October 2022 TAKE 5

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Letters Timberlands family day tragedy update How can someone’s life be taken in an obviously negligent way, yet no action be taken to show it is not acceptable?

It started off a beautiful, sunny Family Day that ended in a tragedy that took a beloved life and devastated our family forever. As we reported in March, Simon Tozer (52) was tragically shot and killed while dirt biking with his adult son and nephew on February 21 up-hill of the Timberlands Road gravel pit in Cassidy. We have been informed of the ongoing investigation results by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit (VIIMCU) that the bullet that took his life most likely came from a group of recreational shooters close to the scene who were firing into a stand of trees with no backstop. Because the bullet was not recovered and because there were multiple people shooting and sharing high caliber guns in that group, it cannot be determined who may have fired that fatal shot that has shattered our family. As a result, no one is being held accountable.

Each of those individuals hold some responsibility, as it was obvious to anyone there that dozens of people, families, young and old, in addition to the Mount Hayes LNG facility workers, were on the mountain that day. Another group of dirt bikes with young kids and adults had just come down the trail before Simon’s group went up. It would have been clear to those recre-

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Simon Tozer. (Right) Location of shooting incident in Timberlands. Photos submitted

ational shooters that people were using the trails close by for hiking, quadding and dirt biking. We know this because they stopped shooting, and a few came to assist when they heard our boys yell for help. They had obviously heard the loud rumble of dirt bikes in the direction they were shooting; they had to have known their high-powered weapons could shoot that far, as we have been told that the caliber of guns they

were using are lethal at over a kilometre range. They had registered weapons; some of them had their firearms licence, which requires comprehensive safety training — why weren’t they following those stringent safety guidelines? If they had been, Simon would be here today.

It is incomprehensible that there are currently no laws in place to deter individuals from shooting their guns in widely used forest areas. It is incompre-

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hensible that someone’s life can be taken, yet there are no consequences for the negligent parties involved. If something is not done to deter this activity, this could happen again, maybe to someone you love.

Recreational shooters need to be made aware of how their actions can change lives in an instant and know that there are consequences for the disregard for human safety. Simon’s death needs to bring about some change. It cannot just be ignored and swept under the rug. We do not accept this — his life and memory deserve more than that.

Since this incident, “No shooting” signage has been placed on Mount Hayes, but we have heard that recreational shooting has increased in other locations, putting the public at risk in these new areas. As indicated in the online article that was posted in the September 2 edition of Nanaimo News Bulletin, municipalities have the authority to implement bylaws to govern firearms discharge; regional districts do not because the applicable section of the Community Charter does not apply to regional districts. Provincial legislation should be changed to permit regional districts to create bylaws that restrict where firearms can be discharged.

We ask for your support in making change by contacting your local MLA (Doug Routley, Nanaimo–North Cowichan, douglas.routley.MLA@leg. bc.ca; Sheila Malcolmson, Nanaimo, MMHA.Minister@gov.bc.ca) to ask for bylaws to be put into place to deter recreational shooting in publicly used areas of land.

Regardless that this tragedy was unintentional, it could have been prevented.

There was obvious negligence. Simon did not have to die that day. If those individuals were following safety guidelines, Simon — an amazing man with a big heart, a brilliant mind, and loved and respected by all who knew him — would still be with us today.

If you have any information about this incident that has not already been reported, please contact the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) at 250-380-6211. We thank the VIIMCU for their ongoing efforts.

— Sandra Tozer & Sarah Bonar (nee Tozer)

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CVRD Parks & Trails & OCP Communications I want to send out a big thank you to Yellow Point volunteers, the North Oyster/Diamond, Area H, Advisory Parks Commission people, Director Ben Maartman and Brian Farquhar, Manager, CVRD Parks & Trails, for upgrades to the Yellow Point Park trails and park entrance recently.

Gravelling of the trails will assist survival of the second growth trees with exposed root systems, make traversing the trails infinitely safer for moms with strollers, senior citizens and first responders. Hazardous areas that flood in winter have also been repaired. And, new fencing has recently been added to the main entrance, encircling the parking area, which is now helping to reduce damage to the wildflower meadows, where local residents volunteer many hours of work, removing invasive plants throughout the year.

RE: CVRD OCP Communications As a resident of Area H, North Oyster/Diamond, who recently participated in the CVRD’s OCP-Official Community Plan public process, I’m writing to express my concerns. The purpose of an OCP is to describe the long-term vision and represent the wishes of residents of an electoral district, but the CVRD’s recent public communications strategy has failed to achieve this. Here’s the numbers …

The CVRD: 1.1% of the entire CVRD population participated in the CVRD OCP initiative. The entire population of the CVRD is 89,013 and a total of 750 people participated.

Area H, North Oyster/Diamond: This is even worse! Only 0.312% participated in the CVRD OCP process. A total of 8

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people out of the 2,500 residents participated in the creation of an important community document meant to represent the wishes of the people!

Historically, the CVRD has not had a great reputation for successful communications with the public, but these numbers are absolutely abysmal!

Way back in the last century, 1992 (I believe), the CVRD distributed mail-in questionnaires to all households in North Oyster/Diamond. All registered voters were asked to submit their comments about the kind of Area H they wanted in future. Yes, those were simpler times, when we didn’t have to deal with detailed zoning, numerous land use designations and Zoom meetings, but fact is, everyone in the community had an opportunity to participate. And guess what? More people actively participated 30 years ago than in 2022!

The CVRD has a long way to go to improve open house events, public information meetings and making their website more user friendly, but I think it’s possible to improve relationships with the public by opening the lines of communication …

The ball is in your court, CVRD. — Pauline Hunt, Email: nodra.areah@gmail.com

Director responds to Letter to the Editor First off, I am very sorry to learn of Murray’s family health issues. I wish him and his family all the best.

Secondly, I believe strongly that everyone is entitled to their own opinion — and Murray certainly has those. However, I believe there is only one set of facts. I would like to set the record straight on what are the facts.

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(Letter) Since the article about the gas tax, there has barely been anything resembling news from the centre of the CVRD! Since that article, I have written about Harmonized and Modernized Official Community Plans; Budget 2021 issues; property taxes 2021 and 2022; Gas Tax Projects for Area H; CVRD Emergency Alert System; replacement of Cowichan District Hospital; Schnitzer’s; process for Gas Tax funding for selecting Yellow Point Trail, NOAH Community Hall and Community Well; Mount Hayes Wildfire; regional recreation; Regional Active Transportation Plan; appreciation of the volunteers in Area H; bylaw enforcement; animal control; burning and smoke; population stats for Area H; FireSmart Program — plus many other information items.

(Letter) It was pointed out to me that the Area’s H director’s first order of business was to put forward a motion calling on the CVRD to pass a bylaw that prevented the (Ladysmith) fireworks show from being put on in 2021.

No idea how he came up with this as being the first order of business. In 2021, the first things I did were: have the CVRD and RDN acknowledge shared use of the Cassidy Aquifer and the need for a bioregional growth strategy; get the moratorium lifted on the CVRD accepting applications for private water systems so Shellbeach’s application could be considered; and vote for a zero increase to the CVRD 2021 budget.

As for fireworks: There was lengthy discussion on July 14, 2021, about Ladysmith’s request. I did not make the motion to deny but did speak in favour of it, as the conditions of recent heat dome (40 degree Celsius), in my opinion, created a clear and present safety concern — as evidenced by the wildfire at

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Mount Hayes a few weeks later in August.

