MetchosinVol. 23 Issue 6 Muse June 2015 A NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY PUBLICATION Another Mighty The Local Metchosin Garage Sale! Producers Issue Brian Domney Barb Sawatsky I had moments of righteous Can you spell “junque,” and how much of it indignation and did you buy at the 2015 Mighty Metchosin revelation a Garage Sale? As always, The Mountain of couple of days Merchandise from garden tools to electronics ago. The righ- to clothing and mystery items was attacked teous indigna- at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 23 and again on tion came when Sunday, reducing the piles to rubble. The Chil- I had to pay dren’s Corner, run by Nina and Betty, was full over two dollars to overflowing with toys, kids and parents, for a bunch of and Wendy Mitchell displayed a remarkable celery. Outra- collection of diverse treasures gleaned and geous! The same The volunteers’ pep talk … cleaned for the Silent Auction. day, I bought an From the $965 silver fox fur coat to the the waiting … the final countdown … eggplant, and smallest thimble, the contributions for this as I examined fundraiser for the Metchosin Community the selection, the House are remarkably diverse. Superbly en- produce man- tertaining, this is an annual event so next year ager came over you can donate everything you bought this and told me they year plus that unused dish set of grandma’s were from up is- that has been stored in your basement for the land. The revela- past 15 years. tion came when Thank you to the dedicated group of I peeled it for my Produce from Sea Bluff Farm. volunteers who spent a week sorting truck- spicy eggplant loads of “stuff.” It is only for lack of space and tofu dish. The thing peeled marvellously! Not a rubbery that we can’t include all of the Rogers, Jans, struggle requiring a scalpel-sharp paring knife. That baby Larrys, Elizabeths, Bobs, Johns, Dougs and was firm and the flesh solid with no huge seeds. Luxury! Heathers who worked every day to make this So there they are. Two of the best reasons for embracing fundraiser such an excellent “sporting event.” local producers. If you’re going to pay a premium for the Special mention must be given to the Chris low loonie and a drought-ridden California and Mexico, … and the gates are open! van der Water family and to Barrett Fullerton why not pay it to your neighbours? And if you value quality, for standing guard for the week, sleeping in with food that hasn’t travelled thousands of kilometres to their motor homes to ensure that no treasure get to you, why not eat something that was picked or dug up would be pilfered in the dark of the nights minutes or hours before? prior to the sale. This is our annual Local Producers issue, giving you in- formation on how to reach the people that produce healthy, fresh, local produce, whether vegetables, fruit, meat or flow- ers (food for the soul). And don’t forget the nurseries that provide you with the starts, trees and shrubs to grow your own. As always, the summaries and map are in the centre pages so you can pull it out and keep for a reference. See page 7 for the 2015 Local Producers Pull-out.

Weary “salers” pretended to examine comfy seating Although it’s for a great cause, it’s also a great Thanks, Lynda like this giant chance to visit with friends. soccer ball and the gold brocade sofa, and Dayna but we know what they The Muse Team were really doing … this shopping It is with sadness that we say farewell to two long-time thing is contributors to the Metchosin Muse. exhausting! Lynda Dowling, who has shared responsibility for our gardening columns with Isabel Tipton for as long as any- Photos by Barb Sawatsky one can remember, has written her last “Lynda’s Lore.” and Joan Kew Mike and Lynda have sold Happy Valley Herbs and are moving on to the next stage in their journey. We’ll miss the joy of gardening reflected in Lynda’s writing, and of course the multiple exclamation marks, the “…’s”, and, of (See also the Events listing on the back page, course, the regular reference to “Mr. Basil.” Important Dates  Dayna Christ-Rowling, teacher and vice-principal at and for ongoing events, the directory of organizations) the Metchosin Technical Centre (MTC) is also moving on. School District #62 (Sooke) is closing MTC at the end of the school year and Dayna is waiting to hear where May 29 Film Night at the MCH ...... p. 13 she will be working in September. The letters from her June 4 Metchosin Museum Society AGM ...... p. 4 students, funny, poignant, and often ironic, were eagerly anticipated by many (definitely not all) of our readers. June 6 SIRC Parisian Café ...... p. 5 Love ’em or hate ’em, they reflected the world of a small June 12/13 Talk and Walk Lecture and BioBlitz ...... p. 3 but important part of the community, and served as a valuable teaching strategy for the hard-working profes- June 16 Emergency Preparedness Session: Emergency Social Services ...... p. 6 sionals at MTC. June 24 Metchosin Community Association AGM ...... p. 13 June 26 Film Night at the MCH ...... p. 13 Thank you, Lynda, Dayna (and all your young charges) for being a part of our modest little publication. June 27 Sharing the Sun: Community Solar Workshop ...... p. 4 2 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 Letters to the Editor Metchosin Muse The Metchosin Muse welcomes letters to the editor, of not more than 200 words. Your letter may be edited for c/o E. Carlson, 4985 La Bonne Road, Victoria, BC V9C 4C5 editorial style or length. Please email your letter to [email protected], or leave it at the Metchosin Country Store. Please sign your letter. An address and telephone number are required but will not be published. EDITOR SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND Brian Domney, 250-474-3966 HOW TO SEND COPY [email protected] The 15th of each month. Please send are not. Some weeks ago, my rider politely sig- copy as an email attachment using Open Letter to nalled by hand to a motorcyclist to please slow EDITOR EMERITUS Microsoft Word, text or RTF to: down as he approached us at considerable Jo Mitchell, 250-478-1671 [email protected]. Typewritten or Motorcycle Riders speed, only to have the cyclist accelerate even [email protected] handwritten copy is acceptable if you faster and loudly rev his engine intentionally. have no access to a computer. Do not MUSE TEAM send PDFs. Photos should be high Everywhere! Perhaps he did not realize that he could have Stevie Bahrey resolution, i.e., not taken with phone put me and my rider in real danger as I reacted Joan Bradley or tablet. Leave hard copies of articles Dear Motorcyclists – I can tell we are well into to his rudeness. Eileen Carlson in the Muse box at the Metchosin spring here in lovely Metchosin because I am Please don’t let a few bad apples spoil the Joannie Challenger Country Store or fax 250-483-5352. now serenaded daily by choruses of enthusi- bunch for horses like me. We can all share the Brian Domney Please visit our website for more astic frogs and birds. Unfortunately I am also roads if we are polite and respectful of each Laura Farquharson information: www.metchosinmuse.ca. serenaded by the growl and whine of speeding other. When you are cruising through my Barrett Fullerton tranquil neighbourhood on our country roads, Joan Gilbert AD DEADLINE motorcycles along our bucolic rural roads. th I asked my owner to write this letter on my please pass “slow and wide.” This is not a Joan Kew The 15 of every month for raceway. You would not like to have me and Peter Lewis month-end publication. behalf after a recent incident that scared the Jim MacPherson heck out of both of us. Many motorcyclists are my rider in your lap or on your conscience! Dauna Neveaux ABOUT THE MUSE alert and respectful of skittish high-strung Ara- Sincerely yours, Susan Palmer The Metchosin Muse is a local non- bian horses like me; but, unfortunately, some Kathy Atherton on behalf of Reggie Barb Sawatsky profit, arts, interests and activities pub- lication, produced by the Muse team. ADVERTISING The opinions expressed in articles are Peter Lewis, 250-474-3260 those of the authors, not the paper. [email protected] The Muse endeavours to promote harmony and involvement in the CLASSIFIEDS community and aims to interest a Metchosin Technical Centre Letters Eileen Carlson, 250-478-1036 broad cross-section of the residents of [email protected] Metchosin and Becher Bay. “Don’t cry because it’s over. ACCOUNTS The Muse is delivered, free of charge, My daughter was part and setting that I enjoyed. I Eileen Carlson, 250-478-1036 to most households in Metchosin. Smile because it happened.” of the first Grade 9 pilot to honestly think if it wasn’t for [email protected] Copies are also available at Metchosin – Dr Seuss attend the school and MTC the hands-on method offered Country Store, the Community House, showed her that although she at Metchosin, I might not have DESIGN AND LAYOUT the Municipal Hall, The Broken Now that summer is almost struggled with learning, she graduated. I still feel a part Joan Kew Paddle Coffee Shop, My-Chosen Café, here Metchosin Technical has valuable strengths to draw of the school even after grad Red Barn Market, Happy Valley Store, Centre (MTC) is in its final from and she can succeed. and want to thank the teach- DISTRIBUTION Bill’s Food and Feed, Royal Bakery, transition; we are officially My son also attended ers, Dayna, Laura and Mr. CO-ORDINATOR Willow Wind Feed & Tack, and at the closing the program. This Grades 9 and 10 at MTC. He Boggs for teaching me, and Barrett Fullerton Juan de Fuca and Goudy branches of is my last letter as teacher/ wanted to go there because Mr. Royal for giving me the the Victoria Public Library. EVENTS [email protected] VP of MTC. We have had an he thought that he wanted idea. I am currently working MAILING ADDRESS awesome run these last seven to be a carpenter one day. He full time in a landscaping job CURRENT CIRCULATION: 2700 c/o E. Carlson years and we will always learned that he didn’t want to and look forward to pursuing 4985 La Bonne Road remember this unique educa- go into the trades – it’s good a trade. I might even get my Victoria, BC V9C 4C5 tional experience. Metchosin to know what you don’t want. Red Seal and spend two years is my home and I am thankful He wanted to stay at MTC getting my teaching certificate that I got to share some of the anyway because the learn- and inspire youth like I was. On the web at www.metchosinmuse.ca beautiful trails, beaches and ing style suited him. He had Charlie Baron, MTC grad 2014 parks with my students. the freedom to discover that Many have asked what will there is more than one way Although it has been a couple Visit our website! www.metchosinmuse.ca happen to the school. Frankly, to do the math problem or years since I last walked the I do not know. There is lots of more ways to look at the same hallways of MTC, so much The Muse website provides a quick way to access Metchosin’s speculation, but at this point it thing. They encouraged him has changed in my life just monthly newspaper, and it allows those with vision challenges to is unclear what School District to dig deeper. He was encour- because I did walk those halls. magnify the .pdf files to a comfortable reading size. #62 (Sooke) has planned for aged to mentor his classmates Sometimes I think to myself, The current issue and issues from the past year are there, along the building and the other who needed a little more sup- what would happen without with contact information and information for submissions, advertis- small program, Elements, that port which, unknown to him, MTC in my life? I shud- ers, and deadlines. calls MTC home. The students helped grow his people and der to think. My life would that currently attend MTC leadership skills. … be vastly different, worse. will be attending the other Applause to the adminis- Which is why I’m happy I Muse Subscriptions high schools in the district in trators, teachers, parents, stu- attended MTC, but extremely September. dents and others who made saddened to hear that this is We can mail the Muse to you each month I would like to say a special MTC a great learning choice the last year it will be open. for $25 a year if it is to be posted to a thanks to all the past and and my hope that the best We were taught the impor- Canadian address. Please send your present editors/volunteer parts of MTC carry on in each tance of teamwork, courage, information and cheque to the Head of staff of the Muse. I know of those touched by it. to be brave and bold, to be our Subscriptions Department: that these letters have been Haleen Roberts ourselves regardless of what Joan Bradley a time-consuming edit and I President, WestShore Centre people thought of us. The 10 Bradene Road appreciate your efforts. I wish Advisory Committee three years I went to MTC, Victoria BC V9C 4B1 you could have been in my I’m very glad to say, have Tel: 250-478-3451 classroom and seen the effect It was Mr. Royal who told me been the best years of my life the Muse had in our classroom about a school called Metcho- (so far), and MTC has contrib- Or you can email us at when I awarded the “Rock [email protected] sin Technical Centre (MTC); uted to the person I am today. Stars” for the students who it wasn’t a school for “behav- MTC is very special to me; I were published. You certainly iour kids or dropouts” but it want to thank everybody who have made many students was a smaller-setting school helped me go to this special METCHOSIN MUSE AD RATES happy by printing their letters. where the instruction was less place and to everybody who Display Ad Sizes 1 Issue 2-5 Issues 6-12 Issues The following letters are conventional. The school’s made it a reality. … I will Bus. Card (H)- 4"w X 2.5"h $47.00 $42.00 $38.00 written by individuals who philosophy was focusing on always hold MTC with the Bus. Card (V)- 1 7/8"w X 5"h $47.00 $42.00 $38.00 were affiliated with the school students interested in trades highest respect, and the best 2X4 - 4"w X 4"h $77.00 $67.00 $59.00 over the last seven years. and most of whom did better memories I have ever had. 1/6 page - 4"w X 5"h $95.00 $87.00 $75.00 In Graditude, in a hands-on project-based We were more than a school, 1/4 page - 4.9"w X 7.6"h $145.00 $129.00 $115.00 Dayna Christ-Rowling, Acting learning environment. we were a family. A family 1/2 page -1O"w X 7.5"h $285.00 $265.00 $240.00 VP Metchosin Technical Centre At first, I was hesitant be- with too many brothers. I will Insert 8.5" X 11" (supplied only) $259.00 per month per month cause I didn’t want to go to an miss it dearly. Thank you for Full Width Banner x 2"h $96.00 $88.00 $76.00 The MTC is a place very close alternative school but I soon everything. I will remember Full Page Ad (if available) $569.00 ~ no additional taxes ~ to my heart! Not just because found out it was different. this forever. I am the WestShore PAC MTC made me want to attend Chris Lumley Discount on 2-5 and 6-12 issues. Full payment in advance of publication President and not just because school each day, the teachers Graduated with Distinction I had two kids go through the were willing to spend extra in 2013. Future Filmmaker. Cost To Design Ad Classified Ads program at MTC, but because time with me, something that

