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Letters Be fair and pay to play The Ladysmith Golf Club, a non profit organization of volunteers, has experienced a rash of thefts recently. The windows at the club house have been broken a number of times in attempts to break in. The thieves finally achieved their goal of breaking in, and took a flat screen television. There’s another form of thief that is also happening, one that I find as disturbing. There are a number of people who are playing on the golf course without paying. During the winter months, the club can’t afford to have staff at the club house so we they have set up an “honour box”, that is collected daily, asking golfers to pay a minimal fee of $10.00 to play all day. I have observed a number of golfers who are not club members playing and not paying. What is especially disturbing is that some of those individuals that are playing are parents playing golf with small children. This leads to the question: what are these parents teaching their children? Theft is theft whether it is breaking into the clubhouse and stealing a TV set, or not paying to play. The Ladysmith Golf Club offers low green fees which make it affordable for both youth and seniors in our community. The Club wants to make golf an affordable activity for those with lower incomes. In order for the club to continue to do this everyone has to pay their fair share, and ask that others respect other people and their property. If you want to play ask about our annual rates where seniors can golf for less than a dollar a day All I can say is to those who have stolen from us, be it a TV or a round of golf, shame on you. - Rob Johnson, Director Ladysmith Golf Club
Lack of news coverage on CVRD bylaw I’m very disappointed that a really important issue to many CVRD residents has not been covered by local media. Unfortunately, without news coverage, it will likely pass under the radar and, only when more people are evicted from their homes will people realize how important the bylaw amendment is that the CVRD is considering at their April 9 meeting. The amendment may seem innocuous at first glance but it has the potential of closing down all the manufactured home parks left in the CVRD. The CVRD is considering a bylaw amendment that would allow manufactured home park zoned properties to convert from manufactured homes to strata standard residential homes at the same density as if they were manufactured homes on MHP zoned property. While the bylaw is only for Saltair, it will set a precedent that can be cited by any developer
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for any manufactured home park zoned property throughout the CVRD. It could even set a precedent for other communities within B.C. Until now, manufac-
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tured home parks have offered the owner a stable pad rental business that can augment their retirement or other income. Suddenly, if standard strata houses can
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be built on MHP zoned properties, it will become significantly more lucrative to sell MHP zoned properties to developers and have them evict the resident homeowners so they can build houses at far greater density than is allowed under standard residential zoning. Even park owners who want to keep their business and continue to offer pad rentals to manufactured home owners will find it difficult because the sudden jump in property values will make it difficult for them to keep the pad rentals as their rents are capped but the property taxes will escalate way out of proportion. I’m disappointed that the local media have not covered this story to at least make people aware of what the CVRD is looking at passing. They have already given first readings to the amending bylaw that will take affordable housing out of the CVRD and are looking at adopting the bylaw which will be the death knell for many seniors and low income families who own manufactured homes throughout the CVRD. - Sherry Durnford
Alternative Approval Just read Rob Johnson’s As I See It column in TAKE 5/March 2014. Thank you for voicing what many Ladysmith citizens have expressed concerning the ‘Alternative Approval Process’ for the proposed town expansion. It’s just wrong.‘Mandate by Default’ Also a thank you to Mary Marcotte of CVRD Area H Director for her report. - Greg Gott, post on Facebook
Children’s Miracle Network accomplishments I would like to share a big Thank You to each client I assisted in the sale or purchase of a home in 2013. In choosing me to assist, you have supported the partnership between RE/MAX of Nanaimo and the Children’s Miracle Network in raising $84,161 for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2013. These proceeds helped over 496 kids in our area who visited BC Children’s hospital last year. My office received the RE/MAX Champions of Hope Award for the Top office in BC & Western Canada for highest donations in 2013 and to date we have donated an excess of $500,000 of contributions all thanks to your support. - John Surtees, RE/MAX of Nanaimo
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Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TAKE 5.editor@take5.ca, or post at www.take5.ca, fax: 250-245-7099 or write TAKE 5 PO Box 59 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1 or facebook.com/ take5publications
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Reducing our Impact on the Environment
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 to honour the Earth and to raise awareness for environmental protection. The Earth Day initiative lay dormant until 1990 when it was launched on a global scale and is now recognized and celebrated in over 190 countries. The population of the world has exploded over the last 100 years. In 1912 we were at approximately 1.6 billion people, today we have surpassed 7 billion. Unfortunately, for the most part, during that same period our individual and community environmental practices demonstrated little respect for the natural environment. Thanks to growing awareness, through such initiatives as Earth Day, the last two decades have borne witness to a dramatic change in our behaviour and attitude towards the environment in so many ways. Solid Waste – Garbage For much of the last century the communities of our region dropped anything and everything into the garbage can, which was then disposed of in unlined landfills (open pit or the side of a hill) scattered throughout the valley. Backyard garbage incinerators were also commonplace. We demonstrated little respect for the impact on our ground and surface water or the air we breathe. We eventually closed many of the local landfills and by the 1970’s our nonseparated garbage ended up in a single unlined Koksilah Landfill. In the late 1970’s, the region established five batch
incinerators, one at Peerless Road, one at Meade’s Creek near Cowichan Lake, and three at the Koksilah site. For the next two decades we either burnt our unsorted garbage or dropped it in the landfill. By 1990, provincial governments across Canada began to introduce legislation requiring higher standards for environmental protection. Landfill regulations changed dramatically. Not one, but two liners were required in our region, and treatment of leachate (effluent seeping off the landfill) became mandatory. Across Canada, the old batch incinerators that had spewed toxic waste into our local airsheds were required to be shut down. In the Cowichan Valley Regional District, 1998 saw both the closure of our landfill and all five incinerators. The CVRD was unable to site a new landfill (due to public concern about watersheds) and without a local means to deal with our residual waste we began an aggressive campaign to divert as much as possible from our waste stream. All communities now have curbside collection of recyclables and most of the valley has curbside collection of organic waste.
