TAKE 5 Dec/Jan 2022

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Kudos to Ladysmith Public Works and Parks and Recreation Staff As many of us know, there is quite a problem with dog poop on our parks trails, AND EVEN on our sidewalks.

The problem is NOT the dogs; it is the same dog owners who refuse to pick up their dogs’ waste, no matter where their dogs poop!

Recently the Ladysmith Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff have been supporting us, our community, in attempting to address this issue and find solutions.

We are extending our deep appreciation for all the great work, services and commitment you give to our community.

Our community is very fortunate to have such committed staff that provide many valuable services to all of us. They respond to calls, requests and to a commendable job providing an array of services. Thanks to all of you and members of our Town Council.

— Myla and Steve Frankel

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Suck It I wanted to say thank you so much for your excellent article that you wrote for the TAKE 5 Nov 2021 edition about Suck It Cancer beer! I enjoyed it very much!

I’m sure that beer sales are up as a result of your article, hence more money raised for the Suck It Cancer campaign for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Your article has helped raise awareness for the dreadful disease and the toll it takes on people with the disease and their families.

— Maureen Thom Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are always welcome. Please note that letters may be edited for length, and legality. Opinions represented here are not necessarily those of TAKE 5 or its agents. Deadline for editorial submissions is Jan 15, 2022 for the Feb 2022 edition.

Email editor@take5.ca or write to TAKE 5, PO box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, fax: 250-245-7099

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BY KERITH WADDINGTON The time has come to deck the halls, and whether that’s done with boughs of holly or bling from a box store, most people would agree it’s not the items themselves that are important, but the feeling of warmth and welcome they create. And as we head into a second Christmas with COVID — albeit with somewhat more relaxed gathering guidelines than last year — creating a cozy sanctuary seems more important than ever.

But that effort doesn’t need to be expensive, says Interior Designer Jane Nares of Jane Nares Designs in Ladysmith. Nor does it have to be stressful.

“There is so much greenery and beauty in nature that can be brought into the home, and a simple can of spray paint can transform a plain bough into a beautiful piece of decor that people can hang baubles from or arrange in a vase,” she says.

“Put on your rain gear and go forage! Blend natural items with purchased items and have fun. I simply encourage people to start as early in December as possible and do a little at a time.

The process should be as pleasurable as the end product.”

Nares believes that COVID has shifted the way many people are approaching the holidays.

“The focus of the home is not so much to be a showcase as it is to be a welcoming space from which to entertain those near and dear to you,” she says. “After all, people have come to spend time with you. So, keep it simple and work on creating a feeling of safety, of physical as well as emotional warmth.”

And just what are Nares’s top tips for creating such a space?

She suggests keeping light levels inviting and warm using either twinkle lights or candles (real or battery-powered). The addition of textures to a room — such as wool rugs, pretty throw blankets and cozy cushions — can create a feeling of comfort and safety. And to counter the damp greyness of this time of year? Add a pop of colour or a few metallics, like brass or gold accents, that glisten and reflect light: both can brighten a room and raise the spirits.

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Keep light levels inviting and warm using either twinkle lights or candles suggests Interior Designer Jane Nears. Photo submitted.

Nares laughs with delight as she describes walking in her neighbourhood. “There’s one house that almost always has a fireplace scene playing on their big screen. That’s such a creative way to bring a sense of warmth and comfort into your home.”

Although Nares often takes on longer-term renovation projects, such as kitchen and bathroom design, colour consultations and accessibility design, she also offers “Designer for a Day” services, which could help people stage their homes for the holidays.

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Keep decorations simple and organic.

Photo: Nikki MacCallum

Neutrals are trendy this year says designer Nikki MacCallum of NikkiDesigns Photo submitted.

Nikki MacCallum is another interior designer from the Ladysmith area. Her strategy for a classically elegant Christmas is to, as much as possible, choose organic fabrics and materials, use things you already have, and go out in nature and get creative!

To get a cohesive look, MacCallum recommends choosing a palette of two or three colours. For example, silver, white and either green or red can be beautiful together. Neutrals are trendy this year, as are greys and beiges. Hemp and metallics are popular materials, and Mac-

Callum acknowledges too that “soft textures are important.” If you do choose a colour scheme, she suggests picking up some spray paint, visiting a thrift store, painting items like old vases and go hunting in your own house. She recently found an embroidery hoop, which she

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transformed into a wreath using hemp twine and eucalyptus branches.

While MacCallum acknowledges the importance of unwrapping treasured decorations every year, she gently encourages people to “be a little more choosey if they want that cohesive look.

Keep it simple.”

MacCallum owns NikkiDesigns and offers interior design services. Her studio in Ladysmith — which people are invited to visit by appointment — features an array of pillows, duvets, soft furnishings and beautiful seasonal decor. She makes many of the items herself using organic, ethically-sourced material; others she brings in.

Kathy Yeager and her husband, Ward, own Christmas in Chemainus — a yearround store specializing in elegant ornamentals and Christmas giftware from all over the world. They offer private appointments 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and evenings from 7 to 8 p.m.

Yeager says this year, anything “faux gingerbread” — such as gingerbread snowflakes, houses and even camper trailers — have been extremely popu-

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Decorations from around the world at Christmas in Chemainus. Photo: Ward Yeager Below: White Space Living offers signs and ornaments. Photo: Paul Beaumont

lar. So too are snow globes, which she hypothesizes may “glisten some magical hope” during these uncertain times.

She has observed that customers are returning to traditional colours of red and white, with touches of gold for tree decorations. And many people are request-

ing the glass reflector balls and finials “like Grandma had on her tree.” Yeager says there appears to be a deep longing for the holiday comforts and memories of years gone by.

White Space Living is an elegant home decor shop in downtown Ladysmith. Boasting handmade Christmas

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signs and specialty ornaments among other goodies, the store this season has a slightly nautical feel, with teal, light blue and white decor being popular. Manager Carla Redford says, just like last year, “people are focusing on their homes and wanting to shop local.”

People wanting to support local businesses and artists this holiday season may want to check out IslandCrafted.ca, a fabulous resource year-round, which at this time of year also boasts a Christmas Gift Guide.

Colette Hamilton, owner of Ladysmith’s popular Black Door Decor, gets the last word.

“Decorate with consistency,” she says. “Find a theme or colour and carry it throughout. As an example, traditional red or green. Use the colour you choose as a base for your tree, then go from there. Red towels in the bath or a red ribbon with a sprig of artificial evergreen around everyday towels create a festive touch. Use the same colour for the candles or linens in the dining room.

In the bedroom, think cozy. And for the finishing touch, remember scent. Diffusers and candles can clean the air and pro-

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Decorate with consistency advises Black Door Decor owner Colette Hamilton in photo with Jillian Easterbrook. Photo: Marina Sacht

vide comforting scents, like Christmas cookie, vanilla or eucalyptus. Create a warm experience with little hits of consistency.”

