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Letters Celebrations update Celebrations Committee members are in the process of replenishing our collective energies after Ladysmith Days, 2018, which was a huge success according to the feedback I’ve received from various individual residents and groups over the last few days.

Most commented on the fun-filled family event included Coronation Mall merchants; a great Kinsmen Parade (accompanied by the high level security celebrations arranged in the form of Super Hero support); the annual cornucopia of bouncy castles; tasty contest treats; music and games at the Aggie (thanks 49th Parallel Grocery); the heritage-type contests, like the Soapbox Derby (Kinsmen), zucchini race track (Spyder Graphics and Save On), nail driving (Home Hardware) and greasy pole climb (Wash Me on Ludlow) contests; and a fantastic music build up to an amazing fireworks display. Thank you to our inimitable local Ladysmith & District Credit Union folks (and Duck Paterson help with donations to various and sundry fundraising causes) for those spectacular fireworks every year. There were smiles everywhere, but especially on the faces of hundreds of little children with parents in tow.

I wanted to correct the record fairly quickly in terms of the articles that have begun to appear in our media: The Citizen

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Citizen of the Year Ray Delcourt. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

of the Year was chosen by a designated working committee of the Celebrations Society, and their choice is approved by committee of the whole by motion. Public announcement of Ray Delcourt as 2017/18 winner was made by Mayor Aaron Stone with long time Celebrations Chair Barry Frech at his side, followed by joint presentation of the gift memento to this year’s recipient. The newly chosen Citizen of the Year was then chauffeured in the parade by perennial volunteer driver Wayne Richmond, driving his wife Harmina’s corvette. Gerry Beltgens filled in as the official Ladysmith Days photographer for Saturday’s portion of Ladysmith Days. — Steve Arnett Letters to the Editor may be edited for space, clarity or legality. editor@take5.ca

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Forest and watershed forum

BY GUY DAUNCEY In Japanese, the word shinrin means “forest” and yoku means “bath,” so shinrin-yoku means “forest bath” — being immersed in the forest with all our senses. Listening to its quietness, seeing the variety of trees, mosses, lichens and rocks, tasting the air as you breathe in deeply, touching the rough Douglas fir and the smooth red arbutus, going barefoot across the earth, dipping your feet in a forest stream, lying down to gaze up at its beauty. Such bathing brings healing to the body, heart, mind and soul.

So it’s quite distressing to realize how threatened the forest is — threatened by fire, by logging and by clearing for housing and industrial development. The Coastal Douglas fir biogeoclimatic zone that dominates the landscape on the east coast of Vancouver Island is the smallest and most at-risk zone in B.C., with the highest number of species and ecosystems at risk, many of which are ranked globally as imperiled or critically imperiled. Of all the zones in the province, it is the most altered by human activity, with less than 1 per cent remaining in an old growth condition and only 9 per cent being protected.

The beauty of our Island’s landscape is shaped by three things: the forest, the farmland and water. By being in the Agricultural Land Reserve, much of the agricultural land is protected from development. But the privately-owned forest has little or no protection. If a developer wants a chunk of forested land for housing on the north side of Mount Tzouhalem, all he has to do is cut the trees and apply for rezoning. There are guidelines for logging on Crown land and private managed forest land, but the only protection private non-managed forests have under the current bylaws is along a riparian zone, close to a river, creek or wetland. For the rest, it’s open season, no permits or approvals required. At the Yellow Point Ecological Society (Y.E.S.), we call it “ecological abandonment.”

We certainly need more housing on the Island, both private and affordable non-profit. It’s the only way to stem

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Why do we love the forest?

Let me count the ways... it cools us in the summer, it warms our hearts all year, It provides a home for owls and flowers, for herons, cedars and fir.

It shapes the landscape, painting peace, away from the urban rush, It protects our water all year round, surrendering it clear and fresh.

— Guy Dauncey

Blue Heron. Photo: Bruce Whittington.

the tsunami of price inflation that has knocked the hope out of so many wouldbe home buyers, while emptying their bank accounts. There are many urban and suburban areas that could be densified with duplexes and townhouses, however, without needing to tear into the forest.

And there are other ways to manage the forest. At Wildwood, in Yellow Point, Merv Wilkinson managed 77 acres of forest for 60 years using ecoforestry methods that emphasized singletree selection to maximize light for the Douglas fir trees, shade for the red cedars, wildlife trees for the woodpeckers, and downed trees to become nurse logs for future trees and habitat for amphibians and fungi. Using these methods, and cutting every five years, Merv extracted more timber over a 60-year cycle than he would have obtained if he had clearcut the forest, while leaving the whole forest standing. The timber was higher quality too, with tighter growth rings. The forest’s old-growth character is slowly returning and will continue to do so now that the Ecoforestry Institute is managing Wildwood.

At Y.E.S., when we put our thinking hats on, we came up with seven possible ways to protect the forest. We are floating them all to see which gain public support. They are as follows: 1. The voluntary use by landowners of ecoforestry covenants, allowing logging using a sustainable management system, including the ecosystem-based method of single-tree selection practiced at Wildwood, supported by the possible formation of local forest cooperatives.

2. The use of a property tax incentive to reward landowners who practice voluntary sustainable forest management or who have placed an ecological covenant on their land.

3. The use of density transfers, allowing landowners whose zoning allows for subdivision into two or more lots to sell the development potential to a landowner in an area where density transfer units can be received for an approved sustainable development.

4. A zoning bylaw requiring clustered development on lots of ten acres or more.

A landowner with twenty acres who wanted to develop could cluster four homes on four one-acre lots, instead of the current bylaw allowing four fiveacre lots. The rest of the forest would be protected by an ecoforestry covenant.

5. The creation by the provincial government of a Coastal Douglas Fir Land Reserve in which logging would be allowed using sustainable ecoforestry methods, guaranteeing landowners’ development rights but requiring clustering as above.

6. Amending the development permit area rules to classify all Coastal Douglas fir forest as an endangered ecosystem with the following requirements: permits for any subdivision, clustered development, and the remaining for-

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est to be protected by ecoforestry covenants.

7. The development of a regional conservation fund financed by a small increase in everyone’s taxes to fund conservation projects on private lands and to purchase private properties for conservation purposes.

The Ancient Forest Alliance is also calling for the provincial government to establish a $40-million annual land acquisition fund to buy up and protect more of B.C.’s endangered forests, and

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the Vancouver Island Water Watch Coalition is calling for changes to the Water Sustainability Act to provide more protection for forests and watersheds.

What do you think?

