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About TOWNMarch 2014

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2 Tuesday, March 25, 2014 ABOUT TOWN

t has been an amazing winter this year; we can be glad that the worst

storms and power outages are behind us now. With spring just around the cor-ner, in due course summer tourists will be arriving – many of whom will fall in love with our corner of the world.

The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) does extensive external marketing on our own, and in partnership with publications like the Visitor’s Choice, Discover Comox Valley, Arts & Cultural Guide, and BC tourism websites, postings of our events on Hello BC, Harbourliving.ca and other tourism sites. We stock our brochures at the Comox Valley Visitor Centre as well as local hotels and motels to promote the Comox Valley and downtown. Our website www.downtowncourtenay.com and Facebook page www.facebook.com/DowntownCourtenay all showcase the uniqueness that we have to offer and enjoy in Downtown Courtenay.

With attractions in the DCBIA like

the Courtenay and District Museum, the Comox Valley Art Gallery and the Sid Williams Theatre promoting their wonderful programs, visitors are attracted from all over the Island and the world to our doorstep. Downtown is truly the cul-tural heart of the Comox Valley.

To help with improving the streetscape, the Downtown Courtenay BIA is continuing with a second year of the Façade Improvement Program. This is a grant program for BIA members and property owners to help them with the costs of fixing up the exterior of their buildings. Last year, with the launch of this program, we saw two key corners of downtown upgraded; improvements all of downtown will benefit from.

Another key ingredient to this mix is our DCBIA member businesses and asso-ciate members. These 240+ diverse busi-

nesses offer something that isn’t found in many commu-nities; thriving, family run businesses and services that offer a collection of locally made, fine imports and top-quality items, and great places to stay, all wrapped up in a friendly smile.

The final and very important factor to Downtown Courtenay is you,

the customer. Shopping in downtown stores, doing business with the various service providers and enjoying a meal with your family and friends at one of our wonderful restaurants are key ingre-dients to the success of our thriving city, that all can be proud of.

As the Valley continues to change and grow, the DCBIA will look for other ways to earn your interest and your pride in this very special place we call Downtown Courtenay.

Thanks to everyone who shops locally!

DCBIA president Mark Middleton

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zena Williams

Sales manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanna Ross

Feature editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Cox

Additional writers . . . . . . Stacey Harper, Lisa Grant

Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin Haluschak,

Jennifer Cox, Karen McKinnon

Cover Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen McKinnon

Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (250) 338-5811

Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (250) 338-5568

Mailing Address:765 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2Z7

E-mail: [email protected]

All material contained in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is expressly prohibited

by the rights holder.

COMOX VALLEY

RECORD

I he president’s messageDCBIA he president’s messagehe president’s messagehe president’s messagehe president’s messagehe president’s messagehe president’s messagehe president’s messageT

1 8 K Y E L L O W , W H I T E & R O S E G O L D S T A C K I N G R I N G S

J • E • W • E • L • L • E • R •S

D O W N T O W N C O U R T E N AY 2 5 0 - 3 3 4 - 4 5 2 3

hen La Cache opened it’s April Cornell concept store in down-town Courtenay two years ago,

Jill Moran jumped at the chance to join a company that shares her belief in the impor-tance of empowering women. Moran works alongside Joanne Butler and Chelsea Johnson in the bright colourful downtown storefront where women are encouraged to feel beautiful, live beauti-ful and be beautiful.

The nature-inspired designs and colourful décor at La Cache appeal to women of all ages. Many mothers and

daughters enjoy browsing the store together and some, such as Johnson and her sweet daughter Ilan, have fun playing dress up in matching mommy and me out-fits that brighten up any special occasion.

Beauty is at the heart of all of April Cornell’s designs and

it is how Moran wants customers to feel when they enter the store. She explains that the clothing is designed to make women feel beautiful. The home décor cen-tres on living beautiful, while the mantra be beautiful is about giving back to the community.

“If you feel positivity and goodness it will multiply as you do good for others,” says Moran.

A favourite part of her job is the relationships she continues to build with her customers.

“They try on clothes and we start to play,” she says. “We like to have fun! We have customers that will come up from Victoria and women who fly in from Calgary to shop at our store because they’ve shopped with April Cornell for so many years.”

“The brand really resonates with people,” says Butler. “People just love coming in here. We get so many comments on what a gorgeous store this is. Switching around the displays is just pure fun.”

A framed sign on the front counter speaks to the store’s vision. It reads, “We love women. We love color. We love art and creative expression. We love global awareness. We love caring for those around us.”

This statement goes beyond mere words. At the April Cornell women-run factory in New Delhi, India where the majority of April Cornell

w

RETAIL

ABOUT TOWN Tuesday, March 25, 2014 3

by Jennifer Cox

Chelsea and her daughter Ilan have fun getting dressed up in mommy and me matching outfits in flowery spring colours. PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

wLa Cache

Continued on page 4

Feel beautiful, live beautiful,be beautiful

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At the Giving World Foundation, the charitable arm of April Cornell, the com-pany supports grassroots projects aimed at helping disadvantaged individuals create a better future for themselves and their families.

“Our idea of stewardship implies a global responsibility,” says April Cornell on her company website. “For my com-pany and my life I feel I have been entrusted with a unique obligation to care for people, to take an interest in the communities I live and work in.”

