TAKE 5 Dec/Jan 2016/2017

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Letters Recycling has to be easy I read with interest an article in the Times Colonist the other day, listing the problems that other Island communities were having with sorting recyclables. Ladysmith was years ahead of most of these towns in the recycling business, and I’m sure most of us were quite proud of this. Now we seem to be experiencing the same problems.

It seems to me that the success of these programs rely on simplicity. In the beginning, we had green garbage, household garbage and recyclables. Now we must separate plastic film and bags, batteries, glass, Styrofoam and cardboard. These must be taken to the Peerless Road facility. I understand why these products must be dealt with separately, but the simplicity of the system has certainly suffered.

As a retired guy with lots of time on my hands and a bit of a neat freak, I have no problem with this system and even enjoy going to the dump. But in my opinion, the system breaks down here because the majority of people do not have the time, space or means to separate, store and transport these items. Some busy families, apartment dwellers, aging persons and persons without vehicles may contribute to this sorting dilemma. Reprimands and fines have been suggested, but I don’t think that is the way to go other than with flagrant abusers.

I think that most of us want to recycle properly, but for the system to be effective it must be simple. A better curbside collection system and a closer to town collection depot are a few ideas. These would cost money, but something must be done to make it work. — Rob Pinkerton

Visiting Ladysmith We were recent visitors to Ladysmith and felt so welcome and at home there. We are from Nova Scotia where hospitality is a way of life. The Hawley Place B & B was a perfect place to stay. We enjoyed visiting the Old Town Bakery for delicious coffee breaks with chocolate peanut butter cinnamon buns.

Dinners were enjoyed at the Fox and Hounds — but particularly the second night. As we were about to leave, the waitress informed us that a young man had paid our bill. We were surprised and amazed to receive this unexpected gesture. What a wonderful place is Ladysmith!

Thank you everyone. We shall be back for sure.

— Barbara and Patrick Oldfield

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Mt. Brenton School In his narrative, Director Mel Dorey modestly left out his role in organizing the sale of the Mount Brenton Primary School 5-acre parcel of land and structures to the CVRD, with funding provided by a special Saltair recreation levy upon the ratepayers of Saltair for the life of the mortgage. He now means to repeat his coup by securing a body, calling itself the Saltair Community Society, which has obtained a lease on the structures, the funding to provide various leisure services at a Saltair Community Centre (formerly Mount Brenton Primary School).

Again, the funding source will be the Recreation Budget levied upon the taxpayers of Saltair — this time enshrined in a Recreation Services Agreement between the CVRD and the Saltair Community Society. For the first meeting, which Mr. Dorey called to discuss this property’s appearance on the market some three years ago, the assembled ratepayers were promised an opportunity to debate the wisdom of the purchase by the CVRD, and various ways in which this windfall might be used.

Mr. Dorey was ahead of the game. Someone gave a PowerPoint presentation on a plan for a community centre, which finessed the discussion of actual purchase; and any other alternative to the centre fell victim to the calling of time on the meeting by Mr. Dorey at the presentation’s end, with a few murmurs from the floor about white elephants and asbestos buildings, and timid queries over who would be footing the cost. Mr. Dorey parried the asbestos risk (under the absurd consideration that the building would be safe as long as it remained un-renovated); and assured the attendees that all would be cost-neutral to Saltair ratepayers: there would be revenue from membership dues, leases, brandings, etc., and plenty of volunteerism. Besides, he said, there would be an up-or-down referendum first on whether to move on the purchase. In local matters, such as this, where there are likely to be a “pro” vocal minority, a “con” vocal minority and a large group of apathetic but persuadable people in between, a referendum would be courting defeat for the “pro” side and the end of its dreams for a Saltair Community Centre, so Mr. Dorey sidestepped it and got out in front again, pleading costs and the need to act quickly. The CVRD picked up the property, and the rest is fiscal history.

— Wade Richardson, Ph.D.

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In the November 2016 edition, CVRD Area G (Saltair) Director Mel Dorey states, “And some don’t even want a centre at all. I have to say that this is a small but very vocal minority.” I don’t know who this very small, vocal minority is? The citizens I have spoken to about this want a community centre. They just do not believe repurposing a very old, somewhat dilapidated, contaminated school is our best option. They and I just want to see some responsible, fiduciary planning. — Gord Van Dyck Contrary to Mel Dorey’s comment in the November 2016 issue of TAKE 5, the board of directors of the CVRD have not told the Saltair Society to undertake recreation programs on behalf of the Regional District. There has been no board motion to that effect. This is a dream of Director Dorey.

In the 2017 Recreation Budget Function 456, Dorey is taking $5,000 of our tax dollars to gift to his non-profit society club, and admitted at a public budget meeting, that he intends to take the $18,000 day care rent and gift to his society, rather than use the money to pay down the debt on money borrowed to buy the contaminated school. Non-profits are supposed to fundraise from outside sources, not hold out hand to local taxpayers.

He says, “Some residents are concerned about putting money into an old building.” That is correct. Many residents are concerned because of a July 2014 estimate to replace the roof that was $525,000. With four new furnaces and other expensive repairs, possibly up to $ 1 million in repairs.

Air quality tests in summer of 2016 by CVRD show extremely high levels of air

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borne mold. The school gym is closed for safety reasons. Asbestos is also recorded as being in building.

The community never had a vote to decide if they wanted to buy the old school, or a vote to decide if they want or need a community hall. In TAKE 5’s February 2015 issue, Dorey stated Gillys Hall burnt down over 50 years ago.

People have adapted over the years to using facilities of their choice that suit their needs.

Any tax dollars spent going forward in Saltair need to go first to the water system, not an old building, as we are required by VIHA to spend millions on a filtration system, and unlike Ladysmith that received millions in grants. It seems we may be on the hook for 100 per cent of the cost in 2018. In Take 5’s April 2012 issue, Dorey said gas tax money would go to water, now he plans to redirect gas tax money to an old school.

— Tom Hockin

Forbidden Territory “The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth.” Chief Seattle Dissonance might feel like the “cone of protection,” however, it, in conjunction with decisions that are made based on short sighted results begs the question: Whatever chance did we have to protect our home planet that breathes life into all that is? I’m speaking from a place of acceptance rather than a place of defeat.

The academic and scientific extrapolations that are going to fix all the environmental and resource issues are, in my opinion, pie in the sky thinking. Nonetheless, there is value in making changes, knowing that, though they may not make a difference, it matters to try. There

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seems to be a consistent theme “meme,” which I have observed, that suggests that the generations that follow will have the ability to magically fix what’s broken.

While writing this, I researched articles related to this topic and the toll it can take on mental health. To support my position I’ve highlighted a few articles: Why It’s More Important Than Ever to Motivate Millennials on Climate Change, by Ellen Hall Is Climate Change Causing Pre-traumatic Stress Disorder In Millennials, by Dayton Martindale Are You a Millennial? Congratulations! Climate Change Will Cost Your Generation $8.8 Trillion, by Michelle Chen Recently, I listened to a podcast on carolynbaker.net, The “New” Lifeboat Hour: “Navigating the Global Crisis as a Millennial,” with Erica Martenson. It was very illuminating and Erica’s passion for life shone throughout the interview. In summary, Erica’s journey changed very significantly when her parents moved from a well-heeled community with a waterfront property in Connecticut, USA. Erica looks back with incredulity at the cultural identification that she was bred into, which was based on the size of your home and how shiny your car was. In her new community, the values were diametrically opposed to the superficial identification that you are somehow elevated based on external possessions. From the time of the move, Erica was home schooled and her education was integrated with nature. Learning how to source water as well as other survival skills played a significant role in her education and character development. One of Erica’s many passions is in the building of community. What I

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honor, related to one of the core messages in this interview, is Erica’s description related to how the youth are feeling as a result of the monumental changes in the biosphere that have occurred since the time of their birth. Increasing evidence of mental health issues is understandable in this era. I’m not suggesting that living without hope is the corresponding response.

When the subject of what Erica might want to say to the baby boomers, related to the state of the environment, was brought up, she conveyed, without the slightest indication of malice, that she would like them to take responsibility. Perhaps as it unfolds, and if our youth come to us for answers, we may find the strength and honesty to reframe what hope might mean.

For a comprehensive overview of climate change, Leonardo Dicaprio’s documentary “Before The Flood” has recently been released on YouTube.

Here is a link for a thought provoking compilation of quotes by world leaders related to climate change: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/15-quotes-on-climate-change-byworld-leaders/ — Linda Marble

Oops: In the Nov. issue of TAKE 5, we identified Old Town Bakery as the First Avenue Bakery incorrectly. The delicious cinnamon bun fame credit goes to Old Town Bakery located on First Avenue. We apologize for any confusion. — Editor Letters to the editor is an open forum to exchange comments and ideas. Letters may be edited for space, and legality. Articles published in TAKE 5 do not nescessarily reflect the opinions of TAKE 5. editor@take5.ca, fax 250-245-7099.

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Volunteer spirit and diversity Every year at this time, our community shines its brightest thanks to the incredible Festival of Lights. Light Up caps off a month of intense, hard work by an army of volunteers and an entire year of planning and preparation. Light Up brings us together to celebrate the season and our community, and draws thousands of visitors.

