TAKE 5 October 2010

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Letters Promises and priorities

The recent announcement that highway improvements in Cassidy are again delayed is another confirmation that the BC Liberal government has the wrong priorities. Big signs declaring the project to the thousands of drivers who pass through are more important to the Liberals than following through with a plan that would improve safety on a very dangerous section of our highway in a way that would answer the needs of local residents.

This is clearly a case of misplaced priority by a government consumed by chaos and damage control. The BC Liberals are about to spend 30 million for a referendum on a tax they lied about, but they’re not ready to answer the needs of Cassidy residents by providing the funding and commitment to fix a highway which has claimed so many lives.

Residents of Cassidy, Cedar and South Wellington deserve security and safety. Expansion of the Nanaimo airport will further increase traffic in the area as will the ambitious residential housing developments underway and planned for the future. The existing residents, as well as future members of these rural communities, deserve to have their interests recognized and their infrastructure expanded to meet these increased loads brought on by the decisions of governments, both local, regional and provincial that are far removed from their effects.

I am calling on BC Liberal Minister of Transportation, Shirley Bond, to immediately direct work to start improving the safety of this highway in a manner that respects the stated priorities of the local community. $600 million for BC Place roof, untold millions on pro-HST pamphlets never sent out, $30 million on a referendum for a tax they promised not to introduce? Surely a few million dollars to save lives in Cassidy is a more urgent priority. - Doug Routley, MLA, Nanaimo~North Cowichan

Comment from a reader

TAKE 5 reader Linda Wardroper agrees with Rob Johnson’s letter to the editor (TAKE 5/Sept 10) “Past Mayor Needs to be Recognized” regarding Kay Grouhel who was mayor of Ladysmith. Wardroper now 66 lives in Saltair but went to school in Ladysmith and remembers Kay’s efforts for the community.

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

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Searching for Mom From London to Ladysmith

BY ROB JOHNSON On a cold and dreary day in October 1933, a little girl was born to an unwed mother in London. The girl named Gwendolyn had some health problems that forced her mother to put the child in the London hospital. Her mother Margaret, only 22 years of age, worked hard to earn what little money she could to pay the hospital bills, but eventually she was forced to give up this child, which she loved. Then just before her second birthday Gwendolyn Pearce was sent to an orphanage to be raised by nuns.

This would be the last that she would ever see of her mother.

Gwendolyn, spent the next four years at the Sacred Heart Convent in London. Then in 1939 she and thousands of other children were sent to the country, where she became a part of a new family that gave her the missing love of a mother figure, and the feeling of being part of a family. After the war she was sent back to the convent until she was 16, when she went out on her own. Little did she realize that her mother, who now goes by the name “Peggy”, was still in London and had met a handsome young Canadian soldier and fallen in love. His name was Pete Ashaker from Ladysmith BC. In 1946 they married and a few months after their wedding she embarked on the ship “ Lady Rodney” and set sail for Canada along with hundreds of other young women. She was off on a journey to the great unknown.

She was giving up all she had known, her friends, the comfort of familiar places, events and activities to head off to live in some small town halfway around the world full of strangers without even the support and comfort of her husband. As fate would have it she would meet on this trip another war bride coming to Ladysmith. Margaret Battie, better known as “Maggie” who had met and married Jack Battie. As they traveled the thousand of miles of train tracks they forged a friendship that would last the rest of their lives.

Over the past few years Gwendolyn’s need to know more about her roots and her mother grew. With the help of her son David they searched the Internet and the London Archives to pick up the threads of her past and learn how to discover her mother. The search lead to Ireland, the home of her mother prior to her coming to London, where they discovered her mothers old family home and the gravesite of her grandparents and other relatives. It was there with the help of the local historical

Gwendolyn and David Pearce holding her mother’s marriage certificate which was the key to unlocking their mother’s past in Ladysmith. Photo: Rob Johnson

society and archives that she discovered her mother had married a Canadian named Ashaker from Ladysmith. With this new lead, they contacted the Ladysmith Archives, and with the help of Bridget Watson, the society’s researcher, they were able to fill in the rest of her mother’s life her in Ladysmith, up until her death in 1981.

With this information and other contacts supplied by the Ladysmith & District Historical Society members who knew both Jack and Margaret, she decided along with her son David to come here so that they could share in the life she lived and to meet her friends. This trip rewarded them with much more than they expected. The opportunity to share stories of Peggy’s time in Ladysmith with friends such as Kay Rozzano, Smokey Mitchell and Maggie’s daughters Vivian Cameron, Glenda Patterson, Elaine Battie and Valerie Morgan. On this trip they were very impressed with the friendliness and help of so many that filled in details of Peggy’s life in Ladysmith.

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23 and tickets are $15. Dinner and Theater are offered on Oct. 16 at $30 for both dinner and show. All performances are at the Cedar Community Hall. For information and reservations call 250722-3067.

World debut of Blizzard

Are you ready to spend an evening full of suspense and mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat until the last moment?

The Yellow Point Drama Group’s fall presentation, ‘Blizzard’, is sure to provide all this and more.

This world premier original play, written and directed by local Barrie Baker, is set in the fictional town of Lucky, Saskatchewan in the 1940’s. Several travelers are stranded in the local train station with the railway employees as a blizzard has shut down the rails. News of a gruesome murder has put everyone on edge as they all have their own skeletons lurking in the closet. The action and suspense are non-stop with twists and turns to the very end.

The show starts with a preview performance on Thursday, Oct. 7 with tickets at a reduced rate of $10. The play runs three weekends Oct 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, &

Mid-Island Photo Expo gets outstanding response

The Ladysmith Camera Club, in conjunction with Take 5 Publications and the Ladysmith and District Arts Council, recently announced that the first round of judging in the Mid-Island Photo Expo has been completed and the response has been exceptional. With 197 separate images submitted by 60 photographers from all around the mid-Island region, and no categories in this inaugural event, the first round of judging was certainly formidable.

However, the judges, Ellen McCluskey and Dirk Heydemann of Nanaimo

Yellow Point Drama Group’s Blizzard a world debut from local playwright Barrie Baker. (l-r) Pam Walker and Malinda Schenker, Devon Cathers, Mort Paul and Brian March.

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and Cim MacDonald of Chemainus, were up to the challenge.

The scores they submitted week determined the top 60 images by just 29 photographers who have been invited to submit their prints for an exhibition at the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery where the second round of judging will occur.

The exhibition will run from Nov. 2 to Nov. 28. The winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded at the opening reception on Nov. 2 from 7 pm to 9 pm, with coffee service provided by In The Beantime Café. Everyone is welcome.

The prizes will consist of cash, gift certificates and merchandise with a total value over $1500. Prize sponsors include Kerrisdale Cameras of Victoria, Bayview Framing & Art of Ladysmith, Turning Point Arts of Saltair, Home Hardware of Ladysmith, Yellow Point Lodge of Ladysmith and Ladysmith Car Care/Esso. TAKE 5 will publish the winning images in an up-coming issue.

On Oct 26 the club will feature a presentation on “Peruvian Adventure (slide show) and Travel Photography Tips” by Jeff and Rosemary Ratcliff , 7pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Public welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. For details info@LadysmithCameraClub.com

On exhibit

The Art Council of Ladysmith invites you to their new show Fall Follies, a delightful look at autumn through the artists’ eyes, capturing a time of change and reflection. The show runs from Oct. 5-29 at the Waterfront Art Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith 250-245-1252, open daily noon - 4 pm, closed Mondays.

Local author launches new book

Ladysmith author Connie Kurtenbach recently launched her newest book In My Mother’s Garden.

The nine-year-old narrator, Cally Steinbach, brings us into her mother’s garden. It is in mama’s garden that every sense is awakened: the aroma of cinnamon bread, the songs harmonized after supper, the tangy touch of a gooseberry on the tongue and the first cracking of ice in the spring. Prose, poetry, paintings and illustrations present the theme of prairie life in the 1940’s. The stories are set in four seasonal parts, beginning with a painting and a poem, and followed by short stories. This is a chronology of heart. Deep within dwells the wound that Cally’s mother is away in a tuberculosis sanatorium, so Cally remembers when her mama was home, to keep her own heart beating and pulsing with the beauty of life. This is not a children’s story, but a child’s search for beauty and truth amid the shadow of sorrow, fear and longing.

Connie Kurtenbach is the ninth child of a Saskatchewan farm family. She spent her early years on a very large farm and, then, moved with her retired parents to Cudworth. Connie attended

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the town school but completed secondary school at Sion Academy in Saskatoon. There, she spent 12 years in monastic life, teaching and studying. In 1967 Connie moved to secular life in Toronto where she continued her teaching career while pursuing further studies in English, Music and Clinical Psychotherapy. She moved to Vancouver Island with her husband in 1986 and joined the Chemainus Writer’s Group that successfully published an anthology of short works, entitled “The Oyster Speaks.” Connie has been involved in the arts all her life with the support of her husband Francois Brassard. The book is available at local book stores, or email ckfb@telus.net. $16.95.

Festival of Murals art sculpture

Chemainus Festival of Murals Society held a sneak peek Sept.

25 of a unique display of Emily Carr’s work; a freestanding arts sculpture of a longhouse. This sculpture will be located at Waterwheel Park. The sculpture, created by acclaimed, First Nation carver, Carey Newman, is titled “First Nations Villages as seen through the eyes of Emily Carr” Carey Newman is prominent among the younger generation of native artists. Being of British and Kwagiulth/Salish descent, Carey has been able to draw upon each of these cultures for his inspiration. Two of Emily Carr’s paintings, “Canoes and Totems (Alert Bay) 1908” and “Haida Totems, Cha’ta’l, 1908” will be reproduced and displayed on the walls of the long house. Cim MacDonald, well known, local artist, will render Carr’s paintings. Born in Scotland, Cim came with her family to Victoria when she was seven and completed her art studies. She exhibits her work in Duncan and Toronto. This new Chemainus Festival of Murals project will be a wonderful edition of Emily Carr’s work. The official dedication is on April 23, 2011. At that time, the project will be complete with a carved rendering of Emily’s famous painting, “The Great Eagle Skidegate, BC 1929” on top of the longhouse.

Murder trial on stage

Ladysmith Players presents The Night of January 16th, written by Ayn Rand, directed by Alan Watt.

The play is a murder trial set in New York City in the 1930’s.

