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Letters United We Stand – Divided We Fall During October 2020, our attention may be largely focused on provincial concerns, yet it is also worth remembering the big picture. Whether it be COVID-19, global warming, Black Lives Matter or wildfires blanketing the continent in smoke, 2020 has given us pause to reflect on issues that are no longer limited to “them” but include all of “us.” The global vision of an astronaut on the International Space Station, which circles the globe every 90 minutes, is gradually being shared by every human being on the planet as crisis after crisis elevates our awareness beyond our local, regional or national news feed. Global problems require global solutions, but how do we transcend our own self-interest at the level of the individual, the family, the community or the nation? The United Nations, having a mandate to facilitate this type of discussion among nations, is celebrating the 75th anniversary on October 24, 2020. In honour of this occasion, the Baha’i
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International Community has issued a statement that suggests a way forward for the peoples of the world to resolve our planet’s growing challenges. It raises our sights and confidence in our striving to make the world a better place for all. The excerpt gives some idea of the bracing and uplifting analysis. “For what was once viewed as an idealistic vision of international cooperation has, in light of the obvious and serious challenges facing humanity, become a pragmatic necessity. The efficacy of steps in this direction will hinge on well-worn patterns of stalemate and impasse being relinquished in favour of a global civic ethic. Deliberative processes will need to be more magnanimous, reasoned, and cordial — motivated not by attachment to entrenched positions and narrow interests but by a collective search for deeper understanding of complex issues. ” (https://news. bahai.org/story/1451/) On October 18 and 19, the Baha’is of the world will be celebrating the “Twin Holy Days.” Watch for events in your community. The Baha’is of Ladysmith
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Where’s the welcome? It has been almost a year since the town has removed the “Welcome to Ladysmith” signs from either end of town! Does that indicate to the public that they are no longer welcome or a lack of concern and respect for local businesses? It is a pretty sad statement when Cedar, Crofton and Saltair show more pride in their communities than the Town of Ladysmith. Though it is nearing the end of this tourism season, perhaps the council and employees should readdress their priority’s so that next year these signs of welcome will generate more prosperity for our local merchants. Hard to show off the bollards if nobody comes to see them. On another note, we have noticed a considerable increase in refuse and human waste at the Ladysmith Train Station. We have also noticed signs of camping behind the station. As this is private property, it is not monitored or maintained by the Town of Ladysmith and is on the shoulders of the volunteers to clean up the mess. There are family’s with young children that play there so
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the proliferation of human waste is a health hazard and should not be tolerated by the residents of this town. If you are in the vicinity of the station and witness any campers or defecation happening, please phone the police on their non emergency line at 250-2452215. Thank you all for your assistance in keeping Ladysmith a clean and safe town to live in. — Chuck Forrest
Junkyard fire north of Ladysmith A huge THANK YOU is due to the many firefighters and others that worked so hard to contain and extinguish this unfortunate and preventable fire. My vegetables are covered with toxic black soot; they can be washed, but I can not feed the grass clippings to the chickens. We pray our precious Cassidy aquifer has not been seriously compromised; that would be much more difficult to clean Absolutely NO thanks are due to the CVRD that, for the past decades, have
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not exhibited much competence at having this “nonconforming” business evicted from our community. My understanding of the issue (which may not be totally accurate) is when the bylaws, including the zoning, came into effect in the early 70s, a tiny little used auto-parts business existed on the property but was allowed to continue as “existing/nonconforming.” If this is correct then is it legal? I believe it is should not be legal for such operations to expand. The provincial government and MacMillan Bloedel have covered the area with aerial photography since the early 60s, and a simple review of those photos would surely prove the operation has expanded ten-fold since 1973, so one has to ask the question: Why is it still operating? The next question must be: How can we have it removed before another disaster strikes? — Michael Fall, Cassidy, BC
Art show I wanted to express our appreciation for the support of Skye Skagfeld’s art show. We saw that the story was in the September issue. It means a lot to us and for future art shows in the future. — Jeff Alcala Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are welcomed. Opinions represented here are not necessarily those of TAKE 5 or its agents. Please email editor@take5.ca or fax: 250-245-7099 or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1.
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New CAO for Ladysmith BY MARINA SACHT Ladysmith’s new chief administrative officer (CAO) is Allison McCarrick, who takes the helm October 5, 2020, after serving as CAO with the District of Port Hardy for nearly five years. McCarrick is no stranger to Ladysmith. “I was born in Saltair and went to Mount Brenton School here; actually I just drove by there the other day.” She recalls playing sports and working at Dairy Queen. “I have friends here from my earlier life.” And although the town has changed, she says the friendliness of the people hasn’t. In addition to its natural beauty, McCarrick also says one of Ladysmith’s strength is acknowledging its heritage. As she settles into her new role, her priorities will be collaborating with Council, learning about the community, and balancing heritage with future development and population growth. As part of a new OCP is scheduled to get underway soon, McCarrick is looking forward to the public engagement process. “I will be able to speak with people, listen to their stories and become part of Ladysmith again.”
First female Stz’uminus Chief BY MARINA SACHT Roxanne Harris has been elected as the new Chief for Stz’uminus First Na-
Ladysmith’s new CAO Allison McCarrick, Photo submitted
tion in the 2020 election, held on August 27, 2020. Harris received 222 votes, edging out George Seymour, who received 167 votes. Harris will take over as Chief from John Elliott, who has served as Chief of Stz’uminus since 2009. “He did a great job leading our nation, and his work won’t go unrecognized. He’s left a great mark on our community and left some big shoes to fill,” says Harris. Harris has lived in Stz’uminus territory for her entire life. She has a bachelor’s degree in education; and a master’s degree in educational leadership. She has served as the vice president of the First Nations Schools Association, sat on the Provincial Child Care Council for three years, and has served as a Stz’uminus council for three consecu-
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tive terms. And now Harris has made history. “It’s a great honour for me to be the first female Chief of Stz’uminus First Nation. I walk in the shoes of my ancestors,” she says. She plans to “carry on the good work that we have been doing” and looks forward to working with the new council. Her priorities include the continued economic development of Stz’uminus, education, housing, water supply, language and cultural revitalization. “So we can uplift ourselves and be a completely self-sustaining nation.” With her background in education Harris understands the need to keep their culture and language alive. Only one per cent speak fluent Hul’qumi’num. Both of Harris’ grandmothers were strong role models and strong leaders, as were her parents. She believes you can become whatever you want to be but you just have to work really hard. You have to set the bar high and greet the day with gratitude. “We walk in two worlds. We are Hul’qumi’num, Coast Salish, and we are Stz’uminus people, but at the same time, we need to go to school, get a degree — that kind of thing.” It’s a fine balance of trying to keep culture alive and being a partner of the greater society. “I think of our ancestors and how they have struggled, and how fortunate I am to be sitting here today and not have to worry about going to residential schools or being a part of the 1960’s Scoop, but we do still have a lot of things that we have to deal with today, like the murdered missing women and the racism that we are seeing come to the forefront around the world.”
