TAKE 5 February 2014

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City workers fixing pot holes. Cartoon: Gord Barney

Letters Art appreciation at Ladysmith’s Lodge on 4th February of 2011 saw two Ladysmith artists from the Crofton Art Group, Bonnie Cruickshank and Ian Hardy, commence to hang original art work from their Group, in the public areas of Lodge on 4th care facility, located at 1127 4th Avenue, Ladysmith.

The lending of art work by the artists of Crofton Art Group, very successfully managed to help cover some of the bare walls in the front lobby, also hallways and lounge/dining areas throughout the building.

This voluntary action also gave the artists an opportunity to display their art for sale.

Both the residents and staff of the Lodge have commented on how the paintings have brightened up the public areas.

The Group now has over 70 paintings hanging in our building.

I have been informed that the Crofton Art Group, formed 60 years ago, also displays their work in various other venues in Duncan, Crofton and Chemainus.

Early in 2013, I asked the Group if one or more of the artists would volunteer to paint a mural on an emergency exit door that was attracting undue attention from several residents.

Following discussion by the Group it was suggested that Bonnie and Ian put forward a proposal to the Lodge. This was done,

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Please be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious looking people or activity to the RCMP at 250 754 2345.

We must take back our neighbourhood. These crimes must be stopped.

- Melvin Bramley.

Former sled dog gets new lease on life

the proposal was accepted and the mural was successfully completed. The exit door sign was transformed into a bright cozy fireplace scene.

The Lodge on 4th does have several paintings donated, but is always appreciative of any additional gifts and we are especially grateful for the gift of this painted mural by Bonnie and Ian. - Joanne McMurray, Director of Care at the Lodge on 4th

Curb crime Over the last two months there has been a huge increase in petty criminal activity in the Cedar Yellowpoint area. There have been numerous vehicle smash and grabs , mail box theft and attempted theft from area businesses.

The situation has become so bad that some residents will no longer use our local parks and trails for fear of their vehicle being broken into during their short absence whilst using the trails and parks.

Thank you for sharing our story about Mr. Jack Wiggles in the Dec/Jan 2014 last Take 5 issue. We have a FaceBook support group that includes the other folks who have adopted, the caretakers from WAG, Whistler Sled Dog Company and the SPCA in Victoria as well as a few of the mushers from WSDC. I’ve shared the online version with all of them and they asked me to pass along their gratitude as well as letting you know that they thought Take 5 to be a cool publication. - Carol Shepherd

Garbage Capital It is unfortunate that RDN director, Alec McPherson in the Dec/Jan 2014 TAKE 5 would not wait for the facts, and that his mind was already made up in regards to location of Garbage Incinerator.

In my opinion he misinterprets the Nanaimo City’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov 4th 2013 “By not confronting the issue, the City of Nanaimo has, in my opinion, passed any authority they might possess to the province’s Ministry of the Environment” There is video tape available on the city website.

There was a staff report to council; Nanaimo city council merely accepted the report.

In the article it says “if the Metro Vancouver incinerator finds a home within

the RDN then for each year of operation, the life of the Cedar Landfill would be reduced by five years and it would be a short four years before another landfill would have to be found.” Also ‘Almost two-thirds of what the incinerator proponents refer to as “post diversion waste” and that Metro Vancouver would like to burn is comprised of recyclables’ No proposal by the consortium has been presented, and I haven’t heard that from Metro Van. It is rare, but I actually commend Nanaimo city council for having the guts, fortitude and leadership to stand up to a very vocal, sign waving minority group and say that they are not going to make a knee jerk decision. City council is willing to listen and learn. They believe in the legislative municipal process and actually said they want this to go through the public engagement process before any decision is made. - Tim McGrath

25 Years of good food The Mahle House in Cedar would like to say a warm thank you to Naida Hobbs for 25 years with us. On behalf of Tara & Stephen, Maureen, Delbert and Ginny,THANK YOU. -Stephen Wilson, Mahle House Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TAKE 5. email editor@take5.ca, or post at www.take5.ca, fax: 250-245-7099 or write TAKE 5 PO Box 59 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1 or visit us on facebook. com/take5publications Photos: Art transforms exit door at Lodge on 4th.

Maureen Loucks with Naida Hobbs who celebrates 25 years at Mahle House

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Heritage Afloat celebrates harbour Rediscover Your Harbour and visit Heritage Afloat on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11am - 3pm at th Ladysmith Maritime Scoiety Docks Heritage Week is celebrated in communities throughout the province every year, beginning on the national Heritage Day, the third Monday of every February. This year, from February 17-23 we celebrate BC communities that have thrived along our waterways and harbours.

Heritage Afloat in Ladysmith is on Saturday, February 22nd, from 11a.m. - 3 p.m. and is presented by the Ladysmith Maritime Society and the Town of Ladysmith’s Heritage Revitalization Advisory Commission. There is no admission fee and everyone is welcome.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the history and fascinating life on our shores in Oyster Harbour. Come to the award winning Ladysmith Maritime Society Museums and Docks on Oyster Bay Drive to discover an exciting world at your doorstep. See restored heritage boats such as the Saravan tug boat and the 29’ C. A. Kirkegard, a classic wooden crew boat. Take a guided harbour tour on the restored “Maritimer”. Tours will run every half hour between 11:30 and 2:30 and cost is by donation. Chil-

dren are welcome and we will show you how to properly fit your child with a lifejacket. See a Stzuminus First Nation canoe and art displays. Kids will have fun building model boats and sailing them in the on-shore tank. View the many wonderful displays including vintage outboard motors with a special exhibit in remembrance of Gary Dalby. Discover the variety of ships, boats and scows used in our harbour industries - coal export, log sorting, oyster harvesting and fishing.

Visit the Welcome Centre for warm refreshments and wander the docks to see a wide array of moored boats.

Heritage Afloat is a must go event with something for everyone. For more information visit the Ladysmith Maritime Society web site at: http://www.ladysmithmaritimesociety.ca

New airport route to Seattle Kenmore Air recently announced the launch of new non-stop service between Nanaimo and Seattle beginning March 3, 2014. Twice-daily service will be operated using the airline’s all-weather Caravan and Chieftain wheeled aircraft.

“We are very proud to announce this

new route that will bring trans-border scheduled air service to Nanaimo”, said Todd Banks, President and General Manager of Kenmore Air. “We believe Central Island Residents will be excited by this new service,” adds Russ Burke, Chair of the Nanaimo Airport. “In under an hour passengers can be in Seattle for their day of business or ready to connect to Sea-Tac to continue their travels.”

Attracting a carrier to provide service to the Pacific Northwest has been a long term goal of the Airport. “This new route allows our gateway to expand and better service the region,” shares Mike Hooper, President and CEO of Nanaimo Airport.

What’s the buzz?

The Ladysmith Library and Ladysmith Community Gardens Society invite you to a Library Talk on Orchard Mason Bees. February 11th, 6:00 - 7:30 at the Ladysmith Library on First Ave. Free.

Join Rose McCully and learn how to provide homes for mason bees in your garden and increase pollination. Rose will bring houses, cocoons and tubes.

The talk will be followed by a cocoon washing session.

RDN invests in infrastructure The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is dedicating close to $23 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund transfer to improve important services for residents and businesses across the District.

Amongst the eight projects that will benefit from federal Gas Tax Fund support in the coming year is a review and update of capacity at the Duke Point Pollution Control Centre and an examination of options for the re-allocation of existing capacity to support the forth-

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coming village plan for the Cedar Main Street area.

In addition to the contribution from the federal Gas Tax Fund transfer, Nanaimo’s water treatment plant is also receiving a joint federal-provincial contribution of $17.8 million from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund while the City of Nanaimo will cover the remaining costs. Most of the other projects will receive funding from other sources, such as Nanaimo Regional District’s general capital reserve and BC Transit.

Legion members get pinned On Jan. 26 the Royal Canadian Legion Ladysmith branch presented long service pins to some of their members. The legion has two members Bob Torrie and William Hopkins who have been members for 50 years. Other long standing members are Maurice Cherneff , 35, Jean Seney and Thomas William, 30, James Chasser and David Smith 25, Wayne and Elizabeth Todd and Barry Martin, 20, and Robert Nelson, 15. Congratulations everyone.

Bowl for Kids Sake 2014: Would you like to go anywhere WestJet flies? Then you might want to consider participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island’s Bowl for Kids Sake event!

Bowl for Kids Sake 2014, takes place March 14-15-16, 2014 at Brechin Lanes. For every $100 a bowler raises their name will be entered into their grand-prize draw of two tickets anywhere WestJet flies (places like Montreal, Las Vegas, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and now Dublin, Ireland.

Not only are you going to have fun, and raise money for a great cause, you will also have a chance to win this grand prize.

