TAKE 5 November 2020

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Letters Festival of Lights changes to Light Up for 2020 Due to the ongoing pandemic and the resulting health department restrictions on crowd gatherings, the Ladysmith Festival of Lights has determined a necessity for several major changes to our 2020 Light Up night scheduled for November 26, 2020.

Lights and rooftop decorations will be placed as usual during October and November. However, there will be no formal light up event on light up day/night. In addition, the Kinsmen parade, street entertainment, fireworks, craft show, spaghetti dinner and any other related activities have been cancelled for this year.

Our normal public set up day scheduled for the first Sunday in November has also been cancelled. Any members of the public willing to assist with set up in November may, in small groups of two to four individuals, be scheduled to assist by contacting Alex Cook at 250-245-5334 or Greg Edwards at 250-924-6970.

Note that our oďŹƒce phone is not being monitored during the pandemic. Messages left on the oďŹƒce phone will not be returned. Please check our website at www.ladysmithfol.com and Facebook for further information.

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Where Have All the Yellow Bikes Gone? (Long time passing …)

In late August, yellow bicycles started appearing around the Yellow Point and Cedar area. Just as mysteriously, in October, they disappeared. TAKE 5 readers and those who frequent community Facebook sites soon learned why they were being displayed by the side of the roads.

It was the Yellow Point Ecological Society’s (YES) diabolical plot to start a discussion about the idea of building a dedicated path around the area so that people could bike, walk, canter, or board around a circular loop without getting creamed by a speeding gas-guzzling vehicle.

The yellow bicycle campaign was an unprecedented success.

TAKE 5, the Ladysmith Chronicle, the Nanaimo News Bulletin and a local realtor’s RE/MAX mail-out directed the inquisitive to our YES website for more information. To date, we’ve had almost 2,000 hits on that page.

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Ninety-nine per cent of the responses have been positive, and many people have called to offer a helping hand.

One neighbour offered his dump truck to haul gravel. Another offered his expertise as a surveyor. There was an arborist, a GIS map-maker, a typist, and more. Someone in local government offered to help fill out grant applications.

Neighbours offered their frontage, and the airport offered some of their land. It was truly heartwarming. “I’ve thought about how much we need a safe trail here for years,” a concerned neighbour says. “I’m so glad someone is finally doing something about it.”

And we are going to do something about it. YES gave virtual presentations to the RDN and CVRD council in September. They loved the presentation, and they loved the idea. It has to go back to council again after elected officials get a chance to think about it, but on October 27 and 28, respectively, they will vote to sit at a table together with YES and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to work it all out.

We at YES are confident that it can be

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worked out. A recent article in the BBC News stated that in Europe, “More than €1 bn ($1.1 bn) has been spent on cyclingrelated infrastructure and 2,300 km of new bike lanes have been rolled out since the pandemic began.” Since moving to Europe is probably not an option for many of us, let’s hope our local, provincial, and federal officials realize the importance of allocating funds for active transportation infrastructure here.

To be sure they do, why not call your provincial election candidate and ask what their party is doing to help its citizens stay safe and healthy during the pandemic? And, while you’re at it, call the RDN or CVRD to tell them you want a trail in our neighbourhood. If you live in Area H of the CVRD, there’s a by-election coming up at the end of November. Could we make the yellow bike trail an election issue? Or, write a note on YES’s Facebook page. Below is the information you need.

Finally, as to the fate of the yellow bicycles, let’s just say that you haven’t seen the last of them yet. Somewhere, somehow, when you least expect it …

- Pamela Walker, Project Coordinator, (250) 245-9155 YES website: yellowpointecologicalsociety.ca YES Facebook page: http://www.tinyurl.com/YellowPoint RDN Area A Director Keith Wilson: keith.wilson@RDN.ca CVRD: Parks@CVRD.bc.ca Area H Alternate Director: colinhaime@shaw.ca Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are welcomed. Opinions represented here are not necessarily those of TAKE 5 or its agents. Please email editor@take5.ca

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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171 – Remembrance Day Ceremony The 2020 Poppy Campaign started on October 30, but this year, due to the global pandemic, there will be several changes. Poppy boxes will not be placed in local businesses due to safety issues; instead, the Legion will be setting up stands at several locations around town.

Poppy donations may also be made at the Legion Branch 171 or by e-transfers at rcl171@shaw.ca.

There will be no public Remembrance Service this year.

Branch 171 will be holding a private, invitation only, ceremony inside Ladysmith Branch 171, and all safety measures will be in place. The ceremony will follow a smaller format than previous Remembrance Ceremonies and will be broadcast on Facebook.

Legion Executive will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph prior to the service. Those wishing to lay a wreath personally may do so after 11 a.m. on November 11. Acknowledgment of placed wreaths will be on our website and Facebook page.

Wreaths may be picked up at the Branch 171 prior to November 11.

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Second World War, honouring our Veterans and their sacrifice is considered paramount by the Legion. Their pledge to Never Forget shall be echoed across this nation.

Ladysmith & District Historical Society President Quentin Goodbody accepts a donation of $950 from Linda King, Executive Assistant, Ladysmith & District Credit Union. The donation will be used to set up community programming at the Learning Centre at the Ladysmith Museum. Photo: Marina Sacht

Maya Norte teams up with Disaster Aid Canada to support Flooded Schools in Melaque Flooding from Tropical Storm Hernan wreaked devastation in Melaque, Jaluco and surrounding areas on the Pacific side of Mexico.

The owners of the local restaurant Maya Norte, have a special connection to Melaque. Anne Manning and Peg Montgomery owned and operated a restaurant in the area for 14 years and have family members that were born there.

These days the owners and family live in Ladysmith but still have strong connections, friends and family in Melaque.

Starting in October Maya Norte will have a specialty Melaque Cocktail and Tapas available. A portion of each sale will be donated to helping Melaque schools get back on their feet.

The Rotary Club of Costalegre, in conjunction with support from Disaster Aid Canada and other Rotary Clubs, is helping people who have been affected by this disaster. Rotarians on the ground have been volunteering their time and donating to various community relief efforts.

Maya Norte Disaster Aid fundraiser

Disaster Aid Canada (a project of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith) has connections to the Rotary Club of Costalegre and will work with them to ensure that the donations reach those in the most need.

