TAKE 5 November 2019

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Letters Reefer madness I was saddened to see that Reefer Madness 2.0 has come to the pages of Take 5. I had to laugh as I read the ridiculous concerns the neighbours have over cannabis farms. Cannabis should be grown in farm fields. Building large concrete bunkers on prime agricultural land is ludicrous. The article states that people are concerned over the criminal element. The only criminals in the cannabis industry right now is the government with their grossly overinflated prices. I fail to see how a cannabis farm affects anyone. This will not harm your children.

Your concerns are silly.

An organic cannabis farm will do less harm to Quennell Lake than any live stock. We lived on a heavily polluted lake up north. It was the dairy farms that destroyed the lake, not the people growing plants.

I live rurally in a farming neighbourhood. There are smells associated with farming. It is a fact of life. If you don’t like farm smells, you should move. Cannabis smells way better than the composting plants or the turkey farms that are in our area. I never complain about the smells because that is the price I pay to live in paradise. The smell will not affect you or your kids.

It will not hurt you. One person commented that this won’t be an area to bring your grand kids anymore. Why on earth not?

There is no difference between a corn maze and a cannabis farm. Neither one will cause you any harm. Please get educated on the facts of cannabis and welcome the new growers into our area instead of spreading more reefer madness.

— Lynne Williams, Cassidy

Goodbye to Cedar I would like to express my appreciation for all your friendship and support. Living in such a wonderful community has added so much to my life. I will miss all of you as I move to my new home.

Thank you for the lovely farewell party. It was such fun to see everyone and be able to say good-bye in person. Life has been rather confusing in the last couple of weeks, \because of sharing my household in four directions with family. However I am enjoying being near Britannia Shipyards and the historic cannery. It is a lovely walking area to see BC history. Please pass on my thanks for the year’s subscription to TAKE 5. I

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will certainly enjoy keeping up with my wonderful community of Cedar. I am enjoying the beautiful walks along Steveston waterfront but it will take a while to make it feel like home.

- Shelagh Gourlay

A good read I enjoy reading the TAKE 5 magazine.

There’s lots to read with all that is happening within the community, plus the advertising with all the old and new businesses now here.

I am saddened that our family has gotten smaller over time, especially after running three businesses in the area from 1950 to 1974. Some day, when I get caught up with other work, I plan to write a true history of our business when we moved to Ladysmith from south Burnaby in 1950. Prior to that I lived in Youbou. - Arvo Vaimo Paivarinta Letters to the editor on community topics are welcomed but may be edited for space and legality at the discretion of TAKE 5. Opinions stated do not necessarily reflect those of TAKE 5 and its aďŹƒliate. editor@take5.ca

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Canada’s First State of the Salmon Report

BY SCOTT AKENHEAD This summer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada released a beautiful-looking report “State of Canadian Pacific Salmon: Responses to Changing Climate and Habitats” which your intrepid editor, asked me to “process into layman terms” for TAKE 5. She didn’t actually say, “Your mission, should you choose to accept it,” but … you remember that music?

I definitely heard it.

The unspoken message behind this report is: “You get the world you deserve.”

The report provides observations and details about how the Northeast Pacific Ocean (that’s us) is changing from careless use of fossil fuels and what that means to Pacific salmon. I was glad to read this bit: “The planet is warming, and the most recent five years have been the warmest on record. The increase in global temperature above pre-industrial levels is irreversible over the coming centuries.” More people need to realize that the increased carbon-dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere controls the rate of warming, not the amount of warming. I

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am not alone when suggesting we don’t want to push that accelerator down any further. Our ocean is shifting to become a new ocean, as marked by a massive “blob” of warm water that formed in 2013 and drifted into BC 2015 and 2016 (Figure 1) (2).

As the NE Pacific Ocean changes, the ocean ecosystems change, and our weather changes. The change in weather means less snow, earlier melting, summer droughts and heat waves. This means that salmon are affected throughout their life, in every habitat they move through while trying to complete their life cycle, while trying to bring those eggs back home. Salmon are kind of unique because they experience the changes on land and the changes in the ocean. This makes them “the canary in the coal mine” for global warming.

Well, okay, so how is our canary doing?

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Mostly bad (Figure 2). Some glimmers of hope, some confusing bits, some sitdown-and-cry bummers. There are two stories happening together: one about how northern salmon are reacting differently than southern salmon; the other about different species of salmon reacting differently.

First: Where it is becoming too warm for salmon, at the southern end of their range, they are disappearing (with exceptions). Where it used to be too cold for salmon, at the northern end of their range, they are thriving and expanding as the world warms. At the same time as sockeye salmon trying to get up the Fraser and Columbia Rivers are dying from the heat, sockeye in Alaska are breaking records for massive runs, and salmon are showing up across the Canadian Arctic. Salmon in the Skeena and Nass Rivers in Northern B.C. seem to be

Figure 1. This is a map of how different the ocean temperature was throughout the year 2015, compared to the average for years 1981 to 2010. Salmon ecologists believe “The Blob” of warm water was bad news for salmon trying to grow and survive in the ocean.

The problem is, this is a new picture, and one that we will have to get used to.

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okay in the middle, but the report mentions that Northern B.C. sockeye have recently slipped badly.

This isn’t in the report, but I like to point out that Pacific salmon are entering the warming Arctic from the west, while Atlantic salmon are entering from the east. So, one of these days, perhaps as you are reading this, an Atlantic salmon will meet a Pacific salmon for the first time in 23 million years (3).

Second: For reasons that are not clear, the salmon that eat fish as adults (coho, chinook, and steelhead) are declining compared to the salmon that eat plankton (pink and chum, sockeye sort of). Which is confusing because cold water plankton are big and fatty, but warm water zooplankton are scrawny little things that seem hardly worth eating. Chum salmon sometimes eat jellyfish, which some biologists think has helped their success, but where’s the nutrition in that? I’d eat a jellyfish, too, if sufficiently starved. Meanwhile, salmon with a short life in freshwater (pinks and chums go to sea immediately after hatching) are not in nearly as much trouble as salmon with a long life in freshwater (sockeye in lakes; steelhead, coho, and Chinook in rivers). But salmon are cunning and tricky: the Chinook salmon in some rivers (populations), and some sockeye salmon (notably Harrison River) go to sea in the first summer of their life. Those salmon are doing much better than their cousins, who don’t go to sea until the second or even third summer of their life.

These observations are clues for ecological detectives to sort through and come up with theories, and then to challenge those theories with data. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) assures us they are earnestly doing their best to figure all of this out. To my reading, the response is more and bigger committees, more and bigger meetings, but let’s keep watching. Of course, many ecologists in many countries are struggling with this problem. A Canadian initiative, the International Year of the Salmon (IYS)(4), is organizing collaboration across the North Pacific and the North Atlantic, with the objective of ensuring, as best we can, resilience (5) of salmon in a changing world. You might have noticed that IYS organized, and funded, an international expedition this spring, to study salmon on the high seas. DFO scientists participated. IYS is organizing a larger expedition for 2021.

Please appreciate that salmon were having a bad time before

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Figure 2. The bottom line, DFO’s summary of the State of the Salmon. Here in Southern B.C. (last row), sockeye, coho, and Chinook are all in decline. Mostly we have odd-year pink salmon (they will spawn this year). Pink and chum salmon have become highly abundant here in the last two decades.

global warming became clear in the 1970s, starting with careless placer mining during the Gold Rush in 1857, then careless railroad building (Hope slides 1911 and 1912 that destroyed massive 1913 Fraser sockeye runs), then 150 years of careless logging

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(centuries are required before erosion and river sediment settles down), then a careless salmon war between US and Canada in the 1970s and 1980s. What else? Oh yes, dams, very effective. Farms and ranches. Urban and rural sprawl. And hatcheries – scientists warn that salmon are genetically weakened by careless hatcheries. From the report: “Broad-scale landscape change has been occurring in salmon habitats over the long term. Urban development, agriculture, mining, forestry, and other human activities are contributing to increased pollution, nutrient inputs, water extraction, and deforestation. Such changes can make freshwater ecosystems even more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, through their effects on water availability and water quality for salmon.” Despite our careless behaviour, salmon persist. Must we wait for the straw that breaks the canary’s back? The salmon’s back. If a salmon was a camel.

The news in the report is not good news. Salmon locally and world-wide are generally in trouble and we do not understand why. Figure 2 summarizes, as best anyone can, the complexity of the response of thousands of populations of Pacific salmon to our direct (habitat degradation, fishing) and indirect (climate change) changes to their world. I think it is valuable for the Government of Canada to have said, in one breath, “Numbers of Chinook are declining throughout B.C. and the Yukon. Many sockeye and coho populations are declining in Southern B.C. We are the principle authority for managing Canada’s Pacific salmon.” DFO hastens to point out other agencies are responsible for parts of this problem and thus parts of any solution.

