TAKE 5 May 2015 by Take 5 Print & Digital Media

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MAY 2015

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Letters Creating a made in Ladysmith Round Table for Watershed Management BY GREG ROBERTS Water is a vital resource. Canada has been endowed with an abundance of water and as a result we have taken it for granted. But a week hardly goes by now, when one or more water issues make international or local news. Shortages, contamination, low snow pack, changing precipitation patterns and amounts, conflicts between industrial, agricultural, ecological and human needs are all becoming much too common. Ladysmith is not immune from these issues. We currently have a wonderful water supply in Holland, Stocking and Banon Creek systems. It meets todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. But the supply is not infinite and the quality is not assured. In recent years we have seen issues related to turbidity, trihalomethanes, contamination of the old reservoir, low flow that jeopardizes fisheries and ecological habitats, heavy precipitation events that wash out fish habitat, and supply issues that raise concerns about the capacity of the systems. Our watershed is the traditional land of the Stzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;uminus; it is an active area for forestry and is the backyard for recreation, hunting, fishing and native food gathering for many Ladysmith residents. All these uses have implications for watershed management. There may be significant costs associated with addressing some of these issues. For example, Island Health is imposing standards on water quality that may require expensive filtration. Ideas are being discussed to increase the height of the dams at Holland Lake/Reservoir to address the issue of water capacity and supply. A pipeline to take water from Holland Lake to Stocking Lake has also been proposed. These all have significant implications for the tax payers of Ladysmith. It is important that citizens have the opportunity to be involved in understanding these issues and their alternative solutions. Throughout BC and on Vancouver Island we see citizens stepping up to take a greater role in watershed management to protect quality and quantity of supply for human and environmental health. In February a small group of citizens made a proposal to Ladysmith Town Council to establish a round table for watershed management. The proposal was endorsed in principal and re-

ferred to staff to bring back a proposal on how to best implement this type of approach. To help this process along a group of citizens is working with the town to move this forward. Mark your calendars. A public workshop will be held Wednesday May 20, at 7pm at Aggie Hall. The workshop will provide an opportunity for folks to express both concerns and opportunities in our watersheds. There will be several speakers from other parts of the Island that can give us the benefit of their experiences with round tables and involvement of government, First Nations, citizens, industry and users in watershed management. There will be opportunities to ask questions or present views. The goal is to establish a round table on watershed management that is designed and built to work for Ladysmith. A Round Table will be a forum for communication between citizens, governments and users on how our watershed works; its capacities and a base for taking action to ensure continued quality and quantity of supply. It can become the vehicle for the development of cooperative actions for watershed management. So, whether you simply want to come and listen or have your voice heard on watershed issues, come out to the Ladysmith Watershed Round table public meeting on May 20, 7 pm at Aggie Hall.

Sportsmen Cleanup I would like to thank the Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club membership for sponsoring the Ladysmith Watershed and area Garbage Clean up. Thank you to Ladysmith Search and Rescue, Dave Stalker, Doug Copp, H.A. Davis, Tim Horton’s, Roberts Street Pizza, TimberWest, the CVRD, Ladysmith Councillor Butch Fradin as well as residents and TAKE 5 for the advertising of the event. This year’s total was 11 tonnes, four more than last year. Please keep in mind that this is our 4th annual garbage clean up in the same area. With all the green, environment, watershed protection talk it’s sad to see an increase in garbage dumped. Is the cost the reason why? Is it because the dump hours aren’t convenient? The heaviest areas of garbage again were the Timberlands, Cassidy and Peerless Road area up past the new Peerless Road Recycling Depot. Tires, roof-

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ing shingles plastics, and paper made up the bulk of the weight. Not only is this garbage an eye sore but it puts our access to private lands for recreational use at risk as well as the animals and their habitat. - Dave Judson, President Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club

“Lady Pam” Oh dear, it looks as if Pamela Anderson, Rob Johnson and we, may have been the subject to an excruciating hoax! Oh was it April 1st? It emerges that Prince Stefan Tchernetich (from whom the award came) is listed on various websites that claim he bought his title. It’s one thing to claim a single throne (Serbia), but he adds Montenegro, Romania, Greece and Albania to his conquests. He’s definitely not the Hereditary Prince of Montenegro. Nor is he an heir to Romania, Greece or Albania (the Prince of Albania is a Muslim). Stefan claims he comes from an ancient and noble family, so ancient, in fact, that nobody (except Stefan) seems to have heard of them. He gives his address as Prague which is not in Montenegro but the capital of the Czech Republic. Montenegro is a Parliamentary Monarchy in name only, formerly a Principality it is currently ruled by the President

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Filip Vujanovic. The country is small, wedged between Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and the Adriatic Sea. In the latest issue of TAKE 5 April 2015, Rob Johnson not only did not do his homework but miss-termed the appellation ‘Lady’ for Pamela Anderson’s award from Montenegro. In spite of the probably spurious honour from the Imperial House, Pamela Anderson is not a Lady no matter what she or Rob Johnson says! However, the bogus or not award, Grande Dame, is the honour, Dame is the appellation or how we address that person, i.e. Dame so and so. Formerly, a knight’s wife was given the title of “Dame” before her name, but this usage was replaced by “Lady.” The honour ‘Knight’ is not an address but part of several ancient and Royal orders that carry the address of Sir . . . . and his wife may use the appellation Lady when linked with her husband, i.e. ‘Sir Harry and Lady Smith’. Brigade-Major Harry Smith of the 95th Rifles under the Duke of Wellington was in fact Sir Henry George Wakelyn Smith, 1st Baronet of Aliwal. GCB Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Bath and later given the British Royal honour, KCB, Knight Commander of the Order of Bath. Lady Smith who was formerly

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Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon carried the address ‘Lady’ because she was married to the 1st Baronet Sir Harry Smith, then, British Governor of Cape Colony South Africa. So let’s do our homework. Check your facts. - Michael Wilkey Writer Rob Johnson resonds: In reference to Mr.Wilkey’s letter regarding the awarding of the title “Lady” to Pamela Anderson. Mr Wilkey says that Prince Stefan of Montenegro is a fraud, and there are many sites that profess this, but other information on the web disagrees so, there is a question of his right to claim his title which goes back centuries. His claim according to some, can be validated by records within the Vatican. Therefore I have given him the benefit of the doubt that his gesture was meant as a means of recognizing the many activities that Pam Anderson has accomplished over the years. What is well known is that Ms. Anderson has and continues to use her influence to support environmental and animal rights issues worldwide, either as just Pam Anderson or as “Lady” Pamela. Letters to the editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Multiple submissions will not be considered. Include name, address and phone for verification. Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TAKE 5, advertisers or contributors. Email editor@take5.ca. or submit at www.take5.ca. Facebook.com/take5publications

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Ladysmith Community Marina invites you to get set for a fantastic summer on the waterfront as the Maritime Society celebrates it’s 30th Anniversary! The season kicks off on May 1 with the reopening of Oyster Bay Cafe, your ‘must go’ dining destination for fresh and flavourful breakfast and lunch specialities. This year the Cafe is open 7 days a week, 8 am - 2 pm. May 1st is also the start of our very popular Dine On The Dock events, held every second Friday at the dockside Welcome Centre, 5:30 - 9:00 pm, with delicious meals by local restaurants. Tickets are $18. per person and can be purchased in advance. Don’t miss the Maritime Festival, May 30 and Kid’s Pirate Day on the following weekend, June 6. Both events will be the biggest yet with fun for everyone in the family. Visit the Marina and explore the Harbour Heritage Centre, Maritime Museum and Heritage Vessels. Admission is free and you’ll learn fascinating details about the early ways of life in

