PE OP L E
COM M UNIT Y
C U LT U R E
WINTER 2015/16
Going
Flow
with the Jamie Turko is a man of the river
CHASE-ING A DREAM Local kickboxer one of the best in the world
TULA IN GUATEMALA
Local charity has ties to new national health strategy
Publisher Editor Editorial Team
1/2 PG
corilair
Advertising Team
Graphic Design Team
Dave Hamilton Alistair Taylor Kristen Douglas Mike Davies Mark Allan Dean Taylor Debbie Baker Maria Kirley Jacquie Duns Darcey Wood Michelle Hueller Rachael Beckley Kristi Pellegrin Marnie Neaves Tammy Robinson
Wave is Campbell River’s leading lifestyle magazine. To advertise or learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at publisher@campbellrivermirror.com
Dave Hamilton
Alistair Taylor
Kristen Douglas
Mike Davies
Editor
Publisher
Writer
Writer
Mark Allan
Eiko Jones
Writer
Photographer
Michelle Hueller
Graphic Designer
PEOPLE
COMMUNIT Y
CULTURE
W I N T E R
On the Cover: The river man: Jamie Turko – swiftwater rescue specialist, river guide and outdoorsman Photo by Eiko Jones
2 0 1 5
Going with the Flow Jamie Turko is a man of the river CHASE-ING A DREAM
Local kickb kickbox oxer er one of the best in the world
TULA IN GUATEM ALA Local charity has ties to new national health strategy
Wave is produced by:
[2] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015
Wave magazine is published quarterly by Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Wave. The contents of Wave magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.
Mentio ad and n this save
00 1 0 your se rv $
off
ice
FULL PG
ROTO ROOTER
Leave your worries to us! Fully equipped service vans with knowledgeable, licensed and insured technicians and we offer
FREE ESTIMATES
• Leak detection • Septic installations and servicing • Perimeter systems • Catch basins • Yard drains • Field flushing • Roof drains • Parking lots • Water lines • Jet flushing • Pumps • Gas & electric hot water tanks • Excavation • Floods • Routine maintenance • New and existing plumbing repairs • Shower and Bathtub installation • Toilets • Sinks • New construction • Household and commercial renovations
Complete residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning services Locally owned and operated Fast 24/7 service and 60 minute emergency response phones answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
NUMBER ONE FLOOD SPECIALIST ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Servicing Comox Valley to Port Alice and surrounding areas, Powell River, Quadra and Cortes Islands
The plumbers you’ve trusted for over 75 years CAMPBELL RIVER 250-286-1400 COURTENAY 250-338-9192 CASH, CHEQUE, VISA AND MASTER CARD SPRING
|3
WINTER 2015/16 ISSUE #8
9
Contents
Clearing the Way.....................................5 NVIATS helps North Island First Nations people overcome obstacles to employment
Chase-ing A Dream ................................7 Local kickboxer one of the best in the world
River Man ................................................9 Jamie Turko – Rescuing people and saving lives
The Perfect Match ................................11 Signature Oil & Vinegar is a one-of-a-kind store
Jamie Turko – swiftwater rescue specialist, river guide and outdoorsman
Tula in Guatemala .................................14 Local charity’s ties to national health strategy
Council, Carving and a Colouring Book ...19 Curtis Wilson has art in his blood
14 Curtis Wilson keeps busy making art in what little downtime he has
19
Spreading Holiday Cheer......................24 Couple brightens the holidays with murals
The Warm Heart of Africa .....................26 Tula in Guatemala – Local charity has ties to Central American country’s new national health strategy
Local woman devotes her life to helping orphans
Their Roots Are Showing ......................28 Genealogy members on quest to learn their heritage
Clearing the Way By Mark Allan
NVIATS helps North Island First Nations people overcome obstacles to employment
T
here’s no better feeling for North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society (NVIATS) staff than helping people who have given up hope. That opinion comes from Sherry Simms, who has worked at NVIATS for 18 years, as manager since 2011. “I think the most satisfying is when you have someone who walks in your door who won’t lift his head to look in your eyes,” she says in an interview. “When they come back after being there for a week or two and they’re smiling and they want to be there, that’s the most satisfying, and they’re actually able to hold their head up and feel confident and no longer fearful.” NVIATS is responsible for employment and training initiatives for all Aboriginal people from
north of Qualicum Beach to Port Hardy as well as isolated native communities on the Central Coast and the Powell River area. It has offices in Campbell River and Alert Bay. Since April 1, 2014, NVIATS has trained 1,899 Aboriginal people. Of those, 1,123 found employment, Simms says. There are special challenges, she admits, including resistance to or outright refusal by some employers to hire First Nations People. “Some employers are easy. They come to us to recruit Aboriginal people because they know their loyalty and their strengths,” Simms says. Ski-Hi Scaffolding in Campbell River is especially supportive of NVIATS, she mentions. “Others wouldn’t hire someone who is Aboriginal
Dr. Ghislaine Lauzon
1/2 PG
CR OPTO
Determining the health of your eyes using the latest digital technology. 250-287-2020 1-866-617-2020 www.campbellriveroptometry.com #1-730 13th Avenue. Across from Home Hardware
even if they had every skill that they required,” says Simms, a Métis from Newfoundland. “We try to be positive and work with the employers who want to work with us. We have quite a few.” Everyone who receives NVIATS training gets what Simms calls a pep talk. “Sometimes you don’t just represent yourself in the workforce; sometimes you’re looked at as a complete race. We try to reinforce that, ‘Sometimes you’re representing your entire race, so we want you to do well.’ ” The struggling North Island economy is another issue, especially when employers hire from outside the area. “We had hoped with the John Hart Dam and with the hospital build that we would see an increase (in employment opportunities for North Island First Nations people). “Unfortunately, the majority of workers on both those sites are not from those communities. They’re from Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver and farther away than that. “It really didn’t build the economy in Campbell River, that’s for sure.” The geography adds a degree of difficulty for NVIATS staff, who are responsible for remote North Island native communities that include Hopetown and Kingcome on the Central Coast. Covering such a huge, sparsely populated region is a big challenge for the 10 people in the
Campbell River office and one program officer in Alert Bay. “The cost of getting training to Gilford (Island) or Kingcome can be five times the cost of delivering a program in Campbell River.” As Simms explains, it can cost NVIATS at least $1,200 to send one person to Kingcome for just one day. That’s not the only obstacle NVIATS staff face in their efforts to serve their clients. The society gets the bulk of its funding from Service Canada through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. “We haven’t seen an increase in funds since 1996,” Simms notes. “We’re expected to do a lot more than we used to do and of course the cost of living has changed quite a bit since 1996.” That’s an important reason why NVIATS relies heavily on its Community Partnership Program in which “our bands can have training programs that they see as needed in their own communities. “Our Nations know what their needs are more than we do sitting here in Campbell River. They develop their own training programs and deliver them a lot more cost-effectively than we could.” Recently adding the Powell River region to its coverage area adds to the challenge, although there is some good news. “With that we did get increased funding for the
We are the home of Campbell River’s family pet and pond supplies.
1/4 PG
LA TEE DA
three Nations because Klahoose, Homalco and Sliammon joined NVIATS in April and they did come with additional funds, which we were grateful for.” Expectations on NVIATS have increased dramatically since the days when the society merely paid for training. “Before, we could find a course at North Island College and basically forget about it. “Now we have to have a computer lab for people. We have to offer workshops we never offered in the past. We have to do everything we possibly can to eliminate any barrier they have to employment.” NVIATS provides a variety of programs, including Bladerunners, which Simms says came with a “small pot of funding” from the provincial Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. While NVIATS exists to help First Nations people, the society allows non-natives to use the computer lab for a job search and provides resume advice as well as letting people use a phone or fax machine. NVIATS was formed by the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council and Kwakiutl District Council, umbrella groups representing native bands on the North Island. For details about the society, visit www.nviats. com. You can phone the Campbell River office at 250-286-3455 or the Alert Bay office at 250974-2908.
