TAKE 5
take5.ca
3
4
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Letters Stz’uminus Blockade Two extremely good observations were published in TAKE 5/July 2014. The first was written by Brian Thom in response to Stz’uminus Blockade letter by M. Smith. Yes, it is a question of the property right, use right, governance right and human right that are held collectively by aboriginal peoples that were violated and taken away from in the name of progress. Anyone not recognizing this surely cannot understand what the aboriginal people went thought when confronted with superior fire power and slyness of capitol. The second letter written by Laurie Harding states correctly that “tired and offensive” myth persists that to recognize Indigenous people’s rights somehow takes away from all other Canadians. Presently insatiable corporations are frenetically pushing relentless mining, fracking and transportation of dirty oil sands thus polluting rivers, lakes and air. Corporations, trying to take our collective rights, and propagate an analogous fairy tale that equates all Canadians opposed to pollution and environment contamination to radical opponents of all progress. Bravo Brian and Laurie! - Zlatko Zvekic I’m writing to respond to the opinion article “We must reaffirm we are a nation of equals” by Michael Smith. I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Smith’s opening statement that all humans are created equal and that we must all support the concept of equality. However, as Mr. Justice Cardozo stated, there is no greater inequality than to treat unequals as equal. Mr. Smith misses the point with respect to the origins of the land rights of First Nations people. This concept is a legal issue with its foundations in early British law and international law. This has been reconfirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in the recent Williams decision. It is also been reconfirmed by the human rights system of the Americas. The Supreme Court has confirmed that the British crown had very limited rights with respect to land until they dealt with the issue of aboriginal title. The fact that colonial and postcolonial governments have refused to recognize this basic rule of law and principal of equality and fairness and justice has led us to this unfortunate position. As was stated in the British Columbia legislature during the late 1800s, if this issue is not dealt with it will only become
7
8
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
Ladysmith Council about to pass new Coach Housing Bylaw...New to Your Neighbourhood
more expensive to deal with in the future. It would be well for individuals such as Mr. Smith to encourage the British Columbia and Canadian governments to fairly and effectively deal with this issue, since as the former Chief Justice stated in Delgamuukw “we are all here to stay”. This issue only becomes an issue of racism when legitimate legal rights are denied due to race. The legitimate right to the ownership of land by First Nations peoples has been denied on this basis for too many years and there must be a change of attitude that reflects the concept of equality and justice and fairness for all, including the legitimate land rights of First Nations people. -Robert Morales, Cowichan Tribes member and Lawyer
Mt. Brenton School On June 10, 2014 my wife and I, along with about 100 residents attended a public meeting at the old Mt. Brenton School in Saltair, regarding the purchase of the school and 5.5 surrounding acres. As the meeting progressed, it became apparent that the meeting was just a formality, as our Area G director admitted that he has the authority to purchase the property without any vote from the citizens of Saltair, or referendum, and that this proposal would be voted on by other Area Directors along with the CVRD board. The school has been vacant for many years, and while there is a daycare in operation, one can smell the mold and mildew. The roof leaks, and there are signs
that there is water in the crawl space. No thorough inspections have been done on the whole building. About a quarter of those in attendance left the meeting after the Director stated that it didn’t matter about our opinion, that the purchase of the school and the surrounding acreage was going ahead regardless. We feel, that our democratic rights are being abused and our opinions ignored. A legitimate inspection should be done on the whole building and the residents of Saltair should have a vote on whether the purchase should proceed or not. - Paul and Nadi Bottomley
To a Tomato (with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning ) How I do love thee! Let me count the ways -I love thee for thy soft smooth skin, thy firm flesh and ruddy glow, thy taste of sunshine and summer weather -thy juiciness in my mouth and on my chin I love thee for thy compatibility with bacon, lettuce, and mayo (bread toasted please) -with green salads, casseroles and cheese. I love thee for thy dedication to the greater good -for giving thy all in chilli, soups and sauces, to be a willing partner in countless culinary causes! Dear tomato, though some others may not agree --you are an irrestitible summer treat to me!
- Mary Downs
Letters to the editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Multiple submissions will not be considered. Please include name, address and phone number for verification only. editor@take5.ca. Letters do not necessarily reflect those of TAKE 5.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
9
10
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
TAKE 5
take5.ca
11
12
Water wise – a way of life – and a new challenge Globally fresh water is a renewable resource, but its supply is finite. Less than 3 per cent of the Earth’s water is fresh water and most of that is frozen in glaciers and the great ice sheets of the Arctic and Antarctic. The supply of fresh water that is available for human consumption and ecological health has been impacted by human development and now it is being disrupted by climate change. An estimated 800 million people (22 times the population of Canada) do not have ready access to potable drinking water. Historically, on the west coast of Canada we have taken access to fresh water for granted. However, there has been an awakening. Most British Columbians were alarmed and in some cases outraged when we learned that the Nestlé Water Bottling Plant near Hope, B.C. bottles approximately 270 million litres of water annually and does not pay the Province one penny in royalties. In fact, under the present Water Act a consumer of ground water is not required to measure or report on their consumption. B.C. is the only jurisdiction in Canada that does not regulate ground water use. The drought of 2003 was a catalyst for change in B.C. In 2004, the provincial government set in motion a number of initiatives that would help change our attitude toward water including the BC Water Smart Program and the modernization of the century old Water Act.
take5.ca
The new Water Sustainability Act, which was put before the Legislature this spring, introduces profound changes to how we manage water including regulating and monitoring the heavy users of groundwater. Yes, Nestlé will begin paying a royalty for their use of groundwater. Unfortunately, the Provincial Government charges very little for this precious resource. If it adheres to prices that were recently proposed it is expected Nestlé will pay approximately $270 for their access to 270 million litres of ground water. How the Provincial Government levies fees for water is a mystery. The Town of Ladysmith and the neighbouring Diamond District use approximately 1.3 million cubic metres of water annually. A cubic metre equals 220 gallons. The province charges us about $1,300 per year for that 286,000,000 gallons of water. The City of Duncan and the south end of North Cowichan currently pay nothing to the Province for the water that they extract for their communities from wells adjacent to the Cowichan River. Locally, the Cowichan Watershed Board is attempting to raise awareness about the wise use of water. They selected Ladysmith as a model to follow. They recently issued a challenge to all Communities, Water Districts and residents in the Cowichan Valley Regional District to try and use less water than Ladysmith residents do. Ladysmith residents use about 25 per cent less water now than we did 11 years ago when we first introduced universal water metering. In fact, the citizens of Ladysmith and the Diamond District with a population today of approximately 8,700 use less water than we did in 1989 when the population was approximately 4,500. That’s right, we have nearly doubled our population but we use less water today than we did 25 years ago. This is thanks to initiatives such as education, leak de-
AUGUST 2014
