TAKE 5 November 2025

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Letters Ladysmith Seniors Housing I am writing with the intent to dispel the notion that permissive tax exemptions take away from those who pay taxes (illusion of a fixed pie).

Recently, we witnessed a flip-flop on Council’s decision to deny a permissive tax exemption to the Ladysmith Senior Citizens’ Housing Society, following staff recommendation. While I am a member and an elected Director to this Board, my comments are not necessarily representative of the Board’s position on this matter. They are mine and mine alone.

I challenge the notion of a “fixed pie” some Council members put forth, given that the Town operates on a budget derived from several sources, property tax being only one. Individual and corporate taxpayers pay taxes and realize, over time, benefits to property ownership, or in times of economic downturn, potential losses. Charities and non-profit organizations do not realize personal or corporate benefits, and their volunteers see no benefit beyond serving their community. If a charity is dissolved, its assets are distributed to other charities or non-profits. Meanwhile, owning the land where services are provided creates a community-wide opportunity to do amazing collective things to enhance the entire community, such as providing housing. Let’s allow ourselves to set an example of what a community can do! Our Board members are all volunteers.

Housing does not magically appear overnight. It may take years of planning and investment before it can be occupied.

But in the meantime, permissive tax exemptions save the charity a few thousand dollars (less than three thousand in this case) each year, money that can be spent on development.

We have paid for a demolition permit to the Town, for example.

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We will have to pay for a survey. We may consider re-zoning, another expense. We will have to pay an architect. We have paid taxes on that land since we acquired it, and now that the former residence has been demolished, we are simply asking the Town to get behind its own narrative and support the development of more affordable housing for seniors. Federal and Provincial governments must also walk the talk on housing.

Suppose we continue to charge tenants 30% of their annual income. In that case, this means that 70% of their incomes are paying for groceries, haircuts, bakery goods, restaurants, and other goods and services in support of local businesses. This is an INVESTMENT in our community in the long view. We are keeping people housed, enhancing their dignity, and out of institutional care for as long as possible, available to provide volunteer services in many of the other non-profits in Town.

We have been doing this for 60 years already, and now we have an opportunity to provide even more units. I propose that anyone who sees this investment opportunity will encourage staff recommend our request for a tax exemption. Affordable housing is an asset for all of us. - Lia Versaevel VP LSCHS

Pond support This is to support the letter of Mike Gogo in the September 2025 issue. I support the creation of ponds to store water for use in firefighting. If the BC government can support this, then so much the better. - David Haley, RPF Letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the opinion of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. editor@take5.ca

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Ladysmith’s Next Tourist Attraction?

BY RICK RAKE A teacher and a machinist in the south Ladysmith woods are living a love story not only with each other but also with nature, classic four-wheeled beauties and a private nine-acre historic fantasyland – complete with a roundhouse, nature centre and authentic one-room schoolhouse.

“We moved here to nothing more than a half-finished house in 1971. Everything here is new to us,” says collector and co-owner Shirley Blackstaff.

“Harry, my husband has his old cars, steam engines and tools, and I have my schoolhouse, interpretive nature trails and my place for social gatherings with

Nature House at Wheels of the Past Fall Family Festival. Photo: Bob Burgess

the ice-cream parlour.”

The Blackstaffs, who have been collectors all their lives, greeted invited

friends and family for their annual open house and barbecue on October 19, 2025. More than 40 volunteers help the

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couple maintain the site and its mechanical wonders.

They call their homestead “Blackstaffs’ Wheels of the Past Heritage Village and Eagles, Evergreens and Everyone Park,” and it potentially offers Ladysmith a special tourism opportunity.

“An investment in this ongoing project will support initiatives that will build a strong brand for Ladysmith’s tourism industry, extend the tourism season and encourage visitors to stay in the Ladysmith area longer,” says the site’s promotional material. “By enhancing visitor experiences linked to education, culture, heritage and the natural environment, we are providing opportunities for our region and promoting tourism which supports successful economic growth.”

What happens next for the childless couple’s historic collection of buildings and artifacts is a mystery. And it’s one which local historical societies are interested in.

Meanwhile, Shirley is planning schoolhouse programs in the future when wheelchair access is completed.

She’s been an active member and curator for Ladysmith Maritime Society, is engaged with local retired teachers’ associations, and is pleased to work with Cowichan Valley Schools Heritage Society to help save textbooks and memorabilia.

“We can’t just let artifacts of any kind just sit in a shed. I’m also focused on the preservation of the environment,” she says.

Stories of how the vehicles, steam engines and other historic equipment made their way to the “village” are many, including the relocation of the old Crown Zellerbach (Comox Logging) building from Ladysmith.

Harry doesn’t waste a moment sharing information on his old cars and how he fixes them with parts he casts himself.

He still has his first car – an all-original 1927 Nash sedan – and is proud to share the fact he has a 1901 steam car, the first registered in Victoria.

Carefully stored away is his restored Italian 1906 Zust, which, reportedly, finished third in the Great Race from New York to Paris in 1908 and is the subject of a movie and docudramas.

He’s been involved in relocating a

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steam engine in Ladysmith, and Shirley led the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s building of the Harbour Heritage Centre, the Maritime Museum and the Sea Life Centre.

Together, the Blackstaffs’ life work is recognized for providing unique experiences for locals and visitors.

Will their “village” be Ladysmith’s next exciting tourist attraction? There’s hope.

Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular Shines Brighter Each Year Every December, as forests glisten with rain and fairy lights begin to glow, a magical occurrence takes place on stages across Vancouver Island. The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular bursts onto the scene – a glittering fusion of music, dance and sheer holiday joy that has quietly become one of BC’s most cherished seasonal traditions.

Now entering its 17th year, the show is a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and the enduring power of live performance. Under the artistic direction of Katy Bowen-Roberts, the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular captures everything that

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makes the holidays special: nostalgia, laughter and the unmistakable sense of togetherness that comes only from sharing an experience with others in real time.

What sets the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular apart is its heart. The production features both professional performers and a network of local talent, volunteers and supporters who recognize the show as a shared gift to the Island community. Over the years, it has grown from a regional feature into a multicity tour, with sold-out performances at venues such as Nanaimo’s Port Theatre, Courtenay’s Sid Williams Theatre and Victoria’s McPherson Playhouse.

Generations of families have made the show a yearly ritual – grandparents bringing grandchildren, couples on annual date nights and entire office groups gathering together to mark the start of the holiday season. It’s the kind of tradition that fosters belonging in a world that too often feels hurried and disconnected.

As the final number fades and the cast takes its bow, audiences leave

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Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular. Photo submitted

with more than just a catchy tune in their heads. They leave with a rekindled sense of joy, ready to carry that light into the darker days of winter.

The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular has earned its place as a cornerstone of Vancouver Island’s cultural calendar. Shows run from December 10 to 21, 2025. For tickets, visit www.yellowpointchristmasspectacular.ca.

Nov. 15 Marks National Philanthropy Day National Philanthropy Day recognizes the spirit of giving, whether through volunteering or making a donation, that supports our charitable sector. This includes organizations that provide social services, education, arts, culture, and many more.

The Ladysmith Community Fund Society holds an endow-

ment fund with the Nanaimo Foundation. Donations to the fund are invested and help to increase the amount of grant funds that the Ladysmith Community Fund Society is able to disburse each year. Grants are made available annually to charitable organizations offering programs and services in the Ladysmith area. A single donation to the Ladysmith Community Fund will give back in perpetuity to our community.

As we get closer to the end of the year, it is a great time to think about making a donation. By donating to your favourite charity, you may receive 15-49% of the amount you donated back at tax time.

If you would like to learn more about the Ladysmith Community Fund, please visit their website at ladysmithcommunityfund.ca or Facebook.

New urgent and primary care centre opens The Cowichan UPCC, which opened Oct. 20, 2025, will provide urgent care and, eventually primary-care attachment using a team-based model.

Access to the Cowichan UPCC is by appointment only and is based on need, with a nurse or clinician assessing patients over the phone to ensure they receive the right care at the right time.

“This new UPCC is great news for people living in and around Duncan,” said Debra Toporowski (Qwulti’stunaat), MLA for Cowichan Valley and parliamentary secretary for rural health.

“It is especially significant for the Cowichan Tribes, Penelakut Tribe, Halalt, Lyackson, Stz’uminus, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx and Ditidaht First Nations, who will have access to care that’s closer to their homes and communities.”

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Barry Strasbourg-Thompson

BY NADINE WONG With more than 70 years of professional experience, local artist and educator Barry-Strasbourg-Thompson is a true veteran of the creative world.

“I come from seven generations of artists and began my art career at eight years old, painting for Crawley Films in Ottawa,” he recalls with a smile. “That job paid me $10, which was a lot of money in the ’50s.”

Barry holds an Honours BFA from the University of Ottawa, along with several diplomas and certificates from other institutions. “My degree was in art and healthcare,” he explains. “I’ve taught professionally in programs for children,

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seniors and veterans, often integrating art as a tool for healing and personal growth.”

For Barry, art is more than a practice – it’s a philosophy. He sees it as a lifelong path towards wellness, self-awareness and authentic expression. “These three questions underpin my teaching and creative philosophy: Who am I? Why am I here? Who are these others?”

Barry believes true art isn’t about financial gain but about honest expression and conscious awareness – understanding oneself and one’s place in the world.

