Downtown Comox is a wonderful destination with a wide range of services, unique shops, and enticing restaurants, cafes and pubs for all to enjoy. There is also a stunning golf course, beautiful parks and gardens
photos by Karen Goldby
and spectacular beaches only minutes away.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
COMOX BY THE SEA
www.comoxvalleyrecord.com
Life is good in Comox Calendar of
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
The Comox Valley Camera Club Show & Sale Showcase 2013 is at the Pearl Ellis Gallery until Nov 17
Visit Santa at the Comox Mall 1-3pm photos by Karen Pantuso Photography
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Comox By the Sea The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Celebration At the Comox Centre Mall and Comox Town Circle 3:30-5:30pm
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Antique Show and Sale at the Comox Mall on until Nov 23
The Filberg Lodge and Gift Shop will be open for tours and shopping 11am-4pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 The Filberg Lodge and Gift Shop will be open for tours and shopping 11am-4pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Pearl Ellis Gallery Brushworks Show & Sale, on until Dec 8
Pearl Ellis Gallery Christmas Fundraising Show & Sale on until Jan 26 (Gallery closed Dec 22-Jan 13)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Comox Recreation First Insurance Festival for Families. Entertainment, live demos, retail fair, carnival zone 10am1pm Comox Community Centre
The Filberg Lodge and Gift Shop will be open for tours and shopping 11am-4pm and Santa will visit from 1-3pm
Pearl Ellis Gallery Brushworks Reception Sat, Nov 23rd 1-4pm
Pearl Ellis Gallery Christmas Fundraising Reception 1-4 pm Dec 14th
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Visit Santa at the Comox Mall 1-3pm photos by Karen Pantuso Photography
Christmas at the Filberg Lodge and Christmas Craft Fair 10am to 6pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 Christmas at the Filberg Lodge and Christmas Craft Fair 10am to 4pm Decorate a tree for the birds and deer at the Filberg Lodge 2pm to 4pm at the Christmas Café, AKA Filberg Tea House Pet Photos with Santa at Woofy’s Pet Foods 12-4pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Cranberry Mama is in the Filberg Lodge Gift shop, 11am-4pm. The Lodge will be open for tours.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Visit Santa at the Comox Mall 1-3pm photos by Karen Pantuso Photography
November is a month of change. The weather is cooler, sweaters and boots are pulled out of our closets. Trees are beginning to drop leaves and before you know it, the joyous season of Christmas is upon us. The Trees along Comox Avenue are decorated with twinkle A MESSAGE lights and we should all feel gratitude for the FROM THE peace and beauty of our COMOX BIA small town. Sadly, our downtown Comox Business Improvement Association was stunned by the unexpected passing of two prominent members this summer — former mayor and dentist Dr. Jim Brass and Donna Messer, the longtime owner of Arizona Gift Gallery. Other members have moved on to new adventures and we wish them well: Tia from Otters Kitchen Cove, Heather from Island Treasures, Trish from Glow Beauty Bar and Aigul from the Purple Onion. New faces downtown are always exciting and we welcome Devon from Twisted Plates Café, Roni from Tulip Spa and Dr. Brian Wong, the new dentist at Dr. Eaton’s office. Jacquie at the Village Yarn Shoppe has moved into a bigger location on Comox Avenue and the Royal Lepage office has moved spaces in the Comox Centre Mall. And, we are all thrilled about the new grocery store, John Your Independent Grocer! Event-wise, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting
COMOX BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT Association president Valerie Porteous looks forward to seeing you in downtown Comox.
Celebration gets started Saturday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at the Comox Centre Mall. Bring the family for complimentary tasting samples from our Comox restaurant chefs as well as free hot chocolate, activities and a guest appearance from the merry old soul himself! See you downtown! Valerie Porteous, Comox BIA President
COMOX VALLEY RECORD Your community. Your newspaper. a division of
Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zena Williams Feature editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Allan Photographers and writers . . . . . . . . . . Mark Allan, Erin Haluschak, Scott Stanfield, Renee Andor, Earle Couper Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-338-5811 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-338-5568 Mailing Address: 765 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2Z7 E-mail: editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com www.comoxvalleyrecord.com All material contained in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is expressly prohibited by the rights holder.
COMOX BY THE SEA
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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
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Comox grocer gets reinvented
SCOTT STANFIELD Record Staff Extra Foods has changed its name and expanded its operation at Comox Centre Mall. After closing for several days at the end of October, it reopened Nov. 1 as John’s Your Independent Grocer. Comox Mayor Paul Ives, along with Jeff Hampton and Faye Freisen of the Comox Valley Food Bank, were on hand to help store franchisee John Jerczynski and his team celebrate at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I’m very excited to be a part of the neighbourhood and to serve our customers,” said Jerczynski, who opened the store in 2004, prior to which he worked at Extra
Foods at Park Royal in West Vancouver. “Customers will be delighted to find a wide assortment of fresh items, including organic produce, meat and seafood, bakery and deli offerings.” With 35 years of grocery retail experience, Jerczynski is passionate about customer service and fresh food. The store reflects this commitment. The grocery has 35 new positions — including a butcher — bringing the total number of part-time and fulltime employees to 104. The Meals to Go department features fresh, daily items including pizzas, hot entrees, salads, soup and sandwiches. Customers can now take home sliced meats
JOHN JERCZYNSKI OWNS JOHN’S YOUR INDEPENDENT GROCER, FORMERLY EXTRA FOODS AT COMOX CENTRE MALL.