Fine, the responsibility is widely shared.

But these are your governments, you are the voter, so, ultimately, you are the one that is responsible. Or careless.

Scott Akenhead — that’s a Vancouver Island name that goes back to Nanaimo in the 1860s — ran the marine ecology and oceanography program for DFO in St. John’s NF in the 70s and 80s, then kicked around in high-tech startups in Vancouver before settling down on Ladysmith Harbour. Scott describes himself as “old dog, new tricks” and works as a freelance programmer/analyst for salmon scientists at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo.

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Affordable housing moves ahead Excitement is starting to build as the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association’s affordable housing units move forward.

“There’s so much happening behind the scenes right now,” explains Jennica Graham, vice president of the LRCA. Graham and Marsh Stevens who is on the Building Committee say they are working on the final budget which BC Housing will still need to sign off on.

“At this rate we hope to get the shovels in the ground in the spring,” says Graham.

While cost is always a factor, it’s important to the group to make an attractive building that the community will be proud of. Architects are looking to

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incorporate some of Ladysmith’s design features into the plans.

“It’s not just a place to live but where we do things together for the future tenants and the community,” says Stevens.

Being able to provide people with secure affordable housing will allow a deeper more meaningful positive change in their lives.

The 36 housing units, a combination of mainly one bedroom and studio suites, and two 2 bedroom suites will house seniors, persons with disabilities and low income renters..

We’ve had really positive feedback, says Graham. “Everyone realizes how it’s such a tough housing market today.”

But the building goes beyond just housing. It’s about building community. The design will incorporate a meeting room for the community, gardens, and a commercial kitchen.

Stevens says the economics of 40-65 new residents will have a positive impact on the local economy.

The LRCA Housing Project was recently nominated for a Ladysmith heritage award. The awards sponsored by the Ladysmith & District Historical

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Society recognize the businesses, individuals and societies that have paid a key role during the year in their actions or initiatives in preserving or promoting local heritage.

The LRCA is one of the first nominees received, thanks to the special attention they paid in preserving the bell and cross from the St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church prior to the vacant buildings demolition in September.

The parish had closed the church some years ago and sold the site to the LRCA in 2017, the diocese removing items of interest from the building.

Due to structural issues and asbestos contamination it had to be demolished - but not before the LRCA arranged for the bell and cross, which had both stood in place since 1910, to be saved in the Museum.

The spirit of community will live on at the site as the LRCA will be developing it for much-needed affordable housing for seniors, low-income families and persons with disabilities.

The award recipients will be announced during February’s BC Heritage Week.

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Remembrance Day On November 11 we pause to remember the fallen, the wounded and those that suffered the ravages of war. The Ladysmith Legion invites everyone to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony starting at 10:30 am with the Parade from the Legion Hall on First Avenue to the Ladysmith Cenotaph followed by a brief service. At 11 there will be two minutes of silence, Remembrance Program & Laying of Wreaths.

Later on that day, from 1pm to 2:30, the Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens invite you to their Remembrance event from 1pm to 2:30 pm, 2347 Cedar Road, 250-722-2244

Ladysmith Council approves updated plan for Lot 108 Ladysmith Council has approved the Lot 108 Park Plan Update to enhance sports facilities and community amenities at Forrest Field through a phased implementation.

The Town will work with local service groups to build an accessible walking path around the existing site, with funding to come from service group grants, donations and in-kind contributions.

Potential new key amenities at Forrest Field supported by stakeholders in the Lot 108 plan include a practice pitch, baseball and soccer field, multi-sport court, pickleball and tennis courts, park service building, bike skills park and pump track as well as a picnic area and expanded playground.

Additional parking off of 4th Avenue and Jim Cram Drive will help to support the use of these additional amenities without burdening the neighbouring community.

Staff have been directed to begin look-

Pictured at centre: Coach Greg Owens and Paula Masyk, various team members and Coach Shane Laver at left. Approximately 450 pounds of donated food from recent “Steelers Feed the Need Food Drive”. Photo: Jennifer Laver

ing at grant opportunities for the Lot 108 phases as well as include projects into the 5-year Financial Plan, subject to Council’s approval.

Steelers food drive In October, the Ladysmith Steelers played Cowichan Bulldogs in three ‘9man football’ matchups. The Peewee Steelers were victorious 40 – 16 and remain undefeated. The Junior Bantams lost 43-6 to Cowichan, and our Bantam Steelers were unable to score, losing 67-0 to the Bulldogs. The biggest winner of the weekend was the Ladysmith Resource Centre’s Food Bank. The “Feed the Need Food Drive” brought in nearly 450 pounds of non-perishable

food items.

“In the last year and a half we’ve built a strong football club that understands the importance of representing Ladysmith and being there for one another,” says head coach Greg Owens.

All three Steeler teams have their sights set on playoffs in November.

RDN wins ‘Excellence In Biosolids’ award again For the second time, the Regional District of Nanaimo has won the Northwest Biosolids ‘Excellence in Biosolids’ Award representing associations, regulators and operators in the Pacific Northwest. This award recognizes significant contributions to the development and implementation of cost-effective and environmentally beneficial biosolids management practices.

The RDN won this award in 2013.

VIU Bee friendly Nanaimo campus is set to become a hive of bee-friendly events and activities thanks to its designation as a Bee Campus.

More than 70 per cent of all plant species are dependent on pollinators for reproduction; yet pollinator populations worldwide are on the decline due to factors such as deforestation, lack of flow-

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ers and pesticide use.

Becoming a designated Bee Campus through Bee City Canada commits the University to creating, maintaining and improving pollinator habitats; educating the community about the importance of pollinators; and celebrating pollinators during National Pollinator Week. VIU is the first post-secondary in BC to receive the designation.

4th Avenue Culvert Replacement on budget The Town of Ladysmith is in the final phase of the 4th Avenue at Rocky Creek culvert replacement project and on track to have the job completed in November within budget.

FortisBC will be at the site on October 31st to relocate its natural gas service. The project can then move ahead to completion pending any inclement weather which may impact the contractor’s schedule.

The Town started work on the necessary infrastructure project on June 15 and finished all the stream work within the provincial fisheries window, which closed on October 11.

The culvert is more than double the size of the previous structure.

Ladysmith Kinsmen Sept. 28, marked the 67th annual installation of oďŹƒcers for the Ladysmith Kinsmen Club. James Delcourt was installed, for his second term as club president while Darrin Ball was sworn in as vice-president. Chris Saunders took the oath of oďŹƒce as secretary, Mike Richardson was installed as treasurer and Kevin Pugh took the oath as registrar. The two directors sworn in are Marc Grills and Steve Dinsmore. Duck Paterson will assume the duties for risk management.

In his outgoing remarks, Delcourt thanked the club members for all their work this past year especially in their work in supporting the local food bank, to which they donated over $4,500.

You can help support their good work by stopping at their Hot Dog Sale, at the Ladysmith 49th Parallel Grocery store November 23-24. The sale is in support of the Christmas Food Drive for the Ladysmith Food Bank. If you could like to donate or volunteer contact Jim Delcourt at 250-245-3137.

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Diving Dog Patch

BY MARINA SACHT Did you even wonder what’s under “Dog Patch” in Ladysmith Harbour? Historically, this area has been the site of heavy industry and is now a popular moorage for transient boaters and liveaboardees. We asked diver, and Cedar resident Andrew Gunson, to check it out, and he dove right in. The result is a fascinating short 22 minute documentary produced by TAKE 5 in partnership with Terra Marine Adventures in Nanaimo.

The video can be viewed on take5newstv Youtube channel.

Gunson, a former commercial diver says BC coast offers worldclass diving. “I love wreck diving particularly, and this is probably one of the premier places in the world to do that.”

“There’s been a lot of conjecture regarding industrial pollution, residential pollution in the area, and we’re very curious to see what is really down there and what impact it may have on the environment,” says Gunson.

“We found a lot of interesting artefacts and wrecks in a very small area. We probably only explored maybe 15 per cent of the inner harbour area.” Gunson made two sets of dives using a sled which enabled him to cover a large amount of territory. In the initial surveys he didn’t find much in the shallower regions but it was when they moved out into the deeper waters near the concrete pilings where he found most of the artefacts and wrecks. “Once we hit that spot it was mind-boggling what was down there. It is shipwreck upon shipwreck.”

Although the visibility was poor Gunson described the scene as incredible.“You’d be swimming along the bottom and a shadow would appear in front of you and as you approach the shadow you realize you’re in the presence of this very large vessel just sitting upright on the bottom.”