Currently, Barry is developing a new series titled Circling Home, a reflective series of work exploring the symbolism of the circle and the idea of wholeness.

“Each series is like a chapter in a book,” he notes. “A single painting can contain everything.”

When asked about his daily routine, Barry says, “I start my day early, focusing on quiet reflection and business tasks, and often take time to spend with my partner, Gail, before heading into my home studio. I also work out of my van, a kind of rolling classroom. I’ll drive someplace and produce some drawings.”

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Barry Strasbourg-Thompson.

Photo: Nadine Wong

Cedar and Yellow Point Artisans Christmas Tour.

Photo: Bob Burgess

Still active in teaching and mentoring, Barry continues to inspire others through his belief that art is not just a skill but a path to healing, authenticity and personal evolution.

Annual Artisan tour returns The Cedar and Yellow Point Artisans Christmas Tour is definitely an annual mid-island favourite.

Over a period of 10 days from (Nov 20-23, Nov. 27-30, and Dec. 13-14) visitors have access to artists and crafters in a truly picturesque area just north of Ladysmith.

This year’s 37th Christmas tour boasts 17 terrific locations for visitors to enjoy-some studios offering live demonstrations.

It’s an excellent opportunity to find those special hand-crafted gifts for friends and family or maybe just for you. With some very talented artists in this scenic community, you’ll find many of the studios and specialty farms add to its natural beauty.

There are treasures to discover, with various woodworked items, from furniture to toys and charcuterie boards and more.

Take an advance peek at the website where you’ll find an online map (www.cyartisans.com) as well as a list of the participants with examples of their work.

All studios will be open from 10-5 pm on the tour dates. The tour is self-guided and an awesome way to spend time with

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friends who are sure to enjoy the stunning functional and decorative pottery and blown glass, as well as a variety of jewellery, gorgeous gourd art and much more hand-made work, like quilts and runners. You’ll see paintings as beautiful and unique as the artists creating them. You can also find soft alpaca wool items or goat milk soaps—there is an almost endless variety to inspire and delight.

Visitors will also enjoy the many wonderful organic farm products ranging from sauces to jams and jellies and from wool to candles, botanicals and honey to toys for kids. More information about this area and this annual tour can be found on FB and Instagram… just look for the Cedar Christmas Tour or @cyartisans.

There’s a lot to see, a lot to sample, and lots of inspiration for finding those special gifts for family and friends.

The Star-Spangled Girl Ladysmith Little Theatre’s second show of the 2025–2026 season, The Star-Spangled Girl, opens November 20, 2025.

In 1960s San Francisco, two earnest young men with a new vision for a bright future struggle as they attempt to publish and distribute their political protest magazine. When an allAmerican beauty moves in next door, their world is turned upside down. Caught in a swirling triangle of politics, passions and young love, this fast-paced and hilarious comedy will sweep you off your feet and leave you laughing all the way home. The Star-Spangled Girl, written by Neil Simon, is directed by Charles Harman.

Some of the cast of Ladysmith Little Theatre’s Star-Spangled Girl.

Photo submitted.

Shows take place at the Ladysmith Little Theatre and will run daily from November 20 to December 7, 2025. Due to the Ladysmith Light Up event, no performance will take place on November 27.

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Winter Book Fest Are you a writer with a book to share?

Or a reader looking for your new favourite author? Then mark your calendars for the first annual Ladysmith Book Fest on 22nd November, at the Eagles Hall, 10am to 4pm.

This is an opportunity for authors to network and engage directly with book lovers and fans, and for readers to meet talented local authors and purchase signed copies and exclusive merchandise. The event is a celebration of our vibrant local literary community.

There are a limited amount of tables available, authors can register by emailing jackie@jackiesharpauthor.com

Wonderheads Christmas Carol puppets.

Photo submitted.

A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol A remarkable reimagining of A Christmas Carol is headed for Vancouver Island stages this December. A Wonderheads Christmas Carol brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical Christmas journey to life with giant masks, whimsical puppets and inventive theatrical artistry.

Often described as “live-action Pixar,” the Wonderheads Theatre group have spent over a decade enchanting audiences with their imaginative productions.

Their take on the Dickens classic has become a beloved holiday tradition for thousands of theatregoers each winter.

The production’s four performers share more than twenty roles between them, showcasing exceptional skill and precision.

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“Our ensemble is breathing hard by the end of the 75-minute show,” said Director Andrew Phoenix. “In one moment, a performer is Bob Cratchit; in the next, they’re animating an enormous puppet or spinning set pieces through a cyclone of time travel.”

The show runs in Nanaimo (Port Theatre) from December 23 to 24, 2025. For tickets and show times, visit porttheatre. com or the Port Theatre Box Office.

of joy, nostalgia and community spirit – the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.

Festive Brass plays St. ANdrews United Church, in Nanaimo on December 6, 2025, at 7 p.m. Tickets can be found at www.festivebrass.ca/holidaytour2025.

A Canadian Christmas

Nanaimo’s Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin are bringing the festivities home for the holidays with a brand-new show – Piano Heist: A Very Merry Heistmas!

This musical extravaganza is a joyful romp through Christmas classics, brimming with dazzling piano duels, quick-witted comedy and a whole lot of holiday spirit. Featuring the nostalgia of A Charlie Brown Christmas, a rock ’n’ roll Nutcracker Suite, the Messiah on melodicas and a rollicking ragtime “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” every moment is bursting with musical mischief and cheer. Get ready for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind holiday concert filled with laughter, surprises and audience sing-alongs.

In 2022, lifelong friends and accomplished pianists Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin launched Piano Heist, determined to bring piano music back into the spotlight. Inspired by three centuries of musical genius – from Bach to Billy Joel and Chopin to Queen – they created a show that fuses dazzling musicianship with humour, storytelling and audience participation.

A Very Merry Heistmas plays on December 10, 2025, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Port Theatre. Tickets can be found at www.porttheatre.com. For more information, visit www.pianoheist.com.

Experience the magic of the season with Christmas in Canada – a traditional family Christmas concert presented

by Festive Brass and featuring beloved choirs from across Vancouver Island.

This heartwarming performance celebrates the spirit of a true Canadian Christmas through music, storytelling and community connection. Audiences will be treated to a rich mix of timeless carols and festive favourites, along with new Canadian compositions, such as “A Canadian Christmas Fanfare” and “Christmas in Canada.”

Of course, no Festive Brass concert would be complete without their signature twist on the classics – a playful “Festive Brass spin” on carols such as “Good King Wenceslas” and “Silent Night.”

“There’s something special about performing this show on Vancouver Island,” said Stevan Paranosic, leader and trumpet player for Festive Brass.

“It’s festive, funny and full of heart – you never know what might happen on stage!”

Audiences are encouraged to sing along with the choirs during select numbers, making each concert a shared celebration for all ages. Expect moments

Hometown Holiday Fun with Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin!

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Festival of Lights Buzzing with Holiday Spirit plus 300 drones

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO Last year, the Festival of Lights ended without fireworks.

This year, there’s a new show to cap off the night. The LDCU has sponsored and organized the first-ever public drone show on Vancouver Island as the send-off at the end of the night.

John de Leeuw, CEO for the Ladysmith & District Credit Union, was the brains behind the operation, taking it from an idea to fruition. “We’re very proud that the Credit Union has

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found an alternative that we believe is magical and spectacular and will showcase not only the community of Ladysmith and Light Up night but [also] Vancouver Island when we take into account that it is the first-ever public drone show on Vancouver Island. We’re very proud to be able to sponsor and organize this. This isn’t us just cutting a check. This is us taking on this project from start to finish. And it’s just another example of how we know that it’s important and part of our responsibility to step up for our community.”

The drone show is a more Performers at Festival of Lights environmentally friendly op- Parade at Light Up night, 2024. tion than fireworks. While Photos: Linda McBride. fireworks are beautiful and beloved by many, they can cause fires, can be dangerous if lit incorrectly, and are harmful to pets and other animals. Drones are much less noisy, with no loud explosions, and are programed to display images through choreographed lights. The drone show is expected to run the full fifteen minutes that the

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original firework display used to last.

Michael Robinson, the marketing director at the LDCU described it as storytelling in lights. “It’s quite different [from fireworks]. You’re working in multi-layers, in four-dimensional space. The drone shows work [by having] the drones in layers.

They turn some lights on and turn some lights off to get everything to tie in together and create this animated story right in lights in the sky.”

Using 300 drones, the show will be themed to bring in the Christmas cheer. John wouldn’t share too much about the show, but he said to look out for a train and hinted that the LDCU’s mascot, Sunny, might make an appearance. “It is the kickoff of the Christmas season. It’s meant for families. It’s meant to bring the community together. It is a wonderful evening and a wonderful show.”

If you’re unfamiliar with Ladysmith’s favourite tradition, the Festival of Lights falls on the last Thursday of November, and it’s the town’s annual kickoff to the holiday season. The town is lit with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights, bringing

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locals and tourists alike to bask in the magic of it.

The Artisan Craft Fair opens at 3 p.m., and it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts. Activities officially kick off at 4 p.m. and include the Doctors of Rock ’n’ Roll performing on the main stage, as well as roving performers, like NRZ LED robots, jugglers and fairies. Santa even makes a stop in from the North Pole and will be available for visits with children from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The Kinsman Parade starts just after 6:30 p.m. and showcases festive floats and community spirit from local businesses and organizations alike. If you want to participate, registration is open until November 16th.

