OCTOBER 2015 vol 11 issue 10
Serving Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands
MAGAZINE
Down the Up Staircase: Big Qualicum River • 7 Advice to People Like Me • 10 John Beaton’s: “Wolves” • 19
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FEATURES 5 Editorial 10 Advice to People Like Me 12 Duck Walks, Treadmills, and Blueberry Blasts
FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOORS
7 Down the Up Staircase: Big Qualicum River 14 Tide Table 19 Poet’s Corner: John Beaton’s “Wolves”
COMMUNITY LIFE 13 From the Desk of ... RDN Director, Bill Veenhof 21 Everyone’s Looking for Puss Puss
THE REGULARS
Linda Hall is pleased to welcome stylist
Tammy Jellis to her salon! Tammy is looking forward to meeting new clients in Bowser.
8 17 20 2 2-23
In the Stars: Georgia Nicols Horoscope Classifieds Community Events At Your Service - Local Services & Trades
Articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and published for general information purposes only. Articles are not intended to provide specific advice - the publisher will assume no liability. Articles and/or data may not be quoted or reproduced, in part or in whole, without permission from the publisher. Freelance writers & photographers Queries can be directed to Linda Tenney, Publisher at info@eyesonbc.com
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EDITORIAL
MAGAZINE
October 2015 vol 11 No 10
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: Mon - Thu 10-4 Our Contributors this month: Georgia Nicols, Joanne Sales, Bill Veenhof, Kim Young, Linda Tenney, John Beaton On the Internet www.eyesonbc.com & www.facebook.com/eyesonbc For Advertising Options Call 250-757-9914 to inquire or visit www.eyesonbc.com/advertise to request ad rates. VISA & MasterCard accepted Printed on Vancouver Island, BC
by Linda Tenney
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his month we take a walk on the wild side with Kim Young in Lighthouse Country. [pg. 7] The “Stairmaster” trail can be a gruelling assault on your leg muscles, but Kim takes the trail in reverse; and “Cardiac Hill” as it’s known to locals, becomes much less daunting. The journey winds through a beautiful part of Lighthouse Country, and at this time of the year, it’s also an opportunity to see hundreds of salmon make their way up the river to spawn. “Do nothing so something can happen,” writes Joanne Sales in her article “Advice to People Like Me”, [pg. 10]. The comment is profound and could become a modern meme. Joanne ponders our propensity to cram empty moments with meaningless backfill. Rather than be busy being busy, Joanne suggests we stop. Just stop ... and listen to the quiet. It wants to be heard. “Okay, today’s the last day of goofing off!” I said to myself in July 2015. It was the day I accepted responsibility for re-gaining 40 pounds after losing 136, and I wasn’t about to gain one more pound to make it 41. Three months later, I still have that 40 pound package sitting on my behind, and it’s time to get it off. Read “Duck Walks, Treadmills, and Blueberry Blasts” [pg. 12] to learn where you can join me for some “Cuppa Life Stories”, a blog about my continuing journey of fitness and good health. And don’t miss John Beaton’s poem, “Wolves”, [pg. 19] an intense recollection of his early morning sighting of wolves on his Qualicum Beach property. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this one ... and neither will you!
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Kim Young Photo
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pawning season is here again; somewhat earlier according to local fishermen, just as our growing and harvesting season has been. In early September when I had The Big Qualicum River Regional out-of-town company overflowing Trail is a well-known hike; about an from my house into vans set up as 11 km. stretch between the hatchery campers, a hike at the Big Qualicum facility & Horne Lake Caves Road, Fish Hatchery seemed like a good but for a shorter hike, try this idea. Ten days later, moderate 6km turning off the heat “Salmon don’t grow on trees, but trees loop aptly and unplugging the grow on salmon” - Panos Grames called the fridge seemed like “Stairmaster” another good idea, or “Cardiac but that’s my inside voice...and I am Hill” by locals. Did I mention not entirely serious. it might be slightly more than moderate if you are doing the loop In addition to the educational and counter-clockwise or “up the stairs”? special interest benefits of visiting the Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery, My visitors encompassed a diverse the trails running alongside the array of fitness levels and one of Big Qualicum River and spawning them joked that he was already channels are frequented by many for exhausted from watching the hiking, dogwalking, cycling & even salmon’s uphill workout and so horseback riding. the route we embarked on was the
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“downstairs” version, one that was manageable for all. When you want the more “cardio” version, or the true “Stairmaster” workout, you can simply walk this loop in reverse. It’s a leisurely trail, mainly paralleling the Big Qualicum River on each side of “the loop”, with few offshoot trails or opportunities to get lost in the bush. A whistle or some boisterous conversation should keep any wildlife at a distance; a good measure when hiking at anytime, but particularly during this “all you can eat salmon buffet” season from September through December. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCTOBER!
