TAKE 5 May 2018

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Letters Walking the talk I’d like to respond to the letter by Mike Gogo (MAY 2018/ TAKE 5), who commented on my editorial Kinder Morgan (March 2018/TAKE 5).

Regarding your response to my comments on the Kinder Morgan pipeline, I am proud to say that I was one of 10,000 people who marched against Kinder Morgan’s pipeline in Burnaby on March 10. Apparently, I am not alone in my opposition to this pipeline. I met protesters from Manitoba, the Sunshine Coast and Alberta.

On March 21, I returned to Burnaby to protest. I was accompanied by many. They included three women in their late seventies. One is a retired palliative care nurse; the other two are retired teachers from Pender Island. Along with them was another elder from Pender, and two more elders, one of whom is a retired opera singer.

I am happy to say that I have earned your respect because, yes, I do ride a bike. You can see my picture with my bike on the front page of the Jan. 11, 2018, of the Chemainus Valley Courier. I do also have a car, which I drive rarely. It is a hybrid, and my next vehicle will be all electric. My house is powered by solar panels. I know not everyone can afford greener options, but I made the decision to walk the talk. And when I went to Burnaby, I took public transit, which scared the daylights out of me. I am not perfect, but I make a conscientious effort to keep my carbon footprint low on a daily basis.

So there you go. — Diana Hardacker,

Do We Really Need a Public Biff y?

(NO) It’s a Bad...Bad...Bad...Idea. There could be another word I could use, I just don’t want to use it today. With my luck the seat would be up and the door would not be closed, next thing it will be plugged up and overflow and that’s only a starter. And there would be no toilet paper inside. You would never be able to keep toilet paper in there. It would be stolen, not only by transients but by our locals. The street urchins and local teenagers would use it to hang on the bushes and lamp posts and benches during the days before light up or when the Council takes a tour of the streets downtown prior to another Sidewalk painting.

Then the town would have to hire a full-time Plumber on

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staff to unplug the “Biffy”. He’d have to be on call 24-7 and look at the overtime he’d be able to rack up in a month.

Now if we have all these Transients coming to our Soup Kitchen, they will not come up from the Aggie field to have a poop in the middle of town when they can use the facilities at the Ballfield. But what an idea, that’s a nice alley under Knight’s old clock. They could pitch a tent close by and be close to the Can. They’d be close to the bakery to bop across the street and get a Cinnamon Bun to enjoy while they are sitting on the Commode or in their Homey pitched tent in the alley. Of course, they can play Chess outside the Island Hotel in the summer months, too.

Now all the transients that come to Ladysmith would have toilet facilities right at their disposal (Boy! What a town) They will never have to enter a coffee shop or any other establishment, they can eat a sandwich right under the town clock and one day when it’s actually working they will know exactly what time it is. Is the new toilet idea a way to keep them on the streets downtown as long as we can?

NO BIFFY PLEASE. THE IDEA STINKS (No pun intended). The cost, of a cleaner, plumber, toilet paper refills and rats moving in is more than Ladysmith can afford or needs.

This idea may fit into other towns, but Ladysmith is not one of them. And that’s for damn sure. - Jim Szaz

No more plastics!

More than 8 million tons of plastics are dumped in the oceans every year. Canada has just introduced a new bill that would

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take on plastics pollution in a huge way. Tell Canadian politicians to vote yes for bill M-151 (https://actions.sumofus.org/a/ tell-canada-to-support-anti-plastics-bill-m-151-1?sp_ref=40 3346126.99.187242.e.0.2&referring_akid=41278.12742808.

VPGNcy&source=mlt). - — Frances Christopherson Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited for space, clarity or legality. This is an open forum and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. editor@take5.ca, PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, or fax: 250-245-7099 Facebook: Take5Publications

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Free Mastering Disaster Event

BY ALLEN MCDERMID On Saturday May 12th Ladysmith Fire/Rescue and Ladysmith Ground Search and Rescue, in conjunction with TAKE 5 Magazine, the Town of Ladysmith and the CVRD, will be holding a FREE public event at the Ladysmith Fire hall at 340 6th Avenue. The event, MASTERING DISASTER – Emergency Preparedness, is designed to help all of us to be prepared when a disaster strikes.

The event will start at noon and will include members from the RDN, CVRD Public Safety, LFR, LSAR and other organizations. The public will learn the fundamentals of disaster preparedness as well as have an opportunity to talk to the experts.

Mastering Disaster will feature speaker Sybille Sanderson, who is the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the CVRD. Sybille utilizes visual media and will speak on what is needed to have a plan in place when disaster strikes. Fire Chief Ray Delcourt will be speaking about preparedness at home and having a family safety plan in place.

There will also be a representative from the BC Wildfire services with a presentation on wildfires.

In the event of a major disaster on Vancouver Island you may be on your own for a least 7 days. Are you prepared for this? Disasters are not part of our everyday lives. Developing plans and organizing yourselves is the only way to increase your chances of surviving a real disaster.

Please attend and listen to the speakers and view the videos. There will also be static displays from The Royal Canadian Marine SAR, St. John Ambulance, Adventure Smart, Block Watch, and local businesses that will provide you with valuable information. There also will be demos, draws for prizes and more.

Did you know that everyone should be prepared for 72 hours in the event of an emergency? Do you have plans, shelter and provisions in place for you, your family, those in your family with a disability, your pets or livestock? Come to this free event and learn to be prepared!

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Ready for an emergency?

Last year alone, LSAR volunteer members were called out 21 times to look, and assist other SAR teams, for lost or injured people on land or in rivers and inland lakes. Some of these calls could have been prevented if the person(s) involved would have taken the time to prepare themselves for their adventure. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to gear up for your hike.

Things you should pack depending on how far you plan to hike. Here are some items to include in your backpack.

• Flashlight, • Fire making kit • Whistle or mirror • Extra food and water • Extra clothing • GPS/cell phone • First aid kit • Emergency shelter • Pocket knife • Sun protection Clothing should include a wicking shirt, quick drying pants/

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shorts, hat, rain jacket/pants, and fleece or soft shell. Footwear should be hiking boots or trail runners. Pack extra socks. Check the weather, keep to the trail and be “Bear & Cougar aware.”

Always tell someone where you are going and what time you should be back. When you start your hike, take a selfie with your cell at the trail head and send it to a friend or family. This will give SAR teams an idea where you were and what you were wearing, just in case you are lost or injured.

If you’re lost STAY WHERE YOU ARE. SAR teams are made up of highly trained volunteers, and if dispatched, they will be calling your name and blowing their whistles when searching. If you hear them, callout or use your whistle. They are there to help you and bring you home. For more info visit adventuresmart.ca

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Arrgh Pirates, You Say? Yes, Ladysmith, it’s that time again when pirates roam amongst us! So, put on that eye patch and join the fun!

One of the most exciting events each year in Ladysmith is Kid’s Pirate Day, which this year is Saturday, June 2. Pirates, including the notorious Captain Jack and Miss Scarlett, will begin to invade the Town starting June 1 with a “Pirates Walk” through downtown and a final stop at the Ladysmith Primary School. Kids, make sure you wear your pirate outfits that day and show the Captain your swarthy side!

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Friday evening kicks off more scallywag behaviour with a “Pirate’s Feast” at the Ladysmith Community Marina’s “Dine on the Dock” dinner — first of the season! Purchase your tickets well in advance because this is the most popular event of the summer! But make sure you wear your pirate gear, or you may end up either walking the plank or making a donation to Rotary’s Disaster Aid charity.

Saturday is Kid’s Pirate Day at the Community Marina, starting at 8 a.m., where you can again see Captain Jack, Miss Scarlett and a crew of other pirates who will arrive aboard the tall ship Thane. And then the fun really begins: the Kinsmen Bullhead Derby, Bouncy Castle, food vendors, Sea Life Centre viewing and much more!

