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Letters Bollards a drag Bollards in downtown Ladysmith? Council wake up. ... Do you think all the Bollards that are soon to be put in front of every store will make the town look better? Just imagine the cost to do the whole town. How many vehicles have run over the side walk into stores in the last 50 years? Three that I can think of ... one of them was my motherin-law in 1968. Do we need this expense? — Gord Barney
Greg Roberts series I would like to acknowledge Greg Roberts for his intelligent and informative series of articles on Ladysmith’s water supply. He lays out a sound plan for our community and council to participate and engage co-operatively in dealing with, and understanding this essential commodity. Watersheds are becoming more vulnerable in this time of climate change. Right action is vital. — Bonnie Cruickshank
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Refugee Group Thanks Just over a year ago, on August 2, 2018, a large crowd gathered at Nanaimo Airport to welcome three Syrian refugee families. Among them were representatives from the Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group, waiting to welcome our family of four, a widow with three sons. Fast forward one year: Many things that were new and strange have become common place, as the family has settled into the growing Nanaimo Arabic community. The mother and adult son are both enrolled in English studies. Both have obtained “L” driver’s licenses and have taken some driving lessons. The adult son has worked full time since October, working an evening shift and going to school the next morning. The two younger boys are enrolled in school, making friends and enjoying recreational activities, such as soccer, swimming and fishing at Colliery Dam. Everyone is becoming more fluent in English by the day. We have much to celebrate, but we do not celebrate alone. This sponsor-
ship was carried out under the auspices of the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia. We are grateful for its careful attention to details and cross-cultural training. We are especially thankful to Tony Davis, who was always available to help and to offer advice and encouragement. The group also thanks First United Church for agreeing to receive and disburse funds on our behalf, so
that income tax receipts could be offered to donors. Special thanks to Ray Stokes, Mimi Zuyderduyn and Alison Krauza. Most importantly, the whole sponsorship would never have happened without the support of the people of Ladysmith and surrounding communities. Funding was never in jeopardy, as many donors willingly provided cash gifts and household goods. Thank you for trust-
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ing us with your gifts. Although this project has officially ended, we hope you will extend your generosity to current, and future, refugee sponsorships in our community. — Ken Hiebert, Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group
North Oyster, the Diamond, and Yellow Point residents Are you interested in making your community a better place to live? Do you have concerns about your neighbourhood? You are being invited to support the new North Oyster/Diamond/ Yellow Point Resident’s Ratepayer’s Association. We will be holding our first community meeting in September. If you can spare an hour per month to help make positive changes in your community, then please get in touch (250-2452754). The Mystery of the Missing North Oyster/Diamond Ratepayers documents: If anyone knows the whereabouts of the missing NODRA documents, containing the BC Society Incorporation certificate, then please get in touch. I’ve checked with four former members,
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but no one is in possession of the documents. Where could they be? The plot thickens ...— Pauline Hunt
Woodworker scores Re: SEPT 2019 TAKE 5’s Beauty on Wood story on John Sawyer My wife and I had contacted an independent contractor to come to our house and see where and hear what we wanted to do over our deck. He felt the job was too complicated for him so we began to look around and see if we could find someone else. We were in Duncan visiting friends, and on the way home, we saw a display John had done and it included his phone number. We called, and John came to our place to look things over and listen to what we were thinking of doing. We went back and forth with ideas, and then John went to work. John took raw trees and turned them into a fine looking covering over our deck. We are very pleased with John’s craftsmanship and would recommend him to anyone. John did everything from pouring the footings to putting the tin on the roof. He built the structure twice, once
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while he was sawing and milling the wood in his yard, disassembling it and then transporting it to our property and reassembling it in place. All pieces went together and were precision fit. John is a character and easy to get along with, and when working is a bit of a taskmaster, he gets the job done. My wife and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this project. — Lenard Lance
Climate crisis Globally we are in a climate crisis. We are also in the Anthropocene extinction, the current and ongoing extinction of species as a result of human activity. If we continue to do business as usual, we will become extinct. I am not willing to let that happen without a fight, so we need to embrace the Green New Deal. (The Green New Deal (GND) is proposed United States legislation that aims to address climate change and economic inequality.) Climate scientists (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) are sounding the alarm. We must keep global warming below 1.5 C. We are seeing the results of global warming all across the globe, including here in Canada. There were the devastating forest fires in B.C. in 2017 and 2018, the forest fire that wiped out parts of Fort McMurray, the flooding in Calgary, and much more. Those events will continue to escalate, happening with greater frequency and intensity. I recently visited a friend in Prince George. She suffered terribly from inhaling forest fire smoke. She is one of many. Last year I visited Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon. We walked beside the North Klondike River. There was ice on the far side that is millions of years old. We watched parts of it calve off into the river. The temperature was 31 C. The Arctic is heating up. Researchers describe how warming in the Arctic, which is heating up 2.4 times faster than the Northern Hemisphere average, is triggering a cascade of changes in everything from when plants flower to where fish and other animal populations can be found. Warmer temperatures have shifted forest and tundra growing seasons, boosted rain and snowfall, increased melting, accelerated glaciers and possi-
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bly even increased the number of lightning strikes that could increase the risk of Arctic wildfires in the tundra and boreal forest, clearly a signal of climate warming. Governments and individuals need to take action. There is plenty we can do: invest in and subsidize renewable energy, retrofit automobile plants to make electric vehicles (which happily I am seeing more and more of on our roads); and build more and better public transportation. All of the jobs created by these can be filled by many people, including people who currently work in the oil and gas industry. The government should provide funding and education for them to transition. Indigenous people have important knowledge about mitigating climate change, and their rights should be upheld as stated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Affordable housing is another area
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that can help to mitigate climate change. There is an excellent example, Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre, that is Passive House Certified, which incorporates initiatives and technologies that reduce energy use and operational costs over conventional building standards (www.cmhc-schl. gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/news-releases/2018/affordable-homes-indigenouspeople-open-nanaimo). The service sector in Canada supports a great number of jobs that are low carbon. The Green New Deal recognizes them and would provide increased funding after years of cuts. Our communities would become stronger and more caring. The Green New Deal not only tackles the climate crisis. It includes implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and stopping the rise of racism. Now is the time for us to come together as one and give it everything we’ve got. Thank you in advance for embracing the Green New Deal. — Diana Hardacker Letters to the editor, email editor@take5. ca or drop off at our office.
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contained within the Waterfront Area Plan. Construction is expected to be complete before the end of 2019. “The Town is committed to preserving the historical features of the Machine Shop that make it such a unique building and an important part of telling the story of our industrial heritage on the waterfront,” said Mayor Aaron Stone. An immediate priority for the project will be completing repairs to the roof beams so that a new roof membrane can be installed prior to the fall. The Machine Shop was built by the Comox Logging and Railway Company in the 1940s to maintain its fleet of logging equipment and rail cars. The Town acquired the building in 1986.
World Champion in Horseshoes Ladysmith Horseshoe Club member Lindsay Hodgins won the 2019 Women’s World Horseshoe Pitching Championship held in August at Witchita Falls, Texas. At the end of the championship round, Lindsay, with a 13–2 win/loss record, was tied with Marlene Ray from Tennessee. Lindsay won the playoff game with a fantastic 89.2 per cent ringer percentage. Lindsay is the first B.C. woman player to ever win the Women’s World Horseshoe Pitching title. Ladysmith has a long and proud history of horseshoe pitching. The Ladysmith club meets weekly at Transfer Beach park. Congratulations Lindsay. The Ladysmith Horseshoe Club members are all very proud of Lindsay and her outstanding achievement. The last games of the championship round had an interesting end as Joan beat Marlene with an 86.8 per cent ringer percentage, creating a tie between Marlene and Lindsay, who then threw 56 horseshoes with an 89.2 per cent ringer percentage (almost nine out of every ten horseshoes thrown were ringers) against Marlene to win the 2019 World Women
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Ladysmith Horseshoe Club member Lindsay Hodgins won the 2019 Women’s World Horseshoe Pitching Championship
Horseshoe Pitching Championship. An amazing achievement for 22-year-old Lindsay playing in the world championships in the women class for her first time. Lindsay won two previous Junior Girls World Championships.