Ladysmith Harbour. Take a Harbour Tour aboard Maritimer with our Transport Canada certified guides and hear stories of local history, see eagles, seals, star fish and other wild life close up! Cost is $15 per person. Come to your Community Marina! Check the website (www. lmsmarina.ca) for more information and event updates. The Ladysmith Community Marina is owned and operated by the Ladysmith Maritime Society, a registered charity serving the Ladysmith community for 30 years! May 30 Ladysmith Maritime Heritage Festival This annual event highlights heritage vessels, the floating museum, heritage displays, harbour tours and nautical demonstrations. Classic wooden boats on display. Food and entertainment. Plus stop by our floating museum where you will find interesting displays of local harbour industries and the Rainbow’s Skiff. On the south side of the Welcome Centre check out the restored heritage boats the Saravan and C.A. Kirkegaard. Come on down 10am - 4pm June 6 Kid’s Pirate Day Join Captain Jack and the crew for a day of free fun activities, Bullhead Derby, Pirates, petting zoo, face painting and lots more. Family habour tours food and entertainment 10am - 4pm Visit the LMS web site lmsmarina.ca

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A balanced budget Balancing a budget is indeed a real balancing act. Local governments like Ladysmith must balance the budget every year; we cannot run a deficit. Balancing the budget means being able to pay for today’s services and costs, and invest for the future. It involves assessing a large number of demands, while always keeping in mind the effect of any tax increases on our citizens. Council’s task is to develop a reasonable budget that provides the services our citizens need and expect, maintain and improve our road, sewer and water infrastructures, and invests in the future while keeping property

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tax increases reasonable so they don’t over-burden our residents and businesses. A large part of the balancing act is to ensure that the replacement of infrastructure is planned for today and not put off for future generations to pay for. Council has spent several meetings now looking at the 2015 budget and the accompanying 2015 to 2019 Financial Plan. All local governments in B.C. are required by law to pass a five-year Financial Plan by May 15th each year. Council focusses on two broad budget categories– operational expenditures (the ongoing daily operations, routine maintenance and services of the Town) and capital expenditures (specific projects to build, replace or acquire Town assets). We also review the budgets for separate funds (such as general, water and sewer) and revenue sources. The process of balancing our budget is further complicated by a number of external factors, things that are often completely beyond the control of Council, but that have a fairly major impact on our budget deliberations. The Town’s expenses go up with inflation just as

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yours do. When the economy slows down, so does development, which means lower revenues from building and development permits, lower contributions to Town reserves, and a drop in the number of new property owners to share the tax burden. There is also a cost to meeting changing environmental and safety standards designed to protect our citizens and our environments, whether we are upgrading a water system or replacing a playground. Nearly half the residential property taxes the Town collects each year go directly to other governments and organizations to pay for services such as schools, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Cowichan District Hospital and the Vancouver Island Library. Any budget increases from those organizations must also be passed along in the form of taxes on your property tax bill. Then there is also the matter of ‘downloading’. When the federal or provincial governments cut individual income taxes, the resulting burden of those cuts is again passed along – either through reduced services provided to citizens, or directly to local governments who must take over those services. Examples in Ladysmith include the fact that we now maintain secondary highways like Chemainus Road and Ladysmith Fire/ Rescue now provides first responder services at accident scenes. When senior governments cut community and social services in smaller towns like Ladysmith, local governments once again step in to pick up the costs, either directly or through support to dedicated and vital community organizations. Even though our Grants-in-Aid budget has increased markedly in recent years, to our regret the demand still far outpaces the funds available. We are pleased to be able to offer property tax exemptions to a number of not-for-profit organizations (as well as to profit businesses to encourage economic development), but this does mean a loss of some revenue to the Town. We all wish we could do more, but how do we balance the needs with the cost to the Town’s property owners? Then there is the need to maintain and eventually replace municipal infrastructure. It makes sense to save for the future and not leave it to future generations, but we are now also required to have asset management systems in place to qualify

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for many of the grants that Ladysmith relies upon to fund major projects. We have been very successful with grants, but we must plan for replacing roads, pipes, sewage plants, playgrounds, community centres, sidewalks, buildings, pools, parks and trails… it’s a pretty long and expensive list. The upside of this kind of necessary investment is that it all helps to create vibrant, sustainable communities and maintain the quality of life that will attract new workers and families to our community, thereby expanding our tax base. So what are we investing in for 2015? Council’s key focus areas for our 2015 budget include “Water Supply and Watershed Protection”, “First Nations Partnerships”, “Vibrant Downtown and Economic Development”, and “Asset Management and Replacement”. We have budgeted for ongoing construction of our new Waste Water Treatment Plant, as well as a new filtration system for our water supply. Other projects include improvements in our downtown, action on waterfront area plan and upgrades to information technology as well as setting aside funds to eventually replace the aging Fire Hall and City Hall. We are making the required investments in ensuring clean water and environmental stewardship. We are working to attract investment. We are making our community attractive to visitors as well as to young families and retirees who want to live here. We are building a strong plan to address the challenges we face, and setting the stage for a prosperous future. Read our draft 2015 to 2019 Financial Plan, and if you have questions, please get in touch. astone@ladysmith.ca

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community,” said City Manager Ruth Malli. “We are proud to share the 2015 Greenest Employers award with our community.”

Storm sewer upgrade

Ladysmith named one of “Canada’s Greenest” For the fourth year in a row, the Town of Ladysmith has been named one of “Canada’s Greenest Employers”. The award recognizes the Town’s organization-wide commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and providing leadership in sustainability for the community. “Ladysmith’s well-deserved reputation for being green may well be our community’s key to economic growth and prosperity,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone. “As an organization, our Town can lead by example and show that even small green changes can reduce our impact on the environment in a big way, cut costs and pay big dividends in our economic development and quality of life.” Ladysmith’s Civic Green Building Policy, the fact that the Town arranged the donation of 350 sapling trees for local school children to plant in celebration of Earth Day, and the organization’s awardwinning, community-led Sustainability Vision and the supporting Sustainability Action Plan, are some of the reasons cited by MediaCorp in selecting the Town for this honour. The Sustainability Action Plan guides Council, staff and citizens by laying out specific sustainability actions, and just as importantly, it contains milestones and targets to measure progress. “Council, staff and our citizens’ work together to build a strong and resilient

The Town of Ladysmith will be upgrading the storm sewer and watermain on Gatacre Street between 1st Avenue & Esplanade. The storm sewer is also being upgraded in front of Pharmasave on 1st Avenue. There will be a full road closure of Gatacre Street on May 4 until approximately June 12. Gatacre Street will remain closed for the duration of the project and there will be no parking on Gatacre during Construction. Parking for homeowners will be available below the alley way on Gatacre Street between 5:30 p.m. & 6:30 a.m. Monday to Friday. There will not be parking restrictions for this location on Saturday & Sunday. The Town of Ladysmith apologizes, in advance, for any inconvenience this important upgrade may cause its business owners and residents.

Garden talk Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club is hosting Carolyn Herriot for a talk on Edible Gardening. Carolyn is a gardener, speaker and author. She has recently relocated to Yellow Point where she is planting an edible rockery garden. Carolyn’s talk IncrEdibles! Growing your way to Better Health is on May 21 at St. John’s Anglican Church Hall in Ladysmith. Doors open at 6:30p.m., speaker at 7 pm.

Kinsmen raise funds Ladysmith Kinsmen raised $1,450 for the Ladysmith Food Bank, from a

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hot dog barbecue fundraiser held in front of Ladysmith 49th Parallel Grocery store on April 11 and 12. This money will be used to purchase much needed items for the Food Bank such as pasta, pasta sauce and chilli.

Ladysmith Spring Farmers’ Market New this year, Ladysmith Spring Farmers’ Market at 49th Parallel Grocery is on Tuesdays from 9 am to 1pm, until May 26. After that it moves to Transfer Beach from June 2 to September 8.

St. Joseph’s School celebrates 50th anniversary The gym at St. Joseph’s School in Chemainus was filled as both Ladysmith and Chemainus parishes came together to mark its 50th on Sunday, April 19. Bishop Gary Gordon held a special mass followed by a reception. Photo: Marina Sacht

The Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, under the umbrella of the LRCA, celebrated its first anniversary on April 2, 2015. The Soup Kitchen is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5 pm in the basement of the Ladymith Eagles Hall. (l-r) Steve Sharpe (founder), Ann Wright (volunteer), Cindy Warren (LRCA), Dennis Lait (LRCA), and Glenda Patterson (Eagles). Photo: Terry Jones

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Iconic Sign Returns The return of the iconic Ladysmith Trading Co Ltd sign in April is the final touch on the extensive renos, inside and out, that have breathed new life into this local landmark, built in 1901. The smart new blue and black paint job shows off the clean lettering, banded windows and sleek canopy of a midcentury modern makeover that still sets it apart from its more traditional-looking neighbours. Nationally recognized as an historic place of “nostalgia and memories” for the generations who have shopped and worked there, the Trading, now home to Coast Realty, Uforik Computers and Arbutus Yachts, looks ready to enjoy a second century as a vital part of downtown.

