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DECEMBER 2012Chemainus, British Columbia, CanadaVOLUME 5, NUMBER 7Muni looking for cash for Chemainus projectsCommunity members attending a workshop outlined their visions for a new town centre at Waterwheel Park.By Warren GouldingOf The CourierNORTH COWICHAN – North Cowichan and folks inChemainus have visions of a revitalized communitydancing in their heads. But just where the money is goingto come from to build a new library, spruce up WaterwheelPark and beautify the downtown core isn’t clear.North Cowichan councillors are still several weeksaway from finalizing the Municipality’s 2013 budget andcapital spending priorities for the next five years. But ChiefAdministrative Officer Dave Devana says council willhave to make some tough decisions in the coming weeksand some of them will have a direct impact on shapingChemainus.Plans to re-develop the Waterwheel Park area, after NorthCowichan opted to give the Vancouver Island Regional Librarya corner lot across the street, may be delayed, Devana says.“We’re looking at an all weather field for the ShermanRoad Park and the Town Square and both are contingent on usgetting grants,” Devana said.“We only have enough money to do one, not both,” headded.“If the Sherman Road all weather field project doesn’tgo ahead in 2013, the Chemainus Festival Square couldhappen in 2013 and not 2014. This is assuming land salestake place. We still have to sell the property.”The estimated cost for improvements to WaterwheelSquare is $600,000 and the Municipality has applied fora $200,000 grant but Devana says he won’t know if therequest will be approved for some time.The Municipality is also facing an estimated $270,000bill to demolish the old fire hall to make way for the library.And council will be asked to decide if it wants to chip in$150,000 to provide space for the Visitor InformationCentre next to the expanded Chemainus Museum.And it gets even more challenging with the commitmentNorth Cowichan has made to find temporary homesfor Cowichan Neighbourhood House and the Chamber ofCommerce once the fire hall is razed.“Staff doesn’t have a solution yet to the relocation ofNeighbourhood House but we’re exploring some options,”Devana said.Discussions are underway between NeighbourhoodHouse and North Cowichan and one of the key issues isthe amount of space the organization says it requires.Estimates range between 1,500 and the 3,500 square feetNeighbourhood House would like.Continued on Page 3

2 Chemainus Valley Courier DECEMBER 2012New B.I.A. chair tackles apathyJust when Doug Smith thought hewas about to enter a more tranquil periodof his life, he’s found a project that willtest his skills and, almost certainly, hisfortitude.A relative newcomer to Chemainus –he and his wife, Judy, have been here forless than a year – Doug says he wassurprised to wind up on the board ofdirectors of the Chemainus BusinessImprovement Association after showingup at the organization’s annual generalmeeting in early November.A week later, he was caught off guardonce again when the new board electedhim chair of the BIA. Talk about a rapidclimb to the top.Smith is a no-nonsense kind of a guywith an outstanding track record inbusiness, including a successful decadeas the owner of a Saskatoon business. Thatalone, makes him a winner in my books,given my Saskatchewan bias.But it’s his determination to make adifference in a community that he hasfallen in love with that really intrigues me.He’s new to the position and will have abit of a learning curve before he understandsthe lay of the land, but he’s sayingall the right things at this early stage.“I want to light afire,” he says. “I wantto see people in ourcommunity excitedabout being here.“I want to walkdown the streets ofChemainus and seepeople smiling andwaving becausethey’re happy to be here.”Smith talks about ridding the town ofapathy and inspiring people to becomeenthusiastic and passionate aboutChemainus. He spent much of his life inVictoria and fondly recalls frequent visitsto Chemainus and the positive energy thecommunity exuded in the glory years.“I’m old enough to remember whenChemainus became The Little Town ThatDid and I’d like to see us get back to that.”Since he hasn’t been elected Pharaoh,Smith’s powers will be somewhat limited.It’s his powers of persuasion that will betested. He is, after all, the chair of ataxpayer funded entity that should befocused on promoting the community anddoing whatever it canto improve thebusiness environmentin Chemainus.Smith clearlyunderstands the roleof business inmaking a communitya livable place.When thebusiness community erodes, more andmore families move away, there’s nothingto keep young people occupied andeveryone suffers, Smith points out.“It behooves the businesses of thecommunity to spark interest in ourcommunity, not just locally, butthroughout the Island, provincially and ona national and international basis.”Frankly, Smith has arrived inChemainus and on the B.I.A. at a timewhen fresh thinking and new ideas areoverdue. What we’ve been doing for thelast four or five years in terms ofpromoting the community and helpingnew and existing businesses succeedhasn’t been working.The gaping holes on Willow Streetand Chemainus Road tell a sad tale. Morethan 70 businesses have closed their doorsin recent years and, sadly, another dozenlocal enterprises are hanging on by athread.It’s a period of Chemainus history thatSmith doesn’t want to dwell on, preferringto ponder the possibilities of returning thetown to the glory days of a decade or twoago.Exactly how Smith and the othermembers of the new B.I.A. board plan totackle the problems that exist, isn’t yetclear. But the great news is that the newleadership promises to work hard,communicate with the community and dowhat it takes to turn this ship around.“I want to see Chemainus succeed,and I just wanted to help in any way Icould,” he says.“I’m excited about it and I’m thrilledto be here doing what I can.”news@chemainusvalleycourier.ca

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 3Waterwheel Park developmentcould be pushed back to 2014• Continued from Page OneComplicating matters further is the lackof a secure source of funding for some of themore than $18 million in projects the Municipalitywould like to do in 2013. Communitydevelopment projects alone total $3.6million and include things like theChemainus skate park, a Chemainus dogpark and planning for the community centre.Most of the $18 million in capital costsis covered in the budget through grants andother revenue streams.“Property taxes aren’t funding all ofthis, it comes from land developmentfunding,’ Devana explains.“We don’t have a real game plan rightnow. The crunch will come in February.”Devana says he’ll be asking councilfor clear direction on a strategy for sellingland owned by the Muncipality.“We have to get down to a land developmentplan.”Other items on the Chemainuscommunity wish list and contained in theTown Centre Revitalization report appearto be somewhere down the road. Thatincludes improvements to Willow Streetand the downtown core, the seawalk anda community centre. It could be 2015before anything is done in the downtowncore, Devana confirmed.“It would have to be the will of thepeople to change that,” he added.The good news is that there is moneyin place to construct a roundabout at thecorner of River Road and Chemainus Roadin 2013. The only hoop left to negotiate onthat one is North Cowichan’s request for apiece of land from Island Timberlands.Devana says he is confident the landownerwill cooperate and the roundabout will goahead next year.As well, improvements to ChemainusRoad are expected to begin in 2013.A workshop held in Chemainus inNovember provided residents with theopportunity to have input into the futuredesign of what people are calling theChemainus Town Square.Opinions varied with most peopleagreeing that a modest reduction in parkingin Waterwheel Park’s parking lot would beacceptable.But representatives from the museumconfirmed their request that tour buses stillbe permitted to use the parking lot.

4 Chemainus Valley Courier DECEMBER 2012Members of the choral group held a special concert in honour of Mary O’Shea’s98th birthday.(Photo by Warren Goulding)HAPPY BIRTHDAYMary O’Shea enjoys a piece of birthday cake at the Chemainus Seniors Centre asfriends gathered to celebrate her 98th birthday. Mary is the most senior of theseniors at the Centre. She is a member of the Senior Mixed Choral Group thatpractices every Friday morning at the Centre. Congratulations Mary, keep singingand smiling.(Photo by Warren Goulding)

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 5

6 Chemainus Valley Courier DECEMBER 2012OP /EDinionitorialNorth Cowichan shouldconsider Theatre’srequest for assistanceThe Chemainus Theatre Festival is looking for financialsupport from North Cowichan. And they make a cogentargument in asking for a modest $20,000 from the Municipality.Unlike theatre companies in many jurisdictions, theChemainus Theatre doesn’t get much in the way of municipalor provincial assistance. The feds provide zero help.So it’s left to ticket sales, sponsors and other strategiesto cover the costs. In the case of the Chemainus Theatre, theoperating budget is $4.2 million.What has management concerned is the inevitability ofcapital expenditures such as windows and roof repairs thatgo with the territory when you own a 20-year-old building.The Playbill Dining Room, the venue for numerousChemainus events, is looking a little tired and needs to berefurbished.Managing director Randy Huber suggests the Theatrewill be needing somewhere in the neighbourhood of$150,000 in the near future in order to do necessary repairsand improvements.It’s impossible and silly to attempt to put a financial valueon what the Chemainus Theatre Festival means to thecommunity in terms of entertainment value, education,cultural experiences and intangible benefits. But using atrusted economic measure, the presence of the world-classtheatre means an estimated $28 million in economic spinoffs.Council appears to be poised to find a way to accommodatethe Theatre’s request.Perhaps they could take it a few steps further by uppingthe ante to a more useful $50,000 and providing permanentfunding in that neighbourhood.It would be hard to find a better investment in NorthCowichan than the Chemainus Theatre Festival.Box 2229728-2 Chemainus RoadChemainus, BC V0R 1K0PublishersShelley Rouse & Warren GouldingThe Chemainus Valley Courier is published on the lastThursday of each month. Material published in theCourier may be reproduced elsewhere only with thepermission of the publisher.Advertising – (250) 246-1448Editorial – (250) 246-1448news@chemainusvalleycourier.caadvertising@chemainusvalleycourier.caSurprises aboundLife is full of surprises. Asurprise has been sprung on NorthCowichan Council in connectionwith its decision to build the newlibrary on the site of the old firehall. Of course this wasn’t really asurprise, it’s just that during thedebate about where the new libraryshould be located, nobody wantedto talk about some of the issues thatwould flow from the final decision.Vancouver Island RegionalLibrary, the people who willactually build the new facility,prefer a single purpose building.They want clear title to the site andthey want it pollution-free.Before the municipality canturn the property over to VIRL,however, it must carry out anumber of projects related to it.These are going to cost money.This money has not been budgetedbecause, until recently, putting thenew library on the site of the oldfire hall was not part of theChemainus Town Centre RevitalizationPlan. Now it is.To begin, the old fire hall willhave to be torn down now ratherthan later. The most recent estimatefor this is $200,000 to $270,000.The cost of removing asbestosfrom the old building may be aslittle as $95,000 (it is included inthe above estimate). But it could bemore. An old underground oil tankhas been removed from the site. Itwas about one-quarter full, but thelast time it was filled was 15 yearsago and now it has three smallholes in the bottom. Some oil hasleaked into the ground. Aconsultant is testing to determinehow extensive the contaminationis and that will determine the costof remediation, currently estimatedat $30,000. But it could be more.The old fire hall is occupied byCowichan Neighbourhood Housewhich provides important youthand adult services in ourcommunity. Up to now CNH hasbeen paying $1 a year for rent. Torelocate the program, the municipalitywill have to lease new spacefor it. CNH wants 4,500 square feetwith a commercial kitchen. Themuni suggests 1,500 square feet.Negotiations continue. But itappears the cost could range from$27,000 to $72,000 per year. Thiswill be a new, ongoing expense.The old fire hall is alsooccupied by the Chamber ofCommerce and the Tourist InformationCentre. The Chamber hasbeen renting the space for $10 ayear. Why the taxpayers of NorthCowichan have been providing asubsidy to this business group is aninteresting question – one whichCouncil might try to answer ifanyone cares to ask them about it.A proposal currently beforeCouncil is to pay for the constructionof a new 650 square footTourist Information Centreattached to the new ChemainusMuseum expansion, at a cost of$150,000 to $200,000. Why thetaxpayers of North Cowichanshould pay for this is also an interestingquestion.If Chemainus is to have a newlibrary in the foreseeable future(earliest possible date 2014),Council is going to have to make anumber of decisions very soon. Atits meeting on November 21,Council voted to advise VIRL itagreed “in principle” to the newsite.But that decision is contingenton resolution of the above issues.No one has yet dared to say outloud what might happen if the costof resolving them rises above someas-yet-unstated threshold. WillCouncil call the whole thing off?Will Chemainus have to wait for,oh, say, another ten years to get anew library? Will the old fire hallstill be standing at that time?We just don’t know. Surprise.Tom Masters is a writer and aresident of Chemainus.He can be reached attmasters@chemainusvalleycourier.ca