Machine shop updates The Town of Ladysmith has started the pre-construction phase of structural, code and seismic upgrades to the Machine Shop. The Town was awarded $1.8 million in federal Gas Tax funding in March 2018 to make improvements to the building. The Machine Shop is the anchor of the Arts and Heritage Hub
Tour de Rock events The Ladysmith & District Credit Union is accepting donations for Tour de Rock. For a minimum of $50 you can add a name on the Wall of Heroes. Tax receipts will be available for donations. All donations will go to the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock. For any questions about the wall, please call Krista Aurala at 250-2458317. In support of Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, Ladysmith Logger Sports are back on September 1, 2019. The show starts at 2 pm at Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to Camp Goodtimes, supported by Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.
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Local Cassie Loveless in front of the wall of heroes with her bike, ready to ride for Ladysmith in Tour De Rock. Cassie has two junior riders, Jordyn and Natalie, and they really are the whole reason for the ride. Natalie is a cancer survivor and Jordyn is the sibling of a cancer survivor.
Hockey exhibit scores Nanaimo Museum is celebrating Canada’s game with a oneof-a-kind travelling exhibition from the Canadian Museum of History. Hockey, presented from September 14 until November 24 looks at how the sport has influenced our lives, and what that reveals about us as a people. “Hockey is an important part of Nanaimo’s history,” says Aimee Greenaway, Curator at the Nanaimo Museum. “People played hockey on frozen lakes and flooded farmers’ fields, the Nanaimo Clippers have had spectators since the 1940s and more than one future NHL player learned how to play at a local arena.” The exhibition is an engaging two-dimensional display that
The Sea Life Celebration on August 11 brought smiles to the faces of young and young-at-heart attendees at the Ladysmith Community Marina. Activity stations were busy throughout the day despite a soggy start; the weather soon cleared up. “I would like to share my sincere appreciation to everyone who helped with the festival,” said Coordinator Shirley Blackstaff. There were 54 volunteers and 5 staff plus the great Rotary team that provided lunch. Many of our volunteers made contributions of not only their time but also materials which were greatly appreciated. Photo: Shirley Blackstaff
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uses photographs and reproductions of key artifacts, memorabilia and works of art to present hockey highlights from yesterday and today. Listen to audio archives from hockey history and get into the game by recording your own running commentary, just like legendary sportscaster Foster Hewitt. Hockey is at the Nanaimo Museum from September 14 to November 24, 2019.
Bute Island Open for Public Access as Newest Regional Parkland in CVRD A 2.2-acre island in Ladysmith Harbour will be maintained in its natural state as the latest regional parkland acquisition by the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
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munity members,” said Ian Morrison, Chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. “This an exciting opportunity for CVRD to expand its regional parks for the benefit of residents, and further strengthen the tourism sector of the southern Gulf Islands and Ladysmith area.” The purchase was completed in Spring 2018 for a price of $750,000. However additional time was required to also complete the transfer of the water lot lease for the existing dock/wharf, as well as repairs and upgrades to the wharf/pier to meet public safety standards. The CVRD also completed a risk assessment and dealt with hazard trees in order to open up the rustic trail, and installed signage. At this time there are no planned upgrades or changes to the island, as they intend to preserve it in its natural state as much as possible.
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September 1, 2019. This seasonal service change will reinstate service levels on a number of routes to coincide with the start of the school year and to match the increase in ridership numbers during this period. For more information on seasonal service change, please visit bctransit.com/nanaimo or rdn.bc.ca/ regional-transit. Check out where your bus is in real-time using NextRide in the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit (RDNnextride.ca). Transit Info: 250390-4531 Nanaimo.
Our Chemainus Celebration
Bute Island now a CVRD park. Photo: G. Beltgens
Bute Island, long held under private ownership, can now be visited by residents and visitors to the Cowichan region. With a day-use accessible dock that can accommodate kayaks, canoes, and smaller vessels, people will be able to explore the islands unique flora and fauna and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Ladysmith and other islands dotting the harbour. The interior of the island provides a rustic, low impact natural trail walk with access to small pocket bays along the foreshore that can be explored during low tide. “Adding Bute Island to our roster of regional parkland ensures the stewardship of a small piece of land that holds tremendous ecological and aesthetic value, and has significant cultural importance to local First Nations com-
Chemainus embodies multiple organizations, groups and businesses that form the foundation of who they are as a community. This is a way of showcasing Chemainus as a fantastic place to live, work and play by highlighting the people that help make it so! On Saturday, September 28 from 10am to 2pm come out to the Sawmill TapHouse & Grill Event Venue to witness the hardworking community members in action, proudly showing off what makes them irreplaceable to Chemainus and to celebrate the town and all it offers, together.
Cedar Women’s Institute. Blackberry Tea Come and join the Cedar Women’s Institute at the Cedar United Church Hall on Saturday September 14, 2019, 1pm to 3pm for their annual Blackberry Tea. The cost is $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children for Beverage and Blackberry Treat (extra treat $4.00) The proceeds to go towards a Culinary Arts Bursary for Cedar Secondary School and the Canadian Red Cross.
Fall Seasonal Service Change in Nanaimo BC Transit and the Regional District of Nanaimo are announcing a seasonal service change in the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System effective
Cedar’s Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School
Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) have finalized a commitment to co-govern and operate the new Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School. The school, located at 1390 Stuywut Street in Nanaimo, will replace the current Qwam Qwum School and features the most current technology while encompassing traditional learning spaces. “This new school is the culmination of 20 years of dreaming, planning and meeting for Snuneymuxw,” said Chief Michael Wyse. “We broke ground on this multi-million dollar project in the spring of 2018. Today, we are extremely proud and humbled of what we have erected in the Cedar area of our territorial and ancestral lands. This school not only represents a sense of pride for our community, it also signifies new opportunities both for our future leaders and our partnership with the school district.”
Stock the Gift Shop The Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary Gift Shop located in the Health Care Centre on Fourth Avenue was recently vandalized with a fire extinguisher. The community is banding together in the “Stock the Gift Shop” event on Sunday,
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September 8 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Ladysmith Eagles Hall. Crafters are invited to come knit, crochet, quilt, sew, make cards, etc. Bring your own project to work on. They are looking for donations of new, ready to sell, handcrafted-items from the following categories. Baby Sweaters, Baby Blankets, Baby Booties, Tea Cozies, Quilts, Greeting Cards, Yarn suitable for baby, Dishcloths, Hot Pads, Socks, Hats/Scarves, Mittens, Stuffed Animals, Purses/ Bags and Slippers. Until the Gift Shop re-opens, donations can be made at the Ladies Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Store clearly marked “Gift Shop”. For more information contact Event Planner Lynn Nightingale, 250-466-5979 or Gift Shop Manager Jill Mennie, 250-924-6870. stockthegiftshop@gmail.com
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Cedar Area Refugee Effort With just $15,000 to go, the Cedar Area Refugee Effort (CARE) is hosting a ‘Beer and Burger’ event at the Old City Station Pub at 150 Skinner St, Nanaimo on Friday Sept. 13 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Monies raised will go towards sponsoring a refugee family that has been in a Lebanese refugee camp for many years. The group is working to reunify the young family with the the parents, brother and sister of their first family. “Our need to do something to help and to make a difference was awakened when we saw the photo of the body of a young 2 year old Syrian boy on the beach who drowned as his family tried to escape from the terror of war, “ said Anita Brideau. At the end of March 2015 the fi rst sponsored Syrian Refugee
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family arrived in Nanaimo. Wedad and Mohamed arrived with their two younger children but had two others who were married and one grandchild who had been left behind as refugees in Lebanon. “One group sponsored the daughter and her husband and we decided to help bring their son Farouk, his wife Riham and grandchild little Mohamed to Nanaimo. While still refugees a second child, a daughter Taline was born January 2017 in a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders,” said Anita. They held their first public meeting in 2015. Many meetings and fundraisers later we received news that Farouk, Riham and their children had been accepted by the Canadian government. Many more months would pass. They began to gather all that was needed to furnish a small apartment for the family. “Finally, our little family arrived in late September 2017, 21 months after our first large gathering,” said Anita. As they did for the first family they are wanting to help them to do even better. Reunification with their family will make a big difference in their success in becoming Canadians who bring a contribution to our community and our country. CARE is asking support from the communities to help in donations of gently used items and funds so that we are able to support the family for one year. All funds raised will be used for the support of refugees. CARE is a registered charity and tax receipts are available for donations of $20 or more. Tickets for the Beer & Burger fundraiser are just $20. There will be draws and a auction. For tickets or to help with dona-
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tions please contact Anita at 250-722-0030.