Bjorn Faulkner, genius financier or swindler of millions, has two women in his life: his new bride, Nancy Lee Faulkner, daughter of a prominent banker, and Bjorn’s longtime secretary and mistress Karen Andre. On the night of January 16th,

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Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Tara Birtwhistle and Vanessa Lawson in Wonderland, one of the shows featiured in this years’s season at the Port Theatre. Photo: David Cooper

Faulkner falls to his death from Karen’s penthouse apartment. Was it murder, suicide, or something else altogether?

Karen is placed on trial on charges of murder, the prosecution claiming she did it out of jealousy since Bjorn no longer wanted a relationship now that he was happily married. The purpose of the play is for the jury to decide if the defendant is innocent or guilty. Within the three acts of the play, the two lawyers will call upon 11 people to give testimony including: expert witnesses, a security guard, a private investigator, a police inspector, a housekeeper, and a notorious gangster. Each testimony building an array of contradictory stories. The Night of January 16th is distinguished by a clever device whereby members of the audience are selected to be jurors in this fictional murder trial. The outcome of the play is thus totally in the hands of the selected audience members, and accordingly Ayn Rand penned two different endings, depending on whether the jury voted “guilty” or “not guilty”. The show runs Nov. 4-21 Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Road, Box office 250-924-0658, www.ladysmiththeatre. com

Port Theatre season opens

The Port Theatre announced their 2010/2011 Spotlight Series recently.

Here is a sampling of the over 20 events in the new season: Legendary funny man, impressionist Rich Little has been featured in 9 HBO comedy specials.

With over 200 celebrity impersonations including Dr. Phil, Jack Nicolson and George W Bush, this Canadian born entertainer will delight audiences on Jan 30 at 2:30 pm. On March 17 in 2011 family audiences will be amazed

by Darwin The Dinosaur, a glow in the dark adventure, which is part of The Port Theatre’s new Family Series of events. Truly unique and visually dazzling, Darwin has been universally praised for its cutting edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance. The Studio Series (formerly known as Random Acts) is back featuring eclectic and exciting Vancouver Island artists from all disciplines; all shows in the Studio Series are $5-$10 suggested donation.

For a complete listing got to www. porttheatre.com or call 250.754.8550.

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Guilt, the eleventh, and 10/10/10 “If when you die you get a choice between pie heaven and regular heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick but if not mmmboy.”

- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey The day before giving thanks J and I plan to be out there in the field with the pick and shovel, digging holes.

Giving thanks for the cornucopia of this year’s harvest, for those of us burdened with a guilt complex, also brings a hint, a twinge - a question about what, of next year’s plantings, still needs to be done, like right now.

What blossomed and filled today’s dinner plates, and what didn’t? Such thought offers a lot of pondering about what’s going in the ground for the next crop, and the one thereafter. Winter, summer, spring and fall - that can be a lot of seasons of slim pickings, if’n you don’t think ahead. And even if you do, as it turns out.

Like with the apples, plums, cherries, pears, quinces and peaches which didn’t much blossom this year. The lack of ‘em in my cold cellar galls on me, every morning. I kind’a miss a munching on the fruits of my labour, and I sure don’t want to buy their avatars from some agri-business in California, my pocket book as well as GHG emissions re-defining my eating habits lately.

Forgetting past foibles as fast as I make ‘em, guilt is as much a future thing for me these days.

‘Cause, despite Jackie’s weedings and hoeing, and pruning galore, the rains washed away whatever pollinating our beleaguered local bees could do this

year. Et voila, no fruit. So the local society, that usually makes some 500 lbs of apple pies from the buzzings on our farm, is short a lot of home-made pies for Thanksgiving sales this year.

Jackie of course makes the best of it, concerned that I will be deprived of such garden of Eden fruit, offering instead the forbidden fruit of the thrice-thorned, deceptive and enticing invader supreme - the Himalayan blackberry: the bane of our farm’s existence. That which spreads incessantly, beguiling, sneakily snaking under and betwixt and throughout our home and market garden, threatening to take over the orchard and fields and forests if one so much as glances away for even a moment.

Do I acknowledge how much I hate the plant and say ‘get thee away’ tempting pie, or do I give into my blackberry love and bite deeply of the serpent in our garden? For me Jackie’s Plan B threatens the guilty depths of a depraved and slavering hell ...the game in play this October 11th solely fixated on who will claim the last piece of blackberry pie, with whipped cream.

Strangely enough to assuage such infernal passions and mortal sins I am not drawn to beat myself silly with thirty lashes from a cat o’ nine tails. No, the ecological ethic inherent has something more aspiring, more holistic and harmonious, and entirely more in line with

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my guilt-ridden work ethic of Scottish parentage.

So, on this the 10th, preparatory to a guilt-free Thanksgiving, we will find ourselves planting 10 fruit and food trees; preparatory to planting about 400 indigenous trees, plants forbes and shrubbery, and 100 lbs of native grasses and wildflowers, on our 20-acre farm.

Oh yes, and ripping the heart out of all the invaders species who’ve entangled the creeks and ponds with their spiny, viney, climby, and trip-wiry tendrils and temptations.

For Transition Cowichan’s planting of some 120 food trees in the Cowichan region on the 10/10/10 has inspired us and by hook or by crook we’re gonna be the northernmost contributor! And thereby cleanse our heathen fruit-importing souls, strike a blow for native plant sovereignty, contribute to this UN Year of Biodiversity, and take a local bite out of the un-earthly climate change that has befallen us, the bees and our apples!

So, the tenth day of the tenth month of the tenth year of this new millennium will mark a new dawn for me and the indubitable J, one when we might caste away our collective guilt. Oh yes, and contribute to climate change - the solution, that is!

We’ll get home-grown food, there’ll be apples ‘n cherries to share around, and we’re pretty darn sure that all the wee critters, winged dinosaurs and the wormy wigglies of the non-human communities will get their fair share too!

Habitat and humanity, how’s that for a plan A! So this Thanksgiving’s gonna be guiltfree, and I may just have found a way back into the good books once again!

And if I come up with another good thought or two, like what will get all those lost bumblies to take a liking to them new trees in our neck of the woods, what a wonderful life this will bee!

An empty apple orchard Photo: Marina Sacht Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for thirty years, farms 20 acres organically on Vancouver Island with life-partner Jackie Moad, and does battle with the weeds and thorns of land and soul while running Thistle Consulting Services – seeking local solutions to global challenges.

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Local potters house and studio gets a lift

BY ROB JOHNSON Nineteen years ago, Mary Fox and her late partner Heather Vaughan decided that they wanted to leave the hustle and bustle of the lower mainland and move back to the Island. Because they liked the name Ladysmith, they drew a circle around it on a map of the area and asked their parents to find them an affordable house that they could purchase. After much searching, the right house was found. It was the early miner’s house that Mary now resides in and has recently renovated. The house met most of their requirements and Mary would have room to set up her studio so they agreed to purchase it sight unseen. On first inspection, they realized that it held the potential to be the perfect house. Diligently Mary started to renovate the house to include her studio and to impart her and Heather’s personality into the home. From the very beginning the house revealed treasures of its past.

While replacing the floor they found that the underlay was composed of newspapers dating from the end of the First World War. Little did Mary know this was just the beginning. She found many more items over the years and would later entomb them during her renovations in time capsules she created in the walls of her home.

Clockwise: Mary Fox enjoying her spacious kitchen. After the renovation.

House before the renovation waiting for its foundation.

Rustic dining room set up to entertain guests Photos: Rob Johnson

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An attractive outdoor retreat. Photo: Rob Johnson

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In 2007 Mary, a well-known and respected ceramic artist, decided she needed more studio space and a gallery to show her work. Mary will be holding her annual studio sale on November 6 and 7, in the new gallery.

She started consultations with architect Ernest Hanson and builder Brian Hogg.

The decision was made to raise the building and create a new ground floor level which would contain the new studio space and gallery. Additionally there was an opportunity to create even more living space (and storage for her many works of art) by renovating the main floor and the attic space of the existing building.

Work started in August of 2008 with the lifting of the 100 year old house so that 10 foot ICF (insulated concrete foundation) walls could be installed to create the new ground floor level. While the excavation equipment was on site she took the opportunity to create a new patio area at the back of the property with large boulders placed to create a rustic natural seating area off the new studio.

The inside of the house was gutted, re-

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framed, roughed in and finished, with the help of local tradespeople, creating a layout which maximized light from new energy efficient windows. New maple cabinets and millwork display Mary’s collection of artwork. Natural wood is featured throughout the living and kitchen area. Mary can now entertain a dozen people for dinner while still working in the kitchen as they enjoy her artwork in the living area by the fireplace. The dining table has special significance to Mary as it was a surprise for her birthday. It was made by Paul Joy and Brian Hogg with wood milled from trees on Heather’s family property at Sproat Lake joined with a plank of Douglas fir (the dominate wood in the house) mounted on the base of an antique table.

One of the original appealing features of the house was the claw foot cast iron bathtub. Doing the renovation it was to become the focal point of her new bathroom, where she can relax and unwind after a hard day of throwing clay in the studio. She loves the tub so much she decided to get another one for her second bathroom (much to the dismay of those

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who had to carry the hundreds of pounds of cast iron up those many steps to the third floor).

In keeping with the theme of using natural wood and in an effort to be environmentally responsible, she had the exterior of the house covered with untreated local cedar shingles. The roofing is shingles comprised of recycled tires. The original house, like those of that era, was not insulated and wasted energy. It is now fully insulated (including spray foam insulation in the attic portion) to maximize energy savings and help reduce greenhouse gases. As Mary has a passion for gardening, a 10 by 30 foot deck was created off the kitchen dining area utilizing the roof of the former studio. Here she grows herbs, vegetables and flowers.

Today Mary and her pet Bichon Judy can take pride in giving one of Ladysmith’s early miner’s houses a new life.

It is her wish that it will continue to be an inspiring home and pottery studio for many years to come. Her annual studio sale is Nov 6-7.

Mary would like to thank : Ernest Hansen- Architect, Peggy Polkinghorne - Designer, Robin Chapman - Structural Engineer, Tom Skarvig and the staff at the Town of Ladysmith, Nickel Brothers Building Movers, Stalker Excavating, Raw Contracting/Mayco/EcoBlock - ICF Foundations, Brian Allan - Cement Finishing, Brian Hogg, Stuart Money and Dave Linkletter, Blue Flame Plumbing and Heating, Island Hoppers Electrical, Ray Dick, Les McBain - Drywall and Plaster, PSI Sprayfoam, Stuart Painting, Old School Woodworks, and last but not least her Judy, the bichon, relaxes on the sofa. Art is featured throughout the house. Photo: Rob Johnson

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Morden Mine AGM

Fashion Show

Enjoy a night out and support the Ladysmith CWL of St Mary’s Parish on Oct. 21 See fashions (on local models) from Nancy’s Fashions and Furnishing and The Top Drawer. The evening features prizes, refreshments and entertainment by MC Peter Barter. Tickets are $10, available at both stores on 1st Avenue in Ladysmith. Doors open at 7pm at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 - 4th Avenue, Ladysmith.

