WEST COAST CULTURE JUNE 2009
Victoria Costumes Makes a Splash! Page 26
Formerly
CO N T E N T S JUNE 2009
Established in 2005
Publisher, Advertising...................................Tim Flater 250-686-1144 sales@seasidetimes.ca publisher@seasidetimes.ca Editor-in-Chief ..................................................Allison Smith 250-544-4022 info@seasidetimes.ca editor@seasidetimes.ca Contributors Robert Alison • Arlene Antonik David Beck • Jennifer Bowles David Bremner • Jennifer Collison Joseph Fasciani • Anne Fearon-Wood Linda Funk • Wendy Hacking Cami Jara • Steven Jedster Linda M. Langwith • Lisa Makar Sandy McElroy • Danielle McLaughlin Carole Pearson • Jeff Wonnenberg Heather Zais
West Coast Culture
formerly
FEATURES 6 Dads Can Too! by Linda M Langwith
Website...................................................................Tige Johnson Mosaic Internet Designs tige@mosaicdesigns.ca
8-9 Why the Killer Whale, by Jeff Wonnenberg
Distribution .........................................................Sonya Jones Gail Rooney Randy White
13 In Praise of Father’s Day, by David Bremner
Printed by ................International Web Express Island Office 888-364-2500 Cover by Tim Flater Cordova Bay
WEST COAST CULTURE JUNE 2009
Victoria Costumes Makes a Splash! Page 26
Formerly
9 New Bistro Opens at North Saanich Winery 17 A Suitable Dilemma, by Wendy Hacking
The Regulars
The First Word ........................................4 New Voices.................................11, 33 23 An Artist’s Journey, Island Dish ................................................18 by Tim Flater Business Profiles...20-21, 26-27 24 Fishing With Grandpa, What’s Happening .....................22 Sudoku ...........................................................25 by Sandy McElroy Snapshot ....................................................30 36-37 Failed Communications, Zais Astrology....................................32 Part II, by Joseph Fasciani Footprints .......................................34-35 And Many More… The Last Word ...................................38
21 Bamberton Anniversary
THE FIRST WO R D At the Seaside Times we like to tell you a story each month; we like to inform you of people, places and things that will make you go “Hmm, I didn’t know that.” We also like to write about the person behind the business, as we’ve done this month with Charlotte at Victoria Costumes and Peter at Pacifica Paddle Sports. We let you know what’s happening out on the ocean by having Jeff at Emerald Sea Adventures write for us. We also enjoy telling you about amazing events happening within the community, like the world-class Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre that opens June 20 in Sidney. So for all of us at the Seaside Times, it’s not ‘just business,’ it’s love of the people, places and events in this great community on Vancouver Island that drives us each month.
It’s Not ‘Just Business!’ June is finally here; wow, for some reason this year it seemed to take longer than usual to get here. I didn’t think the weather was ever going to warm up, but it has…yeah! June is a great month; everything is new again with lots of regular events starting up like the Sidney Market on Thursdays, the Peninsula Country Market every Saturday and a full month of celebrating the ocean with Ocean Discovery Days. This is the start of a very busy season of friends and families coming to visit from all over the world. It’s not ‘just business’ for us, it’s showing the visitors that we are a community who cares about each other, our environment and demonstrating acts of kindness while sharing the place we call home with them. Our magazine has grown this month. For the past four years we have been the only monthly magazine serving the Saanich Peninsula, with over 130 points of distribution. This month we’re adding new readers to the family. We are now distributing through the Times Colonist, in the first Sunday edition of every month, to the communities of Broadmead, High Quadra, Swan Lake, Quadra and the Gulf Islands. We are excited to be able to share the magazine with our new readers and, in coming issues, to write about what makes their communities so special.
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Thank you for supporting the businesses that advertise with us. Enjoy the issue.
Tim Flater
Publisher
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Middle of the Road
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Neil Laing – 250-656-2919
Jim Laing – 250-652-2923
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JUNE 2009
A month long celebration of our ocean on the Saanich Peninsula C o m e a n d j oi n i n t h e f u n
A special thank you to our sponsors and partners Sponsors Sidney Dive Centre A.J. Finlayson Architect Peninsula Riparian Property Association VI Fitness Centres Sidney Florist 98.5 FM The Ocean Thrifty Foods – Sidney
Rogers’ Chocolates Best Western Emerald Isle Smitty’s Restaurant – Sidney Sidney Cleaners Curran Consulting G&E Equipment Rentals – Sidney Sidney Waterfront Inn & Spa
Triangle RV Centre Salon J Hairstudios – Sidney WestJet Emerald Sea Adventures BC Ferries Scotia Bank – Sidney Victoria Airport Authority Corus Radio
The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Peninsula Celebrations Society Mineral World Sidney Business Association West Coast Wood Designs
Institute of Ocean Sciences Tanner’s Books The Children’s Bookshop Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula Mary Winspear Centre
Partners Town of Sidney District of North Saanich District of Central Saanich Tourism BC Tourism Vancouver Island Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
w w w. o ce a nd i scove r yd ays. ca
Dads Can Too!
by Linda M. Langwith
Over the course of a few decades it seems that dads have reinvented themselves. It is now perfectly normal for fathers to be involved in all aspects of child care, from basic maintenance like changing diapers and potty training to making cookies for school events and helping out on field trips. The experts have now come to the conclusion that dads do have a positive role to play in family life, something most wives and mothers figured out long ago. Sonora Dodd would definitely agree. Wanting to honour her father, who raised her by himself when her mother died, Sonora’s efforts led to the first Father’s Day celebration on a Sunday in June, 1910. The third Sunday in the month of June was eventually reserved for this special day to remember the dads and father figures in our lives. While a perusal of the Father’s Day cards in the local gift shop would lead one to believe that dads are avid golfers, fishermen, boaters, vintage car specialists and barbecue chefs, they are not all created equal. Maybe what really matters is the time he was there for you, like the afternoon when he finally let go of the back of the bicycle seat and you went flying down the road solo, because he just knew you were ready, or when he taught you how to drive without ever losing his cool,
That weekend in Napa U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507 • © • All rights reserved • www.pandora-jewelry.com
Whatever your special memories, why not share them with your dad this year? He’ll be delighted you remembered, whether you text him on his cell, pop an email in his inbox, scribble it on a greeting card or, best of all, tell him face-to-face over a cappuccino in his favorite bistro. It could be the best gift he’ll ever receive on Father’s Day. While the media may like to portray dads as bumbling idiots, kids know better. Tall enough to get that kite in the air on a windy day at Island View Beach, wise enough to know that sometimes it’s okay to have chocolate cake for breakfast and smart enough to remember how to do long division when your brain has turned to mush, dads really are Supermen in tracksuits and deserve special recognition for all the love, wisdom, patience and support they give.
LIFE HAS ITS MOMENTS…
…MAKE THEM UNFORGETTABLE
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even when on one white knuckle outing you almost put the family car in the ditch.
This year Father’s Day will also mark the first day of summer, the perfect occasion to plan an outdoorsy type of celebration, perhaps with a family picnic at one of the many beautiful beach spots on the Island. How about a portable barbecue where Dad can strut his stuff on the grill, even if it’s just hot dogs? Bring along a tray of his favourite cookies, perfect for snacking on as the afternoon unfolds, and that chocolate cake you used to love for breakfast. Don’t forget the kite, a Frisbee and a bucket for shell collecting. The memories start right here.
* Ask us about a special gift with purchase in June. One per customer while supplies last.
Knickerbocker’s i
Unique Home Accessories & Gifts
12-7103 W. Saanich Rd., Trafalgar Square, Brentwood Bay Tel: 250-544-8211 • www.knickerbockers.ca
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This Could Be You! To advertise in Seaside Times, contact Tim Flater, Publisher sales@seasidetimes.ca
Peninsula Country Market – Cartref Gardens Seaside Times has long been a sponsor of the Peninsula Country Market, and each month we will be featuring one of the many gifted vendors for you. The market was started in 1991 and focuses on local entrepreneurs with unique products. It takes place on the Saanich Fairgrounds every Saturday starting June 6th. One of the stalls you will see at the market is Cartref Gardens, specialty cut flowers. Cartref Gardens is a local flower grower located in North Saanich. Owner Eiddwen Thomas enjoys the relaxed rural atmosphere at the Peninsula Country Market. “It is an excellent place for people to come on a Saturday morning, have a coffee, visit, enjoy the music and take advantage of all the beautiful crafts, produce and goodies,” she says.
markets and a roadside stand, Cartref Gardens provides flowers and bouquets for special occasions. “It is a gift to be able to contribute beauty and creativity to people’s lives,” says Eiddwen. “Customers are absolutely wonderful in their enthusiasm and appreciation of the flowers and the arrangements I do. Some of my best ideas m have come from my customers.” h Cartref Gardens is an active member b in the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, and this year, will be F growing more flowers than ever. The g list li includes sunflowers, dahlias, lilies, ie zinnias, sweet peas, moluccella, campanula, godetia, crocosmia, agerc atum, and edible flowers. a
“I have always been fascinated by the colour, texture and endless variety in flowers,” Eiddwen says. Cartref Gardens’ passion and commitment is to grow beautiful, high quality cut flowers. These are grown with environmentally friendly methods and are treated with care which includes conditioning prior to going to market. This ensures excellent quality when customers carry them home. As well as
enthusiastic about the recent addition of Eiddwen is enthus German cutting roses: “The Kordes Freelander roses are bred for outdoor production and for cutting. They have an excellent vase life and look like an old fashioned rose, they are gorgeous! These flowers are disease resistant so they work well with my growing methods.” Cartref Gardens is located at 1340 Munro Rd. Phone 250-655-1940 or email ebthomas@shaw.ca.
