take 5 dec/jan

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4 take5.ca DEC/JAN 2011

LettersLadysmith Trolley

For long term sustainability, public transit should be mov-ing people in the most cost effective way and produce the least amount of CO2 in doing so.

The Ladysmith “Trolley” (a diesel bus misnamed) does not meet either of these criteria.

The US Energy Data Book shows some of the following BTU’s per passenger mile: Vanpool (1,322), Effi cient Hybrid (1,659), and Transit Buses (4,235).

The capital cost of the fi rst “Trolley” was $178,000. A much more fuel effi cient and less costly vehicle could have been pur-chased such as a Mercedes Sprinter Van $50,000 (no rollover problems, capacity 12). This vehicle can be easily modifi ed for paratransit, if needed, although, we already have paratransit via Handidart and the local taxi. Public bus transit starts to be effi -cient when the passenger load is 8-10. That is not the case with the Ladysmith “Trolley”. I have never seen it with more than three on board. Ninty per cent of the time it is empty. Why not take a taxi on demand, or, better still reduce obesity by walking or riding a bike.

There is a good article in the National Post/Dec. 2009 titled “Rethinking Green: Save the environment: Don’t take transit.”

- Paul Williams

Experimenting with a Breathalyser and a Variety of Wines

Feeling inspired by Delbert Horrocks Slightly Corked column on Blood Alcohol levels in TAKE 5/Nov 10 our reader decided to do some research herself. Here are her results.

I don’t feel I need an excuse to enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evening, but this past week set myself the task of monitor-ing consumption and results so that I could share with you.

What does .05 look like? What does it feel like? Seems none of us know and that is part of the problem we have with the new drinking/driving legislation. Our inability to ‘know’ is ham-pering our good times. Well, it sure has been hampering mine.

So I decided to do a bit of experimenting with a breathalyser that I bought at Art of Brewing and Winemaking for $22 and then report the results to you. One leaves a 15 minute interlude between the last drink and the long slow blow. The breathalyser comes with disclaimers and limitation of liability, but it was fairly accurate in comparative tests run by an RCMP offi cer who shall of course remain anonymous.

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is important. Having a designated driver is imperative if you are planning on in-dulging. Red Nose Rides: 250-755-6969. - Maureen Millar

Poppy campaign 2010As Remembrance Day approached this

year, once again the citizens of Lady-smith came forward and made our cam-paign a huge success. The Poppy stands as a symbol of Remembrance for all Canadians, past and present, who have fallen in war and military operations.

As Chairperson for the 2010 Campaign, and on behalf of all the members of Roy-al Canadian Legion Branch 171, I would like to thank all the organizations and people who contributed to the success of this year’s campaign. To the comrades who assisted with laying of wreaths and preparing poppy trays, members and Air Cadets who distributed poppies at vari-ous locales around Ladysmith, thank you. To the members who visited the schools to share their memories with the students, thank you. To the Colour Party and the Band, thank you for your visits to the schools, LaRosa Gardens, and the Lodge on 4th. The donation of your time is greatly appreciated. To all those who helped by purchasing a poppy or a wreath, thank you for assisting this very worthy cause. - Roy Empey

Stay on the trails We read the editorial of Take 5’s

Nov/10 issue with dismay. In it you write about “bushwhacking” 40 feet off the trail in a local park to forage for mushrooms.

Parks are built for a purpose, and that is to protect what’s left of the ecosystem in a particular area for the enjoyment and

using knife to cut bread for toast. Day 7, 05 - 9 oz Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel; where’s a dance partner when you need him? Day 8, ?? - ½ bottle of sparkling white wine and two 6 oz (at least) glass-es of two different full bodied red wines, 2 oz of port; great conversations with a girl friend that was staying over; laugh-ter, tears. Didn’t head for bed until 1:20 am, forgetting all about the breathalyser – surprise, surprise!

My take? Wines are not all ‘created equal’ – some of them are potent! Food

The following are the results of ex-perimentation over several days track-ing digital readout, amount consumed, mood.

Day 1, 01 - 4 oz of Pinot Grigio, I think I’ll have another glass… Day 2, 01 - 2 oz of Primitivo; relaxed, warm, put on CDs Day 3, 02 - 6 oz Gewürztraminer, life is good… Day 4, 02 - 6 oz of Merlot; I’m up to computer activities. Day 5, 03 - 6 oz Cab/Merlot; a little fuzzy, defi nitely fuzzy. Day 6, 04 - 6 oz Merlot; should defi nitely not be driving, maybe not even


appreciation of current and future generations. For this reason, trails are created to keep people (and their dogs) out of these wooded areas while allowing them to enjoy the experience of being in a park.

Today we are more aware, or should be, of leaving a lighter footprint on our planet. Alas, there are some people in the area who seem to be unaware of this concept (see the damage done by people driving their trucks up to Heart Lake and hacking down trees, for example). We appreciate the desire to learn more about nature and its bounty and to realize one’s connec-tion to it, but to promote bushwhacking off trail in our parks seems irresponsible. If every visitor were to bushwhack and forage their way through our parks, these green spaces that we hold dear would be trashed in no time.

- ML Leidl and R Bishop Ed Note: Thank you. Sometimes we need a reminder…espe-

cially when caught up on the trail of a succulent chanterelle.

TAKE 5 welcomes letters and photos on any subject but re-serves the right to edit them.

All letters must include the name, mailing address and phone number of the writer. Letters run subject to space.

Email editor@take 5.ca or fax at 250-245-7099.

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Corporation of the City of Ladysmith By-Law No 9.

An excerpt....A By-Law regulating the number of

wholesale and retail liquor licenses to be issued in the City of Ladysmith. Where-as it is considered advisable to restrict the number of wholesale and retail liquor licenses to be issued for the sale of liquor in the said City of Ladysmith. Therefore the Municipal Council of the City of Ladysmith enacts as follows;

That no greater number of retail liquor licenses than 15 and no greater number of wholesale than six shall be issued in the City of Ladysmith, until the popula-

tion shall exceed 6000 in number; after which time the number of wholesale and retail liquor licenses may increase at the rate of one retail and one wholesale for each 2000 of population over and above the said 6000. Passed by the Municipal Council on the 12th day of September 1904. Re- considered and fi nally adopt-ed by the Municipal Council on the 19th day of September, 1904.

Quiz:_ In September 1996,Ladysmith Firemen won a high award. What for ?

Ans:- Being the top JAWS team on Vancouver Island

Interested in history? Contact Lady-smith Historical Society 250-245-0100.

tion shall e ceed 6000 in n mber; afterThe bar at the Queens Hotel curca 1910. Photo: Ladysmith Archives

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e

Teamwork pays off in Saltair homeBY MARINA SACHT

It takes a team to build a house.Mark and Tawni Marcil’s stunning

new home in Saltair shows what hap-pens when the builders work with the owners as a team. GNB Builders Inc.’s Greg Bianchni and Heidi Derhousoff worked closely with the owners starting eight months before the build began. The result is a west coast beauty that merges traditional and modern elements to cre-ate a visually exciting home. And what’s more, it’s a “green” home.

“If building a new home why not make it effi cient and good for the earth,” asks Mark.

“We have enough Built Green Points for a “Gold” certifi cation however we are

waiting to fi nd out the results of the En-erguide rating which is being calculated by our Energy Advisor, says Heidi.

