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Letters TAKE 5 June cover A huge thank you from Bud and I for the cover of the June issue! With our beach advisory shut down, we haven’t been in the office. Bob was fabulous to work with, and we were thrilled to finally meet the man behind the lens. It’s people like Bob and businesses like yours that continue to fly the flag of Ladysmith goodness and friendliness. We sincerely appreciate your efforts to keep our community informed and for promoting our local businesses.

- Bud and Sheryll Bell www.SealegsKayaking.com

Re: Taxpayers letter hits mark It is very refreshing to see Lynne Smith’s letter in your June issue! Congrats to TAKE 5 for having the guts to publish the truth as seen from the eyes of the taxpayer!

We have been trying to get a response for over three months now from CVRD with any details about their alleged survey concerning the “new and improved” three-stream waste collection in CVRD. Most people we know did not want yet another expense, especially for organics collection, as the majority in 13 CVRD districts are rural and act environmentally responsible by composting their own organics. This plan was opposed at every meeting we attended, with valid reasons and sensible options – all ignored.

The excuse is that it was “mandated” by the provincial government. Who else is above them? We can’t get this answer either.

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So, although these directors are supposedly elected to represent local views and paid by us, they are following orders from another government level. Because of this, they have been swamped with complaints, errors in delivery, bin returns, wrong bins delivered, unhappy workers, unhappy taxpayers and probably unhappy directors, as their decisions are so unpopular with the majority.

On top of this, WE PAY for out-of-town consultants to tell them what they need to hear to proceed against citizens’ needs and wants.

Time for power to come back to those who pay the piper!

— Benoit Chabot Family Letters to the editor are welcomed. This is an open community forum. Hate, libel, defamation will not be tolerated. The letters published here do not necessarily represent the opinion of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. editor@take5.ca

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Awarding Greatness The 257 Parallel RCACS Annual Ceremonial Review is a time of great honour and reflection to mark the end of the Cadet training year. This year’s celebrations happened on June 11 and were marked with particular distinction.

Warrant Officer First Class Yaseen Hammound was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This national honour was created to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and recognizes Canadians whose service reflects inclusion, leadership and volunteering. Hammond was one of only thirty-nine Cadets in British Columbia to receive this medal. He was also given the Leadership Award for his

WO1 Hammoud (Centre) after receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal with Captain Shane Arthur (Left) and Major Beverly Ennis (Right). Photo: Adham Hammoud

service in his squadron.

The Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence was presented to Sergeant Liam Marshal for his dedication and consistency throughout the year. He was also awarded the Commanding Officer’s Award for the positive way he has led his squadron.

Awards were also given to Sergeant Rhys Bouwmeester, both the Top Cadet in Drill Award and the Sponsoring Committee Award.

The 257 RCACS thanks the community for continuing to support the Cadets by donations, guidance and volunteering, and wishes a hearty congratulations to this year’s Cadets!

New Borrowing for Municipalities The Province has amended the municipal liabilities regulation and the short-term capital borrowing regulation to give municipalities more flexibility to plan and finance infrastructure projects.

Municipalities can now borrow up to ten per cent of their annual revenue without having to hold a public vote.

The goal of this new strategy is to support population growth and housing

development. Trish Mandewo, president of the Union of BC Municipalities, said, “The amendments will help some local governments manage essential infrastructure more efficiently, ensuring public assets continue to meet the needs of communities facing climate change and population growth.”

The Beverly Street Food Hub The Cowichan Green Community founded an initiative to support local food producers and processors focusing on BC-grown ingredients. The initiative, the Beverly Street Food Hub, is the future home of the reFRESH marketplace – teaching farm, plant nursery and community gardens.

Construction began on the 3.5-acre site in North Cowichan last fall, with completion expected in fall 2025. Vanessa Daether, the executive director of the Cowichan Green Community, spoke about the project, saying, “Breaking ground on the Beverly Street Food Hub marks an exciting new chapter – not just for Cowichan Green Community, but for the whole Cowichan region. This project is the result of more than two decades of collaboration, planning and

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The Cowichan Green Community fundriaser. Photo submitted.

deep community engagement aimed at building a healthier, more resilient local food system.”

In advance of the project’s completion, the Cowichan Green Community is launching a fundraising campaign and new branding to support the project.

Democratic and Electoral Reform Committee Seeks Submissions The Special Committee on Democratic and Electoral Reform is accepting written submissions about democratic engagement, voter participation and models for electing MLAs. Those interested in participating are invited to make a written submission by Friday, July 25, 2025, at 2 p.m., on the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia’s online Consultation Portal.

“The committee has a broad mandate to examine opportunities for strengthening our democracy,” said Jessie Sunner, committee chair. “We are looking forward to hearing directly from British Columbians on their views and ideas.”

The Restoration of the Ladysmith Train Station

BY JILL DASHWOOD It all started with friends Chuck Forrest and Bill Drysdale and Wednesday meetings at the 49th Parallel Coffee Shop. Numerous topics had been discussed, but it was particularly noted how overgrown the trail from the LMS Marina by way of the Train Station to the Town had become. As volunteers know, one thing leads to another, and actions speak louder than words!

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Cedar Heritage Bridge members. Photo: Dan Lutz

Bill Drysdale and Chuck Forrest in front of the Ladysmith Railway Station. Photo courtesy of Dashwood.

On July 6, 2016, cutting back the blackberry bushes, weeds and so on began at the Train Station. Over the next couple of years, these overzealous volunteers and a plethora of others who helped along the way worked diligently to bring life back to the beloved Train Station and the section of the trail from the Waterfront to downtown Ladysmith. (See the list of people involved at end of this article.)

Trees were cut down. A tractor pushed debris into piles, with the Town helping to get rid of some of it. Signs were made to direct people safely from the marina to downtown shopping. With help from the Island Corridor Foundation (the building’s owner), who encouraged the volunteers not to go overboard, work progressed. Graham Bruce, the then head of the ICF, helped get an approved colour scheme and permission to paint the building, which was in desperate need of repair and conservation!