EXPLORATION & ADVENTURE Discover Panorama this Summer! Camps Arts & Culture Recreation & Sport Dance & Music Leadership & Training www.panoramarecreation.ca 1885 Forest Park Dr. North Saanich 250.656.7271 www.seasidetimes.ca
JUNE 2009
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Why the Killer Whale? by Jeff Wonnenberg, Emerald Sea Adventures
The family name Orcinus Orca is comprised of three genetically different species: resident, transient and offshore Orca. Looking very similar,
the whales only have small distinct features in dorsal fins and saddle patches. Transients are also known to have a pointier (Witch Hat) dorsal fin.
Resident Species B.C.’s West Coast is home to two groups of Resident Orca, the Southern
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and Northern Residents. Both groups feed heavily on salmon (but are also known to eat halibut) and live in large matrilineal groups called pods, led by the female matriarch. The Northern Residents are comprised of 16 pods and over 200 individuals reside in the Johnstone Strait area. The Southern Residents are comprised of three pods: the J, K and L matrilines, just under 90 individuals in total. They reside in the Georgia Basin region for eight or so months of the year; feeding on the local main river systems including the Fraser, Nooksack and Skagit. Winter months have them recorded as far south as Monterey Bay, C.A. Mating only occurs when different pods mix together. A calf is born into a pod and will stay with its mother (cow) for the rest of its life. These whale pods have a distinct dialect of vocalization but are able to communicate with one another if the pods mix.
Transient Species This species gives Orca the nickname ‘Killer Whale.’ Transients, like their name denotes, travel up and down the Pacific north coast feeding on marine mammals, including small whales. When a female gives birth, she has essentially created her pod and becomes the matriarch of that family. Thus, the pods are generally smaller but will join other pods as they traverse the islands and waters in search of seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphin, Minke whale and young calves of Grey and Humpback whales.
Offshore Species Very little is known about this species because of their locale; offshore waters. We do know they live in large pods and are picarians (fish eaters). Only once have I witnessed these animals. In September 2002 working from Victoria we had a report of at least 50-70 Orca in the Juan De Fuca Strait. Upon arrival we were unable to identify the individuals and concluded that they were the Offshore species. The following day they were southbound in Saanich Inlet and we watched them feeding deep into Finlayson Arm. By the following day they were gone and have never been seen in our area again.
New Bistro Opens at North Saanich Winery Located in a tranquil country setting in North Saanich, Bistro Muse is a casual open-air alfresco restaurant set amidst the grape vines of Muse Winery (formerly Chalet Estate Winery), located at 11195 Chalet Road. It offers diners a unique and inventive menu with consideration given to the best Muse Wines to pair with each course. The menu was crafted by Samantha Wiger and Darby McDonald of Taste of Life Catering in Sidney, B.C. (www. tasteoflifecatering.ca). Their food philosophy revolves around fresh, local and seasonal and they are firm believers in the 100 Mile Diet and supporting local growers and producers. The new Muse Winery releases of Ortega 2008, Viognier 2008, Fume Blanc 2008, Pinot Gris 2008 and Marechal Foch 2008 are all ready for tasting. The new name for Chalet Estate Winery, Muse Winery, comes from Peter Ellmann, owner and winemaker. The name pays homage to his wife Jane Ellmann, whom Peter confesses is his life’s inspiration. Jane heads up events, promotions and the tasting room operations. Muse Bistro is open four days a week, Thursday through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As the venue is small and intimate, reservations are recommended. For further information call Jane Ellmann at the winery at 250-656-2552 or Peter Ellmann at 250-508-1834.
Rick Shumka Realtor, Victoria, BC
My local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benet you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time. I consider Victoria an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you my enthusiasm for the many neighbourhoods that encompass it. I pride myself on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can best assist you with your real estate needs.
#150 - 805 Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8X 2S9 250-384-8124 • lfshumka@telus.net • www.rickshumka.com www.seasidetimes.ca
JUNE 2009
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;II V QKP8MV Q V[] TI7KMI V,Q[K W^MZa,Ia[ 2]VM Sidney Summer Market, 5:30-9 pm and Weekly! 10th Anniversary Parade, 5:30 pm Clam Chowder Challenge, Sidney Summer Market, 5-7 pm
2]VM Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula (CACSP) Spring Studio Tour, 11 am - 4 pm
2]VM Peninsula Country Market, 9 am - 1 pm and Weekly! North Saanich Farm Market, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and Weekly! Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa Oceans Day Beach Clean-up
2]VM !¡?WZTL7KMIV[,Ia Focus on the Ocean Talks at the Institute of Ocean Sciences, 10 am - 3 pm
2]VM Splash into Summer Activity Day, Children’s Bookshop Prehistoric Oceans – Discover Monsters of the Sea, Mineral World (June 13-July 4)
2]VM Speaker Series: Our Ocean, Our Orcas, Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, 7 pm
2]VM Authors By-The-Sea, Sidney Pier Hotel, presented by Tanner’s Books, 11 am - 4 pm
2]VM Dedication of the new Sidney Pavilion, Sidney Beacon Park, 9:30 am - 4 pm
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Geothermal Unit Tours, Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, 2-3 pm
Community Dinner, Mary Winspear Centre, 5-6:30 pm
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Opening Ceremonies, Sidney Beacon Park, 7:30-8 pm
ART STARTS for kids of all ages, Sidney Beacon Park, 10 am - noon
Entertainment with Mufaro, Sidney Beacon Park, 8-10 pm
2]VM
Fireworks at Sidney’s Waterfront, 10 pm
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre Open to the Public! Activities in Beacon Park, 1:30 am - 2:30 pm
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West Coast Wood Designs’ Marine Artisan Demonstrations, 11 am - 5 pm
Pancake Breakfast, Mary Winspear Centre, 9-11 am
Sunday Divers Dive Club & Demo, Sidney Beacon Pier & Sidney Beacon Park, 1-3 pm
Peninsula Track & Field Canada Day Fun Run, Mary Winspear, starts at 7 am
Geothermal Unit Tours, Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, 2-3 pm
Canada Day Parade, Beacon & 2nd St., 11 am - 12:30 pm
2]VM
Family Fun Fair, Mary Winspear Centre, 12-4 pm
Focus on the Sea Floor Talks, Institute of Ocean Sciences, 10 am - 3 pm
Slegg Lumber ‘Build a Boat,’ Sidney Beacon Park 12-4:30 pm, launch at 5 pm
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Country vs. Suburbia by Cami Jara A mere eight years ago, a climb up Mt. Finalyson would have been a draining but worthwhile event. Making it to the top was a satisfying feat. At the very peak, one of nature’s spectacles awaited: gorgeous forestry blanketed the ground below and peeking out from around the greenery, Victoria and its surroundings were a glimmer before the horizon. Recently, I completed the climb, foolishly hoping for the same beautiful view that was planted in my memory from the time I was four years old. When I finally arrived, I was greatly disappointed. The once-luscious green was now blocked off by the Bear Mountain Resort construction. I quietly wondered to myself – who would want to replace so much of nature’s beauty with a man-made golf course? I could not justify a valid reason. What could call someone to ruin something so majestic? I had a pretty good guess: money. A feeling of gloom overwhelmed me, for in the battle between suburbia and country, one does not need to think very hard to predict who will come out victorious. The once simple idea of going somewhere surrounded by forest is now becoming increasingly more difficult. One does not need to look too far back to realize that the very neighbourhoods we now occupy used to be green land and even orchards. A drive up to Sooke would have revealed lush forests as recently as a year ago. Now the drive is littered with condominiums and construction. For those who love and wish to live in the country, enjoy
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the outdoors, but still crave the convenience of a city just 20 minutes away, their wishes are temporarily fulfilled on the Peninsula. What they don’t seem to realize is what they believe to be country is just an illusion and that suburbia is spreading like a cancer and taking over. It’s only a matter of time before ‘big box’ stores and endless construction overtake our once cozy, green Peninsula. This very real fact is afflicting places all over the world and suburbia continues to form a threat to the country areas of the land. I believe there are two reasons for the drastic change. One is the growing population. This spike is causing a dramatic boom in construction, destroying what little forested areas still remain.