Built Green aspects include 40 year roof, dual fl ush toilets, certifi ed water conserving and lifetime fi nish on most plumbing fi xtures, cabinetry – ESP certifi ed (Environmental Stewardship Program), built in recycling center in kitchen, high effi ciency heating system, energy star windows, energy star appli-ances, construction wastes–sorted and recycled by DBL Disposal, Milgard En-ergy Effi cient windows, products manu-

Greg Bianchni and Heidi Derhousoff of GNB Builders and Tawni and Mark Marcil standing in the shower of their spa bathroom.Left: Doors open to outdoor area that will feature a hot tub and outdoor fi replace. . Photos: Marina Sacht

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factured within 800 km, low VOC interior paints and stains from Benjamin Moore, engineered and recycled framing materials, insulation with 70 per cent recycled content, and use of LED and CFL’s throughout the home.

Mark and Tawni put a lot of trust into GNB Builders with all aspects of the home. They relied heavily on Greg and Heidi on making many of the decisions or providing several options. “The four of us became a team and worked together on achiev-ing the best fi nished house possible within their desired bud-get,” says Heidi.

Each of the rooms is a marvel on to itself and yet together they don’t compete with each other but fl ow together.

When you step through the beautifully carved oversized fi r front door into the foyer with its 12 foot ceiling and an archway


Top: The “man cave” a fi replace and an infi nity ceiling add to the feeling of spaciousness. The room allows guest a view into the kitchen area.

The kitchen with its unique titanium granite counters and maple cabinetry. A farmers sink and a bar sink make entertaining easy.

(l) The BC made front door is oversized and features a native carving.Photos: Marina Sacht

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into the living area you are immediately impressed by the atten-tion to detail.

More columns grace the dining room. The great room with its 12 foot coffered ceiling and modern fi replace surround com-bines old world charm with modern clean lines.

Greg has used a variety of ceiling elements to create an ambi-ance of comfort and elegance not normally found in a residen-tial home. He’s designed a tray ceiling with lighted cove in the master bedroom, infi nity ceiling in the “keeping” room, and a barrel ceiling in the master en-suite.

The en-suite could be home to a world class spa: beautiful tiles, lots of cabinets, a huge shower for two, and a tub in the centre. The stunning granite, oversized cabinet handles and its lighting give the room a masculine appeal. “It’s the en-suite that even men get excited about,” says Heidi.

The kitchen features beautiful maple cabinetry with dedicat-ed stations for every aspect a cook and entertainer would ever want. Two sinks, top of the line appliances, and the shining star is the granite counters and titanium granite island from Infi nite Granite. Paul and Rebecca started their business seven years ago with one employee. Paul, an entrepreneur with a talent for art, has within a short time expanded the business to now in-clude six more employees.

One of the main challenge in the interior design was nar-


rowing down the style of fi nishing for the home. The clients moved from west coast style with lots of timber and rock to ultra modern.

“It is very diffi cult for most clients to decide on one style and stick to it. There is no rights or wrongs in a custom home however it is our job as the builder to help clients get the home of their dreams at the end,” says Heidi.

The 2730 sq. ft. house sits on beautiful wooded half acre lot close to trails and Centennial Park. The couple was look-ing for a lot in the area so they could be close to family but couldn’t fi nd any-thing. They went for a drive and wound up at the end of Lytton road. Mark point-ed to the lot and said to Tawni, “see, something like this, that is what I want.” Four days later they found out that John Surtees of Re/Max had it listed.

It took eight months to build once con-struction started because of weather.

“We’ve built some really nice homes

but this is one of my favorites,” says Heidi.

They let us be creative. We understood where they were going and helped them get there. We had a lot of leeway.”

Mark and Tawni love everything about the house. “The details Greg encompass-es in his homes are second to none... the kitchen design was a great team accom-plishment. “They were absolutely amaz-

ing throughout the process. It was fun to do and they still kept it in the budget, “ says Mark.

“We’re home-bodies,” says Tawni who works at a building supply store. Mark is a banker.

Looking back at the projects, they both agree it went well.

“And the house didn’t lead to a di-vorce! It made us stronger,” says Tawni then adds that she doesn’t want to ever go to another lighting fi xture store again with a laugh.

The couple is excited to be moving in to their new house with Hurley, their dog. They’ve even thought of something special for him. Greg added a ledge to one of the windows so that Hurley can look out of and greet their new house guests. And with word spreading on what an amazing house this is, proof of what can be accomplished when builders and owners work as a team, Hurley is sure to be busy greeting many house guests.

To view more photos of the house visit www.gnb.ca

Some of the trades and businesses who assisted in the project: G.W. Cement Contracting, Main Frame Construction, D.B.L. Disposal Services Ltd., Creative Concepts Carpentry, A&A Vacuum Doc-tor, Accent Garage Doors, Bryan’s Me-chanical, Carlos Carvalho, GNB Build-ers Inc., J.E. Anderson & Associates, Pro-Tec Roofi ng Ltd., Infi nite Granite, .B. Windows & Doors, Auscan Pluming & Gas Ltd., Inspired By Colour Benja-min Moore, John Surtees Re/Max.

Great room with its modern fi replace and coffered ceiling. Built in shelving offers attractive storage space. Photo: Marina Sacht

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Federals support tourismOn Nov 26, John Duncan, Minister of In-

dian Affairs and Northern Development on behalf of Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversifi cation an-nounced support for the Ladysmith Maritime Society to develop a new marine visitor cen-tre and improve local tourism.

“This project will support community eco-nomic development in the eastern Vancouver Island and broader Gulf Island region and promote business productivity and enhanced competitiveness for members of the mar-ine tourism sector,” said Minister Duncan. Activities supported through this project include construction of a 1,800 square-foot visitor reception centre, installation of a sew-age pump-out system, accessibility improve-ments and electrical upgrades. The enhanced marina facilities will serve to attract large-scale marine tourism to the eastern Vancou-ver Island/Gulf Island region, and become an integral part of marine tourism infrastructure being developed along the B.C. Coast.

“This project focuses on expanding marine tourism by providing high-quality facilities such as showers, washrooms, laundry, hospi-tality meeting space and a Wi-Fi facility for internet access” said Doug Bell, president of the Ladysmith Maritime Society. A federal investment of more than $800,000 is being provided through Western Economic Divers-ifi cation Canada, under the Western Divers-

ifi cation Program to support this project. Western Economic Diversifi cation Canada

works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversifi cation of the western economy. It coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of Western Canadians in national decision making.

Cedar Opportunities Co-opA newly formed group in Cedar hopes to

provide employment for people with devel-opmental disabilities.

Cedar Opportunities Co-operative (COCO) from the Cedar/Yellowpoint/Cassidy area is planning to open the Coco Cafe which would be located in the Cedar Shopping Centre.

President Sandra Marquis says plans are to open in early spring.

The cafe will serve specialty coffees and teas, homemade muffi ns, soups, sandwiches, wraps and cookies/squares.

Fundraising is underway through member-ship shares and donations. Volunteers are

(l-r) Chief John Elliott of Stz’uminus First Nation, Hon. John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development , Joe Stanhope, Island Coastal Economic Trust, Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchins, Dave Ehrismann, the Executive Director of Ladysmith Maritime Society (facing away) Doug Bell, President of Ladysmith Maritime SocietyDoug Bell receives an award from Dave Ehrismann, upon the completion of the funding of the new Visitor’s Center and marina upgrades. Photo: Gerry Yellowless(below) Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina. Photo Rob Johnson

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also needed to help with renovations. COCO was started by a group of families

who live in the Cedar/Yellowpoint/Cassidy area, all of whom have a family member with a developmental disability. For more infor-mation visit www.cedaropportunities.coop or email [email protected].

Ceilidh in CedarFollowing the success of the 2009 “Ceil-

idh”, Kenn Joubert has decided to do it again. Join in on Jan 28, from 7pm-10pm, at the Ce-dar Heritage Centre to learn a Celtic dances, listen to pipers, and sing-along to traditional Scottish songs. Buy tickets. They are $10 each with proceeds going to the Cedar Skate-board Park building fund.