Our Festival of Lights is a remarkable achievement. What is even more amazing is that it is just one of countless festivals and events our community puts on throughout the year. I’m not sure if there is another community of our size that hosts as many celebrations throughout the year as Ladysmith does. There are several remarkable things about this feat. We have so many things to showcase — our natural beauty, our history, the arts, music, our amazing friends and neighbours. And celebrate we do!

I look forward to our community events each and every year. We turn out in the hundreds and thousands for Kids’

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Pirate Day, the Ladysmith Maritime Festival, Aboriginal Day, Ladysmith Days, Show and Shine, Light up the Night, Arts on the Avenue — these celebrations define our summer. Then there are the events put on for the whole community in support of important causes — Concerts in the Park, Logger Sports, Outdoor Movie Night, Hip on the Hill, community dinners, dances and barbecues. These events, and so many more, define my social life!

In between the festivals, you look around and see playgrounds, parks, walkways, community services and all manner of amenities run, built and paid for by local organizations, groups and service clubs.

This volunteer spirit and generosity is, I believe, a large part of what makes Ladysmith so special, and helps to define who we are as a community. The time, energy and commitment of so many dedicated, community-minded volunteers is inspiring. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank each and every person who gives so much to help build and

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celebrate our amazing community and make it an even better place to live.

This brings me to another great source of pride I have in our community — our diversity. As a community, Ladysmith has shown leadership in our embrace of diversity at all levels. We strive to be an inclusive and welcoming community, no matter our race, religion, lifestyle choices, place of origin or age. We have grown over the years to represent the best of what a caring and inclusive community should look like.

Although I have been somewhat disheartened recently to hear evidence that we still have work to do, I truly believe ours is a caring, generous, inclusive and tolerant community.

These values are especially important at this time of year. Through 2017 and beyond, I am committed to sharing and reinforcing the values of diversity and inclusion in all that I do. I do hope that, as we go through the holiday season, into the new year, and the next … and the next, that you will join me in sharing this view and this message that Ladysmith is truly a place that is welcoming and supportive to all. Let’s move forward and show the world, now more than ever, that we truly shine brightest together.

While we are celebrating with family and loved ones, let us also not forget those who are in need and give what we can to extend cheer, warmth and generosity to those who need it most. All of the best of the season from my family to yours. - astone@ladysmith.ca, facebook. com/solidplans Twitter - @solidplans

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Ecoforestry Institute Society wins BC Supreme Court Approval for Wildwood sale The Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) has received BC Supreme Court approval for its bid for Wildwood Ecoforest.

EIS won on the basis of its higher cash offer, a superior ecoforestry management plan and covenant, and a trust deed that ensures Wildwood will remain in the public domain forever.

EIS appeared during the three-day court hearing as the Land Conservancy presented its private bid from Mark Randen for court approval. In a sealed bid process requested by Madame Justice Fitzpatrick, EIS increased its bid to $800,000, successfully outbidding the private offer by almost $30,000.

EIS is both humbled and proud to

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be the new owners of Wildwood. The process to protect Wildwood has taken three years, countless volunteer hours, about $75,000 dollars in legal bills, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to acquire the property. EIS is grateful to all those who raised their voices in support and contributed to both our legal defense fund and the Last Stand for Wildwood campaign. During the recent six-day campaign, they raised $250,000 to be used specifically for the acquisition of Wildwood.

So what’s next for Wildwood? In short, EIS will be welcoming the world to Wildwood. EIS has plans to develop Wildwood as the Centre of Excellence for Ecoforestry. Wildwood will serve as a working ecoforest, and an educational and research centre for audiences of all ages and diverse interests.

Kathy Code, EIS spokesperson, says, “The list of people to thank for this victory is long, but the EIS board would like to take this opportunity to thank a few in a public manner. First, huge kudos to our lawyer, Patrick Canning, who hung in there with us for so long, probably wondering if he was ever going to get

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paid! Without his legal savvy and ability to maneuver the labyrinth of the law, we would not have won — period. Thanks to Jessica, Roblyn and Glenys and all the Wildwood Protectors who rose to give Wildwood a passionate and public voice.

Thanks to our graphic designer extraordinaire, Cheryl Bancroft, for her incredible logos and poster designs, often produced at a moment’s notice. Thanks to all the TLC creditors who donated their creditor debts to us. Thanks to all those who contributed their hard-earned money on behalf of Wildwood. Thanks to our amazing benefactor who doubled not once but twice all the donations during our recent campaign. Thanks to Dr. Jane Goodall for her kind words of support and Nina Rastogi for her hard work and long history with Wildwood. And thanks to Merv’s family and many friends who provided such great support for us in voice and in court documentation. We think Merv would be proud.”

Christmas Cheer 2016 Registrations for a Christmas hamper is on now until December 15, Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ladysmith Resources Centre (630 Second Ave.). Please be prepared to bring a Care Card for everyone who lives in the home full time, as well as proof of residential address within the designated Cheer Fund boundaries (west side of highway to Haslam Creek to the north, to Jones Road on the east side of highway, Old Chemainus Road to Lagoon Bridge and Stocking Creek to the south). Hampers will be delivered on Dec. 23. Tax-deductible contributions (cash or cheque, payable to “Christmas Cheer Fund”) can be made at Ladysmith Resources Centre (630 Second Ave. or Box 1653 Ladysmith, V9G 1B2). Any contributions of non-perishable foods, new or near-new toys, books or games will be gratefully received at the Resources Centre up to Dec. 21. Alternate drop off locations: Waypoint Insurance at Coronation Mall Curves, and Ladysmith & District Credit Union.

In the event there are surplus funds at the end of the Christmas Cheer program, funds may be used to assist individuals and families through programs and services of the LRCA (250-245-3079; www.lrca.ca).

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Help for the Food Bank The Ladysmith Kinsmen raised approximately $2000 cash, along with some non-perishable food items, for the Ladysmith Food Bank during their Hot Dog Fundraising Event in November.

The Ladysmith Eagles also lent a hand to the food bank. Vice President Larry Williams and Auxiliary Chaplain Arlene Neale presented a cheque for $2,734.16.

New pharmacy opens Nishant Patel is the pharmacy manager at the newly opened Hillside Family Pharmacy located under the doctors clinic in Ladysmith.

Patel has worked as a Pharmacist in a superstore pharmacy in Duncan for more than 2 years. “I have enjoyed almost every single day of it. There was no doubt in my mind that I would spend the rest of my working days in a pharmacy or same kind of field that makes pharmacy better.” Before that he was a pharmacy assistant for two years in Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Patel is looking forward to drawing on his pharmacy experiences in his new venture and getting to know the Ladysmith community and serving it through the years to come.

Cat hotel on the block Looking for a unique retirement business? Shamsun (Sam) Niazi is the owner of Kitty Korners Cat Hotel. The building is a mobile and can be set up anywhere.

Business has been purring along with

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lots of feline customers, says Niazi. “It’s basically a turn key once the buildings are moved to a new property. It is such a little niche business and would be just ‘purrfect’ for a work from home cat lover in the South Nanaimo/Ladysmith area. Call Sam at 250-740-KATS(5287)

Helijet begins weekend flights Effective Dec. 24, Helijet International will expand its service to include weekend flights between Nanaimo and Vancouver. Helijet currently offers six round trips each day between its Nanaimo Harbour Heliport and Vancouver Harbour locations. The expanded service will see Helijet offer three round trips a day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Coats for Folks Coats for Folks supplies warm clothing, footwear and needed items for those less fortunate. Located at 710 First Avenue, Ladysmith, Coats for Folks is

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open for donations and selection on Tues-Thurs from 11-3pm for December.

Needed are coats, hats, gloves, footwear, jeans, t-shirts, socks, etc., for men, women and children, even nice Christmas wear would be gladly accepted. There is also a re-gifting section for Christmas.

Call 250-245-3201 or stop by.

Salish Sea Trust The Salish Sea Trust of Cedar is endeavouring to make the Salish Sea a World Heritage Site. You or a representative institution that you know can support this application by providing a letter or endorsing a resolution for a Salish Sea World Heritage Site. An application is being prepared to go to UNESCO in January 2017. If you have any questions or require further information, contact Laurie Gourlay, interim Director, Salish Sea Trust (Box 333, Cedar, B.C., V9X 1W1; 250-722-3444; SalishSeaTrust@ shaw.ca; www.salishseatrust.ca).

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Ground Search and Rescue

BY MARINA SACHT Recently Ladysmith Search and Rescue (LSAR) volunteers were recognized by the RCMP for their search and rescue of a 66-year-old woman who went missing in the Copper Canyon wilderness area this summer. The woman was lost for several days and searchers weren’t able to locate her position until they received a tip from a person out on a motorbike, who spotted a car in the ditch.

She was located after 21 hours of intense search. The female was found in critical condition and lying far from the car, just off the side of the road. They administered first aid, and she was airlifted to Nanaimo General Hospital and recovered.

“When I look back on the situation, it was very emotional for a lot of us,” says Allen McDermid, president of LSAR. “Her family was at the search site when they heard word that we had found her.