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier - Opinion 7We need one voiceto speak for usI am writing this letter not with theintention of offending or hurting anyone,but, when is our Little Town going to startworking together in a democratic way?Why are there always a few peoplewho take control and feel they have theright to make all the important decisions,like where hard earned fund raising andgrant money is to be spent, and decidingimportant decisions as to the location andwhat name to give new venues.I have seen these groups come and gothrough the years and this is what haspulled Chemainus apart.Are those in this position reallythinking of what is best for everyone orbeing one-sided? We need just onegoverning group with committees coveringthe different venues. Let’s be team players.In closing, I would like to say we alllove to achieve and be recognized butwhen we are climbing that ladder tosuccess, instead of stepping on the headsof those also trying to get to the top, tryreaching your hand to help them get there,too. Then feel the real happiness it brings.Very sincerely, respectfully, because Ilove this Little Town.Dawn SnellTraffic circle remainsa folly, despite criticsWell I seem to have stirred the pot withmy comments about the new roundaboutin Chemainus. I only wish I could get a likeresponse from our Mayor and Council;even after six years of trying!Briefly I would like to answer mycritics. Firstly, I have nothing against theroundabout and its design. I described it asa folly, which, if you check, is “a costlystructure (considered) useless.” This is howI see it. My comment in no way refers toCouncil.This circle, like our famous swimmingpool, is a fine example of excessive andinordinately expensive overzealousnesson the part of our civil service. It is a cleverand well built entity but costs us all tooLetters to the CourierThe Chemainus Valley Courier invites letters from our readers. We reservethe right to edit for legal, grammatical and space reasons. You can email yourviews and opinions to us at news@chemainusvalleycourier.ca or mail us atBox 222, Chemainus, V0R 1K0 or drop them off at 9728B Chemainus Road.(We’re located next to Ocean Pointe Realty)PLEASE KEEP YOUR LETTER UNDER 300 WORDSmuch for what it offers. Thus a folly!To attend directly to Ms Bennett-O’Briens comments. Firstly, and again, theexpense is the folly not the traffic circle. Ifeel Ms O’Brien’s “reductio ad hominem”a fantasy in this context.As for my not running for Council Ihave more than adequate reasons for notso doing but they are none of Ms Bennett–O’Brien’s concern.Mr. Alex Currie’s comment is validwhere he uses the term “traffic calming”.Sadly the structure has not come up to themark yet.I am, however, surprised by whatappears to me a “volte face” as earlier hedid not like public money being spent ononly 16.8 per cent of our total traffic.Just after the circle was opened myneighbor saw a southbound car go rightacross the new structure and end in theditch to the southwest!I hope we will all learn but a mulberrybush in the middle of the circle would helpthe people traveling south to make their‘ring’ when heading for Old ChemainusRd.I still insist the same results could havebeen obtained using a stop sign or trafficlight. From 15 years of using it I have neverhad difficulty at this intersection; a littleconfusion sometimes which requires extracare but no more than that.Fergus AndersonCrofton cloud couldbe put to good useMay I comment on the letter from SirCharles Roebody in your November Issue? Itis not well known in these parts but Sir Charlesis credited with the discovery of the semicolon, some years ago. As an editor and experiencedscribe you should be aware of this butthat is not what I really wanted to talk about .I believe that the Crofton Cloudmentioned by Sir Charles could be put to gooduse in out present rather wobbly situation. Therecent demo earthquake at Haida Gwaii illustratedthe fact that we are quite unprepared forthe real thing here in Chemainus.The Canadian early warning system,otherwise known as ‘word of mouth’,‘honk your horn’, ‘wave your arms’ orlisten to FOX News failed miserably.But back to the Mill, could we not,with the use of a few used truck tires, somebarbecue fuel and a match plus a small fan,cause smoke rings to erupt above the millin our time of need?I got this idea from the Vatican whohave used it for ages. We could conveysome idea of the severity of the quake bysending up a number of smoke rings tocorrespond to the severity of the quake, i.e.seven rings for a seven point plus severalsmall wisps for the decimal part.The next order of things would be forour inhabitants to seek higher ground. Herethe oft-maligned area we know as ‘SaveEcho Heights’ would come into its own byproviding a safe haven for the people fromthe lower reaches of our village. Perhapsa small map showing Cook Street and AshRoad would be of assistance in this regard.In the event that this should happen,Ms Marguerite, the charming owner ofDovehill House has kindly offered toprovide coffee and donuts to those seekingrefuge from the shaking before returningto their abodes down below.Your obedient servantNeville Chamberlin MPCaswell StreetChemainusLet’s respectthose who camebefore usOn November 17 there was ameeting to discuss Waterwheel Park, itsfuture and what to name the new andimproved parking lot.It got me thinking about the historyand future of Chemainus. Our ancestorshad names for different locations intown and we have to be careful not toobliterate the history they left us. It iswonderful we have all these newcitizens from all over the world movinghere but we do have to respect the past.One thing that makes Chemainusquaint is its age and the names we havegiven different areas.Some examples are areas such asWaterwheel Park. I know that area asShorter’s. Shorter was the last millmanager to live in the house that usedto be on the parking lot. There is Scotchtownwhich is the area up Old VictoriaRoad up from the new roundabout onOak Street.Chemainus Lake was known asWittles Lake before someone changedits name. The outcrop of rock at KinBeach is the Reef, not Bird Rock as newpeople in town want to call it.Did you know our harbour wasonce known as Horseshoe Bay (thus thepub) until the Province changed it toavoid confusion for the ferries.Chemainus Bay was on the other sideof Ladysmith.If you ask an oldtimer where LittleEurope is, they’ll point to the areabehind the Green Lantern.I have been told I am mired in thepast when it comes to Chemainus; I liketo refer to it as respecting those whocame before me.Chemainus is growing and willcontinue to grow, since it is one of thebest places on the Island to live, so let’senjoy its growth and at the same timerespect the past.Ron Waller is a freelance writerrand a long-time resident of Chemainus

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 11Muni, Baker set to do battle over buildingsBy Warren GouldingOf The CourierNORTH COWICHAN – Scott Baker has had his ownbuilding boom over the last few years. And while all thatdevelopment might be remarkable, North Cowichan isn’timpressed.Council was told Baker has constructed eightbuildings on his Henry Road property in the last few yearswithout obtaining building permits.“We can’t have eight buildings on one property thatare not permitted,” Chief Administrative Officer DaveDevana said.“We’re not getting the cooperation we need to makethat happen. I told himI’m happy to work withhim but until we see achange in the approach,we have to take action.”The Municipality’sSCOTT BAKERChief BuildingInspector recommendedthat council file a noticeof title on the 3137Henry Road property asa result of what itconsiders unauthorizedconstruction.Baker, who madean unsuccessful run forthe mayor’s job in theNovember 2011election, appearedbefore council to explain his position. He maintained heis being singled out by North Cowichan for personalreasons including his inability to get along with the ChiefScott Baker’s Henry Road property has numerous buildings, including several that were built without a permit.Building Inspector and other members of staff.“Why am I at the top of the list? It’s a personalvendetta, is what it is,” Baker said.“I’m the one person in the Valley who has been pickedout.”Baker says his experiences with North Cowichan havebeen difficult going back over a decade. He told councilhis companies have completed projects throughout NorthAmerica, including Michigan, Kelowna and Victoria,without any problems.“All three of my companies have no problems exceptin North Cowichan,” he said“I’m just one of 2,000 people in this Valley who aren’tgoing to do anything in North Cowichan.”Baker argued he is within his rights to construct thebuildings under the rules of the Agricultural Land Reserve.“You’re allowed to cover 30 per cent of your propertywith buildings under the ALR. There’s 20 acres there, I’vegot lots of room.”Coun. Barb Lines was one of the councillors hopingto find a resolution to the problem without resorting tolegal action.“What I see there are buildings without permits, whatI’m not seeing is another way to work this out,” Linessaid.Coun. Al Siebring questioned the need for legal stepswondering how that would resolve the issue.“The ultimate goal is to get these buildings permitted.”After a lengthy discussion, council voted in favour offiling a notice on the property’s title.“Get out your cheque books, that’s all I can say,”Baker responded before leaving council chambers.Bookkeeping ServiceMary HughesSmall Business SpecialistMember of Chemainus Chamber of Commercehughesme@telus.net 250-246-1453