Traditions like these can be expensive to run, and Sam Day, vice president of the Festival of Lights, noted that the monthly 50/50 raffle “has been a tremendous success in supporting our fundraising efforts this year. We encourage everyone to participate and help keep the lights shining bright!”

For more information and to enter the raffle, visit their website (www.ladysmithfol.com).

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a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron and magnesium.

The smell and taste of homemade sliced bread with a fresh bowl of soup can certainly excite one’s palate.

Homemade Bread You will need:

Breaking Bread

BY PAUL LEGACY Bread baking dates back about 10,000 years, with sourdough bread emerging roughly 6,000 years ago. My history with bread dates back to when I was about six years old, helping my mom and grandmother make bread. The smell and taste of fresh bread just out of the oven, sliced and spread with peanut butter and jam – I long for those days!

I often hear people say bread has changed in the last 100 years, but I feel it has rather developed into great breads that we cook today.

Homemade bread allows us to control the ingredients so it can offer improved digestion, better blood sugar control and

Product 2 loaves 4 loaves Flour 6+ cups 10+ cups Salt 2 tsp 4 tsp Sugar 3 tbsp ¼ cup + 2 tsp Butter 3 tbsp ¼ cup Water 2 cups 4 cups Yeast 1 tbsp 2 tbsp This is a simple bread recipe and so easy to make. Always use the appropriately sized bowl – stainless steel or glass if you have one large enough.

Add sugar, salt and butter. Then add the hot water (hot from the tap is good) and stir until the butter is melted. Add about ⅓ of the flour and sprinkle the yeast on top mix with a wooden spoon until mixed well. Continue to add flour until it’s too hard to mix with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle some of the flour on the countertop and remove the dough from the pan. Knead it until the flour is used up and the dough is no longer sticky – this could take up to 5 minutes.

Then place the dough in a nicely oiled bowl and cover with a cloth until it has doubled in size – about 1 hour to 1½ hours.

Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into loaves. Knead, shape and place the dough into greased loaf pans. Let these rise for another 1 hour to 1½ hours covered

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and then bake at 400 F for 30 minutes. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and the pans and cool. Slice and bag. It may be frozen for up to three months.

Notes: You can substitute butter for margarine. I use warm water from the tap, and it’s good enough. Different flour brands may require that you use more or less flour. Your kitchen should be warm to help with the rising of the bread. A cold kitchen will slow down the rising processes.

This bread makes excellent buns as well. I use a pie plate and cut one loaf into 12 pieces and follow the same process as bread.

Rustic Bread You will need: Flour 6½ cups Water 3 cups Salt 1 tbsp Yeast 1 tbsp This is bread is different in that you place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl, stir well and then add the water and stir with a wooden spoon. Put your hands under the water and slowly pull it all together – with no kneading.

Let the dough rise on the counter for a few hours covered in plastic wrap. Once it’s risen, you can put the dough in the fridge for up to two weeks, using as needed.

To bake a bread, simple rinse your hands under water and scoop up a piece and shape. Then put it on a cooking tray with lots of corn meal on the surface of the pan. Cook for 45 to 50 minutes at 425 F. Put the remaining dough back in the fridge covered and save for another day.

Notes: This bread recipe will make four small round breads or shape to your needs. It will also make four thin crust pizzas.

Divide it into four parts and use a floured surface to roll out.

You can also add spices, cheese or whatever you want. This bread is very crispy and amazing with soups and stews.

Photos: Paul Legacy

You can follow Paul Legacy’s food blog: A Legacy in Thyme at https:// www.facebook.com/ share/1AvhVXYW3a /?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Room for All Creatures Great and Small

BY KERITH WADDINGTON Carrie Daviduk’s bucket is always full.

Of chicken feed. Or goat greens. Or cat kibble. Or, simply, water.

But her bucket is always full figuratively too. Since 2006, and on her own dime, Daviduk – a Cedar resident on a four-acre property with a heart even bigger – has opened her home to 11 goats, 10 feral cats, five to six kittens (either kept or adopted out), three dogs, about 20 turkeys and hundreds of chickens in need of care.

She laughingly admits that while she’s “at maximum capacity” with her current roster of 33 chickens, two turkeys, eight goats, five cats and one dog, she spends much of her free time working with rescue organizations such as Cowichan Cat Rescue, CatNap, Foster Kritters and A Home for Hooves to help two- and four-legged friends in need.

She explains her motivation to help those who can’t help themselves.

“Although I was a city kid and grew up in North Nanaimo, I had my own horse whom I loved very much,” she says. “I really connect with animals on a deep level and enjoy their company.

And I am lucky to have this much space, which enables me to help out. Feeding this motley crew feeds my spirit, so it’s a win-win all around.”

Whether blind or deaf, friendly or feisty, young or old, a variety of animals have been welcomed to Daviduk’s home over the years. She admits that, at the moment, only the chickens “pay for their keep” by laying eggs she can sell. “The rest are absolutely useless,” she laughs – except, of course, for the peace their happiness brings her. Daviduk supports her furry friends through her work as a farrier.

Daviduk graduated almost 20 years ago from the farrier program at Kwantlen College and has made her living trimming hooves and shoeing horses ever since. She likens the experience to people trimming their own nails, “just on a larger scale, and requiring lots of strength and patience.” Daviduk has a regular rotation of clients from Duncan to Coombs who keep her extremely busy.

She admits the work is hard on her body.

Carrie Daviduk at her North Oyster farm. Photo: Kerith Waddington

“My joints take a beating, so I incorporate as much physio and self-care into my weeks as possible,” she says. “But it’s work I love, probably because I had my own horse growing up.

I like to think I am a bit of a horse-whisperer. It’s gratifying to be able to calm a nervous horse down [until] they let you work on their feet. It’s an honour, really.”

Back home, Daviduk enjoys listening to the young turkeys as they try to gobble but end up producing a garbled “honk” instead. Some chickens are loving, while others try to draw blood. And goats Dorothy, Blanche and Fernando think they own their pen, but Poppy, the smallest, will raise her hackles when needed and put everybody in their place with a good head butt. “These guys are endlessly entertaining,” admits Daviduk, who also provides a home for some freshwater fish and a couple of snails. “I can’t help myself,” she laughs. “When I hear of a critter needing help, I’m in!”

Daviduk is proof that out in the country, there is often a heartwarming story just next door.

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Without a Home Sleeping rough behind the Ladysmith Museum. Photo: Marina Sacht

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO Homelessness is a national issue with complexities that cannot be properly explored in a single article. Yet the tension between those experiencing homelessness, the resources available to them, and the ways this “problem” is being dealt with, should not be ignored.

Ladysmith has a homeless population.

There are encampments in the woods hidden away from the town; and people bundled in blankets asleep in the museum parking lot. Some people only see the negative sides of the issue: garbage and needles scattered on the ground, left for other people to clean up. Other people see a need: brothers and sisters who have fallen on hard times, struggling in a system that makes it nearly impossible to fix the issue alone.

The first place people struggle with is buying food. Rent and food can be unaffordable together; priorities need to be chosen. The 2023 Homeless Count in BC identified that the largest factor (37% of the 11,352 people counted) is not having enough money, often despite having one or more sources of income.

The Ladysmith Resource Centre Association supports the community with resources for low- and no-income households. Their resources include an affordable apartment building called Heart on the Hill, a food pantry, and a homeless shelter.

The homeless shelter is a big way the LRCA addresses the needs of the community. It’s a very small space. A common area with a few plastic tables, a small galley kitchen, a laundry area,

bathrooms and showers. The sleeping quarters are two separate rooms on opposite ends of the common area, six beds for the men, four for the women.

Each bed was housed in a wrap-around stall to provide as much privacy as possible.

There are many reasons someone may seek out the shelter’s support. Andrew Akrod, the shelter manager, spoke about the experiences he had. “We see people who are experiencing homelessness from addiction, fleeing from abusive relationships. Financial losses; they’ve lost their jobs, or they’ve had some major unexpected expense. We’re getting them as they’re at their lowest. We’re really there to stabilize and help them find resources.”

Since he started with the shelter three years ago, Andrew has seen the need grow exponentially. “We would see maybe four or five people, and it started to accumulate more and more as winter came. Over the last few years, that has grown significantly. We now serve a minimum of twenty to thirty people a day.”

As the demographic of people accessing support grows, Andrew noted that their capacity to support is starting to fill the role of a referral service. “We’re seeing a massive increase in the elderly, especially with people who are starting to experience dementia and Alzheimer’s, who are having a difficult time finding housing that suits them…we do look to find a lot of resources for them.”

While the need is larger than the space accommodates, they only have permission to operate within their space. However, that doesn’t stop them from reaching as many as they can, even if it’s just to provide a drink and a bite to eat. In the summer, they run a cooling centre with cold meals and water to help prevent heatstroke and in the winter months, a warming station.

Unfortunately, shelter isn’t a home, and beds aren’t always guaranteed.

Sidewalks and door stoops are used to find shelter from the elements. The mess left behind by those living on the street is a point of contention.

The Ladysmith Museum, across the street from the LRCA’s shelter, often has unhoused people sleeping in bushes, or sitting on the curb. Drug use and overdoses are common.