(Letter) Then it was the new director’s turn to hand out the gas tax money — what a surprise! The YES crew got almost 3 million …The actual numbers are: • $393,000 for CVRD Parks Dept to start the Yellow Point Trail (It does not go to Yellow Point Ecological Society aka YES) • $20,000 for North Oyster Community Center (second bathroom) • $150,000 for a Bulk Water (Community) Well In closing, Murray’s letter had several errors, but he did get the date and location of the upcoming Townhall right. I hope you will come to the Town Hall at the Diamond Hall at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

— Ben Maartman, CVRD Area H Director

Well-Being Series Your magazine has helped me so much with my integration into this fabulous community. I’ve been discovering who’s who and what’s going on in the area. I’m especially glad to know that Elly Smith from your office is embarking on a Well-Being series for the TAKE 5. It was wonderful to meet her at my office a couple of weeks ago. Her positive attitude about self-care and taking responsibility for your health is so inspiring. No doubt, her enthusiasm for connecting local health care practitioners will enhance health awareness in our wider community. I wish her great success with her project. - Julia Sage, RMT

Correction: On page 22 of the September Take 5, under FreshEATS! a piece headlined “LRCA Food Bank – Gather Around Gleaning Project,” it shows Paula@lrca.ca as the contact. The new contact from now on is Eliina@lrca.ca (yes it has two I’s). — Rick Rake, Manager, Communications and Events, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are welcome. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of TAKE 5 and its affiliates. Send letters to editor@ take5.ca or Messenger on Facebook.

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Local athletes hitting it out of the park

BY KERITH WADDINGTON Like the baseballs they hit, for Ladysmith athletes Brooklyn Bianchini and Mercedez Johnson, the sky’s the limit.

That’s because these local athletes have a list of athletic accomplishments as extensive as their medal collections. And they’re setting the national sports scene on fire.

Most recently, Bianchini and Johnson qualified for and travelled with their Team BC U16 baseball team to Prince Edward Island at the end of August to bring home the silver from Nationals.

Bianchini notes, “This was the first time in female baseball that all provinces and territories were represented.”

Both girls played all seven games at Nationals: Johnson was recognized with an MVP for her skills pitching and on third, while Bianchini had a great tournament at the bats, behind the plate as catcher and in the outfield. Both girls plan to play again on the team in 2023.

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Bianchini says that the Nationals gave her “the confidence and edge I needed to continue my ball training as we came home to tryouts for next year. I was successful in gaining a spot on the Victory Glory 17A team, which is a travel team, taking me to play from Vancouver to California. I am very excited and honoured.”

The girls, who are best friends, spend lots of time together on and off the field and are thrilled to share many of these experiences.

Bianchini explains the draw of the game for her. “When I play ball, I am 100 per cent immersed and nothing else matters but the game,” she says. “I love being on a team and have made lifelong friends. Training and playing ball has taught me that hard work and determination pays off.”

Bianchini says her goal is to study medicine while playing on a college/university team, “which will give me more than an education but a healthy lifestyle, a team to rely on and a physical outlet. I see ball being in my life forever.”

Both girls play for the Kris Kennedy’s Ladysmith Lighting U15B team, which made it to Provincials the last three years. Each girl had an amazing year

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with this team, enjoying many MVPs throughout the season.

Johnson this year also played for Clint Bailey’s baseball team, the Ladysmith 49’s U15, who brought home silver in the baseball Provincials.

Johnson has high praise for her coach.

“I have had the most supportive coach throughout the years in Clint Bailey,” she says. “He truly is like a father to me, and he’s been with me throughout all the success and especially all the failure.

Clint has taught me so much about the game, and I learn more every day. He truly is the coach I think every athlete needs.”

Johnson says she came by her love of the game at an early age.

“I’ve played baseball since I was around seven,” she says. “I still remember the first time trying to hit a baseball.

I was at my aunty Tara’s and uncle Paul’s house playing some ball with my cousin Parker in the back yard. I’ve loved the game ever since. All thanks to my papa John Graczyk for always playing catch with me for hours and hours and Uncle Steve for teaching me that nasty curve ball.”

With the arrival of fall, it might seem that baseball season is drawing to a close. Not so for these girls. Johnson continues with the VI Mariners 18U College Prep baseball team, while Bianchini trains with Brady Rogers and Cage Athletics in Nanaimo.

Brooklyn’s mom, Heidi, says our community is seeing more players come out than ever before, and the fall looks to be “just as busy as the spring and summer.”

Capping off their incredible seasons, Bianchini and Johnson each made the Canada Futures Collegiate Showcase Team and are heading to Atlanta in October to tour colleges and universities

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Sports stars Mercedez Johnson and Brooklyn Bianchini.

Photo: Heidi Bianchini

from Georgia to Florida. They will play against the college teams, meet players and coaches, tour the schools and make more ball friends and memories.

Johnson has high hopes for her future.

“It’s awesome to meet all these amazing people and see all these cool places. I hope to make it big someday and do something cool and make life as amazing as it can be.”

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Agricultural Hall Celebration Hundreds of people came out on Sept.

24 to celebrate Ladysmith’s Agricultural Hall’s centennial.

“The 100th Anniversary celebration was an elegant tribute to a community hall that has seen everything from dances to multiple sporting events. It has stood up against earthquakes and attempts to have it demolished, and Jerry Lee Lewis,” said Pat Brownfield of the Aggie 100 Planning Committee.

“Many discussions took place to demolish the building over the decades, however with generous financial contributions from many sectors, and with monumental community support, here we are, celebrating 100 years of this most iconic of Ladysmith Landmarks,” said Cathy Gilroy, also a committee member.

Along with cake cuttings, retro fall fair, kids activities, and vintage fire truck, there were performances by the Ladysmith Dragon Group and Salish Young Wolves. One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Legacy Story Panels in front of the hall. Still in the works is the Aggie 100 souvenir book and a sign, naming the hall.

“Having spent many years with the 257 Air Cadet Squadron; attending a wide range of events – in the hall and on the Aggie Field, we can all be proud of the service she continues to provide the community of Ladysmith and area,” said Alex Stuart, Master of Ceremonies.

Zombies walk Don’t you know that Zombies are always hungry? That is why the Ladysmith Museum and The Order of the Eastern Star in Ladysmith are partnering to help load up the shelves at the local food bank.

October is not only the month that Hallowe’en is celebrated, but also International Zombie Day. A day to dress

Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone, Cathy Gilroy representing the Ladysmith Air Cadets, Ladysmith Parks, Rec & Culture Director Chris Barfoot, Aggie 100 Event Coordinator Lesley Moore and Ladysmith & District Historical Society Director Ed Nicholson in front of the newly installed interpretive signs in front of the Ladysmith Agricultural Hall. The signs were part of the Aggie 100 celebration. Photo: Marina Sacht

like Zombies, and stroll through town to bring awareness to hunger and homelessness.

The first Zombie Walk through the streets of downtown Ladysmith is on October 17, 2022. All zombies (and zombie-watchers), will gather at the Masonic Hall in Ladysmith, 26 Gatacre Street at 4:30 pm., stroll, drag, or crawl their way down to the Ladysmith Museum 721 First Avenue, where refreshments will be served, then back to the Masonic Hall for judging of costumes.

There is no cost to join in the fun, but a donation of a non-perishable food item

to be donated to our local food bank, would be appreciated. “We are asking you to please tell your friends, spread the word, young and old alike are welcome.

Let’s make this event a success and help those in need in our community”, said Lynda Phelan, one of the organizers.

Costume prizes are for Best Adult, Best Youth, and King and Queen of the Zombies. For more information email goodmorning2017@gmail.com

Bras for a cause The Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary is hosting a Bras for the Cause beer and burger night on October 28, 2022 at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $15. They are going to be having the men model the bras that have been decorated and entered.

The winning entry will be the brassiere that has the most money tucked in it.

Anyone can enter a bra into the contest.

Entry fee is $20, all proceeds go to the BC Cancer Society.

They are also hosting a dance on October 15, 2022 featuring the band Switch.

This is a sold out event which is a fundraiser for Hunger Bites at the Ladysmith Secondary School and for the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre. Food is being

Arlene Vass models a “Bra for the Cause” fundraiser. Photo: Debbie Baker

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collected for the Ladysmith Food Bank at the event and all during the month Of October.

Another Successful Tournament The 12th Annual Rotary Clubs of Ladysmith & Chemainus Golf Tournament held at Mount Brenton Golf Course in Sept. was another success.

