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Letters “Thank You Ladysmith” — Gratefully, The Erskine’s We go through our days doing our daily chores and sometimes forget what a wonderful community we live in. Here is a quick story about some special people in the City of Ladysmith: Our family was faced with the difficult challenge of saying goodbye to someone we love very much. Our Mother, Dorine, passed away Christmas Day. As we were consumed with grief, we were also faced with the reality of the details around preparing a funeral worthy of our Mother. Issues arose around the holidays and time requirements for the cemetery preparations.

After we made a simple call to Councillor Calvin Fradin, our worries were handled with incredible grace and understanding.

Councillor Fradin made a call on our behalf to City Manager Ruth Malli. Others then went to work: Kevin Goldfuss, Mike Morgan, Greg Smith and Chris Pennington. These kind people allowed us to celebrate our Mother’s life in a timely manner.

It’s hard to explain how much this meant to our family.

To all of you involved, sincere thanks.

So remember all you lucky residents of Ladysmith, you live in a beautiful community. — The Erskine’s Oops! Correction: In the Dec/Jan issue of TAKE 5, we incorrectly stated that Ladysmith Fire & Rescue raised money for Multiple Sclerosis. In fact, this was a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy and $2500 was raised with 560 people attending the Haunted House over the two-day event.

Letters: editor@take5.ca. or submit at www.take5.ca.

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Strategic priorities and the Financial Plan I am very pleased to be able to share Council’s new strategic priorities, very recently adopted by Council, after many long meetings and much heartfelt discussion at the Council table.

We started our journey of setting new strategic priorities last fall. However, before we could set new priorities, we carefully reviewed a number of factors.

These ranged from an examination of documents including the existing Strategic Plan, the community’s Sustainability Plan and our Official Community Plan to a look at current (and projected) local, regional and broader economic circumstances. We also took into account the current and future needs of residents for infrastructure and services, existing and potential partnerships, leveraging grants, emerging community issues and the overall health and well-being of the community and the environment. All of this research was conducted in the context of our legislated responsibilities and requirements, consideration for the overall health and well-being of the community and the environment, and respect for the taxpayers’ ability to pay for the programs and services we were contem-

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plating.

Here are the five strategic priorities Council will focus on over the next four years: Employment and Tax Diversity: Promote responsible investment and innovative management of municipal resources to support community prosperity, sustainable economic development, industry diversification and the quality of employment opportunities in the Ladysmith area.

Natural and Built Infrastructure: Maintain, renew and expand both natural and built infrastructure.

Watershed Protection and Water Management: Continue to be leaders, stewards and advocates for securing and protecting Ladysmith’s watershed, deliv-

ery of safe drinking water and responsible management of water resources.

Communications and Engagement: Improve community engagement and

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communications through active collaboration with partners and investment in information technology.

Partnerships: Enhance connection to the community by broadening and strengthening collaboration. Accelerate delivery of strategic objectives by working with others, building internal and community capacity in the process. Facilitate meaningful citizen involvement.

Council has worked hard to produce our strategic priorities and related actions, but we fully understand that the plan is not static. We will continue to update it in response to your input and to changing circumstances in the community. So let us know what you think, and to provide input and feedback.

Now that we have our priorities in place, we can now turn our attention to the budget. Council will be looking at programs, services and initiatives within each of our strategic priorities and setting the budget for 2016, and the 2016 to 2020 Financial Plan, accordingly.

I urge you to read our Council Strategic Priorities document for full details.

You can get it at www.ladysmith.ca, pick up a copy at City Hall, or call 250245-6400, and we will send one to you.

Equally importantly, I also urge you to attend the Council meetings where we talk about our budget and Financial Plan.

Those discussions will take place on the following dates: Friday, January 29, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — continue discussions at a Special Council Meeting Monday, February 15 — review the 2016–2020 Financial Plan at the Regular Council Meeting Monday, March 7 — consider Grants in Aid distribution at the Regular Council Meeting There will be an opportunity for public input at each meeting. This is your chance to share your ideas and have your say. We will also post Financial Plan documents on our website as they are produced. Click on the Financial Plan link on the home page of www.ladysmith.ca.

Together, we can continue to develop and implement a plan and budget to build the future of the strong and vibrant community we all envision. I look forward to hearing from you. astone@ladysmith.ca

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Ladysmith’s Heritage Waterfront Ladysmith is proud of its rich heritage and those who have a keen interest participate in B.C. Heritage Week. Heritage Week this year runs from February 15 to February 21. In celebration, the Ladysmith Historical Society, the Ladysmith Maritime Society and Take 5 are working on presenting another talk by the well-known historian and writer, Rob Johnson. Thanks to the support of the Ladysmith Legion Branch #171, Rob Johnson will be holding his new talk, “Ladysmith’s rich and varied waterfront,” which features over 150 rarely seen photographs, on February 18 at 7 p.m. in the upper room of the Ladysmith Legion.

Addition commentary from those attending is welcomed and encouraged.

This is a free event. Seating is limited to 100. To reserve please call the Ladysmith Historical Society’s office (250245-0100) or TAKE 5 (250-245-7015)

by February 15. Otherwise, you can show up and grab any unreserved seats.

Transfer Beach back in the 1950s.

A waterfront brimming with tales

BY ROB JOHNSON Ladysmith’s Waterfront has a rich and varied history, but one topic that we can all relate to is swimming in Ladysmith’s harbor. Swimming has been an activity enjoyed by residents over the years and is woven into the fabric of our community. Recent residents may only know about Transfer Beach Park and the water park, as it is now. But those who have lived here for, say, 30 to 50 years remember Transfer Beach quite differently. They remember it before all the upgrades, rules and regulations. They recall diving off the old Transfer wharf (if you were brave enough, you might remember diving off the tower) and

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Merry Widow’s beach south of Ladysmith, a popular summer camping area. Photo: Ladysmith Archives

Family outings often involved a day at the beach.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives

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Hundreds of participants would attend community picnics at Shell Beach.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives

Loading coal at The Long Wharf, Transfer Beach area. You can still see some of the pilings from the wharf (below the ampitheatre parking lot, towards Slack Point).

Photo: Ladysmith Archives

Ladysmith Boathouse offered boats for hire. Today the Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina is located nearby. Circa 1930s. Photo: Ladysmith Archives Below: Summer fun at Shell Beach. Often it woould be packed with boats.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives

the raft, and they also recall the lifeguards on the beach. Some may still remember swimming down at Smelter Beach, with its floats and warm water.

And if you are even older, you may remember the company picnics put on

by Comox Logging, or perhaps even the earlier ones put on by the mining company held across the bay at Shell Beach. Hundreds of people attended these events. Participants would have to cross the bay by boat as, back then, there weren’t any roads leading to that part of the bay. The shoreline of Shell Beach was completely lined with dozens of boats. Those without a boat would either use water taxis to commute back and forth or rent a boat from one of the two boat rental sites in town.

It was not uncommon for some to even swim across the bay so that they could attend these activities. Activities at the picnics included barrel racing, threelegged races and much more. Stages were set up for bands and dancing. All this was going on while others swam and dove, from semi-permanent floats and diving boards, into the warmest water north of San Francisco.

Another location that was popular with the kids for swimming was a small

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pool of water on the ocean side of the under-highway tunnel that carried water from Holland Creek. The pool of water was small, but at high tide brackish water passed over warm tide flats and, combined with the fresh water from the creek, produced a bath-like experience.

During Ladysmith Days, the town was filled with many special events and activities, including our own set of bathtub races, with some tub racers coming down from Nanaimo. Other fun activities relating to the waterfront included sailboat and war canoe races as well as waterskiing with jump ramps.

Once of the best things, though, was beachcombing for special treasures at low tide. There you could pry oysters off the rocks or dig up clams, toss them onto an open fire along the shore and wait for them to crack open ‌ a feast fit for a king. Those were the days.

