TAKE 5 September 2010

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Letters Past mayor needs to be recognized

It was with great sadness that I read of the passing of Kay Grouhel, who many long time residents feel was the greatest mayor that Ladysmith ever had.

She and her Council’s accomplishment are well noted in her obituary write up: “She was the first woman mayor for Ladysmith, a position she held for twelve years. She also later became the first woman president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities in the seventy year history of that organization. First among her accomplishments as Mayor was upgrading town sewers and building a treatment plant to stop the raw discharge into the harbour. She also acquired for the town the waterfront property and was instrumental in developing the much loved Transfer Beach Park. Other accomplishments include the building of the fire hall and public works buildings, the city’s first new fire truck in years, the planting of the dogwood trees along the highway through town and the redesign of the sidewalks downtown to improve appearance and increase pedestrian safety. This last gave her the nickname of “Concrete Kay”.”

It causes me even greater sadness that the Town of Ladysmith has failed to acknowledge her good work while she was alive.

When I was on Council, I brought forth the suggestion that Transfer Beach Park be renamed after her, because it was through her effort and her foresight that we now have this town jewel. To read more of her accomplishments and the development of the park including how she got the residents of Ladysmith to come down to the park with shovels and wheelbarrows to build the park, read pages 242-248 of Ladysmith’s Colourful History published by the Ladysmith Historical Society in 1985.

The suggestion was also put foreword that at the very least the road leading to Transfer Beach Park be named after her, but this also fail to garner support. Because I felt that it was important to give her, her due recognition while she was still alive, I suggested that we name the Seniors Centre in honour of her, but that too did not resonate with Council, and now she is dead.

Hopefully the Town will at last step-up and acknowledge her accomplishments, like we have done for past Mayors Frank Jameson and Bob Stuart.

- Robert Johnson

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Thanks from LDHS

The Ladysmith & District Historical Society’s Garage Sale was a huge success. We made $846.45. Thanks to all who made donations, to those who spent hours pricing each article, to all the men with trucks who took it from my basement to the Resources Centre, and to the dedicated members who set up and stayed to pack and clean. - Isabelle Ouelette, VP, LDHS

Cedar Skatepark News

Great news! With the help of the Cedar Ball Hockey Challenge Association the Cedar Skatepark Association was able to raise $5020 at the recent Ball Hockey Challenge. Thanks again.

We deeply regret forgetting to thank the Island Savings Credit

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Union for their donation of tents that kept us in the shade all weekend during the tournament. A belated but grateful thank you to them for their kind support. Early in the fall we are planning a dance with a local Cedar band “Lawn Social” donating their time and energy. Come and dance the night away with us.

We do not have a date for the dance yet but watch for notices and posters in the near future. The association’s monthly meetings start Sept 29 at 7pm at Cedar Secondary. Pease come out to the meeting and support the skatepark project. Everyone is welcome. - Patricia Knowles, Cedar Skateboard Assc.

Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Write TAKE 5, PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, fax 250-245-7099 or editor@take5.ca

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David Gogo in Saltair

Famous blues man David Gogo plays Saltair on Saturday Sept. 11. Gogo is internationally recognized with three Juno nominations, Musician of the Year Western Canadian Music Awards, twice named Guitarist of the Year, Maple Blues Awards, and bestowed the CBC’s Canadian Blues Award for his lifetime contribution.

Opening for David’s trio will be Aunty Kate and the Uncles of Funk, Saltspring Island’s blues and boogie woogie band.

The concert is a part of the Saltair City Limits organized by Dancing Bean Coffee Co. and hosted at the Saltair Pub. For ticket info: 246-4904 or 246-5050, www.dancingbean.ca

Open Mics

Do you enjoy a fun evening of entertainment, good company, coffee, and goodies? Then come to the Open Mic & Coffee house on High Street the last Saturday of the month, beginning again on Saturday, Sept. 25. These evenings of multi-talented performers and enthusiastic audience take place at Hardwick Hall, 232 High Street, from 7pm-10pm.

Performers come from all around to entertain with instruments, vocals, poetry, and story. Each month will see a different variety of performances. Prepare to applaud, laugh and sing along all the

David Gogo plays Saltair City Limits in September.

while enjoying a plethora of goodies and coffee or tea. All this, and it only costs a donation of food or cash to the Ladysmith Food Bank. Come and join the fun.

For information please call Sharron at 250-245-2909 or Audrey at 250-7557847.

The Dancing Bean in Chemainus also offers an evening of original performances. Join them for their Open Mic Song Writers Nite, Saturday Sept. 4, 7 pm. With special guests Celtic Rockers ‘Skellig’ are hosts. Open Mic is held the first Saturday of every month, admission by donation. www.dancing bean.ca

Behind the Scenes

Did you even wonder what really happens behind the curtains? On Sunday Sept. 12 you’ll get your chance.

Ladysmith Little Theatre invites you to “Behind The Scenes” from 2-4 pm.

You’ll have the chance to meet the director of The Mousetrap. Learn how each element of a production combines to create the dramatic experience: acting, directing, lighting, sound, costumes and front of house hosting and concession.

There will be refreshments and door prizes. For details www.ladysmiththeatre.com or phone 250-924-0658.

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Pottery Store exhibit

The Pottery Store’s inaugural artist in its Guest Artist Program is Ellen Statz of Campbell River. Ellen’s colourful and pearlescent raku pieces will be featured in The Pottery Store until October 15, 2010.

Statz has been a potter since 1984. As the daughter of a commercial fisherman, she has a long and direct connection with the sea and nature, which inspires her striking forms and designs Everyone is invited to the opening reception with the artist on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5pm-8pm. For details, visit www.ThePotteryStore.ca or call Peggy Grigor at 250- 416-1411.

8x10 show

Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery’s fall show promises excitement. The Sept. 4 – Oct. 1 features The 8 x 10 Show with guest artist Lara Scarr’s show Threads & Paint Revolution. Lara was born in Alberta but has spent the majority of her life in coastal British Columbia. The Thread & Paint Revolution series, is an exploration of complimentary and contrasting media; it draws attention to the contradicting effect of soothing traditional textiles Lara Scarr at Ladysmith and unsettling figurative images, Waterfont Gallery

One of the original paintings by Michael Dean in the Coastal Reflections exhibition at the Gallery in Chemainus Theatre.

reticulated within a labyrinth of thread and paint. This series is also a statement regarding conventional aesthetic ideals and aims to prove that beauty must really be in the eye of the beholder.

The 8 x 10 Show limits the size of artists work to 8x10 inches, putting intense focus on the subject. This show also offers the viewer a chance to purchase art of a smaller size.

Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr, Ladysmith open noon - 4pm daily except Monday 250-245-1252 www. ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

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Art Exhibit: Coastal Reflections

Artist Michael Dean will be featured at the Gallery at Chemainus Sept. 23-Oct 30. Coastal Reflections is an exhibition of his new oils and watercolours. Opening night Sept. 23, 5:30-8pm. The gallery also features artist Rose Cowles-Martin.

The exhibit coincides with the opening of the play Wingfield’s Progress at the Chemainus Theatre.

Mousetrap to thrill

Ladysmith Players is presenting Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, Sept.

16-Oct 3.This murder mystery teases audiences with plot twist after twist.

A group of people gathered in a remote part of the countryside discover a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed. A cracking yarn and an irresistible treat for amateur sleuths everywhere!

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Preview Night Thursday Sept. 16.

Doors open 7:30pm, show 8pm. Meet the cast and crew after the show.

Evenings: Dinner 6:30pm, show 8:30pm (show only seating 7:30pm) - Thursday, Sept. 23 & 30, Fridays, Sept. 17, 24 & Oct. 1, Saturdays, Sept.

18, 25 & Oct. 2 Matinees: Lunch 12:30, show 2pm (show only seating 1:30pm) Sundays Sept. 26 & Oct. 3.

Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Road, Ladysmith, 250-9240658 www.ladysmiththeatre.com

Stz’uminus book launch

The Ladysmith Maritime Society is hosting a Book Launch of “The Pearl Harris Story: Pulling for Stz’uminus.

Everyone is welcome, Saturday, Sept.

4, from 11-2pm, LMS Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Drive.