New water well workshops coming

Local residents won’t have to dig deep this fall for information on managing a private well. The Regional District of Nanaimo is launching a new education program called wellSMART, with a series of free public workshops starting October 4, and a new website packed with resources at www.RDNwellSMART.ca.

All residents are invited to the evening workshops October 4, 13, and 21.

“Being wellSMART means knowing how to get the highest quality drinking water from your well, and using proper maintenance to protect the water table from contamination,” said RDN Chair Joe Stanhope. “Our new wellSMART program makes it easy to gain expertise and be your own ‘water manager.’”

The RDN-hosted workshops will focus on well protection, maintenance and operation, water sources, how to get well water tested and interpret the results, and water treatment options. Local well professionals, water quality experts, and representatives from Vancouver Island Health Authority and the Ministry of Environment will also be on hand to answer questions. Workshop participants will also receive a free bottle to collect a water sample (the bottles do not enable residents to test their own water) and a ten per cent discount on well water testing from North Island Labs. The workshop will be held Thursday, Oct. 21, 7pm at

Peter Barter gets ready for fashion show Photo: Cindy Damphousse

the Cranberry Hall, 1555 Morden Road, South Wellington. Register at www.RDNwellSMART.ca, or call 250-248-3252 or 1-888-828-2069.

Orcas dive into Oktoberfest

The Ladysmith-Chemainus Orcas Swim Club is holding their 2nd annual Oktoberfest Oct. 23, at the Aggie Hall.

German food, beer, entertainment, silent auction, raffles, and more. The fun evening goes to support young competitive swimmers. For more information and tickets call Stephanie 250-245-8187 (home) or 250-713-2758 (cell).

Should we or should we not preserve history? That is one of the topics W.J. (Jack) Peake will discuss as guest speaker at Friends of Morden Mine AGM, Thursday, Oct. 7, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 MacMillan Road, 7pm. Mr. Peake is currently chair for the Kinsol Trestle Capital Campaign. He is an Island Corridor Foundation Board member. A self-described “rail nut,” he has his own model railway layout. Mr. Peake was mayor of the Town of Lake Cowichan,1999-2008, and prior to that a town councillor for six years. He served on the Cowichan Valley Regional District from 1999-2008, chairing it for two years. He was chair of the Island Coast Economic Trust from its inception to November 2008. Friends of Morden Mine is pleased to have Mr. Peake share his insights and views on heritage preservation, and looks forward to comments from both members

RDN planning Nanaimo Airport consultations

The Regional District of Nanaimo is planning a region wide public consultation process on the Nanaimo Airport to involve the community in providing input on airport development. Public consultations on the airport will help shape long range planning policies for the RDN, and potentially lead to an Accord between the RDN and the Nanaimo Airport Commission (NAC) over certain aspects of development on Airport lands.

It is expected that the proposed process, endorsed by the Area ‘A’ OCP Review

Chamber auction dinner and awards night

Some of the area’s brightest business stars will be shining at the annual Ladysmith’s Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Ladysmith Community Awards”.

This year the dinner, auction and awards will be held at the “Cottonwood Golf Course” on Oct. 16, 6pm. This year’s theme “black & white”, formal or semi formal.

Tickets are $40 per person and available at the Chamber office and Visitor Information Centre, 250-245-2112, admin@ladysmithcofc.com

Graham Bruce, chair Island Corridor spoke at the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Sept 21 meeting about railways positive impact. Photo: Marina Sacht

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Citizen’s Committee and also adopted by the RDN Board, will provide greater certainty to all stakeholders regarding the future development of Nanaimo Airport lands.

Recent media reports have exposed a continuing misunderstanding and confusion over local government authority in relation to development at the airport.

The RDN is taking this opportunity to clarify its position acknowledging federal government jurisdiction over aviation related land-use and development at the airport.

“The RDN is faced with the challenge of integrating public input on the Nanaimo Airport into its long-range plans, while recognizing federal jurisdiction over airports where all development related to aviation is concerned,” said Electoral ‘A’ Director Joe Burnett. “It has become clear that we need a separate forum for public consultation on the Airport so that our Area ‘A’ OCP can proceed. Our legal position on the airport also leaves room to pursue regulatory options where non-aviation development at the airport is concerned, and we need to work directly with local residents, the broader region, and the Nanaimo Airport

Freydis Joanna visited the Ladysmith Maritime Society dock. The boat is an authentic replica of a Viking ship built at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. Photo: Rob Johnson

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Commission to establish a framework for addressing with these land-use questions.”

The need for public input specific to the airport has arisen over the past two years for two reasons. First, questions have arisen about how the airport intends to develop its lands. The airport’s local significance, both economically and environmentally, has often resulted in airport issues to taking precedence over other planning issues, extending the already lengthy Review process.

Second, the airport has expressed an interest in recent months in developing its groundside lands to enhance its economic viability. As a result, there is a need to have a clear understanding of how that development will occur over time to ensure that this development is consistent with the overall goals of the Regional Growth Strategy and Electoral Area ‘A’ OCP where the intended development is non-airport related. In July the RDN Board directed staff to prepare a separate consultation plan for the airport. The Board also removed a section in the draft OCP relating to the airport, with the understanding that the document could be amended at a later date following separate consultations on the airport.

A separate process to identify and respond to community concerns regarding the airport will require significant RDN resources and a region-wide scope, since the airport is widely used by all local communities. The RDN cannot accommodate this project until next year, pending 2011 budget deliberations.

Representatives of the NAC have indicated an interest in moving forward on a Master Planning process for the airport aimed at providing greater certainty and clarity regarding future development. The RDN has called on the NAC to undertake this level of consultation for some time and it is well timed to be aligned with the proposed broad public consultation on the airport to be undertaken by the RDN. In 2007 the RDN issued a news release acknowledging that airport lands and aeronautic-related land use is excluded from local government jurisdiction. Since then the RDN has also determined that it could pursue the application of local government regulation at the airport to address operations that would not affect a vital aspect of airport function. It is out of this situation that the community consultation on the airport proposed

Gordie Howe Mr Hockey #9, Marla Maddin and Ron Maddin at a Life is Hockey Fundraiser to benefit Warmland Community Church and Duncan Christian School on Sept. 17

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for 2011 has been developed to address perceived and real gaps in jurisdiction and to provide clarity on the future of the airport for all stakeholders Canadian and provincial courts have consistently upheld federal jurisdiction over airports, where development related to aviation is concerned. In reality land use or development can be interpreted quite broadly where any use might be argued that it is connected to airport operation and considered “vital” and thereby avoid local government regulation. To date, recent development undertaken at the airport has been directly related to airport operation.

It is not the RDN’s position that the Nanaimo Airport is entirely exempt from local government jurisdiction and regulation with respect to development. The proposed public review of the airport and airport development along with the Master Planning work to be undertaken by the NAC is intended to ensure that proposed development is consistent with local government land use regulations where the use cannot be reasonably connected to aviation.

The RDN supports the Nanaimo Airport as a key economic driver and an important transportation link for the entire region. The Regional District has supported NAC in engaging with the local and broader community in planning and developing the recent upgrades and expansions to their airside operations. The RDN and the NAC are committed to continuing this process of consultation and cooperation to ensure that any and all future development at the airport occurs with a view to sustainable practices and protection of local attributes of significance, particularly with respect to the Cassidy Aquifer. It is expected the consultation process planned for 2011 will provide the necessary understanding and information to secure these protections within RDN regulations.

OCT 2010

Local liberals

Buoyed by the recent visit of their leader Michael Ignatieff to Nanaimo members of the Nanaimo Cowichan Federal Riding Association packed the Printingden Beanery in Ladysmith recently to elect a new executive for the coming year. A year which most members believe will be an election year.

President Jim Wright welcomed a number of students who attended and in particular Vancouver Island University student George Anderson who was appointed Youth Representative to work on involving young Liberals in the political process.

Elected to office Ladysmith lawyer Jim Wright President, Chemainus resident Dave Hobson Vice President, former Duncan Mayor Mike Coleman Director at Large, Valerie Thoem elected Communications Chair, Suzanne Gregory of Nanaimo re-elected Secretary and Daniel Gregory of Nanaimo re-elected Treasurer. Duncan realtor Blair Herbert was appointed fundraising chair.

Stroke Recovery in Ladysmith

BY CAROLINE H. DAVIDSON Can you smile with both sides of your face? Can you raise both arms and hold them up for 10 seconds? Can you speak clearly without slurring your words? If you answered “Yes” to these questions, you are not suffering from a stroke. If you see a person who might be having a stroke, ask him to smile, to raise his arms, to speak a sentence. If he cannot do those things well, call 911.

The acronym F-A-S-T stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time. Time is important because during a stroke thousands of brain cells may be lost. Getting help FAST may reduce the effect of the stroke and help toward a complete recovery.

The Stroke Recovery Association of BC (SRABC) runs programs at branches for people who have had a stroke and still live independently. SRABC branches provide a social and empowering environment where stroke survivors and their caregivers find mutual understanding, acceptance and support.

A few survivors and their caregivers met in Ladysmith in March of 2010 along with volunteers. They explored the idea

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(l-r)) Ken Davis, Diane Burrows, Connie Parman, Caroline Davidson, Florence Pratt, Sandy Herle. The Stroke Recovery Group in Ladysmith reading to improve verbal skills.

of forming a local branch of the provincial organization. There are branches in Nanaimo and Duncan but the distance may prevent attendance by persons who need help. It would be easier to get to sessions here. During that organizational meeting, they enjoyed many jokes and laughter and decided to call their group LAUGH ALONG. L-A-U-G-H stands for Laughter Allows Us Good Health. The Ladysmith branch meets on Thursday mornings in the downstairs dining room of the Ladysmith Health

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Centre. Members and visitors gather at 11am to do various activities. They bring a bag lunch and a mug for coffee during the shared lunchtime and the program.

At each meeting, they check in with each other to see how well they are managing. Some exercises to improve mobility and muscle control follow this caring session. The program for the day is decided by the wishes of the group. Programs range from jigsaw puzzles that help eye-hand coordination to drawing specific shapes on paper to reading aloud from a large-print magazine.

