Sunday Church

The speaker this Sunday the 5th is David Banks.

Stories of Jesus, from John Ch 11. 

10 AM at the Community Centre, all are welcome. 

Further info---Ernie 250-252-0144.

Capernwray Playground

The wait is over!

The rebuild of the playground at Capernwray is finally complete and OPEN for kids to use again!

Johnny at Capernwray

Today's Nature House Events

Here's What's on today:

• 9 - 11 Harvest Hours (All ages) The Peoples's Apothecary Garden, Lot 62

Join us at the PAG for our weekly Harvest Hours!  The garden is bursting right now - peak flower season means Calendula, Lavender, Chamomile and Yarrow are all ready to pick, alongside a full flush of leafy herbs including Lemon Balm, Mint, Sage, and Mugwort. We'll be on hand to guide you through what's ready to pick and how to use it.  The PAG is open to the public during daylight hours - come wander anytime.

• 1 - 3 SLC Drop-in Marine Mammals (All ages)

Sea Life Centre, Telegraph Harbour Marina2-4 S4: Shared Waters, Shared Crisis 

• Documentary Screening and Q&A (Youth, Adults).  Forbes Hall 

Join us for a screening exploring the urgent effort to protect the intertwined futures of Southern Resident killer whales and Chinook salmon, followed by a Q&A with Misty MacDuffee of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation.

Shared Waters, Shared Crisis is the third film in the Salish Sea documentary trilogy, weaving together three community stories set along the Canada-US border.  It reveals how habitat restoration, Indigenous fishing practices, and marine guardianship are shaping the future of iconic Northwest species.

All are welcome --free admission

See you out there!

ThINC

Quilt Stand for Sale

Solid oak 3 tier quilt / blanket stand

Like new condition.

Ideal gift for a quilter.

Picture available on request.

$60.00

Contact: ve7ssr@gmail.com

Veterinary Visits

The next two veterinary visits will be on Wednesdays, July 8th and July 15th

For appointments, please email otterspool1969@gmail.com or phone/text Dr Martin Randle on 250 436 0045

Dr Martin Randle

Today's Nature House Events

Here's what's on today!

10-12 Summer Kickoff (All ages)
Telegraph Harbour Marina

Come celebrate the start of the Nature House program with us at the marina! Drop in for one activity or stay for them all. Decorate a flower cookie using fresh edible blooms, paint a rock plant marker that will live permanently in the People's Apothecary Garden, or forage for natural treasures and craft them into a Wild Wand. Meanwhile, help us populate the Sea Life Centre's seaquarium by collecting critters along the shore and off the dock - discovering who's clinging to the pilings, hiding in the eelgrass, and drifting through the harbour.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: Marine Mammals (All ages)
Sea Life Centre, Telegraph Harbour Marina

See you out there!
ThINC

Aid for Grete & Jackie

Well, the response has been overwhelming! What an incredible island we live on. Even the Emergency Management Cowichan has extended shelter support for Grete and Jackie.

We’ve had several donations.

Just to let you know that both Jackie and Grete have cell phones now. Thank you so much to those who donated the phones.

Many people who have homes on Thetis but are seasonal residents and live further away asked for a Go Fund Me. You can seek there for the story and how to donate. It’s called “Grete and Jackie”. With the assistance of Stephanie Cottell, we will monitor and coordinate with both ladies when we have reached the goal. Ideally first and last month’s rent and some groceries and furnishings and beds to get them started. Thank you again for all your posts and well wishes and by all means do not feel obligated to donate if you are unable to. Sharing the links can bring visibility and do just as much!

If anyone has a rental property on Thetis that could accommodate one or both women (Jackie has 3 dogs) please reach out to Stephanie or myself.

Thank you so much again,
Hedi Steen & Stephanie Cottell

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department – Incident Update

At 7:33 p.m. on July 1, the Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Kenwood Road after being dispatched by Fire Dispatch. Sixteen firefighters responded to the incident. 

