Seaside Magazine December 2019 Issue

SEASIDE M A G A Z I N E

YO U R S A A N I C H P E N I N S U L A VO I C E

DECEMBER

2019

It’s Beginning to Taste a Lot Like…

BRINGING YOU THE BEST FESTIVE FOODS & RECIPES

SEASIDE BOOK CLUB 2019 ROUND UP!

STAY SANE THIS SEASON TIPS FROM OUR EXPERTS

Wine Pairings

KEEPING IT LOCAL

Holiday

Gift Guide

Shop Saanich Peninsula

Let your thoughts flow.

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Contents DECEMBER 2019

34

9

THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Something for Everyone on Your List

DAD VS. (CHEF) SON The Great Stuffing Showdown

15

84

EXPLORING B.C. WINES Food & WIne Pairing for Holiday Entertaining

SEASIDE HOMES Our Fireplaces Are Changing … for the Good!

20

COWLAND'S STEPS TO CHRISTMAS SANITY Creating Memories That Last Longer Than the Wrapping Paper

ON THE COVER Photo by Nunn Other Photography See page 77 for more!

EVERY MONTH 8 12 19 23 26 37 40 44 46 50 55

First Word Word on the Street Common Cents What's the Word?

The Golden Years The Natural Path In Fashion Behind the Scenes Salish Sea News Stable & Field Island Dish

57 Inside Out 58 Meet Your Neighbours 65 New & Noteworthy 68 Living Off the Land 74 Seaside Book Club 77 Impromptu 80 On Design 95 Take Note 103 Last Word

2513B Beacon Ave, Sidney | 250.656.4413 women’s & men’s clothing | footwear | accessories

Roll Dice Win! AND

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by December 31st to let us know where you found the dice

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Be entered to

WIN A $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE to the matching business found on pages 42-43!

CONTRIBUTORS

december.2019 YOUR SAANICH PENINSULA VOICE

BRAD ARMSTRONG PAGE 57

JUDE BARKLEY PAGE 80

DOREEN GEE PAGE 31

My goal is to help people young and old stay fit and lead healthy and productive lives. I was very excited when Seaside Magazine asked me to contribute and couldn't wait to get started. I work with kids and fitness every day and I quickly learned that it takes a variety of activities to keep them occupied.

For this designer, High Point Market was a dream come true. High Point is what Fashion Week is to the apparel industry – a long time market for interior designers, manufacturers, buyers and other industry professionals. I'd been told it was the world's largest furniture market and believe me: it didn't disappointment.

My article on being alone during the holidays is based on personal experience.

Knowing the difficulty of feeling outside of the ideal "Hallmark" Christmas, I want to offer some suggestions to readers on how they can enjoy and savour this exciting season, even though they may be doing it solo.

ANNE MILLER PAGE 58 Every life has meaning. Each person makes some contribution to families, communities or the world at large. Mainstream media focuses only on the well-known, the rich, the famous and the powerful. I feel privileged to showcase some others – ordinary people who make our Saanich Peninsula community a better place.

CAROLINE PATERSON PAGE 19 Planning for holiday shopping can greatly reduce stress and help with keeping your finances in line.

Shopping locally while considering the environment is a win for everyone and can be a fun way to get creative with new holiday gift ideas. Most of all, remember to stick to that budget!

TANIA TOMASZEWSKA PAGE 15 "With so many types of foods, flavours and eaters around me over the holidays, what should I pour?" I love turning this query into an opportunity to explore our bounty of B.C. drops. No matter what your tradition, a wine can connect us to each other and the place from which it comes.

Owner / Publisher Sue Hodgson 250.516.6489 sue@seasidemagazine.ca Editor in Chief Allison Smith 250.813.1745 allison@seasidemagazine.ca Account Manager Steven Haley-Browning 250.217.4022 steve@seasidemagazine.ca Creative Director Leah-Anne MacLeod leahanne@seasidemagazine.ca Editorial Director Deborah Rogers deborah@seasidemagazine.ca Staff Photographer Cassidy Nunn info@nunnotherphotography.com

In-Room at:

This Month's Contributors: Brad Armstrong, Ron Balske, Jude Barkley, Jo Barnes, Kristen Bovee, Chris Cowland, Amanda Cribdon, Lara Gladych, Sherrin Griffin, Janice Henshaw, Jesse Holth, Tina Kelly, Paula Kully, Sean McNeill, Anne Miller, Cassidy Nunn, Caroline Paterson, Deborah Rogers, Tania Tomaszewska, Ron Vincent, Zachary Vincent, Laura Waters,

P.O. BOX 2173, SIDNEY, B.C. V8L 3S6 news@seasidemagazine.ca Seaside Magazine is printed 12 times a year by Mitchell Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Reproduction requests may be made to the editor or publisher via the above means. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the publisher and editor. Staff of the magazine cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Cedarwood The

Inn and Suites

Emerald Isle Motor Inn Victoria Airport Area

Victoria Airport/Sidney

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 7

first

WORD

I love the holidays but for some the season starts much too soon. At least the U.S. has the benefit of a late Thanksgiving date, which happily delays the start of the festive season.

There's just something not right about holiday music piped through an establishment on a mild fall day, before we've even commemorated Remembrance Day and before the kids have finished off the Halloween candy. But as our friends down south enjoy their Thanksgiving turkey and prepare for Black Friday – their much ballyhooed unofficial start to the Christmas shopping season – many of us find ourselves finally warming up to the holiday season.

Which brings us to a common topic this time of the year: what are the proper greetings and terms to use? In an effort to be inclusive, many people have opted to use "Happy Holidays" over "Merry Christmas" or some other specific celebration.

This use of a broad, nondescript term is intended to be politically correct and to avoid disregarding other individuals and their beliefs.

Our society's increasing religious diversity might make the holiday season a little more complicated than it used to be. But really, it isn't so hard to be true to our own beliefs, whether those of the majority or of a minority, while being respectful of others. While it's a nice consideration, it's certainly not a fool-proof method. Offense is taken, not given.

Sometimes, no matter what you say, or don't say, someone may still get offended. I think this gives us all a great opportunity to step into someone else's shoes and act like decent human beings. If someone offers you a greeting that isn't specific to your celebration, or lack thereof, pause for a second and remember a couple of things. First: that person is offering you a friendly greeting; they aren't trying to ruin your day with a mere two words. In fact, they are trying to brighten it with those two words. Second: recognize that it's impossible for a random stranger to know what holiday you celebrate or if you celebrate at all. We should be thankful that some stranger is in a cheery enough mood to wish us joy; we can use it as an educational opportunity, when possible, to share more about our holiday, religion or culture. Shoes come in pairs though. So while it's very important for the recipient of a greeting to be more thankful and less critical, it's equally important to choose our words carefully.

So what's the best greeting to give to strangers? There probably isn't one, but as we all come together to help light up the darkest month, messages of goodwill will surely be welcome in any form they come. And as they say, a smile (too) is worth 1,000 words!

e u S

SUE HODGSON

Publisher & Owner

8 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

Dad vs. (chef) Son THE GREAT STUFFING SHOWDOWN

photo by Nunn Other Photography

The holiday meal is often a time to flex

your culinary muscles and impress guests with something a bit special. It's also the time of year when we have firm favourites; dishes that it just wouldn't be the holidays without.

How do you decide? Tried and true, or experiment with something new?

We threw down the gauntlet and Ron Vincent and son Zachary were willing to take on the challenge. Both chefs at Ron's restaurant, Sea Glass Waterfront Grill, the pair squared off against each other with that essential turkey accompaniment: stuffing! There's nothing wrong with a little kitchen rivalry as long as it's in the name of delicious. Join us in the kitchen at Sea Glass for a Seaside Magazine Stuffing Showdown!

Judgement: we had photographer Cassidy do a taste test for us. Her verdict? Both delicious!

Which will you prefer? Recipes are on the following pages.

Try Them Both for Yourself !

Chef Ron: Growing up, I was never a fan of stuffing. It wasn't until I was in chef school that I really started to appreciate it. In fact, I would say that a good stuffing is the best part of a turkey dinner!

Over the years, I've played around with different ingredients and this is one of my favourite combinations. For me, stuffing is a savoury bread pudding so I like to add eggs to mine. I really enjoy the combination of the nuttiness from the pecans, the tart sweetness of the cranberries and the savoury flavours of the herbs, vegetables and turkey stock. There's nothing quite like the smell of a good stuffing when you walk in the door on a cold winter afternoon. It smells like home.

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

1 loaf cranberry sourdough, cubed (6 cups) 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup carrot, shredded 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup butter + 2 tbsp 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 2 cups turkey stock 1 tbsp thyme 1 tsp sage 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp ground pepper

Melt 1 cup butter in saucepan. Sautee onion and celery until soft.

Add thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Deglaze with turkey stock.

Put aside.

In a large bowl combine bread, pecans, carrot, vegetable/stock mixture and eggs. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Using the 2 tbsp remaining butter, grease a 9" x 9" baking dish and put stuffing mixture into it. Cover with foil and bake for ½ hour. Remove foil and bake for an additional ½ hour at 350°, until golden brown. Remove from oven and keep warm. photos by Nunn Other Photography 10 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

Chef Zach: We were asked to explain what made our stuffing the best, and although mine isn't super complicated or extravagant, I think it's the best for me because it brings back memories of how we did Christmas dinner when I was young. The smell of the savoury brings back so many wonderful memories. A lot of our family friends and neighbours were from back east, and my mother had lived there for a short while when she was young so we had a lot of eastern Canadian influence in the kitchen.

We didn't always have a traditional turkey dinner. We would often have a "Jiggs dinner:" a full house of family and friends gathered anywhere in the house they could find a spot, to laugh and enjoy each other's company. There were two rules to those dinners: 1. If the front door was open, make yourself at home and grab a plate; and 2. Always thank the cooks for the wonderful food you were about to enjoy. For me and many others the dressing was an integral part of it.

It just wouldn't have been right without it!

Newfound land Dressing

2 cups coarse bread crumbs, mixture of white and whole wheat pressed down lightly 2 tablespoons of savoury 1 medium white onion, brunoised (finely diced) 6 tbsp of butter ¼ cup of chicken bouillon, in case the dressing is too dry Sea salt and pepper to taste

Mix bread crumbs and savoury in a bowl. Saute onion in butter on medium heat until soft. Add onion and butter to bread crumbs and mix well. If the dressing is too dry add the bouillon a tablespoon at a time until you get to the desired consistency. You want it to be moist, but not too wet. Salt and pepper to taste to finish.

Place the dressing into a greased casserole dish. Cover and bake at 325° for 20 minutes. Everything is cooked so you only need to heat through.

photo by Amanda Cribdon

WO R D O N T H E ST R E E T

Finding the Magic in Christmas

by Lara Gladych

Seaside Magazine wants to live up to our slogan of being "the voice of the Saanich Peninsula," so in every issue we'll be asking people to answer one simple question. We're looking for responses from all ages and across the diverse neighbourhoods that form our community.

"Where do you find the magic in Christmas?" was the question I decided upon for this month's issue, hoping to elicit some heartening responses.

Before going out to speak to the public, I always ask the question first of myself.

I find magic in many nooks and crannies over the course of December. For example, I know that the prospect of shopping in December is sometimes not for the faint of heart, but it's one of the things I look forward to most. I love the sounds and smells, the colours and sparkle of holiday store displays, and I'm guilty of succumbing to the marketing ploys that draw me in to all that glitters and shines with Christmas promise.

We don't buy to excess for Christmas in our home, but I do love 12 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

poring over and contemplating just the right gifts for our small family. Ultimately, it's the look on their faces on Christmas morning that I cherish – the idea that someone I love will know that my effort was heartfelt and that I spent time and thought dedicated just to them.

Norman Vincent Peale said: "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." I see my world this way in December, and I drink in every moment of it.

"The magic in Christmas is the joy in people's hearts … the joy you actually see in the spirit of the people and the children … and people seem to love each other a little bit more at this time of year." This was Suz-Q. David and Mary Anne were next to stop and share. David said: "For me it's the Christmas lights. It's a short answer, but there are a lot of lights." Mary Anne said: "What comes to mind about Sidney is the sail past. It is really special."

I spoke with mother and son, Amie and Clayton. "You're asking the right people!" said Amie enthusiastically. "I love Christmas

because it's a time to give to other people and to do things for other people." I turned to Clayton who nodded and added wholeheartedly: "That's probably what I would say, too."

I wasn't sure that Bruce was as enthused with my question, but he did tell me that the magic for him is in having his family around.

Dean and Karine agreed that there's magic in being with family at Christmas. "I know that's pretty simple, but I would say that's really true," said Karine.

Justina stopped to answer, and told me with a smile that it's at the Victoria truck parade that she finds Christmas magic. I'm certain she's in good company there.

John was the next passerby. Where's the magic for him? "Well, I go to church on Christmas Eve. I've done it since I was a little kid and my parents used to take me."

One of my favourite answers came from Shirley. She finds Christmas magic in her heart. She didn't skip a single beat in responding, which made her response all the more endearing.

Bill racked up significant Christmas points when he told me – again, without missing a single beat – that he finds magic with his wife at Christmastime.

It's with small children and her own grandchildren that Dawn experiences the magic of Christmas. Her husband, Jim, agreed and elaborated, saying: "My favourite time is when we take the grandchildren for a horsedrawn sleigh ride in the snow."

Both Magda and Lily touched on the idea of memories, which I, too, thought about a good deal in deciding on my question for this month. Magda said there is magic for her "in the memories, in childhood memories."

Similarly, Lily said: "in the memories of my childhood. Things have changed a lot since I was a child. Now, of course, it's missing the parents who are no longer with us. But still, the grandchildren have, not taken over, but expanded on those special feelings."

One of the last responses I heard was one I'd never before considered. It came from Berns, who said he finds magic "in the silence." It's reminiscent of a beautiful quote I came across from Kevin Alan Milne, who shared the perfect words to leave you with: "Christmas magic is silent. You don't hear it – you feel it, you know it, you believe it."

Trudi Jones 250.213.7508 www.trudijones.ca design@trudijones.ca

May your season be filled with great eats and warm treats!

MARKET

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 13

Exploring B.C. Wines: Food & Wine Pairing for the Holidays "I don't know the hosts (nor what they're serving); what should I take?" or "We have all sorts of eaters coming over; what should we pour?"

Ah, the perennial

by Tania Tomaszewska questions of the festive season. With the myriad of gatherings, flavours and traditions around us at this time of year, it might feel hard to to decide what to bring as your holiday cheer.

There are no rules, but traditional wine and food pairing ideas can guide us. I like to follow some of the classics, but also like to mix things up and introduce local finds and get outside the box in the spirit of wine exploring.

Bottom line: acidity is your friend and be mindful of bold tannins. Wines high in acidity are generally food friendly and versatile as they balance out varying flavours. Unless you're heading into prime rib territory or a bold cheese selection, big tannic red wines may bowl over your party fare.

Here are a few ideas for some local drops from our Wine Islands (Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands) and also B.C. wines from further beyond.

Bubbles. Sparkling wine is always a winner. Special and celebratory, bubbles are fantastic on their own or with any meal (morning, noon or night). I lean towards dry styles (brut) showing crisp acidity.

Wine Islands: Charme de L'ile, Averill Creek Vineyard. Light and lovely blend of pinot gris and pinot noir with apple, citrus and toasty notes.

Add some NV Cowichan Black (their Van Isle blackberry dessert wine) to make a dazzling kir.

Summerland: 2017 Free Form Ancient Method by Okanagan Crush Pad. "Pét-Nat" bubbles from organic pinot noir. No additives; zero intervention. Red apple and citrus tones, minerality and purity.

White. Chardonnay is a classic pairing with turkey dinner, and riesling works well with sweet and salty glazed hams. But other varieties can join your wine roster to suit holiday grazing.

Wine Islands: 2018 Ortega, Sea Star Vineyards & Winery. Organic ortega grapes from North Pender Island. Light, aromatic floral nose and maritime clean finish. Lovely on its own,

with seafood or spice.

Black Sage Bench: 2018 Ava, Le Vieux Pin. White Rhône blend of roussanne, viognier and marsanne. Elegant, textured and floral with nectarine notes. Your roast chicken and stuffing will love it.

Give this one time to open up in your glass and feel it unfold.

Rosé / Orange Wine. A dry rosé makes a lovely canapé partner and goes with pretty much anything. Orange ("skin contact") wine can bring texture and depth and is a fun swap for rosé or light red wines.

Wine Islands: 2018 Rosé, Unsworth Vineyards. 100% pinot noir (from Estate, Cowichan Valley, Fraser Valley and Gulf Islands). Provençal in style and truly coastal. Dry with wild strawberries and herbal minerality.

Keremeos: 2018 Jupiter, Clos du Soleil Winery. 100% pinot gris. Medium-bodied, complex with tannic texture.

Orange, cloves and Christmas spice. Perfect with cheese and charcuterie.

Red. Pinot noir stands nicely on its own and is a star with cheese, charcuterie, veggies, beans, fish, turkey and ham. A rich, concentrated pinot noir will hold up to strong flavoured meats (as will syrah/shiraz).

Wine Islands: 2016 Pinot Noir (Clone 114), Kutatás. Beautiful layers with dark red cherry tones and elegance. Small lot production made from grapes sustainably farmed in Patricia Bay, North Saanich.

Okanagan Valley: Anything by winemaker Chris Carson: 2016 Carson Pinot Noir, 2016 Meyer Family McLean Creek Road Pinot Noir, 2018 Meyer Family Pinot Noir. Fantastic expressions of pinot noir from grapes grown in Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls and other select Okanagan vineyards.