Earth Day Clean Up In conjunction with Earth Day on April 22, the 1st and 2nd Ladysmith Guides wanted to “Pitch In” for their community. Over 30 girls and their leaders started at 1st Ave and Roberts and ended at Tim Horton’s collecting over 8 kitchen size garbage bags full of trash. And down on the waterfront, the annual Community Clean Up focused on Transfer Beach Blvd. and the Oyster Bay Drive to clear brambles and debris.

1st and 2nd Ladysmith Guides “Pitch In”to help clean First Avenue in Ladysmith on Earth Day April 22. Photo: Gloria Millar

Food for local hungry families BY CAROLINE DAVIDSON “Every Plate Full” is the goal of the spring campaign of Food Banks Canada from May 2 -8. Ladysmith’s Food Bank serves 350 or more people each week. In a year, that equals 18,200 of our neighbours and over 30 per cent are children. Some of these clients are “the working poor”, some are retired persons on low income, and some are people with disabilities. If you would like to help your Food Bank with a fund-raising event such as a BBQ, or a street party to collect money and non-perishable food for the Food Bank, please call Caroline Davidson at 250-714-2533. You can help to make “Every Plate Full” for people in your neighbourhood. The Food Bank and its clients depend on the work of many volunteers. We thank the people who work to purchase the food with donated monies;

the people who fill the bags on Monday mornings; the people who hand out the bags to clients on Tuesdays; the people who pick up day-old bread from grocery stores; the members of the Volunteer Fire Department who pick up the milk for monthly distribution and have moved tons of food from fund-raising events to the storage area. We especially thank all of you who donate money and non-perishable food items through your church or the bins in the stores or take it to the Ladysmith Resources Centre. You are all helping to realize the dream of “Every Plate Full”. Volunteer drivers for the Ladysmith Food Bank are needed to pick up dayold bread products from local stores. Each driver works for one week in about eight picking up the bread. If you would like to volunteer to be a driver, call Irene Mclean 250-245-2181.

Kinsmen Hot Dog Sale made $1,450 for Ladysmith Food Bank. Will Vandergrift Manager of the 49th Parallel, Jacquie Stewart from the Food Bank, Jim Delcourt Kinsmen. Photo submitted.

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COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE

May 1-2 1-2, 12-4 pm daily, SteamPunk2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-2451252 www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com 1-2, Ladysmith Little Theatre presents Ravenscroft by Don Nigro, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658 1-2, 7:30pm, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820 1-2, 8pm, Bus Stop by William Inge playing at Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd, nanaimotheatregroup.com 2, 10am, Youth Film Camps May Dates, 1975, Haslam Road, Nanaimo 250-714-2555 2, 8:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747

2, 5:30pm, Kinsmen Transfer Beach Playground Fundraiser, Aggie Hall 1110 1 St. Ave. come out and support the kids tkts @ 49th Parallel or Duck 250-245-2263 2, 7pm, Opening Night SteamPunk2, Guest Speakers Grant Leier and Nixie Barton, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-2451252 www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

May 3-9 53-9, Ladysmith Little Theatre presents Ravenscroft by Don Nigro, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658 3-9, 12-4 pm daily, SteamPunk2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-2451252 www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com 3-9, 7:30pm, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820 3, 10am, Hike for Hospice to raise awareness for & funds, Providence Farms 250-701-4242 3, 10am, Youth Film Camps May Dates, 1975, Haslam Road, Nanaimo 250-714-2555 3, 2pm, Bus Stop by William Inge at Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd, nanaimotheatregroup.com 3, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts presents “4 Strings, 88 Keys, 1 Reed” St. John’s Anglican Church, Cobble Hill Tkts: $20. In Advance $15 250-748-8383 3, 2pm, Spring Coral Concert, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 3, 3pm, Yellow Point Singers Present It’s All about Love, Oceanview Community Church 381 Davis Rd. 250-591-1170 3, 5:30pm, St. Joseph’s School 50th Anniversary Captain’s Ball Fundraiser, 9735 Elm St. Chemainus 250-246-3191 4-7, Yellow Point Drama Group presents Siz15 South Island Zone Drama Festival, Cedar Community Hall 250-245-7516 4, 7pm, Ladysmith Council Meeting, City Hall 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 5, 9am – 1pm, Spring Market @ the 49th Parallel, 940 1st. Ave. 250-245-2112 5, 3pm, Community Health seminar, FJCC, 810 6th Ave. 250-709-5062 6-9, 8pm, Bus Stop by William Inge playing at Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd, nanaimotheatregroup.com

6, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night alternating weeks check with Cottonwood Golf Course 250245-5157 6, 7:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747 7, 2pm, 9 & Dine enjoy 9 holes of golf and a delicious 3 course meal every Thursday Cottonwood Golf Course 250-245-5157 8-9, 9:30am, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Spring Show and Country Club Centre 3200 North Island Highway, for more information visit www. nanaimopottery.com 8-9, 10am-5pm Crofton Art Group’s 61st Spring Show & Sale, Senior’s Centre adj. ferry dock 250510-2700 or bob.mo@shaw.ca 9, 2nd Anniversary Sale @ Antique Addict, 12 Roberts St. 250-245-6533 9, Friesen’s Annual Multi- Family Garage Sale, 1694 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2737 9, 9am until sold out, Garden Club Plant Sale great prices on a wide selection of plants, used equipment raffle at door 9, 10:30am, ART-O-RAMA Art Sale, Bake Sale, Chili Lunch, Live music St.Michael’s Church Hall Chemainus, Chemainus Valley Museum Fundraiser Free Admission 9, 10am, Water Wise Veggie Gardening, Fern and Feather Studio 3920 Yellow Point Rd.1-888-8282069 9, 11am, Ecole Notth Oyster School Family Fun May Day, Coast Environmental 9401 TCH Chemainus enofundraising@gmail.com 9, 8:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747 9, 1-3pm, Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary Annual Hospital Day Bazaar and Tea refreshments, bazaar tables Proceeds are in support of patient care, Legion Hall 9775 Chemainus Rd

May 10-16 10-16, 12-4 pm daily, SteamPunk2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-2451252 www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com 10-16, 7:30pm, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820 10, Friesen’s Annual Multi- Family Garage Sale, 1694 Cedar Rd. 250-722-2737 10, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate Parking Lot Cedar

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10, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre presents Ravenscroft by Don Nigro, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658

20, 9:30am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-2462111

10, 6pm, YPDG Gala Award Dinner, Dance & Silent Auction, Cedar Community Hall 250-2457516\

20, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich Lunch, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111

26, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club - “Dogs in Motion” a how-to presentation by Doug Bell, Saltair-area photographer Hardwick Hall 228 High St. www. LadysmithCameraClub.com

12, 9am – 1pm, Spring Market @ the 49th Parallel, 940 1st. Ave. 250-245-2112

20, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night alternating weeks check with Cottonwood Golf Course 250245-5157

27, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night alternating weeks check with Cottonwood Golf Course 250245-5157

20, 7pm, Ladysmith Watershed round table, Aggie Hall 1110 1st. Ave. 250-245-5772

27, 7pm, Cedar Community Association Annual General meeting, Cedar Community Hall

20, 7:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747

28, 4:30 -7:30pm, Ladysmith Intermediate School Community Fair, 317 French St, Ladysmith

21, 6:30pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club meeting IncrEdibles – Growing your way to better health with Carolyn Herriot, 314 Buller St.

28-30, 7pm, Ladysmith Secondary Performing Arts presents, the Addams Family, LSS 710 6th Ave.