When the first engine—our new apparatus—arrived on scene, the residence was already well involved. All occupants and their dogs had safely evacuated. Farm animals on the property were protected and sheltered in place. 

Due to the extreme fire hazard conditions and nearby interface fuels, immediate action was taken to prevent the fire from spreading into the surrounding forest. Assistance was requested from all of our outstanding Auxiliary Teams to support front-line firefighting operations. 

Fortunately, humidity was increasing and winds were calm. However, the intense heat from the fire generated its own convection, carrying burning embers approximately 700 metres across North Cove Road. These embers ignited a second fire, which was quickly reported by a vigilant community member. Our bush engine immediately left the main incident to extinguish the new fire before it could spread. 

The BC Wildfire Service responded on the first ferry July 2nd to assist with wildfire suppression and assessment. The incident was declared under control at 10:20 a.m. the following morning. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 15 hours, followed by another 7 hours of cleanup and returning equipment to operational readiness. 

We are deeply grateful for the support provided by our Auxiliary Teams: 

• Water Supply Auxiliary 

• Structural Protection Unit Auxiliary 

• Rest & Rehabilitation Auxiliary 

These dedicated volunteers supplied logistical support both at the fire scene and back at the fire hall. Well over 20,000 gallons of water was transported from Hunter’s pond to the Scene 1000 gallons at a time 

We also extend our sincere thanks to the many local residents who offered assistance, as well as representatives from Friends of Furries and Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre, Pioneer Camp. Special thanks goes to Stephanie Cottell, Captain of the Local Emergency Response Network, for coordinating Emergency Support Services for the displaced tenants. 

Additional assistance was provided or offered by the CVRD Emergency Support Services, BC Emergency Health Services, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Penelakut Island Fire Department, and the BC Wildfire Service. 

While the outcome was devastating, we are thankful there were no injuries and that the wildfire threat was successfully contained. Two residents lost all of their belongings except the clothing they were wearing and the items in their pockets. The owners also lost their retirement home. The fire destroyed the two-unit residence, two vehicles, a trailer, and all possessions in and around the structure. 

Thank you to everyone who supported this response and for your continued vigilance during wildfire season. 

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck, Deputy Chief Chad L. Kerr 

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department

From the Library

A Friend of the Library is available 

Saturday 10-1, Sunday 1-4 Celine on duty, and Tuesday 12-1.

Celine

Coastal Fire Weather Forecast for the Region

Weather:

• Cool, wet weather is expected through Friday, helping to keep wildfire activity low.
• Warmer, drier weather will return over the weekend, with Sunday and Monday expected to be the hottest and driest days.
• Some areas may see stronger winds on Saturday, which could increase fire risk.
• Cooler, more unsettled weather is expected again next week, with a chance of rain.

Coastal Fire
A local reminder that all campfire permits cease on July 7th on Thetis Island. We continue to be in HIGH HAZARD category despite that welcomed dump of rain on July 2nd. Please stop all hazardous activities in and near the forest by 1 pm and monitor (fire watch) for the next two hours.
Call in any daytime smoke columns to 911 and stay vigilant. Do not wait before calling 911 if you have an accidental indoor fire. As you know, with modern construction materials and volatile fire furnishings and possessions (e.g plastics, foam furniture, carpets, drapes etc.) fire will spread quickly. Leave the building and call 911 and do not re-enter. Have your home fire escape plan ready and let your summer guests know when to dial 911 (when they are outside), how to exit the building and where to meet at your gathering point. Smoke kills and possessions can be replaced. Stay safe to be safe.

Thank you for your continued support.

Thetis Island Vol. Fire Dept.

Camper Trailer

Aussie camper trailer great fold out Bushranger 200, Google it for pictures and information asking $3000

Call Mike 250 210 8926.

Who's New at the Summer Market

This week, Anne-Marie joins us at the Market at Howling Wolf Farm. On her stall, you’ll find an eclectic mix of wind chimes, baked goods and unusual creations you’ll find nowhere else! Drop by - Saturdays from 10 until 2 - and see what’s new!

Market Committee