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Letters
Kinsmen thanks We would like to thank everyone who donated food and cash to the Ladysmith Kinsmen especially Farmer Bens Eggs, Saunders Bin Trucking, 49th Parallel Grocery, Dan Hunter Denturist and Sportsman Hotel. Three-quarter tons of food was collected and $1500 in hot dog sales was raised for the Ladysmith Food Bank. - Jim Delcourt Re: Another Beautiful Day column Please do not romanticize or encourage beach fires. A beach is everyone’s beautiful home. It is the environment you so dearly protect. Would you like many people leaving black half burned logs, beer cans, broken glass, and forever scarred and cracked sandstone rocks at your house? Keep your fire on your own land where you can worry about the trees over head that no one notices, whether fire trucks can reach the area, and making sure the fire is out in the middle of the night when the wind picks up and everyone has gone home. Please let me know where you live ‘cause I’m kinda looking forward to some hotdogs and marshmallows. Hope you don’t mind if I cut down some marshmallow sticks and tell all my friends what a great spot you have. PS: I would never leave beer cans or broken glass I’m a good person, and I would never be so stupid as to not put out my fire. – Jan Thomas
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Writer Laurie Gourlay responds: I want to assure you that I share concerns that untended and irresponsible beach fires, or fires of any kind, can be a problem. Disrespect for the environment, local residents and the community can be a problem in any outing - whether it be camping, hiking or occasional evenings by the beach or on a campsite. In my case I live on a farm, and am fortunate enough to have the space to have a stone and brick firepit, burning scrap and pruned branches, etc for the occasional long-weekend marshmallow roast under the stars. It really is good for the soul, and brings friends together. I suspect, and have heard historians speculate, that humanity began around firepits, where cooked foods and safety was to be found...leading to shared interests and cooperation, then to community and more formal family, village, arrangements. A fire can be a good thing if treated right. Art Tour Thank you so much for your mention of our Ladysmith Art Tour this month, it was great of you to include our event in the Take 5. I know it will really help us in getting the word out to ensure the event’s success. - Dianne Domey, Art tour coordinator Broke Brides “From the Publisher” in this month’s Take 5 and I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you so very much for the mention. Being a new business, it’s imperative to get my name out
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there and I want the Broke Brides name to be synonymous with not just recycling, but with Ladysmith., and every little bit of promotion helps. I do a “Tip of the Week” every Monday on my Facebook page and this week it’s about the importance of recycling. Please have a look. - Rita Potter, Owner, Broke Brides Wedding Consignment Dragon’s Den Love the article about us being on the Dragons’ Den -- and TAKE 5. When we first moved to town and experienced the magical charm of Ladysmith, TAKE 5 reflected that charm. We used your Vacation Guide to guide us around town our first summer. It is lovely to live here and seeing ourselves in TAKE 5 somehow makes us feel like we’re home. - Chip Nary & Alexa Grier, Crystalline Vortex Pottery Vacation Guide the best! I just picked up your 2013 Ladysmith plus Cedar to Chemainus Vacation Guide. What an awesome book. You did one helluva job. I’ve been a resident here for over 40 years and and have never seen any publication come close to something that good. Congratulations - Wayne Bertram Redevelopment of Seaside Mobile Home Park Thank you Ray Bradford for your letter in the March edition of TAKE 5 It couldn’t be said any better. We are so very thankful that people like you, Lynne Smith and Sherry Durnford are trying to get some fair justice for the evicted residents. What happened at Seaside should not happen anywhere. The owners do have the right to evict us, but the residents should be compensated fairly, which means current fair market value. Not just a year’s free rent when we have our whole lives invested in our home. We owned our home for 18 years. It is now mortgaged until we are 95 because we had too much invested in it to walk away. So we bought a trailer that was a piece of trash in Town and Country Mobile Home Park that went out in two large garbage bins because it was too rotten. A lady had bought it, and the more she got into it, the worse it was. We gave her money back. Hence the garbage bins. What is happening now is opening up the wounds again. The laws governing mobile home evictions need to be changed at the provincial level. Perhaps a new government will look at this situation. It is a nightmare, and the repercussions will be with us the rest of our lives. The Ivy Green Trailer Park is another similar situation, but they got help. We didn’t because we were told by Rob Hutchins that we were Saltair and not Ladysmith. Well, yes, we lived in Saltair, but our shopping was done in Ladysmith. I have no sympathy for the owners;; we lost our shirts on this development. - Joan Auld Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TAKE 5. email editor@take5.ca, or post at www.take5.ca
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Democracy ... your name here! I’ve never been one who enjoys dictators, benevolent or otherwise. Hence my rationale for spending Saturdays and evening time-off volunteering on the campaign phone this past month, seeking out change for the better. And in deed I have found it, as well as in talk with the folks living here in this beautiful and bountiful mid island region of south Nanaimo and North Cowichan. Our heritage is as rich as these coastal lands and waters, and memories of days past spring easily to mind with those I often talk with. This, the 100th anniversary of the coal strikes, brings to mind the impoverished miners who were beaten as they fought for better wages and working conditions - rights we now take for granted. In Ladysmith I hear from families who recall grandparents talking of being shot at by Gatling guns on First Street, manned by loyal government troop’s intent on protecting the interest of notorious industrialist and coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. More recently, sometimes from the sons and daughters of the very same families, I’m told about life in the woods, the logging camps, the massive trees and high quality lumber that was to be had here, and that was exported around the world from the many local and family-owned coastal sawmills. The good old days, when sweat and toil and union wages, saw the quality of life rise in many homes hereabouts, and kept towns and family businesses bustling on pay days. Fishing too brought its riches and bounty to our shores, while keeping
Coal miners. Photo: Ladysmith Archives
many away for long months on the high seas, navigating rapids and reefs and narrow channels of the Strait of Georgia. Salmon runs filled freezers, while smoked salmon kept the home fires burning and local canneries busy and prolific. It’s our west coast staple and celebration of life’s mysterious journey, a much sought-after delicacy and feature at dinner tables across the country.
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And then there are the folks who fondly recall the small-town community enjoyed by thick-knuckled farmers up and down the Island. There was a sense of belonging I’m told, common daily chores and challenges experienced, lives lived quietly and to the full, known to the neighbours and church goers, and one-room schoolhouses of this relatively isolated Island. You didn’t go into town often but when you did you took a long list of necessities to the feed and seed merchants, and when you had a little extra maybe head on over to the general store, where they sparingly stocked the high-priced fineries but you could always find shelves full of woolly socks, plaid shirts and long underwear (in season). You had to know how to pinch a penny, if you were to make ends meet in most farms those days, and these days too I’m told. Over just a few afternoons and evenings on the phone I’m lucky enough to hear many similar stories, snippets of memories and Island lifetimes. And that helps me understand the strong words of support, and the determination that is so evident here on the Island, the wish to see change for the better for families, communities and the common good. And hearing what so many have worked hard for all their lives, the sacrifices and tales of hardship they’ve faced and worked together to overcome, I am myself re-energised and encouraged, rewarded if truth be told. For this is what democracy is all about. This is why I am here, and why it’s good to give a little of my time and myself volunteering for my community, and my rights. Hearing the old-timers, more than ever I want to be a part of Vancouver Island’s rich heritage. I want to contribute to the betterment of all, to see everyone benefit from the bounty and beauty that we are all lucky enough to enjoy. And dictators, old despots or aspiring currency traders whoever they may be, are just going to have to get used to sharing the wealth of this coastal corner of paradise we Islanders call home. Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for thirty-odd years, farms 20 acres organically with lifepartner Jackie Moad, questions authority quite regularly, and really doesn’t suffer dictators gladly.
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BC’s 40th General Election BY ROB JOHNSON Are you one of those people that complain about what the Government is doing or not doing, but doesn’t bother to go out and vote? Or are you a citizen that takes the privilege of voting seriously? On May 14th, British Columbians have been given the opportunity help form the make up our next Provincial Government. Candidates from all political parties and some independents are putting themselves forward. When you vote, it is a serious responsibility. The person you elect will oversee how our tax dollars are spent. Each of the political parties has their priorities and view as how best to spend our money. Therefore it is imperative that YOU clearly know and understand what the person you are casting your ballot stands for. Do they represent your views? Do they want to spend your money on the same priorities that you have? It may take you some time to
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evaluate each of the candidates and become familiar with their platform. How important are the questions of party policies and the leaders of the parties to you? Remember you are not voting for the party leaders. You are voting for the individual in this riding. It is that person that will be standing up and speaking on our behalf. It is that person who will be voting on how your tax dollars will be spent. It is that person that you will be approaching should you ever have a problem with the Provincial Government, and you ask for help from. Governments do not work in isolation. They work with you, and for you and hopefully in a manner to do the best for us and our community. In the May 14 election there are 376 candidates representing 19 political parties, independents and individuals not affiliated with a registered party. Voting is available at district electoral offices, by mail, at any advance voting place May 8 – 11, and at any general voting place Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Here are your Nanaimo- North Cowichan candidates!