from an expanded deli area. Rounding out the store is a full-service drugstore and pharmacy. Services include general pharmacist counsel, prescription services, a Food Allergy Management Assessment program, diabetes
services and personalized blood pressure checks. Customers can earn PC points, redeemable toward free groceries or merchandise when using a PC Financial, MasterCard or PC Financial no-fee daily banking debit
card. The store will help raise food and funds during the Extra Helping Holiday Food Drive in December, which will benefit the food bank. The 38,000-square-foot store is open daily from 8
a.m. until 10 p.m. John’s Your Independent Grocer is a banner store under Loblaw Companies, a subsidiary of George Weston Ltd., Canada’s largest food retailer. ❖
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
★ Blackfin Gift Cards Available ★
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
COMOX BY THE SEA
www.comoxvalleyrecord.com
Want to feel well?
Jeanie can help ERIN HALUSCHAK Record Staff Celebrating 15 years of helping others live healthy lives, Jeanie’s Vitamin Centre is a one-stop shop to improve health and well-being. The store, situated in the Comox Centre Mall, not only supplies vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements, but also houses an infrared sauna and space for those whom owner Jeanie Bruneau aids in cancer counselling. Along with being an orthomolecular health practitioner (a healthcare professional who specializes in maintaining or restoring biochemistry and physiology in the body for health and well-being), Jeanie is also a certified professional cancer coach and a registered holistic nutritionist. “I offer mental, emotional and
spiritual support, and use a variety of different steps to help work with the client,” she explained. Jeanie helps clients with assessments, steps to take, homework and sauna visits. Her nutritional assessments involve a questionnaire in which Jeanie assesses individual nutritional imbalances and weaknesses. Her in-store infrared sauna is a system in which the body is relieved of toxins and heavy metals. It also can provide relief from pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis and psoriasis, in addition to other health issues. Sessions in the sauna can be booked individually or as a group. In addition, Jeanie offers nutritional assessments and live blood analysis by Carolyn Chalmers (these are performed primarily at her Campbell River store location). Chalmers explained an analysis
JEANIE’S VITAMINS IN THE COMOX CENTRE MALL, RUN BY JEANIE BRUNEAU (INSET), BILLS ITSELF AS ‘A ONESTOP SHOP’ FOR BETTER HEALTH. PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK
can identify a number of conditions directly affecting the blood such as anemia, nutritional deficiencies and immune system imbalances. “People are definitely more aware of their health now … most people come in with a specific
health issue and want to know what they can do or what they can do for preventative measures,” noted Jeanie. She added about six years ago, she expanded and opened her second location in Campbell River,
and can work directly with clients in both locations. For more information, or to book a session with Jeanie or Carolyn, call 250-890-0037 or e-mail jvitamin@telus.net. ❖
photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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Comox by the Sea
COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
I N V I T E S YO U TO J O I N U S AT
THE MAYOR’S
Celebration
TREE LIGHTING Saturday, November 16 at the COMOX CENTER MALL and COMOX TOWN CIRCLE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Inside the Comox Mall- Kid’s Craft tables, caroling, magician and face painting. Santa will be handing out special treats to good boys and girls. We welcome the public to partake in our first ever Comox BIA Restaurant Chef’s Complementary Food Tasting. 3.30 pm to 4:00 pm: Tastings featuring Gigi’s Restaurant specialties from Chef Darin 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm: Tastings featuring Twisted Dishes Cafe specialties from Chef Devon. 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Tastings from The Tee Box Restaurant’s own Chef Adrian. 4:30 to 5:30 pm: Free Hot Chocolate at the Town Circle compliments of the Salvation Army. 5:00 pm: Follow the parade of caroling with the 7th Komux Brownies and 1st Comox Beavers out to Town Circle for Christmas Carols and the Comox Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mayor Paul Ives and our special Guest, Santa Claus!
Santa Claus! GUEST APPEARANCE BY
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COMOX BY THE SEA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
www.comoxvalleyrecord.com
Chimo Gymnastics “The Valley’s Gymnastics Club”
FALL GYMNASTICS,
ongoing registration where room allows. Limited availability in some classes for toddlers to advanced recreational and specialty classes.
WINTER SESSION begins JANUARY 4TH, 2014. Registration opens in December.
Many classes fill quickly, don’t be disappointed!
We believe in children having fun while building self-esteem & confidence through working hard to achieve personal goals.