Summer fun, swimming and diving at Shell beach. Note the docks and boat facilities.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear alongside the big wharf.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives

Historic Waterfront Slide Show and Talk For more stories, please join Rob at his Ladysmith’s Historic Waterfront slide show and talk. on February 18 at 7 p.m. in the upper room of the Ladysmith Legion. Free admission. Information or reserve a seat 250-0100.

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Airport Asks Residents to “Show Your Love” Securing non-stop service to Edmonton has been a top priority for the Nanaimo Airport team for several years.

Unfortunately the dropping oil prices have created a new priority for one of our Airline partners.

“With major economic influences at play, such as the recession in Alberta, WestJet Encore has made the difficult decision to suspend service from Nanaimo to Edmonton starting March 5,” says Mike Hooper, President and CEO of Nanaimo Airport (YCD).”

WestJet Encore’s twice daily service to Calgary will remain. Central Island residents will be able to continue to fly to Edmonton via connections in Calgary or Vancouver.

“We understand it’s the right business decision for WestJet,” says Hooper.

“So we need to use the time that’s left to ensure when the economy picks up, YCD-YEG is one of the first routes to be reinstated.”

The Nanaimo Edmonton non-stop service started in December 2015. As these are non-peak travel months, the Airport team is realistic it will need residents’ help to demonstrate the full potential for the route.

With that in mind, the Airport kicks off the “Show Your Love” campaign, created to encourage Central Island Residents to share the strong connection and commitment they have to Edmonton and why this route is important.

“As the service operates until March 5, we have a month to gauge the true interest for the route,” explains Hooper.

“We’re asking Central Island Residents to “Show Your Love”, and participate.”

I Love Saltair Party Saltair is having a party and everyone is invited.The, “I Love Saltair, Extravaganza and Party,” is on Saturday, February 6, at the Saltair Community Cen-

New wheels for Ladysmith Search and Rescue Ladysmith Search and Rescue Society’s job just got easier thanks to the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary. Their generous donation of $9000 helped LSAR complete the purchase of a new ATV. The addition of these wheels will help expedite moving LSAR team members, equipment and the removal of injured victims.

Pam Fraser, Drew Chisholm, Irene Telford, Kathy Allen, Deb Henderson, Miriam Rose, Kathleen Ball, Elsie Vernon, Lil Kroll, Jennifer Forrest and from LSAR, Faye Hjort. Photo Allen McDermid/TAKE 5

tre, formerly the Mount Brenton School (3850 South Oyster School Rd., Saltair).

The festivities run until 4 p.m.

Volunteer takes 5 Alistair Couwenberg has been volunteering at the Ladysmith & District Historical Society since August of 2009.

She has taken on many volunteer duties with LDHS over the years.

Alistair is working on the project of compiling all the historical events that have been published in TAKE 5 Magazine since its inception, June 1997. Articles, stories and photos of people, places and things of Ladysmith and surrounding areas do not escape the searching eyes of Alistair.

Many of the articles pertain to the commercial fishing and the oyster industry as well as the mining and logging industries. There are stories of sports and recreational events, and of course, the many festivals that make up the history of Ladysmith. Upon completion of this project, the information will be copied and digitized as searchable documents accessible on the LDHS website. To get

Alistair Couwenberg LDHSA member works on TAKE 5. Photo: Allen McDermid

involved, drop by the LDHS office, 250245-0100 or visit ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca/.

Alistair was born on the Island and lived in Nanaimo and later Yellow Point. She went to school in Ladysmith. She met her husband Harrie, who was working at Dalby’s, in Ladysmith. They have four children. Alistair worked at the Ladysmith & District Credit Union for over 14 years.

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Cooking up business After purchasing the Worldly Gourmet in July of 2014, Kamal and Theresa Saab have spent the past year and a half building their brand. The store has gone through a transformation with new and unique cookware for the home cook as well as commercial kitchens. The Saabs describe their store as truly a culinary world under one roof. “We have items in our store, such as the Kitchen Aid Pro Line Series, that you cannot find anywhere else on the island,� remarked Kamal.

As well as specialty oils and vinegars, cooking classes are available. The classes are extremely popular and feature guest chefs.

Kamal and Theresa Saab of Worldly Gourmet feature culinary products and first-class cooking classes.

Photo: Cindy Damphousee/ TAKE 5

COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID

February 1-6 1–May 7, 10am to 5pm, Nanaimo Museum Feature Exhibit — Characters, Con Men & Celebrities— tickets $5 1, 6:40pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111 1, 7pm, Theatre One presents My Internship in Canada, Avalon Theatre, 250-754-7587 3, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111 3, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-722-3536 3, 8pm, Open Mike Night, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663 4, 7:30pm, Clear Cut at the Nanaimo Art Gallery — Jessica Lowry is a Ladysmith-based performer, writer — Admission is free, www. nanaimoartgallery.com 4, 8pm,Blues Night with Blue Moon Marquee, by donation to Band, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663 5, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111 5, 7pm, Ladies Night — Lingerie and Intimates: Hosted by Lovewinx (Shannon Phoenix) — Closed to general public, $5 cover fee, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663 6, 9pm, Lena Birtwistle (Emerald Specks),tickets $10, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663

6, UFC 196, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112

Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111

Feb 7-13

13, 9pm, Gerry Barnum, tickets $15, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-2453663

7, 2pm, Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus’s Second Benefit Concert for two Afghani women studying at VIU, also featuring The Big Mess, tickets $20/ children free, Nanaimo Ecumenical Centre, 6234 Spartan Rd., to reserve call 250-740-0058 8, 10am to 1pm, Nanaimo Museum, Family Heritage days to celebrate Family Day in B.C. as well as February Heritage month will be hosting drop-in heritage-themed kids activities in the gallery, admission is by donation, caregivers must be present at all times 8, 6:40pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111 10, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250246-2111

Feb 14-20 14, 12:05pm, Irish Dance Beginner Registration for Girls Ages 5–8, Cedar Heritage Centre. First trial class is free. Girls wear shorts and bare feet to their first beginner classes. This class includes girls from Cedar, Yellowpoint, Cassidy, Ladysmith and Nanaimo. For more information, call Alison 250-888-9421.

14, 2pm, St Michael’s Church, Chemainus Classical Concerts — Obsession’s Garden — Camille Hesketh, soprano; Guzmán Ramos, theorbo; and Terri Hron, composer, tickets $20 (in advance $17), call 250-748-8383 14, 5pm, Valentines Day Dinner, The Mahle House 250-722-3621

10, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-722-3536

15, 6:40pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111

11-28, The Clean House, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658

16, 1pm to 2:15pm, Nanaimo Museum Feature Exhibit —Characters, Con Men & Celebrities — tickets $5

11, 8pm, Comedy Night — Sophie Buddle, Amber Harper-Young, Bobbie, Darryl Shaw — Tickets $15, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663 11, 6pm, Weight Loss Seminar, Ladysmith Pharmasave 441 1st Ave. 250-245-3113 12, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250246-2111 12–Mar 26, Chemainus Theatre — Million Dollar Quartet!