The possibilities are endless, but ultimately you can't go wrong.

It's wine! Happy exploring to you and yours.

For more info: tania@ttwineexplorer.com; www.ttwineexplorer; Instagram: @ttwineexplorer.

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 15

1

9811 Seaport Pl, Sidney 250.665.7511 salishseacentre.org

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea Looking for a truly unique gift this holiday season? Come and see the amazing selection of locally made, original items in the Salish Sea Store; or give the gift of experience with an annual membership to our aquarium and learning centre. Our local and sustainable options are sure to please.

9816 Seaport Pl, Sidney 778.426.3088 ecotopianaturals.com

3

Ecotopia Naturals Comfortable, stylish, local and natural! Looking for the right outfit or the perfect gift? Eco is always in style. Ladies and Men’s clothing in hemp, bamboo, linen, organic cotton, eucalyptus, and more!! We have locally made jewelry, body care, and plastic reducing solutions. Official Soap Exchange refill centre.

2 2513B Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.656.4413

Cozy sweaters & scarves make the perfect gift! Shop the selection of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and footwear at Style Coast. Come in to our Beacon Avenue store and find exactly the right gifts to keep your loved ones warm, cozy and comfortable this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

by Sidney Casuals

Style Coast

Annilee Armstrong 250.888.7755 annileearmstrong@gmail.com

Wishing you all the best of the season.

Thank you for all of your support this year.

4

Red’s Chair Merry Christmas from Red’s Chair! Make sure you “Deck the Halls” with great hair this season.

Come and see the holiday gift packs that anyone would be thrilled to see under the tree!

5

6536 West Saanich Rd, Saanichton 250.652.8338 patiogardensvictoria.ca

Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Patio Gardens We have what you need to decorate both indoors and out: wreaths, swags, garlands, live potted Christmas trees, planters for indoors and out, decorations and gift ideas for the whole family. Stop by our Craft Fair on December 7!

9

101 - 2360 Beacon Ave, Sidney 778.351.3500 thefarmersdaughter.co

Share the love of cheese with our gift baskets, holiday boxes and cheese of the month club.

Our specialty cheese shop is filled with lots of goodies and our wine bar is fully stocked!

The Farmer’s Daughter Wine and dine while you shop this holiday season!

6440 W. Saanich Rd, Saanichton 250.580.0263 | countrybeehoney.ca

7 Country Bee Honey Farm Your one-stop Christmas gift shop: • Honey & Unique Gifts • Fresh Cut Xmas Trees • Support Local Artisans • Santa Claus onsite Dec. 14th • Hot Coffee & Treats • Visit the Farm Animals • Open 7 days a week 10-6

7925 East Saanich Rd, Saanichton 778.426.1660 | theoldattic.ca

10

The Old Attic At The Old Attic you will find amazing treasures from Christmas past to present.

Into Vintage Vinyl or painting with Cottage Paint? We have you covered.

Looking for Furniture, Lighting, Tools, Collectables, Jewellery, Kitchenware, Books, Artwork or more? Look no further. Plus our Gift Certificates make a great stocking stuffer! Open daily 10-5.

a3 - 9769 Fifth Street, Sidney 250.656.1041

6 Kiddin’ Around Merry Christmas from all of us at KIDDIN AROUND. Our selection of PJ’s in Chistmas and everday fun prints, robes, long johns, mermaid sleeping bags and slippers are perfect for cozy winter nights and holiday gift giving! Expecting guests over the holidays? We have rentals available: carseats, playpens, strollers and highchairs.

9813 Third Street, Sidney 778.426.1998 facebook.com/DigThisSidney

8

Dig This - Sidney At Dig This we offer an inspirational selection of curated items for the home and garden: locally made sweaters to keep you warm, boots to keep your feet dry, tools to make gardening easier, and local foodie items to keep you going! Merry Christmas!

Willy Dunford*

Lori Ann Sutherland

Trevor Lunn

Tom Fisher

Ingrid Jarisz*

Mary Secord-Fisher

Combining Global Knowledge

Ralph Meuser

Winnie Wu

Maryan Van Stolk*

Steffen Hagen

Mona Palfreyman

With Local Expertise

* PREC = personal real estate corporation

COMMON CENTS BUDGETING FOR THE HOLIDAYS Most of us don't like budgeting at any time, let alone during the holidays when we want to make our loved ones happy. Spending time with our family and friends is the best part about the holidays; the gift giving is

by Caroline Paterson a fun part too but shouldn't CPA, CGA cause us stress.

Paterson Henn CPA Here are some ideas for making the holidays more enjoyable: 1. Set a total budget amount for gift giving, decorations, food and evenings out – this should be a reasonable amount based on your income level. List the people you will buy gifts for and allocate a gift idea and/or dollar amount to each person. Be careful not to get caught up in the excitement of spending money on gifts – stick to your list.

2. Have an honest conversation with family members regarding price limits or ideas such as only buying for the children, drawing a name for only one person or buying a gift for the whole family rather than an individual.

3. Shopping locally can really help with your budget – not to mention save you time. There are many local shops with unique gift items at reasonable prices. Also check out thrift stores as there are many gently used items which can make excellent gifts.

4. Instead of buying wrapping paper use old newspapers, magazines or flyers and finish off the package with colourful string. Gift tags made from last year's holiday cards also works well and saves money.

5. Do you make amazing Nanaimo bars, baked bread or some other kind of treat? These make wonderful gifts and can usually be put in the freezer to enjoy after the holiday.

6. If you know someone who has an artistic talent, ask if they will create a personalized gift for someone you love.

7. For seniors the gift of time means so much. A visit to Butchart Gardens or dinner at a local restaurant is very well received.

8. For children a gift of an experience is a good way to stay within your budget. A promise of movie tickets to Star Cinema or a visit to Panorama Leisure Centre for swimming or skating will be something a child will look forward to after the rush of other gifts has faded.

9. Agree to not exchange gifts with your spouse except for a stocking filled with funny and different items.

Following a budget all year long is an excellent idea and helps us to understand our spending habits. You can use more sophisticated tools such as a spreadsheet or software, but an old fashioned manual ledger also works well.

We have so much to be thankful for this year, most of all YOU! Happy Holidays!

PET MARKET PET MARKET OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK & WE DELIVER! 778.426.4290 #5-7103 W Saanich Rd, Brentwood Bay | rascalspetmarket.com

Wishing You & Yours all the Very Best for the Holiday Season #104 - 9840 Fifth Street, Sidney Wills & Estates, Business, Family Law, Real Estate & more

eversonlaw.ca • 250.665.6869 DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 19

CHRIS' 8 STEPS TO Christmas Sanity A couple of years ago the famous English chef Nigella Lawson wrote an article in the London Telegraph entitled "Nigella's 12 steps to Christmas Sanity." She came up with some great suggestions, such as "Keep a pen and notepad in your kitchen," and "A jar of harissa is your friend."

So we challenged our author of Cowland's Chronicles to come up with some steps of his own.

1

by Chris Cowland

I have been lucky to experience 65 Christmases in two very different continents, and although my eight steps may not necessarily lead to Christmas sanity, they might leave a few memories that could last longer than the wrapping paper round the presents.

2

GET SOME WINE

Seaside's editor-in-chief Allison came up with this suggestion: "Buy a couple of cases of your favourite wine, early." This required some corroborative evidence, which I have gladly worked on, and at this rate I might have to place a repeat order.

TRADITIONAL FOODS

My grandma used to make Welsh Cakes once a year, just at Christmas. Like Proust's madeleines, the smell of her baking these in the kitchen would sweep me back year after year to my earliest childhood in Wales in front of a crackling wood fire inside grandma's stone cottage.

20 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

3

ROAST CHESTNUTS

I stole this idea from Nigella. I detest them.

I don't know anyone who likes them. They are absolutely perfect for the end of the party when you can't hide the wine from Uncle Percy, but you want him and Aunt Jessica to leave. Put a dozen under his nose; he will immediately shoot out the door gagging violently.

5

4 CAROLLING

Sometimes it is better to receive a series of small presents rather than one large one, and those stocking stuffers can go a long way to supporting local businesses – a pass to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea or Star Cinema, a voucher towards a meal at the Surly Mermaid, a gift certificate for Muffet & Louisa or The Farmer's Daughter ‌ the list is endless.

When we moved to Deep Cove over 30 years ago, we started a tradition of inviting around 20 families, mainly schoolfriends of our four children, for a potluck supper about 10 days before Christmas. We would go for a walkabout around the neighbourhood with carol sheets and flashlights, and some of the kids would bring violins.

6

ADVENT CALENDARS

REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR

There are 24 days in the Christian Advent cycle. Imagine if you put a box by your front door and dumped in one food item on December 1, two items on December 2, and then continued until Christmas. The food banks would be overflowing! Even if you just added one item a day, you would make Christmas very memorable for so many people.

7

CHRISTMAS WALKS

We are so lucky to have both the mildest weather and the most parks and waterfront walking trails, and nothing puts people in a better frame of mind than a brisk walk either before the turkey or after the brandy. Horth Hill is one of my favourites, or Butchart Gardens with the gorgeous lights and meandering carollers.

8

MULLED WINE

Although it tastes innocuous, and its smell is the absolute embodiment of Christmas, it is your second line of defence against relatives like Uncle Percy because it so beautifully disguises the addition of straight vodka.

Probably quicker to add it to Aunt Jessica's mug: she doesn't drink alcohol, so when she passes out on the couch, I guarantee they will both be leaving shortly.

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 21

www.dfh.ca

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2405 Bevan Avenue Sidney BC sidney@dfh.ca

Happy Holidays & All the Best From Our Family to Yours

W H AT ' S T H E W O R D ?

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

by Jo Barnes

As the holiday

season approaches, signs of it are everywhere: Santa, shortbread and singing carols! And, I'm not referring to the melodies

by Ms. Burnett or Channing. The word carol is actually based on an old French word – "carole" – meaning to sing and dance in a ring. During pagan times at Winter Solstice (around December 22) people danced around stone circles. When Christians took over the practice later, they gave people hymns to sing. St. Francis of Assisi started his Nativity Plays which prompted new carols, many of which we still enjoy today. So the pagan "carol" has now become the term for the festive songs we sing at the holiday season.

One such favourite is Deck the Halls! No, the song doesn't involve construction or card dealing, but traces back to the 1500s to the Middle Dutch "dekken" which means to cover.

A Scottish musician, Thomas Oliphant, wrote the song in 1862 and his idea was to adorn the walls using holly boughs at Christmastime to celebrate the season. So when we've finished today you can "deck" your home or office walls with garlands and greenery.

However, sometimes the meaning of words in carols has changed completely within the English language itself. For example, the much loved God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, has changed in both meaning and punctuation. Typically we sing with a pause after "ye," and "merry," an old word meaning peaceful or pleasant, simply describes the gentlemen. Originally though, there was a comma after merry. The word "rest" meant "to keep or continue to be," so that it was suggesting God keep you, the singer or listener, peaceful.

A tradition of holiday festivities and one that shoppers look forward to is Boxing Day. While the phrase conjures up images of boxing gloves and ringside action, it actually doesn't have anything to do with sports. During the Middle Ages church goers collected money, known as alms, which they put in little boxes and gave to the poor on the day after Christmas. Nowadays the boxes tend to be much bigger and are often more for ourselves.

And now apologies to those of you who hate puns, but "yule" never guess the origin of this

next word. Yule or yuletide traces back to the time before Christianity when early ancestors celebrated Winter Solstice. They called it Yule, from the Old Norse word jól, a pagan winter feast lasting 12 days. The Old English

"tid" meant point of time where we get our word "tide" meaning ebb and flow.

Hopefully these seasonal word treats have sweetened your year. Happy holidays to all of you!

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DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 23

The Centre of Your Experience

What’s Happening at the Mary Winspear Centre

Share in the Holiday Spirit at the Mary Winspear Centre The Winspear Festival of Trees will be open to the public from November 26 – January 5. Visit the Centre to cast a vote for your favourite tree.

With a selection of beautiful unique Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and community groups it will be hard to choose just one!

This Holiday Season we are asking the community to donate new, unwrapped gifts for ages 6 months to 16 years to the Toy Drive - Peninsula Santa’s Helpers. Gifts can be dropped off at the Mary Winspear Centre, Buddies Toys and the Peninsula News Review.

Any and all support is graciously accepted. We anticipate the need to be equally great this year and hope by working together everyone on the Saanich Peninsula will have a joy filled Christmas.

A Cappella & Angels South Island Harmony will bring happiness and cheer to your holiday season with A Cappella & Angels on Saturday, Dec 14.

This year we are very fortunate to once again have Parklands School Choir join us on the stage at Winspear Centre.

This talented and fun group of local high school students always deliver a wonderful performance and are sure to brighten the Christmas season for everyone that hears them sing.

We are the South island’s only male voice a cappella chorus and we perform regularly at fund raising events, guest appearances with other groups, and our annual spring show. Of course, our annual Christmas show at the Mary Winspear Centre is a fantastic way to celebrate the season with musical harmony and fun for the whole family.

New Year’s Eve Party!

One of the Centre’s most popular events is back!

Once again the Mary Winspear Centre will be hosting the hottest New Year’s Eve Party, ringing in 2020 with the Chris Millington Band.

The party begins at the Mary Winspear Centre on December 31 with doors opening at 7:30 pm and the show at 8:30 pm. (19+ event).

Grinched!

The Peninsula Players proudly present Grinched! the Pantomime, running December 20-28 at the Charlie White Theatre.

This was supposed to be just another friendly re-telling of the beloved Dr. Seuss Christmas story. But this time the Grinch has other ideas.

Join us for an adventure filled with danger, romance, dancing ghosts, kidnapping, magic, superheroes and all the 80s and 90s music you want. You’ve never seen a Grinch story like this!

Community Christmas Dinner

Gather your friends for a night of dancing featuring the Chris Millington Band, a 7 piece dynamo with awesome vocals and hot horns laid down tight with a great rhythm section!

Celebrating their 20th Anniversary volunteers will welcome those who are alone and in need on Christmas day for a turkey dinner with all the fixings.

Included in your ticket purchase is a wacky photobooth with unlimited photos, a glass of champagne, noise makers and party hats. There will be a full service cash bar and Island Culinary will be serving up dinner, appetizers and snacks for purchase to keep you going throughout the evening.

Guests will be treated to a visit from Santa himself and will enjoy live music while they enjoy their meal and visit with others.

Admission is by donations. Reservations for the two seating’s are taken by coordinator Wendy Warshawski at 250-656-7678.

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | 250.656.0275

www.marywinspear.ca

Coming Events December

1 - Jan 5 1 6-8 11 12 13 14 & 15 14 15 20-28 25 31

January 10 17 19

24 - 26 25 30

Winspear Festival of Trees The Storybook Nutcracker The Peninsula Singers Christmas Magic Imagine That The Lonely Roy Orbison Tribute Big Hank’s Blues Songs of Christmas Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair A Cappella & Angels Soundings - A Celtic Christmas Grinched!

Community Christmas Dinner New Year’s Eve Party

Valdy Local Heroes First Nations Housing - Past, Presents & Possibilities Matilda the Musical Robbie Burns Dinner The Original Wailers

February 2&8 7 11 20 22

Wavelengths Community Choir Palm Court A Viennese Valentine Someone Like You - Adele Songbook Country Icons Virtual Elvis

THE GOLDEN YEARS

by Sherrin Griffin VP, Operations, Sidney SeniorCare

Seniors' Holiday Traditions Make the Season More Special

I have very fond memories of Christmas as a child, and of the seniors in my life who helped to make my holiday season so special. Spending time with my grandparents was a huge part of the holidays and they would always make the time fun, festive and full of Christmas magic.

Every Christmas day, like clockwork, my parents would pack my sister and I into the car with a large stack of wrapped gifts and we would head to my grandparents, who lived an hour and a half away, for present opening and a traditional Christmas dinner that my 26 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

"Nana" would put on. The house would envelop us with its festive warmth, smelling like fresh pine boughs, my Nana's to-die-for, secret-recipe shortbread cookies (that we still can't quite replicate) and roasting turkey. I'd help my Nana set the table with her special holiday plates, carefully adding a gold Christmas cracker by each place setting. At dinner, we'd hold the stubby cardboard tab of a cracker in each hand, squealing with delight as the cracker popped to reveal funny little surprises inside, and the customary bright paper hats which we would all laughingly don during our meal.

We knew every year to expect the usual box of After Eight chocolates, and after all the presents were opened there would always be an envelope from my grandfather hidden in the Christmas tree for my sister and I with crisp new banknotes inside.

Those times, almost five decades ago, were full of special traditions established by the seniors in my life: carolling from door to door, enjoying hearcentralsaanich.com the breathtaking beauty of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, sending handwritten Christmas cards through the mail, and penning letters to Santa Claus from my grandparents' kitchen table.

Hear Central Saanich gives you access to a range of hearing After my grandfather passed aids from around the world. As an independent audiologist, away in my late teens, my Nana I work for you, not a hearing aid manufacturer. would come and stay with us Donna M.Stewart, Audiologist & Owner overnight on Christmas eve, and 7159 W Saanich Rd T Call 778-426-4876 every year, in the wee hours of Christmas morning, she and I would both sneak downstairs, 2019-11-13 5:31:27 PM hoping to beat each other to 2019 12 Seaside .indd 1 the family room where our Christmas tree was. In the end, it didn't really matter who won the race; I just loved her sense of fun at Christmas.