Ladysmith Council Notes Here’s some highlights from Ladysmith Council meeting for August 19, 2019. Council reviewed the design concept for a three storey mixed-use building at 336 Belaire Street and directed staff to prepare a bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw for the property where the vacant RCMP station was located. The applicant is proposing commercial space for the ground level and residential units on the second and third floors. Council received the results of the community survey on the retail sale of cannabis that was mailed to 3,461 homes in Ladysmith earlier this year. The majority of residents (59 per cent) supported the retail sale of cannabis in Ladysmith, while 37 per cent indicted they were opposed. Staff will bring back recommendations for permitting recreational cannabis sales in town. Staff consulted with stakeholders and user groups to arrive at a list of potential amenities for the site surrounding Forrest Field, including: a walking trail, outdoor exercise stations, park service building, bike skills park and trailhead, warm-up/ practice pitch, multisport courts and ball diamond. Council authorized staff to work with the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools to allow the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District to use the vacant École Davis Road School for the Waterfront Gallery and classrooms for up to nine months while renovations are taking place at Arts Council’s current home.
World’s Largest Hockey Stick Gets makeover The iconic hockey stick and puck on the Cowichan Community Centre now has a new lighting system installed, enabling changing colours and patterns in addition to the classic white lights. The new lighting system will be more energy efficient and easier to maintain than the older LED lighting. “We’re excited to use the new lights to better celebrate and support community activities and rejuvenate one of Vancouver Island’s most identifiable landmarks,” said Terri Askham, Manager of the Cowichan Community Centre. Displayed since 1988, the shaft and blade of the stick are made in sections with steel-reinforced Douglas Fir beams measuring 3 foot by 4 foot for a total length of 205 feet. The stick weighs 61,000 pounds
New Harbour Master For Port Captain Satinder Singh has been appointed to the position of Vice-President, Marine Operations and Harbour Master for the Port of Nanaimo. Capt. Singh brings 21 years of experience to the position and will be responsible for the safety and security within the Port’s jurisdiction. “We are very pleased to have Captain Singh join our team at the Port of Nanaimo,” says Ian Marr, President & CEO. “His impeccable credentials and many years of service in the marine industry will be a great asset and we are very pleased he has chosen to join us.”
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Traditional Family Barn Dance Come to the Cedar Community Hall (2388 Cedar Road) on Friday, September 20, 2019, for a barn dance, featuring a live fiddle band and caller. Doors open 6:30 pm and the barn dance begins promptly at 7 pm and ends at 9 pm. This
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is a family-friendly, non-alcohol event; cost is $5 per person at door. Children under five are free. Dance experience is not necessary, and all dances will be taught and called in circles and lines. This is not a square dance, and a partner is not needed although fun to have. There will be many traditional fun Canadian Prairie dances taught during the evening. People who prefer not to dance are most welcome to sit back and enjoy an evening of lively Celtic/Cape Breton/Quebecois fiddle music. People who wear something western will receive a friendly shoutout from the fiddle band. Visit www.nanaimofiddlesociety.org or phone Terry at 250-754-5697.
Ladysmith Little Theatre Opens Season
Barn dance at Cedar Hall in 2018.
The season opener for Ladysmith Little Theatre is “The Dining Room,” by A.R. Gurney. Directed by Mort Paul the comedy of manners, is set in a dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where a family would assemble daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions.
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Over two acts, 18 scenes from different households overlap and intertwine. The actors change roles, personalities and ages as they portray a wide variety of characters, from little boys to stern grandfathers, and from giggling teenage girls to Irish housemaids. Each vignette introduces a new set of people and events, and presumably, each story is focused around a different family during different time periods, who has in their possession the same dining room furniture set, manufactured in 1898. Twelve performances run through Thursday, September 19 to Sunday, October 6, 2019. Reservations can be made at www.ladysmiththeatre.com or by calling 250-924-0658 Monday, Wednesday or Fri, from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Port Theatre Presents 2019–20 Spotlight Season A “relevant, bold and outrageously excellent” mix of music, theatre and dance performances, the 2019–2020 Port Theatre Spotlight Season seeks to engage, provoke and inspire audiences on a journey of exploration. Performances include Ofra Harnoy, one of Canada’s
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most celebrated cellists and five time JUNO award winner, and Grammy award winner Rosanne Cash, one of country’s pre-eminent singer/songwriters. Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo, male ballet dancers en pointe as swans and romantic princesses will bring a new level of entertainment to Nanaimo, while Unikkaaqtuat: A Tribute to the Inuit Tale mixes circus arts, music, theatre and Inuit culture to transport the audience to an ancient world where Inuit had not met white people. Manual Cinema stitches together the story of Frankenstein through shadow puppetry, cinematic techniques, innovative sound and live music. The Arts Club Theatre Company brings two exciting plays to the Port Theatre stage; “Kim’s Convenience” and “Bed & Breakfast”. Ballet Victoria’s Ballet Rocks includes new balletic works to the music of Queen, Led Zeppelin and other legendary rock bands. Les Voix Humaines Consort of Viols resonates the natural acoustics of the
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Port Theatre with their vast repertoire for multiple viols. The semi-fairytale beauties Dakh Daughters’ underground ethno punk cabaret delivers what has been hailed as “the sexiest accordion-fuelled murder ballad ever performed.” Audience favourites Winter Harp and International Guitar Night are back on the Port Theatre Mainstage and the Classical Coffee Concert and Off Stage Jazz Series return to the Port Theatre lobby. The Port Theatre invites you to take the journey with the 2019–20 Spotlight Season and risk being amazed, inspired and utterly entertained.
Eight Hands at 88 Keys Chemainus Classical Concert presents “Eight Hands at 88 Keys,” with pianists Ann Mendenhall, Emily Armour, Rykie Avenant and Catharina de Beer. This concert announces the changeover of the Artistic Directorship of the Chemainus Classical Concert series, as Ann Mendenhall passes the position to Rykie Avenant and Catharina de Beer. They
will be joined by Emily Armour, and the program will include works by Bach, Chopin, Schubert and Rachmaninoff, with duets, trios and a hilarious quartet, all on one keyboard on Sunday, September 8, at 2 pm at St Michael’s Church, Chemainus. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for those under 18. Tickets are available at Owl’s Nest Bistro, Chemainus; Salamander Books, Ladysmith; and Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn, or by phoning 250-7488383. For more information, visit www. chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca.