1/8 PG
CR PET
Need information? Check out our website at www.campbellriverpetcentre.com, call or drop in and visit us! 1250B Ironwood St., Campbell River
250-286-0077
Keep Your Beautiful Tan ON • Tanning Booths MTHENISTIAD AND RECE IVE and Beds FWREE GIFAT hile quantit ies last • Infrared Sauna
1275 Cypress Street, Campbell River (Across from Tyee Chev) 250-287-8080 7 Days a Week • Mon - Fri 9:30 - 7:30, Sat 10 - 6, Sun 11 - 5
[6] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
zy o c d n a m r a w Keep her . this Christmas 1/8 PG
NORTHERN SUN 1042 Shoppers Row (next to Gourmet Essentials)
250-287-8997 • www.lateedalingerie.com
Chase-ing a dream By Mike Davies
Local kickboxer one of the best in the world at his sport
C
hase Ingalls is a three-time world kickboxing champion, the current B.C. Men’s champion, Canadian champion and North American champion. The 23 year-old has been into martial arts, “since I taught him how to do a front kick at the age of three,” his father Jodey laughs, but he only started “taking it seriously” about eight years ago. Jodey owns and operates Pure Martial Arts on Pier Street, where Chase also instructs the next generation of athletes when he’s not actually training. “To be good, I pretty much have to live here,” Chase says, looking around the gym, the sweat still dripping off his face from his last training session. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s not a hobby.” Thankfully, he says, he’s lucky enough to have a father who owns a gym, “so I can come in here and use the bags, train, and take advantage of the training facility. That being said, your body only lasts for a couple of hours of hard training.” So that’s what he does. He trains hard for a couple of hours at a time. Whatever his body can take. In between training sessions, he teaches martial arts or fitness classes at the gym or goes for a run. In between teaching sessions or runs, he studies his upcoming opponent and other people’s fighting styles. In between these things he fuels up with food. Then he does another training session. “Eat it, live it, breathe it,” he says. Too bad he can’t also make a living at it, as many others do. It’s illegal to get paid to kickbox in B.C. “Right now we’re working super hard with a group of high-level trainers to get it legal here,” Jodey says. “It’s weird, because we brought in MMA, which in my view is a much more brutal situation.” “It’s held back,” Chase agrees. “Don’t get me wrong, it is a violent sport – a lot of people don’t like seeing someone get elbowed in the face. That being said, it’s kinda funny to say, ‘you can kick somebody bare-shinned – which is
Serendipity in the Garden 968 Shoppers Row | 250-287-9949 | Mon.-Sat. 10am - 5:30pm | Sun. 12-4pm
WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [7]
basically a sharpened baseball bat – but you can’t elbow, and you can’t use your knees.’” Elsewhere on the planet, Chase says, kickboxing is revered like hockey is in Canada. It’s the national sport of Thailand. In Europe it’s frequently on national television. Glory Kickboxing, the largest kickboxing organization in the world, recently signed a contract with ESPN, the self-proclaimed – and rightly so – “Worldwide Leader in Sports,” to air future events internationally. “I’m not harshing on Canada,” Chase says. “It is what it is. But Canada’s got world-class fighters that are just unheard of.” Gabriel Varga, based out of Victoria, for example, recently captured the Glory Featherweight Title in Dubai. But while Canadian fighters in other disciplines – George St. Pierre comes to mind for most people – get national and international recognition, fame, and fortune, kickboxers like Chase work in their father’s gym while trying to schedule two or three fights a year and fight for free to get enough experience to move elsewhere for the opportunity to make a living at it. And it’s unfair, Jodey says, to say that’s because kickboxing is just violence – that it’s not really a sport. There’s a lot more strategy involved in kickboxing than people might realize, which Chase knows more about than most. These days, the Internet being what it is, there is a ton of footage out there of fighters doing their thing, and Chase and Jodey spend hours and hours poring over that footage, especially when it’s of fighters they think – or know – he will face in the ring. “Chase has never taken any serious damage in a fight,” Jodey says. “Not a black eye, not a gash, he’s never broken a bone – maybe a couple of scuffs, but that’s about it. And that’s because we study our opponents so thoroughly.” Fortunately, Chase has been doing well enough, built his name up enough and won enough fights against high-level opponents that people are coming from all over the world to fight him now, so he doesn’t have to go out and find cards to fight on. People have flown in from as far away as the Netherlands, France and England to meet Chase in the ring.
KAROL POWER The Power to Move You Real Estate That Gives You Quality of Life
Anyone interested in helping with sponsorship can contact Jodey at the gym at 922 Island Highway downtown across from Robert Ostler Park, by phone at 250-286-6980 or by email at pureself@telus.net.
Introducing a
Brand 1/8 PGNew Website
• Over 1800 images from EIKO above and below the waterline
1.250.886.2537
• Photography workshops and tours • Water dog portraits and much more
Greater Victoria, Duncan to Sooke
eikojonesphotography.com
karolsellsvictoria.com [8] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
So as of now, Chase still plans on going pro, despite having to go elsewhere to do it. He and Jodey are starting an intensive 10-week training camp together at the gym in anticipation of joining Lion Fight Muay Thai in Las Vegas. They could use some financial support to make it happen, though. “We’ve had a couple of people come and step up and support him (financially), but it’s been tough to find sponsorship,” Jodey says, in part because the sport itself isn’t very recognized here. Chase is hoping to change that by continuing to win as a pro the way he’s been winning as an amateur.
By referring a friend or family member to me you are giving them the opportunity to work with a professional agent that has over 22 years experience.
karol@karolsellsvictoria.com
Sure, he lost his last fight, but he’ll learn from that, and it was his first loss ever – he’s now 20-1 all-time. It also took a fighter with an all-time win-loss record of 38-3 from the U.S. a full five rounds to do it. Chase won his fight before that by knockout just over a minute into the first round.
Gallery location: Camosun
560c 11th Avenue, Campbell River
THE
N A M RIVER Jamie Turko – swiftwater rescue specialist, river guide and outdoorsman
By Mark Allan
J
amie Turko knows he’s in the news a lot. He insists he doesn’t seek attention and to be honest, we contacted him regarding this profile article. “I’m not a hero. I’m not famous. I’m infamous,” he says. Some folks might disagree with his comment about heroism. In addition to owning Destiny River Adventures, he is a highly trained and experienced swiftwater river rescue technician who sometimes risks his life to save others. More about that later. Let’s learn more about the man and his background. Born in the Comox Valley, he moved with his strict Ukrainian parents to Campbell River when he was two. His single sibling is a younger brother. “My family was basically a mill family; they worked in the pulp mill with the lumber mill … we’re an industrial family.” A lumber mill job was not for Jamie, however. “I got fired from my job and after that I basically started seeking my passion and got into the outdoor world – outdoor tourism, outdoor adventure.” That was no surprise, considering his father and grandfather were avid outdoorsmen. His grandfather, who loved fishing, instilled that in young Jamie. “I
caught fish the same size as me, from cod to salmon.” His father was a hunter, further ensuring his son would spend time outdoors and grow to love it. After leaving the lumber mill, Turko worked for six years with Campbell River Snorkel Tours, then joined Destiny River Adventures in 1999. “I got fully certified as a British Columbia river outfitters rafting guide.” Taking some time out to “get some of that oil money that was out there” in Alberta, Turko would work on the oil patch in the fall and winter, returning to Campbell River for the spring and summer to enjoy the outdoors. After five or six years of that, he “fully committed to being back home. I didn’t want to be in Alberta anymore. I wanted to be here with family; my kids were getting older.” Returning to Destiny River Adventures, he bought the company in 2011 when the owners wanted to sell. “I was honoured that they thought I was the one who could take over.” He got into Campbell River Search and Rescue in 1996, “knowing these guys are all about outdoors.” Showing up at a training night, he soon learned that he needed certification.
1/4 PG
LITE SHOP
He did what he had to do, and has been in search and rescue (SAR) for 19 years. The amount of time he volunteers depends partially on the time of year. “It varies with each month because when it’s rafting season, I focus on Destiny River.” He’s learned a lot in 19 years about rescuing people, and teaching others how to do it. “I’m a rope rescue team member. I’m also a swiftwater rescue instructor. Of course, that’s my specialty, the water. I’ve become a search and rescue ground team leader. “I’m also a ground search and rescue instructor, being one of the instructors when new people come into the group.” Some of his many other certificates qualify him to operate ATVs and emergency vehicles. It’s rewarding to rescue people, sometimes saving lives, although Turko says he’s paying back in gratitude for all the training he’s received. “It’s not that it’s rewarding; it’s giving back to the community.” Priorities for SAR volunteers are important, Turko notes. “We’re all volunteers; we all have our lives; we all have our families; we all have work.” Turko’s priorities begin with his family.