Knowing that April Cornell product is made with integrity is important to the staff at La Cache. Their customers have strong values and care about what they buy. Consumers do not want prod-uct that is merely pretty on the outside. They care about the global community and believe strongly in social responsi-bility.

Whether setting their table with gorgeous linens for a special occasion or dressing up their wardrobe with romantic, feminine layers customers at La Cache are drawn to the beautiful

textiles and joyful, colourful femininity of April Cornell’s designs. What some customers might not realize is that in addition to being a designer, Cornell is a painter. Many of her linens are paint-ings that have been screen printed in a variety of vibrant colour combinations.

“She uses the same screen multiple times and will switch up the colours so that to me it doesn’t even look like the same thing,” says Moran pointing to the difference between the soft blues and lemony yellows of the Provence collec-tion and the much brighter grape tones and showy white blossoms in the per-fectly plum collection. You wouldn’t real-ize it at first glance but the same print has been used for each design.

The bright, colourful col-lections com-bined with a commitment to building com-munity with all who enter the store makes every day at La Cache feel like the first day of spring!


Continued from page 11

Glorious Garden is the theme of the Spring 2014 linens collection which features gorgeous peonies, hydrangeas and zinnias in full bloom. Photo by Erin halusChak

A highlight of La Cache’s spring collection is a new line of Fluevog shoes. They will be carrying five styles, including one custom colour to coordinate with the April Cornell vintage collection.

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RUNNERS

hen tourists visit the Comox Valley they will often research ahead of time to determine the

best places to eat, stay and shop. Downtown Courtenay consistently comes up at the top of this list.

Members of the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) are strong advocates for link-ing the downtown core to the wider community. “Downtown is more than the DCBIA,” says Executive Director Kim Stubblefield.

Local restaurants, hotels and other busi-nesses can connect to downtown by applying

for associate member-ship. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-

case basis. Associate members do not have voting privileges but they do have the ability to have a positive impact on the downtown

community, forg-ing important connections with other businesses and service pro-viders.

“When people come to the valley to visit a winery or the mountain they come down-town too,” says Stubblefield. “The

DCBIA is about businesses working together to offer the best for shoppers and the com-munity.”

The Comox Valley Record is one of the most recent associate members to join the growing list. Other associate members com-mitted to a vibrant downtown include the

Alano Club of Courtenay; Hans Peter Meyer; Rhodos Coffee Roasting Company and the Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society.

More information on the application pro-cess is available online at: www.downtown-courtenay.com/about/membership/associate/

Associate membershipCOMMUNITY


by Jennifer Cox

allows local businesses to be a part of DowntownCourtenay’s thriving business improvement network

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Associate membership links local hotels such as Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre (inset above) to our thriving downtown core, offering visitors a well-rounded introduction to the community. PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

The Royal Lepage Snow to Surf organizers, along with the DCBIA have been busy getting the word out for teams, spon-sors and fans to participate in the 2014 Snow to Surf parade which will start at 5th street and Harmston and travel down 5th street to the intersection at Cliffe Ave. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and will be a fun event for the whole family! For more info contact Sandy at [email protected]

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ogue Optical will celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2014. This Fifth street storefront is well known for exceptional

service and high quality eyewear. Gail Szymanski, a

licensed optician, is Vogue Optical’s manager. Cheerfully guiding me through an extensive collection of frames, Szymanski explains the necessity of find-ing the right pair of glasses for the right person.

“You need to talk to your clients” she says. “The service end of the eyeglass industry is very important. You have to satisfy the customer’s lifestyle needs, fash-ion sense, as well as the functionality of the frames.”

Szymanski encourages clients to try on a wide range of brands and there is no lack of choices. You need not limit yourself to one either – at Vogue Optical the second

pair is free, and the third comes at a dis-counted rate. The additional pair can also be prescription sunglasses – an option that Szymanski notes is a popular item for her

clientele. Every pair of glass-es also comes with a two-year

unconditional warranty.The Comox Valley is a very fashion for-

ward place and Szymanski notes that the designer series sells very well.

“Vogue Optical works hard to keep con-temporary styles in stock,” she says.

They carry a variety of designer labels such as Guess, DKNY, Soho, Dolce and Gabbana, Helium, and the ever-popular Ray-Ban Line.

Many styles have a retro look with slim-mer cleaner lines and a deeper lens frame, which accommodates some prescriptions with greater comfort.

“Many of our clients wear bifocals and

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progressives which require deep-er frames,” Szymanski explains. “It’s wonderful that the fashion in eyewear is becoming so much more functional”.

A fantastic pair of cat eye glasses, studded with faux dia-monds, stands out from all the others. There is a great collection of eyewear with jungle patterns and bold colours. Jewel tones are popular, tone on tone, often com-bined with metal arms. Some have as many as three to five colors on a frame.

Szymanski drew my attention to a pair of two-toned frames, demonstrating to me how much lighter on the face the inside accent colour looked. A great new innovation is the ‘Change Me’ line with sets of swap out arms.

With so much to choose from, you could develop your own col-lection – change your glasses to match your mood – have a neutral front and swap out for brightly colored or patterned arms. And if you like to have fun with your eyewear, there is

a striking pair decorated with images of lovely lashed eyes.

Vogue Optical’s cli-entele is very diverse and many of the new fashions bridge age barriers.

“Not just the young want funky modern styles these days,” Szymanski quips.

Who knew there were so many fun fab-ulous fashions in eyewear? From the bold, to the subdued, sport or business, multi-colored or metal, there are frames to accent every personality.

