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

Sunday Church

The "on screen" speaker this Sunday the 29th is Zak Poonen.
You are very valuable to God, various scriptures.

10 AM at the Community Centre, all are welcome.
Further info---Ernie 250 252-0144.
Easter Sunday, the Capernwray choir will be there.

Thetis Community Assembly – Meeting Notes

The Thetis Community Assembly was held Monday, March 23rd at Forbes Hall.

With designates from eighteen organizations, it was a full agenda and a very interesting meeting. Thanks to all who participated either as a designate or a member of the public forum, your time and interest were appreciated.

Link to notes: 

https://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1330286/28712634/1774642833560/2026+02+23+Assembly+Notes.pdf?token=LrwkgMyOkrmGCH7CktgYyyIvhlE%3D

Thank you, Paul Duncan for note taking and Ann Eriksson for stepping in as Co-Facilitator for the evening.

Ann Dickie, co-facilitator
Keith Rush, co-facilitator

Spring is Here, and the Sports Court Awaits You!

Pickleball is up and running and has expanded to include family play.

Remember that the sports court is available for a variety of sports, with a goal net, basketball hoop, and a great tennis court! In addition, we are happy to see many different sports played, from afterschool kids play to families shooting hoops, playing roller- hockey, learning to ride bikes, and more. There is equipment housed on the court so be aware of this when you are playing.

There’s a blackboard on the adjacent covered patio, if you want to book your play ahead of time. And, as always, you’re allowed to drop in at any time to play outside of scheduled or pre-booked games.

As a reminder here’s the brief Forbes Hall Community Centre’s Sports Court protocols:
https://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1330286/28607526/1774647343157/2023+07+22+Short+Version+Court+Protocols+FINAL.pdf?token=JGQBu%2F1Kb5LIdcz5zF8mvdaEE1s%3D

Have fun!

TICA Board

Pacific Herring Talk - Tuesday, March 31 (Zoom)

For those who missed Jim Shortreed’s presentation on herring at Forbes Hall last month, or for anyone inspired by the remarkable marine activity around us during this year’s herring run, you’ll have another opportunity to learn more.

Pacific Herring in the Strait of Georgia: Status, Science, and the Path to Recovery
Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 PM (via Zoom)

Jim Shortreed has spent several years researching Pacific herring using Department of Fisheries and Oceans data, harvest records, and rebuilding plans. He is also actively involved in grassroots efforts advocating for a pause on industrial herring fisheries until stocks have recovered.

This timely talk will provide valuable insight into the current state of herring populations and what recovery could look like, especially relevant as we witness the vibrant return of marine life along our shores.

For further reading, please see the article by Briony Penn, and learn more through the Herring Conservation and Restoration Society: https://savetheherring.org/

Zoom link for the March 31 talk (6:30 PM):

Join Zoom Meeting
https://capu.zoom.us/j/62293290899?pwd=VBP38hjF1rhU2k3mwDI96rA3ANYbrs.1#success

Meeting ID: 622 9329 0899
Passcode: 327753

Charlotte
ThINC Education and Stewardship Coordinator

The People’s Apothecary Garden: Volunteer Callout

The People’s Apothecary Garden (PAG), located at 62 North Cove Road, is getting ready for another season, and we’re looking for a few extra hands this spring.

The garden is used for school programs and summer workshops focused on herbal medicine, sustainable gardening, and ecological stewardship. We’re looking for volunteers to help out during April and May to keep the space in good shape.

Tasks include weeding, pruning, and general garden care.

No experience is needed - everyone is welcome. You can join for a one-off session or come by more regularly - whatever works for you. You’d be joining me, and often my two-year-old, Pao, who takes his “helping” role pretty seriously.

If you’re interested, get in touch with me at charlotte@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org and we can coordinate some days/times!

Thanks,
Charlotte - ThINC Education and Stewardship Coordinator