VOYA 2505852767 GAZINE.CA MAR 2020 9 · stantly amazed at the craft, ingenuity and passion this...

9MARCH 2020NANAIMO AND VOYAGER MAGAZINE 250.585.2767 NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA

10 MARCH 2020 NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA 250.585.2767 NANAIMO AND VOYAGER MAGAZINE


#springintovim

VOYAGER COVER STORY | BY MEI DUNLOP

THE MARKET WITH STORIES THAT CONNECT US

READ IT ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET - NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” – Brené BrownHaving transplanted to the island 6 years ago, I do miss going to family gatherings and celebrations on the mainland. As I have a big family, we would get together more often than just special occasions.

A new decade makes me reflect on life and how much I have grown over the past 10 years as a “creative entrepreneur”. I find that I am always seeking to connect with artisans and like-minded people to learn from and encourage being mindful of the unique potentials every person has to offer. I am con-stantly amazed at the craft, ingenuity and passion this island has to offer.

Vancouver Island Market was created to reflect this experience and to expose to the community all the skills, time and hard work each and every individual maker represents.

So after another successful winter market this past Decem-ber, my husband, Frank, and I, needed time away from the cold to rejuvenate so we could start the new year off with fresh and clear goals in mind but also keep the experience of artisans and craftsmanship close.

We headed for Mexico.

With so much great locally grown food, homemade pasta, fresh fruit and juices… we were in organic food heaven. We ate a lot!

There were also many local artisans that had a year round daily market (called the Hippie Market) where tourists, like ourselves, could find gifts such as funny t-shirts, handmade jewellery to dog collars and hand-woven blankets.

Going to markets is a must either at home or when I travel. Seeing creativity at work in an-other country is so inspiring! Macramé plant hangers, colourful wall murals, up-cycled metal art, gem stones and jewellery - so much like home with passion and dedication.

What makes the sum of its parts so unique at VIM are the powerful stories and connec-tions we create here. In each ap-plication, vendors are invited to tell us “why they do what they do” so they can be heard and their art

realized from a unique perspective.

It’s an emotional and uplifting feeling for shoppers, organizers and even other mak-ers to experience the passions and history offered by each maker - And to enjoy their purchased wares for years to come, as well as creating long time friendships and return customers.

Not forgetting we do this with food, wine and local brews too!

Vancouver Island Market returns with a refreshed mindset this April at Nanaimo North Town Centre. With a focus on mean-ingful connections, the VIM team look for-ward to boosting sustainability and the local creative economy right her on the island. There will be food trucks, outdoor and in-door vendors spread across the entire mall

with live music. Come enjoy the exclu-sivity that sparks joy and supports

your choice to shop local.

11MARCH 2020

Mei Dunlop, owner

vancouverislandmarket.com

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ART ADVENTURES | BY PATRICIA BANKS© (ARTIST/WRITER)

Patricia Banks

For many years the song “Granada”, full of emotion and sung by a good tenor, has always enchanted me. Thoughts of the warmth and beauty of southern Spain would beckon me to its passion for life and artistic flare. I never imagined I would have the chance to embrace its people, culture, and history in person.A visit to the Alhambra, a royal palace and fortress complex over-looking the city of Granada, was awe-inspiring. Originally built in 889AD on Roman Ruins, it has weathered centuries of occupations and neglect, and has also been enhanced by successive rulers. It is Spain’s most significant and well-known Islamic architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a landscape painter, it was mind-shifting to explore and study the buildings and formal garden designs.

Thick stone and red brick walls surround 35 acres of stunning, formally designed buildings, punctuated with a myriad of marble arches, keyhole style doors and windows, intriguing stairways, and peaceful courtyards. It is an artistic feast of geometry! Unending geo-metric patterns, symmetry, repetition, and precision embellish the

Art AdventuresArt Adventures

colourful tiles, plasterwork, marble, carved wood, and stone paths of this marvelous place. Numerous fountains, reflecting pools, water courses, spectacular formal gardens, and splendid views offer relax-ing sensations of visual calm.

The artist in me wrestles with how to express my emotions. How do I represent, on canvas, the stimulation of all of my senses at once? How can I paint what I have witnessed and share this story so that it is music to your ears as well? Hmm… the work of an artist is hard… after all, it is called art-work! Choose your next Art Adventure by visiting my Nanaimo Studio/Gallery!

www.patriciabanks.ca | [email protected]

IN GRANADA


6. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES? I love to tinker with stuff: Vintage radios and audio gear, old cars and computers. I love build-ing things for my three kids to play with like play houses, swing sets and pirate ships.

7. TELL US SOMETHING THAT MIGHT SUR-PRISE US? I have a collection of fountain pens and I love to write with them.

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SHOW? For me it was the concert I gave at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Orchestra - I will always cherish it.

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT

1. WHY ARE YOU A SINGER? I am a singer because I like it (that’s the short answer!) and I can’t really imagine doing anything else. As a kid I was always singing, in choir, musicals, bands, and at home for fun. It wasn’t until senior year in high school, at the encouragement of the music teacher, that I auditioned for music school at the University of Victoria. To my surprise they accepted me, and I began to seriously pursue music and the vocal arts.

2. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? I live in quaint and quirky, Chemainus.

3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OF MUSIC? Well there are really three an-swers. As a performer – I love ballads; to sing for fun - opera and show tunes; and to listen to on the record player - I am music consuming omnivore and enjoy a lot of styles. At the moment I am listening to a lot of vintage singers from the golden age of recording - Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Mario Lanza.

4. FAVOURITE PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG? Katie, my black lab cross, is a lovable res-cue from Alabama and our favourite place to go for an off-leash walk is Chemainus Lake park - last year we met a cougar on the trail which was exciting and luckily we have not run into him since!

5. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHERE YOU GREW UP? I grew up near Colwood and loved that my family home was so close to Esquimalt lagoon. It really was idyllic with ocean, field and forest all with in walking distance - very convenient for the epic adventures of a slightly mischievous boy.

9. WHAT SONG WOULD YOU TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND? Hmmm… that is tough, probably Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. I don’t think I am alone on that choice.

10. DO YOU HAVE A MOST MEMORABLE CONCERT TOUR? My tour of China was memorable for the scope of places we visited and the response we received. The other most memorable would have to be, wait for it… Saskatchewan! Our tour bus was a giant RV and we traveled through the November cold to every small town and I couldn’t have imagined a warmer welcome from the audiences there.