For more info call 250-722-3185.

Locals national champsThe VIU Mariners won the Canadian Na-

tionals held in November in Alberta. Four of the players on the team are local athletes who learned the game and graduated (play-ing since the age of 5 to 17) out of the La-dysmith’s volunteer operated Mid Isle Soccer Club. Fom Ladysmith: Chris Arnett, BCCAA Athlete of the week 2009, silver medalist BC Provincials 2009, All Canadian for the CCAA 2009, named to the BC All Star fi rst team 2009 and again to the BC All Star sec-ond team 2010. Top Reserve Player Victoria Highlanders semi Pro team 2009 and Reserve team player 2010.

Robbie Cochrane- BCCAA athlete of the week 2009, silver medalist BC Provincials 2009, All Canadian for the CCAA 2009, Col-lege Rookie of the Year 2009, named to the BC All Star Team 2010 and Leading College

Goalie in BC 2010. From Cedar Chris Merri-man (1st year player) - chosen year after year from age 12 years to 17 as BC Provincial and National team player throughout his youth career. Considered to be one of the best de-fenders in the BCCAA league and possessing one of the hardest shots in the league. Davis Stupich (3rd Year player 1 at TRU)BCCAA Athlete of the Week 2009, silver medalist BC Provincials 2009, BCCAA Athlete of the Week 2010. Provincial All Star Team 2009.

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A cheque for $317.60 was presented to Kit Willmot at the Ladysmith Food Bank from Vince Herkell on Nov. 16. Funds were raised through the collection of ink jet catridges, laser toner cartidges, digital cameras and cell phones. Recycle these items today at Ladysmith Sound Centre and help out your local food bank.

Cedar Opportunities Co-operative (COCO members (Sandra Marquis, Carolyn Johnston and Patricia Johnston) standing in front of proposed coffee shop in Cedar

Every year Kaylie Mcintyre donates a bag full of toys to the Christmas Cheer Fund at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. Jen, her mother has volunteered for the past couple of years, and encourages families to get involved.

Christmas SpectacularFor the fourth consecutive year, the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacu-

lar invites you to experience Christmas in the country. Directed and produced by Katy Bowen-Roberts, showstoppers in-

clude a Motown medley highlighting the music of the Supremes, a selection of Frank Sinatra songs, a Canadian Celtic set of fi ddle tunes and dancing, and a medley of songs from The Phantom of the Op-era as well as many more classical hits. A team of 14 professional singers, dancers and musicians from as far away as New York City will entertain you. “I’ve been dancing in Nevada, and I can’t wait to trade in the lights and sounds of the slot machines and casino life, for the warm welcome of the Cedar community. The hall where the show takes place is just decorated so beautifully and everyone there seems so happy,” said Stacey Hughes. A Christmas shop, hot mulled apple cranberry juice and butter tarts add to the festive event.

Show runs from Dec 8-19. Tickets Port Box offi ce; 250.754.8550 or www.porttheatre.com.

Yellow Point Singers Yellow Point Singers will be performing their annual Christmas

Concert at Oceanside Community Church. Part proceeds from their concert go to Ladysmith Kinsmen Club who is spearheading a fund-raising drive to replace the children’s playpark on Brown Drive.

Under the direction of Doug Roszmann and accompanied by pia-nist Sharyn Andruski-Collins, the choir performs a variety of musical styles, from Broadway to folk, and classical to pop. This year’s Christ-mas concert, entitled “Sing Ye All Noel,” will feature songs with a festive feel; some familiar tunes as well as seasonal music from Spain, France, Haiti and Africa. The choir is growing in number, and has now reached over 40 members who represent both novice and seasoned performers.

Dec. 12, 2:30 pm at Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Rd, (opposite Coronation Mall) for “Sing Ye All Noel.” Tickets are $10 each or $20 for a family. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Tickets available from choir members, at Oceanview Community Church (Tu/Th/Fri mornings from 10 – 12 noon.) or at the door.


Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular invites you to experience Christmas in the country.

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The Christmas LadyBY ROB JOHNSON

For most of us Christmas comes but once a year. Not so for Ladysmith’s Lynne McNeil, a musician/entertainer who is well known in the Canadian en-tertainment profession. Lynne has been dubbed “The Christmas Lady” because of her love for the season and its music. The professional singer, musician and composer has been for the past 10 years a featured performer at Butchart Garden’s annual Christmas extravaganza in Vic-toria. Prior to that she sang with many of Canada’s musical greats, including a 48 year “gig” with the Dal Richard’s orchestra.

From the time Lynne was very young she was enthralled with Christmas. As a baby she would stare at the brightly coloured lights on the Christmas tree for hours. This fascination has never left her. With a strong Finnish background, for her growing up in Ladysmith, Christmas was a time for family and friends. When the family gathered for any occasion, but es-pecially during the holidays, they’d end up in the kitchen. Someone would start humming, which would lead to everyone singing and having a great time.

When Lynne was nine, her fam-ily moved to Cassidy where her parents “Duke” and Nora owned and operated McNeil’s Store and Chevron gas station, now the Tempo by the Haslam Creek bridge. At the age of 19 she headed off to UBC to study music and soon was the lead signer in a musical group called

the Accents. It was while there that Dal Richard fi rst learned of her singing and invited her to become a member of his band. For years she performed on ra-dio and television appearing with well known performers such as Tommy Hunt-er and Bobby Vinton where she sang and played the piano, adapting many of the tunes with her own arrangements.

During these years she traveled all over North America with Haygood Hardy’s band performing in cities such as New York, Las Vegas, Montreal and Toronto and Europe. No matter where she had traveled, she wanted to be home for Christmas. One of her favorite venues

was singing with Dal Richards for sev-eral Christmas seasons at the Panorama Room in the Hotel Vancouver. Being this close to home it allowed her to come home to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. It was during one of these respites that she had the opportu-nity to work with a very young Diana Krall and encouraged her to expand her talents to include singing as well as play-ing the piano.

Lynne calls herself a “Christmas Nut”. Her home, regardless of the season, dis-plays winter paintings and Christmas de-cor. In every house that she has lived in, she has a Christmas theme bathroom.

Lynne has taken this year off to com-plete her fourth CD which she says will be a lovely Christmas showcase for the piano. The album contains mostly piano music with a few vocals. It has been in the works for the past 20 years and Lynne is doing everything on the album from singing to playing the piano to arranging all the music. This is diffi cult work, as she sometimes to “lay down” up to 110 vocal tracks for each of the songs. Her second CD, titled “The Christmas Lady” contained over 1100 vocal tracks for the 15 songs for the album.

Christmas songs are always her favor-ite and she created many different inter-pretations of the holiday classics as well as some original pieces.

For Lynne, Ladysmith is the only place to live. With its Festival of Lights and the community’s joyful holiday spirit could there be any other place more perfect for the “Christmas Lady” to call home?

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Christmas Pantomines

Two Christmas pantomimes are play-ing this season.

Panto in the Jungle by the Nanaimo Theatre Group. Co-directors Wendy Wearne (who has lived in Ladysmith for 23 years) and Lisa Kerr (Miss Ladysmith of 1985) and an intrepid band of Ladys-mith talent, including Bill Young, Alan Watt, Meghan Wearne, Taylor Gon-salves, Meg Fleming and Alex Akroyd join 18 members of the cast (and count-less crew) to rehearse the corny jokes, slapstick, songs, dances, hijinks and gags that make the Christmas pantomime an eagerly anticipated annual event. Shows run Dec. 18 to New Year’s Eve, Bailey Studio, Rosstown Road, Nanaimo. Tick-ets on-line at www.nanaimotheatregroup.com or phone 250-758-7224.