Ladies Fashions & Formal
We are local, we care. 561-11 Ave, Campbell River Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm
250-286-0028
www.divasladiesfashions.ca WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [9]
One of Jamie Turko’s newest passions is teaching young people to be safe around fast water and introduced the River Wise Safety Program to Campbell River.
He has responded to 19 body recoveries in the past 19 years. “I don’t know how many search calls I have gone on for missing mushroompickers, overdue hikers, even people who have got themselves into situations they can’t get out of. “When you’re out in the environment, things happen in a flash. Some people can get themselves out of that situation; some people can’t. That’s where search and rescue comes in.” How frustrated does he get with people whose lack of preparation and common
sense puts them in danger? “I don’t get frustrated with that,” he replies. “People are weekend warriors. They have certain passions in life and they want to experience it but they don’t know how to get out … when things go sideways.” Turko finds it difficult to be critical when others screw up. “We’re all human. We all make mistakes. I’m the biggest mistake-maker in my whole life. I have learned the hardest ways when I’ve done something wrong and it comes back and kicks me in the ass, and it takes me down. I’m no better than anybody else. I don’t want to be anybody else. I don’t want to be perfect.” “I know a lot of people claim to be perfect. There is no perfect person out there. We all make mistakes. If we can learn from them, and make ourselves a better person, then it can be positive.”
“
People are weekend warriors. They have certain passions in life and they want to experience it but they don’t know how to get out … when things go sideways.
“
The 43-year-old and his wife Darlene head a blended family that includes his 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter as well as her three children, aged five, six and 10. Priority No. 2 is his job, although search and rescue and working with “a group of amazingly talented people” is clearly an important part of Turko’s life. “I may not be able to respond to all of the calls, but when I can respond, I’m there 100 per cent for that person, for that group, for that family to get them back home to their family safely in a professional manner.”
Winter fun 1/8 PG begins at CDN TIRE Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre 1444 Island Hwy., Campbell River [10] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
The per�ect match By Kristen Douglas
I
Specialty shop is transforming how Campbell Riverites eat
t started out as a way to combat boredom, but it’s become a specialty store thriving in Tyee Plaza with an “incredibly” loyal customer base. Signature Oil & Vinegar is a one-of-akind store that keeps Campbell Riverites coming back for more. Lisa Whitmore, who owns the store with business partner Sigrid Lees, says the community has really responded to their business which prides itself on being the only place on the North Island where you can get organic, pure extra virgin olive oil. “People are so loyal to our store, they’re incredibly supportive,” Whitmore says. “I’ve had a lot of people say, ‘I’ve been out of olive oil but I’ve waited until I could come into this store to get it because it’s different and it’s special.’ The idea for the store spawned from Whitmore and Lees’ existing wine shop in the Comox Valley. Attached to that business, the pair also operated a giftware room. Whitmore says, however, that “after awhile that became boring so we started investigating ideas of what we could do with that space.”
Figuring oil and vinegar were the perfect pairing to wine, Whitmore and Lees sought out opportunities for establishing a store that would sell those very products. After traveling to various facilities over the span of three months, the pair opened the first Signature Oil & Vinegar in Comox in February of 2014. By THIS Whitmore FALL TAKE that summer, and Lees were seeing so many peopleYARD from Campbell BACK YOUR River coming into their store that they thought they better expand.
TAKE BACK YOUR YARD
Who’s afraid of the
The Campbell River store opened in Tyee Plaza in November, 2014 and has been off and running ever since.
big bad wolf? And it’s no wonder when all of the products are sought outCS490-16 specially by Whitmore and Lees so that store is selling oils and balsamic vinegars that are consistently rated best in class.
TAKE BACK YOUR YARD PB250LN Blower
SAVE $100
Whitmore says while olive oil has the greatest amount of anti-oxidants of any food product, thoseECHO qualities begin to TIMBER WOLF decline as soon as the olives are picked. CS-590-18 “In North America, it’s usually already
ONLY
179
$
The pair also spend a great deal of time and effort on getting the oil to the store ONLY as quickly as possible.
95
AFTER
$
20
INSTANT REBATE
PB580H/T Backpack Blower Lisa Whitmore, Signature Oil & Vinegar $ co-owner of95
449
pours olive oil from a fusti into a gift bottle.
Scrapbooking at the Rubber Room AFTER
$
ONLY
SAVE $150
30
INSTANT REBATE
If we don’t have it... we will get it!
Available at the following dealer:
Stamps, Stencils, Dies and Paper New stock arriving weekly for your Offer is in effect from August 1 to November 30, 2015. Offer is in effect from August 1 to November 30, 2015. 250.287.9755 scrapbooking needs! Available at the following participating ECHO Dealer: Available at the following participating ECHO Dealer:
Terry’s Power Equipment
www.terryspowerequipment.ca
1750 Spruce Street • Campbell River
www.rubberroomstamps.ca
1750 Spruce Street, Campbell River 250.830.8740 WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [11]
R
w
declined by the time they get here, so we sourced the planet and we can get them here in store three weeks after being picked,” Whitmore says. “We shop all over the world and we follow the harvest.” That means for the first six months of the year, the olives come from the Northern hemisphere, places like Spain, Italy and California while in the later half of the year product is shipped from the Southern hemisphere, from countries such as Chile, Peru, South Africa and Australia. It’s what makes Signature Oil & Vinegar unique in these parts. Particularly because it’s genuinely authentic, which can be difficult to find. “There’s a tremendous amount of fraud in extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar,” Whitmore says. “About two-thirds of the olive oil that is marketed is fraudulent.” She cites a study done by UC Davis University in 2010 that tested olive oil from several stores and found that two-thirds came back fake. “It is difficult, if not impossible, to get organic, fresh extra virgin olive oil,” Whitmore says. “There is nowhere else you can get it other than our store on the North Island.” And to prove to their customers their product is the Real McCoy, all of the products brought into the store are analyzed at an independent lab and their chemistry is posted above the gleaming silver fusti which holds the product.
Sigrid Lees, left, and Lisa Whitmore, are the co-owners of Signature Oil & Vinegar, the only store on the North Island that sells organic, extra virgin olive oil which has several health benefits. “The truth of it is right there in black and white,” says Whitmore who will only sell top of the line product. “Olive oil is created like wine, out of 100 points, we don’t take anything that rates below 90.”
Flynn said in her report that “published studies show that no other food comes close to extra virgin olive oil for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.”
The benefits to securing such good quality product are many.
Whitmore says that’s part of the business – educating their customers on the benefits of their products.
A study done by Dr. Mary Flynn, an associate professor of medicine at the Miriam Hospital and Brown University found that “consumption of extra virgin olive oil has been related to decreasing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, cancer, in general, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.”
“Although it is delicious and is a complement to food, there’s much more to it than that – it’s been around for 6,000 years,” Whitmore says. “That is really our thrust. Not to beat people over the head with the medicinal aspects of it but to make them aware that it’s a special product. It takes us back to a time when food was medicine, like how it was 100 years ago.
THE Resource for all your home & business lighting needs. Renovating? Landscaping? Putting in a Home Office? Come choose from our wide selection of lamps, wall or ceiling fixtures in a range of styles to suit your decor. Locally Owned & Operated since 2007
582 South Dogwood St, Campbell River
www.theliteshop.ca
[12] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
250-287-9905 | Open Mon-Fri. Closed Weekends
“And balsamic vinegar, same story. Most of what we buy at the grocery store has never been to Italy and never seen the inside of a barrel.”
Whitmore’s word for it. Signature Oil & Vinegar is also a tasting bar, and customers are encouraged to sample the different products before buying.
Whitmore says there are only two places on the planet that produce real balsamic vinegar and Signature Oil & Vinegar happens to import from one of those very places – Modena, Italy, where the balsamic is done in the oldworld, solera-style of barrel aging.
