Bingo Night: April 12th

Community Bingo, Friday April 12th  6:30 - 8:30 pm  Forbes Hall

Come join us for a fun night of Bingo. Meet your neighbour. Win massive pots, some approaching $10. Drinks and snacks of course will be available. Unsupervised play area for younger children. If you think not liking bingo is a reason to skip it, you are wrong.

25 cents per card per game. Prize money is the total collected. 10 games (about 2 hours total)

1. One line any direction
2. Three Horizontal Lines
3. BNO
4. Pyramid
5. The letter T
6. Four Corners
7. The letter X
8. Large Picture Frame
9. Small Picture Frame
10. Blackout

See you there!

David

Save the Date: Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine Fundraiser - May 25th

For more than two years, since Ukraine was invaded by Russia, Ukrainians’ everyday lives have been crushed as the war rampages on. Communities of civilians are doing without shelter, food, hygiene items, school, and baby necessities.

A small group of very determined Canadians has found a way to get aid directly to some of these communities, whenever possible. On Thetis our community can make a big difference to the lives of those living in wretched circumstances.

Please join other Thetis Islanders at a fundraising dinner with net proceeds of tickets going to this very grassroots initiative.

Tickets will go on sale at end of April, and there will be opportunities at the event to make donations, or prior to if you are unable to attend the event on May 25^th. This is a stand-alone initiative, not connected with any Thetis Island organization, and proceeds go to organizations without Charitable status.

Please read the attached documents to find out more about how these groups organized, and which ways earlier donations contribute relief for so many folks.

More information will follow in the coming weeks.

Ann Dickie

Backstory

Current Work

Plan Ahead for your Parade Entry

On Sunday, August 4th of the BC Day long-weekend the TIVFD will once again be facilitating our strictly local and quirky Thetis Island community parade. You have four months to gather your ideas and decorations for your parade entry, or to locate your deck chairs for road edge audience cheering and applause.

The parade route remains the usual Mission Road start by the fire hall, then down the hill at the head of the harbour, around Marina Drive and back up the hill to finish on Mission Road. Short but fun. 

We will be holding a draw later for a lucky child 10 yrs old or younger to ride in the Fire Engine at the head of the parade.  

Mark August 4th on your calendar.  

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck 
Thetis Island Vol. Fire Dept.

Jollity Farm Shop & Cafe is Hiring

Our farm to plate cafe in Chemainus is seeking another cook to join our team. If you have friends, colleagues or family living in Chemainus or nearby who you think might be interested, please send them our way.

We are seeking a cook who is energetic and agile (it's a busy place and tight working quarters). They need to be creative and adaptable, as we cook with what is available in-season, from the farm. It's a great place
to work for someone positive and community minded, who likes to be part of a close knit team. We take pride in serving our local community and always trying to exceed expectations. When it comes to cooking, baking
experience is essential. It is a plus to have interest and some knowledge when it comes to using local, seasonal foods and providing gluten-free and plant based options. A balanced, healthy lifestyle is what we strive for, and the food we provide is a direct reflection on values of the Jollity Farm Cooperative.

If you know someone, they can contact Elisabeth at info@jollityfarm.ca, phone 250.415.0101 or come by the cafe (2859 Oak Street) with a resume.

Thank you!

Notice of Meeting: Thetis Community Assembly – April 15th

Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm at Forbes Hall

All are welcome to attend the upcoming Community Assembly meeting.

With representatives from nineteen island organizations, and an agenda of updates and discussions on current concerns or issues, it will be an informative meeting.

Finalized agenda to follow within the week.

Ann Dickie and Keith Rush

Co-Facilitators

Thetis Community Assembly

Soup’s On: Wednesday, April 3rd at Forbes Hall

11:30 am until 1:00 pm (earlier if we run out!)

Gather at Forbes Hall for a very Thetis Island lunch!
Menu:

• Greek-style Red Lentil Soup (Veg. DF, GF)
• Feta garnish (optional)
• Focaccia
• Treats
• Teas and Coffee

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

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.

The Soup’s On Team

Septic Pump-out Needed for April Sometime

If anybody else needs theirs doing, contact Save On Septic 250-474-7867 or Tony Smith 778-919-7263.