There’s only a limited number of registration spots so grab three friends and sign up today.

Proceeds from this event go to programs for mentoring children and youth in Vancouver Island communities from Ladysmith to Qualicum. Grab your cowboy boots, cowboy hat and saddle up. 250-756-2447 (r) At Bowl for Kids 2013 event. This year the theme is cowboys.

Caption Glynis Buchanan and Natalie Daigle at the new post office facility inside the Pharmasave Ladysmith. They are available to serve your postal need 7 days a weeks. Monday -Friday 9am -8pm, Saturday 9am -5:30pm, Sunday 12 - 5pm. Photo Cindy Damphousse

New postal services at Ladysmith Pharmasave Canada Post is pleased to welcome Steve Robinson and Steve Wilkinson, the pharmacists/owners of the Pharmasave Ladysmith, B.C., to its retail network. The new postal outlet offers all standard Canada Post products and services in addition to extended business hours.

“Ladysmith Pharmasave is happy to be providing postal services to the Town of Ladysmith and the surrounding community,” said Robinson.

“With our knowledgeable staff, expanded hours and beautiful store, we are committed to providing you the best service experience possible,” noted Mr. Wilkinson.

New faces at LMS Rod Smith has accepted the position of Ladysmith Maritime Society Business Business Manager. Following the election at the AGM and the subsequent board meeting, your LMS directors are: President Tim Richards, Vice-President Cliff Fisher,

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Cross-Canada hiker Dana Meise shows off his well used legs. Photo: Laurie Gourlay

Secretary Sonny Hockey, Treasurer Betty Pearson, General Directors Shirley Blackstaff, Bob Cross, Rod MacNeil, Carlos Pereira, Jim Phillips

Cross country hiker Cross-Canada hiker Dana Meise finished 17,000kms of his 23,000km walk in December - arriving in Nanaimo, and paying his respects to Ladysmith and the mid-Island, before winding along the Trans Canada Trail to Victoria. Dana’s got lots to say about the peoples and places of Canada, and stunning pics on his website. A number of local groups are now talking about the need to complete the TCT in our mid-island backyard by 2017 - the 25th anniversary of the trail, and of course 150th anniversary of Confederation. Call Laurie Gourlay (250 722-3444)�

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Ladysmith Air Cadets medals On Jan. 7 three Ladysmith Air Cadets were presented with their Long Service Medals. These prestigious medals are presented by the Air Cadet League of Canada for four years of consecutive participation in the Air Cadet program. (l-r) FSgt. Brandon Peterson, FSgt. Antonio Saunier and FSgt. Nicholas Openshaw. To find out more about joining Squadron 257 Ladysmith please call Cathy Gilroy at 250-245-8119. Winter intake is on now!

Ladysmith Lions wooden toys(\ (l-r) Red McGinn, John Shepard, Al Moore, Ted Walker

In December the Lions Club of Ladysmith was active in the community with the distribution of hundreds of wooden toys made by the Chilliwack Lions Club Members and shipped in

by Lordco. “The Ladysmith Club is planning on setting up their own workshop.� explained Jim Masyk, secretary. For more information contact Ted Walker, president, 250 245 7916

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Kesa Van Osch topples Kelly Scott in 2014 BC Scotties final Kesa Van Osch has won her first women’s provincial title – and it only took her one try. The 22-year-old toppled the reigning BC champion Kelly Scott in a nail-biting final at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.

Things didn’t go well for the Nanaimo student in the first end of the 2014 Scotties BC Curling Championship, presented by Best Western, when Scott opened with a deuce. But the game tightened up after that and Van Osch (and her team of third Stephanie Baier [Victoria], second Jessie Sanderson [Coquitlam] and lead Carley Sandwith [Victoria]) managed to prevent Scott from adding to her lead.

Speaking after the game, Baier said: “Our focus has been on learning and making sure that we’re all working as a team to become something that is bigger than the sum of our parts.

“We’re very honoured and excited for the opportunity to continue our learning at the national level.”

The game was tied 4-4 going into the ninth end, with Scott with the hammer. A blank end in the ninth meant that Scott kept the hammer in the 10th.

But Van Osch didn’t blink and managed set up perfect final end for her team, protecting her stone in the four-foot, preventing Scott from getting an easy single for the win.

Instead, Scott was faced with the impossible task of trying to draw in behind the Van Osch stone, which was sitting just above the button. Scott’s shot was short and the young team got the steal to take the game 5-4.

Kesa is the third Van Osch sister to win a BC title this year.

Kesa Van Osch (and her team of third Stephanie Baier [Victoria], second Jessie Sanderson [Coquitlam] and lead Carley Sandwith [Victoria]) photo credit Rebecca Connop Price

Her younger sisters Kalia and Marika took the junior women’s title on December 31 and will head to nationals in Nova Scotia later this month.

The girls had great support from their family, especially their parents Cindy and Ed, throughout the season “We are incredibly proud of the girls,” said Cindy.

The 2014 Scotties BC Women’s Curling Championship, Presented by Best Western, was a huge success.The national Scotties Tournament of Hearts takes place in Montreal Feb 1-9.

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well-known actors: Vancouver’s Fred Ewanuick (Corner Gas) stars in The Magic Ferret, and Nanaimo’s Cameron Bright (Thank you for Smoking, Twilight, and Juno) stars in Floodplain.

Tickets are available at www.visff.com/ tickets or at the door. There will be two showings of the 15 selected films: Feb. 7 and Feb 8. Both evenings will showcase the same 15 films. Following the Friday show there will be a filmmaker Q&A and after the Saturday show there will be an awards ceremony.

Local writer man of mystery

Local actor in VISFF Local stage actor Rick Meyers makes the jump to the big screen in the Nanaimo short film Greyscale. For those unfamiliar with Meyers, he is better known as drag queen sensation Vikki Smudge.

While the 12 minute mystery film is shrouded in secrecy for obvious reasons, Meyers says that Greyscale is a huge departure for him and will be a surprise to his fans.

“Everyone who knows me and my career knows Vikki Smudge. While I love Vikki with all my heart, there’s a great amount of excitement and nervousness to play someone else and to be a part of a project where I’m unmasked and I have to show what I can do without the makeup and costume.”

The film was shot in Nanaimo with locally run production team. Producer, Nicola McTaggart says residents and businesses really embrace filmmaking here. Greyscale will make its world premiere at the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival on Feb 7-8, before embarking on the film festival circuit.

Fifteen films have been chosen for screening at the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival. The films will be shown at Malaspina Theatre at Vancouver Island University. The films include two Above: Cassidy’s Rick Meyers in Greyscale

A Ladysmith based writer is working on a movie project based on his novels. Born in the Robin Hood county of middle England; international crime fiction writer, David B. Green, is a British Canadian. The son of a coal mining family going back to the mid 1920’s, he has lived for the last 17 years in Canada. David saw his first Oscar Phelps novel published in North America while a resident of Victoria in 2003 and he has recently returned with his family and now lives in Yellow Point.

In 2012, with three books in the series published and three more in various stages of development and outline, the Phelps world came to the attention of a major award winning Vancouver based film director and several Canadian, US and UK production Companies. An option was taken on the stories and this has now developed into a creative partnership between filmmaker and writer. His character Oscar Phelps is a charming sociopathic killer; he’s able to commit murder without remorse, keep his sardonic wit through cold-blooded acts of violence yet maintain a devotion to his family of associates.

Phelps on screen will mirror the Phelps of the books and will do anything to help a friend in need or to avenge a death, a trait that rounds off an incredibly flawed, dynamic character. “Mr. Phelps” will be a fast-paced international crime thriller, jam-packed with mystery, action, exotic locations and centered on an appealing anti-hero. Comprised of the first two David B. Green’s novels, “32- Red” and “Berlin by Christmas” (released in one volume as: “The Enigmatic Mr. Phelps”) the action follows the globetrotting adventures of Phelps - a high society fraudster, charmer, humorist, manipula-

Scarlatti, Brahms, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff.

Although she is often referred to as Canada’s “premier Mozart pianist,” Coop’s parents had no idea she had it in her. “They weren’t stage parents,” she said, adding, “In fact, they weren’t even musicians!—Just music lovers.”

Childhood piano lessons and frequent trips to the symphony set the young virtuoso on path to eventually be praised by the New York Times not only for her “technical prowess but intellecLocal writer David B.Green in front of a mosque in Sharjah in a publicity shot for the fourth novel in the Oscar Phelps series; “Where King meets Queen”.

tor, sociopathic killer and friend. Like “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999), the screen “Mr. Phelps” will be built around a heavyweight, ethically dubious but likable protagonist with a rich vein of idiosyncratic support characters. Producers are considering the series as a starring vehicle for a number of established high profile movie stars including British actor Hugh Grant.

