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Letters 2010 Ladysmith Maritime Festival Thank You The 2010 Ladysmith Maritime Festival was a great success. During this two-day event we estimate that over 4000 individuals attended. The festival attracted visitors as far away as Washington State, Victoria and Vancouver. We have received positive feedback that this was truly a free fun-filled family event. We are grateful for the many sponsors, volunteers, vendors and participants. Without the support of individuals like you, this community festival could not happen. - Ladysmith Maritime Society
The lighter side
I had a conversation the other day with someone that shared my feelings toward the humorous side of life. We had to agree that there lacked that certain composition in today’s funny bone antics that is waning very fast. I’m not too sure what to do about it, but I’m certain that something be. We all realize of course that certain standards change with the times, but it would be hard put for anyone to utterly convince me that most boys and girls of about 12 years of age could not thoroughly enjoy a few “Laurel and Hardy” films, before this sense of humour dies altogether. I know there are grown ups who certainly would, at least once in a while, even to share it with their children and sometimes it helps to bring back a bonding that once was. - Jack L. Knighton
Proud papa
Clinton Jacobus Eugene Hoebee graduated from the the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing on June 4th . His Family wishes him all the best in the future and are very proud of especially his Dad - Jack Hoebee Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Write TAKE 5, PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, fax 250-245-7099 or editor@take5.ca
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Horned birds and Buzzard love Margery and Gale Robinson called me and said that they had a bird with horns at their feeder. Now, I was pretty sure that they didn’t indulge in hallucinogenics so I took them seriously. Margery had been on the Internet and had found nothing except an article from 1928 about a horned tree sparrow from Massachusetts. I was invited over between 6:30 and 7:30 to see this phenomenon and the beast arrived right on time. Margery and Gale had it figured right, a house finch they said, as it came and fed with other finches and looked like a female finch but with horns; a single white feather sticking up on each side of the head over the eye. I took some pictures and we all fantasized for a while about being the discoverers of a shocking abnormality and having birders climbing over fences and scaling trees to get a shot of this amazing bird. I could see Gale’s mind working on a turnstile and a fee structure. I said that I would contact our local birder guru, Bruce Whittington, before
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we had the tickets printed. I spoke to Bruce on the phone and described the bird. He said that it sounded like an immature finch that had not lost all its baby down. He didn’t sound excited at all. I emailed him pictures and the response was, “Yup, that’s an immature finch”. Gale and Margery where relieved that fame and fortune were not coming their way but I was a bit deflated. The immature house finch with horns came to the feeder for about a month and then either left or shed its horns. Ahh, fleeting fame. The long haired one and I have just returned from a voyage to the southern Gulf Islands on our sailboat, the lovely Marita. We had a marvelous time. One of the great things about a spring trip is seeing the new life everywhere you look. Salmon smolts and herring fry seem to overflow the sea as they jump and boil away from predators. Kingfishers and herons gorged on them and carried mouthfuls to their young. Canada geese with goslings are everywhere. How do these kids know how to make a bee line to an anchored boat to beg for junk food? A hulking bald eagle chick on Cabbage Island was watched closely by a parent. Merganser moms herded beautifully marked young away from us. Families of cedar waxwings swarmed a stand of red hot poker flowers in Fulford Harbour. I think the best were the baby otters that scoured the low tide edge for goodies. I hesitate mentioning sex but then I remember the huge positive response that I received from my Valentines Day article. Now I have your attention. I was lounging in the cockpit one evening, sated after an amazing dinner that is prepared for me every night and sipping my wine. A turkey vulture was perched high above me on a snag probably sated with some unmentionable dinner. I was watching him through the binoculars when a second vulture, a her, landed on the limb below him. How do I know which was a him and which a her? Don’t ask questions. This is my story and all will be explained. He, on the branch above, looked longingly at her on the branch below. You know how they look; the red bald head on the thick black neck protruding from the hunched shoulders, like Snoopy in a Peanuts cartoon. She nervously shuffled a few steps out towards the branch tip. She knows what’s up. He shuffled a
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few steps until he was over her again. She moved a little farther out and he followed suit. Again she sidestepped until she was at the tip of the dead limb. He was on a mission and not to be thwarted. He tiptoed to the end of his branch and peered down at her with his black beady eye. Then, seizing the day, he fell from his perch onto her back. They both tumbled from her perch, huge wings beating the air, crashed into the firs below, broke apart and flew off. Buzzard love. A “horned� finch.
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“Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt” - Mark Twain
In The Dreaming In that dreamlike state did I open my eyes ...to wonder at the ground, and my cheek next to it. What tricky, nuanced, hint of life’s hopes, plans and challenges was my sleepy brain trying to convey? I reached for the apple, ripe for the picking, revelations dancing so fast and furious as to make my head spin. A misty light streamed across the swirls
and lines of my hand evoking Michelangelo’s visions in the Sistine Chapel; art and beauty, versatility and strength, the crossroads of humanity and nature, creation’s theory and practice all lay before me. It was Easter Friday, and with life’s meaning at my fingertips I struggled to understand this divine message of this holiest of times, the sacrifice of one for the many. I reached out, not immediately accepting the intense and surreal emotions for what they were ...Laurie’s fall from grace to the cold, hard earth! For, eyes wide open or not I was lying full out in the dirt and mud, raindrops falling on my head and the damndest heartstopping breath-taking soul-wrenching hot poker pain jabbing at my ribs. Ouch failed to fully convey the blessed meaning of that moment! I closed my eyes, and sometime later awoke again to atom-splitting rib-tickling reality. Jackie is not going to be pleased when she gets home from work and finds me laying here, was the next thought. So, although somewhat repetitious and disconcertingly in tune with the pound-
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ing in my head, my brain’s next message was quite clear and emphatic ...get up, fool! And, though vertical ambulation proved daunting, what the heck, I gave it a try, and boy did that hurt! Ouch, squared. Mind-searing sucking pain preceded a surprisingly long list of explosive and hitherto unrelated expletives, unleashing a virtual opera nervosa. Good thing no one was around, or my boyish good natured charm may have forever been tarnished. One arm just wouldn’t work and holy mother of god phrases didn’t seem to either. Amazingly I next found myself a hundred feet or so away, standing at the front door, my brain insistently repeating a simple plan - get help, fool! And, not one to argue with myself at such a time I did however wonder why the phone was so very, very far away. Curiously, Plan B, waiting it out until everything got better, was summarily trashed by Plan A’s eloquent focus - get help, fool! First though I settled on a little rest on the kitchen floor. Ahhhhh, what com-
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fort the horizontal offers when gravity’s dragging at one’s heels. The next time I opened my eyes the dogs were taking turns licking and pawing at me, tails wagging in tempo to my brain’s pounding beat. Not wasting precious thoughts on profound meanings I did then drag myself, with dog’s help, to the phone, only a couple of feet away as it turned out. Paramedics, ambulance, emerg, chitchats like “good thing you’ve got such a thick head”, and lots of pricks and prods later ...I found myself smiling away in the backseat, happily perked by one drug or another, the kind angel Jackie driving me home ...no worries at all about broken collar bone, cracked ribs, torn shoulder muscles and a big head gash down to the brainium’s cranium. Who’d a’thought a big, heavy board, falling across a barn beam to strike a cowardly blow to the back of my head, precipitating an Icarus-like launch from my rather precarious perch atop a 6’ wood pile, thence a full-fledged face plant onto this good earth, could result in such mischieviously dreamy fun? Not me. But next time I’m thinking I’m just gonna pay the $50 and buy one of those package picnic tables, instead of doing it myself. Trying to be a handyman can be a real headache sometimes, y’know? Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for thirty years, farms 20 acres organically on Vancouver Island with life-partner Jackie Moad, and runs Thistle Consulting Services – actively seeking local solutions to global challenges.
