TAKE 5 March 2022

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Letters Hometown Heroes I want to voice appreciation to the people who helped me when my car stalled downtown. I had ventured out in the motorcar to get the vaccine shot. A gentleman who drives a fourwheel scooter and lives in the Traveller’s Hotel kindly boosted my battery and noted I had had a totally flat tire. Following his assistance and edging my way to the petrol station, the female Shell attendant on shift taught me to run the air machine using my credit card. A twinkly-eyed gentleman came across to offer assistance and checked that the tire was full enough for me to drive home. Blessings! You are true Ladysmith hometown heroes.

— Catherine Gibbons, Ladysmith, BC

Divisive Country If ever there was a call for transparency now would be a good time. Divisiveness, disinformation, racism and stigmatizing of Canadians has gone from subtle to painfully blatant, and I have never been so torn to watch MSM stumble through such a divide of Canadians from coast to coast.

These last few weeks has turned into hundreds of thousands of men, women and children across Canada coming together

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for the constitutional right of their Freedom of Rights. Ex-RCMP/Military have resigned from their careers to take on leadership roles with what has been dubbed the “Truckers Freedom Convoy.” Doctors, lawyers, paramedics, nurses, pilots, veterans and teachers who too have either lost their job, or resigned, have all come together in support through a right to civil disobedience.

Many have spoken out at these rallies, yet one gentleman by the name of Brian Peckford has shone his own beacon of light.

Peckford was the premier of Newfoundland between 1979 and 1989 and is actually the last living drafter and signatory of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is the highest law of the land. He and his lawyers are suing the Canadian federal government over the blatant neglect of multiple sections in the Charter of Rights. Many interviews with Peckford can be seen on social media and are well worth listening to.

Is it time for the prime minister of Canada to serve all Canadians by leading with unity and science, rather than the rhetoric of division and stigmatizing?

The science is clear as countries like the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland and Switzerland have removed all their mandates and restrictions. Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario have said the same. Even Liberal MPs have begun separating themselves from the PM, saying, “Now being the most vaccinated of populations in the world, we have never been so divided.”

Canada is all about freedom of speech, thought, belief and the right to life, liberty and security of the person. We do not need to beg, barter or ask for these rights. From your first breath to your last, you do have the right to your own body autonomy; it has always been considered God given. Free choice.

— Micheal Rasberry

Re: Letters to the Editor Take 5 magazine In response to the letter to the editor by Garry Korpan, I felt like I needed to reply. Not every agrees with your interpretation on the climate theory. While I do not even have an ornamental Xmas tree, I do believe in the option of having one. If he had read the letter from Mike Gogo, he would notice NEW ones are planted each year to replace those sold. That’s a great thing!

That would actually help with the climate crisis if indeed you believe there is a crisis; I don’t. More and more scientists are now beginning to question this, and so will everyone else once they realize the individual cost to each and everyone of us.

The UK are now seeing this with spiralling costs of their gas and electric.

Be careful what you wish for!

— Keith Danks

And more on Christmas trees…

Gogo’s Christmas Tree farm has been selling trees to the public since 1929. We have over 1500 acres in Timber and Christmas Trees. We never cut more trees than we grow. We supply lumber at wholesale prices to the community, but let’s get the subject of the Christmas trees.

The Christmas trees are grown here and the trees provide shelter for a great number of birds and animals. Our water res-

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ervoir provides a place for ducks, geese and other water fowl. The trees are all supplied by a family grower in Victoria, planted by planters living in the Cedar area, fertilized by all local people, pruned by all local people and harvested by all local people. We have third generation people bringing there grandchildren to the farm and are told by many that it is an event they look forward to.

Meanwhile these young trees are busy with there young lungs cleaning the air as only they can.

Mr. Korpan writes about people paying exorbitant rates for a tree. All our trees are priced at $35 for any tree regardless of size, easily the best deal in Canada. Schools make money for worthwhile projects, we have been a longtime contributor to Covenant House, a most worthwhile organization that takes young people off the street before predators can get their hands on them, and we donate trees to all local churches, regardless of faith.

And, by the way, here at Gogo’s Christmas Tree Farm, we are a huge cleaner of foul air, not hot air.

— Mike Gogo

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Cedar 100 Thank you for the fabulous photos, the cover and the terrific article in the February issue by Kerith Waddington.

They couldn’t be better! You’ve given Cedar Community Hall a wonderful boost at the beginning of our centennial year.

And thanks for making the photos hoot such a good experience. You managed to set up the shots and take the photos quickly.

— Kate Girard, on behalf of Cedar

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Community Hall Association Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are always welcome. But please note that opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of TAKE 5 or its agents. This is a Public Forum. Letters may be edited for length and legality. Please include your name and contact info(contact info will not be shared but is for verification purposes.

Email; editor@take5.ca, fax: 250-2457099, write: PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1.

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Shop local campaign a hit Millie Stirling just wants to spread the love. She is the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Economic Recovery Coordinator and is spearheading an intense Locals love Ladysmith shop local initiative to help support the business community recover from the pandemic.

The campaign is supported by funds from the federal government through the BC Chamber of Commerce.

The campaign started in December.

Along with an improved web page, and a more active presence on social media platforms, some initiatives include the opportunity for customers to purchase gift certificates for local businesses with all proceeds staying with the business.

They are rolling their “Locals love Ladysmith,” and it has been met with much enthusiasm.

“I’m super excited about this because it has taken off like mad,” says Stirling.

“We’re bringing our communities together…because we are all working for a common cause says Millie.

And it’s just positive, says Stirling who encourages members and nonmembers to participate. Spreading the love is easy – just #localsloveladysmith on your social media and you could even win a prize.

The inspiration for the campaign came

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back in October when Stirling conducted a local business review. “The biggest thing I found was that local businesses love Ladysmith but they’re very busy, some are small and some were techy and some were not. This campaign is going to give equal opportunity to all our small businesses,” she says with a smile.

To see what all the excitements about to go visit their website and start hashtagging all that love.

2022 Annual Ladysmith Heritage Awards The 3rd Annual Ladysmith Heritage Awards were presented February 27,, 2022 on the last day of BC Heritage Week. The online ceremony was held via Zoom.

“These awards are a way for the community to show appreciation to individuals or groups who, during the past year, have contributed to the preservation and/or promotion of heritage within our community” said Quentin Goodbody, President of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society, in his introduction.

Also attending was Melanie Mark, BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Doug Routley MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan, and Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone and Chief Roxanne Harris who assisted with presenting the awards.

This year there were four recipients: Bill Verchere and family: For their loving multi-generational preservation of 641 3rd Avenue (the Coburn/Verchere house and gardens) which together are significant original elements of Ladysmith’s built heritage.

One of a very few architect-designed residences in early Ladysmith, this house was built in 1903 for John W.

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Coburn (first Mayor of Ladysmith and local industrialist). Sold in 1917 to Arthur Gaillard Verchere (Manager of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), it has ever since been in the possession of the Verchere Family which have lovingly looked after it.

The house and gardens, listed in Canada’s Historic Places, are important heritage features of Ladysmith. “The face of the town is rapidly changing with many buildings being demolished: some of this is necessary, some not. Ladysmith’s motto is ‘Heritage by the Sea’: care must be taken to preserve as much as possible of the unique character of Ladysmith’s built heritage. Efforts to do so should be recognized and supported” said Quentin Goodbody.

