by Phillip Tiicham Muir –
SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT
Blooms and a Bite for a Bargain
The Butchart Gardens is running a Summer Dinner and Admission Special from June 1 through 21. Experience their colourful array of summer blossoms followed by a two-course dinner in The Dining Room Restaurant. Cost is $68 plus tax from June 1 through 14, and $70 + tax from June 15 through 21, which includes one adult admission and your choice of appetizer and entrée, or entrée and dessert. Reservations are recommended. Call 250-652-8222 to assure your place.
The Finishing Stage
Brentwood Bay’s summer tradition of Music in the Park will look and sound that much better this year, thanks to generous community donations that funded the building of a beautiful new stage. The Central Saanich Lions Club and Tidman Construction were the top donors, and a full list of contributors is posted at
www.brentwoodbay.info. Come to Pioneer Park every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. from July 4 to August 15 for a free outdoor concert.
ACCOLADES
Sidney BIA Pres Goes Provincial
Susan Simosko, President of the Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (Sidney BIA), has been elected to the Board of the Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia. The BIA at all levels champions strong, vibrant and successful businesses, which Susan’s been doing for Sidney since 2013. While she retains her position as president of the Sidney BIA, Susan now also represents the interests of thousands of businesses in cities across the province.
Honour for Library Advocate
On May 11, Barry Avis, Chair of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) Board of Trustees was presented with the British Columbia Library Trustees Association Advocate Award. This honour acknowledges the outstanding advocacy work Barry did for VIRL and First Nations communities in 2017. Since being elected as chair in 2017 Barry has written to provincial politicians, reminding them that the majority of VIRL funding comes from local taxpayers, and introduced a First Nations acknowledgement at the beginning of every VIRL meeting. Barry is a key player in the Qualicum Beach community, having been elected to local council four times over the past 13 years, and appointed director of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities.
EDUCATION
Streamlining the Flight Path
The Victoria Flying Club now offers an online component to its Commercial Pilot program. This allows students to complete the program as quickly as they can manage. With an estimated demand for 350,000 pilots worldwide by 2026, students are motivated to finish training as quickly as possible. There is a nationwide shortage of flight instructors too, but the Victoria Flying Club has 18 instructors lined up for the summer. Visit www.flyvfc.com for more information.
LOCAL BUSINESS
The New Face of Sportswear
Anthony Ewen, Founder and longstanding owner of Hypersport on Beacon Avenue, has sold the business. Service will be as great as ever, with Hypersport now in the hands of Anthony’s friend, Ryan Oakley. Ryan’s a lifelong Peninsula resident with a passion for sports. He’s bringing in more local brands, and expanding their kids department. Look for Hypersport at the Sidney Street Market this summer.