Y.E.S. is hosting a free Forests and Watershed Solutions Forum on Thursday September 20, 2018, in Cedar Community Hall. We invite you to come and join the discussion.

Guy Dauncey is President of the Yellow Point Ecological Society.

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Train station revived Sitting vacant for many years, Ladysmith’s train station may yet have another lease on life. Bill Drysdale along with Chuck Forrest and other volunteers have been clearing the brush and painting the

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building as part of their vision to bring the station to life.

Interested parties in utilizing the building recently toured the station.

Although covered with graffiti and containing a fair amount of debris, the building is intact. “It’s totally fixable,” said Lesley Moore, Ladysmith Museum manager, as she surveyed the interior: ticket area, waiting room with benches, washrooms, offices and a loading bay for freight handling.

It’s important to preserve its heritage, says Drysdale who would like to see multi-users of the space. “The building is in good shape, it just needs some renovations and a new roof and it would be good to go.”

So far there’s been lots of interest in the building. “There’s been talk about a brewpub, a woodworking shop, display and storage area.”

The train station belongs to the Vancouver Island Rail Corridor but with tenants and a plan in place, the Town of Ladysmith could make a lease and control the use of the building, said Drysdale.

Cedar Fun Day Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 15, — it’s time again for Cedar Fun Day! This year marks the 21st anniversary of this popular event.

The festivities get underway at 11am and runs until 2pm at the Cedar Village Square. There is fun for the whole family, with six prizes to be won, kid’s games, giant slide, bouncy castle, face painting and more! The main event will feature music by the Porter Brothers from 11:30am to 1pm, so get there early.

You won’t want to miss a minute. Come hungry because there are hot dogs and pop, anniversary cake and everyone’s favorite ice cream. Plan to come out and meet your local merchants at the Cedar Village Square.

Showtime for Ladysmith Ladysmith, aka Home of the “Greatest Street” in Canada, will soon be known as the fictional town of Green Hills thanks to Sonic the Hedgehog, a family film for Paramount Pictures Studios, starring Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of the blue untouchable hedgehog.

The director is Jeff Fowler.

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The film will mean some changes for Ladysmith. Between September 4 to 8, the film crew will be painting various buildings, gaining rooftop access for lighting preparations, etc. September 10 to 13, removing various awnings, adjusting store fronts, continuing rooftop access for lighting equipment and laying electrical cables in various alleys, etc.

The last time Ladysmith hosted a film was the series Eureka, which, when they finished filming, had the added benefit of leaving behind some freshly painted buildings.

The actual filming will occur September 14 (Friday 6am to 9pm), September 17 to 18 (Monday/Tuesday 3pm to 4am) and September 19 to 23 (Wed-Sun.5pm to 7am). During this time, you will experience road closures, and additional lighting will make the area brighter than usual during night shoots. There may also be extra noise.

Referendum on Proportional Representation Referendum deadline is fast approaching. What referendum you may ask? It is the one to determine what kind of electoral system British Columbians want. For almost forever, we have had the “first-past-the-post” system. It is simple, but almost always majority governments are formed by substantially less than half of those voting. Usually the party receiving 35 plus per cent of votes forms a majority government. There are other voting systems that are more inclusive. The mail in referendum is scheduled for October 22 to November 30. Few people are aware of the referendum and even fewer are aware of the issues involved. To help clarify the issues, Chemainus United Church

(9814 Willow Street) is hosting an information event on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 7pm. The event is sponsored by Chemainus Residents Association, Saltair District Ratepayers Association and Chemainus United Church. All are welcome and non-perishable food items are accepted for Harvest House Food Bank.

Biz Buzz 2018 Save the date – Friday, September 28, 2018. Join us for the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Biz Buzz Symposium. Speakers this year include Colin Sprake, Founder and CEO Make Your Mark Training & Consulting, George Hanson, M.SC., CHBRP, Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, and Jenna Forster, life coach, speaker and critically-acclaimed happiness expert. The event will be held at Aggie Hall from 10am until 6:30pm. There will be a Business to Business Trade Show and limited number of display booths available.

For more information contact, the Chamber at 250-245-2112.

August 19 Charity Presentation by the Knights of Columbus Council 4582. Recipients of the K of C Charity Appeal funds for 2017/18 were: Crossroads Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo, Ladysmith Food Bank and Ladysmith Family and Friends Society. The presentation was made at the hall of St. Mary’s Church. Photo: George Weiss

It was another successful Sea Life Celebration on August 12.

Tour Boat rides, displays, games, face painting, art projects, special science displays and puppet/music activities, were all a part of a fun filled family day.

A team of about twenty Ladysmith Maritime Society members and 33 community volunteers assisted. “Many of our volunteers made contributions of not only time, but supplies, materials, prizes and costumes, which were greatly appreciated,” says organizer Shirley Blackstaff.

“It was a happy day for the children, their families and for all that contributed and helped with this summer time festival. A number of adults commented: I learned some new things about sea life. It was educational and fun.” Photo: Shirley Blackstaff

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Ladysmith Show and Shine 2018 drew an appreciative crowd of car buffs. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

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TapBikes now in Chemainus The Chemainus Visitor Centre now has TapBikes available for rental outside of the building through the TapBike app on your Smartphone. There are four bikes available 24/7 for $5/ hour or daily for $25/8hr ride. The TapBike app will calculate your average distance, speed, calories and fuel saved. The Chemainus Best Western also has TapBikes.

Tour de Rock Ladysmith Tour de Rock committee is looking for sponsors to adopt Tour de Rock riders for $75 each. The majority of this money goes to Cops for Cancer, which funds pediatric cancer research, as well as sending kids with a history of cancer, along

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with their families, to Camp Goodtimes – where they get to be “kids” for a week! A small portion pays for the riders’ dinner at the Ladysmith Red Serge dinner, held on October 1.

If you would like to “Adopt a Rider,” please contact Teresa McKinley at jtmckinley@shaw.ca or phone/leave a message evenings at 250-245-7872.

Stage 3 Watering Restrictions for RDN Due to continued hot dry weather and extreme fire risk, Stage 3 Watering Restrictions are in effect in all nine RDN Water Service Areas to prompt further reduction of water demand.

Following watering conservation and restrictions are critical in order to maintain water supply for fire protection, essential household use and environmental flows in streams.

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The Gentleman Clothier at Ladysmith Little Theatre In the Ladysmith Little Theatre production of The Gentleman Clothier Norman Davenport feels he was born in the wrong century. As he opens a brand new clothing store, disappointed because he feels forced to cater to more current tastes, he makes a wish that changes his life and the lives of his two loyal employees forever. The Gentleman Clothier is a magical tale filled with lessons for us all. Written by Norm Foster, directed by Sherri Wade, the play opens September 27 to October 14, 2018, for 12 performances.