Their best-selling product is the Tuscan Herb olive oil but their most special product is a Baklouti Green Chilli oil, and a vegetarian, lactose-free extra virgin olive oil.
“They’re barrel aged 12 to 14 years and they’re infused with organic botanicals so there’s no thickener, no sugar,” Whitmore says. And, like olive oil, balsamic vinegar is also good for your health, as it offsets acidity in the body and helps to restore a person’s alkaline balance.
“
People are so loyal to our store, they’re incredibly supportive.
Signature Oil & Vinegar offers more than 50 different oil and vinegar products to choose from to get that healthy product into your diet, and at an affordable rate. “Although the store is pretty, we’re priced just like the butcher or the baker, our products aren’t expensive,” Whitmore says. “At $5, everyone can afford to have good oil in their diet. Once people come in and taste the products, they speak for themselves.” And customers don’t just have to take
1/4 PG
“
NEEDLE ART
have no neighbours on either side of us, so people are going specially to Tyee Plaza to shop at our store. It’s not that we have people who happen to just be walking by and wander in. “There is really an understanding of the need for quality food products to get back to a simple, healthy way of eating.”
Balsamics of all flavours, such as black cherry, dark chocolate, tangerine, cinnamon pear, mango and coconut also grace the shelves of the store. While oil and vinegar are the top sellers, the store also prides itself on selling items local to Vancouver Island, such as their herbs and spices, items from Artisan Edibles in Parksville, product from the Mustard Lady in the Comox Valley and soups and breads from Snowden House Gourmets, which is based in Sidney, near Victoria. It’s something that Whitmore says her customers see the value in. “Our Campbell River folks are fiercely loyal, they really support that we strive to be organic and they particularly support that we strive to stay local,” Whitmore says. “It’s important to us and we see it as important to our customers. “It’s sort of a unique shop but that Campbell River store is a destination shop,” Whitmore adds. “Right now we
Sigrid Lees assembles their signature olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Share
1/4 PG Warmth this winter SIGNATURE OIL
the
Create your own magic using our quality yarns of all weights and colours. Warm up with a cup of fragrant tea enjoying our hand made functional pottery. Cuddle in our comfortable and decorative hand embroidered cushions.
The yarn, pottery and gift store. Feel the warmth – feel the inspiration
990A Shoppers Row » 250-287-8898 WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [13]
“
You can’t do without nurses. If you’ve got a health system that’s depleted in nurses, you’ve got a real problem. So that seemed like a good place to start.
“
Image courtesy Tula Foundation A Community Health Worker goes the extra mile, hiking into a small, rural community in Alta Verapaz with his equipment.
'
Le plaisir d y vivre son français More than 1/8 PG cereal box French
Bon choix de livres et de films en français
FRANCOPHONE
Association Francophone de Campbell River
250-287-2951 www.afcr.bc.ca
By Mike Davies
Wait … a local charity has ties to a Central American country’s new national health strategy?
W
hen Eric Peterson sold his Waterloo, Ontario-based health systems company in 2001, he and his wife – and business partner – Christina Munck had no idea what they wanted to do next, but they had three simple requirements for whatever it would be. "First, it had to be something socially useful," he says over the rim of his coffee at a small cafe in downtown Campbell River. "Second, it had to be something we were good at. And third, it had to be something we enjoyed – which would just sort of naturally follow from the first two requirements. I think it was just understood that we were going to enjoy doing something that was socially useful that we were also good at." Around that time, Peterson says, "there was a huge focus on international health," but that focus was mainly on developing drugs and vaccines for specific diseases. "It was all about finding the perfect drug to combat aids or a vaccine for malaria," he says. "While those things are tremendously valuable, I thought at the time – and I still think today – that having health systems is
equally, if not more important. How can you deliver drugs, how can you deliver treatment, how can you fight disease if you don't have doctors and nurses and some kind of organized structure in a system that can deliver it?" He says he watched that very issue develop with the Ebola outbreak in Africa. "The countries that had reasonably strong health systems, like Nigeria, did quite well," he says. "The places like Sierra Leone, like Liberia, that had poor health systems … all the drugs and all the treatments and all the interventions don't make much sense if you don't have the capacity to deliver them." So how could Peterson and Munck help? After all, they knew health systems. They'd been helping make them for years before an offer "too good to pass up" came along and sent them off looking for something else to do. Fast forward to May 15, 2015. Guatemala City, Guatemala. The Guatemalan Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) announces its new national strategy for strengthening primary health care. There will be a renewed focus, the department says,
Feed your veggies Provide great nutrition and health 1/8 PG to all your fruits and veggies • Cascadian plant food • Irrigation • Biological insect control • Organic nutrients • Greenhouses
BC BUD
1791 Tamarac Street Campbell River • 250-286-0424
on maternal and infant health and nutrition and the challenges faced by rural and remote communities. The roots of this initiative, strangely enough, go back in time and across the globe to a registered charity – a Canadian NonGovernmental Organization (NGO) based in Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. That organization is called the Tula Foundation – Peterson and Munch's post-corporate-buyout project. The Tula Foundation arrived in Guatemala in 2003, knowing about the dire state of their medical system, especially in rural areas, and brought with them Peterson and Munck's expertise in health systems and the technology utilized within those systems. Over the first few years Tula was in Guatemala, they were examining the issue of a lack of medical practitioners in the country, and were working with a nursing school in Alta Verapaz – one of the poorest regions in Guatemala – and Canadian partners from the Centre for Nursing Studies (based in Newfoundland) along with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to train nurses by distance education to remedy that situation.
Sore joints? Aching muscles? 1/8 PG
Relief for sore muscles and joints, control and relief for cold sores and it’s good for your skin! Vancouver Island made for over 10 years.
HYGRO
Get yours today!
Hygro Gardening Supplies 1791 Tamarac Street Healthyway Natural Foods 1270 Dogwood Street Edible Island 477–6th Street Courtenay Seeds Food Market 2733A Dunsmuir Ave., Cumberland
WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [15]
Photo courtesy Tula Foundation A Guatemalan worker installs some wireless network infrastructure in Alta Verapaz to help with connectivity and communications between Community Health Workers, hospitals, instructors and databases.
Prepare to
1/8 PG
ADAMS
• Certified Faller • Brush/Wood Chipper • Tree Pruning & Removal • Lot Clearing • Hedge Trimming • Firewood • Stump Grinding & Removal • Free Estimates • Fully Insured
indulge... 1/4 PG
ROCKY MTN CHOCOLATES
Celebrating
30 Years
in Campbell River Thanks for your patronage!
1/8 PG
BRAKE, ALIGNMENT & SUSPENSION SPECIALISTS
MARK'S
• Disc & Drum Machining • Free Brake & Suspension Checks • ABS Computer Diagnostics • Wheel bearings • Wheel Alignments • Mufflers and Exhaust • Gov't Inspection Facility • All Vehicles 250-286-6334 • Quality Work at Fair Prices 1930 Island Hwy., Campbell River • Years of Experience Email: markssafetycentre@telus.net
Handcrafted chocolates, nut brittles, rocky pop popcorn, sponge toffee, caramel apples, hand spaded fudge, 16 flavours of ice cream SEE OUR CHEFS IN ACTION!
Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre
[16] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
250-850-1199
"You can't do without nurses," Peterson says. "If you've got a health system that's depleted in nurses, you've got a real problem. So that seemed like a good place to start."
track public health issues, focusing on maternal and infant health within their communities and into rural areas.
Thanks largely to the dedication and strength of the local nursing school, Peterson says, they were able to make huge strides in training locals in remote communities to become medical caregivers within those communities.
They do this by implementing a Community Facilitator (FC in Spanish) who attends to the healthcare of their community and others nearby using Kawok. The FC receives ongoing training through audio conferences and carries out health promotion and prevention activities within their community, both tracking and entering health information into the system to increase communication between populations.
By 2007, the other partners had left, and Tula had taken over full responsibility of the program, founding TulaSalud (Salud meaning "health" in Spanish) as a Guatemalan subsidiary, at which point they also began work on a tele-health network to increase and improve communications, training and medical data storage within the country.
It's essentially a mobile healthcare database, storage system for medical records and teaching tool.
That tele-health network eventually became an Android App called Kawok.