Clinton Charlie and Young Wolves Dance Group: For promoting and preserving the rich heritage of the Stz’uminus First Nation and for sharing this heritage within the Ladysmith Community and beyond.

Clinton Charlie is one of the drivers behind this dance group which consists of young Stz’uminus First Nation performers.

The involvement of youth in heritage activities is important as it ensures cultural continuation.

Performances by this dance group have enthralled a wide variety of audiences within and beyond the community and have raised awareness of the vibrancy of the Stz’uminus First Nation’s Coast Salish culture.

Ladysmith Maritime Society: For the production of a series of 10 documentary videos which outline the history of the society’s collection of restored wooden vessels, showcasing their importance to British Columbia’s maritime heritage.

In 2021 the LMS Wooden Vessel Restoration Group were recognized with an award for its long time dedication to and continuing restoration of heritage wooden vessels of various sizes and provenances. This year the Society followed up with commissioning the production by Take 5 of a series of documentary videos viewable on the Society website and YouTube which provide the background story to many of the restored vessels – highlighting the importance of the collection and illustrating aspects of BC’s past boatbuilding indus-

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Clinton Charlie and Young Wolves Dance Group at Stz’uminus Community School. Photo courtesy of Clinton Charlie.

try and maritime heritage.

Ladysmith & District Credit Union: For the ‘Wall of History’ mural at Roberts Street and 1st Avenue which illustrates the long-time and continuing connection between the Credit Union and our community.

In 2021 the Ladysmith & District Credit Union commissioned local artist Kathy Oliver Stroman to paint a mural depicting 77 years of the Credit Union in the community, celebrating aspects and activities within the community with which the Credit Union has been and remains involved. With its integrated explanatory ‘plaques’, the mural is an attractive introduction to local history and community.

Umpires saved The Ladysmith Minor Softball Association was gearing up for another season of fun recreational ball until they realized that getting umpires to officiate the numerous games was going to be a problem. For the past few years the association has found that it’s been more and more difficult to get existing as well as new recruits to come out to ump the games. Glenn Popenko, umpire in chief, realized that not only getting hassled at times, during the games, the umpires had to take a course

Pictured presenting the Kinsmen $1,500.00 donation to the Ladysmith Minor Softball Association are (left to right) Al Moore, Kinsmen secretary; Jason Kelland, Kinsmen treasurer; Graham Cousins, Minor Softball; Chris Kennedy, Minor Softball; Jalene Dick, Minor Softball and Glen Popenko, umpire in chief Minor Softball. Photo: Duck Paterson

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through Softball B.C. that was costing each $110 per year. This was becoming an obstacle to many and Popenko felt that it was going to limit the number of games the players would be able to have each season and possibly limit the number of kids that would be able to sign up to learn and play the game.

When Popenko approached the local Kinsmen club to see if they would be able to help cover the cost of some of the courses, he was caught off guard, by the generosity of the local Kinsmen when they voted to cover the cost of the course for up to 15 umpires. On February 15th the club presented the Softball Association with a donation check of $1,500.

For the 2022 season the association is planning a full season of ball, but at the present time they only have three umpires, of which two are also ball players. The umpires are paid $30

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per game as well as supplied with most of the gear they need to look after their job in the game.

For anyone interested in being an umpire or more information, contact Glenn Popenko at 250-734-1780.

Transportation workshops Ladysmith holding active transportation engagement sessions as part of Official Community Plan review The Town of Ladysmith wants to get you moving up, down and all around the community as they gather your feedback on both the current challenges and potential opportunities for more active transportation initiatives.

With transportation accounting for 55% of Ladysmith’s greenhouse gas emissions, active transportation choices are

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among the most environmentally friendly, economical, and healthy alternatives for reaching your destination.

Two 60-minute public engagement sessions are scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022 with “walkshops” starting in Downtown as well as South Ladysmith.

The “walkshops” provide residents with an opportunity to observe, discuss, and problem-solve on ways to make our roads and sidewalks more accessible to all pedestrians.

Little Valley Restorations Little Valley Restorations has been officially Certified by Certified Collision Care, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization for maintaining the right tools, equipment, training, and facilities necessary to repair the participating Automaker brand vehicles according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

“We take pride in our highly trained technicians who use the latest tools and equipment to deliver a top quality repair, and provide the very best in customer service,” said Little Valley Restorations owner John Neil.

The Certification criteria are based upon auto manufacturer requirements.

Growth of the Region Launched The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is updating its Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) to ensure there is continued alignment between community priorities and growth management in the region. The RDN invites residents to provide their input on land use, transportation, housing, and climate mitigation and adaptation. Residents can share their priorities for the region via the RGS Community Survey until March 25, 2022.

The RGS is the region’s collective vision for how to manage change and growth over the next 20 years. Key elements include the creation of connected communities, protecting the environment and the efficient delivery of RDN services, such as public transit, recreation and utilities.

“With the RDN experiencing continued growth, the Regional Growth Strategy update is a timely opportunity for residents to provide their input which is vital for developing a collective vision

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for a vibrant, healthy and sustainable region,” said Tyler Brown, RDN Chair.

The RDN Board adopted the current RGS, Shaping Our Future, in 2011. Legislation requires the RGS to consider when an RGS needs updating. The RDN Board initiated the current review in 2018. Several studies have been completed to support the process, including the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, Social Needs Assessment and Transit Survey. For 2022, the focus will be on implementing the public engagement program and preparing the draft amendment bylaw. The public engagement includes meetings and workshops with key stakeholders, such as member municipalities and elected officials, and the region-wide community survey.

Once complete, the revised strategy will be called Shaping Our Future 2040 to reflect the long-term nature of an RGS. For more information about the RGS update and to register to complete the RGS Community Survey, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/RGSreview. Complete the survey by March 25 to be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Residents are also encouraged to subscribe.

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South Wellington School site lease renewed The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has verified that the South Wellington School site 25-year lease was approved through Alternative Approval Processes (AAP) that concluded on February 14, 2022. The AAPs was conducted in accordance with Section 86 of the Community Charter Of an estimated 5,187 electors in Electoral Area A, no eligible response forms were received in opposition to the proposed 25-year lease of the site from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD68). As the 10 per cent threshold was not met, the RDN can proceed with the next phase of the plan to operate the former school and surrounding property as a community center and community park. After the AAP report goes to the Board, the agreement with SD68 will commence. This spring, the RDN will begin the process to retain consulting firms for the design and construction of required renovation work and for the development of an operational plan for the future community centre with the South Wellington and Area Community

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Association. For more information visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/south-wellingtoncommunity-centre.

Got paper?

Ladysmith Rotary/Disaster Aid Fundraiser shredding event is on is on April 2 . This is a chance for businesses and individuals that have been storing papers in their storerooms, basements, garages, under the bed to clear out some of these documents. Not only will you get more space but all of the money raised goes back into community building projects locally through the Rotary Club and Internationally through Disaster Aid Canada. “Every box of paper we shred makes a difference,” says Gerry Beltgens. Last year they raised about $3,000 and this year they want to triple that.

Talk highlights local pilot The Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS) Historically Sopeaking series starts off 2022 season on March 15, 2022.