12 Chemainus Valley Courier DECEMBER 2012Chemainus making plansfor Christmas celebrationsSixth year for Chemainus Little Town ChristmasThe ever-popular LittleTown Christmas goes onSaturday, Dec. 15 and it’s aday to celebrate the oldfashionedvalues with family.There will be music of allkinds with a number ofcommunity groups contributing,including choirs from St.Joseph’s and Calvary BaptistChurch.The ChemainusSecondary School band andthe Community band willperform.There’s an endless array ofthings for the kids to indulgein including a donut eatingEagles Christmas Carol Ship Cruisesets sail on Saturday, December 8contest, cake walk, hockeyshoot out, fish pond and more.The best part is … Santaarrives at 4:30 p.m.The fun begins at 3 p.m.and runs until six o’clock.Breakfast with Santa at Chemainus ElementarySanta Claus is making an early visit toChemainus on Saturday, Dec. 1 at theChemainus Community ElementarySchool!Christmas Walking Tour on Sat. December 1A number of Chemainus businesses are putting on the annual Christmas WalkingTour. It’s an event that always draws hundreds of people to town. (Check out the flyerin this month’s Courier)There are prizes, fascinating shops to visit and, you guessed it, special guest appearancesby Santa Claus himself.The Chemainus- Crofton Fraternal Order of Eagles #4400, together with B.C.Ferries will present the 2012 Christmas Carol Ship Cruise.This hour of caroling, hot chocolate, snacks, Santa and, if all goes well, a view ofLadysmith’s Lighted Sail Past sets sail at 6:20 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 8.Tickets are $6. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in advance at ChemainusFoods, Chemainus 49th Parallel Grocery and Lito’s Café in Crofton.For further details call 250-246-3947.All Proceeds go to the Chemainus Harvest House Food BankThe Breakfast with Santa fundraiser isback and it promises to be a great morning.The fun starts at 9 a.m. with pancakes andsausages. There will be entertainment anda chance for the kids to have their picturetaken with Santa between 9 and 10:30 a.m.He has to hurry back to the North Pole thenbut there will be arts and crafts, games anda bake sale to keep everyone entertained.

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 13Vandals damageSnipe HunterssculptureCHEMAINUS – The Festival of MuralsSociety faces an expensive bill to repairthe In Search of Snipes sculpture inHeritage Square.Shannon Bellamy of the Society saysthe exact cost isn’t yet known but it ishoped artist Glenn Spicer who created thepopular sculpture in 1986 will be availableto re-do the piece.It is beyond repair and there is noinsurance to cover the expense.Utopia Bakery meeting demand gluten free bread productsCHEMAINUS – Utopia Bakery has a planto meet the demand for its gluten free,wheat free bread.“We are told over and over again thatit is the best they have ever tasted,” saysKees Docter of Utopia.“With this in mind and to take thepressure off of our production schedule andgive more people the opportunity to eat ourgluten free bread, we have come up with aGluten Free Wheat Free Mix that can veryeasily be made at home.”Docter says customers are ravingabout the gluten free bread and people fromVictoria and Campbell River are comingto Chemainus to pick up multiple loavesof the bread.“Now with the bread mix inproduction we can ship the product to farout places. The mix has a three-month shelflife if kept in the fridge or in a cool place,”Docter explains.The 450 gram package of mixproduces a loaf of approximately 800grams by just adding an egg and water. Forthose with egg sensitivities, Doctersuggests eliminating the egg and adding abit more water.The bread can be done in a breadmachine or mixed in a machine with apaddle and baked in a regular householdpan.To learn more about this productcontact us at Utopia Bakery Café 250-246-9992 or email thesensitivebaker1@yahoo.ca

14 Chemainus Valley Courier - Crofton Connection DECEMBER 2012Take theCroftonChristmasChallengeWe have a challenge for you – a Crofton Christmaschallenge.Is it possible to buy most of your Christmas giftsright here in Crofton? We think it is. Our idea is to keepthe gift buying simple, buy from our local retailers andartisans and avoid the stressful jostling in the malls, whereyou inevitably come home having spent more than yourbudget allows.Let’s walk around town. First stop at the top of thehill is Arnie’s Food Store, where you can pick up a giftcertificate for gourmet pizza and a fine bottle of scotch;wrap them with ribbons and two gifts are done.Across the road is the post office where they sellpostal themed gifts, always a hit with collectors or youngpeople.Continue down Joan Avenue to the new CommunityThrift Store and let your imagination soar — boxedpuzzles for a family gift, the perfect fairy dress for a littlegirl – don’t think used, thinkrecycled.Next stop is GallettoMarket and Deli where youcan choose a colourfulbundle of scratch and winlotto tickets, or buy one oftheir Christmas gift items.You can also make a $2donation for the Christmas light-up with proceeds goingto Harvest House food bank.And now, if visions of sugar plums are dancingthrough your head, pick up your feet and dance downJoan Avenue to the BonBon store – a.k.a. Ocean SoulBook Caffe.Proprietor Gaylene sells old fashioned candy, guaranteedto bring back childhood memories. What bettergift than a crystal goblet filled with Christmas sweets?You will also find used books, assorted gift items andCDs by local artists Corry and Reay Suter as well asLiz Forbes checking out the locally-made merchandise for sale at Lito’s Galleria.Holly Arntzen and Kevin Wright.Next is Eve’s B & B where she also has her weavingstudio and hot stone massage. The hot stone massage ison our list for Christmas – gift certificates are available.We are now at the corner of Queen and Joan by theCrofton Hotel where you can pick up the perfect hostessgift of a local or specialty winefrom their beer and wine store.Then stroll to the left andalong Queen to Lito’s Café andcheck out their Galleria. Lindaspecializes in local writers andartisans. Here you will findChristmas pj’s for kids by Sue,cheerful aprons by Mary,sweaters by Lissie and fancy knithats by Jodi. There are soaps by R & V, woven runnersby Eve, whimsical animals by Janine and a host of otherreasonably priced hand crafted gifts.Artists and photographers such as Jean, sell their artcards here too. For a welcome gift, take half a dozencards, wrap them in a festive ribbon and slip in a packageof stamps.Gift certificates are always a pleaser. Try this: acertificate for hair styling – there are several hair stylistsin Crofton – and for the dog in your life, try Tracy’s petgrooming on Lois Street. Just don’t get them mixed up.(Photo by Jean Ballard)Going further afield on our shop local tour, stop atKiln Art Glass Studio on Adelaide,(www.KilnArtGlass.com) where you will find Peggy’sfused glass earrings and Jo’s glass bowls. Carry on andfollow the sign at the corner of Chilco and Osborne BayRoad to 1425 Chilco, the home of locally made leatherdog collars (www.sbprocanine.com )Keep going to 1365 Tatlo and you’ll be at I beJammin (www.ibejammin.ca) Jam maker Joen claimstayberries are the most decadent berry on Planet Earth,and her best Christmas sellers are her lemon gingermarmalade and tayberry jam. Seek out other home basedbusinesses in Crofton and support them too.Be creative and treat someone who doesn’t drive toa tour of Christmas lights, or invite them to Crofton’sSanta parade and sing along on December 9 (7 p.m.) orpledge a gift of soup or home baked cookies once amonth.Promise a child a walk to Osborne Bay Park orCrofton Lake and make a picnic –these are gifts from theheart and are sure to be appreciated.Take our challenge and make it a simple and localCrofton Christmas.We’d love to hear your success stories!Liz Forbes and Jean Ballardcollaborate in the writing of this column.Contact Jean and Liz at JeanandLiz@shaw.ca

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 15Crofton condo development gets extensionBy Warren GouldingOf The CourierNORTH COWICHAN – Developer Tony van de Mortel hasmade two forays into North Cowichan council chambers in thelast four months and both were a little more exciting than he hadanticipated.In July, van de Mortel was seeking a minor amendment to adevelopment permit that had been issued two years ago for hisMews Over Osborne Bay development on Joan Street in Crofton.It was considered a formality since van de Mortel had a permitthat would have allowed him to begin construction on the $5million residential/commercial project at any time, but that didn’tstop council from batting the issue around for half an hour.In the end, council granted van de Mortel an amendment.In November, van de Mortel, the owner of the Crofton Hotel,was back, this time requesting an extension for the developmentpermit.Director of Planning Scott Mack told council the extensionwas necessary since the developer had only owned the propertyfor about six months and changes were being made to the originalconcept.“The existing development plan was very urban and wesupported the changes because we felt it fit better in small townCrofton,” Mack added.“Subsequent to that has been his efforts to sort it out with architectsand designers and he wasn’t able to move that forward asquick as he had hoped.”Chief Administrative Officer Dave Devana supported grantingvan de Mortel more time to get the project underway.“If you don’t support this,” Devana told council, “it wouldmake the development permit null and void.“The developer would, arguably, lose the investment he’smade. He would have to re-start the process.”Devana added that van de Mortel bought the property knowingthere was an active development permit that came with it.Council heard from Dave Hladik, a member of the CroftonAdvisory Committee and other community organizations whoregistered his displeasure with the project. Hladik says manyCroftonites have concerns about the height of the new structureand the possibility that it will block views of the bay.“Please vote down the development permit so we can sit downand come up with a compatible solution that we can all agree on,”Hladik suggested.Councillors Barb Lines and Al Siebring agreed and votedagainst the extension.“I’m not going to be able to support this motion because weneed to recognize the work of the community group that put theirvision together,” Lines said.“I think we’re in the middle of a process and as a matter ofprinciple I have to vote against this at this time.”However, the four other councillors and Mayor Jon Lefeburevoted in favour of the extension.“It’s unfair to the developer to have new hurdles,” commentedCoun. John Koury.“It has been a long process that engaged every corner of thiscommunity.”Lefebure said he was very interested in Hladik’s commentsand opined that the council of 2007 and 2008 “did make ourmistakes and I wish we had done it differently.”However, Lefebure said he would support the extension.“I do not believe defeating this motion is a legitimate way tocorrect what has been done before.”

