TAKE 5 November 2016

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Letters I write regarding Wildwood. I understand you have plans to sell it to a private owner, and I urge you to reconsider this decision before it’s too late.

I first came to Wildwood in 1997, as part of the LIFE flotilla (Leadership Initiative For Earth) and have visited Wildwood on many occasions. The work that the late Merv Wilkinson pioneered through so many decades has resulted in the most amazing forest environment. What makes it so special is the fact that it is a rich forest environment despite being sustainably logged for many years. Indeed, after Merv began working it, the forest saw the return of many animal species.

Wildwood has many special trees — from giant old-growth Douglas fir, scarred and stately cedars, to tiny saplings. I planted one of those saplings in 2005, in honour of my friend, Anne Pask-Wilkinson, Merv’s third wife. Merv and Anne were both friends of mine, and like the old-growth trees on Wildwood, we have lost too many of our giants. We must plant new trees, and the most important tree we can plant is hope.

People all over the world look to Wildwood as proof that we can do things differently; that we can find a way to harvest the wood we need while protecting the Earth. That was Merv and Anne’s passion. That was why they were both arrested in 1993 for blockading the logging of old-growth forests in Clayoquot Sound.

Selling Wildwood to a private owner, even with a covenant to protect it, is not what the Wilkinsons wanted. They wanted Wildwood to be a public property forever, a demonstration working ecoforest where generations can learn that you don’t have to chop the forest down to benefit from it.

Merv, Anne and thousands of donors donated to protect Wildwood in perpetuity. I am very concerned that if we fail now, people will stop giving and working to protect our special places. If we can’t protect Wildwood, a 77-acre forest, how can we protect anything?

This is why I urge you to reconsider your private sale of Wildwood and return to negotiations with the Ecoforestry Institute.

I understand that negotiations for the protection of Wildwood broke down, but I ask you to be patient. We must secure the future of this rare and precious place in the public realm while there is still time.

Wildwood is a precious gift and deserves to be conserved for the benefit of our children, our grandchildren and theirs. To-

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gether, we have a final opportunity to secure Wildwood in the form that Merv and Anne intended and sacrificed so much for, and as The Land Conservancy promised them.

I look forward to learning the outcome of this situation.

-Jane Goodall Ph.D., DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

Community fish dinner We thoroughly enjoyed the Salmon Dinner evening and had a wonderful reunion with Ron and Doreen Delcourt. We also had an enjoyable visit with Lynn McNeil (Duke McNeil’s daughter) and Billy Verchere, who were also at our table.

And what a fabulous dinner! We love both salmon and halibut, so were thrilled to have it and the rest of that huge serving of food. Someone did a lot of work. We thank them so much.

- Valda Clarke (Gourlay) Letters to the editor is an open forum to exchange comments and ideas. Letters may be edited for space, and legality. Articles published in TAKE 5 do not nescessarily reflect the opinions of TAKE 5. editor@take5.ca, fax 250-245-7099.

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Ladysmith Lights Up On Thursday, November 24, it’s the 29th annual Ladysmith Light Up, kicking off the six week Festival of Lights. First Avenue will be closed to traffic from 3:00 pm until after Light Up. There will be shuttle buses from Transfer Beach, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Bethel Tabernacle at the north end of Fourth Avenue. Pets are not allowed during Light Up. Here’s the line up!

3:00 pm: Community Spaghetti Dinner @ Eagles Hall (adults/ $8; children under 8/ $5) 3:00 pm: Christmas Craft Fair at Aggie Hall 4:00 pm: Street entertainment and food concessions 4:00 pm to 6:15 pm: Entertainment on stage in downtown Ladysmith and in front of Aggie Hall 6:30 pm: Santa arrives downtown to Light-Up Ladysmith!

6:45 pm: Kinsmen Parade along First Avenue to Aggie Hall After the parade at Aggie Hall is Bob Stuart Park and Aggie Hall light up, followed by the Chuck Perrin Christmas Tree, courtesy of the Nanaimo Airport Commission and the grand finale is the fireworks spectacular presented by the Ladysmith & District Credit Union.

The Festival of Lights is a volunteer driven organization. It is thanks to these hard working individuals that our big annual celebration is able to take place. Sunday, November 6 is the Festival of Lights work party when volunteers prepare Ladysmith for the Light Up by hanging, tying, carrying, and plugging the lights in. They meet at 9:00 a.m. at the 49th Parallel parking lot. New volunteers are always needed and welcome.

FOL is continuing its commitment to switch from incandescent to longer-lasting and energy saving LED lights. This year all of First Avenue will be LEDs says vice president Robin Francis. In order to cover some of their expenses, the society has come up with an Adopt a Tree campaign. Businesses, organizations, families or individuals can sponsor a tree in the downtown area for about $100 a string. A tree with three strings costs $300, which includes a sign stating the business name placed on the tree for five years. A great way to show your support and promote yourself. Currently about half the trees in downtown area still need adoption. For more information contact the Festival Of Lights 250-245-5888 or visit their website http://www.ladysmithfol.com/

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$8.8 million grant for water treatment Ladysmith has been awarded a grant of more than $8.8 million for a new water filtration system, a key priority in Council’s plans for a strong, healthy and vibrant community.

The grant, the largest of 35 grants awarded to B.C. communities is part of the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund designed to improve community and waste water systems across B.C. The Government of Canada is providing $5.3 million, and the Province is contributing $3.5 million. The announcement was made at the annual Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria.

“We are very grateful that this significant funding has come through,” said Mayor Aaron Stone. “Council’s vision for a vibrant and healthy community is built on providing the services our community relies on, and creating cost certainty for homeowners and businesses.”

The new water filtration system will satisfy the immediate need of meeting Water Quality Standards established by Island Heath (VIHA). Together with the newly-opened Waste Water Treatment Plant, it offers an updated base of

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water and sewer infrastructure to serve residents and businesses in Ladysmith, Stz’uminus First Nation and neighbouring communities for decades to come.

Mayor Stone attributes the Town’s success in its funding application in large part to the leverage provided though the strong relationship between Ladysmith and the Stz’uminus First Nation as outlined in the Naut’sa Mawt (Working Together) Community Accord. The accord is supported by a joint Memorandum of Understanding which outlines common initiatives for the two communities.

Through the recently signed Water and Sewer Services Agreement in particular, Ladysmith will provide sewage services and clean water to our Stz’uminus neighbours.

“It is well understood that there is an urgent need to replace aging systems, pipes, roads and other municipal infrastructure across Canada. We in Ladysmith are very fortunate to have received

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such generous grants to upgrade our water and sewage treatment systems,” Mayor Stone added. “This leaves room within our financial plan for us to tackle other infrastructure projects without placing an undue tax burden on our residents and businesses.”

To comply with changes to the Town’s Permit to Operate a Water Supply System, Ladysmith’s water filtration plant must be in operation by 2018. The Town already has a chlorination treatment system for its water supply. In addition to the grant, the construction will be funded from development cost charges, borrowing and water parcel taxes. The most recent upgrade to the Town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant, to secondary level treatment, cost a total of $17.9 million, and was funded through a grant of $5.2 million from UBCM, a combination of low-cost borrowing and grant for a further $11 million in Green Municipal Funds, and the Town’s sewer reserves.

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WILDWOOD UPDATE

BY KATHLEEN CODE With community support, the Ecoforestry Institute Society has raised the $30,000 for the legal costs to contest the privatization of Wildwood. EIS has been granted a further $9,800 by the West Coast Environmental Law for the same purpose.

Court preparation is a huge undertaking, but if need be, we will be in court November 14 and 15 ready to defend Wildwood against The Land Conservancy’s intent to privatize Wildwood.

Of course, court is a last resort, and in an attempt to mediate prior to court, EIS invited TLC to a board to board meeting. We both agreed on two things: it is important to avoid a court challenge due to the legal expense and we are concerned

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about the potential impact on the land trust movement. We then discussed that TLC could present both offers to Madame Justice Fitzpatrick. However, as legal counsel later pointed out, the court would need to hear the full arguments for both offers to make an informed decision, requiring us both to make extensive preparation. After exploring the options a little more, EIS concluded the only solution to reduce court expenses is for TLC to abandon the private offer. TLC has yet to respond.