Green bases his stories upon characters and situations he has encountered during the past 35 years. He was recently in Singapore promoting the third Phelps novel; “Brethren of Acadia”. Green plans to divide his time between Yellow Point and Niagara. The sixth story in the series; “And There Is No Run” features opening chapters set on Yellow Point Road and extends into the town of Ladysmith and into Chemainus.

Canada’s Premier Concert Pianist to Perform Nanaimo Conservatory of Music will introduce one of Canada’s most distinguished classical musicians Jane Coop in solo concert, a performer the Montreal Gazette declares has “that extra something that lets a pianist become a poet.” The Order of Canada recipient will also be on hand to coach young local talent during her public workshop for advanced piano students. In support of Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the concert will feature the great composers from the 17th century and beyond, including Beethoven,

tual perception and telling interpretive instincts.”

Jane Coop appears in solo piano concert at the Port Theatre on Sunday, February 16th at 2:30pm. Tickets cost $38 or $25 for students and are available from the Port Theatre box office at 250754-8550 or porttheatre.com. Please call the Conservatory at 250-754-4611 for more information or reservations regarding the master class at 2:30 PM on Saturday, February 15th at 375 Selby Street.

Admission to the public is $10.

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Setting the stage to build a new hospital The citizens of Ladysmith and Chemainus have a long history of helping to ensure hospital services are provided close to home. Today, all the residents of the Cowichan Valley Regional District are being called upon to help build a new community hospital to serve our residents. To date, as a region, we have taken two big steps towards realizing this goal; we have started saving money and we are now actively seeking a new hospital site.

The Cowichan District Hospital (CDH), which opened in 1967, was

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built at a time when our region had a population of approximately 35,000; today we are over 82,000 strong. Although over the years considerable money has been invested in additions and renovations, the CDH is chronically operating over capacity, ire safety features in some sections of the hospital are inadequate, the operating rooms do not meet modern standards, and most of the building is seismically suspect. Our hospital is overdue for replacement.

Over the decades, hospital medical services have become increasingly more specialized, medical technology has become more sophisticated and expensive, and our expectations to have access to the best of care possible has become insatiable. The old style, all service, small town general hospital is neither sustainable nor suitable today.

About a decade ago, the Provincial health authorities began the reorganization of hospital services. Gone were the much loved and cherished small town hospitals of Ladysmith and Chemainus. Today, depending on the med-

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ical services required, we are served by four levels of hospital facilities, each providing an increasing level of care: community hospital – Cowichan District; regional hospital – Nanaimo; tertiary hospital – Jubilee and Victoria General; and quaternary hospital – St. Paul’s and Vancouver General.

As property tax payers, we are responsible to help pay for the capital costs of health services within our region. The replacement of the CDH, our community hospital, is expensive.

Based on the present projected replacement costs of the Campbell River and Courtney/Comox community hospitals, it is anticipated to cost approximately $350,000,000 to build a new CDH. Such capital costs are shared 40% by the local taxpayer and 60% by the Provincial government.

So, how do we fund our $140,000,000 share? It is the largest single capital expenditure our regional district has ever participated in. In anticipation of this looming expenditure the Cowichan Valley Regional Hospital District (CVRHD) began raising funds in 2010 to help reduce future borrow-

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Patients will benefit from a new hospital

ing costs and to send a message to the Province that we are ready for a new hospital.

The plan? Raise the hospital tax levy by $20 a year for seven years. 2010 $20, 2011 - $40, 2012 - $60 ----2016 - $140. Collectively, each $20 increment raises $1 million. In 2013, the average home paid $80 and collectively we raised $4 million towards our new community hospital. Today, we have banked over $10.5 million and by 2016 we will have raised over $30 million, with interest. The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation has also raised and saved over $1.4 million towards our share of the costs of a new hospital.

Saving money is one step, inding a new site is another. The present hospital site is too small to accommodate the construction of a new hospital while attempting to maintain hospital functions in the present facility.

In collaboration with Island Health, the CVRHD has begun the process of locating a new site. Criteria have been developed, a consultant has been engaged and the process of creating a list of potential parcels has commenced.

Although the Province has not yet agreed to fund their portion of a new hospital, it was decided it would be prudent to acquire the site now as valuable parcels are being consumed for other development. Also, we are hoping to send an even stronger message to the Province that the Cowichan Region is ready for a new community hospital. rhutchins@ladysmith.ca

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John Surtees gives Kingston Smith a lift at the end of the Run for the Mountain Race at Westwood Lake.

It’s a brand new year and we all want to start it right! And keep it going that way!

To keep us moving along the path to being our personal best we have asked local experts tell us what services they offer as well as some advice.

Real Estate professionals are always on the go and sometimes stress can be a factor. John Surtees has found balance in his life. “Practicing yoga, running trails amongst Douglas firs, paddle boarding and surfing are all activities which help me reconnect to nature and ground myself. Being active in nature is more preventive maintenance than stress relief.”

He has been creating eustress - the good stress that motivates - by participating in the Island Race Series already having completed an 8 & 10km runs in January. The Cedar 12km is Feb 9th and the Comox half marathon will be the following month.

Sue Kodric at SLK Fitness Studio

Being in nature is “a spiritual thing” which resets me. These experiences clear my head and fuel my soul.”

Coast Realty realtor Lorne Gait is also committed to health and can often be seen at the FJCC fitness centre. He currently has a property listed that would make an ideal studio for those looking to

Own a place of Solitude -- 2184 Godfrey Road -- $309,900 This 3 bed and 2 bath Rancher style Character home is a true country gem in pristine condition with thorough updates and improvements. The home boasts a private and fenced half acre, an 8’ by 24’ studio for your hobbies or for meditation, a detached workshop, your own Garden of Eden. The Seller will provide a map of the grounds identifying the various fruit trees, herbs, and garden beds. Call Lorne at 250245-0545 for more information. View at www.lornegait.com

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expand or start a business.

Ladysmith Parks Recreation and Culture offers fitness studio, classes and a complete aquatic centre. Along with the favorites look for some new programs, says Susan Glenn. Step Fit - Step Aerobics is a fun cardio and strength workout.

This dynamic step class incorporates the extra cardio challenge of step routines with an abdominal and core workout and a relaxing yoga inspired stretch. Strokes 1 & 2 - Learn to swim more efficiently.

No other workout burns calories, boosts metabolism, and firms every muscle in your body without putting stress on your joints better than a swimming workout.

Girls Drop-In (age 13-18) Yoga, Dance, Fitness, Cooking and more!

Sue Kodric is a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of SLK Fitness Studio for Women in Ladysmith. SLK Fitness Studio is an option for women looking to begin or restart their fitness program.

Sue listens to her client’s needs and goals and then designs an individual training program suitable to meet those goals. There is no one program that

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fits all, everyone’s needs are different.

In addition, Sue provides motivational coaching to help women put themselves first by choosing to include exercise and healthy eating into their daily routines so they see results. Facebook: SLK Fitness Studio for Women Eike Jordan of Cedar Body Works has taken her commitment to health and beauty a step beyond and taken it to the people. With fitness playing a major role in her and her family’s life she has created opportunities in Cedar for adults and young people to discover fitness through sports and play. Join in for a game of volleyball, badminton or try the popular slower-paced pickle ball. Every Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 pm Badminton and Pickle Ball at North Cedar Intermediate Gym located at 2215 Gould Road in Cedar. .High School Students free with Student I.D., $2 for adults, paddles and balls supplied. Every Wednesday, 6:308:30 pm Volleyball at North Cedar Intermediate Gym-Free. Every Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm Volleyball at North Cedar Intermediate Gym-Free

Shelley Sims of Herbal Magic

In almost 12 years of operation, Shelley Sims says that Herbal Magic, Nanaimo location has helped hundreds of clients lose a total of 52,000 pounds and 58,000 inches. “People are literally lighter and happier because of their decision to join and succeed.” Herbal Magic weight loss system doesn’t consider simply reaching a weight-loss goal to be the

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Dan Patterson of Affordable Vacuum

end of the journey. “Our philosophy is to make sure that clients maintain their new, healthy weight for life. Their system combines healthy eating, one- onone personal coaching and natural health products. With approximately 280 centres nationwide, Herbal Magic is the largest Canadian owned and operated weight-loss company in Canada. www. herbalmagic.ca

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Dan Patterson of Affordable Vacuum says his top of the line vacuums with hospital grade filtrations systems are a blessing for those that suffer from asthma and allergies. “If pet hair is a problem we have in my opinion the best vacuum made. “ Affordable Vacuum has been helping the people of Ladysmith and area for 25 years, selling and repairing quality vacuum cleaners. “Being in business for this long I have realized that you get what you pay for. Many of the models in my store are not available at the big box stores but can be found at Buckingham Palace and the White House. “Come down and see what a difference the best quality vacuum cleaner can do for the health and wellness of your home.”