The talk, titled “Ladysmith’s F/O Raymond “Digger” Conti of Ladysmith makes Royal Canadian Air Force Aviation History” is presented by presented

by Cathy Gilroy, Squadron 257 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Sponsoring Committee Secretary Flying Officer Conti of the 439 Sabre Tooth Squadron joined the first TransAtlantic flight in a jet fighter, the F86E Sabre, in Operation Leapfrog 1.

Find out more about this remarkable story presented free via ZOOM. Please email for your zoom link at museum@ ladysmithhistoricalsoceity.ca

BC Family Day BC Family Day 2022 was a happy day for the many individuals, couples and families who visited the heritage attractions at Ladysmith Harbour.

Jointly hosted by the Ladysmith & District Historical Society and the Ladysmith Maritime Society, the day featured exhibits and activities at the Ladysmith Community Marina, the Comox Logging Railyard and the Railway Station. A Welcome Tent greeted visitors at the Marina, with hot drinks and snacks being given to those brave enough to face the rather frigid weather. BC’s maritime heritage was on display at the Maritime Museum and the Bill Adair

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tivities and the adults were pleased to receive a free booklet “Family Fun at Ladysmith’s Heritage Waterfront: Activity Book and Heritage Guide” containing heritage information, puzzles, and pictures for coloring - all showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the harbourfront area.

LMS and LDHS thank the volunteers who organized and ran the event, those who brought displays, those who brought along family members and friends to help. Thank you also to those who contributed toward the costs. The cooperative effort of many made the day memorable.

BC Family Day Fun on Ladysmith’s Waterfront brought out families to checks out displays. Photo: Shirley Blackstaff

Heritage Boat Shed and there were fascinating things to see at the Sea Life Centre. At the nearby Comox Logging Railyard visitors inspected restoration activities ongoing at the LMS Heritage Boat Restoration Shop and the LDHS Locomotive Shop, with industrial heritage displays, slideshows and videos at the First Aid Shed. The Ladysmith E&N Train Station was open for inspection, it’s history (and hopeful future) explained by a slideshow and volunteers.

Despite the mix of snow, rain and sunshine, the weather didn’t seem to bother the steady flow of over 300 visitors. All had a good time, showed interest, asked questions and shared stories. Kids were delighted to receive a gift bag of home ac-

Ladysmith Lions Club President Eric Mah with CEO Janice Perrino of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, presenting the Clubs $1000 donation. The donation is for the building of the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “The new ICU allows NRGH to continue providing exceptional care to the most critically ill in the Central and North Island communities.” Photo: Allen McDermid

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Film Tzouhalem Opens Fresh off a premiere at the Whistler Film Festival, Tzouhalem will open in select theatres across British Columbia for one night only!

From Orca Cove Media, a production company that focuses on First Nations and Indigenous authentic content, the film is about the untold legendary story of Tzouhalem. Co-director Harold Joe is a member of the Cowichan Tribes and grew up hearing the legends of the fiercest warrior to ever wage battle in the Pacific Northwest.

Through interviews and creative reenactments, this documentary focuses on the near-mythic figure of Cowichan Chief Tzouhalem, the account of his life from both historians and First Nations Elders, the folkloric tales concerning him, his impact on the modern relationship between the Crown and First Nations, and how his legend remains alive to this day, examining critically how his

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story has been told and passed down to us.

Tzouhalem showtimes are March 4, at 7 p.m., at the Chemainus Theatre; March 5, at 7 p.m., and March 13, at 2 p.m., at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.

Tzouhalem will be a part of the Chemainus Theatre’s Mini Film Festival running March 4 and 5. This two-day film festival features Indigenous artists and stories and will include a questionand-answer session with some of the filmmakers after the film. Other screenings include Dust n’ Bone and Penelakut: Returning to the Healing Circle by Gumboot Productions and Peter Campbell. Audiences will also get a sneak peak of Seasiders, a new series of webisodes created for children, featuring regional elders, knowledge keepers and advocates focusing on health, hope and resilience.

Curtain Rises on Ladysmith Little Theatre After two years of no performances, Ladysmith Little Theatre is excited to once again welcome full house audiences through it’s doors! The theatre’s plan is to launch their reopening in late April with the production of The Ladies of the Camellias. Stay tuned for more solid details in April’s edition of TAKE 5.

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Local Author Launches Children’s Storytelling Podcast Website To celebrate the one-year anniversary of her children’s podcast, Sticks and Stones and Stories, local author Rachel Dunstan Muller has just launched a new website: sticksandstonesandstories.com.

It is searchable by genre, length and title, and includes links to audio recordings as well as PDFs of the full text of each of 42 original children’s stories. Muller releases a new story every Thursday.

In its first year, episodes of Muller’s podcast were downloaded in 307 cities in 36 countries, representing every continent except Antarctica.

Sticks and Stones and Stories is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other podcast platforms.

Artist Barry Strasbourg

New Art Shows

Co-Director and actor Harold C. Joe plays Tzouhalem being filmed by DOP Gavin Andrews. Photo submitted.

H. Barry Strasbourg & Gail Holland welcome you to their Artist’s Exhibition ‘Mayday For Our Children’ opening March 27 and running until April 3, 2022. Enjoy the show from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Art Studio Gallery 9735 Elm Street, Chemainus. www. strasbourgthompsonstudio.ca

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Spring celebration Just in time to welcome spring, the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery is presenting Terry Boyle and Ceilidh Briscoe for a one night only concert March 26, 7:30 pm at Ladysmith’s Waterfront Gallery. Get those toes tapping as you enjoy this live performance. Tickets are available at www.ladysmitharts.ca

Award-winning Jazz Pianist Michael Kaeshammer Returns!

Award-winning Jazz Pianist Michael Kaeshammer returns to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Stage on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Considered one of the best jazz pianists in Canada, over the course of decades as a professional performer, Michael Kaeshammer has developed a style that weaves threads of classical, jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, stride and even pop into a signature and sought-after sonic tapestry.

Kaeshammer began performing club, theatre and festival stages throughout Europe in his early teens. His first studio album, Blue Keys, dropped in 1996 and spurred a consistent sequence of heralded releases and high-profile international performances. “I do listen to a lot of music, but I’m not overly influenced by other people; it’s more about trying to learn something new every day,” muses Kaeshammer about his musical evolution. “I’ll take pretty much any opportunity if it’s going to help me discover new things and help me progress.”

Those opportunities have been as wide-reaching as the artist’s subsequent breadth of style, and include opening slots for

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the likes of Ray Charles and Anne Murray; stints backing singers like Marva Wright, the late blues queen of New Orleans; co-writing sessions with rockers Randy Bachman and Colin James; official Olympic Games performances in several world cities; and TV specials on numerous networks — including 2020’s popular PBS special Boogie on the Blues Highway.

Many of those experiences have also helped to hone his skills as a vocalist and lyricist to the point that Kaeshammer is equally at home when he takes the mic as he is letting his fingers lead the melody. Tickets to his live concert at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre are $38 for adults and $5 for students in Grades 8–12.

Free event at the Port Theatre The Port Theatre invites you to join them for the final chapter of their four-part series celebrating our diverse artistic community in Chapter 4: Collaboration, Creation and Community on March 31, 2022. Show starts at 7:30pm. In-Theatre & Livestream tickets are available.