The TLC held its AGM October 22 and it became apparent that at least half the TLC members present were Wildwood supporters who oppose the private offer. Several Wildwood supporters addressed the meeting, including Merv Wilkinson’s niece, the original donor who contributed the last $216,000 to Wildwood and several close friends. They spoke of their firsthand knowledge, verifying Merv’s wishes that Wildwood be held in the public domain and why donors contributed to save Wildwood in the first place. One speaker mentioned the recent letter of support from Dr. Jane Goodall, who has had a long association with Merv and Wildwood. We can only hope TLC will hear its membership.

In the meantime, our offer includes a $450,000 mortgage.

Please consider how you can contribute to help us pay it down.

The court may look upon an offer with less debt with more favour. Contact Sharon Chow, EIS Treasurer at admin@ecoforestry.ca or visit savewildwood.com for more information.

Salmon dinner another success The second annual Salmon Dinner fundraiser, which sold out in record time, was held on Oct.15 at Aggie Hall. Terry Jones says 200 salmon and halibut dinners were served that evening. Ron Maddin, a local fisherman, supplied the fish to help raise funds for the Ladysmith Soup Kitchen. Approximately 30 volunteers, friends of Myf Plecas, helped in preparing and serving.

The Ladysmith Soup Kitchen is located at the side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle at 1149 – Fourth Avenue. Their hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. With the cold weather fast Ron Maddin serves seafood approaching donations of thick, warm socks and insulated gloves and mitts are very welcome.

Before I Die Walls Come to Health Fair What does it mean to live fully? What’s on your bucket list?

Come join in the conversation with Cowichan Hospice at the Ladysmith Health Fair on November 4 at the Frank Jameson Community Centre from 1 - 4pm. They will be bringing the interactive art project known as the Before I Die walls to Ladysmith for the first time.

Before I die I want to…see my students become teachers, to write a book, to love recklessly again, to go to the Galapagos Islands. These were some of the things that appeared on the

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Ladysmith’s Health Care Auxiliary President Pam Fraser and member Drew Chrisholm present a cheque of $30,000 to the Ladysmith Resources Centre. President Marsh Stevens, Executive Director Shannon Wilson and Vice President Cathy Hyndman gratefully accepted. Photo submitted

The Ladysmith and District Marine Rescue Society and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 29 got a big shot in the arm from Oak Bay Marine Group, who presented them with a cheque for $10,000. The marine search and rescue group celebrated their new boathouse at a public Open House on Oct. 3. New members are always needed. Photo: Marina Sacht

Island Savings’ The Full Cupboard campaign, saw Ladysmith branch staff hold hot dog sales and create a raffle basket in aid of the Ladysmith Food Bank. Ladysmith merchants donated $890 worth of products and gift certificates. The winner was Kathy Beaveridge of Duncan.

Lynette Wark, (middle) of the Ladysmith Food Bank received a cheque for $2500 from Deb Trocstad and Brad Lesiuk from Ladysmith Island Savings. Photo: Allen McDermid

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first Before I Die Wall – a project that started with plywood boards covering an abandoned house in New Orleans.

Read what’s on other’s bucket lists, and maybe even share your own personal aspirations in this public space.

To learn more about Cowichan Hospice, visit www.cowichanvalleyhospice.org

Name change for InsuranceCentres Vancouver Island InsuranceCentre recently changed its name and branding to Waypoint Insurance Services Inc. in order to reflect their expansion to North Vancouver. The ownership and contact information remain the same but the website is changing to waypointinsurance.ca.

TAKE 5 Movember fundraiser for prostate cancer It is November, the month to grow your mustache for a good cause. Movember is a worldwide fundraising campaign serving to raise funds for and public awareness of prostate cancer. You can show your support by subscribing to our youtube.com/take5newstv. It’s free and for every new subscriber in the month of November TAKE 5 will donate $1 to the Movember Foundation or pledge your own amount at mosista.co/take5newstv.

In keeping with the theme check out our new video “Man the Beard.”

Derelict vessel removed from harbour It was a very long time coming, but an abandoned vessel that was a potential environmental disaster in Ladysmith Harbour for is gone.

“I am so glad I could help get the Viki Lyne II removed from the Ladysmith Harbour,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith. “This is a big step for this harbor, after a lot of community work. I’ll keep working with the

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Last trip for the Viki Lyne II

federal government to develop a comprehensive abandoned vessel solution for our whole coast.”

The Viki Lyne II was towed on Oct. 6th

by Canadian Maritime Engineering Limited (CMEL) where it will be dismantled in accordance with federal and provincial regulations. CMEL was awarded the contract at a cost of $1,207,837.08 Tony Semler, project manager said the ship is awaiting deconstruction. Oil and other pollutants on board were removed prior to moving the vessel. The hull had not been taking on any water said Semler.

“This is a big day for our community,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone, who was thrilled to see the vessel towed away.

“It still amazes me that it has taken over four years to have this vessel removed, after a Coast Guard-commissioned survey declared in June of 2012 that the sinking of the Viki Lyne II was imminent,” said Rod Smith, Managing Director of the Ladysmith Maritime Society. Environmental concerns over the 13,000 litres of oil and toxins on board the abandoned vessel sparked a community wide protest.

Malcolmson has proposed a regulatory solution in Parliament that would give the Coast Guard more authority to deal with abandoned vessels. Bill C-219 will be debated in Parliament next year.

Once known as David Wilson and Admiral Hardy before that, the 108ft. fishing vessel had been built to the highest specifications in 1961 in England before making her way via the east coast to the west coast and changing hands several times before ending up with the current owner Stephen L. Burt from Victoria. At one time it had even been used for accommodation for fishing guides in the 1990’s.

“It’s sad that the vessel got negelcted to this point,” said Semler.

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Ladysmith Little Theatre’s Sylvia goes to the dogs

Country Christmas Tour The Cedar Yellow Point Artisans’ Association are gearing up their studios for their 28th annual Cedar Yellow Point Country Christmas Self-Guided Tour on November 24, 25, 26, and 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This is a great way to get your shopping done and get inspired by our local artists and artisans. The tour lasts for four days, so enjoy exploring artist studios, galleries, farms, local eatery’s and pubs with friends, and a map you can download or view on your phone. Why not make it a two-day adventure and stay at a local B&B? Besides art, Cedar Yellow Point has great pubs and restaurants to serve you.

It doesn’t matter where you start this self-guided tour, you won’t be disappointed as there are surprises at every turn. You will find beautiful pottery, amazing art, gorgeous hand blown glass (Oprah loves her glass pears), amazing wood products, cozy alpaca garments, spectacular First Nations art, hand-crafted items and more. Be sure to stop in at the farms where you will find over 40 delicious cranberry products, just in time for gift giving, and distinctive homegrown herb products to eat as well as for skin care. Fresh honey and bee products will surprise and delight anyone receiving this sweet gift.

Find out more and download a map at www.cyartisans.com, or pick up a map at the Ladysmith Visitor Centre on Roberts Street or at popular stores in Ladysmith and Nanaimo.

Canada’s preeminent glass ornament maker Ted Jolda has taken over the renowned Barton Leier Gardens in Cedar. Jolda, one of the nation’s leading glass artists, has been working at his craft since 1985.

In 2014, Jolda was able to purchase the 9-acre estate on DeCourcy Drive. Master Painters Grant & Nixie Barton Leier purchased the property in 1994 and began to transform the farm into the enchanted

Ted Jolda with one of his glass pears featured in Oprah. Photo: Marina Sacht

gardens and gallery it is today.

“Since I bought the property,” says Jolda, “I have established an orchard, completed the deer fence around the gardens and built my new state-of-the-art glassblowing studio.”

About the upcoming season, Jolda says, “I love Christmas. I love the sentimentality of the Christmas tree ornaments. Everyone that celebrates this holiday has special memories associated with particular ornaments. In my career, I have made over a 100,000 ornaments.

I figure that makes me a part of all those families and their special memories.”

Jolda’s ornaments have been used as diplomatic gifts and have been sent worldwide.

Visitors can wander in the public gardens and watch Jolda while he creates new glass objects. The 1200-square foot gallery features his glass as well as local artists, including jewelry by Emily Ferris of Coombs, paintings by Grant Leier and mixed media by Carolyn Lutz. Books and cards by Charles Van Sandwyck are also available.

