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Letters Earth Day Response to “Earth Day 2019” and “Will we do what it takes.”

It would seem we’re a long way from saving the planet by driving an electric vehicle with the present technology. Mercedes-Benz estimates that currently an EV releases significantly more climate warming gases at its manufacturing stage than a gas- or diesel-powered car. It would take 10 years of driving for the amount of pollution to become equal between the different modes of power.

Metals for batteries and motors come from a handful of countries that have far from environmentally-friendly practices and use dirty power to manufacturer the end product. Many coun-

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tries still rely on coal-fired power plants to charge up the batteries. So, 400,000 electric-powered buses in China is not a positive. We’ve got a long way to go yet, and I feel no guilt at the gas pump.

— Frank Weaver, Ladysmith

Vanishing wildlife I was sitting in the back yard the other day, reading Take 5. Came across an article by Nick Longo. According to him, several species of flora and fauna are endangered. Mentioned was red cedar.

I looked up and counted 11 large red cedars. On the other side of the house, there is alder, horsetail and salmonberry. None of these is ever watered, and they’re very healthy. I’ve seen lots of Oregon grape nearby. Guess we’re just lucky!! — C Brown, Ladysmith

Ladysmith Sportmen’s Club Thanks for the cover photo and excellent story on the planting day at the Ladysmith Golf Course. It was above and beyond what we were expecting. We appreciate it. — Glenn Popenko

By Gord Barney

Ladysmith Water System Where is Ladysmith going with their water system or does anyone care? To me, it looks like we have lots of money.

It seems projects that make no sense whatsoever to me are being done. More houses being built, but no more increase of water supply.

What should we be concentrating on?

The taxpayers of Ladysmith have one main thing at the top of the list, water, followed by roads.

Here we are putting in a $7-million filtering system. We still don’t have any more water than we had before. Furthermore, it is being built on our weakest system, The Chicken Ladder Falls Dam. This cistern we call the Chicken Ladder, when originally built, was only meant for washing coal at Slack Beach for Canadian Collieries, around about 1910. It was never meant for Town water.

This so happened when the Wooden Stave pipeline that came from Stocking Lake to supply Ladysmith in the 1940s broke and drained Stocking Lake nearly dry in 48 hours. The Chicken Ladder Dam became an emergency water sup-

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ply. This was never meant to stay as a permanent water system for the Town.

How it did, I will never know. The way it was built was not meant for public use.

It does not have a catch basin or reserve to catch the silt and debris that comes down Holland Creek and any other creek every year.

Now somebody picked a nice spot behind Arbutus Hump to put in a filtration system, drawing water directly from a creek that almost went completely dry last summer.

My idea was to put in a catch basin first, which should have done the job for many years. Then all you need is to vacuum it out once a year. We still have the best water on Vancouver Island for the simple reason that we do not have heavy industry around us polluting our water source.

All I ask for is please use some common sense, logic and practically. If the hot summers continue, and they will, and Holland Lake goes dry, what will we do then? — Jim Szaaz

Remembering Edwin Davis An old friend named Edwin Davis passed away at La Rosa on March 17, 2019. He was a Ladysmith boy, born April 6, 1946, at the Ladysmith Hospital; he was raised here in Ladysmith.

Ed and I went to school at Ladysmith Secondary School. But Ed didn’t finish all his classes. Ed went to work at Bill Birrell’s sawmill at the head of the harbour when he was 15 years old. He left that mill a year or so later and went to work in Chemainus Mill, working in the chipper plant. But his dream was to drive logging trucks.

He asked Ken Thompson, a local driver, to break him in on his logging truck that hauled logs out of Ladysmith Side, up behind town. Ed was on graveyard shift at the sawmill, so after work he’d meet Ken Thompson at Martella’s truck shop (where the Home Hardware store is now) as soon as he could get there, and Ken let him drive the empty truck back to the woods. ... After a week or two of training, he drove the truck down to the Ladysmith Log Dump, with a full load of logs onboard. “Big Bird” Ed was ready to drive on his own. Almost everyone who works in the woods had a nickname back then.

Ed got his air brake ticket and got

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hired at Nanaimo River Logging Camp for MacMillan Bloedel. He drove at Nanaimo River for two or more years, and then the two camps were about to amalgamate into one camp. No more driving for Ed because of seniority. ... He was done. So he talked to the personnel manager at Nanaimo River Camp and heard about a new camp for M&B starting up at Eve River, near Kelsey Bay. Ed got a job right away ... not driving truck at first, but working on the dry land, sort bundling logs. After a year or so, newlymarried to Shirley and with a little girl named Lisa, when more trucks started to arrive in camp, he finally got a seat on the H-296. Ed was finally back driving. He drove logging truck for 10 years or more until taking over as truck dispatcher for the rest of his 25-years time working at Eve River.

After the Eve River Camp closed, Ed went to the Queen Charlotte Islands and drove logging trucks in Sandspit for a year or more. Then he drove for a few other trucking outfits on Vancouver Island until his health started to fail. Ed did camp watch for M&B outside of Port McNeill for two years. Then he returned

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back home here to Ladysmith and took a room at the La Rosa assisted-living facility. He stayed there until he passed away on March 17, 2019. He leaves behind his daughter Rosa and many grandchildren.

So long, Ed, be seeing you soon. — Gord Barney Letters to the Editor may be edited and may not represent the opinions of TAKE 5 or its affiliates. editor@take5.ca or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, V9G 1A1.

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Marine festival season is here.

The Ladysmith Maritime Society is once again launching their beloved annual marine festivals. Starting on May 25 with the Heritage Boat Festival, followed a week later by the Kids’ Pirate Day, on June 1 and ending in August with the Sea Life Festival. The hardworking volunteers of LMS are bringing the waterfront experience to the community.

“We have a full dock of participants,” says Art Rendell, Heritage Festival Chair. “There are 23 boats that are going to be here. The oldest one that I know of is from 1912. We will have a good representation of boats from the 30s 40s and 50s and some out of the 60s.” Activities include Nanaimo remote boat modellers display, rides on a Dragon boat, harbour tours, and a chance to see the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue vessel with all its horsepower.

New for this year, is a series of short boating seminars during the day. The Harbour Heritage Centre and the boat restoration shop, will be open as well as the Ladysmith & District Historical Society’s Industrial Heritage logging and rail artifacts will be on display including steam Loci 11 and a hand pump rail car owned by Harry and Shirley Blackstaff.

A week later its Kids’ Pirate Day, June 1, from 10 am to 4 pm. This is a day chock full of activities for the family from the jumparound, a pirate slide, and petting zoo, to the popular balloon

Saltair Rail with Trail project grand opening. Photo: Kim Black

guy and the gang of pirates led by Captain Jack Sparrow. The Kinsmen will be hosting a fishing derby, and there are many more activities and refreshments planned.

New this year is the pirates’ dunk tank. “It could be very interesting to see which pirates will get dunked,” says Peter MacHardy with a twinkle in his eye.

MacHardy co-chairs the Kids. Day festival with Dan Lutz.

The Friday night before Pirate Day is “Feast of the Pirates” down at Dine on the Docks. This is where you get to eat a rib dinner dressed in your pirate best.

Several thousand people attend the Kids’ Pirate Day. “This event is possible only because of the amount of community partnership and volunteers from other organizations.

“It takes over 150 volunteers for the day to turn this event into a wonderful day for everyone in the community. We welcome

everyone in the community to come down and have an awesome day,” says MacHardy.

“I’m impressed by the level of community involvement,” says LMS executive director Richard Wiefelspuett. It’s a community marina that brings people and provides access to the water through these festivals, he said.

MacHardy who is new to his role thanks his predecessor Gerry Beltgens for “leaving a legacy.”

Saltair Rail with Trail On Apil 26, the community gathered to celebrate the completion of a section of the Cowichan Valley Trail that links Chemainus, Saltair and Ladysmith.