Located at Comox Recreation Centre: 1855 Noel Ave., Comox
Chimogymnastics.ca
250-339-2255
Ann was delighted to discover
HER HAPPINESS OUR BOTTOM LINE was
Our experts took a genuine interest in helping Ann achieve her goals and dreams, and great things happened for her. Our experts are ready to help with your banking, insurance, wealth management or business services needs. Visit us at the Comox Community Branch or online at cccu.ca. COMOX COMMUNITY BRANCH 1797 Comox Avenue Credit Union: 250.703.4234 | Insurance: 250.703.4201
CREDIT UNION | INSURANCE | INVESTMENTS | BUSINESS SERVICES
DAVID SUTHER’S PHOTO CALLED HERON NESTING WAS AWARDED SECOND PLACE IN THE SHOWCASE 2012 PRESENTED BY THE COMOX VALLEY CAMERA CLUB. THE SHOW IS AT THE PEARL ELLIS GALLERY NOW.
Pearl Ellis Gallery
has great Christmas gifts Come on down to the gallery in wonderful downtown Comox this November and December. Take advantage of the three distinctive exhibits that will be offered to help you with a gift choice or just to escape and unwind. The first show currently on display is Showcase 2013 presented by the Comox Valley Camera Club. This group will treat you to a variety of images ranging from traditional landscapes, wildlife, portraits, seascapes, architecture to abstracts, representing a variety of photographic styles. The last day of this show is Nov. 17. Our second show of our countdown to Christmas is the annual exhibit by Brushworks Nov. 19 to Dec. 8. Brushworks is a diverse painting group of 28 members including such artists as Brenda Calhoun, Peter Moore, Juanita Olson, Lynne Sweetman and Betty Boyle. The resulting artwork is varied and impressive. Visitors can expect to see quality pieces of artwork in watercolour, acrylic and oils. Finally, count down number three, the Christmas Fundraiser event, Dec. 10 to Dec.
21 an art extravaganza of over 50 pieces priced at $400.00 or less. Visitors can expect to see quality pieces of work by local artists. This is an all-media event so there will be everything from paintings in watercolour, acrylic, oil, plus photography and steel. Along with the 50 or more pieces being brought into the show there will be a number of donated fundraiser pieces that are part of the gallery’s inventory from current and past artists. These donated pieces will be changed each Monday during the show and new pieces will be hung in their place. These inventory fundraiser pieces will be sold through silent auction. The proceeds from this sale go to support the gallery high school bursary program and operation costs. What would be a better way to start off your Christmas shopping than attending an art show. There is bound to be something for all tastes! Along with your Christmas shopping don’t forget the gallery offers a large array of cards CON’T ON PAGE 7
Comox by the Sea
www.comoxvalleyrecord.com
COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
FIRST ANNUAL
Christmas at the Lodge November 30 & December 1, 2013
FILBERG LODGE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR ALL WEEKEND ~ Saturday, November 30, 10am-6pm & Sunday, December 1, 10am to 4pm.
Join us and enjoy “Unique Christmas Shopping” with items for sale by crafters, in the beautifully decorated Filberg Lodge. Soap, holiday cards, sauces, yummy holiday treats, coffee, jewellery, Christmas table centers, YANA Christmas crackers, children’s clothes, toys and much more. The Filberg Gift Shop will be open.
CHRISTMAS CAFE
AMAZING RAFFLE
DECORATE THE TREE
ALL WEEKEND in the Tea House
WIN AN ‘EXPERIENCE COMOX’ BASKET
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, Dec. 1 from 2 to 4pm
Stop by for hot cocoa, warm apple cider and Christmas baked goods, all available for purchase.
Full of fun adventures and gift certificates to enjoy around Comox!
Come by with family & friends and bring nature inspired
PARK CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
will be on throughout the holiday season til January 2nd with the park open until 10pm for all to enjoy.
DECORATIONS FOR THE BIRDS & ANIMALS
SPONSORED BY:
Blackfin Pub at the Marina www.blackfinpub.com Comox Harbour Charters comoxharbourcharters.com Simon’s Cycles www.simoncycle.ocm Comox Recreation comox.ca/recreation Baybrook Bed & Breakfast baybrookbythesea.com
that will adorn a donated tree on the Christmas Cafe Patio. (ie. pinecones dipped in suet and bird seeds, berries or popcorn strings ~ all materials edible and compostable)
CECIL TURNBULL’S SHOT AUTUMN MOSAIC EARNED FIRST PLACE IN SHOWCASE 2012.
Fundraiser begins Dec. 10 con’t from page 6
and several books by local artists. Remember, visitors to the gallery not only get a chance to see great art displays, but, are able to view the wonderful displays in the Comox Archives Museum that shares our space. Something new being offered by the museum is a newly released copy of a manuscript of Mack Laing that has never been published before. This is an interesting read and gives a great deal of insight into the life of one of Comox’s outstanding characters.
