TAKE 5
take5.ca
3
4
take5.ca
JULY 2016
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Letters I read, with interest each month, the Mayor’s column in TAKE 5, just as I read his public Facebook page, “Aaron Stone: Working Together.” Both give me valuable insights into the quality of the municipal strategies he is leading, for better or worse. However, I have to admit to be being more than a little confused about the recent comments he expressed suggesting how our town’s tax/revenue base is “diversified” by building more residential properties. I’m no economist, but I’m pretty sure you don’t diversify a stock portfolio by buying more of the same stock. It’s is an important distinction to make. Because our overreliance on one form of revenue to pay for the escalating cost of providing essential services is the reason why the Mayor and his Council cohorts have no choice, but to raise our residential taxes every year, lately by increasing amounts. Much to the delight of the developers, the Mayor and his team seem wed to the concept that boosting residential taxes is the only way to correct the town’s “infrastructure deficit” that John Manson, our outgoing infrastructure guru, described at the Council meeting on Monday. I find that assumption not only suspect, it’s very unlikely to reach its stated goal. Why? Because municipal infrastructure costs have a per-capi-
7
8
take5.ca
JULY 2016
ta relationship: the more people use the infrastructure, the more it costs to build and maintain. In our case, it costs more to provide basic services per person than we each pay in residential taxes, our overwhelmingly dominant source of municipal revenue. So, each year, our residential taxes are raised to cover the escalating cost of providing essential services. Building more homes — and adding more people — isn’t going to change that deficit relationship. What we need is to create an economic strategy that will supplement our residential tax base with a thriving commercial tax base, which raises far more revenue per capita. As our remaining business owners know, this will help to reduce the town’s infrastructure deficit. So instead of supporting massive new residential developments, like New Holland Creek, I think we’d all be well-counselled to ask the Mayor: Where is our strategy to build the commercial sector? - Russ Barling Letters to the editor is an open forum for the commuity to exchange comments and ideas. Please note letters may be edited for space, and legality. Articles published in TAKE 5 do not nescessarily reflect the opinions of TAKE 5. editor@take5.ca or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1A1
Shout-out to Local Heroes BY DONNA SOULES When I was a teenager, my father told me it is important to have good relationships with your banker, your butcher and your mechanic. My mother chimed in to add another professional to the list. She said you need to know your pharmacist, who knows and researches prescription drugs. My mother’s advice made me cautious about taking medications. The few times I have needed a prescription filled, I wanted to know about any possible side effects. In a small town like Ladysmith, it is helpful to have someone who knows a great deal about drugs. My local hero is Steve Robinson, the pharmacist at the Pharmasave on Ladysmith’s First Avenue. He patiently provides me with detailed information and is always willing to share his wealth of knowledge. When I discovered that I was having an adverse reaction to an antibiotic, he promptly registered this information on my medical file for future alerts. Here’s a shout-out to Steve Robinson. Thank you for your expertise and professional care. Steve Robinson, pharmacist. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
TAKE 5
take5.ca
9
10
Council’s 2016 Strategic Priorities: Partnerships Earlier this year, Council set five key priorities to guide us as we work together to build our community. They are: • Employment and tax diversity • Natural and built infrastructure • Watershed protection and water management • Connections with key groups and organizations we believe can help us achieve our objectives • Communications and engagement • Partnerships Over the past few months, I’ve outlined here priorities and plans in the areas of communications, engagement, employment and tax diversity. This month, the focus is on partnerships. Council’s intention in setting partnerships as a strategic priority was to emphasize our commitment to working with our citizens, community organizations and neighbours to build our community. Our Stz’uminus neighbours call this the power of Naut’sa Mawt — Working Together.
JULY 2016
We have clearly identified a number of important partners, laid out specific ways in which we can work together this year and identified the outcomes we would like to achieve. These partnerships range from community organizations and neighbours to other local governments and include federal and provincial representation as well. A number of partnerships are aimed at creating economic activity and new jobs. We are already working closely with the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and Ladysmith Downtown Business Association on ways to help local businesses succeed and grow. You may have heard about, or taken part in, our joint Business Walk last month. Volunteers from the Town, Chamber and LDBA held one-on-one meetings with owners and managers of local businesses to find out how they are doing and how we can help them succeed. This is just the first step in this project. The results of these interviews will help each of our organizations to develop specific things we can do, together or independently, to support our local business community. We will also work closely with the Stz’uminus First Nation on the opportunity to develop industrial land in the south end of Ladysmith, with the goal of attracting more industry to the community, creating more jobs and expanding our tax base. Our Stz’uminus neighbours are and will continue to be an important partner in many of our initiatives and plans. We are in the process of updating the Mem-
orandum of Understanding between our two Councils, which will clearly lay out our joint projects. These include expanded service agreements to supply water and sewer services, environmental restoration of the Ladysmith Harbour, public art installations and First Nations place name signage, as well as a commitment to honour the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. At the local community level, we already have productive relationships with local organizations, such as the Ladysmith and District Historical Society (the Ladysmith Archives and the Ladysmith Museum), the Ladysmith Maritime Society (the LMS Community Marina) and the Ladysmith and District Arts Council (the Waterfront Gallery). I am continually amazed at what happens when the Town is able to contribute to a community organization by providing space at a nominal rent, staff resources, access to liability insurance, or a commitment to maintain a new structure built by that organization. The volunteers then take over, and the results are astounding. That is how we have such community amenities as the Rotary Boat Launch, the Kinsmen Playground at Brown Drive Park and the new playground at Transfer Beach, to name just a few examples. We are eager to explore new partnerships in the community that will help us achieve our goals in each of the key priority areas. There are so many worthy projects, and more importantly, there are so many dedicated organizations and individuals in our community. When our
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Town of Ladysmith working closely with business community. Photo: Rob Johnson
volunteers work together to get something done, there is almost no limit to what they can achieve. We have always known that there are some issues we just can’t tackle alone. Clean-up of the derelict and abandoned vessels in Ladysmith Harbour is one of them. For years, the Town has tried to get federal government action on this issue. What finally started to get things moving was when federal and provincial elected officials, Stz’uminus First Nation, the Ladysmith Maritime Society, concerned citizens, media and the Town all started working together. This created a momentum that made senior governments take notice and finally take action. The recent announcement that the Viki Lyne II will be leaving Ladysmith Harbour proves that working together across party lines and jurisdictions for a common cause can have big results. Under our new Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, we can now, in a similar way, bring together multiple relevant agencies, such as the Town’s Bylaw Compliance staff, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue, RCMP and Island Health, to deal with nuisance properties in the community. Thanks to this new approach, one of the Ladysmith’s worst properties is now vacant and boarded up, and all debris has been taken away. We also count other local governments as partners. We now contract with the Municipality of North Cowichan to provide the Town’s Information Technology services — a more cost-effective approach than the previous arrangement. We will continue as well to work with other local governments and regional partners to reduce water consumption throughout the Cowichan Valley and to protect our watersheds. We are also working towards regional equity in recreation, tourism and economic development services with the Cowichan Valley Regional District. There are many more examples of successful partnerships in our community and many more possibilities for exciting new ones. When we all work together, we can build a more vibrant community, create economic opportunities and protect our natural resources. I firmly believe that working closely and sharing resources with others who share common goals gives us all a much greater chance of reaching those goals. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” - astone@ladysmith.ca
