Beacon Magazine - June 2010 by EyesOnBC Publishing

JUNE 2010 vol 6 issue 73

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June 2010

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by Linda Tenney

uilding inspections in Area H? The question has definitely raised some eyebrows and ire in the community. A flurry of petitions, email and letters to local government proves, once again, that all is not complacent in the seemingly sleepy rural quarters of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). I’m an advocate of clear and truthful communication, and in the spirit of that, an excerpt from Paul Thorkelson’s email in response to community concerns, is presented here for your consideration. Am I personally for or against the implementation of Building Inspections in Area H? Well, for the moment, until I have additional and accurate information, I’m sitting on the fence. ~ LT

____________________

Paul Thorkelson, General Manager, Development Services, RDN: “I understand that a number of presentations were made at the meeting on the 18th and I also understand that many of those presentations have continued to propagate misinformation and inaccuracies that have been circulating in the community in recent days. I would like to take this opportunity to address some of what I understand you might have heard and provide clarity on those issues. You should feel free to share this information with the community you represent.

“Why the issue of building inspection has come forward again” Near the end of 2009 the RDN Board directed staff to review the building inspection service in the RDN and to investigate options and alternatives to building inspection including a review of broader implementation of the service on a region wide basis. This very comprehensive review was undertaken and resulted in a number of changes to the current service and funding model for building inspection and the discussion of the benefits and 4

/ June 2010

importance that building inspection plays in the development process and in helping the community move forward on the goals, priorities and visions established in the Official Community Plans. We face the mounting and ongoing challenge of construction not complying with zoning and DP and OCP and….and many other requirements, with no tool at hand to ensure that property owners and builders meet the standards that have been established by their very own communities. In addition, what also became clear through the discussions is how the provincial legislations that govern local governments had placed the permitting and inspection process at the centre of all development, construction and planning related legislation where it is intended to play a role of not only the regulation of construction practice (through the minimum standards it establishes) but also the ‘trigger’ for other requirements established by the community (OCPs etc) and finally as an important tool in confirming the completion of the various requirements. These ‘other’ requirements are in many cases much more important to our community and exist in the community now regardless of whether or not building inspection applies. The RDN spends thousands of taxpayer dollars on legal fees and staff time attempting to deal with these circumstances after the fact – resources that most certainly could be better spent elsewhere and would be if we had the permitting process and requirements in place. The topic of sustainability is the number one issue that our Regional District is facing in 2010 and beyond. The world is changing rapidly and we need to do everything possible to ensure that we are positioned to address these changes. Watershed and drinking water protection, for example, are key components to sustainability. The past four years has seen considerable change in our local community, region, province and national perspectives on sustainability. Through community input into our long range plans like OCPs, the Regional Growth Strategy and the Board’s own Strategic Plan the Board has been directed to work toward building a more sustainable region and is responding to those commitments

(and to provincial changes in legislation, such as Bill 27 that are placing more and more emphasis on sustainable community development). Building inspection has a key and central role to play in helping our community more forward in this regard.

“The process undertaken” It is important to note here that all of the discussions that occurred up to this time and information reviewed occurred fully in the public realm, was included on a series of public Committee and Board agendas (and as such publicly advertised) and was distributed to residents directly that contacted the RDN staff on the issues. In addition, the debate and discussion was widely publicized in the local print media, in online postings/blogs and in letters from Electoral Area Directors to their individual communities that were published in their respective local papers. Any suggestion that this process has been private and not in the public is misleading at best. With respect to the process the Bylaw amendments are following. Under the statutory requirements that govern local governments neither of the proposed amendments to the Regulatory Bylaw nor the Service Bylaw requires a public hearing prior to third reading and adoption. The Board has recognized the interest the community has on this issue and has directed staff to schedule the series of consultation events referenced above. The date, times and locations are available on the RDN website, through ads in the local media and through the link: www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=2201 The RDN Board has introduced a series of events (9 in all) where input from the region wide community can be received. The ‘public’ meeting held last Tuesday night (May 18th) on the topic was not one of these events. The scheduled consultation opportunities will be staffed at the Information Sessions and well attended by staff, elected officials and other presenters at the Information Meetings. Information gathered from the community at these events, provided to the Board (and public) through technical and policy reports and received through communications with residents (such as via your email) will be received by the Board and considered through the decision process and debate at the Board table.” ~ See page 12 for the schedule of meetings to be held in Lighthouse Country.

by SharOn Waugh

“Oh Solo Mio” – Mirella Trozzo of Biscotti Di Notte, baker extraordinaire of Italian Shortbread, Pizzelle, and Mercato Muffins – and of course, sumptuous Biscotti – is no longer at the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market. But don’t worry, you can still buy her gourmet baked goods from her home in Chartwell, Qualicum Beach, by calling 250-752-3637 or e-mailing your order to biscottidinotte@shaw.ca. You’ll also find Mirella at several upcoming venues this spring including; Art in the Garden, Nanoose Bay on June 12th and 13th, and at the Qualicum Beach Show & Shine on June 20th she’ll be located at Stellar J On Beach Cottage Vacation Rental (702 Beach Avenue). Buon Apetito! Accolades from the Vancouver Island Better Business Bureau have been received by Carolyn West-Price Touhey and Steve Touhey of Two Eagles Lodge, located on Highway 19A, between Buckley Bay and Union Bay, overlooking Baynes Sound and Denman Island. Carolyn tells us that they were thrilled and honoured to be selected as finalist for the 2010Torch Award – awards that recognize and celebrate regional

businesses that demonstrate excellent marketplace ethics and business standards. Visit www.twoeagleslodge.com to find out more about Carolyn and Steve’s business ventures. Congratulations to you both! We’ve gleaned this annoucement from the Parksville Chamber E-Flash May 18th. – you will be able to ‘Shop Naked’ in Qualicum soon! Naked Naturals Whole Foods Ltd. is pleased to announce that they will be opening a second location in Qualicum Beach, in the fall of this year. This five thousand square foot store will be a full service organic market and will enable them to better serve their customers. Following the success of the Parksville location, the new store will specialize in a full selection of groceries, produce, bulk foods, meat, baked goods and supplements. The store will be located in the Terra Verde “Green Planet” building, located at 670 Memorial Avenue with frontage on Fir Street. Jordan and Kris would like to give special thanks to the Town of Qualicum Beach, David Ney and Dean Dreger of Amplio Development Corp. for this opportunity, and, most importantly, all of their loyal customers who have made

this growth possible. Naked Naturals is located at 142 Alberni Highway, Parksville. Do you own a custom, classic or collector car? Dave Sampson of Oceanside Auto Appraisers is curious to know, “What does that car mean to you? Is it a reflection of a life well-lived, or a winter spent underneath it in your garage? What is it’s value? Insurance companies understand normal, everyday cars because that’s what normal, everyday people drive. They have no idea how to value your 30 year-old classic, or a hot rod you spent the last five years plugging away at.” Oceanside Auto Appraisers is owned and operated by Dave Sampson, who has spent the past twenty years restoring examples of the world’s great cars. They understand the cost, the time, the effort – the love – that you put into your project because they’ve done it themselves. Hands-on experience makes all the difference. “We don’t just like cars, we live them.” Dave invites you to make sure you lock in your car’s true value. To find out more please refer to the Oceanside Auto Appraisers ad on page 55.

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our events and exhibitions over the twentythree years since TOSH opened the doors. Congratulations to The Old School House Arts Centre”. ~ submitted

CORINNE JAMES AND RON HADLEY RECIPIENTS OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

orty-seven British Columbians representing thirty-two communities throughout the province were honoured at the 7th annual BC Community Achievement Awards ceremony held at Government House in Victoria. Lieutenant Governor Steven Point and Premier Gordon Campbell presented each recipient with a medallion on behalf of the BC Achievement Foundation. “These forty-seven individuals exemplify the characteristics and accomplishments of British Columbians who have helped shape our province,” said Premier Campbell. “They are citizens from all over the province whose contributions, leadership and inspiration have helped make British Columbia one of the best places to live in the world.” “They are dedicated individuals who share the most valuable of today’s commodities; time and compassion. What they all have in common is a passion for the people and places where they live and a strong commitment to making a difference,” said Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

Ron Hadley and Corinne James are the backbone of cultural life in the Town of Qualicum Beach and were recognized for their contributions at the recent BC Community Achievement Awards. It all happens at the The Old School House Arts Centre, affectionately known as TOSH. Corinne is the coordinator and oversees the art programs, classes and galleries while Ron leads the music series, which includes his popular Tuesday evening Jazz Club, Music on Sunday and the annual Harvest of Music. Ron and Corinne have revitalized this historic arts centre and strengthened the accessibility to art and music for the community and visitors alike. Whether it is taking art classes or bringing world-class music into the schools, entertaining seniors or engaging local artisans, Ron and Corinne show exemplary dedication, integrity and spirit, sharing the joy of the arts with others. Corinne James and Ron Hadley: “Thank you to those who nominated us, those who travelled down for the ceremony and the many kind words, cards and flowers. We feel this is not our award but recognition of the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers and the community support for

Food Bank Opens in Bowser As of May 2010, the Salvation Army in Parksville and the Kiwanis Club have teamed up to bring a satellite branch of the Oceanside food bank to Bowser. Wildwood Community Church, 113 McColl Road, has generously volunteered their space downstairs for the Kiwanis Lighthouse Community Cupboard (KLCC) once a month. To begin, pickup days will be the second Wednesday of each month, and we are ready to expand as needed. We are delighted the KLCC in Bowser will provide easier access for those in the community who can use our services. It will save the time, money, and effort of travelling to Parksville or Courtenay. Appointments can be made by calling the KLCC phone number, 250-757-8148. The deadline for scheduling appointments each month is 3 pm the Monday prior to pickup day. Booking early would be a great help to us. Food for the Community Cupboard can be dropped off at Tomm’s Food Village in Bowser. A priority list will be posted with the bin, and please feel free to call with any questions or ideas. In the meantime, we look forward to your participation in upcoming local food drives and fundraising events this summer. ~ submitted

Snap Dragon Goat Dairy

ISLAND PEOPLE

By Jane E. Burton

he next time you bite into a piece of Salt Spring Island Cheese you will be supporting Vancouver Island’s newest micro goat dairy, located on Holiday Road in Fanny Bay. Snap Dragon Goat Dairy owners, Karen Fouracre and Jaki Ayton, shipped their first load of milk to Salt Spring Island on May 10th, marking the end of nearly six months of painstaking preparations. Karen and Jaki have lived in Fanny Bay for fourteen years. They have experimented with different types of farming on their 1.6 acre property over the years but goats have been a part of the mix from the start. Selfsufficiency and having a dairy have been long-term goals for the farm. The dairy idea was relegated to the “when we win the lottery” shelf until last year. Two things made that goal a more realistic target. First, a desire to have their goats help pay for their upkeep and Salt Spring Island Cheese’s search for Vancouver Island sources of goat milk. Jaki, who works full-time in public health, has been showing the goats at exhibitions for a number of years. “I have quite a few goats now and quite a few purebreds and, they’re not cheap. They’re not the most expensive pets, not as expensive as a dog. We did some stats for the Vancouver Island Goat Association (VIGA) a couple of years ago and it is about $750 per year to keep an adult female goat. And when you start having ten, then it starts costing money. So it was like, gee, it would be nice if they could pay for themselves.” Thus, when David Wood, owner of Salt Spring Island Cheese, approached VIGA last year looking for new suppliers that would help him reduce his costs and carbon footprint, Karen and Jaki decided to see if they could make their dairy dream come true. The following months were filled with new learning and many challenges as they worked their way through constructing a facility that meets the stringent requirements of the BC Dairy code. Getting equipment to fit a micro dairy proved to be the biggest challenge. Karen: “One of the hardest things to do was find a dairy tank that was small enough.” Jaki: “There really

The next time you bite into a piece of Salt Spring Island Cheese, know that you’ll be supporting Vancouver Island’s newest micro goat dairy. Karen Fouracre (L) & Jaki Ayton (R) ● Jane Burton photo isn’t any micro dairy stuff, there is home dairy and big dairy and we’re just trying to feel our way through the middle.” After three months of searching they did finally find a tank that would work, but it was so much bigger than expected that Karen had to add eight feet to the milking parlour and processing building. I asked the two women if they had any suggestions for people thinking of setting up a micro dairy. Without hesitation they said the most important thing is to get experience with the animals, to perfect the animal husbandry. Jaki: “If you don’t have healthy animals you don’t have a good product.” Other advice included: estimate high on all your expenses, have a business plan and budget, and, be willing to be a farmer and make tough choices about culling your herd. Karen: “That took a long time to learn. That is a whole mindset. That took two or three or four years to start thinking that way; to actually be able to do it.”

Running Vancouver Island’s secondonly goat dairy will employ Karen full-time as they work toward reaching their production target of 300 litres of milk per week. If tending the fourteen milking goats plus the non-dairy herd, the chickens, hogs and ducks doesn’t keep her busy enough, Karen also hopes to open a farm produce and fruit stall. Karen and Jaki are very grateful for all the help they have received from their friends and neighbours to set up the dairy. They are looking forward to returning the favour and also making a list of everyone who has assisted them with the thoughts of throwing a party to celebrate. I’m guessing that Salt Spring Island Cheese will be on the menu. ~ Jane E. Burton is a freelance writer who operates her company Memorable Lines from her home in Fanny Bay.

/ June 2010

Local Paddlers Make Epic Journey to

the

Beginning of the World

by Lisa Verbicky

t’s 6 pm on an early May evening, and after several days of turbulent spring weather, the skies have cleared and now meet the sea on the southern horizon. Somewhere out there is where it all began, where it all begins. Here, the icy water of the Big Qualicum River shakes hands with its salty friend. An almost balmy wind dusts the glassy expanse across Georgia Straight in the Salish Sea ahead, clearing the way for safe travels. On shore, pebbles crunch under ‘flip-flopped’ feet, toes curling in anticipation of a cold first step in what will be a two-week, 81.5 nautical mile journey of body, heart, mind and spirit. The vessel, a brand new custom 36 foot, glass/Kevlar “Clipper” canoe is gently introduced to its purpose and its caretakers with a cleanse from ‘sea-river’ drenched cedar bows and a prayer song of trust. Then its oyster white Coast Salish inspired hull slips into the mouth of the river. This is the first practice paddle in the inaugural journey of the Kwa’luxw xum, or Qualicum First Nation canoe as part of Tribal Journeys 2010 from Comox, BC to Neah Bay, Washington State, home of the Makah First Nation. Up to eighteen local “pullers” (paddlers) at a time, the youngest at age ten, will pass through some of the most beautiful coastal waters in the world on a journey through the time and space of those who came before them. “Tribal Journeys is about reclaiming culture,” says Carrie Reid, one of the organizers of the Qualicum entry, who was also on the 2008 Journey from Fort Rupert to Duncan. “We travel like our ancestors did and become very mindful of the fact that they traveled this way all the time. My grandmother would go out in the canoe without an adult when she was eight or nine yearsold. When I am out on the canoe, I am spending time with her.” This year’s Journey has been named by the host organizers, the Makah people of Washington State, as the “Journey to the Beginning of the World”. “Our ancestors were fishermen, sealers, and whalers who made long trips out into the ocean, sometimes several hundreds of miles off the Washington State coast. After being in the ocean for such long periods of time, they would begin to look for land, or in their eyes, “the beginning of the world”, says 2010 8

/ June 2010

Tribal Journey’s Washington Coordinator, Crystal Denney. “This year’s theme incorporates some Makah history, and every Makah will tell you that Neah Bay, Washington is where the world begins.” According to local organizers, the tentative plan is that the Qualicum canoe, accompanied by a support boat, will launch in Comox on July 8th making landfall in Qualicum Bay that evening. There, on home shores, they will feast and rest up for their journey to Snaw’Naw’As, or Nanoose, the next day – one of the toughest legs of the journey, often beset with unruly winds and currents. The crew, propelled by beautiful scenery, traditional song and teamwork, will brave inclement weather, big waves, beating sun, perpetual bathroom breaks, fatigue, insatiable appetites, and long periods of monotonous paddling for the next six days, stopping at most First Nation’s communities on the East coast of Vancouver Island. At Esquimalt on July 16th they make landfall for ceremonies welcoming the southern end of Georgia Straight into the Salish Sea. On the 17th they will continue their journey into Makah Territory. At each community an elder from the canoe will ask permission to come ashore, upon which they will be Lis welcomed with friendship, aV erb food, and a place to camp, says ick yp Qualicum organizer, Tana Weir. ho Each morning they will set off with to an ever-growing number of canoes from each community until they reach Neah Bay on the 19th where there will be five days of “protocol” including gifting, dancing, drumming, singing, and a celebration of community. A land crew will follow the canoes with supplies, and those who want to switch-off will do so with spares on the support boat. “We anticipate about 100 boats and about 10,000 people in attendance this year,” says Denney, in Neah Bay.

continued from previous page Since its early beginnings as a celebration of culture about 20 years ago, Tribal Journeys has grown to incorporate drug and alcohol awareness and youth suicide prevention programs over the years, says Reid.

