have inherited a passion for soil building/composting. My grandmother collected “leaf mould” from the alder grove on their homestead in the early 1900’s in Manitoba. I enjoyed hearing her stories about life on the farm and how they gardened organically, although that term hadn’t been invented yet. When I was a child in Victoria, I pushed a wheel barrow around our neighborhood, selling bagged manure, to finance my obsession with riding horses. Some of this special ‘product’ went into my parents’ ingenious, three bin composting system. Having lived in Yellow Point/Cedar since March of 2002, my dream of being a garlic grower has finally come true. In the fall of 2010, my friend, Ian Jones, who sells at the Cedar Farmers’ Market, supplied us with Porcelain garlic and
Adrian Andrews in garlic patch. Photo: Dianne Andrews
specific instructions on how to grow it. Even though my gardening partner, Karen Shepard, and I planted the cloves on top of “dead” rhubarb plants, which then came alive and grew around the garlic plants, we had the most amazing harvest. Friends thought the garlic was corn because the plants were so tall! About 600 garlic plants, our second crop, are poking their heads though the top layer of our raised garden beds as I write this. But I am getting ahead of myself. As you know, the only way to have a great organic garden is to carefully build the soil. The first challenge here on my friends’ wonderful organic farm, where I now reside, was the fact that the garden area, including five raised beds, was completely overgrown. That’s when my friend, Yolanda, stepped in to help by showing me how she had created a new bed right on the lawn by layering organic matter. Some refer to this meth-
od of composting-in-place as “lasagna gardening.” Use the right recipe and you will have wonderful soil, full of earth worms! Karen and I needed to gather the ingredients to layer our garden beds. Since we were doing this on a fairly large scale, Karen and her husband licensed their farm truck. I am too short to drive this truck so Karen, being tall, courageously took the wheel. The truck, having been underneath a tree all winter, was sporting a fair amount of moss. In addition, I could barely see over the dashboard, making us a comical sight indeed. Now a word of caution is needed here. Once you have determined your source of manure it should remain your secret. It can be procured with cash but we discovered that zucchini loaves, garlic spread and the promise of garden produce has been enough to keep a steady supply of horse and cow manure at our
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shovel tips. You can never have too much manure in various stages of decay. If offered more manure say “yes” and then find a way to get it home. If you collect large piles of manure as I do, tarp them once they are wet through. Keep them covered even in the spring to create the perfect habitat for garter snakes. They love to sleep on the warm manure pile after feasting on aphids and slugs in your garden all day. Rather than trucking in manure, you can simply bring it in tubs with lids. My parents are always delighted when I show up with fresh manure in the trunk of my car. It works better than alfalfa pellets for “compost starter” and can make a great “hostess gift”. “Lasagna gardening”, like cooking, requires the best ingredients in the right quantities. Always place cardboard or feed sacks on the bottom layer. Then layer alternately with carbon rich (brown) and nitrogen rich (green) organic matter, each layer not more than three inches thick. Some of my favourite ingredients are rotted manure mixed with sawdust, fresh manure (on bottom layer), mulch hay, straw, comfrey leaves and maple leaves. Be sure to water each layer if the materials are dry. The top layer of the bed needs to be finished compost or soil. Your beds can have sides or not. We just built one using reed canary grass hay bales to create the structure. Last summer we made a new lasagna bed and then planted cucumbers in shovelfuls of finished compost, wondering if the plants would grow since the layers hadn’t composted. The crop
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Lasagna garden bed. Photo: Dianne Andrews
Meet our local H & G Experts
was amazing, the downside being that I am not really fond of cucumbers and I kept having to find willing recipients for this insanely, top-producing vegetable. One evening I came home from the office to find several cucumbers surreptitiously placed on the bench outside my door! Due to the wealth of information on line, I am not going to outline step by step how to make compost in bins but I will share a few tips. I build three bins side by side using free wooden pallets tied together with baling twine. A bungee cord secures the “door”. If you are a town or city dweller you may wish something fancier. In regards to composting kitchen waste, think raw fruit and veggies. No cooked food of any kind; even salad with dressing on it is unacceptable. Layer the compost as you do the beds, but spread a layer of thick plant stocks on the bottom for aeration. Adding handfuls of worms from finished compost or manure piles helps too. Worms, like snakes, are good! Here is what I consider to be the biggest secret for producing excellent compost. It needs to contain the right amount of moisture, like a squeezed sponge. Water the layers you add in summer and cover your bins for the winter. In the early spring your composts will heat up under the tarps and produce black gold. For more details, composting workshop dates dianneandrewsrealty.blogspot.com or email: dianneandrews@shaw.ca Dianne is a local real estate salesperson.
For your gardening pleasure, Kleijn Nurseries offers a large selection of perennials, shrubs, trees, and ground covers. They carry all flowers from the early spring to the late fall. Fruit trees and other fruit bearing shrubs are here as well. This spring’s new hot item is the Haskap berry. Come by and find out Kleijn Nurseries why. Made onsite flower baskets will be ready for Mother’s Day. They also customize your flower pots. Join them on Saturday, March 10, at 10:30 am for a FREE SEMINAR ON MASON BEES. Call and reserve your spot. Mason bees are essential to the success of your garden and fruit crops. Come and learn all about them, bring your questions for Rose from JR Farms. Phantom Screens help customers merge indoor and outdoor living spaces, enhancing lifestyles by blending home and landscape. They’ve always appreciated Phantom’s ability to give their customers premium quality, customizable retractable screen solutions that perfectly fit every lifestyle. With dedication to quality and serPhantom Screens - Vancouver Island
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vice, Phantom Screens is a first choice solution for all your screening needs. Highlander Painting is expanding their service to include roof, siding and deck washing. All surfaces will be cleaned with Wash-Safe, an environmentally friendly product that won’t harm your garden. An exceptional feature they offer is the ability to wash your Junction RV & Self Storage
Highlander Painting
roof - an affordable way of extending the life of your roof and enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Junction RV & Self Storage offers a safe and secure place to store those items that you wish to keep but have no room for. Their compound has video surveillance and an automatic gate with a personalized code for entry and exit. The majority of their units have driveup access with garage doors and lighting for your convenience. They also sell moving supplies such as boxes, mattress covers, locks, etc. to make your move comfortable.
Red Williams Well Drilling & Pump Installations Wells are subject to change over time. These changes develop slowly and often go unnoticed until your system fails. Mineral and organic growth accumulations can have an adverse effect on the well’s yield, water quality and odour. Their certified pump technicians provide low-cost, top-to-bottom, well system inspections. Clients are supplied with a written report upon completion. This is an on-site chance to discuss issues important to you.
