EyesOnBC Magazine - May 2019

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Serving mid-Vancouver Island

MAGAZINE

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John Beaton’s: “Perfume” •

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Perfection, Connection & Bridges •

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Piecing Together the Past in Parksville •


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MAGAZINE 4 Piecing Together the Past in Parksville 10 Perfection, Connection and the Bridges Between Them by Joanne Sales vol 15 No 05

MAY 2019

12 Footsteps with a Purpose: The Walk to End A.L.S. by Murray Chantler 14 Advice I Would Give My Younger Self by Micki Findlay 15 Norma Chapman Emerson: Using Art to Break Down B arriers by Micki Findlay

EyesOnBC Magazine is published monthly Showcasing our community since 2004 Main Email: info@eyesonbc.com Phone: 250-757-9914 Mailing Address EyesOnBC Magazine, Box 182, Bowser, BC V0R 1G0 Hours: Tue - Thu 10-4 Contributors this month: Georgia Nicols, Joanne Sales, Linda Tenney, Carrie Powell Davidson, Micki Findlay, John Beaton, Murray Chantler, Dawn Hunter Clark, Sue Murguly

16 Susan Obieglo: Powerhouse Owner Hits her Stride by Carrie Powell Davidson 19 A Season of Theatre in One Week: The North Island Zone Festival by Sue Murguly 20 John Beaton’s “Perfume"

23 Tide Table - inside back cover

THE REGULARS 8 21 22 23

Georgia Nicols Horoscope Community Calendar At Your Service - Local Services & Trades Classifieds

On the Internet www.facebook.com/eyesonbc ISSN 2292-356X

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H I S T O R I C A L L Y

O C E A N S I D E Knox Church 1920

Grandview Camp and Cottages

Craig's Crossing Post Office

McMillan House

Piecing Together the Past in Parksville by Dawn Hunter Clark

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n this issue, we delve into the local history of Parksville, collected over many years and lovingly cared for by the Parksville Museum.

heritage buildings: the main museum building, administrative offices, exhibit hall and grounds. The Archives Department has a great collection of documents and records, detailing the lives of the early settlers. The museum also holds an impressively large collection of maps, photographs, prints, oral history tapes, paintings, video and film. The Reference collection includes; newspapers, biographical information and local histories.

The Parksville Museum was opened in 1983 to gather the pieces of the area’s history of the early settlers, to keep Parksville’s beginnings alive and for generations to come, to understand how this area of Oceanside came to be. The museum focuses not just on Parksville, but also the communities of Nanoose Bay, French Creek, Coombs, Errington and Hilliers. The museum has an impressive collection of heritage buildings, artifacts and historical collections. Since it opened its doors, the museum has grown to include seven

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Visit the museum to experience all the collections they have and step back in time into the museum’s heritage buildings. The heritage buildings really give you that three-dimensional experience of what life was like many years ago. •

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The oldest of the heritage buildings is the McMillan House. In the 1880s, a young Scotsman named Duncan McMillan came from Ontario to the Oceanside area. He was a farmer back East but the promise of a temperate climate and good soil, brought Duncan out West. In 1885, he settled into the area of Errington. The area had been taken from the Indigenous people by the E & N Railway who sold off lots to newcomers. Duncan McMillan bought the first lot. There, he built this delightful log home, hand cut with beautiful dove-tail corners. It was moved to the museum property in 1983.

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The French Creek Post Office was built in 1888. It served many communities including Lasqueti Island. It functioned successfully until it closed its doors in 1912. In the early 80s, it was donated by the Tryon family and the wood shack was moved to the museum from its original location at Columbia Beach. The first heritage building to be placed on the museum property in 1983 was the Knox Church. It was built in downtown Parksville in 1911 and opened its doors in 1912. Loved for generations, it still retains its antique charm, including its original stained-glass windows. It remains a favourite spot for weddings, memorial services and other intimate events. The Montrose School was built in 1912. Its original purpose was not as a school but as the surveyor’s home and office for the E & N Railway at Craig’s Crossing. It became a school in the later part of 1914 and ran as a school until 1920 when the doors were closed. It still has some original desks and the school bell. In 1914, the same year the E & N Railway was built, Craig’s Post Office was constructed on the property of James Craig, who was the postmaster and ran it until 1935. It was moved to the museum in 1985. In the mid-30s, James Craig became aware of the increase of travellers touring through the Oceanside area and discovered an opportunity for a different venture. Many travellers would sleep beach-side in their cars. He thought it would be a great idea to build cottages for the travellers and their cars. So, he did just that. He built little sea side cottages each with a car shelter. It opened as Craig’s on the Sea Auto Camp. It became a very popular spot. Over time, James built stand alone cabins on the property to accommodate more guests. After fifty years, the little auto camp closed in the 1980s. The Parksville museum cares for the Craig Beach Cottage, one of the original cottages from the auto camp. It has an impressive display of the family’s history including a mounted cougar, representing James Craig’s love for cougar hunting.

The final heritage building is the original Parksville Fire Hall. It was built in 1943 by local volunteers who also purchased a 1929 Graham delivery truck, which was the #1 Fire Engine in the area. In time, they needed another fire truck to retire #1. A 1950 Ford pumper truck became #2 Fire Engine. The Fire Hall is a great example of the early days of fire fighting. The museum also offers special events and exhibits, not to be missed! On June 14th & 15th, 2019, the Parksville Museum is hosting the Coastal Salish Artisans Fair. A fabulous venue to experience the work of Artisans from local First Nations, Snaw-was-as and Qualicum. On June 28th, 2019, the Friday Night Market opens again at 5pm at the museum. A popular market with over 45 vendors with everything from fresh produce, flowers, snacks, gifts and more. Be sure to check out other outdoor exhibits at the museum including the Blacksmith’s Shop. Resident Crafter – Dave Kasprick from Red Cod Forge, demonstrates traditional techniques with traditional tools. Another threedimensional look back into the past. The Parksville Museum is a great way to be involved in the community by becoming a member and helping to preserve local history. Check out the Speaker Series, too, where locals keep the history alive with their personal stories and local knowledge. The museum also hosts weddings, celebrations and other private functions. To share in our local history, visit the Parksville Museum at the corner of Highway 19A and Franklin Gull Road – adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre. You can visit their website; parksvillemuseum.com. Or give them a call at (250) 248-6966. Hours are from 10am-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday and admission is by donation. Step back in time, to the Parksville Museum, which truly is, Historically Oceanside. ~

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Predictions for May 2019 Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a month because Mercury and Venus are both in Aries making you talkative, charming and eager to relate to everyone. Meanwhile, the Sun is travelling through your House of Earnings, which makes you focus on money, salaries, your job and how you can make more money. Not only will the Sun call your attention to money, wealth and assets, it will prompt you to focus more on your possessions and everything that you own. You might make some philosophical observations. For example, do you own your stuff or does it own you?