Live Music at The Osborne Bay Pub The Osborne is proud to be the venue for South Island Rhythm Kings selftitled CD release party. Steeped in traditional early electric blues, this group’s song selection draws from a wide range of early electric blues greats, plus many original tunes. At the nucleus of the band is the father/son team of Lazy Mike Mallon on vocals and harmonica, and Carson Mallon on guitar and vocals, Dan “piano dano” Dube on keys, Ricky Renouf on stand up bass, and the “groove doctor” Nick Dokter on drums, all locking in to drive the bottom end and forge the band’s downhome rockin’ blues sound! (www.lazymikemallonmusic.net/south-island-rhythm-kings) It’s another great monthly line up at the Osborne Bay Pub. The September line up includes: Mark Crissinger Solo Performance (September 6); Groove Kitchen (September 7); Deep Sea Gypsies (September 14); Daniel Wesleyw/ special guest (September 20); Big Pacific (September 21); and Row of Crowz (September 28).
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A Farmer’s Wisdom The UN report released in August suggested that the way humans have been using land for forestry and farming is to blame for a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions between 2007 and 2016. Many Canadian farmers have now adopted the zero-tillage seeding process recommended by the UN (nationally 59 per cent of all seeded farmland in 2016). This process sows seed in soil that is mostly undisturbed, preventing the deep penetration that releases the soil’s stored carbon into the atmosphere. As we approach the end of our third year of farming at Deep Roots Farm in
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Yellow Point, we are heartily encouraged to see how much high-quality food can be produced in an organized farm system. I attribute this success to the Goldenrose’s skills as a farmer and to her practice of zero-till growing, replacing tillage with the simple use of a broadfork. Deep ploughing a field or garden bed not only destroys the soil structure and the soil food web of life, leading to soil compaction, but also brings weed seeds to the surface. Once the soil warms up and is watered regularly the weeds take off and the grower’s life becomes a losing battle fighting weeds, which compete and steal nutrients from the food plants. Goldie’s method for maintaining a weed free farm is to cover the pathways and unused beds with a black landscape fabric called Lumite. This is a tightlywoven fabric constructed of tough UV stabilized polypropylene, designed to allow the passage of water and nutrients enabling the soil to “breathe.” This groundcover offers exceptionable weed control while providing an aerated and healthy environment where plants can thrive. As well as limiting the growth of weeds, a bed covered with Lumite maintains an even soil temperature, which is much appreciated by heat-loving food plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and basil, when they are grown through it.
Weed-Be-Gone Recipe 1 gallon white vinegar 2 cups Epsom Salts 1/4 cup Dawn Dish Soap (blue original) Spray on weeds in the morning after the dew has evaporated. As each crop is harvested the farmer adds amendments of manure and compost to the bed to rejuvenate it with organic matter. In some cases a green manure crop, such as buckwheat, is sown and turned under. As a result, it is possible to get as many as three successive harvests of fast-growing crops, such as lettuce, radishes, arugula and cilantro, in one season, and two harvests of slower growing crops, such as cabbage and broccoli. At planting time, fertilizers may be added to enhance productivity, such as organic alfalfa pellets for nitrogen or lime for the brassicas. Every time crops are removed without restoring organic matter, the soil nutrients are
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Food produced in an organized farm system. Photo courtesy of Carolyn Herriot
depleted, resulting in reduced fertility, decreased plant health and soil erosion. The key to success in direct seeding crops is regular watering because seedlings are vulnerable at the initial stage of development. Every four-foot-wide farm bed is lined with four rows of drip watering tape, hooked up to a computerized watering system that delivers twenty minutes of water every day. Seeds are sown in a shallow furrow along the drip tape. There is no waste, as the water is delivered directly to the roots and none is lost to evaporation on a hot day, or left sitting on leaves of plants, encouraging powdery mildew, which can be common on squash and cucumbers. Anyone who grows food knows that there are a host of pests waiting to wage battle with your food plants: aphids, flea beetles, weevils, cabbage white butterflies, carrot rust flies and slugs, to name just a few. This is where another protective row cover comes in handy in the form of Remay, a spun polyester fabric that covers the crop supported by wire hoops and held down by large rocks. This lightweight fabric keeps the insects at bay so we can grow perfect unflawed food without resorting to pesticides. These days efficient farming methods rely on infrastructure when it comes to pest, weed and temperature control. Lumite and Remay are readily available at the garden centres, so perhaps do yourself a favour and adopt some wisdom from a successful farmer. Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food (Harbour Publishing) available at your local bookstore.
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CVRD Area G Saltair
RDN Area A Cedar Bus service is coming to Cassidy and South Wellington! Despite the print media’s focus on service being extended to the Nanaimo Airport, the actual goal of increasing transit service south of the city was to serve the residents of South Wellington and Cassidy. The airport is just the lucky recipient of service that will be in the neighbourhood already. Many residents are more aware of the history of transit service requests from the communities south of Nanaimo than I am. I was a latecomer to this discussion, but began to push for it as soon as I was elected. I had met with several Cassidy residents who were adamant that the community was suffering significantly by not having access to public transit. Residents in South Wellington were less forceful, but also made it clear that transit service would improve the lives of many residents of that community. Young and older members of both communities were especially hard hit — many couldn’t drive and felt bad about begging rides to and from Nanaimo. Service on route 78 is set to begin
in January and will run three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) every two hours from 8 am to 6 pm. Once the service is in place, let the Transit Department know your concerns if you have any. Cassidy’s residents owe a debt of gratitude to Gerard Nachtegaele and Deirdre Saunders for the work they have put in to get Transit and other support services into that community. Both of them always seem to be present when the needs of Cassidy are being considered. My thanks go to them for keeping me informed about what is going on in Cassidy and letting me know about peoples’ concerns in that part of Area A. I am still trying to organize meetings in each of the communities in Area A, but it seems that there is never a perfect date. If anyone is having a meeting or event in Cassidy, South Wellington, Yellow Point or Cedar, feel free to reach out to me to attend. I would be happy to be available to community members for questions and answers. I can be reached at keith.wilson@rdn.bc.ca or by telephone at 250-722-3356.