This four-chapter series is created and hosted by Nico Rhodes who has conducted and arranged more than 40 professional productions across Canada from the Arts Club and Chemainus to Persephone and Drayton Theatres. Guest Artists include • SacRED • Tina Biello • Orith Horwitz • Joël A. Prévost • Vibe Dancers. The Chapters’ House Band includes: Patrick Courtin – Keyboards & Clarinet; Helena Jung – Cello; Al Murray – Drums & Accordion; Brad Shipley – Guitar, Banjo & Mandolin.

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What’s trending

BY KERITH WADDINGTON Home decor trends will always be a fascinating reflection of people in a certain time and place: what they believe they need and what they place value on.

And although this year is still in its infancy, local interior designers and home supply stores can already pinpoint patterns that are emerging for 2022.

Multi-functional rooms: Likely, a trend spurred by the huge demographic shift to working from home these past two years. This included comforting materials with plenty of texture, the calming colours of nature, extending the indoors out, and bringing the outdoors in.

While several of these themes may seem a continuation from past years, there is definitely a heightened desire for serenity through décor that incorporates the natural world, says Ladysmith Interior Designer Jane Nares of Jane Nares Designs.

There is even a definition for it.

“It is known as biophilic design,” says Nares. “What it means is that there is an emphasis on creating calming environments with natural lighting and ventilation, incorporating plants and creating a visual connection with nature.” Basically, creating “good habitat” for people using natural light, natural ventilation, natural

Nikki MacCallum in her garden. The outdoors are inspiring today’s home decor.

Photo: Kerith Waddington

materials, vegetation and/or views.

And where options to incorporate biophilic design are limited, “indirect” options such as mimicking natural lighting, providing images of nature and using natural colours and materials can be nice alternatives.

Nares goes on to add that “familyfriendly fabrics, curved/rounded-shaped upholstered pieces, reeded and caned texture on furniture, enhanced outdoor spaces and features, and more wallpaper” are also big this year.

Nikki MacCallum of Nikki Designs in Ladysmith agrees with Nares’s thoughts on the importance of bringing the outdoors in.

She suggests that as spring approaches, people look to nature for colour inspiration.

“Sunny yellows, grass greens, sky blues are all colours that either invigorate or calm us,” she says, adding that “nature-inspired surfaces and objects make our homes feel comfortable and reflect the outdoors. Solid wood floors, wood beams and wood furniture add a rustic feel, balancing white interiors and sleek surfaces of modern interiors.”

MacCallum believes that the popularity of accessories like vases, as well as decorative objects that are handcrafted from natural materials and have rough finishes and cultural patterns and designs, have simultaneously inspired a resurgence in natural surfaces.

“Think stoneware, terracotta, marble and travertine being used across the board from backsplashes to bathtubs, furniture and decorative objects. The

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raw, porous, imperfect nature of these organic materials adds depth, soul and visual intrigue while also mimicking the calming, restorative ambiance of the outdoors,” she says.

Sean Dunlop of the Ladysmith Home Hardware Building Centre echoes much of what both Nares and MacCallum have observed.

He identifies soft earth-tone colours as big for interior paint this year, along with warmer wood tones, when it comes to flooring. “Also, there’s a continued trend in accenting those earth tones with retro hardware finishes, such as brass kitchen hardware and light fixtures,” says Dunlop. He goes on to add that “homeowners also seem to be putting more thought and investment into their outdoor living spaces as well. Whether it be adding an outdoor cooking area or adding some outdoor furniture to maximize the use of their outdoor space people seem to be wanting to bring the comforts of the indoor space of their house to the outside.”

While MacCallum acknowledges that multi-functional rooms, sustainability and bringing nature inside are all strong trends for 2022, she adds the proviso that today’s homes are more about how the owner lives than the vagaries of fashion.

“Your rooms need to reflect your lifestyle and your personality. If lots of bright colours make you happy, then choose bright colours. If you love to read and never watch TV, then surround yourself with books. If cooking and entertaining are your passions, then make your kitchen the biggest, most comfortable space in your house. It’s all about being mindful in your decorating decisions.”

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Meet the Witch Hazels

by Ute Holewa, Master Gardener Witch hazels, Hamamelis spp., are beautiful, hardy and carefree deciduous shrubs or small trees. They add a special touch to gardens year-round with their whimsical, often highly fragrant, filament-like flowers, which remain open for four to six weeks. Their stunning fall foliage colours range from pale yellow, orange to strong reds and even some purples; the fall foliage colour mirrors flower colour. They have statuesque silhouettes, varying from upright, vaseshaped, rounded, horizontal spreading or weeping, depending on the variety.

The generic name Hamamelis translates as “together with fruit” and refers to the fact that flowers, fruits and next year’s leaf buds can manifest simultaneously on the same plant. Flowers emerge in clusters resembling brilliant, colourful spiders on bare branches usually in late winter to early spring, except for one American species (H. virginiana), which blooms in fall. The flowers clusters open on mild winter days and close on cold days to prevent damage from frost. Witch hazels are hardy, relatively maintenance free and ignored by most pests, except deer. They are slow grow-

The vase-like shape of Hamamelis x intermedia, Arnold Promise.

Photo credit: Greer Gardens

ing, reaching three to eight metres tall and wide at maturity, depending on species and cultivar. Plus, they are pollinator friendly.

This easy-care shrub is perfectly suited to Pacific Northwest gardens. It prefers organically rich, moist, neutral to acidic, well-drained soil. Top dressing with compost or wood chips annually will help maintain ideal conditions.

It takes three to four years for new plantings to establish with summer watering. Leaf scorch or leaves being held vertically are signs that water is needed.

Long-term development can be impeded when there is poor early care. Witch hazels thrive in full sun to light shade but flower best in sun. Although they look great planted against an evergreen background, adequate light exposure in win-

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ter will prevent leggy growth. Planting under deciduous trees allows winter sun and will lead to a good show.

Unlike most flowering plants, witch hazels require winter chill (temperatures dropping to at least 7 °C) for best blooms.

Plant near a walkway to take advantage of spicy, citrus fragrance or plant near window to enjoy winter flower display.

To shape or maintain size, prune annually after flowering.

Cut previous season’s growth to two buds for maximum flowering next year. Any suckers developing below a graft union should be removed.

Visit specialty nurseries in January to February to view most desirable colours and fragrances. Most witch hazels are grafted, so they can be pricey. Contrary to the rule of thumb that smaller plants are easier to establish, small witch hazels need intense care and are difficult to establish. Purchasing a larger shrub (five gallon) will be well worth the cost.

Varieties Two Asian species: • H. japonica: native to Japan; upright, open; rounded habit 3–4.5 metres • H. mollis: native to China; stunning garden specimens; most fragrant of all; vase-shaped, 4.5–6 metres; Zone 5–8 Three North American species: • H. virginiana: fall-flowering (blooms before leaves fall); small, fragrant, yellow flowers; oval to round spreading habit to 7–8 metres; Zone 3–9; source of medicinal witch hazel • H. vernalis: small, intensely fragrant flowers; forms dense, multi-stemmed colony; more tolerant of alkaline, clay soils • H. ovalis: rhizomatous; low-growing; suckering habit Vigorous hybrid cross between Hamamelis mollis and Hamamelis japonica • Hamamelis x intermedia: features a wide range of flower colours; fragrance (or lack of); autumn foliage colour; mature size (3–5 metres); Zone 5–8; some of the best-rated garden varieties include “Arnold Promise,” “Diane,” “Jelena,” “Primavera,” “Sunburst,” “Aurora,” “Barmstedt Gold,” “Pallida,” “Rubin” and “Westerstede” Certified Master Gardeners are volunteers who provide education to the home gardener using current, science-based horticultural knowledge that exemplifies environmentally responsible practices and stewardship.