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We have established public recycling centres in three of the four regions of our valley. Today our region is a provincial leader at waste diversion. The recent opening of the Peerless Road Recycling Centre is truly a study of a contrast in our society. Just 16 years ago we did drop off everything and anything to be burned, and when it was shut down many grieved the lost of that batch burner. Today, we provide an opportunity to recycle over 650 items on that same site. The initial response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. It provides an opportunity for us all to do the right thing. I am proud that the Town of Ladysmith in 1995 was the first to introduce universal curbside collection of recycling in the valley and in 2005 we were the first community in Western Canada to introduce universal curbside collection of organics. Ladysmith is now the proud home of a CVRD regional recycling centre that offers the broadest range of recycling options in British Columbia. Despite a dramatic increase in population, the CVRD’s residual waste (material that cannot be recycled, or re-used) has dropped to 20,000 tonnes a year. In the 1990’s we used to burn or landfill over 34,000 tonnes a year. That is the good news. We have become exemplary recyclers and re-users, meaning that we are sending much less residual garbage to a landfill in South Eastern Washington State, some 700 kilometers away. Unfortunately, as a society we are actually creating much more waste than we did 15 years ago. Yes, we recycle and reuse as never before, but our efforts at reducing are nothing to be proud of. Liquid Waste - Sewage One of the biggest challenges over the years for communities is dealing with our liquid waste. Just like the way we handled our garbage, for much of the last century communities throughout B.C. simply dumped raw sewage into the nearest body of water with no respect for the receiving environment. The solution was dilution, with no recognition that at some point the natural systems would be overwhelmed and become contaminated. Like Victoria does today, our local Peerless Road Recycling Centre courtesy of Town of Ladysmith
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coastal communities of Chemainus, Crofton and Ladysmith also dumped raw sewage into the local waters for decades. Ladysmith began treating our sewage with the construction of a Waste Water Treatment Plant in 1966. Over the decades many upgrades have been undertaken to improve this primary treatment plant and better meet the needs of our growing community. In 2001, both Crofton and Chemainus went from some nominal sewage treatment to constructing a secondary sewage treatment plant in each community. Over the last five years Ladysmith has undertaken a major upgrade to move from primary to secondary treatment. This project – the largest capital project ever undertaken in the Town of Ladysmith, with an estimated cost of $22 million – is being completed in three phases. Phases One and Two are now complete. Our sewage treatment plant is now modernized and fully capable of providing effective primary sewage treatment for a projected population of up to 18,000. Construction on Phase Three, the introduction of secondary treatment, is expected to start in May 2014 and continue for about 18 months. This is a very important step for our community, as it will help improve the health of Ladysmith harbour, critical for marine life and the aquaculture industry. We have been already been very fortunate to receive over $9.5 million in grant funding to support the upgrades to the Waste Water Treatment Plant, and are optimistic we will receive additional grants to support Phase Three. Grant funds significantly reduce the direct costs to the Town and property owners of building our new sewage treatment plant. Without any further grants, or additional properties (new development) to share in the cost, at this time the cost per property for this capital upgrade is expected to remain at approximately $220 of the current annual sewer parcel tax amount of $269 per property. There is so much more individually and collectively we can – and need to -- do to ensure our Earth is healthy for our children and our grandchildren. I encourage you to visit the CVRD Environment Commission’s website www.12things.ca . Through awareness our behaviour has already changed. rhutchins@ladysmith.ca
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Spring concert for Yellow Point Singers Yellow Point Singers presents Home and Away, A Choral Journey A variety of musical pieces will include several from Canada as well as around the world - Africa, Russia and Italy. The choir particularly looks forward to performing All the Little Rivers of Canada composed by Vancouver born composer, Larry Nickel and is delighted to welcome the Gabriola Island Singers to share this concert . Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 2:30pm, Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Road, Ladysmith. Tickets at the door $10/$20 family and refreshments will be served following the concert.
Island Glass Art Show and Sale Join the Island Glass Artists for their fourth annual Spring 2014 Art Show and Sale on Saturday, April 19, 2014, 11am to 4:30pm in the Dodd Narrows Room, Vancouver Island Conference Centre. The show features the latest from 12 studios of the Island Glass Artists – works in stained, kiln cast, fused, torch worked, sand-carved and furnace blown glass. The array of work ranges from functional to decorative and architectural applications: window and door panels, lamps, jewellery, vessels, glass sculpture and much more. Admission by donation to the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank, and there will be hourly draws and a $300.00 shopping spree drawn at the end of the show. See www.islandglassart.ca or email contact@islandglassart.ca .
Man of La Mancha hits stage Ladysmith Little Theatre presents the finest musical play of any season Man of La Mancha is nothing short
Right: Some of the members of the Yellow Point Singers. Photo submitted
Some of the Ladysmith Little Theatre cast rehearse a Moorish Dance. Photo: Vic Duffhues
of epic. This amazing musical has been running successfully for the past 50 years. The story of knight-errant Don Quixote, his servant Sancho, and the lady of his dreams, Dulcinea (actually a prostitute named Aldonza) is both romantic and noble . Don Quixote—a mad dreamer who strives to “dream the impossible dream.” Written by Dale Wasserman and directed by Mort Paul, Man of La Mancha runs from April 24 to May 18, 2014. Dinner Theatre on Friday and Saturday evenings, catering provided by Martin Tang, Appetit Food for Thought, Ladysmith. For information and reservations: Box Office 250-924-0658 Open Wed & Fri 2-4 p.m. or on line www. ladysmiththeatre.com 4985 Christie Road, Ladysmith
Jeeves in Bloom at Chemainus Theatre Festival The English countryside will never be the same after Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves pay a visit. ‘ Runs until April 26, 2014 at Chemainus Theatre. 250-246-9820 chemaninustheatre.ca
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Creating waves outside of your own town is not an easy task. Without press and radio play, heading off to the unknown with only your words and melodies is an almost impossible venture and yet Vancouver Island has given the music industry numerous reasons to take notice of the Island vibe. From Hot Hot Heat, Vince Vacarro, David Gogo, Wil and Ryan McMahon to Beverly McKeen, The Voices Three, and 54-40 now that fifty percent of its members reside on our side of the Salish Sea. Venue: Simon Holt – Nanaimo www. simonholt.ca Not a bad seat in the house in this perfectly arranged restaurant that boasts a scratch kitchen and an extensive list of wines by the glass. Keep your eye on the Live Entertainment tab and enjoy an evening of food and music in a warm wood setting with a vanilla bean crème brule. Take 5 Music Connection – Touring Top Picks Artists: Neil Osborne – Victoria, Jeremy Fisher – Ottawa, Streaming Café Kelowna Neil Osborne – www.5440.com Neil
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has been playing music as 54-40 for over 30 years. With huge Canadian hits like “Ocean Pearl”, “Since When” and their breakthrough hit “One Gun”, you would think it would be impossible to see him perform in intimate venues, but as a Vancouver Island exclusive, Neil will be playing eight shows on Vancouver Island from his home-base in Victoria to The Avalanche Pub in Courtenay. Concert and ticket information: www.musicconnectionvi.com. Jeremy Fisher – www.jeremyfishermusic.com Once I heard Jeremy’s story of riding his bike over the Malahat, I had to see him play. Anyone that puts that much energy into getting from venue to venue, deserves to be heard!
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Streaming Café – www.streamingcafe.net Okay, this isn’t a touring artist. I know. But it is a unique way to be able to sit at home and discover new music. Touring artists clamour for the opportunity to play at the Streaming Café. Tune in and discover new music – then get out and see them when they arrive on the Island. In The Beantime continues to bring music to Ladysmith with two shows in April. April 4th – Tim Readman www.timreadman.com April 18th – Ryan McMahon with Dave Bitonti www.ryanmcmahon.com The Ladysmith Short Close Song Shelter is hosting two concerts in April as well. April 4th - Craig Cardiff www. craigcardiff.com April 25th – Wooden Horseman www.woodenhorsemanmusic.com Next month – A celebration of Patrons of the Arts! Cathleen McMahon owns and operates Mission Management Group www.mmgrp.ca and the Vancouver Island Music Connection www.musicconnectionvi.com
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After the fire. Richards Hall on the left is where food was given out and a couple of the surviving houses are visible. Photo courtesy of Pat Richardson.