According to a recent report released by the Innovation and Technology for Human Development Centre at the Technical University of Madrid (itdUPM), a 2011 study of the population and health of the Alta Verapaz region of Guatemala showed that of the 1.18 million people in that region, 89.6 per cent lived
Kawok is a case management system for Community Health Workers (CHWs) – many of which are trained by distance through the TulaSalud distance education initiative – which allows them to
Support Quality Healthcare for Campbell River and North Vancouver Island The Campbell River Hospital Foundation is a registered charity solely dedicated to supporting our Campbell River Hospital and Yucalta Lodge.
1/2 PG
Through the generosity of our donors and supporters, CR HOSPITAL FOUNDATION we have been able to provide the funding necessary to acquire medical equipment and support continued staff education. When you give, your donation stays in Campbell River and helps provide better healthcare, close to home.
Make the Campbell River Hospital Foundation your place to give.
ou.
or y f e r e h e r ’ We
375 - 2nd Avenue, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 3V1 ♥ 250-850-2118 ♥ www.crhospitalfoundation.ca WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [17]
For more information on the Tula Foundation and their efforts around the world and on our coast, check out www.tula.org. below the poverty line with 46.7 per cent living in what would be considered "extreme poverty." It also cited the infant mortality rate as 20 deaths per 1,000 live births and the proportion of births attended by health workers at approximately 39 per cent. One of the main issues causing these numbers was due to a communication gap between community health workers in rural locations, the organization and transmission of medical information between them, and the midwives and traditional healers within rural and remote communities.
They managed to get a meeting with Guatemala's Minister of Heath, and were preparing to fight against the cancellation of their program in Alta Verapaz. What ended up happening, however, was much, much more than that.
There are 23 different indigenous languages used as the first language in various rural communities, adding an additional complication to remote medical care. Kawok helps bridge that communication and language gap, in an attempt to address some of these numbers, and now covers 810 communities in Alta Verapaz. Since Kawok's implementation in Alta Verapaz, maternal mortality has declined in the area of intervention from 309 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2008 to only 254 in 2012 (an approximate 25 per cent decrease) according to the itdUPM study, so when the MSPAS was looking to create a national health strategy, possibly shutting down the systems currently in place and replacing them with one overarching system, Peterson and TulaSalud went to talk them out of it. "We had an emergency call from our friends in Alta Verapaz in
After about an hour of listening to the group pitch their program's benefits, the minister had given in, Peterson says, "and he told us 'your program is safe.' Not only that, but he also said, 'if this program is so good, why are we only doing it in Alta Verapaz?'" It was a good thing they had already been considering ways to expand the program – and had a grant application in with the Canadian government to do so – because they were about to be developing a national "Technology in Healthcare" strategy for an entire Central American country. On Canada Day, 2015, the Tula Foundation received word that they had received that grant. The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada awarded the Tula Foundation a $7.6-million Partnership for Strengthening Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PSMNCH) grant, which are "aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality and improving women’s and children’s health in developing countries." That money will help them expand their program into three neighbouring states, hopefully to cover the entire country in the not-too-distant future, saving more lives and increasing the health of women and children in an area having real difficulty with that.
1/8 PG
CRABBY BOBS
Their distance education nurse training program also continues to this day, having trained over 1,300 nurses and many more CHWs to this point.
Crabby Abby Fisherman’s Wharf Cell: 250-204-6111 Campbell River www.crabbybobs.ca www.facebook.com/CrabbyBobsSeafoodLtd
about December (2014), saying 'Something terrible is happening. They're talking about having a national policy for information technology and health, and it looks as though they might be shutting down our program.'"
And Peterson and Munck have found their "thing to do" that fulfills their three requirements. They have also found their little piece of paradise, away from big city life, over on Quadra Island.
For the best results from beginning to end.
1/4 PG
DON CORDER We’re turning houses into homes
Remax Check Realty
www. doncorder.com » dcorder@remax.net
[18] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
TEAM CORDER
Call or text
250.202.1407
Council, Carving and a
Colouring Book
Local band councillor keeps busy making art in what little downtime he has By Mike Davies
C
urtis Wilson says that while art is definitely in his blood, he didn't always feel it coursing through him. "I started fairly late, I would say.
I didn't really get into it until I was 18 or 19," he says. "It was just something to do when I was away at college. It sort of grounded me, being away
Hardwood Plywood Doors 1/4 PG Paint Accessories
WINDSOR PLYWOOD 1680 – 14th Avenue windsorplywoodcampbellriver.com
250-287-8012
For All Your Home Building Needs! WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [19]
ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY & HOUSEBOUND • Personal Care - Bathing, Dressing, Shaving • Housekeeping/Meal Preparation • Driving to Hospital or GP Appointments • Shopping & Visits
1/8 PG
NOW OFFERING RESPITE CARE
SEYMOUR SERVICES
• 24 hour Respite care, in Campbell River, and surrounding areas. • Going on vacation? Need care for your parents? Call us, we are here for you. • Hospital discharge, & need Rehab, before going home? Hospital pick up can be arranged. • Qualified HCA’s, on staff at all times, also retired RN • Spacious lounge, with plenty of nice books to read. Relax, play board games, or just chat with your visitors. • Get some fresh air, go shopping, take in the scenery on day trips. • Rates available on request.
• Ladies Learn to Ride Sessions • Lessons for all Ages • Birthday Parties • Gift Certificates • Riding Camps • Wedding & Function Rental Space • Pony Rides • Get some exercise, learn to ride in a safe & welcoming environment • Qualified instructors & calm, gentle horses of all sizes
BALANCE EQUESTRIAN
Registered Veterans Independence Program Caregiver
Josie Coak • 778-346-4446 • charcare@shaw.ca
SEYMOUR 1/8 PGSERVICES
Serving Campbell River for over 30 years
CHARCARE
2105 Shetland Rd.
1860 Antonelli Road, Campbell River 250-287-3505
Campbell River (Just off Peterson/Willis)
Email: info@seymourservices.ca
CHOOSE THE GIFT OF If you’re struggling to decide how to give back to the community for the holidays, remember the Campbell River Community Foundation! Since 1997, hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants have been awarded to a wide range of charities committed to building a better Campbell River. The Foundation works with local non-profit organizations to offer quality services to those in need, and supports a permanent endowment to ensure our community will be funded for years to come.
1/4 PG
www.BalanceEquestrian.ca | 250-203-6042 BalanceEquestrian@outlook.com
COMMUNITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
1/2 PG
CR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Ad proudly donated by
WWW.CRFOUNDATION.CA |
[20] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16 2015
“
My artistic side comes from my mom’s side of the family. She’s a Henderson.
“
from Campbell River, as a reminder of where I come from." But it's not a surprise that art showed up in his life, even if it did take a while for it to take hold. "My artistic side comes from my mom's side of the family," he smiles. "She's a Henderson."
But it's not a 'job'. Wilson says he's never seen art as a way to make a living.
That's a name people will recognize if they are at all familiar with First Nations art from around these parts. Sam Henderson, Wilson's great uncle, is somewhat of a legend of First Nations art in our region. His awe-inspiring, iconic totem poles still dot the landscape of the region and his carvings, masks, talking sticks and other works are found throughout the world in both public and private collections, including prominent placement at the Museum at Campbell River. "I didn't directly learn from him – I was about two years old when he passed away – but I learned from his children, my uncles, so I feel
FULL SERVICE MECHANICAL AND TIRES 1/8 PG
1661 Willow Street Campbell River 250-287-9291
FOUNTAIN TIRE
like I've learned from him," Wilson says. "I try to take bits and pieces from each one of them and incorporate it into a style of my own without veering too far from the traditional styles that were instilled in them."
"I think that would sort of take the fun out of it," he says. "Art is sort of my passion instead of a job. I do it during whatever time I can find." And that's not much. Besides his full-time job as a Referrals Officer with Nanwakolas Council, who represent eight First Nations from Comox up to Port Hardy and then spanning over onto the mainland, and act as the middle person between the Province and those Nations, "for anything from logging to mining to commercial recreation," Wilson says, he also sits as an elected council member of the Campbell River Indian Band.