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Stz'uminus First Nation Chief Roxanne Harris. Photo: Marina Sacht
There are challenges ahead, but Harris plans to meet them with a positive growth mindset thinking about the future children and blazing a trail for them. “We do things together. In Stz’uminus, we believe that no one gets left behind.” Harris will serve with councillors Timothy Harris, Arthur Jim, Terry Sampson, Gertrude Seymour, Gregory Seymour, Herb Seymour, Margaret Seymour, Peter Seymour, and Shawna Seymour.
Resident Alien returns Filming for Resident Alien returns to Ladysmith on October 4, 5, and 6, 2020, in various locations near First Avenue, Roberts Street and High Street. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, earlier filming by GEP Resident Inc. for the upcoming TV series had been disrupted. Starting October 2, GEP Resident Inc. will begin occupying various street parking and parking lots around town, including Roberts Street parking lot, the Travellers Hotel parking lot, 127 Gatacre Street (after 18h00 pm), and Fisherman’s Wharf lot. Filming downtown on Roberts Street and First Avenue will continue until October 8, when a small crew will begin “wrapping” the film sets in and around filming areas in Ladysmith. All businesses will remain open. Last year the BC Film Industry contributed close to $3.5 bil-
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lion to the provincial economy and employed over 35,000 people.
Uplands site scoped In September, Ladysmith Council awarded a contract to Golder Associates Ltd. to complete a detailed site investigation for the uplands area of the Ladysmith Waterfront and then use the information to develop a remediation plan. The Town has extensive experience working with Golder, and since 2012, the firm has completed a number of environmental studies regarding Ladysmith’s waterfront. A grant application, endorsed by Council, was recently submitted by the Town to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to cover 50 per cent of the project costs. Remediation of the uplands is an important step in the implementation of the Waterfront Area Plan. Economic Development Cowichan’s (EDC) manager, Barry O’Riordan, provided a delegation to Council on EDC’s 2018–2022 Strategic Plan and the impact of COVID-19 in the region. EDC continues to support local businesses in the economic recovery from COVID-19, focusing on spurring innovation in the Cowichan Valley’s technology, industrial and food/beverage sectors, promoting opportunities for film production and assisting in the implementation of sub-regional plans, such as the Ladysmith Economic Development Strategy.
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Due to COVID-19 considerations, the facility will also have hand-sanitizing stations. FortisBC’s funding will help start its construction. This project was nominated by Councillor Duck Paterson, Town of Ladysmith.
Canada-Wide Garage Sale Here’s a chance to clear out your old stuff and get a tax receipt! Gerry Beltgens, executive director for Disaster Canada, is inviting the public join their Disaster Aid Canada-Wide Garage Sale. As world-wide Crises have increased, donations to non-profits have dropped off. Reserves are being stretched, and there is no reduction in the need for disaster relief. Between now and the end of the year, hold a garage sale, or sell it privately, then send a portion of your revenue as a donation to the “Canada-Wide Garage Sale” appeal. You will get rid of your old stuff and get a Canadian rax receipt from Disaster Aid Canada. Disaster Aid Canada will be holding its own garage sale in Ladysmith on Saturday, October 10, at 220 Kitchener Street from 8 am to noon. If you have some clean sellable items
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you want to donate you can call 250739-3887. Donations will be used to provide support to ongoing projects, including Guatemala Famine and COVID-19 Relief program, Beirut Explosion Relief, rebuilding relief supplies, and other disaster relief programs as they happen.
CWL 100 years celebrated On September 23, members of the Catholic Women’s League gathered at the Ladysmith Cemetery to plant a 11foot pink dogwood tree in commemoration of the organization’s 100th anniversary. “There’s about 85,000 members Canada-wide,” says Mary Mulrooney, a long-time member. “It’s one of the largest organizations of women in Canada, so the government does listen to us.” The idea to plant a tree was inspired by Pope Francis’ stand on the environment and a call to “care for our common home.” The tree will add more oxygen to the air and beautify the community, as well as honour all CWL members past and present “because many of our members have found this their resting place.” Currently, there’s 64 members in the Ladysmith chapter. Eventually a plaque
$15K towards washrooms Ladysmith residents will be relieved to know that the town is a step closer to realizing a much-needed public washroom. The Ladysmith Kinsmen are one of four winners of the FortisBC Community Giving Award. The club is using the donation towards building a 24-hour access public washroom facility. The washroom will be gender neutral, family friendly, and wheelchair accessible.
Catholic Women’s League (CWL) volunteers planting a Pink Dogwood at Ladysmith Cemetery to mark 100th year of the organization. Photo: George Weiss
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will be mounted under the tree CWL is a Roman Catholic lay organization founded in 1906, promoting Catholic principles in social and national life and support charitable work of all kinds. Members endeavour to exert influence in those issues rooted in social justice and peace.
To Be Tabled? You may have noticed the round concrete patio tables that have been popping up in downtown Ladysmith. The 18 new tables, manufactured in Alberta, are part of Ladysmith Council’s COVID-19 downtown economic recovery plan, which also includes Edison-style lights, umbrellas and temporary washroom — thanks to a $13,500 grant from Island Coastal Economic Trust and generous community donations.
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Celebrating 50 Years of Service — Forrest Field All Access Walking Trail BY GERRY BELTGENS The year 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. While it was a challenge initially to adapt to the new reality, the Rotary Club of Ladysmith is continuing to work on community projects. In 2018, the Rotary Club of Ladysmith teamed up with the Service Clubs of Ladysmith and with the Mid Island Soccer Club to create an “all access” walking trail around the Forrest Field Soccer pitch. Work was slated to start in early 2020, but COVID-19 put a hold on that. Finally, on September 12, 2020, members of the Ladysmith Rotary, Kinsmen,
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Volunteers work on Forrest Field. Photo: G. Beltgens
Eagles and the soccer clubs began preparing the ground and forming for new paving from the parking lot and around the soccer pitch. Part of the work will Cathinclude widening the existing concrete sidewalk to allow wheelchairs and walkers to navigate around spectators during games. The clubs have raised close to $20,000 for the project through fundraisers. “It is the first time we have all worked together,” says Ken Greig, committee chair of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith, acknowledging the people involved “have kept the project alive through some tough times.” “We also want to thank the Town of Ladysmith for supporting the project from the start, in particular Bob Simpson and Chris Barfoot,” says Greig. “We are very excited to be working on this project with the other service clubs and non profits,” says Kinsman Jason Kelland. “We especially want to thank local businesses who have either donated or discounted their materials and services. This project is a great start on the future development of the planned Lot 108 SportsPlex.”
