TAKE 5 September 2015

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Letters Thanks from the fire departments On July 2, 2015 the North Cedar Fire Department and the North Oyster Fire Department were called to a significant wild fire event along the 3000 Block of Cedar Road that spanned both fire protection areas.

Due to high temperatures, windy conditions and a heavy fuel loads, this fire quickly grew to approximately 20 hectares and threatened several properties and required the assistance of multiple fire departments and the Ministry of Forests crews to contain.

Along with the attending fire crews, numerous community individuals and local companies as well as the British Columbia Ambulance Service and Ladysmith RCMP provided support through water delivery, food delivery, and assistance with livestock management, traffic control and medical services. Without the support of these individuals and agencies what was already a challenging call would have been all the more difficult.

The following agencies and individuals that we would like to recognize include: Cranberry Fire Department, Ladysmith Fire Department, Chemainus Fire Department, Extension Fire Department, Crofton Fire Department, Maple Bay Fire Department, Ministry of Forests Crews from Cobble Hill, Mid Island Water Hauling, NCE, Graff Excavating, Mike Schott Contracting, Bedrock Redi Mix, Ladysmith RCMP, British Columbia Ambulance Service, Dave Pridham – Ministry of Environment, 49th Parallel Grocery, CoCo Café, Cuthbert Farms, Jennifer Bradley, Jennifer Jones, Ian Jones, Cliff Haslam.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to these individuals and agencies and others individuals we are unaware of, for the tremendous support shown during this event.

- Percy Tipping, Fire Chief, North Cedar Fire Department and Jason de Jong, Fire Chief, North Oyster Fire Department

Senior Staff Wages at Ladysmith City Hall We so enjoyed reading Rob Johnson’s As I See It article in TAKE 5, August issue. We firmly believe that there should be a wage freeze for senior staff at Ladysmith City Hall. We feel a committee of consultants; council and members of the general public should be appointed to review wages in comparison to

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other municipalities (similar in size to Ladysmith) and private businesses to determine if the staff is getting a fair wage or if they are being over paid. We feel this is a small town with a small tax base so we want to be sure that the Senior Staff are being compensated accordingly and not receiving wages that would be for similar jobs in a larger city. - Larry Gieni and Cindy Gieni

Derelict ship Thanking TAKE 5 for there continued interest in the Viki Lyne II however nothing seems to be happening to get rid of the menace that this ship poses .I have contacted Coast Guard in Victoria they appear to be very concerned but are strapped for the necessary funds to deal with matter.So far have only been able to remove the diesel on board. The heavier oil and hydraulic oil pose more of a threat to our shoreline and harbour.

Recently the wooden boat that was tied up beside the Viki Lyne went down. We certainly hope the same fate the same fate does await the Viki Lyne .Hoping for a resolution to this disaster waiting to happen. - Herb Cordingley

Water lot 651, Ladysmith The July 19th protest of the potential disaster of the Viki Lyne was well attended and well-intentioned and Rob

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Pinkerton must be commended for his effort to bring this to the public’s attention. But one level of government was missing in the event, perhaps the most important one, and there are other issues not being addressed.

The following covers some of the issues arising from the inaction of the Province and the Town of Ladysmith to find solutions to the current condition of the harbour.

Water Lot 651 is owned by the Province of BC and has been since BC gained control over the seabed, probably when it joined the Dominion of Canada. Since then, as landlord, the BC government has collected millions of dollars in lease payments from the various companies occupying the lot for business activities, all of which contributed some part of the current state of contamination. And the BC government, as the land owner, let them do it.

The BC government controls the entire seabed in BC, except those areas where the control is assigned to a federally granted entity such as Nanaimo Port Authority, Vancouver Port Authority, and Victoria Capital Commission etc.

Every marina, log sort, aquaculture operation and individuals with private docks in Ladysmith Harbour, must have a current lease with the province and pay annual fees set out in each water lease agreement.

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However, the current occupiers of Water Lot 651 (Dog Patch) are paying nothing for the use of the area each one occupies. But Water Lot 651 is not the only area of problems that people should be concerned about.

Lot 16G, a registered water lot often referred to as Slack / Slag Point is another environmental disaster owned by the BC government. It is a known, recognized contaminated site by the province and has been studied no less than 8 or 9 times, all resulting in the same conclusions. It is basically unusable, except for possible recreational, open air activities, more on this later.

It is a water lot for a couple of reasons.

First surveyed by the Royal Navy in 1904-5, the resulting chart showed where there is now land (not really land) about 10 - 15 feet above sea level, (about the middle of the point) there was 6 fathoms or 36 feet of water at low tide. The materials described below make up the difference or about 50 -60 feet.

The material making up Slack / Slag Point is not natural soil / rock. It is fill comprising of coal slack, copper smelter tailings, local garbage, discarded industrial equipment and wood fibre from log sort / handing operations over the years.

It produces methane and hydrogen sulfide gases from the decomposition of the buried carbon based materials. It also is subject to liquefaction, a condition that results from strong earth tremors that causes the unconsolidated material to liquefy and not support any structure.

This is common to several parts of the world where buildings simply sink into the unstable soil whenever an earthquake hits. It cannot support any structures.

The dumped materials also are slowly choking off the entrance to the harbour with about a 4 meter (13 feet) rise in the seabed between Woods Island and the point. One can imagine what would happen if we experience sizable earthquake that liquefies Slack Point causing more material to slide toward Woods Island and creating a complete blockage of the harbour entrance. The environmental and economic consequences can readily be imagined should such an event occur.

Why is this situation not being addressed by any level of government?

Why has the BC Government not taken any responsibility for the potential mess and the current, unappealing, condition

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with sunken boats, wrecks on shore, pollution, and sewage being dumped by these boats?

Why hasn’t the Town of Ladysmith pressured for some action from the owner of this lot? They surely would if it were owned by a private individual within the boundary of the town.

The Town has long looked for some developer with deep pockets to come and clean up the harbour and create some form of business enterprise there, but all that have considered it have left town without any action.

The citizens of Ladysmith have, more than once, declared to the Town Council that they wish the waterfront to be a public asset, available for recreational use and enjoyment by locals and visitors alike which is contrary to the council wishing / waiting for someone else to do something.

The Official Community Plan of Ladysmith, Waterfront Area Plan, Section 2.1 Objectives states, “To ensure public access and use of the waterfront and harbour, and continue to provide both active and passive recreation opportunities on the waterfront for residents and visitors to Ladysmith. To preserve and protect significant natural vegetation, steeply sloped areas, and the shoreline of the waterfront from development” There are solutions to accomplish this but both the Province and the Town of Ladysmith have, to this point, decided to leave everything as is. A proposal for a Marine Park and campground was made three years ago but the Ministry of Environment – BC Parks declined due to contamination issues, on their own lots, and the Town of Ladysmith has not responded yet. There does not appear to be any plan or determination for future use, other than to perhaps order another study. It is complicated but ignoring it will not make it go away or clean itself up. Positive action by all levels of government, including First Nations is needed but more importantly, strong leadership with public interest in mind must start the process of making a silk purse… - George Creek 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.

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Research in food sustanability leads to the “other” meat EDIBLE BUGS!

BY MARINA SACHT Afton Halloran is a Ladysmith girl who has become known worldwide for her work in ...bugs! At 27 years old, she is a PhD fellow within the GREEiNSECT research consortium (www.greeinsect. ku.dk), a group of public and private institutions investigating how insects can be utilized as novel and supplementary sources of protein in small to large-scale industries in Kenya. Her research focuses on the socio-economic, nutritional, and environmental impacts of cricket farming in Thailand and Kenya. She formally worked as a consultant with the Insects for Food and Feed Programme at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). She is a co-author on the FAO’s most popular publication “Edible insects: future prospects for food and feed security.” At the FAO, she also developed a discussion paper on the regulatory frameworks

Afton Halloran with a bounty of bugs.

governing insects as food and feed. Afton holds a BSc (honours) in Global Resource Systems from the University of British Columbia, and a MSc in Agricultural Development from the University of Copenhagen where she wrote her thesis on the legitimization and institutionalization of urban agriculture systems in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Copenhagen, Denmark. Her research interests include sustainable food systems, food policy, rural-urban interactions, undervalued foods, farmers’ organizations and sustainable diets.

Why should we in North America be concerned about “bugs”?

I see the case of edible insects as a great starting point for discussing the importance of exploring undervalued and underutilized foods. We need only

to look in our own back yards to realize this. On Vancouver Island alone there are so many plant species, wild meats and seafood that could be better incorporated into our diets. I believe that insects are a good entry point for asking “why not?” when it comes to forgotten foods.

Is this something we will be seeing here? Are there opportunities here on Vancouver Island?

I think the biggest potential is in the aquaculture feed industry. Insects are not a part of our food culture, so I don’t think that the quantities that might be consumed would have a major impact on our food system at this point in time.

There are already two companies (Enterra and OfBug) that I know working on raising black soldier flies on municipal organic waste in Vancouver. The fly larvae can then be used as high quality, high protein feed. There are many possibilities out there for Island entrepreneurs. This is an emerging field, so the sky is really the limit (www.greeinsect. ku.dk) led by the University of Copenhagen, Department for Nutrition, Exercise and Sports. Our research group is a collaborative research consortium of Kenyan and international universities and private partners aiming to investigate how production of selected insect species can be developed in Kenya as a nutritious food source, as well as a novel protein source for animal feed.

What’s your favourite edible bug?

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Afton Halloran together with her fiancee Roberto Flore, Head Chef of the Nordic Food Lab, chefs from Le Cordon Bleu Bangkok and other presenters at the Insects in a Gastronmic Context.

My fiancé Roberto is the Head Chef at the Nordic Food Lab (www.nordicfoodlab.org) in Copenhagen. He has prepared some amazing plates using insects. Despite being a horribly ugly insect, male giant water bugs found in the rice fields of Thailand have a distinctly sweet and floral smell. In fact, their innards smell like orange blossoms and can be used to flavour drinks or in a dipping sauce. I know this sounds crazy for most people, but we know so little about the diversity of taste of insects. As Roberto often says: “tasting is believing.” While there are many insect products out there they are often fried so they can often lose their subtle flavours and just take on the taste of a potato chip. There are over 2000+ edible insect species in the world, so the spectrum of taste is astounding.

