Seaside Magazine March 2026 Issue

This Issue

Women to Watch

Generosity at the Heart of Our Community

Generosity has long been at the heart of the Saanich Peninsula community. Each year, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation sees this generosity reflected through the support of local residents and businesses who believe deeply in caring for one another and strengthening health care close to home.

In 2025, that generosity was on full display at the Foundation’s Annual Spirit Gala held at the Mary Winspear Centre. Community members came together to support local health care, contributing generously throughout the evening. What was not known at the time was the impact the Gala would continue to have in the days that followed.

The day after the event, community supporter Trudy Busch made the decision to match the funds raised at the Spirit Gala with a gift of $548,879.00, given in honour of her late husband, Konrad.

Trudy recalls the moment clearly. “We were in the car, and it came to me. I said, I think I’m going to match this.”

Her decision was rooted in gratitude for the care she and Konrad experienced through Saanich Peninsula Hospital, and in a belief that giving is most meaningful when it can be put to work right away. “If you can help, you do it,” she says. “It is common sense.”

Konrad was a man shaped by resilience, optimism, and hard work. Growing up in Europe during the war, he experienced loss and upheaval at a young age. As a teenager, he fled with his family, carrying his younger siblings to safety, before eventually building a new life in Germany. Years later, Konrad immigrated to Canada with Trudy, arriving

with little more than determination, a belief in opportunity, $100, and a $10 reimbursement from the airline after one of their suitcases arrived damaged.

Together, Trudy and Konrad built successful aviation businesses, working side by side and treating employees like extended family. Trudy speaks with pride about Konrad’s integrity, generosity, and quiet leadership. Konrad was someone who helped others without hesitation and who always found the positive in even the most difficult situations.

“He always had a smile,” she says. “Even when things were hard, he focused on the good.”

Giving back to their community was always part of the shared life of Trudy and Konrad. Supporting the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation became a natural extension of their values, particularly as the hospital played a role toward the end of Konrad’s life, when he spent his final days there.

Trudy speaks simply about that time, expressing appreciation for the care provided and for the importance of having a hospital close to home. “Everybody needs a hospital someday,” she said.

Her matching gift has already had a meaningful ripple effect. Following her donation, the Foundation saw increased

Trudy and Konrad Busch’s matching gift, along with funds raised through the Spirit Gala, is supporting the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation’s Enhancing Surgical Services and Parking campaign. The campaign is focused on improving access to surgical care and addressing critical parking challenges, helping ensure patients, families, and care teams can access the hospital when they need it most. Community members who wish to learn more or support these priorities are encouraged to visit sphf.ca

momentum, with other donors sharing the match inspired them to give more. Trudy’s generosity became a catalyst, reinforcing what is possible when community members lead by example.

When asked what she would say to someone considering a gift in gratitude or in memory of someone they love, Trudy’s answer was straightforward. “Do it,” she said.

The Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation is deeply grateful for Trudy’s past, present, and future generosity. Her story is one of many that reflect the care, commitment, and sense of responsibility shared by this community.

Together, funds raised through the Spirit Gala and Trudy Busch’s matching gift are supporting the Foundation’s Enhancing Surgical Services and Parking campaign. The campaign is focused on strengthening access to surgical care and addressing critical parking challenges, helping ensure patients, families, and care teams can access the hospital when they need it most.

To learn more about the campaign, how to support local health care or to match a gift in the future, visit sphf.ca.

Sue Hodgson

International Women’s Day always feels a little personal to me because when I look back on my journey as an entrepreneur, I can clearly see how every role I’ve had in life helped shape the way I lead today – as a daughter, a mother and perhaps a grandmother one day.

As a daughter growing up in a very small town in the Maritimes, I was surrounded by strong, capable women who simply did what needed to be done, as we had very little means. They worked hard, cared deeply for everyone, and showed up for their community. At the time, I didn’t realize I was learning some of my very first lessons in resilience, responsibility and determination – qualities that would one day become essential in running a business.

Motherhood, however, was where life truly tested me. Trying to raise children while building a career often felt like the hardest stage of all, especially while going through a very difficult divorce. There were days filled with doubt, exhaustion and the constant question of whether I was giving enough to any one thing, especially to my children. But looking back now, I see that those years taught me how to multitask, make tough decisions, adapt and try to lead with compassion – all skills that really no business course could ever truly teach. Entrepreneurship doesn’t come from having all the answers early on – it comes from the life experience we gain over time. In this issue of Seaside you will meet so many women of all ages doing what they all love and learning as they grow. With age comes the clarity and confidence to build something meaningful, not just for ourselves, but for those who follow in our footsteps.

Seaside Sue, Publisher & Owner

OWNER / PUBLISHER

SUE HODGSON

250.516.6489 sue@seasidemagazine.ca

EDITOR IN CHIEF

ALLISON SMITH

250.813.1745 allison@seasidemagazine.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

LEAH-ANNE MACLEOD leahanne@seasidemagazine.ca

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

TABATHA GOLAT tabatha@seasidemagazine.ca

SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER

KATHERINE KJAER katherine@seasidemagazine.ca

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

JANIS JEAN hello@janisjean.com

SARAH HARTLEY sarahhartleyphotography@gmail.com

AMBER WAHL windgypsyphotography@gmail.com

P.O. BOX 2173, SIDNEY, B.C. V8L 3S6 www.seasidemagazine.ca

Seaside Magazine is printed by Mitchell Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited; please contact us via the above means for approval. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the publisher and editor.

We acknowledge and thank the W̱SÁNEĆ people on whose traditional territory we live and work.

JO BARNES

Pages 20, 42 & 72

This month, I was reminded of the multitude of ways we use our hands.

I chatted with artists who rely on a deft touch and dexterity for fine detail work and farmers who need strength to handle weight and harsh conditions. Our hands: we take them for granted every day.

KELLY FINERTY

Page 28

In the darkest times, when all feels lost, bringing together a community in creation of something special can fill those holes in our hearts.

Loneliness is counteracted by connection. Sharing our experiences in writing and film connects with others who need to be seen.

DR. ASHLEE ALBRIGHT

Page 69

As a veterinarian, I get to meet folks every day who share my love of pets.

Simply put, they make us feel good.

The power of the humananimal bond is so strong that scientists are studying how pets improve our physical and mental health.

SHELLEY TICE

Page 88

Trying something new reminded me that confidence is built by showing up, not by being an expert.

Supporting a local business, meeting someone new, getting active and learning alongside others was energizing and a powerful reminder that growth usually starts just outside our comfort zone.

• Proactive small business consulting

• Individuals and small businesses

• Vancouver Island “Business Excellence” Professional Company of the Year (multi years)

Book YOUR proactive tax/financial planning session this summer: email Evelyn at egreene@andrewsgreene.bc.ca

Contributors: Ashlee Albright, Jo Barnes, Reuben Butterfield, Alana Catlin, Janet Cunningham, June Murray Dagnall, Jamila Douhaibi, Connie Dunwoody, Kelly Finerty, Colleen Glencross, Tabatha Golat, Janice Henshaw, Jesse Holth, Richard Hope, John Kernaghan, Jackie LaPlante, Pamela Martin, Amy Joy Mistal, Cassidy Nunn, Deborah Reid, Joan Saunders, Marita Schauch, Claudette Sells, Shelley Tice, Lisa Wieben, Jess Wilson

SEASIDE FLAVOUR

One Food, Three Ways

LEMON BASIL TART

Tart Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/8 tsp salt

½ cup butter

Lemon Curd

4 large eggs plus 4 egg yolks

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

zest of 4 lemons

1 pack fresh basil thinly sliced – divided

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 tbsp heavy cream

1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Lemon Three Ways

As the weather warms and the days grow a little brighter, I always look forward to the shift in orders – from decadent, rich desserts to lighter, brighter flavours and designs. I chose lemons for this month’s One Food, Three Ways for the fresh flavour and ability to add balance after a rich or indulgent meal. Lemons are familiar, comforting and available year-round, yet never boring. From a classic lemon cake to a silky tart and a rustic lemon olive oil cake, lemons prove how one ingredient can feel both special and every day.

LEMON OLIVE OIL CAKE

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar

zest of 2 lemons

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 cup olive oil

½ cup lemon juice

½ cup milk

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

Honey Lemon Glaze

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 cups powdered sugar

LEMON CAKE

3 ½ cups flour

2 cups granulated sugar

2 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 ½ cups milk of choice

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup apple sauce

½ cup water

1 tbsp vanilla

juice of one lemon zest of two lemons

Lemon Buttercream

1 lb room temperature

butter or vegan butter

(I prefer salted for this but it is personal preference)

6 cups powdered sugar

juice of 2 lemons

1 tsp vanilla

yellow food colouring (optional)

2026 marks 15 years of Seaside Magazine celebrating local women in business with our March Women to Watch feature! We choose March because International Women's Day is March 8, a day that we believe is still important and necessary. This year’s theme, Give To Gain, emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise. We salute the women in our community who have passion and commitment to their careers. You inspire us and all the women who come after you. As you read through the following pages you'll discover

the faces behind many of the businesses that you know and love. You will probably recognize friends and neighbours, and you may be surprised at just how many businesses are owned by women, or run with a female leadership team. Each of them will have their own story: of how they came to their career, of the compromises and concessions they had to make to achieve it, and of the pleasure and satisfaction their work brings.

As a special tie-in to this year’s Women to Watch pages, we are running a new contest – Inspiring Entrepreneurs – where we will shine a light on special local women who have been nominated by their peers. Watch for this special feature in our April issue!

Charlotte Paul

SHINE FINANCIAL ASSANTE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LTD.

Charlotte Paul is the founder of Shine Financial Group, a Victoriabased wealth management practice created to help women build clarity, confidence and long-term financial security. With over two decades of experience in the financial industry, Charlotte brings a rare blend of technical expertise and human insight – delivering portfolio management, tax and estate planning and financial strategy through a distinctly client-first lens.

What sets Charlotte apart is her intentional focus on women navigating pivotal moments: retirement, career shifts, divorce, inheritance or widowhood. Having experienced significant life transition herself, she understands that financial decisions are rarely “just numbers” – they’re emotional, time-sensitive and deeply personal.

Through Shine Financial Group, Charlotte has built a practice rooted in education, partnership and empowered decision-making. Her clients value not only her market experience, but her ability to turn complexity into calm, and uncertainty into direction.

Charlotte’s mission is simple: to help women feel confident in their finances –and free to design the life they truly want.

Dominique Alford

Dominique Alford has 28+ years of legal experience in estate planning, trust administration, business law, and real estate.

She is a member of 100 Women Who Care –Saanich Peninsula and has served on the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation and Brentwood Bay Rotary Club & Foundation boards.

Dominique enjoys spending time with family, friends, and dogs, and is passionate about traveling, scuba diving, cooking gourmet meals, and practising hot yoga.

Lorna Ketler

BODACIOUS LIFESTYLES

Fab Fashions, Gifts & Accessories

Lorna, Bodacious owner and enthusiastic curator, is celebrating over 25 years of providing fabulous fashion, accessories and service to the curvy and plus size gals featuring Canadian and European labels including our in-house Bodacious line made in B.C.!

All are welcome to browse our cheeky card and gift selection by local artisans.

Shop Bodacious ... because life is too short to wear boring clothes!

Just off Beacon Avenue on Fifth Street.

#216 - 2506 Beacon Avenue, Sidney 778.426.3330 | www.alfordwalden.com

9802 Fifth Street, Sidney 250.385.8169 | www.bodacious.ca

Brianna Prive | Robyn Walle | Miel Guerra Alva

Robyn Walle, Principal at Baker Tilly’s Sidney location, is a seasoned professional specializing in estate, personal, corporate and not‑for‑profit taxation. Robyn works closely with owner‑managed businesses, supporting a wide range of financial needs, including financial statement audits and reviews. Robyn and her team take a meticulous approach to ensure clients’ financial affairs are in excellent hands.

This year, the Sidney office is proud to recognize Miel Guerra Alva, who has been a valued member of the firm for six years. Miel specializes in cross‑border taxation services, supporting clients with complex international tax matters. Baker Tilly congratulates Miel on reaching an important professional milestone with the successful completion of the three‑day Common Final Examination.

In addition, the Sidney office is pleased to welcome Brianna Prive, who brings four years of experience with the firm and now joins the Sidney team as a Manager. Brianna specializes in financial statement audits and reviews and is known for her collaborative approach and strong technical skills. Beyond her professional work, Brianna volunteers her time and expertise to support not‑for‑profit boards.

The Freedom to Define Excellence

From deep in the Okanagan to Salt Spring Island, two women are defining what it means to make wine in British Columbia.

Each has distinct philosophies, yet both are pushing the boundaries of what this young region can achieve. I had the opportunity to meet with Séverine Pinte at Enotecca (home to La Stella and Le Vieux Pin), and Mira Tusz at Kutatás, to discuss the wine industry and its future. Séverine arrived in B.C. via the cooperatives of southern France, where she spent over a decade managing large-scale production in the Languedoc. Trained in viticulture and enology at Montpellier, she watched the Okanagan transform during annual visits through the late 1990s and 2000s. As a young woman in France, she felt blocked from advancing in a traditional culture. "Here, I could take off."

By 2010, she'd made the move permanent, becoming executive winemaker, viticulturist and managing partner at Le Vieux Pin and La Stella, overseeing nine vineyards spanning 25 kilometres across the Okanagan.

Mira took a completely different route. With a degree in microbiology, she found herself at Unsworth Vineyard during its establishment on Vancouver Island, where something clicked. "It was inspiring to see how careful and intensive viticulture translated into quality wines in the cellar."

After pursuing a viticulture diploma through Washington State University and working cellar positions from Vancouver Island to New Zealand, Mira and partner Daniel Dragert launched Kutatás Wines in 2015, purchasing an eight-acre vineyard on Salt Spring Island in 2018. The name itself means "research" in Hungarian.

WINE

PHILOSOPHY

Séverine's approach is decidedly vineyard-first. Working with vineyard manager Jody Subotin, she spends extensive time in the field, tasting berries, assessing tannins and understanding

how each vine captures nutrients from the soil. "I am truly honoured and respect the fact that without the soil and the vine, I wouldn't be able to produce anything." This terroirdriven philosophy guides her portfolio: French varietals at Le Vieux Pin and Italian expressions at La Stella. Mira's philosophy centres on constant exploration. Kutatás pushes boundaries with traditional-method sparkling wines, skin-contact orange wines, Austrian Zweigelt and German Ortega – all crafted using spontaneous indigenous yeast fermentation, whole-cluster fermentation and carbonic maceration.

CLIMATE CHANGE: TWO VERY DIFFERENT REALITIES

In the Okanagan, Séverine battles extremes: the 2021 heat dome, polar vortex events in 2023 and 2024, and constant frost threats. Her

response has been strategic adaptation – sustainable water management in a desert climate and relocating vulnerable varietals to protected sites. "We're big gamblers as farmers. We just throw the dice every year."

On Salt Spring Island, Mira sees a different story: "We have seen a general trend to warmer growing seasons, with a beneficial effect on fruit quality." She notes that Pinot Noir quality, once achieved every three to four vintages in the early 2000s, is now "achieving on a yearly basis."

WOMEN IN WINE: PROGRESS AND PERSISTENCE

Séverine appreciates B.C.'s more progressive environment while acknowledging persistent challenges. Recognized with France's Knight Medal for Agricultural Merit (2023) and B.C.'s Leadership Excellence Award (2024), she's increasingly vocal about her journey. "I'm hoping

that by telling my story – the ups and the downs – other women will say OK, there's hope, there's a road forward."

Mira sees steady progress, acknowledging that women remain "underrepresented in higher management, winemaking, and ownership positions globally," but finds optimism in momentum: "The amount of successful women in the industry today is inspiring."

BC'S FUTURE: DIVERSITY AS STRENGTH

Séverine sees terroir expression accelerating: "The terroir, the wines, the people – we're doing fantastic things. I've seen an increase in quality in the last decade."

Mira draws a compelling parallel: "Just as 'French

wines' would not have a notable unifying characteristic ... the B.C. wine regions vary so widely." For the islands, she sees expansion ahead as wineries further south recognize the area's potential "in a warming world for sustainable agriculture and premium Pinot Noir production."

Despite their different approaches – Séverine's classical elegance versus Mira's experimental edge –both share a fundamental commitment to quality rooted in deep technical knowledge and respect for the vineyard.

Séverine captures it best: "Wine is something you feel in your taste buds but also inside. You taste wine surrounded by people you love, in a place you like – it creates memories that stay engraved in you. That's the gift."

Meet the Team Behind Your Next Journey

Departures Travel Sidney advisors bring decades of experience in river cruising, ocean voyages, and inspiring land adventures. Coming soon: our expanded space, where we’ll host Travel Talks and Lunch & Learns to share what’s new and exciting in travel.

Scan the QR code to join our newsletter and receive invitations to upcoming events.

#105 - 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney 250.999.9800 | www.departurestravel.com

Anne M. Delves

I believe every investor should feel understood, in control, confident and secure. That is why I chose a career as a financial advisor, and I strive every day to ensure all of my clients experience this.

With over 30 years of industry experience, I create tailored investment strategies that fit with my clients' unique goals and circumstances. I specialize in retirement savings strategies, retirement income strategies, estate and legacy strategies, business owner considerations, and wealth protection strategies.

Michelle Martin

I’ve called Victoria home for more than 37 years and Brentwood Bay for over 12 of those. A proud mother of two, my kids grew up in Brentwood Bay, and I’m so grateful for the childhood they experienced here on the Peninsula – surrounded by community, nature and the kind of small-town warmth that makes this area so special.

My real estate journey began in 2012 when I was offered a position as a realtor’s assistant. I instantly fell in love with the industry and immersed myself in learning every aspect of the business, from client care and marketing to negotiations and behind-the-scenes systems. Over the years, that foundation has shaped the way I show

My approach to real estate is simple: make every client feel like they are my only client. I believe real estate is not just about a transaction – it’s about the people, their stories, and the emotions that come with buying or selling a home. I take the time to listen, understand and support each client so they feel confident and cared for from start to finish. Building strong, trusted relationships is at the heart of everything I do.

This year, I was honoured to be elected as a Director on the Victoria Real Estate Board. I’m excited for the years ahead, contributing to the board’s work in elevating professional standards, advocating for our members, and helping shape innovative programs that strengthen both our industry and our broader community.

My partner, Rob Rolston, and I are passionate about giving back. We regularly volunteer and help raise funds for The Shoreline Medical Society and the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank whenever we can, and we feel truly

Leading Without Limits BRENTWOOD BAY RESORT

At Brentwood Bay Resort, 66% of all leadership roles within our organization are female-led. This gender ratio reflects a powerful and authentic balance – not because it is mandated by a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy, but because it is embedded in who we are. This balance grew from a culture where every voice matters, every role is valued, and every person is seen as significant.

A remarkable number of our emerging leaders are young women between the ages of 23 and 32 – a generation of confident and capable professionals who are redefining what leadership looks like in hospitality. These women are stepping into leadership, shaping teams, elevating guest experiences and building operational excellence across the resort.

The leaders of our organization are intentionally inclusive and focused on coaching and empowerment. The goal is that everyone’s unique skills are seen, expressed and developed. Here, growth is encouraged, ambition is celebrated and career evolution is respected – even when we are supporting a departure for greater things.

The women at Brentwood Bay Resort are not defined by titles alone. They are defined by impact, integrity, curiosity and care. They are mentors, builders, innovators and culture carriers. They represent a future of hospitality leadership that is collaborative, values-driven and deeply human.

Raina Draper –

With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, specialising in indoor cycling, strength training classes and personal training, I am dedicated to staying at the forefront of fitness trends and techniques.

Continual education is a cornerstone of my approach, ensuring that I deliver the most effective and up-to-date strategies. My commitment to ongoing learning enables me to provide the highest level results to my clients.

We prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can pursue their unique health and fitness objectives, whether it’s improving cardiovascular health, building muscular strength, or a combination of both.

Our dedicated fitness instructors and supportive community of Garage Cyclers are committed to guiding and encouraging every Individual throughout their journey, ensuring they feel empowered and motivated every step of the way.

Garage Cycle classes offer an intimate setting with small class sizes, complemented by ambient lighting and uplifting music, creating a personalized and inspiring workout experience for every participant.

G

Garage Cycle

Brenda MacFarlane

MBA, CFP, CIM, FCSI, EPC

IG WEALTH MANAGEMENT – FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

I started in the financial services industry in 1990 as a bank teller. I recall the bank manager recommending to me, way back then, that I start saving for my future. I’m grateful for that advice. Today, it is my privilege to help people plan for a financially comfortable future. My extensive training has prepared me to guide clients through their professional and personal milestones.

I have earned the Elder Planning Counselor designation, to allow me to advise clients on mature life-stage needs.

I have a long history of working with clients who require complex tax, retirement and investment planning. This experience translates well to affluent investors, incorporated professionals, physicians and those approaching retirement or recently retired.

In my spare time I am a Director on the Board of the Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission. I am delighted to be learning about the film production business as well as the economic benefits of film production on the Peninsula.

Please pay me a visit at IG Wealth Management’s new office at Uptown.

MICHELE HOLMES

For nearly 40 years, Michele Holmes has been one of the most trusted—and many consider her the absolute top—real estate name on the Saanich Peninsula. Since kicking off her incredible career in 1985, she's built an outstanding business on rocksolid relationships, unbeatable local expertise, and a true passion for small-town community vibes. A 30-time consecutive Gold Award winner with the Victoria Real Estate Board, Michele's track record screams consistency, total dedication, and rocksolid client trust—making her a true standout in the industry. As a longtime Beacon Avenue business owner, she lives and breathes supporting local spots and giving back: she's a founding member of the Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club, a Director with the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Health Care Foundation, and a proud champion of the ORCCA Foundation and the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation.

