TAKE 5
take5.ca
3
4
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
TAKE 5
take5.ca
5
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Letters Food Supply I read with interest the article written by Carolyn Herriot on the food supply on Vancouver Island. Let me go on record at the start by saying I agree with the idea that that we should be producing the majority of our food on the Island. My concern is that like all of these pundits who prophesy disaster, this is a very poorly thought-out solution to the problem. Ms. Herriot wishes us to produce 85 per cent of our food on the Island, as we did 80 years ago. The population of the Island is many times what it was 80 years ago. Perhaps we should cut down all of the trees and bulldoze the land into productive farms. I can already hear the chorus of complains about this idea. We should demand more of our taxpayer dollars going to support farmers. No, we should reduce our taxes such that people would not require so much income, half of which goes to taxes. I have been to farmers’ markets, such as the one at Cedar, and been horrified at the prices, and much as I would wish to, I would not pay those prices. I have been to markets in France where little producers sell good produce at lower prices than the supermarkets, not so in B.C. Taxes are needed for hospitals, schools, police, etc., but these are far too inefficient to be viable and always the cry is “more
7
8
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
money” and nothing is achieved. If taxes were lower, the farmers would not need to ask such high prices for their produce. When I was a child, we ate seasonal vegetables in summer and root vegetables from the clamp in winter; eggs dipped in Isinglass, apples rubbed with preservative and potatoes, beets, carrots, etc., from the clamp or root cellar. There is no doubt that Ms. Herriot is correct in her surmise, that we should produce more of our own healthy food, but this is merely a pipe dream unless we get real about living within our means. The victory gardens of the wartime years were a good example of what could be done. – John Shipp
North Oyster Fire Hall Opening Re: The opening and ribbon cutting “non-event” of the New North Oyster Fire Hall The CVRD and Mary Marcotte, Area H Director, missed a wonderful opportunity for a major community event to showcase our new fire hall, a chance to meet our new fire chief and also inspect our new four-bay fire hall that represented over $3 million cost, nine years in the making. Most members of Area H were not aware of the so-called “official opening and ribbon cutting” at the time due to lack of adequate notification. Most are still disappointed and rather miffed. Our community was also denied the chance to show strong support for our firefighters and first responders and show pride to have been able to provide a modern up-to-date fire hall for them to operate from. They deserve it.
This event took place with virtually no notice or advertising or any mention in Take 5 magazine or any other sign on or at the fire hall itself. Our director had promised to keep our community better informed with CVRD news when standing for recent re-election. There has been no directors report for five months. Who and where is her alternative? Where is her APC? Where is her Parks Committee? Where is her Fire Commission? Our director’s performance on behalf of Area H in the past has been very good, and I thank her sincerely for that. Perhaps our director should step aside if she can no longer do the job and let someone else take on the responsibility that she is being paid to do. When the CVRD proposed to build a new three-bay hall at a cost of over $3 million, the community turned the referendum down twice as we already had four fire trucks. An ad hoc committee was formed to get the hall project back on track again, and it spent 16 months exploring all the options: Where to site the hall? Should there be two halls? Where are the volunteers living in the district available to man the fire engines? Etc. Anyway, the committee’s recommendations were largely what you see built today. Who decided when to have the open-
ing and why was the community not appropriately informed? Why the rush to have a hall opening when construction equipment was still on site erecting the water tank as late as the Friday afternoon? The opening of the new fire hall in this way does not improve the CVRD’s “public relations image” or a spirit of cooperation in other ongoing matters. The CVRD appear to be forgetting who they are supposed to serve. I hope they improve their “public relations image“ in the near future. It needs it! - Greg Wyndlow
Not very welcoming … On Sunday, Ladysmith hosted the annual Brits on the Beach car show. Sunday, the Town of Ladysmith also paid their bylaw officer to ensure that no nefarious attendees were parking incorrectly. Are we trying to encourage tourism or squeeze every penny out of those unfortunate enough to stop within the borders of the town? It was a callus and embarrassing display from a community whose members work so hard to create these events within a friendly environment to encourage attendees and participants. I guess some things never change. – Chuck Forrest Letters to editor@take5.ca
TAKE 5
take5.ca
9
12
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
Affordable Housing Project Moves Ahead Ladysmith Resources Centre Association new low-income housing project will be off to a crashing start with the demolition of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church on Buller Street. “The Milner Group will be doing the demolition and will salvage what they can,” says Ladysmith’s Town Councillor Marsh Stevens. Preserving some of the heritage is important, says Stevens. The bell and the cross of St. John’s will be stored by the Ladysmith & District Historical Society for safekeeping. Once the demolition is completed, a construction fence will enclose the site. The building is expected to start sometime in December and will likely be completed in the spring of 2021. This affordable housing project will have 36 units for low-income families, seniors and persons with developmental disabilities. “What we’re trying to do is create a community on this site for the group,” says Guido Weisz of the LRCA. “We’ve had great support from the community, and we want to make sure that this building is an asset for the community.” The LRCA will honour St. John’s heritage by installing an interpretive sign,
Members of the LRCA Board, Build Committee and the Supportive Housing Committee. Back (l-r) Keith Ling, Joe Bott, Marsh Stevens, Janelle Raddatz, Stan Skelton, Sheri Eliason Front (l-r) Christy Wood, Vicky Stickwood-Hislop, Guido Weisz, Barb Champagne, Camille Marquis, Jennica Graham, Charlotte Graham, Oscar Graham, Sandra Marquis
along with some artifacts from the heritage church at the new building. “This is been here for a long time and while unfortunately we can’t preserve it, it’s an important historic reminder for Ladysmith,” says Weisz. The church closed in 2016, ending 115 years of Anglican service. The parish dates to 1901, hiring
a fulltime priest in 1903. Built in 1901, the building was used as a school in Nanaimo, before being moved to Ladysmith to operate as a church. “Social activities bring the community together, and we will make sure that both the people that live there and a broader Ladysmith community have
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Kulleet Bay War Canoe Races. Photo Nick Longo
space here to bring people together,” says Weisz. “Whether it be children activities, employment development skills, life skills development and entertainment, all these are really important to build a community. The design of the building will accommodate that.” “Almost on a daily basis we have people coming in looking for housing support, so this is just a really good start,” says Executive Director of LRCA Christy Wood. “We are really grateful for the support and looking forward to moving ahead and actually having people living there.” Building committee member Jennica Graham says it has almost been a year since they received the grant approval from BC Housing. “It’s very exciting ... when I heard about this project I knew it was important.” She says they are currently developing the design with the architect.