The Great South Wellington Fire of 1914 BY HELEN TILLEY August 11, 1914 was another hot dry summer day in the coal mining town of South Wellington. Because most wells were shallow and they dried up in the summer and fall months, water was in short supply. Rain barrels – if there was any rain – were sometimes the only source of water other than one or two creeks which still had a trickle. Fire trucks or even a fire department just didn’t exist in this area in those days. The starting point of the fire was the brush near the Pacific Coast Coal Mines, located about a kilometre to the north of the main residential and business district of South Wellington. There is much debate about how the fire started but, regardless of how it started, the fire spread quickly. South Wellington is located in a valley with the main populated areas nestled along the east side of the valley at the edge of a rock bluff which runs from north to south. That day a strong, gusty north wind was blowing. These circumstances would prove to quickly funnel any fire to the south and towards town. When the fire was first discovered, mine manager Roaf called on the workers at the mine to help contain it. They managed to save the mine and its structures, losing a boarding house and some homes, but couldn’t stop the fire from continuing south along the valley towards the town. The strong wind blew sparks ahead of the fire and wherever the sparks landed they started a new fire. Within a half hour, the fire was nearing the town. The Alexandra Hotel, at the north edge of town, was the first to ignite from sparks landing on a curtain in an open window. The three storey wooden structure could not be saved and from there the fire jumped along Minto and Dick Avenues from house to house and business to business along the west side of the street. Conditions were so dry that it only took five minutes for each house to be fully engulfed after it caught on fire. Joe Taylor’s store, Tesini’s Store, the pool hall and other businesses on the west side of the street were soon in ashes. The fire moved so quickly that many residents, lucky to escape with their lives, lost all their possessions. The South Wellington Sawmill across the tracks near Beck Lake was also totally destroyed. Residents and business owners on the east side of the street were just starting to think they were safe as the fire had passed along the opposite side of the street from them. Some of them had time to lower their most valuable possessions down their
wells and everyone pitched in to try to stop the fire from spreading further. This false sense of security did not last long as the fire was continually being fanned by the gusty wind. Starting again from the north end, the fire reignited and swept down their side of the street, destroying a whole block in less than half an hour. George Taylor’s Store, the butcher shop, a Chinese store and the church along with all the houses in between were gone. Only heroic efforts saved Richards Hall which at that time also contained Bateman’s store. Two other houses were saved, one across Minto Avenue from the hall and one house at southeast corner of Dick Avenue and Scotchtown Road. Some houses near the north end of Dick Avenue, farthest from the fire, were saved as well. Three hundred and fifty people were left homeless. Eighty homes and businesses were destroyed. Many people had no insurance and were left destitute. Most had no food, clothing or shelter. Word of the disaster spread quickly. Residents of the surrounding areas and South Wellington residents whose houses escaped the fire rallied to provide support. Many made monetary contributions; others provided temporary shelter and clothing. The affected families, with the two blankets per person allowance provided by the government, sheltered under trees and in some tents which were set up out in the fields surrounding South Wellington. Others took up residence in farmers’ barns. The government supplied provisions to feed the homeless and people were fed and food distributed at Richards Hall. The coal mines, largely unaffected by the fire, were still running and, in the months which followed, some of the miners gradually rebuilt their homes when they could afford to. Stores set up temporary locations until they too, could rebuild. This was not the first or the last time fire would affect their lives. This year, 2014, marks 100 years since the great fire and many of the homes and buildings which were rebuilt at that time are still standing. The little miners’ cottages along Minto Avenue, the rebuilt Church that is now a residence and many other houses date to this time period. Some which survived or were not touched by the fire are even older. August 11, 2014 will mark the 100th anniversary of the great fire in South Wellington and this is one of the events which will be remembered at the biennial South Wellington Day celebration, happening this year on May 4 from 1-4 at the community hall, 1555 Morden Rd. All past and present South Wellington residents and their families are welcome to come and enjoy the many historical displays, light refreshments and good company. Bring old photos and old and new memories to share. View more photos at www.take5.ca/
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Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club Watershed and Area Debris Cleanup Join the Ladysmith Sportmen’s Club on Saturday, April 12, 2014 for the Cleanup. Meet at the Bush Creek Hatchery at 9am for a coffee and for directions to clean-up areas. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided along with lunch, coffee, and water at the hatchery. Free tipping has been provided through the CVRD. A large dumpster will be placed at Pollock’s corner. Contact Dave Judson at 250-245-3690 for info, cell 250713-7737 or judsonboys@shaw.ca The Ladysmith & District Historical Society Updates The Annual General Meeting of LDHS and Election of Officers is April 15, at 7pm in the lower program room of the Frank Jameson Centre. The guest speaker is Dr. Patrick Dunae, a Research Associate in the History Department at V.I.U. He will be giving an illustrated talk on Ladysmith since the Second World War. All welcome. Phone 250245-0100. On April 26, 2014 at Salamander Books the society will be launching its new book, Memories of the Gap, compiled by Isabelle Ouelette. Ladysmith Museum is set to re-open on Saturday, April 19 after months of upgrading and adding more displays to enjoy. On Easter Saturday, enter your name into a draw for a special door prize. For children, there is bike/trike decorating and an egg hunt with mystery prizes planned. Open from noon to 4pm, Tuesday through Saturday. 250-245-0423 or ladysmithmuseum@shaw.ca Tree Harvest In 2014 Stz’uminus will be harvesting 8,100 m3 of timber from 6 blocks totalling 13.9 ha in Unit C of W1713, which is located directly behind the Town of Ladysmith. Road construction started on March 20 and block harvest is scheduled to begin in early April. All harvest operations are planned to be completed by late May. “The harvest plans for this area recognize the importance of this area to the residents of Ladysmith”, professional forester Erik Holbek posted on Facebook. “In addition to wildlife, biodiversity, soil disturbance and productivity, the most important planning considerations were public and worker safety, water quality, recreation, and visual quality.” None of the planned harvest areas cross recreation trails but one opening is located
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On March 10, the Ladysmith Knights of Columbus presented $12,000 to local charities. Back Row Left to Right: Bob Erskine, Marco Sertic, Jim McGarry, Ross Lubben, Art Gerrand with Greg Edwards and Rollie Holland (Ladysmith Festival of Lights) Jacqueline Stewart (Ladysmith Food Bank) Bern Muller (Principle St. Joseph`s School) Father Robert Mmegwa (Pastor St. Mary`s Parish), Dennis Lait (Ladysmith Resource Centre) and Denis Olynyk, Knights of Columbus Grand Knight. Front Row Left to Right: Alphonse Gallant, Carissa Gorbatuk (Ladysmith Boys and Girls Club) Kirsten Emmanuel (Nanaimo Crossroads Pregnancy Crisis Centre), Erin VanSteen (Ladysmith Post Secondary Bursaries) Chris LoScerbo and Ray Hedstrom (Ladysmith Disabled Sailing Association) near the Heart Lake Trail. A 30 to 35m buffer has been left adjacent to the trail in this area. Access to the trail will be temporarily restricted for one or two days during timber falling. All harvest operations are expected to be completed by mid-May. Cedar Showcase Students from Cedar Community Secondary School are presenting a night of fun and entertainment to raise funds for their initiative, Cedar Legacy. “After attending Free The Children’s youth conference called We Day, a group of students including myself have taken it upon ourselves to raise money to build a school in a third world country,” says Jenna Pritchard, a Grade 12 student at CCSS. The Cedar Women’s Institute has started the ball rolling by giving the campaign a gift of $300. The event on April 24 at CCSS includes drama performances, art presentations, musical theatre/band performances and a silent auction on art pieces made by Cedar students. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner is at 6:00pm. Contact the Cedar Legacy by email cedarlegacy@gmail. com or follow on Facebook facebook.com/ cedarliveson And......We Have a Winner! Congratulations to Linda More of Chemainus who won the March Early Bird draw in the Shop Chemainus Contest. She takes home $200 worth of goodies from 49th Parallel Grocery and $50 Chemainus Dollars to spend as she likes. The contest is off to a roaring start,” says Dee Kinnee, one of the organizers. “There are over 80 businesses participating.” The contest offers over $5,000 in prizes including a Grand Prize of $3,000 Chemainus Dollars, a second and third prize of $500 Chemainus Dollars each and Monthly