We don’t need to leave the Comox Valley to find the looks and fashion forward brands we are after; Vogue Optical has them all.

Gail Szymanski showcases a great selection of fashion eyewear at Vogue Optical.

PHOTOS BY ERIN HALUSCHAK


Funeral PlanningIntroducing Rosemarie Clark

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Rosemarie ClarkFamily Service Advisor

Rosemarie’s passionate, results-driven service attitude has been key in developing relationships with integrity and respect. She comes to us with 10 years experience with First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria.

Rosemarie invites you to call her for your complimentary “Personal Planning Guide” and if you are a member of a group or service organization and are searching for a dynamic speaker for a 15-minute presentation on “Dying to know before you go” please call 250-334-4464. A door prize and cake will be offered for participants.

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here is a beautiful, ritual quality in the experience of pulling a vinyl record from

its sleeve and placing it carefully on a turntable. Many say that the music has a richer, warmer sound quality but it is more than just the experi-ence of sound. There is a tactile experience with vinyl records that resonates deeper than simply choosing a playlist on iTunes.

Bill Massey, owner of Bop City Records has had a lifelong fasci-nation with music. He loves the sound of vinyl records but what

he has really appreciated over the years is turning the record’s cover over in his hand and reading the liner notes to discover new artists.

“The liner notes in records help you navigate the industry and discover

what you like,” he says. “I enjoy looking for the artists names on the records and then searching out other work by the same musi-cians.”

Bop City carries a wide selec-tion of new and used vinyl records and CDs but the

tAT BOP CITY

THE

TRENDS


by Jennifer Cox

Bill Massey has had a lifelong passion for music and is thrilled to see a resurgence of interest in vinyl records. PHOTO BY JENNIFER COX

AT BOP CITY

Vinyl Revival

Continued on page 9

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resurgence in demand for vinyl records has taken Massey by surprise. There have always been a select group of audio-philes whose appreciation of the vinyl record has never waiv-ered but there is a new trend towards vinyl among younger generations.

Abby Shewfelt started col-lecting vinyl records after receiving a turquoise blue vintage-inspired Crosley Cruiser turntable for her twelfth birth-day last August.

“I really like vintage stuff and I was downtown one day walking around and saw the record players at Uranus,” she explains. “I thought it would be really cool to have one so I could play records. My close friend Olivia got a yellow record player from the same place.”

Abby’s musical taste ranges from old classics like Queen and Abba to modern tunes by Katy Perry and Lorde.

“Just after I got my record player I went down to Bop City

and bought a whole bunch of records,” she says as she sorts through her collection look-ing for her favourite albums. Paul Simon ranks up there as a favourite, as does Elton John with his 1972 tune Crocodile Rock.

“It’s amazing to me how many young people are coming in,” says Massey. “They’re doing their research and know what to buy.

Classic rock is always popu-lar. Other top sellers include roots, blues, and jazz. Many of the young people that shop Bop City come in search of indie bands such as Arcade Fire or

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. At Bop City they can find an eclec-tic selection of music that they can’t always find in box stores.

Massey holds up Jason Isbell’s album, South Eastern as a favourite. The album is listed in Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top ten albums of 2013.

“He is just a great, great song writer,” says Massey. “Last year at Music Fest John Hiatt was in town. His guitar player came into the store and saw this record. He said that as far as he was concerned it was the best album released in the States last year.”

With the resurgence of vinyl records, Massey is always thrilled when someone walks through his door with a box of old records retrieved from clos-ets and basements.

“I pay a decent price in store credits when people bring in their old records and then try to price it to move,” says Massey explaining that his passion is to get music into the hands of the people who want to listen to it.

Abby Shewfelt has been collecting vinyl records ever since she received a vintage Crosley record player for her twelfth birthday. Photo by Jennifer Cox


❝ It’s amazing to me how many young people are coming in … They’re doing their research and know what to buy. ❞– Bill Massey

magazine

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A P U B L I C A T I O N O F

he VI Regional Library and CV Art Gallery are on Duncan. It’s a short block over to the Sid Williams

Theatre on Cliffe, and just a stone throw to the Native Sons Hall, the Filberg Centre and the Courtenay Museum. These cultural properties are the beating heart of our down-town core creating a vibrant hub in our commercial center.

The Comox Valley Art Gallery (CVAG) draws over 2200 patrons in any given month. Visitors to the Gallery’s events and workshop also become patrons of local shops and res-taurants.

Like? Indigenous Musings in a Digital Age by Andy Everson is a current show that should not be missed. It is a challenging presenta-tion of First Nations imagery com-bined with pop culture references. Concurrent with his show is a collabo-ration between Everson, CVAG, the Wachiay Friendship Society, and the Community Justice Centre, presenting work created by local youth.

The CVAG creates many interac-tive experiences, finding ways to con-nect children and adults more actively to the ideas and elements of the work.

On the second Saturday of every month the gallery hosts Discover Art Saturday. You can visit the exhibits and then sit down to sketch, draw, color, and collage with materials the gallery provides, creating pieces of your own art based on the themes of art on display.

“Discover Art Saturdays act like a bridge between what is happening in the space and the wider community, creating art and dialogue inspired by the professional artist,” explains CVAG Curator Angela Somerset. Family adventures to the gallery can be topped off with lunch or dinner downtown, or catch a film or perfor-mance at the Sid Williams Theatre just around the corner.