For insurance purposes, the Ladysmith Maritime Society agreed to take this project under their wing, and they were now covered by liability insurance. Still working every Wednesday, Chuck and Bill, with assistance from other avid volunteers, painted the building in 2019. In 2021, during the Ladysmith & District Historical Society held a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICF concerning the building, the ICF, led by CEO Larry Stevenson, funded the roof replacement by Hart Lake Roofing. Gutters, fascia boards and the front door were replaced with financial assistance from the Kinsmen and Rotary clubs, and the work was carried out by Historical Society volunteers, who also helped maintain the grounds and worked on the building’s interior.

In the years that ensued, Chuck, Bill and his wife, Deb, and Historical Society volunteers mowed, picked up garbage and painted out “tags” on the building.

Some would say this was a labour of love; others would say it was a love of labour. No matter what, thanks to community service and a shared love of a great project, this building is ready for its next stage. The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and the Island Corridor Foundation have secured funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to refurbish the Train Station, which

will house Chamber offices and the Town Visitor Centre. Congratulations all!

To the people, businesses, service groups who helped along the way … it takes a community to build a community! All are thanked immeasurably!

Chuck Forrest, Bill Drysdale, Deb Drysdale, Cheryl Venn, Ron Dashwood, Greg Edwards, John Vroom, Glenn Reid (tractor), Eric Arsenault (volunteers); Peter Richmond 49th Parallel Grocers/Print Shop; Jonathan Zeiler (Benjamin Moore Paint); Dave Perry (Big Wind Tree Service); Al Moore (Spyder Graphix; Leona Petrak (painted overview of the project); Bill Robinson (Xtend Rental); Brian Johnson Construction (gravel and grade); Patrol and RCMP (security); Arne Bogwald, Alex Stuart, Quentin Goodbody (Historical Society); Jill Dashwood (snacks); Heart Lake Roofing; Kinsmen and Rotary clubs (eaves troughs, gutters and door); Tom Skarvig, Paul Kenny; Marina Sacht (TAKE 5 with articles and support).

No Bridge Too Far

BY DAN LUTZ For 25 years (more or less) the Cedar Heritage Bridge Club has hosted duplicate bridge in the Cedar Heritage Centre on Tuesday afternoons, assembling at 12:45, and starting promptly at 1:00pm. Just $5 gets you duplicate bridge, free coffee, and some of the best homemade baking in the area.

From bridge lessons by Mavis Zydyk at the Nanaimo Golf Club in year 2000, the Club moved to Cedar Heritage Centre as an anchor tenant in October 2002.

Over time the Club has continued bridge lessons by such experts as Mavis and Ed Zydyk, Brian Atkinson, Joy Vikstrom, Rosemary Spratt, and others. There were also charity events with proceeds donated to Loaves and Fishes and to the Haven Society, with special parties for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

Cedar Heritage Bridge continues to be an active gentle duplicate bridge club (not sanctioned). Bidding boxes and electronic scoring are used so that the hands and results can be emailed to participants the same day. We play for entertainment and fun (there is always someone to help), and also to challenge ourselves.

If you think you would be interested in attending Cedar Heritage Bridge, please contact Dan Lutz at 250-245-1040 or Darlene Davis at 250-751-3792 or dardavis@shaw.ca

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An Outdoor Extravaganza

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO In the summer, there’s no better place to watch live theatre than in a park.

That’s why the Artists’ Collective Theatre has set their summer season at the amphitheater in Transfer Beach Park and at Maffeo Sutton Park. The season runs from July 22 until August 3, with shows split between the two locations.

“The charm of summer theater,” said Amanda Cutting, artistic director for the collective, “is that you can have a picnic, you can sit outside, [and] you can enjoy the ambience of our beautiful nature that we’re so lucky to have here on Vancouver Island.”

The Artists’ Collective Theatre has

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a decade-long history of theatre in the park, starting first in Canmore, Alberta, and now returning for its second year on the Island. “When Artists’ Collective Theatre moved to the Island, we reached out and chatted with the community to say, ‘Is there a place for another theatre company? And are people interested in summer theatre?’ And there was a big, resounding ‘yes’ for something like this to happen.”

Last year, the locations were set in Nanaimo and Parksville, but this year they’ve opted to add Ladysmith to the mix. “I love Ladysmith. I think it is a beautiful area. They have … a beautiful outside amphitheatre that is ocean front.

You cannot want for a better location.”

Ben Francis, the artistic producer for the collective, penned this season’s Robin Hood: Prince of Outlaws. The original tales have long been a favourite of Ben’s. “I had written Robin Hood several years ago as part of our work in Alberta. Coming here and noticing that Robin Hood has a rather cheeky presence within Nanaimo, [with] the names of the roads written after characters, I thought it would be a great time to up-

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date it.”

A big part of the collective’s draw is how this experience enriches the actors.

Designed to fill the gap between community and professional theatre, the collective gives support and mentorship to their actors. Justine Morrison is returning for her second season and is acting in both “Robin Hood” and in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”.

For Justine, the draw to return was all about the space this theatre company created for her and her fellow actors.

“That sense of a really strong community of theatre people who are really supportive, welcoming growth and new opportunities, and allowing for mentorship. All these beautiful things that we do.”

Some of the actors, like Luci Edwards, are new to acting in outdoor spaces.

“One of the key differences is how much more of a strange spectacle you are outside. When you are performing in an indoor theatre, everybody that’s there knows that they’ve come to see a play. … Whereas outside, tons of people are walking by. They have no clue what’s going on. … It’s an exercise in letting go

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of self-consciousness.”

The collective invites you to join them, either for a single show or to make a day of it. And if you stumble across them in the park, don’t be afraid. Emily Huggins, one of the youth actors in the troupe invites those who haven’t experienced theatre before, saying, “The theatre is such a welcoming place, and everyone is so nice to each other, and you can really just be you.”

Ladysmith Gallery – July Art Highlights July is bursting with creativity at Ladysmith Gallery! From July 7 to 24, explore Botanicals – a vibrant group show featuring local and Gulf Island artists.

Then, from July 25 to August 3, guest artist Thomas Hutchings presents Spiritbrush Artist Stumbles into Mother Nature’s Refuge. This evocative show transforms nature’s shapes, colours and patterns into expressive brushwork and organic textures – a true visual dialogue with the natural world. Don’t miss the art preview and social on July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Performers in As You Like It by William Shakespeare. Stella KeulPlays Rosalind, Ben Francis, Luci Edward, Daleal Monjazeb.

Photo: Artists’ Collective Theatre.