Don’t miss this memorable event. Kid’s Pirate Day is open to all and FREE!

Heritage Boat Festival A week prior to Pirates Day it’s the annual Heritage Boat Festival also at the Ladysmith Community Marina Saturday, May 27th, 10 am - 4 pm. Come and see unique and beautiful heritage vessels from all over the west coast. Talk

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Classic boats at Heritage Boat Festival.

Photo: G. Beltgens

to the Skippers and learn how these vessels were first used in our waters and the work that has been done to restore and maintain them.

And don’t miss all the other interesting displays, artists and entertainment!

The Maritime Museum provides an a fascinating look into our marine history. Take a free Harbour Tour aboard Maritimer and stop into Oyster Bay Cafe where you can enjoy a fresh and delicious breakfast or lunch, or your favourite coffee! As of May 19th the Cafe is open daily from 8 am - 3 pm.

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Documentary helps wildlife recovery Saltair-based filmmaker Bob Ennis shares the story of the making of Wellness to Wilderness an award-winning documentary.

Working as producer and director on a one-hour special documentary called Wellness to Wilderness was one of the most rewarding movies I have ever worked on. I have had a great fun adventure and gratifying career and felt that it was time to put something back, to help a very worthy cause by volunteering my time and energy into making a movie for the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association, located just 10 minutes west of Parksville in Errington, B.C. Wellness to Wilderness, a feel-good movie that has won eight film festival awards around the world, tells the story of a Canadian couple who have grown a grassroots organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and care of injured and orphaned animals into a world-class facility — North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. They specialize in black bear rehab and work extensively with bald eagles on Vancouver Island.

In 1989, I was the Director of Photography on a TV series called Danger Bay. I got a message that the producer would like to see me in his office. I didn’t have great memories when I had to go to the office back in my school days, so I was a bit apprehensive. But when I went in, Harold Tichenor, the producer, smiled, handed me a script and asked if I would volunteer to shoot a movie for the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre near where he lives. I said I'd love to — after all, Harold was my boss.

We got a little film crew together and brought along Donnelly Rhodes, the star of Danger Bay, to do the on-camera narration.

The story opened up with a little girl who found an injured bird. She took it to her mother who said we must take it to the Wildlife Recovery Centre, as they will know what to do.

Back then the centre was nothing like it is now. There were a

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few outbuildings, some cages, and a make-shift building with a blue tarp for the roof. It was made for the eagles to fly back and forth to get exercise, helping in their recovery.

We shot a nice sequence: releasing an eagle back to the wild with the Qualicum First Nations during a colourful ceremony by the ocean. At the end of the movie, a sea gull was released down by some docks. The gull was soon joined by another, and they flew off together into the sunset. Robin Campbell, NIWRA founder, said, “Found a friend already,” which became the title of the movie. And for me, I also found some friends already in Robin and Sylvia Campbell, who have enriched my life. That was 25 years ago — a quarter of a century.

In the year 2000, I got together again with Robin and Sylvia to make a new film, which we called “Beyond the Fence,” but it was made for the 4 x 3 aspect ratio, which has since been replaced by the 16 x 9 aspect ratio for HD 1920 x 1080 widescreen TVs. For that reason, we needed a new movie to fit the new widescreen. Susan Teed volunteered to do the editing and co-produced Wellness to Wilderness with me.

Since I had all the new HD camera equipment by then, I figured we could do a short movie that would take about two months of shooting and editing. That became two and a half years. So many new events were happening -— the new secret garden, the outside bear enclosure and the magical field of stones — and nobody gave us a deadline to meet.

It’s amazing how many qualified movie professional people are living here on the Island willing to volunteer their time. I was able to get Curtis Robinson to work with us. He did second camera with me on a TV special called Rodeo Riders, shot in Alberta and B.C., following the Indian Rodeo circuit. I am glad to be still alive after being chased by a bull. It was nominated for best cinematography at the 2011 Leo Awards.

I was also able to get Gary Prendergast — he was my camera operator on The Beach Combers. We are still working together after all those years, but now it’s mostly on our golf games.

Paul Manly, who shot Voices of the River, about the Nanaimo River Watershed, was glad to come and help out. Richard Boyce helped us immensely; he made the movie Coastal Tarsands: Journey To Deleted Islands.

Located near the wildlife centre are a blueberry farm and a bed and breakfast that has a sound studio run by Richard Sales.

He is was instrumental in making the music tracks and recording for a music video called “Wild Again.” It won the Rising Star Award at the Canadian International Film Festival and is included in the movie.

As I was working on Wellness to Wilderness, the idea was always forefront in my mind to have the award-winning music composer Michael Richard Plowman create the music for our movie. I dialled the 604 number in Vancouver. As it rang for awhile, the thought came to me: What am I doing calling this world-renowned music composer who is in so much demand? No harm in asking ... I’ll leave a message anyway. A groggy voice answered. It was Michael — he was in the South of France, and it was 3 a.m., but he was in. What a score!

The first thousand DVDs ordered flew off the shelf in a very short time, so get yours quickly. Proceeds from DVD sales go towards operating the centre. The DVD sells for $14.25, and you can order it online at niwra.org, or, better yet, jump in the car and visit the centre yourself.

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Nanaimo Airport Terminal Building Expansion On April 17, 2018, a well-attended “groundbreaking” ceremony was held at the Nanaimo Airport (YCD) to launch the Terminal Building Expansion Project. This component of the project is part of 20-year, multi-million-dollar Master Development Plan created and approved in 2016 by the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board of Directors, with an expected completion date of 2020.

The public will see the construction of a 14,000 square foot extension to the existing Nanaimo Airport (YCD) structure. The extra space will improve passenger comfort, faster security processing and spacious boarding lounge featuring a food-retail enhancement.

Further construction will continue as passenger traffic increases along with available funding.

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) President, CEO Mike Hooper is ecstatic with the future expansion. Hooper stated that “passenger service has increased 118% from 2010 to 2017 at YCD”. Passenger volume has set records for eight straight years and is 10 years ahead of projections. In June of 2018, Nanaimo Airport will offer non-stop flights to Toronto, 4 times a week. Not only has passenger traffic increased at the Nanaimo Airport, there has been a significant increase in employment from “580 jobs in 2006 to

“Groundbreaking” ceremony was held at the Nanaimo Airport (YCD) to launch the Terminal Building Expansion Project. Photo submitted.

1230 jobs in 2016, with a forecast estimate of 2000 by 2021”. “In 2017 the Airport operations created $229 million in direct and indirect economic output in 2017”.

The future looks bright for the Nanaimo Airport (YCD), so fasten your seatbelts and join the Nanaimo Airport (YCD) as their plans take flight.

Finding Purpose After 96 Years “Old age ain’t for sissies.” No one in their tenth decade would dispute that.

But Cedar Community Hall, four years shy of its hundredth birthday, is finding new life as a welcoming home for groups in the Cedar area.

A group of determined volunteers is working to bring this historic wooden building into the twenty-first century.

Members of the Cedar Community As-

sociation are inviting the public to check out their work on Saturday, May 5, 2018 as part of the event What’s Going On in Cedar and Area?

The association is sponsoring What’s Going On? to bring the community back into the community hall. They’re hoping every club and nonprofit organization will be represented so residents can get a sense of all that connects people in the area.

“We want people to come in and see what’s happening,” says association president Jim Fiddick. “Drop in, meet the neighbourhood, see all the activities in the area, have something to eat, see our plans for the future.”

Cedar Community Association has been working with local architect Jack Anderson to improve accessibility to the hall. Anderson’s drawings for a new entryway will be revealed at the May 5 event. Of note is a covered front porch similar to the one on the original 1922 building.

Some of Fiddick’s ancestors were part of the group who built the hall. Constructed of local fir and with mostly donated labour, the “Speedway Hall” hosted weekly dances and whist drives. Up to 500 people crowded into the building to hear bands such as Bennie’s Orchestra and, later on, Syd’s Serenaders. Jitney busses brought dancers from Nanaimo, South Wellington, and Ladysmith.