13, 9am to 11am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus

15, 7:30pm, Cowichan Performing Arts presents Theory of a Deadman with Age of Days, Duncan

17, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250246-2111 17, 11:30am to 1pm, Soup and Sandwich, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111 17, 11:30am to 1pm, Blood Pressure clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111 17, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United

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27, 9pm, David Bitonti and Ali Prince, tickets $10, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663

for the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music’s annual fundraiser event, tickets $40 and student $25, www. porttheatre.com

Feb 28-29

13–14, 7pm, Theatre One presents Coming Home, Avalon Theatre, 250-754-7587

19, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250246-2111

29, 6:40pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111

15, 6:40pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250 246-2111

20, 5pm to 8pm, Birthday Party Potluck Dinner, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111

2, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-722-3536

Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-7223536 18, 8pm, Jenn Grant with Joshua Hyslop & Alex Wickett, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663

20, 7:30pm to 10pm, Nico Rhodes Trio, tickets $15, $10 seniors/students or under 12 free, Ladysmith United Church, 232 High Street 20, 9pm, Terry Boyle, tickets $15, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245 3663

Feb 21-27

March 1-5

March 6-12 9, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-722-3536

21, 1-3:30pm, Dyslexia Seminar, Reset: Adjusting Perceptions 250-245-8412

March 13-19

21–22, 7pm, Theatre One presents Jimmy’s Hall, Avalon Theatre, 250-754-7587

13, 2:30pm, Janina Fialkowska, solo piano recital, Port Theatre 250-754-8550

22, 6:40pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250-246-2111

13, 2:30pm, Janina Fialkowska, Port Theatre

23, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club — Fine art photography: the emotional response to lines, with Cim MacDonald — Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith, www.LadysmithCameraClub. com 24, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250246-2111 24, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-722-3536 25, 8pm, Ukulele Sing Along Night with Ali Prince, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663 26, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow Street, 250246-2111 26, 9pm, Wil with special guest Lena Birtwistle (Emerald Specks), tickets $10, Music Hall Food Co., 18 Roberts Street, Ladysmith, 250-245-3663 27, 7pm to 10pm, Fun-filled Evening of the 50s Music with the Doctors Rock and Roll Band, tickets $20 (purchase at the church), come dressed 50s fashion, St. Andrews United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, call 250-7531924 or Ann Smith at 250-616-9143 or Carol Anderson at 250-754-7673

16, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-722-3536 17, 7pm, The Lonely: A Tribute to Roy Orbison, The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, www.cowichanpac.ca., call 250748-7529

March 20-26 23, 1pm to 3pm, Cedar Seniors Drop-in, games and refreshments, all are welcome, Cedar United Church Hall, for more info please call Barb at 250722-2346 or Donna at 250-722-3536 8 - Nanaimo Museum Family Heritage Days 14 - Chemainus Classical Concerts 21-22 - TheatreOne Jimmy’s Hall

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visuals.” “Clear Cut” is part of the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s exhibition, Silva Part II: Booming Grounds. Admission is free. “Clear Cut” shows Thursday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m. For more details, visit www.nanaimoartgallery.com/index.php/events.

Lowry is also a yoga instructor and mother of three. She is intrigued by the connections between yoga and the creative process. She teaches yoga at North Oyster Community Centre.

The Clean House Ladysmith Little Theatre is starting off their year with “The Clean House” by Sarah Ruhl. Lane, an American doctor, has hired Matilde, a young woman from Brazil, to clean her house. But Matilde’s allergic reaction to Windex and feather dusters has Lane on edge. Fortunately, Lane’s sister Virginia sees the quintessence in dust. “If you do not clean,” she asks, “how do you know if you’ve made any progress in life?” And so Virginia persuades Matilde to let her clean Lane’s house on the sly, thereby setting in motion a series of events that reorders the relationships among the play’s characters.

Under the direction of Brian March, this funny, tender play has oddball humor, deadpan soap, spirituality and romance. The cast comprises of Kathleen Ramsay, Wendy Wearne, Vic Duffhues, Barbara Metcalfe and Larissa Coser as Matilde.

The show plays February 11 to 28. Pur-

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Million Dollar Quartet!

Labour of Love. Holly Eden with the quilt she made for her 8 year old gandson Hamish.

The stunning quilt took over two years to make. Photo: Marina Sacht/TAKE 5

Chemainus Theatre presents the Jukebox musical, “Million Dollar Quartet,” running February 12 to March 26. They came together to make music — Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash — and they made history. Their red-hot jam session created a score of rock ‘n’ roll hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and more! See the show and listen to the legendary music created during one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.

Chemainus Sketch Group chase tickets at Ladysmith Little Theatre Box Office, 250-924-0658 (open Wed and Fri from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) or online www.ladysmiththeatre.com.

Clear Cut performance Ladysmith-based performer and writer Jessica Lowry has created the show “Clear Cut,” which is based on her family’s roots in logging. Her great grandfather Earl Lowry, grandfather Dayle Lowry and father Larry Lowry of Lowry Logging were all involved in independent logging contracts, clear cutting all over Vancouver Island. Always fascinated by the stories behind photographic images, Lowry recalls spending hours studying her parent’s photographs.

“When I’d find myself alone, I’d dip into a big cardboard box and draw out a random photo.”

In “Clear Cut”, Lowry looks at photos and video from her family’s long history in logging. “I explore a range of voices, memories and insights through storytelling that is weaved together with audio Jessica Lowry (inset) performs Clear Cut, inspired by her logging family’s photographs. Photo submitted.

Everyone is welcome to the following events: Meet-Up with guest artist Eunmi Conacher, February 10, 9:30 a.m., at Fuller Lake Arena. Paint-together, a time to paint together, February 17, 9:30 a.m., at Fuller Lake Arena. Framing and Presenting Art for Exhibition with guest Bruce Whittington from Bayview Framing, February 24, 9:30 a.m., at Fuller Lake Arena

Art exhibit at Kiwi Cove Opening on Jan. 30 is a new painting exhibit by well known local potter Josee Duffhues. The paintings are on display at the Kiwi Cove Lodge for the next six weeks. This award-winning potter just recently allowed herself the freedom and joy of “coloring outside the lines” thanks to Dennis Brown. She’s busy exploring texture on canvas, possibly because of the nature of her past work in clay, and is extremely interested in lighting her works and creating 3-dimensional multimedia pieces.

Born in The Netherlands in 1951, Josée has been a creative artist since her childhood in Australia.A potter originally, she studied Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo, but back then was not happy working in acrylics.

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Live 5-2-1-0

BY DR. BETTY BARTLEMAN, MD, FRCP(C).

Now that the good intentions of January are fading away, let me tell you about something you can do that could really make a difference. Have you heard of “Live 5-2-1-0”? Live 5-2-1-0 is a simple way to remember guidelines for healthy living. Although developed for children, we would all benefit from following these easy-to-remember “rules”: Five: Enjoy at least five vegetables and fruits every day. By age four, children need at least five servings, so offer a va-

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riety of types and textures. They may not like it the first time, but you never know when that might change.

Two: Limit screen time (television, computer, phone, video games, etc.) to a maximum of two hours each day. More screen time means less time being active and social. Avoiding screens in bedrooms will improve sleep habits.

One: Play actively for a minimum of one hour each day. Children learn physical, social and problem-solving skills while playing. Activity also improves school performance, mood and self-esteem.

Zero: Drink zero sugar-sweetened beverages (pop, energy drinks, iced tea, etc.). When you are thirsty, the best drink is water. Eating fruit is preferred over drinking fruit juice, which is high in sugar too!

With the support of B.C.’s Children’s Hospital, this guideline has been adopted by several communities across British Columbia in an effort to decrease childhood obesity and improve the general health of the children in their community. By using this easy-to-remember

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Audrey and Sylvia Haslam take to the hills.

Limit online/TV to 2 hours aa day.

Photo: Angie Haslam

message in a variety of settings (health care, school, recreation, business) and building a healthy community environment, we can help children and families adopt healthy habits.

Kids learn what they live, so try to think about the example that you set.

Let’s work together to build a community where the healthy choice is the easy choice. We have a great opportunity to influence the next generation as well as

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Play actively for an hour a day. Sand volley ball at Transfer Beach Park. Photo: Angie Haslam

improve our own health.

So, unplug, grab your coat (and maybe an umbrella), get outside, pick up some locally grown produce and have a healthier 2016!

Visit www.live5210.ca for more information and suggestions on how to incorporate these guidelines into your daily life. If you would like to help make our community a Live 5-2-1-0 community, please contact me at mcnabscornmaze@gmail. com, subject line Live 5-2-1-0.