Kulleet Bay War Canoe Races On July 23 and 24, Stz’uminus hosted the annual summer canoe races at Kulleet Bay. The races include all ages in the spectacular 11-man canoe. Organizers Adam and Margaret Seymour would like to thank Fortis BC, Stz’uminus First Nations, Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services, Yellow Point Lodge and Ladysmith & District Credit Union for their sponsorship, along with the paddlers and spectators coming from all around to make this event a success. While the races for all ages is the main attraction, it is also a time to meet with family and friends, sample some delicious foods and see works by artists and craftspeople. The race results were as follows: July 21, 2019, 14 and under 11 man: 1st Rainbow, 2nd Geronimo; 17 and under 11 man: 1st Geronimo, 2nd Rainbow, 3rd Crown; Women’s 11: 1st Star Nation, 2nd Rainbow, 3rd Lady Esther; Men’s 11: 1st Geronimo, 2nd Salmon Arrow, 3rd Rainbow. July 21, 2019, Men’s 11: 1st Geronimo, 2nd Salmon Arrow, 3rd Rainbow; Women’s 11: 1st Rainbow, 2nd Star Nation, 3rd Lady Esther; Three Generation 11-Man Dash: 1st Rainbow, 2nd L’il Holmes, 3rd Arrow; 16 and under 11: 1st Geronimo, 2nd Rainbow.
Heritage Building Renos There’s lots going on at the Comox Logging & Rail historic buildings by the waterfront. Locomotive #11 is getting a new paint job and so is the Humdirgen. Shirley Blackstaff, LDHS
13
14
take5.ca
Shop, highlighted as a central anchor within the Arts and Heritage Hub of the new concept plan for Ladysmith’s waterfront area, will undergo architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical repairs and upgrades to ensure this important heritage building remains an operational and publicly accessible arts, culture and heritage fixture in the Ladysmith harbour. Originally constructed in 1943, the Machine Shop houses the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery, Harbour Heritage Centre, artist studios and administrative spaces for the Ladysmith Arts Council and the Ladysmith Maritime Society.
Third Annual Sea Life Celebration at LMS
Shirley Blackstaff is sad that the Harbour Heritage Centre will have to close during the summer tourist season.. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
Director says,“These machines represent Ladysmith’s early heritage, and it’s important to protect them as a valuable educational experience.” Jack Bennett will spray paint the Locomotive and Humdirgen, and volunteers will assist. The Humdirgen will be relocating in the yard, to facilitate the extensive renovations the old Comox Logging & Rail building is undergoing. Carver John Marston and the Ladysmith Maritime Society offices are being emptied in order to facilitate the renovations. The Harbour Heritage Centre will also be temporarily closed. While these renos are welcome, it is unfortunate they have to occur during summer when it will impact visitors to the area. ‘Visitors are impressed with our restoration work and see the potential tourism and educational opportunities for these Comox Logging & Railway Co. heritage buildings and site,”says Blackstaff. Ladysmith’s Comox Logging & Rail building, also known as the Machine Shop, will receive significant upgrades thanks in part to nearly $1.8 million in federal Gas Tax funding. The total cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $2.25 million. The Machine
The Ladysmith Maritime Society is hosting its third Sea Life Celebration on Sunday, August 11, 2019, from 10am to 2pm, at the Ladysmith Community Marina on Oyster Bay Drive. This is a family-fun and educational event to introduce people to the magic and wonder of Ladysmith Harbour’s sea life. There will be hands-on touch tank experiences with divers; students and marine biologists; a Stz’uminus First Nation language game and displays; art, science, drama and music activities; puppets and stories; and food for an adventure designed to appeal to everyone. “It will be an experience that brings together families and children at our friendly community marina,” says Shirley Blackstaff, event organizer. The many educational and fun activities, led by volunteers, will take place at the LMS Welcome Centre, Big Tent, Maritime Museum and Sea Life Centre and on the Maritimer Harbour Tour Boat. It is a free event for children sponsored by Ladysmith Maritime Society and others. If you are able to assist, please contact Shirley Blackstaff at 250-245-3075 or email vimarmot@shaw.ca.
Public Access Lifering at Transfer Beach Park The Town of Ladysmith is improving public safety on our waterfront by installing a Public Access Lifering (PAL) at Transfer Beach Park. The new lifering is located near the beach and was positioned in advance of the Lifesaving Society’s annual National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW), taking place
AUGUST 2019
July 21–29, 2019. The Lifesaving Society recently completed a safety audit at Transfer Beach and recommended that publicly accessible rescue equipment, such as a PAL, be installed by the Town to help reduce the drowning risk. Approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually, even a single drowning is one too many. The lifering is easy to use and includes instructions on the protective housing case for what to do in the event an emergency.
New Paint Job for Cedar Hall Drivers down Cedar Road took a second look as they drove by the Cedar Hall. In mid-July, Bruce Rowland and other volunteers applied a new coat of barn red to the heritage building. A customer at the Cedar Swap Meet told Vonda Croissant: “I was here last week and the hall was one colour. A week later, it’s completely different. I want to buy a beer for the fellow who did this.” And he offered Bruce $20! There’s been lots of great feedback while out front of the hall, people honking, bikers calling out and a wedding party stopped to get their pictures taken out front! The building will be finished off with white trim. The society is waiting for confirmation of a grant in order to tackle the paving of half of the parking lot nearest the building and the entry off Cedar Road, says Ted Girard.
Stz’uminus Access Crown Woodlot The Town of Ladysmith is approving the request to reactivate a section of logging road that crosses Town green space in South Ladysmith. Stz’uminus First Nation holds a woodlot licence from the B.C. government, and this decision by the Town will facilitate access. The Town and Stz’uminus also understand that this former logging road has been used by the broad community for recreation, including walking and cycling. To address this, Stz’uminus First Nation will build a new 365-metre community trail in Town parkland that follows a ridgeline and bypasses the reactivated road within Ladysmith’s boundary. The new single-track trail is being built to international standards and will provide several scenic viewpoints, as well as
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Richard Nichol, president of Ladysmith Golf Club with trophy. Photo: Rob Johnson
future connectivity from Russell Road to the Stocking Lake Trail, and a broader network reaching Heart Lake and the Holland Creek Trail loop. Trail construction will be completed before the end of 2019. Upgrades to the existing road will take place 6am to 6pm, and 5am to 1pm during fire season.
Ladysmith Golf Club Tournament This year the Ladysmith Golf Club revived it’s Ladysmith Challenge Golf Tournament. Teams from various organizations were asked to take part. Answering the call with teams were Town Council, the Ladysmith Fire and Rescue, members of the RCMP and members from both the women’s and men’s day clubs. After 18 holes of golf, with numerous high fives, laughs and lost balls, the teams retired to the clubhouse for refreshments. This year’s winner of The Challenge Trophy was the Ladysmith firefighters. For information, contact the Ladysmith Golf Club at 250-245-7313.
Transit Service Expansion On Tuesday, July 23, the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Board of Directors approved a transit service expansion plan that will be rolled out in January 2020 to address ridership growth. The plan involves the addition of 5,900 annual conventional transit hours and 1,700 annual custom (handyDart) transit hours. Conventional transit service expansion will involve the creation of two new routes, the adjustment of three existing routes and an increase in holiday coverage to include Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. For expansion details, including new route maps, visit Expansion Plans. To view the Transit Future Plan (2014), visit Transit Future Plan. For details on the expansion initiative, visit South Nanaimo Local Area Transit Plan. bctransit.com/nanaimo
Super Saturdays at Museum Every Saturday in August drop into the Ladysmith Museum and try something new that’s old! Learn how to make a family tree, write cursive, design your family coat of arms, discover how to behave at a tea party and more! Between noon and 4pm. Thursday is Tea Time, from 2:30pm to 4pm, drop in for a cup of tea and a chat and discover what makes a tea party fun!