tection programs, water metering and our block rate structure for water billing, where the more you use, the more you pay per cubic metre. Domestic water use in Canada is about 325 litres per person per day. In Ladysmith, we use about 246 litres per person per day, and our consumption continues to go down each year. But if we are going to compare ourselves to other communities, we must also look further afield. North Americans are by far the biggest users of water in the world. A person living in Sweden uses about 200 litres of water; in Germany, water use is only 125 litres a day. Our challenge is to continue to use the least amount of water in the CVRD, but more importantly, look to Europe for best practices for water consumption. Despite some recent reports, Ladysmith is not running out of water. As of July 24, we have over 70 per cent of our reservoir capacity remaining at Holland Lake, and Stocking Lake levels at are normal levels. Our long-term efforts to reduce the amount of water we use are based on the simple fact that we need to make improvements to our water system. The less water we use, the less we will have to spend on infrastructure improvements. As citizens of this earth, we should be more responsible when it comes to using all our natural resources. It is also wise to take precautions in the face of climate change that is impacting the historical precipitation patterns. I am often asked, “Why do we introduce watering restrictions in June if we have an adequate water supply?” Summer time Stage I watering restrictions are not a response to water storage levels in Holland or Stocking Lake; they actually reflect the capacity of our waterlines to provide adequate flow if everyone chose to water theirs lawns simultaneously. To my knowledge almost all communities regulate outdoor water use during the high demand summer months, to ensure their systems are not strained. Stage II and Stage III watering restrictions are introduced as a precautionary measure when we experience unusually higher water demand due to hot dry weather combined with low seasonal rain and snowfall. Chicken Ladder. Photo courtesy Town of Ladysmith
TAKE 5
take5.ca
13
14
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
TAKE 5
take5.ca
15
16
August 1-2 1-2, 8pm, Les Misérables, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival. 250-246-9820 1-2, Summer Long Artists Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411 1-2, 11am, Munsch-ercise Don’t stop believing that girls just wanna have fun, Chemainus Theatre Festival. 250-246-9820 1, 8am, Ladysmith Adventure Zone Summer Daycamp, for ages 6-12 with new longer hours, FJCC 810 6th Ave. 250-245-6424 1, 9:30am, Broadway Bound 2014. Children’s Theatre workshop ages 11-13, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-245-7227 2, 11am, 49th Parallel Grocery Family Fun Day, Fun for the Whole Family, Ladysmith Aggie Field, 250-245-3221 2, 7pm, Wild West Coast Wickedness Gala, Guest Speaker Richard Hoedl, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 2, Soccer Wheaty 5 Aside Tourney, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-7222422
take5.ca
studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411
9, 6pm, 2014 Symphony by the Sea - A Free Musical Variety Show for the whole family Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo. 250-447-9713
3-9, Wild West Coast Wickedness Exhibit, features all the moods of the of the west coast that we love, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, 250-245-1252
August 10-16
3-4, Soccer Wheaty 5 Aside Tourney, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-722-2422 3, 10am, Ladysmith Days fun for the entire family downtown Ladysmith and Transfer Beach 3, 1pm, Dyslexia Seminar, learning and living can be easier. 250-245-8412 4-8, 8am, Ladysmith Adventure Zone Summer Daycamp, for ages 6-12 with new longer hours, FJCC 810 6th Ave. 250-245-6424 5, 2pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, baking, produce, and hand crafted items, Transfer Beach 5, 7pm, Music in the Park – Ventanas upbeat Bulgarian dance tunes. Waterwheel Park Chemainus 250- 246-3944 8, 11am, Chemainus Accordion Days w/ Gypsy Belles, Twisted Sisters Tea House. 250- 2463944 8, 1pm, Chemainus Accordion Days w/ Gypsy Belles, The Book Nook. 250- 246-3944
2, 10am, Ladysmith Days fun for the entire family downtown Ladysmith and Transfer Beach
8, 2pm, Chemainus Accordion Days w/ Gypsy Belles, Top Hap Antiques. 250- 246-3944
August 3-9
8, 5pm, ArtBeat Street Party, dancing in the street to the Moonriders, art displays, shopping and dining. cvcas.com
3-9, 11am, Munsch-ercise Don’t stop believing that girls just wanna have fun, Chemainus Theatre Festival. 250-246-9820 3-9, 8pm, Les Misérables, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival. 250-246-9820 3-9, Summer Long Artists Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and
AUGUST 2014
8, 5pm, Dine on the Docks fun, food & friends, LMS Marina Welcome Centre, 610 Oyster Bay Rd. 250-245-0109 9, Slowpitch Tourney, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-722-2422 9, 11am, Chemainus Accordion Days, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus. 250- 246-3944
10-16, 11am, Munsch-ercise Don’t stop believing that girls just wanna have fun, Chemainus Theatre Festival. 250-246-9820 10-16, 8pm, Les Misérables, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820 10-16, Summer Long Artists Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411 10-16, Wild West Coast Wickedness Exhibit, features all the moods of the of the west coast that we love, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 10, Slowpitch Tourney, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-722-2422 10, 6pm, Concerts in the Park – Glen Foster Group, admission by donation, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre 250-245-3079 11, 9am, Sample the Elements of a Baha’i Children’s Class, open to ages 5-10 yrs with lunch provided, Transfer Beach Kin Shelter, 250-3270823 11-15, 8am, Ladysmith Adventure Zone Summer Daycamp, for ages 6-12 with new longer hours, FJCC 810 6th Ave. 250-245-6424 12, 2pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, baking, produce, and hand crafted items, Transfer Beach. 12, 7pm, Music in the Park –The Glen Foster Group twangy rock & roll. Waterwheel Park, Chemainus. 250- 246-3944 15-16, 12pm, Art Show & Sale, Broody Rooster Guesthouse. 250-245-4405
TAKE 5
take5.ca
17
and more.
15, Wolf Pac Performs at The Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Avenue Ladysmith, 250-245-8033
Come on down and spend a weekend of grooving to amazing blues music. Maffeo Sutton Park
16, 8:30am, 11th Annual Ladysmith Show & Shine, 1st Ave Ladysmith. Rev up your engines the Mustang turns 50 this year!
22, 5pm, Dine on the Docks fun, food & friends, LMS Marina Welcome Centre, 610 Oyster Bay Rd. 250-245-0109
24, 11:30am, Summertime Blues Festival 2014 Come on down and spend a weekend of grooving to amazing blues music, Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo www.nanaimoblues.ca
16, Harb Harmac Ball Tourney, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-722-2422
22, 5pm, ArtBeat Street Party, dancing in the street to the Moonriders, art displays, shopping and dining. cvcas.com
24, 10am, Nanaimo Glad & Dahlia Society Annual Flower Show, free admission, Country Club Mall, 250-722-2109.
23, 9am, “Biggest Garage Sale Ever”, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658
24, 6pm, Concerts in the Park –Dixie Down Jazz Band, admission by donation, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. 250-245-3079
16, 1pm, Ladies Amateur Tournament Great fun golf event! Mount Brenton Golf Course 250-2469322 16, Music Trivia & Pub Dinner, Royal Canadian Legion, 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273
August 17-23 17-23, 8pm, Les Misérables, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820 17-23, Summer Long Artists Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411 17-23, Wild West Coast Wickedness Exhibit, features all the moods of the of the west coast that we love, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, 250-245-1252 17, 8:30am, Ladies Amateur Tournament Great fun golf event! Mount Brenton Golf Course. 250246-9322 17, 6pm, Concerts in the Park – Kendall Patrick & the Headless Betty’s, admission by donation, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. 250-245-3079 18-22, 8am, Ladysmith Adventure Zone Summer Daycamp, for ages 6-12 with new longer hours, FJCC 810 6th Ave. 250-245-6424 19, 2pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, baking, produce, and hand crafted items, Transfer Beach. 19, 7pm, Music in the Park – Boss Tenors Hot Summer Nights. Waterwheel Park Chemainus 22-23, 4:30pm, Summertime Blues Festival 2014 -
23, Soccer Wheaty 5 Aside Tourney, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-7222422
26, 2pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, baking, produce, and hand crafted items, Transfer Beach.
23, 12pm, Chemainus Jazz Festival will feature some great musicians, Waterwheel Park Chemainus.