Jolda works most days in his studio on site and is always happy to take a break and show off his gardens and glass gallery, but his official hours are Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Ladysmith Little Theatre presents “Sylvia,” opening November 25 and running until December 11.

The play follows the story of Greg and Kate, who have moved to Manhattan after 22 years of child-raising in the suburbs. On day, Greg brings home a dog he found in the park — or that has found him — bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and Poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.

For more information and to reserve tickets, you can go to the Ladysmith Little Theatre’s box office, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., call 250-924-0658, or visit ladysmiththeatre.com.

Christmas Pantomime Whether you be seafarers or landlubbers or just like a good laugh, this year’s pantomime presentation by Nanaimo Theatre Group is “Aladdin and the Pirates.” The show combines the well-known fairy tale with some modern upgrades and a hint of piracy. It is performed in the traditional format of a British pantomime with all of the ingredients that you have come to expect from this genre of theatre.

A very talented cast will perform singing, dancing and all forms of silliness.

We guarantee that there will be something for all ages to enjoy as you join us on this delightful theatrical journey.

Shows are at the Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Road, Nanaimo, and run December 17 to 19 and 26 to 30, including a special New Years Eve show that begins at 9 p.m. There are only four matinees, which begin at 1:30 p.m., and eight evening shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and at www.nanaimogtheatregroup.ca or 250-758-7224.

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NOVEMBER Nov. 4-6, Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair featuring local BC Artisans at Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road in Nanaimo. Info at nanaimoprofessionalcraftfair.com Nov 5, 10am – 2pm, South Wellington & Area Community Association Christmas Craft Sale, South Wellington Community Hall 1555 Morden Rd. 250-7542820 Nov. 5-6, 11-5pm, Mary Fox Pottery Sale 2016, 321-3rd Ave. Ladysmith 250245-3778 Nov. 5, 11- 2pm, CWL Christmas Bazaar at St. Mary’s Parish, 1153 4th Ave., lunch, crafts, sewing, baking. Books and lots of gift ideas 250-245-3414 Nov. 4, 10-9pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Holiday Show & Sale, potters are stocked up with Country Club Centre 3200 North Island Hwy. nanaimopotterycoop@gmail.com Nov 5, 10- 6pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Holiday Show & Sale, potters are stocked up with Country Club Centre 3200 North Island Hwy. nanaimopotterycoop@gmail.com Nov. 5, 4:30 pm - Burger and Refreshments (Beer) at the Royal Canadian Legion #10 Hall, 129 Harewood Rd., Nanaimo - tickets $15 for tickets contact Sue Paugh 250-753-6216 Nov. 6, 11-5pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Holiday Show & Sale, potters are stocked up with Country Club Centre 3200 North Island Hwy. nanaimopotterycoop@gmail.com

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Nov 12, 11-2pm Christmas Bazaar and Tea. Featuring a Scottish theme, baked goods, frozen pies, jewelry, Christmas items and a silent auction. All are welcome. Ladysmith First United Church Hall, 232 High Street Nov, 13, 3:30 - 6pm at Cedar United Church, 1644 Cedar Rd. FREE, There will be five table crafts, songs and free supper. For babies, preschoolers, children, parents, grandparents and caregivers. Contact cedarunitedchurch@gmail. com or 1-250-893-3669.

Nov 17-20, 12-8pm, Annual Christmas Chaos, Island Savings Centre 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 Nov 17-20, 10- 4pm. Carols Craft Fair 9th Annual Christmas Craft Fair, 50 vendors on two floors at the North Oyster Community Centre 13467 Cedar Rd. 250-754-8905. Contact - lfturner@shaw. ca or exlight@shaw.ca Nov. 19, 2016 10 am to 2 pm, Cassidy Mobile Home Park Craft Fair, bake table, crafts, tea and raffle, 1572 Seabird Road 250-245-2725.

Nov. 19, 1:30-3:00pm - Holly Daze Tea at St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St. Nanaimo, - Holly Daze Tea tickets $8.00 Nov. 24-27, 10am-5pm, 26th Annual Cedar Yellowpoint Country Christmas Self-Guided Tour. Four days of fun, food and local artisan talent. For more info www.cyartisans.com Nov. 24, 3pm, Ukrainian Dinner Legion Hall 621 1st Ave. cabbage rolls, bratwurst sausages, sauerkraut, perogies.

Large $ 12 small $7. Call 250-245-2273.

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Nov 24, 3pm. 26th Annual Festival of Lights, entertainment, concessions, craft fair at the Aggie Hall, Spaghetti Dinner at the Eagles Hall, and Kinsmen Parade along 1st Ave, LDCU Fireworks Spectacular. Lights stay on until Jan 4/15 Nov 26-27, 4th Annual “Deck the Hall” Christmas Craft Market. Saturday, FREE November 26, 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, November 27, 10 am - 3 pm Cowichan Exhibition Grounds 7380 TransCanada Hwy, Duncan (250)748-0822 or cowex@shaw.ca Nov 26, 11am-1:30pm, Christmas Bazaar St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, Chemainus. Baking, Christmas crafts, jewelry, new to you table. Full Christmas Tea lunch available Nov. 26, 9am – 2pm. Christmas Craft Fair, Chemainus Legion Hall, 9775 Chemainus Rd. - Vendors can contact Jean 250-246-2481 Nov 24, 6pm. Stop by for a delicious cup of HOT CHOCOLATE during Light Up. Your donations help support the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation & Nanaimo Haven House. Royal LePage office 528 1st Ave. Nov 24, 2-6pm, Ladysmith Museum will be open for Light Up, 721 First Ave. Nov 26, 4:30pm, Christmas Tales Music & Storytelling, Aggie Hall

DECEMBER Dec 1- Jan 5, 10-5pm, Nanaimo Museum’s Capturing Christmas. Moments in time from winter and Christmas in Nanaimo have been captured by cameras for 150 years. For more information www.nanaimomuseum.ca Dec 2-4, 4-9pm, Christmas Express, BC Forest Museum 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, 250-715-1113 Dec 2, 5-8pm the LDBA hosts 5th Annual Old Time Christmas downtown Ladysmith featuring 2 horse drawn carriage rides, caroling, treats and more!

Dec 3, 9am-12pm, Christmas Pancake Breakfast with Santa, prepared by N.O.A.H.S. at the Cedar Community Hall Breakfast Kids $3, Adults $6 door prizes, crafts, fun for everyone!

Dec 3, 8 & 10:30am, LaFF’s Breakfast

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with Santa, Aggie Hall 1110 1st Ave. Tickets at Frank Jameson Community Centre 2 seatings to choose from: 8am & 10:30am. 250-210-0870 Dec 3, 7:30pm, Vancouver Island Symphony presents HOLIDAY SPIRIT, Port Theatre, 125 Front St. 250-754-8550 Dec 5-6, 7:30, Nutcracker – Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Port Theatre, 125 Front St. 250-754-8550 Dec. 7, 7-8pm St. Joseph’s School Christmas Concert, 9735 Elm St. Duncan, 250-246-3191 Dec. 7, 6pm, In partnership with the Cowichan District Hospital, there will be a tree lighting ceremony in front of the hospital for more details or information re: Cowichan Valley Hospice Services 250-701-4242 (or 1-888-701-4242 in Ladysmith) and www.cowichanvalleyhospice.org Dec 8, 5-9pm, Mistletoe Merchants at Aggie Hall in Ladysmith. Local crafts, quality handmade products and direct sales items. Admission: Cash donation towards LaFF’s Family Centre program and/or non-perishable items for the Ladysmith Food Bank Dec 8, 6pm. Family Christmas Dinner, Santa & his goody bag, carol singers & dancers, The Cotton Club, 1975 Haslam Rd. Call 250-245-5157 to reserve.