Early Bird Prizes with a minimum value of $250 each. For map and contest rules www. visitchemainus.ca A New Office For LDCU Financial Ladysmith & District Credit Union’s newest subsidiary the LDCU Financial Management office celebrated with an Open House on March 27. Investment Specialist Nick Symons who was born and raised here says response has been great to the new office at 320B First Avenue. “I’m looking forward to working with people here.” Spirit Awards postponed The Spirit of Ladysmith Community Awards scheduled to take place on April 11 at the Ladysmith Secondary School have been postponed. Alana Newton Director, chair for the Spirit Awards and director of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce says that a low number of nominations were received despite the Chamber having extended their deadline. The Board will be looking at the format and making some changes in the future says Newton. “Huge thanks to Dave Street and all the staff at Ladysmith Secondary School for all their support and all the people who took the time out to send in the nominations.” Black Track Tour of Nanaimo and Area Coal Mining Sites Join author and historian Tom Paterson May 4, for his “Black Track” tour to coincide with South Wellington Day, the community’s bi-annual celebration of its coal mining history. It is the last stop on his tour and will enable participants to view historical displays, meet present and former residents, and enjoy refreshments. To reserve contact cchristo@shaw.ca or phone 250-714-0377. For more news visit www.take5.ca
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Over the past two years Laurie Gourlay and Jackie Moad renovated what was originally built as a quarantine barn. Cement floor, small single-pane windows, six stalls and a big barn door became the Bramble. Previous owner and best friend Lynn Wallace was a price-winning organic goat farmer, known for her excellent Nubian herd. At one point she had 105 goats. What are the green features of the home? We have renovated within the present structure - all the exterior walls were removed with only the main post and beams retained in place, along with the roof.The original structure has been retained, complete with big barn doors - all built from cedar and fir sustainably logged from the property and milled onsite. The ceiling, once insulated, will be covered with boards milled on the property from fallen or sustainably harvested trees growing here. As much as possible the fixtures, cabinets and appliances are recycled. What made you decide to undertake this project? Partly because of the cement floor, but largely because every time we went down there we were struck by the beautiful board and batten exterior and inside, the huge hand-hewn posts and beams. The wood had all come from the property, with the help of Merv Wilkinson. We were increasing our farm production and would need a comfortable place for farm help to live. What’s special to you about this project?
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I feel like I am honouring my best friend’s memory. The building of the original structure was Lynn’s last project, the one that was to be the culmination of all her years of organic goat farming. What were some of the challenges along the way? There needed to be firm justification for granting us a permit to do this on ALR land. Usually you are only allowed one residence on a farm property, no matter how big the farmland is. Originally Lynn built and lived in a wee cabin. When her dream home was finally completed her cabin was deemed a ‘studio’ with no living permitted. The electrical and water lines had been installed using old equipment, sufficient for a farm operation, not for human consumption. That included a separate hydro meter, and a need for a new septic field. The quarantine barn is small for a ‘human house’, and there was just no way I was going to have any of those posts or beams removed! Money, of course, always a stickler. But we knew in the end that it would be worth it. How did you overcome them? We demonstrated that it was not only a viable project but also reasonable and necessary if we wanted to continue to have a working farm in these increasingly challenged times of food security. And we were willing to put in the hard labour and funds to make it happen.First we produced a really sweet blueprint of what this barn could look like. Then came the septic field, big expensive job. The really BIG bonus was that we would not do this project by taking away from any agricultural land; that we would remain within the same environmental footprint as had existed since we became farmers on this land. Our answer to a space dilemma - pocket doors. What a great invention. There is no waste of space. Room and energy saving stacker washerdryer. Almost every post became a centrepiece. What are some of the features you like the most? The windows that let in so much light and the original posts and beams - some very special ones that have, in Lynn’s writing, the names of the does that became the mothers of the first purebred boar goats born on Vancouver Island. Design: Jack Anderson/Greenplan Specs : 22’x32’ floor, 19’ ceiling peak Above: The Bramble kitchen and living area is bright and open
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Celebrate Earth Day It is important to not only take care of mother earth, but to protect her. Every year on April 22, you have the chance to participate in preserving the earth on a special day called Earth Day. Most of us already know the importance of recycling, reducing and re-using. Some people have gone even further and turned recycling into a business. We have a variety of shops specializing in previously owned products from clothing to books to collectibles and antiques. There are a few businesses that show reusing in action. Treasure Island Thrift Shoppe wants to be a little different from your standard thrift store. From the beginning, the owners have only stocked quality used goods in their store. One of the first things people say when they walk in the doors is “This doesn’t smell like a thrift store!” They also take great care to throw away as little as possible. While their standards are high, items that don’t make the cut usually wind up on the Free Rack or in the Free Bin outside. Here people can grab painting clothes, barn jackets, an imperfect pan or any number of things that didn’t get chosen. Any clothing that doesn’t get picked up off the Free Rack gets donated to Canadian Diabetes. Re-using, recycling, and repurposing are the foundations of a successful thrift store. Brad and Erin actively encourage upcycling, and love the fact that their store is responsible for giving all sorts of things a second life. They know that the less we throw away, the better our world will be. Donations are often dropped off in cardboard boxes, which are either broken down and recycled, or given to customers who need them. Black plastic bags full of clothes are emptied and used for excess inventory storage, or as garbage bags. Furniture that was scratched, dented or broken is repaired, stained, or stripped down and sold for parts. “Shopping at thrift stores is one of the greenest ways you can spend your shopping dollar. The items you purchase may have otherwise wound up thrown away, taking up
space in the landfill. By giving them another go-around you’re not only saving money by not paying retail prices, but you’re also doing a small part in saving our environment” says Brad Nelson. Antique Addict celebrates ‘Being Green’ every day of every month! “We sell quality antiques and collectables and believe we are Recycling At Its Finest! “says Paul Joy, owner. Specializing in furniture, Antique Addict strives to stock those must-have pieces, as well as many unique pieces that make you say ‘wow’. Everything they sell is in excellent condition and will last another generation. Antique Addict carries a new Canadian-made clay-based paint called Cottage Paint, which has low VOC’s and is easily cleaned up with just soap and water. Cottage Paint comes in 25 lovely colours and makes it easy for anyone to recycle a drab old piece into something special. Visit their inviting store at 12 Roberts Street and see why their motto is ‘Heirlooms For A Greener Tomorrow’. Open daily 10530.250-245-OLDE or www.antiqueaddict.ca Brad and Erin Nelson, Treasure Island Thrift Shoppe Paul Joy, Antique Addict
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RDN - Area A Affordable housing BY ALEC MCPHERSON While secondary suites and affordable housing have been one of the strategic objectives of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board since 2009, the issues of how or whether to advance introduction of secondary suites has only been a topic for in-depth discussion and study for the better part of the last two years. Community outreach to obtain the views of local residents has been conducted over the past 8 to 10 months. Feedback methods used included advertised local community meetings, meetings with community groups and online surveys. These activities provided a reasonable level of feedback which has been used to develop related policies. On Feb 26-27, Public Information meetings were held – one for the electoral areas in the north and another for the southern electoral areas excluding Gabriola Island as they are governed by the Island Trust. Judging by the low turnout at these meetings, one might conclude that the community is reasonably satisfied with the policies developed. It is and has been clear to me for a number of years that numerous properties have such suites. Until the zoning