Christmas Panto: The Grand Old Duke of York with Director Gordon McInnis plays at the Ladysmith Little Theatre. Baron Snatcher and Malefi cent team up to overthrow the Duke of York. Colin leads the forces of good and with the guidance of the good fairy wins the day. Along the way is non stop fun and silli-ness. Traditional Christmas Pantomime, based on the nursery rhyme of the same name. The show runs Dec 26-31, tickets are only $10. Box offi ce: 250-924-0658 or www.ladysmiththeatre.com.

Photo winnersLadysmith Camera Club is pleased to

announced the winner of the 2010 Mid-Island Photo Expo winners.

Taking top prize was Sean Sherstone of Ladysmith with his image “Medusa’s Metamorphoses”. Bruce Whittington of Ladysmith took second place with “Tra-cy Arm” and third place was awarded to Brad Grigor of Saltair for “Pollenation.” Honourable Mentions went to the imag-es “Capitol Iron Stuff” by Neil Newton of Chemainus; “Hagia Sophia” by Lisa Parrish of Nanaimo, and “Breakwater Triptych” by Mary-Lou Leidl of Lady-smith. Ann Stefanson of Nanaimo won the People’s Choice Award for her im-age “Bouquet in the Window”. For more info about the club contact [email protected].

You can view the winning photos at www.take5.ca

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December Dec 1- Jan 8, A Christmas Carol, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820 Dec 4, 10am, 5th Annual Christmas Walking Tour, Chemainus 250-246-4977Dec 4, 1pm, Book Launch Murmurs of The Dead, Harbourfront Library 250-716-9937 Dec 5, 10:30am, St. Joseph’s School Pancake Breakfast & Bazaar, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus 250-246-3191 Dec 6, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Job Search Support Group, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 6-8, Med-Basic Safety (formerly MED A1) Med-Small Passenger Vessel Safety (formerly MED A2) Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Dec 6-10, MED STCW Basic Safety Training, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Dec 7, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 8, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop MS Word Basics & Beyond, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 8, 7pm, 5 Minute Gourmet Cooking Class, Worldly Gourmet 250-245-7307 Dec 8, 7:30pm, Ken Lavigne, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Dec 9, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 9, 6pm, Family Christmas, Cotton Club 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157 Dec 9, 7:30pm, Victoria Symphony Mary Lou Fallis, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529

Dec 10, 7:30pm, Taize Evening Service, St. John’s Anglican Church 250-245-5512 Dec 10, 8pm, Morgan Davis, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Dec 11, 9am, S.W.A.C.A. Breakfast with Santa, 1555 Morden Road 250-754-2820 Dec 11, 8:45am & 10:45am, Laff Breakfast with Santa, Aggie Hall 1110 1st Ave. Advance purchase tickets available at FJCC $5 Dec. 11, Super Santa Saturday, special shopping opportunities, entertainment & draws downtown Ladysmith and Coronation MallDec 11, 3:30 & 7:30pm, Winter Harp, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Dec 11, 6pm, Mt. Brenton Power & Sail Squadron Christmas Lights Cruise, Transfer Beach Dec 11, 6:20pm, Chemainus Traditional Carol Ship Cruise 250-246-3947 Dec 11, 8pm, David Gogo, Dancing Bean Café 250-246-5050 Dec 11, 8pm, Georgia’s Belly Dancing Extravaganza, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Dec 12, 2:30pm, Kids Park Fundraiser, Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Rd. Dec 12, 2:30pm, Christmas Eve in Scotland, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Dec 12, 6pm, Ladysmith Festival of Choirs, Bethel Tabernacle Church 250-245-8221 Dec 12, 8pm, Tannis Slimmon/Reid Jamison, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Dec 13, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Job Search Support Group, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 13-16, MED - Advanced Fire Fighting, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455Dec 13, 7:30pm, Jazzy Nutcracker, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Dec 14, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Computer Basics for Beginners, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134

Dec 14, 7:30pm, Irish Rovers, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Dec 15, 9:30am, Employment Navigators Workshop Internet and Email Job Search, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 15, 4pm, The Pottery Store Open House, 9745 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-2594 Dec 15, 7pm, Appies with Shamim Cooking Class, Worldly Gourmet 250-245-7307 Dec 15, 5pm, Stz’uminus First Nation Fundraiser, Cottonwood Golf Course 250-245-0109 Dec 16, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 16, 6pm, Family Christmas, Cotton Club 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157 Dec 17, 7pm, Advent Reconciliation Penitential, St. Mary’s Catholic Church 250-245-3414 Dec 18-31, 1:30&7:30pm, Family Christmas Show, Bailey Studio 250-758-7224 Dec 18, 7pm, The Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus, TheatreOne Nanaimo 250-754-7587 Dec 18, 7:30pm, The Heart of Christmas, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Dec 18, 8pm, Kennedy Christmas, Dancing Bean Café 250-246-5050Dec 19, 9am, Children’s Christmas Program, St. John’s Anglican Church 250-245-5512 Dec 19, 9:30am, Advent Service & Christmas Pageant, St. Philips Anglican Church 250-722-3455 Dec 19, 2pm, The Heart of Christmas, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Dec 20, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Job Search Support Group, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 21, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Resume 101, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 22, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop MS Word Basics & Beyond, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134 Dec 23, 9am, Employment Navigators Workshop Crafting Your Cover Letter, 710 1st Ave. 250-245-7134


Dec 24, 4:30 & 10:30pm, Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist, St. John’s Anglican Church 250-245-5512 Dec 24, 6pm, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Bethel Tabernacle Church 250-245-8221 Dec 24, 7pm, Christingle Service, St. Philips Anglican Church 250-722-3455 Dec 24, 9pm, Christmas Eve Mass, St. Mary’s Catholic Church 250-245-3414 Dec 24, 9:30pm, Carols by Candlelight, Cedar United Church 250-740-5775 Dec 24,11pm, Midnight Service, St. Philips Anglican Church 250-722-3455 Dec 25, 9am, Christmas Day Mass, St. Mary’s Catholic Church 250-245-3414 Dec 25, 10am, Christmas Day Service, St. Philips Anglican Church 250-722-3455 Dec 25, 7:30pm, Christmas Morning Holy Communion, St. John’s Anglican Church 250-245-5512 Dec 26, 9:30am, Lessons and Carols, St. Philips Anglican Church 250-722-3455 Dec 26-31, Norman Robbins Grand Old Duke of York, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 Dec 31, 7pm, New Years Eve Dinner & Dance, Cotton Club 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-245-5157

JanuaryJan 3-6, Simulated Electronic Navigation Ltd. (SEN Ltd), Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 10-13, MED STCW Basic Safety Training, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 11, Investor Ready Workshop, Nanaimo 250-753-8324 Jan 11-14, MED - Survival Craft, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan12, 8pm, Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jan13, 8pm, Ryan McMahon & the Company Damn, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jan 14, 7:30pm, Howie Miller, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Jan15, 8pm, Brian Dun, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246

Jan16, 8pm, Alfi e Zappocosta, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jan 17-19, Restricted Operator Certifi cate: Maritime Commercial, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 17- Feb 4, Ship Construction & Stability Level 3, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 20-21, Marine Basic First Aid, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 20, 7:30am, LDBA Annual General Meeting, Ladysmith Royal Canadian Legion Jan 20, 8pm, Marc Ross, Duncan Garage Showroom 250-748-7246 Jan 21-22, 7:30pm, Old Wine in New Bottles, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Jan 23- Mar 22, Bridge Watch Rating, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 24-27, MED - Survival Craft, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 27-Feb 13, Torch Song Trilogy, Vancouver Island Players, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 Jan 28 - Feb 19, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820Jan 29, 7:30pm, Victoria Symphony Angela Cheng, Cowichan Theatre 250-748-7529Jan 30, 2:30pm, Rich Little, The Port Theatre 250-754-8550 Jan 31- Feb 3, MED - Advanced Fire Fighting, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 31-Feb14, MASTER LIMITED Chartwork & Pilotage Level 1 Navigational Safety Level 1, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455 Jan 31 - Feb 23, FISHING MASTER 4 Chartwork & Pilotage Level 1 Navigational Safety Level 1 Ship Construction & Stability Level 1, Western Maritime Institute & Maritime Education Associates 250-245-4455Visit the TAKE 5 website for a full events calendar. www. take5.caSpecial discount ad rates available for non-profi t groups. Free events listings.