Disaster Aid Canada held a Garage Sale on October 10 and raised close to $650 for current projects including $250.00 for Melaque. Luckily the rain held off for the morning after a torrential downpour during the night. The rain restarted after the sale so there was clearly divine support for the fundraiser!

If you would like to donate to the Melaque fund please visit disasteraid.ca

Drag Race Riot Like much of Canada, Riot Brewing Co. was impressed by the charisma and talent of the participants on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, in particular Vancouver Islander and local favourite, Jimbo — a Victoria-based drag queen, clown and designer who just finished competing on Season One of Canada’s Drag Race.

To celebrate this ground-breaking artist, Riot Brewing Co. named a beer in Jimbo’s honour. Riot Brewing Co. is pleased to present Jimbo: Boysenberry Blackberry Sour. A portion of all sales will be donated to Jimbo’s kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/

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houseofjimbo/house-of-jimbo) to help fund Jimbo’s upcoming 30-minute variety show. Riot would encourage anyone who loves drag and loves art to donate as well.

“I was extremely impressed by Jimbo and very excited at the idea of honouring him,” says Math, Riot’s sales representative.

“I’m a huge Drag Race fan, and our Canadian version outdid all the others. It was kinder, more positive and packed full of talented queens from across the country. Jimbo stood out in the competition and continues to do so every day. I’m very proud of Jimbo, and I’m excited for the opportunity to celebrate such a remarkable talent.”

“I’m so excited to be collaborating with Riot Brewing Co. to create ‘my special beer!’” says Jimbo. “Vancouver Island is home to so many amazing creators and visionaries — people with strong character and an unusual determination — forging their own unique path! I’m so proud to call the Island my home!”

Boysenberry Blackberry Sour is now available in bars and restaurants and in liquor stores across the island starting.

Council briefs Ladysmith Council met virtually on October 6 and October 20. Here are this month’s highlights: Council approved a phased reopening of the Frank Jameson Community Centre pool as of November 2, 2020. The Town’s COVID-19 safety plan for the pool will require patrons register for programs ahead of their visit. Additional measures are being implemented to ensure the Town is in compliance with Pro-

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vincial Health Officer’s orders and recommendations, as well as guidelines from agencies such as the Lifesaving Society.

Council discussed the proposed Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan amendments for 201 and 203 Dogwood Drive — the former site of Dalby’s Service. Council directed that a five-storey building design option be investigated, and that the developer include consideration for view corridors, height, neighbourhood character and public concerns, among other factors.

Council directed staff to submit an application for a federal infrastructure grant in order to help fund the completion of Phase 2 rehabilitation work at the Machine Shop. Council approved the Town’s share of supporting funds, pending the successful receipt of the grant, to come from the Real Property Reserve and General Government Reserve.

The Town received federal Gas Tax funding in 2018 to complete upgrades to the Machine Shop. The work completed to date has included extensive code, seismic and building upgrades, which will help to create new spaces for future commercial and community amenities.

Council approved the development permit application for construction of a permanent downtown public washroom. The proposed facility will be located in the laneway between the Ladysmith Health Food Store and Ladysmith CrossFit. It will be set back from the sidewalk on First Avenue and feature two separate and accessible universal washrooms.

The proposed building respects the character of the surrounding buildings and is consistent with the Downtown Development Permit Area and Downtown Commercial zone. The Community Planning Advisory Committee recommended that the existing trees be maintained and these details are included in the development permit approved by Council.

Council directed that staff submit three grant applications to senior levels of government for projects aligning with its 2020–2023 Strategic Plan. The Lot 108 Park Plan, refurbishment of Town assets on First Avenue, including wayfinding signs, and infrastructure upgrades at Transfer Beach, were identified as projects meeting the requirements of the three respective grants.

Stakeholder feedback received during the Lot 108 Park Plan Update engagement sessions indicates strong community support for expanding recreational offerings at Forrest Field. Similarly, the downtown and Transfer Beach are popular destinations for locals and residents.

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Marsh Stevens at Cinnamon Bun Fun Run, 2019. The event, hosted by the Ladysmith Resources Centre will be held virtually this year. Photo: Aaron Stone

Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Serves Up Safety in the Kitchen Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week was “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” According to the Office of the Fire Commissioner, cooking is among the leading causes of house fires and related injuries in BC. “A cooking fire can spread quickly; I’ve seen homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented,” says Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Chief Chris Geiger.

“By staying alert, avoiding distractions and not trying to multitask, you can significantly decrease the risk of a fire starting in your kitchen.”

For cooking fire prevention tips, visit www.fpw.org.

Climate Change and Wildlife Examined This November is a busy month for the Ladysmith & District Historical Society with the launch of Global Warming & Climate Change speaker series and the opening of two new exhibits focusing on environment and wildlife issues.

“We are surrounded with dire warnings of environmental degradation, mass extinction, the collapse of agriculture, mass migrations, reports of wild weather, wildfires, etc. — all blamed on climate change and global warming. The Green Agenda looms large in our intergenerational ‘divide’ and in our politics, and our pockets are being affected by the imposition of climate-related taxes,” says LDHS President Quentin Goodbody. “Yet how many of us really understand what climate change is, what causes it or have a clear understanding of what can or can’t, is or isn’t being done about it?”

Dr. Quentin Goodbody explores these questions and more in “The Realities of Climate Change and Global Warming,” in three one-hour talks held virtually on zoom on November 5, 12 and 19 at 6:30 p.m.

“Part 1: Causes and History of Climate Change” reviews what controls global climates and the history of global climate change as evidenced in the geologic record — which shows that climate change is a natural and constantly occurring phenomenon. (November 5) In “Part 2: Global Warming, Realities, Causes and Cures,”

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man’s impact on climate change is examined. Recent climatic trends are compared to historical trends and the differences and causes are reviewed. The international Climate Accords are discussed in relation to global warming forecasts, agreed policies to minimise global warming and their effectiveness. Canada’s environmental policy is put into global perspective. (November 12) “Part 3: Effects of Global Warming” explores the impacts that global warming is having on the world around us, with particular focus on Canada and BC/Ladysmith. (November 19) You are invited to watch, listen and participate. Talks are free.

Later in the month of November watch for the opening of two new exhibits at the Ladysmith Museum.

Discover the world of Vancouver Island’s black bear, cougar, wolves and explore our relationship with wildlife in the Prime

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Predators exhibit. Then head upstairs to the Gallery for the Fibre Art Show. RED FLAG! RED FLAG! is a collection of flags made with recycled fabrics and materials by 45 Fibre Artists.