Whether your seasonal decor is mod-

ern or traditional, minimalist or busy, neutral or colourful, there are countless ways to bring warmth and comfort to your home this Christmas.

Wishing all a joyous holiday!

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Downtown Holiday Storybook Stroll Shares Spirit of Christmas

Tanya Reid organizer of Storybook Stroll.

Photo: Rick Rake.

After experiencing amazing success since February with the outdoor Storybook Walk series at Brown Drive Park, Tanya Reid of Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is offering a special Christmas version, the Holiday Storybook Stroll, in downtown Ladysmith during the month of December.

“With so many things cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic, I felt families were so limited in terms of safe activities they could do together. A Christmasthemed Storybook Stroll seemed like the perfect option. We were able to get 17 downtown businesses and organizations to participate, and they will be displaying picture book pages in their windows for readers, of all ages, to enjoy. A team of festively dressed volunteers will put up a new book every Wednesday for a total of four books for the month of December. It’s so exciting,” says Reid, coordinator of the LRCA Adventures in Early Literacy (AEL) program.

First book featured on December 1 is Tough Cookie by Edward Hemingway, and the book changes to The Most Wonderful Gift in the World by Mark Sperring on December 8, Santa’s New Beard

by Caroline Crow on December 15 and We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Helaine Becker on December 22.

Holiday Storybook Stroll maps are available online or at the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and LRCA offices. Downloadable maps are available online under the AEL program page at www.lrca.ca.

The map provides a route for families to find the pages in order and read the book in its entirety. In addition to a seek and find game, the map also contains a QR code that when scanned, leads to a registry for book prizes and one grand prize basket.

The prizes, as well as the entire Holiday Storybook Stroll, is generously funded by PacificCare Resource and Referral. The organization has been a huge supporter of the Storybook Walk at Brown Drive Park and funded more than 200 literacy bags that went out into the community earlier this year.

Art students from Ladysmith Secondary School created 17 frames for the downtown book pages.

Reid said schools from Nanaimo and

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Ladysmith contacted her looking to incorporate the Holiday Storybook Stroll into their field trips.

Since February, the Storybook Walk at Brown Drive Park has attracted hundreds of readers, including school groups. By the end of this year, Reid and her team of dedicated volunteers will have put up 36 books at the park.

“The response to the Storybook Walk at Brown Drive Park has exceeded our expectations. I’m so grateful to Ladysmith and District Credit Union, Ladysmith Rotary and the Town of Ladysmith for getting behind this project from the beginning. It’s because of Brown Drive’s success, and the positive feedback from the community, that I wanted to do more and so the Holiday Storybook Stroll was born.”

The Holiday Storybook Stroll starts with Ironworks Café and Creperie, where participants can enjoy a special 50 per cent-off deal on hot chocolate, and ends at the Chamber office. It is selfguided, free and can be enjoyed anytime during the month of December.

Magic of the Season Exhibit Looking for something to do in addition to walking the downtown Ladysmith Festival of Lights?

There’s good news as the Ladysmith Museum is opening a new seasonal exhibit — Magic of the Season — for the month of December. Whether you are a history buff or you want to try your hand at the arts and crafts table, or take in some of the seasonal decor and enjoy a light refreshment, the Magic of the Season is your meeting place this holiday season. This family friendly event is sponsored by the Ladysmith & District

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Quentin Goodbody accepts cheque from LDCU CEO John de Leeuw for $2000 to go towards sponsoring the new Magic of the Season exhibit opening at the Ladysmith Museum for the month of December. Photo: Marina Sacht

Credit Union and has free admission. Winter hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4 p.m., and Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Donations of non-perishable food items welcome for the Ladysmith Food Bank.

Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Receives a $60,000 Grant The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce was recently approved for a $60,000 grant to support local shopping initiatives.

“We applied for the funding from the BC Chamber, who received $5.5 million from the federal government as part of a national investment of $33 million to support shop local campaigns,” explains Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce President Tammy Leslie. The funds came from a “Shop Local Initiative” through the Ministry of Small Business, Export Promotion and International trade.

The Chamber is partnering with the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association, Ladysmith Arts Council and the Festival of Lights to put on a three-day Old Time Christmas event December 2, 3 and 4 and the Grand Christmas shopping draw event.

“We have plans to work with the LDBA to create a business profile campaign called ‘Grow with Us,’ which will showcase local businesses with a narrative around how they managed

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their business through the pandemic and what supports they will need from the community to get them through,” says Leslie.

Other plans include enhancing their walking tour app for the Christmas season “plus we will be tying into an online gift card system, which would allow friends and family near and far to purchase gift cards as gifts for local residents using an online portal.”

Celebrating Aggie Hall Centennial The Ladysmith & District Historical Society and the Town of Ladysmith are thrilled to announce the receipt of a $15,300 federal grant from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for the community to commemorate the

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100th anniversary of construction of the Ladysmith Agricultural Hall (Aggie Hall).

Aggie Hall is located on First Avenue, near the roundabout, and is an important example of an early community-driven building project.

The hall and grounds were initially developed with funds raised by the community through subscription and the sale of shares. It was built in 1922 in seven weeks by miners. Once the floor was laid, a dance was held, the first of many that would bring joy to generations of residents. The Agricultural Fall Fair became a tradition that continued into the 1990s as a major annual event, with extensive involvement from local growers, food producers, artisans, gardeners and families.

Today, the Aggie Hall remains an important “people place”

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within the community, housing the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 257, one of BC’s oldest aid cadet squadrons, and Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF), as well as hosting other community events.

The hall represents the fruits of our community working together a hundred years ago. A celebration for next September is being planned by the Aggie 100 Committee, composed of representatives from a variety of community organizations.

The Town appreciates the efforts of volunteers in carrying on the spirit of this historic landmark in the planning of celebratory activities, details of which will be announced in 2022. Stay tuned and look forward to a wonderful time and a celebration of our community.

BC’s Oldest Park free talk The Ladysmith & District Historical Society is inviting the public to join author and historian Catherine Gilbert as she takes us on A Journey Back to Nature, leading us through the fascinating history of Vancouver Island’s beloved Strathcona Provincial Park, BC’s oldest provincial park now over 110 years.

Join us for this special Historically Speaking presentation free via Zoom.

Please email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca or call 250-245-0423 for your link. Limited signed copies of her book are available at the Ladysmith Museum.

Nominations for Ladysmith Heritage Awards The Ladysmith & District Historical Society is calling for nominations from the community for the third annual Ladysmith Annual Heritage Awards. The awards are to recognize the individuals, businesses and societies that have played a key role during this past year (2021) through their actions or initiatives toward preserving or promoting local heritage. “These awards are a way to show appreciation of the role people or organizations play in preserving our heritage, to recognize how this heritage characterizes our community and to emphasize the importance of this heritage to attracting visitors,” says Quentin Goodbody, president of the LDHS. There are two award categories: (i) restoration of a heritage building, place

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or artifact; and (ii) commitment displayed by an individual or organization (society or business) to preserving and promoting local heritage.