Reservations can be made at www. ladysmiththeatre.com or the Ladysmith Little Theatre, Box Office, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1pm–3pm (250-924-0658).

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Zappacosta at Ladysmith Community Marina

fully. Tickets are $39 each at Nancy’s Fashion and Furnishings.

American Music Award and multi JUNO Award winner Alfie Zappacosta performs live at the Ladysmith Community Marina on Friday, September 21, 2018. Relax by the ocean and enjoy an evening of premier vocals and masterful guitar. Complementary local wine and appy will be served at 6:30pm.

In 1987, Zappacosta penned and sang “Overload,” exclusively for the multiplatinum soundtrack “Dirty Dancing” and Loverboy would record Zappacosta’s “That’s Where The Money Goes” for their Wildside album. In 1988, he was awarded JUNOs for Album of The Year and Most Promising Artist, an American Music Award for Most Popular Album of The Year and named the Canadian Publishers Music Association’s Best Rock Star.

Zappacosta has polished his live concert performances, exposing his sophisticated, intimate and intense personality. His performances deliver a blend of acoustic, jazz and pop music, prompting the listener to engage soul-

Little Book of Bullying makes a big statement New author Glynis Riley’s book Barbra and the Troll, the Little Book on Bullying makes a powerful statement tackling bullying from a personal point of view. It was written as a request from her best friend of 45 years who was also her bully in school. Her friend, Barbra Vinks, who passed away from cancer, encouraged Riley to share their story of forgiveness, friendship and love.

In her preface, she writes: “Bullies are not born mean. Usually, something is going on in their lives that makes them lash out and act that way. This isn’t an excuse but an explanation.” Bullies are also victims of their behaviour, often harbouring deep-seated guilt and regret for years to come.

Riley’s goal is to have the books available at all the schools, where they can spark constructive dialogue and promote understanding and healing. The book has been greeted with lots of positive feedback and comments. She says

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Barbra and the Troll, Glynis Riley's Little Book of Bullying.

she is encouraged by the reaction from readers who often share their “bullying� story with her.

Riley was born in England and immigrated to Ocean Falls in 1965, then relocating to Crofton and Chemainus where she graduated from Chemainus Secondary in 1977. She has been working as a longshoreman for the past 14 years.

Riley will be doing a reading at Salamander Books, Sept. 16 from 2-4 pm.

The book is available at the bookstore, amazon.ca. or e-mail glynees@shaw.ca.

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First Show of the Spotlight Season at the Port Theatre Roots/rockers Midnight Shine are coming to Nanaimo to kick off the first show of the Port Theatre’s 2018/2019 Spotlight Season on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at 7:30pm.

They came together by chance. They stayed together for a shot. When Adrian Sutherland from Attawapiskat was offered opening spot for Trooper in Timmins, he reeled in some Northern Ontario musicians to form temporary band Midnight Shine. Their intention was to make the most of this one-off performance. Eight years, six radio singles, three albums and 200+ media stories later, you could say they have. Turning heads with a sound that seamlessly mixes roots, classic and modern rock, Midnight Shine’s music shares a glimpse of life in the far North. The opening band is Ah, Venice.

Buy tickets through Ticket Centre (250-754-8550) or buy online at www.porttheatre.com/spotlight.

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Chase Padgett’s one-man musical theatre sensation Nashville Hurricane, the indigenous dance troupe Dancers of Damelahamid with their multi-sensory production Flicker, the world-music super group The BC World Music Collective, and a highenergy tango music and dance production Tango de mi Vida that features three musicians from Beltango Quinteto and professional dancers Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo.

For schedules and details, go to www.cowichanpac.ca/events.

CPAC Unveils a Diverse Line-up for the 2018-19 Fall/Winter Season The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is delighted to reveal this year’s line-up of presenting performances.

Watch for the return of some critically-acclaimed favourites like Jann Arden, Jesse Cook, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, The Comic Strippers and fringe-favourite, God is A Scottish Drag Queen: The Second Coming.

Some unique and diverse multi-cultural productions include Kiev’s folk-infused world-music phenomenon Dakha Brakha,

Arts on the Avenue 2018 brought out shoppers and artisans looking to be inspired. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

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Behind closed doors The Manning Foundation expressed concern over the large number of “in camera” meetings that the City of Calgary was holding. According to the text, their council was spending up to 23.7 per cent of their meetings “in camera.”

It made me wonder how much time does our council spend behind closed doors. I reviewed the data from the minutes of our council meetings from 2013 to 2017 that are posted on the Town’s website. The year that showed the least

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amount of Council’s time behind closed doors was 2013, at 27.4 per cent (a bit more than Calgary). I was surprised that this number would jump to an astounding 60.7 per cent in 2017. Not only did the number of hours more than double, but the number of Council meetings that had part of the meeting closed to the public rose from a low of 63.33 per cent to a high of 95.45 per cent in 2017.

These five years that I reviewed were years under both Mayor Stone and Mayor Hutchins.

I find this tendency for more closeddoor meetings disturbing. In an interview with the Ladysmith Chronicle, dated November 4, 2014, Mayor Stone expressed his goal “to create a culture of transparency, engagement, cooperation and open access.” To give him credit, he has done much to improve communication, such as broadcasting and archiving our public meetings in entirety, using social media to get information to our citizens. But in my opinion, he has failed in his goal to “schedule regular town hall meetings to share our progress and capture the feedback on the plans we have for development together.” Instead, Council appears to be holding more and more “in camera” meetings.

In the article reporting on the situation in Calgary, the Manning Foundation stated that in comparison to the number of “in camera” meetings that Calgary held, the City of Hamilton held only 13 the previous term, the City of Toronto met in private 18 times, and Ottawa,

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only once.

So why can much larger cities, with many more complex issues, manage to operate with so few closed meetings, while we, in Ladysmith, have so many closed-door meetings? Why do we have to do so much business behind closed doors?

The Community Charter is the legislation that the Town must comply with, and it includes a section on when and how to hold a closed-door meeting. The Charter’s goal is to ensure the highest level of transparency when a city or town council conducts its business. The Charter sets out the rules of closing session to the people that have to be met, with the most relevant clause being if deemed to “harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.”

