PEARL O C T/ N OV 2 0 1 7
THE GEM OF THE SALISH SEA
INSIDE › › › ›
PEOPLE HOMES HISTORY ART
Every
New
Harvest...
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CONTENTS
OCT/NOV 2017
8 Editor’s letter 10 Simple, Elegant Forest Retreat 17 Kathy McAree’s Parts Unknown 23 Landmarks 24 Country Classic fashion 28 At Home With Tilar Mazzeo 34 The Conversation of Art 38 Walk With Kristen Needham 40 Lens through Space and Time 42 Clear as a Bell 45 Paws on the Peninsula 46 Meet our Advertisers
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on our cover Culinary tourist Kathy McAree, Pearl’s Lia Crowe and Travis Hansen, executive chef at The Butchart Gardens’ The Dining Room. Photo by Don Denton
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GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto 250.480.3204 INTERIM PUBLISHER + ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Dale Naftel sales@peninsulanewsreview.com 250.656.1151 EDITOR Susan Lundy lundys@shaw.ca ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe 4
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan PEARL CREATIVE & DESIGN Lorianne Koch PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Denton Lia Crowe Dawn Gibson Terry Venables Hans Tammemagi CREATIVE SERVICES Rose Bandura Michelle Gjerde
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
ADVERTISING Dale Naftel sales@peninsulanewsreview.com 250.656.1151 Christopher R. Cook chris.cook@blackpress.ca 250.656.1151 DISTRIBUTION LIndsay Celeste 250.480.3208
PEARL magazine is published six times a year 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 Pearl. The contents of Pearl magazine are protected by copyright,
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CONTRIBUTORS ANGELA COWAN
LIA CROWE
DON DENTON
CHELSEA FORMAN
Angela is an award-winning journalist, poet, and freelance writer and editor. She has always been fascinated by other people’s stories, and is excited to be able to more deeply explore the Peninsula in her writing, particularly in her home community of Sidney.
Born and raised in Victoria, Lia spent the first decade of her career working in the international fashion industry, and now has more than 10 years’ experience working on the editorial side of lifestyle magazines.
250-656-5062 (Office) | 1-250-203-3919 (Cell) 9713A Second St. Sidney | docksiderealty.ca Serving Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula and the Gulf Islands
o c d o R rs o i r e t n I s e i r e p a Dr
Don is the Photo Supervisor for Black Press, Greater Victoria. He contributes photographs to magazines such as Boulevard, Tweed and Monday, as well as Pearl, and to newspapers including the Victoria News.
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SEAN MCINTYRE
Sean McIntyre is a freelance writer from Montreal who now works, plays and enjoys living on Salt Spring Island with his wife Natsuko and their dog Goma.
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Chelsea is a lifestyle writer and has had the opportunity to write stories about people and places around the world. One of Chelsea’s favourite places to write about is her home in the Saanich Peninsula.
DARCY NYBO
Darcy is a freelance writer, an award-winning author, book editor and publisher, and a writing instructor. Words are her passion and she knows everyone has a story to tell.
HANS TAMMEMAGI
Hans’ writing includes travel, environment and native culture. He has penned 10 books and writes for numerous newspapers and magazines in Canada and internationally.
PHOTO BY LIA CROWE
EDITOR’S LETTER SUSAN LUNDY
Fright night returns
A
t the first signs of Halloween — orange lights glowing on the streets; cobwebby spiders in storefront windows — I can’t help but murmur a prayer of thanks that gone are the days when this nonsewing mother of two was forced to create The Remarkable Costume for each of her offspring. What may have been easy when they were small — “Ghosts are so cool! Look, we can cut eyes out of this sheet!” — became
took a deep breath, forbid her to breathe and started cutting. “Open your eyes while you cut!” she suggested. “If you’re talking, you’re breathing,” I reminded her. The shape took form and it was time to sew. I sewed and sewed and then wrapped the creation around her body. She looked like a nun in a green habit. So we turned the sheet around, made the front the back and cut out eyeholes. She looked like a sickly green ghost and I was getting cranky. I sewed some more. “At least Halloween is dark,” I thought. The real problem lay in the school costume parade. Parents (dozens of expert sewers) would be there and my little slug looked like a child wearing a green sheet. When Dad came home, Danica modelled the costume in progress. By this time I’d added goggles to the eyeholes, cut out armholes (necessary for trick or treating) and cut and sewed a Velcro opening on the top for antennae — which had yet to be created. “Try something around her neck,” he suggested. She looked like E.T. “Let’s drape this extra bit of sheet around her shoulders for slime.” She looked like a soldier armed against gas warfare in the desert. That night I lay awake trying to figure out how to make the sheet strong enough to hold toilet-paper-roll antennae. Luckily, the next day I found Martian antennae, which gave the costume a definite alien
THE YEAR MY DAUGHTER WAS EIGHT, I JOKED, “WHY DON’T YOU BE A SLUG?” THEN I CLAPPED A HAND OVER MY MOUTH AS HER EYES LIT UP AND A DETERMINED LOOK FELL UPON HER FACE. more complicated as they grew up. The year my daughter Danica was eight, I joked, “Why don’t you be a slug?” Then I clapped a hand over my mouth as her eyes lit up and a determined look fell upon her face. Okay. A slug. Other mothers whip up costumes like this — why can’t I? We found a pea-green sheet and bought a metre of Velcro. I draped one of the sheet’s fitted corners over Danica’s head,
look. I considered hanging an “I am a slug” sign on her back. Pearl readers will be relieved to know there are no slugs in this edition. There are, however, several great stories to read for all that in-between-costumemaking time. This issue of Pearl tours Will and Sharon Yelland’s beautiful home in the forest, catches up with New York Times bestselling author and Peninsula vintner Tilar Mazzeo, and considers the “conversation of art” with artist Graham Scholes. Peninsula foodie Kathy McAree chats with writer Angela Cowan about her favourite local flavours; writer Sean McIntyre looks at the history of the soon-to-be-100-year-old Dominion Astrophysical Observatory; “Footloose” traveller Hans Tammemagi meets Canada’s fifth Dominion Carilloneur in a visit to The Hill in Ottawa; and I enjoy a walk through the lovely orchard at Sea Cider with Kristen Needham. This is the only page on which readers will find a slug — and there is a kicker to this slug story. A few days before Halloween, Danica woke up with chicken pox, effectively eliminating my little slug from the costume runway. She was out of the contagious zone for Halloween night, so after 10 hours of costume sewing there was at least two hours of costume wearing. It was music to my ears for a moment afterwards when she said, “Maybe next year I’ll just be a ghost.” But then her face lit up. “Actually, I think I’ll be a snail!”
Susan Lundy is a former journalist and two-time recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster Award. Her award-winning stories have appeared in numerous publications, and she is also the author of Heritage Apples: A New Sensation (Touchwood Editions, 2013). 8
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
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ometimes downsizing simply means “right sizing.” Will and Sharon Yelland were ready to move and find the right location, the right layout and the right amount of space. “We sold our home in Brentwood Bay and my husband wanted land that would give us the privacy the city didn’t allow us. This was the largest parcel of land available on the Peninsula,” said Sharon Yelland. “It was perfect for us.” Surrounded by forest with a peek-a-boo ocean view, the owners got the privacy they wanted in a modern home with a traditional feel. It started when the Yellands met the Villamar team at a home show in 2016. “We talked to Duane Ensing, their principal designer,” said Sharon. “We liked the fact that Villamar had everything we needed. They did everything in-house.” Duane and Villamar’s GM, Mike Edwardson, went out to meet the owners and look at the land. “When you walk onto two and a half acres of wooded land, you can put the house almost anywhere,” said Mike. “Duane and I stopped at a spot and said, ‘This is where the house should be.’ When the owners came to meet us, they said it was the exact spot they’d chosen for the house.”