11. TELL US ABOUT SINGING FOR YOUR SUPPER? I have reignited a passion for motorcycle riding and last year went on an epic trip through the Rocky Mountains. We ended up in Radium Hot-springs at the Old Salzburg Restaurant. One of my riding buddies joked with the waitress that maybe I could sing for my supper… after a little negotiating I ended up yodelling for Schnapps and lager!

12. FAVOURITE PLACES TO VISIT ON VANCOUVER ISLAND? Cathedral Grove, Witty’s Lagoon, Bamfield, Tofino, Cumberland, Mt. Washington Strathcona Park, Fort Rodd Hill… I think I may end up just naming the whole island.

13. YOU HAVE BEEN TOURING 3 KNIGHTS WITH A TENOR SHOW ACROSS CANADA – WHAT DO AUDIENCES LIKE THE MOST IN THE SHOW? The audiences seem to really love the variety and breadth of music but most of all they enjoy singing along to all those familiar classic tunes that they love by the Knights – Elton, Paul and Andrew.

Ken performs 3 Knights with a Tenor on March 26 at The Port theatre as part of Festival Nanaimo 2020.

QuestionsQuestionsKen LavigneFOR13


Love Where You Live“Lucky to have been where I have been Lucky to be coming home again... Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed Lucky to be coming home someday” (“Lucky” by Jason Mraz)

I am fortunate to have travelled fairly extensively in my life. As a young girl living in South Africa, I spent many holidays in England where my grandparents lived; as a high school girl, I was part of a sports team that went to Los Angeles on two occasions; and then as an adult with German relatives, I have been to Europe several times. I have also been to Mauritius, Zambia, Swaziland, Lesotho and Botswana… and after emigrating to Canada, I have travelled to Alaska, the USA and Mexico. I have seen majestic mountain ranges, African savannahs teeming with

FROM THE EDITOR | JUDY STEPHAN

game, idyllic island paradises, flown in a helicopter over the mighty Victoria Falls, and discovered the beauty of great European cities like Amsterdam, Venice, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt and London. Nothing, though, is as beautiful as living on Vancouver Island. The older I get, the less I feel the need to travel when I am surrounded by such magnificent beauty in the everchanging scenery that is everywhere on this island. From the snowy heights of Mt Washington, to the cosmopolitan European feel of stately Victoria; to the temperamental seascapes of the Georgia Straits and Salish sea. You can lose yourself in old growth forests with towering trees, face the elements on the treacherous west coast or revel in the wildlife that is everywhere.

When we vacation in a sunny spot, or travel across Canada to see our daughter, or pop down to Vegas for some excitement, I always relish coming home. I feel “Lucky to have been where I have been, Lucky to be coming home again, …Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed, Lucky to be coming home …”

Just catching a glimpse of Nanaimo from a sea plane, or from the deck of a ferry sets my heart a flutter. Love where you live!

#lovewhereyoulive

Spring is the season of new beginnings. As people shake off winter hibernation, they start to consider changes in their lives. For business owners, that consideration may include selling their business.Most of the businesses offered for sale are thriv-ing and successful. But the owner is ready to move on. It may be time to retire. There may be new interests beckoning. The business may be fixed in place but the owner is moving for person-al/family reasons. There could be health issues. The owner may be a successful serial entrepre-neur who has established a successful business and is ready to move on to something new.“I’ve been involved in selling some amazing businesses,” says iBC Business Broker Michael Naprawa. “I’m always impressed by the creativity and vibrancy of the businesses I’ve represented, most of which were established and developed in British Columbia.”

For owners who might be considering a change that includes selling their business, Naprawa suggests advance preparation. “If you want to sell your business, get it sale ready now,” Naprawa said. “If you were selling your house, you’d be touching up the paint, doing repairs, and double-checking your property’s curb appeal.”Do the same with your business.First, fix any problems. Deal with any lease or property issues, staffing problems, or outstanding financial/legal issues that may have arisen.Check your business curb appeal. En-sure your website and social media are up-to-date, that there are minimal negative reviews online, and that any property you

use or vehicles are in good repair and maintained.Make sure your business radiates suc-cess. You should have documented proof showing the financial stability and success of your operation. For his clients, Naprawa determines opti-mum market price for a business, which is directly supported by financial data and market conditions presented to potential buyers. Buyers purchase future opportun-ity, not just past performance, so validating future opportunities is vital.iBCBB has many qualified buyers looking for good business opportunities. If you are ready to move on and have a good busi-ness to sell, please contact:

Prepare in Advance to Sell Your Business| BY VALORIE LENNOX

15MARCH 2020NANAIMO AND VOYAGER MAGAZINE 250.585.2767 NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CAREAD IT ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET - NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA

BUSINESS PROFILE | BY JUDY STEPHAN

It is not something we like to think about, especially when we are think-ing about the sunny weather, but surviving in a disaster situation is something we need to have upper-most in our mind all the time. Emer-gencies can happen any time of the year. We saw that with the extreme snowfall in January and then the floods in early February this year. We witness that every Summer with the rampant wildfires and the seis-mic activity that has been happening off our coast. Only 25% of Vancou-ver Island families and businesses have an emergency plan. IN 2018 we experienced the largest quake off the West Coast since 2012 measuring 6.8 - we need to be prepared. We are due for a megathrust earthquake. The last one occurred on January 26 in 1700! They occur

every 300 to 400 years. It has been 320 years since then. It is not the matter of IF, it is a matter of WHEN! Some say it is already overdue. Are you prepared?Getmykit is a local Vancouver Island com-pany started by family man Chad McGilli-vary right here in Lantzville in 2016. As a father of three, he knows the importance of being prepared if disaster strikes - and he supplies emergency preparedness kits for families, businesses and even for your car should the unthinkable happen!

BEING PREPARED IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 31. Create a Plan in case of an Earth-

quake or other Disaster - for example, do you have a place where you and your

loved ones will meet should disaster strike and you are not together?

2. Get an Emergency Preparedness Kit – Ensure everyone in the family or business knows where this is – preferably near an exit.

3. Educate yourself & your family – Chad also offers free workshops to schools, businesses, senior centres.

While you are busy spring cleaning, take inventory and see what you need to keep your family safe. GetMyKit has every option and size of emergency kit for your family or business.

For more information: Getmykit.ca, 1 800-673-1222, [email protected]

Spring Clean your Emergency Kit

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashPhoto by NOAA on Unsplash Photo by Dawn Armfield on Unsplash


Imagine Cruise & Travel 2980-103rd St, Nanaimo 250.758.7893

www.imaginecruisetravel.com

Black: C-0 M-0 Y-0 K100

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Imagine Cruise & Travel blue

If you can imagine it, we can make it happen!