“
In the battle between suburbia and country, one does not need to think very hard to predict who will come out victorious, ~ Cami Jara
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If you asked a family that is struggling to find a place to live in Victoria, not because of a lack in funds but because of the extremely low vacancy rate, they would most likely tell you that it is a wonderful idea that more construction is taking place. If you asked families who have lived on the Peninsula for generations, they would very likely not be in agreement with more construction. Some of the reasons to be opposed to this increase in construction could be that the families do not want to see the land that they have lived on for years and years so abruptly changed. Also, people are so obsessed with profit that they easily wipe out anything and everything just for the sake of money. So who is to decide what is right and what is wrong? A solution to some causes a problem for others, but the battle between suburbia and the country will continue nonetheless, until the country as we know it ceases to exist.
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In Praise of Father’s Day (and Subsequently of Jeans) Let me take a moment to appreciate and thank all the fathers out there (particularly my own ) for their love and contributions that have guided us over the years! Remembering also, with great respect, the fathers who have passed before us... we are very much the people we are today because of you, and we honour your memory.
This Father’s Day… wrap his present in a shirt from d.g. bremner & co.
On a somewhat more practical note, next to Professor of Style Christmas, Father’s Day is David Bremner the best season we have in men’s wear, so three cheers for Dad doing his part to stimulate the economy! So, what makes a great gift for Dad? Being a father, as well as a retailer, perhaps I can give you a little perspective from both sides of the counter. I would be remiss if I didn’t begin with what is most important. First and foremost, Dads need to know they are loved. The gift of time, thoughtfulness and appreciation has always gone a long way in making my Father’s Day. That being said, Dads like STUFF; it’s a given, and jeans are the stuff I‘d like to bring to your attention today...not just any old pair, but great fitting jeans! No matter how old they are, many Dads could use a serious update in the jeans department, particularly if he’s wearing those baggy old “I don’t care how they look, they’re comfy” jeans. With all the new materials out there today, all the models and price points...there really is a jean for everybody, and with your help, we could banish the tired old baggy-butt jean forever! Surprisingly enough, it’s even easy to find the right size! (Just sneak a peek at a pair he already owns). It’s taken a while, but many guys have discovered that lycra is pretty cool...in our jeans anyway! About half the jeans we carry have some stretch in them. They come in different washes, different fits and different legs. We have a good selection and remember....we‘ll gift wrap free of charge. If they don’t work out, our return policy is simple...you’re the boss! Once again, Happy Father’s Day in advance to all the Dads out there! Please drop by the store and have a look! Oh, and check out our ad this month…that’s my wife Kim, in one of our great shirts! SEASIDE TIMES
Two locations to serve you: Sidney Broadmead Village 2449 Beacon Avenue 440-777 Royal Oak Drive 250-654-0534 250-744-5791
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JUNE 2009
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What a View! Green Initiatives at The Pier by Lisa Makar, General Manager, The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa Every morning, for the past two years, I’ve been fortunate enough to walk in the front door of The Pier and look straight through our atrium at the water. No matter what the day or season, I’m always amazed. It looks just a bit different and just a bit more beautiful every day. So, how does one look at such an incredible view every day and not always consider how they’re treating it? Is there more we can do to protect it? I hope everyone knows that happening from June 4 to July 4 are Ocean Discovery Days. There are several events going on around the Peninsula to highlight our fantastic marine environment and those organizations dedicated to its preservation. Included in these events is the much anticipated opening of the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Please see www.oceandiscoverycentre.ca or the Town of Sidney website (www.sidney.ca) for full details. Also part of the celebrations is a waterfront beach clean-
up, taking place on June 6 and being led by The Pier Hotel & Spa’s Shades of Green – Pier Eco Team. As part of Ocean Discovery Days, we would like to invite the public to come to the Sidney Pier Hotel to see our Geo Thermal System (left). This is how we heat and cool the entire property. Customized geo thermal heat pumps provide this temperature control by borrowing and returning excess heat from the ocean, reducing energy consumption by an estimated 30 percent. It’s such an important and unique facility that we thought some of you may be interested in seeing it. Our maintenance manager, Norm (at left) will be available to answer any questions. The Geo Room will be open to the public on June 13 and June 20 from 2-3 p.m. I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you a bit about what The Pier does to mitigate its environmental footprint.
How to look good naked .
Join us for mid week specials Mondays Jeans & Jazz Live music, tapas & feature wines at $5 above cost Tuesdays Two for One Choose from 4 great pizzas
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Pizza
Wednesdays Moules Frites A full pound of fresh Gulf Island mussels & house frites are just $15.95
LOCATED AT
2538 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 250-655-9700 www.sidneypier.com/haros 14
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There are countless more items but those listed, I think, are very cool and provide significant impact. The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce recently awarded us the Environmental Responsiveness Award. In addition, this year we were awarded 4 Green Keys from the Hotel Association of Canada as part of their Green Key Eco Rating Program. Our mandate is to apply eco-friendly criteria to all of our decision-making. By minimizing our ecological footprint, we hope to set an example for responsible and sustainable Tourism that others are inspired to follow.
Reduce – Making Waste an Unwanted Guest • Purely Saltspring amenities are proudly featured in refillable dispensers throughout the hotel. These are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free and scented with pure essential oils. • Low flush toilets in guestrooms to reduce water consumption. • Local organic products are used in the spa for treatments as well as for retail. The spa also supports suppliers who use recycled packaging.
Going Green • BC Transit bus passes are subsidized by 50 percent to encourage a more eco-friendly way of commuting. • Compact fluorescent lamps are used throughout the building, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs by up to two thirds.
Keeping it Clean • Enviro-friendly Ecolab cleaners are used to help increase safety, lower the use of water and energy and reduce the chemicals and waste released to the environment. • Ecolab Formula One is used for the in-house laundry process. This product can reduce the wash cycle by up to 30 percent, water costs up to 18 percent and energy costs by up to 25 percent. • The other cleaning system employed is Oasis Pro, which is noncombustible, non-corrosive and nontoxic to humans when diluted for use. It is also safe for aquatic life when diluted, and contains no chlorine, NPE, EDTA or NTA, with VOC levels under one percent. Free of known carcinogens and reproductive hazards, Oasis Pro comes in small collapsible bags that fit into an automatic dispenser, preventing additional waste.
Reuse • In addition to recycling in all
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guestrooms, suites and offices, cooking oil from our commercial kitchen is also recycled and reusable nail files are sterilized in the spa to reduce unnecessary waste. • Day old breads and pastries are donated to a local school.
Sustain • Haro’s seafood menu items are selected in support of sustainable fishery practices and the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise conservation program and local ingredients are used whenever possible. • Shades of Green – Pier Eco Team is the hotel’s green committee and meets regularly to discuss new initiatives. The committee has a representative from each department to ensure that all areas are covered. So that’s a bit about what we do. We are fortunate to live and work where we do and also fortunate that we have a team of professionals that are committed to our environmental responsiveness.
JUNE 2009
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Suzanne Huot photo
EMERALD SEA ADVENTURES
WHALE WATCHING : : WILDLIFE TOURS ONE BOAT – MANY GREAT ADVENTURES
formerly Piccolo Restaurant
Matt & Cheryl are making changes! Clean flavours, great ingredients and simple, properly executed cooking without all the ‘pretentious fuss.’
Call for a reservation today 16
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9807 Seaport Place at the Pier Hotel :: 250.893.6722 or toll free 1.888.620.6722 :: www.emeraldsea.ca
A Suitable Dilemma
by Wendy Hacking fits no one and resist all efforts of any young, lithe salesperson to “check things from behind.”
cannot believe my own rationalizations. In June, I take a dose of the best truth serum in the world – it’s time to try and squeeze into last year’s bathing suit.
They make bathing suits these days with sophisticated internal and external construction. Bones, flaps, shirring, lacing, boy shorts and skorts are all touted to render a suit that accentuates the positive and shores up the rest.
June may be the month when roses bloom and summer starts, but for me, it is the month when, in anticipation of warmer days, I have to stand before a full-length mirror, harshly lit by the brightest of lights. I squirm into my bathing suit in a ridiculous effort of hope that this flimsy piece of nylon and Lycra will transmogrify the image that reflects back at me.