13, 9:30am, Chemainus Sketch Group, Fuller Lake Arena. Join us as we welcome guest artist Yvonne Vanderkooi. Come check us out!” 13, 5:30pm, Men’s or Ladies Night alternating weeks check with Cottonwood Golf Course 250245-5157 13, 7:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747 14, 8pm, April Wine, rock out to 45 years of hits, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 16, 9am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 16, 5pm, Pot Luck Birthday Party, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre 9824 Willow St. 250-2462111 16, 6pm, Beer & Burger Boots & Jeans Night, North Oyster Community Centre 250-245-2559 16, 6pm, The 4th Annual Spring Fling Fashion Show fundraiser for Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. Tkts At Nancy’s Fashions 16, 8:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747

May 17-23 17-23, 12-4 pm daily, SteamPunk2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-2451252 www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com 17-23, 7:30pm, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820 17, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate Parking Lot Cedar 19, 9am – 1pm, Spring Market @ the 49th Parallel, 940 1st. Ave. 250-245-2112

21, BC Green Party Conference, 1-888-473-3686 21-23, 7pm, Ladysmith Secondary Performing Arts presents,the Addams Family, LSS 710 6th Ave. 23, Ladysmith Thai Yoga Massage weekend workshop, 322 High St. 778-988-8424 23, 6pm, Paws without Borders Rescue Beer & Burger Night, The Queens in Nanaimo 23, 8:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747

May 24-30 24-30, 12-4 pm daily, SteamPunk2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-2451252 www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com 24-30, 7:30pm, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Chemainus Festival Theatre, 250-246-9820 24, 2nd Annual LaFFing Links Gold Tournament, Cottonwood Golf Course 250-210-0870

26, 9am – 1pm, Spring Market @ the 49th Parallel, 940 1st. Ave. 250-245-2112

30, Maritime Heritage Day, Maritime Society Docks, Ladysmith 250 245-0109 30, 8:30pm, Live Music call for details, Fox & Hounds 11 High St. 250-924-1747

May 31 31, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate Parking Lot Cedar 31, 18th Annual Ladysmith Rotary Self Guided Garden Tour, Ladysmith 250 924-3402 31, 12-4 pm, SteamPunk2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-245-1252 www. ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

June 1-6 1, 7pm, Ladysmith Council Meeting, City Hall 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 1, 12-4 pm, SteamPunk2, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-245-1252 www. ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

24, Ladysmith Thai Yoga Massage weekend workshop, 322 High St. 778-988-8424 24, 10am, Cedar Farmers Market, Crow & Gate 25, 6pm, Free SepticSmart Workshop, Jonanco Hobby Shop 2745 White Rapids Rd. 1-888-8282069

(left to right) 10 Cedar Farmers Market Begins 8-9 Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Spring Show 21- 30 The Addams Family

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production has an exciting blend of familiar faces and new faces. Plays until May 9. Tickets at Box Office 250-9240658 or online at ladysmiththeatre.com

Singers spring concert Yellow Point Singers presents their spring concert “It’s All About Love” with guest performer Lauryn Collins May 3, 3pm, Oceanview Community Church, Ladysmith. $10/$25 family at the door. Refreshments. 250-591-1170

Theatre BC’s South Island Zone in Cedar Yellow Point Drama Group is hosting Theatre BC’s South Island Zone Festival, May 4 to 7 at the Cedar Hall. From Gothic thrills to Shakespearean romance to quirky comedy, there’s something for everyone. The SIZ Festival is one of 10 regional festivals in BC where the “best of the best” performances are selected to compete at the Theatre BC “Destination Mainstage” in July. Over four nights, five different theatre groups from the South Island Zone will perform popular plays that are among their seasonal best. Tickets can be purchased for one night or all four nights. May 4: Yellow Point Drama Group (YPDG) presents three one-act plays, Dapper Dan, Judgement Call. North Oyster Players will perform Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. May 5: Ladysmith Little Theatre presents Ravenscroft. May 6: Shawnigan Players Romeo and Juliet. May 7: Mercury Players from Duncan presents Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun. The awards gala on May 10 at Cedar Hall features dinner, dance performance and music. Dinner tickets are $25 or $15 for the awards and entertainment. Tickets available at the door or phone at 250245-7516, reservations@yellowpointdramagroup.org. For more information, visit www.yellowpointdramagroup.org.

SteamPunk2 opens at Gallery

LSS performs Addams Family Ladysmith Secondary presents: The Addams Family Musical. Wednesday is all grown up and has found love. The only problem is the two families have never met. Come and see what the Addams family will do when they find out that they are having the Beinekes over for dinner. The Beinekes are thrust into a world of sword duels, dancing, monsters, unspeakable grief and sorrow. The Addams couldn’t be any sadder. Performances are May 21, 22, 23 & 28, 29, 30 at Ladysmith Secondary School ~ Showtime 7pm.Tickets at Salamander books or LSS $10 Student & Senior & $15 adult.

Thriller Ravencroft Ladysmith Little Theatre presents Ravencroft a Gothic thriller and a dark comedy that is both funny and frightening. There are ghosts on the staircase, many skeletons in the closet, and more than the Inspector bargained for. This thrilling Ladysmith Little Theatre

Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American “Wild West”, in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has maintained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power. SteamPunk2 runs May 1st – June 1st, noon to 4 pm daily, at the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Drive, 250-245-1252, www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

Mousetrap in Chemainus Agatha Christie’s whodunit, The Mousetrap, returns to The Chemainus Theatre Festival this spring. The legendary play has run for over 60 consecutive years in London, and is one of the Festival’s most memorable and requested productions (originally performed in 1999). The reprisal, playing until May 30, will tempt audiences with rich drama, dark humour, and well-woven intrigue. Tickets are available now for evening and matinee performances. Visit chemainustheatre.ca, and by calling 1-800-565-7738.

Chemainus writer releases fourth book in series “Into the Fire” is Bernice RamsdinFirth fourth and final book in The Other Side of Magic series. It is the culmination of an exciting adventure which began when twins Lynn and Lyle find a tiny Faerie trapped in their room. In this final book the twins and Rob drive across Canada followed by the cannibal witch Solvieg, often with hilarious results. She is determined to put an end to them, but a crazy train chase through the northern Ontario wilderness ends in a sacrifice no one would have expected.

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Unveiling of Luke Marston’s Shore to Shore. Photo Gerry Beltgens.

Marston’s sculpture unveiled at Stanley Park On April 25, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a sculpture by Coast Salish artist Luke Marston. Titled Shore to Shore it depicts Marston’s great-great-grandfather Joe Silvey, who was also known as Portuguese Joe, a whaler and fisherman who came to Vancouver around 1858. Silvey was one of the first Portuguese immigrants. Marston from Ladysmith spent over five years completing the bronze.

Ladysmith Rotary’s

18th Annual

Garden Tour, Show & Sale The Rotary Club of Ladysmith will be hosting its 18th annual garden tour on Sunday, May 31. Nine local gardens, ranging from acreages in Yellow Point to lots of widely varying sizes in Ladysmith and Saltair, will be open for selfdirected tours from 10 am to 4pm. Come and enjoy enticing boulevard plantings, formal gardens, natural settings with ponds, hardscaping to enhance streams and waterfalls, berry and vegetable beds, and glorious flowers, shrubs, and trees. Watch for local artists in attendance at most gardens. The Crossley garden in Saltair and Beachside Garden B & B in North Oyster are two of the gardens featured on the tour this year. Roger and Louise Crossley’s garden is a quiet place with colour and texture and scents to enjoy. There is a working area, a vegetable area, a living room area with a water feature, and a more formal area. “Our garden was a blank canvas when we arrived here, so we had a perfect opportunity to really make it ours.” The garden features some plants from ancient lineages such as a Dawn redwood from China, a Gingko from China, a Wollemi pine which was thought

Date: Sunday May 31, 2015 Show and Sale at ‘Aggie’ Hall (1st Ave. & Symonds St.) Open: 9am–1:30 pm Tickets for Garden Tour: $15 (includes garden pass, program and map.) Tickets available at Aggie Hall on Tour Day or in advance from any Ladysmith Rotarian. to be extinct for 200 million years but was recently found in two small groves in Australia, and a cycad and podocarp originating from the Snowy mountains of Australia. Both passionate gardeners, the Crossley’s particularly enjoy their pond and all the bird life the garden attracts. Warren and Verna Dick’s Beachside Garden B&B at Elliot Beach was one of the gardens on the Rotary Garden Tour in 2011 but now it is more established. Verna describes it as “a place to relax and to rejuvenate, and to simply enjoy the beauty nature has to offer.” Set against the spectacular waterfront,

The Crossley garden in Saltair. Photo submitted.

the garden houses over 120 Japanese Maples featuring over 25 varieties, 30 Magnolia trees and hundreds of peony, heather, rhododendron and azalea, hostas, flowering bulbs and perennials; amongst various unusual trees, shrubs and fruit trees. Some rare plants here include the Japanese umbrella pine, the giant leaf magnolia, and silk trees.

