Comox Valley Record, May 17, 2023

Meet the 2023 CVCDA ambassador family

matched his size and kept it for reference.

That was two years ago.

Milo Judd weighed 30 per cent of the average baby at birth.

At 2.2 pounds, he was born via c-section, and entered the world needing help to breathe.

Milo was born a “preemie,” a baby that is born prematurely, much before their due date. In Milo’s case, that was two months.

Charlotte, Milo’s mother, was suffering from a condition called preeclampsia. It meant Milo was not getting enough blood in the womb, and needed to leave.

In December of 2020, Charlotte and Jeff Judd learned their son was coming in days, not months.

“It was like, ‘Drop what you’re doing and get here now,’” Jeff said of a phone call he received from Charlotte at the time.

Charlotte was being airlifted to Vancouver.

On Dec. 7, 2020, their son was born at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.

Leaving the womb roughly 10 weeks before average, Milo had skin that nurses said was too soft to be stroked. If the parents wanted to touch their child, they’d have to settle for a press.

Amazed by the size of Milo, the Judds bought an Iron Man toy that

On May 13, on the hottest Saturday of the year, Milo bounced around the family’s backyard, with Iron Man in one hand. He played with the garden hose, soaking himself, and then dug in the sandpit.

If Charlotte and Jeff ever worried that their son wouldn’t look like a trouble-making two-yearold, that’s behind them.

“Change!” the toddler says, appearing in front of Jeff, who lifts Milo into the air.

“You’re soaked, I don’t want to hold you!” Jeff says. He lowers Milo to the grass, gets up from the lawn chair, and heads inside to fetch the toddler a change of clothes.

The Judd family has been named the 2023 ambassador family for the Comox Valley Child Development Association. The association has worked with Charlotte, Jeff and Milo for two years offering physiotherapy, speech therapy and play groups. Charlotte said the experience taught her “people have your back.”

Staff chose Milo’s story to showcase success with developmental recovery supports in the Comox Valley.

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■ NEWS

Protest at city council meeting

A dozen people gathered outside a Courtenay city council meeting on Wednesday (May 10) to continue their calls for the resignation of Coun. David Frisch. 3

Stabbing in Courtenay

Comox Valley RCMP is investigating a stabbing incident in the area of 26th Street and Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay. 4

Hot spring days

The Comox Valley experienced its highest temperatures ever recorded over the weekend, with the May 14 temperature shattering a 74-year-old record. 6

Treasures recovered

A Comox Valley woman is celebrating after thrift shoppers from a TV show found her late father’s belongings inside an abandoned storage bin in Vancouver.

The Comox Valley Record recognizes and respectfully acknowledges that it is produced on the traditional unceded lands of the K’ómoks First Nation.

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Connor

A group gathers outside Comox Valley Regional District headquarters to protest the continued sitting of Coun. David Frisch, who wants to continue serving as a city councillor despite calls for resignation.

Group gathers to protest Frisch at city council

allegations in January, when his wife Chantal told police she had been assaulted.

A dozen people gathered outside a Courtenay city council meeting on Wednesday (May 10) to continue their calls for the resignation of Coun. David Frisch.

Placards reading “I support council,” and “wtf?” were held high, while others hovered at waist level in a small gathering outside the headquarters of Comox Valley Regional District – where city council meets each week.

Alex Clarke, who organized the protest, told the Record she simply wants Frisch to resign. Her grievance with the councillor stems from

“We believe his conduct, specifically (a television) interview in which he called a physical fight ‘nothing crazy,’ means he needs help and should no longer be in a leadership role,” Clarke said.

Frisch was found not guilty of assault in the incident, and Chantal wrote a letter to the community explaining her side of the story, saying she “was misguided in making a statement that didn’t fully represent the situation.”

The Record reached out to Frisch for comment about the protest, but he did not respond by deadline.

Connor McDowell Record staff

(Connor McDowell/ Comox Valley Record)

Comox Valley RCMP is investigating a stabbing incident in the area of 26th Street and Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay.

On Sunday, May 7, at approximately 6 p.m., the Comox Valley RCMP responded to the area of 26th Street and Fitzgerald Avenue following a report that a male suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being assaulted by a weapon.

According to an eyewitness, a fight broke out in the bus stop shelter in front of the Travelodge, and the stabbing occurred on the sidewalk in front of the bus stop.

The eyewitness provided first aid to the victim until emergency services personnel and police arrived on scene.

Travelodge resident Raven Brake heard the commotion, and came outside to see the Good Samaritan providing first aid.

“I was inside with my daughter and we heard tremendous, blood-curdling screaming, and came out just when he hit the ground (outside the Travelodge gate),” she said. “There was

a huge puddle of blood… it came from the bus stop all the way to (the gate). It was horrible. I’ve never seen nothing like that in my life. He had stabs in his head, arms, legs - he was stabbed multiple times. There was blood everywhere.”

“That fellow who provided first aid came running from across the street. He knew exactly what to do.”

Brake said she was in the hospital the following day and was informed that the victim had been discharged.

She said that while the victim is not a resident at Travelodge, he is well-known to many in the neighbourhood.

The male suspect is described as approximately 40 years old, wearing glasses, a blue or grey hooded sweater and jeans.

The Comox Valley RCMP is seeking assistance in identifying and speaking with the driver and/or occupants of a red four-door SUV travelling west along 26th Street toward Fitzgerald Avenue from Cliffe Avenue at the time of the assault.

Additionally, investigators are seeking to

identify and speak with two male witnesses who were walking west along 26th Street toward Fitzgerald Avenue from Cliffe Avenue at the time of the assault.

Investigators are also looking for any residences with video surveillance situated along

Fitzgerald Avenue between 26th Street and 19th Street between 6 and 7 p.m. on May 7.

If you are one of the witnesses being sought, know who they are, or have video surveillance, please contact the Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit at 250-338-1321.

Record-breaking temperatures in the Comox Valley over the weekend

Olivier Laurin Record staff

With summer-like weather sweeping through the province, the Comox Valley experienced its highest temperatures ever recorded for May 13th and 14th.

On May 13, a temperature of 26.9 C was recorded at Comox Airport, timidly breaking the 2021 record of 26.6 C in 2018. On May 14, the mercury reached a staggering high of 31.9 C, shattering the 1949 record of 25.6 C.

Environment Canada forecast that daytime highs and nighttime lows across east Vancou-

ver Island will be between 5 C to 15 C over the average seasonal temperature.

B.C. Wildfire Service explains in a tweet that an unseasonably strong ridge of high pressure built up over the province is responsible for this abnormally hot weather.

The hot spot in Canada on May 14 was Lytton, at 36 C, but that’s not to say everywhere in Canada was breaking heat temperatures. The coldest spot was Eureka at -19 C.

Despite this unusually warm mid-spring weather, the River Forecast Centre flood warning and advisories map indicates that flooding is currently not a risk in the region.

Demeo replaced as SD 71 superintendent

Tom Demeo is no longer the School District 71 superintendent.

In an emailed statement, Comox Valley Schools announced that assistant superintendent Geoff Manning has replaced Demeo on an interim basis.

“Geoff Manning is now the acting superintendent of schools with Comox Valley Schools,” reads the statement. “Geoff has been serving as the assistant superintendent of schools with Comox Valley Schools since 2019 and previously was the K-12 director of instruction with the district for two years.

“Mr. Tom Demeo has concluded his duties as superintendent with Comox Valley Schools. The district would like to thank him for his many years of service in public education, par-

ticularly during the Covid -19 pandemic. The board wishes Mr. Demeo well going forward.”

The Record reached out to SD 71 for further information regarding the switch, considering the timing of the announcement, and lack of reason for the switch in the statement, but was told it was a human resources matter and due to that, no more information would be publicly available.

“The board and Mr. Demeo reached an agreement, and he has concluded his duties as a superintendent. That’s really all I can say on that,” explained SD 71 manager of communications, Craig Sorochan.

To read the SD 71 statement in its entirety, visit comoxvalleyrecord.com

On May 24th, the village of Cumberland will host the Plan the Community street event, in which citizens are encouraged to chime in and revise the current community and transportation plan.

During the event, residents will be able to explore ways to improve the community’s transportation system through hands-on activities. Moreover, the village welcomes participants to share their thoughts, concerns, and visions for the community’s well-being and future.

“We want to hear from residents how Cumberland should grow, adapt to change, and meet today’s challenges, like climate change and housing affordability,” says Mayor Vickey Brown. “Community participation is key to developing a collective vision and priorities for the Village.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, May 24, from noon to 7 p.m. on Third Street between Dunsmuir Avenue and Penrith Avenue. Traffic will be blocked during the event to welcome both children and adults.

For more information, visit connectcumberland.ca

In previous years, the announcement of the CVCDA ambassador family coincided with the media kick-off campaign for the telethon, which takes place annually on the first Sunday in November. The early announcement this year, and moving forward, is by design.

“This is a new format we are planning to con-

tinue so we have a longer run to promote and involve our ambassador family for events and opportunities throughout the year, not just Telethon; more of an organization ambassador rather than a Telethon ambassador,” explained CVCDA marketing and communications director, Brooklyn Galloway.

The 2023 CVCDA Telethon will air on Sunday, Nov. 5.

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TV show stumbles upon art, memorabilia belonging to local woman’s late father

Connor McDowell Record staff

A Comox Valley woman is celebrating after thrift shoppers from a TV show found her late father’s belongings inside an abandoned storage bin in Vancouver.

Skeena Reece was invited to Richmond to pick up a collection of her father’s artwork and memorabilia. Thrifters from the Animal Planet series Pets and Pickers said they had wood masks, family photographs, and a gift she painted 36 years ago.

Skeena travelled to a thrift shop on the Lower Mainland and was greeted by a table adorned with the possessions. One item in particular caught her attention: a Father’s Day gift.

“Happy fathers day DAD! I love you!” reads her pre-teenage brush strokes on a cuttingboard-sized wood canvas. “June 16, 1987. Age. 12. Grade. 7.”

Thrift store manager Karen Kamachi told Skeena the Father’s Day present was key to finding the family. That’s because Skeena painted her father’s name, “Victor Reece,” in giant,

Skeena Reece looks upon carved masks, family photos and trade tools left behind by her late father. (Photo submitted)

curly font, and signed her name on the back.

“He kept it,” Kamachi said softly. “That’s how we found you.”

Skeena told the Record her favourite item was her father’s baseball cap, which still smells of the late artist’s woodcarving studio. She said she tucked it into one of the many “care packages” that she gave to family members, who each received something to remember Victor by.

“We are so blessed,” she said. “Thank you to all of the people who worked on this recovery.”

