The Peninsula

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

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Washroom woes race yourself. You are about to read something not often discussed in polite society. The human body has some routine functions including menstruation, urination, and defecation, which are not magically optional when outside the privacy and comfort of your own home. The lack of public accommodation for these activities in most cities and towns world-wide, Sidney included, is perhaps due in part to the fact that no one likes to think about or discuss what people do in the privacy of a bathroom, but also because there are costs and politics associated with building and maintaining public facilities.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019

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DENNY WARNER Executive Director, Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

The Sidney BIA does a tremendous job of organizing events that attract thousands of people to downtown Sidney. The same can be said of the popular Sidney Street Market. As the crowds have grown, so have the numbers of complaints about the dearth of washroom facilities. The tourists visiting our Information Centre on the highway years ago, educated the Chamber on our responsibility in this regard and public washrooms were built.

The burden should not be on the coffee shops to make their facilities available free of charge and yet, by default, these businesses shoulder most of the cost and responsibility.

Who amongst us hasn’t been in the uncomfortable situation of pretending to be a customer or paid for some beverage we didn’t want simply to entitle us to use a washroom? Taxpayers benefit from the public goods their taxes fund, including parks, roads, garbage cans, flowers, sidewalks, signage and so much more. Washroom facilities should be considered a similar public good because it’s good policy and because access to toilets is an economic development driver. Toilet tourism is an actual thing.

Solutions don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Nineteen years ago in Germany, a system called Nette Toilette (Nice Toilet) was pio-

neered, whereby businesses are paid by the municipality to make their washroom facilities available to the public. Participating businesses have a sticker in their window identifying themselves as a Nice Toilet. It’s a popular program with many obvious advantages including making significantly more washrooms available at minimal cost to taxpayers.

If we are serious about creating a vibrant, walkable community that encourages residents and tourists to spend more time downtown, we need to consider a public washroom strategy that prioritizes the provision of appropriate facilities. Currently, we fall far short of the mark.

Mary Winspear Centre presents Cozy up in Sidney Aaron Pritchett ack by popular demand the Mary Winspear Centre welcomes Aaron Pritchett on Friday, Nov. 8.

Aaron Pritchett retains his title as one of Canada’s most electrifying entertainers, with the release of his 8th studio album, Out On The Town, Pritchett scored a #1 single at country radio with Better When I Do. With 14 career top ten singles, a gold selling smash hit, a recent string of top 10 songs, and a massive headlining national tour, Pritchett continues to pave his way to indelible legacy.

Nationally, Pritchett continues to evolve his profile with a formula of intensity and consistency applied to his social media fan engagements, his tour itinerary, and his music. “I’m grateful every day to be in this business. I was born to be onstage, and I am so thankful for my fans. They’ve stuck with me through thick and thin, and I’ll keep releasing the best music I can, and kicking ass in my live shows to continue to show my appreciation for their loyalty and love.�

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Steve Hofstetter he Mary Winspear Centre and Balfour’s Friends Foundation present stand-up comedian Steve Hofstetter for two nights of laughs November 1 & 2.

Author, columnist, and comedian Steve Hofstetter is often called the hardest working man in show-business. One of the top booked acts on the college circuit, the original writer for collegehumor.com has also released six albums.

Hofstetter has written humor columns for the New York Times, SportsIllustrated.com, and NHL.com.

While Hofstetter’s live shows are routinely sold out, he is best known for his writing, he co-founded Sports Jerk of the Week, an irreverent website featured by press like USA Today’s Baseball Weekly, Sports Illustrated and CNN. At 20, Hofstetter took a year off school to head up web content for the New York Yankees. The Yankees won the World Series that year, which would have been wonderful if they hadn’t beaten Hofstetter’s Mets.

Yes, he’s also a Mets fan. Poor kid.

Show proceeds will support local charity Balfour’s Friends Foundation which aims to assist people in need by receiving and maintaining funds in order to provide supplementary aid to pet owners to ensure proper veterinary care can be supplied to their pet.

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marywinspear.ca

Student immigration forum

ith the nights drawing in, the colour of the leaves fading, and the holidays still safely ‘round the corner, what better way to ease yourself into fall than by taking pleasure in some warm, comfy and local pleasures. Here are 11 ideas to get you started: 1. Check into one of Sidney’s snug, welcoming and comfortable hotels or B&B’s for a night or two. Pull up those ironed sheets and fluffy duvets and settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep.