Throughout our Christmas fundraising show the gallery encourages the public, and gallery members to drop off food items in support of the Comox Valley Food Bank. The gallery is located at 1729 Comox Ave. The Christmas Fundraiser runs from Dec. 10 to Jan. 26. The gallery will close for a Christmas break from Dec. 22 to Jan. 13. For more information, see www.pearlellisgallery.com. We are also on Facebook. ❖ — Pearl Ellis Gallery
61 Filberg Road | Comox WWW.FILBERG.COM
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COMOX BY THE SEA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
www.comoxvalleyrecord.com
Pickleball catching on here EARLE COUPER Record Staff
JANE AUSTIN IS THE PICKLEBALL MEMBERSHIP CHAIR FOR ZONE 2 OF THE BC SENIORS GAMES SOCIETY.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America. So says Pickleball Canada. And according to Pickleball B.C., the Comox Valley is the leader in fastest growth of the sport in the province. With the encouragement of local sports facilities, venues have been arranged at the Comox Community Centre and Native Sons Hall as well as outdoors at Martin Park and Highland Park. “This community commitment to pickleball makes us the envy of the sport,” a local spokesperson said. What makes the sport of pickleball so appealing? Pickleball is a combination of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Games are played as doubles or singles
on a badminton-sized court with the net about two inches lower than a tennis net. The ball is a small polymer version of a wiffle ball so it does not travel too fast when hit by a wooden paddle (or racquet). At a recent pickleball session at the Comox Community Centre, the action was fast and furious as doubles teams volleyed the ball back and forth across the net. One of the participants was Jane Austin, the membership chair for Zone 2 of the BC Seniors Games Society. She noted the game is ideally suited to the Valley’s wet winter months when being indoors and having fun beats being outdoors and battling the elements. Austin was one of several Comox Valley competitors who excelled in the sport CON’T ON PAGE 9
ALIA • SIMON CHANG • TAN JAY • FRENCH DRESSING • FEN-NELLI • SOFTWORKS • PAPA • PICADILLY • EZZEWEAR
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COMOX BY THE SEA
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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
Game named for dog CON’T FROM PAGE 8
at the 2013 Seniors Games in Kamloops. She won silver in women’s singles and teamed with husband Bob to win silver in mixed doubles. Harold Osbourne (Pickleball Canada’s area ambassador for Courtenay) and Peter Shostak won gold in men’s doubles, and Shostak teamed with Karen Pensiuk to win bronze in mixed doubles. Competition is just one facet of the game; many enjoy it for the social aspects and to be ac-
tive and stay fit. Those interested in playing can contact their local recreation or seniors centre for more information. Lessons are available. The sport’s name is a story in itself. In 1996 American politician Joel Pritchard promised his children he would invent a new game for them. He lowered the net on his backyard badminton court, then went to his shed to fashion paddles out of plywood. Finally he borrowed a wiffle ball from his neighbour and the
game of pickleball was born. The Pritchards named the game after their dog Pickle, who is said to have chased the ball every time it went out of bounds. From those humble beginnings, pickleball is now an organized sport represented by national and international governing bodies. In Canada it is estimated there are more than 5,000 players in four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario. ❖ sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com
THE COMOX VALLEY IS PICKLEBALL’S FASTEST-GROWING AREA IN THE PROVINCE.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Comox by the Sea
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Comox Professionals Amongst the boutique shops in downtown Comox is a large variety of professional offices. Comox offers practices ranging from medical care to business and legal services. The friendly reception and staff and the wide variety of professional services that are offered is one of the many reasons people from all over Vancouver Island visit Comox by the Sea. These professionals are committed to offer top quality service and care.
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Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, computerized, traction-based treatment for herniated disc and low back pain. The TRITION DTS is a leader in spinal decompression therapy systems and is available at Comox Chiropractic.
We are now offering Saturday Appointments
Jason Gordon M.Sc., Aud (C) Registered Audiologist
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Our Intention: ‘... to create Opportunities for those individuals who choose to reach for their Optimum Human Potential.’
Preventative Dental Treatment Oral Exams Polishing • Scaling Oral Hygiene Instruction Fluoride Mobile Dental Hygiene Tooth Whitening Sport Mouthguards Radiographs Desensitization
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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
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Comox Professionals 7
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NEW PATIENTS WELCOME If you wish to become a patient, please visit www.DrPhilTheDentist.com and fill out our questionnaire.
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COMOX BY THE SEA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
www.comoxvalleyrecord.com
He’s seen it all at the mall SCOTT STANFIELD Record Staff Les Spilsbury — maintenance manager for 30-plus years at the Comox Centre Mall — retires in June. Over the years, the 67-yearold has watched the building transform from a strip mall (when it first opened in 1966) to an attractive building with sky lights, wood beams and rockwork. He recalls a time when he placed a bucket in the roof to catch the rain. “That was my middle name, bucket,” said Spilsbury, who oversees three part-time workers. “We had buckets hanging, mostly in the shops. “And then all of a sudden it started coming in the common area. We had buckets and plastic and everything stacked all over the place, until we finally got the roof done.”