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“I will make my travel matter – for our planet, for people and for wildlife. When I explore this planet, I will do my best to tread right. I will refuse single use plastics when I can and recycle what I cannot avoid. When possible, I will offset my travels. When I meet new people I will hon-our their home as I do my own, and do so in the spirit of diversity and inclusion. I will purchase locally made items wherever possible and pay a fair price. When I experience wildlife, I will do so in nature. I will not ride animals that ought not be ridden, nor support animal cruelty in any way. Together, we will tread right upon the earth – and we will make our travel matter”

E-DOCUMENTS & REFORESTATION - In partnership with One Tree Planted, Insight Va-cations will plant one tree in Canada for every guest who chooses to receive their travel docu-ments electronically as e-Documents Trees can be requested to be planted in North or South America or Asia and are approved “local” trees.

PEOPLE - Insight Vacations is committed to encouraging the cultures, traditions and arts of the communities we visit to thrive. They help communities unlock the benefits of tourism through economic empowerment, supporting micro-enterprises and community-based initia-

tives that build positive futures for local people and their families. A selection of Insight trips features experiences where you can contribute to and participate in the cultures, traditions and arts of the communities we visit, eg. a flamenco school in Spain or learn weaving in Italy.

PLANET - Reducing the environmental impact of Treadright is at its core, working with all brands under The Travel Corporation, to eliminate all avoidable single-use plastics in their operations, reduce their footprint by offering an e-documents to guests, and use the efficient and eco-friendly modes of transportation. On your trip with them, they identify where you can refill reusable water bottles with potable drinking water.

WILDLIFE SOS INDIA - Wildlife SOS India helps elephants living in urban environments that are wounded, malnourished and dehydrated, as a result of being used illegally or commercially under deprived conditions. They provide medical services to elephants and train their handlers on humane treatment and management. With the grant provided by Treadright, supported by Insight Vacations, Wildlife SOS has built a permanent Enforcement Training classroom at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Uttar, and elephant conflict situations, proper elephant management and more on a consistent basis.

WHY GO COACH? - Coach travel reduces con-gestion and creates less pollution and creates 85% less CO² than car and air travel, and 40% less CO ² than rail travel. The Insight Vaca-tions coach fleet is among the most efficient in Europe, complying with EU emissions standards. Over the past 2 decades EU emissions standards have made it so that Euro Emissions 6 registered vehicles create up to 97% less emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions than those vehicles meeting previous Euro Emissions standards.

CARBON OFFSETTING - As part of Treadright’s continuing sustainability journey, it’s important to provide guests and team with the necessary tools and information to make responsible travel choices. They provide opportunities to carbon offset your travel experience. Tread-Right has identified 3 leading carbon offset programs - Conservation International Carbon Fund, myclimate, The Nature Conservancy, and Rainforest Concern – Forest Credits - provid-ing travellers with a number of ways to offset your travel experiences.

CRUISE & TRAVEL | SUBMITTED BY SHAWN KILNER

Shawn Kilner - MCC, Master Cruise Counsellor/Owner

Join the amazing Treadright movement


Tokyo is the venue for the 2020 Summer Olympics! While many of our Canadian athletes are already focussing on their plans for their respective Olympic competition, others are still attempting to qualify. That’s the scenario facing our Men’s Team Canada Basketball team. Olympic qualifying will be held this June. The 2020 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will be held in four areas, in Split, the second largest City of Cro-atia, Kaunas, in Lithuania, Belgrade in Serbia and in Victoria, BC.

Canada, China, Uruguay, Greece, Turkey and Czech Republic will play at Save On Foods Memorial Centre from June 23rd to 28th, competing for a berth in the Olympics.

Team Canada, coached by Nick Nurse of the NBA Toronto Raptors, will open the tourna-ment in Victoria, with a game against Greece.

Canada has commitments from most of its NBA players. With 15 Canadians playing in the NBA, that’s an encouraging sign. Canada will definitely have an experienced and tal-ented team. Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Olynyk, Cory Joseph, Tristan Thompson, Jamal Mur-ray, Khem Birch are just a few of the top candidates for Olympic selection.

Olympic Basketball in Tokyo 2020 will feature further evolution of the game. The introduc-tion of 3X3 Basketball and the traditional full court team action will definitely add a dimen-sion of excitement. The women will play a comparable schedule of games.

Canada’s Women’s team competed in Lon-don 2012 and Rio 2016 and will continue their Olympic Streak in Tokyo. The Women’s team clinched an Olympic berth with a quali-fying win over Sweden. They are ranked an all-time best number 4 in the World! Players from British Columbia include Kim Gaucher, Ruth Hamblin and Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe.

Other Canadian teams to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics: Women’s Soccer, Softball, Water Polo and Rugby Sevens. The Men’s Field Hockey, Volleyball and Rugby Sevens teams have also qualified.

Bernie Pascall has an exten-sive background in TV Sports, and 30 years as Sports Direc-tor/Commentator with BCTV. He called the play by play of the Vancouver Canucks, World Hockey Champion-ships and broadcast several Olympics, CFL, Whitecaps, Figure Skating and other sports. He’s a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.


Photo: Freepik.com

The Everlasting Love Between Humans and Animals

PAWS FOR THOUGHT BY MERRY PUPPINNS

Since the beginning of time, animals and humans have been intertwined with each other. They complement and enrich each other’s lives, and animals place no judgements or criticisms upon humans, only unconditional love throughout their lifetime with us.George Elliot (Mary Ann Evans, 1819-1880) Victorian Author wrote, “Animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” Animals play a vital role in our mental, physical and spiritual health. They have an ability to make our

lives happier, more relaxed, enlightened and give us lower blood pressure levels. As a result, we have less anxiety and opportunity for depression.

For many of us, our beloved pets become life partners because the bond we share with them is inseparable and their loyalty and faithfulness is a gift we are truly blessed to receive. Some people even choose to live homeless, unable to find suitable accommodation with their pets: they would rather live with them in their vehicles or on the streets because their bond is so powerful. In recent years, throughout the world, there are even people who marry their dogs. Perhaps

they have experienced endless unhappy marriages, traumatic relationships, or failed miserably on the dating scene. Whatever the case may be, they decide their soulmates are ultimately their dogs. I recently observed such an event, “For better or woof till death do us part, I do!” And they were pronounced, Woman/Man and Dog to the soft sounds of, “Puppy Love”.