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Tom Chappell A Sucker for Succulents BY GRAHAME WARE In the summer of 1791, a Spanish ship captained by the Italian Alexandro Malaspina sailed by Ladysmith and landed at Gabriola (pronounced GaveRee-Ola in the Basque accent) Island. There naturalists and botanists undertook studies including a very talented criollo artist, Atanasio Echeverria. Although Echeverria did not do any paintings of the local rock dwelling succulent, Sedum spathulifolium, that gave Yellow Point its epithet, he did many exquisite paintings of other succulents- that group of plants famous for their water-retention physiology. Echeverria’s superb paintings of the plants of the Pacific Northwest (most often referred to then as part of California) and Mexico eventually found their way to Spain as did he. By 1811, Echeverria was living in anonymity in Madrid doing sketches and portraits on the streets, Spain had fallen to a low rung on the
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power ladder in Europe, their leadership in tatters and their grip on colonial holdings unravelling. However, the great Swiss botanist De Candolle, in compiling his great taxonomic work, the Prodromus, used Echeverria’s paintings of plants as a type (or holotype) to identify and act as a standin for the real plant. In the history of botany, Auguste De Candolle was the most prolific creator of “unpublished” names. In botany, this is not a good thing. One of the plants that De Candolle authored was named in tribute to Echeverria and, in the process, dropped one of “r”s in his name. There were no specimens just the icones, the paintings by Echeverria. Sedum Echeveria are a diverse and beautiful species of succulents that many years ago attracted Ladysmith horticulturist Tom Chappell. Now the local enthusiast is propagating many types and cultivars of this genus as well as a vast array of succulents at his place on Alderwood Drive. Tom Chappell
Photo: Grahame Ware
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I visited Tom at his place and, once behind his garden gate, was blown away by the quality and quantity of his collection. Once inside his marvellous back garden, I was struck by his sense of plant artistry and love of natural forms in rocks and wood. Succulents were everywhere- festooned and trailing from the fence in clever green plastic bags, growing out of astonishing chunks of red klinker or fissured limestone from old quarries in the Kootenays. Simply stupendous stuff! I had to ask Tom how all this started. You have to know that Tom is one of those unpretentious but bright guys that populate the tribe of horticulture. “ Well,” Tom begins evenly, “Living and working in the east Kootenays, I loved nature and the outdoors. In Cranbrook there was a German plant specialist, Gerhardt Schmidt (Kootenay Greenhouses), that in the off season became an African plant explorer. Over the course of many years he had put together an impressive private collection of succulents. You couldn’t help but be wowed by them in the urns and pots around his place. I went weak in the knees. I loved them. But, of course,(Tom chuckles) he wouldn’t sell me any of them. But I persisted and was patient and, after a bit of time, he finally sold me a small Aloe which I still have.” He then pointed to a lovely gentian blue urn with a
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beautifully toothed Aloe. The aloe on his lovely rustic patio was no longer a small cutting but a robust individual about 25 years old. What really propelled Tom from a succulent hobbyist into the budding professional horticulturist was a series of mishaps. In his career as a diesel mechanic and later as a heavy duty mechanic in the coal industry, he subsequently developed wrist problems and carpel tunnel syndrome. He had to have a series of surgeries and went on Workmans’ Compensation. Things looked bleak and he was out of work for a few years. Then Workmans’ Comp said that they would retrain him and, based on his aptitude, suggested the field of computers. Tom, however, wanted to do the horticulture program at VIU. For reasons still unknown to Tom, they agreed. Thus, his second career was born. We are sitting in his back patio as Tom wistfully recalls his big trip in 1980 to Mexico and beyond in his 1966 Volkswagen van. He logged over 17,000 miles and was absolutely smitten Tom holding a miniature arrangement of succulent plants in a very tiny container
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Sedum spathulifolium- the succulent that gave Yellow Point its
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with the native plants (mostly succulents) and the ruins as well as the neocolonial architecture of Nueva España. From that time on, the Siren of Succulents never stopped singing in his mind. in 2003 with the VIU Horticulture training under his belt, he decided to trust his instincts and expand his love of succulents and build up his numbers and make a go of it. “So I decided to make a big investment in succulents, and all of the plants I’d bought had root mealy bug. So my new investment was a complete wipe-out... and”, at this point Tom grimaces, “to add insult to injury my older, prized plants became infected as well. I chalked it up that this was just a one-off but a few years later I went back to the B.Lake well and got burned again by mealy bugs!” “Nooooooooooo”, I say in my best adolescent Hollywood filmese. “Yessssss” he hisses back in snakey self-sarcasm. We burst out laughing. Sometimes the most frustrating things of the moment become the funniest things in retrospect. But he got over the self-inflicted Mealy Bug Festival and in the past seven years he’s been building up his collection and horticultural expertise with them. Tom now sells at Farmers’ Market and other plant sales such as the Rotary Garden Tour plant sale at the Aggie Hall which is where I first came across him. His hobby has definitely gone up a BIG notch. “Do you want to see more?” Tom asks me. I fire him a mock/ shock, “Do you really need to ask?” look and say nothing. Tom gets it and leads me from the charming patio area to his hoop house. The warmth of the hoop house is welcome given the coolth of this mid Junuary day. The door opens onto a cornucopia of succulents- Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum), Aloe, Echeveria, Lithops, Aeonium, Agave and others. It’s all there in scale- from the small even miniature types to huge specimens capable of dazzling even the most jaded, seen-it-all executives. The miniatures that Tom has been experimenting with could find a huge market in Japan or China where small is big. Suddenly your humble writer turns into the poster child for PA- Plantholics Anonymous. “Hi, my name is Grahame and I’m a plantholic. I must buy some of your plants to fend off the DT’s!” “No problem” says Tom not missing a beat and he rattles off some prices. I half hear him. He’s seen this glazed expression of plant lust many times before; that dreamy, disconnected demeanour that says, ‘Whatever it takes... I’ve got to have it.’ A carrying tray for the plants appears from the left side of the
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gotta-have-it fog and I start to pick out a few beauts. Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is the first to go in. Then, another unnamed dusty pink Echeveria and a Haworthia, and an Aeonium, then an Aloe. Finally, one of Tom’s added-value creations- a clam shell with several tiny succulents expertly shoe-horned into the shell. Simply fabulous. I suddenly hear my wife’s voice and the plantaholic’s trance is broken. A vision of Her Ladyship’s countenance cuts through my fog like a roadside emergency flare. I’m still eyeing an Agave with spikes as sharp as those on Usain Bolt’s track shoes. But, unfortunately, the spell is broken. “I think that’ll do Tom. Terrific.” Tom just smiles at me with an equal mix of delight and empathy. I’ve seen quite a number of nurseries that grow succulents in North America and England. Tom Chappell does a great job and has wonderful healthy plants. Bye-bye mealy bugs! “ I love it when people tell me their plants are still rockin’ along. I want people to be happy with my plants.” Tom earnestly asserts. And so they should. The scale of the operation is such that it’s all Tom, all the time. The attention to detail is evident. And, most importantly, they’re priced right and well below values you’d see in Vancouver or Victoria. Or Seattle? Forget it! Succulents- if treated right- are long-lasting plants. Generally they need a lean soil mixture and good ventilation. Most of what Tom sells are frost proof but he cautions,“ they resent protracted periods of cold and dampness.” Thus, it is best to have a hoop house or greenhouse or a heated cold frame to overwinter these captivating and gracious group of plants. But a final word of note on Echeveria which is where we started our story on Tom. Most Echeveria species derive from cool and moist mountain climes so they are well-suited to what Vancouver Island serves up. They should be grown in full sun but avoid overhead watering. Water only around the plant or in the saucer or dish they are in. Also avoid a soil mix with too much peat or bark and add extra grit (Chicken grit #2 will do nicely as will coarse sand) to improve drainage and the aeration of the root system. And to be safe, bring them in for that cold and wet November- March period. Don’t miss getting some of these succulents from Tom. He is a regular seller at Nanaimo market on Fridays 10-2 at Bastion Square;’ Qualicum Farmers’ Markets on Saturdays; and Parksville’s Farmers Markets on Tuesdays. He’s also thinking about coming to the Ladysmith market on Thursdays. And you never know...you might become a sucker for succulents too. I know I am.
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What’s that Island?
Recording studio opens
A new recording studio in the heritage music hall building at 18 Roberts Street in Ladysmith is opening July 6. Owners Jordan Koop and Terry Stewart from Vancouver have been heavily involved in the music community for over a decade. Terry is former owner of well respected Vancouver studio, The Hive Creative Labs (www.hivestudios. net) and a concert promoter for many years. Jordan is former engineer at FaderMaster studios in Vancouver (www. fadermaster.com)and the drummer in the touring band Twin Crystals ( www.myspace.com/twincrystals) The owners decided to move to Vancouver island to start at “retreat” or “getaway” studio and found the music hall was for lease. They describe its location as ideal with close proximity to Nanaimo, ferries and Victoria clients. The bonus was being near the beach with beautiful gardens in the back all in a creative artistic town. Koop and Stewart are looking to get involved with the community by working with local talent, and existing clientele while exposing the community to new artists. The Noise Floor offers recording, mixing and mastering services. The first clients in the new studio is the band Hard Feelings from Vancouver who are finishing up their album after the unexpected tragic death of their drummer, Devon Clifford, who was also drummer for the well known international touring band, You Say Party! We Say Die. Check out the Noise Floor at 604-484-3931, www.thenoisefloor.ca
Jordan Koop at the Noise Floor
Local writer and naturalist Bruce Whittington has released What’s That Island? A colourful, richly illustrated book with photographs, guide to the wildlife, landmarks and history along the BC Ferry route between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. This is Whittington’s second book following Wildlife Watch on an Alaskan Cruise, a bestselling guide. Books are available at local bookstores or from the publisher, www.strayfeathers.ca/sfpbooks.html
Shows at the Gallery
Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery is showing “All About Summer” until July 7. Then the anticipated Art Jam - Pacific Rim Connection shows July 9 – 23. This is a collaborative of Coast Salish, Japanese and North American Art. Gala: Friday, July 9, doors open 6:30 – 7pm. Opening Ceremony followed by en-
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tertainment and refreshments and the exhibit. Featured artists John Marston and Luke Marston are international renowned artists living in Ladysmith. The gallery is open 7 days a week from noon to 4pm. 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith. www.ladysmithartgallery.com
2010 Denman Island Studio Tour
Arts Denman is hosting a free Studio Tour on July 31 and August 1, with access to 25 artist’s studios including some that are not normally open to the public. Tour brochures/maps will be available at the Denman Island Arts Centre. Studios include basketry, carved signs, culinary arts, fabric arts, felting, glass art, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, painting, papercraft, photography, pottery, prints and cards, quilting, sculpture, woodwork and wooden toys. Arts Centre open 9:30 am to 4 pm each day. Studios open 10 am to 4 pm. For more info 250-335-1395 cluckett@telus.net
2010 “ Concerts in the Park” Series
What better way to finish off Canada Week than by attending a performance of the 20 piece Cowichan Valley Concert Band at the Ladysmith amphitheatre at Transfer Beach Park in Ladysmith? Beginning at 6 pm on July 4, the Concert Band will perform a variety of musical selections appealing to a wide range of interests. So, pack up your picnic basket, spread out your blanket, bask in the sun and enjoy the early evening while the band plays one of your favourite pieces of music. The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association in partnership presents the “Concerts in the Park” series with support of local business. Concerts are by donation with all proceeds going to LRCA community programs and activities. : http://lrca.bc.ca
Mid Island Photo Expo
Ladysmith Camera Club will feature a presentation on “Photographing People” by the talented Nanaimo based photographer and entertaining speaker
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Chris Boar, Tuesday, July 27, at 7pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Public welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. To request more information, send email to info@LadysmithCameraClub.com The Club is inviting entries to the Mid Island Photo Expo, run in conjunction with Ladysmith Arts Council. The public is invited to enter their images. Sixty images will be selected and prints will be exhibited at the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery. For entries and information contact info@LadysmithCameraClub.com
silversmiths, printmakers, painters, photographers, wood turners, and sculptors. The summer tour is still a vibrant part of Cowichan Arts Trail and runs until July 5. The Trail is self-guided and admission is free. Brochures and maps are widely available throughout the lower island. For more information go to www. cowichanartstrail.com.