Kim Stordy, a volunteer at the mu-

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seum, spoke about the ongoing issues. “​​They’d have their sleeping bags there and their crack pipes and sitting on the stairs and shooting up. And it’s gotten particularly bad since [the Town] put in the sharp’s container.”

The sharps’ container was installed by the Town last November, without communication with the museum. The sharps container, Kim noted, is attracting people struggling with addiction as a place that is safe for them to use and dispose of their needles. This usage is causing patrons of the museum to avoid it for both perceived and legitimate safety concerns.

“A lot of our volunteers are elderly people. People 60 and over. They feel threatened; they don’t want to come and

Andrew Akrod, Ladysmith Resources Centre’s Homeless Shelter manager.

Photo: Francesca Pacchiano.

volunteer unless there’s a second person.

They just feel intimidated.” Kim noted that volunteers haven’t been harmed, but they have experienced being yelled at.

Kathleen Oliver is an artist who tried to set up a studio in the basement of the museum. “There were two of us downstairs and we were trying to see if we could set up a studio. But honestly, coming here alone and then knowing what’s all around the building and right outside, it doesn’t feel safe.”

Both Kathleen and Kim have asked the Town and law enforcement for help.

But the response isn’t what they wanted.

Kim said the only advice they’ve re-

One of the camps behind Peerless. Photo: Dave Judson

ceived from the bylaw officer was to keep the garden trimmed.

“They think if you beautify the area, then you have more people coming to use it from the public and then the homeless people see that, and they won’t want to be around.” The question then becomes: where do they go?

Dave Judson from the Ladysmith Sportsman Club has organized environmental cleanups in the woods around Ladysmith for the last twelve years. He says that this year’s cleanup removed 30,000 lbs of trash, adding to the approximated 180,000 lb total.

“I contribute it to the homelessness. They’re up there in tough conditions, they’re hauling cars. Sadly, the Ministry of Environment shows no support.” Dave also said that the town of Ladysmith hasn’t offered support, despite the garbage being on the watershed.

The lack of support from governing bodies is frustrating.

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After 12 years, Dave is ready to be done but if he doesn’t do it, the mess will just be left. “I really was gonna wash my hands of it this year, but…so many people that will enjoy going up in our backyard, they jumped on board and I had enough to do it.”

Dave said that people don’t want to live in fear of the mess or the homeless, but it’s challenging to bridge that gap when the garbage is left in places it shouldn’t be.

The biggest areas of concern for Dave are the woods around Peerless Road, and Bannon Creek Forest Service Road. “There were over twenty-three homeless residents living up there.”

This year’s cleanup efforts removed 70 tires from an abandoned stash in the woods. “They were stealing the tires or taking the tires out of the recycle. And then they were using them to build a wall up the mountain. And then when they abandoned the project, they never picked up the tires. There’s quite an environmental mess there.”

One concern with people living in the woods and leaving garbage behind, is the higher chance of fires especially during the fire ban. The Ladysmith Fire Department and the RCMP did not respond before presstime regarding these issues.

We did speak to Justin Gueulette, Fire Chief for the North Cedar Fire Department. He said there were no current concerns regarding people living in the woods. “We’ve had the odd time with people camping in some of the local parks, but it was more their using cooking fires during inappropriate times, like during a campfire ban.”

The Town of Ladysmith was reached for a comment on these humanitarian and environmental issues but they did not respond before we went to press.

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he was attached to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital.

The family moved to Ladysmith in 1928, where Hanington practised until the start of WW2.

CAMC in Salonika and Liverpool

Advertisement courtesy of Canadian War Museum

Remembering World War I Doctors

BY SUSAN KNOSS, LADYSMITH ARCHIVES I started researching doctors who served in the Ladysmith area a couple of years ago as a volunteer at the Ladysmith & District Historical Society. I was initially surprised at how many of the doctors who worked in Ladysmith were also involved in World War 1 as medical officers. But as I started digging into this a little more, I discovered that over half of the doctors in Canada served in the Great War.

Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC) There were two main units that Vancouver Island men and women mustered in. These were the Canadian Army Medical Corps, which operated Canadian Salonika Hospital No. 5, near the Balkans Front in Greece, and the 13th Field Ambulance, which provided front line medical assistance at numerous battles in France.

Here’s a few of the doctors who had a Ladysmith connection.

Dr. A.C. Frost Anson Carr Frost attended McGill Medical School and graduated in 1903.

Following this, he travelled to Ladysmith, where he was hired as an assistant to Dr. Wasson as a doctor for Dunsmuir Collieries. In 1907, Frost married a local schoolteacher, Lila Coburn, and

the couple had four sons and a daughter.

Following his training completion in 1915, Frost travelled to Salonika, Greece, as part of the Army Medical Corps. Here, he served as a medical officer for two years before returning to Ladysmith in November 1917.

After settling back into civilian life, Frost helped establish a local branch of the Great War Veterans’ Association, now known as the Legion. He served as Ladysmith’s first Legion president.

Dr. Frank Porter Patterson Frank Porter Patterson was born on December 24, 1875. He worked as a mine doctor in Ladysmith in 1904–1905.

During World War 1, Patterson served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps (CAMC) from 1914–1918. He was a major at the Salonika Canadian Field Hospital No. 5, specializing in orthopedics – a rapidly developing field due to the need for artificial limbs and facial, hand and back reconstruction. Patterson became the first orthopedic surgeon in BC.

Dr. Darrell Hanington Darrell Peters Hannington was born on July 10, 1884. After graduating from McGill’s medical school in 1906, Hannington worked on the east coast of Vancouver Island, then travelled to Edinburgh for further medical training.

Following this, he settled in Windemere, BC, and established the town’s first hospital.

By September 10, 1915, Hanington joined CAMC and was on active duty at the Salonika Canadian Hospital No. 5.

He returned to England in 1917, where

Dr. Frost, Dr. Porter Patterson and Dr. Hanington mustered from Victoria and began their journey with their unit on May 30, 1915. After landing in England, they trained in Shorncliffe Army Camp for two months before heading to the Balkan theatre, where they set up a hospital for British soldiers in the Salonika area of Greece. The port is now known as Thessaloniki.

The medics at the Salonika hospitals faced extreme temperatures and poor supply lines, reportedly treating more soldiers for diseases than for battle wounds. Malaria and dysentery “thinned the ranks of enlisted and officers alike.” After two years at the hospital in Salonika, the unit returned to England, where they served soldiers returning to a Canadian Hospital in Liverpool.

Dr. John Montgomery John Edward Montgomery enlisted with CAMC. He was attached to the 13th Field Ambulance and served at several active battle sites, including Ypres, where he supervised two dressing stations and the clearing of wounded from the front lines.

As a result of his frontline work, Montgomery suffered a hernia, which caused jaundice and hepatitis. After his recovery, he spent the remainder of his service in England, where he trained battlefield medics. He finished his active service at a convalescent hospital in New Westminster and was then sent to Ladysmith, where doctors were required due to the influenza outbreak.

In September 1919, Montgomery was appointed by the Department of Soldiers’ Re-Establishment to address the medical needs of returned men in the area.

In 1923, Montgomery became infected with diphtheria while treating sick children, dying as a result. His wife and three sons survived him. A daughter was born several months after his death.

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1st World War Dominion Day Parade Red Cross Float. Circa 1917 Ladysmith Archives Knight Collection 2007 034 5023

13th Canadian Field Ambulance This unit mustered in Victoria following a couple of months of active recruitment. The original contingent that landed in England on July 9, 1916, included 10 officers and 80 enlisted men. Montgomery and several enlisted men from Ladysmith were included in this original group. Following some orientation and training in England, the 13th Field Ambulance arrived in France on August 13, 1916.

Newspapers in BC report this unit being active in the battles at Ypres, the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Lens, Beaumont-Hamel and Passchendaele. There were reports of casualties among stretcher bearers, the wounded and those suffering from being gassed or diseases.

After the War According to the Canadian War Museum (www.warmuseum. ca), 21,453 men and women served with CAMC during WW1, and 1,325 members of this branch died in their service to Canada. Because of the damage done to the human body during war, medical and surgical advancements were encouraged and necessary.

Some of these great advancements from WW1 include triage systems to deal with the most urgent patients first; the creation of mobile field hospitals near front lines to provide immediate surgical care; plastic and reconstructive surgery for facial and burn damage; blood transfusions and preservation; antiseptics and equipment sterilization to prevent infections; and rehabilitation and prosthetics development to replace limbs and to assist in daily functioning.

In the aftermath of WW1, there was a need for treatment for returning veterans to address their medical and mental health issues. Many of the doctors who served in WW1 were also active in working with the veterans in the years that followed.

Remembrance Day - please join us at the Ladysmith Museum for light refreshments and videos 10am to 1pm.

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Famous ships the USS Bear

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Ladysmith on Monday, November 11th – the day World War 1 ended: “1.00 to 3.00, company of infantry participating in parade ashore through the city of Ladysmith helping local authorities to celebrate cessation of hostilities at their request.”

Sold by the US Coast Guard in 1929 to the City of Oakland for use as a museum, the ship starred in the 1930 film version of Jack London’s ‘The Sea Wolf’. Her subsequent services included supporting Admiral Richard E Byrd’s 1934 Second Expedition to Antarctica.

She went to Antarctica twice between 1939 and 1941 to evacuate Americans at the beginning of World War II. She later served in patrol duty off the coast of Greenland before being decommissioned in November 1944.

