TAKE 5 February 2022 by Take 5 Print & Digital Media

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Letters Renewed Christmas Spirit As the owner of Gogos Christmas tree farm, I would like to share a very wonderful thing with our customers. As you may know, every year, we give away a number of trees to families that are having a hard year. This year, we have had several patrons donate cash towards this eﬀort. Although we don’t need the help, it was most appreciated. So, a BIG THANK YOU for your generosity. Once again, we had a record sales year and will be planting many more in the spring. A portion of the profits are donated to Covenant House, a most worthwhile organization. — Mike Gogo

Tree slaughter I will, no doubt, be accused of being “a real Grinch,” or worse, for this ... but it should be said. If we are seriously concerned about climate change, global warming and leaving a good environment to our children, why are people buying “live” Christmas trees? A misnomer if there ever was one. As well as grossly hypocritical. Why are you paying exorbitant rates for a now dead tree that was removing carbon dioxide from the air before it was killed on your behalf?

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Once you haul it home and, three weeks later, haul it to a gas-powered wood chipper, or the landfill, you will have needlessly added more carbon dioxide to the environment. Nice going “environmentalist.” Does the word “hypocrisy” come to mind? Once the tree is in your house, in a pot of water, you spend inordinate time covering its natural beauty with mountains of garish plastic lights and ornaments. All products of a wasteful misuse of copper, petroleum-based chemicals and minerals — again, adding to, not reducing, global warming. Then, for three weeks, you power it all up with electricity too often generated by coal or gas-fired power plants. Would it not be far better next season to donate to reforestation projects rater than killing trees for ceremonies Christians appropriated from others? It would certainly be less hypocritical. Here are some reforestation projects that I believe are worthy of our support. • treecanada.ca • One Tree Planted: onetreeplanted.org/collections/canada • www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/canada/ • www.replant.ca/index.html — Gary Korpan Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are always welcome. Letters may be edited for length and legality. Opinions represented here are not necessarily those of TAKE 5 or its agents. Email; editor@take5.ca , fax: 250-245-7099, write: PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1.

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BC Family fun on the waterfront Monday, February 21 is BC Family Day and the Ladysmith Maritime Society and the Ladysmith & District Historical Society invite the community to celebrate at their Family Fun on the Waterfront event from 11 – 3 pm. Keeping COVID protocols in mind, most of the events are outdoors at the Ladysmith Community Marina and by the Industrial Heritage site located in the 600 block Oyster Bay Drive. The heritage buildings complex, formerly part of Comox Logging & Railway Co. now includes the LMS Boat Shed where heritage vessels are restored. The LDHS Workshop is occupied by the impressive Steam Loci 11, along with other artifacts. You will get a chance to walk through the facilities and watch volunteers at work and ask them questions. Just across from the site is the Ladysmith Community Marina. Come down to the docks and visit their floating museum and their heritage boat fleet on display. You’ll get a chance to warm up with some hot chocolate and see what you can discover with their underwater camera. Don’t forget to stop at the Ladysmith Train Station before you head out. This

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building is in the process of being converted to a community space and this is your chance to share your ideas on its possible future. A used book sale by donation will be on the premises. So bring some loose change – it’s for a good cause! This is a free event for all ages with slide shows, music, Snack Station, and a “Take Away” Activity table plus a free booklet based on Ladysmith’s waterfront heritage. Remember afterwards to post your photos at #ladysmithheritage and share for a chance to win a prize! BC Family Day also kicks oﬀ Heritage Week in BC. Follow LMS and LDHS’s Facebook for daily posts and virtual programming all leading up to the big wrapup on Sunday, February 27 at 7 pm with the 2022 Ladysmith Heritage Awards. Email info@ladysmithhistoricalsoceity. ca for a link. Zoom in or watch it livestreamed on the LDHS Facebook Group. For more information on BC Family Day or BC Heritage Week, visit ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca or lmsmarina.ca

Ladysmith’s Disc Golf Course BY JOSHUA PERSSON Most people who live in Ladysmith don’t know about the disc golf course in Ladysmith or even what disc golf is. Parallel Disc Golf was started as a passion project by Michael Persson, with help from his friend Thor Hargrave and his two sons Jordan and Joshua. Having played Ultimate Frisbee in his college years, Mike began to play disc in the early 90s and quickly found a passion for the sport. When he moved back to Ladysmith in the late 90s Mike found himself out of town often for work and ended up working on Pender Island. During his free time on there, Mike would play disc golf a couple of times a day to pass his spare time. When

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his work location changed, he was no longer able to play disc golf out of town. He found he was missing his after-work sport and came up with the idea of creating his own course in Ladysmith. In the spring of 2014, the new course began, as Mike and his family found themselves exploring the forest right behind his home. It started out as a simple flagging system with 9 holes and some rough trails. Over the years it has been progressively cleaned up, and Mike eventually attracted the attention of the Ladysmith Disc Golf Club. The potential for having a full oﬃcial course gave Mike a new spark of motivation and he immediately rushed out to create nine more holes. Ladysmith Disc Golf Club quickly embraced the course in these beginning stages. The disc golf course is on a large plot of forestry that backs on to the Diamond and is adjacent to the forest field area. The forestry is crown land and is deemed for park usage, and so long as it is kept clean the course is allowed to stay. Parallel Disc currently uses recycled metal tonals instead of baskets, unlike most courses. The property is primarily maintained by Parallel Disc Golf, and Mike and his friends will often spend hours tidying up the trails, cleaning up any garbage, and protecting the wildlife.. Signs were installed asking visitors to keep the forest area clean of garbage, and a map of the holes. These signs also have QR-codes that link you to the U-Disc app (available on apple and android devices) and to Mike’s disc golf Facebook page. Long-term goals for the course include extending the course from 18 holes to 27 holes by spring of 2022. Mike has said that if he could get funding for the

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Playing at Ladysmith's Parallel Disc Golf course. Photo: Michael Persson

course he would consider changing the tonals to baskets, get better tee-oﬀ boxes, and help to clean up the trails or any debris. Mike is interested in creating more courses on the island given the chance, as his passion for course design has really grown in these seven years! If you are interested in learning more about disc golf or trying it out for the first time, you can contact Mike on his Facebook. The full description and rules for disc golf can also be found on Mike’s Facebook page, @Parallel Disc Golf.

Naomi Bailey Elected New Nanaimo–Ladysmith School Trustee Naomi Bailey won the Nanaimo–Ladysmith School District 68 By-Election and takes her seat on the Board of Trustees. She beat out the other candidate Steve Rae at the January 15 by-election to take over the seat vacated by Lisa Marie Barron who left to become Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP. Bailey was a worker in the education system as an educator and administrator with Stz’uminus First Nation and Vancouver Island University.