Gunson located numerous vessels piled on top of each other.

“The wrecks are literally overlapping.”

Also on the bottom were artefacts mostly boat equipment, generators, milk crates full of miscellaneous boat parts, things you’d have on the deck of a working vessel. “We also located numerous piles of old wire rope and chain dating likely back to the harbour’s coal mining past.”

Despite a number of people living on boats in the area he was very surprised how little domestic or household garbage there was down there.

Also surprising was the amount of life that had attached itself to wrecks. There was an abundance of crabs, barnacles, mussels, oysters, sea cucumbers, ling cod, perch and a forest of sea anemone. What the wrecks have done is brought life to a muddy bottom which normally would be desolate. “You’ve got a whole new ecosystem growing down there that wouldn’t be there otherwise.”

John Roe founder of the Dead Boat Disposal Society estimated there are approximately 60 wrecks in Ladysmith harbour and about 1,400 boats abandoned on B.C.'s coast.

Please note that this is a potentially hazardous dive with numerous obstacles to get fouled in and is not for amateur or casual sports divers.

(Above) Diver Andrew Gunson explored Ladysmith's Dog Patch.

Photo: Marina Sacht

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Country Christmas Tour in Cedar & Yellow Point November is a time for arts and craft markets and once again for the annual Cedar Yellow Point Country Christmas Tour, now in its 31st year. The tour features professional artists, artisans and farms displaying unique gift opportunities. The tour runs November 21 to 24, from 10 am to 5 pm. Pick up a map at Central Island Visitor Centres or download one at www.cyartisans.com.

This annual self-guided tour has become a local Christmas tradition.

Sipping Society Ladysmith Little Theatre presents “The Savannah Sipping Society,” by Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. Directed by Torry Clark, this is a delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy. Four Southern women, needing to escape their daily routines and current lives, are drawn together by fate — and an impromptu happy hour — and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years.

Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives. Together, they discover lasting friendships and a renewed determination to live in the moment — and most importantly, realize it’s never

NikkiDesigns is one of the artisans on the Cedar Yellow Point Christmas Tour

too late to make new old friends.

The show plays Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 15, 2019. Tickets are $25 (non-members) and $20 (members and groups of 10 or more) and can be purchased at the Box Office (250924-0658; open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 1 pm to 3 pm) or online at www. ladysmiththeatre.com.

LSS Improv “We are so fortunate to have such a supportive community here in Ladysmith, as well as talented, students and dedicated teachers at Ladysmith Secondary,” says Carrie Segreto, who points out that LSS is the only school in the district that has an improv program and only a few do high school musical productions.

Students have been rehearsing since September and are getting set for the shows in November, followed by the Canadian Improv Games (CIG) events later in the year.

The Improv XXI show dates are November 14 to 16 and November 21 to 23, at 7 pm. Tickets (including pie and coffee/tea) are $12 (adult) and $8 (youth and seniors) and can be purchased at LSS or

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LSS students at Improv last year. Photo submitted.

Salamander Bookstore.

“We are so fortunate and that is mainly due to drama teacher, William (Bill) Taylor, and all the LSS Improv alumni that come back to coach,” says Segreto.

O Christmas tea opens a flood of laughter A holiday tradition brimming with joy and laughter is back.

From the unbridled imagination of beloved British comedy duo, James & Jamesy, comes the rollicking holiday comedy “O Christmas Tea.” Reminiscent of classic British pantos, “O Christmas Tea” is rich with wordplay, comic physicality and cleverly crafted interactive elements. However, it is James & Jamesy’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that bring to life the magic of this unique festive experience.

Already a tradition for thousands of theatre-goers each year, “O Christmas Tea” will be steeping its uproarious brand of immersive theatre in Courtenay on November 27, at Sid Williams Theatre (250-338-2430), and Nanaimo on December 12, at the Port Theatre (250-754-8550).

During the action-packed production, a Christmas wish for tea is fulfilled in titanic proportions. The world floods with tea, leaving the duo to find innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat as they try to make their way back home.

“The Christmas season is a magical time of year that brings people of all ages together; a time when we are encouraged to dream big, embrace imagination and celebrate a childlike excitement for merriment,” explains Alastair Knowles (Jamesy), the eccentric half of the award-winning duo.

Redefining immersive theatre, these masters of physical comedy — with over 20 comedy awards to their name — take their audience on a escapade in this joyous celebration of friendship at Christmas.

Metis Exhibit at Nanaimo Museum On November 16, the Mid-Island Métis Nation (MIMN) and the Nanaimo Museum are formally opening a special exhibit at the Museum to honour and celebrate Métis heritage. The museum is unveiling a newly-redesigned case in the Hudson’s Bay Company era permanent exhibit, which will feature Joseph McKay and Métis heritage. As well, they will feature a tem-

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porary display case arranged by MIMN, which will feature significant Métis cultural pieces and historic artifacts. The temporary portion of the exhibit will remain on display until the end of the year.

Romano-Lax’s Plum Rains wins 2019 Sunburst Award Plum Rains, by B.C. local writer Andromeda Romano-Lax, has won the adult fiction category of the 2019 Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic.

The Sunburst Awards annually give out two $1,000 prizes — one to a work of adult fiction and one to a young adult book — as well as a $500 short story award.

Romano-Lax’s novel is set in 2029 Tokyo and tells the story of a secretive, elderly woman, her caretaker and an advanced robot designed to anticipate human needs. The Sunburst jury described it as a “masterpiece.”

Romano-Lax who is currently living in Nanaimo, lived in Ladysmith in 2017 and plans to return soon.

Solitary Refinement Rock Christian Fellowship presents “Solitary Refinement”, an immersive experience about the Persecuted Church

by Voice of the Martyrs at Bethel Tabernacle (1149 4th Ave., Ladysmith). Admission is free.

How does someone survive 14 years of torture, imprisonment and starvation? And how do they emerge from that smiling? Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC) is sponsoring a national tour of a hit stage play that enacts incredible true stories of best-selling author Richard Wurmbrand, and addressing Chris-

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tian persecution around the world today.

Often met with standing ovations, the stage play brings to life the ministry’s late founder, Richard Wurmbrand (author of Tortured For Christ), to tell his own transcendent tale from a transformative prison cell.

Award-winning playwright Dennis Hassell confesses, “In researching Richard Wurmbrand’s story, I was surprised by joy. I discovered a man overflowing with hope, love- and even humour.”

Artist Hassell also performs the role of Wurmbrand, in collaboration with director Tom Carson, a triple Dora Award nominee. Hassell and Carson have partnered on nationally touring hit and are collaborating with Emmy and Gemini award-winning musical composer Tom Szczesniak. Videography and state-ofthe-art lighting also unite in bringing audiences into the story. For more information, including how to book the free admission show for your community, visit www.vomcanada.com/touring.

Port Theatre Spotlight Series The Port Theatre Spotlight Series continues with great entertainment.

On November 3, at 2 pm, it’s Les Voix humaines consort of Viols. They have thrilled audiences worldwide with dashing performances of early and contemporary music for three decades, presenting arrangements that give new life to the ideology of recycled music. This performance of Dowland Lachrimae will resonate with the natural acoustics of the Port Theatre, sweeping you away to a time of beauty and sadness and descending tetrachord, an iconic work that defies the 21st century concept of sound bites or tweets! This beautiful collec-

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tion includes diverse pavans, galliards and allemands, which in our concert program alternate with the Dowland Lachrimae.

You will laugh out loud at the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of “Bed & Breakfast” by Mark Crawford on Wednesday, November 6, at 7:30 pm.

When Brett inherits a family estate, he and his partner, Drew, move to a quiet little tourist town to set up a B&B. But will these big city boys face friction in their new community? With dozens of hilarious characters all portrayed by two actors, it’s a heartfelt comedy about “being out,” skeletons in the closet, and finding a place to call home.

Tickets can be purchased at the Port Theatre Ticket Centre (125 Front St.), by phone (250-754-8550) or online (porttheatre.com).

Harp Dog Brown featured at Osborne Bay Pub Harpdog Brown & The Uptown Blues Band will play the Osborne Bay Pub Saturday, November 9, 8pm.

Harpdog Brown has grown a reputation as a real-deal purveyor of classic electric blues. These days he’s been touring more and more as Harpdog Brown & the Uptown Blues Band - a vintage New Orleans Blues sound featuring, piano,clarinet/sax, upright-bass and drums.

He’s been called a Blues Evangelist, and that’s a very fitting moniker. “I speak the blues like it’s the truth, and it is”, he was recently quoted. “I do feel like I’m a servant of the people. A missionary if you will. Harpdog says “Blues has a healing power. It’s a beautiful celebration of our perfectly flawed lives.”