This also means the Sun is “hiding” in your chart before it bursts forth in your sign on Tues, May 21. While the Sun is hiding it’s the perfect time to be ponder your plans for your new year. How do you want it to be different? If you want it to be different, what can you do to bring about this change? Set some goals. Define what’s important. Goals give you clarity in decision-making and help you have better control over your future. “Chekov, take the con.” Cancer (June 21-July 22) You’re popular this month! You’re out there flying your colours! You will feel comfortable about presenting your ideas to bosses because they want to hear what you have to say. People admire you and many of you might be elected to a position in a club or organization to either head a committee or be a member of the board. This same window of time is perhaps the best time all year for you to set some goals. Ideally, discuss these goals with others because a collaborative effort will help you. And remember – this is your year to improve your job and your health! Yeah!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The Sun is in your sign this month, which is the only time all year this happens. It means it’s your chance to re-energize, replenish and restore yourself. Plus you will attract people and favourable situations to you. You’re a magnet for good things! This year, Jupiter the planet of good fortune, is in your House of other people’s wealth. What a strong combination! Your Sun is in your own sign attracting good stuff to you, and Jupiter is attracting wealth to you from banks, inheritances, insurance companies, the government and your partner. Not too shabby!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This month, the Sun is at high noon in your chart symbolizing that you are in a flattering spotlight. This is why others will admire you, especially bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. You don’t have to do anything special to impress them – it’s the great

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Because your birthday is a month away, this means your personal year is drawing to an end.

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lighting! Obviously, since you look great to everyone, this month is the best time to advance your agenda! Demand the advantage! Ask for what you want. It will be tough for people to refuse you. (“I want a pony and I wanna be a ballerina.”) Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month you want t to travel! You want to learn something new! You want excitement, adventure and a chance to explore more of life! Since this is what turns your crank by all means, travel if you can or at least explore your own city. You might also travel through books and opportunities to learn and study new knowledge. Sex will also be stimulating! Venus is in a part of your chart that enhances intimacy and promotes panting encounters. (Be still my beating heart.) Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month you’re focused on taxes, debt, insurance issues, shared property, inheritances and wills. Do what you can to reduce debt. Hammer out the details of inheritances, shared property and shared responsibilities. Define these boundaries. Know what is expected of you from others. Speak up about what you expect from them. The placement of

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Mercury and Venus right now will help you to have clear, reasonable, friendly conversations about these touchy subjects. (Meanwhile, do travel!)

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Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You work hard and party hard! This month, you want to be efficient and productive! Why be less? Examine how you manage your life to see how you can do better. Some will refine techniques or procedures to become the best you can be. True to form, Mercury and Venus want you to play! Romance, sports events and social outings will entice you! One caveat, however: Fiery Mars opposite your sign creates conflict with partners and close friends. Be patient and tactful. Remember that four letter word tact?

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Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Lucky you! The Sun is in the most fun part of your chart giving you a chance to express yourself and be exactly who you are! Although you are work-oriented and ready to earn the respect of your colleagues this month, you will put fun, pleasure, entertainment and exciting diversions first because you want to have a fun time! Accept invitations to party and socialize! Enjoy sports events, movies, the theatre, musical performances, playful times with children and fun vacations!

Beautiful Hair! It’s why everyone says ... “I can hardly wait until my

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Although you might be caught up in competitive sports or games, ths month you will be focused on home, family and your private life. For some, this means you will be involved with a parent more than usual. Others will be focused on home repairs, renovations and redecorating projects. Many of you will enjoy a chance to relax and cocoon at home and bask in your privacy. Nevertheless, Mercury and Venus will give you a busy daily routine of short trips and interactions with others. (Don’t sit at home getting dusty.) Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) The pace of your days accelerates this month because you of short trips, many conversations with siblings and relatives, increased reading, writing and studying, mucho appointments and tasks that you’ve been meaning to do for ages. (You’re running around with an outboard motor strapped to your butt!) Naturally, you will accomplish a lot! At home, you will shove furniture around and make home improvements. At work, you will spend money to make money. Buy beautiful treasures for yourself and others! ~ M AY

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appointment.” Book your next appointment with Yvonne White or Linda Hall

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PERFECTION, CONNECTION AND THE BRIDGES BETWEEN THEM by Joanne Sales

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y teenage granddaughter entered a speech competition. She was just perfect! Unfortunately, that is also what the judges said. She was TOO perfect. Her articulation was too perfect. "You pronounced all your t's". "Your gestures looked too rehearsed and graceful.” I totally understand what the judges were saying. But what a criss-cross traffic jam of messages to give a young person! You strive for perfection, and then lose because you achieve it. Be perfect, but not too perfect. This isn’t the first time that perfection lost the race. Why? Because really what we long for is connection.

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The Overtoun Bridge in Dumbarton, Scotland is known as the suicide bridge for dogs. Since the 1950s, hundreds of dogs have impulsively jumped off the Overtoun Bridge for no apparent reason. At least 50 dogs jumped to their death. That’s downright weird. Locals believe that the bridge is haunted, and no one else has come up with a more convincing explanation. The dog-suicide bridge may seem to have nothing to do with our topic, but it is so weird, it might help us loosen our obsession with the logical and predictable. So, it’s a good place to start.

We don’t go over the bridge of the corpus callosum as often as we should. Art and music have been demoted to unnecessary, extracurricular activities in most schools. That is unfortunate, for the mere act of painting, sketching, playing piano, singing or dancing changes us. The art we produce is irrelevant; the magic is in crossing the bridge. A whole half of our brain is on the other side. That is a serious investment of evolution! Obviously, if we want to survive, creativity counts.

Our society gives most rewards to the left hemisphere, and its linear, logical, literal, and language oriented activities. The left side of our brain would dismiss the whole story of the suicide bridge as ridiculous. But when the right side of the brain encounters stories out of the ordinary, it comes to life and might start flashing lights and sending up flares. For the right hemisphere of the brain is a whole different world, one that is creative, mysterious, open, intuitive, artsy, spacious, attuned and spiritual.