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RDN Area A Cedar Almost looks like spring is in the air … at least as I am writing this. And there is hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. At home, we’re getting ready to welcome a new crop of lambs, which is a time of excitement and long hours.

In our house, spring is a time for birth, growth and looking forward to another good year.

One other thing that I am looking forward to is the development of a community centre at the old South Wellington School. While some folks in Cedar have asked me why we need a centre in South Wellington instead of Cedar, I believe that the location of the South Wellington School is quite central to most of Electoral Area A and it will serve all the residents of our region. Something that

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surprises people is the fact that South Wellington is home for approximately 2,300 people, with another 1,100 in Cassidy. The rest of Area A holds slightly more than 4,000 residents.

At the same time as improvements take place to South Wellington, Area A will have a new recreation programmer to provide facilitation in our region. The recreation services study undertaken in 2019 showed that most people here wanted more recreational options for themselves and their families. The new programmer will work with the community to develop and coordinate options in and for our community. As well, programming will take place throughout the area in such places as the Cedar Heritage Centre, Cedar Community Hall and, eventually, at the South Wellington

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location.

As many will remember, there is a plan in place to create a trail connection between South Wellington and Cedar across the Nanaimo River on the Morden Colliery Trail. The RDN recently received approval from the Province of BC that it could apply for a licence to use the lands for the trail, so planning can now continue in earnest. Once this is in place, travel for all ages between the two communities will be easier and safer.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond This month is all about the numbers.

One thing you might not have known about me: I have always liked numbers.

They have always brought sense to is-

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sues for me, whether in the classroom or out in the field on my farm. The reason I mention this is numbers are something a director needs to be comfortable with — budgets, of course, but also statistics and how those apply to our respective electoral areas. I would like to report on some numbers from the CVRD Budget 2022, Stats Canada, Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Control.

CVRD Budget 2022 At this point in the budget process, there is an overall proposed 5.44 per cent increase in tax requisition. Continuing the analogy from last month’s article, this means the size of the “requisition” pie is that much larger than 2021. However, due to the variation of property tax increases across the CVRD, our slice of that pie is smaller this year. At this point in the process, there is little or no increase to residential property tax in Area H. According to the CVRD Finance Department, the average house in Area H is now valued at $774,763 and the total tax increase for this home in 2022 is $2.55. (Yes, the decimals are in the right place: two dollars and fifty-five cents.)

Stats Canada The 2016–2021 population change for Area H is an increase of 6.4 per cent (from 2,445 to 2,603 people). This is slightly higher than the increase of 5.3 per cent across all electoral areas. The number of private dwellings in Area H is 1,238. The number of private dwellings occupied by usual residents is 1,137, which basically means that most of us are permanent residents. A few other stats are provided: there are 83.02 square kilometres in Area H and the population density is 31.4 people per square kilometer. (Now for a test: How do you get 0.4 of a person?) Compare this to the population density of Victoria of 4,722 people per square kilometre and Nanaimo of about 1,000 people per square kilometre.

Bylaw Enforcement One of the things I am often asked about is Bylaw Enforcement (often the lack of). Bylaw Enforcement staff consists of three officers, an administrative assistant and one temporary bylaw officer/park ranger, who is tasked mostly with parks and trails enforcement/inspections at this time. This staffing level is what has been budgeted for and approved by the CVRD Board.

In 2021, Bylaw Enforcement investigated a total of 298 complaints, up from 247 complaints in 2020, representing a 20 per cent increase in investigations. Waste management accounted for the most calls for service. The increase is due to a focused effort with the goal of reducing recycling tote contamination.

There has been some success and contamination has decreased, but it needs to get better. Zoning had the second most calls for service. A significant amount of zoning complaints was associated with dwelling in recreational vehicles. Other investigations included non-permitted suites, structure setbacks and non-conforming homebased-business activities. Other complaints were related to burning (29), and investigations regarding development in sensitive ecosystems. Fireworks (3) and dog control, unsightly properties, noise and parks made up the rest of the numbers.

Area H recorded about 5 per cent (15) of the 287 complaints, yet it has 7.4 per cent of the electoral area population (yes, 2021 numbers). So, we are under complaining. Here is a breakdown of those 15 complaints: zoning (5), recycling contamination (2),

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burning (2), noise (2), animal control (1), unsightly properties (1), soil deposit (1), and building (1).

Animal Control The report for 2021 shows Area H was about 7 per cent (17) of the 248 Animal Control service calls. (I can’t comment on the dog population, as it isn’t on the long form of the Canada Census.) The only statistic I could fi nd was 2,632 dog licences were issued across all electoral areas in 2021. So about one licenced dog for every 13 people. Reasons for responses were: confi ned (6), at large (5), noise (3), aggressive (2), and unlicensed (1). Notable zeros were livestock/other (0) and parks (0). Seven dogs were impounded, four were claimed, three were adopted or transferred for adoption and another notable zero were euthanized.

There might be many reasons for these numbers for Bylaw Enforcement, but my thoughts are we live in paradise and, for the most part, know our neighbours.

The first is about contentment, and the second is about talking with our neighbours. The numbers for Animal Control appear to be higher than our general complaints. Maybe we just won’t tolerate dogs being mistreated, or for irresponsible owners. And, that’s the thing with numbers — they often generate more questions than answers.

CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands Saltair Water System The design/build tender for water filtration and hydro generation closed February 10. As I write this article, there is no cost information available. However, the grant application was filed in January 2020, and construction costs have increased significantly since then. I expect the bids will be higher than anticipated. The grant funds will cover $3.9 million. The community will cover the rest, including any unanticipated cost increases.

A $75,000 bid for upgrading the water distribution system on Rumble Road has been accepted. Work will begin when the contractor can fit the project into its schedule.

MOCP — Bylaw 4373 Modernization of the Official Community Plan (MOCP) information is now available on the CVRD website

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under Strategic Initiatives: www.cvrd. ca/3402/Planning---Strategic-Initiatives and www.planyourcowichan.ca/themodernized-official-community-planmocp.

The CVRD has placed ads in our local publications about community circles.

There are several dates to mark on your calendar to ensure you are involved in these decisions, which will guide our communities into the future.

Community Circles CVRD led community circles are planned. In April, they will deal with policy goals—that is, managing infrastructure, making distinct and complete communities, expanding mobility options, strengthening local food and agriculture, enhancing regional prosperity, and mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis. In May, they will focus on Local Area Plans.

As these meetings will be held virtually, registration is required. Electoral Area directors have asked CVRD staff to hold additional meetings in May or early June to provide in-person opportunities for residents in the event BC Health COVID-19 regulations have changed.

New CVRD Committee A Committee of the Whole has replaced the Regional Services, Community Services and Corporate Services committees. These committees only met once a month. This meant business before any one committee had to wait a full month before it could be continued.

A Committee of the Whole is used in many other jurisdictions combine the functions of these separate committees in one meeting.

The CVRD Committee of the Whole meets twice a month, on the same days as the board meetings. “This change is anticipated to create greater efficiency for CVRD staff and elected officials, as meeting agendas are not restricted to items related to specific service areas or groupings.”

Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) This year, two CVRD resolutions will be submitted to AVICC for consideration at the convention in April 2022: 1. Managed Forest Land Valuation: A valuation formula review leading to the implementation of an understandable, fair and transparent formula. Area

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G Managed Forest Lands constitute 97 per cent of Area G. In 2021, the value decreased $2 million, and for 2022, the decrease is $1.4 million.

2. Speculation and Vacancy Tax Review: A request for the Province to consult with local governments on an evaluation of the Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act, including a review of the taxable regions and impact on areas adjacent to the taxable regions.

Three-Stream Curbside Collection Did you know the garbage disposal amount in our region was 426 kilograms per person in 2020? A recent CVRD Project Backgrounder states, “By providing three-stream curbside collection in all electoral areas, we will further support the goal to reduce ‘garbage disposal rate’ and get a step closer to zero waste.”

The advantage of green bins in Saltair may not be obvious. Many residents do their own composting. These gardeners treasure their black gold; they add it to their gardens.

Other residents are skeptical about the efficacy of separate curbside pickups for compostables. They are concerned because these pickups will double the number of garbage trucks on their streets and require more trips to the curb.

The City of Nelson is taking an interesting approach. During a pilot project, the city gave 151 households a FoodCycler. These are kitchen, counter-top dehydrators that remove the water from organic material. As a result of the pilot project, the City anticipates purchasing 4000 FoodCyclers at a cost of $1.1 million for all its households (visit www. nelson.ca/842/Organic-Waste-Diversion and www.nelsonstar.com/news/videonelson-will-use-unique-technology-toreduce-composting-costs/).

Open Burning and Smoke — Bylaw 3716 Allowed in Saltair from March 15 to April 15, based on the Burning Index. If it is “good,” burning is allowed from 7 a.m. to sunset that day: (see www.cvrd. ca/DocumentCenter/View/84462/3716?bidId=).

If you have any questions and/or comments, please contact me at lynne. smith@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1407. Additional articles and information can be found at Saltair News and Views (www.

SaltairNews.ca).

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The “Aggie” Ladysmith’s Agricultural Hall turns 100

BY KERITH WADDINGTON Ladysmith’s Aggie Hall and the grounds that surround it are a delight to behold. Fresh wooden shingles adorn this old beauty, and an elegant staircase welcomes the community. Lovely brick sidewalks, ornamental trees and comfy benches invite passersby to stop a moment. And the adjacent playing fields are an immaculately-maintained expanse of green just demanding to be enjoyed.

That this historic building is entering its second century in such good shape is a reflection of the esteem in which it is held by the community: it is a truth that we take care of what we love. But while the building itself has been the direct beneficiary of that attention, what has really been honoured by the efforts to maintain the hall are the memories that have been made there over the past 100 years and those yet to come.

There is no doubt that life has changed dramatically since the hall was built in 1922. With home entertainment systems the norm and area sports fields more abundant, the ways in which the hall is used has certainly altered. Gone are the Agricultural Fairs, community dances and big bands of days gone by. But the purpose for which the hall was built — to provide a place for the community to come together — is exactly the same.

Just how did this lovely meeting place come to be?

In 1906, there was a Sports Ground Committee in Ladysmith that leased five acres of land, blocks 32 and 33, from the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway. They cleared and fenced the land, and it became the property of the Agricultural Society and named the Agricultural Grounds.

In 1922, the grounds committee raised money to build the

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Aggie Hall, 1951 at the Ladysmith Air Cadets Squadron 257 Inspection. Photo courtesy of Cathy Gilroy.

Agricultural Hall by selling 600 shares at $5 each. The hall was built largely by miners from the area. As the story goes, as soon as the floor was finished, a dance was held — the walls were put up the following day!

Aggie Hall, as the building became fondly known, proceeded to become the main social centre for the little town of Ladysmith. Dances, clubs, social meetings, concerts, big bands, the annual Agricultural Fair and the Ladysmith Air Cadet Squadron all called it home.

The 257 Ladysmith Air Cadets have played an especially important role as long-term tenants and supporters of Aggie Hall.

The formation of Air Cadet Squadrons in Canada in 1942–43 were under the auspices of high schools, but LHS didn’t have a gym, so they used the Aggie Hall and Fields for drill, Squadron Parades and other activities for many years.

When the Agricultural Society, which owned the hall, was failing, Cadet parents resurrected the society, then “sold” the Aggie to the Town of Ladysmith for $1 in 1971, with the proviso that the Air Cadet Program would always have a home there.

Football and logger sports were hugely popular in the early days of the hall; to accommodate large crowds a grandstand was built. It wasn’t unusual for the Agricultural Grounds to have over one thousand people cheering on the participants!

Many might find it interesting that in the early 1960s, Red Robinson brought some big names to Ladysmith as part of his travelling rock ’n’ roll shows. Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Conway Twitty and the Everly Brothers all graced the stage at Aggie Hall.

It is widely known that Lewis, finding the piano in the hall badly out of tune, pushed it right off the stage and played his guitar for the rest of the night!

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The hall was almost shuttered for good twice in its long history. In 1991, it was deemed unsafe as a public building and closed. Some wanted it demolished as Council did not have the money to repair it. However, the Canadian Air Force Association of Nanaimo — the sponsoring body of Ladysmith’s 257 Squadron — responded with a proposal to repair the building; work began 1992 and was finished in September of that same year.

In 1997, snow and earthquake damage rendered the hall unsafe; an extensive heritage update was started in 1998 and completed in 1999.

Today, the hall resounds with the sounds of laughter and conviviality. The Air Cadets still call the hall home, and the Ladysmith Association of Family and Friends (LAFF) are regular users. Community members regularly rent the hall and adjacent grounds for everything from wedding receptions to baseball tournaments.

There will be even more laughter and making of memories at the hall later this year: a broad-based planning committee is working on Centennial celebrations to mark the auspicious occasion. Updates on the 100th anniversary can be found at Ladysmith Agricultural Hall CelebraƟon | Facebook or email aggiehall100@yahoo.com.

Ladysmith historian Rob Johnson gets the last word: “Aggie Hall is such a part of the fabric of this community, it would be impossible to undo the threads.”

(Right) Lesley Moore and Cathy Gilroy are heading up the Aggie Hall 100 Celebration. Photo: Marina Sacht

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Back when Teen Town rocked

BY ROB JOHNSON Imagine a youth organization that was run by teens for teens, modelled on a town council. In Ladysmith, it was called “Teen Town.”

Its members elected their own mayor and council to run the “town” by provid-

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ing social activities, such as dances, sporting competition, and community service. An organization or individuals sponsored local “towns.” The purpose of Teen Town was to give teenagers a club of their own, where they could achieve a better understanding of how to administer a small organization while having fun.

The first reference to a Ladysmith Teen Town was in 1947, when a local softball team took part in a provincial Teen Town softball tournament, sponsored by the Vancouver Sun. The Ladysmith team was composed of some of the best ball players the town ever produced and easily won the championship. Then in the years 1949, 1950 and 1951, they repeated the championship, and because of the rules, they were able to claim the trophy for keeps — something that no one had ever done before.

Ladysmith became a hotbed of activity for the members of Teen Town, with numerous Teen Town dances and community involvement.

