TAKE 5 August 2023

Letters

Freighters

Once again Alistair MacGregor is trotting out all the old excuses for banning anchorages in the Straits of Georgia (Salish Sea).

He compares it to “an industrial parking lot.” He complains about “dragging anchors,” “noise and light pollution” and “several different environmental contaminants” as though it is established fact that these acts are going on unchecked and unsupervised.

The facts are that these ships are heavily regulated as to their use of these anchorages, whereas our waters are subject to far more stress from the thousands of private vessels using the waters daily, and the more than 60,000 annual ferry trips taken by BC Ferries annually in these same waters.

He also claims that local First Nations groups have not consented to this use of our waters.

Many folks are not convinced that local First Nations groups are entitled to regulate this use of local waters, and furthermore, many of us rather enjoy the site of these few vessels as they sit quietly waiting for their turn to pick up or discharge cargos in the Port of Vancouver.

This issue is just another example of how the political left in Canada ( NDP and Liberal) continue to hobble our resource in-

Freighters waiting in Ladysmith Harbour. Photo: Marina Sacht

dustries, such as forestry, petroleum and transportation, while continuing to import vast quantities of petroleum from the likes of Saudi Arabia and preventing our industry from responsibly harvesting our own resources.

Michael Smith, Chemainus, BC

It’s Time to Do Things Differently

Democracy is dead. Killed by party politics, which put the pursuit of power ahead of governing in the best interests of citizens.

Our adversarial style of party politics and governance does not serve the country well in this time of multiple, unprecedented crises.

Government, education, media, health care and housing are now all in fluenced by corporate goals of profit. The rampant greed and lack of ethics shown by politicians from the SNC Lavalin scandal to premiers taking cushy jobs in the fossil fuel industry shows our country lacks leadership and vision.

Our industrial, consumer-driven, oilbased economy has produced the current global climate crisis. We need all the best minds and ideas focused on how we get off fossil fuels and develop clean, sustainable alternatives at the same time addressing environmental, social and justice crises.

A light at the end of this dark tunnel is Indigenous Knowledge. First Nations have much to teach us about governance and living sustainably; combined with the growing understanding of the strength of circles and consensus, a paradigm shift is possible.

Let’s do things differently. You be the 100th monkey.

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” — Stephen Hawking

- B.S. Anderson

Re: Jesse McClinton, Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands Representative

I write to express my deep disappointment with the lack of communication in your magazine by our Area G representative, Mr. Jesse McClinton. Excuses such as “a lack of activity to report,” “a busy schedule” or “I have a pre-existing website for communication” are simply not acceptable. I am hoping that Mr. McClinton will apologize to his area resi-

dents and commit to doing a better job at filing a report, as the TAKE 5 has become an expected venue for conveying such local information.

- Elizabeth Bryce, Saltair

(Ed Note): We have had several calls from concerned readers re: CVRD Area G Director's McClinton's absence from our Director's Notes column. We are pleased to have Mr. McClinton return.

Re: Loud Harleys Article

I always look forward to receiving the TAKE 5 magazine and usually fi nd your articles very interesting. I was surprised today, however, when I read the AUGUST 2023 issue, at the choice to print such a judgemental and negative article about Harleys and their riders.

I am a professional woman in the community who rides a Harley and am disappointed that TAKE 5 supports and promotes that kind of stereotyping. Harley riders have had to put up with that type of judgement for many years, and it would be great for that to change.

Unfortunately, my view of TAKE 5 is now not the same.

Kim Racette

Re: Lithium-Ion Batteries and Schnitzer Steel Rezoning — Heavy Industry

On June 19, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) held a public information meeting on the rezoning of Schnitzer Steel’s recycling facility. The site is in CVRD Area H, near Nanaimo Airport and on the Cassidy Aquifer. A blueberry farm and Cold Star’s grocery distribution centre are nearby. The area has hay and cattle farms as well as rural homes. North Oyster Elementary is two kilometres up Cedar Road. The plant is nine kilometres north of Ladysmith, and on some days, a northwest wind can blow toward the town.

On September 10, 2020, Schnitzer had a major fi re that took 50 fi refighters from eight fi re departments two days to extinguish. The cause of the blaze and cost were not published. It is astonishing now that Schnitzer’s zoning application (CVRD #03-H-16RS) says nothing whatsoever about fi re suppression. Schnitzer will recycle “end-of-life” vehicles — including electric cars. Lithium-ion battery fi res burn very hot

and are occurring at increasing rates at recycling plants due to the proliferation of rechargeable batteries. Insurance companies are concerned. Major fi res affect highway traffic, hospitals and airports, and spread toxic chemicals. Also, it takes thousands of gallons of water to cool lithium-ion fi res and they can reignite spontaneously.

Schnitzer’s zoning application discusses environmental issues (the aquifer), but not fi re prevention or suppression.

The CVRD will shortly decide whether to deny the application or proceed to public hearings. Ultimately, zoning permission is permanent. CVRD must do its duty to protect the public fi rst.

- L. M. Rullo

Letters to the editor published in this magazine do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of TAKE 5's contributors or its affiliates. Letters on community issues are welcomed but may be edited for space, grammar, and legality. Please send your letters to editor@take5.ca

Rollout Walkway installed at Transfer Beach

A rollout walkway was installed recently at Transfer Beach Park. Along with the newly paved walkway completed in the spring, these new features will improve visitor access and let everyone enjoy the beautiful waterfront. The Town received a grant through the Province’s Tourism Dependent Community Fund, which went towards these improvements.

Accessibility Advisory Committee

An Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) has been newly formed in Ladysmith, and it has six vacancies, each lasting for a two-year term, ending September 30, 2025. The primary function of the ACC is to identify barriers to inclusion and accessibility, and to help Council with removal and prevention of these barriers.

Members at large will be appointed by Council based on their experience and involvement related to issues of accessibility. If possible, the ACC would like at least half of the total members of the committee to be persons with disabilities or persons representing a disabilityserving organization.

If this committee seems like a good fit for you, the Terms of Reference and application forms are available at the Town of Ladysmith’s website (www.ladysmith.ca/city-hall/careers-volunteering/ volunteer-opportunities).

Water Restrictions getting even worse …

Stage 3 Water Restrictions are now in effect for the Town of Ladysmith, Stz'uminus First Nation and the Diamond Improvement District. The Town moved to Stage 3 in early July due to the dry weather that the Ladysmith area is experiencing. Residents should fol-

low the guidelines for watering times and restrictions. Remember, water is a community resource — let’s make every drop count!

Ladysmith Days

BY JOSH PERSSON

Get ready for this year’s Ladysmith Days celebration, happening this August long-weekend. Family friendly fun for all, and it’s FREE! Don’t miss out! It’s a great way to entertain the kids.

The events start on Friday, August 4, at 3 p.m. at the Coronation Mall. There will be a sidewalk sale and busker at 3 p.m., a mini car show at 4 p.m., zucchini races at 5 p.m., and to close off the night, the Woodley Range Band will play at 6:30 p.m.

Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, until 9 a.m. is the Bullhead Derby at the Ladysmith Maritime Society. At 10 a.m., you can go to downtown Ladysmith for the Soap Box Derby Exhibition, or you can head down to Transfer Beach, which starts its events at 10 a.m. Transfer Beach will have chainsaw carvings at 10 a.m., vendor stalls from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Ladysmith Days Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Old-school games and a kids craft table will start at noon. Stick around for a nail-driving competition at 1 p.m., followed by zucchini races at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., there will be a greasy pole competition, and at 4 p.m. is a new event to the Ladysmith Days roster: professional wrestling for some family-friendly entertainment.

To fi nish off the weekend, visit Transfer Beach on Sunday, August 6, where, starting at 11 a.m. till 4 p.m., there will

be a LDCU Kids Count Fun Zone. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a rockclimbing wall, and plants and crafts from noon to 4 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. and at 3:30 p.m. the children can enjoy some entertainment. Live music will be playing from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m., when a fi reworks show will fi nish off the night.

Chemainus Bigfoot sightings?

BY JOSH PERRSON

A Bigfoot has been sighted in Chemainus! Lost In Time is a curiosity shop full of weird and wacky wonders that just opened in May, and the main attraction is an eight-foot-tall Bigfoot taxidermy (made with Icelandic sheep fur). Even if you don’t believe in the mythical creature, the art piece is sure to draw your attention.

The store also harbours many other mythological features, such as a vampire nun, a Vatican certi fied bone from Saint Catherine of Alexandria and an alligator boy. Not interested in the outlandish elements that Lost in Time has to offer? They also have a wide selection of antiques, such as First Nations artifacts, retro toys, local art pieces and other things that the owner Mike Robertson has collected over the years.

“I wanted to do something a little bit di fferent.” In the United States, curiosity shops are a much more common occurrence, but the market is shallow in Canada. Robertson has no worries as to the nicheness, as competition in the area is low and the demand for such a shop has been proven in the few months it’s been open, with regulars already flocking to shop.

Walkway opens up opportunities for mobility challenged park users. Photo: Marina Sacht

Having always had a love of all things weird and mysterious, Robertson has collected oddities as a hobby his whole life. Before creating the shop, he ran a construction company, and while it was good work, he had always wanted his work to be fun. In 2019, Robertson started collecting antiques and relics to fill a store, and then moved to Vancouver Island from Burnaby. “It was a drastic change, going from city life to the Island.”

