When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

During the summer in Canada, lightning strikes every three seconds. Besides causing power outages and forest fires, lightning strikes can also seriously injure or kill.

Through recent advances in detection technology, Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service has improved its ability to track lightning and display high risk lightning areas. The new Canadian Lightning Danger Map can be found on Weather.gc.ca. These maps are updated at an interval of 10 minutes and are based on recent lightning observations.

A new video showing "How to Use the Canadian Lightning Danger Map" can be found on the Lightning in Canada website. The video will help users understand how to use the new lightning danger map and stay safe.

Most importantly, if the map indicates that you are in a danger area, or if you hear thunder, you should go to a safe location, either a building with plumbing and wiring or an all metal vehicle. Stay there for 30 minutes following the last rumble of thunder. Why stay inside so long? Research in North America shows that 1/3 of lightning injuries and fatalities occur in the early stages of a storm, 1/3 at the peak of a storm and 1/3 once the peak of the storm has passed by.

Are you planning a camping trip this summer? Do you spend time boating or waterskiing? Are you organizing an outdoor public event? Visit the Lightning in Canada website to find the latest lightning preparedness tips and how to stay safe.

Environment Canada issues Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings when severe weather such as large hail, strong winds, heavy downpours, or even tornadoes are possible. When planning outdoor activities this summer, it is important to listen to weather forecasts, and to keep an eye on the sky as weather conditions can change quickly.

Please contact your regional Warning Preparedness Meteorologist if you have questions or need more information on Lightning Safety Week, on the Canadian Lightning Danger Map or Lightning in Canada.

Warning Preparedness Meteorologist: 1-866-672-5463

Lightning in Canada website: www.ec.gc.ca/foudre-lightning

Canadian Lightning Danger Maps: http://weather.gc.ca/lightning/index_e.html

Remember the lightning safety rule: When thunder roars, go indoors!

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck

Thetis Island Fire Dept.

Elementary School Fundraising a Success

Not long ago you may have received a phone call from one of the children at our elementary school asking for donations for School Orchards Africa.  I was surprised to receive a call from Anna because as secretary of this home-grown charity I knew nothing about a fund drive. 

I had placed  a large jar at the Post Office in hope that pennies would be donated but certainly had not enlisted the children to make calls on our behalf.   These wonderful children took the initiative themselves, made dozens of phone calls, collected the money and were as proud as punch to finally hand it over.  

When I met with them they wanted to know how the money would be used, where the newly sponsored school will be, and could they write letters to the children there.  They really felt connected to the cause.  

Mike & I spent several hours rolling coins, counting bills and tallying cheques which, in total, came to $1113 - much more than the children anticipated.   I am so enormously proud of these caring kids and am grateful for your generosity. 

On behalf of School Orchards Africa I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Cecilia Inness

Telegraph Harbour Marina ~ Hours

Click on image to view hours.

Wanted: 14' Boat Trailer

I am looking for a road-worthy boat trailer for an aluminum 14ft.

Please call Theresa at 250-246-3451

Bullock's Oriole

We spotted this little bird in the Douglas Fir outside our kitchen this morning.  Any other spottings?

Bill & Ann Dickie

TIVFD Picnic

The TIVFD Annual Picnic was held at Forbes Hall on Sunday, June 16th with the fire dept. members, the TIVFD Auxiliary members, the Thetis Island Improvement District Trustees, and past TIVFD Fire Chiefs and our families joining together for great pot-luck fare and friendship.  Our thanks to Fire Fighter Alex Rozewicz and Pauline Harwood (pictured) for organizing the picnic and superbly barbecuing the steaks and veggie burgers.  Also thanks to TICA and the Soups On Crew for the use of the new BBQ.  We had a great afternoon, there was ice cream, and it didn't rain.  What more could one ask for!

J. Caldbeck, Fire Chief, TIVFD

Thetis Island Open

July 13th ~ 33rd Annual Thetis Island Open

Mount Brenton Golf Course in Chemainus

Contact Bill Sharp 250-246-3752 or Peter Pardee 250-246-4782

Click on image to open entry form for full information and printing.

Wanted: Depth Sounder

Ann and I are looking for a used depth sounder. We have an older portable Hummingbird model, but seem to have lost the transducer; and the antiquated Seafarer 3 on my sailboat is somewhat wonky.

You can reach us at 350-246-8176 or gedworks@islandnet.com

Thanks,

Gary Geddes

Rosemary's Bronze Iris

About 6 years ago, Rosemary Boehringer gave me a couple of Iris rhizomes to plant in our newly formed entry garden.  I'm one of those people that plant things where I want them, and if they last, they were meant to be!  This past week we have been enjoying our first real explosion of these irises.  The colour is fantastic, and I wanted to share them, and thank Rosemary for giving them to me all those years ago.

Click here for a couple more photos.

2013 Islands Trust Community Stewardship Award Recipients

Click here to view News Release

Islands Trust News Release

Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee to Get Expanded Role in Water Protection

Click here to read news release.

Sunday Market will be held on Saturday this week ~

This week’s Sunday Market will be held on Saturday, June 15^th, instead.

Same time from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

See you there!

Thanks. Marylyn Pegg