11
TAKE 5
Ladysmith Days! Ladysmith Days are back again. For over 40 years, Ladysmith Days has been a highlight of the summer. Join the fun this year July 30 -31, for an exciting weekend of musicians, singers, dancers, kids games and much much more. The weekend kicks off with the popular Kinsmen Parade and ends with the Ladysmith & District Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular. New this year, The Hill Dash, a unique running relay event experience that will test your physical and mental limits. Relay team members are required to run up High Street from First to Third Avenue and then roll a ball down the hill to the next team member that will be waiting on First Avenue. First team of four to conquer the hill and roll the ball down across the finish line wins! This promises to be a great running event that will challenge the quads, calves and mind. Portion of the proceeds benefit the Ladysmith Resource Centre Association (LRCA). For more information www. ladysmithdowntown.com All participants also get a ball for a chance to win $500 in the “Running of the Balls” event at 11 am on July 30th, also on High Street, or pick up a ticket at the LRCA. Sunday July 31 from 11am – 4pm Transfer Beach is the place to be for all the activities at the LDCU’s Kids Count Fun Zone. Tons of things to keep everyone busy, face painting, bouncy castle, dunk tank, pony rides and more. Volunteers are always needed to help out. For more information how you can be part of the team check out their web site www.ladysmithdays.com
take5.ca
13
14
take5.ca
JULY 2016
TAKE 5
take5.ca
15
16
take5.ca
Concerts in the Park – 2016 Summer Series They are back! Concerts in the Park are a rare summer treat: free and fun for all ages, and bringing art, people and nature together. Staged in a beautiful grass and stone amphitheater, overlooking the ocean and surrounding islands,
JULY 2016
this concert series brings the community together and showcases homegrown talents. Since the beginning, Concerts in the Park has been driven by volunteers from the community, dependent upon sponsorship from local businesses, and directs all donations to support the integral programming at Ladysmith Resources Centre Association. The LRCA
TAKE 5
take5.ca
supports residents of all ages year round. This year brings new coordinators, Kyle Rainone and Griffin Russell, along with a hot new sound system to help enhance the musical experience. Shows are Sundays at the Ladysmith Amphitheatre and run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., except for August 21, which will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For concert line-up see pages 24-25.
West Coast Vision exhibit at Kiwi Cove Lodge The photography of Bruce Whittington, “Landscapes and Wildlife seen through the Naturalist’s Eye,” is on exhibit at Kiwi Cove Lodge (5310 Brenton Page Road, Ladysmith) now through summer. Ladysmith’s Whittington is a naturalist, author and photographer. He has travelled as an onboard naturalist on over 75 cruises along the West Coast’s Haida Gwaii archipelago and Alaska as well as land tours across North America and Mexico. He is the author of three books, and his writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications.
Summer Jazz Workshop with Christine Jensen Summer Jazz Intensive at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music features Canada’s top jazz instructors in a four-day workshop from July 19–22, 2016. The Summer Jazz Intensive is directed by the multi-JUNO award winning jazz saxophonist and composer Christine Jensen. She brings on the faculty local island multi-JUNO winning bassist Ken Lister, Montreal’s JUNO jazz winner Joel Miller, and local award-winning and rising star drummer Ethan Oylynyk. All musical instruments and vocal students are welcome. During this time, the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music will present its Jazz Superstar Concert, featuring all faculty members and special guests on July 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at Nanaimo’s Simonholt Restaurant by reservation. For more information contact the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music 250-754-4611, nanaimoconservatoryofmusic@gmail.com.
Summer Photo Contest The Ladysmith Downtown Business Association (LDBA) is looking for your best photo of downtown Ladysmith. Photos must be 300 dpi, a photograph you have taken and are willing to let the LDBA use, clearly tell a story, and are either landscape or portrait. Deadline is Midnight, July 18, 2016. Start snapping because you could win some great prizes. First prize dinner for two at a downtown restaurant (value $50). Second prize includes a gift certificate, valued at $25. Third prize is a gift certificate, valued at $20, to use at a downtown business of our choice. Send photos to photos@ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com and include your name and phone number. Above: Photographer Bruce Whiittington. Photo submitted.
17
18
One of Ladysmith’s oldest heritage churches is closing its doors. Bishop of the Diocese of B.C. Logan McMenamie is holding its final service at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Ladysmith on June 30. The historic church is over 115 years old. The decision to close was made to close the church as the cost of renovating the building was too high for the small congregation. The church played an active role in the community, and through the years, the good works at St. John’s have directly and indirectly benefited so many people. The original building of St. John’s was a school house in Wellington, a community located a few miles north of Ladysmith. When the miners moved to Ladysmith in 1900–1901, they dismantled the building, put it on a railway flat car and took it to Ladysmith. They then reassembled it on its present site – the only church in Ladysmith still on its present site, which was one of the requirements it met when it was declared a heritage building in 1992. In 1902, it was expanded and called the Church School House, and in 1908, the name St. John’s was chosen, but not dedicated until 1944. In 1910, renovations were made to turn it into a church. In 1913–1914, during
take5.ca
JULY 2016
the miners’ strike, many people moved away. After the strike, life improved, but in 1931 the extension mine closed, and both the town and the church were in the doldrums until 1936, when Comox Logging came to log in Ladysmith. In 1933, St. John’s became a joint parish with St. Philip’s in Cedar until 1989. In 1955, the Narthex was added and the hall built. When Comox Logging left in 1986, the church and the town fell on hard times. In 1998, the uphill timbers under the church’s floor were replaced, with much of the work done by the parishioners. The church celebrated its centenary in 2001, culminating with Archbishop Barry Peers and Bishop Barry Jenks joining in. Over the years the church has been involved in the community, providing services such as the Ladysmith Food Bank and many other programs. The hall was also a venue for music and theatre productions, including the popular Dickens’ Christmas Carol.
100 Women Who Care Mid Island makes a quarterly donation to a registered charity in Duncan, Nanaimo, any community in-between, or Gabriola Island. Members of the group have an immediate, direct and positive impact on local charities by attending a one-hour meeting and writing a $100 cheque four times a year. “Charities are nominated by our members,” explained Julie Stewart Boyle, Membership Coordinator for 100 Women Who Care. “Members vote, by secret ballot, for one of the three charities, and before leaving the meeting, all members write a $100 cheque to the charity that received the most votes.” Early this year, the idea of forming the 100 Women Who Care Mid Island Chapter started with Leanne Kelly, Chair of 100 Women Who Care Mid Island. “I really believe in the idea of collective giving.”The next 100 Women Who Care Mid-island meeting is on September 14.
100 Women Who Care Mid Island raised $10,300
Seniors and students wanted
The first meeting of 100 Women Who Care Mid Island was very productive. The newly formed non-profit organization’s members voted to donate $10,300 to Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF).
If you are a senior who needs a hand or a student who wants to make some extra money, then this is the program for you. Students Helping Seniors is a youth program organized by the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association to provide
On June 22, students at St. Joseph’s School in Chemainus learned to play Sla’hal known as the Bone Game.Thanks to Jerry Thomas and friends who shared this exciting and traditional First Nations game. Sla’hal is an ancient game and a Coast Salish tradition, serving multiple roles as entertainment and a sacred ritual. Photo: Nick Longo
TAKE 5
take5.ca
19
20
take5.ca
youth with valuable work experience. Students will aid seniors in their community that may need assistance with things such as yard work, housework, pet care, shopping, electronic assistance and other. For more information, contact Tianna Perry at 250245-3079 or email at studentshelpingseniors@lrca.ca.