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Amanda Jacobson - Liberal Amanda Jacobson, a licensed mortgage agent from Ladysmith, has been named today’s BC Liberal candidate in Nanaimo-North Cowichan in the May 14 provincial election. “I’m looking forward to playing my part on Christy Clark’s team, and offering the voters of Nanaimo-North Cowichan a future of sensible, balanced budgets,” said Jacobson. “I feel that a government supportive of free enterprise is the best way to ensure that our children continue to have
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access to the services I am grateful for, such as education and healthcare, without being saddled with mountains of debt.” A Vancouver Island native, Jacobson, 32, attended the University of Alberta (political science, sociology and art history). She worked with a bankruptcy trustee, in law firms, and in the newsroom of The Edmonton Journal as a proof-reader. She returned to Vancouver Island in 2008, and in 2011 completed the mortgage-broker licensing program at the UBC Sauder School of Business. Mayo McDonough - Green Party Mayo McDonough is a miner’s daughter born in Kirkland Lake, Northern Ontario. After earning her BSc from the University of Guelph and an MBA from McMaster, she worked in marketing for three international business companies in Toronto. She moved to Victoria in 1989, where she ran a communications consulting business, and was an executive director of BC WorkInfoNet and the Better Business Bureau. Mayo has an extensive record of service to the community, volunteering for Junior Achievement, Puente Theatre, The Pacific Centre Family Services Association, the Community Council, the Churchill Foundation, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, UVic Chronic Pain Self Management Program and the Dispute Resolution Centre. Mayo and her husband Bob Ferguson moved to Ladysmith in 2012 to be closer to Bob’s parents. She enjoys the vibrant community she has found there and the great sailing! Murray McNab - Independent Murray McNab has lived in this riding for over 50 years and takes a keen interest in issues that affect the Central Island area. He has been employed by two different consulting engineering companies as well as a municipality in the Central Island area for the past 20 years and has a good understanding of design, construction and maintenance of local infrastructure. Murray also operates a small business, McNabs Corn Maze, and has been involved with local food production for the last 50 years. He has served on the Nanaimo Airport Commission, is a member of the Area (H) CVRD Parks commission and a past member of the North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department and Area (H) CVRD Advisory Planning Commission.
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opportunities of life in the region. His diverse experience gives him a very close and practical grasp of what his constituents care about and how their needs can best be met. Doug comes from a family of educators and attended the public schools of the Cowichan Valley. He also attended Camosun College before traveling to Japan, where he lived and worked for one year. Doug’s work experience is diverse and gives him a very broad understanding of so many of his constituents’ lives and challenges.
Doug Routley - NDP Doug Routley, born May 9, 1961, in New Westminster, BC, grew up in Duncan, BC. Doug is an Island boy who understands the unique challenges and
John Sherry - Conservative John is a long-time resident of the Cowichan Valley, where his mother worked as a licensed practical nurse and his father was a machinist in the forestry sector. In his early business career, John worked as a branch manager with a wellknown, environmental-services company. He subsequently transferred to
Prince George, and later moved to Calgary where he joined his brother in building a dynamic real-estate investment firm. Today, back on Vancouver Island, John is an executive with Expocrete, one of Canada’s leading concreteproducts manufacturers. John has two daughters with his wife, Hayley, also a long-time Cowichan resident. They currently reside on the border of Chemainus and Saltair. Anna P. Paddon Independent (photograph and bio not available at presstime) We encourage you to check out your local candidates. For more information visit us at take5.ca/elections or facebook
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Ladysmith Rotary 16th Annual Garden Tour, Show and Sale is back Gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts get your walking shoes on. It’s the 16th year for the annual garden tour and show and it’s getting better each year. The show and sale starts Sunday May 26, at ‘Aggie’ Hall, 1st Ave. & Symonds St. Ladysmith. Local, garden-related businesses will offer their products for sale and answer your questions on gardening and landscaping at Aggie Hall from 9-2:30pm. Open 9am–2:30 pm.. Continental breakfast available from 9-11:30 am. A slide presentation on “Gardens and Flowers” will run continuously at Aggie Hall, and the “Ladysmith Singers” choral group will be performing from 9:45 to 10:15 AM. Tickets for the Garden Tour are $15 and includes garden pass, program and map and are well worth it. This year’s self-guided tour features eight gardens rangeing from clever in-town gardens that maximize the available space to a beautifully landscaped acreage in Cedar By the Sea. Art and gardens are a perfect match and this year you can watch an artist at work! Offering even more inspiration are local artists who will be present at each garden to answer your questions about their creations and techniques. Plan on visiting the Ladysmith Com-
The old wheelbarrow with its spring bouquet creates a focal point in the garden of Dave and Ann Mack, Yellow Point. (2012 Garden Tour) Photo: Isla Nicholson
munity Gardens (LCG) located on High St. & 2nd Ave., Ladysmith between 1 and 3 P.M on the day of the tour. The LCG is featuring ‘demonstration’ gardens and special poster boards that explain different gardening techniques. Their members will be available to talk with you about composting, greenhouses, pruning, and other garden issues. The Rotary Garden Tour is a wonderful opportunity for gardeners of all skill levels to visit and admire gardens otherwise unavailable to them. Many visitors will benefit by finding fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for their own gardens. The tour has been carefully constructed so that there is ample time for you to visit all eight gardens. Just follow the directions on the map provided. Don’t forget to bring your camera, water and sunscreen! All proceeds from tickets sales, raffle and breakfast go to support Rotary’s many worthy projects.
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Meet your local Home & Garden experts NikkiDesigns creates window coverings, bedding, slipcovers, table linens and gift packages. They specialize in using natural and organic fabrics. Nikki MacCallum start her business because she wanted to be able to provide well-made soft furnishings that won’t harm the environment and are healthy to have in your home. “I have always enjoyed designing and sewing and love being able to work from my home-based studio in Saltair, while reaching out to people everywhere. My job is different every day as I never know what my next project will be! The trends in home decor this year are: “Bold, bright colours, like Emerald Green, Cobalt Blue, Fuchsia, Bright Yellow and Red. Brass is back! Try it in lamps, candles and vases. Embellished walls – graphic and textured wallpapers add wow factor to a room. Lace – lace motifs are very popular in fabrics. Retro botanicals – leaf and floral designs with a 60’s vibe are seen in pillows, bedding and table linens. Chunky, rustic wood furniture. Marble – marble accessories, tiles and walls,” says Nikki. www.nikkidesigns.ca Kleijn Nurseries and Garden Centre, located off the Island Highway, is a home based business. They are open daily. This year you will find garden décor, along with all your favorite flowers and
Kleijn Nurseries offers a large selection of plants and flowering baskets
plants. They take pride in their “made here flower baskets”, ready for Mother’s day. Kleijn also offers a wide choice in perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees. “There is a strong need to know where your food comes from. We provide all your needs in creating that garden, from seeds to veggie starter and fruit bearing shrubs and trees,” says Catherine Kleijn. “We are committed to meeting the challenges and needs of our customers. We strive to provide a high level of service and satisfaction. Our customers are
Dave Friesen with new T 712 Trencher, Vermeer Wood chipper, Wallenstein Wood Splitter (left: Van Isle Slate, Entry and gates by Demeter Construction.