Artist Thomas Hutchings at Ladysmith Art Gallery.

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spans the greatest hits from the 50s until present day. Cover tunes include songs from Buddy Holly, the Beatles, CCR, Trooper, Wilson Picket, Lenny Kravitz, ACDC and everything in between. Whether it’s classic rock, timeless pop or modern favourites, they deliver the songs you love with passion and style.

On July 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Soul Shakers – one of the most popular bands on Vancouver Island – take the stage.

Based in Victoria and known for their rich harmonies and infectious energy, they’ll deliver a blend of classic Motown, soul, R&B, blues, pop and original songs that will have you up dancing. This talented group includes Joyce (voice), Henning (bass), Sean (guitar), Alexander (keys) and Paul (drums).

See you there!

Petunia to play Cedar Hall Soul Shakers will be playing at Concerts in the Park.

Sunday Afternoon Music in the Park

BY NADINE WONG Music in the Park is back – a perfect way to spend a late Sunday afternoon. Bring a picnic or check out the local food trucks. Don’t forget your dancing shoes. Each event is hosted by the LRCA and entry is by donation.

This year’s bands won’t leave you disappointed. Every time, it’s a PARTY! On July 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Doctors of Rock and Roll will light up the stage with a crowd-pleasing playlist that

Break out those two steppin’ boots, shine up your dancin’ shoes and come down to the Cedar Community Hall, Friday, August 29, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Petunia, often called “The Savior of Country Music,” brings a sound that takes you back to the heart of honky-tonk from the ’50s and ’60s. With a voice that feels like it came straight out of a vintage jukebox and a deep respect for the roots of the genre, he’s a true Canadian original carrying on the tradition. A restless wanderer, a musical historian and a quirky yet amazing talent, Petunia is simply a Canadian treasure joining the greats from north of the 49th. Proceeds from this event will support the Ladysmith & District Historical Society.

For tickets, email info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca.

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Are the Lakes Dying?

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO The summer sun is at its hottest now, and trips to the lake are a daily occurrence. The water, once you get out past the throng of children, is cool, clear and the perfect refreshment on days like these.

But not all our lakes have been treated equally. Michael Lake, a small lake in Yellow Point, bordered by farmland and the Wildwood ecological park, has locals concerned about the impact of humans on these natural freshwater resources.

Ben Maartman, the director of Area H for the CVRD, has lived on the lake for several decades. “It’s more of a nature reserve than an active lake for people,” he said.

Despite looking unchanged and tranquil from the surface, the lake is consistently changing for the worse. “The Ministry of Environment comes down every five years, and we’ll get the occasional visit from the VIU biology program, and they tell me that on the surface it looks about the same, but the bottom is actually rising. Silt builds up from the bottom up, and as that happens, it chokes off the oxygen supply, which limits the aquatic animals’ [ability to] flourish.”

As these changes continue, the lake will eventually lose all ability to sustain fish and other aquatic life.

Fish kills and algae blooms are becoming a common occurrence at Somenos Lake in North Cowichan. Last August, fish died off in the thousands due to a sudden drop of oxygen in the water. This dramatic shift is causing anxiety for both locals and researchers alike.

Gina Hoar, aquatic biologist working with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society (SMWS), spoke about the pattern she has been noticing in the lake. “When algae bloom, they create a lot of oxygen, but when they all die off, the oxygen in the lake

Top left: Algae blooms at Somenos Lake in North Cowichan, taken the day before the fish die off occured in 2024.

Centre: Gina Hoar, aquatic biologist, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society. Photos courtesy of Gina Hoar.

just tanks down to nothing. Then you get your fish kills.”

Gina’s work over the last four years has been to study the lake and track the data so that a plan can be made. Over the last couple years, they have tracked nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, the pH acidity of the water and the temperature, and now they’re focusing on phosphorus.

“It all circles back to what’s happening with the phosphorus in the lake. Is it coming down from the tributaries? Is it building up in the sediment at the bottom? How much is there? And so we’re doing a budget to see how much is building up over time because that’s what the algae are feeding on. If you can reduce the phosphorus that’s coming in, you can potentially reduce the algae blooms themselves, which could, in turn, reduce the amount of fish kills that are occurring.”

The SMWS is in talks with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in regards to putting a plan in place, but currently they’re just concerned with monitoring. In order for a trend to be documented, the municipality requires a minimum of three years of data.

“At the end of the three years, we’ll do the calculations to figure out how much phosphorus is in the system [and] how much is leaving the system. Then the next steps will be [finding] the solution.”

Ches Piercy and the Quennell Lake Watershed Stewardship Society are also waiting on a solution to fix Quennell Lake. The society was originally concerned about the possible contaminants from a nearby cannabis farm. While those concerns turned out to be unfounded, the group began to notice the large algae blooms on the water. “You never really see the bottom.

There’s lots of algae as the season goes on. The algae builds, and it goes in waves.”

Over the last five years, Ches and the society members have sampled five sites with three levels of testing. The first level of testing looks at water temperature and the clarity of the water. The second level measures water temperature, conductivity and oxygen. Level three is the research the Ministry of Environment is interested in. “We do all of the above [levels one and two testing] plus we collect water samples.”

Testing on the lake isn’t new. Research exists from the mid90s, but the data collected by his team is the most current and thorough record. He took on the challenging task of compiling the last three years’ worth of data into document form, which has been published in PDF formats. These documents have been given to BC Lakes, and Ches personally received a word of Merit for outstanding report documentation because of it.

The problem is, there’s nothing conclusive about the data.

Even though there are times of year when the water can be harmful to swimmers, locals advise against eating fish from the lake, and water temperatures rise beyond what can sustain fish life, there isn’t conclusive data pointing to a problem. Even worse, there’s no evident solution either.

Acquiring the data is hard work. It’s long days of calibrating equipment and being out at specific time intervals in the morning and afternoon. After five years of work, the group, who are

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Ches Piercy and Bill Fraser of the Quennell Lake Watershed Stewardship Society testing the lake. Photo submitted.

all in their 70s, are retiring.

“We really enjoyed being on the lake, [but] it was a lot of effort to get the data for the ministry. … We got five years of data, and there’s no conclusion about the lake or any information.”