Famous for her straightforward honesty, fairness, and warm, approachable energy, Michele pairs razor-sharp marketing savvy with decades of insider peninsula know-how. After steering Holmes Realty for 34 years, she took an exciting leap in 2024, teaming up with broker owners Mark Rice and Eric Smith of Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate. This powerhouse partnership has transformed the Holmes Realty Group into the biggest, most dynamic real estate force on the peninsula—combining Michele's legendary local legacy with their top-tier leadership and resources for unbeatable results!

Now with over 40 years in the game and more fired up than ever, Michele is just ge�ing started on her next exciting chapter. She's bursting with motivation to keep serving the community she adores—helping folks with every single one of their real estate needs with the same enthusiasm, energy, and expertise that got her here.

Ready for candid advice and trusted guidance on your big real estate moves? Michele and her team are always ready for anything and everything

Salty Oak Studios: Precious Petals

Her small hands picked up each tiny flower as her grandmother’s hands guided. These moments of pressing flowers are now a precious memory.

WORDS JO BARNES

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Now North Saanich artist, Chelsea Warren, is not only continuing this activity but helping others preserve their own memories.

Chelsea creates unique jewellery using pressed flowers, some of which are sourced from things such as a client’s wedding bouquet, or even other unique materials from memorable events.

“It is thoughtfully made jewellery and other botanical art. I make necklaces, earrings, rings, also custom pieces like cufflinks for a wedding. As well, I also preserve pet hair into pieces,” shares Chelsea, adding with a smile: “My most popular jewellery uses confetti from the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert in Vancouver!”

For the past 16 years, Chelsea has been a successful wedding and family photographer. A few

years ago, she had an idea for creating special gifts for her wedding clients. “Three years ago, I gave couples flowers from their bouquets as gifts. I pressed the flowers into necklaces,” she relates. “The couples were blown away. One of them said: ‘How thoughtful to press our bouquet flowers and turn them into jewellery.”

The artistic experience was pivotal for Chelsea, and kicked off a whole new business venture for her. Over time, her jewellery line has definitely expanded and is now marketed locally including locations such as the Butchart Gardens, The Roost, Sea Cider, The Tea Emporium, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Deep Cove Trading Co., and Peninsula craft fairs, nationally in Nova Scotia and as far away as the U.S. and U.K. through the online Etsy platform.

While Chelsea has not yet put her camera on the shelf and retired from photography, her newfound focus on handmade jewellery offers a new work-life balance that very much appeals. “I love the change of pace from wedding photography. It involves a lot of client interaction and weekend commitments. Now, with this jewellery, it is me and my husband in our own home. He is the lead assembler. We can chat while we work and we have more time with family,” she comments. “I will do fewer weddings this year but will still do some maternity, engagement, family photos and pet photos.”

To make her eye-catching jewellery, Chelsea presses flowers and arranges them in metal frames in which she has applied UV resin to cure and protect. Successfully completing the creative process all takes skills and practice. “It has been a big learning curve. You have to learn about each flower and how to preserve its colour and shape,” says Chelsea. “As well, you have to understand how the resin works as there are four layers of it in each piece.”

microwave the rose first. This gets out 90% of moisture; otherwise, it goes moldy.”

The materials are often quite small, so the work is fine and meticulous. For Chelsea, however, this is the appeal. “It is very fine work, but I love it. I love understated jewellery. The smallest piece is only 11 millimetres and often people say ‘It is so small!’ But I tell them that this is the actual size of the flower that is found in nature,” she says.

“With Queen Anne’s lace, it is actually hundreds of tiny flowers in its pattern. I pick out each flower.”

Flower pressing takes three to six weeks. Jewellery items are done in batches which can take several hours to complete. It all takes time and tenacity, but the journey brings rewards along the way for Chelsea. Often, it’s positive feedback about her creativity. Sometimes, though, it’s a very emotional response because the jewellery holds personal meaning for the customer.

Ready to enter the market, refinance your home or restructure your finances? With over 40 years in the financial industry – including 29 years specializing in mortgages and 27 in financial planning – Fran brings unparalleled expertise to every client interaction.

Her commitment to your success, clear communication and deep understanding of market trends and volatility ensure you’ll feel confident in every decision. Whether you’re purchasing your dream home or restructuring your finances, Fran’s personalized service puts your goals first.

Experience the difference of working with a trusted, seasoned Mortgage Consultant – your journey starts here!

Katie Musicco

Various flowers are used including forget-me-nots, sweet alyssum, hydrangea, roses and Queen Anne’s lace, as well as cedar and ferns. Chelsea has come to understand that not every flower is the same as the next when it comes to pressing. “There are different pressing methods for different flowers; you need to test them out to see what works,” she notes. “If you use wax paper while pressing some delicate flowers, they shrink up and become spiky, so you need to use paper towel. You can

“Every flower is hand placed; I am particular about the flower placement. It is important to me that it is handmade. I put so much care into every piece. It is a wearable piece of art,” she shares. “Flowers are art and whether it is in celebrating beauty and joy or mourning loss, these small pieces of art can be a memory.”

The beauty of a few tiny flowers can be preserved in time. They can represent a moment and a memory. Chelsea has experienced this in her own life and has turned her talents to helping others to do the same.

www.facebook.com/ saltyoakstudios/

With over 18 years of experience in holistic health, Katie Musicco brings a deeply integrative and compassionate approach to women’s wellness, hormones, and natural beauty.

A graduate of Pacific Rim College with a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Katie combines time-honoured Chinese medical wisdom with modern, sciencebacked techniques to help women feel balanced, confident, and radiant –inside and out.

In addition to her expertise in facial rejuvenation, Katie has pursued advanced studies in women’s hormones, fertility, and reproductive health – empowering women through every stage of life with individualized, root-cause care.

Trixie Cusi

Trixie Cusi is the founder of Little Joy Residential & Commercial Cleaning Services Ltd., a Vancouver Island-based business built on the belief that a clean space brings comfort, peace and clarity. What began as a small passion project has grown into a trusted local company serving homes and businesses with consistency, care and integrity.

With a hands-on leadership style, Trixie leads a growing team of professionals who share her commitment to high standards and people-first service. Her approach focuses not only on delivering excellent results for clients, but also on creating a supportive, respectful work environment where team members feel valued and empowered to grow.

Over the past year, Little Joy has expanded its services and refined its systems, marking a new season of intentional, sustainable growth. For Trixie, success is measured not just by numbers, but by the trust built with clients, the culture within her team, and the positive impact the business creates in the community.

At Little Joy, cleaning is more than a service – it’s a way of helping people focus on what truly matters.

Robbyn McDonald

Robbyn McDonald has always been drawn to the moments that matter to clients: clear expectations, earned trust and well-led processes. A second-generation leader at MAC Reno Design Build, Robbyn grew up in and around the family business –absorbing early the belief that strong homes help build strong communities. She’s excelled as a woman in business, working alongside her brother, who now leads the company their parents founded. She carries forward a reputation built on integrity, collaboration and follow-through, with a distinctly client-first perspective.

Her foundation in high-end customer experience management – shaped in service-driven environments including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Relais & Châteaux properties – shows in how she leads: thoughtful communication, disciplined details and a consistent client experience from first meeting to final handover. Robbyn brings an upbeat, people-first energy to every project – rooted in community and solution-oriented problem-solving.

A Royal Roads University graduate and Victoria local, she serves as Chair of her local community association and contributes to industry leadership as a board member of Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island and the CHBA Canadian Renovators’ Council.

This summer, she’ll branch out to launch Coastal Accents Millwork in Estevan Village – bringing design-forward cabinetry with a hospitality-grade client experience to homeowners and builders across Southern Vancouver Island.

Janice McIntyre

MAYNE ISLAND RESORT

After many years in the public and private sectors, I retired to Mayne Island. The opportunity to own a boutique inn arose during a dinner conversation, leading toward a new “retirement career” filled with daily social interactions and new adventures. The art of inn-keeping takes finesse for a work-life balance. Living on a coastal island provides the freedom to enjoy local trails, beaches and docks where I make time to walk with my dog, search for sea glass, and engage in creative hobbies like pottery and art. The location offers inspiration and sanctuary from the noise of life and allows one to tune in to the more important things.

The Mayne Island Resort is best known for its oceanfront views, luxurious accommodations and outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy the resort’s leisure centre which includes an indoor pool, steam room, jacuzzi hot tub and fitness area. The resort’s new restaurant – The Arbutus Grill – offers a diverse menu with local craft beers, local wines and a great casual dining experience. From locals to guests to boats in the bay, many stop in for the farmto-table food fare, outdoor patio on the water or tea in the charming Lady Constance Tea Room; there is something for everyone. The Resort’s location in the century-old Mayne Inn on the bluff overlooking Bennet Bay adds to its charm, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking a romantic escape or relaxing retreat.

The Mayne Island business community is incredibly diverse. From farm to table food and organic markets, to art and music, there is something for everyone, which helps create connected and memorable moments on Mayne.

My life before Mayne Island was very different, from working in both the public and private sector to previously owning a hobby farm with 17 animals, including Suffolk sheep, an eclectic family of three rescue goats, 12 chickens and two barn cats. I also owned an art gallery. Throughout my previous careers I have had the privilege of educating myself, staying fit and meeting many interesting people.

I am a mother of three wonderful adult children, a widow and now a happily married wife. I hold strong to the belief that having faith during life’s difficult chapters and looking for the good in everything and everyone makes for better perspective, because we all have a story.

Leslie Denko

MORTGAGE ALLIANCE CUTTING EDGE LENDING

Spring brings a sense of renewal, making it a great time to revisit your home‑financing plans. I’m here to help you navigate your options with clarity and confidence and build a Mortgage Plan tailored to your goals. Putting your needs at the centre of every decision is something I take great pride in.

Whether you're renewing, refinancing, or purchasing a home, I’m committed to making the process smooth and informed. Let’s connect and plan your next move.

Deneen Cunningham CFP,

MCVAGH CUNNINGHAM GROUP LTD.

Deneen Cunningham is President of McVagh Cunningham Group Ltd. and a Saanichton-based financial planner with more than 40 years of experience helping individuals, families and business owners make confident financial decisions. Known for her ability to simplify complex concepts, Deneen takes a practical, thoughtful approach that empowers clients to focus on what matters most to them.

At the core of her work is a strong belief in trust, long-term relationships and clear communication. Deneen supports clients through life’s key transitions – retirement, business succession, estate planning and times of change – providing steady guidance and clarity when it matters most.

Deeply connected to her community, Deneen believes that leadership extends beyond the office. She is a long-standing First Responder with the Piers Island Volunteer Fire Department, reflecting her commitment to service, resilience and helping others in moments of need.

Deneen is passionate about supporting women, fostering meaningful connections, and encouraging thoughtful growth – both financially and personally – so her clients can move forward with confidence.

Welcoming New Patients!

Locally owned and led by women veterinarians. Our all-women team thoughtfully cares for your cat and dog companions.

From our calm, comforting environment to unhurried appointments, we take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you to optimize your pet's health and happiness.

Come for a hospital tour any Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. –we would love to meet you and your furry friends!

CLU, CHFC, RHU

Founded by Jess Wilson and Alana Catlin, Babes was born from a simple yet powerful observation: many entrepreneurs were building businesses while quietly feeling disconnected, unsupported and alone. They saw a need for deeper connection and authentic community within the traditional networking space, and Babes Build Community emerged as a response.

At its core, Babes is rooted in one guiding belief – when the entrepreneur is nourished, everything they create has the capacity to flourish. Rather than focusing solely on business outcomes, Babes places attention on the human behind the work. Entrepreneurship can be

Nourishing the Entrepreneur: Inside Babes Build Community

In a world where networking often feels rushed and transactional, Babes Build Community is redefining what it means to truly connect.

fast-paced and isolating, and Babes intentionally creates environments where individuals are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover clarity and creativity. Through reflection, presence and meaningful connection, entrepreneurs find renewed energy and direction.

Community sits at the heart of everything Babes does. Life and business were never meant to be done alone, and growth happens most powerfully in relationship with others. Babes fosters spaces grounded in trust, openness and encouragement, where collaboration replaces competition and people feel safe to show up as they truly are. The connections formed

here often grow into lasting friendships, partnerships and support systems that extend far beyond a single gathering. Through thoughtfully curated events and experiences, Babes nourishes the whole person. Guests are welcomed exactly as they are and invited into spaces filled with good food, genuine conversation, grounding movement and reconnection with their bodies. These shared experiences create an atmosphere where people feel seen, valued, and deeply supported. The focus is not simply on networking, but on meaningful connection and restoration from within.

Babes Build Community is not surface level – it is relational. It is about

building real bonds, fostering belonging and creating space for transformation. When entrepreneurs feel nourished, supported and connected, they become unstoppable, not just in business, but in life.

As Babes continues to grow, it remains a living reflection of the people within it. Each gathering is an invitation to return to yourself, to connect with others, and to remember that success does not have to come at the cost of exhaustion or isolation. Instead, it can be rooted in nourishment, connection, and shared humanity. Through this vision, Babes Build Community is quietly transforming how entrepreneurs gather, grow and rise – together.

www.babesbuildcommunity.com

Nicole Plunkie

Nicole is co-franchisee of Puddle Pool Services Victoria and the Okanagan. She brings over 10 years of customer service experience to the table.

As a family-run business, at Puddle Pool Services Nicole works alongside her dad Brian and brother Warren (Okanagan).

Specializing in hot tubs and pools, the company offers regular maintenance as well as pool openings, pool closings and hot tub refreshes. Their goal is to ensure customers are happy with their time in the water.

PUDDLE POOL SERVICES www.puddlepools.com

250.800.5801 | nicole@puddlepools.com

Dr. Samantha

Owner of Ray Dahl Optical and Optometrists since 2013, Dr Samantha Bourdeau O.D. leads the practice with a focus on personalized care, modern eye health and thoughtfully selected eyewear.

Building on the business’s 35-year legacy, Samantha blends experience with a fresh, patientcentred approach.

Her passion for clinical excellence and community connection continues to shape a practice where relationships, trust and quality care come first.

#101 - 2376 Bevan Ave, Sidney 250.655.1122 | www.raydahloptical.ca

Just minutes from the runway in Sidney, a new name in medical aesthetics has taken flight. Since opening in December 2024, Runway Aesthetics has built momentum through intention, expertise and a refreshingly grounded approach to beauty. At the helm is Clinical Director Paula, joined by registered nurse injectors Janelle, Jayda and Kate, four women redefining what success looks like in modern aesthetics.

The clinic’s aviation-inspired design reflects its philosophy: elevated, calm and purposeful. With 30 years of experience in the medical aesthetics industry, Paula leads with confidence, setting the standard for amazing results. Alongside her, Janelle, Jayda and Kate bring a thoughtful blend of technical skill and artistry, creating an experience that feels refined and deeply personal.

Runway Aesthetics offers a full range of injectables, advanced facials and skin therapies.

What sets the clinic apart is not just what they offer, but how they work: collaboratively, consistently and with an unwavering focus on care. As their presence rises, Paula, Janelle, Jayda and Kate prove that when expertise meets vision, success doesn’t just happen; it soars.

Sarah Vidalin

Born and raised on the stunning Saanich Peninsula, Sarah has a deep-rooted connection to the community and a genuine passion for the land that makes it so unique. With over a decade of experience in sales, Sarah combines a fiery determination and relentless work ethic with a natural ability to build lasting relationships. Whether she’s helping her clients find their dream home, navigating a complex negotiation, or identifying land ripe for development, Sarah’s expertise shines through every step of the process.

Sarah grew up in a family immersed in building and development, giving her a sharp, intuitive eye for properties with potential. This background has fueled her passion for not only helping buyers and sellers, but also recognizing opportunities for land and property development that others might overlook. She’s a visionary when it comes to seeing what a property could be, and her keen understanding of what it takes to bring that potential to life sets her apart in the market.

Sarah’s relationships with local builders and developers are integral to her success. Her longstanding connections in the Saanich Peninsula construction and development community provide her clients with access to exclusive opportunities and insider knowledge. These relationships not only help Sarah identify prime properties but also position her as a trusted advisor in a competitive industry.

With extensive training and experience in sales and negotiation, Sarah excels at aligning buyers with the perfect property while delivering strategic, results-driven representation. Her expertise spans new builds, land development, multi-unit projects, and condominium marketing. Recognized with MLS® GOLD status every year of her real estate career – placing her in the top 10% of Realtors in Greater Victoria – she is known for her tireless work ethic, honesty and integrity.

Well known throughout the Saanich Peninsula community, Sarah is actively involved in local events, hosts community initiatives, and maintains strong connections across the region. A proud mother of three young children, she balances family and career with grit and dedication, bringing the same commitment to every client she represents.

778.676.6768 | 2481 Beacon Avenue, Sidney sarahvidalin@outlook.com | www.sarahvidalin.com

QUIET ON SET!

As a writer, all I want is for someone to pick up my work and say “There’s something here.”

In September 2024, that “someone” was Telus Storyhive, and that “something” was a Pilot screenplay written in the dead of night, splattering my grief on the page in the form of a TV comedy. Storyhive and Creative BC would give me $25,000 to make the Pilot Episode of Life with Dotty, a comedy fantasy TV series illuminating the darkest time of my life, and becoming my directorial debut.

WORDS

KELLY FINERTY, WRITER, EDITOR & DIRECTOR, LIFE WITH DOTTY

PHOTOS NIKKI MOIR, KALIANDRA CAPRI, DUSTIN FINERTY

I’ve tried to be anything but what called my name for the first time at 10 years old. That year, I saw Jurassic Park at Kamloops’ Paramount Theatre, and fell in love with film. I wanted to be the woman orchestrating the vision, bringing make-believe to life. What better way to spend my time than entertaining humanity? I wanted to be a Director, and by golly I was going to do it.

At 13, University College of the Cariboo allowed me to take a night course in screenwriting and directing for film. I remember the audible groan from the adults in class when the professor removed the love scene from the feature film script assigned for analysis because the content was too mature for 13-year-old eyes. My plan after high school was to attend Vancouver Film School for Directing, but unfortunately life had other plans, and I did what any impressionable teenager would do: moved to the Island to attend university in the sciences. Be a doctor. Get a real job, dreamer.

Over eight years, I limped through a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degree, gaining employment in the public sector and eventually landing in healthcare

administration in 2016. In 2021 the world threw a curve ball: healthcare everywhere was on its knees in the thick of the pandemic, I was homeschooling my two young kids, working more than full time for the hospitals, and my 78-year-old mother began her harrowing journey with dementia shortly after moving into my home. Something had to give, and it was my mental health. Instead of ending it all, I left my job, stayed home, and focused on caring for myself and my family.

Anyone who has watched someone they love slowly lose themselves to the darkness of dementia knows grieving for the living. The person you know is gone, and they are similar to who you remember, only now you are the stranger in their world. Grief had a sneaky way of consuming

me at the time, though I found some solace in writing fictional characters experiencing the same slice of life I was freefalling through. Maybe someone would see themselves in my story. Maybe if they watched it as a TV show in the dead of night escaping the horrors of reality, maybe they wouldn’t feel as lonely as I did. Maybe they might even find it a bit funny. Uplifting even.

Life with Dotty follows Annie King (played by Nanaimo’s own Kaliandra Capri), an early-40s government worker, mother, wife and daughter promoted to supervisor of a healthcare complaints department prepandemic. Annie moves her family to Victoria and spirals away from reality caring for her mother Dotty in the throes of dementia, leading Annie to unknowingly summon her teen soul from the 1990s to save her from an untimely death.

The show’s script to screen process took three years from 2022 to 2025, including nine months of pre-production with star Director of Photography, Mathew Gladman, matching each story beat with the perfect shot. After months of storyboarding, revising shot lists, casting and prepping 19 actors, sourcing seven locations and gathering 16 talented crew, the 27-minute Pilot Episode shot in Colwood, B.C. over four days in June 2025, and completed post-production in December 2025. The Pilot is now in consideration for several film festivals worldwide.

Turns out, in the darkest time of my life, it was my 1990s teenage self who returned to save me after all. I was going to be a Director, and by golly she did it.

Watch the Life with Dotty Trailer at www.typewriterrebellion.com or on YouTube @typewriterrebellion.

Marion Evamy

My work is created for art lovers who value feeling as much as form. Bold, original paintings complement spaces with clean architectural lines and sculptural forms, with graphic yet organic compositions.

Colour is purposeful and rhythmic, echoing midcentury optimism with a contemporary, diverse and globally influenced sensibility – bringing cohesion without uniformity. Original art that is personal, collectible and confident!

Visit my gallery in person, or shop online. Commissions also available. Warning – addiction to “me!” may occur!

Robyn Wildman, Samantha Chisholm & Grace Shin

The Wildman Group are three caring and experienced business women. They offer over 40 years of real estate knowledge and a wide variety of real estate experience for “oneof-a-kind” property sales, downsizing, relocations and firsttime home buyers.

They are praised for their personal service and great communication. Diligent background work and strong negotiating skills help their clients navigate this ever-changing market successfully.

Call to set up an interview and see for yourself.

Jessica Kwasnica & Carrie Mills

SEASIDE CABINETRY & DESIGN

Owner and Senior Designer Jessica Kwasnica has been a fixture in the cabinetry design industry since 2005. Having lived in Victoria for most of her life, she deeply values the “small-town” approach – being honest and taking true pride in your work.

“Victoria is such a tight-knit community,” Jessica says. “Everyone is so connected, and word-of-mouth referrals are truly what have grown our company.”

Seaside Cabinetry & Design has been in business for over 10 years in beautiful Sidney by the Sea, serving the Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and Greater Victoria.