“We hope this will invite the discussion for the need of conservation and how we all need to preserve nature,” said Val Galvin, of Renditions in Rags Hooked and Braided Rugs, who invited fibre artists to use recycled fabrics to create material-based art (www.facebook.com/renditionsinrags).

Downstairs in the Museum Learning Centre, you can uncover stories about wildlife while playing family-friendly educational games.

For more information please email info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca or phone 250-245-0423.

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Virtual Walk raises $5K for charities On October 15, Debby Baker, Vice President of the Ladysmith Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #2101 crossed the finish line at the Ladysmith Eagles Hall.

She had completed a 671 km virtual walk to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Alzheimer’s and the Golden Eagle (senior’s shortfall) fund. To date the walk has raised $5,000.

Ms. Baker is the Pacific Northwest Regional Conference charity chair for Parkinson’s, Muscular Dystrophy, Alzheimer’s and the Golden Eagle fund.

Since July 9, Baker has walked 67 walks and trails in and around central Vancouver Island, for an average of two hours daily, posting videos of local trails and walks that she has completed.

Ms. Baker found that many of the walks and trails were perfect for keeping a social distance from people.

Her favourite walk was Dionisio Point Provincial Park on Galiano Island. Known by locals as The Gap, this was an area frequented by many families who spent summers there in homebuilt cabins. “I walked 10 kilometers in my barefeet that day,” she recalls.

Another favourite was the Nanaimo River Regional Park, a plce she had never visited before. “It was the start of the salmon run and there were only four people there.”

Her least favourite? Any suspension bridge. “I’d pick up a dog in each arm, and didn’t know who was shaking more, the dogs or me,” she laughs.

“It was really an honour to get to do the Walk and to see the different places. I’m not happy that we have COVID in our world but if we have to, the experience has certainly showed me there could be a good outcome in a bad situation. We have learned to adapt.”

Baker has barely had time to unlace her walking shoes before launching a new campaign, Bras for the Cause, a fundraiser for breast cancer.

You can make a donation by cheque to FOE Auxiliary or you can e-transfer to Ladysmithvirtualwalk@gmail.com Debby Baker at Finish Line at the Ladysmith Eagles Hall.

Photo submitted.

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Debbie Greenhorn loved her character home in Ladysmith but she is a crafter and the house was just not big enough for her creative self.

An addition would give her the space she craved for; a brand new craft room and an extra bedroom while allowing her to enjoy the home she purchased in 1989.

Greenhorn bought the Dogwood house in 1989, had the interior renovated in 2007 and this summer brought in Ladysmith-based Brownlow and Sons Contracting to expand her space. The addition and exterior work were completed this fall.

The new addition to the back of the house is 14 x 32.

“Being in the craft business you need a lot of materials so this is giving her another place to set up her craftwork now

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Homeowner Debbie Greenhorn and contractor Ken Brownlow Photo: Marina Sacht (left) House front prior to renovation. Photo: Debbie Greenhorn.

that she has some room.” said Brownlow.

As with all house projects, there are surprises along the way.

“We discovered some rot and some bugs so we ended up tearing all the shiplap, and the entire house was re-sheeted. While we were doing that we found some framing that needed to be redone, new posts and beams etc. After we were done we re-graded things so that the dirt would not be up next to the house and cause any problems in the future.”

Greenhorn and Brownlow were particularly pleased with the siding and flashing install – “it was a bit of a challenge because of the way the house was but luckily we have a guy on our crew

that is very good with exterior claddings so we made sure Debbie won’t have any problems in the future with water penetration.”

Greenhorn is delighted in her “new” home.

“My craft room is so nice and big now and I have an extra bedroom. My vinyl siding is beautiful. Brownlow did a really good job on that.”

During COVID many homeowners are taking the opportunity to focus on their homes and gardens.

One of the appeals of older homes is the history they hold. For instance just last week a lady dropped by with her sisters to say that her grandmother and mother were born here.

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Rear view of house before & after. Photo: Debbie Greenhorn

The renovation included work on the foundation, building an addition, replacing siding, windows and much more..

“We tore off the porch at the back of the house and did the excavation so we can get the foundation going. Once we got the foundation poured, we started with the building of the addition, and for the most part, it went fairly quickly,” says Brownlow.

Now, they are just waiting for the railings and the gutters.

“We were quite happy with the way the job went. In the renovation business, there are always surprises and this project has had a few, but that’s what we do, we’re all about solving problems,” says Brownlow.

For Greenhorn, this is her forever house.

“I’ve had it for 31 years and I don’t plan to go anywhere too soon.” I feel more at home now. By the time they were finished, they were just like family to me,” says Greenhorn.

Greenhorn House Reno Project General Contractor: Brownlow & Sons Electrical: Indora Electric Windows: Thermoproof Building Supplies: Tall Tree Lumber & Building Supplies Flooring: End of the Roll House

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32nd Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Tour For 32 years, the Cedar Yellow Point Artisans have welcomed visitors into their studios and farms in November.

This year, 12 incredible artists and farms will be open for ten days to accommodate a slower pace as we practise COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and wearing a mask. This year, we have two exciting new stops.

CYPA have also gone green and printed less brochures this year. You can find the map at local information centres or browse the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan website to find out who’s on the tour and download the map.

The selection of quality art and food is always remarkable, and this year is no exception. Handcrafted jams and jellies, creative wood products, fresh honey and honey products, pottery, paintings, handblown glass, gardening products, beautiful mitts, hats and socks will delight. Also botanical skin care products, hand-painted scarves and upcycled custom-finished furniture will make the trip well worth it.

Take your time, please wear a mask, be patient and enjoy the quiet country drives, the amazing farms and studios.

Tour dates include November 18 to 22 and November 25 to 29. Studios are open 10 am to 5 pm. Download a map at www.cyartisans.com or check us out on Facebook.

Ted Jolda blowing glass at Jolda Studio, one of the stops on this year's Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Tour.

Photo: Marina Sacht

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ticularly enjoys teaching children of all ages about self love, care and emotional intelligence. Silliness and laughter are two of her best medicines.

Illustrator Naomi Tewinkel taught herself to draw, illustrate and paint. Her main life goal is to spread joy wherever possible, whether it’s dressing up in a dino suit or inspiring giggles with her adorable art. She also renovates old worn finds into fun and functional pieces and always has some project on the go.