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the one who inspire us! Your support is what makes us grow. For udates follow them on facebook www.kleijnnurseries. com Located off the highway by Chemainus, Van Isle Slate produces many natural slate products such as flagstone for patios, stepping stone, landscape features, and many others. Van Isle Slate grew from a love of stone that started with collecting stones as a child. “It took a long time to morph into a business but you should drop by and see our collection now,” says Sylvia Holt. The stone is locally quarried and hand split. Their newest product is stone veneer, natural stone that is cut to 1” thickness and used as facing for fireplaces and other masonry projects. Natural stone has exploded in popularity. It is the era of “green products”. It is natural, lasts forever, is maintenance free, and adds huge value to any home or landscape, says Sylia. Photos of all their many products as well as project ideas can be found on the Van Isle Slate website at www.vanisleslate.com After several years of working for other painting companies and finding many different methods to do similar projects Garry MacLeod established Highlander Painting in 2007. “We strive to provide high quality painting at an affordable price. We are willing to take on anything from residential to commercial projects, interior or exterior.” They also offer
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roof washing and moss removal. Recent trends: clients are gravitating more towards neutral colours in their interiors. www.highlanderpainting.ca Demeter Construction is a family owned and operated construction business located in Saltair. They recently relocated to the area and are excited for the opportunity to serve clients in the local communities. Their primary focus at this time of year is Landscape Carpentry and enhancing their client’s outdoor living experience. From naturally beautiful cedar decks, arbours and pergolas to custom entryways and gates or specialty structures such as gazebos, pavilions and outdoor rooms can transform your outdoor spaces and add functionality, charm and value to any home. “We have noticed that more and more homeowners are eager to upgrade their exteriors in search of creating their own little piece of paradise,” says Jim Demeter. Be it a “staycation” and wanting their own private oasis at home or just having a comfortable and functional extension of their living space people are investing in the spaces right outside their
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doors. www.demeterconstruction.ca Friesen Rentals & Hardware has been serving the Cedar, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo area for 20 years. “We focus on exceptional customer service utilizing our experience and knowledge from various backgrounds. Our commitment is to our customers and to our community,” says Dave Friesen. who supports many local fundraising events. Friesen carries a full line of tools and rental equipment for the do it yourselfer and contractors alike. Services include,Gravel Mart, we deliver or you pick up, bobcat and mini excavator rentals, and Cloverdale Paint and Sundries. They also offer key cutting, propane exchange and small engine repair. “Currently the home and garden trends we have seen in the area include lawn beauitifcation and customers “growing” green. There has been an increase of homebuilding in the area and this has more local homeowners upgrading their homes and gardens.” www.friesenrentalsandhardware.ca Holden Creek Farm Services provides farm and small acreage services including hay field and pasture care, fence
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building, riding ring maintenance and large garden rototilling. Andre Grubac brings his equipment to your farm or acreage and works with you to optimize your acreage. Born and raised on a working farm in Cedar, he uses that experience to help you keep your rural property maintained and functional. “I have been running our family farm for the past 30 years and love to share my experience with others and see the rural farms being continued. Today there is increasing interest in property owners wanting to make their properties more productive. Nova Pest Control, based out of Ladysmith offers preventative and remedial structural pest control. They specialize in Integrated Pest Management using what the BC Min. of Environment refers to as “Preferred Pesticide”, low/least toxic pest control products. “Nineteen years ago, while working in the construction industry, we bought
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our first house, only to find ants coming out of the walls and floors of our infant daughter’s bedroom that very first spring. It occurred to me that the best time to deal with these pests was during construction,” says Rossano Pasquotti. By applying safe, natural, long lasting products during construction many insect pests can be prevented from infesting a home while still playing their role in the environment. The trend in the pest control industry is towards Integrated Pest Management. “Carpenter ants and termites are actually beneficial insects. They’ve been here a long time. Without them our environment might look different. They only become pests when they venture into our structures. The key is to allow the organism its role in the environment and still protect our property.” Rossano Pasquotti, Nova Pest Management, isn’t bugged by bugs
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Ladysmith’s new gateway BY MARINA SACHT Ladysmith has a new “gateway” development. The Oyster Bay Quay is located at the north entrance to Ladysmith just off the highway by the Ladysmith Home Hardware. The building has a great location with lots of traffic going by for good exposure for potential tenants. Owned by Carol and Norm Wagenaar, Oyster Bay Quay is a two story structure to be built in two phases. The now completed Phase 1 is approximately 14,000 square feet and when added on, Phase 2 will add an additional 17,000 square feet to the completed building. The project is of concrete tilt up construction with structural steel i-joists and q-deck with concrete decking. Green features of the Oyster Bay Quay which includes retention of onsite water, use of indigenous plant species, and low e glass in window systems. In addition, all former build-
South end Oyster Bay Quay showcasing upper 400 sq. ft. patio and landscaping
ings on the site were either donated or sold locally, rather than being demolished and land filled. 100% of the concrete from these former buildings was crushed and recycled on site as back fill by Graf Excavating. The Wagenaars purchased the prop-
erty in 2005 and always envisioned it to have greater potential as the northern gateway to Ladysmith. Its TransCanada exposure to 24,000 vehicles/day make it an ideal location for any type of business. The development is designed to include a restaurant complete with out-
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door seating, ocean views from windows facing east, south and west. “We are not out of town developers, Ladysmith is our home and we are extremely proud to be part of the beautification and modernization of our community. Oyster Bay Quay is an elegant building that welcomes everyone to the Town of Ladysmith.” The groundbreaking was in May 2012 and occupancy permit granted in February 2013. Although the building came up fairly quickly there where some challenges along the way. Construction was delayed by almost a year due to the Ministry of Environment requirement to perform additional and exhaustive soil and water testing to ensure no contamination on the property. This site also had some difficult grade changes which had to be incorporated into the design of the building. “Compliance with MOE was mandatory, and careful planning allowed us to use the grade difference to our benefit and highlight it as part of our two storey design.” The Wagenaars are pleased with the end result. “We love the West Coast design utilizing rough-hewn timber accents on the awnings and cultured stone façade. The flying roofs with galvalum also give it the modern contemporary feel we were after. The great paint colour was selected by my Dutch born husband…it’s appropriately called Spud!” Proud to have been a part of this project: Ryan Turner Land Surveying, Graf Excavating, Ahl Island Landscaping
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Ladysmith named one of “Canada’s Greenest Employers” for 2013 on Earth Day For the second year in a row, the Town of Ladysmith has been named one of “Canada’s Greenest Employers”. The award recognizes the Town’s organization-wide commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and to sustainability in all its current and future operations. The “Canada’s Greenest Employers” Award is part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition conducted by Mediacorp Canada. The list of Green Employers award-winners was published today in The Globe and Mail and online. “Our Town is committed to being green and throughout the organization, the culture of green best practices is growing,” said Mayor Rob Hutchins. “Council, staff and our citizens work together to build a strong and resilient community in terms of overall quality of life, respect for our environment, and creating good jobs for today and tomorrow.” The Town’s support of the “10% Shift” shop local campaign, recent certification to LEED Gold standard of the new community Services Centre, “Green Team employee committee and growing vegetables in City Hall flower beds for the local Food Bank are just some of the reasons Mediacorp gives for choosing the Town of Ladysmith for the award. “This award celebrates that we are all committed to the community vision of environmental, economic and social sustainability,” said City Manager Ruth Malli. “It’s an award that our employees and Council share with the community.”
Coast Salish explore business partnerships On April 25 Coast Salish Development Corporation hosted the second annual ‘Power in Numbers’ Gathering to explore and encourage opportunities for partnership and revenue sharing with industry and First Nations. Coast Salish Development Corporation is the economic development
agency of the Stz’uminus First Nation. “We’re trying to get the right people in the same room to encourage a broad range of opportunities and open the door for industry-First Nations partnerships” stated Ray Gauthier, CEO of Coast Salish Development Corporation. The event marked a special celebration for Coast Salish Development Corporation, as participants witnessed the signing of a momentous Memorandum of Understanding between the corporation and RCR Mining. This MOU marks the beginning of future plans to partner on a new mining development in Stz’uminus territory. Don Hubbard, operations manager of RCR Mining, has been instrumental in working alongside Coast Salish Development Corporation and Stz’uminus leadership to move this process forward. “We have worked very hard for a long time to get to this point,” said Hubbard, the area has a long history of mining from the 1800’s up until the 1960’s. We have taken much of the history and new research done over the last 30 years and put it together with our own geological work to establish this site. We are pleased that the Stz’uminus people have been willing to go forward with us as potential partners to make this project a success. The development of the resources on the Sognidoro mineralised deposit has the potential to become a significant economic win for the Coast Salish Corp (Stz’uminus) people our corporation and the region in general through economic spin off. “ Featured speakers at the afternoon’s event were Chief Robert Louie of Westbank First Nation, BC Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, and Richard Hardy of Pentlatch Seafoods with K’ómoks First Nation. Each speaker shared their experiences of economic development as a factor for success in their respective communities. First Nations Land Management was a special focus today with Chief Rob-
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ert Louie (Chair) and Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould (Director) of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board. The process of First Nations Land Management provides a platform to launch stronger economic development in First Nations communities and is something Stz’uminus is currently in the process of attaining for their future. Aquaculture was also an area of attention at today’s event, learning from the experiences of Richard Hardy and his work with Pentlatch Seafoods of the K’ómoks First Nation.
Documentary on the Great Vancouver Island Coal Strike It was 100 years ago this year that the City of Ladysmith was shaken to it is core with an outbreak of violence that resulted from the Great Vancouver Island Coal Strike. In September of 1912, the Great Strike broke out, and the miners of Ladysmith joined in. The strike would not end until the start of World War I, and it would leave a history of bitterness that is unparalleled in Ladysmith’s rich history. The strike pitted unionists against “scabs”( those that worked while the mines were out on strike). Violence broke out in August 1913 resulting in the militia being called in to quail the riots and bombings of strike beakers homes. This civic unrest resulted in neighbours set against neighbours and brother against brother. As a result of the strike there was heavy property damage; many families moved away to find other employment elsewhere and small business
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were forced into bankruptcy. Fortunately, the memory of these troubles have faded in to the past and are best left to the history books. Local film producer Michael Razberry of Razmataz Productions is looking for assistance in producing a documentary to commemorate the strike. Please contact him if you have any stories or photos they would like to share. He is also looking for financial support as films of this magnitude require a lot of resources.
Black Track Tour The Friends of Morden Mine are inviting you to walk back into Nanaimo and area’s 90 year coal mining history with historian and author Tom Paterson on his Sunday, May 26th Black Track Tour. Tom has a special ability to recreate the spirit of those early days with his extensive knowledge of Vancouver Island coal mining history and his engaging and dynamic delivery. He discusses many aspects of coal mining as it was then: techniques, and equipment in use, safety standards, mining disasters and fatalities, the social life and living conditions of coal miners and their families. How many Vancouver Island communities were founded because coal mining was their economic driver. He also explores the history of some of Nanaimo area’s once used railroad lines. Tom has compiled over 24 books on aspects of Vancouver Island’s history and a contributor to many other newspapers and magazines as well as a dedicated heritage activist. Tom had much to do with Kinsol’s success and is now assisting Friends of Morden Mine in their attempts at obtaining funding for Morden Colliery’s remediation. The tour is four hours in length, rated moderate to low in difficulty. Participants assemble at 10:00 a.m. at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park. Tickets $30.00; $25 each for two or more. To reserve, please contact cchristo@shaw.ca or phone 250-714-0377.
New manager for chamber of commerce Mark Drysdale is joining the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce as its new manager. Mark has over two decades of experience as a senior executive with non-profit organizations. As a former Executive Director of Tourism Nanaimo and various Boys & Girls Clubs Mark has become particularly successful at helping organizations create and maintain effective operational systems, develop sound business plans, and stabilize and improve their financial positions. Mark lives with family on a 5-acre farm in Yellow Point.