The book, created as an educational resource, reflects Stz’uminus Nation culture and history. It’s also a personal account of a young girl who follows her dreams of being an athlete and the war canoe races.

The book will be available at the launch. Join the celebration with a book signing, salmon bbq, story telling, readings local artists, canoe paddle display, and Buffi David prayers.

For more information contact 250245-1146 or www.ladysmithmaritimesociety.ca

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The house at the lagoon bridge

BY MARINA SACHT For locals the house on the corner of the lagoon bridge in Saltair has been a local landmark. A charming but small older home it sat on 1.5 acres looking out to the ocean. Today that house continues to draw appreciative looks as people drive by. It’s not only a landmark but a showcase of what you can accomplish when you marry modern technology with old world charm.

Owners Dan and Karen Sweeney bought the house in 2004 sight unseen on a friend’s recommendation. “A friend called and said he had found the perfect house for us. Trees, nature, fruit trees.

We were living in a rural setting in Saskatchewan and loved the country feel to the house,” says Karen. “The ocean view didn’t hurt and location was perfect for setting up alternative energy.”

The hardworking couple run a electrical company in Saskatchewan as well as the locally based Doves Evergreen Holdings, a contracting and alternative energy company specializing in solar and water turbine.

They made full use of their expertise on this project.

At the foot of the driveway are solar panels that pump in energy for free. Sen-

A wrap around porch, a dormer and the unique window create a new look while maiuntaining the early years charm of the house. Inset: Before photo Below: Owners Dan and Karen Sweeney.

Photos: Marina Sacht

sors allow the panels to track the movement of the sun or go to the reflection of the water on an overcast day.

For the Sweeneys it’s all about sustainability. “What’s special about this house is that it shows that you can live comfortably have a nice home and leave a zero footprint. Not consuming more than you providing. That’s something people talk about doing but don’t go beyond lip service.” The Sweeneys are doing it.

“We put more back into the grid than we use,” says Dan. It’s a matter of choice. You can spend $50,000 on a car and can’t afford it or $20,000 on a car and still have the solar power, says Dan. “It’s an investment not

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Large spacious living room opens out on to a covered back deck adding to the “living� space. A fireplace and feature windows allow light to play on the walls. Recycled kitchen cupboards and reclaimed wooden flooring from a bowling alley adds beauty and character and keeps the footprint small. Photos: Marina Sacht

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a depreciation.”

Despite an extensive renovation that included adding dormers, decks, and a carport plus moving walls to turn the five bedroom house into a open floor concept home with two large bedrooms and a TV room, they accomplished the renovation using recycled materials and wood wherever they could,.

Salvaged and recycled windows, doors, and flooring from an old bowling alley, frames, railings, glass door knobs. Lighting came from a previous job site. The kitchen cupboards are from the Buy & Sell. The appliances are Energy Star from Sears.

The couple who have travelled extensively, doing volunteer work in some of the poorest countries in the world appreciate the value of recycling. “When you see what’s in the garbage dump it brings tears to your eyes,” says Dan. The biggest challenge was the distance. They were still living in Saskatchewan and could only get away for short periods of time. The process started in 2006 and now they are happily settled into their home by the lagoon, a home where the past and the future work harmoniously well.

RDN to host green building events

The region’s most environmentally friendly and energy efficient buildings are about to go on display. In September the Regional District of Nanaimo will host a Green Skyline seminar and tour series to promote green buildings, and open the doors to some of the region’s most innovative building sites. Green building experts from across the region will speak at evening events in all seven RDN Electoral Areas, and in the City of Nanaimo, starting Tuesday, Sept. 7. The series concludes with open houses and tours on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 12 local green buildings. All events are free and open to the public, although pre-registration is required for tours at selected building sites.

Each Green Skyline seminar will include an introduction and overview by RDN staff, followed by guest presentations from two or more green building experts. All events run from 7pm to 9pm, and most sessions feature different guest speakers with unique content.

In the Ladysmith/Cedar area on Thursday, Sept. 9 at North Cedar Fire Hall in Cedar, Electoral Area A, hear Jack Anderson of Anderson Greenplan.

Complete scheduling details available in the Sustainability section of www.rdn.bc.ca, under the Development Services tab.

For details or to register for selected green building tours on Sept. 18, call 250-390-6506, or sustainability@rdn.bc.ca.

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$250,000 strengthens tourism in Ladysmith

The area’s local tourism industry just got a big shot in the arm. On Aug 12, Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced support to the Ladysmith Maritime Society to develop a new visitor centre.

The $250,000 investment through Western Economic Diversification Canada under the West Coast Community Adjustment Program (WestCCAP) will help improve the competitiveness and sustainability of local tourism industry.

Support to the Ladysmith Maritime Society will provide amenities to marina visitors such as showers, washrooms, laundry, hospitality meeting space and a Wi-Fi. Also a 1200 sq. ft. events dock will be integrated into the building and serve as an area for group functions.

“This project focuses on expanding marine tourism by providing high quality facilities to attract visitors,” said Doug Bell, president of LMS. “The passion and commitment that volunteers bring to community initiatives, coupled with the new facilities will create a “must visit” experience for marine tourists in the region.”

Barry Janyk, Island Coastal Economic Trust, Doug Bell, president of Ladysnith Maritime Society and Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. announce grant to strengthen tourism. Photo: Rob Johnson

Nanaimo Airport

With Phase Two of the Nanaimo Airport Expansion- YCD in full swing, the local mid-island region is continuing to experience the benefits of a dependable flight service. Phase Two is building upon the foundation completed in 2009 on time and within the budget of $16.4 million.

Phase One of the YCD expansion includes flight path protection, lengthening of the runway, updated instrument landing systems and the installation of improved runway lighting.

Since the installation of high intensity runway lights, missed flights have been reduced dramatically. Passenger volumes for Nanaimo Airport – YCD are up: 12 per cent over the same period last year, compared to BC overall, which is down 5 per cent. As well with the installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILD) at YCD, there have been no landings cancelled to date since February of this year. Phase Two of the project at YCD is enlarging the terminal building and terminal infrastructure to serve increasing passenger use. This project includes the

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New passenger holding area at Nanaimo Airport

expansion of the airport terminal, increased parking for aircraft and vehicles, a new maintenance building and sewer and water treatment upgrades.

The completed project will see a larger, brighter and more open terminal concourse area. The café will incorporate outside patio seating. The new pre-board hold room will be large with a full view of the aircraft parking areas. The large and spacious baggage arrival area will incorporate seating areas and passenger viewing area for waiting family and friends.

The full terminal will be equipped with Flight Information Display screens, TVs and free wireless connections. Business travelers will have convenient work stations and tourists will be provided with regional information at an information kiosk and a ‘feature wall’ will display local art works.

This expansion will provide Nanaimo Airport with the opportunity to expand travel into the region. While there are currently more than 580 direct/indirect jobs generated by the airport, it is projected that the facility will create more than 1600 fulltime direct/indirect jobs by 2025. www.nanaimoairport.com

Community Gardens officially opens

Ladysmith’s Community Garden on High Street is officially open. With a great deal of support from community groups and individuals the non-profit society is able to provide the community a public garden space, complete with a gazebo donated by the Ladysmith Rotary. The Grand Opening Ceremony and ribbon cutting for the gazebo was held on Thursday August 26.

The Ladysmith Community Gardens Society wishes to thank Linda Ireland of the Food Action Coordinating Team with sup-

Ladysmith Rotarians with the gazebo they donated to Ladysmith’s Community Garden. Photo: Rob Johnson

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port from Ladysmith Parks, Recreation and Culture and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Town of Ladysmith (Mayor, Council, Anita McLeod, Glen Britton and Public Works employees) the Rotary Club of Ladysmith, Ladysmith Family and Friends, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Ladysmith & District Credit Union, Ladysmith Resource Centre, Women’s Catholic League Boys and Girls Club of Ladysmith and all the many supporters. The community is invited to view and enjoy!

Viking Ship to visit

At the Ladysmith Maritime Society Dock on Sept. 13 and 14 is your chance to see an authentic Viking Ship. Freydis Joanna is an authentic replica built in the traditional way at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. These light weight ships were carried in larger Viking ships and used for shallow waters and river travel.