Teen Town had four rules that members were expected to follow. Members were asked not to smoke, drink, gambling or use profanity. Some members complained there was a fifth rule: “no fun.” Yet Ladysmith Teen Town grew to over 60 members at one time. The province had 60 plus “towns,” and on the Island, the number of “towns” bounced around 10 or 12 Teen Town had strict rules about attendance at their dances.

Members had to sign in, and once they left the dance, they were not allowed to return. Yet often the town received complaints from parents that their kids were coming home after some of the dances late or drunk, and they blamed Teen Town for this.

The leaders pointed out to the parents that what their children did prior to or after the dance ended at midnight was beyond their control. It was common for some members to head out to the Oyster Bar Restaurant after the dance ended for a late-night snack, and to continue the fun without the rules.

The Ladysmith’s Teen Town ran for about 15 years. Before Teen Town, there was something called the “Teen Canteen” during the war years, which appears to have morphed into Teen Town. Following the Teen Town era, there was “Guys and Gals” for the youth.

During Teen Town’s time in Ladysmith, it also did a lot of good for the community. They greatly supported the “March of Dimes,” a fundraiser to help find a cure for polio. They were often one of the top Teen Towns in fundraising. For example, at one dance, they raised $330. This may not seem like a lot, but it was in 1956. In today’s dollars, it would have been around $3000 — pretty good for a club of 50 plus in a community of 4,000.

Bands such as Ladysmith’s own Bobby De Clark’s The Saints and George Noskys’s Road Runners, along with other local bands, such as the Rebels out of Port Alberni and the Whalers from Seattle, were great attractions. Teen Town dances offered young musicians a reason to perfect their playing skills, and some went on to be famous, such as Cliff Richards and the Shadows. They also were a platform for many local singers,

Opposite page: Top: “The Saints” were regulars at Teen Town dances Below: Page from Ladysmith Secondary School’s Spion Kop, 1963-1964

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such as Carol LaFleur and Glenda Battie (Patterson), to showcase their talent. Many of these local bands played not only in Ladysmith, but in Teen Town clubs all over the island. A band could earn good money at these dances while entertaining their audiences with many of their favourite tunes.

The popularity of these dances is one of the reasons that the Ladysmith Teen Town worked with the famed rock ’n’ roll disc jockey Red Robinson to bring better-known bands to the area, eventually leading up to Ladysmith becoming a “must stop” for his parade of rock ’n’ roll stars.

Imagine being on the dance floor and dancing to the likes of Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby Curtola. You could because they all performed here, thanks in some small part to the legacy of Teen Town dances held here.

Ladysmith Teen Town not only raised funds for the March of Dimes by holding dances, they also held whist and bridge drives and sold raffle tickets. Their community activities included forming a crosswalk patrol at the local elementary school after a child was hit by a car.

In 1960, Nanaimo’s Chinatown burnt down and many were in need. The Ladysmith Teen Town Council jumped right in to raise funds and help. Acts such as these were not uncommon, as years earlier, members were out in boats rescuing people from a flood in Duncan The times were changing, and Teen Town was no longer supported by the new generation of kids. It is a shame because its goals were so noble and still needed today. Would Teen Town survive in today’s world?

Sadly, I think not.

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Spring Has Sprung!

BY K. BRAUCKMANN, EIS NATURALIST The forest at Wildwood is buzzing with activity. All the creatures are preparing for another year, and the sights are spectacular. Plants are producing eye-catching flowers, which attract a variety of insects and some very tiny birds.

As the forest wakes from its winter slumber, there is a crucial food source emerging that so many creatures rely upon — flowers! When these colourful and delicate blooms appear, life begins again. Many insects, birds and mammals rely on the pollen, berries, fruits and nuts that flowers create.

The salmonberry or lila’, as it is called in the native Hul’qumí’num language, are opening their flowers and are ready to be pollinated. This important food source is a common species on Vancouver Island that you may have seen or walked past before. Its tall golden canes covered in lush green foliage are beautiful, but its star-shaped, fuchsia flowers are a sure sign you have

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spotted it in the spring. These dazzling flowers are an irresistible target for any pollinator with an appetite.

Mason bees are emerging! If you have mason bee houses, keep your eyes open for these fuzzy little critters beginning their life as adults. This species looks similar in size and appearance to a house fly, but they have an iridescent blue sheen, four wings instead of two and are fuzzy. They are a native bee species that do not make honey and live a solitary life, unlike the honeybee. This species lives for only a month, during

which time they try to lay as many eggs as possible. Using existing holes in the wild and human made objects (like mason bee houses), the mason bee will lay an egg, fill it with pollen and then close it up by sealing it with mud or bits of

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eroded sandstone or brick. Last summer, I had too many mason bees. Once they had filled their houses up with eggs, they started filling drill holes on an old building and any other cavity they could find. Pollen is a vital food source for the mason bees, making them an extraordinary pollinator in this ecosystem.

The rufous hummingbird has spent the winter in the southern United States and Mexico and is now arriving in BC to reproduce. They are a colourful sight, with the males boasting rusty feathers and a red, iridescent throat. Their wings make a unique figure-eight motion, allowing them to hover in place while flying as well as move backwards and forwards, unlike any other bird.

They are approximately the length of your pointer finger, and their eggs are about the size of a Tic Tac. These tiny creatures have a ravenous appetite and need the nectar from these early blooms to sustain themselves.

During this magical time of year, you can see hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators coming to visit the salmonberry plants on the trails at Wildwood.

Join us on Sunday, April 3, for our annual family friendly Springo — Signs of Spring scavenger hunt to see if you can find these early and dazzling signs of spring! Register at https://www.ecoforestry.ca/event-listings.

Salmonberry - a sign of spring.

Photo: K. Brauckmann

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Tame Trees and Wild Tigers

BY PAMELA WALKER Scientists used to believe that trees compete with each other for light, water and other resources. All that has changed now, thanks to the work of Dr. Suzanne Simard and other forest ecology scientists. It is now known that forests live cooperatively, caring for their own offspring, other trees of the same species and even different species of tree in the same forest.

Like neighbours lending a cup of sugar when their larder is full, birch trees are known to give carbon to Douglas fir trees when their leaves fall off and they have food to spare. Alternately, when spring comes and their leaves burst out, a hungry deciduous tree will ask for food back from its neighbouring conifers. The trees in a forest are now known to move their roots to make way for siblings who are squished for space. And like in any good neighbourhood, they have a kind of “Block Watch Program” that they use to warn each other of predators in the ’hood, such as carpenter ants, powder post beetles or munching caterpillars.

Trees do all this communicating with the help of the “Wood Wide Web,” a term coined to explain the mycorrhizal network and underground root system that facilitates interactions between the trees and plants. The fungus below the ground, along with the tangled mats of roots, acts much like a telephone operator in the good old days, when phones were wound up with a crank. Using fungus and wood instead of electrical wiring, this tree is connected with that tree, and that tree is connected with that bush.

At this point, you may be asking, “Is this really true? And if it is, how did Dr. Simard discover it?” These are good

questions. And the answer is simple, really.