Film reader makes research easier for LDHS Ladysmith District Historical Society is excited about their new digital microfilm reader with laser printer, the only one in the district. The machine worth over $10,000 will enable members to store documents and newspapers that are deteriorating. “Every time these old newspapers are handled we can see bits of paper on the floor,” says president Ian Hardy, pointing to a stack of Chronicles.
Allen McDermid operates the Microfilm reader at the Ladysmith Archives. The reader will help a major role in preserving local history. Photo: Marina Sacht
So far the society has rolls of film dating from 1902 to 1918. The remaining newspapers up to the present day are either bound or loose-leaf. The cost of the film is significant and they are fundraising in order to buy more rolls. The Ladysmith Archives is located under Tim Horton’s in Ladysmith. Call 250-245-0100 for an appt. The group also operated the Ladysmith Museum open noon-4pm Tues-Sun. Phone 250-245-0423
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Ladysmith Maritime Society President’s Message Gorgeous spring weather has arrived! It is time for us all to get down to the Community Marina with our families and friends and relax in the sun and activities there. Visit the only floating Museum in B.C., marvel at the heritage vessels that have been carefully restored to their former glory, and meet friends in the spectacular new Welcome Centre. Take a picnic lunch and sit on one of the benches or at a picnic table there. Come on down and enjoy your own water front. It is well worth a morning or an afternoon of ‘snooping’. And I guarantee that you will be back to do it again. This year the Ladysmith Maritime Society brings a new format to the Maritime Festival that has come to be part
of springtime in Ladysmith. Instead of the 2-3 days of non-stop things to do, we have decided to have different single-day events focused on different and exciting themes. They are described in the following pages and you will want to put them on your calendars. We all owe Cliff and Dianna Fisher a huge vote of thanks for their leadership in making these events happen. So, don’t pass them without giving them a big hug and, above all, enjoy yourselves. See you on the water front! Barrie McDonald President, Ladysmith Maritime Society
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Ladysmith Maritime Festival Series Ladysmith Maritime Heritage Days Sat & Sun June 7-8, 2013 This festival is a must see for all mariners and for those who just like to “mess around with boats”.
Kids Pirate Day Saturday, June 1, 2013 Don your pirate hat, grab your sword and come join Captain Jack and his crew for a day of free fun activities. • Have a turn or two at the ever popular giant pirate slide and bouncy octopus • Try to catch the big one at the Kinsmen Bullhead Derby • Sing and dance to the music of Rhonda Lou and Fab • Create cool pirate crafts • Choose your own design at the fantastic face painting tent • Check out the kid friendly petting farm • Don’t miss the Purple Martin arts and crafts •Get the Pirate clown to make you a balloon animal • Sing songs with Farmer Vicki and Daisy the Cow • Get on board for a family harbour tour • See what’s beneath the water at the sea life viewing area • Check out all the boats along the docks •Visit the heritage floating maritime museum • Have Mom or Dad take your picture with Captain Jack And if you get hungry, there will be kid friendly food for sale throughout the day.
Friday, June 7 – 7 to 9 pm • Speakers on Nautical themes • Videos and demonstrations Saturday, June 8 – 10 am to 4 pm • Heritage boats from our own harbour and from other parts of Vancouver Island • Large display of antique outboard motors • Harbour tours – learn about our maritime history, view the wild life, check out parts of the bay accessible only by boat • Nautical displays • Speakers, videos and demonstrations • Anne and Laurence Yeadon Jones who have traveled extensively in their sailboat “Dreamspeaker” and have written a series of books which are a “must have” for local boaters. Talk with them, ask questions and have a look at their latest books. • Catherine Dook, boater, author (Darling, call the Coast Guard, We’re on Fire Again, Damn the Torpedoes and Offshore) and radio show host (Dock Diaries) will be here to talk about boating adventures with you.. • Musical entertainment • Floating maritime museum displays • Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue on the water demonstrations and dockside display There will be a concession available throughout the day One of the heritage boats featured is the 100 year old Tedora. Michael Schaefer purchased her in July 2004, and did
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a complete rebuild. Nine years later, Tedora is a brand new 100 Year old boat. Schaefer utilized the LMS shop and is grateful to Eric Sandilands, LMS and its members for their advice and support. Also coming is the 52 ‘ Tamarack, built by BC Packers in 1927, owned by Terry and Carroll Neill and Halcyon II, a 38’pilot house cutter built in 1948, designed by Ed Monk Sr. and owned by the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society. You’ll enjoy discovering the stories behind the boats such as the Deerleap who parades elegance from her fantail aft deck to the tip of her bow. When you board this beautiful vessel today, it is difficult to imagine that during World War II, her exterior brightwork and hull were painted gray and machine guns and cannon were mounted on her decks. It’s a glimpse into a bygone era.
What’s new at LMS BY MARNIE CRAIG
Heritage and Culture Centre History is in the making at the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s Museum. A whole new venue, the Heritage and Cultural Centre, is being created in Unit M (ground floor, south end) in the Expo Legacy Building, which also houses the LMS offices. The dynamic Heritage and Cultural Centre will feature historical displays on the industries of Ladysmith Harbour— fishing, logging, coal, and oysters—with sights and sounds that will take you back in time to the transfer of coal and logs in the harbour, the early oyster industry, and fishing for both income and pleasure. The Porlier Pass troller, for the past seven years housed in the LMS floating museum, is about to find a new home on the hard. The troller, whose cabin has been replaced in the LMS Boat Shed with a more typical smaller cabin, is to be outfitted with poles and fishing gear, and will sit in front of a replica fishing shack. The Heritage and Cultural Centre will also house new displays on radio comTamarack, one of the heritage boats coming to Ladysmith
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munication and navigation, and some of the LMS Museum’s current artifacts will be relocated there. Preparing Unit M for its new role was achieved with the help of many wonderful volunteers whose first work was to move out items which had been in storage there. The next steps were to repair the floor, remove much of the overhead electrical wiring, and spray the ceiling a beautiful deep brown. The walls have been painted, a mural has been commenced, and the oyster shed display is well underway. Shirley Blackstaff (250-245-3075), LMS Museum Curator, and Marnie Craig (250-245-4578) thank the dedicated volunteers who have worked to ready the new centre for the public. Volunteer efforts are truly appreciated, and those wishing to take part in this ongoing project should phone either Shirley or Marnie.
Food, Food, Glorious Food! The Ladysmith Maritime Society is providing yet another reason to spend time on the LMS docks—the society is opening a food services operation in the beautiful Welcome Centre. Plans also call for special events, which will take place Friday evenings, twice monthly during the coming summer. The Welcome Centre is also available for private party rentals. Contact the Wharfinger Mark Mercer, or Assistant Wharfinger Paul Notte, both of whom have their offices in the Welcome Centre. The Society continues to work towards developing an attractive presence on Ladysmith’s waterfront, restoring historic vessels, preserving maritime history and promoting Ladysmith and its waterfront. www.ladysmithmaritimesociety.ca/
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Sun, sea and sailing BY GEERY YELLOWLESS Springtime is an exciting time for sailors. This is true for the Ladysmith Yacht Club. We are a social club and welcome new members and guests to our Pot luck parties, film/presentation nights, special events, cruises and races. You don’t even have to own a boat to be a member. Our next Potluck is “Mexico Night” on May 3, paying our respects to the Mexican day, Cinco De Mayo. Want to be part of a special event that is an old seafaring custom? Come to our Sailpast on May 5. You can be a guest on one of our boats or you can join in with your own boat. If you would prefer to stay ashore, the ceremony can be enjoyed from the clubhouse. The clubhouse will be open at 12:30 pm for light refreshments. A piper will lead the procession down to the boats. The LYC and the MT. Brenton Power Squadron boats will file past the Commodore at the clubhouse and a minister will sprinkle water on the boats with his
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blessing. About 4 pm, there will be BBQ hamburgers, cake and refreshments. Maple Bay Marina was our first cruise of the year on April 19 to 21. The weather was mild and sunny. Our next Cruise is to Montague Harbour on May17 to 19. Guests are welcome. We race for fun, enjoying the challenge and excitement of the unpredictable. For example, aboard the Bon Vivant, TAKE 5’s editor Marina Sacht and I were approaching Transfer Beach, and the wind died. With no wind and therefore no steering, the incoming tide was sweeping us onto the rocks. Marina leaped into action, turning the key in the ignition. We stared at the broken half of the key in her hand. “OMG”, we can’t start the engine. Happily, SV Nauja came to our rescue. Race Results March 28, 2013. Rags 1, Stormin Norman 2, Kluhane 3, Zot 4, Blue Tango 6 (DNF), Towick 6 (DNF). Race Results April 6, 2013. Zot 1, Stormin Norman 2, Two Bits 3,
Rags 4, Kluhane 5, Freya 6, Seaduction 7, Najua 9 (DNF), Bon Vivant 9 (DNF) These are short races in the Outer Harbour, off Transfer Beach and the next one is June 1. The races are open to anyone who is interested. On May 10, 11 and 12, there is the Thetis Regatta for long distance racers. For lots of photos and more information www.ladysmithyc.bc.ca/ or the Ladysmith Yacht Club facebook page. Nancy Morgantini caught this dramatic moment of two sailboats racing in Ladysmith Harbour.
