TAKE 5 March 2019 by Take 5 Print & Digital Media

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MARCH 2019

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Letters There are folks in our community that deserve some recognition for keeping the humming birds alive over the winter. There is one lady I know who has two feeders, and the hummers are all over the feeders all day. She gets up early to ﬁll the feeders every day and does it again as they empty. There are hundreds of these beautiful critters all day long at her feeders. We need to give credit to folks who take on this challenge and support them in their eﬀorts. These little guys line up on the fence waiting their turn at the feeders and some even share the perches where normally one bird would be on. Because of people like this, these beautiful creatures of nature will be able to sustain themselves over winter. — Bill Watson My deepest and sincerest appreciation to all the linesmen and personnel involved in restoring electricity in the area of the Diamond during the direst of conditions. – Leander Letters to the Editor may be edited for space, clarity or legality editor@take5.ca or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, V9G 1A1

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Featured Letter: WERE YOU READY? BY LORINNE ANDERSON So how did you fare in the pre-holiday power outage? I am not as prepared as I thought. Until the BC Hydro crews can work their magic, we all need to safely access light, heat and water. Candles: Wax candles can be dangerous and messy. They are a potential fire hazard… but battery powered candles or tea lights can be useful. However, they don’t throw that much light. Flashlights: It is time to dump your old, incandescent, D battery-powered flashlights. The new LED flashlights (often rechargeable via USB; usually $30 or less, depending on size and options) are brighter and can last for days. These often come with a “lamp” feature or act as a power bank to recharge small gaming devices or phones and can be recharged via your car. If you have cordless power tools, consider adding the flashlight option. They are generally sturdy, very bright lights, powered by the same battery your cordless drill uses — nice, large batteries usually sitting in the charger, ready to go. Lastly, consider investing in LED nightlights that double as flashlights; they are always plugged in and charged and offer safety at night in dark hallways or bathrooms, even when the power is on. Lanterns: There are plenty of options available in the camping section of hardware or outdoor stores. LED, florescent or fuel based and run $30–$50. The Coleman white gas or propane lanterns should be used with caution in confined spaces due to CO2 emissions. Kerosene or oil lamps: These are my favourite in a power outage and can be purchased for $20–$30 at any hardware store. A single fill of kerosene or lamp oil will burn 24 hrs or two to three nights, easily light a room bright enough for reading or game playing. A BBQ lighter is ideal for getting these safely and easily lit. Heat Wood, propane, white gas, diesel, heating oil or a generator should never be used UNLESS you have a CO2 detector. Wood stove or wood fireplace: Do not rely on this for emergency heat unless

you are certain the chimney, flues and the unit is in perfect working order. Pellet or gas stove/fireplace: Now is the time to make a plan for operating these appliances safely and without power. Many of these units either need power for fans or augers to function, or ignite. Plus, in an earthquake, the first thing one should do is to TURN OFF all natural gas. Propane or other portable fuel based heaters: Be cautious; most are NOT designed for indoor use due to CO2 emissions and can only be used in “well ventilated areas.” Ensure that any fuelbased heater is specifically designed for use in a confined/indoor space and not a tent. Water I used to think that the wind storm did not affect those on city water, but now it may apply to everyone after the failure with the water treatment plant in Nanaimo. Well water: When the power goes out, so does your pump. This means you cannot even flush the toilet, let alone have a drink. To ensure you can flush the toilet, anytime you hear a storm approaching, FILL THE BATHTUBS or pails or totes. This is not for drinking; it is to flush the toilet. Most toilets (assuming they are not electric or have booster pumps/grinders) are simple devices; depending on your unit, a 2- to 4-liter

bucket of water quickly dumped into the bowl will successfully flush the bowl. Drinking water: Ideally you have calculated, not only your drinking requirements, but also your cooking, washing and pets requirements and stored this somewhere. This need not be troublesome or expensive; the standard is four liters per person per day, but note how much Fido and Fluffy need also. If you have a chest-deep freeze, the easiest way to store water is to reuse your plastic milk, water or juice jugs. Clean well, fill and cap, leaving an inch or so below the top, and place on the floor of the freezer. Top with a sheet or two of cardboard from reused large boxes to give you a flat surface. This will not only store your emergency water, but also keep the deep freeze colder longer, and as a bonus, it elevates everything in the freezer so you don’t fall in every time you need something “from the bottom.” Alternative drinking water: Hot water tanks and, yes, toilet tanks (not the bowl, the tank on the back) are often good sources of clean drinking water. Rain barrels, rivers, lakes and ponds can also be used, but should be boiled for five minutes or purified. Power Most likely you will be relying on fuel-based generators or some sort of battery power. Solar or wind would be ideal, but not very common.

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Portable power banks: These go by many names, but essentially are some form of rechargeable battery backups. There are unlimited options for charging small devices, even laptops. They start as low as $10, only boosting a small device once, to $30–$50, boosting a small unit three to six times or a laptop once or twice. Depending how important your electronics are to you, larger units may be worth checking out, but the smaller ones should be must-haves — especially if you were one of those folks running your car, just to charge a small electronic device. Generators: These can run from $500 up to $10,000+ depending on how much power you feel you cannot do without and whether you will have it hard wired or just run extension cords. Our small, 5hp unit ran our small and medium deep freezes and our fridge, with a bit of juice left over for recharging some devices, BUT I discovered I did not have the right size and length of extension cords! We also are very grateful for our CO2 detector, as the small, one-inch crack where the cords came through the window was actually sufficient to have the monitor hit 88 due to the direction of the wind blowing. Some duct tape sealed off that problem quickly, but it was a grim reminder of generator safety. The downside of generators are that they are pricey, noisy and require sufficient stored (stabilized) fuel. A generator that has no fuel is useless, and they use a shocking amount when the power is out for a significant period of time. A few other things I discovered … Infrared thermometer: These are worth every penny of the $10–$25 they cost for accurately tracking the temperature in the fridge and freezer so you know when and how long to run the generator. Ideally, note and record the “normal” temperature of your freezer/fridge using one of these point-and-shoot thermometers. During an outage, within a second, you have an accurate, digital reading of the temperature of your food so you can efficiently run the generator and eliminate food spoilage. Extension cords: These can be a major safety hazard. Make sure you have the “right” cord for the right job. Do not use a thin gauge household cord to power major appliances; do not use a cord that only offers two slots (ungrounded) to