Tour de Rock Events in Ladysmith

On Sept. 27 everyone is invited to meet the Tour de Rock riders as they are ‘piped’ into the Ladysmith Credit Union Parking lot at 2pm by the Cowichan Pipe and Drum Band. The Ladysmith Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society is supporting a locally raised rider Marty Steen who, along with his father Eric and Dennis Forrest will be having their heads shaved, and others that come forward. At 6pm the riders will be attending the ‘Ladysmith Red Serge’ dinner at the Eagles Hall, First Avenue.

Phone 250-245-0671 for more information.

Chopstix Salon is holding a “Cutathon” with donations to Cops for Cancer, Sept. 24 from 1-5pm. Phone 250-245-5788.

Have you or someone in your family been touched by cancer?

You can help fight back. The Ladysmith Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society needs volunteers. If you can spare three hours a week office help is needed as well as drivers to take patients to treatments or to help with Tour de Rock. Please contact them at 721 First Ave Ladysmith (basement) or call 250-245-0671.

Plecas Meats upgrades

Rodney Plecas worked alongside his father in the family run slaughter house and meat cutting shop a fixture in South Wellington from the time he was 5 years old. The business has been serving local small farmers since 1962. But a few years ago with tight new regulations following the Mad Cow disease

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outbreak in effect, the very future of the shop and many like it was at stake.

The restrictions made it impossible for small operators to compete leading to many farmers quitting.

But with recent government grants of up to $150,000 Rodney and Rhonda Plecas have started the upgrades.

Their customers can sell their product to stores and restaurants. The shop should be finished by the end of September.

Farmers are dwindling in the area.

Where there used to be 23 dairy farms there are now two, says Rhonda, but young people are picking up the slack and deciding to grow their own beef.

Garden surplus?

Do you have a surplus of fruit, nuts or vegetables?

The Gleaning Program has been operating since 2003 to reduce food waste in by helping community members access and share surplus produce. Volunteer gleaners pick produce and share with family, friends and neighbors and a significant amount is donated to local agencies such as the food bank. To date, the program has harvested almost 100,000 pounds of fruit, vegetable and nuts and 14 community agencies have received food. If you have more than you can use, call 250-816-4769.

A Blackberry Tea

Come and enjoy shortcake, scones, jam, sorbet and other goodies all made from blackberries! The Cedar Women’s Institute is hosting a Blackberry Tea on Saturday Sept. 11 from 1pm to 4pm at Cedar United Church Hall, 1644 Cedar

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Road. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for child (4-12), $7 for grandparent and grandchild or $10 for family (1 adult & two children). Call 250-245-4016.

“Black Track” Tour

Join Tom Paterson, well-known Vancouver Island historian, columnist, writer on a “Black Track” tour of Morden Colliery and other coal mining sites and rail lines on Sunday, Sept. 12. Tours assemble at 10am at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park in front of the headframe and typically runs about four hours. Tickets are $30 person or $25 each for two or more. Contact cchristo@ shaw.ca or phone 250-714-0377.

Terry Fox Run

The Ladysmith Terry Fox Run takes place Sunday Sept. 19 at the Frank Jameson Community Centre with registration beginning at 10am and the run starting at 11am. If you are interested in volunteering with the Terry Fox Run in Ladysmith, please contact Anita at amcleod@ ladysmith.ca. To learn more about The Terry Fox Foundation and this year’s events please visit www.terryfox.org.

Spirit Awards

Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is calling for nominations for its “Spirit of Ladysmith Community Awards”. Do you know a business, group or individual who goes that extra mile? This is your chance to nominate them for an award in these categories -Business of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year, Not-for-Profit Organization, Customer Service, Volun-

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teer of the Year, and Youth of the Year Nominations are due by Sept. 24. Please send completed forms to Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Fax: 250-2452124, info@ladysmithcofc.com or drop them off at otheir office at 411B First Avenue. Winners of the Spirit of Ladysmith Community awards will be presented at Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce annual fundraiser on Oct. 16 at the Cottonwood Golf Course. For more information phone 250 245 2112, or visit www.ladysmithcoc.com

Fires, fires, fires…

The Coastal Fire Centre continues to respond to person caused wildfires in the Nanaimo area. This includes wildfires attributed to arson. Since 2005, the Coastal Fire Centre has responded to approximately 158 person caused incidents in the Nanaimo area, including three in the last two days in the Nanaimo Lakes area. Equipment was also stolen off one of these fires. The Ministry of Forests and Range in cooperation with the RCMP have ongoing investigations on these suspicious fires, and are asking for the public’s assistance and increase awareness of this issue.

If you observe any suspicious activities call the RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.bccrimestoppers.com.

The Coastal Fire Centre appreciates the public’s continued cooperation and efforts in fire prevention and reporting wildfires. If you spot a wildfire please call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on cellular networks.

Ladysmith Colour Party in Victoria at the Annual United Nations Peace Keepers Parade.(l-r) Bill Burwood, John Kolompar, Darrel Byron, Sgt at Arms, Ace, the new Branch Mascot, Roy Empey and Linda Burwood.

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Ladysmith trolley service - is it a success?

The Town’s Trolley bus system came into service a year ago and we recently celebrated its success when it reached 25,000 riders.

But how do we measure success? So how does the trolley measure up on achieving the objectives set for it? As a member of the Trolley Committee, I understood that the goals for Trolley were: supply transit for those in need unable to get around town, increase tourism, reduce the number of cars driving thereby reducing green house gases produced by car engines.

On the first goal, the trolley has been a success for the 50 to 75 core passengers who use it on a regular basis. The number of 25,000 riders looks impressive, but lets look at this in a bit more detail. Based on 300 operating days a year, this averages out to 83 riders a day, with most of the time fewer that 5 passengers are on this 40 passenger bus, and much of the time no passengers.

Goal two, to increase tourism. Personally, I haven’t seen or heard that the trolley is aiding tourism in any significant way.

At present it is used by a limited number of transient boaters who are visiting our marinas if the trolley coincides with their needs.

Goal three, reduce the number of car trips in town and reduce green house gases. The Town purchased the trolley for $183,000 from a Federal Grant called the “gas tax”. These funds are used to help reduce green house gases. Based on June 2010 Trolley report presented to Council the trolley travelled 5577 km’s, while consuming 1895 litre of diesel fuel. This works out to 34 litres of fuel per 100 km’s. Diesel fuel produces 2.68 kg’s (5.9 pounds) of carbon dioxide per litre. So for the month of June the trolley added to the atmosphere 5,078ks (11,172 ponds) of carbon dioxide. The real question here is how many cars did we take off the road, and if so for how many kilometers of travel.

As many of the trolley’s passengers don’t have a cars there is no carbon reduction there, of the rest who ride the trolley and don’t take their cars it is likely that we reduced the carbon foot print very minimally, because the furthest distance they would likely travel would be no more than 10 kms. If 10 car trips of 10kms were eliminated that would amount to 100kms private car travel per day. Therefore based on a month of 25-trolley operating days this would amount to 2500 km compared to the trolleys route of 5577 kms. The difference in fuel consumption would be 2500 kms at 9 litre per 100 km equalling 25 litre of fuel compared to the trolley that consumed 1895

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litres of diesel. The difference in green house gases would be the elimination of 25 litres producing 127.5 pounds of CO2 (5.1 pounds per litter) while running the trolley produces 11,172 pounds of CO2.

Do you or anyone in your family use the trolley on a regular basis? Do you know anyone who is? Why not? It’s a costly service to operate when you add the cost of fuel, maintenance, insurance, replacement cost. Presently we are relying on donations, as there is no charge to ride the trolley. In June the fare box donations were only $610.75 for a total of $3,799.83 for the first half of the year. This doesn’t even cover the cost of the fuel. It is true that almost every public transit systems loses money and has to be subsidized. Presently the donations the public and businesses made to purchase the trolley are being used to subsidize the operation costs, but what happens when that runs out later this year? Council is looking at selling advertising space on the trolley and at the trolley stops and changing our signage bylaw to allow for these signs to be placed all over town, but how many business will advertise with such a limited ridership, How many of our tax dollars are needed to keep the system running. I think we need to form a committee to review the trolley service and find ways to make it more useful, to encourage more ridership and to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of this service.