Parks and Trails This fall, the CVRD will launch an interactive web map of CVRD parks and trails. There will also be links to nonCVRD parks and trails. You will be able to use the maps to explore and locate your position. Diana, Princess of Wales Wilderness Park - This Park has some new signage. Over time, ad hoc trails were created. Signage has been placed in the park to decommission these trails, help restore these trails to their original and natural form. The park was created by a generous donation of 12 hectares by sisters, Patricia Doornbosch and Diana Waddell (Hall). They felt the land would be more valuable as a wilderness park that preserved the area’s natural forest. Please use the designated trails to minimize damage and help preserve and restore this community park. Saltair Centennial Park CVRD public engagement regarding revitalization of this park is now available on PlaceSpeak (www.placespeak. com/SaltairCentennialPark) and on the CVRD website (www.cvrd.bc.ca/96/ About-Parks-Trails). A survey can be scanned and emailed to tanya.soroka@ cvrd.bc.ca or mailed to the address on the survey. Surveys can also be picked up at the Saltair Market (Byrons). Centennial Park is funded by our Saltair parks budget, which is paid for by
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Saltair taxpayers. Please take the time to work on the decisions that will affect the nature of the park revitalization. CVRD Regional Recreation Funding - On April 27, 2018, after failing to identify an acceptable regional funding scenario, the CVRD board passed a motion requiring that “… a framework for a sub-regional services committee structure be prepared for consideration by the Board.” Fifteen months later, there was no sub-regional services committee framework and regional funding scenarios were again being discussed. The regional funding scenarios would have created a $129,000 to $620,000 tax increase for Area G. On August 14, 2019, the CVRD directors voted in favour of funding based on usage and asked for information and funding options on this basis. Currently, Saltair taxpayers annually provide $40,000 (about 2.7 per cent of total funding) to the Frank Jameson Community Centre. This has not changed in 19 years, even though there is room for an increase within the establishing bylaw, which permits funding up to 0.23180 per $1000 of the Net Taxable Value of Saltair properties. Current data suggests six per cent of the persons who use the Frank Jameson Community Centre and 3.9 per cent of the persons who use the Fuller Lake Arena are from Area G. This implies annual grants of $88,000 and $44,000 might be appropriate. The data regarding other “Regionally Significant Facilities” indicates Area G residents account for less than 1.4 per cent of the total usage, which is less than the percentage allowed for error. The funding scenarios all concern nine “Regionally Significant Facilities” like the Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Cowichan Sportsplex, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Frank Jameson Community Centre, etc. Other facilities are not considered for regional funding even though many of their users might be from a different area. The funding scenarios all suggest local taxpayers should pay the full cost for some of the facilities in their area plus a portion of the cost for the “Regionally Significant Facilities.” Many things need to be considered and many questions need to be answered before a usage funding model will move forward. Saltair Roads - At the end of July, I invited the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) representative for our community to join me in a tour of Saltair roads. We spent a full afternoon inspecting the roads. So far this year, we have seen some road replaced and the Lagoon Bridge resurfaced, all of which are appreciated upgrades. My two-page list will help identify road safety issues in Saltair. Some items will fall into the MOTI 2020 budget and some will be referred for further exploration and consideration. The crosswalk on Chemainus Road at Willshire will require more investigation to ensure public safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. There is minimal shoulder available with a ditch. I am told the crosswalk evolved from a line on the road for drag racing and MOTI painted the crosswalk to nowhere thinking it was supposed to be a crosswalk. The ad hoc trail going to and from the Cowichan Valley Trail at this location crosses private land. More Area G Director news at saltairnews.com. Please contact me at lynne.smith@cvrd.bc.ca.
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North Oyster & Area News: PARKS! BY MURRAY MCNAB When there was an Area H Parks Commission, most of the new work was carried out by members of the Commission, with the usual maintenance done by a contractor. Area H has many lovely parks, with a combined area that is larger than any of the other rural areas in the CVRD. The following is a list of the parks, along with a little bit of their history, as I know it. Blue Heron Park. This is the most northerly park in our area and is located just north of Yellow Point Lodge. This park is really just a road (Westby Road, name after Arnold Westby, a long time resident of the area who donated countless hours to local projects) that runs from Yellow Point Road to the ocean. This road was created when the Yellow Point Lodge property was subdivided. One of the regulations for the subdivision was that a road with access to the waterfront had to provide for every certain length of waterfront of the original property. The width of a road access is 66 feet. Three road accesses were required for this subdivision. I was away at BCIT, travelling or recovering from a MVA, when all of this happened and did not have my ear to the ground regarding such developments. This park is really just a strip that is 198 feet wide. How this was allowed to happen, I am not sure. I do know that this area is the shortest distance from Yellow Point Road to the ocean. By having this road in this location, a minimum of land was donated for road access. With the steep rock blus, leading to the ocean, that are encountered just south of this park, access to any waterfront south of this area is limited to YPL Guests. It should be noted that the Durban’s house, which was on this land, had to be removed. If you are ever at this park, please note the small structure covering a large picnic table. This was a carport in its earlier days. Park volunteers put a new roof on and also replaced some of the support posts. The same volunteers poured concrete bases for some of the picnic tables and benches that are located in this park. As the original Cedar posts that surrounded the grass area rotted away,
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along the beach, with the cost of $6,780.59. Green Thumb Landscaping was awarded the contract to supply and plant all of the shrubs and trees, with the cost of $5,935.66. The toilet surround and concrete base cost $1,100. Harmac donated the large rocks; volunteers built the bench and picnic table while the site work and supervision was also donated. The total cost to get this park up and running was $13,816.25, despite a budget of $17,200. I am out of time, but there are several other small parks to cover. Next time, I will touch on the picnic table fiasco that occurred at Yellow Point Park, as well as the implementation of one standard style of picnic tables and benches that are to be installed in any parks throughout the CVRD. Till next time, thank you.
volunteers replaced them. When too many posts were rotting away, volunteers removed all of them and replaced them with large rocks, which came from the widening project on the Old Chemainus Road in Ladysmith. Yellow Point Park. This is the largest park in Area H. I am not certain about the origin of this park, but will try to provide more information in a future article. Many hours have been donated for the construction of trails, bridges and the surround for the Porta Potty. Volunteers also arranged for the donation and placement of the cedar poles that surround the parking lot. Many volunteers and community groups have worked tirelessly to try and rid this park of Broome. The Broome Busters and, more recently, the Yellow Point Ecological Society must be thanked for all of the work that they have done. More on the picnic table fiasco at a later date. Raven Park. This park is the first park encountered on the way to Coffin Point. This park was created as the result of the development of the subdivision adjacent to the east. As is usually the case, the very worst land is given up for park land. This lot was in a swamp and runs from the road down to the salt water. While under the direction of the previous Area H director, this park was developed. When I heard that over $40,000 had been spent on this park, I immediately took an interest in the Parks Commission and asked to join it. I was not invited to join the Parks Commission until the current director was elected. Volunteers used to help to keep the park in good shape, replace cables and posts around the driveway and parking area. The paved area was to accommodate bus loads of kayakers, who were to appear and use this park to get out on the salt water. I asked at one of the Parks Commission meetings, “why did they not spend the money at Coffin Point, where there was real water!” I had witnessed that there was up to 300 feet of mud to cross if a kayaker was to venture out and come back at a low tide! Elliots Beach Park. I was talking with my neighbour, Don Pigott, about the Raven Park debacle and suggested that we look into creating a park at the road end at Coffin Point. We believe that the year was 1997. Don talked to Dean Anderson, of the MOTI, who happened to be a badminton buddy of Don’s. Don learned that the CVRD could lease this road end for $1 per year. Don was elected to the Parks Commission the next year, and a plan was put together to develop this park. RT Excavating was awarded the contract for site prep and a retaining wall
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Fate-Coincidence-Luck “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be ...” — John Lennon I had planned to write an amusing tale of our Tequila episode in Mexico, but methinks it might have to wait for another month. In late May, there was a chain of events that happened to me that can only be described as spooky, or eerie, possibly prophetic. Well let’s just say it creeped me out! So without further adieu, my tale: My fists (and teeth) always clench when I hear someone remark, “There’s a reason for everything.” And this is long before those truly well-meaning folk attempted to console me when Laurie passed away. Over the last year and a half, my black and white, medical/ scientific brain has been slowly changing (evolving?). Coincidence — no such thing. Fate — bah hokum ... then again, maybe ... So May 21st I was up early to take Fern, the nephew’s kids’ cat to the Comox Airport to be flown back to Ontario and into their loving arms. My good friend Sharon joined me for much-appreciated company and lively conversation. We took the Jeep. The Jeep has his-
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tory, Laurie history. He had bought it because he didn’t like me going to work at NRGH on snowy winter mornings in the VW van. I needed a four-wheel drive. He wanted me safe. And when the summer came and the hay bales needed to come off the field and into the barns, our old flat-bed trailer hooked up just so snuggly to the Jeep’s tow bar and ball. This August I planned a Jeep roadtrip across Canada to Ontario, visit the family and pick up the last of our treasured keepsakes, most importantly my engagement rock. That’s right, you read correctly. I’ve never been one for jewelry, especially expensive jewelry, and definitely not a diamond ring. So when the time came all those years ago in 1975, Laurie proposed, on bended knee, whilst I sat in the 1880 rocking chair that he gave me — a rock for the tush instead of a rock for the finger! And I had decided that my rocking chair needed to come home now. After the cat was on her way East and we were set to drive back to the farm, Sharon remarked that my seat was forward much closer that hers. I moved it back a bit giving myself more legroom and stomach distance from the steering wheel. As we entered Nanaimo, the traffic light turned red. I was stopped a good distance from the moving van ahead of me. And then it happened. The Jeep lunged forward, even with my foot firmly on the break. I pressed down hard. The Jeep stopped and then lunged forward again. Now I put both feet on the break, but not before I jammed under the back of the moving van, my hood crunched up to the windshield. Turn off the engine; get out of that car. The woman behind us was gobsmacked as well. She said that she saw my break lights on and the Jeep
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Jackie Moad with her willful Jeep. Photo: Eddie MacDonald
hopping forward at the same time. The police, the fire department, the ambulance attendants could not believe that we were both unscathed although Sharon would mention later that I might not have been so lucky if my seat had been in that far forward position. The Jeep was totalled. When I got home I went to the filing cabinet, the one that Laurie kept so organized, and immediately saw the folder “Jeep, repairs, etc.” First page, his handwriting on a sticky note stuck to a letter to ICBC read: “Getting wood in wee forest, Jeep jumped out of Park and hit tree!” I remember Laurie saying a few times how he should never have bought that Jeep. But I loved it, so we kept it. A month earlier Sharon’s son Eddie, a photographer/videographer, had purchased a drone and made a short video of the farm. I can look at that sweet three-minute clip and see the cherry trees, the collies, the horses and the Jeep working the farm. (Youtube “Lucky” by Eddie McDonald.) My plan to drive across Canada is on hold for now. I guess maybe my guardian angel knew better. I say that the Jeep committed suicide, but perhaps it was given a small push. And it has started me thinking ... does everything happen for a reason? Epilogue: Sharon’s friend had a lead on an older Jeep, 1991, new tires, one owner, great condition, 4x4, and with a tow bar and ball. I scooped it up. Jackie Moad is becoming a bit more philosophical in her old age, pondering fate vs. coincidence, as she continues farming their 20-acre organic farm, actively seeking local solutions to global challenges.