26, 7pm, Music in the Park – Compassion Gorilla wraps audience in dance, magic and melody. Waterwheel Park, Chemainus
23, 12pm, Nanaimo Glad & Dahlia Society Annual Flower Show, free admission, Country Club Mall, 250-722-2109
28, 10am, St. Joseph’s Elementary School Open House, tour the school, meet the teachers, complimentary lunch, 9735 Elm Street, Chemainus, 250-246-3191
23, 7pm, “Happy Hans” Dance @ the Chemainus Seniors Centre, 250-246-2111
August 24-29 24-29, Wild West Coast Wickedness Exhibit, features all the moods of the of the west coast that we love, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, 250-245-1252. 24-30, 8pm, Les Misérables, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival. 250-246-9820 24-30, Summer Long Artists Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411 24, Soccer Wheaty 5 Aside Tourney, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-7222422 24, 10am, Arts on the Avenue, downtown Ladysmith over 50 artists, entertainment, kids art
August 31 31, 8pm, Les Misérables, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820 31, 6pm, Concerts in the Park – Doctor Bones Blues Project, admission by donation, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. 250-245-3079 31, Summer Long Artists Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411 (l-r) Ladies Amateur Tournament Mt. Brenton Golf Course, August 16-17, 1pm, 11th Annual Ladysmith Show & Shine, 1st Ave, August 6, starts at 8:30am Arts on the Avenue, 24, starts at 10am, downtown Ladysmith
18
take5.ca
Ladysmith’s new millionaire lottery winner “I’m still taking it in! Oh my god! You have no idea,” says Bobbie Roemer of her big win on July 21. On Monday evening she stopped at the 49th Parallel Grocery Store in Ladysmith to shop and check her lottery ticket. Bobbie passed the lottery ticket to cashier Launa Schonwald who had also sold the ticket to her - not realizing that her life was about to change forever. Launa had just finished commenting how no one ever wins on these when it came up a winner. There were a lot of zeros... “I was stunned,”says Bobbie. When she came home her husband knew something big had
AUGUST 2014
coordinator. The Adventure Zone, which offers a safe active atmosphere for youth from 5to 12 is a place to build lasting relationships, while having a fun-filled day of swimming, sports, arts and crafts and nature, including outings to Brown Park, Holland Creek and Transfer Beach. “It’s awesome,” says Mallory. Each week is themed for variety. Coming up in August is Science, Survivor, Wizard and
Wet and Wild. Drop off and pickups are at the Frank Jameson Community Centre, 8am to 4pm. “It’s an affordable alternative to daycare,” says Mallory. And it’s fun! For more information contact Frank Jameson Community Centre 250-245-6424, or check out the Ladysmith Summer Guide, also available online at www.ladysmith.ca http://issuu. com/ladysmith/docs/ladysmith_summer_guide
New Roof for the Kin Shelter at Transfer Beach The Town was looking at replacing the roof on the Kinsmen Shelter at Transfer Beach Park and when the Ladysmith Kinsmen heard of this they decided that they wanted to take on the task. The members of the club, who fundraised for the project themselves, spent three nights removing the old worn and leaking cedar shakes and replacing the entire roof with green metal roofing. The Kinsmen built the Kin Shelter in 1967 as a centennial project and have refurbished and repaired it over the years. This will be the third roof the club members have put on the shelter at the beach.
Launa Schonwalk, 49th Parallel Grocery cashier, who sold the winning lottery ticket to the lucky winners Roberta (Bobbie) and Sid Roemer, Ladysmith’s newest millionaires. Photo: Rob Johnson
happened by the dazed look on her face. She handed him the million dollar ticket. He said, “NO. I said Yes… We were stunned. We are both still in shock.” Bobbie works as a home care worker for VIHA and plans on keeping her job. “Not panicking, taking it nice and slow.” She was planning to work until retirement. Now she has a choice. The good news couldn’t have come at a better time. Sid, who is confined to a wheelchair, had just returned home from a heart surgery for a quintuple by-pass. The couple, who have lived in Ladysmith since 1994, are planning to stay in their existing home though they will be getting some renovations done soon. The Roemers, who are raising their two year old granddaughter Rachelle, say it means security for them and their family. “She’ll be well taken care of,” says Bobbie.
Ladysmith Kinsmen raise the roof! (l to r) are Kevin O’Neill, Mike Richardson, Mike Sumpter, Kevin Pugh, Rod Saunders, Steve Dinsmore and Ron Albertin. Missing from the picture are Ron Legault and Duck Paterson.
Adventure Zone Mallory MacLeod has fond memories of the Ladysmith Adventure Zone as a child and now years later she is the summer
Some of the youth in the Adventure Zone at the Frank Jameson Community Centre. Photo: Mallory MacLeod
TAKE 5
take5.ca
19
20
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
Guest Burt Brooks enjoying his 60th year visiting at Yellow Point Lodge. Photo Cindy Damphousse Nanaimo Airport receives funding for new safety equipment. (l to r) Dr. James Lunney Member of Parliament for Nanaimo/Alberni, The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, John Ruttan, Mayor of Nanaimo, John Craig, Board Chair Nanaimo Airport, Mike Hooper President and Chief Executive Officer, Nanaimo Airport . Photo: Cindy Damphousse
Runway sweeper and firefighting vehicle for Nanaimo Airport The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport was in Nanaimo to announce an investment of $1,000,313 for the replacement of a runway sweeper and the purchase of an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle at the Nanaimo Airport. This funding comes from the Transport Canada’s Airport Capital Assistance Program. (ACAP) To date, through ACAP the Nanaimo Airport has received over $4.7 million in funding for 18 safety projects. As a result of the upgrades passenger traffic has increased by 34 % over the same period last year.
Guest marks 60 years at Yellow Point Lodge To say that Burt Brooks enjoys his time at Yellow Point Lodge is an understatement. Mr. Brooks has been coming to the lodge every year for the past 60 years. He lives in Bellevue Washington and sometimes comes up with his 42 power boat, sometimes he drives but he has never missed a year. When asked how he first heard of YPL “ I heard some guys talking about this place on Vancouver Island where the student nurses go and I thought I better come up and see for myself.” chuckles Burt. “ But after the first time the beauty, the water, the activates all brought me back again and again.” One of Burts favorite memories
were of Mr. Hill Sr. taking a bunch over to De Courcy Island Island on the cutter with a case of McEwan’s Scotch Ale. Swimming and just having a lot of fun. Over the years Burt’s wife,( oh and by the way he did not meet his wife at the lodge that first time) son and daughter have come up to this little slice of paradise. It was fitting that Burt Brooks was turning 85 on this stay and was looking forward to many more adventures.
22 Holes in One! On July 28th Linda Vermette sank her 22nd Hole in One on the Ladysmith Golf Coarse’s 8th hole. This tied her for the record number of Holes in One for women, at the Ladysmith Course,with her late friend Irene Christie a long time member of the Club. Photo: Rob Johnson
TAKE 5
Heritage Walking Tour Join Vancouver Island raconteur, historian, columnist and activist Tom Paterson on the Black Track Tour September 14 as he guides participants back through time to the days when South Wellington was a major coal producer . The walk is low to moderate in difficulty and typically lasts up to four and a half hours. Participants are urged to wear clothing suitable for forecast weather and sturdy waterproof boots or shoes. Sunscreen and protective hats are recommended along with a packed lunch and water. Twenty spaces are available for this popular heritage walk. Tickets are $30 per person, $25 each for two or more in a party. All proceeds go to support Friends of Morden Mine in their attempts to preserve Morden’s historic head frame and tipple at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park. For more information and to reserve email cchristo@shaw.ca or phone 250-714-0377. Meet at 10 am on Sept. 14 at Morden Colliery Provincial Park in front of the head frame. www.mordenmine.com
take5.ca
21
22
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
Saltair couple gear up for an adventure Looking for a little excitement in your life? Maybe you yearn to take a great adventure, start a new venture or take on a sport that will get your blood pumping? Helen Keller’s comment “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing,” may be a bit extreme but the reality is that adventure isn’t just about excitement. It expands our knowledge, tests our limits, and helps us discover our true selves. In upcoming issues we will be profiling more people who are living “adventurous” lives. Perhaps their story will inspire you to plan out your own personal adventure – no matter how big or small.