RDN Announces new GM, Planning and Development The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is pleased to announce that Lisa Grant will be joining the RDN senior leadership team as the general manager of Planning and Development on February 22, 2022.

Fitness Centre reopens for pre-registered visits The Town of Ladysmith is pleased to welcome patrons back to the Frank Jameson Community Centre Fitness Centre (FJCC) in response to the latest Provincial Health Oﬃcer’s orders. Parks, Recreation & Culture is reverting to pre-registered visits as part of these changes, which are intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 by allowing for improved physical distancing and capacity limits. Each appointment at the Fitness Centre is 75 minutes, and the

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public is asked to register through www.RecCowichan.ca or by calling the FJCC reception desk at 250-245-6424. The Fitness Centre is open Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.The latest update to the PHO order are set to expire on February 16, 2022.

Support Kidney Patients at Kidney Gala The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC and Yukon Branch’s annual Kidney Gala will be virtual again this year. The 2022’s “Superhero” theme will honour kidney patients and the superhero team that supports them along their journey. Please join the 10th anniversary of the Kidney Gala at 6:30 p.m., on March 5, 2022, and support patients in our community.

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Virtual Pass purchasers will receive an automatic full tax receipt and will be mailed their special edition Kidney Gala mask in time for the Kidney Gala on March 5th! Tickets information and available for purchase at www.kidneygala.com.

Grant Helps Boost Community Services New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says that Capital Grants through the Community Gaming Grants (CGG) program will help the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club and the Ita Wegman Association of BC for Curative Education and Social Therapy upgrade and deliver better services to the Cowichan Valley. “People in our community benefit from the exercise and

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Seedy Sunday returns at Saltair Community Centre

camaraderie oﬀered by the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club and from the support that the Ita Wegman Association provides for adults with disabilities,” says Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. In the Cowichan Valley, a total of almost $80,000 is going towards the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club’s grass remediation project and the Ita Wegman Association’s roof replacement and solar power system installation project.

Saltair Seedy Sunday Returns in March If you are planning a garden this year, mark your calendars for Saltair Seedy Sunday, on March 6, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saltair Community Centre. Here you will have a chance to swap, share, and purchase some great additions to your garden. For more information, contact Versaevel.liamarie@ gmail.com.

Nanaimo Museum Explores Experiences of Enemy Aliens During WWI During the First World War, national security fears and wartime prejudice drove the policy of internment, which lasted until 1920. During this time, Canada interned 8,579 men identified as “enemy aliens,” mainly Ukrainian and German immigrants, across a network of 24 camps. Developed by the Canadian War Museum in partnership with the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Foundation, the special exhibition Enemy Aliens — Internment in Canada, 1914–1920 explores the internment operations and the experiences of the internees: who they were, the conditions they endured and the legacy they left behind. “The history of internment during the First World War in Canada is unfortunately not well known,” says Caroline

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Dromaguet, interim president and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History and director general of the Canadian War Museum. “I hope this exhibition will broaden the public’s understanding of how the war tore apart the lives of the internees and their families, and changed Canadian society at large.” This exhibition features 33 photos from the Canadian War Museum, Library and Archives Canada, and many university, archival and private collections throughout the country. It traces the history of WWI internment from the pre-war immigration boom — when the Canadian government actively recruited European immigrants — to the declaration of war and the enactment of the War Measures Act, which allowed the government to register and intern many of those same immigrants. The exhibition explains the division of internees into “First” and “Second” class, and depicts the often rough conditions in the camps. Finally, it describes eﬀorts to revive and preserve the history of WWI internment camps in Canada. The Nanaimo Museum has added photos, maps, and stories of the Nanaimo

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Internment Camp and the experiences of people identified as “enemy aliens” in Nanaimo. “First World War internment is an important part of Nanaimo’s history,” says Aimee Greenaway, curator at the Nanaimo Museum. “This exhibit provides an opportunity to open up conversations in the community about the impacts of this historical injustice.” The exhibition is at Nanaimo Museum from Saturday, February 12, 2022, to Saturday, May 21, 2022.

VIU Science and Technology Community Lecture Series Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) spring 2022 Science and Technology Lecture Series is shining the spotlight on climate change research. At each lecture, researchers will share their findings on climate change science such as investigating changing snowpacks in Coastal BC, water resource management on Vancouver Island, and tracking past shifts in sea levels and their eﬀects on humans. The series runs on Wednesdays, from 7 to 8 p.m. until April 6. Lectures are oﬀered in-person at Building 355, Room

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203, at VIU’s Nanaimo campus and most lectures will be live streamed via Zoom. For Zoom links or to register to attend in-person lectures please visit the Science and Technology Community Lecture Series website: news.viu.ca/ viu-science-and-technology-community-lecture-series-spring-2022-focusesclimate-change

LDHS Signs Heritage and Reconciliation Pledge During its December 2021 meeting, the Board of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society adopted the Heritage and Reconciliation Pledge. Initiated by Heritage BC and created in 2021 in association with a group of culturally diverse advisors representing Indigenous and other cultural groups within British Columbia, the Heritage and Reconciliation Pledge aims to redress the fact that the heritage field in BC has its roots in western colonial systems of knowledge and practice and that these systems have been imposed on other cultures and peoples within our society to their detriment. The Pledge acts as a guide to achieving new standards within the heritage sector for understanding cultural diversity, past harms done and the need for reconciliation and a new approach. “By signing the Pledge, the Ladysmith & District Historical Society acknowledges Indigenous and culturally diverse peoples within our community and states its intent to establish and maintain respectful and welcoming relationships with these peoples” states Quentin Goodbody, LDHS president. “The Society commits to support and engage in public education and advocacy relating to cultural diversity, and to making reconciliation and cultural equity part of its strategic direction. Recognising that it has much to learn about the cultural diversity within our community, the Society will ensure that Indigenous peoples and cultural groups are involved in development of this understanding and in the formation of strategies and programs that the Society develops relating to these groups.” Signed copies of the Heritage and Reconciliation Pledge are displayed in the Archives and Museum, and can be viewed on the Society website. For more information, call 250-245-0100.