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“WE WERE LOOKING TO DOWNSIZE, BUT IN A SMART WAY... WE WANTED SOMETHING SIMPLE, BUT ELEGANT.” The couple talked about features and what they wanted in a home and Duane sketched out a few samples. “It was immediately decided to create a house with a low slope roof — one continuous roofline to optimize the view out of the front of the home,” said Duane. “They had ideas and pictures, which was helpful in getting the plans started and off the ground in a quick and seamless way.” Once the plans were complete, it was full steam ahead. One of the biggest challenges of the build for Duane was the site itself. “It was a relatively steep slope site, and we had environmental concerns. We needed to optimize the views, create an area for lawns and gardens and leave as much of the natural surroundings and trees as possible.” Operations Manager Sjoerd Meyer also had some concerns about the lot. “It’s always hard building a home on lots of rock. Fortunately, we didn’t have to blast, as the first six feet of rock were fairly soft. We were able to pull out some rocks the size of Volkswagens, which are now in the retaining wall.” The home design was created out of a list of “must haves.” “I wanted more of a modern flair, with the warmth of a traditional home,” said Sharon. “It had to have a hidden butler’s pantry with room for a microwave and lots of counter space and storage. We were looking to downsize, but in a smart way. We wanted a large kitchen with an open plan that included a dining area, something perfect for entertaining. We wanted something simple, but elegant.” Will also had some “must haves” for the new home. “Our last house had lots of separate rooms. We had a living room that we never used. We wanted to make sure this house was more efficient. Our last home looked good on the plans, but in real life it
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“WE ENDED UP WITH A GLASS THEME IN THE HOUSE BECAUSE THERE WERE SO MANY BIG WINDOWS.” wasn’t as functional as we wanted. We also made sure the home was created so we could upgrade to solar panels in the future.” All the Yellands’ “must haves” were met and they moved into their new home in late August. As you round the corner to the front of the house, it gives off that warm and inviting look, which the couple was hoping to achieve. The threeinch, clear cedar siding with natural stain was milled on Vancouver Island. Also sourced from the island was the stonework at the front of the house that reflects the colour palette of the entire home. The front is also Will’s favourite part of the house. “I just love the aesthetics of it,” he said, as he gazed out on his two-acre property. When you walk into the lower level, there’s a two-bedroom, in-law suite to the right. This suite was created with a flex room. It can be used as a second bedroom for the suite, or — since it also opens to the lower hallway — it can be a guest bedroom for the rest of the house. Walk up the stairs and you’ll see another of Mike’s favourites. “I love the chandelier coming up the stairs,” he said. “It fills the space in really nicely.” “We got all our light fixtures from Mclaren Lightning,” said Sharon. “We ended up with a glass theme in the house because there were so many big windows. The railings inside are glass, and there are lots of windows and glass railings outside. The dining room light looks like a ball of bubbles hovering over the table, while the one over the island is a pendant style with five balls.” There are a total of six wall sconces in the upper level, including the stairway. They all look like bubbles trapped in glass, including Mike’s favourite pendant chandelier in the stairwell. The upper level has a gorgeous, sloped ceiling that goes from nine feet high in the kitchen area to 12 feet in the living area. It has that family room feel that Will wanted with a Jøtul Modern high efficiency, wood burning stove that is a work of art in itself. It can also heat the entire great room. On the ceiling, another working piece of art is the 62-inch ceiling fan with spiral inserts in a driftwood finish. The large living room, dining and kitchen area windows are all framed with a four-inch trim, giving the home a solid, traditional feeling. There are two sets of French doors, one from the living area and one from the dining area that leads onto the L-shaped, 365-square-foot deck. The dark, liquorice-stained cabinets from Harbour City Kitchen line up in one corner, giving a unique look to the room. Another interesting feature are the two pull-outs next to the sink that help optimize storage space. There’s a four-inch deep niche built in behind the stove for spices and a built-in wine rack beside the fridge that holds 16 bottles. The quartz-topped island has three built-in drawers and a recycling station. The sink is a Hahn double farmhouse sink and the stone tile backsplash wraps around the entire kitchen and under all the cabinets. The best part of this kitchen is the hidden butler’s pantry. It looks like it might be a small pantry cupboard, but it opens to a windowed room with 13 large storage cupboards and six drawers. There’s plenty of counter 14
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
space and room for the microwave and other kitchen appliances. Six-inch baseboards with brushed, white oak floors throughout the entire main level and heated porcelain tiles in the kitchen and butler’s pantry finish off this inviting main living area. “I had help with the interior finishing,” said Sharon. “Lisa Dunsmuir of Step One Design worked with us. She also fine-tuned the exterior and helped tweak Duane’s kitchen design for us.” Down the hall off the living area sit the bedrooms and bathroom. The master suite has a walk-in closet and an en suite with a shower and builtin bench, and a rain head showerhead. A soft-close barn door separates the en suite and closet from the main sleeping area. Looking back, everyone agrees this build was much easier than anyone expected. “It wasn’t as stressful as I thought it would be,” said Will. “This was our first house build so we didn’t quite know what to expect. It was so easy working with the team at Villamar.” Mike, Duane and Sjoerd of Villamar agree. “It was awesome to work with Will and Sharon,” said Mike. “Sharon pulled
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so much of the interior design together with the design we created. Will went out and bought an excavator just to help with some of the groundwork. It was awesome.” “It was pretty fluid working with Will and Sharon,” added Villamar designer Duane. “We were all on the same page in the style and type of home that was desired.” “There were thousands of decisions to make every day,” said ops manager Sjoerd. “Will and Sharon helped us with a great vision and they were very decisive with what they wanted. They gave us the freedom to do our job well.” Now that all the designing, building and moving is in the past, Will and Sharon eagerly await every morning. “It’s so wonderful to just sit on the east-facing deck in the morning,” said Sharon. “It feels so wonderful to sit, surrounded by trees and watch the sun come up.” SUPPLIERS LIST: Lighting from Mclaren Lighting, installed by Citadel Electric Systems Plumbing fixtures from Bartle & Gibson Low slope roof by Custom Roofing Millwork by Harbour City Kitchens Quartz counters by TK’s Granite Ltd Design by Villamar Design and Step One Design Flooring from Hourigan’s Flooring by Stuart Hardwood Flooring Interior finishing by AP Woodworks Ceramic tile from Hourigan’s Flooring installed by Bunyan Tile & Marble
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PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
KATHY McAREE’S
PARTS UNKNOWN A food lover’s adventures in the Saanich Peninsula WO R D S A N G E L A C OWA N
Culinary tourist Kathy McAree and Travis Hansen, executive chef at The Butchart Gardens, take in the view from the patio at the Dining Room.
PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
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Get Hooked on Fifth.
2016
READERS’ CHOICE AWA R D S
2017
1S
T
PLACE
Same local owners for 19 years!