I treasure those memories and holiday customs, established through the generations, when life seemed simpler and somehow more consistent. These days, with more global travel, more transience in the workplace and % rapid technological "advancement," the holidays can be quite a bit off different than how they were even a few decades ago. Family members iced pr r la gu re may be separated due to distance, old traditions may not seem as merchandise relevant, and finding a stocking stuffer under $20 is a rarity. Whereas older generations may still view Christmas as more of a religious occasion, and be more apt to incorporate religious elements into their Every pet has a wish list Every pet has a wish list celebration, statistics show that younger generations are more inclined to view Christmas as a cultural holiday.

Despite changing times though and the steady advance of the digital age, one thing is clear: the holiday season is a time to not only look back, but to look forward and establish new holiday traditions #4-2353 Bevan Avenue #4-2353 Bevan Avenue that make sense in the here and now. Although the celebration of 250.656.6977 250.656.6977 Christmas has changed over the decades, one thing has not: people www.bosleys.com @BosleysSidney still gather all over the world to share peace and goodwill, whether it's www.bosleys.com @BosleysSidney in person or through Facetime.

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WITH

Peter Dolezal

Negative Interest Rate Conundrum Peter Dolezal is a semi-retired Sidney resident. He offers INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES to individuals, couples and companies.

To date, he has assisted more than 220 clients across Canada, principally in Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland.

No Financial Products to Sell Equals Truly Independent Advice

Author of

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Negative interest rates are now prevalent in Europe and Japan. The objective of their Central Banks, and other independent Banks in Europe, is to counteract softening GDP growth – largely triggered by U.S.initiated worldwide trade disputes.

In Denmark, today’s home buyer can take out a 10-year mortgage at a negative 0.5% interest rate: 0% for a 20-year mortgage, and 0.5% for 30 years. While negative rates in North America remain unlikely, they cannot be ruled out if a major worldwide recession were to materialize.

We might initially salivate at the prospect of paying minimal or negative interest. Home buyers, and those renewing mortgages, can only dream of such rates.

Over the longer term however, minimal or negative rates are not something to celebrate.

They are indicative of deep economic malaise, often a forerunner of major negative consequences.

Investors would be unable to earn meaningful returns on Fixed Income investments – a tragedy, in particular, for seniors who need a measure of assured income to complement equity holdings. The new reality would cause many investors to gravitate toward equity holdings, with

greater portfolio risk and volatility.

Minimal interest rates propel greater personal debt and stimulate greater spending the low rates were meant to trigger. Personal debt in North America is already at all-time highs.

Adding to this trend could result in major economic shock when rates eventually reverse, and personal delinquencies and bankruptcies spike. With minimal interest rates, home demand will increase in the short term, resulting in both upward pressure on prices, and the risk of a future housing collapse.

Perhaps most important, with minimal interest rates, Central Banks would be deprived of their major tool: that of reducing rates to soften and reverse future recessions.

Consumer spending, in most countries, contributes 60 to 70% of GDP growth. That is a key reason prompting Central Banks to lower rates in a sluggish economy. However, when this leads to zero or even negative rates, the future risk to debt-burdened consumers increases dramatically, with an inevitable upswing in rates when the economy recovers.

So celebrate our current ability to obtain a five-year fixed-term mortgage at a near record low of 2.69%. At the same time, however, be careful what you wish for, if hoping that rates continue to soften dramatically. Zero and negative rates have proved no boon for Japan in the last decade. The Japanese economy has stagnated, and the average citizen has gained little, if any, benefit. If North America were to move toward zero or negative interest rates, it is not likely to fare any better.

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DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 29

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Holiday Season! from the entire team at Henley & Straub LLP

Wills & Powers of Attorney | Estate & Trust Administration | Business & Commercial Law Residential & Commercial Real Estate | Dispute Resolution & Civil Litigation

www.henleystraub.com • 250.656.7231 • 201 - 2377 Bevan Avenue, Sidney

30 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

Infusing Joy Into a Solo Christmas

by Doreen Marion Gee

Christmas is a magical

time, with sugar-plum fairies dancing through the excited minds of children and adults alike. But not everyone is clinking wine glasses with loved ones. The holiday season can be a very difficult time for many people who are alone and not a part of that cheery Hallmark image of the perfect Christmas with family and friends. So how can people on their own cope with the pressures of an intensely family-oriented time of year? How can they possibly derive any joy from the season when every TV and radio station is telling them that the very essence of the holidays is savouring those vital connections to others?

It sounds like an oxymoron, but people who are by themselves at Christmas are not alone. In Alone During the Holidays? Join the Crowd (PsychCentral), Laurie Stoneham says: "Experts warn against the notion that without an idyllic holiday, there is something terribly wrong. In fact, millions of people are alone during the holidays, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them." It is usually for reasons beyond their control: divorce, death of a spouse or family members, lack of close relationships with family or friends or just simple geography.

"De-mythologize and adjust expectations," advises Elaine Rodino, clinical psychologist. In real life, "traditional households" are not in the majority and the ways that people celebrate Christmas are diverse and unique. There is no "normal." It is OK to be alone during the holidays, so give yourself permission to embrace the season and enjoy it to the fullest, knowing that you are as deserving of a happy holiday as anyone else.

According to Rodino, it is important to "put together a holiday experience that feels right to you." Taking charge of your

for every occasion

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own Christmas makes it easier to cope with the challenges of being alone: "The thing to remember is to control the holidays, do not let them control you. This requires planning. If you know that you will be alone on the holidays, start planning ahead for what you will do," suggests Helen Hunter in Stress and the Holidays: Coping Strategies to Keep you Sane (Today's Caregiver).

Consider just getting away from the source of the stress. An inexpensive mini-holiday for a couple of days could work wonders.

Be creative and explore new experiences. Attend a Midnight Mass at a local church. Spend Christmas Day helping out at a homeless shelter. When alone, "It can help to remind ourselves of small, manageable ways we can still express the meaning of the holidays in our lives" advises staff at the Mental Health Services Clinic in Victoria.

Self-care is essential during this very demanding time of year! "Be gentle with yourself " says Hunter. "If you do not feel like celebrating, don't! If you do wish to celebrate, keep it simple." PsychCentral recommends some self-love: "Pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a day of beauty at a spa, get a massage or find some other special way to luxuriate. Do whatever you enjoy doing." Stoneham sums it up wisely: "Stay focused on acknowledging and meeting your needs, and you'll be surprised at how quickly the holidays are over."

In her Open Letter to Everyone Spending the Holidays Alone (Glamour), Lane Moore – writer, comedian, actor – sums everything up with eloquence and compassion: "Take care of the part of you that feels 'other' throughout the holiday season. No matter the reason you're alone this time of year, you are stronger than you even know. Yes, you're allowed to celebrate or not celebrate the holidays however you want."

You are invited to,

A Blue Christmas

Cocktail reception | Silent Auction | Live Music & more!

6:30-9:00pm Tuesday, December 10th The Beach House Restaurant 5109 Cordova Bay Road

$37.79 - $47.79 per person 250.479.1241 | info@conservativesgi.ca | www.conservativesgi.ca/christmas Authorized by the Financial Agent for the Saanich–Gulf Islands Electoral District Association

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 31

Gingered Cranberry Cheese Pate

Apricot & Mango Chicken Wrap

Appy Holidays!

All recipes can be found at snowdonhouse.ca Quinoa Nut Cheese Tart

Spinach & Salmon Benedict

Chive & Chili Focaccia

Beet & Rose Hummus

Farm Shop Hours Daily 10 am - 5 pm Closed December 25 - January 3 • 250.658.3419

Christmas Open House 10 am - 5 pm December 14 & 15

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Dill & Lemon Seafood Quiche

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1890 Mills Rd, North Saanich www.snowdonhouse.ca

The Holiday

GIFT GUIDE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

SPIRITS ON TREND ROKU GIN ($44.99) & AMARO ($37.99) Trending wine and spirits are always a fun idea for gift-giving. The Roku is made with spicy sansho pepper, and is ideal for a martini or paired with litchi, and Amaro is a lovely botanical digestif, perfect for after dinner.

BC Liquor Store Sidney.

"In the event that you’re short on inspiration for Christmas gift-giving this year, I’ve put together some ideas made up of favourites from our home.

Some are big, some are small; some are practical and some are thoughtful. All are from local stores and the kind staff at each one are there to serve you this shopping season." LARA GLADYCH

SOMEONE YOU LOVE NEEDS THESE! PHILIPS NOSETRIMMER SERIES 3000 ($22.95), & TWEEZERMAN TWEEZERS ($28.99) Don’t fret about the implication of giving these gifts – he’ll thank you for them once he’s trimmed and tidied with these high-quality grooming tools.

Shopper's Drug Mart.

A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY HOME LAMPE BERGER PARIS LAMP ($74.99) & SNOWY PINES FRAGRANCE ($24.99) One of my favourite things.

These alcohol-burning wick lamps clean the air and diffuse beautiful fragrance.

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34 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

FOR YOUR GUY LEWIS N. CLARK TOILETRY BAG, SALTSPRING SOAPWORKS LIQUID SOAP & HAND LOTION ($33.99 / $14.99 / $21.99) My husband’s favourite hand soap, whether he’s been working in the garage or the kitchen; a lotion to ease cracked and dry skin, and a water- and stain-resistant neoprene toiletry kit to keep it all together.

Flush Bathroom & Travel Essentials.

SMALL & THOUGHTFUL RAINWATER SOAP & CANDLE CO. SOAP & CANDLE ($8.95 / $23.95) Made in Uclulet from natural ingredients that include Tofino rainwater, these candles and soaps are gentle on the senses. Two wonderful choices for winter: Citrus Balsam candle and Coffee Cinnamon bar soap.

Cameron Rose Gifts.

AGENT RUNNING IN THE FIELD ($27.96), & THE BODY ($30.40) I love buying books for people, and though I certainly have my own favourites, when in doubt I always consult the savvy staff at Tanner’s.

Two great reads for the book lover in your life. Tanner's Books.

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THE COZIEST ACCESSORIES FIBRES OF LIFE BAG, & ALPACA SCARF (BOTH $98) Always a great resource when it comes to sophisticated gift ideas.

These fair-trade wool bags come in a variety of neutral colours for both him and her. For cooler days, beautiful scarves made of Peruvian alpaca, which is lanolin-free and won’t irritate skin that is sensitive to wool. Muffet & Louisa.

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DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 35

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Festive Functional Foods for the Holiday Season

As the season comes quickly upon us plans for festive cooking also come to mind. As a naturopathic doctor I am always looking for foods that are not only delicious but also pack a punch when it comes to health and healing. The following are three functional foods that have been used extensively in natural medicine but are also fantastic ingredients to use in festive cooking.

Pomegranate. Pomegranate is a super food. Its claim to fame is the high levels of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, polyphenols and punicalagins it contains. Pomegranate has one of the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) values of all fruits; at 10,500, they are even higher than blueberries. As a result of its high antioxidant status and fiber content they certainly have important health benefits. Current research has found that this tasty tart fruit may inhibit proliferation of prostate cancer cells, lower LDL (the bad one) cholesterol, and support circulation by improving nitric oxide production (which lowers blood pressure) and prevent clot formation (antiplatelet action). Given these amazing benefits and wonderful taste, pomegranates are definitely worth taking the time to peel and enjoy!

Cranberries. As most of us are aware, cranberries are a natural remedy for urinary tract health; they also have many other benefits you may not have known about. Cranberries are one of the lowest sugar-containing fruits and are high in prebiotic fiber. This makes them an excellent choice of fruit for blood sugar control and supporting the digestive tract. They are high in vitamin C, polyphenols and anthocyanidins that aid the immune system, protect our cells from DNA damage (cancer prevention), and lower cholesterol, respectively. In regards to urinary tract health, cranberry has been extensively studied to show that the high levels of its

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proanthocyanidins (PACs) may help prevent bacteria, particularly E.coli, from being able to adhere to the urinary tract wall. It has also been shown to benefit oral health by inhibiting the adherence and growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. It's no wonder we all look forward to this tasty fruit as a complement to turkey dinner.

Cinnamon. This warm wonderful spice has gained a significant amount of attention over the years for its health benefits. With the rise of type II diabetes in our modern society, ways of keeping blood sugars regulated are of high importance in research. A study in 2009 reported that 1 gram of cinnamon given to diabetics daily for three months showed a reduction of hemoglobin A1C levels better than "usual care management" approach (medication). It also appears to have an affect on preserving brain function. Certain antioxidants contained in cinnamon bark have shown to block the enzyme that is responsible for the build-up of tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease. Cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and linalool. These lovely smelling oils pack a punch when it comes to fighting bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. Its antibacterial activity makes it ideal in oral and digestive health.

These three functional foods are a pleasure to incorporate into our daily diets. Pomegranates can be added to just about any dessert; find a recipe at: https://www.occasionallyeggs.com/chocolate-orange-chiaparfait/.

A healthier recipe for cranberry sauce: https://www. momontimeout.com/best-ever-cranberry-sauce/ And a wonderful way to enjoy cinnamon: https:// amyshealthybaking.com/easyrecipe-print/29070-0/ Hoping everyone has a happy and healthy holiday season!

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250-657-2000 | elizabethmaymp.ca 9711 4th St., Sidney BC V8L 2Y8 DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 37

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Step Into the Stylish, Surprising World of Socks At this time of year, when it's the season for visiting, there's nothing

by Ron Balske worse Style Coast by Sidney Casuals than taking off your shoes at the door and finding tired old socks with holes in the toes. Rather than having to hide in the corner, a pair of fun, flashy socks will allow you to step into the room with pride.

Flying kittens, dinosaurs, hotdogs –

there's nothing you can't find as a sock pattern these days! Everyone loves them, with bright colours and playful designs for men and women. You'll find teenagers buying coordinating pairs with their friends; even professionals like to don a fancy pair to brighten up work wear! Like all accessories, socks are a way of adding a little personality to an outfit, without going overboard.

You'll find some that are a little cheeky, so be sure to check that the message you might be sending is appropriate.

All joking aside though, socks can be serious business too. New technical fabrics mean that socks can be relied upon to keep your feet warm and dry whatever the

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conditions you're wearing them in. Brands like Smartwool have made cozy, soft socks achievable for all. Their Indestructawool™ technology has been developed to stand up to the toughest challenges you can throw at it. With a new, more durable knitting technique, combined with merino wool, they are the socks you'll want to take with you hiking, running and on ski trips.

Another style to consider for trail activities are toe socks. You might remember them as a novelty from childhood, but socks with individual toes are being produced by many activewear companies. They're not for everyone, but the ability to feel your natural toe splay, and for your foot to align within your shoe, can add stability and comfort.

Selecting the right fabric is also key. Cotton is comfy for everyday wear, and washes well, but it is worth considering bamboo, which is breathable and feels like silk or cashmere. It also boasts antimicrobial properties, helping with foot odor. Wool, and especially merino wool, will keep you warm, but synthetic fabrics can be great for wicking moisture away from the skin. Whatever the fabric, look for barely-there toe seams and socks that fit your shoe size, to prevent blisters and sore spots.

A last word on socks? You can't go wrong with a pair wrapped under the tree, and they don't need to have Santa on them.

SEASIDE talks with Sean McNeill, co-founder and principal of McTavish Academy of Art, about what's

in FASHION …

When you want a night out?

Dinner at Zanzibar, dancing and live music with family and friends. On your skin? Eminence Stone Crop line. On your feet? Sandals or chelsea desert boots by Pegabo. On your Netflix queue? Dragons' Den or a light-hearted movie like Sing. In haircare? Keri at Haven Salon & Spa always keeps me in fashion.

On your walls?

Mainly my wife's beautiful acrylic paintings.

photo of Sean and baby Avery (and products) by Nunn Other Photography

In your closet?

Hand printed t-shirts, collared shirts and lots of colourful socks. In your shaving kit? Razor, shave cream, deodorant, toothbrush, floss, face scrub. On your bedside table? A few books, a glass of water and a notepad for those late night ideas.

When you want to throw fashion out the window and be all about comfort?

Sandals, pants with stretch and a hoodie. When it comes to your go-to "uniform?"

Slim fit 511 jeans, dressy casual boots and a button down.

Adding colour to your outfit?

Sky blue T-shirt, vibrant patterned Stone Rose dress shirts and colourful socks.

On your luxury wish list? A catamaran to explore the Gulf Islands. In home décor? Clean modern lines with pops of colourful artwork, green house plants and funky wood/stone features. When you want to smell irresistible? A blend of essential oils.

In the kitchen? Making dinner with my wife Alysha, daughter Avery, jazz music and laughter.DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA

41

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BEHIND THE SCENES

by Cassidy Nunn

Seaside Magazine Even though I went to school

for writing and journalism, I'd never really experienced what goes on behind the scenes to create a monthly publication such as Seaside Magazine. It's a lot of hard work, tight deadlines and collaboration, but every month it's so exciting to see the finished product in print. Here's a glimpse into the making of an issue of Seaside.

Sue Hodgson is the publisher and owner of the magazine. Although she initially thought she'd go to law school, the world of publishing found her instead and she first began working for Victoria magazine Boulevard and then onto a large corporate newspaper company. Ten years ago she took the opportunity to purchase Seaside and she hasn't looked back. Seaside Magazine is a monthly publication, which means there is rarely any downtime for anyone on the team. Sue says she spends much of her week "working with our family of clients, from advertising sales to ad creative, distribution of the magazines and 44 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

managing staff."

Allison Smith, the editor-in-chief, has been with the magazine for 11 years and has a background in journalism. Her role includes everything from communicating with writers and helping plan special features and regular editorial, to editing and proofreading the content, laying out the issue and working on ad design.

Deborah Rogers is the editorial director and filled in for Allison as editor-in-chief when Allison took her maternity leave several years ago.