One of the challenges for the crew, he says, will be interpersonal dynamics of the type found only in a situation where multiple personalities must work with “one mind”.

“Tribal Journeys is a drug and alcohol free, family-oriented community, and culture building event,” says Weir.

“The first thing we need to do is get everyone in shape,” says Mansen. “If we have a large crew and are able to keep four resting at all times, with this fast canoe, we should be able to make good time.”

Jaime Fletcher, a youth worker with Associated Family & Community Support Services Ltd. (AFCSS) in Parksville and her twelve year-old son, Darian, will be along for the Journey. Fletcher, has been working with local youth under the “Canoe Journey, Life’s Journey” Life Skills and Intervention Curriculum of Dr. June La Mar and Dr. Alan Marlatt, of the Washington Addiction Centre. “Some of the youth we work with will come out for various parts of the Journey, even if it’s for a practice or a day paddle or more,” says Fletcher. Both Fletcher and Reid have been assisting some of the youth involved at Pass/Woodwinds Alternate School in Parksville to handcraft and paint their own traditional paddles for the journey. Tribal Journeys, says organizer Weir, can be a life-changing, personal journey of healing. According to former skipper Gary Mansen, who will be training members from the Qualicum First Nation to lead as skippers, camaraderie will be borne from common struggle on the sea, inspiration gained from encounters with sea life, friendships made, and culture rediscovered.

“Just to give you guys an idea,” he shouts to the canoe’s soggy, tired paddlers, part way through the evening’s practice, “we’ve only been paddling for a half hour.” The canoe comes to a slow glide and stops among a chorus of groans, gasps and surprised laughter, followed by a sobering silence. Then one of the young paddlers shouts out, “I’m so going to do this!” Organizers of the Qualicum First Nation entry into Tribal Journeys 2010 are out in the community now selling raffle tickets, with an amazing variety of First Nations-inspired prizes, to help cover the expense of supplies and their support boat. They are also looking for a small sail for their canoe. For more information on Tribal Journey’s 2010, The Journey to the Beginning of the World, visit http://paddletomakah.org/ ~

/ June 2010

Water Studies are a Major Point of Contention for Raven Project By Jane E. Burton

oncern about the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine’s impact on local aquifers is a major focus of the debate about the mine proposed for the Fanny Bay area. How to best evaluate the water to ensure it will not be disrupted by the mine is emerging as a major point of contention in the lead up to the provincial environmental assessment. The first request for aquifer mapping was made by Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition in a letter to mine proponent Compliance Coal December 1, 2009. Their reasons were: “Without knowing where the underground water is, its relation to streams and wetlands, its nature and composition, and its relationship to other aquifers from which drinking water is currently drawn for the communities, it is impossible to assess the impact the mine might have on that water.” In April CoalWatch Comox Valley began to lobby local governments to request aquifer mapping. Campbell Connor told the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) April 20th: “There is much concern regarding the potential negative impact of this mine on water aquifers, salmon streams, and the shellfish industry. Data provided by the proponent themselves reinforces the anxiety.” The CVRD Board subsequently passed a three-part motion that includes a request for the BC government to map the aquifers in the area so the data can be used in the environmental assessment. CVRD Area A Director Bruce Joliffe moved the

/ June 2010

motion: “There are issues that are being directly brought forward to us and we need to be able to let people know that these are concerns all around.” Courtenay City Council passed the same threepart motion at its May 17th meeting. The motion also makes requests related to the public comment process and the federal environmental assessment.

Jane Burton photo

In the Regional “There is much concern regarding the potential negative impact of this mine District of on water aquifers, salmon streams, and the shellfish industry,” said Campbell Nanaimo (RDN), Connor at the Comox Valley Regional District presentation • April 20 2010 Area H Director Dave Bartram has been working to ensure that his constituents the question “is the quantity and quality of have input to the mine decision. Through drinking water. What affect will this have his work the RDN has secured a spot on the given that our Deep Bay, Bowser and the environmental assessment working group Spider Lake community water all come from for a staff person who has experience in the same aquifer basically?” the coal mining industry. Concerns range In March the Raven Project released a from environmental and economic to social. groundwater information bulletin. They Specifically related to water, Bartram said continued on page 38

“In one study we were watching newlyweds, and what often happened with the couples who ended up in divorce is that when a partner would ask for the credit, the other spouse wouldn’t give it…When you nod and say ‘uh-huh’ or ‘yeah’, you are doing that as a sign of support.” The woman in that doomed marriage never gave any signs of support.*

The Importance of Saying ‘Uh-huh’

BY JOANNE SALES

e had a major communication breakdown at our house last April. We love having international visitors, but these three visitors were not from a different continent – they were from a different planet. After three weeks of misery, I figured out what the problem was. They had learned good English, but they didn’t know how to say, “uh-huh”. In North America, when someone is talking to us, we look at them. We grunt and make sounds that show that we are listening. Uhhuh. Yeah. Huh? Eh? All of these guttural punctuation marks mean, “Yes, I hear you. I’m here.” In India, they wobble the head. In Japan, there is a gentle vocal ascent. I didn’t realize how much the happiness of my day depended on those vocal grunts and groans – until they were gone! But for three weeks, at our kitchen table, when I would talk, these three visitors didn’t say or do anything. Sometimes they would stare at me, more often they would stare at their eggs. I tried staring at my eggs. It didn’t help. Years ago, the first time I was in a gym, I was riding a stationary bike and having a great time watching my heart rate. I pedalled harder to watch it rise. Suddenly, there was no heart rate. The machine said zero. My first thought was – Oh no, am I dead?

Well, after a couple weeks of dead-end conversation with our unresponsive guests, I had the same thought. Am I dead? Am I alone in an imaginary kitchen? Are these people puppets? I like peaceful silence, but I don’t like tension. The failure to communicate created all kinds of undercover resentments. Without the customary sounds of human interaction, I felt like they were giving me the cold shoulder – which they were. I was sure they didn’t like me – which they didn’t. I was not having fun. This situation made me realize that simple communication skills, and agreement on method, are critical. On this small planet, lack of agreement can be life-threatening. A conversation is a two-way interaction, even when only one person is speaking. We need a response to feel safe, to feel support, to explore new ground. The word ‘responsibility’ is made up of two parts: response and ability. Responsibility is the ability to respond. To listen, notice, be aware – and make a response. Scientists consider the ability to respond to be a sign of life. Psychologists consider it a sign of a lasting marriage. At the University of Washington, researchers studying the vocal and visual cues of newlyweds, became quite adept at being able to predict which marriages would last, from only a few minutes of videotape.

Our doomed relationship with our guests didn’t end up in divorce, but I did end up in prolific tears. It was only after that embarrassing public display, that I realized the problem. So on the last day, I drew the woman aside – for they were not bad people. As she going to be visiting Canada for a year, I thought she might want to learn a new word in English. The word, I said, is ‘uh-huh’. We use that word (or one like it) to show that we’re listening, that we’re interested. It’s kind of like a dog wagging its tail. It means, “I’m friendly. Don’t worry.” We humans are always communicating – thoughts, feelings, information and attitudes. ‘Vibrations’ was the word of choice in the 60s – good vibes or bad vibes. We are thought and feeling transmitters – and we can’t turn ourselves off. We’re always transmitting something…even when we’re doing nothing…even when we are simply perceiving. In the movie Avatar, the highest respect shown to another person was to say, “I see you.” So, let me take this moment to say to those of you who read this column, thanks for being there! “I see you.” ~ *Blink, Malcolm Gladwell, p25. More from Joanne on this topic: www.joannesales.com Joanne Sales is an organic blueberry farmer, writer and EFT Counselor living in Qualicum Beach. joanne@glasswing.com.

/ June 2010

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Sliding into Summer by Kim Longmuir

ummer is the easiest season to “slide” into. Unfortunately, on the west coast, this much loved and awaited season often fools us into thinking it might never arrive, as experienced by any of you who participate in spring evening activities. I never pack away my track and field coaching layers and gloves too soon! Ooooh, but once summer arrives I like to savour the days as long as possible.

It is wonderful to see so many active people in Lighthouse Country. I see you in your gardens, biking and walking as I wind my way throughout the community. Best of all I see you out playing with your families, usually with a ball that you are throwing, kicking or chasing. There are many Regional District of Nanaimo recreation programs happening in the community right now with more coming up to keep you moving. Head over to the Lighthouse Community Field on a Saturday morning at 9:30am to cheer on the smiling preschool faces playing tot soccer with Qualicum Bay Mom and leader, Lori Chesley. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bowser Elementary School, there are plenty of giggles and fun at Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Crazy for Games. Head out to the parking lot of Wildwood Community Park on Sunday, June 20th at 9am to explore the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail for a walk or run with long time runners and Qualicum Bay residents, Heather and David Beatty. A yummy breakfast always follows at the Sandbar Café! Summer camp is also just around the corner for Lighthouse children. Bowser Breeze camps, at Bowser Elementary School, are running July 12-16 and August 16-20, 8am-5pm. These day camps are open to children 6-12 years and children will be treated to a week of drama, crafts, and games all close to home. If anyone is interested in a fall and winter day time cardio strength and stretch program at the Lighthouse Community Centre, please email or call me as I have an instructor who is willing to instruct if there is enough community interest. Also watch for a day time yoga class in the fall to complement the very successful evening classes that Fanny Bay resident and teacher Fiona Mackey has been offering. If you have any ideas for new RDN programs or can offer your talent as an instructor, please contact me in my office, located in EyesOnBC (Beacon Magazine) on Mondays, Wednesdays and most Thursdays, at 250-757-8118 or 250-240-4911 (cell) or email me at klongmuir@rdn.bc.ca. Happy summer to all of you! ~ Current Lighthouse Country RDN program listings can always be found on the Community Events page 48.

Sharon Waugh photos

Walking with Root Woman

COW PARSNIP

by sharon waugh Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” - Frank Lloyd Wright

t’s the eve of press deadline and I know I am cutting it close to getting my own article submitted but a wonderful opportunity presented itself late last month to join ‘Root Woman’ on a local walkabout – educator, eco-herbalist, lovingly referred to by her colleagues as the “silver14

/ June 2010

haired plant whisperer” – the delightful conservationist and conversationalist, Kahlee Keane. When the law of attraction is fueled by universal synergy it was no surprise when Kahlee’s new book Wild Medicine of Coastal British Columbia arrived on my desk and within a few ping-ponged e-mails a walk in the woods at Rosewall Creek was set in play with this protective advocate of indigenous plants. So, I was ready to head out the door packaged in full rain gear, notepad snugged in a protective ziploc, fresh batteries in the camera

and then I remembered the supplement bottle on the counter – a reminder to knock back the last few herb-filled capsules of my annual spring detox. Hmmm...how ironic when I think about where I am heading...hadn’t really thought about how disconnected I was to the plants that were commercially rendered for the ease of my self-treatment. Have you been to Rosewall Creek Provincial Park? I’m usually a stickler for logging a minimum number of kilometres when I set out in the woods; a jaunt geared for raising continued next page

the heart-rate and creating sweat on the brow, so up to the falls is the Above: Kahlee ususal route. But this sauntering hour and a half with Kahlee on the lower Keane examining loop was equally as conditioning making the heart-full of appreciation while viewing the plants thru her lens of reciprocal respect. A wellDevil’s Club intended compliment and acknowledging gesture fom Kahlee would start the flow of introduction of her friends to me, the guest, selectively dispensing the medicinal properties of each plant with the physical ailment it would impact. Listening was easy in this outdoor classroom while instructed how to carefully gather the bark or leaves, the ethical ins and outs of harvesting the roots, choosing processing methods – teas or tinctures, salves or ointments – and always the gracious appreciation for the gift of healing offered by the various plants. In a short woodland stretch we met Pacific Bleeding Heart for ‘calming the cycle of grief and shock following an accident, illness or death’; Western Trillium and it’s abortive properties; discussed the gentle anesthetic effects of crushed Cow Parsnip seeds to reduce inflammation around teething, and the antiinflammatory benefits on lymph of the clingy Sweet Scented Bedstraw. When I mentioned my past bush battles with Devil’s Club (there’s even dislike built into it’s Latin name Oplopanz horridus) Kahlee laughed and verified its west coast First Nations reference as being a warrior plant. In her Wild Medicine book, she discusses the assignment of intellectual property rights of the traditional and local knowledge of First Nations peoples of plants such as Devil’s Club, and the potential for retaining the rights to compensation for future commercial harvest and the retail sale of herbal products. A perfect point to launch into the protection of wild medicinal plant communities and the guidelines of ethical wildcrafting... always asking “what is my intention in harvesting?”

Find us here... • on Twitter www.twitter.com/BeaconMagazine • on Facebook Search for us as EyesOnBC • on our Blog beaconmagazine.blogspot.com • on our own developing Website at www.eyesonbc.com

It was a great morning to be reminded of my responsibility to strengthen my connection in nature and at the suggestion of Kahlee, I am going to intentionally choose to change my purchasing behaviour to selecting more native plants over imported cultivars for building my garden. And for subsequent forays into the woods, I will continue to hone-up my plant recognition skills and assimilate more of Kahlee’s awareness and love for her living Earth. Many thanks to you! ~ Wild Medicine of Coastal British Columbia can be purchased at EyesOnBC in Bowser, and thru www.gaian.ca. / June 2010

credit: out there photography

Beth Marie Anderson

HITTING THE OPEN ROAD

By David Morrison

he day before I interviewed delightful Beth Marie Anderson for this piece, I happened upon a magazine Q&A with Ugly Betty actress, America Ferrera. When asked ‘Has playing Betty given you a different perspective on the role beauty plays in a woman’s life?’ Ferrera answered: “Definitely. In Hollywood there’s a certain role that women fill, and it’s usually to be eye candy. I’m pretty lucky that I’ve gotten to play parts that ask what a woman has to offer if she’s not perfect and beautiful.” Another such role was as Ana Garcia in Real Women Have Curves (2002), a movie in which the issues of self-image and societal expectations of how women should look and ‘be’ are raised. Of course, unavoidably tied up in these conformist expectations are cruel prejudices. A classic high profile example of this would be Susan Boyle: before she opened her mouth to sing and wow the world, the studio audience sniggered and rolled their eyes at how frumpy and eccentric she appeared. Then 20 seconds into that dazzling debut performance, Britain’s Got Talent co-host, Ant

/ June 2010

McPartlin, turned to the camera to say: “You didn’t expect that, did you? Did you? No!” Why on earth shouldn’t we have expected that? Because this kind of prejudging cynicism is in all of us – in your community and in mine – as it’s a flaw of our species. That’s why. And 22-year old Qualicum Beach country singer Anderson is one who has been subjected to it. First and foremost, as clearly exhibited on her debut CD release, Open Road (Independent, 2010), Anderson is a very good singer indeed. Her voice is clear, pure and powerful. It is equally comfortable delivering epic ballads (Fallen Angel), swaggering country-rock (Love Don’t Even Know My Name), delicate bluegrass (No Yellow Brick Road) or even tackling a challenging classic like Unchained Melody. Yet in the past, in the minds of some, this has not been enough. This young lady is open about the battle she has had with her weight, to which end she has shed an inspiring 80+lb in the last couple of years. Back in May 2008 when, for this publication, I covered the Mosaic Youth Showcase at which a larger Anderson performed, she was singing mainly arias and show tunes.