Just the feeling … I can’t describe the emotions that were going around at the time. That’s what we do — we train to

find people. We’re there to help people at their time of need.”

McDermid says not many people know about the group even though it has been around for over 50 years.

“Some members have been with us for over 50 years, and quite a few have been here for 25 to 35 years. We have a great age variance from about 19 years old up to 70 years old. A lot of people don’t realize we are ground search and rescue,” says McDermid. However, that role has

Ladysmith Ground Search & Rescue members Rob Kirkland, Mario Gauvin, Allen McDermid, Dan Marble.

Photo: Marina Sacht Opposite page: Swift water team training.

Photo: Allen McDermid

expanded the last two years with the addition of a swift water team to cover inland rivers and lakes.

“I sit with some of the members of the group in their 16-foot command centre.

The trailer doubles as a field office during call-outs. It’s an impressive office with multiple work stations, and stateof-the-art search and rescue equipment.

Equally impressive is that this was all put together by volunteers,” says Dan Marble, vice-president. The command centre allows them to hold two separate operations simultaneously.

Rob Kirkland, team leader, is on the front line. During searches, he is one of the team leaders who is in the bush. With over 36 years of experience, he trains members offering invaluable insight.

He says members are always needed, but be prepared to make a commitment. Training takes 100 hours over six months. You will also need a certain level of fitness. “You may be called upon to pack a 200-pound person on the stretcher through really thick bush, over creeks and through swamps, and it’s usually in the pouring rain in the dark,” says Kirkland.

While the commitment is huge, the benefits are many.

“It’s for people who like the outdoors, and it’s a way of giving back to the community.” After completing their training, members find themselves much more

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comfortable going into the bush, especially women.

“I teach them how to use a GPS, a compass, how to read a map and outdoor skills, such as how to light a fire or build a shelter.” The group currently has six women members.

For Kirkland, his satisfaction comes from being able to help someone. Like the time some salal pickers called to say their 14-year-old was missing in the bush, and it was dark. “ That feeling of saving some young kid is totally awesome. It definitely stays with you.”

Mario Gauvin, LSAR search manager, says, “People get in trouble around Heart Lake, Stocking Lake, even the Holland Creek Trail. And then there are people who go for a drive up a logging road without any thought as to where they’re going, they get lost, or put their vehicles in the ditch, and then we get the call because they realize they’re not getting out without help. The hitch is that once you get past that first mountain, you will probably have no cell contact.”

“The last two years, we really put in an effort to bring our equipment up-to-date and get what is needed by the ground search and swift water team,” says Marble.

Everything you see is either donated or fundraised. For many years, the members used their own stuff. Gauvin says that if

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they don’t have it, they look to other groups. He found three snowmobiles a few years ago through the Nanaimo Snowmobile Club in a search for five youth who’d got into serious trouble.

They had gone out in their four by four in 3 feet of snow and ran out of gas. It happened on a Monday evening, so they decided to spend the night where they were. The next morning one of the kids walked 17 km to a house to call his dad to come with extra gas. There was too much snow and the dad couldn’t make it, so he called the fire department, and they couldn’t make it either. “By the time we got called it was late Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.”

The youths were hungry and cold, they were not dressed for the environment. The two girls in the group decided to walk out around 6:00 p.m. They had walked about 10 km and it was 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. when they were found. “They were laying in the snow. In the first stage of hypothermia, you are cold; second stage, you stop shivering; and then you start to get warm — that’s pretty close to non-return — and those girls were warm, they were laying down in the snow just to take a rest. That would’ve been the end of it for them.”

When the searchers picked up the rest of the teenagers, they had decided to warm up by burning plastic and anything they could find inside the vehicle, so that would’ve been a dead end for them as well.

“A fun trip can quickly turn deadly when you are in the back-country. Treat it with respect. Tell someone where you’re going and how long you’re going to be there. Wear proper footwear and clothing because when you are in the mountains, it’s not the same as being down here. It is far colder and wetter, and once you get wet you have a hard time staying warm,” says Kirkland.

Pack spare clothing in your back pack, a toque, gloves, and especially dry socks.

And you should have a way to light a fire. “It’s not easy to light fires around here. There are great products out there, like fire-starters, that can help.”

“We are a growing organization,” says McDermid, “and we’re looking for new people.” Even if you’re not super fit you can lend a hand with other tasks to support these hard-working volunteers. For more information ladysmithsearchandrescue@gmail.ca of facebook: Ladysmith SAR.

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presario Award-winning duo.

The play runs December 8 and 9, at 7:30 p.m., at The Port Theatre in Nanaimo (250-754-8550). And runs December 13, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., at Duncan’s Cowichan Performing Arts Centre (250748-7529). Ticket prices: $28 Adult, $25 Senior, and $15 Student.

JamesandJamesy.com/o-christmas-tea

Old Time Christmas Ladysmith Downtown Business Association is once again hosting the Old Time Christmas event Friday Dec. 2 from 5 – 8 pm. Stroll down 1st Avenue sipping hot chocolate and experience holiday traditions including a candle lantern workshop, horse & carriage rides, fire pit with smores, a live nativity, choirs and of course Santa. There is so much for the little ones during the evening face painting, crafts, gingerbread decorating and the oh so popular Find the Elf on a Shelf.

Make sure to bring your letter for Santa and drop it in the North Pole mailbox.

This family friendly evening encourages locals to stay here and pick up that one of a kind gift for the special someone as stores will be open late.

Celebration of Light Join the Celebration of Light on Friday, Dec. 16, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Aggie Hall, featuring a fabulous lineup of bands: Skellig (host), Ryan McMahon, Littlehead, Sweet Potato Brown and JANZ, Terry Boyle and James Kasper, and carols by the Celebration Woodwinds & Brass.

This year’s event is to raise money for the Ladysmith Soup Kitchen/Food Bank and collect food donations for the Ladysmith Food Bank. Tickets are available at 49th Parallel Grocery Store at $10 each. “Because the tickets are so reasonably priced, we are asking that people come prepared to give both a food donation and extra cash where possible,” says Chris Burness, lead singer of Skellig and one of the organizers. Food items, particularly peanut butter, canned meat, fish, chili, stew, pasta sauce, baked beans, vegetables, etc., are welcome. Admission includes coffee, tea or hot chocolate and fabulous desserts donated from the community.

A Bows and Chorus Christmas with Yellow Point Singers At Oceanview Community Church on Sunday, December 11, at 3 p.m., hear the

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Plays at Ladysmith Theatre

Yellow Point Singers: Ainslee Young, Sharyn Andruski-Collins, Daphne Stabler, Doug Roszmann. Photo submitted.

35 voices of the Yellow Point Singers, directed by Doug Roszmann and Ainslee Young, along with accompanist, Sharyn Andruski-Collins. This year’s program includes a seasonal folksong from Mexico, a Swahili song about Christmas, a moody piece about winter weather and a familiar tune from the movie “Home Alone.” A new favourite is a composition by Gail Lund, a Gabriola Island resident. A lyrical song written by Alistair MacGillivray and arranged by Diane Loomer will feature soloists, and no choral concert would be complete without a piece by John Rutter.

This year’s guest performers are Fiddelium, a group of young Nanaimo musicians whose focus is fiddle music.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $25 for a family. Light refreshments will be served after the show.

British Comedy Duo James & Jamesy Bring Holiday Cheer to a Theatre Near You Acclaimed British comedians James & Jamesy make their debut in Nanaimo and Duncan this holiday season with their Christmas comedy “O Christmas Tea.” The 17-time Best-of-Fest winners invite audience members of all ages to join them in their action-packed quest to save the world from drowning in tea.

‘O Christmas Tea’ brings to the stage a celebration of ... joyous holiday spirit, sweeping spectators into an immersive adventure, leaving them bubbling with laughter and brimming with holiday cheer,” says Jamesy, the quirky and playful half of London’s three-time Im-

It’s a busy time for Ladysmith Little Theatre.

Sylvia continues to December 11, and “Divorce Sale,” opens January 26 to February 12, 2017.

In “Sylvia,” Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg brings home a dog named “Sylvia” who becomes a major bone of contention.

In “Divorce Sale,” a soon-to-be divorcee holds a garage sale, and her neighbours gather to help. In the process, their own marriages get the comic once-over.

Bernice’s suspicions about her spouse’s faithfulness are driving him batty; Ozzie and Kay seem to have the perfect union, but their friends have yet to learn the story behind it; and Wilma is convinced her late husband has come back as a plant.

Throw in a tell-it-like-it-is medium and a raucous séance, and you have a hilarious and look at the flip-side of marital bliss.

Christmas Spectacular The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of Christmas as well as an extravaganza of music, dance, lights and decorations. Now in it’s 10th year, it has become a family tradition on central Vancouver Island. This year’s singing and dancing extravaganza will include new Broadway hits, classical songs and Christmas favourites, as well as musical tributes to Johnny Cash, June Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and the Village People. As part of our tenth anniversary show, Elvis will once again grace the stage and the sights and sounds of Abba will be back by popular demand.