With a background in English literature, writing and editing, Deb "likes to collaborate with the team, coming up with new column ideas, thinking about themes, and balancing content over the year." Deborah also runs the Seaside Magazine Book Club (which you'll see a column about in most issues) in collaboration with the Sidney North Saanich Library. "I wanted to find a way of connecting more directly with our readers, and what better way to connect than over books!"

Steve Haley-Browning is the account manager for the past two

tra ve G i av l ce ft o ai rti f la fic bl a e te s

and a half years. With a background in hospitality, having owned and ran several restaurants, he says his "experience has taught me that people come in all different personality types … some know exactly what they need while others need more assistance." When not dealing with the advertising side of things, Steve has a very busy time once the magazine has been published and is ready for circulation; he delivers to over 100 locations all over the Peninsula monthly. "Depending on traffic, I can do them over two days," he says, although he also does regular refills to locations over the month as needed.

Leah-Anne MacLeod is the newest addition to the magazine and brings a wealth of graphic design knowledge with her. Her days are filled with ad design as well as helping Allison with the editorial layout. She says her favourite part of the job is "being challenged creatively and bringing ideas to life on paper."

I'm the staff photographer and a writer as well, so my role every month includes a wide variety of photoshoots, from editorial to advertising – meaning you'll often find me zipping around the Peninsula with my camera and lighting gear in tow – to conducting interviews for my two columns. The other half of the time I'm holed up in my home office, uploading and editing photos.

We all work from home offices most of the time, other than when we have our monthly team meeting to discuss the upcoming issue's story ideas; this usually takes place at one of the many delicious restaurants we're blessed to have on the Peninsula!

Sue's home office is a small space with the walls covered with a variety of post-it notes filled with inspiring phrases and appointment reminders. When Allison's daughter was born her home office was shifted to part of their converted garage. She describes it as "small and bright and cozy, with just enough room for me, Sue and Leah-Anne to gather around the computer on press day." Leah-Anne had her walk-in closet converted into her office space and with Steve's job having him on the go most of the time, his office is all over the place, including his car when out on deliveries!

"Press time is fun!" says Sue, while Allison describes it as "chaotic!

As much as you try to be on top of things, there are always lastminute ads to design and find a spot for, or stories that come in just under the wire! It means a lot of late nights but I really like the actual process of fitting together stories, pictures and ads to create something interesting and visually pleasing for our readers."

Sue adds that "sometimes it takes us two hours to do final proofs before we send everything to the printer, or sometimes five! It's when all the work you do every month gets put together in one piece.

It's a crazy time, but a good crazy." Once the layout is finalized and approved, it's then sent off to Mitchell Press in Burnaby, and after one final check online, the magazine is printed before winging its way back to us about a week later for distribution via the Times Colonist and various pickup locations.

Seaside wouldn't be complete without all the amazing writers, contributors and advertisers who make each issue of the magazine unique and filled with such a wide variety of content. There's something for everyone in each issue and we're proud to represent this special community we call home.

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Wishing You All the Best in 2020!

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Tax & Accounting for Individuals, Businesses Trusts & Estates 250.656.110 | #105 - 9717 Third St, Sidney | www.proulxcpa.ca DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 45

SALISH SEA NEWS

Resilient Centre Grows Stronger

by Tina Kelly Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Happy Tin Anniversary to us! We've been on a celebratory high since last summer – we turned 10! Traditionally, the 10th anniversary would be acknowledged with tin or aluminum; these materials were chosen to represent resilience, durability and flexibility.

While we may think our organization reflects all of those qualities and more, we could not overlook the wear and tear of 10 years of everyday operations and the negative effects of salt water on infrastructure.

So before the celebrations, we were busy – behind and in front of the scenes – conducting upgrades and redesigns to maintain our exhibits and increase functionality. While improving the

performance of the systems that keep animals healthy and clean water flowing was the goal, along came an exciting bonus: much of this work decreased our environmental footprint.

While visitors remark on the crystal clear water flowing through our aquariums, sometimes we wonder if visitors contemplate the logistics of how the sea water arrives here.

Water from the Salish Sea enters our Centre at a rate of 200 litres per minute; this water then passes through two sand filters to remove debris, particulate matter and even microplastics.

Imagine 10 years of "gunky" sand. Cleaning these filters and replacing the sand is just one example of a refurbishment job completed.

Conducting much-needed pump upgrades was critical to improving efficiencies.

Installing four new gauges allows for better control of filter function; in lieu of regularly scheduled biweekly filter changes, filters are

replaced strictly when needed. The result: 40 fewer filters into the landfill and a cost savings of $1,600 per year.

The Centre's lights in both gallery spaces and animal habitats have been replaced with LED bulbs. Not only is this an environmental improvement, it is better for our sea life; new programmable LED lights above animal habitats are now scheduled to mimic natural photoperiods, changing with seasonal daylight hours, and turn on and off gradually to reflect sunrise and sunset.

While the majority of work completed was behind doors or under floors, one enhancement visitors will notice can be found in the classroom or Ocean's Heartbeat. While new for some visitors, long-time friends of the Centre may consider it an exhibit returned to its former glory. Reworking pipes, replacing a chiller and adding a second chiller and a sand filter to this area of the aquarium allowed for the return of the circular 1,000 litre wet exhibit. A challenging game of find the camouflaged flatfish makes this exhibit a fan favourite.

In the 10 months leading up to our tinaversary, more than $100,000 was invested in upgrades and redesigns; this covered supplies, parts, and specialized labour for skilled jobs. The Town of Sidney, our landlords and long-time supporters, deserve a special mention for their encouragement and support towards this work.

With this significant effort behind us, we have a fresh new sense of resilience and durability. Coincidentally, an 11th anniversary is acknowledged with steel, signifying strength. It's a fitting symbol, as we now also feel stronger (and greener).

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is open daily at 10 a.m.

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MURPHY ®

WALL-BEDS OF CANADA

I’d like to wish everyone a really happy holiday season, and good health going into 2020.

One great thing about taking a few days off is that you can ruminate on some wider issues that affect all of us. Global climate changes, for example, have been subject to much focus and discussion recently, and we are starting to see evidence here on Vancouver Island as local lakes and rivers (Cowichan for example) are at dangerously low levels.

The Salish Sea is host to so many interdependent species, and many are declining at an accelerating rate.

My firm already supports a number of local charities, but just recently, I was introduced to a social enterprise and non-profit organization called “B1G1” that really caught my attention.

Founded by Masami Sato, it flows 100% of all contributions to its recipient charities. Its name stands for “Buy One, Give One,” and it is designed for businesses like mine where we can give back meaningfully from our everyday business activities by paying it forward to great projects around the world.

So for every tax return or corporate year end that we will prepare in 2020, we will be giving back a portion to this organization. The objectives are based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015, for example clean water, responsible consumption, quality education and poverty reduction. If you are interested, check their web page at b1g1.com.

So that’s my New Year’s Resolution!

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Nestled off Downey Road in North Saanich, down a lovely long driveway bordered by massive green pasture, you'll

by Cassidy Nunn find the horse boarding facility Downey Farm. The 20.3-acre property has been lovingly owned and operated by Iris and Mark Benson for the past 26 years, and although horses came into their

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lives after they purchased the acreage, (at first it was home to sheep) horses have now become the centre of all they do on their farm.

I recently met with Iris (above left) and her barn manager, Ann Martins (above right), on a chilly fall day for a tour of the expansive facility and to learn about how their boarding "style" is working to bring horse boarding back to a more natural way of living. "We're here for the horses," says Iris, and "looking to stand up for the horses'

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needs," adds Ann, who has a long history of working with horses and has managed Downey Farm for the past three years. Iris and Ann describe the barn as a "noncompetitve environment" where they strive to create a lifestyle and environment for the horses that is in tune as much as possible with their natural needs.

Twenty years ago, Mark bought Iris her first horse, Ruby, who is enjoying her retirement on the farm, and from there through word of mouth, they began to take in client boarding horses. Over the years they continued to expand the facility to keep up with the growing demand. They now offer indoor and outdoor arenas, round pen, chip trails, mountain trail obstacles, and room for 27 horses.

I noticed when driving in, the sheer amount of turnout space for the horses and that many of the horses were living in small herds or paired up. Pastures are hard to come by here on the Peninsula – there's simply not a lot of land – and many horse boarding facilities don't have enough extra land to dedicate to pasture and allow for year-round grazing. Our climate also doesn't help matters: as soon as the winter rainfalls begin, the pastures often become too soggy and the horses will tear the ground up with their feet, churning the field into mud. At Downey, they've separated the pastures to allow for smaller, winter pastures and larger summer pastures which are left closed throughout the winter to allow the grass to regenerate.

When there's not enough space, it's also difficult to allow horses to live with each other in herds or groupings, which is a more natural way of living for them as they're social animals who live in herds in the wild. At Downey, Ann works to integrate the horses into mini herds of three to seven (as long as the horse's owners consent to this) or to find a "buddy" to pair horses up with during the day so that they can have the benefits of socialization as a part of their routine.

Slow feeder hay nets are used to allow the horses access to forage 24/7. These hay nets have very small holes that slow the horses down when eating, so that they can only get small nibbles of hay at a time.

This is a more natural way of eating for horses as in the wild they graze on grass, eating tiny mouthfuls, for close to 20 hours a day. The hay nets are hung low to the ground to encourage the horses to eat in a more natural position with their necks long and their heads down, again to emulate natural grazing.

Much of the setup at Downey Farm is designed to encourage the horses to keep moving as well as to make it easier for their owners to keep their horses moving, whether it's in the riding arenas, walking along the expansive chip pathway, or having the access to pasture.

Many of the boarders are long term and a number are older horses who benefit greatly from plenty of slow moving.

Downey Farm is at maximum capacity at the moment and a wait list is being taken for anyone looking for horse or pony board. Apart from boarding, in the spring and summer children's horsemanship classes are also offered at Downey Farm so stay tuned for more information on the upcoming 2020 classes.

Long-term Care resident John, 77

Still zestful With your gift we will get better at getting older.

Help us keep Long-term Care residents like John comfortable, active, engaged and supported during their time at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

Your donation to Long-term Care will help finish the Memory Garden, purchase therapy tools like the Magic Table & Google Bike, upgrade beds & bedside tables and fund much needed renovations to the dining area.

Together we can provide the activities and surroundings our residents deserve.

Please give today.

your community, your health 250-652-7531 sphf.ca

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 51

Happy Holid

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days!

From all of us at Holmes Realty, we wish you and all those close to you a festive, fun, and joyous holiday season.

#107 - 2360 Beacon Ave, Sidney | 250.656.3486 | sidney@phre.ca | pembertonholmes.com/listings/sidney

Christmas Warms the House with Memories that Last a Lifetime!

From our our House House to to Yours, Yours, We We Wish Wish You You and and Your Your Family Family From Safe and and Happy Happy Holiday Holiday Season Season aa Safe

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ISLAND DISH

Fondue with Friends Christmas is a very busy time of year. We seem to fill the whole month of December and then

by Laura Waters have nothing Snowdon House Gourmet & Gifts on the radar come January.

It seems to me it would be much nicer if we could even it out throughout the year more and not wait for special occasions to come for us to entertain.

I was recently at a friend's home where we enjoyed a raclette dinner. A grill sits in the centre of the table and everyone grills their food. It has special cheese trays under the grill so you can melt your favourite cheese.

We had a lovely selection of meats and vegetables and delicious cheese. Dessert was fresh fruit on the grill with melted chocolate – oh so decadent! What a wonderful way for the host or hostess to be able to enjoy the dinner with everyone else.

The work comes in the preparation, just like fondue. One way to share the workload is to get someone to bring either some of the vegetables cut up or one of the meats already marinated. I don't have a raclette set, so my next staff meeting will be a fondue. Instead of a traditional fondue pot that is small, I prefer to use a large wok and fill it with a soup base instead of oil. I have a large chafing dish which has an even larger surface area and operates with sterno rather than troublesome electric cords. It's a great way for us all to sit with each other, slowly eat our meal and have a great discussion. This kind of gathering always takes longer and I think we eat much slower as we are having to cook every morsel.

I like to prepare a mix of the following sliced vegetables and meats: broccoli; mushrooms; zucchini; snap peas; cauliflower; red, green and yellow peppers; carrots and sweet potatoes.

You can prepare chicken, steak and prawns

ahead of time and have them marinating the day before so the workload is spread out. I make a couple of my favourite sauces and use a storebought red chili sauce as the third.

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INSIDE OUT

by Brad Armstrong Pacific Ninja Gym

Keeping Kids Active Through the Winter

Summer is but a memory, the fall has almost come and gone and winter gets closer and closer by the day. As the weather deteriorates and the temperatures drop we all tend to go inside and hibernate, especially children and teenagers. With temptations like video games,YouTube and social media, screen time tends to rise during the winter months. Sitting inside and staring at a screen all day will bring on depression and make you feel lethargic. Getting outside and enjoying nature helps boost serotonins and produces endorphins, putting everyone in a good mood.

Living on Vancouver Island, my motto is "there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices." If we didn't go outside because it's raining, we would never go outside. Make sure everyone has proper footwear and exposure gear so you can still go and enjoy beautiful hikes through our West Coast rain forest trails. The more kids are interested in nature, the more time they'll want to spend outside. Maybe buy a book that identifies local trees, mushrooms and wildlife. Walk through your neighbourhood trails and beaches to see how many different species you can identify, and learn some of the interesting facts about the wildlife. You could even go as far as building owl or bat boxes to try to bring some of the wildlife into your own backyard.

Try making your backyard a more interesting and inviting place to spend time. Get your kids out raking leaves, trimming the trees and getting everything ready for winter. With the popularity of TV shows like American Ninja Warrior, a great way to get kids outside is to build obstacles in your backyard. Using cheap and simple things like PVC

rollers to test their balance, rope hung from tree branches to swing from, or maybe a slack line between two trees is a great way to get started.

I remember many years ago before Xbox and PlayStation we used to go outside and ride our bikes around the neighbourhood until mom called us home for dinner. A great "retro" way to stay in shape could be as simple as riding a bike, scooter or maybe, for the more adventurous, a skateboard. Fresh air and exercise will help build the immune system and keep the household healthy all winter long.

On the ugliest winter days there are always indoor activities that will promote fitness and be fun for the whole family. Maybe an afternoon in the pool at the local recreation centre. Jumping off the diving board or swimming to the bottom to pick up rings, even treading water is lots of fun ‌ just don't tell the kids that it's great exercise as well!

Maybe your town is lucky enough to have a local ninja gym. Here the whole family can workout together and build strength, agility and balance. There is nothing like running up the Warped Wall pretending to be your favourite ninja from the television show.

What would winter be without a trip to the local skating rink; we are Canadians after all. Skating is a great cardio workout and builds strong muscles in your legs and ankles. Or when's the last time you went out bowling? It has many benefits, such as hand /eye coordination and balance.

Getting away from technology will help enhance creativity, improve your mood, lower stress levels, build social skills, and promote physical activity. So do your best and get your kids away from their screens; everyone will benefit from it.

Stay Safe Stay Active this winter

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 57

M E E T YO U R N E I G H B O U R S

Ten Thousand Less We see daily reminders of how the last few generations have injured our precious earth and left the ruins for our children and grandchildren to clean up – if it's possible. "OK boomer" has become a new meme which mocks a generation that, in large part, seems out of touch with current realities, but this phrase also brings us to attention. It reminds us that we must start talking and, importantly, listening: that each generation – indeed, each person – has something to offer and opportunities to make change.

No example of that notion is more evident to me than my conversation with Frann MacLean and her teenage daughter, Sarah. Like many of us, they are aware of the crisis in the world as a result of our long-held habits of consumption.

A new book, called We Are The Weather, tells how countless people do believe the science and evidence of our climate crisis yet are resistant to changing their ways. It's simply too inconvenient.

Frann and Sarah are an exception to that and are doing something about what they've learned. This mother-daughter team in Sidney has initiated an exciting new project based on Frann's aggravation with the build-up of plastics in our oceans and on land and Sarah's passion for stopping the damage done to our animals that are suffering from our polluting ways. The project is called Ten Thousand Less and its goal is "to reduce single-use plastic bags, wraps and containers on Vancouver Island by 10,000 units." Frann and Sarah will do that by sourcing, testing and selling eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics

by Anne Miller

photo by Nunn Other Photography 58 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

and will donate $1 from every sale to the preservation and protection of vulnerable animals on Vancouver Island. They are currently donating the proceeds to the Shaw Centre for The Salish Sea. Their company website, www.tenthousandless.ca, showcases and sells the beeswax bags, pouches, bowl covers, cotton produce bags and jute shopping totes, among other items, that offer us alternatives to plastics.

Great idea! How did it come about? Above all, Frann and Sarah listen to each other and nurture the other's passions, skills and values. As Frann says: "We raise our children but each has a different perspective, one worth acknowledging." Thus, Sarah brings her passion for animal welfare to the business by imprinting, on the items, her illustrations of endangered wildlife close to home – the barn owl, the marmot and the orca.

Sarah also brings her unique approach to making change. Never one to lecture or condemn people for their behaviour, she leads by example, demonstrating better alternatives, believing that people will notice and decide to make a change. She takes a page from the Shaw Centre, where she volunteers, and the Duncan Raptors Centre, where she attends summer camps. They teach that, in order to change, people have to connect with the creature, the community or the planet; to become excited about it. Once connected, we're more likely to care and to change. In this way, Sarah has taught Frann a great deal, from not killing a spider in the house to animal testing. "She has changed our household," says Frann.