15
16
take5.ca
Cassidy Engagement Project The Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society is currently working on a project in the under-resourced community of Cassidy. Funded by Island Health, New Horizons and the Vancouver Foundation, the Cassidy Engagement Project seeks to enhance community activation amongst residents, increase senior leadership, and develop community and stakeholder engagement that facilitates systemic change. The project includes a team of workers: Research Team Darcie Davidson of Community Blocks and Leslie Clarke, and Coordinator Charsanaa Johnny and Outreach Charmaine Lupton, who have been working closely with residents, local governments and service providers, to develop programs and community-driven change. So far the project has worked with such partners as the Western Maritime Institute, the Regional District of Nanaimo, the City of Nanaimo, Island Health, Loaves and Fishes, Cranberry Fire Hall, Creek’s Corner Store, FoodShare, YFC Nanaimo, Pacific Sports and School District 68. Together, they have built community events, such as a community BBQ, transit information sessions with the RDN’s Transit Planning Superintendent and a free summer day camp. In addition, they are working closely with Cassidy and South Wellington youth from both Ladysmith Secondary School and Cedar Secondary School to enhance leadership amongst students. Programs stemming from outreach include a food security program, which gives Cassidy residents who are facing mobility, financial, or health constraints access to healthy foods. Going forward, the Cassidy Engagement Project seeks to cre-
AUGUST 2019
ate sustainable programs, which will increase social participation amongst participants aged 55+, as well as programs which will increase the health and wellbeing of the total population.
Ladysmith receives $10,000 in Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games Legacy Funding The Town of Ladysmith received $10,000 in legacy funding from the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games to mark the one year anniversary of the opening ceremonies. “A year has passed, but the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games is still talked about fondly in our community and the legacy of this collaborative regional sporting event continues on thanks to the receipt of this generous funding,” says Deputy Mayor Jeff Virtanen. Funding will go directly towards the purchase of new com-
Ken Brownlow built this beautful Cedar Display case for the Ladysmith Community Marina’s sea lion skeleton exhibit. The exhibit is just one of the many attractions at the marina. Photo: Marina Sacht
Ladysmith Lightning U12 Rep Girl Thank you to the community and sponsors of the team, the players and the parents for your support on helping the Ladysmith Lightning U12 Rep Girls softball team to travel to the US nationals in Reno, Nevada, in June. They were the only Canadian team and gained so much experience on and off the field. As well, the team placed first in their division and played in the provincials in July.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
petition starting blocks and lane ropes for the swimming pool at Frank Jameson Community Centre. “Ladysmith Chemainus Swim Club is very thankful to the Town of Ladysmith and the BC Summer Games Legacy Committee for the opportunity to offer local youth swimmers an even playing field for training as compared to their Island counterparts,” says LCSC President Pamela Ellison.
Funding in for Port’s Duke Point Expansion The $46.2 million in funding announced by the federal government this July will enable the Port of Nanaimo to make significant infrastructure improvements and expansions at its Duke Point facilities. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen this type of major financial
17
investment in Nanaimo before,” says Port of Nanaimo Board Chair Donna Hais. “I’m extremely excited about what this will provide for the community of Nanaimo and for the mid-island Region as a whole; it will create a lot of well-paying jobs.” An estimated 900 jobs will be created in the region during construction, besides the long-term employees who will be working at the expanded facilities. The funding means the existing wharf will be expanded to 325 metres from its current 182, an existing crane will be replaced with two 24-metre cranes, a new warehouse will be built for general cargo, a new maintenance and administration building, truck gate, increasing the terminal’s storage area and upgrades will be made for electrical, sewer, drainage, water and security systems around the facility.
18
take5.ca
Ladysmith’s water supply (Part 3) Community Decision Making BY GREG ROBERTS How should the Town proceed to reach decisions on water supply? This is the third in a series of articles exploring the question of long-term water supply for the community of Ladysmith. First let me point out that the Town should take all the time it needs to thoroughly review the many dimensions to this issue and find ways to engage the community in reaching a consensus on how to best proceed. Readers might be aware that the decision to construct the dams that created Holland Lake took over 15 years of community and council discussion! In 2018, I completed a review and report of the decisions that lead to the construction of the Holland Lake dams that were completed in 1980. This process took over 15 years with the issue of water shortages first being discussed in council in the early 1960s. The report (for those interested, the full report with lots of pictures from the construction period is available at the Ladysmith Archives) documents the many council meetings and studies that were done that led to the 1978 Town Council decision to construct the dams. There are many process options for this type of community decision making. First, I hope that traditional engineering reviews with reports to council and subsequent decision making by elected officials will be rejected. These types of processes tend to leave the
AUGUST 2019
public out of the decision-making process. Often the engineering reports consider the technical issues, but do not consider the full range of social and environmental questions important to the community. Engineering studies are often written in a technical manner that does not help people understand or effectively weigh the options. The 2014 water modelling study completed for the Town by TetraTech EBA Engineering is a case in point (presented at council meeting September 15, 2014). Second, I can sympathize with elected officials as they try various processes to engage the public only to find at the end of the day that people come out of the woodwork to criticize a final decision. The process used to engage the public in the development of a new Waterfront Plan for Ladysmith is an example. The Town provided many opportunities for a wide range of views to be heard, but at the end of the process, one can still sense some frustration with the results. So, what are the process alternatives? Alternatives include advisory panels, expert “blue ribbon” panels, dispute resolution models, expert studies supported by community charettes (the term charette comes from the architectural discipline, but has been adopted in the community planning process as a way of engaging the public in a design problem; this type of process was used in the Ladysmith Waterfront planning process) and other models and variations. Some suggestions as these models are considered include: Seek out people in the community that represent a full range of views. Better decisions may emerge from conflict and differences. An important characteristic for success is that people chosen can “be hard on the issue,” but “soft on people.” In other words, they need to have basic communication skills that enable them to listen and develop an understanding of other people’s issues and concerns, as well as being able to clearly enunciate their own views. The process requires people that are willing to explore alternative ways of addressing the issues and concerns. Create a forum, facilitated by an experienced mediator/facilitator where the full range of issues and questions can be addressed in a non-threatening environment. Do not predetermine the questions that should be in and out of scope for a community forum. Determine the scope after all dimensions of the problem have been explored. Provide adequate resources to address the questions raised. Build partnerships with a wide range of organizations that can help to fund and help answer the wide range of questions that will be raised. While specific individuals may be invited to commit the time and energy to a forum, the process also needs to ensure general accessibility for the public. Structures to allow this openness and transparency are available and should be adopted. Proceed in a stepwise fashion from the big picture questions to the specific questions. For example, do not start with an engineering report on what it would cost to raise the dams on Holland Lake. Better outcomes might occur if questions could be addressed around such things as: the demand for water; relationship to population growth; water conservation opportunities; the impacts of climate change on water supply; land and resource management impacts on water supply; and broad alternatives for supply, the importance of restoring and maintaining ecologically healthy stream and ground water flows etc.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Holland Creek. Photo: Rob Johnson
The Town Council needs to be open to finding ways to addressing these big picture questions before moving to specific conclusions and actions. Some elected officials may balk at the process suggested here because it appears to be giving up control. After all they may say: “I have been elected to do a job and will not concede control to the unelected few.” The way ahead for a community requires a more open approach; at the end of the day Town Council will still be the decision maker, but a better informed decision maker. After the big questions are addressed and if it proves that increasing water storage in Holland Lake is the best option, then more detailed engineering studies are required. As in many decision-making processes, there needs to be iterations and cycles. It may prove in the end that this option is very expensive and with uncertain results. In such a case, the community may want to return to the big picture questions and other possible solutions. In simple terms, how many people can our water supply support at the same time as we maintain healthy ecological and hydrologic processes? After all, wouldn’t it be wonderful if salmon were once again bountiful in our watersheds? Greg Roberts trained as a geographer, worked as planner and policy wonk. He retired to Ladysmith in 2001 with a variety of hobbies and interests.