Tara Murphy, Marketing and Development Coordinator at the Sid Williams Theatre, loves her job. Two of her favourite recent performances were Hello Baby and Deck. These one-man comedy shows featuring writer, actor, and director, Lucas Meyers, had the audience in stitches from begin-ning to end.

One of the next Blue Circle events is Ballet Victoria’s performance of Carmina Burana on April 26th – a perfect opportunity for that fabulous night out, dressed to the nines and preceded by dinner at one of the great local restaurants.

“The Sid Williams Theatre’s man-date encourages us to present a broad range of art from diverse backgrounds and cultures,” says theatre general manager Deborah Renz.

They try to bring both interna-tional as well as Canadian performers. Both Murphy and Renz point to the ability of the theatre society to bring acts that do not normally come to smaller centers like the Comox Valley.

Renz notes that smaller venues have some benefits, such as more opportu-nity to interact with performers.

“You just don’t get that in larger centers,” she says. “The difference between a regional facility like the Sid and larger theatres like the Royal or the Queen Elizabeth, is that we can provide intimacy that would not be possible if the audience was 2000 plus.”

The theatre has over 42,000 distinct visitors annually but both Murphy and Renz say they are par-ticularly proud of their relationship with community groups like the North Island Festival of Performing Arts, Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, and many others. Renz and Murphy are always looking for opportunities to col-laborate with other arts organizations and local businesses as the theatre society endeavors to bring something special to the downtown core.

Colleen Nelson, manager of the downtown library, also thinks collabo-ration is an excellent way to develop,

ARTS & CULTURE


ARTS & CULTURE

DowntownTHE HEART OF ARTS AND CULTURE

tby Stacey Harper

The Sid Williams Theatre Blue Circle Series recently featured the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Royal Wood. His stellar performance was captured for the cover of this issue of About Town. PHOTO BY KAREN MCKINNON

tivals, visual art, spoken word, litera-ture, and community presentations.

Not only do these organizations stand alone as purveyors of their par-ticular gifts and priorities, they also collaborate with local businesses and each other striving to make the Comox Valley a must-see destination. The sheer number of interesting opportuni-ties to get out into our community to enjoy food, drink, and local entertain-

ment demonstrates that Downtown Courtenay is truly the heartbeat

of arts and culture in the community.

combining art shows, musical events, films, craft fairs, workshops, demon-strations, and activities developed with community partners. The Comox

Valley Community Arts Council pro-vides vital organi-zational support and resources, also helping to connect the producers with its membership base of artists and cultural producers.

A conscious effort was made by our city planners to locate the cultural properties down-town and wisely

so. The theatre, library, art gallery and museum are all within blocks of each other, creating a kind of cultural cor-ridor and commercial hub.

These organizations provide diverse opportunities for families and friends to come downtown to interact and experience music performances, fes-

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“inclusive and inspiring environments that enrich the community and help to promote the vision of Vancouver Island Regional Libraries.”

Nelson says that the goals of part-ner groups are often very compatible with that of the library. Partnerships with local culture organizations, service clubs, and businesses help the library deliver quality service.

“We part-nered with the art gallery for the Cardboard Challenge last October,” Nelson says, sharing an example. “This is a program that promotes creativ-ity, imagination and entrepreneur-ship in children. Families were invited to the gallery to create cardboard creations and the results were fantastic.”

Elevate the Arts is the one project that all the cultural organizations men-tioned as a high point of the year. The producers of this three-day event tell us that Elevate is “about re-thinking and animating our urban core, opening discussion and debate and dreaming about what our downtown can be.”

Produced in early June, on Fifth street and environs, Elevate the Arts takes over the

downtown core

collaborate with local businesses and each other striving to make the Comox Valley a must-see destination. The sheer number of interesting opportuni-ties to get out into our community to enjoy food, drink, and local entertain-

ment demonstrates that Downtown Courtenay is truly the heartbeat

of arts and culture in the community.

These organizations provide diverse opportunities for families and friends to come downtown to interact and experience music performances, fes-

tioned as a high point of the year. The producers of this three-day event tell us that Elevate is “about re-thinking and animating our urban core, opening discussion and debate and dreaming about what our downtown can be.”

Produced in early June, on Fifth street and environs, Elevate the Arts takes over the

downtown core

Elevate the arts is a collaborative project that calls on the participation of the entire arts community including community organizations, indi-viduals, families, activists, artists, churches, media and businesses. PHOTOS BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

❝ This is a program that promotes creativity, imagination and entre-preneurship in children. Families were invited to the gallery to create cardboard creations and the results were fantastic. ❞

– Colleen Nelson

Like? Indigenous Musings in a Digital Age runs March 15 to May 2. Discover Art Saturday takes place on the second Saturday each month. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CVAG

320 - 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

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n appreciation for quality craftsman-ship and unique

jewellery design has drawn young couples to Francis Jewellers for eighty years.

The store is known for its wonderful selection of jewellery and collectibles, including a collection of estate jewellery where customers can find rare pieces that they won’t see anywhere else.

Just recently store owner Daryl Wright had a couple become engaged at his ring counter. The young woman was ecstatic when

she realized that her boy-friend had brought her into the downtown jewellery store to propose.

Wright loves helping young couples and makes a

special effort to treat them with the same respect as his more senior, long-time customers.

“We want them to feel welcome here,” Wright says explaining that whether a customer is spending twenty dollars or hundreds he wants them to feel the same sense of welcome.