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plug in a three-prong (grounded) plug or appliance. Consider getting length appropriate cords if you plan to use a generator; power is lost over distance when extension cords are used, but at the same time, you don’t want to be hooking multiple cords together. Make sure you use an appropriately rated (gauge) OUTDOOR extension cord(s) from the generator. Solar panels: Many flashlights, lanterns or power banks come with the option of being solar (or light source) powered. Some of our lanterns have this but I discovered that our LED light bulbs and flashlights DO NOT charge these small solar panels, nor did they charge through our gas-filled doublepaned windows, but the flame from the kerosene lamp, daylight or the old style, incandescent bulb will still do the job nicely. Nightlights: I was thrilled to discover that the Sunbeam LED nightlights I had for the hallways and bathrooms were still working after three days with no power. They are LED, rechargeable, motion sensors (only used the battery when someone passed by or entered the room) and, an extra bonus, can be unplugged and turned into handheld flashlights with a 5-hour run time. We will definitely be getting more of these and ensure they are in EVERY room. Toilet light: Okay, this may sound like a stretch, but they are super handy if your mate leaves the seat up, you have guests who can’t find the light switch or are potty training. It is a single LED light (powered by AAA batteries) that hooks over the lip of the bowl, illuminating the bowl when the motion sensor is tripped. This ‘novelty’ was really appreciated in a dark, windowless bathroom dur-

ing this last power outage, and for $10 (Amazon.ca), I am ordering more so that every toilet has one. No more falling in the bowl in the dark. Kerosene heater: We rely on our radiant kerosene heater by HeatMate to keep us warm. It is specifically designed for indoor use, creates no CO2 emissions, generates 10,000 BTU’s and burns 14 hours per 4-liter fill. Although the manufacturer claims it is only suitable for 400 square feet, our 1,500 square foot home was a toasty 20 degrees and took just an hour to boost the temp from 13 Celsius to 17, and we only ran it three hours each morning and evening. Cooking: The propane BBQ is ideal for powerless hot meals. Coleman offers a pole that mounts on the tank, giving you the option of running three devices off a single tank, allowing the addition of a propane light and a 2–3 burner stove for a fully functioning, illuminated emergency kitchen. Septic system: If you are looking to upgrade or change your septic system, think twice before you get a fancy system that requires electricity. Ours is not only useless in a power outage (pumps and blowers don’t work!), but as it could not “move” the fluids out to the field; the tank fills up very quickly. Plus, every time the power even blinks, the computer shuts down and we don’t know there is a problem until the “high water” alarm sounds days later. The windstorm of 2018 forced many of us to reassess our preparedness in the event of an emergency. - Lorinne Anderson, Vancouver Island, Stork Express Children’s Ferry Travel and WildA.I.D. 250-616-8888

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MARCH 2019

Ultimate Spirit in Ultimate Frisbee On March 11, Ultimate Frisbee is coming to the Stz’uminus Community School and students and staﬀ are gearing up, and the public is invited to come out and watch the action. The event starts at 10 am at the school with a traditional Welcome, and Dance ceremony. Then the UVIC Ultimate Frisbee men and women team members will be playing a full game of Ultimate Frisbee. “It is the start of something special,” says Shannon Morrow, Stz’uminus Community School Athletics Director, and a big supporter of the game and its health beneﬁts. The game program is called “Ultimate Spirit” within the “Honour Your Health Challenge” and has been sponsored by ISPARC, says Jimmy Roney, who has played in four world championships and has been selected to coach at Ultimate Peace in Israel. “We formed an incredible connection through Stz’uminus kids last year,” says Roney who is looking forward to building the March 11 game. Acclaimed videographer Nathan Kolakovic will be there recording the game. Over the course of 10 sessions, youth will be invited to participate in “Ultimate Spirit” -- a journey of learning elements of the game while exploring

Ladysmith Rotary Club’s Corks & Forks fundraiser to support Disaster Aid Photo: G.Beltgens

values of connection, inclusion, play, spirit, community and respect through the vessel of Ultimate Frisbee. Ultimate embodies its values through Action: respect and connection to our bodies, mind, and spirit, community, The land (how we take care of ourselves and each other on and off the field); Connection- “Spirit of the Game” to act with honour and respect/ treat others as you would like to be treated; Spirit Circle (a practice wherein opponents stand arm to arm in circle and share their respect for one another) and Spirit Games (play, inclusion, integrity); inclusion of non-binary gender-identities and upholding the value of gender equity, wherein women and men play side by side at the highest level of competition; and play. Once initiated, Ultimate Frisbee will take flight.

Corks & Forks, a tasty fundraiser Mark Your Calendars, on March 16 “Corks & Forks - a Taste of Ladysmith”, a special fundraiser for Disaster Aid Canada and also beneﬁting local community projects promises to be a yummy event. The “Taste of Ladysmith” event features local restaurants, area wineries and breweries. There will be music by Soul King Michael Clark and a live auction with terriﬁc items including a 2 night stay at the Wickaninnish Inn, a private Waterfront BBQ Dinner for 8 guests, 2 night stay at Sounds of the Sea guest suite along with a massage, a three hour Sailboat package including lunch and more. Disaster Aid Canada was started by

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the Rotary Club of Ladysmith in 2004 and is associated with Disaster Aid International which has branches in many other countries. Disaster Aid Kits provide worldwide aid to people. Depending on the need the kit may include a 3 room tent, tool kits, hygiene kits, warmth and comfort products and a portable water filtration system that can provide a family of 10 a year’s worth of clean drinkable water. Disaster Aid Canada also operates “Soap for Hope” which collects soap and amenities from hotels, re-processes, packages and distributes them to local shelters, foodbanks, transitional homes, Ladysmith emergency shelters and vulnerable seniors and children. Both of these programs provided support for the victims of the Fort McMurray fire in 2016 and more recently responded to the requests of the responders to the massive fires in the interior of BC. Truckloads of donated materials and hygiene kits were sent to the shelters for the families that had to be evacuated from their homes and had to stay in temporary shelters. Some of the participants at Corks & Forks include Mahle House, Wild Poppy Bistro, Old Town Bakery, Country Kitchen, Ironworks Cafe and Creperie and the Rotary Charcuterie Table. And to make sure it all gets paired with class is Zanatta Vinyards, Divino Vineyards, Avrill Creek Vinyards, Riot Brewing, Red Arrow Brewing, and Merridale Cidery. The Rotary Club of Ladysmith was founded On March 20, 1971, by Bruce Coleman. Many of the projects have impacted the community in a profound way. The Ladysmith Rotary Student Exchange Program has brought 18 international students to Ladysmith, with an equal

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number of local students being sponsored to study in foreign countries.