TV-show Pets and Pickers found Victor’s locker last year. The episode was filmed in December 2022. Skeena’s story aired on TV on May 13, 2023.

Pets and Pickers follows a veterinary hospital that is supported by “pickers,” who search through abandoned, donated storage lockers in Vancouver. Pickers find items to sell, and proceeds help pay for veterinary medical care at the RAPS Animal Hospital.

Thrifters discovered a trove of art belonging to late artist Victor Reece in an abandoned storage locker 13 years after his passing. (Photo submitted)

BC Hydro to conduct siren and strobe testing along Puntledge River May 16-18

BC Hydro is advising the community of its annual public warning system tests that will take place from May 16 to May 18 along the Puntledge River.

“With the ongoing higher river flows in place from the snowmelt, we are extending our current public safety advisory to please stay away from the river system through May 18,”said BC Hydro spokesperson Stephen Watson. “Temporary signage advising of the siren tests will be placed along the river system. Temporary danger signage advising of the high flow conditions are already in place.

“Public safety is very important to BC Hydro, and it’s one of the primary reasons why we communicate regularly about our Puntledge River operations. Awareness of the potential hazards from the Puntledge River hydroelectric system is through our public warning system. The sirens and strobe lights are placed along the Puntledge River from the Comox Dam to Puntledge Park, and will engage to warn of river flow increases.

Permanent river safety signage is in place to advise what the siren sound means, and when heard, to move out of the river channel.”

The testing is part of a regular maintenance schedule to ensure all equipment is working properly.

“We will manually test each siren on May 16,”said Watson.

“Each siren may engage for a few minutes. If any adjust-

ments or repairs are needed they will be made on May 17. The actual full siren system test will take place on May 18 with a pulse of water released from Comox Dam. BC Hydro staff will also be along the river to monitor the warning system.”

This test is a reminder that this is a hydroelectric system where river flows may change quickly, whether planned or unplanned. With the warm weather, people will begin to gravitate to water to cool off and enjoy the summer. About 500 people may be along the Puntledge River system at any given time on a summer day. Only 15 to 30 centimetres of fast-flowing water is enough to knock a person off their feet.

The Puntledge River hydroelectric system includes the Comox Dam, which impounds the Comox Lake Reservoir, where the water released travels 3.7 kilometres down to the Puntledge River Diversion Dam. From there, a minimum fish habitat flow is provided down the river with the majority of water directed down a five-kilometre penstock to the generating station.

BC Hydro’s public warning system along the Puntledge River will be tested May 16 to 18, including this one beside Barber’s Hole. Photo supplied

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BC SPCA outlines how best to handle a dog left in a hot car

Sunshine in the forecast for B.C. begs the reminder, don’t leave dogs in hot cars.

While the province urged residents to stay safe and noted the rising temperatures won’t hit heat dome status this week – the dangers to those left in hot cars remain.

A short time in a hot car can cause harmful and life-threatening effects. Dogs can’t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly, the BC SPCA reminded.

While most people mean well, the BC SPCA strongly recommended not breaking a window if a dog is left inside a vehicle. Legally, only police and BC SPCA special constables have the authority to enter a vehicle to help a pet in distress.

Breaking a window risks harming the dog and puts the prospective Good Samaritan at risk. What folks can do, is keep a kit in the car that includes bottled water, a small bowl, a small battery-powered fan, and a towel that can be soaked in water.

If there is a window slight-

ly open, hydrate the animal while awaiting an emergency response.

Even leaving the car with the air conditioning running isn’t recommended by the BC SPCA as it can stop working.

If a dog is showing clear signs of distress, promptly call local animal control, police, or the BC SPCA helpline at 1-855-622-7722.

Signs of heatstroke:

• Exaggerated panting or the sudden stopping of panting

• Rapid or erratic pulse

• Salivation, anxious or staring expression

• Weakness and muscle tremors or lack of coordination

• Convulsions or vomiting, and collapse

What to do:

Don’t leave dogs in the car, even with the air conditioner running, begs the BC SPCA. (BC SPCA photo)

• Move your pet to a cool, shady place

• Wet the animal with cool water

• Do not apply ice as this will constrict blood flow and discourage cooling

• Fan your pet to promote evaporation. This cools the blood, helping to reduce the animal’s core temperature

• Allow your pet to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available)

• Take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment

BC SPCA also offers tips on caring for pets during hot weather in general online at spca.bc.ca.

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Editorial

BC Housing scandal an appalling mess

The audit of BC Housing and its relationship with Atira Women’s Resource Society has revealed a peculiar scandal.

There’s no evidence of personal enrichment. As far as Ernst & Young accountants can tell, no one was skimming funds.

What happened was a case of blatant favouritism in a provincial agency with a $2 billion annual budget.

Former BC Housing CEO Shayne Ramsay, who resigned in 2022, is married to Atira CEO Janice Abbott.

Over the most recent fiscal year reviewed, Atira received $90 million, a full $35 million more than any other non-profit funded by BC Housing. Rules were ignored, and on at least 27 occasions, Ramsay involved himself in decisions regarding Atira through BC Housing employees.

There are, and should be, questions about whether Atira was spending that money well.

But even if every dollar was well spent – and safeguards around that seem to have been ignored as well – it would still be a case of blatant favouritism.

The entire province is facing a housing crisis. BC Housing was the lead agency tasked with protecting and creating housing for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

The fact that a good chunk of its budget was siphoned off to a group run by the CEO’s wife, without oversight, means that other groups, which also wanted funding for desperately needed projects, were sent packing without a cheque.

The audit is a good first step. Getting rid of the BC Housing board, a decision Premier David Eby made last year, was also necessary. But a deeper investigation is still required. Were laws broken?

More important, this can’t happen again – not at BC Housing, not at any provincial agency. Stronger conflict of interest controls, and rewards for whistleblowers, might help prevent another incident.

– Black Press

B.C. seniors advocate begins transition into retirement

■ Isobel Mackenzie GUEST COLUMN

Ihave met with Health Minister Adrian Dix to advise him that this will be my final year serving as seniors advocate for the Province of British Columbia and advise him to begin a public recruitment process to choose my successor. When the position of seniors advocate was created, there was no term to the appointment, and for a variety of reasons, I do believe these types of offices should have defined terms. While I could happily continue this richly rewarding work forever, I am aware that I cannot and should not go on indefinitely. With this in mind, I advised the minister of my intent to retire from the role of seniors advocate for British Columbia on what will be the 10th anniversary of my appointment, March 31, 2024.

Over the next year, I will continue to lead the work of this office and I look forward to continued engagement with B.C. seniors over the next 11 months, including the celebration of Seniors Week in early June. In addition to our annual monitoring reports, our office has systemic reviews related to assisted living, rural seniors, community programs and long-term care underway. There may be additional issues that arise, but given their importance and urgency, I expect to conclude and release these larger systemic reviews prior to my departure.

As seniors advocate for British Columbia, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with seniors from every imagin-

able background and geography. This has informed me, it has changed me, and I will be forever grateful for the privilege of this experience.

Over the past 30 years, I have had the good fortune to work with dedicated health care professionals and this has been especially so in my role as seniors advocate. Throughout the health and social service network of this province, from deputy ministers and health authority CEOs, to frontline nurses, care aides, social workers, cleaners, food service workers, volunteers and community activists, there are tens of thousands of individuals who come to work every day to make B.C. a better place for the aging population. The work to improve is never done and we can always do better, but I am confident that we will continue to make progress because I see on a daily basis the overwhelming love and support families offer their aging loved ones and that as a society, we care about our fellow citizens.

In this position, I have also had the privilege of working with elected officials at all levels of government and from different political parties. Without exception, I have found them all to be dedicated to making their communities better and to serving the needs of their growing seniors’ population. There is not always agreement on how best to achieve the desired outcome, but there is unanimity in the goal of allowing seniors in B.C. to age with dignity and comfort in their own communities. When I met with the minister, I also took the opportunity to thank him and his government for the respect and support they have provided to the Office of the Seniors

Advocate and to me personally as the advocate. I would also extend this gratitude to previous health minister Terry Lake and to the previous government who created this office and appointed me, through a public hiring process, as the first B.C. seniors advocate.

“The nature of this office and the work of an advocate is always to look at what is possible. The role of government is to balance these aspirations with the reality of infinite demands for finite resources. It has been my experience that this dynamic tension has always been approached with an understanding of our respective roles and a respect for the challenges we all face. When I look back over the past 30 years of my work in various aspects of services for seniors, I recognize improvements have been made, however, I also see how much more we can do. In the words of Florence Nightingale more than 150 years ago, “Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.”

I look forward to a busy year continuing my work while the government moves forward in recruiting my successor. I have offered my full support in smooth transition, and I am confident that over the next year, the government will find someone with the passion and skills to continue the important work of this office.”

The Office of the Seniors Advocate is an independent office of the provincial government with a mandate of monitoring seniors’ services and reporting on systemic issues affecting seniors.

LETTERS to the Editor

Send your letter to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com.

Please keep letters to a maximum of 350 words and sign with your name

and hometown. We reserve the right to publish and to edit for space/clarity. Please keep letters topical.We will not

run letters advocating for or against individual businesses (those associated with published news articles notwithstanding).

Email: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are the sole opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.

Comox Valley woman’s experiences serve as a cautionary tale

Dear editor,

In the past three months, I have experienced physical intimidation and verbal assault from two men on separate occasions and in different locations within Courtenay. Both incidents were related to my fouryear-old son’s behaviour. He is a great kid and I consider myself an attentive mother. I also have a baby girl who was present both times.

The first occurrence was at a grocery store. It involved another shopper who swore at my son and yelled “(Expletive deleted)

millennials, don’t breed them if you can’t control them,” and other vitriol from a distance that was too close for comfort. It was because my son had knocked off a couple of sales tags in an aisle and I didn’t notice.

More recently, a man at the pool was angered because my son was sitting on the hot tub stairs. He would have moved immediately if required, particularly for someone with a disability. Still, I shouldn’t have allowed it. But this person found it necessary to rant about the rule while following us to the change-room entrance. The rage and

unhinged nature of these individuals over minor issues caused by a young boy was frightening. Both situations should have been handled with respect. I was shocked at the audacity to threaten us. It no longer feels safe going to these places.

I would like to address this issue to everyone in the community, but mainly women –please do not interact with people who make you fearful. It is not worth risking your safety. If it weren’t for others who witnessed these events, I would have thought it was the ‘Twilight Zone’ because of the similar

encounters back-to-back. But an important difference was how I reacted. At the grocery store, I responded to the millennials comment with some choice words, which caused more outrage from the man.