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Cannabis farm

Government Liquor distribution board) on the 20 acre farm. The farm will grow auto-flowering Cannabis ruderalis plants, a smaller, bushy variety of cannabis that produces less sap and less THC content, to mitigate odour concerns. Cannabis will be propagated and processed on site by 12-18 people permanently and 40 during the picking season for one month. The intent is to seek organic certification after a transition period of three years.

On September 15, 2019, 25 neighbours who live on Quennell Road met to develop an opposition plan. It was standing room only at their first public meeting at Cedar Community Hall on October 1st, an opportunity to share information

It wasn’t until the 6-ft tall fencing topped by barbed wire appeared that neighbours on Quennell Road were alerted to the proposed use of what was once a potato farm. A numbered company based in Alberta recently purchased the Heibert farm on Quennell Road to operate an open air cannabis grow op.

The fencing around the property, with infra red security lights every 350 feet, is the minimum requirement under Federal government regulations.

Rich Dowker, CEO of Crofton Craft, then announced his plan to cultivate 10,000 marijuana plants (to sell to the

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and consider the impacts the farm will have on the local community. At this emotionally-charged gathering Quennell road residents felt that they were being made to take part in an experiment, and there were too many unanswerable questions.

They cited odour concerns about living next to ten thousand marijuana plants flowering for 4 weeks at the height of summer. Imagine the beer garden at the Crow and Gate reeking of pot when the wind blows the wrong way?

At the public meeting, Laurie Quesnel who operates a homebased business voiced her fears that there will be a negative impact on her clients from the institutional fencing and odour.

It was the Provincial government which classified cannabis production as a farm activity. With this classification, it became possible to grow cannabis in the ALR. A license is required to cultivate, process and sell cannabis for medical or non-medical purposes, issued federally by Health Canada under the Cannabis Regulations.

Keith Wilson, RDN area director for Cedar would like to see local and regional government have more say in regulations.

However, the Achilles heel of the Quennell cannabis operation is that their growing field is below the high water table of the lake. In winter this field is flooded with water for four months, which for years has been pumped back into the lake in the spring, a controversial and environmentally harmful practice, because nitrogen and phosphorus are haphazardly leached into the lake, along with other contaminants. The lake is currently experiencing expansive algae blooms, and weeds are taking over sections of the shoreline.

Normal farm practices cannot contravene the terms of the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management.

The Code of Practice applies to all farms, including those that grow cannabis. Part 5 of the Code Practice, restricts farming in a flood plain and fertilizing below the high water table of a watercourse. Part 6, states: A person must not apply nutrient sources to land on which there is standing water or water-saturated soil.

Based upon these regulations, is it not the responsibility of the Provincial government to prohibit “nutrient” sources as described in the Code from being applied in the field at 2550 Quennell Road? This would mean that fertilizer cannot be placed either in the field or in the bio-degradable in-ground pots, which would surely affect the production of cannabis?

I endorse healthy field grown organic cannabis over cannabis that is grown in concrete bunkers with the use of hazmat suits, but those who live in the country need to be reassured that the quintessential rural and peaceful nature of the place they call home is protected from an invasion of ‘prison style’ grow ops, and that environmental protections are upheld. At present provincial government oversight of cannabis production on ALR land is inadequate. The negative impact on neighbouring residential properties has been underestimated. More work needs to be done, and local government needs to be more involved.

The cannabis farm at Quennell Lake is just the tip of the iceberg. Local realtor Greg Buchanan says that approx. 35 per cent of acreages being looked at in the area are for the production of cannabis.

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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RDN Area A Cedar As everyone is probably aware, Cedar is potentially home to one of Canada’s largest outdoor cannabis farms. In the past little while, a farm on Quennell Road in Cedar was purchased and has taken on the look of a federal corrections centre – as acres of land are surrounded by chain-link fencing which will also be protected by video cameras posted along the fence line.

The property’s neighbours are concerned with this new use and have become active in trying to stop the operation from becoming a reality. They have had several meetings, including a public session at Cedar Community Hall on October 1. A representative for the new landowner was on hand at this meeting to explain what was proposed for the site. His comments were met with mixed reactions.

While it is obvious to some that the regional district should be able to control what happens on this parcel of land, the reality is that the RDN has very little authority over what happens here. When the federal government legalized cannabis, and the provincial government, through the Agricultural Land Commission, created regulations and policies that made cannabis cultivation in the Agricultural Land Reserve just another agricultural crop, local government was

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effectively cut out of the picture in terms of having any real control over “growops” on ALR lands. The RDN’s powers are basically limited to land planning issues like where buildings will be located and how much parking must be allocated on the site. We can also determine minimum setbacks from property lines, which will hardly deal with the odours coming from a field of ripening cannabis.

I have received many emails about this project, falling on both sides of the issue. And to be clear, my views on how the RDN should deal with the issue were probably evident on June 11 when I made a couple of motions at the RDN Board meeting. This was before I had learned that the Quennell Road farm was being considered. The first motion was to refer the issue of regulation of cannabis farming on agricultural land to the RDN’s Agricultural Advisory Committee for its comment and recommendations back to the Board. At the same meeting, I also made a motion that the Chair of the RDN write a letter to the provincial Minister supporting the views of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities President and asking that the Minister consider a moratorium on ALR cannabis production until such time as local governments can create or amend bylaws and regulations to deal with cannabis production on farmland.

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While I have no issues with cannabis legalization per se, I do have many concerns over the way it has been done.

In reading both federal and provincial legislation, it is evident that the concerns of both levels of government were more focused on controlling production and managing the tax windfall that they believe will be coming from this new industry. Security of production sites is secondary and the issue of effects on surrounding neighbourhoods is not even a consideration. Farming experience does not seem to be considered either.

It is my hope that, for the proposed Cedar operation, Health Canada, Environment Canada and the provincial Environment Ministry will step in and provide some common sense. This is not a good site for the cultivation of cannabis. Quennell Lake floods the site for nearly half of the year, maintaining security around the perimeter will be nearly impossible and the fact that most of the farm is below the high water mark for much of the year would support that assertion.

I do feel sorry for the people developing the operation – they have never farmed and are unaware of the pitfalls of putting a crop in the ground and hoping it makes it through to harvest. Given that the land is lower than the lake, there is little chance that they can use fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. In my limited farming experience, plants sitting in water for extended periods and not being fed or protected from pests and molds stand little chance of making it to harvest. All I can say is welcome to farming!

CVRD Area H N. Oyster/ Diamond It has been an interesting month at the CVRD. While many topics are specific to other electoral areas, there are some that are of interest and effect to the residents of Area H. Cannabis Retail Store Policy: At the

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October 9th 2019 Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board meeting, the new Cannabis Retail Store Policy was approved. This policy defines a process by which the CVRD Board will consider applications to permit new cannabis retail store locations in the Electoral Areas of the CVRD. The location portion of the policy sets out where cannabis retail stores can and cannot be located. They cannot be in a building with residential units or on residential properties, and they must be located at least 300 metres from schools, parks, playgrounds, community centres and other areas where children and youth frequent. Adding to this restriction is the requirement that cannabis retail stores are permitted only in zones which allow for retail use.

As a result, there are very limited areas where cannabis retail stores can be located currently in Area H, with only three zoning classifications that qualify.

The CVRD Board is taking a cautious approach at this point to the retail sales of cannabis, and I would expect there to be proposed changes in the future as the industry matures.

Of note is the requirement that any proponent making an application for a cannabis retail store license in the CVRD Electoral Areas will be required by the CVRD to hold an Information Meeting to provide residents and property owners within 300 metres with information about their application.

Cannabis Production Facilities Land Use Application Policy At the same October 9 2019 CVRD Board meeting, the new Cannabis Production Land Use Application Policy was approved. This policy defines a process by which the CVRD Board will consider applications for zoning amendments to allow cannabis production facilities on land not currently zoned for this use in the Electoral Areas of the CVRD. Like the Retail Store Policy, location is an important part of the policy. The criteria that cannabis production facilities must be at least 300 metres from schools, parks, playgrounds, community centres and other areas where children and youth frequent mirrors the retail policy.

Additional details, such as confirmation of water supply, waste disposal and

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odour abatement plans, are required to be provided by the proponent.

My view is that one area of possible future consideration is to provide guidance for cannabis production specific to small craft farmers, micro-cultivation and the concept of “farm-gate” sales.

2020 Budget At the Corporate Services Committee meeting of October 9, 2019, the board had their first look at the 2020 draft budget. The budget is separated into an initial core budget and then the board will consider supplemental budget requests for 2020. Core operating expenditures are defined as expenditures associated with the ongoing maintenance and administration on a day-to-day basis for each function at the same level of service as the previous year.