Death Café comes to Ladysmith Ladysmith’s first Death Café will be held on Thursday, March 14, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at Hardwick Hall, 232 High Street, Ladysmith. At a Death Café, people gather informally to eat cake, drink coffee or tea and talk about mortality in a safe, respectful, confidential space. The Café is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. Since 2011, Death Cafés have been held in 65 countries, often as continuing events. The purpose, according to a worldwide website, is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives.” While there are no invited speakers and no particular agenda, facilitators will be on hand to introduce the session and provide a basic framework for conversation. Local hosts are Gale Lawrence and Alexa Winchell. Lawrence is a retired attorney and former volunteer at LRCA, Winchell has a background in psychotherapy. Both women have a long-time interest in end-of-life issues and have attended other Death Cafés. Signup sheets will be available for anyone interested in being trained as a volunteer facilitator. Finally, there will be cake. There is no charge for the Death Café. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To register or further information, write to: ladysmithdeathcafe@gmail.com.

Legion events March is a busy month at the Ladysmith Legion. Come by on March 2, at 1:30 to cheer on the Wounded Warriors when they arrive in Ladysmith. The non-proﬁt group is the nation’s leading, independent, Veteran’s charity focusing on mental health, helping the lives of ill and injured Veterans, First Responders and their families. Also, the Legion’s 75th anniversary gets a kick oﬀ on March 30 with a dinner and dance at the Eagles Hall. Cocktails served at 6 pm, dinner to follow at 7 pm and dancing to the music of “Plan B”. Tickets are $35 and are available at the Legion.

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Reconciliation celebration at Ladysmith Secondary School. Photo: Nick Longo

Reconciliation celebration On Feb 20, the Ladysmith Secondary School hosted the school district celebration around the creation of a Reconciliation Policy. On Feb 20, over 200 guests representing three diﬀerent Nations, Elders, along with school district personnel attended a lunch and ceremony where student-made gifts were presented and guests were served in a heart-warming showcase of caring and talent.

Heritage celebrated As part of BC Heritage Week, the Ladysmith & District Historical Society and The Ladysmith Maritime Society hosted a Heritage Day celebration at Ladysmith’s waterfront’s historic Comox Logging & Rail site on Saturday, Feb. 23. Lots of people came by to enjoy the displays, view restoration work on the maritime boats and steam locomotive, and enjoy refreshments and activities for kids. The popular restored hand-pump rail car was a big hit.

Ferry service New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley are welcoming increased ferry service on route #19 between Nanaimo and Gabriola, and route #5 between Crofton and Vesuvius, reversing service cuts made by the previous BC Liberal government. “The BC Liberals’ reckless ferry cuts and overall mismanagement had a devastating impact on ferry-dependent communities, especially coastal Indigenous communities,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. The New Democrat government is increasing service on 10 ferry routes that were cut in 2014, restoring 2,700 round trip sailings for people living in coastal communities.

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Betty Benson. Photo: Nick Longo

Community Dinner St. Philip Anglican Church held a free Community Dinner on Feb 22, featuring locally grown foods. The spectacular spread was a celebration of foods and fellowship in the community, said one of the organizers Betty Benson. Later this year watch for their Strawberry Tea on June 9 and a Community Share Day later in the month.

Coldest Night of the Year walk, hosted by the Ladysmith Resources Centre on Feb.23, 2019. Photo: G. Beltgens

Coldest Night of the Year The Coldest Night of the year 2019 again showed community warmth as people came together to raise money for the homeless and the hurting. Hosted by the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, the number of walkers and donations are up from previous years. CNOY is a family-friendly national walk-a-thon that raises funds for charities that serve hungry, homeless and hurting people in 136 communities across Canada.

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Rumours are … Ladysmith Little Theatre is greeting spring with a laugh. Neil Simon’s “Rumors” directed by Gordon McInnis is a classic farce that will put a smile on your face and lift your spirits. At a large, tastefully-appointed Sneden’s Landing townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a ﬂesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken and wife, Chris, must get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins oﬀ into classic farcical hilarity. The show plays March 21 to April

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7. Contact Ladysmith Little Theatre at www.ladysmththeatre.com or visit their box oﬃce 250-924-0658).

up on Sat. 10 am – 1 pm Refreshments served during the intermission.

Music beneﬁt Steam Loci 11

TheatreOne’s Emerging Voices presents The Nighthawks by Michelle Deines on March 19, 7:30pm, Harbour City Theatre (25 Victoria Rd.) $10 by donation. In the staged reading of this comedy about grief, reconciliation, and sibling rivalry, one night shortly after the death of her father, Vicki (illegally) digs up his ashes from the Ladysmith cemetery, intent on fulfilling his final wish: to scatter his ashes a thousand miles away in Alberta. Recruiting the help of her hypochondriac friend Suzanne, the two embark on a road trip—but it doesn’t quite go the way Vicki planned. Michelle Deines is an award-winning writer who works in multiple genres, including poetry, non-fiction, and drama. Emerging Voices is a series of staged readings that allow the playwright to have their new script workshopped by professional actors. The audience is also part of the creative process and gives feedback at the end of the reading.