One woman whose stroke happened three years ago has exercised until she can now control the affected arm and leg. She has read aloud with friends and can speak clearly. Her exercise efforts are almost daily. At times it seemed that nothing was happening, but she persisted until now her limbs comply and she can get around independently.

Managing ourselves independently is everyone’s desire. The LAUGH ALONG group of Ladysmith provides a supportive place for members to share achievements like the one above and to receive the encouragement that will keep them trying.

The group is asking for outside help and ideas from service providers and health professionals or anyone willing to offer support. Please contact Caroline Davidson at 250-245-2426 with your comments or for more information.

Flo Pratt and Ken Davis offered to be the contact for anyone who wants to join this group. Please call them at 250-245-8199.

They will help you to decide if this group would benefit you.

Transportation is available for members.

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Merlot And Mackerel A great deal of mystery surrounds the lowly little mackerel. First off, where did the term ‘holy mackerel’ come from? Secondly, and I know this has been weighing heavily on your minds for quite some time, does merlot go with mackerel?

To answer these hard-hitting questions and others, we were assembled one fine Tuesday afternoon at Roger and Nancy Dosman’s Alderlea Vineyard on Vancouver Island. For those of you who don’t know, Roger was the first to answer the question: “Can damn fine reds be made with Vancouver Island grapes?”

The answer is “yes” and Roger proves this every vintage with his Marechal Foch, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Hearth (a red dessert wine) and now a delightful cab/ foch cross that he calls Matrix.

The first question to be addressed is the origin of the term ‘holy mackerel’.

To answer this we must look carefully at the mackerel itself. It’s a prehistoric looking fish, second cousin to the tuna, with a face that some compare to Sylvester Stallone but never Brad Pitt. Quite frankly your basic mackerel looks like something Japanese villagers would eat while waiting for Godzilla to show up.

Despite their diminutive size, about a foot, the mackerel must always be taken seriously as their destructive capability is immense, mainly because each fish contains about as much oil as the Exxon Valdez.

This knowledge is important if you intend to grill the fish as we did. Never consider

this unless you have a fire truck on premise or a water bomber on speed dial. Asbestos clothing is mandatory for he who gets to man the barbeque. For more information about this ask lunch partner and mackerel specialist Raymond. He’s the charred one sitting next to the ambulance.

But getting back to the term, holy mackerel. To determine where it came from we must look at the term’s synonyms. First there’s ‘holy cow’, that’s when smoke begins to curl out of the BBQ. Then there’s ‘holy smoke!’ when the smoke obliterates the BBQ itself. Then ‘holy crap!’ when the water bombers come in. Then ‘holy mackerel!’ when we look at the charred mess that used to be Nancy’s BBQ. Once the excitement died down and the ambulance left, we got right down to business. It wasn’t just “does merlot go with mackerel” we wanted answered.

We also wanted to know how the oily little fire hazard would go with Roger’s 03 Reserve Pinot Noir, a pedigreed Chianti Classico Reserve, the 01 Bernardo, and a highly regarded (Three goblets, Gambero Rosso) Nero Troika from Puglia, the Castel Del Monte Vigna Pedale, 05.

First we tried the four reds without food, all four were well structured and of

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medium body. You might think that the Island reds would be light, but you’d be wrong. The merlot weighed in at 13.8% alcohol and the Pinot at 14.2%. The two Italians lived up to their 90 plus scores.

And now a time for discretion. Aged Alderlea reds can hold their own with just about anything you put on the table.

This information must be kept from Dosman at all costs lest he gets the notion to raise prices. Though the Pinot was the overwhelming favourite of the four wines (all of us dedicated Italian wine fans, by the way), when Dosman asked our opinion of it, we all answered, quite unenthusiastically, “Yeah, it’s okay.”

So does Merlot go with mackerel or not? Surprisingly the answer is yes for all four reds. A fat Gewurztraminer or Viognier might have also worked but not so a lighter white. Had it not been for a stern warning from the fire department and a stiff bill from the water bomber we would have cooked up some more mackerel to find out.

So as it stands, let’s just say the relationship between merlot and mackerel is better than Sonny and Cher but not as good as Sam and Dave. As expected, the stewed rabbit we had as backup worked with the reds. We also had sausage, but they were either lost in the holocaust or the firemen got them.

Meanwhile, back on Vancouver Island, the wine business is tough. Though the monsoons of September have left resident arc builders rejoicing, life as a grape has not been easy. The wineries have also been suffering from an infesta-

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tion of wasps with an incredible hunger for ripe grapes. Then there’s the large family of raccoons who have become addicted to Alderlea grapes. So far Godzilla hasn’t crawled out of Tokyo Bay to join in, but the season’s not over yet.

But what can you do? So with the big questions of the day behind us, Roger and I are just going to test the temperature of this soil. Yes, I know it looks like we’re laying down on the grass on this deliciously warm September afternoon and… yes dear, I know it looks like we’re falling asleep but if you could just keep Godzilla at bay for about 20 minutes while I rest my eyes...

For this month’s wine recommendations, give the wines of Alderlea a try. Phone the vineyard at 250-746-7122 to check on availability. Just don’t mention that I sent you, Nancy’s still a little choked about the barbeque.

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Wallace Island Knowing the history and everything a destination offers is a top priority when planning an adventure. I spend hours researching places to visit, the trails offered, how to get there, and what to expect. Along the way I read about the history of the park, island or trail. Some of the stories are quite fascinating while others are obvious. Wallace Island has a bit of both.

Located in the Trincomali Channel between the northern ends of Salt Spring and Galiano Island, Wallace Island’s story starts with a name change. Originally it was charted as Narrow Island and later named after the person who first surveyed the island, Capt. Wallace Houstoun. As we arrived at the island, I made a point of noting this detail to the children but it did not seem to interest them. I had my work cut out for me if I was going to excite a 5 and 3 year old

about history.

Wallace Island offers 4km of trails for visitors travelling by boat or kayak. The BC provincial marine park allowed us access to explore from Chivers Point to Panther Point and everything in between.

Chivers Point, the north point of the island, was named after Jeremiah Chivers. He was the first known resident, a Scotsman, and retired on the island after partaking in the gold rushes. The children were a bit more curious about this information, more so the part about the gold. We continued past Cabin Bay and paused to admire the fruit trees planted many years ago by Mr. Chivers.

The next stop had us discover some-

thing unexpected. That’s the beauty of adventure; you can never be completely prepared. My husband reminds me of this every chance he gets. The trail we were walking on took us into an open field. The wild grass was knee high and what lay ahead took me by surprise: a red rusted old pick up truck. The children were excited now, but I was puzzled. I had not come across this unique treasure in my research. Whose was it? Why is it here? All good questions being tossed at me and all I could come up with was it must have been David Conover’s truck.

He had purchased the island in 1946 and developed a holiday resort. There is even a cove named after him, Conover Cove, which provides good anchorage for boat-

Above: Picnic shelter holds names of visitors Below: Rusted truck Right: Panther Point, Wallace Island.

Photos courtesy of Jill Collins

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“ The children were excited now, but I was puzzled.

I had not come across this unique treasure in my research. Whose was it? Why is it here? All good questions being tossed at me...” ers. This explanation worked and as soon as we returned home, I quickly searched the internet and found that the truck was in fact his.

When we arrived at Conover Cove, we were amidst some of the cabins still around from the resort days.

Conover’s home, where he likely wrote his four books, Once Upon an Island, One Man’s Island, Sitting on a Saltspring and Finding Marilyn, from, is still intact. The other cabins are starting to deteriorate. They were built after the Second World War so it is understandable that they are in such disrepair. A neat sight was the old store and lounge that has been converted into a group picnic shelter. It has been decorated with homemade signs displaying the names and dates of visitors carved on driftwood, shells, or boating type equipment. The signs are tied to the beams, nailed to the walls, and laying on the floor. It has even overflowed to the outside of the shelter. We spent quite a bit of time in the shelter reading the names, laughing at the creations, and admiring the works of art. After prying ourselves away, we continued on to Panther Point, the southern tip of the island. The children started their own theories before I could even mention why it was named that.

“Must be panthers living there.” One added maybe not because panthers live in Africa. “Could have been someone’s pet.”

It was time for mom to step in before fears of coming across a panther kicked in. In 1874, H.M.S. Panther ran aground and sank just off the shore. It took a bit of explaining about boats and rocks and the fate they face when crashing into them. Then curiosity set in and wanting to see the ship was the next request.

Am I going to have to take up scuba diving now?

I enjoyed travelling through time at Wallace Island. It was good for the heart and soul. The last history lesson the children were told was that David Conover sold most of the island to a group of Seattle teachers who then sold it to the BC provincial government in 1989. They both gazed at me for a moment and then asked when were we going back to see the truck!

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

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Loonatic The long haired one and I recently spent a week in the very southern part of the Chilcotin in the Shulap Mountains. It is a remote and wild area where we have seen wolves, lynx, grizzly and black bear so precautions are taken when hiking. On a past trip, we surprised a mother wolf and pups on the road. She fled but the pups stayed put. We stopped the truck, rolled down the window. The kids stared curiously up at us for a few minutes and then sauntered off over the bank. We have never had a dangerous encounter but this time on our second day I was attacked. It was a rainy day and we were lazing in the cabin, reading and napping.

I grew bored so I threw my fishing gear in the truck and drove to a nearby lake that feeds us with two pound rainbows.

The lake is stunningly beautiful and I had it to myself. I inserted myself into my belly boat and paddled off like a very slow duck.

A belly boat is an inner tube with a fabric cover and a mesh seat.

You wear neoprene waders and fins and sit up to your waist in the

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water. It is like being in your favourite arm chair on the lake.

I paddled close by a baby loon, a strange looking thing with clumps of down sticking up. It ignored me completely as did its mother who surfaced nearby. I tried various flies with no luck until I tied on a brown leech. A very angry, fat trout leaped three times and put up a good fight. I netted and killed the 17 inch fish and was preparing to tie it to the side of the tube when momma loon surfaced in front of me and kept on coming. She wanted that fish. I shouted and cursed and waved my arm. The other arm still held the fish. She kept coming. I splashed her with my free hand and thought about how ridiculous that must look. She swam a little way off and watched me. The baby had arrived by this time so I splashed it. I don’t think loons mind getting wet but the nut case shrieking at them gave them pause. Mom dove.