And least favourite?

Although silkworm pupae are consumed in many parts of Asia I think that they taste… well… like a mouthful of silk!

When you were growing up did insects interest you?

As a child I loved playing outside. We have a beautiful forest on our family property so I spent a lot of time capturing all sorts of little critters. I would try to bring them into the house much to my mother’s horror (she was very good at calmly suggesting that these creepy crawlies belonged outside). But I was raised to appreciate the big and little aspects of nature, so my actions were seen as a sign of a healthy childhood in the countryside.

I still find the sound of crickets chirping one of the most calming and quintessential sounds of the Canadian summer.

Eating Insects Many places in the world already consume insects as part of their diet. “From ants to beetle larvae – eaten by tribes in Africa and Australia as part of their subsistence diets – to the popular, crispy-fried locusts and beetles enjoyed in Thailand, it is estimated that insect-eating is practiced regularly by at least two billion people worldwide, ” an FAO report states. The most common bugs consumed beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps, ants, grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, cicadas, leaf and planthoppers, scale insects, true bugs, termites, dragonflies, flies.

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“Mr. Ladysmith” is Citizen of the Year 2015 Rob Johnson is known to many as “Mr. Ladysmith” for his unflagging love and enthusiasm for the town of Ladysmith for all of his life. Historian, volunteer, town councillor, writer, only begin the list of dedication Rob has shown for his town.

He’s the guy you’d see on a Sunday surrounded by a group of history buffs, walking the town sharing the secrets of Ladysmith’s streets and heritage buildings. Or the guy you see volunteering for anything that’s needed, be it putting up lights, conducting harbour tours, sitting on heritage and historical committees...

Deeply interested and concerned for the running of the town, you’ll find Rob at monthly Council meetings, keeping an eye on things. At home and abroad he is

Ladysmith Citizen of the Year 2015, Rob Joihnson with his wife Marilyn at Ladysmith Days.

Photo: Cindy Damphousse

Ladysmith’s goodwill ambassador, encouraging visitors to come and enjoy the town to its fullest. Ladysmith is lucky to have you amongst its number, Rob.

Thank you and congratulations, Citizen of the Year.

“I look upon this honour for me as being being a symbol. A symbol represent-

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ing each and everyone of you that are donating your time and effort to making this a better place to live. I wish to thank you all ,� says Johnson.

Tour de Rock line up Logger Sports are Back!

Bring your lawn chair or blanket - the Logger Sports are back September 6 at 4pm in Ladysmith! This event is always a crowd favourite and this year you can come on down and meet some of

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the Tour de Rock riders. Hot dogs and hamburgers are available by donation.

Admission by donation with all the proceeds going to the Tour de Rock Send Kids with Cancer to Camp Goodtimes.

Sponsored by Otter Point Timber.

Family Movie Night The movie Planes‌ Fire/Rescue will be held on the lawn at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. The Ladysmith fire department will be there with a truck at 7pm. Admission, as well as pop, hotdogs

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and popcorn will be sold by donation.

Raffle tickets for the Fire/Rescue beer fridge will also be sold. Sept. 1, at dusk.

Beer Fridge Raffle Now until September 28 you can purchase a raffle ticket for a stocked Fire/ Rescue beer fridge. Tickets are $10 and there are only 500 available. (value $450) Get yours soon as they will sell out! Available from any Ladysmith Firefighter, Tour de Rock committee members, or at the logger sports or family movie night.

Fox and Hounds Burger Fundraiser Starting September 28 for a year, $1.50 from every “The Rock Burger” - a 7 oz prime rib burger with spinach, goat cheese and strawberries purchased will go towards Tour de Rock. Head to the Fox and Hounds for a tasty burger and support a great cause!

Tour de Rock Events September 28, 2pm approximately, the riders stop at Tim Hortons and then ride down First Avenue to the Ladysmith & District Credit Union where events will be happening in the Ladysmith & District Credit Union parking lot for approximately 45 minutes.

September 28, 6pm is the Red Serge Dinner, Eagles Hall.

Live auction, wall of wine raffle, dinner and raffles. Tickets $25 available at Ladysmith & District Credit Union and the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to donate a raffle item, please contact Lynn Halkett or Laura Giles or drop it off at the Ladysmith Chronicle at 940 Oyster Bay Drive.

Ladysmith Hosts 35th Annual Terry Fox Run Ladysmith Parks, Recreation and Culture hosts the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 20, the 35th anniversary of the original “Marathon of Hope”, which still embodies the ideal of each person pursuing their goals despite challenges, and doing what they can for a very worthy cause. The Ladysmith community comes out in force to honour this Canadian hero and raise funds for the innovative research initiatives of the Terry Fox Foundation, with donations from local businesses, and volunteers helping with registration, course marshaling, and cheering on participants.

Local event coordinator Anita McLeod has been involved since the first Ladysmith event in 1986, and anticipates this year’s run with more emotion than usual. This will be the first Terry Fox Run since her father’s death at 88 in November last

year, and she had always been inspired by his enthusiastic yearly participation in the Vancouver Terry Fox Run. She remembers his story of having been on the road in northern Ontario to meet the “Marathon of Hope” on the day that Terry had to stop in Thunder Bay when his cancer returned.

Anita invites you to participate this year, bring your friends and family, and walk, run, wheel, or ride the 2.5 km route (up to 4 times) and enjoy a muffin and juice afterward. Registration is at 10 am, and the start is at 11. Come out and help fulfil Terry’s dream, “a dream as big as our country!”

Site selected for new Cowichan Hospital Following an extensive selection process that began in 2013, the Cowichan Valley Regional Hospital District (CVRHD) has identified the preferred site in the Cowichan Valley for the eventual replacement of the Cowichan District Hospital.

The CVRHD is pleased to announce that three properties located at 6751, 6771 and 6793 Bell McKinnon Road will form the site for a potential future new hospital. These properties are located south of Herd Road a short distance from the intersection of Highway 18 and the Trans-Canada Highway and within the Municipality of North Cowichan. The purchase of these lands is subject to rezoning to permit a hospital use.

The CVRHD has been putting funds into reserves to accommodate its 40% share of the cost for a new hospital; to date there is $22.6 million in this reserve fund. Funding for the purchase of the properties is coming out of the reserve fund and once constructed, all costs associated with the property purchase will be included in the CVRHD’s 40% share of the hospital cost.

Rotary 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament On September 26, 2015, the Rotary Clubs of Ladysmith and Chemainus will be hosting its 5th annual fundraising golf tournament at Mount Brenton Golf Club in Chemainus. Shotgun start, four person scramble, 18 holes of golf, cart, prizes for everyone, draws, silent and live auctions, hot buffet breakfast, BBQ luncheon. You may enter as a single or a team.

The main sources of fundraising at the golf tournament are sponsorship and team entries. Be a hole sponsor for $350, this includes having a sign professionally prepared.What a great way to get your company name out into the community!

Also offered is the opportunity to be a meal sponsor or a cart sponsor. Meal sponsors will have their signage posted in the dining room during the awards luncheon. Cart sponsors will be acknowledged on the cart that is sponsored. Any hole or meal sponsor who enters a team will be recognized as a Gold Sponsor and the total cost will be $750. This year, they are offering a Platinum Sponsorship for a meal, hole and cart sponsorship as well as a team entry for a cost of $1,000.

And, of course, donated prizes are welcomed as well as items for the silent and live auctions.

Contact Joan Phillips, 250-245-8104, joph@telus.net or Tom Andrews, 250-210-2402, tomandrewsvii@gmail.com for more information or to register. You must pre-register.

Gong Show Fundraiser Walter Muzychka at last year’s Terry Fox Run. Photo submitted.

The Ladysmith Eagles Auxiliary will be hosting a Gong Show fundraiser on September 26, 2015 at the Eagles Hall. Based on the old TV show, both good and bad acts are invited.

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Puppy Love Marie Doherty wanted a puppy. And she meant it. She set up a lemonade stand in front of her house. “She made $215 the first few days and then it tapered off, says dad Terry Doherty. She not only raised $350 but also learned a lot about socializing.

Here she is with Scarlett, a beautiful Irish setter. Photo submitted.

If you aren’t very good, you might get the Gong but if you make it to the end of your act, the celebrity judges will score the acts from 1 to 10. The winning act will receive the Golden Gong trophy, a tube sock and 516 (nickels) and 32 (pennies). The original show called for the winner to get $516.32 but hey, it’s for charity…..BC Children’s Hospital to be exact.

Former Ladysmith resident turned actor Nathan Dashwood (The Ties that Bind, Arrow) has agreed to be one of the celebrity judges. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets, which are $15.00 each, include a light snack and are available at the Ladysmith Eagles lounge.

Also for tickets or to enter an act, contact Debby Baker, 250-740-5259.

Cedar Fun Daze

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Congratulations to Carter Bouma, age 14.

Low gross score of the Ladysmith Golf Club youth gift tournament with a gross score of 1 over par. Photo: Rob Johnson.

“F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. are a not for profit group of individuals who “support parrots and their people”. They have moved their meetings to St. Philip Church Hall at 1797 Cedar Road. They meet the fourth Sunday of every month at 1:30 p.m, and parrots are welcome. If you have ever thought of having a parrot this is a great place to start – get tips on cage size, menu plans and see parrots up close and personal. One of their mandates is to assist parrots to find new homes, we encourage “Don’t Shop Adopt” as parrots lives such long lives. Diana Slater owner of “toocrazybirdyhotel.com” has a number of parrots they range in age from 3 to 55 – mostly Cockatoos and they are all part of the F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S flock. Diana said “F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. help cockatiels, all the way up to Cockatoos and Macaws, even the smallest live long lives. Cockatoos are a species of parrot that are quite loud and that makes

Mark your calendar, for Saturday September 12, from 11am - 3pm it’s time for the Cedar Fun Daze! This year marks the 18th Anniversary of this very popular family event. Grab the kids and head on down to the Cedar Village Square for a day of kids games, face painting, entertainment, food, prizes and fun for everyone. Come out and meet your community sponsors.

