Two Service Notices ~ BC Ferries

Click on either of these events to review how the schedule will be effected. 

Marine Evacuation System Deployment ~ November 26th

Carol Ship Sailing ~ December 14th

SWM Referendum Comment ~ D. Steen

When the crowd at the recent Seniors Dinner was treated to a 5-minute promotion for the referendum's 'yes' side, I wondered out loud if the 'no' side had been offered equal time.

One diner asked incredulously, "Is anybody voting 'no'? Who would do that?"

Another said we should never turn over garbage control to the Cowichan Valley Regional District because "they are all idiots."

Maybe not all of us see the choice in such clear terms, but it does look like the garbage 'yes' vote is a done deal. It makes one wonder why we're having a vote at all, and spending a reported $12,000 for the privilege?

The CVRD called for the referendum because more than 30 property owners objected to raising the cap on annual garbage service spending from $40,000 to $100,000. Maybe thinking it's hopeless, the 'no' voters have done no open campaigning. Their only solace will come when they cast their vote. The 'yes' side, on the other hand, is pushing hard, not taking victory for granted.

Besides giving you a choice, the referendum offers the best chance to learn about garbage issues and take note of the promises to see if they're honoured in the future.

Here are a few more things TIRRA could promise:

One: Petition the province to change referendum rules because they are unfair. Off-islanders get only one vote per parcel, but all qualified island residents can vote whether they own property or not. Because this referendum is a singular money bylaw, there should be one vote per parcel. Anything else is taxation without proper representation.

Two: Commit to disallowing garbage service to people who don't pay an equal share. Some single properties have more than one household -- some up to a potential of six and ten houses each -- but only pay one parcel tax.

Three: Explain in dollar detail, in a published business plan, why the operation's costs have escalated so much, and how -- using detailed projections -- they will be reined in. This plan could help allay fears that the $100,000 cap will be a license to spend even more. The plan should show how non-volunteer garbage work will be contracted by a tendering process and outline the different roles of TIRRA and the contractor.

TIRRA could also acknowledge that its decision to ask the CVRD to more than double the garbage service cap triggered a negative response that led to the call for the referendum. A public budget that increases by as much as 1,000 percent over 20 years invites scrutiny and a promise it won't continue. As we move to bigger dollars, there's an increasing obligation to treat garbage as a serious public business that requires full accountability.

Dave Steen

Nikon SLR Camera for Sale

SLR camera (Nikon D3100) looking for a new home. $400 OBO. Comes with std lens, case and memory stick. 

Please contact Amy at av@amyvisser.com or at 780-288-9462.

Note ~ Amy is one of the Capernwray students who helps out at Soup’s On this year ~

Soup's On ~ Wednesday, November 20th

Wednesday, November 20^th

Forbes Hall 11:30AM ~ 1:00PM or 'til we run out!

Menu:

Tomato Soup ~ two ways (both vegetarian)

Southwest Tomato & Roasted Pepper Soup

Tomato Soup with Orange & Cumin

Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits

Assorted Goodies

Teas & Pot of Gold Coffee 

$5 Minimum Donation

See you Wednesday.

For more information on Soup's On, click here.

Two ways to give:

1. We will be accepting donations for the Canadian Red Cross ~ Typhoon Haiyan Relief

2. We are continuing the food drive for Harvest House through the month of November ~ please leave your donations of non-perishable food items in the bin in the entry at Forbes Hall.  Thanks!

Research Participation Invitation

Stephanie Cottell is inviting community members to participate in an action research project she is designing for her Master's Thesis.

Please click here to read her letter of invitation.

Joan Bennett

Joan Marion (Clarke) Bennett born in Vancouver October 21, 1933 died in her garden in Nanaimo on November 12, 2013. Joan grew up in Vancouver with her parents Roy and Hilda and older sister Edith until she finished her degree at UBC.  Joan married Bruce, her loving husband of over 50 years, and moved to Prince Rupert to work and raise their family. A busy mother and volunteer, Joan also worked a variety of jobs including as a bacteriologist which contributed to her “rather basic sense of humour”.

Joan and Bruce lived a life of adventure together including: family boating; global sailing trips; countless trips in their RV and in small planes.  Joan and Bruce lived for thirty happy years on Thetis Island and Joan moved to Nanaimo following his death.  Joan continued her adventures by celebrating her 80^th birthday with family by riding a river canyon Zip Line.

Joan was a quiet and loving mother and friend who maintained friendships from Grade One through to her Nanaimo sewing, swimming and church friends. Joan was a lifelong volunteer and always gave generously of her time and energy to support the community around her in practical ways.

Joan will be forever missed by her children, Graham, Colin (Donna), Marian and Keith and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Please join us in a Celebration of her Life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 23 at the Brechin United Church, 1998 Estevan Rd, Nanaimo.

In lieu of flowers, please support your community. 

Grey Cup at the Pub

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 

GREY CUP AT THE PUB

**ALL DAY PRE-GAME COVERAGE**

**KICKOFF AT 3PM**

WE ARE SERVING: CHICKEN WINGS & NACHOS

ALONG WITH OUR REGULAR MENU ITEMS:

BEEF PIES, CHICKEN ENCHILLADAS & DAILY SOUPS

BC Ferries Service Adjustments ~ Effective April 1, 2014

Effective April 1, 2014 Route 20 (CTP) will lose the 6:20PM sailing to Thetis Island and the 6:50PM sailing to Chemainus. 

Additionally there will no longer be an 11:00PM sailing Friday from Thetis to Chemainus, an 11:30PM Friday sailing from Chemainus to Penelakut (& Thetis), and a 12:00AM (Midnight) Friday sailing to Thetis (from Penelakut).

 

The Province will be reducing the seniors discount from no charge on Monday to Thursday, to a 50% fare effective April 1, 2014.

Keith Rush

Ruth Bird

We would like to express a special thanks to all the kind folks of Thetis Island, for all  the Lovely Cards, and wishes of Condolence, with the passing of Ruth.

Thanks sincerely,

Steve & Helen Bird

Anglican Communion Reminder ~ Nov. 20

All are welcome to join us for an Anglican communion celebration on Wednesday, November 20  at 4:30 p.m. led by Michael Wimmer from Chemainus.  It will be held at Lucy Hayward's house, 21 Bella Vista Road, with a potluck supper to follow.

Donna Stadt

Minister to Announce Ferry Changes Monday

Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, 9.30 am, Parliament Buildings, Victoria

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone will announce the Province's long-term vision for the coastal ferry  service, including upcoming service changes. The Minister will be joined by BC Ferries President and CEO Mike Corrigan. The event will include a technical briefing by ministry staff.   Location: Press Theatre West Annex, Parliament Buildings Victoria

I will pass on further information as it becomes available

Keith W. Rush

Welcome Back to Thetis ~ Valdy

Two-time Grammy Award winner, Valdy 

www.valdy.com

One performance only

Saturday 23 November 7:30 PM Doors at 7:00 PM

Limited seating

Adults $20.00

Children and seniors $15.00

Will Lennox