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Power of Naut’sa Mawt Extracts from Mayor’s Speech - Power in Numbers, Elders Centre, April 25, 2013
It has been quite a year since we last gathered at this ‘Power in Numbers’ event sponsored by the Coast Salish Development Corporation. It has been a year where both communities have committed considerable time and resources to work together for the betterment of our people. It has been a year of creating significant agreements and a year of actually seeing some immediate tangible results. We now have pipes in the ground that connect the SFN’s IR12 properties with Town water and sewer services, which will in turn allow for significant development on these lands. It has been a year where a written letter of support from Chief and Council for the Town’s Liquid Waste Management Plan was a key in having the Minister of Environment, Terry Lake, sign off on this critical document in his last week in office, which in turn allows the Town to invest some $16 million on secondary sewage treatment, which is necessary to ensure a thriving aquaculture industry in our harbour and to provide sewage capacity for growth in both our communities. Perhaps more importantly this has been a year of growing understanding, appreciation, respect, and most importantly friendship. On May 25 last year, Ladysmith Council and the Stz’uminus First Nation Council signed a new community accord. The Naut’sa Mawt Accord – that means working together in Coast Salish – is a renewal of the original Accord signed in 2007, but it contains new language of both commitment and resolve to work together, and we have. Less than a month after we signed the Naut’sa Mawt Accord, the Chief and I made a joint presentation to the Chamber of Commerce about our joint goals and aspirations. Later that month, for the very first time ever, the Chief and Mayor together penned a letter to the editor of the Chronicle in response to misinformation contained in a letter from a reader about our new partnership. Since then, we have signed a cooperation protocol that outlines how we are
going to work together. We established a Naut’sa Mawt Working Group with three representatives from each community that has met regularly all year. We also signed a far reaching Memorandum of Understanding listing some 16 key community development initiatives that we are going to tackle together, from water and sewer service agreements to IR 12 and IR 13 to joint ventures on Ladysmith Waterfront and a South Ladysmith Industrial Park. Much has been accomplished on the work front. In March, Chief and Council asked us to push the pause button on the paper work and spend some time together learning about one another, what makes us tick, sharing personal and com-
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munity aspirations. Our joint Council workshop was truly an exceptional day on all accounts. As a result, we made a commitment to hold a similar workshop this June -- not just for the two Councils this time, but also for fifty people from each community. It will be a good day and I believe it will be a turning point moment in our communities. I am both proud and thankful for what we have accomplished together this year. I look forward to the days ahead. Mayor Rob Hutchins can be reached at rhutchins@ladysmith.ca
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RDN - Area A BY ALEC MCPHERSON The Alternative Approval Process and Its Use By Local Government In 2008, the City of Nanaimo, on behalf of a developer, attempted to annex 40 hectares or 98.8 acres of Area ‘A’ for use in a so-called Resort development some 13 kilometres distant from their city centre – a clear example of an unsustainable, auto-dependent project. The City invoked the Alternative Approval Process to extend their boundaries and, in doing so, the residents of Area ‘A’ were denied a vote in the process. A number of City and Area ‘A’ residents – including myself, my wife, Fred Pattje and Beverly Eert - devoted about 6 summer weeks collecting signatures from
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City of Nanaimo voters opposing the annexation. While we were required to obtain some 5,900 signatures, the final tally exceeded 10,000 and the annexation was stopped – a somewhat unusual occurrence as opposition needs to have wellorganized, dedicated people to achieve the 10 per cent threshold of registered voters. The use of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) by municipal government came into effect in 2003 when the B.C. Liberal government introduced it under Part 4, Division 2 of the Community Charter as part of the reform of the then Municipal Act, RSBC. To be fair, the B. C. government was responding to local government requests to find a timelier, less expensive alternative to the referenda process. While there may be instances where use of the AAP might be appropriate, increasingly, taxpayers view it as a tool being used by politicians to avoid full public scrutiny. The published narrative accompanying the introduction of the AAP suggested that, when utilizing this tool, the local government should arrange a public consultation process to make voters aware of the issue and also make the Elector Response Forms (ERF) available at libraries, recreation centres and other public buildings; however, these transparency features are simply being ignored in favour of the minimum requirements of the
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Community Charter. A local government utilizing the AAP must place two notices in local publications describing, in general terms, the bylaw or other matter; advice that the matter will proceed if fewer than 10 per cent of the registered voters oppose it by completing an Elector Response Form (ERF) and a deadline date for receipt of those forms. In the case of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), the process is made even more inaccessible for rural voters as they must attend at the Hammond Bay Road offices during regular hours to register their opposition – for many this involves not only a drive of 50 to 70 kilometres each way but also taking of time off work to participate in the process. I strongly believe that the ubiquitous use of the AAP has added to voter alienation with the political process which is often verbalized as, “Why should I vote? The politicians are going to do what they want anyway.” Failure to complete an ERF for a project you oppose is counted as a vote in favour. While politicians and other connected to government will argue that the ERF is not a ballot, I would argue otherwise. There is something unsavoury about a voting process in a democratic society that requires the person to not only vote NO but to also supply their name and address. In implementing the AAP, the secret ballot characterizing a true democracy has been cast aside.
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Does the referendum process lead to delays? In the past, the practice was to bundle all projects to be decided by a referendum coincident with the municipal elections. With the term of office being extended from 2 years to 3 years, utilizing this practice could result in delays; however, we now live in an electronic age and voting could be simplified. If, for example, the cost of holding a referendum is in the range of $15,000 to $20,000. Based on a cost of $20,000, this would represent less than 1 per cent of any money issue that is greater than $2 million. Having two or more issues on a single ballot would further reduce any financial impact. Judging by the number of AAP notices appearing in local publications throughout the year, there seems to be an adequate supply of issues that could and, perhaps, should be decided by a referendum. Consider asking the candidates for MLA in your region if they would support the use of the AAP being restricted in favour of returning democracy to the electorate.
CVRD - Area H BY MARY MARCOTTEE Rezoning Application 1-H-13RS and 1-H13 ALR – North Oyster Fire Department: Since 2006, the local Fire Service Commission, in conjunction with the Cowichan Valley Region District and the Fire Department has been attempting to address the challenges regarding provision of fire services for this area. In 2008 an Alternate Approval Process was held on a proposed new fire hall, and the citizens of this area were successful in rejecting the proposal. Revamped, the proposal was rejected again at the public referendum in 2011. As a result of the failed referendum, the architectural firms, engineering firms and other professionals are no longer needed and are no longer under contract. However, whether or not there is ever going to be a new hall, and if fire service is to continue to be provided at the Yellow Point site, a small amount of additional land is required. A signed offer to purchase, with a number of conditions was presented to and accepted by the owner with conditions from his perspective as well. You may have seen a large sign on the front of the fire hall with information on the particulars of the land purchase. Providing the public with that information is part of the process. The signage indicates that this is a subdivision application; while this is technically true, what is being proposed is actually a boundary adjustment involving three different parcels. CVRD staff is managing the land use process and all the normal requirements and referral processes must followed. This includes Agricultural Land Commission referral and approval, and referrals to other bodies such as Health, Highways, APC, CVRD Committees and Board etc. The application was considered at the April 16, 2013 Electoral Area Services Committee meeting, and it was recommended that the Board approve moving the application forward through the process. This will include hosting a public information meeting to solicit community feedback. After conducting the public meeting and reviewing and considering the public feedback, a public hearing will be held to determine if there is enough support in the community to close the land purchase agreement. I estimate that it could take six months or longer to complete this phase.
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CVRD Area G BY MEL DOREY Easter Egg Hunt Sunny Saltair lived up to its’ name on Easter Sunday providing perfect weather for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Fifty five children ran to search the field and trails to find their Easter egg & return it for a prize. The coffee, hot chocolate, juice and muffins, served from the kitchen were enjoyed and appreciated by many. There were many long time residents in attendance as well as a pleasing amount of new comers enjoying the community feeling! Special thanks to the organizers of this event who help every year. They were the Key family, the Evans family, the Irving family, the Roe family and the Knelson family. Celebration At Stocking Creek Park On Sunday May 12th at 11 am Saltair will be honouring a former director of Saltair at the north end of Stocking Creek Park at the Finch Place cul-de-sac off the end of Gait Road in Saltair. Come and join the community in a celebration ceremony of our accomplishments with cake and drinks.
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In 1988 the BC Provincial Government approved a grant of a 12.7 acre property for park use by the Cowichan Valley Regional District, initiating the beautiful community park and protecting a corridor along Stocking Creek to Davis Lagoon. Len Platt, who was the CVRD Director for Electoral Area G when this first parcel of land was acquired, realized the special natural qualities of this area and pursued further land acquisitions to expand the park. Len was the leader behind driving the community vision for a park corridor along the creek to the ocean. With seven further acquisitions of land to date, the park has expanded from the original 12.7 acres to 32.2 acres. There are a few more pieces of the puzzle needed to complete the corridor to Davis Lagoon and protect the creek as parkland, but the Saltair Parks Commission continues to pursue them. It may take 25 years. Leonard Victor Platt was “Blackie” to all the people who knew, worked for, or worked with him, and they will all tell you what a great guy he was. He had the ability to analyze a situation, see where
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Len Platt remembered
any problem existed, and find a way to resolve it. He was, at the same time, a good team player. The often-used term, “integrity beyond reproach,” was coined with Blackie in mind. He was never known to speak poorly of anyone, and his resume would show that he had a good sense of humour. Early in October 2011, Len passed away at Ladysmith General Hospital.