First Time Ad Layout 25 words or less $10 of the philosophy of the learn- would have been impossible and Design $35.00 Deadline: 15th of each month. Editor’s note: ing and sense of community in a larger school setting. … Submit Camera Ready ad N/C. Monthly payment Thank you to Dayna and that the teachers and admin- When I was told MTC was Full payment in advance. in advance. Please call the MTC students for your For more information please Eileen Carlson 250-478-1036. istrators gave to my kids and closing I was disappointed letters. You can see the full final call Peter Lewis 474-3260. all those who moved through knowing that others would letters on the Muse website at [email protected] MTC. miss out on the experience metchosinmuse.ca/MTC_letters.. June 2015 • Metchosin Muse 3 TALK AND WALK Daisy Ena Bligh Unless otherwise stated, talks are at 7:00 pm at the Municipal Hall, 4450 Happy Valley Road, located behind the Fire Hall. May 26, 1920–April 24, 2015 From the Times Colonist

Daisy Ena Bligh (nee Baker) passed away on Friday, April 24, leaving behind two daughters, Harriet Thom and Janice Poulin, son-in-law Eugene Poulin, grandchil- dren Richard Poulin (Kim Buchanan), Janette Poulin (Ken Hackshaw) and Martin Thom (Tania Thom), as well as great-granddaughters Lily Djolé Poulin and Sophie Bligh Poulin. Daisy is predeceased Candystick. Photo by Moralea Milne by her dear husband of 71 years, John, as well as her Talk and Walk and 5th Annual BioBlitz! grandson Trevor Thom and son-in-law Ellery Thom. Daisy Please join us at 7:00 pm, on Friday, June 12 at the is also survived by her sister, Metchosin Municipal Hall (4450 Happy Valley Rd, Olive (Brix) Lawson, and behind the Fire Hall), for our 76th Talk and Walk many nieces and nephews. presentation. Daisy came to Metchosin Due to a change of plans, our previously scheduled at seven years old with her presentation on lichens has to be deferred. However, we family and was an active and have something even more exciting to hear – the Strange dedicated member of the com- and Secret Life of Mycoheterotrophs! Now doesn’t that munity for the next 88 years. just send shivers of anticipation down your spine? Our She died in her own home own Andy MacKinnon will lead us through the compli- where, over the years, she had cated relationship these plants have with their fungal welcomed everyone who en- friends. And to add a cherry to the top of that delectable tered, including neighbours, treat, our esteemed co-host, Kem Luther, will walk us friends, and acquaintances. through a pictorial review of our previous BioBlitz finds! She had a bright mind and On Saturday, June 13 there are a number of opportuni- wonderful memory over the ties to join in the treasure hunt for new species to add to years, and was integral in the our already 2000+ species that have been counted within collection of memorabilia for Metchosin during the past BioBlitzes. Metchosin School Museum Meet us at the Mel Cooper Cabin of the Boys and Girls as well as Metchosin Pioneer John and Daisy Bligh Club (3900 Metchosin Rd) at 8:30 am and/or 1:00 pm. You Museum. Her recall of history early-to-rise bird folks can meet at 6:00 am and 7:30 am. This is one of the most exciting days of the year in which to and people of the area was loved life, and their life to- contented, and appreciative of relied upon by many. As a lo- explore our species-rich community; hope we will see gether, but life also presented anything done for her. you there! cal historian she wrote many many challenges through the Daisy had a strong Chris- articles for local publications years. They were always sus- tian belief. She practiced her and some for Victoria papers. Contact [email protected] for further information tained by the love that Daisy faith in her daily life, both about these programs. Daisy graduated from and her husband Johnny had in the general and church Victoria High School at age for each other. communities. For almost sixteen. Three years later she Although her strength nine decades she regularly fell in love with John and was fading, in the last three attended church as a member they were married in 1940. weeks Daisy attended church of St. Mary’s Parish. Daisy’s Tell them you saw it in the Muse! The following years saw regularly and was part of life was celebrated at St. Mary them together through many Easter celebrations with fam- of the Incarnation on Friday, adventures, including (but not ily, including a trip with her May 8, with a reception fol- limited to) hay farming, oper- great-granddaughters, Lily lowing at the same location. BBB Torch Award Winner - Community Service ating a stall at the old Victoria and Sophie, for ice cream at In lieu of flowers a donation Winner LCT Magazine Global Operator of the Year City Market, more farming on Metchosin corner. During this may be made to the charity Duke Road, running a general period, she also sang at the of your choice, or do an extra LIMOUSINES store, commercial salmon Metchosin Rough Voice Choir, good deed for somebody as “... it's how you get there." fishing, collecting data for participated in a family birth- was Daisy’s and John’s way. the Department of Fisheries, day party, and played with Mention this ad and receive 10% o then more fishing and then her little friend Vance, the son Editor’s note: To see a version a regular priced Wine Tour for Two (or more) more farming on the corner of of Daisy’s caring companion of Janice Poulin’s eulogy to her Witty Beach Road. This time Mimia. Even as she was fail- beloved mother Daisy, a remark- they were growing vegetables ing, her caring and sweet per- able member of the Metchosin www.lalimo.ca [email protected] to sell at the roadside, with sonality remained unchanged Community, please visit many being given away. They – always considering others, metchosinmuse.ca/Daisy. 250-391-9000 Sharing the Sun – Responsible Energy get inspired time to relax Free Community Solar Workshop space to connect freedom to change

Given the rising costs of hydro, have you been thinking of switching to solar, but don’t know where to start? Then this workshop is for you! There will be displays and presentations Come with your curiosity and questions, from industry experts, professional installers, and we will send you home well informed and distributors, businesses and homeowners who motivated. Iyengar Yoga in the Village have real experience and know the benefits of Join the renewable revolution! And let’s make offering instruction for everyone – all ages, solar. Metchosin a more energy sustainable commu- all levels, from gentle restorative to fitness nity, one home at a time! cardio flow yoga Topics Addressed: For further information, contact Ric Perron: • What is the cost of installation (and [email protected] maintenance)? • Is it worth the money? contact Suzanne Sharing the Sun – Responsible Energy phone 778-967-2952 • What are the savings? What is the payback email [email protected] timeframe? Saturday, June 27, 2:00–5:00 pm Municipal Council Chambers www.westshoremetchosinyoga.com • Do I go with solar roof panels or 4450 Happy Valley Road @ Westshore Metchosin Yoga Studio ground-mounts? 4 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 Metchosin Museum Metchosin’s Pair-a-Docs Society invites you to BRIAN DOMNEY attend the 2015 AGM Some say laughter constitutes the situation is that Metchosin specialist Dr. Jesse Pewarchuk the best medicine, but if a has managed to land not one, who helps patients with adult Thursday, June 4, 7:00 pm, at the Metchosin Community beautiful vista makes you feel but two family physicians. internal medicine concerns, House, 4430 Happy Valley Road good, the Me’Chosen Medical This at a time when many and specialist Dr. Clay Rey­ Clinic on Delgada Road by people in Canada are find- nolds who helps those with Robert D. Turner and the E&N Railway. Everyone the Albert Head Lagoon has ing it virtually impossible to endocrine conditions. welcome; bring a guest. Refreshments will be served. an added health benefit you find a personal doctor, a time Dr. Pete Hobza is from won’t find in many clinics when many small communi- Toronto, though well familiar elsewhere. When Dr. Robert ties are at their wit’s ends as with the west coast of Canada, O’Connor established his doctors retire or move on. from his years earning his en- practice here in 2012, car- Dr. Pete Hobza has joined vironmental science degree at ing for many of the patients Dr. O’Connor along with of- UBC. Together with his wife from retiring doctors Dan fice management staff Donna (who is from the UK), Pete O’Connell and Joan Rosen- Berndt, Roxie Fehr, and Deb has worked in the UK the last berg, he moved into a former Bonderoff. As well, the medi- few years as a family physi- B&B, upcycling the old swim- cal practice is blessed by the cian. Then, together with his ming pool into office, exami- kind services of visiting com- wife Laura and three children, nation rooms and a waiting munity doctors, such as Dr. as a family, they decided to area. Sitting in the waiting Rosenberg and Dr. Naseem become part of the local com- area, whether during a winter Janmohamed, who both help munity in February 2015. storm, or a brilliant summer patients with female health, Welcome Pete, and thank day, the view is spectacular. Dr. O’Connell who has helped you Robert, Pete, Donna, A spectacular view is really patients with minor sur- Roxie, Deb and all the visiting nice, but the best thing about gery procedures, along with docs for being here for us. What Was It? June 2015 Congratulations to Dennis Voss and Frankie Thompson Council News for being the first to identify the item in May’s “What Is It?” photo – a three-stand rope winder, which can be viewed at the Metchosin Pioneer Museum. Dennis and Frankie will receive a free regular coffee, compliments of 2015 Property Taxes the Broken Paddle Coffee House. If you have not received your notice, we recommend that you contact the municipal office Sponsored by The Broken Paddle Coffee House to obtain a duplicate copy. Taxes are due on July 2, 2015 – penalties will be levied on the following day and cannot be waived, even if you have not received your tax notice. Summer Road Works Summer road maintenance works have begun and include mowing and brushing of road- side vegetation and the placement of centre line reflectors. Paving will commence in July/ August on Delgada Road, Duke Road, Glen Forest Way, Graceland Drive, Leefield Road and Matheson Lake Road. Council Seeks Advisory Committee Volunteers Are you interested in the heritage of Metchosin? The Metchosin Heritage Advisory Com- mittee needs new volunteers. If you’re interested, or would like more information regard- ing this committee please contact the municipal office, 250-474-3167. Metchosin Farmers’ Market Metchosin Farmers’ Market is open on Sundays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm from Mother’s Day to the last Sunday of October. Buy your fresh vegetables, breads, jams, salsa, baked goods and gifts (or crafts) for your loved ones. Then come again the next week. Burning Information Please be advised we will be closing Open Burning and all Land Clearing (Class A, Per- mit) Fires as of May 31, 2015 (Sunday) at 6:00 pm. Small cooking campfires and beach fires are still allowed. Call the Fire Department at 250-478-1307 for more information. Beach Fires Beach fires less than 70 cm. in diameter are permitted at Taylor Road beach and Sandgate Road beach as long as there is no provincial campfire ban in effect.Beach fires must be at least three metres from logs and other flammable material and must be fully extin- guished by midnight. Call the Fire Department at 250-478-1307 for more information. Parking on Taylor (Beach) Road – Summer 2015 While the District of Metchosin and the residents of Taylor Road are very happy for resi- dents of other parts of Metchosin and the Greater Victoria area to have access to the beach, we would ask that visitors respect the parking rules. John Horgan, MLA It is critical that emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks have unim- peded access to the end of Taylor Road so that they can respond immediately if there is Juan de Fuca an accident or fire. The yellow “No Parking” lines on the road have been established with the purpose of ensuring that these emergency vehicles can access the end of the road on busy beach use days. In addition, several residents have large vehicles and trailers which Standing up require the full width of their driveway to exit their property. District of Metchosin Meeting Schedule – JUNE 2015 for our Rural Below are the meeting dates and times for the upcoming month. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. Communities Planning Committee: June 8, 7:00 pm Environmental Advisory (MEASC): Parks Committee: June 8, 7:00 pm June 23, 7:00 pm Highways & Public Works Committee: Healthy Communities Advisory (HCAC): M–F 10am–4pm Please contact my June 8, 7:00 pm June 25, 7:00 pm (HCAC meeting being held at SIRC) #122–2806 Jacklin Rd. Council Meeting: June 15, 7:00 pm Victoria, BC V9B 5A4 office if you need help T: 250-391-2801 with any provincial Meetings are subject to change; for updated information please call the district office at john.horgan.mla 250-474-3167 or refer to the website at www.district.metchosin.bc.ca. Thank you. @leg.bc.ca government issue. www.johnhorganmla.ca Metchosin Municipal Hall | www.metchosin.ca | 250-474-3167 | [email protected]