Motorcycle Adventure Motorcycle adventure travelers Brian and Sandra Smith from Saltair took an early retirement so they could spend more time pursuing their passion. Brian is a 47+ year veteran of motorcycling and has adventure travel experiences spanning 14 years with wife Sandra. Their largest single trip spanned 16 countries, 3 continents and 22,500 kms. in 2011. Their 2013 trip included previously unvisited Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania and recently they returned from 7 weeks in an area they call Hidden Italy. Sandra makes most of the selections of where to stay, ethnic foods to experience, and sites to see. With training as a dietary technolo-
Top to bottom: Above: Hot air balloons over Cappadocia Brian and Sandra Smith in the Sahara 25000 person amphitheatre in an ancient Turkish city called “Pergamon” 281–133 BC
gist, food, for her, is a central part of ensuring a meaningful cultural experience. She began riding with Brian over 42 years ago. What do you define as an “adventure?” For us, adventure travel will take us outside our comfort zone, requires our skills and ability to self direct, and use self reliance to navigate the unknown whether it is our sailboat, motorcycle, bicycle or RV; whether it is in a foreign country, interacting in a foreign culture, understanding the language, or finding accommodation, and discovering the local foods and music. Why do you engage in self-directed motorcycle travel? Imagine first that instead of the destination being the only goal, the whole ride is an integral part of the experience. It’s like riding the roller coaster to and from Disneyland quite simply. That’s adventure motorcycling. Then imagine you get to select and design the route. That’s self-directed travel. You utilize all your senses when you travel this way. Imagine driving through a small village and smell the flowers or baking on a window sill, or the freshly cut wheat in the fields, and, there are no barriers to impair your vision or your hearing. Secondly, imagine the freedom of being able to travel or park pretty much anywhere when sightseeing. We have stopped for directions only to take a look around and see the Eiffel Tower just down the road from where we pulled over. We have driven into the Sahara desert and Dades gorge and stayed in remote areas in Kasbahs and Riads.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
23
24
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
TAKE 5
take5.ca
25
26
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
Sandra Smith bicycling in Cambodia.
Has your adventurous lifestyle been an asset or detriment to your personal/business relationships and how? Our adventure travel has been extremely beneficial to us. When I was a Corporate security advisor of an Energy company the knowledge that I had from foreign travel allowed me to understand and make sound risk assessments for our business executives who would travel to other countries. Since retiring we have met many people, most much younger than us, that we have become real friends with. What is your favorite adventurous activity to do in the Central Vancouver Island area? Sailing is something that actually brought us to the Ladysmith. We used to haul our sailboat out to the Gulf Islands when our kids were small and gunk hole the islands for 3-4 weeks each year. Not many people from the prairies ever did that. Explore the backcountry here. Motorcycle information? Our motorcycle is a 2006 Suzuki Vstrom 1000, fitted out with aftermarket gear for the purpose of adventure and off pavement riding. It currently has over 70000 kms on it and has never had any sort of breakdown. It was shipped by container to Europe in 2010 The motorcycle featured on this issue of TAKE 5’s front cover is provided courtesy of Doug Stephens and Mile Zero Motorsport in Ladysmith. It is a 2014 Suzuki Vstrom 1000, fitted out with aftermarket GIVI gear. Follow their adventures at vstromadventures.blogspot.ca www.youtube.com/watch?v=RePUwL9Ubrc. There’s plenty to do right here at home. Bungy Jump, scuba dive the sunken Boeing 737 reef or take a ride on the Vancouver Island hovercraft. That’ll get you pumped! The back country offers motorsports and mountain biking opportunities. Rent a kayak, learn to sail, take riding lessons or join the Ladysmith Sportsmen Club and get outdoors. We have an extensive network of hiking trails that range from beginners to hard core. Want to get wet? Choose from creeks, rivers, lakes and ocean. Switch it up and do something new. Meet new people visit new places or see old places with a new attitude.
TAKE 5
take5.ca
27
28
Our biggest adventure There is a new trail coming to the island and it will send a shiver down your “spine”. The Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association (VISTA) is a charitable organization on a mission to bring a 700km wilderness trail to Vancouver Island, BC. The trail will cut through the heart of the island from Victoria, B.C. in the south to Cape Scott Provincial Park in the north. For years, a few dedicated people have been working tirelessly with municipalities, government, First Nations, landowners, and trail builders on the concept. This will be a trail that attracts visitors and sustains locals. It is a trail that will tell stories for generations to come. With
take5.ca
1/3 of the project complete, the goal is to have the trail completed by 2017. In July, my family and I started a four year commitment of mini expeditions along the Spine Trail. We will travel the entire trail and become activists for what trails offer people, community, and tourism. Some of our mini expeditions will be day trips while others will involve multi-sport and multi day excursions. We will tell stories along the way, invite others to join us on sections, promote the trail and communities it touches, and use various modes of human powered transportation. The first leg of our adventure showcased the newest section of the trail. Built in 2012 and 2013, the Tuck Lake Trail connects the west side of Cowichan Lake with trails that lead to Port Alberni. If I break down the trails for you, this section of the Spine Trail is as follows. Tuck Lake Trail (Kissinger Lake to Francis Lake), Tseshaht Runners Trail (old village site at Franklin River to the Alberni Inlet near Headquarters Bay), the Historical CNPR Trail (somewhere along the inlet to China Creek) and the Alberni Inlet Trail (China Creek to Port Alberni). This is about 50km of trail that travels through beautiful forests and along historical routes. We hiked
AUGUST 2014
this route by backpacking most of it with a little trail running thrown in for fun. Our goal is to be a part of building a legacy of trails on Vancouver Island. Trails are not just worn out paths. They lead to outdoor recreation, family time, healthy active lifestyles, connect people with nature, tell stories of past, inspire, motivate, and challenge you. I want to have a positive impact on how people look at trails and share stories of becoming the first family to travel along the newly built, connected and proposed 700km Vancouver Island Spine Trail by 2017. Expeditions that we expect to complete this year, as part of the Spine Trail, is paddling across Lake Cowichan and cycling the Cowichan Valley Trail from Lake Cowichan to Shawnigan Lake. The Spine Trail will offer many benefits to Vancouver Island, like tourism and outdoor recreation, as well as offer a long distance trail “island style” similar to the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail in the United States and the Camino de Santiago in Spain. If you are interested in learning more about VISTA and the proposed Spine Trail route, visit www.vispine.ca and if you want to be a part of building or supporting a legacy of trails on Vancouver Island visit www. vispine.ca/support-vi-spine but more importantly, become part of the journey. Join the Island (and beyond) outdoor community, us and VISTA on this journey to build the largest trail building community this province has ever seen by getting out on the trails and sharing #alegacyofstories through one of VISTA’s social media channels (@vanisletrails @vispinetrail on Twitter, or vanisletrail on Instagram). Above: Amazing views along the Alberni Inlet Trail, part of the VI SPine Trail. Photo: Jill Collins
TAKE 5
take5.ca
Stirring up a Hornets Nest Is getting stung on occasion by wasps just the price one has to pay when venturing off the path to pick wild berries or cut firewood? The hot dry weather we’ve had this July seems to be favourable for the buildup of wasp colonies and that’s a pretty good sign there will be uninvited visitors at August and September picnics and barbeques.