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Stop mowing and start flushing As the cryptic kung fu guy on TV once said, “Without a problem Grasshopper, there are no solutions.” To which Grasshopper said, “Hey Dude, how many times do I have to tell you, the name’s not Grasshopper, it’s Bernie.” To this day no one knows why the kung fu guy gave people insect names, too much smoking up behind the dojo possibly, but his point remains valid. Innovation doesn’t occur without stimulation, which means I must be close to a breakthrough discovery, because I’ve been stimulated to hell and back. Yep, it’s the lawn again. Not the whole lawn, just the dreaded part over the septic field where even a non-gardener could determine something is afoot agriculturally. Take the flowering chestnut tree that was planted there 20 years ago, it has the trunk of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Forty feet away, outside the magic field, another chestnut planted at the same time is a waist-high bundle of twigs so scrawny it gets sand kicked in its face on a regular basis But, it’s the grass that tips you off. It is thick and luxuriant, with the thread count of Hugh Hefner’s pajamas, grass so energetic if you watch carefully, you can actually see it grow, and this without the hallucinogenic the kung fu guy prefers. The problem is cutting the lawn over the field, especially early in the season
when ample rainfall stimulates growth. It will choke my trusty side discharge, 6 hp Briggs and Stratton in about 10 baby steps. This means, getting down on your hands and knees, lifting up the side of the mover, and clawing out 10 pounds of lawn trimmings every 20 feet. The lawnmower absolutely hates this. To attract attention to its plight, it emits a heart wrenching choking sound alerting passersby that they have witnessed the pre-meditated murder of a perfectly serviceable, loyal to the family, always started in three pulls, internal combustion engine. This is how I have become a person of interest to the Society That Prevents Cruelty to Lawnmowers and got dragged down to the Honda shop and asked to explain myself. Meanwhile, below the surface, the roots reach down and put a full nelson on the drain tiles; and just like the horror classic, The Lawn That Devoured Smithville, travel inside the pipes, under the lawn, over to the house, up the wall, into the toilet bowls where they lie in await, extorting, ah, nutrients out of unsuspecting washroom users.
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To make things easier for the lawnmower, I started using the weed eater to chop the lawn down to more manageable proportions before mowing. This only caused the lawnmower to cry foul. It refused to start until I raked the weed eater cuttings off, and even then would only run 50 feet between breaks. By the time I had finished, the grass where I had started had grown another six inches and it was time to start again. This caused both the lawnmower and I to break down in tears. But before the neighbours had a chance to call in the grief counselors, the strangest thing happened. Not 20 feet away, a bush spontaneously burst into flames, and just as spontaneously, the kung fu dude appeared behind it, and said, “Do not be defeated Cockroach, go with the flow, go with the flow.” Cockroach? And Bernie’s whining about grasshopper? After admonishing him for torching my wife’s rhododendron, I started to think. Go with the flow? Go with the flow? What the hell was he talking about? “The flow of sewage, oh stupid one,” he said. “Don’t fight it, embrace it.” A wave of enlightenment flooded through my veins. Or was that just the post lawn mowing beer kicking in. Why are we planting grass over our septic fields? Why are we wasting our most fertile soil on a maintenance problem when we could be planting vegetables instead? Let’s face it, human excrement, will do for your gar-
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den what human growth hormone did for Lance. Get you on Oprah to explain yourself. I know, all of you not living in rubber tire houses are questioning my judgment, but before you send the authorities out with the butterfly nets, think about what our vegetables are subjected to now. At last count our vegetable garden was labouring under three flavours of manure, (horse cow and sheep) with aromatics provided by a mélange of fish heads, starfish, seaweed, and to kick it up a notch, a seasoning of compost, which is a euphemism for whatever is rotting in your fridge. All of which is just window dressing to make us feel better about ourselves because what’s really making things grow are the grass clippings coming off
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the septic field! The grass clippings infused with you know what. Let’s just call it terroir like the French do. Not only that, but all these ingredients have to be carted in. Your septic field, on the other hand, is ready to go, juicy tomatoes only a flush away. So I say why be handcuffed by squeamishness, give your garden the break it deserves, stop mowing and start flushing. And while you’re at it, pick up a bottle of Ribera Del Duero, Milagrosa Milcampos Vinas Viejas (Spain #603656) $17.97. (If you can’t pronounce that, a beer’s nice.) Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House. Read more at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com
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Stepping back in History In the wee hours of February 12, 1945, a Royal Canadian Air Force Canso 11007 set off on a routine flight until something unexpected happened. Shortly after take-off one of the engines died and the pilot made an attempt to turn back causing the Canso to lose altitude
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and crash. “Did anybody die in the crash?” asks Ben very concerned. “Remarkably, no one died.” I respond easing my sons worries. “The 12 men and one woman on board all survived.” The story was a page from WWII history and I was feeding tidbits of the crash to Ben and Liv as we hiked through the dense coastal forest of the Pacific Rim National Park en-route to the site of the crash. “What did the planes do during WWII?” questioned Liv. I replied “During WWII Canada feared the Japanese were planning an invasion
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so the Canadian military positioned themselves all along the Pacific coast. Radar stations and bombers were used to detect possible enemy submarines and paper balloon bombs that would have been sent from Japan.” This tidbit of info was followed with silence. I suspect imagining submarines beneath the waters we surf and paper balloon bombs floating around Tofino was enough to fill Ben and Liv’s young and curious minds. Ben investigating the engine that caused the plane to crash Reliving history. Photos:Jill Collins
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The silence did not last long. Hiking through the coastal rainforest quickly turned to trudging through wet sloppy mud. Now the conversation was all about whose boot went deeper into the mud and which way does the trail go? “How did the people on the plane find their way back home through all this in the dark?” exclaimed Ben with boot now fully submerged in mud. “Well, some of the people on board were injured; a broken nose, sprained ankle, cuts and bruises. Things like that so they did not simply walk out. They spent the night here using the emergency supplies on board and waited for search and rescue who reached them the next morning. Then they would have walked through all this!” I answered with mud oozing out from under me. Even after almost losing a few boots to the mud we soon found ourselves standing in an open bog. As I looked around I realized we were almost to the crash site. “Hey! Ben and Liv. The plane would have flown right over here before impact.” I noted as I swung my arm back and forth into the air. “I bet some of these scrubby trees were topped by the wings!” I said looking out across the bog. “How do you know?” inquires Liv. “I read the pilots first-hand account of what happened. I guess he went to make a 180 degree turn but lost altitude and managed to slow the plane by pulling it into a full stall landing at impact right at the edge of a plateau that led into a hill. Tell me, does this look like a plateau?” I say waving both arms around and point. “And is that a hill?” Excitement grew just as it had over 68 years ago but today it was because of discovery, not fear. During our entire hike I prepared Ben and Liv for what they were about to witness. It is not every day one comes upon a plane wreckage in the middle of the forest. It was important that I share with them the story of why it happened, how it got here and tales of survival. The moment the aircraft came into view can only be described as shock and awe. Embedded 50 feet up the hill with logs and trees every which way was the Canso 11007. The tail of the aircraft loomed above us, completely intact. “Dad, is it safe to walk under the plane? You always say not to walk under things that are not sturdy.” says Liv, cautiously approaching the hill.
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“It’s OK. Thanks for asking and your right. Normally we do not walk under things that look unstable but this plane has been resting here for over 68 years exactly how it did the day it crashed so I would say it is ok.” Dad reassures her. Slowly making our way up the hill beside the aircraft I could clearly see the fuselage and the front wings spread out across the aircraft. Considering its age and crash, the plane was in remarkable shape and much larger than I had imagined it to be. I mentioned this to Ben and he said “It is other than the large holes on the side and smashed nose.” “The holes were not entirely due to the crash.” I state. “The smashed nose, yes but apparently a few Air Force personnel came back to the crash site to remove the bombs, radios, and machine guns. Then they blew two holes in the fuselage to destroy the aircraft’s secret radar gear.” That had Ben thinking for a while but soon he was asking more questions. “What are those round things on the ground beside the plane?” he asked. “Those are the engines. Maybe if you look closer you can figure out which one
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had the faulty magneto that caused it to stop working?” I replied with a smirk. With that, Ben set off to explore the engines and get a closer look at the hull of the aircraft. The four of us each took time examining the plane, noting damage from the crash, speculating where everyone was sitting and admired the graffiti decorating the plane. This adventure gave us a unique glimpse back in history and a better sense of what WWII looked like on the Pacific Coast. As we were leaving the crash site I pointed out a perfectly round pond that was a couple hundred feet away from the wreckage. “Cool, are there any frogs in there?” asks Liv. “Maybe?” I replied. “Want to know what made this pond?” Ben and Liv both nod. “This is where the four bombs, or depth charges as they called them, were detonated after the crash.” Again silence until Liv sighs “Poor frogs.” Follow Jill and her nature loving adventure seeking family of four at www. getonthebeatenpath.blogspot.ca
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Birds Songs A few weeks ago my birding buddy and I were walking along a popular trail and from the hidden reeds we heard the unique, almost toilet plunger like call of the American Bittern. If we had not known the sound, we might have mistaken it for waves hitting the dock (like the couple coming up the trail behind us) and missed what is a rare and precious experience in nature. Knowledge of birdsongs and calls enhances the pleasures of birding – in particular it provides one with the ability to know a bit about what is happening around you even though you cannot see
Marsh Wren song serves many purposes. Photo: Jay Rastogi
it. For the most part birders use birdcalls and songs to identify species and in some cases habitats. Arriving at an unfamiliar parking lot recently and upon hearing a red-winged blackbird, I knew immediately there was a wetland nearby. The mobbing calls of robins for instance might betray the presence of a well-hidden owl or the admonishing cry of a spotted towhee may point out a prowling cat.