At least that’s how I see it.

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Harbour Seals The dark, sleek, dog like-head moves slowly through the water, glances sideways at you with deep, black, over sized eyes, points the whiskered nose in the air and sinks below the surface. Harbour seals are common on our Pacific coast from the Aleutian islands to Baja and if you are on the water you will see them and they will see you. They keep their distance from a boat with a motor but as Barry told me, if you are in a kayak, these curious creatures will come within a paddle length. If you want to get closer, you can snorkel with seals at Snake Island off Nanaimo www.divingbc.com/snorkel_package.htm or feed them herring by hand off Fishermans’ Wharf in Victoria.

Seals belong to the same family as sea lions. The fat adults weighing up to 180 pounds have short furry front flippers and larger rear ones. These appendages are almost useless on land and the seals move by undulating their bodies and bouncing along. In the water they become acrobats, twisting and turning

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at incredible speeds. The front flippers are used for steering and the rear for propulsion.

They eat all kinds of fish, crab, shrimp, squid and octopus.

The long haired one and I saw a large seal with an octopus arm in its mouth just off Sharpe Point this spring. The arm was about five feet long and I could not tell if the rest of the beast was attached as there was a lot of thrashing and head shaking.

Seals mostly eat bottom fish but when salmon are around they concentrate on them. If you go down to the mouth of Holland Creek and sit on top of the culvert ( there is a bench there) when the salmon are running, you can watch seals chase the fish around the estuary and into the culvert. Keep an eye out for the bear as he may be there as well.

Fishermen do not have a nice word to say about these critters. They are smart and adaptable. They will take a hooked salmon off a line or out of a gill net. Charter boat fishing in the Nanaimo area was severely impacted by seals as they learned that the sound of a screaming reel meant an easy lunch was waiting. In the late 1960s there was a bounty on them in the Georgia Strait area and their numbers were reduced to about 15,000. Since the bounty was stopped the population has returned to former levels. It is estimated that there are 350,000 on the North Pacific coast.

Pupping season is late July and August in our area. The moms come into the harbour and haul out on logs and rocks and await the birth. Soon the duos...big head and little head... can be seen swimming together. The young weigh about 20 pounds at birth and can double their size in the first month from

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Seal pup snoozing in the sun.

Photo: Rob Pinkerton

mom’s rich milk. The pups can be left on the beach for long periods of time as the mother hunts for food. They should be left alone. Harbour seals are generally quiet creatures but the pups make horrible unearthly cries and groans, calling for mom.

August also gets the males all worked up. They do not have harems like sea lions and must compete for females. The boys make the biggest splash they can and all over the coast they can be seen and heard displaying their prowess. Are the girls impressed with the big splash or are the guys just measuring their splashes

against their competitors? I am tempted to make comparisons here but I will let you do that. All else takes place under the water.

First Nations hunted them for meat, oil and the pelts and still take small numbers of them. The main predator are the mammal eating killer whales who visit an area catching seals and sea lions and then moving on. I have heard that the orcas will toss a fully grown sea lion around like a ball before they devour it.

A gory sight. They pass through our area periodically and if you are fortunate, you will see them.

Get out on the water if you can and look for these brown, white and spotted seals hauled out on log booms and reefs at low tide. Some say that they are as intelligent as dolphins and whales but they seem to me to be very basic animals... eat, sleep, sleep some more. You do not see them doing tricks at the aquarium.

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unBEARlievable Every fisherman has a story about the one that got away. A story retold at the dock after a long day, providing assurance in one’s own abilities and experiences. Now, I am no fisherman nor do I have a classic fish story but I have always wanted a bear story. Years of hiking and biking in Banff, Jasper, Cadomin and Vancouver Island have resulted in zero bear encounters. Finally, my long awaited story happened while vacationing in Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Before Wells Gray comes Whistler and that is where the bear story begins.

While in Whistler, we went on the Peak 2 Peak gondola ride that takes you to

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the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. I was so caught up with the scenery and watching the kids experience their first gondola ride that I almost missed the three bears. A black bear with her two cubs strolling through the snow covered mountain side. We were all excited to see them, but not much of a story considering the distance and us safely in the gondola. Not sure the kids even saw them. I thought it was a rare sight until we saw black bear #4 and then #5 later in the day, all while riding on the gondolas. The children spotted these ones and that started the flood of questions. For the next six hours enroute to Clearwater all we talked about was bears, even saw bear #6 alongside the road while driving.

What do bears eat, how do they survive, and what do we do if we see one while hiking. We talked about making lots of noise so they hear us first and get out of the way. We talked about watching for tracks or poop. We talked about mother bears and cubs and the risks when approached. We talked about staying calm, staying together, and backing away slowing if we were ever to come across a bear. I never imagined we would ac-

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tually need to put this all to the test the very next afternoon.

Our next stop was Pyramid Mountain Campground in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Here we planned to bike to the top of Pyramid Mountain. We figured we could combine the 7km with biking and hiking, depending on the children’s ability to ride the trail. It was about the 3km mark when I noticed our dog starting to slow down and walk in a way that I had never seen. He is getting old and I often wonder when he will no longer keep up. While my thoughts were wondering what was wrong with him, out of the corner of my eye I saw a large brownish black blob with two ears slowly moving away from the trail. Holy crap, a bear! Instantly the six hour conversation about bear safety came to mind. Talk loud but calm, get dog on leash, stay close and start backing away slowly. I have to say that I was pretty scared. Scared because I had my children with me; scared because I have never been this close to a bear; scared because we had no bear spray or bangers and scared because we were so far away from anything else. The kids stayed calm, which helped, and because the bear did not move that far off the trail, we turned

“ I noticed our dog starting to slow down and walk in a way that I had never seen...While my thoughts were wondering what was wrong with him, out of the corner of my eye I saw a large brownish black blob with two ears slowly moving away from the trail. “

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around and got the heck out of there fast, but slowly. Bear # 7 had come and gone and I live to tell about it but it was not to be out done by bear #8. Yes, after arriving safely back to camp, we had to deal with another black bear eating berries three sites down from us. Eventually the bear was in an empty campsite across from ours.

Children and dog were put in the vehicle while we watched the bear make his way across the site and then run between us and into the bush. I have officially had my fill of bears!

It’s good to finally share my bear story, good because it ended happily ever after. So many things could have gone wrong. In 36 hours we saw eight bears, enough for me, so to get our minds off bears we came up with a plan. The next day’s adventure was to hike to more waterfalls than the bears we had came across.

Final score: Bears 8, Waterfalls 5.

To read On the beaten path’s monthly blog and adventure stories, join the Facebook fan page “On the beaten path” or visit www.wix.com/onthebeatenpath/on-the-beaten-path

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“I think it is important that people who are perceived as liberals not be afraid of talking about moral and community values.”

- Marian Wright Edelman

Community Mine, Minded, or Mined?

Communities are everywhere, and yet their building blocks remain a mystery. We hold community living close, the summit of a satisfying life to be loved as part of one.

But what makes a community tick?

Some friends, visiting from Ottawa, traded tales with us this summer, exuberantly recounting a fascinating stay in a little coastal town, Minori, on the side of a mountain ...in Italy, the other side of Napoli.

Only accessible by boat for centuries, it grew slowly, folks walking from house to house to the fish boats, to their fields, and so on. And now a precipitous road, hugging treacherous hair-pin turns over crumbling cliffs and dizzying heights, brings folks like our friends down to cozy hideaways for week-long vacations.

Yet the community remains, economy buoyed by tourism and heritage enthusiasts, resilient in the face of change, the

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walkways of daily life serving the needs of those who call this town home.

And so now our friends come back to Vancouver Island’s paradise of communities, where things have changed since last here, in ways hard to explain.

It’s not like they don’t want Islanders to enjoy all the latest styles and services that Ottawa offers. It’s just that they came here for an Island experience, to stroll streets and smile, and be smiled at.

To sample the seafoods, marvel at big trees, and breathe deeply of the Pacific coast. To see the way life is different than Ottawa, and yet still a good life.