Last April, staff were directed to limit requisition increases to 2.5 per cent where possible, and overall the core CVRD budget increase currently reflects an increase of only 0.87 per cent.

This will likely increase further as the board considers the supplemental requests.

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The Regional District budget is a complicated document recognizing that not all expenditures apply to all areas and not all areas participate in all services.

While the overall increase to the CVRD is only 0.87 per cent, the increase to the Area H residents currently sits at 2.13 per cent. This includes increases in monies collected by the CVRD for other jurisdictions. Note 32.4 per cent of the increase is due to increases in requisitions related to these other jurisdictions, such as the Vancouver Island Regional Library, which are beyond the CVRD control. The single largest increase for Area H is the cost of solid waste/recycling. For example, the projected increase in the cost of the disposal of solid waste, including both the contracted services and shipping, is 15.4 per cent over the 2019 budgeted figure.

Our increase in Area H also reflects the specific basket of services provided to the residents and the increases in the cost of those services. Area specific services, such as the North Oyster Fire Department, have limited their increases for 2020.

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In the next month or so, individual services budgets will be presented at various committee or commission meetings, and through this process, we will get further insight into the budget numbers and proposed increases. Staff will present additional information at the following Committee meetings: November 6, Electoral Area Services Committee November 13, Community Services Committee November 21 and 22, Special Corporate Services Committee All meetings have a public input period for public comments, plus meeting videos are available online through YouTube.

The annual budget and related fiveyear financial plan are scheduled for approval on December 11, 2019.

From my personal viewpoint, there will always be more proposed projects than available funding, so it is important to consider the resident’s ability to pay and establishing priorities. To their credit, the CVRD staff have separated the supplemental funding requests into three categories ranked by priority.

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The draft budget is available on the CVRD website at www.cvrd. bc.ca/3045/2020-Draft-Budget.

Unfortunately, Take 5 goes to press after the first few public meetings on the budget. However, I welcome your questions and comments regarding the budget and any other topics. Email me at colinhaime@shaw.ca or call me at 250-616-3986.

CVRD Area G Saltair Saltair Water System Filtration At the UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities) conference at the end of September, I was able to meet with staff from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. We discussed the Island Health mandated Saltair Water System Filtration Project and the recent letter informing the CVRD that the project was not selected for funding. Both meetings were beneficial and informative. There were 200 applications for this grant.

Only 15 projects received funding.

During a presentation, Selina Robinson, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, said before the end of the year a new Water & Wastewater Grant will be available. This is great news for Saltair. Kudos to the provincial government for recognizing the financial needs of those with mandated water and wastewater projects.

Taxpayers have expressed concern because mandated filtration systems are not receiving top priority for grant funding. There are questions about why larger filtration systems are receiving two-thirds grant funding, while smaller systems are not receiving the same funding.

Chemainus Road Construction Construction between Victoria Street (Chemainus Theatre) and Henry Road Roundabout will begin in early November 2019, from 7:30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. During construction, there will be single lane traffic only.

Please allow extra time for your travel through this stretch to allow for delays.

Thanks to all those who will be working on the project and ensuring our safety.

Saltair Community Parks & Trails As of October 15, the Saltair Outdoor Recreation Survey and the CVRD Centennial Park Revitalization Survey are

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closed. The information collected will assist and inform plans for outdoor recreation in Saltair.

Report strange activities in our community South Oyster School Rd residents reported suspicious activity in the area at approximately 12:30 am on October 15 that included the dismantling of a security camera. Please keep an eye on our community and report any suspicious activities to the RCMP and, if you have one, to your Neighbourhood Watch Block Captain.

Saltair Town Hall Meeting On October 10, many Saltair residents attended our Saltair Town Hall Meeting.

Sybille Sanderson, CVRD Emergency Program Coordinator, spoke about preparing for emergencies. She described the February 2011 6.2-magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and resulting damage. I have travelled in New Zealand. I have seen the damage done by this earthquake. They are still rebuilding.

The last recorded major earthquake on Vancouver Island was the June 1946 7.3-magnitude earthquake that had its epicenter in the Forbidden Plateau area, northwest of Courtenay. Are we prepared for such an emergency?

Ladysmith Resource Centre Association Executive Director Christy Wood provided information about “Heart on the Hill” programs available to Saltair residents. These include Kids Programs, Family Support, Victims, Restorative Justice, Income Tax, Youth Support, Seniors, Counselling, Food Security, Shelter, Cold Weather Shelter, and Housing Support services (www.lrca.ca/programs/).

For those unable to attend, my presentation can be found on the Director’s Page at Saltair News & Views (www. saltairnews.com). There, you will find an update about a host of issues including Regional Recreation, Community Works Fund (CWF – Gas Tax) 3.0, the CVRD’s Harmonized and Local OCPs, Water Filtration, Distribution Upgrades, Stocking Lake Dam, etc.

If you have any questions about the presentation or anything else, please contact me at lynne.smith@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1401. More Area G news can be found on Saltair News & Views at www.saltairnews.com.

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Lost in the Translation “Ay, ay, ay, ay, Canta y no llores, Porque cantando se alegran, cielito lindo, los corazones.”

— Cielito Lindo by Quirino Mendoza, 1882 Time for that Mexican Tale ... told much much better by you-know-who, but I’ll try to do it justice.

It was my first “foreign adventure” with Laurie way back in 1979. He had already hitchhiked around the world and down through the Baja when the highway was still a dirt road, with mass vehicle jams during the muddy season; when they waited till enough cars got stuck and then everyone pitched in and pushed them all out. That’s where he learned the words to Cielito Lindo, travelling in the back of an old pick-up truck with four Mexicans who spoke no English. For 43 years, he tried to teach me the words, but all I could remember was “eye yai yai yai, con san o’ yoraz, perkay la la la-la-la la la selinda loss conasor az.” Sheesh!

Anyways, I digress (already!). Laurie never drank alcohol until he met me, even refusing his mom’s awesome trifle because she put sherry in it. But I was an evil influence! And it wasn’t long before the ol’ salt-tequila-lime shots became our favourite (although very infrequent) imbibement.

On this my maiden trip South, we had planned to tour a tequila factory and, of course, visit the bustling town of Tequila, Mexico. Unfortunately upon our arrival in the early evening the factory was closed. But the town was just waking up. The “central plaza” was teeming with folks young and old, sashaying in their finest duds around the square. All the wee shops were open for business, especially the ones selling alcohol and, more importantly, all brands of tequila.

Our plan was to buy a bottle of Mex-

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ico’s finest that proudly displayed a “Made in Tequila” label. You would think this would be an uber-easy task.

NOT! Tequila made in Jalisco, in Guadalajara, in Michoacán and, of course, in Mexico. But not one from the actual town that bears its name.

We probably tried at least ten shops, and as we came full circle, there was just one more cantina left to try our luck. Behind the counter stood an old man. I’m talking really old, ancient, at least 95 — wizened face, bright eyes, wonderful tussled crop of snow-white hair on his head, with a matching bushy mustache. Again as we attempted to ask for tequila hecho en Tequila, we got that familiar querulous expression from the guy I could almost hear his inside voice saying, “Man, this gringo is really loco.”

And then Laurie tried his Spanish: “Tequila hecho aqui.” The elder took an immediate step back, looked the foreigner up and down and disappeared into the back room. Out of the corner of my eye I could see (and hear) him talking to an equally ancient woman, almost like arguing back and forth. Then silence.

When he returned, he was carrying a monster white plastic jug, twice as big as one of those four-litre milk jugs. He proudly plunked it on the counter and said, “Cein pesos.” (I think, but all I know is that it worked out to about three Canadian dollars).

There was NO label. But indeed that tequila was made in Tequila. And as per the literal translation of Laurie’s request, “hecho aqui,” that tequila was made right there! We paid the hefty price, thanked the gentleman happily and left. As we walked to our van, trying to keep a straight face, the remark was made, “You know, we could both wake up blind tomorrow morning.”

We drove out of town and took some pictures by van headlight of us standing next to the Welcome to Tequila sign, jug in hand. Then we quickly found a secluded spot, drew the curtains, locked the doors and put on the Mexican music.

I was a bit trepidatious to sample the homemade elixir. Would it smack of drinking turpentine, lighter fluid, antifreeze? When we untwisted the cap, it sure smelled just like tequila.

But the taste? Holy Moly! It tasted sooo smooth. No “fire in the hole” when

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Jackie with her little friend. Finding tequila made in Tequila, Mexico would be difficult. Photo: Marina Sacht

swallowing. No after taste. No belly burn. We decided three shots would be a good tester since we didn’t know what per cent proof we were dealing with. It proved the perfect amount.