Francis Jewellers holds a special place in the

hearts of many long time local couples. Ron Webber purchased a beautiful stand-alone cluster ring at Francis Jewellers in 1964. At the time it was a prom-ise ring for his girlfriend Lorraine, in grade 12. Money was tight in those days and he didn’t think to buy a proper engagement ring with a matching band so when he asked Lorraine to marry him they had a family friend create a wrap around band to fit the ring. They were married November 7th, 1964. Fifty years and many adven-tures later this ring is still

a

RETAIL


by Jennifer Cox

Timeless tradition

Ron and Lorraine Webber are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. It was 1964 when he purchased her diamond cluster ring at Francis Jewellers. PHOTO BY ROSE ZILKE

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an important symbol of the couple’s commitment to each other.

“Here we are fifty years later and we’re still having adventures,” says Lorraine after a trip to Francis Jewellers for watch bat-teries before heading on a holiday to celebrate her anniversary.

Another long time Comox Valley couple, Dave and Casey Keld, began dat-ing back in 1969. By 1972, Dave knew he was in love. He stole away to Francis Jewellers without Casey’s knowledge and picked out what he thought was the nicest ring in his price range. Dave was excited and nervous presenting Casey with her ring. What if she didn’t like it?

As he proposed, he told her that she could exchange it if it wasn’t the right ring, but she abso-lutely loved it. They went back to the store the next day to have the ring sized

to fit her finger and she’s been wearing it ever since.

“As any happily mar-ried woman can tell you, it becomes more priceless with time,” Casey says.

When couples come into the store looking for a spe-cial ring to commemorate their love, there is a wide selection to choose from. One of the most popular designs is the Always col-lection by Alfred Sung. The diamonds in this collection are cut, mined and pol-ished in Canada.

“Canadian diamonds are some of the nicest,” says Joan Baudais who has worked in the store part time since September 2013.

The Alfred Sung collec-tion is central in the dis-play case but they do carry other brands, including some very unique pieces such as a beautiful blue diamond engagement ring.

“Engagement rings are very personal,” remarks Baudais. “Some people

come in and see six or eight that they love and others come in with a pic-ture in their head of one

perfect ring.”When it comes to having

precious items restored, Evelyn Gillespie speaks

highly of the customer ser-vice at Francis Jewellers.

“My husband’s grand-mother wore this beautiful engagement ring in 1908 and it had huge senti-mental value but it was broken. I took it to Francis Jewellers for repair and they did a great job, help-ing me to preserve an important item in my fam-ily history.”

“We get a lot of cus-tomers by word of mouth, being recommended by others so customer service is important,” says Wright. “When customers leave our store we want to know all their questions were answered and they were well served.”

Wright knows that choosing an engagement ring is one of the most significant moments in the life of a young couple. He feels honoured when he is able to help a couple find the ring that is just right for them.

Daryl Wright says that one of the most popular modern ring designs is the Always Collection by Alfred Sung. The diamonds in this collection are cut, mined and pol-ished in Canada. PHOTOS BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

Who: Evelyn Gillespie Where: In our beautiful Downtown Courtenay What: Owner, Laughing Oyster Bookstore

CVAG Gift Shop I love my Cheryl Jacobs earrings and I have more than one pair. They are very elegant and I can dress them up but I can also wear them with jeans.

Red Living My husband bought me this beautiful pink brooch for Christmas last year and I just love wearing it. It is a bit of bling and is something that makes me happy.

Linda’s Leather New heels and a thicker sole restored my daughter’s much-loved cowboy boots. I was thrilled to have a place right downtown to get them fixed.

La Cache I was looking for a gift for my mother and was thrilled to find this hooked rug in the perfect colours for her home.

Rattan Plus

I have been admiring the brilliant colours and aboriginal design of these bed coverings for a while. I love the brilliant colours and because

they’re not overly feminine I know my husband would love it too.

Who: Evelyn Gillespie

My 10 perfect picks

Maida’s Fashion on 5th I have been admiring a pair of bamboo and cotton pajamas. They look just right for curling up with a book at the end of a busy day.

Laughing Oyster Books

I love books and read a lot. My recent favou-rite is Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. The lead char-acter is so powerful. This is a great family saga and a thoroughly satisfying read.

Sid Williams Theatre There are so many great events at the Sid. I love attending the World Community Film Festival in February each year. The festival raises awareness of social, eco-

nomic and environmental concerns and brings together peo-ple interested in issues of social justice.

McConochie’s I love my new smooth top double oven! I’d been looking for a stove for a long time and this one is great. It allows me to cook multiple items at once and is fabulous to cook with.

Searles My favourite pair of Rieker

boots are super comfortable. I love the red zipper buckle. They are in between dress and casual

and I wear them all the time.


Searles My favourite pair of Rieker

boots are super comfortable. I love the red zipper buckle. They are in between dress and casual

and I wear them all the

Discoveries Happen

Here.

See 80 million year old fossils.Explore an ancient sea floor.Discover a fossil of your own.Learn about giant ocean going lizards.Experience the thrill of discovery.

www.courtenaymuseum.ca

Call the museum for more information at 250-334-0686.Or come for a visit at 207 Fourth Street, Courtenay sidwilliamstheatre.com/member

250.338.2430

APPRECIATE THE SID?Show your support by becoming aSid Williams Theatre Society member.