pension. Father and son worked together for a short while. Previously, he had worked as a cook in a logging camp on the Island, where he needed an industrial first aid ticket. He passed with flying colours but ended up failing due to a glitch. “I went from around a $25 an hour job to a $5-an-hour job,” said Spilsbury, who calls himself “a poor custodian. “I would have been retired a long time ago had I been working at the camp.” On the other hand, he wasn’t expecting to retire until age 99. “I plan on living until over 100. So I’m going to work ‘til I’m 99 and then I’ll have a year of bliss and then I don’t care what happens after that.” In the new year, Spilsbury will show the new maintenance manager the ropes, which involves custodial and maintenance work. ❖
The affable Spilsbury is on a first-name basis with many patrons, some of whom pass through the doors on a daily basis. He said the mall contains fewer shops than in previous years. Before Extra Foods (recently renamed John’s Your Independent Grocer), he said there were numerous shops at the north end, as many as 15 at one time. Only one year, in the early-’90s, he recalls the entire mall was full of tenants. “The drop in the markets — it’s a slow recovery and people just don’t want to take a chance,” said Spilsbury, who was born in Victoria. “The big box stores come in and it really scares them — takes away what they sell.” Spilsbury started the job in the early 1980s, taking over from his father, also named Les, who worked at the mall about eight months to index his
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
NEARING RETIREMENT, LES SPILSBURY HAS BEEN THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER AT THE COMOX CENTRE MALL FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. PHOTO BY SCOTT STANFIELD
Comox Recreation Presents the:
FIRST INSURANCE
Family Restaurant
FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES
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Comox Community Centre 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox • (250) 339-2255 www.comox.ca
Entertainment
Retail Fair
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Carnival Zone
Entry by Donation to Secret Santa
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with Generous Sponsorship from:
Booth Rentals Available: $45 for One Table $60 for Two Tables
COMOX BY THE SEA
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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
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Tee up your appetite in Comox
MARK ALLAN Record Staff
If you’re like most people thinking about eating out, a golf course isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind. You might want to rethink your approach. Adrian Merrilees has been chef at the Comox Golf Club’s restaurant for almost a year, renaming it the Tee Box after the previous owner left and took the name of the restaurant. “We had a competition on Facebook regarding the name of the restaurant and … the Tee Box came up one of the favourites on the list,” the affable Kiwi recalled. Many changes followed. “We redesigned the whole menu because it was deep-fried food in the past,” explained Merrilees, who
shared his food philosophy that has developed for 15 or 16 years in the industry. “I like simple flavours and simple food … we decided to start a winter menu to start us off … and see what the clientele wanted. Once we had that vision of what people wanted – fresh flavours and fresh food — we sort of opened up our menu and created a decent summer menu.” Although the chef is in the process of unveiling a new winter menu, a recent visit illustrated how his philosophy translates in a menu. Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. features a selection of hearty, basic dishes. The lunch menu is not exotic, but will reward diners looking for something a little different. I opened with a bowl of shrimp chowder. I was going
Your comfort is our priority!
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to order something else, but delayed that call thanks to a warning from our waiter, who said some people are satisfied with it as a meal unto itself. Scott, my lunch companion, was impressed with his Comox Club salad, which normally comes topped with bacon, egg, chicken and avocado, served with creamy basil dressing on the side. Chef Adrian added a side of aioli, a sort of French mayonnaise made of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and egg yolks. “The more I eat, the hungrier I get,” said Scott, complimenting the chef. In the interest of informing readers, I then ordered the southwest salad, which turned out to be a flavourful dining experience on its own. There was just enough spice to give it an enjoyable zing –
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and of course the veggies that I know are good for me. I was still enjoying the salad the next day. It was the best lunch I’ve packed for myself in months. Other Tee Box lunch favourites include burgers, sandwiches, wraps and fish and chips, although the new winter menu will likely be in effect by the time you get there after reading this. On the lunch menu were sweet treats such as fresh muffins, chocolate brownies with ice cream and New York baked cheesecake. The Tee Box does catering, too. For more information, phone 250-339-7272, e-mail info@teeboxcomox.com, visit www.teeboxcomox.com or drop into the restaurant at the Comox Golf Club at 1718 Balmoral Ave. ❖ editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com
PHOTO BY MARK ALLAN
GIFTS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • SPECIALITY STORES • EATERIES • FOODS & DRUG • FASHION
To Visit Our Showroom Contact 250.941.1986 or 250.702.7682 1801 Comox Ave., Comox BC contact@tulipspa.ca
MALL OPEN: Mon to Sat 9:30am - 5:30pm Sun & Holidays, 11am - 4pm
EVENTS Find us on Facebook.com/tulipspacourtenay
THIS SIGN CAPTURES THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE AT THE TEE BOX RESTAURANT AT THE COMOX GOLF CLUB.
ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE: Nov 19-23 VISIT SANTA: Dec 7, 14, and 21 - 1pm to 3pm each day Santa Photos by: KAREN PANTUSO PHOTOGRAPHY
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COMOX BY THE SEA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Knitting gets noisy in Comox RENEE ANDOR Record Staff Knitting in the Village is not simply about knitting a fancy new hat or scarf — it’s also a friendly get-together many women look forward to each week. Noticing a lack of daytime knitting circles, Village Yarn Shoppe owner Jacquie Nicholson started the social knitting group about five years ago. Also, “I noticed that there was ladies coming in the store that were new to Valley or living on their own, and looking to meet like-minded friends and things like that,” recalls Nicholson. “So, I just started having it and it’s just grown from there, and it’s just been great.” The group meets each Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Village Yarn Shoppe, located at 103A, 1705 Comox Ave. Nicholson notes the group started out small with three or four ladies, but now sometimes as many as 25 women show up to knit and chat. “It gets pretty noisy in here,” Nicholson says with a laugh. “It’s very popular. A lot of great friendships have been made through it, and it’s been a real good thing.” She adds about 60 to 70 per cent of the participants are regulars, attending every week.
the daytime schedule of the group. Men are welcome, too, though Nicholson says it’s been uncommon for men to show up. Meanwhile, Nicholson started another knitting group, this one called Pints and Purls. On the first Monday of each month the group gets together at a local restaurant for dinner, knitting
“Some of them have said that it’s just really made a big difference in their lives,” she continues. “You know, they’ve moved here and not had any connections or friendships, and they’ve really connected with other ladies here and made friends that go outside the shop. “So, it’s been a real good experience for a lot of the ladies, outside of the knitting itself.” As for the knitting, Nicholson says everyone simply brings whatever project they’re working on and sits and knits together. Crocheters are also welcome. She adds the knitting group is a good way for participants to grow their skills. “It’s not a class where people come to learn formally but there’s always learning to be had because, basically if there’s 24 people here and one person asks a question, you’ll get 23 answers, so it is a place of learning as well,” she explains. “And people will get inspired and motivated by what other people are working on, so it’s interesting to watch some of the beginner knitters — how they go outside of their little safety zone and start something more challenging.” Though the odd young person has attended, Nicholson says most of the women are retired, due to
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
CAMARADERIE IS CLEARLY ONE OF THE ATTRACTIONS OF ATTENDING A WEEKLY SOCIAL KNITTING GROUP CALLED KNITTING IN THE VILLAGE AT THE VILLAGE YARN SHOPPE. PHOTOS BY RENEE ANDOR
Blue Heron Books
tes r A i l p p Su
and visiting. “People can just show up and they just buy their own dinner and drinks or whatever they want — whether it’s tea or beer, it doesn’t matter,” she says with a laugh. For more information, stop by Village Yarn Shoppe at 103A, 1705 Comox Ave. or call 250-339-2474. ❖
A great selection of • • • •
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1775 Comox Ave., Comox • 250-339-6111
Sushi Kobo Take-Out Sushi
FRESH made to order Tues. - Sat. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm CLOSED Sunday, Monday & Holidays
250-339-3222 Fax: 250-339-3280 1773 Comox Avenue, Comox www.sushikobo.com
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COMOX BY THE SEA
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COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
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Learning the
FUNdamentals EARLE COUPER Record Staff He likes baseball, hockey and soccer. But when prompted, Diesel McGill Baum has no problem saying he enjoys dodgeball. Why? “It’s athletes versus coaches, and they get to bean the coaches,” says Susan DeGryp. “And the coaches always win, right Diesel?” DeGryp asks. And Diesels’s broad smile leaves no doubt that is most definitely not the case. That exchange took part Tuesday at the École auCoeur-de-L’ile gym, where instructor DeGryp was preparing for the weekly Special Olympics Comox Valley FUNdamentals session with her five-person class. The program is in its third year in the Valley, and the bond between the participants, parents and coaches is readily apparent. As is the tear in DeGryp’s eye when she says she is moving to Victoria and will miss her Special Olympics friends big time. “I work for the school district, but my favourite hour every week is right here,” DeGryp said of the weekly 5 to 6 p.m. gathering. “The kids
are fantastic and the parents are fantastic, too.” The feeling is more than mutual, says Diesel’s mom Brooke McGill, who along with husband Wil Baum owns Smitty’s Restaurant in Comox. “FUNdamentals is absolutely wonderful,” McGill said. “If it fell apart because Susan is leaving, I’d be very sad. All the parents would be very sad. We all enjoy Tuesday nights together. We just love it. It’s great.” The search is underway to fill the big shoes left by DeGryp’s departure. Those interested in being part of a rewarding experience can contact Bobby Debrone, manager of community development for Special Olympics British Columbia on Vancouver Island at 250208-5402 or bdebrone@ specialolympics.bc.ca. “Experience is considered an asset but not mandatory,” Debrone said. Smitty’s Restaurant in Comox is a big booster of both Special Olympics and the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society, where 12-year-old Diesel is also active. He also enjoys weekly bowling and swimming with Bob Gamble with Comox
FUNDAMENTALS PARTICIPANT DIESEL McGILL BAUM IS FLANKED BY COACHES MACKEY FAIRWEATHER (LEFT) AND SUSAN DeGRYP. PHOTO BY EARLE COUPER
Valley Child Development Centre. FUNdamentals is a sports program for athletes between the ages of seven and 12. It introduces the values of positive movement experiences during childhood
development, the importance of nutrition, and sportspecific activities aimed at improving basic motor and sport skills. The program is geared toward a sport specific adaptation of soccer, softball,
athletics and basketball. There are 85 athletes registered with Special Olympics Comox Valley, and many have proudly represented the Valley on the provincial, national and international level.
