TAKE 5 November 2022

Letters

Thank you

It has been an honour to represent the CVRD Area G Saltair/ Gulf Islands residents and communities at the CVRD for the past four years. Many of our community successes have come from consultation with the residents of these communities — amazing that this has all happened during an unprecedented and challenging time.

Mayor Stone indicated that this has been the most di fficult term he has serviced in. As this was my fi rst term, I worked with due diligence and kept my focus on the Area G communities, along with the CVRD as a whole community.

Thank you to all those that have volunteered on the Area G Commissions, community speaking for the community. Thank you to all those in Area G that participate as volunteers in Area G and in other communities. Thank you to all those that have been a great support for our communities and myself over these past four years. Many of the successes from this term will move into the next term. I know that I will leave office having set up the next term for success. — Lynne Smith

Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are welcome. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of TAKE 5 and its affiliates. Send letters to editor@ take5.ca or Messenger on Facebook.

Remembrance Day

On November 11, Remembrance Day, we will remember those who served in the wars.

Some were lost and their names can be read on the cenotaph, and some survived the horrors of war —– but would be changed forever. They served sel flessly. Here is the story of one soldier. There are many more stories, and we invite you to visit the Ladysmith Archives for more information.

John Weaver (Jack) Rogers

BY JOHN SHARP, LADYSMITH ARCHIVES

John Weaver (Jack) Rogers was born April 19, 1894, in Rock, Worcestershire, England. By 1910, both his parents had died. Jack was apprenticed to a draper so he would have a trade. He was listed as a draper’s assistant in the 1911 England census. Jack immigrated to Canada on the RMS Alsatian, arriving in Halifax on March 21, 1914.

Jack came to Ladysmith to join his uncle, Richard Weaver. Richard had lived in Ladysmith since about 1900. Richard worked for the Simon Leiser store in Ladysmith, becoming the store manager. Jack worked as a draper when he arrived. He also met George Barratt, who was his tennis partner.

On December 4, 1914, Jack joined the 88thth Victoria Fusiliers. On March 18, 1915, he formally enlisted in the Canadian Army, joining the 48thth Battalion. A picture of Jack and two

other soldiers was taken on May 2, 1915 in Victoria. On July 1I, 1915, he left for England on the RMS Grampian. The Grampian was the ship his future wife, Mary McLean Sharp, travelled on when she arrived in Canada in 1908.

Jack arrived in Plymouth, England, July 11, 1915. He continued his training. He had in fluenza in December, 1915 and the measles in January, 1916. Both diseases could be fatal to WW1 soldiers.

On March 9, 1916, Jack arrived in France. He was promoted to Lance Corporal June 12, 1916. In January, 1917, he was hospitalized with an “I.C.T. to the left hand.”. I.C.T. means either in flammation of the connective tissue or injury to the connective tissue. The cause of the I.C.T. is not given. As with most Canadian soldiers, he was assigned to various units during his time in France, but spent most of his time in Pioneer Battalions, digging trenches and tunnelling under enemy lines. He lived a charmed life, with only one injury.

On May 24, 1918, Jack was promoted to Corporal. On February 15, 1919, he returned to England, and on March 3, 1919, he sailed back to Canada on the RMS Olympic, sister ship of the Titanic. On April 2, 1919, Jack was demobilized in Victoria.

On his return, Jack worked on a farm. In 1920, Jack Rogers and George Barratt founded Barratt & Rogers, a dry goods store on Gatacre Street. They moved their business to John Bickle’s store at the corner of High Street and 1st First Avenue (now the Post Office), and then, in 1925, to their fi nal location at the corner of Roberts Street and 1st First Avenue —- the Ladysmith Trading Company building.

In October 1925, Jack married Mary Sharp, one of the store clerks, and moved to a house on Methuen Street. In 1931,

Jack Rogers in the center. Other soldiers unknown. Photo: Ladysmith Archives.

George Barratt committed suicide. Jack and Mary sold their house to pay Barratt’s widow for her half of the business, and moved with their two young children, Mary and Jack Jr., to an apartment above what would become the Ladysmith Trading Company in 1931/32. A third child, Darrell, was born.

In 1939, Jack and Mary built a house on Gill Road. Jack operated the Ladysmith Trading Company until he had a stroke in the 1950s’. His sons took over running the store. Jack died October 24, 1964. The Ladysmith Trading Company continued to operate until 2008.

There are many more stories and we invite you to visit the Ladysmith Archives for more information.

The Ladysmith Museum invites the public to stop for some light refreshments following the Remembrance Day ceremony.

War & Yorke Island talk

Many Vancouver Islanders have never heard of Yorke Island, and are unaware that a substantial defence fort was built there in the late 1930s. With the use of archival photos and artwork from private and museum collections, Vancouver Island historian Catherine Gilbert will be delivering a pictorial presentation on Tuesday, Nov 8, 7pm as part of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society’s “Historically Speaking” series.

Gilbert, author of Yorke Island and the Uncertain War, Defending Canada’s Western Coast During World War II will answer the question about where Yorke Island is, why its location was considered to be strategic in the 1930s and why it was signi ficant to Canada’s World War II efforts.

The talk is free and presented via zoom. Please email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca for a link.

Ladysmith Light-Up is Back!

BY KERITH WADDINGTON

The eyes of area children will shine extra bright this holiday season with the return, in all its glory, of the Festival of Lights’ Light-Up night.

Back after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Light-Up on November 24 will feature everyone’s favourites: live entertainment, food trucks, a craft fair and, of course, the exciting Santa Claus Parade. The Big Guy himself will be flipping the switch around 6:30 p.m. to light up almost a mile of beautiful Christmas lights on First Avenue, a street which he will then traverse as the VIP of the parade.

Ladysmith Festival of Lights Society

President Alex Cook is delighted that this signature event is back.