I
t’s Sunday afternoon, and the early autumn sun is warming my legs as I sit at the edge of the shade on The Roost’s patio in North Saanich. Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” plays in the background as a light breeze stirs the grapevines just across a gravel path in back of the restaurant. This afternoon, I have the enormous pleasure of chatting with inveterate foodie and recently arrived Peninsula resident, Kathy McAree. “I’ve always been narrow minded,” she tells me, deadpan, and then breaks into a smile. “It’s always about eating and drinking.” It’s this “narrow” mindset that helped prompt her to make the move this summer from James Bay where she had spent the last 20 years. The Peninsula, she says, “is this most amazing food community.” Between the farms and the local producers, the people out here “put their heart and soul” into their work, and it shows in the quality and variety of what’s available. Something of a culinary expert — Kathy started Victoria’s Taste Festival, has headed up culinary group tours throughout Vancouver Island, written about food and hosted a culinary-themed radio show — she’s all ready to tell me about her favourite spots on the Peninsula.
Casual and friendly atmosphere, as every good fish n’ chip shop should be.
Voted your favourite seafood and family restaurant in town 9812 Fifth St., Sidney (½ block from Beacon)
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Excellent single malt scotches and fine, rare vintage wines. Let our experienced advisors assist you with your selection.
Burrata caprese at the Dining Room with heirloom tomato, Belgian endive, garlic crumb and buttermilk emulsion.
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However, our conversation pauses momentarily. The Little Ducky pizza she’s ordered arrives at our table, and we both take a second to marvel at it. Mascarpone and Gorgonzola cheeses melt over duck confit, roasted pear, walnuts and caramelized onions, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. “It’s just decadent,” says Kathy as she delicately lifts the first piece to her plate. As wheat is a no-go for her, she particularly enjoys The Roost’s gluten-free crust, a crispy base for a delectable flatbread-style pizza. And the bakery’s options are just as delicious. “The fact there’s a wheat-free lemon tart here makes me very happy,” she laughs. As we slowly consume the pizza, we talk about myriad eateries nearby. Tonolli’s Deli (and bakery and café) on East Saanich Road by Island View is a favourite of Kathy’s. “I used to drive by it every day, and finally decided I had to stop in,” she says. “You know how you know when you’re in a happy place? I walked in and the aroma just caught me.” Aside from the array of cakes and pastries and all-day breakfast and lunch menus, Tonolli’s also has a selection of frozen meals ready to take home, including cannelloni made with fresh egg pasta, hearty shepherd’s pie with mashed Yukon potatoes, and Hungarian style cabbage rolls complete with sauerkraut. Adriana’s on Keating Cross Road is another wonderful spot to drop in for lunch, Kathy says. The only large-scale manufacturer of corn tortillas on Vancouver Island, the shop offers catering, wholesale distribution (check out Whole Foods if you’re downtown), and sells its own salsas and spice blends in-store. “Their chips are the best,” says Kathy, describing the fat tortilla quarters, perfect for dipping into a bowl of homemade guacamole and salsa. “That’s a place worth stopping in at lunchtime.” Just a few minutes away, Fraser Orr’s Butcher Shop, with nearly 40 years’ history in Brentwood Bay and recently opened on Mount Newton
Great Smiles to last a Lifetime!
Dr. Donald J. Neal DMD
X Road, offers ready-to-cook marinated and stuffed meats as well as some of the best cuts around, all with a local focus. And the deli counter is guaranteed to have something to satisfy your need to nosh (Scotch pies, steak and mushroom pies, chicken and veggie pies. Oh, just so many pies.) “Of course I went in and asked ‘where’s this from, where’s that from’,” says Kathy. “And they told me. And everything just looked so fantastic.” So fantastic, she felt compelled to take a few pictures with her phone camera and text them to a fellow food-loving friend. No foodie’s adventure through the Peninsula would be complete without making a stop for wine, and Symphony Vineyard is top of Kathy’s list. “I love the ambiance there,” she says. “You can sit out back with a glass of wine and look out over the vineyard.” Though closed until the first weeks of December (and currently sold out of whites), Symphony is open to inquiries regarding its red selections for the fall. “The Pinot Noir at Symphony is really lovely,” adds Kathy. “Pinot Noir is a very finicky grape, and it’s cool to know this kind of quality is coming out of our backyard.”
“THE PINOT NOIR AT SYMPHONY IS REALLY LOVELY … PINOT NOIR IS A VERY FINICKY GRAPE, AND IT’S COOL TO KNOW THIS KIND OF QUALITY IS COMING OUT OF OUR BACKYARD.”
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By far though, her favourite spot — especially for dinner — is The Dining Room restaurant at Butchart Gardens. The spot is known internationally for its spectacular gardens, but its food still remains a bit of a hidden gem, she says. “Other than the fact the food is absolutely delicious, their commitment to local is amazing,” she adds, noting that Butchart Gardens’ sources from many Peninsula and Cowichan Valley farmers and producers. Kathy once took its five chefs on a culinary tour through the valley a number of years ago, introducing them to the local food industry. It was a trip that impressed her immensely. “To take five chefs out of the kitchen for the entire day, it’s really above and beyond from a business perspective,” she says. “We had such a great time together. That’s when I truly fell in love with Butchart Gardens, when I got to spend the day with these really interesting people.” It speaks to a commitment to local, to quality and to culinary creativity, and that’s reflected in the incredible food. Just this summer, Kathy took a culinary group to the Gardens, and returned a week later to order the exact same dinner, she laughs: an heirloom tomato salad with fresh burrata cheese and local tomatoes from Sunwing Farm, followed by an eight-ounce AAA rib-eye Delmonico steak with warba potatoes, scallion crème fraîche and garlic bush beans with caper oregano relish and crispy shallots. “The milky burrata and multi-coloured tomatoes take me back to Tuscany for as long as I can make the delectable salad last!” The look of sheer satisfaction on her face just at remembering the meal is enough or me to make a mental note to get to The Dining Room as soon as babysitting allows. Though with dishes ranging from a Saanich Peninsula pork loin chop, to a wild BC salmon fillet, to a Peace River rack of lamb with feta pine nut bread pudding, I have a feeling we’ll be making more than one trip this fall.
Proudly ser ving our friends and neighbours Locally Owned & Operated!
in the heart of Brentwood Bay
101 - 7111 West Saanich Road • 250-652-1235 Mon-Fri 9 - 9 • Sat 9 - 6 • Sun 11 - 5 • Closed Holidays 22
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
PENINSULA
LANDMARKS
PEARL PHOTOGRAPHER DON DENTON
explored the Peninsula through the eye of his camera, capturing the twisting, curving shapes of nautical knots.
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On Sierra: textured grey sweater ($269) by Armedangels and stripped peasant blouse ($105) by White Stuff, all from W&J Wilson. On Max: grey “Bancroft” zip sweater ($325) by Barbour from W&J Wilson in Sidney; genuine leather satchel ($299) by I MEDICI FIRENZE from W&J Wilson.
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COUNTRY CLASSIC WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIA CROWE
Join Pearl on a visit to Michell Bros. Farm for a romantic jaunt in the country. There’s nothing better than tromping through the fields in coSy knits, with the fresh chill of autumn in the air and an abundance of fresh harvest produce at hand. Fall in love with this season’s best country classics. FINE CLOTHIERS SINCE 1862
Models: Sierra Lundy and Max Kendall Makeup: Alex Kliaman Photographed on location at Michell Bros. Farm
1221 Government St. 250.383.7177 Mon-Sat 10-5:30 Sun 11-4 1210 Newport Ave. 250.592.2821 Mon-Sat 10-5 Mon-Sat 10-5:30 2449 Beacon Ave. 778.426.4446
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On Sierra: rust “Ruana” shawl in plaid ($102) by Fraas, grey bamboo T-shirt ($62) by Gilmour, dark blue Pandora boots ($269) by Ten Point, and vintage hide purse ($148) by Hobo, all from WATERLiLY Shoes, Bags and Accessories. On Max: brown corduroy pants ($235) by Coppley, maroon knit sweater ($199) and olive Wax Bushman hat ($95) both by Barbour, and all from W&J Wilson.