Dec 8-9, 7:30, O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy, Port Theatre, 125 Front St. Nanaimo, 250-754-8550 Dec 9-10, 5pm, Christmas Dinner at Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, Tickets available starting Nov. 20, Members $15, Guest $20, One guest per member. 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111 Dec. 10th, 10-4pm Ladysmith Primary Winter Craft Fair at the Ladysmith Primary School. If you would like to rent

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a table please contact kbcgonzales@ gmail.com Dec. 10, 10-3pm, St. Joseph’s School Christmas Bazaar, 9735 Elm St. Chemainus concession and treats. For vendor info contact Christina 250-739-2810 Dec 12-14, 4-9pm, Christmas Express, BC Forest Museum 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, 250-715-1113 ext. 23 Dec 13, 7:30, O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy, Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St., Duncan 250-748-7529 Dec 10, (rain date 11th) 6pm. Mt. Brenton Power & Sail Squadron Ladysmith Christmas Sail Past Transfer Beach. Bonfire, refreshments 250-2458339 Dec 14-18, Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. This year’s singing and dancing extravaganza. Port Theatre, 125 Front St. 250-754-8550 Dec. 11, 3pm, Yellow Point Singers Christmas Concert, Oceanview Community Church 381 Davis Rd. Ladysmith Dec 16-17, The Nutcracker, Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St., Duncan 250748-7529 Dec, 16-23, 4-9pm, Christmas Express, BC Forest Museum 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, 250-715-1113 Dec 15, 6pm. Family Christmas Dinner, Santa & his goody bag, carol singers & dancers, The Cotton Club, 1975 Haslam Rd. Call 250-245-5157 to reserve your table!

Dec 2, 4-8, Ladysmith Museum will be open for the 5th Annual Old Time Christmas, 721 First Ave. Dec 31, 7pm. New Years Eve Dinner Dance, The Cotton Club, 1975 Haslam Rd. Call 250-245-5157 to reserve your table!

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The Season for Squash We know fall has arrived when piles of colourful squash start gathering at the roadside stands. Last year, I enjoyed spectacular display at McNab’s farm, where Farmer McNab told me he was growing 100 different varieties of squash, 50 of which were pumpkins, and that he had shopped the world for the seeds. I was quite amazed to discover they had sold out by end of the growing season — Canadians sure love their squash!

We grew a good selection of winter squash on the farm this year — butternuts and buttercups, spaghetti and acorn, red kuri, Turk’s turban, pie pumpkins, sweet dumpling and delicata. They are recognized as a good source of dietary carotenoids, thought to provide health benefits in certain cancers and protect against eye disease.

Winter squash differs from summer squash in that it is harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage, when the seeds within are fully matured, and the skin has hardened into a tough rind. When the squash is ripe, the stalk starts to wither on the vine, a clue that it’s time to harvest. Winter squash has a long storage life, and, depending on the variety, it can keep for up to six months.

The ideal temperature for storing winter squash is between 50 to 60 F (about 10 to 15 C), so I keep mine inside the house where they look very ornamental piled up in the living room. It’s best to wipe the skin with a damp cloth before curing,

which removes any dirt that may cause the squash to rot.

Butternut squash is shaped like a large pear and has cream-coloured skin, deep orange-coloured flesh and sweet flavour.

Acorn squash has green skin speckled with orange and yellow-orange flesh with unique flavour, a combination of nutty and peppery.

Hubbard squash is a large squash that can be dark green, grey-blue or orangered in colour. The Hubbard’s flavour is less sweet than other varieties.

Turk’s Turban squash is spectacular to behold, with green and cream stripes under an orange ‘hat’ and has orangeyellow flesh that tastes of hazelnuts.

Kabocha squash is a type of Japanese squash that is becoming very popular due to the sweet chestnut flavour, which

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develops as it cures. It has deep-green skin and orange flesh.

Seeds from winter squash and pumpkins contain healthy oils and make a great snack food when roasted. Scoop the seeds from the squash/pumpkin and place in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

Lightly roast at 160 to 170 F (about 75 C) in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Store in an airtight jar handy for snacking.

To minimize the risk of injury when peeling and cutting, I cut the squash in half with a cleaver (and a strong arm!).

After scooping out the seeds, bake the squash in the oven until just tender (25 minutes). When baked, the skin peels off easily, and the squash is much easier to cut up. One-inch cubes of squash only need steaming for ten minutes for tenderness and make a perfect accompaniment to many meals.

With squash abundant through the winter months, using it pureed, I am able to prepare lots of pots of spicy-warming squash soups. The spiralizer also comes in handy when squash abound, making squash ‘ribbons’ that replace pasta for guilt free eating. Adding cubes of squash to a vegetarian lasagna recipe makes it extra delicious, and roasting squash slices sprinkled with cinnamon and drizzled with maple syrup is simply divine. Let us give thanks for the season of squash and bon appetit!

Carolyn Herriot is author of “The Zero Mile Diet” and “The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook,” available at your local bookstore. She grows IncrEdibles! in Yellow Point (www.incredibles.vision).

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The Puhpowee Power of mushrooms A few months ago I came upon a new word. In and of itself, this isn’t an extraordinary occurrence. But unlike other words, this one has stuck with me. It’s not even a word from my language or one for which I know a synonym. This Anishinaabe word is puhpowee and refers to the force that causes mushrooms to push up from the earth. An unseen energy, giving them the power to move soil, stones and even pavement.

This hydraulic pressure comes from the turgor pressure of the cells that make up the stalk of the mushroom. The cells

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of mushrooms also contain chitin, which, when arranged the way that it is in mushrooms, makes the cell walls strong and confines the internal pressure in a vertical column. Chitin is the same material invertebrates (insects, lobsters, etc.) use for their exoskeletons. It’s a tough material. The presence of chitin in the Fungal Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom but not in the Plant Kingdom is one bit of evidence that fungi and animals are more closely related to each other than to plants. This is probably not terribly relevant to most of us, but could it have implications for vegetarians?

In addition, most mushrooms can sense gravity. Many, if picked and placed on

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Showing the force of puhpowee at work.

Photo: credit H. Masata

their side, will reorient their caps to be vertical. Amanita species are especially fast at this.

The most common species people observe that move paving stones and asphalt are the Coprinus species (also called inky caps or shaggy mane). They grow on buried plant matter. It is indeed amazing that something so delicate and fragile to the touch can push through two inches of asphalt. The fruit of the Coprinus species are short lived. Within a day or two, they dissolve into a black watery mess called deliquescence. This phe-

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nomenon is what gives them the common name inky cap.

Mushrooms are the fruiting body of fungi, analogous to fruit on a tree. But keep in mind they are not closely related to plants. They do not photosynthesize.

Instead, they make their living in a variety of ways. Some, like the Coprinus and Agaricus species (of which the common grocery store species is one), are decomposers of plant matter and like to grow in compost piles, lawns and meadows. Some decompose animals. Others decompose dead trees and logs. Some grow on or in living trees. A large number grow underground and are attached to the roots of living plants, in a relationship that benefits the plant and the fungus. The fungus passes minerals and water to the plants and gets the carbohydrates it needs from the plants. This allows plants to grow in sub-optimal conditions, such as under the canopy or on dry hillsides. This group is called mycorrhizal and contains some of our most desirable edibles, such as chanterelles and pine mushrooms.

Western science has, for the most part, had a mechanistic view of nature — looking at aspects of nature in isolation (reductionism) in an effort to understand the whole by understanding the parts, like studying the puzzle pieces to understand the whole picture. The modern science of ecology, and certainly Traditional Ecological Knowledge, sees the connections between things (living and non-living, but also processes) as essential. As John Muir put it: “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” Fungi illustrate this in a wonderful way. For most of the year, they are hidden, tiny threadlike filaments under the soil or in logs. But when presented with favourable moisture and temperatures, they fruit quickly and make their presence known. Puhpowee — emerging magically and making every fall walk in the woods a new experience.

Note: I learned the word puhpowee from Robin Wall Kimmerer in her book: Braiding Sweetgrass — Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants.

Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point ecoforestry@gmail.com

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COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID

Nov 1-5 2, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 2, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 3, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 3, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@ taoist.org 3, 8pm, “The Rocky Horror Show,” LIVE ON STAGE, RESTRICTED, For Mature Audiences Only (18+), Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, ticket sales visit www. schmoozeproductions.com 4, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 4, 1pm to 4pm, An interactive art project known as the “Before I Die” walls to Ladysmith for the very first time! At the Ladysmith Health Fair at the Frank Jameson Community Centre; info at www. cowichanvalleyhospice.org 4, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Hub City at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942 4, 7pm, “The Deaf Aids” will be performing at The Beantime Café, tickets on sale at the café 4, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 5, 11:30am-1:30pm, “Fire & Ice,” Great food from five local restaurants, a relaxed community setting, and half the proceeds going to the local food bank — that’s Fire (The Fire consists of five kinds of chili) and Ice (ice cream on a fabulous chocolate brownie) at the Cedar Community Hall!