Five steps to better health and fitness

BY TYLER VR BUCK, AUTHOR OF “THE BUCK POST� AND CROSSFIT COACH Here are the top five ways to improve your health and fitness: Sleep: In order to recover from the demands of day-to-day life and to repair tissues, you must sleep. Studies have shown that eight to nine hours of sleep per night will massively benefit you through increased cognitive function and rapid muscular repairs. So, cut out some TV time and sleep more.

Massage and Chiropractic Therapy: If you place your body under high levels of tension, stress, exercise or work, over time you will have scar tissue buildup as well as the possibility of skeletal misalignment. To aid in your recovery, optimize your performance and decrease your risk of injury look no further

Enjoy at least five vegetables and fruits every day. Farm stand at McNabs Farm and Corn Maze. Photo: Betty Bartleman

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than your local registered massage therapist and chiropractor.

Nutrition: Start with quality ingredients because you are what you eat. Focus on discovering local organic foods and choosing protein, animal and plant sources that are hormone free.

Exercise: Find something you love to do that makes you sweat and do it three to five days a week. It doesn’t have to be lifting weights, although weight training has been shown to have incredible benefits for long-term health. Find a friend and try some classes together.

Recharging: Expending energy all day can leave you feeling burnt out. Do things just for you that recharge your battery. Cook, meditate, walk in the forest or paint — whatever it is, do it daily.

Lifestyle Guide “Health the Way Nature Intended” is a lifestyle guide for anyone wanting to reboot their health. It contains a weekly shopping list, daily meal plans including snacks, juices and smoothies, daily ex-

Bruce Law Photography

ercises for regaining abdominal strength after surgery, and daily mindfulness and meditation techniques. It was created for those living with a stoma from colitis, colon cancer or Crohn’s disease, but everyone will benefit. Created by Stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor Darren Pedersen and his fiancé/caregiver Leanne Chan, the guide is a fund-raising project.

To date they have purchased a TEM Insuffolator for B.C.’s colorectal surgery team at St. Paul’s hospital, created the One More Day Campaign to directly help cancer patients and, over the holi-

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days, launched PGWM Giveback campaign to increase the spirit of giving in the Nanaimo community. The book sells for $29.88 online at www.healththewaynatureintended.com as well as at the PGWM office #103-360 Selby Street, Nanaimo. (Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Here’s how to impove your health Feed your body with as much live plant-based foods as possible.

Move your body daily. Take the stairs, walk, hit the gym, go to a yoga class, or play a sport — anything to get the blood circulating.

Keep the mind fresh, focused and clear with mindfulness. Cortisol pumping out of our adrenals is toxic so keep worries at bay by being mindful.

Breathe consciously. Taking deep, smooth breaths in and out of the nose gives our cells the oxygen they need to perform healthy cell function.

Drink plenty of fluids. Cells also need moisture for proper cell function so keep your fluid intake up and power up by drinking fresh vegetable juices, coconut water, broths and infused water.

The following is a recipie from the book Health the Way Nature Intended.

Hemp Milk: Hemp milk is an excellent replacement for cow’s milk or alternative to any other soy/nut/seed milk. It contains all 10 essential amino acids, super omega-3 EPA and omega-6 GLA, and is non-allergenic. Add dates for sweetness and iron, potassium and protein to hemp milk. Add Himalayan sea salt for trace minerals, cinnamon for its flavour and anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties.

Hemp milk is considered the easiest milk to digest as it neither contains phytates (enzyme inhibitors) nor oligosaccharides (complex sugars). Phytates and oligosaccharides can cause flatulence if not properly broken down during digestion and can also interfere with the assimilation of essential minerals.

2 cups water 1 cup Hemp Hearts 2 pitted dates Dash Himalayan sea salt Pinch of cinnamon Pinch of vanilla bean Ice (optional) Place all items in a heavy duty blender.

Start Low. Turn high for one minute.

Store in a mason jar.

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Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor Beautiful turkey tail is possibly the most common mushroom that you will find in any forest. It thrives and lives in places where many stumps, fallen trees and other decaying organic matter are left to give nourishment to the ecosystem.

As versicolor may suggest, turkey tail are quite variable in colour and form.

They are not at all fleshy and therefore dry easily, ending up quite tough and leathery.

In Asia, a number of clinical trials revealed that the turkey tail mushroom can help rebuild the immune system in people with a wide range of cancers.

The benefit is quite powerful, as when taken with mainstream cancer therapies, turkey tail has repeatedly shown that it significantly lengthens lifespan.

Given turkey tail’s positive effects on the immune system, it could possibly prevent cancer or help other conditions in which immune suppression is a major problem, such as with HIV. Turkey tail also helps to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

To add turkey tail to your pantry, gather nice clean specimens the next time you go to a forest. Be sure to take scissors, which are useful in cleaning and cutting off the edges that were attached

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to the wood. The thin pieces of turkey tail will dry readily. After drying, break the mushroom into small pieces or grind to a powder. Make an infusion, capsule or tincture from the herb to boost you immune system.

There is so much more to be said about turkey tail. I invite you to visit my site http://thestandingpeople.com for a fulllength monograph and other free publications including medicine making.

Check out Kahlee’s two new books in the Standing People series visit thestandingpeople.com or symbionts@shaw.ca.

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) This month’s column will have a guest commentator. For those 1250 households that are connected to the waterworks of the North Cedar Improvement District (NCID), you will have recently received the Landowners Update. If you haven’t read this piece, I suggest that you do as your costs are going to, in my considered opinion, escalate dramatically if the NCID maintains its current list of priorities. What the update doesn’t state is more important to the community than the viewpoint of a few Trustees apparently driving the process. While I could no doubt provide a synopsis based on information circulating in the community,

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I thought it would be more prudent to ask the landowner involved in this situation to briefly comment on his experiences in dealing with the NCID Board of Trustees. Contributing to this month’s column is Wayne Procter, whose name you may recognize as a the owner of a number of businesses, both within EA “A” and in other locations on Vancouver Island. His businesses employee a significant number of people in this community and over the past years, he has assembled a number of properties within the Cedar Rural Village Centre to develop a mix of commercial and residential buildings that are in line with the Cedar Main Street Design project. This project now forms an important part of the EA “A” Official Community Plan (OCP) to allow revitalization of the village centre

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area. Here then are the words of Wayne Procter: “Firstly, I wish to thank Take 5 for allowing a departure from the Director’s Notes format to present my experiences in dealing with the NCID. In early 2015, I purchased the 10-acre property that NCID has indicated they are “required” by the Island Health Authority to acquire in order to comply with Island Health Authority requirements. I reject this explanation for two reasons: 1. Ownership of the property is not a requirement of Island Health. One only needs to ask one or both of the Island Health Authority or the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development to obtain this answer; and, 2. Only a portion of the 10-acre property is required for the waterworks infrastructure that would lift the moratorium on supply of water to new homes, including legal secondary suites, that has been in place since March 2010.

I’ve now been advised that NCID is going to expropriate my entire parcel and spend possibly millions of dollars by way of development. I understand that they have indicated that: 1. They need a large portion of the upper 4.6 acres to support a 15,000-square foot administration building with many vehicle parking spaces.

2. An access roadway is required down the centre of the property to service what, at most, will be two operating wells. Current access is by way of a right-of-way down the northerly edge of the property.

Two questions come to mind: Will the community support construction of a proposed 15,000-square foot administration building, construction costs being substantial to house two full-time employees and one part-time employee now or in the foreseeable future? Does the community support what I feel is an unnecessary acquisition of a prime piece of property that is one of the key pieces to enabling revitalization of the Cedar Vil-

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lage Centre in accordance with the 2011 Official Community Plan? My property is intended, under the approved Cedar Main Street Design project, to allow a mix of residential and commercial properties that would contribute significantly to the tax base and support infrastructure needs. If NCID were successful in their expropriation, the taxes collected would be zero since local government does not pay such taxes.