Twenty-seven teams participated in the event, most of which enter every year – not for the prizes, but for the fun and fellowship. This is one of our best annual fundraisers, according to Rotarian Joan Phillips. “It couldn’t be done without the support of Mount Brenton Golf Course, Maple Lane Café and Catering, our numerous hole, meal, cart and putting green sponsors, and our prize and auction donors. And of course we do this so we can give back to our communities by supporting youth and local programs.”

Funding will help prepare for extreme heat events Doug Routley and Sheila Malcolmson say that new funding will help Nanaimo prepare for extreme heat events and

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keep people safe during future emergencies. “When extreme heat hits, our most at-risk community members feel it most,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo North-Cowichan.

Across B.C., 36 First Nations and local governments are receiving a share of almost $1.9 million in funding to help communities implement projects such as extreme heat risk mapping, risk assessments, extreme heat response plans, and climate adaptation planning. Nanaimo will be receiving $30,000 in funding for extreme heat risk mapping.”

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is an important part of the Province’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.

Council meetings move permanently to Seniors Centre building Ladysmith Council meetings will now be held at the Town-owned building at 630 Second Avenue, improving their overall capacity to facilitate both meetings and public hearings that allow for increased public participation.

As always, members of the public are encouraged to attend in person or watch

NOVFD Open House North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department’s Open House was a big hit. Hundreds came to watch demonstrations, view the firetrucks, and enjoy the hamburgers and hot dogs. “ Everyone was laughing with joy and smiles were all around,” said Ane Street an attendee at the event. “The volunteers had set up an area in the parking lot for the kids to try out firehoses and attempt to ring a bell by hitting the bell with a firehose. Boy, was that a popular activity!”

Cowichan Valley Fire Prevention Officers also had their “smoke trailer” onsite with fake smoke to demonstrate what your house might look like inside if it smelled like smoke. “One kid found the loud speaker inside the trailer and that got everyone laughing harder!,” recalled Street. The NOVFD is now recruiting for more volunteers. Give them a call if you can help out.

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the meeting live on our YouTube channel. Ladysmith Council would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Ladysmith Seniors Society during this transition.

Understanding Conflict: Bridging Theory and Practice -- A Guide for Change How often do you feel confused, frustrated, or challenged with conflict at home or work when you don’t know how to manage it? Local author Donna Soules and her team collaborated to produce a concise and practical manual and have just launched the combined effort on Amazon.ca.

You will find exercises for personal skill development, combined with relevant conflict theory to deepen your understanding. Precise examples illustrate the principles and bring the work of managing conflict to life. The manual is designed to inspire greater confidence when handling anger, defensiveness, and stuck positions where communication just ends. It also provides opportunities to learn more about yourself and to explore where you get hijacked emotionally when triggered by different perspectives.

Donna Soules, from Ladysmith, has a mediation practice, taught at the Justice Institute of BC, and was an instructor in Criminology at Vancouver Island University. The team has vast experience and training in the field.

Understanding Conflict: Bridging Theory and Practice is available at Salamander Books and Amazon.ca

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Gourd Art Cedar resident and artist Fiona Verlinde has been an artist her entire life and in her early years focused on photography, specifically wildlife and families selling her work at local famer’s markets.

Fiona tells TAKE 5: “Being very crafty, I wanted something that has a lot of skills in one project and I came across ‘gourd art’ in the USA. I had to learn a lot more, like wood-burning, carving, basket weaving…But the addiction was in progress and is still here! Just love making these sometimes, complicated pieces of art”.

Fiona will be apart of the upcoming Cedar Yellowpoint Artisan tour Nov

Fiona Verlind’s gourd art

17-20 and Nov 24-27. Her studio, Oyster Bay Art Studio is open daily from 9am to 6pm and closed on Wednesday mornings. Or contact by email - fiona. verlinde@hotmail.com

Celtic Chaos Concert Ceilidh On Saturday, October 22, Celtic Chaos is coming to the Saltair Community

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Centre.

According to the band’s fiddle player Joyce Beaton, a ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) is a Scottish and Irish tradition in which people gather to play music, tell stories, recite poetry and generally have a good time. Another vital part of the party — and the main focus of October’s event — is high-energy traditional dancing in which groups of partners dance in set patterns.

It’s a Scottish barn dance with Celtic music, it’s a kitchen party, and it lends itself well to family and community events.

Celtic Chaos last played in Saltair 3 years ago. The band’s repertoire includes new and traditional music from different Celtic traditions such as those found in Ireland, Scotland, Quebec, Cape Breton and Appalchia. The group, which has five musicians from Parksville, Qualicum and Nanaimo, has played this music together for about 12 years.

This year, Joyce Beaton, of Celtic Chaos will help even more people get into the spirit. Her job is to come up with dances that are tailored to beginners and

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then walk participants through each dance’s steps before the music starts. Says Beaton, “If they were able to walk into the hall, they’ll be able to dance.”

Of course, it’s perfectly OK if you mess up. Beaton emphasizes that the ceilidh is about having fun and meeting people, not your footwork.

Doors open at 7 pm. Performance at 7:30. For advance tickets e-transfer $25 to celticchaostix@gmail.com. For more info call Mary at 250-924-3314. celticchaos.ca

Live on Stage in October October is bursting at the seams with live entertainment.

Here’s a sampling of what’s up.

Yellow Point Drama Group presents The Nighthawks, a dark comedy about grave robbing and family dynamics written by B.C playwright Michelle Deines. Winner of the 2019 Playwriting Competition hosted by the Yellow Point Drama Group and the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District. The show runs at the Cedar Community Hall until October 16, 2022.

At the Cowichan Performing Art Theatre Canada’s Norman Foote puts on a family-friendly Halloween special The Howl: A Musical Masquerade. The JUNO award-winning children’s entertainer invites youths and families for a festive singalong concert on Thursday, October 20 at 6:30pm. Dancers of Damelahamid return to Duncan with their new show on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm. This is the internationallyacclaimed dance company’s largest theatre production to date and incorporates new multimedia design. The Washboard Union brings the country thunder to Cowichan. The awardwinning trio is on a national tour with their roof-raising, dockrocking album, Everbound. The Washboard Union with special guest Raquel Cole on perform Wednesday, October 26 at 7:30pm. Comedienne and activist Mary Walsh returns to Duncan on Sunday, Oct 30 at 7:30 pm in An Evening with Mary Walsh. The actress, writer and social activist is known for her lovable characters and quick wit. Tickets for these shows can be purchased online, by calling 250-746-2722 or by visiting the Ticket Centre. For further show information visit www.cowichanpac.ca.

At the Chemainus Theatre, Glory, a new Canadian play chronicles the impressive rise of the Preston Rivulettes Women’s Hockey Team. Glory is on stage until Oct 9. Tickets online at chemainustheatrefestival.ca/glory or by calling the Box Office toll-free at 1-800-565-7738.

The Port Theatre opens it’s October Spotlight Series with “Josephine” the critically-acclaimed off broadway show based on the life of Josephine Baker. Friday October 14 at 7:30pm.

Highlights at the Port include: Rumours The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute show based in Los Angeles, California.

Wednesday October 12 at 7:30pm. An Evening with Legendary Canadian Singer Songwriter Matthew Good with special guest Laura Kelsey, Saturday, October 15 at 7:30pm. Vancouver Island Symphony presents Variations: A New World, Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm. The Legendary Gordon Lightfoot in Concert. One of the most prolific songwriters to emerge in 1960s and ’70s. Sunday, October 23 at 8:00pm. Viva Mexico featuring Mariachi Los Dorados & Mexican dance ensemble, Sunday, October 30 at 7:00pm. For tickets: 250-754-8550, https://tickets.porttheatre.com/

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Josee & Vic from Jo-Vic Studios. Vic’s stoneware and love of glaze combined with his throwing skills produced functional stoneware, creating more depth and texture to his pieces that make them truly remarkable. His beautiful bride of 43 years says “Vic makes pottery because he loves it!”