The group of wasps which can be a nuisance are social wasps in the family Vespidae. The vast majority of wasp species pose no threat to humans and wasps in general are important predators of insects. They masticate and then feed a huge number of flies, caterpillars and other insects to the developing larvae. (The adults mostly consume high sugar foods like nectar and ripe fruit.) The ability of the various wasp species to manage their thoracic temperatures has implication on their food gathering abilities. Hornets can raise their body temperatures higher than can yellowjackets and can thus hunt earlier in the morning at cooler temperatures. Much of their insect prey is not very active at cool temperatures so hunting live insects is easier. Yellowjackets cannot raise their temperatures as well and the consequence is evident in their habit of feeding primary on dead insects (and also meat at picnics and barbeques). Hornets typically prey on live insects. Their beneficial role in maintaining insect populations, makes it seems desirable that when possible, we find a way to get along. The challenge for humans with the Vespid wasps which includes the paper wasp, yellowjackets and hornets is that because of their colonial nature they defend their homes and sometimes those homes are where we want to be. And the stings, which can be applied multiple times hurt! Paper wasps build small open paper combs which to my eye look unfinished and typically have fewer than 100 individuals in a colony. I usually find these under the eaves of the house. Yellowjackets make their nests underground. Hornets have enclosed paper nests. By late summer their numbers will be several hundred in a nest. Despite the behavioral differences between wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets they all use wood fibres to make the paper Above: Paper wasp in an open comb. Photo: Jay Rastogi
29
for the nests. It is pretty interesting to watch (and listen to) a wasp scraping wood fibers off of old boards, fence posts, cedar siding or tree bark. These nests are started in the spring by the queen. The eggs hatch into worker females that then take over nest building and hunting or gathering of high protein foods like meat (ie insects) or plant pollen which is also high in protein to feed the developing colony. The queen continues to lay fertilized eggs which develop into more female workers and so the colony builds. In the late summer she lays unfertilized eggs which develop into males as well as fertilized eggs into larger cells which develop into new queens. The old queen dies in the fall and the new queens mate and then spend the winter in a sheltered places. Only the mated queen survives the winter. The wasps which are a nuisance at fall picnics (and when picking fruit) are typically looking for high sugar foods for themselves, since there are no new larvae developing. When they have larvae to feed they are still focused on the high protein foods. In spite of the pain and nuisance wasps may at times cause us we would do well to try and live with wasps because of their ecological importance. Discover more on Behavioral Differences Between Wasps, Yellowjackets, and Hornets at take5.ca Jay Rastogi is a naturalist and educator in Yellow Point. You can reach him at ecoforestry@gmail.com
30
RDN - Area A In my younger days growing up in Victoria, it was very entertaining to go to the legislature to listen to jibes and bickering that, in those days, passed for debate. It was great fun. I recall the day that one of the government members – an uncle of a school chum of mine – took a poke at a fellow member of the legislature. Not exactly the type of behaviour that one expects from their representatives. A trip to the legislature last year reminded me of those early years. The jibes have become less overt but can still be interpreted through facial expressions and clever hand signals. Of course, none of this appears in Hansard, the official record of what is said in the legislative chambers. In 2013, Regional District of Nanaimo staff was directed to provide a report on the costs of implementing web-streaming of proceedings. The intent was to allow remote constituents and shut-ins the opportunity to view proceedings on their computer in the comfort of their homes. For many, the 30 to 50 kilometre drive each way to the RDN is simply too much for them to contend with – particularly in the inclement weather of the Fall and Winter months. Webstreaming would have permitted people the opportunity to view the Board in action and, in particular, to see how
take5.ca
their area representative fared. While the staff report seemed to favour webstreaming as a cost effective way to communicate with a distant electorate, many of the municipal appointees to the Board rejected the idea. For those cities that already had Shaw or web-streaming in place, the idea of more exposure seemed redundant and unnecessary. When the 2015 budget deliberations begin, implementing web-streaming of proceedings will once again be on the agenda. It can’t come soon enough for me. When constituents do attend a local government Board, Commission or Committee meeting, it is often because a contentious or personal property issue has brought them there as a delegation. Few are familiar with the procedural rules that apply. What is clear to me is that constituents feel disconnected from their elected officials and unable to influence the decision-making process. Their frustration is palpable. A recent phenomenon is the lack of respect shown by the delegations and their supporters through catcalls, clapping, signage and other such practices. While not something that is welcomed by them, politicians seem to expect a certain amount of such behaviour as being par for the course. Even more recently I’ve observed instances where
AUGUST 2014
delegations and their supporters make unwarranted personal attacks on staff who are operating under the direction of the elected officials. The dedicated and hardworking team of staff professionals deserve the respect of the public that they serve. Until web-streaming becomes a reality, I encourage constituents to take the time to attend a Committee-of-theWhole meeting (second Tuesday of the month) where they can observe the level of debate and the conduct of their elected officials so that if they find themselves in the ‘hot seat’ with an issue, they will know who to contact to assist in resolving their issues or concerns.
CVRD - Area H Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal: Although you are having to make adjustments in your recycling habits, most residents are reasonably happy with the recently introduced automated curbside recycling pick-up program. Local residents throughout the Valley are very committed to reducing, reusing and recycling their waste items. Because of these efforts, information posted by the Ministry of Environment indicates that the Cowichan Valley Regional District has the lowest per capital disposal rate in the entire Province. The per capita disposal rate is an esti-
TAKE 5
take5.ca
mate of how many kilograms of solid waste one person sends to a landfill (or other disposal site) in a given year. It does not include waste that is reused or recycled. When the 2012 per capital disposal rates from across British Columbia are analyzed and compared with other communities, the CVRD comes in at the top of the heap. Our 2012 per capita disposal rates come in at 297 kg per person which is well below the provincial average of 570 kg per person. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) also comes in well below the average per capita, and has the second lowest rate in the Province. These numbers are very impressive. Obviously, there are benefits to residents of both the Regional Districts and indeed, the entire Island when residents support and participate in recycling programs and make use of the services provided by facilities such as the Peerless Road Drop-off Centre. I congratulate you and encourage you to keep up the good work! Chesterfield Sportsplex The Chesterfield Sportsplex in Duncan is a facility that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. It began in the early 1990s at the grass roots community level to serve the general Duncan area. In the mid-1990s a not-for-profit group was formed to develop and manage the Sportsplex site which is leased from the Municipality of North Cowichan. Even today, the lands are still controlled and managed by this non-profit Society. Development of the lands has progressed in phases that include fields for soccer, field hockey, ultimate frisbee and field
31
32
take5.ca
lacrosse; slo-pitch diamonds, a lacrosse box and a cushioned track. There is also outdoor fitness equipment, a children’s playground and a short pathway through the woods on site. Building and maintenance of these amenities involves a substantial budget. The projected budget for the period of May 1, 2014 through April 20, 2015 is $415,000. Fundraising has been difficult from the beginning; over the years the Society has discovered government grants and has become dependent on your tax dollars. In the year 2000, the Society submitted a Regional Grant-In-Aid application to the Cowichan Valley Regional District Board. By Board policy these grants are one-time only grants. However, by weighted vote this Society also received money in 2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. These onetime only grants come to a whopping total of a $756,111. This total is supplemented through separate additional Municipal grants. Unfortunately even this amount is not sufficient to meet the Society’s ever growing needs. Since 1996 the Municipal Directors have wanted the taxpayers from all over the region to share this burden. They assert that it is truly a regional facility which is used by all areas of the Cowichan Valley; I disagree with that assertion. Over the years, many different options for forcing all the residents in the Valley to pay into this facility have been promoted. But none of the ideas has been supported by the full Board. As a result, grant-inaid applications have become, through a weighted vote system, an annual budget expense since 2008. Public assent is not required for grants-in-aid. Because some Directors have been concerned with annual grants-in-aid allotments, a review of our policy was conducted. A new, stronger policy is now in place. It has been determined that if the Board has a desire to continue funding the Sportsplex on an annual basis, a separate function must be formed. Once bylaws that enable the function to be formed have been approved by the Board, public assent for the new funding function must be obtained. In spite of the fact that the Society has taken advantage of onetime only grants for eight years, without asking for your assent, the Board has
AUGUST 2014
decided to obtain voter assent through referendum in conjunction with the fall local government elections. But instead of forming a single function the Board has also decided to form separate functions for each of the nine electoral areas and each of the municipalities. The advantage of having separate functions means that only qualified North Oyster/ Diamond residents will vote on the issue as it pertains to North Oyster/Diamond. Therefore the numbers required to defeat the bylaws include only North Oyster/ Diamond residents and not the number for the entire Regional District. While I support holding a referendum, I do not support the concept that this should become a regionally funded function. There are several reasons for my strong opposition to providing regional funding which I will discuss in a future edition of this publication. I will also provide a review of the public assent process at that time.