Anyone can nominate, including nominating themselves, their business or their society.

Applications are being accepted until January 15, 2022. Award recipients will be announced during February’s BC Heritage Week. To nominate visit www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca/ society-news/call-for-nominations-forladysmith-heritage-awards

The Cowichan Employer Resource Guide will provide an overview of tools that may help businesses adjust to the labour shortage, such as workforce diversity, the living wage and automation.

Economic Development Cowichan would like to acknowledge the support and contributions of our local chambers of commerce, business improvement associations and tourism partners in the development of the guide.

The Cowichan Employer Resource Guide is at www.ecdevcowichan.com.

Cowichan Employer Resource Guide Launched

A multi-year, community-building effort concluded last month when the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board officially adopted the Official Community Plan (www.cvrd. ca/3293/Official-Community-Plan-forthe-Electora) for Electoral Areas (Bylaw 4270), creating a single guiding document for the nine unincorporated communities of the Cowichan region.

The electoral areas of the CVRD were formerly guided by seven distinct Official Community Plans (OCP), making it difficult for developers, residents and CVRD planners to navigate the development application process, and ultimately leading to inequity between the various areas. Combined with the recent pressures of growth, climate change, water scarcity and economic development, the electoral areas required a central master plan to ensure future development can be done in a consistent and efficient approach by all parties.

The Official Community Plan for the Electoral Areas is the first of its kind for a regional district in British Columbia, resolving a history of fragmented development and decision making outside

Economic Development Cowichan has launched the Cowichan Employer Resource Guide, a repository of tools and strategies to assist local businesses in addressing challenges stemming from labour shortages.

In August 2021, RBC Economist Carrie Freestone reported a record high national job vacancy rate of 5 per cent, with BC leading the provinces with a 6-per cent job vacancy rate. As a result, businesses across the country are struggling to find and retain workers. More information on Canada’s labour shortage can be found on the Economic Development Cowichan blog.

“Labour has emerged as a key area of concern for Cowichan businesses as operations resume following the COVID-19 shutdown,” says Aaron Stone, chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. “While the pandemic has certainly worsened the situation, our aging population means this trend will be long-term and businesses will need strategies to adapt.”

Harmonized OCP Adopted

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of the four established municipalities within the region. In addition to creating a single OCP, the number of development permit areas (DPA) was reduced from 44 to 13, and the entire region was re-mapped by the CVRD Geographical Information Services staff to reflect this update.

“I was impressed by how the feedback from our respective advisory planning commissions was incorporated into this document,” says Ben Maartman, director of Area H — North Oyster/Diamond.

“The process has built a relationship of mutual respect between the CVRD and our APC, which is so important as we move forward working together to achieve the best outcomes for our community.”

“COVID played a role in creating additional challenges over the past 20 months, and we are thankful to the tireless work of CVRD staff to meet these challenges and keep moving forward,” says Lynne Smith, director of Area G — Saltair/Gulf Islands. “The Saltair community is looking forward to moving into the second phase — modernization — in the near future.”

Funding for CWAVS Program The Cowichan Women Against Violence Society is pleased to report that funding has been secured from the Department of Justice Canada and the Ending Violence Association of BC for a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in the Cowichan Valley. The “Raven’s Nest” Child and Youth Advocacy Program is designed to help child and youth victims of abuse and maltreatment navigate resources and child protection services, including the Courts.

With the completion of a needs analy-

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sis and extensive research culminating in a feasibility study last spring, the Raven’s Nest CYAC Program is now set to launch.

Cowichan Women Against Violence Society has recently hired Lia Versaevel as the program supervisor. Versaevel comes with decades of advocacy experience, and she is enthusiastic about this opportunity to better serve children and youth.

The Raven’s Nest CYAC Program can be reached via email at ravensnestcyac@cwav.org or by phone at 250-606-1712, or through the switchboard at CWAVS 250-748-7000.

RDN Chair and Vice-Chair Continue for Another Term The RDN Board acclaimed a chair and vice-chair at the inaugural meeting of the board on November 9, 2021. Provincial legislation requires regional districts annually elect a chair and a vice-chair at the first meeting of the board after November 1, 2021. Tyler Brown takes on his second term as chair of the RDN and will chair all board meetings. Returning vice-chair, Vanessa Craig, is responsible for fulfilling the role of the chair when the chair is unavailable.

“We have a number of ambitious goals for the year ahead and, together, we will work with the best interests and needs of residents in mind to achieve them,” says Chair Tyler Brown.

For more information on the RDN’s Board of Directors, please visit www.rdn.bc.ca/regional-board.

Maureen Young, Electoral Area C Director It is with sadness that the Regional District of Nanaimo shares the passing of Director Maureen Young, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Maureen was the director of Electoral Area C for 16 years, proudly serving and representing the Extension, East Wellington and Pleasant Valley areas.

A long-time resident of the Nanaimo area, she had an avid interest in the history of the region, particularly that of Extension where she lived. She was an active member of the community and was passionate about serving and representing electoral areas supporting agriculture, forestry and the advancement of the regional parks system.

Maureen was chair of Community Grants Committee, which provides funding to regional community groups and organizations. She was also proud of the development of Extension Miner’s Community Park and the Mount Benson staging area.

“On behalf of the RDN Board, we are deeply saddened by the loss of such a dedicated and inspiring member of our community. Maureen Young served her community and our region for decades,” says Chair Tyler Brown. “We extend our sincere condolences to her family. Her contributions to our communities will continue to be felt by residents for years to come.”

Following the loss of Director Young, Alternate Director Charles Pinker will take on the role of director for Electoral Area C until a by-election is held.

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Jonanco Hobby Workshop Jonanco Hobby Workshop has been called “Nanaimo’s best kept secret.”

Located at the corner of White Rapids and Nanaimo River Roads, it has been a non-profit registered society since 1973. Originally a lapidary workshop built by volunteers on land donated by long-time Extension residents John and Fern Colwell as a place for rockhounder members to pursue their hobbies. In the past 48 years, it has expanded to include more activities and now includes a woodworking shop, lapidary shop, quilting, painting and fibre arts space.

Jonanco provides a place to learn and explore many areas of interest. Jonanco is funded by membership fees and fund-

Some of the members of the Jonanco Hobby Workshop. Photo submitted.

raising activities and occasional government grants. Everyone is a volunteer.

In spite of not being able to get together due to intermittent COVID shutdowns 20 months ago, Jonanco quilters continued their sewing and quilting passion at home. All they needed was a sewing machine and fabric. The quilters

and sewers made and donated masks, hospital gowns, scrub bags to NRGH, senior facilities, and many donation quilts to donate to various community organizations. Quilters couldn’t meet inside but did “tailgates” in the parking lot or met weekly on “Zoom sew ins” to share their projects.