Feathers now meet in Cedar

Bird group now meets in Cedar.

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Patrick Dunae with his latest book, Common Bonds. Dunae is also the writer of the popular Ladysmith & District Credit Union history with all proceeds going to Ladysmith Historical Society.

them harder to find new homes but they talk to your soul”. The group believes thay should be in the wild but they were tamed years ago, and for that we are responsible. You will also get a chance to see them up close at Cedar Fun Daze.

Royal LePage acquires Coast Realty from Campbell River to Nanaimo including Powell River Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty has purchased Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Gabriola branches. Nanaimo Realty, a company spawned by Frank and Bill Ney in 1947 is still standing the test of time after 68 years. President Barry Clark, a 50 year veteran, states that “the recent purchase will enhance the company and regain a leading position on Vancouver Island.”

This acquisition will add 60 proven professionals to their real estate team bringing the total to over 100 agents.

The property management department will also grow to 400 units. They look forward to working with their new colleagues as they move their offices to easier accessible locations.

The new office for Royal LePage is where the former Coast Realty office was located in the Ladysmith Trading

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(l-r) Wilma Wickham, Jennifer Forbes, Ruth Atkinson, Jeanne Armstrong, Nora Wastman, Pam Fraser, and Paul Laroche at the 30 year celebration of Ladysmith’s Memorial Garden.

Photo: Rob Johnson Cedar caper!

Someone recently made off with the framed photograph displayed at the Cedar Hall. It had been presented to the Cedra Women’s Institute last year and showed the “Speedway” in the early days.

If anyone has any information, please contacvt them or better yet, just return it. We can make you a copy! Photo submitted.

Co. building at 410 First Avenue, Ladysmith.

Royal LePage, a Canadian company, has been in business for 102 years with over 16,000 sales representatives in more than 600 locations throughout Canada.

Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, their national charity, has raised over 20 million dollars since inception, averaging more than 2 million dollars each year. 100% of funds raised stay locally to help women’s shelters and help those that are fleeing domestic violence (Haven House.)

Friday Nite Basketball in Nanaimo After over 20 years of dribbling and driving basketballs, Friday Nite Basketball will once again fill gymnasiums in Nanaimo with boys and girls shooting hoops and squeaking runners.

This year the basketball league is offering the program for youth in grades 1 to 6, and this includes a program for grades 3 to 5 in Cinnabar Valley. Volunteer coaches are needed and the league is hoping to have some of their alumni from previous years return to be part of this popular program. Coaches will be given an orientation which will include ideas, support and guidelines for this fun coaching opportunity.

Friday Nite Basketball offers the players skills training and game practice on Friday nights from September 11 to November 27. Cross Trainers offer a short Christian life-skills story and all of the volunteers work together to encourage skill development while having a lot of fun!

For more information check the website www.fridaynitebasketball.com or contact the Nanaimo registrar at fnb.nanaimo@ gmail.com

Memorial Gardens celebrates 30 years

BY ROB JOHNSON Thirty years ago a sad occasion was the starting point for the creation of one of Ladysmith’s hidden gems. The much loved Doris Gallagher’s death from cancer led to numerous donations to the Ladysmith Hospital Auxiliary and they were in search of a suitable project. A memorial garden was chosen as Doris was an avid gardener. Once the project was decided upon, more donations and ideas came forth which resulted in the creation of the Doris Gallagher Memorial Garden on the grounds of the Ladysmith Hospital. Work parties transformed scrub land with lots of blackberries into a place of solitude and relaxation for patients of the hospital and their families.

Today it is still maintained by a special group of volunteers with the support of the Ladysmith Hospital Auxiliary. The colourful garden has been the backdrop for a number of weddings.

The volunteers invite you to come and see the results of their hard work. The Doris Gallagher Memorial Garden is located in the northeast corner of the hospital grounds.

Winter garden planting workshop Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club is hosting Carolyn Herriot for a talk on September 17, Saving Your Own Food Seeds - Everything You Need is in the Kitchen. Carolyn is a passionate gardener, speaker and author.

There’s no such thing as sustainable food production unless we have the seeds with which to grow the food. Carolyn has operated ‘Seeds of Victoria’ since 1991 and was instrumental in launching Seedy Saturdays across Vancouver Island to facilitate the collection and sharing of local food seeds for future food security. In this talk she shows you how easy it is to save seeds and money at the same time. Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club Meetings are held at St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, 314 Buller Street in Ladysmith. Doors open at 6:30p.m., Speaker at 7 p.m., If you are not a current member, $5 drop-in fee.

COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE

Sept 1-5 1, 1-5pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, Transfer Beach 250-245-2112 1, at dusk: Family Movie Night - Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Held on the lawn at the Ladysmith Resource Centre by donation. The Ladysmith Fire/Rescue will be there with a truck at 7pm. - pop, hotdogs and popcorn will be sold by donation. Raffle tickets for the Fire/Rescue beer fridge will also be sold.

7, Bingo Open 4:45pm, starts at 6:40pm. Loonie Pot, G.Ball, Bonanza and 50/50 Draw - Everyone welcome. Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

8, 9:30am, The Nanaimo-Ladysmith Retired Teachers Assn. is hosting a “To Hell with the Bell” breakfast, ABC Restaurant, Mary Ellen Dr., Current RTA members are welcome too!

8, 1-5pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, Transfer Beach. 250-245-2112

2, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

9, 11:45 -1 pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce General Meeting, Dragon City Restaurant.

Speaker: Coast Salish Development Corp.

3, Nanaimo Art Gallery presents Silva, a contemporary art project consisting of two exhibitions. nanaimoartgallery.com.

9, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Friday, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

3, 2pm, 9 & Dine. Enjoy 9 holes of golf and a delicious 3 course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157.

10, 2pm, 9 & Dine. Enjoy 9 holes of golf and a delicious 3 course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course. 250-245-5157

4-28, noon-4pm, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery: Caught Red Handed. Guest speaker Paul Fudge, sponsor John Surtees.

11, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

4 - Nov 2, 10-5pm Nanaimo Museum - A Terrible Beauty: Edward Burtynsky in Dialogue with Emily Carr. Open Monday -Saturday. 250 753-1821 or visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca.

11-12, 7:30pm, Jeeves Intervenes – British Comedy, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-2469820.

4, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

Sept 6-12 6, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot, Cedar.

6, 4pm, Logger Sports held at Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. Admission and hot dogs by donation, 50/50 tickets and raffle tickets for the Fire/Rescue beer fridge will be sold. Come and meet some of this year’s TDR riders.

11-12, 3 - 8 pm, Great Canadian Beer Festival, 2015 Royal Athletic Park, Victoria gcbf.office@ gmail.com 250 383-2332.

12, 9-11am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

12, 11am -3pm, 18th Annual Cedar Fun Daze.

Family fun for everyone! Cedar Village Square.

12, 12- 5pm, Great Canadian Beer Festival 2015.

Royal Athletic Park, Victoria gcbf.office@gmail. com 250 383-2332.

12, 9pm, Diamond Dawgs, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033

Sept 13-19 13, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot, Cedar 13-19, 7:30pm, Jeeves Intervenes – British Comedy, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-2469820.

14, Bingo. Open 4:45pm, starts at 6:40pm. Loonie Pot, G.Ball, Bonanza and 50/50 Draw - Everyone welcome. Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

15, 9am-1pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, 49th Parallel Grocery parking lot, 250-245-2112.

16, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

16, 11:30-1 pm, Soup and Sandwich, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

17, 10am - General Meeting, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

17, 8:30am, Introduction to Passive House Design and Construction, Parksville Community Conference Centre, 132 Jensen Ave., Parksville gargi@canphi.ca 17, 2pm, 9 & Dine. Enjoy 9 holes of golf and a delicious 3 course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157.

17, 6:30pm - Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club.

Saving your own seeds with Carolyn Herriot, 314 Buller Street.

18, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

19, 8pm, Denim & Diamonds Country Hoedown Dance. Royal Cdn. Legion #191- Chemainus.

D.J Music 9-1. Good music, good food (chili & cornbread), tickets $20. Call 250-246-4532/250246-3133.

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19, 5-8:30, Pot Luck Birthday Party for August and September birthdays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

19, 7 pm, The Official Blues Brothers Review at the Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo. Box office: 250-754-8550 www.porttheatre.com 19, 3-7pm, Open Jam Session featuring Island Country Band, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033

Sept 20-26 20-26, 7:30pm, Jeeves Intervenes – British Comedy, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-2469820.

20, 10am, The 35th Annual Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research, Frank Jameson Community Centre, 810 6th Ave. 250-245-6424 20, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot, Cedar.

21, 7pm, Ladysmith Council Meeting, City Hall 410 Esplanade. 250-245-6400 21, Bingo Open 4:45pm, starts at 6:40pm. Loonie Pot, G.Ball, Bonanza and 50/50 Draw.

Everyone welcome. Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

22, 9am-1pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, 49th Parallel Grocery parking lot, 250-245-2112.

22, 7:00pm, Ladysmith Camera Club – “Splashworks”. Live demonstration, capturing water in motion for more creative studio photography. Hardwick Hall, 228 High Street, Ladysmith, www.LadysmithCameraClub.com 23, 7:30- 9am, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Round Table Meeting. Ladysmith Maritime Society Welcome Centre (upstairs) RSVP www.ladysmithcofc.com 23, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

24, 2pm, 9 & Dine. Enjoy 9 holes of golf and a delicious 3 course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157.

24, 7pm, Draft Budget Presentation at Committee of the Whole Meeting, NCID 2100 Yellow Point Rd. 250-722-3711 25, 9:30-11am, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

25, Fox and Hounds Burger Fundraiser. $1.50 from The Rock Burger - a 7 oz prime rib burger with spinach, goat cheese and strawberries- for an entire year will go towards Tour de Rock.