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To Spend or Save During High Inflation? BY KERITH WADDINGTON To spend or not to spend, that is the question on many people’s minds these days. As Canadians scramble to keep up with soaring grocery, gas and housing prices, the question arises as to whether it’s best to invest or spend in this financial climate. The facts are grim. On January 19, 2022, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that Canada’s inflation rate was at a 30-year high of 4.8 per cent; in other words, the cost of living is going up at the fastest rate in three decades. And a large part of that increase includes grocery prices, which are going up at the fastest pace in more than a decade. So, what to do with your hard-earned cash? William Troost, chair of the Department of Economics at VIU, says that if he had to choose between spending or saving right now, he would go with spending. He cites two main reasons. First, in an inflationary environment, the cost of goods and services increase over time. “So, buying now you could save 5 per cent on your purchase if you buy today instead of waiting another year,” says Troost. Second, he acknowledges that right now, there is a huge mismatch between interest rates and the inflation rate. “The inflation rate is high and the interest rate is very low. Low interest rates make it so the return to savings is really low. It also means the cost of borrowing is extremely low.” How then to strategize? According to Troost, “Right now is actually a good time to borrow at existing fixed interest rates. In the future, we would expect wage increases to match the cost of living. Thus, with inflation at 5 per cent we would expect to earn 5 per cent more per year. If interest rates are super low, like 2 per cent, then the true value of that debt will be lower down the road. It will reduce the real burden of debt — assuming your interest rates are fixed.” Layman Group has been oﬀering accounting, financial planning and wealth management for over 25 years in the Ladysmith area. Started by Elaine and Doug Layman along with their son Jason it has grown steadily providing quality accounting and bookkeeping service. Jason Layman says that regardless of inflation, his vote is for saving not spending. Buying something now, just because it may cost more in the future, doesn’t make sense if you really don’t need it. “It comes down to need verses wants,” he adds. Please see their column on page 12 of this issue. Tammy Leslie (CPA, CGA, CA), a partner at Palmer Leslie Chartered Professional Accountants in Ladysmith and Duncan acknowledges that paying down debt is a good idea right now, given expected interest rate increases. She recommends starting with the highest rate debts, such as credit cards. She adds too that if you have several loans, it’s wise to consider whether the loan interest is being deducted on your tax return. If the interest rates on the loans are similar, a vehicle loan for a business vehicle (for instance) should not be paid oﬀ before a personal vehicle because the business vehicle’s loan interest is

Navigating the economy, William Troost, chair of the Department of Economics at Vancouver Island University, Photo submitted.

deductible against your business income. When it comes to the stock market, Leslie recommends speaking with your investment advisor to see if there are opportunities. An RRSP contribution can be a good idea if your taxable income lands you in a higher tax bracket, and TFSA contributions are valuable for certain types of savings as well. Once you have established that these tax vehicles are useful to you, an investment decision should be made based on market conditions, your risk profile and the time the investment will be held. “Only certain investments quality for these two saving vehicles, but your investment advisor and accountant can guide you in these decisions,” she adds. Victor Malli, senior financial planner at Assante Financial Management Ltd. in Ladysmith, says that the question isn’t really “should I save or spend my money in this economic climate?” but rather “how can I best achieve my financial goals?” Malli acknowledges that people are always saving for something — retirement, house, car, trip, or a child’s education — and that knowing the best way in which to do that is the key. He encourages people to assess whether they have the knowledge and emotional stamina to invest themselves or need assistance from a financial planner. “The type of income you are generating, and what you are saving for, will determine the investment vehicle you use,” he adds. Malli’s one large caveat is that during inflationary times, you will want to add investments that keep pace with inflation so you don’t fall behind: gold, inflation-linked bonds or real estate are a few examples. Malli cautions, however, that it doesn’t mean these investments can’t decrease in value at some point. If we want some perspective during these challenging financial times, Jonathan Swift perhaps deserves the last word. “A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.”

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Cedar Market inspires with True Stories Contest Cedar Farmers Market recently announced the winners of their first ‘True Stories Contest. Winner of the Youth Division: ($100) is Beauty’s Story by Arya Lewis from Ladysmith. Grand Prize Winner is True Story by Jennifer Doyle ($400), and with 1st & 2nd Runner-Up tied it was decided to split the award equally between Confessions of a City Farmer by Jana Brunet and The Farmer’s Market by Steven Méthot who each won ($175) Kate Poirier Cedar Farmers Market manager says the contest was a great success and they are already looking for financial and resource support to run the competition again in 2022. The all-ages creative writing contest was open to all residents of Ladysmith, the City of Nanaimo, and the Regional District of Nanaimo. Submissions had to be non-fiction stories that fall within the themes of the farmers market, such as: Grow, Make, Eat, Build, Forage, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship. The Cedar Farmers Market Agricultural Society is a not-for-profit organization. The market features up to 100 farmers, specialty food and drink makers, and artisans per day.

Cedar Farmers Market Story Contest Grand Prize Winner is Jennifer Doyle pictured here with her family. Photo courtesy of Cedar Farmers Market.

To view the stories visit cedarfarmersmarket.org/stories-contest

Sarah Hagen Returns to the Port Theatre The Port Theatre Spotlight Series presents Sarah Hagen — Goldberg Variations on February 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre. Hagen program features Bach’s formidable Goldberg Variations as part of the celebration of the autumn release of her recording of the masterwork. Cherished by many, the Goldberg Variations are emblematic of keyboard virtuosity, rich expression and hardcore classical interpretation. Sarah will oﬀer a short introduction to this intense piece before playing the full work. “When as a child, I first understood

what it meant to pull notes off a page, throw them into the air and wonder at their magical effects. I knew that music would forever be my life: my oxygen, my solace, my offering,” says Hagen. For more tickets, call the Port Theatre Box Office at 250-754-8550.

Key Winds Trio On Sunday, February 20, 2022, Chemainus Classical Concerts is presenting the Key Winds Trio — Instruments of Change. The trio features Margaret St. Cyr on French horn, Yvonne Gillespie on piano and Annick Richardson on clarinet. Their concert will highlight the evolution of their respective instruments during the 1800s. Works by Herzogenberg, Reinecke, Bruch and Kahn demon-

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strate the musical possibilities that these changes provided. The Key Winds Trio is a well-established ensemble of Cowichan musicians who have forged a strong friendship and musical bond, evident in their polished performances. The performance starts at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus. Tickets are $25, and $1 for those under 18 (in advance only). Call 250-748-8383.