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Beachside Garden B & B by Elliot Beach. Photo Marina Sacht

For Verna gardening is a medium for her artistic expression. “As I have no talent in painting, gardening is the best alternative,” she says. “The palette is endless, and the painting itself changes with time and seasons.” The Rotary Garden Tour is a wonderful opportunity for gardeners of all skill levels to visit and admire gardens otherwise unavailable to them. Many visitors will benefit by finding fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for their own gardens. The tour has been carefully constructed so that there is ample time for you to visit all 9 gardens. Just follow the directions on the map provided. On the morning of the garden tour head to the Aggie Hall in Ladysmith from 9am to 1:30pm. Home and garden-related businesses will offer their products and services as well B.C. handicrafts. A slide presentation “Gardens and Flowers” will run continuously and two master gardeners will answer questions. Ladysmith Singers choral group will be performing from 9:30 to 10 am. Come hungry, a continental breakfast will be available from 9-11:30am for only $5. For more info call Ed Nicholson at 250-924-3402 or email kaixin@mac.com

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On the Garden Path

Planting a ‘Garden of Eatin’ BY CAROLYN HERRIOT I am so excited this spring because it’s my first full year in a brand new garden. I came to the conclusion last year that a south-facing rockery makes the perfect place for home grown food. Large rocks absorb the sun’s heat by day and release it back at night, keeping plants toasty warm, a condition in which heat-loving plants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplants, basils and tomatillos thrive. So I am in the process of converting an extensive rockery wrapped around our new home into an edible landscape. Instead of rows I now have circles for growing food - small pockets of soil on different levels. Rhubarb and soft fruits were planted last fall, after I amended the sandy dry soil with organic matter - compost, horse manure, leaves and seaweed. This year I will be harvesting strawberries, blueberries, gooseberries, black and

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red currants and elderberries from the ‘berry circle’. Once it warms up I’ll transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, tomatillos and cucumbers into various rockery pockets. ‘Hawaiian red currant’ tomatoes make a great candidate for such a situation because they grow sprawling vines that produce clusters of the sweetest little tomatoes ever! The best part is there’s no staking because I want the vines to sprawl over the warm rocks. You should have seen my ‘Green Fingers’ table cucumbers last year! The fruit trees were first to be planted, when winter rains would get them established, and they were irrigated through their first hot summer. This year we look forward to ‘Belle de boskoop’ apples, Bartlett pears, Bing cherries, and ‘Frost’ peaches from a hardy tree that is resistant to peach leaf curl. Sweet chestnuts and hazelnuts have also been added to the garden, and I am testing several varieties of figs by growing them in large pots to see which ones adapt best and actually produce figs! Figs are okay with their roots confined and they respond well to pruning, which makes them perfect for container cultivation (and you can wheel the pots in during harsh winters). This summer my dream project is to create an Italianate court-

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A lasagna bed can be built and planted the same day and grows a lot of food. Photo submitted.

yard with a delicious edible Mediterranean landscape behind our home. The idea is to plant herbs and vegetables in raised beds embellished by a stone patio, exotic marble statues and flowing water features. I am dreaming this up because I am done with flying, and I recently traded my air miles in for a Dyson vacuum cleaner! I have decided to devote the rest of my life to exploring the beauty of the region where I live. Why fly to Tuscany when you have it all right here in your own backyard? We do artisan products very well here on Vancouver Island, and there are more appearing constantly as we think about producing food closer to home. I am also in the process of building a lasagna bed from spoiled hay, leaves and horse manure that I have stockpiled. Cool weather leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, chard, escarole, radicchio and arugula will all be planted as soon as the layers are spread and topped with compost. After the crops are harvested I will be left with crumbly organic soil to fill raised beds in which our winter food will grow. There are about 50 types of cold-hardy food plants that thrive outdoors in winter in our mild temperate climate, so it makes sense to plant some fresh food for winter (and save a fortune in the process). This is how I am growing a ‘Zero-Mile Diet’ and now you know why I call my garden ‘The Garden of Eatin’ Bon Appetite! 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 from your local bookstore. She is currently growing IncrEdibles! at The Fern and Feather in Yellow Point. (See advertisement).

RDN “Area ‘A’ (Cedar) The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) 2015 Annual General Meeting and Conference took place in Courtenay, B.C. between Friday, April 10th and Sunday, April 12th. Approximately 215 elected officials registered for the event. While there were presentations on subjects such as election expense limits; the future of the B.C. Ferries; the regulation of forest management activities on Private Managed Forest Lands; Fortis B.C. Natural Gas Agreements; affordable housing; wastewater treatment advances; islandwide intermodal transportation, waste to energy and Municipal Insurance Agency activities, the primary reason for meeting was to consider resolutions on a number of issues important to your local governments. For myself, the most interesting presentation was that of the Municipal Insurance Agency which insures assets of most local governments in B.C. The presentation highlighted the fact that the Province of B.C. does not carry earthquake insurance on their assets. Should there be a seismic event, it appears that the provincial government is relying on the Federal government to provide up to 90 cents on the dollar of the cost of repairing the damage. In an age of declining revenues and a focus on producing balanced budgets, I won-

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der if this is a gamble that will pay off. Additionally, since any Federal funding will be funnelled through the provincial government, is it safe to assume that the provincial government will first apply the funding to the infrastructure that is their direct responsibility? Once the repairs are undertaken on the provincial assets, will there be any monies remaining to assist local government and their residents? All are questions that appear to be valid. There were 30 Resolutions considered by the voting delegates of which a few may be of general interest to residents within the Take 5 distribution area. In the November 2015 municipal elections, a resident of the Capital Regional District (CRD) put their name forward as a candidate for a number of local government positions. I recall that the actual number of positions numbered about 20. The Town of View Royal, within the CRD, put forward a Resolution to address the situation as follows: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province of British Columbia be requested to amend Part 3 of the Local Government Act to add a prohibition on the simultaneous running for local government office by a candidate in multiple jurisdictions. The City of Powell River put forth the following resolution to address the Auditor General’s Report that British Co-

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lumbia was not adequately prepared for a catastrophic seismic event and one of the recommendations within the report was for communities to address seismic upgrading of all assets: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities forward a motion to the 2015 Union of BC Municipalities Conference requesting: THAT the Provincial Government establish an Emergency Response Seismic Mitigation Fund; and THAT the Provincial Government allocate $190,000,000 annually from the Insurance Premium Tax to the fund; and further THAT up to $1,000,000 of the fund be made available annually to each of the 190 local government jurisdictions in British Columbia for the purpose of seismic upgrading of municipal emergency response buildings. This was endorsed by convention delegates. There was a Resolution presented by the Strathcona Regional District & City of Campbell River to have the AVICC undertake an assessment of the feasibility of all Vancouver Island communities providing Island-wide solid waste services. With the rising costs of waste disposal services (as noted in last month’s column), it is time to consider whether or not there is some synergy to be gained through cooperation with other local

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governments. This was endorsed by the delegates. Among other resolutions adopted were ones addressing a declaration of the right to a healthy environment, modernization of the Local Government Act, the establishment of a provincial fund to support Search and Rescue, provincial funding for policebased victim services and several dealing with environmental concerns relative to pipelines and the expansion of tanker traffic in coastal waters. If you wish to review all 2015 resolutions (except late resolutions) presented and a summary of the outcome of 2014 resolutions the following link will take you to the AVICC website: avicc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ FINAL-2015-Annual-Report-Resolutions.pdf - alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