CVRD Area G The Saltair water system is mostly more than 60 years old. A lot of the water main lines are made of concrete asbestos pipe which is quite brittle and will break if given a substantial bump. Some of the lines are too small to carry adequate supplies of water for its needs. And also some lines are dead end which doesn’t allow the water to circulate enough to be totally fresh at all times. And finally some of the lines don’t have enough pressure and need extra pumps. These problems are being remedied by our $4.5 million dollar upgrade program over 15 years which will amount to about $300,000 worth of work each year. Doing it over 15 years is saving us a lot of money in the end. Less taxes, more work accomplished. Another problem has arisen in recent years that could cause homeowners an endless amount of grief in the future. Homeowners are responsible for the water lines on their own property which are also getting old. They are not only getting old but may have been substandard in the first place. At the time that our water system was being put in 60 years ago a new generation of plastic piping was being sold. Some of this was very thin and weak with the likelihood of it breaking or leaking increasing every year. The
TAKE 5
take5.ca
newer generations of plastic pipe are quite good or excellent. Recently some of these early generations of plastic pipe are getting leaks and causing huge water bills for the homeowners, which is very disconcerting. The CVRD has a policy of one time forgiveness. In other words if you have a bad leak they will not charge you the full amount on your first one. You will be forgiven and only charged your regular rate. But if you have a second leak you have to pay the full amount and it could be $1500 if it is within 15 years. If the second leak is after 15 years of your first leak then there is a second forgiveness. Written verification from the consumer describing the nature of the leakage must be received by the Water Manager before forgiveness will be granted. The leakage problem must be rectified within 30 days. One way a homeowner can check to see if their waterline is leaking is to turn all the water off in the house and then go to your water meter and listen for a quiet hissing of the water going through the meter. If it’s hissing with all water turned off,
33
then you have leak. Another way is to read your water meter and if it is using more than one cubic meter per day then you have a leak. Most meters have a leak detecting dial on the meter. If this dial is spinning when all water is turned off in the house/property than this indicates a leak. If they suspect a leak they are welcome to call into 250-746-2530, Water Management Division, and we can walk them through the leak finding process. Homeowners are warned. If you fix an old substandard line without replacing the whole line, you are asking for trouble. The line could break again and be faced with a huge water bill. This is especially the case and more likely if your house was built before 1975.
34
Arts on the Avenue Guest Artist at the 16th Annual Arts on the Avenue is Ladysmith’s own Michael Dean. Dean is famous for his detailed and exquisite documentation of the working coastal vessels and historical west coast scenes on canvas. Dean has been drawing and painting Vancouver Island and British Columbia coastal scenes for over 30 years. Every year Arts on the Avenue is never the same and is known for a place to find something unique and interesting. The festival is located between Warren and Buller Streets on First Avenue. Guests will find over 50 artists under the big white tents. The juried artists will display one of a kind works from pottery, wood carvings, paintings, Jewellery, glass, fibre arts and more. Stop by the food artisan and take home a selec-
tion of hand crafted delights. Find out more about your neighbourhood at the community tents dotted amongst the artists. Become a volunteer, join a class or help fund raise. The Kids Hands on Art area, sponsored by the Ladysmith & District Credit Union, will be brimming with artsy things for kids to do. On the street there will be demos: Plein Aire painting, weaving, rug hooking, origami, print making and pottery along with music on the street. August 24, 2014, First Avenue, Ladysmith under the big white tents 10 am to 4pm. www.artsontheavenue.com 250245-1252
Award winning carver Ladysmith award winner Malcolm Ho-You’s carving career began 25 years ago while he was working as a Senior Architect-Planner of the downtown area in Calgary. His first encounter with this art form was seeing a West Coast yellow cedar carved Coho. “I said to myself - I am a fisherman, and I could carve that fish,” he says. Ho-You has competed at the prestigious Ward World’s Championship carving competition four times. Of the five birds he entered in the Advanced class, he was awarded first prize for his decorative floating Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck and his Gadwell Hen in the traditional floating class. These high end competition ducks take a year to complete, the average time to carve and paint Above: Arts on The Avenue featured Artist Michael Dean is noted for his marine subjects (r) Carver Malcolm Ho-You. Photo: Loyola van Rooyen Buck
each one is 900 hours. Selling price per bird is $1,500 to $2,500. The wood is Tupelo from the swamps of Louisiana which sells for $25 a board foot. Only the wood from six feet under the water is used as the top part is too hard. “I sell my works to friends, by word of mouth and I do accept commission pieces.” he says. Ho-You can be reached through the Vancouver Island Carver’s Club, of which he is currently president, or email ho-you@telus.net, phone 250-245-9865.
Symphony by the Sea It’s a new tradition. After the huge success of last summer’s concert, Calvin Dyck, violinist and director is presenting Symphony by the Sea featuring popular tenor Ken Lavigne. It’s a free musical variety show for the whole family on August 9 at 6 pm in Maffeo Sutton Park – rain or shine. “We were thrilled
TAKE 5
take5.ca
and overwhelmed with the positive response last year and want to keep the new tradition going with a summertime evening of fantastic music and entertainment, ” says Calvin. He and Ken are joined by members of the Vancouver Island Symphony and Abbotsford Virtuosi, Flamenco guitarist Eric Harper, Nanaimo pianist Sarah Wood, dancer Charlene Hart, pianist and composer Mel Bowker, and Kaleb McIntyre on bagpipes. www. vancouverislandsymphony.com or call 250-754-0177.
Summertime Blues Nanaimo is quickly being known for high calibre blues music. During last year’s Summertime Blues Festival, CTV nicknamed Nanaimo the Memphis of the North. Nanaimo is living up to the name again this year as the Nanaimo Blues Society is proud to present Summertime Blues Festival 2014. Summertime Blues 2014 is coming this August 22, 23, and 24 at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo. This year the festival is celebrating local talent and veteran masters. On Friday, August 22, starting at 4:30pm, Ian Perry takes the stage followed by Jayden Holman, Summer and the Sinners, and headliner Harpdog Brown. On Saturday, August 23 starting at 12:00pm, enjoy The Distributors, Luv Train, Mark Crissinger, CURL, Bill Johnson, Lazy Mike and the Rockin’ Recliners, and head-
35
liner Jim Byrnes. Finally to wrap up the festival, beginning at 11:30am, it’s Soul Shaker, Blue Cadillac Band, Renovation Blues Band, Auntie Kate, headliner Canned Heat, Steve Kozak, and Murray Porter! Come on down and spend a weekend of grooving to amazing blues music. Browse the local and unique vendor wares, partake in some ice cold beverages at the outdoor beer garden and taste some savoury delights. It’s going to be three days, 18 bands and infinite fun. Festival tickets are $69. Friday admission $10, Saturday admission $35, Sunday admission $35. Tickets at the Port Theatre info@nanaimoblues.ca.
JUNO Award Winning Jazz Superstar Concert Hot artists and hot grooves are on the menu in August when the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music serves up its annual Jazzy feast. On August 7 at 7:30 pm some of the top names in Canadian jazz will grace the newly managed stage at the Harbour City Theatre at 25 Victoria Road, formerly Nanaimo Centre Stage. Led by Nanaimo’s own 2014 JUNO award winner Christine Jensen, this concert of great Canadian Jazz artists will feature Jensen and her partner Joel Miller on saxophone, the groovemaster, Ken Lister on bass, Pamela York, a native Vancouver Islander who now lives and teaches in Texas, on piano and vocals, along with hot guest artists to round out the event. Tickets: $20/adults, $15/ students, available at the door or by calling the Conservatory, 250-754- 4611. Get yours soon. The last two concerts sold out completely.