26, 5-7:30pm, White Dinner in support of CAN

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Canucks Autism Network. Dress in your whites and sit amongst the grapevines enjoying local music. Please RSVP so a table can be set aside - contact linda@rockycreekwinery.ca or 250-748-5622.

26, 3-7pm, Open Jam Session featuring Island Country Band, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 26, 8am, 5th Annual Charity Golf tournament, Mount Brenton Golf Course, shotgun start, 4 person scramble, 18 holes, cart, prizes for everyone, draws, silent and live auctions, hot buffet breakfast, bbq luncheon joph@telus.net or tomandrewsvii@gmail.com

Sept 27-30 27-30, 7:30pm, Jeeves Intervenes – British Comedy, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-2469820.

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Cancer Society. Tickets: 250-246-4532.

29, 9am-1pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, 49th Parallel Grocery parking lot, 250-245-2112.

30, 9:30-11, Muffin Mornings Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

30, 5-7pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer. Hosted by Coast Salish Development Corporation Office (new office on highway) 12610 Trans Canada Hwy.

Oct 1-5 1, to Nov. 2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery -Harvest.

Guest Speaker John Marston, sponsor Little Valley Restoration. Open Tuesday-Sunday noon to 4 pm.

1-3, 7:30pm, Jeeves Intervenes – British Comedy, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820.

27, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot, Cedar.

1, 2pm, 9 & Dine. Enjoy 9 holes of golf and a delicious 3 course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157.

27, 1, 4, 7pm, Theatre One Fringe Flicks presents I’ll See You in My Dreams, Avalon Cinema Woodgrove Centre, 250-754-7587.

2, 3-7pm, Open Jam Session featuring Island Country Band, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033

28, 2pm approx: Tour de Rock event: Riders stop at Tim Hortons and then ride down to Ladysmith & District Credit Union.

3, 1pm, RDN Green Building Series – New Construction Project, Jingle Pot Area. 250-390-6510

28, Bingo. Opens 4:45pm, starts at 6:40pm.

Loonie Pot, G.Ball, Bonanza and 50/50 Draw Everyone welcome. Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre on Willow Street.

28, 6pm, Tour de Rock event: Red Serge Dinner, Eagles Hall. Live auction, wall of wine raffle, dinner and raffles.

28, 7pm, Theatre One Fringe Flicks presents I’ll See You in My Dreams, Avalon Cinema Woodgrove Centre. 250-754-7587.

29, Tour de Rock Annual Breakfast. Come on out and support the riders. All proceeds go to the BC

4, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate parking lot, Cedar.

4, 1pm, FREE Dyslexia Information Seminar, for more information call Reset 250-245-8412.

5, 7pm, Ladysmith Council Meeting, City Hall, 410 Esplanade. 250-245-6400

(left to right) 12, Cedar Fun Daze 20, 35th Annual Terry Fox Run 27, Theatre One Fringe Flicks

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Jeeves Intervenes in Chemainus From the stories of P.G. Wodehouse.

Adapted by Margaret Raether.

Chemainus Theatre Festival revives two beloved characters in their fall production, Jeeves Intervenes. The comedic play by British author P. G. Wodehouse is a story of folly between the doddering Bertie Wooster, and his save-the-day valet, Jeeves.

Jeeves Intervenes follows the classic Wodehouse style. Confirmed bachelor Bertram Wilberforce Wooster and his old school chum Eustace BassingtonBassington are determined to avoid their high-society fate. “Bertie” is facing an arranged marriage to Gertrude, while “Basie” is looking for any way to escape an unwanted job in India (and instead win Gertrude’s hand at the altar).

In desperation, they enact an outrageous ruse to dodge the meddling Aunt Agatha and Uncle Rupert. However, as their plan spins wildly out of control only the quick-witted manservant Jeeves can rescue the men from their unfortunate futures.

Returning to the Chemainus Theatre Festival are director Ian Farthing, Warren Bain as Bertie Wooster, Bernard Cuffling as Jeeves, Brian Linds as Sir Rupert, and Barbara Pollard as Aunt Agatha. New to the Festival are Olivia Hutt as Gertrude, and Seth Little as Eustace.

Behind the scenes production is credited to set designer, Laurin Kelsey; costume designer, Näomi Lazarus; lighting designer, Darren Boquist; stage manager, David Baughan; apprentice stage manager, Linzi Voth.

Jeeves Intervenes is buoyant entertainment for audiences of all ages. Devotees and newbies to the Jeeves series can partake in this hilarious caper from September 11 to October 3. Tickets are available now at 1-800-565-7738 or chemainustheatre.ca.

New pictorial book on Nanaimo history Nanaimo born author and historian J. Douglas Steel has just released his fourth book on the city that he truly loves titled Nanaimo: a Pictorial History. The book contains over 250 photographs in colour and black and white, covering the city and the surrounding area’s past to the present day with captions on each page.

The book will not only be of interest to

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older city residents but also to ones to the area as well to tourists upon visiting our town and area wishing to return home with fond memories. The book describes Nanaimo in page by page text and shows it in many photographs never published before. The attractive book sells for $29.99 and is available at book and gift stores throughout the area or from the author direct by calling Doug Steel at 250-585-6088 or email domasteel@shaw.ca

What’s Up? Have you ever been caught red-handed? That’s the name of the new art exhibit opening at Ladysmith’s Waterfront Gallery. The Caught Red Handed show runs September 4 to 28. Gala opening is September 4 at 7 pm with guest speaker Paul Fudge. Open noon to 4 pm, seven days a week.

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On the Garden Path Al Fresco Dining

BY CAROLYN HERRIOT It’s been a perfect year for al fresco dining which makes delicious food taste even better! Despite drought and water shortages farmers are happy because in some cases, corn and figs to mention two, they are getting two crops off in one year and there are bumper yields of everything. Eating outdoors in the cool of the evening takes me back to past vacations in Spain, Italy and Greece where I was fortunate to experience flavours of the region al fresco in to-die-for rustic settings.

Living in the midst of Cowichan Valley farmland provides ingredients for a similar experience and we have been enjoying ‘seasonally appropriate’ dining from this region all summer. I refer to fresh figs as ‘the nectar of the Gods’ but by pressing a bit of your favourite cheese into the fig and grilling it for a few minutes makes them simply divine. Adding chopped fresh figs to salads and as a pizza topping is also very tasty, so it’s a good thing there’s a second crop coming.

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Have you thought of BBQing green beans?

Simply marinade green beans in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, with salt, pepper and chopped fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme.

Toss them onto the BBQ each side for five minutes until they become soft and enjoy a new eating experience.

Our field grown heritage tomatoes are so abundant and flavourful that I have been making lots of salsa. I’m sure you have a favourite salsa recipe but have you tried making it with a food processor? Throw two cloves garlic and an onion into the food processor and pulse to chop; throw in six (skinned and cored) salad tomatoes, two roasted jalapeno peppers (without seeds), a bunch of cilantro and pulse a few times to a coarse texture. Strain the salsa through a sieve to remove the excess juice, then add the juice of one lime and salt to taste. Leave in the fridge for flavours to meld- so refreshing!

Caprese salad is easy to prepare by layering juicy slicing tomatoes with bocconcini cheese and fresh basil leaves then drizzling with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt and cracked pepper.

Refrigerate for flavours to meld and serve with a baguette.

It’s not just about eating in season, it’s also about putting some of the nutritious summer harvest by for winter. In the case of winter squash make sure the stalk has withered on the

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vine before harvesting, wipe clean and put aside to cure. Winter squash stores well and provides warming soups and roasted squash for months. The dehydrator has been busy drying Italian prune plums and peaches for winter compotes. In general dried fruits feel leathery and pliable and dried vegetables brittle and tough when they are ready.

Meaty paste tomatoes are slowly simmering down to a chunky sauce, which I have been freezing in ziplock bags. TIP: The maximum amount that should be frozen at once is 3 pounds of food for each cubic foot of freezer space; freezing small loads of food fast keeps the ice crystals small. Romas are being skinned and bottled in quart Mason jars with 1 tsp lemon juice and 1/2 tsp salt, and then processed in a water canner for 25 minutes. We’ll be cracking those jars open whenever we need tomatoes for recipes in winter. Food processed this way will keep well for 12 months.

Why not take advantage of abundant and tasty food this year and preserve some of it? In the depth of the shivery winter it will take you back to balmy al fresco eating in summer, a lovely experience in itself.

Carolyn Herriot is author of ‘The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food’. Meet Carolyn (and her heritage tomatoes) at the Cedar Farmer’s Market, Sundays 10-2 pm.

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BY MARINA SACHT In 2013 the Porters sold their Saltair home and R.V.’d their way to Florida where they found their dream boat, a 42’ Fountaine Pajot Catamaran, now named “Saltair 3” . Brad is a business man, and a pilot and has years experience sailing.

Krista is as passionate about the adventures as Brad is and travel has been a huge part of their lives. By nine their son Cole had already visited ten different countries including backpacking through South East Asia with mom and dad in 2013. Now ten years Cole is excited about their sailing adventure, learning new things and making new friends. and has managed to stay in touch with his friends back home.

Follow them along on their YouTube

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channel and //www.triotravels.ca What do you define as “adventure?”

A trip that forces us to live outside of our comfort zone and brings a constant challenge, be it small or large. By constant I mean you have to have your wits about you all the time, ready to deal with whatever is thrown your way. Vacations tend to be benign in that way, you can let your mind relax, but an adventure is far from relaxing. There always seems to be an element of risk associated with our adventures too. Sometimes it’s the simple challenge of finding something to eat or somewhere to sleep or even the challenge of just not getting lost. Others have been as scary as a major car accident we had in the outlying areas of Australia before Cole was born. We were laid up in a hospital for a few days.

What is the greatest adventure you have participated in?

Our greatest adventure has been travelling, and learning how to travel with a young child. Raising a child is definitely an adventure but backpacking throughout South East Asia with him at our

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side has been our greatest adventure so far. We did Thailand and Laos from the north to the south and from the east to west getting around by train, bus or Tuk Tuk even the odd rickety ferry boat. The food, the people, the language, their way of life was amazing and so completely different from anything we had ever experienced even after having travelled to 30 countries. Cole was a star everywhere we went and he handled everything amazingly!