I believe that any candidate who runs for council in Ladysmith, or in or any other community, should study the Community Charter so that they are well informed of their role and responsibilities should they be elected. Particularly, I would expect and hope that they would review the section of the Charter regarding open and closed meetings. To aid them, the Provincial Ombudsman has published a pamphlet on open meetings, which describes the best practices for holding closed meetings. I strongly urge ALL candidates to read the material made available regarding these practices to ensure that we, the public, are granted the transparency of government that we demand and expect.

At least, that’s as I see it.

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SEPTEMBER Ladysmith Harbour Tours 250-245-3944

1–2 1-2, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze open for family fun, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 1–2, 11am–4pm, “Duets—Baskets and Leather,” Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 1, 9am–10:30am, $5 Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 2, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo

3–9 5, 10am–noon, Open Studio, Chemainus Art Group, Saltair Centre, 3850 S. Oyster School Rd., Saltair 5, 6pm–8pm, Registration for Fuller Lake Skating Club, upstairs at Fuller Lake Arena, 2876 Fuller Lake Rd., Chemainus, 250-245-1415 7-9, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze open for family fun, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 7–9, Wheaty Volley Ball, The Wheaty Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2422 7–9, Cowichan Exhibition 150th Year Celebration, 7380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan 7, 7pm, Improv Theatre Group, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christy Rd. 250-924-0658 8, 3pm–6pm (meet and greet), 6:15pm (photo of class members), 7pm (dinner and dance), 50th Reunion of Nanaimo District Secondary School Class of 68, Coast Bastion Inn, 11 Bastion St., Nanaimo

8 - 2PM - 4PM - Meet your Volunteer MARINE Search & Rescue Crew - In Water Demos Recruitment Info RCMSAR29 - LADYSMITH - recruiting@rcmsar29.com Transfer Beach, Ladysmith 9, 9am, KidSports Rep-A-Thon Fundraiser, CrossFit Anchored Athletics, 8-6961 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan, tyler@ anchoredathletics.com 9, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 9. 2pm–4pm, Edie Daponte From Paris to Rio, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. Crofton, 250-324-2245 9, 4pm, “Second Sundays at First,” Ladysmith First United sanctuary, 232 High St., Ladysmith 9, 7:30pm, Midnight Shine 1st show of Spotlight Season, Port Theatre 125 Front St. Nanaimo, 250-754-4555

10 – 16 10, 3:30pm–8pm, Skating programs start at Fuller Lake Skating Club, Fuller Lake Arena, 2876 Fuller Lake Rd., Chemainus, 250-245-1415 11, 6-8pm, Ladysmith Air Cadets Information/ Registration Open House, 1110 1st Ave. 250245-8119 12, 9am, Chemainus Art Group Meet Up, Saltair Centre, 3850 S. Oyster School Rd., Saltair 12–Nov 24, 10am–5pm (Mon–Sat), Kids Celebrate, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821 12, 1pm, An Afternoon of Wit and Wisdom with Jack Knox, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 737 Jones St., Qualicum 12, noon, CVRD Open House Public Consultation on Solid Waste Management, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster

School Rd., Saltair 14-16, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze open for family fun, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 15, 11am–1pm, Hike and Bike Event, Government Wharf Park, 2720 Heald Rd., Shawnigan Lake 15, 11am–2 pm, Cedar Fun Day, Cedar Village Square, Cedar 15, 1-4pm, Cedar Women’s Institute Blackberry Tea, Cedar United Church 1644 Cedar Rd. 250245-4016 15, 5pm–8pm, Potluck Birthday Party, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 16, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 16, 2pm–4pm, Soul Source, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. Crofton, 250-324-2245 16, 10am (registration), 11am (start), The Terry Fox Run, Ladysmith, 250-245-6424

17 – 23 17, 6pm, Ideal Protein Educational Seminar, 441 1st Ave. Ladysmith 250-245-3113 17, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, City Hall, 410 Esplanade Ave., 250-245-6400 19–20, 9am–4pm, Crisis Intervention Skill Training Workshop, VICS Training Centre, 301708 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo, 1-877-753-2495 19, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 19, 11:30am–1pm, $6 Soup and Sandwich, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 19, 9:30am–noon, Ladysmith Probus Club

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Annual Meeting, speaker Rob Johnson on Ladysmith History, new members welcome, Seniors Centre, 630 2nd Ave., 250-245-0907

26, 7:30pm, Jesse Cook – Beyond Borders Tour, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529

20, 10am, General Meeting, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111

27–October 14, “The Gentleman Clothier,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., Ladysmith, 250-924-0658

20, 7pm, Cedar/Yellow Point Forest and Watershed Solutions Forum, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-722-2442

28-30, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze open for family fun, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666

1–Nov 24, 10am–5pm (Mon-Sat), Kids Celebrate, Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, 250-753-1821

28-30, 11:30am, Octoberfest, Fox & Hounds, 11 High St. Ladysmith 250-924-1747

1, 7:30pm (doors 7pm), “Potted Potter,” The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo, 250-254-8550

28, 11am–6pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce 2nd Annual Chamber Biz Buzz, Aggie Hall, Ladysmith, 250-250-2112

1, 7:30pm, Noteworthy Concerts with The Bergmann Piano Duo, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-7487529

21-23, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze open for family fun, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 21, 6:30pm–9pm, Alfie Zappacosta, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146 21, 7pm, Improv Theatre Group, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christy Rd. 250-924-0658 21, 7pm, Mighty Speck Records Showcase, In The Beantime Cafe, 18 High St., Ladysmith, 250-245-2305 22, Cedar Grad 10-year reunion, The Wheaty Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2422 22, 7:30pm, DakhaBrakha, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 23, 9am–3pm, Annual Giant Garage Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd. 23, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 23, 2pm–4pm, Connor Stewart & the Bon Temps, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. Crofton, 250-324-2245 23, 1, 4, 7pm, Fringe Flicks presents, Hearts Beat Loud, Avalon Cinema Woodgrove Mall, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 250-754-7587

24 – 30 24, 1, 4, 7pm, Fringe Flicks presents, Hearts Beat Loud, Avalon Cinema Woodgrove Mall, 6631 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo 250-754-7587 27, 7pm, N.C.I.D. Budget Presentation, 2100 Yellowpoint Rd. 250-722-3711 25, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club – “Documenting the Back Country of Vancouver Island and Beyond,” with Lantzville-based photographer Bryn Tassell, Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave., Ladysmith

28, 7pm–9pm (doors 6:30pm), Prairie-onthe-Island Traditional Barn Dance, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, 250-754-5697 29-30, 11am-3pm, Harvest Days, Yellow Point Cranberries, 4532 Yellow Point Rd. 250-2455283 29, 2pm, Soul King: A Concert Tribute to Sam Cooke, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 30, 9am–3pm, Annual Bag & Box Sale, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., Ladysmith

1–14, “The Gentleman Clothier,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., Ladysmith, 250-9240658

2, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, City Hall, 410 Esplanade Ave., 250-245-6400 4, 7:30pm, Lion Bear Fox, Cowichan Performing Arts Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-7487529 5-7, 10am, McNab’s Corn Maze open for family fun, 4613 Yellow Point Rd. 250-245-0666 5, 7pm, Lion Bear Fox, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo, 250-254-8550 7, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo, 2018-08-14

30, 10am–2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, 2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo 30, 2pm–4pm, Dock Side Drive, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. Crofton, 250-324-2245 30, 9am–5pm, 19th Annual Salt Spring Island Apple Festival, Fulford Hall, 2591 Fulford Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island.