Whether we perform marriage to our dogs or not, the commitment to our pets always needs to be, “Till death do us part.” That is our gift to them and how lucky we are to share this great earth and our lives with animals.

MERRY PUPPINNS

Merry Puppinns is a qualified Veterinary Assistant with over 10 years’ experience, and has spent the last 2 decades de-voted to the care and wellbeing of animals. Merry Puppinns provides professional, compas-sionate Petsitting Services, for your beloved pets whilst you are away. Experienced in geriatric care, special needs, special diets, dog walks & cat pats. *Free Consultations* (250) 402-3488 Email: [email protected].

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GOOD OLDE SCHOOL DAZE | BY DERYCK COWLING


During World War I, a coal mine (Jack’s Mine) was established in the area now known as Lantzville. In 1917 a petition was sent to the

Department of Education to fund a school. The department agreed to pay for a teacher but not

a building as it was felt that a mining camp was too unpredictable to warrant one. Fortunately, the

coal company agreed to put up a building and the Grant Mine School opened in 1918 with Mr. T. Bryant as teacher.By 1921 there were 53 pupils in 8 grades in a space intended for 30 pupils at most. An additional teacher was hired but there were still no funds for a building so pupils attended in two shifts. Ever resourceful, by that summer the residents had built a two-room school that today serves as Lantzville’s Centennial Hall. In 1926 the mine closed and during the Depression the Education Department cut programs and teacher salaries. Down to one teacher, the PTA stepped up. In 1934 an old barn was taken apart and erected as a gymnasium on the school site. A National Film Board production in 1942 called “Lessons in Living” portrayed the efforts of the parents as an example of what a community could accomplish through cooper-ation and dedication towards a progressive education. That same year, the schools from Ladysmith to Lantzville were amalgamated into one district and the school absorbed the students from the Red Gap School in Nanoose.By 1951 the first room of the new Seaview School was built and later expanded to four rooms by 1960. Today, the community and school continues to prosper thanks in no small part to the determination of the local residents and the work of pioneer teachers like Catherine Mrus, Helen Stark, Alex Ferguson and others.For more information on the school history of the Nanaimo area, visit: nanaimoladysmithretiredteachers.ca Lantzville School (now Centennial Hall)

LANTZVILLE

Grants Mine School - Lantzville’s first school. Circa 1920


GARDENING & MORE


BUCKERFIELD’S GARDENING TIPS | BY ROSEMARIE BARNES

New buds poking their heads up out of the ground, leaves budding on trees and shrubs, pets shedding their thick and tired winter coats in favour of new and sleek fur: this is March on Vancouver Island and it is bursting with growth and colour!Every week, shipments of new spring flowers arrive at the doors of Buckerfield’s South. Herbs, perennials, and summer flowering bulbs, already potted and blooming or ready for you to plant, ar-rive weekly so your favourites are sure to be ready and waiting for you. Enjoy the always-popular Dahlias, Gladiolas and Begonias along with a long list of other blooming delights. Onion and potato sets are in as is the beautiful selection of veggie starts. Buckerf-ield’s South is very excited to announce that beginning this year, organic veggie starts will also be in stock!

Don’t forget about the Raise & Release Mason Bees. Excellent for pollination but becoming increasingly rare, Mason Bees are every gardener’s dream come true. Buckerfield’s South has everything you need including houses, tubes, and even the bees themselves.

Pets and horses have not been neglected this Spring! Horses enjoy Buckerfield’s bounty of brushes, hay bags, halters, and textured food and hay. These beautiful animals are depicted on an array of wall art so be sure to have a look see. Smaller pets also need new spring supplies of leashes, collars, combs, brushes and of course, poop bags. Everything you need for Spring is in store, in stock, and just waiting for you to enjoy.

South End Nanaimo, suite 1-1277 Island Hwy S

250.753.4221

Photo by Zdenk Macháek on Unsplash

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Are you interested in exploring your family history? Discovering the names of your great-great grandparents? Learning when your family arrived in North America? Beginning your research?Nanaimo Family History Society is presenting a one-day workshop, Steps to Our Ancestors, for beginner and intermediate genealogists on Saturday, March 28th, 2020 from 9am to 4pm at Beban Park Lounge. Four topics will be explored: Firm Steps on the Ancestral Trail; Can You Prove That?; Destination: Immigration Canada, and Getting Started With DNA Testing. Accomplished genealogists Dave Obee, Brenda L. Smith and Marie Palmer will present these sessions. The cost for the day is $30. Visit nanaimofamilyhistory.ca, for further information and registration.

Nanaimo Family History Society was formed in 1981 and is a registered non-profit society. We currently have over 90 members. Our goal is to provide assistance and education to our members and the community. Meetings are the third Monday of every month, except July and August. Guests are welcome to attend. Doors open at 6pm with discussion groups on various topics, followed by a brief meeting at 7pm and a guest speaker.

Check out nanaimofamilyhistory.ca for information on our society including a calendar of our speakers, links to genealogy sites, passenger ship lists, our quarterly journal, AncesTree, and a catalogue of our library holdings.

OUR COMMUNITY


Sentimental Wedding Ideas You’ll Always RememberWONDERFUL WEDDINGS | BY VIRGINIA BRUCKER

Your wedding day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner. But your wedding is also a wonderful opportunity to honour the loved ones who made you who you are today by including small touches that will always be remembered by friends and family.

Here are a few suggestions of ways to include your family in your special day.• Display the gowns of your mom, mother-

in-law and grandmothers on dress forms.

• Snap a photo of the bride and groom separately, each holding up a photo from your parents’ wedding.

• Take a photo of your wedding dress on a hanger with a photo of your mom in her wedding gown in the background.

• Recreate your favourite photo from your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding, incorporating their photo in your own.

• Write different chalkboard messages for special loved ones. Capture them in photographs you can frame and give as gifts after the wedding.

• Ask the photographer to capture your dad’s face as he first sees you in your wedding dress.

• Create a special “something blue” cut out a blue heart from one of your dad’s old shirts and sew it inside your wedding dress.

• Snap a photo of the hands of you, your mom, and your grandma together.

• Add a tribute to both sets of parents to your cocktail coasters.

• Reuse the cake topper from your parents’ wedding.

• Attach a photo charm of a family member who has passed to your bouquet or boutonniere.

• Display family photos, new and old, on a special table.

• Just before you walk back down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife, stop and kiss each set of parents.

• Honour the longest-married couple at your wedding by playing their first dance song with a special dedication.

• Photograph your bridesmaids holding up a sign of where you met. Repeat with groomsmen.