Salon Luminence was born out of the need to offer a healthier salon experience, to use safer hair and skin care products than the traditional salon. They offer a full range of hair and esthetic services from designer cuts, ammoniafree no fumes hair colour to pedicures,

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Blayne, Jane, Brittany at Salon Luminence

waxing and spa treatments. Onesta, Loma Organics, and Sacred Nature are a few of our organic and vegan lines. We are also part of the solution for recycling in the salon through Green Circle salons programs. www.salonluminence.com with a link to Facebook.

Vanessa Aikenhead’s Esthetics by Vanessa shares this tip. “A Swedish or hot stone massage as it is a great way to relax the body and reduced tension. It helps eliminate toxins and reduce stress.

Relaxation massages release endorphins that help calm the nervous system,

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bringing the body to a state of relaxation and well-being,” says Vanessa. “Take time out of your busy life for yourself. A little relaxation goes a long way.” www. estheticsbyvanessa.ca

Above: Vanessa Aikenhead, Esthetics by Vanessa Right: Marilyn Swallow, Wildflower Natural Health Below: Michell McLean esthetician and Moreen Reid Medical Esthetician & Laser Technician at Rewind Med Spa

Can’t afford that tropical vacation?

“Treat yourself to our new kelp and sea salt scrub, followed by a hot jade stone massage, to help detox the body and soothe the soul,” says Marilyn Swallow at Wildflower Natural Health. Valentines will love their 100% natural Whole Heart Spritzer or indulge them in chocolate and roses without an ounce of guilt!

It’s easy with our yummy Cocorose Body Lotion also available at Nancy’s in Ladysmith.

Join them Feb.1 and Feb 15 for a free drop in session to discover Oriental medicine, and find out how they can test and eliminate your allergies.

Rewind MedSpa is owned and operated by Moreen Reid who is a Medical Esthetician and Certified Laser Technician with over 15 years’ experience and

has trained in Advanced Skin Treatments in France. Rewind MedSpa offers a range of dermatological services. “Our most popular is the Age Defy Series – which includes Priori Peel, Photo Re-

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New Thai Massage Academy opening soon. They currently offer mobile service

Opening soon is the Thai Massage Academy. Thai yoga massage is a very holistic therapy where the human being is seen and treated as an ever-changing network of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects that all influence each other. Its primary aim is to restore and balance the body’s energy system which comprises of a multitude of energy lines that run through the body.

Thai yoga massage therapists work on 10 main meridians to ensure optimum health and well-being. Utilizing a multitude of techniques and adjustments they bring the body back to its natural equilibrium where perfect balance and wellbeing are present. “We are not miracle workers, but we can help people in many ways,” says Andre Coco. www.thaimassageacademy.co

juvenation, Skin Tightening, Fractional Wrinkle Reduction Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening, Botox and Juvederm, Microdermabrasion Medical Grade Peel and Guinot Facials. Complimentary consultations are available.

Confidence is key. Confidence is the first ingredient in any recipe for success, says Rosemarie Barnes at CONFIDENT STAGES. Whether your goal is to apply for a new job, take up a new hobby, lose weight, or just meet some new people, the self-confidence to start and complete

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anything is the key to success. “ Age is not a factor. It doesn’t matter if we are a child being bullied, an insecure teenager, an adult dealing with life’s difficulties, or a new widow or widower. We all share one need: confidence,” says Rosemarie. www.confidentstages.com Read our experts advice on how a woman in her fifties can improve her

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lifestyle. Online at www.take5.ca

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Top Tips: Get active!

BY MARGARET NG,

Left: Rosemarie Barnes Confident Stages

* Take a walk. Walking is one of the simplest activities: take awalk after lunch or get off one bus stop early on your way to work. Alternatively, park farther away from the entrance to the mall or take the stairs instead of the elevator. * Make a play for it. You might have flown a kite or thrown a risbee as a kid - why not now? Once in the park, you might see other activities that inspire you and your family to have fun exercising. * Start a family ‘health club’. Gath-

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er your family together one evening or weekend and make up a list of activities that everyone enjoys. Put your list on the fridge and plan evenings when you will try a new activity. * Support the sports. Most sports activities increase your physical fitness, contribute to heart and bone health, and help you maintain a healthy body weight - so why not join a new club or team? Perhaps you could give dancing, kick-boxing, yoga, running or tennis a go? Participating in individual or team recreational sports is a great way to meet others - and they can motivate you to stay fit. * Just the basics. Scientific evidence suggests that even low-intensity lifestyle activities have health benefits. This is important to those who may have limited abilities to exercise - such as arthritis sufferers. Casual activities that can contribute to greater health include: - Gardening and yard work - Housework - Dancing - Walking up stairs - Water exercise * Have fun. Find something active you enjoy and stick with it. If you’re genuinely going to develop an active life then you need to find a way of making exercise ‘fun’. That way, it won’t feel like hard-work! * Get virtually motivated. Take advantage of some of the mobile applications and online portals that provide guidance and information on healthy living.

Find a sport you love at Forrest Field, Ladysmith.

Opposite page: Kayaking is a great exercise. Photo: Sealegs Kayaks

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RDN - Area A Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations

BY ALEC MCPHERSON Over the past four months, I’ve received a spate of complaints and inquiries related to licenced marijuana growops. The concerns have ranged from foul odours to the proximity of the marihuana grow-op facilities to school grounds. For both RDN staff and my fellow Electoral Area Directors, the inability to have Health Canada – the licensee – take any enforcement action has been frustrating to say the least. Policing groups are similarly frustrated in trying to address safety

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and health concerns as the existing regulatory regime – Marihuana Medical Access Regulation (MMAR) and Medical Access Program (MMAP) – allow licenced individuals to produce medical marihuana within residential dwellings or to have others produce their allotted quota. Due to privacy concerns, Health Canada is not required to provide details on who holds a licence. Even the police are denied access to this information; accordingly, there have been multiple instances of apparent abuses of the regulatory regime.

In December 2012, Health Canada announced proposed changes through the issuance of new Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) to address the concerns surrounding abuse of the existing regime. These regulations model the production of medical marihuana in a similar manner to other prescription drugs. If these regulations survive a current Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms challenge, they will replace the existing regulatory regime on April 1, 2014. Under the new regulations, interested parties may apply to Health Canada for a Producer’s licence. Applicants must meet a number of security clearance criteria for employees as well as a number of physical security and odour control requirements.

Unlike the existing regulations which leave police and local government outside the information loop, the applicants must now provide written notice to local police, fire and government authorities of their intent to apply for a Producer’s Licence.

In an attempt to ensure that these grow operations were sited in areas where security, odour and other concerns could be addressed, local governments moved to restrict them to industrial lands; however, both the Agricultural Land Commission and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture issued advice that they viewed the production of medical marihuana as being consistent with the definition of

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“farm use” as outlined in the Agricultural Land Commission Act. This means that local government bylaws cannot prohibit medical marihuana production on lands with the ALR. The RDN drafted zoning Bylaws applicable to Electoral (rural) Areas –excepting Area ‘F’ (Errington, Coombs, Hilliers) - that would restrict medical marihuana production to ALRclassed lands and prohibit production of medical marihuana as a home-based business. All such facilities must be setback from all lot lines by the maximum 30 metre distance permitted by the farm regulations.

You may have read that a 35,000 square foot office and warehouse building at Duke Point has been approved by the City of Nanaimo for the production of medical marihuana. As of December 2012, Health Canada reports that there were 28,076 persons authorized to possess medical marihuana with 47.7% or 13,362 within B.C. Additionally, there were 18,113 Personal-use Production Licences with 9,369 or 52% within B.C. Hopefully, one or two large facilities sited within industrial lands outside our immediate area will be sufficient to meet the demand and eliminate concerns that residents have with the existing facilities and regulations.

CVRD - Area H Dry storage, schools, boundary expansions

BY MARY MARCOTTE Rezoning Application – Dry Storage: In last month’s issue I wrote about a rezoning application that had been submitted to the Regional District to amend the CVRD Electoral Area H (North Oyster/Diamond) Official Community Plan by redesigning a parcel from Suburban Residential to Industrial, and amending Electoral Area H Zoning Bylaw by rezoning a portion of the parcel from R-2 (Suburban Residential) to I-1 (Light In-

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dustrial). The owners intend to establish a dry good (food) storage facility on the subject property.

The owners of the property also own and operate the Cold Star cold storage facility (formerly Island Farms). The subject property related to this application abuts the Cold Star property and the applicant is the owner of both properties.