“Light-Up is a huge feather in the cap of this little community, and one that I think is especially welcome after the past two years,” he says. “I hope the big show brightens everyone’s spirits, and that people feel a real sense of pride over what they have pulled off.”

When he says “they,” Cook is referring to the army of volunteers who put in the bulk of the legwork behind the big event: from helping string the more than 100,000 lights for over a month to setting up and taking down tents the day of, a huge number of local citizens donate their time and good will for the benefit of others.

Cook wants their efforts recognized. “The spirit of this community is unbelievable,” he says.

Cook is also proud of the fact that, despite the advent of COVID in 2019 and the suspension of Light-Up for two years, the Festival of Lights continued in 2020 and 2021, making this the 35th Annual.

“I think those lights gave people hope and comfort in a dark time, and a muchneeded sense of continuity,” he says.

Creating extra excitement this year is the addition of several unique spinner and pinwheel decorations that provide animated LED light shows. To be scattered up and down First Avenue, Festival attendees can check them out at Aggie Hall, the Ladysmith Museum, Shar-Kare and Layman Financial, among other locations.

Light-Up kicks off at 3 p.m. on November 24, when First Avenue gets closed to tra ffic.

Residents and visitors alike can be reassured that while the live performances, food trucks and parade happen just once a year, the lights, as always, will stay on until the middle of January.

The society still has lots to do in preparation for the big day and more volunteers are always needed, says Cook. He welcomes calls to the Festival Office at 250-245-5888 or directly at 250-2455334.

Cook acknowledges his favourite moment of the event.

“When the day is done, the tents are packed up and the street is empty, I take a drive up First Avenue,” he says. “It’s absolute magic.”

LRCA celebrating 30 years of service

Thirty years ago, the Ladysmith Resources Centre was officially opened with Mayor Rollie Rose in a special ribboncutting ceremony.

To celebrate offering services to a variety of age groups including seniors, teens, early years, parents, and helping those who are hungry, homeless and/or require special supportive programs, the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is hosting an open house at its Second Avenue offices on Thursday, Nov. 17.

“Join us for cake, coffee, tea and a walk down memory lane,” said LRCA executive director Karen Laing.

“Meet our team, see what we do. Everyone is welcome.”

The 30th anniversary celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 630 Second Ave. and “the public will have an opportunity to explore the LRCA’s historical scrapbooks documenting the organization’s challenges, good work and leadership in the community,” said LRCA board chair Vicky Stickwood-Hislop.

“We’re also hoping to see current and former LRCA clients, board members, staff and volunteers,” she said.

To explore the programs offered by the LRCA, refer to its new website at lrca.ca.

For a LRCA historical perspective, click on the History tab at the bottom of the website’s front page.

Ladysmith Lions’ sunflower growing contest

On October 1, 2022, the Ladysmith Lions’ Mammoth Sunflower Growing Contest held the fi nals for the competition at Transfer Beach. The contest was for children ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12, and had 23 participants registered in May. West Coast Seeds donated the mammoth sun flower seeds.

Eleven fi nalists had their mammoth sun flower appraised by judges Trudy Reynen from the Ladysmith Community Gardens Society and Joanne Barwise from the Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club. The judges assessed the heads on the appearance, uniqueness, growth and health.

Eight gardening book prizes were awarded to the participants. There was also a prize for the registered contestants to guess the number of seeds in one of the heads.

The Ladysmith Lions Club would like to thank all who participated and supported the project. Special thanks to the judges and West Coast Seeds. Watch for the Second Annual Mammoth Sun flower Growing Contest in spring of 2023.

Ladysmith Resources Centre Association is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Here is a blast from its past: Val Duckworth, past board member, Dennis Lait, Executive Director of LRCA, and Sandy Barton, Executive Secretary. Photo: Rick Rake.

Recreation programming in Electoral Area A

The Regional District of Nanaimo is pleased to announce the launch of recreation programming in Cedar, South Wellington, Yellow Point and Cassidy.

This new programming was made possible through the addition of a recreation coordinator who is leading the planning and implementation of recreation and culture programs — a need that was identi fied in Area A in consultation with local community organizations. The programs cater to all ages. To register and for more information on Area A programs, visit rdn.bc.ca/area-a-parks-recreation-and-cultural-services or call 250-268-7354, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information on the South Wellington Community Centre visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/south-wellington-community-centre.

A bite out of hunger

Who doesn’t love hot dogs? And what better way to enjoy them than to know that when you take that bite, you are supporting the Ladysmith Food Bank.

On November 19 and 20, 2022, stop by the Ladysmith 49th Parallel Grocery parking lot between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and support the Ladysmith Kinsmen annual hot dog fundraiser. They will also be accepting cash donations, says Kinsmen Jim Belcourt, chair of the annual fundraiser. Due to the pandemic, the hot dog sale was cancelled for the past two years, so Belcourt hopes that all that pent up hot dog craving will break their previous record of $3100. Belcourt,estimates over $30,000 has been raised to date for the food bank.

For more information, or to donate, call Jim at 250-245-3137.

New play opens in Ladysmith

Ladysmith Little Theatre presents Beyond Reasonable Doubt, by Jeffrey Archer for November 3 – 20, 2022

In this intriguing play, directed by Gordon McInnis, Sir David Metcalfe, distinguished QC and Chairman of the Bar Council, is conducting the most important defense of his career – his own.

Accused of the willful murder of his terminally ill wife, Sir David fi nds himself locked in legal combat with his old rival, Sir Anthony Blair Booth QC, prosecuting counsel.

After a tense and gripping courtroom scene, Act I ends just as we are about to hear the jury’s verdict.

Act II takes us back in time to the fateful night of Lady Metcalfe’s death and before and the play ends with a surprising twist. Tickets on line at www.ladysmiththeatre.com

The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is back!