On Saturday, March 30 from 7 pm – 10 pm Dennis Lakusta & Terry Porter join in a concert fundraiser for the restoration of Ladysmith’s Steam Locomotive 11 at Ladysmith Maritime Society upstairs room 610 Oyster Bay Drive. Dennis Laskusta is a proliﬁc artist and songwriter. He is preparing to produce and record his eighth CD. Dennis’ concerts oﬀer up a multi-faceted feast of variety, colour and depth as he sings and plays his acoustic guitar. Terry Porter enjoys playing his acoustic bass and has wonderful times working with his friend, Dennis “Dennis has so many talents: singer, songwriter, producer, composer, visual artist, photographer, humorist, author, inventor and educator.” Get your $20 ticket at 614 Oyster Bay Dr at the Locomotive or First Aid Building. Email vimarmot@shaw.ca to have your tickets set aside for pick

Nighhawks premiere

Layers of Art Waterfront Gallery’s feature show for March is “Layers.” Here artists, explore and show their ideas on layers. Layers runs until March 22. The Opening Gala is March 2, from 1–3 pm, with guest speaker Dr. Brian Thom, an associate professor from the Department of Anthropology at the University of Victoria.

Children’s Book for new author Children’s library facilitator and author Beverley Rayner knows that books and children are a perfect combination. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes with wonder and adventure, Beverley believes in the power of story to inspire young lives. She has written magazine articles and online devotionals for Power to Change. The Face of Courage will be her ﬁrst children’s book. The Face of Courage, a beautifully illustrated children’s storybook, features the fascinating venture of two Canadian children who travel to England for a vacation with their Nana (grandmother). While touring England’s historical sites,

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their Nana relates the true account of Edith Cavell’s dedicated life as a nurse during World War I. Edith Cavell, who believed in the value of all people, heroically provided care for wounded soldiers during the war in occupied Belgium. Since she also cared for allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines, she was treated as a traitor. Her biography is one of great courage, faith and deep commitment to God, whom she ultimately honoured New children's book through her acts of kindness and love toward humanity. The book is for sale at Salamander Books.

Tom Cochrane returns to Cowichan Tom Cochrane and Red Rider return to Cowichan March 14, at 7:30pm at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre to celebrate four decades of their illustrious music careers with an evening of classic rock hits. One of Canada’s best-selling songwriters of all time, Tom Cochrane is a multiple award-winning, rock superstar who has transcended time and generations. The artist has once again reunited with bandmates Kenny Greer and Jeﬀ Jones kicking oﬀ a cross-Canada tour. Cochrane is the recipient of eight Juno Awards plus multiple songwriter awards

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Food trends “Where are we going? What am I doing in this handbasket?” It’s looking pretty bleak out there, and many of us are asking ourselves what we can do about it. Well it so happens that changing the way we eat can have a profound eﬀect on the planet. Much of our food is dominated by meat products and processed foods, which require lots of energy to produce, process and package. Worldwide, livestock is the cause of 15 per cent of the climate crisis and it is also responsible for vast areas of deforestation. The Globe and Mail recently reported

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that 58 per cent of food produced in Canada is wasted or lost during production and processing, of which 32 per cent could be rescued to help communities. It was initially thought that households were mainly responsible for most of the food waste, but this turns out to be untrue. This is a shocking waste of the resources — land, water and fertilizer required to produce the food and food that winds up in a landfill also releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In response to frightening statistics for obesity, diabetes and heart disease, Canada has just revised its food guide, making it really simple to understand and follow. Half the plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with protein foods (a mix of meats, fish, cheese, legumes and nuts) and one quarter whole grain foods. This reflects the recommendations of the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet and Health, which brought together 30 world-leading scientists from across the globe to reach a scientific consensus that defines a healthy and sustainable diet. Healthy eating behaviours are also recommended: Be mindful of your eating habits. Cook more often. Eat with others. Read food labels. Limit foods high in sodium, sugars or saturated fats. Be aware of food marketing (“nutritionism”). Today’s younger generation loves watching cooking shows, but they don’t want to cook and are more interested in taking photos of their food than eating it. Skip the Dishes and Uber have teamed up to deliver ready-to-eat food

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Canada's new nutritional guidelines. Half a plate of vegetables and fruit, a quarter plate of protein foods and a quarter plate of whole-grain foods. Photo: Government of Canada

to your door, and meal kits have grown into a $120-million industry in Canada. Food is visual, making social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram huge drivers of food trends, which move much faster than they used to. The good news is that young people are willing to change their diets to help the planet. More than 250,000 people in 193 countries signed up this year to participate in VEGANUARY, to eat no animal products during the month of January. A&W’s Beyond Burger is outselling its meat burgers, and in the US the Impossible Foods burger is fooling even meat connoisseurs. It’s a mixture of potato and wheat, coconut fat, Japanese yam, vegetable broth, xanthan gum, sugars and amino acids and a protein called leghemoglobin, which makes it bleed! The Impossible Burger uses 95

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per cent less land and 74 per cent less water than a conventional burger, and the greenhouse gas emissions generated in creating it are 13 per cent of making a beef burger. Soil holds four times more carbon than all the plants and trees in the world, but industrial farming has so damaged our soils that a third of the world’s farmland has been destroyed in the past four decades. Now 40 per cent of agricultural soil is classed as “degraded” or “seriously degraded.” Industrial farming with its intensive ploughing, monoculture and heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is ruining our soils at breakneck speed. Scientists and farmers around the world are telling us that we can regenerate degraded soils by switching from intensive industrial farming to more ecological methods, not just organic fertilizer, but also no-tillage, composting and crop rotation. Here’s the brilliant part: As the soils recover they not only regain their capacity to hold CO2, they also begin to pull additional CO2 out of the atmosphere. A big solution to the climate change is to go organic. The good news is that by focusing our diets on organic vegetables and fruits, whole grains and unprocessed foods, we can improve the health of the planet and avoid going to hell in a handbasket! 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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Iyengar Yoga BY JESSICA LOWRY I started teaching yoga in Ladysmith in 2007 after having completed my first teacher training program at Moksana Yoga in Victoria. When I started attending regular Iyengar classes in Nanaimo, I realized there was a deep wealth of knowledge about yoga and teaching that was contained in the Iyengar method. My experience of the sequencing and approach was physically and mentally different from any other yoga. What I noticed first was there is a deep and precise work involved to bring awareness into new parts of the body. Instructors don’t let you just hang out in the pose, as there was necessary work to be done — work and understanding that, with practice, had a real lasting effect on the body and mind. There is an emphasis on practise and learning. The sequencing left