“Designing is my passion,” Jessica shares. “Knowing that my clients trust me to design what is arguably the most important room in the home is something I don’t take lightly.” For Jessica, the real drive comes from getting to know her clients and learning exactly what they need to thrive in their space.

When Jessica isn’t crafting beautiful spaces or meeting with clients, you’ll likely find her at the barn with her daughter, a passion they both share. She deeply treasures her time with horses, viewing the unique bond of trust and collaboration as a vital part of her life. “Learning to work together with such powerful animals is a gift I never take for granted.”

At home, Jessica and her husband, Tony, enjoy a busy, happy life with their daughter and two beloved Frenchtons.

Having designed kitchens in Victoria for over 21 years, Carrie Mills remains a go-to designer when it comes to millwork. Her collaborative spirit has partnered her with countless architects, designers and builders, locally and abroad. Teaching her a simple truth: “It’s all about connection”

Based in North Saanich with husband Kyle and their two children, she draws inspiration from family travels and her community life. “I listen carefully and deeply,” Carrie says. “It’s about understanding someone’s daily rhythm, their budget, their dreams – then blending innovative ideas where they work with classic, enduring style.” She avoids passing trends, favouring timeless aesthetics that age gracefully. The result: spaces that function beautifully and feel like forever homes, woven with the client’s own story.

Jessica and Carrie first crossed paths in design school, graduating together in 2005. Today, they are thrilled to be working side-by-side, bringing their combined decades of experience and unique creative synergy to every project.

FROM THE DRIVE-THRU TO THE BOARDROOM:

how Racheal turned real-life experience into financial confidence for women

Racheal Jamieson’s first job was at McDonald’s. Like many teens, she learned the basics there: show up on time, work hard, treat people well. Those early lessons quietly shaped her career.

Today, Racheal is a Chartered Investment Manager, working alongside her mentor and aunt, Viola VandeRuyt. Before entering the investment world, she built a diverse career spanning restaurant management, HR training, and retail leadership.

The turning point came eight years ago after she attended a National Bank Women’s Conference in Quebec. Surrounded by women advisors openly sharing their experiences in finance, Racheal saw herself reflected in a profession she hadn’t previously imagined as her own. “It was the first time I thought, I belong here,” she recalls. Soon after, she made the leap into the financial industry. That varied background now shows up daily in her work with clients. “Money conversations aren’t just about numbers,” Racheal says. “They’re emotional too.” Her strengths in structure, process, and empathy help clients feel grounded and confident.

At the heart of her practice is a clear focus: working with women.

Despite managing households, businesses, careers, and families, women remain underrepresented in the financial

industry and represent only 20% of investors in Canada.

“Women make complex decisions every day,” she says. “They coordinate schedules, care for others, run teams, and manage crises. The idea that they can’t handle finances just doesn’t match reality.”

For Racheal, money is not the goal. It is a tool to support life choices, freedom and security. She enjoys the analytical side of investing, but what truly motivates her is helping women connect their finances to what matters most to them. Whether that’s preparing for a career transition, recovering from a life crises, or simply sleeping better at night, the work is deeply personal.

Racheal is grateful to work with family members who share a unified vision and purpose. The personal and professional alignment creates an ease that clients often notice right away.

“We’re building something meaningful together,” she says.

“That matters.”

From a fast-food counter to investment portfolios, Racheal’s journey is a reminder that expertise isn’t only built in classrooms or boardrooms. Sometimes it’s shaped by life experience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others move forward with confidence.

And for the women she works with, that combination can make all the difference. ■

EVERY PLAN STARTS WITH A FIRST STEP. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO START.

Life brings change, sometimes expected, sometimes not. Financial planning isn’t about having all the answers, but having the courage to begin.

Join our Confident Women Workshop Friday April 17th at 4pm to 5pm in Sidney, where we’ll explore your financial purpose and uncover what truly matters to you. Ready to uncover your strength and confidence?

Attendance by RSVP only. Please contact Racheal Jamieson 250-657-2208 or racheal.jamieson@nbc.ca and reserve your spot today!

Visit violavanderuyt.ca to start the conversation

Racheal Jamieson CIM® Wealth AdviSor 250-657-2208 racheal.jamieson@nbc.ca

Viola Van de Ruyt CIM, FCSI, CPCA Wealth Advisor 250-657-2220 viola.vanderuyt@nbc.ca

Marcus Van de Ruyt Associate 250-657-2222 marcus.vanderuyt@nbc.ca

A Home That Holds

Some homes tell a story the moment you open the door. You feel it in the textures of the space, in how things are held together and in the calmed chaos of lives moving outward and back, tended with care. This home tells that story at scale.

Eight children, half adopted and stretching from middle school years into adulthood, live here. Three international students add new perspectives and rhythms to daily life. A solo parent holds it all together in Saanichton, with a calm sense of order that lets people move through the space easily, with room to belong and contribute in their own way.

Care sits at the centre of everything in Kathryn Muyaba’s home. It shows up as presence and consistency, as an attentiveness that meets people where they are, and knowing when to step

WORDS REUBEN BUTTERFIELD PHOTO WIND GYPSY PHOTOGRAPHY

in and when to step back. Structure is created with ease, the kind that comes from learning it the long way, through lived experience. Steady and grounding, with a maternal quality that settles rooms: protective, nurturing and present. People feel it, and they settle into it.

I've watched this rhythm for years as her friend. I've seen it play out in small moments and hard ones and seen the care that holds things together. It’s calm, capable and warm. It’s a way of moving through life where people come first, and steadiness follows.

That same presence carries into Kathryn’s work – fulltime nursing in detox and recovery, walking alongside people during moments of real vulnerability and change. The work is heavy and the shifts are long. She brings steadiness into rooms where people are trying to find their footing again. She listens, stays and helps people take the next step. Kathryn is then there for long-term care, moving through familiar hallways and rooms and meeting people with dignity, patience and respect. Conversations repeat. Routines matter. Small details carry weight.

Her shift ends and the door opens back home; the day shifts with it. There are different rooms and different faces but still asking something. Learning how to carry that in a way that lasts, and protects energy while keeping your heart open, takes time.

There are meals to make and share, stories from the day to listen to and hearts to hold. Lives unfold at different speeds under one roof. Some days move easily while others ask more. The household meets it together, with responsibility shared and care moving between everyone.

This kind of care moves where it's needed. When something arises in the community, Kathryn and her family show up with fundraisers, supplies gathered and support offered quietly and quickly. They have a way of noticing what's missing and helping fill the gap with action, whether that means organizing, contributing or a simple coffee. It’s practical, responsive and rooted in a quiet care that doesn’t ask for attention.

Over time, that way of living leaves a mark on the people around here. It’s five years on the Peninsula, building a life through daily participation: schools, care spaces and neighbourhood moments that cultivate deep community. It’s the kind of contribution that happens person to person, moment to moment, without needing to be named.

The family continues to grow inside that atmosphere. Responsibility is shared. Belonging is practised. What's being built here is lived, sustained and deeply human. Kathryn carries a great deal, and carries it with calm confidence. She has strength that steadies others, and the kind of presence that makes a room feel more settled simply by being there.

This is a story about a mother. It is also a story about what happens when care becomes a way of living and a home where people feel safe to land. It’s about work that becomes service, and presence that becomes a gift.

This kind of care is chosen, again and again.

This is how strong communities are built. It starts in the home, in daily moments of care, and moves outward with the people who live there.

Amanda Coe

SCOOP AND WAFFLE

Scoop and Waffle is celebrating its first anniversary this month with a party on March 28! It all began with a simple desire: my daughter wanted an ice cream shop in Sidney that was open all year. I joked: "Let's open our own!" ... and here we are!

Drawing on over 15 years of business experience, I'm enjoying serving fun food . Scoop and Waffle is an ice cream and Belgian waffle shop, featuring 28 rotating ice cream flavours, along with sweet and savoury waffles that are perfect any time of year.

#106 - 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney 778.351.5006 | www.scoopandwaffle.ca

Inez, Shirley, Wendy & Mariann – PEMBERTON HOLMES

Pemberton Holmes is a family-owned Island Company established in 1887. It is one of the largest independently owned Real Estate Brokerages in North America with over 300 Realtors in offices all across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

The Sidney office was established in 2016 to better serve the community. We are conveniently located in the Garden Courtyard (beside Home Hardware) with plenty of parking off James White Boulevard.

With a combined expertise of 97 years in the profession, these four women are dedicated to the highest ethical standards, always keeping your best interests in mind. Give Inez, Shirley, Wendy or Mariann a call and let them put their experience and knowledge to work for you.

Building Primary Care Together

WORDS SHORELINE MEDICAL SOCIETY

Leslie Keenan still hears from them almost every week, older adults living with complex health conditions, people navigating cancer diagnoses and families desperate for a family doctor. "It's still so common that I travel with an info sheet on how to access care locally," Keenan says. "We've made real progress attaching patients, but we know there are still neighbours waiting and we can't leave them behind."

Shoreline Medical Society is a community-based charitable non-profit providing team-based primary care on the Saanich Peninsula. Nearly 16,000 patients rely on Shoreline's primary care providers, nurses and allied health professionals for their everyday health needs, and Shoreline physicians

provide maternity, palliative, long-term and hospital care to thousands more.

In 2025, Shoreline welcomed two new full-time primary care providers, a psychiatrist and eight locum physicians, enabling them to continue steadily attaching new patients from the Province's Health Connect Registry. But the waitlist that really keeps Keenan up at night isn’t for primary care providers, it’s for the Youth Clinic.

Funded almost entirely by grants and donations, the Youth Clinic is the only service on the Peninsula offering free, confidential care for young people aged 12 to 24, including mental health counselling, substance use support, medical care and sexual health services. Last year, the clinic added a new counsellor

and provided over 400 appointments, but had to turn away more than 100 requests for service.

“We see the whole range in our clinic,” Keenan says, “from youth thriving in our leadership program, to those experiencing a mental health crisis. We need to be there for them all, now and for more youth in the future.”

"Primary care isn't something abstract," says Dr. Andrea Lewis, Shoreline's Board Chair. "It's about whether your neighbour can see a doctor, whether a young person can get help before a crisis, whether families can stay healthy close to home. This community understands that, and they're showing up."

On November 27, 2025, Shoreline launched its

Avery Ste Marie

WESTCORE TRAINING CENTRE

Avery Ste Marie is a Regional Manager and Co-Owner at Westcore Training Centre, and a key force behind what sets the brand apart. Having been with Westcore for 12 of its 13 years, Avery earned her ownership through leadership, dedication and true sweat equity. She played a major role in designing Westcore’s innovative semi-private training model – delivering highly personalized coaching in a supportive, results-driven environment in fully equipped private workout pods.

Avery oversees manager development and staff training across all six Westcore locations, ensuring consistency, quality and an exceptional member experience. While she supports the full Westcore network, the Sidney location serves as her home base of operations.

A proud mom to a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Avery also owns and operates The Beat Clinic, a group dance fitness business offering classes throughout downtown Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, including monthly pop-up classes at McTavish Academy of Art.

Avery believes staying strong and healthy isn’t selfish – it’s essential. That philosophy lives at the core of Westcore.

Please visit our website or give us a call to learn more or book a consultation.

2025/26 fundraising campaign, Building Primary Care

Together, with a goal of raising $500,000. The campaign is now over 80% complete, but the final stretch will determine whether Shoreline can sustain and expand youth services, recruit the next wave of care providers, and lay the groundwork for future growth including a potential third primary care clinic.

"The support we've seen from this community has been extraordinary," Keenan says. "People want to take care of each other, especially in such uncertain times. Helping Shoreline Medical Society be there for their neighbours is one way they can show that care."

To donate or learn more, visit www.shorelinemedical.ca or call 250-889-1346.

Movement is Medicine

Madelaine McCallum is a dancer, motivational speaker and workshop leader who shares her journey to inspire others.

WORDS JESSE HOLTH

PHOTO KARLA ZALDAÑA, CASA DE LALA PRODUCTIONS

We spoke about learning to love yourself, the importance of gratitude, and how movement is medicine.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Tansi, Hello. My given name is Madelaine McCallum, I am Cree/Métis. My traditional name is Sukaskieskwew (Strong Earth Woman) and I am originally from Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan. I currently reside on the Katzie and Kwantlen Lands and water ways.

I am a dreamer and a helper – I love to share the message “As I Am is Enough” with anyone who is ready to go on the journey. I also have danced most of my life and I love the joy of dance! I never feel like I work a day in my life as my “work” is love!

As someone who has learned to move from survival mode to thriving, what was the journey like?

The journey was in steps – I had to recognize first that I was in survival mode, as it was “normal” to me. Once I had that first step of realizing I was in survival mode, then the rest had to be a conscious choice. It felt so good to start to heal and to step out of the survival that I started to chase

it. Over the years of healing through many modalities such as counselling, ceremony, mental wellness workshops, workouts and more, it has truly been a tough but beautiful journey. I am still coming into thriving and it feels exciting!

You call yourself a dreamer –what inspires you?

My inspiration comes from all the beautiful people I get to share in healing with. When I get the privilege of witnessing them letting go of things they have held on to for many years, it is such a beautiful gift. To witness them standing or sitting up taller is an answered prayer! Nothing beats that. It gives me so much validation that I am on the right journey, that I am living my purpose. That journeying into my own healing has given me this beautiful opportunity to heal with community.

If a person comes from a blueprint of pain and suffering – living with fear, anxiety, and trauma – how can they get to a place of acceptance and love?

I believe that everyone has their own journey, and their path to thriving. I’m not even an expert on my own healing – I am a learner just like everyone else. I just know

what worked for me. I had to try many modalities and practise them so they became habit, and each time I had a negative thought I would put a validating thought beside it. I learned that it takes so many days to form a new habit and if I could have a habit of negative thought and suffering, then I can create a new habit of positive talk and thriving! This was my journey and maybe it can work for some of you as well!

You mentioned the concept of seven generations of healing. What steps can individuals and communities take to heal themselves through dance, culture, speaking and sharing?

Yes, one of the things I have been taught is that the decisions we make now impact seven generations into the future. When I heard this teaching, it sparked a decision in me to start my healing journey. I don’t have any kids of my own but I have a lot of nieces and nephews. I know that my choices also impact them, therefore I decided I would start the journey within and do all the things that will help me to become the best version of myself. I noticed that my decision to heal has also impacted others my age and Elders. It is also about present time. In regards to the dancing, culture, speaking and sharing, those are the modalities that have helped me. I know for others there are other avenues such as writing, yoga, sports and so on. It is up to us to venture into those spaces that bring us the most joy!

One of the lessons you teach is that it’s possible to have a broken heart and feel joy at the same time. Can you explain?

Yes, I was in the belief that I had to either be extremely joyful or I had to be extremely sad – it wasn’t until I realized that I grew up with a broken heart and I still had beautiful joyful moments. I now understand that we can still feel joy with a broken heart. And we deserve joy even if we are coming from a very painful setting.

You said we are all deserving of the greatest love – our own. What does it mean to love yourself?

This came from me always searching for love outside of myself and never finding it. I always felt empty and alone until one day, when I stopped looking for it outside of myself. I realized that I have been missing the most important love: mine! In all the negative talk and all the negative patterns, I could never truly see love from anyone else because I couldn’t find it within me. Now that I have found it and have been practising it, I truly know that the greatest love is my own – and it matters the most because I am the voice I hear every single day!

Movement is medicine. Can you tell us what this philosophy means?

Movement is healing and can heal you in so many ways. I know there is a scientific way of explaining how movement can heal the body, mind and spirit. The only way I can explain is when I’m dancing or working out, I feel the sadness lift off of me; I feel the pain physically leaving my body. I become lighter and my spirit feels stronger. Movement truly is medicine!

You offer workshops in Powwow and Jigging. What is the difference between these dance styles?

Powwow is a First Nations Gathering, where dancers come and share healing through dance. Jigging is a Métis dance style that is a mix of First Nation dance styles and French step dancing (this is what was taught to me).

You’ve spoken about the importance of gratitude, and how it takes physical form in the body. Can you elaborate?

Gratitude is one of the teachings and practices that have been taught to me. Gratitude helps me to find the beauty in every moment in life, to find the teaching and to shift my perspective from negative to positive. In practising gratitude, it has shifted my life in so many forms. Physically, it has helped me to feel joy and get out of physical depression. It was the lift I needed for me to start truly living!

new home of

House of Hathor is a curated space of fine craft, gifts, and treasures. We offer local, sustainable, handmade wares alongside our internationally recognized natural fibre clothing line Priestess & Deer. Our clothes are made for all women, by women, locally on Salt Spring Island and in Victoria, BC. We love the beauty of diversity of all women and we specialize in made to order garments suited to fit all body types. Made for the Goddess you are and the Earth you adore. Adorn yourself in beauty!

Anthea Helmsing REALTOR

MLS® Gold recipient, recognized among the top 10% of REALTORS® in the Victoria Real Estate Board.

With more than 25 years calling Victoria home, Anthea Helmsing has built a real estate career rooted in trust, care, and deep community connection. For over a decade, she has guided hundreds of clients through meaningful life transitions— downsizing, relocating, and simplifying— with patience, clarity, and genuine understanding.

Anthea’s results reflect the relationships she builds. She has been recognized as a top-producing Realtor at RE/MAX Camosun Peninsula, a reflection of the long-standing trust her clients place in her year after year.

Serving the Saanich Peninsula — including Sidney, North Saanich, Central Saanich, Brentwood Bay, and Greater Victoria — Anthea brings deep local insight and a thoughtful, highly personalized approach to every client relationship. She is known for genuinely connecting with the people she works with, taking the time to listen, understand their goals, and offer steady, caring guidance from start to finish. Her calm, organized style helps clients feel supported and confident, even when navigating complex or emotional decisions.

Anthea specializes in guiding seniors and families through the downsizing process, where compassion, clear communication, and thoughtful planning matter most. Her commitment to excellence has placed her among the top 10% of Realtors® in Victoria for three consecutive years. Known for her steady guidance and people-first approach, Anthea supports her clients with care and clarity at every stage of their real estate journey.

Start with a simple mindset shift: take stock of your life right now. Look at the items you have and consider what reflects who you are today. Edit out things from your past that you no longer use or need, and make space for your home and the season you are in. This creates a sense of clarity and energy that flows throughout your entire space.

Rather than waiting for the perfect moment to organize everything at once, start small: one drawer, one cabinet or one surface is more than enough to build momentum.

Progress happens faster when the goal feels achievable. A great place to start is the junk drawer. It is familiar, quick to tackle, and offers an instant sense of accomplishment. That small win creates motivation and reminds you that organizing does not have to be complicated to be effective.

Having a simple plan also makes a big difference. Decide in advance which area you will focus on and commit to just 15 minutes. Set a timer, stay focused and stop when the time is up. This approach keeps organizing from feeling

Organize Your Home & Streamline Your Life

If organizing your home feels overwhelming, you aren’t alone. The good news is that you do not need hours of free time or a major overhaul to see results. Small, consistent efforts can completely transform how your home feels and functions.

overwhelming and makes it easier to fit into everyday life.

Decluttering is always the foundation of an organized home. Before sorting or storing anything, take time to edit and release items that no longer serve you. Even short decluttering sessions add up, and over time they create lighter, more functional spaces. Incorporating this reflective approach ensures your home truly matches your current life and the season you are in. Use a timer to maintain focus and create a clear start and finish. You can make organizing even easier by

WORDS AMY JOY MISTAL SOUL EASE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING

pairing it with habits you already have. Sort mail while making coffee or clear a counter while dinner is cooking. These small moments help organizing feel natural instead of like another task on your to do list.

Another helpful strategy is the 10% rule. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on making a space just 10% better each time you work on it. Those small improvements compound and eventually lead to a home that feels calm, organized, and easy to maintain.

www.amyjoymistal.com

Beachfront Living

OCEANFRONT FAMILY ESTATE on 1.14 acres of ultra-private, beachfront property drenched in sunshine and situated with expansive views of Haro Strait and the Gulf Islands.

The Nantucket-inspired 4063sqft MAIN RESIDENCE, nestled between the ocean, forest and wildflowers in the summertime, gracefully welcomes a coastal lifestyle of casual luxury. White-washed shiplap ceilings, gentle cream walls and engineered wide-plank oak floors finish the gathering rooms on the main floor.

The main level primary bedroom offers a peaceful retreat with a stone gas fireplace and French doors opening to the heated, screened. The spacious ensuite has heated floors, two WIC, and was built for accessibility and aging in place. A custom kitchen by Urbana delights the chef with solid maple dovetailed drawers and cupboards, top-end Thermador appliances, an expansive granite island and quartz countertops. The kitchen eating area, dining room, and living room all take in the panoramic ocean views.

Upstairs an airy, tiled sunroom with vaulted ceilings and elevated views is the perfect place to set up your exercise equipment, artist’s space, or pool table. Built to host groups of extended family and friends, the property features a 2 BR CARRIAGE HOUSE, 3-car main garage and 3-car carriage house garage plus ample extra parking for recreational vehicles and boats.

This legacy family home is the definition of understated luxury.

Renée Audy: Painting Positivity

For a writer, a blank 8.5- by 11-inch sheet of paper is a creative place to explore the imagination. However, the creative canvas for this local artist can measure over 200 feet in size!

Renée Audy is a professional mural artist who transforms walls and windows into inspiring art, most recently on the office windows of Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation in Sidney. Part of a fundraising campaign for the hospital foundation, this mural will feature a portrait of Dr. Patrick Yang, Surgical Site Chief for the hospital. Renée’s works are showcased around B.C. and Alberta and as far away as Belize and Guatemala, and her passion for this kind of art shines through every piece.

“Art speaks to people. Large murals are more impactful to the audience; go big or go home!”, she shares. “You can’t deny seeing it when you see it. I like the wow factor.”