This show began back in 2007 at Cedar Community Hall. Katy Bowen-Roberts, Artistic Director and show creator, had a dream to create a holiday musical tradition for her community to enjoy year after year. Now, 16 years later, she is thrilled to be bringing her 14th annual show back to the stage.

One of Katy’s favorite childhood memories was watching Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ every year with her family. “I watched it over and over,” said Katy. “I loved the ending when the back doors of the stage were opened, and we could see the snow falling on the ground”.

Katy wanted to bring this memory to life and with the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, she has been able to do that. The show is about joy, love, friendship, family and community. Through music, dance, dazzling costumes, touching stories and readings, lights and decorations, they create a unique experience for families and friends to share together.

The cast is in rehearsal at Katy’s family home in Yellowpoint. “ Even though we are now at bigger venues, we always strive to create that warm country Christmas atmosphere in the theatres”, says Katy.

Production runs from Dec 13 - 18 at the Port Theatre. yellowpointchristmasspectacular.ca

November art show

Artists H. Barry Strasbourg-Thompson and Gail Holland invite you to attend their new exhibit, showing for the month of November, at the 3rd floor, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Lobby Gallery

Barry’s multimedia paintings & drawings were created under the working title “Conscious Contact – Staying In Touch”. The creation of these handmade artworks are informed by digital information within books and on the internet. The artworks were created on digitally assisted and machine manufactured materials during the Digital Age but are shown to you within this Lobby Gallery

in a non-digital “reality”.

Holland’s multimedia artworks were created under the working collections titled “Magic & Ink, Seascapes, Herons, Lite Reflections, Abstract Spiritual Openings And Conscious Contact With Ourselves.”

“I hope that my work provides the viewer with a sense of quiet contentment and calm in these crazy times.”

Battle of Vimy Ridge

The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is proud to present Ridge on Sunday, November 27 at 2 pm.

Through direct storytelling, verbatim theatre, and live music, Ridge examines misconceptions and varying perspectives around the battle, while drawing parallels to other formative events in our nation’s past. Often called the “battle that made Canada,” Vimy Ridge resulted in over 10,000 Canadian casualties.

For details visit cowichanpac.ca.

Vancouver Island Symphony

“It’s an exciting new season for the VIS,” states Calvin Dyck, VIS Concertmaster. The line up for this season embraces old favourites and local talent with some special surprises added in. Additionally there will be six different conductors allowing a variation of styles as they begin a new era of artistic direction.

“It will be a musical adventure!” Calvin promises. More details at vancouverislandsymphony.com

Coast Salish inspired show

Seasons of the Sea, plays Nov 5 at the Cowichan Peforming Arts Centre describes the seasons on and by the sea, with words inspired by the 13 moon season of the Coast Salish peoples, who used the tides and seasons of the sea, and the life it brings, as their calendar.

The narrative written and performed by storyteller Rosemary Georgeson, Sahtu Dene/Coast Salish artist and violinist Joan Blackman with music by Jeffrey Ryan.

Seasons of the Sea is paired with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons which provides a contrast and comparison between past and present and between cultures; it is an evocation and celebration of coastal living through the inspiration of the sea.

For details visit cowichanpac.ca.

Giving locally-made gifts

BY KERITH WADDINGTON

Is a beautiful piece of jewellery on your gift-giving list this holiday season? Or perhaps you know someone who would appreciate a warm toque, a classic wooden toy, a handy shoulder bag or a painting celebrating the beauty of where we live?

Instead of heading to the big box stores this year, consider dropping by a local gallery or shop and supporting the people who live and work in your own community. Not only will you end up with unique and meaningful items to gift, your dollars stay local and give your creative neighbours a chance to earn a living.

Best of all, shoppers get the chance to meet the person behind the gift and exchange stories, expressions of gratitude and well-wishes. In a world where it can be hard to know if what we do makes any di fference, getting to know and help your neighbours in a very real way is a wonderful opportunity for all.

Katrina Darwin, assistant market manager of the Cedar Farmers’ Market, sums it up.

“Shopping local has always been important, and the pandemic highlighted how vital small businesses are to our community,” she says. “It’s incredible to see your dollars making a di fference in someone’s life and to be able to talk directly to the person who made your favourite treat or piece of art.”

Shoppers mark your calendars: the Cedar Farmers’ Market is bringing their 3rd Annual Christmas Market to the grounds of Woodbank School on November 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery is a must-stop for art lovers. Photo submitted.

Many favourite vendors will be in attendance, but extra artisans have been added to the roster for the holiday season.

Another great opportunity to support local is during the hugely popular 34th Cedar and Yellow Point Annual Country Christmas Self-Guided Tour, which runs November 17 to 20 and November 24 to 27. Shoppers will enjoy the festive atmosphere of 17 participating shops and studios, all of which are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the tour.

This year promises to be a blend of familiar favourites and new faces: BigLeaf Wood Works and Ladybug’s Mew have just come on board, joining last year’s newcomers Oyster Bay Art Studio and Stilted House Farm and Gallery.

Yellow Point Cranberries is a longtime tour participant and fi xture of the south Nanaimo farming community. Owned by Grant and Justine Keefer, the farm produces and sells berries for Ocean Spray and sells fresh and frozen cranberries — as well as over 25 different types of cranberry sauces, jams and preserves, and a selection of dry packaged mixes like cranberry scones and brownies — at their farm store on Yellow Point Road.

Grant acknowledges that supporting local businesses is very important, as it “keeps the economy of the neighbourhood going.”

But it’s more than that, he adds. “We form ties and friendships with many of the people we see year after year,” he says, adding with a chuckle that, “Many of the faces we see now were at one time reluctant teens getting dragged along by their parents. Now they are coming back to the tour with kids of their own. It’s a great thing to see.”