Boomers ride by Boomers Legacy Bike ride made a pit stop on June 12 at Ladysmith’s Tim Hortons during their annual ride. The 2016 bike ride left Comox June 11, with over 100 riders in the two-day road cycling trip to Victoria and concluded with a ceremony to honour Canadian Armed Forces members who have died since 2001.cfmws.com and boomerslegacybc.ca.
JUILY 2016
Cedar Farmers’ Market celebrates 20 years Cedar Farmers’ Market is marking its 20th Anniversary this year – and folks are celebrating throughout the season. Join them on Sunday, July 17 as Juno award-winning bluesman Ken Hamm takes the stage for a memorable day of music, fresh produce and locally made treats. Hamm is one of Canada’s foremost interpreters of traditional roots and blues music Many of the original vendors are still here and have grown along with the market from its humble beginnings at the Cedar Community Hall, to today. The market located in the field of the Crow and Gate Pub in Cedar averages a thousand people an hour, according to George and Betty Benson, of Cedar Valley Poultry and original members.
TAKE 5
The Cedar Women’s Institute has been with us since the very beginning, says Betty. She recalls Barbara Wallace and her mother-in-law Madge coming out faithfully every Sunday in support of farmers. Many of the vendors are long term such as Magpies by Kathy, Twilight Aromas, Kathy’s Soaps, Katie Farm, Kilipi Road Farm, and Sharon’s Kitchen and Crafts just to name a few. And then there are the young farmers starting up such as the Farmship Grower Co-op, and Good Greens, who are taking over from the older generation. “I’m pretty proud to see the support and the variety here,” says George. The Cedar Farmers’ Market Vendors wish to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has helped them to grow over the last two decades. The market is open Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm until end of October. To commemorate its 20 years, TAKE 5 is producing a video series “Meet your Food Producers” at youtube.com/take5newstv.
Dragon Boat Thanks! It takes a lot of teamwork to run a dragon boat — everyone pulling together towards one goal — on the water and sometimes off the water. Members of the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Club met recently to show their appreciation for the support they have received from the community — in particular, Doug West of Ladysmith Marine Services and Bud and Sheryll Bell from Sealegs Kayaking. Since the club started in 2010, they have received winter storage, help with maintenance and more from West. Bud and Sheryll Bell from Sealegs Kayaking were instrumental in providing the paddlers (about 75 in the first year) of the new club with competitively priced PFDs and paddles the first season. Since their start in 2010, Sealegs has loaned the club a boat trailer for winter storage. Now they have raised enough funds to buy their own. Both have provided amazing support of the dragon boat team over the past seven seasons. The club also thanks the Ladysmith and District Credit Union and the 49th Parallel Grocery who assisted with some start-up funds when purchasing the dragon boat.
take5.ca
21
22
take5.ca
7 Great Things To Do this Summer ! Who knew there could be so much fun on the waterfront in Ladysmith! Whether you’re just interested in a walk along the seashore or looking for adventure, the Ladysmith Community Marina has something for you! Here are some suggestions: Harbour Tours: Daily in July and August, 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a 90-minute cruise of the Harbour aboard our restored lifeboat, Maritimer. Listen to stories of local history from our experienced skippers, view eagles, seals, otters, cormorants and star fish and cross over the 49th Parallel! Purple Martin Viewing: The Ladysmith Maritime Society is dedicated to helping the western purple martin recover from near extinction. In 1985, there were only five breeding pairs in B.C., but now, in part due to the large martin colony on our docks, there are well over 1100 pairs. Come down to the dock and see these incredible flyers and the breeding boxes mounted along the docks. And be sure to check out our website to see the LIVE nestcam! You just might see baby birds! Sea Life Centre: This newest addition at the marina will help you discover the riches of our warm harbour. There’s a “touch tank,” ocean-viewing portal, identification information and lots of activity books for the kids.
Maritime Museums: Ladysmith has a proud and interesting marine history, and the exhibits in our floating museums (located on the docks) show marine communications, navigation and safety history of our local waters. There are many nautical artifacts on display, and you’ll be intrigued by several heritage wooden vessels, all painstakingly restored by LMS volunteers. Harbour Heritage Centre: Completed in 2015, the Harbour Heritage Centre is an exploratory, interactive place where families, students and tourists can dis-
JULY 2016
cover the early way of life in Ladysmith Harbour — fishing, logging, coal and oysters. Located in the south end of the Expo Legacy Building (large blue warehouse on Oyster Bay Drive, next to the Art Gallery), you can step back in time to the early 1900s and experience a replica fishing shack, see how coal was transferred from steam locomotives to waiting ships, and see how logs were brought by rail, then pushed into the sea for sorting and transport. Oyster Bay Cafe: Sometimes you just want to enjoy the ambiance of the docks. Well there’s no better way than to come down for a delicious breakfast or lunch at the Oyster Bay Cafe! You’ll find a distinctive emphasis on local, seasonal seafood plus favorites, like eggs Benny, wraps and, for the kids, grilled cheese sandwiches! Open Friday to Monday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Walk the Docks: It’s a sunny day and the Ladysmith Community Marina is the perfect place to be! Sparkling water, sea air, beautiful boats and friendly people, and you can stop for a coffee or tea and muffin! What could be better! Enjoy! The Ladysmith Community Marina is owned and operated by the Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS), a non-profit, charitable organization since 1985. For more information about LMS, moorage or any of our seven activities, please go to our website at www.lmsmarina.ca, or call our reservation desk at 250-2451146.
Ex-Forest Service Vessels open to public The Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron will be holding its 2016 rendezvous at the Ladysmith Community Marina over the B.C. Day long weekend, July 30 to August 1. The squadron is inviting the public onboard their vessels Saturday and Sunday afternoons, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most of the 12 to 13 vessels from the squadron will be there. In the early days of coastal logging in B.C., most of the logging operations were accessible only by water. Beginning in 1912, the B.C. Forest Service acquired a fleet of “Ranger launches,” which were used by rangers and assistant rangers to patrol and police the logging operations in the different B.C. coastal forest “water districts.” These were mostly wooden vessels, either bought as private yachts and converted, built under contract for the Forest Service, or built by the Forest Service in its own boatyard. Over many years, the Ranger launches were used for administration, timber cruising, inspections, fire suppression, transporting equipment, tree seedlings, and as accommodation for inventory and other crews. Over time, most of the Ranger launches were taken out of service and sold at auction in 1984–1985. This looked like the end of a proud history of government service from these Ranger
launches. But for many of them, a new life was about to begin! In 1992, Norm Wright, a new owner who lived aboard the retired Ranger launch, Nesika, in Sidney, B.C., wrote to all of the other new owners for whom he could obtain addresses. At Norm’s instigation, the first rendezvous of retired Ranger launches took place on the July 1 long weekend of 1992, in Pender Harbour. Sixteen former launches attended. At the next rendezvous in Maple Bay in 1993, the Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron (EFSVS) was formed. Regular membership was open to former B.C. Forest Service vessels and associate membership to former mission boats and other vessels, with a history of former provincial or federal government service. The Squadron currently comprises 13 former Ranger launches, including Coast Ranger, the last launch built by the Forest Service and the last one to be decommissioned and sold at Prince Rupert in 2010. Squadron vessels and their owners and crews gather for an annual rendezvous in different locations around the south coast. With its own unique history, each vessel is an integral part of British Columbia’s maritime heritage. We are proud of our former B.C. Forest Service Ranger launches and are happy to open them to visitors during our annual rendezvous.