From mythological to historical, Lost in Time lets you step into a world far from our own, and for Robertson, this world has become his passion and his work.

Brown Drive Park improvements

Ladysmith Council has adopted the Brown Drive Park and Kinsmen Playground Implementation Plan, setting forward a renewed direction for this well-utilized recreational greenspace. The plan for the park is to implement

Mike Robertson with his Big Foot.

Photo: Josh Perrson

three stages over the next five years. Upgrades in Phase 1 include an accessibility audit, a bridge over the small brook, benches, a drinking fountain, a parking/ staging area, completion of the recreational bike trails, a bike rack/repair station and various restoration works.

The Ladysmith community provided valuable input through a public survey and BBQ to assist in creating a fi nal plan that was then presented to Council. A special thank-you to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee, who helped in the facilitation of the process, and the guidance of Stz'uminus First Nation Elder George Harris Sr.

“The implementation plan is a great example of a community coming together to reinvigorate a wonderful park space for the next generation of families and local residents,” says Mayor Aaron Stone. “We’re very thankful to all the participants in the process for their input and excited about seeing this plan come to life.”

Brown Drive Park, located on Colonia Drive, is popularized by its wide-open green space, forested area and playground. The addition of the youth bike

trails and the Storybook Walk, operated by the LRCA, has vastly increased the variety the park has to offer.

As part of the potential future priorities, the Town will look to include recognition of the First Nations in the park, such as the development of interpretive elements and Hul'qumi'num language.

Although dog use of the park was brought forward by the community during the public engagement phase, further investigation by staff is required .

19th annual Ladysmith Show ’n’ Shine rolls to town

BY JOSH PERRSON

Have a love for classic rides? All car lovers and riders alike are welcome to join downtown Ladysmith for the 19th annual Show ’n Shine on Saturday, August 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The usual events are happening this year. However, new to the event this year is a family-friendly pin-up feature.

The experience that a car show offers is unlike any other: a blast from the past from a time where everything was much simpler, including cars!

“The vehicles involved are all unique,

and in many opinions, the ‘class’ of vehicles from years ago are a kind of art form in themselves. Not to say that today’s cars are boring, but they are … so we’re lucky that we have this past history to look at,” says Duck Paterson, one of the organizers of Show ’n Shine.

So, drive on down, join in on the fun and cast a ballot for your favourite hot rod. Admission is free.

For more information, visit ladysmithshowandshine.ca or email showandshineladysmith@gmail.ca.

Although Show ’n Shine is the biggest show in the area, car bu ffs can also enjoy weekly shows during the summer at A&W’s Cruisin’ and the Chemainus Car Club.

The cruisin’ event is every Thursday through till September 22, at the A&W in Ladysmith, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy some food and meet fellow car enthusiasts, and even enjoy live music!

The Chemainus Car Club meets on Wednesdays at the Chemainus public market from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. till mid September. Dine with other gearheads at the public market and learn about classic cars of all kinds!

Fraternal Order of Eagles donates 50K

The Fraternal Order of Eagles #2101 Aerie and Auxiliary have donated $50,000 to the Town of Ladysmith. This money will help fund the purchase and installation of three new scoreboards for our sports fields. The scoreboards at the Aggie Field and Holland Creek Ballpark have both been installed already, and the Forrest Field board will be put up after the completion of several other improvements to the field.

The Eagles are very thankful to see the scoreboard installations come to fruition and were happy to dedicate them to Aeries past president Larry Williams, who spearheaded the initiative. Williams dedicated much time to the community and was very fond of sports.

Summer Events in Ladysmith

Summer is here, and with that, comes the return of many favourite events, such as Concerts in the Park, Ladysmith Days, Ladysmith Show ’n’ Shine, Dine on the Dock, Arts on the Avenue and more!

For details on these events, and more go to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce webpage found at www.ladysmithcofc.com.

Rotary Club of Ladysmith officers chosen for 2023 and 2024 Season

The Rotary Club in Ladysmith recently chose club officers for 2023–2024.

The officers for 2023–2024 are as follows: Gerry Beltgens (president); Marshall Butcher (president elect); Don Mercer (past president); Sherrie Jamieson (secretary); Brian King (treasurer); and directors Suzanne Otterson, Eowyn Sinclair, Kelly Daniels, Bob Mack, and Joan Philips.

New president Gerry Beltgens is all about service. He aims to create awareness, working together with the club to build fellowship, and to improve local and international communities. He is looking forward to community engagement, international projects and to add new members to facilitate the growth of the club so that it can be of service to the growing needs of the community.

Before the evening came to a close, Mercer presented a number of awards to

acknowledge the service of many members. Recipients of such awards were Michael Furlot, Eileen Beltgens and Eowyn Sinclair. Rotarian of the year went to Sherrie Jamieson.

Lions Club supporting 257 Air Cadets Parallel Squadron

The Ladysmith Lions Club is continuing to support the 257 Air Cadets Parallel Squadron. Over the years the Cadet program has changed to focus on youth development, leadership skills, respect for the community and more. We salute those young members that have chosen to be involved with the local program.

In 1943, the Ladysmith Lions Club sponsored the 257 Air Cadets Parallel Squadron, who were in the hall’s lower level. They continue to occupy it to this day. In 1963, the club offered Aggie Hall to the Ladysmith Recreation Commission, on the condition that the Cadets’ status quo remains.

Lions help Ukraine refugees with 30,000 grant to the UCSS

The Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society operates the Ukrainian Cultural Centre Society (UCSS) located in Victoria. The District 19-I Lions Clubs are helping to support their efforts. The Lions Clubs have generously contributed towards the cause, through Lions Club International Funds.

As the crisis continues, it has been found appropriate to offer to the Lions an opportunity to address some of the needs felt by the Ukrainian individuals and families who fi nd themselves

in their communities. Over 200,000 Ukrainians have been relocated to Canada, with some on a temporary basis and others who may decide to stay in Canada. They have found themselves in the larger urban settings and continue to experience needs arising from their relocation. The grant funds are there to fi nancially assist programs and projects to help re-allocate refugees into the community.

Many of the refugees have found their new home here on Vancouver Island and have reached out to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre Society in Victoria for assistance. Under the direction of Lion’s MD 19-I District Governor and Ladysmith Lion President Lia Versaevel and Cabinet, a grant for $30,000 was applied through the Lions Club International Foundation, to help the UCCS in this time of great demand. There are approximately 1000 to 2000 Ukrainian refugees on South Vancouver Island.

The UCCS is a volunteer-led organization supporting displaced Ukrainians across Vancouver Island. Together with partner agencies, they direct and assist displaced Ukrainians in creating safe lives for themselves and their families. The funds will help improve their commercial kitchen to help serve even more people. You can support them by visiting the UCCSVI gift shop for handmade perogies and other delights or signing up as a member of the UCSS.

If you would like to learn more or support the UCSS in Victoria, check out their website (uccsvi.ca) or call 250-475-2585. If you want to learn more about the Lions Club International, please check out their website (lionsclubs.org).

Affordable housing project disappointments

BY KERITH WADDINGTON

Between a rock and a hard place. That idiom could be used to describe the situation facing the current Board of Directors of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) regarding the ‘Heart on the Hill’ affordable housing project.

Elected by LRCA membership in November of last year with the mandate to follow through with the original intent of the building, the current board is however bound by the Operating Agreement (OA) signed by the previous board. More, they are limited as to what and how much information they can share with the public due to a Human Rights Tribunal complaint currently before the courts in which they are involved.

The end result? A fractious community full of disappointed individuals who genuinely believed the project – fi rst envisioned in 2016 and kick-started in 2018 - would help solve the housing crisis for some of the most vulnerable members of Ladysmith.

Sandra Marquis, President of the LRCA Board of Directors, addressed this di fficult situation in an open letter to LRCA members and the broader community posted on July 13 on the LRCA website.

”We know that as a community, you expect the LRCA to be there for those most in need, and we have tried to do this, but you deserve to know that this has not been easy,” the missive begins.

The letter goes on to explain how, when the board started working on the Heart on the Hill project in 2016, the vision was to create inclusive, welcoming, safe and affordable homes for Ladysmith seniors, families, and people with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (IDD).

The idea was that each of those three demographics would receive 1/3 of the building’s 36 suites. The LRCA’s proposal to BC Housing in 2018, which was accepted, outlined this dream and was the basis of the initial funding commitment from the Province. This vision was also the basis upon which the LRCA sought community and town approval.

The current problem arose when, in May 2021, the previous LRCA board signed the standard OA with BC Housing that did not recognize the initial intent of the housing project.

Some background for those not familiar with the situation.

The Province provided a grant of approximately $3.8 million from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund (CHF) for the project and will provide approximately $227,000 in annual operating funding.

The CHF supports mixed-income buildings where 50% of the units are for households with annual incomes up to $64,000 (rent-geared-to-income units), 30% of the units are for households with incomes up to approximately $74,000 (market rental units), and 20% of the units are for households with very low incomes (including those on income or disability assistance).

The crux of the matter is that this funding model does not create much opportunity for persons with IDD to get in the door, and certainly not to the extent of filling 1/3 of the building. However, to address this and upon the advice of BC Housing at the time, the LRCA included the prioritization of units for

people with IDD in the original 2018 proposal to BC Housing.

