by Paula Kully –
A Few Firsts
Who Said Video Killed the Radio Star?
Do you ever find yourself wishing that the local radio stations provided more Saanich Peninsula relative content? Welcome Radio Sidney, the Peninsula’s first all-local radio station. Operated by the non-profit Sidney Arts and Media Society, their mandate is to be the local voice of the Saanich Peninsula. The station currently streams via the Internet (www.radiosidney.ca) or through their app but they are in the process of applying for an FM frequency and broadcast license. The station’s programs cover local politics, music and arts including featuring local musicians, lifestyle, First Nations, sports and more. If you miss something, don’t fear as you can usually find it on their podcasts.
More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys
Category 12 Brewing, located on Keating Cross Road in Central Saanich, is expanding their offerings with the acquisition of Vancouver Island’s first foeder. What is a foeder you ask? Well, essentially it is a huge oak barrel used for beer-ageing. Foeders hold around 600 liters (160 gallons) – roughly three times the size of the average oak barrel. Handcrafted by Foeder Crafters of America, the new foeder will allow the brewery to enhance and expand their wood ageing program and their Barrelholder 2019 program, which is a membership that provides exclusive access and perks to some of the cool work they are doing!
Be Like a Ninja
You too can now be a ninja warrior! Pacific Ninja Gym recently opened at 2340 Bevan Avenue in Sidney. Owned and operated by Brad Armstong, Pacific Ninja is Vancouver Island’s first Ninja Warrior Obstacle Gym. It offers both adult and youth fitness classes as well as birthday parties.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
This Could be the Start of Something Big
The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (Sidney BIA) is at it again. Recognized for their creative programs that support local business, the BIA recently launched their new “Startup in Sidney” campaign (https://startupinsidney.ca). The initiative is designed to encourage new and existing businesses to do business in Sidney. Part of the campaign includes an online job bank where employers and job seekers can connect.
With a Little Help from Our Friends
The Mt. Newton Centre Society recently received a generous contribution of $17,000 from the 100 Women Who Care – Saanich Peninsula! Mt. Newton Centre has been quietly serving seniors of the Peninsula for the past 40 years with the Adult Day Program and the Medical Equipment Loans “Cupboard.” 100 Women is a simple but powerful organization that brings together 100 women in the area who are committed to community service for just one hour every three months. At their quarterly meetings, they jointly select a local charity or not-for-profit organization and each writes a $100 cheque to the selected organization. Now that’s teamwork!
Trading Places
Ecotopia Naturals’ owners Mara and Morgan passed along ownership of Sidney’s eco-clothing store to new owners Martin and Lisa Pedersen at the beginning of February. The store, which has been a mainstay on Seaport Place since 2013, carries Canadian-made clothing, jewelry and accessories as well as natural body care products. It is also Sidney’s authorized Soap Exchange Refill Centre. Farewell and thank you to Mara and Morgan for bringing this lovely shop to town and welcome to Martin and Lisa!
New Space for a New You
Curves in Sidney has moved into a new space! They are in the same building, at 2425A Bevan Avenue, but now have a larger space that allows members extra room for large movement activities and floor activities. They also hope to reintroduce Zumba, yoga and other classes.