Aside from creating beautiful quilts for friends and family, one of Jonanco programs is the community donation program. Over the years, they have donated over 614 quilts to many community organizations. Fabric is usually donated by members or friends, and batting is supplied by Jonanco through their fundraising activities. They have provided incubator quilts for the NRGH Neo Natal unit and quilts for the NRGH Palliative Care unit, RCMP Victim Services, Building Better Babies, social services, women’s shelters, foster care kids, Samaritan House, Safe Harbour

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House, Nanaimo Family Life, Nanaimo Animal Control (dog beds), SPCA, Ministry of Children and Family Development, etc. As Jonanco adjusts to the “new normal” activities have resumed with COVID rules in place. Lapidary and woodshop have reopened, and quilters are getting together again with COVID passports and masks required.

Jonanco’s annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Sale will be held again this year on December 4 and 5, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with many one-of-a-kind handcrafted items for sale. For more information www.jonanco.ca

Rejoice! Winter Harp Returns to Cowichan This Holiday Season Experience period Christmas music played on traditional instruments, a “journey of pure magic.” More than a concert, Winter Harp is a sensory experience renowned for awe-inspiring performances, sold-out houses, standing ovations and rave reviews.

On stage, Winter Harp’s extraordinary musicians, clad in jewel-toned medieval attire, perform a selection of music, songs and stories in celebration of winter and Christmas. The musical repertoire ranges from heartwarming carols and songs to Celtic, medieval and world tunes, all performed in front of beautifully rendered backdrops of cathedral and snow.

One of the reasons for Winter Harp’s unique character is the menagerie of featured instruments, some almost lost to history were it not for the foresight of instrument makers like Edward Turner. He resurrected the organistrum and his first reproduction now resides in the Canadian Museum of History in Otta-

Hayley Farenholtz in Wintyer Harp. Photo submitted.

wa, while the second can be enjoyed at a Winter Harp concert.

Other featured instruments include a 35-string bass psaltery, a hurdy-gurdy and nyckelharpa (a precursor to the violin) as well as the more familiar harps, flutes, tambourines, temple bells and percussion.

Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at cowichanpac.ca

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A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol Returns WONDERHEADS, a multi awardwinning company brings Scrooge’s haunted Christmas Eve journey to life with masks, puppets, music and fantastical theatrical invention. Not a word is actually spoken for the entire show.

A feast for the eyes, ears, heart and funny bone, this astonishing production features larger than life characters, glowing ghosts, and 10-foot-tall puppets — to name just a few of the treats in store for audiences as they are whisked away with Ebenezer on his life-changing Christmas Eve adventure.

The company is the creative fusion of theatre graduates Kate Braidwood and Andrew Phoenix.

Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at cowichanpac.ca

Christmas Children’s Book by Local Author Joy Sheldon has re-released her Christmas children’s book at Amazon Books with new cartoon-style illustrations by Nancy Korman, local Qualicum artist. Santa and Bumble, the Bumbling Elf: Hijinks at the North Pole at Xmas is available as an eBook and paperback. The book is available through local bookstores, including Salamander Books.

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Port Theatre’s Bruce Halliday. Photo: submitted

Port Theatre’s Bruce Halliday Retires The Port Theatre Society’s board of directors and longstanding general manager/director of programming Bruce Halliday announce Bruce’s impending retirement. Bruce has spent his life in the performing arts sector.

After becoming general manager in 2006, Bruce began curating the “Spotlight Series,” showcasing diverse acts from across the country and internationally. The Spotlight Series exposes Nanaimo and mid-island audiences to cultural experiences that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. By securing funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Province of BC, the BC Touring Council, the BC Arts Council, Bruce has been able to present these spectacular shows at an affordable price.

Bruce worked with emerging artists, local arts groups and professionals across the country, providing advice and guidance.

Managing the Port Theatre throughout the pandemic has been another monumental challenge that Bruce has tackled.

The Port Theatre was able to launch livestreaming to stay viable when the theatre closed to the public due to COVID restrictions.

Bruce’s 40-year career has included working as lighting designer, production manager and technical director for theatre companies, an instructor at the Banff Centre, special events for the Commonwealth Games and touring contemporary dance companies across Canada and overseas. He was part of the technical teams that opened three performing arts facilities in Canada: the Thunder Bay Concert Hall, the Belfry Theatre and the Port Theatre in 1998. Bruce was the Port Theatre’s technical director from 1998 until 2006, when he was promoted to general manager. He ensured that the technical systems of the new Nanaimo theatre were completed and that stage technicians were trained and worked safely.

Bruce says, “I am so very grateful to this remarkable community and each of the treasured friendships that have inspired me throughout my time here. It has been a pleasure and an honour to work with our dedicated board, unparalleled staff and our amazing volunteers in a leadership role. It has been and is, only with their commitment to bringing the most exciting and diverse live performance to the Port Theatre, that we have seen local, regional and national successes, being recognized as industry leaders.”

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Fungus Gnats Are Not Good House Pets

BY JOANNE BARWISE, VANCOUVER ISLAND MASTER GARDENER Fungus gnats can be found in the soil of a garden plant, a nursery plant or a bag of soil. We don’t realize that we have brought them into the house until we water our plants or disturb the soil in the pot. Although they are about the same size as fruit flies, you can tell them apart by their behaviour: fruit flies live on fruit and vegetables, taking to the air quickly to hover nearby when you disturb them. The houseplant-loving fungus gnats aren’t good fliers and prefer to run across surfaces when you approach.

Fungus gnats reproduce in the top layers of dirt. The females choose a moist to wet surface to lay their barely visible, shiny, white, and oval eggs so they incubate properly. Because they can lay hundreds of eggs at once this becomes a problem and makes an infestation very hard to eradicate. After the eggs hatch, the small larvae feed on dropped leaves and plant roots, and in two to three weeks, they develop into adults able to fly around for a week or so.

Small but Mighty Fungus gnat damage appears similar

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to root rot. The lower leaves turn yellow and drop, and the plant’s growth may slow down or stop completely. If the roots are extremely damaged, the entire plant may wilt and eventually die.

Problems with fungus gnats tend to be most noticeable during late fall and winter because houseplants that were outdoors during warm months will commonly start breeding fungus gnats when they are brought indoors. Populations increase due to the warmer inside temperatures, and it’s easier to notice the problem since we’re inside too.

Some Solutions It’s all about consistency. Catching the adults is fairly easy, but because the adult population comes in cycles and generations can overlap, make sure that your methods are regular and treatments repetitive until no gnats are stuck to the yellow cards and the infestation is gone.

Here are possible solutions: Sticky card traps: These traps consist of a yellow card covered in a sticky adhesive. They can be bought at most garden stores and online. They are most effective when cut into small squares and placed directly on top of the soil or attached to skewers just above the soil.

Adult gnats will fly or crawl onto the card and get stuck. Some commercial sticky cards also come in blue. Fungus gnats are attracted to the colour yellow, so use the yellow sticky cards rather than the blue ones.

Dump the soil and discard it in your compost or yard waste recycling. Re-pot the plant with fresh sterilized soil from your local garden centre.