As a result of the incongruence between the original vision for the building and the requirements agreed to by the LRCA in the 2021 Operating Agreement, a Human Rights Tribunal complaint has been made against BC Housing, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and the LRCA.

Because of the lawsuit, the LRCA is not in a position to share the actual tenanting demographics of the Heart on the Hill, but it is known that far fewer than one-third of the building’s 36 suites have been rented to persons with IDD.

Additionally, while the rent-geared-to-income (RGI) suites were all prioritized for residents of the Ladysmith area, the LRCA did not fi nd enough people in the area with su fficient incomes to be able to afford the suites (BC Housing sets the range of rents that the LRCA must charge and determines how much subsidy the LRCA will be given). Consequently, some tenants in Heart on the Hill are from outside the immediate area.

Laura McLeod, Senior Communications Advisor, Media Relations and Issues Management for BC Housing, points out that this project was approved under the Community Housing Fund (CHF) funding stream, and the requirements of BC Housing’s CHF program are standard across the province.

She adds that this information is reflected in the RFP that BC Housing posted, as well as in the Operating Agreement signed by the LRCA. It was also referenced in the press release issued at the ground-breaking.

Marquis acknowledges in the open letter that the board elected last year raised awareness of the membership direction on the housing project and the potential impacts of not prioritizing units for the most vulnerable group – persons with IDD – to BC Housing. However, BC Housing held the LRCA to the legal obligations in the OA signed in 2021.

As a result, the LRCA Board has not been able to ful fill its mandate to restore the original intent of the Heart on the Hill project requested by the membership in 2022.

“Despite our best efforts, the current LRCA Board cannot correct past mistakes,” says Marquis. “For this, we sincerely apologize. This board will continue to work to support all the important programs and services provided by the LRCA to vulnerable citizens of the Ladysmith area. We will look at other housing needs and options as housing remains a major concern for the community”.

LRCA Heart on the Hill building. Photo submitted.

Arts on the Avenue 25-Year Anniversary

BY JOSH PERSSON

Arts on the Avenue is back for its 25th anniversary this year, Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27!

Starting on Saturday is the evening art jam (formerly known as Light-up the Night), at 6 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. There will be live music, a paint competition, a kids’ area and interactive art stations, so it’s fun for all ages! Stick around till 7:30 p.m., as there will be a street dance!

Then, on Sunday morning, the avenue will be filled with artists for an art market, starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Experience original art from local artists, paintings, jewellery, fabric, carvings, indigenous art and much more! There will also be a kids’ art space and places to get food. Don’t miss out, as this year’s Arts on the Avenue is going to be an artistic blast!

Be aware that First Avenue will be closed from Warren Street to Buller Street, starting August 26 at 3 p.m. and ending on August 27 at 5:30 p.m. Also, please leave your dogs at home as per the Town's bylaw.

Wonneck in Town

BY NADINE WONG

We have been fortunate this summer to have top-notch musicians at a number of venues in the Ladysmith area from Cedar to Chemainus, including Transfer Beach, Ladysmith Maritime Society, Waterwheel Park, 39 Days of July and a number of pubs and other events.

In August, Mark Wonneck, a Vancouver Island musician from Qualicum Beach, is set to play at the Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina, Friday, August 18, at 7 p.m. A veteran of folk festivals and concert stages, Mark Wonneck is a masterful songwriter and storyteller. His songs can be tender, goofy, intense, thought-provoking and gritty — sometimes all at once. Expect magic. Tickets at https://tickets.lmsmarina.ca/.

Concerts continue at amphitheatre

What is summer without music?

And music there is as the LRCA Concerts in the Park fundraiser series continues with two concerts in August at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. Get ready for some energetic, dance-oriented performances when Glen Foster Group entertains on Aug. 13. Glen Foster is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. He has released nine albums of his compositions. Glen Foster Group consists of top-notch professional musicians on Vancouver Island.

You won’t want to miss the Naden Navy Band scheduled on Aug. 27. The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is comprised of 35 professional full-time musicians. Currently under the direction of Lieut. Ben Van Slyke, CD, the Band performs in various ensembles, including parades, concerts, big bands, brass and woodwind quin-

tets, rock and contemporary groups, and more.

The concerts are free, but volunteers will be doing a halftime donation collection with proceeds to fund the many programs the LRCA supports in the community.

The concerts start at 6 pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music and the view of the harbour.

Stamping with Melva Peters

Ladysmith Museum is pleased to host two Stamping Workshops with local artist Melva Peters. The Learn to Stamp Workshops are on Saturdays, August 12 and Sept 9 starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 3 p.m.. Learn how to make beautiful hand-stamped greeting cards that your family and friends will love!

Peters has been stamping for more than 30 years. Her passion with paper crafting started with hand-stamped cards and moved to scrapbooks but gradually moved back to cards. Melva teaches classes locally and online and is active on social media where she shares her passion for paper crafts. There is nothing better than seeing the delight in a new stamper's eyes when they see their freshly made hand-stamped card, says Peters.

In addition to paper crafting, Peters loves just about anything “crafty”.She says the two workshops at the Ladysmith Museum, do not require any prior experience. Peters will show you how to stamp, color, and embellish four cards! Perfect for sharing with loved ones. Cards will include a number of sentiments to choose from to personalize your cards.

Workshop price is $25 which includes everything you need to make four cards, along with envelopes for them.

To sign-up visit stampingwithmelva. com or the Ladysmith Museum.

Clockwise: Booth at Arts on the Avenue, 2022.

Photo: Marina Sacht. Mark Wonneck to play Music on the Docks. Glen Foster at Concerts in the Park. Photos submitted.

Mark Wonneck plays Ladysmith Community Marina. Photo submitted.

Do you sea life? We sure do!

BY JOSH PERSSON

Vancouver Island’s waters are home to some of the most unique sea creatures on Earth. You will get a chance to discover more about the octopus and other sea creatures living in our waters at the Sea Life Celebration, happening at the Ladysmith Community Marina on Au-

gust 13, where you will be introduced to the sea life found at Ladysmith Harbour. The theme this year is the Paci fic octopus

The Sea Life Celebration this year includes the previous years’ events as well as some new ones. There will be touch tanks, art projects, an underwater camera, science displays and music. Refreshments for children are free. You will also have the opportunity to take out one of the heritage rowing boats.

The activities will take place at the big tent in front of the Welcome Centre at the Maritime Museum and Sea Life Centre. This festival is a great way to learn more about our local sea life and spark interest in kids that can last a lifetime, states Richard Wiefelspuett, executive director of Ladysmith Maritime Society.

The theme this year is octopus.

Barnacles

Barnacles aren’t just spiky growths; they serve an important purpose in the ocean’s ecosystem by filtering the water and feeding on the micro-organisms inside. Even the simplest of sea creatures can serve an important role. Did you know that barnacles are closely related to crabs and lobsters as well?

Sculpin

Tidepool sculpin are small spiny fish that often like to hide in tidal pools. You’ve likely caught a few if you’ve spent some time at the beach, as it is common to fish for, and they make good fun for kids or even adults to catch. These fish will try to eat nearly anything, making them a particularly easy catch. You may know these fish as bullhead, which is a very similar fish species often found in rivers and lakes. The two fish are mistaken for their similar appearance and attitude.

Jelly fish

Pacific Octopus

Why do we fi nd octopuses so fascinating? Octopuses show lots of interesting features: they have a funnel for jet propulsion, adaptive skin for camou flage, an ink sack to fend off predators, three hearts and pulsating veins, big eyes that are very similar to our human eyes, an elaborate brain and prehensile arms with some mind of their own.

Here are some more interesting critters you can fi nd in our local waters.

Sea Stars

Ochre sea stars come in a variety of colours, from pink, purple, brown, orange and yellow. Recently the population of sun flower sea stars has fallen rapidly due to a disease, but their numbers are slowly recovering. Ochre sea stars have been known to live up to 20 years and can grow about 20 centimetres in length!

Jelly fish come in many different varieties, but two are the most common in the local area. First is the moon jelly fish, which come in a see-through or misty white colour variation. These jelly fish are mostly harmless; their stings being incredibly tiny and almost unnoticeable to humans, and thus they are safe to touch (always wash your hands after touching and never touch a jellyfish if you are unsure what kind it may be!). The red jelly fish, also known as the lion’s mane jelly fish, vary in species across our coastlines, but most of these species are NOT safe to touch! These jelly fish can cause immense pain and leave lasting issues, such as infection. If you see a red jelly fish, observe it from a healthy distance.

Sea Snails

Have you ever found a rubber-like collar in the ocean? You might be surprised to fi nd that this isn’t discarded plastic garbage, but instead the egg casing of a moon snail. These snails burrow under the sand and excrete a mucus that sticks to the sand, forming a ring around their shells where they then lay eggs. These casings stay buried in the sand, camou flaged by their sandy exterior.

The Sea Life Celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking will be along Oyster Bay Drive, and the LMS golf carts will be available to shuttle visitors. Even if you can’t make it to the Sea Life Celebration, you can visit the Sea Life Centre at the Ladysmith Community Marina where the summer staff can help answer any questions you may have.

(l-r)

Sea star. Photo: Virginia Perrson Octopus. Photo: Bobby Pfeiffer Sea Snails. Photo: airstrikemike

Summer staff Urwashi BK and Amy Sennett at the Sea Life Centre. Photo courtesy of LMS.