Renée moved from Alberta to the Island in 2011 and studied Visual Arts at Camosun College from 2012 to 2014. Since launching her mural

business, Art Success, in 2018, her airbrush has rarely been out of her hands. She has been bringing windows and walls to life at numerous Peninsula sites including the Victoria International Airport, Sidney Pier Hotel, Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, and Avenue B Home Décor. In addition to her wall and window art, she has even created artwork on asphalt at the Ogden Point Cruise Ship Terminal.

Her introduction to painting on walls happened when she was a child. “When I was 11 or 12, my first job was working for a lady who ran a costume shop. She asked me to paint a little mermaid on the walls,” Renée shares. “I started with small fish but then moved on to a big mermaid. It was six feet across. She was really happy with my mermaid. I worked with her for a few years. This is a really good memory.”

Whether window or wall, each mural starts as an idea that goes through many steps before its final realization. “I use Photoshop to create a mock-up or road map so the client can see what it will look like,” she says. “With my airbrush, I use a shading of gray to create the outline or grid. Then I build the mural layer by layer, colour by colour. I usually use a base coat on the wall such as light green for a forest.”

The work is challenging in terms of the tools and techniques. “I work with airbrushes, so I need to wear a mask and goggles,” Renee notes. “With wall murals, you have to prep the wall, and of course, the weather comes into play.”

In addition, work environments can greatly vary. There’s the potential for defacing from graffiti. “Graffiti can be a challenge. I put a special coating on that

repels the paint by those doing graffiti,” she notes. “I work in different areas; some are a little rougher. I was in Victoria’s Rock Bay area for three months. It opened my eyes to people’s tough situations.”

The potential for impact and messaging is at the heart of Renée’s artwork. “With this kind of art, you paint for the elite or the homeless.

Sometimes you see the change in people. You’re doing something positive in their space,” she relates. “I’m interested in spreading positivity, helping others pay attention to nature and conservation, and empowering people to be the best they can be.”

Whether her art appears on a large wall, storefront glass or an asphalt walkway, this is one Island artist whose work is both public and a power for positivity.

www.artsuccess.ca

SEASIDE LIVING

In Fashion

Janet Cunningham, Co-Owner, North Saanich Canadian Tire

sweaters, shoes and workout gear!

– to head out for a run! When it comes to your go-to “uniform?” Lots of black When adding sparkle to your outfit? A great pair of heels or boots like these ones that I found thrifting. On your luxury wish list? Travelling and concerts. On your must-watch list? Palm Royale, Shrinking, Seinfeld. In the kitchen?A great coffee/expresso maker from Canadian Tire! On your walls? Paintings of trees and nature painted by my niece

In your bathroom cabinet? Eminence Organics from Going Platinum on Bevan Avenue. In your makeup bag? MAC Cosmetics –my daughter Cassidy is a makeup artist and keeps me in product. On your skin? SPF 46 elta MD. When you want to smell irresistible? Dylan Turquoise Versace. In haircare? Morrocan Curl Cream –or anything to tame the frizz!

On your playlist?

ROLE MODEL. On your bedside table? A plant and a diffuser. In home décor? Minimalist – I like to keep things clean and clear. Lots of white and wood. Lots of plants from our tropical section at Canadian Tire are in my home, which makes me feel calmer and connected to nature. When you want a night out? We love West Coast Grill, The Farmer’s Daughter and Fox & Monocle. When you want to throw fashion out the window and be all about comfort? Gym gear, on my way to Teddy’s Boxing in Sidney!

SEASIDE LIVING

A Title for All Tastes

WORDS JACKIE LAPLANTE PHOTOS TANNER'S BOOKS

Departure(s)

Julian Barnes

The narrator of Departure(s), conveniently named Julian, is 80 and declares that this will be his final book. As Julian muses about aging, a medical diagnosis and not wanting to die mid-book, he promises a love story about fictional people.

But as Julian Barnes sketches that story, it becomes clear that the book may not be fiction at all. Rather, the autobiographical novel feels much like a very enjoyable chat with the gifted author himself

What Sheep Think About the Weather: How to Listen to What Animals Are Trying to Say

Amelia Thomas

British journalist and naturalist

Amelia Thomas’ Annapolis Valley farm in Nova Scotia is the inspiration for this part scientific, part trial-and-error memoir of a family’s efforts to increase their awareness of the non-human inhabitants of their farm. Thomas consulted animal specialists and pet psychics, created homegrown experiments and, above all, paid attention to her environment, in order to ascertain if there is inter-species communication available to those who take time to listen.

The Astral Library

Kate Quinn

The ever-popular historical novelist Kate Quinn turns her hand to historical fantasy, where readers can, literally, live inside a book. A young woman seeking comfort in a library discovers a magical portal that leads her inside some famously beloved works of literature. As the plot heats up, famous literary characters make cameo appearances as everyone works to save the library from unknown forces. Peppered with literary in-jokes, Quinn’s latest is a treat for book lovers .

Sharing the Light: Stories and Reflections

Monique Gray Smith

Local Cree-Scots author Monique Gray Smith shares her experience and light by presenting five practices that can guide selftransformation. By offering anecdotes and reflections guided by the five themes of love, joy, happiness, hope and gratitude, Gray Smith shares the joy that increased connection offers. A potpourri of affirmations and quotations jotted down in journal style make this beautiful book ideal for opening up randomly to find a quick moment of inspiration.

The Winter Witch

Jennifer Chevalier

Two sisters, one beset by scandal and believing herself cursed, and the other seeking adventure, set off for 17th century Montréal in the Bride Ships. The suspicion of witches on board plagues the voyage, and while the young women accustom themselves to frontier life, the rumours continue and begin to threaten them. CBC producer and novelist

Jennifer Chevalier depicts both the hardships and successes of settlement life, painting a realistic picture of New France.

Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Vikings

Eleanor Barraclough

Another account of bloodthirsty, marauding Norsemen this is not. Historian and BBC broadcaster Eleanor Barraclough explores archaeological artifacts to depict the lesser-known of the Viking people: the women, the children, the enslaved, and those just getting on with daily life. Each section uses an artifact – a comb, a runestone carrying a love message, a game played to pass an evening – to illuminate, with humour and a friendly tone, a Viking history beyond the adventurous raiders.

The Cabin

Jørn Lier Horst

Chief Inspector William Whiting returns in the second crime thriller of the Cold Case Quartet.

The details of an investigation into the recent death of a politician link that murder to a 15-year-old cold case disappearance, and the fall-out may put the nation at risk. Jørn Lier Horst, a former investigator with the Norwegian police, imbues the book with authentic procedural details, and his detective’s reserved and circumspect personality mirrors the methodical and well-crafted plot.

The clocks do their quiet, bossy dance twice a year. One Sunday they leap forward like a caffeinated squirrel, another they slump back like a cat reclaiming a warm cushion. We grumble, we yawn, we reset the microwave and the oven, give up on setting the clock in the car, and then we move on. The spring time change in particular carries a whisper that gets louder every year, one that sounds a little like wisdom clearing its throat. It murmurs: “Get going. It’s later than you think.”

Getting older isn’t ushered in by a laser light show. It’s more of a slow dimmer switch. It’s a dampening down of the time we think we have.

Yet when we “spring forward,” time moves suddenly. Dinner feels too early and the evening vanishes in a Lewis Caroll-like shift. It’s a bit bewildering. And one morning you wake up and realize you have less: fewer summers, fewer weekends, fewer evenings. Fewer trips. Less time.

Get going. It’s later than you think.

It’s later than you think when you realize you’ve been saving

the good china for a guest who never arrives. Later than you think when the trip you planned for “someday” becomes a folder of screenshots and weather checks. Later than you think when you notice the way your parents’ hands move more carefully around a coffee mug, or when your children no longer ask to be carried. Time didn’t vanish; it was used. And this, really, is the point that’s easy to miss.

We tell ourselves we’re waiting for the right conditions. For the body to feel better, for the calendar to calm down, for confidence to arrive with a signed note from the universe. Let’s be honest: there is no perfect time. A lifelong friend lost her husband in his 60s. In his papers, she found trips he was planning for the two of them to take. “I thought we’d have more time,” she lamented. It’s later than you think when the doctor says “monitor it” and you realize monitoring is not the same as living. It’s later than you think when the hobby you loved becomes a story you tell about who you used to be. Later than you think when the words you meant to say start collecting dust because you think the moment passed.

It’s Later Than You Think

On aging, time changes, and the quiet urgency of now.

Perhaps the time change is a nudge. Maybe it’s an invitation, an opportunity. A reminder to do things now.

Call the friend you miss. Have the conversations. Wear the jacket that makes you feel awesome. Choose the ridiculous glasses that make you giggle. See Antarctica. Take the class, write the memoir, paint the picture, buy the bike. (Then ride it.)

The truth is, I want to grow old. I want to stop negotiating with time, as if that would make a difference. “Slow down, you move too fast; you got to make the morning last ... ” admonish Simon & Garfunkel. But time doesn’t slow down for anyone.

I want to accept where I am, choose how to spend my time, and do the things I love with the people I love.

Because “later” is not promised to any of us, and as I move through life, I realize I regret more the things I did not do, than the things I did.

So reset the clocks, then reset your expectations. Take stock. Evaluate your options. Choose how you’d like to spend your time.

Then step into the hour you’re in and use it like you mean it, with all your heart, mind, and strength, and with delight and joy.

Get going. It’s later than you think.

My role as a Member of Parliament is one of service. My non-partisan team in the Sidney o ce

10 Acres Cafe

3rd Street Cafe

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

10 Acres at the Pier

900 Degrees Bistro

Atticus

Avenue B Home Decor

Beacon Landing Liquor & More

Bodacious Lifestyles Boutique

Bosley's - Sidney

Butik Naturals

Buddies Toys

Cameron Rose Gifts

Chef on the Run

Connections Consignment

Cottons and Blues

C.S. Chan Wontons + Dumplings

Davidson Chambers

Departures Travel

Deco De Mode

Ecotopia Naturals

El Dorado

Far & Away Adventures

Fish on Fifth

Flush Bathroom & Travel Essentials

Fry Guys Bistro

Good Decade

Hansell & Halkett Vintage Home Decor

Haven Spa

Home Hardware - Sidney

House of Lily Koi

iSpa Wellness

J Kitchen

Kiddin' Around

La Boutique

Lolly Gobble - Home Hardware

Mary Winspear Centre

Miss Bliss Boutique

Moden

Moden Essentials

Moden Mens

Modern Massage Co.

Muffet & Louisa

Nest & Nook

One Stop Furniture

Peninsula Lifetime Eye Care Centre

Peninsula Veterinary Hospital

Provenance Fine Things

Pure Glow Laser

Refire Kitchen

Salvador Davis & Co

Sacred Somatics

Sapodilla's Smoothie and Juice Bar

Seawards Souvenir & Apparel

Shai Thompson Image Consulting

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Sidney Information Centre

Simply Pure Ice & Water

Sidney Museum

Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa

Sidney Scones

Skin by Angela

Smør Scandinavian Bakery

Tanner's Books

The Beauty House

The Children's Bookshop

The Dancing Orchid

The Farmer's Daughter

The Fickle Fig

The Five & Dime Diner

The Shop

The Surly Mermaid

Tivoli Gallery

Tyneham Luxury Products

Victoria Distillers

Waterlily Shoes

Quince Cafe

Behind the Scenes with the Seaside Team

At Seaside Magazine, we’re lucky enough to work with a team of true “Women to Watch” every issue. From our photographers to our Creative Director to our Publisher and Owner, and everyone in between, the women who are part of the team work together to share Seaside with our readers every month. Being that so many of us work behind the scenes, we thought we’d introduce ourselves so you can get to know a little bit about Seaside Magazine’s own "Women to Watch."

Sue Hodgson, Owner & Publisher

I grew up in the Maritimes and moved to B.C. in my early 20s to attend UVic, where I completed my social science

degree. I am the proud parent of two adult children who are now finding their own paths and building their careers. I spent 16 years in the newspaper industry before moving into magazines, and then came Seaside 13 years ago. I own, publish and manage the day-to-day operations of the business, alongside my editor, Allison Smith.

I have a deep love for animals of all kinds and currently share my life with my two-year-old rescue, George, who keeps me busy and smiling on our long walks through the community.

Allison Smith Editor-in-Chief

I’ve been with Seaside from the

beginning (2009) and have a hand in everything magazinerelated. I am the liaison between our clients, readers, writers and the Seaside team and I help with every stage of the issue – from concept to organizing all the “bits and pieces” to laying out the final document and sending it off to the printer.

I live in Saanichton with my daughter, husband, and our two crazy doodles. After moving away from the Island for journalism school and ensuing job, I have now been back for 17 years and can’t imagine living anywhere other than on the Saanich Peninsula.

Leah-Anne MacLeod Creative Director

I was born and raised on

beautiful Vancouver Island, where I developed a love for the outdoors. My family and I enjoy camping with friends and spending time together. When I find a quiet moment, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book.

Essentially, I help bring Seaside to life visually. I design the cover, table of contents and article layouts, and assist with ad design as needed.

Tabatha Golat Editorial Director & Screen Scene Columnist

I’m the Editorial Director at Seaside, where I also manage our social media and write the "Screen Scene" column. With a background in film and photography, I’ve always been drawn to movies and storytelling, and Seaside has

given me a wonderful way to share that passion locally.

I’ve been part of the team for about four years, after the magazine covered the making of my last film, Imitates Life. Working with the magazine has deepened my connection to the Saanich Peninsula and the strong sense of community here. It’s been a way to stay connected to the neighbourhoods around me.

Katherine Kjaer Sales Account Manager

Growing up in Toronto, I moved to Victoria in 1990 and have never looked back. I enjoy swimming and ocean walks, spending time exploring the Island and local outdoor markets.

I have spent most of my career working in the magazine industry. Working with the Seaside team is truly rewarding as is getting to know business owners and helping them share their stories.

Outside of work I stay active in my community by volunteering, currently at the Victoria Art Gallery and am

also involved in several local groups including the Victoria Camera Club. Nothing beats quality time with my three grown children; Frankie, my dachshund; and cat, Luna.

Janis Jean, Staff Photographer

I’ve been a staff photographer with Seaside Magazine since 2019 and am continually inspired by the opportunity to tell local stories through my lens. I love the challenge of creating strong, impactful images that help readers “feel” the story before they’ve read a single word.

I value being part of the collaborative Seaside team that gathers each month to discuss the issues, people and stories at the heart of our community – having a seat at that table means a great deal to me.

These days, with our daughter grown, I live in Deep Cove with my husband and our two retrievers.

Sarah Hartley Staff Photographer

I’m born and raised on

Vancouver Island and share a beautiful blended family with my loving husband. I’ve been a photographer with Seaside Magazine for nearly two years and love being part of the team. Through my work, I get to meet so many amazing people in the community and have the privilege of sharing their stories through photographs. I look forward to continuing this work and capturing the stories of our community for years to come.

Amber Wahl Staff Photographer

My name is Amber, owner of Wind Gypsy Photography. I am a mother, creator/artist, sailor and an adventurer. I have a little 27-foot sailboat on which I’ve lived for 15 years, 10 of those with my daughter. I have been up and down the B.C. coast in my boat, and have a few stories to tell.

Photography has been a love of mine since I was a kid, starting out in film photography until I was 25, when I got my first digital. I enjoy being creative, meeting

new people and hearing stories from all walks of life. Being a photographer for Seaside Magazine has been incredibly special and rewarding. I feel very honoured to be working with such caring people, with the opportunity to meet all sorts of people in the community.

Lin Skrivanos Bookkeeping & Administration

A longtime Sidney local, I’m happiest working behind the scenes – handling bookkeeping and administration to keep Seaside Magazine and other clients running smoothly. I’m a board member with Abbeyfield House Sidney and an active volunteer with my kids’ clubs, which keeps me closely connected to the community. When I’m not balancing numbers, I’m a proud mom of two great boys who loves cooking big home-cooked meals, hitting the Dean Park trails and getting strong at the gym.

Shown in photo: Kelly Finerty, proofreader; Cassidy Nunn, columnist

Peter Dolezal is a semi-retired Sidney resident. He offers INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES to individuals, couples and companies.

To date, he has assisted more than 380 clients across Canada, principally in Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland.

No Financial Products to Sell Leads to Truly Independent Advice.

WITH Peter Dolezal

GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSIFICATION IN PORTFOLIOS

Intuitively, we know that the greater the diversification in our investments, the more we moderate normal market risk. We also realize that too much concentration in a single sector can increase risk.

Too often ignored in Portfolios, or not sufficiently addressed, is adequate geographic diversification. Despite Canadian Equity Markets amounting to only 3% of the world’s capital markets, home country bias typically results in an investor holding a disproportionately high percentage of CDN investments.

The price we pay for lack of attention to investing outside North America is best illustrated by recent market performance in some of the most unexpected regions of the world.

In 2025, we were all delighted with the solid performance of CDN and U.S. markets. However, few of us realized that with broader geographic diversification, we could have done even better.

In 2025, outside North America, 18 major countries delivered total returns on Equities of more than 40%. Nine of these exceeded 50%! Poland, Chile,

South Africa, Austria, Spain, Greece, Peru, Colombia and South Korea comprised the latter group.

While Exchange Rate and Political Risk may prevent us from investing in any one of these countries individually, their recent performance highlights the benefits of holding Equities in a BASKET of countries outside North America.

The existence of various Global Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) makes it easy for a CDN investor to invest in hundreds of corporations across dozens of countries, excluding Canada and the U.S.

In any given year, the investor cannot predict how a particular geographic area will perform. Therefore, it is most prudent to hold approximately equal Equity components of one’s portfolio in Canada, U.S. and regions outside North America.

The conclusion? In addition to sufficient product and sector diversification, broad geographic diversification remains a key strategy for minimizing the impact of periodic market downturns, regardless of the geographic area in which they occur.

As we age, aches and pains, stiff joints and tension can become daily challenges. Often, these discomforts aren’t just from overuse or injury, but from the way we habitually hold and move our bodies. Somatic Movement, or Somatics, offers a gentle, mindful approach to release chronic tension, improve posture, and restore ease of movement.

The word "soma" means the body as perceived from within. This is the lived, internal awareness of movement and sensation. Only you can truly know how your body feels. A Somatic practice helps you reconnect with your body through neuromuscular re-education. By sensing how muscles and joints move and feel, you retrain the nervous system, allowing old patterns of tension to release, creating lasting change from the inside out. As Thomas Hanna, the creator of Hanna Somatics (Clinical Somatic Education), said: “If you can sense it, you can change it.”

Stress, posture habits, repetitive movements and emotional overwhelm can

create chronic muscle contractions. Think about how you sit at a computer, drive, or stand. Perhaps one shoulder lifts, the back tightens, or the hips brace. At first you might not notice it, but if these patterns are repeated day after day, the nervous system adapts by holding the contractions continuously.

Over time, the tightness begins to feel normal. These patterns become so familiar that we no longer have to think about them. The brain essentially "forgets" how to fully relax, a condition known as Sensory Motor Amnesia. What started out as a brief response can become an in-grained habit, often showing up as aching backs, stiff necks, worn joints or repetitive strain injuries. Stretching may offer temporary relief, but it doesn’t always address the underlying neurological pattern that’s keeping muscles tight.

One of the concepts that sets Somatics apart is the technique called Pandiculation. This involves gently contracting a muscle

Live Well

The Gentle Power of Somatic Movement

or muscle pattern and then slowly releasing it with mindful awareness. By paying close attention as you move, you reset communication between the brain and the muscles. Engaging the nervous system in this way allows tension to melt away more completely and with longerlasting results.

A powerful benefit of Somatics is its self-care component. The movements and awareness you learn can be used anytime your body feels tight or stressed. Many people find them deeply relaxing and enjoyable, often noticing a sense of calm as

the tension releases. With regular practice, Somatics can help prevent injuries, improve posture, and protect joints from unnecessary strain. Flexibility, balance, and coordination improve, and everyday activities such as getting up from a chair, walking, gardening and cycling, all feel smoother and easier.

In this fast-paced world, Somatics invites us to slow down, listen inwardly, and trust the body’s natural wisdom. It offers a gentle, effective way to restore balance, comfort and ease.

www.lisawieben.com

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | 250-656-0275

Moneka Arabic Jazz

March 28

Drawing on his Afro-Sufi musical heritage, Juno-nominated Ahmed Moneka presents a vibrant and transcendent fusion of African rhythms and Arabic folk melodies, enriched by contemporary influences of funk, soul, and jazz. Reflecting on his personal journey as an artist, actor, and activist—who fled Baghdad for Toronto as a refugee after his involvement in a film about gay rights—Moneka, alongside his stellar global ensemble, invites listeners to a jubilant celebration of its forms while evoking a deep sense of longing for one’s homeland, all through original compo

life. His music explores love in all compositions and timeless Middle Eastern classics.

cultural conversation. Rather than treating seamlessly, showing how well they complement each other. both traditions while pushing them forward listeners, world-music fans, and anyone drawn one that celebrates fusion, creativity, |

What makes the project especially compelling is its sense of cu ting jazz and Arabic music as separate styles, Moneka Arabic Jazz weaves them together seamle t each other. The result feels organic and alive, grounded in respect for bot rd into new territory.

Accessible yet adventurous, the music appeals to jazz listeners to expressive, instrumental storytelling. Moneka Arabic Jazz offers an immersive journey — y, and the universal language of music.

AWOL

March 29

AWOL is a bold, funny, and unexpectedly tender comedy that collides care-home life with the raw energy of thrash metal. Loosely inspired by a nearly true news story from Germany, the show follows Cyril and Neville, two elderly men who decide they’ve had enough of bland food, dull company, and being quietly sidelined.