Grace & Gracie Yellow Point Drama Group will be presenting an abbreviated run of Grace & Glorie, October 2-16, 2020 at the Cedar Community Hall. Joanne Rowland is the Director, Sharron MacLeod is Stage Manager, Pat Zogar plays Grace Stiles and Kim Rogers plays Gloria Whitmore, aka Glorie. For info and tickets visit yellowpointdramagroup.org
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Beekeeper Memoirs BY KERITH WADDINGTON Just like the bees he has carefully tended for most of his life, Theo Fredrich Sr. knows the value of cooperation and hard work. He and his extended family always stuck together through hardship and worked together to build lives for themselves in Canada after being ousted from their homelands by the Russians in 1940. His recently published memoir, From the Black Sea to the Pacific: As I Remember It, is a testament to the strength of will the German people in general — and the Fredrich family in particular — possess. It is a trait Theo Sr. is very proud of. “Our people went to hell and back, but we survived,” he says. “Families can face adversity but still remain decent people. This is the lesson I hope people take away from this.” The writing of this book is something Theo Sr. has had in mind for most of his life. He wanted his younger siblings, nieces and nephews to know the history of the family and how they came to find a new home in Canada. The book is primarily a tale of survival, but it also overflows with humorous anecdotes and ruminations on the human condition. The first part of the book, “On the Move in Europe,” covers the years from 1940 to 1955. During that time, the Fred-
Yellow Point Beekeeper Theo Fredrich Sr. Photo: Kerith Waddington
rich’s and other German families were disowned and removed from Bessarabia (on the shores of the Black Sea) by the Russians. They endured months at different re-settlement camps, first in Austria and later in Poland, the latter behind barbed wire. They were finally settled onto Polish-occupied territories in 1942 but had to flee for their lives on January 14, 1945, ahead of the advancing Russian army. Therein followed seven weeks of cold and terror as the Fredrich’s and other German families fled Poland and travelled across northern Germany by horse-drawn covered wagons in the middle of a frigid winter with Russian tanks close behind. As Theo Sr. acknowledges, “The conditions were almost unbearable. Our family survived, but many lives were lost during that trek.” The Fredrich’s went on to spend ten post-war years in Germany, during which time Theo Sr. completed a three-
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year apprenticeship with a large honey bee operation near where his family lived. When conditions in Germany got somewhat better, the people from Bessarabia started searching for a place that would give them an existence again. In overcrowded West Germany, there seemed no hope for it at the time. Fortuitously, Canada was looking for people to work their sugar beet farms in southern Alberta in the early 1950s. The Fredrich’s applied for immigration, were accepted and arrived in Quebec the morning of May 21, 1955. Thus begins the second part of the book, “Life in Canada.” Adventure and adversity in equal measure greeted the Fredrich’s in their new country, but the entire family, not unlike a hive of bees, worked together to build successful lives in their new home. Theo Sr. and his older brother, Erwin, eventually moved to Vancouver Island and founded Fredrich’s Honey in May of 1966, with the purchase of two hives. And the rest, as they say, is history. Now a mid-Island institution, Fredrich’s Honey has close to 400 hives and regularly has a bounty of wildflower, fireweed and creamed honey on the shelf. Theo Sr.’s son and family took over the business ten years ago, but Theo Sr. still keeps hives at the Empress Hotel in Victoria and on the roof of both the Coast Bastion Hotel and Woodgrove Mall in Nanaimo. Three generations of family live on the farm in Cedar, with the youngest living in the hexagonalshaped home Theo Sr. built with his wife many years ago. Theo Sr. has profound love of and gratitude for his adopted country. “The circle has been completed. We found a home again.” Ever-modest, Theo Sr. downplays his role in the institution he and his brother built. “I am not important. What I’m doing with the bees is important.” From the Black Sea to the Pacific: As I Remember It will be available for purchase at Fredrich’s Honey in October. An online version is also available at Amazon.com.
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Vancouver Island house sales increase The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 1,101 unit sales (all categories) last month, a 39 per cent increase from August 2019. A total of 547 single-family detached properties (excluding acreage and waterfront) sold in August, a year-over-year increase of 35 per cent. Sales of condo apartments rose by 43 per cent year over year while row/townhouse sales increased by 19 per cent. “Our housing market rebounded from the COVID-19 downturn far more quickly than expected,” says VIREB President Kevin Reid. “Pent-up demand, low interest rates and persistent supply shortages are fueling the recovery.” Active listings of single-family detached properties (excluding acreage and waterfront) totalled 1,081 in August, while there were 427 condo apartments and 221 row/townhouses for sale last month. “The outlook for the B.C. housing market is much brighter following a surprisingly strong recovery,” says BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “We expect home sales will sustain this momentum into 2021, aided by record-low mortgage rates and a recovering economy.” BCREA expects unit sales on Vancouver Island to hit 8,300 in 2021, a 15 per cent increase over the 7,200 sales projected this year. Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose by three per cent to $575,100.