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Cedar thanks Shelagh Gourlay BY MARY SHAKESPEARE When Shelagh Gourlay moved to Cedar in the 1980’s, she could see that Cedar was a community where young families often struggled. Many moved here because it was affordable, but those with limited means found the area lacked supportive resources. Single parent families, for example, couldn’t just jump in the car and drive to town - bus service to Nanaimo, 10 km away, was very limited. So these young families felt isolated. The area did have two churches, many interest groups, and three schools, but the school population was transient - many children shuffled from school to school as families moved in and out of Cedar. There were no preschools, no adult education, health, teen or seniors’ programs. Cedar not only lacked services and activities which would bring people together and encourage a sense of community and direction, it also lacked the leadership to help the community establish these services. With a vision for something better, Shelagh helped to found the Cedar School & Community Enhancement Society (CSCES) in 1997 “to assist in meeting the needs of the Cedar community, particularly children and families”. With her leadership and her innate ability to involve others, a wide range of services were initiated for children, families and other residents of Cedar. As Chairperson of CSCES for seven years, Shelagh was a driving force for many new community initiatives, including the new Cedar Community Secondary School, a public internet access site, Youth Summer programs/Activity Day Camp, and a Teen Youth Centre. When talking about CSCES projects her enthusiasm was so contagious that others wanted to become involved. She has a knack for reaching out to diverse people, sharing the vision and involving them. She spots and mobilizes the talents of others and involves them as volunteers, and effectively shares and delegates responsibilities. As she involves others, she mentors and supports people so they grow in their capacities. She keeps the momentum of the group, always with a project on the go. She sustains the momentum by being strategic and imaginative in the use of community energy. Shelagh’s visionary leadership and hard work benefited our community...the Cedar Heritage Centre, Employment for Youth and Adults, Community Police Station, a playground for young children and programs for seniors. To achieve these extraordinary accomplishments, Shelagh has attended innumerable meetings to develop and evaluate programs, to speak up for community needs, to research infor-
Shelagh Gourlay. Photo: Eddie MacDonald
mation, write funding applications and involve others. She has been steadfast, and continues to work behind the scenes for the community benefit. Her hard work and caring dedication have helped to meet the needs of Cedar residents and, as a result, our community has benefited enormously from Shelagh’s outstanding service and leadership. Shelagh Gourlay is also the recipient of the BC Community Citizen of the Year award in 2006. After decades of dedicated community activism she is moving to Steveston, on ‘the mainland’. She was honoured by a farewell tea (complete with Cedar Women’s Institute’s array of home-baked delights) at the beautiful Cedar Heritage Centre on August 17.
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Farm fresh! BY MARINA SACHT You want to make a chef smile? Forget the cheese! Say farm fresh. No longer a trend, these days you will find the words “locally sourced”,”sustainable”, “farm to table” on many local eateries from fine dining to your local pub. The Islanders have always advocated a simpler more natural life and they enjoyed the rural lifestyle long before it became hip. So it’s no surprise that we are blessed with an abundance of small farm growers. Farm markets and farm co-ops where young farmers nurture themselves along with feeding us. The joys of all this means that we don’t have to be born with a green thumb to enjoy all that good taste! “It’s really gratifying to be able to use the freshest produce possible when it comes from my own garden,” says Ste-
Stephen Wilson’s garden grows tasty ingredients for the Mahle House restaurant menu.
phen Wilson chef at the Mahle House Restaurant. You will find fresh produce featured prominently here. “I get a huge sense of satisfaction putting produce on the plates that I know I was involved in every step of the way - from prepping the beds for planting, putting seeds in the ground, watering, weeding, harvesting and then repeating the cycle. Same with the pork I produce.” Wilson says there’s a sense of pride that the animals were raised in a humane and healthy environment. Wilson has carried on the tradition
of the Mahle House garden which was originally located behind the restaurant, and now has upwards of 2000 sq. ft. of growing beds producing carrots, beets, Hakurei turnips, kale, romaine, butter lettuce, party pan and other summer squash, easter egg and French Breakfast radishes, mizuna, beans, kohlrabi, herbs, various microgreens, tomatoes, potatoes and leaf lettuce. We also raise pigs for use in the restaurant. Most of the vegetables go on the plates as dinner vegetables but of course we
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make lots of salads from various lettuces as well. The micros are used for garnish and the herbs are used in multiple applications. The pork is used as main entrees but more importantly it features highly on our charcuterie boards, various terrines, rillettes, sausage and pate. I also just yesterday made my own smoked jowl bacon. “I love that I can provide the freshest, most local and healthiest ingredients to my customers and that my efforts might positively impact their experience in my restaurant.
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Lauren Cartmel, chef at Ma Maison is also passionate about farm fresh at her Saltair restaurant and takes advantage of seasonal local produce. “We use lots of local produce. Lettuce is from Wicklow farms, raspberries for our pie and jam is Cowichan Bay Raspberries,” says Cartmel. She also uses True Grain flours from Cowichan Bay. Cartmel will be one of the participants you will see at Averill Creek’s “On this Harvest Moon” a celebration of the Cowichan Valley’s autumn bounty with local farmers on Saturday, Sept. 14.
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Dina Stuehler at Ironworks Creperie takes pride in their partnership with local small farms to supply fresh berries, vegetables and organic free-range eggs. “It’s really important sourcing your ingredients as local as I can get.” Wilson echoes her sentiment. “I love that I can provide the freshest, most local and healthiest ingredients to my customers and that my efforts might positively impact their experience in my restaurant,” says Wilson. And we love that experience, right back at ya.