Cyril is irritable, outspoken, and proudly intolerant of “old p he is one. When he learns that his estranged granddaughter Lily is about to have her big cess, he and his best friend Neville hatch a plan to escape their care home and show y adventure caper filled with mishaps, rebellion, and unexpected moments of connection.

break with her thrash metal band, Abscess, up in support. What follows is a buddy gleefully smashes stereotypes about ageing answers with distortion, humour, and heart

As the pair plunge into the chaos of a metal festival, AWOL gle ng and youth culture. It asks who gets to be loud, passionate, and visible, and answe

Written by UK comedian, poet, and former nurse Rob Gee, the sho pathy. At its core, AWOL is a life-affirming celebration of friendship — and a noisy love letter

show blends sharp comedy with genuine empathy. friendship, family, and refusing to go quietly to metalheads everywhere.

Upcoming Events

South Island Vinyl Record Show

Dance Unlimited

Danny Michel

Sidney Pride Fundraiser

Victoria Symphony Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons

Fleetwood Magic

Crafted Farmhouse Market

Comedy Department Canadian Steam

Tiller’s Folly

Ballet Etoile Cleopatra

Josh Ritter

The Arrogant Worms

Delhi 2 Dublin

The Myrtle Sisters “Same Same Different”

The Myrtle Sisters Revue

March 25

For nearly two decades, Delhi 2 Dublin has been at the forefron fusion music, pioneering a global bass sound they call “Subcont high-energy blend of Bhangra, electronic, hip-hop, reggae, and that defies genre and unites dance floors worldwide. As they ce monumental 20th anniversary in 2026, the band is re-energized, and ready to launch a bold new chapter, creating fresh music fo in six years. Founding members Sanjay Seran and Ravi Binning co the charge, pushing Delhi 2 Dublin’s sound and vision to new he

“Subcontinental Pop”—a Celtic influences celebrate their re-inspired, for the first time continue to lead heights.

What began as a one-night collaboration at Vancouver’s Celtic F quickly evolved into a global phenomenon, lighting up stages at (USA), Glastonbury (UK), Burning Man (USA), Bali Spirit Festiva Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), among many others. Their mu them around the world, from the clubs of Mumbai to the deserts earning them a reputation for delivering “90 minutes of freebas show. For over a decade, violinist Serena Eades has been a driv band, her electrifying performances and deep musicality adding layer to Delhi 2 Dublin’s ever-evolving sound.

Fest in 2006

Electric Forest Festival (Indonesia), and music has taken of Nevada, freebasing joy” at every driving force in the a rich melodic

Now, with fresh energy coursing through their veins, Delhi 2 Du producer, keyboardist, and tabla player Kal Mattu, who brings a vibrancy to their ever-evolving sound. This infusion of talent, their signature fusion of hypnotic dhol, deep bass, and euphori their next chapter will be as boundary-breaking and high-energy

Dublin welcomes renewed combined with euphoric hooks, ensures as ever.

Live performance is where Delhi 2 Dublin truly shines. Their sh for explosive energy, crowd connection, and an inclusive spirit everyone in, regardless of background or musical taste. Audienc listen — they move, jump, and celebrate together. It’s this com experience that has earned the band a devoted international fol

shows are known that invites Audiences don’t just communal following.

Ultimately, Delhi 2 Dublin is about unity through rhythm. Their that genres are meant to be blended, borders are meant to be cr dance is a universal language. Loud, joyful, and endlessly ener cultural fusion into a full-body experience.

music proves crossed, and energetic, they turn

Psychic and Spiritual Arts Fair

Blood Donor Clinic

Delhi 2 Dublin Musical Theatre Camp Showcase

Tower of Song

Team Westcoast Bazan Bay 5K

The Commodores Big Band

VIRAGS Spring Plant Show/Sale

Blood Donor Clinic

Opera? Are You Kidding Me?

Solidaridad Tango

Pop Goes the Sixties!

SPAC Art Show & Sale

Lesbihonest

Peninsula Singers Passport to Broadway

Island Band Fest

Royal Wood & Fortunate Ones

Gilbert & Sullivan The Gondoliers

FAIE: Bohemian in Brentwood Bay

Robyn Lastiwka, owner of the new clothing brand FAIE, has lived in Brentwood Bay her whole life. She interned in Vancouver with Nordstrom at the age of 15, doing styling and backstage work, and learned a lot about the industry.

WORDS JESSE HOLTH

PHOTOS GRACE ELLA

That’s when she realized design was what she wanted to do. “I started applying for design studies, and ended up winning a competition for global participants at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. It was focused on sustainable design practices and we did a lot of fashion illustration – that was really cool,” says Robyn.

After high school, she started interning with Vancouver Fashion Week. “I learned tips and tricks from the designers – it was great to work with them; I learned a lot.” She also attended the fashion program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) for one year, but it wasn’t the right fit. “I think more outside the box,” Robyn laughs. She saved up money from nannying until she was able to start FAIE, which launched six months ago.

“FAIE was inspired by my grandmother, who passed away about a year-and-a-half ago. She was a world traveller and her favourite place was Turkey. She taught me how to sew and paint, and I spent a lot of time

at her place in Nanaimo – there were always artworks around, Turkish rugs and lamps, and the fabrics were bohemian prints from around the world. I just fell in love with that style, a kind of amalgamation of beaded fabric and colourful prints.

“I wanted to create a brand that’s Canadian – there are a lot of American and Australian brands with flowy dresses and a layered bohemian vibe, but I felt that was missing in Canada, especially on the West Coast. The looks are based on a vision of where I’d want to go shopping for myself.”

“Dressing is a way to make yourself feel good, and feel like you. It definitely helps with confidence, too,” says Robyn. “I grew up seeing my grandmother wear a lot of layered flowy dresses, mixed prints and beaded textiles. I think the way you dress should reflect who you are.”

Robyn believes that fashion should be sustainable and ethical. “The first collection I ever did, before FAIE, was a sustainable collection inspired by the B.C. landscape,” she explains.

“I went out into the forest and looked at the textures of bark, mushrooms and anything else I could find. Then I’d sketch designs based on those textures.” She used secondhand fabric for the entire collection, from thrift stores to repurposing. She even learned about ecodying and how to sustainably source mushrooms – and how they can be used to dye fabrics and prints. “I did a full look that was completely eco-dyed on 100% cotton fabric. It was amazing to see that come to life.” Every piece was a reminder of mother earth, and how we’re treating her. “One dress had cutouts of painted eyes throughout – it was symbolic of mother nature watching us, and everything we do to her.”

“Even though my brand is not secondhand, I encourage everyone to shop secondhand when they can,” says Robyn. FAIE is dedicated to ethical practices, socially responsible suppliers and supporting artisans. “I’ve done a lot of work in the field of sustainability,” Robyn adds.

“I’m definitely a creative person first – designing is the fun part. The business side is what I’m having to learn as I go. Everyone around me has been really great in helping out;

I’m very grateful,” says Robyn. “FAIE has been such a family business – my brother helping with finances, my dad with advice, and my Grantie (great aunt) has been a huge support. We talk designs and she lets me pack everything up in her spare bedroom. I’ve also had support from my mom and my partner has been instrumental in handling the tech, helping to build and code my website.”

FAIE was recently featured in British Vogue, in a showcase on emerging designers. It was a huge accomplishment for Robyn and a mark of the brand’s early success. “At first I thought it was a spam email,” she laughs. “I didn’t think it was real! I was only three months in at that point – but I called them, and it was Vogue headquarters. I wasn’t really prepared for that.”

Since the Vogue feature, she’s been getting even more press – in the Valentine’s Day edition of GQ, as well as Vanity Fair and Glamour in the coming months. “Sometimes I feel like I have imposter syndrome; it’s all been happening so quickly!”

The FAIE brand already has a following in the U.K. with plenty of word-of-mouth press. “It’s a very exciting time,” says Robyn. www.faie.ca

SPRING IS HERE AND IT IS TIME TO APPLY MULCH TO YOUR FLOWER BEDS

Benefits Include:

• Vital nutrients to your plants;

• Reducing the need to weed your flower beds;

• Significantly reducing the amount of water you need to apply to your flower beds (mulch retains moisture).

Made using local organic tree waste, our mulch meets or exceeds the guidelines set out by the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment.

Personalized Care at

Amica Beechwood Village

Are you considering senior living in Victoria? Now’s the perfect time to discover the possibilities at Amica Beechwood Village.

Our compassionate Wellness team delivers 24/7 support through a Personalized Wellness Plans that evolve with residents’ needs. We offer Long-Term Care suites, care bundles and à la carte services, so you can select which option best suits your needs.

Along with your premium suite, you’ll have access to chef-prepared meals, well-appointed amenities, meaningful social activities and more.

To learn more and book a tour, call Sandy or Claire at 250-655-0849.

We look forward to seeing you.

As we recognize International Women’s Day, the Mount Newton Centre Society has a dedicated group of women to honour as its founders. In 1977, Physiotherapist Pat Paterson became concerned that many elderly people were being placed in long-term care when there might be an alternative.

Pat, along with Ann Spicer, had an idea that an old farmhouse adjacent to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital could work as a place to run a day care centre that would combat isolation and contribute to a high level of individual independence for clients and give some relief to their caregivers at the same time.

Kay Clark, a social worker, joined this vision and it

was realized in 1978 when they opened the Old John Farmhouse and the Mount Newton Society for the Elderly.

Registered Nurse, Patsy Berger-North, was hired as the Society’s first Executive Director. She dedicated herself to growing and sustaining the Centre until her retirement in 2016.

“Now, along with the Adult Day Program, we provide a Community Bathing Program for those who can no longer safely bathe at home; a Foot Care Nurse; and a Health Equipment Lending Program – our Loan Cupboard,” says Executive Director Laura Lavin. “While our Adult Day Program receives some funding from Island Health, our Bathing Program and Loan Cupboard

Mount Newton Centre Society

The Mount Newton Centre Society is a registered non-profit that helps Peninsula seniors live independently at home as long as possible.

are primarily funded by donations from our community.”

The Loan Cupboard supports Peninsula residents by providing health equipment to those who need it. People can borrow crutches, canes or commodes to help them recover from surgery or an accident, and things like walkers and bedrails to help keep them safe in their home.

The Loan Cupboard started in a little garage with two wheelchairs and a pair of wooden crutches, these days a person recovering from joint surgery could need up to 20 pieces of equipment for recovery. “Our plans include increasing the size of the Loan Cupboard to enlarge our cleaning and

drying area,” says Laura.

“I can explain that we provide a therapeutic health program that includes games and activities that stimulate cognitive abilities and physical activation in vulnerable seniors, but more than that, the Mount Newton Centre provides seniors an outing to look forward to; a place to meet new people and share stories; the chance to sing and dance, try a new activity or game – and above all, the opportunity to make new friends and forge real connections that many of our seniors would not be able to otherwise.”

For more information phone 250-652-3432 or visit www.mountnewtoncentre.org

Featured Property

11321 Chalet Road, North Saanich | $4,250,000

Set on 0.37 acres of southwest-facing waterfront in coveted Deep Cove, this brand-new 3,151 sq.ft. contemporary home captures protected ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. Built by Villamar Homes, it features soaring 10’–16’ ceilings, oversized sliders, and a 400+ sq.ft. oceanfront sundeck for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The main-level primary suite offers a private courtyard and spa-inspired ensuite, while the gourmet kitchen anchors the open-concept design. The lower level provides flexible space for guests or family. With direct beach access and just minutes to local beaches, winery, and café, this is refined West Coast living.

Slave to Saint: Walking in St. Patrick’s Footsteps

ARMAGH, Northern Ireland – As you walk the streets of this ancient town, you see two unmistakable landmarks sharing one name: St. Patrick.

WORDS & PHOTOS

JOHN KERNAGHAN AND PAMELA MARTIN

From the lesser hilltops or in gaps between 400-yearold dwellings, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral shows on one high perch. St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland, a Protestant Cathedral, is revealed on another, firmly planted since 445.

It takes a mighty man to inspire this almost fairy-tale face-off in Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital.

The portions of St. Patrick’s Way, the 130-kilometre trail we would travel in his footsteps, fleshed out the story of the mission which inspired these churches and many others around the world.

The biggest part of his mission would take place in the lands we covered by foot, bicycle and paddle – a lyrical landscape of impossibly-green drumlins featuring a quilt of pampered pastures under bright-blue skies. His journey from slave to saint pushes aside the notion of

funny hats and green beer celebrating him every March 17.

Patrick was abducted from then Roman Britain by Irish pirates as a teen and sold into service as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain, about 90 kilometres from Armagh. There, alone on the wind-lashed height, he found God and the strength to escape home, where he studied and formed his mission to convert Irish Pagans to Christianity.

He returned with a small band of followers and landed at Strangford Lough, a short distance from where his footsteps would lead us.

So take our hands and walk his Way, multi-pronged paths alive with earthy scents and backed by a birdsong score old as time.

To understand the Ireland Patrick faced on his mission, Navan Centre & Fort near Armagh sets the tone of Pagan times in a sweeping setting of buried earthworks, settlement

sites and sacred spaces covering 7,500 years of activity. Navan, excavation reveals, was at its height before Christ’s time, a gathering point for Ulster’s legendary heroes and later a rallying point for Irish kings.

We got our first stamp in our St. Patrick’s Pilgrim Walks passport here, then repaired to Armagh’s ancient streets and tours of the majestic, twin-spired Catholic cathedral and the more dour Protestant place of worship.

Both entry walkways were polished by millions of their parishioners’ footfalls. Another passport stamp marked this segment.

Afterward, we bent to other devotions: the notorious Irish sweet tooth indulged by the pastry genius at Blackwell House, an upscale country inn near Scarva in The Armagh Hills.

On a sugar high, we eased on to e-bikes with Mourne Bike Tour guides for a bracing pedal alongside the Newry Canal and flanked by marsh and forest. Centuries-old stone canal bridges provided photo ops. By now, the mystique of this land was settling into our bones, even if we were electricpowered pampered pilgrims.

As we headed into the market town of Newry, the knowledge Patrick had planted a yew tree not far away as an expression of his faith deepened the meaning of our path.

Next, the coastal piece of the Walks took us to Newcastle at the foot of the moody Mourne Mountains, a few more passport stamps to our credit.

The seaside town has a magnificent long and deep sand beach that leads to dunes where free-roaming ponies reside. Its inland flank opens to Tollymore Forest Park and a trail that loops above the treeline to the stone Mourne Wall, then snakes through deep forest and along the rippling Shimna River.

As it happened, The Death of Robin Hood , starring Hugh Jackman, was being shot at the time, though no sightings were reported.

We were led by Elaine Kelly and Martina Purdy, two former novitiate nuns assigned to a parish that was soon closed due to a dwindling congregation. “It happened on Shrove Tuesday. I was pancaked,” said Purdy, who grew up in a Toronto suburb and was a BBC correspondent in Northern Ireland.

The guiding gig, and working as a creative force at the Saint Patrick Centre, was her salvation. The Centre in Downpatrick was our penultimate destination, where the rich Irish tones of actor Ciaran Hinds gave Patrick voice, reading from his Confessions.

Our final steps led to Patrick’s grave, a humble spot of interment for a man who inspired a world-wide party.

SOUTH AFRICA & ZIMBABWE SAFARI

October 7 - 21, 2026

This 15-day journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe offers an expertly curated combination of vibrant cultural heritage, scenic beauty and premium comfort. From Cape Town’s iconic sights, the serene Cederberg Mountains and the Cape Winelands to discover South African wine culture, the experience continues with a three-night wildlife safari ending at Victoria Falls.

Includes:

• 14 N accommodations

• 9 breakfasts & 5 days full board

• All national park entry & conservation fees where applicable

• Professional driver and English-speaking guide services throughout the itinerary

• Airport transfers & all ground transportation

$10,600 CAD per person based on double occupancy

www.theresabobrowsky.com

Chartwell offers two exceptional residences in Victoria: Chartwell Vista, with stunning 360° ocean views and licensed care options in Esquimalt, and Victoria Harbour by Chartwell, where contemporary design meets wellnessfocused living in the heart of the Inner Harbour. Visit Chartwell.com to book your tour.

VICTORIA HARBOUR BY CHARTWELL

777 Belleville Street, Victoria | 778-486-1359

CHARTWELL VISTA

622 Admirals Road, Esquimalt | 778-557-1510

It’s not lost on those of us who have pets that we are drawn to animals because they make us feel good and bring joy to our lives. Approximately 12.2 million Canadian households enjoy the benefits of the humananimal bond through cat and dog guardianship. A growing body of scientific evidence tells us that pets improve our wellbeing in physiological, social-developmental and physical ways.

Some health benefits begin in early childhood, where daily exposure of children to dogs and cats in the first year of their lives can protect kids from developing more severe allergy symptoms such as asthma, nasal congestion and eczema. In fact, the more pets a baby lives with, the lower their risk of future allergies!

Both children and adults of all ages enjoy the companionship and love that a pet offers unconditionally. Coming home from a hard day of school or work to a friend eager for physical touch and emotional connection improves our mood and lowers stress levels. Researchers have discovered that dog ownership boosts “happy” brain chemicals such

as endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine while lowering the stress chemical, cortisol.

Caring for a pet helps children build emotional intelligence by teaching them daily responsibility and empathy. Pet responsibilities can be tailored to a child’s age and development, from simple tasks like refilling food/water bowls for younger children to regular walks and training exercises for kids aged 10 and up. Growing up with a cat or dog gives children opportunities to learn how to read animal body language and to understand boundaries.

Children who can recognize early signs of fear, anxiety and stress in an animal are less likely to be injured from a reactive bite.

Children and adults who are neurodiverse (examples include Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or ADHD) are especially receptive to connecting with a cat or dog. The human-animal bond reduces social anxiety and facilitates feelings of positive and secure attachment. The soothing presence and soft purring of a cat can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression that are so common in neurodiverse people.

Whiskers & Wellness

Dogs are natural social facilitators by encouraging regular outdoor activity and helping people meet their neighbours. If my dog didn’t need her nightly walk, I would have never bonded with my neighbours over the madness of being out on a cold winter night with rain pelting down on us! Achieving your daily step goals isn’t so daunting with a canine companion at your side. In addition to improved physical fitness, having a pet is good for heart health. Dog guardians tend to have lower blood pressure and lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Pet ownership can help slow cognitive decline and lower the risk of dementia in older adults. Seniors who walk their dogs regularly report greater physical fitness and lower feelings of social isolation and loneliness. While all these signs point to the benefits of pet ownership, it is important to remember that bringing a four-legged companion in our lives comes with added financial and time commitments. Having a pet should bring joy into our lives and not feel onerous. The power of the human-animal bond can be incredible if we are open to the responsibility.

HANSELL & HALKETT

Timeless Craftsmanship for the Garden

Guided by a passion for craftsmanship and authenticity, our philosophy celebrates handmade quality goods that bring beauty and purpose to the garden. As spring awakens, our collection reflects the renewal of the season – fresh beginnings, natural textures, and the joy of working with well-made tools and timeless designs.

From Denmark, Bergs Potter offers classic terracotta pots – handmade and fired with care for strength and natural elegance. Their simple forms and subtle textures embody Scandinavian quality and enduring style.

New for this season are Zinc watering cans and stainless steel garden tools complementing this tradition. Built for performance and longevity, they combine practicality with refined craftsmanship, aging beautifully through years of use.

Our handmade gardening supplies from England continue this legacy of excellence. Functional, durable and thoughtfully designed, they are ideal for garden sheds and greenhouses.

Every item in our collection tells a story of design and skill– an invitation to slow down, connect with nature and enjoy the quiet satisfaction of tools and objects made by hand.

Check out our website for our 2026 floral workshops! www.hanselhalkett.com/workshops/

Love Your Local

You are investing in your community by supporting its unique businesses. Appreciate what makes our neighbourhoods different. Our one-of-akind shops and services are an inherent part of the distinctive character of our Saanich Peninsula neighbourhoods; that is what brought us here and will keep us here. Stay local and stay connected to the merchants in your community.

Seaside Cabinetry & Design is a boutique-style cabinet showroom located in downtown Sidney. Custom designs, attention to detail, lifetime warranty. Hundreds of styles to choose from.

Showroom Open by Appointment

250.812.4304

9715 First Street, Sidney SeasideCabinetry.ca

SEASIDE CABINETRY & DESIGN

Passionate About Design

Seaside Cabinetry & Design is a familyrun business owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Tony Rechsteiner and Jessica Kwasnica. They opened in 2015 and have a beautiful showroom located in downtown Sidney at 9715 First Street. They are authorized dealers of both Merit Kitchens and Columbia Cabinets. Both of these wellknown and quality brands are built right here in B.C.

Jessica graduated from design school in 2005. She loves taking a space and designing the unexpected. Tony was a home builder and renovator and enjoys getting creative with grand spaces –they're the perfect team to work together on transforming their clients' spaces! Seaside is excited to announce that they have recently welcomed a new designer into the mix. Carrie Mills comes with 19 years of design experience.

The Seaside team is passionate about design and love working with Sidney locals as well as people from and all over Vancouver Island. Getting to know their clients is a key aspect to their success. Seaside Cabinetry & Design prides themselves on quality cabinetry, professional design services, installations and personalised services. Come and meet them at their showroom by appointment and get going on your new space; maybe a new kitchen is in your future!

SEASIDE STORIES

Off the Land

Farm to Garden Organics: Compost Cultivation

This column has covered everything from planting to productivity, mulching to marketing and flowers to farm animals.

But out of the hundreds of columns that have been written, one topic has, quite surprisingly, been overlooked. What is this mystery oversight? It is the most basic component of farms: the very stuff in which plants grow.

There’s no better way to correct that oversight than by looking at the work of Joel Aldrich. He is the General Manager of Farm to Garden Organics, a farm in Central Saanich that repurposes garden waste into a premium all-natural soil developer, thereby keeping it out of landfills, making for a greener community while providing excellent compost for local growers.