Crazy food (see the video of him eating a deep fried grasshopper). He has ridden a camel at four years old with mom in the Outback of Australia and climbed up and ridden an elephant all by himself at seven. We love immersing ourselves in the culture. Although we like to see the popular tourist sites we tend to get off the beaten path.

Why is adventure important to you?

As a family it has brought us incredibly close together. Krista and I have always had an amazing relationship so I don’t mean that we needed any help there, but as a family it has brought us

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The Porters aboard the Saltair 3 in Bimini, Bahamas

Cole, Brad and Krista Porter in Bangkok.

closer. We’ve got to spend so much time together and we’ve learnt how to really be there for each other. We are relying on each other 24/7 and there isn’t room for melt downs or arguing.

We function as a team, the three of us, and it feels incredible.

There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t learn something new. We love learning! All of us do. Adventure keeps us sharp and happy.

Move outside of your comfort zone. Travel, don’t vacation, to some place exotic but easy enough to navigate, meaning the language barrier isn’t big, the food is different (because food is a huge part of travel) but it’s still possible to find something familiar to eat. Go somewhere that will awe you, it will cause you to want to see more and in turn causing you to move farther and farther outside of your comfort zone. It becomes more and more fun as the thrill of being outside that comfort zone settles in. Start your adventure in Europe, maybe in Italy, or France in early fall. Both gorgeous countries with the potential to pull you to of your comfort zone and thus squeezing some of that zest for life into your adventure. The caveat; don’t do a bus tour, find your way yourself, maybe bring along Rick Steves, he’s a great companion, in book form of course!

What is your favourite adventurous activity to do in the Central Vancouver Island area?

We LOVE cruising the Gulf Islands! There are so many wonderful spots to drop the hook, so much amazing seafood to be caught. We know of a place in the Southern Gulf Islands where the oysters are five deep. We always end up stuffing ourselves with BBQ’d, pan fried, Rockefeller or raw oysters! Not to mention the steamed crab, pan fried rock fish or clams and mussels in white wine sauce with garlic! Sailing from anchorage to anchorage and island to island is incredibly fun! It’s challenging too. Reading charts, watching out for reefs and rocks, setting the anchor, handling emergencies, it’s not possible to just pull over and make a phone call for help. Keeping an eye on the weather is exciting too. Being impacted by weather is more than just about rain soaking everything you’ve brought and ruining the trip. Wind and waves can cause big problems on the ocean. That element of risk that goes with boating is a big part of what we enjoy. It makes us think and challenges us.

Has your adventurous lifestyle been an asset or detriment to your personal/business relationships and how?

It has definitely been an asset. We’ve become so adaptable and confident in what we are capable of. That simple adage “what doesn’t break you makes you stronger” seems to apply.

I think we’ve become better at communicating both in business and our personal lives. I think our adventurous lifestyle has taught us to take risks but to first weigh them out, to calculate the risk/reward that goes with the decisions. Adventurous doesn’t equate with careless.

If someone was looking to add some zest to their lives what would you suggest?

What do your future plans include?

By mid October to early November we will have set sail for the Bahamas, then it’s a few days sail over to Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, then down the Windward and Leeward Islands all the way to Trinidad and Tobago which are just off the northern coast of South America. Our adventure will continue along the coast of Venezuela (South America) past Columbia towards the San Blas islands, possibly up to Guatemala but eventually onto something that will blow both our minds as far as a personal goal. Crossing through the Panama Canal! After that it’s Trade Wind sailing all the way to French Polynesia!

But that’s the dream, and for now, it is one day at a time.

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Rat Root (Acorus Americanus) I am nurturing contained Japanese Knotweed (Fillipendula japonica) and a make-shift water garden for Rat-root (Acorus Americanus) both to grow medicine and to reintroduce the rat-root into the wild.

Many of you know of Japanese Knotweed as an invasive weed; but here is the thing; it contains valuable chemical constituents in its rhizome. When it is just the right time the root is made into a tincture or extract - fresh. The resulting medicine is a major part of Dr. Stephen Buhner’s protocol for treatment of Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis). See Buhner’s book: “Healing Lyme” .

Rat-root rhizome pieces from Saskatchewan arrived in my mailbox in late May and I swiftly got them into a loam sand mix and covered them with water that had stood for 24 hours to evaporate chlorine and other harmful chemicals.

Today it has produced large sword-like

(left) Sword like leaf with spadix flower in notch (above) Large colony of Acorus Americanus

leaves and plump rhizomes and I can see the tell tale notch in one or two leaves where a late flower may develop. The whole plant has a lovely citrus smell that wafts on hot summer air; this is due to a semi-volatile oil that it produces. It is this oil in which the chief medicinal chemicals reside.

Tended over the winter; there will more small pieces of rhizome to deliver to young tree planters in the interior happy to replant precious pieces where they see the right habitat.

Varieties of Acorus are found worldwide. Some contain carcinogenic Basarone and are hallucinogenic, however our Canadian species are not.

Oil of rat root is a natural anti-acid, antibacterial, antifungal and antibiotic and acts as a bitter and antispasmodic for the digestive system, settling spasms of intestine and colon. The oil also acts as an anti-histamine for head colds and hay

fever. Chewing a small piece of the root works wonders for a congestion and sore throat. When I need strength to carry out my day I chew a small piece of ‘rat’ to help me centre, raise energy and clarify intentions.

First Nations make good use of this precious Traditional Medicine by chewing the root fresh or dried. If you powder the root it may be used like a snuff to clear the sinuses and head. Small pieces were softened to stop toothache in adults and rubbed on the gums of teething babies. This is due to chemicals in the root oil that offer a local anaesthetic. Watch for rat-root and offer it protection to save it for future generations. Rat-root’s very being is healing.

Kahlee’s new book The Standing People: Wild Medicinal Plants of British Columbia is available through Amazon.ca or www. thestandingpeople.com.

Questions? email: symbionts@shaw.ca.

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RDN Area A Director Notesfrom Alec McPherson will return next month.

CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) Ecole-North Oyster School: This beautiful summer of 2015 is quickly coming to a close, and the school year will begin again. The community of North Oyster is very lucky to have the ability provide educational services to our children within our own community.

We’re also very lucky to be able to serve other students who are bussed in from greater distances.

I would like to remind everyone that when school is in session, traffic can become very congested in front of the school, especially during pick up and drop off times. The school bus must turn left across oncoming traffic to enter the area where children safely enter and exit the bus. This can add to the congestion.

The before and after school child care activities will continue to take place in the North Oyster Community Centre during the school year. Many parents use the community centre parking lot as

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a safe place to drop off and pick up their children. Signs designating the entrance and exit to the parking lot will soon be installed to ease congestion. Please obey the signage and enter and exit appropriately.

For the safety of everyone please be aware of the hazards and continue to slow down when driving through the school zone. And please pay special attention to children and their escorts using the crosswalk to cross over from the community centre.

Curbside Recycling Options – MultiMaterial BC Funding Disbursement & New Service Options: In May, 2014, The Cowichan Valley Regional District entered into a five year contract with Multi-Material BC (MMBC). MMBC is a company mandated by the Province to manage waste produced by residents throughout BC and to offset some of the Regional Districts costs of providing curbside recycling collection services to eligible households in the electoral areas in order to encourage reducing solid waste.

To that end, MMBC has agreed to pro-

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vide an annual payment to the Regional District which goes specifically into the Electoral Areas Solid Waste budget for this purpose.

In 2014, the Regional District Electoral Area Curbside Collection Budget received funding from MMBC - as per the contract - for half of one year; this amounted to a total of $220,000. The reason only one-half the year’s funding was received is due to the May 19th service start date. An additional $440,000 of MMBC funding has been budgeted for 2015 and 2016. By the end of the five year contract, there will be a total of approximately $2,200,000 to be disbursed to eligible household in the electoral areas. CVRD Staff have been directed to disburse the new funds for the benefit of the taxpayers. This can be accomplished through a reduction in annual curbside recycling bills. There is also an opportunity to expand current services if you choose to do so. The following are four options provided by CVRD Engineering staff that you may want to consider: Option #1 - distribute the funds beginning in 2016 over a period of four years with no new services implemented. Cur-

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rently, the cost of your curbside collection is $47.00 per year; choosing Option #1 would reduce your annual costs to $5.00 per year.

Option #2 – distribute the funds over a four year period and add monthly glass and yard and garden curbside collection to eligible households. At this time, the CVRD does not offer glass or yard and garden collection in the rural areas. Choosing Option #2 would reduce your cost from $47.00 annually to $15.00 annually.

Option #3 – distribute the funds and add an annual large/bulky items curbside collection service. Choosing Option #3 would reduce your cost from $47.00 annually to $15.00 annually.

Option #4 – It is also possible to combine the three previous options. If you are interested in combining some or all of the previous option, staff will prepare a detailed analysis of Option #4.

Decision Making Process: At the August 18th Electoral Area Services meeting staff provided the above information relating to the disbursement of MMBC funding. I felt that your input was a key factor in deciding if North Oyster/Diamond residents want change and if so, what would that would look like. It is my intention to provide detailed information through a presentation at community meeting; there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions.

A fall meeting date will soon be set and posted on the CVRD website and notice will be posted in the newspapers. I encourage everyone to attend and provide your input on what you what like to do with your money. Your voice matters!

CVRD Area G (Saltair) Saltair Community Society Formed Finally, the “Saltair Community Society” is officially formed and regis-

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tered as a non profit society. It has taken some time as a lot of discussion centered around whether the old Mount Brenton School, now called the Saltair Community Centre, should be run as a society or as a CVRD commission. There were strong opinions on both sides and all options were explored. At this point in time it was decided that a non profit society would better suit the community’s needs over a CVRD run commission. It was promised to the community that a cost efficient method would be best as we don’t know at this point in time how busy the centre will be. Volunteers will run the centre keeping the costs down beginning in October. There will be a general meeting in October to involve the community as whole in some of the decisions.