Looking at the perfection-connection took me across a number of bridges. From one side of the brain to the other, the journey from head to heart, from technique to passion. The power of

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Its language is music or silence, and perfection is secondary to connection.

~~ The first bridge to cross is the corpus callosum. It is a strong but narrow bridge made up of 200 million nerve fibers, and it is the only bridge that connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

I mentioned what happened to a friend. She exclaimed, “I experienced the same thing!” She was at a final training session for a dog obedience competition. After a practice session, her coach challenged her, “Where is the joy? The judges will definitely choose someone happier over you.” My friend and her dog had given a near perfect performance. The next step she needed to take was not a change on the outside but expansion and experience on the inside. Sound familiar?

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charisma and our human gullibility. The potential unleashed by a smile.

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The girl who won the speech competition told the story of her heartbreak when the cow she had raised had to be put down. She had crossed the bridge from head to heart, and then she became the bridge from head to heart. She took the audience on her journey with her. The judges – being only human – responded. Even though we spend many of our days as crabby old curmudgeons, we really long to have our hearts opened. The head cares about technique. The heart cares about passion. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is the 28 year-old who has blown the politics of the US apart. Of Puerto Rican descent and from the Bronx, she was a waitress a year ago, and now she's a member of Congress. The Republicans continued next page E Y E S O N B C . C O M


hate her because she has a power they don’t have. She has experience on the bottom, speaks from the heart and cuts through the baloney. She speaks with passion, out of love, with unquestionable integrity. Her words are not always perfect. Others may have better techniques – but she has passion to spare and share. She easily crosses the bridge from technique to passionate expression. Martha Graham, one of the powerful pioneers of Modern Dance insisted that her students continue to master the techniques of ballet – the very form which they were rebelling against. She said that you must master the technique so that you are free to ignore it. Practice until you know it really well, until it is a part of you - and then forget it. Then let your heart and spirit speak through your movement, voice, and art. The purpose of technique of any art form is merely to give us the vocabulary to use – not to impress others. A mastery of technique can set us free to express that which cannot be expressed with words. To be a channel for that which is bubbling up from the unconscious, to give form to the invisible, to point the way to experiences that call with sounds so subtle that we may miss them if we turn our ears away. But we can’t get stuck on the technique bridge – we have to cross over! When I was a little girl, our dance recitals took place at the Old Soldier’s Home, a home for veterans of WWI and II. There was no competition, although we tried our best. And we were told to smile. Smiling isn’t always appropriate, but at that stage, on that stage, smiling was shorthand for saying, I have mastered this dance and now I’m fully present. I got this. We have two smiles – a social smile and a genuine smile. A family insisted that the father go to the doctor. Although

he could and would smile on demand, something had changed. The doctor confirmed what they suspected. The father had had a stroke. His muscles could create the social smile, but the more subtle muscle movements around the eyes were missing. We humans are good at reading faces. We can read facial expressions in 17 milliseconds – before anyone can fake anything. 17 milliseconds! You would think that would prevent us from being so gullible, and so easily taken. But charisma is powerful. Some people can talk us into anything. We’re a gullible lot. Danger abounds. The word charisma comes from Latin sources. In old Middle English, charisma meant: “A special spiritual gift or power divinely conferred. A talent from God. A sign of favor, divine grace.” During the 20th century, the word gradually became more mundane. In 1930, it was used to mean “gift of leadership, power of authority.” By 1959, it had slipped down to “personal charm.” That’s a far fall from being touched by God. But the power of charisma remains undeniable. Charisma can uplift us or make us into fools. For not everyone with charisma is touched by the divine, or even telling the truth. Many with power are lacking in integrity, wisdom, and compassion, or simply lacking in experience and education. We do have tools for discernment, but too often, we take the path of least resistance. If someone appears to know, we’ll believe them. If they have something we want, we’ll follow them. If we identify with them, we’ll vote for them.

with the goal of destroying the planet and eating us all. Obvious observation: If the person or group has something to gain, beware. Be aware. This is the era of dis-information (otherwise known as fake news.). That makes independent studies even more important. Why would we believe scientists hired by the tobacco or asbestos industries – or pharmaceutical, telecommunication, or fossil fuel industries? What were we thinking? Indeed, our willingness to believe makes fools of us sometimes. But our un-willingness to believe can also make fools of us. There are indeed modern-day snake oil salesmen, but there are also good, honest people in leadership roles. The cynics curse both the swindlers and those of good will, instead of using wisdom to discern the difference between them. Politics and religion are equally dangerous, especially when they overlap. One problem is that we humans love energy – and energy of itself is not moral. It can be good or bad. Oh, the curse and the blessing of gullibility. David Brooks, a writer for the New York Times, listed five lies our culture tells us. Lie #3 is that we have to make up our own meaning. That really is like reinventing the wheel. Our ancestors have been on the same quest for thousands of years. We don’t have to make it up all by ourselves! They have wisdom to pass on to us. Sadly, we are not the wisest of generations. It helps to remember that we didn’t pop out of nowhere. “Walk like you have 3000 ancestors walking behind you.” (African proverb.)

Trump is charismatic – in spite of everything. His policies are the opposite of everything that will save the planet, sustain democracy, create peace, and manifest goodness. I have spent too much time wondering if he is an alien

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Joanne Sales is a freelance writer, blueberry farmer, and is Founder and Director of Broombusters Invasive Plant Society. Comments and questions about her articles and/or upcoming workshops can be directed to joanne@glasswing.com. M AY

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FOOTSTEPS WITH A PURPOSE THE WALK TO END A.L.S.

by Murray Chantler

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t was with some trepidation that I went to my doctor ten years ago this month with my concerns about a strange, reoccurring problem with my right leg. Specifically, I was experiencing a sporadic, pronounced limp in that leg, usually after sitting for a period of time. The limp would disappear after a while, but then sporadically reappear again; the most disturbing aspect was that it was happening more and more often and with an increased intensity and duration.

I am incredibly blessed to have the love, devotion, and endless support of my wife Christina (my full time caregiver); for that I am eternally grateful! As well, family and friends along with many acquaintances in the community have stepped up to assist in a multitude of ways. All of this love and support has made the difficult challenge of living with this disease a little easier.