“We made this book because we are silly, creative people who believe that every human on the planet has something special they can offer the world. We believe that the more self love, acceptance and emotional intelligence people have the happier and more peaceful our Earth is going to be,” says the creative team behind Marci’s gift.

You can find Marci’s Gift at Salamander Books in Ladysmith or visit marcibook.com.

New children’s book Local author Tonia Winchester and artist Naomi Tewinkel have created a children’s book called Marci’s Gift.

In this story, we meet a friendly girl named Marci. After the children at school call her names, Marci realizes that the thing that makes her different is actually what makes her special.

She learns to courageously share her gift with the world, which helps out her classmates in the process. Her heartwarming adventures will inspire you and your children to feel your inner smiles and buckets full of JOY! Tonia Winchester lives in a forest house in Nanaimo where she listens to birds and watches the clouds. In her day job, as a naturopathic doctor, she par-

Marci’s Gift creators Tonia Winchester and Naomi Tewinkel. Photo submitted.

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Apple of her eye

BY MARINA SACHT It was about 30 years ago that an apple tree caught the eye of Rose McCulley.

At the time, she was working at a hotel located in James Bay, Victoria, when she noticed a very unusual apple tree on the property.

The apples were a golden yellow, but it wasn’t their colour that struck her as much as their size — some of them weighing in over two pounds.

McCulley had stumbled upon a rare heritage tree known as “Gloria Mundi,” according to Bob Duncan of Fruit Trees & More in Saanich who helped her identify it.

Gloria Mundi (Malus domestica Borkh) is a culinary apple, best used for cooking. The apple is thought to have originated either from Germany or USA. It was first mentioned in 1804. The rare Goliath has been known under a large variety of names including American Mammoth, Monstrous Pippin, and Ox Apple.

With a circumference as large as 18 inches, and weighing up to 3 lbs, this apple is considered one of the largest in the world.

McCulley realized no one was using the apples, and they were going to waste, so with permission of hotel management, she picked the apples and started an apple pie fundraiser, originally for Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault centre to pay for counselling for women who couldn’t afford to pay for the help they desperately needed.

“I once made one pie with one apple that was just under three pounds,” says McCulley.

Quickly, the idea caught on, and with the help of family, neighbours and friends, many apple pies were made, many dollars were raised for charities, schools and community programs, and interest began to grow for this huge beautiful cooking apple.

For years, Bob Duncan would come to the hotel every February, cut water shoots off the top of the tree and graft them onto root stock, rebuilding the ancient apple strain. At the time, there were only three known trees on Vancouver Island — it was almost extinct on the Island. McCulley would then sell them

for the same price, keeping the Gloria Mundi variety alive and well. Now, there are some trees on the Island and on the coast. The only known young trees producing are in Cinnabar Valley and a very old tree in Extension, she says.

When McCulley moved to south Nanaimo, she brought the strain of the tree with her, along with the Apple Pie fundraiser. She estimates that over thirty

years, with the help of others, she has raised somewhere around $130,000 and more has been donated to the local community.

Sadly, due to the pandemic, this year’s Apple Pie fundraiser was cancelled. But the story continues on how this almost forgotten apple has been brought back to life to touch the lives of so many in our community.

Rose McCulley harvesting apples from a young Gloria Mundi tree in Cinnebar

Valley. The big apples can weigh over 2 lbs. Photos: Marina Sacht

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Adversity can bring out the best or worst in us. These local businesses are facing the challenge of COVID-19 with resilience and creativity.

Here’s an example of how they are “working it.”

High Road Clothing With the pandemic hurting the business community, Mary Desprez, owner of High Road Clothing Company, didn’t take it sitting down.

“No retailers were placing orders as they were shut down. The production company of seamstresses that I use [Vancouver Island and mainland] was also slammed as there were no orders from their dozen clothing designers.”

Drawing on creativity and resilience, she changed her tactic and turned High Road Clothing to making High Road masks.

The production company she was using also pivoted to making masks for Vancouver Island Health Authority, meaning that High Road masks are made to the same standard using cotton and medical grade fabric. They are reusable and washable to keep as much disposable mask garbage as possible out of the landfills. And a huge bonus — the production company has now been able to re-hire 75 seamstresses from the Island and Vancouver.

High Road Clothing is proud to be

Mary Desprez of High Road Clothing

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taking this new path to produce high quality, professionally made masks to the same high standard as those manufactured for Vancouver Island Health Authority. The masks provide 98–99.9 per cent barrier protection. All masks include filter pocket and an adjustable nose bridge piece for added protection.

They come in four prints.

Watch for their merino masks coming later this season. Taking the High Road means supporting local jobs.

Businesses are not the only ones changing how they do things. Many local clubs, and non-profits are making the best of the current situation.

Cinnamon Bun Fun Run This year, the popular Cinnamon Bun Fun Run presented by the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) will be a virtual charity walk/run. The event promotes healthy outdoor family activity before the holiday season and also provides some much-needed resources to the LRCA and its many programs. The event will feature a VIRTUAL 5K RUN/WALK and a VIRTUAL 10K RUN. Price for registration this year is $10/adult (13 and over) and $5/ child (12 and under). All proceeds benefit the LRCA (www.lrca.ca/).

All participants will receive the limited edition “Cinnamon Bun Fun Run COOKIE” from the Old Town Bakery in Ladysmith. You can complete your

High Road Clothing face masks.

Photo submitted.

virtual run or walk at any point between when you register to November 29th 2020, the deadline to complete the virtual walk/run.

These are just some examples of the many ways businesses, groups, and individuals are using imagination and technology to see opportunities in the face of challenge.

Please support local.

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The four secrets of successful soil building This year, many of us went back to our gardens to grow more food in the face of an uncertain future. Since plants constantly remove nutrients from the soil, if these nutrients are not replenished, plant health in your future crops will be jeopardized. Your garden will never be as good as it was the year before. So, here are my four secrets of successful soil building.

Secret Number One: Compost is the gardener’s version of humus, but it is produced much more quickly. The quality of compost as an organic soil additive depends on the residues from which

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it is made, as well as the extent to which decomposition has occurred. TIP: For best results, vary the layers of material when building the compost pile as much as possible. For the fastest and most thorough breakdown from heat loving thermophilic bacteria, turn the finished pile once to aerate it and moisten it, if necessary, with a running hose.