Carol Chapman… Hair dresser to everyone! 1/8 PG
CAROL CHAPMAN Carol Chapman Strong & Free
Campbell River Common Mall
250-287-8221
WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [21]
Check out more of Wilson’s artwork at his website, curtiswilson.ca. Oh, and he sits on the board of directors of the Campbell River Art Gallery. And the Chamber of Commerce. And the Museum at Campbell River. And he's involved with the Young Professionals of Campbell River, an organization devoted to the promotion of local economic development, community involvement, skill development and social interaction among under-45 professionals in the area. But thankfully, Wilson can do without much sleep. "I can get by on a couple of hours," he laughs. "I'm a morning person. I put in a half-day before most people are even out of bed, most of the time."
So now he works privately. Rather than making a ton of art and have it sitting around waiting for someone to fall in love with it, he takes orders for custom artwork, once piece at a time. And that seems to be working. "Right now, I'm finding it's just one thing after another," he says. "I'll finish the piece I'm working on right now and have another one to get started on right after." While he will occasionally step back from commissioned work and do something purely from his own inspiration, "about once or twice a year," he likes the collaborative process of working alongside someone who has a vision he can help them achieve. "It feels like you're both creating something together," he smiles.
He also doesn't want art to become a job. He's been there, done that. For a while he was working with various galleries to sell his art, but he found it became too much about marketing and promotion and not enough about the actual art itself.
Take the piece he was working on this fall, for example. "It's a killer whale panel," he says. "It's about four and a half feet by six feet, and they knew what they wanted in terms of colours, and they've had input in it right through the process." While wood carving is still his primary artistic medium, he has also been branching more and more into design and illustrative work.
He designed one of the new salmon banners that went up this past summer in Campbellton as part of a Campbellton Neighbourhood Association initiative to beautify the area, for example, and he recently finished a mural on the wall of a portable at L'École Mer-etPhoto source: curtiswilson.ca Montagne.
Brian Shaw
Life, Term, Accident & Sickness Insurance RRSPs RRIFs TFSAs Stocks, Bonds, GICs, Estate Planning
Branch Manager, Campbell River
250-287-8807
INSURANCE & INVESTMENT ADVISOR http://bshaw.mackieresearch.com
[22] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
"I'm pretty open in that regard. I mean, there are certain things I need to stick by to keep it traditional," he says, but admits there haven't been people asking for things that aren't what he likes to do anyway, because if they're coming to him in the first place, it's his previous work that has caused them to make that call.
He also designed two of the images now seen on the Campbell River Home Depot exterior accent walls.
"It's great, because it not only exposes them to our artwork, but also has our language, as well."
And when he can, he makes art for fundraisers and various charities.
Under each line drawing in the colouring book – one on each page – the word for what is pictured is written in Kwakw'ala, along with a pronunciation guide in English.
"I always tell people I'm happy to help out," he says. "I get calls all the time about donations. I tend to do designs and get reproduction prints made and donate them," he says, adding that he used to do carvings when people would ask, "but I've sort of stepped back from that. At one stage I was trying to do carvings for everyone that was asking for them, but it just got overwhelming." The concept of giving back, his branching out into illustrative work, along with his work with the CRIB recently led him to create Ba'buk'Sila'tsu Colouring Book, a book filled with First Nations artwork just waiting for colour, in collaboration with Kask Graphics here in Campbell River. "Education is really important," he says. In the work he does for the CRIB, education and culture are two of his portfolios. He's in his third term on the CRIB council, heading into his ninth year. "Over those nine years, I've definitely tried to not only instill our culture within our own community, but also the outside community," he says, and this is another way he can pursue that effort.
Then in the back of the book, there is an appendix that describes the symbols and what they mean in their culture. And apparently, people are loving them. "I've already had to put in another order," he laughs, "and it's only been out for about a week, which is awesome." One thing Wilson likes most about the colouring book is that he gets to "see what everybody else sees in the designs." "There are a ton of different ways to imagine the colours going on the page," he says, "and it's fun to see what people's artistic views are and what their visions are for how the colours should go into the artwork." It's still too early to tell what the future holds for the colouring book, but based on the response, he has hopes that it could end up being used within the school system, for example, "to maybe become part of the tools they use, but we'll have to see."
“
“
I like to keep things local, as much as I can. A lot of people are telling me I should go get it published, but I like the fact that it’s me doing it and it’s a local printing company that’s doing it.
distribution deals? Well, Wilson isn't getting ahead of himself. "I like to keep things local, as much as I can," he says. "A lot of people are telling me I should go get it published (from a major publisher), but I like the fact that it's me doing it and it's a local printing company that's doing it." And it's not like he's making money off it. "It's just cool to think that people are getting something of benefit out of it," he says. "If I can break even on it, that's really all I want." So basically he's a local boy doing interesting and important local work, creating art with other local people to make a difference locally, just to be doing it. Like his art itself, that's something to be admired and appreciated.
Photo source: curtiswilson.ca
Does that mean mass production? Huge
Keeping your evenings as bright as your days. Your local source for Light bulbs, Reading Lamps and Lighting Fixtures
1/4 PG
THE LITE SHOP
YES – WE CARRY VERILUX BULBS
We care about your safety A well lit pathway prevents dangerous falls, Come choose from our wide selection of outdoor lighting.
582 South Dogwood St, Campbell River
www.theliteshop.ca Open Mon-Fri. Closed Weekends | 250-287-9905 WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [23]
Spreading holiday cheer By Kristen Douglas
Couple is brightening up the holidays with their holiday murals
C
“
It’s three crazy weeks. We eat, sleep and dream Christmas paintings.
hristmas is his busiest time of year. No, he’s not Santa Claus, but the job is roughly the same – to spread Christmas cheer and goodwill around the community. With a car full of acrylic paint, giant markers and stencils, George Roach, a realtor for Century 21, and his wife Erin Roach, have been brightening up the holidays for local businesses for the past two years. For a short span between the end of November and early December, the couple hit up as many businesses as they can to decorate their windows with holiday murals. “It’s three crazy weeks,” Erin says. “We eat, sleep and dream Christmas paintings.” It’s the perfect side job for Erin, a care aide at the Campbell River Hospital and George, who says real estate slows down in November. And the businesses love it. Jim Costain, the owner of Dairy Queen, was the Roaches first ever customer back in 2013 and says he loves having the paintings done and this year even hired the pair to decorate his windows for Halloween. What makes the murals unique is that the Roaches incorporate the business into the theme. At Great Canadian
“
Take the first step...
Talk to Fran
1/8 PG
Someone you can talk to • When you don’t know what to do, or where to turn • When you need a non-judging, practical ear • When you want to talk to someone with experience and confidentiality
FRAN FERGUSEN
Call 778-418-1818 www.TalkToFran.com [24] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
Oil change, there is a roadster with a Christmas tree in the back, and at Jiffy Lube, Mater from Pixar’s hit movie, Cars, dons a Santa hat while elves dance around him. Last year the Roaches even did a complimentary window for Yucalta Lodge – a scene with Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the residents to enjoy. The pair were also hired to paint the windows of stores lining Shoppers Row, with different businesses representing each of the 12 days in the popular carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Roaches also did the storefronts in Tyee Plaza – some of them empty spaces – to tell the story of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Erin says it’s a small way to tie the city together. “We try to promote community spirit in Campbell River and it’s a way of drawing the community together, it’s a common theme,” says Erin, who adds that it’s also a great way to get involved. “It’s a nice way of getting to know the people who work in the store. You get to meet new people, you get to learn about the business and it gives you the opportunity to network which is important in a small town.” It’s also a great way to generate business, and providing quality work doesn’t hurt either.
High Efficiency Carrier Natural Gas Furnace 1/8 PG
ALPINE GAS 246 Crawford Road, Campbell River 250-923-9960
George says business last year doubled with 40 businesses having their windows painted. The first year the pair did about 20. That first Christmas, George had only just moved to Campbell River from Quesnel six months prior to be with Erin who grew up on Cortes Island and whom he was introduced to by mutual friends. The couple - who married this August – quickly learned they also made a great pair when it came to art and the duo started to approach local businesses to see if anyone was interested in having their windows decorated for Christmas. George was inspired by his sister who has been painting storefronts for the holidays over the past 25 years in Abbotsford. During a visit over the holidays in 2012, she asked George to accompany her on a few
jobs and he was hooked. After moving to Campbell River the following June, in 2013, he decided to give painting a shot himself. Erin jumped right on board. “I have no background in this but he inspired me,” she says. “We’re a good team because we’ve both got creativity and I can do the free hand stuff.” The rest is left up to stencils, which the Roaches design and create themselves after they’ve brainstormed the theme and concept. They also create their own stamps, be it snowflakes or fall leaves for Dairy Queen’s Halloween window. Once the window has been painted, it’s up to each individual business how long they’d like the mural to stay. For a small fee, the Roaches will come and clean the window after the holidays are over.