250-757-9222 • website: www.rcl211.ca • email: rcl211@shaw.ca Oct 20 – Branch 211 Executive Meeting Oct 27 – Branch 211 General Meeting Hall Rentals 250-757-9222 • Tue to Fri 9am - 12 noon
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Aries (March 21-April 19) The Sun is now the farthest away from you as it can get. Since, since the Sun is your source of energy, you will need more sleep in the next four weeks. Possibly, some of this fatigue is from dealing with ex-partners and old friends. This sort of thing can be tiring, especially if a conflict still exists. Nevertheless, lovely, playful opportunities also exist. And of course, all those wonderful opportunities to improve your health and your job are waiting for you to make the most of them! Taurus (April 20-May 20) This month, it’s all about duty and responsibilities. Make every action count as much as possible. You might have to work according to somebody else’s needs and wishes – but you can still strive to be as efficient, effective and productive as possible. You will also focus on your health; and you will improve your health however you can. This is good advice because frankly, your whole year ahead is a party year! And when you party, you eat well and drink well! A minute on the lips is a lifetime on the hips. Sigh. Gemini (May 21-June 20) A lovely, playful month ahead! Just do what you want to do because it’s your turn to have a good time. You might be involved with children as well as sports events. All your relationships with others will be fun and lighthearted. Enjoy the arts, musical performances and sports events. Have fun dining out. Stay in hotels. Old flames are still coming out of the woodwork – watch your step. Meanwhile, your words are melodious. Strong time for writing, sales and sweet talk. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Your focus now is on home, family and your private life. You might want to cocoon. You will feel good among familiar surroundings. They will you a warm feeling in your tummy. You might want to go off by yourself and spend time in contemplation, especially with something delicious to eat. Some will use this coming month to focus on past family events. These feelings might also be triggered
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because relatives, whom you haven’t seen for a while, are back in the picture.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Welcome increased popularity and the enjoyment of friends and groups. In particular, friends from the past will be coming out of the woodwork – keen to see you once again. Meanwhile, you’re very ambitious right now. And well you should be because Jupiter is at the top of your chart where it will stay for the next year enhancing your reputation. It will allow you to advance in your own career or have the opportunity to change your field of work. Continue to travel for pleasure while you can. Bon voyage!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Your daily tempo will accelerate now with short trips, appointments, classes, increased reading and writing, visits with siblings and relatives plus dealing with friends and acquaintances from your past. Your schedule is jam-packed! Furthermore, you will work hard to earn money because you’re spending it! (Excellent to buy wardrobe goodies.) Allow extra time for delays and snafus in communications, daily transportation, trains, buses and automobile breakdowns – just crazy stuff.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The Sun now moves across the top of your chart; and this is the only time all year this ever happens. It symbolizes a flattering spotlight on you. Bosses and VIPs, will see you in such a positive way. In turn, this will probably attract opportunities to you. People will ask you to take on increased responsibilities. If this happens, say yes because you will not have to do anything extra to dazzle them. Good lighting is everything! Travel opportunities look fabulous, as they will all year. Romance is sweet and affectionate, while gifts and goodies come your way. Sheesh!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This is a feisty time because fiery Mars is in your sign. Be careful because you might come on too strong. If you do – others will bite back. This month is all about money, earnings, cash flow and expenditures. You might be focused on money and cash flow, or you might be focused on getting a different job or changing your job in some way. Money coming to you will also be delayed at this point. Cheques in the mail will be late. If you’re looking for new work, go back to places you worked before. “I knew a guy –.” Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This week the Sun enters your sign to stay for the next four weeks. Happy birthday! This alignment allows you to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year! In addition, it will also attract favourable people and circumstances to you. Therefore, by all means, make the most of this time and use it to your advantage. Many of you will run into ex-spouses, ex-partners and old friends from your past. Meanwhile, fair Venus guarantees warm relations with others, especially friends and people in groups. A friend could become a lover. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Because your birthday is just one month away, this means you are coming to the end of your personal year. As such, one of the wisest uses for the coming month ahead is for you to give some serious thought to what you want your new year to be all about. How do you want it to be different from last year? What changes do you want to introduce? One thing is certain: Jupiter will guarantee that you will be popular during the next year; and that you will also be more involved with classes, groups and associations. Right now you look good to others. A romance with a boss might begin.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month you want to travel. You want to spread your wings! You want adventure and the excitement of learning something new and provocative. In a word – you want to grab more of life! Meanwhile, contacts from your past, especially related to religion, politics, foreign countries or higher education might be back in your life again. With fair Venus opposite your sign, you find it easy to be charming to others – no worries. In fact, your sex drive is amped because fiery Mars is a real turn-on for Aquarians right now. Lucky you. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Your focus now turns to taxes, debt, mortgages, inheritances and insurance issues. You might also be focused on the wealth of your partner. Something needs to be wrapped up and finally finished. With fiery Mars opposite your sign now, you might have conflicts with someone. Fortunately, this is temporary because in the bigger picture, Jupiter will be there for the entire year enhancing your closest friendships and partnerships, and attracting warm partners to you. In fact, the year ahead is a wonderful time to marry. ~