When winter is still blustering with cold and wet days, I adopt body camouflage with layers of loose, warm clothing. It’s easy to pretend that maybe those body parts, masquerading as memory-repositories, aren’t in such bad shape. I live on a small southern Gulf Island, where high winds in the winter take the power out and halt the ferries bringing supplies. This means that I work hard to convince myself that I need extra padding to fend off the threat of possible starvation. But, come June, even I
It doesn’t. I conclude that I need to go shopping. With white skin and winter’s excesses unfettered, bathing suit shopping is not an experience for the faint of heart. Here are a few guidelines I have learned to follow: avoid change rooms with no lock on the door, ditto change rooms with the mirror outside the locked door, one-size-fits-all
Humming Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, I’ve decided that last year’s basic black one-piece will hold up last winter’s excesses for another year. What suits you this summer?
Marmalade Tart Boutique
Featuring: Jones Collection Anne Klein • Steilmann Neon Buddha • Bylyse Line • Velvet
Coming Soon: Lois jeans David Khan jeans Simon Chang jeans Fidelity jeans Language tops
Jewelry by Local Artists: Jill Rockwell Mary Lou Moffat Wendy Pierson Diamond
OPE N OW
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Do you know where I keep the memories of these wonderful meals? Smack on my right hip. My left hip, too, and both thighs and my generous upper arms. Even my feet expand with memories of great holiday meals past.
What am I going to do about a bathing suit this year? I’ve decided to abandon shopping and celebrate my stage in life when ‘letting it all hang out’ means something different now than when I was a younger woman.
N
Picture your last Thanksgiving turkey dinner, with fluffy mashed potatoes lashed with gravy and candied yams oozing marshmallow topping. Recall this past Christmas, with festive plates of buttery shortbread and fruitcake washed down by a few glasses of rich, thick brandied eggnog. Visualize last New Year’s Eve champagne, the preliminary to a dinner of baked honey ham smothered in cherry sauce, with creamy scalloped potatoes and decadent chocolate cheesecake for dessert.
The tags on these bathing suits have small symbols that are supposed to represent the body type that will most benefit from a particular suit. I’m never sure if I am a V, 0, ◊ or Σ.
Featuring several top Canadian designers Private after-hours shopping by appointment; Bring your friends for a special Girls’ Night Out! 2378-B Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC (Look for us between Beacon Books & the Island Shoe Place)
778-426-3356 • geraldene@marmaladetart.com
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JUNE 2009
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Romaine Redefined guisher nearby just in case.
by Jennifer Bowles Listen carefully...can you hear it? The squeaky wheels of a million barbecues rolling onto patios everywhere for their annual June debut. Line-ups at the gas station just got longer, flip-flops are being donned and the first ephemeral rays of the sun draw us outside to indulge our primal instinct; make fire – cook food. To barbecue properly is an art. Direct flame can either turn your marinated masterpiece into blackened char or you can dance with the flame and create a stunning success. Either way there is one big thing to consider when dealing with open flame. Safety. No kidding! Barbecue mishaps can lead to unwanted hair removal and costly patio renovations, so keep a dry chemical fire extin-
It’s time for the annual grilling issue of every culinary publication in the universe, and they will suck you in with glossy photographs of ribs drenched in that finger binding sauce that coats your mouth like molasses. But resist just this once, and for a show stopper I shall impart how to barbecue a salad. Yes, that’s right; I said salad and barbecue in the same sentence. This will absolutely blow your palate sky high. Intrigued? My good friend Chef Stephan Drolet made this salad for me and I wept openly with the first bite. It has an incredibly balanced and summery taste and pairs beautifully with a skewer of fresh barbecued prawns or marinated grilled chicken breast. The combination of the oils on this salad and the charred leaves gives the romaine a smoky flavour and a very slight bitterness that rounds out the sweetness of the grapes and the richness of the blue cheese. So, pen and paper everyone, here we go. Grilled Romaine Salad – Serves 4: 2 whole romaine lettuce heads, remove shaggy outer leaves, trim tips , slice off core, cut each in half lengthwise. salt & pepper • extra virgin olive oil • red grapes, halved creamy blue cheese (Moonstruck, Saltspring Island is the best) toasted pistachios (fresh and shelled) Vinaigrette: 2 oz blue cheese, softened • 1 clove garlic, minced 1.5 tsp chipotle peppers, minced • 1 cup canola oil ½ cup avocado oil (found at any specialty market) 3 oz white balsamic vinegar • 4 oz orange juice • salt to taste
Whisk together blue cheese, garlic and peppers to form a base for your vinaigrette. Slowly drizzle in oils to start an emulsion and alternate oils with vinegar and orange juice. Adjust seasonings to suit your tastes. Blue cheese has a nice kick on its own, so always taste as you go!
La Dolce Vita: amazing soups and sandwiches, true Italian espresso, great customer service and a huge selection of Italian imports & giftware
Open Late Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Telephone: 250-665-7222 on Wallace Drive across from Thrifty’s 18
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Preparation & Assembly: Fire barbecue up to medium-high heat and drizzle the romaine halves with olive oil, salt and pepper. The olive oil gives the seasonings something to cling to. Next place the lettuce (core side down) so that the leaves are over the hottest part of the grill. You want the leaves to char a little bit without warming the whole half of the romaine heart, about two minutes. Remove the lettuce and plate. Drizzle the vinaigrette generously over each romaine half. Arrange a handful of the grapes on and around the salad. Scatter the pistachios over the leaves. Finally, for the piece de resistance, crumble some extra blue cheese through your fingers and onto your creation. Pop open that bottle of bubbly (a perfect pairing) raise a toast to Chef Drolet and indulge‌you earned it!
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JUNE 2009
Delicious & Ready to go!
With fresh eggs, celery & green onion, this smooth & creamy Homestyle Potato Salad is delicious and hassle free! Made fresh for you in our own Thrifty Kitchens and available in 350g and 1kg handy size containers. Visit our full service deli and try some today!
Sidney & Central Saanich
Customer Service • 250-544-1234 • visit thriftyfoods.com
See Nature at Sea Level With Pacifica Paddlesports by Arlene Antonik On the Saanich Peninsula, we are surrounded by ocean on three sides and the possibilities for exploration of craggy coastlines, beckoning beaches and intriguing inlets are endless. There is no better way to seek out
adventure on the water than by kayak or canoe. A year ago, Peter Harris re-located Pacifica Paddle Sports from Victoria to Brentwood Bay beside the Mill Bay Ferry dock. Follow the wooden staircase down to the water to the colourful stacks of kayaks and you will find enthusiastic and experienced guides to answer your questions and get you out on the water. The centre offers guided tours, classes, kayak and canoe sales, rentals and repairs. Gear and accessories such as wetsuits, drysuits, gloves or boots are also available for purchase.
It’s a science centre, gift shop, bookstore and kids’ playzone combined. Search for gemstones, pan for gold, collect seashells, discovery unique rock and fossil specimens and learn fun facts about earth science, all while enjoying the beautiful waterfront at Sidney-by-the-Sea.
Open 364 days a year! 9891 Seaport Place, Sidney (beside the Sidney Pier Hotel)
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How to get started? Imagine a sunny, West Coast day – the sparkling blue ocean is calling to you and your friends. Someone suggests kayaking and you present yourselves, novices all, to the Pacifica Paddling Centre. You are outfitted with PFDs (personal flotation devices) and given some brief on-shore instruction. You are matched to a banana-looking boat and a paddle and suddenly find yourself gliding along, feeling very much one with nature and the water. The guides are certified in water safety and first aid and among them speak French, German, Spanish and Arabic. They are constantly monitoring tide charts, currents and weather conditions as the routing of the tours will depend on these conditions. The location of the centre allows easy access to Tod Inlet, Finlayson Arm and the Saanich Inlet. “Brentwood Bay is a spectacular place for beginners,� Peter notes. Multi-day tours are offered for those wanting to
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experience kayak camping. Let the guides know what your interests are – they want to give you the experience you’re looking for. Although training is not required before taking a tour, if you want to learn the basics and acquire some skills Pacifica Paddle Sports offers a series of three classes from October through May at the Crystal Pool and on Elk Lake in the warmer months. The 2½ hour courses cover kayak entry and exit, strokes, wet exits, bracing and edging and self and assisted recovery techniques. Those wanting to improve their skills are welcome to participate in the Sunday Paddle Instructional Tours. Peter chooses a different location to launch each week. This is a great way to meet fellow paddlers, gain experience and discover new areas to explore such as Oak Bay, Beecher Bay, McKenzie Bight and Willis Point. Trips to Discovery Island or Chatham Island include a picnic lunch. Although kayaking is for people of all ages, Peter has a special interest in mentoring young people in the sport he loves so much. He has been around boats since he was a boy and knows first hand that learning to kayak can be a life-changing experience. Peter asks those interested in day camps this summer to contact him by phone at 250-6657412 or email customerservice@ pacificapaddle.com Pacifica Paddle Sports welcomes guests from all over the world. Tucked into the cockpit of their kayaks, visitors marvel at the natural beauty of this place and are thrilled to see barking harbour seals, soaring bald eagles, and ‘V’ formations of Canada Geese flying overhead. Why not get up and go where you have not gone before‌in a kayak? Resistance is futile.