George says about 95 per cent of the businesses elect to go that route. But clean up is still weeks away, with the holiday season now in full swing. The Roaches are expecting to do more than 40 windows this year and have been at it since just after Remembrance Day, painting as quickly and efficiently as possible. “We try to do them in one day, when we get into the thick of it, we try to do two or three a day,” Erin says. “We try to put a lot of pride in to what we do,” she adds. “It’s going to be done efficiently and quickly and it will be quality work.” Any businesses interested in having their windows painted can contact George at 250-203-5896 or by email, asyoulikeitart@ outlook.com
Thank you
for the opportunity to serve you.
250.203.5896
Ge��ge Roach
1100 Shoppers Row Campbell River
250-923-2111
www.century21.ca/george.roach WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [25]
The warm heart of Africa By Alistair Taylor
Campbell River woman devotes her life to providing shelter for orphans
A
relene Lihala went to Africa five years ago knowing what she wanted. “I went there for about a month to volunteer,” Lihala said. “I really wanted to be hands-on with the children, myself.” She was volunteering at an orphanage in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, run by a woman from Alberta. Lihala ended up getting what she wanted there and more. Now it consumes her life. And she couldn’t be happier. “My heart was leading me to step up and say ‘I want
STAY INFORMED Find all the latest stories and breaking news on our website, Facebook page and Twitter account.
Follow us
From the day we printed our very first paper — back in 1971, The Campbell River Mirror has reported on events, stories and legends. We have followed fires, accidents, politics, protests, crimes, punishments, performances, players, heroes, victories, defeats, the hottest days of summer to the fierce storms of winter. We’ve celebrated community underdogs and mourned lost loved ones. After more than 40 years we’re still doing our very best to be your award winning newspaper. After all, we live here, we work here and we love it here!
CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR #104-250 Dogwood Street • 250-287-9227 • campbellrivermirror.com
MIKE DAVIES
MARNIE NEAVES
RACHAEL BECKLEY
KRISTI KEVIN PELLEGRIN MCKINNON
[26] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
MICHELLE HUELLER
TAMMY ROBINSON
ALISTAIR TAYLOR
DAVE HAMILTON
DEBBIE BAKER
DARCEY WOOD
KRISTEN DOUGLAS
DEAN TAYLOR
MARILYN KIRKBY
JACQUIE DUNS
TYLER MESZAROS
DON DANIELS
MARIA KIRLEY
“
I’ve seen children die in my arms. It hits your heart and it really makes you look at what we have here in Canada.
to,’” Lihala said. What Lihala’s heart has led her to is running an orphanage of her own in Milawi. She is the force behind Chikondi Orphanage. After visiting Africa and working with orphans she could not walk away and return to her comfortable Canadian life. “When I was in Malawi I saw the need,” she said. “I’ve seen children die in my arms. It hits your heart and it really makes you look at what we have here in Canada. When you have that reality check, you really look at things a lot differently.” Lihala certainly looks at things differently now. She is driven to do the best for the children under her care at Chikondi, even from thousands of miles away in her home in Campbell River. It stems from her belief that it only takes one person – one heart – to make a difference. Then you create a community of likeminded people and you can make a big difference. There is a big job to do. Fourteen per cent of Malawi’s children are orphans according to Chikondi Orphanage’s website (www.chikondiorphanage. org). Approximately 1.2 million children have lost one or both of their parents leaving family members struggling to take care of the orphans. It’s difficult, nearly impossible, for them to provide the basic necessities of life. Malnutrition, disease, poor health, child labour and exploitation lay in the future of these children because
they’re caught in a cycle of poverty that will continue for generations without some intervention. “At Chikondi, we provide food, shelter, medical care and education to some of Malawi’s orphans,” the website says. “When you see the children and see the need and love that they just crave,” Lihala said, you can’t turn away. Lihala hasn’t and although it can take up to 18 hours a day of working for the benefit of the children, she couldn’t be happier. “It’s the best thing I ever did in my life and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” It was Lihala’s vision that got Chikondi up and going but the story really begins with two little girls, Fidess and Shakila. The Chikondi website tells the story: “Both of their parents had died and the girls were severely malnourished and dressed in rags. Their grandmother was distraught; she was trying to take care of a large and very poor family and couldn’t afford to take care of the twins. Desperate for help, she called us. “Max (Lihala), Chikondi’s founding father, and Edass, our head matron, travelled hundreds of kilometres by bus to rescue the girls. The trip back to Chikondi was difficult and the girls cried the whole way. Once arriving at Chikondi, the girls were fed, bathed and given new clothes. When shown this kindness they
“
Fourteen per cent of Malawi’s children are orphans and Chikondi Orphanage is providing a comfortable home and loving care to the ones under its care.
realized it was a safe, loving environment and within a few days, were happily and quickly settling into their new home.
“Soon the word spread that Chikondi was a safe haven for orphaned children. We get regular calls requesting help, and we take care of as many children as we can. It is difficult when the resources are low, food costs are up, rooms are full, and we have to say no.” Lihala’s life is intertwined with Chikondi now. Her last trip there she was there for four months and that’s where she met and married her husband Max. Now she dedicates her life to the orphanage. In the fall she has organized a fundraising ride from Campbell River to Victoria. She comes by her desire to help the less fortunate honestly. Strong family values were instilled in Lihala at a young age. Born and raised in Alberta in a Christian family of Scottish and German heritage. “I come from very good role models,” she said. “My mother was always kind hearted. My mother was my mentor.” Her family now consists of the orphans and her husband Max who is an orphan himself. “He is an orphan so he understands,” Lihala said. Family is important in Malawi as well. “The Malawian people are very warmhearted,” Lihala said. “They call their country the “warm heart of Africa.” The Chikondi orphanage is operated out of a house where the children can receive good care in a clean and safe environment. “They are comfortable. They don’t have lots but they have a bed and they are thankful for that.” Lihala hopes to create a legacy of caring and hope that continues well into the future. She is well on the way to getting what she wants.
1/4 PG
AWG MGMT
WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [27]
Their roots are showing By Mark Allen
Campbell River Genealogy Society members are on a quest to know themselves and their heritage “They were formed in 1977,” Henshall says. “They started just meeting in peoples’ homes. Then they outgrew that, so they went to … I think the first place they went was St. John Ambulance.”
“It’s marvelous,” says Carolyn Henshall, president of the CRGS, whose motto is Lost Families Found. “When somebody finds their family that they never knew or they correct a misconception, it’s really wonderful.”
The group had a library behind the Bank of Montreal in half of the Campbell River Physiotherapy Clinic building until the Maritime Heritage Centre opened in 2002. That location is where the CRGS has its computers.
She insists that genealogy is more than a hobby. “It’s really – who are you? How can you know who you are without knowing your past?”
As Henshall explains, computers and the Internet have an upside and a downside for genealogists. “It’s actually a bit of a Catch-22,” Henshall begins.
The society has more than 100 members, who attend meetings and research family trees, helped by a CRGS library in the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre.
“In some ways, the Internet is absolutely amazing. So much is being digitized that people can actually see their records.” That’s the good news.
The library is open to the public at no charge, although the CRGS charges a nominal fee for
RESERVE RESERVE YOUR YOUR
JANUARY
JANUARY
LE VINTAGES LE TODAY
VINTAGES
15 TODAY 15
FEBRUARY
1/4 PG
APRIL
MARCH
“
“On the other hand, the old-fashioned way of writing letters, interviewing people, studying the history of what was going on at the time: People aren’t doing that as much anymore. You know, they are having success, and the Internet is great, but you can’t just go on Ancestry.com and build viable genealogy.” One problem, explains Henshall, is that this method uses only one source. “For another thing, people are putting their family trees on there, and it’s not verified. I might see great-great-grandfather born in such and such – this person says so – but if you don’t have proof, you might have the wrong person.” Henshall uses her own lineage as an example of verifiable genealogy. “If you look at my binders, they’re full of certificates and tax statements.” For hard-core genealogists, there’s no substitute
It’s really – who are you? How can you know who you are without knowing your past?