We can share the cost of the ferry/ time etc
Thanks Tony

TELUS PureFibre Community Information Session

Join Us for the Thetis Island TELUS PureFibre Community Information Session!

Date: April 13, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: Forbes Hall Community Centre

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn about and sign up for TELUS PureFibre services. Discover the benefits of TELUS PureFibre and how it can enhance your connectivity experience. The TELUS team will be available to answer your questions and assist you with the sign-up process.

You will also have an opportunity to learn about exclusive promotions and discounts that our team will have available at the event. 

Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary refreshments while you learn about TELUS PureFibre!

We hope to see you there!

More stuff at my free store...

Thanks again for your interest in my treasures I no longer have need of. Today I've added playground items my grand nieces have grown out of. Swings, a slide, just stuff. 

I'll add more skookum things daily.

Adios por ahora

Donovan

Rainfall Stats: March 2024

March 2024: 93.1 mm

March 2023: 49.1 mm

Average March: 90.9 mm

March 2024 YTD: 461.4 mm

March 2023 YTD: 307.1 mm

Average Year to Date: 373.8 mm
Lowest March: 12.9 mm in 2019

Highest March: 200.3 mm in 2016

Keith Rush

Thetis Island Improvement District Elections - Michelle Sutter is running for a Trustee Position

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders are an essential part of our community. They provide excellent service and deserve the best support we can offer. With my past experiences I believe I would be an asset to the District and the committee and for this reason I am putting my name forward in the coming Improvement District Election.

We have owned property on Thetis since 2011 and have lived here full time for the past 4 years. Since then, I have become involved in several aspects of the community including co-leading the Strength and Fitness program at the Hall as well as chairing the Forbes Hall Health Services Group and volunteering at Soup’s On.

Board positions I have held in the past include:

Executive and President, Prince George Medical Staff

Executive and President, Society of Specialists of BC

Executive and Chair, Northern Supportive Recovery Center for Women

Board Member, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation

Board Member, Promotion of wellness in Northern BC Association

Please show your support for the Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders by voting in the upcoming election.

Michelle Sutter

The People’s Apothecary Garden - Plant of the Week #1 - Osoberry

Hello Thetis Islanders! 

Spring is upon us, and the plants are beginning to reawaken after a long winter! Going into our 5th season of the PAG, we will be showcasing one medicinal plant per week to take us through the growing season for a total of 27 plants. The plants that are shared are ones that are currently in bloom and/or harvestable at the PAG (note: some plants we have in abundance, and others in short supply). We have a small collection of native plants at the PAG, but many are from other parts of the world, and yes, some are even considered ‘invasive’. However, it’s good to note that if you see some of the invasive plants sprouting up hither thither, it’s all the more reason to harvest them! Just think of it as another form of invasive species management.

Please note! This activity serves purely as an introduction to some of the medicinal plants of the People's Apothecary Garden and should be used in parallel with other resources and expert advice. Never eat anything unless you are absolutely sure of its identification.

And our first plant on the podium is: Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis)
What to look for: Osoberry, aka June plum and Indian plum, is one of the first native shrubs to bloom in the spring. It is a part of the rose family (Rosaceae), and grows 6-16 feet tall. Old branches are grey, but young ones are dark red-brown in colour. Bright green, oblong leaves unfold as early as February, and when crushed, they give off a cucumber scent. Clusters of flowers bloom as the first leaves appear, and small plum-like fruits are produced, ripening in June. The shrub is dioecious and can only produce fruit if both male and female plants are in close proximity to each other.

Medicinal and culinary uses: The fruit is edible but is often bitter, even when fully ripe. First Nations people around the southern Strait of Georgia ate the fruits fresh, dried, and/or cooked. First Nations of the Saanich Pe­ninsula still boil the bark and drink the li­quid for diarrhea.

Precautions: Leaves, seed, and fruits contain hydrogen cyanide. Consume only in very small quantities. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Fun fact: Strips of bark were used to bind harpoon tips.

Link to website for photos: https://www.thetisislandnatureconservancy.org/single-post/plant-of-the-week-osoberry-april-1-2024