2. Enjoy a drink and the camaraderie of friends at one of Sidney’s welcoming pubs.

New to the area? Enjoy the chance to chat with locals and make new friends over a glass of wine or beer.

3. Stroll the Sidney Fine Art Show and the all-around-town Art Sea Fall Studio Tour to experience the warm colours, textures and creativity of some of the Island’s most outstanding artists.

4. Explore Sidney’s beautiful boutique shops and up-market consignment stores. There is truly something for everyone.

5. Take your kids – or yourself – to one of Sidney’s lively cafes for a hot chocolate and a tasty treat. And remember, kids can strut their Halloween stuff at “Treat Street� all around Sidney on October 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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Hear your life.

JOHN JURICIC Labour Market Consultant

n mid-September about 20 Business & International Students from UVIC & Camosun College met with a dozen Industry representatives at the Vancouver Island Technology Park (VITP). The goals of the meeting were to gain a better understanding of the barriers faced by graduating international students who wish to remain in Canada and seek employment in the region and to better understand employee attraction, recruitment, and retention issues facing employers in the region. It was a vibrant and honest dialogue between regional stakeholders to help increase inclusion of the Immigrant Community into the regional workforce.

Some general conclusions we reached during the day: The Canadian Labour Market capacity is not producing enough apprenticeships‌we must look overseas to meet the demand. However, there are daunting financial and time costs for employers to work through the current Immigration Program systems.

Many companies do not have the HR resources to handle the bureaucracy required to hire immigrant employees.

Community & business networking opportunities are challenging for students. Industry and educational institutions must help overseas students develop these essential employment skills. Most helpful for developing networking skill sets would be for more employers to visit local campuses and meet the students.

Local Industry tours are very helpful – smaller & more personalized works. Students like to see familiarity of culture amongst the employer work environment.

We need a centralized service for employers, students & industry to access information specific to this issue. Universities & colleges do this well and their Co-op departments are a great resource specific to immigration related questions. Industry needs to get better at these communication processes and we should promote & encourage the local Chambers of Commerce to serve as these informational conduits.

We need to establish a central, digital communications portal (e.g., Facebook, Slack) for stakeholder communication.

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6. ‘Tis the season for lattes, cappuccinos and hot apple cider. Sidney’s cafĂŠ culture is bustling – come see for yourself.

7. Enjoy that special feeling that comes from relaxing at a good movie or enjoying a live performance. Check out the offerings at Star Cinema or the Mary Winspear Centre.

8. What’s autumn without soup? Enjoy a steaming bowl of aromatic goodness and a delicious meal at one of Sidney’s many fine restaurants and cafes.

9. Pick up a few books to satisfy your soul during the weeks ahead. With more bookstores per capita than anywhere in Canada, Sidney is a book lover’s paradise! (It is also Canada’s only “Booktown.�)

10. Grab your hat and windbreaker for a lovely walk along Sidney’s waterfront.The views of the Salish Sea, Mt. Baker and the Gulf and San Juan Islands don’t get any better than this.

11. Of course, the best place to cozy up is at home. So treat yourself to some of the beautiful linens and home furnishings available at Sidney’s fine home and houseware shops.

One way or another, cozy up this fall and enjoy your Sidney experience! Visit sidneybia.ca for a listing of downtown offerings and a description of upcoming events. sidneybia.ca

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Sidney Concert Band Pays Tribute to our Veterans Nov 10 ayne Speller says he can’t quite recall when he first started playing The Last Post at Remembrance Day Ceremonies — or how often. “It must be at least seven years, usually once or twice each year — for the Sidney Concert Band, at nursing homes and for the odd military parade.”

Like many others, Wayne has been with the Sidney Concert Band (SCB) for several years. SCB is a dedicated group of 50 volunteer musicians creating music since 1987 and an active member of ArtSea, the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. In addition to SCB, Wayne has played in a number of concert bands and big bands in Victoria and is currently a member of the Bayside Big Band and the Commodores Big Band.