19
20
take5.ca
Arts on the Avenue It’s time again for Ladysmith’s street art festival Arts on the Avenue, Sunday, August 25, from 10am to 4pm. The event kicks off with the Light Up the Night, the night before the festival, August 24, from 6:30pm to 10pm. It all takes place on First Avenue between Buller Street and Warren Street, where over 55 artists gather with a dazzling array of original art under big white tents. Started by Marina Latulippe, the festival has grown. Sadly Marina was killed in a motor vehicle accident on September 29, 2018, but her legacy continues to grow. Today, the festival is an art collector’s dream filled with original paintings, jewellery, fabric art, carving, native art and more. This year’s guest artist is Laurel Hibbert.
Concert Time! The sounds of music are everywhere this summer, from open mics to openair concerts. In Ladysmith, Concerts in the Park are a free (donation requested) event at the Ladysmith Amphitheatre. The series brings a variety of performers to provide a two-hour concert, serving as a fundraiser for the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association. Concerts are on Sunday evenings in August starting at 6pm, ending at 8pm. On August 11, Bluegrass Fever performs, Doctors of Rock & Roll on August 18, and The Deaf Aids on August 25. For more information, check ad
AUGUST 2019
on page 24. August will be another busy month for the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society. On August 17 the society hosts the first Country Music Jamboree at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus. The country music event will present some of Vancouver Island’s most popular entertainers. County Line, from Victoria, features the vocals of Megan and Hayden, backed by their band. The show gets underway at 2pm. August 10 is the annual Accordion Festival. This year the show starts at 11am and continues until 4:45pm. There will be nine accordion bands to entertain during the afternoon. Also at Waterwheel Park is Chemainus “Talent Saturday” on August 24. The regular Tuesday Concerts in the Park continue throughout August at 7pm. August 6, Beatlemania Unplugged; August 13, Summer and the Third Degree; and August 20 will be La Familia. By popular demand, Tropic Mayhem will be back on August 27.
Beauty in Wood John Sawyer wants to bring the beauty of nature into your home. Originally a plumber, John was drawn to wood and has spent the last ten years working in it, whether it’s a kiosk for a park, a spectacular gazebo, or a unique bed frame or end table. “I like to say I do it all, from timber framing to table top,” he says with a laugh. John works from his treed aceage in Cassidy where he operates a sawmill. Being able to mill his own wood gives him an advantage. Sawyer comes from a long family of artists, which includes his mom and grandmother. “My whole family is artistic,” he explains. A graduate of Island School of Build-
TAKE 5
take5.ca
21
22
John Sawyer in front of the kiosk he built for North Cowichan.
ing Arts on Gabriola, John builds custom furniture, tables, picnic benches, fireplace mantles, coffee tables and more shelves then he can remember. He uses local wood, cedar, yew, maple and arbutus, woods with character. “A lot of stuff is salvaged,” he adds. “He built a beautiful cedar post pavilion over our patio,” says Leah Miltenberger. “John had great ideas as to what would look nice and blend comfortably with our home. We have had so many compliments.”
TAKE 5
take5.ca
23
24
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
TAKE 5
take5.ca
25
26
take5.ca
Pass The Potatoes Please A highlight of my gardening year includes growing heritage potatoes from seed, something I have never tried before. At Nanaimo’s Seedy Sunday show, my farming and ethnobotanist friend Fiona, from Metchosin Farm (www.metchosinfarm.ca), showed me photos of her potato crop last summer, and I was immediately hooked. There is so much diversity between the 5,000 varieties of potatoes that are grown worldwide, but we only get to see a standard six in our supermarkets, so it was easy to imagine that growing uniquely avoured, textured and coloured potatoes from
AUGUST 2019
A very cool potato salad. Photo: Fiona Hamersley Chambers
seed would be a thrilling prospect. So I snapped up a packet of seeds. This fall, Fiona will be adding a potato section to her website, so folks can purchase tubers of the varieties that she is releasing, as well as tiny seeds. This is a superb opportunity to support plant genetic diversity by reintroducing varieties of potatoes from all over the world to our dinner tables and restaurants. It could be a great project for school classrooms to take on! Fiona told me that from one seed I can expect to harvest about four pounds of potatoes, which sounds like a great deal from a food security point of view. Currently I am observing beautiful ornamental potato plants with stunning
TAKE 5
take5.ca
flowers, so even if you are not interested in their food value, the plants are worth growing for the show they put on. I seeded one packet of potato seeds in my greenhouse in spring, I planted four blocks of potato plants in May, and I will soon be harvesting many different types of potatoes in all colours, ranging from dark purple and bright yellow to a deep red skin on the outside with differing colours of flesh inside. Far from being a cause for alarm, the unusual colours denote extra nutritional value. The purple skin, the scarlet flesh and the stripes that run through the potatoes are natural pigmentation caused by compounds known as anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants which also have anti-inflammatory and possibly even anti-cancer properties. The first release from Fiona’s Metchosin Farm’s selection: the “Orozco” potato, proudly named after a dear friend and fellow ethnobotanist, Jessica Orozco, from the Hualapai Tribe in Arizona, who was tragically killed by a random gunshot in 2018. “Oro” is Spanish for gold, and she was indeed a golden woman and a talented ethnobotanist, who was committed to traditional foods revitalization. She leaves behind her adopted son, James, so it is appropriate that the tubers grow as pairs, doubled along the roots. Their uniquely coloured fuschia-purple skin contrasts with their deep banana-yellow flesh. This potato has a rich buttery taste and beautiful smooth texture. As you can tell, I am quite excited about supporting a potato revival on Vancouver Island, and I can’t wait to see the spectacle of all these colourful tubers when I dig up my heritage potatoes in fall.