“I was completely comfortable with who I was,” she recalls. “When I was doing my classical and musical theatre and such, I had no problem stepping on a stage because I knew that when I opened my mouth people could hear that I can sing. But when I started doing country music, no one would take me seriously. And once I tried out for a part in musical theatre, and I know they wanted my voice and abilities, but they gave it to a girl with less of a range (Anderson’s is 3.5 octaves) who was much smaller. I got angry and thought: ‘Why? I’m just as good!’” Isn’t it interesting how double standards within the prejudices examined here are such that it is deemed acceptable or ‘normal’ for opera singers to be large people – Montserrat Caballe, for example – but not, as in this instance, for country singers to be? To my mind there is as much logic to this as there is to the notion that wearing a suit makes a person better at a job than if they did not wear one. Anyway, driven by her annoyance at this rejection, Anderson made the decision to get serious about losing weight. “I thought: ‘If I’m going to be able to get the roles I want I’m going to have to change something,’” she continues. “Also, I started thinking about all the money I might save on clothes. So it started with my anger at not getting the part, then it was more about my health, then it was more just about me. Now people can see that I’m real, and that you don’t have to be as skinny as Taylor Swift, but I definitely think it’s very wrong that you can be super-talented and not be taken seriously.” With her Nashville-crafted CD now out and gaining attention from country radio, critics and fans alike, I’d say Anderson is having the last laugh at such as whoever was responsible for casting that part. Everything is going just great for her in 2010, which is all the more remarkable when considering she only decided to record an album last August. Moreover, she only started singing seriously five years ago. Why, though, when she’d spent most of that time immersed in musical theatre and operatic material, did she suddenly make the switch to country music? “Well, I grew up listening to country like Patsy Cline, a lot of Jim Reeves and Diamond Rio,” Anderson explains. “Country always felt the most comfortable to me because it tells stories, and with country

there’s often a twist in the story at the end of the song, which I really like. When I was little I wrote poems, so listened to country songs to get ideas for poems. Little did I know that later on they would turn into my own songs!” And little did Anderson also know that she’d end up in Nashville, the world centre of the genre, collaborating with seasoned songwriting and production professionals like singer-songwriter Marc-Alan Barnette, who has written for Shelby Lynne and shared stages with the ilk of Charlie Daniels and some dude named Garth Brooks. Not exactly a bad way to launch a career, is it? The result is Open Road, the title a metaphor for setting out on the path of discovery that is Anderson’s new life in music. The album is peppered with songs relating to the experience of getting out there, her lyrics loaded with excited anticipation at what may lay ahead: I’ve got new beginnings / I’ve got second chances / I’ve got new horizons just waiting for me (New Life). It’s a confident and immaculately produced and performed debut referencing Coombs in the touching tribute to Anderson’s sister, Erin (Right Here With Me), adding a lovely downhome touch to its universal pop-country appeal. The next rung for Anderson comes on July 1 when she plays an hour’s set opening for Canadian rock legends Trooper as part of the Parksville Canada Day celebrations in Community Beach Park. You could say her excitement is tangible: “I’m so stoked! I love big crowds!” she gushes. “But if you’d have told me when I was in Grade 10 I’d end up singing in front of thousands of people I wouldn’t have believed you because, in Family Studies class, I used to make people turn around in their seats to sing to them, so nobody could look at me as I would be so nervous.” My, how things have changed, and will continue to change, for Beth Marie Anderson. If only human attitudes to ‘judging books by their covers’ could dramatically change accordingly, so people of all shapes and sizes would be viewed not on how we feel they should look, but on the joy they bring to the world. Oh well, I guess we can dream… ~ For further information about Beth Marie Anderson, please visit www.bethanderson.ca and www.myspace.com/bethmarieanderson

Oceanside Tourism’s Luba Plotnikoff New Travel Media Director

he’s a new face to the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) board, but she’s a familiar face in Parksville-Qualicum Beach. Luba Plotnikoff, Travel Media Relations for the Oceanside Tourism Association has been elected to the TMAC Board of Directors. At their recent 2010 Annual General Meeting, Luba was asked by a number of journalists to put her name forward to take a more active role with this important media organization. “I have been an active supporter of TMAC for over six years, attending annual conferences, building relationships with journalists and fellow industry colleagues that when asked again if I would put my name forward as a director, I thought yes, I am ready, the timing is right for me to take a larger role with an association I value and respect,” Luba says. The Travel Media Association of Canada – Canada’s premier media association brings together travel media and tourism industry members to foster excellence, uphold ethical standards and promote professional development within the industry. “I am proud to have been elected and can look forward to an exciting year working with interesting and passionate media and industry professionals, as I continue to promote the best of Parksville and Qualicum Beach to the masses,” she says. ~

/ June 2010

The School for Scandal C

an you hear Ethel Merman belting out “Another opening, another show” – the doors are open let’s go, go, go!! The School for Scandal is a perennial theatre favourite that you will not want to miss and the last play in ECHO’s 2009 – 2010 theatre season. Set in the Georgian period, both the costumes and the set are sumptuous and have been a challenge for both costume and set makers. If you attend live theatre for your eyes to enjoy a visual delight this is definitely the play for you. If you prefer the emotional interplay and characterization twixt the actors and the witticisms that roll trippingly off the tongue then this is also the play for you. A reviewer in Variety noted of a 1995 production starring Tony Randall as Sir Peter Teazle, that Sheridan’s play was “such a superbly crafted laugh machine, and so timeless in delivering delectable comeuppance to a viper’s nest of idle-rich gossipmongers, that you’d practically have to club it to death to stifle its amazing pleasures.” A New York production of 2001 prompted praise in the New York Times for being ‘just the classy antidote one needs in a celebrity-crazed world where the invasion of privacy is out of control, but the art of gossip is nonexistent”. After you have dined with friends and spent your evening with ECHO Players at the Village Theatre at any of the performances, from June 9th to 27th, we welcome your review of Michael Armstrong’s production of The School for Scandal, and remember to purchase your tickets for our next season to commence in September 2010 – there will be a special surprise for an early bird draw. Stay tuned for more details in the fall. ~ submitted by Aileen Fabris The ECHO Players’ box office is located at the Village Theatre, 110 West Second Avenue, in Qualicum Beach. Tickets may be ordered by phone; please call 250-753-3522 www.echoplayers.ca

Presented with the generous assistance of the Youssef-Warren Foundation

wed - sat

/ June 2010

AN ISLAND PROFILE

Carollyne Haynes:

And she lived happily ever after... BY SHIRLEY CULPIN

Shirley Culpin photo

nyone who has read Carollyne Haynes’ autobiographical novel about her fractured adolescence might find it very difficult to believe that a person could live a happy life after suffering sexual abuse by her father, neglect and abandonment by her mother, separation from her siblings and growing up in an institution for children. It says much for the human spirit, and Carollyne’s in particular. The book is titled Raised by Committee, referring to the Children’s Committee that made virtually every decision about Carollyne’s life and future from the time she was 12 until she was 18. Every family visit, every educational undertaking, where she resided – in effect, every aspect of her life – came under the scrutiny of the committee before she was allowed to do many of the things that most of us take for granted. Raised by Committee is a riveting read, but not for the faint of heart. The happy ending, however, is a pleasant surprise and an uplifting gift. Carollyne now resides in Qualicum Beach with her husband Jim. They share a cosy vintage home with pretty gardens, a gently sagging verandah and charming rooms that radiate ease and comfort. Carollyne’s journey through life has been tumultuous to say the least. However, one decision she made towards the end of being raised by the Children’s Committee has stood her in good stead over the years. Her excellent school grades prompted her superiors to encourage her to carry on to university, but Carollyne decided she would be better off getting training that would allow her to enter the job market, thereby allowing her to support herself and never again have to rely on others. The secretarial courses that she took were critical to her future and have taken her in many different and interesting directions over the years. After leaving Devon and working in London, England for two years Carollyne decided to come to Canada and, as she puts it, ‘see the world’. “I had actually landed a job in New York,” she says, “but my uncle, who lived in the United States, advised against taking it. So I

Carollyne Haynes • At home in Qualicum Beach ended up in Ottawa, and never went home to England to live.”

In 1985 the family came to Qualicum Beach for a vacation.

Carollyne’s move to Ottawa was in 1970 when she was just 20. She remained in the nation’s capital for 11 years where she worked at the House of Commons as an assistant to a Member of Parliament. She also worked for the Conference Board of Canada.

“We stayed at the Seaview cottages on the water,” recalls Carollyne, “and Qualicum Beach was all we could think about after that.”

While in Ottawa Carollyne married and had two children. A third child arrived during the four years she and her husband subsequently spent in Calgary.

After two years of dreaming about living on the Island the family got to Nanaimo, where Carollyne worked for an accountant and later at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. She and her husband separated during that period, and Carollyne was on her own when continued on page 31 / June 2010

BY MARILYN DAWSON, REPORTER

hat much talked about Sustainability Plan finally got the green light from Qualicum Beach Council at the May meeting, but not before a few words were added here and there to meet some of the demands of its critics. One of the major stumbling blocks was whether a population cap of 11,000 should be included in the plan. Mayor Teunis Westbroek and some of the councillors felt it was necessary so the town could plan for future infrastructure development. Others said the cap should be included in the Official Community Plan (OCP) coming up for review and not the Sustainability Plan which is touted as a vision for the future, to 2050, and a guide to the OCP. At an earlier session, the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce had already voiced its opposition noting that a study on population and housing for the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) had forecast an area population of 231,184 by 2036; Qualicum Beach residents would then number about 13,600. “If we do not address this and plan for the increase…we will be forcing our outlying areas to absorb that population, and as the service centre there will be more cars on the road coming into Qualicum Beach, which goes against everything the plan is about

from an environmental perspective,” the Chamber statement read. Following this argument, it’s hard to see how the town could control growth anyway on the outer edges, should the RDN decide to allow a major development. To the west, just over the Little Qualicum River is Dashwood, to the east, just beyond Eaglecrest is the French Creek area and to the south, wide open spaces, some of which are already sprouting For Sale signs suggesting possibility of a subdivision. Any major growth would, of course, have an impact on water usage, social and health care. Town residents have made it clear they want to retain their agricultural areas, a fact that does not sit well with some owners of large properties at the edge of the downtown area. One of the critics, Zweitse deWit, who has property on Berwick, suggested in April that any land within a 1.5 kilometre radius of City Hall be considered for redevelopment. Some of the critics seemed to have difficulty separating the visionary Plan from the more binding OCP and treated it as a legal document. Even so, both plans are only as effective as the incumbent council. As Councillor Kent Becker at one session noted, the Plan is only a guide. So now that the Plan is official, the next step is the

review of the OCP, a process that will take place over the next several months. OTHER BUSINESS: Bike to Work Week got a thumbs-up from Council, so from May 31 to June 6, everyone who can is encouraged to pedal. In his recommendation to Council, special projects planner Luke Sales said cycling helps reduce greenhouse gases and promotes an active lifestyle and celebrates alternative transportation. Mayor Westbroek noted that Mr. Sales lives his words. He cycles to work from Coombs. Edith Chamberlayne, an 84 year-old longtime resident, appeared before council requesting village transit for seniors during the winter months. She noted that the Town is launching a pilot project transporting people between downtown and the beach for a certain period this summer. Would the Town consider a small bus from October through the winter to move seniors around? After all, she said, “If Ladysmith can do it, Qualicum Beach can do it.” As is the custom, Council listened but made no immediate decision. However, the Mayor said Council was generally in favour of such a move if funds were available. ~

Join us for worship, prayer and fellowship with others from the community For information call Pastor Colin Meikle 594-8299 20

/ June 2010

WWW.EYESONBC.COM

Gil Campbell and Tomomi Ozaki

Fanny Bay Trading Company By Brenda Timbers

t’s been six years since Gil Campbell and Tomomi Ozaki opened the Fanny Bay Trading Company. The stretch of road between the Fanny Bay Hall and the Fanny Bay Inn can only be described as rural. It’s always a delight to come upon the unexpected, and finding this house full of treasure under the dramatic carved sign is just that, a delight.

Brenda Timbers photo “We’ve been doing great here since 2004,” Gil says. “Our main attraction is West Coast Native Art. Every country in the world has their own, and this is ours. I’ve loved it ever since I first saw it in Gastown 25 years ago. We feature carvers from all over the Island and some from the mainland as well.” In the store Gil points out a mask by Patrick Amos. Patrick is Nuuchal-nulth, from Port Alberni. “Patrick was trained by master carvers, George Hunt and his step-father Tim Paul. Patrick is a master carver as well.” Tomomi comments, “He’s a really good guy, he takes care of everyone, and he’s a good person.” Tomomi and Gil feel these qualities are reflected in the carvings. “The best part of running the Fanny Bay Trading Company is meeting all the people who come to see the art.” Gil comments and Tomomi adds, “It’s nice to see people who appreciate the work.” People do come from all over the world; the fascination with West Coast Native Art is an international one.

Catching the eye of the travelling public is essential to the business. As well as advertising in local publications Gil notes, “We’ve got a quarter page ad in the guidebook, Vancouver Island 2010. That is in all the hotel rooms on Vancouver Island. We’ll also arrange private viewings.” Gil finds that this option is appealing to people buying art who like to have the time and privacy to consider their decision. “Sometimes a whole family will come in together to shop this way.”

Carving is not the only west coast native art you’ll find. There is a beautiful and popular selection of silver jewelry, some of it carved by Gilbert Pat, Harold Alfred, and Nancy Dawson. In the garden centre stunning pots that are replicas of large ceremonial bowls with the frog design have arrived. Sadly it’s the last shipment. “These pots come from Duncan and unfortunately the company that has been making them for thirty years is closing down. These are the last shipments I’ll be able to get, so if you’ve been thinking you want one, come and get it.” “We’ve got a bit of something for everyone here,” Gil adds. “We’ve got the garden centre, lots of pottery and George’s patio furniture from Bowser.” The gift shop is brimming with unique gifts and cards. It’s been a good six years for Gil and Tomomi – the ongoing enjoyment of meeting the travelling public keeps them so enthusiastic. Java To Go is Tomomi’s domain. “Everybody loves a Java,’ Gil laughs. “With the warm weather people are starting to come in for the ice cream. I like to see the visitors from the prairies who drive up. Many of them have never been to Vancouver Island before and they are, literally, blown away.” Fanny Bay Trading Company and Java To Go are located at 7581 South Island Highway. Hours are from 9:30 to 4:30 pm most days. You can contact Gil and Tomomi at 250 335-1475, email fannybaytrading@shaw.ca and visit their website at www. fannybaytrading.com. Please refer to their ad on the inside front cover of this issue. / June 2010

ADVERTORIAL

The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigator. - Edmund Gibbon

By David Nellist, CFP

Navigating Your Way to Financial Balance

he study of human emotion in response to market dynamics is alive and well for Financial Advisors. Once again I can say that I’ve seen the full cycle of emotional responses to the market between June 2007 and now. I will also add that it’s okay to have emotional responses to the market, and as a financial advisor, it’s my job to remove (or at least minimize) the emotional rollercoaster ride that I see people putting themselves through. So what’s the benefit? For those people who stick with a welldocumented financial plan, and who can clearly articulate their longer-term growth and income expectations, time frame, performance measures, risk tolerance – and who don’t make changes in the middle of the storm – they come out just fine in most cases. I’ll start with a well-documented plan – and I need to do a marine analogy for you as I’m a proud member of the Ballenas Canadian Power & Sail Squadron and have carried my Advanced Pilot designation for about 20 years. So the first rule is to have a navigation plan and set a course – know where you’re going and the route you’re going to follow. As a long-time CPS member, I’m a chart guy first and GPS guy second – so however you navigate, follow a planned course with a destination in mind. This may sound pretty fundamental, but in the world of investing, your financial planner (a.k.a. pilot) needs