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The Weed Wacker, A Weapon of Mass Destruction Most men don’t mind mowing the lawn. It’s weed eating we don’t like, mainly because of the timing. After chasing the lawnmower over the North 40, a man wants a beer, not another assignment. It should come as no surprise that we don’t always perform up to our spouse’s expectations. There are other reasons too, one being weed wackers are powered by two-stroke engines, as are chainsaws, leaf blowers and Italian scooters, anything that sounds like a large insect on crack.
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Two-stroke engines require a 50 to 1 mixture of gas and oil. Remembering to add the oil is the hard part. Since running the machine without oil results in melting expensive internal parts, erring on the side of caution is prudent. Just to be sure, you add still more oil, resulting in a 25 to 1 ratio, on which the engine will still operate although the smoke will lead neighbours to believe you’ve set your car tires on fire again. Erring on the side of caution quickly results in a mixture that looks like a tide pool around the Exxon Valdez’s final landing place. Trying to get it to start at this ratio is still possible, but requires numerous trips to the chiropractor for shoulder repair. One becomes cautious about adding oil because not doing so necessitates a trip to the repair shop where you get to confess to another man that you’re stupid. Not just any man, but a real man in Husqvarna suspenders, who really knows his way around machinery and says not a comforting word as he receives your wounded wacker. Attention ladies: The small machine
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repair business is ripe for takeover. Success is guaranteed if you offer guys like me some comfort. Don’t look at us as stupid morons not smart enough to put oil in the gas. Instead say, “Oh no, Delbert, you didn’t forget to put oil in your weed wacker again, did you? You poor thing. You must feel horrible.” At this point, take my hand and make comforting noises. It would help if you looked like one of those calendar girls plastered over the walls of most repair shops. Not starting is actually a good thing because the only damage you do is to your shoulder. But we’ll get into that later. First we need some protective clothing. This consists of large plastic goggles that make you look like an insect and even larger bulbous ear protectors to further that effect. Goofy protective pants are also a good idea should you choose to protect your lower extremities. You’ll know you’ve got the clothing right if people confuse you with Buzz Aldrin, metal detector in hand, landing on the moon.
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The next task is an examination of the cutting head. Most people have the self-feeding type, which involves a large spring. Never seek involvement with a large spring. Tapping the head on the ground is supposed to feed extra line in. You can tell if you’ve got this type if you find yourself frantically bludgeoning the ground, as if beating to death a poisonous snake. The other type, usually employed by professionals who have broken their first wacker in two by pounding the ground in frustration, requires cutting short lengths of cord and inserting them into holes in the head. This type works fine on light grass, but is hopeless against more muscular weeds. Dandelions, for example, will say, “Watch this,” and, then quicker than you can say, “Kung Fu Fighting,” will grab the cord and yank it out of the hole leaving you with a useless spinning top. The main problem with both types is you can’t see the line when it’s spinning. This is a major design flaw, just ask my wife’s roses. Playback of man’s mind just before being chased out of yard and around block by angry wife. “Closer, closer, closer ... oops!” In the hands of an expert, a weed wacker can make a yard look like a sculpture. In the hands of a Delbert, the same yard looks like a D-9 cat has attacked it. Though useless against a muscular weed, these machines are killer around any plant in the hundred dollar range. They have been known to leap out of the hands of even an experienced operator, jump the neighbour’s fence, duck around the pump house, then throttle to death the prized rhododendron that finally began to blossom. That’s why, when you look in the machine’s instruction manual, the last five chapters are on ways to say to say you’re sorry. Equally important is track work in the offseason to insure a quick take off when your wife comes after you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just add a little nitro to bump up the horse power and ... whoa! Not the maple. Please Lord, not the maple.
WINE NEWS: Up until recently, a sale at the liquor store meant one or two dollars off a twenty-dollar bottle of wine. Oh sure, there was the occasional inventory blowout where wines that should have been consumed before the Korean war, not after, were flushed out of the store at a 30 per cent discount, but those were rare. Times however have changed. The LDB is using its massive purchasing power to seek out one-time buys throughout the world at tremendous cost savings, much of which is passed onto the consumer. Twelve dollar wines are actually being sold for eight bucks. The problem is, at these prices, supplies simply won’t last. (Is it just me, or is this beginning to sound like a Gordy Dodd commercial?) By the time you get one of these bargain wines home, try it over dinner and finally get back to the liquor store after getting caught in the cheap gas lineup for two days, your wine has gone bye-bye. How would a professional handle the situation? Easy. First thing you need is a tasting tent. Pitch it right in front of the liquor store in the spot that used to be reserved for handicapped
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parking, but has now been expropriated for handicapped tenting. March into the liquor store, pick up a bottle each of the sale items and retire to tasting headquarters, which happens to be your tent. After trying the wines, sprint back in the liquor store and load up on the ones you liked. If the authorities want to know what the hell you’re up to, tell them your ancestors, who became widely known as the Happy Campers, used that exact same spot to conduct tasting some 350 years ago. While they’re checking up on the authenticity of that claim, beat a hasty retreat. Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked at Mahle House. and CoCo Cafe.
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SEPTEMBER 1 – 8 1, Cultivate Festival, The Commons, 675 North Rd., Gabriola Island, cultivate.artsgabriola.ca 1, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 1, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd 1, 2pm, Loggers Sports, Amphitheatre, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith 4–5, BC Cancer Breast Screening mobile mammograms, book an appointment, Ladysmith Community Health Centre, 1111 4th Ave, Ladysmith, 1-800-663-9203 6-8, Cowichan Exhibition Fair, 7380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan, cowex.ca, 250-748-0822 6, 5pm–9pm, Dine on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 6, 7pm, Mark Crissinger Solo Performance, no cover, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 7, 9am–10:30am, $5 Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 7, 2pm–6pm, The Egg Man, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar, 250-722-3141 7, 8pm, Groove Kitchen, $10 at door, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-3242245 8, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd 8, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 8, 10am–4pm, Sonata for Summer, fundraiser, Wildwood, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith 8, 10am–4pm, Stock the Gift Shop for the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary, fundraiser, upstairs of Eagles Hall, 921-1st Ave., Ladysmith
8, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts: Eight Hands at 88 Keys, with pianists Ann Mendenhall, Emily Armour, Rykie Avenant & Catherina de Beer, St. Michael’s Church, 2858 Mill St., Chemainus, 250-748-8383
9 – 15 10, 6:30pm–8:30pm, Ladysmith Air Cadets Open House/Info/Registration, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., Ladysmith, ladysmithaircadets@yahoo. ca 13, 9:30am–noon, LaFF’s Fall Harvest Party, Ladysmith Community Gardens, next to the ball diamond on High St. and Second Ave., Ladysmith, 250-210-0870 13–Oct. 5, Wednesday–Sunday, “Mrs. Warren’s Profession,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, 1-800-565-7738 13–14, Nanaimo Ukulele Festival, Nanaimo Neighbourhood Church, 4951 Rutherford Rd., Nanaimo 14–November 24, 10am–5pm (except Sundays), Hockey Exhibit, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821
14, 9pm–12:30am, Sons of Guns, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., Ladysmith 15, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 15, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd 15, 11am (registration 10am), Terry Fox Run, Frank Jameson Community Centre, 810 6 Ave., Ladysmith, terryfox.org
16 – 22 16, 6pm–8pm, LaFF’s SEWcial Program, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., Ladysmith 16, 7pm, Wheaty Fun Crib doubles league, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar, 250722-3141 18, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 18, 11:30am–1pm, $5 Soup and Bun, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111