Children’s Story/Colouring Books Don Ravensbergen has released his third book in his unique colouring storybook series. “I have always had an interest in reading, writing and art, and inspired by my love of diving around our most excellent island, I began putting a children’s book together,” says Ravensberg, who is also a diver. His first children’s book, Vancouver Island Colour My Seas of Green, is a rhyming story filled with illustrations for kids or adults to colour. His second children’s book, Pets are People Too, follows the same format. His latest children’s book, Vancouver

Island Colour My BC Beautiful, is based on things to see and do right here on Vancouver Island. The books are available at Salamander Books in Ladysmith and other bookstores in the area. For more information, visit vancouverisland-dive-sites.com, where you will also find some great local diving info.

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How a building helped build a Community - Cedar Hall turns 100 BY KERITH WADDINGTON If walls could speak, Cedar Community Hall (CCH) would resound with the sound of laughter and tears, chatter and argument, bartering and babies, music and meetings ... and not a few snores. That’s because the beautiful red heritage building on Cedar Road has been a repository of community memories for the past 100 years and, thanks to some recent renovations, is wellsituated to be a repository for the next one hundred! From weddings and funerals to swap meets, drama groups, art classes, tai chi and 4-H, Cedar Community Hall has hosted it all and then some. And while the plethora of activities planned to celebrate the centennial are getting scaled back due to COVID, nothing can stop the pride area residents have in this building and the love with which they bequeath its sheltering walls to generations to come. Kate Girard of the Cedar Community Hall Association (CCHA), which manages the hall, summarizes the role the structure and its activities have played in local history. “If nothing else, COVID has shown us how lonely and small life is when we can’t gather together,” says Girard. “Life is so much better when we act cooperatively for the good of all. To have a building where large and small groups can come together, where dances and concerts and plays can be performed in our community, where we can take art, music and exercise classes, where we can eat together and celebrate and grieve together — a place that holds memories from throughout our lives — well, that’s clearly a place that builds community.” For those unfamiliar with the history of the building, its first incarnation was as a Farmers’ Institute Hall located in Cedar across from the Anglican church. It burned down in 1911. It wasn’t until 1921 that meetings were held to discuss building a new hall. While some people, especially the hotel owners in Cedar, wanted the new hall built on the site of the original, others argued for a location outside of Cedar village so the whole district would have a sense of ownership. The current location, at the corner of Quennell and Cedar Roads, on land formerly owned by the McGuire family, won by a narrow margin. Cedar Community Hall is a community-owned-and-operated meeting place for community events. All income generated is collected through rentals: CCH is a non-profit association

Cedar Community Hall, 1922. Photo submitted.

and all income goes back into the operating and maintenance of the hall. A note of interest: When the new hall was first built, the stretch of Cedar Road in front of it was also relatively new, and one of the few straight stretches in the area. The hall quickly became known as “The Speedway” for the horse and sulky races regularly held out front. Serving the people of the rural land districts of Cedar, Bright, Oyster and Cranberry — roughly the area from Chase River to Saltair — the hall was traditionally used for community concerts, whist drives and meetings. But it was best known for its dances. A bus would leave from the Malaspina Hotel in Nanaimo to deliver attendees, while smaller “jitney” buses picked up dancers in South Wellington and Ladysmith. Some accounts report upwards of 500 people at dances in Cedar Hall. Today, the hall is being used increasingly by recreational, cultural and service groups as well as private renters. It has been the permanent home of both the Lions’ Club (since 1979) and the Yellow Point Drama Group (since 1953). The hall also plays a civic role. It’s a place for community meetings, a polling station for elections, an emergency warming centre for the RDN and, recently, a vaccination centre for VIHA. Former area resident Katy Bowen-Roberts, known as the founder of the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, has this to say about the hall. “It’s a space that people come into and go down memory lane,” she says. “Most people in the community have some kind of story to tell about their time in it. The stories begin as soon as they enter the space.”

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Cedar Community Hall, a hundred years later, festivities and events are planned for its Centennial Back row, standing, left to right: Brian March (Yellow Point Drama Group), Armando Dos Santos (YPDG president), Doug Roszmann (Yellowpoint Singers director), Daphne Stabler (YP Singers), Edie Fishlock (YP Singers), Annette Bowen-Roberts (Centennial Cmt., Children’s Heritage Day), Peter Bowen-Roberts (Centennial Committee, organizer of fun races at the Speedway), Donna Laing (Centennial Cmt., Children’s Heritage Day), Don Grinnell (CCHA board member), Sara Frisch (in front) (Nanaimo Tai Chi Association), Barrie Baker (behind) (CCHA board member), Jim Fiddick (CCHA president), Bruce Rowland (CCHA board member), Ted Girard (behind) (CCHA secretary), Brandon Avender (Cedar Lions Club). Kelli Avender (Lions president), Karen St. Cyr (Lions), Heidi Sinclair (Cross-Canada Fiddle parent), Glenn White (Cedar Lions), Doug Creba (Cross-Canada Fiddle student) By Cars: Lorne Elliott (owner of Model T), Steve Young (owner of 1941 Dodge Luxury Liner), Roger Prior (Centennial Cmt., local history) Missing: Jim Simmons (Lions). Front row, seated, left to right: Janice Grinnell (Cedar Women’s Institute), Rose Spencer (Cedar Women’s Institute), Cassandra Jack (Brownies leader), Ariya Jack (Cedar Brownies), Annelise Franz (Cedar Brownies), Eva Rothoehler (Cedar Brownies), Donna Sweeney (Tai Chi), Laurie Forbes (Tai Chi), Wanda Zink (CCHA treasurer), Vonda Croissant (CCHA vice-president), Nicole Bergot (Little Kickers Soccer), Eleanorah Browning (Nicole’s daughter and a little kicker), Kate Girard (Centennial Committee), Katie Lapi (designer, Centennial badge and posters), Arlo Phillipson, Desi Phillipson (Katie’s children), Jacob Sinclair (Cross-Canada Fiddle student) Photo: Marina Sacht/TAKE 5

Syd’s Serenaders played the hall regularly in the late 40’s and 50’s. Photo courtesy Cedar Community Hall.

Girard adds to that sentiment, “From the oxen yoke at one end to the computer projector at the other, the hall holds the history of our community.”