At the time I was a 56 year old carpenter in good physical shape and excellent health who lived a very active lifestyle and played a number of sports. The visit to my doctor precipitated a multitude of tests over the next year; essentially this amounted to ruling out various conditions and diseases as a diagnosis of ALS is a clinical diagnosis. Meanwhile my symptoms worsened to the point that the limp in my leg eventually became a permanent impediment to my mobility.

My wife and I are both so extremely grateful for the multifaceted assistance of the ALS Society of BC; without whose help we would certainly be struggling financially in an effort to provide the necessary assistive equipment required for my needs. The equipment loan program of the ALS Society has provided and delivered free of charge the following equipment: bed rail, various walkers (I wore out a few), bath bench, manual wheelchair, transfer chair, transfer belt, power wheelchair, and a lift chair - all on loan and maintained for as long as I need them. In addition, we have also been provided with disability equipped transportation services in Vancouver to get to appointments and have utilized the personal counselling services provided in partnership with members of the counselling community.

After seeing two neurologists, I was referred to the ALS Clinic in Vancouver where in April 2010 I was diagnosed with a rare sub-variant of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) named Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS). By the time I received this definitive diagnosis my condition had deteriorated to the point that I had been forced to quit working and now required the use of a walker. My life had dramatically changed course and I struggled to deal with the physical and emotional ramifications of this disease. While I am now confined to either a lift chair or a wheelchair and require almost full time care including assistance with almost every aspect of my daily life, I am very thankful that the rate of progressive degeneration has slowed down. My speech has been affected, but I can still eat; albeit with cautious mindfulness and the ever present danger of choking. My dexterity, mobility, and range of motion have been compromised to a huge extent and I cannot physically do about 90% of what I used to do before this disease entered my life. 1 2

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The ALS Society of BC also funds ALS patient support group meetings wherein patients and their families can feel free to talk about the disease with others who share commonality of experience. It is immensely beneficial to know that you are not alone in your battle with ALS and that there are pragmatic solutions to some of the challenges of living with this disease. All of the patient care services provided by the ALS Society of BC are funded in part by the annual fundraising "Walk to End ALS" events held in •

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Murray and Christina Chantler various communities each year. In addition, funds raised also help support collaborative Canadian research into finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for ALS (60% to patient services, 40% to research). Last year there was over $583,000 raised in BC by these community Walks! In a pragmatic sense the "Walk to End ALS" fundraising campaign provides necessary funds for various immensely beneficial programs and services for ALS patients and their families, but it also funds hope through research! Hope for finding effective treatments and hope for discovering an ultimate cure for this devastating disease. The Mid-Island Walk to End ALS takes place on Sunday, June 9th in Parksville at the Parksville Civic & Technology Centre. Registration begins at 10am and the walk commences at 11am. For more information or to make a donation, please go to walktoendals.ca; click on BC; click on Mid-Island; you can then make your donation on behalf of an individual fundraiser or a team if you so choose. On behalf of ALS patients and their families, I respectfully ask for your support of the Mid-Island Walk to End ALS, thank you! ~ E Y E S O N B C . C O M


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PERFECTION, CONNECTION AND THE BRIDGES BETWEEN THEM If charisma is so powerful, how do we develop it - to use for good? According to Olivia Fox Cabane (The Charisma Myth), the keys to charisma are Presence, Power, Warmth. (Disclaimer: The following are like notes jotted down on an index card by someone giving a speech. They are just pointers!) On Speaking: Aim for vocal power and vocal warmth. Pitch and tone, volume and rhythm matter. Aim for a lower, more resonant voice; a well projected voice that still has dynamics; a slow, measured tempo with pauses. We don’t respond well to a voice that is too high or whiny. So, to speak with authority – lower your voice, and let your voice go down at the end of the sentences. Breathe. Pause. Look at people. If we look into the eyes of other people, they can feel it. We can feel it. Connection has been made. On Listening -Our minds are as fast as lightning, and we think we can slip our attention away from a conversation without anyone noticing. What people do notice is when someone actually listens to them! In ancient India, pundits held debates, for example between followers of Hinduism and the newer off-shoot of Buddhism. They had a powerful strategy to be sure that people were listening and understood each other. Before I could respond to what you said, I would have to repeat back to you what you said to me – to your satisfaction. That might require the equivalent of writing a book from your point of view. How civilized! On Presence: With cell phones ruling the civilized world, now more than ever, we will be drawn to someone who is really present, who has Presence. Pay attention to what is going on at this moment, instead of being lost in your own thoughts. On Body Language: Body language originates in the mind. We humans

sang before we spoke, and we read body language before we sang. We still read body language faster than we hear words, and body language will override our words. “In terms of achieving charisma, our internal state is critical. Get the internal state right, and the right charismatic behaviors and body language will pour forth automatically.” (Cabane) The final bridge stretched from me to you, from self to other. During a very difficult period of my life, decades ago, I realized that unconsciously I had developed a plan. If I just let myself get miserable enough, the powers-that-be will feel sorry for me and make things better. Well, that strategy didn’t work. Things got better, but it wasn’t because I won any consolation prizes. The universe doesn’t run on pity. But it does run on compassion! What’s the difference between compassion and pity? It has to do with view. Pity looks down. Compassion reaches across. We don’t like it when someone looks down on us; we love it when someone reaches across to us!

Hot Weather

“I see you.” Those were the famous words from the movie, Avatar. It means I see who you are in your essence. I value you. My heart connects to your heart. I hold you in my consciousness and care for you.

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Martin Buber made famous the words, “I and Thou.” Those three words hold within them unfathomable respect and include all levels of creation and beyond. It’s a really tall order to hold consciousness of that high level of communion while giving a speech or during a dog training competition. But that’s the goal. Currently, we only rise up to that level now and then. It’s a bridge we are just starting to cross. But we will reach the other side. Hold the faith. ~

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Advice I Would Give My Younger Self... by Micki Findlay

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hen you grow up in an atmosphere where you are regularly criticized, belittled and ignored, you learn to doubt your self-worth. I discovered at an early age that it was safer to keep my feelings and opinions to myself, rather than face judgment, shame and the inevitable punishment that ensued. I tried valiantly to be a ‘good girl’, but it seemed that love and acceptance were always beyond my grasp. I became a people-pleaser and learned to ignore my inner voice and, often to my detriment, placed others' needs ahead of my own. Micki Findlay is the founder of Works of HeART Project – ‘Inspiring Positive Change Through Artistic Expression’. This is a Vancouver Islandbased initiative that challenges racism and bullying and promotes kindness and inclusion through creative means. Micki is a new, contributing author to the ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series and Eyes on BC magazine. She has fought and won the long battle of depression and her hope is that the transparency in her writing, and the message behind the WOH project, will give hope to those who might otherwise feel like giving up. To find out how you can help make a difference go to: Website: www.worksofheartproject.com Facebook: worksofheartproject Twitter: WOHproject Instagram: worksofheartproject