Just south of Cedar, the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery and the newly-opened gift shop at the Ladysmith Museum offer ample opportunity for shoppers to buy local. Both locales boast beautiful paintings, fabric arts, woodwork, jewellery, glass art and more.

As Ladysmith artist Carol Tysdal acknowledges that the gift shop is the result of the vision of the museum board and the work of countless volunteers, in particular lead hand Brenda Birch. “It’s another avenue for the museum to communicate with the community, and I’m very enthusiastic about it,” she says.

Tysdal adds more. “All art comes from a place and tells a story about that place and the people who live there,” she says. “That’s the story which we share when

we give a locally-made gift. And this is the perfect place to fi nd that. The woodworking in our shop is made with wood from our island. The driftwood comes from our beaches. The paintings and jewellery in our shop reflect what we see. The fabric arts are made with love by local hands. And our cookbooks offer quite literally a taste of our history. When we live somewhere for a while, we stop seeing and appreciating it. Art opens our eyes to that beauty again.”

Speaking of beauty, the shop offers a free locally-found rock to every kid — big or small — that comes through the door. Kids get to pick their favourite rock from drawers full and take in a display that shows the evolution of a rough rock through to a polished piece of jewellery.

Tysdal acknowledges that a lot of families are struggling with rising costs: the museum gift shop is proud to offer something for everyone and every price range. Proceeds from gift shop sales

support fi rst the artists, then the museum itself.

The Ladysmith Museum gift shop is open Wednesday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 p.m., and Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting with Light-Up on Nov. 24, until Christmas.

Finally, during the month of December, the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery transforms itself into a huge and exciting gift-giving extravaganza, with original work by an array of area artists for sale. Everything from paintings and sculpture to pottery, woodwork, jewellery and more will be available. The gallery is regularly open year-round from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, but will have expanded hours for shoppers in December. Those hours will be announced in late November at ladysmitharts.ca.

Kathy Homes, president of the Arts Council of Ladysmith & District, has the last word.

“When artists can work and live in a community, they enhance that community through their art, economic growth and businesses.”

Local art and crafts at Shop the Museum. Carol Tysdal and Brenda Birch at ribbon cutting. Photo: Terry Jones

RDN Area A Cedar

It truly is an honour to be elected to represent your community. I am excited to work with the new board and fi nd ways to move forward on community issues, especially those hot potato issues that have frustrated our community. Elected work can be challenging in balancing a variety of, and even opposing views, not only within our community, but also across the region. I know I will not be able to please everyone, but I can promise to hold true to the values I identi fied during the campaign of integrity, transparency, honesty, sustainability, relationality and service to community.

I also recognize that elections can leave some disappointed. Given the low voter turnout in Area A of only 14.3 per cent, I must wonder how many people feel indifferent about the election. Whether the election left you feeling excited, indifferent or frustrated, the low turnout begs the question of “how can we increase community engagement?” Everyone’s voice matters, and my job of representation is done better when I have a better understanding of the variety of views.

During the campaign, I posted about community connection. In some ways, community connection is what our community does incredibly well. We look out for one another and are always willing to lend a hand. However, COVID made that hard. As part of our recovery from the pandemic, we need to build back our sense of community and re-

connect with one another.

Community connection makes us stronger and is going to be needed increasingly more as we begin to experience more extreme weather events. When we go through rough times, it is made easier by our neighbours and friends. Division by area or by other arti ficial lines only undermines our sense of community and our ability to cope with area challenges.

As I look forward to inauguration on November 8, I think about how we can build community across all of Area A. To begin, we must recognize the disparity within our community in access to services and recreation. As well, in comparing Area A to other RDN areas, I see a lack of regional and community parks and trails — these are the public spaces that allow us to connect. I also believe that we need to empower community groups and associations to support them in the work they are already doing to build community. Further, I am hopeful to deepen relationships with our Snuneymuxw and Stz’uminus neighbours.

Finally, as director, I have a role to play in being present to the community and improving communication about the activities of the RDN that affect our lives. Coming together across our communities to create a united Area A voice will lead to a stronger community voice within the regional district and strengthen our advocacy to all levels of government.

I look forward to learning how I can better serve all of Area A, and I approach this work with much gratitude for the incredible place we live and the lovely people within it. - Jessica Stanley CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond

The results are in, and there will be four new electoral area directors. That is a lot of change, and it will take some time to get to know each other and build a strong team. Getting to know each other is my segue to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

I attended this year’s UBCM in Whistler. Before I became director, I had attended many conferences in many countries. I approach conferences with a healthy dose of skepticism, as I expect each conference to prove it was worth my time and your money to attend. So, how did UBCM stack up? I gave it an eight out of ten. There were numerous presentations — some more applicable to municipalities — but the Agri tour was, for me, the most interesting. I hope you take the time to fi nd out more about these farms: Squamish School Farm,C ommon Acres Community Farm (lessee takes all fi nancial risk): Small leases on Easter, Hop Creek Farms, Nutrient Dense Farm

Besides presentations on a wide variety of issues, the UBCM is the time for all the elected officials to vote on resolutions that will be forwarded to the Province. It appears to me that when the resolutions align with the direction the government wants, then things have a better chance of happening. However, I could see that a united local government voice could be quite powerful, especially as the premier and ministers are in attendance to meet and listen to issues.

Getting a meeting with a minister is one thing everyone wants – and few achieve. I felt extremely fortunate to fi nd a way to meet with Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. I also was able to arrange a

meeting the following week with Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. While I can’t predict the outcome of these meetings, the topics of the Yellow Point Trail, Energy Poverty and preserving trees on farmland were discussed.