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ADVICE TO PEOPLE LIKE ME... by Joanne Sales
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his summer was so intense for many of us – especially farmers, with the lack of water, extreme heat, wild fires. Our blueberries ripened a month early. At the end of August, from the stress, I lost my voice. I could only whisper, so I had to be more quiet. I weighed what I would say before I whispered it. Do I need to say this? Or is this the best time? Most often, the answer was no. When I did whisper to someone, they usually whispered back. Sometimes whole groups of people would be whispering! The summer chaos continued, but in the midst of the constant activity, the humans were more quiet. I rather liked it. After five days, my voice came back, and a visitor arrived. It was a short stay, but a comment he made about his life stayed with me. He is retired, healthy enough, well off enough. His doors are open. But his life was empty. He said of himself, “I don’t have enough to do.” I was dumbstruck. How can an intelligent well-meaning human not find enough to do, with all the extreme need, fragile beauty, opportunities and mysteries all around us? It’s not that I think our visitor should be “busy.” There is an epidemic of busyness in our times, and I am both a victim and a carrier of the disease. Being too busy is not 1 0
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a good thing. But having an empty life is also not a good thing. In both cases, one can miss the Mystery. Many people don’t retire well. It seemed like since he quit his job, our visitor was suffering from a variation of the empty nest syndrome. This can happen to any of us when we feel we are no longer needed, we don’t know what to do, and the days look empty on the road ahead. I’m a mother. When my older son went away to university, even with two children still at home, I got a glimpse of the empty nest syndrome. “So this is how it is,” I grumbled. Within two months of him going to university, three things happened. A dentist told me I had a tumor on my gum – well, that was false alarm. My hand swelled up huge and hot, and a doctor thought it was Lyme’s disease. Then he changed his diagnosis – “You probably just banged it.” Later I went to a doctor because of a recurring pain in my leg. He said the x-ray showed a tumor on my bone. After some serious tests, he changed the diagnosis. “Must have been a shadow on the x-ray.” My deepest respect for those who did not get off so easily. But I learned a lesson from those life threatening false alarms in the two months after my son left home. Even when my kids fly the coop, even if I lose my “job”, even if I have
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to go out searching for a new life and source of meaning – I still want to be alive! It was a crash course in letting go. If one door closes – get to work and find another. Scientists are trying to figure out why some people find happiness, and some people don’t. Martin Seligman, author of Authentic Happiness, describes happiness as having three parts: pleasure, engagement, and meaning. “Pleasure is the “feel good” part of happiness. Engagement refers to living a “good life” of work, family, friends, and hobbies. Meaning refers to using our strengths to contribute to a larger purpose.” Of the three, engagement and meaning make the most difference to living a happy life. No wonder we have a hard time adjusting to changes, when we are kicked out of the nest, or the structure of the nest changes dramatically, or we feel we’ll be alone with nothing to do. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson points out that negative emotions – like anger and fear – cause us to narrow our focus. (To shrink.) Positive emotions - like kindness, amusement, interest and gratitude – “put us in a frame of mind to explore the world around us,” to reach out and expand our connections. Given that insight, it would appear that the more we shrink, the more we shrink. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE •
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These “chance” encounters changed their lives, and gave them meaning.
continued from page 10
If I were going to give our visitor some advice, I’d suggest this. Do nothing. If I were going to give my busy-body self some advice, I’d suggest the same. Do nothing. But it’s hard to change our ways, isn’t it! “Nature abhors a vacuum,” is a postulate first vocalized by Aristotle. If we leave enough empty space in a bottle or our days, something will show up. In our search for meaning, if we’re paying attention, life changing messages have a way of just showing up. My husband was a troubled student in high school. One day, as he was skipping out of class, he found a book lying on the floor in the hallway. It was “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl. That book changed his life. A young black man, now a spokesperson for Nike™, tells how as a teenager, he and his friends were off to do no good, when a basketball rolled down the street. He followed the basketball, while his friends stole a car and ended up in jail, again and again. He thanks that basketball. A friend walked the pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago in Spain. She said she had never heard of it, but a book about it literally fell off the shelf in the library and landed at her feet. An elder in our community was once a young man in Eastern Germany. He was shot as he tried to escape over the Berlin Wall. Fortunately, someone pulled him through, and he woke up in a hospital in free West Germany. After he recovered, he saw a picture of the Canadian mountains in a store window. “That’s where I’m going.” He brought his new wife here, and the forests became his lifelong passion.