However, at the pool I stayed completely disengaged and tried to remain calm as I knew there was a potential for escalation. As a woman and mother, I can’t help but reflect on misogyny. How would these men have acted if it was my husband instead?

Aisha MacKay, Courtenay

Canada Health Transfer deal gives provinces ‘carte blanche’ on how to spend the money

Dear editor,

Just to be clear. The March 1 federal government’s Canada Health Transfer deal of $46.2 billion over 10 years looks pretty sweet at first glance.

But, as it has since 1995, it comes with little or no requirement for the money to actually be spent on our broken, toxic healthcare system. The agreement requires only 58

cents of every dollar need be spent on health care. Not only that: get this! The provinces do not even have to show how the money is spent.

My bet? Politicians who are looking to get re-elected will use most of these funds to cut taxes. Quality health care will be left to continue its steep downward spiral into becoming nothing but a memory that we baby

boomers will cherish.

These funds should come with absolute caveats that mandate 100 per cent of these funds be spent on health care. And that the public should be totally informed on how those funds are spent. If you agree, take a moment and let our provincial premier know that we demand better and that we are indeed watching.

ComoxValley AgriculturalPlan Workshops

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Eagle electrocution turns heads at Point Holmes

A Comox Valley photographer quickly found out timing is everything as he snapped a series of photos last week of an eagle’s untimely electrocution from a power line at a Valley beach.

Don Tait was on a bike ride near the boat launch at Point Holmes when he spotted about half a dozen bald eagles on the shoreline at the end of the ramp.

From the corner of his eye, he saw an eagle flying parallel to him along the shoreline with what he believed to be a salmon skeleton in his mouth.

“My head went down as I rode and when I looked up again the eagle was over the road but he no longer had the fish,” said Tait. “I looked up and it was hanging from the power line.”

Being a photographer, Tait explained his instinct took over and he stopped to take out his phone after the eagle took a second pass near the powerline. The eagle took a few more

passes in an attempt to recover the salmon, and on the fourth try, Tait noted it appeared as though the bird didn’t have a lot of momentum.

“He came low and swept up and tried to grab the salmon with his talon which came around the wire and the fish. It spun around 90 degrees and its outstretched wing touched the second power line.

“There was a big pop and a light flash. A lot of people in cars at the beach were there and

saw it as it landed on the boat launch ramp, electrocuted. (It was) so sad to see.”

Tait found the time stamp on his photo - 2:23 p.m. on May 11 - which matched the blinking microwave clock time when he arrived at this home in Comox, as the eagle caused a small bump in the power supply.

He added a handful of people at the scene contacted a local organization to assist with the deceased eagle.

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Erin Haluschak Record staff

Comox Valley photographer Don Tait snapped a series of photos the moment an eagle was electrocuted May 11 at Point Holmes trying to recover a salmon hanging off a power line. Photos by Don Tait.

This story is part of a past edition of the Comox Valley Record’sTrioMagazine,published quarterly and available throughouttheComoxValley. Thespringeditionisavailable at the Record office (407D Fifth St.) and at businesses throughouttheComoxValley.

• • •

Blythe Reimer was destined to fly; little did she know she would be a Canadian trailblazer.

These days, the Comox resident spends her workdays running her restaurant, the Tidal Café, but few people know about her storied - and historic - past.

Capt. Blythe Reimer was the first Canadian woman ever to pilot a CH-124 Sea King helicopter.

While flying for the Canadian Armed Forces wasn’t always a dream of hers, she said it isn’t overly surprising her life choices guided her in that direction.

Both her father and grandfather were military pilots, but it wasn’t until later on that Reimer followed that path.

“I was always in an environment where military aviation was a part of my life,” she said.

Despite that, her entire military career did not even start with flying in mind.

“Me, being the rebel I am, decided to take a different

path. I joined the naval reserves. I actually was on course in Esquimalt in the early days when they had just opened combat trades to women. So I became a boatsman. I was super excited that I could drive the boat.”

Reimer said aviation - or the military as a whole - was not in the cards at the time.

“I was going to school to be a lawyer, or maybe to work for external affairs as a translator. I have two degrees - one is in political science, and one is in languages. But I was just coming to graduate university, and I walked by the recruiting centre one day and said to myself, ‘I’m going to sign up to be a pilot.’ ”

From a military career standpoint, Reimer combined the two branches as the Sea King is a twin-engined anti-submarine warfare helicopter designed for shipboard use by Canadian naval forces.

The rest, as they say, is history - Canadian history.

She put her flight hours in mostly at Portage la Prairie, Man., flying a CT-134 Musketeer for about three months, before spending nearly a year training in Moose Jaw, Sask., then back to Manitoba for her specialized rotary training.

“When I first graduated, I met my ship in Hamburg, Germany… the HMCS Nipigon. It was really neat because it was the only ship at that point that

had women on it. We did a lot of NATO exercises.

“But most of my time was spent doing Fisheries patrol, and we did. A lot of medevacs from fishing vessels and other search and rescue stuff.”

She said she never really considered her path to be of the trailblazing variety, and although she was aware that she was entering a male-dominated industry, to her it was just a matter of being the best that she could be.

“It was bad enough that you are a woman at that time, doing a typically male job. You don’t want to be noticed any more than you have to be. But I was really lucky that the men who were my cohorts, my peer group, were all just very supportive, very nice.”

Not only was Reimer the first female pilot of a Sea King, she also was part of an all-female crew.

Reimer retired from the Canadian military in 2002, and after some time spent in Aidrie, Alta., she and her family moved to the Comox Valley in 2010. Her husband, Kurt, also a retired military pilot, now flies commercially, for WestJet. She said there are times when she misses the military life, but it’s in her past.

“I definitely have thought about it, but every time I do, when it comes right down to it, having two pilots in the family, for us, would be a challenge.”

Terry Farrell Record staff

Capt. Blythe Reimer was the first Canadian woman ever to pilot a CH-124 Sea King helicopter. Photo by Ali Roddam

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Blue Devils alumni return to coach summer swim club

The Comox Valley’s summer swim team, the Blue Devils welcomes three former Blue Devils back as summer coaches and celebrates the end of the winter maintenance season with an additional former Blue Devil as the winter coach.

Sam Helpard is back for his second year as the Blue Devils’ head coach. Helpard is a 23-year-old Comox Valley native who is a graduate of Brentwood College School. He initially began swimming with the Blue Devils when he was just three years old and continued his swim career with the team until the age of 16. Helpard holds several club records in the 100-metre backstroke and the 50-metre freestyle. Prior to becoming the Blue Devils’ head coach last year, Helpard offered his coaching talents with the club as a winter maintenance coach as well as a junior coach. He has also coached in the Special Olympics for a decade. Helpard plans to attend University of Victoria in the fall to pursue an engineering degree.

The Blue Devils also welcome back Ava Webb for her second year as an assistant coach with the Blue Devils. Prior to becoming assistant coach, Webb helped the Blue Devils as a junior coach. She first began swimming with the Blue Devils at the age of five and swam all the way until she was 17 years old. Ava graduated in 2022 from GP Vanier in conjunction with Partners in Education. Webb has just completed her first year at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and is studying environmental

science and continues to swim with their intramural swim team. She is happy to be back home in the Comox Valley for the summer.

The Blue Devils welcome back Tristan Bennett this year for his first year as an assistant coach. Like Webb, Bennett also graduated in 2022. He has spent many years in Japan and

Hong Kong with his parents and attended the Hong Kong International School for his secondary education. He returns back to the Comox Valley every summer with his family where he swam with the Blue Devils. Bennett began swimming with the Blue Devils at nine years old and swam all the way up to last sum-

mer. Bennett is swimming for the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, where he currently holds the 18-year-old Alberta provincial record for the 50-metre breaststroke and is also currently ranked in the top five in Canada in the 50 breaststroke.

The Blue Devils would not be complete without the tireless dedication of our winter maintenance coach, Abby McDowell, who took the coaching helm last September and kept the Blue Devils swimmers in top condition during the off-season. McDowell was born and raised in Comox Valley and graduated from GP Vanier in 2021. She is currently pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing at North Island College.

McDowell began swimming at the age of seven and competed in her last season as a Blue Devil just last summer. Her favourite stroke is freestyle and she still holds several Blue Devil and Vancouver Island Regional records in the 50- and 100-metre freestyle. The Blue Devils look forward to having McDowell back for another season of winter maintenance in the fall.

The Blue Devils are just starting up their summer swim season. They practise at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre during the month of May and then move to the Memorial outdoor pool in Courtenay in June. Registration is still open for the summer season for swimmers age five and up of all swim abilities. Information on the Blue Devils’ swim program can be found at bluedevilswim.ca/

Blue Devils alumni (from left) Tristan Bennett, Ava Webb, Abby McDowell, and Sam Helpard will all return to coach the swim club this summer. Photo supplied.

A record 134 participants from all over B.C. attended the Comox Valley Pickleball Association’s Sixth Annual Pickleball Tournament held at the Canadian Forces gymnasium in Comox on May 6

This year there were seven events held on six indoor courts handling multiple skill levels including men’s and women’s doubles on Saturday and mixed doubles on Sunday. An event of this size could not operate without the support of its volunteer group.

The medal winners for this year’s pickleball tournament were:

Women’s 3.5

Gold: Carol Usher and Sally Morten, Nanaimo

Silver: Tessa Graham and Vanessa Ramsdale, Victoria

Bronze: Lina Vallee and Christine Becker, Powell River

Women’s 4.0

Gold: Barbara Meihuizen and Sandra Bars, Comox

Silver: Glenna Hazeldine and Sharon de Goede, Comox/ Cumberland

Bronze: Lina Vallee and Christine Becker, Powell River

Men’s 3.5

Gold: Mike Nesbit and Maurice Gillis, Comox Valley

Silver: Darcy Miller and Serge Poirier, Comox Valley

Bronze: Michael Tymchuk and Al Lobban, Cumberland

Men’s 4.0

Gold: David Blumer and Rob MacDonald, Shawnagan

Silver: Tony Toledo and Calvin Woroniak, Comox

Bronze: Wade Dawe and Neil Rich, Parksville

Mixed 3.0

Gold: Tessa Graham and Bob Friesen, Saturna Isle./ Victoria

Silver: Sandra Bassett and Bryan Mitchell, Nanaimo

Bronze: Geoff Brameld and Donna Turner, Comox

Mixed 3.5

Gold: Maurice Gillis and Jane Morris, Comox

Silver: Shawn Hickman and Venessa Ramsdale, Victoria

Bronze: Beverly Truman and David Zyla, Courtenay

Mixed 4.0

Gold: Sandra Bars and Alex Hornby, Campbell River/ Cortes Isle.