Secret Number Two: Some gardeners love them and some gardeners curse them, but leaves are a wonderful resource. Shredded leaves break down very easily, and they create a soil tilth that is wonderful to work with and teems with earthworms. TIP: In the fall, run a lawnmower over a pile of dry leaves on your driveway. This reduces bulky leaves to one tenth of their volume and results in a manageable pile of shredded leaves. Spread these over your beds in six-inch layers as a soil-building mulch.

Leafy Tips: Large trees, such as oaks, maples, sycamores and chestnuts, are wonderful sources of nutrient-rich leaves.

Store leaves in fall for layering into compost throughout the year. TIP: A circular cage of fencing wire, or four posts wrapped with chicken wire, is a simple space-saving way to store leaves.

A heap of leaves will break down into a pile of rich, crumbly leaf mulch in one year (faster if you turn the pile).

Don’t position leaf piles under trees or hedges where fibrous roots will grow into the pile. TIP: If you must, put landscape fabric down first as a barrier.

Don’t save leaves showing signs of disease, such as rust, black spot or mildew, since pathogens present may survive. Dig a hole and bury them in the garden where microbes will get to work destroying them.

Avoid shiny, waxy leaves, such as arbutus. They are slow to break down due to a waxy cuticle.

Secret Number Three: If you live near the ocean, head down to the beach after a winter storm, scoop up leafy kelp that has piled up, and add some seaweed to your food garden. Seaweed contains all the micronutrients and trace elements essential for the healthiest plant growth.

It can be added directly to the garden as a thinly-layered mulch, and it rots down really fast. Many gardeners worry about salt build-up, but the volume that is spread on the garden is proportion-

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Compost bin system. Photo submitted.

ately small, and heavy winter rains will dilute salt residues.

Another way to get seaweed into your garden is to plant using purchased granular kelp.

Secret Number Four: Add aged animal manure to the soil for a boost of nitrogen. Local farmers and horse owners are always eager for gardeners to take away their stockpiles of manure. Organic gardeners should be concerned about the use of growth hormones and antibiotics in conventional livestock farming, however, as well as genetically modified grains used in livestock feeds. Try to find a source of animal manure –

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horse, cow, chicken, sheep, llama or rabbit – that has not been subjected to these inputs.

If you prefer, you can add nitrogen to soil using plant matter rather than animal residues. Grow a winter green manure crop of fall rye, winter pea, fava beans, winter barley or winter wheat, and plough it under in early spring. Seed your green manure crop in the fall. Allow it to grow to a certain stage and then dig it into your soil in spring. The decayed matter will provide food for the soil web of life, the worms, microorganisms and other soil-borne organisms, which break down nutrients and make them available to plants. Green manures, thereby, increase soil fertility and improve plant health.

Green manures that are legumes, such as field peas and favas, have the additional benefit of having bacteria on their roots that fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil. By putting down roots that hold soil structure together, they also prevent erosion. Bare soils are vulnerable to being leached out or eroded by heavy winter rains. By storing valuable plant nutrients in their roots, green manures hold plant food in the soil.

The basic tenet of organic gardening is “feed the soil, and the soil will take care of the plants.” I hope you will take advantage of these freely available four secrets of successful soil building so that you can anticipate great harvests in your garden next year.

Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food (Harbour Publishing) available at your local bookstore.

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Harvest Mania “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” — Bill Keane It’s been a very long time since I’ve put pen to paper. Truth be told, my communication skills have been sorely lacking over the last several months. Communication breakdown! Phone, email and text messages have gone unanswered.

Life, especially farm life, has a way of getting away from me ... fast. I dare not ever smugly think that I have got a handle on things because that’s when farm life turns abruptly around and bites me in the ass!

Such was the case this summer. Even with a couple of “young ’uns” to help me and all the extra time on my hands because of self-isolating COVID-19, I’ve been playing an endless game of catchup. No Farmer’s Institute meetings, no Horticulture Society meetings, no Cedar Women’s Institute meetings, and no baking every Saturday night (shortbread, scones, Rice Krispies squares) for Sunday’s Cedar Farmers’ Market.

Early on, I was lulled into a sense of false security when, much to the racoons’ dismay, all the grapes were magically transformed into raisins, and the bumper crop of plums were plucked, dried or canned up promptly with even enough to also give my dear friend Jessie a supply for her delectable plum wine.

Pruning and fruit-thinning so many of the pear and apple trees made me think I was really ahead of the game. Right.

Sure. Do you know what happens when you prune and thin? You get the motherload of harvests. Now, I’m not complaining, and neither are the horses, sheep, dogs or friends. It’s just that pretty soon the first frost is predicted and that abundance needs processing.

An unexpected perk of the pandemic — less time for distractions, more time

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Jackie Moad with an assortment of baked goodies

to get the larder chocked full for the winter. And more time to be inventive. Case in point: our pear trees. I’ve never been a fan of pears. Something about that grainy texture. But Laurie loved them, so there’s one Bartlet, two Bosc and two Anjou trees — all, of course, super-heavy with fruit for the first time ever. And really how many things can you do with pears?

How about pear mincemeat! Who would have thought that it would become a gastronomical delight, a tart filling in a shortbread crust, and an idea of my new/old friend (possibly more about him later). So once again, while you still might be able to find fresh pears, here’s a recipe worth trying since I know we all have sooo much more time on our hands.

Pear Mincemeat 1 large tangerine & 1/2 lemon chopped 10 cups grated pears 4 cups raisins 2 cups white sugar 3/4 cup chopped mixed peel 3/4 cup of cheap white wine 1/2 cup halved candied cherries 1/4 cup butter 1 tsp cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice 1/2 tsp cloves 1/4 cup rum (I use Screech! i.e., yummrumm) Put everything in a large pot, except the rum. Cook on simmer for 45 minutes until thick and caramel brown. Stir in rum.

Pack in hot jars. Process for 25 minutes.

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CVRD Area H Director By-Election A by-election will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2020, to elect a Director for CVRD Area H-North Oyster/ Diamond for the remainder of the term to expire October 2022. The by-election was called because long-time Director Mary Marcotte had resigned due to health reasons.

The candidates for CVRD Area H Director are Ben Maartman and Murray McNab. Colin Haime has decided not to seek re-election.