Blouse ($270) and pants ($280) by Marc Cain and from W&J Wilson; cream tote ($110) by Inzi and the “Cosmopolitan” bag ($48), both from Lilaberry Home Decor; shoes, stylist’s own.
Black and white print dress ($235) by Joseph Ribkoff, handbag ($166) by Bella Mondini and hat ($120) by Canadian Hat, all from Barbara’s Boutique; shoes, stylist’s own.
Makeup: Jen Clark Model: Aisling Goodman, represented by Coultish Management Photographed on location at Victoria International Airport in front of The Spitfire Grill, and using a helicopter from Coast Helicopter College. A huge thank you to Brandon Boctor, owner of The Spitfire Grill for hosting our photo shoot crew, and to Coast Helicopter College for the use of your helicopter.
On Sierra: textured grey sweater ($269) by Armedangels, stripped peasant blouse ($105) by White Stuff, and olive Brae Parka ($525) by Barbour, all from W&J Wilson. On Max: waxed Bedale jacket ($495) and maroon knit sweater ($199) both by Barbour; brown corduroy pants ($235) by Coppley, all from W&J Wilson. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PEARL
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A NOSE FOR WINE AND WORDS WO R D S H A N S TA M M E M AG I PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
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It will be complete by Christmas, when we will unveil a unique new product, Saanich Nouveau.
Delicious! Autumn A Unique Shopping Experience Tilar Mazzeo at her home at the Saanich Peninsula’s Parsell Winery.
250.656.2547 10940 West Saanich Rd. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PEARL
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A
late summer drive in Saanichton under a cloudless azure sky brings joy to the soul. Passing fields of corn and hay, I roll along empty rural roads that follow a checkerboard pattern. The roadside is lined with tall, thorny bushes harbouring a bounty of ripe, luscious blackberries. Then the land rises slightly. Rows of grapevines, some covered in netting, march along the slope. I stop at Parsell Winery, open the gate and drive to the house where Tilar Mazzeo greets me. The casually dressed 46-year-old is friendly, open and lacks any pretension or pomposity, perhaps surprising, given she is a talented — and very successful — academic, writer and wine expert. She shows me around her attractive home with its modern lines and expansive, southward views over the three-acre property. Frankie, a friendly white Maremma Sheepdog, accompanies us. Looking across the vineyard, Tilar describes the long road she took to get here. Born in Florida, she grew up in Maine, where she remains a professor at Colby College. Her Ph.D. in English Literature was obtained at the University of Washington in Seattle, and her academic accomplishments include a stint at Cambridge University, England,
and authoring The Great Courses’ Creative Nonfiction Writing, which has received international acclaim. Her first name derives from her mother’s Finnish heritage, her last name from her father’s Sicilian roots. Jenom, her unusual middle name, is Medieval French Swiss. Her first book, The Widow Clicquot, a biography of BarbeNicole Clicquot Ponsardin, the founder of champagne house Veuve Clicquot, appeared in 2008, became a New York Times bestseller and is now being made into a movie. “It’s my favourite book,” says Tilar, “because it led to my passion for wine.” To research her following book, The Secret of Chanel No. 5, Tilar went to a perfume school where testing showed she had a very sensitive nose — something that’s perfect for wine tasting. Subsequently, she studied wine, became knowledgeable and wrote frequently, including two guidebook series on California wineries. Leading me to a building under construction, she says, “This will house our tasting room. It will be complete by Christmas,
when we will unveil a unique new product, Saanich Nouveau. It’s like Nouveau Beaujolais, which is popular in Europe and is ready shortly after harvest.” As we chat about her writing career, a tractor passes by, spraying the grape vines.
TO RESEARCH HER FOLLOWING BOOK, THE SECRET OF CHANEL NO. 5, TILAR WENT TO A PERFUME SCHOOL WHERE TESTING SHOWED SHE HAD A VERY SENSITIVE NOSE — SOMETHING THAT’S PERFECT FOR WINE TASTING. “That’s my husband, Rob,” Tilar says. “And don’t worry, he’s using baking soda. We’re totally organic.” In 2014 Mazzeo’s book, The Hotel on Place Vendôme, the story of the Ritz Hotel in Paris during Nazi occupation, was released. It also became a New York Times bestseller, and is being made into a TV series. With her first three books set in France, it’s no surprise that
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she has spent considerable time there and speaks the language well. In 2016, Mazzeo published Irena’s Children, the story of Polish social worker Irena Sendler, whose efforts saved thousands of Jewish children during World War II. Currently, Tilar is in the final stages of completing a biography of Eliza Hamilton, the wife of Alexander Hamilton, a Founding jRwIB Father of the United States. g&ust= “My writing method,” says Tilar, “is to wake up at 6:30 am six days a week. Rob brings me a coffee and I write in bed until I’ve met my word count, usually by about 11 am. Starting as soon as I wake up, lets me bypass the self-doubt stage and, helped by ‘caffeination,’ I have great concentration.” During the rest of the day, Tilar enjoys gardening, yoga and learning to fence (with an épée). That is, when she’s not working on the winery. Tilar explains that the original three-acre farm came with one acre of vines. She and Rob have planted a second acre, and are just finalizing the purchase of three additional acres. An American, Tilar’s move to Canada is entangled in a romance story. She first met Robert Miles, a professor of English at the University of Victoria, at a conference 16 years ago. The two fell in love, but the timing wasn’t right. Eleven years later, things fell into place and they were married in 2013. Since they both love wine, they decided to start a winery in the Saanich Peninsula, the location partially influenced by Rob’s position at University of Victoria and the fact he comes from an old Vancouver Island family. Asked about the future, Tilar says, “I’m phasing out the academic part of my career, so I can focus on writing and the winery.” She smiles and adds, “I love living here. Sidney is my urban centre, and it’s great that it’s developing a strong artistic character. Rob, his two boys and I enjoy sailing our boat, the Jenon, and exploring the coast.” Driving away, I reflect that Tilar is leading a fairy-tale life in a fairy-tale setting. +
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What’s Happening at the Mary Winspear Centre
OCTOBER
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20-22
Peninsula Players
The Odd Couple
NOVEMBER 3
The Comic Strippers
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Edie Daponte Under Paris Skies
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Unforgettable Tribute to Natalie Cole
Sidney Concert Band Remembrance Concert
20 Barra MacNeils Celtic Christmas
Treat Street Panorama Spook Zone
Zero Waste Living Presentation with Béa Johnson
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10-12
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Great Canadian SongBook
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Gilbert & Sullivan Barney Bentall Pirates of & the Cariboo Express Penzance
The Young’uns
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PIGS Tribute To Pink Floyd
2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250-656-0275 www.marywinspear.ca
Artist Graham Scholes with his sculpture, Higher Education, in his front yard.
THE CONVERSATION of ART Graham Scholes’ world of woodblock printing WORDS CHELSEA FORMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
G
raham Scholes has just returned from a fly-fishing adventure. The 84-year old is charismatic and full of spirit as he encourages me to give the sport a try at some point. “The best part is letting them go,” he says warmly. Graham unearthed his creativity as an eight-year-old while vacationing at his family’s summer cottage at Sturgeon Lake in Ontario. There, for three summers, a neighbour took him under her wing and tutored him in painting.