And that history is forever moving forward. With thoughts to the future, the current hall board targeted recent upgrades that would make the hall brighter, safer, more comfortable and more functional for use during the twentyfirst century. Besides a fresh coat of paint inside and out and a larger front entrance, paved parking, kitchen renovations, updated washrooms, a computer projector and screen, Wi-Fi and updated security have all been added. Lastly, to be environmentally responsible and for the comfort of users, a natural gas furnace with air conditioning was also installed. The CCHA is aware that the story of what is a settler hall cannot be told without acknowledging that it’s built on the

traditional lands of the Snuneymuxw and Stz’uminus peoples, and that “the hall’s lifespan is very short compared to their history.” The fate of the centennial year celebrations may be unclear, but not so the significance of this milestone, says Girard. “Our hope is that the community sees the hall as their place, a place that can adapt to changing needs and that reflects and nourishes the community’s sense of itself,” she says. “We hold this place in trust from the people who built it 100 years ago. It’s like a torch handed down to each generation.” For more information on the Cedar Hall and upcoming event for its centennial year, please visit cedarcommunityhall.ca

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Love is in the Air BY K. BRAUCKMANN During the month of February, humans show aﬀection for their partners by presenting gifts, poems and other declarations of love. Humans aren’t the only creatures declaring love, though. Animals search for and find partners during this time; love is in the air and the animals at Wildwood know it. The majestic bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) mates for life, which can exceed 40 years. Bald eagles don’t strut their stuﬀ like some of the more flamboyant birds of paradise; the bald eagle proves its worth through strength. During the month of February, males and females court each other by soaring to incredible heights. To test the fitness of

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their mate, they will lock talons with each other mid-air before plummeting towards the earth, a daredevil way to demonstrate the strength of their potential partner. So, keep your eyes to the sky for incredible displays of air acrobatics. Once the courting is over, both male and female work together to build a suitable nest for their young; these birds make the largest nest of any other bird in the world. If they like the nest they’ve built, they will keep renovating it year after year, adding up to two feet of material annually. This not only creates a safe environment for their chicks, but also helps strengthen the bond between the mated pair. Some of us wear the colour red to celebrate Valentine’s day, but the northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora) wears the colour year-round. These frogs flaunt a gorgeous translucent red, discreetly hidden on the underside of their upper thighs and abdomen. The northern red-legged frog has a special love song. Unlike the very vocal Pacific tree frogs and bullfrogs, who vocalize aloud for all to hear, northern red-legged males send out an underwater call to attract

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females and to repel rival males. During reproduction, the male will wrap his arms around the female’s waist and hold on tight; it is the best position for him to externally fertilize her eggs. Females will deposit 500 to 1300 eggs just below the water’s surface, attaching them to an anchored aquatic plant. Once the eggs are laid, their mission is accomplished and so the love aﬀair is quickly ended. Great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) have the earliest mating season of all the birds in BC. Their territorial calls and love songs can be heard throughout the winter, all in preparation to rekindle love with their life-long partner. Although they have already finished courting and mating, February is the month when the hard work of their partnership begins. It is during this month that great horned owls lay a clutch of one to four eggs. These proud and loving parents will work together to protect and feed their young until they are ready to fledge, usually around eight weeks. But the owlets won’t leave their parents’ territory until fall returns. By this time, the mated pair has separated for a bit of peaceful solitude until mating begins again. The next time you’re out and about, take a look around at what’s happening in your neighbourhood. However we choose to show it (human, bird or amphibian), spring brings with it sure signs that love is in the air — and we could all use a little love and kindness these days. For a family friendly spring scavenger hunt, check out our Springo! event at www.ecoforestry.ca/education. Clockwise: Bald eagle, Northern redlegged frog, Great Horned Owl. Photos: K. Brauckmann

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RDN Area A Cedar We made it to 2022! And I think some of us are actually getting used to the crazy! We’re in the third year of the ongoing pandemic (with more twists and turns than a James Bond thriller). Omicron is running rampant, but its eﬀects seem to be less intense than previous variants. Everyone is waiting for “normal” to return, but that may not ever happen. We may be living in a new “normal.” Climate change may actually be a thing! Our intense weather seems to be more than just an aberration. Remember the heat dome this past summer? And the dry weather over the summer and fall? Currently, we’re just getting over a multi-week period of cold temperatures, snow, ice, rain, wind and whatever else the weather gremlin can come up with. Again, this may be the new “normal.” We had a federal election in 2021 that seemed to create a replay of the government we had prior to the election. Canada’s so-called “right” couldn’t muster support for change, and the “left” was comfortable continuing in the role of supporter for the Liberal government. The folks that were voting Green

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didn’t have a full slate of candidates or a strong party to support, which seems at odds with the world’s current focus on climate change. However, we can, as Canadians, hold some solace in our socalled democracy when we compare it to the disfunction, deceit and disarray of the American example. And again, this may be the new “normal.” In the RDN, 2021 was a year of continuing to work on the initiatives identified in the Strategic Plan developed in the first year of this Board’s term. At the same time, I continued to focus on the issues that formed my platform when I ran in 2018: safe communities, cautious development and accountability. I have had many meetings, email discussions and phone calls about safety on Cedar’s streets and roads, improved active transportation options in our area and existing service glitches that happen from time to time. As well, I have spent lots of time working with Cedar Community Hall on improvements to that facility and the South Wellington Community Association to develop the South Wellington School into a regional community centre. This work is ongoing. And I have also pushed

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for a playground site in Cassidy, which may happen in the next year or so. I have also tried to keep property tax increases to a minimum — a task that is almost impossible, especially when labour costs, utilities and administrative expenses increase significantly year over year. One especially frustrating thing is the increase in contract costs for capital projects. We have seen bid costs increase as much as 50 per cent in a single year for some recreation, general construction and utility projects. The year 2022 will be the final year in this Board’s term. Local government elections will take place on October 15, 2022. To date, I have not thought about whether to run again or not. I will make the decision over the summer — and base it on whether or not I think I can continue to make a diﬀerence in service delivery in Area A. So, as the billboard says, “Watch this space!” Stay safe and have a great “normal” 2022.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond Happy New Year to all! I am wondering how this year will unfold, but I know some of the people that will help us get

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through any challenge that comes our way. I would like to start by saying we are very fortunate for the all volunteers that step up and serve Area H every year. It is a long list, but I hope you will take a minute to read their names. And, if you recognize a name, reach out and say thanks. North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department (23) - Tyler Christionson, Justin Dault, Sandy David, Baden Dube, Sean Durrell, Trevor Fritzel, Jason Layman, Tony Marcotte (Deputy Chief), Bruce McKenzie (Lieutenant), Yuri Mendez, Brian Mowbray, Gregory Newman, Nigel Ramer, Florian Schulz (Chief), Andrew Scruton, Colby Sedola, Isabel Smith, Jesse Smith, Benjamin Soer, Fiona Steeves, (Lieutenant), Ron Strazza, Wren Wilder, Stephen Wisely (Lieutenant) Advisory Planning Commission (6) Mike Fall (Chair), Chris Gerrand (Vice Chair), Alison Heikes, John Edwards, Doug Hoare, Ione Brown Parks Advisory Commission (7) Brian Brown (Vice Chair), Valerie Bresnahan, Ross Shepherd, Murray McNab, Royan Viggers, Joanne Spilsbury, Roger