Advance voting is available November 18 and November 24, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Microtel Inn & Suites, located at 12570 Trans-Canada Highway, Ladysmith. Mail ballot voting is also available. For more information on the by-election, visit cvrd.ca or contact legislativeservices@cvrd.bc.ca.

Candidate Ben Maartman I grew up on Vancouver Island, working in many industries (logging, construction, fishing) while earning my B.Sc. I was a paramedic for 39 years, retiring from a national level position.

I have lived in Yellow Point for 15 years with my wife Jan, and two children. We raise beef and operate Michael

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Commission, The Parks Commission, the North Oyster Fire Department, the board of the North Oyster Community Centre, and the Nanaimo Airport Commission.

Murray feels that as Area Director it will be important to stay connected with all residents of North Oyster and the Diamond on issues such as: revitalization of CVRD local commissions; preservation and protection of the existing water supply; and comprehensive planning for wild fire events.

Murray is ready to serve Area H community.

CVRD Area H Director Candidate Ben Maartman

Lake Kennel.

I am committed to protecting the quality of life in this area, being transparent and open, listening and discussing issues that are important, working hard to keep taxes as low as possible, and being a strong advocate for Area H. Please find out more at ElectBen.ca

Candidate Murray McNab Murray McNab, a longtime resident of Yellow Point, and the driving force behind the popular McNab’s Corn Maze, has served on the Advisory Planning

CVRD Area H Director Candidate Murray McNab

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RDN Area A Cedar While economic development as a concept has been around for centuries, it has never been a primary driver of activities in rural communities. “Modernization” and “industrialization” were terms used to describe the intense development of economic activities, which in turn, improved the standard of living in urban regions in earlier times. The need for development and maintenance of an economy in an urban centre is obvious (and it’s often the primary reason to live there). However, many people live in rural settings for other metrics: quality of life, solitude and a reduced pace of life. This contrast is only one of many that make it difficult to consider funding “economic development” as a desirable goal in our rural communities.

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Our local, national and international economies are traditionally structured to require constant growth. And yet, with the onset of the recession in 2008, the end of economic growth as we’ve known it was reached. Despite unprecedented interventions on the part of central banks and governments, economic recovery in North America and Europe has failed to benefit most citizens. The end of the age of cheap and easy energy, the vast mountains of both private and public debt, and the snowballing costs of climate change impacts are forcing us into an as-yet-undefined new economic system ... whether we are ready for it or not. Coupling these issues with the micro-economies of rural areas hardly makes a convincing case for investing in economic development in our rural

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areas.

That is not to say that the local economy in our village centres is not important. On the contrary, services provided in village centres are convenient, save energy and time, and contribute to the wellbeing of these local communities.

They also provide employment for a few people in the community and act as a hub where neighbours meet each other to discuss issues of the day. However, to begin a discussion on how to increase the economic activity in these centres is somewhat fruitless. There is limited demand for services in these areas. The infrastructure would not support significant growth; there is limited financial support for small businesses in tiny communities. And there are significant planning limitations placed on growth

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and development outside of urban centres in the RDN’s Regional Growth Strategy.

However, two issues of significance have become more evident over the past several years. And both have an economic component to them.

First, more urban people are moving into rural areas. There are many reasons for this, but it is recognized that the cost of housing in urban centres is driving a large segment of the population to look at more affordable options. Housing prices and taxes in rural areas initially seem attractive. What is happening though, is that after these people move out of town, they start to ask for more “urban” amenities, like parks, streetlights, sidewalks, trails and so on. Given that regional districts are extremely limited in their abilities to generate revenue and/ or to determine how and where infrastructure is developed, taxes will have to increase significantly to accommodate these ever-growing wish-lists.

Second, current planning ideology makes it clear that urban planners believe that industry, commerce and density-based development should occur in urban centres. In the RDN’s Regional Growth Strategy, goal four “concentrate housing and jobs in growth centres” is stated as a priority, but it goes on to say: “However, questions have been raised about the ability of some of these areas to accommodate growth because of the significant costs associated with providing community sewer and water services. A region-wide study is needed to identify those centres which have the most potential to evolve into complete, compact communities that warrant the investment

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required to serve them with community water and wastewater facilities and public transit.

Existing village centres that are determined to be less feasible as potential rural growth centres could be recognized as local service centres. These smaller scale service centres would provide a limited range of goods and services intended to meet the needs of the surrounding rural community.”

In this context, it is evident that the current belief is that we should not pursue economic development as a goal for many of the rural areas of the regional district. And perhaps we should spend some time explaining the rationale for the limited amenities that currently exist in rural neighbourhoods.

What do you think about development in rural areas? Feel free to let me know at keith.wilson@rdn.bc.ca.

CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond When I bought property in Area H four years ago, I did not intend to become involved full time in local government. Due to my previous experience as an elected individual, I did agree to become the alternate to CVRD Director Mary Marcotte, whose work ethic and achievements over the years are qualities that I greatly admired. With the retirement of Mary and COVID, circumstances dictated that I fully assume the director role until the upcoming by-election could be held safely.

For the past 14 months, I have represented Area H at the CVRD board and assisted residents with concerns and issues that they have faced. I moved to reactivate the APC and the Parks Commission with the appointment of new members. I have represented the interests of Area H in the progression of

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the CVRD Electoral Areas Harmonized and Modernized OCP’s and worked with CVRD staff on issues and applications of local residents and organizations, including the paving of the parking lot at the North Oyster Community Centre.

I have enjoyed working with the CVRD board, the staff and residents, and while I was asked to run, and if I were to run, in the local by-election, personal circumstances at this time led to me making the decision to not run.

Area H is somewhat unique in the CVRD, and this needs to be protected.

With the CVRD MOCP process continuing, both residents and the new director must participate fully to ensure that the needs and desires of the local community are respected and incorporated into the new plan. Taxation will become an issue in discussions around garbage and regional recreation, and water infrastructure will continue to be a topic high on some resident’s desire. In deciding who to vote for in the by-election, consider the abilities to represent the community wisely and stand up for what is important to our community. I respect and appreciate any individual willing to let their name stand for election.

Thank you to all that worked with me these past 14 months. I have made new friends and look forward to many more years of living in this community and helping it retain and enhance the qualities that make it home.