JH-MetchMuse-1502.indd 1 2015-02-16 12:36 PM June 2015 • Metchosin Muse 5

SIRC’S recent afternoon 30% off select items entertainment Tea for Tutu much for the month enjoyed by Metchosin seniors Jo Mitchell

Fourteen enthusiastic mem- Kobayoshi. These were just Broken Paddle Café, is open bers of the Seniors’ Informa- a few of the talented dancers at the following hours: tion & Resource Centre (SIRC) participating. Refreshments • Tuesday and Thursday, spent an entertaining after- were served following the 10:00 am to 3:00 pm noon on Wednesday, May 13 performances while the danc- • Wednesday and Friday, Tea for Tutu attending , Ballet ers mingled with the patrons 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Victoria’s favourite seniors’ answering questions and pos- program arranged by the Vic- ing for photographs. Coordinator Colleen Brown- toria Ballet Company at Kirk Transportation was ar- lee would be very happy to Hall in Victoria. ranged in partnership with hear from you if you have any Under the direction of ar- LA Limousine and was much queries or problems. She can tistic director Paul Destrooper, appreciated. be reached at the SIRC Office the audience was delighted number, 250-478-5150, and, if with three pieces beautifully SIRC OFFICE HOURS you leave a message, will call danced by Andrea Bayne, you back if she is not immedi- SIRC, located on the ground Matthew Cluff, Bethany ately available. floor of the former Metchosin Le Corre, Jessie Gervais, Primary School opposite the Nanako Yoshimura and Risa

Upcoming SIRC events Upcoming items of interest SECOND ANNUAL PARISIAN CAFÉ Come to the area in front of the SIRC Office to SKYPE CONNECTION enjoy our Second Annual Parisian Café from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 6. If you are interested in learning how to This is a MUST ATTEND Metchosin event. SKYPE, or would like to SKYPE your family, Sure Wire Electrical (1979) Ltd. Mingle with your neighbours and friends we will set times at SIRC when you can come while enjoying tea and coffee, French pastries and do this. This is a great way to really keep ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS and croissants. Entertainment and Plein Air in touch with far-off family and friends. For Service Calls - Day and Night Artists in attendance. If you have an outra- more information, call 250-478-5150. geous hat, now is the chance to wear it. Come DAVE RIGBY 815 Tiswilde Road and enjoy. NEED A TEMPORARY WALKER OR 250-478-3228 Tel/Fax Victoria, B.C. SIRC would not be able to offer this event WHEELCHAIR? 250-389-6932 Pager V9C 4E8 without the support of some wonderful As a result of two very kind donations SIRC patrons, and we would like to mention their now owns a newish walker and wheelchair names and express our grateful thanks for which may be borrowed from SIRC for periods their wonderful encouragement: of time. Call 250-478-5150 for more info. Randall PATRONS GEEKS AND GEEZERS Capamara Communications Ltd. Garrison, MP Jane Johnston and the Briar Group at RE/MAX These popular sessions will resume in July ESQUIMALT– Camosun. and will be scheduled earlier in the day as the Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre (MACCA) students are not in school. JUAN DE FUCA More details in the next Muse, or call the M’akola ILBC Housing Society – Jesken Aerie Constituency office is now Milton Carman office for more info. Frank Mitchell open to serve constituents: Pure Integrative Pharmacy, Latoria A2–100 Aldersmith Place Patisserie Daniel See the Muse online! Victoria V9A 7M8 Philips Life Line Sun Life Financial http://www.metchosinmuse.ca 10am–4pm, Monday–Thursday or by appointment

t: 250-405-6550 e: [email protected] Farewell to David Richardson f: 250-405-6554 Jo Mitchell We are here to assist constituents with Federal government On Monday, May 11, David programs and services. was presented with the Municipality’s Certificate of Appreciation for the work RG-ad-MetMus-1108.inddAll 1phases of excavating and trucking.8/23/11 11:39:59 AM he has done as Chair of the Healthy Communities Logging • Stump removal • Riding rings Advisory Select Committee, Operator of Metchosin’s local rock quarry – member of Metchosin Search and Rescue, and founding The Marcotte Pit member of the Metchosin • Crushed road base & driveway materials Seniors’ Association. To • Boulders for rock walls, blast rock, & fill quote David on receiving Insured, quality work, free estimates his award, “This is a special Local Resident since 1964 place populated by indepen- Cel: 250-589-0192 dent and resourceful people Dennis Josephson who not only preserve the Seniors’ Association which Elementary School building. Home: 250-478-0192 values of Metchosin, but will operates SIRC (Seniors’ His fundraising and admin- 663 Lombard Dr. also continue to strengthen Information and Resource istrative abilities will be a and build the community Centre) held a farewell din- big loss. around those values. Chris- ner for David Richardson Those present at Helen tine and I will cherish our and his wife Chris, who are Fletcher’s house where memories of Metchosin and moving to Ontario to be the dinner was held also its people forever and we closer to their children. expressed their best wishes will stay in touch to share David has provided to David and Chris in their in the community’s many much appreciated leader- new life, with particular future successes.” ship in getting SIRC estab- advice on their car journey In mid April the board lished and setting up its to Ontario with a dog, a cat members of the Metchosin centre in the old Metchosin and a bird! 6 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 Emergency Preparedness Session: Emergency Social Services ’ Tuesday, June 16, 7:00 pm at the Fire Hall WITH LYNDA DOWLING

What is a reception centre, who goes there and why, and how does it work? These are some questions you may have which will be answered at the Emergency Preparedness Session in June. In a nutshell, a reception centre is where Metchosin’s Sup- High Flying Vegetables port Services provides emotional and physical support in a safe place. A place for evacuees to go – evacuees that have to leave their homes due to a small localized or large scale emergency. Most of you are aware of my a layer of heavy black fabric you and the hummingbirds! This will be an interactive session as the ESS Team will set Lavender Hat. Let me intro- cloth stops soil leakage. Make Blue Cornflowers at the up a “mock” reception centre and registration process. Bring duce you to my second hat: your soil mix as normal with back to dance in the wind … friends and neighbours and see how members of the commu- “Condo Queen”! For a num- lots of “yummy” ingredients scented geraniums, Rainbow nity work together to provide for the well-being of the greater ber of years now, I have been plus a good dose of small Loveliness Dianthus, even community. Learn what to bring with you to a reception cen- day jobbing downtown in the lava rock or rough perlite in Tangerine Tagetes – all edible tre and what you can expect when you get there. You’ll even most unlikely and amazing the bottom two-thirds at the flowers, all insect friendly, all get to taste some food that lasts for 25 years. properties. I can stand nine very least, to prevent your soil decorative – possibilities you floors up and have humming- slumping with time and leav- may not have discovered yet. birds zing over my head to ing your fig tree deep in a pot Don’t forget a tasty culinary Arbutus unedo trees in big and no easy way to amend or herb box or try an herbal tea pots, watch grasshoppers correct underneath. Add Sea- box tucked with Anise Hys- calmly cavorting on Live Roof soil or compost in the plant- sop, German Chamomile and plantings … a bit kamikaze ing upper area as for smaller exotic pagoda-style blooming there with the dramatic drop plants; this is their main root Bergamot. Just like on the over the edge, or simply walk zone. I add fertilizer under ground, use a separate con- onto patios full of scent and each plant as I go. tainer for your Mint medley; beauty as if I had my feet on For veggies this also means all they care about is their solid ground. extra dolomite lime under own space and water. Years ago I was teaching brassicas, and I do mean Water. It is not difficult to at the Landsdowne Campus extra, like a generous cup run a half inch feeder water Complete Bobcat, Trucking & Mini Excavating Services of Camosun College on the for sweetness and to prevent pipe with individual quarter upper floor of a building; club root problems. Stir these inch feeder lines with loops of 4604 Morland Road, Metchosin, B.C. v9C 3X4 there was a pause just be- amendments well, into the a good laser-perforated drip Locally owned & operated since 1984 fore students came tumbling soil underneath. Tomatoes, line inside each container. Free Estimates 250-478-2980 through the doors. Just for a roses, berries get extra miner- Choose the six-inch spaced moment all the boulevards, als from Epsom salts, the kind perforations. This whole busy streets and pedestrians you use for tired muscles at set-up is water sourced from • Custom low maintenance landscapes became a miniature sandbox the end of the day. (Use one a common outside tap with • Boulder walls and rockeries with toy cars and roads and teaspoon each for the plants, a a back flow preventer and a • Selective land clearing • Rockhound buildings with an unbeliev- cup per bath for you!) simple, reliable, “DIG” eight- • Concrete/rock breaker • Stump & brush removal able amount of green life For those all-purpose plant- volt battery-run timer with • Driveways/R.V. parking • Culverts • Drains tucked everywhere – more ing boxes, it is enough to prep a digital screen. It sounds • Top soil, bark mulch, sand and gravel gardens than you can imagine the drain holes, a light layer of more complicated than it is, CONTRACT OR HOURLY RATES compared to other interna- small lava rock, and then your and easier than being a water tional capital cities. I have soil. Box “feet” underneath slave to constantly dry pots never forgotten that altered are optional. on a hot deck! view of Victoria. At that time Then the planting fun be- One last touch for your I never envisioned I would be gins! Group like-minded veg- high-flying visitors – create a a part of “greening”of the city gies together, mindful of light shallow dish of clean water myself. situations and soil require- with beach pebbles, no life Patio pots are very pretty, ments. Please never plant guard required. trendy and functional to your lavender in the shade This is an actual planting I soften hardscapes for our out- – you will both be miserable. just completed – heat loving side social pleasures, outside One planter box can be ever- Sweet Basil to follow spinach, cooking BBQs or simply sit- bearing or alpine strawberries maybe a compact cucumber ting outside in a quiet puddle with edible violas. Or a box plant or dwarf zucchini to fol- of green and colours as we of mesclun mix with a row low the first lettuce. Can you take a respite from our busy of green or red-green onions follow the possibilities? It can lives. Quiet enough to hear a front and back. Try a box di- be more than wishful thinking butterfly drift by or watch Mr. rectly seeded with dwarf tri- if you do not have that elusive Woodpecker drum on your coloured runner beans, add- dream-like perfect country aluminum piping to ser- ing a frill of nasturtiums along property. enade a mate! Cutting flower the front. Or ditto with dwarf And you can proudly har- gardens with boxes of dah­ shelling peas, adding a back- vest and dine anywhere you lias, towers of ethereal sweet drop of woven small bamboo live from your personalized peas or dancing tulips and stakes to ensure support if it edible garden! peonies together right now is a breezy site. In another fat- Eden can be found in the (crazy spring weather) allow bellied pot, pop in Honeydew most unlikely places … a bedroom slipper walk with Sage with its edible, continu- scissors in hand … just no ous, flamenco red blooms for wet grass! A bowl of violas on your table top can be plucked to scatter on a rooftop grown salad, and be a centrepiece. Herbs on a balcony are a piece of lavender cake! These are re- storative moments no matter the size of your outside space. My latest pride and hope- fully joy, with successful growing, is an eighth-floor totally edible patio, includ- ing many flowers. It made • Housekeeping me reflect on how you can 10 years • Exterior Cleaning “green” a tiled or cemented of serving the • Grass Cutting space and be an urban farmer, West Shore! though no goats or chickens • Yard Maintenance in this space … think of those • Junk Removal grasshoppers! Big ceramic pots are first … & More prepped with a humble HOME & GARDEN CLEANING SERVICES square of webbing cut from a Mark and Lisa common plant carrying tray, Call now for a FREE estimate! 250-217-6128 then a layer of rough lava WestShore Chamber of Commerce member rock. This ensures drainage Know any interesting residents of Metchosin? and no possibility of roots Submit a story about them to the Muse! Email: [email protected] plugging the drain hole. Next June 2015 • Metchosin Muse 7 Metchosin Pull out and save! Producers’ guide