Art in the park
On July 24 from 10am-4pm, the Waterwheel Park in Chemainus is transformed into an outdoor gallery. Artisans representing a broad range of disciplines will be showing and selling original pieces of art and designs. This is a great opportunity to meet artisans, explore, see, and purchase original pieces of art. Works of glass, fibers, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, wrought iron, wood carvings, watercolors, and much more will be on display and offered for sale. Contact Chemainus Chamber for more information at 250-246-3944
Visions Art Tour Trail
The Visions Art Studio Tour has been active for more than 25 years with summer tours of artists’ studios. This year Visions is starting the Cowichan Arts Trail, which showcases many of the Cowichan Valley artists who have their studios open year round. The same map that will lead you on the summer tour will provide information for all year. The artists and artisans that are on the Cow-
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ichan Arts Trail include weavers, fabric artists, potters, glass artists, jewelers,
Artists show their work at Denman Island Studio Tour
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Locals excel in body building competition The Port Theatre in Nanaimo hosted the Western Natural Body Building Competition on June 26, 2010. Ladysmith was well represented with a total of 7 competitors. Kathy Schoenewolf won first place in the figure category and first place over all. “Ladysmith really knows how to support their athletes as half the audience was from Ladysmith. The cheers when we were on the stage were awesome” says Kathy, a fitness trainer at The Frank Jameson Community Centre gym and owner of Pulse Fitness. Jesse Malone won first place in fitness modeling male and third place in his weight class body building category. Anthony Graham won first place in his weight class body building category. The other competitors all in the figure category were Heather Osler, Brooke McCarthy and Melinda Joyce. Congratulations to all of the competitors! - Cindy Damphousse
New Boat Harbour Parklands will not include Flewett Point New parklands in the Boat Harbour area will not include acreage on Flewett Point. The Regional District of Nanaimo has cancelled its proposal to acquire 2.27 acres covering most of Flewett Point, on the eastern shore of Boat Harbour, from owner Townline Ventures Boat Harbour Ltd., following public consultation last week. The RDN has also cancelled a second public open house on the proposal that had been scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, 4-8pm, at Cranberry Hall. The RDN will continue working with Townline over the summer to secure a one acre parcel of waterfront and trails adjoining Flewett Point, at no cost, as part of a subdivision development by Townline.
Ladysmith’s Kathy Schoenewolf and Heather Osler at the Western Natural Body Building Competition. Schoenewolf won first place in figure and over all. Photo: Kim Yannik
Sailing program The Ladysmith Yacht club holds learn to sail programs throughout the summer. The courses offered are for everyone over the age of eight. We offer four two week sessions starting July 5. There are two adult sessions as well, these are scheduled for the weekends to accommodate our busy work life. All these courses are Canadian Yachting Association certificate programs. Course components include: Learning the Language, Knots to Know, Basic Sail Theory, Water Safety, the Balance, Steering & Propulsion System, and of course Sailing for Speed! For more information call Bob Cross at 250-245-4690 or to register contact Ladysmith Parks and Recreation 250-245-6424 or visit the Frank Jameson Community Centre.
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“Flewett Point is a beautiful property, and it was a tremendous opportunity for the RDN to be able to consider securing the lands for public use,” said RDN Electoral Area A Director Joe Burnett. “However, community feedback has been clear that we should not move forward with our proposal to acquire the lands. I want to thank Townline for making this opportunity available, and I look forward to working with them over the summer to secure adjoining lands in the Boat Harbour.” The proposed community park acquisition site has an appraised value of $2,345,000, and is part of the proposed subdivision in the Boat Harbour vicinity owned by Townline. The RDN Board had proposed to finance the acquisition primarily through a long-term loan from the Municipal Finance Authority, to be repaid by an annual assessment tax of $18 per $100,000 on Electoral Area ‘A’ properties. The RDN was undertaking an Alternative Approval Process to seek elector assent to fund the acquisition. Approximately $250,000 of the purchase was to be financed with the RDN’s Cash in Lieu of Parkland account for property development in Area A. Many residents have said that the $18 per $100,000 assessment was a significant barrier to acquiring the Flewett Point property. Based on this feedback the RDN will not pursue the acquisition of the proposed site, known as Lot 7, and will stop the Alternative Approval Process. Residents opposed to proposal no longer need to submit an elector response form to the RDN, as the proposal has been cancelled. The adjoining one acre parcel to be managed as an Area A community park includes access to a the private marina’s boat ramp near Boat Harbour Marina, a constructed trail from Boat Harbour to Pylades Drive, and a trail corridor east of Pylades Drive to the ocean.
Ladysmith Rocks! Thursday Nite Live To celebrate a successful fifth season, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association will be hosting an extra three weeks of summer fun, every Thursday
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2010 Ladysmith Has Balls race winners: Lisa Bates, Celebrations president; Karen Anderson, first prize; Larry Adair (representing Kinsmen), second prize and Pattie Chadwick, third prize winner. The race raised over $700 to be used by the Ladysmith Celebrations Society to help fund Ladysmith Days to be held Friday to Sunday, July 31-August 1, 2010 Photo: Duck Paterson
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Adapt A Kayak
Thursday Nite Live Photo: Rob Johnson
evening until the end of August. Downtown Ladysmith comes alive with live music from jazz to rock by local bands. The streets are fun filled with local performers, from one man shows to magic shows, children’s activities, and outdoor movies. The Ladysmith Farmers Market lines the streets with local vendors and their goods that are locally grown, hand crafted and home baked. There are great deals to be found shopping downtown as well as some fantastic draws at the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association booth. www.ladysmithdowntown.com
A new business in town offers the rental of adapted kayaking equipment through Sealegs Kayaking Adventures at Transfer Beach. Owner Nicole Hiutikka, a young woman with a developmental disability has, through the support of Community Link and her family , adapted equipment that prevents a kayak from tipping over and allows a person with limited use of their arms to paddle.
Cedar Fun Zone Cedar Family of Community Schools in partnership with CSCES can continue to offer The Cedar Fun Zone program for children due to generous donations from Island Savings Credit Union, Friesen Rentals, The Cedar Lion’s Club, 49th Parallel and Cedar Valley Dentist. Without their support the Cedar Fun Zone, which has been in operation for 12 years, could not have continued this year. A cut in grant funding seriously jeopardized the program and the com-
Nicole Hiutikka demonstrates the adapted equipment that prevents a kayak from tipping
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munity was quick to respond with the needed funds. Thank you all for being so wonderful and supportive to the children in our community!! The Cedar Fun Zone, located at Woodbank Elementary School on Woobank Road, is open 10 am until 3 pm from July 12 until August 25. Calendars for July and August are available with all the activities and Island Savings sponsors scholarships which are available for families with financial challenges. Cost: $8 daily. If you need scholarship funding or more information please contact Karen or Brenda at 250-722-2414 ext. 249 or the camp during summer 250 668-7156.
2010 Brits on the Beach
Owners and enthusiasts of British vehicles and motorcycles will meet at Trans-
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Cedar Fun Zone
fer Beach on July 18 starting at 10:00am. Brits on the Beach is brought to you by the Mid Island chapter of the Old English Car Club of BC. Everyone is welcome. Plan on seeing vintage cars such as MGs, Triumphs, Morgans, Jaguars, Rolls Royces, even an authentic British Taxi. Many of these vehicles have been restored locally and are daily drivers.
New apple tree at the community garden
A semi-dwarf apple tree with five grafted varieties on it was donated by LaFF (Ladysmith Family and Friends) as a thank you to the outgoing Board of
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Directors for all of their hard work and support and nurturing of the families and children of our community. And thanks to LaFF for acknowledging their board in a way that will continue to benefit the community!
Cedar Skatepark News On June 4, Tamagawa University hosted a memorable “Evening in Japan” for fifty enthusiastic guests. Authentic Japanese dishes, traditional sake and a talent showcase were enjoyed followed by a spirited bidding at the live auction to raise funds for the Cedar Skatepark Association. Thank you to all who joined us and showed their support and to those who made the evening possible: Yuho Okada, Melanie Erikson and the staff and students at Tamagawa University, Katherine Backlund. Art and Maureen of Art of Brewing, Grant Leier, Tom Hutton, Kenn Joubert, Greg Buchanan Coast Realty, Debra Richards - Richard and Company, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Ian Nattrass - The Tozan Cultural Soci-
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ety and Cam Wrigley - Cameron Photography -all donated items for the live auction and we are grateful to them. A special thank-you to Sheryl Robinson for creating a beautiful flower box that was taken home by a lucky prizewinner. The Association’s next fundraiser will be July 9-11 when we will run the concession for the Cedar Ball tournament. If you can help call 250-722-3767.
Big Bike teams raise over $11,000! Heartfelt thanks to the businesses and community groups who put teams of riders together to support our mission. The 2010 Spirit Award winner is Curves, who raised over $2700. Thanks also to our other teams, Trish’s Troupe, Town Of Ladysmith, Ball Buffs, Ladysmith Downtown Business Association, Joint Venture Physiotherapy, and Air Cadets Squadron 257. With your community’s on-going support, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is able to fund world-class
Ladysmith Air Cadets Big Bike team
scientific research that continues to save the lives of Canadians, young and old, by pioneering results in medical advances, social change and health education. We look forward to having you with us next year.