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Giﬀen Alternate Director) - Barry Marcotte Property Assessment 2022 Property owners in BC received their assessments in January 2022. In general, there have been significant increases across the province and across the CVRD. Overall, the average 2022 assessment increase for the CVRD was 32.17 per cent. This varies from as low of 16.48 per cent in Area F to a high of 43.48 per cent in Town of Lake Cowichan. The increase for Area H is 17.69 per cent. What this means for 2022 property tax is, compared to last year, the relative amount of taxes will be less than those areas that have a higher assessment. Our slice of the pie is slightly smaller this year. The only thing that is left to be determined is the size of the pie. The budget for 2022 is being decided over the next month. There will be a public consultation forum for Area H on February 17 from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Details will on the CVRD website and will be posted to www.AreaH.ca. Regional Active Transportation

Plan 2022 The Cowichan Valley Regional District has engaged project consultants Bunt & Associates Engineering and Uplift Engagement Communications to develop a Regional Active Transportation Plan to promote and expand accessible, safe, convenient and enjoyable transportation options for people of all abilities, as an alternative to the private automobile. The project will explore opportunities to improve the CVRD’s active transportation walking and rolling networks. Public consultations and a survey were completed in January. Regional Recreation Recreation centres across the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) are undertaking facility usage studies to assist in the creation of a new equitable funding model for nine significant facilities in the Cowichan region. Taxpayer funding of the many significant recreation facilities in the region has been a challenge for decades, and the CVRD Board of Directors has directed that a more equitable model go to referendum during the local government elections in October 2022.

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The nine significant recreation centres being studied include those operated by the CVRD, Municipality of North Cowichan, Town of Ladysmith, and the Chesterfield Sports Society including: Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Cowichan Community Centre, Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Cowichan Sportsplex, Ladysmith Frank Jameson Community Centre, Fuller Lake Arena, Kerry Park Recreation Centre, Shawnigan Lake Community Centre Usage of each facility is determined by an analysis of addresses of program registrations, membership uses, facility bookings and drop-in uses. The facility use analysis is ongoing until March 2022 and will be used in conjunction with a similar study that took place in 2017. The intent will be to average the two data sets to provide reliable results capturing the people using these identified facilities. When the public drop-in at these recreation facilities between now and March 2022, they may be asked for their street address to be used for this purpose. The results of the facility use analysis will be communicated to the public in the late spring of 2022. In closing: As you might sense, there are many things on the go. I would like to host a Town Hall to share information and answer questions. However, I have found Zoom meetings are just not well attended, so I plan to host one when it can be done in-person. I am hoping I can announce that in the March edition. Fingers crossed. ben.maartman@cvrd. bc.ca or 250-510-5930.

CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands Saltair Water System: Distribution System Upgrades The year 2022 will be busy as we resume work on upgrading our distribution system. Upgrades on the roads Valdon, Porter, Rumble, Bazan and Gardner West are planned, but how much actually gets done in 2022 will depend on several factors, including construction costs. The Valdon project will require an archaeological assessment, as it is close to a previously identified archaeological site. Our aging distribution system is comprised of asbestos pipes. New regu-

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lations require asbestos risk assessments once design work is completed. Then, the CVRD applies to Island Health for a construction permit. Island Health is expediting our construction permit applications, but the permits are only valid for one year. The CVRD only applies when it knows construction will occur within the upcoming year. Once the permit is received, the CVRD requests bids, reviews the bids received and selects a contractor. It takes a lot to get a shovel in the ground when it comes to upgrading our aging distribution system. Hot oﬀ the press: Island Health has just issued a construction permit for Rumble Road. Filtration System We are waiting for the results of the tender invitation. Stocking Lake Dam As you know, there is evidence of active seepage through the dam that puts it at risk of failure. The dam is jointly owned by the CVRD and the Town of Ladysmith (TOL). Currently, the parties are looking at three options: dam remediation, a new dam downstream of the existing site and a new dam at the existing site. TOL Council has expressed a preference for a new downstream dam and is having a preliminary design completed. When the project design and costing work is completed in late March, the information will be shared with the CVRD Board. I have more than a few questions. 2022 Draft CVRD Budget (www. cvrd.ca/3045/2022-Draft-Budget) A regional district budget is very different than a municipal budget. To understand more about our CVRD budget, please refer to the December 9, 2021, Committee of the Whole meeting documents and presentation at: https://cvrd. primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?compile dMeetingDocumentFileId=17371. Click on R1 Report from the Finance Division Re: Finance 2022 Budget Overview to view the documents. The Budget Book Overview provides more details. The Summary of Service Participants shows in which of the 180 CVRD budgets Area G participates. The video can also be watched on a YouTube link (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Cf7CJvdXpHs). The presentation starts at 2:37.

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Five budget functions are funded completely by Saltair taxpayers: water, recreation, parks, fire protection, and the Frank Jameson Community Centre Grant to Ladysmith. I feel this is not the time for tax increases for many reasons, including the pandemic, the increases for water filtration and our share of the dam rehabilitation or replacement, and deferred work. There will be no increase to the Saltair Community Parks budget. This will be the fourth year there has been no increase. Community Works funds, operating reserves, and capital reserves will be used to fund the Stocking Creek Bridge replacement and upgrading the Centennial Park and Diana, Princess of Wales Wilderness Park trails. Saltair Recreation has a taxation decrease because the loan and interest payment is lower in 2022. Frank Jameson Community Centre Grant will not increase. Saltair Fire Protection is tied to a contract the CVRD has with the TOL and North Cowichan. It will increase. Every year, CVRD staﬀ estimate the amount required to ensure coverage of these contracts. The Saltair Water System budget will see an increase for the filtration system and creeping operation costs. The last increase was in 2013, when we started the distribution system upgrades. There will be other funding sources used to assist in covering the 2022 projects. We will use the filtration grant, revenue from the old water building property sale, operating reserves, capital reserves and Area G Community Works funds. Three budget functions are completely funded by Thetis Island taxpayers, the Wharf (also funded by Hudson Island), Boat Launch, and Solid Waste & Recycling. The Solid Waste & Recycling requisition will remain at zero for 2022. The Boat Launch and Warf requisitions will remain the same. The CVRD is seeking additional funding sources for the Wharf Restoration Project. CVRD virtual public consultation meetings for the Draft 2022 Budget have been set for February 10 and 17. February 17 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. for the Electoral Areas G, H and the Town of Ladysmith. CVRD Regional Active Transportation Plan: Human Powered Improving and helping to enable more

opportunities for active transportation is extremely important. The CVRD has engaged project consultants to develop a Regional Active Transportation Plan to promote and expand accessible, safe, convenient and enjoyable transportation options for people of all abilities, as an alternative to the private automobile. The project will explore opportunities to improve the CVRD’s active transportation walking and rolling networks. Please visit www.planyourcowichan.ca/ regional-active-transportation-plan to learn more and to participate in a relevant CVRD open house. HOCP/MOCP Update CVRD staﬀ have scheduled additional workshops with the EA directors to review and consult on MOCP work by staﬀ and consultants. Community circles for community consultation will be posted and advertised once the dates have been established. You can contact me at lynne.smith@ cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1407. Additional information and articles can be viewed at Saltair News and Views (www. SaltairNews.ca).