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regulations were amended in February 2014 to allow secondary suites, such suites were not legally permitted and could be the subject of bylaw enforcement if a complaint was received. The amended bylaws recognize the fact that secondary suites – new or existing – play an important role in providing affordable housing whilst also providing property owners with a potential “mortgage helper” to assist them to retain and maintain their dwelling during difficult economic times. As with any change, there are issues and challenges that arise in amending the bylaws to accommodate secondary suites. A DRAFT Secondary Suites Policy document was introduced at the March 11 Committee of the Whole meeting and will be voted on at the March 25 RDN Board meeting. I expect that a Public Hearing on the Secondary Suites Bylaw will be held on Monday, April 7, 7 p.m. in the RDN Board room at the offices off Hammond Bay Road. In developing the new policy document, there has been a concerted attempt on the part of the RDN to ensure that existing secondary suites are not negatively impacted by the introduction of the new zoning regulations. The policy document is intended to provide guidance and clarity on the application of the bylaw including enforcement and the inspection process as it relates to the existing
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suites. In general, the intent is to provide a means for the existing suites to achieve a recognized legal status and to ensure that minimum standards of safety and health are in place. Basic requirements include working smoke detectors, an alternative means of entry/exit, a firewall between the main residence and the suite and additional on-site parking. I would encourage people who have existing suites to come forward to take the steps to place their suite in a legal position. While the requirements that one must meet are minimal and the cost to do so is not considered prohibitive, it has the potential not only to enhance the property value but also to reduce personal liability. It will also reduce the chances of bylaw enforcement becoming involved if complaints are received.
CVRD - Area H Boundary Expansion Alternate Approval Process BY MARY MARCOTTE Over the last couple of years, numerous concerns were expressed by local residents regarding the proposed Couverdon Boundary Expansion application which was submitted to the Ladysmith Town council for consideration. In spite of those concerns, this application was approved by Town Council and subse-
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quently put forward for public assent as required by the Provincial Community Charter. The Town had two options to obtain the public input required by the Province. One option was through the Alternate Approval Process. The second option was to go to a referendum whereby all eligible persons would have an opportunity to cast a secret ballot to express their opinion. Town Council chose the first option and initiated the Alternate Approval Process. Because of the number of concerns that were reverberating throughout the three communities of Ladysmith, CVRD Area G (Saltair) and CVRD Area H (North Oyster-Diamond) an ad hoc, grassroots group was formed to bring awareness and information to the Ladysmith resident’s doorstep. An opportunity to sign the Elector Response Form was also provided. Although the process hit some bumps along the way, the energy and commitment of the canvassers never wavered. At one point, misinformation about the process was circulating within the com-
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munity; with the assistance of MLA Doug Routely’s office, the matter was quickly resolved. The work of the canvassers carried on until the closing date. I would like to recognize and thank all of those who were involved. Democracy does not just happen; it is hard work. Alternate Approval Process Results? You Just Said No! On Friday, March 14th, along with local residents and canvassers, it was my great privilege to present over 1,300 signed Electoral Response Forms to the Town of Ladysmith staff. Throughout the canvassing period, it was also a great honour to meet and work with so many people who care about the well being of our natural environment and our local values. I am very grateful that these dedicated individuals decided to step up and take on a leadership role in the process. What now? With confirmation that the Alternate Approval Process was defeated the Town cannot proceed with the boundary expansion without obtaining voter assent through the referendum process. The decision whether to hold the required
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referendum or to press the pause button and take the time to address the concerns expressed by the public is in Council’s hands. If Town Council chooses to hold the referendum, they must also make a decision on the timing – it could be held within the next 80 days or it could be held in conjunction with the 2014 Local Government Elections. Again, the choice rests with Council. Please stay tuned.
CVRD Area G Peerless Road Recycling Centre now open BY MEL DOREY Peerless Road Recycling Centre now has the broadest range of recycling options in BC. The centre will meet the needs of local residents for years to come with this newly completed stateof-the art facility. There are 21 new grade separated drop off bays for large items and the old incinerator building has been refurbished to house hundreds more household recyclables. Up to 650 items can now be dropped off at Peerless Road, and most for free. The site also now features a new free store, public washrooms and a community bottle drive area. The site has been transformed from an incinerator site in the 80’s to ultramodern drop off facility in 2014 by the use of $1.68M in gas tax funds from the federal government. This funding was awarded in part due to innovative engineering, which allowed old incinerator ash to be recycled as structural fill for the new depot, saving up to $8 million by not having to send the ash elsewhere for traditional landfill disposal. Instead, the ash is fully contained in an engineered cell that now forms the base of the new facility. Because the CVRD doesn’t have a landfill to take garbage like Nanaimo and Victoria it has to ship its garbage to Washington State for disposal. This is very costly so it has forced the CVRD to be very careful about recycling as much as possible to avoid this cost. It is one of the main reasons why the CVRD has adopted a Zero Waste goal and has been a leader in recycling in the province and probably across Canada. Starting on April 1, Peerless Road will be open Wednesday through Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. It is closed on statutory holi-
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days, Easter Monday and Boxing Day.
Water Breaks Reduced Since we did the water upgrades on Gardner, Punnett Close, Hilsea and Linton Circle there have been many fewer water breaks in the water lines. This saved a lot of money that will be put into extra upgrades this summer. On the Gardner Road area alone there was close to $90,000 spent fixing leaks in the previous year. The plans are completed to do $300,000 more work on the modernization of our Saltair water system. By the time that this article is published the CVRD water people will have briefed the community on the plans for this year at the Saltair Ratepayers Annual General Meeting on March 27.
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Cheese on the horizon, commence firing Don’t tell Piers Morgan this (serious anti gun activist) but I’m looking for a gun. Not just any gun but an AR-15 with enough ammo to shoot up the cheese aisle in my local super market. While you’re at it, throw in a Charlton Heston tee shirt, size medium. Yes I know Canada doesn’t have a Second Amendment guaranteeing our right to bear arms and shoot up supermarkets, and I’m also aware it’s very un-Canadian to shoot up cheese, but I have no choice because our country is under attack by aliens, either that or by Nebraska dairy farmers, many of whom look like cheese. The enemy does business under the name Babybel Cheese, and if you have a television, you know who Babybel is; they’re the ones who repeat their advertisement over, and over, until, one day you find yourself at a N.R.A. meeting, sitting next to a guy named Bubba, talking muzzle velocities. It’s the one featuring young people on roller-skates and bicycles who appear normal until little rounds of cheese start rolling up, and the child actors are then forced to bend over, pick up a round and bite into it. It’s obvious the actors are under duress because, let’s face it, if you were walking along the seawall and a round of asiago rolls up and stops in front of you like a well placed curling rock, are you going to bend over, pick it up and take a bite out of it? Then there’s the music, if anything can get you begging for Barry Manilow, this is it. “Babybel, oh Babybel” it drones on and on, much like water dripping on your head like the time you booked that cheap timeshare in Guantanamo Bay. Playing the advertisement once every commercial break would have been bad enough, but often it’s played twice. They do this to get a foothold in your brain. A sign this has happened is when you get up in the middle of the night to let the cat out-- which has become routine ever since that one time you used his litter box by mistake --you become aware of your brain, which you did not activate, singing, ”Babybel, oh Babybel.” Believe me, this is no way to get on American Idol.