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RDN - Area ABY JOE BURNETT

Update Area ‘A’ Offi cial Community Plan Review: The OCP Citizens Committee met on Nov. 8, to address the remaining items to be incorporated into the draft OCP. RDN staff is fi -nalizing changes to the draft and the completed document will be presented to the RDN Board in the near future to begin the adoption process.

More than two years of public consultation have shaped the Area ‘A’ Offi cial Community Plan.

All residents of Area ‘A’ are encouraged to review the plan document which is available on the project website @ www.asharedcommunityvision.ca and hard copies may be requested by contacting the RDN at 250-390-6510.

Cedar Skate/Bike Park: Cedar Skate Park Association has been patiently waiting, hoping for a grant application opportu-nity to arise that could provide a contribution towards the build-ing of the skate board park. The Province has just announced that they are continuing with the Towns For Tomorrow Grant

Program. Only one grant is available for each Municipality or Regional District. I am pleased to report the RDN Board has supported an application to be submitted for Area ‘A’s skate/bike park. RDN staff will make an application for this provin-cial grant to obtain necessary funds that will enable the RDN to proceed with the development and construction of the park. The Towns of Tomorrow grant program provides different scales of funding based on population of the Municipality or Regional District Electoral Area where the project is being proposed. Electoral Area ‘A’ which has an approximate population of 6751 (based on Stats Canada 2006 Census) does fall into the defi ned category of a community with a population between 5000 and 15000. In this category the cost sharing is 75/25 – 75 per cent provincial contribution and 25 per cent local govern-ment contribution.

In February 2009, the RDN retained a consultation team spe-cializing in design and construction of skate parks to develop concept designs and determine the project cost for development and construction of the skate park. The consultant estimated the

cost to be $482,040. Most provincial and federal grants require signifi cant local

government contributions to be eligible. On Oct. 27, 2009, the RDN Board granted approval to commit $139,000 to the proj-ect from the Electoral Area ‘A’ Community Parks Operational Reserve Fund. The RDN grant application is for $361,530. Should the application be successful the RDN would have up to $500,530 to complete the development and construction of the skate/bike park. The application deadline is Jan. 14, 2011 so we should know early in the New Year whether or not the applica-tion was successful.

Parks, Recreation and Culture CommissionThe PR&C offers a Grant-in-Aid program for local commu-

nity non-profi t organizations and groups providing recreation and culture services within Area ‘A’. The PR&C Commission at its last meeting reviewed and approved grant applications for this period. I was disappointed to see there was only one quali-fying application submitted. There is $10,000 allotted annually for non-profi t organizations and groups to make applications to help provide with programs and events. Should the funds not be applied for and not allotted the funds are carried forward to the next year as is the situation this year, so I encourage Area ‘A’ non-profi t organizations and groups to be prepared to submit their applications when the next round of grants are advertised.

Stay safe during the festive season. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Joe Burnett, (250) 722-2656; email: [email protected]

CVRD - Area H

BY MARY MARCOTTE Public Hearings:Two consecutive public hearings were held

in North Oyster on Nov. 4, 2010 at the North Oyster Commu-nity Centre on Cedar Road. The fi rst hearing on Habitat Pro-tection for Herons in the Diamond, and the second hearing on OCP amendments to comply with Provincial Carbon Reduction Legislation. I want to thank all of those who participated in the hearing process. Your input is very valuable to me and the other CVRD Directors who were in attendance. I will keep you

informed to the Boards decision.Environmental Initiatives Bylaw No. 3359 Alternate Approv-

al Process: I have been hearing concerns regarding the Alternate Approval Process that is underway. This process requires that in order to avoid automatic adoption of the new bylaw, at least 10 per cent of the residents in the entire Cowichan Valley area must sign an Elector Response Form in opposition to the estab-lishment of a function to promote environment initiatives over the entire CVRD area. To defeat this initiative, at least 5,716 qualifi ed service area electors must sign the form by Nov. 29. In my mind, this is a daunting, if not impossible, task. Elector Response Forms may be downloaded from the CVRD website.

I can assure you that although I support some of the proposed environmental initiatives, I cannot and did not support the Al-ternate Approval Process. Because all of the 15 Directors who represent the citizens of the Cowichan Valley at the Board table vote on all public approval processes, the democratic process can sometimes result in -- what seems to be an undemocratic process - being approved instead of a referendum. The Oct. 13, Board minutes refl ect that I was the only Director who voted in opposition to Board Resolution #10-528.

If you wish to learn why the majority of the CVRD Board members supported this process, please feel free to contact the Board Chair, Gerry Giles at the toll free number 1-800-665-3955 or at the following email address: [email protected].

Proposed North Oyster Fire Hall Building Project:As you are aware, on May 31, the NOVFD Ad Hoc Com-

mittee made several recommendations on the long term build-ing requirements for the North Oyster Fire Protection Service Area. The Cowichan Valley Regional District, in conjunction with the North Oyster Fire Protection Service Commission, the North Oyster Fire Department and the Ad Hoc Committee has been following up on those recommendations.

At previous public meetings, there was general support for the concept of the proposed building project. However, further information was requested on building design, service to the Coffi n Point area and the impact on your taxes. The next stage of design work is now complete including a design proposal for a satellite hall in the Coffi n Point area and a professionally prepared cost estimate. It is anticipated that a detailed explana-tion of the property tax impact will be available in time for the second of the meetings discussed below.

Two Public Information Meetings have been scheduled; at the North Oyster Community Centre, across the street from the Elementary School, at 7pm. Please attend these meetings to as-sist us in deciding the future of the North Oyster Fire Depart-ment. The next meeting is Dec. 9.

CVRD - Area G

BY MEL DOREYTrans Canada Trail through SaltairOriginally, the Trans Canada Trail through Saltair had been

planned to go along a widened Chemainus Road from Chemai-nus through to Ladysmith. The plan now is to re-route most of it along the railway right of way. Because the railway is now owned by the Island Corridor Foundation, this is more easily accommodated and there is better cooperation. The Island Cor-ridor Foundation is actually owned by all the municipalities and


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regional districts along its route. So the people of Saltair have part ownership in the foundation.

The senior governments have also taken a greater interest in the trail and come up with greater funding than was originally planned. This year alone we have spent $1.8 million on sev-eral sections starting at Lake Cowichan coming down along the north side of the Cowichan River to North Cowichan. Two new bridges have been built as well. The grant funding came from Western Economic Diversifi cation, Regionally Signifi cant Gas Tax Fund and the Island Coastal Economic Trust and some cap-ital funding from our Regional Parks Budget of the CVRD.

The trail is also following the Catalyst waterline route through parts of North Cowichan in 2011. Two sections have already been built in Chemainus and one section in Saltair.