36
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
38
take5.ca
Okanagan Renegade This month is the 30th anniversary of the Mahle House Restaurant. Also coming up on the 17th is our annual Wine Tasting Garden Party, featuring exclusively BC wines. Thirty years ago that wouldn’t have happened. Back then you had second thoughts about using BC wine as a marinade let alone a beverage. The reds were especially memorable, some being used by AA as a surefire 13th step to stop people from drinking. How things have changed. Today instead of six underfunded ventures, we have wineries like Mission Hill with $40 million worth of bell tower, dramatic architecture, restaurant, tapestries, and public washrooms with the panache of a Fairmont hotel lobby. Thirty years ago there was the Divino Winery with abandoned farming equipment piled around the property, a no frills tasting room, and a scabby winery designed and built by the owner/winemaker, Joe Busnardo, a free spirit who could live without professionalism but not without profanity. Washrooms? Third vine on the left. Under new ownership, Divino is now known as Hester Creek and is located in the area called the Golden Mile, just outside of Oliver. I’m proposing we petition the town to build a statue of Joe for being a pioneer who got the Valley rolling (for those who have loitered too long in the tasting rooms, make that reeling). Joe was, and still is, seriously Italian which means turning up your nose, no, make that thumb, at large segments of society, especially bureaucratic individuals dispatched to tell him what to do. That’s why I envision a life-sized bronze of him in dirty coveralls, crescent wrench in back pocket, one foot on a piece of broken farm equipment, pruning shears in his left hand, with the enlarged thumb of his right thrust defiantly skyward. A suitable title: Expletive Deleted. Say what you want about Joe, he was a forerunner, the first person to plant Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Malvasia and Trebbiano in the Okanagan. Everyone advised him against it, which only strengthened his resolve and activated his oversized thumb. History proved Joe right and the others wrong, possibly making him insufferable to live with.
“Back then you had second thoughts about using BC wine as a marinade let alone a beverage” But expecting consistency from a guy like Joe was over reaching. Sometimes you got the best wine in the valley, sometimes the worse. Joe had other foibles too; he never took kindly to people criticizing his wine. “Ooh, I don’t like that,” was not a safe thing to say in his presence. In response Joe might have said, “You’re drinking my wine for free and you’re complaining?” But that would be far too evasive. Instead he would shake his large fist and say, “You don’t likea my wines? Get the f#%$&k out of here!” Professional as they are, you just don’t get that kind of honesty with these new guys. In the mid-eighties, when not much of any quality was made in the valley, he made four memorable wines, a Pinot Blanc, a Chardonnay, a Malvasia and a Trebbiano. The Malvasia still gets my vote as the best wine ever to come out of the Okanagan. Even at the 10-year mark it was still drinking exquisitely. The Trebbiano was wonderfully Italian, a little too acidic the first year, but from then on delicious. Unfortunately, the following vintage of Malvasia was a bust and the next Trebbiano decidedly sweet. But that was Joe. One day my good buddy, and Divino salesman, Alan phoned and said, “Let’s go up to the Okanagan, stay at Divino, and try a little wine. Off we went, arriving thirsty as hell at the Busnardo residence around 8:30 pm. Joe and his lovely wife Barbara greeted us warmly. After all, Alan was their crackerjack salesman and I was Mr. Bigshot the wine buyer. Joe mumbles
AUGUST 2014
something about oak chips and his new Pinot de Pinot Reserva (Pinot Blanc) and comes back with glasses and a bottle. Meanwhile, I’m looking at the house and thinking, “Any more tile and you’ve got yourself a subway station.” He pours the wine. Now remember, we’ve travelled an hour and a half by ferry and five hours by car. Important client and all that. I hold the Pinot up to the light. That’s funny, it looks like varnish. Odder still, it smells like varnish, Arrrggh! It tastes like varnish, but varnish we were stuck with. He wasn’t going to open another bottle until we finished the first. Whether he knew the wine was bad or not or just didn’t give a damn, we’ll never know. Joe had this Italian thing. It was just wine, one year it turned out one way, the next year something different. It annoyed him when you specified a particular vintage. It was the next day we spotted him. A man with the solemn face of a conquistador was ever so slowly driving a white ‘psycho killer’ van through the rows of vines. Most disconcerting was the open window with the shotgun sticking out of it. It was Joe’s brother Guido who was visiting from Italy, on bird patrol. Next door at the German winery they used an automated mechanism that made sounds like a bottle rocket. With the Italians, it was personal. Later that day, I saw some dead quail lounging on the porch. After that, Guido showed me how to make quail risotto. “Take two or more quail, blasted to smithereens, add Joe’s Pinot de Pinot because no one of sound mind and palate will drink it….” Thanks to Joe’s leadership there are now 200 or so Okanagan wineries to choose from and the quality is up, way up. Still have doubts? Pick up a bottle of Burrowing Owl Athene, a Syrah/ Cabernet blend, not cheap at $38, but worth every penny. Better still reserve your spot at the Mahle House Garden Party where Burrowing Owl and others of comparable quality will be in attendance. 722-3621, $70. Partial proceeds to our special needs friends at the Coco Café, tell them Guido sent you. - Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant in Cedar. Read more of his articles at Slightlycorkedandmore. wordpress.com
TAKE 5
take5.ca
39
40
take5.ca
Summer Wine and Garden Party at Mahle House It’s my favorite time of year. -- and it is probably one of the tastiest! The Mahle House Restaurant in Cedar is excited to announce the return of their annual Garden and Wine Party. The date for this year is Sunday, August 17. This year’s event will feature a selection of delicious canapés passed throughout the afternoon, samples from their favourite BC wineries and live music from the “Deaf Aids, a Beatles Tribute.” Partial proceeds from this event go to their friends and neighbours at the Cedar Opportunities Co-op who operate the COCO Café. In addition to baking their much loved daily bread, the COCO Café provides employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and has been a welcome addition to the Cedar community. Reserve your place at this summer’s hottest party! 250-722-3621.
New fish and chip restauarnt PK’s Fish & Chips Bohemian Country Kitchen recently opened to fill a need for the fish and chip lovers of our area. Owners Pavel Kadlec a chef from Czechoslovakia and Paul Benard restaurateur have worked together in the past, and have once again joined forces to create a new dining establishment. “We chose Ladysmith because of the lifestyle and we are evolving our menu to suit the needs of the residents.” says co-owner Paul Benard. With take out, or sit down service available, the little restaurant on the Island Highway between 7-11 and City Hall is bustling with life. The house specialty of fish and chips has a light and tasty batter and gets a big
AUGUST 2014
thumbs up. The chunky tarter sauce is zesty and complemented the fish. Panko crusted Timothy Oysters were lightly cooked and crispy. Although the sign says fish and chips the menu has a Bohemian flare with pork schnitzel, chicken, ribs, and burgers all on the menu. Paul says future plans are to create a menu with a modern twist on traditional fare. While traditional fish & chips is available there is also the ability to mix and match with your favorite items. PK’s Fish & Chips Bohemian Country Kitchen is open daily with parking in the rear of the building, off the alley. Stop by enjoy some great fish & chips on the the shady outdoor patio.
Great ocean views Looking for a good breakfast with the a great view? Check out the Oyster Bay Cafe at the Ladysmith Maritime Society Welcome Centre. Create your favorite omlette at their new omlette bar. The response to the cafe has been great, says Rod Smith. “It’s exceeded our expectations.” Open for breakfast and lunch, the cafe offers tasty items for noshing while dining on the docks. Looking for a fabulous ocean view and fine casual dining? The Page Point Bistro has a fabulous deck and fresh summer menu. Get out there and stake out your spot on the outdoor deck overlooking the Page Point Marina. Owners of PK’s Fish & Chips Bohemian Country Kitchen Pavel Kadlec a chef from Czechoslovakia and Paul Benard. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
TAKE 5
take5.ca
41
Lesley Durban visits the “Lesley” Lesley Durban along with family and friends dropped in to see the work in progress on the restoration of the “Lesley” by volunteers of the Ladysmith Maritime Society. It was an emotional moment to see the two Lesleys together. Donated by Mike and Judy Durban, the Lesley is a Spencer craft, a classic clinker boat built in the late 1940’s. In 1965, this classic lap strake vessel arrived in Ladysmith from West Vancouver. She had been bought from the Woodward family by Barney Durban. It was suggested by his neighbour that he name the boat Lesley, after his wife, because Barney was supposed to get her a piano but bought this boat instead. For the next 20 summers, when Lesley was at a mooring buoy off Blue Heron Park, Barney would row out at first light to go fishing. Quite a recognizable boat, other boats followed the Lesley around, seeing that Barney always caught his quota. When he arrived back home, his wife Lesley had fried tomatoes and potatoes ready to accompany the fresh fish for the family breakfast. Extras were shared with neighbours or put in the freezer for the winter. Livers and hearts went to the cat, Digger. The Lesley served, for many years, as the official guide boat for the campground, For All Seasons, with Barney as fishing guide. On one trip, their dog Cricket, a mini-poodle became over-excited about a big salmon jumping around in the hold. She went too close to the Briggs and Stratton engine and her left ear was torn off. After a stint at the vet, Cricket managed with just one ear for the rest of her long and happy life. The restoration of the Lesley got a shot in the arm with a recent $1000 donation by Richard Hill. If you’d like to donate or volunteer give them a call.