Ladysmith Thrift Store volunteer Pam Fraser, chair of Building Committee

me in the deepest state of relaxation I had ever accessed. My body and awareness were changing. The more I learned and practised, the better I felt. In 2014, I decided to take the Iyengar teacher training program. This would be a journey that I knew would be long (3–5 years), challenging and never-ending! B.K.S Iyengar is considered the father of modern yoga and was the founder of the Iyengar method. His approach

works on the muscle-skeletal alignment within the asanas (pose work), with the aim to renew balance in the body and, ultimately, between the body, mind and spirit. In beginners classes, we learn the fundamentals and how to adjust and align the body correctly within a safe and progressive instruction of pose work. We often work with props (walls, bricks, straps, bolsters) to help support and teach specific action in the poses. Sequencing is taught to enhance specific benefits and effects. There are many potential benefits in practicing Iyengar yoga, which include: • mobilizing joints and strengthening muscle weakness, • improving posture, balance and coordination, • increasing flexibility and performance in sports, along with improving recovery time, • correcting misalignment, as well as circulatory disorders and hormonal imbalances, • assisting in mental health problems,

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such as stress, depression and anxiety, as well as self-development; and • developing self-awareness. Certified last September in Calgary, I now offer classes at the Saltair Community Centre, as well as private in home classes and regular classes at Bend Over Backwards in Nanaimo. The response to the general Level 1 classes, which are geared towards beginners in yoga or those new to Iyengar yoga, has been inspiring. I look forward to offering more and varied classes to the community, as I see there is a need for yoga that is accessible, sequential and safe and meets the student where they are at. I am currently offering a new spring session of classes, and there are openings for full registration or flexible passes. Jessica has lived in Ladysmith for 12 years with her husband and now three children. She is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor and classically trained actor. You can reach her through email connect@alignwithjessica.com, or website alignwithjessica.com.

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RDN Area A Cedar By the time you read this, the stormageddon of February will probably be a dim memory. However, it is fresh in all of our minds as this is being written, and we probably all would like to see a few misty days of rain right now! The weather brings me around to several calls and emails that I received about getting roads plowed and other challenges of the snow banks. It was apparent that it is difficult for residents to know who gets the call when things aren’t the way they should be. So here is contact information for many of the agencies that you might have occasion to connect with: For roads and highways (clearing, dead animals, flooding and mowing of rights of way), contact Mainroad MidIsland Contracting at 1-877-215-6006 (24 hours, 7 days a week). For road signage issues (250-751-3246) and dead animals posing a highway hazard (1-866-353-3136), contact Ministry of Transportation at the numbers above. For flooding due to overflowing creeks and rivers, contact the Ministry of Environment at 250-751-3100 (work days). For health issues around wells or septic tanks, contact the Vancouver Island Health Authority at 250-755-6215 in Nanaimo or 250-947-8222 in Parksville. For property assessment information, address changes on your property and farm status, contact the BC Assessment Office at 250-753-6621 in Nanaimo or 1-800-977-2775. To report dead seals, sea lions or other animals on the beach, call 250-756-7000 — that’s the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo. You can also call 1-800-4654336, which is the DFO radio room. For dog control, be advised that RDN Electoral Area A does not have a dog control bylaw. However, if you need help with an unruly or dangerous dog, you can call Coastal Animal Control at 1-888-754-1397. If you believe that trees are being cut

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down without proper permits or in areas that shouldn’t be cut, contact the Ministry of Forests at 250-751-7001 or 1-877855-3222. If you see anyone damaging trees in RDN community or regional parks, call Wendy Marshall, the RDN’s manager of Parks Services, at 250-2483252 or 1-888-828-2069. If you live in RDN Electoral Area A (Cedar, Yellow Point, South Wellington and Cassidy) and want to connect with the area director (me), my number is 250-722-3356 or email me at keith.wilson@rdn.bc.ca. To wrap up, if you have a topic you would like covered in this column or would like to have something brought forward to the board table at the RDN, don’t hesitate to send me an email. I’d be happy to have your help in building a better community!

CVRD Area G Area G Saltair After the wild windstorm ravaged our area in December, I thought we were sliding into spring as we slipped into the New Year with sunny days and warm temperatures. My husband and I even pulled out our bikes and drove to Sydney to cycle the Lockside Trail from Sydney to downtown Victoria. What happened? Once again, Area G residents were challenged with another unpredictable climate event, not just a few centimetres of snow but massive amounts of snow. Many of us couldn’t keep up with clearing our driveways. Once again, neighbours jumped in to assist those around them. They helped clear driveways, paths and even roads or sometimes by just providing a thank you cup of coﬀee at the end of the day. CVRD Saltair Community Water Meeting This meeting was originally planned for early March but due to the weather conditions and safety concerns this meeting has been postponed. A letter will be sent from the CVRD to each home with an update and information

MARCH 2019

with regards to the meeting. There will also be signs posted at the mailboxes. 2019 Draft CVRD Budget - https:// www.cvrd.bc.ca/2016/2019-DraftBudget Regional district budgets are different than municipal/town budgets. Our regional district budget is comprised of 180 separate services (139 general services and 41 water and sewer services). The Local Government Act requires regional districts to keep separate records for each service, and each service must balance its own budget, e.g., in Saltair we can’t take funds out of our Community Parks Budget and transfer them to our Water System Budget. On the October 2018 election ballot, there were two referendum questions about new regional services and taxation. One concerned a $765,000 contribution to the Cowichan Housing Association and the other concerned $750,000 for a new Drinking Water and Watershed Protection service. Both services were approved by voters and will be reflected in the 2019 Budget. Although the 2019 requisition for the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection service is for $500,000 and not the full $750,000, these two new, regional services alone generate a 3.52 per cent taxation requisition increase. The total taxation increase in each Electoral Area depends on the requisition increases for regional services plus the requisition increases for the number of 180 separate CVRD services the Electoral Area uses. For example, the Saltair Water System tax requisition only affects Saltair taxpayers and the Thetis Island Wharf tax requisition only affects Thetis & Hudson Island taxpayers. Conversely, the Solid Waste Complex tax requisition is regional, and it affects all the electoral and municipal areas in the CVRD. The CVRD will soon be announcing locations, dates and times for the public to go over the 2019 CVRD Budget.