26
Living the Good Life My husband has a new definition for the word retirement: “Getting a new set of tires, so that you can carry on!” This is what my so-called last chapter of life feels like right now, because I am busy conducting an experiment. There’s been something I’ve wanted to prove for a long time — in fact, every time I hear a farmer say that they barely make a living from the land while working their a–s off! I want to see if it’s possible to make a good living from small-scale diversified food farming, because it’s important that more of us get into it. Are we at that place yet where we desire farm fresh food badly enough to pay a living wage for it? In order to conduct this experiment, we bought a five-acre farm with an established fruit tree orchard and a oneacre south-facing sloped field. I teamed up with a young farmer, Goldenrose Paquette, and the two of us have just
take5.ca
finished planting up the one-acre field. Before there were ten-foot rows in the garden and now there are one hundredfoot rows on the farm — growing food on a completely different scale. Let the experiment begin! It helps that both of us have had experience growing food. Goldie spent four years working an incubator farm at Haliburton Community Farm in Victoria. There she learned the tricks of the trade, supplying food for 50 food boxes a week and for two weekly markets.
We appear at two farmers’ markets a week: the Cedar Farmers’ Market on Sundays and the Beban Park Market on Wednesday evenings. We have also opened a roadside farm stand on Yellow Point Road. It is open 24/7 on the honour system. We are also providing farm box-
JULY 2016
es for a community supported agriculture project with Nanaimo Foodshare, a great collaboration between city folk and farm folk that guarantees the sale of food in season. Our first farm box contained bunches of beets, radishes and turnips, parsley and cilantro, a salad mix and a braising greens mix, chard, garlic scapes and spinach. The food was harvested on Tuesday and delivered on Wednesday, so you can’t get as fresh or more local than this. This year, the star of the show will feature field grown and sun-ripened heritage tomatoes galore. Each tomato plant was planted with a handful of balanced, organic granular fertilizer and a sturdy stake. We have removed the suckers from all except determinate (bush) varieties to keep growth to one main stem, which results in more fruit and less foliage. We have planted tomatoes from around the world, in all colours ranging from red, black, yellow and green striped to pink. They come in all sizes from cherry to jumbo and all flavours from sweet to smoky. I am excited to introduce tomato lovers to new varieties, because not all tomatoes are created red and round, and there’s a world of flavour between hydroponically grown greenhouse tomatoes and field grown tomatoes. Having just planted the last of many squash varieties and the “Who gets kissed?” sweet corn, the final addition to the field will be watermelons. Who knew
TAKE 5
take5.ca
that you could grow watermelons here on the West Coast? Last year the extra heat meant lots of people grew them successfully, so this year we will try as well. I am planting two heritage varieties: “Moon & Stars,” a spectacular watermelon with fine flavour introduced by the Henderson seed company in 1926, and “Klondike Blue Ribbon,” a rare seed introduced in the 1900s. The flesh is red, sweet and delicious, and the melons are medium sized at 25 pounds and slightly oblong. Wish me luck with my experiment. I do hope for the sake of all future farmers that I succeed. Carolyn Herriot is author of “The Zero Mile Diet” and “The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook,” available at your local bookstore. She grows IncrEdibles! in Yellow Point. www.incredibles.vision
27
28
Ant Antics There are several thatching ant hills at Wildwood that I frequently show visitors. On hot days at this time of year, they are in a frenzy of activity. The trails they use for travelling radiate through the forest and are visible as distinct dark lines cut into the moss of the forest floor. It is easy to follow some of these for a hundred feet or more. The trails split off and head up trees where these black and red ants forage on insects, insect eggs and plant sugars. And as many gardeners are aware, these ants will tend aphid colonies to collect their secretions (honeydew). The ants provide the aphids with
take5.ca
protection and also rid the aphids of their droppings, which would otherwise mould due to their sugar content. This is a high-energy food for ants. The role of ants in controlling insect populations has been well studied for tropical ecosystems, but is poorly studied for our region. In one study of a species related to our thatching ant (Formica obscuripes), it was found that, over a season, an average-sized colony consumed 40 per cent of the prey found in the area near their hills. This amounted to six million insects and a 155 litres of aphid honeydew. Based on similarities of habit and food, it seems reasonable that the local thatching ants might have a similar influence on insect populations and, thus, an influence on tree health. As they head out looking for food, ants deposit little bits of chemicals (pheromones), which they use to find their way back to the hill. Ants from differ-
JULY 2016
Ant hill Photos: Gary Bremner
ent hills have slightly different mixtures, so that they can distinguish between housemates and ants from other colonies. All members of a colony secrete the same pheromones, but in different proportions, according to their stage of development or their caste. The proportions also vary depending on what they want to communicate. Foragers who have found a good food source and are returning to the hill secrete more pheromones on the way back than they did on the outward trip. This encourages others to follow the “hot” trail. Ants also secrete alarm and attack pheromones. If you’d like to smell these, let some thatching ants crawl over your hands for a few minutes then smell your hands. (This may not seem like a great idea in the first few seconds, but if you manage to get through the initial discomfort from their bites, the ants will settle down and go about their foraging — cleaning up dead skin and material under finger nails.) The group of ants known as thatching ants (or wood ants) release formic acid, which has a vinegar-like smell. This is where the genus name Formica comes from. French speakers will also notice the similarity between the French word for ant (fourmi) and formic acid.