Members enjoy pre-sale privileges plus special discounts on Blue Circle Series performances.

free

The project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

The Immigrant Welcome Centre

F O R T H E I R S U P P O R TTHANKSTHANKS Comox ValleyComox ValleyTHE

commitment to clean living is just as important to the staff at Edible Island as it is to their

customers. “Clean unadulterated food is important to

us,” says co-owner Sue Tupper. “The skin is nothing but a big organ.

Whatever you put on it is going to go in,” says Tupper. “We don’t want to put propyl-ene glycol in our armpits from deodorant.

Nor do we want to feed our kids or grand-kids food colouring and preservatives.”

Skin care and body care is a huge part of their business.

They carry a vegan and gluten-free cosmet-ics line, Zuzu Luxe Cosmetics. It is made with natural ingredients such as spring water, herbs and vitamins. This is important to consumers who are conscious of the

aAT EDIBLE ISLAND

HEALTH & WELLNESS

by Jennifer Cox

A fun, upbeat environment and a commitment to customer service shows on the smiles of Edible Island staff. PHOTO BY JENNIFER COX

AT EDIBLE ISLANDClean l iving

Continued on page 16


March to May 2Like? Indigenous Musings in a Digital Age by Andy Everson at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

March to May 2Hand of the Next Generation by Wachiay Friendship Centre Students at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

March to April 12Maple Pool United by Ron Pogue Photography at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

March 30Homeward Bound – Sid Williams Theatre.

March 31Marigold Pharmacy - Seminar on H. Pylori at 7pm. Please call and register at 250-338-9623.

March 31 to April 2But Enough Art by Grant Shilling at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

March 31Gallery Talk 7 p.m. Amber Dawn author of How Poetry Saved my Life at the Comox Valley Art Gallery

April 10On Golden Pond presented by Courtenay Little Theatre at the Sid Williams Theatre.

April 12Discover Art Saturday – Comox Valley Art Gallery. Fun for all ages.

April 25Keep It Living Collection & Community Earth Week Celebration. 6 to 9 p.m. – Comox Valley Art Gallery.

April 26Royal LePage Snow to Surf

Parade. Saturday 5 p.m. on 5th Street.

April 26Ballet Victoria’s Carmina Buranda at Sid Williams Theatre.

May 7 Led Zepagain presented by Rock It Boy Entertainment at Sid Williams Theatre.

May 8Ron James presented by Shantero Productions at Sid Williams Theatre.

May 10Flashback Fever at Native Sons Hall 7:30 p.m. Appetizers, cocktails, dancing, entertainment. Dress code – 1970’s. Tickets available at Silhouette Dance Shop or Val 250-338-9279 or email [email protected].

May 10Hornby Island Blues Odyssey

at Sid Williams Theatre.

May 11

Rescuers Down Under at Sid Williams Theatre.

June 4 to 7Elevate the Arts, Downtown Courtenay.

June 18Australia’s Thunder Down Under presented by Showbiz Production Inc at Sid Williams Theatre.

June 21Kitty’s Big Show with Nikki Payne presented by Parnell Productions at Sid Williams Theatre.

July 1944th Annual Market Day, Downtown Courtenay 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Check out the Calendar of Events on their Websites

skins ability to absorb make-up and skincare products.

The whole foods market, located on 6th street, carries a wide variety of organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, fair trade and local products.

The owners, Sue Tupper, Sue Clark and Jackie Somerville, are proud of the role that Edible Island plays in the community. Since the store first opened in 1980 they have worked hard to bring good, clean food to the Comox Valley.

Edible Island’s commit-ment to community extends to local causes.

“We want to support locals,” says Tupper. “We want to support people from our valley, keeping our com-munity alive and healthy and clean”

Whether customers are on specialty diets due to health concerns or lifestyle choices, Edible Island has built a solid reputation as the place to shop for the health conscious consumer. The store carries a wide variety of quality fruits and vegetables in season, local meat, specialty breads, cereals, baking supplies, vitamins, supplements and skincare products.

A large part of the Edible Island philosophy revolves around shopping and sup-porting local businesses.

“People really are demanding local and for good reason,” says Tupper.

“This is where we live. A lot of our associates are our friends and neighbours whose product we’re bring-ing in. People grow things here.”

Tupper always looks forward to spring and the arrival of fresh nettles. Nettles are flavourful leafy greens, packed with iron, calcium and vitamins.

“Young nettle tops steamed like spinach or a green,” explains Tupper. “We sell bags of them.”

A dedication to customer service sets Edible Island

apart from other businesses. Knowledgeable nutrition professionals are available to answer food, vitamin, skin care and cosmetics ques-tions.

If a customer comes in feeling like a deer in head-lights after being diagnosed with celiac there is staff on hand to guide them through their dietary needs. “We have one staff member in particular who is very knowledgeable about celiac and keeps herself informed

and aware,” says Tupper. She goes on to explain how each staff member is a product expert, providing different pockets of informa-tion throughout the store. If one person doesn’t know the answer there is often some-one else who does.

“The staff are really incredible!” says Tupper. “For a store this size we have a large number of people on staff because cus-tomer service is what we do.”

Having long-term staff on hand who specialize in a variety of topics ensures that customer’s needs are met. Professional develop-ment opportunities are made available to staff on an ongoing basis.

“That commitment is to the customer,” says Tupper. “Because the customers need them to have that knowledge.”