Marine search and rescue volunteers advocate for safe boating

Since 1978, volunteers with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) have assisted and saved hundreds of lives each year, responding to calls for help on the water 24 hours a day, year-round.

Volunteers at RCMSAR Station 29 in Ladysmith, respond to emergencies on the water and work to prevent them. Advocates for boating and water safety, RCMSAR 29 volunteers offer complimentary pleasure craft safety checks to keep boaters safe on the water and work with community partners and local marinas to provide free access to children's lifejackets.

This summer, RCMSAR is bringing three new Kids Don't Float PFD Loaner Stations to our community, including one that was recently unveiled at Fisherman's Wharf and a public boat launch, which was generously sponsored by their corporate partner, Western Group. You can expect two additional PFD loaner stations to be installed at Raven Point Marina and Telegraph Harbour Marina, complementing the existing PFD loaner stations at the Ladysmith Community Marina and Oak Bay Marine Group Ladysmith Marina.

Parents and guardians who do not own lifejackets, or do not have appropriately sized PFDs for their children, can grab a loaner lifejacket and return it to the Loaner Station at the end of the day so other kids can use them and be safe too. Families can enjoy a day on the water together, knowing their children are safe.

RCM-SAR is a not-for-profit volunteer-based organization that operates more than 31 marine rescue stations along the coast of British Columbia

and inland waters. With over 900 volunteers, emergency response crews are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to respond to marine emergencies tasked by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in B.C. through an agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard. RCMSAR's mission is "Saving lives on the water."

If you want to become a marine search and rescue volunteer – or a supporting member who cares about boating safety – RCMSAR Station 29 is recruiting new volunteers this September. To speak to marine search and rescue volunteers in your community, join RCMSAR at Transfer Beach on Saturday, August 26, between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for more information and in-water demonstrations.

To support RCMSAR's Kids Don't Float Program, visit rcmsar.com/kdf or support RCMSAR 29 volunteers by going to rcmsar29.com.

Historic sailing boat's mast stepped

BY JOSH PERSSON

Dorothy is an 1897 yacht that has quite the history and is prized as an important marine artifact. The yacht is currently moored at the Ladysmith Community Marina, where a team of dedicated volunteers have spent countless hours working hard to repair her back to her sea-worthy presence.

With a successful launching of Dorothy on May 27, 2023, the restoration of the community’s cherished sailing vessel is quickly nearing completion. Since the launch, the exterior was painted and

varnished, the interior births were fi nished and paneling was made to match the old panels. Also fi nished was the mast and rigging, interior floor boards and the afterbelt bed.

Dorothy recently had her mast put on, and Robert Lawson had this to say about the event: “Raising the mast on the 17th of July was a great success. The mast was dropped into Dorothy with absolutely no troubles whatsoever. In the fi rst time in 23 years, Dorothy has her mast again.”

The mast is the original mast from 1897, which is incredible, as masts do not usually survive so long. A copper penny minted in 1897 was placed under the mast, both as a sentimental symbol and for a practical use, as the copper in the penny will oxidize if any water gets into the unventilated spot, preventing any dry-rot from occurring. Dorothy is set to be fi nished somewhere between September and November of this year.

Dorothy is an incredibly important piece of history and is beloved by the maritime community. Not only is the sailboat an artifact of sailing history that is well over a hundred years old, but she also represents Ladysmith’s history of being a town by the sea.

There are worries from Robert Lawson (lead on the restoration project) about the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s eviction notice and what that might mean for the future of the vessel. If the evic-

Volunteers at RCMSAR Station 29 in front of the new Kids Don't Float PFD Loaner Stations at the Ladysmith fi shermen's Dock. Photo submitted.

Dorothy sits proudly at the Ladysmith Community Marina with her original mast that was raised for the fi rst time in nearly a quarter of a century.

Photo: Robert Lawson

tion goes through, Dorothy’s time in the Ladysmith Harbour would likely come to an abrupt end and the boat would have to be re-located. Many of the volunteers are from the Ladysmith area, and the restoration could not have been done without the incredible support of these volunteers and the donations from the community. Dorothy will eventually fi nd its home at the Maritime Museum of BC, but until the Museum has a spot for it, it needs to have a harbour to reside at, and a community to care for it. With the decision on the LMS eviction coming soon, Dorothy’s fate will likely be decided before it is even fi nished.

Ladysmith Harbour Tour Boat

BY ROB JOHNSON

For 30 years, Ladysmith harbour tours have been offered by the Ladysmith Maritime Society aboard the restored lifeboat, the Maritimer. But these popular tours may be coming to an end with the future of the Ladysmith Community marina in question due to the early termination of the LMS lease.

Originally, the tours first started with the Ladysmith Waterfront Enhancement Society, which came into existence in 1988. The Waterfront Enhancement Society was formed to oversee any improvements to the waterfront under the direction of Steve Szentveri. One of their accomplishments was the procurement of a 17-foot former lifeboat, which they eventually used for harbour tours. The society eventually disbanded in 1992, turning over all its assets to the newly formed Ladysmith Maritime Society; this included the tour boat that the society had been using to conduct tours.

In 1993, the LMS, with volunteers, continued the tour program. For the next 30 years, with the exception of the COVID years, the society's volunteers have been taking people out to experience the beauty of our harbour and to inform the public about the harbour’s history. I personally have been involved with the harbour tours for about 25 years and have seen how much the public enjoys these tours.

In the past, the society has also hired summer students to conduct the tours. Over these 30 years, literally thousands of people have been passengers. Most of these passengers have been tourists to our area, and they really enjoy being on the water.

Now that the long-term future of the society’s operations out of the marina are in question, locals who haven’t yet done a tour should consider doing so in case this is the last year we will see this operating. The tours are running daily 10:30 and 2pm. Book online at lmsmarina.ca or call 250-245-1146.

Ladysmith Maritime Society's Maritimer. Photo courtesy of LMS

Crusin’ keeps the classics rolling

BY JOSH PERRSON

Hop in the hot-rod and take a cruise to A&W for Cruisin’ 2023! Every Thursday starting the fi rst week of May and ending on the third week of September the Ladysmith A&W hosts Crusin’, a car focused meet-and-greet for car enthusiasts of all kinds. It starts at 5pm and goes until 8pm. Don’t have a hot rod? That’s okay! There is live music, and you can go get a good burger at A&W and enjoy the plethora of cars on display. And why wouldn’t you, the event is free!

Cruisin’ started in 2012, and the fi rst ones were on a Sunday. “We didn’t have any speci fic time for them to be here, and they would look around and go, where’s the other cars?” mentioned Jason Kelland, business owner of the Ladysmith A&W. Soon after, it was swapped to Thursday and given a proper time frame. Things ramped up from there, and they decided to give out A&W coupons, free pop, tea, and coffee, and even hand out some prizes as well.

“It just grew every year from then. I think the average cruise now gets about 60 cars plus.” said Kelland. Not every A&W does a Crusin’ event, and the Ladysmith Crusin’ is one of the more popular ones that happens. The event is so popular that they have started to present loyal members with a Crusin’ royalty status. If you come to 20 events in the year (there are usually 25 or so), then you become a Cruisin’ royal.

Ever wondered why the Cruisin’ event ends in the third week of September? It’s because that is Kelland's birthday. “We just thought, let’s just wrap it up on my birthday. My wife brought a big cake down. So now it’s tradition. Every year on my birthday we hand out a cake and we then present all the Cruisn’ royalty. We have jackets, which we present for them.” says Kelland.who thanks his staff for their support.

Drive on down on Thursdays this summer and show off your hot-rod or admire these metal beauties. awladysmith.ca/cruisin

Ladysmith Days Soapbox Derby

Kelland originally from South Africa and had a bit of a cultural shock. In South Africa people are wary of strangers. But he quickly got used to the open friendliness of the people and jumped in supporting many events such as Hill Dash where they served up free burgers to the public.

With all his previous car experience, it isn't surprising that Kelland who is also a Ladysmith Kinsmen is helping to organize the Ladysmith Day's Soap Box Derby. It has been a few years since Ladysmith last saw this event but when Kelland heard all the stories about "how cool it was," he couldn't resist.

The Soap Box Derby is on August 5 in downtown Lady-

smith for 6-12-year-olds. To register for this free event, please email ladysmithsoapboxderby@gmail.com There will be 17 carts available and the track will be from Gatacre to Kitchener Street. Kelland thanks the business community for their support with a special shout-out to Big O Tires for providing the tires for the lining of the course.

The event, organized by the Ladysmith Kinsmen in conjunction with Ladysmith Days Committee and the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association will also accept registration on-site starting at 10 am with the races beginning at 11 am.

So come cheer on the kids and get their motor running.

John Cordts, Race Car Driver

BY ROB JOHNSON

If you are sitting in the Ladysmith McDonald’s and see a distinguished almost 90-year-old man in a black leather jacket drive up, get off a sporty motorcycle and head for the table by the fi replace, you are looking at John Cordts, one of Canada’s premier race car drivers. A man that has lived one hell of a life.

John Cordts came to Canada from Sweden in the early 1950s, when he was 18. While living in Sweden as child, he did some racing on ice before he came to Canada. Within a few years of his arrival, he started racing again. This time road racing, he bought a brand-new MGA. It wasn’t long before he became well known in amateur racing community.