Did I make the most of the opportunity? I hope so. I have a lot to learn about presenting to a minister — but they were surprised when I handed them a briefi ng note. It was the best I could do on short notice. I do want to be better prepared to bring topics forward — and I need your help to make that happen, which leads me to the next Town Hall meeting.

The next Town Hall is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Oyster Community Centre, on Thursday, December 1, 2022. The agenda is to continue the discussion about water resources in North Oyster and the Diamond. I would like to hear your stories about what the water was like in the past, what it is like today and what you see in the future. I expect to do the listening. I also will invite MLA Doug Routley to come and listen. Please mark your calendars — I hope to see you there. 250-510-5930; ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca

CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf islands

First, I’d like to acknowledge Lynne Smith for putting forth a strong and competitive campaign and extend a heartfelt thank you for her many years of service to our community and four years as our Area G director.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank a few other important people. First, to my wife Hayley, there have been many sacri fices in the McClinton home over the last few months. To my campaign team, there are too many to name, but you know who you are. Also, to my parents, Don and Kathi, thank you for everything you’ve done for my brothers and me. Finally, to you, the residents of Saltair, Thetis and Penelakut, thank you.

On the day of the election, I posted a video on social media encouraging everyone in Area G to use this election as an opportunity to turn the page and move forward together positively by supporting and working with whoever is elected. To the individuals that didn’t vote for me, I know it is not very pleasant when your choice doesn’t win. I will do my best to ease that disappointment

by focusing on the things we have in common and committing to work with anyone who wants to work with me. We live in one of the most beautiful and safest places on earth and share many aspirations. I invite everyone to join me in focusing on those commonalities as we tackle the critical issues.

I will prioritize building positive and productive working relationships with my fellow directors and CVRD staff. I’ve already had a working lunch with the area directors and an energizing full-day orientation with all Cowichan Valley staff and elected officials. Area G residents want to address many essential issues, and good working relationships will expedite these priorities.

Within the next few weeks, I will attend three more orientations, my fi rst CVRD Board Meeting, the Thetis Island Community Forum and the “Shape the Future of Your Electoral Areas” idea fair. Soon, I will call on volunteers to fill seats for the Strategic Advisory Committee and other working groups. In the meantime, if you want to chat, drop me a line (250-208-9919).

Streptocarpus

BY APRIL JOHNSTON MASTER GARDENER

Streptocarpus. What is it? Do I have it? Can I get it? What do I do if I get it, and should I be worried? No, it’s not a printing mix-up, the Gardening Hoe Down has not suddenly become the Medical Advice column. Streptocarpus, aka streps, are my new indoor plant obsession — and I think it’s a must-have house plant.

I prefer the outdoor environment for gardening, and I am not usually obsessed with indoor plant life. I have kept my indoor collection quite limited: a few Phalaenopsis (orchids), a few Tillandsias (air plants), a few Sansevieria (snake teeth) and a longtime friend, Ceropegia (Rosary vine). Then the president of the local gardening club gifted me with some leaf cuttings of an unknown variety of Streptocarpus. I have to confess that I openly adored those delightful, cheery little characters blooming in one of her windows on several visits to her home. And here I am, a lover of streps.

Sometimes called the Cape Primrose, the Streptocarpus species is native to Africa and Madagascar, is closely related to African violets and requires similar growing conditions. The plant has a

tidy basal type of growth habit, with textured flat leaves. The flowers are typically borne on upright stems, well above the leaves, and are either single or multiple flowers per stalk. They can come in a huge variety of colours, bi-colours and petal variations, ranging from the newer red varieties to white, pink, purple and blue. They bloom from spring to autumn, offering a long-lasting display and some of the newer hybrids may even flower year-round.

If you have a species of Streptocarpus, I want to know you and fi nd out what you have because I will want some. Seriously, they can be difficult to source. They are not inexpensive, so consider them relatively rare and hard to fi nd.

Propagation is easy by leaf cuttings and started from seeds. I found 16 different seed varieties available on Amazon. To propagate seeds, spread the tiny seeds on top of moist, sterile seedstarting mix and place in a well-lit and warm area, 20 to 25 C. The seeds will take seven to ten days to germinate and require light during this time, so moisture retention is essential. Misting the soil surface and covering it with a sheet of clear plastic should accomplish this. Streptocarpus leaf cuttings are easy to propagate, and summer is the best time to do it for optimum results. Select a healthy-looking, medium-sized leaf. Remove it from the crown of the plant with sharp scissors or a knife. Cut the

leaf into three or four sections. Fill a pot or seed tray with seed-starting mix. Insert the leaf sections into the soil, making sure they are oriented the correct way up for growth and root production. Water well and cover with a plastic bag or other clear moisture retaining cover. Keep in a warm, light place. Baby plants will develop from the base of each leaf after six to eight weeks.

They grow best in an east- or northfacing window or under fluorescent tubes. Soil should be a well-drained rich potting mix, adding perlite if necessary. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Streptocarpus are shallow-rooted and susceptible to root rot. You can water on top of soil being careful not to soak leaves or you can

Brighten up your home with Streptocarpus indoor plants.

Below: Cutting a streptocarpus leaf with a knife.

Photos: Gardeners World.

wick water from the bottom of the pot, just be sure not to leave the pot sitting in water. Fertilize with a weak liquid African violet fertilizer during growing and flowering season. Moderate to cool home temperatures are preferred, as high heat can cause wilting and plant failure.

Streptocarpus truly are wonderful little indoor plants whose time has come around to brighten up our homes. Perhaps a like-minded plant friend may take a sharp knife and relieve you of one of your prize leaves so that the plant line can be carried on in their home too.

Certified Vancouver Island master gardeners are volunteers who provide education to the home gardener using current, science-based horticultural knowledge that exemplifies environmentally responsible practices and stewardship.