New arts gift shop

Vic Duffhues at JoVic Pottery Studio.

Photo: Jo Duffhues

Jo-Vic Studios spotlight This love story began as a young aspiring artist gazed upon the works and teaching of his pottery instructor in 1979. At that time pottery was her hobby and a past-time on weekends for relaxing. However, her student became her husband and he dedicated his time to repetition throwing and after 10 years of honing his skills became a true master potter.

Who is this love story about? You are probably familiar with Cedar artists

Local artists and history buffs have a new venue to shop. The “Shop the Museum” giftshop located inside the Ladysmith Museum, will have its grand opening on Saturday, Oct 15 11am to 5 pm. It features the work of some of our finest local artisans, at a range of prices.

While there, make sure you visit the refurbished gallery space, showcasing the paintings and photographs of more Ladysmith artists. Proceeds from sales go to the Ladysmith Museum’s programming.

Saltair Fall Market Looking for unique gifts? You will find that and more at the 4th Annual Saltair Fall Market on Saturday, October 29 featuring local craft vendors and local charities. The event is on from 10am to 2pm at the Saltair Community Centre.

Admission is by donation for the local food bank.

Jazz, jazz, and more...

The Nanaimo Jazz Festival Sept 16 - 18 was a big hit!

With live performances starting on Friday afternoon in the Old City Quarter followed by dinner and evening Jazz at local restaurants.

Saturday was the New Orleans style street parade followed by 4 bands playing on Wesley Street, Old City Quarter. Then the topper was The Brubeck Brothers Quartet at the Port Theatre Saturday evening. More fun on Sunday for the family at The Port Theatre with Disney Digs D’Jazz. Be sure to put this on your to-do list for next year. https://nanaimojazzfest.ca/ Photo: Elly Smith

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General local elections in BC will be held on October 15, 2022. General local elections are the most direct way for the public to influence their local government, school district or other local governance body by choosing the representative to make decisions and govern on their behalf.

On October 15, you will be asked to vote for your town councils, regional district electoral areas directors and school board trustees. We encourage you to get to know who the candidates are and, above all, get out and vote.

We contacted the nominees and asked them to fill in this statement: While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is _______________ .

Candidates for Cowichan Valley (Regional District) Electoral Area G (Saltair/Gulf Islands) Jesse O. McClinton - Penelakut residents are concerned about emergency services, Internet connectivity and their slowpitch baseball league. Thetis residents worry about emergency access to their dock, rental affordability for families and trades, recycling removal and the way station. In Saltair, residents are concerned about bylaw 4427, stormwater management, secondary units and regional recreation. Engaged citizens make great communities, which is the foundation for a healthy society. My job is to listen and advocate for you. I’m laser-focused on creating an environment for effective public consultation while working to facilitate consensus through mutual respect. Area G is small; I can hear from and represent everyone.

Lynne Smith (Incumbent) - Lynne has lived in Saltair for over 30 years. During that time, she has raised her family there and has been working with and for the community ever since moving there. Lynne has found that having an accounting background fits well into being the Area G director at the

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CVRD, allowing her to draw on that knowledge. She has kept the community informed with signs at the mailboxes, meetings and articles have been going on for years. She is honoured to represent CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands residents at the CVRD Board this term. The most important thing that I would like to accomplish is obtaining more grant funds for Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands large infrastructure projects.

Electoral Area H (North Oyster/Diamond) Ben Maartman (Acclaimed)

Candidates for Nanaimo (Regional District) Electoral Area A (South Wellington, Cassidy, Cedar) Carl Delcourt - My priorities are to get taxes under control.

Get the board to adopt a yearly taxation increase cap that can only be raised through referendum. I believe in sustainably responsible growth that must always be in the best interest of the community. I intend to work with my local MLA to try and get some action on road improvements and safety and assist school trustees in any way I can. If we all work together, things will get better. Where there is a will, there is a way! Real accountability and transparency comes through communication.

Kate Poirier - The most important thing that I will accomplish is to bridge the gap between the community and the director’s office.

I will ensure the community’s opinions are well heard and represented at the RDN and that the community knows what is happening, why it is happening, how much it costs and where the funds are coming from. Whether it’s upgrades at the South Wellington School, land for a Cassidy playground, road safety, fixing the York Lake floods or spending millions on a Cedar footbridge, our people need to be consulted and heard. We can

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not forget who we’re working for.

Jessica Stanley - If elected, I would like to accomplish the implementation of a community road safety plan that provides safe and active transportation options, especially along routes to schools. This achievement represents the type of action I would take, as it provides more bang for your buck and addresses multiple issues. It requires minimal spending, results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, increases safety and availability of low-cost transportation, provides opportunity for improved physical and emotional well-being and addresses a long-standing community issue. Sometimes, small things can have a big impact.

Keith Wilson (Incumbent) - While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is to work with other RDN directors to increase the number of affordable homes in our region. I have spent many hours working on housing affordability and homelessness and have some ideas that may create a path forward for many young families caught in the ever-more expensive rental market and/or wishing to own their own home some day.

Cedar Community Hall is organizing an all-candidates’ meeting for RDN Area A regional director candidates on Thursday, October 6, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Electoral Area C (Extension, East Wellington, Pleasant Valley) Mark MacDonald - While in office, the most important things that I would like to address are three Ps: Protection, Potholes and Permits. Protection — continued support for fire

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departments and working towards a solution to dangerous bush parties, which create fire hazards. Potholes — there are too many to count on RDN roads, and these must be fixed. Permits — it takes far too long to get permits to build anything in the RDN, due to puzzling delays that add unnecessary costs and headaches for homeowners. The process must be streamlined.

Lauren Melanson - While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is rehabilitating our area’s public spaces and infrastructure.

Charles E Pinker (Incumbent) - Despite several attempts the candidate did not respond to our request by press time.

Dean Toma - While in office, the most important thing I would like to accomplish is preservation of the community through a dedicated, permanent fire protection plan.

Susan Toth - While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is: To be a strong advocate for the communities in Area C, to apply the same integrity and commitment that I have shown working within my own community for 20 plus years and to be vocal about challenges that require attention. I believe that frank discussion is a key first step in identifying solutions. I understand first-hand the spectrum of challenges faced by smaller communities and how hard you must work to accomplish positive outcomes. My accomplishment in office is to represent all communities equally.

Ladysmith Town Council

General Voting Day for the municipal election is Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Frank Jameson Community Centre, (810 6th Avenue). Additionally, the Town is providing advance voting opportunities on Wednesday, October 5 and 12, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall (410 Esplanade).

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Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone (Acclaimed) Alice Clark - While in office, the most important thing I would like to accomplish is building a stronger community with heart. Everyone to be heard, seen, supported and respected. Achieve balance and security for everyone.

Ray Gourlay - While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is to build a thriving community for everyone by capitalizing on Ladysmith’s natural surroundings, heritage charm and community spirit. We will do this by increasing the variety and quantity of housing available (which will help address affordability), by creating new parks, bike routes and mountain bike trails, making significant progress towards actualizing our Waterfront Improvement Plan, preserving and enhancing our award-winning downtown and promoting our community events to drive tourism to our local businesses and improve life for residents.

Amanda Jacobson (Incumbent) - While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is to continue to represent the interests of

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the people of Ladysmith in a positive, effective and inclusive manner. I am proud to have contributed to the incredible community we call home and look forward to making it even better going forward.

Doug Johnson - While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is supporting the community’s businesses in their efforts to succeed. For example, increasing access to parking in Olde Town will increase customer traffic because ... when we can park, we can shop! I will support business growth and diversification thus creating jobs, which will strengthen our community. I also believe that the Town should provide safe and clean streets — free from large potholes!