“I fell in love with agricultural composting. It comes in as waste and goes out as something of real value,” shares Joel. “I grew up on a family farm in Cobble Hill and was part of the 4H program. So, I have background in agriculture.”

As reflected in the business’ name, there is a closed-loop

system at work here. The green plant material becomes bedding for the onsite dairy cattle who in turn provide manure. The recycled green waste is blended with the manure to generate nutrient-rich compost ideal for gardens and growers.

The sheer size of the facility and the heavy-duty equipment used to move and arrange recycled material tells visitors immediately that this is much more than your everyday compost bin in the backyard. However, it does operate on very similar principles. So, what makes good compost, you might ask?

Well, according to Joel: “Your feedstocks are crucial. If carbon and nitrogen are out of balance, then you don’t have good compost. You need greens for nitrogen, browns such as twigs, woodchips or shredded cardboard for carbon. Compost needs to be turned frequently to keep oxygen through the material. Roughly 60% moisture is essential. Not enough will slow down decomposition; too

much restricts airflow and leads to odours and soggy compost.”

The composting site was formerly Stanhope Farms, a large dairy farm dating back to the 1950s which over time transitioned to selling manureenriched compost sales. The facility underwent renovations in 2015 to process agricultural waste and manure and finally was rebranded to the precent business of Farm to Garden Organics in 2020.

The sprawling 99-acre property is an active space accommodating housing and field areas for 300 heifers and various processing facilities including Quonset huts for storage and a large covered production area where compost is created.

organic growers, so compost is very important,” says Joel. “Customers repeatedly say that they have no problems with weeds and their plants are super healthy.”

The compost is sold in cubic yards; this represents a three-foot cube of compost. Customers can have the compost loaded into their truck or utility trailer or can arrange for delivery. Last year, the company launched a new bulk bag service whereby a three-foot-bythree-foot bag containing a yard of compost can be delivered to the customer.

Critical to this process are the fans behind this facility that blow air through underground pipes below the massive piles of recycled green material. This aeration helps to maintain aerobic conditions and limits temperatures for effective decomposition.

The composting processes at Farm to Garden Organics undergo thorough monitoring in accordance with national testing and standards. “We do rigorous testing through A & L Canada Laboratories to confirm the absence of pathogens and heavy metals, while also verifying the nutrient content of our products,” notes Joel. “Our products are certified by OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) Canada to comply with organic production standards.”

Customers range from local farmers and producers to landscapers and homeowners. Many are repeat customers, returning each time because of the quality of the soil developer. “We get very positive feedback from customers. A fair number of them are in the Gulf Islands and are certified

For Joel, who holds an Economics degree and years of Engineering studies, managing this operation is both challenging and rewarding. “I like the diversity of changing daily priorities and tasks: field management, heifer management, sales and marketing. I am always learning and get to work both in the office space and out working with team from an operational perspective,” he shares. “I’m interested in process control and operation. High quality is really important and we’re always looking to develop our products.”

Quality compost is foundational to healthy gardens and farm environments. Plants take root and flourish in soil that nourishes them. As Joel shares, it’s crucial to choose the best compost you can to ensure optimum results. “Take your time to research what you are purchasing in terms of the quality standards and controls.”

It’s sage advice. As this agricultural compost enthusiast well understands, when it comes to growing, it will never be more important than great compost.

www.farmtogarden.ca

Uniquely Peninsula

Where Nature Meets Nuture: Modern Massage

This is part of a rotating series of articles about some of the Saanich Peninsula's unique shops and services.

WORDS JUNE MURRAY DAGNALL

Located in the heart of Sidney at #104 - 2423 Beacon Avenue, Modern Massage is a boutique wellness spa dedicated to thoughtful, restorative care. Their massage offerings range from relaxation and deep tissue to prenatal and lymphatic drainage, all delivered in a calm, welcoming space. By blending skilled therapeutic techniques with a soothing spa experience, Modern Massage helps clients feel deeply cared for and always leave feeling refreshed.

Personalized treatment is at the heart of what they provide. Every session is customized to support the client’s specific needs any day, from managing pain and reducing stress, to supporting injury recovery or providing deep relaxation. A calm environment and carefully thought-out details enhance the overall experience.

Community connection is central to the values of Modern Massage. They are proud to serve many local clients, and they also support other small businesses throughout the Sidney

area. They aim to create a space where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.

The Modern Massage team consists of highly trained, compassionate therapists, each contributing unique skills and areas of expertise. With this valuable team they have created a supportive and collaborative environment that benefits both their clients and the practitioners.

Modern Massage is pleased to announce that they will be expanding their services with the introduction of acupuncture in March. Direct billing for this service will follow shortly afterwards, helping make treatments more convenient and accessible for their clients.

Clients of Modern Massage love the mix of real results and spa-like relaxation ensuring that every visit is restorative, calm, and completely unhurried. They are offered personalized treatments, calm surroundings and real results.

Where Nature Meets Nurture – this is the Modern Massage promise.

From the Kitchen

Jammy GOODNESS

When I first tried making a sheet pan meal, it was a revelation. It’s everything you need all on one pan; it’s a glorious dinner option.

WORDS JOAN SAUNDERS

PHOTOS SARAH HARTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

And for March, as you know I love an appropriately seasonally-themed meal, I’ve got another recipe that you could use for St. Patrick’s Day or, happily, for any day.

If you’ve kept stock of my March articles for the past few years, you should be able to create a great celebratory spread for the 17th. There’s been Dublin coddle, Guinness stew and Irish soda bread, a savoury pie made with hot water pastry that’s packed with stuffing, sausage and chicken (yum!), and a veggie shepherd’s pie. Then you could finish the meal with the chocolate stout cake from June 2022.

So here’s another to add to the repertoire. What’s a bit different about this sheet pan meal is that near the end of the roasting time you add a jam and grainy mustard mixture that just brings the flavours together. There’s something about the sweet, mustardy combination that, while it sounds a bit strange, works so well. If you don’t want to use jam, a fruit chutney would be a great substitution. This dish also incorporates some apples and when you’re choosing which type to use, try a Granny Smith, Macintosh or Fuji. What you don’t want is an apple that is reduced to mush

as it roasts, so something with a bit more substance is the key here. As well, if you’re avoiding carbs and don’t want to use potatoes, add in other veggies you prefer to roast, like cauliflower. I often cut up more carrots than are called for, as leftovers are always a good option. I usually serve this with a slaw or salad, as then you have some tasty crispness to accompany the roasted vegetables.

The type of sausage you add is also up to personal preference. I like to choose one with a bit of flavour, like a leek and onion mix that’s added to the meat filling. If you like a bit of spice, check out what’s on offer. Peruse the case at your local butcher’s and see what appeals to you. If you can’t decide, try a mixture of flavours and do a taste test. Whatever you choose will definitely work. And that’s what I love about this type of recipe: it’s adaptable. If you’re worried about having too many leftovers, cut the recipe in half and use a smaller roasting pan. But whatever you decide to add or subtract from this meal, make sure you end with the mustard and jam mixture, as that’s what elevates this sausage sheet pan meal to being, as I say, a keeper of a recipe.

JAMMY SHEET PAN SAUSAGE AND VEGGIES

(SERVES 4 GENEROUSLY)

600 g baby potatoes, cut in half (about 4-5 cups)

500 g carrots, cut into chunks (about 4 cups)

2 leeks, white and light green parts, cut into rounds

1 onion, cut into chunks

6 garlic cloves, peeled and bruised (smashed a little with knife) fresh rosemary and thyme olive oil

1/3 cup chicken stock salt, pepper

2 apples skin on, cut into chunks (good options: Granny Smith, Macintosh, Fuji)

8 good quality sausages (your choice)

3 tbsp fruity jam (I used blackberry, but substitute any fruit jam you like or a nice fruit chutney)

2 tbsp whole grain mustard

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a roasting tray or large sheet pan with sides, add potatoes, carrots, leek rounds, onion, garlic. Add as much rosemary and thyme as you like. Season with salt, pepper, then drizzle a good amount of olive oil (2-3 tbsp) over veggies. Pour stock over everything; mix all together well and spread out in pan. Roast for 30 minutes.

Remove pan from oven.

Add in apple chunks; toss veggies and apple together. Prick sausages with a fork all over; nestle sausages on top of vegetables. Do not cover sausages with veggies. Drizzle sausages and veggies with olive oil again (about 1-2 tbsp) and put back in 350°F oven. Roast 20 minutes, then turn sausages over; roast for another 20 minutes.

While dish is cooking, mix together mustard and jam in a small bowl. Remove pan from oven, then remove sausages from pan (put on plate nearby). Drizzle jam/ mustard combo over veggies; mix veggies with jam/mustard to coat everything well. Position sausages back on top of veggies.

Roast another 30 minutes at 350°F, until sausages are cooked through and veggies are roasted.

NOW SELLING The Cento

Thoughtful Design Meets Everyday Comfort. Live beautifully in The Cento, a curated collection of quality-built condos by the Vidalin Group in the heart of Saanichton.

9631 & 9635 Third Street, Sidney

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 1,774 sq ft | $1.295M + GST

Featuring a high-efficiency heat pump, cozy gas fireplace, gas cooktop with stainless steel appliances, and hardwood flooring throughout. The west-facing living room impresses with 11' ceilings and abundant natural light.

9601 Fifth Street, Sidney

2 bed | 1 bath | 1,344 sq ft | $1.2M Rare DP-approved triplex DEVELOPMENT

SITE with plans by renowned designer Ryan Hoyt, perfectly positioned in one of Sidney’s most coveted locations. Offering stunning ocean views and breathtaking sunrises, this project combines modern coastal living with unbeatable walkability.

1870 A Doney SaanichtonRoad,

3 bed | 3 bath | 2,000 sq ft | $1.395M + GST Features a desirable primary bedroom on the main level plus an upstairs rec room. The open, airy layout showcases engineered hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a gas fireplace and a heat pump for year-round comfort.

Understanding Retirement Savings Options

The financial industry is filled with acronyms and assumptions, and when a young man recently shared that he didn't understand his retirement savings options, it became obvious that the best place to start is with the basics.

If you are one of the fortunate workers that contributes to a pension through an employer, then it goes without saying that you want to take that opportunity. Company pensions are typically offered as "defined contributions," where both the employer and the employee contribute, whereas government pensions are considered "definedbenefit" plans.

A defined contribution plan is a retirement savings plan where you and/or your employer contribute a set amount into an individual investment account, with the final retirement payout depending on total contributions plus investment earnings, placing the investment risk on the employee. A defined benefit plan is an employer-sponsored pension that promises a specific, predictable retirement income, calculated by a formula based on salary and years of service, guaranteeing a set monthly payment for life, with the employer managing investments and bearing the risk, unlike a defined contribution plan where retirement income depends on investment performance.

Not all workers are fortunate to have an employer-based pension, but they do have the ability to contribute to a registered retirement savings

plan (RRSP) as well as a tax-free savings plan (TFSA). RRSPs were originally designed for workers and business owners who did not have access to a company pension plan; however, over the years even those who have company pensions make contributions to an RRSP to increase their pension income.

RRSPs allow contributors to grow their investments without paying tax on the growth or income earned on the investments until money is withdrawn. The main advantage of making contributions to an RRSP is the tax savings during a worker's high-income earning years. The intent is that money isn't withdrawn from the RRSP until the contributor leaves the workforce and earns less, resulting in less taxes. An RRSP can be invested in various investments such as GICs, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, or individual stocks. The future value of the RRSP depends on the amount of money contributed, the various investments, and its rate of return.

TFSAs are considered the most valuable saving vehicle available to Canadians. It allows Canadian residents who are 18 years and older to contribute a set amount annually. As of January 2026, the maximum allowable contribution is $109,000. As with the RRSP, a variety of investments can be purchased in a TFSA. The only disadvantage of a TFSA when compared to an RRSP, is that TFSA contributions are not tax-deductible, but the major advantage is that income and growth in a TFSA are never taxable when withdrawn.

It's always best to ask for professional advice to help with your retirement planning.

SEASIDE STORIES

New & Noteworthy

News, Changes, Updates, Launches

Have something for New & Noteworthy? Email noteworthy@ seasidemagazine.ca.

WORDS JUNE MURRAY DAGNALL

WARM BOWLS, WARM HEARTS

The fourth annual SOUPer Bowl fundraiser has been announced, with 100% of proceeds going to the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank! Enjoy delicious soups, dinner buns, desserts, coffee/tea, and live Celtic-inspired music

from the Island B’ys, plus a silent auction. This sold-out event is limited to 50 spots, so register early by sending your $50 fee to Michelle at paulandmichelleb@gmail.com. If you are unable to attend you can still support this wonderful fundraiser by purchasing a bowl. Come together to help our community and surpass last year’s $4,500 raised!

LOCAL FIRST NATIONS AND VAA UNITE

The four W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations – BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), and W̱SÍ,ḴEM (Tseycum) – and the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA), operators of Victoria International Airport (YYJ), have signed a Friendship Agreement to establish a longterm, collaborative relationship grounded in respect, cooperation, and partnership.

The Agreement recognizes the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations’ Aboriginal and Treaty rights, reflects their historic connection to the airport lands, and sets a framework for ongoing dialogue, collaboration on airport

operations and future development, and shared initiatives in areas such as culture, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunities. VAA will provide annual contributions to support education, training, scholarships, internships, and business development for W̱SÁNEĆ members, ensuring their voices are included in decisions affecting their territory and future generations.

VANCITY GRANT EXPANDS ACCESS TO HANDS-ON STEM EDUCATION

The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory has been awarded a grant from Vancity Savings to help remove financial barriers that limit student access to hands-on STEM learning. The funding comes from Vancity’s Greater Victoria Savings and Credit Union Legacy Fund, which supports charitable organizations across the Capital Regional District. This grant will support a new bursary program offering free STEM programming to eligible

Meet your go to summer sneaker – perfect for Sidney strolls, market days and everyday Island living.

West Coast comfort.

Everyday style.

All summer long.

public schools in School Districts 61, 62, and 63.

Priority will be given to schools serving families with limited financial resources, Indigenous students, and girls, helping ensure more students can engage in meaningful and inspiring STEM experiences.

A FOND FAREWELL

After over three decades of bringing joy to the community, Buddies Toys will be closing its doors on April 4, 2026. The shop’s owner looks forward to new directions and a well-deserved break from the demands of retail; however, she is truly grateful for the support of the Sidney community, loyal customers and a dedicated team. Looking back on the friendships and moments shared over the years has been truly special and she says thank you to everyone!

WORK HERE, PLAY HERE AND GRAB YOUR PERK PASS

The Sidney Business Improvement Area (Sidney BIA) is thrilled to bring back the Work in Sidney Perk

Pass, a program designed to show appreciation to new and current employees for their contributions to our thriving community.

The Perk Pass encourages participants to explore, indulge in and enjoy exclusive offers from Sidney’s local businesses. Each pass, valued at $200, includes eight unique perks and is completely free for eligible employees to experience the best of Sidney while supporting local business.

SHOP AND STAY LOCAL WITH EXCITING NEW ARRIVALS

From fresh retail spots to new places to stay, Sidney continues to grow and welcome locals and visitors alike.

Sherwin-Williams Paint Store has opened at 2310 Beacon Avenue.

Seaside Cannabis is set to open at 2306 Beacon Avenue.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Victoria Airport Sidney is set to open in March 2026.

EAT, CELEBRATE, GIVE

Beacon Community Services proudly presents Beacon Bits, a new community fundraiser celebrating global cuisine while supporting local food security programs. On March 26, at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre, guests can sample dishes from chefs, caterers and food trucks across Greater Victoria, enjoy a live DJ, live auction, and be emceed by CHEK News anchor Paul Haysom.

Proceeds support Beacon’s year-round programs, including

Mobile Meals, youth shelters and childcare services. Tickets are on sale now at www.beaconcs.ca. Join them for an evening of culture, community and compassion!

QUILTS FOR THE VALIANT

On February 24, Quilts for the Valiant representatives presented handmade quilts to four widows of veterans who live at Legion Manor Victoria in Central Saanich. Quilts for the Valiant is committed to recognizing veterans and spouses of the Canadian Armed Forces and their spouses, for their service to our country.

Legion Manor Victoria is a multi-tiered Retirement Community dedicated to offering comfortable, quality accommodation for independent veterans and seniors, 55 years of age and older.

LOCAL ARTIST IN SEARCH OF SPACE

Jess Glover of Mystic Mandala is looking for a space to open a new business on the Peninsula.

Art Soul Studio will be a warm, community-focused art studio and artisan shop offering a thoughtfully curated mix of cozy art workshops, creative events of all kinds and drop-in stone and ceramics painting.

The Studio will offer a creative outlet that is community driven, putting a focus on local artisan wares and art retail such as paints and craft supplies.

Art Soul Studio is poised to become a vibrant creative hub and cherished social gather spot on the Saanich Peninsula, but Jess is still looking for a home for it. If you know of any retail spaces available locally that may fit the bill, reach out to Jess via www.facebook.com/ sidneymysticmandala.

2493 B Beacon Avenue

Sidney -Tel: 250-655-0372

They believe personalized styling advice is the key to building a wardrobe you'll love for years to come.

That's why at Barbara's in Sidney, every piece is hand-picked and curated with you in mind.

For years, Barbara and Sharon have poured their passion for the fashion business into helping women feel confident and beautiful.

“Our wedding collection is curated to take the guesswork out of wedding fashion, ensuring you feel sophisticated and confident for every photo. in Sidney

We offer a personal style consultation for a confident, coordinated, and sophisticated wedding look. We look forward to welcoming you soon.”

Stylish outfits for the modern Mother

We provide all the dental services you need to achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. We are committed to providing each and every patient with treatments tailored to their specific needs and goals. We provide all our patients with the highest level of care and treat them like our own family. We offer evening hours to ensure you can receive treatment without compromising your schedule. If you’re looking for a dental office near you, look no further.

Childhood Stuffie: Ready for New Adventures

“Woof, woof,” my mum said softly, hovering over my crib with a stuffed dog puppet in her hands. He had brown floppy ears, a smooth button nose and dark marble-like eyes. “Woo-woo” I’d coo back excitedly, not quite able to say the “f” sound yet. And thus the namesake of my favourite childhood toy came about. Woo Woo the stuffed dog, a gift from when I was born. Almost 39 years later, he’s the definition and image of threadbare. His stitching is coming apart between tufts of packed-down brown fur – the criss-crosses poking through – each patch of white threads an indelible mark of his importance in my childhood. One of his eyes is larger than the other – a replacement eye my dad somehow surgically added (with super glue, I’m sure) after the original eye fell out. Then after Woo Woo took a tumble out of my arms and onto the pavement one day, the replacement eye cracked in half. I sobbed, thinking I’d really blinded him this time, but Dad came to the rescue with his super glue once again and all these years later, the crack remains but the glue has held. A name tag is sewn onto his bottom from when I went away to a school overnight camp in Grade Two, the first time I’d ever slept away from my parents. Woo Woo kept me company that night, helped me feel secure and brave without my family there. When I was around

six years old, I once lost him for an entire month and was inconsolable when I realized he was gone. My Opa found him weeks later, wedged between his couch and the curtains, squished and dusty but no worse for wear. Though he was largely ignored in my high school and university years, I never hid him away. He travelled with me when I moved from Vancouver to Victoria for university, accompanied every move, of which there were many over the years, until he

finally settled with us in our forever home.

My daughters recently discovered him sitting on the shelf in our living room. He’d been perched there for the past few years, tucked in between three gifted stuffed rabbits with their perfect untouched fur and shiny, unscratched eyes, but they hadn’t noticed him until recently. “Why does this one look like he’s falling apart?” my eldest asked, holding him up by a scraggly ear. As if realizing his ear might rip right

off from his raggedy body, she quickly cuddled him like a baby, squeezing him in a tight embrace. The girls peppered me with questions about him –where did he come from? Why is he called Woo Woo? Why is he falling apart? What was his favourite adventure? Why is he a puppet? What happened to his eyes? They’ve been busy making houses and forts for him, bringing him on car rides and shopping trips. And while my girls are incredibly lucky to have two baskets overflowing with stuffed animals, none have become treasured. They’ve had seasons with one becoming a favourite for a few months, but no single stuffie has held their attention like Woo Woo did for me. And I have to wonder, if I were to find a brand-new version of Woo Woo, would my girls still seek him out? Perhaps it’s his scraggly appearance that gives him such life and wisdom.

When my eldest recently asked to bring him to school for sharing, I hesitated. I have such a strong sentimental attachment to him that I immediately balked and imagined everything that could go wrong. What if she lost him? It’s a risk, of course, but he’s done with sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Woo Woo is ready to be zipped into a backpack and loved by a child again. He’s ready for new adventures and while he may lose some more fur and stiches in the process, I can’t wait to see what they get up to together.

Meet Your Neighbours

Natalie Foley: The Journey to Music

They say opposites attract. That also might be true for the different parts of ourselves that are passionate about seemingly contradictory professions and lifestyles.

Natalie Foley, local singer and guitarist, is also a retired lawyer. She went from the fast-paced constant work life to playing in a slower, highenergy band called The Haven. Natalie is originally from Vancouver but has been on the island(s) for 25 years. She moved to Sidney first for the “small town vibe” and to sail, and then bought a 50-acre farm on Salt Spring Island, meaning Natalie had to commute to Victoria for work as a lawyer. She says it was worth it because she had a “retreat from corporate work,” as well as a giant “dog park” for seven dogs.

After retiring five years ago, Natalie moved back to the Island, first living in Saanich and then full circle back to Sidney. Natalie says “I remember driving down the Pat Bay Highway with farms on both sides” when she first moved here, and says if the weather was warmer, the Island would be completely overrun. For her, this has always been home.