But the question begs, what price, progress? Why even consider a coal mine up-island, they wonder? Transform the Comox Valley’s claim on paradise into a grimy Appalchia-like industrial economy? Why threaten watersheds and our defining historical, cultural and natural heritage? Why not tell Ottawa’s Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency,

by September 20th, that we think such a proposal inappropriate?

Up-island neighbours stand to lose walks along a clean beach, harvesting shellfish with the grandkids ...enjoyment and satisfaction only a quality of life can bring and sustain. How much is that worth?

Similar questions arise hereabouts, our local airport promising massive economic returns and corporate investments if it can just be left to develop over the vulnerable Cassidy aquifer. Trust us.

And too, what if those who own coal mining rights under the mid island region, let’s say from Ladysmith to Extension, decide it’s now a commodifiable product, with an overseas market for export, and a tidy little return to plump up their shareholder’s pocketbooks?

What if the Toronto Stock Exchange,

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the NASDAQ, the DOW, decide that this paradise is one that’s ripe for the highest bidder? Do the wheeler dealers of the world, the boosterism vested interests, and the business-at-any-cost commerce junkies, get to dictate the terms and conditions by which the rest of us seek a good life?

I’m of the belief that there is more than money that makes communities tick.

That the more we talk the more likely it is we’ll realize what makes this Island so special, what brings our communities alive, what makes this a wonderful life and place to be. My friends I believe it’s what you have to say about where you live, what should change and what should stay the same, that defines and creates our communities.

And with this in mind, so that a healthy conversation about community hopes and dreams might be encouraged for all mid-islanders, it so happens a community on-line discussion has just begun. Hot off the presses as of September 1st.

Ideas and suggestions, concerns and comments, anything you may wish to say about life and community in the green lands of the mid island - all to be found at <midisland communities@shaw.ca> For those of us who proudly tell everyone who will listen about how lucky we are to live here on Vancouver Island, who brag to friends back east about what a great place we share, this then is one of those defining moments, a time to walk the talk, and to stand up for what we want in life. Is it community?

Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for 30 years, farms 20 acres organically on Vancouver Island with life-partner Jackie Moad, and oft’ ponders life mysteries while running Thistle Consulting Services – seeking local solutions to global challenges.

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RDN - Area A Update Area ‘A’ Official Community Plan Review DID WE GET IT RIGHT! RDN has sent out an information pamphlet to all households in Area ‘A’ officially announcing the Draft of Area ‘A’s Revised Official Community Plan is ready for public review. Three Open Houses will be held: Saturday Sept. 11, 10am–4pm at Cranberry Community Hall; Monday Sept. 20, 3pm–9pm, Cedar Community Hall; and Wednesday Sept. 22, 3pm– 9pm, Western Marine Institute, Cassidy.

The Draft Official Community Plan is the result of a collaborative effort which involved an extensive public consulta-

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tion process. Each section of the plan contains objectives and policies. Objectives express the community’s values and long term aspirations. They are the community’s statements of what is important to the residents and land owners of Electoral Area ‘A’. Policies express the community’s response to the objectives. The policies provide specific direction to the RDN Board, the Community and the Provincial and Federal Agencies on the future land and water surface uses in the plan area.

We want your input. I encourage all Area ‘A’ residents to review the draft of the revised OCP which is available on the project website: areaaocpreview@ rdn.bc.ca . Hard copies are available

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from RDN offices, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo. Following the Open Houses, the draft plan will be amended in response to comments received. Once the draft plan has been amended the next step is to proceed to the Regional Board for adoption of the draft.

Green Bin Program coming in October.

The Green Bin goes beyond composting. The program is the most significant expansion of residential collection services since the introduction of curb side recycling 20 years ago. A highly successful pilot project from October 2007-October 2008 tested and proved the diversion potential and acceptance of

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residential food waste collection. The pilot project involved 2000 households on rural and urban routes in Cedar, Nanaimo and Quallicum Beach. These houses continue to receive food waste collection service. When fully implemented in October the Green Bin Program will provide weekly curb side collection of food and kitchen waste to 52,000 households throughout the Regional District.

It is an investment in sustainable waste management and a key step in achieving the RDN’s 75 per cent waste diversion goal. All food waste in the region is processed into nutrient-rich compost by the ICC Group at its Duke Point facility. The Green Bin Program is expected to divert 6000 tonnes of food waste from the Regional Land Fill in the first year, in addition to food waste already diverted by businesses and institutions.

The Green Bin Program moves beyond composting because it accepts many materials unsuitable for use in a backyard composter, such as meat, fish, bones, grains, dairy products and soiled and waxed coated paper. Diverting food and kitchen waste will extend the life of the Regions land fill, take action on climate change by keeping methane generating organic waste out of the land fill, convert organic waste into beneficial products i.e. fertilizer, compost, and eventually renewable fuels, create local jobs and support a local green economy. For more information go to RDN website www. beyondcomposting.ca Stay safe and enjoy the remaining days of summer.

Joe Burnett, telephone: 250-722-2656; email: quaillanding@shaw.ca.

CVRD - Area H Stz’uminus First Nation Lands Addition to Woodlot 1713: As you may recall, the CVRD had been advised that the SFN is in the process of replacing land that was removed from SFN Woodlot 1713. After much review and consideration, the Band selected a 20.9ha parcel of Crown Land within Area H. The subject property is identified as DL#109, which abuts the Chuck Wagon Estates subdivision; at this time, the only access to this property is at the western end of Prospect Drive.

Because Lot #109 adjoins the Chuck

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Wagon Estates, the CVRD and numerous local residents expressed concerns to the Ministry about how the proposed future logging of this woodlot would impact the residents in this densely populated area.

Protection of water supply and quality, and wildlife habitat are the primary concerns for this environmentally sensitive area. Drainage and flooding issues are also a major concern.

It has come to my attention that a letter was written by the Ministry of Forest and Range advising the Stz’uminus First Nations that given the issues around forest management in the Coastal Douglas Fir ecosystem, and the proposed Land Act Order, in addition to the public expectations around a comprehensive public involvement process, the Ministry will not be proceeding to add this area to the woodlot. The Band is encouraged to continue working with Ministry staff to locate another suitable replacement parcel.

I wish them every success in finding another location that better suits the operation of a woodlot, and enhances the ability of the SFN to provide their members with sound employment and sustainable economic opportunities.

Heart Lake Developments: As I mentioned in my last article, a Public Hearing for proposed Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws to permit development of 147 manufactured home strata lots and 7 agricultural lots was held at the North Oyster Community Centre. This application dealt with property located in the Diamond and accessed from OysterSto-Lo Road.

More than 70 written submissions were received during the public process; the submissions were all favourable. Five members of the public expressed strong opposition during the public hearing, with two members supporting the project.

The minutes of the hearing, and all written submissions were considered at the August 11 Regional Board meeting.

After reviewing all of the pertinent material, the Board amended the Bylaws before giving them third reading. The amendments included: increasing the rear yard setback; establishing a minimum parcel size for parcel serviced with community water and sewer in the MH-2 zone of 540 square meters; and

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establishing a minimum parcel area for parcels not service with water & sewer of 2.0 hectares.

The bylaws have now been forwarded to the Province for consideration and possible approval. If approved by the Province covenants will be registered on title ensuring that the lands cannot be subdivided until the agricultural portion of the property has been accepted by the ALR for inclusion in land reserve as well as a covenant dealing with fencing and other parkland matters. These covenants must be registered prior to fourth reading.

CVRD - Area G Saltair celebrated its 100 anniversary of its naming by the railroad on August 15. It started off by a ceremony at Southin Road rail crossing that re-enacted a railroad scene in 1910 where the train arrived to deliver the first mail that included two important letters. The first was a letter was from Sir William Van Horne, the Chairman of Canadian Pacific Railway who owned the E & N Railroad in 1910.