Wayne will take up his trumpet to play The Last Post and Reveille on Sunday November 10 as part of the SCB’s annual tradition to honour Canadian veterans.The “Salute to Our Veterans” concert will be conducted by Bruce Ham and includes a traditional wreath-laying service, with members of the local Kittyhawk Air Cadets forming the Colour Party. Piper Mel Johnston will perform during the service portion of the concert. Johnston was a piper in the Police Pipe Band as well as Pipe Major of the Canadian Scottish Regimental Association Pipe Band. He now plays on occasion for the Lt. Governor. To round out the first half of the concert, Johnston will also accompany high-

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land dancers from the Bon Accord Highland Dance School under the tutelage of instructor Lynne Griffith.

The second half of the show will be in the style of a live 1940s radio show. Wayne Speller will once again shine when he plays the Hoagy Carmichael classic “Star Dust” as a tribute to legendary trumpeter, Harry James. “Harry James was a big band orchestra leader and famous trumpet soloist for 44 years” explains Speller. “He was most famous at the beginning of his career, playing on radio shows, in films and on the nightclub circuit throughout the 1940s and early 1950s. Harry had a distinctive flamboyant style of trumpet-playing featuring heavy vibrato, 1/2 valve and lip glissandi (slurring) and a considerable range. He and his orchestra continued to be among the most recognized big bands well into the 1960s and 70s.”

Other Big Band favourites being performed will include A Tribute to Artie Shaw, featuring SCB clarinetists Diana Gordon and David Rogers; Glenn Miller in Concert and a Salute to Bob Hope.

Tickets for the Sidney Concert Band’s annual ‘Salute to Our Veterans’ Concert (Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 pm) are available online at www.marywinspear.ca or at the Mary Winspear Centre box office in Sidney at 250-656-0275.

Veterans are encouraged to please wear medals. marywinspear.ca

Fall Gardening lant garlic. You’ll find local, organic garlic available for planting at all Dig This stores.

Once you’ve grown your own garlic, you’ll never want to go back to what they sell in most grocery stores.

Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, narcissus and crocus now for a beautiful display next spring. Pot some up in containers. Dig This has a wonderful selection of spring-flowering bulbs at both their stores right now.

Check over your fall and winter vegetables.

Cover them with row cover to prevent carrot rust flies and cabbage root maggots. Give cabbages a bit of a twist to break some of the roots to prevent them from splitting in the fall & winter rains.

Plant broad beans. Clean up annual flower and veggie beds. Leave a few seed heads to feed the birds over the winter. Don’t put diseased plants in your garden compost box.

Keep beds weeded and apply a layer of leaf mulch. Seed a green manure crop (a fertilizer consisting of growing plants that are plowed back into the soil) to empty beds, adding nitrogen, preventing weed seeds from germinating and controlling erosion — then till the plants under in the spring.

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Divide crowded perennials like peonies, Siberian irises, astilbes and other spring-flowering plants. When a perennial blooms less than in previous years, it’s time to dig, divide and replant.

Strip the leaves and clear away debris from the base of rose bushes and dispose of in the garbage. Do not compost these leaves. Fallen leaves can hold diseases that might overwinter.

Plant fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs and evergreens. Early fall planting gives new plants enough time to get their roots established before winter.

Clean your garden tools before you put them away. Steel wool, WD-40 and a little elbow grease will do a great job.

Propagate tender perennials by taking stem cuttings of geraniums and coleus before they are nipped by frost. Root them in small pots of moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity while the cuttings take root.

Once the fall rains start, check the soil for moisture. Just because it has rained doesn’t mean the soil has retained enough moisture to keep plants healthy, especially trees. Make sure newly planted trees & shrubs get sufficient water. digthis.com

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TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 D5 TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 A7

Five ways to protect against hearing loss level against which future tests will be measured. This way, it is easier to see if hearing loss is increasing over time.

2. Turn down the volume.

Audio devices can contribute to hearing loss.

Earbuds are particularly dangerous because they fit directly next to the eardrum. The World Health Organization says that 1.1 billion teens and young adults worldwide are at risk for noiseinduced hearing loss from unsafe use of audio devices. Set the maximum volume on audio devices below 60 per cent, and wear headphones for no more than an hour a day. Keeping music low on other devices is also advisable.

3. Wear protective gear.

Steer clear of fireworks, noisy city centres, loud performances, and other situations if you do not have hearing protection.

certain degree of hearing loss can be a normal part of the aging process. However, people who take steps to protect their hearing long before Father Time takes his toll can prevent the extreme hearing loss suffered by millions of seniors around the globe.