Weekends, McNabs Corn Maze Oct. 9, Midnight Shine, Port Theatre Oct. 28-30, Harvest Days

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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Firstly, thank you to all who hoped I had a nice holiday last month. It seems that a number of residents came to the conclusion that my column was missing in action last month because I was on vacation. Au contraire – I was simply overwhelmed with my workload. But, thank you anyway for your kind thoughts.

In the July 2018 issue of TAKE 5, I expressed concern about the number of large agricultural properties converting their greenhouses and other structures from the production of vegetables, fruit and other similar edibles to cannabis (marijuana or marihuana). On July 13, 2018, new regulations related to the production of cannabis on lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) were announced by the provincial Ministry of Agriculture. While the new regulation will not be applied retroactively, it does address this issue for production of cannabis in planned new or newlyconverted facilities.

The media release stressed that both local and First Nations’ governments will now be able to prohibit cannabis production in the ALR-classed properties within their communities unless it is grown in ways that preserve the productive capacity of agricultural land. The media release was not, in my opinion, as clear as one would have hoped. In an attempt to clarify that cannabis production in the ALR cannot be prohibited if grown lawfully, the media release provided the following criteria for lawful production: In an open field; In a structure that has a soil base; In a structure that was either fully constructed or under construction, with required permits in place prior to July 13, 2018; In an existing licensed operation.

In effect, local and First Nations’ governments now have the authority to pro-

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hibit alteration of existing structures to increase the size or material used as the base of the structure in production of either licensed medical or non-medical cannabis in the ALR. Such structures now require building permits and inspections. This somewhat addresses the concerns I raised in my July 2018 column. I cannot envision all the security problems/issues that will arise when growing cannabis in open fields. Perhaps a little more clarification needs to be provided on this aspect. This is obviously intended to address the announcement by the Federal Government that when the Cannabis Act, SC comes into force on October 17, 2018 – coincidentally the 50th birthday of Ziggy Marley the son of reggae icon Bob Marley and his wife Rita – the new federal framework will allow cannabis producers to grow cannabis in open fields, greenhouses and industrial bunkers.

RDN staff have been charged with liaising with the provincial Ministry of Agriculture to obtain clarification on issues arising from the media release.

Recently, the open period for retailers to apply for licences for the sale of nonmedical cannabis began. Most municipalities have chosen to adopt limitations on the distance between these facilities and the distance they must be away from sensitive locations such as schools. The most commonly chosen setback that I am aware of involves a minimum distance of 300 metres, with some municipalities settling on 150 metres or 300 metres dependent on certain conditions.

More recently, I listened to a lengthy discussion about the level of the taxes that are to be applied to retail sale of non-medical marihuana. I will recite from memory the taxes that will be applied by each level of government on the base purchase price to the federal government as follows: Federal Government: 10% on base price plus 3% excise tax plus 5% GST. Provincial Government: 15% plus 7% PST

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In effect, the taxes will add approximately 40 per cent to the base cost. Given that the stated goal was to reduce the amount of illegal activity in the black market, I cannot rationalize how this will come about when current suppliers are, apparently, selling a gram of marihuana at around $5 if purchased in one ounce (28.35 grams) lots, while the rumoured prices through the legal framework will have a retail price assigned of about $14 per gram.

In all the discussion about which level of government will be allowed to regulate the sale and distribution of marihuana – medical or non-medical – the number one issue that has not been sufficiently addressed relates to the enforcement of the regulations. It is clear that local government does not have the resources to effect more than superficial oversight of the sale and production of cannabis (marihuana); although, there should be little doubt that senior levels of government will expect local governments to provide enforcement. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca

CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond)

BY MARY MARCOTTE BC ELECTION I have been receiving numerous inquiries about the 2018 local government elections through telephone calls, e-mails and texts. I shop locally, which gives me chance to interact with other North Oyster/Diamond residents. When I am out circulating in the community, I find that people like to stop and chat with me about many different items that affect their lifestyle. It means a lot to me to get your feedback about the issues that you may have experienced. There is also another simple question the public wishes to have answered. If you have read the August edition of the TAKE 5, you will have seen an advertisement stating that another North Oyster resident will be running for Area “H” Director.

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The people who have talked to me about running for election again have encouraged me to continue with the work that I have undertaken for more than 20 years. I am committed to this community, and I have extensive, first-hand knowledge of how local governments work. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving my constituents. Therefore, I am announcing that I will run for re-election for Electoral Area Director for the citizens of North Oyster/Diamond. My health has significantly improved since my bout with the norovirus, and I am ready to fulfill the duties of being an elected official. As well, I am very aware of the work load that is inherent in taking on the position for the next four years. It is not easy to keep all of the plates spinning, as the Cowichan Valley has taken on so much more now than when I was first elected. It has been a pleasure and an honour to work for you.

The Summer of 2018 has proven to be one of the hottest summers in British Columbia’s history. The heat has impacted our local forests and lowered our water supplies. The overly dry conditions have concerned the residents in North Oyster/Diamond, particularly in the Coffin Point/Page Point areas.

Many of these residents have contacted me regarding the use of chainsaws to cut trees, stumps, and other winter debris during this very dry situation. The concerns are focused on the potential of a wildfire so close to homes. In turn, I confirmed with the CVRD Emergency Preparedness personnel that the CVRD does not have the authority to restrict the use of chainsaws. I have also spoken with the British Columbia Wildfire Services in Cobble Hill. They reiterated the fact that local governments do not have the authority to place restrictions on cutting trees with a chainsaw. The Wildfire Services are the people who do have that authority. However, after talking with everyone from the fire department to the B.C. Wildlife Service personnel, I have been advised to encourage residents not to cut trees at this time of year. If you wish to have additional information on this topic, please call the CVRD Emergency Preparedness staff (1-800-665-3955).