Tips for Growing Potatoes: Do not allow sunlight to fall on the tubers, which develop under the surface of the soil, or they will turn green and produce a chemical called solanine, which gives off a bitter taste and is toxic. Hill up around the plants to keeps the potatoes from getting sunburned, which causes them to turn green. Maintain even moisture; the plants need one to two inches of water per week. Photos: Fiona Dig potatoes on a dry day. Dig up Hamersley Chambers gently, being careful not to puncture the tubers. Avoid cutting or bruising potato skin. For the biggest and best potatoes, harvest only after the plant’s foliage has died back. Allow freshly dug potatoes to sit in a dry, cool place (7–15 °C) for up to two weeks. This allows their skins to cure, which will help them keep for longer. Never store potatoes in the refrigerator. Whether you dig your own potatoes or buy them at a store, don’t wash them until right before you use them. Washing potatoes shortens their storage life. 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.
27
28
RDN Area A Cedar Director’s Notes by Keith Wilson will return in the Sept/2019 issue of TAKE 5.
CVRD Area H North Oyster NOVFD OPEN HOUSE I’m passing along my appreciation for all those who came out to the open house for the North Oyster Fire Hall. CVRD staff and volunteer firefighters did a great job of showcasing this essential asset for all attendees to see. It was nice to see a large turnout in the community to visit this new facility and see all that it will be able to do for this community for decades to come. The official ribbon cutting was followed by room dedications to the Hawthornthwaite and Cairns families, two important founders that helped establish the fire department in 1957. CVRD MATTERS In order to conduct good business, board agendas are prepared and circulated before the meeting is called to order. This enables board and staff members time to review the material prior to the meeting. The board members and CVRD staff have taken on a heavy burden and a large work schedule in order to review
take5.ca
and revise requests from the public, the board members and the staff. To accommodate the large number of requests that come forward to the Regional District, it was decided that there would be a Public Input Period in the agenda packages. The purpose of the of the Public Input Period is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on an agenda item before the board/committee/commission considers the item. The Public Input Period Procedure Policy provides for the public input period to proceed in a timely fashion. Public Input Period items cannot include matters that are, or have been, the subject of a public hearing. The Regional District also live streams the meetings, agendas and other items through to the public. This allows the public to stay in the comfort of their home as they follow along with the board members.
CVRD Area G Saltair SALTAIR WATER SYSTEM The CVRD Water Department staff are in the process of booking three different filtration system pilot projects. The data collected will assist in the final filtration system decision. At this time, Island Health has stopped
AUGUST 2019
issuing work permits for the Saltair Water System distribution system upgrades. Island Health is wanting the filtration system project further along in planning and implementation before they will issue work permits to continue our upgrades. This is unfortunate as this year two pressure reducing valves were on the upgrades schedule. HARMONIZATION OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN — HOCP On June 26, the CVRD board approved: “(1) That community engagement be undertaken with Electoral Area residents to obtain public input on the draft harmonized Official Community Plan”; and “(2) that the draft Harmonized Official Community Plan be referred to the electoral area Advisory Planning Commissions for comments on general consistency with electoral area Official Community Plans with the referral period commencing September 2019.” The Area G APC members have been pushing for community engagement in the process, and their voices were finally heard, as you can see by the above approval by the CVRD board. This means that there will now be community engagement for Area G Saltair residents. As the dates become known, they will
TAKE 5
take5.ca
be posted on the Saltair News & Views website. SALTAIR COMMUNITY BURSARY Each year the funds from the Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands Grant-in-Aid go towards a Saltair Community Bursary for a Saltair student in the Chemainus Secondary School and for a Saltair student in the Ladysmith Secondary School. Each student receives $500 from the Area G Grant-in-Aid Budget and $100 from the SDRA. This year Maia O’Donnell received the Saltair Community Bursary as a Ladysmith Secondary student, and Daisy Wright received the Saltair Community Bursary as a Chemainus Secondary student. Congratulations! CVRD PARKS & TRAILS VOLUNTEER POLICY The days when groups got together to volunteer to take on a project in our community parks and trails are sadly gone. The insurance involving volunteers in our parks has changed. Under this new policy, volunteers will need to fill out a form and be on file at the CVRD to participate in an Area G Parks & Trails volunteer project. Time, dates and the projects will need to be booked with the CVRD staff. SALTAIR OUTDOOR RECREATION SURVEY Thank you to all the volunteers that are going door-to-door to capture information on the current usage and ideas for future usage involving the Saltair Community Parks & Trails. The survey will provide the Area G Community Parks Advisory Commission with cross-sectional information on how Saltair residents enjoy spending their outdoor recreational time in Saltair. Under the Community Parks Area G Budget, only Saltair
29
taxpayers pay into this budget. SPECIAL EVENTS IN CENTENNIAL PARK Everyone loves the Easter and the Halloween Events in Centennial Park. These events gather friends, families and residents from other areas together to enjoy time in Centennial Park and a fun time. Janet Evans, with her Easter Bunny ears, and Wendy Martin, with her witch outfit, make these events extra special. The Halloween fireworks make Saltair unique. All the volunteers that make these events happen year after year show our true Saltair spirit. I have been working with the CVRD staff and board to sort out the CVRD insurance coverage for these events and to add the Saltair Family Fun Day into the list of great Saltair events in Centennial Park. On July 10, the CVRD board denied CVRD insurance coverage for the Saltair Family Fun Day. There are many questions as to how the Easter Event was covered by the CVRD insurance and now what happens to the Halloween Event. Saltair Family Fun Day on August 18 has been cancelled due to the CVRD board’s decision and other local groups being unable to step in and sponsor this event, it is with a very heavy heart I must cancel this event. Thank you to all the volunteers that have donated time, materials and funds towards the start-up of this event. I’m sure that by 2020, a solution will be found and this event will become a new Saltair tradition. Check out the Saltair News & Views website saltairnews. com to read more.
30
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
Their legacy lives on
Josh Sikora and Chuck Perrin remembered by their community.
You may have walked by the memorial trees or rested on the colourful bench in front of the Ladysmith Pharmasave or admired the giant tree at Aggie Hall during the Ladysmith’s Festival of Lights. These are all expressions of love for Chuck Perrin, a beloved community leader and pharmacist, and Josh Sikora, a popular student and skateboarder whose light shone brilliantly. In 1994, the Ladysmith Light Up dedicated the lighting of the tree to the memory of Chuck Perrin, who helped initiate the Festival of Lights, and the downtown revitilization of Ladysmith. This August 28 marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that killed “the King of Ladysmith” along with his 13-year-old stepson Joshua when the Cessna 150 crashed north of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains. “Chuck was a supporter of just about anything to do with Ladysmith,” says Brian Childs who was his best friend. “He had a huge impact on the community.” Chuck was débonnaire with wavy hair and a mustache that he kept curled and waxed. He was the funniest person I know,” says Brian. “He always had time for everyone.” Josh was a happy teenager who’s passion was skateboarding. “He was a devil daredevil. He jump off the highest bridge and cliffs into the river,” remembers Naomi his sister. Popular at school and a passionate skateboarder. “He was as bright as the sun,” says mom Diana Childs. Tom Renton, now retired, was Josh’s teacher. “Josh was only in town for one year but he had so many friends. Everyone liked him. He would light up the room.” “The town was quite devastated when all of this happened,” says Renton. Chuck played a major role in the community, initiating and supporting programs from which we benefit today. Over five hundred people attended the service with many more lined outside. Josh’s mother Diana Childs and Chuck’s wife was working as a realtor at the time of the accident, went on to operate the Ladysmith Pharmasave for 15 years before selling it. “People came from everywhere. The community support continued long after, said Diana -- as does their legacy.