Silver: Joshua Mitchell and Lee-Ann Mitchell, Nanaimo

Bronze: Murray Serjeant and Megan Mitchell, Nanaimo For more information on the CVPA and the sport itself, visit cvpickleball.ca.

Comox Valley runners excel at Bazen Bay 5k

Nineteen runners from the Comox Valley joined over 550 runners in the last race of the Vancouver Island Race Series held on April 23.

Hosted by the Synergy Health Centre, the Bazan Bay 5K race is a fast out-andback event along the shores of Sidney. Warm, dry conditions made for excellent running conditions.

Comox Valley runners all put forth great efforts. They were led by Logan Roots, who ran the course in 15:30 and placed first in the M30-34 age category. Also placing first in his age category (M55-59) was Comox Valley Road Runners (CVRR) coach Neil Holm with a time of 17:22. James Fielding ran a fast-paced race posting a time of 17:34 clinching first place in the M40-44 age group.

Fresh from finishing fourth in his age category at the Boston Marathon, Derek Brenchley completed the Bazan Bay race in 19:42 to place second in the M65-69 age category.

Jordan Brietzke ran a remarkable time of 18:25. This

was after placing fifth in the Nimble Bear 50K Ultra in Kelowna only one day before. He was joined Comox Valley Run To Beer founder Derek Kaufman, who also completed the “double” by running a 50K ultramarathon one day followed the Bazan Bay 5K the next.

It was a busy weekend for Comox Valley runners as four CVRR racers also successfully completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors Virtual Marathon. This was a virtual race where racers design

Jane Dawson, a recent graduate of the CVRR 5k Clinic, completes the Bazan Bay 5k Photo credit: Joe Camilleri

and race their own marathon route and submit timed results for a chance to qualify for a spot in the 2024 Abbott World Marathon Age Group Championships. All four of the local racers were able to secure one of only 200 spots offered around the world to gain entry into this prestigious event. The runners were Rob Kelly M55-59 (2:59), Danny Keyes M60-64 (3:06), Wayne Crowe M65-69 (3:11), and Roz Smith W70-74 (3:47). The racers were supported by fellow CVRR members.

nopre-registrationrequired.firstcome,firstserved!

CumberlandRotarywillhaveadunktankatCumberlandEmpire DaysonMay22from11:00am-2:00pm.Wewillberightnext tothebeergardens.Comeandbringyourfriendstotryitoutfor lotsoffun.ThemoneyraisedwillgototheScouttroopfortheir triptotheInternationalJamboreeinSouthKorea.

DOINGGOODANDHAVINGFUN!!

AnenthusiasticandcommittedgroupofRotaryClubofComoxValley members,accompaniedbyfamily&friends,hadalotoffunonSaturday, April22nd,astheydidtheirparttosupportProjectWatershed’sshoreline cleanupday,aspartofEarthDay2023!Ourgroupwassuccessfulin cleaningupSimmsParkandpartsoftheshorelineoftheCourtenayRiver inCourtenay.Kudostothemandtotheothercommunitygroupswhoall did theirparttokeepourValleybeautiful.

Brand namesake April Cornell coming to La Cache

April Cornell, the well-known retailer and artist, is visiting Comox Valley and her affiliate boutique, La Cache Comox Valley on May 17-18.

Join her from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday (May 17) and stop in for tea from 11-2 p.m. on May 18.

Since 2012, Cornell has partnered with local business owner Linda Beattie to present a concept store, La Cache, to the Comox Valley, adorned with her ephemeral prints and lively colors and merchandised by the talented retail staff headed by Beattie. With roots in Canada stretching back to the 1970s, Cornell has used her platform as a retailer to bring her art to life, with prints inspired by her watercolours and a vivacious use of color that has become her signature.

Comox Valley and all of Vancouver Island have been a special destination for Cornell, visiting family in and around Victoria and working closely with Beattie on the vision for her shop.

While she’s in town she plans to do a live art demonstration with new artworks for Beattie’s boutique that the public are welcome

to observe. In addition, Beattie and Cornell will host and serve tea to the public on Thursday, May 18, and make time for a meet and greet with

April to discuss her inspiration, her journey as a retailer, and how she chooses the colors and patterns for her nearly 50-year-old brand.

Explore all that British Columbia has to offer with Harvest, our new monthly magazine.

We’ll introduce you to the people whose hard work and creativity make them sustainability leaders. Agriculture is central to our stories that cover everything from artisan fare and crop innovations to agritourism and travel. Grab your copy at local newsstands or visit your Black Press Media news website for an e-copy. Join us in celebrating food, community and earth.

New fund aims to reimburse legal fees for victims of military sexual misconduct

The military’s independent sexual misconduct support and resource centre is creating a new fund to help victims pay for legal services, defence officials said Thursday.

The centre will review applications to reimburse military members and those who say they have faced misconduct by a military member for their legal fees for criminal proceedings, and for up to four hours of legal advice.

“They can attest to ‘it was an incident of sexual misconduct,’” said Linda Rizzo Michelin, the response centre’s chief operating officer, during a briefing to reporters on the Canadian Armed Forces’ efforts to stamp out sexual misconduct.

“So it’s not regarding reporting or an investigation or anything of that kind. We’re looking to support the individuals that need this type of independent legal assistance.”

That was one of the 48 recommendations made by former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour in a May 2022 report.

Arbour’s review was prompted by what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau then called a “failing of the entire system,”at a time when sexual misconduct scandals had led to the departures of several high-ranking members of the military.

The Defence Department laid out a plan last December to implement those changes.

One of the report’s “most impactful” calls, the department said in a media release Thursday, was the recommendation to transfer jurisdiction of criminal sexual offences from the Canadian Armed Forces to the civilian justice system.

In her report, Arbour said the change was

necessary to address widespread mistrust and doubt about the military’s ability to properly handle such cases. But she also noted that some police forces and associations, including the Ontario Provincial Police, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and its counterpart in British Columbia, opposed the recommendation.

Ontario’s solicitor general wrote a letter to Defence Minister Anita Anand complaining that the new caseloads were putting a strain on resources, and last July it was made public that civilian police services had refused to accept 23 cases.

There are agreements in place with the RCMP, Sûreté du Québec and now the Ontario Provincial Police to refer cases to police for investigation.

However, in a technical briefing provided to reporters Thursday morning, officials refused to give an update on the number of cases that have been referred and the number that have been rejected, if any.

The support and resource centre also announced Thursday it would expand its services to include cadets, junior rangers and members of the defence community who are at least 16 years old.

And officials told reporters that they are launching a call for members of the defence community who’ve been the victims of sexual misconduct to join a consultation group.

Rizzo Michelin said that’s to allow people to share their experiences and help develop future programs and services.

—Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press

Cumberland asks residents how to protect their trees

Olivier Laurin Record staff

In 2020, Cumberland adopted an Urban Forest Management Plan, which highlighted an important loss of tree canopy in the last decade.

To prevent further loss, the plan proposed the adoption of a bylaw to protect and manage the municipality’s trees and surrounding forests. Tree protection bylaws can be fashioned according to the community’s preference, and

can offer a wide variety of options to regulate the management of trees.

Among other things, it can demand tree-cutting permits and provide detailed procedures to protect trees according to their species and sizes.

Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown emphasizes that the participation of residents is crucial to successfully establishing this kind of regulation.

“There are various options to better protect trees in Cumberland and retain our ‘Village in

the Forest’ character,” says Brown. “It’s very important for council to hear what residents want to see happen. Please take some time to participate in this process.”

The village invites residents to participate in online meetings on May 17 or May 18 as well as complete an online survey available from May 15 to June 2.

For more information about meeting registration and to fill out the survey, visit cumberland.ca

WhereWeLiveand HowWeBrush

DearDoctors:

Isitpossible forteethtobe different depending onwherewe live?

Answer:

Dentistry hasa long history. On every continent andregion, therearephysicalandcultural differences.Differentshapedheads, mouths, differenteating habits, frequencyof dentalvisits –allreflect differentstatistics onteeth. Researcherscanprovidevariablesdetermining averageheight,weight, dentalcavities, ageof dental maturity, environmentalchange factors, sizeofteeth,enamel coverage,and accelerated or decelerated dental development dependingon how farone lives fromtheequator.

GNARLY FLASH MOB

A flash mob took to the streets of Courtenay earlier this month dancing their way through various events in town. A group of around 30 dancers took over the Old Farm Market in downtown Courtenay and then made their way to Native Sons Hall during the LINC’s Gnarly Youth Craft Fair May 6. Co-ordinator Darlene Birtwistle said the flash mob performed a line dance in each location.

C A$H REWARDS

CRIME STOPPERS WILL PAY CASH REWARDS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COMOX VALLEY.

CALL 1-800-222-TIPS(8477)

May18th-BingointheUpperHall.

FERRYSCHEDULES

EffectiveMay18,2023toJune21,2023 6:25am,6:55am*,7:25am**,8:45am,9:40am^,11:05am, 12:15pm^^,1:25pm,2:45pm#,3:55pm,6:15pm,8:30pm, 9:05pm^^,10:40pm

EffectiveMay18,2023toJune21,2023 6:25am,8:45am,9:45am*,11:05am,11:40am**, 12:00pm^,1:25pm,3:55pm,6:15pm,6:45pm^^, 7:30pm#,8:30pm,10:40pm,11:30pm^^ *May22only,**May19,23only,^FridayexceptMay19, ^^May22,SundayexceptMay21,#M-FexceptMay22

5:45pm,8:15pm,10:45pm

VANCOUVER toNANAIMO Tsawwassento DukePoint COMOXto POWELLRIVER LittleRiverto Westview POWELLRIVER toCOMOX Westviewto LittleRiver

Whatis‘telling’is consideringgeneral differences betweenurban vs. ruralsettings, and developed vs.undeveloped countries. InCanada, although we haveavery mixedheritage, certain behaviour changes canbe enoughtoberecognizedfrom oneareatoanother.Our huge size comparedto our relatively smallpopulationmeansthatsome generalizationswillprove‘true’.