The new stop would be called Saltair Landing with a passenger shelter and a 1600 foot siding for the train. Eleanor Southin, the Ladysmith postmaster’s wife at the time, won the naming contest and was awarded $10. Mrs Southin had vacationed in “Saltaire” England as a child. The railway dropped the final “e” for a simpler “Saltair.” The second letter was from the Postmaster General of Canada to William Southin awarding Saltair the first rural mail delivery service ever in Canada. However, this title is disputed by a community in Ontario arguing that it was the first. Jean Crowder, MP and Doug Routley, MLA addressed the crowd who were dressed in period costumes with antique trucks on hand supplied by Harry Blackstaff and Kyle Chiplyk to create the original scene. Bob Ennis filmed the event which would be played at the main event under the gazebo.

The rest of the celebration took place at the Saltair Centennial Park. History boards of families were set up with pictures and written history of the family for others to share. Karen Wright and Joan Eggen spent hundreds of hours getting the displays ready for the exhibition.

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(l to r) Mel Dorey, Donna Dorey, Brianne Pamminger, Taylor Pamminger, Jane Fowler, Lenore Thomas and David Thomas.

They are waiting for the train during the Train ceremony at the Saltair Centennial in front of Harry Blackstaffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truck.

Many others such as Betty Bacon, Doris Popplestone, Anne Silins, Linda and Nadine Stubbington, Irene Kernachan, Jayne Kernachan, Donna Dorey, Tom Lewis, Bev Cottrell and Darlene Wright did typing, arranging and phoning. The history boards were the main attraction of the event along with the visiting that was done by families. It is hoped that all this history can be written into a book. It will be saved at the Chemainus Valley District Museum until something more permanent can be done with it. There was also a Powerpoint presentation running continuously on a big screen TV showing photos of early Saltair. That production was set up by Kelly Shellenberg and Lenore Thomas. Guy Bezeau was the master of ceremonies and he entertained the crowd of 600 with his Re/Max band. Some clowns from the Shriners were also on site and there were also childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games. This all took place under the blistering sun and record temperatures although about a dozen tents were set up to escape the sun. Free watermelon sure hit the spot. Sunny Saltair was sure sunny. John Silins and Diana MacTavish along with other Saltair Ratepayers Association members were the hosts and organizers of this centennial celebration. The fundraisers were led by David Thomas, Dennis Plante, Sherry Durnford and Lenore Thomas. Denike Kulai did the art work on the big Saltair sign. Lots of local businesses chipped in to help. It was probably the biggest event ever held in Saltair.

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Not so free trade Despite what Brian Mulroney might say, Canada has not embraced free trade.

In fact, we don’t even have free trade between the provinces. According to the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act, it is illegal to ship alcoholic beverage from a winery in one province to a consumer in another. An Ontario visitor wanting to ship a case of BC wine home is out of luck.

It gets worse. Penalties for violating this Act include mandatory prison terms after a third offense. Shoot someone in the back with a crossbow and you’ll get a conditional sentence, but ship a tasty little merlot to Manitoba and it’s do not pass go, do not collect $200. (Monopoly speak for jail time.)

Some of you might think this ludicrous, draconian even. Well you’d be wrong.

The government, yes the one we pay top dollar for, is actually diabolically clever, pursuing a cutting edge policy to deal with serious crime.

How so? Well, consider the biggest justice problem facing BC; getting all the gangsters and career criminals off the street so we normal people have a place to play ball hockey. Just the other day I was reading about an Abbotsford man, suspected of murder, who had 45 criminal convictions in five years but was still walking down Main Street blocking per-

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fectly good shots on net.

Armed with the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act we can get that punk off the street in no time. Forget all his other priors, all we have to do is entice him to buy booze from another province.

This is done by entrapment; an undercover policeman walks up to a known criminal and says, “Pisst! Buddy, how about some kick ass Cabernet from Ontario, only three bucks a bottle.” How could a self-respecting criminal resist?

This of course is a spin off of the old Al Capone trick where the gangster is nailed not for murder and mayhem but for being a bad accountant.

Around this time, the keeners in the room, those of you who sat in the front in high school, might be saying, “Ball hockey?” No. You’re saying, “Hey, wine gets shipped into Canada all the time from foreign countries like France, or if that’s not foreign enough, try Argentina.

How come that’s allowed?”

Simply because we have trolls (euphemistically referred to as Custom’s officers) hiding under all the bridges that lead into the country. When someone crosses that bridge with a case of wine, the troll steps out and says, “Fork it over buddy.” And they mean fork it over.

Those greedy trolls will tack $15 on a $15 bottle of wine. No one said keeping the streets safe for ball hockey is cheap.

But the Intoxicating Liquor Act is a different matter; it’s an interprovincial turf war with each province fighting to protect its drinkers (referred to in official government documents as I.P.C.’s— intoxicated profit centers) from the services of another. The Act can be distilled to one sentence. “Move it Buster, this is my street corner.”

If you’re tired of the money grubbing trolls and their controllers my suggestion

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is civil protest. Right now there’s an extremely low tariff applied to cream pies imported from China where the pies are cheap and the cream is dubious. Act now before this loophole is plugged. Order hundreds of pies and distribute them to likeminded people. The next time a federal politician is in town, let her fly.

If pie flinging isn’t your thing, and those of us with damaged rotator cuffs will appreciate this, there are other methods of protest, none finer than those espoused by the Doukhobors who were decidedly minimalist when it came to costume. However, their protests took place before the aging of society, and most

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important, before the advance of obesity. If you’re thinking of going this route, for the purpose of esthetics, consider hiding behind the biggest wine glass money can buy.

If you’re looking for something absolutely delicious to put in that wine glass, my suggestion is the 3 Winds Syrah from France for $12.99. Every once in a while you find an inexpensive bottle that totally obviates the need for more expensive beverage. This is it. Just don’t drink too much and forget to put your clothes on before heading off to work.

Delbert Horrocks is co-proprietor at the Mahle House, Cedar.

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In the Beantime Cafe

In the Beantime CafĂŠ is now celebrating its 5th year of operation, partners Sharon and Bill Hull and Campbell McIntyre would like to thank all their loyal customers. In the Beantime Cafe has become quite a Ladysmith landmark. Featuring fresh daily sandwich, wrap, and Panini specials all on homemade bread has been a recipe for success. Breakfast, lunch or dinner you will always find something great! Have that special event or family gathering that you need help in

Steve Brock, Sharon and Bill Hull, roasting and serving up coffeee. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

menu preparation, In the Bean Time will do catering as well. To complement the dining experience these savvy entrepre-

neurs have started evening music events.

Watch for the schedule of performances highlighting local talent.

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Page Point Bistro’s Sandy Wilkinson and chef Josh Massey.

Photo: Cindy Damphousse

Printingdun Beanery

Meet new owners Ingrid James and Craig Jory and enjoy the enhanced menu items at the Printingdun Beanery. This eatery with its outdoor patio in a heritage building offers fresh daily specials and a cold beverage as they are licenced. Starting in November the Printingdun Beanery will be open for dinner. Call 250 245-7671 or drop by daily 7:30am to 4:30pm.

Bite of Nanaimo

In The Beantime Cafe’s newest venture is a partnership with local entrepreneur Steve Brock to establish the Gulf Islands Roasting Co. Located within In the Beantime Cafe at 18 High Street, it offers fresh micro roasted coffee for retail and wholesale. Enjoy a tasty coffee drink brewed with our fresh roasted beans. Come on in for a visit today. Open 7 am - 5 pm Monday to Saturday, 8 am - 5 pm Sundays, holidays. 250-245-2305.

The Page Point Bistro

The Page Point Bistro located at the Page Point Inn is once again fired up for business.

Owners Sandy and Robert Wilkinson have reopened this favourite eatery.

The menu features fresh local ingredients that are served to you on the beautiful deck with the most spectacular view you will find around.

Chef Josh Massey has a wealth of experience, most recently the Wesley Street Cafe. The Bistros slogan “Great Food, Better Wines, Good Times” was had by all at our table as we enjoyed a lunch: a chicken club on ciabatta bun, a beef dip and a buffalo burger. We’ll be back for dinner very soon.

The Bistro is open Tuesday to Thursday 5pm - 9pm Friday to Sunday 11am - 9pm or call 250-924-1110 for reservations.