Once completed the trail will be a continuous 120-kilometre non-motorized multi-use trail.

The 4.3 km Saltair Rail with Trail Project was officially completed, con-

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necting the communities of Ladysmith, Saltair and Chemainus with a three-metrewide compacted gravel surface that is gently-graded and suitable for walking, cycling and equestrian use.

“We’re thankful for the support we received from our funding partners to make this project possible, and that of our communities to fulfill the vision of creating a fully integrated piece of The Great Trail,” said Ian Morrison, Chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

The newly completed route includes a 27-metre single-span bridge across Stocking Creek and scenic views of Mount Brenton to west and the Gulf Islands to the east.

As the trail passes through Saltair, side trips for hiking into Stocking Creek Park are readily accessible, where users can view the park waterfall and stroll alongside the creek before continuing back on to the Cowichan Valley Trail.

Ladysmith Ambassadors It was a beautiful night for some very special young women at the Ladysmith Ambassador Coronation on April 27 at the Frank Jameson Community Centre.

The seven candidates vying for the Ambasasador and vice-ambassador titles were Jena Francis, Jordyn Dashwood, Selena Borgerson, Josie Tinney, Sabrena de Wit, Katherine Huard and Kennedy Jessome.

Congratulations to Ambassador Kennedy Jessome, Ladysmith Vice Ambassador Josie Tinney, and Ladysmith Vice Ambassador (and Miss Congeniality)

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Ambassador Kennedy Jessome at Coronation Night. Photo: Nick Longo

Selena Borgerson. Ladysmith & District Credit Union gave out two $600 bursaries to the outgoing Vice Ambassadors and a $800 bursary to the outgoing ambassador. Dave and Cathy Stalker provided $200 awards to the first place awards for speech and talent.

The Ladysmith ambassador program is open to youth grades 11 and 12 for residents of Ladysmith and area. The program works to foster self-esteem, leadership, and community spirit.

Save the Six Campaign The Ecoforestry Institute Society is appealing to the public to help purchase a six-acre stand of old-growth forest that lies adjacent to Wildwood Ecoforest in

Yellow Point. EIS holds Wildwood in Trust for the people of British Columbia, and the purchase of the six acres will reunite this land with Wildwood.

The owners of the property have offered EIS first option to purchase until July 31, 2019, at the price of $500,000. They have also offered a donation of $50,000.

Administrative fees are estimated to be close to $15,000.

The six acres contains stunning oldgrowth Coastal Douglas-fir trees, with intact understories and canopies that have existed for centuries.

Please visit www.ecoforestry.ca/savethe-6-acres to learn more. or email admin@ecoforestry.ca for more information.

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Emergency Preparedness The community is invited to participate in a free Emergency Preparedness Open House May 5, 2019, from 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Aggie Hall in Ladysmith.

The event features Sybille Sanderson, emergency coordinator for the CVRD, as well as other emergency specialists and organizations. The Ladysmith Kinsmen Club is encouraging members of the community to be prepared. Members of the RCMP, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Department, Marine Search and Rescue, Neighbourhood Watch, the Citizens on Patrol and other service and emergency organizations have been invited to attend. For info call Kinsmen Duck Paterson, 250-245-2263.

Trail’s New Switchback A newly-created pathway along the Holland Creek Trail now makes it easier to hike the Heart and Stocking Lake loops.

Town crews redesigned a steep dirt path just past the Upper Holland Creek Bridge, leading up the new Water Filtration Plant, by incorporating several switchbacks to create a gentler slope that’s easier for walking.

The new route for trail users now travels a couple hundred of metres through the forest, with views of Holland Creek, before rejoining the Heart Lake Trail loop near the gas corridor.

Cedar Hall AGM Welcomes Input Cedar Community Hall is a landmark heritage building, and the community is invited to come in and dream of what its future could be. On May 22, at 7 pm, area residents are invited to share their ideas for activities at the hall.

RDN Area A Director Keith Wilson will cut the ribbon on the latest addition to the facility: a state-of-the-art automated screen and projection system, funded by an RDN grant-in-aid.

“The hall is in great shape,” says President Jim Fiddick.

“We’ve done a lot of work on the interior, and we’ve got plans for the exterior too. With Bruce Rowland leading the volunteer work crew, we’ve been able to accomplish a lot this year.”

“It’s time now to focus on what’s happening at the hall,” says member Kate Girard. “What kind of activities would residents like to see in our community?”

If you’d like to become a member of the hall and have input into its future, or if you’d like to run for the board, five dollars will pay for a year’s membership.

Drop in to Cedar Hall (2388 Cedar Road) at 7 pm on May 22.

1st Ladysmith Spark Unit would like to thank Ladysmith Search & Rescue’s Allen McDermid and Stephanie Hart for attending our unit meeting and presenting the Hug-A-Tree & Survive AdventureSmart program. Photo: Amanda Gillmore, 1st Ladysmith Sparks.

Train station potential use On April 19, interested community members met at the longvacant Ladysmith Train Station to meet with Andrea Thomas and Larry Stevenson of the Rail Corridor and discuss how the community could use the station built in the 1940s.

The meeting was spear-headed by Chuck Forrest and Bill Drysdale, two volunteers who have been cleaning up the grounds and removing the graffiti from the long-vacant building. Along with other community members, Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone dropped in for a tour of the building.

Next steps include the formation of a committee to look at possible uses of the building. In the meantime, Forrest and Drysdale plan to continue with grounds maintenance and garbage/graffiti detail.

“We sometimes wondered if our efforts were for naught, but today’s enthusiasm indicated otherwise and, we hope, will result in progress by the Town and supporters.”

Forrest and Drysdale believe the project is heading in the desired direction and the restoration of the Ladysmith Train Station building will prove to be a substantial benefit to Ladysmith.

The two are asking readers to come forward with any stories or photos regarding the Ladysmith station. You can contact them

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at ChuckForrest306@gmail.com. More information on the Rail Corridor can be found at islandrail.ca.

‘Wine Not’ Wine Tasting The Whaetsheaf Pub is hosting a tasting on Saturday, May 11 at the Wheatsheaf Sport Compex. Here’s your chance to wet your whistle and discover some new flavours, while doing good.

The celebration of food, wine, and beer also features local artists. Tickets are $50 with proceeds to ovarian cancer research in memory of Marion Hutt, founder of the sports complex.

Village Project On Friday, May 10, starting at 9 am, the Saltair Community Centre will host The Village Project. This is an educational and interactive program to address reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action. A team of Cowichan Elders will take you through the story of the first 145 years of Canada’s history and into the era of reconciliation.

New Playground Students are jumping for joy and for exercise on their new playground at Ecole North Oyster School.

The playground was the result of an online campaign to win the BCAA Play Here competition. That allowed the construction of a $100,000-dream playground for the students and outlying community. Proving that it not only takes a village to raise a child, but also a playground.

More Police Force Ladysmith Council recently directed staff to prepare a letter confirming its support for increasing the Town’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment from seven to eight members.

Municipalities such as Ladysmith with a population of between 5,000 and 15,000 cover 70 per cent of policing costs while the Province contributes the remaining balance.

Cedar Farmers’ Market The popular Cedar Farmers’ Market opens Sunday, May 12, from 10 am to 2pm at their new location — Woodbank School on Woobank Road in Cedar.

Organizers thank that Snuneymuxw

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First Nations and the Nanaimo-Lady“We are very excited that after years of smith School District SD68 for leasing hard work, the Morden Mine will be saved this location. The market runs every thanks to all the FOMM members and to Sunday until the end of October.

Helen Tilley, for her efforts to contact Roger Tinney at BC Heritage and get the ball Town Acquires Lot 5 rolling with the initial donation of $20,000 The Town of Ladysmith is adding to in 2017. its green space after receiving title to It’s very important to our history,” says a 3.2-acre piece of property in the Wa- Larouque who’s father and grandfather terfront Area, following an adjudicated worked in mines in Nanaimo. expropriation process.