“
T
seminars. The city’s genealogical society has some history of its own.
here is no greater thrill for Campbell River Genealogical Society members than helping people discover their roots.
Barbera HOME PinotGrigio MosaicReBREW d Gewürztraminer Fourti ude withgrapeskins V e r d u z o V e r d e l h o M u s c a t PIEDMONT, PASOROBLES, ITALY
JANUARY
Barbera PIEDMONT, ITALY
JANUARY
Barbera PIEDMONT, ITALY
VENETO, ITALY
CALIFORNIA MUR AYDARLING, RIVERLAND, A U S T R A L I A AUSTRALIA
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
Pinot Grigio Verduzzo
Mosaic Red
Gewürztraminer Verdelho Muscat
Fourtitude
VENETO,
JANUARY ITALY
Pinot Grigio Verduzzo
PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY
Mosaic Red PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA
with grape skins
RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA
MURRAY DARLING, MARCH AUSTRALIA
Gewürztraminer Verdelho Muscat
FIVE OUTSTANDING WINES FROM SOME OF THE VENETO, MURRAY DARLING, ITALY AUSTRALIA WORLD'S MOST RENOWNED GROWING REGIONS
APRIL
Fourtitude with grape skins
RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA
FIVE OUTSTANDING WINES FROM SOME OF THE
4 . FIVE OUTSTANDING WINES FROM SOME OF THE AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY. ORDER YOURS BY DECEMBER WORLD’S MOST RENOWNED GROWING REGIONS. WORLD'S MOST RENOWNED GROWING REGIONS TH
AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY.
4TH. AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY. ORDER ORDER YOURS YOURS BY DECEMBER BY DECEMBER 4TH.
SEE BARB www.winexpert.com TODAY!
Home Brew Factory & Wine Boutique
FIVEOUTSTANDINGWINESFROMSOMEOFTHE www.winexpert.com
250.287.2611
LOV E YOUR W INE. GUARANTEED.
www.winexpert.com
#109-250 Dogwood Street
[28] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
465 Merecroft Road Merecroft Village 1412 S Island Hwy. Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre
Campbell River Genealogy Society president Carolyn Henshall (left) and board member Dave Stewart are experienced in helping people chart their way through their family histories.
for travelling to the scene of your ancestors’ homes. “After my late husband died, his cousin and I went to Quebec and we stood on the land that the Loyalists had there, and then went across the border into Vermont and drove up into the mountains and stood on the land that his great-grandfather owned. You don’t get that by going on the Internet.” Henshall acknowledges that not everyone will go to those lengths. “We try and help people find a way to look in a way that suits them best. That’s what we do.” Delving into the past can be tricky, Henshall says. For example, historical records are preserved better in some countries than in others.
divorced himself from the Catholic Church. Henshall has a keen appreciation of history and how it has brought her to where she is now. “My father was five years old when they escaped from Russia. They were on the second-last boat before Stalin slammed the door.” The Campbell River Genealogical Society has many activities, including a cenotaph project in which CRGS members research the history behind the names on the city’s cenotaph. In another project, the CRGS gathers copies of school classroom photos from the region and identifies students in the photos.
“It depends where you’re from. In some countries, the records have been destroyed. The censuses were burned in Ireland because they didn’t have peat and they were freezing.”
The group will even arrange for a group attending a school or family reunion to visit the CRGS library and view its resources, including a collection of school class pictures with students identified.
Henshall managed to track her husband’s family back to the 1500s in England, although she says Henry VIII burned many records in 1537 when he
The society also recently acquired copies of the Victoria Times and Colonist newspapers back to 1855.
In its mission statement, the Campbell River Genealogical Society states it will strive “to provide a place where people in Campbell River and area can obtain information about family history research and access expertise and resources.” It stated purpose is “to promote the study of genealogy and genealogical research” and “to maintain a library for the collection and preservation of genealogical, historical and biographical matter related to local, national and international family history interests.” The following projects are some of the ways the CRGS achieves its mandate: • Cenotaph soldiers research: compiling the history of all the men inscribed on our local cenotaph; • Cemetery indexing: includes headstone photos; • Cemetery interment sheet indexing; • Cemetery veteran database; • Pioneer medallion application form indexing; • Local history and family memoirs book indexing; • Voters’ list transcribing and indexing; • Settlers’ histories (includes interviewing and filling out a form); Class photo project: gathering copies, scanning then labelling the students in all school class photos for all years from the area, including the outlying islands. For details about the CRGS, visit www.rootsweb.ancestry. com/~bccrgc or phone 250-286-8042.
Raising standards In salmon farming
We hold eight third-party certifications, more than any other salmon farmer in the world
Sustainable Aquaculture
cermaq.ca WINTER 2015/16 | WAVE MAGAZINE [29]
Meet our
Advertisers
A Cut Above Design Group
A&W
Adams Tree Service
Alpine Gas
See our ad on page 21
See our ad on page 28
See our ad on page 16
See our ad on page 24
See our ad on page 14
See our ad on page 27
BC Bud Rub
Brian Shaw Mackie Research
Campbell River Community Foundation
Campbell River Hospital Foundation
Campbell River Mirror Newspaper
Campbell River Optometry Centre
Campbell River Pet Centre
Cermaq Sustainable Aquaculture
Charcare
Corilair
Crabby Bob’s Seafood
See our ad on page 29
See our ad on page 20
See our ad on page 2
See our ad on page 18
Diva’s Ladies Fashion & Formal
Don Corder Remax Check Realty
Eiko Jones Photography
Fountain Tire
Fran Fergusen
See our ad on page 8
See our ad on page 24
George Roach Century 21
Guardian Chimney Gunsmoke
Home Brew Factory & Wine Boutique
Hygro Gardening
See our ad on page 21
See our ad on page 28
See our ad on page 15
Karol Power Remax Camosun
La Tee Da Lingerie Boutique
Mark’s Safety Centre Ltd.
Needle & Arts Centre
Northern Sun Tanning
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service
See our ad on page 15
Canadian Tire See our ad on page 10
See our ad on page 8
Serendipity in the Garden
See our ad on page 7
See our ad on page 22
See our ad on page 6
Seymour Services See our ad on page 20
[30] WAVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015/16
See our ad on page 20
See our ad on page 16
Signature Oil & Vinegar
See our ad on page 13
See our ad on page 17
See our ad on page 25
See our ad on page 13
Terry’s Power
Equipment
Association Francophone de Campbell River
See our ad on page 11
The Lite Shop See our ads on pages 12 & 23
See our ad on page 26
See our ad on page 32
See our ad on page 6
The Rubber Room Scrapbooking See our ad on page 11
AWG Management
See our ad on page 5
See our ad on page 9
See our ad on page 16
Thongs Jewellery & Repair See our ad on page 31
Balance Equestrian Centre See our ad on page 20
See our ad on page 6
See our ad on page 18
See our ad on page 3
Windsor Plywood See our ad on page 19
FULL PG
THONGS
Our regular hours are: Mon–Fri: 9:30–5:30, Sat: 9:30–5, Closed Sundays Our holiday hours are (December only): Mon–Sat: 9:30–5:30, Sun: 11–5 Closed Christmas and Boxing day
www.thongsjewellery.ca
40-1270 Dogwood St. (Home Hardware Plaza) WINTER250-287-4042 2015 | WAVE MAGAZINE [31]
GUNSMOKE BUY & SELL
Non Restricted, Restricted and Prohibited
FULL PG
GUARDIAN
New ultra sonic
rifl e cleaner Holds the entire rifle. Gun will be
cleaner than when it left the factory!
New shipment of SKS and
Mosin Nagant Rifles
FIREARMS Repairs Service Sales New & Used Consignment Ammo
Certified Gunsmith on Premises
Guardian Chimney Services has expanded into retail sales as
Guardian Services/Gunsmoke 5–220 Dogwood Street Campbell River
250-286-0986