Admission is $12 5, 11am to 2pm, St. Mary’s Annual Christmas Bazaar and lunch, St. Mary’s Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 5, 7pm, Red Shoes — Ladysmith Water Front Gallery

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Nov 6-12 6, Noon to 1pm, Beginner Irish Dance Lessons for Girls ages 5–8 years, currently there is no Irish heritage among the girls! Everyone welcome, Sundays, Cedar Heritage Centre, students wear bare feet, shorts and t-shirt to the first four classes 7, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 7,7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 8, 1pm to 3pm, Senior’s Drop-In “Toonie Tuesdays,” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies at the North Oyster Community Centre 8, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 9, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 9, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 9, 9:30am, Chemainus Sketch Group, Meet Up with guest Artist Allison Watt — Joy of Drawing, Fuller Lake Arena, new members welcome 10, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www. rcl171.c 10, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 10, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@taoist.org 10, 8pm, “The Rocky Horror Show,” LIVE ON STAGE, RESTRICTED, For Mature Audiences Only (18+), Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, ticket sales visit www. schmoozeproductions.com

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12, 9am to 10:30am, Pancake Breakfast $5, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 12, 10am to 4pm, Crofton Art Group’s annual fall sale of ready-to-frame art, nice art cards, jewelry and pottery, Crofton Senior’s Centre, adj. to ferry dock, 250 246 9477 12, 11pm, “The Rocky Horror Show,” LIVE ON STAGE, RESTRICTED, For Mature Audiences Only (18+), Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, ticket sales visit www. schmoozeproductions.com

Nov 13-19 13, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts presents “The Klezmer Clarinet,” Connie Gitlin on clarinet and Adam Dobres on guitar, St Michael’s Church, Chemainus, tickets $20 or in advance $17, phone 250-748-8383, www.

ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca 13–14, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm on Sun. and 7pm on Mon., Fringe Flicks: “Sing Street,” Theatre One, www. theatreone.org, 250-754-7587 14, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 14, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 15, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 15–16, 7:30pm, “Baskerville — A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” The Port Theatre, Nanaimo, www. porttheatre.com, 250-754-8550 16, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 16, 11:30am to 1pm, Soup & Sandwich $6, entertainment includes Remembrance Day songs by the Slivertones, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org

11, 6:30pm, Entertainment by West Coast Jones at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-2464942

16, 9:30am to 11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org

11, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org

16, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

12, 5-9pm, Benjamin Moore Christmas Open House/ 1st year Anniversary, 132B Roberts St. celebrate our first year and shop our holiday decor selection and enjoy holiday drinks, sweets and treat!

17, 2 pm-4 pm, Ladysmith & District Historical Society is hosting a free “Family History” workshop with researcher Isabelle Drown Call 250-2450100 for more info.

17, 9:30am, Chemainus Sketch Group Workshop

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— Dare to be Different, guest Artist MaryAnn Gerwing, Fuller Lake Arena, by subscription 17, 10am, Annual General Meeting and Elections of the Board of Directors, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 17, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 17, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@taoist.org 17, 7pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club monthly meeting, in the Library, Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6th Ave. 17, 7pm, North Oyster & Area Historical Society AGM, North Oyster Community Hall, 13467 Cedar Rd. 17, 8pm, “The Rocky Horror Show,” LIVE ON STAGE, RESTRICTED, For Mature Audiences Only (18+), Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, ticket sales visit www. schmoozeproductions.com 18, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 18, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Mary Egan Dou at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942 18, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 18–Dec 31, “A Christmas Story,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., info at 250-246-9820 or www.chemainustheatre.ca 19, 5pm to 8pm, Birthday Party pot luck dinner, bar & entertainment, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org

Nov 20-26 120–26, “A Christmas Story,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., info at 250-2469820 or www.chemainustheatre.ca 21, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 21, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 22, 1pm to 3pm, Senior’s Drop-In “Toonie Tuesdays,” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies for a Toonie at the North Oyster Community Centre 22, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 22, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club, “Photo

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Rescue,” hands-on demonstration with Pat Haugen of Ladysmith, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Ave. in Ladysmith, www.

LadysmithCameraClub.com 23, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 23, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 24, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www. rcl171.c 24, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 24, 3pm, 26th Annual Ladysmith Festival of Lights, entertainment, concessions, craft fair at the Aggie Hall, Spaghetti Dinner at the Eagles Hall, Kinsmen Parade along 1st Ave. and LDCU Fireworks Spectacular — bring the family and come out and enjoy all the festivities! Lights stay on until Jan. 4, 2017 24, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@taoist.org 24, 8pm, “The Rocky Horror Show,” LIVE ON STAGE, RESTRICTED, For Mature Audiences Only (18+), Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, ticket sales visit www. schmoozeproductions.com 25, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 25, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Beverly and Ray at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942 25, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 25–26, “Sylvia” by A. R. Gurney, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd, Ladysmith, tickets $25, reservations call250-924-0658 or www. ladysmiththeatre.com

Nov 27-30 27, 7 pm, Monthly Meeting, Ladysmith Newcomers Club, 2nd Floor of Legion Hall, guests welcome, come and check us out and visit our website at www.ladysmithnewcomers.ca 27–30, “A Christmas Story,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., info at 250-2469820 or www.chemainustheatre.ca 27–30, “Sylvia” by A. R. Gurney, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd, Ladysmith, tickets $25, reservations call 250-924-0658 or www.

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ladysmiththeatre.com 28, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 28, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 29, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle, 1149-4th Ave. 30, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., chemainusseniors.org 30, Noon, Chemainus Sketch Group Annual Christmas Feast at the Cottonwood Golf Club, members welcome 30, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171 Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

December 2016 1, 2pm to 4pm, Ladysmith Soup Kitchen, side bottom door at Bethel Tabernacle at 1149-4th Ave. 1, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@taoist.org 1–11, “Sylvia” by A. R. Gurney, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., Ladysmith, tickets $25, reservations call 250-924-0658 or www. ladysmiththeatre.com 1–31, “A Christmas Story,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., info at 250-246-9820 or www.chemainustheatre.ca 8, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@taoist.org 11, 3:30pm to 6pm, FREE event, includes supper, games, Christmas crafts, songs and story; for children ages 0–16yrs and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. If you are looking for something meaningful for the holiday season, this is it! This free family community program is being offered one Sunday per month, alternating St. Philip Anglican Church and Cedar United Church. Open to all faiths and no faith.

13, 1pm to 3pm, senior’s Drop-In “Toonie Tuesdays,” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies at the North Oyster Community Centre 15, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@taoist.org 22, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, call 250-753-6905 or email nanaimo@taoist.org

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) On Thursday, October 6, 2016, I had the opportunity to participate in the opening celebration for the installation of the Witness Blanket at Vancouver Island University (VIU). The Witness Blanket was created by Carey Newman, a First Nations artist. It is an art installation primarily composed of hundreds of artifacts, gleaned from various structures and some personal articles, donated by survivors from across Canada that had some part in the residential schools era.

The installation is most impressive, standing some eight feet in height and extending 40 feet in length.

This nationally-recognized art piece is intended to remind people of and bear witness to the residential school era of Canada’s history. It was inspired by the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which issued its final report on the residential schools in 2015. As part of its national crosscountry tour, the Witness Blanket was brought to Vancouver Island University by a cooperative effort of VIU and the Regional District of Nanaimo. Howard Houle, RDN Director of Gabriola and Surrounding Islands, was the largely responsible for the RDN’s efforts. This was one of the few times I have attended an event where speaker after speaker

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gave the RDN high praise for its efforts.

Prior to its arrival at VIU, the Witness Blanket was installed at Government House in Victoria, B.C., for the Royal visit of William and Kate.

In addressing the audience at the opening, the artist Carey Newman noted that the Witness Blanket tour began in 2014 and since then has been seen by people in various villages and cities across Canada. Mr. Newman expressed the need for Canada and its people to honour the survivors and remember those brothers and sisters who are no longer with us.

Like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, it is intended not only to recognize the past government policies embodied in the residential schools and their associated churches but also to help indigenous and non-indigenous people to understand how the residential schools affected the relationship between them and to find a way forward from this sad part of our history.