Update on Fire Hall - I am hoping that I will have current information on the progress of the new and renovated fire hall to share with you in the next issue of the TAKE 5. In 1986, the need for a more efficiently working environment was identified as a major goal for the fire department. It has taken a very long time getting to where we are today. My thanks go out to everyone who has devoted so much time and effort in providing the tools to ensure that the fire fighters are properly trained and ready to go when needed.

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CVRD Area G (Saltair, Thetis) As was announced in an earlier Take 5 magazine, I will not be running as your director candidate representing Saltair and the Gulf Islands on the CVRD. I have been your representative for the last 13 years and been a part of a lot of the improvements in Saltair and the CVRD. On a personal level, I have really enjoyed the experience and, I think, also have had a lot of personal growth in the area of local government and in how the world works. I have debated and discussed issues with leaders and politicians all over the province and Canada for that matter. We are so lucky to live in this part of the world and be governed by local governments that have made a lot of good choices and cared for us over the years. We mostly hear of their “faux pas’s.” We have so many advantages over other areas in Canada, with our wonderful natural environment and climate with very few mosquitoes. Much of Canada has two seasons, snowy season and mosquito season.

One of the best experiences I had over the years was the community campaign to upgrade our water system. Twenty six residents volunteered to go door-to-door over six weeks with a petition to improve our water system over a 15-year span of time.

Those volunteers had many doorstep conversations with their fellow residents that built a much stronger community. When I told other politicians in the province of this experience, they were amazed at our spirit. Of course, Saltair residents have always been strong supporters of a good water system. Starting back in the 50s, through an order in Council, Saltair built its own water system, which was later turned over to the CVRD to run with their more qualified engineers.

One of the most “sweet and sour” experiences was buying the Mt Brenton School for a park and community centre. It was “sweet” because it was a sweet deal of $300,000 for 5.5 acres of property to add to the existing Centennial Park and a building with “good bones” that would be our community centre.

It was “sour”” because there could be no referendum, which some had asked for to approve the purchase. It had to be a rush purchase with no time for a referendum because of it being an estate sale and there was no money to finance a referendum.

There were also other purchasers lining up to buy it. Today the Saltair Community Society has a lease on the building and is running a very successful community centre, with renovations that should be completed by the end of the year. And to top it off, it only costs the average Saltair homeowner about $35/year in taxes.

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Harvest of the Heart “i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go...)”

— E.E. Cummings, 1952

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Our amazing farm nurtured all our trees, and as we became inundated with other fruit-picking endeavors, those plums would get a soft pink blush and were even more sweet and juicy. Each year, our friends would come with their children and pick to their heart’s content.

We took our picture in front of that tree and used it in our annual Christmas newsletter, “The HoHoHo Times,” as well as in the TAKE 5 and several other articles that Laurie wrote.

The tree was loaded last year, for Lau-

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And this silent spring? Well, there were a lot less blossoms, and I had a thought that, like myself, the tree was in mourning, missing his laughter, missing his presence, missing his pure enjoyment of that tree. But there was fruit, not as plentiful as in years gone by, but a very very special harvest, another surprise gift from the Love of My Life....

There were two plums, with an odd shape and colour.

Each year, our wee yellow plum tree got bigger and fuller. It always remained a dwarf, but was lush with juicy fruit. At first, the plums were yellow and round. rie’s last summer — the fruit yellow, with that nice blush, big and mouth watering.

For 43 years, Jackie Moad was the life-partner of Laurie Gourlay, TAKE 5’s “Another Beautiful Day” columnist.

She continues to farm their 20 acres organically, with special nephew Chris and his uber-talented family, while keeping Laurie’s legacy of seeking local solutions to global challenges close to her heart.

Photos courtesy of Jackie Moad

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At the Gym This is a little embarrassing. I’ve started going to the gym, the reason being that unless I do something fast, my wife and most of her gardening friends will be stronger than me. Yesterday for example was not a good day. My wife asked me to move a pot on the deck, one that contained the world’s heaviest tomato plant. I centered myself about the pot, bent my legs and was about to give it the old heave-ho, when my back alarm, whose job is to protect me from being stupid, sounded.

“That’s alright,” my wife said. “I’ll just get Big Sheila next door. She won’t have any trouble.” And she didn’t.

The problem here is that most men,

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thanks to a heavy diet of team sports and cheeseburgers, reach their fitness peak early, then slide down the cardiovascular pole until they bottom out just before retiring, at which point they have the shape and firmness of a Dairy Queen sundae.

Women, on the other hand, have a much lower starting point — think cocaptain of the junior girl’s knitting team.

From that humble beginning, thanks to all those walks and all that yoga, their fitness peak is reached much later, age 65 is not uncommon.

Weightlifting was first prescribed for me in 1965. I had injured my back at work and went to see a doctor. (Keep in mind, my nickname at the time was Bonerack.) He took one look at me with my shirt off and leaned back on his desk with an incredulous look, one you never want to see on an examining doctor’s face. I began to think something important was missing, an arm maybe, possibly a deltoid, when he finally spoke.

“Have you ever considered weightlifting?”

The truth was, I had been lifting weights, was in fact a Joe Weider dis-

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ciple. Remember Joe? He was the guy with the advertisements in the back of Popular Science. The ads always featured a 98-pound weakling who looked amazingly like me. And a muscle beach guy who didn’t. And let’s not forget everybody’s favourite — the beach blanket bingo girl, an Annette Funicello look-alike.

Joe’s message was clear. If you bought his weights and nailed the instructions up on your bedroom wall, you wouldn’t have to worry about bullies kicking sand in your face. No, it was your father you had to worry about, the guy who got to fix the drywall you had just destroyed.

Not that I ever had sand kicked in my face. Quite frankly, kicking sand is a tactic very seldom employed by bullies, it being too easy to stub a toe. That’s why most prefer the noogie.

Gyms have changed since your last visit in 1965 when you flung a barbell over your head, lost your balance and loose-cannoned around the high school weight room before coming to rest on two Grade 10 students.

Today’s gym has fitness models in all their spandex glory. Do not stare at

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them, even though being stared at is what it’s all about. Not that they’ll made it easy for you. There you’ll be, innocently riding your stationary bike, observing all traffic signals, sticking to the bike lanes, which disgruntled motorists regard as an even greater evil than photo radar, when one of these girls deploys her yoga matt right next to your bike and starts to do an exercise that just might be called pulsating buttocks.