Maybe it was the combination of fresh market veggies stuffed into stillwarm handmade tortillas, the music, the limed-up shots and, of course, my sweet man to share it all with, but it was a gloriously fun night that I’ll always remember; and gives new meaning to the phrase “lost in the translation.”

Jackie Moad cannot resist the urge to trip down memory lane, especially adventures with her soul mate Laurie Gourlay, all the while working their 20-acre organic farm, busy hatching a plan for local solutions to global challenges.

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BY MARINA SACHT Did you know that volunteers live longer and are happier. It’s a fact!

You time is valuable, and you already know the importance of volunteers to our community.

In this and future editions of TAKE 5 we will be highlighting volunteer opportunities within local service clubs, and not-for-profit groups.

The goal is to build a comprehensive guide that will be available to the community.

Give us a call to be included.

There is a wide range of clubs, groups

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Some of the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Club members. Photo submitted.

and organizations that have one thing in common -- volunteers.

LRCA “Without volunteers we would have a hard time doing the programs we do,” says Jennica Graham, vice president of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association who values the important role they play in the LRCA. The LRCA is a non-profit charity that offers resources and services that enhance the quality of life in Ladysmith and surrounding area.

Some of the programs include the Food Bank, the soup kitchen, cold weather shelter, community wellness, family and youth support, restorative justice, counselling and family support. The LRCA has a large number of resources and if they don’t have the program, they will point you in the right direction. 250-2453079.

There are many volunteer opportunities through their programs in addition to these, the LRCA is looking for retired counsellors and/or MA practicum students in counselling programs to help provide services for their Volunteer Counselling Program. Volunteers are needed every Wednesday night for Bingo, and the Food Bank is always looking for volunteers for both bagging (Monday mornings) and distributing (Tuesday mornings). The Ladysmith Soup Kitchen runs out of Bethel Church, Tuesday & Thursday from 2pm-4pm, and could also use a hand.

Ladysmith Dragon Boat Club Another one of Ladysmith’s success stories is the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Club whose members volunteer many hours to keep the membership engaged with the community.

Many of them volunteer at the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s Pirate Days as well as offering rides at the Heritage Boat Festival. The club which recently celebrated its 10th season has two teams made up of recreational and racing paddlers that compete in other communities.

The club was established in 2010 and has been a huge success since its inception. Founding member Susan Erickson and Denise Pearson were inspired to start the club after watching dragon boating in other communities.

Susan recalled “I thought, why is there not a team here since we have such as great harbour?”

They bought their used (2003) Dragon Boat in early April 2010 from GO Rowing and Paddling Association of Canada based out of Victoria.

The boat is 47.5 feet long and weighs about 870 pounds. “We have 22 on the boat; 20 paddlers, a steers person and a coach,” explains Susan.

The purchase price was $10,000 but within months generous donations from the Ladysmith & District Credit Union and the 49th Parallel Grocery store along with membership fees had the boat paid off that summer.

A board of directors maintains all the

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legal and financial responsibilities, and provide leadership for a multitude of jobs including membership, coaching, moorage, maintenance, events, courses for steering and coaching, and community volunteering.

Over the past 10 years hundred of ladies from the Ladysmith, Cedar and Chemainus areas have been involved.

The Dragon Boat is moored at the Ladysmith Maritime Society docks and during the season the two teams practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from April until the end of September.

“It’s a great group of women,” says Susan pointing out that although the paddlers are dormant during winter a number of offshoot groups have formed. “We have two book clubs, two ukulele groups, pickle ball and walking groups.”

Members range from 20 to 80 years old. There are over 60 members and at this time there is a wait list to join the club.

“I’m glad I did it,” says Erickson. “It’s been my social group.”

Ladysmith Little Theatre The Ladysmith Little Theatre, located in a renovated schoolhouse in the Diamond, is a theatrical company that presents up to six productions each year, adding to the arts and culture in our community.

All cast and crew of Ladysmith Little Theatre are community theatre volunteers. LLT has many volunteer opportunities that include acting, stage design and building, props, lighting, front of house, costumes, publicity and many more roles that you can play. LLT also holds Improv sessions on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month. Give them a call at 250-924-0658.

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Ladysmith & District Historical Society The Ladysmith & District Historical Society is a volunteer organization that ensures effective collection and preservation of all historically significant records and artifacts and promotes their use for education and research.

Volunteers are needed for: Ladysmith Museum: Documentation, preservation, create & arrange exhibits, and tours.

Industrial Heritage: Located in the former Comox Logging buildings site, 614 Oyster Bay Drive. Saturdays from 9 am to noon. Hands on work preserving industrial artefacts, research, promotion. Archives: The Archives are managed by a part time professional Archivist with help from volunteers.

For these and other volunteer opportunities please call 250-245-0100 or info@ladsymithhistoricalsociety.ca

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Dinner at Cedar Hall Cedar Community Hall opens its doors for the Cedar Community Harvest Supper on Saturday, Nov. 16th, at 6 pm.

“We’re beginning a new era at the hall,” says Wanda Zink, one of the dinner’s organizers. “New paint, new paving, and new people. And we’re also celebrating the area farmers who grow our food and all the people who contribute to our community.”

Roblyn Hunter, another volunteer, adds, “This is a chance to kick back and

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get to know your neighbours and other people in the area. It’s what the community hall was built for.”

Dinner will be catered by the Coco Café, with as much local produce as possible: an all-beef shepherd’s pie (with option of vegetarian lasagna), roasted root vegetables, focaccia bread, salads, and homemade pies with ice cream for dessert. A no-host bar, live music, silent auction featuring local artisans, and a Patchwork of Pies event complete the relaxed evening. Tickets are $25 each.

“What’s different about this dinner is that it’s truly a community event,” says another organizer Bobbi-Jean Goldy.

“So many different groups and individuals are coming together to offer what they can, from 4-H to the Lions’ Club.

Any money raised will help us lower the price for the next community meal.” Island Savings (Cedar Branch) and Graf Concrete and Iron are generous sponsors of the evening.

Since this is a catered event, get your tickets soon. In person at Cedar General Store and Friesen’s Hardware and Rentals. By phone at 722-2112. Or online at cedarcommunityhall.ca Can You Bake a Cherry Pie? Join in the fun on Nov. 16th and bake a pie to be served at the community supper later in the day. The Patchwork of Pies event is part of the harvest theme: bakers are encouraged to use local produce—apples, cherries, blueberries,

Wray Tellier, at Way Too Cheesy cafe Photo: Marina Sacht

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raspberries, peaches, cranberries, blackberries. Any kind of crust is okay, but they should be in tin-foil pie plates. Bring your pie to Cedar Hall between 1pm to 3pm on Nov. 16. A friendly judge will hand out awards like “Most Colourful Pie” or perhaps the coveted “Pie-of-the-World” title. For info call 250-722-2112

Way Too Cheezie opens Things can’t get too cheesy for Wray Tellier, the new owner of Creeks Corner Store and its new cafe “Way Too Cheezie.”

Located next to Timberlands Pub, the small restaurant with limited seating offers mainly take out. Size doesn’t matter to Wray, who is building a reputation as the “grilled cheese” king.

If you have a hankering for warm, melted, gooey cheese, you have found your place. This is comfort food.

My companion and I ordered the breakfast sandwich, and the Toad in the Hole, on multi-rye bread, with bacon and lots of melted cheese. The brie, with wilted spinach and blueberry, is next on my list.

Wray, retired and living in Cedar, has been in business for most of his life, and some will remember him from the Patricia Hotel when he booked acts like Doug and the Slugs. When the convenience store, located next to the Timberland Pub came up for sale, he bought it mainly because of the small kitchen in the back.

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“It’s something I wanted to do for years.” With experienced chef Angela Kiesman behind the grill, they are putting out unique twists on grilled cheese. One of the more popular sandwiches is the pulled-pork cheese sandwich. The eggs are free range, and as much locally sourced ingredients as possible are used.

You can find your own slice of cheese heaven at 3582 Halberg Road, Cassidy, from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3pm.

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A cold winter, maybe This story was written eight years ago, but is still relevant. I found it languishing in my sock drawer, just in case you’re wondering about the smell. It’s about the necessity of snow tires, how mine have not so much as crushed a snowball, let alone transversed a polar ice field. Yes, last year, we got some serious snow, finally an opportunity to put our virgin snow tires to the test. Unfortunately, we left for holidays the day before the snow started. By the time we got back, the road was as dry as a James Bond martini. But never mind, on with the story.