Ches hopes that their research might help a future project, but he doesn’t know who or when. “Some universities might use the data or the ministry when they get a budget to look at gathering data.” As for more immediate results, their data was well received by BC Lakes. “They were super excited, and we have been promised a report by the Ministry of Environment at the end of the season.”

Concern about the freshwater on this island, the contamina-

tion of it and the necessity for actual protection extends beyond the lakes. June Ross, one of the founding members of the Vancouver Island Water Watch Coalition, has been fighting to protect the watershed in the Mid-Island region.

“I’ve been at this for 20 years already, trying to keep on top of issues around our water, whether it be industry on top of our aquifers, biosoils being dumped up in our watersheds … [or] granting population with no checks on water.”

The coalition is a central hub for localized watershed coalitions across the island. They’re concerned residents who’ve had enough of waiting for someone else to stand up and make a change when they could. “It’s purely all volunteering … If you don’t have forests, you don’t have watersheds … you don’t have water, you don’t have life.”

One of the main issues the coalition faces is the privatization of the watersheds and, subsequently, the drinking water.

She noted that the Vancouver Island Private Managed Forest Action Alliance – another group she’s a part of – is fighting the government over the privately managed forest lands. “All the way up from the Malahat to Campbell River, none of us own our watersheds. They’re owned by forestry companies – Mosaic, Island Timberlands, TimberWest – all of them.”

June is expressly concerned that the forestry companies might sell the watershed land to developers, potentially permanently endangering the watershed. “We’ve got them spreading biosoils; that’s extremely hard on your lakes, on our streams.”

Additionally, while access is currently allowed to the watershed, June noted that it’s not permanently guaranteed. “There’s

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Peaceful evening at Michael Lake. Photo: Ben Maartman

no agreement for the public to have access into the watershed to fix things.

[Mosaic] could say, any old time to the City, ‘Nope, no more access, sorry.’

Then what? Nanaimo doesn’t have any more water.”

Over the last several years, the MidIsland Coalition has fought a legal battle against the CVRD and Schnitzer Steel.

“They are a heavy industrial company, and they’re sitting on top of the Cassidy Aquifer. The Cassidy Aquifer is one of

the biggest ones on the Island.” The legal battle was unfortunately too costly for the coalition to continue, and they had to legally concede, but June is always ready to talk about the problematic nature of the issue.

Fighting for protected water, in June’s case, is more about raising awareness and a ruckus than it is about collecting samples or removing invasive species.

“I walk with a walker. … I can’t get into that work.” But her physical limitation is

certainly no barrier for her. “I just try to delve in and see if there’s any way that I can help personally … whether it be an algae bloom because of climate change or farming. The farming issue is a big issue for any of our waterways, whether it’s streams, rivers, lakes – all of them. …

There’s so much going on in this world.

I’m one tiny little piece, trying to hang on to something to make a difference.”

The message from all these organizations and researchers was clear: water matters, and we need to protect it. In the case of our lakes, it’s about documentation so that patterns can be shown and solutions brought in. For the greater watersheds, it’s about ensuring that access remains open and that governments actually step up for the sake of the people – before it’s too late.

These efforts don’t happen on their own. They are run by people who want to have water left for the next generation If you consider yourself concerned, join the fight. Each one of the groups listed have citizen participation options, and there are many more like-minded individuals ready to make a difference.

Do it for yourself. Do it for the water.

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Over the next year, the downtown core of Ladysmith will change forever.

It will change because the historic Island Hotel will be demolished, and a new residential apartment complex will arise from its wreckage. This will be the most significant construction in the heritage downtown core in the past 100 years. The demolition and reconstruction are estimated to take two years. The new building will effectively change the downtown skyline forever because it will be adding two additional floors, making it a five-storey building.

The Island Hotel was built by Mrs. Giachero in 1900 and originally called the Europe Hotel. It was a striking two-

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storey building, with balconies that overlooked First Avenue. Because of this prime location, it was the first thing those coming from the railway station would see as they climbed the hill up to Gatacre Street, leaving a lasting impression on all those who viewed it.

A large part of the population of La-

The Island Hotel in its glory days when it was known as the Europe Hotel.

Photo: Ladysmith Archives.

Top: Architectural drawing of proposed building.

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dysmith in 1900 consisted of single and transient men. The hotel supplied much-needed accommodation for these men. In 1904, rooms were a dollar a day or $23 for the month. The hotel, with its bar and restaurant located on the ground floor, not only met the needs of its residents but also the community. The hotel soon became one of the more popular social centres of the community. The hotel contributed significantly especially as the area grew in importance and became a town in 1904, and during the Great Vancouver Island Coal Miners’ Strike of 1912-1914.

An interesting story related to the hotel and the strike is that when the army was posted here during the strike, they would often march up from their barracks – now the Eagles Hall – and perform drills and inspections in front of the hotel. Mrs. Giachero, dressed in widow black, would sit in front of the hotel and would complain to the officer in charge that their presence was disruptive to her business and would demand that they should move on.

The hotel was greatly affected in 1913, when the Province made major changes in the BC Liquor Act. Under the new act, a hotel needed to have a certain number of rooms to obtain a liquor licence. To comply with these new rules, the Europe Hotel underwent substantial renovations. The front of the building received a complete makeover. The majestic balconies were removed, along with its pitched roof, and a third floor was added. Additionally, due to the Town’s lowering the street and the sidewalk in front of the hotel, a flight of stairs was installed to the entrance.

During this time, the owners of the Ladysmith Hotel – a few doors down the street – decided to build new lodging: the Travellers Hotel. Built of brick, it was constructed in the popular Edwardian style. Not to be outdone, the owners of the Europe Hotel then decided to create a new brick facade for their existing wooden building. The refurbished building would now reflect the more elaborate styles of the Victorian era. In order to create this new look, they hired the Pharaoh Construction Company of Cincinnati, who designed and directed the structural frame over the front of the hotel using the latest steelreinforced concrete technique – a first for British Columbia.

In January of 1968, the hotel was renamed the Island Hotel.

The Island Hotel has long played an important role in the community, standing as one of the most impressive commercial and residential structures in town. Beyond this, the building remained a tangible link to the town’s history. Located in the heart of the commercial core, the hotel holds significant historical value and will surely be missed.