Red Squirrels Are Caching Secrets

BY KALI BRAUCKMANN, ECOFORESTRY INSTITUTE NATURALIST

At this time of year, you may notice piles of dissembled Douglas-fi r cones on top of stumps, fallen trees and mossy rocks. At fi rst glance, it seems fi r cones simply fell on top of these forest mounds and began to fall apart. Although these fi r cones, having met the forest floor, will turn into soil, it was a red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) that fi rst found them in the canopy and brought them down, taking them apart to create neat piles all over the forest. These piles are known as squirrel middens and

are what remains of a fi r cone after the squirrel has extracted all of the seeds for food.

Squirrels have an important job within the forest ecosystem as seed dispersers. Here, at Wildwood, our ecoforesters rely on natural regeneration for saplings to grow. There is no tree planting done; we leave that job to the trees. The trees do an incredible job spreading their seeds throughout the forest, but they get some help from animals as well. There are many species capable of spreading seeds all over the forest. This is achieved in a variety of ways.

Scattered caching is a method where squirrels bury a single seed or fruit in multiple caches throughout the forest. More often than not, some of the caches are forgotten about and the food goes unused over the winter. This is good news for the forest because the forgotten caches grow into seedlings in the springtime, helping to regenerate the forest. This forgetfulness is the typical caching method people associate with squirrels and is used by the invasive Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), who are endemic to forests that have trees that shed their leaves annually.

The native red squirrel does caching a little differently. Larder hoarding is a method where only a few caches are created underground and stu ffed full of food for the winter, similar to a cold cellar. They eat the food in the larder fi rst, often forgetting where they have buried other seeds. Although they have an incredible sense of smell, occasionally they do not fi nd the buried seeds, leaving them to regenerate into trees naturally. This method of caching does not have as high of a success rate for reseeding, but unlike the deciduous forests

Our native American red squirrel.

Photos: M.A.R.S

of the grey squirrel, forests with trees that keep their needles year-round and distribute seeds through cones require less seeds to germinate every year. The lower success rate of seed germination is the perfect germination rate for our forests.

In addition, red squirrels are not only caching seeds and nuts, they are also storing mushrooms. When the mushrooms are stored in these underground caches, they release spores. By releasing spores, these mushrooms are benefiting the ectomycorrhizal pathways that the trees above and nearby are connected to. Mycorrhizal fungi are the white spider-web-looking structures found underground. These fungal webs are what help trees and plants communicate and share nutrients with one another. In other words, they help forests thrive.

The forest ecosystem is as complicated as it is diverse, and understanding these complex interactions between species is what science is attempting to discover and explain. There are so many incredible interactions occurring on this planet, and some of them will never be discovered.

The Climate Crisis

BY GUY DAUNCEY

It was a lovely afternoon in mid-October, and we were going for a walk in Yellow Point Park. “I’m so worried about the threat of a nuclear attack in the Ukraine,” my wife Carolyn said “Do you have to?” I snapped back, irritated that our peaceful walk would be spoilt by thoughts of nuclear Armageddon. “There’s nothing we can do about it, so let’s not talk about it.”

Two days later, I realized that I had responded in the same way that many people do when someone says, “I’m so worried about the climate crisis.” They change the topic or they say “What can I

do about it? I’m going to enjoy life while I can.”

Surveys show that most Canadians are increasingly worried about the climate crisis, however, and believe that acting on it should be a high priority for governments. Increased intensity of forest fi res, sudden downpours, floods, heat domes, prolonged droughts and more powerful hurricanes — these are all signs that the climate crisis is already here, rather than being a threat to our future. But, indeed, what can we do that will make a difference?

Those who dismiss talk of climate ac-

tion like to remind us that Canadians are less than 0.5 per cent of the global population, and we produce less than two per cent of the global greenhouse gases, so what di fference can our efforts make? Better to keep burning oil and gas, rather than supposedly harm the economy. This is a sel fish response, however. What would have happened in 1939 if each of Britain’s and Canada’s soldiers had said, “What difference can I make? I’m just one person.” It is by tackling things together that we make a di fference. The crisis is real. By 2050, there could be 1.2 billion climate refugees seeking a safe place to live.

This month, the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub is launching a project I have been working on all year: the Nanaimo Climate Pledge, which covers the region from Ladysmith to Qualicum Beach, and west to Port Alberni. The pledge contains actions you can take to make a di fference, such as switching from oil or gas to an electric heat pump, taking fewer flights, putting your name on a waitlist for an electric vehicle, making more use of a bike or bus and making your money climate-friendly by switching from one of the big banks, which have invested almost $1 trillion in fossil fuels since 2016, to a local credit union. As a bonus, everyone who completes the pledge will be entered into a draw for some big prizes. You can check it all out at www.NanaimoClimatePledge.ca.

As part of our project, we are seeking volunteers who would like to become Community Climate Connectors. As such, you would be trained in how to to start a constructive conversation about the climate crisis with your friends and workmates, to tell them about the pledge and give them our brochure. Might this interest you? If it does, email nanai-

moclimatepledge@gmail.com.

Taking things up a notch, what can the regional districts do and a community like Ladysmith or North Cowichan, do? They can set a goal to eliminate our community-wide carbon emissions by 2040; they can protect our trees and forests, and pressure Mosaic forestry to do the same; they can plant trees everywhere; they can make sure there are enough EV charging posts; they can create safe separated bike lanes and walking paths; they can give incentives to encourage people — and landlords — to switch from natural gas to heat pumps; they can

help people grow more local food; they can push BC Transit to create a regular bus service to Victoria; they can make sure we are prepared for a future with more intense,weather events. And they can offer leadership to guide us through hard times as we work to craft a green future and a better relationship with our planet.