Bamberton 98th Anniversary The Bamberton Historical Society presents the 98th anniversary of the historical Bamberton site.
tively scheduled to begin next year, this may be the last chance for the
Guided bus tours of the former ‘company town’ and cement plant site are happening every Sunday from June 28 to September 27th. The tours will be stopping at several points of interest including the original quarry, which extends over 1,000 feet into the mountainside. “This historic industrial site is one of the most important in British Columbia,� said Maureen Alexander, president of the Bamberton Historical Society. “We are very excited about this summer’s program, which includes a documentary film and exciting live theatre performances. We are offering a full day of family events and special activities.� “With redevelopment being tenta-
Sponsored by:
public bli to tour the h historic hi i parts off the h site,� she added. The Bamberton Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the memories and memorabilia of the Bamberton site. Bamberton is owned by Three Point Properties. For more information visit www. bambertonhistoricalsociety.org.
Sidney Acoustic Series CD Release Party Sunday, !"!
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... brings you
what’s happening | june 2009
Saturdays throughout June, July & August Open House & Cemetary Tours Holy Trinity Church, 2-4 p.m. 250-656-3223 or 250-656-9633 Come visit the heritage church! At 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays only; tours of the graves of some of the area’s rst residents.
June 3, 4 & 5 Back to the ’80s…The Totally Awesome Musical! Mary Winspear Centre, 7:30 p.m. 250-656-0275, www.marywinspear.ca Presented by Stelly’s Musical Theatre and featuring 1980s classics such as Footloose, Love Shack and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Tickets $15 adults, $12 students and seniors.
June 13 Third Annual Walk/Run For the Love of Africa Beaver Lake Park, lower picnic area 250-881-7855, www.fortheloveofafrica.org 10-kilometre walk begins at 9 a.m., four-kilometre walk and 10-kilometre run starts at 10 a.m. African music, refreshments, ice cream…come enjoy a day in the park!
June 16-July 21 Plein Air Painting at Butchart Gardens mead1@shaw.ca The course, taught by Wendy Robson (BFA), will focus on planning and working outdoors as well as developing compositional and technical skills in your various chosen mediums. Registration is through the Panorama Recreation Centre (www.panoramarecreation.ca).
June 20 Summer Garden
Thursdays, June 4 through August 27 Rainforest Kids Raincoast Conservation Foundation Tent, Sidney Market 250-655-1229 An interactive program engaging children of all ages with weekly information, crafts and other activities highlighting the Great Bear Rainforest and its species.
June 6 Waterfront Beach Cleanup
Ludwig-South Resource Centre, Glendale Gardens and Woodland, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 250-479-6162, www.hcp.bc.ca The sixth session of the Year-Round Harvest for the Urban Gardener will cover planting schedules and crop management with a focus on summer crops of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, corn, beans, squash, cucumber and small fruit. Cost is $45 for members, $75 for non-members.
From Beacon Wharf to the Town Limit at Lochside 250-655-9760, melanie.may@sidneypier.com Led by The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa’s Shades of Green – Pier Eco Team, the cleanup will see many Sidney businesses contributing time or equipment to clean up and maintain our beautiful waterfront.
June 20 Sunday Divers Dive Club & Demo
June 6 Wave Dwellers
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 250-478-3344, www.crd.bc.ca/parks Join the parks staff for a magical early evening paddle on the still waters of Beaver Lake. Canoe equipment and instruction are provided and no experience is necessary. Preregistration is necessary; cost is $15+gst/person or $8.50+gst for non-paddlers. Adults only.
Island View Beach, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 250-478-3344, www.crd.bc.ca/parks When the tide goes out, an exciting world comes into view. Join the parks staff and search for the creatures that make Island View Beach their home. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the picnic shelter off Homathko Rd., off Island View Rd. Ages 6 and up.
June 6-7 Spring Artists’ Studio Tour Holy Trinity Church Hall, 2:00 p.m. 250-655-0133, www.cacsp.com More than 25 local artists will open their studios to show, explain, and demonstrate their artistic creations of paint, fabric, pottery, wood, bronze, goldleaf and more. Maps and brochures will be available at most local business outlets to direct the interested public on this free self-guided tour.
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Sidney Beacon Pier & Sidney Beacon Park, 1-3 p.m. www.oceandiscoverydays.ca
June 26 Early Evening Canoeing
June 27 Authors By-The-Sea Sidney Pier Hotel, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.oceandiscoverydays.ca Presented by Tanner’s Books
June 27-28 Garden City Cat Club Show Mary Winspear Centre, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 250-656-0275, www.marywinspear.ca Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors.
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From Chainsaws to the Movies: An Artist’s Journey by Tim Flater Gordon J Langston has always been interested in art, and from an early age he was encouraged by his mother, who is also an accomplished artist in her own right. Gord didn’t decide to pursue his art on a full-time basis until 1983 when he moved to Metchosin on Vancouver Island. His medium of choice at that time was wood, so with his chainsaw in hand Gord established his work which quickly became very popular. When the opportunity to study in England with master sculptor A.P. Smitherman presented itself, Gord quickly jumped at the chance to add stone sculpting to his growing repertoire of mediums. Shortly after his return from m England, word had spread of his talents and skills and Gord d was asked to work as a sculptor or in the movie industry (which he e still does when time permits).
had a hand in creating are: Mission to Mars, The Sixth Day, Alf, Seven Dwarfs, I Spy and X-Men III (just to name a few). Gord stepped away from the movie business to get back to a lifestyle where he could, well, have a life. He now incorporates what he has learned about mould making, using different materials and techniques and the inspiration from the melting pot of different artists he has worked with over the past 12 years. Gord is currently working in bronze castings, br metal sculptures m and paintings. His an work is both small and large scale. w His art has been bought and commissioned from all over North America and Europe, and he now works from ov his home and art studio in Sidney, B.C. hi
He describes this time as being given 12 years of art rt school and getting paid for it.
Gord’s work is featured at Butchart Gardens. If you would like to meet and be inspired by his work (by w appointment only), contact Gord at: 250-655-5239 or by ap email at gordl@shaw.ca. em
Some of the movies he has as
Triple Threat Performing Arts Students Present a Heartwarming Family Musical:
Oklahoma Country Fair Friday, June 19th
7:30 pm
Children/Students $5, Adults $10
Mary Winspear Centre For more information 250-656-0275 • www.marywinspear.ca www.seasidetimes.ca
JUNE 2009
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Fishing With Grandpa sinkers from Walmart or Canadian Tire I used to think fishing was fun. Now I by Sandy McElroy are all that you need for hours of fun. have discovered something even more You can fish from the shore at Elk or Durrance Lake for enjoyable than the adrenalin rush of a salmon or trout trout. If you go to the fishing pier in Sidney remempeeling line off my reel – watching my grandson eagerly ber to bring a crab trap. waiting for a fish to pull Remember, it’s importthe bobber under as it ant to tailor the time on absconds with the worm the water to the age and can always put a smile on attention span of your my weather-worn face. fishing partner. When I head for the watTo promote fishing with ers over the horizon I know youngsters the Province that each of my grandchildoes not require a license dren will be left with memto fish for freshwater fish ories of fishing with Grandfrom June 19 to 21st. pa Sandy. The memories may not be what I think A family fishing weekthat they will be. It was my end is a perfect way to grandmother who taught spend Father’s Day. Check me to fish, and there is an out www.gofishbc.com for old faded picture of me more information on fishing opportunities in BC. holding my first fish, but the real memory is of the oneLast weekend my grandson Ethan didn’t catch any on-one time sitting in lawn chairs eating her fried chickfish but he couldn’t stop talking about Grand-maman’s en and potato salad. brownies. Opportunities abound here to take a child fishing. Already he’s asking: “When we can go fishing again?” A spinning rod and reel, inexpensive hooks, line and
Home health care you can trust
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• Not-for-profit charitable organization; all proceeds go to improving quality of care
• Providing caring assistance you would expect from friends or family
Sidney: 250-654-0444 • Victoria: 250-385-0444 • Web: www.eldersafe.com • Email: info@eldersafe.com 24
SEASIDE TIMES
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JUNE 2009
Sudoku Puzzles
Easy Breezy
8
June 2009 Keep Your Brain Healthy The Alzheimer’s Association recommends doing puzzles like Sudoku to strengthen brain cells and the connections between them.