There will be songs from the old classic White Christmas as well as beautiful arrangements of Schubert’s Ave Maria and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. You can catch the show at the Port Theatre Dec 16, 17, 18 @ 3pm and Dec 14, 15, 16, 17, @ 7pm.

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11, White Gift Sunday, Ladysmith United Church, 232 High St., 250-2452183 18, 10:30am, Poinsettia Sunday, Ladysmith United Church, 232 High St., 250-245-2183 18, 10am, Children’s Christmas Pageant, all kids welcome to participate, St Philip Church, Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd.,

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250-722-3455 24, 4pm, Family Service, Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Rd., 250-245-5113 24, 6:30pm, Christingle service, a family service, St Philip Church, Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3455 24, 7pm, Christmas Eve Service, Ladysmith United Church, 232 High St., 250-245-2183 24, 7pm, Candlelight Service, Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Rd., 250-245-5113 24, 7pm, Christmas Vigil Mass, St. Joseph’s, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus, 250-246-3260 24, 7pm, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Bethel Pentecostal, 1149 4th Ave., 250-245-8221 24, 9am, Christmas Vigil Mass, St. Mary’s Ladysmith, 1135 4th Ave., 250245-3414 25, 10:45am, Christmas Day Mass, St. Joseph’s, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus, 250-246-3260

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25, 10:30am, Christmas Day Service, Ladysmith United Church, 232 High St., 250-245-2183 25, 9am, Christmas Day Mass, St. Mary’s Ladysmith, 1135 4th Ave., 250245-3414 25, 10am, Christmas Day Worship, St Philip Church, Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3455 31, 5pm, New Year’s Eve, St. Mary’s Ladysmith, 1135 4th Ave., 250-2453414 JANUARY 1, 9am, Sunday Mass, St. Mary’s Ladysmith, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3414 1, 10:30am, New Year’s Celebration, Bethel Pentecostal, 1149 4th Ave., 250245-8221 1, 10:45am, Sunday Mass, St. Joseph’s, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus, 250246-3260 1, 10:30am, New Year’s Day Service, Ladysmith United Church, 232 High St., 250-245-2183

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Keep your super computer humming It’s a fact that as you get older bodily functions slow down and parts don’t work as well as they once did. As I approach my “golden years,” I want to make sure that the years ahead are indeed golden, so I recently signed up for a oneyear diploma at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Nanaimo. I support their credo that the body is qualified to heal itself with a healthy whole foods diet and good lifestyle choices, and I want to find out more.

The 80:20 ratio of healthy to not healthy that works best for me. Fanaticism is no fun. It is recommended to limit intake of stimulants — caffeine and alcohol — but it is also recommended to eat healthy dark chocolate, so it’s not all bad!

Nowadays doctors regard pharmaceutical medications as “tools” to manage health. It’s hardly surprising that with cardiovascular disease the number two killer in Canada, doctors prescribe statins and ace-inhibitors to control cholesterol and blood pressure. I consider I made good choices by avoiding the birth control pill in the 70s, replacement hormones in the 90s and antibiotics in between — drugs with proven side effects that you have to take for the rest of your life naturally goes against the grain.

We are miraculous organisms, in charge of “super computers” made up of trillions of highly-differentiated cells, working synergistically to keep the body in a state of balance, homeostasis. There are 10 times the number of bacterial cells in the body than human cells, which makes us more bacteria than human. We

“We are only just discovering how microbes work, and the important role they play in good health.” are only just discovering how microbes work, and the important role they play in good health.

Make friends with friendly bacteria.

These microbes in our gut determine our overall health and even how we think and feel. Protect your gut flora by adding cultured (fermented) foods to your diet, such as miso, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut.

Drink more pure water (preferably reverse osmosis treated). Body cells consists of 60% water. The body relies on fluids for many functions and needs 12 cups of water per day. Four cups come from food and one cup, from the processes of digestion, so we need to drink seven cups a day of fluids. Most of us are dehydrated, which causes stress to bodily functions.

Pasture-fed meat and free-range chicken are the best source of healthy animal protein. Get high fiber plant protein by eating pulses, lentils, beans and split

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peas, and nuts and seeds on a regular basis. Keep your body pH alkalized (the pH of blood needs to be in a range of 7.35 to 7.45). Acidic foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, alcohol and most grains, while alkaline foods include certain fruits, nuts, legumes and vegetables.

Get healthy omega-3 fatty acids from enjoying wild cold water fish (halibut, salmon and tuna) or oily fish (sardines, mackerel and herring) once a week. Get healthy fats from cultured butter and cheeses, olive oil, avocado, flax and coconut oil.

Give your pancreas a break from pumping insulin (and avoid diabetes) by watching your intake of processed carbohydrates that spike blood sugar; especially avoid sugar in sodas and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) found in many processed foods. Eat nutrientdense carbs high in fibre, such as whole grains, that release glucose gradually as they break down in the digestive system (and keep you regular!).

Get micronutrients, vitamins and minerals from eating a diet high in organic fruits and leafy greens (B vitamins), and add seaweeds rich in minerals that we may not get from the rest of our diet.

As you get older, it’s wise to get tested for deficiencies, as it may be necessary to supplement your diet with a balanced multivitamin/mineral complex. (See the chart for the most common deficiencies).

By taking better care of your super computer, it will take better care of you.

Carolyn Herriot is author of “The Zero Mile Diet” and “The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook,” available at your local bookstore. She grows IncrEdibles! in

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New discovery shakes up our understanding of lichens We are used to seeing lichens in a variety of forms and habitats, ranging from long stringy species living on branches of trees where they may resemble moss, to small crusts on rocks, tree bark, pavement or roofs. Lichens lack a root system, so when they grow on plants, they are not parasites — they use the plant only as a surface on which to grow.

Lichens are a very old and successful group of organisms. They have been around since the time of the dinosaurs and can be found from sea level to the alpine; from the Arctic to the Tropics and even living in rocks (among the grains of rocks) or just blowing around and living

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where the wind takes them. They may be common, but let’s admit it, they don’t get much attention — not like plants or birds or mammals.

So let’s start with a definition of what a lichen is? It’s a fungus and an alga living together and liken/lichen it. This is a common joke among natural history interpreters when talking about lichens. As a joke, this may leave something to be desired; however, it does encode information. The discovery that lichens were a combination of two organisms goes back to the 1860s, and I suspect the joke is of that vintage as well.

The fungus provides the structure, but fungi can’t produce their own food. The algae or cyanobacteria can photosynthesize, but it needs a home. Living together is, therefore, mutually beneficial to both partners.

The joke and the definition of a lichen,

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however, now need to be updated. This year saw the discovery of the most major change in the understanding of lichens since that discovery over 150 years ago.

Turns out, there is more going on than what meets the eye (or microscope).

New research has revealed a third partner — a yeast. The presence of yeast as part of the makeup of the lichen may help explain some of the mysteries in lichenology, such as why lichens that look very different from each other have been found to be genetically identical.

By convention, lichens are given a scientific name, but the two species in the lichen partnership challenges the concept of species — a system of organization based on ancestry. This discovery only complicates that. Lichens are named for the fungus they contain. The alga in the partnership has its own name, but that is not reflected in the name of the lichen. The same fungus may be able to grow with different alga (and maybe yeasts), resulting in growth forms and biochemistry quite different from other partnerships.

Historically, these differences resulted in the lichens being given different names, but modern DNA techniques can reveal that the fungus is the same, and therefore under the present classification system, they should have the same name. My point simply is that the previously clean cut species concept is not so clean cut. While immensely helpful as an organizational tool, it is a human construct. Nature is complicated. Lichens may appear simple, but that simplicity is an illusion.

Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point ecoforestry@gmail.com

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COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID

Dec 5-10

Dec 1-4

5, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

1–31, “A Christmas Story,” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., info at 250-2469820 or www.chemainustheatre.ca

5–6, 7:30pm, “Nutcracker,” Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Port Theatre, 125 Front St., 250-754-8550

1–11, “Sylvia” by A. R. Gurney, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd, Ladysmith, tickets $25, reservations: 250-924-0658 or www. ladysmiththeatre.com

7, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

5, 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

1–Jan 5, 10am to 5pm, Nanaimo Museum’s Capturing Christmas — moments in time from winter and Christmas in Nanaimo have been captured by cameras for 150 years; for more information www.nanaimomuseum.ca

7, 6pm, In partnership with the Cowichan District Hospital, there will be a tree lighting ceremony in front of the hospital for more details or information re: Cowichan Valley Hospice services, call 250701-4242 (or 1-888-701-4242 in Ladysmith) and www.cowichanvalleyhospice.org

2, 4pm to 8pm, Ladysmith Museum will be open for the 5th Annual Old Time Christmas, 721 First Ave.

7, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

2, 5pm to 8pm, the LDBA hosts 5th Annual Old Time Christmas, downtown Ladysmith, featuring two horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, treats and more!

2, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Wayne & Gord at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942 2, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 2–4, 4pm to 9pm, Christmas Express, BC Forest Museum, 2892 Drinkwater Rd., Duncan, 250-7151113 ext. 23

7, 7pm to 8pm, St. Joseph’s School Christmas Concert, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus, 250-246-3191 8, 5pm to 9pm, Mistletoe Merchants at Aggie Hall, Ladysmith — local crafts, quality handmade products and direct sales items; admission: cash donation towards LaFF’s Family Centre program and/or non-perishable items for the Ladysmith Food Bank 8, 6pm, Family Christmas Dinner, Santa and his goodie bag, carol singers and dancers, The Cotton Club, 1975 Haslam Rd., call 250-245-5157 to reserve your table!

3, 8am & 10:30am (two seatings), LaFF’s Breakfast with Santa, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., tickets are available from the Frank Jameson CC starting Nov 1st, regular admission prices after Nov 21st are $8 / ticket with children ages two and under free, but still requiring a ticket; info call 250-210-0870

8, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, contact: 250-753-6905 or nanaimo@ taoist.org

3, 9am to noon, Christmas Pancake Breakfast with Santa, prepared by N.O.A.H.S. at the Cedar Community Hall, kids $3, adults $6, door prizes, crafts and fun for everyone!

3, 7:30pm, Vancouver Island Symphony presents “Holiday Spirit,” Port Theatre, 125 Front St., 250754-8550

9, 5pm, Christmas Dinner, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org; dinner at 6pm; tickets available at centre from 9am to 11am, members $15, guest $20 (one guest per member); entertainment by Centre Belles and Gentleman’s Choir

3–4, 10am to 4pm, Jonanco Christmas Craft Sale, corner of White Rapids & Nanaimo River Rd.

9, 6:30, Entertainment by Stew at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942

8–9, 7:30pm, “O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy,” Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo, 250-754-8550

9, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171,

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Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 9–11, 4pm to 9pm, Christmas Express, BC Forest Museum, 2892 Drinkwater Rd., Duncan, 250-7151113 ext. 23 10, 10am to 4pm, Ladysmith Primary Winter Craft Fair at the Ladysmith Primary School; if you would like to rent a table, please contact kbcgonzales@ gmail.com 10, 10am to 3pm, St. Joseph’s School Christmas Bazaar, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus; concession open with hotdogs and treats; for vendor info contact Christina 250-739-2810 10, 10am to 4pm, Handmade for the Holidays Craft Market, Nanaimo District Secondary School, 355 Wakesiah Ave., Nanaimo; donations at the door ($2 suggested) with proceeds to go to Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation to support local students-in-need; www.NLSF.ca 10, 6pm, Mt. Brenton Power & Sail Squadron Ladysmith Christmas Sail Past Transfer Beach, bonfire, refreshments, 250-245-8339 (rain date 11th) 10, 5pm, Christmas Dinner, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org; dinner at 6pm; tickets available at centre from 9am to 11am, members $15, guest $20 (one guest per member); entertainment by Centre Belles and Gentleman’s Choir

Dec 11-17 11, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts: “Welcome December” — Cowichan Valley Youth Choir at Chemainus United Church, tickets $20/$5 and $17 in advance, phone 250-748-8383, www.

ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca 11, 2:30pm, 7th Annual Sing-along Messiah Sunday, St. Andrew’s United, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo; tickets, adults $20, Under 25, $10, eyeGO $5, children under 12 free, available at the Port Theatre Ticket Centre, www.porttheatre.com, 250-754-8550; info at www.malaspinachoir.com 11, 3pm, Yellow Point Singers Christmas Concert, Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Rd., Ladysmith; for more info call 250-245-5113 11, 3:30pm to 6pm, FREE event, includes supper, games, Christmas crafts, songs and story — for children ages 0–16 and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. If you are looking for something meaningful for the holiday season, this

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is it! This free family community program is being offered one Sunday per month, alternating St. Philip Anglican Church and Cedar United Church.

Open to all faiths and no faith!

12, 5pm, 4:45pm, Bingo Mondays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 12, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 13, 1pm to 3pm, Senior’s Drop-In, “Toonie Tuesdays” coffee or tea as well as delicious home baked goodies at the North Oyster Community Centre 13, 7:30pm, “O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy,” Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 14, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 14, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 14–18, Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, this year’s singing and dancing extravaganza, Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo; info 250-7548550 or www.yellowpointchristmasspectacular.ca 15, 6pm, Family Christmas Dinner, Santa and his goodie bag, carol singers and dancers, The Cotton Club, 1975 Haslam Rd., call 250-245-5157 to reserve your table!

15, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, contact: 250-753-6905 or nanaimo@taoist.org

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Dec 18-24 18, 4pm, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Santa Claus Parade — the parade makes its way from Brown Drive to the school grounds on Davis Rd. 19, 7:30pm, “The Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas,” Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 19, 7pm, Cribbage Night, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 21, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 21, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca 22, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Taoist Tai Chi for Beginners, Ladysmith Primary School, 510-6th Ave., Ladysmith, contact: 250-753-6905 or nanaimo@taoist.org 23, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

31, 7pm, Chevy Ray — New Year’s Eve, Ladysmith, RCL 171, 621 1st Ave.; tickets $35, door prizes & snacks; 250-245-2273 31, 7pm, New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, The Cotton Club, 1975 Haslam Rd.; call 250-245-5157 to reserve your table!

31, 7pm, New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance, dinner at 8pm, dancing to Andy McCormack, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org; tickets $30, available at Centre from 9am to 11am 31, New Years Eve Celebration, Wildwood Forest ecoforestry.ca

January 2017 4, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 4, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

23, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Beverly & Ray at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942

6, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

23, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave.,www.rcl171.ca

6, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Sweet Island Soul at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942

Dec 25-31

6, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

28, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org 28, 7pm, Darts, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave., www.rcl171.ca

16, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

30, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-In Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, chemainusseniors.org

16, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Dave Spinks at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942

30, 6:30pm, Entertainment by Randy Lengel at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942

16, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave.,www.rcl171.ca

30, 7pm, Drop-In Pool, RC Legion Branch 171, Ladysmith, 621 First Ave.,www.rcl171.ca

16–23, 4pm to 9pm, Christmas Express, BC Forest Museum, 2892 Drinkwater Rd., Duncan, 250-715-1113 ext. 23

31, 7pm to 10pm, New Year’s Eve Entertainment

by Sweet Potato Brown at the Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd.; reservations 250-246-4942

7, 1pm, NCID By Election, 2100 Yellow Point Rd. 250-722-3711 7&8, 9am to 4pm, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Historical Society, Christmas Tree Chipping at the Fire Hall on 6th Ave.; donations gratefully accepted 26-Feb 12, Divorce Sale, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658

(above, l-r) 10, Mt. Brenton Power & Sail Squadron Ladysmith Christmas Sail Past Photo: Sprantic Photography 11, Yellow Point Singers Christmas Concert 7&8, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Historical

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) In a prior issue, I noted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 2015 Report on the residential schools had made 94 calls to action to redress the legacy of the residential schools and to advance the progress of Canadian reconciliation. Many of those calls to action are directed to federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal governments, with only seven directly involving local government.

Over the past five years that I have held elected office, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has taken positive steps to try to improve relationships with the First

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Nation groups, namely, the Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo), the Snaw-naw-as (Nanoose) and Qualicum bands. Most recently, our efforts in concert with the Vancouver Island University (VIU) culminated in the Witness Blanket being brought to Nanaimo. Early in 2016, a Protocol Agreement was completed between the Qualicum band and the RDN. This agreement is intended to provide guidelines on both how to deal with issues/concerns that may develop and also to progress matters of interest between the parties. Dealing with these matters in a respectful manner is key to the protocol agreement — in effect a communication guideline for both to follow. While a Protocol Agreement was signed with the Snuneymuxw First Nation on or about 2007, no subsequent meetings on implementation of the agreement were initiated.

On November 15, RDN directors — encompassing appointees from the City of Nanaimo, City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and District of Lantzville as well as the elected Directors representing the seven Electoral Areas — met with Chiefs and Councillors from the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation groups to begin the process of reconciliation. It is believed that this meeting is the first of its kind in British Columbia and, perhaps, within Canada. Each of those attending introduced themselves to the group, and highlighting what they hoped would be their desired outcome of these meetings.

It was a very emotional experience as all of the First Nation people had either direct or family histories with residential schools. As one of the Chiefs remarked, “In the past, the only way that our peoples could get any action was by way of creating or continuing conflict.”

He was hopeful that through developing respectful relationships, they could find better ways to get substantive progress on achieving solutions to issues without conflict. Another of the Chiefs touched upon the fact that whilst few of the Calls

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to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada directly involved local government, it was well accepted that improving communities fell to actions taken at a local government level — something that they were keen to participate in.

What was apparent to many was that a number of RDN directors had taken it upon themselves to develop mutually respectful relationships with the First Nation groups, both in their respective areas and beyond without waiting for protocol agreements to be implemented.

I would characterize this first meeting as “historic” and look forward to the prospect of having a community concept that encompasses those from both the immigrant settlers and the First Nations.

Achieving this will truly show that we are stronger together.

November 11, 2016, saw another Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens cemetery. The event was organized through the Ladysmith Branch of the Canadian Legion.

As one of the presenters noted, they continued to be impressed by the spirit within the community, evidenced by a turnout of some 300 people of all ages.