Approval of this application would allow the applicant to expand the business.

I would like to thank all of the interested citizens who came out to the public hearing on January 23rd at the North Oyster Community Hall. Your comments and feedback are an integral part of making the system work. Your input helps determine the form and charter of North Oyster’s future.

According to Provincial legislation, at the close of the hearing no additional public comments or input can be received by the hearing committee or other Regional Directors. The hearing process for this application has now closed; the hearing committee is now considering the merits of the application and we are in the process of making a recommendation to the CVRD Board. The minutes from the hearing and all other correspondence will be taken into consideration when the matter comes before the Board .

Ladysmith Working Group Update – Proposed North Oyster School Closure: As you may recall, the Nanaimo/Ladysmith School District #68 10 Year Facilities Plan is under review by the School District; the Board of Trustees is considering the implementation of the Plan. After hearing concerns from residents, the Trustees extended the consultation period for Ladysmith area schools.

A Working Group was formed to review the options and make recommendations on the future of the schools within the Ladysmith catchment area. Under the Facilities Plan, two schools are proposed for closure – Ecole-Davis Road and North Oyster.

The Working Group met several times and provided a number of different options. At the conclusion of this process, the Working Group came up with two options to present to the public – “A” and “B”. Two Public Meetings were held in Ladysmith; verbal and written support was indicated for “Option A”.

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The working Group then removed “Option B” and drafted a new “Option C”.

The two options were submitted to the Trustees for their consideration.

The School Board held their Regularly Scheduled December meeting in Ladysmith Secondary School to conduct their usual business. This business included the recommendations from the Working Group. After struggling with the issues, the Trustees agreed that more time and more information was needed to make a decision. It was proposed that the Regular January, 2014 meeting be held in Ladysmith so that the public could once again observe the process.

However, since the close of the meeting in Ladysmith, the Trustees have decided to hold a “Special Meeting” on February 6, 2014. It is my understanding that the only item on the agenda will be discussion and consideration of the Working Group recommendations for the 10 Year Facilities Plan. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and observe the proceedings.

Ladysmith Boundary Expansion Into North Oyster and Saltair: The Town has received an application from TimberWest/Couverdon to take in forest lands currently within the jurisdiction of CVRD Electoral Area H into the Town for mixed residential/commercial development. The Town scheduled a meeting for consideration of this application on January 28th. Because the deadline for submissions to this magazine is before the meeting takes place, I cannot report on the outcome of that meeting.

However, I anticipate that Town council will be supportive of the application, and also supportive of an alternate approval process to meet the Provincial public assent process.

Although Provincial regulations do not allow individual Area H residents to have a vote or even an informal say on the matter, the application must be formally referred to the Regional District for comment. To the best of my knowledge, that part has not yet occurred. At any rate, the referral will be considered first by the Electoral Area Services Committee, who will consider the merits of expanding the Towns Boundary, and then it will go to the full Board for consideration and recommendation.

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I have heard many comments and concerns about Mayor Rob Hutchins being in a conflict on such a decision because he is both Mayor and Board Chair. I understand and share those concerns; it only makes sense that the body that receives and votes on an application should not get a second opportunity to influence and vote on matters which they have referred to the Region. Unfortunately, according to Provincial legislation, this is not the case; the Mayor is not in a conflict. Another even greater concern that I share with rural residents is that we have no role and no vote in the process. The shifting of this very large amount of our rural land base will have an impact upon the taxpayers of North Oyster/Diamond and Saltair but we have no say in the matter.

The Municipal Boundary Expansion process is clearly flawed and requires updating to reflect today’s realities. It’s a very sad state of affairs when the rural values are not appreciated, understood or protected by Provincial and Municipal bodies. Rural areas, with their lush forests, green fields and small populations are a necessity for sustainable living. They provide the food, the water and clean air for the cities that surround us. They are a buffer zone that mitigates the impact of climate change and extreme weather events. For years it has been known that this rampant development of forested lands to accommodate municipal growth is not sustainable. It’s time to put an end to it by uniting with our municipal neighbours to defeat this unwarranted growth.

CVRD Area G Public hearings

BY MEL DOREY Two public hearings are scheduled in Saltair in the next two months. The last Official Community Plan was completed in 2005 when community members and the CVRD drew up a plan for the future of Saltair so that the residents could have some certainty about future development. As it is impossible to anticipate everything in an OCP review, the planning process allows property owners to apply for amendments to the OCP and zoning.

Public hearings are required before changes to the OCP and zoning, and

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input received at hearings greatly assists the CVRD Board with making land use decisions.

The first public hearing will be at Mt Brenton Centre at 3850 South Oyster School Road in Saltair at 7 pm on Thursday February 19th.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Application No. 1-G-13RS (Saltair Self StorageBylaws 3783 and 3784). In a plainer language it is the rezoning of the property next to Byron’s Store from Commercial to a more refined commercial zone. This property is owned by John Morris who was before the community a previous time with a presentation. When the Official Community Plan was done this area was given a general designation of commercial knowing full well when the actual development would happen that there should be a public hearing to get more specific about the plan. John Morris is the owner of Byron’s Store and the storage units behind and he now wants to develop the property next door that he also owns. He is proposing a strata small lot commercial development where small business can own their own property and set up their business. Some examples of possible businesses are: artist studio, clinic, market, nursery, office, equipment sales, retail stores and financial, etc.

So come out to the meeting on February 19th and hear what Mr. Morris has to say. Your opinions are welcome and appreciated.

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The second public hearing will be held at the same location on March the 6th. It will be to talk about the former Seaside Manufactured Home Park site at 11255 Chemainus Road at the north end of Saltair. The old manufactured park was decommissioned about 5 years ago. The owners are in the process of re-developing the site for a manufactured home strata subdivision, but have requested a zoning amendment so that conventional site-built dwellings can be constructed as an alternative to factory built manufactured homes. The site is being re-developed, so the main question for the public hearing is, “should conventional construction be allowed or should housing in the MP-1 zone be limited to manufactured homes?”

Janet and Tim Evans were named Saltair Volunteer Citizens of the year recently at a CVRD board meeting.

John Silins and Sean Jonas of the Saltair Ratepayers Association made the presentation to Tim and Janet. The Ratepayers have been making this presentation for about five years now to recognize citizens volunteering to make the community stronger and better. This is first time the award has been given to a couple rather than an individual. Tim and Janet were very active in Chemainus dry grad, Chemainus baseball, Saltair Pistons, Halloween and Easter celebrations in Saltair on many years.

Tim and Janet Evans, Saltair Volunteer Citizens of the Year

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Save the box!!!

Why someone would celebrate the birth of Jesus by giving me a three- pack box of argyle socks is beyond me. Nevertheless, I thanked Santa and added them to the pile of other garments I would never wear. As I walked over to the woodstove with the box they came in, I wondered about Argyle. What must he have done to have a plaid sock named after him?

I was just about to chuck the box into the blazing woodstove, when my wife and two daughters, in perfect three part harmony, at volume level nine point seven, which is usually reserved for “DROP THE GUN!” or “PUT THE BOMB DOWN NOW,” hollered, “SAVE THE BOX!!!”

This illustrates one of the basic differences between men and women; women save boxes, men burn them. Why women save boxes, we’re not so sure. It’s not as if cardboard is needed for the war effort.

(Hey Sarge, what’s with the cardboard tanks?) A sales clerk, if asked politely, will give you a box for free. Seldom will they respond with, “Our men are risking their lives overseas, and you’re asking for a box?”

Psychiatrists refer to this phenomenon as “empty box syndrome,” and find it useful when testing for gender ambivalence.

Psychiatrist: (Who might just be wearing argyles, need I say more?) When I say box, what’s the first word that comes to mind”?

Young Jack: (Who made the big mistake of choosing a gender neutral Halloween costume.) Woodstove.

Psychiatrist: Way to go Tiger. You made the team, don’t forget to ogle my secretary on the way out.

Fathers too can use it to test their daughters’ fiancés for manliness. Take the guy aside and say, “The wife’s away this weekend and some of the boys are coming over for brewskis and to burn a few Christmas boxes, make a little room in that hall closet. (Wink wink, nudge nudge.) You in?” An eager response earns your endorsement, even if the guy rolled up in a Toyota Prius.

Not that a guy isn’t allowed a rough patch. Even I had what’s known in argyle sock circles as a “container collec-

tion issue.” I got addicted to collecting yogurt tubs. Mind you, it was the sixties, all my friends were practicing yogurtarians, and how can you be certain 1473 empty yogurt containers is enough.

But I recognized the problem, sought help and was successfully deprogrammed, after which I got off yogurt and moved on to cheeseburgers and fries.