Art of Brewing wins “Best of the City” Thank you for your support. Because so many of you voted for us, we have been declared Nanaimo’s #1 place to make
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Camille Marquis presents the Diversity Window Sticker to her employer, Campbell McIntyre, at In The Beantime
wine. We are ‘Best of the City’ - just out in the country! We share our blue ribbon with you . - Art and Maureen
Diversity@Work Ladysmith Community Link, a member of BC EmployNet, is pleased to present Ladysmith employers 49th Parallel Grocery, Ladysmith and Cedar, Carlos Place, In the Beantime, Ricky’s All
Day Grill, Roberts Street Pizza, Tim Horton’s with a “Diversity @Work” window sticker in recognition of their inclusive hiring practices. “Diversity@ Work is an initiative of BC EmployNet, a BC wide network of service providers committed to advancing employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
BC Purple Martin program needs help BC Purple Martin Stewardship and Recovery Program received devastating news that they would not receive any of the $10,000 funding the requested from Canada Summer Jobs to hire two summer students from May to August this year. The students to do the majority
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of the leg band reading, martin activity monitoring, assist with the banding of nestlings at the 30 colonies between Powell River, Comox and Sooke and on the Gulf Islands. They also enter and verify all the data collected this season and would assist with Purple Martin displays at the Purple Martin Open House in July. If you would like to help, make your donation to the Foundation on their website www.saveourmartins.org .A tax receipt will be provided for your donation.
Rotary thanks Rotary Garden Tour Show and Sale Winners are as follows: metal art piece, Shirley Brussow, gas patio heater, Barb Bezeau, cedar chairs and table, Alan McDowell. Other winners: Steve Shaw, Brenda Smithers, Sandra Kelly, Marilyn Johnson, Guy Bezeau, Rejean Beaudoin. The Rotary thanks everyone for helping to make the Garden Tour Show and Sale a success.
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Native daughters donate heart monitor Ladysmith’s Native Daughters Post #7 presented the Ladysmith Health Unit Centre on June 30 with a heart halter monitor they purchased for $3000. The Native Daughters Post # 7 may not have regular meetings but they as active as always. In April 4 of their members went to Langley for the Grand Post Sessions, at which Louise Baines was elected Grand Factor of the Native Daughters of BC and Wilma Ostle as her Grand Secretary and Lou Jones Grand Historian. In May they donated $500 to the Kinsmen Club to help restore the Children’s playground. In June they presented two bursaries at the school and paid for both prizes.
St. Joseph School year end
Sunny skies blessed St. Joseph’s year end celebration at Saltair Park on Tuesday, June 22. The students, staff and parents all enjoyed a morning of sports activities, a delicious lunch and an afternoon of art and exploration.
Native Daughters present halter heart monitor to Ladysmith Health Unit Centre they raised funds for. Photo: Rob Johnson
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Juan de Fuca Trail – it’s more than just a hike! Before I had children, my heart was set on tackling the West Coast Trail. Being able to experience one of the most gruelling treks in North America was a dream I planned on making a reality. Once we started building a family I had put that part of my heart away for a while, thinking it would be something to tackle once the children were out of the house. Recently that part of my heart opened up and this time it had company. Monday evenings in our house usually consist of putting away the past weekend gear while discussing the next weekends activities. From out of nowhere I men-
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tioned backpacking the Juan de Fuca Trail. “I think we have everything we need to camp overnight.” I said confidently. The rest is a blur. The next four days consisted of late nights researching the best route, gathering all our gear, and wondering what we were getting ourselves into. I had envisioned the hike in my head over and over again. What do we do if we see a bear, what is the trail going to be like? Will the children be able handle an overnight backpacking trip? It is something I review in my head every time we go out and the answers never change. Stay calm, trail will be fine and the kids are ready. It is what I did not expect that turned out to be the greatest experience of all. Planning to pack all the gear required for four people overnight made me think about what is really necessary. On top of the list is shelter followed by food and water. Throw two tents, four sleeping bags and pads, food, water, cooking gear and clothes into two backpacks and there is not room for much more. But other than the necessities, what else do you need? For two days and one night we will have each others undivided attention and that is worth more than any iphone, TV program or hot new toy. Every item that was packed was there for a reason. One pot for boiling water to use for our freeze dried meals. Using the freeze dried meals
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meant no bowls were required because you eat out of the bag. Since only one can eat out of the bag at a time, only one fork is required. Using one fork meant more time to spend with each other while eating. The less we packed the more empowered I felt. Everything became simple. Having little or no choice in the matter was refreshing leaving more time for other things. There was no arguing about what pair of pants to wear or debate what was for supper. The kids accepted it and moved on. For two days we explored the west coast by crossing over a variety of boardwalk, log and suspension bridges. We hiked heavy rooted single track while manoeuvring around puddles of mud. Even had to walk along a fallen tree notched into stairs to get us down the deep descent to the beach. Juan de Fuca was definitely not lacking in entertainment. Neither was Mystic Beach, our destination. Its sandy beach, the hanging waterfall, and cave exploring kept us occupied for hours on end. One special moment we shared together was hermit crab racing. We all laughed and cheered hoping our hermit crab of choice would win. Not sure whose won but it doesn’t really matter. I was happy we found an entertaining game that did not require me packing it. Juan de Fuca was more than just a hike. Amongst the second growth forest and beautiful scenery was a lesson learned. It is the quality of time, not quantity, that we spend with our children that matters and it does not need any accessories. Sure, we’re back home now and using our own fork for supper, but I am not concerned with whether it’s silver or not. As long as I get the food in my mouth and can share some time with the children, I’m a happy gal. Once again I have put part of my heart away. I still plan on making my dream of hiking the West Coast Trail a reality. There is just one little revision to this dream. The weekend after the kids move out, we are all heading to the West Coast Trail for one last family hike. You can bet the first item on my list of things to pack will be tissue. To read On the Beaten Path’s monthly blog and adventure stories, join the Facebook fan page “On the beaten path” or visit www.wix.com/onthebeatenpath/on-the-beaten-path
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Navigators 250-245-7134 Jul 6, 7pm, Music in the Park by The Wonderettes & Andreas Andrascheck, Chemainus Water Wheel Park 250 246-0252 Jul 7, 9:30am, Internet & Email Job Search, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134 Jul 7,14,21,28 11am-4pm, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Water Wheel Park 250-246-3944 Jul 1, Canada Day Celebrations, Transfer Beach 250-245-6400
Jul 7, 8pm, Megan Lane, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 1, Canada Day Celebrations, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 8, 9am, Crafting Your Cover Letter , Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Jul 1-4, 10am-5pm, Cowichan Valley Artisans, Benchmark Gallery, Duncan
Jul 8, 4pm, Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by Skellig, First Ave., Ladysmith
Jul 1-5, 10am-5pm, Visions 2010 Studio Art Tour and Sale 250-416-0546
Jul 8, 8pm, Paxton Bachman, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 1, 4pm, Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by Saturdays Racket, First Ave., Ladysmith
Jul 9-25, Pacific Rim, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 250-245-1252
Jul 1, LDBA Movie Under the Stars, Gatacre St., Ladysmith Jul 2, 8pm, Denny with Marc Ponton, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jul 3,10,17,24,31, 9am – 2pm, Crofton Market, Beside Ferry Terminal derbest@shaw.ca
Jul 10, 6pm, The Powder Blues Band (the originals), Saltair Pub 250-246-4241 Jul 9, 8pm, Nessi & William Manx/Emily Braden, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jul 10, 8pm, Andrea Nann & Brendan Wyatt, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Jul 3, 7pm, UFC Fight Night, The Sportsman Pub 250-245-8033 Jul 3, 8pm, Under Observation, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jul 4, 12pm, Delta Youth Orchestra, Bandshell Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 250-246-9102 July 4, 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park, Cowichan Valley Concert Band, Transfer Beach Jul 4, 8pm, Fundraiser, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jul 5-Aug 27, M-F, 9am-3pm, Ladysmith Adventure Zone Summer Daycamps, Transfer Beach 250-245-6424 Jul 5-8, Pleasure Craft Operators Card Course, Fuller Lake Arena, 250-246-3811 Jul 5, 9am, Job Search Support & Networking, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134 Jul 6, 9am, Resume 201 Workshop, Employment
Kevin Wright and Holly Arntzen perform at Music in the Park at Chemainus Waterwheel Park. For a list or schedule call 250-246-0252 or email MusicInTheParkSeries@gmail.com
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Jul 10, 8pm, Blender, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Aug 4,11,18,25, 11am-4pm, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Chemainus Waterwheel Park 250-246-3944
July 11, 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park, Ryan McMahon, Transfer Beach
Aug 5, 4pm Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by Marty Howe Latin Jazz Quintet & Pauline Karchy, First Ave., Ladysmith
Jul 11, 7:30pm, Chippendales, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Aug 5, 7:30pm, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
Jul 11, 8:30pm, The Malahat, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Aug 7, Accordion Day, Bandshell, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 250-246-9102
Jul 12, 9am, Job Search Support & Networking, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Aug 7,14,21,28, 9am – 2pm, Crofton Market, Beside Ferry Terminal, derbest@shaw.ca
Jul 12, 1pm, Preparing for an Interview, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134 Jul 13, 7pm, Music in the Park by The Seed & Salt Theatre Company, Chemainus Water Wheel Park 250 246-0252 Jul 13, 8:30pm, Blues Tuesday, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jul 14, 9:30am, MS Word-Basics & Beyond, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134 Jul 15, 8pm, Emily Spiller Band, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jul 15, 9am, Resume 101 Workshop, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134 Jul 15, 4pm, Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by Silhouette, First Ave., Ladysmith Jul 16, 5:30pm, Join the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and the LDBA for a combined social at the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery and Ladysmith Maritime Society upper level
Brits on the Beach car show at Transfer Beach, July 18 July 23-25, Islands Folk Festival, Providence Farm, Duncan 250-748-3975
Aug 8, 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park, Gerry Barnum & Gold and Shadow, Transfer Beach Aug 9, 7:30pm, Wonders Magic Show, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Aug 9-13, 9am, Vacation Bible School, St. Philips Anglican Church Cedar 250-722-3455
Jul 24, 10am-4pm, Art in the Park, Chemainus Water Wheel Park 250-246-3654
Aug 12, 4pm Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment By Guy Bezeau & Friends, First Ave., Ladysmith
Jul 24, 2pm, Music in the Park by The Seed & Salt Theatre Company, Chemainus Water Wheel Park 250 246-0252
Aug 13, 6pm, “Dreams” Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Saltair Pub 250-246-4241
July 25, 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park, Glen Foster Group, Transfer Beach Jul 25, 9pm, The Carter Brothers, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Aug 14, 6pm, “Arrival” ABBA Tribute, Saltair Pub 250246-4241 Aug 15, 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park, Alexandria Maillot, Transfer Beach