Johns Hopkins Medicine states that approximately 15 per cent of adults aged 18 years and older report some difficulty hearing, and up to 39 per cent of adults in their 60s have hear-

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ing problems. Lost hearing cannot be restored, though hearing aids and other devices can help people with hearing loss hear better. Hearing aids are not always an accessory people look forward to needing, so it’s good to know that a few simple strategies can protect people’s hearing over the long haul.

1. Get a baseline hearing exam.

An audiologist can test your hearing and establish a baseline

Protective gear includes ear plugs and earphones. This gear should be worn whenever you expect to encounter loud noises such as when you mow the lawn, go hunting or shooting, attend rock concerts or visit construction sites.

4. Limit use of cotton swabs.

Ear wax is beneficial to the ears and can stop dust and other particles from entering the ear.

Furthermore, using a cotton swab can potentially cause damage to sensitive organs in the ear if they are inserted too far or too roughly, advises the hearing testing service Ear-Q.

5. Avoid loud noises.

Steer clear of fireworks, noisy city centres, loud performances, and other situations if you do not have hearing protection.

Remember, hearing loss often doesn’t produce immediate symptoms or pain. However, over time, hearing loss can become noticeable. A proactive approach can help people avoid significant hearing loss as they age. hearcentralsaanich.com

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pare your family from the stress of having to make many immediate decisions during a time of grief. Take advantage of the power of planning ahead with Sands’ comprehensive kit that has everything you need to protect your estate and complete your final arrangements. As well, by paying for your final arrangements today, you can potentially save thousands of dollars, and lift the financial burden from your family.

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A Legal Will Guide This exclusive guidebook walks you through preparing your own will. Having a will guarantees that your personal wishes regarding your estate will be followed in a timely and efficient manner, and your loved ones will be provided for after you’re gone. In fact, without a will, the cost of administering your estate increases and your assets may not be distributed in the way you wish.

Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney is a legal document, granting one or more people authority to act on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

You can appoint a Power of Attorney for both property and personal care. This guide explains the different types of Power of Attorney, how to set one up, and whom you might choose for the job.

Official Family Registry A place for everything, and everything in its place. The Family Registry offers a simple, yet comprehensive, way to gather all the necessary information your family, lawyer and executor may require after your death. The registry is your assurance that all of your wishes will be understood by everyone concerned — and be completely respected.

Request your stress-free pre-planning kit. Contact Laura Van Sprang, manager at Sands Funeral Chapel of Victoria. Telephone: 778-400-6221. arbormemorial.ca/en/sands-victoria

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idney Auto Detailing is an independently owned company servicing Sidney and the surrounding areas. They provide everything from an exterior wash to a protective vehicle paint finish.

Perhaps nothing ages a car or truck more than a lackluster exterior finish. Even if vehicles are only a few years old, failure to maintain the paint, tires and chrome accents can make them look worn beyond their years, potentially affecting resale value.

The environment can be a vehicle’s worst enemy. Protecting a car means being mindful of substances and habits that can compromise the exterior finish.

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Seek Shade Over time, sun can damage a vehicle’s paint job through oxidation and premature fading.

One of the easiest ways to protect your vehicle from the sun is to use sheltered parking or park in the shade whenever possible. This helps protect the paint, headlights and trim. Store your cars in the garage overnight and during daylight hours when they are home.

Wash and dry It’s important to routinely wash your vehi-

cles to protect their exterior finish. Use a mild cleanser designed for automobiles, and a clean rag or sponge so you don’t scratch or cause damage. Because minerals in tap water can be left behind through evaporation and may oxidize and damage paint, when washing, wipe away as much residual moisture as possible with a chamois.

Paint protection Waxing prevents bird droppings, berries, splattered bugs and more from sticking to the paint and wearing down the finish. Waxes come in paste, liquid and spray. Each type has a different reapplication schedule, so consult product instructions.

Its important to safeguard the exterior of your vehicle to help it look newer longer, protecting the value of the car or truck while also protecting it against the elements.

For complete and professional detailing for your car, truck, boat or RV, contact Sidney Auto Detailing — they customize their services to meet your needs. Phone: 250-655-6395.

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D6 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019

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timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST

Whiten Teeth and Prevent Discolouration tains are caused by factors inside and outside your teeth. We’ve all been there. Coffee, tea, wine, soft drinks, sports drinks, berries, sauces and sweets all cause stains and give us yellow teeth. Here are some tips from Dr. Crapo and tricks on how to whiten teeth and prevent discolouration.