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MARCH 2019

Saltair Parks & Trails The bill is in for the work done in our Saltair Community Parks after the December 2018 windstorm. It is $18,615. The funds to cover these costs will come out of our 2019 Saltair Community Parks budget. Funds are being moved from our Parks Operating Reserve into the 2019 Saltair Parks Budget to cover this unexpected cost. The Cowichan Valley Trail is under the CVRD Regional Parks & Trails budget, not the Saltair Community Parks budget. The Saltair Community Parks budget covers Princess Diana Park, Stocking Creek Park, Centennial Park and multiple beach accesses. Amazing Saltair Easter Event Mark Apr 21st on your calendar for the Amazing Saltair Easter Event that is held in Centennial Park. The Saltair Community Parks Advisory Commission will be posting posters at the mailboxes with details closer to the event. Official Community Plan (OCP) Progress Area G Planning Advisory Commission members are attending CVRD workshops and discussions about harmonizing all seven Electoral Area Official Community Plans in one, overarching OCP covering nine local plans. Local Government Leadership Academy – 2019 Elected Officials Seminar In mid February, I attended the Elected Officials Seminar in Parksville. With the snow storm raging, getting there was a bit of a challenge but well worth all the driveway shovelling. Meeting other Elected Officials from other areas was a great way to learn what issues are out there and what progress is being made. The seminars we attended were very informative and educational. Some of the topics were asset management, practical tools for orderly meetings, local government law, loans, insurance, role clarity, levels of government and where regional districts fit in, information about AVICC/UBCM/LGLA, finance, planning, sustainable planning, media and much more. Let’s have some FUN I am currently working on organizing a Saltair Family Fun Day to be held in Centennial Park in the summer. How about some great, old-fashioned games like three-legged, sack, and egg on the spoon races, etcetera? We want to make it fun for all ages. I am looking for volunteers to help make this happen. Please contact me at my CVRD email address.lynne.smith@cvrd. bc.ca 250-701-1407

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Down in the dumps The day’s itinerary, courtesy of my wife, was stuck on the fridge door where it would be impossible to overlook. It read: Proceed to landfill. Drop off garbage. Return empty handed, unlike last time. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a landfill kind of guy. I liked the city dumps of old. Euphemism free zones where rats scampered, seagulls dive bombed and eagles? The eagles just loved it. On any day, dozens and dozens of them could be seen perched on overloaded branches, like gigantic Christmas ornaments, waiting patiently for lunch to be delivered. And the staff ? Jewels, every one. If they liked you, and who didn’t they like, not only would they allow you to take junk home, they’d load it in the car for you. That’s how my neighbour Ed, a card-carrying preservationist, ended up with half the Free World’s supply of tricycle parts, stacked in a rusty heap alongside his shop. Not since the Hunt Brothers tried to corner the silver market have we seen such determined collecting.

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Even better, there were no speed bumps. Dumps need speed bumps like Fatty Arbuckle needed doughnuts. Believe me, the last thing you want to encounter is a speed bump, especially when that Honda is overloaded with last year’s Christmas tree, four garbage bags of deluxe garden clippings, three French hens, two turtle doves, the couch in the spare bedroom and thirteen dozen empty wine bottles, all loaded on or piled into your vehicle and held in place by rope, bungee cords, duct tape and, let’s not forget, hope and prayer. If speed bumps aren’t annoying enough, there are also those who slow down to the cruising speed of an earthworm to cross one. Not me. No sir. Just for the hell of it, I stopped in front of the first bump, put my hat on backwards — always a guarantee I was going to do something stupid — and with a mighty “Hi ho, Silver!” revved the motor and popped the clutch. By the time I reached the third speed bump, my head, which had been bouncing off the roof, felt like Floyd Mayweather’s speed bag, which didn’t bode well for the task at hand, making sure all my garbage went in the right place. The problem is plastics. Plant matter and heavy metals, I’m pretty good at. And wine bottles? No one does it better. I can sort them by grape variety, country, region, valley, even the bird on the label. Beer of course is easy, but plastics? At plastics, I suck. This all stems back to 1965, my first year at UVIC, where, big mistake this,

MARCH 2019

I enrolled in science. With the exception of chemistry, I failed every science course. Math, I was particularly hopeless at, racking up a single digit grade. Damn quadratic equations anyway. To my friends and I, all of whom were conducting personal experiments in alcohol poisoning, a quad was a four-ounce shooter. Chemistry, I squeaked by with 51 per cent. Rather than find a career path more suitable, something at the carwash perhaps, I took all the same subjects over again, including chemistry, my thinking being, “What the heck, I didn’t learn much anyway. Second time around I’ll pay more attention.” I did. But not to chemistry. It all came down to the final exam where we were asked to identify five materials created by the petrochemical industry with the word poly in them. I started out strong: polyethylene, polypropylene, poly vinyl chloride. I was humming along, with a minute left on the clock, when panic set in. At least, I think that’s what happened. All I know, Pollyanna and Polly wants a cracker didn’t get me into Chemistry 200. Probably best that. But it did prove one thing. That my 51 per cent was no fluke. Despite UVIC’S best efforts, the second time around, my grade was 49 per cent. That’s right, I flunked. Delearning, it’s called. I mention this because dithering back and forth between the bins, wondering where my collection of white plastic liquor store bags should go, I noticed I had picked up a tail. A pleasant looking