“That’s where it all kicked in. Since then I have always had a real keen interest in art and creating something,” the artist explains. Graham had a successful career in the business world, where he spent 25 years in the luxury packaging industry — specifically in graphics and marketing. All the while, he continued to develop his skills wielding a paint brush and sketching on the side. After a move to middle management, he realized it was time for a significant change in his life. “I had a hard time trying to motivate a handful of staff to do what I
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had a hard time motivating myself to do,” Graham recalls. With plans to begin consulting in 1977, Graham found himself following a different path to becoming a full-time artist. Graham initially began his career in watercolour paints, which was extremely popular in the 1970s and ‘80s. “It was crazy, people would buy anything. It was delightful. You’d have a show and they would line up to get the work off the walls,” Graham says with a laugh. Upon gaining traction as one of Canada’s finest watercolour painters, Graham published a book in 1989 titled Watercolour and How: Getting Started in Watercolour. In 1994, Graham began seeking new creative direction for his artwork. He wanted to be in the multiple imagery business; however, he was torn, because after 25 years spent in the packaging business, Graham new that lithographic printing was nothing more than pieces of paper with images on them. For Graham, that kind of printing lacked intimacy with the work. Shortly thereafter, he discovered the method of Moku Hanga and traditional Japanese woodblock printing. “That was 24 years ago and that was it for me. That’s where I’ll spend the rest of my life,” says Graham.
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PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
Graham began his journey into what he fondly refers to as “the sport” of woodblock printing, learning from a Japanese master of the art, Noburo Sawai. Woodblock art begins with a colour sketch, which the artist then uses to make a key line drawing, or roadmap. The design is transferred onto wooden blocks using traditional Japanese tools made from Damascus steal. Inking brushes made from horsehair are used to apply colours to the woodblocks, and then one at a time, a baren is used to burnish the ink onto the paper. “I use Hosho paper that is handmade by the Yamaguchi family who have been making the paper for over 300 years. It’s made from the inner bark of the Mulberry Tree,” notes Graham. Graham uses Linden wood for the woodblocks, which is good for low quantities of prints. He used to make editions of 75 prints each time, but now does no more than 25. He sells out of his studio by appointment. For mass productions (editions of over 500 prints), cherrywood is best, and this what the Japanese used early in the history of Moku Hanga. Since honing the art form, Graham has made a one-hour instructional video of the method and previously taught not only woodblock, but also watercolour and sketching classes at his studio.
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SIDNEY Graham Scholes in his back yard with a sculpture he built with his son.
In 2013, Graham and his wife, Marnie, travelled to Florence, Italy, where Graham was invited to instruct Moku Hanga for a month. And while there are not many people skilled in Moku Hanga, Graham hopes that his instructional video will provide access allowing more aspiring artists to engage in the craft. “The ‘sport’ is demanding — there is no instant gratification. It takes a long time to finish a piece and prints — varying from one to eight months,” he notes. Graham believes that regardless of the type, a piece of art should engage the audience and not command the audience. For Graham, art has objectives greater than creativity and personal expression; art is a form of communication and generates emotion. “The viewer shouldn’t have to do more than look at the art and admire the craftsmanship. I liken this to having a conversation. If the viewer cannot contribute to the conversation they soon become bored and walk away,” Graham explains. As with our lives, art in all forms not only generates communication, it tells a story. A piece of art is born through conceptualization, it grows slowly guided by the hand of the artist, evolving into maturity, before being released into the world, just like a fish from a fly-hook back into a stream.
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WALK WITH
KRISTEN NEEDHAM WO R DS S U SA N LU N DY
Nice to meet you, Kristen. Where were you born, where did you grow up?
I
was born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I left home when I was 17 to attend college. How is your family connected to the Peninsula?
My mother had a farm on Oldfield Road. She grew baby squash for local restaurants. I planted my first Peninsula orchard on her farm. You’re known as the founder/owner of Sea Cider, but what was your career path before that? I was an International Development Consultant. I was involved in a number of projects funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and the United Nations Development Program, from improving food security in Ethiopia to maintaining biodiversity in Central Africa. What do you love most about running a business on the Peninsula? In my experience, the Peninsula is a community of friendly folk who believe that agricultural businesses play an important role in maintaining the rural character of our region. I love working in a rural community that embraces agriculture. What trends are you seeing cider drinking? Cider has recently caught the attention of people who didn’t before see themselves as cider drinkers. More and more people are trying cider for the first time. And for those who have been drinking cider for a while, many are discovering that there’s a growing selection of great ciders in our province. The industry has moved beyond its former “alcopop” image as more cidermakers use high quality fruit and true cider apple varietals to create complex aromatic blends. Which Sea Cider is your favourite? And what is your favourite drink other than cider? My favourite Sea Cider depends on the situation. Cider and food go hand in hand, so I’m always thinking about which cider pairs best with the meal I am planning. This Thanksgiving, for example, I’ll be hosting a turkey dinner, and I always like to serve our cider called “Flagship” with turkey — it’s a brut dry cider bursting with citrus notes that complements poultry beautifully. As for my favourite other drink, I always start my day with a cup of coffee (dark roast). What sort of growth have you seen at Sea Cider and where do you see it in five years? When I started Sea Cider 15 years ago, I never imagined that we would be selling cider so far afield. We started with the idea 38
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
C L A I M TO FA M E O N T H E P E N I N S U L A :
> Founder/Owner of Sea Cider, and growing apples on the Peninsula for 15 years.
PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
Susan Lundy and Kristen Needham.
that we would be growing apples to make cider for the Greater Victoria region. Since then, we’ve grown 20-fold and sell our cider through Western North America. In five years I hope to be selling cider even farther afield.
Race Rocks
What challenges are you facing? We have excellent conditions on the Peninsula for growing cider apples. But we still face threats from orchard diseases such as anthracnose canker and animals such as rabbits and deer that like to gnaw on our apple trees. Who is your hero/who do you admire? And why? My hero is my grandfather, Joseph Gilchrist. He ranched in southeastern Alberta for over 70 years, and his ranching stories from the Great Depression make me appreciate how fortunate I am to be running a farm business today and not back then. I admired him because he never complained, he never gave up, and he was always good to others. What brings you joy? Sharing good times with my kids. Celebrating the end of the school year, watching their volleyball games and cross country races, tubing together on the lake. They help me disconnect from the worries of work and remind me of what’s truly important.
Graham Scholes “Let There Be Light”
Japanese Woodblock
24 years of working in this medium Available at your Book Store
Anything else you’d like us to know? We’re always in need of local apples! One of our ciders, Kings & Spies, is made from “crowd sourced” apples from Greater Victoria. If you have apples, we’d like to hear from you!