After World War II, Bear was sold for

BY QUENTIN GOODBODY Built in Scotland in 1874 as a sealer, with modifications to withstand sea ice and dual sail and steam power, the ship was very advanced for its day, a forerunner of modern icebreakers. It was purchased by the US Navy in 1884 for use in rescuing what remained of the ill-fated Greely Arctic expedition. In 1885, she was transferred to the US Revenue Cutter Service (later the US Coast Guard) and, by 1929, had made 34 voyages to Alaskan and Arctic waters as a patrol ship, saving lives and dispensing justice USS Bear At The Big Wharf, Ladysmith Harbour during Remembrance Day. Photo: Ladysmith Archives in the remote and often challenging region. “During Bear’s 40-year career conversion back to a sealing vessel. Fiin Alaska, the cutter performed some of nally, in 1963, while being towed to a the most daring and successful Arctic stationary assignment as a floating resrescues in history. And when malnourtaurant in Philadelphia, Bear foundered ished Native Americans needed food, and sank during a gale in the North AtBear brought it. When stranded whallantic Ocean about 100 miles (160 km) ers needed rescue, Bear saved them. south of Sable Island, Nova Scotia.

One hundred years ago, when thousands On October 4th, 2021, the US Coast of Alaskans contracted the Spanish flu Guard and the US National Oceanic and during the pandemic, Bear brought docAtmospheric Administration (NOAA) tors and medicine.” (quote from William announced that they had found the longThiesen, the Coast Guard’s official hislost remains of Bear using advanced torian for the Atlantic area). remote vehicles equipped with video She assisted with relief efforts after the equipment.

1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The legend of the USS Bear is so inThe Bear regularly coaled at Ladygrained in US Coast Guard lore that the smith on her way between Alaska and sports teams at the Coast Guard Acadeher home base in California. Her logmy in Connecticut are named the Bears, book, quoted here, shows she was in partly in honour of the vessel.

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Code of Conduct So what happens when a town councillor acts badly? It seems not much.

Over the past seven years, the Town of Ladysmith has received 12 formal complaints as of February 15, 2025, regarding inappropriate behaviour by members of Council. While the Town would not divulge to which councillors they were directed, we know that some have been directed to Councillor Marsh Stevens. As most people recall, some of his social media rants resulted in the Town taking the extraordinary step of making a public notice on February 18, 2025.

The notice read: “The Town of Ladysmith has formally distanced itself from comments made on social media by Councillor Marsh Stevens, saying the posts do not reflect the views of Council or the Town. The statement follows legal advice that the councillor violated the Town’s Code of Conduct Policy 01-0530-B, adopted in 2021.”

So what happened?

On January 24, Councillor Marsh Stevens posted a series of comments on Facebook slamming the candidates running in the by-election, including our now Ladysmith Mayor Deena Beeston.

When one of the candidates complained and threatened legal action after apparent allegations of racism, the Town stated that it would consult its lawyer.

The Town then went silent, refusing to answer or discuss the matter further despite requests from local media.

So while municipal officials concluded Stevens’ comments breached the Code of Conduct Policy, which he signed in 2022, not much was done about it. In fact, a month later, Stevens asked to have his name removed from the Town’s Code of Conduct, which was designed to guide councillors’ behaviour.

So the Code of Conduct, in actuality,

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has no teeth if councillors can choose to ignore it.

In fact, Councillor Stevens has continued making controversial statements on social media, targeting local residents and volunteers. His latest in October was the slamming of Ladysmith Maritime Society, with comments on legal proceedings that generally would not be discussed in public, to continuing personal attacks on the Gilroy family.

Indeed, within one post, he included a photo of their newborn grandchild.

Local residents have responded strongly to his comments. Representative excerpts from public posts include: “Marsh, your posts over the years have brought on many emotions ranging from anger, frustration, amusement, even bewilderment. They have now settled on a combination of fear and pity.”

“As an elected official or public figure, you/we have an obligation to set a good example for the people of our community. …”

“Bully ... what a f***ing embarrassment for our town!!! harassing people on FB … it’s disgusting.”

Those reactions reflect concern about tone, personal attacks and the potential impact of a councillor’s online conduct on community trust.

Bad behaviour hurts our community.

Public trust in elected officials is eroded when councillors use aggressive or personal language online. Community

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leaders and councillors face pressure to model respectful discourse to keep public debate constructive. People in power should not abuse their authority by insulting the people they promised to represent – their constituents.

And finally, it makes the whole municipal government look bad.

So what is the Town doing about Councillor Stevens’ behaviour? Or perhaps the question is, what can it do about it?

While all councillors have at least a dozen appointments and seats on committees, Stevens has none. However, he is still drawing a pay cheque, courtesy of our local taxpayers, while he sits idle.

Because Councillor Stevens was duly elected, the Town has limited options that would likely entail significant costs.

The Town of Ladysmith’s formal distancing from Councillor Stevens’ social media comments underscores the municipal commitment to its Code of Conduct and to preserving respectful civic discourse. The episode highlights tensions between personal expression and public responsibility for elected officials and should prompt closer scrutiny of councillors’ behaviour going forward.

Ultimately, it will be the voter who decides, should he decide to run in the next election. In the last election he topped the polls, so it will be interesting to see what happens should he choose to run again. At least that’s as I see it.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO Chemainus is a picturesque town no matter the time of year, but especially when it’s paired with the warmth of the holiday spirit. Break out your winter coat, breathe in the frosty air, and don’t leave your Christmas shopping until it’s too late!

The Sutcliffes open the month with a tribute to the Beatles’ music and their roots. This deep-dive covers every evolution of the Beatles music and is sure to be a night of fun. Rediscover the mania that took over the world at the Osborne Bay Pub on Saturday, November 1st.

The show starts at 8pm, for tickets and more information visit the pub’s website.

Chemainus Classical Concerts are back on Sunday the 2nd at 2:30 pm with “Songs of Consolation for Our Distracted Time” performed by Bruce Vogt on piano. The concert will explore pieces written in times of great turmoil, such as the English Civil War, the revolutionary period in Paris, and political oppres-

sion in Vienna. Bruce reflected on the theme of the concert, saying it was important to spend time in music to remind us of what our ancestors lived through and how we survived. “Now, as we find ourselves in a time of confusion, chaos and bitter enmity throughout the world, it seems all the more important to listen to music together.”

Elf the Musical opens at the Chemainus theatre on November 14th.

Based on the beloved holiday movie, the musical follows Buddy, an elf from Santa’s workshop, as he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father. This is a classic for a reason and will delight adults and children alike. For tickets and showtimes, visit the theatre’s website.

The Fabulous B-Sides will be at the Osborne Bay Pub on November 15th, from 8pm-10:30pm. This energetic, sixpiece, showband is a local favourite and brings a mix of Soul, Funk, Pop, and Classic Rock to the pub. Find tickets and more information on the pub’s website.

The BIA’s Holiday Sip and Shop is happening November 15th from 3pm7pm. Willow Street will be turned into a festive night market, ideal for socializing with friends and shopping from local boutiques, crafters, and artists. Local businesses will be having specials,

discounts, and sales for this night only.

Don’t miss your opportunity to shop local and save money. Liquor, beer, and cider vendors will be on hand to provide the perfect refreshment for your night out. Enjoy your drink as you shop. Local restaurants will also be featuring tasty bites and specials for this night only.

Country Grocer will be hosting a charity hotdog sale and the Rotary will have s’mores beside a fire. Admission is free and the event will run regardless of the weather so dress appropriately. Bring your friends and enjoy a night celebrating the season!

It’s that spooking time of year when even the grown-ups don their costumes to party and dance the night away. A great time was had by all at the Chemainus Legion on October 25. The Copper Canyon Band kept everyone on their feet. Thanks to the Cowichan Valley Cultural Arts Society (CVAS) for another fantastic event! Don’t forget their Open Mic is back for the first Saturday of every month, 3-6pm at Saltair Pub. Come and have some fun performing (three songs, max fifteen minutes), or just come to enjoy the local talents.

Photo Opposite page: Dawn Geddie of Copper Canyon Band Photo: Nadine Wong

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RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point There has been a lot of work happening in Area A community parks.

Cassidy Community Park For the Cassidy community park, a draft concept was created following online community feedback about priorities. This draft concept was shared online and at an in-person open house at the park location on September 11, 2025.

The event was well attended with Cassidy residents of all ages sharing their thoughts about the design. Parks staff, the park designer (consultant) and I listened to a variety of ideas and received a thorough lesson on the differences between Grounders and Floor Is Lava (ask an elementary school student). Overall, the feedback was very positive with great suggestions of potential alterations and varying opinions about the flexible lawn space. All comments were noted and will be reviewed while considering potential changes based on the feedback and space limitations. Thanks to Cassidy for an impressive turnout.

Cedar Community Park Expansion For the Cedar community park expansion, the project has been split into two phases. This decision allows the Stevie Smith Foundation to move forward on the pump track construction (set to begin in 2026), while the rest of the design goes through a public consultation process to assess public support. The survey for community feedback is currently with the school district for approval before going out to the community. The survey (as is currently designed but subject to change from school district direction) will request feedback on playground feature options and alternative uses for the fenced asphalt area in the Cedar Secondary field. Once the survey is approved, it will be posted on the RDN Get Involved page. This feedback will be used to refine the draft concept and will be presented to the community at a future open house event.