In laying a wreath on behalf of the RDN, I took the opportunity to give a shout out to the staff of Cedar Elementary School (formerly North Cedar Intermediate), who, on the preceding day, walked down Cedar Road from the school to the cemetery with the students from Grades 4 to 7 and held their own Remembrance Day ceremony. Under the banner of “Lest We Forget,” this was a tremendous teaching opportunity for those students — many of whom attended with their parents and grandparents on the following day. For those interested, if you search YouTube using Cedar Elementary students and Remembrance Day, you will find a video post of the event.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

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CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) 2017 Islands Agricultural Show: In order to give easy access to every community on the Island and thus to enable everyone to attend and/or participate in the Vancouver Island Agricultural Show, which is focused on Vancouver Island agricultural activities, it has been a long standing policy of the board of directors to hold the show in different locations. The locations alternate between the Cowichan Exhibition grounds and other communities who have expressed a desire to host the annual show. The 2017 annual Islands Agricultural Show is being hosted by Port Alberni on February 3 and 4.

The Islands Agricultural Show board of directors is working hard to bring you a show that is both interesting and informative. For the concurrent sessions, we have lined up excellent speakers to provide information on current topics.

While the show is focused on the agricultural community, you don’t have to be a farmer to benefit from this event; it’s open to everyone.

If you are looking for a family event, keep the 2017 show in mind — it’s both fun and educational for children and adults alike. The show will include everything from educational opportunities to having fun with chickens and other animals and a Trade Show that features various agriculture equipment. It’s also a great opportunity for producers to share ideas.

This show would not be possible without the assistance of the numerous volunteers from both the agricultural community and from the greater community.

The planning and work that happens behind the scene is critical to the success of the Show. The board is very thankful for their dedication.

I encourage everyone who is interested in agriculture — be it small scale farming, community gardens or large commercial farms to participate in this event.

For information about the speakers, the workshops, how to preregister online or how to volunteer, checkout the website www.iashow.ca.

Annual Christmas Lights Cruise: On behalf of the Mount Brenton Power & Sail Squadron, I would like to invite all boaters to decorate their vessels,

gather a crew and join the parade on Saturday, December 10, 2016. No vessel is too large or too small to participate.

The Christmas Ships will gather on the waters off of the Ladysmith Marina at 17:30.

For those who do not have a vessel and wish to view the annual Christmas Lights Cruise from the shore, the Kinsmen will once again light up a spectacular bonfire. I am told that hot chocolate may be provided to the spectators. Should the weather turn inclement, as it did in 2015, the cruise will be delayed until the next day — Sunday, December 11; the cruise will follow the same procedure and time as the previous day. Hopefully this will not be necessary.

For more information about the Christmas Lights Cruise, contact Mary Marcotte at 250-245-8339 or send an email to marym@island.net. This is an event you don’t want to miss.

North Oyster Fire Hall Project: The Fire Department and the CVRD are slowly making progress on this endeavour. There are a number of approvals required in order to proceed. One of the approvals that the fire department must receive is board approval for rezoning the small area of additional land needed to build a new facility. The fire hall land will be used in the same fashion that it is currently used; thus, approval of the rezoning application will not have an impact on nearby residents.

Rezoning land usually requires either a public hearing or a specifically worded notice in the local paper to inform the public and to allow them to have input. In order to keep this project on track, and because there is no impact to the neighbours, the board has given approval to the option of public notice in the local paper.

The notice of rezoning will be posted in a local paper as per provincial requirements. Please note that there is a specified time frame in which the CVRD can receive and consider any comments from the public. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the CVRD for more information.

The toll free number is 1-800-665-3955; if you prefer email, the address is ds@cvrd.

CVRD Area G (Saltair) SALTAIR HALLOWEEN as reported by Dave Key Centennial Park was once again the host for our annual Halloween celebration. Fortunately, it was a beautiful night, and as such, we had many costume participants, mostly 10 and under and many younger than six — very cute. Teenagers dressed up, and we also had many family costume participants this year.

The volunteers handed out goodie bags full of toys, fruit and Dairy Queen coupons. Grand prize this year was a tie, so one winner received one year of ice cream compliments of 49th Parallel Grocery, and the other winner received a complete family dinner donated by Panago (Duncan). Everyone was dressed so well; there were many ties, so everyone received a prize. Fun was had by all.

The crowd of more than 200 dressed for the occasion enjoyed the bonfire, fireworks and complimentary food. This year Saltair had the good fortune of Panago (Duncan) donating 12 large pizzas to help feed the crowd. As usual, the Evans family served the pizza, 15 dozen hot dogs, three vats of hot chocolate and 90 juice boxes. What’s not to like about free pizza, hot dogs and refreshments. In fact, the Evans had to close

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the kitchen early due to the fact that they ran out of food!

Big thanks to the crew that organized and safely fed the bonfire for all to enjoy. Also, big thanks to the fireworks crew that put on an outstanding fireworks display, worthy of our small community. Of special note, kudos to the people of Saltair, as clean up in the morning consisted of picking up two Styrofoam cups — way to look after our community. There were many long-time residents in attendance as well as a pleasing amount of new comers enjoying the event. Welcome to Saltair. A big thank you to our sponsors of this event: 49th Parallel Grocery, Great Canadian Dollar Store, Dairy Queen and Panago. Special thanks to the organizers of this event who help every year. The Key, Evans, Irving, Roe, Ahola, Rutti, Milne, Wright, Poole, Johnson and Dusseault families. And thanks to the Saltair Parks Commission. The event was once again a big success and enjoyed by many in the community.

WATER FILTRATION Over the years, Saltair has had excellent water quality coming from Stocking Lake as its source.

Testing is done regularly, and the water was treated with chlorine and ultra violet light. There has never been any reported negative health effects of drinking Saltair water. Recently, the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) also changed its standards and treatment requirements. Today they want all surface water that is drinking water filtered as well as treated. Previously, they changed their standards for turbidity in the water from 5 NTU down to 1 NTU — much harder to meet. Water filtration is very expensive, upwards of $5,000,000 or more as a ballpark figure or guesstimate, depending on which of the suggested three filtration methods that we could use.

What do we do? There are several options that have to be explored and the CVRD is doing so. One is to apply for a big grant to help cover the cost of the filtration system. The CVRD has applied for two of them and are awaiting on the results. The CVRD’s thinking is that the province has changed the standards, so the provincial and federal governments should help with the funding.

The second option is to look for a ground water source up near our treatment plant, so filtration won’t be necessary or required. The CVRD is looking at hiring a hydrogeologist to search out a groundwater source to substitute for the Stocking Lake source. If a new water source is likely, then a well or wells will be drilled to see if enough or adequate water is present to possibly avoid having to build a filtration plant.

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“Come the big one, all banks and financial institutes will also be destroyed. This makes room for a new world currency, which, in your area, is Lucky Lager.”

Emergency preparations There I was, like every other guy my age, at three in the morning, making yet another nocturnal bathroom trip. “Drink more water,” they say. Right. There’s a good idea.

I knew something was amiss when I kept walking in the clothes closet rather than out the bedroom door, which would have been the correct route to the bathroom.

Once I extricated myself from the closet, which felt a lot like wrestling an octopus, things didn’t get much better. I navigated down the hallway, crashing from wall to wall, much like an eight ball seeking a side pocket. If you’ve ever operated a circus bumper car after far too many gin and tonics, you’ll know the feeling.

That’s how I found myself with one foot in the toilet bowl while peeing in the bathtub. At first I thought it was a medical emergency as seen on TV, where the kids go, “Dad, Dad, are you okay?”

And Dad goes, “No, you moron, I’m not okay. The last person who used the toilet I’m standing in didn’t flush.”

It turns out that it wasn’t a stroke I was suffering from, but a power failure.

I was bumping into walls and walking into closets because I couldn’t see.

Life without a full moon and those little nightlights makes for a pretty dark place.

Yes, folks, it’s that time of year when all good husbands are busily fine tuning their emergency preparation plans, so they won’t end up like me, with bumps on their foreheads, some explaining to do about the bathtub and a very smelly foot.

If you were a Boy Scout or have Boy Scout tendencies, like wearing shorts in the winter because, I dunno, your knees have overheated, this means going to Canadian Tire and investing in the largest emergency response kit money can buy.

In it would be the necessities you would need to sustain life until the authorities had things under control: bottled water,

canned food, blankets, warm clothing, your favourite coffee mug and perhaps your bowling ball. These items are then placed into jumbo-sized Rubbermaid containers and labeled “Do Not Open Until the Big One.” THIS IS EXACTLY THE WRONG THING TO DO, and I’ll tell you why.

If you are a normal homeowner, every square inch of storage space is already crammed full of essentials, like every paper bag, cardboard box, or polystyrene yogurt container your wife and eldest daughter have got their hands on in the last fifty years.

This means the emergency stuff gets stored in your shop. If your shop is like mine, self built, it will be the first building to come down, burying the Rubbermaids under an inaccessible pile of rubble, should the earth move, the wind get up, or an overweight seagull dare land on your roof. That’s because the building is held together with maybe one tenth the nails that a real carpenter would use.