I could see her swimming around my legs and I thrashed them as much as one can in flippers. She surfaced again in front of me. By this time I had my fishing rod in my hand and I whacked her with it. She stood up in the water, flapping her huge wings and gave the loon call right in my face. I detected some bad loon language. Mom and baby moved off and resumed their fishing but kept an eye on me. The victor in this deadly duel for survival tied off his fish and resumed his hunt. Two more trout were fooled by the brown leech but I had no further trouble with the birds. I have had loons grab a fish that I was fighting and others swim around me under water and try to get the fish tied to the tube but I have never encountered one that aggressive.

An adult loon measures three feet from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail. The black body has bright white bars and spots.

At Marshall Lake the wildlife has no fear.

Bird prefers Rob Pinkerton’s ear rather than the bread on his other shoulder.

Photos: Tricia Pinkerton

The head is a glossy very dark green and the chest is white. The eye is an evil fiery red. Believe me, I know. Later in the fall when the interior lakes freeze, loons migrate to the coast where they feast on seafood. We will have dozens of them in our harbour and if momma is there, I hope she doesn’t recognize me. I don’t walk around with my tube around my waist so I should be in the clear.

Most of the creatures that we see up in the mountains have little fear of us.

Squirrels scamper a few feet from us as they carry cones to their stash. Chipmunks bounce out of the path, sit on a stump and wash their nose or nibble on a seed. A downy woodpecker thumps on a tree just above my head. The gray jays come and sit on our hand and shoulder looking for handouts and hop around our feet picking up crumbs.

We were paddling the canoe at dusk close to the shore when we saw a beaver approaching us. It slipped under the water and we sat watching for it to surface. It came up right beside us and gave a mighty splash and whack with its tail and dove. We both yelped and just about dumped the canoe. Beaver bad language.

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RDN - Area A

BY JOE BURNETT I hope everyone had a great summer.

September has been very busy with our Official Community Plan meeting, OCP Open Houses, our Area Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission meeting, and many other Committee meetings. As we slide into Fall there is lots happening.

Building Inspection Service Expansion.

Effective October 1 all new construction in the remaining portions of Area ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘F’ & ‘H’ will require a building permit with the exception of single family dwellings and duplexes located outside Village Centres and Urban

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Containment Boundaries as they are excluded until April 1, 2011. The final phase, which will include these properties, takes effect April 1. All other areas of Electoral Area A , with the exception noted above, require building permits.

For further information on building inspection and when a building permit is needed contact RDN Building Inspection Service, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, 250-390-6530 email: building@rdn.bc.ca .

Green Bins Arriving At The Curb The count down to the launch of food and kitchen waste collection service has begun. Curb side delivery of the green bins started in September with more than 32,000 single family homes having re-

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ceived green bins and kitchen containers along with start-up guides. Check inside the bin to see what goes in the green bin and when to place it out for curb side collection, also, check inside the start-up kit included in your green bin or attend the Green Bin Open House on Wed. Oct. 13., 2-5pm and 6-9pm, Cedar Community Hall. If you have not received your green bin and start up kit by Oct. 8 please call 250-390-6560 (Solid Waste Services). More information on the green bin program is available at www.rdn.bc.ca .

Starting October 2010 glass is no longer acceptable in the blue box. Non deposit glass containers such as jars and condiment bottles can be placed in your regular garbage bags. This change coincides with introduction of new (twin

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pack) 2 compartment vehicles for collecting either food waste and garbage or food waste and recyclables in one truck. Continuing to collect glass in the blue box is very costly due to a lack of markets and if broken in transit would contaminate other high value commodities such as paper and plastic and would have required additional collection vehicles causing increased green house gas emissions and higher program costs.

Discontinuing glass collection will result in roughly 140 tonnes of this inert non-polluting material going into the land fill, however putting the green bin program into action will result in the diversion and composting of 3000 tonnes of organic waste from RDN customers that otherwise would decompose at the land fill.

It is important to continue to return deposit glass containers such as pop, juice, wine, beer and liquor bottles to a returnit-centre for a refund. For those individuals wishing to continue recycling nondeposit glass containers can be taken to the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange, 2477 Kenworth Road, Nanaimo and dropped free of charge. The glass will be taken from there to the regional land fill where it will be crushed and used as an aggregate in land fill construction projects. wellSMART Program RDN Water Services is launching its wellSMART program in October and you are invited to a workshop on Thursday Oct. 21, 7-8:30pm, Cranberry Community Hall, 1555 Morden Road. S.W. The wellSMART program helps private well owners care for their wells and protect the quality of their drinking water.

The workshop will involve a presentation by the BC Ministry of Environment, the Vancouver Island Health Authority and RDN staff, also in attendance representatives from BC Groundwater Assn. and North Island Labs. Residents who attend will receive bottles for water testing and a 10 per cent discount on well water testing. For more details on the workshop go to www.rdnwellSMART. ca or contact Sara Ellis @ 250-390-6560 email: SEllis@rdn.bc.ca Stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

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

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CVRD - Area H

BY MARY MARCOTTE Regional Recreation – A New Wrinkle: The large recreational facilities have long been a contentious issue for the Cowichan Region. The main facilities owned and operated by their municipality are the Fuller Lake Arena in Chemainus, Frank Jameson Centre in Ladysmith and the Cowichan Centre in Duncan. They are owned and operated by the applicable municipalities.

All of these facilities were built many years ago when grant money was easily available and therefore the cost to the taxpayers seemed reasonable. The public in the affected areas approved the cost of borrowing through the legislated public approval process. In the case of the Frank Jameson Centre, the residents in North Oyster approved an annual contribution to the pool through a separate referendum. The annual

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amount was determined by North Oyster/Diamond taxpayers according to a set formula which continues to this day. The Municipality agreed to the formula and proceeded to build the facility.

Over the years, the owners have found that the annual costs of operating and maintaining these facilities is a major hit on their local taxpayer’s purse. That’s when they started knocking on your door for tax money.

In the past, different models of taxation have been considered. Except for Cowichan Bay, the rural areas have consistently opposed having their taxpayers become financial partners in these recreational endeavours. The model currently under consideration is called the “Yellow Model”, and would have Area H taxpayers contribute to the FJCC, the Fuller Lake Arena, the Cowichan Sportsplex and the theatre in the Cowichan Centre.

This funding method would increase our annual taxation by a minimum of 50.18 per $100,000 of property assessment.

Saltair taxes would also increase, while taxes in Ladysmith would decrease.

The 2010 Budget for these facilities is a

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whopping $4,964,555.00. Future capital costs for most of the facilities are unknown.

At the September board meeting a motion stating, in part, that the Chair of the Board establish a committee to develop a public consultation process regarding the sub-regional funding model for the Boards consideration was adopted. This motion was passed by a vote of 8 in favour to7 opposed. Obviously there is concern around the table.

Among my many concerns is the fact that, as of today there is no Board commitment for a referendum on the proposal; there is no Board commitment to allow for each individual area to vote separately. And not one penny of the tax money would stay in North Oyster/ Diamond. Your money all goes south.

The fact that budgetary decisions are made through a weighted vote system is another major concern. If this dog and pony show comes to Area H, I urge everyone to attend and have a say on how you want your tax dollars spent. You can also send your email comments to ggiles@cvrd.bc.ca.

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Cowichan Sportsplex: This facility is located in Duncan and mainly consists of running tracks and baseball and soccer fields. It is owned and operated by a private non-profit Society through volunteer fund raising and grant applications. They currently receive annual grant contributions from both the District of North Cowichan and the City of Duncan. They have also applied for grant money from the Region. In spite of a Regional Policy that states the Regional Grants are for one time only, they have received grants for three consecutive years – in 2008 the Society received $80,000; in 2009 they received $80,000 and in 2010 they received $100,000 for a total of $260,000. The “Yellow Model” proposes that everyone in the Regional District participates in funding this endeavour through taxation. I am one of several Board members who are not supportive of having our taxpayers fund this private society as proposed in the “Yellow Model”. Again, I urge you to attend the proposed meeting. Send your comments to ggiles@cvrd.bc.ca.

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CVRD - Area G

BY MEL DOREY Over the years more and more recreation facilities have been built in the major centres of the Cowichan Valley. These recreation centres are very expensive to build and run. And over these years the municipalities have asked for help in paying for them like the Frank Jameson Recreation Centre in Ladysmith.

Saltair does pay $40,000 a year to Ladysmith for Saltair residents to use their facilities. Now they say it is not enough.

At the Cowichan Valley board table many different plans have been devised to help pay for these big facilities. Each time they came up over the last 15 years there wasn’t enough agreement to move forward with a plan. Recently with the building of the Duncan pool there has been pressure put on outlying electoral areas to pay more. For example, North Cowichan put pressure on Cowichan Bay by putting in a two tier pay system for the pool. If the residents of Cowichan Bay want to use the pool they have to pay double. Cowichan Bay doesn’t want to pay more taxes because they are already committed to the Kerry Park Arena in Mill Bay. So now Cowichan Bay is putting pressure on all electoral areas to pay more. In fact pay a lot more.

So the most recent plan being discussed at the CVRD is the so-called YELLOW PLAN. Many different plans were discussed which I don’t have the time or space to discuss. But the YELLOW PLAN was voted on by an 8 to 7 margin as the most desirable plan. I voted against it. So in the upcoming months you are going to be hearing a lot about it.

The CVRD formed a committee to devise a strategic plan so that they can go out into public and explain to the people what the YELLOW PLAN is all about. Public meetings will be held. Then next year 2011 there will be a referendum to decide whether to go ahead with a new system of taxing for regional recreation.

I will just briefly try to explain what the YELLOW PLAN is. Under the YELLOW PLAN municipalities and electoral areas are grouped into zones. There are four zones (North, South, East and West). Saltair is in the North Zone along with Ladysmith, North Oyster and the northern part of North Cowichan.

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These residents would pay equally at a rate of $63.55/ $100,000 of property valuation for Frank Jameson Centre in Ladysmith and Fuller Lake Arena in Chemainus. For example, if you had a $400,000 house and property you would be paying $254.20 towards these facilities. Presently you are paying $34.72.

Here are my personal feelings about the YELLOW PLAN as it stands now, and it may change after public consultation (I hope it does). I am against it in its present form. Here are the reasons: 1. Saltair has other priorities for using its tax dollars like upgrading an aging water system, adding more properties to Stocking Creek Park and building a small community hall of its own. 2. These municipalities should pay more for these facilities because they are right close where their residents can use them. The further you are away from them the less accessible they are. 3. The spending on these facilities is out of control (Duncan Pool) and if we help pay they will just spend more, out voting us in their advisory committees (a fear). 4. Ladysmith stole our industrial park (Boundary extension into the Peerless Road area). Those are tax dollars that we could have had.

