A Piece of Thetis Island History Stolen - March 28-29

The pre-WW2 farm wagon frame with wheels that has long been wedged against a cedar near the start of Lawrence Trail, was stolen this weekend. It was there long before I ever stepped foot on Thetis in 1964.

For someone to think that it was scrap or something that they could take amazes me. Was it on their property? No. Did they ask the landowner if they could take it? No. Therefore it is theft, pure and simple.

The joy of people seeing it year after year, reminding them of seeing it when they were children, to simply reminding them of times gone by, is no more.

It can be returned as easily as it was taken. No questions asked, just do it. If you know who stole this piece of Thetis Island history, encourage them to replace it. The trails are made accessible to islanders and visitors by the landowners through agreements with the Thetis Island Residents and Ratepayers Association.  We do not expect people to use them to steal property.

I sincerely hope that all islanders will have their eyes and ears open to find the old wagon.

Ann Dickie

Soup's On: Wednesday, April 1st (No Joke!)

11:30 am until 1:00 pm

Gather at Forbes Hall for a very Thetis Island lunch...

Menu: 

• Carrot Ginger Soup
• Toppings- Greek yogurt and green onions 
• Dinner rolls
• Cookies and Treats
• Coffee and Teas

Suggested donation of $7 for soup, bread, treats and teas & coffee. 

Soup’s On is entirely carried out by volunteers and, as one of the tasks is the program’s accounting, please do not pay with coins smaller than Loonies and Toonies. As all change must be counted and rolled. 

For those who find large groups challenging, enjoy your lunch in this week’s designated quiet room, the Boardroom.

Everyone is welcome to join us, seniors, seniors who don’t think they’re seniors, workers, families, and everyone who just wants a mid-day meal!

Menu remainders for take-out when available. Soup’s On also supports the Thetis Island Food Pantry.

Coupon Booklets of 10 for your convenience, $70.00

The Soup’s On Team

From the Library

Each week a Friend of the Library is available Saturday 10-2, Sunday 1-4 and Tuesday 12-1.
Lots of fiction, non-fiction, picture books, DVDs, puzzles and magazines.

Enjoy
Celine

Forbes Hall Spring Clean Up: Date Correction

Hello

Please note that the date of the Forbes Hall Spring Clean Up, as reported at the Assembly and within its notes, was incorrect.

The date is May 16th, 2026 instead of May 23rd as reported.

FORBES HALL SPRING CLEAN UP - Saturday, MAY 16th.

Sorry for the confusion,

TICA Board

Forbes Hall Gardens: Volunteers Needed

Did you know?

The gardens around Forbes Hall are maintained by volunteers. The entry gardens are lovingly cared for by Myrna Brownlee, and the parking area tree and rockery are tended by Deborah Martin. Their efforts are supported by the TICA Board which will provide what’s needed to keep the gardens flourishing. The rockeries and gardens adjacent to the hall are looked after more sporadically at the Spring and Fall clean-up days and by occasional volunteers.

Can you help?

TICA is looking for 3-4 volunteers to take on the regular tending of the perimeter gardens, and the rear rock-walled gardens.

What would these volunteer roles look like?

· Provide clear instruction to other volunteers for the Spring and Fall clean-up days.
· Decide amongst the group who will take on which tasks, or perhaps a more general shared schedule.
· Communicate with the Board about equipment, plant, and other needs.
· Keep the gardens looking well-tended as the seasons require.

These jobs are well-suited to those who love to work in the garden and take joy in the results.

We would appreciate people to step forward prior to the Spring Clean-up on May 16th.

Please contact Ellen Rush ellenrush@gmail.com or Ann Dickiedickie.ann@gmail.com

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Thanks
TICA Board

Reminder Fire Permits Required April 1st

Effective April 1st fire permits are required for campfires, yard waste burn piles and machine pile burning. Fire permits are obtained from the Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department (TIVFD) by sending an email topermits@thetisislandfire.ca and providing the following information:

· Your Name and Lot #

· Lot # of proposed fire

· Contact phone number(s)

· Confirmation that you have read and accepted the restrictions:  https://www.thetisislandfire.ca/burn-permit-app-restrictions.html

· Type of fire permit requested, and for what date(s)

Further information is found on the TIVFD Fire Permit page (https://www.thetisislandfire.ca/burn-permits.html). Before starting a yard waste or machine pile burn check the Ventilation Index Interactive Map (found via the side bar on the TIVFD website - https://www.thetisislandfire.ca/index.html, on the front pages of forbeshall.ca and thetisposts.ca) to view conditions in our area and see if burning is allowed.