The dance bands are long gone, but the interior of the hall is still a beautiful

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place. Fiddick has served on the board for years and has put in countless hours of building maintenance. For volunteer Bruce Rowland, the hall has been a labour of love. “This hall is so well built,” he says. “I like working on a place that’s there for the community, keeping a place that people can come to.”

The Cedar Community Association wants to respect the hall’s heritage while creating a new vision for the hall in its second century. Photos of past activities have been enlarged and will be displayed on the walls. Anyone with old photos of the hall is invited to contact the hall through volunteer Kate Girard at kte.girard@shaw.ca.

More importantly, the association hopes What’s Going On will spark conversations about the future of the area. What brings people together—what connects us in 2018? Many of us work outside of our community, but the association believes we still value connection.

“We’ve got some ideas for bringing people together,” says volunteer Kate Girard, “but we’d like to hear lots more.” Drop into Cedar Community Hall on May 5, from 10am to 1pm.

Come and feel part of Cedar and area.

May Events in Chemainus

BY PETER COLLUM MEDIA COORDINATOR FOR THE CHEMAINUS FESTIVAL OF MURALS SOCIETY The Chemainus mural project, managed by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, is the world’s leading communitydriven art tourism experience.

On Saturday, May 5, 2018 come out to ‘Walk as One at

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One’ at the new Chemainus Labyrinth in Waterwheel Park, in downtown Chemainus near the Visitor’s Centre, joining others around the globe to create a wave of peaceful energy washing across the time zones. A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness, combining the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. It represents a journey to our own centre and back again out into the world.

The Chemainus Labyrinth is 40 feet in diameter and is created in the 11-circuit Braemore design from the 10th century and not overtly religious in nature. It is a project of the Murals Society with assistance from the Municipality of North Cowichan and the Chemainus Rotary Club. The first 100 people to complete the Walk on the Wild Side will receive a certificate of participation the Society.

The Mural Festival on Saturday, May 19, 2018 will officially dedicate five pieces in the Society’s new Community Art series as well as two new murals in the original Historical Series, and a ‘welcome back’ salute to the Steam Train on Bridge over Chemainus River mural that was removed with the demolition the Chemainus Ace Hardware building at 9630 Chemainus Road. The tour ends at the Chemainus Labyrinth in Waterwheel Park around 12:15.

Festivities continue at Waterwheel Square with entertainment provided by Masimba Marimba from Bopoma Music.

Chemainus Rotary Club members will be barbequing hot dogs and serving drinks (by donation) and there will be activities for children, as well as prize draws for those who get a Mural Passport stamped at each of the art induction ceremonies.

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Wellington Days Past and present residents gather every two years on South Wellington Heritage Day to share photos and stories of the old days. The event this year will be held on Sunday, May 6, from noon to 4 pm at the South Wellington Community Hall. Bring along any memorabilia, snapshots, etc. to share for the day.

Enjoy an afternoon of reminiscing at the biennial gathering.

The event started in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s and has been going for approximately 50 years, according to Lynette Tulley.

Marine garage sale The Oak Bay Marine Group at Ladysmith Marina is once again generously hosting the marine garage sale and this year

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it will take place from 0900-1400 on Saturday May 26th. People can rent a table space for $ 10.00 and sell their own marine items (no non-marine items) and the Marina sells hot dogs and soft drinks to participants. RCMSAR Station 29 has a table at the sale and often boaters donate items to be sold there which benefits the Rescue Station. In the past the marina has donated the proceeds of the refreshment sales. The event is a fund-raiser for the Ladysmith and District Marine Rescue Society.

Good Cents for Change Good Cents for Change, started in 2009 in Ladysmith, along with Africa Directions, a Zambian non-profit group work to help impoverished young women acquire skills which will

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enable them to become self-sufficient For the last three years, two groups of women have been supported to enable them to acquire the Tevita Certificate in Dressmaking in Mtendere, a suburb of Lusaka in Zambia. Good Cents for Change and Africa Directions would like to expand the choices for the women to include service, cooking, gardening and office skills in the future. Their workplace at present is inadequate and $15,000 is needed to expand.

A walkathon will take place on Saturday, June 9, from 10 am to noon. Consider joining the walk and encourage your family and friends to support you with a donation.

Please contact Susan Dobson at susandobson15@gmail.com or Diane Lewis at dianelewis@shaw.ca if you have any questions or with to participate.

$15,000 for Seniors Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA Doug Routley welcomed a $15,000 grant from the province that will support seniors in living active, socially engaged and independent lives by making Ladysmith more age-friendly. “This grant will support a project to make Ladysmith more accessible and walkable,” said Routley.

“I’m especially excited about the proposed scooter map. These are small projects but have a big impact.”

The age-friendly communities grant program is a partnership between the Province and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

Finishing Forrest Field The Service Clubs of Ladysmith, in partnership with the Town, Stz’uminus First Nation and Mid-Isle Soccer Club are putting on their overalls, rolling up their sleeves.

The goal is to finish a project started years ago but has been stalled for lack of funding. Forrest Field serves the entire Mid Island area where thousands of kids play soccer, baseball and football.

While the field itself is an excellent venue, the other facilities leave a lot to be desired. The practice area has been designated but not started, presently it is sloped gravel with brush cover. The players’ benches are inadequate and not covered, there is no shelter for the referees and the viewers area needs to be expanded and better protected from the

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elements. The change and restrooms are outdated Atco trailers. There is no concession facilities or eating area.

The Rotary, Kinsmen, Lions, Eagles and Interact Club of Ladysmith are working with the Town of Ladysmith.

The Ladysmith Rotary Club is applying for gaming funds to help defray the costs. Kinsmen and Lions and other clubs are stepping up with volunteers and resources. The groups will know if their application for a $100,000 grant from BCAA Play Here has made the shortlist on May 28, says Ken Greig of Ladysmith Rotary. Regardless of the outcome, they are committed.

Something to smile about Barry Lewis, a denturist since 1984, has been a part of a wave of new design and technologies reshaping the denture industry. “We’ve come a long way since my grandfather crafted dentures out of Vulcanite rubber”. In the early years, the process was somewhat crude, impressions were taken with plasters and wax, while dentures were made with dark red Vulcanite rubber and fitted with shiny, white porcelain teeth.

By the time Barry’s father had taken over the practice from his father, plastics had found their way into the dental market and over time, the use of porcelain teeth decreased and Vulcanite disappeared all together. When Barry opened his Nanaimo clinic in 1988, another round of products and technologies were being developed. Patients wanted better fit, better looks, and healthier choices for what materials were being introduced to their mouths. “I became part of a revolution of sorts. It was a relentless pursuit of what could we do and how could we make it better.”

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Improved impression processes involving custom made patient trays became the norm. The sophistication of articulators and bite measurement apparatus improved every decade. “We were now able to create truly accurate models of patient anatomy and orient these models into devices that function much like human jaws.” This change allowed for better placement of teeth and ultimately, more stable dentures while chewing.

The pursuit of a perfectly balanced bite led Barry to explore T-Scan™ technology. T-Scan™, a computerized device, could measure bite forces between upper and lower teeth. It was previously used predominately as a tool for more advanced neuromuscular dentistry. Sensing the huge potential benefits, Barry acquired a system from T-Scan™ and became proficient in it’s function.

“It was amazing! Our whole staff was literally jumping up and down with excitement. Now on a computer screen, we could see the percentage and precise load on each individual tooth and knew exactly what to modify and adjust for optimum balance.”This technique would become the hallmark of a new denture system that his team named DEPDS™, which was an acronym for Digitally Enhanced Precision Denture System. “We pushed the bar a little higher in the industry” says Barry. “I think my grandfather would be pretty impressed.” The latest development now taking hold on the market is the lower denture suction systems. The result for many is a denture so stable, an actual suction is developed with the lower denture.