Lesley Durban dropped in to see the work in progress on the restoration of the “Lesley” by some of the volunteers of the Ladysmith Maritime Society in charge of the restoration. (l-r) John Beames, Jack Bennett, Ricke Greenhorn, Larry McCoy, Robert Lawson. Bob Hogbergnot pictured here. Photo: Marina Sacht
Boat visitors on the rise It looks like a record breaking year at the Ladysmith Maritime Society docks says Rod Smith, business manager. An additional 300’ of has been added to the visitors docks which is great because they have been full. “We’re going to set a record for number of visiting boats, says Smith. They are seeing an increase in U.S. boaters as well as the size of yachts with many being over 50’ long. Smith attributes the increase in upscale yachts to the new Welcome Centre and improved facilities. People are planning to stay just for a night and enjoy the town so much they are staying longer.” Smith recently joined the LMS as Business Manager. He has spent the last 30 years working in senior management positions for some of Canada’s most respected charities including: BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, The Nature Conservancy of Canada and Amnesty International. He has held the positions of Executive Director, National Director of Development, Director of Operations and Director of Marketing and Communications. He taught Marketing and Development for the Arts at the Banff Centre for four years and has delivered seminars and training programs internationally in
Boat numbers are up particularly amongst larger boats such as this 94’ yacht, a recent visitor to LMS. Photo: Rod Smith
a number of countries including Japan, Israel, the UK, India and the US. As a consultant Rod was responsible for finding multi-year funding to open up an eye clinic in Tanzania, delivered a program to end unnecessary blindness in China, helped Chemainus Theatre acquire the funding to build the Best Western Hotel and new production and administration centres, acted as the Director of ISEC (International Space Education Consortium) a joint project between the Canada Space Agency, NASA, Penn State, TV Ontario, PBS and the National Science Teachers Association and has delivered dozens of Board development seminars across the country. Rod lives in Ladysmith with his wife Cheryl, daughter Ava, and son Sam.
44
take5.ca
AUGUST 2014
FOR SALE MEN’S NRS TRITON DRY SUIT extra large with relief zipper worn only 3 times $300 call 250-2453103 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT 4 door, automatic, low mileage, CD & MP3, excellent working condition asking $ 6,500.00 OBO to view call 250-245-8340. FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 APARTMENT FOR RENT Now available. Seniors 53 2bdr well maintained 1000 sq.ft., newly updated cupboards, new carpet, repainted W/DF/S-N/Ps-N/S. Storage and parking. 250-2454062, 250-758-5816. COTTAGE IN THE COUNTRY - Quiet acreage in North Oyster just 7 minutes to Ladysmith and 15 minutes to Nanaimo. Two storey cottage with private deck. Suitable for one person. No smokers no partiers. $650 month plus $50 utilities. Available October 1 or Sep. 15. 250-245-9165 or email marinasacht@yahoo.ca for photos. WANTED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Ladysmith Maritime Society is a vibrant community group whose volunteers restore heritage boats, maintain the marina, prepare meals and greet visitors. Join us and have fun. Contact admin@lmsmarina.ca BUSINESS HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jewellery table at Campers Corner Saturday flea market, 8am-3pm. 250-245-3829 GYPSY ANGEL FEMALE VOCALIST & ENTERTAINER. Sings for ceremonies, provides music, entertainment, equipment and/or DJ services. Offering Karaoke for business/private party bookings. Affordable rates. Sample my music www.gypsy-angel.com 250-924-4924 SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Free photo book. Email for quote and portfolio. marinasacht@ yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165.
HOME & YARD EDUCATION Sense of Place YP LTD Full day camps for School Aged Children nature programming, arts/ crafts, hiking picnicking, building, music, games and more! full-time, part-time and drop-in spots Lic#CDEN-97JQWB www.senseofplaceyp.com 250-618-3396 LEARN A LANGUAGE, Small groups, conversational approach, excellent teachers: French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and more. Register for Fall. WENTWORTH COURT LANGUAGE CENTRE, 517 Wentworth St., Nanaimo 250-716-1603 HEALTH & BEAUTY ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR - Get Lean & Healthy Fast -- Less than $5/ meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! - No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. www.taketimetoday.com Suzanne Deveau 250-2458407 BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com TAI CHI - For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts September and January, Mondays; ongoing class Wednesdays. Both classes 10 am-noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Road. $20/mo. Sara 250-245-1466 or www.nanaimotaichi.org ZIJA DISTRIBUTOR – 100% Natural, Boosts Energy, Mental Clarity, Promotes Healthy Circulation, Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support, Nourishes Immune System, “Encourages” Your Metabolism, Promotes Healthy Digestion, Convenient and Delicious! www. trishdarryl.myzija.com Trish and Darryl Baird, 250713-5468
PAINT & SAVE OPTION- Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look. Making the world a brighter place for over 25 years. Call Harvey for more information please. 250-245-2174 INTERIOR PAINTING- Refresh your walls... and your spirits! Careful, respectful work. Attention to detail. Help with colour choice. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Kari: 250-245-2751 ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-Bath-TileBacksplash-Countertops Flooring-Drywall-PaintSiding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR & EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www. islandkingrenos.com 250-924-4924 WEEKLY OR BY- MONTHLY CLEANING for houses and offices, experienced, reliable and attention to detail. $20 per hour. References available. Ladysmith, Chemainus and Crofton. 250-246-4938 Jamie or Ingrid. QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate call Lars. 250-616-1800 SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. No job too big or small. Affordable honest work. Duo team. Cleaning, Gardening Painting, and Gutter Cleaning. Outside and inside your home or business. 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735. MINI EXCAVATOR for lease or rent by day, week or month Reasonable rates. 250-246-6624 THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, Digging, Raking, Cutting back, etc. Mature and Steady Worker. Cheerful and Conscientious. Call David at 250-722-3599. I also do Window Washing and Odd Jobs LADYBUG’s MEW…for Meticulous Garden Care. Call “Farmer Doug” 250-713-9682 for a free, no obligation quote or visit. “I’ll give your weeds a root awakening!”
DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE, AND EXPERIENCED HOUSE CLEANER. Your home will always have my respect and very thoroughly clean! Pet friendly and cleaning supplies provided. Ref. Available. 250-618-8280 HOUSE CLEANING, Weekly or bi-weekly. Ten plus years of exp. serving Ladysmith, Cedar, and all of Nanaimo. Call Shauna @ 250-722-9413 PETS KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL - Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. 2 km north of Nanaimo Airport. Take a virtual tour www.kittykorners.com 250-740-KATS (5287) HOME BUDDIES - PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kind-hearted, experienced and reliable. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional, Animal Care Aide certified, VIU. For loving care and security, Peggy Wildsmith- 250-245-0151 PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250-246-3394 TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL home boarding for companion parrots, all sizes. Shuttle, long stays, group rates, your cages or ours. Preboarding visits welcome. Diana and Kip Slater 250-722-2201 www. toocrazybirdyhotel.com F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. Member. .SENIORS SENIORS HELPER mature RCS will assist with bathing, meals, medications, light housework, respite, very caring, honest, reliable and fun, Excellent references 250-924-7084 LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME: High Quality Personalized Care. Warm caring environment, Great food & snacks, Family events, Couples & Pets welcomed, Ocean views, Gardens. North of Ladysmith. 250-245-3391 www.lynnsseniorcare.com
TAKE 5
take5.ca
47