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I also learned that lying was 'safer’ than the alternative. I turned inward; becoming lonely and isolated from others. Friendships were rare and superficial, at best. I was afraid to reveal the real me for fear of facing rejection. I carried these unhealthy dynamics into adulthood. A counsellor explained that, emotionally, I was like a twelve-year-old trapped inside an adult’s body. And I was still profoundly lonely, even when surrounded by friends or family. I kept people at a distance by plastering on a fake smile while, inwardly, feeling like a train wreck. I continually pushed my feelings aside for the sake of trying to make my relationships work. I became clinically depressed with daily thoughts of suicide, unbeknownst to everyone who knew me. But, thankfully, all that is ancient history. There is so much to celebrate in my life today and, for that, I am deeply grateful. Although there are still pieces of that insecure girl inside me, I have healed tremendously and am, for the most part, a happy, well-adjusted woman who likes the person she has become. I am no longer in an unhappy relationship, but one in which I am deeply loved, valued and respected for who I am. This is my new normal. And even more importantly, I have a healthier respect for myself and am no longer a victim. And, at this stage of my life, I am blessed with

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many authentic friendships with people who also love me for who I am. Now, my wish is that others might somehow benefit from my journey to wholeness; knowing there is hope on the 'other side'. I would love to go back in time and console that lost, little girl and let her know she was okay. Better than okay; she was amazing. I'd like to tell her that her thoughts, feelings and opinions had value. That she had value. Perhaps I could have saved her from toxic relationships and years of heartache. When something felt wrong to her, perhaps she would have had the confidence to speak up and insist on better treatment. Maybe she would have understood that she had every right to be heard and acknowledged. What a gift I could have given her or, rather, my younger self. I would also tell her, "You deserve the best life has to offer and to be loved unconditionally. Listen to your inner voice because it usually tells you what you need to hear. Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to ask for what you need. You are worth it. And never settle for a relationship with anyone who thinks otherwise.” I believe that when we value ourselves, we tend to attract people who will do the same. We all have our journeys and hardships to go through. Some are tougher than others. When we look at someone, we rarely see the turmoil going on inside them. Perhaps, if we did, we would be a lot kinder and less judgmental. Instead of making assumptions, I try to ask myself, "What has this person gone through and what are they going through now?" We may never know the answers to those questions, but it could make a difference in how we treat them. Regardless of our backgrounds, race, colour, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation...we are all just human beings who want to be accepted, appreciated and loved. Be kind to others, but also… to yourself.~

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Norma Chapman Emerson: Using Art to Break Down Barriers by Micki Findlay

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orma Emerson, an awardwinning Canadian artist from Saskatchewan, now residing in Parksville, has traveled the globe, spreading hope through art, while breaking down cultural and racial barriers. Even as a young girl, Norma was artistic. Growing up, her art continued to blossom, earning her a coveted award at Evan Hardy Collegiate. John Diefenbaker personally handed Norma her degree. She worked in several capacities, which helped prepare her for adventures abroad; a camp counselor, nurse’s aide and later, at Moose Jaw Training School; working with children with disabilities. After studying to become a teacher, Norma landed her first job with C.U.S.O. in Nigeria, at Toro Teacher's College for men. After a few months, she realized she no longer recognized people by the colour of their skin, but by their personalities. She went on to teach art and math on the James Smith Reserve. She was close to many of the Cree who allowed her to paint their portraits – an honour and a demonstration of their trust in her. M AY

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Norma also worked with Ugandan teachers to help educate their students about the environment. She has spent many years working for social justice with an ecumenical group called KAIROS, which focuses on environmental issues, world poverty and indigenous rights. Her teaching led her to tutoring South Korean and First Nations children. She utilized several art projects to encourage her students to read. “I would make little alphabet books and a drawing and a word or sentence, give them paints to paint the alphabet, then frame their paintings so they were really proud of them.” Norma believes in building self esteem and a sense of accomplishment in her students. Travelling to Peru, Norma used her adaptive art skills to teach English to teachers. She met Rosita; a woman who could no longer teach due to a broken neck, leaving her discouraged and depressed. Determined to help her, Norma created an adaptation so Rosita could take part in her art class. “She was so thrilled that she was included and participating, she just vowed on the spot she would work on her

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recovery and get back to teaching.” For Rosita, Norma’s artistic ingenuity was life-changing. Eventually, Norma went on to teach art locally at Ballenas Secondary School, T.O.S.H. and M.A.C. Art Galleries and V.I.U. Though retired, Norma continues to teach art to adults in the Oceanside area. Norma entered her amazing painting called, “What Does the Future Hold?” in our ‘Works of HeART Show’. While visiting the children in the povertystricken village of Nandaime, Nicaragua, she was so deeply affected by their plight, she decided to honour them by telling their story through her art. We were honoured to have her piece in our show; celebrating diversity, equality and multi-culturalism. Norma - a true humanitarian, has combined her creativity and convictions to make a difference in the world. Through generously sharing her talents with people from various backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, she has demonstrated that art crosses all barriers, reminding us that humanity is not so much about our differences, as it is about our common need to express our unique voice through creativity. ~

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SUSAN OBIEGLO: POWERHOUSE OWNER HITS HER STRIDE by Carrie Powell-Davidson