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How can we find what is meaningful to us if we are busy doing meaningless things? People have always found ways to “kill time,” but technology creates a particularly difficult challenge. We are a highly distracted population! In our search for meaning – and happiness – technology has a cost. My daughter, Hayley, got out of high school just before social media, cell phones and texting took over the teen scene. When she was 16, we moved her onto this island in the Pacific Ocean (i.e. here), leaving her with a huge empty slate and nothing to do. She was miserable and bored. She had nothing to do but play piano and sing, as she had always done as a child. Out of her boredom, she began to write songs, learned to use a recording studio, improved her skills on her instruments. Next month, she’ll be signed to Universal Music in the U.S. She admits, if she had had social media available to her when she was a teenager, this would never have happened. But in her boredom, creativity arose. She is an ardent advocate of having nothing to do – and not filling in the blanks! Passions need to be nurtured. We have to watch for them, protect them, and give them life – and time. To fill in his empty days, our visitor watches sports on television. Talk about a dead end job! No future there. Your soul can barely get a word in edgewise. Television in all its forms is so addicting. Been there – done that. One could spend every waking hour watching yet another captivating series. No question the shows are incredible! But then what? I guess “then what?” is the real question. To borrow Wendell Berry’s book title, “What Are People For?” What is a meaningful way
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to spend our days? What am I for? What I should be doing is the consequence of what my purpose is, what my potential is, and what I am. It is a treasure and a privilege to be alive, and even more so to be alive with resources, safety, freedom, food, shelter, and support. We have it all! (Even when we don’t.) There is so much to do in this short life. Whether we only get one life, or a string of them, we have amazing possibilities and experiences available to us. Our ancestors and the Creative Genius worked hard to get us here and give us this moment. Let’s not blow it! We should serve time, not kill it. Whether you overwork like me, or face empty days like our visitor, we face the same dilemma. What is worth it? What should we do? What could we do? When I lost my voice, I learned something in the quiet. And now we are heading into the resting time of nature. The expansion of spring has moved into the contraction of autumn. Historically, humans followed the same pattern, and retreated more into the caves of their homes, and into the darkness of sleep and rest. We are healed in the quiet, enriched by listening to the silence. “God whispers when He speaks.” Advice to people like me? Just stop! Reevaluate. Life is short. Advice to our bored-with-life visitor? Just stop! Reevaluate. Get bored. Don’t fill in all the blanks with entertainment. Do nothing so something can happen. Our souls do recharge, like the water did in our dry well. ~ Joanne Sales is a freelance writer, blueberry farmer living in rural Qualicum Beach, and Director of Vancouver Island’s Broombusters Invasive Plant Society. Questions about her articles should be directed to joanne@glasswing.com. For information or questions regarding Broombusters Invasive Plant Society - www.broombusters.org. Ph: 250-7524816, Email: info@broombusters.org
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DUCK WALKS, TREADMILLS, AND BLUEBERRY BLASTS by Linda Tenney
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n July, I sat down for a cup of coffee and a chat ... with myself. Yup! Completely alone. My dog, Chika, looked at me a little strangely at first, but then realized that it wasn’t her that needed to respond to the questions I was asking ... it was only me. The most important question of that day? “How do I get back on track?” In 2011, I started losing weight. It seemed easy then. I puttered along at an acceptable and healthy 2-3 pound weight loss per week for months on end. In 2012, I was diagnosed with cancer and was lucky to beat it. The stress of that scary journey set me back a bit (actually a lot), and I re-gained 20 pounds. But, the realization that I’d had cancer and lived to tell the tale, set me firmly back on the path to my goal, and I went back to losing weight.
I stepped on the scale in May 2014, and smiled ... I had lost 136 lbs, was wearing clothes eight sizes smaller, living life a little differently, and was happy to fit my butt in a kayak. On another day in May 2014, I became complacent. Over this past year I’ve re-gained 40 pounds; a weighty package now firmly attached to my butt. Just imagine 40 pounds of butter, if you will! So now it’s time, once again, to melt it off. The cup of coffee and chat with myself in July lead to a gym membership, and to my blog, “Cuppa Life Stories”. I invite you to join me online, and in EyesOnBC each month, to learn what changes I’ve made and the continuing up, down and sideways path to finding my thinner, stronger and healthier self through good eating, exercise and pure determination.
BLUEBERRY BLAST 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tbs Blue Agave syrup, 1/2 tsp vanilla. 140 calories
Many thanks to my personal trainer, Susan Obieglo of Powerhouse Fitness Club for helping me take the first step in Blend all ingredients and enjoy! this journey! (see Susan’s ad on pg 4)
Join me at “Cuppa Life Stories” at https://cuppalifestories.wordpress.com
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FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR Arlene and I hope you all enjoyed a great summer, we did!!! Following is an update on some of the “stuff” that is happening in our area.
BIG QUALICUM SALMON RUN The salmon run is in full swing at the Big Qualicum Hatchery and is well worth a visit this time of year. It is a spectacular natural event that we are blessed to have in our area! Additionally, there are wonderful trails around the hatchery that are among the best on the island. They are well worth a hike.
BEACH ACCESS Through the good work of your, Area H Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee, (POSAC) and RDN Parks Staff we have formalized beach access signage at public access points. These include #18-Sunny Beach #23-Crane Rd #24-Nile Rd #31-Bowser Rd #47-Deep Bay Rd #36-Buccaneer beach Rd #42Shoreline Dr
DUNSMUIR COMMUNITY PARK OPEN HOUSE On 18 Sep, your POSAC and RDN staff held an open house to get a sense of what the local community wanted to do with Dunsmuir (Centennial) Community Park. Notwithstanding the cool and rainy evening, the turn out was awesome (The Community Club went thru 72 hot dogs). We have received a great
BILL VEENHOF
Regional Director, Area H billveenhof.com - ph: 778-424-2810 ■ bill.veenhof@shaw.ca
many very good ideas that will help shape the POSAC’s way forward when it meets again in the Fall. There will be more on this to follow. The Pickle Ball instructors, The Community Club, RDN Staff and your POSAC all deserve our thanks for their fine efforts.