16 Chemainus Valley Courier DECEMBER 2012Appeal court sides with North Cowichan,rejects Halalt First Nation’s well argumentNORTH COWICHAN – A lengthy battle over the ChemainusWells project has been won by the Municipality of NorthCowichan.In a November ruling, the BC Court of Appeal supportedthe Municipality of North Cowichan’s appeal and ruled that theMunicipality can operate the Chemainus Wells project effectiveimmediately.Halalt First Nation had challenged the use of the wells,maintaining there would be a negative impact on the environment.“While we are pleased that we are now able to provideChemainus residents with clean, safe, drinking water, we alsorealize that our Halalt neighbours will be disappointed with thisoutcome,” Mayor Jon Lefebure said.“We are, however, committed to working with the Halalton the Chemainus Wells project and other projects within itstraditional territory.”The Municipality will be flushing the wells which have beenidle since June 14, 2011. Once flushing is complete, thecommunity of Chemainus will be supplied from the wells andthe present Banon Creek supply will be turned off.Chief James Thomas says Halalt will continue to press forwater protection and is consulting its legal council aboutappealing to the Supreme Court of Canada.“Halalt will continue to do everything we can to protect ourriver and the aquifer.“We are stewards of the entire watershed. It is our job toprotect the fish and habitat from the estuary to the river’s source.”Summer pumping, when the Chemainus River is often atextremely low levels, remains prohibited. The court of appealemphasized that any request by the North Cowichan for approvalof summer pumping would require new environment assessmentand consultation with Halalt.The appeal court also left intact the Supreme Court’s conclusionthat Halalt has a strong argument for an ownership interestin the groundwater being removed by the pumping.The appeal court set aside a 2011 ruling by the BC SupremeCourt that the District of North Cowichan’s Chemainus Wellsproject could not be operated unless and until the provincecompleted proper consultation about the project with Halalt.On appeals by the province and the municipality, the appealcourt held that the province’s consultation with Halalt had beenlegally adequate.As a result, North Cowichan will be allowed to operate thewells during the winter months (October 15 to June 15) asspecified in the province’s original approval.In July 2011, the Supreme Court of BC set aside the BCEnvironment Assessment Certificate issued for the operationof the Chemainus Wells project.The Court Order required that the wells not be operatedpending further consultation by the Province of BC with theHalalt First Nation.This decision was appealed by North Cowichan and theProvince in May 2012.Tweaks toChemainusparking suggestedNORTH COWICHAN – A comprehensivereport into the parkingsituation in Chemainus has beenpresented to council.The report follows a three-daystudy in July that included aWedesday market day, an ArtBeatFriday and a typical Saturday.The study concluded that there isno real need for additional parkingbut North Cowichan could do a betterjob of letting visitors know whereparking is available.Daniel Casey of Boulevard TransportationStrategy says a suggestionto relocate bus parking to WillowStreet from the Waterwheel parkinglot received little support.Casey suggested additionalparking could be created by extendingthe angle parking on ChemainusRoad across from the Legion.He added there is a need toimprove signage and educateemployers and employees aboutparking strategies.

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 17Give your family thegift of peace of mindand fi nancial securityAsk a VIIC specialistabout life insurance250-245-802215-370 Trans Canada HwyCoronation Mall Beside the Dollar StoreREQUEST A QUOTEONLINE @viic.caREMEMBERINGJanet Mitchell (standing) of the Royal Canadian Legion Chemainus Branch 191and Rev. Fran Darling participated in the Remembrance Day ceremonies at theCenotaph. The event drew another huge crowd despite the cool and rainy weather.(Photo by Warren Goulding)

18 Chemainus Valley Courier DECEMBER 2012Carol Wilkins releasesJourney, her first novelCHEMAINUS – Local author Carol Wilkins haspublished her first novel, Journey, a story about a fiercelyindependent teenage mother, set in Lytton, B.C. in the1980s.Penned under her maiden name of Carol AnneLawry, Journey speaks of a time when the Stein Valleywas the center of a controversy. Becca is befriended by amysterious elder First Nations woman and becomesembroiled in the ‘Save the Stein'’campaign, Lawryexplains.“Together with three men, one a victim of ResidentialSchool abuse, they becomeentangled in an ancientprophecy. With a hint ofmagical realism, a smalltown is cast into an epicstruggle.“The fate of themystical Stein Valley hangsin the balance. Faced withpolarized opinions andsmall town politics, fiveCAROL WILKINSextraordinary peoplereveal a story about love,connection, and our understandingof the meaning ofhome.”The novel is available locally at Chemainus Foods,Morganne’s Uniquely Chemainus (formerly EnduringComforts), and in British Allsorts.It can be seen online at Amazon.ca where a “lookinside” feature allows customers to read the first chapter.The Ebook, soft and hard cover versions can bepurchased at many other online book merchants as well.A Youtube search for Carol Anne Lawry results in areading of the first chapter by the author.A member of the Chemainus and Cowichan Valleywriters groups, Lawry says she is grateful for the supportof friends and local merchants.I also congratulate and thank all the venues for theirwillingness to promote local authors and artists.”Museum fundraising underwayJudy Wilson (right) was the winner ofthe quilt draw on October 31. HistoricalSociety President Johanna Reymerinkmade the presentation after thewinning ticket was drawn by Amberfrom Chemainus Tours.CHEMAINUS – Two decades after it wasestablished, the Chemainus ValleyMuseum is bursting at the seams andplanning an expansion.Plans are in the works to beginconstruction of the first phase in the springof 2013 and the Chemainus Valley HistoricalSociety has embarked on a fundraisingcampaign.“In recent years, the Society has hadan insufficient amount of space in themuseum,” explains Norma Greer.“We have now taken on a project toexpand and we’re seeking help on thisendeavor by sponsorship.”If you would like to help by donatingmoney or by making an in-kind donation– lumber or other construction materialswould be useful – contact the Museum at246-2445.You can also send an email to:cvhs@telus.net

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 19Master of Ceremonies Michael Pickard and Santa Baby performers SylviaKaminski and Joan Chaba celebrate after a successful three day run at the RoyalCanadian Legion in Chemainus.(Photo by Rosemary Ratcliff)Santa Baby a bighit at the LegionCHEMAINUS – The audiencesloved it, the performers had a great timeand the coffers of the Chemainus Legionreceived a little pre-Christmas boostthanks to the Dawn Adams-producedSanta Bay show in November.With tireless Legion member EstherCraig running the kitchen, patrons weretreated to an outstanding dinner.Congratulations to all the volunteerswho put on a great performance.

20 Chemainus Valley Courier DECEMBER 2012The mural on the old theatre building features a sailingship and a group of longshoremen is the object of this article.The history of longshoremen is much like all otheroccupations. The operative principle over the ages has beenchange. Accelerating change. In 1900 every piece of lumberwas handled by men. A ship might have taken three or fourweeks to load.Gradually over the years the loading time decreasedalong with the size of the ships increasing to now that itmight take as little as three days to load as much as threetimes the amount of cargo.I interviewed Al Eastman and Jim Roe about theircareers as longshoremen. They both started as stevedoresin 1958, a year after I arrived in Chemainus. They servedthrough the time that most of the important changesoccurred. When they started it took two to three weeks toturn around a cargo of four to five million board feet ofLongshoremen recall the early yearslumber, but now they will turn around twelve million cubicfeet in five days. The gang size was around 15, and now isdown to about half a dozen!In the early years the crews came from whoever wanteda job. This usually consisted of men on regular crew andthose on the spare board. A lot of Aboriginal men workedin the gangs. As the years went by the numbers ofAboriginals employed declined for various reasons, eventhough they were very good workers.As mechanization progressedseveral became expert winch men. TheAboriginal culture was migratory andfishing and hunting were veryimportant so they could becomeunavailable when needed.Many of the men were givennicknames such as “Pork Chop” for Modeste Bob. Thesenames became so ingrained that even Mrs. Hilda Bobreferred to her husband as Pork Chop. Jeff Norris was“Wheelbarrow”. Nicknames were also used for Caucasianssuch as “Tootles” for George Telford and “Knobby” forGraham Cave. Al Eastman gave me a list of over 35 longshoremennicknames.When Allan and Jim started there were three locals onthe island, one each in Alberni, Chemainus and Victoriawith Chemainus the largest. The manpower totalled around1,500 and now there are around 250 with Chemainus theonly Local.After the Second World War, world trade expandedimmensely with surplus Liberty ships sold to people likeAristotle Onassis who amassed a huge fortune. He hiredmostly Greek crews who were paid poorly. He was able tocompete and drove the Norwegians and British off the seasby offering low rates.As port physicians we treated the sailors for an assortmentof illnesses. A half a dozen Greek Sailors would arrivein our waiting room without an interpreter and drive ourreceptionist crazy with themwandering around our halls. Isoon mastered simple clinicalphrases such as “take a deepbreath and where is the pain?”Longshoremen have a reputationfor heavy drinking but inmy experience I do not think it isany more prevalent than in other walks of life. Like in allindustries there are difficulties in adjustments to workplacechanges over which we have little or no control.One other thing that impressed me was the mobility ofadvancement. Al Eastman started as a labourer but over thecourse of the years rose to foreman status. Jim Roe alsostarted right out of school and as mechanization continuedhe kept pace, learning to operate all of the new and moresophisticated equipment. It became readily apparent duringour discussions that both men clearly enjoyed their yearson the beach.Jerry Philippson is a retired physician andlong-time resident of Chemainus.

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 21Chemainus Gardens’ Festival of Trees raises funds for Harvest HouseJACQUI KAESEInternational VolunteerDay celebrates efforts ofmillions of volunteersDecember 5 is a day to acknowledge, recognize, andcelebrate the valuable contributions volunteers makeeach and every day.The International Volunteer Day for Economic andSocial Development was adopted by the United NationsGeneral Assembly on December 17, 1985.Since then, governments, the UN system and civilsociety organizations have successfully joinedvolunteers around the world to celebrate this day.According to the 2010 Canada Survey of Giving,Volunteering and Participating more than 13.3 millionpeople, or 47 per cent of the population, volunteeredtheir time through a group or organization.Canadians volunteered nearly 2.1 billion hours in2010, the equivalent of nearly 1.1 million full-time jobs(assuming 40 hours per week for 48 weeks).Muni gives cautioussignal to LibraryNORTH COWICHAN – North Cowichan council isn’tquite ready to tell the Vancouver Island Regional Districtit’s ready to move ahead on a new library for Chemainus.But they’re getting close.Council is advising VIRL that it supports, inprinciple, a stand-alone library on the site at the cornerof Cypress Street and Willow Street.The Municipality says it will “confirm readiness tomove ahead” on the project once the costs ofdemolishing the old fire hall are known.And financing for the site preparation and otherconsiderations has yet to be determined.“We’re looking at $500,000 in costs that we haven’teven looked at in our budget,” Coun. Jennifer Woikepointed out.“That’s a good point,” agreed Dave Devana, theChief Administrative Officer. “We haven’t decided howwe’re going to finance the demolition of the old fire hall,accommodation of Neighbourhood House and the relocationof the Visitor Centre.”CHEMAINUS – With Christmas justaround the corner, Chemainus Gardensis preparing for its second annualFestival of Trees fundraiser for HarvestHouse food bank.Trees are purchased and decoratedby sponsors who may choose to auctionoff their decorations to benefit a charityof their own. There will also be a silentauction, carol singing and a poetrycompetition.“We are delighted that our judge thisyear is Jacqui Kaese,” says event coordinatorMargaret Perry.“Jacqui is a 2012 nationalfundraising award winner and owner ofSpotlight Academy for actors andmodels.”Prizes will be awarded for first placeand runner-up, a visitors choice awardand in various age categories in thepoetry contest.“Be sure to cast a ballot for yourfavourite tree,”suggests Perry.Tree decoration and set up will takeplace from Dec. 1 -5 with judging takingplace on Dec. 6.Throughout the day, there will bestorytelling, carol singing, ceramics anda silent auction. Chemainus Gardens,located at 3042 River Road inChemainus, will be open between 10:30a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for these activities.On weekends a photographer will beon-site to take Christmas photographs.The grand finale, awards and silentauction draws take place on Friday, Dec.28.For more information call 250-246-3569 or info@chemainusgardens.com“We look forward to sharing theChristmas season with you,” adds Perry.