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Green burial BY PAMELA WALKER The world wept when Archbishop Desmond Tutu died in December. And even in death he demonstrated his compassion for our world. Desmond Tutu chose a pine box for his funeral, not one made from endangered wood. And instead of cremation, he chose aquamation, a process that decomposes the body using a mixture of lye and warm water. The air pollution and carbon emissions from this process are very low. The man who helped rid the world of the brutal caste system known as apartheid was also a staunch environmentalist. In both his life and his death, he reflected his values. He knew that an average cremation generates 500 grams of toxic air pollution and 250 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the gas used in the cremation. Since his funeral, many people have been chatting about what they want done with their body after they have fallen oﬀ their perch. We, in the Yellow Point Ecological Society, have been talking about this for a while as well. What we’ve found is there are many interesting environmentally friendly ideas, but not many choices — yet. First, Desmond Tutu’s aquamation has been used to dispose of farm animals for years but has not yet been okayed for human use in BC. The health authorities want to know whether the water used can be filtered properly. Aquamation, however, has been approved in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, so it may be available in BC soon. Another possible process places the body in a tube filled with fungi, and there’s an idea called recomposing, where the body is put in a vessel filled with alfalfa, wood chips and straw. With these methods, you don’t just get an urn

More options are now available when it comes to a green burial. Photo: Nikki Toxopeus

back, but a truck-load of garden soil in as little as four weeks. Finally, one could have a green burial: no embalming solution, no coﬃn — just a shroud, a hole and a temporary marker. They oﬀer this service at the Royal Oak Cemetery in Victoria, and on Denman Island. But we wondered, what if we went one step further? What if we were able to save a piece of land slated for development and pay for it with proceeds from a green burial site? To test this as a sound business proposition, we called the School of Business at VIU. Could an MBA student study its feasibility? MBA students get paid, so we may have to do some fundraising, and maybe we can apply for a grant to help defer some of the cost. If the project proves sound, we will look for an appropriate local forest. Then, who knows what will happen? We may soon be able to stay here permanently — albeit transformed — under a canopy of endangered Coastal Douglas firs. And that is music to Mother Nature’s ears. For more information, call Pamela at 250-245-9155.

Cock and Bull Story I know what you’re thinking. “What’s this, another cock and bull story from that guy at Slightly Corked?” Well, that’s exactly what it is. In this case the bull is plastic and hangs around the neck of every bottle of Sangre de Toro on the liquor store shelf. For those of you not up on your plastic bulls, Torres’ Sangre de Toro has the dubious distinction of being a pioneer using defenseless farm animals as wine marketing aids. Way before Aussie bird labels roamed the earth, every bottle of Sangre de Toro was merchandised with a feisty little bull around its neck. One can only imagine Torres’ decision

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to run with the plastic bulls. It probably occurred at a corporate dinner meeting, after the wine but before cigars. The marketing director - whose previous job was marketing Red Bull - stood up, waved his glass around for balance as much as flourish, and proclaimed, “Hey, amigos! Let’s affix a black plastic bull to every bottle. Product will fly off the shelves.” This left the group wondering what he added to the Red Bull to move product. No doubt the plastic bulls were popular, bringing out the collector in many of us, providing something for us to collect other than corks or empty yogurt containers. Yes, some got carried away building model barns and pastures for the bulls to romp around in. That’s alcohol for you. Whether the plastic bulls sell wine or not is still debated in cantinas everywhere, but no one questions their role as a highly effective sobriety-monitoring device. Anyone caught wearing one as an earring immediately hands over the car keys. A caution. Only consider the plastic bulls as a birthday or Christmas present for a child if you’re prepared to pay for

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your own old age home and can survive without visitors. So that’s the bull part of the story. Now for the… more delicate part. A wine enthusiast pointed out to me that the Sangre de Toro bull had changed. The male parts - which used to be sizable and lent credence to the expression “hung like a bull” - have disappeared. (That’s the thing about males: always checking each other out.) Hearing this, I immediately hopped on my bicycle, tore down to the liquor store, coasted to a stop in the Spanish section. I discovered to my horror that steers, not bulls, now hung from Sangre de Toro bottles. I immediately called the manager over to explain the mass castration, and I’ll get back to you when she stops giggling, which won’t be any time soon. Realizing you’d want to know what happened - this emasculation of an icon - I hopped back on my bike, rode over to Spain where I engaged in some serious investigative journalism. From my base camp under the Torres family castle drawbridge - winery types always live in castles - I interviewed scullery maid and footman alike.