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South Wellington Sports Court And Community Park The South Wellington sports court and community park will go through a similar process as the Cassidy and Cedar parks. However, this will be at a later date. For now, the pre-existing playground will be rebuilt in a new location, and bathrooms for park users will be built in the lower level of the community centre. The park development was delayed because 1) the cost of the community centre construction was higher than planned, and 2) the potential Hamilton Marsh acquisition will result in a tax increase, and I am concerned about the overall financial load.

Although it’s disappointing to delay the park development of this community amenity, I thought delaying was a better choice due to affordability concerns.

The silver lining of this decision is that once the community centre is open, we’ll have the opportunity to learn from usage patterns and make a more informed decision about park design. I remain committed to the development of the South Wellington park once the tax burden of the other projects lessens.

Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee I want to acknowledge our Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee (PRCC) for their work on reviewing these and other projects. Committee members – Alec McPherson, Bruce Rowland, Glen Beaudin, Jim Fiddick, Lori Mann and Stephanie Nash – volunteer their time to provide community perspective on Parks and Recreation in Area A. I very much appreciate their work and the lively discussions that occur at our meetings. Meetings are open to the public.

Other projects that the PRCC is reviewing include the Cedar Village Active Transportation Network Plan and water/beach access opportunities. The design and costing of the multipurpose path in the Cedar Village area and between Cedar Elementary and Secondary schools should be completed by April

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2026. Ensuring safe and active routes to schools remains a priority of mine, and I look forward to reviewing this information next spring.

It will be exciting to see these projects come to fruition. I strongly believe that having public spaces to gather, connect and play is important for community development and well-being.

I would love to hear from you about all things Area A at jessica.stanley@rdn. bc.ca or 250-268-7359.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond

Looking Ahead: November’s Town Hall While the last Diamond Town Hall was about the Local Area Plan, the next conversation shifts to Safety. The guest speaker will be Trevor Busch, detachment commander of Ladysmith RCMP. Also, there will be information on the large parcel of land, across Bush Creek, that is zoned for development. I hope to see you there.

The next Town Hall will be Monday, November 10, 2025, at Diamond Hall, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the 2026 CVRD Budget On October 9, about twenty residents from North Oyster and the Diamond gathered for a lively, thoughtful Town Hall focused on one big topic: the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s 2026 Budget.

Together, we rolled up our sleeves and went line-by-line through Schedule E of last year’s budget (https://cvrd.ca/ DocumentCenter/View/7255/SchedE?bidId=), asking two simple questions: Where should we spend less? “Where should we spend more?”

The answers, as always, reflected both community spirit and practical common sense.

Where to spend more: There was firm support for increasing funding to the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society – a service that touches nearly every family at some point. Residents agreed this is

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the kind of compassionate, communitybased support that deserves every dollar we can manage.

Where to spend less: The Kinsol Trestle topped the list of areas where residents felt we could tighten the belt.

While it remains an iconic attraction, the feeling was expenditure should be limited.

Several other services drew calls for greater efficiency rather than outright cuts. Building Inspection, for instance, was seen as an area where fees could cover more of the costs. Participants suggested streamlining processes – triaging inspections to focus on what’s most important and time-sensitive.

Planning was another area flagged for potential savings. With the Modernized Official Community Plan nearing completion, residents wondered whether that work could translate into more efficient operations.

Electoral Area Services and General Government were also singled out as areas that could be slimmed down. Some participants described these as “too bureaucratic,” suggesting that smaller, more nimble operations could deliver the same results with fewer resources.

And when it came to Solid Waste, opinions were split. On one hand, residents felt the rollout of the three-stream recycling program has reduced the need for as many service hours. On the other hand, there was enthusiasm for spending more to bring back the Free Store at Peerless Road, which many see as a simple, effective way to keep reusable items out of the landfill.

Budget Planning for 2026 Each year, the CVRD’s Finance Department prepares a financial plan to guide how we deliver services, projects and initiatives set out in the 2023–2026 CVRD Strategic Plan. This plan shapes everything from recreation and public safety to infrastructure, housing and environmental protection.

For the coming year, the CVRD Board has directed staff to keep the 2026 budget increase to a maximum of 4 per cent, while also preparing options that could bring it down to 2.5 per cent. These scenarios will be presented and discussed at a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on November 6, 2025, where staff will outline the potential impacts of each approach.

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It’s an important balance – maintaining essential services while respecting the financial pressures residents face with inflation and rising costs. Finding that balance means listening carefully to community priorities.

Why Your Feedback Matters The CVRD is made up of 179 separate services, each with its own budget. By law, money can’t be moved from one service to another, and no service is allowed to run a deficit. That means every dollar you pay is tied directly to a specific purpose – whether that’s waste management, emergency response, recreation or community planning.

The 2026 Budget will be shaped not only by operational needs and the Strategic Plan but also by your input. The more residents who share their views, the more accurately the final plan reflects what our communities value most.

How You Can Get Involved Budgeting in the CVRD isn’t a onenight event. It’s a year-round process that depends on public involvement.

Whether you care most about roads, parks, housing or community safety, your perspective makes a difference.

1. Attend a meeting.

There are several upcoming opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the 2026 Budget: • November 6: Special Committee of the Whole meeting – Budget Overview • November 13–25: Recreation Commission budget presentations across Cowichan • December 10: Public Engagement Update and Board Direction • January 15 and 22, 2026: Final review and approval meetings Check the CVRD meeting calendar for details (https://pub-cvrd.escribemeetings.com/). If you can’t attend in person, you can always email your comments to budget@cvrd.bc.ca.

2. Explore the budget online.

Visit PlanYourCowichan.ca to watch the CVRD’s Budget presentation, explore the Annual Budget and view property-tax inserts that show how your tax dollars are spent in your area.

3. Subscribe for updates.

Sign up on the website to receive notifications when new information or meeting dates are posted – so you’ll always know when and where to get involved.

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Why It Counts The October Town Hall showed that residents care deeply about making every dollar count – supporting essential services, cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and finding smarter ways to work. That’s exactly the kind of feedback the CVRD needs as it develops the 2026 Budget.

So, take a moment to share your thoughts – where to spend more, where to spend less and where we can simply do things better. Because in the end, the CVRD budget isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people, priorities and the future we’re building together in the Cowichan Valley.

In service, ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca | 250-510-5930

CVRD Area G Saltair/Thetis

Let’s Talk Water First, thank you to all the residents who showed up to the Saltair Community Meeting on October 4th, including Ian Morrison, director for Area F, who emceed the event, Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith Oceanside, and Mayor of Ladysmith, Deena Beeston. At the meeting, I mentioned developments regarding our dam and water treatment.

I want to provide you with a clear update on the important work being done on our Saltair Water System. Several major projects are underway to ensure our water is safe, reliable and sustainable for the future.

A Brief History: Stocking Lake Dam The Stocking Lake Dam has been central to Saltair and Ladysmith’s history for over a century. Built in 1902, it began as a small structure designed to secure a water supply for a booming coal town established by James Dunsmuir in 1898.

The dam met the basic needs of a fast-growing population and supported industrial expansion. In the late 1960s, the dam was significantly raised from a weir to a dam, transforming it into the 23-hectare reservoir today. This expansion increased storage capacity to over two million cubic metres and permanently altered the surrounding ecosystem. From its beginnings as a colonial utility to its role as a shared water source, Stocking Lake Dam embodies a century of shifting priorities.

Stocking Lake Dam Reconstruction The Stocking Lake Dam, which we co-own with the Town of Ladysmith, has reached the end of its functional life and needs a complete replacement to meet modern safety standards. Design work for a new dam is already underway. The project cost will be shared 50/50 with Ladysmith, and I’m pleased to report that the CVRD’s entire $2.6 million share is being paid for by the Growing Communities Fund, not from property taxes. As part of this process, we are also completing an Environmental Flow Needs assessment to ensure we protect Stocking Lake’s and Stocking Creek’s ecological health.

Water System Distribution Upgrades We are continuing our 15-year capital renewal program (ending in 2027) to replace aging watermains throughout our community. This work is primarily funded by the approximately $350 parcel tax allocated annually from each Saltair Water System property, supplemented by Community Works Funds (gas tax) that I allocate and any operating budget surpluses.

Since 2013, we have invested approximately $3.9 million into these vital replacements. Crews will be working on projects on Valdon Road, Porter Road and Chemainus Road (between

Stocking Lake. Photo: Jesse McClinton

Southin and Olsen Roads) in 2025.

New Groundwater Wells I have exciting news: two new groundwater wells are currently being connected to the Saltair system. Once operational, these wells will provide a significant new source of water, adding up to 600 cubic metres per day. This new source will significantly improve our system’s resilience, especially during dry spells, and reduce our reliance on surface water. It is expected to provide up to 30 per cent of our peak summer demand and up to 100 per cent of our average winter demand. This water is also of higher quality with lower organic content, which is excellent for the system.

Water Treatment Compliance: Reassessing Our Path Forward Reassessing our path forward is the most complex piece of our water strategy, and I want to be transparent about where we are. While our drinking water meets all provincial quality standards, our system does not meet Island Health’s specific objectives for treating surface water.

Before I was elected, the CVRD had plans to build a new, standalone water treatment plant. However, during the detailed design phase, several major issues emerged, including significant increases in capital costs and long-term operational concerns. These issues would have placed an essential and lasting financial burden on Saltair residents. As a result, we made the financially responsible decision to pause that specific project

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and reassess the best path forward.