I have attempted to reason with the NCID to alter their chosen course of action. I have offered to discuss a proposal to lease part of my property to facilitate NCID having legal access for the water.

They have simply rejected any solution other than threatening to go ahead with expropriation. I have also offered to assist with construction of the water treatment infrastructure so as to get them completed now without the need to wait until 2019 or 2020 as their current plan proposes. Again, there is no consideration given to this viable alternative approach. One needs to ask, “Why?” The community is stagnating with ever-increasing water tolls, parcel taxes and other costs being borne by the static pool of ratepayers.”

I’d like to thank Mr. Procter for succinctly stating his experiences as, without such people coming forward to keep ratepayers informed, the machinations of local government would be caught up in the “in camera” web of secrecy.

Unfortunately, Mr. Procter’s story is not unfamiliar as other community-minded business people have related stories about making similar offers only to have them rejected out of hand. I have been provided with written confirmation of their offer, but these people have not received any written rejection that could be shared with the community.

The Annual General Meeting and Election of Trustees is currently set for Wednesday, April 27, at 7 p.m. at the NCID offices on Yellowpoint Road near Cedar Road. Three Trustee positions will be up for re-election.

CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) Regional Recreation — Here We Go Again!

When I was first elected in 1996, one of the biggest issues in the Region was

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the desire of some directors to implement a funding mechanism through which every single taxpayer in the Region would pay for all the expenses — capital, operational and any other costs — related to all of the recreational facilities in the Cowichan Valley, even those owned by municipalities or other jurisdictions. All of these facilities included and still include the following: the Cowichan Centre Ice Rink (where the big hockey stick is), the Cowichan Theatre, and the Cowichan Swimming Pool and everything that is housed in that complex, including numerous meeting rooms. They also include Fuller Lake Arena, the Cowichan Lake Arena, the Mill Bay Arena, and the Frank Jamison Centre.

Each of these facilities is owned and operated separately by different local governments. Thankfully, the issue of funding the Cowichan Sportsplex has finally been put to bed through the 2014 referendum process, which soundly defeated the proposed universal funding of that facility.

Each time the topic of universal regional-recreation funding is brought up, a lengthy discussion occurs. Often proclaimed is that everyone in the region uses these facilities and therefore, everyone must pay. Eventually, the facilities owners acknowledge that not all areas use these facilities and not everyone uses them in the same manner or to the same degree. That’s when the idea of a concentric circle approach is proposed. Called the “yellow model” in the past, the proposal is very simple: the closer you are to Duncan, the more you pay, and the further away from Duncan, the less.

In the past, from these discussions, staff have been requested to do a study and prepare reports for the directors consideration. At the January 13 2016 Board meeting, regional recreational funding was once again on the agenda.

I expressed my concern that the outlying areas are again being asked to fund the recreation centres that they neither asked for nor had input in the design, function and the allotted budget of these facilities.

However, Area H residents did support funding the Frank Jamison Centre through a referendum process, and

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Saltair residents started paying for the centre in the mid to late 1990s. Currently, Area H residents are taxed on average twice as much for the centre as the residents from Saltair are taxed.

When I expressed my concern of the lack of fairness to Area H residents and attempted to change the governing bylaw, a member of the board actively lobbied the other directors not to support changing the bylaw to the same wording as Saltair. Without unanimous support from all the directors, the bylaw could not be changed.

During the discussions on the matter of funding, it was suggested that these facilities should be funded regionally as it is a health issue. School busses are bringing bus loads of children to facilities outside the area in order for them to pursue activities that are active and healthy. However, I cannot imagine School District #68 busses driving past Frank Jamison Centre to partake in activities in Mill Bay or Lake Cowichan when they can take advantage of a local facility. If in fact transporting children to far away locations actually does occur, the money should come from the School District budget rather than local property taxes. There are many other local options for healthy activities that do not involve children sitting “healthily” for a couple of hours on a bus to get to and from these “regional” facilities.

For a number of years, the Aquatic Centre implemented a two-tiered system for patrons entering these facilities. One price for those who pay taxes towards the centre and another price for those who use it from time to time, but do not pay tax money towards the centre. That seems fair to me; I see

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no reason why that system should not continue. It’s simple, effective and does not involve your tax dollars being collected regardless of whether or not you use the centre.

Another major concern for me is the fact that Area H will receive no funding whatsoever for recreational opportunities that are easily available in Area H. Our local parks and beaches are funded by taxing North Oyster/Diamond residents, but are also used by residents in other areas of the Cowichan Valley. These parks are not considered “regional” and are not eligible for “regional” funding. If the 2016 Regional Funding proposal is supported by the majority of the board, North Oyster/Diamond residents will soon be sending bucket loads of money south with absolutely no benefit to our residents.

At the January 13 2016 Board meeting a resolution stating that “expenditures of up to $13,000 from the Feasibility Study Reserve Fund for contracted services and a regional recreation workshop” was recommended for approval. Also recommended was to form a “Regional Recreation Select Committee,” to consider the draft terms of reference and to include as the members of the Select Committee a representative from each of the following: the Kerry Park Recreation Commission, the Cowichan Lake Recreation Commission, Island Saving Centre Commission, North Cowichan Parks and Recreation Committee, and Ladysmith Council. It seems to me that this “Select Committee” would make recommendations to the full board on behalf of the taxpayers. Looking at the recommended makeup of the commit-

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tee, it looks as though North Oyster/ Diamond and Saltair will have no voice. I suppose we’d have to trust Ladysmith Council to speak for us. Quite frankly, that would be ludicrous.

Although the board did not approve the recommendations exactly as presented, it did approve moving forward with a workshop and draft terms of reference for the “Select Committee.”

Twenty years have passed now since I first heard about jointly funding “regional recreation.” If it was the right and fair thing to do, surely it would have been done long ago. In order to resolve this ongoing soap opera, I would wholeheartedly support following the same process used to determine who would fund the Cowichan Sportsplex. This process involved going to the public with a referendum on an area-by-area basis, so that each area can determine their funding priorities for themselves in a fully democratic process.

If the referendum is not endorsed in North Oyster/Diamond, Saltair or any other jurisdiction, there would be no public authorization to collect tax money from these areas. Democracy does not just happen; the citizens must work hard for it. If this proposal is endorsed by the board and moves forward, this would be a perfect situation to work together and ensure that democracy is enshrined in the local government process.

CVRD Area G (Saltair) Saltair Celebrates Community Centre Opening On Saturday, February 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saltair will celebrate the grand opening of the new Saltair Community Centre at the recently purchased Mt. Brenton School. The newly formed Saltair Community Society will be the operator of the centre.

The event will include entertainment, food and activities for people of all ages. There will also be a prize draw for those who fill out a questionnaire to help the society determine the activities to offered first at the centre. The society will mail the survey to residents before the grand opening extravaganza. They can be returned to the Dayliner Station-

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house Cafe on Chemainus Road, Byron’s Store or brought to the extravaganza.

The merchants who have donated prizes and food at press date include the 49th Parallel Grocery Store, Save On Foods, Starbucks, Doc the Barber, Station House Cafe, Saltair Pub, Ladysmith Dollar Store, and hopefully more.

One member of the community even donated a piano. Terry Boyle, a local singer and songwriter, will be entertaining us with his newly written song, “Sunny Saltair.”

Saltair Community Society Board Of Directors Six members formed the founding board of the Saltair Community Society, but the society is looking for more members (up to 12) at the first Annual General Meeting held at the end of February. Members of the Saltair community are invited to put their names forward to serve on this first official Saltair Community Society board. Their term will be for one year. The society will have oneyear/one-dollar lease of the building that is owned by the CVRD. There is a small budget available for operations and a federal grant for new furnaces and some window upgrades.