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A call is brief simple sound such as a cheep or a squawk while a song is a relatively long series of notes usually associated with courtship or territory and heard most frequently in spring – which is why this a good time of year to start learning or improving one’s skills. There are some wonderful recordings of local bird songs (I really like John Neville’s recordings of BC birds). There are also excellent resources on-line such as xenocanto.org or the Cornell bird lab site (allaboutbirds.org). The richest, fullest songs generally come in the spring when birds are establishing breeding territories and courting. This is correlated with day length and hormone production. The functions of songs and calls are numerous and vary depending on species and circumstances. Some common functions are: 1. Establishing and maintaining a territory: frequently a male arrives in the breeding area earlier than the female and sings to establish a territory. After mating, singing helps define and maintain the territory.
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2. Attracting a mate: this is true for many species. The more complex songs denote greater fitness. 3. Stimulating and synchronizing courtship: it can also indicate readiness to breed as well as maintaining a pair bond and indicating a change in domestic duties (incubation or feeding). 4. Signaling to others in the flock: calls and occasionally songs are used to keep flocks together when traveling and foraging. 5. Alarming calls to warn of predators. Calls are generally an inherited feature, while songs can be a combination of genetic and learned traits. There can also be variability in song within a species. Song sparrows for instance have many dialects. Those in the Kootenays sound different than the ones on the coast. Increasing complexity in songs or having multiple songs denotes a higher fitness level (greater attractiveness), as does duration of singing. Those males singing earliest in the morning show they still have energy reserves and don’t need to forage immediately and are thus superior to other potential mates. Some birds mimic the songs of other birds or sounds around them and thus add complexity to their songs. Some, such as Stellar’s Jays, imitate Red-tailed hawks and thus scare other birds from food sources (I’ve seen this happen when a Stellar’s Jay scared a squirrel away from ripe nuts in a hazelnut tree). Birds may also use other sounds for territoriality or mate attraction. Woodpeckers drum, grouse beat their wings, and hummingbirds make sounds with
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their wings or tails during display flights. The sound of each species is also related to the habitat it evolved in. Differences in sound wave length determine how easily they pass by or are absorbed by obstacles. Long length waves tend to pass around objects more easily and travel further than short wave lengths. Forest birds tend to have loud relatively pure tonal songs, while those of grasslands and forest edge habitats (which are exposed to more wind) have a buzzier quality that sweeps through a range of frequencies. This means communication is possible even if some frequencies are lost in wind turbulence. Weather too influences bird song. Hot temperatures, rain and wind reduce vocalizations. Some individuals even change their song pitches and frequency depending on traffic noise levels. The idea of an emotional response of birds to their own song or to other’s songs remains open to question. I do
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know that they have an emotional effect on me and the effort required to learn bird songs has enriched my understanding of bird behaviour and their habitats. Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturalist and educator living in Yellow Point. ecoforestry@gmail.com
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Golf anyone? Ladysmith Theatre is hitting the greens with its latest comedy Foursome. Norm Foster’s cleverly crafted play takes place on a golf course with nine holes in the first act and nine holes in the second act. Directed by Bonnie Stebbings, produced by Tricia Barnes, the plot revolves around four men who have come together for a game after a 15 year college reunion the night before. All four are possessed of black, comedic instincts with one-upmanship jokes and posturing about how well their lives have unfolded during the past years. The story reveals what time does to us all and the way we move from life’s possibilities as the years tumble by, essentially a story told with brilliant observations of the reality of the human condition told with subtle but biting humour. May 9 – May Doors 7:30 p.m. Show 8:00 p.m. www.ladysmiththeatre.com or by telephone (250) 924-0658
YPDG marks 60 years To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Yellow Point Drama Group (YPDG) took a walk down memory lane on Saturday, April 20 with a “Cedar Home Companion” dinner show that took a fun look at Cedar through the ages. Taking off from
The cast from Foursome, the upcoming play at the Ladysmith Little Theatre. (l-r) Chris Ostaffy (Ted), Dave Ehrismann (Donnie), Mike Cooper, (Rick), and Brett Trimble(Cameron) Photo: Linda Brown
the variety show format of Garrison Keillor’s popular radio show, Bringing entertaining theatre to the Cedar countryside since 1953 The sold out event was “a big success,” says Kathy Eccles Yellow Point Drama Group—the second oldest theatre group in BC—got its start in the early 1950s when former opera singer, leading director of drama, and elocution teacher, Anne Mossman moved to Yellow Point from Vancouver. Her enthusiasm for the dramatic arts was contagious and she soon enlisted a nucleus of Cedar and Yellow Point locals to produce YPDG’s first season comprised of three one-act plays: Waltz
Time, Dear Departed, and Which Way is the Way to Boston?. The trio of plays went on to win best acting and best directed awards at various Vancouver Island drama festivals. Fresh from its success, the amateur troupe went on to officially form Yellow Point Drama Group in 1953, and in the 60 years since, has marked a number of successful theatrical milestones, winning numerous festival awards along the way for the quality of its acting, direction, costumes and set design. For more information, visit www.yellowpointdramagroup.org.
Sea featured in gallery Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery is making a splash in May. From the SEA opens May 4. The sea is a playground for recreation, a tool for meditation, and holds a world of magical life and lore. Artists are challenged to incorporate their interpretations. Art that references the sea is highlighted this month. Open noon to 4 pm Tues to Sun, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith 250-245-1252
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Yellow Point Point Drama Group’ recently celebrated 60 years of performing in Cedar. Photo from their 1954 production of “Red Queen, White Queen” directed by Ann Mossman. Left to right: Joan Morgan as Katherine Aragon; Shirley Cook as Jane Seymour; Audrey Bourque as Anne Boleyn; and Jean Bourque as Mary Wyatt. Photo submitted
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10, 9pm, Skellig, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033
21, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, 410 Esplanade, 250-245-6400
11, National Garage Sale for Shelter, Royal LePage Ladysmith 528 1st Ave. 250-245-2252
21, 7pm, Open Badminton, North Cedar Intermediate School, 250-722-2241
11, 9:30am, Plant Sale, St. John’s Church Hall 314 Buller St.
22-31, Good Timber, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 250-246-9820
11, 1:30pm, Dementia Caregiver Education Series, Upper Meeting Room, 630 2nd Ave. 250-245-3079
22, Women’s Night, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
1-14, 8pm, Les Belles Soeurs, Nanaimo Theatre Group, 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7224
11, 6:30pm, North Oyster & Area Histroical Society Annual Silent/Live Auction & Dinner, Cedar Community Hall 250-245-3950
22, 7pm, Cedar Community Association Annual General Meeting, Cedar Community Hall, 250-245-7516
1-18, Delicious Lies, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 250-246-9820
11, 7pm, Dance – The Esquires, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111
1- 31, Silent Auction of Artwork, 4-1275 S. Island Hwy. delraydesign@hotmail.com
12, Mothers Day give Mom a Hug!
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1, 7pm, North Cedar Improvement District Annual General Meeting, 2100 Yellow Point Rd. 250-722-3711 1, Men’s Night, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157 2-26, The Foursome, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658 2, 7pm, All Candidates Meeting, Eagles Hall, 921 1st Ave. Ladysmith 3, 6pm, Spring Fair, 921 1st Ave. admission by donation for food bank, 250-709-0204 3, 7:30pm, Acoustic Jam old-fashion song circle, Twisted Sisters Tea Room, 250-246-1541 3, 8:30pm, The Vault – live entertainment, 250-3277676 4, 10am, Spring Fair, 921 1st Ave. admission by donation for food bank, 250-709-0204 4-31, 12pm, “From the Sea”, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery, 250-245-1252
12, 9am, Chemainus Legion Flea Market, Chemainus Legion Hall, 250-924-8482 12, 10:30am, Mother’s Day Brunch, Cottonwood Golf Course 250-245-5157 12, Mothers Day Tea and Cake, Hazelwood Herb Farm, 13576 Adshead Rd. 250-245-8007 13-17, 7:30pm, Theatre BC’s North Island Zone Festival, Bailey Studio 250-758-7224 13, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 13, 6:30pm, Once Upon A Day in Cowichan, Chemainus Theatre 250-246-9820 13, 7pm Disaster Resilience information meeting, Aggie Hall 1110 1st Ave, 250-245-9236 14, 7pm, Open Badminton, North Cedar Intermediate School, 250-722-2241 15, 7:30am, Ladysmith Downtown Business Association general meeting, 621 First Ave. 15, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce General Meeting
4, 1pm, Spring Tea Nanaimo Star Society, Brechin United Church 1998 Estevan, 250-758-2852
15, 11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center, 9824 Willow St. 250- 246-2111
4, 1:30pm, Dementia Caregiver Education Series, Upper Meeting Room, 630 2nd Ave. 250-245-3079
15, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center, 9824 Willow St. 250- 246-2111
4, 5:30pm, Twisting the Night Away Dinner Dance & Auction, St. Joseph’s School, 250-246-3191
15, Men’s Night, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
4, 7pm, Songwriter’s Open Mic, hosted by Skellig, Willow Street Café, 250-246-2434
16, 7pm, Festival of Lights Meeting, FOL Building, 1163 4th Ave. 250-245-5888
5, 9am, Chemainus Legion Flea Market, Chemainus Legion Hall, 250-924-8482
16, 7pm, 5th Mariachi Festival Canada, 125 Front St. 250-754-8550
6, 11am, Demo Days at Pharmasave, 441 1st Ave. 250-245-3113
17, 6pm, Blues Night, Mount Brenton Golf Course Clubhouse, 250-246-4948
6, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111
18, Community Share Day, St. Philip Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd, 250-722-3455
6, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, 410 Esplanade, 250-245-6400
18, 7pm, Acoustic Open Mic, Willow Street Café, 250246-2434
7, 1pm, Mt. Brenton Garden Club meeting, Calvary Baptist Church, 3318 River Rd.