The Saltair section is a 1.5 km trail along the railway that trav-els from Stocking Creek Park to Watts Road with a trailhead in the middle at Finch Place. Landscaping will be completed at Finch Place with signage, parking area, a water fountain and resting benches. This section of the trail will help walkers and cyclists avoid the dangerous section down by the Davis Lagoon Bridge. This is all part of the plan to make Saltair a more pedes-trian friendly community with cycling routes for commuting. You want to live in a community where you can walk or bike safely to where you need to go; it’s also better for your health. If you are out walking and engaging with others in the commu-nity it is psychologically more benefi cial to you and others. Not driving so much also saves the life of your car, cuts down on vehicle emissions and saves money. In some cases it can mean that you need one less car.

These trails are not for off-road motorized vehicles. The CVRD bylaw enforcement offi cer will be monitoring use on the trail. It is hoped that a stewardship group can also be formed to help with the care and use of the trail.

Beautifying Centennial ParkLandscaping of the north entrance to Centennial Park is now

complete. Extra landscaping around the gazebo is completed as well to complement the memorial trees that were planted there a few years ago. If members of the community have a loved one that they want to remember by dedicating a tree they can con-tact me to make arrangements. In the spring we will try to plant some more trees to make Centennial Park a more interesting place as well as a more beautiful place. If you want to be a part of the beautifi cation program, contact me as well at 250-245-2116 or [email protected].

Some assembly required

Debbie Travis and I are now offi cial enemies. You don’t know whom I am Debbie but that only makes me more dangerous and harder to stop. I’m going to do something really, really mean to you, like put worms in your stew or make you the judge on the new reality show, Flatulence With The Stars, where your only responsibility is to breathe deep and utter statements like, “Who would have thought Pamela’s diminutive stomach could produce such—cough, cough— awesome results?”

For those of you who don’t know, Debbie is a home decorating guru who has her own T.V. show. Plus, she’s big on product endorsement, which is how her smiling face was on the box of a small piece of furniture my wife brought home. Nantucket Wall Cabinet the box said, but what they were really trying to describe was a medicine cabinet, which is interesting because we already had a perfectly good medicine cabinet.

Being cool, calm and collected, I

didn’t fl ip out when the cabinet greeted me in the entryway. Mainly because the box was approximately 18 inches by 24, pretty much the size of a medicine cabinet. Obviously the little bastard’s as-sembled, I thought.

WRONG! If you borrow your patholo-gist buddy’s microscope, turn it up to full power, and look real close, you’ll just be able to discern the words on the box that will destroy a marriage far quicker than any affair, even one with the prize win-ning sheep dog next door. SOME AS-SEMBLY REQUIRED.

Some? There are full-scale models of New York City that have fewer parts. How someone could take such a sim-ple enclosure and break it down into so many components is an engineering marvel that makes the ancient pyramids look like a minor construction job. This engineering brilliance was also applied to the instruction diagrams, masterpieces of devious ambiguity.

The instructions were obviously drawn up by a group of people having a good laugh at the assembler’s expense. “Enough of this join part one to part two, let’s tell the sucker that the fi rst fi ve parts have to be inserted together simultane-ously. That way he’s got to get his wife involved in addition to using his teeth. Ooh boy, will that frost his cookies.”

Debbie’s perversity knows no bounds. Not only does she include a logging truckload of wooden dowels, she also includes not one but two tubes of glue. This is interesting because the cabinet can be assembled without glue. That’s right, Debbie is toying with you. “Come on Buddy, show me what a man you are. Put some glue on those dowels, push those parts together.”

Debbie knows the deliberately cryptic drawings will result in assembling then completely disassembling the unit at least three times, which is not easy with glued dowels. Phone calls from neigh-

bours complaining about the swearing will of course interrupt this process a dozen times or more.

What amazes me is that our govern-ment, who we pay good money to pro-tect us from people like Debbie, does absolutely nothing about shutting her down. Meanwhile they force the poor beer manufacturers to post warnings about operating machinery when con-suming. This is interesting when every lawn tractor comes with six cup holders and a ‘fun starts at .08’ bumper sticker.

And while we’re at it, why did Debbie make this medicine cabinet just slightly smaller than the old one, necessitating painting the whole bathroom? Coinci-dence? I don’t think so.

If our consumer protection branch were doing more than protecting their cushy jobs, Debbie’s smiling face would be replaced on all her products with stern warnings like:

- Purchase likely to cause divorce.- Protective ear wear mandatory.- Flying screwdrivers and hammer for

next 10 miles.- All children must be removed to next

Province during assembly.- If your name is Debbie, run!The interesting thing is that our wives

know how diffi cult these assembly op-erations are. They know how much we hate it, but they buy from Debbie any-way. It’s like that old test where the woman throws her cell phone (or was that a scarf) into the lion pit to see if Joe Stud will prove himself by retrieving it.

But fear not. I will not let the rest of you male consumers down. I’m going to fi ght this injustice. In the middle of the night I’m going to deliver, Trojan Horse style, a deluxe BBQ, unassembled, to Debbie’s place. I will doctor the parts, subtract a few here, and add a few there. We’ll put Debbie’s marriage to the test and after her husband leaves her she’ll be glad of the Flatulence gig.

If, on the other hand, Debbie has struck fi rst and there’s a Debbie Travis medi-cine chest waiting for you, might I sug-gest an excellent bottle of white wine to ease you through the assembly process. From Spain, Basa, $17.99, #586016. You’ll probably have to order it, but all that takes is a phone call.

Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House restaurant in Cedar.


“Debbie’s perversity knows no bounds.”

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OTBP’s FavouritesAs 2010 draws to an end, I fi nd myself

refl ecting on the year’s achievements and personal experiences while also planning goals for the new year. Since January, my family has logged over 50 outdoor adventures together. Activities ranged from snowshoeing, hiking and biking to canoeing and kayaking. We planned day trips, urban getaways, multi day excursions, and week long adven-tures. While reviewing the list, I thought it would be fun if the family voted for the best adventures. The votes have been tallied; the results are OTBP’s favourites for 2010.

OTBP’s favourite day hike: Lone Tree Hill. Located in the Victoria High-lands, this is a great trail for families. A short 1.3 km climb to the top of the hill is rewarded with a 360 degree view. My fondest memory is standing at the sum-mit, slowly turning a full circle. As I turned, the view changed from the hills of the Highlands to urban Victoria, on to the heights of the Malahat and across the waters of the Georgia Strait. The rocky hilltop allowed for plenty of room to ex-plore and fi nd the “lone tree”, a decay-ing trunk of a 200 year-old Douglas-fi r. Thankfully there is an Arbutus tree that has taken over the title. I would recom-mend hiking this trail in early spring when the hillsides are painted with wild-fl owers such as fawn lilies, shooting stars and camas. Don’t forget your camera.

OTBP’s favourite canoe trip: Say-ward Forest Canoe Route. North of Campbell River, the 50 km canoe route is a series of lakes connected with eight km of trails. The route takes about four days to complete using the trails to por-

tage from one lake to the next. We did not canoe the entire route but did enjoy two days paddling along Mohun Lake and Goose Lake. A great part of this ad-venture was getting all our gear, the four of us and the dog in the canoe. It was a team effort and we all had our job to do. Dad steers, I paddle, Ben takes pic-tures and Liv entertains us. I’m not sure what the dog’s job is but he better start contributing soon. This canoe adventure was our favourite because of the quiet and serene setting of the Sayward For-est. In two days we saw only one other canoe. We camped on a little island on Mohun Lake and it felt like we were the only ones left on this earth. Hard to be-lieve this is BC’s most extensively man-aged forest.