It’s important to keep in mind however that as far as container addictions go, yogurt is considered the marijuana of the lot because unlike boxes, yogurt containers nest, taking up very little room under the sink.

But boxes, that’s another story, they can quickly overrun a hall closet, a spare room or a garage in no time. In fact, a recent study revealed that what we thought was a housing crisis is not a crisis at all.

The study determined there would be enough houses for everyone if the rooms weren’t crammed with so many boxes.

Field interviews with homeless men all revealed the same story. “It starts with the hall closet, then that gets filled up, and it’s into the spare bedroom. Your shop is next, then you make the mistake of saying either the boxes go or I do.

Boom, you’re out on the street.”

Another study showed that the majority of women care more about the box than the gift inside. Which means we men have been wasting money on gifts; instead, we should have been investing in more elaborate boxes.

That’s why I’ve linked up with a savvy group of investors who have come up with the concept of the world’s first box only store, and that’s exactly what we’re going to call it, Boxes Only. The idea of course is to get the first store up and running and when the profits start rolling in, franchise the hell out of it.

And let me tell you, these investors are smart cookies. They’re the ones behind the six litre wine glass. You know, for when the doctor limits you to two glasses a day. This rocket was heading to

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the moon until the medical community got drift of it and issued a health bulletin stating the glasses had to be five oz pours.

That’s how we ended up with an aircraft hanger full of wine glasses just waiting for the right marketing idea. At first we thought birdbaths, but apparently birds like to bathe with their feet on the ground, which explains all those drowned budgies out back.

The next idea was to market them as spittoons, a task which they’re particularly well suited. Unfortunately spitting has fallen out of fashion, and unless we can get world leaders like Brad Pitt and Miley Cyrus interested, we might be out of luck.

Not that our little investment group has all our eggs in one basket, our best idea yet is the remote control fridge. Imagine the convenience of having the fridge come to you rather than you having to go to the fridge. Wouldn’t that just be the ultimate in modern living?

Our group still has 110% faith in this idea, despite a few technical glitches.

Apparently remote control fridges don’t do well on stairs, which is the reason our public relations department has strongly suggested we pull a Rob Ford and say we’re REALLY, REALLY. REALLY sorry about all you downstairs folks crushed by fully loaded fridges.

With an experienced group like this it’s just a matter of time before my investment pays off, a good thing because I’ll be able to afford a new bathroom, an important consideration since the other two are inaccessible thanks to the girls’ box collection. That’s why all you potential investors should join us, put down your common sense now and be the first in your area with a Boxes Only franchise. Time is of the essence, so don’t wait, phone 1-800-BOX-FRAUD and give us your money now.

While you’re at it, pick up a bottle of the 2011 Gray Monk Riesling, $14.95, excellent.

In the meantime, if your marriage is important to you, DON’T BURN THE BOX!!!

- Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant in Cedar. Read more of his articles at Slightlycorkedandmore. wordpress.com

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“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”

- William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well

Heartbeat So you want to be a suave, debonair, worldly lover. Sweep the apple of your eye off their feet, and sweep all competitors for their love away, away, away forever more.

Me too. And with that in mind, and hoping my one true love and beauty extraordinaire doesn’t read this, I’d like to reveal my deepest-kept secret for romance. It’s the surest, most-effective, long-lasting, enticingly exquisite tease.

One which can keep you in warm-loving embraces and lovey-dovey kisses for time and eternity. If you do it right.

Inept or inappropriate application of this tricky technique can put you in the doghouse, or worse. Caution and proportion are of utmost importance. It is also

Laurie Gourlay in one of his prankish moments. Somestimes, love bugs us all.

necessary to match said application of love to your intended target of affection.

Knowing thy love’s innermost thoughts and secrets will help a great deal. Reevaluation of your success, after application and feedback is received from said loved one, is also recommended if you wish to live a long and healthy life.

And the plan, plain and simple, is to bug. Not BUG, just every now and then to bug. To be sufficiently irritating so as to occasionally be considered cute, to have your true-love know that it is you, only you, that has seen through the chinks in their armour. Humour is key.

Timing too, and rolling out the plan with a smooth and velvety touch will greatly enhance your chance of success.

And you have to be committed. No second thoughts half-way through. You’re

either in, or out. Changing course in mid-stream is gonna land you in deep, dark, don’t want-to-be-here love-trouble, guaranteed. You’ll end up being Desi in an ‘I Love Lucy’ episode, with a lotta ‘splainin’ to do. So stick with the plan whatever you do.

I should add that I come to this approach honestly, freely adapting from Three Stooges and Marx Brothers classics ...which I’m sure my beloved subconsciously recalls and somehow approves of, being a child of the 50’s and B&W teevee. In the same breath my wonderful, creaky cantankerous Scots mither needs to be credited with setting me well and truly on the bugging path.

After a Jackie Gleason or Red Skelton skit for instance, I’d often test out a new and improved adaptation for home use.

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Early attempts elicited a smooch on the forehead, but as I grew older and no wiser a gnarly arm-deadening fist to an exposed nerve would be the telling of my success. Almost always the ‘wee bugger’ would unceremoniously be thrown outside to play, quite often in the rain - which may explain the reason I like living here on Vancouver Island, now that I think of it. But I digress...

Impromptu bugs are fine, like for instance tripping your loved one so they do that funny little two-step and give you that hilarious ‘what-the-hell-are-you-doing’ look. But having them fall face-first in a mud-puddle, although quite humorous to you or me, can result in some unanticipated sleepings on the couch.

You have to be quick at weighing out consequences against the potential for a really good one-off slap-stick type gag at your lover’s expense. Remembering of course that what’s good for the goose can be sweet, sweet revenge for the gander. I myself get a bit twitchy when walking arm in arm past a mud puddle.

Similarly, buckets of water over the door, or banana peels at the top of the stairs, are not on. It turns out that jumping from behind a closed door, especially when your beloveds arms are full of tax papers she’s filing for you, is also not good. Who’d have thought that those self-defence classes she took would lead to you walking with a limp for a week, and having to do year-end taxes to boot!?

Measured, with consequences considered and well-scouted, sneaky, creepy, gotcha bugs can still be effective however, but may best be undertaken at least twice arm and leg-kick distance.

So, there you have it. The sure-fire secret that’s kept my romance burning some 38+ years, which I credit for keeping my marriage quite interesting and my high-step quick. To this day my heart beats faster and my pulse races whenever I catch my wee beauty looking my way.

Love, and the perfect bug. Some things are worth striving for!

- Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for thirty-odd years, farms 20 bug-full acres organically on Vancouver Island with the high-kicking wee beauty Jackie Moad, and wears his family motto proudly ‘on guard of thee’, whilst also running Thistle Consulting Services – seeking local solutions to global challenges.

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February 1

February 9-15

1, 9:30am, Calligraphy Show & Sale, The Loft Gallery Mill Bay Shopping Centre

9-15, 9:30am, Calligraphy Show & Sale, The Loft Gallery Mill Bay Shopping Centre

1, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St. 250-246-2434

9, 2pm, Driving Miss Daisy, Port Theatre 125 Front St. 250-754-8550

1, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413

9, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658

1, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658

9, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

1, 7:20pm, My Fair Lady, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054

10, 10AM, Swap-O-Rama-Rama, St. Andrews United Church 311 Fitzwilliam St. 250-729-3947

1-2, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

10, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111

1, Karaoke, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

10, 7pm, Cribbage, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

February 2-8

11, 6pm, Air Cadet Meetings, Aggie Hall 1110-1st Ave. 250-245-8119

2-8, 9:30am, Calligraphy Show & Sale, The Loft Gallery Mill Bay Shopping Centre

11, 6:30pm, Texas Hold’em, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

2, 2pm, My Fair Lady, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054

11, 7:30pm, Dissolve, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054

2, 4pm, Jazz, The Show Pub 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413

11-15, The Buddy Holly Story, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus 250-246-9820

2, Super Bowl Party, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

6, 9:30am, Line Dancing, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

2, Super Bowl Party, Sportsman Pub, 640 First Ave 250-245-8033

6,6:30pm, Positive Parenting Seminar, St. Joseph’s School, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus 250246-3191

2, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 3, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111 3, 7pm, Cribbage, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 3, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 4, 1pm, Chemainus Garden Club meeting, Calvary Baptist Church 3319 River Rd. 4, 6pm, Air Cadet Meetings, Aggie Hall 1110-1st Ave. 250-245-8119 4, 6:30pm, Texas Hold’em, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 5, 10am, Open House St. Joseph’s School, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus 250-246-3191 5, 7pm, Friends of Morden Mine Membership meeting, 2nd floor meeting rm. Southgate Mall 5, 7:30pm, Darts, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