14, 10am–4pm, 55+ Lifestyle Show, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo
19–Oct. 6, 7:30pm (doors 7pm), 2pm (Sunday matinees), “The Dining Room,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd.,250-924-0658
14, 11am–2pm, Cedar Fun Day, Cedar Village Square, 1824 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-7227010
20, 7pm–9pm (doors 6:30pm), Traditional Family Fiddle Barn Dance, $5, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., South Nanaimo, 250-754-5697
14, 1pm–3pm, Cedar Women’s Institute Blackberry Tea, fundraiser, Cedar United Church Hall, 1644 Cedar Rd., Cedar
20, 8pm, Daniel Wesley, $25 ($30 at door), Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
14–15, 1pm–5pm (Sat.) and 9am–4pm (Sun.), Introduction to Artisan Baking Workshop, $175, Seraphina’s Oven, 11286 Green Hill Dr., Ladysmith, 250-619-4464
20–21, 10am–3pm, Gigantic Yarns Sale, fundraiser for the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild, The Commons, 744 Primrose St., Qualicum
14, 9pm, Deep Sea Gypsies, $15 ($20 at door), Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
21, 10am, Bear Spray Workshop, Register cowichanvalley@wildsafebc.com, Free, Fuller Lake Arena parking lot, 2876 Fuller Lake Rd., Chemainus
21, 2pm–6pm, Renovation Blues Band, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar, 250-722-3141
30, 7pm, Wheaty Fun Crib doubles league, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar, 250-722-3141
21, 5pm–8pm, Birthday Party and Potluck, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111
26 – 31
21, 7:30pm (doors 7pm), PIGS: Canada’s Pink Floyd, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan
27, 7pm,Tropic Mayhem, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, cvcas.com
21, 8pm, South Island Rhythm Kings CD Release Party, $10, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
27, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club presents “Wildlife Photography,” Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith
21, 9pm–12:30am, The Shakes, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., Ladysmith
29, 7pm-9pm, Gord Light, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146
22, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd
Aug 30–Sept. 1, Cultivate Festival, The Commons, 675 North Rd., Gabriola Island, cultivate.artsgabriola.ca
22, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar
Aug 30, 5pm–9pm, Dine on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146
23 – 30
30, 8pm, Jack, Ray & Ken, $10, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
23, 4pm–8pm, Cake Decorating 1 Workshop, $90, Seraphina’s Oven, 11286 Green Hill Dr., Ladysmith, 250-619-4464
30, 8:45pm (music and snacks 7:30pm), “Back to the Future,” by donation, Waterwheel, Chemainus
23, 4pm Ideal Protein Discussion, Pharmasave Ladysmith, 441 1st Ave., Reserve Spot 250-327-9050
31, noon–4pm, Super Saturdays at the Museum, Ladysmith Museum,
23, 6:30pm, Paint Night in the Pub, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar, 250-722-3141 24–25, 1pm–5pm(Tue.) and 9am–4pm(Wed.), Introduction to Sourdough and Artisan Baking Workshop, $175, Seraphina’s Oven, 11286 Green Hill Dr., Ladysmith, 250-619-4464 26, 10am, General Meeting, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 27, 8pm, Big Pacific, $10, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250324-2245 28–29, 9am–4pm (Sat.) and 9am–1pm (Sun.), Croissants and Danish (Laminated) Workshop, $175, Seraphina’s Oven, 11286 Green Hill Dr., Ladysmith, 250-619-4464 28, 10am–2pm, Our Chemainus – A Celebration, Sawmill TapHouse & Grill Event Venue, 3055 Oak St. #201B, Chemainus, 250-246-3944 28, 8pm, Row of Crowz, $10, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 28, 9pm–12:30am, Big Daddy, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., 29, 9am–3pm, NOAHS Giant Annual Garage Sale, rain or shine, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., Ladysmith 29, 9am–5pm, 20th Annual Salt Spring Apple Festival, Fulford Hall plus 18 venues, Salt Spring Island, saltspringapplefestival.org 29, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 29, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre 29, 3pm, Ofra Harnoy, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo
OCTOBER 1–November 24, 10am–5pm (except Sundays), Hockey Exhibit, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821 14, Deep Sea Gypsies, Osborne Bay Pub-Crofton 21, PIGS: Canada’s Pink Floyd, Cowichan PAC-Duncan 29, Ofra Harnoy, The Port Theatre-Nanaimo
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take5.ca
FOR SALE MINER’S SHACK GALLERY COLLECTION. On trend painted furniture, locally made pillows, original art and prints, gifts and unique vintage items. Downstairs at the Antique Post Office, open 7 days a week. ARBUTUS FIREWOOD seasoned, cut and split. Length 15” to 17”. By the cord $325. You pick-up 250-245-5775.
TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am–noon, $60/3 mo., www.taichinanaimo.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.
FREE
HOME & YARD
Baldwin ‘80s Electric Organ “Fun Machine” Some wear and tear, Works! Loud and fun, comes with music books and bench, solid wood has a split keyboard and many cool instrument sounds. Must pick up …FREE 250-245-4073
THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. Mature and steady worker. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-618-9217.
FOR RENT LUSH PASTURE available for horses, sheep & goats. Close to Cassidy. Contact Claus 250-2455039. LEARNING ADD YOUR VOICE. Singing Lessons, 30 yrs experience teaching both classical & musical theatre. Reasonable rates. Email knbotterell@ gmail.com. BUSINESS BUSY BOOKKEEPING with Jenny Vallance. If you would like any help with your bookkeeping needs, please let me know. I am located at 3165 Ingram Rd., Nanaimo. I am an Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada member. IPBC 250-739-1221. CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER. Now offering Senior Companionship and concierge services also! peaceofmindcare.wordpress.com. Kathleen kgrcoaching@gmail.com or 250-619-0786. I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com. HEALTH & BEAUT Y VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website. Editor@take5.ca.
EXPERIENCED HOUSE CLEANER looking for clients in and around the Ladysmith area (will do south Nanaimo). $25 per hour. Please contact Kim at 250-713-8683. DO YOU LOVE THE NATURAL LOOK of your property but feel overwhelmed with the maintenance? We work with landowners to make the most of your property’s natural beauty. Contact us at alderenviro.com or 250-686-5090. WE’RE HERE TO HELP with small jobs and clearing the clutter. Call the Forever Team, Bill and Kathy Reilly. Handyman services and trained professional organizer; info@ justsortit.ca or 250-668-8908. HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs 250-668-9195. INTERIOR PAINTING: Refresh your walls ... and your spirits! Careful, respectful work. Help with colour choice. Small jobs welcome. De-cluttering support and “use what you have” redecorating also available. Call Kari 250-245-2751. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 30 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800. LANDSCAPING, EXCAVATING, TRUCKING, mini excavator (can narrow to 38” for tight spots), bobcat, dump truck, driveways, ditching, backfilling, drainage, ponds & fencing. Delivery of driveway chips, sand, bark mulch, etc. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Phone or text for free estimates, Mike Williams BMCnanimo@gmail.com or 250668-2873. MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITH YOUR LANDSCAPING! We create landscapes that support pollinators, restore habitat and celebrate West Coast native plants. Your Property, Your Impact. Alderenviro.com or 250-686-5090.
SEPT 2019 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. ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design, www. islandgardenscapes.ca or 250-802-0461. ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260. KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com or 250-714-2738. GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free. Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421. INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL Blackberries, ivy, broom, etc. We get to the root of the problem. Thorough and reliable. Manual and machine removal. Free Quotes. Contact Alder Environmental info@alderenviro.com or 250-686-5090. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. DOG WALKING/HIKING OFF LEASH! 2-hour avg. walk, weekly walks year-round, pick up & drop off included, insured & licensed. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action! Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC at walken@ shaw.ca or 250-754-TREC(8732). THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill sburchard@ hotmail.ca or 250-924-8809. SENIORS LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project
TAKE 5 ready to press. Available in print and eBook format. Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. Editor@take5.ca or call 250-245-7015. LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcome. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. GRANNYS ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES. Are you looking for someone that can help you with an active senior family member? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-9241515.
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