Jul 26, 9am, Job Search Support & Networking, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Aug 19, 4pm Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by Stone Vaughn Toole, First Ave., Ladysmith
Jul 16, 10pm, Aaron Nazrul & the Boom Booms, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 26, 8pm, Lynn Miles, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Aug 22, 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park, Steve Palmer, Transfer Beach
Jul 17, 8am-2pm, LRCA Fundraiser Fun Fair & Yard Sale, LRCA parking lot on Buller St. 250-245-3079
Jul 27,7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club “Photographing People” Hardwick Hall, High St info@ LadysmithCameraClub.com
Aug 26, 4pm Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by Heather Blush and the Uppercuts, Firstt Ave., Ladysmith
Jul 27, 7pm, Music in the Park by Ed & Gail Peekeekoot & Shake n’ Cor, Chemainus Water Wheel Park 250 246-0252
Aug 28, 6pm, Silent Auction, the Cranberry Arms 250722-3112
Jul 18, 10am, Brits on the Beach, Transfer Beach everyone welcome! Jul 18, Purple Martin Open House, Ladysmith Maritime Society Docks 250-245-0109 Jul 18, 12pm, 18 Annual Garden Party, Mahle House Restaurant 250-722-3621 th
July 18, 6pm, Concerts in the Park, Ken Oakes Good News Jazz Band, Transfer Beach
Jul 28, 9:30am, MS Word-Basics & Beyond, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134 Jul 29, 9am, Resume 101 Workshop, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Jul 19, 9am, Job Search Support & Networking, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Jul 29, 4pm, Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by The Owl and the Pussycat, First Ave., Ladysmith
Jul 19, 9pm, Eccodek, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 30, 11am-4pm, Customer Appreciation Day, Coronation Mall Ladysmith
Jul 20, 9am, Resume 201 Workshop, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Jul 30, 8pm, JR Shore, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 20, 7pm, Music in the Park by Holly Arntzen & Kevin Wright, Chemainus Water Wheel Park 250 246-0252
Jul 31 & Aug 1 Ladysmith Days, parade, entertainment, fireworks various locations in Ladysmith
Jul 21, 9:30am, MS Word-Basics & Beyond, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Jul 31-Aug 30, Fabric Show, Ladysmith Water front Art Gallery 250-245-1252
Jul 21, 9pm, Sumner Brothers, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 31-Aug 1, Arts Denman, various locations on Denman Island 250 335-0243
Jul 22, 9am, Crafting Your Cover Letter, Employment Navigators 250-245-7134
Jul 31, 8pm, Sara Marreiros, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Jul 22, 4pm, Thursday Nite Live, Farmers Market, Live Entertainment by Renovations Blues Band, First Ave., Ladysmith
Aug 1, LDBA Movie Under the Stars, Gatacre St., Ladysmith
Jul 22, 7:30pm, Celtfest 2010, Port Theatre 250-7548550
Aug 1, 8pm, Claymore, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246
Aug 29, 10am, Arts on the Avenue, Art and Entertainment, First Ave. downtown Ladysmith Aug 29, 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park, Gary Fjellgaard,
Good food and wine tasting at 18th annual Mahle House Garden Party, July 18
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Farmers Market, live entertainment at Ladysmith Downtown Business Assoc. Thursday Nite, see www.ladysmithdowntown.com Photo: Rob Johnson Saskia & Darrel, Transfer Beach Aug 30, 7:30pm, Blue Rodeo, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 1&8, 11am-4pm, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Water Wheel Park 250-246-3944 Sep 4, 9am – 2pm, Crofton Market, Beside Ferry Terminal, derbest@shaw.ca Sep 4-30, Laura Scarr & LAC, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 250-245-1252 Sep 8, 6:30pm, Air Cadet Squadron #257 Open House, Aggie Hall 250-245-2785 Sep 9, 3:30pm, Max & Ruby Bunny Party, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 11, 6pm, David Gogo Band, Saltair Pub 250-246-4241 Sep 15, 7:30pm, The Canadian Tenors, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 16, 7:30pm, The Naden Band, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 17, 7:30pm, Charlie Murphy, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 18, 7:30pm, Johnny Winter Band, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 19, 7:30pm, For the Love of Land, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 20, Fall Boating Course, Mount Brenton Power & Sail Squadron 250-245-6424 Sep 23-Oct 30, 2pm & 8pm, Wingfield’s Progress, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250246-9820 Sep 27, 7:30pm, Satisfaction, Port Theatre 250-754-8550
For a complete events calendar listings please visit www.take5.ca The events calendar is a free public service available as space permits.
Wood sculpture by Michael Dennis. at the Denman Artisan Tour, July 31, Aug 1
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Giddy up Gogo Pleasure Ride 2010 BY NICOLE VAUGEOIS The TAKE 5 region was host to a large gathering of equestrians on June 12-13 when 70 horses and their riders congregated at Boulder Creek Ranch south of Nanaimo for a weekend campout and pleasure ride. The pleasure ride combined trail riding, education activities and socializing. The event was co hosted by BC Competitive Trail Riders’ Association and the Backcountry Horsemen of BC and was organized by Nicole Vaugeois and Phyllis Payne. Rigs from all over the Island pulled in on Friday night and Saturday morning started with an introduction to Competitive Trail Riding by Nicole Vaugeois before two guided rides headed out at 10 am. Guided rides ranged from 8 mile walking rides to 15 mile trot paced rides to accommodate the interests of different user groups. For those who wanted
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to head out on their own, the trails were all flagged using BCCTRA methods and maps were provided. The afternoon had another two 10 mile rides head out and then education sessions started in the afternoon. Saturday afternoon, Dr. Clare Tompkins did a talk on Emergency Vet Care on the Trail, and later Tom and Shane Sampson did a packhorse demonstration. On Sunday, Ybo Plante gave an introduction to the Backcountry Horsemen of BC before the rides, and then sessions were held later by Alexandra Hamilton on Emergency Hoof Care on the Trail followed by a Search and Rescue/Trail Safety session by Richard Payne. All of this, plus a potluck dinner on Saturday and a catered dinner on Sunday for only $20 per person. Not a bad way to spend the weekend. BCCTRA members were also able to log their mileage with the top riders receiving 46 miles for the weekend. Thank you to Walker Creek Country Goods for sponsoring goodies for everyone, to Logomotion for doing the mugs and T-shirts, to Horse Council BC for zone funding, to Island Tractor for the use of the Kubota tractor for the event, to Island Timberlands and the Regional District of Nanaimo for access to the trails, to Big Apple Catering for dinner on Sunday and to all the volunteers who helped pull this event off.
Above: Marjorie Gould and Chrissy Left: Dan Gogo (Sr.) on Angus Right: Mary Gogo on Somebody Askim Photos by Nicole Vaugeois
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RDN - Area A EXPANSION OF BUILDING INSPECTION The Regional District of Nanaimo Board has adopted “Building Inspection Extended Service Establishment Bylaw No. 787” to expand the building inspection service region wide. Amendments to the Regulatory Bylaw No. 1250 was also adopted by the Board to establish a phasing in of Building Inspection and some additional modifications specific to owner-builder homes and farm buildings. Effective October 1, 2010 the inspection and permitting function will be expanded to: -All new construction that is not specif-
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ic to single family dwellings and duplexes located outside the Village Centres and Urban Containment Boundaries. -All newly sub-divided lands regardless of their use or zoning designations. Effective April 1, 2011, Building Inspection Regulations will be expanded to include all new construction including single family homes and duplexes within all RDN Electoral Areas. BACKGROUND. At the April 27, 2010, RDN Board meeting the RDN endorsed the following motion that “Regional District of Nanaimo Extended Service Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No 787.13, 2010” be tabled until further discussions and public consultation has occurred. Information centres were set up for Areas
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A/C, Area F, and H plus three Information Meetings were held to obtain community feedback. A number of issues were raised and have been considered. The key themes emerging from the public sessions focused upon: 1. Owner Builder House Construction Time and Expense - affordable, extended permitting and modified occupancy process. 2. Cost of Permits/Impact on Property Taxes - user pay funding model, comparable costs. 3. Site Cut Timber - requirements do not change with permits and inspection. 4. Farm Buildings - exemption from permits and inspections 5. Rural Lifestyle - preservation of quality of life
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6. Referendum. RDN staff has reviewed these 6 issues in detail, and it became apparent concerns Items 1 - 4 can be, to a large extent, addressed through modifications to the proposed bylaw amendments. After careful consideration of these issues the RDN Board at the regular board meeting held June 22, 2010 endorsed proceeding with bylaw amendments to include: -extend the permitting time for owner-builders with conditional occupancy and eliminate building permitting renewal fee and replace with an administration fee of $100.00. -establish a specific exemption for farm buildings from the building regulation bylaw requirements. -that “Building Regulation Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1595,2010 be adopted. -that staff be directed to investigate and report back to the board on RDN providing site grading of cut lumber under building inspection service at a minimal or no additional cost. RDN staff did not prepare specific recommendations to Item 5 and 6 above, however they have been addressed as follows: re Item 5 - Rural Lifestyle. Building inspection exists in most of the RDN Electoral Areas and has existed in other Regional Districts Electoral Areas across the Province for many years. This service has contributed to the preservation of rural integrity across the Province and this is demonstrated by example in the many communities across British Columbia which enjoys unique and vibrant rural characteristics such as Cedar, Yellow Point and Cedar by the Sea in Area A. Building inspection provides greater certainty towards the protection of quality of life for rural residents than exists without the service; re Item 6 - Referendum. Fundamentally building inspection is a regulatory service intended to protect community health and safety. It has been specifically established under the Local Government Act as a regulatory service similar to other enforcement powers used at the Local, Provincial and Federal levels. This authority is based on the understanding that while individual rights are important, the government has the responsibility to ensure individual rights do not supersede the rights of the community at large particularly in matters of health and safety. Individual rights must not negatively impact the rights of the community. So if left unregulated the actions of individuals, particularly with respect to individual decisions of construction and development can ultimately impact the lives of their neigh-
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bours and of the community as a whole. Therefore regulatory services at the Local, Provincial and Federal levels are deemed to be in public interest, and are not implemented through referendum of constituents. The Board considered and voted on a number of alternative directions at the Board meeting and all alternatives failed to achieve a majority of support by the elected officials. Further information on Building Inspection process in the effected areas of the RDN will be forthcoming closer to the first implementation date of October 1, 2010. Joe Burnett, telephone 250-722-2656; email: quaillanding@shaw.ca
CVRD - Area H NEW FIRE HALL PROJECT: I am pleased to report that the Citizens Committee has completed their work, and submitted a report to me. Their work included gathering information about the need for the project and presenting this information to the public. Two public meetings and two neighbourhood meetings were held as part of that process. Specific information presented to the public included revised schematic architectural drawings, preliminary order of magnitude project cost estimates, an explanation of the available taxation methods and the comparative values of taxation by method as prepared by the CVRD. A feedback form was developed and distributed to the community at these four meetings.