An innovative scaffolding using containLot 5 runs north from just above the ers will be put in place and restoration will Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. It in- begin over the next month. Park closures cludes portions of well-used pedestrian will be kept to a minimum as work protrails and is surrounded by provincial gresses. and town lands.

It’s an exciting time for FOMM who The land parcel is currently zoned as know that this unique monument from our Waterfront Reserve and designated in mining past will have a future. the Waterfront Area Plan as Parks and Open Spaces.

Morden Mine: A Remarkable

Saving Morden Mine On April 11, 2019, Friends of Morden Mine President Sandra Larouque shared the good news that members of the society have been waiting for a long time to hear — the mine site will be saved thanks to a provincial government grant of $1.4 million.

Grass Roots Achievement

BY ERIC RICKER As supporters of Morden Mine gradually digest the news that, all going well for an admittedly risky undertaking, this uniquely significant heritage site will finally be rescued from oblivion, it’s time to give thanks to all those who made it pos-

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sible. I’ll start at the very beginning: Without the interest and persistence of the very well-connected Vancouver businessman George Wilkinson, a provincial park would not have been established at Morden. Mr. Wilkinson, himself the son of an inspector of mines for B. C., visited Morden one day in the late 1960s and realized that it was the most complete set of coal mine structures still standing on Vancouver Island. He offered to purchase the colliery site and the adjoining four-mile railway bed extending through to Boat Harbour and donate both to the Province. Instead, the government proceeded on its own, establishing Morden as a Class ‘A’ provincial historic park in 1972 and subsequently leasing the railway bed to the Regional District of Nanaimo, which made it into the still incomplete Morden Regional Trail. The purchase price for these properties was $10,000, almost the same amount that it cost to construct the Morden tipple back in 1913.

Without heritage journalist and author Tom Paterson, who began publishing information about Morden in the 1970s and continued his enthusiasm by conducting regular tours of Morden and other South Wellington coal mine sites on behalf of the Friends of Morden Mine (FOMM) — while also serving on its board of directors for several years — few people outside the local South Wellington area would ever have heard of Morden Mine.

Without Judy Burgess, a one-time South Wellington resident who had a passion for making Morden Mine better known to the public, the Friends of the Morden Mine society wouldn’t have been formed back in 2003 to take on the advocacy role that proved so necessary for Morden’s eventual rehabilitation.

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Friends of Morden Mine Mike and Sandra (president) Larouque.

Work is underway at Morden Mine. Photo: Marina Sacht Without long-time FOMM member and South Wellington historian Helen Tilley’s singular initiative in the dying days of the Christy Clark government – a government, by the way, that up to that point had shunned FOMM after earlier administrations had become gradually accustomed to providing support for FOMM projects – the Heritage Branch would not likely have become involved at Morden. The Heritage Branch donated the bulk of the funds necessary for some preliminary work on the site last year, and the government chose to build upon that work by putting the branch in charge of the restoration project this spring.

Without David Gogo, John Hofman, Ingrid Greenwell and Charles and Francis Christopherson, plus several other longterm and dedicated directors acting on several fronts over many years, FOMM would not have achieved the degree of community support necessary to impress upon politicians and officials alike the importance of Morden as an historic site.

Without the behind-the-scenes efforts, as well as speeches to the legislature by MLAs’ Ron Cantelon, Leonard Krog and Doug Routley, Morden’s significance would not have been impressed upon their legislative colleagues and some important members of various cabinets, including Terry Lake and Bill Bennett of former Liberal administrations and, more recently, Premier John Horgan and the current minister of the environment, George Heyman.

Without the very active support and enthusiasm of local area BC Parks supervisors over a number of years — most notably among them Drew Chapman and Dave Foreman — it’s extremely unlikely that the senior managers at BC Parks would have maintained even a modicum of interest in helping out FOMM with engineering studies and other park development costs.

Without the financial support of the Nanaimo City Council and the Regional District of Nanaimo, a number of the needed engineering and planning studies could not have been under-

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taken. (Study and park planning costs to date exceed $100,000 and would be much higher had a number of local businesses not offered discounted or even free services for various park projects.)

Without the active support of a number of editors at the Nanaimo Daily News (most notably among them Mark MacDonald), the News Bulletin and TAKE 5, as well as Island Radio’s Ian Holmes, Jim Hume of the Times Colonist and many other reporters, FOMM’s message would not have been effectively conveyed and reinforced. And finally,

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without the support of the English coal mining heritage scholar Dr. Margaret Faull, the importance of Morden as a potential world-class heritage site would have remained unknown to a much larger audience. After consulting with her European colleagues, it was Dr. Faull who produced the significant finding that Morden was the third reinforced concrete coal mine tipple ever constructed and remains the second oldest still standing. (FOMM had already determined that Morden was only one of two — and the oldest such structure —

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remaining in North America.)

Thanks are due to all of the above parties for their contributions in the long campaign to save Morden Mine.

Eric Ricker author was a (member of the Board of Directors of Friends of the Morden Mine Society, 2005–2015, and co-president, along with John Hofman, 2012–2015) “Without the dedication, knowledge and determination of Eric W. Ricker as co-president, there would have been no successful outcome,” said Frances Christopherson.

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Mamma Mia! It`s almost here!

Ladysmith Secondary Performing Arts presents Mamma Mia, book by Catherine Johnson and music and lyrics

by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. This year’s school musical opens on Thursday, May 2. The students, along with their performing arts teacher, William Taylor, band teacher, Rod Alsop, and parent volunteers, spent long days of intense rehearsals in preparation for the upcoming shows.

From the amazing set and stunning costumes to the beautiful harmonies and fun dance moves, this show promises to have audiences smiling and singing along to those famous ABBA tunes.

“Honey, Honey,” come out and not pay much “Money, Money, Money” to be “One of Us,” a “Super Trouper” or a “Dancing Queen.” “Voulez-vous”?

Yes, just say “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” want to go see Mamma Mia at Ladysmith Secondary!

Show dates are May 2–4 and May 9–11 at Ladysmith Secondary School.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Shows start at 7 pm. Tickets are available at Salamander Books or the LSS Box office.

Stones in his pockets So good, it’s worth repeating!

Ladysmith Little Theatre is presenting the hot play Stones in His Pockets, written by Marie Jones. This production is a remount of Ladysmith Little Theatre’s

Ladysmith Secondary School students rehearse for Mamma Mia! Photo submitted.

Stones in His Pockets popular rendering of August, 2015.

Directed by Ellen Paul, the play is about a small rural town in Ireland where townspeople have been hired as extras in a Hollywood film. The play centres around two of those people, Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn. Charlie has aspirations to get his script made into a movie. Jake has recently returned from New York and is mesmerized, along with everyone else, by the famous and beautiful American star of the movie, Caroline, who fails to conquer an Irish accent.

Much of the comedy is derived from the efforts of the production crew to create the proper “Irish feel” and the cast of two, who perform all 15 characters (men and women), often switching gender and voice with swift dexterity.

Under the assured direction of Ellen Paul, Ladysmith Little Theatre stalwarts Mort Paul and Torry Clark bring

these characters to life in hilarious splitsecond timing.

The show plays May 23 to June 9 at the Ladysmith Little Theatre (Box Office: 250-924-0658; www.ladysmiththeatre.com).

Lovestruck, baby Stevie Ray Vaughn fans will want to catch tribute act Lovestruck on May 25, at the Osborne Bay Hotel.

This project had its debut a year ago January, with four sold-out shows at Blue Frog Studios in White Rock. Russell Earl Marsland and Lovestruck pay respect to the life of Stevie Ray Vaughn through his music. Lovestruck Baby!!

Russell has performed with hundreds of artists, and has shared the stage with the Allman Brothers, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Steppenwolf, and War just to name a few!

Tickets for the show are $20 in advance at Eventbrite or at the Osborne Bay Pub $25 at door.