/ June 2010

to fully understand where you’re going or you may hit something along the way. Two summers ago we ran into a heavy fog bank in the middle of Georgia Straight while cruising from Pender Harbour to Departure Bay. We followed all of the marine safety procedures in fog (navigation lights on, air horn soundings, radar watch, slowing up our speed). Although we couldn’t see more than 50 yards or so, our course heading never changed and we made it safely into Nanaimo. So don’t get lost in the fog. Our time frame is always from point of departure to destination. The time frame of the voyage directly affects the amount of fuel we carry (with a reserve for bad weather) as well as other supplies. In the world of investing, the time frame we use is always from point of departure (inception) and not last month’s statement, or the market high 18 months ago. A common statement from people is: “I’ve lost money on my portfolio.” What they actually mean is their portfolio has come down in value relative to some arbitrary historic point in time instead of when they “left the dock”. Performance Measures – We have a power vessel that prefers to be run at lower speeds which is about eight knots. I don’t try to keep up with the planing hull boats that run at 30 knots and skim the water at a high rate of speed to the point where they would blow a hole in their hulls if they hit a dead head. Deadheads (submerged logs) are one

of the more dangerous things on the water for boaters. They’re hard to see, and can cause a lot of damage to a boat when struck. I know that eight knots will get us to our destination safely and in a known time frame, and if I hit a deadhead, I’m likely going to do far less damage at eight knots than at 30 knots. I don’t have to go any faster!! I just want to get there in one piece. (Substitute knots with rate of return – meaning don’t chase unnecessary high returns which add to risk.) Risk Tolerance – I know my boat’s tolerance (and mine) for wind, wave and weather generally, and I’ll add that my boat has a higher tolerance for bad weather than I do. Starry Nights will take heavier weather than I would ever like to put her through. Just the same, wind velocity and tidal currents (such as Dodd’s Narrows) are things I pay attention to and I will only venture into them within predefined limits. In the world of investing, know your (risk) tolerance ahead of time, and don’t make them up as you go – and don’t change them while you’re underway. Changing them while underway is one of the most common mistakes I see. If you state that you can handle a 15% drop in your portfolio during a market correction, plan on it happening at some point because that’s how your portfolio has been constructed – and when it happens, don’t panic. Know that your portfolio can withstand the heavy weather being thrown at it – and continued on next page

that you have a pilot (financial planner) at the helm that will right the vessel from its list. Balance – We have twin fuel tanks on board Starry Nights (port and starboard side) and only take on enough fuel for our trip 1/3 out, 1/3 return, and 1/3 in reserve so we’re not hauling unnecessary weight which adds to our fuel cost. Having equal weight in each fuel tank keeps Starry Nights balanced in the water. The same goes for any heavy cargo we take on board – balancing out the weight is important. During heavy weather I want to know that all heavy cargo is battened down and not shifting around, as this will throw off our balance in the water – and in extreme conditions, it could lead to capsizing. The message here is I don’t start moving cargo around during heavy sea conditions – everything has its place and stays put. So, in regards to portfolio management, another common mistake is shifting cargo during a storm – meaning selling investments and moving to cash – huge mistake. It disrupts much needed balance and basically insures that you’re going to capsize in the storm and drown – with no chance of recovery. Timing the market – When you’ve left the dock and are underway, there is no “timing the market”. You need to be fully committed to your voyage. Anyone who claims they can successfully time the market on a consistent basis needs to get off the bridge. Research shows that being out of the market for even short periods of time can cause huge misses in market growth. My last point – and for when I get invited on board a sailboat – have patience. We can’t control the wind, but we can adjust our sails. Impatience can impair judgment leading to accidents. If you’d like to discuss your personal voyage, please give our office a call at 250-752-8184. Our mission at Raymond James Qualicum Beach is to provide a destination for people to delegate their financial needs, so they can live in financial harmony in an uncertain world. ~ This article has been prepared by David Nellist and expresses the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of Raymond James Ltd. (RJL). Statistics and factual data and other information in this article are from sources RJL believes to be reliable but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. It is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. This article is intended for distribution only in those jurisdictions where RJL and the author are registered. Securities-related products and services are offered through Raymond James Ltd., member CIPF. Financial planning and insurance products and services are offered through Raymond James Financial Planning Ltd., which is not a member CIPF.

Are YOU a Senior Star?

Here’s your chance to shine with your musical talent. Be a star or be a fan!

Village Theatre QB Please call for information to participate or attend.

FREE seating. 250-752-2818 ext.0 xt.0

650 Berwick North, Qualicum Beach / June 2010

by DAVE BARTRAM, RDN AREA H DIRECTOR

Provincial Government Water Act Modernization: The provincial Ministry of Environment is undertaking a review and update of the 1909 Water Act and has requested feedback from Regional Districts and Municipalities. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has responded by stating that the Region welcomes the initiative and recommends an adaptive, integrated watershed-based approach to water management that recognizes groundwater and surface water as the same resource and requires protection regardless of use. A complete detailed copy of the RDN response can be found on the RDN website under the 27th April 2010 Board meeting.

Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP):

As part of the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Action Plan the RDN Water Services Department is undertaking a knowledgebased process to gather information to create a “snapshot” of water resources in the Region. The strategy to be used is to first collect information on existing sources, then work with technical representatives from the community, the DWWP Technical Working Group, and the public to identify threats and issues, vulnerabilities, data and knowledge gaps, opportunities, and guidelines for prioritizing issues and indicators for assessing water resources. Our three local water districts have been invited to participate. The public and Non Government Organizations will be invited to participate in working sessions later in June.

It’s Happening in Area H

Bowser Village Centre Plan: The Bowser Village Centre Plan

received third and final reading and has been forwarded to the Province for approval. As a result of community input from the Public Hearing, policies have been strengthened to address erosion by the placement of seawalls and those being developed, and a change in wording in Commercial Mixed Use land use to make it clearer by stating: “Residential uses at or above street level when associated with the Seniors Housing, Affordable Housing or Care Facilities land uses.”

BC Transit Study: At the

initiation of the RDN, BC Transit has agreed to do a transit study for rural transit in Electoral Area H. This study will include connections to Comox/Courtenay area and Nanaimo. Based on past history it is anticipated that BC Transit will come to Area H to discuss and receive community input. Public transit was a keystone recommendation of the Bowser Village Centre Advisory Group and a centrepiece in the Region’s goals of reducing Green House Gases (GHG).

Lighthouse Community Centre Generator: The RDN

through the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) applied for and received a National Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) grant for funds for a generator for the Lighthouse Community Centre. This generator is required for the facility to be fully capable as an Emergency Reception Centre for Area H. The purpose of the Federal and Provincial JEPP grant is to develop a uniform level of emergency management across Canada. ~

4647 Thompson Clarke Drive E., Bowser

/ June 2010

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Emergency Preparedness for Pets by Bob Tenney

PETS LIVE IN THIS HOME TOO! They are part of the family. In case of emergency please give them aid and comfort. There are ____ Dogs and ____Cats inside.

his note was posted on a house in Bowser to alert firefighters or other emergency response volunteers to the presence of sentient beings, other than humans, who may be in need of assistance. For purposes of identification dog tags, message barrels, microchips and recent pictures of the animals are useful. On the ID tags have the name and phone #. A valid license is the best way to reunite owners and dogs. Have a portable pet carrier (cage) or crate for each pet. Familiarize your pet with the portable kennel. Make them feel comfortable and “at home” in it. Have a leash and properly fitting collar with ID info. Determine the best location in your home

to place your pets during an emergency. It should be in a dry, well ventilated utility area that is easily accessible. Acquire lots of newspaper, kitty litter, plastic bags and cleansers to handle and dispose of pet wastes. Have an ample (3-7 days) supply of dry pet food. It can be stored in a plastic or metal container in your freezer to extend shelf life. Have an ample supply of water, 3 liters/day/animal. Have a week’s supply of any medications that your pet is taking. Get non-spill water and food bowls and throw in a toy or two too. Blankets and towels are very useful. If you plan to leave your house and leave your pets behind, remember! • Birds must eat daily to survive. Use special food and water dispensers if you must leave them. • Never leave a cat with a dog even if the two are normally friendly. • Provide access to high places, such as counter tops, in case flooding occurs.

• Difficult or dangerous animals should be left in special crates or cages to reduce the possibility of them getting loose. For info contact the RDN Emergency Coordinator, 250.390.4111 or 1.877.607.4111. Or the SPCA at http://www.spca.bc.ca/ Nanaimo; or http://www.spca.bc.ca/ Parksville, 250.248.3811. ~

/ June 2010

• Buy the best product for the best value. • Have the correct information and knowledge for any project you do and use it correctly.

EXPERTISE PAINTING

yron Van Horne of Expertise Painting has been working in our area since 2003. Previously he spent most of his working years learning his trade in the Victoria area alongside his father. A smaller and more close knit community-minded lifestyle drew him here and in Ships Point he has found that and much more – to our benefit. From interior to exterior, staining to painting, new construction to face lift, Byron’s painting experience and skill can freshen up or give a whole new feel to your home. Regular paint maintenance can also prolong the life or your home. The benefits of using a professional painter can be seen in the detail and in the long run, in the cost as well. A few of Byron’s tips: • Paint to maintain not maintain to paint.

• Protect your investment – preparation and maintenance are key. Byron’s primary trade has always been Byron Van Horne • Expertise Painting painting but in the past several years he has branched out and enjoyed the diversity of renovation, carpentry and general handyman work. Much of his business is word-of-mouth and repeat customers with whom Byron finds himself working to maintain their homes from many facets. Over the past 23 years in his trade, Byron has seen the many technological changes in paint products and their application and is constantly learning about these enhancements and regulations. Byron enjoys the support and personal connections he has established with many of his customers – case in point ... driving through his community and having people wave and knowing that the friendliness has transcended to his business. Byron joined the Lighthouse Country Business Association (LCBA) to promote his business in Lighthouse Country and looks forward to many more years of continued growth in the area. ~ submitted Space for this Business Spotlight is generously provided by EyesOnBC.

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/ June 2010

COAL COMFORT by Nancy Whelan

ad we humans been around in Earth’s Carboniferous or Permian periods, coal would not yet have become part of our planet’s crust, nor would we have had much use for it if it had, the world’s temperatures being tropical or at least sub-tropical at the time. It was way back then that coal started to form from the compressed remains of tropical plants and trees in waterlogged, swampy areas, forming layers of peat because the decayed plant material exceeded its bacterial decay due to lack of oxygen in the organic-rich water. Over time, land subsidence or a rise in sea levels covered the peat with layers of sediment, and more and more pressure (the greater the pressure, the harder the coal), more heat, and the squeezing out of water, compressed the peat layers even further until ‘coalification’ took place. As the proportion of carbon relative to the oxygen content rose, more volatile substances and water were driven out of the layers. Coal as we know it today is classified by its proportion of carbon. The bottom or lowest ranking coal is lignite or brown coal – soft and with a high moisture content; the most abundant rank of coal is bituminous, and finally there is the hard shiny anthracite, so popular for a snowman’s eyes and buttons. There were some more recent periods of coal formation during the Jurassic and Tertiary periods and long before there was anyone around to think about it, climate change accounted for the formation of coal on all continents, even Antarctica. The world’s leading coal producing countries include the USA, China, and Russia. Coal deposits and their discovery played a large part in the development of Vancouver Island. The first Island mines were founded in 1849 when First Nation’s people told Governor James Douglas of coal they’d

found on the northern Island at what would become Fort Rupert. The Island coal industry was fraught with accidents, disasters, and death, often because of poor and careless working conditions. This naturally occasioned strikes by imported miners who expected somewhat better working conditions. One such early miner, though, did not strike and worked on as a ‘scab’ against his striking comrades. Interestingly, he was rewarded by the Hudson’s Bay Company with a land grant. That young Scottish miner was Robert Dunsmuir, his land grant encompassed a valuable coal seam in the mid-Island, and in 1888 Dunsmuir founded the town of Cumberland (then known as Union). Until 1966, Cumberland remained an active coal mining town. The methods for getting coal out of the earth and preparing it for market, in industrialized countries, require a number of complex systems. First there is the extraction of the coal from its seam or layer. For this first to function there must be a system for handling the necessary equipment and materials, the workers themselves, and the removal of waste products. If underground, a ventilation system meeting health and safety requirements must be in place. There must be attention to both underground and surface openings where coal is extracted – for example the shoring-up of tunnel roofs to prevent rock falls. Finally there is the relatively recent requirement of reclamation – restoring the mining site to an approximately original or at least an approved and acceptable state. Two methods of extraction are surface (read strip or open pit) mining, and underground mining. In the first method, the coal seams are stripped bare of their overburden – i.e. all the plant, soil, and covering layers until the coal itself is exposed. If the coal is at such a depth that underground mining is indicated, methods known as room-andpillar or longwall may be employed. These latter require openings to the surface for the

transport of miners, equipment, materials, and the coal itself. In underground mining, areas stripped of their coal must be back-filled in some manner to prevent later cave-ins or land subsidence (sinking). Often, the excavated areas are filled in by waste materials from the mining activity. Before the advent of oil, gas, electric, and solar heating, coal stoves or furnaces were commonly found in homes. My own memory of coal, is of two or three men carrying canvas sacks of hard coal on their backs from truck to coal chute at the side of our house. As each sack was emptied, the coal rattled down into one of two coal bins in the cellar. Morning and night during the long winters, my Dad lugged scuttles of coal to the blazing maw of our furnace, shook the remnants of the last ‘feeding’ to the ash bin at the bottom, adjusted the drafts, and waited for hot air to whoosh up the grid set into the house floor above. Now, nearly 125 years after Dunsmuir’s exploits, coal is a hot topic on the mid-Island again. The Raven Underground Coal Project is being presented as a source of ‘clean’ coal to be mined from the Tsable River watershed near Fanny Bay, with jobs and income for the next twenty years. A company with the somewhat soothing name of Compliance Coal Corporation, is a 60% partner with 20% each being held by Japanese and Korean interests, and would ship 1.5 million tonnes of this metallurgical coal per year to China where it would be used in the production of steel – maybe, it is said, for the tracks of a new high-speed railway in that country. The word is out there on the possible fallout of such a venture – waste, water, rivers, fish, traffic, noise, emissions…Could the proposed mine have anything to do with the fact that the price claimed for their product has risen from less than fifty dollars/tonne in 2003 to over one hundred dollars/tonne in the last quarter of 2009? ~ / June 2010

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/ June 2010

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The Bean Counter Cafe, at Magnolia Court in Bowser

e consider ourselves really lucky at The Beacon. When we can’t get out and about to visit our other favourite restaurants in Oceanside, we take the opportunity to lunch and munch right next door at The Bean Counter Cafe in Bowser. Fresh-made soups, daily specials, sandwiches, home-made sweets, specialty coffees and teas, and the oh-so-popular Veggie Pie make this a very popular spot! Follow us in The Beacon throughout the summer as we introduce you to other hot spots in Lighthouse Country and Oceanside. Coming up ... Ship & Shore Cafe in Deep Bay, the Knockananna Grill in Bowser, Sandbar Cafe, Henry’s and the Cone Zone in Qualicum Bay, Micky J’s at Arrowsmith Golf Course, the Beach Hut in Qualicum Beach..and more. We can’t wait to get started! Enjoy the summer ... let someone else do the cooking! / June 2010

Rita Levitz photo

“I’d like to finish one of my boats and go floating off somewhere.”

steve anderosov

I Have the Life I’ve Chosen by Rita Levitz

“I

have the life I have chosen; I’m happy with that,” Steve Anderosov reflects, as he nears the age of sixty, looking back on his life thus far, and forward to what he would still like to accomplish. His connections to the boating and fishing industry, the Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department and the Lighthouse Community Centre have made him a familiar and integral part of community life. Steve was born and grew up in Port Alberni and moved to Lighthouse Country in 1977. “It was during the heyday of fishing. I was working on a fishboat, and the skipper came to Cyril Thames’ boatyard here in Bowser to have a new boat built. I asked him about helping on the boat, and Cyril asked if I wanted to stay and work for him. It was the peak era for building wooden forty-eight to fifty-foot freezer boats.” “It was a real joy to work for Cyril; it was like a family effort. He had such a good attitude towards things – he never got excited. He

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/ June 2010

knew everything about bending wood, and how to keep it from breaking while making it do what you’d never think a piece of wood could do. One of the most important things he taught me was patience.” A careful and meticulous worker with wood, fibreglass and metal – “though my real love is wood” – in the early ‘90’s Steve started his own business, Deep Bay Marine Repair. Patience comes in handy at work, but also in his deep and passionate involvement in the community. “When I first moved here there was no fire protection up Cowland Ave. My neighbour Jim Willott and I went to the Bow Horn Bay Fire Department and they said they would include our area if we joined, so we did.” Thus began a twentyfive year connection with the fire department; he is the current Fire Chief, and has been in that position for ten years. continued next page

“We are a very pro-active department. We go door-to-door with our fire awareness program every October, and give out new smokedetector batteries. We’re always looking for more volunteers. It seems like the population growth in our area has been dialed upwards but the fire department has remained static, as far as manpower and equipment goes.” There have been positive changes over the years though, fewer chimney fires, fewer motor vehicle accidents. “It has taken community effort and lots of letter-writing to bring in safety features such as the flashing lights by Nile Creek Bridge and the Bowser four-lanes, lowering the speed limits, and of course the inland highway has reduced traffic volume.” The level of dedication that Steve puts into the fire department also makes for a growing frustration over the increasing amount of administrative work and bureaucratic entanglements that he has to deal with. “But it is still a challenge and there is still so much to learn all the time. I like the idea of giving back to the community; somebody’s got to do it. Being in the fire department is a long-term commitment. Vital to the whole idea is having a group of people who know each other well so they can function properly as a team, and that takes time.” Steve has also been heavily involved with the Lighthouse Hall Board for over a decade. He is currently the Hall Board President and maintenance person. “Since I am self-employed I can adjust my work schedule and make the time for what is needed. The maintaining, up-grading and renovating of the Hall is almost constant. Right now I am supposed to be working on the Hobby Hall so that we can rent it out for meetings. Hall funding has always had such a hand-to-mouth existence.” Steve is seated at his kitchen table, his Malamute Chance and newly-acquired Rottweiler Tattoo sprawled not far from him. He rescued both dogs from homelessness; their gentleness belies their size. “I welded a trailer for my motorcycle to tow so that I can take these guys camping with me this summer.” Steve also knows all the backroads in the area, which ones connect, which have narrowed to barely passable, and which have become completely overgrown. “Now, as I approach sixty, I think it may be getting close to the time for re-focussing my energies, and finishing some of the stuff I have here at home while I still can. I’d like to finish one of my boats and go floating off somewhere.” He scratches Tattoo’s ear. “You’d make a good old seadog, wouldn’t you?” ~

continued from page 19 • Carollyne Haynes she met Jim, who lived in Fort Langley. She moved to the Lower Mainland for six years, working for one of the health authorities. In 1999 the couple purchased their current home in Qualicum Beach. It took less than a year to see both of them retired, which was when Carollyne began to write. Carollyne took a course focused on writing for magazines, but part way through switched to one that covered novels. “I started writing the book in 2004, and came to realize that the course on novel writing was more appropriate to what I was trying to do,” she says. She was still working on the book in 2008. A year-long renovation at the house and dealing with her mother’s cancer – her mother had followed her to Ottawa, then west to Nanaimo – diverted Carollyne from her writing for long periods of time. She was also involved over the years with volunteer work, sitting on Boards of Directors for the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation, The United Way in Nanaimo and most recently, The Haven Society, which helps abused women and children from Bowser to Ladysmith. Finally in 2009 Raised by Committee was published, and it is beginning to sell all over the world. “I do understand that it’s a hard-hitting story, and obviously I had some concerns about publishing it,” says Carollyne. “But the feedback so far has been extremely encouraging. People like that there is hope and determination woven throughout the story.” There was a bit of an ulterior motive to writing the book too, admits Carollyne. “I wanted to recognize the care and concern that the Children’s Committee took in trying to do their best for me,” she relates. “So often these days social workers are maligned. This book is a tribute to all the social workers and child care workers who sometimes seem to get a bad rap, undeservedly so.” Life has come full circle for Carollyne Haynes. Her sad early years have given way to a complete, contented life. “And they all lived happily ever after,” she says with a smile. “Don’t forget that bit.” ~ Raised by Committee is available at Mulberry Bush Books in Qualicum Beach and Parksville, at EyesOnBC in Bowser, and through Amazon Books.