EVENTSCalendar of

MARCH

APRIL

There is a wide range of local product at Edible Island.PHOTO BY JENNIFER COX

❝ We want to support people fom our Valley, keeping our community alive and healthy and clean. ❞

– Sue Tupper

MAYJUNE

JULY

Dancers, acrobats, musicians — you name it, it’s going to the part of Elevate the Arts from June 4 to 7 in down-town Courtenay.

rant has been so popular since it opened in 2009 that it is literally bursting at the seams.

The Food Network show has not aired yet, but owner Shelley Bouchard and Chef Kevin Munroe have not had a moment to rest since the filming.

In early April 2014, Mad Chef

will move from a cozy 800 square foot location on Fitzgerald Ave., to a funky 2500 square foot, 100-seat capacity restaurant in the old Leung’s building on 5th St.

Those who feel nostalgic about downtown will be thrilled to know that they are preserving the old bar stools from Leung’s café counter to create a Mad Chef bar counter at the front of the restaurant.

“I’m really excited about our new location,” says Bouchard. “I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere for larger gatherings, more privacy for con-versations and a better chance of always getting a seat.”

Colourful booths line the wall of the funky new restaurant space that will have a checker plated black and chrome floor.

“It’s super nice!” says Bouchard of their new space. “The kitchen itself is the entire size of the current restaurant.”

The menu is fun to read with great descriptions and creatively named meals. The big bully burg-er is a top choice for those with huge appetites.

“People always say you’ve got to try our burgers,” Bouchard smiles. “Lots of people say they have the best burgers in town but we know we’ve got the best burger in town!”

Chef Kevin Munroe is the cre-ative force behind the Mad Chef concept.

“His creativity makes the restaurant,” says Bouchard. “He’ll come in with an idea and I’ll roll my eyes and say no but his enthusiasm rubs off on me.

They’re going to love it he says and they do!”

She describes a brûlé burger that he made for a recent weekly special. The brûlé-topped burger was garnished with a marinated orange slice, a vanilla bean and flamed brie cheese. It was deca-dently delicious.“I took one bite and wow,” exclaims Bouchard. “Where he dreams it up I don’t know!”

After all this discussion of food my stomach has started to rumble. Thankfully, it’s time to meet my friend Erin for lunch. As server Jasmine Garrett takes our order she tells us that most dressings and sauces are made on site.

I order the killer taco salad wrap and brick-seared potatoes topped with beer cheese because I’ve been told that it is one of the most popular items on the fresh sheet.

The menu describes this wrap as “the first step on the stairway to heaven” and I have to agree. It’s that kind of nourishing com-

fort food that puts calorie count-ing on the back burner.

Erin orders a large bowl of miso yummy soup. I’m sure it has less calories than my wrap, but she assures me it has just as much flavour! The nourishing vegetarian dish is topped with a flare of crispy rice cracker and Eatmore sprouts.

Erin is always thrilled when she finds a restaurant with a great selection of vegetarian choices. To make discerning between menu items even easier for those with dietary concerns the Mad Chef will soon have dedicated vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus on hand.

As the restaurant expands one thing that won’t change is the commitment to serving insanely good food with a creative menu that you won’t find anywhere else.

As they say at the Mad Chef, “If you’re crazy about great food, the Mad Chef Cafe will make you absolutely insane!”

ou gotta eat here! This isn’t just the name of the Food Network Canada show that filmed the

popular downtown restaurant when comedian John Cattuci and his crew visited in late 2013. It is also what you’ll hear if you ask any locals to recom-mend a great place to eat in the Comox Valley. The restau-

y

You gotta eat at the Mad Chef

DOWNTOWN FLAVOUR


A table for two

Killer taco salad wrap and brick-seared potatoes topped with beer cheese will make you say wow with each bite. A large and nourish-ing bowl of miso yummy soup topped with a crispy rice cracker and Eatmore sprouts is a savoury favourite that tastes as just as good as it looks. PHOTOS BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

by Jennifer Cox

Food Network host John Cattuci will be profiling the Mad Chef Café

on his popular show on a date to be announced in 2014.

The Mad Chef’s new location on upper 5th Street promises an upbeat, funky atmosphere with the same insanely good food

that has been central to the restaurant’s success since day one.

foot location on Fitzgerald Ave., to a funky 2500 square foot, 100-seat capacity restaurant in the old Leung’s building on 5th St.

about our new location,” says Bouchard. “I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere for larger

Food Network host John Cattuci will be profiling the Mad Chef Café

on his popular show on a date to be announced in 2014.

Piercy and his son Archie opened on April 4th, 1941. In those days a funeral was a community wide event. Stores closed (or stayed open with a single clerk) to allow the majority of the commu-nity to attend the funeral.

THE BABY BOOM ERA AND BEYOND

1951 The trade-mark clock that welcomes shoppers to downtown has been on display in front of Grahams Jewellers since it was purchased by then-owner Walter Crosby in 1951. The store, which is currently owned by Jamie Graham, has been the site of a jewellery store since J.W. Hornby first opened his shop

in 1912.

1969 Runges on 4th

Street is a longtime family business. Monika Ferguson has been working on and off in her family’s delicatessen for over forty years. Her par-ents, Joe and Linda Runge, started the store in April 1969.

1974 The year that the Laughing Oyster opened is the same year author Margaret Laurence won the Governor General’s Award for The Diviners. The store continues to carry a great selection of award-winning Canadian literature.