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and has international reach. Coach Tyler Buck has been instructing the fifty plus age group face to face and due to current restrictions is now partnering up with Platform Manager Dan Howard to bring their classes to every home. Jessica Lowry keeps Zen flowing by heading up the yoga and meditation department, and Loyola My Laughing Birds van Rooyen Buck directs administration. Try a free seven-day My Laughing Birds – Creative Expression in Cotton has been trial today or use code SAVE25. Visit www.fitnessforlife.club a dream for many years for owner Diana Slater. “I love parrots, for more information. they live with us, and I love quilting — thus the name.” This spring it all came together in a perfect storm. The panLeft Coast Fashions demic effects hit Slater’s Too Crazy Birdy Hotel hard and she Tamara Stone is the owner of Left Coast Fashions in downhad no customers, but she had lots of quilting cotton that focused town Ladysmith. The shop opened four years ago and showon parrots and with a collaborative group of artisans made up cases good-quality British Columbian made goods, especially of young, physically challenged and seniors who had lost part from the Island. time opportunities, they started to make face masks to protect “We have over fifty Island artisans showcased right now,” themselves and their families. Soon people outside of the group says Stone. “I put a lot of effort into trying to find pieces that started asking for their own. My Laughing Birds was born. Their are high-quality unique gifts at a good value.” business plan was based on the book Company of One: Why Indeed, many of the items and fashions showcase the beauty Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis. of the West Coast and Vancouver Island. With more requests, they needed more help, so the group Now re-opened, the shop closed for several months, but Stone reached out to artisans within the Syrian community, who are was not idle. “I was still doing contact-less delivery during that newcomers to Canada. Not only are they exquisite sewers, but time. People started messaging me looking for a perfect gift.” they were overjoyed to have their first real pay cheque in Canada. For Mother’s Day, Stone made up fifty gift bags and delivMy Laughing Birds uses 100 per cent quilting cotton with cats, ered them. People were paying by e-transfer. Staying in touch dogs, and wild birds on form-fitting designs from tiny to extra- with her customers was paramount. Keeping the store in front large. Fitting is important so we work with you to get it right of their mind even when we weren’t open as a brick and mortar whenever possible. Slater supports Nanaimo Children Develop- location during that time was key. ment Centre with $1 donation for every mask sold. Since re-opening, Stone and her staff have been about mak“We are not a factory but a community. We work home bound ing sure they are up to date with stock and ensuring strict and safe, with strict COVID-19 protocols. Check us out hƩps:// cleaning protocols to keep customers safe. “We make sure that www.mylaughingbird.com.” the shopper has a safe but still fun shopping experience.” Check out hƩps://www.facebook.com/LeŌcoasƞashions/ Fitness for Life Club for more about the store. Staying fit is a challenge when public pools are closed and physically distancing has affected the size and scope of drop-in 1904 Cannabis Company classes. But a local trio have banded together to launch a virtual Caroline Fric, owner of 1904 Cannabis Company, knows paFitness for Life Club. tience. “We’ve designed the program for those of us who have done a Following a year and a half of applications, waiting for all the whole lot of living and plan on doing a lot more,” says Loyola. approvals with the different levels of government to come, she The easy to use video-based platform was started in Ladysmith finally opened her store July 30. “Ladysmith took its time to decide how it was going to allow licensing of cannabis retailers to come into town, and they did a good job of it,” she says. It took a lot of work and time, and Opposite page: there were a lot of hurdles to overcome and then a pandemic CLOCKWISE: “Witchy woman” Kristina Margaret of Spirit House to contend with. Boutique, Tamara Stone inside Left Coast Fashions, Amina and her “We only have space for two people in the store, so that’s afson-in-law Emad making masks at My Laughing Birds, Tyler Buck, fecting us somewhat, as some people don’t want to wait outside fitness coach at Fitness For Life Club, Mike of Twin Peaks Plumbing on the street to come in.” Heating & Gas, Caroline Fric in front of 1904 Cannabis Co. For a small store, they pack a lot of products, including two Photos: Marina Sacht & submitted BY MARINA SACHT Adversity can bring out the best or worst in us. These local businesses are facing the challenge of COVID-19 with resilience and creativity. Here’s how they are “working it.”
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budtenders, who are passionate about marijuana and what it can do. Fric personally uses cannabis and CBD oil more for its medicinal effects. “We see all kinds of people come in. People who have never used cannabis looking for health advice to people who just want to buy an ounce of weed and go home and smoke it.” Smoking is still the most popular method of ingesting cannabis, but edibles have shot up in popularity. Fric offers teas, sparkling beverages, chocolates and gummies, some with just CBD, THC or a blend of both. All the edibles are capped at 10 mg of THC. “We strive to be welcoming to people of all levels and experiences. We don’t have all the answers, but we want people to feel comfortable to come here and ask the questions,” says Fric. For more information, check out hƩps://www.facebook. com/1904CannaCo/. Spirit House Boutique At a time when many businesses were operating at reduced capacity due to COVID-19, Kristina Margaret was planning the launch of the Spirit House Boutique in Ladysmith. Originally scheduled to open in March, 2020, due to the world circumstances, she didn’t open the doors until May. The reaction was positive. “People were really happy to see a store like this in town – a place where people can get things that help them with healing and self-care and also maybe some laughter and happiness, which helps during times like these,” says Kristina. The boutique represents women. “I wanted to have a place that housed women vendors and women products — things made by women that help empower women,” explains Kristina. The store carries everything from gifts and gags to jewellery and crystals, Tarot cards, candles, bath-salts and clothing, some with a little edge and a touch of humour. Now that the doors are open, a lot of local women have been coming in and liking what they see. Along with unique products, you can also book a Tarot Card reading or catch one of Kristina’s podcasts (hƩps://www.krisƟnamargaret.com/podcast). “I’m all about supporting women of the world, so I’m not just Canada-based. I really do believe in supporting all women because we are greater as a whole. Kristina who is also an empowerment coach says beauty isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being authentic and being yourself. And that authenticity is beautifully reflected throughout the Spirit House Boutique. Ladysmith's downtown core. Photo: Marina Sacht
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Growing great garlic There was a time when we believed that all garlic was white and came from China because this is what was available in most supermarkets. This supermarket garlic has been fumigated with methyl bromide, an anti-sprouting agent, so you can eat it (!) but not grow it. If you plan to get a garlic patch planted, it’s best to search for bulbs of organic seed garlic from a reputable garlic grower and make sure it is free from white rot, a fungal disease, or bloat nematode that destroys garlic bulbs. Garlic is a very sustainable crop — each bulb splits into many separate cloves. Choose the largest ones to replant to produce the biggest bulbs. Garlic needs a month of near-freezing temperatures and at least one hundred days to mature. Planting in late September/October is best for hard-necked garlic varieties, about six weeks before the first hard frost. Choose a sunny site with fertile, well-drained sandy loam. Spread a layer of well-rotted compost or aged manure over the site, as garlic does not thrive in soils lacking organic matter. TIP: Sprinkle a mix of fifty per cent wood ash (uncontaminated) and fifty per cent rock dust to help in bulb formation and to re-mineralize the soil. Moisten the site before poking threeinch deep holes six inches apart in rows six inches apart. Drop the cloves in, pointy end up, about three inches deep below the soil surface. This is when a dibber comes in handy. Mulching the garlic patch with spoiled hay, straw or shredded leaves prevents competition from weeds during the growing season. This also allows you to harvest the garlic by hand pulling rather than forking, which can injure the bulb. Signs of life often appear in January when green shoots appear above the mulch. The trick to growing the largest bulbs is to feed the garlic patch in
Garlic drying. Photo submitted.
March with a layer of aged manure and a handful of organic alfalfa pellets for additional nitrogen. Cut the scapes off when they appear in June and enjoy them as garlic scape pesto, sautéed onion greens or chopped raw into a salad. Garlic is usually ready for harvest between late June to mid-July or when two-thirds of the leaves have turned yellow. The base of each leaf on the plant represents one layer of skin around the bulb. These layers of skin mitigate moisture loss inside the bulb and contribute to the bulb’s shelf life. Don’t wait until all the leaves have yellowed, as the cloves separate in overmatured bulbs, and the garlic does not store well. TIP: Stop watering three weeks before harvest to allow the garlic bulbs to cure. If it is dried and cured properly, garlic will keep for eight months. Be as gentle as possible when digging up your garlic crop since bruises and cuts will negatively impact the bulb’s shelf life. Brush any soil from around each bulb, carefully preserving the protective skin layer. Bundle your garlic plants in groups of eight and hang (bulb end down) in an airy protected environment like a barn, porch or shed. Air movement reduces the risk of mould during the curing process (six weeks), so use an electric fan if the area is enclosed. Curing is complete when all the green parts of the plant at-
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tached to the bulb have dried completely and turned brown. For the final cleaning, cut the stalk two-inches above the neck of the bulb, and cut the roots o to release any remaining soil traces. A cool dark place with ventilation provides the longest storage life. For thousands of years, the medicinal properties of garlic have been revered. Garlic boosts the immune system and helps prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold — just what we need in these days of COVID-19. So, get growing so you can add it to everything! Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food (Harbour Publishing) available at your local bookstore.