That makes it easier to take apart and do it properly when Ed next door, a man with a set square built into his forehead, drops by and pronounces it out of square.

I say why waste your time. Here’s what they didn’t tell you in Boy Scouts. Come the big one, all banks and financial institutes will also be destroyed. This makes room for a new world currency, which in your area, according to your phone book, listed right next to the emergency numbers, is Lucky Lager. If you have a large enough stash of Lucky, you will be able to trade with the full-patch BadenPowell types for all of the stuff that, in the event of catastrophe, would be buried beneath the mound of rubble previously known as your shop.

Now, pay attention because this next part is important. Dig a big hole in the ground and store the Lucky at least six feet down. Once the hole is covered up and grass replanted, do not rely on your memory as to its location. Many cases

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of perfectly good Lucky have been lost using this method. Do as your wife says.

If it’s important, write it down. Better yet have the coordinates tattooed on your forehead.

A perfectly useless piece of emergency kit is the flashlight for two reasons.

Finding one before the power comes back on is a challenge because its home is the cupboard next to the sink, along with maybe 10,000 assorted plastic bags — the ones you’ve been hoarding in the event the Hunt Brothers stop collecting silver and start collecting garbage bags.

If you do manage to find a flashlight, rest assured the battery will be dead. This especially holds true if you have a Costco membership, which guarantees not only will your batteries be dead, but you will have lots of them. The other thing you can absolutely count on is regardless of how many batteries you have, the one you need is not the one you have.

The only person in the whole world who has a flashlight that always works, and it’s a beauty with more candlepower than 100-year-old Aunt Biddy’s birthday cake, belongs to Ed. That’s so he can come over in the dark, after work, to inspect the framing on your new 12 foot by 12 foot, hopefully, square storage shed, shine his light up to the rafters and go, “Whoa Nellie. What have we got here?

A geodesic dome?”

The second line of defense for the prepared homeowner, and you’ll find them in every emergency kit, is the candle.

While candles might function well in a draft-free church, they don’t work so well in high winds and torrential rains.

Taking a candle to a winter storm is like taking a doughnut to a gunfight.

After that last outage, however, and the blows I took to the forehead, I’m taking some extra precautions. Until the end of winter, I’m sleeping in a full face motorcycle helmet, the kind with the flip-down visor that can be clamped down should I start snoring. Bet those Boy Scouts didn’t think of that.

P.S. Don’t forget to put a bottle of Casal di Serra, Umani Ronchi, an excellent $17 Italian white, in with the Lucky.

(On shelf at Terminal Park.)

Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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The Galápagos Islands, the hard way Looking for a little adventure in your life? Cedar residents Andrew and Janet Gunson have found it by exploring the world in their 44’ sailing ketch the Maiatla II.

BY ANDREW W. GUNSON We departed Chiapas, Mexico in December of 2015 aboard our sailing vessel Maiatla II, bound for Ecuador’s enchanted Galápagos Islands which lay 1000 miles to the south, straddling the equator in the Pacific Ocean. My wife Janet and I began this voyage from Ladysmith Harbour in 2012 and had been country-hopping through Central America, on our way to the Panama Canal ever since. Before making the final run for the legendary canal, we decided to first head offshore to find the archipelago made famous by Charles Darwin in 1885, who, after seeing all the strange and wonderful creatures living there, developed his theory of evolution.

Our crew was comprised of our friends: Mark Taylor, a veteran sailor; Nic Longo, our enthusiastic sailing and bluewater virgin. To round off the crew

was long-time crewmember Marina Sacht editor of TAKE 5. I anticipated the offshore passage should take between 8 to 10 days, arriving in the Galápagos on or before December 21st in time for Janet and Teri (Mark’s wife) to fly in for a tropical Christmas amongst the tortoises and marine iguanas.

I anticipated calm seas for the first few days then the wind should build from the south, making for a pleasant sailing passage. However, that’s not what happened. Our first three days offshore we had calm seas as we passed along the coasts of Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. It was beautiful but too calm, at times we were forced to use the engine when we could not sail. It was a pleasant time spent lounging on deck reading, listening to music and fishing, catching tuna and hooking a pair of ‘tail-walking’

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swordfish that ultimately got away. Sea turtles and dolphins were easy to spot on the smooth water and so were the schools of flying fish that would break the surface in a frenzy, gliding for fiftymeters or more before diving back into the sea. We even spotted a rare giant Leatherback Turtle that was over two meters in length basking on the surface.

Despite the pleasure cruise atmosphere, offshore passages can be dangerous when you are hundreds of miles from the nearest land, but here off the coast of Central America we needed to be especially alert as we were in heavily traveled waters used by runners smuggling cocaine from Columbia to Mexico.

Fortunately, we managed to avoid any encounters with these high-seas pirates.

Our troubles began on our fourth day at sea, when during the night the engine died and refused to restart after digesting some bad fuel. We still had 450 miles to go before reaching the Galápagos and it was farther still to turn around and head back to Mexico. We were engineless and solely reliant on our skills as sailors and the wind to keep the boat moving in the right direction, which proved frustrating.

Over the following days we encountered dead-calm seas, which left us drifting for hours aimlessly. Then followed the appearance of equatorial gales with torrential rain - gales which originated from the very direction that we wanted to go. Of course! We endured four exhausting days and nights sailing hard into the big seas that frequently washed down the decks, driven by combative winds as we attempted to fight our way

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further south in hopes of reaching our destination of San Cristóbal Island in time for Christmas.

On our ninth morning at sea, an apparition materialized in the form of a small island named Isla Pinta, our first deserted Galápagos Island but we could not stop even if we wanted to, as it was too rugged. The crew’s excitement was short-lived as the winds became light and we began to feel the effects of a strong westerly current. The beautiful island quickly became a real danger as the current pushed us close to the jagged rocks in the failing wind. For the next day-and-a-half we fought to keep Maiatla off the rocks of Isla Pinta, and then it’s neighboring Isla Marchena. We were

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Teri Marceau, Mark Taylor, Andrew Gunson, Janet Gunson, Eric Jaqueline who just rounded Cape Horn, Marina Sacht, TAKE 5 editor and Nick Longo in San Cristobal, Galapagos

now well inside the Galápagos archipelago and surrounded by islands and breaking reefs. To make matters worse, our brand new radar had malfunctioned, leaving us totally blind at night with dangers all-around, including other vessels transiting the islands. It was up to the watch on duty to be vigilant.

Thanks to the relentless effort and skill of the crew, the morning of our tenth day at sea found us safe in open water, less than 100 miles from our destination but the weather wasn’t done with us just yet. As we approached the equator, a series of gales armed with stinging rain hammered us. It was in the midst of one of these gales, as Mark and I threw a second reef into the mainsail and with Marina at the helm, we crossed the equator leaving the northern hemisphere behind, we sailed into the South Pacific.

For the following 24 hours the battering gales came and went.

Predawn found us closing in on our destination located on the western tip of San Cristóbal Island. We were a short eight miles from Baquerizo Harbour, but once again the weather gods proved to be fickle. As the sun rose, the wind that had been nicely driving us along died, leaving us wallowing powerlessly in a large swell. We were again dead in the water, helplessly drifting on a westerly current, away from San Cristobal. We were so close to our destination!

A couple of miles away was an ancient volcanic plug, Roca Pateadora or as the gringos and dive charters called it, Kicker Rock. The natural tower rises over 100 meters (300 feet) into the sky and as if cleaved in two by the gods, the plug is split from its guano-covered brow, down to the coral-carpeted seabed, creating a natural passage that the sea surges through. It was a spectacular and welcoming sight, that we would have loved to explore but we still had a problem with no engine.

When we first lost the engine I used our Ham radio to contact our cruising agent in the Galápagos and informed him that we were disabled and required a tow into the harbour when we arrived, but I didn’t think we were close enough just yet to give him a call.

I launched our inflatable dinghy with its 15-horsepower engine, and attempted to tow Maiatla, with little success. Fortunately, we were spotted by an Ecuadorian patrol boat that came over to investigate. After explaining our predicament to the

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The giant tortoise aka Galapagos that the islands are names after.

Blue-footed boobies.

ship’s captain, he called our agent who was quick to come out to meet us in a fishing panga which towed us the rest of the way into the harbour.

After eleven days at sea, eight of which were spent battling gales, we dropped anchor in Puerto Baquerizo, near a concrete jetty that we shared with the resident sea lion and marine iguana population. After clearing customs, we had officially arrived in the Galápagos and just one day before the arrival of our spouses. We would have a South Pacific celebration of Christmas.

Marina and Nick spent a couple of weeks in the islands before returning home. Mark and his wife Teri would stay with

us aboard Maiatla for three weeks before departing, leaving Janet and I to island-hopping around the incredible Galápagos Island’s before sailing for the Panama Canal in mid-February.

Check out the video series at youtube.com/take5newstvs.