CVRD Area H (North Oyster) Association of Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities: The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) is a body formed for the purpose of representing the local governments on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Powell River and the Central Coast. The Association is one of five area associations operating under the umbrella of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The objectives of the Association are to secure united action among its members to promote greater autonomy within local governments. AVICC pursues these objectives by working with UBCM and other associations of municipalities and regional districts in BC for the advancement of the principals of local government. AVICC has 51 members that represent municipalities and regional districts located within their catchment area. The Association is administered by a board of 8 members and one staff person. The Board members are elected by their peers at an annual AGM and Convention. The Associationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual AGM and Convention is held within the first two weeks of April in a different member community every year, and attracts more than 200 delegates plus guests, sponsors, speakers and exhibitors. Here are some highlights from 2015 AGM and Convention. Pre-conference Activities: Two pre-conference activities were held on Friday morning, prior to the official opening. There was a choice between a tour of the Comox Valley Hospital which is currently under construction and a Reconciliation Workshop. Because the Cowichan Valley Regional District has been identified as an area that requires a new hospital, I choose to participate in the hospital tour. While we were not allowed to enter the construction site, we were able to get a good sense of project. The tour included visiting a building that contained a mockup of the different types of rooms in the hospital and how they are configured for patient care. Information was provided on all aspects of the project including keeping the public informed and engaged. The information is pertinent to the CVRD as we move forward with the goal of a new hospital in the Duncan area. Brief Highlights of Conference Activities: I want to briefly highlight some of the many other workshops and activities that took place during the convention. When space allows in future publications, I will provide details on the following topics: * Keynote Speaker, Tonia S. Winchester, Former Deputy Campaign Director, Washington State Initiative 502 spoke

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about the legalization of marijuana and the impacts and challenges of implementing full legalization. * A Panel Discussion was held on the future of Coastal Ferry Services and the negative impacts of fare increases on the local communities served by BC Ferries. * A Working Breakfast was held on Regulation of Forest Management Activities on Private Managed Forest Lands. * Rod Davis, the current Chair of the Managed Forest Council gave a presentation on its role as the regulator of forest management practices on Private Managed Forest Land. As a side note, the vast majority of Private Managed Forest Lands are on Vancouver Island. * An update of Natural Gas Operating Agreements was provided by Gord Schoberg of FortisBC . It was noted that for several years Fortis has been working hard to have fair and equitable charges across the Province for natural gas service. The issues have been very complex and are now very close to resolution. * Paul Nash spoke about Wastewater Treatment/Resource Recovery Advances and provided information on Sechelt’s

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Water Resource Centre. This facility is designed to process wastewater into dewatered biosolids suitable for composting and high quality effluent water suitable for a wide range of reuses. * Konrad Fichtner spoke about Converting Waste To Energy and provided a high-level overview of energy extraction from the residual waste stream after recycling. He provided information on technologies and how waste to energy fits into an integrated waste management program and what it could cost. Potential impacts such as air pollution, ash disposal and the greenhouse gas balance was also discussed. * The Municipal Insurance Association gave a presentation on “Who’s Covering Your Assets” when an earthquake or other natural disaster occurs. Typically, local governments insure their buildings and structures but do not consider the immense costs of repairing or replacing underground infrastructures. Bridges and roadways are also excluded from coverage. The speaker proposed some solutions to the problem of funding damage to local government assets that have occurred from disasters.

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Resolutions were submitted on a wide variety of topics which I will address in future issues. The delegates who attend the Convention also have the opportunity to network with other delegates and bring back a wealth of information and ideas that they can use for the betterment of their own local community. Before the Convention closed, the delegates were asked to complete an evaluation of the Convention and submit the forms for review by the Executive Board. The feedback that I have heard has been very positive and in terms of both content and process. The delegates expressed the intention to attending the 2016 AGM and Convention which will be held in Nanaimo.

CVRD Area G (Saltair) Saltair Centre Update The saga of the purchased Mt. Brenton School is continuing in Saltair. An ad hoc group composed of John Silins, Debbie Neil, Doug Orr, Peter McCallum, Grace Predy, Sean Jonas and Tim Godau was formed to set up a society to operate the school as a community centre. Progress has been slow because the group wants to be very thorough in their in their work leading up to the final open public consultation with the community which should be on May 7 at 7 pm at the school. The group is also doing a needs assessment to see what the community needs from the facility and what programs to conduct there. They have also come up with a temporary name of “Saltair Centre” for the building. The group is also exploring whether the community should form a recreation commission rather than a non profit society. There are advocates on both sides of this argument. The group has done a SWOT analysis which is looking at the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of forming a society versus a commission. The results will be displayed at the May 7th CVRD meeting at the “Saltair Centre.” Stocking Creek Open Market John Morris’s application for a small lot commercial development next to Byron’s Store passed another hurdle towards completion. The Electoral Services Committee of the CVRD gave their approval on April 21st and it will now go to the main CVRD board for

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bylaw endorsement on May 8th. John has been working on this concept of an attractive mall for about 4 years where businesses will be able to purchase their buildings at a reasonable cost avoiding the high cost of rental space. There will be 16 affordable commercial opportunities available to small businesses. SALTAIR ADVISORY WATER COMMISSION A group of Saltair residents interested in securing Saltair’s water future have been meeting to talk about our partnership with the town of Ladysmith in sharing Stocking Creek water. They have had 6 meetings locally in Saltair and 2 with the Town of Ladysmith. We share the water licenses with Ladysmith and need to work together for future water security. Our Saltair group is looking for official recognition from the CVRD as a legitimate commission where we will have meetings and send our minutes on to the CVRD for their information. We hope that this can be a pilot project for a year so that we can communicate with our residents the plans concerning our water system and Stocking Lake. If we are helpful to the CVRD probably the commission can continue. Broom Cutting A volunteer, Jim Whittaker, has been cutting the invasive plant Broom on Chemainus Road, Old Victoria Road, and many of the streets that connect to these roads, such as South Oyster School Road for years. Due to medical reasons, the person cannot cut any broom this year. Volunteers are needed to rid Saltair of this invasive plant RIGHT NOW. This is the time to cut broom - before the seed pods appear. You simply have to cut the broom as close to the ground as you can, and then take the plants to the Peerless Road facility for free! Please help to make Saltair Broom Free! We also have a broom puller to get the broom right out from the roots. This is actually the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation but their resources have been cut so severely that they will not do it. Contacts For the CVRD phone toll free 1-800665-3955 or 250-746-2500 and myself mdorey@cvrd.bc.ca or phone 250-5105431 on my cell.

Native Plant Gardening Native plant gardening is gaining in popularity. It is an activity which captures the imagination because it connects the gardener to the plants, animals and people which shaped this landscape. For many people, native plant gardening is a reflection of their values and their desire to celebrate the local region. The constraints of your space (such as light, soil and moisture) will determine which plants will thrive. This type of gardening increases bioClockwise: Fawn Lily, Tiger Lily, Photos courtesy of Jay Rastogi

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diversity and creates food and habitat for native organisms. Generalist animal and insect species seem to do well with a variety of food sources and habitats, but creating a habitat for specialist species may take more careful planning. Many butterfly larvae, for instance, require specific host plants. The relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweeds is well known example. The larvae only eat milkweed. Red admiral and Satyr comma butterfly larvae feed on stinging nettle (Nettle is also a great human food â&#x20AC;&#x201C;wherever it is found in the world it is consumed. Historically nettle was also used to make strong rope and nets for fishing.) The adult stage of the butterfly is less dependent on a single food source. Adults will sip nectar from a variety of plants (both native and exotic). Being ectothermic (â&#x20AC;&#x153;cold-bloodedâ&#x20AC;?) butterflies prefer sunny locations. They also require water and minerals which they sip from the edges of mud puddles or the sandy edges of a stream. This practice is called puddling. You can mimic nature and create a drinking area for butterflies by filling a mud puddle in the yard or alternatively putting soil in a pan and covering it with sand and perhaps a few stones for perching. Moisten the soil as needed. Butterfly gardens need not be large. Even a few planters on a balcony can make for a nice butterfly garden. Pollinators are an important part of a healthy ecosystem. The decline in bees and other pollinators over the last few decades raises great concerns. As a gardener you can make a significant contribution by providing food and habitat for pollinators. There are over 100 species of native bees in our area. They vary in