“ Eating’ s not a bad way to get to know a place.” It’s one of our favourite quo­ tations from Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, along with “Never eat anything your great grand- mother wouldn’t recognize as food.” Having a meal at the My-Chosen Café, or a coffee or bowl of soup at the Broken Paddle, is one way to get to know Metchosin. We also fancy buying some great Metchosin lamb or pork while eating a Galloping Goose sausage on a bun at the Farmers’ Market, or chatting up the folks at one of the many local farms when you pick up some fresh, healthy local produce. Check out the local producers in this, our Lo- cal Producers section. A big thanks to Andy Mac­ Kinnon for his help in bird- dogging all the local producers, getting them to submit their summaries. “Red,” Stillmeadow Farm’s “anchor sow” and one of her piglets. Red is a Duroc pig. Piglet is half Duroc/half Berkshire. Photo by Mira Kelada.

landscape design and instal- selection of greens, mesclun lation which are the different mix, potatoes (six or seven divisions of Down to Earth. varieties), carrots, parsnips, Eko and Kelly Chashai leeks, onions, beans, peas, have been growing together squash, herb tea and eggs. for 20 years. Travelling the Jostaberries, marionberries, world while farming and blueberries, golden raspber- growing various crops led ries are available in small them to settle in Victoria. amounts. Tomatoes, cucum- While raising two children bers, basil and peppers are they built Down to Earth, growing in the green houses. developing the nursery while There is also mint, sorrel, installing landscapes and green onion, horseradish and maintaining commercial lovage. properties. Their dedication We grow about 98% of our and passion for what they do own seed which is also for is apparent in all that they cre- sale. It is well established for Flower Power U-Pick ate together. this area. Our philosophy is to give There are apples, plums, A Cultured Life you the best service we can pears, hazelnuts and figs Flower Power by providing knowledgeable available in the fall. staff, healthy plant material, With the help of our U-Pick Cut A Cultured Life live.com or visit our website: open communication and we regular crew and some www.aculturedlife.org work hard all year to create “Woofers”every now and Flower Garden A Cultured Life, run by and maintain the best gardens then, we are looking forward Flower Power U-Pick Cut Veronica Rogers and Mike you can have! to providing you with another Flower Garden was founded Hagel, is a newly established Down to Earth We do our best to keep year of sustainable and envi- two years ago. It is located on family venture, located at Nursery business local and we appre- ronmental friendly organic beautiful, fertile land, in full 1060 Matheson Lake (Park) ciate the community support produce. sun yet sheltered from Met­ Road. Down to Earth is Metchosin’s that we have had for the last Dieter Eisenhawer, email chosin’s perpetual westerlies, We specialize in organic source for plants, trees, shrubs nine years! [email protected] at the corner of Witty Beach cultured/fermented foods and more. We welcome all or [email protected] and Metchosin Roads. A very and beverages – natural pro- residents of Metchosin to wide selection of cutting biotics! Our products include come and enjoy the gardens. Eisenhawer material is grown, stressing kefir grains, kefir (plain, We host seminars and work- Organic the exotic, unusual and hard vanilla/cinnamon, chocolate, shops on various subjects to find. Perennials, flower- strawberry and apple/straw- ranging from mosaic build- Produce ing shrubs, many ornamental berry), kombucha scobies, ing to succulent planters. grasses and restios, and select kombucha (vanilla, maple, The nursery is managed Eisenhawer Organic Produce, annuals are all to be found. lemon/ginger, mint, coconut) organically and supports the 4266 Happy Valley Road, My concept and wish is sauerkraut, (250-474-7161) has been farm- for people to visit to select cultured carrots ing organically here for the their own blooms and fashion and beets, beet last 23 years. Our fertilizer and design their own floral and cabbage is compost made with resi- arrangements. The flowers kvass (fer- dues from weeding and grass will be absolutely fresh and at mented juice). cuttings mixed with chicken their peak of loveliness. The We now manure and organic coffee grasses provide a myriad of offer weekend grounds. Green manure is choices for filler and accent workshops for also grown over winter as a material and, when in high interested par- second option of fertilizer. bloom, the gardens are, I ties to learn the We sell most of our pro- believe, an inspiring sight and “art of culture.” duce at the Moss Street a feast for the senses. For further Market (April to November). The gardens open for cut- info/updates/ Winter delivery service is ting Mothers’ Day and remain email orders available from December to in flower well into autumn. please contact the end of April. The farm Please drop by and visit. Veronica at stand is open Sunday af- Eisenhawer Organics aculturedlife@ Down to Earth Nursery ternoons. We have a good continued on page 8 8 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 Local Producers:

of Victoria, so we are now growing out her genetics, too. We are also breeding some of our own (!) totally unique “Metchosin” varieties of com- mon vegetables and fruit. At the Apple Festival in 2013, David Suzuki tried a slice of our “Metchosin” apple at its debut and pronounced it deli- cious (wow, celebrity endorse- ment …). Watch for grafted trees of this new variety avail- able as a Community House fundraiser this coming winter. Try our seeds and see what a difference locally adapted plants make! The farm stand is open dawn to dusk, March 15 to October 1. You can also Sea Bluff Farm find our seeds and plants at Glenrosa Farm the Red Barn Market (Latoria Walk), Gardenworks Blenkin- available at our farm store, Brown eggs from greens-fed sop, Art Knapp Cordova Bay, which is located at 4198 poultry can be purchased at continued from page 7 hopefully the farm will be Stillmeadow Road and open the gate or at the Metchosin open for picking around Cannor Elk Lake, Aubergine My name is Charles Knigh- Fine Foods and our seeds at every Saturday from noon Farmers’ Market. We sell live July 1. The main crop on the until 3:00 pm. We also sup- goats, rabbits, bantam poul- ton and I’m the gardener. farm is blueberries, with a the Sugar Shack. For more For more information: phone information, please see our ply many butcher shops and try and pet guinea pigs and small crop of gooseberries, restaurants in the Victoria puppies. The farm also offers 250-474-7062; send an e-mail and black currants. We have website: www.metchosinfarm. to [email protected]; ca or find us on Facebook by area and this year we will be insured agritourism enter- four varieties of non-sprayed back at the Metchosin Farm- tainment with farm animal or visit our website at blueberries on the farm. searching for the farm name. charlesthegardener.com. ers’ Market on Sundays. For petting zoo of rabbits, guinea Honey from Derek Wulff’s further information, please pigs, miniature goat kids, bee hives is also available. contact us at john​buchanan@ lambs and alpacas. Children’s Glenrosa Farm The customers enjoy the parrybaysheepfarm.com farm parties are featured with ease of picking and the relax- or “like” us on Facebook at miniature horse cart rides Glenrosa Farm is owned and ing time they spend with https://www.facebook.com/ and visits to the 1800s Pio- operated by Peter, Jane and friends and family. We have a parrybaysheepfarm. For neer Museum. New this year Gillian Hammond. The farm very good Metchosin resident recipes and more background is sheep/alpaca wool blend is located at 5447 Rocky Point customer base. A lot of our on our farm, visit our website: knitted products from last Road, overlooking Pedder customers have been with us http://parrybaysheepfarm. year’s shearing. Visit: www. Bay; the “Big Yellow House” for 12 years and a number of com/wordpress/ ravehillhomestead.com or call on the hill. The farm was pio- our customers pick in excess 250-478-5334. neered in the late 1800s and of 100 pounds a year. Prices we are extremely fortunate to this year are $3/pound U-pick Ragley Farm carry on some of the farming and $4/pound We-pick. traditions of our predecessors. The farm is mainly set-up We’re a mixed vegetable farm Heritage apple varieties as a U-pick operation with and community hub located of King, Lemon Pippin, Wolf orders filled on an as-picked at 5717 East Sooke Road, just River, Baldwin and more are bases. Our only commercial past the intersection with Gil- produced on century-old client is The Broken Paddle lespie Road. We host on-site Saturday markets from April trees, featured at the annual Coffee House, so you can Metchosin Farm Metchosin Apple Festival and enjoy our blueberries year to December, from 11:00 am to available by mid-October. round in their tasty scones 2:00 pm. Our markets feature Wool from the resident and muffins. a wide variety of produce, sheep is made into several During the picking season, Parry Bay Sheep as well as fresh baked bread, products, including socks, days of operation and hours pastries, and soups. Muffins yarn, comforters, pillows, and open can be obtained from Farm and coffee are also available mattress pads. These are com- www.usedvictoria.com under in our lounge. You can view mercially made in Alberta by the fruit heading. We have Parry Bay Sheep Farm has our website at ragley.ca a small, local woollen mill. an ad that runs daily for the been run by the Buchanan family since 1979 and our Ravenhill Homestead and Very soon, we look forward length of the picking season. Ravenhill Pioneer Museum to welcoming visitors to Glen Current information will be home base is the big yellow Rosa Farm Restaurant, featur- updated daily. farmhouse on Lindholm Homestead ing locally sourced, whole- We welcome visitors and Road. However, our sheep some meals, including lunch, would like to show off our can also be seen grazing in and Pioneer Sea Bluff Farm afternoon tea and dinner. operation. Contact Karen and many other fields around For more information, Don Lindsay (donlindsay@ Metchosin and the Saanich Museum Metchosin grown and proud please call 250-478-6126, hotmail.com). Peninsula – if you have seen of it! Come join us for another email [email protected], or visit sheep with numbers painted Ravenhill Homestead and great year of delicious eating www.glenrosafarm.com. on them, they are probably Pioneer Museum owned by and healthy living. Sea Bluff Metchosin Farm ours. We produce hay, lamb, Ron and Sandy Jenkins at Farm is six acres of vibrant, mutton and wool, and in 4411 Bennett Rd is a small certified organic farmland Karen and Metchosin Farm, run by Fiona partnership with Stillmeadow hobby farm that produces where we grow over 30 of Hamersley Chambers, is Farm, also wheat and chick- eggs, garden vegetables, rasp- our favourite veggie varieties Don’s Blueberry located at 542 Wootton Road ens. These products are berries, and raspberry plants. from asparagus to zucchini. and has been in operation Our farm stand at 565 Woot- Patch & Honey since 2005. We grow organic ton Rd is open Tuesdays and heirloom vegetable starts, 4405 Happy Valley Road, Saturdays all year round. We perennial fruit bushes (goose- specialize in greens, toma- 250-478-9349 berries, currants, raspberries Blueberry season should toes and of course, corn! We and many others as well as offer a year-round veggie box be early this year because of some unusuals like gojiber- the great weather this spring; subscription that folks can ries and Chilean strawberry pick up at the farm featuring guavas). Since 2012, we have the best from our farm, as also operated a small organic well as choice offerings from seed company with all of our farmer friends at Saanich the seeds being grown here Organics. at Metchosin Farm. We are On June 27 we’re having an growing and slowly adapt- open farm day from 11:00 am ing varieties in our gardens, to 2:00 pm, and we’re wel- producing plants that thrive coming Metchosinites and Sea in our Pacific Northwest/ Bluff fans to come for a farm temperate Mediterranean tour, a hay ride and some Karen and Don’s Blueberry climate. Last winter we took Patch & Honey over Carolyn Herriot’s Seeds Parry Bay Sheep Farm continued on page 10 June 2015 • Metchosin Muse 9 locally grown goodness