Red Williams Well Drilling & Pump Installations
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$16-million Investment Protects Island Jobs Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson joined Lee Doney of Western Forest Products today in the company’s announcement to upgrade its Saltair mill. In fall 2011, Western Forest Products announced its plan to invest $200 million in its Vancouver Island operations. An upgrade to the Saltair sawmill, worth $16 million, is the first step in Western’s capital plan to position the company for the future. The upgrade includes new edgers, stacker and sorters designed to increase mill productivity by 15 per cent. The retrofit is expected to take one year and will provide jobs for contractors and suppliers who specialize in mill upgrades. The mill will continue running while the retrofit takes place.
Search and Rescue Team Members Needed. Would you like to help find missing persons? If you enjoy the outdoors while at the same time actively supporting your community, then the Ladysmith Search
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and Rescue team needs you! More volunteers are needed to search for lost hikers, rescue injured persons and support the local RCMP. No previous experience is required. On behalf of BC’s Provincial Emergency Program, they will provide training with map and compass, GPS and radio use, survival, tracking and search techniques, and other skills necessary to become an effective team member. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month, 7pm, in the classroom behind the Ladysmith Fire Hall. Please stop by or contact Bill Drysdale at 250-245-8726 or wddrysdale@shaw.
Golden Brush Awards And the winners of the 2012 Golden Brush Awards presented by the Chemainus Chamber of Commerce are: Business Leadership: Flowering Tree Natural Spa; Innovation: Crafty Cuppa; Business of the Year (under 6 employees): Hansel & Gretel Candy Co.; Business of the Year (6 or more employees): Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn; New Business: Odika Café; Outstanding Customer Service: Twisted Sisters Tearoom; Sustainable Business Practices: Chemainus Health Food Store; Home Based Business: Renditions in Rags. Individual Awards: Young Entrepreneur: Foster Thorpe-Doubble/TD Repairs; Employee of the Year: Margaret Fisher, VI Library, Chemainus Branch, Volunteer of the Year: Betty Short; Volunteer Couple of the Year: Murray and Jane Schafer; Lifetime Achievement: given posthumously to Hilary Everitt.
Western Forest Products, Saltair - (l to r) Ida Chong, Don McRae, Steve Thomson, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson
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Spirit of Ladysmith Community Awards The annual award ceremonies were held on February 11 at the Aggie Hall. The judges had a huge task with so many worthy nominees. Congratulations to all of you. The list of nominees is on the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce website www.ladysmithcofc.com And the winners are: Entrepreneur of the Year : Steve Wilkinson/ Pharmasave Ladysmith; Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) : GNB Builders Inc.; Business of the Year (11+ employees): Pharmasave Ladysmith; Volunteer of the Year: Nita Grant; Service Employee of the Year (1-10 employees): Coleen Andreychuk-Burke/ Grant Jewellers; Service Employee of the Year (11+ employees): Colleen Gaudreault /Pharmasave Ladysmith; Not-For-Profit of the Year: Kinsmen Club of Ladysmith; Youth of the Year: Katrina Stirling. Photo: Marina Sacht
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Museum for Ladysmith BY ROB JOHNSON Ladysmith has one of the most interesting histories of any community on the Island, and now we have a museum to show it off, thanks to the hard work of members of the Ladysmith and District Historical Society (LDHS) and the generosity of the Ladysmith and District Credit Union. May 18 will be the official opening to the public. Bernardien Knol has the privilege of being the curator of the museum, and with the help of society members and others, is transforming the building into a time line of our history. Rooms will showcase buildings of the Town, logging, mining, hospital,
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Maureen Martin, president Ladysmith & District Historical Society. The group is setting up a museum. Photo: Rob Johnson
First Nations displays and more. The LDHS welcomes volunteers. Help is needed in all areas from painting to landscaping to building cabinets. Contact the LDHS office at 250-245-5001. - Rob Johnson
YPDG play rattles comic skeletons Take a murder investigation and the reading of a will, with a cast of unsavoury characters and a slew of motives, and you’ve got the Yellow Point Drama Group spring production of Dead Awake. Audience participation is part of the fun, running over three weekends in March, with doors opening at 7 pm on March 8, 9, 10, 16, 23 and 24. On March 17, doors open at 6 pm for a special dinner theatre. Dead Awake is directed by Pamela Walker, and written and produced by Brian March. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth, $10 for the March 8 preview, and are available at the door at the Cedar Hall, 2388 Cedar Road. To reserve call 250 722-3067, email ypdg@shaw.ca, or for more information go to www.yellowpointdramagroup.org.
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Lisa Parnell, chef, and Simon Ware owner Crafty Cuppa.
Chemainus Tile Mural Project The Crafty Cuppa has been approved by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Committee to produce a new mural to be located in downtown Chemainus. Simon Ware came up with the unique concept that will allow the community to participate. Prices are $40 for a detailed image, $20 for average detail and $10 for a simple image tile. Tiles will be available to paint in a ‘paint-bynumbers’ style and studio facilities, paint etc will be provided free at the Crafty Cuppa Cafe. Reaction has been very positive, says Simon. Buy your tiles now at the cafe or online after March 18. For info 250-324-3338 or craftycuppa@gmail.com
Memorial Sewing Day at St. Phillip’s in Cedar St. Philip’s parishioners in Cedar reached out to support clinics in Guatemala in a Jan Parfitt Memorial Sewing Day. Each year Jan supported a small group of Nanaimo nurses and doctors that go to Guatemala, by sewing gowns, no-no’s and blankets for the patients they will have in their care. This year it was our turn to learn. Twenty four men and women braved sleet and slippery roads to share their time and talents. Four men soon learned cutting out hospital gowns is not that much different that cutting wood. Their support pushed us over the top, we completed 29 hospital gowns, and 30 blankets and almost 100 nono’s in our six hour day. Nono’s are aids to help children not to bend their elbow so they can’t touch their surgery. We worked in factory style, some cut material, others ironed, including our Rector. On Feb 7, one of our NRGH nurses left to Guatemala taking the fruits of our labour. Jan’s legacy continues, now many hands make light work. - Diana Slater
St.Philip Anglican Church parishioners get sewing for good cause
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Roll Out the Roosters BY ROB PINKERTON Our friend David has a place in the tiny hill town of El Divisidero, on the west coast of Mexico. After dinner one night, the long haired one and I were washing up when a truck pulled into the yard. Out of the dark emerged Iraklio, quite drunk and very pumped. He had been to the cock-fights in nearby La Lima and both of his birds had won. We were made to inspect the bloodied, exhausted roosters and their wounds. We thumped him on the back and poured him a shot of tequila. This was a very macho victory in a very macho society and he had to tell someone. Another day we were sitting around Dave’s table with Saul from El Divisidero. There was a nine day festival go-
Cockfights continue to be a part of Mexican culture. Photo: Rob Pinkerton
ing on in nearby Las Varas and I knew there would be tourneo de gallos or palenques.... I had been wanting to see the fights for years. I raised the subject.