Climate anxiety is a very real thing — just ask any teenager. But it has a remedy. Its name is climate action. Take the Nanaimo Climate Pledge. Become a Climate Connector. Become a source of hope and inspiration to your children.

Thirsty for Water

News Flash: Due to extreme drought conditions, local water officials have been forced to adopt a new community bumper sticker — “DON’T SHOWER, SAVE A PLANT.” Though the old motto “CONSERVE WATER, SHOWER WITH A FRIEND” served the community well, especially the longhairs, it was not without controversy. Some were swept away with that advice, all the way to their divorce lawyers.

As one old timer put it, “We haven’t seen temperatures like this since 1965. That was the year they shut down local birdbaths and posted signs that any bird who wanted to freshen up could damn well go to town and fly through a car wash.”

Community members are conserving water wherever possible; that’s why I stopped washing my hands before dinner and lick them clean instead. (It works for the cat, doesn’t it?) Some dinner guests from town fi nd this disconcerting, but they just don’t appreciate the crisis.

Several entrepreneurial locals purchased their own water trucks to help

out and earn a little beer money. But costs have skyrocketed. Previously, all you needed to get into business was a truck, a hose and a driver who wasn’t afraid to show a little butt crack above a pair of ill-fitting jeans. Now, you also need a well-armed dude to ride shotgun, like the old stagecoaches headed to the mine with the payroll.

Just last week, a truck was hijacked. It was found the next day, every drop of water sucked out of it. A gift-wrapped zucchini lolled on the seat. A note was carefully placed on the dash: “Please come again.” Company insiders blamed the driver, who made the mistake of stopping for a full case of Lucky lying in the middle of a deserted stretch of Yellow Point Road.

“We didn’t know what hit us,” said driver Buck Torgerson. “We braked for the beer — I mean, who wouldn’t? — and they were on us. Next thing I know, we’re sitting on the road wrapped in gardening twine, surrounded by women wearing balaclavas and wielding blackjack-shaped parsnips. They were screaming, ‘Your water or your life!’ Let me tell ya, I was scared.”

When asked why they didn’t fight back (the average age of the attackers was pushing 67), Torgerson said, “You could tell by the way they were holding their parsnips that they knew how to use ’em. Maybe you want ‘Bludgeoned to Death by a Root Vegetable’ on your tombstone, but not this boy.”

From descriptions provided by the driver and the embarrassed guard, they

were overcome by full patch (cabbage, in this case) members of the Truculent Tubers, one of many gangs roaming the community in search of water. Though Torgerson and his mate both lost their jobs after falling for the oldest trick in the book: they took the loss philosophically. “What the heck. We got to keep the beer.”

When asked to comment on the incident, Police Chief Dwight Harvey said, “With wells drier than a James Bond martini, water snatchings are going through the roof. Never leave your water bottle unattended, even in a locked vehicle. Know where it is at all times.”

“Even then,” Harvey added, “I’d rather sail naked in an open boat off the pirateinfested coast of Somalia than walk down Yellow Point Road in broad daylight carrying a full water bottle.” But that’s Harvey for you: a full-time law enforcement officer, part-time nudist.

With plants dying left and right, some place the blame on global warming, but they would be wrong. The real problem — and you read it first here — is sissy tap roots. There’s plenty of water out there; a plant just has to reach for it. The nurseries have sucked us into buying the wrong plants: plants that suffer from what’s known as Lazy Root Syndrome.

That’s why you should stick with plants that have manly tap roots capable of boring to the Earth’s centre in search of water. I’m talking about our local dandelion, a plant that will stand up to a flamethrower. Bonus, you can make wine with it. Try that with your wimpy tulip.

Wine pick of the month

BY GORD JOHNSON

Ted & Lorraine Kane at River Stone are friends of mine and they deserve a huge shout-out. Ted is owner-winemaker. Ted has never made a bad wine. He has never made a wine that is anything less than perfectly balanced, and ready for the dinner table. I like this.

When I fi rst met Ted a few years ago in his winery’s tasting room through mutual friends, I told him that I had a problem with his wines. Nervously, he asked . . . “what is it?”

I replied, “Your prices are too low.”

Approximately 2500 cases/year only, this is a small familyrun operation. Look for their River Stone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc, one of Canada’s best. And their Cabernet Franc, and the two Bordeaux-style red blends: Stone’s Throw for earlier drinking, and the top-tier Corner Stone for cellaring.

River Stone’s Wine Club is one of the most flexible in the Valley. Free shipping*. You will not be disappointed.

Disclaimer: I am not employed by River Stone Estate Winery, just north of Oliver BC. I am the Senior Wine Educator and Brand Ambassador at Black Hills in the South Okanagan Valley. Winery staff are like brewers and brewery staff, we love to give shout-outs to our neighbours, as it helps to grow our industries.

Pick up a copy of Delbert’s Slightly Corked for some great reading. $20 at the Mahle House, and the TAKE 5 office. What a deal! Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

BY ELLY SMITH

Well, folks, we are in the fall season for sure. The colour of the leaves, the chilly nights and early morning fog remind us it’s time for more indoor time with friends and family. It’s also the ideal time to check out the upcoming artisan markets, craft fairs and local events in the community for those special seasonal treasures and holiday gifts.

Our friends down the highway in Cobble Hill are doing just that. Merridale Cider and Distillery is kicking off its holiday season by offering a variety of fun activities at the farm, along with festive ciders, spirits and cocktails. Their newest addition to the Cowichan spirits lineup is Aura Gin — a handcrafted and mystical gin for those who value beauty and adventure. The kitchen is busy cooking and baking to stock the shelves in the farm store with culinary treasures, which are perfect for entertaining or on your gift list. Starting November 18, the orchard, eatery and farm store will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

If you are a foodie who frequents downtown Duncan, we have some sweet news for you! Kahuna Burger has just

added “Paradise Pies” to the menu. Ajay Oppelaar makes imaginative pies, such as apple fritter pie with caramel whip cream, chocolate banana split with macadamia caramel whip cream and double blueberry basil with mango whip cream.