TAKE 5
The common name reflects their dwelling. The dome-shaped hills are typically constructed of grass or tree needles, depending on the materials at hand and are reminiscent of thatched roofs. Inside the hill are galleries and chambers, containing pupae, workers and queens. Most colonial insects have only one queen, but this species can have multiple queens in the same hill. The majority of the colony members are sterile female workers. Their tasks include cleaning the hill as well as building it, taking care of the queen and the brood, moving eggs in the event of a disturbance, and foraging. They do various tasks in their lives and can change their roles depending on the needs of the colony. Males are only produced periodically. One sees these as winged ants in the spring. They die after the queen has mated. A mated queen will start a new colony or enter an established one. If entering an established colony, she has to fool the workers of the established colony that she is one of them by covering herself with their scent. Then she settles down to her only role — that of laying eggs. Ants have long interested many people. Certainly, they are important for insect control and breaking down plant and dead animal matter. And, depending on one’s view point, they can be viewed as model republicans as well as communists. Their work ethic is inspiring and so is their sense of community. Lately, myrmecologist (biologists who study ants) as well as engineers have been closely inspecting their organizational abilities. The abilities of ants (and other social insects) to organize, communicate and carry out the activities of the colony has been termed “swarm intelligence.” The study of swarm intelligence is leading to changes in telephone systems and the Internet as well as robots, transportation and banking (to better identify potential defaulters). The next time you are at a picnic and ants want a piece of your food (or you), perhaps take a moment to think about the extra-ordinary behaviours that have made ants so successful. What you do after that is up to you. Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point. ecoforestry@gmail.com
take5.ca
29
30
COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID
July 1-2 July 1 Wayne and Gord at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd, (250) 246-4942 1-2, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146 2, 10am to 2pm, Dad’s Group, breakfast at 10am, top floor Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave. 2, 11am to 3pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, www.ladysmithcofc.com 2, Canada Day Deck Party, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., 250-245-8033
July 3-9 5, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot at Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org 5, 10:30am to 4pm, 22nd Annual Garden Tour — Charity Fundraiser for Cowichan Family Life 250-748-8281 for the ticket outlet in your area 5, 7:30pm, Faustina Messenger of Divine Mercy, St. Mary’s Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 6, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Regular Council Meetings, Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Esplanade 6, 4:45pm, start 6:40pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 7, 9am to 1pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Famers’ Market, 49th Parallel Grocery parking lot, 250-245-2112, www.ladysmithcofc.com 7, 10am to 1:30pm, Born Healthy, drop-in consultations, no appointment necessary, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630
take5.ca
2nd Ave.Ladysmith 7, 11:30am, the Nanaimo/Ladysmith Retired Teachers’ Association will be holding its AGM and luncheon at the Cavallotti Hall, 2060 East Wellington Rd. Please RSVP by June 3rd: call Ellen at 778-269-1242 7–11, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum July 8 Dave Spinies at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd, (250) 246-4942 8, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, Downtown Chemainus, 250-246-3944 8, 9am to 3pm, Born Healthy, drop-in consultations, no appointment necessary, occasional guest speaker, a Public Health nurse visit and a free lunch available, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave. 8, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 8, 5pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave. 9, 10, 7pm, the Nanaimo Cedar Farmers’ Institute Meeting, Country Grocer’s public meeting room, 82-12 St., Nanaimo 10, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 11, noon to 9pm — Silent auction fundraiser and dinner, RCL #191 Chemainus —Starting at noon browse the auction items and bid, at 5pm will be a spaghetti dinner (includes salad, dessert and refreshment) and bids close at 7pm. Call the Legion Office for info at 250-246-4532 11, 10am to 2pm, Dad’s Group, breakfast at 10am, top floor Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave. 11, 6pm to 9pm, Skellig CD release, $10 show or $25 dinner/show, tickets available at In The Beantime Cafe, Ladysmith, www.skellig.ca or 250-245-2305
JULY 2016
July 10-16 10–16, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 6 250-245-1146 10, 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Parking lot at Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org 10, 6pm to 8pm, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre in Ladysmith, Cactus Cadillacs — Weather permitting 11, 10am to 2pm, Dad’s Group, breakfast at 10am, top floor Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave. 12, 10am to 1:30pm Born Healthy, drop-in consultations, no appointment necessary, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave. 12, 7pm, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146 12–16, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum Downtown Revitalization Temporary display, 721 1st Ave., 250-245-0423 13, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, Downtown Chemainus, 250-246-3944 13, 9am to 3pm, Born Healthy, drop-in consultations, no appointment necessary, occasional guest speaker, a Public Health nurse visit and a free lunch available, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave. 13, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 13, 10am, Chemainus Sketch Group Summer Sketching, Private Garden with lily pond and footbridge in wooded setting, 8740 Brower Place, Chemainus, everyone welcome — free 13, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 13, 5pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave.
TAKE 5
14, 7pm, The Nanaimo Cedar Farmers’ Institute Meeting, Country Grocer’s public meeting room 82-12 St., Nanaimo
take5.ca
31
1st Ave., 250-245-0423
July 15 Gene Grooms at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd, (250) 246-4942
20, 9am to 3pm, Born Healthy, drop in consultations, no appointment necessary, occasional guest speaker, a Public Health nurse visit and a free lunch available, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave.
15, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
20, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
15, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821
20, 10am, Chemainus Sketch Group Summer Sketching, Crow & Gate Pub, 2313 Yellowpoint Rd., Cedar
27, 9am to 3pm, Born Healthy, drop-in consultations, no appointment necessary, occasional guest speaker, a Public Health nurse visit and a free lunch available, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave.
16, 10am to 2pm, Dad’s Group, breakfast at 10am, top floor Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave.
20, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821
27, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
16, 11am to 3pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, www.ladysmithcofc.com
20, 5pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave.
27, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821
16, Mexican Deck Party, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., 250-245-8033
21, 5:30pm, Rogers Public Meeting, Moose Lodge, 1356 Cranberry Rd., 1-855-301-1520 Duncan July 22 Whitney Somers at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd, (250) 246-4942
July 17-23 17–23, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146 17, Cedar Farmers’ Market 20th anniversary celebration. Juno award winner Ken Hamm and Friends will play at the Cedar Community Hall. Tickets are online at cedarfarmersmarket.org or get them at the door.
22, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 22–23, 32nd Annual Island Folk Festival, Providence Farm23, 10am to 2pm, Dad’s Group, breakfast at 10am, top floor Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave. 23, 11am to 3pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, www.ladysmithcofc.com
26, 7pm, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-2451146 27, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, Downtown Chemainus, 250-246-3944
27, 5pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave. 29, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 July 29 Sweet Potato Brown at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd, (250) 246-4942 30, 7am to 8pm, Ladysmith Days various locations throughout Ladysmith 30, 10am to 2pm, Dad’s Group, breakfast at 10am, top floor LRCA, 630 2nd Ave. 30, 11am to 3pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Famers’ Market, Transfer Beach, www. ladysmithcofc.com
17, 6pm to 8pm, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre in Ladysmith, Mike Alviano — Weather permitting
July 24-30
18, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Regular Council Meetings, Council Chambers City Hall, 410 Esplanade
24–30, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146
18–22, 11am, 20th Anniversary 18 Hole Golf Special, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157
24, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Parking lot at Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org
August 1-6
24, 32nd Annual Island Folk Festival, Providence Farm, Duncan
1–6, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146
19, 10am to 1:30pm, Born Healthy, drop-in consultations, no appointment necessary, LRCA, 630 2nd Ave. 19, 11am to 7pm, 20th Anniversary Open House join them for specials, games & cake, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157 19, 7pm, Music on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, Oyster Bay Dr.,250-245-1146
24, noon to 3pm, Mahle House Annual Garden Party, corner of Cedar & Hemer Rd., 250-7223621 24, 6pm to 8pm, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre in Ladysmith, Bluegrass Fever — Weather permitting
19–23, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum Downtown Revitalization Temporary display, 721 1st Ave., 250-245-0423
26, 10am to 1:30pm, Born Healthy, drop-in consultations, no appointment necessary, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 630 2nd Ave.
20, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, Downtown Chemainus, 250-246-3944
26–30, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum Downtown Revitalization Temporary display, 721
30, B.C. Day/ Ladysmith Days Deck Party, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., 250-245-8033 31, 8am to dark, Ladysmith Days various locations throughout Ladysmith
3, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 5, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 (above, clockwise) Saturdays, Ladysmith Farmers Market July 22-23, Island Folk Fest July 24, Mahle House Garden Party Photos submitted.