Instructions Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.
4 7 9 6 5 6 4
9 9 4 1 6 8 9 4 6 5 8 4
* Sudoku Solutions can be found on page 4.
Middle of the Road
6 8 9 1 3 5 2 7 2 8
5
2 3 1
4 5 8 2 6
9 4 7 2
3 9 5 6 2
4 1 9 8 2
Father’s Day Trivia
9 9 3 3 7 4 8 9 2 4 1 6
According to the U.S. census bureau, neck ties are the number one gift for Father’s Day. Martin Luther King, Jr., was originally named Michael, after his father. When Jr. was ve, he and his dad both changed their names to Martin. If you wear a ower on Father’s Day, it should be a red rose if your father is alive or a white rose if he has passed away. The fth most popular purchased greeting cards are for Father’s Day.
Hardly Simple
7
Don’t forget to buy a present for Dad!
6 1 5 3
4 1 2 9 7
1 2 7 2 5 8 6 3
6 2 9
3 9 1 3 7 4 1
Wh o do You Really Want to Be? by Arlene Antonik Are you Halloween challenged? Does the thought of attending a Masquerade Ball make you want to run and hide behind a mask somewhere? Or does your alter-ego rejoice at the thought of turning into Superman or Captain Jack Sparrow or Queen Marie Antoinette? Whichever fits, Victoria Costumes is ready-made for you. Owner Charlotte Rennison definitely falls into the latter category. As a child, she watched from the wings as her parents hosted costume and theme parties at their home. Growing up, Charlotte delighted in ‘dressing up.’ She started to collect costumes and accessories and held theme parties of her own, and she was always the one friends turned to when a costume was required.
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While her costume collection continued to expand, Charlotte earned her degree in Psychology and began her career in Psychiatric Care. But when the costumes in her home displaced the dining room suite and the basement filled up with racks of outfits and boxes of belts and bowties, top hats and spats, masks and mustaches, a decision had to be made. Were the costumes just a side interest or could costume rental become a business? On January 1st, 2008, Charlotte made a New Year’s resolution to give it a try and Victoria Costumes was born. “The transition turned out to be an easy one,” Charlotte explained. “My husband created the webpage, and friends
and family spread the word that I was open for business. Working from home allows me to be here with my daughter Isis in her pre-school years.� With year one complete, can the business be deemed a success? The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce must think so, as they chose Victoria Costumes for their 2009 New Business of the Year. Charlotte also received an Honorable Mention for the 2009 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award.
Physiotherapy Massage Acupuncture Sports & Rehab Athletic Coaching & Sports Science
Brentwood Massage & Physiotherapy Call 250-652-6515 for your appointment 6967 Wallace Drive (Near Marchant Rd.), Brentwood Bay
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Vision Quest – Retreats One Day Healing – Cheryl Dawn
Do you envy Spock his ears? business is quickly outgrowing their house, located at 2175 Tanlee Crescent in Saanichton. “It’s a fine balance,� Charlotte mused. “Expansion means less time for fitting customers which is the part of the business I enjoy the most.�
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The two months leading up to Halloween are Charlotte’s busiest. Last year Charlotte hired 10 temporary staff to help her and she knows a larger location will be required this year. Wresting some garage space from her husband might offer a short reprieve, but Charlotte recognizes that the
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Has the slowdown in the economy affected her business? “Not at all,� Charlotte replied. “I don’t want to say the downturn has been a good thing, but people come to me and say they want to dress up and be somebody else for awhile and forget their troubles. I’ve often thought the ‘Psychology of Costuming’ would make an interesting thesis.�
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Even before the company was officially launched, Charlotte participated in numerous charity and fundraising events. “I’m all about helping out in the community,� she said. She provides costumes and models for numerous community events and fashion shows including Cops for Cancer, the Lions Club Food Bank, Cats Cradle Animal Rescue and Stelly’s Secondary School’s Global Perspectives Annual Gala. Charlotte makes good use of modern technology to publicize the business and keep in touch with her customers. The webpage at www.victoriacostumes.com includes information on upcoming events, rental rates, how to book an appointment, etc. The company also has two Facebook groups: I Love VictoriaCostumes.com and I Want to be a Victoria Costumes Model. Nearly 400 people have signed on as volunteers to model the costumes for anything from the Sidney Day Parade to music videos and photo shoots and requests from the local entertainment industry for models and costumes are steadily increasing. Do you envy Spock his ears or dream of transforming into Obi-Wan Kenobi or Princess Leia? Cinderella or Prince Charming? The Joker, Batman or even a sexy, female Robin? If you have a theme, ‘Saanichton’s Costume Sweetheart’ has a scheme for putting it all together for you. www.seasidetimes.ca
JUNE 2009
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NOW OPEN! 4 pm - 11 pm, closed Monday/Tuesday 5285 West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC • 250-479-6612
PACIFICA PA D D L E S P O R T S
• Kayak Pool Lessons • Seawater Sundays • Kayak Repairs
• Wood Canoe Repairs • Sales & Rentals Atlantis Kayaks Nimbus Kayaks Hellman Canoes
PACIFICA PADDLING CENTRE at Portside Marina Brentwood Bay (to the right of the Mill Bay Ferry)
250-361-9365 • 250-665-7412 • www.pacificapaddle.com 28
SEASIDE TIMES
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A Little Bit of Australia in our Backyard by Robert Alison
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It seems part of Australia is right here – eucalyptus trees and lots of them. Nobody knows for sure how they got here, but the national trees of ‘Down Under’ are here to stay on southern Vancouver Island. There are about 720 kinds of eucalyptus (also called gums) in the world, of which 522 species now occur in North America, mainly on the Pacific coast. None are native to the Western Hemisphere and British Columbia is the northernmost edge of their range. Eucalyptus trees are not only easy to recognize by their long leaves, gnarled branches and rough-looking bark, but they have a powerful ‘camphor’ odour that is given off by eucalyptol oils. These oils have important pharmaceutical benefits and are often used to treat ailments such as ulcers, asthma and fevers. The leaves, bark and branches of most eucalyptus trees produce powerful toxins that act like natural pesticides. They poison most plant-eating animals and insects, so eucalyptus parts are rarely eaten off. Owing to the potentcy of these toxins, fallen eucalyptus leaves make nearby soils uninhabitable by other kinds of plants. The result is a barren desolation zone beneath eucalyptus trees that some people find objectionable. Researchers at California State University refer to them as another example of non-native plants that damage local plant communities and gardens. Yet, some people rather like eucalyptus trees because they are stately and beautiful, even if they alter the local landscape. They also keep their leaves year-round. Eucalyptus trees are not only drought-resistant but they are fire-tolerant as well. Although the leaves burn off in fires, they re-grow quickly and the trees totally recover within a year or so. Some types of eucalyptus are quite messy, owing to the constant shedding of their bark and leaves. In Australia, peole don’t walk, stand or park their cars under these trees for fear that falling chunks of bark might crash down – which often happens. What we don`t have is koalas, the main eaters of eucalyptus leaves in Australia. Here no species of native wildlife are known to dine on eucalyptus, which is one reason why the trees are faring so well and becoming such a common sight.
Be amazed and entertained in a way you’ll never forget!