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Saul (pronounced Sa-ool) gave his signature shrug and said “si”. Cock-fights are legal in all states of Mexico but one. This blood sport takes place on every continent and yes, illegally in Canada. These gamecocks are more related to wild birds from the jungles of Central and Southeast Asia than domestic chicken stock. The birds are handled, exercised and groomed as they grow so as to be accustomed to humans. Long feathers are trimmed to prevent the bird tripping during a fight. As a palenque nears the birds are fed a high energy diet and must be in top physical and mental condition. On fight night we parked close to the square in LasVaras and walked to a brick building with no signs or markings. Inside, the first thing I noticed was a pile of dead cocks. There were about two hundred people, mostly men and some beautifully dressed women, families with children and grandmas. We were the only gringos there but received little attention. A 30 foot ring held men and women selling red or green betting tickets, peanuts, beer, Coke. Handlers carried the birds into the ring after having them weighed and inspected by a judge. They stroked them and crooned to them. The fighters are put face to face and allowed to peck at each other, then put on the ground and run at each other. This enrages the birds. Other handlers enter the ring with elegant wood boxes that open to reveal the razor sharp blades. One is selected for each bird which the judge measures. Each cock has one blade lashed to his fighting spur, a bony claw above the foot and a red or green tape put on his leg. The betting is furious now, as we had observed the preliminary scuffle and rated the birds. The ticket sellers shout at people in the crowd and red or green tickets are passed back to the bettor with the size of the bet scrawled on it, 100 peso minimum. Then only the two handlers and the judge remain in the ring. It was quiet as the cocks were held face to face for a few seconds and then released. They run at each other with neck feathers flared and rise in the air with legs slashing and beaks tearing. Now everyone is shouting and straining to see through the crowd. A roar erupts as one cock falls with the victor on top who gives his enemy a few more pecks and then, sensing victory, sits still. His
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opponents throat had been cut. The judge ruled that the wound was mortal and the handlers pick up their cocks, one bleeding out and unstrap the knives. The ring again filled with the betting men who collected or paid out. I won my first 100 peso bet and got 90 pesos back...10 for the house. A man raked dirt over the blood pool and cleaned up the litter of feathers. The next fight preliminaries were under way and Saul said “Bet with the crowd.” My neighbour scowled at me and we agreed on a bet The birds are loosed and they tore at each other, leaping two feet in the air, feathers flying. One seemed to have the advantage and pinned his opponent. The judge called a break. The handlers picked up their birds, stroked them and blew sprays of water or Coke from their mouths into the birds faces and rear ends to cool and perk them up. This time when the break is called one of the birds looked limp. His handler stroked him and placed the top of the bird’s bloody head in his mouth and seemed to be breathing for him. He spits blood and sand, took a mouthful of water and sprayed his fighter. Again they fought but they were both tiring and again the handlers breathed life back into them until finally they were too exhausted to go on and just laid looking at each other. A draw was called and all bets were transferred to the next duel which is long as well but there was a winner and I handed my 100 peso to the scowler. All this was going on for hours before we arrived and would continue late into the night. We saw about ten contests and decided that was enough of this Mexican cultural experience. We snaked our way through the crowd, passed the growing pile of dead roosters, nodded to the gun toting military dudes at the door and left. It was as I had imagined it would be and now that I have been, I don’t know whether I will ever go again.
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Abbotsford Hotel When you pass the 7-Eleven on the Island Highway in Ladysmith, you may not realize that you’ve passed a block that was once teeming with history and character. This was the home of Ladysmith’s landmark hotel, the Abbotsford. After mining coal for several years and running a men’s clothing shop, in 1894 Mr. A. J. McMurtrie built the Abbotsford Hotel in North Wellington, just north of Nanaimo, at a cost of $18,000. McMurtie was mayor of Wellington 1898 -1899. In 1900, when the coal mines were closing, the hotel was cut into sections, loaded onto rail flat cars, taken to Oyster Bay and re-assembled on the Espla-
THEN: Abbotsford Hotel once a landmark of Ladysmith. Photo Ladysmith Archives
nade at the bottom of Gatacre Street; a very advantageous location just across the highway from the railway station.
At the time, it was large, being able to accommodate 50 people; there was a sample room for salesmen to display
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NOW: Island Highway and Gatacre Street in Ladysmith. Once the site of the Abbotsford Hotel, today home of PetroCan & 7-Eleven. Photo: Rob Johnson
their wares; Mrs. McMurtrie did the cooking and he looked after the bar With the miners’ strike of 1912-14, the downturn in the economy and the closure of Extension mine in 1931, many people left the area and McMurtrie was forced to close the hotel; in 1936 he died and it became the property of the City for unpaid taxes. In 1936 Comox Logging and Railway Company bought it as a boarding house for its employees moving into the area to start logging operations; it was closed in 1958 when there were only ten people living there. It was demolished in 1963. Visit Ladysmith Archives for more stories 250-245-0100.
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RDN - Area A BY ALEC MCPHERSON During the Electoral Area ‘A’ Official Community Plan (OCP) review and revision process, there was considerable discussion as to whether or not the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has jurisdiction over development activities on the lands – approximately 211 hectares or 521 acres - at the Nanaimo Airport. The initial position put forward by the RDN was that it did not have jurisdiction over the airport lands; however, the Mid-Island Sustainable Stewardship Initiative (MISSI) obtained from the West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) organization an opinion that focused on the ques-
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tion of the RDN’s jurisdiction over airport lands and concluded that “the RDN does indeed have the ability to regulate the Airport Lands”. The opinion also allowed that “there are clear limits on the ability of local governments to regulate aeronautic-related land use”. Subsequently, S.8.8 Nanaimo Airport of the Electoral Area ‘A’ Official Community Plan, Bylaw 1620, 2011 recognized that “The RDN has jurisdiction over uses which are not related and are not vital to the operation of an airport”. The RDN contracted with City Spaces, a Victoria-based consulting firm with the stated view to “obtain the views of the community and other stakeholders”. This group obtained input from the “other stakeholders” and beginning in Novem-
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ber 2011 held a meeting in each of the Cedar Village area and Parksville as part of the community engagement process. In August 2011, City Spaces prepared a document entitled, “Airport Land Use Process: Comparable Jurisdictions”. The consultants reviewed the ownership, operational authority, relationship with local government and zoning status for a number of airports located within B.C. The paper concluded that “the closest match” to the Nanaimo Airport in terms of ownership, operation structures and relationships with the local government were the North Peace Regional Airport and the Kamloops Airport. The paper also refers to the accord between the City of Prince George and the Prince George Airport Authority. The latter reference
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may shed some light on the process unfolding in Area ‘A’. I did have an opportunity to attend the rather poorly attended public meeting in Parksville and, based on the consultant’s presentation, it is reasonable to conclude that if the RDN follows the Prince George example, the Nanaimo airport lands will be in a site specific zone within the applicable zoning By-law with the ‘airport’ as the principal use and a list of secondary uses. This would account for the consultant’s emphasis on having the public indicate what type of uses would typically be located at the airport. One of the examples of what might be at an airport – according to the consultant – might be a gasoline service station available for returning rental vehicles. Personally, given that the airport lands are situated above the Cassidy aquifers, I would hope that such a facility was not one of the “permitted uses”. The final public consultation takes place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th 2012 at the Marine Institute on Hallberg Road. I would urge everyone – including those who are in the Cowichan Valley Regional District - to attend and voice your opinion on what the “permitted uses” should include.