• Ask your grandmothers to accompany the flower girl and ring bearer.

“The love in our family flows strong and deep, leaving us memories to

treasure and keep.“ Anonymous

© Virginia Brucker 2020


Sentimental Wedding Ideas You’ll Always Remember


“This development takes place on a sacred village site of our people, Xwsolexwel. For Snun-eymuxw to have an active part in this development is import-ant to our people as we re-assert our relationship with our territory,” Chief Wyse said.

As part of the company’s de-sign plan for the hotel, PEG will pay homage to Nanaimo’s cultural heritage. During the ceremony, a rendering of the first Snuney-muxw-inspired décor concept for the future hotel was presented, a six-foot long framed canvas of a historic image of the property.

“The opportunity presented here is very sig-nificant for Snuneymuxw,” said Councillor

OUR COMMUNITY | TAKEN FROM A PRESS RELEASE

Erralyn Joseph of Petroglyph Development Group, one of the project’s primary investors. “It creates career opportunities for our people, income for Snuneymuxw, and … an opportunity to further advance economic reconciliation and develop our economy as a Nation.”

Nanaimo is the second largest urban area on Vancouver Island and is positioned for growth with its easy access to Vancouver and growing

tourism industry. Lo-cated conveniently across the street from the Conference Centre, the Courtyard by Marriott will of-fer industry-leading amenities including a charming street-level cafe, large pool, lux-ury spa, and all-inclu-sive fitness centre.

“On behalf of Nanaimo City Council, I am thrilled to see the construction of the long-awaited hotel begin,” said Mayor Krog. “The positive impact to the community through the creation of jobs, enhancement of Nanaimo’s downtown vibrancy, and increased competitiveness in our City’s tourism, sport, and conference sectors is really appreciated.”

A 172-key Courtyard by Marriott hotel is officially under construction at 100 Gor-don Street, Nanaimo. Provo-based commer-cial real estate leader PEG Companies held a ceremonial groundbreaking, pointing to its collaboration with investor partners, govern-ment leaders, and Snuneymuxw First Nation as a reason for their success.

Snuneymuxw Elder Sandra Good began the groundbreaking ceremony with a traditional prayer, followed by a lineup of speakers in-cluding Mayor Leonard Krog, MLA Sheila Mal-colmson, MLA Michelle Stilwell, Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse, and PEG Founder/CEO Cameron Gunter. Remarks centered around preserving rich traditions of the past while spurring economic growth for the future.

Breaking Ground on Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo Hotel

Artist’s rendering

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VENUE? WEDDING

VENUE?




Flying to Maui takes roughly 6 hours from Vancouver. Three airports service the island. Maui is 1/17th the size of Vancou-ver Island however a car is essential to reach most locations. Gorgeous beaches, warm water, bougainvillea, tropical flora and fauna, plentiful birds, sunshine and glorious sunsets make Maui

a great place to vacation. Enjoy a helicopter tour, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, swimming, golf, horseback riding, bicycling, running, hik-ing, walking or simply relax and chill poolside with a good book!Some Maui history. The abandoned sugar mill, the last of Hawaii, closed December 2016 after 145 years of production! In 1790 tragic inter-island battles took place. The lush sacred Iao Valley is full of dra-matic war tales. Today the thriving tourist economy ranks Maui as one of the best places to visit in the USA. Maui County is actually comprised of 3 islands. Maui Nui (population 150,000 plus), romantic Lanai and uncrowded Molokai. Maui is also home to one of just 3 volcanic atolls in the world - Molokini Crater - a snorkelling wonderland.Haleakala, “House of the Sun” is Maui’s dormant vol-cano. Its slopes are excellent for farming. The rich vol-canic soil yields abundant harvests, providing nourish-ing farm-to-table dishes at many restaurants. Mama’s Fish House, 47 years in operation, has stunning north shore sea views and is a favourite with locals and tour-ists alike. Reaching Haleakala summit for that sunrise view takes planning and resolve. Reservations, many switchbacks and the predawn temperatures and high winds atop the 10,000-foot crater can make the adven-ture challenging but according to many, totally worth it! Lahaina is a 40-minute drive on Maui’s west shore and

THE VALLEY ISLETHE VALLEY ISLEDear Voyagers,Dear Voyagers,

A Letter from A Letter from MAUIMAUI

LETTERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD



If you have travelled somewhere interesting, If you have travelled somewhere interesting, send us your letter to [email protected] send us your letter to [email protected]

is a scenic, pleasant old whaling port. The shops and galleries occupy tourists while the huge Banyon tree planted in 1873 is a great photo op. Further on, Kannapali and Kapalua delight tourists with inviting beaches, resorts and golf courses.Maui Ocean Center offers The Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere which is a spectacular 3D show in an Imax type sphere. Production of this 15 minute film in south Maui waters took 2 years! These leviathans of the deep inspired tales like Moby Dick. November through April are prime whale watching months in the open ocean. The variety of shark, fish, stingray and coral in this world class aquarium, as well as na-tive and natural history exhibits, make for a memor-able outing.Paia is a historic plantation town and the gateway to the 46 mile road to Hana with 617 hairpin turns and 56 one lane bridges! A short distance from town,

lush and green vistas appear with waves crashing along the shore-line. Hookipa beach is the sight of annual surf competitions… where you can picnic and watch the powerful, wild surf and surfers. The beach is perfect for spotting plenty of honu - the green sea turtles. Twin Falls, a few miles further, is a popular cliff diving spot. The Bamboo Forest walk and the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree grove just off the roadway are unique among the cattle grazing on the rich lush hill grasses.Upcountry Maui is full of rolling pastoral hills, protea, orchid, sun-flower and lavender farms, even a winery. Makawao (cowboy town) is rich in history with unique boutiques and gift shops, cafes and restaurants. Galleries abound, artists paint in their studios and glass blowing demonstrations delight.Kihei and Wailea in south Maui offers snorkeling opportunities. Ka-maole beach in Kihei is one of the finest for fish and green sea turtle sightings. The beachfront walk along the cliffs watching the honu feed among the rocks below amid the crashing waves is remarkable. Sun worshippers of all ages fill the pristine beaches, kids building sandcastles and dogs frolicking in the surf and sand. Further into Wailea, at Maluaka Beach, the honu have their favourite cove aptly named “Turtle Town”. Hiking and walking abound in the many parks and along the grand beach-front hotels. The superb postcard-perfect sunsets are not guaranteed every evening but once they appear, the sky comes ablaze.Aloha and mahalo Maui!From Theresa Silk (Nanaimo)


28 MARCH 2020 NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA 250.585.2767 NANAIMO AND VOYAGER MAGAZINE READ IT ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET - NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA

We encourage all poets and spoken word artists, experienced and unexperienced, to join in this evening of expression and reflection, and share with community your passion through this art form. Snacks will be provided.