Saltair Parks Commission The Saltair Parks Commission meets the first Monday of every month except August. They give input on the development of Saltair’s three main parks , trails and beach accesses. There are openings for two new members on the commission. Anyone interested in serving on the parks commission, or to see what it is all about and how it works, can go to the meeting on Monday, February 1, 7 p.m., at the Saltair Community Centre. Building our parks for the future and overseeing the maintenance of them is very rewarding work. Saltair is very proud of its parks, which seem to be getting better and better every year.

Most parks commission members have served for many years and have done a terrific job. We welcome you to be a part of the team. For more information www.sunnysaltair.ca; or if you can help phone me at 250-510-5431 or email mdorey@cvrd.bc.ca.

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Let’s Get Growing!

Eighty-one per cent of all fruits, vegetables and nuts consumed in Canada are imported. Every time the loonie drops one cent, the price of imported food goes up one per cent. This year we can expect to see the cost go up 4.5 per cent, so shouldn’t we start questioning our reliance on these imports? By supporting local farmers, we stimulate the resurrection of small local farmsteads, which will make our food more secure in the future. And by growing our own food or buying locally, we will offset the carbon footprint of shipping food worldwide (and save a fortune at the same time).

Here are a few tips to get your garden

Start those seeds. Photo submitted.

going: Visit your local Seedy Saturday or Seedy Sunday event. This is an opportunity to find open-pollinated seeds and plants from local growers and farmers.

There are 12 events on Vancouver Island to choose from. Visit www.seeds.ca to find the event near you.

Organize your seeds by filing them alphabetically in a shoebox. Use marked cards to create sections for cool-weather seeds, seeds that require light for germi-

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nation, seeds that need heat for germination, and winter vegetables (seeded in June/July).

Sow cool-weather seeds indoors, or in an unheated greenhouse, any time from mid-February onwards. This includes lettuces, leeks and onions, globe artichokes, herbs, parsley, kale, chard, spinach, peas, chicories and all the Brassicas — broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi and cabbage.

Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant need a long growing season, so seed them at the same time as coolweather seeds. These seeds need a temperature of 75°F (24°C) for germination, so provide bottom heat from heat mats or germinate them under lights.

The fragile roots of squash and artichoke seedlings resent disturbance, so it’s best to plant each seed in its own pot.

Squash, cucumbers, beans, corn and sunflowers are heat lovers that can be seeded in April/May for transplanting outside once the weather conditions have settled.

Your food garden should be in a site that receives 11 hours or more of sunlight daily. Seven hours allows most plants to grow adequately, but four hours limits what can be grown.

As soon as the ground warms up, you can directly seed lettuces, arugula, beets, kale, spinach, chard, kale, coriander, corn salad, cress and a summer mesclun mix. After lightly raking the seeds under the ground, spring rains take care of the rest until early thinnings provide tender spring greens.

Plant your rows in a north–south direction, which exposes both sides of each row to maximum sunlight and results in increased yields. Beware not to overshadow the crops needing sunlight with taller plants.

When planning the layout of your food garden, practise the principles of crop rotation to relieve the stress on the soil from nutrient depletion.

Vegetables fall into three categories: heavy feeders, heavy givers and light feeders. Heavy feeders (corn, tomatoes, squash, lettuce and cabbage) take large amounts of nutrients from the soil. Plant the areas where these crops were grown last year with heavy givers (nitrogen-

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fixing plants or legumes, such as peas, beans and fava beans), or light feeders (all the root crops).

When tomato seedlings produce their first set of true leaves, move them into 4-inch pots to continue growing and then pot these established seedlings into gallon pots. Wait until they produce yellow flowers before planting them out in the garden in late May/June. Feed gallon pots weekly, alternating one week with liquid seaweed and the next with fish fertilizer.

Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food (Harbour Publishing) Available at your local bookstore.

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Early Flowers How flowers came to be considered gifts, I do not know. While the beauty of some is undeniable, is it not strange that we imbue them with meaning and, especially at this time of year, as tokens of love? Flowers are after all the sexual parts of plants, and depriving them of their sexual bits seems a bit ironic. Most showy and fragrant flowers attract and entice insects, birds or animals to facilitate the exchange of pollen. However, the rewards for the pollinating partner are a metabolic cost for the plant. If the plant is stingy with the reward, the flower will attract few pollinators. If it is prolific, the plant will attract a lot of pollinators, but may die or take several years to recover its energy stores. The showiness of flowers and the associated rewards to pollinators suggest that pollinator services are not easy to obtain. (I’m currently reading Bee Time by Mark Winston. In the book, he discusses the human forces on agricultural and wild landscapes that are putting strain on this critical ecosystem process.)

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Few flowers in our gardens or in the wild are in bloom at this time of year. I imagine if the tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day developed in the temperate world, the rarity of flowers in winter must have made it a precious gift and, before the widespread transportation of goods, must have been only available to those with greenhouses.

Many of the plants which bloom early in the year, such as red alder, are wind pollinated. They have little reason to be showy or fragrant as they are not trying to attract pollinators. (Wind-pollinated plants are responsible for most pollen allergies.) The early bloomers, which require insect pollination, often employ ingenious strategies to entice the few insects that are active at this time of year.

Scent attracts insects as well as us. Many of the scents we use in soaps, cleaners, deodorants or perfumes are plant derived or inspired. While many flower scents are pleasant to us others are not.

The most notable of these is surely the skunk-cabbage. Its fragrance, imitating that of a dead and rotting animal, promises a high-protein meal for an insect visitor and perhaps a place to lay eggs.

Whatever the fragrance, the purpose is the same.

Most flowers are hermaphrodites. They could pollinate themselves, but generally don’t. For many plant species, sex is not an important way to increase their numbers. Asexual propagation is common in plants and, with the exception of annuals, is the way nurseries propagate

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many plants. Plant sex is considerably more complex than animal sex, and we should probably just leave the strangeness of fungal sex for the time being — that kingdom shatters even the gender concept (Schizophyllum may have around 28,000 sexes, while others have only a handful).

Most flower production for the floral trade takes place in energy-, fertilizerand pesticide-intensive greenhouses or tropical areas, and is trucked and flown to markets around the world. For many people, the hidden environmental costs of giving flowers cannot hide the pleasure of giving or receiving flowers, cloaked as they are with meaning and symbolism. As with tea, coffee or chocolate, there are now fair-trade options.

Red-flowering currant.jpg Photo: Jay Rastogi

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You could also choose locally and grow your own flowers or clip branches from select trees and shrubs to force blooming sooner than naturally. We have many good options for early-blooming plants in our gardens — some viburnums and cherries bloom very early as do witchhazels and forsythia. Almond and redflowering currants follow soon behind and all can be “forced” to bloom in time for Valentine’s Day. Simply bring them in a few weeks before you want them and place them in vases with water. The buds on the plants should already be well developed, but factors such as day length, humidity and heat will play a role in how quickly they bloom. Without light, the flower colours will not develop as well (you can use this feature to get some pale- or white-coloured flowers).

Many bulbs can also be grown inside in pots or on decorative rocks with water at the roots below. Some wild plants that bloom early are salmonberry, satin-flower, spring-gold and Indian-plum. The latter species has separate male and female plants, and you can smell the flowers of each to distinguish them. Female Indianplum blossoms have a scent which some people find unpleasant (others think it smells like watermelon rind). Satinflower and spring-gold are relatively rare, so please do not harvest these from the wild.

To me, the beauty of plants is best enjoyed in the context in which they are grown. Contemplation of a plant and its ecological relationships makes for a delightful day.

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

Reach him at ecoforestry@gmail.com

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Case of the dripping nose From my third floor office, I looked down on rain-splattered Government Street. A Pacific storm had turned umbrellas into little black spinnakers. People scudded across my field of vision.