In summation, I agree that we should pay more, but not what the YELLOW PLAN prescribes. And increases in taxes should be phased in slowly. You will be hearing a lot more in the coming months from the CVRD about REGIONAL RECREATION FUNDING and THE YELLOW PLAN.

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Oct 7, 8pm, Irish Mythen, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 8-10, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 Oct 8, 8pm, Stone Vaughn Toole, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

October Until Oct 16, Nanaimo Theatre Groups’s The Underpants, a ribald comedy, adapted by Steve Martin, opens the season at the Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Road, Nanaimo, Shows until Oct. 16, tickets $16-18, 250-758-7224, www.nanaimotheatregroup.com Oct 1-3, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 Oct 1- 30, Coastal Reflections exhibit Michael Dean artist, The Gallery Chemainus Theatre 250 246-9820 Oct 1- 16, 8pm, The Underpants, Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7224 Oct 1- 30, Wingfield’s Progress, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250 246-9820

Oct 8, 7:30pm, Red Chamber, Port Theatre 250-7548550 Oct 9-10, 10am-4pm, Annual Pumpkin Harvest, Yawning Acres 1949 Cedar Rd. 250-713-6304 Oct 9, 10am, Wagner’s Das Rherngold, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529 Oct 9, 12pm & 8pm, Ish Da Fish, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 9, 8pm, Live Rust, Dancing Bean Café Chemainus 250-246-5050 Oct 10, 8pm, Richard Caissie/Sue Medley, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 11, 8pm, PO’ Girl, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 12, 8pm, Blues Tuesday, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

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Yawning Acres 1949 Cedar Rd. 250-713-6304 Oct 16, 10am, Green Pesticide Alternatives, Nanaimo Community Gardens workshop 250-756-5200 Oct 16, 7:30pm, Victoria Symphony Desmond Hoebig, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529 Oct 16, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spirit Awards, Cottonwood Golf Course 250-245-2112 Oct 16, 8pm, Fight in the Fields, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 16, 8pm, Fred Eaglesmith, Dancing Bean Café Chemainus 250-246-5050 Oct 16, 7:30pm, Jack in the Box, Port Theatre 250754-8550 Oct 17, 11am, Kiwi Open House Event, Kiwi Cove Lodge 5130 Brenton Page Rd. 250-245-8051 Oct 17, 1 & 3:30pm, Robert Munsch, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Oct 17, 10am, Vegetarian potluck, Nanaimo Community Gardens 250-756-5200 Oct 17, 7:30pm, Colin James, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529

Oct 12, Med-Small Non-Pleasure Vessel Safety (formerly MED A3), Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct 18-20, Med-Basic Safety (formerly MED A1) Med-Small Passenger Vessel Safety (formerly MED A2) Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct12-15, MED – Survival Craft, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-2454455

Oct 18-22, MED STCW Basic Safety Training, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct 13, 8pm, Kristin Sweetland, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Oct 18, 8pm, Colin Linden, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Oct 3, 8pm, Sean Burns, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Oct13-15, Small Vessel Operator, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-2454455

Oct 20, 8pm, Don Amero, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Oct 4, 10am, Customer Service & Tourism Training Program, NYSA, 11 High St. 250-754-1989

Oct 14, 1:30pm, Seniors Driving, Eagles Hall 250-245-3079

Oct 21-23, Restricted Operator Certificate: Maritime Commercial, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct 4, 1:30pm, Customer Service & Tourism Training Program, NYSA, Chemainus First Nation Health Centre 250-754-1989

Oct 14, 5pm, 18th Annual General Meeting Employment Navigators, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134

Oct 21, 7pm, CWL Fashion Show, St. Mary’s Church 1135 4th Ave., tickets $10

Oct 14, 7pm, Dan Hill, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529

Oct 5-29, 12pm, Fall Follies, Waterfront Art Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr. 250 245-1252

Oct 15-17, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666

Oct 21, 7pm, Free Well Workshop, Cranberry Hall, 1555 Morden Rd. South Wellington 250-248-3252

Oct 7-9, 6pm, Blizzard, Yellowpoint Drama Group, Cedar Community Hall 2388 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3067

Oct 15-16, 6pm, Blizzard, Yellowpoint Drama Group, Cedar Community Hall 2388 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3067

Oct 7, 7pm, Judy Collins, Port Theatre 250-754-8550

Oct 15, 8pm, The Odds, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Oct 1, 2pm, Customer Service & Tourism Training Program, NYSA, 11 High St. 250-754-1989 Oct 1, 8pm, Coco Jaffro/Mother Tonge Band, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 2, 8pm, Geogia’s Belly Dancing Extravaganza, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 3, 2pm, Hope King, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Oct 7, 7pm, Friends of Morden Mine AGM, 1644 MacMillan Rd. 250-714-0377

Oct 16-17, 10am-4pm, Annual Pumpkin Harvest,

Oct 21, 8pm, Pork Belly Futures, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 22-23, 6pm, Blizzard, Yellowpoint Drama Group, Cedar Community Hall 2388 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3067 Oct 22-24, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666

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Andrea Ward and Martin Lane in Nanaimo Theatre Group’s The Underpants playing until Oct 16.

November Nov 1-5, Navigational Safety-Level 1, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Nov 2-20, 1st Annual Mid Island Photo Expo, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery Nov 4-21, Ayn Rand’s Night of January 16th, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 Nov 4, 8pm, Birgit Kuit, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Nov 5, 12-8pm, 21st Annual Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park Centre 250-758-6545 Nov 6, 10am-5pm, 21st Annual Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park Centre 250-758-6545 No 6-7, 11am, 2010 Studio Sale Mary Fox Pottery, 321-3rd Ave. 250-245-3778 Nov 6, 11am, St. Mary’s Bazaar, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith Oct 22, 10am-4pm, Annual Pumpkin Harvest, Yawning Acres 1949 Cedar Rd. 250-713-6304

Oct 25, 8pm, Redgy Blackout& Bodhi Jones, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Nov 6, 10am, Fruit Tree Pruning, Nanaimo Community Gardens workshop 250-756-5200

Oct 22, Ryan McMahon, In the Bean Time Café 250-245-2305

Oct 26, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club “Peruvian Adventure (slide show) and Travel Photography Tips” Hardwick Hall, High St. info@ LadysmithCameraClub.com

Nov 7, 10am-4pm, 21st Annual Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park Centre 250-758-6545

Oct 22, 8pm, Janet Panic, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 23-24, 10am-4pm, Annual Pumpkin Harvest, Yawning Acres 1949 Cedar Rd. 250-713-6304 Oct 23, 9am, Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529 Oct 23-26, MED – Advanced Fire Fighting, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Oct 23, 5:30pm, Oktoberfest fundraiser for LadysmithChemainus Swim Club, Aggie Hall 250-245-0218 or 250-245-8187 Oct 23, 8pm, Clover Point Drifters, Dancing Bean Café Chemainus 250-246-5050 Oct 23, 8pm, No Other Way, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Oct 23, 7:30pm, Vancouver Island Symphony, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Oct 24, 2pm, Harvest Tea & Entertainment. North Oyster Community Centre, 13567 Cedar Road 250245-2559

Oct 26, 7pm, Stuart McLean & The Vinyl Cafe, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529 Oct 27, 4pm, Annual Pumpkin Harvest, Yawning Acres 250-713-6304 Oct 27- Nov 5, General Ship Knowledge Level 3, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Nov 8-22, Small Vessel Operator, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Nov 8-10, Meteorology Level 1 (formerly 072), Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct 27-28, 7pm, Stuart McLean & The Vinyl Cafe, Port Theatre 250-754-8550

Nov 8-13, MED STCW Basic Safety Training, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct 27, 7:30pm, Paper Lion & Library Voices, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529

Nov 11- Jan 8, A Christmas Carol, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250 246-9820

Oct 28-29, 4pm, Annual Pumpkin Harvest, Yawning Acres 1949 Cedar Rd. 250-713-6304

Nov 15-18, Simulated Electronic Navigation Ltd. (SEN Ltd), Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct 29-31, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 Oct 29, 7pm, Mid–Island Country Dance, Wellington Hall, 3922 Corunna Ave. Nanaimo 250-716-5854 Oct 29, 7pm, Twighlight Tango Requiem for a Vampire, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529

Oct 24, 8pm, The Magnificent Sevens, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Oct 30, 9am, Ladysmith Rotary Book Sale, Eagles Hall 250-245-7127

Oct 25- Nov 5, MASTER LIMITED Chartwork & Pilotage Level 1 Navigational Safety Level 1, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Oct 30-31, 10am-4pm, Annual Pumpkin Harvest, Yawning Acres 1949 Cedar Rd. 250-713-6304

Oct 25- Nov 12, FISHING MASTER 4 Chartwork & Pilotage Level 1 Navigational Safety Level 1 Ship Construction & Stability Level 1, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

Nov 7, 2:30pm, The Romantic Violin, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529

Oct 30, 7:30pm, Up There, Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Oct 31, 10am, Ladysmith Rotary Book Sale, Eagles Hall 250-245-7127 Oct 31, 8pm, Mark Hummel, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Nov 20, 10am, Old Fashion Artisan’s Christmas Market, Aggie Hall 250-245-2112 Nov 22, 7:30pm, Victoria Symphony Jeanne Lamon, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529 Nov 23-Dec 15, Chartwork and Pilotage 2, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Nov 28, MED-Small Non-Pleasure Vessel Safety (formerly MED A3) Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Nov 29-Dec 2, MED – Survival Craft, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455

For a complete lsiting of events please visit take5.ca

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for interesting and unique pieces and his store specializes in quality furniture. Being the collector he is, there is something for everyone: from the tiniest silver spoon, to a dainty teacup to an imposing and grandiose sideboard. Paul feels that selling pre-loved items is a great way to be green as well as save money as antiques are more affordable than buying new. To that end he is offering 20% off your purchase if you saw this article in TAKE 5.

Welcome to this year’s Face of Business, a showcase of local business and services.

These are your neighbours, your friends and a vital part of the economic blood that keeps our community alive.

Photos: Rob Johnson

4 Seasons Tanning Heather has 10 years experience in the tanning industry. She shares her extensive knowledge on health and wellbeing with her clients. Tanning and relaxing treatments help prepare and keep the skin well hydrated and conditioned. The studio is clean, comfortable and relaxing.