We are returning to the three original strategies we shared with the community, but with new information on costs and technology. Our options include a Standalone Treatment Plant, though we are re-examining whether alternative technologies can effectively meet Island Health’s objectives. We are also strongly reconsidering Shared Treatment with Ladysmith; given our partnership, treating our water at Ladysmith’s existing plant could be a highly efficient solution, and Saltair would still own and operate its system. Finally, our new groundwater supply, while likely not a complete solution on its own, will be crucial in any future treatment plan.

I know the community is eager for progress. The CVRD remains committed to delivering a final solution that meets all regulatory requirements while being fiscally responsible, technically sound and environmentally sustainable.

I will continue to keep you updated as we evaluate these options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 250-252-6525 or jesse.mcclinton@cvrd.bc.ca.

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Saving 21 Acres

BY KATHY CODE, CHAIR OF THE ECOFORESTRY INSTITUTE SOCIETY Stand up, everyone, and give yourselves a huge pat on the back! Thanks to community supporters and a very generous benefactor, the Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) is both pleased and humbled to announce that the $850,000 needed for the purchase and closing costs of the 21 Acres has been raised.

This land, once part of Wildwood, will be added to the Wildwood Trust to be protected in perpetuity and stewarded according to ecoforestry principles and practices.

It’s a fitting achievement, as this year marks 80 years since Merv Wilkinson first began ecoforestry practices at Wildwood. Grace Richard, his wife of more than 30 years, remembers loggers who would offer $150,000 to clear cut the land, but she and Merv always refused.

It was a princely sum of money in those days, but they both wanted Wildwood to become part of the public domain as a working demonstration forest.

“Having been part of Mervyn’s life for 80 years, supported his dream and

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invested my Gerritsen’s family inheritance into Wildwood, I am at peace knowing we have all played a part in honouring and protecting this special forest,” says Grace.

It’s also fitting that EIS and the community celebrated Grace’s 90th birthday earlier this year with a big party at Wildwood. She said that not only does she approve of how EIS has managed Wildwood since 2016, but that Merv would too. High praise, indeed.

Reuniting this land with Wildwood creates a legacy of 104 acres in total of rare coastal Douglas-fir forest that will be forever protected by the land trust deed irrevocably attached to the land title. A small forest for sure, but it’s a powerful and scalable model of how forests can be sustainably stewarded and financed through an innovative business model.

The 21 Acres will now be included in EIS programming for Indigenous ecological knowledge, ecotours, education, research, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, hydrology and health.

The successful campaign for the 21 Acres marks the third time the commu-

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Checking out an old growth tree at Wildwood. Photo: Kathy Code

nity has supported EIS in its goal to protect this unique forest. It follows on the heels of the purchase of the six acres of pristine old-growth forest acquired in 2022. In 2016, the community helped EIS raise almost $1 million to buy Wildwood again and pay legal costs. What this confirms is that people are passionate about saving intact and old-growth forests and they have trust in the model EIS has developed for Wildwood.

Stay tuned as EIS develops plans to build out their mill yard!

Contact us at admin@ecoforestry.ca if you’d like to be involved.

For more information, visit https://www.ecoforestry.ca/.

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Two Sides to the 5-Cent Coin

BY PAMELA WALKER There’s a dam in Yellow Point Park that’s causing a lot of ripples, believe it or not. It’s been destroyed a number of times this past year, only to reappear a few weeks later. Who’s destroying it?

Who’s building it back again? Walkers want to know!

Beavers are, by and large, nocturnal, so the fact that no one has seen the building and rebuilding of the dam is understandable. But who is destroying it? An email to the CVRD Parks manager, cc’d to the regional director, revealed that it was the local government’s

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maintenance crew carrying out the task.

Are they nocturnal, too? No – no one just happened to see them. Meanwhile, the water in the newly created pond was flowing under Fern Gully Bridge and heading out to the sea.

Beavers don’t use the same wood or mud to rebuild, so they felled trees and used newly dug mud to restore their home. Before long, the sound of trickling water ceased, and quiet reigned down once more. The pond filled up again, and the walkers were happy and the beavers were happy. It was peaceful, and no one had to worry about the huge trees surrounding the pond running low on water if we had another dry summer. Fire risk in the park was low, too, as there was plenty of moisture to keep the canopy green. Squirrels, birds, voles and deer could return to the restored pond’s edge for a drink.

And then someone destroyed it again.

“What was wrong with keeping the water where it was?” neighbours cried.

More phone calls were made. More emails were sent. Nobody was very happy. What should be done? Clearly, there are two sides to this nickel coin. And

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Beaver with reflection at Yellow Point Park. Photo: Bob Burgess

one side has an etching of a beaver on it.

Perhaps we need to step back a bit and examine the problem from a historical perspective. The beaver (Castor canadienses) had a predecessor – the giant beaver (Castoroides ohioensis), who lived between 1.4 million and 100,000 years ago and measured over 2.5 metres

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(8 feet), if you include the tail. This herbivore would still have been a force to be reckoned with for the maintenance crew.

Admired by Jacque Cartier in 1654 when he sailed down the St. Lawrence River, our beaver population was estimated to be over six million in Canada.

But because every European man soon needed a beaver-felt hat – an obsession that lasted until the mid-19th century – our beavers almost became extinct like their huge distant cousin.

Fortunately, beavers made a comeback and hold a place of reverence by many environmental engineers for their expertise and ability to restore wetlands destroyed by human activity. Today, engineers speak of “Beaver Dam Analogues” (BDAs) that are mimicked by environmental consulting companies where the beaver’s “natural dam building expertise is leveraged to enhance ecosystem function” so as to “help retain stream systems.” This is called Beaver Based Restoration (BBR) and is part of the overall Low-Tech ProcessBased Restoration (LTPBR) approaches used in many restoration projects.

One wonders if beavers could sue on the grounds of patent infringement or intellectual property theft, or do they just gnash their teeth and get on with life?

The other side of the coin – the one emblazoned with King Charles III since 2023 – represents the regional district’s position. A permanent wetland was never part of Yellow Point Park since the land was obtained by the Ministry of Forest in the 1972. Having the water stay year-round means that the seasonal crossing on the park’s western end can never be used. A recent survey done at the park asked users what improvements they wanted to see, and many asked whether the seasonal crossing could become permanent so the larger, circular path could be accessed any time of year. With the beaver dam there, access to the seasonal crossing isn’t an option – ever.

So, how do we solve the problem?

Should we flip a coin? Heads or tails – what do you say? Let us know by contacting YES or by calling me directly at 250-245-9155. Interested in other ecological matters around town? Consider becoming a member.

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Ruxton Island - a community rooted in nature

BY GABRIELLE LEE Off the northeast coast of Ladysmith sits a picturesque, placid island. Only 2.5 kilometres in length and a fifth of that in width, it’s easy for the islet to go unnoticed when glancing at a map or passing by. After all, few mammals inhabit it, all trails are unpaved and, for decades, it’s remained private, tranquil and decidedly difficult to get to.

The origins of Ruxton Island, much like the isle itself, are cloaked in intrigue and mystery. In the late 1920s, Ruxton and DeCourcy Island were purchased

by Mary Connolly, a wealthy member of a nascent occult movement known as the Aquarian Foundation. Connolly went on to donate the land to the Foundation, and so it came to be under the

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Ariel view of Ruxton. Photo: Google Earth

control of the group’s leader, Edward Arthur Wilson – more famously known as Brother XII. Whilst Brother XII went on to establish a compound for his following on DeCourcy, he used Ruxton as a place of exile, banishing errant members of his group to its shores. Eventually, Ruxton was bought by the Nayler family and then sold to Frank Ney. Ney – a real estate developer and longtime Nanaimo mayor – purchased the land under the name Ruxton Island Resorts. Between 1965 and 1970, the island went through a series of four subdivisions, resulting in the 195 lots that exist today. As of today, all lots remain privately owned, and the land is governed

Community Day at Ruxton Island. Photo: Anine Vonkeman

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by the Islands Trust Association.

Currently, 22 people live full-time on the island, ranging from couples, families and a few singles. Many of those who occupy the space year-round are retirees or younger professionals able to work remotely. This population swells to about 200 residents in the summertime.

There is only one way of getting to the island – by sea. No public ferries travel to Ruxton, and no public docks exist to park a boat. Indeed, accessing the isle is heavily dependent on weather, necessitates a private vessel and can be an involved process. It takes about 35 to 60 minutes to reach Ruxton from Ladysmith, and once you get there, you will need to anchor at a mooring buoy.

“From the mooring buoy, you get into the dinghy with your gear, you take it to the beach [and] from there, you take it to your cabin. … We’re not far off the water … [but] some people have great big hikes,” says Nadine Wong. She and her husband, Owen, own a property on the island. Already familiar with Ruxton and some of its residents, when the opportunity to purchase land arose 15 years ago, they thought they’d give offgrid living a try.

Residents use ATVs or other moving equipment to transport their supplies, and winter temperatures or other unfavourable conditions can make unloading, getting to shore and reaching one’s property physically challenging. “You’re depending on tides, you’re depending on storms, you’re depending on wind … and of course, rain,” Wong states.