>Q[Q\WZ[+WUQVO' ;\IaQVOI.M_,Ia[' Receive a Free Boat Ecotour when you as a Greater Victoria resident each bring two or more out-of-town visitors who pay the regular fare. Family Tour (1.5 hr.) adult $43, senior/youth $33, child $23 Pampered Tour (2 hr.) adult $69, senior/youth $59, child $49
Keep this ad as your Season’s Pass. Call 250-655-5211 to book your tour today!
www.ecocruising.com
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SN APSH OT Snapshot is dedicated to showcasing the visual side of life on the West Coast. Send us your snapshot of family, friends, parties, pets, nature and of course all the embarassing moments captured for all to see! Send high resolution (300 dpi minimum) digital photos to editor@seasidetimes.ca
Arbutus in Sunken Garden – Arlene Antonik • Sidney Sunrise – Anne Fearon-Wood Welcome to the Neighbourhood – Danielle McLaughlin • Paddling Through Gold – Steven Jedster Cheerful – Anne Fearon-Wood (centre) • Taking a Break – Jennifer Collison
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre Opens June 20th! by Linda Funk After more than four years since the concept design, the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, founded by the New Marine Centre Society, is a reality. Opening on Saturday, June 20th, it promises to be a facility like none other. Not many public aquariums sit within a hotel and residential development. Limited space and other physical constraints at 9811 Seaport Place may have been a construction challenge in the beginning, but the team did a remarkable job turning an ordinary space into an extraordinary journey beneath the sea. How many hotels have a living tide pool in their front yard open to the public to touch and explore?
will your pledge be? Will you use fewer plastic bags, drive your car less (yes, this helps the ocean too), eat sustainable seafood, or give your time to an organization that helps the oceans? Although tropical fish may be regarded as the most colourful in the oceans, the Discovery Centre’s aquarists have done a wonderful job showcasing the diverse array of beautifully decorated and elegant creatures that exist just out your back door. Once you see the decorated warbonnet, longfin sculpin, grunt sculpin and the many glorious nudibranchs, you will see why an aquarium does not need a tropical gallery to be interesting. Can’t tell the difference between a sea cucumber and a sea lemon? The Oceaneers will be glad to help you tell them apart. While you are immersed in this underwater world, you will probably find yourself wanting to explore a bit more afterwards, even if it is just a walk on the beach. The Oceaneers will point you in the right direction and help you connect with various water activities in the area. The fun begins June 20 at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. The grand opening celebrations fall within a month-long Peninsula-wide community celebration of the ocean happening June 4 through July 4th. The centre will welcome visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All along, Executive Director Angus Matthews said that he wanted more than an art gallery experience. Although the habitats are beautiful to look at, he hopes that visitors will get more out of their experience than just pretty seascapes. One thing you will notice during a visit is that there is minimal signage. Instead, you will find Oceaneers happy to speak with you. They will help you find out more about the creatures that live in the Salish Sea and what you can do to help them and others around the world. To reinforce that this is to be an active experience, before you leave the building we give everyone the opportunity to make a pledge to the ocean. We display these pledges on a large wall near the exit. What
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Above left: Aleah Rodrigues gets a view through a microscope while Ethan Coward looks on. This photo, L to R: Luke Rodrigues, Julia Templeman and Aleah Rodrigues study a purple sea star on the beach below the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. All photos courtesy Ted Kuzemski.
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Zais Astrology JJune une 2 2009 by b y Heather Hea eath Zais (heather_zais@telus.net) Aries A riiess march m arch h 21 - aapril prii 19
With W ith h your your ruler Mars M arss infl fluencing ue yyour ourr m money oney area, yyour ourr ffocus occuss grows g more m ore e intense in ntense on nten your nancial yyo ourr fina ancial goals. anci An increase A n in ncre reas asse ccould ould have sstrings tri ring ngs attached. atttach tached. If they ones aare re o ne es you you can live ve with, The full tthen hen move movve forward fo orward on it.. Th Sagittarius moon mo on iin Sa Sagi gitt ttarriu ius this th month will wil give urge covered. you the yo the travel travvel urg u rge e wi with th som ssome me eexpenses xpe pensses likely to be pe e cov over distance You can Yo can request requ ues estt information info in forrmattio on or or papers p n that nc will be be useful usef us e ull to to you you as as well. wel elll. Negotiate. Ne N egotiate. Taurus april 20 - may 20 You should be a happier camper this month with the sun shining on your finances and Venus (your ruler) in your sign bringing you gifts, raises, bonuses or other good luck. You can reap what you have sown. You will be viewed with approving eyes from those who did not realize your capabilities were at the level they are. You can give wise advice to others on how to save or regroup. Gemini may 21 - june 20 The full moon puts the spotlight on relationships – personal or other. You reach a point of decision or choice. You will be in a position where you can be more independent if you want to be. It’s a nice place to be. Get more projects on the launch pad, they will be quite successful down the road. Allow enough time for them to flower. Patience will pay off. Relax. Cancer june 21 - july 22 Pull things together so they can be managed better. Distance could be an issue. Negotiate terms if it comes down to that. You need to prioritize. Associates expect more from you than they should, just because you work so hard. Family or health issues get your attention as well; you may need time off. Don’t fall for the ‘we can’t live without you,’ pressure. Investigate or have things analyzed. Leo july 23 - august 22 Call up your contacts or those who can pull strings for you behind the scenes. Trade favours if it works better for you that way. Profits can be shared. Business or professional pursuits look good for all involved. The full moon highlights romance, entertainment and speculation. You could take a gamble or benefit from someone else’s. Certain hopes and wishes come true unexpectedly. Virgo august 23 - september 22 Your status and popularity are on the rise. You may feel like others are talking about you and they are, but it’s good. You are more appreciated than you realize. Stay the course and you will see many more perks or benefits come your
way. Take a more visible role if it is required of you. Long distance communications take time but are important to the success of ongoing activities. Libra september 23 - october 22 Love and romance take a turn toward a more serious relationship. Joint matters take priority and shared responsibilities move plans forward. Make sure you are aware of each other’s credit history or it could become an issue down the road. Don’t get attached to locations right now as that does not seem secure or permanent. Being flexible or neutral can actually work for you as you need time to think. Scorpio october 23 - november 21 You get a powerful boost from the combined energy of your ruler Pluto with Mars. You will feel invincible, causing you to take a chance or a risk. Avoid legal or physical backlash if you push things too far. You can have your way as the ‘force’ is with you. Others will be jealous. Act before speaking for best results. Success can be enormous and life-altering. Sign papers or documents. Sagittarius november 22 - december 21 The full moon in your sign this month makes you more visible or ‘out there.’ You can sway emotions to your advantage as your sense of truth and justice are obvious. Others trust you. A key relationship can open doors, allowing you to move forward more easily. Your efforts benefit all involved. Attend gatherings or special celebrations. Plan residential improvements or changes. Capricorn december 22 - january 19 Pluto adds intensity to your focus. You move forward according to your feelings or intuition. There will be positive results from that. You are at a turning point. This can affect future sources of income. You have more than one opportunity. Look into the past for ways to collect or recoup losses. Others will have their guard down and not expect you. Learn or explore other locations or get education. Aquarius january 20 - february 18 The full moon highlights your hopes and wishes, adding to your optimism. Relationships are engaging; communication is more open. Some will feel they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Charming words help to pave the way toward your goals. You can make changes to your appearance that will be complimented. Make repairs around the home. This can include working on relationships as well. Have patience with circumstance. Pisces february 19 - march 20 Certain events will cause you to question your faith or what you believe in. Look at ‘the word’ or at least your understanding of it. This can include legal matters. Try to keep information to yourself that can be used as a trump card when needed. Power plays can be time consuming so change the way you deal with people. Study them to see what they really want and then make your play.
Go Back Mats! A Short Story by David Beck It was a cold yet sunny afternoon at the Sundins. Mats, as always, was sitting on the living room sofa drinking his coke and eating his quesadilla while his wife Mrs. Sundin was hard at work cleaning and cooking. Mats missed the old days. Shooting those hard, rubbery pucks and hearing the swish of the net when he scored a ‘roof daddy.’ He had many psychiatrists helping him to remember those sweet, sweet days. Many of the psychiatrists suggested going back, but Mats wasn’t quite ready to return. He was getting old and a mild form of arthritis was developing in his left hand.
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That night, after his triple-scoop bumbleberry sundae (he felt kind of bad because it wasn’t Sunday, it was Saturday) he went to bed and was feeling a bit strange. He couldn’t sleep, his back ached and his head was spinning. Finally, after a few painkillers and a sleeping pill, Mats fell into a deep, deep sleep. When he woke up he wasn’t anywhere close to his home but at his old hockey rink where he spent his time as a kid. Mats realized he was in a dream. He found it weird because no one was there. It was dead silent, empty, like the life was sucked dry from the atmosphere. Mats went out onto the ice and walked to centre.
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Mats woke up suddenly with his heart pounding and his eyes bloodshot. He thought he was about to have a heart attack. Finally, after a glass of coke and a six-inch sub, he calmed down. Mats thought and thought about the dream and couldn’t figure out who the mysterious voice was, but after a long night he jumped out of bed with a new understanding.
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It was the hockey gods that told him to go back to the NHL! The hockey gods were always right and Mats didn’t want to make them angry. Free agents would be picked up by the teams soon and he didn’t want to miss his chance of playing in the NHL again. That morning he declared to his wife that he would be playing in the NHL again. Mrs. Sundin was glad for Mats because he hadn’t been looking too happy lately. Continued on page 35 SEASIDE TIMES
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Sidney and North Saanich Street Stories by Carole Pearson The pioneering Brethour is remembered in North Saanich and Sidney with the streets Brethour Park Way and Brethour Road.