The society will start out with a very low operating budget of $8,000 which can be boosted by membership fees and donations. We will also get officially registered as a charity under Revenue Canada so will be able to give tax receipts for donations. The goal of the society is to promote, maintain and expand interest in the historical, educational, cultural, economic and recreational endeavours of the Saltair community. So the society is not limited to activities associated only with the building but can be general and expansive in the community.

We now have six temporary board members on our first board of directors but can expand to twelve at our first general meeting in October. The constitution and the bylaws have been constructed for the society which are mainly “boilerplate” which are pretty standard for most non profit societies and suggested by Industry Canada.

Water Upgrades Continue The Saltair water system is in its third year of upgrades in a fifteen year

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program. This year the upgrades are underway on Chemainus Road in the Davis Lagoon area as there have been several water breaks on both sides of the lagoon bridge. This is the lowest point in the system so it has the highest water pressure in a gravity fed system and receives the most stress. Heavy axle loads from commercial truck traffic and transit buses also contribute to the stresses.

When we cut down on the water breaks we cut down on the costs of operating.

There are less road repairs and pipe repairs. Since the upgrades were started the number of water breaks and cost of repairs have gone down allowing more of the water budget to go to upgrades rather than repairs. This upgrade will go on for more than a month so there will be traffic stoppages with flag persons and waiting times. Motorists are encouraged to follow the directions of traffic control personnel for the safety of all.

Dry Summer This has been a very dry summer and Saltair residents have kept their water use down, so taking into account the weather Stocking Lake is not at its lowest level ever. It’s at its third lowest level.

We share Stocking Lake as a water source with the Town of Ladysmith.

Saltair presently has a water committee researching, studying and monitoring our water system. They are looking for special status with the CVRD to be able to work with the CVRD and the Town of Ladysmith to ensure that our water system is best that it can be.

Discussions have been ongoing and considerable progress has been made.

Lynne Smith, John Silins, Jim Whittaker and Tami Edwards are members of this committee.

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When oysters were king of the harbour

BY TRICIA PINKERTON The oyster has been king in Ladysmith Harbour long before first records were kept in 1884. Stz’uminus First Nations have traditionally picked the small native oyster, the Olympia, the abundance of which gave Oyster Bay its name. As the Olympias were small, about the size of a mussel and slow to grow.

Walter Jones decided in 1912, a larger and faster growing oyster was needed to make farming oysters a good business in Ladysmith. He began cultivating the newly introduced non-native Japanese oyster and developed the Pacific Oyster, four times as big and ready to eat in three to five years. This, and 20 years of working to improve the oyster industry, earned him the title “Oyster King”.

Edward Timothy joined Jones’ Ladysmith Oyster Company and both men had a distinct effect on the growth of the oyster industry. By 1936 breeding in Ladysmith Harbour had populated the entire southern coast of eastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Ideal conditions allowed the beaches through the Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands to become heavily seeded with wild and the Japanese oyster.

In 1949 Jones and Timothy and other Vancouver Island oyster growers formed the BC Oyster Growers Association to have input into the government’s first comprehensive set of regulations for the sanitary control of the shellfish industry.

When Walter Jones died in 1955, his daughter Viola Thelma Paton took over the business and ran it until its closure in 1964, when Ladysmith Harbour was closed due to sewage pollution.

Walter Jones a pioneer in the oyster industry, Ladysmith Harbour.

Below: Oyster house where the workers handled the shellfish. The building is now gone but the oyster industry continues today.

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Ladysmith Maritime Society

Veronica is learning about oysters in the oyster house in the Harbour Heritage Centre. Photo: Shirley Blackstaff

Meanwhile, Edward Timothy, along with others, successfully grew the first raft of cultured oysters in BC, established the BC Oyster Marking Board to bring order to the marketplace, lobbied the provincial government and obtained the first oyster licence in BC. In 1969, as a result of Timothy’s efforts, the Timothy Oyster Company jointly with the federal and provincial governments built the first experimental shellfish depuration faculty in North America. Once the harbour supported about nine oyster houses.

Today, two companies with working oyster leases remain in the harbour, Timothy Oysters and Limberis Seafood Processing Ltd. Both rely on oysters grown outside the harbour for their livelihood.

The Pacific Oyster is still the oyster of choice along the coast and the Olympia oyster can still be found in some places.

As Ladysmith grew over the years to become the vibrant town it is today, many new types of businesses have been started to service the needs of the town and surrounding areas.

Thanks to Hilda MacDonald and Shirley Balckstaff for their assistance and photographs. Hilda MacDonald has just completed the draft of the book Mom was an Oyster Farmer, to be published soon.

Home of the Harbour Heritage Centre where you can find out more about the local oyster industry, and waterfront, the Ladysmith Maritime Society has a lot to offer. Public Community Marina, Harbour Tours, Oyster Bay Cafe, Maritime Museums, heritage vessels, education programs, Disabled Sailing Program, Purple Martin Recovery Colony (with nesting boxes and live nest-camera), plus events including the Maritime Festival, Kid’s Pirate Day, Dine On The Dock, and Music On The Dock!

Celebrating its 30th year, LMS is a non-profit, charitable organization with the purpose of promoting interest in Ladysmith’s waterfront and marine heritage. Since 1985, LMS, which is primarily a volunteer organization, has helped to establish Ladysmith as a “must go to” destination for sea-going tourists and connected locals with the beauty and history of our waterfront.

The architecturally designed Welcome Centre is well known to visitors as one of the most beautiful and friendly marinas on the west coast. “Ladysmith can be very proud of this and, also, that in 2015 the marina was certified under Georgia Strait Alliances’s Clean Marine BC program for environmental best practices,” says Rod Smith, LMS Managing Director.

The Maritime Festival in May showcases the many coastal heritage vessels that LMS volunteers have carefully restored and attracts vintage vessels from all over the coast. The following weekend it’s Kid’s Pirate Day. Throughout the year, there is much to see and do. 250-245-1146 www.lmsmarina.ca

Ladysmith Maritime Society welcomes the community.

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VK Salon

Some traces of yeasteryear’s working heritage remain with farming, logging and oyster cultivation still carrying on. But our business community has adapted to our residents’ needs.

There are no big box stores here and our community is filled with unique stores, privately owned by those who are invested in this community.

Here is just a small sample of some of the businesses and the people that serve our community.

Valerie and Katrina Bergsma of VK Salon offer cutting, colouring, highlighting, special effects hair coloring, day and evening makeup, makeup classes, wedding hair, special event hair and makeup, hair and scalp hot oil treatments, and hair glossing treatments.

Esthetic services include waxing, manicures and pedicures, facials, body scrubs, hand and foot treatments, lash and brow tinting, all men’s waxing, lash extensions.

Open Tuesday 1pm to 6pm Wednesday 9am to 6pm, Thursday 11am to 8pm, Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm. www.vksalon.com 250-3230085.

Dr. Suzanne Otterson Inc. Dr. Suzanne Otterson returned to Ladysmith after ten years, opening her new Family Dentistry practice in June of this year. “We provide a comfortable, friendly atmosphere in a restored 1920’s home, staffed by experienced professionals with state-of-the-art dental facili-

Dr. Suzanne Otterson Inc, family dentistry.

ties,” she says. Open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. 250-245-0356

Howard Lutic, Namaste Home Improvements With an eye for combining recycled and vintage materials with his carpentry skills, Howard Lutic of Namaste Home Improvements has created a sideline of unique, handcrafted cabinets and shelves, welcoming custom orders.

In addition to his free-standing pieces featuring hand-cut copper embellishments and gorgeous colour washes, Howard’s coat rack shelves using vintage golf club heads for hooks are a great example of his desire to help customers incorporate their treasures into a custom functional item. “I can work with pretty much anything, from your husband’s old hockey sticks, to your grandmother’s Left: VK Salon, located in the Friesens Hardware building, opens its doors.

Photo: Nick Longo

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Volunteers are the backbone of Ladysmith Search and Rescue. Members are always needed.

Howard Lutic, Namaste Home Improvements

rolling pins or washboards, to your collection of driftwood or old pepper mills.”

Check out namastehomeimprovements.com for pictures of Howard’s cabinetry creations, and a sampling of home improvement projects. You can also find some of his pieces at Nancy’s Fashions and Black Door Decor in Ladysmith, and Blue Poppy Gallery in Nanaimo.

Ladysmith Search & Rescue Under the direction of the RCMP, Ladysmith Search & Rescue Society (LSAR) responds with 35 certified volunteer members and provide ground and inland waterways Search and Rescue services for Emergency Management BC, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS), BC Coroner Service, Municipal Fire Services, local and regional government during civil emergencies, and other SAR teams in BC. LSAR is most proud of their volunteers and their dedication in helping others for 50 years. 24/7 on call volunteers 250734-1897 ladysmith.vr-sar.org

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Jennifer Ostle Notary Public Jennifer is proud to be able to provide Notarial services to her home community of Ladysmith, which include Real Estate Conveyancing, Personal Planning Documents (Will/Powers of Attorney and Legal Representation Agreements), Notarizations (Statutory Declarations, Affidavits and Witness of Signature, Commercial Leases and Covenants.

“I am equally as proud of the quality of service, experience and knowledge that our staff team provides.”

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am5:00pm (evening appt. available upon request) 250-245-7127

Daniel McGrath Ltd. Nikki MacCallum of NikkiDesigns

NikkiDesigns Nikki MacCallum is following a tradition of seamstresses in her family. Her mother, who was born in Holland, is very talented and taught Nikki how to sew at a very young age.

In business in Ladysmith for 20 years, NikkiDesigns offers home décor consultations, window coverings, slipcovers, bedding, table linens, bench cushions, pillows and gifts. “We ship our custom and ready-made products all over the world,”she says.

Nikki is most proud of the fact “that I specialize in using certified organic fabrics and that all my products are made right here on Vancouver Island.”