In addition to tanning and hydration they also offer nail and esthetic services. Trina Harlow has 11years experience in the industry specializing in gel nails. Her attention for detail and creativity is evident and clients enjoy her personality. Christina Rasmussen of Divine Esthetics has 20 years experience and owned Tranquil Moments in Chemainus for 10 years. She is passionate in all areas of esthetics and provides luxurious services to help her clients de stress and unwind. Christina is a fun loving addition to the team.

Antique Addict, owned by Paul Joy, is in its third year of business. The Antique Addict is a dream come true for Paul, whereby he can mix his love of woodworking and antique furniture with his love of meeting and talking to people all day long. The Antique Addict is located on the top floor of the Post Office Antique Mall, the heritage building on the corner of Roberts Street and the highway.

Paul has a keen eye

Backyard and Nature Store is Nanaimo’s independent bird store, serving local backyard birds and the people who love them since 1995. We sell locally made cedar bird feeders, quality birdseed, nest boxes, field guides, and more. The ‘Bird Store’ is more than just a store though - over the years we’ve become a community resource for birders in the Nanaimo area. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to help identify birds and advise on setting up feeders. We run free weekly bird walks every Sunday in Nanaimo and on Tuesdays in the Parksville area, and have a weekly newsletter sharing bird sightings of note in the local area. Whether you’re feeding birds for the first time, looking for squirrel-proof solutions, need help with a tricky bird identification, or just want to tell someone about the chickadees fighting over your suet feeder, drop by and see us!

Chase River Veterinary Hospital will be open for business in November.

Their focus will be small animal, avian, and exotic pet health. They offer a range of services seven days a week. Dr. Jen Halverson grew up in Nanaimo and returned after graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Dr. Halverson has a special interest in chemotherapy, internal medicine, and very much enjoys general practice. She has five cats to complete her family at home. Dr. Ian Lawrie graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College, in PEI, in 2002. He moved to Nanaimo after falling in love with the beautiful west coast. Dr Lawrie’s special interests include orthopedic surgery, avian and wildlife medicine. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their four large dogs, and many cats.

They look forward to continuing to serve their community.

Doves Evergreen Doves Evergreen was a company that was formed to show people there was an alternative in the building industry. We still meet all building codes and inspectors regulations but put

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our environment first.

Less building material in our land fills is possible with high energy efficiency in the homes and buildings. Sometimes in recycling once you remove the paint the things that you find turn into a feature. We have used the beams from a grain elevator being torn down to make kitchen cabinets.

By installing solar into some of our projects we advanced technology for the everyday person. You will have a insurmountable amount of power even in a remount home. We are passionate about our environment and will help you find the best ways to use the recourses you have to have a beautiful and energy efficient home.

Call us for ways you can make a positive change.

Kolompar Global AMIZED FUSION TECHNOLOGY When you use our Amega Products that has been charged with zero point energy, it reminds your body cells “where they came from”. The pain in my knees has disappeared, my husband’s diabetes has

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improved, his blood pressure is down and the pain in his lower back has disappeared after 50 years by using our products. It helps with counteracting harmful cell phone radiation, respiratory problems, constipation, inflammation, migraine headaches, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, fights osteoporosis, relieves pain by releasing the body’s natural painkillers, improves blood circulation, aids in detoxification, controls diabetes, stabilizes high/low blood pressure. Free Demos are given every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Ladysmith Kyokushin Karate Local resident Brad Cromwell, a first degree black belt, operates the Ladysmith Kyokushin Karate Dojo at Davis Road School. He has been practicing karate for nearly 10 years, teaching adults and children.

Kyokushin’s founding principle is perseverance, or “OSU”, in Japanese.

This means that through hard training and self discipline one can achieve any goal and overcome any obstacle. Classes consist of physical fitness, Kihon (Basics), Kata (forms), Goshin Jitsu (self defense) and Kumite (sparring). He invites anyone with or without martial arts experience and any fitness level to come by for a free class. He op-

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erates a family orientated dojo offering classes for children and adults. 250-245-1352 ladysmithkyokushin@gmail.com.

Nanaimo Airport YCD The Nanaimo Airport $26 million expansion is scheduled for completion in March. Phase One of the YCD expansion (completed in December 2009) was important to help ensure the reliability of flight schedules. It included flight path protection, lengthening of runway, updated instrument landing systems and improved runway lighting. Phase Two expansion is well underway and includes improvements to the Nanaimo Airport Terminal. Travellers can soon look forward to a larger, brighter and more open terminal concourse area and a larger preboard waiting room and security screening area and baggage arrival area. Flight Info Display screens, TV and free wireless for your convenience. The Cafe will also feature an outdoor patio. For more information, visit nanaimoairport.com.

RBC Advice you can bank on for over 100 years: RBC Specialist Tina Hale and Elizabeth Geddes are accredited professionals ready to help you make informed financial decisions. Whether you’re looking for advice on options for funding your retirement or the realities of carrying credit, we’re here to offer insight and create opportunity. Most life choices come with a financial impact, how you manage these choices is what gives you security and control for the future. It’s not possible to predict every event that will happen in our lifetimes but with the right advice and good planning you can protect yourself from most. We work independently or as a team, to offer solutions tailored to your needs and preferences. There is no one solution to fit all and our recommendations are as individual as you are. Call us today to begin your financial journey & receive the advice you can bank on.

Soulfire Dance Studio Soulfire Dance Studio, located Downtown Ladysmith for just over 2 years is gaining popularity as one of the towns best spots for children and adults to get fit, have fun and feel great! Offering registered classes for children, ages 3 and over, in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Irish/Celtic and Musical Theatre, the studio has something for all personalities. Owner/Artistic Director, Jennifer MacPherson has a faculty of five other instructors. Kirsten Graham (R.A.D. Ballet), Brooke Kilgore (Hip Hop), Christin Quintal (Irish/Celtic), Jessica Lowry (Yoga/Drama for Musical Theatre) and Alissa Kirzinger (Voice for Musical Theatre). “We started the school with 80 students and now have over 200 registered in various programs.

We are even moving to the Port Theatre for our year-end show this season, after two sold out shows, this past June” says Jenni-

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fer. Many classes are full but there is still room in a few of them. They will accept registration until mid-October, if space permits.

The studio has also become well-known for it’s adult drop in classes, offered for Zumba and Yoga.

They also offer Salsa programs at various times throughout the year with Christina de Souza. www.soulfiredance.ca or call 250-924-2525 Van Isle Slate There’s something new at Van Isle Slate - natural slate thin stone veneer and matching cut corners.

Veneer stone gives you a natural stone finish, without the weight. It’s all just 1” thick. The colours range from sunset earth tones to sky grey. Now those magnificent stone fireplaces and stunning walls, inside or out, are possible without rebuilding or modifying. Of course all the favourites are available as well: tumbled stepping stones, flagstone, wall stone, and all sorts of natural stone slabs and landscape features. Nothing compares to Van Isle Slate, all quarried on Vancouver Island, and at the best prices. Aaron and Sylvia work hard to bring you the most beautiful stone on the island. It’s an adventure in possibilities. Van Isle Slate is located in the Chemainus Industrial Park on Hwy 1.

Vancouver Island Insurance Centres At Vancouver Island Insurance Centres, we are proud of our history. Our story begins in 1863 when the BC Land & Insurance Group recorded its first transaction in the Comox Valley. BC Land is the oldest continuously operating corporation in BC. In the 1950’s the company developed property in and around Victoria and in the 1960’s the business moved away from real estate and into insurance. The Campbell River office was opened in 1972 and offices were added in Gold River and Tahsis in the 1980’s. Our Ladysmith branch in Coronation Mall has been providing clients with peace of mind since 1984. Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres Inc. is a dynamic and expanding General and Life Insurance Brokerage with 14 locations throughout Vancouver Island. Through our collective experience, entrepreneurial spirit and hard work, we have provided security and protection for our clients for more than 140 years.

We are prepared for the future and we are committed to providing you with quality service. We’ll take care of it.

Photos: Rob Johnson

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Sold On Realtors Whether your buying or selling a home you’ll be working closely with your realtor. The relationship you build can have a huge impact on creating a positive experience that leaves everyone satisfied. We asked local realtors to tell us a little more about themselves. Here they are.

Jillian Dashwood, Island Homes Passionate about real estate, her clients and her community, Jill has been a realtor in the Ladysmith/Nanaimo area for over 20 years. Helping people find their perfect home from Mill Bay to North of Qualicum is a source of pride for this conscientious, friendly, professional realtor.

Finding the right mortgage, lawyer, contractor and community are some of the ways that make Jill a realtor for not only a first time home buyer, but an retiree or investor. Jill knows the different communities and strives to be helpful and informative to people moving to the area with questions about schools, recreation and hobbies.

She is also a Ladysmith Town Councillor and an active member of the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce.

Cheri Mactier, Re/Max Ocean Pointe I have lived in Ladysmith since 1995 and have been a Realtor for over 11 years. My mission is to provide “Top Tier” real estate services that contribute to my clients’ quality of life with a caring, friendly and ethical approach. For me it’s not about selling houses, it’s about helping people make decisions, guiding them with my expertise as a real estate professional.

It is important that my clients are confident that they are working with a real estate professional that has the education, experience and know how that earns their trust. Real estate, for me, is about building relationships and a community, within our community, by promoting all that Ladysmith has to offer. I have been fortunate to have been involved with the Festival of Lights, the Celebrations Society and recently with the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association and the Ladysmith Ambassador Program. I feel blessed to live in a community with such spirit and am dedicated to making a difference within my profession as well as the community for the betterment of Ladysmith.

John Surtees, Re/Max Ocean Pointe From the moment we meet you will understand that my positive enthusiasm, communication skills and a systems based approach are all major contributing factors to help clients succeed. It’s important for me to completely

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understand, where you want to be. Community and leadership are also priorities in my life. I am currently the president for the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association and an active member with a number of community groups that contribute to the tremendous spirit of where we live. Living passionately to provide valuable service is my life mission. The John Surtees Team provides attentive service to clients selling or purchasing real estate in Ladysmith, Cedar, Nanaimo, Saltair and Chemainus. Put my expertise and marketing to work for you. Whether buying or selling I can assist. Let’s move you!

Carol Warkentin, Re/Max Ocean Pointe Carol has been part of Ladysmith’s growing community for the past 30 years, and has raised her family here. Prior to becoming a realtor she worked as a representative for a local oil company for 17 years, while at the same time she has been involved in the business of building homes and land developing. Carol has had a passion and enthusiasm for real estate for many years. Her knowledge of real estate will be an asset to her clients. Carol recently joined Re/Max Ocean Pointe.