For her part in Ten Thousand Less, Frann handles the technical and business sides. She brings her background skills in marketing and sourcing to the project along with her belief that bottom-up, local efforts are more effective for lasting change than top-down. Her next idea is to approach management at key grocery chains on the Island with an appeal to get behind this program, to sell their bags and to donate a portion of the sales to the protection and preservation of animals on Vancouver Island.

Frann and Sarah believe that the closer an issue gets to home, the more people feel a part of it. This little business is a community initiative because that's where the power is – in the community coming together. "If we can make this work, I think we can make a difference," says Frann.

Anne Miller is a personal historian. Learn more at www.annemiller.ca.

Photo by Nunn Other Photography.

Season’s Greetings from all of us at Alford Walden Law During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made and continue to make our business possible.

In this spirit we would like to sincerely thank you and wish you a happy Holiday Season and the very best for the New Year.

– Dominique, Julia, Wendy & Jody

778.426.3330 | #216 -2506 Beacon Ave, Sidney | www.alfordwalden.com

Business & Corporate Law • Commercial Law • Real Estate Wills & Estate Planning • Estate & Trust Administration • Notary Services

Framing Your View With Motorized Heat Control

Now Drapes to Warm Your Room and Coordinate Your Colours Upholstery to Save That Favourite Treasure Fa

Trees, Lights & Thank You’s!

250.656.4642 rodcointeriors.com DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 59

November 23 - December 23

60 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

Your

Love

LOCAL ‌

Saanich Peninsula Shops & Services Part of what makes our neighbourhoods special are the businesses that thrive within them.

As Saanich Peninsula entrepreneurs we strive to meet the needs of, and give back to, our diverse community.

We ask that you please take a minute to think about the large potential of your consumer dollar.

When you shop local, more revenue remains in your community, supporting parks, schools and more!

For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $46 is recirculated back into the local economy.

Statistics courtesy of www.locobc.com Photos courtesy distinctlysidney.com, nuttycake.com

Your

Love

LOCAL …

Saanich Peninsula Shops & Services Chef on the Run

Brentwood Bay Village Empourium ''Relax, it's Christmas,'' (Said no-one, ever). Until now.

Brentwood Bay Village Empourium offers the opportunity to put the "chill" back into the chilly days leading up to Christmas.

When it come to your holiday preparations, instead of battling traffic, fighting for parking, roaming the malls and desperately looking for inspiration in big box stores, why not take a much more relaxed route? At Empourium, you can sit back, slow down, enjoy a hot drink or glass of wine and gather your thoughts. Take time over lunch while you make your lists and get inspired for the holidays. Visit with friends and then browse the amazing array of unique gifts, décor, greeting cards and gift wrap in our beautifully appointed retail shop. Select cards from a gorgeous selection, write them out over breakfast and pop next door to the Post Office: TA DA! Done! Enjoy live music on Friday evenings, sip a glass of wine and cross things off your to-do list or savour a Sunday morning latté and then get all the stockings stuffed. So easy. So nice.

Suddenly Christmas seems like a holiday – instead of a chore. What a gift.

Treat yourself or someone else!

Shop our wide selection of festive fashions and great gifting items.

2418 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.655.0774 @boutiquemoden | modenboutique.com

Seven different meals each week: your choice of rice, pasta or potato and two vegetables plus main for just $10. Balanced and nutritious; cooked and ready to reheat for an easy meal! Don't forget to order your Christmas dinner! Imported seasonal groceries now in; gift certificates available.

250.655.3141 9781 Second St, Sidney chefontherun.net

BOXING DAY IS COMING EARLY!

250.655.7467 (SHOP) 9819 Fifth St, Sidney onestopfurniture.ca

Wine Kitz Sidney WINE KITZ offers a great selection of quality, award-winning wines that you'll be proud to serve … for any event or occasion.

On-premises wine-making available.

Product and supplies for the home vintner.

250.654.0300 winekitzsidney.ca #5A - 2042 Mills Rd West, Sidney

For the month of December we will be marking down showroom items up to 50%! From all of us to all of you: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Garage Cycle Spin Studio Garage Cycle is a boutique spin studio providing an exhilarating cardio workout inspired by outdoor biking. With small class size, ambient lighting and uplifting music, cyclers are assured to enjoy a personalized and inspiring ride.

778.873.7881 | garagecyclespinstudio.ca info@garagecyclespinstudio.ca

You are investing in your community by supporting its unique businesses. Appreciate what makes our neighbourhoods different. Our one-of-akind businesses are an inherent part of the distinctive character of our Saanich Peninsula neighbourhoods; that is what brought us here and will keep us here. Stay local and stay connected to the merchants in your community.

By supporting independent businesses today, you are investing in a unique and sustainable future for the Saanich Peninsula community.

Brown's The Florist Brown's The Florist is your local choice for flowers and floral gifts. We are locally owned and passionate about the environment so we make a point of supporting our local growers and economy. We are open seven days a week and deliver from Sidney to Sooke and some of the Gulf Islands.

Sidney | Downtown | Westshore brownsflorist.com

Sidney by the Sea Dental Hygiene Clinic We focus on preventative dental hygiene in a relaxed environment. Complimentary complete dental hygiene exam and diagnosis ($100 value). We are accepting new patients!

Paulette Reid, RDH, BBA, MSc 250.655.4884 #102 - 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney www.SidneyDentalHygiene.com

Hook & Hook Designs

778.351.4665 | hookandhookdesigns.com #2 - 2042 Mills Road, Sidney

Be sure to stop by Le Petit Lapin Boutique this season! We are the hidden gem of Sidney, carrying locally made jewelry and cozy winter accessories. Or, treat yourself to one of our specialized services. We offer eyelash extensions, eyelash lifts and tinting, and facial waxing.

250.656.7189 | lepetitlapinboutique.com #105 - 2360 Beacon Ave, Sidney

We have expanded! Visit our new 2,000sf showroom-design centre for all your design needs. We custom build all our cabinetry and custom furniture on-site in Sidney and we also offer the following: • Architectural Plans/Designs • Window Treatments • Wallpaper • Rugs & Lighting • Flooring • Furniture

Brown's The Florist The internet as we know it today was created in 1990. Brown's The Florist launched our own website in 1996, when few others were considering selling flowers over the Internet. We have seen many changes over the years and are proud to announce this month we are launching our newest version that has taken over two years to build. We are proud of it because we built it from the inside out. For very little cost and a very steep learning curve, our new website is completely built by our florists who have learned how to take photos, do write ups and present our products to our customer base.

We have some tips for sending flowers to loved ones this holiday who live out of town: 1. Enter into Google the location you want to send flowers to and ask for the closest florist.

2. Skip all the ads at the top – most of those are not real flower shops and just pay Google to be at the top of your search.

3. Always look for a flower shop that has a physical location and photos to back it up.

4. Word of mouth is often the best in our industry, so you can ask a care home or local Chamber of Commerce in the area who they recommend.

5. Or simply call us. Brown's The Florist can take care of it for you.

Your

Love

LOCAL ‌

Saanich Peninsula Shops & Services Focus Hair Design As the holiday parties approach us Shiori and Annabelle have the perfect Promo for you.

Book in for your holiday blowout with them, and for an extra $15 have it styled with a braid or half-up style of your choice. Promo on for November/December.

keekeeklean professional house cleaning Ho Ho Ho Christmas is near Lots of events and time is dear Life is busy; kids are too Keekeeklean is here for you Parties, get togethers, lots of fun House is messy; nothing gets done Trees going up, decorations gleam From Sidney to Victoria we will clean

Holiday

Hair Promo 250.656.8122 #102 - 2527 Beacon Ave, Sidney

DCC has proudly sponsored a tree at the 2019 Festival of Trees in support of BC Children's Hospital. In the spirit of the season, and to support our local children, we ask you to join us in helping B.C.'s kids by donating at https://tinyurl.com/y3e6h3aw to our fundraising campaign. During the course of the festival 1% of all our sales will be donated to the cause.

250.412.3472 deepcovecustoms.com Thank you, and we wish a warm and happy 2071 Malaview Ave, Sidney (call for appt.) holiday season to you and your loved ones.

keekeeklean

professional house cleaning

Gifts and shopping fill your sacks Things get messy; you're out of time You're going here going there Family is coming; it is getting near You're out of time what will you do Hire keekeeklean we're here for you Residential $35hr; Holiday/Office $35hr; Final $50hr. Licensed | Insured | WCB Protected 250-896-6540 (Sidney/North Saanich); 250-857-1628 (Victoria) www.keekeeklean.ca.

250.656.9870 2425A Bevan Ave, Sidney

DCC Cabinets

Turkey, stuffing, lots of snacks

Keekeeklean will make it shine

Monthly membership fees also required and vary by location. Offer based on first visit enrollment for a 12-month recurring billing fitness membership. Valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value. Offer expires 12/25/19.

Seaside Cabinetry & Design is a boutique-style cabinet showroom located in downtown Sidney.

Custom Design, Merit Cabinetry, Lifetime Warranty.

We have hundreds of styles and colours to choose from.

Showroom Open

by Appointment 250.812.4304 | 9715 First St, Sidney SeasideCabinetry.ca

Our house is a mess oh all the stuff Mom said "let's clean up; enough is enough!"

Nothing to worry about no need to be sad, Keekeeklean to the rescue nothing that's bad. Residential $35/hr; Holiday/Office $35/hr; Final $50/hr 250.896.6540 (Sidney) 250.857.1628 (Victoria)

keekeeklean.ca

N E W & N OT E WO R T H Y News, changes, updates, launches? Email news@seasideamagazine.ca.

40 & FABULOUS!

by Paula Kully

Youthful by Nature

Don't you love Sidney Natural Foods? You can just smell the health and goodness as soon as you walk in the door. This year, they are celebrating their 41st anniversary.

Along with that, they have been nominated in two categories for the Times Colonist's Reader's Choice Awards and received the Professionals Award for Customer Service from Seaside Magazine.

Congratulations to current owners Caroline and Kim Geoghegan, who have been serving Sidney for the past 27 years.

Stay Strong – Live Long Saanich Physiotherapy is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Doctor Scott Simpson has owned the business for over four of those years. To mark the occasion, they are having a huge raffle with 40 different prizes to be won! All patients past or present can enter! Stop in at one of their clinics to enter the draw. Winning tickets will be announced on December 15.

were recently held and the Saanich Peninsula was recognized on a number of projects. Local firm Finlayson Bonet Architecture took home three awards. This included Brentwood Crossing, Verdier House and Island Views Condominiums. Also of note, Sidney's affordable housing project the Aranza won in the Affordable Housing category.

A TIME FOR GIVING MAOA Christmas Toy Drive This past month has been a challenging time for those affected by the school closures. For many families with children this has put added pressure leading up to the holidays. Please consider donating a toy(s) that will go directly to families in our community this holiday season. Cash donations can also be made online through Art For Everyone Foundation and we will find some great items at local merchants. Donations can be dropped off at McTavish Academy Of Art at 1720 McTavish Road, North Saanich until December 12.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Taking the Helm The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea has a new Board Chair.

At the recent Annual General Meeting of the society, Graham Debling decided to step down as Board Chair after many years guiding the society and the Centre. Taking the rudder as the new Chair is Janine Morris. Janine is currently a partner with Hughsman Morris, Chartered Accountants.

Hot Stuff Coastal Heat Pumps is excited to announce that they have moved. Their new home is located at 20420 Mills Road at the Martman Industrial Park and they are looking forward to getting to know their new neighbours.

Now that I’m on my own, how do I manage my financial future?

We understand the emotional rollercoaster that comes from the loss of a spouse. The average age of widows in Canada is a shocking 56: it’s

YETI – Is Not a Myth!

important to consider how your

The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of commerce has launched a brilliant new program to connect local youth to the less visible, yet fascinating industries on the Peninsula. The YETI program (Youth Employment Tour of Industry), will focus on interesting careers that don't necessarily require a college education. Tours will take place between February and March of 2020 at no cost to youth. For program updates and details watch @theyetiprogram on Facebook and @yetiprogram on Instagram.

retirement finances would change if you lost your partner.

For over 30 years we have been helping women achieve peace of mind about their financial future. If you are looking for a second opinion, or have questions, call us for coffee and a chat.

Viola Van de Ruyt Investment Advisor 250-657-2220 Annette Quan Senior Investment Associate 250-657-2222

violavanderuyt.ca

YOU WIN SOME, AND YOU WIN SOME MORE Build it and They Will Win Victoria Real Estate's Annual Commercial Building Awards

National Bank Financial - Wealth Management (NBFWM) is a division of National Bank Financial Inc. (NBF Inc.), as well as a trademark owned by National Bank of Canada (NBC) that is used under license by NBF Inc. NBF Inc. is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA).

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 65

Panorama Recreation: The Wealth of Wellness

by Jo Barnes

Invest early. Invest regularly.

Stay invested.

Three great principles of financial health But what about applying these to your personal health?

What's true with money is true with your health, and finding the tools to set goals toward that important investment is made a whole lot easier through Panorama Recreation programs and services.

According to numerous studies, there are definite benefits from recreational activity like lower blood pressure, stress reduction, improved mental wellness, enhanced immune system and improved quality of life.

It's important to choose activities that you enjoy so that you're more likely to keep doing them in the future. It's here that Panorama shines!

There's a dizzying diversity of activities available like weight training, yoga, swimming, skating, indoor cycling, pickleball, and tennis. Not only that,

gallery Where art happens.

Season’s Greetings to all our Artists & Patrons!

Are you looking for that one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gift?

Visit the ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park

Artisans November 2 - December 14 10a.m. to 4p.m. daily Items in this show include jewelry, glass, pottery, turned wood, fibre art, wearables, paintings and photography. It is representative of the eclectic and varied talents of ArtSea members. You will find something for everyone who loves locally made unique art!

but there are plenty of outdoor options nearby. The Saanich Peninsula is a beautiful part of the world boasting numerous hiking or walking trails to explore and enhance your fitness objectives.

It's helpful to choose health goals that you can achieve so that you're more likely to continue. Make the goal specific, attach a number to it, and give yourself a deadline. Also, when you exercise with a friend, you'll find it's not only a great way to meet people or save money, but it will help keep you accountable in your goals.

Healthy lifelong recreation habits start when you're young.

Physical activity is so important for growth and development. When you establish healthy lifestyle patterns as a child, this will carry you forward for the rest of your life. Panorama offers not only a wide variety of options including skating, swimming, dance, soccer, and multi-sport programs in which children are introduced to an active lifestyle, but, the Active Kids Club in June encourages kids to be active daily and to earn prizes for tracking their fitness.

The Panorama team knows the importance of investing time towards optimum health. Daily exercise enhances both physical and mental health. There are over 60 drop-in fitness classes offered each week as well as a variety of workshops each year providing valuable content with topics like "Bike Fitting for the Outdoor Cyclist."

As we age, it's just as important to stay active. Maybe you need some direction or support. A personal trainer can help to evaluate your fitness needs and goals, introduce you to the fundamentals of the weight room, and work out a specific program for you in a safe and supportive environment.

Investing in physical activity first at a young age, investing frequently and continuing to invest over your lifetime will reap a variety of rewards in your overall health and vitality.

How do you ensure a quality Moving Experience?

The ArtSea Gallery 2020 Season begins in January with Diverse Threads, South Vancouver Island Pottery Guild Show, Family Day, followed by Taste of Tulista which previews the balance of the upcoming shows for the year. So come in and get a ‘taste’ of what’s happening in 2020.

Open Daily 10am to 4pm. Visit our website for more information: www.artsea.ca

supporting

International • Long Distance • Local

Sweenie Moving

www.sweeniemoving.ca • 250-544-6462 66 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

DON BELLAMY

info@donbellamy.com

DAN JURICIC

dan@juricicteam.com

JEFF BRYAN

islandrealestategirl@gmail.com

JOHN JURICIC

BROOKE MILLER

john@juricicteam.com

DEBBIE GRAY

DENISE GALLUP

jeffbryan@shaw.ca

brookemiller@shaw.ca

RON PHILLIPS ronsoffice@shaw.ca

sagegray@shaw.ca

ghelmsing@gmail.com

GAY HELMSING

ANTHEA HELMSING

JEFF MEYER

KAREN DINNIE-SMYTH

CRAIG WALTERS

jeff@peninsulahomes.ca

kdinnie-smyth@shaw.ca

antheahelmsing@gmail.com

craig@craigwalters.net

LIVING OFF THE LAND

Bright Greens Canada: A Revolution in Farming

Many years ago living on the Saanich Peninsula required people to draw their sustenance directly from the land upon which they lived. While most of us today

by Jesse Holth rely on grocery markets and at best tend to backyard gardens, there are still those in our community for whom living off the land is a way of life. This is the ninth in a Seaside series featuring local community members who all share the same passion for the land and love of what they do.

Respect for the land can take many forms. For Tamara Knott of

68 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

Bright Greens Canada, on West Saanich Road in Saanichton, it meant using an innovative new technology. With 90% less water than traditional farming, she can grow 150 pounds of produce a week – all inside two shipping containers.

"I have two farms and they're each 40 by 10 feet," she says. That's the equivalent of one-and-a-half acres of land. After doing some research, Tamara and her husband decided to use this method to grow a variety of greens. From lettuce to kale, from sorrel to chard, they wanted to give the community a chance to buy local throughout the year. "The opportunity to grow fresh produce year-round was of great

interest to me," says Tamara. "In 2017, Canada imported 191,914 metric tons of lettuce – almost $42 million – and that's just lettuce!"