22 Chemainus Valley Courier - Health, Beauty & FitnessDECEMBER 2012Showing up is thegreatest gift of allAs the holidays approach, the worldgets so caught up in gift-giving. Who doyou buy for? How much do we spend?What do they want?Many of us wonder why we keepallowing ourselves to be under all thispressure when gifts are such a small partof what people really want. To me, thegreatest gift we can give one another hasnothing to do with money or packages;it has everything to do with how we“show up” for one another.If we were to tell one another whatwe really yearn for this Christmastime,it would likely be about experiencingsomething memorable.We yearn to feel fully seen andaccepted, deeply heard, loved for whowe are (not only for what we do orjudged for what we have done or cannotdo), and embraced at a very deep level.Each one of those exchanges wouldenable us to emerge shining a littlebrighter.If this was our focus, then we couldintentionally shape our holiday experiences:we could experience what weyearn for with the people we most wantto connect with; experience the joy oftrue loving kindness; experience ouryearning to feel that we belong.Rather than seeking the perfectpurchase, meal or activity, the perfectgift becomes sharing who I really aminside and “showing up” to another asthey share who they are.Family therapist pioneer VirginiaSatir expresses this gift eloquently:“I believe the greatest gift I canconceive of having from anyone is to beseen by them, heard by them, to beunderstood and touched by them.The greatest gift I can give is to see,hear, understand and to touch anotherperson.”When was the last time that youexperienced that kind of deep connectionwith another human being? Many peoplefeel especially lonely during December.Who do you know who is struggling?“Showing up” for that person can bringenormous comfort.Even in your daily work you can“show up” more and experience connection.The other day as I was groceryshopping, I found myself singing alongwith the store’s background music andthen the clerk joined in, and anothercustomer started to whistle.Before we knew it we had all sharedsome joy and light-heartedness that“gifted” the rest of my day!This holiday, let us be courageousand show up for one another from ourhearts.Together, we can build so muchmore peace within, between, andamongst us all. We truly are each other’smost precious gifts!Anne Morrison, MSW, RSW,RMFT, is a professional counsellor/therapist. She can be reached at 250-324-5521 or annemorrison@shaw.caTidings of Comfort and Joy?Facing the holidays after bereavementCHEMAINUS – Calvary Baptist Church is offering an event that has practical,actionable strategies for making it through the holiday season.At this two-hour seminar, you’ll view a video featuring advice from people in griefwho’ve faced the holidays after their loss. You’ll hear insights from respected Christiancounselors, pastors and psychologists. You’ll receive a Holiday Survival Guide withover 30 encouraging readings, helpful charts and tips to manage the holiday seasonduring this difficult time.You will meet with other grieving people who have an understanding of what you’regoing through.Your holiday season won’t be easy; your emotions may ambush you and suck youunder at times. But you can choose to walk through this season in a way that honorsyour loved one and puts you on the path of health and healing.This event will take place Thursday, December 6 from 2 – 4 p.m. The cost is$5(bursaries available).To register or find out more about GriefShare Surviving the Holidays, call CalvaryBaptist Church office at 250-246-9121 or email the church at office@Calvarybc.ca .

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier - Health, Beauty & Fitness 23Course offers means ofUnited Church’s Quiet Christmas set for Dec. 23returning to natural birthAs many of us celebrate the birth ofChrist this season, some may also behappily expecting a child or grandchild.Hypno-Baby BirthingTM is a coursespecially designed by a doctor, nurse andhypnotherapist to empower a woman tohave the birth that they desire. It complementsall primary maternity care, whetherit be with a medical doctor, midwife,doula, or other trained personnel.CHEMAINUS – Despite all the excitementand good cheer, Christmas can be astressful time of the year for some people.In an effort to help folks through theseason, Chemainus United Church will beholding what it calls Quiet Christmas againthis year.“These annual services were originallydesigned for people who find Christmasdifficult,” explains Fran Darling.“People who are mourning someoneclose, people grieving any other recent lossin their lives, or anyone for whom Christmashas always carried painful memories.“For these folks, the joy of the seasonmay seem forced or jarring. The irony is thatour gleeful celebrations often bring deepseatedgrief to the surface this week. It’s asensitive time for everyone.”Darling, who has been leading thesequiet, contemplative services for over 20years, says Quiet Christmas has become thetrue beginning of her Christmas season.“My key understanding of God lies inthe message that we are never alone. Whenwe come together for Quiet Christmas,anyone who feels alone in their sorrows willfind companionship and an opportunity forhealing of heart.”Local musicians Dawn-Marie Dowlingand Al Eskelson are leading music, whichis the bedrock of the hour.“Music sets the tone for worshipanytime, but it is especially important forthese hours of contemplation,” says Darling.The church sanctuary will be open forthis year’s Quiet Christmas on Sunday, Dec.23 at 6:30 p.m., with worship beginningat 7 p.m., and coffee and sweets toThe course offers a means of returningto a truly natural birth, with less intervention,better pain control and a drug-free,holistic approach. Any fears or anxiety thatthe mother may have about the process areaddressed before the birth, thus leavingthem to have the calm, tranquil, joyfulexperience to lovingly carry and give birthto a baby. It is open to all women whetherit is their first or a subsequent pregnancyor if they are planning a vaginal or cesareandelivery. It can be applied in any environment– for home births or in the hospital.Registered Clinical HypnotherapistDanette Rodger, of Cowichan ValleyHypnotherapy offers both group and privateHypno-Baby BirthingTM classes toexpectant mothers and their birth partners.She guides clients through hypnosis for childbirthand Hypno-Anesthesia. Hypno-BabyBirthingTM is also designed to aid in fertility(men and women), and to help cope with anypost-partum issues, as well as keeping thefamily unit together, once the baby arrives.The classes are designed as two hours,once a week, for four weeks. It is optimal tobegin in the second trimester, but even oneclass before birthing is beneficial to the motherand will aid the birth process. The knowledgeof self-hypnosis and the skills and techniqueslearned will aid the mother through the birth,and in other areas of her life.Hypno-Baby BirthingTM is a registeredTrademark of the HypnotismTraining Institute of Alberta, SherwoodPark, Alberta. It was designed by Dr. DavidJ.L. Brown, M.D., Beth Smolyk, RN., andAnny Slegten, CCHt., since 2004.Danette Rodger is a Chemainus basedregistered clinical hypnotherapist., ReikiMaster/Teacher and a Faculty Member ofthe Hypnotism Training Institute of Alberta,Certified to teach Hypnosis andHypnotherapy. From her privatepractice in Chemainus, she offers sessionsin Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy and Reiki.She can be reached at 250-709-7380

24 Chemainus Valley CourierDECEMBER 2012Saltair resident Eric Fosterhas two books about theNorth to his credit.Saltair author publishes, second bookchronicling life in Great White NorthIt can be a harsh place to live, but for Eric Foster, the romance and challenges oflife in the Canadian North is fascinating.The Saltair resident recently published his second book, B.C. - Yukon Sketches,a collection of memories of his life in the Yukon. He says some of the content is basedon experiences from 40 years ago.Both books are available at local book stores, including Morganne’s UniquelyChemainus on Willow Street.

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier - Business 25Doug Smithto head B.I.A.CHEMAINUS – A relative newcomer toChemainus has been elected chair of theChemainus Business Improvement Association.Doug Smith, a native Islander who hasextensive business experience was elected tothe board at the B.I.A.’s annual general meetingon November 6. At the first meeting of theorganization he was elected to replace GeoffHincks who decided not to seek the position ofchair.Ellen Bootsma will serve as vice president,while Hincks will assume the dual role oftreasurer and secretary.Other members of the board include:Randy Huber, Cim MacDonald, BarkleyLogan, Barbara Bond, Ward Yeager, Len Wansbrough,Peter Matthews and Carol Wilde.Smith says his top priority is to eliminatethe apathy that exists in the community andcreate a more positive, vibrant attitude.“Apathy is a huge enemy of a community,”Smith suggested.“I’m excited about Chemainus and I wouldlike to help in any way that I can.”WELCOMENew signage has gone up near the Henry Road Roundabout,welcoming visitors to Chemainus. The signs wereput up by the Festival of Murals Society.Muni opts to maintain exisiting development feesNORTH COWICHAN – North Cowichan has rejected a staff recommendation to increase planning feesfor development applications.Fees have not been raised for four years and North Cowichan’s charges to developers are well belowthat of most other jurisdictions.However, Coun. John Koury argued now is not the time to increase theburden on developers.“We would be putting the cart before the horse. We need to focus onwhat we need to do to get out of the way of business so they can build andinvest in this community,” Koury said.“It would be the wrong signal to be sending.”Koury said North Cowichan needs to improve its services to the developmentcommunity before considering any fee increase.Koury had the support of councillors Barb Lines, Al Siebring andJennifer Woike.Mayor Jon Lefebure said not raising fees puts an undue burden ontaxpayers.JOHN KOURY“In principle, we are trying to catch up a little bit which is a very logicalthing to do,” Lefebure said.“Smaller increases on a regular basis are more easily accepted.”Coun. Ruth Hartmann and Coun. Kate Marsh agreed, but the vote was 4-3 against a fee increase.Shop outsideThe BoxI am often thanked for my attempts to promote local shopping,but yet people still seem to find a reason to go out of town to spendtheir money.I recently heard a story that I have to share with you in the hopesthat it confirms thatshopping locally is theonly way to go thisChristmas and you willgive yourself the bestpresent ever in doing so.A friend of minedecided to do hisChristmas shopping at aBIG BOX STORE and this was his less than magical Christmas experience.And, I quote (okay maybe a little paraphrasing too):“Three items, (keep that in mind for later), get in line. Head ofline is a cutsie, wittle girl with mommy. She piles her coins on thecounter to pay. One quarter, a nickel, a dime, another quarter withmummy saying, ‘What comes next?’“Finally, transaction complete and then cutsie, one by one putscoins on counter back in purse with beaming mother watching. Flashforward, woman in front of me proceeds to empty her full cart,actually over flowing cart. She looks at me. She looks at the itemsin my hand, (Remember? How many?) hoping she needs Karma andwill say, ‘That’s okay, you go ahead.’“Having a Karma surplus she continues to stare at my items,(How many?) and begins stacking, one, by one, by one, by one herfragile purchases. Sigh. Realizing I’m here for the long haul I lookdown and there, right there beside me and my three items, is what Icame in for originally and asked the clerk for two hours prior.”Now let’s talk about my recent Christmas shopping inChemainus experience. Okay everyone knows that this is more of aChristmas Myth and not so much a real story. Of course, I haven’teven begun my shopping and the truth is that I will be running intoevery local store like a mad woman on the 24th trying to find thatperfect gift for everyone on my list. But here is what would happenshopping in Chemainus the same scenario would probably go asfollows:I would have known that “cutsie wittle” girl’s mummy andwould have thought it was beautiful to see this woman’s interactionwith her child and reflected on what Christmas is all about … familyand friends. The person in front of me with all of the items wouldhave said, “Oh, Hi Shell, why don’t you go ahead with your threeitems. By the way, I heard you weren’t going home for Christmasthis year. Why don’t you come over on Christmas Eve. We don’twant you to be alone.”Once again, reminding me who we should be spending our timewith over the holidays … family and friends. And, oh yes, the giftsthat I had purchased are perfect because the shop owners whom havebecome like my family and friends know me so well and made iteasy for me. Every one of their recommendations was perfect andeveryone of my friends and family loved their gifts.