32
RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Early in June, I was having a coffee with a friend when I commented, “Did you see the letter to the editor in the Bulletin, from one of the inveterate contributors, that commented on the RDN board’s decision to permit the CVRD to temporarily [for one year] direct material containing asbestos to the Nanaimo Regional Landfill?” The reporter’s story didn’t contain much in the way of the discussion that had led to this board decision. I expect that my friend would have let the matter rest with his nod-of-head, indicating that he did see the letter. However, I followed it up with “Too bad they [the letter writers] don’t try to get a few facts about the rationale employed before unloading their opinions on the public!” To which my friend replied, “And how do you suppose they could do that?” This reply led to a discussion about the structure of government. It made me reflect on how much knowledge I had about government prior to getting elected to office or, as my close friends would say, before I went over to the dark side. Many residents are aware that the board of directors meets twice each month: once, for what is termed, the “Committee of the Whole” (CoW) meeting, and again at the board meeting, when the initial decisions made at the CoW meeting are confirmed or rejected. Fewer residents are aware of the many committee meetings, where the majority of discussion on issues takes place. At the RDN, for example, there is a committee for each of the services provided by the RDN. These include the following: • Transit Select Committee • Liquid Waste Monitoring Committee • Regional Solid Waste Advisory Committee • Solid Waste Select Committee • Drinking Water/Watershed Protection Technical Advisory Committee
take5.ca
• Regional Parks & Trails Select Committee • Fire Services Advisory Committee • Electoral Area Planning Committee • Electoral Area “A” Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission There are others, such as Parks and Open Spaces Committee, for other EAs. All of the meetings of these committees and commissions are open to the public. Should residents wish to comment on matters within these service areas, they can either communicate in writing or appear before the committee as a delegation. Pre-registering your request to appear provides you with up to 10 minutes of presentation time. You can also come to the meeting and request that you be heard as a late delegation, which will provide you with up to five minutes of presentation time. Unfortunately, seldom do members of the public attend these important meetings — perhaps because residents are unaware of when and where these committees meet. The schedule of meetings for these committees can be accessed through the RDN website (www.rdn.bc.ca). The agenda for these meetings is customarily published on the website several days prior to the scheduled meeting, so you can review the agenda and decide if there is anything that might interest you. Clearly, if a resident wishes to comment on an item, the committees provide in my opinion the best forum to influence a decision. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca
CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) Diamond Improvement District/ Town of Ladysmith Negotiations Update: Regional Recreation When I was first elected, one of the most contentious issues in the region was the desire of some directors to implement funding for all of the recreational facilities in the Cowichan Valley.
JULY 2016
The money would come from every taxpayer in the area. The logic behind this funding is that everyone in the Cowichan Valley uses all of the facilities no matter how distant the facilities are. Therefore, everyone should be taxed to operate, upgrade and at some point, replace every single aging facility, from Mill Bay in the south to Ladysmith in the north to Duncan and North Cowichan in the central area to Lake Cowichan in the west. This idea has been brought to the table once again, along with pressure to have the entire region pay for the facilities continues. Of course the logic is faulty. The facilities that will be discussed include: • The Cowichan Centre Complex (where the big hockey stick is displayed), which includes the Cowichan Theatre and the Aquatic Centre • The Fuller Lake Arena in North Cowichan • The privately operated Cowichan Sportsplex in North Cowichan • The Cowichan Lake Sports Arena in Lake Cowichan • The Shawnigan Lake Community Centre in Shawnigan Lake • The Kerry Park Recreation Centre in Mill Bay • The Frank Jameson Centre in Ladysmith Currently, North Oyster/Diamond pays a total of approximately $90,000 per year to fund the Frank Jameson Centre. The taxpayers in North Oyster passed a referendum on funding for the Frank Jameson Centre in the late 1970s. The public clearly supported that funding and has continued to make contributions to this day. For some unknown reason, Saltair residents pay approximately half that much. In the past, every time the Regional Recreation funding proposal was brought forward, the taxpayers and a number of rural directors did not support the agreement to provide funding universally from the whole region. Of
TAKE 5
take5.ca
33
34
course, the owners of the facilities feel that all of us should pay for the facilities, which we did not want or ask for. The facilities were constructed without input from the rural areas; we had no say on the type or size of the facilities that were constructed. Over the years, the CVRD files have become congested with numerous studies and expensive reports that were never acted upon. Numerous workshops, which are not free, have been held in attempt to have the rural areas pay for these facilities. In 2016, a facilitator was once again brought in to conduct workshops. The only thing that came out of the workshop was that a committee should form, with seven spaces allotted to the communities with facilities and only two spaces for rural directors. The directors from Areas H and G requested to be appointed to the committee, followed by a number of other rural directors, who also requested to sit on the committee. At the end of the day, it was decided that any director who requested to sit on the committee would be appointed. The goal of this committee is to put a referendum to the public to gain public support for the development of a new function to fund the recreational facilities. All nine electoral areas and the municipalities would pay into the function, regardless of whether or not the public uses them. Unlike the 2014 referendum for funding the Sportsplex, where the voters in each electoral area and municipality had separate referendums, only the voters
take5.ca
in the applicable jurisdiction could affect the outcome. The current proposal would be one joint referendum voted on by the entire region’s taxpayers. As you may recall, several areas in the Cowichan Valley rejected the idea of funding the privately operated Sportsplex. The residents who did not want to pay for that facility did not have to pay. Those who wanted to pay into the facilities were successful in sending their tax dollars to the facilities. In my opinion, the majority of the board members who voted for the region-wide recreational referendum voted in favour because the denser populated areas, who own and pay for the recreational facilities, would far outnumber the rural population, making no way for this referendum to be rejected. The taxes would decrease for populated areas, and significantly increase for rural taxpayers. Does this seem fair and democratic to you? I urge you to pay attention to this issue as it progresses through the process. It is my understanding that community meetings will be held in each area. Again, I urge you to attend the meetings, so that you can make an informed decision.