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size and in tongue length. Providing a variety of flowers which bloom through the seasons will attract a range of pollinators. Some good plants for bees are sea blush, Oregon-grape, blue-eyed Mary, fawn lily, penstemon, camas, nodding onion, asters and spiraea. Nesting requirements also vary depending on the species. Some are ground nesters so having a bit of exposed soil helps these species. Bumblebees will nest in loosely matted straw (think clumps of dead grass in an old field or on a fence line) or empty birdhouses. Mason bees will nest in small holes and thus it is easy to construct homes which attract these insects. Our native bees typically do not sting so having them nest and feed in our gardens is a safe activity. Many of the native plants were also valuable for First peoples as food and for materials. Dr. Nancy Turner from the University of Victoria has studied and written extensively about this subject. The relationship between the native flower camas and humans is one such example and one which anthropologists and botanists have spent much

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time studying. First Peoples in our area valued the camas bulb as an important carbohydrate source and managed the meadows with its production in mind. Competition from shrubs and trees was discouraged through the use of fires. Patches were weeded of undesirable species with a special focus on the poisonous death camas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the bulbs of which look like camas. The flowers of the two plants, however, are very different. Many other native plants were actively managed and stewarded by First Peoples

Clockwise: Chocolate Lily, Camas, Shooting Star, Columnbine, Salmon Berry, Trillium Photos courtesy of Jay Rastogi

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â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most of the focus we assume was on species which were useful as food, medicine, materials (such as rope) and for ceremonial purposes. In addition to the utilitarian and ecological benefits of native plant gardening, these plants can be used for aesthetic purposes. Many of the plants from this area were eagerly collected by European botanists and introduced into European gardens. The botanist David Douglas who explored the Pacific Northwest from July 1824 to October 1827 introduced around 250 plants to Britain. Many such as penstemon, salal, Oregongrape and redflowering current remain in vogue to this day. Others once removed from their ecological context have become problematic invasive species in much the way that some exotic species cause ecological problems here. In addition to plants one can also incorporate rock shelters for reptiles, bird-

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houses and nesting platforms, bat boxes and dead trees or stumps for woodpeckers. Think of a wild setting and mimic some of what you see. Because of the stress on our wild areas it is generally not a good idea to collect plants from the wild. There are nurseries which now specialize in propagating native plants. Many can also be started from seeds or cuttings. Native plant gardens are places where ecological relationships forged over thousands of years continue to take place. By integrating human needs with the needs of creatures we share the land with they connect us to the past; they celebrate the present and offer hope for the future. Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, hoticulturalist and educator living in Yellow Point. Reach him at ecoforestry@gmail.com

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Gumweed is up! The folk or common names for gumweed (Grindelia stricta; G squarrosa) such as sticky heads, tarweed, gumplant and rosinweed, refer to the sticky resin that is exuded primarily from the buds with some from the leaf and stem. On a sunny day you can see the resin glistening on the buds and leaf surface. Touch the flower, if it is sticky to

Gumweed’s flower. Its bud exuding sap Credit: Kahlee Keane

the touch you have found gumweed. It also carries an acrid but not unpleasant odour. The sticky resin contains several chemical compounds and various flavonoids that make these herbs a remarkable medicine. It is known by its genus name Grindelia in Europe where it has been used as a respiratory and heart medicine for centuries. Assists expulsion of mucous in the lungs and the respiratory tract and is a relaxing tonic for the heart by relaxing the smooth muscles thereby lowering pulse rate and normalizing blood pressure. The action on the smooth muscles also helps to explain gumweed’s effectiveness in the treatment of asthmatic and bronchial conditions, especially where these are associated with a rapid heartbeat and

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nervous response. When either taking heart medication or having heart problems, it is advisable to obtain your doctor’s approval before taking gumweed. To make a cough syrup I recommend using glycerine as your solvent, not only is it a gentle solvent for use in children’s medicine but alone it will ease coughing spasms and soothe a raw throat. Adding gumweed to glycerine can only improve its medicinal effect. Use 3 parts water to 1 part glycerine,

pour this mixture over the buds making sure that all are covered. Leave for about 10 days, shaking the mixture whenever you have the inclination. Once the buds are strained out of the solution, you have an effective cough medicine. Kahlee has just published her new wild medicine book titled The Standing People: Wild Medicinal Plants of British Columbia please view it at www.standingpeopleclan.com or on Amazon.ca. Contact Kahlee at symbionts@shaw.ca

The delightful world of Valpolicella In the mid-seventies, true to my genetic make up, I found myself drinking wine with dinner. Meals were simple then, peanut butter spooned out of the jar was not uncommon. This was washed down by Italian screw capped red, always a dangerous proposition. I say dangerous because Italy hadn’t mastered the screw cap back then. Unlike the modern versions, which are made from lightweight metal, the Italian screw caps of yesteryear were made of sheet steel thick enough to be used as armour plating on a battle cruiser. Though this gave the upper reaches of the bottle a high resistance to small arms fire, it didn’t make the wine easy to get at, especially when you factored in a few other design flaws. Tools were required. With varying degrees of effectiveness I have used screwdrivers, hammers, vise grips, a come along, a cutting torch, and once when a fireman lived next door, the Jaws of Life. Even with a well-stocked workshop, it was impossible to perform the operation without your number one finger bleeding. It didn’t take long before scar tissue built up and Sherlock Holmes impersonators, vacationing from Vegas, would stare at your finger, study your face and say, “You drink a lot of cheap Italian red, and heh, isn’t that peanut butter in your mustache?” It never made sense to me how the country that made Ferraris couldn’t make a functioning screw cap. Or maybe they could. Maybe this was just payback for all those wartime jokes: How many gears in an Italian tank? Answer: Eight. One forward, seven reverse. Meanwhile, the self-improvement books I was reading at the time were starting to pay dividends. My diet was upgraded from peanut butter out of the

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jar to peanut butter on toast, and my wine now came with a cork in it, Antinori Valpolicella. What the Tuscan based Antinori was doing with his name on a wine produced in Verona, I had no idea. But I did know that $3.10 a bottle meant if I didn’t eat, and lived in the park, I could, on my wage, buy 25 bottles a day. (In Italian think tanks, which are always filled with wine to encourage spirited thinking, this number is called the Valpo Index.) A love affair with Valpolicella began, and just in the nick of time because the screw caps were bleeding me to death. Valpolicella, as I found out, is a blended wine, the principal grapes being Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, which would make excellent names for your daughters, just don’t tell your wife where you got the idea. There are also another six or seven grapes that can go in the mix, but it’s recommended you learn them only if you’re studying to become a wine bore. Fans of Australian and California wines may complain that Valpolicella is light in weight. So too is Eugenie Bouchard, but I don’t hear any complaints there. What Valpolicella and Eugenie have in common is balance. In Eugenie’s case, strength and slimness, in the wine’s case, the optimal blend of acid and fruit, with the end result being a delicious sour cherry taste. Somehow, and you’ll have to check with your math teacher on this, the wine is synergistic. Two plus two shouldn’t add up to seven but it does. I remember being at an Italian restaurant in Seattle, with intentions to take in a movie after dinner, I ordered a bottle of Valpolicella, took one sip, then used all my willpower not to kiss the movie goodbye and order a second bottle on the spot. Inexpensive wine isn’t supposed to have that effect. I think of Valpolicella and Beaujolais as relationship wines. A day in the park or at the lake, a little salami, a chunk of cheese, some Valpolicella here, some Valpolicella there, and before you know it, you’ve got two kids, possibly named Corvina and Rondinella, and a fat mortgage. These relationships are joyful, spontaneous, unlike the pre- arranged weddings that happen when Baron Hot Pants takes a girl down to the dank, can-