GREEN BUILDING SERIES Our annual Green Building series will kick off with a one-day course on passive home construction on 17 Sep at the Parksville community center. This will be followed in the coming weeks with tours of green homes. For more information, see the RDN Web page at: http://www. rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=3537
AGRICULTURAL BYLAW AND POLICY UPDATE The RDN is pleased to announce that the Agriculture Bylaw and Policy Updates Survey is now live! Residents and members of the farming community with an interest in agriculture are encouraged to complete the survey for a chance to win one of 10 RDN transit day passes or a grand prize of a $100 gift card for a grocery store of their choice. See: http://fluidsurveys.
com/surveys/jdrew/fall-2015-rdnagricultural-questionnaire/
RDN GRANTS The RDN has three programs that offer grants to local community organizations and has several grants for individual homeowners. The intakes for the next set of applications are fast approaching. This is sent to let you know what they are and to encourage you to apply.
RECREATION GRANTS Purpose: To provide funds on a District-wide basis to organizations requesting financial assistance to offer recreation programs, special events or projects, which would benefit specific communities or the District as a whole; either youth specific (11-18 years) or to other populations. The next opportunity will be in the Spring of 2016. See: http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms. asp?wpID=417
GRANTS-IN-AID Purpose: Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grants-in-aid to help fund programs, activities or events that enhance the wellbeing of our community and benefit the continued on page 23
Our tide table measurements are taken from the Hornby Island substation. For other tides, visit http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/english/Canada.shtml on the Internet. Printed courtesy Canadian Hydrographic Service. ADD 1 hour to times until Sunday, November, 1, 2015
LOCAL TIDE
Phone: 250-757-8944 Fax: 250-757-8654
Open daily 8am to 8pm
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continued from page 7 - Big Qualicum River
Kim Young photos
Just as with the Big Qualicum River Regional Trail, we start out from the parking lot, passing the hatchery office building, crossing the metal bridge and turning left onto the hatchery’s access road or as the signage states, “Private Industrial Road”. Follow the road to the left passing under the old railway trestle until you reach the Chum Spawning Channel, about 1 km. Leaving the gravel access road and the Regional Trail route, turn left over the metal grated bridge crossing the Chum spawning channel and left again, now crossing the river toward the sign reading, “Warning, Watch for Bears”, and taking a right turn. Big Qualicum River Our trek begins here and after about 45 minutes of hiking, we will cross the river and begin the return portion of the loop on the north shore. Because the south side river “There are two crossings of trail weaves back and forth into the the river; after descending the forest, this portion will take you “Stairmaster”, two sets of stairs about twice as long as the return totaling one hundred steps.” ~ KY hike back to the hatchery, which is a more direct route. Wildlife is in abundance at this time of year & add interesting diversions to this hike. As the spawning season progresses through October and November, so does the histrionic squacking of seagulls and sightings of bald eagles and herons. Watch too, for several trees on this trail that display distinct cougar or bear claw marks on their bark, climbing to imperceptible heights. Just after crossing the river at the chum spawning channel and before the path leaves the riverside, we spotted the first of many; an old-growth cedar to the right scarred with cougar claw marks. The herbivorous beaver’s presence is also evidenced by distinct pencil-point stumps and tree-fallings along the way.
The Stairmaster!! over low, damp areas and wooden steps traversing you through foliage dense with cedar, maple, alder, fir, hemlock and huckleberry. There are a few spots where the path diverges but staying to the right will keep you on track. There are two crossings of the river; after descending the “Stairmaster”, two sets of stairs totaling one hundred steps, the path approaches the river once again and a sturdy log bridge with dual rope handles comes into view. If you want to shorten your hike to about 4 kms, just take this first crossing on the log bridge & head up to the gravel access road, turning right, for your return trek. Our group headed for the second crossing, approximately fifteen minutes further. Watch for a fork in the trail and a handwritten sign tacked to a tree which directs you to the right for “bridge”. A short but steep trail leads to a bit of clambering over fallen logs and up
It’s a balmy, “t-shirt” day as we amble along, but the golden-hued path of maple leafs and the rusty boughs of cedars are a sure sign of imminent cooler temperatures. The trail is rustic, but does have multiple metal grated “ramps”
to this more rustic crossing which requires a bit of caution. Once on the other side, you can trek up to the gravel hatchery road or as I prefer, continue to hike, to the right, along the riverbank and under the canopy of trees, about a 20 minute walk back to the Chum Spawning Channel. On this lower path between the channel and the river, keep your eagle-eyes open for a “CMT”, a culturally modified tree. Various modifications done historically to trees are now classified as culturally modified; this particular old cedar tree displays a rectangular bark strip scar. In the “good old days” before tupperware, fiberglass and other synthetics, the removed bark was used by indigenous peoples for everything from baskets and clothing to material for housing and canoes. Before returning to their birthplace in freshwater rivers such as the one we’re hiking along, Pacific salmon continued on page 23
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ANNUAL CHILD HAVEN FUNDRAISING DINNER Come out to meet Fred and Bonnie Cappuccino at the upcoming Parksville/Qualicum 21st Annual Child Haven Fundraising Dinner on October 16th at the Parksville Community Centre from 6-9pm. Doors open at 5:30. This event features a delicious Indian Dinner, Entertainment, a Marketplace and Silent Auction of exotic wares and jewellery and No-Host Bar. Tickets can be purchased at: • F ireside Books - Parksville Adults - $25.00 • A mrikkos - Parksville Children 12 & under $10.00 • A rbutus Fashions @ Qualicum Beach • B uy online at www.childhaven.ca Join us for a fun evening, buy an item or two, leave a donation or just for the enjoyment of being there! To learn more about the Cappuccinos, the Homes and volunteering opportunities with Child Haven International, please visit their website.www.childhaven.ca
Our family has proudly served the Oceanside communities since 1998. We believe in providing the highest level of service in a professional and affordable manner, without compromising our commitment to reliable and respectful service to our families.