Open by appointment. 250-924-5679 www.nikkidesigns.ca

Since 2009 Daniel McGrath, a Residential Building Designer, has been offering services to owners and builders on Vancouver Island. Past projects, have included new construction, additions and renovations of various Architectural styles and complexity.

“The thing I’m most proud of about my business is being able to integrate the unique tastes and building criteria of my clients into a visual, working design solution,” he says.

Daniel utilizes 3-D computer graphics as a dynamic tool to visualize building organization, composition and the use of interior/exterior materials.

“The thing I like best about my job is enjoying the expression on my client’s face when they first see their unique style and set of building parameters evolve into a visual reality”. Visit Daniel’s new website at www.danielmcgrath.ca. 250924-5454 dan@danielmcgrath.ca

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Jennifer Ostle Notary Public

Daniel McGrath, Inc is a Residential Building Designer who helps you envision your new home or renovation project using computer technology.

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TripAdvisor in the deepfryer I’m out of the restaurant business, and boy am I glad. Thanks to TripAdvisor and Associates, the fun has gone right out of it. Before, after a hard night’s work, a job well done, you used to wake up with a smile on your face, turn to your cat and say, “Man did we rock last night.

And Mrs. Farnsworth’s little black dress, I can’t believe she wore that in public.”

Today’s restaurateur faces a different reality. Never mind Mrs. Farnsworth, he wakes up with a sense of dread because it’s time to check TripAdvisor for negative comments. I say dread because it’s only a matter of time before a negative review pops up even if you run the best restaurant in the world. That’s because restaurants, like aircraft carrier flight decks, are incident prone environments.

When a restaurant gets busy, anything can happen. Like the time our kitchen rookie, just before I shot him, used the knife he chopped garlic with, to cut the birthday cheesecake for the party of twelve. This imparted a unique flavour, duly noted by the host’s wife, a singular individual with an extreme garlic phobia. The incident resulted in a wee loss of composure, but no more, say, than if a 40-pound tarantula had emerged from her “is there garlic in that?” salad.

Or the time my professional mask slipped, and I wasn’t sufficiently delicate explaining to the demanding walkin couple, who had never dined with us before, no, they couldn’t have the best table in the house. That goes to Mr. F, a considerate and polite guy who made his reservation two weeks ago, drops about a grand a month at the restaurant, AND HAS NEVER MADE A SPECIAL REQUEST. Did I mention his last name is Farnsworth? That Farnsworth.

Then of course there was Lola, the hostess. Nice girl, how was I to know

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she was a pickpocket?

Fighting back against TripAdvisor criticisms, even when they’re way out of line, is hopeless. Your best response is to grovel. It’s like being charged with a sex offense, the more you proclaim innocence, the guiltier you seem. “I didn’t touch that cheerleader.” Right. And next you’re going to tell us your thoughts about Mrs. Farnsworth are all pure?

But more often than not, you are guilty, their steak was overdone. That’s the problem with steaks; they don’t talk enough, regardless of your attempts to include them in the conversation. If only they would open up, share their feelings. How hard can it be to say, “Hey. You with the greasy forehead, yank me off, I’m done.”

Even the positive reviews can leave you shaking your head. Why, for instance, do so many sound like infomercials, and not just the ones signed Mom? Any more than six or seven awesomes per sentence and I get suspicious. (Overheard in background: Do I get my free meal now?) Too, you wonder about their qualifications to comment on your food.

“Best meal we’ve had since the prisoner of war camp,” fails to reassure.

Personally, when it comes to falling on my sword, I’d rather do it privately.

I’m in favour of the way complaints were handled in the old days, discreetly.

A customer would take you aside and whisper in your ear, “When did you start seasoning the steaks with sugar, instead of salt?” Or drop a little note in the mail leaving a phone number so you could call them, ask a few questions to determine which employee to behead, (Oh, it was me who spilled the soup on your crotch.

That’s different.) Then send them a gift certificate in form of apology. Problem solved, both parties happy.

But hey, there’s good news for dinosaurs like me who think Internet complainers should be coated lightly in flour and panko, deep fried, and then served with a tasty dipping sauce. (Spread the pain around, is what I say.) And that news is breastaurants, one of the faster growing segments of the hospitality industry, places like Hooters, Twin Peaks, and Mugs and Jugs. (Real names, real places.) Establishments where it’s not about the food, where an owner can have a little fun handing complaints. Here’s a typical Monday morning debriefing at Bonerama’s Burgatorium, corporate

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motto: Would you like a side of thighs with that?

Manager: “Oh, what’s this, twelve new complaints on TripAdvisor over the weekend, all about bust size. I didn’t know the rugby club was in again.

Service manager: Yeah. Friday night.

Thought you would have seen the broken toilet.”

Manager: Shall we do anything for them?

Service manager: Yeah. Fix the toilet.

Or how TripAdvisor is handled over at Cleavage Junction.

Dear Howard J. We were glad to hear, on your last visit, you enjoyed your cheeseburger and gave Mandy’s slender thighs two thumbs up. We weren’t so pleased to hear you found her bust underwhelming and not up to our usual standards. Though we think Mandy, who measures in at 48 inches, is amply endowed, hey, the customer is always right.

That’s why we’ve established Mandy’s very own implant fund. Every dollar you send in will be matched by us, just write your cheques to Headlights For Mandy and we’ll make sure the money goes to where it’ll do the most good.

One can only imagine how the old time restaurateurs would have responded to TripAdvisor. Take Luigi for example, of Luigi’s Chicken, Ribs and Lasagna, a proud man who takes complaints personally. “You don’t like-a my pasta, I don’t like-a your face. So I’m-a gonna fix.

Sounds of knifes clashing, pots banging, deep fryers roaring, Internet complainers screaming as their fingernails are removed for the next course. Awesome.

I suppose I shouldn’t be so hard on the TripAdvisor crowd. After all, it’s just human nature to enjoy public suffering, and it’s getting harder to find. Let’s face it, tar and feathering has gone the way of the manual transmission, public executions are a thing of the past, and thanks to budget restraints, flogging at the public square have been cut right back.

Without TripAdvisor we’d all be home watching Jerry Springer reruns. Hey, there’s an idea.

Want to try something different? From Kamloops, Harper’s Trail Field Blend White. At the Sheaf. $14.65 Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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The Douglas squirrel also known as Douglas red squirrel or red squirrel is the only squirrel native to Vancouver Island.

Squirrel Music I’m surprised the metal shed roof is still intact. For over an hour it has been beaten like a drum. Every few seconds from high up in the Douglas fir, which grows adjacent to the shed, comes another cone hurtling at 9.82 m/s2. They do not come down of their own accord. It is the Douglas squirrel - the native squirrel of our region – which is responsible for this din. The squirrel is busily traveling from cone to cone and snipping them off.

Once the squirrel is satisfied with the arboreal portion of their work they come down and gather some of the cones and also open up the cones to extract and eat the seeds buried within the cone scales (two per scale).

The Douglas squirrel also known as Douglas red squirrel or red squirrel is the only squirrel native to Vancouver Island. The black or grey squirrels we now see frequently are a relatively recent introduction and are from Eastern North America.There is concern that these larger eastern squirrels out-compete the smaller Douglas squirrel for food and nesting sites. Evidence for this is not conclusive, though the black and grey squirrels, which are different colour morphs of the same species, are increasing in numbers and range and the ques-

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Douglas Squirrel, the native squirrel to Vancouver Island.

Photo: Bruce Hepburn

tion of their ecological impact should be corroborated by more than anecdotal evidence. The native Douglas squirrel is less tolerant of human presence than the eastern squirrels and prefers older second-growth or old-growth forests – some ecologists suggest this is a requirement. Loss of Douglas squirrels is most likely a product of urbanization.

During the winter the Douglas squirrel is solitary and occupies and defends its own territory. In the winter they usually occupy tree cavities such as old woodpecker nests, which they line with cedar bark. The summer nests of the Douglas squirrel – where they rear the young – are built of twigs and lined with mosses and shredded tree bark. On occasion they will occupy and build onto old bird nests. During the breeding season a pair will maintain a single territory and are vocal in “scolding” intruders, be they cat or hawk or human. The scolding calls are possibly an alarm for their mates and offspring of potential danger, or might be an indication that you are close to one of their food caches. Families generally stay together until early winter.

They start caching food (usually seeds but also mushrooms) throughout their home range as fall approaches. The caches are often at the base of trees where injury or rot has created a cavity and the conditions are cool and damp.

This keeps the seeds fresh. (Humans make use of these caches as well; seeds from squirrel caches have been collected

for forest tree nurseries.) Locating the caches months later must require a really good memory or a keen sense of smell.

Studies with eastern grey squirrels have shown that a squirrel finds more of its own caches than those of others. Perhaps this is a shared trait among squirrels of different species.

Storing mushrooms requires them to be dried before caching and squirrels do this by stashing them in conifer trees. As a consequence fungal spores are spread throughout the forest. Most trees are dependent on and have symbiotic relationships with fungi. By spreading fungi around, squirrels play a critical role in tree health and ecosystem functioning.

Trees also benefit from having their seeds moved around the forest. A conifer tree produces a huge number of seeds and under natural conditions insects, birds or rodents consume the vast majority. The seeds provide a lot of nourishment, which allows other life to thrive in the forest. However, many seeds in a cone will not get consumed and if these land on suitable habitat that seed will have an opportunity to grow.

The drumming on the metal roof is a sign that the season is changing. The forest is preparing not just for the winter ahead but also for generations of trees and fungi and squirrels. It is these types of ecological relationships which tie us all to the land. Whether we recognize it or not, we are all moving to nature’s rhythm.

Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, hoticulturalist and educator living in Yellow Point.

Reach him at ecoforestry@gmail.com

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The Fight to save Wildwood Ecoforest It may look peaceful at Wildwood Ecoforest.

The trees continue to spread their branches, birds chirp and deer amble underneath the tall trees…but beneath that tranquil surface, the property has been under siege with citizens concerned that Yellow Point’s jewel could be lost along with its famous owner Merv Wilkinson’s legacy.