The Metchosin Farmers’ Market is open The Metchosin Producers’ Association on Sundays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm from (MPA) is a non-profit organization which is Metchosin Mother’s Day to the last Sunday of October, the governing body of the local Metchosin and is a great place to connect with local Farmers’ Market. The MPA also keeps an ear producers. open for important issues regarding farms Producers, Buy your fresh vegetables, breads, jams, and farmland. They hold representation salsa, baked goods and gifts (or crafts) for on the Metchosin Agricultural Advisory your loved ones. Browse at the Pioneer Committee and in the past received a Tourism Metchosin Museum, purchase a book from the Old Barn Grant to make improvements to the Market Bookstore to read as you listen to music, or site. have lunch at our picnic tables and meet old Market friends.

Southwind Honey ●

Parry Bay ● ● Ei senhawer Sheep Farm Organic Produce DOWN TO EARTH NURSERY ● flower power u-pick cut flower Ravenhill ● garden Homestead and Pioneer Karen ● Stillmeadow Museum and Don’s Farm Blueberry ●  ● P aTCH Three CreekS Farm ● ● Sea Bluff ●  Farm metchosin ● Farmers ’ Farm Market

● Sonnleiten

● Wind Whipped Farm

● a cultureD life ● Glenrosa Farm Umi nami Farm ● Metchosin Farms On this map you’ll find the local farmers listed in this pull-out section, but there are many more producers offering farm-gate sales. Watch for them as you’re enjoying the scenic byways of Metchosin!

☛ ragley Farm Map from the CRD Natural Areas atlas. 10 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 continued from page 8 You can read more about coming back better than ever the goings-on at Uminami in 2016. cooking demos. We’re very Farm at our Facebook page We will be making some grateful for all the wonderful www.facebook.com/umi key improvements to our support we receive from the namifarm and at Heather’s farming operations this year community, and we feel hon- blog http://heatherxenia. that we cannot do at the same oured to feed you. Looking wordpress.com. Additional time as producing food. A forward to another great year! information can be found at big one is improving our soil www.uminamifarm.com and drainage, which has been you can contact us by email to an ongoing challenge and [email protected], or limitation on our farm. Better at 250-391-0763. drainage will improve our soil health and allow us to extend our veggie-growing season beyond our current 16-week box program. We are also planning on building additional greenhouses and a walk-in cooler, improving our soil mineral and nutrient Southwind Honey balance, building a shelter for our farm machinery and tools, and much more that Stillmeadow Farm Southwind home flowers to beautify your will allow us to increase and home! improve production. Honey Joanna Henry, 777 Winfall If you have any ques- Stillmeadow Road, 250-478-9521 tions, please get in touch Southwind Honey, run by with us, Alex and Virginie, by Farm Karen Hoffman and Ole email windwhippedfarm@ Frang, is located at 1530 gmail.com or by phone 4198 Stillmeadow Road Neild Rd. in Metchosin and Stillmeadow Farm, run 250-661-8099. has been in operation since We hope you will consider by Tom Henry and Violaine 1994, keeping bees and selling Mitchell, and located at 4198 Umi Nami Farm joining The Local Food Box in honey. Our purely local honey 2016! Stillmeadow Road, has been is derived from the follow- a family farm since the 1950s. ing floral sources. In spring, The farm produces sheep, hay, maple, arbutus, garden and Wind Whipped hogs and holly, and in con- orchard blooms get our colo- junction with Parry Bay Sheep nies off to a good start. With Farm Farm, grows milling wheat ideal weather, we can sell Wind Whipped Farm is a and raises broiler chickens. In spring blossom honey. Fortu- 2015, the farm will have pork, small fruit and vegetable farm nately most years the weather located at 4645 B William lamb and chicken available settles down in time for the for sale at the farm store (at Head Road that markets its blackberry bloom in June. Af- produce through The Local 4198 Stillmeadow, open Satur- ter that, the booming colonies days only, 12:00–3:00 pm) as Three Creeks Farm Food Box (www.thelocalfood- are moved to the high country box.com), a multi-farm Com- well as for sale at the Sunday near Jordan River. Here the Metchosin Farmers Market. munity Supported Agriculture early source is salal blossom, program. For additional information, followed by fireweed and an please contact the farm at This year we will not be assortment of other wildflow- Umi Nami Farm operating the Local Food 250-478-0588, or online at ers. In 2015, the farm will also www.stillmeadowfarm.ca. Umi Nami Farm grows or- Box program and will not be have pollen, and perhaps growing vegetables. We are propolis or beeswax for sale. ganic vegetables year-round. We specialize in Japanese sorry for any inconvenience Sonnleiten We sell at Metchosin Market this may cause our valued and off season at the farm vegetables, but we also grow most types of Western pro- customers, but we are happy Now in its 24th year, Sonn- gate with prior arrangement. to say that we are planning on Wind Whipped Farm leiten Farm, 4556 William We can be reached at 250-474- duce and several types of Head Road, continues to 3708 or [email protected]. fruit. It isn’t hard to find us provide the local market – from Rocky Point Road near with a broad spectrum of Pedder Bay Marina you can organically grown fruit and Three Creeks easily spot our collection of produce. Specialty crops greenhouses and fields near Farm the turn-off for Matheson include: heritage red rhubarb, Local Kids Get European potatoes, haricots Lake Park (961 Matheson Three Creeks Farm is a U-pick Lake Park Road). All our verts, beets, shallots, Jerusa- flower farm specializing in lem artichokes, kale, squash, produce is certified organic Old English type flowers through IOPA. Down to Earth a variety of greens, as well as (e.g., dahlias, zinnias, baby’s- Our produce includes heritage apples, plums, pears breath), with a wide variety of Kelly Chashai and quince. Most of our crops Japanese greens (komatsuna, annuals and perennials. We’ve mizuna, karashina, chingen- are destined to Victoria’s and been selling flowers for seven sai, kakina, etc.), traditional How do those flowers grow that I give mom every year? Sooke’s premier restaurants. years from our farm, gener- tender Japanese turnips, Down to Earth Nursery invited Metchosin Preschool However, direct sales to local ally between springtime and daikon, chard, kale, carrots, and Summer Breeze daycare to the nursery to learn how residents are possible with late autumn, and for 15 years beets, rapini, collard greens, flowers grow and have them pot up a plant for mom. Our advance notice. We also invite before that at the Metchosin green onions (especially mandate was to get young kids involved in gardening and inquiries from local Metcho- Farmers’ Market. traditional Japanese types), to create an understanding and awareness of how plants sin youth, our mainstay for Thanks for the kind notes bulb onions, broccoli, straw- grow! over 20 years, with regard left by individuals and berries, tomatoes, eggplant, They had a quick tour of the greenhouses led by our to rewarding farm work and families. Please drop by our green peppers (including the nursery manager, Leila Johnston. The kids were so eager organic growing apprentice- farm sometime, and bring ships. Call 250-478-9572. Japanese shishito), snow peas, to learn. It was important for us to inspire our next genera- snap peas, green beans, dry tion, especially because they live in the world of technol- beans, potatoes, summer and ogy. We wanted them to have a full sensory experience on winter squash, and zucchini. this field trip, encouraging touch, smell and just getting Fruits include melons, wa- their hands into the soil. Our plants (and our staff) here at termelons, strawberries and the nursery felt the benefits from all their young energy. tree fruits (apples, quince and Leila says “Watch- Asian pear). ing the kids, reminded New customers are always me of how my passion welcome to our year-round for this work came box program. Our vegetables about and it was nice are also available at the Moss to see the parents of Street Market and Fujiya. the community coming Umi Nami Farm has been in afterwards, support- in business since 1997. Today ing our local business.” it’s run by Yoshiko, Heather, Next year we will be Madoka, and Ai. We enjoy volunteering at Hans the work and produce of the Helgesen School, help- farm together with several ing teach kids about volunteers, whom we thank growing vegetables. for their faithful efforts! We At Down to Earth we enjoy meeting our customers know it is important face-to-face and we invite you to create awareness for to join our year-round box Sonnleiten future generations. program at any time. June 2015 • Metchosin Muse 11