Not one client all day. The sign I had placed at street level promising 117% dryer inside wasn’t packing them in.

Why? I couldn’t tell you.

I was toying with the thought of calling it a day, putting the “Out Chasing Bad Guys” sign up on the door when I heard what sounded like the Royal Hudson chugging up the stairs. Only it wasn’t a train. Instead, it was a man, on the wrong side of 60, in a gray velour leisure suit, as

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seen on TV but usually in the seventies.

On wobbly legs and with sweat popping out of his forehead, he navigated into my office, looking like he’d lunched on a beach ball. Nowhere did it say your clients had to pass a medical exam.

“My name’s Gutman,” he said, but barely, oxygen being at a premium.

“I can see that. Why don’t you have a seat? “ Getting him up the stairs was one thing; getting him down was going to be another. The building didn’t come with runaway lanes.

He eased down into the chair, but the last foot or so could best be described as free fall. The chair didn’t like it, but that’s life as a chair.

“Congratulations, being the first client of the day qualifies you for a 10% deduction on any bullets I might discharge on your behalf. Why don’t you marvel at those savings while you catch your breath... then we’ll talk.”

While he dripped and nodded, I prayed for the chair. Which is important, because many chairs have impure thoughts, especially those in the Victoria’s Secret’s dressing room. “Now,” I said, “tell me the problem.”

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“I’ve been robbed,” he said, with just a trace of British accent. “While I was away on a brief holiday, someone entered my house and walked off with 237 cases of my finest Bordeaux.”

“Got an inventory of what’s missing?”

He handed me a sheet listing all the big names and big vintages right back to 1947. “Gadzooks!” I said. “Do you have an alarm system?”

“I do, and it was set and monitored, but they must have known the code. It didn’t go off. They entered through a broken window at the back of the house.”

“Sounds like an inside job. Detected any fine Bordeaux on the breathe of your spouse, your kids, or the butler?”

“I’m unmarried, have no children and don’t have a butler.”

“I hate it when that happens. But never mind, in one foul swoop we’ve eliminated three suspects.” Unfortunately my top three suspects. Maybe I should have stuck with sanitary engineering.

And then I noticed his nose. It was dripping. Ah ha! “Your nose,” I said, “does it always drip?”

“Quite heavily over the last year.”

“You’re seeing an internist?”

“Why yes, I am. Doctor Coleman.”

“Let me guess, acid reflux?”

“Big time.”

“And he told you not to drink, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“And you told him as soon as you finish these 237 cases of Bordeaux.”

“I wasn’t quite that honest.”

“You like the guy?”

“Indeed.”

“You’ve had him over to see your cellar?”

“Yes. We shared a 1985 Lynch Bages.

It was holding up very well.”

“Got his phone number?”

He did. I dialed. It was a long shot, but I didn’t have much to shoot at. “Tell him it’s about the Bordeaux,” I told the secretary. Moments later, I had a nervous sounding Doctor Coleman on the phone.

We had everything straightened out in five minutes. I put the phone down, leaned back, put my feet on the desk and cradled my arms behind my head. (It’s how we detectives sit when we’re on top of our game.) “He’s agreed to have the wine returned by this time tomorrow.”

“My internist stole the wine?”

“Yes, I left him in a state of abject embarrassment. I don’t know whether it’s

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possible to die of embarrassment or not, but we’ll find out before the week’s end. He’s learned the hard way that in the game of life, emotion trumps intellect. Or as my father used to say, usually after draining the gin, ‘We’re all weak’.”

“I’m flabbergasted. How on earth did you know?”

“Elementary, dear Gutman. It was no coincidence you were out of town when the robbery happened. It had to be someone you knew. My guess is you told Coleman of your travel plans during your last visit.”

“Yes, I did mention it. But it’s hard to believe Coleman would actually steal my cellar.”

“Cut the man some slack. He was hit by a double Tsunami.

Not only did he covet your cellar, but he could justify taking it. You were under doctor’s orders not to drink. He might have saved your life by taking the wine. You have no wife or children to leave the wine to. Heck, you probably wanted him to have it in the first place. Even St. Peter would have trouble resisting those arguments, although with him it was showgirls.”

“But how did he get by the alarm?”

“He guessed the code. It’s probably something like WINE.” “That’s exactly what it is. How did you know?”

“It’s a guy thing. My friend with the big sailboat’s code is SAIL, the backhoe guy is DIGS, and mine is RATS, i.e., the people I investigate. Only makes sense that yours is WINE.” Before Gutman left, we decided that Coleman should pay my bill, and that it should be padded to further enable the good doctor’s healing process. I also thought about investing in a better security code. DICK maybe.

Attention all men. Look sharp on Valentine’s. Pick up a bottle of LaMarca Prosecco, 18 bucks. You can thank me later.

Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant.

Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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“We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.”

— Henry David Thoreau

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care, peace keeping and détente, and talking with the supermarket checkout clerk.

What’s a few minutes here and there, an hour or two even, if it builds bonds that strengthen our society. For our hopes, dreams, prosperity and the potential of a better world for all, even a little extra contribution we give is worth the effort. You could pay forward what another has done for you and at the same time, take pride in giving something of yourself to the greater good.

Busy lives don’t leave time for all

What if you had one whole day ...you could do whatever you wanted? What would you do?

Leap year’s timely quest How much would you spend on a sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? Unfair question, eh? It’s the meaning of the gift, not what it costs. What in the world wouldn’t you give a loved one, the someone you care for and who cares for you?

How about what would you do for the betterment of your community or the neighbourhood where you live? Your country? Would you give an afternoon or help out with a weekend project? Enlist?

That’s an “ummm,” eh? Year in and year out, you’re already giving taxes in return for services and the promise of fair and democratic governance, of course. But what if it meant stability and maintaining standards when times are tough and change is upon us? You’d give that little bit more to go the extra mile, right?

I mean, you’re a Canadian. A romantic idealist who believes in universal health

we’d like to do, though.

What if you had one whole day given to you, and you could do whatever you wanted? What would you do? Say, coming right up at the end of this month, you were given an extra day this year?

Think of it my friends ... an extra day!

Twenty-four hours could go a long way to clear all those goody-two shoes New Year’s resolutions you promised your family. Pancake breakfasts all around.

Paint the car and wash the house. Get all those pesky resolutions done in one big bonus day! Maybe even help a local organization or charity, put a little time towards civic responsibilities and duties, or stare down a daunting challenge or two in these interesting times.

But what do you really, really want?

It’s just one day in a year. You could fritter it away and just treat it like any other day: go to work, pay off some bills, or put some money in the bank. Or, you could make a plan: reward yourself with

FEB 2016

a little free time, or treat your family and friends for a couple of hours; and then, you could still have an hour or three to give something of yourself to that big picture we’re all living in. Take pride in your contribution to the meaning of life and changing the world for the better.

Of course not everyone wants to join the Peace Corps/CUSO, or take on a New Deal like that of the Great Depression. That’ll take more than a few hours.

But an extra hour or two from a bunch of Canadians could help jump-start local economies and contribute to those national solutions we’ve been waiting for. Maybe we could even light a fire in that transition to a less carbon-intensive society. Engaging in community and charitable activities, raising funds and beginning projects in the 150th year of our Confederation promise could be just the tonic we Canadians are looking for.

If the real keeners got out, say 10% of Canadians, and they gave their whole day away, that would be an economic stimulus of $420 million this year (or $3.5 million with $15/hr). The same deal goes if all 35-million Canadians were to give one hour of their bonus day to a charity — all from contributing one hour on one day.

And what do you know? Just in time, February 29th arrives. An extra day in the year to do with whatever you want.

And here you find yourself, in this beautiful country and great land, able to give an hour or two of your time or wages to help your community, country and even yourself. Bonus!

This year, February 29th could be that day that changes everything — a chance to remember the sacrifices of the past, to leave a living legacy, to renew our vows to one another, and to find new ways to honour and restore the foundations upon which great civilizations are built.