The Witness Blanket can be viewed by the public at The View Gallery (Building 330) at VIU’s Nanaimo Campus until November 30, 2016, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report offers 94 recommendations with the primary purpose to educate all Canadians about the residential school experience and the outfall that continues to this day from generation to

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generation. From a personal standpoint, I do not recall any discussion taking place within my peer group or their families whilst the residential school policy was in place. Only recently has anyone talked about this part of Canada’s history.

I would recommend that for those who wish to further their understanding about the history and impact of residential schools to read the edited and abridged version from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission titled, “A Knock on the Door,” published by University of Manitoba Press. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) TAX FOR CVRD ELECTORAL AREA RESIDENTS – BUSINESS LICENCES: As you may know, most municipalities charge a “business licence fee” (it’s really just another tax) for businesses that operate in their jurisdictions. Any business person wishing to operate in an applicable municipality must obtain a licence from the municipality having that jurisdiction. One licence would also allow the licence holder to work in municipal jurisdictions in addition to the one for which the licence was purchased.

Businesses that operate within the Electoral Areas are not required to pay

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this business tax. At the October Regional Services Committee meeting, it was proposed that the Electoral Areas should operate under the same business regulations as the municipalities. This idea was floated in 2003, but there was no desire from the rural directors to impose those regulations. The proposed Electoral Area tax was defeated.

Just like Regional Recreation keeps coming back, the ghost of Business Licensing has now come to haunt us again. There are many different types of small, home-based businesses operating in Area H. They range from dog obedience classes, construction, bookkeeping, automotive repair, trucking, arts and crafts, day care, computer servicing, bed and breakfast facilities and numerous farming operations. Home-based businesses are allowed under CVRD zoning regulations. There are also larger businesses that operate in North Oyster/Diamond; these businesses all pay taxes.

One rationale for this proposed new tax is that the tax would go to the CVRD and the funds would be given to the Chambers of Commerce to promote economic development. Another rationale is that the money from this new tax could create an inventory of the number and types of businesses in the electoral areas.

I cannot predict the outcome of this proposal at this time; I am not sure of the process that will be used to bring this information to you. I will keep you informed as to whether or not this new idea will progress beyond just being an idea. If it does, I will be seeking your input through potential community meetings, surveys, articles in this publication — whatever is necessary to ensure that you are a critical part of the proposal and that you have a voice in this matter.

REGIONAL RECREATION: Although I have been appointed to the Regional Recreation Committee, because of short notice, I was unable to attend either of the two Regional Recreation Committee meetings that have been held so far. I have been told that part of the committee work involves a visit to each of the centres in the CVRD so that the committee can make a firsthand assessment of the facilities. Staff have been asked to ensure that, in the future, the directors are given longer notice of scheduled meetings.

Again, I remind you that these meetings are open to the public. I will work with staff to ensure that you, too, will have enough notice to attend the meeting for the combined areas of North Oyster, Saltair and Ladysmith.

NORTH OYSTER FIRE HALL PROJECT: The North Oyster Fire Department and the CVRD are slowly making progress on this endeavour. One of the approvals that the department must receive is board approval for rezoning of the small area of additional land needed to build a new hall. The fire hall land will be used in the same fashion that it is currently used; thus, approval of the rezoning application will not impact residents.

Rezoning land requires either a public hearing or a specifically worded notice in the local paper to inform the public and to allow them to have input. There is a time frame in which the CVRD can receive and consider the comments. In order to keep this project on track, and because there is no impact to the neighbours, the board has approved the option of notice. The notice will be posted on the CVRD website as well.

If you have questions please feel free to contact the CVRD for more information. The toll free number is 1-800-665-3955; if you prefer email the address is www.cvrd.bc.ca.

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CVRD Area G (Saltair) CVRD HELD MEETING IN SALTAIR OCTOBER 18 The CVRD board of directors had requested that a public meeting be held in Saltair to talk about issues related to the recent purchase of Mt. Brenton School as community centre. The Saltair Community Society has a lease on this building, and the CVRD would like to have the Society run recreation programs for the regional district in it. The Society would like to access the CVRD Saltair Recreation Budget 456 money to run the programs. The budget is $45,000 for Saltair Recreation 456 of which $36,000 must be spent on the 5-year mortgage to buy the building. That would leave only $9,000 left for the Society to spend. The day care is also paying rent on their space in the building and that money could go to the Society for operations as well. But for the CVRD to allow the Society to access funds from Budget 456, there must be a service agreement in place between the CVRD and the Saltair Community Society. That was the purpose of the meeting.

The Saltair Community Centre was built in stages starting in the late 60s and added onto in the 70s and 80s, servicing up to 200 students when Saltair had a lot of young families. Today, younger families are moving back into our big old houses, and the community is returning to a younger community again. Because the building is older, some residents are concerned about putting money into it rather than building a new building. And some don’t even want a centre at all. I have to say that this a small but very vocal minority.

Today and even before the CVRD bought the building, the day care has been paying all maintenance costs of heat, light

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and upgrades. It has been a good caretaker of the building. Today the gym is not operational because it has falling tiles and a higher than normal spore and moisture count. The CVRD is doing an asset management plan of all of their facilities, including the Saltair Centre. With a service agreement in place, the CVRD will do a thorough assessment of the building and an assessment of the costs of bringing the whole building up to standard.

There have several studies done on the building over the years. The school board did an environmental assessment of the building and the property before they sold it to a private person. They found asbestos in parts of building, like the furnace rooms, but if undisturbed, it was deemed not a problem. There was no airborne asbestos. The CVRD also did a precursory assessment before it bought the building.

And after the recent alerts about older schools throughout the province, the CVRD did a thorough test of the water in the building. The water met all Canadian drinking water standards. And finally, the CVRD hired an environmental company to do an air quality assessment in the building. The classrooms were good, but the gym will need further investigation.

That will be done after and if a service agreement is in place. The gym can then be improved, remediated and used again.

Moving forward, if a service agreement is in place, the lease with the Saltair Community Society from the CVRD will continue, and the Society will then sublease part of the building to the day care.

So far I have talked only about the building. The social part of Saltair has taken a bit of a hit over the years. First Gilly’s Hall, where the community used to meet for dances, cards, parties, boy scouts, girl guides and many other ac-

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tivities, burned down. Then Mt. Brenton School closed and was sold, which left the community without a place to do things together. Today Saltair has tried to adapt, but residents have to travel to join recreational activities, and they don’t necessarily do things with Saltair residents.

Young people and young families are really impacted. With a service agreement in place, hopefully the Saltair Community Society can be given the chance to fill this void. The Society will be the manager of the building and the programs.

There is a new concept out there called “Failing Forward,” which means trying new things, hanging on to things that work and discarding what does not work.

This would apply to the Society. They will promote new things and see how they work at the centre, and all the while get better at serving the residents. Right now we have a very successful quilting group that is doing a “Canada 150” quilt for Canada’s birthday next year. They meet 9:00 a.m., every Tuesday morning, at the back classroom in the centre. Ed Nicholson will be starting a Saltair Historical Society and will be doing a project for Canada 150th birthday. Both groups have applied for a grant through the Society from the federal government to help with their projects. The more we can get together the happier we will be.

TRANSIT IN SALTAIR- The CVRD staff will meet residents at the Saltair Centre on Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. A few people have enquired about having Saltair participate in a transit service through the CVRD and BC Transit. The CVRD staff and BC Transit will be at the centre to give the Transit 101 version of setting up service. Costs and benefits will be explained. Come out and see how it works.

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Biodynamic grape growing, where heads roll Oh look, we’ve got mail. Here’s a letter from T. Anthony Hadbucks, return address: South Nanaimo Bus Terminal, men’s washroom, third cubicle on the left. Obviously a lawyer down on his luck. Let’s see what he’s got to say.

Dear Slightly Corked, How come you never do a Halloween story? The dollar store next door has had their costumes out since June, yet from you, nothing. What gives?

Well T. Anthony, I’ll give it a try. Keep in mind, Halloween to a wine columnist means one thing: Biodynamic Farming.

Reader alert: If decapitation stories about large farm animals make you squeamish, or if, thanks to a dog shortage, you have a cow as a pet, you might not want to read this before bedtime.