Celebrate Spring with Word and Music Rebecca Garber will launch her second poetry chapbook, Becoming a Poet, Sunday, May 26, at 2 pm, at Hope Lutheran Church (2174 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo). Her 2018 chapbook, Like a Pearl, went into a second printing after all copies had sold out.

Cheryl Satre will play piano solos and accompany Rebecca’s reading in this spring celebration of word and music.

Garber has been previously published

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in various journals across Canada, CBC Alberta Anthology (including nationwide broadcast) and An Anthology of Nanaimo Poets. She is a member of the League of Canadian Poets, the BC Federation of Writers and the Writers Guild of Alberta.

Cheryl Satre earned her Associate Degree in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto.

The $10 admission includes a copy of the book and light refreshments. All proceeds to PEN Canada, which promotes literature and defends freedom of expression around the world.

Surf’s up The May exhibit at the Waterfront Gallery is “Seascapes.” A seascape is a photograph, painting or other work of art. This is the artist’s interpretation of seascape. The exhibit is on from May 3–17, with gala opening May 4, 2019, at 7 pm, with guest speaker Esther Sample.

Following the theme of marine art, well-known painter Michael Dean will hold a show and sale of his artwork at the Waterfront Gallery from May 18 until May 26. Opening night May 18, 7 pm.

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Ladysmith & District Credit Union, 75 years

The Ladysmith & District Credit Union (LDCU) is celebrating its 75 years on May 17, with cake and a free copy of the heritage book “Our Community, Our Credit Union, (Value: $45).

The event follows their AGM on May 14, at 6:30 pm, at the Ladysmith Eagles Hall.

LDCU was founded on May 18, 1944, with charter 116 and a common bond of

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residents of Ladysmith, BC north to the Nanaimo River and south to Newcastle district boundary. Many prominent people in the modern history of British Columbia were involved with the founding of the Credit Union. They included Sam Guthrie, a social reformer, and Rod Glen, a giant in the credit union movement.

The founding board of directors included women, one of whom was elected president in 1947 – becoming the first woman to lead a Credit Union.

Rob Johnson holds account no. 3, a legacy from his father who was one of the founding members. Johnson is proud not only of its long history but “it reinvests profit back into the community.”

Duck Paterson one of Ladysmith’s most active volunteers and Town Councillor likens the credit union to a “service club.”

Indeed, the list of festivals, events and projects that the credit union supports would fill pages.

Their sponsorship reaches far back

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Clockwise: LDCU location at 18 High Street, LDCU today. Photo: Kim Black Erik and Ruth Persson and Mayor Kay Grouhel open the new Credit Union building Feb. 23, 1974.

Photos: Ladysmith Archives

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with the first recorded event being a social evening of card games and tea in 1947.

Fast forward 70 years and there is that same involvement in the community from supporting events such as Arts on the Avenue Council, local theatre, Christmas Hamper, Ladysmith Ambassador, amphitheatre, water spray park, skateboard park and the beloved fireworks at the Festival of Lights and Ladysmith Days.

In addition they gift graduating students from Ladysmith secondary school $13,000 in bursaries every year.

“They are always there for our community,” says Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.

Without the quiet support of the credit union many projects would never have gotten off the ground. “Let’s help each other and survive by helping each other. That’s been a part of Ladysmith history right from the start,” says Ed Nicholson of the LDHS. The credit union was instrumental in the growth of the community museum, donating free use of the building.

Along with its community service and history, there is also a spirit of independence. LDCU is one of a very few independent credit unions where decisions are made by the community for the community. “It’s so important to this community to keep it independent,” says Brian Childs, past president.

Elaine Layman who is president of the board is also proud of LDCU and CEO John de Leeuw’s commitment to education from supporting education initiatives in the community as well as within the credit union. “We are always being encouraged to take courses.”

From it’s beginnings of $12,000, doing transactions over a kitchen table to today, with its $180 million in assets, and the opening of their first branch at Oyster Bay, the future looks bright for this community and its credit union.

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Totally tomatoes I had no idea that when I started growing plants for a living, it would be tomatoes that would put my business on the map. That’s because I offered 50 different varieties of heritage tomatoes every year at the Garden Path Nursery, and customers kept coming back to try more. Back then it was a revelation that tomatoes could offer so many tastes, never mind shapes, sizes and colours.

In response to the question “Which is your favourite?” I replied, “It depends what you want your tomato to do. Do you want a cherry tomato, which is great for fresh eating, a salad tomato that cuts evenly into four pieces, or a big juicy slic-

er for sandwiches? Do you want a meaty tomato to make a big pot of sauce or a determinate variety, good to grow in a pot on a patio or in a hanging basket?

For twenty years, every weekend in February and March, I attended Seedy Saturday shows in different communities, so I got recommendations from other tomato seed savers. I was also a member of Seeds of Diversity and could access collections from seed savers across Canada. My interest blossomed, and it became a joke as I tried feverishly

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to grow fewer than 50 varieties, but never made it to fewer than 35!

One year, I offered a “Mr Brown’s” tomato plant for sale at my nursery. It was touted to grow tomatoes that weighed two pounds. I was disappointed since nobody was buying it, so I decided to move it along by changing its name. As soon as I put up the new sign, it started flying off the shelf. “Mr Brown’s Whopper” is apparently a lot more appealing!

My customers enjoyed experiencing the flavour of tomatoes from all around the world. I still remember the first tomato I ate in Greece when I was sixteen, having grown up on British tomatoes. I remember saying to myself “So this is what a real tomato tastes like,” as it was so loaded with mouth-watering flavour.

This year I have whittled my selection down to twenty varieties, cherries, salads, pastes, drying, keeping and juicy slicers. To prolong the season for fresheating tomatoes, I grow “Winterkeeper,” which comes off the vines in late fall when orange and sits on the windowsill ripening slowly through the winter. The flavour is so much better than storebought tomatoes, and it is amazing to

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eat your own home-grown tomatoes in February.

No more tasteless store-bought tomatoes for me. I grow “Amish Paste” for bottling and making sauce, so throughout the winter I can crack open a mason jar of nutritious tomatoes to add to recipes. “Amish Paste” has firm flesh, few seeds and a really good flavour for slicing on a sandwich.

“San Marzano” is an Italian Roma that’s perfect for drying.

It’s the pizza sauce tomato of Italy, an heirloom grown for over a hundred years. Just cut in half, lay face down on a dehydrator and leave for a few hours to dry. “Black Cherry” has flavour that people rave about and is so productive that you will get tomatoes into November. “Japanese Black Trifele” and “Black Krim” are thin skinned and juicy, with wonderful taste, and this year I am trying “Orange Pear” on the advice of my friend Fiona, from Metchosin Farm in Victoria.

So addicted am I that I even made myself a tomato costume and held tomato parties, where friends celebrated the diversity of this vegetable with a potluck of tomato recipes and a taste-testing game to discover everyone’s favourite. There are so many choices, so do yourself a flavour and grow a tomato that is new to your garden this year.

P.S. Carolyn is holding a sale of tomato plants every Saturday and Sunday at 13561 Barney Road, Yellow Point, from May 11 to June 2.

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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FitzGerald Garden is featured on the Rotary Garden tour.

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It’s that wonderful time of year when life springs from the earth in a palette of spring flower hues and shades of green. It’s also a time when we like to look over our neighbours fences and see what’s growing over yonder.

You will get a chance to walk through nine amazing gardens at this year’s Ladysmith Rotary Garden Tour on May 26, from 10 am to 4 pm. This is wonderful opportunity to admire gardens otherwise closed to the public. Many visitors will find inspiration and ideas for their own gardens.

One of the new gardens that will be open to the public is Robin and Zinda FitzGerald’s in Cedar-by-the-Sea. The owners moved down from Calgary in 2005. “We built our house and started the new landscaping in 2009. We’ve always been intrigued by how the tour gardens bring you into parts of our region and neighbourhoods that we otherwise wouldn’t know about,” says Robin.