The replacement building will have 20 to 23 one-bedroom and studio apartments and two commercial units on the ground floor. It will be built to meet today’s standards and building code. Plans call for preserving the existing brick facade to maintain the building’s present heritage look. The main floor will be lowered back to ground level, for easy access to the proposed commercial spaces off First Avenue. The most significant difference in the building’s appearance will be the addition of two floors, however, these additional floors will be set back from the street to preserve the heritage look of the existing building as it now appears.

Sadly while our heritage buildings add much charm to our downtown, time and neglect takes its toll.

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RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point As the completion of the project to recommission the South Wellington Elementary School into a community centre comes into sight, I thought it would be useful to provide a brief review of the project and then, looking forward, dis-

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repurposing the school began. Since then, understanding and fulfilling all the required upgrades, including seismic compliance and accessibility upgrades, to get the 1973 building ready for occupancy has occurred with most of the construction happening this year. Unfortunately, all projects during this time frame experienced significant inflation in costs and supply chain challenges.

South Wellington Elementary School (bottom) is being transformed into a community centre.

Photo: Jessica Stanley

cuss what this project will bring to the community.

In 2022, following an assessment of community approval and a 25-year lease with the school district, the process of

Thankfully, grants and reserve funds were available to cover these costs. With the construction work in full swing, it appears that one last supply chain delay for electrical equipment will push back

opening until approximately December 2025/January 2026. I am almost afraid to put a date in this article for fear of another delay. Fingers crossed; I think we will begin to enjoy our new community space early next year.

Last week, I toured the building and am excited by the progress. The building has 9,108 square feet of indoor space that is separated into five activity rooms, one larger room, office space, bathrooms, storage, and a basic kitchen. Although the space is basic, the wood beams and windows make the space inviting. The real magic will come through the programming and community participation. The work on the outdoor space will follow the opening of the building with the relocation and the rebuilding of the playground equipment occurring first.

Other features of the outdoor space (e.g., sport court) will occur when funds are

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raised either through grant money or community fundraising.

The community centre is intended to be a community-run facility. The RDN is currently working with the South Wellington and Area Community Association (SWACA) to develop an operating plan. SWACA’s mission for the community centre is “To support and enhance a sense of community and well-being among all community members by creating a public place to participate in recreational, social and cultural programs and services.” Of course, the focus is on meeting the needs of all residents of Area A, with residents of outlying areas welcome to participate in the services. The operating plan will determine how the facility will be managed and funded. SWACA will not directly provide programing but will work with the RDN recreation coordinator and the community to determine programing and community centre services.

Once open, the vibrancy of this space will be determined by community involvement. The active members of SWACA cannot do it all. The extent to which the community participates and contributes to this community space will be directly related to its success.

We built it. We hope you will come.

Altogether, the South Wellington community centre, the Cedar Community Hall and the Cedar Heritage Centre provide the community with a variety of different types of spaces for community events, community meetings and recreational and cultural activities. I encourage you to look into the RDN Electoral Area A recreation offerings and find something that will bring you some enjoyment, get your body moving and provide the opportunity to meet your Area A neighbours.

You can reach me at 250-268-7359 or jessica.stanley@rdn. bc.ca to provide suggestions or discuss all things Area A.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond The Diamond in Area H’s Crown: A Community at the Crossroads of Past and Future Just north of Ladysmith, nestled between rolling hills and the sea, sits The Diamond—a quiet, close-knit neighbourhood that holds a unique place in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). Though modest in size, The Diamond plays a big role in the future of Electoral Area H (North Oyster/Diamond), and residents now have an important opportunity to help shape what comes next.

As the CVRD moves to modernize its draft Official Community Plan (OCP) and finalize the Local Area Plan (LAP) for The Diamond, this rural neighbourhood, steeped in history, rich in character, and the only designated Growth Containment Area in Area H, is at a pivotal moment. A pop-up event hosted by the Area H Director is coming soon, and local voices are more important than ever.

A Community with Deep Roots The Diamond’s story stretches back more than a century, to the days when coal mining was the economic engine of this part of Vancouver Island. Established as a residential settlement for miners working in the Nanaimo and Extension coalfields, The Diamond grew into a small community of families, homes, and hard-earned stability. The name “The Diamond” formed where the Wellington Colliery and the E&N railway lines crossed. Over the decades, as mining receded and Ladysmith expanded, The Diamond remained. Its large lots, mod-

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The Diamond is named for the unique diamond-shaped section of railway track formed by the crossing of two railway lines. Photo: Ladysmith Archives

est homes, and forested edges offer a balance between rural quiet and urban proximity that continues to draw residents seeking a slower pace of life just outside town.

Rural Neighbourhood, Urban Proximity Despite being just minutes from downtown Ladysmith, The Diamond is not part of the town. It lies firmly within the CVRD’s Electoral Area H and is represented by an elected regional director rather than a town council. That means residents pay rural property taxes, rely on regional services, and participate in land use planning at the electoral area level. This proximity offers a unique lifestyle, residents enjoy access to schools, recreation, and healthcare in Ladysmith, while living in a community

with a distinctly rural feel. There are no commercial centres in The Diamond, just quiet roads, gardens, and the sounds of nature. For many, it’s the best of both worlds.

Local Water, Local Control Water in The Diamond is managed by the Diamond Improvement District (DID), a local utility governed by an elected board of trustees. Improvement districts are independent of the CVRD and have been a key part of rural B.C. infrastructure since the early 1900s.

The DID oversees the water system that has served the community well, but like many rural systems, it faces growing challenges from aging infrastructure to provincial regulations and increased development pressure.

As the community plans for the future, the capacity and condition of the water system will be a key factor in determining what kind of growth can occur, and where.

A Neighbour to Oyster Bay To the southeast lies Oyster Bay, home to members of the Stz’uminus First Nation. This is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas on Vancouver Island, with deep Coast Salish roots going back thousands of years. The Diamond and Oyster Bay may fall under different jurisdictions—CVRD and First Nation, respectively—but they share a landscape, a watershed, and increasingly, a

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shared future.

Strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is a core part of reconciliation, and land use decisions, like those in the Local Area Plan, offer a real opportunity to listen, learn, and build respectful connections.

The Future of The Diamond Under the CVRD’s draft OCP, The Diamond is the only Growth Containment Area in Area H. This designation means that any future residential growth in the area is intended to happen here, where some infrastructure already exists, and where services like water can be realistically managed.