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Based on the information gathered, the Citizens Committee recommends moving forward with the preparation of Design Development drawings and a Schematic Design Report which would be presented to the community before initiating the referendum process. After presentation of the additional information to you, the community, and your consideration of that additional information, should you continue to support the project in its more detailed form, the Committee recommends that the CVRD initiate the referendum process. Now that the Citizens Committee has completed their work, phase two of the process will commence. The Committee’s report will be considered by the Fire Protection Service Commission and the CVRD. If it is determined that there is public support for moving the project forward, preparation of the detailed work will begin. Phase two will include the design drawings, cost estimates and an additional public meeting or meetings as recommended in the Committee’s report. Although it is difficult to give you a specific time frame, I anticipate that the information will be complied in a timely fashion. I look forward to bringing that information to you. HEART LAKE DEVELOPMENTS: I would like to thank all of those who participated in the June 21st Public Hearing for proposed Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws to permit development of 147 manufactured home strata lots and 7 agricultural
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lots. This application dealt with property located in the Diamond and is accessed from Oyster-Sto-Lo Road. Now that the hearing has closed, no further public input is allowed. The minutes of the hearing, and all written submissions will be considered by the Regional Board at a future meeting. After reviewing all the pertinent material, the Bylaws could be given third reading and forwarded to the Province for consideration and possible approval. Alternately, if the hearing results are deemed not to be favourable, the Bylaws could be defeated. AREA H PARKS: You may have noticed recent improvements in our community parks. These improvements were made possible mainly through the hard work of volunteers, and the donation of four truck loads of material. I would like to thank and acknowledge Terasen Gas for the donated material and all the workers who participated in upgrading our parks. - Mary Marcotte
CVRD - Area G OCEAN SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA In Saltair this area is all parcels of land with frontage on the ocean shoreline. This permit area was put into place to protect the natural environment, its ecosystems and biodiversity and for the protection of development from hazardous conditions. This past year there
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have been at least two incidences of landowners having their front bank on the waterfront sliding towards the ocean. Parcels along the ocean shoreline of Saltair slope down to the ocean. They require special attention because they are on the receiving end of drainage and seepage from uphill and may have wetter soils . They have a tendency to erode because of the slope and the action of water and wind over exposed stretches of water. Wave action also erodes away at the foot of the Saltair Bluffs. In order to do any building or development in this area you need to get a permit from the CVRD. Sometimes this will involve getting a geotechnical report done or an environmental report done. In some cases your insurance may be voided if you have not done the necessary permitting for waterfront development. SALTAIR’S CENTENNIAL John Silins and his group of volunteers are preparing for Saltair’s 100th birthday on August the 15th this summer. David Thomas headed up the group that decorated the float that was in the Chemainus parade and will enter it in the Ladysmith parade as well to advertise the August 15th celebration to be held at Saltairs’ Centennial Park. It will be like a reunion of Saltair residents past and present. Guy Bezeau and his band will be providing the entertainment. Betty Bacon and Karen Wright are contacting former residents to try and dig deeper into Saltairs’ past. It may be the makings of a future book about Saltair’s history. They would welcome photos and stories from Saltair’s interesting history. CENTENNIAL PARK LANDSCAPING Centennial Park in Saltair provides a lot of enjoyment to Saltair residents with the children’s playground, the ball fields, the tennis courts and hockey court getting lots of use. We would like to organize a committee to draw up a plan for beautification of the park this fall. If anyone has any trees, plants or shrubs that they would like to donate to this cause it would be appreciated and cut down on the cost. They would draw up a plan for approval by the Saltair Parks Commission. This would be a cultured park not a natural state park like Diana or Stocking Creek Park. - Mel Dorey
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Tastes good with coke It was the perfect Victoria morning. Like sweet and sour, the coolness of the ocean and the heat of the sun could be enjoyed simultaneously. Sweet meteorological perfection. Off Dallas Road the often rambunctious Strait of Juan de Fuca was so calm it looked saran wrapped all the way over to Port Angeles where a plume of smoke sauntered forlornly into the sky proving the Americans were as good at polluting as we were. Not that I was wasting time looking at the ocean. I was in my office above Government Street enjoying the vantage point to conduct an informal study on the current state of women’s tops, many of which were parading below. Somewhere along the line, I concluded, it has become acceptable to wear outfits in public that would have been considered immodest on a pole dancer 20 years ago. It’s a disturbing trend, what if men demand parity and start wearing Speedos to the office? Had I been using binoculars this study might have been considered sleazy, but I hadn’t sunk that low for at least a week. I was wondering how on earth these girls got their outfits past their mothers when I was interrupted by—of all things—a client walking in the door. The question was: Why does a kid his age, seventeen maybe, need a detective? Like many his age, he was overweight but fortunately no Speedo. He subscribed to the Jones Tent and Awning School of Haberdashery, where grossly oversized clothing covered everything up. You could have hidden my graduation class under his shirt and the crotch of his jeans was flapping a full foot from his crotch, excessive clearance even for a porn star. Mean spirited, the arbiters of fashion. He stood there in total oxygen debt from climbing three flights of stairs. I was in oxygen debt myself but only because my studies take a lot out of me, especially the last blonde who walked by
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“Are you Jack Proctor?” He asked. “Each and every day. Have a seat. If that’s not enough, have two.” The kid looked unhappy but then he was at that age, preparing for the passage through manhood but not yet ready to embark. I felt compassion for him because I’d been at that age for, say, forty years. “What’s up?” I said. “I seriously pissed off my dad. I thought he was mad last year when I rolled the car, and then the damage to the house after my party, but this is different. He’s really cranked.” “What did you do?” “My friends and I drank six bottles of his wine. I don’t know what the big deal is. It’s not as if we drank his new stuff. I picked the oldest bottles I could find.” “Which was?” “1982 Chateau Lafoot. ” “At $5000 a bottle, at least get the name right. It’s Lafite.” “Five thousand….” Aghast. Decidedly aghast. To get his attention I pulled the .357 handgun out of my drawer. “You’re going to need some protection. Blood may be thicker than water, but it’s not thicker than wine.” “How was I to know the wine was that special? You never would have guessed from the taste, we had to add Coke to it.” “Only tell your father that if you’re wearing a full suit of body armour. You might also consider getting premeasured for a casket.” He looked like he was going to cry. It wasn’t because his jeans were too tight. “Let’s talk this over,” I said. “You drank thirty thousand dollars worth of your dad’s wine and now you want….” I leaned back in my chair, put my feet up on the desk and indicated he should start talking. “I want to make amends.” “Not cheap,” I said. “Got a paper route?” He didn’t seem to know what a paper route was. But he did have a job. I told him to show up the next day, around four, with eight hundred bucks. In the meanwhile I assembled a bottle each of the top twelve British Columbia reds. Yes you can spend that much money on B.C. red wine. “When you give this to your dad,” I said. “Tell him no more screw ups, your days of being an idiot are over.”
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He nodded in agreement and then I took him across the street and bought him a pair of jeans that fit, tangible proof he was crossing into adulthood. Then, with nothing better to do, it was back to my studies. Now where did I put those binoculars? For those of you who have screwed up lately, may I recommend the following extrication devices. Big screw up: Clos de Los Siete 07, #128710, $27.00, Argentina Medium screw up: Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone, #1554400, $21.50, France. Tiny screw up: Marques de Rojas, #317008, $10.00, Spain. Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at the Mahle House in Cedar.
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Gourmet Kayaking Operating out of Transfer Beach Ladysmith, Sealegs Kayaking & Marine Adventures has been offering multi-day kayak adventures for the past 14 years. The guide team at Sealegs routinely serves up wholesome, fresh meals that have been applauded by their clients for years. This year the team is offering something special. Sealegs Kayaking has paired up with Edible British Columbia offering Gourmet Kayak Tours in our local waters. Specially trained guides will prepare locally sourced gourmet meals on 3-day kayak adventures in the Gulf Islands. Previous menus have included specialties such as Thai inspired Chilled Watermelon Soup with Dungeness Crab and Chili Oil, Slow simmered Free Range Chicken Korma with Cumin Rice and Stir Fried Greens, Creme Brule with fresh local fruit and gourmet cookies. All dinners are paired with award winning local BC wines. It’s a gastronomic weekend sure to please the discerning outdoor adventurer. For more information please visit the Events site at www.edible-britishcolumbia.com or call Sheryll and Bud 250-245-4096 www.SealegsKayaking.com.
Eric Pateman, Executive Chef and CEO of Edible BC has been working with the Sealegs team to produce a top quality product and outdoor experience.