On a rectangular half-acre waterfront lot in Cedar-by-the Sea, the FitzGerald garden’s “land side” layout has been dictated by pre-existing fruit trees — apple, plum and fig — but they’ve built a deer-proof vegetable garden enclosure and a deer-proof front courtyard (west-facing). The water-side garden is the real “feature” where they’ve built patio terraces and two ponds to enjoy the view.

The planting has developed without a master plan. “We buy plants that interest us and put each in where it seems right!”

For the FitzGerald’s, the primary feature is the sea view, and the house and garden design is all about keeping the view wide open and unobstructed by trees or bushes. A few years ago,

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Robin built a wood-fired pizza oven, which is used year-round.

“We’ve packed a number of hard landscaping features and walkways into the available space. I do the building, but Zinda is the real gardener!”

One of the main challenges for the couple has been dealing with the local deer and rabbit populations. They don’t want to be fenced in; that would spoil the view.

Tickets for the Rotary Garden Tour are $20 and are available at the 49th Parallel Grocery in Ladysmith, Nancy’s Fashions, from local Rotarians and online. Maps, tickets, raffle and information are available from 9 am to noon, on May 26, in the tent at the upper parking lot of the 49th Parallel Grocery in Ladysmith.

Ma Maison Café in Saltair will be hosting “Tea in the Garden,” with a special menu for Rotary Garden patrons.

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RDN Area A Cedar

BY KEITH WILSON One of the issues that came up several times last fall while I was campaigning was our transit service. Folks wanted to know when services in Area A would be improved, where new routes might occur and how Area A residents without service could get their concerns known.

Soon after the election, and probably unrelated to it, BC Transit held seven open houses as part of a public engagement process around the new South Nanaimo Local Area Transit Plan. Two of the open houses occurred in Area A, at Cranberry Fire Hall on November 26 and at the Cedar Heritage Centre on November 27. Two of the strongest responses in the feedback came from people who wanted transit service extended to South Wellington and Cassidy (and the airport), and those who wanted service to Duke Point.

In the report presented to the Transit Select Committee in January, it was suggested that a new Route 8 be implemented. The new proposed Route 8 would take the current Route 7 and split the Cedar portion off, travelling to South Parkway Plaza for transfers from Route 7, then go up Tenth Street to Bruce and on to VIU. As well, another new route, Route 78 was proposed to service the Cassidy

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area. There were 270 responses to this route proposal, 67 per cent of those affected were in approval, seven per cent were opposed and 26 per cent approved of it with modifications, such as full weekday service, service to South Wellington, connection to Duke Point, routing through South Parkway Plaza and travel into the airport.

Staff were directed to incorporate this feedback into route restructuring and create the final South Nanaimo Local Area Transit Plan. While the Transit Select Committee and the board have not seen a final plan yet, when it is completed, the plan will include timelines and implementation plans for the service improvements that have been identified.

Hopefully, there will be good news for South Wellington, Cassidy and the airport in the final plan. As readers may know, many Cassidy residents have been especially challenged when trying to get to appointments and other commitments in Nanaimo. Service that responds to this need and services South Wellington will be greatly appreciated by residents in those neighbourhoods.

I’ll keep you posted on the plan’s progress when it is finally presented to the RDN board table.

CVRD Area G Area G Saltair Saltair Community Meeting, April 2,

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2019 Thanks to all the Saltair residents that attended my April community meeting and the many volunteers who provided refreshments, equipment and labour.

Community spirit is alive and well in Saltair.

During the meeting, I used a slideshow presentation to describe Saltair’s current issues and events. I started with a review of the CVRD structure and recent budget process and results.

Saltair is facing many real and potential tax increases in the future. The result of the recent budget process is a 4.82-per cent CVRD property tax increase for Saltair properties. On our property taxes that we receive from the BC Ministry of Finance, there are additional taxation lines on top of the CVRD taxes.

The Saltair Water System mandated filtration system, distribution system upgrades and the Stocking Creek Dam comprise most of the potential increases. The issue of whether Saltair should have a stand-alone filtration system or join the Ladysmith filtration system was highlighted.

In August 2018, the CVRD applied for a grant for the mandated filtration system. The community is currently waiting for a decision. We would like to be a “lottery winner of grant funds for filtration,” like Ladysmith, Nanaimo and the Comox Regional District.

Over the last few years, the CVRD has been working on its asset management plan. A recent Staff Report about infrastructure funding indicates Saltair community parks will require about $200,000 over a 10-year plan. Currently, Saltair has a limited ability to fund community parks and trails maintenance and recreation. $18,165 of windstorm rehabilitation work is being funded.

The Staff Report also indicates about $3 million will be required over 10 years for the Saltair Community Centre building. In 2018, about $300,000 was

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spent on the building, which included an un-insulated roof replacement that is now causing temperature (and likely energy use) issues.

Saltair taxpayers are paying approximately $30,000 per year to service a new short-term loan for the building and about $5,000 per year for building insurance.

These funds come from the Saltair Recreation Budget. This leaves minimal funding for recreation events, like our Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Event and two new events in Centennial Park.

The Saltair Community Society is a private, non-proďŹ t society that leases the building for $1. The society has indicated it will collect about $39,000 in 2019 from rental fees. Most of the building is rented to for-proďŹ t businesses. None of the rental fees collected by the society are used to assist with the $35,000 per year loan repayment and building insurance costs Saltair taxpayers are covering.

I continue to reach out to the society and hope at some point they will be willing to share their expectations, ďŹ nancial statements, business plans and sustainability information with me.

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During the community meeting, I mentioned options such as amending the lease to provide payment of the loan and building insurance by the society or subdividing off the building and selling it to the society to be operated like the Thetis Island Forbes Hall and North Oyster Community Hall. These and other options need to be explored.

I feel honoured to represent such a great group of residents at the CVRD. CVRD Saltair Water System Meeting, April 8 The CVRD staff provided an excellent presentation. The audience was brought up to date on the Saltair Water Distribution System: past, present, future work and costs. The costs of a stand-alone, Saltair filtration system and joining the Ladysmith filtration system were presented. A detailed report with regards to the Stocking Lake Dam was also presented.

At the end of the presentation, a majority of those in attendance voted to pursue a stand-alone Saltair filtration system while continuing to fund the distribution upgrades. A petition process was the preferred method of approval.

The full CVRD Water Department Power Point Presentation can be seen at: https://www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentCenter/View/92929/Apr2019PublicMeetingPowerPoint-Recovered.

Road Maintenance and Service Just a reminder, there are still branches and trees weakened by the December storm that could block your journey along local area roads. Please call Main Road at 1-877-215-6006 to report problems.

Drive safe and respect our local speed limits with more summer cyclists and pedestrians now sharing our roads.

Cowichan Valley Trail – Saltair Section Open Yippee! Our long-awaited connection to Chemainus and Ladysmith has arrived for those that walk, cycle, push baby carriages, etc. Check out the amazing bridge over Stocking Creek. Please remember CVRD bylaws require your dog to be on a leash and no smoking.

The CVRD has hired a park ranger, who will be in our parks to enforce such bylaws.

Upcoming Events in Saltair A CVRD Emergency Preparedness meeting will be held May 9, at 7 pm, at

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the Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith High Tea in Park will be held in the Pavilion Area of Centennial Park (Mother’s Day) on May 12, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Bring your own china tea cup and come and enjoy a cup of tea and high tea treats with friends and family under the big white tent.

Please bring your own china tea cup. This is a free event, but donations will be collected for “Cops for Cancer.”

Thank you to all those that have attended our recent local meetings. I look forward to seeing you all at our Saltair upcoming events.

CVRD Area H Director Mary Marcotte’s Notes were not available at presstime.

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Chateau Problemo So you made a little money on the market, your wife’s Aunt Biddy graciously died leaving you a tidy little bundle and your dental practice has worked out well financially, but who likes pulling teeth.