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Golden-rod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) in perfect disguise ambushing a bee. Photo: Kathleen Code.
How Much Do You Know About Spiders? BY WRITTEN BY SARA MIMICK NATURALIST One of my favourite activities to do at the beginning of fall is to walk through Wildwood Ecoforest and other natural spaces in the early morning to catch glimpses of the beautiful, dew-glimmering spider webs of different shapes and sizes that permeate through the forest. As I walk, all the interesting spiderrelated questions and myths I have been asked as a naturalist come to mind. Two of the most common ones I get asked are: What is the difference between spiders and insects? Do all spiders build webs to catch food? Here are answers to these two questions: What is the difference between spiders and insects? Even though spiders are similar to insects (both invertebrates, have exoskeletons, segmented bodies, jointed legs and sometimes give us that creepy crawly
ffeeling), spiders are not insects. Instead, spiders belong to a group of animals called arachnids. Some key differences between spiders and insects are the number of legs, the number of body segments, the antennae and wings, and the number and type of eyes. Spiders have eight legs, while insects have six. Spiders have two body segments: a fused head and thorax called a prosoma, and their hind section, the abdomen. The super cool organs that produce a spider silks, the spinnerets, are a part of the abdomen. An insect has three body segments: a head, thorax and abdomen. Unlike most insects, spiders don’t have antennae on their heads or wings to fly away. Spiders also lack the compound eyes of insects, which consist of many lenses grouped in a larger organ. Instead, most spiders have eight eyes. Do all spiders spin webs to catch
food? All spiders make silk, but not all spiders spin webs to catch their food. Other ways spiders catch their prey besides building a web include actively hunting, like the wolf spiders, jumping spiders and ground spiders, and lying in wait to ambush their prey, like trap door spiders and crab spiders. Other reasons why spiders use silk are for draglines (a single thread all spiders leave behind as they walk that in part serves as a lifeline to catch spiders if they fall), to protect and wrap their egg sacs and to build a retreat (a little silk shelter for resting). To learn more about spiders and to bust some of the myths about other “creepy crawlies,” visit Wildwood Ecoforest
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on either Sunday, October 18, or Sunday, October 25, for A Wildwood Hallowe’en MYTH-tery, a fun family Hallowe’enthemed event (for ages 6 years and up) at Wildwood Ecoforest. Something strange and mysterious has happened to the creatures of the night at Wildwood. A mischievous enchantment is compelling them to spread fake news about each other! Unravel the rumours and learn about nocturnal forest animals on this physically distanced, self-guided family adventure. The animals need you to separate the facts from the myths to restore harmony in the forest before Hallowe’en! The trail is approximately 1.5 km and hilly, so bring snacks, water and sturdy shoes for walking. Ages 6 yrs + Length: 90 minutes $20/family (max 6 people/family unit). To register please visit www.ecoforestry.ca/event-listings.
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BC Election 2020 On September 21, the 42nd Provincial General Election was called for Saturday, October 24, 2020. Here are your candidates for NanaimoNorth Cowichan as of Sept. 29,2020.
Chris Istace BC Green Party Candidate for Nanaimo North Cowichan Over the years, I have developed a deep bond with the people and land of the Coast Salish territories and the communities of the Nanaimo–North Cowichan region. As a community advocate, small business owner, and outdoor enthusiast, my life is devoted to enriching our communities and uplifting the people that have given so much to my family and I. My family was supported by various jobs in the resource sector for many years, so I know the importance of stable work. Stable and sustainable communities are crucially important to us. It is my goal to work to get to that place.
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Duck (Donald) Paterson Bc Liberal for Nanaimo North Cowichan Duck (Donald) Paterson has been a councillor for Ladysmith for over thirty years. That time has given him opportunity to listen to local concerns and ideas. His community volunteerism shows his commitment not only to the citizens of central Vancouver Island but to all of BC. Retired from a distinguished career in newspaper production, Paterson has been awarded Citizen of the Year, Kin Canada Life membership, Canadian Community Newspaper Silver Quill and Rotary International Paul Harris Community Service Award. He is also the “voice” of Festival of Lights, Chair Ladysmith Show ‘n’ Shine, and organizes Loggers Sports fundraiser for Cops for Cancer.
Doug Routley BC NDP for Nanaimo North Cowichan
Doug Routley has represented the Nanaimo-North Cowichan area as MLA for several years and understands the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in our coastal communities. He is particularly proud of the work that has been accomplished this past term, which saw numerous major local investments, along with broader measures that benefit people in our community, such as the reduction in childcare fees and elimination of MSP. Recently, Doug served as co-chair of the Wild Salmon Advisory Council, whose collaborate “made in BC” approach helped secure a $142 million joint federal and provincial funding agreement to restore wild salmon populations. Dealing with COVID-19 protocols this election will be like one we have never seen before. You can expect physical distancing and hand sanitizing. Remember to bring valid ID that shows your name and home address and your voter’s card coming in the mail from Elections BC before advance voting starts. Bringing it with you to the voting location will make voting faster and easier. Also bring your own pen or pencil to mark your ballot, if you wish. Voters are encouraged to wear a mask
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and will not be asked to remove the mask to vote. Ways to vote Vote in person: You may vote in person on General Voting Day on Saturday, October 24, or in advance from Thursday, October 15 to Wednesday, October 21, or at a district electoral office from now until 4 pm on Saturday, October 24. The District office for NanaimoNorth Cowichan is located at the Saltair Community Centre (3850 South Oyster School Road). Watch for additional advance voting opportunities to reduce the number of voters in voting places. Find out more about at https://elections.bc.ca/voting/ where-to-vote/ or check the Where to Vote app (https://wheretovote.elections. bc.ca/) for regular updates. Vote by mail: All voters can vote by mail. You don’t need a special reason. Voting by mail is a great option for voters who are not comfortable voting in person because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you request a vote-by-mail package before nominations close, your package will include a write-in ballot. To mark your write-in ballot, you must write the name of the party or candidate of your choice clearly in the space provided. Make sure you write the name of a party or candidate running in your electoral district or your vote will not be counted. A vote for a party leader will not be counted unless they are a candidate in your electoral district. For more information, visit https://elections.bc.ca/voting/how-to-vote-by-mail/. Accessible voting for at-risk voters and voters with disabilities: These options include curbside voting, assisted telephone voting, and site-based voting. For more information, visit https://elections.bc.ca/voting/voting-accessibility/ services-for-at-risk-voters/. If you are ill or self-isolating, you can request a vote-by-mail package (https:// eregister.electionsbc.gov.bc.ca/ovr/welcome.aspx#) or call Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 for assistance. Final count begins on November 6, 2020. Preparations for final count and the final count itself may take more time depending on the number of mail-in ballots. See you at the polls!