Natalie didn’t really start as a musician until two-anda-half years ago when she joined The Haven band. She says that being a lawyer, and then becoming a partner and managing the firm, had been

“all consuming.” But after recovering from her roundthe-clock job when she retired, where she says “I felt like I just slept” for two years, her “inner performer” came out. Natalie remembers listening to her father play guitar when she was younger, which influenced her music. As a child her grandfather, who was both a concert pianist and radiologist, taught Natalie how to play piano by ear. She says that during these “impressionable years there was a significant influence from him,” and that any passion, if strong enough, won’t go away until it’s expressed.

There are no regrets from her life as a lawyer, but Natalie accomplished everything in that arena, and was grateful to be able to retire early. As a musician, she says that she’s interested in honing her craft and has a vocal coach in New York. The band currently has five players: Natalie Foley, lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Peter Bacsalmasi, lead guitarist and music director; Don Carscadden on bass; Keith Bjorndahl on drums and percussion; and Matt Bullock, guitarist and newest band member. They all take their passion seriously. Natalie believes her different careers balance each other and that “anything we do is transferable.” Both jobs require excellent writing skills and Natalie says that “all the writing that I’ve done helps me with writing lyrics.” The words she writes now convey quite a different meaning though, with

lyrics full of emotions and far less transactional.

The Haven just released their first album called Red & Blue this past holiday, named after bassist Don’s Lil Red truck and blue Corvette. Creating a vinyl record was a big process, both for the band and Wrecking Crew Studios, because the album was also their first. Natalie says that they’re so pleased with how it turned out that they’d be happy if a handful of people listened to it, but that they’re also proud of the process and end result, and they plan to share it with the world. Band

members Natalie and Peter cowrote all of the songs.

They play everything from the 60s to current-day covers that get people dancing. Apart from their diverse set lists, Natalie says that they’ll “never be just a tribute band.” Always evolving their sound, adding new music and writing original songs, the band rehearses twice a week and has great chemistry. This year the band already has 30 gigs booked, from smaller venues and private gigs to the Beacon Bandshell, Mary Winspear Centre and Torque Masters. Wherever they play, Natalie says she loves every aspect, from practising to performing. Whether getting ready for court, or connecting with people on stage, Natalie has always put everything into what she does and is immersed in enjoying the journey. www.thehavenmusic.com

Growing a better community grant-by-grant

Victoria Community Food Hub Society brought local food to life for Peninsula families through its Taste the Peninsula project, turning busy summer local festivals into hands-on learning spaces rooted in fun, curiosity, and connection.

Read the full story at sp-cf.ca/success-stories

YOUR COMMUNITY YOUR GIFT • YOUR LEGACY sp-cf.ca

Our $4,000 grant helped create welcoming, inclusive spaces where learning happened naturally, strengthening food literacy, supporting local farmers, and bringing the community together, one zucchini race at a time.

Donate today and help us grow a community better for all of us.

Local Flavour: Feature of the Month

THE ARBUTUS ROOM

Rooted in story, land, and seasonality, The Arbutus Room embodies the sacred arbutus tree. According to W̱SÁNEĆ legend, during a great flood, the people tied their canoes to the top of an arbutus tree on LÁU,WELNEW (Mount Newton) to survive. Since the tree saved the people, it is considered sacred and seen as a connector between land and water, thriving in the coastal environments of the Salish Sea. This story shapes the philosophy of The Arbutus Room: honouring the land through stewardship, sustainability, and food that reflects place.

Our cuisine tells the story of Southern Vancouver Island. We work closely with local farmers, foragers, and producers because food is most expressive when it reflects the soil, season, and stewardship behind it. Our menus evolve with the land –celebrating fleeting harvests, preserving abundance, and extending ingredients through fermentation, curing, and canning. Wild and foraged foods remain integral, reminding us that nature is one of our greatest collaborators.

Nearly 90% of our menu is sourced from Vancouver Island or within 150 km of the resort. Portions are intentionally designed to reduce plate waste, allowing the kitchen to invest in better ingredients, careful technique, and responsible sourcing. Our food is about intention, clarity, and connection to the coast and the land that sustains it.

Secret Mall

Apartment: Surprisingly Thoughtful

I don’t think I’m alone in believing that most people have, at some point, dreamed of staying overnight in a shopping mall. As a child, the idea felt magical. Empty hallways, toy stores at your disposal, endless food court snacks, and the freedom to explore without rules. When the trailer for the documentary Secret Mall Apartment first dropped, that childhood fantasy came rushing back. The premise was too wild and intriguing to ignore. This month’s Screen Scene recommendation is now streaming on Netflix, and it is as delightful and surprisingly entertaining as it sounds.

Directed by Jeremy Workman, Secret Mall Apartment tells the true story of a group of artists in Providence, Rhode Island, led by Michael Townsend, who secretly built and lived in a hidden apartment inside the Providence Place Mall. What began as a challenge to see if they could spend seven days undetected inside the mall slowly evolved into something much bigger and more intricate. Over the course of four years (2003 to 2007), the group transformed an unused, forgotten space into a fullyfurnished apartment, complete with furniture, electricity and a locking door, all hidden in the depths of the mall. By day, they blended in as shoppers, eating food court meals, trying on clothing, watching movies and passing time. By night, they slipped

into their secret space, always aware they could be discovered at any moment. The documentary also explores the history of the mall itself, which was built as part of a redevelopment project that displaced local artists and reshaped the surrounding neighbourhood. In this context, the secret apartment becomes more than a prank. It reads as a quiet act of protest and an unexpected piece of social commentary on gentrification, public space and artistic freedom.

At first, I found myself questioning the audacity of it all. As the film unfolds, however, it becomes clear these were artists deeply invested in their community. Townsend and his collaborators created public art projects in hospitals using removable tape and travelled to New York after 9/11 to create guerilla memorials honouring victims and first responders. Knowing this history shifted my perspective entirely. What initially seemed reckless became surprisingly moving, generous and thoughtful.

Secret Mall Apartment is funny, nostalgic and deeply engaging. Even if you’re not usually drawn to documentaries, this one is a wildly entertaining and unforgettable experience worth watching.

If you enjoyed this film, you might also like:

1. Exit Through the Gift Shop (Tubi)

The Yes Men (Apple TV)

Be Kind Rewind (Prime Video)

Get Out!

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone & Into Something New

There is something about the end of a long week that begs for a reset. Not a collapse-on-the-sofa kind of reset, but the kind that wakes you up, gets your blood moving and reminds you that trying something new can be exactly what you need.

WORDS SHELLEY TICE

PHOTOS CALVER PHOTOGRAPHY

This column is all about those moments. Get out of the house. Get out of routine. Get out and support local businesses. Get out and meet new people. Sometimes all it takes is saying yes to an idea that might feel just a little bit outside your comfort zone. For my husband and me, that idea came in the form of boxing. To be clear, neither of us has a background in boxing: no childhood lessons, no competitive aspirations, and no illusions of stepping into an actual ring. What we did have was curiosity, a desire to move our bodies differently, and a recommendation for Teddy’s Boxing & Fitness in Sidney. So, we signed up for their introductory boxing class and decided to give something new a try.

What happened was a welcoming, energizing and fun, albeit sweaty, way to end the week.

Teddy’s Boxing & Fitness is located in the Sidney Industrial Park. It is close enough to home that it did not feel like an effort to get there, and there is plenty of free street parking. That alone removes a surprising amount of friction when trying a new class. Just park, walk in and start. Inside, the space feels welcoming and approachable. Yes, there are mirrors, but not for comparing yourself to anyone else. It is about awareness, not appearance. The overall vibe is energized and fun, the kind of environment where beginners can breathe a little easier.

We were welcomed by owner Anna Kerevan (pictured here), whose easy confidence set the tone immediately. Anna has a gift for making boxing feel accessible. She walked us through the fundamentals step by step, starting with how to stand, how to move your feet, and how to think about balance and alignment before throwing a single punch.

From there, we learned a couple of basic punches and had the opportunity to try them out on the heavy bags and pads.

The workout was energetic and engaging, but never overwhelming.

Anna offered clear explanations, encouragement and helpful adjustments, ensuring everyone felt supported and capable, regardless of experience.

a new fitness class because it might feel too intense or too advanced, Teddy’s offers a great alternative. The focus is on learning the basics, building confidence and meeting people where they are.

By the end of the class, we were sweaty, smiling and genuinely surprised by how accomplished we felt. There is something deeply satisfying about learning a new skill, especially one that requires both mental focus and physical effort. We left feeling energized and proud of ourselves, even as we began to notice a few new muscle aches settling in. Those aches felt earned.

One of the things I appreciated most was the mix of people in the class. There were clear first-timers like us, alongside regulars who were familiar with the flow of the workout. That blend created an atmosphere that felt inclusive rather than intimidating. Everyone was simply there to learn, move and get stronger in their own way.

For anyone who has ever talked themselves out of trying

Get Out Things to Know

For us, this experience was a reminder of what the Get Out! column is really about. Get out and try something you have never done before. Get out and support a local business that is building a welcoming community. Get out and meet people who are showing up for themselves, whether it is their first class or their 50th.

We left with a sense of accomplishment, renewed energy and a shared experience that made for a great end to the week. We are already looking forward to going back.

• Location: Teddy’s Boxing & Fitness is located at #28 -2075 Henry Avenue West.

• Parking: Plenty of free street parking out front.

• What to wear: Comfortable workout clothes you can move in.

• What to bring: A water bottle and indoor runners.

• Classes: Intro and advanced boxing and kickboxing classes are available, as well as strength, pilates, and yoga. They have a great first-time drop-in rate, or you can try their two-week class sampler. www.teddysboxingfitness.com

EXPERIENCE MATTERS.

Whether you are new to the area, going through a life transition, or unhappy with your current situation, you will find that Deborah takes a unique approach when working with her clients.

Whether you are new to the area, going through a life transition, or unhappy with your current situation, you will find that Deborah takes a unique approach when working with her clients.

Deborah’s 25 years of experience in the investment industry has resulted in her having a greater understanding of an investor’s needs and their tolerance to volatility, which allows her the ability to effectively guide investors through the ups and downs of today’s markets. She has successfully guided investors through many market cycles by ensuring that her clients are invested in a balance of suitable products. Determining the appropriate blend of investments that focus on preserving capital, generating income, or providing growth is key to finding a client’s comfort level.

Her 25 years of experience in the investment industry is her guide when working with investors. Deborah realizes that building a strong client relationship is rooted in trust and transparency. The foundation for a strong relationship is ensuring compatibility and effective communication. Investors want to know that their financial advisor is committed to their success and willing to take the time to listen to what is important to help them determine their goals.

It may surprise many to learn that investing is often not about achieving the ‘highest rate of return’, but rather having confidence that their financial advisor understands their goals and will prepare an investment plan to achieve those goals. What one investor considers important, another may not, therefore, goals, plans, and solutions are as unique as the individual, so too should be the portfolio!

The greatest threat to long-term investing is selling growthoriented investments during turbulent markets. History has proven that selling an investment with the expectation of purchasing it later (market timing) is not a successful investment strategy. An experienced financial advisor will ensure that the investor does not sabotage their long-term goals, and this starts with having a thorough understanding of the investor, such as past experiences, current investment knowledge, family situation, health concerns, and financial goals, both short and long-term.

Experience matters when it comes to guiding investors through turbulent markets.

Although setting goals, determining the appropriate asset allocation, implementing a strategy, building a portfolio, and monitoring investments are essential to successful investing, the most important factor is the amount of time that the professional spends with the investor. The more investment knowledge and understanding of the markets that an investor has, the greater the chances are for success. When investors are prepared for volatility and understand the emotional roller coaster that can be experienced during market corrections, the less chance they have of making decisions based on emotion rather than discipline and logic.

Preparing an investor for volatility helps the investor ride out the emotional roller coaster that one can experience during a market correction. Effective communication with the investor is essential to ensure that investment decisions are based on logic rather than emotion.

A financial advisor who has experience guiding investors through these market corrections is an invaluable asset to achieving one’s financial goals.

A financial advisor who has experience guiding investors through these market corrections is an invaluable asset to achieving one’s financial goals.

Don’t take chances with your financial success because experience truly does matter!

Don’t take chances with your financial success because experience truly does matter!

www.raymondjames.ca/deborahreid

reimagine aging

Science tells us that despite what we have learned about aging, it’s possible to change what is happening to us and others. Much of the aging process is not fate, but within our control. Understanding what gives us energy and vitality helps us take effective action to restore our well-being now and preserve it for the future.

improving mitochondrial function

Research in this emerging field is exciting and evolving. Many factors impair mitochondrial function, but the good news is that there are effective steps you can take now to improve your health and longevity. These include targeted mitochondrial nutrition, NAD+ support, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, and getting quality sleep.

With spring comes a fresh start ... and now is a good time to think not only about our short-term health goals, but also the long-term health outcomes of our daily actions. What separates those who stay healthy throughout life and continue to live vibrantly into old age? Across disciplines from psychology to public health, resilience is proving to be a core predictor of long-term health. At its definition, resilience is the ability to adapt, recover and grow in the face of adversity, and the good news is it’s trainable at every stage of life.

WHAT RESILIENCE REALLY MEANS IN HEALTH

Resilience is not the absence of difficulty, it’s how we respond to it.

• Biological resilience refers to the body’s ability to restore balance after physical stressors like injury, illness, inflammation, or chronic disease.

• Psychological resilience is the capacity to adapt to life’s stressors, seeing setbacks as temporary and manageable rather than overwhelming.

• Social and community resilience reflects the strength of connections and systems that support health over decades.

In practical terms, resilient individuals tend to rebound more quickly from illness, maintain psychological wellbeing during life transitions, and show greater capacity for long-term recovery.

Higher resilience is linked to better quality of life, faster healing, and even reduced risk of chronic disease progression.

People with strong resilience

often interpret stressors, illnesses or injury as challenges to grow from, rather than a reason to give up, a cognitive shift linked to better mental and physical outcomes.

KEYS TO STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE

OVER TIME

1. Mindset Matters: Cognitive Flexibility and Purpose. The way we interpret stress shapes our neurobiology. Realistic optimism (not denial) such as focusing on meaning, choice and growth, cultivates resilience that supports emotional and physical health.

2. Social Connection: Humans Are Relational Creatures. Strong support networks reduce stress responses, improve healing and buffer against depression and anxiety. Building relationships isn’t optional for resilience; it’s part of the biology of survival.

3. Routine Habits Anchor Health. Regular sleep, movement, nutrition and stress reduction aren’t luxuries or something only people with superpowers can manage; they stabilize biological systems like immune function and stress hormone regulation that are the foundation for physical resilience.

4. Action Over Avoidance. Addressing stressors by making plans, taking steps and seeking help helps bodies and minds regain control and prevent emotional ruminations that weaken hope and resilience.

5. Rest and Regulation

Resilience isn’t about constant pushing, it’s about regenerative capacity. Sufficient rest, nervous system balance and recovery time are as important for long-term

Becoming Resilient

health as activity. We rest, we recover, we recharge ... and we get back up.

6. Resilience Looks Different

For Everyone. Individuals vary in how they respond to stressors based on genetics, life context, community support and physical capacity. Resilience is not about forced positivity or ignoring hardship

– it’s about authentic and realistic adaptation.

Resilience lives in daily habits, meaningful relationships, supportive environments, and a purposeful perspective to keep growing. Rather than waiting for resilience to be innate, we can cultivate it with care and patience for a lifetime of enduring health.

Nourish to Flourish

On the Peninsula, we are fortunate to be surrounded by elements that feed us in a variety of ways: farm foods, ocean air, forests, salt water, and the good garden dirt under our fingernails. This month, try a local framework that nourishes in ways that promote a depth of wellbeing: Plate, Breeze, Trees, Tide, Soil. Think of it as a menu, not a checklist. Choose what feels doable, repeat it often, and let rituals carry you into the abundance of spring.

PLATE: EAT WHAT THE PENINSULA GROWS

Start close to home. When your meals include foods grown nearby, healthy choices get easier. In early spring, “fresh” often looks humble: leafy greens, asparagus, eggs, stored apples and hardy roots, as well as local seafood. Keep it simple with a weekly trio: one green, one grounded vegetable and one healthy protein.

Toss greens into soups and pastas. Roast a pan of carrots,

beets or potatoes for easy lunches. Keep eggs, beans, tofu, yogurt or fish ready for fast dinners. Add flavour with olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs and a sprinkle of seeds. And if shopping locally helps you feel connected, make it a Saturday habit: a quick loop through a farm stand or market, then home to cook something uncomplicated. My go-to Peninsula bowl is greens, roasted roots, a protein and a simple sauce like tahini and lemon, pesto or salsa. Deliciously nutritious.

BREEZE: MAKE OCEAN AIR A DAILY DOSE

There is a reason a short walk by the water can change your afternoon. The horizon invites us to soften our shoulders and breathe a little deeper. Give yourself 10 minutes of sea air each day. No fitness goal required. Walk, look out and take a few slow breaths through your nose. If your mind is busy, let it be busy; just keep moving. Consistency matters more than intensity, especially in a month that can

still be rainy and grey. Bonus points if you go at the same time each day; your body loves patterns.

If you can, invite a friend. A shared loop along the seawall turns movement into connection, and connection nourishes us, too, deeply.

TREES: LET THE FOREST RESET YOU

The Peninsula’s forested trails are a kind of medicine you do not need a prescription for. Go slowly enough to notice scent, sound, and texture: the cedar dampness, birdsong, the way moss brightens after rain. Once or twice a week, choose tree time over screen time. Even twenty minutes can feel like a system reboot. If you want a simple ritual, pause halfway, place a hand on a trunk, and take three long breaths.

TIDE: LET SALTWATER TEACH YOU PRESENCE

Cold water has a way of pulling us into the moment. You do not need a dramatic plunge to benefit from the shoreline. Try an ankle-deep wade, a quick hand and face splash, or simply sitting close enough to hear the waves. If you do enjoy dips, keep them safe: go with others, know your limits, and

treat cold water with respect. The goal is not toughness. It is aliveness, and the quiet confidence that comes from doing something brave.

SOIL: RECONNECT WITH THE GOOD DIRT

Modern life can be strangely sterile. Gardening, pulling weeds or even repotting a houseplant can be deeply nourishing. There is growing interest in how contact with natural environments supports our microbiomes, the communities of tiny organisms that help keep digestion, skin and immunity in balance.

You do not have to understand the science to feel the effect: hands in soil, mind at ease. Keep it practical: garden, then wash your hands before eating. Health can be both earthy and sensible.

A MARCH TAKEAWAY

Flourishing is not a single grand reset. It is a series of small, local yeses: yes to a bowl of greens; yes to 10 minutes of ocean air; yes to a trail under fir trees; yes to the tide line; yes to the quiet work of soil. Choose two pillars to repeat this month, and notice what shifts: energy, mood, sleep, or simply your sense of being at home here. That is the kind of nourishment that lasts.

“Every day, more people in need are living on the edge – without a doctor, without a safe place to heal. I see it firsthand,”

Dr. C hris Fraser, Cool Aid Medical Director

The Dr. Joe Centre at Crosstown will provide life-saving medical care, critical mental health support, and a path to recovery for those who need it most.

Construction is almost complete, and the doors will open this spring — but only with your support. We’re 75% of the way there. Your gift will help bring muchneeded health care to our community.

Donate today at coolaid.org/crosstown-campaign/

Cool Aid: Housing, health care, and connection for our community.

From Dated to Dreamy: A Designer’s Downtown Sidney Transformation

After purchasing a 2006 home in downtown Sidney, Designer Danielle Nostedt began a four-month renovation to transform the space. Although parts of the house functioned well, the living room was next to the entry, while the kitchen and sitting room were down at the end of a long hallway. The rooms felt small and closed off. Reconfiguring the floor plan required removing a wall, as well as extensive wiring, plumbing and finishing. Danielle’s expertise in interior design and project management was put to the test!

The house, though modest at 1,469 square feet, feels spacious thanks to its nine-foot-high ceilings. Danielle enlarged the kitchen and what is now the living room – creating a large, open area perfect for entertaining. The kitchen was gutted, but luckily, it had a high-end Miele stove and dishwasher that were retained. Danielle opted for new Shaker cabinets without uppers on the main wall to allow more light to flow through and improve functionality. The white-andgray marbled quartz countertop doubles as a backsplash, carefully cut to fit around the windows and beneath the new hood vent for effortless cleaning. Standard outlets were replaced with pop-up outlets on the countertop to preserve the seamless veining of the quartz. Two wall-mounted milk-glass and brass globe lights provide soft lighting. Vanilla Taupestained oak shelves between the fridge and pantry have strip lighting beneath them.

A dramatic, darker-toned, 12-foot island uses the same beautiful quartz and includes a sink, microwave and dishwasher. The extended countertop provides ample legroom for modern bar stools. A vintage Turkish rug between the island and cabinets adds visual interest and comfort underfoot while cooking. Storage is maximized with lower drawers and pull-outs. The pantry cabinet’s pull-out shelves

reflect Danielle’s husband’s love of order. I’m not sure if the cans were arranged alphabetically, but perhaps ... .

The perimeter of the kitchen is painted in “Collingwood” by Benjamin Moore; the island is “Fawn Brindle” by SherwinWilliams. This restful contrast is accented by chrome knobs that give it a European touch. Engineered hardwood floors with in-floor heating add a cozy touch of luxury.

The warm wood tone and soft shape of the dining room table complement the Josef Hoffman-designed cane chairs that have a darker wood tone accent. Larger chairs at each end of the table add scale and balance. Next

to a bright bay window is the breakfast nook, which features a cozy, tonal banquette, a linen globe light and a vintage wooden cabinet to the side. Dimmable wafer lights allow each space to shift from bright to soothing.