CVRD - Area H BY MARY MARCOTTE Regional Agricultural Plan: In July 2006, the CVRD passed a resolution to undertake an Area Agricultural Plan. An application for partial funding was submitted to the Investment Agriculture Foundation and approved in December 2008. Upon receiving all of the necessary funding, an Area Agriculture Steering Committee was formed in 2009 and a consultant was hired. The Steering Committee was formed to oversee the development of the Area Agriculture Plan process. The consultants spent the next six months developing the plan in consultation with the Area Agriculture Plan Steering Committee. The Steering Committee identified two key strategic directions to lead the industry towards its vision. The first is to develop a dynamic economic development strategy that will allow the industry to shift and optimize production
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to match current market conditions. The second involves food security and food self-sufficiency. The goal of this strategy is to ensure that the resource base is developed and/or maintained so that the industry can produce a basic diet for 45 percent of the local population. After many months of hard work, a comprehensive plan was developed and adopted by the Regional Board. It included an Action Plan with 78 recommendations to improve the agriculture
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industry in the Cowichan Region. The recommendations identified four broad areas to work on and an action plan with six goals. Regional Agriculture Committee/ Commission: One of the key recommendations in the plan was to develop and adopt terms of reference for the formation of a Regional Agricultural Committee to implement the plan. The Committee was formed
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in 2011 and I had the pleasure of being appointed as Chair. Committee membership includes a broad range of agricultural interests. I will go into more detail about the Committee/Commission in a future issue. AGRICULTURAL SHOW: As a part of furthering implementation of the plan, the first annual Island Agriculture Show was held at the Cowichan Exhibition Park on Feb. 3-4 of this year. The event was very well attended, with lots to see and learn. Attendance exceeded the organizers’ expectations; most of the sessions were completely booked, and unfortunately we were unable to accommodate a number of people who had not pre-registered. For this we apologize. Over the two days, almost 1,500 people were in attendance. This included roughly 828 general trade show attendees, 148 delegates and 400 school children. The Trade Show portion included 55 exhibitors, with lots of handouts and give aways. The feedback received from attendees, delegates and exhibitors has been favourable, and we are encouraged to ensure that this becomes an annual event. 2012 CVRD FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET: In my last article, I talked about raising the annual requisition limit for the Fire Department, and stated that the 2012 requisition amount had not yet been determined. Since that article was written, a group of local residents has come forward with a proposal that another refer-
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endum for a new hall should go forward in a timely fashion. They suggested that this time the referendum should not be based a parcel tax, but requisition should be tied to property assessment. The proposal also stipulated construction of a new four bay hall on Yellow Point Road – which was part of the last the referendum. The group was confident that such a referendum would be successful, and were supportive of raising the cap on the annual requisition. They were also supportive of requisitioning the maximum amount to build up a reserve building fund. As a result of that confidence, the Board adopted the Bylaw to raise the annual requisition limit, and I will now be requisitioning the maximum amount allowed under the new Bylaw. Again, the projected cost to the taxpayer will be an additional $15.02 on every $100,000 of assessed property value. I do not anticipate that a new referendum will be held before the end of 2013. There is a lot of work that must be done first. I anticipate that this group will hold public meetings and knock on doors to garner proof of your support.
CVRD - Area G BY MEL DOREY The CVRD held a Saltair Water meeting in Saltair on Feb 2 to discuss the waterline break problems we are having this year. The total cost for repairing the breaks in 2011 was
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$98,000. The amount has been getting higher each year. This is about 20 percent of the yearly operating budget. Far too much wasted money. This money could be better used to upgrade the system. The piping in the system is concrete asbestos with cast iron saddles and some brass fittings. The pipe tends to crack if subjected to stress like big equipment above or earthquakes. The system is about 60 years old and the pipe was not enclosed in sand like some of the modern systems. But not all of the system is old. Anyway something needs to done to bring the system up to standard. Dave Leitch, the water manager from the CVRD, used a PowerPoint presentation to help people understand how the system works and talk about possible solutions. There were 133 residents at the meeting held in the old Mt. Brenton School. At the end of the meeting we used electronic remote control “clickers” to find out the peoples response to questions asked. Here are some of the response percentages to questions asked. 1. Do you agree with the need to immediately begin upgrading the Saltair water system? 92 percent Yes. 2. Are you in favour of increasing the water rates to do the upgrade work incrementally year by year? 89 percent Yes. 3. Are you in favour of raising the $4.5 million over 15 years by paying what averages to $65/ month? 75 percent Yes. 14 percent said it should be $60/month. We presently pay what averages to $35/month which is the second lowest in the entire CVRD.
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To get public approval to tax for this project, 91 percent said to use the Petition Process (at no significant cost) rather than a referendum (cost $15,000) or the alternate approval process (cost $1,500). The petition process is also relatively quick. Members of the community will go door to door with a petition for home owners to sign. If there are two registered owners, both must sign to be valid. You have to get 50 percent of the property owners that represent 50 percent of the assessed value of the property in Saltair for it to pass. The water breaks are the major problem at the present time but there are also other issues that should be addressed in this $4.5 million upgrade. Looping should be done to make sure there is a fresh supply of water at all times. This is done by joining each line to another neighbouring line. Also at the present time the pressures really vary from too high to too low in the system. Pressure reducing valves will have to be added. And finally some of the pipes are too small for good fireflows for the fire department. Some lines will have to be increased in size. Because the work will be done over 15 years, priorities will have to be established as to which areas are addressed first. Health and safety usually come first. The CVRD engineering department will have a major say in the plan because they carry the liability insurance and know how best to approach the project. The residents of Saltair are the owners of the system so they will have input as well. As the project proceeds we will be applying for gas tax money each year from the federal government. If we get grant money we will probably speed up the work so it gets done quicker that the planned 15 years. The legislative services division of the CVRD, Joe Barry or Kathleen Harrison, will be drawing up the petition forms so you will see them at your door very soon. If you want to help by going door to door with the petition give me a call at 250-245-2116 or my cell 250-510-5431 or email me meldorey@shaw.ca If we divide the work up among many it will be easily done and quickly too.