We indentistryseepatients ofall types regularly. Their geneticdevelopment matters little forall intents andpurposes, butbehaviours do.Ifan areais underservicedwith convenient dentists, thanthe citizenswho livetherearegoingto have to drivefurther thanothersfor dentalcare.Much ofitgetsdelayed,and in realityignored until toolate in somecases. Children should seethe dentistforthefirsttimeatage 1, yetin ruralareas practitionerstellusofseeing8yearold children fortheveryfirsttime.Every dentistvirtually anywhere has had ‘discussions’withparents of 8yearoldswithrotting adultmolarswhotellus fromthebottomoftheir heartthatthesearebaby teethandthey don’t matter.In urbanareasthis occurs lessbecauseoftheareasofoverlapping influence whichusually haschildren visitingthe dentistearlier

EffectiveApril1,2023toSeptember30,2023 6:15am,9:55am,3:25pm*,7:10pm

EffectiveApril1,2023toSeptember30,2023 8:05am,11:50am,5:15pm*,8:45pm

EffectiveApril1,2023toJune22,2023 5:15am*,7:45am,10:15am,12:45pm,3:15pm, 5:45pm,8:15pm,10:45pm OpenDaily 9am-5pm

Ifchildren arenot examinedatanearlyage, problemsaremore likelytobe undiagnosed and untreated.Ifyoungstersarenottaught appropriatepersonaloralcare,theyaremore likelyto developcavities. If adults are less diligent withoralhealth habits, theyaremore likelyto join the 22% ofCanadian adults over60 who have noteeth. Ifyourdentistismorethanaoneor two hourdriveaway, dentistryismore likelytobe‘one ofthesedays’scenariosuntilsomething actually hurts –andtheresolutionofthatismore likelyto involve lossofatooth. Acceptance ofthe factthat one’sgrandparentshaddentures, their parents haddentures,leadstoagrudging acceptance that dentures areahead Thisisnotasprevalent inurbanareas, andisnotasprevalentwithBaby Boomerswhowerebornwiththebesttimingfor jobs, houseprices, andeducation. Generally,they arenotwillingtoplace their teeth in aglassof water beside thebed! Soyes, statisticallyteethcan be different dependingonwherewe live!

LIVING Plus

Dr. Shawn Peters Special to the Record

According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, in 2020 124,000 Canadians were diagnosed with dementia. By 2030, it is projected that upwards of one million Canadians will be living with dementia. These are stagger-

ing numbers. There are many causes and multiple types of dementia, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no cure, there are factors that can be addressed to reduce one’s risk. As a naturopathic doctor, my aim is to help you identify risk factors and develop

a plan with you to address them. A comprehensive bloodwork panel can test for a number of risk factors, including blood sugar, inflammatory markers, homocysteine, and more. Genetic tests can also be ordered as a part of Alzheimer’s disease risk. Reducing risk factors is an important step, including

making dietary changes to support blood sugar and heart health.

One particular way of eating, called the Mediterranean diet, reduces inflammation, is rich in antioxidants, and is known to improve both diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. All of these are aspects to address with dementia.

A Mediterranean diet includes fish as a major component, many of which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. One consideration when eating fish is to avoid those that are higher in mercury. This is because mercury has toxic effects in the body, especially on the brain. Lower mercury fish include shrimp, salmon, pollock, and canned light tuna.

Lifestyle choices can also be impactful for dementia, including eliminating smoking, reducing excessive alcohol consumption, and exer-

cising. Exercise can improve memory, brain function, and increase blood flow to the brain. Not to mention, exercise can improve blood sugar and heart health (those risk factors I talked about above). There are different ways to exercise and various types to enjoy, but enjoyment is the key factor. Like anything, the chance of you continuing to exercise is highly dependent on whether you enjoy the activity. So, the first step with exercising is picking something you enjoy doing.

One of the key aspects that I address with patients looking to prevent dementia is to reduce chronic inflammation. This is because inflammation that affects the brain is a contributor to the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s. When thinking about a foundation for optimal brain health, we turn back to what we eat. A diet

that is rich in plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds) tends to include more antioxidants, which reduces inflammation in the body.

On top of diet, there are herbal medicines and supplements that are anti-inflammatory. Two examples include curcumin and fish oil, both of which help to reduce inflammation. There are various types and qualities of curcumin and fish oil on the market, so ensure you pick the right one for you. \If in doubt, your naturopathic doctor can clarify.

If you feel like naturopathic medicine can help you, contact Dr. Shawn for a complimentary “meet the doctor” visit.

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in downtown Courtenay. Contact via 250-897-0235 or www.getwellhere.com

Consider all angles

When I first heard about Henrietta’s story, I thought, “Oh-oh – this is a recipe for disaster.” A lady in her early 70s, in a townhouse, has her son and his large dog move in with her. He has four kids from a marriage and a common-law relationship. He has just moved out of his common-law situation. He has shared custody of the older two children.

I have heard about these situations several times in the recent past. Fragile mom who cannot say no to her adult son, who sometimes even acquires “the large dog” after he moves in. So when I chatted with Henrietta, I was surprised at her not falling into my “stereotype.” What was different? Sure, she says, “when he first moved in, three weeks before Christmas, it was on an emergency basis, he had no place to go. And it wasyes, chaotic!” But there are some significant differences between Henrietta and the

image of the frail senior, having to accept (as if without choice) the invasion of the adult son and large dog.

Henrietta is now able to see her four grandchildren more regularly, (and live with two of them almost half of the time) she also has a dog, and seems to have no issues with the additional one.

Also, and perhaps most significantly, Henrietta has a long-term plan to move onto a property with her daughter – she is able to stay with her now when life at home gets hectic. She has a close relationship with her daughter and has a long-term plan to (hopefully) sell the townhouse to her son (for me all the bells and whistles go off now, and I say, make sure you get legal advice to which she calmly responds, “Oh, I won’t transfer title until he has paid up.”)

Henrietta’s occupation was in education and she is loving the extra time with her grandkids. She recognized the importance of being there for her son in his “hour of need” and has some con-

fidence in his growing ability to pay rent, and help take care of the kids. Henrietta has lots of close friends and says she can “disappear” when it looks like “cooking for five or six, and leave her son to it.”

Henrietta’s situation is unique and has many more benefits than what would appear on the surface. So perhaps the main questions to ask yourself, if you (as a senior) see this type of situation becoming likely, are, how strong am I (physically and psychologically), is there a benefit for me in this situation, and can I establish both enforceable “house rules” and a firm and enforceable end date to the arrangement? We are hardwired to love and help our kids, but do take a step back and breathe, and seek reliable advice, before jumping into a situation that might be extremely uncomfortable for you and difficult to terminate.

Jennifer Pass is the Co-ordinator of Comox Valley Elders Take Action (ETA)

GIVING BACK

WHAT’S YOUR GROUP UP TO?

The Comox Valley Record wants to recognize the many acts of philanthropy that make our community a better place to live. Email your photos and submissions to editor@ comoxvalleyrecord.com,with“GivingBack”inthesubjectline.

The Rev. Ryan Slifka presents a cheque for $1,810 on behalf of St. George’s United Church to Kevin Elsasser, president, and other members of the Sonshine Lunch Club Board. The Sonshine Lunch Club is one of the many community organizations supported by St. George’s United.

The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation is grateful to have received $3,000 in gift cards from the Thrifty Foods Community Action Fund in support of the Transition Suites’ Food Program led by Island Health’s Community Health Services team. The Transition Suites at Washington Apartments are an important service offered by Community Health Services for patients who are transitioning from hospital acute care to long-term care or assisted living. The generosity of Thrifty Foods ensures vulnerable members of our community receive nutritional hot meals that will contribute to their wellness and a high quality of care. Thank you Thrifty Foods!

Mike Bartemucci from Thrifty Foods, Jennifer Block from Community Health Services, and Rhonda Stevens from the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation.

Kevin and Boom Wilson of Jiffy Lube present a cheque for $10,000 to organizers of the 2023 Jeepapalooza to go to the BC Cancer Foundation. “Thank You Jeepapalooza for taking on this initiative we hope you all have a fun safe event,” said Kevin. “After all, who isn’t affected by cancer?” Jeepapalooza takes place in the Comox Valley on May 19.

Firefighter Sam Pridmore and Elsa Gilroy delivering an AED to Comox Valley Master Soccer Club member John Ross. The club is providing $1,000 for 50 per cent of the costs. This is the third AED the soccer club has invested in. These AEDs will be carried with their soccer teams to games and practices. For more information on the publicly accessible AED program and training programs, contact Comox Fire Rescue at firehall@comox.ca.

Photo:

In Memory of Michael Andrew Strandberg

April 1, 1968 – May 18, 2022

Inlovingmemoryof

1966–2022

Itiswithgreatsadness,thesuddenpassingof ourdaughterKelly

Kellywillbelovingrememberedbyher children;Derek/Britt,Coral/Jeffandher grandsonCohen.HerparentsMichaeland Margaret,hersiblingsDarren/Tara,Ian, LauraandEdwinandherpartnerRobertand numerousniecesandnephews,cousinsand friends.

Kellywaswildandnowshe’sfree.Reunited ineternitywithherbeloveddogsCaseyand Max.Mayshefinallyknowthemysteriesofthe universeandwhatis“beyondtheblack”.

Remembering Mike Strandberg

passed away on May 18, 2022 at the age of 54 years.

ACelebrationofLifewillbeheldatDarren Nixon’s,5877HeadquartersRoad,Courtenay, May27th,startingat3pm.BBQ,bringachair. Inlieuofflowerspleaseconsideradonation thealocalanimalrescue.Animalsandchildren werehergreatestsourceofjoy.

As Long as Hearts Remember

In loving memory of John “Scottie”Thow Watt

December9th,1937-April24th,2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passingofJohnWatt.

John’s legacy is defined by his family, friendships, sense of humour, passion for buildingandgardening,andabilitytoconnect with others. He was always willing to lend a handtoanyonewhoaskedwithouthesitation. He never tired of trying to make the world a morebeautifulplace.

Johnisnowinthearmsofhislovingwifeof56 years,Yvonne.

John leaves behind his loving daughters: Carol (Steve), June (Mike), and Sharon; his grandchildren: Lindsey and Lauren, Colton and Morgan,Tamara andTaran; and his greatgranddaughter,Brooklyn.

A heartfelt thank you to Glacier View Lodge and their staff for the loving and supportive carethatJohnreceivedduringhistimethere.

A joint service for John and Yvonne will be heldatBlackCreekMennoniteChurchonJune 24th, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in John’s name to the Canadian LifeboatInstitution.

IDon’tKnowWheretoStart comoxvalleyfuneralhome.com

Throughyearsofexperience servingfamilies,weknowthat often,they’reunsureofwhere tostartandhowtoproceed whensomeoneclosetothem dies.Quitesimply,onecallto usatanytimeisallthat’s necessary.AsLicensedFuneral Directors,we’retrainedto knowwhathastobedone,to guideyouthroughtheprocess astepatatimetoensurethat thepersoniscaredfor respectfullyandthatyour choicesarefollowedthrough withdetailandefficiency,while relievingyouofthestressthat someone'sdeathcreates.Of course,weareavailableatyour conveniencetodiscussthese detailsaheadoftime,always withnoobligation.