They say it’s going to be a really cold winter. My wife heard them and made me go out and buy snow tires for our car,

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ruining one of my lifelong objectives — to get through life without ever having to buy snow tires. I almost made it. At age 63, victory was just around the corner; then this happens. I’m choked.

And now she wants me to buy something else I’m trying to avoid — a generator. You see, out here in the country, a bad winter means power failures because those damn snow-laden trees keep taking death-defying dives over the power lines. We need the generator to prevent our freezer from defrosting.

That would be the same freezer that’s located in our unheated detached garage.

The same garage that’s outside in the really cold winter. How things are supposed to defrost outside in a really cold winter has yet to be explained to me.

Until it has, I’m dragging my feet on the generator. Wish me luck on this one.

These developments are particularly galling when you consider today’s weather. It’s a beautiful day, a clear blue sky, lots of sun and a crisp wind out of the northwest. According to last night’s weather forecast, it was supposed to be pouring rain with 15 mph of wind out of the southeast. These are the same guys

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who tell us when to buy snow tires?

Armed with the $600 bill from the tire shop, I went searching for the culprits who made the prediction. If it turns out wrong, I want a refund. Fortunately, they weren’t hard to track down. Primarily, these long range forecasts come from two sources: The Farmers’ Almanac and the multi-billion-dollar climate prediction agency NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

The Farmers’ Almanac predictions are made as far as two years in advance, using a top secret and astrological (or is that astro-illogical?) formula that relies on sunspot activity, tidal action, planetary position and many other factors.

Being a farmer’s almanac, one can only assume cow flatulence is factored in there somehow. But get this: their forecaster uses a pseudonym, Caleb Weatherbee. Probably because too many guys, such as myself, have presented him with bills for unnecessary snow tires. According to Caleb and associates, their predictions are 80 to 85 per cent accurate. According to independent sources, they do no better than chance.

All this gets my quack alarm sound-

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ing. My suspicion is that Caleb’s firstborn son Walter, who on more than one occasion has been mistaken for a dirigible, is an integral part of Caleb’s calculations. Every Halloween, Walter hops on the scales. A modest weight gain over last Halloween represents an average winter; a larger gain means a cold winter and a smaller gain means milder temperatures. This method is based on tried-and-true scientific principles, primarily that all mammals could use extra flesh in winter to stay warm.

NOAA, on the other hand, is a scientific heavyweight with enough formulas, equations and pocket protectors to put a spaceship in orbit. They are definitely not quacks, nor, unfortunately, are they consistently accurate.

This has been pointed out by a smart-ass organization that we shall call the Weather Jerks, most likely a renegade band of unhappy motorists cruising around on bald snow tires. Being jerks, they matched NOAA’s hurricane predictions against those of two five-year-old children. The kid’s predictions were more accurate. This year the contest is against a chimp, albeit a chimp using tried-and-true weather prediction techniques — yes, a pair of dice. The outcome has yet to be determined, but smart money is betting on the chimp.

It should come as no surprise that Farmers’ Almanac, NOAA and the other major player, Accuweather, are frequently at odds.

The thing about the long-term weather prediction game is it’s pretty easy to look good. Either the winter is better than normal, worse than normal or average. You’ve always got a 33 per cent chance of being right.

And not only do people want you to be right, they cut you slack when you’re wrong. Being wrong doesn’t make the news, being right does, especially if your prediction is outrageous.

For example, you could predict a foot of snow would fall on Los Angeles over Christmas and be wrong forty times in a row, but just be right once and you find yourself on daytime television modeling your new faux fur coat and making predictions on subjects you can’t even spell, let alone fathom.

So that’s the story. Now quit wasting time and head down to the liquor store. With luck, you’ll hit the tail end of their big sale. One to look for is Meiome, a Califormia Pinot Noir marked down $7 to $21.99. Me, I’m headed out for new snow tires. All this dry pavement wore the old ones out.

Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked at Mahle House. and CoCo Cafe.

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NOVEMBER 1 – 3 1–24, 10am–5pm (except Sundays), Hockey Exhibit, Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 1–24, 11am–4pm, Under the Microscope, 1pm, Opening Reception, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 444 Parkhill Terrace (temporary location), Ladysmith 1, 1pm–4pm, Ladysmith Health & Community Services Fair, Frank Jameson Community Centre, 810-6th Ave., Ladysmith 1, 7pm, Lazy Mike & Carson Mallon, Osborne Bay Pub, Crofton, 250-324-2245 1, 8pm, The Odd Couple, Nanaimo Theatre Group, Bailey Studio, Nanaimo 2, 9am–4pm, Sweet Yeast & Breakfast Pastries, Seraphina’s Oven, 250-619-4464 2, 9am–11am, $5 Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 250-246-2111 2, 9:30pm–6pm, Nanaimo Fine Arts Show, VI Conference Centre, Dodds Narrow Rm., 101 Gordon St., Nanaimo 2, 10am–6pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Winter Show & Sale, Country Club Centre 2, 11am–2pm, St. Mary’s Annual Bazaar at All Saints Catholic Parish, Saint Mary’s Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 2, 11am–2pm, International Irish Uilleann Piping Day, Ladysmith Art Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Rd., Ladysmith, 250-616-3778 2, 11am–5pm, Mary Fox Pottery Studio Sale, 321–3rd Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-3778 2, 2pm–4:30pm, EcoFilm Festival, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Cedar 2, 2-6pm, Two Man Wheaty Band, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar 2, 2pm and 7:30pm, Lumberjacks in Love, Chemainus Theatre Festival

2, 8pm, The Pretzel Logic Orchestra–Steely Dan Tribute, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

Mayor Aaron Stone, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 444 Parkhill Terrace (temporary location), Ladysmith

2, 8pm, The Odd Couple, Nanaimo Theatre Group, Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd.

6, 7pm, Birth of the Báb, Malaspina Theatre, Building #310 VIU, 900 Fifth St., Nanaimo

2, 8pm, Comedy Night, $15 advance/$20 at door, The Cranberry Arms, 250-722-3112

6, 7:30pm, Arts Club’s Bed & Breakfast by Mark Crawford, The Port Theatre, Nanaimo

3, 9am, Help Light-up Ladysmith, volunteers needed to hang, tie, hold, carry, etc., meet at 49th Parallel upper parking lot, 1020 1st Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-5888

8, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Dance to The Copper Canyon, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111

2-3, 10am–5pm, Cowichan Valley Artisans Studio Tour, cowichanartisans.com

8, 7pm, Solitary Refinement, hosted by The Rock Christian Fellowship, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave., Ladysmith

3, 10am–5pm, Nanaimo Fine Arts Show, VI Conference Centre, Dodds Narrow Rm.

8, 8pm, Big Smoke–Classic Rock, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

3, 11am–5pm, Mary Fox Pottery Studio Sale, 321–3rd Ave., Ladysmith, 250-245-3778

9, 10am–4pm, Crofton Art Group’s Annual Fall Sale, Crofton Seniors Centre, 250-246-3870

3, 11am–5pm, The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op’s Winter Show & Sale, Country Club Centre

9, 7pm, Opera Nanaimo Presents La Bohème, VIU Theatre, Fifth St., Nanaimo

3, 2pm, Les Voix Humaines, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo

9, 7pm, Live music with Double Play, The Cranberry Arms, 250-722-3112

3, 3pm, Double Ninth Festival for Seniors, classical concert, St Paul’s Anglican Church

9, 8pm, Harpdog Brown & The Uptown Blues Band, Osborne Bay Pub, 250-324-2245

4 – 10

9 - 10, 9am–6pm, Ladysmith Kinsmen Club’s Hot Dog Fundraiser for the Ladysmith Food Bank Ladysmith 49th Parallel Grocery

5, 4pm, Ideal Protein discussion with Bev, Pharmasave, 441 1st Ave., Ladysmith, reserve spot 250-327-9050

10, 9am, Legion Remembrance Day Event: Colour Party Visit, St. Mary’s Catholic Church,

5, 8pm, OFFstage Jazz Series-John Lee Trio, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo

10, 2pm, Opera Nanaimo Presents La Bohème, VIU Theatre, Fifth St., Nanaimo

6, 10:30am, Ladysmith Legion Remembrance Event: Colour Party Visit, La Rosa Gardens Retirement Home, 1211 Cloke Rd., Ladysmith

11 – 17

6, 2pm, Ladysmith Legion Remembrance Event: Colour Party Visit, Oyster Harbour Senior Community (formerly Lodge on 4th), 1127-4th Ave., Ladysmith 6, 5pm–7pm, Chamber Fall Speaker Series:

11, 10:30am, Remembrance Day Parade from Legion Hall to Cenotaph; 10:45am, Opening Service; 11am, Two minutes of Silence, Remembrance Program & Laying of Wreaths, Ladysmith Cenotaph, 1010 Esplanade Ave., Ladysmith

TAKE 5

13, 7pm, Aspengrove School Information Session, Oyster Cove Community Meeting Room, 245 Oyster Cove Rd., Ladysmith 13, 7pm–9pm, Open Session, reading and discussion seminar for artists and community members, Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commercial St., Nanaimo 13, 7pm–9pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Meeting, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite Rd., Nanaimo 14, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Improv XXI Show, Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6 Ave., Ladysmith 15–Dec 29, Miracle on 34th Street, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus 15, Beer & Burger for Ladies Wheaty Soccer Team, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar 15, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Improv XXI Show, Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6th Ave., Ladysmith 15, 8pm, Rotten Little Kings, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 16, 10am–2pm, Christmas Market, South Wellington Community Hall, 1555 Morden Rd., Nanaimo 16, 10am–3pm, Chemainus Art Group Artsty Craftsy Christmas Show, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 S. Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith 16, 11am–2pm, Old Fashion Christmas Bazaar, lunch $8, St. John’s Anglican Church, 486 Jubliee St., Duncan 16, 11am–2pm, Annual Christmas Bazaar & Luncheon, Ladysmith First United Church, 232 High St., Ladysmith 16, noon–2pm, Good Cents for Change Christmas Bazaar, fundraiser, lunch $12, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 1797 Cedar Rd., Cedar 16, 1pm–3pm, Patchwork of Pies Event, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Cedar, cedarcommunityhall.ca or 250-722-2112 16, 1pm–4:30pm, Métis Heritage Celebration, RSVP to becka@nanaimomuseum.ca by Nov. 13, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo 16, 2-6pm, Mike Mallon, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar 16, 5pm–8pm, Birthday Party Potluck, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 16, 6pm, Cedar Community Harvest Supper, $25, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Cedar, cedarcommunityhall.ca or 722-2112 16, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Improv XXI Show, Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6th Ave., Ladysmith 16, 7pm, Live music with The Shakes, The

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Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-722-3112 16, 7pm, Fireside Evening, Bahai Ladysmith, contact Shannon 250-245-4230 17, 1pm–3pm, Public Tour, $20, Wildwood Ecoforest, www.ecoforestry.ca 17, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts: Andrei Burdeti, guitar & Jannie Burdeti, piano, St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus, 250-748-8383

18 – 24 18, 7pm–9pm, Island Stitchery Group Meeting, Christ Community Church, 2221 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo 19, 8:30am–11am, Chamber Fall Speaker Series: Colin Sprake, Microtel Inn & Suites Oyster Bay, 12570 Trans-Canada Hwy, 20, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 20, 11:30am–1pm, Lunch & Entertainment, $6, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 20, 7pm–9pm, Snuneymuxw, Snawnawas, Stzuminus Hul’q’umi’num Maker Lab, space limited, Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commercial St., Nanaimo 20, 7:30pm, North Oyster & Area Historical Society AGM, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., Ladysmith 21–24, 10am–4pm, Carol’s Christmas Artisan Market, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., Ladysmith 21–24, 10am–5pm, Cedar & Yellow Point Artisans Tour, cyartisans.com 21, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Improv XXI Show, Ladysmith Secondary School 22, 3-6pm, Christmas Cheer Tasting, Wheatsheaf Liquor Store, Cedar 22, 6pm, Cowichan Valley Capitals–Burger & Beer Fundraiser, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-732-2090

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22, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Medley Café Open Mic, St. John’s Anglican Church, 486 Jubliee St., Duncan 22, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Improv XXI Show, Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6 Ave., Ladysmith 22, 7pm–9pm, Traditional Family Barn Dance with LIVE Fiddle Band, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Cedar, 250-754-5697 23, 10am–3pm, Christmas Bazaar, Cassidy Mobile Home Park, 1572 Seabird Rd., Cassidy, 250-245-2725 23, 10am–4pm, Deck the Hall Christmas Market, Cowichan Exhibition, 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan 23, Brown Bag Wine Tasting, $25., Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar, register 250-7223141 23, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Improv XXI Show, Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6 Ave., Ladysmith 23, 7pm, Live music with Littlehead, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-722-3112 23, 8pm, Big Hank’s Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-224528

24- 30 24, 9am–5pm, Christmas Chocolates Workshop, $125, Seraphina’s Oven, 11286 Green Hill Dr., Ladysmith, 250-619-4464 24, 10am–3pm, Deck the Hall Christmas Market, Cowichan Exhibition, 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan 25, Paint Night in the Pub, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar 25, 6:30pm–8:30pm, Jesus Heals Mass, Saint Mary’s Church, Ladysmith 27, 7:30pm, Serena Ryder-Christmas Kisses, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Duncan, 250-746-2722

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27, 7:30pm, O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy, Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, 250-338-2430 ext.1 28, Festival of Lights, Downtown Ladysmith 29, 7:30pm–10:30pm, Serena Ryder 2019 Christmas Kisses Tour, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo 29, 7:30pm, The Savannah Sipping Society, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., Ladysmith, 250-924-0658 29, 8pm, Adrian Chalifour –JOY–Album Release Tour, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 30, 9am-12pm, Christmas Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Cedar Community Hall, Cedar 30, 1pm–5pm, Holiday Yeast Breads 2-day Workshop, $175, Seraphina’s Oven, 11286 Green Hill Dr., Ladysmith, 250-619-4464 30, Beer & Burger for the VIU Ladies VolleyBall Team, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar 30, 7:30pm, The Savannah Sipping Society, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658 30, 7pm–midnight (doors 6:30pm), Newfoundland Kitchen Party, $15, Chemainus Legion Hall

December 1, 2pm, The Savannah Sipping Society, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., Ladysmith, 250924-0658 1, 6:30pm–9pm, 43rd Annual Festival of Choirs, All Saints Catholic Parish, Saint Mary’s Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 1–29, Miracle on 34th Street, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus 3, 10:30am, Classical Coffee Concert, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo 3, 7:30pm, God is a Scottish Drag Queen-Theatre One Production, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo 5, 6pm, Family Christmas Dinner at 6:30pm, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., Call to reserve 250-245-5157 5, 7:30pm, The Savannah Sipping Society, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658 6, Old Time Christmas, Downtown Ladysmith 6, 7:30pm, The Savannah Sipping Society, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658 7, 10am-4pm, Nanaimo Artwalk, www. nanaimoartwalk.com 7, Wheaty Food Bank Drive, 2 Man Wheaty Band & friends & Wreath Making-$30 sign up at pub, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar 7, 3:30pm, Winter Harp, The Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo 7, 7:30pm, The Savannah Sipping Society, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658

TAKE 5

take5.ca

HOME & YARD

FOR SALE MINER’S SHACK GALLERY COLLECTION. On trend painted furniture, locally made pillows, original art and prints, gifts and unique vintage items. Downstairs at the Antique Post Office, open 7 days a week; www.MINERSshackGallery. com.

WANTED VOLUNTEERS needed for a variety of positions.

Ladysmith Museum needs greeters, and program facilitators, Ladysmith Archives has positions in research and archiving. The Industrial Heritage Preservation Group seeks individuals who would like to paint, repair or work on machinery and other artifacts. Contact Ladysmith & District Historical Society at 250-245-0100.

FREE Cottonwood Bark perfect for carving, aged two years. Must pick up. Call 250-245-4073 LEARNING ADD YOUR VOICE Singing Lessons. 30 yrs experience teaching both classical & musical theatre. Reasonable rates. Email knbotterell@ gmail.com.

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

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

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER. Now offering senior companionship, respite care and concierge services.

Peaceofmindcare.wordpress.com.

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

WE’RE HERE TO HELP with small jobs and clearing the clutter. Call the Forever Team, Bill and Kathy Reilly. Handyman services and trained professional organizer; info@ justsortit.ca or 250-668-8908.

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DOG WALKING/HIKING OFF LEASH! 2-hour avg. walk, weekly walks year-round, pick up & drop off included, insured & licensed. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet!

See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action!

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

KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, power washing, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail.com or 250-714-2738.

THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill sburchard@ hotmail.ca or 250-924-8809.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 30 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No Job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823.

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.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website.From promos to fulllength documentaries. Editor@take5.ca

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.

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

HEALTH & BEAUT Y

PETS

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–noon, $60/3 mo., www.taichinanaimo.org.

Call Sara 250-245-1466.

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.

SENIORS

LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project ready to press. Editor@take5.ca GRANNYS ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES. Are you looking for someone that can help you with an active senior family member? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-924-1515.

TAKE 5

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