Gryphons Lair

After the Omega Restaurant closed 14 years ago this local landmark stood empty and now, thanks to the new owners Sue and Paul Meszaros, this building has had a complete makeover and is now The Gryphon’s Lair With a new look comes a new menu with many English pub style choices. Call 250-245-4195 for more information or to make a reservation. They are open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday 11am 3pm and open for dinner 5pm-10pm. When we were there it was “smokin’” busy. We recommend you call for reservations as this new eatery has experienced a very busy response to their opening.

TheatreOne invites you to celebrate gourmet food, local wine and beer, and delicious desserts at the 18th Annual Bite of Nanaimo fundraiser in support of live theatre.

Friday Sept. 24, 4pm-9pm, Beban Park Auditorium. Entry tickets $10 from Tourism Nanaimo or TheatreOne, 250-7547587. For a complete listing of this year’s participants please http://www.theatreone.org/specialEvents.html - Cindy Damphousse

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Sep 3, Deadline for photo submission for Mid Island Photo Expo Sep 3, 8pm, Meg Iredale/Faye Blais, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 4, 9am – 2pm, Crofton Market, Beside Ferry Terminal, derbest@shaw.ca

SEPTEMBER Ladysmith Harbour Tours Saturday & Sundays in September 10:30 am and 2pm 250-245-0109 Sep 1-11, Guys and Dolls, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250 246-9820 Sep 1, 9:30am, Employment Navigator Workshop, Internet & Email Job Search in 21 Century, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 1, 4pm, Class Registration, Soulfire Dance Studio 250-924-2525 Sep 1, 11am-4pm, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Water Wheel Park 250-246-3944 Sep 2, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 2, 4pm, Class Registration, Soulfire Dance Studio 250-924-2525 Sep 2, 8pm, Don Brownrigg, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 3-5, Food Bank Slow Pitch Ball Tournament, Aggie Field Non perishable food items will be collected 250-245-3137

Sep 4-30, Laura Scarr & LAC, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery 250-245-1252 Sep 4, 7pm, Open Mic Night, Dancing Bean Café Chemainus 250-246-5050 Sep 5, 2pm, Hope King, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 5, 8pm, Ben Rogers, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 6, 11am, 20th Annual Labour Day Picnic, Transfer Beach 250-760-0584 Sep 7-10, MED – Survival Craft, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-2454455 Sep 7, 7pm, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park Open Mic hosted by Flying Accusations Sep 8-10, Restricted Operator Certificate: Maritime Commercial, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Sep 8, 11am-4pm, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Water Wheel Park 250-246-3944

Black Track” Tour of Morden Mine and area, Sept 12 Photo: John Hoffman

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Sep 8, 4pm, Class Registration, Soulfire Dance Studio 250-924-2525 Sep 8, 9:30am, Employment Navigator Workshop, MS Word – Basics & Beyond, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 9, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop, Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-2457134 Sep 9, 4pm, Class Registration, Soulfire Dance Studio 250-924-2525 Sep 9, 5-8pm, Ellen Statz Reception, The Pottery Store Chemainus 250-416-1411 Sep 9, 3:30pm, Max & Ruby Bunny Party, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 10, 7:30pm, Victoria Symphony with Ian Parker, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529 Sep 10, 8pm, Uni and the Ukele, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 11, 11am, Cedar Village 13th Anniversary, Cedar Village Square 250-722-7010 Sep 11, Kin Park Brown Drive Playground Fundraiser, Festival of Lights parking lot 250-245-2263 Sep 11, 10am, RDN Open House Community Plan Review, Cranberry Community Hall Sep 11, 2pm, Black Berry Tea Sale & Music, Cedar United Church Hall 250-245-4016 Sep 11, 2pm, Music in the Park, Waterwheel Park Rising Stars: Youth Perform for Youth Sep 11, 6pm, David Gogo Band, Saltair Pub 250-246-4241 Sep 11, 8pm, Cameron Latimer, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 12, 2pm, Behind the Scenes, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 Sep 12, 8pm, David Ross MacDonald, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sept 12 “Black Track” of Morden Mine and other coal mining sites and rail lines tour with historian Tom Paterson. Tickets $30 or $25 each two or more. cchristo@shaw.ca or phone 250-714-0377.

Sep 13-16, MED – Survival Craft, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Sep13-17, MED STCW Basic Safety Training, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Sep 13, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop, Job Search, Support & Networking, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 13, 1pm, Employment Navigator Workshop, Preparing for an Interview, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 14, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop, Resume 201, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 14, 6:30pm, Air Cadet Squadron #257 Open House, Aggie Hall 250-245-2785 Sep 14, 8pm, Blues Tuesdays, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 15, 9:30am, Employment Navigator Workshop, Internet & Email Job Search in 21 Century, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 15, 6:30pm, 1st Cedar Scouting Registration, Woodbank School 250-722-0045 Sep 15, 7:30pm, The Canadian Tenors, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 15, 8pm, Danny Michel, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 16-Oct 3, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 Sep 16, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 16, 1:30pm, Scooter Rodeo, St. Mary’s Catholic Church 250-245-3079 Sep 16, 7:30pm, The Naden Band, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 16, 8pm, Lydia Pense/Cold Blood, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 17, 7:30pm, Charlie Murphy, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Sep 17, 8pm, John Gogo, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep18, 10:30am, Dyslexia Informational Conference, Nanaimo Library 250-591-8272 Sept 18, 7pm, Adamantines, In the Bean Time Café 250-245-2305 Sep 19, 10am Terry Fox Run, FJCC, Ladysmith 250-245-6427 Sep 19, 11am, Jonanco Hobby Workshop, 2745 White Rapids Rd. jonanco@gmail. com Sep 19, 7:30pm, For the Love of Land, Port Theatre 250-754-8550

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Sep 19, 8pm, Alfie Zappacosta, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Sep 26, 8pm, 7th Anniversary, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Sep 20, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop Job Search, Support & Networking, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134

Sep 27-28, Marine Basic First Aid, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Sep 20, 3pm, RDN Open House Community Plan Review, Cedar Community Hall

Sep 27-30, MED – Advanced Fire Fighting, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Sep 20, 8pm, Matt Epp, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 21, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce General Meeting 250-245-2112

Sep 27, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop Job Search, Support & Networking, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 27, 7:30pm, Satisfaction, Port Theatre 250-754-8550

Sep 20-22, Med-Basic Safety (formerly MED A1) Med-Small Passenger Vessel Safety (formerly MED A2) Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Sep 27, 8pm, Theda Phonix, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Sep 20-22, Restricted Operator Certificate: Maritime Commercial, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Sep 28, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club “Compositional Aspects of Photography and Photography for Beginners” Hardwick Hall, High St. info@ LadysmithCameraClub.com

Sep 20-24, MED STCW Basic Safety Training, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Sep 22, 9:30am, Employment Navigator Workshop, MS Word – Basics & Beyond, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 22, 3pm, RDN Open House Community Plan Review, Western Maritime Institute Sep 23-Oct 30, Coastal Reflections exhibit Michael Dean artist, The Gallery Chemainus Theatre 250-246-9820 Sep 23-Oct 30, Wingfield’s Progress, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250 246-9820 Sep 23-24, Marine Basic First Aid, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-2454455 Sep 23, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Sep 24, 4pm, Bite of Nanaimo, Beban Park Auditorium 250-754-7587 Sep 24, 8pm, Amanda Rheaume, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 25, 11am, Chemainus Mural event & Show and Shine, Waterwheel Park and parking lot Sep 25, 8pm, Mark Berube, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Sep 26, 9am North Oyster and Area Historical Society Giant Community Garage Sale, North Oyster Community Hall 250-245-2559 or 250-245-3358

Sep 28, 9am, Employment Navigator Workshop Resume 201, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134

Sep 29- Nov 23, Bridge Watch Rating, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Sep 30, 8pm, Darrel & Saskia, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

OCTOBER Oct 3, 2pm, Hope King, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 9, 8pm, Live Rust, Dancing Bean Café Chemainus 250-246-5050 Oct 12, Med-Small Non-Pleasure Vessel Safety (formerly MED A3), Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Oct12-15, MED – Survival Craft, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Oct13-15, Small Vessel Operator, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Oct 14, 1:30pm, Seniors Driving, Eagles Hall 250-245-3079 Oct 16, 7:30pm, Victoria Symphony Desmond Hoebig, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529 Oct 16, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spirit Awards, Cottonwood Golf Course 250-245-2112

For more events, www.take5.ca

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CLASSIFIED ADS PAINT & SAVE OPTION: Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look. Making the world a brighter place over 25 years.