/ June 2010

Our tide table measurements are taken from the Denman Island substation. For other tides, visit http://www. waterlevels.gc.ca/english/Canada.shtml on the Internet.

juNE 2010

/ June 2010

BEAUTIFUL BOOBS! By Karen Stranaghan

hey arrived in the hours before daylight; bundled, breasts concealed, heads bowed and hearts heavy. Mexican women, all with breast cancer, and all with the hope that there might be a breast prosthetic for them.

Unfortunately, in Mexico, it is not uncommon for breast cancer survivors to be made to feel dirty; the men in their lives shun them, their families shun them and sometimes even their whole village shuns them. Times are changing, but still two women in the same village suffering from the same cancer might not even know that the other exists. There is no support group, there is no Cancer Society, and in many cases there is no information and precious few resources to deal with the physical and emotional damage of breast cancer. But these women have hope, and as the days progress, the rewards of our efforts shine through. As each woman is fitted with her prosthetic bra and tit bit she emerges from the fitting room, coat over her arm, like a butterfly from a cocoon. Her hands fly to her face as she views herself in the mirror. A wide grin splits her face as she realizes how beautiful she still is, and the tears overflow. Others shake their booty and dance through the room, out the door and into the waiting arms of loved ones. The air is filled with “Gracias, gracias”. There are hugs, more tears, and lots of clapping and cheering from the volunteers. “Bonita Chi Chi’s” we call out; “beautiful boobs,” as indeed they are! There is also much heartache, and none of us remains untouched. The most fragile women, those still undergoing chemo, are assisted by helping hands on either side. Their transformation begins quickly as they are first fitted with a wig or hat so that they can enter the fitting rooms feeling less naked.

Photo by Wayne

For the previous year, women in Canada and the US have been quietly raising funds, gathering used prosthetics, prosthetic bras and regular bras that other volunteers will transform into prosthetic bras. Scores of other women have been knitting tit bits, cotton filled breast prosthetics complete with nipple, by the hundreds. All of these efforts have poured into the La Penita RV Park in Nayarit, Mexico. For the next three days, 325 women from as far away as Guadalajara, Tepic, Puerto Vallarta will come here to be transformed.

A volunteer moves through the crowd with a baby that can surely be only a few weeks old; held so that the mother can be given her chance in the fitting room. We wonder aloud how much time the baby and mother will have to share. “Interpreter needed” a voice calls out and another volunteer rushes to help with what we know must be more that just a prosthetic fitting. A young woman has arrived fresh from her surgery, drain tubes still in, with a body too sore to even wear a bra, but she doesn’t want to miss this once yearly chance for a prosthetic. She will leave with everything she needs to weather the next weeks of discomfort, as well as her new bra and her new breast tucked into her bag. As a fitter struggles to get just the perfect fit with the prosthetic breast, the young mexican woman reassures her with gestures and broken English. “Do not worry, it is perfect. The other breast will be taken in April.” More tears flow. “May I have some pretty bras,” the volunteer fitter asks me as she fights back tears. “She is only 15.” I dig through the dozens of bras, determined to find the most feminine ones I can. “Thank you” the fitter whispers as she takes them away. I notice that she has

regained her composure and is once again ready to brighten the small cubicle she works in. In the early morning of the second day, before the first of the ladies arrive, a volunteer shares a note she has received, painstakingly translated into English. It reads, “God bless the hands that gave me a beautiful life again. Thank you”. The tears flow, as we all understand just how important our work is. Yet even in all this tragedy, there is cause for celebration. A young woman hugs a volunteer she recognizes from last year and shares that she is now cancer free. The clinic erupts with cheers and tears as the news is shared. She has given the best gift of all, to all of us; the gift of hope for tomorrows to come. The tomorrows for these women may be uncertain, but we can help to bring them hope and dignity. A Mexican woman, with a good job, will likely earn less than twenty Canadian dollars a day. For her, there will be no five hundred dollar prosthetic breast and no hundred dollar prosthetic bra. It would break your heart to see what these women use as prosthetic breasts; dirty rags, pieces of continued on page 37 / June 2010

There are two directions to look in as we seek to bring Ahimsa to our practice. The first, and the simplest, is outward – to how yoga is taught.

no ... It shouldn’t hurt by laura Busheikin

ndrea was standing on one leg, hands reaching out to hold the foot of the other leg, which was stretched up in front of her. “If you can do this, then you can go further,” said the teacher enthusiastically. “C’mon – bend forward and put your forehead on your knee.” Andrea felt unsteady, but was determined to keep up with the class. As she pulled her head down, she felt a sharp, sudden pain in the back of her right hip. Eight weeks and three physiotherapy sessions later, Andrea is okay. But she’s not sure about going back to yoga class. While yoga’s health benefits are increasingly confirmed by scientific studies, this seemingly gentle discipline has its risks. Articles in magazines such as Time, Yoga Journal, and The International Journal of Yoga Therapy report increasing numbers of yoga injuries, including an average of more than 4,000 yoga-related emergency room visits per year in the United States. The good news is that the benefits far outweigh the possible dangers. And, as with any other human activity, there are things we can do to minimize the risks. As a yoga teacher, I would definitely encourage Andrea to go back to yoga, but first I would equip her with the following advice: The key to doing yoga safely is summed up in the Sanskrit word Ahimsa, usually translated as “nonharming” or “non-violence.” The ancient yogic texts ask us to practice Ahimsa towards all beings, including ourselves. Our yoga practice gives us a great opportunity for this.

/ June 2010

These days, teachers can get certificates after just a weekend course, which is unlikely to be enough. A more reliable minimum training is a 200-hour course, often with registration in a professional organization such as Yoga Alliance or the Yoga Association of BC. As well as checking out your teacher’s credentials, you can look for safe teaching practices: offering variations of poses for different levels and body types; reminding students to listen to their bodies; giving permission to skip poses, or come out of them early if they feel dangerous; and providing clear instruction about body alignment. Beware of exhortations to go beyond your limit; ignore or “work through” pain, dizziness or other warning signs; compare yourself to other students; lock your joints; or pull or push yourself vigourously into a pose. These elements indicate that safety is not a high priority in that class. But even the most qualified and careful teacher can’t prevent you from injuring yourself if you are not practicing safe alignment, if you are ignoring an already-existing injury, doing a type of yoga that is not right for you, or aggressively pushing past pain and fatigue. The inner path of Ahimsa asks us to listen to our body’s limits and respect them, with compassion and acceptance. This is easy to say but hard to do. Our society and our natures are competitive, and we associate physical activity with sports, where the goal is to win. We can’t help comparing ourselves to the person on the mat next to us, or on the cover of the yoga magazine. If we’re doing yoga, we want to be good at it! But consider this: “good at” yoga doesn’t mean forcing our heads to our knees or cranking our stiff hips into a lotus pose, at the cost of our knees. “Good at” yoga means using the techniques of yoga skilfully to meet our goals, which may include staying healthy, relieving stress, feeling good, healing emotional trauma, connecting to our best selves and/or having a powerful experience of the life force in our bodies. “Good at” yoga means developing the discipline and discretion to know when to push ourselves (because sometimes that is what we most need), and when to let go. It also means not being controlled by those inner voices that tell us we’re losers because we can’t touch our toes or do the splits. A survey reported in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy last year stated that the biggest factors causing yoga injuries were ego and excess effort. In order to practice Ahimsa, we need to calm the ego so it doesn’t push us into “excess effort.” Then we can access the deeper wisdom of our body and of the practices themselves. The quest to avoid injury thus becomes a journey into the heart of yoga, clarifying not just how but why we practice. Andrea (name and details have been changed) did go back to yoga. “I actually learned a lot from the injury,” she says. “I’m realizing the fruits of yoga are found in how well the poses work for me, not how far I get in them. It’s about the journey, not the destination.” ~ Laura Busheikin teaches yoga on Denman Island and Vancouver Island, yogawithlaura@telus.net or 250-335-2089.

subconscious healing BY DR. TERRIE VAN ALSTYNE, ND

thought I knew what the body requires to heal. I was taught to address the cause of disease when it comes to healing chronic issues using natural medicine. After many years of treating a multitude of common illnesses, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, asthma, arthritis, I have realized there is more to healing than just addressing the physical aspects. For years I have had a belief that the subconscious mind played an important role in our health. Scientific research is now proving this suspicion is accurate. Dr. Bruce Lipton, a cellular biologist and author of Biology of Belief, now teaches about the physical impact the subconscious mind has on the body. He has determined the subconscious mind controls 99% of the body on a cellular level through the signals it emits. If the signals are positive the cells move toward growth and healing – if the signals are negative, the cells retreat in protection and eventually become diseased. The question is how to access the subconscious mind to stop the negative signals.

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The search for an answer to this question led to an introduction to the healing modality and concept “Life Without Fear”. In my opinion this is one of the most effective treatments addressing the cause of disease. With the assistance of Master clinical hypnotherapist Detlef “Joe” Friede, regressing a patient back through their life permanently removes all negative and traumatic events addressing all aspects required for a person to completely heal, both physically and emotionally. Here are two examples demonstrating the success of this treatment. The first is a seventeen year-old who, since early childhood, had been suffering from severe asthma. Conventional medicine prescribed steroids and puffers and playing soccer was still very challenging. One hypnosis session completely removed all asthma symptoms and eliminated the need for any medication for the past five months. The second is a forty year-old woman suffering from clinical depression with suicidal tendencies her entire life. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse as a child developed strong negative beliefs and perceptions. One hypnosis session and this patient was happy and peaceful for the first time in her life with family members embracing her positive emotional changes. Over the past six months the practice of this modality of treatment has proven successful in assisting healing victims of abuse, rape, mental hostage, with all forms of connected physical body challenges. If you yearn for happiness and inner peace this may be the method of treatment for you. ~ Please refer to Qualicum Naturopathic Clinic ad on this page for their contact information.

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/ June 2010

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Is Canada’s tax system too complex?

omething different this time around – http://www.fraserinstitute.org/commerce. not tax facts or advice, but an editorial. web/product_files/cost-of-complying-withpersonal-income-taxes.pdf Just as I was approaching the end of the first major tax filing deadline (April The media reports, of course, stress the 30) of the year (the other being June 15, for dramatic and highlight the sensational, but self-employed individuals and their spouses), even so, the report itself does end up making the Fraser Institute released the results of the point, though in a round-about way, that their recent study on the cost to Canadians of Canada’s tax system is more complex than complying with their tax obligations. it needs to be. I say in a round-about way because, though the report doesn’t state that Great timing, eh! explicitly, and is in fact merely a compilation Of course the media hyped-up the report and of data and draws no conclusions to that effect, the mere circumstance of highlighting who shouted banner headlines telling Canadians just how much the average Canadian spent to spends how much time and money, who relies meet their tax reporting and filing obligations. on what tools (software) and professionals Which, by the way, was $215 per Canadian in (accountants and lawyers), and to what extent, it implicitly gives credence to the notion that 2008, for the 2007 tax year. there must be a simpler way! Of course, for relaxation (well, OK, not I couldn’t agree more. really relaxation, I’m not quite that strange! – but definitely out of interest), after the One of the professed cornerstones of Canada’s tax deadline I obtained and read the entire income tax system is one of “self-assessment” report. In case you’re interested in it, or even – every taxpayer is expected to report their in the executive summary, it’s available at:

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Certified Financial Planner

/ June 2010

income and calculate and remit their tax owing on that income. Doing so has become more complicated – unnecessarily complicated – in recent years. As a tax professional, it’s not inappropriate that I advise clients with more complex income, estate, investment, business, and other life matters on tax planning issues. Nor is it unreasonable that I provide basic tax filing (compliance) services for people who are perfectly capable of doing it themselves but prefer to have someone else take the burden off their shoulders. It’s similar to paying someone else to mow your lawn, which you certainly can do yourself, but freeing you to spend your time golfing or whatever. But the tax system shouldn’t be so complicated – but unfortunately it is – that ordinary Canadians, with simple income and life circumstances, cannot prepare and file their tax returns, correctly and simply, themselves. The costs to Canadians, in penalties and interest, in time and stress, in missed deductions and tax overpayments, are absolutely higher than they should be. And this despite Canada Revenue Agency’s pretty good efforts at providing a wealth of more-or-less understandable lay-person material on the interpretation of often complicated tax legislation. And despite the software makers’ pretty good efforts at providing in-program help. And despite the tax professionals’ pretty good efforts at educating our clients specifically and the taxpayer community at large. It’s time to return to basics and simplify, at least at the basic tax return level. ~ Please see Lotar Maurer’s ad on this page for his contact information.

THE BEACON’S ONLINE AT WWW.EYESONBC.COM

ELEVATE YOUR WELLNESS – LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE pREPARED BY lUCY cHURCHILL, rn

ach year May 17 is designated World Hypertension Day. World Hypertension Day was established to highlight the preventable stroke, heart and kidney disease caused by high blood pressure and to communicate to the public information on prevention, detection and treatment. Over 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension) and it is the biggest risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. What is hypertension? Hypertension is most commonly known as high blood pressure. It is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated (blood pressure readings above 140/90 or lower numbers for people with diabetes or kidney disease). Signs and symptoms of hypertension may include headache, strong desire to sleep, confusion, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. Quite often there are no signs and symptoms. Worldwide seven million people die because of high blood pressure. What can you do about it?

Barbara Rady RMT Registered Massage Therapist

• Measure your blood pressure regularly at home or by your health care provider. • Take medications regularly if prescribed. • If you are overweight losing as little as 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure. Over one billion adults worldwide are overweight with at least 300 million of them obese. Two good ways to monitor your weight are to regularly keep tabs on your waist circumference and body mass index. Recommended healthy waist circumference for the adult male is less than 94 cm and for the adult female it is less than 80 cm. Body mass index is an indicator to determine an average person’s weight status. To calculate your body mass index, take your weight (kilograms) and divide by your height (in metres squared Kg/m2). A healthy body mass index would be between 18.5 and 24.9. Look at portion sizes of food and try to include more fruit and vegetables.

Member Since 1981

250  240  7155

#204 Magnolia Court, Bowser BC

V0R 1G0

continued from page 33 carpet, bags of sand or rice. Avon in Mexico sells a “breast” for fifty dollars that is shaped like a teardrop, feels like cement and weighs several pounds! A real prosthetic breast is so treasured that even when it begins to leak it is wrapped in plastic bags and cherished.