IS YOUR CURRENT MORTGAGE RATE TOO HIGH? In the Beginning: Take advantage of the historically low rates now available. Metchosin Search and Getting into a lower inter- est rate can potentially save you thousands of Rescue dollars. Give me a call to discuss your options. Dawne Kirwan • Shop dozens of lenders in In the beginning, some time in the time it takes you to book 1989, a small group of Met- an appointment with your bank. chosin residents and Pearson • Refinance/Renew/ College staff decided to have Purchase/Consolidate a meeting. They weren’t from Appointments can be a particular demographic Sandy Higgins, Accredited Mortgage arranged in Metchosin. Professional, MBABC, CAAMP group, nor were they inter- Office: 250-658-9315 • Cell: 250-589-9244 ested in discussing local poli- Fax: 250-658-9316 tics, books they had read or Email: [email protected] even what kind of farm crop www.sandyhiggins.ca they were planting that year. Instead, they were interested in forming a volunteer search and rescue group in the com- Sandy works for you, not the lenders. munity. Volunteer search and rescue wasn’t new to BC; The Mortgage Centre – Island Properties some groups on the island New address: 890 Short Street, Victoria BC V8X 2V5 were established in the 1960s. Members of Metchosin Search and Rescue “package a subject” in www.ipmortgages.ca At the time, the need for preparation of evacuation, in one of many practice sessions. search and rescue was re- Photo by Brian Domney lated to the expanse of park trails and wilderness areas obstructing reception with provided us with the opportu- a satellite. Step under a tree WESTCOAST TIRE and WHEEL Ltd. in and around Metchosin. A nity to take ownership of the since 1980 and all communication was void existed in this area, and Metchosin Fire Department Nitrogen lost. Even so, it was immedi- required coverage. Metchosin Rescue 8 van, which signifi- Force Varience HOURS: ately clear that this technol- Search and Rescue (MSAR) cantly enhances our response Balancing Mon.-Fri: 9am - 6pm ogy would become more and was formed, with the original and operational capabilities. Sat: 9am - 5pm group consisting of around more mainstream. Today, GPS MSAR has just celebrated 15 people. They met monthly works in all terrains, forested the 25th anniversary of pro- 250-889-6161 in the former Municipal Hall or otherwise and is accurate viding service to the region. or and kept their small cache of to within a few metres or less. The command trailer con- equipment in a wobbly, run- Regardless, there were those tinues to be used for search 250-642-4044 down shack at the spot where among the group that were, operations, the SAR van for the Community House now and still are, unwilling to re- towing, and a “still under con- 4730 SOOKE RD. • VICTORIA • 15 mins from Colwood Corners stands. There were very few lieve themselves of the always struction” garage is used to www.westcoasttires.com group compasses, no proper reliable compass and map. No store gear. The group has out- mapping, and no command batteries, no problems. grown the command trailer, trailer or vehicle. The group The third milestone was a as it has become too small a relied almost entirely on their phone call-out system called space from which to manage own goodwill and personal One Call Now. Back in the a search. Future plans include equipment, slowly accumulat- day, activating a call-out was completely reconfiguring the ing equipment from used cast complicated and time con- trailer to eliminate storage and offs from others. suming, with a phone tree converting it into an office on During those formative that would delay a response wheels. Everything needed on years, members would attend by 30 minutes or more while a typical search can be stored searches with a cavalcade every one of 30 or so mem- in the SAR van. The new ga- of personal vehicles stuffed bers was called. With One rage, funded primarily by the with people and equipment. Call Now, a single phone call district, for which the group There were no accurate trail from the SAR manager auto- is grateful, is an important ex- maps of any of the Metchosin matically and instantaneously tension of improved response park or wilderness areas, goes to each member’s home capability. nor were there any handheld phone, cell phone and work So MSAR is moving for- GPSs. Instead, trails would be phone. From this, the SAR ward and upward. From its painstakingly mapped using manager knows immediately humble beginnings at that a compass, individual pacing who answered the phone and meeting in 1989, it is well and a notepad, marking every if they are attending. This has established in Metchosin as a turn in the trail with a com- dramatically reduced re- strong and capable volunteer pass bearing and the distance sponse time and provides the force, helping to provide core to the next turn. This infor- SAR manager with an impor- services to the Metchosin mation would then be tran- tant pre-planning tool. Emergency Program and the scribed onto any topographic A fourth milestone for the community. map available, and, voilá, a group was forming a soci- Happy 25th anniversary, trail map was born! It was a ety in the fall of 2013. This Metchosin Search and Rescue. monumental, but important task to improve response ca- pabilities. The accuracy was, in fact, rather amazing. Other times, the only map was tan- tamount to a hand sketch of a person’s recollection of a trail they had previously hiked. The first milestone for the group in the mid-90s was the acquisition and outfitting of a command trailer. This box on wheels was designed and con- structed by MSAR volunteers. It is still used in the same con- figuration as it was when first conceived. It was towed using a municipal vehicle if one was available. The second milestone for the group was the arrival of Garmin Etrex handheld GPS devices. In theory, this magi- cal instrument could pinpoint a location to within 20 metres provided that it was in open areas with no forest cover 12 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 Fire Dept. Call-Outs Sooke Philharmonic 2015 April 16 – May 15, 2015 Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop Concerto Competition Check out Metchosin Fire on Facebook or follow me on Twitter Sonja de Wit @ ChiefDunlop Apr 17 WINTER ROAD – Open Burn – General and Ashley Green (cello) Apr 18 TAYLOR ROAD – Beach Fire brought us Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. ROCKY POINT ROAD – Medical The Sooke Philharmonic PARK ROAD – Open Burn – General Society named this competi- WINTER ROAD – Open Burn – General tion, now in its tenth year, Apr 19 LATORIA – Medical in recognition of the extraor- HAPPY VALLEY ROAD – Assistance – Misc Complaint dinary support that Don Chrysler gave to the orches- SOOKE ROAD – MVI tra during his lifetime. His Apr 20 HAPPY VALLEY ROAD – Alarm Bells – Commercial wife, Janette Chrysler, is the Apr 21 CHARLES ROAD – Structure Fire Residential former principal cellist of the Apr 23 EAST SOOKE ROAD – MVI Sooke Philharmonic. Apr 24 WINTER ROAD – Open Burn – General Concerto Competition finalists (L to R): Alyssa Fu, Ya-Ping Huang, The Sooke Philharmonic Rae Gallimore, Ashley Green, Nelly Tian, Leo Phanichphant. Society expresses sincere Apr 25 WILLIAM HEAD – Medical Photo by Rick Robinson thanks to Long & McQuade LINDHOLM ROAD – MVI for their generous donation HAPPY VALLEY ROAD – Medical On April 25 the annual Sooke Mendelssohn Piano Concerto of the prizes, sponsored by Apr 26 NEILD ROAD – Open Burn – General Philharmonic Don Chrysler No. 1, and Alyssa Fu, for her Michael Arensen (Manager) Concerto Competition for performance of the Shosta- Apr 28 TAYLOR BEACH – Beach Fire and Shaun Wilson (Assistant Young Musicians took place kovich Piano Concerto No. 2. Manager). The competition Apr 29 HAPPY VALLEY ROAD – Open Burn – General at the University of Victoria, Four of the six competitors is supported by numerous HAPPY VALLEY ROAD – Open Burn – General and at the end of the night, it – Leo Phanichphant, Ya-Ping donors, and the fundraising Apr 30 HERLIHY PLACE – Medical was Rae Gallimore who took Huang, Ashley Green and campaign is ongoing to en- May 02 LIBRA – Assistance – General Public home first prize. In October, Rae Gallimore – were com- sure a financial base in future the Sooke Philharmonic Or- peting for the second year in May 03 ALBERT HEAD BEACH – Beach Fire years. chestra will be presenting the a row, and they impressed Please come to our final FARHILL ROAD – Open Burn – General Bartók Viola Concerto, with the audience with their levels concert of the 2014–15 season, May 05 PEARS ROAD – Medical Rae Gallimore as soloist. of improvement. Adjudica- the Philharmonic Fling, a May 06 OLYMPIC VIEW DRIVE – Open Burn – General Rae Gallimore is no tors Linda Gould, Lanny FREE Pops in the Park family CIRCLE PLACE – Open Burn – General stranger to Sooke and Met- Pollet and Dolores Vann did concert with special guests chosin audiences. She placed not have an easy choice. May 08 HAPPY VALLEY ROAD – Rescue – Animal and soloists: Sunday July 12, second in last year’s concerto The audience was invited 2:30 pm (gates open 1:00 pm), HAPPY VALLEY ROAD – MVI competition; she also played to vote for their favourites, Ed Macgregor Park, 6751 May 10 DUKE ROAD – Open Burn the Telemann Viola Concerto and they preferred Nelly Tian West Coast Road in Sooke, SEASPRAY – Assistance – General Public in G last November with the for her performance of Saint- just a few blocks west of the PEARS ROAD – Medical Sooke Philharmonic Cham- Saens’ Violin Concerto No. 3. Otter Point Road lights. We ber Players, in the Warming Ya-Ping Huang came second. May 11 LIBERTY DRIVE – Hydro – Fire hope to see you there! to Winter concerts. Third place in the audience’s For more information May 12 ROCKY POINT ROAD – Medical Second prize, Saturday estimation went to Alyssa Fu. about the competition and May 13 WILLIAM HEAD ROAD – Open Burn night, went to the two pia- The three others were tied. the Sooke Philharmonic Or- KANGAROO ROAD – Medical nists of the evening: Ya-Ping Leo Phanichphant played the chestra, please contact info@ May 14 ALBERT HEAD ROAD – Medical Huang, who played the Krommer Clarinet Concerto, sookephil.ca / 250-419-3569.

A fundraiser for the Sooke Philharmonic Society ISLAND SOLES... TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS SHOP LOCAL. LACE UP LOCAL. SOOKE Shoppers Drug Mart Peoples Drugs Stick in the Mud Little Vienna Bakery Shirley Delicious Westburn Garden Centre VICTORIA & AREA Lynne's Little Elf Garden Centre 1062 Goldstream Ave Garden Works 11 Gardens 1859 Island Highway 4290 Blenkinsop Rd 1916 Oak Bay Ave Plant Sale Dig This Classic Cars 1990 Oak Bay Ave # 480 – 777 Royal Oak Dr Artists/Artisans

Down to Earth Refreshments 1060 Derrien Pl Music in TICKET | MAPS Come in and get professionally fi tted. the GardenS $20 per person We have the largest selection of walking and running shoes on Children 10 and under Free (accompaniedby an adult) Vancouver Island! We stock shoes from extra narrow to extra wide For information contact and sizes 5 to 17. Margaret 250.508.1704 SUNDAY, JUNE 7 Sue 250.642.1397 10-4 Rain or Shine!