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They ate the holly! It was mid February, my wife looked out the window and screamed. “They’ve eaten half the holly tree.” They being the deer, the same deer that had denuded our ivy patch the month before. “The digestive system of a wood chipper,” I said, trying to insert a little levity. To no avail. She knew we had a big problem and unless we came up with a solution, her prized garden, would be history. It was like an old Gary Cooper western, where Gary, who much preferred to hang around the bunkhouse and tell tall tales, was being called out by the villainous Black Bart, in this case Buck. When the homestead is threatened, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do; either that or
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saddle up and ride over to the marriage counselor’s and explain why he didn’t. So I levered myself off the couch, opened the front door and in my best Gary Cooper drawl said, ‘’Buck, there ain’t enough room in this town for the both of us.” This started the dog next door barking, but not much else. Ever the Neville Chamberlain, I tried one last chance at appeasement. “What if you planted less deer friendly plants, something they won’t eat, dandelions for example.”? Her withering look told me Buck and I would be locking horns. Our problem was a deer population explosion. Where before it was the occasional deer, now it was a family, and they were permanent residents. I could tell because I saw one coming back from the mailbox with a handful of bills. Fortunately I had spotted this problem the year before and taken precautionary measures. Measures influenced by events in Invermere, where concerned citizens when faced with the same problem were advocating contraception rather than a deer cull. Their plan was to inject the contraceptive, but I don’t do needles.
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That’s how I ended up at the local store shopping for deer condoms. Oddly enough, they were out of stock, so I went down to the butcher’s for sausage casing and made my own. Sizing was a bit of an issue, but it’s hard to go wrong with medium. I handed the condoms out to every deer in the neighbourhood and delivered what I thought was a rousing lecture on condom usage, how under no circumstances they were to be blown up and used as weather balloons. You’d think in these hard economic times deer would be eager to practice safe sex and family planning, but no. They either threw the condoms away or the dog next door ate them thinking they might be some kind of anorexic sausage. Plan B was a fence. Pressure treated poles with wire metal fencing was recommended by the fence guru. “But it’s ugly,” he said. “You’re going to want it way back on the property away from the garden otherwise the place will look like Stalag 13. Which made good sense until he dropped the price, ten grand! After the
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911 guys revived me, he suggested that playing “Cedar Boy” was a cheaper solution and way more fun. That’s where you mount a case of Lucky Lager and two armchairs in the back of the pick up, load up the firearms then go chasing deer across the field, hoping like hell you don’t pull a Dick Cheney and puncture one of the neighbors. Sadly, I have no killer instinct, even with flies it’s catch and release, usually with an apology for interrupting their day. Next stop the Internet where I learned about deer repellents. Apparently spreading the urine of a natural enemy, say a coyote, around the yard frightens them off. Getting the coyote to piss in the bottle is the trick. But wait a minute. I too am a natural enemy of deer, not a particularly effective enemy, but an enemy nevertheless. So I started, ah, anointing the property using a mixture of white wine, coffee with a little beer thrown in to smooth things out. Filtered of course through the kidney. This failed to impress the deer but did impress the neighbour who shook her fist at me. This only strengthened my resolve. I switched over to a medium bodied Spanish red, the Laya, at $14.99, cheap as far as repellents go, and downright tasty. To further establish my bonefides as a predator, I started wearing camouflage clothing, complete with green beret when anointing the perimeter. I’ve also taken to whistling “The Eve of Destruction” while on patrol. Just in case this doesn’t work, if you happen to have some fence posts real cheap…. Delbert Horrocks is the co-proprietor at Mahle House. Check Delbert’s blog: Slightlycorkedand more.wordpress.com
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What is adventure? Adventure is more than just an exciting experience or a bold undertaking involving uncertainty and risk. It’s also about discovering the unique characteristics every trail, mountain and forest hold. Take Mt. Tzouhalem for instance. Looking east of Duncan, it’s the mountain with a cross perched on top. Not a common feature of mountains on Vancouver Island. Mt. Tzouhalem, like most mountains, is covered in forest yet hidden within the forest is a maze of trails that criss cross the rocky terrain. These trails are well used and known simply as Mt. Zoo by local mountain bikers and hikers. Today it has a nickname but the history behind the naming of Mt. Tzouhalem is fascinating. It was named after a fierce aboriginal chief who successfully led his people in an ambush of northern tribes looking to raid Cowichan Bay for slaves. Some even believe the mountain to be haunted. If one can get past the ghosts and spirits of Mt. Zoo, the reward is a view second to none. Mt. Zoo also holds
Our addition to the Inuksuk Village on Mt. Tzouhalem. Photo: Jill Collins
a secret village, so secret I can not even tell you what trail it’s on. (Mostly because I forget). Around a bend and near some trees lies an Inuksuk Village. Many hikers stop here and add to the ever growing display. There are Inuksuks of every size and shape. After a few moments of taking it all in I suspect many add to the collection or fix the ones that require a bit of maintenance. The temptation to build is hard to resist. Perhaps the unique characteristic of a mountain is not the mountain itself but rather the people who made the mountain what it is today. The view from the
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top of Mt. Benson is impressive and on a clear day you can see most of central Vancouver Island. This most certainly makes Mt. Benson unique but have you ever heard of Gordie? Joel, the kids and I had the pleasure of meeting Gordie while hiking Mt. Benson one summer afternoon. Gordie created many of the hiking trails on Mt Benson. I’d guess he is about 78 years old and still hikes the trails to this day. You can find him regularly doing trail maintenance on Mt. Benson which is where we met Gordie. We could hear his axe hard at work long before we saw him. We stopped to chat and immediately he was drawn to Ben and Liv. He crouched down on one knee and began asking the kids questions. The usual how old are you and are you having fun. Then the conversation shifted to Gordie telling Ben and Liv stories of when he took his children hiking here when they were their age. I suspect seeing us hiking with our children brought back fond memories for Gordie. He offered to lead us to the next trail and we were more than happy to have him join us. The four of us quietly followed Gordie and listened to happy tales of his time on Mt. Benson with his children. It was a special moment. Not everyone may be so lucky to meet Gordie on the trail but they can check out the ruins of an old cabin. As I sat within the footprint of the cabin I wondered what stories could be told. If only these walls could talk. Many special and rare species live within the mountains of British Co-
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Inside the ruins of an old cabin on Mt. Benson. Photo: Jill Collins