The start of his racing career began when bought his first Corvette — a car that he knew he had to race. John and his Corvette won almost every race he ever entered. That first year, he competed against David Billes, of the Canadian Tire family. Billes also drove a Corvette, so soon a friendly rivalry developed between them. Over the years, John did well. He won the Canadian championship for Big Bore sports cars against some pretty stiff competition. His success showed his friend Billes that John had what it takes to become one of Canada’s best race car drivers.

The following year, Billes decided to give up driving and sponsor his own car, a new McLaren. Now, he needed a topnotch driver to drive this powerful and fast machine, John was the obvious choice. In 1966, Billes entered his McLaren in the famous Can-Am series with John as his driver.

Now, as part of the Can-Am series, money was more plentiful during that time, but neither was not in plentiful supply. Regardless, the team did well in those early years. In 1968, John became a driver to be reckoned with, as he set a track record of 101.8 mph at Harewood Acres — a record that is unbroken today, but the track closed down.

John’s ability to keep his Can-Am cars on the track and in the money became legendary. One magazine wrote: “If I had a Can-Am car, I would want John Cordts to drive it.”

In 1969, he was offered a once-in-a-life time opportunity to race in a Brabham-Climax Formula One car in that year’s Grand Prix of Canada at Mosport. This was an experience of a lifetime, as he became only one of five Canadian drivers in the 60s to have raced in the Canadian GP. He quali fied in the 19th position and was doing well, moving up to 16th position by lap 10 before an oil leak forced him out of the race.

The life of a professional driver is not all fame and glory. There are lots of low points in a driver’s career as well as the

danger of a career-ending accident. At one point during John’s racing career, he had a very tough go of it. He was living on next to nothing for a long time. John had built a log cabin in the bush and ate turnips and rabbits that he was able to catch. He talks about his in time in his book Blood, Sweat and Turnips. Things were so bad that sometimes, he couldn’t even afford a hotel room where he was racing, so he lived in a pup tent behind the racing pits.

Sure, some of the times were hard, but John’s heart was in racing, so he did whatever it took to continue his driving career.

When asked if he had any bad accidents, he shares one particularly scary moment: “I was caught inside an upside-down car that was on fi re in the engine compartment. I thought for certain I was going to die. Both fuel tank lids opened up, and the gas was running all over me and the ground. I was just waiting for the big boom!” Then, he thought, “Well, I’m not dead yet.” He undid the safety belts and, with great effort, managed to crawl out of the wreck before any explosion.

Regardless of the hardships and the accidents, John still loves the sport. “You had to have a total lack of fear of the car. I’m afraid of everything else in the world, but I was never scared of driving at 350 km/hr. To me, that was just good fun.”

A race car driver career is often a short one, so too was it for John. His last adventures were in the early 70s, when he drove in the Trans-Am series for BF Goodrich. John Cordts left motorsports shortly after and eventually retired to Ladysmith.

In his retirement, he went back to something he had dabbled in over the years: wood carving. It was something he started when he was just a kid; he would carve faces in a bit of wood with a jackknife. It was an interest he played with over the years. In fact, during quiet periods of his racing career, he would often be seen carving something with his trusty knife.

Now, he has time to carve and reflect on his past career and a full life. As a bonus, he is being recognized for his talent as a professional wood-carver as well as a driver.

John was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003.

John Cordts, race car driver. Photo: Rob Johnson

RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point

It’s a hot and dry summer! The birds and insects flock to my vegetable garden when I water, seemingly desperate for a drink. The trees and shrubs are wilted, and the grass brown. With increasing drought conditions like that we are currently experiencing, the risk of fi re increases, and I am hearing a lot of concern and questions about fi re risk and regulations.

The severity and frequency of wildfi res has increased over the past few years. As of July 7, the Coastal Fire region had 104 fi res this year, compared with 17 fi res at the same time last year. In 2019, the RDN, Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach collaboratively completed a Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Analysis to improve our collective ap-

proach to emergency management and preparedness. Fire, including wild fi re, was viewed as the greatest hazard facing our region. Within the region, Electoral Area A has a high concentration of areas rated as “extreme” risk for fi re, meaning that fi res can start easily, spread quickly and make suppression efforts di fficult.

Fire regulations are designed to protect us by limiting the risk of fi re. I know many of us do not like being told what to do, but the unfortunate loss of the iconic Yellow Point Farm’s barn is a powerful reminder of the incredible power and destruction of fi re.

Fire regulations vary throughout Area A depending on which fi re coverage zone you reside in. North Cedar has some specific bylaws that limit burns during the drier months, whereas Cranberry defers to BC Wild fi re regulations entirely. If you live in an area with a local bylaw, that is the primary determi-

nant of fi re restrictions. However, in the absence of a local area bylaw to regulate fi re restrictions, in general or on the speci fic issue, we defer to the BC Wild fi re regulations.

Sections 5 and 6 of the BC Wild fi re Act state that a person who carries out a high-risk activity on or within 300 metres of forest land or grass land on or after March 1 and before November 1, unless the area is snow covered, must determine the fi re danger class for the location of the activity. The fi re danger rating is essentially the risk of a wild fi re starting and varies from very low to extreme. As I write this, almost the entire island is rated as extreme. You can fi nd your local (e.g., Cedar) fi re danger rating on the BC Wild fi re website.

High-risk activities are also defined in the Wildfire Regulation and include using cutting tools, mechanical land clearing or brushing, and using fireworks. To summarize, to do your part to reduce fire risk, you need to know the local fire danger rating and whether the behaviour is considered high risk and act accordingly. Sometimes, this means not engaging in the behaviour, and sometimes, it means ensuring firefighting tools are at hand.

It becomes apparent that current drought conditions bring risk of serious threat as well as actual economic impact. There are many industries that must limit their activity during drought, especially in forestry, and this has a big fi nancial impact on those members of our community.

I’ll wrap up this Director’s Notes with a big thank-you to Cedar Hall and the Cranberry Fire Hall for serving as emergency reception centres in cases of emergency. As well, a quick comment that the RDN is prepared to address emergency situations, as I witnessed with the Cameron Lake fi re, and is working to mitigate and adapt to all the impact of climate change, like drought and extreme weather events. Much of government work goes unseen, but I wanted to convey that should those unfortunate events occur, the RDN and your local fi re departments have been

working hard to be prepared.

Please send any questions, thoughts, opinions to jessica.stanley@rdn.bc.ca. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and all that our beautiful region has to offer.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond

As this goes to press, the application for Schnitzer’s is pending and will to come to Committee for a decision in the next while (note: there are no meetings in August). The minutes from the public meeting are on CVRD website (attached to the Electoral Area Services Committee HTML agenda for July 19 2023 ; click under “Information” to fi nd the link file ). I would encourage everyone to read them.

For now, the topic of this month’s article is garbage.

It is widely accepted that proper waste management is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. In rural areas, implementing an efficient garbage collection system is crucial to prevent pollution, protect public health and preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings. I don’t have to leave my property to see the effects of no garbage collection. Our farmhouse is seventy years old, and the slope behind the house is strewn with litter of past decades. Also, when I travel local backroads, I see the signs “NO DUMPING.” However, there is a plan to put an end to garbage mismanagement. Three-stream curbside garbage collection is part of that plan.

Everyone in Area H has recycling (blue box) service. That is the fi rst of the “three streams.” The other two streams are residual waste and organics. Currently, people do one of two things with their organic material. It is either separated from the waste or not. And if not, then the organic material is transferred with the waste from Peerless Road to Bing’s Creek (down by Duncan). There, the waste is compacted and sent fi rst by truck, then by barge, and lastly by train to an incinerator in Washington State. However, if you are like me, zero organic material goes into the waste. It either goes to chickens or it goes into the compost for gardening. If it is not diverted, then it all goes up in smoke down south.

This decision for three-stream collection goes back to 2018. The province required all regional districts to have a provincially approved Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). The CVRD’s plan was completed in 2018. Three-stream collection was one of the strategies of the SWMP. Key information at the time was from the 2017 waste composition study. The CVRD reported that “one-third of all land fill waste comprises material that could have been composted instead of land filled. The data also showed that residents living in jurisdictions that have a mandatory curbside organics collection service have less organic waste in their garbage than residents with no organics curbside collection or only voluntary curbside organics collection.” (Full disclosure: I’m repeating this from another report and would question whether this would be valid for a rural community and perhaps previous directors questioned that.)

Recently the CVRD released the statement:

“Following the Board’s approval of the CVRD’s SWMP in 2018, the CVRD had to wait until August 2020 for the province’s approval. This, in combination with the COVID-19 pandemic and staff turnover in the Recycling and Waste Management division, resulted in delays in implementing the threestream curbside collection service. Therefore, it wasn’t until

the fall of 2022 that the CVRD began to consult the public on the details of implementing the three-stream service. The fi nal step of the consultation was wrapped up on May 19, 2023. As a decision regarding whether or not this service should be implemented had already been made by the public in 2017/2018, CVRD Board in 2018 and the province in 2020, the 2022 and 2023 public consultations focused on gathering input on community priorities, concerns and preferences for the design and implementation of the service.”