“Playing the advertisement once every commercial break would have been bad enough, but often it’s played twice. They do this to get a foothold in your brain” Once a foothold is established, it’s a short walk over to the control panel where they dial up the app that makes you eat more cheese, which wouldn’t be a problem if this were real cheese, but it’s not, it’s low fat cheese, that’s right, non cheese made by suspending particles of Coffee Mate in a neutral based Jell-O. Well, I’m on to them. The authorities have been contacted. I sent a letter to Stephen Harper outlining my concerns and detailing my proposal that guarantees every Canadian man, woman and child the right to bring their own environmentally correct shopping bag, plus an automatic weapon of their choice, into their local food outlet where they can blast away at Babybel cheese. Unfortunately, until the new amendments are introduced, I just can’t put my Charlton Heston shirt on, walk into our supermarket with my new AR-15 in hand, push a shopping cart full of ammo up to the Babybel display and watch the cheese balls fly. But desperate times dictate desperate measures, Babybel must be stopped before they take over all our brains, and a society without brains is… well, certainly Ottawa comes to mind. What I need is a legal way to get my gun into the cheese aisle, something that won’t attract too much attention and get me arrested. Let me think now. Guns in public. Guns in public… Ah-ha! The snow outside had made me think of the recently concluded Winter Olympics; from there it’s a short drive to Biathlon. Yes! That’s how I’ll do it. I’ll dress up like a biathlete—you know, those guys who cross country ski and shoot at the same time because the two disciplines go
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together like, I dunno, bourbon and ice cream. At this time of the year, with the fresh snow and Olympics in everyone’s mind, as long as I’m in cross-country skis, people will think I’m part of the Olympics. But first I’ll need some skis. Cut a pointy end on a couple of two-by-fours, nail an old running shoe in the middle, lace ‘em up and it’s off to the races Next thing I’ll need is a proper crosscountry skiing outfit, which shouldn’t be hard to make given my wife, isn’t home. Let’s see now, I’ll put on a pair of her black nylons, then a tight fitting pink top because according to the news, there’s nothing like a skin tight pink top to put the fear of God into bullies, and what works for bullies should work for aliens. Getting a size ten foot into a size five nylon proved a little time consuming, but with that done and my tight fitting top in place, who’s to say I’m not the entrant from Latvia, just dropping by for a nutritious snack? Unfortunately, getting to the supermarket was a challenge. I don’t know if you’ve ever driven a car with a pair of skis on your feet, but it isn’t easy, especially with a standard transmission. My apologies to that guy on the bicycle who got goosed by the ski. Then there was the problem of getting in the grocery store’s automatic door. Who would have thought it would have been so difficult? Removing my skis would have helped but they’re an integral part of my disguise. Without them I’m just another cross dresser taking his gun out for a walk. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise when I tell you that one of the skis got caught in the door breaking the mechanism. You wouldn’t think store managers would be allowed to yell like that. Which is how I ended up on the office floor with 280 pounds of Little Louie from produce sitting on me till my wife gets here. But wherever you are dear, please hurry. I don’t look good in nylons. What to drink, but not with Babybel cheese, El Petite Bonhomme, Spain, $14.95. - Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant in Cedar. Read more of his articles at Slightlycorkedandmore. wordpress.com
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Miners-lettuce – not just for miners In a discussion with a friend recently, he mentioned that miner’s-lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) has suffered from poor public relations due to its name and that an image consultant could improve its standing among spring greens. This may well be true – for while this is a delicious and common wild green – few people seem to eat it. Miner’s-lettuce is mildly sweet, succulent and pleasantly crunchy. Unlike a lot of other greens it retains these characteristics even when the plant is in bloom. It is also fairly cold tolerant. The plants growing in a flower pot adjacent to my house have had harvestable leaves since mid-February. With a bit of protection from the coldest temperatures it can be grown through the winter. But once the days warm, it flowers, sets seeds and is finished for the year. This is a common pattern among many of our native annuals, which take advantage of the spring moisture and finish reproduction prior to our dry summers. Seeding can be delayed by harvesting the tops of the plants. (I use scissors to harvest the leaves.) The stems are quite good raw
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and I’ve also had success using them in stir-fries. That it was important to the first explorers, miners and settlers is hardly surprising. Its wide distribution (California to BC), abundance and ease of identification would have made it an easy food to adopt into the diet of people living mostly off of the land. No doubt they learned from the First Peoples its value in the diet as well – particularly as one of the first edible greens in the spring. Gold rush miners used this plant to ward off scurvy. A 100 gram salad of minerslettuce greens contains 33 percent of recommended daily Vitamin C, 22 percent of Vitamin A and 10 percent of iron.
Miner’s-lettuce is tolerant on a range of soil, light and moisture conditions. In ideal conditions (full sun and moist rich soil) expect masses of plants with leaves about 1 inch in diameter. A key diagnostic feature for this species is a disk-shaped leaf (more accurately fused upper leaves) through which the stem passes. It is from this feature that the species receives its name, perfoliata. The small white flowers are
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formed above this disk. Miner’s lettuce can be used as the only green in a salad or combined with other greens – wild or domestic – to create a mix of textures and tastes. Some tasty naturalized greens include chickweed, dandelion leaves, and sheep sorrel. This salad is nice with light vinaigrettes. If you prefer wild vinaigrettes, sprinkle some leaves on or near a thatching ant hill and the ants will crawl over the leaves and leave formic acid (which tastes like ascetic acid - aka vinegar) on the leaves. Thatching ants, also known as formica ants use formic acid as a pheromone to communicate with other ants and also as a trail marker. If you can overcome our society’s aversion to eating insects, you could even roll a leaf around the ant and try that. It’s better than it sounds – a delicious blend of sweet and vinegar. Siberian miners-lettuce is a relative of the edible miner’s-lettuce that also grows around here, but is not pleasant to eat. It has a sharp burning flavour. The two miner’slettuces share certain similarities, such as flower colour and flower structure. They both have basal leaves on stalks, with the Siberian miner’s-lettuce being more pointed. The defining distinction is the unusual fused upper leaves of the edible miner’s-lettuce. From a wild food perspective it is fortunate that the edible species is the more common one. Its many positive traits make this a plant worthy of incorporating into your garden or foraging for. Bon appetit! Jay is a naturalist and educator living in Yellow Point. ecoforestry@gmail.com
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What’s next for the Couverdon’s town expansion request ? The results are in and 1601 Electoral Response Forms clearly said no to the proposed Town of Ladysmith’s boundary expansion request from Couverdon that’s almost 1000 more than were needed to negate the Alternative Approval Process. Council now has the option of rejecting the request for expansion out right, or to send the issue to a referendum. This should be done soon. A key question from the results is, how many of those rejections were based on the proposed expansion and how many were a protest against the undemocratic AAP format? At the next general meeting on April 7, Council will officially receive the results of the AAP. The results should lead to a discussion on what to do next. This conversation should happen during the public portion of the Council Meeting, and not at an “in camera” meeting.