Easel Mate Studio • 11435 North Saanich • 250 655 0600
Welcome to visit Studio by appointment.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PEARL
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A LENS THROUGH SPACE & TIME The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory prepares to celebrate 100 years WORDS SEAN MCINTYRE
A
s staff and volunteers associated with the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory prepare for next year’s 100th anniversary of the iconic landmark, a facility developed to explore the boundaries of the universe is providing a clearer picture of the Saanich Peninsula’s development and the steady progress of scientific research in Canada. “There are so many incredible stories that persist from the early days and even the later days that people don’t really know,” says Daniel Posey, who wrote his 2016 master’s degree thesis at the University of Victoria on the DAO’s construction and rapid rise to prominence among international scientists and tourists. “If you ask people who drive by what that white dot on the hill is, maybe 50 per cent will know, but it’s amazing how many people have a connection with it.” The stories date to the years well before the DAO’s record-setting telescope saw first light on May 6, 1918 as the nation’s modest yet enterprising scientific scholars sought to compete in the budding international field of astrophysics. From the moment astronomer Dr. John Stanley Plaskett initiated the
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project to build a successor to Ottawa’s Dominion Observatory, Posey says, there was a strong sense that if Canadians were going to do this, they were going to do it right. Plaskett led a thorough survey of potential sites across the country to determine the best location for what was being hyped as the world’s largest telescope in a state-of-the-art scientific research facility. “This is the first example of truly big science on a Canadian level,” Posey says. Upon reaching Victoria, Plaskett discovered the Saanich Peninsula had the best and most stable skies for such a project. The region’s relatively low daily temperature variation was a perfect fit to ensure the accuracy of the telescope’s sensitive components. The city’s leaders, business community, media and the general public also immediately embraced the project wholeheartedly. Construction began soon after Plaskett and members of the newly established Victoria chapter of the Royal Canadian Astronomical Society succeeded in lobbying the federal government for funding. Materials for the DAO began to trickle towards the worksite atop the 227-metre summit of Little Saanich Mountain (since renamed
historic PENINSULA Observatory Hill) via ship, stream train and horse convoy within weeks. Logistical challenges were evident from the outset. The telescope’s large mirror, cast at a specialized glassworks in St. Gobain, France, was nearly lost on its way to Canada’s West Coast. The glassworks itself was destroyed in a bombing raid only three weeks after the mirror was shipped. During his research, Posey discovered only one negative news article about the project, involving a relatively minor matter about the facility’s lack of office space years after the DAO had been completed. That the project spanned political ideologies and captured the imaginations of so many is especially remarkable given that construction coincided with the First World War and a time when Victoria was rapidly ceding its status as the province’s social and economic hub to Vancouver. Many saw the telescope as a beacon for the region’s continued prosperity. Herbert Cuthbert, commissioner of the Victoria and Island Development Association, declared in 1917 that the yet unfinished DAO was destined to be “the greatest tourist feature on the Pacific Northwest Coast.” On a national level, the facility’s implications for a nation that was celebrating 50 years since Confederation couldn’t be overstated. “There was still a growing push toward Canadian independence and Canadian maturity as a nation,” Posey says. “When you look at a project like this you can really see the independent identity as a nation begin to exist.” Completion of the DAO heralded Canada’s arrival on the global stage of scientific research alongside heavyweights of the era such as Great Britain, the United States and Germany. Dennis Crabtree, acting director of the DAO, which is now owned and operated by the federal government’s National Research Council, says he believes Canada’s modern research and development accomplishments in space exploration and major international projects such as today’s giant telescope on Hawaii’s Mauna Kea can all be traced back to Plaskett’s enterprising spirit. “He had a vision and the skills to carry it out but what we’re doing now, Plaskett could not even have imagined,” Crabtree says, adding that the site and original telescope have undergone major upgrades and expansion during the past 99 years. “We are Canada’s national astronomy lab.” When it was finished, the DAO’s 1.83-metre telescope was
the largest telescope in the British Empire. Due to mechanical setbacks at the 2.5-metre Hooker being constructed concurrently at the Mt. Wilson Observatory north of Los Angeles, the DAO could proudly claim to be the largest operating telescope in the world for six months. Plaskett quickly set to work mapping a network of approximately 900 stars. With help from his son, Harry, and other staff astronomers, Plaskett gathered enough data to confirm the rotation of the Milky Way Galaxy, a finding that earned him the prestigious Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society. Today, the NRC’s onsite Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics is considered “Canada’s gateway to the universe.” Researchers can determine the orbital patterns of comets and asteroids, and study distant quasars and galaxies. The centre’s vastly upgraded Plaskett telescope may no longer be anywhere near the world’s largest, but it’s 10,000 times more sensitive than when it was assembled. Public outreach and education have always been at the heart of the DAO’s mission, and it remains a tradition through popular events such as summer star parties and private tours offered through the Friends of the DAO, a volunteer-driven, non-profit society dedicated to public outreach and programming at the observatory and adjacent Centre of the Universe visitor centre. Be it through welcoming day-trippers from Victoria and beyond or inspiring students of all ages from across the Peninsula, the centre has always been a dedicated space where amateur astronomers and curious onlookers can learn about the awe-inspiring realm of astrophysics. Even while busily plotting the dimensions of our galaxy, Plaskett wrote regular newspaper articles about the DAO to broaden the public’s understanding and appreciation of astronomy and astrophysics. In addition to astronomy’s significant “economic” breakthroughs for navigation, meteorology and accurate time measurement, the principle efforts of astronomers in the early 20th century were, he told readers in The Daily Colonist on March 26, 1933, “reaching out into the unknown of attempting to penetrate and solve some of the mysteries of nature, to explore into the unfathomable regions of space in the attempt to formulate the laws and principles which govern the phenomena of nature — in brief to expand the domain of truth and knowledge.” This potential to explore the heavens dovetailed perfectly with the optimism of settlers in a young and proud nation, Posey says. The facility’s unprecedented size and the unheard of opportunity to look into the distant sky captured the public’s imagination. For Posey, who volunteers as the Friends of the DAO’s public outreach coordinator, it’s a feeling that persists among the guests he welcomes nearly a century later. “Astrophysics has the power to turn everything on its head and present a new reality,” he says. “As a fixture of the community, the DAO has never really gone away.”
“IF YOU ASK PEOPLE WHO DRIVE BY WHAT THAT WHITE DOT ON THE HILL IS, MAYBE 50 PER CENT WILL KNOW, BUT IT’S AMAZING HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE A CONNECTION WITH IT.”
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FOOTLOOSE
TRAVEL LOG
CLEAR AS A BELL The melodious voice of Parliament Hill
I
love wandering around the elegant, yet eccentric, old sandstone buildings on Parliament Hill, one of the most beautiful spots in Canada. It’s awe inspiring, for “The Hill” is both a living museum and a symbol of our nation. The parliamentary complex’s historic East, West and Centre blocks and the adjoining Library of Parliament 42
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
are extraordinary, with soaring lines, a mass of towers and chimneys and a tangle of wrought-iron filigree. Rows of yellow and red tulips grace the gardens. On this day, I stroll behind the building and, from the cliff’s edge, gaze down at the Ottawa River, where early explorers fought their way upstream and into the country’s interior.
Many of Ottawa’s icons are visible: the Canadian Museum of History, which has a sinuously curving architecture that melds into the landscape, the National Art Gallery with sunlight glistening on its glass walls like a giant wedding cake, and the stolid Notre Dame Basilica (1841), the largest and oldest church in the nation’s capital. I continue past the library — built in 1876 in the Gothic style and considered by many to be the architectural gem of Canada. Statues of famous Canadians and important events are scattered throughout the grounds. I sit at D’Arcy McGee’s stone feet and imagine his strong voice arguing eloquently for a united country. My reverie is interrupted by a four-note chime, like that of Big Ben in London, from the Peace Tower Carillon. It’s an appropriate reminder that I have a meeting soon with the musician who plays those bells.