The team at The Smile Essentials Denture Clinic, along with Barry, recently opened a new clinic in Ladysmith.

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Ladysmith Secondary School students in rehearsal for musical “Narnia.”

Local dancer Clara Keefer

Dancestreams’ special Mother’s Day performance Ladysmith dancer Clara Keefer is excited about her first home-town performance as a member of Dancestreams Youth Dance Company. The Ladysmith Secondary School Grade 8 student has been dancing since she was six years old. Dancestreams, Vancouver Island’s premier youth repertory company, is offering a special Mother’s Day perfor-

mance in Ladysmith, Sunday, May 13 at 2 p.m. The Company, renowned for its ground-breaking professional choreography, will transform the Ladysmith Aggie Hall into a performance space, with backdrops, wings and lighting.

The program features new works by professional choreographers, including Gioconda Barbuto, Constance Cooke, Alison Denham and Julianne Chapple.

Dancestreams was formed in 1985 to address the needs of talented teen dancers seeking careers in dance and over the years has produced scores of performance artists, teachers, directors and choreographers.

The Company, through its funding from the BC Arts Council, the Province of BC, and other fundraising initiatives, is able to bring in some of Canada’s top

professionals to teach, choreograph and mentor this future generation of dance professionals. The Company has toured throughout the world, not only promoting its emerging artists but exposing them to the current trends and creating life-long friends and networking.

Dancestreams is thrilled, for this show only, to welcome “Third Canvas Dance” — a Victoria-based contemporary company encompassing the work of accomplished choreographer and Artistic Director Kathy Lang.

Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking Mom to lunch and the dance performance. Show your Dancestreams show ticket and receive 10 percent off all food at the Fox and Hounds, purchased before 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and

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students at Salamander Books and Performing Fabrics, and also at the door.

Magical musical Narnia opens Ladysmith Secondary School presents “Narnia.” Based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, “Narnia” the musical tells the tale of siblings Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy and their journey through the wardrobe into Narnia. Set during the World War II, the children find themselves swept away from their home to live at Marbleton Manor where they’ll be safe. But their lives are changed forever when Lucy finds the magical wardrobe. Shows are May 10 to 12 at 7 p.m, with doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee on Saturday, May 12, at 2 p.m, with doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for students and $12 for adults. They can be purchased at Salamander books or at the LSS box office.

Musical trip around the world

BY DAVID CARTER Hot on the heels of their recent highly successful performance at Nanaimo

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Sings!, where they were one of 17 local choirs singing both as an individual choir and also as part of a 350-voice massed choir, Yellow Point Singers are ready to entertain you again with their “Spring Sing Fling.”

This year’s spring concert will feature music from around the world. Under the direction of Doug Roszmann and Ainslee Young, and accompanied by Sharyn Andruski-Collins on piano, choir members have been polishing their vocal skills, as well as their foreign language skills, to bring you a program of traditional and popular choral pieces from places as far away as Japan, South Africa and Europe, something for every mother to enjoy.

Some of the songs they will sing include “Beautiful Rain,” the Japanese folk song “Sakura,” “Va Pensiero” from the opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi, the “Skye Boat Song” from Scotland, “Welsh Lullaby,” “Irish Blessing,” “Shenandoa” from the United States, and a favourite from Canada’s East Coast, “Away From The Roll of the Sea.” Guest performer for this concert will be local jazz vocalist Elise Boulanger.

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As with all previous concerts, Yellow Point Singers will donate proceeds from this concert to local charities. Tickets are often sold out prior to the performance, so it is wise to check with a member of the choir in order to be sure of a seat or contact Bruce at dbruce.forward@gmail.com.

Spring Sing Fling which will be held on Sunday, May 13th at 3 p.m. at Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Road, Ladysmith. Light refreshments will be served following the concert.

Once Upon A Mattress Coming into its final weekend at Ladysmith Little Theatre, “Once Upon A Mattress,” set in medieval times, is the musical comedy adaptation of the wellknown story “The Princess and the Pea.” It is filled with hilarious scenes that will be sure to capture everyone’s attention.

As one patron remarked after attending a performance, “Saw the show last night! It was wonderful! I am still alternately singing and giggling! ... Wonderful music, breathtaking costumes, all played on a fabulous set.”

Tickets are $25 for non-members, $20 members, $15 students at Sunday Matinee at the box office, phone 250-9240658 or ladysmiththeatre.com

Mike Dietrich (Sir Harry), Judith Rae (Assistant Stage Manager) and Ted Brooks (Sir Studley) in Once Upon A Mattress

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Ironworks Cafe & Creperie

BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE There’s a new place in Ladysmith that is so sweet and savoury you just have to go. Extensive renovations have transformed the little blue building beside City Hall into the Ironworks Café & Creperie. Owners Dina Stuehler and Cayce Horn are proud of all they have accomplished so far with the newest eatery in Ladysmith.

Dina, originally from Ontario but now calls the Island home, has a background in the hospitality industry. For many years, she had worked on cruise ships that allowed her the opportunity to visit coffee plantations around the world.

This gave her insight into what beans work best in different applications. She was also trained by a Belgium Red Seal Chef and has perfected the art of making the perfect crepe.

Cayce, born here on the island, is a journeyman welder by trade. He is new to the crepe business, but has caught on very quickly, as he was the one creating

Dina Stuehler of the newly opened Ironworks Cafe & Creperie. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

crepes for the mid-morning coffee rush when we were there. The two met at a work-out session and have been together ever since. Little secret: she approached him to start the ball rolling! As Cayce likes to point out, “When she wants to do something, she gets it done immediately.” Same with the café.

At first the couple looked in the Chemainus area, but found things were not moving as quickly as they had hoped.

So after driving through Ladysmith and seeing a building that would soon be vacant, they visited with the owner and the rest is sweet history. After tearing the building on the inside down to the studs, with help from their family, they have created a bright and welcoming café.

They are not finished yet, as they have big plans for the patio area.

Ironworks Café & Creperie specializes in freshly brewed coffee using Café Umbria beans, and they are serious

about the coffee — the beans, the coffee maker and the brewing techniques — all to make that perfect cup of coffee.

All the cups and lids are recyclable, as the café is aiming high to reduce their footprint with strict composting and recycling methods. Now on to the star of the show — the crepes. A great selection of sweet and savoury crepes are available, with daily specials on the board.

For all those that would like to enjoy these treats, but may have dietary issues, menu items are available in gluten-free or vegan options. It is so fun to watch them create your order. When the batter hits the hot grill and the steam comes up, you know heaven is close.

We tried a sweet and a savoury menu item, and with our bunch at the office, they were both a hit. The crepes are light and yet crispy and filled to the brim with goodness. The savoury breakfast crepe was filled with eggs, ham, bacon, mushroom and cheese, with a dollop of béchamel for good measure. And the sweet we tried was the daily special — a banana crème pie, filled with a silky smooth custard, large pieces of banana, a light dusting of graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream.

Yummy! I’m on the sweet side of the debate. I washed it all down with a latte. No need for lunch today.

The pair is very enthusiastic about the café and hold themselves to high standards. Creating a place where people can gather for a great cup of coffee or tea and a tasty treat made the way you like it. Since opening in March, Dina

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and Cayce expected to have a slow soft opening, but that has not been the case. “Ladysmith has been so supportive,“ says Diana. When we were there, a steady stream of smiling customers passed through their doors.

Who’s got the best sausage rolls?

Send in your nomination for Best Sausage rolls before May 10 when a panel of judges will crown the Sausage Roll King.

Nominees so far include Hearthstone Artisan bakery, Old Town bakery, Coco Café, Chemainus Bakery, 49th Parallel Grocery Store, Bouma’s Meats, Bake My Cake and Thrifty’s.

You can email your favourite to editor@take5.ca or call us 250245-7015. Don’t be shy, we don’t bite, unless you are packing sausage rolls.