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dle lit cellar to show off his Bordeaux collection. But alas, something happened to Valpolicella starting in the mid-nineties. Price went up, quality went down. All of a sudden a good bottle cost you $20 and a $13 version was something you wouldn’t marinate a pot roast in. The marriage was over. I filed for divorce and quit drinking the stuff. Then, last month, I was in a private liquor store—fancy that—with a Valpolicella on sale for the ridiculous low price of $10.49, The 2013 Pasqua Villa Borghetti. For old times sake, I bought a bottle, knowing anything that cheap was going to be lousy. Boy, was I wrong, it was excellent Valpolicella. Contact the lawyer, the divorce is off. Here’s where things get a little tricky. The wine is what’s known in liquorstore-speak as a Spec Item. This means it’s available by the bottle at private liquor stores, but at government stores only by the case. If a case is more than you can handle, split it with a friend. If you don’t have a friend, rent one. If you like it, thank me. If you find yourself eating peanut butter out of a jar with a spoon, there’s nothing can be done about that. At times the liquor store price is $10 but usually it’s around $12, which is still a total bargain because the wine tastes like $18. Now it’s time to sign the petition. We need to get Valpolicella officially in spell check. The problem is how many l’s and where to put them. If three letter words normally found at grade one spelling bees are in spell check, why not Valpolicella? Cat, dog, and nap I can figure out on my own, but I could use a little help with—one more time now— Valpolicella. (The Villa Borgetti was mentioned last month. Having consumed maybe half a dozen bottles since then—no, not at the same seating—I decided this recommendation needs re-enforcement. The order number is 131003.

Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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“I saw behind me those who had gone, and before me those who are to come. I looked back and saw my father, and his father, and all our fathers, and in front to see my son, and his son, and the sons upon sons beyond. And their eyes were my eyes.” - Richard Llewellyn.

Rural heritage and beautification Stashed trail-side in the back parking lot of Cedar’s oldest pub are 19 planters, mostly plant and tree-full. The Wheatsheaf is storing them over the next few months while the finest locations in our Heritage Lands can be found. Oh yeah, and we have 130 indigenous Garry Oak trees to plant, some 3’ high, some 10’. Let us know if you want one, or a small forest!? So now, with a hundred or so local businesses personally approached, and posters on store windows and out by the mailboxes; as well as the ubiquitous emails ethereally cross-stitching the social fabric of our communities, we’re

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gathering a traditional county-values get-together barn-building and workethic force to be reckoned with! Yes folks, 2017 commeth and the Rural Heritage and Beautification project is underway ...reaching out over the rolling countryside, lakes and ponds and winding creeks which link Cedar, Yellowpoint, Cassidy, North Oyster and South Wellington. Here and now we’re looking to place those planters in a nice look-off spot, or where a roadside needs a little sprucing up. Soon, we expect to place benches and pocket gardens next to them, then comes the art works and Canada 150. It’ll be our country-folk contribution to our Country! Our 150th birthday as the Confederation of Canada is only a year and a half away ...and we rural-types figure it’s time to roll up our sleeves, and get ready to be celebrating in our own small town way. That is to say, in a big way! Because this here countryside is the backbone of our Country. And we’ve got the watering holes that became pubs, and the rock-filled mudholes that slowly became tracks, and then roads. And then there’s the dirt trails that linked the farms to the river and the harbours and markets, and saw some of the earliest settlers in the west set up hearth and home right here, way back before there was a Confederation. Just ask the old farmers about the ox and yoke memories of the Elliot/Saunders Ranch, McGuire’s farm next to the Cedar Community Hall, the Haslam’s and Galloways, or the Gisbourne and Williams families. There’s a lot of stories yet to be told, and a history still to be written about those early days hereabouts.

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And writing a guidebook, documenting mile by mile markers of our past, perhaps producing a play, or even pulling together the artefacts and collectables of those hey days, could be the Canada 150 project that once again brings our shared heritage alive in 2017. Or maybe the younger among us will website, vid, and social media a digital fabric so the world might know of the hard work, hopes and dreams that put back to the plough, and axe to the wood, building the homes and communities which stretch through time and space here in this coastal greenbelt between Ladysmith and Nanaimo? King coal and back-breaking mine work also took its toll, while horse logging kept the saw mills buzzing. Hunting and medicines, and foods of the woods and shores, met the needs of the earliest peoples, the First Nations. And you could ‘walk across the river on the backs of salmon’ in those days. In fact ‘The River Runs Through It’ is the theme of our second meeting, May 27th at the Cedar Heritage Centre. Remembering the importance of our watersheds and the Nanaimo River to our communities we’ll be looking to restore our living water ways, to revitalize recreational and traditional uses while meeting our water needs and shared future. And our third evening in late June will find us planning Canada 150 projects, maybe chatting with our MP, talking soccer challenge matches that pit the Snuneymuxw vs. the Nanaimo Thistles in a 125th anniversary sports extravaganza ...and swimming hole tubing and sunbathing contests, and maybe even a few open-sky fireworks bonanzas! And, depending on whether the historians or

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the naturalists amongst us get their way, maybe we’ll consider a 20-story museum display or ornithological Pacific Flyway birdwatching interpretive centre! Lots of rural possibilities for 2017 and beyond... It’s time then to think about celebrating our past and remembering the future. The lucky amongst us will be finding their way to the historically rich and wondrously beautiful countryside of our Heritage Lands here twixt the communities of Ce-

dar and Yellowpoint, North Oyster and Cassidy, and of course good ole South Wellington! Come one, come all!! More info and photos of the planters can be found on our website, www.viccs.vcn.bc.ca Laurie Gourlay and Jackie Moad are getting old and gnarly as retirement beckons, and figure the best times to be had are those which respect the past and renew the vitality of lands and our commons via good old-fashioned non-profit volunteering with environmental, social justice, women’s and community groups. Now, feet in the mud, eyes to the sky, they farm 20 acres organically, and seek local solutions to global challenges naturally!

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EDUCATION

FOR SALE GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE Saturday, May 9, Aggie Hall, 1st & Symonds, Ladysmith. 9am until sold out. Great prices on a wide selection of plants, used equipment. Raffle at door. FOR RENT 5 BEDROOM 2000 sq. ft. apartment available March 15/15 above Friesen’s Rentals on Cedar Rd. call 250-722-2737 for details. WANTED LOVE BAROQUE MUSIC? Play the harpsichord or keyboard? Join our trio (flute and bass). We provide the spinet. Call Laurie 250-245-9121 BUSINESS FOR ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS – bedding, window treatments, couch & chair covers, cushions, pillows, special accessories and décor, dressmaking and alterations – whatever comes to your mind, Elke 250-618-1172 or info@ egrstudios.com KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE, over 25 yrs licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing & maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756 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) BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS Fishing, prawning , crabing and sightseeing. Call 250-2100787 or 250 245 4185

SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT LTD at North Oyster (Lic#KRIS-9MPPYV) Full day kids camps, Before and After School nature programming, arts/crafts, hiking, building, music, games etc! Full, part time & drop-in spots, summer programing available, subsidy welcome www. senseofplaceyp.com patti@senseofplaceyp.com or 250-667-1222 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 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. 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, ongoing class Wednesdays. Both classes 10am-12 noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Road. $20/mo. Sara 250-245-1466 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 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 DARREL 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

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SKRAPPERZ all your recycling needs fulfilled. Your dreams come true. No longer a deep primal longing, now, a reality. Call Gord 250-816-2760 or 250-816-2760. Skrapperz we’ll tackle anything. SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. No job too big or small. Affordable honest work. Duo team. Cleaning, Gardening Painting, and Gutter Cleaning. Outside and inside your home or business. 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735 NEED YOUR LAWN MOWED? Experienced local student, friendly & reliable with own vehicle, mower & weeder, very reasonable rates, satisfaction guaranteed call Ladysmith resident Connor 250-245-5518 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 250-2452751 ISLAND PRUNING - Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamentals. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-245-1260 SPIC AND SPAN House Cleaning Service, quality, dependable residential cleaning 250-924-3515. PETS KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL - Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. 2 km north of Nanaimo Airport. Take a virtual tour www. kittykorners.com 250-740-KATS (5287) HOME BUDDIES - PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kind-hearted, experienced and reliable. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional, Animal Care Aide certified, VIU. For loving care and security, Peggy Wildsmith- 250245-0151 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 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

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