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At the top, the highest point in beverage * per onboard couple* package* gratuities* onboard savings $ the region, a red-and-white Canadian flag flaps proudly in the breeze. $ onboard savings cash credit** per couple* pay only up to Four leering gargoyles protrude just below the clock face, urging me beverage onboard per couple* cash credit reduced savings in up to package*up to $ gratuities* pay only up to not be tardy. deposit* onboard coupons* onboard savings $ $ pay only Passing through the main entrance to the Centre Block, I walk reduced cash credit* up to savings in * per couple * up to up todeposit* onboard reduced savingscoupons in $ under graceful arches guarded by a stone lion and a unicorn and pay only up to deposit* onboard coupons* onboard savings $ $ enter the lobby. Confederation Hall, also known as the Rotunda, * cash credit* per couple pay only reduced up to savings in is a masterpiece, with a central column surrounded by eight outer reduced savings inonboard coupon $ deposit* columns, each intricately carved from Tyndall stone, an attractive deposit* onboard coupons* pay only up to limestone rich with fossils. The top of each outer column fans out, reduced savings in $ creating an array of stone arches that join the central column, deposit* onboard coupons* symbolizing how the provinces connect with the central federal government. Andrea McCrady emerges from among the columns. A slight, CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION energetic woman dressed in black, she was appointed Canada’s fifth Dominion Carilloneur in 2008, the first woman to fill the post. A Sidney (250) 656 5441 medical doctor, McCrady so loved the carillon, she gave up her practice CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION to devote full time to the bells. Sidney (250) 656 5441 We take the elevator to a small room about halfway up the Peace *Expedia Extras are per stateroom based on double occupancy on select sailings and vary by cruise line, destination, departure date CALL TODAY FOR656 MORE INFORMATION Sidney 5441 & stateroom category. Government fees(250) and taxes apply to all 3rd/4th guest offers. Itineraries, programs and policies are subject to Tower. I’m excited because this carillon is one of the finest in the world. change without notice. Valid for new bookings created and deposited Oct 5 - 25, 2017 and are subject to availability and may be (250) 656 5441 Now I’m going to watch McCrady play it. withdrawn at anySidney time. Additional restrictions apply. Contact us for full details. BC Reg: 37214 CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION *Expedia Extras are per stateroom based on double occupancy on select sailings and vary by cruise line, destination, departure date She sits at the keyboard and explains, “The carillon consists of 53 & stateroom category. Government fees and taxes apply to all 3rd/4th guest offers. Itineraries, programs and policies are subject to change without notice. Valid for new bookings created and deposited Oct 5 - 25, 2017 and are subject to availability and may be bronze bells weighing from four and a half kilograms to 10,160 Sidney (250) 656 *Expedia Extras are per stateroom based on double occupancy on select sailings and vary by5441 cruise line, destination, departure date withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions apply. Contact us for full details. BC Reg: 37214 Government taxesbased applyontodouble all 3rd/4th guest Itineraries, programs aredeparture subject to Extras arefees per and stateroom occupancy onoffers. select sailings and vary by cruiseand line,policies destination, date kilograms and covers four and a half octaves. It was first played on & stateroom category.*Expedia & stateroom Government fees and apply to all 3rd/4th programs and policies subject change without notice. Valid forcategory. new bookings created andtaxes deposited Oct 5 - 25,guest 2017offers. andItineraries, are subject to availability andaremay be to Canada Day in 1927.” change without notice. Valid for new bookings created and deposited Oct 5 25, 2017 and are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions apply. Contact us for full details. BC Reg: 37214 withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions apply. Contact us for full details. BC Reg: 37214 The bells occupy two belfries in the Peace Tower with the keyboard in *Expedia Extras are per stateroom based on double occupancy on select sailings and vary by cruise line, destination, departure date & stateroom category. Government fees and taxes apply to all 3rd/4th guest offers. Itineraries, programs and policies are subject to a small room between them. The bells remain stationary and are struck change without notice. Valid for new bookings created and deposited Oct 5 - 25, 2017 and are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions apply. Contact us for full details. BC Reg: 37214 25506 by steel clappers connected by wires to a keyboard that resembles a piano.
CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION Sidney (250) 656 5441
*Expedia Extras are per stateroom based on double occupancy on select sailings and vary by cruise line, destination, departure & stateroom category. Government fees and taxes apply to all 3rd/4th guest offers. Itineraries, programs PEARLand policies OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 43 are subjec change without notice. Valid for new bookings created and deposited Oct 5 - 25, 2017 and are subject to availability and may withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions apply. Contact us for full details. BC Reg: 37214
250-657-2000 | elizabethmaymp.ca 9711 4th St., Sidney BC V8L 2Y8
Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic Restore Balance ~ Feel Rejuvenation ~ A Natural Approach
I’m impressed that McCrady can play bells that weigh far more than she does. “My playing is like drumming; but it does not take much physical exertion,” she says. “If you say I hammer the keys, I’ll attach you to the bourdon (the largest bell).” McCrady begins to play, striking keys and pumping the foot pedals. Today’s noon-hour concert has a French-Canadian theme and begins with “La Mère Michel.” I’m mesmerized by the beauty of the bells and McCrady’s skill in playing them. The chimes sound over The Hill every weekday for 15 minutes at noon. On Sundays, major holidays and special occasions, the Dominion Carilloneur plays an hour-long concert. McCrady stresses, “Nothing is recorded; all music is played live.” I leave, but return next day at noon. I sit by the bronze statue of William Lyon Mackenzie King, close my eyes and listen to the chiming sounds emanating from the Peace Tower. How wonderful that our Parliament has an official voice — and one so melodious.
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C A R I L LO N FAC T S A carillon bell is tuned by carefully paring metal away from its inside. There are about 630 carillons worldwide: about 200 in Belgium, 170 in the USA and 11 in Canada. The Canadian carillon with the most bells (62) is beside the Royal Museum of British Columbia in Victoria. Sadly, it has not been maintained in recent years and has fallen silent.
*Covered by most extended health care plans
80 Juried Artisans
25+ New
first chance
last chance
Nov 4-5
Dec 9-10
Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC
Saturday 10-5 | Sunday 10-4 Glorious Food | Live Music | Hourly Draws $4 Weekend Pass | Children Under 12 Free
Enter To Win A $200 Vendor Shopping Spree!
www.firstandlastchance.ca� 44
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
PAWS ON
THE PENINSULA
PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON
Seen here, clockwise from top left, are: Joy, a 3.5-year-old Bichon Frise; Kingston, a 9-year-old Mini Schnauzer; rescue dog Brawley, a 6-year-old Cockapoo mix; (from left) brother and sister dogs Jock and Jesse are 13-year-old Jack Russells; and Hudson, a 4-year-old Chocolate Lab cross.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PEARL
45
MEET OUR
ArDMorE GoLF courSE Ardmore Golf Course is an ideal place to play your favorite game, host an event or hone your swing. Join us on the beautiful Peninsula. See ad on page 22.
BEAcon BookS A general bookstore of good secondhand books, 4,000 sq.ft., fiction and non-fiction, from bestsellers to classics, for all ages. Come in and browse - find your favourite authors. See ad on page 36.
BrEnTWooD BAY PHArMASAvE
BrEnTWooD BAY EMPourIuM
Serving the community of Brentwood Bay for more than 25 years, Joe & Colin are proud to be your neighbourhood pharmacist. Joe enjoys sailing around the islands, Colin enjoys cheering for his beloved Canucks. See ad on page 22.
John Carswell and Alice Bacon and their son Will are the proprietors of Brentwood Bay Village Empourium. They are delighted to operate in their own neighbourhood to share their love of food, coffee and community See ad on page 32.
cATEGorY 12 What happens when a love of beer and passion for science collide? Come find out at Category 12 Brewing, where award-winning beers are crafted here on the Peninsula. See ad on page 11.