19, 9am, Chemainus Legion Flea Market, Chemainus Legion Hall, 250-924-8482
7, 7pm, Open Badminton, North Cedar Intermediate School, 250-722-2241
20, 1:30pm, The Nanaimo Hard of Hearing Group, Christ Community Church, Bowen Rd. 250-616-2962
8, Women’s Night, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
20, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center, 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111
9-26, 6pm, The Foursome, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658
20, 5:15pm, Chronic Pain Support Group, 1111-4th Ave. Rm 101, 250-667-5587 www.chronicpainsupport.ca
10, Move for Health Day, Frank Jameson Community Center 250-245-6424
21, 3pm, Tuesday Night Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market, 1st Ave. Ladysmith, 250-245-2112
22, 7pm, Town Hall Meeting, Chemainus Senior Centre, 250-246-3944 23, 1pm, National Public Works Week Celebration, Public Works Yard, 330 6th Ave 25-26, 9:30am, Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 1 Course, Sealegs Kayaking Eco-Adventure Centre, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-4096 25, 1:30pm, Dementia Caregiver Education Series, Upper Meeting Room 630, 2nd Ave. 250-245-3079 25, 2pm, Annual Strawberry Tea, St. Philip Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd, 250-722-3455 25, 7pm, Dance –Happy Hans, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center, 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 26, 9am, Chemainus Legion Flea Market, Chemainus Legion Hall, 250-924-8482 26, 10am, Black Track Tour, Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park in front of the head frame, 250-7140377 26, 10am, Annual Rotary Garden Tour, various locations in Ladysmith 26, 10am, Plinkers Day Chemainus Rod & Gun, Chemainus Range, 250-740-1498 26, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts, St. Michael’s Church 26 - 30, South Island Zone Festival, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658 27, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center, 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 27, 7:30pm, Chemainus Rod & Gun Club meeting, Chemainus Fire Hall 28, 5pm, Tuesday Night Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market, 1st Ave. Ladysmith, 250-245-2112 28, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club meeting, Hardwick Hall High St. at 3rd. 250-606-7011 28, 7pm, Open Badminton, North Cedar Intermediate School, 250-722-2241 29, Wednesday Farmer’s Market, Waterwheel Park, 250-246-3944 29, Men’s Night, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157 31, 9am, Seniors Day, Pharmasave 441 1st Ave. 250245-3113 31, 7pm, Top of the Town Show, Chemainus Senior Drop In Center, 9824 Willow St. 250- 246-2111 31, 9pm, Bent Rymn, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033
Full calendar at www.take5.ca.events
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CLASSIFIEDS 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 for over 25 years. Call Harvey - 250-245-2174 HOME BUDDIES - PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kind-hearted, experienced and reliable care for all pets. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional through Westguard Security. When loving care and security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith- 250-245-0151 “KAREN’S INDUSTRIAL SEWING” IS BACK! Relocated to North Cedar/Akenhead Rd. Open for alterations and repairs, Production work etc… for appt. call 250-323-6322 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 KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL - Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. 2 km north of Nanaimo Airport. Take a virtual tour www.kittykorners.com 250-740CATS (5287) 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 SENIOR CARE & FAMILY HELPER with Linda. Mature, experienced, reliable help. Transportation, errands, healthy meals, overnight stays, pet care and light house keeping. Excellent references. Criminal record check, first aid. Linda Stedfield 250-797-0796 lstedfield@gmail.com ACCOUNTING SERVICES with 23 years experience, providing full accounting solutions to include payroll T4’s and CRA remittances. betterworth@shaw.ca 250-802-0048 1996 FORD T-BIRD - not running, great for parts or fix it up. Comes with 2 sets of tires, one nearly new $300 250-245-9165.
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AJ”s PLUMBING AND GAS -Licensed-BondedInsured. Service-Installations-Renovation -New construction. Quality workmanship. No travel charges. Free estimates. On time every time. 250802-7123 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 QUALITY RENOVATIONS big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate call Lars 250-616-1800 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 MITSUBISHI DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP save 75% on your heating bill and stay cool in the summer. Call Stuart 250-734-2681 for your free estimate 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 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, Digging, Cutting back (blackberries, etc), Tidying up, Miscellaneous Yard Work. Cheerful and Conscientious. Call David at 250-722-3599 ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR - Get Lean & Healthy Fast - Less than $5/ meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! - No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. www.taketimetoday.com Suzanne Deveau 250245-8407 WANTED - a kayak or a canoe for young people to enjoy the water. Very reasonably priced or free. It will get loved and used. and you’ll have some more room in the garage! 250-245-9165 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
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LEARN A LANGUAGE FOR FUN AND TRAVEL Small groups, conversational approach, excellent teachers, daytime and evening classes. French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin and more. Register now for ongoing sessions at WENTWORTH COURT LANGUAGE CENTRE, 517 Wentworth St., Nanaimo 250-716-1603 ISLAND PRUNING - Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamentals. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-245-1260 EXPERIENCED, RELIABLE, BONDABLE, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & LIGHT CONSTRUCTION CLEANER has openings in the Ladysmith area. Rates start at $18.00 per hour. Seniors Discount. References available 250-3279644 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 ARE YOU DOWNSIZING, moving, clearing an estate? We are interested in purchasing jewelry, china collectables, small appliances, small furniture, and newer inside/outside home décor. Wendy 250-245-2079, Fern 250-924-4419. hidden-treasures@hotmail.ca OVERCOAT PAINTING - Professional - Reliable - Reasonable. Operating 8 years in Ladysmith. No job to small. Will do minor painting repairs. Special senior rates. Call Heather McIntosh for a free estimate. 250-619-3718 BROKE BRIDES WEDDING CONSIGNMENT is here to help with your wedding/special occasion. Visit www.brokebridesweddingconsignment. vpweb.ca or call Rita @ 250-715-7611 to book your appt. today SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. No job to small, serving Vancouver Island for 10 years. Cleaning, Gardening and Painting, outside and inside your home or business.1-250-218-4735, 1-250-886-8201 \ CINDERELLA’S RESIDENTIAL CLEANING Service, Contact Erin @ 250-924-4475 or Cell 250-741-7916
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CANDLES AND ACCESSORIES for your home and garden. Contact Jenn Meuser, 250-619-6520 or jennm_PARTYLITE@shaw.ca and ask how you can earn FREE PARTYLITE products when you host a PARTYLITE party APRTMENT FOR RENT senior block 2 bedroom well maintained 1000 sq. ft. newly upgraded cupboards, new carpet, drapes, repainted W/D – F/S - N/P’s – N/S available April, no elevator free storage & parking $775 mth plus utilities 250-7585816 ATTENTION MUSICIANS & ARTISTS (ANY MEDIUM). If you have some ‘Art’ or some ‘Beat’, then ArtBeat is your gig. ArtBeat is the immensely popular summertime Friday evening Artwalk & Street Party in Chemainus. To apply for ArtBeat 2013, visit www.ArtBeatChemainus.com for all the details DOING FAMILY RESEARCH? the Ladysmith Archives, located under Tim Horton’s, have Ladysmith newspapers dating from 1902, some on microfilm, also B.D. & M. going back many years 250-245-0100 for an appt. NEED YOUR LAWN MOWED? Experienced local student, friendly & reliable with own mower & weeder, very reasonable rates, satisfaction guaranteed call Ladysmith resident Connor 250245-5518 WEEKLY COMMERCIAL CLEANING service available for office, shop, or studio. Professional, attention to detail, and reliable. $19/hr. Chemainus, Ladysmith area. Jamie 250-2464938. ALLEGRO HAIRDRESSING When the Salon comes to your home. For all your family’s hairdressing needs. Call for your appointment 250-616-3709 (leave message for Debbie) GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE: May 11th, United Church Hall, 232 High St., Ladysmith. 9am. until sold out. Great prices on a wide selection of plants & used equipment. Raffle at door. EDITING AND PROOFREADING SERVICES, professional, affordable, no job too small. Web content, ad copy, papers, presentations, manuals, novels, correspondence - if it has words, I can help! www.islandeditor.ca 250-751-EDIT (3348) jea.larche@islandeditor.ca RUBBISH REMOVAL, big or small, fast friendly service 250-619-0595 E-STORE featuring locally made Island products now accepting listings - products and gift certificates. Free to list. Visit www.take5.ca/estore for details and to view locally made products. SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY. Don`t trust just anyone. We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits, to glamour and corporate images. Email for quote and sample images marinasacht@yahoo.ca
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