What you really want is a new occupation, one you do for love, not for money.

What you really want is a winery.

So you cash in all your chips, bamboozle your wife into believing it’ll be one big house party, with all the beautiful people in attendance, just like in the Wine Spectator or Bon Appetite. She doesn’t need to know that summer months in the South Okanagan are hot enough to turn a brick of cheese into a liquid if your Range Rover is parked in the hot sun. Or that the town of Oliver was named after a British settler, Clayton Oliver, a man with skin as white as a mother’s lies, a man who died from Stage Nine sunburn, Stage Ten being the point that spontaneous natural combustion occurs.

You find a nice ten-acre winery, with all the toys, including 5000 cases of mixed inventory, the sale of which will provide cash flow in the months ahead.

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Or so you’re told.

You invite your friends for a big house warming. They rave about the quality of the wine, drink copiously to prove their sincerity, tell you to make lots because you can count on them to buy plenty, then head back to the Coast without so much as writing one cheque.

According to the original owner, who never lied so much in his life, he was forced to sell because of health reasons.

Specifically a mottled collection of bruises administered by his wife with a shovel, which she thought fair payment for dragging her out of her comfy West Vancouver home, with the great view, practical yard and deep pool of excellent friends, none of whom had ever bored her to tears by talking for a solid hour about malolactic fermentation when all she did was ask the winemaker next door how things were going.

She is especially cranked that she can’t park in the garage, which is stacked to the rafters with unsold inventory. She makes a point of her displeasure by handing out $30 bottles of merlot to everyone who visits the property — and I mean everyone, be it a truck driver, a paperboy, an Eagle Scout or those everso-cute Girl Guides, who seemingly have no trouble selling boxes of cookies that have such a chemical taste they just might glow in the dark.

Cleaning that garage out will quickly become a priority for the new owner’s wife, who’d found out the hard way that Okanagan sunshine is not kind to BMW convertibles, like the kind her husband

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used to lure her away from the Coast.

Her mistake was leaving the top down while she played tennis in her oh-soshort white tennis skirt, the one that showcased her gym hardened, desperate West Vancouver housewife thighs — the very same skirt that attracted half the town’s Boy Scouts, who sat on the sidelines swigging from a gift bottle of over-extracted merlot concealed in a brown paper bag, as the group leader asked pertinent scouting questions like, “She can’t be serious about bending over in that outfit can she?”

Game over, and perspiring like a lawn sprinkler, she returns to the bribe car and plunks her well-shaped but not fireproof backside into the BMW’s seat, which at this point had been sitting in direct sunlight for an hour and a half and is hot enough to be used as a pizza oven. For one whole second, nothing happens, then a facial expression that roughly translates to “Houston Control, we have a problem,” followed by a liftoff that would have brought tears of joy to Space X Founder Elon Musk. On the other hand, he might have just been checking out her legs.

It was later estimated by the Boy Scouts, using basic methods of triangulation, which they are taught, along with other invaluable outdoor skills, like how to open a bottle of merlot using a twig and a shoelace (which I will gladly show you — you bring the wine, I’ll supply the shoelace), that she reached 100 feet before being reclaimed by physics and returning to earth.

Meanwhile, the Scout troop, always

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eager to serve, ran across the street to Crusty Bill’s Furniture and Mattress where, investing the powers bestowed on them

by Sir Baden Powell, they confiscated a king-size mattress and just managed to get under the falling tennis star before she went splat.

Not that her husband was having a much better time. Using every favour, every friendship, every trick in the book, he managed to convince the Province’s most influential wine critic to review the winery’s newly-released Meritage, which the winery’s original owner, borrowing a page from the winewordy Australians, labelled “The Killer” although to date the only ones slaughtered were the taste buds of those who made the mistake of not spitting.

The critic, living up to that title, went on to say The Killer’s aroma was more of a flatulence than fragrance, more a product of the petro chemical industry than of the agricultural. Upon hearing this, the proud new owner offered the esteemed critic free dental work, but only if he got to knock all his teeth out first.

Then on the drive home, listening to talk radio, the topic being wineries, he was informed that in California, the rule of thumb is a new winery loses money for the first ten years.

(Want to own a winery? Do it my way, invest cautiously. One bottle at a time. Start with Spanish red Borsao, $14.99.)

Follow Delbert at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com or pick up his book Slightly Corked available at the Mahle House. and CoCo Cafe.

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The historic former Ladysmith Hotel is home to Plantitude, a vegan restaurnat.

Photo: Marina Sacht

Vegan restaurant opens in historic building

BY ROB JOHNSON Many in the community have been watching the renovations of the heritage building at 431 1st Avenue in Ladysmith with anticipation of the opening of the town’s first vegan restaurant Plantitude.

Through the years, the former Ladysmith Hotel has been the site of many eateries, such as K & D Diner and Barb’s Kitchen. You may be old enough to remember when it was our library, or if you are even older than that, you may remember my Uncle Johnson’s Green Grocery. Today, it is home to the new vegan restaurant, Plantitude, and a home décor store called White Space Living.

This heritage building was built as the Ladysmith Hotel in the early 1900s, on a site across the street from its present location. As one of the very first hotels in Ladysmith, it had a colourful past, with a lively bar, card games and rowdy young coal miners. About five years after its opening, it was purchased by Annie and Chris Stevens, a power couple that relocated here after amassing a sizeable fortune from the Yukon gold fields.

They snapped up building lots along First Avenue from James Dunsmuir, for five dollars an acre. Soon, they help shape the character of the Town, calling the hotel their home and business base.

Annie, being the shrewd businesswoman that she was, was determined that the ever-increasing number of people staying and passing through Ladysmith needed a much more impressive hotel. To achieve this, she purchased the lot across the street and made the bold decision to physically move the existing Ladysmith Hotel, by horses and rollers,

to 431 1st Ave. By 1913, plans had been drawn up for what was to be one of the finest hotels north of Victoria. After numerous delays from the Town, permission was granted for its move.

When the building was moved, its orientation remained the same so that the front of the building was now at the back, and the back, now the front. As a result, the street front of the building had no windows, but the window side took full advantage of the ocean view.

There are many stories about the building. A previous owner set up his private recreational club upstairs in the building where he would hold poker games.

The space held a pool table and arcade games. Access to the premise was via a stairwell that went from First Avenue to the “gaming rooms.” At the base of the stairwell, a sign read: “Ladysmith Literary Society,” with both “Literary” and “Society” deliberately spelled wrong.

On Christmas eve 1973, the neighbouring Gearing building caught fire and burnt to the ground. Only through the valiant effort of the Ladysmith Fire Department was the Ladysmith Hotel building saved.

The building became home to many businesses, with residences upstairs.

One of the first of these buildings was Ladysmith Hardware. They, along with all the business that followed over the next 100 years, never found it necessary to install windows on the upper floor of the front of the building. It’s been encouraging to see the new owners of the building give it a major renovation and finally put in the windows. With this Rita’s Apron’s Annette Turner and Rita Donohoe. Photo: Cindy Damphousse

investment, this heritage building will continue serving our community.

Rita’s Apron New life abounds at 720 1st Avenue in Ladysmith, as formerly Rene’s Soup & Sandwich is now Rita’s Apron.

Rita’s Apron specializes in pot pies, lasagna, soups, cabbage rolls and fruit pies, all available for takeout. There are a few tables available for lunchtime’s soup and sandwich. Today’s curry coconut smelled absolutely delicious.

The owner, Rita Donohoe, has a long career in the food industry, cooking at camps in Northern Alberta from the age of 17. After coming to the island, she worked at CoCo Café in Cedar, and today she still supplies the café with her signature pot pie. With an interest in the Ladysmith area, she and her husband bought a farm in Cassidy where they tend to the many fruit trees and blueberries used in the jams, jellies and syrups available at the store. Today Rita and her mom take care of all the cooking and table service in the restaurant. Having a location to pick up homemade ready-togo meals is a great way to ease the stress of family mealtime.