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young woman, apparently happy at her work, but that work seemed to be taking exception to my attempts at recycling. At each bin, she picked out my plastic and placed it in another bin. Finally she approached me, explained that she worked there and noticed I had been struggling. Then in a most professional manner, she rattled oﬀ 50 common plastics, their surname and what bin they called home. I listened to the best of my abilities, gave it the old college try, unfortunately that old college was UVIC, the delearning capital of British Columbia. By the end of her spiel, I knew less about recycling than I did before. Rattling my head against the car roof hadn’t helped. She continued to bird dog me, walking a discrete distance behind, correcting my choices as we went. Though professional and polite, I could tell my learning disability was gnawing away at her. She was getting that look on her face all women get when men speak warmly of the Three Stooges. Even more disconcerting was the vest she was wearing, one of those yellow “me too” vests women on television wear when bashing men over the head with protest signs. After the pounding my head had taken on the speed bumps, I had sustained enough head damage for one day. Any more whacks on the noggin would leave me speaking like Don Cherry. I took my remaining plastic bags, returned to the Honda, which, thanks to all the wine bottles bouncing around, smelled like a primary fermentation tank, and returned home. But not before parking behind McDonald’s and, when no one was looking, throwing the rest of my plastic into their dumpster. When I returned home, my wife asked if any garbage came home with me. “Absolutely not,” I said. “Smart boy,” she replied. “Not really,” I said. Here’s a wine to recommend: Prospect, 2017 Ogopogo’s Lair Pinot Grigio. Recommended before, well worth trying again. Great value for $14.99 Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked available at the Mahle House, and CoCo Cafe.

MARCH 1–3 1–22, 11am–4pm, Exhibit: “Layers,” Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 1-2, 7:30pm–9:30pm, A Festival/Fundraiser: “Spring Shorts,” an evening of short plays and monologue, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., Ladysmith, 250-924-0658 1-2, 7pm, Live Music, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 1, 9pm, Playboyz Party Nite, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 2, 9am–12:30pm, $5 Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 2, 1:30pm, Wounded Warriors arrive in Ladysmith, RCL 171 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 2, 1pm–3pm, “Layers” Opening Gala, with guest speaker Dr. Brian Thom, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1252 2, 6:30pm–10pm, Dance, with The Copper Canyon Band, $10, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246-2111 3, 2pm–4pm, Swingkey, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 3, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033

4 – 10 4–April 29, Qualifying Seniors can have their income tax return completed and filed at no charge by a volunteer approved by CRA, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 5, 7pm, Crib Night, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112

6, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 8-9, 7pm, Live Music, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 8, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 9, 1pm–3pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Meeting, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., Nanaimo 9, 10am–4:30pm, Two Day Wedding Photography Workshop St. Andrew’s Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-729-5444 9, 9pm, Mule Kick Electric Blues, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 10, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 10, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Nothing Like A Dame,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 10, 2pm–4pm, Arrowsmith, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 10, 5pm–8pm, Two Day Wedding Photography Workshop Heydemann Art Photography Studio, 3531 Monterey Dr., Nanaimo, 250-729-5444

11 – 17 11, 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Nothing Like A Dame,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 12, 7pm, Crib Night, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 13, 9:30am, Chemainus Art Group Meet Up, guest artist Laurel Hibbert, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith

13, Ladysmith Chamber Business After Hours membership mixer hosted by Waypoint, 370 TCH 250-245-2112 13, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 14, 6:30pm, Death Café, Hardwick Hall, 232 High St., ladysmithdeathcafe@gmail.com 14, 7:30pm, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, Cowichan Performing Arts Center 250-748-7529 15-16, 7pm, Live Music, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 15, 7:30pm (doors open 7pm), St. Paddy’s Sing Along with Terry Boyle, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd, Ladysmith 16, 5pm, Birthday Party and Potluck, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 16, 7:30pm, St. Paddy’s Sing Along with Terry Boyle, St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-753-1924 17, 10am-2pm, Duncan Seedy Sunday, Si’em Lelum Gym, 5574 River Rd. 250-748-8506 17, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 17, 2pm–4pm, Toronto drummer Chris Wallace’s Quartet, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 17, Live music – Daragh Fitzgerald plus Irish Dancers, Fox & Hounds, 250-924-1747

18 – 24 17, 2pm–4pm, Toronto drummer Chris Wallace’s Quartet, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 18, 7pm–9pm, Stitchery Group Meeting, Christ Community Church, 2221 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo 19-21, Mobile Mammography Ladysmith Community Health Centre 1-800-663-9203

19, 7pm, Crib Night, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 19, 7:30pm, TheatreOne – The Nighthawks, 25 Victoria Rd Nanaimo 250-754-7587 20, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 20, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 22-23, 7pm, Live Music, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 22, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 23–31, 11am–4pm, Spring Art Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 23, 7:30pm, Circle Game, Cowichan Performing Arts Center 250-748-7529 23, 9pm, Sons of Guns, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 24, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 24, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Capernaum,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 24, 2pm–4pm, Ashley Wey Trio, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 250-324-2245

25 – 31 25, 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “Capernaum,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 26, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club presents “Breaking the Four Barriers to Creativity,” with Dave Hutchison, Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith 26, 7pm, Crib Night, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112 27, 9:30am, Chemainus Art Group Meet Up, guest artist Laurel Hibbert, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith

are $35 at the Legion. March 30, noon – 4pm Ladysmith Museum hosts “Super Saturday”. Check out exhibits, play vintage board games. Free. 250-245-0423. 31, Meat Draw, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave 250-245-8033 31, 2pm–4pm, Jon Miller Quartet, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

APRIL 3, 5:30-7:30pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce AGM, 12570 TCH 250-245-2112

27, 7pm, Music Triva, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112

5 & 6, 10am–4pm, Step into Spring Sale with Elegant Threads and so much more, The Commons 744 Primrose St., Qualicum

28, 7pm, Ladysmith Ground Search & Rescue AGM, behind Ladysmith Fire Hall 330 6th Ave. 250-734-1897

5, 8pm (Welcome Reception 6:30pm), Steve Patterson: Comedy for a Cause, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo, 250-754-8550