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Doug Routley BC NDP Candidate for Nanaimo-North Cowichan
Chris Istace BC Green Party Candidate for Nanaimo-North Cowichan
Duck (Donald) Paterson candidate for Bc Liberal for Nanaimo-S_North Cowichan
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RDN Area A Cedar It is with some irony that I am writing a follow-up to my column last issue about backyard burning. As I look out of the window, it could be late November — the sky is dark and thick with smoke from wildfires in Western United States. I received an excellent response to the issue of backyard burning across the spectrum, from those who wanted it banned outright to those who thought it was already regulated too much. The actual count of those for and against is almost dead even and changed back and forth several times as more responses came in. It should be noted that many pointed out that we’re talking about yard waste and not the burning of household garbage. There is a hefty fine in place to discourage those who are thinking about burning their garbage. There were a few notable patterns in the responses. Those people who lived on larger parcels (five acres or more) were generally in favour of burning yard waste. Many pointed out that, in order to keep potential wildfire fuel to a minimum, they had no other cost-effective option than burning the fallen limbs and other fuel once or twice a year. The cost of a chipper to handle the typical size of downed Fir or Cedar branches was out of range for most people. Others offered that, on these larger parcels, a carefully
Over 70 furefighters responded to the Schnitzer Steel Fire in Cassidy. Photo: Nick Longo
tended fire didn’t bother any neighbours if all the current rules were being followed. Owners of smaller holdings (under five acres) were generally in favour of banning the burning of yard waste. I heard from several people that pointed out that their neighbours did burn household garbage, and the odour and
smoke were unbearable. One individual even said his neighbour waits until after dark and then burns garbage — without necessarily watching the fire until it has burned out. I would call this one in to the fire department! My final take on the situation is that for the most part, the burning regulations currently in place are working for
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most people. Those who know of someone burning household garbage are encouraged to phone the fire department when the fire is going; there is a large enough fine in place that this should discourage any further burning. Finally, those who live on smaller parcels would do well to wait until the conditions are right. You may burn on days when the venting index is 55 or better. Prior to burning, you can obtain venting index information from the province by calling toll-free 1-888-281-2992 (press 2 for Vancouver Island Region) or by going online to the website at envistaweb.env.gov.bc.ca/aqo/files/bulletin/venting. html. Thanks to all who responded. And feel free to keep the email coming. I welcome even more dialogue on this issue from those on all sides. Keep safe.
CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond Schnitzer Steel Fire The Schnitzer Steel fire event was unusual in scope, but the most important factor to note is the cooperation of a multitude of fire departments that responded to request for more firefighters and apparatus at the industrial fire. At the peak, there were 70 firefighters at the scene and firetrucks from not only our own North Oyster department but also Ladysmith, North Cedar, Cranberry, North Cowichan(Chemainus, Maple Bay, Crofton), Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Sahtlam, Lake Cowichan, Gabriola, East Wellington, Lantzville, Coombs-Hilliers and Nanaimo. Due to the shifting of resources to the Schnitzer Steel fire, the communities of Ladysmith, Cranberry and Cedar were covered
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by standby departments from North Cowichan, Extension and Nanaimo, respectively. Other agencies provided resources, including Ministry of Forests (ground crew and helicopter), BC Ambulance Service, RCMP, Ministry of Environment, Mainroad and VIHA. As the area of the blaze is not a hydrant area, a key part of the efforts involved the movement firetrucks to shuttle water for use on scene. The Nanaimo Airport and the Stzˈuminus First Nation played a key role in providing access to their hydrants to keep the water flowing. The public pitched in with needed equipment and logistics. Other businesses and individuals supplied drinks and food for those on scene. The fire and industrial operation will be evaluated, reviewed and discussed, but take a moment to consider how communities from up, down and off the island (Gabriola) came together to lend a hand in containing this blaze. This was not a shortterm call out, but rather the efforts went on for days, and many individuals put their lives on hold to serve our community. On behalf of the North Oyster/Diamond community, I would like to thank everyone that contributed to the cause. It is easy to think of the communities as separate and distinct, but events like this reinforce a belief that by working together, we are stronger and that in times of need, not only do those within our communities step up but so do others. Thank you again for the teamwork displayed that day. Board Activities The EASC and the Regional Board were back at it starting on September 2, 2020, after the August break. There have been very few Area H specific items on the agendas to the date of writing. Automatic Aid Agreement with Ladysmith One Area H specific item was the approval of an Automatic Aid Agreement between the CVRD (for the North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department) and the Town of Ladysmith, whereby, in the event of structure fires in either jurisdiction, both North Oyster and Ladysmith will be called out. With structure fires, speed of response is critical, and with this agreement, it is expected that the closest available provider will be on scene quicker rather than being concerned about community boundaries and dispatch protocol. This quicker and more robust response will provide for faster actioning the fire, reducing the property/environmental damage and human health and safety. As structure fires are not a regular occurrence in the areas, it is not expected to create significantly increased workloads but is another example of community cooperation. Harmonized/Modernized OCP The EA directors received an update on progress with respect to the Harmonized/Modernized OCP (HOCP/MOCP). Prior to the COVID shutdown, the various APC’s had reviewed the draft HOCP and related documents for consistency with the old separate OCPs. There appeared to be consensus that the HOCP could move forward and that the OCP process could proceed to the MOCP process. As the HOCP does not involve any changes in policy direction, I have no issue with this document. For Area H, the interesting process going forward will be the MOCP. This is expected to go through 2021 into 2022.