In the living room, Danielle introduced elements of tactile natural materials and muted elegance. She kept the old fireplace insert but removed the pink tile surround and replaced it with a new matte-honed marble mosaic tile. Their adorable rescue dog from Mexico enjoys the comfort of a soft, natural juteand-wool rug. Attractive builtin oak-veneer bookcases on both sides of the fireplace are

stained to match the kitchen shelving. They are tastefully filled with vintage pieces and travel mementos that add personality to the room. Both bathrooms look charming and modern, painted in Benjamin Moore's “Natural Cream,” including baseboards and doors. The ensuite bathroom features an oak vanity with a cream quartz countertop, and the floor is a porcelain tile in a checkerboard pattern of gray and taupe heritage tones.

The hallway bathroom vanity is constructed from solid eucalyptus wood with a honed natural black marble countertop, and the floor is set with gray-and-white checkerboard marble tiles. Round shapes of vanities, tables, chairs and lighting throughout the home soften the look and balance the sharp edges of modern design. Danielle updated the entry with a more natural-looking jute light fixture, juxtaposing it with a concrete console table. A misshapen mirror and a handmade wooden stool add to its unique, welcoming feel. The primary bedroom, now

moved away from the kitchen, exudes comfort and elegance thanks to privacy curtains, a built-in Shaker-style closet and linen bedding. A warm coverlet from Portugal was, as Danielle jokes, a heavy lift through airports! The second bedroom is furnished with wood bookcases and a large worktable; the bookcases are free-standing to allow for a future room conversion. Walls are painted in “Sea Glass” (Benjamin Moore), a striking aqua colour that changes with the light.

The renovation wasn’t without its challenges: living through construction was tough, especially without a kitchen, says Danielle; they had many outdoor “picnics.” Still, with a clear plan shaped by years of design and finance experience, Danielle navigated every hurdle with creativity and resilience. Their home reflects her vision: a harmonious blend of function, beauty and comfort. Now that the renovation is complete, Danielle is inspired and eager to help others design their spaces; info@ daniellenostedtdesign.com.

Let Us Help You Sleep Better!

At Sidney Mattress – locally owned and operated for the last 7 years – we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service with a personal touch. No pushy sales tactics, no gimmicks, no ridiculous markups, just a relaxed friendly experience focused entirely on you.

For Sale

on the Peninsula

We live in a little piece of paradise; here are some featured properties for sale on southern Vancouver Island to help you experience it to the fullest!

SUNLIT PENTHOUSE IN THE HEART OF SIDNEY

$1,175,000

STEPHANIE PEAT

250.656.0131

stephaniepeat.ca

PRIVATE 1-ACRE 4BR

FAMILY HOME

$1,249,900

MARIANN ABRAM*

250.884.6796

mariann@mariannabram.com

(*personal real estate corp)

#402-2409 Bevan Ave.

Refined coastal living awaits in this SE-facing corner penthouse just steps from shops, dining and the waterfront. Enjoy sweeping ocean and Olympic Mountain views, exceptional privacy, and an expansive wraparound balcony. Downsize without compromise!

MLS #1023707

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac backing onto municipal parkland. Updated and light-filled kitchen with SS appliances, fully renovated bathrooms with heated tile floors. Spacious living room, wraparound large deck and wood fireplace, separate Family room with wood stove. DB car garage with RV/Boat parking.

MLS#1025626

PRISTINE PRIVACY ON 2 ACRES WITH SUNSET VIEWS

$1,689,900

MARIANN ABRAM*

250.884.6796

mariann@mariannabram.com

(*personal real estate corp)

MOVE-IN READY ONE-LEVEL LIVING

$449,900

MARIANN ABRAM*

250.884.6796

mariann@mariannabram.com

(*personal real estate corp)

BRAND NEW HOME IN BRENTWOOD BAY

$1,499,900

MARIANN ABRAM*

250.884.6796

mariann@mariannabram.com

(*personal real estate corp)

754 Walfred Rd. Rare estate with sweeping mountain and lake views. Updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath mid-century rancher offers vaulted ceilings, open living, brand-new kitchen and ensuite, serene primary suite, plus a sun-filled family room ideal for a studio or future suite, gazebo, gardens, workshop, and office or gym space.

MLS#1024545

Updated 3BD/2BA home in desirable, All-ages & Pet friendly Cedar Ridge Place. Bright open feel with vaulted ceilings and skylights, smart split bedroom layout, private cedar-hedged yard with covered deck, workshop and shed. 3-car parking. Public transit steps away. Close to the airport, ferries, and Sidney shops.

MLS#1022775

6983 Hagan Rd. Brand new 2,400+ sq ft 4BD/4BA home with legal 1BR suite, gourmet kitchen, heat pump, gas fireplace, heated floors, and spa-like primary ensuite. Fully landscaped and irrigated yard. In a quiet family communityjust steps to parks, beaches, and Brentwood Bay shops.

MLS#1024612

NEWPRICE!

OCEAN AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS!

$899,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

WELCOME TO DREAMCATCHER

$1,197,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

SOUTH OAK BAY PENTHOUSE

$1,148,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

Experience Island living at THE HARO in prestigious CORDOVA BAY. This near-new, meticulously maintained condo offers spacious 2BD, 2BA + Den layout with ocean and mountain views, high-end finishes, a modern upscale design plus A/C, EV charging & underground parking. The perfect blend of coastal charm and urban convenience.

MLS#1022890

West Coast lifestyle, natural beauty & sheer artistic luxury awaits! Ruxton Island offers remote privacy, waterfront living & only a short boat ride from Nanaimo. Enjoy all conveniences of living off-grid in this uniquely designed home. Easy access to your foreshore 48ft welded aluminum ramp & 20ft dock.

MLS#1005198

MLS# 1021309 SOLD!

This exquisite condo is a sanctuary of elegance & charm. 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,494sf and unrivaled 180 degree views of the ocean and Mt Baker, updated kitchen and bathrooms and in-suite laundry. Enjoy the sunny balcony and immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas!

EXQUISITE WEST COAST POST AND BEAM

$2,450,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

SOUGHT-AFTER CORDOVA BAY FAMILY HOME

$1,475,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

THE "UNION" IN THE HEART OF CHINATOWN

$498,000

INGRID JARISZ*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

Floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious open plan & natural pool oasis. Private hot tub, gourmet kitchen, sunken conversation pit with FP & media room with built-in bar this magnificent residence is a true showcase of 70's inspired design and a work of art boasting quality timbers.

MLS#1024160

Meticulously cared for, this 1965 2,200sf home offers 4 beds, 3 baths, and a nod to mid-century charm. On a sunny level lot, with an unfinished walk-out basement, there’s lots of additional space and potential. There’s a formal living room ,separate dining area, Entertaining kitchen, breakfast nook and cozy family room.

MLS#1024243

Exquisite one-bedroom suite offers a sophisticated retreat with captivating northwest views. Boasting 601 square feet of modern living space and featuring tasteful owner upgrades and recently repainted making this home MOVE-IN READY! Secure parking, no pet or rental restrictions and professionally managed.

MLS# 1024136

WATERFRONT, 2 ACRE, DOCK & SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL

MARYAN VAN STOLK*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

TIMELESS APPEAL

$1,298,000

MARYAN VAN STOLK*

250.385.2033

(*personal real estate corp)

Enchanting two-acre waterfront, complete with its own private dock, stables, cottage, & orchard. This property offers endless possibilities, subdivision potential or private oasis. English country charm, an architecturally designed home and a chance to own a piece of history in this truly unique property.

MLS#1001062

Situated in the heart of Saanichton, this meticulous 4-bed, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of refined style and relaxed living. formal living and dining rooms, family room, and two cozy gas fireplaces. Double garage & private, landscaped outdoor retreat with deck .

MLS#1024808

Seaside Guide: What to See & Where to Be

MARCH 2026

Friendly Hours A Taste of Heaven

EVERY TUESDAY 11:30AM-1 PM ST. ELIZABETH CHURCH, 10030 THIRD STREET

Friendly Hours is a place where the hunger of the body and the soul is nourished. It Is an opportunity for members of the community to come together to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup and companionship.

Run by 20 joyful volunteers, these faithful men and women cannot wait for Tuesday to roll around so they can come together to greet and serve the community of 40 to 60 smiling friendly faces. There is a loyal following of repeat customers; some are unhoused, but most guests are from the community and just want to be with others.

Each Tuesday Friendly Hours provides a light lunch which includes homemade soup, bread, coffee, tea, juice and sweets. Two varieties of soup are prepared by the “volunteer chefs” each week – one vegetarian and one meat. All are welcome.

MARCH 1ST TO APRIL 30TH

Income Tax Service

SHOAL CENTRE 10030 RESTHAVEN DRIVE, SIDNEY

Beacon Community Services will once again be offering free Income Tax filing for low to modest incomes (under $40,000/ year). Returns must be simple; no self-employment. Returns can be filed up to 10 years back. No appointment necessary. SHOAL hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more info call 778-351-1993 or email incometax@beaconcs.ca

MARCH 5TH 11AM-12:15PM

Choose to Move Information Session

BEACON COMMUNITY SERVICES SHOAL CENTRE 10030 RESTHAVEN DRIVE, SIDNEY

Info Session on a free program that supports older adults, 55+, to become and stay more active. Program runs March 12 to May 7 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To register for information session call Reception at SHOAL at: 250-656-5537 or email: choosetomove@beaconcs.ca. To learn more about the program: www.choosetomove.ca.

MARCH 3RD 10:30-11:15AM

Tot Tuesday with Plants and Pollinators

SHAW CENTRE FOR THE SALISH SEA 9811 SEAPORT PLACE, SIDNEY

Bring your preschooler to the Centre for a morning of fun! Caregivers and preschoolers can join educators on Tuesday mornings for special ocean-themed stories, crafts and activities. www.salishseacentre.org.

MARCH 10TH 2-3PM

Scientist in Residence Talk –

The Changing Coastal Ocean

SIDNEY/NORTH SAANICH LIBRARY 10091 RESTHAVEN DRIVE, SIDNEY

Dr. Sophia Johanneson shares her passion for science with the community. 250-656-0944

MARCH 11TH 2PM

Canadian Association of Retired Persons Hybrid Meeting –Spill Response on Canda’s West Coast

SHOAL CENTRE 10030 RESTHAVEN DRIVE, SIDNEY

Michael Lowery, Director and Public ad External Relations Response Team will speak on this interesting topic. Register for meeting: vancouverisland@carp.ca. Free admission.

MARCH 13TH 5-9PM MARCH 14TH 10AM-5PM

Crafted Farmhouse Market

MARY WINSPEAR CENTRE 2243 BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY

Enjoy a unique shopping experience! Proudly featuring 60+ local artisans, local live music, food trucks, Friday evening Sip and Shop, and mini makers. Shopping tip: The market can get lively during peak hours. If you prefer a calmer pace with more room to browse and chat with vendors, the last hour or two before closing is a great time to visit. $5 cash admission; kids 12 and under free. www.craftedfarmhousemarket.ca

MARCH 19TH 12:30-2:30PM

Peninsula Newcomers

Luncheon and Meeting

SIDNEY ALL CARE 2269 MILLS ROAD, SIDNEY

Member registration required; non-members welcome. For more information: www.peninsulanewcomers.com.

MARCH 20TH 2PM

CSSCA Speakers Series

THE CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING 50+ 1229 CLARKE ROAD, BRENTWOOD BAY

Pearce Moroney speaks on Discovering Ireland: Entrepreneurship. $2 for members; $5 guests. Open to the public. 250-652-4611

MARCH 21ST 4PM

Sidney and Peninsula Society Presents: Behind the Recipe

DEEP COVE WINERY 11195 CHALET ROAD, NORTH SAANICH

Join three fabulous chefs as they share what goes into creating great cookbooks! French chef Bruno Feldeisen (judge for CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show), French chef and pie champion Denise Marchessault, and food writer / photographer Rebecca Wellman will share stories about their cookbook creations. Tickets $40 (cash only) available at Tanner’s Books, 2436 Beacon Avenue. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

MARCH 22ND 11AM-4PM

PROSPECT LAKE HALL 5358 SPARTON ROAD, VICTORIA

A Country Fair Experience, featuring 30 curated artisan craft and food vendors, 10 vintage vendors, live music, free craft station, mini goats and delicious food and drink vendors, including Junction Cidery & Bicycle Pizza. $3 admission; kids 12+ under free. hello@makeshare.ca

MARCH 22ND 2-4PM

Musical Melange Series: RESONANCE

CENTRAL SAANICH UNITED CHURCH

7180 EAST SAANICH ROAD, SAANICHTON

RESONANCE In the seventh concert in the Musical Melange series. There will be some familiar songs, along with some less familiar, but very beautiful music. www.augmentedtriopromotions.com / www.centralsaanichunited.ca

MARCH 24TH 2PM

CFUW SPEAKER SERIES

MARY WINSPEAR CENTRE , ROOM 2 2243 BEACON AVENUE, SIDNEY

The United World Colleges Movement. Speaker: Jason McBride, Head of College, Pearson College. Every year, Pearson College hosts approximately 200 students from over 150 countries with a goal of bringing together youth from different backgrounds to create future leaders. They will, in turn, foster cultural understanding, personal responsibility and environmental sustainability. McBride has more than 20 years of global educational leadership in this field. The meeting is free to members and their guests; $10 for non-members. For more information, visit www.cfuwsaanichpeninsula.org.

MARCH 27TH 7PM

Taizé Prayer & Meditation

ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH 10990 WEST SAANICH ROAD, NORTH SAANICH Free. 250-661-3362

MARCH 29TH 11AM-3PM

Mini Retreat & Workshop Series –Sour Dough Bread Making

SEA CIDER FARM AND CIDERHOUSE 2487 ST. MICHAEL ROAD, SAANICHTON

Spend the day in a beautiful setting, be guided through the process of sourdough bread making, enjoy a long-table lunch and drinks, a forest wander and leave with your own sourdough starter, loaf to bake and the knowledge of how to keep it going at home! Info and registration: hello@makeshare.ca.

ONGOING EVENTS

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH MONDAYS | 10AM-12PM

Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Association Communication Group

10-11am: Social time – coffee/tea/cookies. 11am-12pm: Individual groups for:

• those requiring speech improvement led by a Speech Language Pathologist

• those with physical disabilities led by a Kinesiologist

• caregivers, led by an experienced convenor www.spstrokerecovery.org

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH MONDAY REHEARSALS | 7-9PM

Sidney Concert Band

A proud part of the Peninsula vibrant arts scene in its 38th season, this all-ages ensemble welcomes newcomers with at least three years’ experience on your instrument. Musicians are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early for rehearsal with your instrument and music stand. Percussion instruments are provided, but bring your sticks. Most importantly, bring a smile and get ready to have fun. Visit www.sidneyconcertband.ca.

VIRTUAL TUESDAYS | 10-11AM

Seniors Speak Toastmasters

Saanich Peninsula Toastmasters offers a great way to speak and socialize from the comfort of your home. For details about this online opportunity, email mastermotivators4671@gmail.com with the subject line: Seniors Toastmasters. Visit https://1288.toastmastersclubs.org

BEACON BREWING FIRST & THIRD TUESDAYS | 2-4PM

The Socrates Café

Do you enjoy philosophy and exploring a variety of topics and perspectives with others? The Socrates Café, part of a global movement designed to inspire curiosity, nurture self-discovery and grassroots democracy, invites you to drop by to listen, share your thoughts and meet new people.

CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING 50+ FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAYS | 1-4PM

Afternoon Bingo

These everyone welcome games take place in the lower hall, next to the Public library. Hot dogs are for sale at noon both Wednesdays.

2ND THURSDAY | 2-3:30PM Caregivers Connect: B.C.’s Virtual Caregiver Café

EMAIL SEASIDEGUIDE@SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA

SUBMISSION DEADLINE 1ST OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH (EG MARCH 1 FOR APRIL ISSUE EVENTS)

This peer support group is open to all caregivers. Please register at https://form.jotform.com/230336162808251 or email cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca.

The Portal Reopens: Magic, Folklore & Nature Converge in Sidney

On March 28 and 29, the Mary Winspear Centre will once again transform from a community hub into a portal to another realm. Following the incredible success of its 2025 debut, 4 Wands Faerie Events Inc. is proud to announce the return of the Faerie & Fantasy Faire, an immersive celebration of imagination, folklore and the natural world.

For two days, the heart of Sidney will fill with the melody of enchanting harps and Celtic fiddles, the rustle of wings and the wonder of the "Inner Child." Organizer Alison Spokes has curated an experience that goes far beyond a typical craft fair. “We aren’t just hosting an event; we are building a sanctuary for imagination,” says Alison. “In a world that often feels heavy, we invite our community to step through the portal and remember the magic of play, whether they are five years old or 95.”

The centrepiece of the Faire is the Goblin Market, featuring over 60 juried artisans from across Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest. Attendees can browse hand-forged ironwork, mystical apothecary goods, leathercraft and whimsical curiosities. The popular Author Alley also returns, creating a dedicated space connecting readers with the region’s premier fantasy and children’s novelists.

While the visual spectacle of

costumes and roving characters – from mischievous faeries to noble knights – is a major draw, this year’s programming digs deeper into the roots of folklore. The Faire is thrilled to welcome renowned forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon, who will lead a fascinating session on the reallife fungi behind “Fairy Rings” and “Pixie Cups,” bridging the gap between scientific wonder and ancient myth.

Additional attractions include the Mermaid Grotto, offering an enchanting photo experience with sirens of the deep, and the Community Wishing Tree, where guests can tie their hopes and dreams to the branches of a living art installation. The weekend also features a robust schedule of workshops, including The Art of Magical Journaling, Nature Writing for Children, and From Curiosities to Clubs, a guide to building community connection.

While costumes are highly encouraged – expect to see elves, wizards and steampunk time travellers – they are not required. “Come in full plate armor or your favourite cozy sweater,” says Alison. “You are welcome exactly as you are.”

Early booking is highly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment, as last year’s debut saw a massive turnout that reached the venue's full capacity. Tickets for the 2026 Faerie & Fantasy Faire are available now at www.faerieevents.ca

SEASIDE STORIES

Last Word

What happens when you never stop to rest? Too often, as women, we keep going – because we feel we have no choice, or because so many people rely on us. For the past three-and-a-half months, my mom has been both wife and caregiver to my stepdad after his knee replacement. And just when rest finally seemed within reach, a recent injury led to another surgery, and her pause button has been pushed into the distance.

But for many women, “stop” doesn’t always mean stillness. Sometimes it’s simply a shift – another step in their life or career journey – and that’s often where the magic happens. In this issue, we’re sharing the stories of local women to watch – women who’ve created their own kind of magic. We’re so proud to bring their stories to you.

Our cover model, Colleen Glencross of Colleen’s Cakes, is balancing baby Maisie with the demands of her growing business. On page 10, she shares three recipes for making the most of lemons, the season's brightest flavour.

Beginning on page 12, we take a deeper look at many of our local businesses – including Seaside! – and spotlight the women who are so often behind the scenes.

On page 14, this month’s Off the Vine features Séverine Pinte and Mira Tusz, two women who are defining what it means to make wine in British Columbia.

In Quiet on Set! (pg 28) Kelly Finerty – writer, editor and director of Life With Dotty – shares her journey from a dream at age 10 to launching her pilot screenplay.

You'll also meet Brentwood Bay designer Robyn Lastiwka (pg 60), whose socially responsible brand, FAIE, is making waves in the fashion industry.

And in Meet Your Neighbours (pg 84), Natalie Foley opens up about pivoting from a career in law to pursuing her true passion – music – and never looking back.

I see this issue as a tribute to my mom, and all the amazing women to watch who keep going, whether by choice or by necessity, until the job is done.

I hope you enjoyed the issue!

Allison Smith, Editor-in-Chief

AllisonSmith

YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY

The Alzheimer's Association recommends doing puzzles like Sudoku to strengthen brain cells and the connections between them. Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. Answers found at right.

SIDNEY All Care Residence

We’re All About Care...

Enid Pennington: A Woman to Watch

Some women shape the world not through noise or notoriety, but through resilience, compassion and the quiet determination to carry on. Enid Pennington is one of those women, and her life story is a powerful reminder that true influence often reveals itself over time.

Born in Liverpool, England, during the Great Depression, Enid grew up in a close-knit family where music and togetherness were woven into everyday life. Evenings were spent gathered around the piano, moments that nurtured a lifelong love of music and a deep appreciation for connection.

At just 11 years old, Enid’s childhood was forever altered by the outbreak of the Second World War. From then on, life became defined by uncertainty, endurance and courage. A bright and determined student, Enid refused to let war disrupt her education despite school evacuations, nightly bombing raids and constant upheaval. Her perseverance led to earning a highly competitive scholarship – a remarkable achievement for a young woman at that time.

War brought profound personal loss. Enid’s father passed away, her mother’s health declined and she passed away when Enid was 15, and the family home was destroyed during bombing raids. Evacuated across the River Mersey, Enid and her sisters experienced the kindness of neighbours and the strength found in community – values that would shape her outlook for decades to come.

After the war, Enid moved to London. It was during this chapter that she met her future husband –the love of her life – at a dance, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in shared experience and resilience. He said he knew he was going to marry her just four days after they met.

Today, Enid is a cherished resident of Sidney All Care. She enjoys music, reading, thoughtful conversation, and sharing memories that bring history vividly to life. In a world that often looks ahead for inspiration, Enid reminds us why some women remain forever worth watching – not only for where they are going, but for the remarkable lives they have already lived.

To read all of Enid’s story, visit www.seasidemagazine.ca/enid-pennington-a-woman-to-watch

To learn more about Sidney All Care, please contact our Community Relations Manager Terra Munro at tmunro@allcarecanada.ca or 778.351.2505