One way to keep your teeth white is to watch what you eat and make healthy decisions. Dark-coloured foods and beverages have pigment-producing ingredients that stick to your teeth. Cigarettes can also stain your teeth. Kicking bad habits can improve your health; however, some foods and beverages that stain teeth are actually good for you.

What should you do if you want to whiten your teeth? Better yet, what should you do about healthy foods and beverages that stain your teeth?

Using your toothbrush right after you eat or drink may be your first thought. You might believe that you can brush the stains away before they have time to set in. However, doing so would be a huge mistake. After eating or drinking, your dental enamel becomes softer and remains that way for 30 to 60 minutes. If you brush your teeth during this time, you could weaken your enamel

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and make things worse. If you are going to brush your teeth after you eat, make sure to wait at least an hour.

Another thing you can do is to sip on water after you drink a coloured beverage or eat a meal.

You could even swish it around inside your mouth as if it was mouthwash. Having a drink of water can also help build up saliva, which is your mouth’s natural defense against cavities, enamel erosion, and stains.

Ultimately, you might watch what you eat, brush your teeth at the appropriate times, and drink water after eating or drinking things that can stain your teeth; but you still might be dissatisfied with the colour of your teeth. If this is the case, you can turn to teeth whitening.

Home-whitening kits are one way to whiten your teeth; however, they aren’t that reliable and could potentially damage your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is safer and more reliable. Consider LED whitening or Zoom whitening. Trusted by dental professionals it’s the most requested professional whitening system on the market.

Along your path to whiter teeth, remember that regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are essential. As a dentist, Dr. Crapo is your go-to expert on tooth whitening. You’ll be surprised at some of the tricks he has up his sleeve. drcrapo.com

Start Now To Foil Next Season’s Pests inspection, just after dark with a flashlight, will expose the critters. Pick them off and destroy.

People around Victoria should already have sticky tree bands up on their fruit trees and boulevard trees, especially Garry oak, birch, poplar, maple, willow and other broadleaf trees. If not done already, it is still worth doing asap.

If you do it right now, you can still spray lime sulphur on your pear trees for pear leaf blister mite, which can’t be reached by dormant sprays in winter. This is also useful for peach leaf curl.

Note, only do the lime sulphur treatment if you had problems with these diseases last year. There is no benefit in treating trees that have not been infected.

Russell Nursery, 1370 Wain Rd., N. Saanich. russellnursery.com

Seasonal chores at a glance Plant garlic: Choose a well-drained place that has not had any onion family plants (including leeks, shallots, etc.) growing there for the last 4 years.

Get a soil test: Now is a great time to get a pH test for your soil to find out whether or not you need to add lime to the soil.

BY RUSSELL NURSERY here is much we can do between now and spring to eliminate or lessen the damage from insects and disease.We, in southern B.C., are very fortunate to have food-growing expert, author and entymologist Linda Gilkeson, PhD, in our midst. She has generously provided the information for this article. (lindagilkeson.ca)

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To Do Now Mulch, mulch, mulch. A clean and tidy garden does not provide habitat for the good guys. Leave the leaves in garden beds as a haven for ground beetles, rove beetles and bumble bees. The

largest mortality for winter moths is actually from ground beetles attacking the cocoons while they are still in the soil.

If you have rabbits around protect the lower two to three feet of young tree trunks with chicken wire or other tree guards.

Bunnies can kill a whole orchard in a winter by ringing the bark.

Put out safe slug bait containing iron. Slugs are very active in a warm wet winter.

Rake up, remove and destroy all leaves from your roses if they had black spot this year. Do not compost.

Don’t allow potatoes to keep growing in the garden; that’s where late tomato blight can overwinter.

Climbing cutworms are still active on leafy greens. Evening

Stake up plants: A priority should be staking plants easily toppled by high winds or heavy wet snow with gusty winds Put up sticky bands for Winter Moth: Sticky bands intercept the female winter moths, which can’t fly, before they can walk far enough up the tree to lay their eggs at the ends of the branches.

Keep trapping Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD): Start trapping now with venegar traps and leave the traps all winter.

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Sunny Carpet is available to clean: • Carpets • Area rugs • Upholstery • Air ducts • Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) • Furnaces • Dryer vents • And more.

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