Tricia McKay (Incumbent) - Important to me is the continued improvement to the town’s vital infrastructures. This includes roads and sidewalks and the installation of safe ways for all forms of active transportation. I’d also like to see completion of the improvements to our water storage capacity. Finally, I’d like to see the completion of our Arts and Heritage Hub, a fi rst step towards the revitalization of our beautiful wa-

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terfront area.

Kimberly Dawn Nakahara - My core tenets include sustainable economic growth that preserves our businesses, cherishing our open spaces and supporting policy that protects our air and water. I uphold a vision of a seaside town where families are close to their daily destinations and access all their needs.

Finally, I value the ideal of promoting abundant recreation and tourism, which brings solid investments into our local economy. While in office, the most important thing that I would like to accomplish is upholding and strengthening the fabric of goodwill and sense of belonging in our community.

Duck Paterson (Incumbent) - While in office, I hope to work as an active member of Council and make the best decisions for the community. Everything that comes in front of Council is important. Change is happening all around us and I have the experience to help, along with others, guide Ladysmith through this. I hope we will continue with the discussions and projects with our neighbours, Stz’uminus First Nation, as I know it is in the best interests of our community and theirs. Work-

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ing towards having more overall community interactions is one of the goals I’d like to see us work harder on.

Rhonda Shirley - I would help renew and revitalize Ladysmith’s community spirit. After two years of having been forced to keep largely to ourselves, it is time to come together in love, peace and harmony.

When we moved here almost 17 years ago, and throughout most of that time, we have been amazed at the tremendous community spirit in Ladysmith. If there was a need, there has always been volunteers to get it done, including service clubs, other organizations and individuals, with the support of the Town. I believe that Council can and should lead strongly to support this renewal.

Marsh Stevens (Incumbent) - The most important thing that I would like to accomplish is completing then applying the new Official Community Plan. Over the last two years, hundreds have given their input. What they have created is a plan that not only addresses the largest issues that we face as a community — the climate crisis, the housing crisis, our infrastructure deficit and reconciliation — but will also enhance the quality of life for everyone. I’ve worked hard this term and want to work even harder next, to honour the work of Ladysmith’s citizens and to make their aspirations reality.

Lyle Tassone - The most important thing I would like to accomplish is to close my four-year term knowing that decisions made for our community were in the best interest of our town. My hope is that through openness and communication, I will gain an understanding of the needs of my constituents so that I can best represent their voices on Town Council. It’s also important to me to bal-

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ance the needs of the community while recognizing our town is growing and the economy is shifting, and your town council should pivot to bring necessary changes to ensure Ladysmith thrives.

Jeff Virtanen (Incumbent) - The most important thing that I would like to accomplish is to always be prepared for the unexpected. While I would like the next council to focus on issues like aging infrastructure, expanding water storage capacity, Waterfront Area Plan, developing an even closer relationship with Stz’uminus Nation, best use for our Buller Street property — to name just a few — unexpected things will occur and we have to be prepared.

Nobody was talking about global pandemics, heat domes or massive inflation, but they became top issues. We need to be ready for the problems and opportunities that will inevitably arise.

Nanaimo-Ladysmith SD 68 Trustees The public chooses school boards of trustees to consider the needs of students and implement goals. School board trustees are representatives of their community.

Naomi Bailey (Incumbent) - With over 30 years experience in both public and post secondary education, Naomi Bailey has the knowledge and skills required to be an effective trustee of School District No. 68.

Tania Brzovic (Incumbent) - As a school trustee, I believe advocacy, public engagement and healthy debate are vital. Every part of our district must be heard and represented at the board table.

Andrew Gasson - Father, with kids in

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the district, and long-time teacher, I believe everyone has a right to education and it is the job of the school board to ensure funding prioritizes access, inclusion and diversity.

Greg B Keller (Incumbent) - I am seeking re-election after successfully completing my first four-year term. If re-elected, my focus will be on student success, facilities renewal, truth and reconciliation, good governance and fiscal responsibility.

Leanne Lee - Having spent the last four years bringing a parent voice to the table in SD 68 committees, Leanne is ready to use her experience to have a greater impact for students.

Charlene L McKay (Incumbent) I am a married mother of two students in Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools.

I am seeking a second term so I can continue working for the students in our schools.

Chantelle Morvay - Despite several attempts the candidate did not respond to our request by press time.

Leana Pellegrin - I’m very lucky to serve on SD68 Syeyutsus (walking together). It’s important to share the teachings with everyone. Inclusion, truth and reconciliation, and student safety and well-being are at the top of my list.

Bill Robinson (Incumbent) - As the creator of the Hidden Heroes Education Program, the Best Me I Can Be Program, and others, Bill spends much of his trustee time learning from teachers and principals.

Mark A. Robinson - Active member and president of PAC, he serves on Nanaimo-Ladysmith’s district parent advisory council (DPAC). Mark has also served for Volunteer Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Family Court committee and Nanaimo’s Culture and Heritage Commis-

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sion. Professionally, Mark is an essential worker with NACL (Nanaimo Association for Community Living) Tom Rokeby - Tom Rokeby lives in South Wellington with his wife, Lisa, and two kids. A SD68 graduate, former teacher, and current parent, Tom understands our schools from multiple perspectives.

Tanner Scott - I will be using $3000 of my trustee salary to help students and teachers directly. I oppose political and ideological activism in classrooms.

Let’s put students’ education first.

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OCT 2022

Tuber-lations of a Dahlia

BY GWEN REDCLIFFE, MASTER GARDENER A hard frost in October is a gift to your dahlias because it’s a signal for the tubers to prepare for winter.

Once you have decided to lift your tubers, discontinue watering and fertilizing a couple of weeks before removal to allow them to harden off.

When you cut the stalks, cut them to the ground but keep in mind that it will be easier to lift the clump with a longer stalk. Before you lift it out, place a tinfoil cap on the exposed stalk to prevent fluids from entering, freezing and damaging the tuber clump. Wait a week to

give their skins a chance to toughen, for the energy to rise in the tubers and for the eyes to form.

There is another choice, if you have good drainage over the winter you can

This cultivar has been grown from open seed and is currently in the process of being registered with The American Dahlia Society as the “Gwen Redcliffe”.

Photo: Gwen Redcliffe

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apply a protective 15 cm layer of leaf mulch to the dahlias left in the ground.

For show dahlias, lift the tubers each year to ensure bloom quality. Ideally, tubers left in the ground should be lifted and divided every three to four years.

It’s easier to dig out with two people who have shovels on opposite sides, encircling the dahlia 30 cm from the centre to gently lift and prevent damage to the tubers.

After digging up the dahlia clump, retie the label to the supporting stake with the cultivar’s name printed with a soft felt tip pen on a recycled aluminum or plastic slat from a window blind. Labelling is particularly important to prevent surprises if you are planning to swap or sell your tubers.

Once your tubers are dug up, you have the option to store the whole clump and divide now or in the spring.

Most gardeners fi nd spring a busy time and would prefer to divide their dahlias in late October through November depending on the number of dahlias.

Some growers may have rows selected just for showing, others for cutting, as well as having dahlias throughout their landscape.

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To over-winter your tubers you will begin the process of washing, dividing, labelling, treating, wrapping, packing and storing.

Wash – Some growers prefer not to wash tubers but to gently brush off any excess dirt before storing the whole tuber clump in a plastic bag with ventilation holes. If washing, lightly brush off the dirt, gently spray with water, and set clump on a mat in your garage with its label for a day or until it’s dry.

Divide – The tools you will need are gloves, pruners, a knife, a mallet and a chisel. I use an oscillating saw which makes it easier to cut a healthy tuber from the original, leaving a piece or neck of the mother tuber intact. Discard damaged tubers, extra roots, baby finger size in thickness and destroy diseased ones. Sterilize your cutting implements between each clump.

Label - Use a soft felt tip pen to write an identifying number on your tuber that corresponds with the index in your dahlia records.

Treat - Many growers are now sprinkling cinnamon to the freshly cut edges to prevent diseases; others may use sulphur.

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Wrap – To easily see the formation of eyes on the tuber, use plastic wrap to package individually or roll several together.