lumbia and part of the adventure is discovering them. The Sasquatch lives in the Rocky Mountains and Kermode bears roam the North Coastal Mountains but the Insular Mountains of Vancouver Island are home to something much bigger; Giants. The Carmanah Valley, located along the Pacific West Coast of Southern Vancouver Island, grows some of BC’s tallest largest and oldest trees. A combination of climate, topography, and geology has created ancient forests of awesome proportions. Growing here is the world’s tallest Sitka Spruce, the Carmanah Giant. It towers 96m above the ground and is estimated to be 800+ years old. Just within the Pacific Rim National Park boundary and northwest of Carmanah Valley is the Cheewhat Lake Cedar. This giant is Canada’s largest tree by volume and possibly the oldest as well. Estimated to be 2500 yrs old, this Western Red Cedar measures over 6.0m in diameter and 56m tall. That makes about 450 regular telephone poles worth of wood. Southeast of Carmanah Valley and near Port Renfrew is the largest Douglas fir tree in the world. The Red Creek Fir measures 74m with an impressive crown spread of 23m and 4m in diameter. What an amazing feeling it is to be standing amongst these majestic giants. An adventure that is most certainly unique. If I wanted a bold undertaking involving uncertainty and risk I would hunt for Sasquatch. You can read more “On the beaten Path” adventures at http:// getonthebeatenpath.blogspot.com
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5, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111 5, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council Meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 5, 7pm, Masonic Open House, 26 Gatacre St. 250-246-3579 5, 7:30pm, Lord of the Dance, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 6, 10:30am, Yin Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
March Mar 1-April 7, All Shook Up, Chemainus Theatre, 250-246-9820
6, 7pm, Companion/Symbiotic Gardening Seminar, FJCC, to register 250-245-6424
1, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134
6, 7:30pm, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
1, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
6-7, 9pm, Child Anxiety Workshop, The Printingdun Beanery, to register 250-802-2323
1, National Theatre Live – A Comedy of Errors, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529
7, 9:30am, Employment Navigators Workshop Microsoft Word, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134
1, 8pm, Beverley McKeen, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
7, 1pm, Employment Navigators Workshop -1 Week Job Documentary, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134
2, 1pm, World Day of Prayer, St. Mary’s Catholic Church
7, 7pm, Spiritual Disciplines Lenten Study, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 1797 Cedar Road, 250-722-3455
2, 8pm, Sydney York, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 3, 8:00am, Antique and Collectibles Show, Chemainus Elementary School 250-746-7783 3, 10:00am, Theatre Sports Workshop, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
7, 7pm, Nanaimo Airport Land Consultation, Western Maritime Institute 3519 Hallberg Rd. 250-390-6510 8,8pm, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 7, 8:15pm, Zumba, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
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10, Mason Bee Seminar, Kleijn Nurseries, Morden Rd. 250-754-4482 10, 7pm, Dance - Esquires, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111 10, 7:30pm, Cowichan Consort Choir 20th Anniversary Gala Concert, 930 Trunk Rd. Duncan 10, 7:30pm, Journey Unauthorized, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 11, Victoria Symphony, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529 11, 2pm, Anna Borch, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 11, 7:30pm, The Elmer Iseler Singers, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 12, 11am, Latin Fit, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 12, 1pm, Employment Navigators Workshop - Preparing for an Interview, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 12, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111 12, 7:30pm, Ed Sullivan Caravan of Stars, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 12, 8pm, Eric St. Laurent Trio, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 13, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop - Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 13, 10:30am, Yin Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
3, 11:30am, Discover Your Medium, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
8, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop -Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134
3, Live at the Met – Gotterdammerung, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529
8, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
3, 7pm, Open Mic Night, Willow Street Café, Chemainus 250-246-2434
8- 10, 7pm, Yellow Point Drama Group - Dead Awake, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3067
3, 7:30pm, Sound of Music, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
8, 7:30pm, Country Legends, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
3, 8pm, Flamin’ Skulls/Hearse, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246
8, 8pm, Steve McKinnon, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
4, 1:30pm, Gary Fjellgaard and Friends; Saskia & Darrel, The Chemainus Seniors Centre, 250-246-2111
9, 4:15pm, Movie, Pizza & Skate Night, Fuller Lake Arena 250-246-3811
4, 2pm, The Hope King Tour, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
9, 7:30pm, The Good Lovelies & The Human Status, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
4, 7pm, Thirst - Free expression of worship, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 1797 Cedar Road, 250-722-3455
9, 8pm, David Vest, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
4, 7:30pm, Sound of Music, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
9,8pm, Live Band, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033
15, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop - Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134
10, Ballet Victoria – Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, West Coast Style, Cowichan Theatre 250 748-7529
15, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
10, “A Newfoundland Kitchen Party Dinner and Dance” VI Symphony Fundraiser, 250-754-0177
15, 8pm, Emily Spiller/Doc Prophet, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
4, 8pm, Anne Schaeffer, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St., 250-748-7246 5, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Computer Basics for Beginners, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 5, 11am, Latin Fit, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
13, 7pm, Optimizing Water Use in Gardens Seminar, FJCC, to register 250-245-6424 13, 8pm, Blues Tuesday, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 14, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop - 21 Century Job Search, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 14, 3:30pm, St. Philip’s Loaves & Fishes Volunteer Party, 1797 Cedar Rd. 250-722-0030 14, 7pm, Jeremiah Jourdain, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 14,8pm, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave.250245-8033 14, 8:15pm, Zumba, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123 14, Straight No Chaser, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
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16, 7pm, Yellow Point Drama Group - Dead Awake, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3067
21, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111
25, 1:30pm, F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. Monthly Meeting, 1797 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2201
17, 9:30am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111
21,8pm, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033
25, 8pm, Shayne Koyzcan, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
17, 5pm, Pot Luck Birthday Party, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111
22, 10:30am, Full Figure Yoga, Cedar Heritage Centre 250-722-0123
26, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111
17, 5:30pm,” Retro Man” Andrew McCormack, Chemainus Legion 250-246-4532
22, 7pm, Annual General Meeting Ladysmith Search & Rescue. New members welcome. 250-245-8726
17, 6pm, Yellow Point Drama Group Dinner Theatre Dead Awake, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3067
22, 7:30pm,The Celtic Tenors, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
17, 7:30pm, Wave, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
22-31, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Ladysmith Little Theatre. 250-924-0658
17, 8pm, Blue Grass Fever/Cornshed, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 18, 8pm, Head of the Herd, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 19, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111
22, Tim Hortons Seniors Bus Trip – Victoria, 250-245-3079