Dr. Simard put carbon isotopes into the ground beside one tree and used them like a tracking device on a tiger to see where it moved around. As any gardener knows, plants love carbon, and because this was a specific kind of carbon that did not appear in the earth samples she had taken, she was quite sure that wherever they found those isotopes again, they would be the same ones she had introduced to the soil herself. Just as she had thought, the carbon isotope was found far away from where she had stuck it in the soil, at the roots of a smaller, struggling tree. Through more experimentation like this, Simard discovered that there were what she called “Mother trees” that seemed to be responsible for ensuring that nutrients and water are delivered to the many different trees in the forest. Even more surprisingly, she discovered that Mother trees know which seedlings in the forest come from her seeds, and these are the ones she cares for the most.

Simard’s findings have had a startling effect on the forest industry, and on the study of ecology itself. It turns out that we are wrong to believe that forests fight for limited resources. Instead, they cooperate with each other to ensure the survival of the forest as a whole. The takeaway from all this research is that instead of clearcutting — as we have

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done in the past — it is important to leave many larger trees that can nourish the new forest, just as wild tigers will care for their cubs.

For more on all this, check out Simard’s memoir Finding the Mother Tree (2021), or stay tuned for the movie of the same name starring Amy Adams. We have asked Dr. Simard to join us for one of our YES Zoom meetings, at which she has agreed to speak, although a date has yet to be set.

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Tastes Gross - Must be Good “Broccoli sprouts may prevent cerebral palsy” claims last night’s newspaper. We see similar articles all the time, but why does the research rarely discover that a disease can be cured by something you might actually want to eat? A grilled leg of lamb, or a heavily-marbled rib eye steak, maybe. Or any baked good that’s done a triple gainer into Tim Horton’s deep fryer.

Society has this bias that, unless edibles taste gross, they can’t be good for you. Why, for example, do we never read about deep-fried Mars bars being

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tested for their curative powers? It’s always something green and leafy, usually a member of the cabbage family, or that publicity-hound kale.

Not that I’m opposed to leafy greens.

I like brussels sprouts, especially if they’re assisted with olive oil, chicken stock, and parmesan cheese, something to mask the flavour. But, let’s face it, brussels sprouts aren’t for everyone their aromatics alone guarantee that.

They are, after all, members of the cabbage family, and no one uses cabbage to make perfume. In fact, when you say “cabbage” in a simple word association test, seven out of ten respondents yell “skunk!” The other three just want to know who farted.

Nutritionists, ever eager to join the fray, tell us we need leafy greens to fight off oxidants. Personally, I’m a pacifist when it comes to oxidants. “Live and let live” is what I say. Why can’t we all get along, put down our aggressive greens where the rabbits can get them, and enjoy a non-combative milkshake instead?

Research scientists are also fond of stating that “the next step is to begin clinical trials in humans,” their way of

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admitting they haven’t been able to find any humans willing to eat the stuff. Trust me, if they were to start testing Mars bars, cheeseburgers, or anything unlikely to be confused with groundcover, humans would volunteer in droves, and show up wearing bibs.

It’s not just research scientists and nutritionists who subscribe to the only-gross-can-be-good theory. That’s why I’m suing my parents, but it won’t be easy since they’ve been dead for 20 years. The gist of my lawsuit falls under the heading cruel and unusual punishment. Unbelievably, I was force-fed cod liver oil during common cold season.

Sorry Mom, sorry Dad, but it’s hard to believe you had my best interests at heart when you were spooning a substance with the gastronomic profile of fish fertilizer down my throat.

And for those who think my lawsuit ill-advised, consider this: after they’d hit me with the fish fertilizer - one holding my nose, the other telling me to just say “Ah” - they’d slather Vicks VapoRub, with a smell only an industrial chemist could like, not only on my chest, but also IN MY NOSE!!! If that didn’t finish me

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off, they brought out the Buckley’s.

According to Wikipedia (true fact alert), research scientists have found that Vicks is an effective cough suppressant in guinea pigs. I can see them now, gathered around Hector and Matilda’s cage, clipboards in hand, pocket protectors bristling.

One scientist turns to another and says, “Whaddaya think, Fred, was that a cough, or has Hector been eating beans again?”

Let’s face it, society has this bias: If it tastes good, it can’t be good for you, as implied by the phrase “Take your medicine.”

If the medicine actually tasted good, like beer or wine, or possibly a thirst quenching gin and tonic, you wouldn’t have to flog it. Quite the contrary - you’d mount a campaign against it.

Right, Moms against drinking?

Wine choice: Ok you blew it. When you asked the boys at the gun club whether taking your wife out for a Valentine’s Dinner was a necessity or an option, they all voted option.

Back at home when I told this to my daughter, the one who knows everything, she flipped, setting a new Canadian record for most times idiot has been used in one sentence.

But it is not too late. Here’s what you do, phone the local restaurant and their knowledgeable staff will confirm our daughter’s assessment. Idiot!

To avoid any sudden deaths in the family (yours) here’s what you do: Pick up a bottle of Brunel de la Gardine (Cotes du Rhone). $20:00. Don’t forget to cook your wife a nice dinner.

That means no hamburgers unless you want to look like one.

Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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

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Tourism gets a boost Recent grants for tourism projects in Ladysmith will attract visitors, boost local economies and help communities recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Floating Maritime Museum in Ladysmith and Oyster Bay Village already attract visitors from all over, and these expansions and upgrades will help boost our local economy further,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “These investments are just one way we are supporting Ladysmith through the pandemic and recovery.”

The Destination Oyster Bay Village project is receiving $253,400 to transform Oyster Bay Village, including new benches and an entrance sign.

The Ladysmith Maritime Society is receiving $319,375 for expansion of the Unique Floating Maritime Museum and Interactive Heritage Boat Fleet Display.

Funding for both projects is part of a $21.3 million investment from the BC New Democrat government for shovelready destination development projects.

People in Ladysmith will benefit from this funding, as it will not only support people working in tourism but also help grow the local economy into the future.

LMS president Kelly Daniels says work on the museum expansion will start this spring. The project will see two equally sized open boat shelters moored adjacent to the floating museum.

The display area will double and the building will be relocated to allow for better access and visibility as well as allowing the installation of two covered boat sheds that will house their growing fleet of heritage vessels allowing them to be on display to the public.

Additionally, a mural will be commissioned with two artists – one of them being from Stz’uminus collaborating on a mural depicting the harbour’s history. A

Ladysmith Maritime Society’s Treasurer Jeff Reichert, President Kelly Daniels, and Director Marnie Craig in front of the museum which will be getting a major expansion.

Photo: Marina Sacht

Welcome Pole will also be erected at the marina.

It’s an exciting time for LMS, said Daniels who recently took over as president. Daniels brings to the position his expertise gleaned from a long career in senior management and local government. When he discovered the many different aspects of LMS, he joined the Board. “It seemed to me to be a major asset to the community.”

He anticipates a busy summer at the Ladysmith Community Marina with the likely return of festivals, and popular programs such as Dine on the Docks.

But volunteers are crucial to the operating of this non-profit society. Members and volunteers are always needed to run the many programs and activities on the

docks. To become a member or volunteer give them a call.

The Expansion of Unique Floating Museum and Interactive Heritage Boat Fleet Display project is funded by the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports.

The destination development funding invests in implementation-ready tourism infrastructure and amenities projects that will attract visitors to B.C. communities in the near and long term.

“You don’t have to be a boat lover to be excited by the heritage boats -- they are go gorgeous,” says Daniels.

And they just may be what Ladysmith needs to put its mark on the tourism destination map.

For more info, visit lmsmarina.ca