For more info
(250) 941- 2838 or gigi-comox.ca 1832 COMOX AVENUE MON 11:30-2:30; TUES-SAT 11:30-2:30 & 5-8; SUN CLOSED • FULLY LICENCED
sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com
alley’s V x o m o C e Th
Come in and try out our new menu, which contains gluten free items. Our Chinese Hot Pot, new to the valley, is a must try! A heathy and fun way to eat and entertain.
Randy James is the local coordinator and can be reached at region6@shaw. ca. More information on Special Olympics is available at www.specialolympics. bc.ca. ❖
Only
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
COMOX BY THE SEA
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Comox Museum & Archives
...Where Local History Lives
FREE ADMISSION ~ Donations Gratefully Accepted TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM • SUNDAY 1PM - 4PM We are located downtown Comox right on the main street across from the Comox Centre Shopping Mall.
1729 Comox Avenue, Comox
www.ComoxMuseum.ca
DR. BRYAN WONG JOINS DR. JOAN EATON AT HER COMOX PRACTICE. WONG COMPLETED A PRACTICUM WITH EATON IN 2012 THEN CAME BACK TO COMOX TO STAY AFTER HE FINISHED HIS SCHOOLING IN VANCOUVER. PHOTO BY RENEE ANDOR
Glad to be in Valley
RENEE ANDOR Record Staff
the
cottage ~Sympli ~Kooi ~Cutloose ~Metalicus ~Tribal ~Icelandic Designs
2041797 COMOX AVE., DOWNTOWN COMOX • 250.941.2001 MONDAY TO SATURDAY • WINTER HOURS: 10:00 TO 5:00
Dr. Bryan Wong instantly liked Comox and Dr. Joan Eaton’s dental practice, so he leapt at the chance to move here. Wong, 25, completed a practicum in 2012 at Eaton’s Comox practice, Dr. Joan Eaton Inc. “I had a great experience. I really, really liked, not just the fact that the office was great, but Joan herself is really, really good — all the people that work here made me feel really welcome,” recalls Wong. “And then on top of that, Comox really got to me.” After finishing his dental studies at the University of British Columbia in May, Wong moved to Comox in June to join Eaton at her practice. Eaton notes she hadn’t considered adding another dentist to her practice before. “However, he was such a good fit,” she explains. “We all liked him, we enjoyed having him here, his work was good — I had a chance to supervise his work and know that he was good — and the fact that he wanted to come here.” As well, Eaton says the office can now offer more extended hours thanks to Wong’s help. The office at 1-1822 Comox Ave. is now open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. It’s closed Friday to
Sunday. Wong adds Eaton’s personality adds to the quality dental care patients receive at Dr. Joan Eaton Inc., and he believes his personality contributed to her decision to take him on. “Joan just has that extra personality and ability to communicate with the patients in a fashion that makes them feel as if they’re in control of their own situation or their own oral health care,” says Wong. “I’m fairly patient-centred as well, and I think a lot of those qualities Joan probably saw in me, too, and so that’s why she did offer the position to me.” Wong enjoys the slower pace of Comox, noting he appreciates a change from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver. He also appreciates the outdoor activities the Comox Valley has to offer. “I’m a big skier, really big skier. I like biking quite a bit,” he says, adding he joined a squash league at the Comox Recreation Centre, too. “You have the mountain, you have hiking, you have the ocean right by here, fishing and all that — there’s just a lot that Comox and Courtenay offer.” Dr. Joan Eaton Inc. provides general dentistry services. For more information, visit www.drjoaneaton.ca, e-mail drje@shaw.ca or call 250-941-2200. ❖ writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
www.comoxvalleyrecord.com
COMOX BY THE SEA
COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
Welcome to COMOX!