• High consumption of sodium (salt) in our foods is the major cause of hypertension in about three out of 10 adults. Currently about 80% of the sodium we consume comes from packaged, restaurant and fast foods. Try reducing your salt as much as possible, do not add extra salt when cooking, and try using fresh herbs and dried spices instead of salt.

Together, we can make a difference for these women.Donating your used prosthetic breasts and prosthetic bras is a gift from the heart. Regular bras in the 46+ sizes that our volunteers will transform into prosthetic bras are also urgently needed. By donating a wig you no longer need, you have the power to transform a woman from “naked” to “normal” in the blink of an eye.

• Get physically active, choose an activity that you enjoy like swimming, walking or cycling, try and get 30-45 minutes of moderate cardio-respiratory activity three to five times a week.

“My Girlfriend’s Closet” at 106 Second Ave West in Qualicum Beach, and “Dress For Less” at Magnolia Court in Bowser have graciously offered to collect these items.

• If you drink alcohol, try to have no more than two drinks a day.

If you have any questions about, or suggestions for, the Cancer de Mama clinic in La Penita, Mexico, please do not hesitate to contact Karen at 250-757-9511 ~

• If you are a smoker, consider stopping. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. ~

/ June 2010

continued from page 10 - Water Studies

sought to reassure people that they were dealing with the questions by installing eight separate water monitoring wells in addition to the over 200 drill holes used to gauge the coal deposit. CEO John Tapics described the water studies in a telephone interview: “I would say that what we have done is quite thorough and comprehensive. We’ve had expert hydrogeologists from two separate companies prepare the program and identify what information needed to be gathered to build a ground water model. And in addition we’ve had that proposal peer reviewed by a leading expert at UBC in addition to Vancouver Island University (VIU). And they’re quite satisfied that what we’re proposing and what we’re conducting in terms of studies is quite adequate.” Compliance Coal was unable to provide the names of the university experts, thus, it was not possible to verify if their groundwater model would equate to the aquifer mapping being requested. Delores Broten, from Comox Valley Water Watch, summed up the frustration felt about the process which creates this stalemate over aquifer data: “They say they’re doing it and we can’t say they are not doing it until we see what they are doing…one of the points we made was that they should be releasing this information. They say they don’t have to until the government okays the AIR (Application Information Requirement). You would think as a courtesy they would bring it to us in the community advisory group, but they won’t because we asked. So I find that very unconsultative.” One expert both sides have been talking to is VIU Professor of Geography Dr Alan Gilchrist, co-author of the Phase Two Report of the Vancouver Island Water Resources Vulnerability Mapping Project. Regarding the vulnerability of the proposed mine area he cautioned that it was difficult to be precise in pinpointing the mine site on the vulnerability study’s small scale maps, however, he believed the area would be classified as moderately vulnerable. “Further upslope are areas with low vulnerability and downslope, around the Tsable River has a high vulnerability. This makes sense from our limited understanding of the hydrogeology in this area.”

"On top or all around, We've got you covered"

Siding Roofing Soffits Gutters Cell: 250-228-0505

Craig Lewis

Res: 250-752-7104 fclewis@shaw.ca

Certified Journeyman

FULLY CERTIFIED 38

/ June 2010

FREE ESTIMATES

The Environmental Assessment Office confirmed that the Raven Project’s draft Application Information Requirement was circulated to the project’s working group for analysis at the beginning of May. That means the public comment period when the company’s data on aquifers will be released could be in late June or early July. Or, the provincial government could step in and put the process on hold while it maps the aquifers as requested by the local governments. Stay tuned.~ Jane E. Burton is a freelance writer who operates her company Memorable Lines from her home in Fanny Bay.

GOLD PHOENIX DIM SUM “TOUCHES YOUR HEART” By Carolyn Walton

lthough dim sum is usually enjoyed at Chinese restaurants, Islanders have been enjoying a variety of dumplings, steamed dishes, spring rolls, soup and buns at home, courtesy of entrepreneur, Tania Ly of Gold Phoenix Asian Foods.

of won tons.” She adds serving suggestions on the labels such as adding sides of fresh lettuce to barbequed spring rolls to wrap them in or including cucumber slices between pieces of Shao Mai. Her most recent additions to the dim sum menu are two home-made sauces: a hand-brewed traditional Vietnamese Sweet & Spicy Sauce for dipping and a Vietnamese Bean & Peanut Sauce for marinating and stir frying. She explains that the latter is not like the Thai

Dim Sum literally translates: “touches your heart” and this multitasking mother of two is doing just that north of Royston in her shared space at Hiawatha Evergreens, rolling, steaming, baking and fast freezing a tasty take-out menu which includes Vietnamese spring rolls, vegetable and yam spring rolls, pork and shrimp Shao Mai, pork and vegetable Gyozas, Wonton soup, steamed buns and salad rolls, all prepared with fresh, natural ingredients, packaged then oven, steamer or barbeque ready. Courtenay’s Butcher Block supplies Tania with fresh local pork. Gold Phoenix is truly a one-woman operation. Tania not only makes everything from scratch on her own, she also designs her labels which contain cooking instructions and operates her website with its online ordering. “Some days I don’t know where I’m going!” she admits. Royston is a far cry from this Chinese-Canadian’s harrowing escape with her family from Hanoi in war-torn North Vietnam during the 70’s. “The Chinese, not the Vietnamese were the first boat people”, she reveals, and choking with emotion recalls eight people crammed into a small leaky craft, the sinking and quicksand encountered on their flight by water to Hong Kong refugee camps. Known as the Boat People, they were sponsored by their church in Calgary, arriving in Canada some 35 years ago. A pharmacist/ herbalist in Vietnam, her father who spoke no English was placed in a shoe repair shop where he worked for twenty-five years. Growing up in Calgary with four sisters and a brother, they all helped in their mother’s home-based dim sum business. “When we’d come home from school she’d tell us to do 60 wraps each before we could go out to play!”

Steamed Shao Mai • Carolyn Walton photo version of peanut sauce as it contains mung beans, but is great with salad rolls and baked chicken wings. “I had been enclosing sauce packets in with salad rolls and everyone asked if I sold the sauce,” she explains. “I demand quality, not mass production,” she says. “I’d like to stay true to my way of doing things, making people happy eating my product.” Her labels say it all: Good Eats, Good Health, Good Fun. ~ www. goldphoenix.ca 250-338-3881

Twelve years ago when Tania and family moved to Courtenay from Calgary, she worked for three years as an accountant with RBC. “I would bring in snacks for the staff and they kept asking for more,” she says. “The children were small so I decided to stay home with them and start my own business, Gold Phoenix Asian Foods.” For the past seven years she has supplied grocery stores from Port McNeill to Victoria and area pubs and restaurants, all from her home. However, as her husband manages Hiawatha Evergreens she was able to rent kitchen and office space in the same building. Here, we encountered great piles of glossy green salal being bunched for delivery to Island florists. Tania says she always puts her family first, stopping at 5 o’clock to make supper at home and then it’s back to work again. She will usually roll some 600 products all by hand in an afternoon. Besides demos for pubs and restaurant kitchens, she discovered that her customers didn’t know how to cook Won Ton soup. Now a visit to her new location might mean a cooking lesson. Although her soup package contains all the ingredients “I like to educate them when they come and we exchange ideas how to cook, but if they like to make their own broth and vegetables, they can just buy a package / June 2010

Marketing & Advertising

EyesOnBC Community Info Centre A few spots are still available in the EyesOnBC / Beacon Magazine In-house Community Info Centre for racking your business cards, rack cards or flyers! Call 757-9914 for more information.

LEXANDER BY JORGIE A

BOWSER VIDEO SHOWC ASE

Source: select Internet sites

FROM $10/MONTH

PLAY THE GAME IN STORE NOW

It’s where locals and visitors find their service people!

I really enjoyed this movie. It makes you wonder what goes on in some of the retirement homes…you just have to laugh. Grandpa (Andy Griffith), a widower, wants his grandson David (Paul Campbell) to teach him all the tricks there is to the dating game. Who will be teaching whom? You’ll have to watch and find out!

Clipperart

IT’S COMPLICATED IN STORE NOW

HAIR SALON

It’s Complicated is exactly what it is. This romantic comedy is a definite must see!!! Talk about funny, you can’t go wrong with Meryl, Steve and Alec.

for an appointment call

757.9364

After being divorced for 10 years, an innocent dinner between Jane (Meryl Streep) and ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin) turns into an affair! Caught in the middle is Jake’s young wife and Adam (Steve Martin), a recent divorcé, who has started to fall for Jane. Could love be sweeter the second time around?

Patti Stubbs owner/operator

6920 W. Island Hwy. Bowser, BC

DOLAN’S CADILLAC IN STORE NOW I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. It makes you think…What are you capable of doing if a loved one was taken from you? This movie is based on the story by Stephen King. Robinson (Wes Bentley) whose wife was murdered by a ruthless Las Vegas Mob boss James Dolan (Christian Slater) has turned into an obsessed vengeance machine, intent on killing the man who murdered his wife. Will Robinson come up with the perfect plan that will bury Dolan once and for all? New Releases: Invictus, The Spy Next Door; starring Jackie Chan, Legion, The Messenger starring Woody Harrelson and Kevin Costner’s The New Daughter and Channing Tatum’s Dear John…so come on in and check them out!

Marketing & Advertising

June Releases: Johnny Depp’s Alice in Wonderland, From Paris with Love staring John Travolta; a must see thriller Shutter Island and a great family movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians; Lightning Thief, just to name a few…see you at the Store!

RODGER'S MAINTENANCE SERVICES

All Yard Care Powerwashing Painting Concrete Sealing Security Checks

Ph: 250-757-2048

C: 250-240-4078 mlnissen@shaw.ca

Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm

JOAN NEW ● JUNE 14 – 25 Joan was a long time resident of Qualicum Bay and now calls Port Alberni home. She started with tole painting, and branched out into decorative painting of useful items made of wood or metal, and later taught classes in Alberta and Ontario. Originally from Vancouver, Joan spent many years with husband John in Malaysia and Singapore, returning to BC for their retirement years. It was in 1994 Joan started painting with acrylics and has never looked back! “My main love is painting whatever appeals to me as an artist and I try to bring my appreciation of nature’s beauty into each and very painting.”

BRUSH HAND PRODUCTIONS ● MAY 31 – JUNE 11 The talent behind Brush Hand Productions is Ed Van Benthem and Willem Jonkman, better known as the painter guys at Ed & Willem’s Painting. Ed & Willem have been painting their way around Oceanside since 2000, and are now pleased to exhibit their artistic works at EyesOnBC. When not spending time with their families, or taste-testing Canadian beer, they like to ‘noodle’ around on their guitars and occasionally dabble with left-over house paint to create their “Outside Art” canvasses. Yes...you can actually hang them on your fence or exterior walls. Inspired by a customer who wanted a dragonfly on the outside wall of her house...“Can you guys do that?”, she asked ... they came up with some great ideas and a whole new channel for their creative energies. They hope you enjoy their art as much as they enjoyed creating it.

call for artists:Layout 1

5/11/2010

8:07 AM

Page 1

And, if your home needs painting on the inside or out, give them a call (see page 53 for ad).

CALL FOR ARTISTS November 6 - 7th, 2010

Lighthouse Community Centre, Qualicum Bay

http://expo.islandartsmag.ca

/ June 2010

Eelgrass Habitat

by Diane Sampson Administrator, Nile Creek Enhancement Society

POWERHOUSE FITNESS CLUB Welcomes you to give Yourself the Gift of Health! Membership Options Drop In Rates Monthly Rates Punch Cards

Equipment Includes: Cardiovascular Machines Weight Machines Free Weights Core Strength Equipment.

Located in Magnolia Court, Bowser Come in or Call 778 424 FITT

almon fry weave through the dense blades of eelgrass (Zostera marina) after leaving their birth stream, utilizing the vibrant habitat for protection and food until they are ready to begin their migration. Herring spawn on the eelgrass blades in March, providing food for birds, marine mammals and other fish. Plainfin Midshipmen lay their eggs on nearby rocks, drawing hundreds of eagles, Great Blue Heron and gulls. Hundreds of species utilize these beds during their life, many for laying eggs and raising their young. Eelgrass is an important habitat for local and migrating birds, such as Brant Geese, where they can rest and feed. It provides habitat and food for thousands of invertebrates and fish, and protects the shoreline against erosion. It is a wildlife corridor between adjacent habitats. The blades of the eelgrass capture and retain carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and provide nutrients for salmon, other fish, birds and faunal invertebrates.

/ June 2010

Eelgrass beds calm storm waves, protecting our shoreline from erosion. These eelgrass beds are found throughout the BC coast from Victoria to Haida Gwaii, along the mainland and on both sides of Vancouver Island. Helping to protect these vital beds are numerous local groups along the coast who have become members of a larger group called The Seagrass Conservation Working Group (http://www.stewardshipcentre.bc.ca/ eelgrass/index.html). This organization supports the many local groups by providing

Kelp crab in eel grass • submitted photo leadership, advice, guidance, networking, education and access to resources. With this help, local groups are being trained to map these beds to determine their stability and health. Monitoring continues over the years to address any effects from local environmental changes. As an indicator of water quality, a bed can increase or decrease as a result of land practices and water uses. Monitoring by local stewards can keep communities informed. Nile Creek Enhancement Society, a member of the Seagrass Conservation Working Group, is beginning to identify the different species utilizing our local beds. This will indicate food availability for salmon fry and provide details on the bed’s ecosystem. Like kelp beds and terrestrial forests, eelgrass beds are vital to thousands of species and the health of our local salmon. You, too, can participate in protecting these systems by keeping our local waters clean, free of silt and pollutants. Protecting these habitats will in turn, protect us. ~

OUT OF THE NEst

Travis Stevenson

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

By rita levitz The “Out of the Nest” interviews are usually done over the phone or by email; our “nesters” can be anywhere! Travis Stevenson wove his answers to my questions into an informal, conversational narrative inviting us into his world.

“

When I was contacted by “Rita” for this interview my first thought was “Rita?” Is that sort of like Ms. Levitz as I know her? You see Ms. Levitz was my 4th and 5th grade teacher many years ago at Bowser Elementary School (BES). I began my education in 1984 at BES. My class was the first Kindergarten class to start at the newlybuilt school on Faye Road. I went right through my schooling in District 69 – BES, Qualicum Beach Middle School (which has since been torn down) and Kwalikum Secondary School. I graduated in 1997. I am now in Nanaimo enjoying a career as a REALTOR® with Coast Realty Group. I absolutely love my job; I cannot see myself in any other industry. I love the freedom of

self-employment, but living on Vancouver Island is a challenge. Imagine living here and having the ability to take a day off whenever you want. I love finding someone their home. It’s very rewarding, as is helping someone sell their home and move on with their lives. It’s challenging working in a market where I have only lived for ten years and is still small enough so most people know someone in the business. Getting into Real Estate is a long story! Here is the path I took in two sentences. I worked at TOMM’S (that’s where 90% of Lighthouse Country will recognize me from) between high school and the start of my education at Malaspina University, where I got a Bachelor of Tourism Management. I tried a few different things, but in the Fall of 2005 I finally decided to get my Real Estate License after considering it at three different periods in my life. All I can say now is, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Growing up in a small town on twenty acres has led me to where I am now. Living near Spider Lake, I developed a love for

being in the great outdoors. I owe a lot to the people that were around me in Bowser, and to the various leaders at the Recreation Department in Parksville. There were some great influences and teachers along the way. My parents, of course, get most of the credit. Most people will know Mrs. Stevenson from BES, and my dad Doug with his old blue and white Chevy truck. When I am not working I find a lot to occupy my time. My girlfriend Natalie has two kids, ages six and eight. They’re in hockey and baseball, so free time is hard to come by. I’m at the gym three times a week. I love to ski; I still rock climb on occasion, and I am aiming to get the kids out camping as much as possible this summer. I volunteer with the local Search and Rescue Society, and I love to hike around Nanaimo. What does the future bring? More living life to the fullest. Nice to have a goal that can last a lifetime!”