RED CARPET GATHERING AND FILM SCREENINGOn the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, join us for a red carpet gathering and screening from the film challenge. Prizes and winners of the film challenge will be rewarded by a local jury. Be sure to support your local filmmakers, and dress up! An informal gathering, to meet the filmmakers, will be hosted before the screening so you will have a chance to tour the Nanaimo Museum’s Refuge Canada Exhibit.

OUR COMMUNITY | SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER FOWLER - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CVIMS

shoot, and edit short films with the themes of anti-racism. Teams are required to integrate either a prop or quote into their film that will be assigned to them. Teams will have help from local filmmakers during the challenge and explore the topic of racism on a deeper level. Winners of the film chal-lenge will receive prizes! Sign your team up today at: canadianCMF.comFOOD AND LEARN WORKSHOPSWe often fail to realize how much language influences our view of the world and people. Join one our sessions meant to expand your recipe collection and knowledge of another language. These workshops will keep you wanting to eat and learn more.

BLANKET EXERCISE A blanket exercise is a participatory his-tory lesson – developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keep-ers and educators – that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC NIGHTAnti-oppression and Anti-Racism in spoken word.

This spring the Central Vancouver Is-land Multicultural Society (CVIMS), in partnership with the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation (CCMF) is pleased to be hosting the 2020 Anti-Racism Arts Festival. In 2015, the CCMF was looking for a way to engage everyday Canadians to spark conversations about racism while making it something engaging exciting, and thought of the concept behind the Anti-Racism Arts Festival. Normally racism and excitement don’t go together. This is where arts can play a major role.

The festival is a national event that takes place in March of each year hosted by different cities across Canada. In 2016, the festival took place in Calgary, 2017 in Edmonton, 2018 in Winnipeg, 2019 in Vancouver and in 2020 it is coming to Nanaimo!

The festival hopes to bring together over 1000 people from Nanaimo and surround-ing areas to participate and attend the three-day festival, which features vari-ous art and educational activities free of charge. Take part in the events below to join the movement. Dates, times and more information can be found here.

http://www.canadianculturalmosaic-foundation.com/2020-anti-racism-arts-festival.html 48-HOUR FILM CHALLENGE Teams of local amateur and professional filmmakers are given 48 hours to write,

THIS FESTIVAL HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS | PARTNERS:



Some of Nanaimo’s top real-tors, all with many years of experience in the mid-island, have teamed up to create the new and improved Nanaimo Property Group.Dave Hammond, Greg Bullock, Michael Peterson, Deana Baumel and Karren Vachon, with their various areas of expertise have joined forces to create a dynamic powerhouse team to cater to your every real estate need.

DAVE is a 40-year veteran with a wealth of knowledge specializing in every kind of property pur-chase and sale. He has worked for numerous developers, in-

vestors, businesses, commercial properties and families.

GREG has been an agent for 27 years and brings expert nego-tiating abilities and marketing skills to the table and specializes in single family homes, develop-ments, condos, townhouses and investment properties.

MICHAEL has been an agent for 27 years priding himself on his communication and negotiat-ing abilities. He has numerous awards through RE/MAX and is an amazing family realtor spe-cializing in investment and com-mercial properties, single family homes and customer service.

DEANA has a passion for Selling and Marketing properties. She has been an agent in Nanaimo for 15 years. Growing up in the mid-island, she has extensive knowledge of the best schools and works with first time home buyers, resale homes, downsiz-ing, estate sales, new construc-tion and condos.

KARREN is the client care co-ordinator who is skilled in Real Estate transactions and organ-izes the showings and appoint-ments as well as all the team’s busy daily activities.

They invite everyone to look out for their newly launched

A New Decade, A New Vision


BUSINESS PROFILE

website, “Like” them on their Facebook, and Instagram sites, and watch for their new signs popping up in a neighbourhood near you. With the tried and trusted RE/MAX organization behind them, their extensive knowledge of the local market, they can help you achieve all your Real Estate needs.

With customer service as their priority, Nanaimo Property Group looks forward to as-sisting you in making your Real Estate ideas, goals, plans and dreams come true.

250-751-3597 NanaimoPropertyGroup.ca

KARREN DEANA GREG MICHAEL DAVE



SAVVY SENIORS | BY CATHY HOLMES

CATHY HOLMES

I was surfing the internet recently looking for something unusual to share with you this month and I came across a website that highlights bizarre, special and unique holidays. I couldn’t help myself!There is always a reason to celebrate life, especially as we get older! Here are just a few dates that might inspire you to explore something original this month!

March 1st – Namesake Day, National Pig Day, Peanut Butter Lover’s DayMarch 2nd – Old Stuff DayMarch 3rd – Caregiver Appreciation Day, I Want You to Be Happy Day, If Pets Had Thumbs DayMarch 4th – Holy Experiment DayMarch 5th – Multiple Personality DayMarch 6th – National Frozen Foods Day, Employee Appreciation DayMarch 7th – National Crown Roast of Pork Day

March 8th – Be Nasty DayMarch 9th – Panic DayMarch 10th – International Find a Pay Phone Booth DayMarch 11th – Worship of Tools DayMarch 12th – Popcorn Lover’s DayMarch 13th – Blame Someone Else DayMarch 14th – National Potato Chip DayMarch 15th – Ides of March, Dumbstruck DayMarch 16th – Giant Panda Bear DayMarch 17th – Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

Wacky Wonderful MarchMarch 18th – Goddess of Fertility DayMarch 19th – Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, Poultry Day, First Day of SpringMarch 20th – International Earth Day, Extraterrestrial Abductions DayMarch 21st – International Sports Car Racing DayMarch 22nd – National Goof Off DayMarch 23rd – Melba Toast DayMarch 24th – National Chocolate Covered Raisin DayMarch 25th – Waffle Day, Pecan Day, World Agricultural Day

March 26th – National Spinach Day, Make Up Your Own Holiday DayMarch 27th – National Joe DayMarch 28th – Something on A Stick DayMarch 29th – National Mom & Pop Business Owners DayMarch 30th – Turkey Neck Soup Day, National Doctors DayMarch 31st – Bunsen Burner DayYou can’t make this stuff up…well, maybe on March 26th! I’m not sure which day I like best…I think I’ll celebrate them all! Giggle, giggle.*Inspired by holidayinsights.com