Make a spray with castile soap, which

Here’s an example of a yellow sticky trap that fungus gnats can’t resist.

Photo courtesy of Joanne Barwise

contains fatty acids, the active ingredient in commercial insecticidal soaps.

This soap is 100 per cent organic and will not damage the environment. Mix 10 millilitres of soap to one litre of water. Shake vigorously before applying to the soil. Repeat every three days for three to four times.

Prevention The best outcome is never having to deal with gnats, but when you have to, here are some ways to keep them out of your plants and home: Store your extra potting soil in an airtight container. If you keep your potting soil in the bag it comes in, fungus gnats can easily get in and lay their eggs, so close the bag tightly.

Purchase and use only sterilized potting mix. Peat soil mixes have much organic matter in them and naturally attract gnats.

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Why were men segregated from women in BC bars?

BY ROB JOHNSON Those younger than 60 or new to British Columbia may not know that up until 1963, the government legislated that bars must be segregated by sex. This meant unattached men and women had to be separated within any bar.

In 1921, voters were asked if they if they wanted to continue with prohibition or have liquor sales with strict regulations. They chose the latter. The new regulations allowed beer by the glass, and this was the start of what became known as “beer parlours.” These beer parlours, by law, had to be located in hotels or inns. The rules and regulations were very strict. Only draught and bottle beer were allowed. They couldn’t serve food, soda or cigarettes. Patrons were required to stay seated while drinking.

There was to be no stand-up bar, no advertising, no entertainment and no games of any sort. Otherwise, it was just a place to sit and drink.

Travellers Hotel, in the 1960s would have had a separate entrance for "Ladies and Escorts". Photo: Ladysmith Archives

BC and other provinces in Canada also mandated that ladies should be screened off from unattached men in bar. One entrance into the premise was to be used only by men and was posted as “MEN ONLY,” while another entrance was labelled “LADIES AND ESCORTS.” Why was this done? In late 1800s and early 1900s, bars served men only.

This was because of the fear of attracting prostitutes. Eventually, women were allowed. Saloons, as they were called, were known to be gathering places for prostitutes. Many of these women were infected with venereal diseases, resulting in a wide spread outbreak of venereal disease in the general population.

During WWI, the situation was so bad that it affected Canada’s war effort. It was reported that during WWI, 28.7 per cent of the Canadian Army in Europe was infected, and that 25 per cent of these men became infected in Canada.

This compared to only 5 per cent of infected men in the British Forces.

Because of the severity of the problem, it was deemed that women had to be accompanied by a male escort if they wished to be allowed into bars. Many felt that this would solve the prostitution problem in bars. This appeared to have helped, but then during World War II, the fear of infecting our troops returned.

With this renewed fear of disease, the “ladies and escorts” rule was strictly enforced and more separation of the sexes was thought to be needed. This led to the construction of floor to ceiling walls,

segregating the ladies from attached men in some establishments.

BC started to relax the liquor laws in 1953, when radio and TV were allowed, along with sandwiches, in beer parlours.

The most significant change that affected the industry was that now restaurants and cabarets were allowed to apply for liquor licences. This effectively eliminated the stranglehold hotels held on public liquor sales.

The separation of the sexes in BC continued until 1963, when the BC liquor board finally relaxed the liquor laws requiring separate entrances at beer parlours. It wasn’t until 1974, when the NDP government made major changes to the Liquor Act, that neighbourhood pubs made their debut. In many ways, these pubs were the opposite of beer parlours. They had to serve food, provide entertainment and actively try to prevent excessive drinking.

The beginning of the end of the traditional “beer parlour” of the 40s and 50s was apparent in the 80s, as many of them slowly chose the more pub-like atmosphere and private liquor stores were created. In order to reverse the loss of business, many beer parlours resorted to bringing in strippers and nude dancers — which is ironic, as it was sex that started the whole need to segregate men and women in the first place. Exotic dancers helped for a while, but the die was cast, and today, most beer parlours have either closed or converted to the more pub-like atmosphere.

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Wildlife in Winter

BY P. MURRAY, ECOFORESTRY INSTITUTE NATURALIST It’s almost winter solstice. Many of us are looking forward to cozy winter celebrations with our families, and out in nature, the trees have dropped their leaves, the birds have migrated south and the bears are hibernating deep in the forest … right?

As it turns out, some of the common knowledge we have about how nature survives the winter may not be entirely correct for our ecosystem here on Vancouver Island.

First of all, not all birds fly south for the winter. For some species, especially

Mama black bear with cub in den.

Photo courtesy of Ecoforestry Institute.

water birds, like some ducks and shorebirds, Vancouver Island is their tropical winter destination. Harlequin ducks travel here from the Rocky Mountains to spend the winter on our rocky beaches, for instance. While rufous hummingbirds migrate to Mexico for the winter, the Anna’s hummingbird prefers a winter staycation and remains here throughout the winter, thriving on the generosity of backyard hummingbird feeders.

A hibernating bear in a cozy forest den is a stereotypical image of nature in winter, and resting during the winter

Anna's Hummngbirds overwinter here. (below)Harlequin Ducks Photos: Andrew Reding, Flikr

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is an important survival strategy for bears, as it helps them withstand periods where food is scarce. But here on Vancouver Island, our black bears hibernate for a shorter period of time than bears in colder areas. Scientists working on the west coast of Vancouver Island have also discovered that rather than choosing dens deep in forested areas, like Wildwood, black bears often choose to hibernate in beachfront dens, perhaps due to the nearby availability of food in the intertidal zone, should they wake up mid-winter and need a snack.

And finally, not all trees lose their leaves. Evergreen trees, like Douglas firs and Western redcedars keep their needles throughout the winter. You probably knew this; after all, we wouldn’t have Christmas trees if this wasn’t the case, but did you know that trees also sleep through the winter?

Shorter days mean less sunlight, which reduces the ability of trees to photosynthesize sugars. Meanwhile, when the temperature dips below zero and the ground freezes, access to water becomes difficult. Without sugar or water, there’s not much a tree can do other than slow down and become dormant for the winter. As the trees’ inner systems slow down for the winter, growth slows down or stops. It is this period of quiet, slow or stopped growth that creates the rings in trees that allow us to determine their age.

Hopefully, despite the winter, you’re not entirely hibernating yourself and can find the time to enjoy a winter walk in nature.

Maybe look for some birds that aren’t here in the summer, visit a sleeping tree or look for bear footprints on the beach before returning home for a cozy winter nap.

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RDN Area A Cedar Wow, it’s almost the end of another year! As I look back on the past 12 months, I can’t help but recall all of the things that have occupied our attention, like the pandemic, climate-driven emergencies and increased polarization in the political landscape. The pandemic looks to be finally “controllable,” but I suspect we will continue to live with it for the foreseeable future. Climate challenges will also continue to occupy a large portion of our thoughts, media stories and decision-making in the coming years.