Inlovingmemoryof ATCHISON,WillisGrant

GrantpassedawayverypeacefullyonSunday eveninginthecompanyofhisfriendRyan Thorburn,attheComoxValleyHospital.

Hewillbesadlymissedbyhiswifeof57years, Marie,hisnieceandcaregiverDaunineandhis nephewJoefromVancouver.

HeissurvivedbyhissisterMarion(Winnipeg) andMaxine(Edmonton)andhissister-in-law Eileen(Edmonton)alongwithnumerousnieces andnephewsthroughoutCanadaandtheU.S. Granthadavisionforhislifeandhelived thatvisionwithpassion.Hisworkinthesteel industrytookhimandMariefromWhitby, OntariotoMidlothian,Texaswhereheand Mariebuilttwohomes.Fromtheretheymoved toMelbourne,AUtofurtherGrant’scareer.They livedinAustraliafor9yearsandmadelifelongfriends.TheirnextmovewastoAuckland, NZfora9monthpositionandinahousethat overlookedtheocean.Whenitwastimeto movebacktoNorthAmerica,Grantlandeda jobastheGeneralManageroftheRollingMill inWestSeattlewheretheylivedforanother5 wonderfulyears.

Grantwasacareerman,butathearthewasa farmer.In1999,GrantandMarieretiredtothe DoveCreekareainCourtenay,B.C.on21acres oflandandGrantbecameafarmer,whichwas hislife-longdream.Whenthesizeoftheirhouse andacreagebecametoomuchtohandleGrant hadanothervision.Hewantedtoleaseanacre oflandonanexistingfarmandbuildamodular hometoliveinforthedurationoftheirlives.

GrantandMarieachievedthatgoal3years agoandgainedanadoptedfamilywithRyan andJaniceThorburnandtheirchildrenand grandchildrenonCinnamonHillFarm.Grant lovedtowatchthecomingsandgoingsonthe farm,theblackbearanddeervisits,thehorses andthechildren.Hewaswherehewantedto be.

Grantalsopassedasheenvisioned,quickly andwithoutpain.Hewillbeforevermissedby Marie,hisfamily,extendedfamilyandfriends.

ACelebrationofLifewillbeheldsometimein thefuture.

InlieuofflowersGrantrequestedthatdonations bemadetooneofhistwofavoritecharities: 4HBritishColumbiaFoundation,Vernon,B.C.

Registration#886318807RR0001orKidsport Canada,BCChapter,Winnipeg,Manitoba

Registration#862125986RR0003.

Condolencesandmemoriescanbeleftonline atwww.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com

In loving memory of Gladys Monts

We are saddened to announce the passing of Gladys Monts on May8,2023.

A small wake will be held at 15-2787 Wentworth Drive, Courtenay, B.C., on Tuesday, May 16,2023.

It was Gladys’ wish that any memorialtributesbemadeinthe form of charitable contributions totheCanadianCancerSociety.

As Long as Hearts Remember

As long as hearts remember, As long as hearts still care, We never part with those we love ~ They’re with us everywhere ~ So many of our precious memories, Of those we hold dear, Bring peace and comfort to us now, And keep our loved one near.

In loving memory of

Sharon Arleen Nelson

January16th,1947–May1st,2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Sharon’s unexpected passing. She will be sadly missedbyRussherhusband of 56 years, sons Lyle and Dale, granddaughters Taylor and Hailey, sister Carol and many relatives andfriends.

She was predeceased by hersecondsonCraigand her parents Phyllis and ArthurChafer.

Sharon was born in Comox Hospital and lived her whole life in the Valley. She enjoyed tap dancing and majorettes as a child then golf, bowling, boating, music,baking,sewingembroidering,knitting, and entertaining. She hosted an annual Christmas party for business associates and friends that was sometimes almost standing roomonlyformanyyears.

She was well organized. She was such a giving person. She belonged to Daughters of the Nile, Soroptimists, Rotary Anns, Courtenay and District Historical Society, ComoxValley Child Development Center and was on the board at Sunnydale where she called the starting for the men’sTillicum golf

tournamentformanyyears.

She was on the parent advisory board at Vanier School and helped organize and accompanied students to both China and Thailand. She was very interested in genealogy and her

Russ and Sharon purchased a place in Arizona and have spent about 4 ½ months a year there since about the year 2000, making so many more

Sharon loved to sing. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in the church choir. One of her highlights was Christmas with the kids where she would get down on the floor with our children and their cousins anxiously gathered around to read all their favourite Christmas carols. Although her death was tragic, she was so blessed to have almost all her immediate family at her side for thelast2daysinthehospital.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Comox ValleyFuneralHome,1101RyanRoadat2p.m. onMay26th.Inlieuofflowerspleasedonateto yourfavouritecharity.

KristaManuel

Place your condolences online.

(Visit your local newspaper website, obituary page)

PLANYOURESTATE CRLawyers

https://www.crlawyers.ca/

In loving memory of Emily Christina Bean (nee Bennie)

September30,1954–May2,2023

indication of who she was. She had strength and a positive attitude that flow from her all the time. Em was incredibly strong, resilient, and courageous and was a trusted, loyal friend. All are heartened to know that the pain and suffering she endured in her life is overandshenowrestsinpeace.

In loving memory of Phyllis Barbara Jean Giovannetti (Parsons)

July22,1940-April28,2023

Our brilliant, loving Phyllis Barbara Jean Giovannetti (Parsons) was larger than life and happily shared her love of chocolate, humour, and energy with all who had the pleasure of knowing her, working with her, and loving her. She left her earthly body on April 28, 2023. Her big heart brought together students, friends, and family. She commanded and held an audience to share her passion for opera, nursing, and research, loved to entertain, made strangers feel at home, and brought laughter and fun to any gathering, endearing herself to all. She loved skiing and kayaking the west coast and was an avid bird watcher. Born in 1940, she grew up in Calgary in a close-knit family. She trained as a nurse and received her BN from McGill University and her ScD from Johns Hopkins University in 1981. She joined the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, became a full professor in 1988, and enjoyed a lifelong career in nursing as a professor, associate dean, president of the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses, and president of the Canadian Nursing Research Interest Group. Her quick wit, clever repartee, keen intelligence, generosity, compassion, love of music, and commitment to social justice led to many contributions. Her work led to many achievements and awards, including the Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health Distinguished Alumnus

Award, Woman of the Year in Health, Science, and Technology from the Edmonton YWCA, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AARN. Retirement did not stop her; she poured her spirit and determination into teaching Opera Appreciation, Restorative justice programs, and consulting work. She is dearly missed by her partner of 48 years, Joyce Relyea, her daughter, Bonnie Giovannetti, and her brother Don Parsons. She is remembered and loved by her niece, Sheryl Adley (Rob), and nephews Robert Parson (Jen), and Kevin Parsons (Kim), all their children, cousins, and her grandson, Zac. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Grace Cowen and Victor Parsons, and twin daughter Karen. To honour and remember Phyllis, eat chocolate, drink Scotch and practice random acts of kindness. She will be there. Please join us for Mom’s funeral service Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 13:30 PST at Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox, in person or online https://www.youtube.com/@ comoxunitedchurch3917/streams.

Condolencesmaybeofferedat www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Em passed away May 2 at her home in Gold River after suffering the ravages of cancer for over 7years.

She faced her illness with dignity and grace and was brave right up to the end of her life. Her concern was about how her illness was impacting others and not herself, which is an

Em leaves behind and is deeply missed by her husband Ken, daughter Bonnie Forrester (Tom), her 2 grandchildren, as well as sisters, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Karen Stevenson (Travis), sistersandbrother.

It is with great gratitude we thank Dr. Durante, Enad O’Hara and all the staff at the Gold River Medical Clinic where she received great care.

Therewillbenoserviceasperrequest.

In loving memory of Edward George Tanner

November20,1937-May7,2023

(Eddie aka ET), Trucked on to the 19th holeonMay7th

Survived by wife Coral; daughter Kelly(Doug)andgranddaughters

Vanessa and Olivia; Ed’s son Chris; step-daughter Lisa and grand-daughter Jade; stepson Rick (June) and granddaughter Kaitlyn; Ed’s sister Lois; brother Keith (Lynda); brother-in-law David (Helen) All of Ontario; along with several nieces and nephews, in Ontario, Alberta and BC; sisterin-law Teresia (Joe) and brotherin-lawWalter(Sandra),allofBC.

Celebration of life May 19, 2023, 1:30

pm, at Comox Valley Funeral Home and Crematorium,1101RyanRoad,V9N3R6

The Rose Beyond The Wall

A rose once grew where all could see, sheltered beside a garden wall, And as the days passed swiftly by, it spread its branches, straight and tall...

One day, a beam of light shone through a crevice that had opened wide The rose bent gently toward its warmth then passed beyond to the other side

Now, you who deeply feel its loss, be comforted - the rose blooms thereits beauty even greater now, nurtured by God’s own loving care.

“Always hug the ones you love every chance you have”

breaker; meet you on the flip flop; Southbound and down.”

Place your condolences online.

your local newspaper website, obituary page)

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ARTS ENTERTAINMENT& Taiwan Acrobatic Performing Troupe to perform

two Canadian dates on the tour

Get ready to be amazed.

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month in Canada, the Comox Valley Multicultural Society and Maple Pool Campsite are co-hosting an evening of high-flying acrobatics.

The Taiwan Acrobatic Performing Troupe will be in Courtenay for one show, Friday, May 26 at the Comox Valley Sports Centre. It’s one of only two Canadian dates on the

tour - Saskatoon being the other.

The Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe was founded in 1990 and is the country’s only professional, touring acrobatic troupe. The shows are a combination of theatre, dance, acrobatics, and magic.

The group comprises more than three dozen members, mostly graduates of the Department of Acrobatics and Dance at National Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy and the Chinese Folk Arts Training Center. All of them are professional performers who have undergone intensive training to refine their skills to a high level.

Tickets for the event ($25 adult; $15 for children under 12) can be purchased online at bit.ly/3p5CZ3O, at the door, or by calling 250-792-0738.

Showtime is 7 p.m.

Fiddle concert at Kitty Coleman park May 21

The Taiwan Acrobatic Performing Troupe will be in the Comox valley for one show, Friday, May 26 at the Comox Valley Sports Centre. (video screen grab) The

Branch 17 Old Time Fiddlers will be celebrating National Fiddle Day on May 21 (a day late) out at Kitty Coleman picnic site.