I have read through the key sections of the Community Charter on the subject, and I can’t see any reason for these discussions regarding holding a referendum should not to be held anywhere but in public portion of the meeting If Council decides to send this issue to referendum, it would make sense to hold it in conjunction with the upcoming municipal elections in November. If it is held then, it wouldn’t cost the taxpayer as much as a stand alone referendum. Additionally it would be useful to know where the candidates stand on the issues of expansion, the AAP process, and the watershed…all important issues for our community. If Council decides to hold the referen-
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dum prior to the November election, it would not only be costly and inconvenience the electorates asking them to go out to vote on two separate times. This could result in a very low voter turnout. Whether that is advantageous to Couverdon or not is to be seen. The Couverdon expansion AAP was shunned by 1601 voters. I signed the Elector Response form, not because I opposed the expansion. I and many others signed because they wanted the issue to go to referendum. People want to know more about the “side deals” regarding the watershed and view preservation. For example: What does it means when the Town says we will “acquire” the land around the watershed? Does it mean we get the land for free? If not, how much will we have to pay for it? Let us hope that Council does the smart thing and combine the referendum with the municipal election. If this is done it will not only save money, but it will allow Couverdon to make their points for expansion, and those that oppose it an opportunity to make their case. At least that’s as I see it.
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April 13-19
1-5, “Jeeves in Bloom”, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-9820
13-19, 12pm, Animal & Insect Art Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250245-1252
4, 7pm, Tim Readman, In the Beantime Café, 18 High St 250-245-2305
13-15, 2pm, Golf, cart, burger & beer, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
4, Craig Cardiff, Song Shelter 250-668-3338
13-19, “Jeeves in Bloom”, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-9820
4, Kush, Live at The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033
13-19, 10am, Discovering Departure Bay, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821
5,8am, Eagles #2101 Rummage Sale, 921 1st Ave. 5, 10am, Qi Gong Workshop, St. Peter Quamichan Duncan trishgpeebles@shaw.ca
13, 10am, Palm Sunday, St. Philip Anglican Church Cedar 1979 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3455
5, 1pm, 50th Anniversary of the Nanaimo & District Museum Society, 100 Museum Way 250753-1821
13, 10am, Spring Film Camps, Spotlight Academy, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-714-2555 13, 10:30am, Palm/Passion Sunday service, Ladysmith First United Church 232 High St. 250245-2183
5, Karaoke, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 5, 7pm, Animal & Insect Open Gala, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250245-1252
13, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273
April 6-12
14, 7:30pm, Concert w/Ron Klusmeir, Ladysmith First United 232 High St. 250-245-2183
6-12, 12pm, Animal & Insect Art Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 250-245-1252
15, Ladysmith Preschool Annual General meeting, 232 High St. 250-245-4712
6-8, 2pm, Golf, cart, burger & beer, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
10, Soup & Sandwich Lunch, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273
15, 7pm, Badminton & Pickle Ball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym 2215 Gould Rd.
6-12, “Jeeves in Bloom”, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-9820
10, 2pm, 9 & Dine, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
15, Fiddle Camp registration begins 250-802-8863
6, 1pm, Dyslexia Seminar, ReSet Adjusting Perceptions 250-245-8412
10, 7pm, Volleyball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd.
6, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273
11-12, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273
7, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
11, 6pm, Spirit of Ladysmith Community Awards, 250-245-2112
8-12, 10am, Discovering Departure Bay, Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821
12, 8:30am St. Joseph’s Garage Sale, 9735 Elm St. 250-246-3191
8, 12:30pm, British Columbia Government Retired Employees Association Luncheon, 595 Townsite Rd. Nanaimo 250-722-3742
12, 10am, Spring Film Camps, Spotlight Academy, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-714-2555
16, 9:30am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111 16, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111 16, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157 16, 6:30pm, Volleyball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd. 16, 7pm, Employee Retention & Attraction, Royal Canadian Legion, 621 1st. Ave. 250-597-1901 17, 9:30am, Fraud Prevention Advice Event, 630 2nd Ave. 250-245-6000
8, 6pm, Spring Film Camps, Spotlight Academy, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-714-2555
12, 10am, South Wellington & Area Community Assoc. Spring Market Plants & Stuff, 1555 Morden Rd. 250-816-8286
8, 7pm, Badminton & Pickle Ball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd.
12, 5pm, Dinner & Auction, Ladysmith First United Church 232 High St.
17, 7pm, Maundy Thursday, St. Philip Anglican Church Cedar 1979 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3455
9, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
12, 1:30pm, Women’s Seminar – How to Grow Old, Duncan United Church 146 Ingram St. 250246-2120
17, 7pm, Healing Service, Ladysmith First United Church232 High St. 250-245-2183
9, 6:30pm, Volleyball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd. 10, 9am, Ladysmith/Saltair Garden Club meeting, St. John’s Anglian 314 Buller 250-722-0130
12, 9am, Ladysmith Sportsmens Club Watershed & Area Debris Cleanup. Bush Creek Hatchery 250-245-3690
17, 2pm, 9 & Dine, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
17, 7pm, Volleyball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd. 18-19, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273
18, 10:30am, Service of Shadows, Ladysmith First United Church, 232 High St. 250-245-2183 18, 11am, Stations of the Cross, St. Philip Anglican Church, Cedar 1979 Cedar Rd. 250722-3455 18, Ryan McMahon & Dave Bitonti, In the Beantime Café 250-245-2305 19, 9am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111 19, 10am, Edible Wild Plants Workshop, Wildwood Forest in Yellow Point Rd. 19, 10:30am, Ladysmith Lions Easter Egg Hunt, Transfer Beach in Ladysmith 19, 11am, Island Glass Art Show & Sale, Vancouver Island Conference Centre contact@ islandglassart.ca
23, 6pm Registration, 7pm, North Cedar Improvement District Annual General Meeting. North Cedar Fire Hall, 2100 Yellow Point Rd. 250-722-3711 23, 6:30pm, Volleyball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd. 23, 5pm, Ready Set Learn Event at St Joseph’s Elementary School 9735 Elm St. Chemainus. 250-246-3191 24-26, “The Man of La Mancha”, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658 24, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich Lunch, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-2452273
Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 27, 2pm, Choral Concert, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111 27, 7:30pm, TheatreOne - “Doubt”, Malaspina Theatre 250-754-7587 27, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 28, 6pm, Spring Film Camps, Spotlight Academy, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-714-2555 29-May 8, Boating Basics Course, Mount Brenton Power & Sail Squadron. 250-245-6424 29, 6pm, AGM Cranberry Fire Protection District, 1555 Morden Rd. Cranberry Community Hall.
24, 2pm, 9 & Dine, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
29, 6pm, Spring Film Camps, Spotlight Academy, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-714-2555
24, 7pm, Volleyball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd.