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MAY 1 – 5 1, 7pm–10pm, “Cougar Annie Tales,” show by Katrina Kadoski, tkts $15, Harbour City Theatre, 25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo, 250-753-5331 4, A Fenner Family Fundraiser, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 4, 7pm, Fiddelium – A Traditional Canadian Celtic Fiddle Concert, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo, 250-754-8550 5, 9am–10:30am, $5 Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 5, 10am–1pm, What’s Going On? Cedar Community Association hosts an event for the community to meet all local non-profit organizations, free, music, crafts for kids, snacks, Cedar Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-245-7516 5, 1pm, World Labyrinth Day: Walk as One at One at Bethlehem Centre, Bethlehem Centre, 2371 Arbot Rd., Nanaimo, 250-754-3254 5, 1pm, World Labyrinth Day: Walk as One at One, the Chemainus Labyrinth in Waterwheel Park, 3828 Croft St., Chemainus 5, 1:30pm, 15th Annual Shots for Kids Fundraiser, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157 5–6, 10am–4pm (ends at 2pm on Sunday, May 6), Nanaimo–Ladysmith Schools Foundation “Hello Spring” Market, Nanaimo District Secondary School, 355 Wakesiah Ave., Nanaimo

6 – 12 6, noon–4pm, South Wellington Heritage Day, all past and present residents welcome, bring along any memorabilia, snapshots, etc. to share for the day, South Wellington Community Hall, 1555 Morden Rd., Nanaimo

6, 2pm, Spring Concert, featuring the Centre Belles and the Centremen Songsters, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 6, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts: Michael Jones, cello and Bruce Vogt, piano, tkts $20/$5 (adv. $17), Chemainus United Church, 9814 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-748-8383 6, 2pm, Mark Lewis & The Tom Vickery Trio, tkts $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 7, 10:30 am, “Morning Musicale” with pianist Sarah Hagan, tkts $28/senior or student $26 / eyeGO $5, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., 250-748-7529 7, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, City Hall, 410 Esplanade Ave., 250-245-6400 8, 10:30am–1:30pm, “All Our Sisters” Luncheon, Coast Bastion, 11 Bastion St., Nanaimo, 778441-4227

11, 7:30pm, April Verch and Pharis & Jason Romero including an opening performance by Parksville’s own Annie Lou, tkts $36, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., 250748-7529 11–12, 10am–5pm, the Crofton Art Group’s Show & Sale, Crofton Senior Centre, 1507 Joan Ave., Crofton 11–12, 10am–9pm (ends at 6pm on Saturday, May 12), Nanaimo Pottery Co-op Pottery Sale, Country Club Centre, 2300 N. Island Hwy, Nanaimo 12, 9am until sold out, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club Plant Sale, experienced garden equipment, books and master gardeners present, free admission, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., Ladysmith 12, 9:55am, Luisa Miller The Met: Live in HD, tkts $28/senior $26 /eyeGO $5, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., 250748-7529

8, 6:30pm–8:00pm, Chemainus Residents Association Annual General Meeting, St. Michael’s Church Hall, 2858 Mill St., Chemainus

12, 8:30am–3pm, Vancouver Island Children’s Book Festival, free activities, 3 sessions with authors/illustrators is $10/child (accompanied parent is free), Diana Krall Plaza, Nanaimo

9, 7pm–9pm, “How a just peace in Palestine– Israel can save our planet” by speaker Robert Massoud, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St., Duncan

12, noon–4pm, Mastering Disaster, emergency preparedness event free, displays, speakers, demos, vendors, draw, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Hall, 340 6th Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-7015

9, 7pm–9pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Meeting, learn about gardening and meet other keen gardeners, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., Nanaimo

12, 1:30pm, show 2pm, Ladysmith Secondary presents “Narnia,” tkts $8 students/$12 adults (available at Salamanders bookstore or LSS box office), 710 6 Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-3043

10, 11 & 12, doors 6:30pm, show 7pm, Ladysmith Secondary presents “Narnia,” $8 students/$12 adults (available at Salamanders bookstore or LSS box office), 710 6 Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-3043

12, 1:30pm–3pm, Spring Tea, tkts $10, bake and craft sale, St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., 250-753-1924

11, 5:30pm, An Evening of Mom Fun, appetizers, dinner and entertainment, tkts $45, group rates, Cavallotti Hall, 2060 E. Wellington Rd., Nanaimo, 250-816-6459

12, 9pm-1am, Live Music – Sons of Guns, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 12, 7pm, Gary Fjellgaard and Valdy, tkts $30, St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., 250-753-1924

13 – 19 13, Happy Mother’s Day! 13, 10am – 2pm, Mother’s Day Brunch Chakalaka Bar & Grill, 250-924-0324 13, 10am, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 13, 10:30am & 1pm (two seatings), Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet, reservations required, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., Nanaimo, 250-245-5157

Society celebrates the dedication of new art installations, starts with Orca mural at Ace Chemainus Hardware ends at Waterwheel Park

26, 10-4pm, Heritage Boat Festival, Ladysmith Community Marina 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250-2451146

19, 5pm–8pm, Birthday Party and Potluck Dinner, bar and entertainment, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 250-246-2111

26, 11am–3pm, Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society is holding an Orchid and Garden Market, 803 Dogwood Rd., South Nanaimo (near the Morell Bird Sanctuary), 250-591-2446

20– 26 20, 10am, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo

13, 11am–2pm, Mother’s Day Brunch, $17.99, Cranberry Arms Pub, 1604 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-722-3112

21, 10am–4pm, Power Of The Heart, workshop and movie, presented by Gloria Stewart and Morganne Michel Pickering, tkts $44 (adv. $33), Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville

13, 2pm–4pm, David Vest Quartet, tkts $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

21, 7pm–9pm, Island Stitchery Group Meeting, Christ Community Church, 2221 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo

13, 2pm, “Piece by Piece” presented by Dancestreams Youth Dance Company, tkts $12/ seniors and students $10, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., Ladysmith

21–26, The North Island Zone Festival of Theatre BC, Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd., Nanaimo, 250-758-7246

13, 2:30pm, Trio Sayso’s Mother’s Day Concert: Nurturing Connection, tkts adv. $20/at the door $25, Bethlehem Centre at 2371 Arbot Rd., Nanaimo 13, 3pm, Yellow Point Singers Spring Sing Fling concert with special guest Elise Boulanger, , Oceanview Community Church, 13, 5pm, Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet, Chakalaka Bar & Grill, 250-924-0324 16, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 16, 11:30am–1pm, Soup and Sandwich with entertainment, $6, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 17, 10am, General Meeting, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 18, 8am-3pm, Oyster Bay Café re-opens, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Rd. 250-245-1146 18, 9pm, Karaoke, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033 19, 9:55am, Cendrillon The Met: Live in HD, tkts $28/senior $26 /eyeGO $5, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., 250748-7529 19, 11am–2pm, Chemainus Festival of Murals

22, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club — “Light and Colour,” Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave. 23, 6:30pm, Annual General Meeting for the Cedar Community Association, 2388 Cedar Rd 24, 1pm–3:30pm, Public Works Day, fun for the whole family, hands-on equipment displays, demos, hot dogs, cake and much more, Public Works Yard, 330 6th Ave., Ladysmith 25, doors 6pm, Friends of Nanaimo Jazz Society hosts the 12th annual Jazz Affair, Coast Bastion, 11 Bastion St., Nanaimo, 250-754-8550 25, doors 7pm, show 7:30pm, Russell Earl Marsland & Lovestruck: A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Port Theatre, Nanaimo, 250-754-8550

26, 9pm-1am, Live Music –The Shakes, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033

27– 31 27, 10am, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 27, 10am–5pm, Central Van Isle Photography Group Exhibit, 78 Wharf St., Nanaimo 27, 12:30pm–1:30pm, pianist Karel Roessingh, St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., 250-753-1924 27, 2pm–4pm, Sam Kirmayer Quartet, tkts $15, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 27, 6:30pm, Ladysmith Newcomers, Legion Hall upstairs, general meeting, socializing, potluck, Ladysmith, call Shanon at 250-924-8809 1, 5pm, Dine on the Dock, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Rd. 250-245-1146 10-12 Narnia 13 Mother’s Day 26, Heritage Boat Festival For latest events please check the TAKE 5 online Events Calender, take5.ca

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Speculation Tax – To be or not to be an effective tool I hesitated about commenting on this tax in last month’s TAKE 5, to allow an opportunity for the RDN Chair and CAO to meet with the Hon. Carole James and her staff to discuss its application to the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).