The concert starts around 2 p.m. and attendees are asked to bring their own lunch, drinks, a chair and come and listen. If you can play an instrument or sing you are welcome to join in the entertainment. There will be a celebration cake to share.

Spring concert set for Comox’s Canadian Military Wives Choir

folk, catchy pop, Broadway and choral songs that touch everyone’s heart.

or by occupation and there is a strong emphasis on friendship and fun.

On Sunday, June 11 the Canadian Military Wives Choir - Comox invites the public to their annual spring concert and renowned bake sale.

The concert will be filled with a bit of everything; Canadian

The Canadian Military Wives choirs are all female choirs, which aims to support military women through vocal music and camaraderie. Members are closely associated with the military, either by marriage

The concert takes place at the 19 Wing Chapel, with doors opening at 2:40 and the concert beginning at 3 p.m. Admission is by donation. Come and enjoy an afternoon of music.

Branch 17 Fiddlers are celebrating three decades of providing music to the folks of the Comox Valley. DREAMSTIME

Photo submitted

Alcohol’s positive role in human civilization discussed

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction’s (CCSA) recently issued guidelines on alcohol and health that suggest that no amount of alcohol is good. The guidelines are based on a significant body of research that highlights the dangers of excessive drinking, including increased risk of liver disease, cancer, and mental health problems. Outcomes from CCSA guidelines may lead to the potential use of graphic warnings on wine bottles, similar to what appears on cigarette packages.

The CCSA report’s well-established facts on the risks to human health and its recommendations are based on a medical lens of risk evaluation to human health. But what is outside the scope of the CCSA approach is the broader story of how alcohol has played and continues to play a pivotal role in human civilization.

Edward Slingerland, author of Drunk, How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization addresses this wide gap in knowledge by providing arguments

about how and why vastly diverse civilizations came to recognize the advantages of alcohol. Slingerland is a UBC professor of Asian studies and a scholar of comparative religion, philosophy, and cognitive science. With considerable credentials to bring to the discussion, Slingerland asks, if the case against alcohol seems so bullet-proof, why has alcohol use persisted so pervasively despite its many obvious disadvantages? Through witty anecdotes and

sober anthropological analysis, Slingerland paints a picture of the history and rationale of alcohol as central to the evolutionary success of homo sapiens through millennia.

Alcohol use is deeply ingrained in ancient and modern societies.

He argues that alcohol use shapes local and regional culture, builds community, inspires business and cultural ingenuity, provides social and mental well-being, and supports personal and group social bonding through ritual and ceremony.

What emerges from Slingerland’s analysis in the context of the CCSA’s recommendations, is that alcohol is deeply intertwined with human

Mike Clement Trio coming to Comox

Georgia Straight Jazz Society is closing in on the conclusion of its 2022-23 Thursday night jazz concert series with an exciting penultimate concert when Mike Clements leads his trio in a tribute to Pat Martino, one of America’s greatest jazz guitarists.

Mike Clement is a fiery up-and-coming jazz guitarist. Originally from the West Coast of Canada, Clement quickly became an in-demand sideman upon his relocation to the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans.

While holding a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies, from Vancouver Island University, and a master’s degree in jazz from the University of New Orleans, Clement also boasts a robust performance career as a guitarist for a number of different bands at countless venues and festivals playing in a variety of genres including rock, pop, ska, reggae, jazz, fusion, hip-hop, R&B, blues and Motown.

Clement will be accompanied by Kosma Busheikin on bass, and Graham Villette on drums.

“The band will be playing a tasteful selection of standards as well as some of my original

music all in the swingin’ guitar trio style, keeping things lively and fun while simultaneously showcasing the incredible instrumental talents of the individual band members.”

Doors open at the Little Red Church at 7 p.m., May 18. Downbeat is at 7:30 pm. Admission is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. 2023 memberships ($20) will be for sale at the door. For more information about the remaining concert of the season, as well as the upcoming summer concerts at Anderton Gardens, please visit georgiastraightjazz.com

Malcolm Holt is the president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society

culture. A move to eliminate the “problem” of alcohol or tendencies towards moralistic calls for prohibition may be too simplistic a confrontation with personal and social ills because it ignores the complex role that alcohol plays in individuals and human society.

Slingerland will serve up an engaging elixir to inspire both levity and gravity on this important topic (and whet-your-whistle for the main Denman Island Readers and Writers Festival event this coming July). For tickets for this exciting evening on Saturday, May 20, visit denmanislandwritersfestival.com

Brad Hornick Special to the Record

Malcolm Holt Special to the Record

Edward Slingerland

Mike Clement will be performing at the Little Red Church in Comox on May 18. Photo supplied

Strathcona Symphony Orchestra hosting season-ending concerts

Caroline Lenardon Special to the Record

In the last decade of his life, Franz Schubert accumulated a sizable collection of incomplete works, but Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, more commonly known as the Unfinished Symphony, is deemed to be the composer’s pinnacle of musical achievement.

The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will be ending its concert season in May with a performance of the Unfinished Symphony and Edouard Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D Minor, featuring the orchestra’s music director, Helena Jung, as the cello soloist, and guest conductor, Paul Colthorpe.

In the first movement of Schubert’s symphony, audiences will recognize the ominous and haunting introduction by the cellos and basses leading to the melancholy sound of the clarinet over the sixteenth notes in the string section. The composition is a thrilling ride of melodic highs and lows and has delighted concertgoers since its performance debut in 1865.

“Although Schubert only completed two movements of the symphony, it is widely considered to be one of his greatest works,” said Jung. “Many people are drawn to the mystery of what the complete symphony might have sounded like. The symphony is characterized by its sweeping melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional depth.”

The mystery behind the Unfinished Symphony is a fascinating tale about how the manuscript was discovered many years after Schubert’s death. In 1823, Schubert passed on the symphonic sketch he had written the year before to his friend, Anselm Huttenbrenner.

Even after Schubert died in 1828, Huttenbrenner kept the manuscript in his desk drawer until he finally presented it to conductor and choral composer, Johann von Herbeck, who oversaw its first performance, in Vienna in 1865. SSO concertgoers will also be treated to a resounding cello solo performance by Jung and her presentation of Edouard Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D Minor, playing on her 1912 S.A. Deroux cello. She will be stepping away from the conductor’s podium and giving up the baton to guest conductor, Paul Colthorpe.

Paul is a well-known figure in the Comox Valley community, both as a music director of the North Island Choral Society choir and orchestra, and director of music ministries at the Comox United Church.

“Lalo’s Cello Concerto is a virtuosic and technically demanding piece that showcases the capabilities of the cello as a solo instrument,” said Jung. “The concerto features a range of technical challenges, including rapid scale passages, intricate finger work, and a Spanish Habanera theme which make it an exciting

piece for both the performer and the audience.”

Tickets for the SSO’s Unfinished Symphony and Cello Concerto in D Minor can be purchased online at strathcona-symphony-orchestra.tickit.ca/, or at the door, if available. Performances are on May 27 at 7 p.m. and May 28 at 2 p.m. at the Florence Filberg Centre (411 Anderton Ave., Courtenay).

Visit strathconasymphony.ca for more information.

The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will be ending its concert season in May, with two performances at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. Photo supplied

Strathcona Symphony Orchestra music director, Helena Jung, is the feature cello soloist at the season ending concerts in May. Photo supplied.

Gardens BC launches website to find gardens across B.C.

BY CHADD CAWSON

Want to visit gardens in your travels? Gardens BC has launched their new online resource gardensbc.com to help you find what you’re looking for.

This new website, which went live on May 1, offers tourists and locals alike the best spots to stop and smell the flowers, with a comprehensive guide to exploring the diverse and captivating gardens located throughout British Columbia.

Not only does this new site assist in identifying popular amenities and activities at each garden, for those excited to get their hands dirty with an array of gardening goals there is also plenty of gardening education available for those with green thumbs.

“There’s a good reason garden tourism has become so popular in recent years. These magnificent gardens offer locals and tourists alike an opportunity to connect with nature, to learn about plant biodiversity, experience rejuvenation, and so much more,” explains Geoff Ball, president of Gardens BC.

“All of the gardens featured on

gardensbc.com offer a distinct opportunity for people to discover the beauty and diversity unique

to each region across the province, as well as the amenities offered at each, from picnic spots and on-site

food and beverage facilities for families to many locations which are dog-friendly, too!”

Gardens BC, a coalition of public gardens working together to promote visiting and experiencing British Columbia’s diversity of gardens and garden experiences allows flower fanatics to have a myriad of information at their fingertips with this new online resource such as curated garden-centred travel itineraries, a popular blog with endless inspiration from countless contributors and garden experts, and a showcase of several different garden regions across the province.

Enthusiasts can also explore the beauty of Gardens BC though their different social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For south Island residents, gems like Butchart Gardens are just a short drive away.

“Spring is a prime time to get out and explore the garden experience near you,” said Butchart Gardens CEO Dave Cowen. “With such a rich, diverse collection of gardens throughout our province, there are great opportunities to enjoy their serenity, history, and beauty in many different shapes and colours.”

Forthosewhoaredifficulttochoosefor,orasathankyouto thatspecialsomeone.

Gardens BC launched their new website www.gardensbc.com on May 1 allowing flower and plant lovers an added resource to explore the many diverse gardens across British Columbia, including the BC Tulip Trail in Chilliwack seen here. (Submitted photo)

Art & Bloom Festival set for Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

The annual Art & Bloom Festival at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, May 20-22, now in its 21st year, is a sure sign that spring is well underway and summer is just around the corner. The festival is more than just another Valley event; it is an experience. As you stroll through the gardens not only will you come across unique works of art created by some of the best artists and artisans in B.C., you’ll also discover the exquisite handiwork of Mother Nature.

With more than 3,000 rhododendrons and thousands of indigenous plants, the gardens themselves are a work of art. Covering nearly 25 acres of what was once a Christmas tree farm the gardens are a blend of natural and informal plantings. Working with nature, owner Bryan Zimmerman has carefully crafted a setting unlike any other of British Columbia’s spectacular botanical gardens. In fact, tour groups from the National Trust in England and the Montreal Garden Club called Zimmerman’s gardens “one of the world’s finest informal gardens.”

While the gardens are indeed spectacular they are certainly enhanced by the art that you will find spread throughout the gardens. A walk along the pathways or a stroll over the lawns reveals a cornucopia of talent that is second to none. Works in stone, wood, clay are a natural for the gardens. Photographs capture the essence of the land and nature’s colorful palette is transformed into paintings that cover a broad spectrum of subjects.