She raises the bar when it comes to offering service to her clients, she brings to the market, patience, understanding and a good business sense. Her goal is to offer a service to her clients “Beyond Your Expectations”.

Brian Nicol, Royal Lepage Brian Nicol offers leading edge real estate services for sellers and buyers and serves Ladysmith, Chemainus, and Nanaimo. His motto is “Sold on Service!” and he strives to deliver legendary service that exceeds his client’s expectations. The majority of Brian’s business is based on referrals and he has many testimonials.

Based on nominations and interviews, Brian was profiled in 2008 in the magazine Profiles of Success. To better serve clients, his services go beyond traditional sales and his executive level marketing background enables him to deliver customized promotion of a client’s property that provides a competitive edge in selling their home. As a full-time professional in real estate, he works hard for his clients throughout the whole process from preparing their home for sale until they are comfortably settled in their new home. He strongly believes in giving back to the community through various volunteer activities as well as contributing a portion of each sale toward the local woman’s shelter charity Haven House.

Buffy Barrett and Beverley Wood, PropertyGuys.com The PropertyGuys are girls. Maybe you’ve seen them driving around in their blue and green PropertyGuys.com car - Buffy Barrett and Beverley Wood, franchise owners for the Cowichan Valley (Mill Bay to Cedar). But did you realize, as they drove by, that there is no commission to pay when you sell your house using PropertyGuys.com? None at all. You keep that commission in your own pocket. Sweet deal?

We think so - but here’s what makes it even sweeter. Use our program now for just $249*...that’s a whopping $150 savings from our regular priced “self serve” listing! Book your listing online now, using your postal code to qualify for your discount.

We’ll even come and put one of our big round signs on your lawn the next day!

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CLASSIFIED ADS PAINT & SAVE OPTION: Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro.

Together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look.

Making the world a brighter place over 25 years. Call Harv 250-245-2174 WIFE FOR HIRE - Cheerful, helpful and caring. Available to shop, prepare meals, run errands, do laundry and house cleaning. Not enough time in your day!

Were ever you need a helping hand. If you can’t do the job, I can. Call Carol Rose at 250-245-4875 DRIVING LESSONS: Are you a few months away from needing to go for a Road Test? Need an evaluation of your driving skills? Have you ever taken Emergency Maneuvers / Collision Avoidance Training? 49th Parallel Driving School 250-416-1606 RIVER GIRL DESIGNS opens store.

Kids & adult pj’s, night gowns, homemade quilts & baby slippers. Directions: from South Island, North on Island Highway-turn right at Nanaimo River Rd (WILD PLAY) sign, travel Nanaimo River Rd to Jonaco Work Shop. Turn left on White Rapids Road. Take the first left on Godfrey Road. Keep going straight, Bramley Rd. is a continuation of Godfrey Road. Godfrey Road turns

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sharply right. DO NOT TAKE THAT ROAD. My place is the second house on right 2200 Bramley Rd, Nanaimo 250753-9218 BADMINTON CLASSES: Sign up early for the next 8 week class for $88 at Crofton’s New Elementary School, Fridays from 7:00pm - 9:30pm. Limited to 14 students. Age requirement 13 to 93 yrs. To register Call Martin 250-4161606 YARD IMPROVEMENTS and all small landscape jobs. We take away and recycle garden waste. WCB insured, call Peter Dunn 250-618-6660 COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES has opening in Ladysmith and Chemainus area. Good references, honest, reliable, affordable and bondable.

Call Theresa 250 924 4442 WHO HAS TONS of high grade band sawn Douglas Fir cut Full 1 and 2 that is great for planters, garden boxes, corrals, barns etc.? Very reasonably priced?

Mike Gogo. That’s WHO! 250-754-2276 fax 250-754-1754 AJ’s PLUMBING-Licensed and insured journeyman plumber with 10 years experience. New construction. Renovations. Repairs and installations. Reasonable rates. No travel charges. Call Aeron Jensen for a free estimate. 250 802 7123.

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MIKE GOGO CEDAR PRODUCTS. Dry Fir & Cedar Slabs delivered to your yard by overhead crane truck. Approximately 3 cords for $140 or you pick up at Mill each package approximately 1.5 cord $30 loaded on your vehicle. 250754-2276 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeds need pulling? Garden needs digging?

Call David at 250-722-3599 PROFESSIONAL DRIVING SCHOOL. Competitive rates, long term local service with a flexible schedule.

Prepare for ICBC Road Test Class 7& 5.

Trusted established local instructor with solid reputation. Serges Real Life Driving School 250-245-0600. The best in town, just ask around!

LIGHTWORKS window washing and gutter cleaning. Careful & considerate. I also do housecleaning. Call David 250722-3599 BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www. bowtech.com GOT GRANITE? Have your Granite and Marble Countertops professionally sealed and buffed. Kitchens starting at $75. We do tile as well! SealTech Specialties Call Stuart at 250-734-2681 www.sealtechspecialties.com PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash em & walk em with Marlena. Insured & bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more.

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

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

Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional through Westguard Security. When loving care &

security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith.

250-245-0151.

BOBBY’S MINIHOE & CLEANUP Landscaping, lot clearing, debris removal, excavating, small deliveries with dump trailer, mulch, lawn soil, garden soil, driveway chip, serving Nanaimo, Cedar, Ladysmith & area call Bobby 250-713-4970 ISLAND PRUNING - Pruning, tree care, fruit trees, vines, ornamental trees, shrubs and hedges. Chainsaw work and small and large clean-up. Darcy 250245-1260 RACING SLICKS - make me an offer, 250-619-0595 OFFICE SPACES -Downtown Ladysmith, modern, ac, renovated, wired, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 OUR TOWN CLEANING SERVICES Thorough cleaning for both residential and commercial clients. Respectful of your privacy and treasures. Veteran Affairs Cards now accepted. Call Jacquie at 250-245-2455 THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? Perhaps ready for a fresher look in your existing home? The affordable design services provided by Rooms n Blooms can help. Call Shar at 250-2450548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca RENOVATIONS DONE RIGHT By a reliable, multi-skilled craftsman I am flexible to my customers’ needs. Minimal chaos in your home. Hourly rates. Call Roger today at Roger’s Renovations for your free consultation. 250-245-8202 WEATHERED DECKS, ALGAE, MOSS OR DIRT encrusted concrete, old tired bricks? We are Certified Applicators of Seicoat, a leading edge cleaning and sealing technology company. Contact Seicoat 250 816-5002 www.seicoat. com . Free Cleaning with purchase of a Sealing Package.

LOOKING for sailboat to volunteer on, local or offshore. Looking to gain sailing and boating experience. Happy to help you with repairs, fuel, etc. Call Marina 250-756-8892.

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ATTENTION BRIDGE PLAYERS. If you are a beginner or would like to refresh your bridge playing please join us for 6 weeks of fun bridge lessons (3 weeks will be complementary (free) & 3 weeks at a nominal fee). Includes coffee/tea/laughs/playing time.

Instructor Brian Atkinson will teach the popular Audrey Grant Method on Thursdays from September 16th. – October 21st @ 1:30 pm at Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 MacMillan Road, Cedar.

Info or sign up: 250-722-2656; 250722-3546; 250-722-0053.

CEDAR HERITAGE DUPLICATE BRIDGE GROUP FALL SESSIONS BEGIN!! Each Tuesday @ 1:30-4:30 pm, Join us Oct. 12th – Nov. 30th Rosemary Spratt will present 8 (½ hr.) lessons with lots of playing time, for intermediate & up players. Newcomers welcome. (8 wks $30.00–drop in $4.00) Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 MacMillan Rd.,Cedar. Includes coffee/ tea/laughs/fun. Info/sign up: 250-7222692; 250-722-3546; 250-722-2656; 250-722-0053 RISING WOMEN MAGAZINE has openings for dynamic women to join our team in Nanaimo/area and Victoria/area.

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

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

MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALE NOW A SWAP MEET Saturdays, Campers Corner RV Park from 8am.

Loads of quality used estate items. Tables $ 10. 250-245-3829 CLASSIFIEDS work! Get them working for you. ads@take5.ca

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Salty news stories I was watching the news the other night when I noticed something curious.

The main news story was a bear attack which left one poor guy dead. The second was an assault which left one person seriously injured. I don’t recall the third story, but I’m sure it had something to do with Mel Gibson’s temper. There was a fourth news item about disagreeing politicians followed by the weather report.

After the weather and a commercial break, it was the fifth story that raised my eyebrows. This news item told me that people in North America have WAY too much sodium in their diets. SO much sodium, in fact, that thousands of North Americans die each year because of it.

This is when that curious (and doubtfully the cool kind of curious) feeling crept in.

Four news stories, a weather report (that probably called for sunny breaks with a chance of rain), and some commercials - One human dead.

The fifth news story - Thousands of us dead. Now, this month’s column is not an attempt to slag the mainstream news media for their news coverage, (even though, truth be told, mainstream news sucks worse than your average Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team.) This is not an attempt to fry them for their order of news, either. Even a bucket head such as myself can see that a grisly grizzly attack is much more attention nabbing than our sodium intake.

No, this column (and it only took me halfway through it to get to my point which is an improvement compared to past columns) is about what a curious flock of sheep we are.

We’re told on a constant basis that crime is rampant in our streets! We don’t have any money to educate our children!

Terrorists want to kill us all!

And what do we do? We nod our heads and take all this garbage for gospel truth,

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never once stopping to think, “Hey, when was the last time I was a victim of a crime?” or “If we don’t have any money for education and health care, why do those deputy ministers get a 30 per cent pay raise and I get to choose between Kraft Dinner and Beef-A-Roni for dinner tonight?” or “Hey, aren’t WE the ones dropping bombs and raping foreign lands of their resources? Who are the real terrorists here?”

Oh sure, we wimp and whine about the HST or the odd 492 Tamil refugees that show up, but then our thoughts go back to teenage hoodlums, Brangelina,

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or grizzly bear attacks.

So my plea to you, dear reader, is this.

Please look at the bigger issues. I mean sure, second hand cigarette smoke might suck on an outdoor patio, but what about the smog, car emissions, and a plethora of other poisonous pollutants that you and your children suck into your lungs with every single breath? What about our cooking of the only planet we have?

What about our troops dying in a needless war?

And what about your sodium intake, dear reader? Is a flashy news story more important than that?