LONGTIME PERFORMER MARLENE OOLO IS THE WOMAN WHO MAKES ENTERTAINMENT HOUR HAPPEN AT BERWICK COMOX VALLEY. PHOTO BY RENEE ANDOR
Berwick days brighter
RENEE ANDOR Record Staff
Performer Marlene Oolo brings a wide array of local entertainment to Comox’s Berwick during Entertainment Hour. Oolo has volunteered to organize Entertainment Hour, (formerly called Story Time), at the retirement community, Berwick, for several years, and she says she does it because she loves entertaining people and likes to make them happy. “I’ve got a saying written on my wall,” says Oolo. “’If I can brighten someone’s day, and chase their weary cares away, morning, night and afternoon, my heart would sing a happy tune.’ That’s my mandate.” Berwick’s marketing manager Linda Rutherford says attendees certainly appreciate the acts. “Really it’s just been a wonderful, wonderful program for our residents,” says Rutherford. “Our residents absolutely love Entertainment Hour and we also have a very dedicated following of residents from the community. “It’s not just for our residents; it is open to Comox Valley seniors to come to Berwick, to have an afternoon program of entertainment of some kind, and then Berwick, for our part, we provide afternoon tea following.” Entertainment Hour happens monthly except for the summer months and December. From 2 to 3 p.m., usually on the third Tuesday of the month, local entertainers put
on a show. Content varies greatly; sometimes an author reads from a book, (hence the original name of Story Time), sometimes a singer or a group of singers performs and sometimes a scene from a local theatre production is shown. “I’ve had singers come in. I’ve had practically all the theatre groups doing teasers for me. I’ve had a couple of wonderful people who tell stories. I’ve had a couple of gentlemen who have wonderful singing voices,” says Oolo, who books entertainers months in advance due to their often-hectic schedules. “And if I can’t get anybody, well I just get the people who are in the audience to talk about themselves, and the hour goes so darn fast,” adds Oolo. Entertainment Hour is free to attend but registration is requested as seating is limited to 50 people. To register, call Berwick’s recreation department at 250-890-2338. Oolo had a long and successful career in dance and theatre in Toronto before she retired in the Comox Valley. For 40 years she worked in television, performing on various live CBC television shows. She’s performed in countless dance and musical theatre productions. Though Oolo officially retired when she moved here in the ‘90s, she’s still very much involved in the Comox Valley arts scene; currently she’s preparing for the Co-Val Choristers’ production of Les Misérables, showing later this month. ❖ writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
The Town of Comox, in partnership with the Comox BIA, welcomes both residents and visitors alike to our beautiful revitalized downtown. Come browse in the many shops in the downtown core, participate in the mix of special events in and around the marina, and experience the uniqueness that is…
Town of Comox
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COMOX BY THE SEA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
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Filberg festival for Christmas
ERIN HALUSCHAK Record Staff Christmas is coming early for the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, and this year, they are offering a crafty twist on the holiday. Val Graham of the Lodge’s Gift Shop, explained they are opening the historic building later this month and in December for a Christmas Fair, which will feature a variety of gifts and items throughout the building. “We will use most of the main floor; the bedrooms, the kitchen and the dining room will have displays and there will be a bake sale as well in the tea house,” she noted. Fresh table centres will
also be for sale on the porch of the home and the gift shop will be open, Graham added. “We’re really excited about this, it’s raising the level of adrenaline of volunteers, and it’s great to have the support of the board.” The inaugural fair will take place Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. respectively. Graham said the variety of vendors will include sewing/ handicrafts, a honey supplier, jewelry, clothes and more. She added popular local charity You Are Not alone (YANA) will also have a booth for their annual Christmas cracker campaign. The gift shop upstairs will feature collectibles, glass
A CHRISTMAS FAIR HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE TYPICALLY FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE AT FILBERG PARK FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR.
FILE PHOTO
and pottery, many which are donated; Graham noted the shop will also be open Dec. 6 and 7, and 14 and 15 for Christmas shopping. Additionally, Kathy Jerritt
of Tria Fine Catering and Gourmet Eats will cook in the lodge’s kitchen during the fair. “The smells will evoke Christmas,” added Graham.
All funds from the gift shop are returned for the maintenance and preservation of the lodge and park. To donate items for the gift shop and to arrange pick
up, contact Val at 250-3397659. To schedule a tour or for more information, contact the lodge office at 250-3392715. ❖
SHOWCASING
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LOCAL ARTISTS
Countdown to Christmas at the PEARL ELLIS GALLERY. GALLERY EVENTS
Comox Valley Camera Club “Showcase 2013” (Last day Nov 17th) Brushworks – Nov 19th – Dec 8th (Reception Sat, Nov 23rd); Pearl Ellis Gallery – Christmas Fundraising Show Dec 10 to Jan 26 Reception Dec 14th Gallery closed Dec 22 to Jan 13 ~ Reopening on Jan 14
221C Church St., Comox BC
250-941-7824
www.blindsbilliardsandbaubles.com † Purchase any combination of 4 Silhouette,® Duette® or Vignette® shades with LiteRise® between September 1 and December 15, 2013 and receive a $200 manufacturer’s rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades you’ll receive an extra $40 for each.To learn more about LiteRise,® please visit hunterdouglas.ca. Valid at participating dealers only. *Shades of Joy manufacturer’s rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of Hunt Diversified Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
1729 COMOX AVENUE • 250-339-2822
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A VOLUNTEER RUN NON-PROFIT SOCIETY
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Comox by the Sea
COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Comox by the Sea
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OUR HOSPITALITY
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The Comox Valley’s premiere retirement residence offers seniors… Independent climate control in each suite (Heating and Air Conditioning) Three delicious meals daily prepared by our Executive Chef and his team Weekly housekeeping and linen laundry service Social and recreational programming for your body, mind and spirit … all offered in luxurious surroundings in the heart of downtown Comox. Call today for more information and to book your personal tour. Find out how you could be living here!
BERWICK COMOX VALLEY 1700 Comox Avenue, Comox BC V9M 4H4 Tel: 250-339-1690 www.berwickretirement.com