CVRD Area G (Saltair) Be Part Of Canadian History! We Need Volunteers! We are counting the number of cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles that travel through the Saltair section of Chemainus Road. This information will be used to reinforce the need for potential grants for the Trans Canada Trail. By volunteering, you will be a part of Canadian history and establishing the Trans Canada Trail. This opportunity offers a lot of fresh air and sunshine. Dates and times are flex-
JULY 2016
ible: any days of the week for two- or three-hour time slots. You can also help by encouraging walking, running or cycling groups to use Chemainus Road during the summer (June, July and August). If you are able to help and want more details, email volunteer@sunnysaltair.ca or phone me at 250-510-5431. Rotary Route. Chemainus Road in Saltair also serves as a part of the Rotary Cycling Route, established by the South Vancouver Island Rotary clubs to promote cycling and tourism on the Island. The Saltair Cycling and Pedestrian Committee supports this idea. Jason Wilson and I, members of the Saltair Cycling and Pedestrian Committee, went to the regular Rotary meeting in Chemainus as guest speakers. Jason did a very good PowerPoint presentation on the Rotary Cycling Route that runs from Swartz Bay, in the south, to Duke Point, in the north, on secondary roads. It runs through Mill Bay, Maple Bay, Crofton, Chemainus, Saltair, Ladysmith, Cedar to Duke Point. The route is a complete circle as, for mainlanders, it connects at Tsawwassen, where you can leave your car safely for the trip and return to it at the end of the trip. It is 110 kilometres of cycling and 110 kilometres of ferry rides. A lot cyclists are already using the route. See www.rotaryroute. org for more information. We did the presentation to raise awareness of the route that was created in 2005 by the South Island Rotary clubs to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Another reason was to ask for the support of the club members to write a letter to MOTI and North Cowichan to request that proper bike lanes be put on the Crofton Road when it gets repaved next year.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Crofton Road is part of the Rotary Route and the most dangerous part due to the big chipper trucks going to the pulp mill. We were well received by the club and they suggested we contact other Rotary clubs to raise awareness and get support. The Saltair survey information will also be used again to increase support for the upgrades of the Rotary Route as well as the completion of the Trans Canada Trail through Saltair. Sign up to help Saltair become a cycling-friendly community and have some fun. Saltair Bursaries - Each year the CVRD sponsors a bursary to one of three feeder secondary school areas in Area G — Saltair and the islands. The bursary is for $500, and the Saltair Ratepayers boost the bursary by $100 for Chemainus and Ladysmith. The other area is Thetis Island. The money for the bursaries comes from the Saltair Grant–In-Aid budget. The Chemainus Secondary Saltair Community Bursary recipient for 2016 is Jessica Roe. Jessica has been an active volunteer in her community as well as a model student. Jessica will be going to VIU first then to BCIT for a diploma in Medical Radiography. After that, she plans to get a Bachelor of Technology in Medical Imaging. Congratulations, Jessica! Kira Shiell was awarded the Saltair Community Bursary at the Ladysmith Secondary School Commencement Ceremonies, June 3, 2016. Kira is enrolled in Camosun College’s Community Support and Education Assistant Program and will start her studies in September at the Lansdowne Campus in Victoria. The program will prepare her to work with special needs students. Congratulations, Kira and much success in your career!
35
Keep Plastic Bags Out Of Curbside Recycling Contaminants like plastic bags can lead to entire loads of recyclables getting trashed, sorting machines breaking down and financial penalties to the CVRD that make recycling more expensive. For recycling plastic bags, you must take them to Peerless Road or Bings Creek, not at the curbside. Curbside Audits And Stickers If you mysteriously receive a “Gold Star” on your garbage can, you are doing a great job at keeping plastic bags out of curbside collection. If you receive an “OOPS” sticker it means you boo booed. Don’t take it personally! Even great recyclers need a refresher now and again. To find out more Google “Recycle 2.0 CVRD.”
36
take5.ca
JULY 2016
TAKE 5
take5.ca
37
38
Surfin’ Bird Don’t be alarmed, but there’s a possibility I might be going in for surgery. Brain surgery. It all started when I listened to a 60s hit song called “Surfin’ Bird.” My mistake was listening to it more than once. This has allowed it to take up permanent residency in my brain. That’s it with the funny hat and the beer straddling my prefrontal cortex. Which is why I now answer every second question with the refrain, “Papa Oom Mau Mau . Papa Oom Mau Mau.” Their advice at the clinic was to wait six weeks before doing anything. “Sometimes these things just go away on their own,” Doctor Spongaly said, with a Dr. Evil cackle. “If they don’t, we get aggressive.” That being the Sensory Deprivation Tank. Once in the tank, outside influences eliminated, a song is played, one equally as infectious as the one you’re suffering from, over and over again. In my case, they’re recommending “Louie Louie.” The idea being that the two songs will cancel each other out, much like how they fight a forest fire by lighting another fire in its path. Great care, however, must be taken when choosing the second song. If it’s compatible with the one in your brain, instead of cancelling it out, the two songs will join hands. This is why “the bird, bird, bird” in “Surfin’ Bird” ends with “Papa Oom Mau Mau,” making it doubly hard to get rid of. This leaves medical professionals with no choice, but to go in with saws, drills and, in some cases, a 12-pound ball peen hammer. All are very good reasons why never to shop at Wal-Mart for neurosurgeons. This phenomenon, of songs embedding themselves in your brains, is called the Macarena Effect and is no laughing matter. In fact, it’s a major concern to both the Pentagon and its Canadian counterpart, the Nanaimo Diefenbunker (that
take5.ca
being a convenient location for national defense, given its proximity to both Tim Horton’s and A&W, in addition to having plenty of underground parking). The defense community considers cracking the Macarena code, to be a task of the highest priority, much like finding a reliable supplier of epaulets. The fear of course is that the world’s nut balls will beat us in the race to discover why some songs have the power to take over our minds, while others don’t. This would allow them to develop keywords or jingles that will lodge in our brain, causing us to make poor decisions, and not just around the buffet table. It was revealed at a recent meeting of the UN Security Council that our enemies are spending billions of dollars, sometimes even their lunch money, in attempts to beat us to the punch. You can just bet one of them is that pudgy little North Korean rascal. It is reported that he spends more on brain control than both Cher and Joan Rivers combined spent on plastic surgery. Just imagine the havoc if a foreign power, one who speaks funny, say Newfoundland, took control of male brains, causing us to forget important dates (that being your anniversary, your wife’s birthday and of course, the most important date of all, because there are 52 of them each year, garbage day). Men would be so busy apologizing to their wives that there would be no time left to defend the country. Why, quicker than you can say, “Who’s the pudgy short fellow?” that North Korean guy with the funny haircut would land at a beach near you, coming in Douglas-MacArthur style (pants rolled up, Ray-Bans on, a uniform so crisp you’d swear it was deep fried), looking for the nearest MacDonald’s to plant the North Korean flag in. Don’t forget, an army moves on its stomach. And with all the drive-thrus plugged up with those North Korean guys in 1953 Buicks … wait a sec, those are the Cubans ... there would be no cheeseburgers left for our enlisted men. The inevitable consequence: they would lose so much weight and their pants would get so baggy that they would have the mobility of a road apple. HOWEVER, the biggest threat to our brain’s peace and quiet doesn’t come from offshore, it comes from within.
JULY 2016
Unscrupulous television advertisements, especially those on the evening news, played over and over again, for months on end. Obviously, they know they’re ANNOYING THE HELL OUT OF US (that bomb I sent would have clued them in) and yet they persist with their inept, clumsy efforts to make us do something stupid, like buy their product. My wife, ever sensible, tells me if watching the news bothers me so much, just don’t watch it. But it’s important that I keep abreast of ever-changing world developments, like the Thai guy who used his neighbour’s toilet, unaware the space had been sublet to a ten-foot python that took offense to being shit on and clamped his incisors onto the man’s penis. If that doesn’t make you think twice about oral sex, nothing will. For the last six months or so, the prime offender has been a home equity loan company teamed up with a retired broadcaster, who obviously must have made some poor investment choices if he’s pitching for these guys. The first thing you need to know about loan companies is: It wasn’t the bricklayers the Lord chased out of the temple. The second thing is: No one works harder at any home equity loan company than the euphemisms. You’re not going deeper and deeper in debt. No way, you’re far too smart for that. Instead, you’re “Using debt to advance your future, making your equity work for you.” Well, I say, don’t put up with it. Fight back. In the old days, this would mean going to the butcher and picking up a fresh horse head for your foe’s pillow. If you had a sense of humour maybe place a funny hat on the horse. Don’t forget cutouts for the ears. But these days require a more creative high-tech solution. That’s why I’ve ordered a ten-foot long snake from Thailand for the men’s can at my local TV station. Pretty much what you would expect from a guy whose every second thought is, “Papa Oom Mau Mau. Papa Oom Mau Mau.” (A good bottle of wine to enjoy before the surgeons go at you comes from Spain, Beronia Rioja Reserva, about $25.) Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com
TAKE 5
take5.ca
39
Celebrating 30 years Ladysmith Revitalization BY BERNARDIEN KNOL In 2016, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the revitalization project that swept through Ladysmith’s downtown core. It was with great enthusiasm that citizens and business owners came together in a very unique way of cooperation. Back in 1986, we could not anticipate how this project would shape our community into the place we all love and enjoy today.