Colin.Haime@cvrd.bc.ca 250-616-3986

CVRD Area G Saltair/Thetis Island Where were you this time last year? I ask this question frequently. A year ago, our lives were vastly different. Now, economic recovery is on our minds, and shopping locally is important.

Household dollars spent at businesses within five to 25 kilometres bring a solid return to our community. Shopping in Saltair is a great way to support the small businesses that make us unique. In addition to local commercial outlets, like Saltair Marine, Ma Maison, Saltair Pub, Saltair Coffee Shack, Artisanal Gelato Shop and the Saltair Bookstore, there are many home-based businesses. For example, realizing that 66 per cent of our residents are over 55, local resident Tyler Buck recognized an opportunity to help us with our wellbeing and aging. He started inside and moved to the garden. Due to COVID-19,

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he now has an online business I suggest you check out at www. fitnessforlife.club.

Saltair Water System Filtration System Loan During October, Saltair residents have had an opportunity to participate in a virtual and/or Town Hall meeting to receive information about the $3.7-million loan authorization required for the filtration system. Additional meetings will be held if needed. Meeting details (times, dates and locations, etc.) are set out in a letter to all Saltair Water System customers, dated October 13, 2020. This letter can be found in the Director’s Corner on the Saltair News and Views website (SaltairNews. ca).

In December 2020, a 60-day period for residential assent for the $3.7-million loan will begin.

Saltair Community Parks Diana, Princess of Wales Wilderness Park always has drainage problems. Improvement work is currently underway.

The authorized access points to and from the Cowichan Valley Trail in Stocking Creek Park are now well marked. Please do not use any other ways of moving from one trail to the other.

Please note that all Saltair Community Parks require “dogs on leash.” It is sad that some residents are unable to use their local trails because all trail users do not have their dogs on a leash. Our community parks and trails are there for everyone.

Those looking for off leash trails and parks can find them on the following North Cowichan and Town of Ladysmith websites: www.northcowichan.ca/EN/meta/news/news-archives/2018archive/off-leash-dog-areas.html and www.ladysmith.ca/ parks-recreation-culture/dog-off-leash-parks-trails.

Regional Recreation At the October 14, 2020, CVRD Corporate Services Committee meeting, a recommendation to “seek electoral approval to implement usage-based funding of the nine regionally significant recreation facilities held in conjunction with local government elections in October 2022” was made. There will be a new facility use data collection and analysis in 2021/2022.

In 2011 and again in 2016/2017, facility usage data was collected and analyzed. However, things have changed. For example, the Chemainus Art Group that included some Saltair residents moved out of the Fuller Lake Arena facility.

New data is required, and as the Area G director, I support the need. Area G – Saltair/Gulf Islands residents are in a unique situation when it comes to using the nine regionally significant recreation facilities.

Cowichan Valley Trail (CVT) The CVT section in Saltair was expanded in 2019. Due in part to COVID-19, the CVT is now used constantly, and there are more users than ever before. There is a speed limit on the trail of 10 kph. With more users riding e-bikes and faster bikes, riders need to obey the speed limit and use their bells as they approach pedestrians from behind.

The North Watts to Ladysmith boundary section was to be completed in 2020. The CVRD has a permit from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for this section. It will connect Ladysmith, Saltair and Chemainus and greatly improve transportation in our area.

If you have any questions and/or comments, please contact me at lynne.smith@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1407. Additional articles and information can be found on Saltair News and Views website (www. SaltairNews.ca).

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Jaws of Godzilla I’ve been having trouble with my wife again. Lately, when people have invited us over for dinner, they’ve asked, “Do you like Dungeness crab?” Before I get to send out a secret spousal communication, discretely transmitted by a kick under the table, she goes, “I love Dungeness crab.”

“In that case,” they say, “we’ll have it as an entrée instead of a first course.”

Signed, sealed, and delivered.

I have a few problems with crab — primarily, accessibility. Getting at the meat is not easy. A knife and fork bounce off a crab like a BB gun projectile off a tank.

The only practical place to eat one is your shop, and make sure you’re wearing overalls and protective eye wear,

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armed with the tools normally used for safe-cracking. You’ll need a vice, drill, saw, pliers, welding gloves, torch and, in the event of a larger crab, a come-along.

Another problem is the lack of colour coding. Both meat and inner shell are white, leaving those of us who haven’t been to the optometrist lately at a distinct disadvantage in a dark dining room. When you’re serving something as ugly as crab, it better be dark.

Since you’ll be eating a lot of shell anyway, I say go for it and use what’s known in etiquette manuals as “Jaws of Godzilla” where you eat shell and all with great relish, interspersing crunching sounds with an enthusiastic chorus of “delicious, simply delicious!” That way you never get invited back.

If you were subjected to a crab-only diet, you would quickly die of starvation simply because every calorie of energy consumed takes two calories of energy to extract. That’s why, in low-budget Japanese POW films, when not building bridges over the River Kwai, they use crab to break David Niven’s spirit.

“Never mind the black hole, Mr. Moto.

Take the prisoner to the lunch room and bring on the crab.” (Diabolical Japanese

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laugh.) Those who didn’t starve soon died of frustration.

It is possible to extract crab meat from the shells, but it’s best left to the professionals. These unfortunate people are called crab meat extractors, a profession that ranks Number 2 on the Undesirable Occupation List right behind Number 1, bull semen collector, a profession equally as messy as crab extraction but which provides advantages at a cocktail party when someone makes the mistake of asking what you do for a living.

Compounding the extraction problem is the failure of the hostess to locate the crackers and crab forks. It’s one of the few times a chopstick would come in handy to poke the meat out. (But never poke your wife who got you INTO THIS DAMN MESS!) Another flaw with crab — they’re slow moving bottom-feeders, easy prey for other fish that use them for target practice.

That’s why crabs never come in bright colours. No white, green or blue, only fish turd brown. Every bullhead that swims over goes, “Yuck! An ugly crab. Hey, watch this.” And spurt! Another projectile of bullhead dung cakes Mr. Crab.

Considering a crab’s diet consists pri-

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marily of fish excrement, it should come as no surprise that their guts are green and resemble the phlegm balls hawked out by your tobacco-chewing uncle.