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Mahle House Wine Tasting Garden Party May turns into June, then June into July and one morning you wake up, hopefully not in your neighbour’s flower bed, only to realize that the yard work that brought so much pleasure in April is no long bringing enjoyment. Mowing the lawn provides no jolt, weeding no satisfaction, and watering, well; let’s just say you feel like the one getting hosed rather than the other way around. A search on Wikipedia reveals this phenomenon is related to clinical depression and is called—swear to God— Gardenitis. Recent studies by a group of scholars (no names released but they all had a minimum of six pens in their pocket protectors) determined Gardenitis is a serious ailment that can result in not only Jack being a dull boy, but also the neighbours kids chanting “Burnout, Burnout!” whenever Jack drives by in his Corolla. Treatment is simple. Stop that lawnmower, drop that hose, ignore those weeds, and come to the 18thAnnual Mahle House Wine Tasting Garden Party where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch, sample up to 150 wines, and observe the Slightly Corked guy working hard on your behalf while at all times maintaining a vertical position. If interested, reserve early, as space is limited. $65 per person, includes HST plus Reidel wine glass. 250-722-3621 - Delbert Horrocks
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Four days, four islands, six women and one boat BY MARINA SACHT The Gulf Islands are a boating paradise with countless islands to explore, hidden beaches and abundant wildlife. Offering warm sheltered waters and a variety of adventures from outdoor recreation to art studios, and outdoor markets. BC Ferries and float planes offer inter island transport but the best way to explore them is by boat. Last month I had that opportunity when I was invited by Valma Brenton who owns and operates Herizen Outdoor Adventures for Women, to join her group aboard the Ladysmith based 46’ ketch Voyager for a southern Gulf Islands adventure. It was four days, four Islands and six women. Anything could happen. Lots did. Laughing, learning and discovering. Friendships were quickly forged amongst the daily tasks of running the beautiful Bill Hardin designed boat owned by Raija and “wonderful” Wilf. The boat is their retirement dream but and when they bought it three years ago, they knew nothing of boats. “Our friends couldn’t believe it,” laughs Raija “when we told them we had a boat.” They hired Valma to help prepare the boat and to asHeather Bower and Avis Oxbury Photo: Marina Sacht The crew aboard the Voyager Photo: Malcolm Sacht
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sist Raija in learning seamanship. Raija is now retired from nursing while Wilf is still working overseas. Valma Brenton, our captain and instructor could write the book on adventure. She spends her time between her home in Baja, Mexico and Nanaimo,
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India, Belize, the Caribbean or wherever the wind or spirit moves her. Which, being an avid sailor, is often. Brenton owns and operates Herizen International Adventures for women, a unique program offering adrenalin and enlightenment. A very attractive and po-
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tent mix to her students from 35-70 years old. She also runs a sailing school and yoga training camps. For the Voyager, this was the first cruise of the season. Along with Raija, Valma is preparing to circumnavigate Vancouver Island in late July. The 24 day trip will test the boat and prepare her for offshore. Our adventure began on Thursday when we met over dinner at the Royal Dar. Next morning we were ready. With Valma’s words of “check check” flying through our heads we prepared the boat, did checks and double checks of the boat, engine, safety equipment and ourselves. Our education had begun. In the next four days a lot of ground would be covered. Point of sail, navigation, rules of the road, tides, currents, anchoring, helming, boat systems, and safety checks. When the engine refused to start, Raija calmly bled it. I watched as she demonstrated. “That was easy,” she said as air bubbles seeped out. It was a comment heard over and over again as the skills and confidence in our ability grew stronger under Valma’s direction. Onboard was the skipper Valma, owner Raija who was studying for her advanced cruising certificate, Avis Oxbury, working on her Intermediate Level, had been sailing with Valma on a number of trips prior including the British Virgin Islands, one of Herizen’s regular programs. Listening to her describe the caves and snorkeling I immediately added it to my “bucket” list. Also on board is Lisa Dahling, and Heather Bower. Lisa, an entertainer, would burst into song and kept everyone entertained. At one point Avis joined her in an impromptu Broadway tribute on the deck. Heather was there to learn.The analytical one, the thinker, she questioned and poured over details.
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We were a diverse group no doubt. As we leave Ladysmith Harbour my senses are filled with the natural wonders. Sandstone cliffs and ledges, crushed oyster shell beaches and everywhere green stately trees and vivid rock formations. Have you noticed how green everything is around here? The Gulf islands offer a boating experience comparable to the best cruising grounds in the world. Countless anchorages, marine parks, pubs and restaurants, wineries and markets abound. Our first destination was Galiano Island called the “jewel of the Strait of Georgia”. Galiano is a large, rocky but still relatively sparsely populated southern Gulf Island. The island has it all; mountains, bluffs, cliffs and reefs. We walk the trail through Douglas fir, arbutus, red cedar and Garry oak trees to a beach made up of crushed sea shells dating back 3000 years. All of us would take turns on the helm, anchoring and learning to secure the boat over the next few days. We were having so much fun that it didn’t feel like learning. But learn we did. At Montague Marine Park we tied to a mooring buoy. We finish a fabulous pasta dinner (we take turns cooking) sit in the spacious cockpit feeling layers of stress sliding away. Life is good. The mornings started on deck with a hour long practice led by Valma that included yoga, Quigong, meditation and confidence building techniques. Combining elements from Japan, China, Tibet, India and around the world with modern psychology, she has formed her own unique blend of exercises for the body and spirit. She’s even developed her own technique and has trademarked it called clarimizing “It means the clear intention of what one wants to create in their lives through words and concepts, a way of restructuring words,” she explains. Clarimizing, is to visualize and create your ideal dream and the life you want, using exercises and relative power of verbal focus. The morning practice is always changing. “It depends on the group. I’m a facilitator, not a healer.” She explains that many women leave with new awareness as well as skills. “It’s a unique experience, “Women are finding active ways to enhance their lives . They want to live a real life. I use adventure, sailing or paddling as a platform. All the programs all have a wellness component.” Raija and Heather are healthier today because of sailing.
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Both have lost weight and feel stronger more confident. For many women the experience is life changing. It’s time to shop. We headed out to the Salt Spring Island Saturday market. The island boasts a large number of artists, sculptors and musicians…and they are evident here. The market is a happy place with children selling their arts and performers everywhere. We smile at people as we sample locally made cheese and chocolates. We’ll be dining well tonight! We sail to Poet’s Cove on North Pender Island. A swim in the pool, a soak in the hot tub where we met a few guys who gave us incredulous looks when they found out we were a all female crew. Valma is used to the responses. “All women on board, that’s amazing,” she laughs. Russell Island was our next stop. Settled by Hawaiians in 1886, this small island is blessed with many of the natural features typical of the southern Gulf Islands. Forest cover, meadows, crushed shell beaches, stunning rock formations. A pleasant hike took us to the old homestead which is now a national museum open to the public and manned by the former inhabitants’ relatives. I reluctantly left this little island paradise with a promise to return and we sailed over to picturesque Genoa Bay. Located near Duncan and Maple Bay, it offers a relaxed way of life. The boat houses in the marina double up as an art gallery and house an impressive collection of metal artwork. We sip a Cowichan wine on the patio of the cafe and nibble on seafood. We’ve been watching the weather and know strong winds are forecast. In the evening the wind kicks up but blows over quickly. Our last morning I sit alone on the deck listening to the sounds of soft laughter down below and enjoying the play of morning light over the still water. Overhead two eagles swooped by in search of breakfast. I was lucky. I could smell mine down below. Herizen Sailing and Self-Awareness programs are designed for women. Since 1989 thousands of women have taken the course. They offer certified Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Sailing Training. Sail and Yoga Adventures, private sail and yoga training and consulting in the Gulf Islands, Mexico, Belize and Caribbean. They also offer surfing, fishing, paddling, riding, rhythm, yoga and wilderness programs for women. For more information call 1-866-399-4253 or check the website for full course details. www.herizensailingforwomen.com and www.herizenlifeadventures.com
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Jack C. Wells’ Story My Grandfather, Grandmother, their daughter Grace and two sons were all born in New Brunswick; Ray Wells was my father. My Grandfather was a blacksmith by trade and I believe he was a blacksmith in Amherst, Nova Scotia when the family moved to Ladysmith in 1908 and had a livery stable (mentioned page 28 of the Chronicles of Ladysmith). I was told the two boys, Harry and Ray used to meet the trains and steamships to hustle baggage to the hotels by horse and dray or cart. The daughter Grace worked in a bakery; she visited Ladysmith in 1950 and saw the same bakery ovens still
in use at that time.. . My Grandmother may have had some kind of store, but the information is very vague, mentioned by
my cousin. I believe the family left Ladysmith about 1913. They took all their possessions in rail cars. There were sev-
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eral horses and my uncle Harry traveled with them. My Grandfather, Uncle and Father each took homesteads near Carolside, Alberta, approximately 20 miles South of Hanna. My grandfather had a post office in his house, called Earlstone opened April 1914. I believe the family was in Ladysmith approximately five years, 1908 to 1913. The reason for leaving Ladysmith to take homesteads in Alberta may have been due to the miners’ strike in September 1913, and with the decline in economy (Does anyone have any information on this family? Please contact the Ladysmith & Dist Historical Society 250-245-0100. Quiz:- When did airline passenger service between Cassidy airport & Vancouver start? 1970 1974 1978 1981 ? Ans:- August 1974 Wells Family Photo: Ladysmith Archives
Ladysmith’s Post Office Antiques building celebrates a century Happy 100th Birthday. One hundred years ago, the doors to the newest Post Office and Customs House opened in Ladysmith. At the time, the building was one of the finest in town. You can still see the original brick exterior, the old floors made out of eastern maple, the beautiful mahogany staircase and original teller wickets in the building which now houses the Post Office Antique Mall. To celebrate this occasion, the Post Office Antique Mall is having a sale, July 17 and 18 to celebrate. In 1908 the Government of Canada decided to issue a contract to have a Post Office and Customs house built on the Esplanade (now the Island Highway). The Post Office and Customs building was completed in 1910. When it opened with Theodore Bryant as its postmaster, it was the most impressive building in the City. Part of the first floor was used for the post office, the other part was a warehouse. The top floor was the customs house and a caretakers apartment. In the basement was a huge coal fired furnace and an area for a coal storage. It is reported that at one time part of the basement was even used as a jail. In 1955, the Customs moved out of the building and in 1963, it closed as the post office. Post Office building at turn of century
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One million, that’s what the planned Spirit Square up at the site of the former High Street tennis courts will likely cost, and The Town will have to put up half of it. What will we be getting for all this money? The last plans that the public saw showed two green areas and a treed road through the site. At this meeting, the public was asked their thoughts about the proposed design, and I came out of there questioning the rationale for these two small areas for public activities such as musical events and weddings etc., when we already have sites such as the amphitheatre, the site by the Kin Shelter at Transfer Beach, and First Avenue that are already used for this purpose. One of the planned sites in Spirit
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Square would only be the size of the in bounds playing area of a tennis court, and the other would be on a side hill. After I left Council, the Town asked if the site of the Square could be relocated, even though there was little or no chance that it could be built by the October 31 2009 deadline. It now appears that the Province has agreed to allow the change in site and has extended the completion date into next year even though the Spirit Square program is dead. I could understand the Province’s willingness to spend money prior to the Olympics and to celebrate B.C.’s 150th birthdayhen the economy was strong. But now with the financial meltdown and recession, I have a real problem with their continuing willingness to spend a half a million dollars on this project, especially when they are laying off people throughout the government, and cutting so many needed social services such as ambulance services. To me this borders on irresponsibility. This is only half the problem. In order to do this project the Town has to match the Province’s half million. I have been told that our share will come out of the Town’s “real prop-
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erty reserves”. This is money made by selling off Town owned property. Some of the land that is being sold or could be sold could be used for affordable housing or maybe even parkland. Shouldn’t we be holding on to our property or even buying more land for future needs? As the Town continues to grow it will put added pressures on facilities such as recreational space and services. I attended some of the Town’s budget meetings where I saw various capital budget items and town services cut or dropped, in order to keep this year’s tax increase to a minimum. Did you know that a one percent increase in taxes generates less than $50,000 in revenue for the town, yet we are going to commit $500,000 to this one small green space? The Town going after matching funding can be very beneficial. We can effectively get 50 cent dollars to be used on worthwhile projects such as water and sewer infrastructure, but we should be careful of which ones we go for because we still have to find the our share of the money to pay for any of these projects. Well, that how I see it.
