by Annilee Armstrong –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email noteworthyseaside@gmail.com.
HAPPY RETIREMENT
Rumrunner Pub
Wishing a wonderful retirement to Bill Singer who has owned the Rumrunner Pub for over 32 years. The beloved pub-style restaurant will be missed by locals and tourists alike. Singer hopes the Rumrunner will be remembered as a warm and welcoming place.
NOT YOUR GRANDPA’S WHISKEY
Canadian Whiskey Awards
Congratulations to Macaloney’s Island Distillery, which took home the World’s Best Pot Still award at the 2023 world Whiskey Awards for their Kildara Signature Expression. The distillery took home three gold medals in total, the other two for Best Canadian Single Malt, and Best Canadian Single Cask Single Malt. www.macaloneydistillers.com.
Devine Distillery
Congratulations to Devine Distillery in Central Saanich, which took home a gold medal in the Best Canadian Small Batch
Single Malt category for its Glen Saanich Whisky. www.devinedistillery.com.
SCHOOL NEWS
Con-gradulations to the 2023 High School Graduating Class!
Watch for some fancy attire worn by the community’s young adults as they gather at the Sidney waterfront on their grad ceremony dates: June 28, Parkland Secondary; June 29, Claremont Secondary; June 30, Stelly’s Secondary.
Music to Our Ears
Both Parkland Secondary Concert Band and Royal Oak Middle School Grade 8 Concert Band attended the Con Brio Music Festival in Whistler in April. Parkland took home a hard-earned Gold standing, and Royal Oak earned a respectable Silver standing.
Congratulations to the Music Directors – Cristina Sousa (Parkland) and Jonnie Bridgman (Royal Oak) – and the hard-working bands who represented our community with professionalism and respect.
KEEPING FIT AND HAVING FUN
Van Isle Throwdown
Peninsula CrossFit is hosting their second “Van Isle Throwdown” June 10 to 11. The Saturday portion of the competition will be held indoors at their gym at #20 – 2075 Henry Avenue. The outdoor portion on the morning of June 11 will be held at Tulista Park. The event is free for spectators. PCF is also excited to announce their Legends Fitness Program – a group fitness class programmed specifically for the needs of people over 55. The focus is on strength, mobility, functional movement and longevity. No fitness experience necessary. www.peninsulacrossfit.ca.
Puppies and Yoga
Congratulations to Kirsten Roden of Making Changes Fitness on a successful fundraiser for Raincoast Dog Rescue in April. The event raised $2,050 for the rescue. www.makingchangesfitness.com.
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Teddys Boxing & Fitness
A warm welcome to Teddys Boxing and Fitness, located at #28 – 2075 Henry Avenue (top floor). Owner Anna Kerevan has been in the fitness and boxing industry for over 15 years. Teddys will offer small group classes and private sessions for both boxing and weight training. Anna’s goal is to make boxing and fitness fun and accessible, regardless of where you are in your fitness journey. www.teddysboxingfitness.com or Instagram @teddysboxingfitness
New Rector for Local Church
Venerable Kelly Duncan will be the next Rector of St. Andrew Anglican Church in Sidney. Archdeacon Duncan will assume her duties August 15.
Moden Men’s
Welcome to Moden Men’s, now open at 9813 Third Street. This new addition to the local business community offers polished casual menswear pieces for everyday dressing. www.modenmens.com.
THE RUGS ARE BACK!
Bunyaad Fair Trade Rug Event June 9-18
You may remember Bunyaad Rugs from the Ten Thousand Villages fair trade stores in Victoria. Hansell & Halkett vintage home décor is honoured to partner with Bunyaad to bring the rugs back. The event, at the Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, will feature over 200 hand-knotted rugs, from intricate florals to hand-spun wool natural dye tribals. Bunyaad works with over 850 families in 100 villages in Pakistan. Working with artisans in their homes, increasing employment opportunities for women and paying a living wage, Bunyaad is making changes in so many families across Pakistan.
A LITERARY ADVENTURE
Children’s Literature
Local author Randy Mains has written a children’s book for ages eight to 12. Captain Barnaby’s Helicopter School for Bears was launched May 21 by Summers Island Press. A Brentwood Bay local, Randy says “I decided to write a children’s book because I see a deep need for positive role-models for children these days. I decided to create characters with many admirable traits, with the occasional flashes of heroism.” The book will be available for purchase on Amazon, and the publisher’s website at www.summersislandpress.com.