People who serve crab always apologize. “This might get a little messy,” they say. How very perceptive! Steamed crab is bad enough, but when it comes to a messy evening, nothing tops Chinese crab. That’s where the crab, in shell, is thrown in a wok with lots of oil, garlic and soy sauce. Don’t forget the green onion. This would be bad enough if you had been allowed to bring your vice, but without it, crab parts go squirting off your plate in all directions: across the table, on the floor, in your shirt pocket and, yes, in your wine glass, now defiled with oil slick.

At this point, when your hands couldn’t get more slippery if you dipped them in a bucket of SAE 30 motor oil, your cell phone rings. Automatically, you reach into your pocket and ruin your expensive new slacks, never mind your cell phone, which will be accompanying you to the shower.

Finally, slipping and sliding, you make your way to the door where you try to deliver a friendly hug to the hostess but slide off her shoulder and bang your head on an umbrella stand. At this point, your gracious wife says, “That was so delicious. I enjoyed myself so much.”

And they say, “Next time we invite you over, we’ll be sure to have crab.”

You hop into the car, everyone waves and says good night for the fifth time, and you drive off — right into the woodpile because your hands, the same hands you’ve washed five times, are still so slippery you couldn’t turn the steering wheel.

When it’s their turn to come to your place, it’s time for revenge. No, don’t serve crab; they’ll expect that. Serve instead a French dish we’ll call Pantalons du Boeuf, a sneaky trick pioneered by the French, and served to Nazi generals, who were always inviting themselves over for dinner, drinking all the wine and generally stinking up the place. Here’s how it works. The visiting Germans (if you can call four years a visit) were always encouraged to eat with gusto. “Don’t be shy,” the French said. “Dip the bread in the delicious sauce, load on the beef and slam it back.” Little did the Germans know that the bread was sponge bread specially formulated to release gravy down the cuff, along the forearm and to the elbow pumping station where an active drinking arm pumps it over the shoulder and into the armpit — all done, of course, with great innocence of expression by the charming French couple, who you didn’t want to mess with.

Pantalons du Boeuf should always be served with an affordable local red. Try Hester Creek, your choice.

You can follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book at Mahle House, Co-Co Cafe, TAKE 5 office or throughout the community for just $20.

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FOR SALE INVERSION TABLE , $100 250-756-8892 WANTED CLEANING LADY wanted weekly. Call Shirley 250-245-8973.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help operate the Ladysmith Museum. Three hour shifts, weekly or monthly commitment. Please call Ladysmith & District Historical Society, 250-245-0100 (attn: Marina )if you can help. Researchers also needed to help with a variety of projects.

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays; ongoing class Wednesdays. Both classes 10am-noon at the Cedar Hall, 2388 Cedar Road. For more information, www.taichinanaimo.org or call Sara 250-245-1466.

BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED AD! The next edition is November 2020, call TAKE 5 250-245-7015.

EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER Now offering senior companionship, respite care and concierge services. Peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen 250-6190786 or kgrcoaching@gmail.com.

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep.

For more information, email editican@gmail. com.

EDUCATION PIANO AND SINGING LESSONS. Experienced teacher; reasonable rates.

Contact Kenna Botterell- knbotterell@gmail. com or 250-616-3486.

TAKE 5 ads work! Get them working for you, Call 250-245-7015.

HEALTH & WELLNESS MOBILE FOOT CARE NURSE. Corns, Callus, Fungus, Diabetes. Contact Carol Hollett, LPN/ Foot Care Nurse, at ghollett99@hotmail.com or 250-210-1191.

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

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

PETS

HOME & YARD BUSINESS

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PLUMBER FOR HIRE. Journeyman Red Seal Plumber with over 30 years experience for repairs, leaks, installations or renovations, free estimates, reasonable rates. Call Joe (leave message) or text 250-246-5883.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, fullservice forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

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

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

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

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

TAKE 5 CLASSIFIEDS work!

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE “leash ’em & walk ’em” with Marlena & Babs. I am bonded, have Animal First Aid and CPR. My service for all pet includes dog walking, home care visits, overnight in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250.246.3394 THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill at sburchard@hotmail.ca or 250-9248809.

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

GRANNY’S ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES covering Cedar, Ladysmith, Chemainus. Clean drivers abstract, food safe, first Aid/CPR Gerontology Based-Therapeutic Recreation Certificate Kwantlen University, Osteo Fit, Pool Assist & JAVA programs certificates. Working with active seniors that are not quite ready to stop the adventures. COVID-19 guidelines in place when out and about in public. At your service, Janet Bowman janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-924-1515.

LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, histories, promotional work. Professional publishing and video production services. editor@take5.ca or call 250-245-7015.

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Don’t Fall Through the Cracks: Know the Facts about Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a serious concern for older Canadians, with over 80 per cent of all fractures in Canada after age 50 caused by the disease. In fact, fractures from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined (Osteoporosis Canada, www.osteoporosis.ca). Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones.” It’s a disease that can cause a person’s bones to become weak and brittle. As bone density decreases, the risk of fractures and serious injury increases.

November is Osteoporosis month, a time to promote awareness of the disease known as “the silent thief,” as it often occurs without symptoms. Many Canadians with osteoporosis don’t even know they have the disease until they experience a fracture. Every year, 30,000 Canadians break their hip, and many more experience fractures of the spine, wrist, shoulder and pelvis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects a significantly higher number of women than men – although men can still be at risk. Although the early signs of osteoporosis aren’t obvious, there are several other factors that can put individuals at higher risk for the disease, including: - Slender build - Post menopause - Family history of osteoporosis - Low-calcium diet - Lack of exercise - Cigarette smoking - More than moderate use of alcohol Your healthcare provider can use a simple, painless bone density test to determine the strength of your bones. If you’ve had a fracture, always insist on an assessment to make sure your first break is your last. If you have osteoporosis, your doctor can provide information about how to manage the disease through medication, diet and exercise.

A medical alert service, like Lifeline, provides valuable peace of mind for any-

one at risk for falls or fractures. In the event of a medical emergency, prompt and caring assistance is available at the push of a button, 24 hours a day. In addition, Lifeline with AutoAlert* provides an added layer of protection by automatically placing a call for help if a fall is detected and you can’t push your button because you are disoriented, immobilized or unconscious.

To find out more about the Lifeline service please call Ladysmith Lifeline in partnership with Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary at (250) 245-5211 or visit www.lifeline.ca. *AutoAlert option is locally available at participating Lifeline programs. AutoAlert does not detect 100 per cent of falls. If able, you should always press your button when you need help.