Transforming Your Life: trauma experienced by our mothers, grandmothers, etc. is handed down through our genes. Trauma causes chan-ges in gene expression affecting how we respond to various emotional triggers. One example shows research on Holo-caust survivors whose children suffered severely from anxiety and depression even though they did not personally ex-perience the trauma of the concentration camps. The good news is, the gene struc-ture can be reverted if someone in the bloodline takes action to do this, either through therapy or other means.Creatrix® works on the limiting beliefs (I’m not good enough etc), fears (fear of failure/success etc) and negative emo-tions (anger, hate, shame, guilt etc). There’s no working on the traumatic event or life story.Creatrix® is great for career women who are feeling stuck in their careers too scared to take the next step, not feel-ing confident enough or good enough; mothers struggling and not feeling good enough; women suffering emotional after-effects of domestic violence or struggling emotionally after a divorce/

Julie Scott is a Woman’s Transformolo-gist® assisting women to break free from de-pression and anxiety using the ground-breaking process of Creatrix®. What sets Creatrix®

apart making it so unique, powerful and ground-breaking, is that it provides IMMEDIATE LONG-TERM results. It is no longer necessary to sit through months or years of therapy to regain personal happiness. It has been so successful it even comes with a money back guarantee!Julie informs “Creatrix® was designed by an Australian woman specifically for how the FE-MALE brain works. We all know how differently the male and female minds work! Traditionally other therapies have been designed by males who do not know how the female mind works.Creatrix® works Epi-genetically to free women from intergenerational hereditary traumas. Epigenetics has scientifically proven that

breakup; women who have suffered childhood sexual, emotional, physical abuse and are struggling emotionally.Creatrix® is not hypnotherapy or NLP. As a Transformologist®, Julie guides women through a quick, simple and gentle process to RELEASE emotional and limiting blocks, RELEARN their own unique soul life lessons, RECODE/DELETE inherited negative patterning, REFRAME perspectives enabling women to RE-CREATE the life they want. This creates IMMEDIATE freedom from the negative belief, fear or emotion!The process is done over a period of a month with three or four two-hour ses-sions set a week apart. It is done from the comfort of your own home via the internet! Julie has worked with women from around the world.Julie offers a FREE assessment and Blockage Identi-fier Call to assess readiness for the Creatrix® process (as not everyone is at the right stage) along with question time. To arrange your free assessment email Julie at [email protected] or mes-sage Julie Scott – Back to YOU on facebook.com/Julie-Scott-Back-To-You-106455427377743

HEALTH & WELLNESS


Involuntary SeparationHow much does Long Term Care (LTC) cost and can we afford it?Private fees can range from $5,500 to $7,000 per month which is out of reach for the majority of BC residents. Sub-sidized fees range from $1,189.70 to $3,444.60 per month and are calculated at 80% of income of the individual in care. These fees are self-affording to the person in care but this new expense often places the spouse remaining at home in a difficult financial situation. Temporary rate reductions can be ar-ranged where hardship can be demon-strated.

How does an Involuntary Separation affect our OAS/GIS?When a married or common-law couple is living apart for reasons beyond their control, the Guaranteed Income Supple-ment (GIS) may be calculated based on individual income rather than combined income if it is to the advantage of the couple. Current recipients of GIS should

An “Involuntary Separation” happens when spouses or common-law partners are living apart for reasons beyond their control and not because of a breakdown in the relationship. The scope of this article is to give Family Caregivers answers to some of the finan-cial and administrative questions about what happens when a spouse moves into a long term care facility.

What about filing income tax returns?Canada Revenue Agency still considers you to have a spouse or common-law partner if you were separated involuntarily. Tax returns will be filed as usual without a change in marital status on page 1. The goal of income tax filing, however, will have changed drastically. It is all about minimiz-ing the income of the spouse in care rather than trying to save taxes payable.

be eligible for higher benefits based on their individual income. Even a couple who did not qualify for GIS when living together may now have one spouse or both eligible to receive GIS.

There are many other strategies and benefit programs are available to help mitigate the cost of long term care. However, the onus is on family caregivers to find and access these.

For more information visit peggyhoult.com or email [email protected].

FINANCIAL MATTERS | BY PEGGY HOULT

Phot

o by

free

pik.

com


assist in alleviating loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.

For those wondering how they may start this journey of seeking care for their loved one, call and book a tour to see our community. See for yourself the beautiful surroundings, the services offered and meet the staff. We do our own assessments to determine the level of care needed and help you prepare for the next step into long term residential care. We at Avenir Memory Care at Nanaimo believe, “What remains is far more important that what is lost”

We are honoured to care for not only our local residents, but also residents that have come from all across BC and Canada. The vision of Avenir Memory Care at Nanaimo was that of the Craik family. David and Violet learned the importance and value of placing memory care resi-dents with those of the same cognitive ability. We call this the Avenir Approach.

We have four secured neighbourhoods dedicated to beginning, intermediate, and advanced memory care. Each neighbor-hood is created to be a calming environ-

ment with large floor to ceiling windows; natural colours that bring the outdoors inward; beautiful artwork, and a home-like feel with residents centred around their own kitchen, just like they had at home. It also includes beautiful outdoor spaces, covered decks, and a garden path to enjoy our tree-lined property, even though we are in the centre of Na-naimo North End.

We follow a person-centered approach which involves genuine human caring and focuses on individual care plans that

Avenir Memory Care at Nanaimo

SAVVY SENIORS


Bringing together a weekend of beautiful MusicThis premier festival weekend is a new concept, replacing the previous Vancouver Island Chamber Music Festival and melding together a weekend of up close and personal recitals, a master class and our annual Solo Concert.

The festival starts off on Friday, April 3 at 7pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church with an evening recital featuring Soprano Nadya Blanchette and accompanied by Pianist Patrick Courtin. On Saturday, April 4 a matinee recital featuring Cellist Alexandra Lee and Violinist Dr. Calvin Dyck will take place at 10:30am at St. Paul’s. A meet and greet is planned following both performances.

There will also be a silent auction and bake sale supporting the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music taking place at St. Paul’s community hall on Saturday April 4th, from 12pm – 2pm.