The Local Area Plan (LAP) now is at the draft stage. It provides more detailed direction for how that growth might look. Importantly, the Growth Containment Area status also means The Diamond will not become a sprawling suburb. The goal is to accommodate modest, thoughtful growth while preserving nature, forests, and the unique rural quality that defines the area.

Time to Get Involved This fall, a pop-up engagement event hosted by the Area H Director will give residents a chance to review the draft Local Area Plan, ask questions, and offer input. These conversations matter.

Your feedback is essential to getting the plan right.

Whether you’ve lived in The Diamond for decades or just moved in, your voice matters. The future of the community is being shaped now, and the choices made today will affect not just infrastructure and housing, but quality of life for years to come.

Final Thoughts The Diamond is more than a name on a map—it’s a living, evolving community with roots in coal, relationships with neighbours in Oyster Bay, and a future guided by thoughtful planning.

As the CVRD updates the draft OCP and finalizes the Local Area Plan, The Diamond’s place in Area H will become even more important.

Now is the time for residents to step forward, share their ideas, and help shape the next chapter in this unique and treasured part of the Cowichan Valley. The date and location for the pop-up event will be in the August Take 5.

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

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO Celebrate summer this month in Chemainus with live music, street-side barbecues and, of course, the perfect beach weather.

Explore the expanse of the ocean at the salt flats of Swallowfield, take a stroll through the weekly farm market or spend an unforgettable night at the theatre. It’s all here – come and enjoy.

Copper Canyon kicks off the Canada Day celebrations at Waterwheel Park. They’re one of the most popular bands on the Island, playing hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Bring your dancing shoes for this afternoon of fun. The party starts at 11 a.m. and goes till 4 p.m.

The Giant Street Market – a summer bucket list item for locals and tourists alike – is on Saturday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come walk through the stunning array of jewellery, fresh produce, trinkets and more from over one hundred vendors. You don’t want to miss it.

The eighth annual Chemainus Valley Blues Festival is back for another weekend of incredible music. Ten bands will take the stage between the Saturday and Sunday performances on July 5 and 6. Admission is by donation, with a suggested day rate of $25.

Fiddelium has represented Vancouver Island on the national stage multiple times and is returning to the Waterwheel Park for an outstanding night of music on July 8. This group of 17 youth musicians is unlike anything you’ve seen before. With globally inspired tunes, they’re sure to have you dancing the night away.

Looking for a sweet treat this month?

Come on down to Kin Park Beach for an afternoon Ice Cream Social! Frozen treats are available from some of your favourite

local vendors: Lickity Drippity, One Cool Cookie, Bite Me Cookie Company and Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream. Come for the ice cream, stay for the community. With live music, face-painting, and kids’ games, this is sure to be Chemainus’s newest tradition.

It’s Saturday, July 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This town is known for its stunning location, and summer is the perfect time to get out and explore. From shaded forest trails to stunning waterfalls and tranquil lakes, Chemainus has it all. Unwind, unplug, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the natural landscape. And who knows, you might even spot a critter or two.

Cap off the month with the Boogie and Glide Roller Skating Party at Fuller Lake Arena. The party, on July 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., is the perfect way to beat the heat and bust a move. Roller skate rentals are available for $8, or you can bring your own. This family friendly event is perfect for experienced skaters and novices alike.

Don’t forget about the summer staples,

Chris Noel and Burning House to play Chemainus Valley Blues Festival.

Photo: Marina Sacht with the weekly Wednesday Market, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Classic Car Club meet-ups from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Now is the perfect time to explore this community and meet the people who make it all happen. Got news? editor@take5.ca

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Meet Stephanie Higginson: Mother, MLA, Maple Syrup Connoisseur

BY FRANCESCA PACCHIANO Stephanie Higginson never thought she’d run for MLA. In fact, she turned down the opportunity originally. It wasn’t until her dad challenged her that she decided to run. Now, a year into her first term in the as the NDP MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside riding, she’s just getting started.

Since the beginning of her career as a secondary school teacher, Stephanie has been more interested in making improvements over political statements. “When [I was] teaching a classroom in Ontario, sometimes I had up to 36 kids in my class. I had to hear all the perspectives, keep people engaged, make sure they [felt] heard and that what they [needed was] reflected in what’s being taught and how it’s being taught.”

That same practice of listening and advocating served her well in her role as the president of the school trustees. “We had 60 school boards that had really unique factors, and all of those school boards needed to make sure that they saw themselves and their community’s needs reflected in what the association was advocating for. It really taught me strong listening and engagement skills.”

Stephanie has always known what she believed in and grew up in a family culture that encouraged her to articulate her ideas and values. “We used to have really good, strong debates in my family. I always knew where my values were.” Those personal politics, however, were not always public information. “It was my job to represent the school boards and not be accused of making partisan decisions. [I] had to work with whoever was in government and not have them feel that my politics were influencing my ability to advocate well for the boards.”

When advancing in a career that’s on the edge of the political sphere, it’s very easy to get pressured into it. “As soon as you become president of the school trustees, people start planning your next steps.”

While she was positioned to take that next step into politics, it wasn’t the reason she took the job with the school trustee board. “I did it because I believe in public education, and I wanted them to have the strongest advocacy they could.”

Instead of caving into the pressure, she held to her values.

“I’ve always said to myself that you do the job that you’re doing right now in front of you really well, and that will open doors, the next doors. But if you start thinking about what you want to do next, then it will influence the decisions you’re making

NDP MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside Stephanie Higginson.

Photo: Francesca Pacchiano

in the current job.”

After finishing with the school trustees, Stephanie enjoyed the anonymity of just being herself. She spent time with her family, watching her kids play sports and working on their hobby farm. “We tap our maple trees. We have quite prolific sap runs. We have a south-facing slope, and the maple trees are at the bottom of the slope. … We have a wood-fired evaporator.”

Her father-in-law suggested the idea of tapping the trees.

Having done it in Ontario on the sugar maples, he even offered the supplies. “He went home and dug out some old steel taps and old steel buckets and came back down, and we did the whole thing. We connected with a local person here, Gary Backlund.who was was super helpful in teaching us how to do this.”

Now that she’s been working in Victoria, they have yet to render this year’s sap into syrup, but when they do, they sell it at local shops in Yellow Point. “We have someone from Quebec.