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SERVICES OFFERED / NEEDED
WORSHIP
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS GROUP - Needs your volunteer help! FMI Call: Val Weismiller: (250) 757-9667.
FIRST RATE MASONARY – Over 15 years experience providing first-rate, creative workmanship within budget and on time! Old brick restoration. All stone and tile work. Fireplace facing. Retaining walls and pavers. Chimney construction, cleaning and repairs. FMI Call Jason Buxton (250) 802-5515.
CAREGIVER NEEDED - Looking for a caregiver for our 2 children (1 & 5 yrs old) - $11/hr, 40 hrs/week, optional free accommodation in employer’s home. Large dog at house. Call for details: 250-240-8119.
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
HEALTHY LIVING
113 McColl Road, Bowser
Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 757-8136
ISLAND GOSPEL CENTRE “A house of LIGHT in Lighthouse Country”
KOMBUCHA - Make Your Own Kombucha Workshops offered in Coombs by Joanne Sales who has been making Kombucha for over 20 years. joanne@glasswing. com, www.islandhealing.ca
DON’S HOME REPAIR – Plumbing repairs and installations, complete renovations, no job too small. Call Don at (250) 757-8757 or cell (250) 951-8757.
WILDWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH
Sundays - 10AM Worship 90 McColl Road, Bowser, BC (250) 757-8253
FOR SALE FOR SALE ... large wooden artist’s easel LIKE NEW - $200. Drafting table $60. Phone Ann at 250-871-5708
Parksville / Qualicum / Bowser PICK-UP, TUNE-UP AND CLEAN-UP FOR SMALL ENGINE POWERED EQUIPMENT. Riding mowers, garden tractors, etc. Call Ron at (250) 937-0044 or email ronmorrison100@gmail.com
LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE
LEARNING / CLASSES NELSON'S MUSIC STUDIO Piano/Theory Lessons Parksville/Qualicum Area Beginners to Advanced Your Home or Ours John/Margaret 250-954-5895
FOOTCARE – HYGIENE Soaking feet, cutting nails, filing calluses, treating dry skin – fingernails, too. Reflexology - one-hour sessions. Services offered from Nanoose to Courtenay. Please call Vikki at (250) 757-9244.
Available for Rentals Call 778-424-9900
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T
WOLVES
here have been recent wolf sightings in Qualicum Beach. When I first moved here in 1988, they were more frequent. Once, for some unknown reason, I woke in the middle of the night and looked from my bedroom window across the fields of the Mant farm. It was frosty, with a full moon...
I’m wakened, drawn towards the ice-thin window, to witness scenes as faint and still as death. How bleak the moon. How bare the trees and meadows. Sky’s pale maw overhangs earth bleached beneath star fangs. Night’s curled lip sneers on shadows of mountains set like teeth.
About this Poem ... The stanza form is my attempt to convey the power and motion of loping wolves. Each verse has seven lines. The first three have five beats, e.g. I’m WAkened, DRAWN toWARDS the ICE-thin WINdow, The last four have three, e.g. sky’s PALE maw OverHANGS The shortening line lengths provide acceleration. The rhyme-scheme is xabccba. The x and b lines have feminine (Da-da) endings. These throw momentum to the following lines. The a and c rhymes are stressed single syllables. The adjacent c rhymes speed the poem and, in closing positions, the distant a rhymes give a sense of resolution. This poem provided the title for an e-book called “The Wolves Passed Here”, which you can find online. It has been republished elsewhere and lends itself to oral recitation. ~
Two bow-waves shear the median of the valley. Iced hay-field yields as feral muscles glide– hoar frost disturbed by wakes of live torpedoes. Gray shoulders breach and lope, implode and telescope, impelled by ruthless credos of chilled and vicious pride. The wolves tear savage furrows down the nightscape. Their eyes are shined with blood, their mission clear; grass springs back, shocked to green, behind their passage– twin tracks traverse the vales, cold comets trailing tails leave, scarred in frost, their message: the wolves, the wolves passed here.