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The Area H OCP has not had a detailed community review of the OCP for many, many years. It is expected that the MOCP process will involve significant community participation to make sure that the MOCP reflects the desires of the community. Stay tuned. Area H By-election Get your calendar and set aside November 28, 2020, as General Voting Day for Area Director of Area H for the remainder of the term. November 18 and 24 have been proposed as Advance Voting Days. Check out www.cvrd.bc.ca for updates. Colin.Haime@cvrd.bc.ca 250-616-3986
CVRD Area G Area G residents have played an important role in keeping our communities COVID-19 free. Let’s continue to keep our communities safe during these challenging times. Saltair’s annual Halloween Event has been cancelled due to COVID 19. This event has been a tradition for those living in Saltair and outlying areas. We will miss the fireworks and the great costumes. Saltair Water System Filtration Treatment Under the BC Drinking Water Protection Act, the Saltair Water System is required to install a filtration system to provide safe drinking water. It has been a busy time. Finalizing a new timeline for completing the filtration system has required many meetings with Island Health and others. As a result, the completion date has been extended for one year. The new deadline for completion is 31 Aug. 2022. By this date, installation and commissioning must be complete. The new timeline has been added to the Island Health Water Contravention Order. Recently, I spoke with Selina Robinson, the Honorable Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, about the financial burden on Saltair residents caused by COVID-19, the cost of the mandated filtration system and the need for financial help. As a community, we have to fund the filtration system. CVRD staff have determined we need a $3.7M loan to fund the capital costs. In October, there will be public information and consultation. This will include a letter to all the customers of the Saltair Water System, virtual public meetings using the Webex Event feature and a Town Hall meeting with a CVRD Staff presentation. Dates will be announced soon. The CVRD Bylaw No. 2178 – Saltair Water System Establishment Bylaw, will need to be amended to enable payments for the $3.7M loan. Currently, Saltair property owners pay $570 per parcel for the Saltair Water System. The increase to cover the loan payments will be approx. $266 per parcel (about $0.73 per day). We are currently paying about $1 a day for our distribution system upgrades, as approved by Saltair taxpayers in 2012. An AAP (Alternate Approval Process) will be used to obtain taxpayer assent for a loan of up to $3.7M. This a pre-approval. If $3.7M is not required for the project, less than $3.7M will be borrowed. For example, if the Saltair Water System receives a grant, only about $1.6M will be required and borrowed. The loan would then only be for $1.6M. The Green Infrastructure (Quality Sub-stream) grant project recommendations under the Provincial of BC will be made shortly. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Fed-
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eral Gov. for the final allocations of grant money. Stocking Creek Park: The massive log jam just upstream from the bridge has been removed. CVRD Solid Waste Management Complex During a Sept CVRD meeting, sta presented a business case for increasing the taxation for Function 520. The cost of shipping our garbage to the US has increased. Until another option becomes available, CVRD taxpayers have to meet these costs. We can also pause before placing items in our recycle totes to ensure they qualify and do not end up in the garbage side of the garbage truck. Electoral Area Directors Remuneration Currently, I am against and voting against any increase to remuneration for electoral area directors. When I ran in 2018 it was to work for and with the Area G Communities by bringing a strong and responsible voice to the CVRD table. These are challenging times for too many Cowichan Valley residents. It is not the time to increase remuneration for electoral area directors. Healthy Eating and Food Security How did your garden grow this year? Many residents started their own gardens this year. Lots of gardening tips were shared in the Area G communities. For example, some friends gave me the gears about weeding in September. I explained I was harvesting potatoes. I plant fingerling potatoes with my flowers. This winter we can pull out the seed catalogues and make plans for next year. If you have any questions and/or comments, please contact me at lynne.smith@ cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1407 saltairnews.ca.
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Okanagan renegade Every year (with the exception of this summer due to COVID-19 limitations), the Mahle House Restaurant holds a Wine Tasting Garden Party, exclusively featuring BC wines. Thirty years ago, such an event would never have happened. Back then, you had second thoughts about using BC wine as a marinade, let alone a beverage. The reds were especially memorable, some being used by AA as a surefire 13th-step to stop people from drinking. How things have changed. Today, instead of six underfunded ventures, we have wineries like Mission Hill with $40 million invested in bell tower, dramatic architecture, restaurant, tapestries, and public washrooms with the panache of a Fairmont hotel lobby. Thirty years ago, there was the Divino Winery with abandoned farm equipment rusting around the property, a no-frills tasting room, and a scabby winery designed and built by the owner/winemaker, Joe Busnardo, a free spirit who could live without professionalism but not without profanity. Under new ownership, Divino is now Hester Creek, located in the Golden Mile
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just outside Oliver. I’m proposing we petition the town to commission a statue of Joe as the pioneer who set the Valley rolling. (For those who loiter too long in the tasting rooms, make that reeling). Joe was, and still is, seriously Italian: he turns up his nose - no, make that his thumb - at large segments of society, especially bureaucrats dispatched to tell him what to do. That’s why I envision a life-sized bronze of him in dirty coveralls, crescent wrench in back pocket, one foot on a piece of broken farm equipment, pruning shears in his left hand, with the enlarged thumb of his right hand thrust defiantly skyward. A suitable title: Expletive Deleted. Say what you want about Joe, he was a forerunner: the first person to plant Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Malvasia and Trebbiano in the Okanagan. Everyone advised him against it, which only strengthened his resolve and activated his oversized thumb. History proved Joe right and the others wrong, possibly making him insufferable to live with. But expecting consistency from a guy like Joe would be over-reaching. Sometimes you tasted the best wine in the valley, sometimes the worst. Joe had other foibles, too. He never took kindly to people criticizing his wine. “Oh, I don’t like that” was not a safe thing to say in his presence. Joe might have said in response, “You’re drinking my wine for free and you’re complaining?” But that would be far too discreet for Joe. Instead, he would shake his large fist and say, “You
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don’t like my wines? Get the f#%$&k out of here!” In the mid-80s, when not much of any quality was made in the Valley, Joe made four memorable wines: a Pinot Blanc, a Chardonnay, a Malvasia and a Trebbiano. The Malvasia still gets my vote as the best wine ever to come out of the Okanagan. Even at the ten-year mark it was drinking beautifully. The Trebbiano was wonderfully Italian, a little too acidic the first year, but from then on delicious. Unfortunately, the following vintage of Malvasia was a bust and the next Trebbiano decidedly sweet. But that was Joe. One day, my good buddy and Divino salesman Alan phoned and said, “Let’s go up to the Okanagan, stay at Divino, and try a little wine.” Off we went, arriving thirsty as dogs at the Busnardo residence around eight-thirty at night. Joe and his lovely wife Barbara greeted us warmly. After all, Alan was their crackerjack salesman and I was Mr. Bigshot, the wine buyer. Joe mumbles something about oak chips and his new Pinot de Pinot Reserva (Pinot Blanc) and comes back with glasses and a bottle. Meanwhile, I’m looking at the house and thinking, “Any more tile and we’ve got ourselves a subway station.” Joe pours the wine. Now remember, we’ve travelled an hour-and-a-half by ferry and five hours by car. Important client and all that. I hold the Pinot up to the light. That’s funny, it looks like varnish. Odder still, it smells like varnish. Arrrggh! It tastes like varnish! But varnish we were stuck with. He wasn’t
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Malcolm Sacht sips an Okanagan wine. Photo: Marina Sacht
going to open another bottle until we finished the first. Whether he knew the wine was bad or not we’ll never know. Joe had this Italian thing. It was just wine: one year it turned out one way, the next year something different. It annoyed him when you specified a particular vintage. The next day we spotted a man with the solemn face of a conquistador slowly driving a white “psycho killer” van through rows of vines. A shotgun nosed out an open window. Joe’s brother Guido was visiting from Italy, on bird patrol. Next door at the German winery they used an automated mechanism that made sounds like a bottle rocket. With the Italians, it was personal. Later that day, I saw dead quail slumped on the porch. Guido showed me how to make quail risotto. “Take two or more quail, blasted to smithereens, add Joe’s Pinot de Pinot because no one of sound mind and palate will drink it….” But enough of that. Time to give credit where credit is due. Grab a glass, pour something delicious - Hester Creek Character, $20 - and raise your glass to Joe. You can follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress. com or pick up his book at Mahle House, Co-Co Cafe, TAKE 5 office or throughout the community for just $20.