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Slowly the drama that nearly tore the Torres family apart unfolded. As can be expected, it was a gender issue. The Torres females had been dissatisfied for decades with the plastic bull and its disproportionally-sized genitalia. They wanted cuddly white plastic rabbits instead, their argument being that rabbits make far better earrings. Help came from unexpected sources. Local 7 of the Injection Molders of Catalonia sided with the women. They were tired of complaints from male Torres family members that the plastic bulls’ undercarriages were too small. “Cojones más grandes!” they would shout at the injection moulders. “Bigger balls!” Help for the men came from the local contingent of bull semen collectors who felt strongly that anything threatening the penis and testes, plastic or otherwise, threatened them. Bull semen collector? I made that up, right? Nope, it’s an actual occupation listed by the Government of Canada. Should you be dissatisfied with your position at the post office, check it out. Guaranteed, when you start talking about your job - at the bar, after work, over a pint - ears will perk up. Googling “bull semen collector” yields interesting facts, especially if you’re an adolescent male or retired such as myself. Did you know that “some bulls have sired more than 100,000 offspring,” all without so much as picking up a bar tab or paying a dime of child support? That semen collecting involves more than just opening a lusty cabernet and putting on a Sinatra record? The successful collector will need two helpers, a slew of sexual aids, which you’ll have to look up yourself, and - get this! - a teaser animal. Just ask for Trixie. The website also mentions that “protective footwear is a must.” You never know when a sexually-activated bull will get a song in his head and break out in a fox trot. When that happens, you better be wearing steel-toed boots. But back to the Torres family before I get in trouble with my editor. As usual with disputes of this nature, a compromise resulted. The women didn’t get their rabbit, nor did the men get their bull. That’s why the next time you buy a bottle of Sangre de Toro, and I suggest you do, YOU’LL FIND A WIMPY PLASTIC COW ON IT! No bull. Wine choice: Last night my wine tasting buddy Bob (not his real name, but sureeasy to spell) dropped by with enough premium Okanagan wine to float the Queen of Surrey. Bob and I have close to 100 years of wine tasting experience between us. Which is more than you can say about the Queen of Surrey. For the next 3 or 4 hours we solved the world’s wine problems, and proved to our respective spouses that when it comes down to skull numbing boredom, the Bonnie Henry/Adrian Dix show can be beaten. About wine we reached two conclusions: An inexpensive bottle of today’s wine is far better than its counterpart of yesteryear. And secondly, the category to watch is box wine, where exceptional wine can sometimes be found for the equivalent of 6 or 7 bucks a bottle. If you happen to be allergic to right angles however, try the litre sized Rosemount Shiraz, at $10.21 You can follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress. com or pick up his book at Mahle House, Co-Co Cafe, TAKE 5 office or throughout the community for just $20.

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HOME & YARD

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.

PAINTER. Certified Journeyman. Clean, efficient, respectful, punctual, responsible. 20+ years’ experience. WCB coverage. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Call Howard 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 and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260.

HELP WANTED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Ladysmith & District Historical Society seeks volunteer for operating Ladysmith Museum, & Archives, 250-245-0100. FOR SALE FISH FISH FISH. Buy direct from the guy who caught it! High-quality salmon, lingcod, rockfish. All fish blast frozen at sea. Satisfaction guaranteed! Contact Jim at oceandancer. wallace@gmail.com or 250-245-5957/250-7391123. BUSINESS JANICE’S HOME SERVICES. Driving, errands, yard work, cleaning. Friendly, competent, trustworthy. Ref. avail. Call Janice Jamieson 250-701-2909. EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER Now offering senior companionship, respite care and concierge services. Peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen at 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. LOOKING TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS? Try TAKE 5. For almost a quarter of a century we have been delivering news to our neighbours door. Trust you build on. Call 250-245-7015 for rate info. HEALTH & WELLNESS TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class starts September & January, 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.

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KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. 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. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 years’ exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800. ALL ACRES TREE SERVICE providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265.

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 250-246-3394. SENIORS HIRED HAND for independent elder, odd jobs, companionship, meal prep, etc.! Valid First Aid/ CPR, clean driver’s record, Level 2 FOODSAFE and handywoman. Call Marilyn at 250-606-7069 TAKE 5 ads work-- for almost a quarter of a century> Get them working for you. Call 250-245-7015.

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have evolved to take over the job of attracting pollinators. If you want to keep your holiday poinsettia healthy, the plant requires good access to sunlight in a cool place in the house. Too much heated air is usually why the plant starts dropping leaves. This time of year, you can help the poinsettia enter dormancy by reducing watering while it continues to lose leaves.

Long Live the Poinsettia BY JACQUELINE SHERK MASTER GARDENER The holidays are better with a potted poinsettia as a centrepiece. Now that it’s January, you might be wondering if you should just throw it out. Instead, why not ring in the New Year with resolve that there is something you can do to keep your plant alive and maybe even get it to re-bloom? It’s not easy to keep a poinsettia happy in the house, and it won’t survive outside until our nighttime temperatures are at least 13 Celsius, which is the poinsettia’s minimum temperature for survival. They are not frost or cold hardy. Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima, are indigenous to the sub-tropical regions of Mexico. There they can grow into fairly large woody shrubs, over two metres in height. Christmas poinsettias have been cultured and grown in greenhouses, and are not candidates to ever achieve the attributes of a wild E. pulcherrima in its native habitat. In the wild, they have the classic red blooms that are their naturally occurring colour. However, with so much breeding of this popular holiday plant, there are literally hundreds of cultivars (cultivated varieties), and this has expanded the oﬀerings into many shades of warm colours, and also white. Euphorbias, as a genus, have unique flowers that deserve some explanation. The red, or otherwise coloured, “petals” are not flower petals at all. These are actually modified leaves called “bracts,” and the true flowers are those tiny greenish-yellow parts you see in the centre of the bracts. They are called “cyathia,” unique to the genus Euphorbia, and they are the actual reproductive parts of this plant. Cyathia are so small that the bracts (the coloured “leaves”)

The red bracts of a poinsettia around its tiny cyathia. Photo: Gardener’s Path Below: Poinsettia after holidays.

After all the leaves and bracts have dropped, store your plant in a dark, dry and draft-free area of the house. You can’t forget about it all together, though — mark your calendar to check on it weekly and keep it slightly moist, just enough that the stems won’t dry out. Not too moist and not too dry, as either will

kill it. Once our outdoor overnight temperatures have reached that 13-Celsius minimum (April or May), you can put it outdoors. Re-pot with a quality soil mix blended for container plants. Note, the soil will contain perlite and/or other soil “lightening” amendments — don’t use garden soils, or any heavy soil, for your poinsettia. Ensure it is kept moist, fertilized and in bright light with some humidity for the rest of the growing season. As daylight and nighttime temperatures decrease in September, it’s time to bring it indoors again. Bright light is still important, and ideal temperatures inside will be about 23 Celsius in the day and 18 Celsius at night. There’s still another step to the dormancy process, and that is by early October, a poinsettia will require absolute darkness for 14 to 16 hours, followed by light for the balance of a 24-hour period. You will need a black out area and a timer to get this right. During the time your plant is experiencing light, you can check on it, and hopefully, you will observe its tiny greenish-yellow flowers beginning to form and the bracts beginning to redden. This is the signal that it can now be brought out into your living area for the coming holidays. Remember the fertilizer and keep it consistently lightly moisturized. Celebrate its beauty and all your eﬀorts. Certified Master Gardeners are volunteers who provide education to the home gardener using current, sciencebased horticultural knowledge that exemplifies environmentally responsible practices and stewardship.