Then there’s politics! I won’t wade into the causes of polarization because I’m not sure what happened to cause the change. What does concern me currently is that the immediate reaction of some folks to political decisions is to react by getting mad, voicing outrage and, in some cases, making bold threats against those in public office.

As the holiday season will occupy all of our thoughts soon, my hope for this season would be for all of us to recognize and respect that we always don’t agree with one another. We all don’t hold the same points of view — but that doesn’t mean that any other opinions are wrong. It just means we disagree — we all hold rational reasons for believing what we believe. And, historically, that diversity of views and opinions is what shaped our country and communities

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and made them strong.

In that vein, thank you to all who connected with me over the past year to discuss local issues in a calm and reasonable way. Thank you as well to those who chose to disagree with my ideas and made good cases for their points of view. Some even convinced me of their positions and helped me to better understand how I was wrong. It is through this kind of discourse that we all (local government and community members) can provide better service to one another.

Let’s continue to work this way.

In conclusion, have a happy and safe holiday season. Stay healthy and reach out to old friends and neighbours to wish them well. And have a Happy New Year.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond In the last six months, we have endured the heat dome, Mount Hayes forest fire, and most recently, an atmospheric river bringing 170 mm of rain in 24 hours. These events make emergency preparedness a topic of many conversations. So, what is the answer? How do we begin to prepare?

Well, some people get goats. No joke, these creatures can take fire prevention to another level. I read where a woman has a herd of 800 cashmere goats that are essentially “50 tons of living machine that are self-propelling and intelligent.”

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The goats clear an area by eating the forest weeds and brush. No fossil fuels required. It’s an example how emergency preparedness and prevention can come in many different shapes and sizes. And it does — read on.

Before moving to Yellow Point, I spent most of my working life as a paramedic.

When an accident occurs police, fire and ambulance respond — we have come to rely on that. We are aghast when the system lets us down; whether it’s a failure of dispatch or waiting too long for an ambulance to arrive, it makes front page news. And it should.

But things unfold differently in a disaster — by its very definition, a disaster is when the local resources are overwhelmed. I read recently that evidence from a number of disasters shows friends and neighbours are often the most effective first responders. Whether it’s carrying out early rescue work providing first aid, bringing the injured to hospital or getting people proper food and shelter.

I would like to put the focus on our neighbours. When we moved to Yellow Point in 2005, we were invited by our future neighbour Irene Trudell, for a “come as you are” potluck dinner. We thought this was a nice gesture and were surprised to show up to a house full of people. We learned very quickly that all the people who lived on Michael Road were

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invited. We were being welcomed and checked out all at the same time. Who we were, what we did, how we dressed were the unspoken criteria by which we were measured. I’m sure their thoughts were: “Hmmm, the wife is a teacher — high school counsellor — we have a teacher already. But she’s wearing bib jean overalls — probably okay. Oh, he’s a paramedic; that’s useful. We could use one of those. He wears jeans too.”

I since learned they would — and have — welcomed anyone into the Michael Road neighbourhood. It was just interesting to learn what had value. Being down-to-earth had value. Practical skills had value. But what had most value to me was being welcomed into a neighbourhood. It was such a fantastic feeling and had never happened before for me.

Neighbours are there to help each other, share what they have and look for ways to help. Our road is always cleared whenever it snows — and sometimes, it’s a race to see who can clear it first.

Sixteen years later the tradition continues, and the neighbours (some new) are all there for each other. Sustaining it takes dedication and action. We make it fun: early access to the blueberries, an annual pumpkin growing contest and hot dog roasts as frequently as possible. While we didn’t plan to do it for emergency preparedness, the evidence from disaster research is right: our neighbours are there for the small stuff and they will be there in a disaster when one of us needs a first responder. And that all came from a potluck dinner. Something to consider.

As this is the last opportunity to write before the end of 2021, I would like take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Hopefully, we can all safely enjoy some time with friends and family over the holidays. Till next year.

Ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca 250-510-5930

CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands Best of the season to all. This is the time of the year when we look at traditions that have been part of our families for years or think of starting new ones.

Let’s make shopping local our priority.

A circular economy supports our neighbours, friends and families. If you have a little extra, please drop it off at one of our local food banks or other support

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services in the Cowichan Valley.

Saltair Water System Updates The filtration system will be going out for bid shortly (design/build).

Recently, I have been in communication with Island Health with regards to the need to re-start work on our aging distribution system. This has resulted in a positive outcome and upgrades to the distribution system will be starting again. Over the past year, we have had multiple breaks. The CVRD staff have been quick to respond to the breaks, and I would like to express my gratitude for their quick actions.

The Stocking Lake Dam is shared with the Town of Ladysmith. More details will be coming forward regarding the remediation and/or replacement of the dam. The dam was originally constructed in 1902 by the Wellington Colliery Company. In 2018, a comprehensive Dam Safety Review was undertaken that indicated there are risks associated with the dam, as it is aging and was not built to modern standards.

The Old Saltair Water office property on Chemainus Road has been re-zoned to Residential and will fit nicely into the surrounding neighbourhood. This parcel will be put up for sale, and the funds received will be allocated to the Saltair Water System for future use. Most likely our distribution system upgrades.

CWF 3.0 (Community Works Funds) Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands Allocation Update In the past, $300,000 was allocated to the mandated filtration system to reduce the amount of the final loan for the project in the event a grant was not received.

As the CWF is a grant, these funds cannot be combined with the grant we have received. The $300,000 has now been

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re-allocated to Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands projects. Saltair parks, trails and outdoor recreation surveys have indicated clearly that residents love the Saltair Community trails and these trails need to be upgraded. CWF funding has been allocated towards the Stocking Creek Park bridge replacement, additional upgrades to Princess Wales and Centennial Park forested trails, Saltair Water distribution upgrades and the Thetis Island Wharf Refurbishment project.

Under the CWF 3.0 Asset Management Infrastructure Investment the Saltair Water System allocations are: - $150,000 valve replacement between Stocking Lake Dam and distribution hut -$310,000 towards distribution upgrades The past year has brought new words into my vocabulary: heat dome and atmospheric river. The vision for Saltair is a green space between Chemainus (North Cowichan) and Town of Ladysmith. Our trees provided shade for our homes, and our forested trails provided a green space to escape to during the heat dome. Trees and vegetation slowed the torrential rivers through our properties during the atmospheric rivers.

One of my goals for 2022 is to find a way to improve our recycling contamination rate. If anyone has any ideas please pass them along. I find it hard to understand how we have such a high contamination rate when there are so many great recyclers in Saltair.

Best wishes to all CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Island residents.

If you have any questions and/or comments, lynne.smith@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1407. Additional articles and information can be found on www. SaltairNews.ca.

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Why Didn’t the Frogs Cross the Road?