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ince moving to Lighthouse Country thirty years ago, Susan Obieglo’s life has changed in ways she never imagined. She started a family of four and got a degree at Vancouver Island University in Criminology. That degree lead to a successful career in the Criminal Justice field doing crisis support and victim services in Nanaimo. However, after ten years of that, something had to give. “The commute really got to me!” Susan said. “I was either driving or at work. I was never at home and that was especially hard on my family.” So, Susan began to do some soul searching. She asked herself, ‘when was a time in my life when I was the happiest?’ and the answer was, ‘when she was her own boss.’ The problem now was she had to figure out what kind of business she was going to start. There was a two-part process to Susan’s solution. First, she identified two passions she had and then, she identified which of those passions Lighthouse Country needed most. The passions were easy; reading and fitness. So now, it was down to a bookstore or something to do with exercise. The final decision was made with a little help from dad. “My father is an antique dealer and he told me that books are a hard sell and so it was hard to make a living and that’s why I went into fitness.” The first step in Susan’s new venture, Powerhouse Fitness Club was finding some ground floor space that was close to the ocean. “I wanted lots of fresh air for people to work out in, and Magnolia Court was perfect!” A ‘Meet & Greet’ in January 2010 drew a large crowd with many signing up for memberships to the new gym and Susan hit the ground running…almost! While the memberships were selling and that paid the bills, Susan quickly

realized that if she was going to survive in this business, she needed to expand her services. “I had nothing but a passion for fitness so I started taking courses in Personal Training.” First, she became a fitness leader and then a weight trainer. The third step was to become a group trainer and that included boot camp, aerobics, and strength training. The new offerings proved to be a hit. So much so that over the next half a dozen years, the business had really changed into something quite different than when it began. Susan said that the vast majority of her clients were either Boot Camp or Personal Training customers and that there was really no need to have memberships anymore. “A bricks and mortar structure no longer made good business sense so in 2018, I made the decision to shut down the gym.” Susan’s decision to, ‘take it on the road,’ proved to be another smart move for the busy entrepreneur. She was now able to offer Boot Camps and Personal Training in two communities; Lighthouse Country and Fanny Bay. “The Boot Camps have really become popular because we can have all levels, all ages and we’re focusing on the five components of fitness – strength, heart & lungs, balance, flexibility and agility.” She adds that some clients in Boot Camp have been in their 70’s and 80’s. As a Personal Trainer, Susan is booked solid for the four days she works at the Lighthouse Community Centre and the three days she is up at the Fanny Bay Hall. That being said, Susan adds that she is always be happy to squeeze a few more in. “We’re pretty full but when it comes to personal training, I will always make time!” Susan is a Certified Personal Trainer through the Province of B.C. and yet, she is constantly take more courses to expand her services. One course, entitled, ‘Train the Vulnerable Adult’

included Personal Training for seniors and people with disabilities. “I have a few clients who sit in chairs for the entire time they’re training with me. They adapt and so do I.” Most of us know that what you put into your body is a key component to any fitness regime and yet, Susan does not give her clients a diet to follow. “Of course, we talk about nutrition in general terms but when it comes to designing a specific diet to augment the work they’re doing with me, I always recommend seeing a Registered Dietician.” So, how has the decision to close the gym impacted Susan’s own life? “I have no regrets at all. It was definitely the right choice!” Susan said she is working as much as she wants and has so much more time to spend with her family. Spending more time with family is not the only way Susan’s life has changed since closing those doors, something else very unexpected has happened. “Honestly, for most of 2018 and all of 2019 so far, I have learned to take in one day at a time and that has relieved me of so much stress.” Susan says she is completely at peace right now and excited by life and the choices she’s made, but what if she should happen to get into an off-mood? She scoffs as if exercise wasn’t the obvious answer and holds a runner’s pose. “I’m a half an hour away from a good mood!” To learn more about getting fit with Powerhouse Fitness Club, contact Susan at 250-240-1260 or by email to powerhouse1@shaw.ca. To see Susan’s schedule at the Lighthouse Community Centre, go online to communityhall.ca and click on the calendar. Bring in a copy of this magazine or a photo of this article and get one free class! This applies to new clients only and some restrictions will apply. ~

Carrie Powell-Davidson’s resume includes everything from Music Therapist to Politician and from Instructor to Event Coordinator. Her writing resume is equally diverse. She began writing in her early twenties following a chance meeting on the beach with a Canadian literary icon. His advice to her was to always write about what you know and Carrie took him at his word. Her work can be found in medical journals, newspapers, magazines, hospitality industry publications, speeches, copy writing and books. Today, Carrie’s life has come full circle and when she is not busy with visitors to her guesthouse in Qualicum Bay, she can be found writing at her desk on the beach. Carrie offers writing services to local businesses. See her ad on page 9. M AY

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WWW.KINDREDLEAVES.COM • FACEBOOK.COM/KINDREDLEAVES

DISCOVER YOUR ANCESTRAL ROOTS ...

GENEALOGY CLASSES COMING SOON!

• Basic records research and online look-ups to discover: where your ancestors lived, what they did for a living, where they travelled, why they were mentioned in local newspapers, and what military conflicts they may have been part of.

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• Family Tree creation on Ancestry.com. Learn best practices and standards to create, grow and maintain an accurate family tree. • You have your DNA analysis ... so now what? Discover living relatives and learn how to make contact and how to grow your tree using their family stories and research hints. • Are you ready to write your family history but you're not sure how to get started? Let's talk ... then we'll create a plan to get those first few sentences on paper and your family legacy started. 1 8

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CLASSES PRESENTED BY LINDA TENNEY 250-757-9914 • tenney@eyesonbc.com

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ECHO PLAYERS

PREVIEW: NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL

A SEASON OF THEATRE IN ONE WEEK by Sue Murguly

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he festival will take over the Qualicum Beach Village Theatre from May 12 to 19, 2019

Laughter, mystery, passion, tense drama, and crazy shenanigans, that’s what audiences can expect in Qualicum Beach May 12–19, 2019. Seven plays from across the Island take the stage in the North Island Zone Drama Festival at the Village Theatre. It’s a rare opportunity to “flip through the channels” on live theatre. Theatre-goers can choose one play in their favourite genre, save on a “skinny package” of three plays, or go for the deep discounts and splurge on all seven for a full festival experience.

starts to see the world and herself very differently. Wednesday, May 15 - Hedda Gabler by Courtenay Little Theatre, often referred to as the ‘female Hamlet" has seduction, jealousy, ambition, violence, dark humour, and love. This adaptation of Ibsen’s masterpiece is set in 1963, in Vancouver. Come out

Monday, May 13, B2B Theatre Society of Parksville presents Savannah Sipping Society, a delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy. Four unique Southern women are drawn together by Fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Tuesday, May 14 - Shirley Valentine: "an escape with laughter" by Rivercity Players, Campbell River. Shirley is a Liverpool housewife when out of the blue, her best friend offers her a trip to Greece. She secretly packs her bags, heads for the sun and

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Friday, May 17 - Mostly comic but sad and thought provoking too, Love, Loss and What I Wore by Hair of the Dog Productions, is a scrapbook of stories about unfortunate prom dresses, high heels, short skirts and the existential state of having nothing to wear. Accessorizing these tales —are the mothers who disapprove, the men who disappear, the sisters who have your back. Saturday, May 17 - Diary of Anne Frank by Nanaimo Theatre Group is an impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic. It captures the truly claustrophobic realities of their daily existence, their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. This is a new adaptation for a new generation. Lest we forget.