Call Harv 250-245-2174 WIFE FOR HIRE Cheerful, helpful and caring. Available to shop, prepare meals, run errands, do laundry and house cleaning. Not enough time in your day!

Wherever you need a helping hand, If you can’t do the job, I can. Call Carol Rose at 250-245-4875 DRIVING LESSONS: Are you a few months away from needing to go for a Road Test? Need an evaluation of your driving skills? Have you ever taken Emergency Maneuvers / Collision Avoidance Training? 49th Parallel Driving School 250-416-1606 BADMINTON CLASSES: Come join this 15 week course starting September 10th at Crofton Elementary, Fridays from 7:00-9:30. Cost $150.00. Limited to 14 students. Age requirement 13 to 93 yrs. To register Call Martin 250-4161606 WHO HAS TONS of high grade band sawn Douglas Fir cut Full 1 and 2 that is great for planters, garden boxes, corrals, barns etc.? Very reasonably priced?

Mike Gogo That’s WHO! 250-754-2276 fax 250-754-1754 MIKE GOGO CEDAR PRODUCTS. Dry Fir & Cedar Slabs delivered to your

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yard by overhead crane truck. Approximately 3 cords for $140 or you pick up at Mill each package approximately 1.5 cord $30 loaded on your vehicle. 250754-2276 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeds need pulling? Garden needs digging?

Call David at 250-722-3599 LIGHTWORKS window washing and gutter cleaning. Careful & considerate. I also do housecleaning. Call David 250722-3599 BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www. bowtech.com

SEPT 2010

BOBBY S MINIHOE & CLEANUP Landscaping, lot clearing, debris removal, excavating, small deliveries with dump trailer, mulch, lawn soil, garden soil, driveway chip, serving Nanaimo, Cedar, Ladysmith & area call Bobby 250-713-4970 ISLAND PRUNING - Pruning, tree care, fruit trees, vines, ornamental trees, shrubs and hedges. Chainsaw work and small and large clean-up. Darcy 250245-1260 OFFICE SPACES -Downtown Ladysmith, modern, ac, renovated, wired, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 OUR TOWN CLEANING SERVICES Thorough cleaning for both residential and commercial clients. Respectful of your privacy and treasures. Veteran Affairs Cards now accepted. Call Jacquie at 250-245-2455

GOT GRANITE? Have your Granite and Marble Countertops professionally sealed and buffed. Kitchens starting at $75. We do tile as well! SealTech Specialties Call Stuart at 250-734-2681 www.sealtechspecialties.com

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? Perhaps ready for a fresher look in your existing home? The affordable design services provided by Rooms n Blooms can help. Call Shar at 250-2450548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca

HOW IS YOUR DRIVEWAY? Have those concrete and asphalt areas on your driveway patched. Seal your driveway professionally to prepare for the summer heat! Enhance the Curb Appeal of your Home! SealTech Specialties Call Stuart at 250-734-2681 www.sealtechspecialties.com

RENOVATIONS DONE RIGHT By a reliable, multi-skilled craftsman I am flexible to my customers’ needs. Minimal chaos in your home. Hourly rates. Call Roger today at Roger’s Renovations for your free consultation. 250-245-8202

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash em & walk em with Marlena. Insured & bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more.

As my love is yours! 250-246-3394.

HOME BUDDIES PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kindhearted, experienced & reliable care for all pets.

Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional through Westguard Security. When loving care & security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith.

250-245-0151.

WEATHERED DECKS, ALGAE, MOSS OR DIRT encrusted concrete, old tired bricks? We are Certified Applicators of Seicoat, a leading edge cleaning and sealing technology company. Contact Seicoat 250 816-5002 www.seicoat. com . Free Cleaning with purchase of a Sealing Package.

LOOKING for sailboat to crew on, local or offshore. F, 49, 250-756-8892 ATTENTION BRIDGE PLAYERS. If you are a beginner or would like to refresh your bridge playing please join us for 6 weeks of fun bridge lessons (3 weeks will be complimentary (free) and 3 weeks at a nominal fee). Includes coffee/tea/laughs/playing time. Instructor Brian Atkinson will teach the popular

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Audrey Grant Method on Thursdays from September 16. – October 21 @ 1:30 pm at Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 MacMillan Road, Cedar. Info or sign up: 250-722-2656, 250-722-3546, 250-7220053 or 250-245-5015.

CEDAR HERITAGE BRIDGE GROUP FALL SESSIONS BEGIN!!

Each Tuesday @ 1:30-4:30 pm: Sept.

28 & Oct. 5 Open Playing time, then, Oct. 12 – Nov. 30 Rosemary Spratt will offer 8 (½ hr.) lessons with lots of playing time, for intermediate & up players.

Newcomers welcome. (Cost 8 weeks $30 – drop in $4) Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 MacMillan Road, Cedar. Includes coffee/tea/laughs/fun. Info/sign up: 250722-2692, 250-722-3546, 250-722-2656, 250-722-0053 RISINGS WOMEN MAGAZINE has openings for dynamic women to join our team in Nanaimo/area and Victoria/area.

Opportunity is ideal for women who are well connected in their business community and love to network. Position includes advertising sales PLUS opportunity to head up monthly networking functions, tradeshows and other events that bring like-minded women together.

P/T or F/T. vanmedia@risingwomen. com 1-877-418-7874 REPAIR YOUR PLASMA, LCD, DLP, REAR PROJECTION, CRT TV, DVD & STEREO with Double D Electronics . Competative rates with in home or shop repair. 4932 Christie Rd. Ladysmith. Call 250-245-4225 for a specialist in electronic repairs.

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Remember September Happy September, dear reader. Yes, we realize that’s not a salutation often heard but it should be. September is an awesome month.

Parents are ecstatic when September arrives as two months of having kids underfoot had taken its toll by the third week of July. People overall are happy as September has become the new SEPT, in terms of nice weather. And believe it or not, kids are somewhat cheery about September too, if only for the first week or so when they get reacquainted with friends they lost touch with over the summer.

Males are extraordinarily happy as they merge from a season of drinking beer in the sun to a season of drinking beer in front of the TV watching NFL

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football. And since I’m unfamiliar with the language of Womanese, I’m going to have to assume that the female segment of our population is happy as I’m sure it probably offers new episodes of Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz etc. etc. But with all this knowledge of happy thoughts in September, what do we really know about it?

September gets its name from the Latin prefix “sept” which means seventh.

“Hold on,” we hear you say,” isn’t September the ninth month?”

For that we applaud you for being able to count better than your average fisheries officer. We’d also have to inform you that Numa Pompilius, a Roman king back in the 700 B.C. era, took massive, under the table payoffs from the Year Makers and agreed to change our calendar from ten months to twelve. This is what pushed September from the 7 spot to the 9 hole.

It’s not only the historical birth of September that’s cool, dear reader. (We feel we must say, though, that we are not holding it against September that it was the month that Alberta and Saskatchewan were established as provinces.

We are 100 per cent sure September has a perfectly good alibi for allowing that travesty.)

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No, September is cool for a lot of other reasons. It has the only stat holiday in honor of the common working man and woman. September is also ‘Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month’ (we kid you not, so please start writing your complimentary letters to Marina now, dear reader), as well as being National Bed Check Month, Update Your Resume Month, and National Potato Month as well.

September is also the birth month of Queen Elizabeth I, the original outlaw Jesse James, and not just Dweezil Zappa, but Moon Unit, as well.

Of course, September hasn’t been to kind to U.S. presidents as both Presidents McKinley and Garfield were shot to death, but come on. September also contains Mickey Rourke’s birthday.

How cool is that?

Besides, since the name September has nothing to do with being the ninth month, isn’t it a perfect candidate for a name change? Think of the money we could rake in advertisement fees if we re-named it Beano-ember!

Oh well, whatever the name, September will always be a pretty darn cool month. I hope we all give September it’s due.