And many people from Area H voiced their concerns. The concerns ranged from “not my compost” and “I don’t want or need the service” to “I only produce five bags of garbage a year,” “I want to opt out of compost” and “I want to opt out of garbage and compost” to “I didn’t see any survey?” “Vote this down!” and “What’s taking so long?” I sent the comments and concerns to the CVRD for consideration.

In response to “vote this down”: there is nothing to vote down. As mentioned above, the Board approved a plan that was subsequently accepted by the Province. The decisions now are on the implementation of the plan. An example of a recent decision is for the CVRD to proceed with a fully public curbside collection service for the electoral areas. This will take a couple of years to implement. Meanwhile, there are issues like opting out of some aspect of three-stream collection, and for opting in by First Nations.

Meanwhile, the CVRD will seek as much grant funding as possible. An example is the 2023 award for $1.86 million under the Clean BC Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program. This grant will help reduce the cost of implementing the or-

ganic curbside collection component of the three-stream service for the electoral areas by purchasing bear-resistant curbside organic totes designed for an automated curbside collection for electoral area residents.

In closing, three-stream curbside garbage collection in rural areas offers several benefits, including environmental sustainability, waste diversion, public awareness and improved aesthetics. However, it also presents challenges related to initial costs, infrastructure requirements, logistics, resident compliance and limited markets for recyclables. Implementing such a system in rural areas requires careful planning, community engagement and consideration of local conditions. The focus over the next couple of years will be addressing the cons and fi nding innovative solutions to ensure effective waste management practices in rural communities. Details matter and it’s important to get to effective solutions. Otherwise, it brings to mind a saying I heard recently: “If this is the solution, I want the problem back.”

Please mark your calendar for the next Town Hall meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday,

October 5, at the North Oyster Community Centre.

In service, Ben Maartman (ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-510-5930)

CVRD Area G Saltair/Thetis Island

Several recent developments in Area G deserve an update, but fi rst, I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the Hope family. Dave Hope tragically passed away in May and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. I’ve known about Dave for over two decades through his epic Halloween displays; recently, I got to know Dave personally through our interactions at the Saltair Community Centre. Dave was honest and true, a man of integrity, character and sharp wit. My heart goes out to the Hope family.

While this is not an easy transition, my wife and I are excited to share that we’ll have a new addition to the family this fall ... a boy. The due date is exactly one year to the day from last year’s October 15 election. I’m trying to decide if that’s a good or bad sign. Nevertheless,

we’re thrilled and wanted to share the news with you.

Stocking Lake Dam

The infrastructure funding program we applied to was unsuccessful. Mayor Stone, Chief Harris and I have asked for a meeting with Minister Wilson to discuss options for moving this project forward quickly.

Stocking Lake Water Filtration

CVRD staff encountered challenges with procurement relating to design options, which required conversations with the contractor. CVRD staff will be coming back to the Board with information shortly. I recognize the importance of ensuring our community’s long-term sustainable water supply, and I want to assure you that this is a priority for me and the CVRD. I’d like to ask for patience as we wait for an update.

Three-Stream Curbside Collection

On June 28, I turned 43. While driving to the CVRD Board meeting and contemplating my middle-agedness, arguing about garbage for my birthday seemed entirely appropriate. At the meeting, a public-private hybrid model was considered; ultimately, a fully public model was deemed the most reliable and cost-effective option.

Thetis Island

Funding has been approved, and upgrades are coming to the Thetis Island Community Dock, allowing responders to safely pull off the road during an emergency.

Saltair Community Centre

The CVRD Board unanimously approved a 20-year lease renewal, which provides stability and long-term planning. Also, thank you to the society for awarding three $500 bursaries to Danika Wright, Taylor Laronde and Quinten Demeter. All the best on your next journey in post-secondary education!

Saltair Centennial Revitalization Plan

Upgrades to the tennis, pickleball and basketball courts are underway and are scheduled to be fi nished in September.

Mark Your Calendar

I plan to hold my next community meeting at the end of September, where I should have answers to several pending questions.

For a more information, pictures and videos: www.jessemcclinton.com.

John Meloche

He left a big mark on a small town he loved

BY ROB JOHNSON

How many of you remember, in the early 2000s, the Pumpkinfest or Oysterfeast? These were a couple of the weird and wonderful events concocted by former resident and past president of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, John Meloche.

John, passed away in a London, Ontario, hospital in late June at the age of 67. He was what you would say “a di fferent character,” but different in a good way. His mind was always going 100 miles an hour. If he wasn’t dreaming of crazy ideas, like the Pumpkinfest or Oysterfeast, he would be reading or adding more songs to his immense music collection.

As president of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, he wanted to put the Town of Ladysmith on the map. First, he created the Pumpkinfest. For three

years, the residents were asked to go pumpkin crazy. People grew giant pumpkins weighing 700 plus pounds. The largest of these pumpkins were then hollowed out and converted into boats, which were placed in the harbour and paddled around the bay before breaking up and sinking.

After the pumpkin boating was done, teams of people took part in the Giant Pumpkin Slingshot competition. Teams of five would pull on the elastic bands to launch a one-pound pumpkin out into the bay. Pumpkinfest even had its own parade of pumpkins going down First Avenue. Once, at the Coronation Mall, a giant pumpkin pie was created. The pie was later certi fied the longest pumpkin pie by the Guinness Book of Records, presided over by the colourfully dressed King of Pumpkins, John Meloche.

Another of his events was the Oysterfeast. John wanted to enhance Ladysmith’s reputation as a major producer of oysters. He created an event where local restaurants prepared exotic oyster dishes, such as raw oyster with tequila and lime on the half shell that would be served to the public. The event took over

Aggie Hall, and numerous activities were held, such as an oyster shucking contest. You could even purchase oysters that may or may not contain a pearl within them.

Apart from all these fun events, he and his wife, Susan, also brought to Ladysmith the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program, which tests and improves both the physical, social, and intellectual skills of youth. There are three awards recognizing the completion of the various levels: First, the Bronze Award, which is presented to the recipient by the mayor; the Silver Award, which is presented by the Lieutenant Governor; and fi nally, the Gold Award, which is presented to the recipient by a member of the Royal Family. Through John and Susan's effort, many of Ladysmith’s youth achieved these awards, including the Gold Award.

For the relatively few years he resided in Ladysmith, John left not only many good memories, but also his distinctive mark on the Town.

He will be well remembered, along with his collection of funny hats, and colourful Hawaiian shirts.

Buzzing around blooms

BY ALEX SMITH, ECOFORESTRY INSTITUTE SOCIETY, NATURALIST

It's mid-summer at Wildwood, and our educational camps are in full swing. At lunchtime, our naturalists are eager to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet of Wildwood's top meadow. But at this time of the year, children or no children, peace and quiet are the last things you'll fi nd in our open meadows. It's blooming time for our meadow flowers, and every insect and animal at Wildwood knows it. Many birds, bees, and hover flies form a frenzied buzz of excitement as they hop from one flower to another.

According to pollinator.org, pollination from insects, birds and mammals contributes to one out of every three mouthfuls of food that a human consumes, creating an industry worth more than $2.47 billion dollars in Canada alone. But how exactly is this accomplished?

In simplistic terms, pollination is defi ned as the transfer of pollen from the male part (anther) to the female part (pistil) of the flower. It's a process that produces seeds, fruits and allows plants to reproduce the next generation of their species.

Bees and wasps carry out the majority of pollination. Attracted to the flowers by a selection of shapes, colours and the promise of sweet nectar, insects pick up pollen on their legs, wings, or antennae as they enter the flower. This pollen is then moved to neighbouring plants' pistil, helping pollinate the meadow for the following year. At Wildwood, it's not uncommon to see the large western bumblebee (Bombus occidentalis) laden with lumps of Qel'qulhp (Nootka rose) pollen as it makes its way around the forest.

Animals such as birds and bats also transfer pollen. Much like insects, many animals will visit plants for food. Early summer brings the charismatic Rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) to the island in search of the Lila (Salmon-

berry) flower. Bats elsewhere in North and South America pollinate fruit trees and agave plants, keeping our fridges full of delicious food for the hot summer months.

Some plants even make use of the wind and water to transfer pollen! As a hay fever su fferer, this is my least favourite method of pollination, and yet you have to admit, it's awe-inspiring. From the towering spruces and fi rs at Wildwood to crops like wheat, barley and corn, plumes of pollen are released, travelling hundreds of kilometres on the breeze to land on their desired targets. Although only a few lucky particles may land on a female of the same species, by the sheer volume of pollen released, the wind is surprisingly successful in pollination and can help repopulate huge areas of forest.

Looking for a chance to see this pollination in action and Wildwood in its glorious summer bloom? This August, we offer a unique and immersive "Forest Journey" experience! From medicine to food, learn about native old-growth ecology and why preserving our forests is vital for generations to come. Visit https://www.ecoforestry.ca/events-tours to reserve your spot today!

A hummingbird adds to the work pollinators do to ensure the reproduction of the next generation. Photo submitted.

Cassidy Aquifers Issue

Part 1

To aid public discussion regarding concerns about risk of contamination of groundwater in the Cassidy area posed by ongoing industrial activity, TAKE 5 is presenting a two-part article on the Cassidy Aquifer issue.