/ June 2010

Propagating and Soil Building Q: I am confused about the terms ‘softwood’ and ‘hardwood’ cuttings. Does this mean softwood and hardwood trees? Do I need rooting powder to do cuttings? A: The term ‘softwood’ means the new soft growth that occurs on plants in the spring and ‘hardwood’ means the growth after it has hardened off at the end of the growing season. Both cuttings are ways to get new plants for free, but don’t sell them because there are patents on many plants. Softwood cuttings should be taken at the end of May until mid-June. It is getting a little late to do them because of our early spring this year. It may be better to take hardwood cuttings at the end of the season which will be in October. Yes, you do need rooting hormone (powder or gel). They are sometimes specific for either softwood or hardwood cuttings so read the labels carefully. I recommend the gel form because it clings to the stem better. For a growing medium, I prefer coarse horticultural sand. Be sure to use a poking stick to make your hole rather than the cutting itself so that the sand doesn’t rub off the rooting hormone. Q: What vegetables can be planted now to be harvested in the fall and winter?

6996 West Island Hwy Bowser, BC V0R 1G0

In and about the Lions’ Den

he Lions have been busy with the National and International Conventions being held in Courtenay this month. That being over, we can get back to our club’s local activities. We are planning our annual Silent Auction June 13 to be held at Lighthouse Community Pancake Breakfast. Auction is from 8am to 12 noon with a good assortment of items. The ball fields are looking good and there will be some action on them starting in May. The Lions will go into summer recess July and August. We will see you back in September! Have a very good summer! ~We Serve

/ June 2010

A: This is a good question because if planted too late in the summer some will go to seed without producing food for you. The ideal time to plant Brussels sprouts, winter cabbage, purple sprouting broccoli, winter cauliflower, and parsnips is in June. In early July, plant winter carrots, beets, rutabagas, Swiss chard, and kohlrabi for harvest in the fall and winter. For more on this topic that is growing in popularity, refer to our local writer Linda Gilkeson’s book, “Year Around HarvestWinter Gardening on the Coast”. Q: I want to share my Rhodo with my neighbour and someone told me a little about layering plants. What is this and will it work to achieve my goal? A: Yes, this is an excellent way to duplicate plants like Rhodos and Pieris that are growing well. It will take at least one year, but I recommend two years to ensure sufficient root development. Start with a low growing branch that is close to the ground. Make a small slice on the underside of the branch at a node without cutting through. Anchor the cut area so it touches the ground, then use a small hoop (coated electric wire will work) or rock to keep it down. Stake the end of the branch to encourage it to grow upright instead of sideways and then don’t disturb it while it grows. To transplant, cut the whole branch off the parent plant. Q: My yard has both clay and very sandy soil, but little organic matter in either. How much should be added to improve the soil? A: Your clay needs to be worked to break it up into small chunks as well as you can. Then you may want to combine it with an equal part of your sandy soil which will make a good ratio of clay and sand to mix with organic matter. After you’ve joined the clay and sand, mix it with organic matter (ie. compost) at a 1:1 ratio. This will raise the overall percentage of organic matter to about 50-60% which is the ideal percentage for growing most plants in our area, including vegetables. This should bring the pH level of the soil close to neutral which is desirable. ~ Harry Sumner is a certified arborist & garden coach. Gardening questions are welcome at 250-248-4512 or shellms@telus.net.

HONOUR STUDENTS OF KWALIKUM SECONDARY SCHOOL

e have now completed the introduction of the 2009-10 Grade 12 Honour Students at Kwalikum Secondary School. We wish to extend our thanks for sharing their future aspirations. ~ the editors

ALINA BAKER

I believe the deepest sense of happiness and fulfillment one can achieve is derived from helping others; through selfless compassion and unconditional love. This is my passion. I aspire to bring change to the world by helping those in need – by giving them hope, love, and a voice in a world where their lives are becoming increasingly insignificant. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will be at peace” ~ unknown.

CONNOR MCLEOD As I head off to the University of Victoria next year, I reflect on some of my successes and positive experiences at KSS. My grade 11 and 12 years have allowed me to continue to develop my leadership and academic skills. Winning the Cayley and Fermat Mathematics awards for KSS, having the lead in our school musical, Disco Inferno, working on Grad Council and doing well in Ballroom Dance competitions with Dancesport B.C. are some of the positive memories I will take with me. I will continue to develop my interests in Academic areas and Fine Arts as I pursue studies in Business and Law.

Cool Stuff to do in Oceanside Spirit of the Animal Kingdom Tour

acific Rainforest Adventure Tours invites you to an authentic aboriginal experience tour. This half-day tour departs from Parksville to Cathedral Grove where Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations guide Tom Sewid; grandson of author James Aul Sewid (“Guests Never Leave Hungry”) dressed in traditional regalia and wearing traditional masks tells the legends that go back thousands of years. Scheduled tours - $70.00 per person and pre-arranged group rates also available. www.rainforestnaturehikes.com

Folk Lore and Monsters Galore

et your binoculars, steady your video camera and get ready with tales of the Cryptids. Strange sightings have been reported at Cameron Lake and the CSI (Crypto Scientific Investigators) are scouring the lake for what lies beneath. Evidence at the Qualicum Beach Paleontology Museum proves hundreds of creatures inhabited this area in the past, so who knows what else can be lurking in the lake now! www.VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com - courtesy Oceanside Tourism Association

FRANCIS RECALMA

I am planning on going to UVIC to study technical theatre to further my skills in that area. Since the age of six I have loved the theatre, and now I hope to make a life of it. I would like to thank all of my past teachers for their help, and especially the people involved in ECHO Players and B2B Theatre Society for all their support in my dreams.

DR. IAN AND MAGGIE SMITH CONGRATULATE THE HONOUR STUDENTS AND WISH THEM WELL IN THEIR EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS

/ June 2010

PUT YOUR JUNK IN MY TRUNK – I clean out any room or pile. Fast, friendly, honest. Call Gary at 250-937-7879. COAL CREEK FARM in Fanny Bay has sm. to med. fresh young heritage turkeys, processed in a licensed facility $4/lb. Free-run chicken & duck eggs $3/ doz. Taking orders for fresh duck – $4/ lb for Aug delivery. Christine 250-3351322. FIREWOOD – Legally obtained, seasonally dried firewood. $180/cord for dry fir, $160 mixed. Custom cut. Tax inc. discount for local seniors. Call 250-7578006 or 250-240-2533 PICK-UP AND DELIVERY – Tune-ups and repairs to riding lawnmowers, all small engines and related equipment. Call Ron 250-240-1971 e-mail: ronmorrison100@gmail.com WANTED – 2 entrepreneur-minded individuals to work with expanding established business. 250-954-0074 THERAPEUTIC FOOT REFLEXOLOGY – Sessions 75 mins my home or yours. Release your body’s self-healing ability through deep relaxation. Please call Marie @ 250-335-0850.

Marketing & Advertising

WRITING AND MEMOIR SERVICES – get the help you need to communicate your message or to tell your story effectively. www.memorablelines.com. Call 250-335-1157 or 1-888-330-8366

It’s where locals and visitors find their service people!

/ June 2010

AD-SAFE – reliable transportation to appointments, shopping, errands, outings. Ferry and airport service as well. Call Marilee at 250-757-9967 or 250-954-9925 YOU CALL…I HAUL – small loads, garden waste, construction debris, unwanted misc. junk, small moves, prompt service. Call Ron 250-757-2094 or cell 250-228-1320 YOGA 4 YOU – Classes available in Parksville & Qualicum Beach. For schedule go to www.yoga4you.me or call Tracy Pike 250-248-4168

DESIGN & DRAFTING SERVICES. Residential – Commercial – Renovations Project Manager. Full Service Drafting Services from concept to completion. Call Deb Nicol. nicolde@ shaw.ca 250-607-7038 FOOTCARE – HYGIENE Soaking feet, cutting nails, filing callouses, treating dry skin – fingernails too. Reflexology – 1 hour sessions. Home visits. Please call Vikki @ 250-757-9244

WILDWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 113 McColl Road, Bowser

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 757-8136

GREEN ENERGY.

FIREWOOD a renewable and carbon neutral resource. For your fuel wood needs call Dale Wilson (250) 757-9276

Short Circuit Electric

New home? Renovation? For your safe and quality wiring needs, the shortest circuit is to call Tim 250-240-4105. Licensed and Bonded.

OIL PAINTINGS by Carmen Gehring. 863 Fishermans Circle, French Creek (up Lee Rd - off Mulholland Dr). By appt. or by chance call 250-954-1222

DON’S HOME REPAIR – plumbing repairs and installations, complete renovations, no job too small. Call Don @ 250-757-8757 or cell 250- 951-8757 THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF QUESTERS – 7pm Monday June 28th at the Lighthouse Community Centre. FMI call Chris: 250-752-1419 FOR SALE – 1995 7.5 hp 4 stroke Honda Outboard; runs fine. $500. Call 250-757-8950 A BIG THANK YOU – to all the generous donors who responded to our call for used fitness equipment for the Bow Horn Bay Fire Department. Your excellent bikes, treadmill, weight equipment and home gym will get a good work-out by our firefighters! Thank you for your kindness, it is much appreciated. Chief Steve Anderosov, Deputy Chief Geoff MacIntosh and all the Firefighters at BHB Fire Hall

The Gallery at EyesOnBC Featuring original art, prints, books and hand-crafted products of local Artists, Authors and Artisans.

A Triple-A experience in Bowser!

757-9914

6996 West Island Hwy Bowser

Aries (March 21-April 19) A busy month! You have things to do, people to see, places to go! In particular, you feel compelled to enlighten others about something. Talk to others, especially relatives and siblings about your plans or new ideas. Many of you will take short trips. This is a good month to read, write and study. It’s also a productive time for writers, editors, teachers, actors, and anyone who wants to express their creativity. (Of course, there’s a very fine line between hobby and mental illness.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Your popularity is soaring! Some are joining clubs, groups, and professional associations. Others are taking classes. Many will hang out with pals more than usual, or be “lunching”. You’ll enjoy catching up with others. This is a great time to make new friends. Share your goals and dreams for the future with people because their feedback will help you. The more specific you are, the more specific their feedback can be. I say use everything coming your way!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You’re absorbed with one of your favourite topics – money! The reason you’re focused on cash flow is it’s flowing! This means either you’re getting a boost in your earnings, or spending a lot. (I suspect the latter.) Well, you’re no spend thrift, but you love gorgeous things! And you work hard to make your home as beautiful as it can possibly be. Right there, I see money flying out the window, don’t you? Relax. Don’t worry about avoiding temptation – as you get older, it starts avoiding you!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month, the Sun is at high noon in your chart acting like a spotlight on you. This is the only time all year this happens for Virgo. This means you have this great “lighting” and in particular, bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs (and the police) will notice you. It’s as if they “see” you in the light. It’s important to know this lighting makes you look good in their eyes. You’ll be asked to take on increased responsibilities. (Say yes.) You won’t have to do anything spectacular to please them. They’ll love you. (Bonus!)

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your time has arrived, dear Gemini. The Sun is in your sign boosting your energy, giving you an opportunity to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. It also inexplicably attracts people and opportunities to you. Milk this for all its worth! For example, this month is the only time all year when the Sun is in Gemini. This means it’s the beginning of your personal year (birthday to birthday). So what’s your expectations for this year? (It never hurts to have a plan, Stan.) What’s it going to be?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Travel, publishing, the media, higher education, plus activities with medicine or the law are areas that excite you this month. Something will happen that allows you to expand your horizons and your experience of the world. Not only will you learn more, and schmooze more with people from different backgrounds and different cultures, you might get a job in these areas or promote yourself in some way. Hitch your wagon to a star! You’re about to enter a whole new world by next year.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Play it low key. Work behind the scenes or work alone. Your birthday is a month away, so you’re waiting in the wings. That makes this an ideal time to strategize what you want your new year (birthday to birthday) to be all about. You’ve got four weeks to think about it. Aside from the deadlines of work, I often just let life happen to me. But sometimes, I grab it by the tail, I nail it down, I give myself objectives with timetables, and I’m shocked at how much more I get done! (Can’t hurt to try it.) After all, life is short – and fat.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This month is about shared property, credit card debt, inheritances, insurance matters, and anything you hold jointly with someone else. You might also focus on your partner’s wealth and income, or your ex-partner’s. Actually, you can really clear up loose ends here. Privately, the intensity of the next few weeks activates your desires at a sexual level as well. You’re hot stuff! Whether it’s money or sex or both, it’s a memorable month. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You’re focused on partnerships and close friendships this month, in

part because this is the best time all year to learn more about your style of relating. Those who are closest to you will reflect this style right back to you, almost as if you were talking to a mirror. Since we all need relationships in our lives, why not learn as much about your style of relating as you can? (For starters, did you know there are three kinds of people in the world – those who can count, and those who can’t?) Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Roll up your sleeves! All Capricorns are determined to be as efficient, effective and productive as much as possible. Since you’re so gung ho to get better organized, give yourself the best tools and support material possible so you can do a great job. (You know what a perfectionist you are.) File folders, cleaning equipment, paint, shelving, or whatever it is you need. You might even get somebody to help you? By the same token, why not apply this zealous energy to improving your health? You are a longlived sign. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) It’s party city! Take a vacation. This month is all about romance, flirtations, love affairs, meeting new love, reigniting existing love, plus attending social events, the theatre, movies, and sporting events. Playful activities with children are also fun. Take note: you’re in touch with your creative urges now, so not only are you hot and sexy in bed, you’re wonderfully creative with the arts as well. Artists can be especially productive this month. Basically, you like who you are right now. Go out and flash your dazzle! Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month is about home, family, and domestic matters. Some are involved in real estate deals. All of you will be involved with family matters and entertaining at home. But it’s all extremely pleasant! Enjoy quiet times at home. Snuggle up with a movie, or read a book. You need to psychologically and emotionally collect yourself in a pampered, relaxing way. Family will be a rewarding experience. (Especially if somebody pays back their loan.) ~

"As your RBC mobile mortgage specialist, I am always ready to provide you with the free professional advice you need to finance your home purchase or refinance your home. I will help you build the best combination of features and options based on your budget & need. My aim is to help you customize your mortgage so that it fits both your current financial situation and your long term goals." / June 2010

Community Events LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) Qualicum Bay INFO: LOIS NELSON: 757-9938 Pancake Breakfast, Flea Market, Live Music, Veggies, Poultry & Small Animal Swap, Master Gardeners: – Sunday June 13th, 8amnoon. The Bowser Elemenetary PAC will be cooking up breakfast this morning.

Credit Master mortgages The power to realize your dreams... A mortgage that takes you there... ask your local branch for details.

Giant Garage Sale & Pancake Breakfast July 1st at Lighthouse Community Centre: 8am -12noon. Proceeds to benefit the hall. Lighthouse Seniors #152 – Summer wind up with beef luncheon at Bowser Legion on Monday, June 7 at 12 noon. Tickets are $12 call Layne at 250-757-8217. Business Meeting on Wednesday, June 9 at the Community Hall at 12 noon. Summer Floor Curling – starts June 7th, Mondays only, to mid-September at the Lions Rec Centre. New members welcome. FMI phone Tillie 250-757-9218 or Dennis 250-757-8218. AA Lightkeepers: every Fri. 8pm. Info: 240-757-8347 Bridge at LCC Nordin Room Fridays at 1-4pm. Call Gerry Caille 757-8115 Taoist Tai Chi Society Classes at LCC and Fanny Bay OAP Hall. FMI Susan @ 757-2097 or Chris @ 752-1419 LIGHTHOUSE RECREATION INFO PATTY BIRO: 757-8366, shipshore@shaw.ca. Floor Hockey (13+): Tuesdays at Bowser School, 7-9 pm, $2 drop in, Age 13+, FMI Kevin Bull, 757-8423 Lighthouse Trails Group needs your help. Val Weismiller: 757-9667 RDN PROGRAMS Run/Walk the Rivers – Head out to the parking lot of beautiful Wildwood Community Park and join in a walk or run on the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail. Sunday, June 20, 9:0010:30am Cost: $5.50 Drop-in Bowser Breeze Camps – Day camps, 8am - 5pm for children ages 6-12 years, July 12-16 and August 16-20 at Bowser Elementary School. Cost: $121 Please register early at 250-248-3252 or 250-752-5014 to avoid the disappointment of a program being cancelled. For more information please contact RDN programmer, Kim Longmuir at 250-757-8118 or Klongmuir@rdn.bc.ca.