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“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Change!

I hate change. I only chose this quote because of the man who said it. I absolutely, categorically hate change. Always have; suspect I always will. Does it stem from my formative years, an army brat forced to move every three years?

Perhaps. There was the saying goodbye to people that I was just starting to form bonds with. The change of “living quarters” — and I put this in quotes because although my mom and dad tried their best to make these houses a home, what can you really do in three years?

Especially when you know there will be a change, another change, real soon.

The change of familiar faces and places, well that was just the tip of the iceberg. Trying to fit in to a new school, with its different styles of teaching and learning. We went from Petawawa, Ontario, to Regina, Saskatchewan, to Cal-

Piggies on Yellow Point Road.

Photo: Godfrey Watson Jackie Moad getting ready to direct traffic to Cedar Farmers Market new location at Woodbank School.

Photo: Sharon McDonald

gary, Alberta. No big schooling change here, but then we went to Germany, to Newfoundland and back to Ontario. It was those last three places that brought out the real angst in me, the real dread, the real dislike of change. Schooling, definitely — but as embarrassing as it is for me to admit, like many other girls my age, I wanted to fit in with the fashions of the day.

They didn’t call it bullying back then, more like just being laughed at ... when the three Moad girls came to their new school in Cornerbrook, dressed in their finest little German outfits, haw. Then those same three marching into their new high school in London, Ontario, with what we thought was the most up-

to-date fashions only to discover that Newfoundland was about five years behind what seemed like the rest of the world!

That was when I only just disliked change. That was before I met the man that would change my life and for 43 years would make me reconsider my long-felt feelings.

Laurie embraced change and truly embodied the words of Gandhi. He was the change that he desired for the world. He used to tell me that when he was studying for exams, to become energized, he would rearrange the furniture in his bedroom, much to his mom’s chargrin.

I found this out first-hand while we were at Waterloo University. How many times and designs could he arrange the furniture in our small apartment? Lots.

And he loved the idea of experiencing

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other cultures, meeting new “folks” as he called them. Before Laurie met me, at age 21 (I was the older woman at 23) he had already travelled around Europe and then did a trip around the world. I soon lost my prejudicial attitude toward moving and change. We moved out West, took a year off and travelled around the world, counter-clockwise, dropping off a couple of rescued bald eagles to a falconry centre in England to start our sojourn, then meeting Mother Theresa in India along the way home. Then 12 years later, we did it again, clockwise this time, hitting Africa and climbing half-way (the bottom half!) up Kilimanjaro. The people, the places, the adventures, the change was exciting.

But things are so different now. I long for the time a few years ago. I remember so well thinking as we walked hand-in-hand around the farm each evening how I didn’t ever want things to change. But they did. Damn change!

And it’s unrelenting, still dogging me, this demon change. I couldn’t get away from it in childhood, and even now, this very month, change is again upon me, upon us.

Take our wonderful Cedar Farmers’ Market at the Crow & Gate ... ding ding ding ... venue change — WHAT? Ya, in your face, right here and now.

The vendors, the music, the good times will still be happening, just in another location — the Woodbank School grounds.

Aww, come on, it won’t be that bad a change, slightly less driving, more parking, a chance for more vendors. And just to make sure folks don’t go by the new turn-off street, I plan to help with the change! I will be standing at the side of Cedar Road, in my spiffy farmer’s duds, pointing cars to the new location with the antique pitchfork Laurie gifted me.

Philosopher Alan Wilson Watts once said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.” So who wants to dance with me? See you at the Market on Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day. Jackie Moad is still resistant to change, but is guided by the adage WWLD — What Would Laurie Do — as she continues farming their 20-acre organic farm, actively seeking local solutions to global challenges.

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MAY 1–5

4, 8pm, Supernatural-A Santana Tribute, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

10–11, 10am–5pm, The Crofton Art Group’s Show & Sale, celebrating 65 years, Crofton Seniors Centre, 1507 Joan Ave.

2–4, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Ladysmith Secondary Performing Arts presents “Mamma Mia!,” Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6th Ave.

5, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks “Woman at War,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre

10, 7:30pm, Alan Doyle, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-7487529

3, 7pm–9pm, The Chemainus Art Group presents The Big Five-Oh Art Show, Opening Reception, Saltair Community Centre, Gymnasium, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith

5, 1pm–3pm, Emergency Preparedness Open House, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., Ladysmith

10, 8pm, Mark Crissinger with Full Band, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

3, 8pm, Paul Black-live music, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 3 - 5, Wheaty’s Men’s Fastball Tourney, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd, 250-722-3141 4–5, 9am, Friesen’s Annual Multi Family Garage Sale, 1694 Cedar Rd., Cedar, 250-722-2737 4, 9am–10:30am, Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Tai Chi group, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 4, 2-6pm, Two Man Wheaty Band, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, 250-722-3141 4, 10am, Plant Sale, St. Philip Anglican Church, 1797 Cedar Rd., Cedar 4–5, 10am–4pm, The Chemainus Art Group presents The Big Five-Oh Art Show, Saltair Community Centre, Gymnasium, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith 4, 10am–4pm, Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation’s “Hello Spring” Market, Nanaimo District Secondary School, 355 Wakesiah Ave. 4, 1:30pm–3pm, Spring Tea, bake sale, crafts, prizes, St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo, 250-753-1924 4, 7:30pm, Chilliwack, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, 250-748-7529 4, 9pm-12:30am, Sons of Guns-live music, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., Ladysmith

5, 1pm–3:30pm, Forest Bathing, Wildwood Ecoforest, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith 5, 2pm–4pm, Sue Newman Quintet, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 5, 2pm–4pm, Spring Choral Concert, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 5, 2pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts, Dorothy Hayley & Alejandro Ochoa, St. Michael’s Church, 2858 Mill St., Chemainus, 250-748-8383

6 – 12 6, All day, Federal Bi-Election

11, 9am to sold out, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club’s Plant Sale, Aggie Hall, Symonds and 1st Ave., Ladysmith 11, noon–3pm, Wine Not Tasting in the Park, Fundraising Event for Ovarian Cancer, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd., Cedar, wheatylrs@gmail.com 11, noon–2pm, Ladysmith Auxiliary #2101 Annual Mother’s Day Tea, $5, Eagles Hall, 9211st Ave., Ladysmith 11, 2pm–7:30pm, Ken Lavigne “Let Me Be Frank,” Chemainus United Church, 9814 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-3592

6, 7pm, TheatreOne’s Fringe Flicks “Woman at War,” Avalon Theatre, Woodgrove Centre

11, 7pm, Encore! Women’s Choir Spring Concert, Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Rd., Duncan, www.encorewomenschoir.com

7, 5pm–7pm, Public presentation A Just Society by filmmaker Nick Versteeg, Ladysmith Secondary School, 710 6 Ave.

11, 7:30pm, Camerata Singers present “Rivers, Oceans and Stars,” St Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwillam St., Nanaimo, 250-390-9240

8, 7pm, Nanaimo Horticultural Society Meeting, First Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite

11, 8pm, The Soul Shakers-live music, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-3242245

9, 7pm, CVRD Emergency Preparedness Meeting, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith 9–11, 7pm (doors 6:30pm), Ladysmith Secondary Performing Arts presents “Mamma Mia!,” Ladysmith Secondary School, 10, 9am–4pm, The Village Project, Saltair Community Centre, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith

12, Mother’s Day - celebrate with family and friends.