26 Chemainus Valley Courier - BusinessDECEMBER 20122012 Golden Brush Award WinnersRetail Business of the Year:Chemainus FoodsFood service Business of the Year:odika CaFemanufacturing Business of the Year:VanCouVeR island soap FaCtoRYpersonal service Business of the Year:FloweRing tRee natuRal spaprofessional service Business of the Year:Coastal CommunitY CRedit uniontrades or Contractor Business of the Year:ChRis Clement ContRaCtinggood neighbour award (for a business that catersin a special way to residents):Chemainus ValleY CouRieRBest Customer service:phil & miChelle maVis, willow stReet CaFéVolunteer of the Year:RodneY piCaRdpresident's awardthis is a new award to be given to a person thatthe Chamber feels deserves recognition, but hasnot been recognized through the regular awardcategoriesthis year it was given to shelleY Rouse, primarilyfor her work in developing and continuouslyworking on little town Christmas. shelley hasgiven countless hours to other Chemainus eventsas well, including ethic Fest in april, many Rotaryfunctions including summerfest, as well asworking with the Chamber, legion, Chemainusmonetary Foundation, fundraising for theChemainus healthcare Foundation's X-raycampaign, and more. (photos by art Carlyle)

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier - Business 27Incredible 291 nominationsfor Golden Brush AwardsThe Chamber of Commerce’sGolden Brush Award ceremonies,probably, the classiest yearly event inChemainus, is, once again a thing of thememorable past.This year there were an astounding291 nominations. Granted, some werefor the same people, a situation thatbespeaks the whole point of the awards,but none were by the same person forthe same nominee so, clearly, many ofour businesses have many dedicatedcustomers.Of the nine categories open tonominations, the one that reallyresonates for me is the Volunteer of theYear Award.If we stop and take a count, of theapproximately 4,000 Chemainusresidents, it is the same approximately40 doers, who keep Chemainus aliveand viable.It is Wes Everitt, a decoratedLegion member and a communitybulwark, supporting and assisting –always willing and always there –lending a hand, helping out whereverhe is needed. It is Kathy Wachs, doing,doing, doing in so many places that weare driven to ask: Is there really onlyone of her?And it is the John and LynneLandygos, who purchased andconcocted and churned out chili and hotdogs, sometimes, literally, day andnight, at Chemainus’ events – all thissummer long.Forty or so dedicated volunteers –that’s my rough estimate; but there’sonly one opportunity a year forsomeone to be officially recognized.And that is largely what made thisyear’s Volunteer of the Year, RodneyPickard, such a delight to watch.One of the inevitable typos in theevening’s program had left out hisname.He knew that he was a finalist, butassumed that because his name hadbeen omitted, he was not the finalrecipient.And, as many of us know, it can bepretty hard to be nominated and thenhave to suck-it-up as someone elsewalks off with your dignity.Consequently, when the presentationbegan, I noticed that Rodney wasmissing. Fortunately, I also knew that,in spite of his assumptions, he was, infact, the winner.Huffing and puffing up and downstairs, I did find him and hustle himback in time to receive his award and astanding ovation – for the person he isand the quality of his work and theinspiration he leaves in his wake.And, now I ask you: what’s thesense of being on the executive if youget no say in who receives your awards?Thus, my second highlight of thepresentations was a well-guardedsurprise to all but the Chamberexecutive, who made Shelley Rousetheir choice for The President’s Award:Volunteer Extraordinaire.Watching Shelley as her name wasannounced was a treat. She rose slightly,sat down again, and then seemed to tipsideways out of her chair.Her surprise was absolute: a gasp,a stumble and a drop or two of saltwater.Standing ovations, gasps, stumblesand salt water aside, congratulationsand thank you to everyone who wasnominated and, also, to all of you whowere not on this year’s list but who doso much to make our town a life’s destination.Chemainus would not beChemainus without you.Robyn Gerland is a Chemainusfreelance writer and co-owner ofBy the Beach Bed and Breakfast

28 Chemainus Valley CourierDECEMBER 2012We dig ChemainusA regular report from Communities in BloomHEAVY WORKLoci #1044 has been moved to solid ground and the park area around the historiclocomotive awaits the talented volunteers from Communities in Bloom. The organizationis working with North Cowichan and has some exciting plans to landscapethe park.(Photo by Warren Goulding)It has been a fun year at Communities in Bloom with an increase in membership!It is great to have more helping hands!Communities in Bloom is looking forward to 2013 and working with theMunicipality to create an even more beautiful town. We have wound down for 2012and will start up again in February.We Dig – Do It Now Tips• Time to prune peach trees• Begin spraying fruit trees with dormant oil• Plant successive winter flowering heathers to give winter color• Stake young trees• Place yellow sticky paper around plants in your greenhouse to capture whiteflies• Plant Windsor beans and round seeded peas for early vegetables• Keep off the lawn when it is covered with frost or snow• Apply coarse sand to muddy spots in your lawn• Cut back hardy chrysanthemums as soon as flowers are over• When buying a live Christmas tree, remember that the trees traditionally soldgrow very large in time. If you have a small garden ask for a tree that stays small• Lightly prune holly and evergreens and use clippings for wreaths• Expensive ceramic pots should be emptied and brought inside as they crackwith frost• Consider putting packets of seeds from special plants in your garden into cardsfor gardening friends and relativesDid you know…… the flower of the month is the paper white narcissus, meaning formality, stay assweet as you are?… pine needles are good source of Vitamin C?… the number of Christmas tree farms in Canada is 2,461… that three to six million Christmas trees are cut every year in Canada?Pick of the Month – Winter flowering heather (Erica carmea ‘Winter Red’)Small but colorful – easy care – acidic soil - blooms Dec – MarchLook good in borders or pots. Trim in April after flowering.A Thought for a simple and quick decoration:For simple outdoor decorations, gather pinecones of various sizes and arrange inwindow boxes or pots on your porch. Add bows or spray with ‘snow’.AND … what happens if you eat the Christmas decorations? You get tinselitus!Chemainus Communities in Bloom meets next in the New Year. Tuesday, February19 at 7 p.m. in The Steeples activity room. Newcomers always welcome!Visit our blog at http://the littletownthatblooms.com

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier 29CLASSIFIED RATESCLASSIFIEDSMinimum charge $5for up to 20 words.25¢ each additional word250-246-1448COMING EVENTSBINGO every Mondaynight at the ChemainusSenior Drop-In Centre.Loonie Pot, G-Ball, Bonanzaand 50/50 draw. Everyonewelcome. Doors open at4:45 p.m. Bingo starts at6:40 p.m.COMMUNITIES INBloom next meeting isTuesday, February 19 at TheSteeples. Everyone iswelcome.NExT MT. BRENTONGarden Club meeting will beour usual Xmas social eventon Dec. 4th at 1:00 p.m. atthe Calvary Baptist Church,3319 River Road inChemainus. Speaker fromLeaf and Petal in Duncan onXmas ideas for floral decorations.Guests welcome, $2drop in fee. For more info246-4109.FLEA MARKETFOR RENTLOWER BACHELORtype suite for rent with oceanview.. Stacking washer/dryer, bbq, toasteroven,microwave. Fullbathroom, and storage.Access to yard and decking.Suite comes with queen sizebed and pull out leathercouch. Partially furnished .$600. No smoking. No pets.Call Keith @ 246 5408 oremail konkeeebo@yahoo.ca.APPLIANCESG.T. ApplianceCall Greg. Used appliancesales. New and used parts.Repairs to most brands offridges, stoves, washers,dryers,freezers, dishwashers.246-9859.PIANO TUNINGPIANO TUNING Services byAllan Eskelson. Tuning, repair,regulation. Serving Chemainus,Cowichan and beyond. 250-416-0607. Dm-al@shaw.caMISC. FOR SALEFOR SALE: NIKON Dx60with spare battery, NikonAF-S 18-55mm f3.5 -5.6 GVR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens,Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f4.5-5.6 G VR II DX TelephotoZoom Lens, Excellent set upfor beginner or someonewho wants to go digital!Excellent Condition Only$550 Firm. Call 250 2463005.FOR SALE: PANASONICTM700 High DefinitionVideo Camera. ExcellentShape Only $550 Firm. Call250 246 3005.WANTEDSMALL STORAGE shedLarry 250-710-2914MISC. FOR SALECONGRATULATIOINSFLEA MARKETOPEN EVERYSATURDAY8 - 3 P.M.Chemainus Legion HallMa will be at theLegionwith all yourChristmas WishesNov. 17 - Dec. 22SHOPLOCAL!CHILD CAREYellow SubmarineFamily Child CareArt, nature, music & circletime. Snacks provided.Licence #A0SN-8JPU7Twww.yellowsubmarinefamilychildcare.comJoHannah Knight250-246-1366PAINTINGAUTO GLASSFOR RENTLARGE 2 BEDROOMapartment for rent in newerhome in Chemainus. NearKin Beach. Large, coveredporch, quiet location, someocean views. 5 appliances.References. No pets nosmoking. Emailnews@chemainusvalleycourier.cafor information:OBITUARIESBrown, Sheila Joyce (neeEastman)With great sadness weannounce that Sheila went tobe with the Lord on October7, 2012 in Spirit River,Alberta. Surrounded by thejoy of her life, her lovingfamily, Shelley, Glen,Cynthia, Greg, Tamara andtheir spouses, children andgrandchildren. Sheila wasborn in Chemainus, 15th of16 children, to Korah andVera Eastman on August 31,1942. She graduated fromChemainus High School andwent on to spend many yearsin Whitehorse, running adaycare for children. Ourbeloved sister leaves ninesiblings.