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. ~ •
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Community Event Calendar October 2015 LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FMI on Hall Rentals, call Sheena McCorquodale at (250) 757-9991. FMI on Events at the LCC visit www.communityhall.ca. SECOND SUNDAY MARKET at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay – Sunday October 11th - 8am-Noon, Pancake Breakfast $5 or $7. Enjoy live music, breakfast, shopping for a treasure. The LCC Hall Board will be serving breakfast. TAOIST™ TAI CHI - Mondays 9:30-noon at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay. Wednesdays 10:45-12:15, (Sep 30-May 2016) at the OAP Hall in Fanny Bay. Contact: Richard 250-752-1231. 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.
QUALICUM BAY LIONS CLUB – Meet at 7pm, every second and fourth Tuesday in the Lions Den at the Lions’ Rec Hall. LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY SCRAPBOOKERS – Meet 3rd Saturday monthly at the Lions’ Rec Hall, 9:30am- 4:30pm. $10. Door prizes. FMI Call Jorgie 250-757-8358 or Shirley (250) 757-8384. Let’s FLOOR CURL! Have fun with us. Every week from mid September to end of MAY. Mondays & Fridays, 1-3pm at the LIONS REC HALL in lovely QUALICUM BAY. We are a happy mixed group of all ages and skills. Game Is played indoors on gym floor. Curling rocks are supplied. Join the club for the season and enjoy “extra events”. Drop-in is $2. Come anytime. FMI call Fred Or Lorraine: 250-752-0216.
IN THE COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREA
ADULT BADMINTON AND PICKLEBALL at the LCC. Badminton - Mondays 7pm. Pickleball and badminton - Thursdays 4-6 pm. Drop-in fee $4. Equipment provided. 15 years and older. Beginners welcome. steelehunt@shaw.ca, or 250-757-8307 for more info. CARPET BOWLING – 12:45 to 3pm at the LCC. FMI Call Layne (250) 757-8217.
RDN RECREATION PROGRAMS - View recreation programs online at www.rdn. bc.ca/recreation. FMI call Chrissie at (250) 757-8118, email at cfinnie@rdn.bc.ca or call Oceanside Place at (250) 248-3252. Preregister for all programs to avoid program cancellation.
AA LIGHTKEEPERS - Fridays at 7pm at the LCC. FMI contact (250) 757-2300.
BOWSER TENNIS CLUB - info: steelehunt@shaw.ca, or ph 250-757-8307
BRIDGE – Nordin Room 1-4pm Fridays at the LCC. FMI Sheila Steele 250-757-8307.
QUALICUM BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday mornings, 8:30-noon. The
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Wednesday evening markets will resume in the spring. At Veteran’s Way and Memorial in Qualicum Beach. A wide variety of from-thefarm produce, meats, fish, flowers, locally roasted coffee, breads, sweets and artisan-crafted products. Live music! No dogs, please. FMI: qbfarmersmarket.com
LIONS REC HALL – 280 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FMI on Hall Rentals Call Bert Carter: (250) 240-4538.
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14TH ANNUAL WORLD CRAFT BAZAAR, Sat. Nov. 7 10 am - 3 pm at Knox United Church, Pym at Humphrey Sts, Parksville. Ethical, exotic gift choices and Fair Trade goods. Lunch available. Free admission. Co-sponsored by P/Q KAIROS & Knox Church. Info call 250248-0310 EAGLECREST GARDEN CLUB. Autumn Wreaths Using Natural Materials Hosted by 7pm. Wed. October 21, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. All welcome. Non members: $2. QUALICUM BEACH FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Wednesday October 21, 7pm at the Qualicum Beach Legion at 180 Veterans Way. Guest speaker will be Linda Tenney on her family ties to Alexander Graham Bell, plus “Your Story - Your Legacy”: Tips on how to write your own life story. Guests welcome. OCEANSIDE BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - Thursday, Oct 1st, 7PM - At The Gardens, 650 Berwick North, Qualicum Beach. Ladies living with breast cancer are welcome. 250-752-8066 or amen@shaw.ca
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Puss Puss and his brother in a basket
EVERYONE’S LOOKING FOR PUSS PUSS
we were driving to our new home here when it happened,” says Anna.
n August, Anna Sakawsky and her husband were involved in a car accident just north of the Horne Lake Road exit on Highway 19. Their lives were turned upside down that night -- the trauma of personal injuries, loss of property, and the disappearance of one of their beloved companions ... Puss Puss, the cat.
Hikers and residents in Lighthouse Country are encouraged to keep an eye out for Puss Puss. Be watchful on the trails, check around your property and surrounding woods.
I
“We have been doing everything in our power to find her. We’ve been on the news, all over social media, ads in the local paper, flyers and posters all round the area. We have also done all the logical things to try to find her such as calling non-stop and driving to the area every day since the accident (sometimes twice), camping out for almost a week on the ridge where we last saw her, night cameras, traps, bringing the other cat out, leaving our clothing around, items from home, the other cat’s litter. •
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We have also been in touch with psychics, animal communicators, tarot readers and even our Ouija board! All signs are pointing to her still being alive and hiding out somewhere in the area. But we can’t find her!!! We want our story to stay relevant so that when she does finally show up somewhere, whoever finds her knows she is loved, she is ours and we really want her home with her family, and especially to reunite her with her ‘cat brother’, Lucifer, who is missing her terribly as they have been inseparable since birth.