12, 10am-2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 12, 10:30am & 1pm, Mother’s Day Brunch, Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-245-5157 12 – Mothers Day Brunch Specials, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd, 250-722-3141

12, 1pm–3pm, High Tea in Park, Centennial Park-Big White Tent, South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith 12, 2pm–4pm, Wayne Kozak Trio, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

13 – 19

Christie Rd, 250-924-0658 24–August 31, “Mamma Mia!” Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, 1-800-565-7738 25, 10am–4pm, Ladysmith Heritage Boast Festival, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146

31, 8pm, Brett Smith-Daniels with Five Piece Band, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245 31, 10am-1pm, Pharmasave Ladysmith, Seniors Day, Lifeline & One Touch event, 441 1st Avenue, 250-245-3113

JUNE

15, 9:30am–11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111

25, 4pm, Donate, Dine & Dress Fine, Cancer Fundraiser dinner, dance, silent auction, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-797-8909

15, 11:30am–1pm, Soup, Bun & Entertainment, $5, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111

25, 8pm, Lovestruck! Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute by Russell Marsland, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

1, 7:30pm (doors open 7pm), Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets”, 4985 Christie Rd, 250-924-0658

17, 8pm, Arbutus Roots with Kevin’s Bacon, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

26, 10am-2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar

1, 1pm–4pm, Sipping the Wild – An experiential workshop on wild tea plants with Jay Rastogi, Wildwood Ecoforest, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith, www.ecoforestry.ca

18, 10am-4pm, Fabric Sale, NikkiDesigns, 117 Clarke Rd., Ladysmith, 250-924-5679 18, 5pm–8pm, Birthday Party and Potluck Dinner, Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus, 250-246-2111 18, 9pm-12:30am, Mule Kick-live music, The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., Ladysmith 19, 10am-2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Rd., Cedar 18, 8pm, South Island Rhythm Kings, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-3242245 18 – 20, Wheaty Mixed Ortho Tourney, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd, 250-722-3141 19, 11am-6pm, Nanaimo Heritage Festival, downtown Nanaimo, nanaimoheritage.org 19, 2pm–4pm, Vocalist Edie Daponte & the Don Leppard Big Band, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

20 – 26 20, Victoria Day. Nanaimo Heritage Festival, downtown Nanaimo 22, 7pm, Cedar Community Hall Assc. AGM, residents invited, Cedar Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd. 23, 1pm-3:30pm, National Public Works Week, Ladysmith Public Works Yard, 330 6th Ave. 23 - 25, 7:30pm (doors open 7pm), Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets”, 4985

26, 10am-4pm, Rotary Garden Tour, 9 gardens from Saltair to Cedar, Upper Parking lot of 49th Parallel 26, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets”, 4985 Christie Rd, 250-924-0658 26, 10am–2pm, North Oyster Museum open, North Oyster Community Centre, 13467 Cedar Rd., Ladysmith 26, 1pm–4pm, See and Paint Like an Artist, with Artist Brian Middleton, Wildwood Ecoforest, 2929 Crane Rd., Ladysmith

1, 10am–4pm, Kid’s Pirate Day, Ladysmith Community Marina, 610 Oyster Bay Dr., Ladysmith, 250-245-1146

2, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets”, 4985 Christie Rd, 250-924-0658 6 - 8, 7:30pm (doors open 7pm), Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets”, 4985 Christie Rd, 250-924-0658 8, 10am-2pm, The Classics Car Show, Midtown Chemainus at Maple Lane 9, 2pm, Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets”, 4985 Christie Rd, 250-924-0658

26, 2pm–4pm, David Vest, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton, 250-324-2245

14, 12th Annual Ladysmith Chamber Gold Tournament, Cottonwood Golf Course, 250-2452112

27 – 31

15 & 16, Be a Hometown Tourist Weekend, various locations

27, Paint Nite, Wheatsheaf Pub, 1866 Cedar Rd, 250-722-3141

13 & 14, Chemainus Blue Grass Extravaganza & Festival

28, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club -“Let the Images Speak: Historic Re-photography in the Canadian Mountain West,” Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave.

21, National Indigenous Peoples Day

29, 7:30pm, Celebrating Beauty Through Music: the Orontes Guitar Quartet, The Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo. For info call 250-7548550 30, 4-7pm, Ladysmith Intermediate School Fun Fair, LIS Gym & Playground community event to support the school 30 & 31, 7:30pm (doors open 7pm), Ladysmith Little Theatre “Stones In His Pockets”, 4985 Christie Rd, 250-924-0658

12, 19, 26, Cedar Farmers Market 25, Ladysmith Heritage Boat Festival 26, Rotary Garden Tour

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take5.ca

WANTED ACTIVE SENIOR LADY looking for reasonable rental accommodation. Ladysmith, Saltair, Chemainus, Cedar, Duncan areas. Excellent references. Call 250-924-6314 or leave message.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for a variety of positions at the Ladysmith & District Historical Society. Greeter at Ladysmith Museum, volunteer events co-odinator, researchers.

Ladysmith Archives. Call 250-245-0100 or info@ ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca FOR RENT HORSE PASTURE, with trees, stables, quiet beautiful surroundings. Self-board. Riding trails, parking lots, near Cassidy. $135/month available.

Call Claus 250-245-5039.

FOR SALE GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE. Sat. May 11, Aggie Hall, 9am until sold out. Perennials, annuals, shrubs, herbs, house plants, vegetable seedlings. Master Gardeners in attendance to answer all your gardening questions.

CLASS HO TWO TRUCK CLIMAX LOCOMOBILE NEW. Item 82802, new price $350, asking $150 obo, cash. Never used Speckrum in original case.

250-758-5816.

4 SIGNATURE MODEL COLLECTOR CARS. New in boxes for hobbies. 1999 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1935 Auburn 851 models in show box containers. Price $35 each, cash only. 250-7585816.

GARDEN TOOL WORX BLOWER. Vac Mulcher Model Browncolour, used 5 years on & off, asking $100 obo, new $300. 250-758-5816.

MAY 2019

DERMALL 16” VARIBLE SPEED SCROLL SAW in excellent condition next to new, best buy $150.

250-758-5816.

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

PORTALINE FOR USE with hand drill, electric useful for many angles. New $40 obo. 250-7585816.

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

FREE Baldwin 80’s Electric Organ with seat. As Large as a Piano, upholstered, with solid wood.

One chipped key, some sound effects don’t sound right anymore. 250-245-4073 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.

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.

TAKE 5 ads work! Get them working for you today. 250-245-7015 EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER booking for Spring 2019. Now offering Senior Companionship and concierge services also! peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Kathleen kgrcoaching@gmail. com or 250-619-0786.

BUSY BOOKKEEPING with Jenny Vallance. If you would like any help with your bookkeeping needs, please let me know. I am located at 3165 Ingram Rd., Nanaimo. I am an Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada member.

IPBC 250-739-1221.

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, $60/3 mo., www.taichinanaimo.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 NORM’S DRYWALL REPAIR. Small drywall & finishing. Repairs & renovations. No job too small. Clean and ready for paint. 25 yrs.

Experience. Satisfaction guaranteed. Phone: 250-924-5568.

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

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.

INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL Blackberries, Ivy, Broom, etc. We get to the root of the problem. Thorough and reliable. Manual and machine removal. Free Quotes. Contact Alder Environmental info@alderenviro.com or 250-686-5090.

A1 HOME TURF Minor home repairs and renovations, spring cleanups, monthly or weekly grass cutting, deep core aerating.

Call Mike 778-971-0879.

LANDSCAPING, EXCAVATING, TRUCKING, mini excavator (can narrow to 38” for tight spots), bobcat, dump truck, driveways, ditching, backfilling, drainage, ponds & fencing. Delivery of driveway chips, sand, bark mulch, etc. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Phone or text for free estimates, Mike Williams BMCnanimo@gmail.com or 250668-2873.

CLASSIFIEDS WORK - get them working for you. Call 250-245-1015 take5.ca

TAKE 5

take5.ca 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.

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).

THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. References are available. Contact Shanon or Bill sburchard@ hotmail.ca or 250-924-8809.

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.

LEAVE A LEGACY. Memoirs, family cookbooks, personal histories, we can help get your project ready to press. Available in print and eBook format.

Professional publishing services for corporate or individuals. Editor@take5.ca or call 250-245-7015.

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.

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