As Board Chair Bill Veenhof emphasized, “The RDN strongly and fully supports the provincial government’s goal of improving housing affordability. Indeed, the RDN is rightfully proud of its work ... in developing affordable housing in this region. The RDN is concerned that the Speculation Tax is not the most appropriate approach to ad-

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dressing this issue and could actually work against our continued efforts to develop more affordable housing.” The RDN Board of Directors unanimously agreed to object to this Speculation Tax in form, in any region or municipality in B.C. As the Chair emphasized, “The unintended consequences of this tax far outweigh the benefits and, in its current form, should be eliminated altogether.”

At the meeting with the Minister, the RDN presented information on the inequities created between the RDN and the three adjoining regional districts where the tax was not to be applied.

One of many concerns expressed was that application of the tax to properties not occupied by owners for a period of at least 183 days (six months) in a year.

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A number of years ago, the municipalities of Qualicum Beach and Parksville implemented zoning that would encourage development of low-rise resort accommodation adjoining the ocean beaches and aid the tourism industry in these locations. With restricted density the developers financing these units required pre-sale to investors as traditional financing options were limited or unavailable.

You may have encountered the term “boutique hotel” and thought that this described a business or establishment that is small and sophisticated or fashionable. In fact, the term “boutique” refers to the method of financing. The zoning that was applied to these resort developments specifically restricted their use by owners to fewer than 180 days so that they would be available for tourists. As many of the investors in these properties are “from away,” the tax would have been applied to these units thereby thwarting the communities’ efforts in increasing tourism.

Other recreational properties within the rural areas of the RDN would be similarly impacted. Many of these properties are unsuitable as longterm rental housing. Within days of the speculation tax being announced, the uncertainty as to its application resulted in correspondence from a couple of companies who had been working their way through multimillion dollar resort development applications in the Parksville/Qualicum beach area, advising that if this tax continued to be applied, they would move these projects elsewhere.

The uncertainty showed that the tax would drive potential investment to neighbouring jurisdictions where the tax was not going to be applied.

The nature of property ownership in the RDN often follows a pattern that involves a transition from seasonal to fulltime occupancy over time. Families may purchase a home to use as a recreational

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property until retirement, then move to the RDN permanently and begin or complete renovations necessary to permit other than seasonal occupation. In Electoral Area “A” (Cedar, Cassidy, Yellow Point, South Wellington) of the RDN, some 76 properties were identified as owned by people currently living outside the province of B.C. and to which the speculation tax would apply. Many of these properties are and have been owned by the same families for as long as 25 years. They contribute to the local economy through purchase of goods and contracting for other local services. They also pay property taxes and hold a strong desire to return home to the Island. On a personal note, my family’s return to the Island involved purchasing a rural property with a small log cabin some nine years prior to a permanent move. Clearly, given the unsuitability of the cabin for year-round occupation and the accompanying mortgage, we would not have been able to retain the property if the speculation tax were applied.

Other rationale was presented to the Minister providing comparative metrics on housing in the adjoining jurisdictions. Subsequently, the Minister’s office announced that the speculation tax would not be applied to Parksville, Qualicum Beach or the rural areas within the RDN — a partial recognition of the unintended consequences of the tax as both the District of Lantzville and the City of Nanaimo remain subject to the speculation tax. I am uncertain as to the metrics used by the government to determine where and how this tax would be applied. An analysis completed using data readily available through various real estate boards on the Island — more specifically that the “Housing Price Index” for jurisdictions on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of B.C. — that price increases in property values from 2005 through 2017 are within two per cent to six per cent in most of the communities, with the exception of Squamish, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley where they are markedly higher. Based on many news reports, Metro Vancouver has evidence of speculation being a major factor in housing prices — at least in the realm of high-priced singlefamily dwellings and the condo market. Similar differentials were noted in comparisons of average dollar value of dwellings, average monthly shelter costs for owned dwelling and the average monthly shelter costs for rental accommodation.

My personal opinion is that the provincial government should reconsider application of the tax across the province and engage with local governments to find effective tools and strategies for the provision of new affordable housing. Since the federal government removed, in the late 1970s, the incentives for construction of rental properties — through the MURB (multiple unit residential building) and AHOP (assisted homeownership program) — there have not been any replacement programs developed. Perhaps the current dearth of affordable rental housing can be traced back to this inaction on the part of our national government. The Province’s proposed initiative to build some 14,000 units of affordable housing over the next decade is a welcome announcement that could see the first of these units available in 2020. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

CVRD Area G (Saltair) AFFORDABLE HOUSING SERVICE BYLAW The CVRD is proposing to provide $750,000 for affordable housing in the regional district of which $500,00 will go to a

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trust fund for housing projects planned by the non profit Cowichan Housing Association. $138,000 will be used for planning, research, and development. $112,000 will be for management and administration. Both the federal government and the provincial government are providing a lot money for affordable housing which is a huge issue in our country. The CVRD is thinking that if it is organized and has a function it will be eligible to receive these funds. It will be ahead of the game. It is looking like the bylaw will need public assent in the form of an AAP before taxation can occur. The AAP will be held this summer after the CVRD does public consultation for a 60 day period.

DRINKING WATER AND WATERSHED SERVICE Due to climate change and an increasing population there are some warning signs with water supply and water quality in the regional district beginning to show. The CVRD is proposing to set up a regional service that can monitor and study the situation more thoroughly. The Cowichan River is very short of water in the fall which causes difficulties with salmon going up to spawn. There are 13 different watersheds in the CVRD, some small and some large. Saltair gets its water from the Stocking Lake watershed which is very healthy but small.

Between the CVRD ownership and Ladysmith ownership we own about 75% of the land in the Stocking Lake watershed so it is quite secure. The Saltair water is chlorinated and treated with ultra violet light as well. It may also have to be filtered at some point in time. Filtration is very expensive. Could be $5-$6 million. We are looking at other solutions.

This new proposed service will be mainly a study function and will cost the homeowner $7.06/$100,000 of property valuation. So if your home is worth $500,000 then it will cost you $35.50 in new taxes per year. None of this money will go to fix the Saltair Water system if needed or any other system for that matter. There will be referendum at the same time as the municipal election to decide whether the bylaw passes for this drinking water and watershed protection service. There does not seem to be any direct benefit to Saltair from this service and very little indirect benefit. I think the service would be good for some areas but not at this cost for Saltair.

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Feeding the community

BY BILL TILLAND The Kiwi Cove Community Garden is mobilizing for another season of growing and supplying produce for the Ladysmith Food Bank. The garden plot is located at the Kiwi Cove Lodge on Brenton-Page Road, on land donated by the Lodge proprietors, Doug and Peggy Kolosoff. The garden is strictly a volunteer effort, and all vegetables go to the food bank.

The origins of the garden go back almost ten years, and average yields have been 2500–3000 pounds each season.

In a good year, the garden has produced close to 4000 pounds of vegetables. And every year, a certain crop emerges as a “star.” Last year was the “Year of the Tomato.” We grew over 2200 pounds of

tomatoes, and for several weeks in August, we were supplying not only the Ladysmith Food Bank, but the Cedar and Chemainus Food Banks as well.