23-24, 7pm, Yellow Point Drama Group - Dead Awake, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3067 23, 7:30pm, BC Regional Cadet Honour Band, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
26, 8pm, Melissa Ruth, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 27, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club meeting, Hardwicke Hall 250-606-7011 28 8pm, The Brains, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246 28,8pm, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 29, Nancy’s Fashion Spring Fling Fashion Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 250-245-7779 29, 8pm, Stef Lang, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
19, 5:15, Chronic Pain Support/Education Group 250-667-5587
23, 8pm, Holly Arnsten/Kevin Wright, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
19, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council Meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400
23,8pm, Live Band, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033
30-31, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Home, Garden & Business Show, Aggie Hall 250-245-2112
19, 8pm, Kaslo/Kites at Nite/The Dying Merchants, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
24, 7pm, Dance – Happy Hans, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111
30, 8pm, Notch 21, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
20, Building a Greenhouse to Extend the Growing Season, FJCC, to register 250-245-6424
24, 2pm, Stacy Farkas, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
31, 10am, Girl Guides Cookie Drive-Thru, St. Phillip’s Church parking lot 250-722-3848
20, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce General Meeting 250-245-2112
24, 8pm, Beacon Hill, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201330 Duncan St. 250-748-7246
31, 12:30pm, Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, Cedar Community Hall 1-888-828-2069
21, 9:30am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111
25, Music Known & Unknown, Chemainus Classical Concerts 250-748-8383
You can submit or view our full events calendar at www.take5.ca/events
29-31, Grease! Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529
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Putting the “Cheer” into Christmas BY ROB JOHNSON Christmas can be a depressing time for those without the means to celebrate the joy of the season and to be able to supply gifts and a celebration meal for themselves and their families. That’s why the “Christmas Cheer“ program run by the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, with the help of many many volunteers and the general public can make Christmas a lot better for many local families that are in need. This year the “Christmas Cheer” program helped out 172 families that may not have had a good Christmas. This year saw an increase of 10% of families asking for assistance As a result over 700 boxes of food were distributed to these families. Each family received either a Christmas turkey or ham and other food staples, so that they too could enjoy the season. “Christmas Cheer” not only provides food hampers, but it also gives out toys for the children of these families. This year 150 gift bags were given to help Santa with toys for the kids. The LRCA and the co-coordinators for “Christmas Cheer” start working months in advance. The first thing that happens is the staff at the LRCA distribute application forms to those who feel they
are eligible and wish to be helped. Once the filled in forms are received, they are checked. The information from the forms is used to ensure that the needs for application are met. The requests come from both individuals and whole families. This year 31 families were matched up with people or an organization that have asked to sponsor a family. The food co-coordinator Lois Robertson starts off by collecting the hundreds of boxes that will be required and arranging to collect all the food that the public generously donates. Once the food is collected, she organizes work parties to sort all the food by type (literally thousands of cans and boxes), so that they can be placed in the assigned boxes that will be delivered to the homes of the participants of the program. Finally she has to oversee that the food is delivered to all of these 172 homes in time for Christmas. Robertson, who originally shared this position with Joan McKinley re-
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turned last year. The Toy co-coordinator Diane Harlow who took over from Laurie Virtanen likewise arranges for the hundreds of toys to be picked up and stored at a site where they can be sorted into gift parcels that are age appropriate for the families with children. She then has to arrange that these gift bags are coded, so that they can marry up with the appropriate food hampers. Then she sees that the gift bags are taken to the Aggie for distri-
bution. On distribution day the Aggie bustles with activity, the hall’s tables are loaded with boxes of food and bags of toys that have been matched to the food hampers. The drivers and swampers have been given their delivery instructions and the delivery vehicles are lined up ready to go. Because of the organizational abilities of the co-coordinators, and the hundreds of hours put in presorting the hampers and toys, and the number of volunteer drivers and swampers and hall staff, all the boxes and toys are delivered in under 2 hours, and the workers can go home to their families knowing that they have helped make Christmas better for so many people. A heartfelt thanks to the these unsung Christmas angels. Volunteers put the cheer in Christmas program. Photo: Rob Johnson
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CLASSIFIED ADS
SEMI RETIRED MASSAGE THERAPIST working in Cedar By The Sea, $65 an hour session. 250722-2669
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
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
ROOMATE WANTED: Mature working female house owner is looking to share a 3bdrm house, all appliances, large fenced yard, all utilities included, pet negotiable, quick drive to Ladysmith or Nanaimo. $425. 250-245-0030.
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.
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.
HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jewellry table at Campers Corner Saturday flea market, 8am-3pm 250-245-3829
LIGHTWORKS WINDOW WASHING AND GUTTER CLEANING Careful and Considerate. call David at 250-722-3599. 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 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 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. 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. Call David at 250-722-3599.
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 and snacks, Family events, Couples and 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. SAVE $$$ WITH GORD’S YARDWORKS Time for summer yard preparations. Need a new garden bed or spruce up the old one? Special services and seniors discounts available. 250-246-3640, 250-210-3860, gordsyardworks@shaw.ca
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PERSONAL COACHING INTENSIVEGuaranteed results: muscle toning – strengthening – detoxing health. Combined ancient & 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 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 let’s talk pruning today. 250-245-1260 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 IF YOU ARE A SENIOR and need help around the house, need a companion for outings, errands or housekeeping, Certified Resident Care Aid available for Ladysmith area. Call Lynda 250-9244425. EUROPE September 16, 2012. 14 day roundtrip from Copenhagen. Visit 6 ports of call including Bergen, Alesund, Lerwick, Torshavn, Reykjavik, Glasgow and Dublin. Call DARLENE WULFF at 250-390-7401 or dwulff@cruiseshipcenters.com BALTIC CAPITALS Call DARLENE WULFF. September 7, 2012 roundtrip Copenhagen. Inside $1471 per person. Oceanview $1751 per person. Balcony $2193 per person. 250-390-7401 or dwulff@cruiseshipcenters.com ALASKA Call DARLENE WULFF for May 13, 2013 roundtrip sailing from Vancouver. Inside $730 per person. Oceanview $1040 per person. Balcony $1170 per person. 250-390-7401 or 1-888-4237114 or email dwulff@cruiseshipcenters.com 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