30 Chemainus Valley Courier - Focus on YouthDECEMBER 2012READY TO PAINTNelson and Nathan are excited to get painting for the upcoming 4th Annual Artauction happening December 16 at Cherry Tree Child Care Centre in Chemainus..They are even happier knowing that all the proceeds will be going the local HarvestHouse Food Bank. The children will not only paint the pictures but will even dothe shopping for the groceries themselves!

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier - Arts & Entertainment 31Stitch and bitchfor men onlyMale CEOs are turning to knitting in largenumbers as a stress buster. The term stitch andbitch has taken on a new meaning as men meetregularly to help each other unravel sock andsweater patterns and talk out their daily workproblems.Knitting was not always a female craft. No oneknows forsure whereor whenknittingfirst startedbut theoriginalknitterswere mostlikely Arabian sailors who knitted fishing nets.They carried the craft around the Mediterraneanand into Egypt. From there, nomads took theknowledge to Spain where Catholic missionariesspread the craft throughout Europe. Evidenceshows the oldest form of knitting was practicedbefore Christ.Knitted socks have been found in Egyptiantombs dating from the third and fifth centuries.Queen Elizabeth the First was chuffed to deathwhen presented with a pair of thigh-high knittedsocks from the men of Arabia. She wore themunder her gowns against the cold drafts of thepalace and urged the people of England to get busywith knitting.The first knitting guild was started in Paris in1527. After this knitting guilds sprang up throughoutEurope but were restricted to men only.Women were not permitted to join. In Englandmost hand knitting was the job of poor people andfarm folk who could churn butter with one handwhile knitting socks with the other. Children, bothmale and female, were taught as young as fouryears old.The Terrible Knitters of Dent, Dentdale in theDales were famous for knitting in church andunder the bedclothes. They could knit in the dark.Most of these people had to knit in order to earn ameagre income to stay alive. A device called aknitting stick with a hole in one end held a needlein place while a quick body jerk moved a stitchacross to the other needle to be knitted. When offcomers,outsiders stopped by to see the knittersmilking a cow while knitting, the men became selfconsciousand left the knitting to the women.William Lee of Calverton, Nottinghamshire,England invented the first knitting machine in1563. He had to since the woman he was trying towoo was paying more attention to her knitting thanshe was to him.These days hand knitting seems to be goingthrough a non-gender specific revival.ArtBeat building on first year’s successCHEMAINUS – With one year of experience, organizersof the Friday evening ArtBeat in Chemainus are determinedto build on something that worked well.At a recent debriefing meeting, it was agreed that onlya few minor changes are required for the 2013 season.Artists, musicians and merchants agreed the format workedwell last summer.“We’ve been here for four years and we had peoplecoming in and saying they don’t know we were here,”commented Kathy Yeager, owner of Hansel & Gretels, aWillow Street candy store.About two dozenbusinesses participatedin the event thatwas designed tobenefit artists andbusinesses inChemainus and add alittle life to downtownChemainus on Fridaynights.Musician Dave Young said he and his colleaguesenjoyed the Friday night venue and the chance to performfor an appreciative audience.Artists also praised the event that gave them somemuch-needed exposure.Phil Mavis, co-owner of Willow Street Café, and thevisionary behind ArtBeat, says thegroup has decided to run the eventfor ten nights in 2013, starting onFriday, June 28 and concluding onAugust 30.The start time will be 5 p.m.and ArtBeat will wrap up at 9 p.m.The highlight performance willhave a slightly later start time nextyear, Mavis says.“It was agreed that eachnight’s PHIL MAVISperformancestart time will be at 8 p.m.and the location of each performancewill change from week toweek,” Mavis said.Buskers and other performerswill continue to provide entertainmentthroughout the evening in thesouth block of Willow Street.The fees charged for artists will remain at $15 pernight.For more information on ArtBeat, call 250-246-2434.If you are an artist and would like more informationabout being a part of ArtBeat in 2013, contact PeggyGrigor at 250-246-2594.Eliza Hemingway is aChemainus based author and artist

32 Chemainus Valley Courier - Arts & EntertainmentDECEMBER 2012JOY TO THE WORLDOn Sunday, December 9, in the intimate setting of 1891 heritage St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus, the Cowichan Valley Youth Choir, directed by Sheila Johnson willbring us music of this most joyful season. Come and enjoy the pure, sweet voices of 40 young singers as they portray the essence of all we most love about Christmas.Following the performance, everyone is invited to stay for a Meet the Artists Reception. The concert begins at 2 p.m. Tickets ($15 in advance or $20 at the door) are availableat Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), Little Town Market Co. (Chemainus), the Chemainus Festival Inn or by calling 250-748-8383.The Gifts of the Magi the present for everyoneCHEMAINUS – The Christmas of 2012will be undeniably merry when TheChemainus Theatre Festival opens TheGifts of the Magi, November 30 toDecember 30.Based on a timeless love story by O.Henry, the Mark St. Germain musical isknown to be “crisp and entertaining” (NewYork Daily News), and is renowned forbringing “a laugh to the throat and a mistytear to the eye of theatregoers, young or old”according to the New York Tribune.With festive songs and dancing, and anamusing, yet thoughtful, story line, TheGifts of the Magi calls forth the true spiritof Christmas.A story both familiar and fresh, TheGifts of the Magi is a 1920s-era retellingof the Biblical tale of the Magi (wise menwho bestowed gifts of great meaning onthe new-born King). Set in cold andunfriendly New York City, the musicalcentres on the struggles of down-on-theirluckcouple Jim and Della Young. Despiteeking out a frugal life in their modestapartment, the husband and wife bothsecretly wish to prove their love by givingthe perfect Christmas gift. Unfortunately,their passion comes at a price they do nothave the means to afford.With no more than one dollar andeighty-seven cents between them, both Jimand Della must decide whether to part withtheir own most precious possession in orderto acquire their holiday surprise. ChristmasEve brings complications to a head whenthe couple finally exchanges theirthoughtful – yet useless – presents and ultimatelyunwrap a gift much more precious.The Chemainus Theatre Festival’sartistic director, Mark DuMez, leads atalented team ofBroadway veteransand Shaw andStratford alumni increating the entertainingand delightfulholiday classic,with an O. Henrytwist.“When it comesto Christmas, welove to embracehope and find anescape from thingsthat are cold andcommercial,” saysDuMez.“The Gifts ofthe Magi, a musicalabout a beautiful married couple and O.Henry’s other story, The Cop and theAnthem, offer a loving and lightheartedreminder that beyond money, presents, andfrenzy of the season, it’s the impulse to giveand connect with each other that holds ustogether and really counts.”An award-winning cast bringsanimation and emotion to the show. Withmany international acting, dancing, andsinging credits, extending to Broadway andbeyond, the actors may easily be considereda gift to the production itself.In lead roles, Jesse Martyn (Joseph andthe Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, InFlanders Fields, AMidsummer Night’sDream, Anne andGilbert, Saint Joan)appears as husband JimYoung opposite KayleeHarwood (Jesus ChristSuperstar, Camelot,Sweeney Todd, My FairLady, Les Misérables) inthe role of wife, DellaYoung.Vancouver nativeJeff Hyslop (Cabaret,Kiss of the SpiderWomen, The Producers,A Chorus Line,Phantom of the Opera)plays cheerful bum,Soapy, who is on a mission to get arrestedand spend the holiday in a cozy cell whileColin Sheen (All Shook Up, Next toNormal, Glory Days, Joseph and theAmazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) addsdelightful and informative observations tothe story as newsboy-narrator Willy.Rounding out the troupe are RobbieClarke (Guys and Dolls, The 39 Steps,Falsettos, The Woods) and Sarah Carlé(Seussical The Musical, Little Shop ofHorrors, Steel Magnolias, Sweeney Todd)as spirited city folk going about theirholiday business.Punctuating the story are bursts oforiginal music and lyrics by Randy Courtsand Mark St. Germain. Eleven lilting piecesare unified into merry song and dancenumbers by the musical direction of BradL'Écuyer and choreography of KenOverbey.The charming musical is given itsproper due by the talented production team.Set designer Kevin McAllister, lightingdesigner Conor Moore and sound designerPaul Tedeschini transform the stage into abeautiful heritage portrait of early 20thcentury New York – accentuated by theartful use of period fashion by costumedesigner Norma Bowen. While audiencesare visually captivated, stage managerLeigh McClymont ensures everythingcomes together with great perfection.For theatregoers who are looking tokindle their holiday spirit, The Gifts of theMagi provides humour, heart and the gifteveryone wants … to unwrap the truemeaning of Christmas.Ticket purchases can be made online atwww.chemainustheatre.ca, or by callingThe Chemainus Theatre Festival box officeat 1-800-565-7738.