And it could be a lot of fun. Just one day every four years, we all could give a little something of ourselves to our sweethearts, friends and family, neighbourhoods, communities and country. A day that could change our world. Maybe it’s time to give back.

Laurie Gourlay and Jackie Moad oft leap in the dark, surprised at who they find there already, seeking local solutions to global challenges!

TAKE 5

take5.ca

Love of travel sparks tour groups for Ladysmith couple Lorne and Verna Hastings have been travelling and organizing successful tours for over 20 years.

Now that they are retired from their day jobs, they have turned their passion for people, adventure and interesting places into a second career as tour leaders. Both have experience organizing and leading tours for groups of 12 to more than 60 people.

Since 1992, the Hastings have led tours throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. They have cruised the Nile River, the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea, Lake Como, Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world), the canals of Amsterdam, the Aegean Sea, and rafted the headwaters of the Amazon River.

What do you define as an “adventure”?

I define adventure as anything out of the ordinary. It might be walking along our beaches and finding an ancient spear head.

It might be climbing the peaks of Machu Picchu. It is whatever comes along that is out of one’s comfort zone — maybe a little or maybe a lot!

What is the greatest adventure you have participated in?

One of my greatest adventures was hiking the hills between the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens on Luxor, Egypt. On the way out of the Valley of the Kings, I kind of wandered off the main road and found the beginning of what I thought was the trail. I had done my reading before we had left home and I was pretty sure I had found the correct path.

I had!

I had dreamed of doing this route since I was 10. I had a vivid imagination as a child and I read all about ancient Egypt. I imagined striking out into the desert and of course, finding treasures on the ancient past. It was very hot as the sun beat down upon us and luckily, we had all brought our water bottles. We needed them for this hike. The views were tremendous from the vantage point, and I could imagine the ancient Egyptians walking these trails after a day of working in the deep tombs of the pharaohs.

It was dangerous as there are no rails to keep one from falling over the edge of the steep hills to the 150 meters below.

Why is adventure important to you?

I love to share new places and cultures with others because I Verna and Lorne Hastings in Egypt. Photo submitted.

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believe that we are better people if we expand our minds and our hearts. While working at Ladysmith Secondary School for 20 years, I sponsored and took students overseas to many countries and places. The opportunity to share these moments in their lives and to share other cultures, foods and languages with them allowed me to give them a better understanding of our world. Many of the LSS kids have struck out on their own after travelling with me and have seen many parts of the world. I like to think that I inspired them.

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

Exploring beaches. Take a backpack, a picnic and some water. Strike out whichever way your heart desires on the beach, check the tides and explore. You just never know when you might come across a beautiful rock, shell or fossil.

There are still ancient spear and arrow heads to be found on our beaches too!

You will also be surprised by the wild life that frequents our oceans. There are otters, seals and if you are very lucky, an orca or two. The seabirds are beautiful as they swoop by on the ocean breezes. The trees that grow right down to our shores are often enormous. I understand why Emily Carr found them so beautiful and enchanting in her west coast paintings.

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

I think it has been an asset to me, and I am very lucky to have a partner in life that also enjoys travel and new adventures.

Now that I have retired, I can focus more on new and different places to travel to at different times of the year. I also now have time to do my own research, have meetings and generally educate my travellers as to where they are going and what they will see. I believe this makes any trip much better.

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

Just do it. If you have a dream to see where your ancestors came from, if you have always wanted to see the Trevi Fountain in Rome, or climb the pyramids of Giza, let me know and I will come with you! Want to do a trip to the Galapagos, but you’re not sure how to do this? Let me know and I will make it happen. I have a wonderful group of like-minded, happy people who travel with us. We have really become a family in many ways and we love to invite new people to join our group.

What do your future plans include?

The future plans are as follows: Ancient Greece and Athens with a stay on the Island of Santorini (March 18, 2016), Spain (focusing on the foods and wines of Spain, October 2016), I am also planning a Galapagos/Ecuador tour. I would love to hear what other people would be interested in, so please do not hesitate to ask questions and suggest ideas.

Contact them at hastingsv@hotmail.com.

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take5.ca

FOR SALE POLE for pole dancing, ready to mount. $75. obo 250-245-9165.

FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. Call 250-245-3395.

BUSINESS SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY. Don’t trust just anyone! We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits to glamour and corporate clients. Free photo book included of your images. Email for quote and portfolio: marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165.

KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE. Over 25 years licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing and maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical, etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756.

BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS. Fishing, prawning, crabbing and sightseeing. Call 250210-0787 or 250-245-4185.

BEADS BEADS BEADS Etc! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow us on facebook/etcinchemainus. Call 250-324-2227.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives.

35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE for odd jobs, painting, staining and power washing. Call Blair 250-2455621.

MID-ISLAND HOME SUPPORT since 2009.

Personal assistance and house cleaning available. Bondable, licensed, certified and insured for your safety and ours. For the best rates around, please call 250-924-2273 (CARE).

YOU MADE THAT? You could sell it! Online/ Offline Mentor & Coach for your new arts and craft business venture. We start from ground

zero. Proven results. Contact Mei@myogastudio. ca or 250-797-1218.

EDUCATION SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT LTD. SPRING BREAK FULL DAY Camps and before and after school space available. School-aged children. North Oyster Community Centre (Lic#KRIS-9MPPYV). 7am to 6pm. Mon. to Fri. Nature programming, arts/crafts, hiking, building, music, games etc. Full/part-time and drop-in spots. Subsidy welcome. patti@senseofplaceyp. com, www.senseofplaceyp.com, or call 250-6671222 or 250-618-3396.

HEALTH & BEAUTY ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR. Get lean and healthy fast! Less than $5/meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! No gluten, wheat, barley or trans fat. www.taketimetoday.com. Call Suzanne Deveau 250-245-8407.

BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com. For information and appointments, call 250-245-7738.

TAI CHI For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts February, Mondays, on-going class Wednesdays. Both classes 10am to noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Rd. $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.

YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS RMT Roz McKenzie is offering massage - range of motion work, ayurveda cellulite busting, foot, hand & neck massage salt glow rubs. Reasonable rate. Call for appointment 250-618-8218 FOR ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS. Bedding, window treatments, couch and chair covers, cushions, pillows, special accessories and decor, dressmaking and alterations — whatever comes to mind, info@egrstudios.com, call Elke 250-6181172.

FEB 2016

ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backslash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com. Call 250-924-4924.

QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.

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. Call Jamie and Ingrid 250-246-4938.

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 to fit your schedule.

Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 1-250709-1364.

SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE specializing in fall & spring cleaning, inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-9244735 or 1-250-218-4735.

WOOD SHEDS, interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, railings, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home and yard you love. Namaste Home Improvements.

Call 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

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.

THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. Also do window washing and odd jobs. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-618-9217.

PETS

HOME & YARD

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded.

Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.

NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business.

Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250-668-8383.

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. Pre-booking visits welcome. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com. Call Diana and Kip Slater 250-722-2201.

TAKE 5

KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL. Purrsonalized quality kitty care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates.

Available 24/7. Check out our new home at 2740 Heather Way, Nanaimo. Take a virtual tour www. kittykorners.com. Call 250-740-KATS (5287).

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015.

SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment.

Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcomed. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391.

NEED HOUSESITTERS for nice country home on Hawaii Island for six months from April 15 to Oct 15, prefer retired couple with independent income.

For further info, email s.v.ceceline@gmail.com LEAVE A LEGACY - WRITE YOUR MEMOIRS We can help you get it done from start to finish. TAKE 5 Publications now offers a full book publishing service from a few copies to thousands. Big or small we can help you get your project done. Call TAKE 5 Publishing 250-245-7015 for a quote. editor@take5.ca 250-245-7015.

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