Andrew W. Gunson resides in Cedar. He is a sailor and author of The Tahiti Syndrome- Hawaiian Style, Voyage of the Maiatla with the Naked Canadian. He is currently working on his third book chronicling the voyage of the Maiatla to Panama via Galagagos. Check out his books and follow the adventures at https://thenakedcanadian.wordpress.com

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The Christmas Eve fire that almost destroyed Ladysmith As the last of the Christmas shoppers hurried home on December 24, 1973 someone noticed the flickering light of what appeared to be a fire in one of the local stores. Indeed it was a fire. In fact, it was the first sign of a fire that would soon consume one of Ladysmith’s landmarks, Geering Store — a majestic threestory building built back in 1902. As the fire grew in intensity, a shopper on the street rushed into the Traveller’s Hotel and shouted, “Geering’s store is on fire.”

The bartender quickly looked across the street, saw the flames emerging from the building, and rushed to a phone. Within minutes, the Ladysmith Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene. Unfortunately, in those few precious minutes, the fire had spread throughout the building, and flames began to shoot out of the windows of the top floors. Luckily, the apartments that were located on these two floors were unoccupied.

Fire Chief Joe Grouhel quickly assessed the situation and realized the building would likely be lost. Now it was his responsibility to ensure that the fire didn’t spread to the rest of the down-

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Crowd watching Christmas Eve fire on First Avenue and Gatacre.

Opposite page: Geerings building engulfed in fire. Photos courtesy of Ladysmith Archives.

town core. He called for reinforcements, knowing that his department of only 29 wouldn’t be enough. Soon, the Chemainus and North Oyster Fire Departments were on the scene, and the three fire departments started working in harmony to fight the fire.

One of Fire Chief Grouhel’s greatest concerns was the fact that only 15 feet or so from the burning building sat a 500-gallon propane tank. Propane tanks are safe under normal conditions or near a fire, because they are designed to blow off gas through a safety relief valve when the tank heats up. But in this case, there was a problem. The tank was “very” close to the burning building, and this fire was described by some of the firefighters as a “hot fire.” A hot fire is much hotter than a conventional home type of a fire. In fact, the fire was so hot that the paint on the fire truck, parked a reasonable distance from the fire, had its paint scorched, and the windows of buildings across the street were cracking. Propane tanks can and do explode when the pressure inside the tank is greater than the relief valve can release. When liquid propane changes from a liquid to a gas,

its volume increases 17 times, increasing the pressure within the tank dramatically. In a fire such as this one, the heat can also weaken the metal of the tank. Had the tank “blown,” as seen in videos on YouTube, the destruction of the centre of the downtown core would have been massive, and likely the firefighters and the crowd of spectators that had gathered would have been killed or wounded from the fireball, heat and flying metal from the exploding tank.

Key to preventing this from happening was the need to keep the tank cool. The fire department set up a separate hose with a special nozzle to keep pouring water on the tank to keep it cool. Luckily, Jack McNaught, proprietor of the Traveller’s Hotel, who was had 16 years experience on the Saanich Fire Department, was there to help out along with others. It was reported that he “was able to handle the departments deluge nozzle on the (towns) new fire truck, and his experience enabled him to direct attention to danger areas.” It was also noted that he had cold beers from the Traveller’s sent over to help cool him off.

Over the years, the fire department had developed a master plan of how they would fight a fire in order to save the downtown core. Their plans took into account the different seasons, weather conditions and wind direction. As reported, one of the senior members of the department said, “we have fought this fire a hundred times over the years.”

With this plan in place, water screens were set up to prevent the flames from spreading to the other wooden buildings that surrounded the fire. A team worked from the roof of John Clarkson’s building, just to the east of the fire, to make sure it didn’t also catch fire. All this was

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happening while John Clarkson was rescuing important records and files and putting them in the warehouse for safety. In the end, the eastern wall of the Geering’s building was pushed into the centre of the fire to prevent it from landing on the Clarkson building when it collapsed.

On the south side of the Geering building was the W.C.T. Brown building (the present day site of the purple building next to the Pharmasave). At that time, it housed the town library, the Hobby Hut and, upstairs, the Sports Centre (a pool hall). Even with a water screen, the heat was so intense that it burnt the wooden door going into the Sports Centre. Likely, the building would have also caught on fire, but because the exterior of the building had been coated in stucco years before, it helped prevent it from becoming engulfed in flames.

The light from the fire lit up the winter sky, and as a result, the glow and the flames could be seen from many parts of town.

This drew many people downtown to watch the “excitement.”

So those that had been in the Traveller’s Hotel when the fire was first reported stayed, as they had ring-side seats to all the action. One story tells of some of the patrons sitting on a small bench in front of the hotel, with beers in hand, watching all the activities. An RCMP officer spotted them “drinking in public” and dumped out their beers onto the sidewalk before continuing on. Undeterred, they just went back inside and got another beer.

The Ladysmith Chronicle, in its write up, said Bob Geering, the store’s owner, was treated for shock over his loss, and to make matters worse, during the fire, someone broke into his car and stole some stereo records he had purchased as presents.

Almost all of the Ladysmith firefighters, and those that responded from the Chemainus and North Oyster Fire Departments, spent the whole night and into the early morning fighting the fire. On Christmas Day, many of the Ladysmith firefighters had to again leave their families and Christmas festivities to go back down to the building remains and put out various “spot” fires that broke out.

Luckily, no one was killed or seriously hurt, but three local firemen (two who lived in town — Murray Davidson and Barry Dashwood — and George Wrean, who was not a member of the department, but lent a hand) did receive minor injuries.

Ladysmith got off lucky that night through good planning and the dedication and skill of all those who chose to become a member of our and other volunteer firefighters. So over this Christmas season remember and give thanks for all those past, present and future firefighters that are willing to drop everything, even at this time of the year, to help all of us.

At least that’s as I see it...

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FOR SALE BUSINESS FOR SALE: Kitty Korners is looking for new owners. 9-year-old well-established 17room cat hotel with large client base. Best suited for a location in S. Nanaimo, Cedar, & Ladysmith area. Comes with everything you need — just move it to your space. Serious inquiries only.

Please call 250-740-5287.

FOR RENT HORSE PASTURE near Cassidy with trees, stable boxes for two horses still available. $100 monthly. 13150 Minn Road, Ladysmith. Come and have a look. Talk to Claus 250-245-5039.

WANTED - 1 BRDM SUITE OR COTTAGE from Saltair to Cedar. Excellent references, one wellbehaved cat. Reasonable rent, max. $800. Call Juhli 250-619-1743.

HOME & YARD BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS. Fishing, and sightseeing. Call 250-210-0787 or 250-245-4185.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives.

35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

BEADS BEADS BEADS ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-324-2227.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 CLICK START MY HEART PHOTOGRAPHY. January/February Valentines Special $125 pkg.

Weddings, family, boudoir, pinup, pregnancy, themes, etc. Facebook for more info, free shoots and specials. Call for consult 250-466-4571.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WANTED LOOKING FOR homeshare/home support in Ladysmith for a young woman with disabilities.

Prefer a single woman or small family. For more information, call Sandra at 250-818-7855.

BUSINESS MID-ISLAND HOME SUPPORT since 2009.

Personal assistance and house cleaning available. Bondable, licensed, certified and insured for your safety and ours. For the best rates around, please call 250-924-2273 (CARE).

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Web content, books, resumes, documents, prepare eBooks. Fiction or nonfiction.

For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE. Over 25 years licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing and maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical, etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756.

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BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com. For information and appointments, call 250-245-7738.

TAI CHI For mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Sept., Mondays at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am to noon $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.

YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS. Book four consecutive Relaxation Massages for $50 ea. (reg. $65 ea.). Other treatments, Chakra Balancing, Exfoliating Rubs and Hot Wax treatments. Call for appointment and brochure 250-618-8218.

EASY DOES IT FITNESS.CA, 1829 Woobank Rd. Cedar specializing in Beginning and Beyond, 18 different classes, $5 per hour or $3 for half hour.

Call 250-591-7665

NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING. Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250668-8383.

QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.

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.

KEEP IT CLEAN SOLUTIONS. Top to bottom service. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule. Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 1-250-709-1364.

SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. Specializing in fall & spring cleaning inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-9244735 or 1-250-218-4735.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. I also do odd jobs.

Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-6189217.

ISLAND GARDEN SCAPES.CA for all your garden needs, booking now for fall clean up. Call/text/ email islandgardenscapes@gmail.com or 250802-0461.

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.

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KB YARDWORKS AND HANDYMAN Services.

Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Senior’s discount. Call Karl at 250-714-2738.

HOME SWEET HOME CARE SERVICES. All care inside and out of the home; home care, house work, yard work and transportation. Contact Janice Jamieson at janjamieson101@gmail.com or 250-701-2909.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, facebook or your website. editor@take5.ca 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.

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now four locations: Victoria, Cedar, Parksville and Comox Valley.

Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com.

Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.

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THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Shanon or Bill at 250924-8809, Ladysmith.

ACTIVE, RESPONSIBLE single person the perfect candidate to look after your pets at your home while your away. I have many years of experience pet sitting for both cats and dogs.

I really enjoy this work, and love looking after animals. 250-618-2337 or sunbather@shaw.ca.

SENIORS LLYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcomed. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391.

SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, wheelchair ramps; interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project ready to to press. Available in print and e-book format.

Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. editor@take5.ca or phone 250-245-7015.