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CLASSIFIED ADS PAINT & SAVE OPTION: Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro – together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look. Making the world a brighter place for over 25 years. Call Harv 250-245-2174 DRIVING LESSONS: 49th Parallel Driving School is now the proud owner of a Silver 2005 Honda Civic LX from Nanaimo Honda with A/C and tinted windows with UV protection. We recommend you book your first lesson 8-10 weeks before attempting your RT. 250416-1606 WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK FOR YOURSELF? Are you ambitious? Do you want a lucrative income? Here is a unique opportunity to work part time assisting people to find renewed health. You can make great money, make lots of friends and become super healthy all at the same time. Adele 250 323 2276 aapplet@shaw.ca BAY RIDGE MANOR - For Rent: In Ladysmith 2 BDRM apartment in senior block 55+ well maintained 990 sq/ ft ocean view, W/D, F/S, N/S no pets, parking, cable-drapes-carpet-saunasatellite available. To view contact 250758-5816 YARD IMPROVEMENTS and all small landscaping jobs. We take away and recycle garden waste. WCB insured, call Peter Dunn 250-618-6660
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WHO HAS TONS of high grade band sawn Douglas Fir cut Full 1” and 2” that is great for planters, garden boxes, corrals, barns etc.? Very reasonably priced? Mike Gogo That’s WHO! 250-754-2276 fax 250-754-1754 MIKE GOGO CEDAR PRODUCTS. Dry Fir & Cedar Slabs delivered to your yard by overhead crane truck. Approximately 3 cords for $140 or you pick up at Mill each package approximately 1.5 cord $30 loaded on your vehicle. 250754-2276 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeds need pulling? Garden needs digging? Call David at 250-722-3599 LIGHTWORKS window washing and gutter cleaning. Careful & considerate. Call David at 250-722-3599 CHEERFUL, honest, reliable woman with many years house cleaning experience has rare opening. Weekly or biweekly. Heidi 250-722-3599 BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www. bowtech.com GOT GRANITE? Have your Granite and Marble Countertops professionally sealed and buffed. Kitchens starting at $75. We do tile as well! SealTech Specialties Call Stuart at 250-734-2681
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HOW IS YOUR DRIVEWAY? Have those concrete and asphalt areas on your driveway patched. Seal your driveway professionally to prepare for the summer heat! Enhance the “Curb Appeal” of your Home! SealTech Specialties Call Stuart at 250-734-2681 www.sealtechspecialties.com PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: “leash ‘em & walk ‘em” with Marlena. Insured & bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets
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including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250246-3394. HOME BUDDIES PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kindhearted, experienced & reliable care for all pets. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional through Westguard Security. When loving care & security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith. 250-245-0151. BOBBY’S MINIHOE & CLEANUP Landscaping, lot clearing, debris removal, excavating, small deliveries with dump trailer, mulch, lawn soil, garden soil, driveway chip, serving Nanaimo, Cedar, Ladysmith & area call Bobby 250-713-4970 ISLAND PRUNING - Pruning, tree care, fruit trees, vines, ornamental trees, shrubs and hedges. Chainsaw work and small and large clean-up. Darcy 250245-1260 RACING SLICKS - make me an offer, 250-619-0595 OFFICE SPACES-Downtown Ladysmith, modern, ac, renovated, wired, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 OUR TOWN CLEANING SERVICES - Thorough cleaning for both residential and commercial clients. Respectful of your privacy and treasures. Veteran Affairs Cards now accepted. Call Jacquie at 250-245-2455 MONEY CONCEPTS - Up to 60% debt and mortgage interest returned to you. Benefits; lowers interest, pays depts., reduces years to pay. $200/$500 monthly cash flow. Builds equity faster. Specialist for Moneysmart Consultants Vancouver Island stanjarvis@telus.net 250-390-9350 COMPUTER PRO - Mobile computer service and repair in your home or office. Industry Certified A+ technician, improve performance, System upgrades, Network Printers, Security, Hardware upgrades. Affordable, Seniors Discount 250-802-1187
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THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? Perhaps ready for a fresher look in your existing home? The affordable design services provided by Rooms n’ Blooms can help. Call Shar at 250-2450548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca PROBIOTIC KEFIR (YOGURT) Grow your own. Balance digestive tract. Heartburn is gone. No need for digestive enzymes. Suitable for lactose intolerant. Improves skin, hair and slows aging. Workshop info getkefir@live.com WEATHERED DECKS, ALGAE, MOSS OR DIRT encrusted concrete, old tired bricks? We are Certified Applicators of Seicoat, a leading edge cleaning and sealing technology company. Contact Seicoat 250 816-5002 www.seicoat. com . Free Cleaning with purchase of a Sealing Package. PEACOCK FEATHERS needed for wedding decorations. Call Lynn at 250245-0222 LOOKING for sailboat to crew on, local or offshore. 250-756-8892
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With the terrible, gut-wrenching marathon of no stat holidays between New Year’s and Easter a memory now as faded as Gordon Campbell’s political future, (bye Gordo, hello Carole Taylor) we’ve now had the benefits of two long weekends in just more than a month. On top of that, summer has come charging hard on the heels of those long weekends. Now, we’re realists here on the Other Side and we understand that the last thing you want to do is pay any more attention to what you’re pretending to read right now that you absolutely have to. I mean, geez Louise, you have that cold beer in the cooler and the mist coming off of the lake or river all vying for your attention.
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How can anybody reasonably expect to have your undivided attention? That’s okay, though. We are not insulted by this. In fact, we are going to encourage this trend, dear reader, by putting very little thought into writing this column this month. (Pipe down back there, all you Maple Leafs fans. We can hear you saying “So how is that different than any other month?” Very funny.) Anyways, as the battle roils on between the keyboard and the three B’s of summer (beers, bikinis, and barbeques), we’ve decided to go through the old ideas file and see if we can type enough words here to hit Marina’s word count, errrrrrrr, I mean, write a wonderfully insightful column. (Goldarn that bbq smells good!) One thing we can do is try to make you feel better than you do right now. How do we do that? Well, if you’re reading this at your work place, you can take solace that maybe your boss isn’t so bad. You could be a vacuum cleaner salesman in Rome, where five executives of a vacuum cleaner dealership were recently arrested
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for (allegedly) whipping their employees and banishing bathroom breaks. Or if the mysteries of crop circles are wracking your brain, we could pass on the story about officials solving what caused certain crop circles in the poppy fields in the Australian state of Tasmania. Officials believe that wallabies (think small kangaroos) are eating the poppy heads which cause them (the wallabies) to get more stoned than Cheech OR Chong. Apparently stoned wallabies like to hop around, which caused the crop circles. (And if you weren’t thinking of crop circles but were trying to come up with a cool name for your rock and roll band, we think the ‘Stoned Wallabies’ should be given serious consideration.) Now if neither of those two stories help, maybe we can make a public service announcement of sorts that may help. If you’re at the beach, lake, or river right now and have an incredible urge to go for a naked swim, please beware. Don’t end up like the Canadian tourist who went for a nude swim in New Zealand recently and decided to have a quick nap, similarly attired. When the 22 year old man awoke, he noticed that his, (how do we say this in polite company?), well, he noticed that his ‘wallaby’ was painful, swollen, and bearing a red mark courtesy of a poisonous spider bite. (“It was a rather nasty, ill-placed bite,” one doctor with the gift of understatement was quoted as saying) We are merely passing this on so you don’t have to endure a 16 day hospital stay like our fellow Canadian citizen did and 558, 559, 560..okay, okay, we needed the word count so we could go get our burger and beer that are demanding our attention. Until next month, dear reader...