Visitors will also find some unique works that are perfect for displaying in a garden setting. There are fountains, garden sculptures and other ornaments that will give your home garden a personal touch. There are also fantastic displays of pottery and exquisite pieces of jewelry that would even make Mother Nature envious.

To further enhance the experience, you will find musicians playing at several locations throughout the gardens - each of them performing in their own unique style with a sound that seems to blend with nature. This year’s lineup includes Anela Kahaimoe, Luke Blue Guthrie, Bruce & Judy Wing, Fred Siliani, Jana Seale and David Somers.

SmartControl Irrigation Rebate

No festival would be complete without food. From wood-fired pizza and healthy dragon bowls to nutritious Buddha bowls, visitors will find just the right source of energy to help them enjoy all that the gardens have to offer.

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is located only a 15-minute drive north of Courtenay and just off Highway 19a near Kitty Coleman Provincial Park.

The Art and Bloom Festival takes place May 20 to 22 and is open to

the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Regular event admission applies. For more information about the gardens and the festival visit www.woodlandgardens.ca

ComoxValleyWaterSystemIrrigationRebate

Property owners connectedto theComoxValleyWater System are eligible for arebateofupto$300onthepurchaseofaqualifyingsmartirrigationcontrol system.Thesesystemsprovideirrigationonlywhenrequiredaccordingtothe weatherandotherenvironmentalconditions,therebyreducingwateruse.

SmartControlIrrigationcansuccessfullyreduceoutdoor waterusebyas much as20-40percent annually

Unlike traditionalcontrollers,whicharereallyjusttimers,smart controllerswork by monitoringand usinginformation about site conditions(suchassoil moisture, rain, humidity, slope, soil,plant type, andmore) andapplytheright amount of waterbasedonthose factors- nottoomuchandnottoolittle -to maintain healthy growingconditions.

For more informationon rebates, call: 250-334-6000 orvisit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rebates

The Art & Bloom Festival is a Victoria Day Weekend tradition. Photo supplied

Award-winning poet Joseph Dandurand returns to the Comox Valley Art Gallery

Award-winning poet and author Joseph Dandurand will deliver a reading at the Comox Valley Art Gallery

Wednesday, May 24, at 5:30 p.m.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Dandurand is a member of Kwantlen First Nation, located on the Fraser River near Vancouver. He is the director of the Kwantlen Cultural Centre and is also the heritage/lands officer for his people.

His 2019 poetry collection “The East Side of

It All” was shortlisted for Griffin Poetry Prize. In 2021 he received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence.

The reading takes place with just a few days to go in the “Return to Water” program currently showing at CVAG.

The program includes the “Go Fish” video installation created by Scott Smith and Nettie Wild, the “Coastal Camera Obscura 3” installation created by Donald Lawrence, and the exhibiton“as the wind blew: the ground beneath me, at the water’s edge, in its path” created by artist Sarah Crawley.

Visit www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com for more details about Gallery programs and events.

CVAG is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

Air Force Beach parking questions answered

There have been a lot of questions surrounding parking at Air Force Beach, particularly during the Snowbirds’ spring training.

19 Wing public affairs officer, Capt. Christine MacNeil sent out the following public service announcement to clarify the issue:

Members of the general public who wish to use Air Force Beach, which is Department of National Defence property, are required to purchase a season pass.

This pass is $30 and can be purchased Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the campground office.

On weekends, users must have a season pass to enter Air Force Beach, and due to limited parking capacity during Snowbird season, there will be a limited number of vehicles allowed in at a time.

There are many other areas to view the Snowbirds’ practice shows, including the Heritage Air Park just down from the Comox Air Force museum.

Note: Passes are required for access to Air Force Beach throughout the year, and are available for purchase as noted above.

Dr.SachaEdgellDr.FayeBriggsDr.ErinMansonDr.BerginTam Dr.DaveMacDonald

Joseph Dandurand

BC Ferries to add 95 extra sailings over May long weekend

Ahead of the May long weekend, BC Ferries is reminding travellers to plan accordingly.

With peak demand expected between May 18 and 23, BC Ferries is adding 95 extra sailings to accommodate the more than 430,000 passengers and 170,000 vehicles expected to travel over the May long weekend.

Additional sailings between Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast include 66 between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay (including 6 a.m. sailings on May 20 and 23), 18 between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, and 11 extra sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale.

“Like the Easter long weekend, we continue to face staffing challenges and the potential for cancellations,” said Dean Dobrinsky, interim vice-president, in a statement.

“I want to thank all our employees who are accepting overtime to help us deliver extra sailings to support customers through this busy weekend.”

As of Thursday (May 11),

limited reservations were available throughout the weekend departing from Horseshoe Bay and BC Ferries warned travellers to expect waits.

“Customers without bookings should consider alternate plans, including using public transit or travelling with their vehicle through the Tsawwassen terminal to access Vancouver Island. There will be longer than usual line-ups in the pre-ticketing zone in front of the vehicle tollbooths. If

traffic exceeds the capacity of the pre-ticketing area, standby traffic may be turned away and asked to return at a later time for safety reasons,” BC Ferries wrote.

The most popular times on many routes during long weekends are usually Thursday and Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Monday is historically the most desired time for travellers returning from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

BC Ferries is adding 95 extra sailings for the May long weekend but still expects waits. (Black Press Media file photo)

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Valley student wins silver at provincial French-speaking contest

ing the contest in the Comox Valley school district and witnessed Alexandra’s performance.

The Concours d’art oratoire, organized by the Canadians Parents for French, is a French-speaking competition in which students can showcase their communication skills by doing a short presentation on a subject dear to them.

This year, more than 10,000 students from across B.C. and Yukon participated in the competition’s 40th edition.

Of these 10,000 contestants, 160 finalists made it to the provincial competition held last weekend (May 6) at Simon Fraser University in Surrey. Comox Valley student Alexandra, 12, was one of them.

“It was fun using my voice, and I really like speaking in front of a lot of people,” said Alexandra, who is in Grade 6 at École Puntledge Park. “I was really nervous at first, but when I started, I went on auto-pilot. Honestly, I’m kind of disappointed that it’s over.”

The soft-spoken Alexandra picked a challenging subject to defend on the provincial stage: the humanitarian action in Afghanistan.

“I chose this subject because I wanted to bring awareness to what is going on in Afghanistan,” said Alexandra. “When the Taliban came back to power, they issued a ban preventing women to go to university. Preventing someone to go to school is a violation of their human rights. Education is a universal human right that deserves to be respected.”

Vice-principal of Robb Road Elementary Michelle Mowbray was in charge of organiz-

“When Alexandra presented her topic at the regional stage, she was really poised,” said Mowbray. “She displayed a lot of confidence.”

Alexandra stated that she spent a considerable amount of time on websites like the United Nations and Women to Women International to build her argumentative presentation. Yet, it was a personal connection to this issue that ignited her passion to defend such a consequential topic.

“My dad was deployed twice in Afghanistan when I was young so that subject was important to me,” said Alexandra.

Mobray noted that more than 380 students of the Comox Valley school district participated in this event.

“We are proud to honour and participate in this long-standing tradition,” said Mowbray.

“We believe it’s important to promote the importance of having a second language and develop public speaking skills.”

Having participated in this contest years ago as a student, Mowbray highlights how this kind of event can really impact a young person’s life.

“This contest really is a formative experience,” said Mowbray. “It is also a fantastic opportunity for the kids to meet new people, exchange, and learn more about possible French programs around the country.”

As for Alexandra, she strongly encourages other students to participate in next year’s edition.

“Do it if you can. It is a great opportunity to be creative, improve your French, and speak in front of a crowd,” said Alexandra.

Olivier Laurin Record staff

Saturday (May 6), Alexandra, 12, from Puntledge Elementary, won second place in her category at the provincial Concours d’art oratoire held at Simon Fraser University in Surrey. Photo provided by Charissa Campbell

Lake Trail School hosts SD 71 coding arcade

Students in grades 4-8 from throughout the Comox Valley converged at Lake Trail Community School Thursday (May 11) for a coding arcade.

Approximately 250 students from local schools spent as long as eight months, designing computer games, all of which were on display in the gymnasium at Lake Trail “Code Quest 2023.”

“Some of them started in October, some of them started after Christmas, most of them have been working on (the projects) for at least two months,” said Kara Dawson, the information technology support teacher at School District 71, and organizer of Code Quest 2023.

“I have the pleasure of going to all the schools and all the classes and helping the teachers and the students learn how to do more with technology.”

There were 186 displays inside the Lake Trail gym. A lot of the projects were created by groups of students. Approximately 400 students were expected to attend Code Quest and try their hand at the arcade games on display, making this the largest Code Quest to date. This was the third such arcade, and the first one since the pandemic.

The reason for the project is multi-faceted.

“The purpose of the game is to teach somebody something, so most of the games have some sort of learning aspect, but the purpose of them designing the games is for them to learn the process of using codinglearning how to create an algorithm,” said Dawson.

“They are learning a ton of stuff about problem-solving, and collaborating for a lot of them. Even if they are not working in a group, they are working with their peers to help each other get this done. Just the debugging process in these games is a whole lesson in problem-solving, taking problems apart to find where the issue is, and just thinking things

through really carefully. And they are also showing their creativity.”

That creativity was on full display on Thursday. The graphics for many of the games were app-worthy.

Chloe, Eli, Carmen and Bentley are Grade 5 students at Huband Elementary. Their game was all about the circulatory system.

“There are two levels in our game,”

explained Chloe. “The first level is a heart-pumping game, so you start with a heart and you click it until you get to about 15 clicks, and then you get asked a question about the circulatory system. If you answer correctly, you get boosted up to 30 points, but if you answer wrong, you go back to zero.”

Players continue through checkpoints until they have answered enough questions correctly to get to 110 points, which advances them to the next level.

“The next level is a maze game, and you are a blood cell, travelling through the veins,”said Chloe. “Once you make it through to the end, you get congratulations, you’ve finished the game, and you get a few more facts about the circulatory system.

“We chose this topic because we were learning about the body’s systems, and we realized lots of people like clicker games and maze games so that’s why we chose the games we did.”

Dawson said the entire process has been a learning opportunity for herself as well as the students.

“They teach me a lot as well,” she said. “When I am teaching them how to do the coding, they are teaching me how to do different things with it. It’s amazing how they can just take this abstract thought and put it all together.”

Serenity Podlaniczky, from Cumberland Community School, shows her game, Visit the Tundra, to Kara Dawson.

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