Tamara explains that by the time this produce arrives, it's no longer fresh. "Most of it gets wasted," she says, "and they're all coming in with a lot of plastic packaging." The produce that does make it onto the shelves is extremely poor quality. "It's just awful," says Tamara, "and what a staggering waste of fuel and packaging and water." She knew there had to be a better way to get fresh, premium produce to the Victoria area.

Growing in shipping containers is a trend on the rise – and for good reason. "I don't need to use any chemical pesticides or herbicides," says Tamara. "And any imperfect leaves when I'm harvesting go to the chickens, so there's no waste." Besides using fewer resources like water, this method is also safer when it comes to food-borne illness. The water is UV filtered, which means no E. coli, salmonella or other pathogens. Tamara would love to see this kind of farming take hold across the country, so we can support our needs for fresh food all year round. "Canada is way behind on this," she says, noting the technology is increasing in popularity all over the world.

"Farming in this way makes tremendous sense – and it saves soil for what really needs to be grown in the ground, like root crops."

Most of the patrons at Bright Greens are actually chefs from restaurants around town. "Many of my chefs – and customers, too – use reusable containers, so we're cutting way back on packaging."

Tamara and her husband have been farming this way for about threeand-a-half years. "We're quite an effective team, he and I." But she says there was a pretty steep learning curve. "Learning how to become a farmer and a business person at the same time – that was a challenge."

They had to figure out everything from scratch: how to harvest, how to deliver, how to make contact with the different chefs and anticipate what their needs were going to be. "Our solid first year was nothing but questions, analyzing what we were doing, what we could change and do better." She's grateful that most of the business is now repeat customers – people love the produce from Bright Greens.

Tamara keeps an eye on new trends, too. For example, they've started growing a new crop called red shiso. Commonly known as Japanese basil, you can get a red and green variety of this leafy green.

"We started to grow a bit of it this year for the more experimental chefs in town," she says. It's something that isn't always available – according to Tamara, it's not what you'd necessarily see on the grocery store shelf. "The red one is the colour of eggplant, almost black – it's so pretty," she raves. "You can use it in Vietnamese summer rolls, sushi … it's widely used in Asian cuisine." Tamara is always looking for something unique they can bring to the marketplace, in addition to staples like green leaf lettuce or Boston bibb. "I like to use red shiso to flavour and tint vodka or gin, for a martini," she laughs. "We have fun, even though it's a lot of work."

With fantastic alternatives like Bright Greens, fresh local produce really can be available throughout the year. "The technologies actually exist – we just need to do it," says Tamara. "I'd really like to see a lot more people like myself just stand up and do it – and not wait for the government or anything else. That's the only way anything is ever going to get better."

Photo by Nunn Other Photography.

What’s Your Style?

LEFT SHORE creative

Handcrafted vegan leather earrings made on the Saanich Peninsula

250.813.1745

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 69

THIS IS SENIOR LIVING IN SIDNEY

When you’re ready, let us get to know you. Together we can create a personalized senior living experience to support your unique needs, even as those needs change.

P R I VA T E T O U R S AVA I L A B L E

A MICA .CA

778 - 4 0 0 -2 88 0

5325 CORDOVA BAY ROAD www.matticksfarm.com

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5325 CORDOVA BAY ROAD www.matticksfarm.com

Shop Local, Shop Small. shop-dine-relax-play

A Stable Way of Life Adrienne's Restaurant & Tea Garden Lily Pad Lingerie Paper Chain Pure Day Spa Seaberry Garden & Flower Something More Sunday's Snowflakes The Gallery at Mattick's Farm The Ladybug Boutique

5325 CORDOVA BAY ROAD www.matticksfarm.com

Pantone Dark Blue C C: 100% R: 0 M: 93% G: 37 Y: 6% B: 154 K: 3% HEX: #00259a

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Shop Local, Shop Small This Holiday Season The Shops at Mattick’s are a unique collection of independently owned boutiques in the heart of the Cordova Bay Community.

Just 20 minutes from the ferry, airport or downtown Victoria, it’s easy to reach in any direction. Season’s greetings to you and yours and all the best in the New Year!

Lots & Lots of Lovely Slippers!

For both men and women.

Featuring Canadian Garneau sheepskin and European makers Glerup, Romika and Haflinger.

Quality socks, scarves, travel bags and many other practical gift ideas. We look forward to your visit!

Open 10 to 5:30 Monday through Saturday and 11 to 5 on Sundays.

A Stable Way of Life at Mattick’s Farm

We love shoes as much as you do.

A Stable Way of Life | 250.658.3052 | Find Us On Facebook!

Christmas in Paris Pantone Dark Blue C from Bedhead C: 100% R: 0 M: 93% G: 37 Pajamas Y: 6% B: 154

On a cool winter’s K: 3% HEX: #00259a night there is nothing more comforting than putting on a pair of pajamas to lay out on the couch, cozy up to the fire or slip into bed.

95% cotton, 5% stretch.

S to XL.

Pantone Cool Gray 11c C: 65% R: 85 M: 57% G: 85 Y: 52% B: 89 K: 29% HEX: #555559

Illumination of Love 5th annual holiday group show in support of BC Children’s Hospital, on now until December 31st.

Lily Pad Lingerie 250.590.8032 Find us on Facebook

250.658.8333 thegalleryatmatticksfarm.com

All Decked Out for Your Holiday Season!

Wreaths and Christmas trees adorn both enchanted garden centre locations.

Josh and his team are creating stunning floral arrangements, centrepieces and planters.

Unique giftware and spectacular service are all waiting for you at both Seaberry locations! Also at 333 Cook Street. 250.590.7333.

Give the Gift of Pampering!

Visit Pure Day Spa to escape the chaos this holiday season. We are a full-service spa offering manicures, pedicures, facials, massage and more! Looking for a gift? We carry a great variety of products as well as gift cards and customizable online gift certificates!

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Swedish Angel Chimes

High Tea

Ring in Christmas with a bit of nostalgia... Swedish Angel Chimes are back at the Ladybug.

Come and visit our Bakery, Deli and Restaurant for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon High Tea. We also offer Afternoon Tea plate and Kid’s Tea plate!

Book your reservations for Christmas High Tea, try our Christmas Stollen and large selection of baked goods.

Our fabulous Danish candles are restocked, beautiful hand-painted candles from Lithuania are in the mix, and of course all of the local pottery, glass and jewelry is ready to go!

Check out our new line of stocking stuffers, too!

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Happy Holidays to you and your family from all of us at Adrienne’s!

Breakfast - Lunch - Afternoon High Garden Tea - Desserts - Happy Adrienne’s Restaurant & Tea 250.658.1535 AdriennesTeaGarden.com

at Adrienne's Restaurant & Tea Garden at Mattick's Farm, Cordova Bay, 2

The New Heirloom Individually handcrafted with care, Pyrrha talismans protect, celebrate and inspire the wearer. Come and explore our shop, with one-of-akind hand-chosen greeting cards, an amazing selection of unique giftware and treasures that will put a smile on your face. We pride ourselves on friendly customer service and welcome individual custom orders with many of our giftware lines.

Luuka Winter 2019 Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season.

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Everything You Need for the Season!

Great selection of wellrespected brands in stock such as NAOT, JOSEPH SEIBEL, ROMIKA and many others this season.

Wet weather footwear, warm socks, handbags, scarves and fun gift items. We look forward to your visit!

Open 10 to 5:30 Monday through Saturday and 11 to 5 on Sundays.

~ Coco Chanel

A Stable Way of Life

Happy Holidays from the ladies at Something More!

at Mattick’s Farm

We love shoes as much as you do.

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250.389.0420 | somethingmore.ca

November Meeting

by Deborah Rogers

We reach the end of our third year of the Seaside Magazine book club! It's been a year of growth for our email list – which I think means more and more are reading along with us – and meetings with consistently around 25 members, and new faces joining regularly.

At our November meeting we discussed Patrick Lane's 2018 novel Deep River Night. No one could find fault with the beautiful, poetic prose, but this was a book full of desperation, cruelty and violence.

Not everyone felt they could finish it. There were many who did though, finding enough glimmers of hope within the darkness to keep pulling them forwards.

Set in an isolated B.C. sawmill town, it felt like a step back in time but in fact it was only 1960. It was eye-opening to reflect that this world of poverty and degradation was one that the author had himself 74 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

experienced, just 60 years ago. The central character is Art, the sawmill's First Aider. He is a man broken by his wartime experiences, barely holding it together and deeply addicted to alcohol, and increasingly opium. We witness his narrative break down and become less coherent as the book proceeds – he's trapped in the horrors of the events he witnessed in Holland and France, haunted by the things he saw, and regrets of things he didn't do.

There are other characters, and we see the story from their perspective too. Joel, a young man in love and lust (with two different young women), gives us some of the more positive moments in the Books recommended by Seaside Magazine Book Club Members: From our shared reading this year: Little Paris Bookshop – Nina George Sourdough – Robin Sloan The Spy and the Traitor – Ben Macintyre And from members' individual reading: Emily Eternal – M G Wheaton Autonomous – Annalee Newitz

novel. In him we see the potential for someone to come through that situation towards a happier life.

The camp cook, Wang Po, is another of the more positive characters. His Chinese background gave readers a different perspective, and introduces the racism prevalent at the time.

It was the pace of the novel, the lack of story development, that was the main sticking point for most of our readers. Individually the reflections of town life, on the countryside and wildlife and even of the wartime stories, were beautifully written and vivid, but there was little momentum to the book. We appreciated the way that it touched on some key social issues of today though. People who have been forgotten and left to fend for themselves; drug and alcohol abuse; and the self harm by Irene are current themes, as is the lasting damage caused by the Residential school system. It wasn't an easy read but I think most of us were glad we had been introduced to it.

Some fun this year: we had covers of all this year's reads on the wall and three sticky dots each. We were able to identify our favourites (listed below), but it was also a great opportunity to reflect on the diversity of our titles, and think about what we might want to add next year.

To wrap up the meeting I invited all those present to share any other books they had enjoyed reading in 2019. It's a great way to hear about titles that otherwise might not have crossed your path and I'm pleased to share their recommendations with you.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our meetings this year, and those who have signed up for the mailing list and are reading along at home. The Book Club is a joint effort with the Sidney library and especially Virginia MacLeod – thank you for all you do sourcing and providing our titles each month. We've been treated to wonderful coffee and goodies from Quince Café in Sidney - thanks to Courtney and her team there.

Our next meeting won't take place until January 2020. Please check the January issue of Seaside Magazine for meeting details, or sign up to our mailing list to receive notification in your inbox: www.seasidemagazine.ca/book-club.

Photo by Amanda Cribdon Photography Dear Evelyn – Kathy Page The Island of Sea Women – Lisa See The Heaviness of Things that Float – Jennifer Manuel Starlight – Richard Wagamese Normal People – Sally Rooney Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets – Svetlana Alexievich The Nightingale Won't Let You Sleep – Steven Heighton Rush Home Road – Lori Larsens The Dutch House – Ann Patchett

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IMPROMPTU

Photographer Cassidy Nunn and mum Dagmar put together the cover shot

It doesn't seem like I've inherited my mum's incredible German baking skills and since it's been years since I assisted her with the holiday baking, I was grateful that she and my dad were coming for a visit around the time of this cover shoot!

Mum and I donned our aprons and I assisted her with creating the sugar cookie dough. Dad was on hand for any potential cookie taste testing that might be required as well as assuming the role of official "behind the scenes" photographer. We used a beautiful embossed rolling pin to create the pattern in the dough, but when we pulled the cookies out of the oven, they had risen and absorbed some of the pattern – whoops! Good thing we were planning on icing them anyway.

Pro tip: use a cookie dough such as shortbread that's stiffer and the pattern will remain!

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 77

I N G O O D H E A LT H

Saanich Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic: Respecting our past and embracing the future

by Paula Kully The practice of physiotherapy dates back centuries, but it was Pehr Henrik Ling who is considered to have established physiotherapy as a professional group when he founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics for massage, manipulation and exercise in 1813.

Physiotherapy gained further recognition during the 1916 polio epidemic when thousands were treated for the ill effects of the disease. WWI marked the formal start of the profession as the army established a special

medical unit to rehabilitate injured soldiers.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Saanich Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic – a milestone that deserves further examination.

Let's take a look back at the history of the clinic from when it first opened in 1979 to the present day, with Dr. Scott Simpson.

Are you the current owner of Saanich Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic and how long have you owned it? I have the good fortune of leading the charge at our clinics

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and have owned them outright since 2015.

Who started the clinic and how many other owners have there been? The clinic was started by a fellow named Joe Kubinec.

Apparently, he was quite a character! He ran the clinic for several years before passing the reins to Jillian Carson and Shevaun Sedlock.

They ran the clinic for 20+ years before I came around!

Where was the first office located? The first office was located on East Saanich Road

in the building where the CIBC bank is. The clinic was moved to our current location in Saanichton in 1992.

How many offices are there now and when were they added? We now have three offices, located in Saanichton, Elk Lake and Royal Oak. We opened the office at Elk Lake in 2016 and this year our team took over another wellestablished business: Royal Oak Physiotherapy.

We will never forget our roots in Saanichton as this is where we all call home.

Has there ever been a name change and if so, what was the former name? Our initial name was Saanichton Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic but this has been changed slightly to reflect our broader geographic scope (Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich) on the Saanich Peninsula.

What prompted the new clinic at Elk Lake? We have opened up the new space due to demand. We are fortunate to have a fantastic results-oriented and innovative staff who love helping our clientele in a

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cost-effective way. We also want to preserve the small-town feel of our clinics by having smaller spaces rather than having one very large institutional office. We believe in bigtime innovation while never forgetting our small town care.

"We want to preserve the small-town feel of our clinics by having smaller spaces rather than having one very large institutional office."

What services do you offer now and how has patient care evolved during the last 40 years? We offer a multitude of services now that simply did not exist 40 years ago.

In our fully modernized clinics we offer the highest level of Manual Therapy (including Spinal and Joint Manipulation), Shockwave Therapy, IMS, Spinal decompression, Massage

Therapy, sports analytics with real-time data, performance video analysis, Acupuncture, and expert Orthotics and Bracing.

What are some of the big breakthroughs in physiotherapy that weren't available 40 years ago? All of what we do is guided by scientific research which has evolved significantly, and will continue to do so. We always try to do the right thing for the right person at the right time. Our 30-minute, one-on-one treatment sessions allow us to maximize the integration of this research.

We want results and we endeavour to give the best possible value to patients with treatments while concurrently promoting independence through customized evidencebased exercises.

Do you have anything special planned to mark the Clinic's 40th Anniversary? We are having a huge raffle to celebrate our 40th anniversary with 40 different prizes to be won!

All patients past or present can enter at any of our offices.

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With 2020 fast approaching, new design trends are hitting the market just in time for the New Year. And never was it more obvious than at the High Point Market in North

by Jude Barkley Carolina.

Hook & Hook Designs The High Point Market is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, with over 10 million square feet, and 2,000 exhibitors throughout a total of 180 buildings. The Market is open to the trade only … offering designers and retailers the perfect venue for buying furniture, lighting, rugs and accessories for their showrooms.

After spending five days at the market last month, we're excited for 2020 and what that means for our clients.

Here's a few design trends we discovered at the Fall Market: WALLPAPER. Yes … wallpaper is still making a comeback, but not just any wallpaper will do.

• Watercolor inspired designs that offer an artistic approach and become works of art on their own.

• Over-scaled floral prints taken from yester-years and transformed into a beautiful design punch for any space.

• Tell a story with murals. If you're looking for a piece of art for your feature wall…consider wallpaper murals. You'll achieve the look and feel of a hand painted mural, without the time and expense of hiring a muralist.

COLOUR. Black is back! Truthfully, it never went away. However, we're seeing black pop up on some unlikely surfaces.

• You'll see matte black everywhere in 2020 and one of the more noted surfaces is millworks. Look for black baseboards, crown mouldings and window trim to see how classic it looks and feels.

• Feature walls trimmed out with MDF (less expensive than wood) and painted black add depth and sophistication to a master bedroom or living room. If you're really looking to make a statement, introduce black into your cabinetry. Whether it's a custom piece of millwork in your kitchen or a custom-made fireplace/entertainment unit, black is stunning in any room.

• Moving into 2020 we'll see less grey and more earth tones. Taupe and soft natural browns for a zen-like experiences, paired with light warm greys, will dominate our senses.

LIGHTING. Hanging out and lighting the way for the New Year is simplicity, for a more casual look and feel.

• Geometric shapes are popping up everywhere and light fixtures are no exception.

• Industrial light fixtures are becoming more refined, leaving the heavy black metal behind and featuring slimmer, cleaner lines.

• Wicker is alive and well! From traditional, to boho, wicker is very versatile and plays well with any style.

TILE Boldly patterned backsplashes!

• Many of us prefer white cabinets, neutral floors and clean (very little, if any patterns), no fuss counter tops. So why not incorporate a lively backsplash, with bold patterns and color. After all, the backsplash is the kitchen's feature wall.

METAL. Metals are going to continue to be all over the place in 2020.

• Mixing silver, gold, copper, brass and black metal is a good thing, with one rule to abide by: mix no more than two to three different metals. For example; black light fixtures, black hardware and gold faucets. Or gold hardware, black faucets and gold and black light fixtures. The main thing to remember is to strike a balance. Less is more.

For more information: www.hookandhookdesigns.com.

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DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 81

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Our Fireplaces Are Changing ... For the Good

by Janice Henshaw

What makes our living rooms special? Warm, inviting, and welcoming? Yes, yes, of course, it's your charming and winsome personality! But is there anything better after the chilly blast of a winter walk by the sea than cuddling up on the couch in front of a blazing fire with your family, the one you love, or a really good book?