We have increased financial support this year from the Ladysmith Resources Centre, but we also rely on donations from area businesses, such as Dinter Nursery and 49th Parallel Garden Centre.

We always need volunteers, particularly during the early garden prep and planting season in May, and then the harvest season in late July and August.

We generally work in the mornings of

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, but a regular commitment is not necessary.

We’re happy to take what you can give us. Just call Bill Tilland at 250-9245269 (email tillandb@gmail.com) if you’re interested in volunteering and/ or have questions. Transportation can be arranged. Come join us and get some healthful exercise, make a contribution to the community and enjoy the beauty of the lovely natural setting.

Volunteers getting ready for another year of growing goodness for the community.

Photo submitted.

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History in your garden In my life as a food grower, I have always chosen heritage varieties of plants to grow. That’s because I want to be able to collect seeds from my plants for next year’s harvest. I believe that without seeds you are never really food secure, and by choosing open-pollinated varieties, you can collect seeds from your garden whenever you need them. Over the years, as my enthusiasm for producing food increased, I have also saved a lot of money by saving my own seeds.

There are many food plants that selfseed readily, so you only have to plant them once and they will reappear in your garden. I once admired a friend’s

garden in May, brimming full of assorted garden greens. He told me that he had not planted them; they had all volunteered from plants grown the previous year. Parsley, kale, cilantro, spinach, chard, corn salad, cress and arugula are all prolific self-seeders. Volunteers are always the sturdiest most robust plants in the garden, as they grow in sync with the season. They are also adapted to the unique growing conditions in your garden and should produce well.

As a novice seed saver, it’s best to start with lettuce, peas, beans, tomatoes, pep-

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pers and eggplant. All these plants have perfect flowers, which means the male and female reproductive parts are in the same flower, and they self-pollinate, requiring no assistance from wind or insects. Thus the chances of them crossing with other plants is negligible, and they will grow true to type in the next generation. Other plants, such as corn and squash, have separate male and female flowers and require insects or wind for pollination. They require distances between them to prevent crossing.

This year I have decided to resurrect The Garden Path Nursery in Yellow Point, so I am offering heritage food plants to local gardeners on the weekends throughout the month of May. I think having a choice when buying plants for your food garden is an important thing in these uncertain times. Most of the seedlings offered for sale at garden centres, supermarkets and seed catalogues are hybrids, from which you cannot save seeds. They are not produced under organic conditions, which means they need to adjust if you are an organic gardener.

Also, even though they are labelled “bee friendly” during commercial production,

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they are sprayed with neonicotinoid pesticides, a relatively new class of insecticide that affects the central nervous system of insects, resulting in paralysis and death. Recent bans in Europe attest to the growing concerns surrounding pesticide use and honeybee decline.

By choosing heritage varieties, you are partaking in the preservation of plant genetic diversity, just as our ancestors have done for ten thousand years. Many small seed businesses have now been gobbled up by large companies, who drop many of the open-pollinated lines from their listings. It’s not in a seed company’s interest to enable the gardener to save seeds. They want them to return every year to buy more seeds.

I delight in knowing the history of the food plants growing in my garden. Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage was introduced in the 1840s in New Jersey and was listed in the Howe Sound seed catalogue in 1890. It is a reliable producer of two-pound sweet and flavourful conical summer cabbages. I have grown hundreds of tomato varieties from all around the world, including Moneymaker from the UK (1910) and San Marzano from Italy, grown as the pizza sauce tomato for over 100 years. I now have my favourite dozen tomato varieties, which range in colour from red, rose, black to yellow, orange and green-striped.

Plant some history in your garden this year and plan to save seeds for future harvests and to share with your community.

Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food (Harbour Publishing). Available at your local bookstore.

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Armed teachers I’m telling you, this time Donald Trump has come up with something dumb. Really dumb. Dumber than the haircut, dumber than the red tie, dumber than the wall even. I’m talking about arming teachers. Arm Miss Bunker?

You’ve got to be nuts.

Let me explain. If we arm teachers, the most likely target won’t be intruders, but adolescent males between the ages of 13 to 15 — that period referred to in counseling manuals as “the peak of dumbness.” Guys who operate under the belief that if you haven’t embarrassed your parents to death, you just aren’t trying hard enough. Guys who set off the school fire alarm for fun. Guys whose

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only explanation for their behaviour is, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

But I’m ahead of myself. Let’s board the space capsule and travel back to September 4, 1959. For a soundtrack, we have Gene Pitney’s “The man who shot Liberty Valance,” which is actually about gunfighters, not about a junior high school principal who dreamed of gunning down the curly-haired adolescent male who let off a stink bomb in the school cafeteria, the resultant stampede nearly trampling half the school’s population.

It was my first day at a public school.

Up until then, my education had been entrusted to the Sisters of St. Ann, a dedicated flock of penguins if there ever was one. But alas, the convent was old and rickety, one good sneeze away from falling down, so the nuns packed their bags and left for Victoria, leaving Delbert’s much needed education to the public sector.

My first impression of Woodlands Junior High School was not favourable. Back then, when the bell rang, they made us line up at the bottom of

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the stairs before proceeding into the building in an orderly manner. It was at this point that a high-spirited Frank Parrot butted in front of his friend, causing much laughter because Frank never gave the impression he was eager to enter a building of higher learning.

Observing Frank’s playful transgression was Mr. Gough, who, afterburners lit, descended upon Frank and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck (whatever part of the parrot that is) and kicked him so hard in the rump that Frank — and I’ll swear on a stack of Car and Drivers

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that this is no exaggeration — got a solid foot of air time. Both feet off the ground! But that was the good news, the bad was that Frank and I had Gough as a homeroom teacher.

Gough as it turned out had some personality issues. More than Himmler, but not as many as Adolph. To address this shortcoming, I brought two stink bombs to school that had been purchased at Vancouver’s Crack-A-Joke shop, home of the poo-poo cushion and not a place for an unsupervised adolescent. I stomped on one as I was leaving the cafeteria. Almost instantly, 400 screaming adolescents were stampeding behind me, all headed for an exit door, propelled by an intense nose of rotten eggs, fermented shark and canned farts, with overtones of ripe diarrhea … no, hold on, that was last night’s sauvignon blanc.

On the way home, demonstrating that my amazing lack of forethought wasn’t a fluke, I stomped on stink bomb number two as I was getting off the bus. The screams could be heard two blocks away. Boy, I thought. These things are powerful.

You wouldn’t want them to get in the wrong hands. … Wait a minute! They are in the wrong hands!

The next morning, during homeroom, we listened to a special announcement by an enraged principal. So enraged that froth was coming out of the public address system. Though the term “dead meat” wasn’t used in this announcement. It was made unequivocally clear that if the culprit were caught, his life expectancy would be adjusted downward. In the meantime, the usual suspects would be brought in for questioning. “Parrot, get your ass in here.”

Rather than arm teachers, I suggest we arm janitors. According to the National Registry of Maintenance Engineers, which I just made up, most janitors are ex-military men, which means no training required. They’re ready to go, locked and loaded, as Sarah Palin used to say as she sat in her lawn chair, cradling her shotgun, plunking away at Russian submarines, which later on turned out to be sperm whales.

Better yet janitors are already on duty patrolling the halls and lunchrooms, but if they know what’s good for them, not the girl’s locker room. All they’d need is a simple change of equipment. Envision push brooms that convert into automatic rifles at the click of a switch. Since they’re patrolling the halls for dust bunnies anyway, we might as well get our money’s worth and have them embrace a secondary role.

The fun part will be converting the janitor’s cleaning carts into mini assault vehicles. This can be done in metal work under the watchful eye of Mr. Ferguson, the very same Mr. Ferguson who taught us how to make the cute little tin sugar scoop that leaked sugar all over the kitchen counter.