Nicole Hyatt, TIVFD Communications Auxiliary

Spring Fling Clothing Exchange: May 2nd, 11am - 1pm

It is about time to make some changes in your closet with summer coming soon. While you are looking at those winter clothes that need to be recycled and those spring/summer clothes that need recycling we can help you.

The Spring Fling Clothing Exchange is a great opportunity to clean out your closet, totes or attic and share with others in our community.

Volunteers will be needed to make this all happen.
8:30 - 9am - tables set up
Donations can be dropped off between 8:30 - 10:30am
9-11 sort donated items onto the tables
11am - 1pm - help keep tables organized
1pm - 1:30 pack up remaining items for donation to the Thrift Store

Please contact me if you can volunteer for any of these duties. Also, if you have a clothing rack to share that would be great. Maybe some hangers.

Lynne Smith
slynne259@gmail.com

Share Your Garden This Spring - Thetis Island Garden Tour

Hello,

Last summer, as part of the ThINC Nature House program, we organized a Thetis Island Sustainable Garden Tour, visiting several gardens across the island over two months. The response was wonderful: the gardens were inspiring and sparked so many great conversations. That said, gardens don't always show their full glory in the heat of July and August, so by popular request, we're planning a Spring Garden Tour!

The tour will take place on one dedicated day, with each participating garden hosting visitors during a set time slot - similar in spirit to last year's Nature of Water weekend or the Compost Crawl of 2021.

In keeping with ThINC's mission to support on-island food security and biodiversity, the tour will celebrate sustainable gardening in all its forms. From growing pollinator gardens to implementing water-wise techniques, we'd love to showcase the diversity of approaches happening across our island.

We're looking for islanders who'd like to share their gardens with the community. If that's you, please email me at charlotte@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org by Wednesday, April 15th with a short description of your garden and what makes it special.

Thanks,
Charlotte, ThINC Stewardship and Education Coordinator

For Sale

6' tall bookshelf, back is reinforced so it is stronger than when originally bought. $40

Queen size 'Beautyrest by Simmons' mattress, boxspring, and metal wheeled frame. Always used with a mattress topper so mattress is in exceptional condition. $150

Need both moved by March 31st.
Call or text Rachel 250-463-3919

Community Yard Sale at Forbes Hall: Countdown!

Four weeks to go until the Community Yard Sale at Forbes Hall.
Saturday, April 25th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Each week as we countdown to the event, we’ll post more information. Watch for next week’s post for set up information.

This week we’re sharing the BBQ Lunch menu!

Get set for an early spring BBQ lunch – hot, grilled Burgers and Hot Dogs.
$12 Grilled Beef Burgers with mayo, caramelized onions, a slice of tomato, greens, with some relish & mustard, served with a pickle and a side of kale slaw. 
$12 Veggie Burgers with vegan mayo, red onion, a slice of tomato, greens, with some relish & mustard, served with a pickle and a side of kale slaw (with vegan dressing). 
$5 Grilled Hot Dogs with self-serve ketchup, relish and mustard. Served with a bag of chips.

What will be at the Beverage Station?

$1 Coffee, teas, sparkling water, sparkling lemonade.

$2 Baked treats – there has been mention of Cinnamon Buns…

TICKETS will be sold for lunch items, while Beverage Station items will be paid for with cash.

Have you booked your space?

Reminder: to book your space, please contact info@forbeshall.ca with your name, texting phone number or email, how you’ll be selling (car, table, tent) and where you would prefer to set up, we’ll try our best to accommodate.

Looking forward to a wonderful community event!

TICA Board

Fairyslipper Forest Nature Reserve Parking Lot Closed Saturday

The Fairyslipper Forest Nature Reserve parking lot on North Cove Rd will be closed on Saturday from 9-3 for invasive plant drop off and chipping. Please park on the road and walk in.

Thank you for your understanding.
The ThINC Board

Thank you, Thetis!

Harvest House Food Bank wanted to say thank you to everyone who showed up to donate; and that have continued to contribute to the work we do.

Thank you to our Thetis team for their faithful commitment.
Tax receipts have been sent out; if you did not get yours please contact the office.

Emily Holmes
https://chemainusharvesthouse.com

Coordinator
Cell 250-246-0338
Office 250-246-3455 9814 Willow St, Basement

Chemainus BC

https://bcvfd.foodbank.bc.ca/find