OTBP’s favourite backpacking trip:Forbidden Plateau in Strathcona Park. We had two reasons for selecting this lo-cation for our three day, two night back-packing trip with the children: the sub-alpine starting point and looped trails. Mt. Washington’s Raven Lodge is the trailhead for backcountry hiking to the Forbidden Plateau. Beginning in the sub alpine reduces the effort of getting up to higher elevations. Looped trails are ideal because they offer new scenery for the entire hike. Our planned route was the Helen MacKenzie/Battleship Lake 8km loop. We were confi dent the children could hike 4km to the fi rst campsite at Lake Helen MacKenzie and after seeing them tackle that with ease, we changed the plan for day two. Instead of camping two nights at Helen MacKenzie, we con-tinued another 4km and camped at Kwai Lake. Now our only concern was the 8km return hike which would make the total distance hiked 16km by the end of day three. Words can not even describe

Backpacking the Forbidden Plateau in Strathcona Park


how proud I was of Ben and Liv. They stepped every inch of that trail, carried their own backpacks and fi nished with smiles on their faces.

OTBP’s favourite family bike ride: Cowichan Valley Trail. I can not believe this made the list. My vote was for our two day biking trip on Galiano Island. We enjoyed warm weather, biked past some of the best scenery Galiano Island has to offer and managed to avoid rain in the forecast. Spontaneous stops added to this journey. I can still taste the Lahaina Pizza at the Hum-mingbird Pub; chunks of pineapple, slices of ham, onions and a sweet tomato sauce covered in melted cheese… all washed down with ciders and apple juice. Instead, the rest of the family votes for a cold, wet, and miserable January 10km bike ride. We did not avoid the rain on this trip, nor was there a fabulous stop for lunch. Aside from the misery I endured, the Cowichan Valley Trail is spectacular. Following an abandoned rail line, from the town of Lake Cowichan to Shawnigan Lake, the trail features seven trestles and scenic views of the Cowichan River. The trail is fl at and well groomed, making it perfect for little peddlers. Three out of four votes were because the bike ride was memorable, I guess being soaked head to toe is worth re-membering….part of the adventure I was told.

OTBP’s unfi nished business: Mt. Benson. Some times things don’t always go as planned. I hear the view from the top of Mt. Benson is impressive, on a clear day you can see most of central Vancouver Island. Looking east you see Vancouver and Mt Baker, Hornby and Texada Island to the north, and Duncan to the south. We chose the steepest but shortest route on our attempt to reach the top. That decision turned out to be our mis-take. It was a nagging knee injury on another member of our party that had us stop and turn back. Never risk an injury no matter the reward. We will get our chance to snap a picture from the summit some day; the mountain is not going anywhere.

Sounds like the perfect New Year’s resolution to me.

View of Mohun Lake from our private island campsite

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Rat Tales The southeast wind was howling

and the rain was blowing sideways. I was warm and comfortable in bed. The power had gone out hours ago, but what did that matter. I knew that brave Hydro guys were out there freezing and racking up the O.T. But something had woken me up. There it was again. Sounded like somebody playing soccer in the living room. Groggily, I pulled on my dressing gown and made my way through the dark house. Quiet now, everything seemed fi ne. Our old, sway bellied, over weight cat appeared at my ankles and asked me something. As I am not fl uent in cat, I fi gured she was just asking me what I was doing up or commenting on the weather. I said something very rude to her and returned to bed. You can say anything you want to a cat as long as you use a nice tone of voice.

Hours later, I sat bolt upright in bed. The soccer game had moved to the bedroom. I turned on the light. Thanks Hydro guys. The clock said 4:30 and the cat was rampaging under the dresser. I grabbed the beast and passed her to the long haired one who shut her in the bathroom. You know how women have to have a bunch of decorative cushions on the bed during the day? These were piled against the dresser and behind a laun-dry basket. One by one I slowly lifted them away. A large rat cowered on top of the fi nal cushion. On receiving this news, the long haired one leaped onto the bed and stood there issuing helpful suggestions. I went and got a small bucket and a towel. I maneuvered the rat until it reluctantly crawled into the bucket and I covered it with the towel. It was quite docile, tired I ex-pect, as the poor thing had been forced to play nasty cat games half the night. I asked the long haired one if she wanted to see

and lifted a corner of the towel. She retreated to a far corner of the bed. I guess not. The rat was liberated in the back yard. I know. They are vermin and should be killed. I advocate bonk-ing bunnies but won’t kill a rat. What a hypocrite. The long haired one got down off the bed. The cat, released, prowled and searched the bedroom for a while and then sat, glaring at me. Another gift not appreciated.

The cat has pulled this caper before. One summer evening, she bounded up the stairs, dropped a small rat and proudly an-nounced her prowess. As I bent to examine the prize, it came to life and scurried into the dining room, playing possum. The cat, hot on its heels, cornered it behind a plant stand. She was shut in the bathroom and I approached with a towel. The rat ran for it, down the stairs and under our infrared sauna. Now, we had to get this critter out of the house so we brainstormed. We shut all doors except the front door so there was no place for the rodent to go but out. The long haired one stood on the stairs to block that avenue. I lay on my belly with a fl ashlight and a long stick and peered under the sauna; about a three inch gap. I poked at the frightened critter as it dodged the stick. Suddenly, I guess blinded by the fl ashlight, it ran at me, up my arm, across my face and head and down my back. I screamed like a teenage girl at a horror movie. The terrifi ed rat scurried around the room, down the hall and out the front door. I can still feel those tiny claws on my scalp. Never a dull moment at our place.

I was really looking forward to hate mail after my bunny arti-cle last month. None, darn it. Either no one reads my stuff or everyone agrees with me. Write to me c/o [email protected]

“... All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,

all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.”

–Cecil Francis Alexander, 1848, Mark ree Cas tle, near Sli go, Ire land

“Stretching from the Tantramar Marshes ...to the village of Saint Martins

the Bay of Fundy Biosphere Reserve encompasses dramatic coastline, vast mudfl ats, extensive marshes,

Acadian Forests and much more.”www.freshairadventure.com/biosphere.html

Mid Island Biosphere Reserve

A Christmas quiz, if you will, inspired by beauty and love of life.

What does Cecil Alexander and the Bay of Fundy Biosphere Reserve have in common with us of the mid-island? Heritage? Courage? Divine inspiration? Appreciation of the wonders, wisdom and tenacity hidden within the beaches, reaches and capriciousness of Cedar, Yellowpoint, Ladysmith and region?

Yup, all that and more. For they have dared to look inside, and to strive for a greatness beyond themselves. And in the doing of their achievements, fi res our hearts and stoke our souls, rewarding and benefi ting us all.

And we of the mid island have been given the chance to see if we might live up to such a challenge in the year ahead? Greatness lies ripe and tantalizing before us my friends.

It comes in the form of a local propos-al, for a ‘Mid Island Biosphere Reserve’ for Cedar, Yellowpoint, Ladysmith; noted as you may recall by our MLA Doug Routley in the Legislature some two years ago. (http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th4th/h81125p.htm)

I hasten to add that this proposal still waits to be achieved ...but isn’t just a

surfeit of carrots and divine incentives to encourage us along the way. Personal rewards, our highest aspirations for so-ciety, the betterment of all the wee crea-tures and beasties, (including human-kind) ...all this at our doorstep.

I’m talking of the funds, research and support from UNESCO and national and provincial governments for retaining our region sustainably as a biosphere re-serve. We could get such fi nancial, tour-ism and development incentives, as well as maintain this coastal region’s historic, natural and cultural values and assets.