OK, OK, forget about that trip to Hawaii for now – instead let's talk fireplaces!

Open fireplaces are high on the polluting list. They are quite inefficient in terms of heat production, because they burn wood at a prodigious rate, and send a lot of unburned gases, particulate matter and heat up the chimney. They also cause drafts as air for combustion is sucked from other rooms in the house. Vaughn Hildebrand RBO, Senior Building Official of the Town of Sidney says that although there is no restriction on solid fuel burning, the number of permits for appliances and chimneys for the past five years is very low; Sidney has only averaged three permits per year.

Modern wood-burning fireplace inserts have replaced open fireplaces in many houses. They are attractively finished and have an aerodynamic firebox that results in far less firewood being burned compared to open fireplaces over the same burning time.

Wood stoves have also improved over time. Prior to 1994, wood stoves and open fireplaces released an average of 60 to 100 grams or more of particulate material per hour. New wood stoves release two to five grams/hour, and, by May 2020, B.C. wood stove manufacturers will adhere to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Standard of less than two grams/hour. A revolutionary change that's good for air quality!

The B.C. Wood Stove Exchange Program provides a financial incentive to replace older wood stoves with cleaner heating options such as heat pumps, gas stoves and EPA-certified wood stoves. They report that over 7,000 wood stoves have been replaced by cleaner-burning models. However, heat pumps and electric heating are definitely the best environmental choice in B.C. because we have an extremely clean electrical grid. Electric heating causes no local air quality or greenhouse gas emissions. But increasing storms may cause longer more frequent power outages, especially in rural areas. And it can be expensive.

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 85

If you are using wood, you can help reduce pollution and increase efficiency by using properly dried wood and other cleaner-burning practises. Buy wood in the spring and store in a dry place for at least six months, not in the fall, when you need it! The province of B.C. recommends splitting pieces to a maximum of 10-15cm to maximize surface area and increase burning efficiency. Properly dried wood has much lower water content and burns at a higher temperature, thus releasing less smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere.

Stand-alone pellet stoves or inserts are even more efficient than burning wood. According to BuildingGreen, an independent consulting firm, many stoves operate at less than 1.0 g/hr. Pellets are most often made from sawdust, bark or other mill leftovers. One issue though is that the fans – one that provides combustion air to the burn pot and one that circulates warm air to the room – can be noisy. Also, because the heat is provided by fan-forced convection, it does not feel as cozy as radiant heat. Due to their electrical components, pellet stoves will not operate in a power outage unless there is a short-term

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battery backup system.

Gas-burning fireplaces or inserts (propane or natural gas) are certainly convenient to use. You push the button on your remote, and immediately have instant radiant heat and a lovely flickering fire at the exact temperature that you want. There is no need to go outside in the cold, dark night because you forgot to carry in firewood and you don't have to watch out for your fingertips as you chop kindling by moonlight. No splitting up rounds for firewood, no need to clean the chimney, or dig out ashes. (Note: If your fireplace doesn't turn on, you may want to check that you are not pushing the buttons of your TV or telephone remote!). Another benefit of natural gas is that, while it isn't as good for the environment as clean, B.C. electricity, it does substantially reduce local air quality impacts that arise from burning wood.

Another option, particularly for people who can't or don't wish to install a full fireplace in their apartment or home, is a contemporary electric fireplace that can be mounted in, or on, the wall. Behind tempered, safe-to-touch glass, the flames are set in driftwood logs, white stones, crystals or river rock. Many come with a contemporary frame and mantel, meaning they can add elegance to any room in your home, but not much heat – that's why your TV can be mounted above them. They are inexpensive to run if they are in light mode only because they use LED bulbs. Heat is provided by way of metal coils or infrared technology.

Some fire-seekers also use ethanol-fueled tabletop firepots. They give off very little heat and have a real flame so they likely shouldn't be used anywhere children or animal friends are likely to go. Also, if refuelling takes place while the fire bowl is still lit, the vapours from

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the fuel canister can ignite and burst out of the filling container in a violent flame jet.

Lt. Darrin Blinko, Firefighter/ Fire Inspector/Community Risk Reduction for the Town of Sidney says: "The message from my office is simple. If using these types of appliances, be sure they are completely out by snuffing out or suffocating the unit and make sure it has cooled down below the fuel flashpoint before refuelling.

Have an accessible portable fire extinguisher and regularly test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Create a home escape plan that includes two ways out and a meeting area for the family."

After taking care of safety aspects, it's time to think about the wonderful atmosphere a decorated fireplace can add to a festive occasion.

If you have a mantel, try experimenting this Christmas with unique stocking holders. Add in pinecone ornaments, sprigs of evergreen in glass jars, tiny lights around glass bottles, wreaths—there is no end to creativity here. How about a family night or a social decorating event with friends? Consider using natural and recycled materials to keep the holidays gentle on the environment. Some old toys might add to the fun too. Family photos from the past year can roll by on a TV screen. Put on some Christmas carols and simmer a pot of water with orange rind and cinnamon to add a sweet balm for the senses.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy your fires, friends!

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Hot Properties

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Set on a private, sunny acre in sought-after Deep Cove. This 2007 designer home offers 4BD/4BA, 3,619sf, perfect for elegant entertaining & casual Island living. Vaulted ceilings provide dramatic entry, an abundance of natural light through the many windows & expansive outdoor living spaces capture the warm sun, views & sunsets from every angle.

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Townhouse in Shoreside Landing - $869,000

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Ideal location, close to most of Sidney's amenities.

Beautifully finished 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom end unit sequestered at back of complex with many recently added quality upgrades. Bright residence with over-height ceilings and expansive windows in principal area, master bedroom on the main level, impressive storage areas.

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Situated on 5 beautiful acres of useable S.W. land sits this older, but functional, home. Privacy abounds on this lovely piece of property in the Southern tip of Saanich.

The gently sloping land is perfect for growing things; out buildings for storage of equipment and a large attached green house. Call for more details.

You will love the great layout in this peaceful south east corner home with its spacious living room, formal dining area as well as breakfast eating area. Master bedroom with separate access to the 4 piece bath. The second bedroom is accessed through French doors from the living room, or make it your den or reading room complete with an electric fireplace. A lovely place to call home.

Karen Dinnie-Smyth Personal Real Estate Corporation www.karendinnie-smyth.com 250.655.0608

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Deep Cove Luxury Waterfront Home

Deep Cove Waterfront Cottage

This Classic home sits proudly in one of the best neighbourhoods of Sidney on the Sea! Lovingly built & lived in by one owner, it is a testament to ingenuity with hot water heating, and an Ocean view by two Beaches! The Corner lot features beautiful gardens and a sunny backyard. $899,000. MLS 413201.

11424 Chalet Rd, North Saanich, BC $3,900,000

One acre jewel on the Deep Cove waterfront, this over 6000-sf home promises gracious living for generations. Views to Malahat Range & Mill Bay from south-facing windows in almost every room. Moor your boat at your buoy & enjoy dockside life on the beachside patio. 6 Beds, 6 Bath plus possible 1 or 2 Bed in-law accommodations.

MLS 416344.

Michele's Team | 250.656.0911 michelesteam@holmesrealty.com www.holmesrealty.com

Has been in the same family for nearly 60 years.

Original cottage was removed and new construction in 1981 offering 2 Br. 1 Ba. Sun bathing rocks and deep moorage for summer boating in warm waters facing west. Boat house located on the waters edge for storage with a large deck on top.

The home is now sold. Please call for other waterfronts available in my area. A true gem.

Deborah Gray 250.655.0608 debbiegray.net

our gift to you this holiday season

Purchase $150 Gift Certificate or spend $150 on Eminence products between December 1st and 24th and you’ll receive "A Facial In A Bag"

Each "Facial In A Bag" contains 4 Eminence Organics product samples along with chocolates and a facial spatula for dispensing products.

Exclusive Holiday Sets make the perfect gift!

9805 Seaport Place. Sidney BC Tel: 250.655.9797 havenspa@sidneypier.com

14th ANNUAL

WINTER WONDERLAND

FIRST NIGHT

FAMILY CELEBRATION! DECEMBER 31, 2019, 4:45pm

Saturday, December 21st to Wednesday, January 1st

WINTER Each year, Panorama Recreation FAMILY Centre’s arena is transformed to CARNIVAL! become a beautiful winter scene, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 complete with falling snow, lights, 11 AM to 3 PM trees, penguins and polar bears, and of course a Christmas tree and Santa Claus! Throughout this winter season, ignite your holiday spirit and drop by for one of our daily public skate, or book the ice for a private family or corporate function.

Book your private skate for only $233!

250 655 2181 panoramarecreation.ca

/panoramarecreation

92 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

No skate aids permitted during Winter Wonderland public skates. @sliderpenguin

@panoramarec

Enjoy an activity-filled evening at Panorama Recreation Centre that includes swimming, skating, Slider’s Tiny Traffic Town, inflatable obstacle course, and much more. This family friendly event will be topped off with a spectacular fireworks display!

15th

Bring your appetite!

Food vendors will be on-site conducting food sales.

250.656.7271 250.656.7055 panoramarecreation.ca

Local Charity Helps Kenyan Students Her name is Stephannie – with two "n's". A bit like "Anne with an e" of Anne of Green Gables fame – only Stephannie lives in a very different country and in a very different era. Even so, the two young women do have similarities: ambition and tenacity.

"Oh, it's delightful to have ambitions. I'm so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them – that's the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting." ~ L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables Stephannie is about to enter her third university year towards her Bachelor of Science in Counselling Psychology and we, at Eagle Heights Africa in BC Society, are all SO proud of her achievements.

Eagle Heights entered Stephannie's life in primary school; ever since, this local, charitable organization has ensured funding to cover Stephannie's educational expenses.

The Kenyan Eagle Heights team in Nairobi is headed by a team of professionals (doctor, accountant, and social worker/ professor) who ensure that the program is successful in advancing students through the Kenyan school system. The Eagle Heights program has 11 students at various stages of their educational journey.

Right from the start Stephannie showed promise. Now, because of her hard work and some financial help, she is headed towards becoming a university graduate; her goal is to become a doctor.

In a recent letter to her sponsor, Stephannie writes: "The highlight of my life is the opportunity you have granted me to attend university, providing sufficiently for my needs and giving me a chance to become a pillar of hope to my family and community."

It costs about $700 per semester to pay for Stephannie's

university tuition, residence, food and school supplies. Some of the money needed to fund the Kenyan Eagle Heights students' education is donated by sponsors, and the rest is raised through two annual fundraisers.

This Christmas season the Arbutus Singers choir is once again bringing their wonderful music to the Saanich Peninsula to help Eagle Heights and Kenyan students such as Stephannie.

Returning to Sidney on December 8 at 2:30 p.m., the Arbutus Singers will present a special Christmas fundraising concert at St. Paul's United Church, 2410 Malaview Avenue in Sidney, under the direction of Jack Boomer, a kind and generous musician and worthy recipient of the Oustanding Fundraising Volunteer Award, 2018. Eagle Heights Africa deeply appreciates the support this choir gives as all revenue, after expenses, is given to our organization. Volunteers will also hold a craft and bake sale while concert goers munch on homemade refreshments.

For more information on this student sponsorship charity you can visit the website at eagleheightsafricainbc.org. Tanners Books will have concert tickets available.

There’s more to retirement planning than just RRSPs. To reach your retirement goals, you need a comprehensive plan that looks at the big picture – from housing and health care to education and beyond.

Contact me to start building your customized retirement plan.

Arbutus Singers CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Brian Young, PFP

Investment Specialist and Financial Planner 250-216-8159 brianjp.young@scotiabank.com

Sunday, December 8 at 2:30 St. Paul’s United Church • 2410 Malaview Ave. Sidney Tickets Available - St. Paul’s Church & Tanner’s Books $15 - Adults • $8 - Students • Under 12 - Free A Fundraiser for Eagle Heights Africa

® Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. Scotiabank includes The Bank of Nova Scotia and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including Scotia Securities Inc. As used in this document, “Investment Specialist and Financial Planner”, “Scotiabank Investment Specialist” and “Financial Planner and Investment Specialist” refers to a Scotia Securities Inc. mutual fund representative or, in Quebec, a Group Savings Plan Dealer Representative who is also registered in the category of Financial Planner. Scotia Securities Inc. 5229-2019-1031 F2 is a member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association.

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 93

A Family of Caring:

Mount Newton Centre Society The non-profit Mount Newton Centre Society has been quietly flying under the Peninsula community's radar from its location adjacent to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital for the past 40 years.

The Medical Equipment "Loan Cupboard" has been a lifeline to those requiring equipment so necessary for recuperation from surgery such as hip, knee replacements, illness or accident. Anything from a simple cane or commode to a hospital bed or an electric recliner is available for temporary loan, which saves the added expense of actually buying the needed item.

Less well-known is the Adult Day Program for isolated and/or frail senior citizens. The daily Program serves 120 clients per week who are bussed to the Centre on the aging bus from their homes anywhere on the Peninsula. The clients are met and delivered home safely by the driver and an onboard care aide for the daily 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. program of socialization, activities and a home-cooked full lunch. The cost of both transportation and lunch is $7 a day to the client. The Adult Day Program allows family caregivers essential respite while knowing their loved ones are not only safe but enjoying themselves. The professional care aide staff is headed by a registered nurse with a staff to client ratio above Island Health's standards. Many local amateur musicians volunteer to offer a variety of musical programs each day.

The Adult Day Program and the Loan Cupboard are but two of the

many services Mt. Newton provides such as the podiatry and blood pressure clinics. Recently, thanks to a generous donation by Peninsula Co-op, the Centre updated its now state-of-the-art bath for those in the community who can no longer safely bathe at home.

Island Health funding supports approximately 55% of the Centre's annual operating budget for the Adult Day Program alone, so Mount Newton depends heavily on and is very grateful for the ongoing support of local donors. Every year the Centre must raise $150,000 to maintain its sixday-a-week operations. This year we hope to replace the bus which does the double duty of not only transporting the Adult Day Care program clients but also delivering heavy equipment from the Loans Cupboard.

"Light The Way" is Mount Newton Centre's traditional Christmas Open House and fundraiser for friends and supporters of Mount Newton Centre's programs and services. With your generous donations, we can continue to support our ever growing and aging community. We look forward to seeing you December 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 2158 Mount Newton X Road, (next to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital).

Please join us in becoming a part of our extended family of caring. If you're struggling to find that perfect gift for a friend or relative, a donation in their name to Mt. Newton might be an ideal gift. Keep up to date or make your donation via www.mountnewtoncentre.org.

Get PUZZLED!?!

Look for our FUN & GAMES special section on the last Tuesday of every month in the Times Colonist!

I LIKE TO COUNT ON SUDoKU!

I’M INTO THE GUESS WHo!

To SUbScribE: 250.382.2255 1.800.663.6384 To ADvErTiSE: 250.995.4 464 1 94 0011690739.indd SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

I LOOK FOR THE WroD SrcAMLbE!

I ENJOY THE PROVO c ATIVE r WorDS! S S

I HUNT FOR THE WorD SEArcH!

March 19, 2019 A Special Supplemen t to

timescolonist.com View this section online by scann ing this code @ timesc or olonis special-secti t.com ons

4/15/19 12:46:36 PM

Take What to See & Where to Be

Note

DEC

2019

EVENTS

by Jo Barnes

Our Community Events Calendar!

2PM

DEC. 15

A Celtic Christmas

Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney

Some are measurements of the sea. Some are measurements of the air.

But these "soundings" offer measurements of the soul Soundings is an auditioned, 26-voice ensemble whose vibrant eclectic mix of vocal music consistently entertains and enchants audiences. Songs range from Medieval to contemporary pieces, and most are performed a capella and off-book. The ensemble is led by Denis Donnelly who is a multi-talented musician, arranger, composter, instrumentalist and conductor.

In the upcoming December concert, Soundings joins the Cascadia String Quartet to present a variety of Christmas songs and the Turning Year from the traditions of ancient Britain, as well as some new arrangements by Denis Donnelly.

Tickets $25. Call 250-656-0275 or visit www.marywinspear.ca or http://soundingsmusic.ca/.

Have something for Take Note? Email takenote@seasidemagazine.ca

Festive Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Tours leave from the roundabout at Port Sidney Marina

12 - 4PM

DEC. 1-23

Celebrate the festive season with friends and family! Each carriage seats six people, the tour is 20 minutes and the cost is $40 per carriage. Blankets are provided – bring a hot chocolate and a festive treat to enjoy along the way. Call 250-880-0456 for reservations. https://sidneybia.ca/calendar-event/ festive-horse-drawn-carriage-rides/2019-12-21/

Winspear Festival of Trees

DEC. 1 to JAN. 2

Mary Winspear Centre The Centre will be adorned with more than 20 beautiful Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and community groups. Vote for your favourite and also drop off a new unwrapped toy donation (for ages six months to 16 years) to the Peninsula Santa's Helpers. www.marywinspear. ca

Sidney Nativity Exhibit: Come Let Us Adore Him

2 - 9PM

until DEC. 4

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2210 Eastleigh Way, Sidney This popular annual event features hundreds of privately owned nativity sets and works of art from around the globe.