EYELAnD oPTIcAL
DEEP covE MArkET
ADVERTISERS
BEAcon LAnDInG LIQuor & MorE Sidney’s boutique style liquor store offering rare finds of Wine, Scotch & Spirits. See ad on page 20.
MoE’S HoME Opening over a year ago, and being the first franchise, Moe’s Home Victoria brings together a wide selection of furniture and accessories for the modern home. See ad on page 15.
EXPEDIA cruISESHIPcEnTErS
Rosemary Scott, owner of the Deep Cove Market brings her passion for food and shopping to a unique little destination in the country. See ad on page 29.
Elaine Kirwin and her team at Expedia CruiseShipCenters Sidney, have been selling dream vacations to the residents of the Peninsula since 1997. See ad on page 43.
FISH on FIFTH
Hook & Hook rEnovATIonS
Since 1997 Fima has helped clients with all their optical needs in both our Victoria and Sidney locations. See ad on page 37.
Casual and friendly as every good fish ‘n chip shop should be! Great staff serving excellent fish for over 18 years. Readers Choice Award for Favourite Seafood. See ad on page 19.
ISLAnD SoAPSTonE
SuZI JAck *PrEc DockSIDE rEALTY
LAnDMArk DEnTAL
Island Soapstone is Vancouver Island’s only dedicated soapstone countertop fabrication shop. Our service, selection & quality are top notch - call us for an appointment! See ad on page 18.
Suzi is your friendly, professional Realtor with a community focus and local approach. Drop by our new office in Sidney and see our gallery of homes and featured local Art. See ad on page 6.
Dr. Donald Neal has been practicing in Sidney for over 25 years and together with his son, Dr. Trevor Neal, they provide personalized dental care at the Landmark Dental Centre See ad on page 21.
LILABErrY HoME Décor AnD FASHIon
MArY WInSPEAr cEnTrE
Owner, Chris Stephen invites you into her welcoming and fragrant boutique. A pretty plethora of unique finds that are a pleasure to give and to receive. Come and indulge all your senses! See ad on page 9.
The Mary Winspear Centre is the only state-ofthe-art event, conference and theatre facility located at the gateway to Vancouver Island. See ad on page 33.
roDco DrAPErIES & InTErIorS
onE SToP FurnITurE Inc.
RODCO Interiors has been serving Victoria BC for over 25 years. A family business owned & operated by Roger and his son Fielding Comartin. Residential, Commercial, Hospitality and Commercial, we do it all! See ad on page 6.
Visit us and step back in time to when customer service and satisfaction were still the most important goals of a business. See ad on back cover.
GrAHAM ScHoLES
PEnInSuLA nATuroPATHIc cLInIc
40 years working in the arts Graham now offers a publication about his Moku Hanga work of the past 25 years, using the traditional Japanese technique of truly original hand made woodblock prints. See ad on page 39. 46
Pearl
PEARL OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
We offer patient centred health care, combining natural and modern medicine. Let our experienced health care team guide you to optimum health. See ad on page 44.
More then just your average renovations company, we are your one-stop shop for all your home needs with over 20 years experience. See ad on page 16.
ELIZABETH MAY Elizabeth May is the Member of Parliament for Saanich – Gulf Islands. She was first elected in 2011, and re-elected in 2015. She is also an environmentalist, writer, activist, lawyer, and leader of the Green Party of Canada. See ad on page 44.
PAcIFIc PAInT Terri Heal has worked in the paint industry for 22 years and her background includes interior design & decorating as well as fine art painting. See ad on page 32.
PuPPY LovE PET cArE Puppy Love Pet Care Centre and The Cat’s Meow is a full service pet resort and spa designed and managed out of a genuine love of animals. See ad on page 30.
From: karla@readmedia.ca Date: October 13, 2011 12:42:03 PM PDT To: "Sagers" <store@sagers.ca> Subject: H&L Winter 2011 ad proof for approval
RUSSELL NURSERY
SAANICH PENINSULA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Russell Nursery has been providing great plants and good advice to local gardeners for almost 25 years. We love plants and it shows! See ad on page 13.
SIDNEY LIONS FOOD BANK
Pack your bags and get ready to Experience the Southern Gulf Islands! Explore Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring & Saturna Islands! Explore the Islands next door! southerngulfislands.com See ad on page 47.
The Sidney Lions Food Bank is an emergency food service and we are here to help you and your family in a time of need. See ad on page 12. Tiger Lily Event s
Timeless Elegant Planning
Family owned and operated in Sidney since 2008. Licensed funeral directors Jordan and Leslie keep it simple in your time of need. See ad on page 13.
W&J WILSON W&J Wilson the oldest family owned clothing store in Canada est. 1862! Now run by the sixth generation Scott Thompson. See ad on page 25.
FIRST & LAST CHANCE CRAFT FAIR Jantina Froese is the proprietor of JLee Creations. Jantina loves that she is able to support local West coast artists & artisans through First & Last Chance Christmas Craft Shows held yearly at the Mary Winspear Centre. See ad on page 44.
250.668.6757 • tara@tigerlilyevents.ca • tigerlilyevents.ca
TIGER LILY EVENTS
SAGER’S HOME LIVING Luxury is easy to find when you know where to look, established in 1956, with twelve unique showrooms. Traditional, transitional, and modern furniture styles, with eclectic accents. See ad on page 5.
It’s our hospital. And thanks to our donors, we have been raising funds to keep our hospital modern and efficient for over 30 years. See ad on page 7.
SALTSPRING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SIMPLY CREMATIONS
Please see attached proof as discussed with Bob. Thanks! :) Karla
Luxury is easy to find when you know where to look
SIDNEY SENIOR CARE
For the way you live
1802 Government 250-386-3841 1802 GovernmentStreet Street 250-386-3841 Monday-Saturday SundayNOON NOON Monday-Saturday9:30-5:30 9:30-5:30 Sunday to 5to 5
sagers.ca www.sagers.ca
Award-winning, consistent quality home support customized to fit your every need. Servicing the entire Saanich Peninsula, Victoria and now the Gulf Islands See ad on page 2-3.
SIDNEY FINE ART SHOW
We are in the business of coordinating and planning events. Corporate, Weddings, Parties. No event is too big or too small, we plan it all. See ad on page 37
Presented by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. The Show is a world-class juried art show for serious artists, patrons, and appreciators of the arts. The first Show in 2003 was an outstanding success and since then has grown and developed into a highly anticipated annual event. See ad on page 35.
WINDSOR PLYWOOD
SALT SPRING SIP & SAVOUR
Serving the Peninsula for over 35 years, we specialize in your home finishing needs. Doors, flooring, mouldings, of course plywood, and so much more. See ad on page 31.
SIDNEY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOC. The purpose of the Sidney BIA is to increase footsteps, potential customers, clients and event attendees in all sectors within the SBIAS district through the development, implementation and evaluation of marketing, promotion and other collaborative efforts. See ad on page 39.
Join us on October 21st for Sip & Savour Salt Spring. Visitors will sip fine beverages from the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island region & savour samples of delicious local and regional food. See ad on page 30.
SIDNEY BUY & SELL With over 25 years in the furniture business Dean is dedicated to providing you with service and value. See ad on page 36.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PEARL
47
Enjoy gReAt sAViNgs and help us FUNDRAise!
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High End Quality Furniture Huge Selection Above & Beyond Customer Service Deliveries – on your schedule Access to thousands of items
250.655.ShOP (7467)
onestopfurniture.ca