29-30, 7pm, Live Music, The Cranberry Arms 1604 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3112

7, Seedy Sunday, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster Rd., 778-927-4991

30, 7-10pm,Dennis Lakusta & Terry Porter Concert for restoration of Ladysmith’s Steam Locomotive 11, 610 Oyster Bay Rd. ( upstairs ) for tkts vimarmot@shaw.ca

7, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks presents “The Silent Revolution,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre

March 30, Ladysmith Legion Dinner/Dance at the Eagles Hall. Cocktails at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. Dancing to the music of Plan B to follow. Tickets

1, Playboyz Party Nite 14, Tom Cochrane 17, Seedy Sunday

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HEALTH & BEAUT Y

WANTED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for a variety of positions at the Ladysmith & District Historical Society. Greeter at Ladysmith Museum, Labours to help with restoring the Loci 11, at the Industrial Heritage Site, Membership, and Special Events at the Ladysmith Archives. Call 250-245-0100 or info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca MEDIA SALES flexible three days a week for a fun, creative, community-minded business. Send resume to editor@take5.ca BUSINESS I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com. CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. BEADS BEADS BEADS, ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-3242227. EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER booking for Spring 2019. Now offering Senior Companionship and concierge services! Peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen kgrcoaching@ gmail.com or 250-619-0786. EDUCATION MUSIC LESSONS. Experienced, qualified teacher of piano and theory. Two locations: Cedar and Nanaimo’s Old Quarter. Call Anne Dalton, ARCT RMT, 250-323-6695.

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. Ongoing class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am–noon, $60/3 mo., www.taichinanaimo.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466. HOME & YARD 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. TAKE 5 ads work! Call 250-245-7015 ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design, www. islandgardenscapes.ca or 250-802-0461. 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 250-323-1260. KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com or 250-714-2738. GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free. Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421.

MARCH 2019

ALL ACRES TREE SERVICE providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265. VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website. Call TAKE 5 for a free consultation and estimate, 250-245-7015. Editor@take5.ca. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. DOG WALKING/Hiking OFF LEASH! 2-hour avg. walk, weekly walks year-round, pick up & drop off included, insured & licensed. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action! Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC at walken@shaw.ca or 250-754-TREC(8732). THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill sburchard@ hotmail.ca or 250-924-8809. SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcome. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project ready to press. Available in print and eBook format. Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. Editor@take5.ca or call 250-245-7015.

Spring Cleaning frenzy “One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.” — A.A. Milne BY JACKIE MOAD Company’s coming. Special company. VERY special company. And the place was SO not ready. Because of an uber-frisky kitten and a sheer lack of space, we had the family Christmas tree here in the farmhouse’s big living room, moving the antique furniture out of the way upstairs, and festooned all ledges, sills, railings, tables and even the couch with festive garlands and decades-worth of holiday trinkets and trimmings. It was an awesome sight. As much as I had struggled (physically and emotionally) to bring out those memory-laden boxes, it was even more difficult to pack everything away again. Laurie and I always made it a point to leave all the lights and decor up until his mother’s birthday, February 13th. Back then it was a pleasant task, when it’s you and your sweetie doing it, nestling away everything into their perfect spot, ready for unveiling next Christmas. Not anymore. And that demon Procrastination, my middle name, had taken hold of me. Now it was just me racing around, no time to spare, because Laurie’s old girlfriend, Martha, was on her way, snowstorm or not! I flitted frantically from one room to the next — dust, vacuum, wash — as I went, sort of like a gigantic spring cleaning marathon. My last room was the office, Laurie’s office. After more than a year, I could still not bring myself to move his files, his books, his writings. And then it happened. I was clearing off the computer desk and opened the filing cabinet to perhaps hide some of my loose papers, and there it was, a neat paper pile clipped together and his handwriting: Take5?

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Jackie Moad in a cleaning frenzy

Although time was of the essence, I couldn’t help but start to read, and it shook me to the core. He was talking about cleaning frenzies, mine in particular! So here it is, written August 7, 2017: Dust Blind: Out here on the farm, we don’t see no dust. Part & parcel it’s coming from everywhere, and truth be told, the eyesight’s not paying a lot of attention to city-type thoughts these hot summer days. The more you pay it attention, the more there is ... ipsofacto, ignore it and it’ll go away. J doesn’t fully agree with my theory on this, but I hold to it. Even when she’s racing about, friends coming over, tsking and

tatting, swooshing away at the shelves and knick-knacks. Makes me nervous, so I go outside, maybe throw some hay down or dig around the door and windows — where folks arrive and see. I love the way the wind picks up the bits and pieces, carrying it in circles and all over the place. Lovely. Sometimes you see the same thing in the house, when the sun strikes just right and the mad dog whirling dervish Jackie’s in a cleaning frenzy. That usually picks up the closer to when the guests are arriving. I like to stay out of the fray, maybe get the lawn tractor or leaf blower going outside the place. Or take the dogs for a walk in the weedy woods where they like to race through the mud for a slurp or two of creek water. Sure, they collect a few seeds, and the mud’s hanging oﬀ their fur by the time we’re back, but it’s all worth it when the six, no seven of us, tromp into the kitchen for a big surprise bark and roustabout — scattering the kibble over the floor for a good healthy snack. Joyous and loud we run around, out and in the front door till J usually throws us out for good. Smell went long ago, ʼcept for morning coﬀee. A blessing when I’m out shovelling up the horse manure or discovering those tiny little mice-kies the cat brought in the night before. Other than that the senses are working fine ... still cry at John Wayne movies and can feel each and every bite of those pesky mozzies. J even says I’m a little touched at times, mostly when me and the dogs are playing in the kitchen ... just before the friends arrive! Nothing wrong with my 6th sense though — when J’s a-coming with that broom in her hand. I know it’s time to get a move on ... Duck & cover, roll & run ... a sensible way ... I was still holding the broom when Martha arrived. Jackie Moad was life partner of Laurie Gourlay, Take5’s “Another Beautiful Day” columnist. He’s still surprising her while she continues farming their 20-acre organic farm, actively seeking local solutions to global challenges.