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HERITAGE

DowntownBY JENNIFER COX

PHOTO 989.69.69 COURTESY COURTENAY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM

The landscape we know and love as downtown Courtenay has undergone many changes since

Joseph McPhee purchased the land from Reginald Pidcock and laid out the city townsite

in 1893.

By the time the City of Courtenay incorporated in 1915 the downtown core was thriving

with homes and businesses. Let’s take a trip through the years and look at just a few of the businesses that have served, and continue to

serve, our community over the years.

PHOTO 989.89.16 COURTESY COURTENAY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM

THROUGH THE YEARS

A CENTURY AGO…1917 Rickson’s Men’s

Wear was established by the Rickson family in 1917 (this is the same year that the zipper was patented as a separable fastener). In 1974 bell bottoms were all the rage and this thriving business was purchased by Ron Douglas and his son Blaine. When Blaine retired in 2011 he was thrilled that the tradition of quality men’s fashion could continue in this long time downtown location. Jim’s Clothes Closet continues to serve

the community with a great selection that ranges from casual to dressy. Men have been buying their Sunday’s best at this downtown address for close to one hun-dred years.

1918 Jas E. Aston built the original Searle’s Shoe Store in 1918. He origi-nally began as a shoe repair business and continued to repair shoes at Searles until he retired in 1946. Cathy and Derek Newness took over the successful busi-ness in 1994, and proudly maintain the commitment to quality merchandise and

customer service that has kept the store a downtown Courtenay mainstay for close to a century.

THE DEPRESSION ERA

1934 Harry R. Francis, late watch inspector to CPR for 25 Years, opened Francis Jewellery on Friday Sept. 7th, 1934. The busi-ness stayed in the Francis family for many years before being purchased by Evelyn and Daryl Wright in 1989. The safe and one of the display cabinets were pur-chased from T.D. McLean Jewellers in Cumberland in the early 1900.

1941 Piercy’s Funeral Home has been a Comox Valley fixture since Harvey

xplore Courtenay’s downtown and you will discover friendly

and personal service, history, great merchandise, many services – and some much-loved pets!

At Second Page Books, golden sibling cats, Princess Teeka (aka: The Boss), and Boo the Magnificent, help owner Craig Carson oversee the fifteen-year-old used book-store. According to Carson, the independent Teeka rules the store with an iron paw.

Teeka and Boo (coined Teeka Boo by a ten-year-old customer) have never been separated and are friendly with all customers from babies to seniors. Carson explains that the cats serve as surrogate pets for many regular customers who come in just to see them and their circus acts.

“The kids love it, and the kids in us love it!” he says.

Amanda Delisle pur-chased her Yorkshire Terrier, Gypsie, just before she took over Winds of Change in 2008. Gypsie loves to wel-come all customers, but his favourite is Delisle’s mother, who visits on her motorcycle. Every time Gypsie hears the motor he gets one of his toys and dances about excitedly.

Down the street at Fifth Street Florist a black and white Shih Tzu, Jersey Girl, reigns like a princess from her chaise lounge over owner Steven Meier’s flower shop. Many customers visit Fifth Street Florist just to see Jersey Girl. The many customers that bring her chicken chewy and other dog treats demonstrate that downtown Courtenay is a

truly dog-friendly business community. Jersey Girl also likes to get out and about in the downtown core. She vis-its stores, samples local res-taurant treats from the side-

walk, and heads around the

block for regular appoint-ments at Razzamataz Dog Grooming & Pet Spa where she is treated, as befitting, like royalty.

The original Shih Tzu at Searles Shoes was named Peeka. She lived above the family business with Cathy Newnes’s family over twenty years ago. This began the store’s tradition of dogs starting conversa-tions and making people feel at home. Former Royston Kindergarteners, now twen-ty-five, recall visiting the store with its first litter of window puppies. These days, children come just to see

golden Curio and her daugh-ter Esha.

Often costumed, the Newnes’s dogs have appeared in a Heart and Stroke brochure, as a ‘pup-kin’ patch window litter, and in Christmas attire.

These dogs have achieved far more than fifteen min-utes of fame, once even appearing on National News. Newnes admits, “It has gone to their heads!”

Back in the 1950’s American singer Patti Page used to sing the popular song, “How much is that doggie in the window?” If this catchy tune has you wondering- the doggies and kitties in the windows of downtown businesses are not for sale. These well-loved pets provide Courtenay’s downtown core with a warm and reminiscent welcome home.

COMMUNITY


Boo the Magnificent stands guard over an overflowing shelf of books as Tenzin King, a 12 year old homeschooler, and regular customer at Second Page Books captures the above image. PHOTO BY TENZIN KING

COMMUNITY

Dogs and cats

Once, two dogs lounged in the Christmas window display at Searles Shoes amidst tree and presents, and an older gentleman watched on a bench outside for twenty minutes, occasionally tapping the window to see if their eyes would blink. He finally asked “Are the dogs animated?” and Newnes had to bring him inside to prove they were not! PHOTO SUBMITTED

eGive downtown shoppers a warm welcome

by Lisa Grant

Gypsie loves to welcome customers to Winds of Change. PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK


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1Based on ANSI-AHAM-DW-2010 for plastic interior dishwashers. March 20122In it’s class. Based on industry standard dryability testing using SaharaDry™3In it’s class based on published manufacturer specifi cations for similar MSRP models.

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march 25, 2014

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