BY JUSTIN JOHANSEN AND GUY DAUNCEY If you have driven along Tiesu Road, just south of Hemer Provincial Park, you might have noticed that the road was littered with greyish-white debris in an area where two small ponds almost meet up. Unfortunately, the debris is the site of a mass slaughter: it’s the corpses of dozens of small frogs, killed by passing traffic. Sadly, on Tiesu Road, the “red” from the Northern Red-legged Frog is no longer a reference to their reddish legs, but to their small disembowelled bodies

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Frog perched on fingertip.

Photo: Natalie McNear, Flikr.

being crushed by passing vehicles.

Why are there so many frog deaths on the road? It’s because there’s a pond on either side of the road and the frogs like to cross from one pond to the other, especially during the breeding season. When you factor in the 60-km/h speed limit, and how well the frogs blend in with the road, it’s understandable that it’s hard for drivers to avoid hitting them. From what I have observed, they are incredibly unaware of the danger they are in.

In contrast to other small animals, such as squirrels and birds, they like to sit in the middle of the road, unmoved and un-

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Northern Red-legged Frog. Photo: Andrew Reding, Flikr

phased by the large moving objects moving rapidly towards them. Their blissful unawareness of danger does not give them much incentive to cross the road, much less to leave it. It seems that many of the frogs just like to hang out there.

What can be done? In Hungary, back in 1988, volunteers with a Toad Action Group physically carried 8,600 amphibians across roads. In England, members of the Madingley Toad Rescue group rescued more than 30,000 amphibians between 1994 and 1999, recording only 2000 casualties. In Switzerland, some roads are actually closed during peak migration times.

The commonest solution is to build a frog tunnel under the road, to allow safe passage. They have been built in many European countries since the 1970s, and three 17-metre-long frog tunnels were built under the Tofino-Ucluelet highway just last year. Dr. Barb Beasley, of the Association of Wetland Stewards for Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds, says, “They move back and forth, so they’re like these little nutrient-energy packets moving through the forest. It’s a migratory animal that is taking nutrients across the landscape, so if we block them off or kill them off at roadways, we’re interrupting that whole ecosystem process, and that’s not good.”

The frogs are often reluctant to enter a dark passage, however. When there is light, the time they take to pass through can be dramatically reduced. A tunnel needs fencing or walls on either side of the two entrances to guide the frogs in, and it needs to be layered with branches, rocks and dirt to make it feel more natural. If you are concerned that predators might use the tunnels to hunt for frogs, fear not: research shows that frogs can move through them easily enough without being caught.

A well-designed frog tunnel on Tiesu Road could hopefully save the lives of many frogs. As well as being inherently entitled to life, just as we are, they play an important part in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, and by feeding on algae, their tadpoles help keep the waters clean. We in the Yellow Point Ecological Society want to do whatever we can to save the frogs.

If you have any thoughts about creating a frog tunnel on Tiesu, or elsewhere, contact Justin at justinnet@live.ca, and he would be happy to discuss how we can save the frogs! To learn more, go to www.conservationevidence.com/actions/884.

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Christmas Addiction I don’t know what Santa left you for Christmas, something nice I hope, but he could have done better for me. Yes, Santa came through on the nerf gun, much to the cat’s chagrin, but he also left me something I didn’t ask for - a major addiction problem. When I say major addiction, I don’t mean something trivial like vodka, crack cocaine or bingo. No, it was far worse than that. Leave it to me to become addicted to - that’s right - butter tarts.

For some reason, I’ve always ignored butter tarts, fancying myself more of a shortbread aficionado instead. So it surprised me when, last one up on Christmas eve, the butter tart my wife had left along with the milk on the hearth for Santa, began calling my name. “Delbert.

Delbert. Oh Delbert.” I don’t know if you’ve ever conversed with a butter tart but - like listening to British television - comprehension can be a chore. As far as I could determine, it didn’t want to go back in the Tupperware container my wife had selected as its residence.

“What the heck,” I thought. I’d share

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with Santa. He could have the warm milk; I’d have the butter tart. Big mistake. One bite and I was hooked.

The search for more tarts began in earnest. There were none in the fridge, nor were any to be found in the goodie storage tin. I suppressed panic. Think man!

Think! To catch a butter tart, you must think like one. If I were a butter tart, where would I be hiding? Under the bed maybe. Quietly, ever so quietly, I earthwormed my way into the bedrooms in search of butter tarts. My cover story, in case I woke anyone up, was that this was an earthquake preparedness drill. You can get away with a lot operating under the cover of earthquake preparedness.

Finally, it occurred to me that my wife stored all back-up desserts in the outside freezer. She deems this a safe place because, over the last ten years, when sent to the freezer for supplies, I have always come back empty-handed. Whether it’s a loaf of bread, a roasting chicken, or a sockeye salmon, if they’re wrapped in plastic, and frozen, they all look the same to me.

But I tricked her. I brought the microwave outside and started to defrost containers of interest. Once defrosted, even I could tell the difference between butter tarts and, say, the large bullhead I had so proudly caught five years ago and was saving to show the grandchildren once they were old enough to appreciate it.

Persistence paid off. Before the freezer was half defrosted, I found more butter tarts. Not that I ate them all, only a dozen or so. I went to bed that night

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with what I thought was Jack Frost nipping at my toes. Only it turned out to be the neighbour’s dog. He had followed my trail of sugar from the carport, let himself in, and started to lick butter tart crumbs off my feet.

The next day, thanks to yours truly, our butter tart inventory took a beating. By lunch we were out, and I was left frantically scrambling for a new supply.

That’s when I came up with the idea Butter Tarts for Africa. “Donate your butter tarts to a family in need” was my new motto. It worked like a charm: the butter tarts started pouring in, not that any of them made it to Africa.

But my wife and family got suspicious.

“Why the sudden interest in Africa?

And what’s with all the crumbs on his moustache?” More worrisome was my changing shape thanks to the Multiplier Effect, an index developed by German economists while consuming beer and far too many bratwursts. Simply put, the Multiplier Effect is determined by dividing the marginal propensity to consume by pi, which is either 3.14 or deep-dish apple, then multiplying that product by the square root of the closest root vegetable. The resulting number is the Multiplier, which is then used to determine (in pounds) how much weight you will gain for every pound of butter tart consumed.

Butter tarts, thanks to the affinity of brown sugar to butter, have the highest multiplier this side of the jelly donut. According to the knowledgeable, but corpulent folks at the Butter Tart Institute - and guys who weigh 400 plus pounds

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tend to know these things - that number is 2.7. For every pound of butter tarts consumed, an individual can expect to gain 2.7 pounds. To put this figure into perspective, a radish is –3.

Since my Butter Tarts for Africa scam was working like a charm, this did not bode well for me. My wife, God bless her, caught on to what was happening and enrolled me in shock therapy. Every time I felt like munching on a butter tart, I was fed a non-sweetened, low-fat, vegan baked good. The shock being that vegan baked goods taste exactly like B.C. Ferry life jackets. In no time at all, I was back to eating healthy, and shooting the cat with the nerf gun every time he scratched the couch.