To remove yourself from the path of temptation, you pour the power to the pedals and turn sharply left, forgetting that stationary bicycles don’t turn so well, but, boy, do they fall over easily. You crash into the biker beside you, 63-year-old accountant Myron P. Balagno, the P standing for potbelly. This starts a domino effect, leaving the row of bikes and riders in a big heap on the ground and causing 79-year-old Lois, who you’re secretly afraid of because she can lift more weights than you, to use language suggesting she might be watching too many rap videos.

Weightlifting, as you quickly discover, leads to mirrors. The man who normally looks in a mirror every ten years or so, just to check that his head isn’t screwed on backwards, becomes an expert on reflective surfaces, whether it be mirrors, windows or his neighbour’s shiny bald head.

He quickly discovers that mirrors aren’t created equal, as the old Jefferson Airplane song goes, “This one makes you larger; this one makes you small.” And this one makes your potbelly stick out like you’ve just swallowed an air hose.

All of a sudden, the man who was impossible to buy for — who always said “nothing” when asked what he wanted for Christmas, Father’s Day, his birthday or just to celebrate passing Grade 9, which only took him three tries — suddenly that man has an answer. He wants mirrors.

Pretty soon he starts hanging out in mirror-rich environments, like the men’s change room at the Bay, and listing it as an alternate residence. Even more disturbing are his frequent visits to Damsels where, if the sun cooperates, he can check himself out in the large display window until the squad car shows up.

After six months of training, expect a noticeable change in your physique, especially if you’re using the right magnifying glass. Then one day, the big test. Your wife wants another large pot moved up on the deck. “I’ll just go get Sheila,” she says.

“No need,” you reply, having waited for this moment. “I’ll take care of it.” So you John Wayne yourself over to the pot, affecting the mince used by real weightlifters, and grab onto the pot, being careful to tighten your core even though Wayne Gretsky broke every record in hockey without tightening his.

With a smile on your face, you take a deep breath and pull up.

“WRAKK!!!!,” you yell as your fifth vertebrae screams “uncle,” causing you to curl up in a little ball next to the pot. Fortunately, Sheila was at home to carry you into the house. Best damn neighbour a man ever had, that Sheila.

Chateau Pesquie Terrasses. A delicious French red to ease the pain when a 20 lb dumbbell gets dropped on your toe.

My book Slightly Corked is available at the Coco Café, the Mahle House, the Wheaty Beer and Wine Store, and the Crow and Gate Pub. Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked available at the Mahle House.

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A Young Farmer With the threat of a motorcycle repair shop setting up next door, my husband and I bought a five-acre farm on a line of credit when it came on the market in 2015. I happened to know the perfect young person to “farm to own” it, and Goldenrose Paquette is now in her third year of operating Deep Roots Farm in Yellow Point. I thought I would interview her to tell us how it was all going.

How would you describe your farm?

Our farm is a wholesale, communitysupported agriculture, market garden, covering one acre, nestled between a beaver “lake” and an abundant orchard.

We love interplanting our veggies with

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flowers and herbs that attract beneficial wildlife and create magic!

What makes you want to be a farmer?

I farm because I really enjoy working with food plants. I am outside getting a workout, and I get the reward of eating food I trust to be fresh, alive and nutritious. I feel happy and healthy growing great food to share with my community. It makes me happy knowing that I am contributing in a positive way to the Earth and providing more food security on Vancouver island.

Who do you look to for mentorship?

My mentors right now are Curtis Stone and Jean Martin Fortier. They have really stepped up what is possible in organic agriculture. They are growing huge amounts of food organically, making a great wage, and not working crazy long days. They really utilize all the old and new tools that help speed up farming tasks and are introducing new techniques. I find that super inspiring as a young farmer.

What has surprised you most about running a farming operation?

My biggest surprise is how much food I can grow on a small farm. I knew I

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Goldenrose Paquette

would be able to grow a lot, but I manage to exceed my goals in food production.

What has been your greatest challenge?

Trying to keep up with tasks once the farm has exploded into growth and it’s busy with harvesting. The farmer has to wear many hats — you are the planner, grower, harvester and marketer. I find it

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stressful when the garden is demanding time and energy and other tasks add up.

Can you make a decent living farming a small acreage?

One of the reasons I started Deep Roots Farm was to prove that you can make a decent wage farming. I believe that after a few years of running a farm, you should be making good money. It takes good time management skills. You have to design the farm properly and establish outlets to move your product.

Having passion for it really helps!

What would help make farming easier for you?

I have already invested in a computer-operated irrigation system, a well-stocked post-harvesting station and a walk-in cooler. Going forward, it’s about getting systems in place to help save time. Getting a faster way to wash and dry salad greens would be huge. Buying the greens harvester machine would make harvesting a lot quicker. I am still learning about my new jang seeder, as that really speeds up seeding.

What are the rewards of farming for you?

The farm is a wonderful calming environment to spend time in. It’s SO much fun putting seeds in the ground and watching them grow! I am sharing healthy food that has been lovingly grown on my farm with my community. It’s exciting when people stop by for a farm tour and leave inspired to grow more.

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

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remove the skins and mash together to form a smoother texture.

Serve over pasta. Add cheese, a loaf of garlic bread, salad and enjoy.

This will also freeze well.

Roasted tomato sauce

Harvest: Tomatoes & Basil, best of friends!

BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE It’s harvest season! And what a bumper year it has been so far!

We have had an abundance of grape and cherry tomatoes this year at Tiny Acres. So what better than some fresh tomato sauce?

Easy tomato sauce A large bowl of tomatoes (I have a

glass pie plate that I make it in. When that is full, it is time for sauce) Garlic (as much as you like) 1 onion Salt and pepper to taste Italian Seasoning (2-3 tablespoons of olive oil Mix to coat well Place in preheated oven 375 F. for approximately 30 minutes. Check it after 20 minutes and stir.

When tomatoes have split and garlic and onions are soft it’s ready.

At this point, you can use it. I like to

Rose Longo with a handful of tomatoes and basil from the garden. Fresh or frozen, these pair well in many dishes.

Photo: Nick Longo

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Tomato Basil salad Slice tomatoes, (use as many varieties, colours, and sizes) toss in fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Simple Pesto Add fresh basil, olive oil, garlic and salt to taste. Blend until smooth. Pour into ice cube trays, and when frozen, pop out and store in freezer bags. One cube is a perfect serving size. We omit Parmesan and pine nuts as the pesto keeps better this way in the freezer. We add Parmesan when serving, and have not bothered with pine nuts, finding them expensive and bland. Happy harvesting!

To celebrate the back-yard gardeners, we invite you to send in your photos, recipes or tips on how to use or preserve some of those tasty goodies. Please email your tips to editor@take5.ca.