Once one arrives at the off-grid island, they’re met with markedly slim amenities. With no stores, public utilities or electrical grid, obtaining basic necessities requires planning and a little re-

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Anine Vonkeman at work.

Photo: Chris Oxley

sourcefulness. “We haul our drinking water and collect rainwater [in] ... cisterns. … Almost everybody has their own … water collection … [and] filtering systems so they can make potable drinking water,” Wong explains. The island also features a well and pumps, which some use as an additional means of accessing water.

Most residents do have power, obtained through solar panels, wind power, battery banks and generators. Anine Vonkeman, a graphic designer, lives year-round on the island with her husband. Though they met in the prairies, the couple has always been drawn to the coast. They frequently camped and holidayed off-grid and were eventually inspired to adopt a more permanent version of the lifestyle. Already acquainted with the Gulf Islands, they first kayaked over to Ruxton in autumn of 2014. By July of 2015, they had purchased property and moved into their cabin, where they’ve lived ever since.

Vonkeman describes how the usage of these systems changes with the seasons.

“We have a solar system [for power]. In the winter … [for] about two and a half months [of the year] ... we have to sup-

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plement that with using a generator … semi-regularly.”

As for waste, compostable toilets and outhouses are the most common options. Cabins are heated almost entirely with wood. Large propane tanks are boated in to fuel fridges and stoves. If one wants to add appliances or build up their property, every piece must be hauled over. For food, residents shop offisland and carry it in. “You have to bring in and take out [all food and garbage],” Wong states.

Vonkeman and her husband routinely head down Ruxton’s seashore with their version of a car – a dolly and wheelbarrow – which they’ll use to transport their groceries after boating over to Gabriola, where they complete their food shop. Similarly, Paul Collens heads to Nanaimo every few weeks to purchase groceries.

Collens and his wife stumbled across Ruxton whilst searching for a property in the Gulf Islands 17 years ago. After building a cabin, they’d spend a couple months of the year visiting. They transitioned to full-time living in 2022, following their retirement. Though some have gardens that grow produce and many fish or crab, these methods do not provide enough resources to live entirely off the land.

There’s an undeniable know-how and time commitment that’s required to live on Ruxton. “My husband, [Chris], looks after the homestead, making sure that all the utilities are working,” says Vonkeman. Chris spends significant parts of his week on upkeep, and his plumbing experience meant he was able to outfit their cabin with a running water system.

Collens, too, mentions that “here, you have to be everything. You have to be a

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Ocean view. Photo: Nadine Wong

plumber, electrician, a small engine operator.” He states that residing on Ruxton has led him to feel confident in “building or fixing anything” and that he makes use of online tutorials to fill in any gaps.

An understanding of the land is also required. “Over the last 10 years, we had to learn all about how the tides work in this part of the Gulf Islands and how the wind and the currents affect the waves and our ability to boat,” says Vonkeman. She also mentions how self-reliant the lifestyle is, which can present difficulties if anything goes awry. “We’ve had a fridge conk out on us. … You lose food or have to figure out how to get it started again, or how to get a fridge over in short order. … Or a pipe freezes, and you lose all the water. … You can’t just run to the store and grab something if you forgot [it].”

Despite this, there is a striking peace and joy that individuals find in residing on Ruxton. The isle is a place of rugged, untouched beauty, featuring several kilometres of trails, a small handful of beaches, a park and stunning wildlife like eagles, whales and seals. “The privacy, the beauty ... the serenity of it,” Wong begins. “The beachfront ... watching the sunset ... being able to walk in the woods … [without] noise [and] ... ambient light.”

Vonkeman echoes these sentiments: “We’ve become really aware of nature and how it influences our lives. … I think that’s my favourite part: just … learning to live with nature.”

To Collens, the island is a place of “peace of mind and health.”

He says, “You’re constantly physically active. As a result, I feel much healthier than I was when I was in the city.” In fact, he describes his lifestyle on Ruxton as bringing about a type of “good stress.”

“It’s a stress that you can deal with and [that’s about things] you can fix,” Collens explains. “There’s other stuff in the world … but [I] can’t really solve [those issues].” He can, however, ensure that the lines of his boats are tightened and that his firewood is in supply. Spending his days focused on these basic, practical tasks offers him a sense of purpose and helps him “live in the now.”

Though the island is compact and secluded, its residents are connected nonetheless. “In the city, you kind of take [community] for granted in a way because you’re immersed in it, and [then] you go home … shut your door,” Vonkeman begins. “But here, the community is … important. [It] means if someone is in trouble, they are supported by others and not left to their own devices. … If there’s a medical emergency, someone will jump in and get people off the island and look after whatever needs looking after.”

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Collens, too, says, “Here, you know everybody for who they are and who they’re not. … You’d do something for anyone in a minute.” Two years ago, Collens volunteered as the island’s wildfire coordinator, helping to establish a fire department that’s now operating self-sufficiently. His initiative does not seem unusual; Ruxton’s residents exhibit a commitment to making the island a thriving place for all.

Indeed, Ruxton gives way to a unique style of living – one that is as illuminating as it is peaceful. “We live way simpler when we’re [there],” Wong says. “You play cards at night, you read books. … When we first got there, we did not [have any utilities], and we did just fine, … We can live a simpler life, and we know it [now].”

Living on Ruxton has similarly altered Vonkeman’s perspective: “It’s definitely a slower pace of life, and … it’s easy. You just make do with what you have. … We always were appreciative of nature. … It’s just become more a part of us [now].

When you’re in a city, you can lose track of some of [that].”

Unsurprisingly, these sentiments extend to Collens. “I find you don’t need much to enjoy life,” he expresses. “It really strips away what’s [not] important. … You … find that it’s not about who you know, what you know, how you look. It’s … more about actions. Are you doing something to help the community or make Ruxton a better place?”

Though residing on Ruxton is not always frictionless, the island offers up many of humanity’s simple pleasures, nature, community and a slow enjoyment of life. For these reasons, perhaps it’s not very surprising at all to learn that many have no plans to call anywhere else home.

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Good Intentions “Hell is paved with good intentions.”

– Samuel Johnson, English writer, 1775 Well, methinks I’m in the doghouse (once again!) – and it has nothing to do with any of my beloved four-legged companions. I’ve let a very close friend, my buddy M, down and I didn’t mean to. I had all good intentions of following through, but what can I say? Time ran away with me; farm tasks took longer than I anticipated. Or as it tends to be an all-too-common scenario, an oppor-

tunity sprang up and I couldn’t ignore it.

But, oh, how I wish I could have followed through with this promise to help my friend with her abundant crop of grapes. She wanted to try wine-making, from vine-picking to bottling, and since our get-togethers are always laugh-aminute affairs, I just couldn’t shake off that classic I Love Lucy scene of barefoot Lucille Ball in that big vat of grapes, dancing away merrily.

Have you ever noticed that events don’t happen nice and neatly, one at a time? You get done one event, one task, have a nice wee rest, and then tackle another – NOT! We’re talking crescendo stuff here, folks. Everything all at once. Start juggling. Such was the case with me and my excited agreement to help M make some vino. I’d like to blame the weather and the synchronicity of fruit ripening, but it was more than that. My apples had been picked, shared and frozen, my pie filling canned and keepers boxed. Same with the pears. The deer had already chowed down most of my concords since I lowered the vines to my level. My seedless grapes – though plentiful and ripening by the nanosecond – were way out of my reach. You see, the last few years, since my 10-foot fall, I’ve put a hard and fast rule into play: if you are 65 years or older, you are not allowed on a ladder (so that would include yours truly).

Now throw a few more “happenings” into the mix: my barn roof, where these luscious grapes hang, was upgraded last year from 50-year-old cedar shakes to spiffy corrugated metal. Sweet! The bonus is that the pesky racoons can no longer get to my crop.

And here’s the final rub. Right after I agreed to the wine-making adventure, two other young Syrian friends came for an overnight visit. Saja and Sana always enjoy trimming my vines, taking the leaves and making dolmas (scrumptious stuffed grape leaves). Now when I say “young,” I mean “ladder-worthy”!

So, of course, they pruned my vines and picked all the grapes at the same time – 20-gallon buckets’ worth, all six of them. It was time to get the dehydrators out and process those suckers; no small task … but worth every raisin!

I was thinking of heading to the Cedar Farmers’ Market on Sunday specifically to get a really, really beautiful handmade

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Bags of raisins made from six pails of grapes. Photos Jackie Moad.

card and, in my best penmanship, write, “Dear Buddy O’Mine, can you ever forgive me for leaving you in the lurch?”

Or something like that. Perhaps box up some oatmeal-raisin cookies and, along with the card, sneakily leave them at her doorstep. Hopefully, her guard dog won’t sense my presence and warn her.

Epilogue: Just after writing this, I scooted off to the Cedar Hall and, of course, ran into my buddy M. She came to watch the Yellow Point Drama Group’s play If We Are Women. I was helping with the Women’s Institute concession, and there she was, waiting for a baked treat before the performance. It turns out the wine-making was a bust.

But it was not I that put the kibosh on it. Seems the racoons found a new treat spot and cleaned out her crop. Totally understand the feeling. As an actual follow-through good intention, I think I’ll give her some of my raisins as a consolation prize.

Jackie Moad has finally put the dehydrators and canners to bed for another season and is forging ahead with her final task for this month’s full moon: get that garlic planted, and then chillax on that beauty 20 acres of organic Paradise in Cedar.