BY QUENTIN GOODBODY

In this fi rst part of the Cassidy Aquifers article, we will take a closer look at what has happened to date and speculate about what regulatory activity may occur in the future. The purpose of this two-part article is to aid public discussion regarding concerns about risk of contamination of groundwater in the Cassidy area posed by ongoing industrial activity.

Background

In 2011, Schnitzer Steel Canada took over its current site just south of Nanaimo Airport, where it conducts End of Life Vehicle (ELV) processing and other scrap metal recycling. In 2013, the company removed contaminated soil left from previous operators; the site had been used for auto wrecking and metal recycling since the 1950s, long before the introduction of land use zoning in 1987 through passage of CVRD Electoral Area H Zoning Bylaw No. 1020.

Though the site is now zoned I-1, which does not permit auto wrecking and metal recycling, the BC Local Government Act permits land uses that were lawful prior to the introduction of land use zonation to continue as a non-conforming use — providing there is not a six-month break in operations and the operations retain the same scale and scope as prior to the introduction of land use zonation.

In 2016, Schnitzer — on behalf of its landlord, Cassidy Sales and Service Ltd. — filed an application (No. 03-H-16RS (PID: 008-903-603)) with the CVRD for rezoning of the site to I-4 (Industrial Recycling), to accommodate auto recycling, metal recycling activities and exterior storage, which are not permitted under I-1 zoning.

Before and since that application, much concern has been expressed by the public regarding the scale and aesthetic impact of the recycling operations and the risk of contamination to the underlying aquifer that these operations pose.

Acceptance by both Schnitzer and the CVRD of the reality of risk to the aquifer is implicit in actions taken by both since the rezoning application was made. Schnitzer implemented measures to avoid ground contamination by storm runoff from its operations: extensive concrete slabs were installed to floor those areas where ELVs and non-ferrous metals are processed, with runoff from these slabs being directed towards catchment basins for treatment. Regular maintenance procedures were adopted to ensure the continuing functioning of this catchment system.

In 2017, discussions were initiated regarding a legal covenant aimed at mitigating the threat of groundwater contamination by enforcing such preventive measures.

In 2018, the CVRD drafted and gave fi rst and second readings to bylaws 4194 and 4195 to accommodate rezoning of the

Schnitzer site from I-1 to I-4, with allowance for ELV processing and metal recycling.

Meanwhile, discussions on the covenant continued: In 2021, as a pre-requisite step to re-zoning and to holding a Public Information Meeting regarding the rezoning application, the CVRD presented a draft of the covenant for adoption with wording to ensure that so long as scrap metal and ELVs are collected, stored and dismantled on the Cassidy site, specific measures were in place to protect the sensitive underlying aquifer, including hard surfacing, drainage collection and oil separators, and mandatory monitoring well test reports.

After much consultation, on May 3, 2023, the CVRD Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) was advised that the applicants were in agreement with the wording of the covenant. At that same meeting, the EASC voted to recommend to the CVRD Board that the re-zoning application be denied. Citing uncertainty regarding implications stemming from rejection of the rezoning application, EASC also voted that staff consult with legal counsel on any potential technical issues regarding the denial of the application and report back prior to the May 10, 2023, CVRD Board meeting.

At the May 10, 2023, CVRD Board meeting, the Board reported on a motion adopted in closed discussion that a Public Information Meeting regarding the application be held in June 2023 in accordance with CVRD Development Application Procedures Bylaw 2022, given that the applicants had agreed to the proposed covenant. CVRD staff were also asked to provide the Electoral Area Services Committee with a report summarizing the questions and comments recorded at the upcoming Public Information Meeting as well as provide complete documentation regarding the application.

The Public Information Meeting was held June 19, 2023, in the Aggie Hall, Ladysmith. Ninety-seven members of the public attended, along with extensive representation from the CVRD. Presentations were made by both the CVRD and Schnitzer regarding the rezoning application. A large number of questions from the public were addressed by the CVRD and

CVRD Public Information Meeting, June 19, 2023 at the Ladysmith Aggie Hall. Photo: Marina Sacht

Schnitzer. A report on this meeting has since been provided by CVRD staff to the CVRD Electoral Area Services Committee. What remains to happen now is a CVRD Board ruling on the rezoning application.

In addition to the above activities, in June 2022, a civil lawsuit was initiated against Schnitzer alleging violations of CVRD land use zoning bylaws and against the CVRD alleging failure to enforce its own land use bylaws.

What’s Happening Now

Schnitzer Steel continues its operations located on top of the Cassidy high vulnerability Aquifer 161 and also continues to take steps to avoid ground water contamination from these operations. Regular maintenance of catchment systems for runoff from concrete pads flooring ELV processing and metal recycling areas is performed to ensure their proper function. Water from five wells on the property are monitored regularly to determine if ground water contamination is occurring.

The CVRD informs that there is no anticipated timeline for moving forward towards a decision on the rezoning application. Interaction with the Regional District of Nanaimo, Island Health and relevant sections of the BC Provincial Government will likely occur prior to a fi nal decision by the CVRD Board. Monitoring of surface water quality in a stream nearby Schnitzer’s property (Thomas Creek) is ongoing. The CVRD’s intent is to establish a network of monitoring stations throughout the region; however, staffing shortages are hampering progress on development of CVRD “in-house” best practices for groundwater management.

Speculation on What May Happen

Schnitzer theoretically could withdraw their rezoning application, trusting that their current operations be determined legal non-conforming. Such would allow for continuation of their activities.

If the CVRD Board approves the rezoning application, absent of any legal directive to the contrary, the current scope and scale of Schnitzer’s existing operations could continue with the company adhering to the terms of the covenant.

Denial of the rezoning application by the CVRD Board would probably trigger an assessment of whether Schnitzer’s current operations are legal non-conforming or not. If they are considered legal non-conforming, then Schnitzer could continue with the scale and scope of its current operations. If they are not, then proceedings relating to land use violations would likely commence; options facing Schnitzer in this scenario would appear to be to either scale back to that level of legal non-conforming activity permitted by the Local Government Act, or move their operations to another suitably zoned location. Given the scale of their investment in the Cassidy property, this appears something the company would be reluctant to do.

Any continuation of Schnitzer’s activities at Cassidy will not satisfy those who feel that the siting of industrial activities considered to pose a contamination risk on top of an important high vulnerability surface aquifer is inappropriate. Focus would turn towards the ongoing civil suit.

Next month we conclude with an comprehensive look at the Cassidy Aquifers, how they formed and how they work.

Arbor Envy

Citizenship in this fi ne country is not without responsibility. If, for example, you see something that might put fellow citizens in a state of peril, you must act and warn the populace. Standing idly by when inaction can cause bodily harm to others just isn’t good enough.

That’s why I’m issuing a public safety notice and posting it in the post office – assuming, of course, they’re not on strike again - and on telephone poles not already cluttered with heavy metal posters. I’m talking about garden arbors, structures even less stable than Aunt Sally after she’s guzzled a quart of gin. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIR-

CUMSTANCE STAND CLOSE to one of these objects unless you look good festooned with latticework. And standing next to Aunt Sally? Just make sure you’re upwind.

The problem with arbors is they’re only two-sided, not four. This leaves them with the structural integrity of a jelly fish and the stability of a twolegged dog. When I look at one, I go, “Quick, get me some cross bracing.” A woman looks at the same structure and goes, “Ah, isn’t that sweet. Wouldn’t Suzy look good getting married under that?” Doesn’t matter that at 340 pounds and six-foot-five, Suzy’s boyfriend ain’t gonna fit.

Arbors, just like a two-legged dog, can be made stable if you bury the posts. Problem is, anything buried rots. You’ve just postponed the inevitable, giving people a false sense of security, causing them to loiter under the arbor where they court disaster.

If only men populated the earth, this would not be a big problem because there would be no arbors. Why build something that is just going to collapse? In a man’s world, all existing arbors would

be braced up, front and back, walled in and converted to something both stable and practical. Like a doghouse, where a man can spend the night if he’s dumb enough to say to his wife, “You want a stupid arbor?”

But for some reason unknown to the Faculty of Engineering, women love arbors. In fact, a woman’s status in the female community is measured by how many arbors she has, in contradistinction to the male community where status is measured by the size of a man’s pickup or the number of ball caps in his collection.

Arbors hold such fascination for women that they want to get married under them. Googling wedding arbors produces hundreds of thousands of hits. There you can fi nd women offering testimonials to arbor manufacturers: “Man! I wish I had seen your arbor before my wedding,” gushes Jennifer, age 26. “Next time around, I’ll tie the knot under one of your products. In fact, if this new guy doesn’t figure out soon when garbage day is, he’s out of here and I’ll be in the market for a new arbor, so don’t forget to send me your brochure.”

My fi rst daughter’s only request at the time of her wedding was that I build an arbor for her. That’s right, one she could get married under. There was no talking her out of it. I would have had better luck convincing her to hold the ceremony at the city dump.

That arbor is currently resting in our yard under a press of roses, leaning ominously to the port side. It creaks alarmingly every time I pass under it.

To prevent her younger sister from requesting an arbor, I have been reading engineering reports to her from an early age about arbor failure. Heart-breaking tales of entire wedding parties being taken out by falling arbors. Progress has been made utilizing this tactic, but you never know. Arbor lust is like the AIDS virus: it can go dormant for extended periods of time, only to resurface at a moment’s notice. One minute your daughter’s fi ne; the next, she’s bellowing, “WHERE’S MY ARBOR?”