Pack - Some growers will put one tuber in a labelled bag filled with wood shavings such as pet bedding and vermiculite and poke a hole in one corner for ventilation. The dahlias of one variety can be put in a Styrofoam cooler box together, labelled of course. The plastic wrapped dahlias can be placed in labelled paper bags.

Store – Ideally, store in a dark, dry, ventilated garage with a temperature around 7 C. Check monthly. If they show signs of drying out apply a light spritz of water. You have the winter to look forward to the eyes developing and another season with your favorite dahlias. Or dream of attending a tuber sale in the spring.

You have so much to look forward to.

Certified Master Gardeners are volunteers who provide education to home gardeners using current, science-based horticultural knowledge that exemplifies environmentally-responsible practices and stewardship.

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OCT 2022

Garter Snakes

BY A. SMITH, EIS NATURALIST The summer temperatures have subsided here at Wildwood, and our mornings are met with a crisp fall breeze in the air. Morning dew has returned to the orchard grass and animals once again look to the early morning sunshine to warm themselves for the day.

If you’re quiet and relatively still, you might observe the most notorious of our Vancouver Island sunbathers — the native garter snake. Vancouver Island is home to two subspecies of garter snake: the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) and the western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans). Most

Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) Photo: Hat.bc

garter snakes have a yellow, light orange, or white dorsal stripe, accompanied by two stripes of the same colour running parallel on their flanks.

The common garter snake is the most widespread snake species in North America, with a range spanning as far south as Mexico and as far north as the Northwest Territories. One of the reasons for this impressive distribution

is the garter snake’s diet. Depending on the availability of their prey, these snakes can survive off an amazing array of soft-bodied invertebrates, such as slugs, worms, snails, leeches, as well as tadpoles, frogs, other snakes, mice, and freshwater and marine fish! This versatility with regards to food means they can occupy most habitats we see in British Columbia from mountain ranges in

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the interior to the rock pools of Vancouver Island.

Common garter snakes begin to reproduce between the ages of one and three, and females can have broods every one to three years depending on the availability of resources from year to year. Mating starts in the spring (April to May), followed by a gestation period of 12 to 16 weeks, with offspring being born between July and September. The average brood size is between 10 and 40 young, but some clutches as large as 80 have been recorded!

When we talk about snakes, we often associate them with a solitary life in the gloom, occasionally showing themselves to snatch some unsuspecting prey. Even when we talk of people having a snake-like personality, this often means secretive and devious, but when it comes to the garter snake, this really couldn’t be further from the truth!

Unlike other snakes, the garter snake is in fact highly sociable and curious species of snake. This sociability can be seen throughout their lifecycle. In the winter, to avoid the freezing temperatures, garter snakes form large hibernating nests (hibernacula) ranging from a few hundred to over ten thousand strong! These swarms provide the snake with enough body warmth to survive the harsh winters, and are an opportune period to form social groups and breed. Recent studies have shown garter snakes operate in social groupings and not only prefer to hang out together, but also seem to have “friends” with whom they spend much of their time.

So next time you’re walking through the woods to meet a friend for a picnic, watch your step — there might be a garter snake out there looking for their friend too!

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Projects update

Salt Spring Island natural burial site.

Photo courtesy of Salt Spring Cemetery

BY PAMELA WALKER As the cool weather starts to seep through the window frames and into our bones, we put our gardens to bed and look around for other things to fill our hearts and hours. If you find yourself looking for a vocation, we in the Yellow Point Ecological Society (YES) could always use some more keeners! Here are some of our projects, in no particular order: The Landowners’ Handbook: For the past couple of years, we’ve been writing short articles about living more consciously with nature and things we can do at home to protect the natural world. Subjects as varied as attracting birds to your backyard, rooftop-water conservation, permaculture landscaping, nurturing your forest, and the bugs and beasts with whom we share Yellow Point are just some of the fifty pieces we’ve written so far. Do you have an expertise in an area of biology or ecology? Could you write for us? We’d love to hear from you.

Natural Burial Grounds: Could we save a piece of pristine forest or restore a clearcut by establishing a natural cemetery, as they do at the Salt Spring Island Natural Burial Site and at Royal Oak in Victoria? Creating a natural cemetery would save land from being logged or developed and enable our remains to rest peacefully among the trees. Mayank Saini, an MBA student from VIU, is developing the business case for this on our behalf. Does this interest you?

Invasive Species in Our Parks: We are doing broom and ivy pulls and restoration with native plants throughout the winter. Do you want to join our team?

We also need a plan to ensure that nurseries stop selling invasive plants, and to encourage construction and road crews to prevent proliferation by broom when they clear new ground.

The Yellow Point Trail: Our vision is a network of safe, separated trails that connect our communities and enable our children to walk and bike to school in safety. The CVRD has allotted $370,000 to start the trail alongside Yellow Point Road, from the Chuck Wagon to Cedar village; Nanaimo Airport has promised to create a bike path around the east side of the airport to the Cottonwood Golf Course; and the Ministry of Transportation has created seven kilometres of paved bike lane along Cedar Road. We want to convince the RDN and the TransCanada Trail folks that a path connecting the Cowichan Valley Trail with the Nanaimo Parkway Trail is a fabulous idea.

There is a $500,000 Active Transportation Grant available for local governments, and we’re hoping the CVRD and RDN might apply on our behalf.

Stop! Frogs Crossing: Last year we hired a VIU criminology student to study the number of frogs being killed on Tiesu Road, which cuts through a wetlands area on the southern edge of Hemer Park. Although it is certainly criminal to see so many dead frogs on the road, that’s not why we chose a student from this department. Justin has a keen interest in biology and wants to be a conservation officer when he completes his course. He wrote his report and found interested folks in the Ministry of Environment who were willing to help, but we’ve been too busy to take this any further. Does it interest you?

The frogs could sure use a hand in figuring out a way to get to their loved ones on the other side of the road without getting squished.

For more information or to get involved, please call Pamela at 250-2459155 and visit www.yellowpointecologicalsociety.ca.

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The Marine Scene Ladysmith Harbour, with its warm protected waters, is a haven for boaters. Its welcoming coastline and four marinas, with a fifth one just around the corner, are an economic boost to our growing marine tourism industry. We continue our series with Oak Bay Marine Group owned Ladysmith Marina.

Located in Ladysmith Harbour Ladysmith Marina (not to be confused with the Ladysmith Community Marina operated by the Ladysmith Maritime Society) is perfectly situated for exploration during our warm summers and mild winters. From the marina, not only can the Gulf Islands be conveniently accessed,

Ladysmith Marina’s Rob Smolka.

Photo: Marina Sacht

but the city of Victoria and Nanaimo are short sails away. The Ladysmith Marina has approximately 15,000 linear feet of secure moorage for approximately 450 boats of all sizes, including vessels over 100 feet, with 30 and 50-amp power, WiFi, shower and laundry facilities and free parking available to all moorage customers. There is currently moorage available for new boathouse builds and

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limited annual moorage slips. The marina office will be happy to assist with availability or add you to their waitlist.

If you are planning a short stay with guest moorage, please call the marina office to inquire about availability. As a division of Oak Bay Marine Group, they offer their annual moorage customers exclusive access to all four of their Island marinas!

The boating industry has seen a welcomed increase in demand over the last few years, and expansion in the industry is desired. However, it is still uncertain if the current demand will continue.

Ladysmith has become a hub for boaters, with its protected waters and laid-back charm of a seaside village. The heart is the historic downtown. Greenways, oceanside walking trails, beaches and parks enhance the relaxed sense of community.

The boating community has been embraced by Ladysmith.

Rob Smolka, assistant manager of Ladysmith Marina, says, “I think the town’s waterfront plan will be great for the boating community and the town. This should certainly bring in more visitors on the water, making Ladysmith an even more desirable boating destination.”