There will also be nativity-themed activities for the kids like scavenger hunt, dress-up station and arts and crafts. Free admission. www.sidneynativityexhibit.ca/

Christmas Mixed Doubles Three KO Tennis Tournament

DEC. 6-8

1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich Doubles tennis during the festive season! All the action kicks off Friday and continues to Sunday afternoon. $50/team. https://www.crd.bc.ca/panorama

7PM

DEC. 6

The Shoal Centre

10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney James and Laforme will talk about their recent collaboration Paseka: A Little Elephant, Brave, a book loosely based on a true story about an orphaned elephant calf. Tickets: Tanner's Books and online at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca 96 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

DEC. 6 to 8

Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney

Under the direction of Lena Palermo, this annual seasonal celebration for families and friends of all ages features contemporary, gospel, classical and jazz music with numbers like "Sparklejollytwinklejinglely" from Elf, "Be Boppin' Santa Claus", "The Nutcracker March" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". December 6 & 7 at 7:30 p.m; December 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets: 250-656-0275; www.marywinspear.ca

Scuba Santa

2 - 3PM

DEC. 8

Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich How about that annual Santa photo with the family ‌ underwater! Bring your festive clothing or matching outfits for your family and have some fun! (Christmas theme optional.) www.panoramarecreation.ca

Mountain Dream Productions: Imagine That!

7PM

DEC. 11

Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney This fun musical comedy asks the question: what would happen if your TV broke down and you had to learn to use your imagination? Come watch the Tubeson family who find themselves in a race against time to save their daughter who is kidnapped by TV demons! It's fun for the whole family!

Tickets: 250-656-0275 or http://bit.ly/MDPImaginethat

Clover Point Drifters

8PM

DEC. 13

St. John's United Church

Panorama Recreation Centre

Fall Reading Series: Ruth James and Illustrator Kent Laforme

The Peninsula Singers Present: Christmas Magic

10090 West Saanich Road, North Saanich This entertaining Victoria bluegrass band offers great harmonies backed by an appealing mix of banjo, dobro and mandolin accompaniment. Tickets at the door. www. deepcovefolk.ca

Big Hank's Blues Songs of Christmas Mary Winspear Centre

7:30PM

DEC. 13

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney The R&B Kingpins Blues, featuring Hank Lionhart of "Uncle Wiggly and the Hot Shoes Blues Band" and Jack Lavin, founding member of "The Powder Blues Band", presents a unique evening of music. Come enjoy wonderful R & B, Blues and Swing Christmas tunes from the '20s thru the '60s. www.marywinspear.ca/event/ big-hanks-blues-songs-christmas

ONGOING

Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair Mary Winspear Centre

10AM - 4PM DEC.14

- 15

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney An ideal event to do your Christmas shopping, the fair features pottery, metal works, sculptures, wood working, glass and yarn works, weaving, body and skin care, jewelry and sweet and savoury treats. Admission fee covers access to both days, Saturday and Sunday, along with hourly door prizes from the vendors. www.marywinspear.ca

Daniel Cook and The Radiators

7:30PM

DEC. 14

Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe

9535 Canora Road, Sidney This original West Coast roots group from Victoria creates music that is a wonderful blend of indie-folk, funk and country.

Daniel Cook, who has been featured on CBC radio, is a talented songwriter and the group blends beautiful harmonies and timeless stories to entertain. Free admission, all ages.

250-655-4450; www.marysbleuemoon.com/index.html

Community Christmas Sing-A-Long, Bake Sale and Tea

12 - 5PM

DEC. 15

The Centre For Active Living 50+ 1229 Clarke Road (next to the library), Brentwood Bay Get out those Christmas sweaters and enjoy a festive afternoon! Join the Songbirds and Jammin' Seniors in some seasonal songs starting at 3 p.m. – songbooks and jingle bells provided! The Weavers, Knitters, Art Group and the Christmas Craft Group will be selling and showing off their creations. Everyone welcome. www.centralsaanichseniorscentre.org

Winter Wonderland

11AM - 3PM

DEC. 21

Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich Come enjoy some holiday fun on the ice! There will be kids' games, painting on the ice, a performance by Peninsula Figure Skating club, hot chocolate refreshments, and a visit from Santa too! www.panoramarecreation

First Night New Year's Eve Family Celebration

Sidney Better Breathers Club Shoal Centre, Sidney

4th Monday of each month. 1:30 to 3 p.m. A free support and educational group for people with lung conditions (sponsored by the BC Lung Association). 1-800-665-5864.

Caregivers of Family and Friends Support Groups

Saanichton Bible Fellowship Church: 1 to 3 p.m.

Second Wednesday of each month.

Shoal Centre: 7 to 9 p.m. Second Thursday of each month. sol.valiquette@shaw.ca.

Sidney Sister Cities Association General Meeting Vancouver Island Regional Library Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. http://sidneysistercitiesassociation.com.

Peninsula Newcomers Club Luncheon North Saanich Yacht Club

Second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m.

Pre-registration required. http://www.peninsulanewcomers.com.

Yes We Can! Cope With Depression

Powell Hall, St. John's United Church, North Saanich First Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For anyone dealing with depression. Strategies and education offered towards the healing process. 250-208-1446 or bdcorbett@shaw.ca

Saanich Peninsula Toastmasters Meeting Vancouver Island Regional Library, Sidney

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. http://1288toastmastersclub.org.

5 - 9PM

DEC. 31

Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich This 13th annual celebration offers family fun including skating, swimming, laser tag and activities on inflatables and then rounds out the night with a spectacular fireworks display! www.panoramarecreation.ca

Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Association 9300 Willingdon Rd, Sidney

Offering speech, exercise and caregiver support to stroke survivors and their caregivers. Info: Lyall Copeland 250-652-3016 or visit www.spstrokerecovery.org.

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 97

2019

PR ESENTED

BY

EVENING

THANK YOU

with your help at this year’s Gala we’ve raised

ANNUAL SPONSORS

$121,600!

GUEST SPONSORS

Tiger Lily Events

Beacon Law

LIVE AUCTION DONORS

100.3 the Q! John Bardsley & Anne Doran Robert Bateman

Hook & Hook Renovations D G Bremner & Co. Menswear

Toque Catering Audrey Waugh Peggy Yelland, Escape Solutions

SILENT AUCTION DONORS

VENUE SPONSOR

WINE SPONSOR

RECEPTION SPONSOR

CHOCOLATE SPONSOR

TABLE SPONSORS

Stephen Brice & Jack Shrieves

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORS

Elizabeth May

your community, your health 250-652-7531 sphf.ca

Alexander’s Coffee Ardmore Golf Course Avid Agility & Training Ballet Victoria Barbara Harwood Barbara’s Boutique Beacon Inn at Sidney Black Ball Ferry Blue Heron Art Enterprises Blue’s Bayou Cafe Buckerfields Buddies Toys Butchart Gardens Brown’s the Florist C. Lewis Clair Downey Service Communicanine Training Cottons & Blues Country Grocer Craigdarroch Castle de Vine Wineries Dig This Dodd’s Furniture Dog’s Breath Antiques Don Buttler Elizabeth May Fairway Market - Sidney Four Paws Gorge Vale Golf Club

Il Terrazzo Ristorante Integrity Sales & Distributors Jim Sinclair Karen Morgan Kielzack Jewellers L.A. Limousines La Pignatta Madrona Massage Therapy Market on Yates Marmelade Tart Boutique Mary’s Bleue Moon Cafe Merridale Cidery McTavish Academy of Art Dr. Michael Walker Pacific Ridge Landscapes Ltd. Panago Pizza-Mackenzie Ave. Panorama Recreation Pharmasave #205 Plumb-it Mechanical Provenance Fine Things Puppy Love Pet Care Centre Red Barn Market RnR Diner Robert Bateman Rogers’ Chocolates Royal BC Museum Russ Hay‘s The Bicycle Shop Sassy’s Family Restaurant Scotiabank

Seaside Magazine Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea Sheringham Distillery Sidney Dry Cleaners Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa Silk Road Tea Slegg Building Materials Smart Dog Training The SPHHF Board of Directors Saanich Peninsula Hospital Staff Stem to Stern Massage Clinic Sweet Dreams Boutique Tanner’s Books 100.3 The Q! Radio The Surly Mermaid Eatery Thrifty Foods Tiger Lily Events Tim Maloney Toque Catering Victoria Butterfly Gardens Victoria Golf Club Victoria Symphony Victoria Window Cleaning Viking Air White Spot Wine Kitz

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED*

Momentum Volley

To learn more, call

250-391-6294 Victoria Cremation Service

Momentum Volley is a youth volleyball club for girls that endeavors to set positive change in motion, accelerate learning and grow with our communities. Volleyball is an incredible team sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime in its various forms. Further, we believe that youth should play, that they are powerful learners, and that sport is an infinite source of fun. Crazy eh?

In the fall of 2016, a team of six volleyball fans gathered, shared their experiences, collaborated on a vision and created a plan for the inaugural season of Momentum Volley. They had no idea who would walk through the gym doors, but they made a commitment to delivering programming at the grass roots level that was accessible by all.

Programs were designed around three pillars: Believe, Accelerate, Grow.

We BELIEVE that new challenges can be overcome, that you are a learning machine, and that feeling uncomfortable when attempting something new might just mean that you're on the right path.

Programs are designed to create an environment that provides quality learning opportunities by applying proven training methods and identifying healthy, competitive experiences that ACCELERATE development. We invest in the growth and development of our coaches and recognize that young girls benefit from the guidance provided by female leadership.

We are fortunate for the opportunity to work with today's emerging female athlete and feel that youth are the best investment communities can make. When we do this well, we all GROW together.

Today, athletes from across the Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria and Western communities are engaged in programs that continue to serve these objectives, but Momentum Volley is not doing it alone. Families, coaches and athletes have collaborated to shape these experiences. They have contributed trust, patience and leadership to the Momentum Volley community and for this we are forever grateful.

For more information on Momentum Volley programs in the community please visit www.momentumvolley.com.

Momentum Volley is a volunteer run organization and registered non-profit in the province of British Columbia. We are a TRUE SPORT community and proud members of Volleyball BC and Volleyball Canada.

*Includes: Cremation, Arranging & Administration, Local transfer of deceased and shelter, a vehicle used for administration and transferring and a minimum required cremation container.

Arbor Memorial Inc.

CLIENT:

Arbor Memorial

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COLOUR:

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AD SIZE:

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Dr. Samantha Bourdeau O.D. | Dr. Ryan Trottier O.D.

#101 - 2376 Bevan Avenue, Sidney 250.655.1122 www.raydahloptical.ca DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 99

Peninsula Panthers

The Mid-Season Report Card

The 2019/20 season in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League has been one which has seen the Peninsula Panthers on pace for their best season in the history of the franchise. There has been a sufficient sample size to see that the Hockey Club has a real opportunity to do something special this time around. They started out of the blocks early, winning their first six games. Although they have not managed to continue with that torrid pace, the Cats are right at the top of the VIJHL along with their arch nemesis, the Victoria Cougars, and the Oceanside Generals.

Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Tippett has the game of hockey running through his veins. He has coached in the Western Hockey League for a number of years before joining the Panthers four seasons ago.

Coach Tippett took a minute of his time to expound on how he felt about his Team as it hit the midway mark in the Regular Season Schedule. “We approached the season with a quiet confidence and may have caught a couple of teams by surprise. The real positive aspect is we have continued to grow together. This is one of the tightest teams I have ever coached and it is the reason we have been far and away the least active Organization in terms of player movement. They play together, they play for each other and police themselves, ensuring the name of the front of the Panthers jersey is more important than their individual names on the back of the same jersey. Our positive expectations that our veteran players would excel on the ice and as leaders, has been confirmed game in and game out. The core group had a taste of success in the 1st round of the playoffs last season and quite frankly, they want and expect more. The young guys we have added all have found a role and are respected in the room. I don’t want to single any players out simply because the story here is the success to date which has been driven by a team-first mentality. We just need to continue to improve each day with the goal of playing for a Junior B Championship in April.”

FORWARDS - The offensive punch has not fallen short and the Panthers lead the league in total goals. Their top line of Riley Braun, Tanner Wort and Josh Lingard are all in the top five in scoring in the VIJHL and they do not appear to be taking their foot off the gas pedal. All three are homegrown talent coming right out of the Peninsula Minor Hockey Association. All three grew up on the Peninsula. Lingard plays in the middle and quite often lugs the puck from his own end to the offensive zone. The three then work their magic and are worth the price of a ticket. Matt Sparrow broke his wrist early in November and losing one of the best forwards in the League has left a hole. The Club recently picked up Drew Coughlin who three seasons ago was the Panthers’ Top Scorer. GRADE - A

DEFENCE - The ‘Big Three’ in Captain Thomas Spink, Alexander Benger and Skyler Diamond-Burchuck anchor the blueline for the Cats. The three are in their final year of Junior Hockey and anchor a group which many pundits believe are the best in the League. Two youngsters in Hunter Jensen and Matthew Seale are both only 17 years old but their play is far beyond their years. Stefan Grunert and Eric Horricks have played both on the back end and up front and they provide toughness and grit to the squad. GRADE - A GOAL: Connor McKillop has played the majority of the games and is the clear cut starter on the Club while backup Chris Combiadakis has performed well whenever Tippett has punched his number.

McKillop has played most all of the big games for the Panthers over the past 2+ seasons. The two have great chemistry. Success in the playoffs comes down to Goaltending more often than not and Tippett will be looking for a great effort in the 2nd half of the season to help solidify favourable playoff positioning. GRADE - B+

Jr. Hockey Club

UPCOMING home games

Panorama Recreation Centre

Puck drops FRIDAYS at 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 29 DEC. 6 13 JAN. 3 10

vs. Kerry Park Islanders vs. Kerry Park Islanders vs. Westshore Wolves vs. Victoria Cougars vs. Oceanside Generals @ppanthersvijhl

Visit our website: www.ppanthers.bc.ca Opposite page - Head Coach Brad Tippett and Assistant Coach Jackson Skerratt keep a close eye on the action in a home game at the Panorama Recreation Centre. Players in the photo from left to right are Mackenzie Benn-Wipp, Lucas Thomson-Fiddes, Sterling Lyon, Jack Taylor and Alexander Benger.

Left: Alternate Captain Riley Braun comes to join the party after a Panthers’ goal while playing in front of their home crowd. Braun joins line mates Tanner Wort, Josh Lingard and #2 Defenceman Benger. The Braun/Lingard/Wort trio are arguably the best line the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League has to offer.

Below: (Top L) #20 Jonah Ragsdale battles with a Nanaimo Bucs player. (Top R) # 6 Hunter Jensen helps #8 Lingard and #10 Braun in a game against the Braves. (Bottom L) Goaltender Connor McKillop in on the action. (Bottom M) #7 Matt Seale gathers puck.

(Bottom R) Bench boss Brad Tippett directs his troops in VIJHL action.

All Photos by Gordon Lee Photography

It Feels Like Home At Broadmead Care, we want to create environments that support our Purpose: to build communities where people can experience wellbeing and happiness, where young and old connect and build friendships, and where people feel a sense of belonging.

We need your help to do so. Donate today at www.broadmeadcare.com/donate BECKLEY FARM LODGE | HARRIET HOUSE | NIGEL HOUSE REST HAVEN LODGE | VETERANS HEALTH CENTRE VETERANS MEMORIAL LODGE

Rene, who lives at Rest Haven Lodge, enjoys some time in Malika’s company.

102 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | DECEMBER 2019

Broadmead Care 4579 Chatterton Way Victoria BC V8X 4Y7 Tel: 250.658.0311 Broadmead Care Society is a registered charity. #129290383 RR0001

last

WORD

I've said it before and will say it again (and again): I love this community. And nowhere is the feeling of small-town friendliness and caring more apparent than in times of need, and celebration.

The recent School District #63 strike saw many local parents scrambling to find care for their children or risk losing income or vacation days from work. Friends helped friends, swapping playdates so the other could work, but I saw many moms offering free childcare to striking CUPE members while they picketed, or single parents who simply could not afford to take the day off.

The strike also saw the Sidney Elementary School Holiday Fair cancelled, as it was due to be held in the school gym. This left around 40 "makers" (myself included) without somewhere to sell their wares, many with large piles of stock that they no longer had the chance to recoup the cost of. In the grand scheme of things of course this wasn't a huge deal, but in the midst of the uncertainty caused by the strike it felt like another big blow and was very disheartening.

We scrambled to find a solution but it wasn't long before a "white knight" stepped in: Sean McNeill, co-founder and principal of McTavish Academy of Art (MAOA), offered to host and facilitate the fair at no charge. This is what MAOA is all about: building and supporting our community, and his generous offer reflected this. The fair took place and was a big success, and halfway through we got the good news that our kids would be back at school on Monday. You should have heard the cheers!

That wonderful feeling of community support is even more present during the holiday season.

Smiles come quicker, festive greetings are given to strangers and friends, and even a long line at a cash register doesn't dampen the feeling of magic in the air and the promise of Christmas around the corner.

Celebrating the holidays in a small town can't be beat, and I'm sure glad that I get to celebrate them in ours.

n o s i l l A

ALLISON SMITH

Editor-In-Chief

Making Taxes Easy.

INCOME TAX | BOOKKEEPING | PAYROLL | BILL PAYING | CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST

Peggy PeggyYelland Yelland&&Associates AssociatesInc. Inc.isis PeggyYelland.com aalocal localSaanich SaanichPeninsula Peninsulaaccounting accounting firm firmwhich whichprovides: provides: • • Personal Personal&&Corporate CorporateIncome IncomeTax Tax

DECEMBER 2019 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 103

SIDNEY All Care Residence We’re All About Care …

Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Sidney All Care Residence Winner!

All Care, We Care, I Care!

2018 Crystal Award for Outstanding Customer Service and 2019 Crystal Award for Contribution to the Community

Proudly Offering Long Term, Respite and Palliative Care

778.351.2505 • www.allcarecanada.ca • 2269 Mills Rd, Sidney