by John Kernaghan –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email noteworthyseaside@gmail.com.
SLEGG BUILD A BOAT AFLOAT AGAIN
The popular Canada Day competition is back at Sidney’s Beacon Park July 1 as backyard naval architects and shipwrights assemble craft and sail (or try to) using $250 worth of materials donated by Slegg Building Materials. Slegg’s Jason Balderston says Canada Day crowds get to see the boats being constructed, then the launches, with often hilarious results.
He says the packed waterfront has seen all kinds of craft cover the Sidney course in the past. “Some have just flown over the course, some made it, but half-submerged, and others didn’t get too far.”
Balderston says the packed waterfront has seen all kinds of craft cover the Sidney course in the past. Balderston said organizers hope to have at last six competitors, but eight to 10 would be ideal.
The boat construction runs noon to 4 p.m. on July 1 with the race at 4:45. Entry fee for the three-person teams is $30 and the list of required construction materials is required by June 17. Email marketing@slegg.com for registration and information.
FIT TO BE TRIED IN SIDNEY
A couple of newcomers and an expansion/makeover of an established gym are changing Sidney’s fitness profile.
The Westcore Training Centre on Beacon follows unique models in Victoria and Langford with individual pod spaces for folks to work out with or without a trainer. Westcore touts the semi-private pods as fully equipped, meaning no waiting for a weight or bench.
Meantime, the folks who run Anytime Fitness on Resthaven near Beacon have gutted the previous Peninsula Fitness Club space on James White Boulevard and the new business is expected to launch in June.
Steve Weller, who ran Peninsula, welcomed Anytime’s Arne Jackson and said clients can expect new energy at the revamped space.
Then there’s Vanessa Poretsis, who opened her fitness coaching at 1670 Mills Road in March. She offers one-on-one to group training for intermediate to advanced clients.
QCHAT CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH
The peer support line and resource database for 2SLGBTQ+ youth has been available to people in need up to 30 years of age for almost five years. It helped 130 people via 17 dedicated volunteers putting in 1,600 hours in 2023. The B.C.-wide service is not a crisis line but more of a starting point for youth who need a sympathetic ear and direction to more specific resources. www.qchat.ca.
BEACON COMMUNITY SERVICES NIFTY AT 50
The venerable organization will run staff and volunteer appreciation events plus fundraisers, to celebrate meeting the community’s needs since 1974. It’s been an “incredible journey” said CEO Tricia Gueulette, noting that resolve to “create hope and opportunity for generations to come.”
An indicator of good works for 2023 are the more than 135 individuals helped with dementia homes, assisted living and affordable housing as well as 2,433 medical drives.
KING’S DESIGN HUB CELEBRATES TRADES
Interior designer Yanna King has moved slightly across town in Sidney but taken a significant leap in services offered with her mid-May opening. A key to Yanna King Interior Design, now on Second Street north of Beacon, is her reliance on local trades people. “We have some beautiful trades here in Sidney,” noted King, “and we try to employ local people as much as possible.”
King calls herself a multi-disciplined designer and her new studio reflects that, showcasing a wide range of design aspects in a bright, efficient space. One aspect is helping people who want to downsize, which is often about managing emotions. “You try to help people keep furniture that has sentimental value by figuring ways to, say, remove bulky arms so it will fit in a new, compact space.”
LONG-TIME LOCAL REALTOR SOLD TO BIG CHAIN
Holmes Realty is now under the wing of Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate. Michele Holmes had split the Sidney operation from Pemberton Holmes Sidney, which had roots on the Island for a century, in 1999.
SKIN-CARE SPECIALISTS OPEN ON BEACON
Dot.naturals has made the leap from local markets to a Sidney foothold.
The shop leads with its own brand of skin- and body-care products and offers other lines like natural cleaning items from Cumberland Cleaning Inc., Nancy Wood Designs’ cotton and linen handmade hats, jam and preserves from Sarah’s Staples & Preserves, arts and prints from Sunday Crush as well as cards from Sparrow Printmaking.
Wholesome Suds soaps and Green Room shampoo and conditioner bars are also showcased.