Biodynamic farming takes over where organics leaves off. It’s all about your relationship with the stars and the moon, and how you treat the soil. And apparently the soil likes it when you stuff a cow’s head with manure, bury it in the vineyard over the winter and then dig it up, carefully extracting the manure which is then spread over the field. (I am not making this up. If I was, you could expect a more traditional stuffing.)

There is no getting around it, this type of farming is hard on cows. If you have a biodynamic neighbour and your cows begin to show up without heads, best to give T. Anthony a call. Why the Biodynamic types don’t take the cows out for a big lunch, slip an industrial strength laxative in their soft drink, park them overnight between the grape rows and wait for results is beyond me. Not only would this method save on the digging, you get to re-use the cow. Just don’t stand too close.

In order for a vineyard to be classified as biodynamic, the wine grower must use

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the nine biodynamic preparations as described in 1934 by Rudolf Steiner. These preparations are numbered 500 to 508.

What happened to the first 499 remains a mystery, much like Donald Trump’s tax return. Where Preparation H fits on this list, I couldn’t tell you, but judging from the smell, it’s in there somewhere.

Preparation 506 is a dandy and answers the question, “What do I do with all these spare dandelions?” According to 506, dandelion flowers are buried sheathed in a cow mesentery, also known as a peritoneum. This is hung in the summer sun, buried over winter and then dug up the following spring when the contents are removed and inserted in the compost.

This is why you should never lend your peritoneum to a biodynamic farmer unless you have a spare ready to go.

Most of the preparations involve manure, stinging nettles, dandelions and horsetails that are then stuffed into the heads, horns and intestines of farm animals. The intestines are discarded and not returned to the lucky animal chosen as the donor, which only makes sense since few intestines work properly if left to winter underground.

Whether PETA, the animal rights activists, are aware of what’s going on out in the biodynamic vineyard or not is unknown, but I’m sure if you gave them a call, they’d be right over to take their clothes off. Ask for Pamela.

Of course, we’ve seen all this before.

Decapitation is a highly effective motivational technique pioneered by the mafia, as anyone who’s seen the Godfather will tell you. Whether it’s a horse’s head on a pillow or a cow’s head under the soil doesn’t make much difference. When heads roll, it’s all about intimidation.

There’s nothing like a little bloodletting to make an underperforming grape see things your way. “You will grow, my little Petite Syrah. We have ways and means to make you grow.” (Scene fades away with diabolic cackling. Sounds of peritoneum extraction.)

But there’s more to biodynamic grape growing than severed heads, steeping manure and spreading pixie dust. There’s also the lunar cycle to play with. According to correct biodynamic practices, farm activities must be done in accordance with the lunar calendar. One phase tells you to prune, another to harvest and still another to … “Look. Up in the sky. It’s

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a bird. It’s a plane. It’s … time to play whack the head off Bessie.” Or if she’s too hard to catch, maybe drive into town and pick up a vestal virgin (must be volcano grade) to throw into the old fire pit, all in the interests of fertility of course.

I can just imagine full moon at the biodynamic vineyard — the crew resplendent in their fully hooded Brother 12 robes and sandals, teaching the newcomers the proper way to remove and stuff a peritoneum. &*%^$@! What the hell was that?

Someone just chucked a roll of toilet paper at me. An impatient T. Anthony no doubt, probably wondering about his Halloween story. Well, it’s now or never.

Without further ado: It was a dark and stormy night, no one was stirring, not even a mouse. (Hold on. Wrong cliché. Someone must have filed it improperly.) Dark, satanic clouds scudded across a moon so full it made Kim Kardashian’s backside seem normal. Out of the shadows emerged a small boy. He walked up the steps of an old farm house and knocked with great authority on Jim Wilson’s door, the same Wilsons who dared, only last year, to hand out apples, not candy. (Activate the foreshadowing soundtrack.)

Wilson carefully poked his head out.

When you hand out apples as treats, you can’t be too careful. “Trick or treat,” shouted the small boy at the door, mysteriously clad in a fully-hooded robe and size 3 Birkenstocks.

“What do we have here?” said Wilson.

“You, little boy, what are you supposed to be? Really. A biodynamic farmer?

How clever. Environmentally correct, too. Aren’t you just the little planet saver? Come a little closer. What’s that on the end of your stick? YEOWLLL!!!!!

IT’S A DOG’S HEAD! WAIT A MINUTE. THAT’S MY DOG’S HEAD!” (Sound of homeowner being pelted with grapes that had been wintering over in the bowels of a sheep — the same sheep who had mysteriously gone missing only last fall.)

Try the 2014 Cavalo Bravo, from Portugal, $11.99.

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

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Ladysmith Lions 75 Years of Service to the Community

BY ROB JOHNSON “We serve” — that’s the motto of the Ladysmith Lions Club and of Lions Clubs International, and few Lions Clubs have served better or longer than the Ladysmith Lions Club. This year makes their 75th year of service to the community. In fact, they are the oldest active Lions Club on Vancouver Island, chartering back to 1941 with 30 members, many of whom were prominent members of the community.

The new club came out of the blocks with energy and drive. They immediately took on many different projects.

Their first big project was to raise funds to purchase a new x-ray machine for the Ladysmith Hospital. The following year, they started to hit their stride, serving the community by improving Transfer

Ladysmith Lions celebrated 75 years of serving the community.

Beach and the road into it. They became the sponsor the July 1st Dominion Days parade and the community events that they ran for many years, and they donated even more equipment to the hospital. In October of that year, they undertook the job of selling “victory bonds” to support the war effort. A project that they were very successful at, as, by the following May, they had surpassed their

Photo: Rob Johnson

allotted quota by an additional 25 per cent. By war’s end the Lions club helped raised 1.2 million dollars in victory bonds (note: $1.2 million 1945 dollars is the equivalent of just under $16 million today). So dynamic was the club that they received an “Inspirational Trophy” in recognition.

To continue to list all of their accomplishments over the years would take forever. It is best to say that without their drive and dedication to “serve” the people of the area and abroad, our community wouldn’t have some of the playgrounds, including the Little League Ball park, that we have today, and the hospital wouldn’t have received much of its needed equipment. We might not have our local Air Cadet Squadron or even the Aggie Hall, which they fought to save and worked so hard to improve.

Today, the Ladysmith Lions Club is still active and contributes to the community, namely their seniors housing projects, the Lions Villa and the Lions Villa Bel Aire, offering affordable housing.

Today the members of the Ladysmith Lions Club are still actively raising money for many worthwhile projects by selling hot dog, hamburgers and drinks at community events around town.

The present 22 members of the Ladysmith Lions Club are working in the true spirit of Lions International by fulfilling the motto “we serve,” and perhaps they will still be honouring that motto when the club is 100 years old.

If you would like more information on Lions or wish to join them, contact Jim Masyk at 250-245-4049 or email jmasyk@shaw.ca.

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Visitor numbers up The streets of Ladysmith seemed busier than ever this summer. The Ladysmith Visitors Centre agrees. We have had a major increase in tourism. For the summer months of June, July and August, they reported over 4300 visitors coming into their office. They don’t have a way to tell exactly how many visitors we had, as not everyone goes to the Visitor Centre and it is not open 24/7, but I would suggest that it is well over three times that number. In addition, the Ladysmith Maritime Community Marina had a record breaking 2200 plus “boat nights,” with more “boating rendezvous” being booked for this year and next year. Likewise the Ladysmith Marina (formally known as Ivy Green Marina) welcomed hundreds of additional boats visiting the area, including those that stayed at the Seattle Yacht Club’s outport on Dunsmuir Island and would come over to shop.

Regardless, of the actual numbers, the benefit of tourism on the town’s economy is substantial. By just looking at marine tourism alone, each boat night here in Ladysmith generates between $150 and $250 a night, so the estimated 2500 plus of boat nights would put into the town up to $625,000 (based on the $250/night).

These are dollars that are spread through-

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out many of our local business. When I questioned local businesses about this increase in tourism, I found that almost everyone of our downtown shops was positively affected to some degree or another. Some, like the First Avenue Bakery and the Fox and Hounds, who have developed a reputation for great food and good service, have become star attractions. Many boaters expressed their appreciation of the 49th Parallel Grocery for generously driving them back to the marina after shopping there.

I, like other members of the Ladysmith Maritime Society, acted as dock hosts.