/ June 2010

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & CLUBS Garden Tour June 13th in Lighthouse Country. Visit nine inspirational gardens and see artists at work. Follow it up with a strawberry tea and silent art auction at the community centre! For more information visit www.communityclub.ca Tickets available at the Beacon, Mulberry Bush in Qualicum or at the morning pancake breakfast at the hall on the 13th. Don’t miss this great event! Art Exhibition and Sale of Federation of Canadian Artists, Arrowsmith Chapter June 1-26th 10-4pm Tuesday to Saturday,. Opening Night and Free Draw Thursday June 3rd, 7-9pm @OCAC Gallery 133 McMillan Street Parksville BC 250-248-8185 TOTAM – Wed. & Thurs from 9:15 – 11:15 am. This program provides opportunities for parents and caregivers to meet and participate in activities, like Tae Aerobics or listening to guest speakers, while their infants, toddlers or preschoolers engage in age appropriate supervised creative play! SOS Child, Youth and Family Centre, 245 West Hirst Avenue, Parksville. For more information call 250-248-2093 ext 238. Kiwanis Club of Parksville/Qualicum Beach meets 1st and 3rd Tues at The Kiwanis Village 250 West First Ave QB 7:15pm. 19+ are welcome if you wish to assist seniors and children in need in our community.FMI contact Thomas at 250-752-7424 Skeet Shooting – Are you ready for some fun. Test your hand/eye coordination. give Trap and Skeet shooting a try. Men, Women and children over age 12 (accompanied by an adult). Sun. 10am and ‘even numbered” Wed. at noon. Location: The Dorman Road Range off Baylis Road – a member of the Parksville Qualicum Fish & Game Club. FMI: Diane Upper, 250-757-8320. Dance To Timberline Band – Free, live Old-time Country and Rock’n Roll music. Every Wed. 7:30 -10:30pm. Parksville Legion, 146 West Hirst St, Parksville. Everyone welcome. Get the support you need to lose weight and keep it off.TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets weekly at the Seniors Hall on Ships Point Road. Weigh In starts at 9:30am. Meetings at 10am. Oceanside Grandmothers to Grandmothers invite you to their First Car Trunk/Boot Sale Saturday, June 19th 9-1. Remax First Parking lot at Wembley Mall where they will open the trunks of their cars, with all kinds of goods spilling out of them!!! Books, fabrics, plants, collectables, household items, baking and much more! All proceeds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation to help AIDS orphans in Africa.

June 2010 “Really” Big Book Sale and Garage Sale to support the SPCA will be held June 11 and 12 at the Parksville Curling Club. Location--Community Park, off Corfield in Parksville. Hundreds of Books, Household Goods, China, Electrical, Toys, Lots of Pet Supplies, Linens and Bedding, Xmas Decorations. Eaglecrest, Oceanside’s Garden Club will meet 7.30pm June 16th in Q.B. Civic Centre. “Birds of Vancouver Island and how they benefit our gardens” will be presented by photographer Mike Yip. All welcome. Info. 250-752-3662 Mid-Island Floral Art Club (MIFAC) presents “Art in Bloom” at the Qualicum Beach Art Gallery (TOSH). This year we are expanding to include “Fashion in Bloom”. “Twenty-one members of MIFAC will be using fresh flower arrangements and floristic fashions in their interpretations of art works. The “Fashion” element of this year’s show is a new adventure for the members. Hats, shoes, purses, boots and dresses, all in natural materials, will be on display from June 2 to 12th at the Art Gallery (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach. This show promises to be a most exciting experience for both the members of MIFAC and the general public. Admission is free and the Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm each day, including weekends. Nanaimo Theatre Group presents Mixed Singles – an Evening of One Act Plays June 10-19, 8pm, matinee Sunday, June 13, 2pm, at the Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd, Nanaimo, $15/17, 250-758-7224, www. nanaimotheatregroup.com Qualicum Beach Probus Club – Tuesday June 1st the speaker will be Hamish Murray, a Meteorologist stationed at Comox Air Base.The meeting will be held at St. Stephen’s Church hall, starting at 9am. Visitors are most welcome. Bow-Horne-Community Club’s 40th Fall Fair – Lighthouse Community Centre, Lions Way, Qualicum Bay on September 4th.The entries and exhibit guide will be available soon at your local business locations and also on our website. For additional information phone 250-757-9991 or visit our website at www.communityclub.ca Milner Gardens Art & Photography in the Garden July 17th & 18th 10am to 5:00pm (last entry at 4:30pm) Meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at work, painting, sketching, carving and photographing the beauty of this Artist’s Garden. Bonsai artists, potters, and live music. Artwork silent auction in support of the Gardens. Hand stamp allows re-entry Sunday. Tea Room opens early from 11am to 4pm for homemade soups and scones. FMI 250-752-6153 or www.milnergardens.org “I Want to Be Fat Like You” – Fall 2010 Kindness in Action Volunteer Program. Doreen Bakstad and Len Walker will be guiding the Nov 15 - Dec 15 program to Cambodia for those who wish to participate. What can you contribute to a group of kids in rural Cambodia? Find out and join us! www. KindnessinAction.ca

/ June 2010

Sam Shields…melding music to the screen By Brenda Timbers

he Vancouver Island Music Business Conference will be coming to Courtenay from June 24 to 27th with an impressive array of talent to teach and entertain. Sam Shields, a film maker and Pilates instructor from Fanny Bay, fills her space with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. Sam heard that her friend, Susie McGregor was putting together six music videos for the conference and volunteered to take on direction of the project. These videos will showcase the work of three island artists, Bekka Sims, Joey Clarkson and Susie McGregor. Both Bekka and Joey took part in the Comox Valley Idol, while Susie McGregor is a musician and partner in Highland Music Multimedia Productions. As well as being a talented performer, Susie is dedicated to fostering local talent. “Bekka is a jazz sensation, when she sat down at the piano I almost cried, for such a young person, her voice is so mature. Joey’s voice is really sweet and fine, not embellished. She’s a straight up storyteller, and she’s got a juxtaposition between sweetness and wisdom, it’s an alluring balance. Susie has a rock and roll soul.” Sam says. Sam Shields is well qualified to direct these films, “After completing the Theatre Arts Program at Simon Fraser I worked in all fields; acting, writing, directing, designing and producing. At one point I made the short film ‘Might’.” Working behind the camera and acting in both Toronto and New York gave Sam a lot of fascinating experiences, but when the opportunity rose to come back to Vancouver Island she didn’t hesitate to relocate to Fanny Bay. “As soon as I arrived I remembered what it looked like, it’s beautiful and I’m so happy. Just look around.”

Sam Shields • Brenda Timbers photo Both the time and the budget are tight but Sam Shields is inspired by the challenges, the many volunteers and the flow of creativity that surrounds these three talented women “We have two days to shoot at the Sid Williams, eight weeks to shoot and edit six videos with virtually no budget. “The Sid has been very supportive,” Sam comments. “An amazing crew of professionals have volunteered to make this happen. The goal was to showcase these artists so that they could branch right into mainstream. We didn’t want to make a practice video, we want to make something that could go straight to Country Music Video or Much Music.” These videos will premiere at the Sid Williams Theatre on June 23 at the Joey Clarkson and Bekka CD release, and play at intervals throughout the conference. Among the stellar list of presenters and performers at the conference are Dan Hill, Patricia Conroy, Angela Kelman (Farmer’s Daughter), Bill Henderson (Chilliwack) and Sue Medley. At 7 pm on Thursday, June 24 Chilliwack in Concert will light up the stage; on Friday, June 25 Patricia Conroy and Friends will perform; and on Saturday Dan Hill and Friends are featured. Each of these concerts begins at 7 pm. “There’s going to be amazing music in town,” Sam enthuses. Musicians will also be performing each night from June 24 to 27th at Courtenay’s Whistle Stop Neighbourhood Pub. If you’re interested in attending the conference there is information online at www.vimbc.com/. Tickets for the conference and concerts will be available for sale at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay, online at sidwilliamstheatre.com or by calling 1 866 898-8499. ~

/ June 2010

BUSINESS INFORMATION CENTRE

To be included in this listing, simply take advantage of our “Community Marketing Package”, which includes display advertising in The Beacon, in-house Community Business & Information Centre racking privileges, and a listing on this page. Call Jeanette at 757-9914 for full details. ~

e encourage you to “shop local” whenever possible. Below is a list of local businesses that offer a variety of services and products for your personal and professional needs. Tell them you saw their listing or ad in The Beacon. And, if you use and can recommend a local business or service, we ask you to share the news with your neighbours, friends and family. Your positive referrals will ensure a strong economy in your community. And that’s important!

Advertiser........................................Contact Information............................. Category....................... Ad Page Gallery at EyesOnBC..................................757-9914................................................................Art & Gift Gallery / Business Centre......24 Arrowsmith Automotive................................752-1662................................................................Automotive Services..............................26 Qualicum Auto & Marine Supply Ltd............250-752-5621.........................................................Auto & Marine Supplies.........................53 Career Centre..............................................248-3205................................................................Business & Education...........................54 Invis, Carol Plaisier, Mortgage Consultant...250-248-5997.........................................................Business & Financial Services..............53 Jennifer Hubbard, Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Public.......................752-6951.............................Business & Financial Services..............36 Lotar Maurer, CGA.......................................752-9223................................................................Business & Financial Services..............23 NR Insurance Services................................752-3086................................................................Business & Financial Services..............30 Dennis Ponto, Accountant...........................757-8581................................................................Business & Financial Services..............54 RBC Mortgages - Cathie Kanani.................752-7461................................................................Business & Financial Services..............47 Wisdom is Within Coaching.........................757-9794................................................................Business & Personal Coaching.............35 Handy Sandy Services................................757-9599................................................................ Maintenance Services..........................52 Rodger’s Maintenance Services..................757-2048................................................................ Maintenance Services..........................40 Medicine Centre..........................................Fern Rd 752-9911......Memorial Ave 752-9976......Health Services.....................................37 Tracy Hebert R.M.T.....................................cell 927-1471..........................................................Health Services.....................................54 Alain Voitchovsky (Finishing Carpentry)......757-8799................................................................Home & Garden Services......................52 Bowser Roofing...........................................757-9827....................248-1633.............................Home & Garden Services......................13 Gayle’s Housekeeping.................................250-757-8065.........................................................Home & Garden Services......................54 Gemini Technical Services (Appliances).....752-6871................................................................Home & Garden Services......................54 Horne Lake Electric.....................................250-240-7778.........................................................Home & Garden Services......................53 Lighthouse Trucking Ltd..............................757-2047....................cell 927-7577.......................Home & Garden Services......................53 Northpacific Window....................................752-5312................................................................Home & Garden Services......................25 Qualicum Bay Custom Carpentry................250-757-8996.............cell 250-954-7700...............Home & Garden Services......................54 Witte Construction.......................................757-9713....................927-2157.............................Home & Garden Services......................53 EyesOnBC (in Bowser)................................757-9914................................................................Copy / Fax / Office Services...Inside Front Re/Max First Realty - Carol Gregson..........954-8817....................1-888-243-1071...................Real Estate............................................45 Re/Max First Realth - Setter & Associates..951-4078....................1-877-752-6089...................Real Estate............................................13 Re/Max First Realty - Tom Whitfield............248-1071....................1-888-243-1071...................Real Estate............................................12 Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club..................752-9727................................................................Sports & Leisure....................................26 Peter Mason Land Surveyor........................757-8788....................1-800-350-5394...................Surveying & Land Information...............53

Community Information Centre at EyesOnBC • 250-757-9914

The advertisers listed above also have their business cards and brochures racked with us at EyesOnBC in our Community Information Centre. If you require further information about any of the businesses noted above, please feel free to call or stop by our office. We support local business and firmly believe in the power of networking. / June 2010

Sand & Gravel Topsoil Septic Systems Bark Mulch Driveway Chips Water Lines

Culverts Drain Problems

Designer Clothes

Septic Installation

Certified Septic System Specialist

Call Lauren & Save

P.C. Plumbing 01.07.eps

Plumbing & Gas Services

Plumbing Service Drywall Repairs 30 Years Experience Licensed & Bonded PETER CHAPMAN

(250)240-1415

Military Surplus Pellet Fuel Sales

Drywall

Baked Goods

Hypnotherapy

Home Improvement

(250) 757-8156 or (250) 954-8716

Home Repairs

Construction

Handyman Services

A-Company Military Surplus & Adventure Clothing...................52 Alain Voitchovsky, Custom Craftsman.......................................52 All in One Bobcat.......................................................................52 Alpine Cedar..............................................................................53 Arrowsmith Heating...................................................................53 Blue Star Trucking.....................................................................53 Bondy and Sons Heating & Cooling..........................................53 Bowser Video Showcase...........................................................53 C.F. McLean Pellet Sales..........................................................52 Career Centre............................................................................54 Deja~Vu Decor..........................................................................53 Dennis Ponto, Professional Accounting.....................................54 Ed & Willems - House Painting..................................................53 Evelyn’s Barber Shop................................................................54 Firewood (Dale Wilson).............................................................54 Gayle’s Housekeeping...............................................................54 Gemini Appliance Repair...........................................................54 Handy Sandy Services..............................................................52 Horne Lake Electric...................................................................53 Invis, Carol Plaisier Mortgage Consultant.................................53 Jim’s Mowing.............................................................................53 Level 6 Drywall Contracting.......................................................52 Lighthouse Feed & Garden.......................................................54 Lighthouse Trucking..................................................................53 Master Lawn Maintenance........................................................54 Mr. Land Clearing & Septic Ltd..................................................54 Oceanside Yoga........................................................................54 PC Plumbing & Gas...................................................................52 Peter Mason Land Surveyor......................................................53 Qualicum Auto & Marine............................................................53 Qualicum Bay Custom Carpentry..............................................54 Qualicum Bay Plumbing............................................................53 Qualicum Clothworks.................................................................52 Surfside Family Haircare...........................................................54 Tracy Hebert, Massage Therapist.............................................54 Wilson Exteriors.........................................................................52 Witte Construction Ltd...............................................................53 NEW THIS MONTH! Advanced Hypnosis...................................................................52 Biscotti di Notti...........................................................................52 Camelot Electric........................................................................54 Camelot Excavating...................................................................54 DIY Helper & Handyman Services............................................52

Heating Pellets Animal Bedding Wood Pellets & Shavings

WE DELIVER 757-9232

Located in Qualicum Bay 52

/ June 2010

Your Local Entertainment Centre

. New Releases . Great Library Selection . New & previously viewed movies for sale . Machine Rentals - N64, PSX & XBox . Game Rentals - N64, PSX, PS2

Heating

Movie & Game Rental

Auto & Marine

BOWSER

XBox & GameCube

Ask our Staff for your hard-to-find titles Reservations Accepted

757-8353

Excavating

Land Surveying

Interior Decorating

#3 - 6996 West Island Hwy, Bowser

2003 Kobelco SK160Lc Excavator for Hire

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250-752-8772

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RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL ALTERNATE ENERGY

T.J. Farrell

250 • 240 • 7778

Plumbing Sand - Gravel - Topsoil

Heating & Cooling

Lawn Services House Painting

tjfarrell@shaw.ca

Mortgages

WCB & Insured Shaun Witte Owner/Journeyman

Electrician

Construction

LTD

Fencing / Timber

Witte Construction

105 Islewood Dr. Bowser, BC V0R 1G0

/ June 2010

Hair Care

Goldwell Coloring, Highlighting & Foiling Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

HOURS 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

APPOINTMENTS ALWAYS AVAILABLE!

150 Kenmuir Rd. Qualicum Bay, B.C.

/ June 2010

Call DOLINA

757-9255

Pet Food Supplies Excavating & Septic Lawn Services Electrical Services Appliance Repair

SURFSIDE

FAMILY HAIRCARE

Barber Services

Career Counselling

Accounting Services

Healthcare

DALE WILSON 250-757-9276

Construction

For Your Fuel Wood Needs Call

Cleaning Services

Firewood, a renewable carbon neutral resource

Excavating Services

Fitness Classes Firewood

GREEN ENERGY

Complete Computer Tune-Up Come see us on Sunday June 20th for our traditional “Brats on a Bun” with sauerkraut and “the works”, German Pretzels and the Best Fritters and Donuts around!

Expires Nov 1, 2010. Must present this coupon.

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COMPUTER SALES & SERVICE 701 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach underneath Qualicum Foods

QUALICUM BEACH Visit our RAINTREE store next to Coombs Market.

WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL ...YOU’LL FIND IT AT FAYE’S 142 Second Ave West Qualicum Beach, BC (250) 752-1391

Sunday, June 20, 2010 CARS • TRUCKS • MOTORCYCLES

WOMEN'S CONSIGNMENT STORE

HOME HARDWARE 701 Primrose St. 250.752.9833

HOME EXPRESSIONS 165 West 2nd Ave. 250.752.5439

Qualicum Beach

Downtown Qualicum Beach Mon. to Sat. 10:00am to 5pm 106 W. Second Ave., Qualicum Beach

752-1925

All day from 7:30am

www.kdair.com info@kdair.com

DAILY SERVICE TO VANCOUVER Call Call for for schedules schedules & & reservations reservations

/ June 2010