7-8, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 7-8, Vancouver Island Film Festival, Malaspina Theatre, 900 5th St., Nanaimo 250-729-3947 7-8, 7:20pm, My Fair Lady, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054 7, 2pm, Grand Opening Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, 2896 Drinkwater Rd. Duncan 7, 8pm, Drop in Pool, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 7 - 8, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 7, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Horse Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 8, 7:30pm, Driving Miss Daisy, Port Theatre 125 Front St. 250-754-8550 8, 7pm, Live Music PixElle w/ Lena Birtwistle, Beantime Café 18 High St. 250-245-2305 8, 9pm, Comedy Night, The Sportsman Pub 640 1st Ave. 250-245-8033

12, 7pm, RDN Information Session, 1640 MacMillan Rd. 250-390-6510 12, 7:30pm, Darts, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 12, 7:30pm, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054 13, 12pm, Soup & Sandwich, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 13, 9:30am, Line Dancing, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 13,6:30pm, Positive Parenting Seminar, St. Joseph’s School, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus 250246-3191 14-15, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 14, Valentines Dinner, Mahle House Restaurant, 2104 Hemer Rd, Nanaimo 250-722-3621 14, Valentines Dinner, Page Point Bistro, 4760 Brenton Page Rd. 250- 924-1110 14, 7:30pm, An Evening w/ Zakk Wilde, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054 14, 8pm, Drop in Pool, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 15, 9am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111

15, 2pm, Valentine Concert, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111

22, Bus trip south to other Legions, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 250-245-2273

1, The Buddy Holly Story, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus 250-246-9820

15, Valentines Dinner & Dance, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

22, 7pm, Dance – Dan Hughes & the Seniors, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111

1, 8pm, Cabaret, Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7224

February 16-22 16-22, The Buddy Holly Story, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus 250-246-9820 16-22, 9:30am, Calligraphy Show & Sale, The Loft Gallery Mill Bay Shopping Centre 16, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 16, 2:30pm, Palm Court Orchestra, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054 16, 2:30pm, Jane Coop – Piano Solo, Port Theatre, 125 St Front, Nanaimo 250-754-4611 17, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111 17, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400 17, 7pm, Cribbage, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 17, 7:30pm, Real Alternatives – 20 Feet from Stardom, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054 18, 6pm, Air Cadet Meetings, Aggie Hall 1110-1st Ave. 250-245-8119 18, 6:30pm, Texas Hold’em, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 19, 9:30am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250246- 2111 19, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich Lunch, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111

February 23-28 23-27, 9:30am, Calligraphy Show & Sale, The Loft Gallery Mill Bay Shopping Centre

2-8, The Buddy Holly Story, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus 250-246-9820

23-28, The Buddy Holly Story, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus 250-246-9820

2-8, 8pm, Cabaret, Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7224

23, 2pm, General Meeting, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

2, 1pm, Free Dyslexia Information Seminar, 250-245-8412

24, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111

3, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111

24, 7pm, Cribbage, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

3, 7pm, Ladysmith Town Council meeting, 410 Esplanade 250-245-6400

24, 7:30pm, Backyardigans, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054

3, 7pm, Cribbage, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

25, 6pm, Air Cadet Meetings, Aggie Hall 1110-1st Ave. 250-245-8119

4, 6pm, Pancake Dinner, St. Philip Church 1797 Cedar Rd. 250-722-3455

25, 6:30pm, Texas Hold’em, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

4, 6pm, Air Cadet Meetings, Aggie Hall 1110-1st Ave. 250-245-8119

25, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club meet, Hardwick Hall, 232 High St.

4, 6:30pm, Texas Hold’em, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

26-28, 8pm, Cabaret, Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7224

4, 7pm, Annual General Meeting, Cedar Heritage Centre 1644 MacMillan Rd

26, Pink T-Shirt Day No Bullying

5, 7:30pm, Darts, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

26, 7:30pm, Darts, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 27, 9:30am, Line Dancing, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 27, 12pm, Soup & Sandwich, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 27, 7pm, War Horse – Live Broadcast, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250-245-0054

19, 7pm, LDBA Interviewing Forum, Ladysmith Legion 621 1st Ave.

28, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

19, 7:30pm, Darts, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

28, 8pm, Drop in Pool, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

20, 9:30am, Line Dancing, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

March 1

20,6:30pm, Positive Parenting Seminar, St. Joseph’s School, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus 250246-3191 21-22, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 21, 8pm, Drop in Pool, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

March 2-8

1, 9:55am, The Met Live: Borodin’s Prince Igor, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, 250-2450054 1, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 1, Karaoke, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273

6, 9:30am, Line Dancing, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 6-8, Last Weekend, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Road 250 924-0658 7-8, Meat Draws, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 7, 8pm, Drop in Pool, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 8, 9:55am, The Met Live:Massenet’s “Werther”, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, 250-2450054

March 9-15 9-15, Last Weekend, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Road 250 924-0658 9-15, 8pm, Cabaret, Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7224 Looking for the up to date events?

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Summits Looking back at thousands of photos we have taken over the summer and fall, it is hard to decide what adventure to write about. My family and I are so grateful to be able to adventure as often as we do and the past six months have been busy, to say the least. We backpacked into the wild spaces of Vancouver Island, kayaked around an island, explored new climbing crags and bike-packed across two islands. Our adventures took us off island this summer. Shhh‌don’t tell anyone. Keeping a low profile we hiked the Kettle Valley Trail, canoed on the Columbia River, and hiked to our first backcountry hut in Bugaboo Provincial Park in the Purcell Mountain range of southeast B.C. (l-r) There may not be a view at the summit of Mt Benson but who climbs just for the view?

The moment of satisfaction, placing four rocks on the cairn marking a family summit of Mt. Horne. Photos: Jill Collins

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I finally narrowed down my choice, or rather three choices, to write about.

Summits. There is something special about adding four rocks to a cairn marking a mountain summit as a family. Vancouver Island may not have the highest peaks when compared to the Rockies or Purcells of B.C. but the elevation gained while hiking is comparable. Difference being, our hikes start at sea level.

The three Vancouver Island mountain summits Joel, Ben, Liv and I reached this summer were all very comparable in terrain, time, distance and elevation gained while hiking. Each hike averaged about six hours and included plenty of time for snacking, admiring plants or views, photographing anything and everything, and partaking in some sort of wandering like exploration.

Mt. Benson: 1023m 3.5km to summit 719m elevation. Mt. Benson dominates the skyline west of Nanaimo, B.C and beckons all outdoor enthusiasts to come on up. This summer marked our third attempt to summit Mt. Benson and we all were pretty happy to cross it off our list, finally! Well known for the mountain biking and hiking trails, Mt. Benson also has several climbing crags and is training ground for die hard runners. I hear one can run up to the summit from Witchcraft Lake in 25 minutes. Kudos to whoever that is!

Mt. Horne: 910m 5km to summit 750m elevation. Located near Cameron Lake and accessed from Cathedral Grove near McMillan Park. Mt. Horne is overlooked by locals and tourists enroute to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Hard to pass

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up 360 degree views of the Alberni Valley, Cameron Valley, Wesley Ridge, Cameron Lake, Georgia Strait, and Mt. Arrowsmith ‌ you get the idea. Best part of this hike was the final ascent to the top, climbing up and over large boulders.

Made us feel like real mountaineers.

Mt. Moriarty: 1603m 4.5km to summit 700m elevation gain. The first part of this hike is full of switchbacks, typical Vancouver Island forests, and steep.

Thankfully, once you hike up this section, the rest of the hike to the summit is along the ridge. I would consider it one of the most beautiful alpine hikes in the area. Alpine to summit offers views of steep bluffs, rocky terrain, and plenty of alpine plants to ohh and ahh over. From the top Mt. Arrowsmith can be seen and once again it is calling our name. Next time!

Years of adventuring has taught me that setting out to accomplish great outdoor feats is rewarding not only to Joel and I, but to Ben and Liv as well. These two young adventurers experience the same satisfaction as we do. There, at the summit, waiting for us are valuable lessons in determination, goal setting, personal achievement, and self-confidence.

Yes, there definitely something special about adding four rocks to a cairn marking a mountain summit as a family.

Follow the never ending wild adventures of Jill and her family at: www.getonthebeatenpath.blogspot.ca on Twitter @Onthebeatenpath on www.Facebook. com/Onthebeatenpath and on Instagram Getonthebeatenpath

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Budding out The buds at the tips and sides of tree and shrub branches lie more or less dormant until the correct triggers force them into action. The buds produce leaves and/ or flowers depending on the bud. Ecologically this could be thought of as the unofficial start of spring for that plant. Different species have their own schedules dictated by a variety of cues including exposure to cold, warmth, day length and hormones such as auxins.