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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 nonmedical 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 READY TO DE-CLUTTER? Feeling overwhelmed? I can help! Objective and empathetic support can make a difference in creating space that allows you to breathe. Free consultation - Kari at ReInspired Spaces, 250-749-6473. AFFORDABLE SENIOR & CHILD CARE - Meals, errands, organization, light housekeeping, pet care, overnight stays and house sitting. Experienced Daycare Teacher. Dependable and friendly. References, Criminal record check. Linda 250-245-8647 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 CINDERELLA’S CLEANING SERVICE Same Old Story Residential or Commercial Call Erin Saysell at 250-924-4475. 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 CEDAR HERITAGE BRIDGE - Lessons and play. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Please call 250-722-3399 or 250-722-3546. 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 Email bowtech2@telus.net ww.bowenworkacademyusa.com ARTSY FARTSY GARDEN AND GIFTS 332 Baden Powell at 4th. Ave. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Jewellery, Beadwork Purses, Pottery, Cards, Candles, Paintings. Drop by for a tea and enjoy the garden. CEDAR YOUTH GUITAR LESSONS AND JAMMIN’. Fridays 2:00 - 3:00. Begins March 9, 2012. Ages 14 - 24. First two sessions free, and after that a $5 drop-in rate. Phone Cindy 250-2455778. ATTN ARTISTS, ARTISANS: Online shopping website opening soon featuring Island made handmade products. editor@take5.ca
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HANDSOME HANDYMAN Call Richard 250245-3969 30+ years experience. Licensed and insured. Home Improvements. Handicap ramps. Decks and Fences. Seniors discount. QUALITY WORK AT REASONABLE RATES. 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 EPICURE SELECTIONS: delicious, easy, healthy, products for great home cooking! Catalogue Sales, Fundraising Opportunities, Tasting Parties, Bridal Showers, Gifts Baskets, as well as career opportunities. Please call Marnie 250-924-3345. QUAIL FASHIONS: quality, Canadian made apparel for work, home or play! Customized shirts, jackets, scarves, blankets, tote bags, promotional, sportswear, etc with our 3D Puff Embroidery. Please call Marnie 250-924-3345. “SHADES OF CARE”.. Brand new assisted living home plus respite. Low monthly cost for meals, snacks, personal care, outings and local doctors app. Phone 1-250-591-8639 for more info and interview. YELLOW SUBMARINE FAMILY CHILD CARE Licensed (A0SN-8JPU7T) Chemainus, located 5 minute walk to school and beach. Excellent References. Infant and toddler spaces. Before and After School Care. Call 250-246-1366 www. yellowsubmarinefamilychildcare.com 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) NOW TAKING ORDERS for local Kurobuta pork. Farm raised, hormone and antibiotic free, from heritage Berkshire pigs. $4.00/lb. by the side, $3.75/lb. whole, hanging weight. harlequin@ shaw.ca, 250-245-5335. 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 DISC GOLF is fun and a great way to get fit. And best of all, it’s free to play. Lessons available, private, semi-provate or group, call Nick at 250245-9165. KWANYIN YOGA DIVAS Downtown Ladysmith. Still the mind, nurture the body and spirit. Gentle enough for beginners or suits all levels of fitness. Visit www.kwanyinyogadivas.com For details Ginette Dimatteo 250-802-7772. PHOTOGRAPHER: Weddings, family portraits, reunions, house and garden, elderly parents, animals, pets, insurance claims or just for fun. email marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-7568892. Samples available.
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Teeming With Life: Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area’ “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” - Loran Eisely, The Immense Journey, 1957
What if I asked you to show me a spot where you live, on your property, that was teeming with life? I kinda think a lot of folks would take me to a corner of their back yard, where the grass and bushes meet, unknown flowers and peculiar weeds poke up, the ants and beetles scurry about under a fern, maybe a tree or two grows up and out, and the birds sing and croon as the wee critters while away the hours. You know, a place like that, a little pocket wilderness tucked in a nook or cranny, just aside of our collective attention and busy lives. And all the better for that. And the great and hidden treasure that is the Nanaimo River and estuary? What of that? Part and parcel of life’s bounty hereabouts, gathering mysteriously in the headwaters, way up in the mountains, joining creeks and streams in a torrent of rock-tumbling rapids and gorges, rushing to the sea, spilling sediments and
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magic into the marshy wetlands, fanning out across Nanaimo harbour to the ocean beyond. Where land and sea meet, there lies the eelgrass, inching along riverine channels towards the delicate flowers, elderberries and wintergreen. Nootka Rose, Rocky Mountain Juniper, and Garry Oak hugging sand and outcrop where otter and ermine meet, where salmon fry, cutthroat trout, steelhead, coho, chinook and pink splash and spawn, and where the songbirds nest, all under the watchful eye of owls and hawks and eagles. There in the estuary, branchlets and gnarly fingers crookedly trickle in and out of glacial deposits and cobble reefs, interlacing a fine net of shallows and pools. Where Dungeness crabs, shrimp and prawns, newts and salamanders share a sea of clams and oysters. Where mussels and cockles bubble and sing, alive alive oh, and dancing frogs croak to the high heavens, greeting the dawn and quieting the night’s embrace. A magical place it is, out there in the estuary, where primal thoughts mingle with the world’s warm embrace. A place not oft’ walked, nor noticed in our daily routine, which carries on without our attention, waiting patiently when next we choose to visit. Always the same, but different, where the siren’s call lingers o’er a moonlit night, stars glimpsed amidst a universe of creation above, and all around. Ahhh yes, the wealth and abundance which is the mid isle coast. Majesty, fresh air, deep breaths of mist and salt intermingling with the whims of nature. Coastal shores where land and water exchange vows of eternal devotion, raw tonic for our senses.
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One’s thoughts easily carry in the winds and wafting breeze, the spells and poetry of evolutionary zeal embodied in our estuary. What we know and imagine laid at our feet, and all around where once we took our first step ashore. The shivering thrill and delight of discovery on a wondrous walk through a time and place bold with kith and kin, art and heritage, where civilization and culture began and flourished, and the tides wash in and over, ever anew. And so on, to here and now, us folk, you and me, and our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull together all those threads of river and estuary, romance and commerce, mid island coast and shores into a reserve that extends from Cordova Bay in Saanich all the way though the Gulf Islands and around Gabriola, and into the Nanaimo River estuary. If we are to protect Vancouver’s Island’s largest estuary the proposed federal/provincial ‘Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area’ is our best and greatest offer. This year, 2012, is the promised deadline to declare those boundaries - and it is then up to us who live here to let our governments know if the Nanaimo River estuary is important enough to include, to us, and to our common future? A campaign’s begun to get local government, business, First Nations and local organizations working together, to call for this northern estuary extension of the NMCA. And your interest and support are essential, and welcome! <www. missimidisland.com> Here’s our chance, this very moment, to team up with life, to link the beauty and wild nature of the Nanaimo River with the eddies and meandering flow of the estuary’s tidal flats ...and to leave this gift of nature for everyone. Deep within our bones lies an awakening and discovery, a place and time of dream, where we strolled and wandered at peace in the cradle of life. And that place hides also in the backyard of our ever-so-wondrous coastal region. Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for thirty-odd years, farms 20 acres organically on Vancouver Island with life-partner Jackie Moad, and with clay feet and muddy boots oft’ ebbs and bobs with the tides, whilst actively seeking local solutions to global challenges of course.
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