VICTORIA 1200 Vancouver St. T 250-382-8181 LANGFORD 123-755 Goldstream Ave T 250-391-7373 sookesecretgardens.com www.frontrunners.ca Locally Owned, Community Driven, Since 1988! June 2015 • Metchosin Muse 13 Film Night at the Metchosin Get in on the Action Community House at the MCA AGM Johnny Carline

Journey On The Wild Coast, Hardcore minimalists, Are you a member of the Metchosin Community Associa- 90 minutes. this married couple trav- tion and want to have some input (and maybe renew your Friday, May 29 at 7:00 pm eled with only their dinghy, membership at the same time)? Are you not a member a flysheet, one spoon, and and would like to see what the MCA is about first hand This is a real departure from a small camera. With no before making up your mind to join? In either case, do films of energy, environ- spare shoes, they wore their you have suggestions on what you think the MCA should ment, or eco-justice, but it’s duct-taped runners through do more of, or less of? Or are you interested in what oth- a chin-dropper. A young shore-frozen streams, and ers have to say about that? couple’s epic attempt to jour- suffered hypothermia caused If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then this ney from Seattle to Alaska by the massive flash-freezing is notice that the Annual General Meeting of the Metcho- by foot and rubber dinghy ice-clots engulfing their wet sin Community Association is to be held on Wednesday, turns into a four-thousand- legs. June 24 at the Metchosin Community House, 4430 Happy mile slog. They began their Either you do it, or watch Valley Road, beginning at 7:00 pm. trek in June; and by the time it with us. It’s wonderfully This is a great opportunity to observe and get involved they reached Prince Rupert, homemade with nine “Best with this dynamic community group, learn about its pro- it was December and snow- of …” awards. Come have grams and the Board for the coming year and participate ing. They dealt with rapids, some popcorn. It’s on us. in elections for the latter if they are required. sandstorms, glacial ice, Community support for the MCA is vital to its success. blizzards and massive bear Suggestions, comments, Do consider dropping in on this important annual event. scares as they bushwacked please contact Ric at ricnic2@ For further information, please call 250-478-5155. to the Aleutian Islands. shaw.ca.

house happenings Metchosin Community House 4430 Happy Valley Road Info: 250-478-5155 Email: [email protected] Web: www.metchosincommunityhouse.com

Ongoing Programs

Mondays Fridays

Vancouver Island Health Authority Adult Day Program – 9:00 am–3:30 pm. Parent and Tot Program – 9:30–11:30 am. Calling all Metchosin tots! The Contact Mobile program coordinator Ken Hillicke at 250-213-2440. Parent and Tot Drop-In Program invites moms, dads, caregivers and their young children to join us Friday mornings for our community Parent and Pearson College Students Outreach – 3:00–4:30 pm. Helping seniors and Tot Program. Children will enjoy our new toys, books and craft opportuni- youth in our community. Invite Pearson College students to visit or help ties. Parents will enjoy our relaxed, supportive environment, parent resource with a project. Particularly aimed at Metchosin seniors, but call 250-478-5155 library and opportunities to connect with other parents and kids. We look and leave a message for Jane Hammond or John Hollemans, to see if you forward to seeing you and your little ones. For more information please call might be eligible. Finished for the season but will restart in September. Nina at 250-590-2540 or email [email protected] Knitting Café. On the first and third Mondays monthly, 7:00–9:00 pm, Pearson Student Teatime Drop-In – 2:45–4:30 pm. Enjoy a cup of tea and knitters of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome to this informal conversation with international students from Pearson College. Finished for and friendly get-together. For information call Laura, 250-478-1197, email the season but will restart in September. [email protected]. Film Night – June 26, 7:00–9:00 pm (see also “Film Night at the Community Singalong – Metchosin Rough Voice Choir – The Rough Voice Choir meets House,” this page, for May’s film if you read this in time!) at the Community House on the second and fourth Monday each month from 7:00–9:00 pm. All are welcome to join us at this fun, drop-in sing-along group where a “good singing voice” is not a requirement. $3/person; $5/ family. Contact Barb Sawatsky (250-478-0553). Finished for the season but Events will restart again in September.

Tuesdays MCA AGM – June 24 at 7:00 pm at the Metchosin Community House, 4430 Happy Valley Rd. Drop In Painters Art Group. This friendly and supportive group of artists Art on the Walls – July: Juan de Fuca Arts and Crafts Guild. The Art on the and hobbyists meets Tuesday mornings 9:30 am–noon at the MCH. Every- Walls program offers the House as a wonderful venue for artists to show one is welcome. Finished at the end of June and will restart in September. and display their works. For more information please call the MCH at Knitting Cafe. On the second and fourth Tuesdays monthly, the Knitting 250-478-5155. Café has afternoon sessions from 1:00–3:00 pm. See the Monday listing for RASC Star Party – Metchosin Cricket Field, August 21, 22 and 23. contact information. MCA at Metchosin Day – Sunday, September 13. Watch for notices an- Games Afternoon. Every third Tuesday of each month from 1:00–3:00 pm. nouncing the friendly competitions sponsored by the MCA: Pie Baking Bring a game of your choice, bring a friend and a snack if so inclined and Contest / Cake Baking Contest / Photo Contest. Come visit the Metchosin prepare to have some fun. Everyone is welcome. Community House-sponsored Corn Booth for a steaming and delicious cob of Island-fresh corn. When you are ready for rest and refreshment in a quiet Wednesdays setting, wander over to the Community House Tea Room. Each year the Metchosin Community Association is integrally involved in Metchosin Day. Vancouver Island Health Authority Adult Day Program – 9:00 am–3:30 pm We are looking for an hour or two from volunteers who may be willing to (see Monday for details). assist in coordinating or to helping man some of these activities: Metchosin Garden Club Meetings – 7:30–9:00 pm. Our enthusiastic and in- • Set up and/or take down formative club features a guest speaker on relevant garden topics on the first • Strawberry Tearoom Wednesday of every month (except June, July, August, December, January). • Photo Contest Membership is $10/year or $2 for drop-in visitors. For more information call • Pie and Cake Baking Contest Suze Bowen (250-298-7877) or email [email protected]. • Dinner Dessert Sales Thursdays • Corn Booth • Rest Area canopy Creative Rug Hooking – First and third Thursdays, 10:30 am–1:30 pm, It is always great fun being involved in helping to make this community led by Sheila Stewart, certified Instructor of Traditional Rug Hooking. event the special day we’ve come to enjoy. Beginners are welcome, but should contact Sheila (250-595-6406, or email to Check out the newly created Metchosin Day website at metchosinday.ca [email protected]) to discuss needed supplies. Experienced rug or contact the Metchosin Community House Office at 478-5155.See you at hookers are invited to bring their own projects. Bring a bag lunch; tea and the Fair! coffee available. No fees but donation jar available to cover refreshment costs. Last session May 7. Starting again, September 3. Foot Care Program – The last Monday of each month a foot care nurse offers foot care services. Appointments are half an hour and cost $40. Appoint- Community Potluck Lunch – Last Thursday of each month, noon–1:30 pm. ments are between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm. Please call 250-478-5155 to book. All welcome. 14 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 MJCL Ready For Two New High Schools Second Season for Sooke School District The Metchosin Cricket Club Joannie Challenger Metchosin Junior Cricket 9:00–11:00 am before it gets League (MJCL) will open their too hot! We will also travel Even if you don’t have chil- second season of play on June once into Victoria to play dren in school, you are prob- 10, following the success of the Victoria United Cricket ably aware of the new high last year’s inaugural season. Academy and once to Van- school being constructed on New players are always couver to play the Dolphins the site of the former gravel welcome and the program Cricket Club, which narrowly pit at Royal Bay. It is one of has increased its capacity to defeated us last year. two new secondary schools accommodate the projected The league is grateful to which will open this Septem- demand. A new school pro- be sponsored once again ber in Sooke School District. gram at Sangster Elementary, by Saunders Subaru, and For many years there has as well as the long-standing this year they are joined by been talk of the need for a program at West-Mont, are My-Chosen Pizza as our lo- new high school as Belmont expected to provide an influx cal sponsor. The MJCL was High School aged and the of new talent. recently picked up by Cricket student population grew. It The MJCL is a development Canada as a recognized youth finally became a necessity, league, operating under the development league, and will both because of the age of umbrella of the Metchosin be receiving coaching and the school and the fact that Royal Bay High School Cricket Club. Girls and boys equipment support. Thanks Grade 9 students will now aged six and up are encour- to our sponsors, the registra- attend high school, as is the If you’re thinking that the aged to come out and give tion fee is only $45 per child case in other BC school dis- At Belmont School there new high schools will look cricket a try. Players are for the season, with additional tricts. The need for one high will be a hockey academy, the same as the schools you coached by seasoned local discounts for siblings. All fees school has grown into two. as well as cosmetology attended in the past, you cricket players and no experi- are used to pay for insurance After finishing Grade 5 at courses which give students might be surprised when you ence or equipment is neces- and to help with equipment Hans Helgesen School, most basic theory and hands-on take a “virtual tour” of the sary. Already we have had purchases. Metchosin children will head practical experience in basic schools found on Sooke Dis- two 14-year-olds from last Cricket is a very social and to Dunsmuir Middle School hair design and esthetics trict’s website. The “floating season move up to the Met- friendly game; it is a perfect for Grade 6, 7 and 8, then techniques. The community staircase” at Royal Bay is an chosin Mackerels in the adult way to teach patience, team- finally to Royal Bay High theatre at the new school interesting feature, as is the 2nd Division. Since the club’s work and good sportsman- School for Grades 9 to 12. will be a wonderful asset for concept of a great hall. “In- inception in 1976, no less ship. In cricket there are no Some students may choose to drama students, providing stead of classrooms joined by than five junior players from strikes, no stealing and no attend one of the academies a great place to hone acting hallways, there will be lots of Metchosin have gone on to foul-balls! If you have a child, being offered at the new Bel- skills and participate in put- different areas for students to represent Canada in interna- a relative, a friend or neigh- mont High School, which is ting on a theatre production. work, study and socialize; it tional cricket. We are building bour who is looking for a new located on the former site of The school will also boast the will seem more like a college the next generation today! sporting challenge, summer Glen Lake School, off Lang- biggest gym on Vancouver campus,” noted District Su- All sessions are held at cricket at Metchosin is the ford Parkway. So what is Island, at least twice the size perintendent Jim Cambridge. our beautiful cricket pitch perfect activity. Please email being offered, and where? of a regular gymnasium. “There will be lots of natural behind the Municipal Hall. [email protected] or light, with an emphasis on Practices will be Wednesdays contact Coach Rick at 250-588- bringing the outdoors in.” from 5:00–6:00 pm, and game 2490 for more information. Public relations consultant days will be Sundays from Lindsay Vogan added, “Some classrooms have large glass doors that open like garage doors to access the outdoors or hall areas.” Royal Bay High School is a LEEDS gold standard project, which promotes high envi- ronmental standards. One of the interesting aspects about the new schools’ construction is that some of the current Belmont students have been employed to help with both projects. The students are enrolled in the ACE IT car- pentry program (Accelerated The new Belmont High School, on the former site of Glen Lake Credit Enrolment in Industry Elementary School Training). Through an ACE In addition, Belmont will IT program, students take house Pacific Centre Family courses that give both high Services’ daycare facilities, school graduation credits and as well as offering courses a head start towards comple- given by Camosun College tion of an apprenticeship instructors. program. It is truly hands-on Royal Bay will offer acad- learning. emies for dance, soccer and After the new schools open even equine studies, where in September and the stu- students learn about main- dents have a chance to settle tenance, care and business into their new surroundings, management of all things there are plans underway for related to horses. There will an open house to be held in - Full hospital be a teaching kitchen which late September or October facilities is connected to food services when the community can - Dentistry training offered at Camo- visit and get a first-hand look - Dietary management sun College. Other special at the new additions to our - On-site laboratory, features at Royal Bay are a community. examinations rooftop basketball court, a In the meantime, check out the “virtual tour” online or & surgery rubberized running track and an artificial turf field for learn more about the projects - Extended hours sports. by visiting the website www. Being connected to the sd62.bc.ca and clicking on the John Basterfield, DVM community in which the link “New Schools.” It is well Margaret Cairns, DVM schools are located is an worth a visit! John Gayfer, DVM important part of both new 250-478-0422 schools. They will house a neighbourhood learning EMERGENCY 250-386-8422 centre which can be accessed 2244 Sooke Rd., by the whole community. Shop Hatley Park Plaza Westshore Parks and Recre- ation plan to occupy space at both schools. Locally June 2015 • Metchosin Muse 15 CLASSIFIEDS RCMP Call-Outs APRIL 14 – MAY 14, 2015 $10 per 25 words to go in by CPL. Brian Kerr, Central Saanich Police this monthly paper which is mailed to every Metchosin Apr 14 Happy Valley Road – Complaint of found horse, Rocky Point Road area – Assistance provided to the household. Envelopes for owner later took him home. Coroner’s office regarding a sudden death. submissions and payments are provided at Metchosin Rocky Point Road – Vehicle stopped for excessive May 01 Lindholm Road – Complaint of disturbance, Country Store. speed, vehicle impounded, driver charged. complainant heard a woman screaming, patrols failed Apr 17 Sooke Road to locate anyone. Deadline for submissions – Complaint of vehicle driving erratically, is the 15th of each month registered owner given a warning. May 03 Metchosin Road – Complaint of injured raccoon which and can be dropped off at Happy Valley Road – Single vehicle accident, no was hit by a vehicle. Metchosin Country Store. injuries, vehicle hit a fire hydrant. Happy Valley Road area – Complaint to check welfare Sooke Road – Complaint of possible impaired driver, of a person, found to be all right. vehicle not located. Albert Head Lagoon – Complaint of disturbance, WANTED youths located with fire at beach, given warning and Kangaroo Road – Complaint of possible disturbance. COOKIES CRITTER CARE fire extinguished. Apr 18 Farhill Road – Complaint of check welfare, person is collecting beverage contain- found to be all right. May 04 Neild Road – Complaint of suspicious vehicle, vehicle ers, dog food, leashes, collars Sooke Road – Two vehicle accident, one person taken located, no problem. and toys for animal rescue. to hospital, extensive damage to vehicle. May 05 Tiswilde Drive – Complaint of deer hit by vehicle. Call Cookie @ 250-415-9335 for pickup. Apr 19 Duke Road area – Complaint of person riding May 08 Happy Valley Road – Two vehicle accident involving unlicensed motorcycle, warning given. gas truck, one person to hospital, driver of car charged LAND – Would anyone like Olympic View Drive – Complaint of garbage being for turning in front of the truck. to lease their farmland, green- dumped into the ocean. May 09 Pearson College Drive – Complaint of theft of houses, hayfields etc? Small computer. parcels okay. Phone Chris Van Apr 20 Happy Valley Road – Complaint of deer hit by vehicle. De Water 250-474-1304 or e- Apr 21 Metchosin Road – Complaint of suspicious vehicle, Sooke Road – Complaint of erratic driver, vehicle not mail [email protected] found to be broken down. located. now for 2016 tax breaks. Apr 22 Happy Valley Road – Complaint of vehicle speeding May 10 Ferncliffe Place– Complaint of intoxicated male, in school zone, still under investigation. located and given ride home. LESSONS Rocky Point Road – Complaint of vehicle passing Rocky Point Road area – Complaint of suspicious down solid line, driver given verbal warning. male, located and found to be hitchhiking. FOODSAFE – LEVELS 1 & 2, Apr 23 glen Forest Way area – Complaint of harassment, still May 11 Rocky Point Road area – Complaint of suspicious MARKETSAFE & WHMIS under investigation. male, located nearby hitchhiking, no problem. – Classes taught by certified instructors. See website www. Kangaroo Road area – Complaint of possible Liberty Drive – Complaint of dump truck knocking down hydro pole/lines. hospitalitytrainingplus.com disturbance, one person arrested. for information or contact Apr 24 Happy Valley Road area – Complaint of unwanted Evelyn for on-site group persons in a residence, gone on police arrival. classes. Call 250-474-5596. Apr 25 Rocky Point Road – Complaint of intoxicated male, patrols failed to locate him. SERVICES Lindholm Road – Complaint of erratic driver, vehicle located in the ditch, driver charged with travelling too COOKIES CRITTER CARE – fast. Metchosin’s Professional Pet- Sitter and Dog-Walker since Glen Forest Way area – Complaint of harassment, 2006. Fully Insured, Bond- ongoing complaint, one person arrested, investigation able and First Aid Certified. continuing. Cookie 250-415-9335. Comes Apr 27 Sooke Road – Single vehicle accident, vehicle swerved Highly Recommended and to miss deer, one person taken to hospital. Recognized. Metchosin Road – One person arrested on an HANDY MAN – Yard and outstanding warrant, held in custody for court. house maintenance int/ext Happy Valley Road – Complaint of possible impaired painting, power washing, driver, vehicle not located. lawns, small construction fences, decks and yard clean- Apr 28 Liberty Drive area – Complaint of lost/stolen license ups. Call Scott, 250-532-8379. plate. Apr 29 kangaroo Road area – Complaint of family dispute, one person spoken to. SHORELINE DESIGN Apr 30 Metchosin Road – Complaint of vehicle doing donuts specializing in water access and causing damage to a private property, vehicle not over steep and rugged terrain located. Tell them you saw it Sooke Road – Complaint of vehicle driving erratically, vehicle stopped and driver charged with using an in the Muse! electronic device while driving.