And now on to the villain of the story: my wife’s gardening buddy Tina, of Honeysuckle Gift Cottage. Tina has an incredible garden and is the current leader in the arbor race with a stable of eight. The inevitable, of course, happened. My wife went to visit and came back with a bad case of arbor envy.

“How come Tina has all those arbors and I only have three? You can’t love me!”

Realizing there’s no defense against the “you don’t love me” card, I reluctantly headed to my shop for tools, there being no alternative but to arbor up.

After consulting with my cronies, one of whom has a doctorate in engineering, we decided on a three-rafter structure with a triangulating cross bar. A foreboding feeling accompanied the design process; those who designed the Titanic experi-

enced a similar feeling.

With the two sides held in place with cross braces, a man’s best friend, we placed the rafters and strung some two-bythrees on top. Next, we unscrewed the braces and stood back, more than a little proud because everything was plumb and square - highly unusual when I’m at the hammer.

That’s when the gust of wind hit, causing the arbor to lurch suddenly to the side, not unlike Aunt Sally. We barely saved it. “Gussets to the rescue men!” Saws buzzed, hammers thwacked, and soon the structure was windproofed. But you can’t be too careful. That’s when we brought in the very fi nest stability testing device: our cat Stinkers, who likes nothing better than climbing.

He was halfway up the arbor when he started to scream, “Get me off this thing! It’s a death trap.”

After we calmed him down, scratched our heads, and adjusted our ball caps, we returned to gusseting, this time in earnest. Finally, with stability assured, we settled back in our lawn chairs and broke out the refreshment. Our arbor was the envy of the neighborhood.

Wine Pick

This month's wine pick is not a wine. Summer is a great time to explore some of the locally produced gins and the one being served in our household is Island Spirits Distillery's Phrog Gin. Another reason to visit Hornby Island this summer. Captain Pete Kimmerly, the on-premise distiller, swears his gin is so pure you won't have a hangover. Something we need to do a bit more research on. Pass the bottle, please. -

Marina Sacht

FOR SALE

FISH FISH FISH. Buy direct from the guy who caught it! High-quality salmon, lingcod, rock fish. All fish blast frozen at sea. Satisfaction guaranteed! Contact Jim at oceandancer. wallace@gmail.com or 250-245-5957/250-7391123.

TOP-LOADING WATER COOLER with room temperature and ice-water levers. Older model, clean, white in colour, great working condition. Includes refillable jug. Asking $50. Call 250-2457455; will return messages.

KIRBY G5 & HERITAGE II LEGEND VACUUMS with all parts/accessories. G5 works great, used half-dozen times. Legend needs new motor –parts vac? Best offers. Call 250-245-7455; will return messages.

FURNITURE. Maple chair/cushions, maple couch frame/no cushions, small square maple dining table with leafs on ends, all orange stain, great condition. Vintage floor lamp. Best offers. Call 250-245-7455; will return messages.

BEDROOM FURNITURE. Large dresser/mirror, $400; small dresser/mirror, $300; two single metal-frame beds/headboards, $150 each; two chairs, nightstand & double-bedframe – offers. Call 250-245-7455; will return messages.

WOMEN’s BICYCLE NORCO MONTEREY

CROSS, 3 X 7 speeds, blue, GRIR shift, Velo GEL comfort seat, new helmet, tire pump, good condition. $295. Call 250-245-5775.

WANTED

COMPUTER TEACHER needed for a senior to learn how to operate a computer along with basic computer skills. Contact Tom 250-667-8445.

RENTAL NEEDED. Senior is looking for room and board or small suite rental. Has a small dog. Location South Nanaimo to Chemainus. Needs to be on one level, walker friendly. Call Tom 250667-8445.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class Monday mornings. Ongoing class every Wednesday morning. For class time and location and more information, visit www.taichinanaimo. org or call Sara 250-245-1466.

AQUA FIT. Private Aqua fit classes are available in your pool for yourself or add in some friends. Any level is offered. For more information, ellybythesea@gmail.com.

TAKE 5 ADS WORK! 250-245-7015.

FARM FRESH

EMPRESS ACRES LITTLE FARM STORE. Pasture-raised: pork sides pre-order for midAug; pork BBQ packs, specialty sausages, eggs, vegetables, flowers & more; pork sausages avail. in farm store Sat 10am–3pm. Open 7 days/wk; 2974 Haslam Rd.; www. empressacres.ca. For pork sides pre-orders & boxes, email marlene@empressacres.ca or call/text Marlene at 250-889-1343.

ACTIVITIES

CRAFT FAIR. Every Sunday Carol’s Artisans: wood turned pens, quilting, woodworking, amazing sewing and knitting, interchangeable jewellery, hats, pottery, preserves, jams and MORE. 13467 Cedar Road, 10am–3pm. New vendors welcome. Contact: petespensandmore@shaw.ca.

NEED ENTERTAINING? Sing-a-long with the Sunshine Girls, Judy Durban & Val Galvin. Children’s parties, senior’s homes and everything in between. Email valgalvin123@ hotmail.com or call 250 246-3979.

HOME & GARDEN

PAINTER. Certified Journeyman. Clean, efficient, respectful, punctual. 25+ years’ experience. WCB coverage. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Call Howard 250-245-2751.

ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large & small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260

KB HANDYMAN AND YARD WORKS. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, power washing, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors’ discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@ gmail.com or 250-714-2738.

HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs 250-668-9195.

ALL ACRES providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265.

MAKE IT NICE qualified, experienced, gardening and small fruit tree pruning. Available for private, residential gardens. Please call 250-754-9346.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Foundations, retaining walls, patios, driveways, walks and stairs. Full forming and finishing. 40 years’ experience. Email Gord at concreteresults@ live.com.

BUSINESS

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or non fiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, editican@gmail.com.

VIDEO PRODUCTION to help your business grow. We can help you make your presence on YouTube grow. Affordable and professional service. editor@take5.ca

PETS

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. “Leash ’em & walk ’em” with Marlena. I have Animal First Aid, CPR and criminal record check. My service for all pet includes dog walking, home care visits, overnight in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-9368.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Live Music at the Cedar Farmer’s Market 10 – 2pm Visit - cedarfarmersmarket.org.

Hay There!

“Make hay while the sun shines.”

— John Heywood,

English playwright, 1546

As I briefly scan the horizon while driving through Cedar or into Ladysmith, I note that the field marshmallows are popping up everywhere now. And who would have thought that a playwright, and sometime musician/ composer would know the prime rule when it comes to makin’ hay? Not I. Since we “bought the farm” in 2004, this time of the season has always stressed me out to the max. Harvesting

the early fruits and veggies is great for the spirit, but that hay! Depending on folks is one thing, but depending on Mother Nature and her elements — well there’s the rub; one of the rubs anyway. Every year, it’s di fferent and timing is everything — when the pasture is ripe ’n’ ready, “is it going to be hot and dry, cool and wet, a bit of both …” kind of a crapshoot. That Mother, unpredictable and not seeming

to care about your feelings one bit.

With each new year comes new challenges, new learning experiences. And this year is no exception. For those who are not familiar with hay production, I’ve gleaned a few essentials: you need at least a good week of hot dry temperatures for starters, for cutting (mowing), flu ffing (tedding), rowing (raking) and baling (the only correct term I knew in the beginning!).

Jackie Moad making hay at the farm. Photo: L. Waugh.

It's not just getting our two wee fields cut at the right time either. It is coordinating the “studly farmhands.” Those with allergies need not apply. Those who can walk the fields in the scorching heat, lifting 40 pounds into a pick-up, garbed in long sleeved shirt and pants, then unloading and stacking into the barn, we want you. For years, Laurie and I, with a few dedicated wonderful friends, did the task. But over the years, things have evolved; age creeps up on you (and your dedicated friends) quickly.

I’ve never done change well, but my 10 foot fall, with accompanying fractures, taught me real quick how to embrace change more positively, and this year’s hay harvest proved just that. I have the most excellent hay man — a kind, energetic, generous family man. He was here at exactly the right time, did three of the four stages and was about to do the fi nal baling when his square baler bit the big one. His round baler was in tip-top shape, but I’ve never worked with round bales. My barns were set for square ones; I knew how many flakes my horses and sheep needed. My farmhands were all set to rock ’n’ roll, and … change challenge!

I must be truly evolving because the fi rst thing after my initial “but I’ve always had square bales” moment was this thought that I’d just have to see what these round bales would be like. My two young (and exceedingly strong) farmhands, Eddie and Tristan, were not needed for lifting bales. Farmer Gord my hay man’s machines would bring in the goods. My young bucks spent their time reorganizing my hay loft and hay barn to accommodate this new jumbo-sized experimental harvest. And you know what? I hardly felt any worry.

Except when I fi rst looked at the beautiful rounds in the hay loft, I noticed the light of day shining through the ceiling in several spots. That cedar roof is pushing 60 years old, and each shake would make excellent kindling! Change, you bet. I already have been looking at a metal roof replacement. Perhaps I have my topic all ready for the next TAKE 5 submission. But now — time to harvest more of those transparent apples.

Jackie Moad is back in the swing of things, with a slightly updated and more laid-back perspective, starting to enjoy being a retired farm girl on that 20-acre slice of paradise in Cedar.