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A chicken named Henrietta First impressions mean a lot. Greeting people properly is important. That’s why, when Henrietta the chicken showed up at the Mahle House back door, resumé in hand, I jumped at the chance to hire her. Henrietta’s timing was perfect.

Annie, the cat who normally worked the door was up north hunting mice. Not even Wal-Mart had thought about using a chicken for a front person.

And what a go-getter she turned out to be. On the very first shift, she redefined the job. Instead of just propping herself up by the reservation book and waiting for the customers to come to her, she went out to the parking lot to greet them as they drove up. After introducing herself - “Hi, my name is Henrietta. I’ll be your chicken tonight” - she would escort them from their car right up to the restaurant door, returning two hours later to walk them back to their car.

At first, we thought communication would be a problem, but Henrietta spoke a dialect of pidgin English and, if you

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tried hard, you could almost understand what she was saying, much like cousin Elmer from Newfoundland. True, she was more monologist than conversationalist. But the same could be said about Elmer.

She was, in fact, the most ambitious chicken who ever worked for us. Not satisfied with just working at night, she also interned in the flower garden with my wife. It was quite cute to see them together: my wife, trowel in hand, Henrietta at her side munching on bugs that surfaced, learning all she’d need to know to have a garden of her own.

As we found out, Henrietta had other uses. Occasionally, pushy wine salespeople bearing crappy product victimized us. Okay, her name was Sheila, and she would show up every week with the latest news release on how her Pinot had won some prestigious award at a wine competition you’ve never heard of. Whether she made these releases up herself, we would never know. But the wine was more suitable for marinating pork chops than drinking - that we were certain of.

But Sheila was persistent, bothering us every week. Finally, we bought a case just to get rid of her. Let me tell you, this did not overjoy the pork chops.

They immediately reported us to the PCC, the Pork Chop Council. The rules on the issue are eminently clear: never use a wine for a marinade you wouldn’t drink yourself.

But buying the case backfired. Now Sheila started showing up twice a week.

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This distressed Henrietta no end, as it infringed on her time with my wife in the garden, a place where Henrietta had taken great interest. (Sound of drums in background, let the foreshadowing begin.) “I’ll handle this,” said Henrietta in broken English as she stomped to the parking lot and up to Sheila’s door.

There she pawed the ground like a bull, daring Sheila to get out of her car. The prospect did not appeal to Sheila who was obviously not a chicken person. In vain, she tried shooing Henrietta away but after five minutes with no results she drove away, my wife and I hiding behind the bushes laughing. After that, Sheila always remained in contact by email.

Long live the delete key.

But all good things come to an end.

Annie the cat returned and she and Henrietta did not get along. The issue: who got to work the door. Annie pointed out she had the most seniority, and as for taking summers off, she had always been granted that privilege. Besides, she added, “Who in their right mind wants to cuddle a chicken?” To compound matters, Henrietta went a little strange on us. Plants and bulbs in the garden went missing. Chicken tracks at the scene of the crime pointed in Henrietta’s direction.

But it could have been any chicken, a crow even, with large feet. You can’t just accuse a valued employee without hard evidence. So, we pulled the full Joel Matlin-AlarmForce routine with cameras. For further effectiveness we took a chapter out of Joel’s book and played his

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annoying commercial repeatedly. If this wouldn’t keep intruders out of the garden, nothing would.

But we were wrong. Shortly after midnight, along comes Henrietta, bold and brassy, knife and fork in hand, napkin draped saucily around her neck, and industrial ear protectors to filter out Joel.

Later, when buying more plants to replace the ones Henrietta dined on, Buckerfield Bob showed us the poster: Wanted.

Serial Plant Molester. Goes by the name of Henrietta. Also known as Rhode Island Red, the Plant Bandit. Buckerfield Bob gave us the full story. Apparently, Henrietta had been working the scam on the better gardens up and down the street, relying on her quick wits and cuteness to gain access to all the better plants. More than a little depressing. If you can’t trust a chicken, who can you trust?

We should have handed her over to Buckerfield Bob and the authorities. Instead, we dropped her off at a friend’s farm where she is presently incarcerated. We told her to stay in touch by email - when it comes to hunt and peck, she’s a keyboard wizard - but we never heard from her.

If a chicken ever shows up at your door looking for work, exercise extreme caution. Ask for references and, most important, check with Buckerfield Bob.

Wine pick of the month

BY GORD JOHNSON Something different in the wine recommendation department this month.

Summer is waning, slowly, and I cannot think of a better after-dinner winter warmer than a glass of Port. Yes, it’s sweet.

(2-3 oz portions please, it’s 20%) But this Taylor Fladgate LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) 2016 Port is $27 for a full 750ml bottle, and will warm the cockles of your heart. (Whatever that means, is another conversation.) This Port will age as well, so don’t be shy. Wine Spectator magazine rates the 2016 vintage (growing season) at 96/100.

You might find the just-released 2017 mixed in with the 2016 on some government liquor store shelves, it’s only rated a 98 though. Superb value-to-price ratio on either vintage! Plan a dinner party . . . GO! PS In the wine biz, we just call it “Taylor’s”.

Pick up a copy of Delbert’s Slightly Corked for some great reading. $20 at the Mahle House, and the TAKE 5 office. What a deal! Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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OCT 2022

Fall harvest

BY ELLY SMITH October is the month when the sunshine grows hazy, the leaves change from crimson, to russet, to gold, and the birds fly south. It is also the month when crops are gathered from the field and people can reflect on the food that they have and famers would give thanks for a good harvest.

The last of the summer crops will come to harvest in October: tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, cucumber, and corn.

This is the month to store pumpkins and potatoes. Carrots and beets can stay in the ground until you are ready to take them to the table. I had the pleasure of visiting a few of our neighbors to see what they have been harvesting.

My first visit was to Ladybug’s Mew in Yellow Point and had an enjoyable visit with owners Doug and Carolyn who operate a farm stand and gift shop.

They left their city life and purchased the 12.7-acre farm in 2010 and two years later they created Ladybug’s Mew in Yellow Point.

At this time of year, they have over 20

varieties of organically grown fruits and veggies along with assorted herbs for sale at their farm stand. The gift shop is also a must see! Inside you’ll find all sorts of treasures for your home or as gifts, including soaps, pillows, artwork, and a variety of hand-crafted gifts.

Carolyn is most proud of her homemade jams. Using their own farm grown berries she creates several different jams, with her signature jam being “Blackberry Bourbon Jam” Yes, ingredients include bourbon for that delicious warm glow you’ll have with your croissants or scones… yumm! Yours truly purchased 2 jars – one for me and one for my friend who was visiting that weekend.

Open Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm And don’t forget to put Ladybug’s Mew on your tour list for the upcoming Cedar Yellow Point Artisans Christmas Tour in November. 13095 Prospect Drive, Yellow Point. 250.714.2199

l-r: Ladybug’s Mew gift shop in Yellow Point.

Bounty of squash at McNab’s Produce & Corn Maze also in Yellow Point.

Photos: Elly Smith

Further down Yellow Point Road I arrive at the McNab’s Farm and their roadside farm stand. There I was greeted by one of the McNab brothers, Bruce and a very curious sweet little 2-year-old, Tatiana. Bruce, Murray, Bonnie and Ross are 2nd generation McNab’s having grown up on the family 90-acre farm that was started by their parents in 1963 and known as Yellow Point Produce.

The original truck is parked in the entrance with its faded paint and a cab full of memories, the truck now rests nestled in the foliage. In addition to their farm stand, you can find their large assortment of organic produce at the following markets each week: Chemainus, Beban Park, Bastion Square, Duncan, and Cedar. Did you know that the farm grows up to 19 varieties of squash and 4 varieties of gourds?

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Reader’s Recipe A very special thank you to Becca Dault of Yellow Point Farms for her Butternut squash soup recipe. Red Kuri or edible pumpkin can be swapped out for the butternut squash. To make it vegan sub the butter for cooking oil, and chicken stock for vegetable stock. Optional to add one tbs curry powder.