Puss Puss is friendly and may come when called, but also may be very skittish considering her predicament. If you see her, please contact Anna at 250-650-4990 or a.sakawsky@gmail.com Margie Healey photo
We are offering a $500 reward for her safe return. We miss her like crazy and our family is just not the same without her. She was an indoor cat her whole life before this incident and then was launched into completely unfamiliar territory the night of the accident as E Y E S O N B C
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250-752-2921
interior decorating
Service and Repairs Treatment Plant Certified Assessments Available
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Massage
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DEJA~VU DECOR CUSTOM DECOR & WINDOW COVERINGS
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one of them. Thus, hatcheries and salmonoid enhancement programs such as the Big Qualicum Hatchery have become crucial to increasing the Pacific salmon populations.
continued from page 15 have spent most of their adult lives traveling thousands of kilometers through saltwater oceans. Instinctively & with greater than GPS precision, they return to their natal waters to spawn and ultimately, to die. They will swim this upstream battle, combatting fierce currents, jumping rocks & leaping waterfalls, stopped only from reaching their final destination by death.
continued from page 13 residents. The next opportunity will be the Spring of 2016. See: http://www. rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1227
On your next rainforest hike, be reminded of all that the indefatigable salmon has contributed to your surroundings, even to the air that you are breathing. And, here’s yet another salmon-bearing note: when you raise your next glass of vino, make a toast to the wondrous As the Take a self-guided walking tour of the salmon, because, spawning season hatchery. Information posts lead the yes, a large portion progresses, the of the nitrogen Big Qualicum way through the facility and provide River becomes details of the salmon species and work found in the leaves of grape a poignant done at this valuable facility. Be sure plants grown visual of this to check out the Viewing Room below in Pacific wine“circle of life” region watersheds ground and get an eye-to-eye look at of the beautiful originate from salmon. The the salmon in the channels. the carcasses of waters become salmon.* thick with spawning salmon, and in a short *Salmon: A keystone species - David time, the hardy survivors of this Suzuki Foundation uphill journey become fewer, continuing through a watery DIRECTIONS battlefield of the dead that have From Hwy 19 (Inland Island gone before them. Hwy)- exit toward the ocean at In life and death, a salmon feeds Horne Lake Road (Exit #75). Pass an entire ecosystem. They are the railway tracks, take the first the foundation of our temperate left to follow Horne Lake Rd, then coastal rainforests, enmeshed left again at River Road. Continue throughout all species of coastal along the gravel road to the life. When salmon return from the parking area. ocean, the marine-rich nutrients From Hwy 19A (Island Hwy) they carry feed multiple species, turn onto Horne Lake Road, then from micro-organisms and turn right at River Road. Continue insects to bears and millenia-old along the gravel road to the cedars. Salmon-derived nitrogen parking area. is essential to our soils and vast percentages of this nutrient HIKING NOTES are carried into the depths of rainforests in one way or another, Carry a small backpack with by insects, birds and mammals, all whistle, water, first-aid kit, and if returning the favor of the salmon you like, a camera and binoculars. in this incredible life-cycle. If balance is a bit of an issue for
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Purpose: The Northern Community Economic Development program provides support for economic development initiatives in the City of Parksville, the Town of Qualicum Beach and Electoral Areas ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘G’, and ‘H’. The Program allows the RDN Board of Directors to contribute to eligible projects that advance the Board’s vision for a resilient, thriving and creative local economy. To be considered for the Fall 2015 round, submissions must be received by 12:00 noon on Monday, October 5, 2015 See: http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms. asp?wpID=2759
INDIVIDUAL HOME OWNER GRANTS There are several grants available to support individual homeowners. You may be eligible for funding to help make your property more environmentally friendly by reducing water and/or energy usage. Check out the web site at: http://www.rdn.bc.ca/ cms.asp?wpID=2420
OIL TO HEAT PUMP REBATE PROGRAM An important new opportunity is a rebate program for those who convert existing oil furnaces to heat pumps. The Province and the RDN have added a rebate for those who switch over from oil heat to a heat pump. All rolled up, it looks like you can receive $350 for an energy assessment, $250 from the RDN and $1700 from the province if you convert. See: http:// www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=2420
you, a walking stick may come in handy for narrow paths and river crossings.
In the last few decades, wild salmon populations have declined dramatically. It is estimated that only ten percent of the eggs laid by spawning salmon will survive to the fry stage, and of this number, only two to three percent may survive due to many factors; climate change now being •
NORTHERN COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Dogs are generally off-leash on this trail, but keep yours “under control” as should you encounter any wildlife, a barking dog could be an irritant. ~
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For questions or comments, Director BILL VEENHOF can be reached at 778-424-2810 or bill.veenhof@shaw.ca
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DISCOVER LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY Deep Bay - Bowser - Qualicum Bay Horne Lake - Spider Lake
WWW.LIGHTHOUSECOUNTRY.CA