Host club ECHO Players will open the festival on Sunday, May 12 with Almost, Maine: a comedy about love and loss. Hearts are broken, love is lost, found, and confounded, and life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same.

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The daring triumph of this play is that it reveals the cultural infrastructure which created those schools, the church and the state of white, colonial, paternalist Canada.

and see an exciting new take on this classic of 19th century drama. Thursday, May 16 - Sisters by Portal Players Dramatic Society, Port Alberni, is an uncompromising look at a convent-run Native residential school.

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Adjudicator Michael Armstrong will present a brief public adjudication immediately after each play. The Best Production is selected by the adjudicator to enter the provincial festival, in Port Alberni. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Theatre. All tickets are reserved seating. Tickets: Single $21: 3 show pkg. $55: or 7 show pkg. $115 at the Village Theatre Box Office, 110, W 2nd. Avenue or call 250-752-3522, or e-mail info@echoplayers.ca or online at echoplayers.ca. Questions? Phone 250-752-3522 or e-mail info@ echoplayers.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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POETRY

PERFUME He climbs a gravestone in the grounds he caretakes and squints his weather eye above the wall to see the school where he once smelled the lilacs that overspill this kirkyard, then a ball sails from the soccer field and rises skyward. Old memories close in like a typhoon; he tracks the ball’s trajectory, transported, and hears once more the whoosh of the harpoon,

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hen browsing through a book with black and white photographs of life in Caithness, I came across a picture of an old man standing on a gravestone to look over a wall. On the other side was the soccer field of the school he had attended as a boy. He was watching the kids playing a match. Between boyhood and the time of the photograph he had been a whaler. (Whaling by Scottish companies went on until 1963.) Now he was a cemetery attendant and he'd likely be laid to rest some day very close to where he was standing. The great closed circle of his life touched me.

and lives again his days of high-seas whaling: blue — tall skies where trade winds spin the gyre; gray — tinned night-calms toothed with icebergs, waiting; blood-red — bougainvillea and desire for lovers who extended musky solace in sultry tropic ports, half-whores, half-nuns, and blossoms woven into dusky tresses like Maui’s twilight garlanded with suns. The images of men with whom he ventured come flooding back like spray across the prow; so many fell as victims to the oceans or died when they came home. He sees them now: their bodies, made uncleansable by flensing, rot in unhallowed deeps or in this berth beneath these headstones and the springtime flowering; their essences disperse through sea and earth,

ABOUT THIS POEM The poem is constructed in four-line stanzas rhymed in the second and fourth lines on stressed syllables (masculine endings). The first and third lines are un-rhymed, but end on softer unstressed syllables (feminine endings). There are five beats per line and the base meter is da-DA (iambic). The first two lines read like this: he CLIMBS a GRAVEstone IN the GROUNDS he CAREtakes and SQUINTS his WEAther EYE abOVE the WALL

and concentrate themselves inside cetaceans, migrate the equinox and latitude to fuse at length with ambergris as perfumes, the bounty of the sperm whales they pursued. The ball’s thud echoes off the kirk-door planking; the armed harpoon strikes deep and then a crack, a muffled sound of inner flesh exploding; his ribs swell and unclasp — his last attack. He lies among the tombs aware of old scents, the beckonings of friends, and gasps for breath of lilac and of bougainvillea — fragrance to mask the stench of all that giant death.

John Beaton lives in Qualicum Beach. His poetry has been widely published. He served for four years as moderator of one of the Internet’s most reputable poetry workshops and is a Spoken Word performer, a member of the band Celtic Chaos, and a co-organizer of local events, including a community showcase for musicians and Spoken Word performers, the Qualicum Acoustic Café (QUAC). You can find samples of John’s work by searching online for “John Beaton poetry”. To receive a monthly newsletter about local community events organized by John and his family and friends, email him at jabeaton@gmail.com. ~ 2 0

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Lighthouse Country & beyond LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FOR MORE ACTIVITIES AT THE LCC, VISIT WWW.COMMUNITYHALL.CA SECOND SUNDAY MARKET at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay – Sun. May 12 - 8am-noon, Pancake Breakfast - $6 or $8. Enjoy live music, breakfast, and shopping for a treasure! BOW HORNE BAY COMMUNITY CLUB Join us in the Nordin Room at the Lighthouse Community Ctr the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm. Welcome new members to keep our yearly events ongoing. Call Jo-Anne Harrison - 250-7572300 or email us at bowhornebayclub@ gmail.com ADULT BADMINTON. Mondays 7pm. ADULT PICKLEBALL. Thursdays 3:30pm. Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay. Drop-in fee $4, equipment provided, beginners welcome, 15 years +. Info ph. 250-757-8307. email: steelehunt@shaw.ca LIGHTHOUSE SENIORS – Branch 152 – meet at 11:30am in the Seniors Room at the Lighthouse Community Centre on the first Monday of every month. For more information, please call Joan at 250-7579536. TAOIST™ TAI CHI - Mondays 10:00-noon at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay. Contact: 250-240-3387 or parksville@taoist.org LIGHTHOUSE SPINNERS – Bring your Spinning Wheels and fibre and meet the Lighthouse Spinners at the LCC, Tuesdays at 10:30am. FMI Call 778-424-1001. CARPET BOWLING – 12:45 to 3pm at the LCC. FMI Call Layne (250) 757-8217. AA LIGHTKEEPERS – Fridays at 7pm at the LCC. BRIDGE – Seniors Room, 1-4pm Fridays at the LCC. FMI Sheila Steele 250-757-8307.

LIONS RECREATION HALL (LRH) 280 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. LET'S FLOOR CURL! A great sport for fun, friendship and game competition. We play Mondays and Fridays, 1-3pm in the Lions Rec Hall in lovely Qualicum Bay. Curling rocks are supplied. Floor curling is affordable, easy to play, great for all ages and capabilities. Our Club is 55+ BC Games eligible. Worth a try! FMI call Fred or Lorraine at 250-752-0216. LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY SCRAPBOOKERS Meet 3rd Saturday monthly at the Lions' Rec Hall, 9:30am-4:30pm. $10. Door prizes. FMI Jorgie 250-757-8358 or Shirley 250-7578384. QUALICUM BAY LIONS CLUB – Meet at 7pm, every second and fourth Tuesday in the Lions Den at the Lions’ Rec Hall.