Son Sasha, daughter Naomi and Diana Childs in front of the Memorial bench and tree in Ladysmith. Photo: Marina Sacht
TAKE 5
take5.ca
31
32
take5.ca
Ladysmith Show ‘n’ Shine BY MARINA SACHT For Skip Leftly, the Ladysmith Show ʼn’ Shine is an opportunity to show off his “toy,” a 1928 Chevrolet Roadster pickup. Leftly, in his eighties, spent over four years rebuilding the “Dragon Wagon.” This is the eighth vehicle that he has rebuilt, but his first truck. He started with just a body, and then managed to acquire a four-door 1928 car on Salt Spring Island that was being used as a lawn ornament. “I wanted the frame and ended up with the whole thing. From that came running boards, grill shell, my rear leaf springs and fenders.” Next he got a 1957 Chevrolet half-ton pickup, frontend from the wreckers. “That’s the steering box and steering column,” he says. A Chevrolet
AUGUST 2019
S-10 brought up the rear end. It fit the 1928 frame perfectly. “All I had to do was clean it up and paint it.” The motor and the transmission came from Duke Point Auto Wreckers. He shortened the driveshaft and the front windshield was custom made. As is the case with many of these projects, there are many people involved and help comes in different ways. A neighbour who was a woodworking hobbyist used some maple butcher block to redo the interior. The floor is three-quarter-inch plywood bolted to the frame. The gauges, etc., came from flea markets and garage sales; the seat from a Chevy suburban. Because he couldn’t find a box to fit the truck, Leftly decided to make his own out of Plexiglas. “It’s neat because you can see right through the glass.” Liking the look, he followed suit and made a Plexiglas hood as well for the front. A radiator for his vehicle would be about $1500, but he got his brand new for just over $200. “Because it’s a tight fit for the motor, I had to use an electric fan for cooling,” he says. The taillights came from an old school bus, and the signal and parking lights are reused construction lights. “I enjoy finding things that don’t belong but can work together.” You will be able to see Leftly’s Dragon Wagon, along with hundreds of classic, vintage and collector vehicles, at the Ladysmith Show ʼn’ Shine, on Saturday, August 17, from 10am to 3pm. This is the 16th annual Show ʼn’ Shine and promises to be bigger and better. In 2018, 200 amazing vehicles lined First Avenue in all makes, shapes, colours and restorations. The show kicks off August 16, the night before the Show ʼn’ Shine, with a Rod Run at the Oyster Bay A&W, at the Husky Station just north of Ladysmith. On August 17, First Avenue is lined with various makes and models of treasured cars and motorcycles. Some local restaurants will be offering show specials, and the Ladysmith Lions have their food trailer on High Street. The Ladysmith Kinsmen Club will host a beer garden, located at Dunsmuir Square, as well as a rib BBQ. Watch for specials at local stores. All the proceeds from the Kinsmen’s Beer Garden and Rib Fest go to Downtown Public Bathroom projects that the kinsmen will be doing this fall in downtown Ladysmith. Watch for specials throughout downtown as well as the Community Garage Sale/Market at the Ladysmith Museum.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
33
34
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
Hail Caesars! Caesar cocktails and Caesar salad are popular year round, but really shine when the heat is on. And what better place to enjoy these iconic treats then outdoors? And better yet, a place where you can bring along your four-legged friends? The Oyster Bay Café located at Ladysmith Community Marina offers a large Caesar salad big enough to share. And their Caesar cocktails come in a quart glass that requires two hands. “We feature the Seaside Caesar at Oyster Bay Cafe featuring: Stolichnaya Vodka, Clamato, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and a dash of horseradish over ice with a Montreal steak spiced rim, garnished with pepperoncini, pickled asparagus, and homemade beef jerky,” says owner Cam McIntyre. This is a two-handed drink. And the waterfront view is priceless.
Oyster Bay Cafe Caesar cocktail
Ma Maison’s Caesar salad
In Saltair Ma Maison is making a name for its fresh baked goods and seasonal locally sourced food. Chef Lauren Cartmel opened in spring 2019 creating a comfortable space. A bonus is a gorgeous outdoor garden patio that is also pet-friendly. Their House Caesar Salad features garlic croutons, homemade house dressing, and shaved Parmesan that was so generous that we took leftovers home for a second meal. What sets their caesar cocktail apart is the bacon and house-made pickles, The Bacon Caesar-Smirnoff, Clamato, Spice Blend, Housemade Pickles, Olives and Bacon Caesar could be called lunch.
Ma Maison serves breakfast and lunch and will feature Chef Menu dinner August 24. The cocktail has come a long way since its invention in 1969 by a Calgarian but its still Canada’s classic drink.
Seraphina’s Oven Rises for a Second Season! Building on the success of their first season, the Red Seal trained chefs and baking instructors of Seraphina’s Oven have developed a new suite of classes for this fall and spring. As well as offering the popular classes from last year: Artisan and Sourdough Breads, Croissants, Pastries, Chocolate,
TAKE 5
Pizza and Italian Cooking classes, they will be including “Baking for a Living”, a 4-day professional course in October, Festive Yeast Bread, Baking with Ancient Grains and Beer Barm, Cake Decorating, A Pizza master-class with Sarah Wallbank from Riso Fine Foods, Mediterranean Desserts, Kids Holiday Baking and a Spring Break Camp. Seraphina’s will be at the Feast of Fields in Saanich on August 25th. Contact info@seraphinasoven.ca or 250-619-4464.