He still calls every year, and we ship him four or six bottles. I feel like if someone from Quebec is calling us for maple syrup, we’re doing something right.”

Being in the constituency is something she is enjoying about the job of MLA, but she’s also trying to soak in those special moments with family and friends this summer. “I’m really looking forward to being in my garden, getting my hands dirty. When you’re away for four months, it feels like a series of starts and stops. It’ll be nice to just get in there and finish some home projects … and being on the coast, I think we wait for summer all year. We’ve earned this weather.”

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The Beat Goes On: Ladysmith’s History and Music New Historical Society exhibit online and at the Ladysmith Museum The Ladysmith Museum is turning up the volume on local history with the launch of its new online exhibition, “The Beat Goes On: Ladysmith’s History and Music.”

“The Beat Goes On: Ladysmith’s History and Music” brings the history of the community of Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, Canada to life like you have never heard before! First Nation songs, tragic laments, airs of defiance, opera, and rock ’n’ roll performed by local artists trace this multicultural community’s fascinating history from pre-contact to today’s vibrant music scene.

The online exhibition launched June 14, 2025 and is available online https:// www.digitalmuseums.ca/funded-projects/the-beat-goes-on-ladysmiths-history-and-music/

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“The Beat Goes On, Ladysmith’s History and Music” was developed over the past several years by the Ladysmith & District Historical Society with the support of Digital Museums Canada, an investment program managed by the Canadian Museum of History. The project consists of 23 story pages highlighting aspects of the community’s history illustrated with hundreds of archival photographs and over a dozen videos and soundbites. Ladysmith & District Historical Society President Quentin Goodbody, says,“We want to thank Digital Museums Canada for their technical and financial assistance in developing this online project. Tireless volunteer effort and generous support from the local musicians have resulted in a wonderful, fun, and unique illustration of the complex multicultural history and artistic talent of our community. There is something for everyone; tragedy and comedy, anger, laughter and sorrow, with sur-

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prises as to the artistic reach of our small island community. Browse through the story pages and be entertained and informed about our triumphs and struggles.

Then come visit and become part of our continuing story!”

Admission is free to the muaseum.

Clockwise: Helping to kick off the music exhibit at the Ladysmith Museum are (left to right) musicians David Gogo, Ryan McMahon, and Stz’uminus Elder George Harris.

Photos: Nadine Wong, Marina Sacht

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Naturally Grown Garden

BY PAMELA WALKER My garden was one of eight chosen to be on this year’s Ladysmith Rotary Garden Tour. I wanted to be in the tour, not because my garden is particularly manicured or weed-free, but because it has a lot of plants that grow here naturally.

Yes, I have some hydrangeas and hostas, some rhodos and ranunculus, but I also have sword ferns and kinnikinnic and Oregon grape, huckleberry and salmonberry, and quite a lot of salal.

When we bought this place almost 14 years ago, the landscape was suffering not from neglect but from downright abuse. There were hidden rugs

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and ropes, plastic bags and old roofing shingles buried everywhere. There were spikes and nails in almost every tree.

One Douglas-fir had grown around a blue tarp that had been carelessly tossed into a fork in its trunk decades earlier.

Hiring a permaculturalist – a specialized landscaper who understands how to mimic natural ecosystems in order to create sustainable and self-sufficient systems, and who also knows about indigenous plants – was the best thing I ever did. Yes, it was expensive, but I could never have imagined the transformative change that Priscilla Brewer of Envy Landscaping would make to my outside space. She fashioned gardens under trees that appreciate the cooler temperatures and the shade. She crafted a dry riverbed that collects runoff in the winter and allows it to trickle slowly into a year-round pond. She formed an herb garden that is easily accessible to my kitchen, making meals tastier and more nutritious. Truly, she created a national park just for me.

Then I hired David Pink of Warmland Irrigation to put in a micro-irrigation system. A timer now controls the re-

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lease of tiny amounts of water directly at the plants, at night, when evaporation is at its lowest. Even though native plants require much less water than nonnative plants, our deep well goes dry every year, so getting every drop where it needs to go is important.

Around 175 people came to my garden the day of the tour, and all said the same thing: it is a “peaceful space.” It’s not a riot of colour, as most native plants are not particularly showy, but people thought it was “pleasing spot” of sea, olive and khaki green. One woman even came back with a thank-you card for me.

It reads, “You are a wonderful example of how to love the earth.” She never saw the before pictures! But I am glad my work has paid off – less to create a showpiece than to restore it close to what it was before it became a homestead.

Since adding the pond and a greenhouse, my husband and I have flourished. So has the wildlife. We grow lots of food for ourselves and for the pollinators, butterflies and native species who have returned to dine on what nature intended for them – not on “forever chemicals.”

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Pam Walker’s garden features native plants. Photo submitted.

My work is not finished yet. There’s a sunny spot where nothing much grows but rocks. We pushed down our hügelkultur (a mound of sticks and weeds that has rotted for the last 10 years and now is close to being soil) and added grass clippings from a neighbour and manure from a local horse owner. We think the spot is ready to receive some Garry oak saplings and camas bulbs this fall. Wouldn’t it be marvelous if we could make our own Garry oak meadow! Tips on how to do it are coming in from books and online lectures, as well as know-how from local master gardeners.

Being part of the Yellow Point Ecological Society has taught me so much. I now know to keep the Scotch broom and Daphne (spurge-laurel) out of my yard and to encourage the vanilla leaf, false Solomon’s-seal and yerba buena – all natives that have appeared here by themselves. Somehow they must know what those on the tour have learned: this is a peaceful place, and they are welcome to stay.

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Where Kings Fish: Ospreys of Wildwood

BY ALEXANDER SMITH EIS NATURALIST After a non-stop morning of running camp on summer days, I often venture to the lakeside to cool off. My visits are usually peaceful – the occasional, angrysounding kingfisher rattling from a low branch, or frogs croaking among the lily pads. However, as I stared blankly out across the water one afternoon, a crash shattered the calm. Just to my right, the surface exploded. An osprey burst from the lake in a flurry of wings and spray, talons clutching a wriggling fish.

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Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) are instantly recognizable, even from afar.