Protectors of Wildwood is a group of individuals helping to fund raise and support the effort by the Ecoforestry Institute Society, who manages the forest, to acquire ownership from The Land Conservancy. TLC is facing financial difficulties and is under court protection. The big fear is that Wildwood could be lost and end up in private hands. To prevent that EIS renewed its proposal to acquire Wildwood, after an earlier offer by them was declined by TLC. If the current $900,000 offer is accepted, it would ensure Wildwood remains protected and secures its future.

“EIS and TLC are continuing negotiations and EIS remains hopeful that we will acquire Wildwood,” says Kathy Code, Communications Director of Ecoforestry Institute Society.

Merv Wilkinson’s Wildwood Ecoforest is a world class example of sustainable forestry practices. Its 32 hectares contains old and second growth forest that attracts visitors and forestry experts from around the world. Tours and workshops are held there. EIS is the non-profit organization of professional foresters and other experts who have managed Wildwood since 2000 with the blessing of Merv Wilkinson, the owner who entrusted the property to TLC that year. EIS provides educational and professional forestry management services that respect Wilkinson’s world-renowned sustainable forestry practices.

The Protestors of Wildwood are working to respect his wishes that Wildwood stay out of private hands.

For more information facebook.com/groups/savewildwood/

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Wildwood Ecoforest a world class example of sustainability. Merv Wilkinson with eager students during one of the many workshops and classes held there. Photos submitted.

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OFFICE HELPER available - Mature enthusiastic worker seeks full/part time contract assignments, my house or your office. Reception, data input, admin assist, filing, office org. Emergency fill in, vacation, forever. 240.924.5954 , Email 1officehelper@gmail. com https://www.facebook.com/officehelperKatie FOR SALE CAMPERS CORNER MARKET will be open June 11 thru September 11. Weekdays from noon to 5pm, Saturdays during the flea market. New, used, collectibles, vintage and antiques. 10935 Trans Canada Highway, Ladysmith, 250-245-3829 2 - 2 DRAWER FILING cabinets, living room furniture; china dishes; power saws; bdrm. armoire and night stands. All very reasonably priced to sell, 250-245-0259.

FOR SALE - NORCO FOLDING BICYCLE in good condition asking $75 call 250-245-5712 FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 COTTAGE, 2 stories, balcony, private yard, in North Oyster on acreage. Includes all utilities, SAT TV, Netflix, internet, $700 a week. Ref required, no partiers or smokers, one person occupancy only.

250-245-9165 or marinasacht@yahoo.ca. Semifurnished also available.

2 BDRM Ground floor of newer house in Ladysmith.

All utilities included, nice neighbourhood, shared kitchen, $700. Call Bill 250-510-7136. Available immediately.

BUSINESS FOR ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS – Bedding, window treatments, couch and chair covers, cushions, pillows, special accessories and décor, dressmaking and alterations – what ever comes to your mind, Elke, 250-618-1172 or info@egrstudios.com KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE, over 25 yrs 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 250-210-0787 or 250245-4185.

PASSPORT PHOTOS, camera repair and sales, film sales and developing. All your photographic copy and restoration needs. Peacock Copy and Restoration, 521 Canada Ave., Duncan 250-748-9923 MID-ISLAND HOME SUPPORT since 2009. Personal assistance and house cleaning available. Bondable, licenced, certified and insured for your safety and ours.

For the best rates around please call 250-924-2273 (CARE)

MUSIC LESSONS Qualified, experienced music teacher in Cedar area. Piano, organ, cello and theory.

Private lessons tailored to your individual needs. Ages 5 to adult. Call 250-323-6695 EXPERIENCED HOUSE/DOG SITTER looking for a home to call my own for October and November. Ref. available. Please call Kathleen at 250-619-0786.

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE for odd jobs, painting, staining, power washing, Blair 250-245-5621 EDUCATION ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS NOW! Sense of Place Youth Project Ltd at North Oyster Community Centre (Lic#KRIS-9MPPYV) 7:30 - 5:30 pm, Mon – Fri. Nature programming, arts/crafts, hiking, building, music, games etc. Full, part time and drop-in spots, subsidy welcome 250-667-1222, 250-618-3396 www. senseofplaceyp.com, patti@senseofplaceyp.com DAYCARE IN SOUTH LADYSMITH opening in Sept/15 located behind Dairy Queen, competitive rates 25 years exp. safe and stimulating child friendly environment, call Yvonne 250-924-1197, ymarius@chaw.ca 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.

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 February, Mondays, on-going class Wednesdays. Both classes 10am-12 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.

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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 NEWLIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING Lawn mowing, weeding,power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at 250668-8383 or newlifeyardwork@gmail.com ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. - Kitchen-BathTile-Backsplash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com 250-924-4924 QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate call Lars. 250-616-1800 DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS Over 30 years experience, certified journeyman carpenter.

No job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall etc. For free estimate call Darrell 250-714-3823.

BI-MONTHLY CLEANING for houses experienced, reliable and attention to detail. $20 per hour.

References available. Ladysmith and Chemainus.

250-246-4938 Jamie and Ingrid.

AJ’S HOME CLEANING Top to bottom service.

General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service schedule. Alicia 250-709-1364 ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDENER will take care of your garden needs 250-924-4735, 250-886-8201 THE HAPPY GARDENER Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. I also do Window Washing and Odd Jobs. Cheerful and Conscientious. Call David at 250-618-9217.

RAISED GARDEN BEDS, planters, railings, decks, benches, woodsheds, greenhouses. Enhance your enjoyment of the home and yard you love.

Namaste Home Improvements 250-245-2751 ISLAND PRUNING - Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees.

I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-245-1260 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! 250-246-3394 PET PORTRAITS, 250-245-9165

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL , travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in a home setting, birds and only birds, budgies to macaws, nightly rate $5, $10, $15, sml,md, lrg. Prebooking visits welcome. Diana and Kip Slater 250-722-2201 www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com 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. 250-245-3391 www. lynnsseniorcare.com WRITING YOUR MEMOIRS? We can help. Call TAKE 5 250-245-7015 or email editor@take5.ca

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It’s the little things ... ಯ*UHDW JUHHQ JREV RI *UHDV\ *ULP\ *RSKHUಬV *XWV ರ - mid- 20th century children’s song Although there’s nothing in one of my favourite childhood ditties about the dreaded Malasocoma, I couldn’t help singing it whilst trying to rid our farm of creepy climby caterpillar tents, and their slippery slimy greasy feet.

Large shiver here, hold back the wretch.

Being an RN on a surgical floor, you might imagine why I pride myself in having a really strong stomach. Not much grosses me out. I love the blood and guts of my work, and often tell Laurie about the icky sticky of starting IVs, cleaning and dressing wounds, usually stopping when he starts turning green.

But squiggling masses of tiny, squirmy caterpillars is different. WAY different.

Last year’s round of tent caterpillars may have been less of an infestation than the year’s before, though I doubted it. Hah! My friend Loretta said she was walking under the Bastion Street bridge in Nanaimo and the hawthorn trees above her were so loaded that it was raining caterpillars as she squish-walked

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Tent caterpillars.

Photo: Tim and Selena Middleton, flickr.com/photos/tim_and_selena/

her way by, last year. So I was prepared for another ‘bumper crop’.

Here on the farm it’s our apple trees that entice the wee beasties. It’s said they don’t kill your tree; you just won’t get a spec of fruit from it, not after their hairy little twisty bodies surround the beauty flower buds, then chomp voraciously until all that remains is a bare twig.

One old farmer told me to get a blow torch and ‘just blast the suckers’. Visions of the whole tree aflame and me running around with a bucket of water while fiery comet caterpillars rained down around me, made short work of that idea.

Since it takes two to tango I had an effective eradication plan ready to go though. One brave soul to climb the ladder, (that would be my studly farmhand Laurie), extension pruners in hand, following my clear directions, yelled to him until he’s reached the top rung. Then he leans way out and takes a swing at the tennis ball-sized squirming mass of munchers.

Several make a daring escape, freefalling, landing deftly in my hair and down my neck. I think of fiery comet caterpillars as my frizzy curls capture and hold the quickly dissolving tent,

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prevent me from simply shaking them out, their scabillion legs latching onto my kinky locks (thanks for those quirky genes, Dad).

I’m in a quandary, literally. Either I, a) wait until they crawl down my neck and shoulders, or b) wait until Laurie comes down and plucks them out, one by creepy one. I run madly in circles, swiping at my head, creeped out, just a little incoherent in the next set of directions yelled at Laurie. “Don’t swing.

Don’t swing,” I gurgle.

Ever so carefully he lowers down the next umpteen carefully-clipped loaded branches. I accept each gingerly, place them in the waiting wheelbarrow, and later into honking hefty bags to await their fate.

Two days and eight wheelbarrows later, with rain in the forecast and fire permit in hand, we stoked up a really good ol’ fashion bonfire, a necessary evil in creepy farm-bug pest control. I waited until there’s a large bed of red-hot coals and plenty of cedar wood chips to keep that home fire burning, and quash a sudden regret at this sad ending to their little lives.

No matter how quickly I fry them my squeamishness is only surpassed when, later that night as I lay in bed, I look over at my exhausted husband, only to spy a monster-huge, fat, juicy mother of all tent caterpillars making it’s way down his pillow. My mind flashes to one of the best episodes of ‘Night Gallery’ with Steven Macy, ‘The Earwig’, or was it ‘The Caterpillar’. Okay, okay. Shiver, shake. Big-time nightmares right this way...if indeed I sleep at all.

And imagine my expression when now-awake Laurie, the supreme bugmeister (no pun intended), finds it far too compelling to resist, and secretly flicks my earlobe, lightly touching the hairs on my neck, giggling with pure evil delight as I bolt up, shaking and once again madly swiping, swinging. Off, off imaginary creepy crawlers.

I swear eternal vengeance, possibly seeking the eternal with the next infestation. Maybe sooner!

Jackie Moad and Laurie Gourlay farm 20 acres organically, but are sometimes tempted by other options when face-to-face with the multi-legged of mother nature’s minions.

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