Changes at Zack’s Lounge

BY ROB JOHNSON As of August 17th, ownership and operation of Zack's Lounge changed hands to Justin Guelette local area resident.

Dan Zacharis and his wife Lilly were sad to leave the business he built and the community, but the call of retirement was too strong to ignore.

The Lounge under Chef Michel Hayden and Bar Manager Joan Rintala will follow the existing menu and continue to offer a good selection of drinks including fine cocktails.

Front to Back: Justin Guelette, Tayor Thomas,William Low, Adriana Guelette, Micheal Hayden inside Zack’s Lounge in Ladysmith. Photo: Rob Johnson

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Welcome to our first in a series on mobility. Here, we will explore the services and products available in the community that will make life easier as you struggle with the challenge of being mobile when you have been injured or ill. Whether it is a temporary situation or a permanent one, mobility is freedom, and I have learned that lesson personally this summer when I broke three bones and was not able to weight bear during my recovery. I went from being an active person to a shut-in over-night. Unable to drive, I became dependent on other people and saw firsthand the challenges of those with mobility issues.

Granny Go Go You’ve wound up in the hospital with a broken foot and do not live anywhere near public transportation, and even if you did the cumbersome task of utilizing the system with the pain you are suffering and the cast they have burdened you with is just too much to deal with.

The good news is that there are transportation services available to help you.

Granny Go Go will escort you to your home, making all of the necessary stops on the way such as a visit to obtain a walker or crutches, pick-up prescriptions from the doctor for pain, or a grocery stop for some fresh milk and bread if required due to your hospital stay.

The knowledgeable staff will ensure you are settled safely in the comfort of your home with all of the necessary aids near you, phone, wheelchair, walker, lifeline etc. Granny Go Go does all

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Marina Sacht with some of mobility aids available: wheel chair, knee walker, crutches, ramp, and a grapple in her hand, extending her reach to pick grapes.

Photo: Nick Longo.

of these things and much, much more.

They provide hourly companion services for shut-ins and seniors; and will visit them in their homes or take them out for a drive, walk, shopping, whatever they want to do. They also provide one on one escorted medical trips to Vancouver as well as all locations on the island. As long as a client can transfer to their private vehicles they will escort them.

Granny Go Go’s provides a competent and caring variety of transportation and companion services and ensures clients are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. 250-714-9715.

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drywall etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823.

WANTED LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO RENAIL & PAINT my brown barn 40’ x 60’. Also looking for a wonder weeder woman (flower & shrub beds) 250-716-0001.

ON ACERAGE IN S. WELLINGTON, old orchard apple & pear trees real heavy crop, would think great for cider. Could help pick with tractor bucket NOT FOR SALE /Trade? 250-716-0001 FOR RENT

739-2435.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives.

35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.

BEADS BEADS BEADS, ETC.! 9752 Willow St., Chemainus. Best prices on the Island. Follow Facebook@etcinchemainus or call 250-3242227.

HORSE BOARDING. Self boarding close to Cassidy, lush pastures, creek, shady trees, stables, barns, close to ride trails. Call Clause 250-245-5039.

EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER booking for Spring 2019. Now offering Senior Companionship and concierge services also! PeaceofMindCare. wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen kgrcoaching@ gmail.com or 250-619-0786.

FOR SALE

ROMAX MASONRY. Chimney repairs and rebuilds. Stonework. Patios. Interlocking pavers.

Fireplaces. Slate installs. Minor excavating.

Romaxmasonry.com, romax-bc@shaw.ca or 250-516-7597.

2013 Polaris RZR. Side by side quad. 357 orig. miles. All new synthetic oil in running gear. Too many options to list. For appointment to view, call 250-924-4624. Leave a message.

SHOPRIDER SCOOTER MX-4 like new, included 2 batteries, lift seat, oxy tank holder. Asking $1200. Call for more information 250-722-3371.

2014 22.5 FT BULLET ULTRA LITE TRAVEL TRAILER, thermal pkg., slide with topper, roof solar panel, LED lights, electric illuminated awing, exterior kitchen, equalizer hitch. For appointments to view, call 250-924-4624. Pls leave a message.

TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015 BUSINESS I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

PEARLS re-stringing. 19 years experience.

Contact Mandy m.michaud@shaw.ca or call 250-

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EDUCATION MUSIC LESSONS. Experienced, qualified teacher of piano and theory. Two locations: Cedar and Nanaimo’s Old Quarter. Call Anne Dalton, ARCT RMT, 250-323-6695.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website. Editor@take5.ca.

TAKE 5 classified ads work. Get them working for you. Call 250-245-7015 or submit online at take5. ca. Serving Nananaimo to Chemainus.

HEALTH & BEAUT Y TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am–noon, $25/mo., www.nanaimotaichi.org.

Call Sara 250-245-1466.

VIDEO PRODUCTION services, from script to screen, edited and ready to post on YouTube, Facebook or your website. Editor@take5.ca.

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

DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 30 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting,

ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? Curb appeal, re-design or new design, www. islandgardenscapes.ca. Call 250-802-0461.

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

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

GARDEN RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING. Are you thinking of a garden renovation or landscaping project? Excellent quality and knowledge. We are happy to assist you with any landscaping or gardening work you need. Estimates are always free.

Give Sandpiper a call! 250-246-2421.

SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, grab bars, wheelchair ramps. Interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/ storage, raised garden beds, benches. Stay in the home you love longer. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad).

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

THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back etc. I also do odd jobs.

Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250618-9217.

PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in my home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.

TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now three locations: Victoria, Cedar and Comox Valley.

Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com.

Call Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.

PACK HIKES for your best friend. On or off leash. Dogs return home tired & happy. Call or text Dee at

TAKE 5

Little Town Dog Walking 250-246-0252 or littletownpetservice@gmail.com DOG WALKING/Hiking OFF LEASH!! 2-hour avg. walk, weekly walks year-round, pick up & drop off included, insured & licensed. Contact Paula Plecas for a complimentary meet & greet! See us Facebook and Instagram for fun in action! Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC at walken@shaw.ca or 250-754-TREC(8732).

SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment.

Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcome. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250245-3391.

GRANNYS ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES. Are you looking for someone that can help you with an active senior family member? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-924-1515.

LASTING LEGACY. Video production and book publishing services for your memoirs, famiy stories, cookbooks, personal and corporate histories.

Friendly, affordable service. Call TAKE 5, Print and Digital Media, 250-245-7015. editor@take5.ca

take5.ca

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