take5.ca
35
36
The Talking Seagull At the corner of Government and Johnson sits the Gonzaga building, a threestory structure with all the architectural appeal of a Canadian Tire speed bump. It was built in that period between wars when cash was short and money for roof top decoration was simply nonexistent. If your building needed embellishment, you turned to Indigenous materials. That meant seagulls. As old man Gonzaga put it, ”From a distance, especially if you’re older and need glasses, a large seagull looks remarkably like a small gargoyle, especially if taught to pose properly.” Gonzaga’s insight revolutionized Victoria’s architecture. Seagulls on the roof
take5.ca
started popping up everywhere. Better still, they began to attract tourists. “Follow the birds to Victoria” became the city’s motto. Other communities followed suit. Coombs for example, having a shortage of gulls, got creative and put goats on the roof instead. Anything that didn’t belong there seemed to attract tourists, from farm animals to messy husbands. Everyone prospered until that fatal day, Gull Thursday, the locals called it, when the seagulls invented a game to relieve the boredom of being rooftop decoration. They called it “splatter,” and it involved dive bombing tourists. Never have you seen a happier flock of birds. Never have you seen an angrier group of city fathers. Overnight, seagulls became persona non grata and were sent packing. The city motto changed back to “The Garden City.” The Gonzaga building, where it all started, never fared that well. The problem was no elevator and stairs so steep they could have qualified as a ladder. With one exception, the top floors proved impossible to rent — that exception being Jack Proctor, Private Detec-
AUGUST 2019
tive, a man of indeterminate age, but sixty is a safe bet. If you look up from across the street, he can be seen pacing back and forth in his office, his eyes first on Government street, then over to Johnson. Constantly vigilant is Proctor. You never know when a dozen leggy blondes might blow into town. When this happens, you don’t want to be caught short of Prosecco. Proctor is a creature of habit. Mostly bad. Today being Monday means gun cleaning. We join him at his desk where he lavishes attention to his fire arm, a long barrel .357 magnum, which would look equally as good on Dirty Harry or the foredeck of a naval vessel. With the gun cleaned, he slipped it into its speed rig under the desk where he could get at it quickly should he be attacked by bill collectors. With chores completed, up go the feet and out comes the morning paper. He gets as far as the obituaries, none of which he’d been responsible for, when he hears a heavy breather coming up the stairs. Either that or the Royal Hudson. In walked a man in his mid-twenties, slightly shorter than Craigdarroch Cas-
TAKE 5
take5.ca
tle, but with wider shoulders. Though mid-July, he was wearing a heavy sweatshirt with the hood up. Underneath was a ball cap. What happens when you take fashion advice from your paperboy. The hoodie formed a cave around his face, hiding half of it. Handy if you’re robbing a convenience store, but a disadvantage if you’re chatting up the new girl at the library. “You Proctor?” the hooded behemoth said after recovering from oxygen debt. “Nope. He’s much taller. Eight or nine feet is my guess.” “If you’re not Proctor, why are you seated behind his desk?” “I find myself asking the very same question. Can I get back to you on that?” His answer was to pull a .38 caliber handgun out of the sweatshirt’s kangaroo pocket and point it at Proctor’s chest. “Tell you what,” said Proctor. “I’ll run home and get my dueling pistols. We’ll meet in Beacon Hill Park at noon sharp and settle this like gentlemen, not that you qualify. Twenty paces is my preferred distance, anything farther with my eyes is just too hard on spectators. What do you say?” “Enough bullshit. The boss wants to see you.” “Does he know I’m not much to look at?” “He says if I have to rough you up, that would be okay. The boss don’t like no smart asses.” “How does he feel about poor grammar?” “You got one last chance. I’m warning you.” “And I’m warning you to put the gun on the desk and don’t turn around or my associate standing directly behind you will shoot a large hole in your ass.” “Give me a break Proctor, that trick is as old as the hills.” And then from behind Mr. Hoodie, in a voice remarkably like Clint Eastwood’s, came the essential question. “Well, punk. What’s it going to be?” Proctor shrugged. “In this business, it pays to have eyes in the back of your head. Now hand over the gun. Any tricks and you get to bleed over my carpet.” No sooner had Proctor scooped the gun off his desk and pulled out his own gun than a very large seagull, either that or a pit bull with feathers, hopped off the overhead fan, his regular perch, and flapped over to Proctor’s desk. “Corny wants a cracker. Corny wants a cracker.” Proctor pulled some dog treats out of his desk drawer and fed them to the bird. “Permit me to introduce my associate,” he said. “Cornelius the talking Seagull.” Mr. Hoodie looked confused. “Seagull’s don’t talk.” “What’s it going to be, punk?” Cornelius said..
37
“Apparently they can,” said Proctor. “It helps if your mother fornicated with a parrot, which Corny’s did. But who can blame her? A male seagull’s idea of showing a girl a good time is lunch at the landfill. “Now if you’ll excuse us, Cornelius and I have matters to attend to. Tell your boss, if he wants to talk to me, he can spring for lunch. Now take a powder.” “Take a powder,” Corny said, not having a clue of what it meant. “Take a powder.” Proctor’s wine of the month: an excellent B.C. red, the Senator, from Cedar Creek, $18.99. Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked at Mahle House. and CoCo Cafe.
38
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
TAKE 5
take5.ca
39
AUGUST 1–4 1–2, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp: Sports Extravaganza, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424 1, 7pm-9pm, Scott McGill, Ladysmith Community Marina, Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 1–3, 7:30pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre presents “KALAMAZOO,” 250-924-0658 2–4, Ladysmith Days, ladysmithdays.com 2, 5pm–9pm, Dine on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146
Maffeo Sutton Park, 100 Comox Rd., Nanaimo, 250-754-5697 7, 7pm–8:30pm, Nanaimo Museum’s Red Light District Tours, $15, must register, Nanaimo Museum, nanaimomuseum.ca 8, 7pm-9pm, Kelly Fawcett, Ladysmith Community Marina, Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 8–10, 7:30pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre presents “KALAMAZOO,” 250-924-0658 8–10, 8pm, Free Preview for the Nanaimo Fringe Theatre, cash bar after previews, Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo
3–23, 11am–4pm, “Local Landscapes” exhibit, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 250-245-1252
9, 8:45pm (music and snacks 7:30pm), “Guardians of the Galaxy,” by donation, Waterwheel, Chemainus
3, noon–4pm, Super Saturdays at the Museum, Ladysmith Museum, 721 1st Ave., Ladysmith
9, 8pm, Terrazetto Trio, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
3, 7pm, Opening Reception for “Local Landscapes” exhibit, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, Ladysmith, 250-245-1252
9–17, Nanaimo Fringe Festival, Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, nanaimofringe.com
3, 9pm, The HIP Replacements Live Music, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-8033
10, 10am–11am, Nanaimo Museum’s Pioneer Cemetery Tour, $10, must register, nanaimomuseum.ca
4, 10am-2pm, Cedar Farmers Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar
10, 11am–5pm, Chemainus Accordion Festival, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, cvcas.com
4, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Road
10, 11am, International Fibre Art exhibit RED FLAG! RED FLAG! Waterwheel Park, Chemainus
4, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre presents “KALAMAZOO,” 4985 Christie Rd., 250-9240658
5 – 11 6–9, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp: Outdoor Adventureland, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424
Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Road 11, 10am–3:30pm, The Nanaimo Horticultural Society’s Garden Tour, Nanaimo & Lantzville 11, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre presents “KALAMAZOO,” 4985 Christie Rd., 250-9240658 11, 6pm–8pm, LRCA Concerts in the Park, Bluegrass Fever, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith
12 – 18 12–16, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp: Fantastic Fantasy, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424 13, 7pm, Summer and the Third Degree, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, cvcas.com 15, 7pm-9pm, Scott McGill, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 16, 5pm–9pm, Dine on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 16, 7pm–9pm, Ladysmith Show n’ Shine ROD RUN, from A&W to downtown Ladysmith to Saltair and back to A&W, ladysmithshowandshine.ca 17, 10am–3pm, Ladysmith Show n’ Shine, First Ave., Ladysmith, ladysmithshowandshine.ca