I envision a heavily-armoured golf cart with twin machine guns up front. The vehicles, which we’ll call Mobil Resource Centres, will carry a full complement of mops and brooms (don’t forget a well-seasoned toilet brush in case an intruder’s foul-mouth needs washed out with soap) in addition to automatic weapons, hand grenades, depth charges, gas masks and a deep-dish pizza — make mine pepperoni — should the skirmish run through lunch.

And for power, we’ll need lots. There’s nothing like the authoritative bark of a highly tweaked American V-8 to instill fear in the heart of an intruder. When the alarm sounds, Joe the Janitor dives into the nearest broom closet, pulls a Clark

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Kent and emerges as G.I. Joe. This should make for impressive response times, just as long as the intruder doesn’t show up during Joe’s coffee break.

Postscript: After surgery to remove the hush puppy wedged up his backside, Frank Parrot went on to live a normal life, though he still walked with a slight limp and was reluctant to bend over in public.

I’ve recommended this before, but only because it’s damn good: Paul Mas, Grenache Noir, $11.99.

Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked available at the Mahle House.

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Meanwhile back on the farm....

The Fall of Great Green “There are no failures, just lessons.”

— Pete the Cat

BY JACKIE WOOD After countless hours of battling the enormous rosehip bushes — and twice as many scratches — the prized greengage plum tree was finally in sight! Earlier that morning the story of greengage and her majestic cousin, the yellow plum tree, was shared lovingly by our aunt and farm mentor. Not quite a week before, our family of four uprooted from city life in Southwestern Ontario to embark on our farm life adventure. The circumstances of our arrival in Cedar was heartbreaking. An unexpected death prompted our cross-country move to help in whatever way was possible with the farm and the path to healing.

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The story of greengage was one of patience and kindness.

Years of caring for the little tree, who had yet to share any bounty, is a tale of selfless and unconditional love. More recently, the little tree was starting to be choked out by an abundance of rosehips and enthusiastic suckers growing from her trunk. After learning the story of good old green and the special place she held in my farm mentor’s heart, I set out to free the beloved little girl.

Armed with a trusty pair of Felco classic clippers, this city girl set out to work. Try as I might, years of working in an office have rendered my hands relatively useless for most farm work, including pruning. Alas, I traded my handheld Felcos for the larger and easier to use hedge clippers. After making the switch, I made quick work of the rosehips. While not quite as quick as my farm mentor, but faster than my initial pace.

With an unobstructed path cleared to the greengage, we made our way over to the little girl where I was treated to another important lesson, how to properly prune a fruit tree. My farm mentor imparted her knowledge as she gently scrapped back the bark in search of signs of life. Based on this preliminary investigation, and to our delight, we determined there was still some life left in the old girl.

My next task was to remove the suckers that were drawing from her precious resources. Hedge clippers in tow, I enthusiastically continued my expedition. In my effort to remove the fi nal sucker tucked closely to old green’s trunk, the last cut to full freedom, my clumsy city hands nicked her base. With a heavy heart and a bruised ego, I limbered over to share the unfortunate news of my grave mistake. Without skipping a beat, my farm mentor set into action devising a plan to save her beloved tree.

Returning to old green’s side, she clipped a couple of branches. An inquisitive look on her face, she cut through the nick in green’s base inflicted by my naïve and overzealous hands. The trunk snapped easily revealing green’s rotted center.

She may have survived this season, but would not have born any fruit. My farm mentor optimistically shared that one of green’s suckers may be viable before realizing, however, they had all been removed. Staring at the stump, we broke into laughter before heading over to the nursery to buy a new greengage plum tree.

Later that evening as we shared stories from our first week with family back in Ontario, my farm mentor joked how I was overfeeding the horses and sheep. My youngest, in mid laugh, followed up with “and she’s killing the trees!”

Jackie and her partner, Chris, recently moved to Cedar from the suburbs of Ontario with their two children, Meadow and Quinton. Jackie left city life to join Jackie Moad on Thistledown Farm and become an Island girl.

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FOR SALE GOLF CLUBS – Men’s LH Arnold Palmer set, bag & pull cart $ 475. Ladies LH set, bag, & pull cart $ 425. Call 250-245-9818 PLANT SALE! Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club, Saturday, May 12/18, Aggie Hall Symonds and 1st Ave. Parking on 2nd Ave. 9am until Sold Out. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs, vegetable starts and houseplants raised by members.

Planted Floral Baskets, Experienced garden equipment, books. Master Gardeners present.

Raffle at door. Admission free.

MULTI-HOUSE GARAGE SALE, 9am–3pm daily, Sat. & Sun., May 26 & 27, 1440 Frontier Place, Cedar-by-the-sea. 3 aluminum ladders, leather rocker, handtools, arts & crafts, interior décor.

GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 12, 2018 #22658 Alderwood Dr. Ladysmith 9 :00 am - 2:00 pm Furniture and various household goods.

REEBOK White Women’s bike, $100. 250-2459165.

BUSINESS I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives.

35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

BEADS BEADS BEADS ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-3242227.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER available for summer 2018. References avail. Prefer long stay. www.peaceofmindhousesitting.wordpress.com.

Call Kathleen 250-619-0786 or kgrcoaching@ gmail.com.

ROMAX MASONRY. Chimney repairs and rebuilds. Stonework. Patios. Interlocking pavers.

Fireplaces. Slate installs. Minor excavating.

Romaxmasonry.com, romax-bc@shaw.ca or 250-516-7597.

HOUSESITTERS INC. Insurance & security checks of your home or vacant property. Pet care, senior check ins & concierge services. Details on website www.housesittersinc.com. Insured.

Retired RCMP owned. Call 250-713-5110.

MAY 2018

JANICE’S HOME CARE SERVICES. All care inside and out of the home; home care, house work, yard work and transportation. Contact janjamieson101@gmail.com or call 250-7012909. Great Rates!

NEED HELP SHOPPING? Fallen behind on everyday housework? How about a ride to the doctor or a quick haircut at home? For excellent common sense happy help, call 250-667-1301.

Competitive pricing.

EDUCATION COTTAGE PAINT 101. Transform old furniture into AWESOME! Learn the basics plus creative decorative techniques. All supplies included + 15% off Cottage Paint purchase at ANTIQUE ADDICT. Call now to book 250-245-6533 or email shop@antiqueaddict.ca.

HEALTH & BEAUT Y JACLYNN COTTRELL REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY. $100 for one hour; $60 for 30 minutes. Available evenings. Located across from Friesen’s on York Rd. in Cedar. Call 778971-0444.

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am to noon $25/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org.

Call Sara 250-245-1466.

TAKE 5 classifieds work !

HOME & YARD QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small.

25 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. Free estimates, call Lars 250-616-1800.

ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design, www. islandgardenscapes.ca. Ask for Kathleen 250-802-0461.

TAKE 5 ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260.

KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing.

Senior’s discount. Call Karl 250-714-2738 or kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com.

GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free.

Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421.

RAISED GARDEN BEDS, railings, wheelchair ramps, decks, benches, woodsheds, greenhouses, painting, carpentry, custom shelving. Enhance your enjoyment of the home and yard you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

HIGH PERFORMANCE LANDSCAPING locally owned & operated, excavating services, lawn maintenance, hedge, tree & shrub pruning, low maintenance garden design, irrigation installations & servicing, water features, fence, deck & patio construction, mulch & soil delivery, garbage/ dump runs. Call Dave 250-327-5896.

ALL ACRES TREE SERVICE providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265.

PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now three locations: Victoria, Cedar and Comox Valley.

Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com.

Call Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.

THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and ref.

Call Shanon or Bill at 250-924-8809, Ladysmith.

DOG WALKING/ Hiking off leash!! 2 hour avg. walk, weekly walks year round, pick up &drop off included. Insured & Licenced. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See

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us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action!

Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC. Call 250-754TREC(8732) or walken@shaw.ca.

SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment.

Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcome. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250245-3391.

Next deadline for classifieds is May 15.

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