Saanich Peninsula in 1894, sent by his employers, the Toronto and BC Lumber Company, to find potential sites for sawmills. White met and married one of the Brethour daughters, Caroline, and ended up settling here. Among his many notable enterprises, White established the Sidney General Store and was one of the founders of the Saanich Cannery Company.
Originally from Ireland, Samuel Brethour and his wife, Margaret, arrived here from Ontario in 1873. The Brethours had eight children and owned 500 acres of land in North Saanich, an area now occupied by the town of Sidney. It was one of the Brethour sons, Julius, who selected the town’s name of ‘Sidney,’ after nearby Sidney Island.
North Saanich’s Wain Road was named after Henry Wain who arrived from Kent, England, in 1858.
A carpenter with the HudHowever, it was his broth- Brethour family group. Back row standing, L-R: Sam Jr., Henry, Weser Henry who has a street ley, John and Julius. Seated in the front L-R: Annie (wife of Sam), Mag- son’s Bay Company, Henry named after him. Henry dalene (wife of Julius), Deborah (wife of John), Jessie (wife of Wesley). Wain became well known for Kneeling in front: Lottie (wife of Henry). Photo courtesy Sidney Archives. his finishing work on a numBrethour was the first male ber of early Victoria-area buildings, including Craigteacher employed in a public school in North Saanich. flower school. Still in the family, James White Boulevard is named Wain bought 160 acres in North Saanich and was one after a Brethour in-law. James White arrived on the
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of the first hop growers in the area. He briefly operated a tavern and opened the first post office in North Saanich. His horse-drawn stage service transported mail and passengers between Victoria and North Saanich. Resthaven was an appropriate name for the hospital that was built at Shoal Harbour in 1913. Originally planned as a hunting lodge or club, Dr. Gordon Cumming, Sidney’s first doctor, used the facilities as a psychiatric hospital. When the First World War broke out, Ottawa had Resthaven converted into a convalescent hospital. The Seventh Day Adventists later took possession of the facility and it remained in use until the Province replaced it with Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Today, all that remains of Resthaven is the street name.
Continued from page 33 When Mats went to the press everyone was grateful for his comeback. During the following months, he was offered many, many contracts but he remembered that he’d been told to play for the Vancouver Canucks. Finally, after a long wait, the Canucks offered Mats the contract he was waiting for, and, for the money he was offered, it was definitely worth it. Mats was finally happy again; he loved hockey and it was his destiny. Even when he went and played in Toronto against the Leafs he got a standing ovation. Mats was living life to the fullest again, and for that, he was grateful.
John Dean Park and the road leading to it were named after an early resident who emigrated to Canada from Cheshire, England, in 1873. John Dean bought 80 acres on Mount Newton and spent summers in a cabin
Julius Brethour selected the town name ‘Sidney’ after nearby Sidney Island. he built there in 1909. The park that bears his name was established in 1921, making it the fifth-oldest park in B.C. Seen by many as a ‘character,’ Dean ordered his own tombstone to be created, bearing the words: “It is a rotten world artful politicians are its bane. The saving grace is the artlessness of the young and the wonder of the sky.” A more recent story is the one behind the name of Galaran street. In January 1967, a contest was held to name a new road off McDonald Parkway. The winning entry came from G.A. Cocheran, a longtime resident of Sidney and a local merchant. He devised the unique name by using his first initials, his wife’s initials (L.A.) and the last three letters of his surname. Similarly, Canora street, which runs along part of the old Canadian Northern Pacific Railway route, is simply named after the CNR – with a few vowels added to make it pronounceable.
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Failed Communications – Part II A Novella by Joseph Fasciani As he drove to the Airport, Ian found himself mentally revisiting the very curious way in which he’d met Aileen, on the Friday after last summer’s freak windstorm. He had been walking along Sea Island Drive, looking at the sometimes bizarre damage done by the 110 kilometre-perhour wind, when he heard a voice call to him.
beauty, by his way of thinking.
inches off its old marks.”
She stepped aside to hold the screen door, pushed the side entry door open, and revealed a staircase slightly askew from its supporting wall, but otherwise free of visible damage. “I hadn’t closed the entry door,” she said, “and when the wind
“I’m Ian Simpson,” he said, not sure if he should offer his hand; she did it first.
“Can you help?” came up more clearly, as he turned to see where it was. “I’m in need of someone to help repair the stairs.” She stood outside the opened screen door at the side entrance to her small house, only 100 feet from the shoreline. At the sight of her, Ian’s first thought was how remarkably healthy looking she was – and still is! – he reminded himself with a small smile. Her skin was perfect: lightly tanned, just enough to make a wonderful contrast to her black hair and clear blue eyes, a classic English
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struck it came through that side of the house, where it never had before.” “Well, I’ve done some carpentry, at least enough to know this will require two people to make it right again,” Ian offered. “It’s odd how it seems to have lifted just enough so that when it came to rest it was a few
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“Aileen Scott, and yes, my family is!” she returned with a perfect and wide smile. When he returned the next day to start on the restoration, she opened the front door to let him in and then, before he could say anything, she said “I’m so happy you’re here! But can we go to bed first, and get to know one another?” At a loss for a prompt reply, the best Ian could do was slowly say “Why, hmm, if that’s what you want to do…” Yet all the while he could only think “What else would I want to do?” This was immediately followed by an unaccustomed but welcome wash of feelings: surprise at her frankness, warmth at her lusty acceptance of him and, finally, animal happiness as
she took his hand and led him to her bedroom. Giving his head a mental shake to rouse himself from this reverie, he reminded himself that he was, after all, on his way to work, where he was responsible for the ongoing rise and fall of Western civilization, at least as far as Canada was concerned. After all, it’s one thing to read history in college; it’s quite another to live it as it occurs, and suffer all its realities. After parking at the Airport, Ian entered as he always did, arriving without announcing himself and free from making any social interactions, since he was the man who was barely there. His office was a perfect reflection of his near non-existence, with a monkish perfection that allowed him to utterly submerge himself in his work. For Ian, work truly was what his life was about. For him, the best parts of what he did were the weekly summaries he wrote and sent to Ottawa, and their progenitor, the times he spent with his fellow psychics in remote viewing sessions. His weekly remote viewing time was the greatest source of wonder in his life. Or they had been, until he met Aileen last year. Now these had become two separate but equal aspects of his life, reflecting his public and private selves. Remote viewing had been a late comer to Canada’s intelligence services, first funded and entered during
“
I’m so happy you’re here! But can we go to bed first, and get to know one another?
”
Trudeau’s era, when perhaps all-too-many novelties were tried, to stay abreast with first the U.S.S.R.’s and then the U.S.A.’s efforts in this mostly obscure area of research. Most people thought the word ‘research’ was too generous by a mile. Psychic abilities and events had traditionally been far outside intelligence, military, or diplomatic circles, but in the present era any and all tactics were tried at least enough to demonstrate what – if anything – they might contribute. His summaries were a blend of what he gleaned from a session combined with his interpretation of the wideranging intelligence and snippets he received from Defence and State. When this work began in the ’70s, it was impossible to know what would be learned, or even where it could lead. But the U.S.S.R. had apparently had some remarkable success, and it was rumoured that Israel had as good or better results. Canada allotted a very small budget to its start in the field, and over the years the amount had increased at a rate less than that of inflation. The outcome was that in this branch, every operative was on his or her own, except for the head office in Ottawa, where five people tracked, co-ordinated, and recorded the harvest from the field. To be continued…
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THE LAST WO R D state of our oceans is a perfect example. I recently went on a trip to Mexico, where my family rented a beautiful house on the beach. This was on the Caribbean side of the country, so the water was warm, bright blue and full of the most amazing coral and electric-coloured sea life. My favourite activity while there was snorkelling – I couldn’t believe the amazing sights just under the surface of the water! I saw turtles, gorgeous fish and rays and could have stayed in for hours. Unfortunately, when I stepped out of the ocean, the view changed drastically. At first glance the sand was a traveller’s dream; white and powder-fine, but when you looked beyond that you could see garbage strewn along the sand. This wasn’t trash left by vacationers after a day at the beach; it was garbage washed up on the shore. This was a vivid reminder that the ocean cannot continue to be seen as a dumping ground without repercussions.
Global Ocean “A continuous body of water encircling the Earth, the world (global) ocean is divided into a number of principle areas – the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic Oceans.” Source: Wikipedia. Hmm. The ‘global ocean.’ I heard this term recently and it got me thinking. Sometimes, I believe we forget how interconnected our world is, and how the things we do can have an effect reaching far outside our immediate area. The
The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is opening on June 20th. According to its website, visitors should “plan to become inspired because we hope you will learn to cherish the ocean. The ocean needs you and there are many things you can do.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Editor-in-Chief
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Published on May 27, 2009
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