Our annual, ever popular Solo Piano Concert will feature internationally acclaimed pianist, Steven Osborne, on Sunday April 5th, at 2:30 pm at the Port Theatre. Mr. Osborne will also be teaching a Master Class, on Saturday, April 4th, from 2 – 4pm at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. Scottish-born he is recognized as 2013’s Instrumentalist of the Year by the Royal Philharmonic Society, renowned for his insightful interpretations, and the musicality and technique in his approach to a wide variety of repertoire: from the mainstream classical works of Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, to the rarefied works of Messiaen and Britten.

“The audience, as one, was agog --- Osborne’s attack is ferocious and fearless, his tenderness is beyond words. This is the best it gets.” The Observer, London.

This personable performer was raised in a musical family, started lessons at 4, and had to be told even then, to wait until 7:30am before playing. He is now in demand as a soloist, chamber musician and recitalist. He is a Visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Music and Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. When asked, he replied that Beethoven is his favourite composer, so it is not surprising that Osborne will delight Nanaimo audiences by performing Beethoven’s late Sonatas ops. 109, 110, and 111. Beethoven never heard these sonatas – he wrote them at the piano but was totally deaf. Thus, “to play them is to enter Beethoven’s mind”. The Guardian newspaper has described Osborne’s Beethoven as “edge-of-the-seat excitement”.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

““FFESTIVAL ESTIVAL MMUSICALIA”USICALIA”

Photo by Ben Ealovega


4.5 POPCORNS OUT OF 5


LINES TOMAKE YOU SMILE

Lines to Make You Smile

Life’s Like That• Why is lost property not called

found property?• Some people think I go out of

my way to irritate them. They are sadly mistaken. It’s not out of my way at all.

• Did you know that AA Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, had a smaller brother called AAA Milne?

• I met a guy who does the Times crossword. I can’t remember his name, it’s W-something L-something SH-something something something.

• Why did the blind man fall down the watering hole. Because he couldn’t see that well.

• Iamonlyonmythirdcoffee of the day and it’s starting to taste like I should tell you what your problem is.

• Instead of a swear jar, I have a negativity jar. Every time I have pessimistic thoughts, I put in a dollar. It’s half empty.

• I’ve been diagnosed with a chronic fear of giants. Feefiphobia.

*Adapted from a Facebook post and does not reflect the views of the Editor or Nanaimo Magazine

• I tried to read a book today on the history of Scotch tape, but Icouldn’tfindthebeginning.

• I knocked on the psychic’s door and she yelled: “Who is it?” so I left.

• Whenever someone says, ‘I don’t believe in coincidences’, I say, ‘Oh my God, me neither.’

• Thedefinitionofagentlemanis someone who knows how to play the bagpipes, but doesn’t.

• If you don’t know what introspection is, you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.

• Why is it old people say ‘there’s no place like home’, yet when you put them in one …

• There is a minature psychic on the loose. It’s a small medium at large.

• Lazy People Fact #4858321459645. You were too lazy to read that number.

• The punchline comes before the question. What’s the worst part about time travelling jokes?

It’s been almost 5 years since DC re-leased Suicide Squad, their version of a super-powered team fighting crime. It received mixed reviews but there was a fascination with the character Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), who stole the show in a lacklustre film - you may remember Halloween of 2016 full of Harley Quinn costumes. Now 4 years later comes Birds of Prey: The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, a long-winded way of saying Harley Quinn comes into her own and builds a group of strong women that take down a bad guy.Birds of Prey is Harley Quinn telling her own story. She tells of her breakup with Joker and taking back her life, the issue being when they broke up, she became a target for everything she was an accomplice to during their tumultuous relationship. She dodges enemies and then encounters one of them, Black Mask (Ewan Mc-Gregor) going after a young girl, Cass, to get what he wants in his villainous plot. She convinces women all tied to Black Mask to come together to fight back and protect Cass, in her flawed and eccentric ways, of course.Ultimately, Birds of Prey plays various tropes of what you might expect in a super-hero/ anti-hero film, complete with big action and hard-hitting fight scenes, but what stands out is Robbie’s eccentric and un-failing portrayal of a lovable Harley Quinn and a movie about women coming together. Birds of Prey is a fun and unconventional super-hero film and really is everything fans wanted Suicide Squad to be. Now showing at Landmark Cinemas in Campbell River; Courtenay; Nanaimo; Port Alberni; University Heights (Victoria)

OFF TO THE MOVIES | BY KELLY STEPHAN

38 MARCH 2020 NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA 250.585.2767 NANAIMO AND VOYAGER MAGAZINE READ IT ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET - NANAIMOMAGAZINE.CA

Ask Cindy

DEAR CINDY. I am a church-going person and also one who wants to be involved in church work. I consider myself to be an organized person so my thinking is that I should be good for the church. For the past few years I dug in and frankly, I think I was of great help. I mean I am there pretty well most every day. If I see something where I can be of help, I get involved. I even offered to be the chairperson on the church’s board. For the most part it worked. Lately nothing seems to work. I don’t know why, I really don’t. A recent incident brought the matter to a head and got me thinking. Not just that incident but on re-flection others, too. I seem to be slipping in how I approach people and situations. I really don’t know what to do. Any thoughts? SEARCHING

DEAR WONDERING. Just reading your letter tells me that you already have a head-start on finding a solution. Recognising the need to change is the first thing. Your sensitive nature indicates that you’re there but can’t for the moment see just how to fix the problem. Build on that. Probably the most important aspect of your thinking is that you seem to be compassionate. Yes, it may have slipped lately but you may still have it – compassion. Today’s world is so demanding that we often overlook our need to be compassionate. Incidentally, we should also add to that respect, another characteristic that is waning.

If you have a question for Cindy, contact [email protected]

“A Book That Takes Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness” by Irene Smit and Astrid van der HulstNew Year’s has come and gone and we are all in the midst of try-ing to stick to our resolutions, some of which this book may help. Perhaps you would like more time for yourself to relax and be cre-ative, perhaps you want to reach out to those you love more often in meaningful ways or maybe you just want to learn to play again. If so, you may want to treat yourself to this fantastically playful book. It is a guided journal designed to remind you of the benefits of slowing down, creating, playing and focusing on the things that bring you joy. The book is filled with “hundreds of paper good-ies” that guide you through concrete activities such as filling your Beautiful Moments Jar or showing you are thinking of someone by sending real postcards to them! If you love puzzles, scrapbooking or are just plain obsessed with stationery in general, then this book is for you. Turn off the TV, get cozy, crack this book open and have fun.

A Book that takes its Time

BOOK TALK | BY ANDREE BIZIER (WINDOWSEAT BOOKS)

by Irene Smit & Astrid van der Hulst

An unhurried adventure in creative mindfulness



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