Their striking dark eye-stripes, hooked beaks and long, fingered wings give them a distinctive silhouette as they soar over treetops and shorelines. Their Latin name, Pandion haliaetus, roughly translates to “king of the sea eagles” – and while the osprey isn’t technically an eagle, it is undeniably the king of aerial fishing. Unlike most raptors, ospreys feed almost exclusively on fish, making them powerful indicators of aquatic health in the broader Wildwood landscape. Their presence signals clean water, abundant fish populations and intact food webs – all of which are quietly supported by the ecological balance this forest strives to maintain.

Nesting high in snags or on platforms erected by conservationists, ospreys return to Wildwood year after year, often to the same nest. These structures – massive piles of sticks sometimes over a metre wide – are patched and rebuilt each spring, growing with the years like woody monuments to generational fidelity. It’s not uncommon for a single pair to occupy the same nest for over

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Osprey. Photo submitted.

a decade, raising clutch after clutch of downy white chicks, who will fledge by summer’s end and migrate as far south as South America.

Their fishing technique is a masterclass in timing and adaptation. With reversible outer toes and barbed footpads, ospreys can grip slippery fish with lethal precision. They dive feet-first, often submerging completely, and emerge with their prey aligned head-forward for aerodynamic flight. This remarkable specialization makes them one of the few raptors

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adapted to a nearly piscivorous diet.

Ospreys serve as bioindicators – living flags for the health of aquatic systems that border and intersect Wildwood’s terrestrial zones. Decades ago, their populations plummeted due to pesticide use, especially DDT, which weakened eggshells and led to widespread reproductive failure. Their recovery is one of conservation’s quiet triumphs, and today, their wheeling calls above Wildwood are a reminder of what’s possible when ecosystems are allowed to recover.

They also play a subtle ecological role as nutrient transporters. Fish caught in distant lakes or estuaries are sometimes dropped or partially eaten at nest sites deep within the forest, bringing marine nutrients inland – a small but measurable link in Wildwood’s nutrient web. Even their discarded scales and bones enrich the soil beneath their towering nests.

Ospreys have found a haven here precisely because Wildwood practises restraint. The tall Douglas-firs and open snags they rely on are not felled for profit but valued for their ecological contributions. Wildwood’s selective, low-impact forestry leaves the vertical complexity of the landscape intact, preserving sightlines for hunting, perch trees for scanning and nesting platforms for the next generation of sky hunters.

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Varmints “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ...”

- Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities Well, here we are, smack-dab in the middle of summer already. And like that famous quote above, it’s both the best and the worst of times down on the farm – and I’ll tell you why. The Best Time?

That’s easy: it’s the rewards for all that spring prep, pruning, planning and pollinating. The fruit trees are loaded with wee pears, apples, plums and cherries.

Now for the Worst Time: here’s a hint – it’s the title of this submission.

Now the definition of varmint varies, but I like the one that reads “nuisance animals or pests; small animals, burrowing mammals or birds, that cause damage to crops, livestock, property or gardens.” Bingo!

I was going to title this piece “Rats!”

– one of my favourite expressions when things go awry. However, those rodents are but a mere tip of the farm iceberg.

Let’s segue briefly, though, to my first wild rat encounter, which has always been a humorous tale, but only after the initial frightening experience.

Way back in the late ’70s, when we were caretakers at a beauty resort in Cedar, we lived in a rustic cabin with a kitchen attached after the fact, the door to the main cabin swinging outward. I got up early and decided I wanted a little breakfast before heading into Nanaimo for my shift at Haven House. I was looking around in the kitchen and spied the box of Raisin Bran. The cat, as usual, was on the counter, kind of looking in the same direction, swishing her tail. As I picked up the box of cereal, I vaguely noticed the weight and thought to myself, “Hmm, I guess two scoops of raisins are kind of heavy.” At that moment,

Jackie Moad protecting her crop. Photo submitted.

the box flaps opened up like magic, and this honking, huge rat flew directly towards me and my jugular. You know how when objects are approaching you, they get bigger and bigger the closer they get? Well, that dirty rat, with its sabre-tooth yellow fangs, was absolutely enormous – I’m talking colossal. And a second later, it disappeared.

Kiowa, our ferocious tiger-brand (tabby), was to the rescue. She swiped it in mid-air, lunge and threw it to the ground. At which point, I was screaming and trying to slide inside the cabin through that %$#! backward-swinging door, making sure the beady-eyed monster stayed out in the kitchen, to be finished off by my hero kitty.

Many rats have crossed my path since that day; some found their end with the help of my tomcat traps (with melted tootsie roll the ultimate bait). But alas, they are but a few of the varmints that terrorize my farm today. Here’s an incomplete list, in order of size. I’ve made my own version of “The Quartermaster’s Store” – the World War 1 ditty, sung at Cub, Scout and Guide campfires alike.

There were ants, ants, wearing plastic pants on the Farm, on the Farm.

There were ants, ants, wearing plastic pants on the Cedar Thistledown Farm.

There were mice, mice running through the rice …

There were rats, rats, as big as alley cats …

But, but what about the squirrels, racoons, deer, crows and ravens? I guess I’ll have to make up my own lyrics.

They say that wildlife is the natural way to prune your trees, and what you need

to do is plant enough for yourself and the wildlife.

One final true story: Early on, I made a pact with the birds. They could have the top half of the cherry trees and leave me the bottom half. That worked great for the first few years. Then came the year that I woke up to a loud shhishhh sound outside, like a tank of leaking compressed air or a high-pressure water leak. I followed the sound to the front of the cabin, to the big old Bing Cherry tree.

It was alive with a zillion birds. They were making a joyful noise, all of them.

I went back into the farmhouse, totally bummed out. The next day, there was no noise. I went back to that tree and was amazed to see that it was loaded with unripened cherries still hanging. My joy lasted only seconds until I made a closer inspection. I’m such a rube! The unripened cherries were actually just the pits of the Bing cherries, still hanging on their stems! Those varmints (and all their distant relatives) had actually eaten all the flesh and left the rest.

But somehow, I cannot net the trees, because then the birds would get caught and perish a horrible death, and CD discs just look too unnatural. I guess I’ll have to share or scare them away with my new weapon – a water rifle. That and the squirrels, who heard from those birds that my cherries are quite yummy, and my collies can’t climb trees … yet.

A luta continua!

Jackie Moad will continue to find ways to keep the varmint population down, at bay, or share with them the bounty of that 20-acre organic slice of Paradise in Cedar.