All the pieces of the puzzle are in place and available --.awaiting interested locals, leaders and community boosters alike to roll up their sleeves with public meetings planned to begin afresh in the new year. (Mid Island’ Biosphere Reserve proposal; www.missimidisland.com)

In this vein some of you may have seen our capital region friends from Victoria, who’ve grasped the thistle and begun such public forums as of late Novem-ber? Well that debate, and the tangible benefi ts to the South Island’s economy, communities and living/breathing eco-logical systems are all applicable to us here and now in the mid island. (www.timescolonist.com/technology/Groups+want+UNESCO+designation+Vancouver+Island/3839625/story.html)

In 2011 then we could, together, con-sider a vision for our local region - one that would last the next 100 years and more. A vision that will see the beauty and heritage, special places and species protected along with a thriving and sus-tainable economy, a lasting legacy and lifetime investment that will continue to give for all generations to come.

So what about it? Are you prepared to be great, to do great, to think about the future and to act in the present? Do you want our mid island region’s rare trea-sures and attributes, our exceptional di-versity of wise and wonderful things, to be protected and to enrich the world, for all to enjoy, forevermore?

Do you have room on your list of new year’s resolutions for just one more thing? Something you might do with friends and family and community in mind? Something that would be fun and inspiring and educational and creative?

Something that would make our ances-tors proud for all the sacrifi ces they made, the bold hope and vision that challenged

them and brought them here to these raw coastal regions not so very long ago. Something that meets the essential needs we’ll have for work and food and com-munity, that all creatures great and small might share and benefi t from?

And last but not least, something soul inspiring, that speaks of the holy and the vast expanse of earth’s beauty, that makes us wonder at our luck in settling on an island at the edge of the pacifi c continental shelf, by a sea and lands that might forever replenish the cornucopia of life and hope we hold essential and dear to our hearts.

A biosphere reserve then, offering a balance between nature and economy, offers all this and more. With this prom-ise we might release the festive season in us all, to replenish and nurture it year round, stoking that desire within us to work together for a common cause, for one and all.

No small feat, but I’m confi dent we can do it! The Christmas spirit, hopes and dreams live all the year round when there’s a willingness to give a little of ourselves for a greater good.

All it takes is to look out your window, and to think a little about where you live, and how fulfi lling it is to have found a community and niche that satisfi es - a place that could inspire souls and nurture communities for generations to come.

Now is the time my friends, and this is your chance. 2011 beckons and spar-kles, a rare gem of a year when anything might come true.

Laurie Gourlay has worked with environ-mental groups for 30 years, farms 20 acres organically on Vancouver Island with life-partner Jackie Moad whilst wishing upon a star, walking with the wee beasties, and run-ning Thistle Consulting Services – seeking local solutions to global challenges.


TAKE 5 take5.ca 55

In 2009, Ladysmith taxpayers paid out $5,614,084 for municipal purposes. This means that 14 per cent of these tax dol-lars went to pay seven senior staff mem-bers. In comparison, Ladysmith’s other 78 unionized municipal employees were paid a total of $3,467,837, and received annual increases of 3-3.5 per cent. This averages $44,459 each. In the Town of Ladysmith’s 2009 Municipal Report, it shows that the median income for a resident of Ladysmith was only $25,498

Town’s top earnersBY ROB JOHNSON

How much does it cost to administer our Town?

A recently released report, by the Town of Ladysmith, called the “Statement of Financial Information for 2009” shows that nine of the Town’s employees were paid a total of $948,729 last year. Seven of those top 9 wage earners were salaried staff making from a low of $88,232 to a high of $171,531 last year. In addition to these wages the Town also paid benefi ts to them. The following is a summary of wages for senior staff with the per cent increase of their salaries since 2005.

City Manager, $171,531, up 65.11 per cent.

Manager of Development Services, $102,646, up 28.19 per cent.

Manager of Corporate Services, $105,683, up 40.45 per cent.

Director of Financial Services, $91,328, up 14.07 per cent.

Director of Public Works, $111,861, up 26.99 per cent.

Director of Parks, Rec, and Culture, $112,646.00, up 36.33 per cent.

Manager of Administrative Services, $88,232. (a new position)

The total cost for administration over these past 4 years has risen by 53.71%, from $509,993.44 to $783,993.44, be-fore the costs of benefi ts are added.

How do these wages compare to other municipalities? The City Manager for Parksville (just over three times our pop-ulation of 8,400) received $132,419.32 last year. The City Manager for the Mu-nicipality of North Cowichan which is more than three times our population received $176,278. While their Director of Finance earned $116,190 and their Di-rector of Administration made $129,495. The City Manager of View Royal, a city about 1,000 more people that Ladysmith was paid $125,467.

and the median household income was $50,053 (2005 dollars as per 2006 cen-sus).

The Canadian Federation of Inde-pendent Business last week released a report entitled “BC Municipal Spending Watch”. In it, it shows that Ladysmith is spending 55 per cent above what they were spending per cap a back in 2000. This is after making adjustments for in-fl ation and population growth. The re-port states “Municipalities need to fi nd ways to limit the growth in the amount spent on wages and benefi ts; otherwise their long term fi nancial viability is at risk”.

The Town of Ladysmith seems to be paying top wages and needs to ensure that we are paying our senior staff a fair wage, but Council must exercise control so that we don’t go over board. They have a responsibility to the public to demonstrate fi nancial responsibility.

At least that’s as I see it...

Comments on this and any other columns I have written welcomed. [email protected]

Ariel view of Ladysmith. Photo Cindy

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58 take5.ca

TAKE 5 take5.ca 61

Santa’s 2010 Christmas list

Well, dear reader, believe it or not, Christmas is upon us. Once again, with a little haggling and fi nagling, I managed to get a sneak peak at Santa’s Christmas List. Now, each year when this happens, I promise myself I won’t reveal the con-tents, and each year I realize how crappy I am at keeping secrets. So here we go with Santa’s 2010 Christmas List:

To Barack Obama: A more understand-ing and knowledgeable public. To use two recent examples, polls show that only 12 per cent of Americans know that he cut their taxes, while twice as many are posi-tive he actually raised them. On top of that, 81 per cent of Americans believe his health

care reforms will increase the defi cit when it’s been shown that the reforms will ac-tually help decrease the defi cit. This dis-connect is alarming, to say the least.

To Marina, our editor: An entire year of made deadlines and less use of the term ‘booger’ in this column.

To the City of Toronto: An actual, real life NHL hockey team. To Vancouver Canucks fans: A play-off spot, and maybe even a berth in Lord Stanley’s fi nal twosome.

To Hilkka Virtanen: Another great Christmas for the best Grandma a guy could hope for.

To the B.C. Liberal Party: Diane Watts, Carole Taylor, or Christy Clark. To the NDP: Gregor Robertson.

To B.C. Voters: Some people are of the opinion we were given an early Christ-mas present when some guy named Gor-don stepped down, but we beg to differ. It would’ve been pretty awesome to see how he’d do at the ballot box. As a consolation Christmas gift, though, Santa’s going to give us a Christy Clark/Carole Taylor/Diane Watts versus Gregor Robertson showdown, which should prove fun to watch.

To Pam Anderson: A street named after

the most famous Ladysmithian out there. To my friends and family: Ooodles and

oodles (and yes, I’m perfectly aware that a man should never utter the word ‘oodles’, but what the heck? I just did) of gratitude for the love and support you have shown during this interesting end of the year for me. You’re all the best!

To all the people out there going through a rough patch in their lives right now: A peaceful and joyous holiday season. Deal-ing with life’s curveballs can be daunting enough, and Christmas can sometimes make it feel even tougher. Let’s not sink too low over the holidays, okay? We’re still on the right side of the ground, so let’s not forget that.

And last, but never least, to you, dear reader: May Santa bring you peace, love, and happiness during the festive season. The comments and advice you give me anywhere from grocery store aisles to Transfer Beach’s shoreline to a barstool at the Sporty, I truly listen and love the feed-back. Without you, things would be mighty lonely over here on the Other Side.

Have a happy Christmas and a Merry New Year, everyone.


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