“We feel that handcrafted, one-of-akind pies and deserts are the ultimate comfort food. Our guests can sense a lot of love and intention are in our creations,” says Robert Stutzman, one of the owners. Paradise Pies is an extension of Aloha Bowls and Kahuna Burger.

Closer to home is brewmaster and wine expert Art Lindala of Art of Brewing in Ladysmith. Art has the knowledge to help you choose a wine or beer that’s best for you and the expertise to prepare that beverage for you. All you need to do is come and select your kit;

Art takes care of the rest. What could be easier? Art has been a fi xture of the midVancouver Island wine lovers’ community since his fi rst commercial venture at the Olde Nanaimo Brewery in 2001. During this time, Art supplemented his by-then fairly extensive knowledge of wine making with formal online courses from the prestigious Munich World Brewing Academy and the renowned Siebel Institute.

Striking out on his own a few years later, Art spent a few happy years in Cedar, replacing the Cedar Oaks Brew Works before relocating his expanding business in 2006 to a larger operation in South Wellington, Nanaimo. For the past 11 years, Art has been in Ladysmith and still provides superior service to his clientele. Check out his holiday specials,

Ajay Oppelaar with the new Paradise Pies at Kahuna Burger. Photo submitted.

Stargazer Domes at Plantitude Kind Food offer a unique dining. Photo submitted.

from 15 to 20 per cent off wine kits!

Now for something to eat! We are back downtown at Plantitude Kind Food on First Avenue. Enjoy a plant-based meal inside or venture outdoors to the patio to experience their “Stargazer Dome” for a unique dining experience.

And for that special breakfast or holiday brunch with fresh brewed coffee and the aroma of warm spices to fill your kitchen, how does cider pumpkin waffles with salted maple butter sound? Light and airy waffles made with spiced apple cider, nutty browned butter and warming autumn spices are perfect for a chilly morning and best enjoyed with a generous smear of salted maple butter. Find the recipe, courtesy of Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest on the TAKE 5 Facebook page.

Have something to share in Table Talk? info@take5.ca.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR- Nov. 19th – Annual SAINT MARY’S Catholic Women’s League BAZAAR is back! Baking, Sewing, Books, Children’s table, Surprises! Lunch can be purchased. Proceeds towards bursary, LaFF, local food bank. Come and see! 1134 – 4th Avenue – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

FOR SALE

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

VANGUARD TRAVEL TRAILER. 20 ft.; 1973; 4,000 lbs towing weight. $2,000. Call 250-5857901.

SEARS MODEL DEEP FREEZER. 20 cubic ft. Runs well. $100. Call Esa 250-245-7297.

RENTAL WANTED

1–2 BEDROOM ALL-INCLUSIVE SUITE WANTED LONG-TERM, for mature, quiet, working female. Needed before March 1st, 2023. No tobacco, pot or alcohol use. Indoor, wellbehaved cat. Budget $1,200; willing to do small jobs, yard tidy. Prefer Ladysmith area. Contact connielahaise@gmail.com or 250-246-0041.

BUSINESS

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

FARM FRESH

EMPRESS ACRES FARM. Pasture-raised pork available in comfort food boxes (2 sizes) or pork sides (approx. 100 lb); roasting chickens, eggs, fresh produce and flowers also available at on-site farm store; 2974 Haslam Rd.; www.empressacres.ca. Email marlene@empressacres.ca or phone or text Simon at 604-578-0646.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

HOME & YARD

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

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

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

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

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

ART CLASSES

EXPERT FINE ART CLASSES. “My fine art practice makes me fully alive and gives my life meaning and purpose.” Is this what you want? If so, or visit www. strasbourgthomsponstudio.ca or call Barry at 250-210-2237

PETS

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

The PET NANNY is back. I have cared for animals for the last 7 years. I offer overnight care at your home or daily home visits for pets or home security. Email sburchard@hotmail.ca or phone 250-9248809.

Christmas Cheer Program

Christmas continues to be a special time this year for families in need through the efforts of Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA). And in keeping with the “new normal” of its Christmas Cheer fundraising, the LRCA will continue to ask the community to give cash donations, which will be used to buy gift cards tucked inside a Christmas card for groceries and presents for registered families.

Instead of a Christmas hamper and gift sort at Aggie Hall, families will have discretion over the gifts and groceries they purchase with their gift cards.

“This Christmas Cheer process allows us to serve in a more efficient way,” says Cheer coordinators Pat MacFarlane and Barb Champagne. “We noticed last year, a greater demand, in particular among families and seniors, for the festive support.”

Christmas Cheer registration is open from November 15 to December 8. Families can register for the program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Clients can pick up their gift certi ficates on December 13, 14 and 15, 2022.

Karen Laing, LRCA executive director, adds that the LRCA has been fortunate to be able to respond effectively to the demands of the Christmas Cheer service. “I would like to express thanks to both Barb and Pat and their teams of volunteers for their campaign leadership over the years. We are truly blessed for their dedication to ensure all the citizens of Ladysmith have a warm meal and some Christmas cheer over the holiday season.”

The Christmas Cheer fund boundaries are the west side of Highway 1 to Haslam Creek Road to the north, to Jones Road on the east side of the highway and Old Chemainus Road to Lagoon Bridge and Stocking Creek to the south. Families within the boundary are welcome to register. Those who wish to sponsor families this year can also do so through the LRCA. The LRCA has a target of 150 families to serve this year.

Donations can be made online at lrca.ca/donate page with the Christmas Cheer designation or cheques can be dropped off at the LRCA at 630 2nd Avenue in Ladysmith.