Thirty years ago, a group of concerned citizens noticed that the appeal of the First Avenue business district had suffered over the years. With many of Ladysmith’s earliest buildings intact, moved from other locations in early 1900, and little new construction since WWI, the streetscape was predominantly that of an early 20th-century town. Downtown was waiting to be restored to its past glory to ensure a successful future. Ladysmith Mayor Kay Grouhel’s initial downtown improvements of sidewalks, concrete curbs and planting of trees had already started in the 1970s. On February 3, 1986, Council, under Mayor Alex Stuart, voted unanimously to start the revitalization of Ladysmith’s downtown business district. Main Street coordinator, Elizabeth Low, initiated the process, focussing on corners with the installation of exterior planters, ornamental lights, stairs down to the sidewalks and the creation of some inviting
TAKE 5
“meeting places.” The Downtown Merchants Association, under President Nita Grant, achieved the full cooperation and consideration of business owners and operators in following the new guidelines designed to bring visual harmony to the downtown core. Residents and work crews rallied together in a spirit of renewal that would have a positive impact on the whole Town. The objective of the new guidelines to restore the original “charm of the past” was to make sure that Ladysmith’s Heritage Resources would be maintained. Future new constructions, materials used, style details and paint colours were all discussed. Any exterior changes, both structural and aesthetic from 1986–on would require design approval. The resulting Heritage Revitalization Advisory Commission (HRAC) took on this project, and many other related projects since, to meet these objectives. Examples include restoring Aggie Hall, the metal photo collage outside the Royal Bank, the historic building plaques around Town and the upcoming Transfer Beach Pictorial. Phase 1 of the project focussed on First Ave and was completed on time, with a great celebration on July 25, 1986. After finishing the successful cleanup and improvements, Phase 2, which focussed on building facades, was well underway. Many businesses participated, continuing into the following year. Up to ten businesses were designated “Qualified Heritage Buildings” and were eligible for grants under the BC Heritage Trust. The Legion was painted top to bottom and a huge blue awning was installed. Other buildings, like Lee’s Goldsmith and Johnson’s Shoes, followed under the program with new windows, doors and cornices along the top, using earth-toned materials and muted shades of paint. The Downtown Revitalization Project, due to the willingness and participation of Ladysmith business owners, revitalized the economy of the commercial downtown. Ladysmith was named “One of Canada’s 10 Prettiest Communities” by Harrowsmith Magazine in 2000. Among others, HRAC remains an important commission, helping to keep Ladysmith’s heart, its downtown, beautiful while preserving its heritage into the future.
take5.ca
41
42
take5.ca
FOR RENT
HEALTH & BEAUTY
OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. Call 250-245-3395. FOR SALE BUSINESS FOR SALE. Kitty Korners is looking for new owners. Nine years old well established 17-room cat hotel with large client base. Best suited for a location in S. Nanaimo, Cedar, & Ladysmith area. Comes with everything you need — just move it to your space. Serious inquiries only. Please call 250-740-5287. WANTED LOOKING FOR small local artifacts from the 1950s and 1960s to use in a temporary display at the Ladysmith Museum during the month of August. Call 250-245-0423 or Shanon 250-9248809. BUSINESS I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, substantial editing and more. Web content, books, documents. Fiction or nonfiction. For more information, email editican@gmail.com. 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. KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE. Over 25 years licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing and maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical, etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756. BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS. Fishing, prawning, crabbing and sightseeing. Call 250210-0787 or 250-245-4185. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015.
JULY 2016
CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER available for summer/fall/winter. References avail. Prefer long stay. Kathleen 250-619-0786. WATER SPOTS on your shower glass? Have them polished off! Have a bright clean shower again! Try out our glass protection too. www. spotlessglass.ca. 250-734-2681. BEADS BEADS BEADS ETC.! 9752 Willow Street Chemainus. Best prices on the island. Follow us at Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-324-2227. I CAN PRESSURE WASH for you. Equipment cleaning , clean your driveway, get rid of moss, clean house, gutters, get ready for summer. $65/ hr, 3 hr min, seniors discount. Calll 250-510-7136. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with a video or mark a special occassion with a corporate history. Call TAKE 5 250-245-7015 for all your publishing needs - online and in print. editor@take5.ca EDUCATION SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT child care. SUMMER CAMPS FILLING FAST! (Lic# KRIS9MPPYV). Weekdays, 7am to 6pm. Outdoor, arts/crafts, hiking, building, music, nature. Full/ part-time and drop-in. Subsidy welcome. www. senseofplaceyp.com. Call 250-667-1222 or 250618-3396. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015. NON-TRADITIONAL PIANO, voice, and songwriting lessons. Learn foundational skills for great musicianship and creative expression. Email chelsea@chelseaedwardson.com or call Chelsea at 778-229-3207.
ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR. Get lean and healthy fast! Less than $5/meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! No gluten, wheat, barley or trans fat. www.taketimetoday.com. Call Suzanne Deveau 250-245-8407. 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. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com. For information and appointments, call 250-245-7738. TAI CHI For mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Sept. on Mondays at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Center. Both classes 10am to noon, $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466. YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS. Book four consecutive relax massages for $50 ea. (Reg. $65 ea.) Other treatments avail., crystal light chakra balancing, exfoliating rubs, warm wax treatments. Call for appointment and brochure 250-618-8218. HOME & YARD NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING. Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250668-8383. ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backslash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com. Call 250-924-4924. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
KEEP IT CLEAN SOLUTIONS. Top to bottom service. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule. Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 250-709-1364.
Too Crazy Birdy Hotel. Now four locations: Victoria, Cedar, Parksville and Comox Valley. Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws, $7, $14, $18 sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com. Call Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.
SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. Specializing in fall & spring cleaning inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735.
THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Call Shanon or Bill at 250-924-8809 Ladysmith.
THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. I also do odd jobs. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-6189217. ISLAND GARDEN SCAPES.CA for all your outdoor landscape & garden needs. Reasonable rates, free estimates: garden design & re-creation, clean up, planting, pruning, maintenance, lawns & painting. Email islandgardenscapes@gmail.com or call/text 250-802-0461. HOUSECLEANER - Long-time local housecleaner has openings available for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleaning. Cheerful reliable service. Call Heidi 250 327 2546. PETS 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! Call 250-246-3394.
JANITORIAL AND DOG WALKING SERVICES. Bonded, insured, flexible working hours. In town pet pick-up service. Email marchand.sarah4@ gmail.com or call or text 250-802-2615. SENIORS 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. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. NEED HOUSESITTERS for nice country home on Hawaii Island for six months from April 15 to Oct. 15. Prefer retired couple with independent income. For further info, email s.v.ceceline@ gmail.com or leave a message at 250-245-9165. SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, ramps; interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad). TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015.