Peter Christenson Phone 250 858 9575 • [email protected] • shorelinedesign.ca Quality High Speed Colour Copies Landscape Design Blueprints • Typesetting Dean Straith Rubber Stamps Excavation, Laminating trucking and Business Cards tractor services. Public Fax Service

Slate, flagstone, MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 8:00 am–5:30 pm sand, gravel SATURDAY: 250-474-2333 and soil. 10:00 am–5:00 pm Water features. 250-478-5533 250-589-6599 Garden design. 2811 Jacklin Rd. (near Goldstream) [email protected] Deer-proof nursery.

Project and Property management. Phone 250-474-5576 Over 30 years Of service On the sOuth island. 16 Metchosin Muse • June 2015 Should I Stay or Should I Go? Events Johnny Carline IACDI PICNIC. Meet members of the Intermunicipal Are you in the twenties to fif- We intend to turn the Everywhere. They will be sold Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, Friday, June 19, ties age group? The MCA has Metchosin Community Hall through a social network sys- 6:15-8:15 pm at the Metchosin Community House, 4430 been Under Pressure from you into a House of Fun just for you tem so check yours Time After Happy Valley Rd. Beverages and BBQ items provided; and the message was Don’t and Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Time to find out who’s got bring chairs, munchies, dessert. No alcohol; dress casual. You Forget About Me. It’s a Sin Now. Great food, lots of local tickets. They will be limited. Wheelchair accessible. Weather permitting, picnic will be there is nothing for us. alcoholic and non-alcoholic The Magic Number is one fifty. held outside. All welcome. RSVP by June 10: 250-474-5939 or Well, the MCA Board wants beverages and we’ll Pump Up And if you miss out it’s going [email protected] you to know that We Care A The Volume with live music to be a Blue Monday. Explore the Arts: MISSA 2015. The Metchosin International Lot and it has given the go that has lots of Jump! This So save the date, Friday Summer School of the Arts takes place at Pearson College ahead for a special eighties may be a Once In A Lifetime night, September 11 and keep June 20 to July 3. Dozens of workshops in ceramics, mixed style event on Friday, Sep- experience for Metchosin. We your eye on the tweets and media, painting, printmaking, jewellery making, even haiku, tember 11, as a curtain raiser intend to Rock The Casbah. the MCA website and Face- and a mentored studio residency. The public is welcome at our popular evening lectures. Visit www.missa.ca for infor- to that weekend’s Metchosin Where will the tickets be book page to see who’s got mation, or call 250-391-2415. Day celebrations. for this unparalleled night of tickets to sell. Atmosphere? The answer is For more on events of interest to Metchosinites, see “Important Dates,” page 1.

The following is contact information for not-for-profit orga- nizations, but fuller descriptions are given in the “Directory Directory of of Metchosin,” available at the Municipal Hall and the Community House. Brief articles highlighting special events Organizations should be mailed to [email protected] by the 15th of each month, as should any amendments or additions to this list.

AIR CADETS METCHOSIN EQUESTRIAN TOPS: Take Off Pounds 250-590-3690 SOCIETY Sensibly 250-391-7511, Brian 250-474-1665 ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF BC [email protected], Marni 250-999-6757 250-382-2052, www.mesmetchosin.org www.alzheimerbc.org Swanwick Centre Metchosin Foundation A centre for spiritual inquiry ASSOCIATION FOR THE metchosinfoundation@ 538 Swanwick Road PROTECTION OF RURAL gmail.com, 250-744-3354 METCHOSIN (APRM) http://metchosinfoundation.ca [email protected] 250-478-1197, www.aprm.ca www.swanwickcentre.ca METCHOSIN GARDEN CLUB BADMINTON 250-298-7877 WEST SHORE ARTS COUNCIL Women’s 250-478-9648 250-478-2286, METCHOSIN HALL SOCIETY [email protected], BILSTON WATERSHED HABITAT 250-478-6424, www.westshorearts.org PROTECTION ASSOCIATION http://metchosinhall.com/ 250-478-2387, WEST SHORE COMMUNITY METCHOSIN HIKING CLUB BAND [email protected], 250-478-4778 www.bilstoncreek.org 250-474-3999 METCHOSIN MUSEUM WEST SHORE PARKS AND ’CHOSIN CHATTERS SOCIETY TOASTMASTERS RECREATION Pioneer Museum, 250-382-1989, 250-478-8384, [email protected], School Museum, 250-478-5447 www.chosinchatters.org www.westshorerecreation.ca METCHOSIN PONY CLUB CRD PARKS 250-727-3595 250-478-3344, CHURCHES [email protected], METCHOSIN PRESCHOOL www.crd.bc.ca/parks 250-478-9241, [email protected], BAHA’I FAITH GIRL GUIDES OF CANADA www.metchosinpreschool. 250-514-1757 (Metchosin and Colwood) wordpress.com [email protected], GORDON UNITED CHURCH METCHOSIN SEARCH 250-478-5484 250-478-6632 & RESCUE www.gordonunitedchurch.ca Fishing licenses • Phone cards • Movie rentals • 250-478-2210 LA LECHE LEAGUE CANADA HOLY TRINITY REFORMED Galloping Goose sausage • Locally made meat 250-727-4384 MT. MATHESON EPISCOPAL CHURCH and fruit pies • Bakery items • Fresh produce and CONSERVATION SOCIETY 250-727-3722 METCHOSIN 4H 250-642-0238 cut flowers • Hardware and Grocery • 250-478-4677 OPEN GATE CHURCH • Prepared sandwiches • Fresh brewed coffee • [email protected], POD LEADERS 250-590-6736 www.metchosin4h.com 250-474-6145, www.theopengate.ca You need it, we have it! [email protected] METCHOSIN COMMUNITY ST MARYS’ METCHOSIN Open Anglican Church of Canada HOUSE ROUGH VOICE SINGERS Monday to Friday - 6:30 am to 9:00 pm 250-478-5155, 250-474-4119 September to April stmarysmetchosin.ca Saturday - 8:00 am to 9:30 pm [email protected], 250-478-0553 www.metchosincommunity Westside Bible Church Sunday - 8:00 am to 9:00 pm house.com ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION www.westsidefamily.org Branch 91, Station Rd, Langford 250-478-8066 VISA, Mastercard, Interac METCHOSIN COUNCIL Ladies Auxiliary 250-474-3167, 250-478-5484 WESTSONG COMMUNITY [email protected], CHURCH OF THE SALVATION Phone & Fax: 250-478-2405 www.district.metchosin.bc.ca/ SCOUTS CANADA ARMY meetings [email protected] 250-474-5967 www.westsong.ca METCHOSIN EMERGENCY SEA CADETS PREPAREDNESS 250-478-7813 250-478-1307, ham operators SENIORS’ INFORMATION call in on 146.550. POD mem- RESOURCE CENTRE (SIRC) bers can call FRS (Family Radio 250-478-5150, [email protected] Service) radios: Channel 1 with “0” privacy tone

The above is a directory of organizations only. Please submit changes to this informa- tion to [email protected]. Individuals, groups and organizations are invited to sub- mit details on upcoming events, to be included under “Events” on this page. Deadline for submission is, as always, the 15th of the month preceding the issue date.