10, noon–4pm, Super Saturdays at the Museum, Ladysmith Museum, 721 1st Ave., Ladysmith
17, noon–4pm, Super Saturdays at the Museum, Ladysmith Museum, 721 1st Ave., Ladysmith
10, 8pm, Brandy Moore & The Nightcaps, $10, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245
17, 2pm–8pm, Chemainus Valley Country Music Jamboree, Waterwheel Park, cvcas.com
11, 10am–2pm, Sea Life Celebrations, Ladysmith Community Marina,
6, 7pm, Beatlemania Unplugged, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, cvcas.com
11, 10am-2pm, Cedar Farmers Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar
6, 6pm–7pm, Traditional Live Fiddle Concert,
11, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North
17, 6pm, Cowichan Valley Shimmy Mob: Belly Dancing Fundraiser, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton 17, 9pm, Sons of Guns Live Music, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., Ladysmith, 250245-8033
18, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Road 18, 10am-2pm, Cedar Farmers Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 18, 6pm–8pm, LRCA Concerts in the Park, Doctors of Rock & Roll, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith
19 – 25 19–23, 9am–3pm, Adventure Zone Day Camp: Under the Sea, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424 19, 7pm-8:30pm, Paul Manly-Ladysmith Community Meeting, Eagles Hall, 921 1st Ave., Ladysmith, 250-734-6400 20, 7pm, La Familia, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, cvcas.com
cvcas.com 27, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club presents “Wildlife Photography,” Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith 29, 7pm-9pm, Gord Light, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 30–Sept. 1, Cultivate Festival, The Commons, 675 North Rd., Gabriola Island, cultivate.artsgabriola.ca 30, 5pm–9pm, Dine on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 30, 8pm, Jack, Ray & Ken, $10, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 30, 8:45pm (music and snacks 7:30pm), “Back to the Future,” by donation, Waterwheel, Chemainus 31, noon–4pm, Super Saturdays at the Museum, Ladysmith Museum,
22, 7pm-9pm, Kelly Fawcett, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146
SEPTEMBER
22–25, noon–10pm, Summertime Blues Festival, Maffeo Sutton Park, 100 Comox Rd., Nanaimo, nanaimobluesfestival.ca
1, Cultivate Festival, The Commons, 675 North Rd., Gabriola Island, cultivate.artsgabriola.ca
23, 8pm, Blue Moon Marquee, $20, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 24–Sept. 1, 11am–4pm, Nanaimo Arts Council presents “Island Living” Art Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-125 24, noon–4pm, Super Saturdays at the Museum, Ladysmith Museum, 721 1st Ave., Ladysmith 24, 2pm–5pm, Chemainus Talent, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, cvcas. com 24, 6pm–8pm, Opening Reception for “Island Living” Art Show, come and meet the artists, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-125 24, 6:30pm–10pm, Light up the Night, First Ave., Ladysmith, artsontheavenue.ca 24, 9pm, Wise YoungBlood, $20, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 24, 3pm-5pm, In water Search & Rescue Demo by RCMSAR, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith 25, 10am–4pm, Arts on the Avenue, First Ave., Ladysmith, artsontheavenue.ca 25, 10am-3pm, Carol’s Artisan Craft Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Road 25, 10am-2pm, Cedar Farmers Market, Woodbank School, Cedar 25, 6pm–8pm, LRCA Concerts in the Park, The Deaf Aids, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith
26 – 31 27, 7pm,Tropic Mayhem, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus,
6, 5pm–9pm, Dine on the Docks, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 6-8, Cowichan Exhibition Fair, 7380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan, cowex.ca, 250-748-0822 20, 7pm–9pm (doors 6:30pm), Traditional Family Fiddle Barn Dance, $5, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., South Nanaimo, 250-754-5697 1-11, Kalamazoo, Ladysmith Little Theatre 10, Brandy Moore & The Nightcaps, Osborne Bay Café-Crofton 25, Doctors of Rock & Roll, Concerts in the Park-Ladysmith
take5.ca
AUGUST 2019
HOME & YARD
WANTED EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER required weekly. Please call Janet 778-847-1675.
DO YOU LOVE THE NATURAL LOOK of your property, but feel overwhelmed with the maintenance? We work with landowners to make the most of your property’s natural beauty. Contact us at alderenviro.com or 250-686-5090.
SENIOR SOPRANOS looking for a band to sing with. I like all music especially jazz. Twelve years experience with choirs. Private lessons 6 years. Email quiltflyballsinging@yahoo.ca.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP with small jobs and clearing the clutter. Handyman services and Trained Professional Organizer. Contact the Forever Team, Bill and Kathy Reilly, info@ justsortit.ca or 250-668-8908.
FREE
HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs. Call 250-668-9195.
Baldwin ‘80s Electric Organ “Fun Machine” Some wear and tear, Works! Loud and fun, comes with music books and bench, solid wood has a split keyboard and many cool instrument sounds. Must pick up …FREE 250-245-4073 FOR RENT LUSH PASTURE available for horses, sheep & goats. Close to Cassidy. Call Claus 250-2455039. VENDORS for Garage sale/market at Ladysmith Museum. $20/table250-245-0423 BUSINESS BUSY BOOKKEEPING with Jenny Vallance. If you would like any help with your bookkeeping needs, please let me know. I am located at 3165 Ingram Rd., Nanaimo. I am an Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada member. IPBC 250-739-1221. CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 yrs experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER. Now offering Senior Companionship and concierge services also! Peaceofmindcare.wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen kgrcoaching@gmail.com or 250-6190786. I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and formatting, self-publishing or submission prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com. HEALTH & BEAUT Y TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am–noon, $60/3 mo., www.taichinanaimo.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.
INTERIOR PAINTING. Refresh your walls ... and your spirits! Careful, respectful work. Help with colour choice. Small jobs welcome. De-cluttering support and “use what you have” redecorating also available. Contact Kari 250-245-2751. WOODSHEDS, interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/ storage, railings, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home and yard you love. Call Namaste Home Improvements 250-245-2751 TAKE 5 ADS WORK. 250-245-7015 LANDSCAPING, EXCAVATING, TRUCKING, mini excavator (can narrow to 38” for tight spots), bobcat, dump truck, driveways, ditching, backfilling, drainage, ponds & fencing. Delivery of driveway chips, sand, bark mulch, etc. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Phone or text for free estimates. Contact Mike Williams BMCnanimo@gmail. com or 250-668-2873. MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITH YOUR LANDSCAPING! We create landscapes that support pollinators, restore habitat and celebrate West Coast native plants. Your Property, Your Impact. Contact Alderenviro. com or 250-686-5090. 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. ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design. Check out www.islandgardenscapes.ca or call 250-802-0461. 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.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@ gmail.com or 250-714-2738. GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free. Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421. INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL Blackberries, Ivy, Broom, etc. We get to the root of the problem. Thorough and reliable. Manual and machine removal. Free Quotes. Contact Alder Environmental info@alderenviro.com or 250686-5090. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 30 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. DOG WALKING/Hiking OFF LEASH! Two-hour avg. walk, weekly walks year-round, pick up & drop off included, insured & licensed. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action! Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC at walken@shaw.ca or 250-754-TREC(8732). THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill sburchard@hotmail.ca or 250-924-8809. SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcome. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. GRANNYS ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES. Are you looking for someone that can help you with an active senior family member? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-9241515. LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, cookbooks, histories, we can get your project ready to publish. Available in print and eBook format. Professional publishing services. Editor@take5.ca or call 250-245-7015.
45