One of our functions is to welcome the boaters to our community and help them by answering any questions they have about the town and what services the community offers. During this past summer, almost to a person, these visiting boaters had nothing but praise for the marina and the town. Many said that they considered the LMS marina as one of the best, if not the best marina on the island. When questioned further as to what made their visit here special, they replied that it was the friendliness of the volunteers on the docks and the townspeople.

For many, Ladysmith is now a must-stop on their boating schedule. In fact, many told me that this was their third, fourth or even fifth visit here. With such positive word of mouth, the reputation of the marina and the town is spreading throughout the boating community in the Pacific Northwest. This can only lead to more boating tourism, which will positively affect the economy of our local business.

This economic benefit is not only from the boating community, however, but is also from land-based travellers. Tourism brings money into our community, shared by not just restaurants, grocery stores, and liquor stores, but also bookstores, dress

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shops, drug stores, pet supply shops and even the local tack shop.

The seeds for successful tourism have been sown, and we are now seeing a bloom, but we have to take care of and cultivate it. We should determine how we can make visitors to our community have a better experience. How can we better tap into this economic driver? The Town contributes money into promoting Cowichan Tourism, because we are part of the CVRD, but is Cowichan tourism the best vehicle to promote what we have here in Ladysmith? I don’t think so. Yes, we have an obligation to contribute some money and effort to promote the Cowichan Valley. But can we get a better bang for our buck by re-establishing the Ladysmith Tourism Advisory Committee that we once had? A committee that can promote what is special and unique about our community.

When you look at what we have to offer through a tourist’s eyes, you can see our community in a different way. We offer so many things, such as our history through the Ladysmith Museum and the Heritage Culture Centre, the downtown architecture, hiking trails, wildlife, kayaking, and especially our special community events, such as Ladysmith Days, the LMS Festivals, Arts on the Avenue, Brits on the Beach, Show and Shine, art shows at the Ladysmith Art Gallery, and, especially, the Festival of Lights. Let’s support our local business by promoting what is special about Ladysmith, so that we can share the pride that we have of our community and what it has to offer everyone, tourists and locals alike. That’s as I see it.

Opposite page: Fall colors in Ladysmith harbour.

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FOR SALE LIGHTLY USED ¾ HP Water pump on 9-gallon tank. Tank high quality, rubber diaphragm, rubber lining. Shallow well use, but easily adapted to deep well. Half price $325 texd@bcsupernet.com.

REMINGTON CHAIN SAW, $100, 250-245-4073

appointment and brochure 250-618-8218.

EASY DOES IT FITNESS.CA. 1829 Woobank Rd. Cedar Specializing in Beginning and Beyond 18 different classes. $5 per hour or $3 for half hour.

Call 250-591-7665.

FOR RENT HORSE PASTURE near Cassidy with trees, stable boxes for two horses still available. $100 monthly. 13150 Minn Road, Ladysmith. Come and have a look. Talk to Claus 250-245-5039.

BUSINESS MID-ISLAND HOME SUPPORT since 2009.

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

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

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 Street Chemainus. Best prices on the island.

Follow us at Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-324-2227.

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Web content, books, resumes, documents, prepare eBooks. Fiction or nonfiction.

For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

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

TAI CHI For mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Sept., Mondays at Cedar Heritage Centre, On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Center. Both classes 10am to noon, $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.

YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS. Book four consecutive Relaxation Massages for $50 ea. (reg $65 ea.). Other treatments, Chakra Balancing, Exfoliating Rubs and Hot Wax treatments. Call for

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

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

HOME SWEET HOME Care services - All care inside and out of the home; home care, house work, yard work and transportation. Janice Jamieson 250-701-2909 or janjamieson101@ gmail.com ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backslash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com. Call 250-924-4924.

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.

KEEP IT CLEAN SOLUTIONS top to bottom service. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule. Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 1-250-709-1364.

SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE specializing in fall & spring cleaning inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-924-4735 or 1-250-218-4735.

THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back,. I also do odd jobs. Cheerful, conscientious. Call David 250-618-9217.

ISLAND GARDEN SCAPES.CA for all your garden needs, booking now for fall clean up. Call/ tex/email islandgardenscapes@gmail.com 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 YARDWORKS AND HANDYMAN SERVICES.

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Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Call Karl at 250-714-2738.

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

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.

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now four locations: Victoria, Cedar, Parksville and Comox Valley.

Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com. Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.

THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Shanon or Bill at 250924-8809, Ladysmith.

ACTIVE, RESPONSIBLE single person the perfect candidate to look after your pets at your home while your away. I have many years of experience pet sitting for both cats and dogs. I really enjoy this work, and love looking after animals. 250-6182337 or sunbather@shaw.ca.

SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcomed. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391.

SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, wheelchair ramps; interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad)

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“God gave us the earth ‘to till and to keep’ in a balanced and respectful way. To till too much, to keep too little, is to sin.”

— Pope Francis

Knock, Knock, Knockin’

It’s not often that the Pope speaks to me. Or that I listen, if truth be told. A month or so ago, though, I did catch his suggestion that it’s a sin to pollute, to destroy the environment upon which we live and which God created.

And a light went on. Here I was doing God’s work for the past umpteen years and didn’t even know it! Now God may take exception to that claim, but I’m just sayin’. Some thoughts leapt into my head, and you can blame the Pope for that one.

Sure, I’ve been married to a nice Catholic girl for 40 years or so, but none of that categorical ecclesiastical stuff rubbed off on me. And it’s been a long time since I paid much attention to Vatican musings or the preaching’s of holy rollers so help me, well, y’know.

I admit I kept an ear out since the Pope’s revolution last year. Y’know, that ecological encyclical that said we live in a “structurally perverse” economic system that allows the rich to exploit the poor and turned the Earth into an “immense pile of filth.” Yeah, that got me thinking the Pope might not be all bad, might even be a tree hugger. You know, a closet greenie.

But then, he really cranked up the volume, dangling the pearly gates before us, bereft, churchless no hopers, irrevocably destined for the fire and brimstone.

Y’know, the why-try-anyway crowd?

It came as a bit of a surprise then to hear it from on high. Hell, it was like thunder from the sky, the radio tuned rather loudly to the mighty CBC that day.

Christians might get such sins as they may have acquired over, let’s say, rather

questionable acts and judgements of the past, sometimes through only a little fault of their own ... Might get them there sins absolved if they take up protection of the environment. Well, hell yeah.

My ears were ringing, like the clouds parted when he went out of his way to say it, and y’know he didn’t really need to since he already had me in the palm of his hand. That those traditional seven works of mercy that Christians are called to perform, y’know, like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and visiting the sick, were going to have an eighth wonder of this earthly world added to them — a green agenda for God’s sake!

I was, like, blown away man.

Jesus’ Gospel was talking to me, and I wasn’t even repenting or anything, not yet anyway. No sense doing it too soon and missing out on all those good little sins I figured I could work off by recycling, turning off the lights or maybe carpooling, y’know.

I mean, like, I’m not making these things up, eh. I kid you not. Check it out yourself if you don’t believe me ...

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Right there in bold face, big font, for all to read, September 1 on CBC, “Pope Francis says neglecting the environment is a sin.”

“Yeahhh, baby, sweet Jesus,” I said to myself. But quietly, y’know, even though no one was around. And then it was, like, dawning on me, the night pretty well awash with all this thinking and all, and the sun came up over the trees and all.

And there I was, without even the morning coffee in me, a bounce to my step, potentially absolved of all sin. Unbeknownst to myself carrying around some of that original sin, and some of the new stuff too, might have been a burden.

And this, like, profound thought came over me, and it may just have been lack of sleep, but, y’know, it seemed to me then and there that if I died immediately, walked in front of that garbage truck that was barrelling down the road like a bat outta, well, hell (accidentally, of course, fell in front of it), that I just might be in line for a place in, well, heaven. Who’d ever thunk it, eh?!

And then I started imagining what a hoot that could be, and all the wild and wicked times that we could really get rockin’ up there. And then I almost tripped over that blue box by the garbage can as the truck ground to a stop alongside me. And the whiff that struck this sinner decided I’d better get myself to bed and save next thoughts for another day.

I’m still hopeful though, just haven’t quite figured out why.

Laurie Gourlay and Jackie Moad are, like, heaven only knows, farming their 20 acres of God’s green earth, organically, and, like, seeking local solutions to global challenges, everywhere!