BOWSER / PARKSVILLE QUALICUM / NANAIMO / GULF ISLANDS EAGLECREST GARDEN CLUB - Wednesday May 15, 7pm (doors open at 6:30 pm) Location: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Guest fee: $3. Speaker: Melanie Penn from Bilson Creek Farm speaking on “Lavender”. Bilson Creek Farm in Metchosin was founded in 1851. When Melanie and her partners discovered the farm, it had been left fallow for decades. They could see the beauty beneath the brambles, as those years of wild growth had left behind perfect soil for growing lavender, the inspiration for the farm’s flagship crop. QUALICUM BEACH FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY - General Meeting Wednesday May 15 @ 7PM. Royal Canadian Legion, 180 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach. Guest Speaker: Ann Buchanan presenting "This Old House" researching the homes of our ancestors. All Welcome. SPRING FLING 2019 - FASHION SHOW presented by Close to You fashions, Parksville. Cakewalk, silent auction, door prizes, balloon pop. Sunday, May 26. Doors

open 12:30pm. Bowser Legion. Advance tickets through Suzie Charters, 250-7380822. Adults: $10, Children $5. Events hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bowser Legion. CENTRAL ISLAND STUDIO TOUR - Onetime Deep Bay resident, author Carolyn Walton will be in our area for a special appearance during the Studio Tour. You'll find Carolyn on Saturday, May 25th, 1pm at Jeanette Runions Fine Art gallery in Bowser where she will be signing her newly launched book, "Diary of a Mad Travel Writer". Jeanette Runions Fine Art gallery is Stop #85 on the Studio Tour, and you'll find her beautiful garden at 4268 Wildwood filled with the artistic talents of six painters and artisans from the midIsland area. For complete details about the 2019 Central Island Studio Tour, visit www. centralislandartsguide.ca. MAY MADNESS FLEA MARKET - Two markets! Two dates! Flea Market, Silent Auction and Bake Sale. Market day one: Saturday, May 4th, 9am to 1pm at the Qualicum Beach Seniors Activity Centre (under Quality Foods in Qualicum Beach). Market day two: Saturday, May 25th, 8am to 3pm at the Shelly Hall, 186 Shelly Road, Parksville. Vendor tables ($15) available for both events. Contact Maureen for complete details, 250-228-4175. 100 MILE FLEECE AND FIBRE FAIR. Sunday, May 26th, 9:30 - 3:30. More than 40 local vendors. 975 Shearme Road, Coombs, BC Free admission. Hosted by the Thursday Bradley Spinners who support local island fleece and fibre growers and artisans. Get your baskets and carrying trays ready for the Qualicum Beach Garden Club's ALL ABOUT THE GARDEN SALE! Saturday, May 11th, 701 Larch Drive from 8:30 till noon. Our members have been busy dividing, propagating plants and gathering gardening related items for this event. It is not only a wonderful opportunity to buy locally grown plants acclimated to our area but you can pick up a trowel as well! For those eager to learn, a master gardener will be on hand.

Community Calendar listings are reserved for non-profit organizations, societies, clubs and associations operating within the guidelines of the Society Act of BC, and to charities registered with Canada Revenue Agency. Listings are first-come, first-served, space permitting, and placement is not guaranteed. See more events at www.eyesonbc.com M AY

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Philip Brown

250-240-4902 • 250-757-8077 EVENINGS

THE FIX-IT SHOP Repairs to all makes and models of lawnmowers and ride-on lawn tractors, including John Deere. Pick-up and delivery available. Used equipment for sale. Call (250) 702-2191 or email fixitshop009@gmail.com

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• M AY

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Laminate, vinyl plank hardwood & tile installations Fully insured • Free estimates Contact Francis Siemens 250-228-7155 • 185frank@gmail.com

E Y E S O N B C

Plumbing

PLUMBING • GAS • HEATING

Windows • Glass Repair

Flooring

Wildwood Flooring

Chimney Cleaning

LAWNMOWER REPAIR

Plumbing Gas Heating

Unit #26A - 1343 Alberni Hwy, Parksville

M A G A Z I N E

E Y E S O N B C . C O M


MAY 2019

LOCAL TIDE Our tide table measurements are taken from the Hornby Island substation. For other tides, visit http://www.tides.gc.ca/eng on the Internet. Printed courtesy Canadian Hydrographic Service. Add 1 hour to tide times for Daylight Savings

Board of Directors 2019 Lighthouse Country Business Association The Lighthouse Country Business Association (LCBA) held their Annual General Meeting in April at Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club with fifty plus members in attendance. The evening consisted of a ‘Meet & Greet’ followed by dinner followed by guest speaker, George Hansen of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance who gave a short presentation. Out-going President, Patrick Jiggins conducted the meeting which included elections for the new board. The 2019 Lighthouse Country Business Association Board are: Back row (L-R): Dietmar Baumeister-Quint (President), Betsy Poel (Secretary), Edie McPhedran, Patrick Jiggins, Rina Knoesen (in front of Patrick), Glennys MacDonald (Treasurer) and Roland Stussi. Seated in front are Carrie Powell-Davidson (Vice-President) and Lawrence Setter. Congratulations to all and thank you for your continuing dedication to our community and local businesses.

WHAT’S ON? — MAY 2019

250-757-9222 • website: rcl211.org • email: rcl211@shaw.ca Hall Rentals 250-757-9222 • Tue and Fri 9am - 12 noon

Sun May 5th

Plant Sale. Bring your empty pots.....................10am

Tue May 21st Branch General Meeting .....................................7pm Sun May 26th Ladies Auxiliary Spring Fling.......................12:30pm

LADIES POOL

Wednesday......................................................... 4:00pm

CRIBBAGE

Wednesday......................................................... 6:30pm

MEN’S POOL

Thursday............................................................. 6:00pm

TEXAS HOLD’EM Thursday............................................................. 7:00pm CHESS

Saturday ........................................................... 12:00pm

Meat Draws - Every Friday at 5pm & Saturday at 4:30pm ** MEMBERS, GUESTS & PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME ** Facebook: Events-at-the-Bowser-Legion-br211-368799556487


DISCOVER LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY Deep Bay - Bowser - Qualicum Bay Horne Lake - Spider Lake

WWW.LIGHTHOUSECOUNTRY.CA


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