If you have something to share in Table Talk next month, please send to info@take5.ca.

Bruce walks me along the road leading back to the corn maze and fields which he tells me were flooded this past July. This is no ordinary farm here! “Family Fun in the Country” is their saying. There is a 7-acre corn maze used for feeding livestock and showing families a fun time exploring the maze. Pumpkins, pumpkins and more! Hayrides to the pumpkin patch begin when the pumpkins start to ripen late September and continue until their final day of the season on Halloween. They have 2 hayrides going on busy days – so be sure to tip your fearless hayride operator Murray! Open daily Sept 23 to October 31 from 10am to 7pm. McNab’s Farm is located at 4613 Yellow Point Road. https://mcnabscornmaze.com/news/

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QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 years’ exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Cops for Cancer - Tour de Rock Oct 2-4 schedule www.tourderock.ca/about Oct 15th – Fun with Essential Oils 1-4pm Info @ www.wildflowernaturalhealth.ca Oct 17th – Zombie Walk, LDHS, 4:30-5:30 pm.

Meet St. John’s Mason Hall.

Oct 22nd – Beginner Photography Class 1-4pm Chris Attrell Photography. www.anywhere.ca Oct 22nd – Celtic Chaos, Saltair Community Centre. 7pm. www.celticchaos.ca Oct 29th – 4th Annual Saltair Fall Market, Saltair Community Centre, 10-2pm 3850 South Oyster School Rd. saltaircommunitycentre.ca Oct 30 – Nanaimo Golf Club Craft Fair. 10am to 3pm 2800. Arts, Crafts & Bake Sale

and a variety of vegetables, including pickling cucumbers and dill. Visit our new Farm Store, 2974 Haslam Rd., Nanaimo.

Visit our website: www.empressacres.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS. Creative beginner photography workshop October 22, 6pm, Best Western Hotel, 70 Church St., Nanaimo. Get off auto-mode in just 3 hours! Includes night photography and hands-on instruction. Details at www. anywhere.ca; call Chris at 306-297-9005.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE. Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 MacMillian Rd., Cedar; Tuesdays at 12:45pm. Cost $5 per session.

Everyone welcome – Come alone or with a partner.

FOR SALE FISH FISH FISH. Buy direct from the guy who caught it! High-quality salmon, lingcod, rockfish. All fish blast frozen at sea. Satisfaction guaranteed! Contact Jim at oceandancer. wallace@gmail.com or 250-245-5957/250-7391123.

CAL 25’ SAILBOAT with sails and Honda 9.9. $2,000 obo. For photos, contact 250-756-8892.

VANGUARD TRAVEL TRAILER, 20 ft. 1973 4,000 lbs towing weight. $2,000. Call 250-5857901 BUSINESS I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or non fiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail. com.

EMPRESS ACRES FARM. Pasture-raised chickens, pork, eggs, flowers, strawberries

OCT 2022

FARM FRESH EMPRESS ACRES FARM. Pasture-raised chickens, pork, eggs, flowers, strawberries and a variety of vegetables, including pickling cucumbers and dill. Visit our new Farm Store, 2974 Haslam Rd., Nanaimo.

Visit our website: www.empressacres.ca.

HEALTH & WELLNESS TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class Monday mornings. Ongoing class every Wednesday morning. For class time and location and more information, visit www.taichinanaimo. org or call Sara 250-245-1466 FUN WITH ESSENTIAL OILS. Join Marilyn for an afternoon of olfactory exploration and exercises interwoven with basic aromatherapy knowledge.

You will create 3 products; supplies included.

Sunday October 15, 1pm to 4pm, location TBA; $45. Contact www.wildflowernaturalhealth.ca.

HOME & YARD PAINTER: Certified Journeyman. Clean, efficient, respectful, punctual, responsible.

20+ years’ experience. WCB coverage.

Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Call Howard 250-245-2751.

KB HANDYMAN AND YARD WORKS. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, power washing, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors discount.

Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@ gmail.com or 250-714-2738.

HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs 250-668-9195.

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

DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 35 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. Renovations For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823.

MAKE IT NICE. Qualified, experienced, gardening and fruit tree pruning. Available for private, residential gardens. Please call 250-754-9346 CONCRETE RESULTS. Foundations, retaining walls, patios, driveways, walks and stairs. Full forming and finishing. 40 years’ experience. Email Gord at concreteresults@ live.com.

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

ART & MUSIC EXPERT FINE ART CLASSES. “My fine art practice makes me fully alive and gives my life meaning and purpose.” Is this what you want? If so, or visit www. strasbourgthomsponstudio.ca or call Barry at 250-210-2237.

IRISH CONCERTINA CLUB FOR BEGINNERS at 3:15pm at Cedar Heritage Hall, 1644 MacMillan Rd., on Sunday, October 2; ages 16–90 years; learn to play simple toe-tappin’ Irish Dance tunes; $5 at the door. There are Irish music fans around the world and it is not necessary to be of Irish ancestry to learn Irish concertina.

Please pre-register and to borrow a beginner concertina, contact Morgan 250-245-5778.

PETS

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE “leash ’em & walk ’em” with Marlena. I have Animal First Aid, CPR and criminal record check. My service for all pet includes dog walking, home care visits, overnight in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-9368.

The PET NANNY is back. I have cared for animals for the last 7 years. I offer overnight care at your home or daily home visits for pets or home security.

Email sburchard@hotmail.ca or call 250-9248809.

TAKE 5

45

Harvest Time Again?

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and clay and night shall not cease.”

— Genesis 8:22 I’m not a religious person (anymore), but that quote has always rung a special note in my heart. Comforting somehow.

The circle of life and all. When I think of harvest time that verse always comes to mind.

Ah, harvest time — say, what? Again?

Already?

Life here on the farm seems to follow the rule of the “Grand Crescendo.” Although it sure would be a great thing if one task just followed another in an orderly and timely fashion, it sure isn’t the case here at Thistledown Farm.

As I write this, it is the last day of summer and I gotta say, I was blind-sided the entire season, from spring pruning fever to fall harvesting mania. As an RN, I kind of prided myself on fairly good organizational skills. But alas, my days of multi-tasking are gone!

Not complaining, of course — being blessed with abundance is a truly wonderful thing — but fall harvest always seems to come on like gangbusters. It sneaks right up on me. It starts slowly, lulling me into a sense of false security. Hey, look at all this rhubarb. Bake some pies, freeze some, gift some, can some. Then those transparent apples popped and dropped. I’ve learned my lesson about apples on the ground and bears, and the sheep were gleeful with the windfalls. So, let’s bake some pies, freeze some, gift some, can some. I had just enough time to harvest and hang the garlic before the Gravensteins started.

Eat, bake, gift, can ... you see the pattern.

Antique Press. Photo: Jackie Moad

And then ... the Grand Crescendo. The plums started falling, making a lovely puree on the ground. But wait a minute!

I’m not quite ready yet. Tough patooties.

Unfortunately, the yellow jackets like the downed plums as much as the collies — a bad combination. Somehow, I managed to get a catch-net around the 30-inch tree. Not pretty but effective for

now. So, then I spotted Koira, our big gorgeous boy (with me on the writer’s lineup) hunkered down under the grape arbour, patiently awaiting perfect bitsized morsels of seedless wonders falling to the earth. Yikes! This is deadly bad for dogs. Another net job tomorrow.

Now you would think that after 18 years on the farm that I would anticipate all this, be prepared (like all good Girl Guides). But this year? Well, let’s just blame it on the crazy weather. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

So, before I shake that plum tree and make enough prunes to keep local resident regular for the year, my next task will be setting up the antique press for apple juicing. The potatoes can stay in the ground for now, the winter pears on the trees and the pumpkins can get bigger until Halloween. And the beets and the carrots and tomatoes and squash?

Their harvest time will come ... soooon.

Jackie Moad is in high gear once again, from dawn till dusk, with all the glories that harvest time provides on that 20 acres of organic paradise in Cedar.