But since the topic is baked goods, let’s talk about mincemeat, which is neither meat, nor minced, but considered to be a member of the haggis family, because nobody knows what haggis is either. Funny how today - when full disclosure of ingredients is so important - that mincemeat gets away with a fraudulent name.

Mom and Pop mincemeat operations don’t concern me; it’s the larger facilities, the ones with security guards patrolling the perimeter that worry me. They’re hiding something. Maybe it’s a boatload of genetically modified anchovies that glow in the dark; maybe it’s small and furry with a long skinny tail, that scurries in the shadows and calls a Saskatchewan grain elevator home. I say we leave our CF-18s in the Middle East and bring back our Weapons of Mass Destruction Inspectors instead.

They’ll know how to handle the situation. In the meantime, if you see anything suspicious, immediately contact the MINCEMEAT TIP LINE, where your name will be put in the draw for a new Camaro, or if we’re out of those, possibly a haggis.

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Wine sips of the month We were seated at our kitchen table, four of us if you counted the cat, and why wouldn’t you count Frankie? We had just finished scoring two reds, Quid Pro Quo, from Portugal, Pietrame from Italy. Both on sale last month for $13, an insanely low price for this level of quality. You may find some at the liquor store, you may not. But don’t cry in your Montepulciano if you miss out. Next month’s sale is just around the corner.

You can follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress. com or pick up his book at the Mahle House CoCo Cafe or TAKE 5 for just $20.

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HELP WANTED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Ladysmith & District Historical Society seeks assistants for Ladysmith Museums, & Archives, call 250-245-0423.

FOR SALE OPERATING BUSINESS For Sale. Ups & Downs Renovations; $20,000 o.n.o. Ladysmith & Surrounding Areas. Licensed & insured, walk-in walk-out, all tools, work vehicles, office inventory and client list. Submissions of interest to stephenguest@hotmail.com.

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

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

NEED A HAND WITH PROMOTION? We can help you with your Video Productions for YouTube or your website. Affordable rates.

We have over 24 years experience. TAKE 5 Print & Digital Media. 250-245-7015.

TAKE 5 Ads work! 250-245-7015

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

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

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Monday morning, Sept. 13. Ongoing class every Wed. morning. For exact class times and locations and more information visit: www. taichinanaimo.org or call Sara 250-245-1466.

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

BUSINESS EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER. Now offering senior companionship, respite care and concierge services. Peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen at kgrcoaching@gmail.com or 250-619-0786.

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HOME & YARD PAINTER. Certified journeyman. Clean, efficient, respectful, punctual, responsible. 20+ years’ experience. WCB coverage. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Call Howard 245-2751.

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

PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE “leash ’em & walk ’em” with Marlena. I have Animal First Aid, CPR and criminal record check. My service for all pet includes dog walking, home care visits, overnight in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.

SENIORS HIRED HAND for independent elder, odd jobs, companionship, meal prep, etc! Valid First Aid/CPR, Clean Driver’s record, Level 2 FOODSAFE and handywoman. Call Marilyn at 250-606-7069.

TAKE 5 ads work!. Get them working for you. Book yours for our February info@take5.ca

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The Working Days of #107 Plymouth

BY SHIRLEY BLACKSTAFF After negotiations between the Port Alberni Museum and the Ladysmith & District Historical Society, the #107 Plymouth returned home on October 30.

“Now that it is back here next to the Locomotive Shop, the LDHS Industrial Heritage Preservation volunteers can have a closer inspection to realize its condition and what we need to budget for to get it running,” says Shirley Blackstaff, LDHS member.

The small engine will be used to move heritage equipment and Steam Locomotive 11.

Harry Blackstaff recalls the Plymouth #107 gas engine assisted the logging operations at the Comox Logging & Railway Co., where it was used as a shunting

Plymouth #107 returns to Ladysmith. Photo: Shirley Blackstaff

engine.

Empty log cars were put in a siding between what is today Bumper to Bumper Automotive Service and the Diamond Tower/Crossing area, so those cars needing repairs were able to be hauled by #107 Plymouth to the Car Shop and sometimes the main Machine Shop for repairs, he explained. #107 Plymouth was also used at the Ladysmith Log Dump track to bring railway cars needing repairs up to the Car Shop.

The #107 Plymouth would also take the big flat cars from a load out area near the splicing shed (at the north end of the rail yard) one at a time so they could be loaded with large logging equipment to go to the Nanaimo Lakes.

LDHS is looking for more information and photographs of the #107 Plymouth when it worked here in Ladysmith.

Please contact Shirley Blackstaff, LDHS member or Quentin Goodbody, LDHS president, at info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca.

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The Hiatus and the Honey-Do List “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.”

— Unknown Author The New Year is upon us once again.

This has been a lightning-quick year for me. The summer? Zipped right by. Writing was on hiatus — no time to wax the eloquent for the TAKE 5. Most of the farm production, plant-pick-preserve, was thankfully in the capable hands of a very good man and companion. My focus was on the Honey-Do List.

An explanation: It all started a few months after Laurie’s sudden passing, four years ago. He was an organized man, a list man, and we both found great pleasure in figuring out retirement plans.

You know, after we were mortgage-free and before we did our third and final world trip (pole to pole). Yes, BIG retirement plans, periodically updated — the file folder growing fatter with each new farmhouse fix-up item.

What I never knew was that Laurie was also making another list, a secret list, a list of fanciful things I would have mentioned just in passing. Like “I love those wrought iron gates” or “I’ve always dreamed of a wrap-around porch” or “Wouldn’t a spiral staircase be awesome,” and on and on as I dreamed aloud. Little did I know that each time I shared a fantasy, he would secretly jot it down on a sticky note and slip it into his filing cabinet.

Laurie never got to retire; he died less than a month after he turned 64. But he had already surprised me with that wrought iron gate (although there was no time to install it) and the spiral staircase, too, but we hadn’t decided where

Thistledown Farm's new gate. Photo: Jackie Moad

it would be erected before he was gone.

It was four months later that I found our retirement plans folder and, tucked neatly behind it, filled with yellow sticky notes, another folder echoing my far-out fantasy items.

And that’s when it started. I phoned West Coast Gates and those wrought iron gates were put in first, and the best part — they operate on solar power. Oh, so perfectly appropriate if you knew Laurie. The pain in my heart seemed to lift a bit. I suddenly felt that this just might be a way, my way, of “carry on,” working through that overwhelming sadness and grief. All those wee notes and our retirement plans became the Honey-Do List.

It took a while to organize, kind of tri-

aging the dreams, and each project has a history, a story behind it, complete with before ’n’ after pictures too.

But now winter is upon us and the List will be put aside till spring ... and the return of Tony the carpenter! My resolutions for 2022? Maybe slow down a bit, smell the roses more, write some stories.

And ponder on the wise words of Dr. Seuss: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

Jackie Moad is wishing all the TAKE 5 readers a very happy, life-affirming and perhaps adventurous new year, as she continues to farm that 20-acre organic slice of paradise, ever looking forward,