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FOR SALE SCOOTER FOR SALE. Half price: only $600. For information, contact Bob at 250-924-5467. 4 LAWN/DECK CHAIRS white, no cushions, wire base, used 2 years, excellent condition. $100. Available in Nanaimo contact 250-758-5816. WOLK BLOWER plus vacuum with electrical cord, used twice – New $295. NOW $125 OBO. Available to view in Nanaimo contact 250-7585816. WANTED CLEANING LADY needed for single household in Cassidy, 3 hours each week. Call 250-245-5039. VOLUNTEERS are needed to help operate the Ladysmith Museum. Three hour shifts, weekly or monthly commitment. Please call Ladysmith & District Historical Society, 250-245-0100 (attn: Marina )if you can help. Researchers also needed to help with a variety of projects.
HEALTH & WELLNESS TOPS – Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weight Loss & Wellness! Achieve success through accountability and support. COVID-safe meetings, Thursdays 8:30am, Bethel Tabernacle Church-1149 4th Ave. (at rear). For more info contact Mary at honing@shaw.ca. MOBILE FOOT CARE NURSE. Corns, callus, fungus, diabetes. Contact Carol Hollett, LPN/ Foot Care Nurse at ghollett99@hotmail.com or 250-210-1191. TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays; ongoing class Wednesdays. Both classes 10am–noon at the Cedar Hall, 2388 Cedar Road. More information: www.taichinanaimo.org or call Sara 250-245-1466. BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED AD! The next edition is November 2020, call TAKE 5 250-245-7015.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER. Now offering senior companionship, respite care and concierge services. Peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Kathleen email kgrcoaching@gmail.com or 250-619-0786. I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For information, email editican@gmail.com. EDUCATION PIANO AND SINGING LESSONS. Experienced teacher; reasonable rates. Contact Kenna Botterell at knbotterell@ gmail.com or 250-616-3486. TAKE 5 ads work! Get them working for you, Call 250-245-7015.
HOME & YARD CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, fullservice forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, power washing, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com or 250-714-2738. HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs 250-668-9195. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.
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ALL ACRES TREE SERVICE providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265. DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 30 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No Job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823. ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE ‘leash em & walk em” with Marlena & Babs. I am bonded, have Animal First Aid and CPR. My service for all pet includes dog walking, home care visits, overnight in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill at sburchard@hotmail.ca or 250-9248809. SENIORS HIRED HAND for independent elder, odd jobscompanionship-meal prep, etc! Valid First Aid/CPR, clean driver’s record, Level 2 Foodsafe, gardner and handywoman. Call Marilyn at 250-606-7069. GRANNY’S ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES covering Cedar, Ladysmith, Chemainus. Clean drivers abstract, food safe, first Aid/CPR Gerontology Based-Therapeutic Recreation Certificate Kwantlen University, Osteo Fit, Pool Assist & JAVA programs certificates. Working with active seniors that are not quite ready to stop the adventures. COVID-19 guidelines in place when active in public. At your service, Janet Bowman janetmb@shaw.ca or 250924-1515.
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The Ladysmith Golf Course In 1973, Jim Taylor and some fellow Legionaries had a dream. This dream was to create an eighteen-hole golf course for the Town of Ladysmith. Like many ideas, it probably came up when he was sitting around having a couple of beers downstairs in the Ladysmith Legion after a meeting. Jim had become aware of some grant money that could be used to build a golf course, so he thought, Why not here? He investigated that grant and what others were available. Soon he realized that in partnership with the Town, the goal of creating a golf course for Ladysmith was doable. He then worked closely with Key Groule on seeing what could be done. Through lobbying and sound arguments, they had convinced the Town Council to donate fourteen acres of land known as the Holland Creek Park to be used for a municipal golf course. The land would remain the property of the Town, and a new golf course society was created to run and manage the course. Once the preliminary plans were drawn up, the Legion quickly realized that the project was much more than they could accomplish alone. It would require more manpower and money than they had planned. This is when the
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newly formed Ladysmith Rotary Club was contacted, and they took over the project. Over time, the project of creating a golf course morphed from the envisioned eighteen-hole par three course to a nine-hole par three and took seven long years of construction that involved many donations, including use of students and equipment supplied by Malaspina College’s vocational division. Trees were removed and the topography modified to create the course. Not only was heavy equipment used but hundreds, if not thousands, of man hours were supplied by Rotarians, Legionnaires and future golf club members. The estimated $350,000 in expenses in 1973 to build the course resulted in a $500,000 asset to the Town. June 14, 1980, the course was officially opened to the delight of all those attending. The non-profit group called the Ladysmith Golf Club Society was formed to oversee the operation and maintenance of the course. Approximately 120 people had signed up to become members of the golf course’s society. Over the past forty years, the Ladysmith Golf Club Society, in partnership with the Town of Ladysmith, which still owns the property, has worked to improve the golf course. Today, it is one of the finest and most challenging par threes on the island. The current board of directors for the golf society is working closely with the Town to do even more improvements for the safety of the community. One of the founding goals of the society was accessibility. This was to be a course for everyone. The golf course has challenges, but it is playable by anyone from six to ninety-six. Not all golf courses recognize that not everyone can
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Sign marking the history of the Ladysmith Golf Course. Photo: Rob Johnson
manage a full eighteen-hole golf course. The Ladysmith Golf Course takes pride in the fact that it is used by so many young people and our seniors. This golf course is a hidden jewel that many residents of our area have yet to discover. I want to give thanks to the Ladysmith Legion, who first conceived the idea of the golf course and who successfully got the project off the ground. I want to give thanks to the Ladysmith Rotary Club, who took on the project to completion, and to the Town of Ladysmith for the continuing support of maintaining and improving the golf course. I also want to give a special thank-you to all the members of the Ladysmith Golf Club for keeping the club going and making it even better for the residents of the area. And that’s as I see it …