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier - Arts & Entertainment 33Dickens’ readingsat United Churchon December 11For many people, Dickens’ ChristmasCarol readings signal the start of the festiveseason.Until 2009, CBC sponsored andpresented these readings and Christmasmusic nationwide. For several years theevent was hosted by the Chemainus UnitedChurch.This year the church will host andpresent this classic event with guestperformers, the Cowichan Valley YouthConcert Choir conducted by SheilaJohnson.Familiar voices from CBC Radio andother local performers from ChemainusTheatre Festival will read selections fromDickens’ work. Readers include CBC’sShelagh Rogers and Jo-Ann Robertsaccompanied by Chemainus TheatreFestival’s Artistic Director Mark Dumez,Erin Ormond, Master of Theatre.David Thomas, retired professor ofliterature and Gregg Perry round out thelineup of readers. Host for the evening isJamie Stephen.Tickets are $12 per person or $30 fora family and are available from BritishAllsorts or the United Church. Patrons arealso asked to donate food items for HarvestHouse food bank on the night of theperformance.Strasbourg-Thompson show at Cowichan TheatreChemainus artist Barry Strasbourg-Thompson will be the featured artist at anexhibition at the Cowichan Theatre LobbyGallery from Dec. 3 – 31.The exhibition is titled ‘On Mindfulness’and Strasbourg-Thompson will beavailable for tours by appointment onSaturday, Dec. 8 and 15 from 2 p.m. until4 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 22 between2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.PARTAY TIMEJammers took to the stage at the November Clubhouse Partay at Mount Brenton Golf Club. There will be no Partay inDecmeber but music lovers will want to catch the always entertaining Luv Train on New Year’s Eve at the Clubhouse.You are invited to support this welllovedChristmas tradition on Tuesday, Dec.11. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concertbegins at 7:30.Strasbourg-Thompson has shown atExit Art New York, Karsh-Masson Gallery(Ottawa),The National Aviation Museum,The Canadian Museum of Civilization.He holds a BFA in Visual Arts from theUniversity of Ottawa.For more information on current exhibitioncontact Barry Strasbourg-Thompson 250 246 4093 or www.strasbourgthompsonstudio.comBook Online!NOVEMBER 30 TO DECEMBER 30HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS MUSICAL1 . 8 0 0 . 5 6 5 . 7 7 3 8chemainustheatre.ca

34Chemainus Valley Courier - Events DECEMBER 2012Around the ValleyYour guideto what’s happeningin DecemberLive TheatreNovember 30 – December 30 –The Gifts of the Magi.Chemainus Theatre Festival.1-800-565-7738.December 20 – 31 -Sing a SongSixpence. Ladysmith LittleTheatre. 4985 Christie Road,Ladysmith. 250-924-0658.Just For FunSunday, December 2 – AnAfternoon with Andre Rieu andhis Strauss Orchestra. On theBig Screen. 2 – 4 p.m. Admissionfree. Chemainus Senior’s DropIn Centre, 9824 Willow St.250-246-2111.Community Events& MeetingsChemainus Gardens Festival ofTrees. A Fundraiser for HarvestHouse Food Bank. For moreinformation contact 250-246-3569.Thursday, November 29 –Christmas Bazaar. 11 a.m. – 2p.m. Royal Canadian Legion.9775 Chemainus Road.Chemainus. 250-246-3133.Thursday, November 29 –Chemainus Valley Cultural ArtsSociety AGM. Chemainus UnitedChurch upstairs hall. 7 p.m.Tuesday, December 4 –Chemainus Artists. 4 p.m. 3095Cook Street. PotluckThursday, December 6 –Surviving the Holidays –Calvary Baptist Church,250-246-9121.Catch the Spotlight Series presentation of WinterHarp at The Port Theatre in Nanaimo on December8 at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm.Live Music& ConcertsLive Music Jams - every week.Fridays December 14 & 28.Twisted Sisters Tea Room.9885 Maple St. Chemainus.Call for schedule. 250-246-1541.Sunday, December 9 –Cowichan Valley Youth Choirs,directed by Sheila Johnson. St.Michael’s Church.748-8383.Saturday, December 1. OpenMic - Willow Street Café. 9749Willow Street. 250-246-2434.Saturday, December 1 –Mexican Bus Ride. 9 p.m..Tickets $10 or 3 for $25. CroftonHotel, 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton.250-324-2245.Wednesday, December 12 –McCandless Family Band. 8 p.m.Crofton Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave,Crofton. 250-324-2245.Friday, December 21 – TheTristones. Tickets $10 or 3 for$25. Crofton Hotel, 1534 JoanAve, Crofton. 250-324-2245.Monday, December 31 – NewYear’s Eve with Juneau nomineeDavid Gogo. Tickets $20 inadvance, $25 at the door.Limited Seating, book early.Crofton Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave,Crofton. 250-324-2245.DancesSaturday, December 15 – HappyHans. Doors open at7 p.m. $8 incl. lunch. ChemainusSenior’s Drop In Centre, 9824Willow St. 250-246-2111.Saturday, December 8 – CroftonChristmas Food Bank Fundraiser– 4 Great Bands andBurlesque Show. $15 ticketincludes dinner andentertainment. Entertainmentkicks off with Ed Peekeekoot. 7p.m. Crofton Hotel, 1534 JoanAve, Crofton. 250-324-2245.Monday, December 31 – NovaScotia New year’s Eve Pot Luck.Doors open 5:30, dinner at 6:00.Chemainus Senior’s Drop InCentre, 9824 Willow St.250-246-2111.Saturday, December 1 –Breakfast With Santa. 9 a.m. –Noon. Chemainus CommunityElementary School. 3172Garner Street.Saturday, December 1 –Chemainus ChristmasWalking Tour.Saturday, December 1 –Chemainus-Crofton EaglesDinner/Dance. Fuller LakeArena. 250-246-3379.The Gifts of the Maji is at the Chemainus Theatre Festival until December 30.(Photo by Andrew Leong)

DECEMBER 2012 Chemainus Valley Courier - Events 35Wednesday, December 12 –St. Joseph’s School ChristmasConcert. 7 p.m. 9735 Elm Street.250-246-3191.Saturday, December 15 –Christmas Potluck. Doors openat 6 p.m. NeighbourhoodHouse, 9796 Willow Street,Chemainus. 250-246-3203Saturday, December 15 – LittleTown Christmas. WaterwheelPark, Chemainus.Monday, December 31 –Masquerade Ball on New Year’sEve. The Shoe Pub, 9576Chemainus Road.250-416-0411.It Happens Every WeekMondaysCarpet Bowling – 9 to 11 am.Crofton Seniors Society. 1507 AJoan Ave. Crofton.250-246-4174.Soup & Sandwich & Socializing– 11:30 am. Crofton SeniorsSociety. 1507 A Joan Ave.Crofton.250-246-4174.Bingo - Seniors Drop-In Centre.9824 Willow Street. Chemainus.6:40 pm. Doors open @ 4:45pm.246-2111.3rd Monday of the Month –Senior Society General Meeting.1 pm. Crofton Seniors Society.1507 A Joan Ave. Crofton. 250-246-4174.TuesdaysFun Bingo – 1 pm. CroftonSeniors Society. 1507 A JoanAve. Crofton. 250-246-4174.Meat Draw - The Royal CanadianLegion. 3 - 6 pm. 9775Chemainus Road. Chemainus.250-246-3133.3rd Tuesday of every month -Communities in BloomMeetings – 7 pm. SteeplesActivity Room. Newcomersalways welcome.WednesdaysMuffin Mornings – 9:30 to 11:30am. Except Soup and SandwichWednesdays. Seniors Drop-InCentre. 9824 Willow Street.Chemainus. 250-246-2111.Crofton Art Club – CroftonSeniors Society. 1507 A JoanAve. Crofton. 250-246-4174. 10am – 2 pm except lastWednesday of month –meeting 1 – 3 pm.Fun Darts – Chemainus Legion.7 pm. 9775 Chemainus Road.Chemainus. 250-246-3133.Captivate for youth ages 12and up. NeighbourhoodHouse250-246-3203.Badminton – ChemainusSecondary School. 8 p.m.250-246-3811.Karaoke – 9 pm start. GreenLantern Pub. 9644 ChemainusRoad. Chemainus. 246-3131.Rotary Club Meetings – MountBrenton Golf Club.6 pm.Zumba Fitness Classes –Chemainus Senior’s Center.9824 Willow Street.250-246-2111.2nd & 4th Wednesdays -Chemainus/Crofton EaglesAerie & Auxiliary F.O.E. 4400Meetings. 7:30 pm. Fuller LakeArena, Activity Room. DINNER:2nd Meeting of the Month. 6:30pm. Ground Floor Activity Room– Fuller Lake Arena. 250-246-3379, 250-245-4445,250-246-4973.ThursdaysFolk Dancing – 3 pm. SeniorsDrop-In Centre. 9824 WillowStreet. 246-2111.English Conversational Tea –5:30 to 6:30 pm. CowichanNeighbourhood House.9796 Willow St. Chemainus.246-3203.2nd Thursday of the Month -Crofton Community CentreMeeting. 7 pm. 8104 Musgrave.Entrance across from the FireHall on Robert St. Crofton.246-3009.2nd Thursday of the Month –Senior Society Birthday Bash.5:45 pm. Crofton SeniorsSociety. 1507 A Joan Ave.Crofton. 250-246-4174.3rd Thursday of the Month –Crofton Health Care Auxiliary.1 pm. Crofton Seniors Centre.1507 A Joan Ave. Crofton.250-246-4174.FridaysCrofton Quilters – 9 am. CroftonSeniors Society. 1507 A JoanAve. Crofton. 250-246-4174.Muffin Mornings – 9:30 to 11:30am. Seniors Drop-In Centre.9824 Willow Street. Chemainus.250-246-2111.Meat Draw - The Royal CanadianLegion. 4 - 7 pm. 9775Chemainus Road. Chemainus.250-246-3133.Meat Draw - 8 to 10 pm. GreenLantern Pub. 9644 ChemainusRoad. 250-246-3131.Bingo - The Royal CanadianLegion @ 6:30 p.m. Doors open@ 5 pm. 250-246-3133 or 250-246-4532. 9775 ChemainusRoad. Chemainus.DJ Music – Green Lantern Pub.9644 Chemainus Road.Chemainus.250-246-3131.2nd and 4th Friday of everymonth – Karaoke. Seniors Drop-In Centre. 9824 Willow Street.Chemainus.250-246-2111.Karaoke – Brass Bell Pub inCrofton. 8152 York Ave.250-246-1230. 9 – Midnight.SaturdaysFlea Market. 9 am to 3 pm. TheRoyal Canadian Legion Hall.9775 Chemainus Road.Chemainus. For information call250-924-8481.Meat Draws – Horseshoe BayPub. 9576 Chemainus Road. 2 –4 p.m.Meat Draw - The Royal CanadianLegion. 3 – 6 pm. 9775Chemainus Road. Chemainus.250-246-3133.Last Saturday of the Month –Senior Society Potluck Supper.5:45 pm. 1507 A Joan Ave.Crofton. 250-246-4174.Meat Draw (free) Horseshoe BayInn, Starting in October 2p.m.9576 Chemainus Road.250-416-0411.Karaoke – 9 pm start. GreenLantern Pub. 9644 ChemainusRoad. Chemainus.250-246-3131.SundaysMeat Draw - 3 to 5 pm. GreenLantern Pub. 9644 ChemainusRoad. 250-246-3131.

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