It is easy to see the influence of some of these factors if you bring into the house twigs of the same species from time to time throughout the winter. Many flowering species such as ornamental cherries, flowering red currents and forsythia can be easily “forced� into blooming by bringing them into the warmth of a house. However, if done too early success will be limited as I found out a few years ago when bringing in maple twigs. The flowers of bigleaf maple are edible so my motives in this case were utilitarian. When forced in January the blooming success was low. At the end of February the maples branches I brought in had undergone the sufficient amount of exposure to cold and with day length increasing, they bloomed well (it took three weeks).

Leafing out early has advantages as well as its risks. An early start means a longer season to capture and store the suns energy (and perhaps out-compete other plants). But an early false-start leaves the plant at jeopardy of late frosts or snows which could freeze the leaves or make the branches vulnerable to breaking from heavy snows. Some plants can re-leaf, but this is energetically costly and if it happens a few years in a row they may die or lose large parts of their structures. (Late season killing frosts are more common in the prairies than in our area. The short growing season of the prairies makes an early start more advantageous than in our area where the season is longer.)

Insect pollinated plants tend to bloom when temperatures are warm enough for most insects to fly. But there are some insects which are active at cold temperatures and if there are relatively few plants blooming at that time it is one way to be attractive to them (the first to market strategy). As with leaves, the early blooming is vulnerable to cold temperatures and snow. But in a perennial plant losing a year of fruiting is not a critical issue, so long as in the long run it is a strategy that works.

Wind-pollinated plants produce flowers well before they leaf out. This is a good strategy because leaves interfere with wind flow. Hazelnuts and alders are good examples.

Some people feel the identification of dormant plants during the winter poses more of a challenge than during the growing season, but the challenge of the puzzle is so much the sweeter.

It does usually require a closer examination of the buds (and perhaps other features). With a bit of knowledge and experience you will find it is no more difficult than during the growing (l) red-flowering curran (r) Grand fir Photos Jay Rastogi

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season and can be more accurate.

Each species has buds of different colours and shapes, with closely related species sharing characteristics. This is true of both evergreen and deciduous species. The buds are typically small – virtually invisible for western hemlock to about an inch or so for black cottonwood.

Orientation of buds (and thus foliage during the growing season) is also an important clue.

Bigleaf maple is an example of opposite leaf buds and red alder is an example of alternate leaf buds. If you tap maples for sap this is a distinction that will help you find the correct tree.

In an area such as ours, where evergreen trees dominate it is easy not to focus on leaf and flower buds. However the buds are present for the majority of the year and offer good features to aid in identification of woody plants.

They also reveal something about the familial relationships and the strategies they use to survive and find their niche on the land. Some such as pussy willows, which are a frequent subject of East Asian ink paintings, are also striking in their subdued beauty.

Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, educator and horticulturalist living in Yellow Point. Comments? ecoforestry@gmail.com

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CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS 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 250-245-0548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jewellery table at Campers Corner Saturday flea market, 8am-3pm. 250-245-3829 KAREN’S INDUSTRIAL SEWING & ALTERATIONS Centrally located between Ladysmith & Nanaimo. Home based business with over 30 years experience. For all your special sewing needs. Call for appointment today. 250734-3001 AUTO MATE PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL ADVICE on buying and selling used cars, trucks, rv’s, plus estimates for repairs or trades. Ask for seniors discount. 50 years experience call 250756-5555 SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Don’t trust just anyone! We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits to glamour and corporate clients. Free photo book included of your images. Email for quote and portfolio. marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165 BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILDCARE IN LADYSMITH! Sense of PlaceYouth Project Ltd. Lower floor - Bethel Church. Professional day camps and Spring break camps! www. senseofplaceyp.com pattitollefson@live.com 250797-2316 Lic#CDEN-97-JQWB FOR ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS – bedding, window treatments, couch & chair covers, cushions, pillows, special accessories and décor, dressmaking and alterations – what ever comes to your mind, Elke 250-618-1172 or info@ egrstudios.com

FEB 2014

ZUMBA CLASSES Wednesdays 7-8pm North Oyster Community Centre 13467 Cedar Rd. First time class “Free” come check it out. Books of 10 visits available. Any questions call Lindsey 1-250709-4011 HEALTH & BEAUTY ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR - Get Lean & Healthy Fast - Less than $5/ meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! - No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. www.taketimetoday.com Suzanne Deveau 250245-8407 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 TAI CHI - For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts September and January, Mondays; on-going class Wednesdays. Both classes 10 am- noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Road. $20/mo. Sara 250-245-1466 or www. nanaimotaichi.org HOME & YARD 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 for over 25 years. Call Harvey for more information please 250-245-2174 CINDERELLA’S RESIDENTIAL CLEANING Service, Contact Erin at 250-924-4475 or cell 250741-7916 CLEANING FOR COMPANIES & HOUSES, experienced, reliable attention to detail. $20 per hour. References available 250-246-4938 Jamie or Ingrid

EDUCATION

SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. No job too big or small. Affordable honest work. Duo team. Cleaning, Gardening Painting, and gutter cleaning. Outside and inside your home or business. 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735

DOING FAMILY RESEARCH? The Ladysmith Archives, located under Tim Horton’s, has Ladysmith newspapers dating from 1902, some on microfilm, also B.D. & M. going back many years, 250-245-0100 for an appt.

THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, Digging, Raking, Cutting back, etc. Mature and Steady Worker. Cheerful and Conscientious. Call David at 250-722-3599. I also do Window Washing and Odd Jobs

LEARN A LANGUAGE FOR FUN AND TRAVEL Small groups, conversational approach, excellent teachers, daytime and evening classes. French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and more. Register now for ongoing sessions at WENTWORTH COURT LANGUAGE CENTRE, 517 Wentworth St., Nanaimo. 250-7161603

LADYBUG’S MEW for Meticulous Garden Care contact “Farmer Doug” for a free quote 250-7139682 or doug@ladybugsmew.ca “When ‘good enough’ just isn’t good enough!”

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

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FEB 2014

AJ”s PLUMBING AND GAS Licensed-BondedInsured. Service-Installations-Renovation -New construction. Quality workmanship. No travel charges. Free estimates. On time every time. 250802-7123 PETS KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL - Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates.

Available 24/7. 2 km north of Nanaimo Airport.

Take a virtual tour www.kittykorners.com 250-740KATS (5287) HOME BUDDIES - PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kind-hearted, experienced and reliable care for all pets. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional through Westguard Security.

When loving care and security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith- 250-245-0151 PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded.

Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250-246-3394 SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME: High Quality Personalized Care. Warm caring environment, Great food & snacks, Family events, Couples & Pets welcomed, Ocean views, Gardens. North of Ladysmith. 250-245-3391 www.lynnsseniorcare.com FOR RENT APARTMENT FOR RENT Now available. Seniors 53+ 2 bdr well maintained 1000 sq. ft., newly updated cupboards, new carpet, drapes, repainted W/D-F/S-N/P’s-N/S. Free storage and parking.

Ground floor. $800/mth + hydro, references. 250245-4062, 250-758-5816

OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 FOR SALE 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT 4 door, automatic, low milage, CD & MP3, excellent working condition asking $ 7,500.00 OBO to view call 250-245-8340 FOR SALE Couch 90” long taupe like new $200, coffee table 2 level 48 x 26 dark wood & glass new $ 100, tv stand dbl pedistal 52x18x26 4 drawers, 2 shelves brown $ 150, area rug 7’x5’, beige & brown $75, computer table 60”x32” $ 25 250-2450499 zuleika@shaw.ca FOR SALE Electronics PC 8GB 1 terabite HD Windows 8.1, speakers, 21” flat screen monitor & printer–fax-copier all sold as 1 item, Pioneer audio AM/FM reciever 5.1 new $ 150, Technics tower speakers $50, Shaw cable box $ 40 250-2450499 zuleika@shaw.ca TIRES FOR SALE less than 500 miles on these winter all season tires P185/65/14WC asking $ 450.00 obo 250-245-5440 24’ TRAILER with deck by lake in Yellowpoint.

Reasonable seasonal rent. $3300 250-245-9165.

WANTED GREETERS AND GENERAL EVENTS HELPERS needed for Heritage Afloat Celebration at the Ladysmith Maritime Society Museums and Docks on Saturday, February 22, 11am – 3pm. Contact Shirley at vimarmot@shaw.ca PHANTOM SCREENS INSTALLER for Nanaimo and area, are you a Craftsman that is detail oriented, enjoys customer interaction and providing solutions. Seasonal contract available.

Apply now Phantom Screens phantomscreensvi@ gmail.com SAILBOAT in good condition from 22-27 feet for day sails and weekends. Reasonable price. Will consider sharing. 250-756-8892.

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FEB 2014

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