29, 7pm, Badminton & Pickle Ball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd.
25-26, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273
30, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
25, 5pm, African Marimba music classes, 7834 Tatlo Rd., North Cowichan 250-737-1331
30, 6:30pm, Volleyball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd.
25, Wooden Horseman, Song Shelter 250-6683338
May 1-3
April 20-26
26, Brother 12, Live at The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033
1-3, “The Man of La Mancha”, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658
20-26, 12pm, Animal & Insect Art Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-245-1252
26, 9am, Providence Farm Plant Sale. 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan. 250-746-4204
1, 2pm, 9 & Dine, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
26, 9am, The Nanaimo Glad & Dahlia Society annual dahlia tuber sale, Country Club Centre 250-722-2109
Looking for the up to date events? Visit www.take5.ca/events
19, 5pm, St. Georges Pub Night, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250246- 2111 19, Pub Dinner & Music Trivia, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 19, 11pm, The Great Easter Vigil, St. Philip Anglican Church, Cedar 1979 Cedar Rd. 250722-3455
20 Easter Sunday 20-22, 2pm, Golf, cart, burger & beer, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250245-5157
26, 9am, Friesen’s Annual Garage Sale, 1694 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2737
20-26, “Jeeves in Bloom”, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-9820
26, 9:55am, Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte”, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan 250-746-0428
20-26, 10am, Discovering Departure Bay, Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821
26, 2pm, Naomi Wakan Memoir Workshop, Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way 250-7531821
20, 7:30am, Sunrise Service @ Transfer Beach, Ladysmith First United Church, 250-245-2183 20, 10am, Easter Service & Holy Communion, St. Philip Anglican Church, Cedar 1979 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3455 20, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 22, Earth Day 22-26, Ladysmith Spring Clean Up 250-245-6445 22,7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club, Hardwick Hall High St. @ 3rd 250-606-7011 22, 7pm, Dance, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
26, 7pm, High Street Coffee House Open Mic Night, 232 High St. 26, 7pm, Dance, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
April 27-30 27-28, Ladysmith Spring Clean Up 250-245-6445 27-29, 2pm, Golf, cart, burger & beer, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250245-5157 27-30, “The Man of La Mancha”, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658
22, 7pm, Badminton & Pickle Ball, North Cedar Intermediate Gym, 2215 Gould Rd.
27-30, 10am, Discovering Departure Bay, Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way 250-7531821
23-26, 7:30pm, TheatreOne - “Doubt”, Malaspina Theatre 250-754-7587
27, 9am, Friesen’s Annual Garage Sale, 1694 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2737
23, 3pm, Departure Bay in the 1880’s, Nanaimo Museum 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821
27, 12pm, Irish-Celtic dancing classes, Cedar Heritage Centre 1644 MacMillan Rd 251-8889421
23, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157
27, 2pm, General Meeting, Royal Canadian
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CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jewellery table at Campers Corner Saturday flea market, 8am-3pm. 250-245-3829 SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Don’t trust just anyone! We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits to glamour and corporate clients. Free photo book included of your images. Email for quote and portfolio. marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165 SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT LTD. Before and after school care, professional day care and SUMMER PROGRAMS! Nature based, emergent learning outdoor play balanced with indoor good clean fun! Lower floor - Bethel Church. Full and part time space available! www. senseofplaceyp.com pattitollefson@live.com 250797-2316 Lic#CDEN-97-JQWB HARDWOOD FLOORING Does your floor need resurfacing, resanding or replacing? 19 years of experience in the Cowichan Valley. Free estimates. For all your needs contact Dave 250748-7855 or hoppshardwood@shaw.ca GYPSY ANGEL FEMALE VOCALIST & ENTERTAINER. Sings for ceremonies, provides music, entertainment, equipment and/or DJ services. Offering KARAOKE for business/private party bookings. Affordable rates. Sample my music www.gypsy-angel.com 250-924-4924 ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backsplash-Countertops Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR & EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com 250-924-4924 Senior Special Discount for April 15% EDUCATION DOING FAMILY RESEARCH? The Ladysmith Archives, located under Tim Horton’s, has Ladysmith newspapers dating from 1902, some on microfilm, also B.D. & M. going back many years, 250-245-0100 for an appt. PUBLISH your memorirs, family history. Books designed and produced from small guides to coffeet able books. Call for a quote. 250-245-7015 . HEALTH & BEAUTY 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
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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 TAI CHI - For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts September and January, Mondays; on-going class Wednesdays. Both classes 10 am- noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Road. $20/mo. Sara 250-2451466 or www.nanaimotaichi.org HOME & YARD 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 for more information please 250-245-2174 SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. No job too big or small. Affordable honest work. Duo team. Cleaning, Gardening Painting, and gutter cleaning. Outside and inside your home or business. 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, Digging, Raking, Cutting back, etc. Mature and Steady Worker. Cheerful and Conscientious. Call David at 250-722-3599. I also do Window Washing and Odd Jobs
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LADYBUG’S MEW for Meticulous Garden Care contact “Farmer Doug” for a free quote 250-7139682 or doug@ladybugsmew.ca “When ‘good enough’ just isn’t good enough!” NEED YOUR LAWN MOWED? Experienced local student, friendly & reliable with own mower & weeder, very reasonable rates, satisfaction guaranteed call Ladysmith resident Connor 250-245-5518 MINI EXCAVATOR for lease or rent by day, week or month Reasonable rates 250 246 6624 WEEKLY OR BY- MONTHLY CLEANING for houses and offices, experienced, reliable and attention to detail. $20 per hour. References available. Ladysmith, Chemainus and Crofton. 250-246-4938 Jamie or Ingrid QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate call Lars 250-616-1800. 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
APRIL 2014
PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250-246-3394 SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME: High Quality Personalized Care. Warm caring environment, Great food & snacks, Family events, Couples & Pets welcomed, Ocean views, Gardens. North of Ladysmith. 250-245-3391 www.lynnsseniorcare.com FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 APARTMENT FOR RENT Now available. Seniors 50+ 2 bdr well maintained 1000 sq. ft., newly updated cupboards, new carpet, repainted W/DF/S-N/P’s-N/S. Storage and parking. Ground floor. $800/mth + hydro, references. 250-245-4062, 250758-5816
INTERIOR PAINTING: Refresh your walls... and your spirits! Careful, respectful work. Attention to detail. Help with colour choice. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Kari: 250-245-2751
FOR SALE
PETS
24’ TRAILER with deck by lake in Yellowpoint campground $3300 or trade for sailboat. 250-2459165. WANTED
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 250-740-KATS (5287) HOME BUDDIES - PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kind-hearted, experienced & reliable. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional, Animal Care Aide certified, VIU. For loving care and security, Peggy Wildsmith- 250-245-0151
2007 CHEVROLET COBALT 4 door, automatic, low milage, CD & MP3, excellent working condition asking $ 6,700.00 OBO to view call 250-245-8340
VOLUNTEERS: Ladysmith Maritime Society needs volunteers to paint the frames that hold our beautiful banners and to sand and apply cetol to benches and picnic tables. Contact admin@ lmsmarina.ca FREEBIES FREE TV with remote. You have to pickup. Working condition. 250-816-4073
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APRIL 2014
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