by Paula Kully –
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
Digging Up Bones – Or Should We Say Stones?
At the end of February, Sidney said goodbye to Mineral World and the Scratch Patch, a long-standing, family attraction on the waterfront that was both educational and fun. Mineral World operated for more than 20 years in a section of the building which now houses Victoria Distillers. In 2014, they closed and reopened under new ownership in 2016 in their most recent location on Seaport Place. Mineral World offered a unique selection of gifts, jewelry, artwork, fossils and other treasures. Its brightly coloured “scratch patch” (little caves and alcoves) will be greatly missed by children and adults alike. For the rock hounds amongst us, we are sad to have to say farewell.
Legal Eagle Flies Away
In January 2019, Pearlman Lindholm expanded their Victoria Offices to the Westshore. Unfortunately, this resulted in the closure of their Sidney office. They now have offices at #1 – 111 Presley Place on the Westshore and their original location in Shoal Point at Fisherman’s Wharf. They are excited to be a part of the Westshore’s growth and welcome the opportunity to serve more of Vancouver Island.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
New Board for the Books
The Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) Board of Trustees, which is the governing body for the Sidney Library, recently held their Annual General Meeting where the new officers and Executive Committee members were elected for the year. The Board of Trustees is comprised of elected representatives from 28-member municipalities and 10 regional districts. As a result of the 2018 municipal election, 28 Trustees are serving in their first term with VIRL, or are returning to the Board after several years away.
Brenda Leigh, from the Strathcona Regional District, was elected as Board Chair and Mayor Gabriele Wickstrom, from the Town of Port McNeill, was elected as Vice-Chair. Locally, Councillor Jack McClintock represents the District of North Saanich and Councillor Barbara Fallot the Town of Sidney.
And the Winner Is …
At the 19th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, held in January, Saanich Peninsula businesses took home almost a quarter of the awards handed out. Four local businesses were recognized in their category. Entrepreneur of the Year deservedly went to McTavish Academy of Art, which transformed a vacant school into an exciting community arts centre. Trich Analytics, whose vision “is to lead a global movement towards the regulation of proactive and non-invasive methods of micro-analysis to find long-term solutions to environmental and occupational health challenges” won in the Technology category. Urban Bee Honey Farm won in Food Production. The business is more than just a honey farm. Among other things, they also raise pork and poultry and operate a coffee and gift shop. Finally, Bayshore Home Health, with a location in Sidney, won in the category of Health Care! Congratulations to these remarkable businesses that make the Peninsula such a wonderful place to live.
Spring Flowers
Perhaps not completely new, but definitely noteworthy, a lovely newish flower shop opened last summer in Brentwood Bay. Petals n Buds, which is located at 7159 W Saanich Road, is owned and operated by Tara Koshman. Tara is a floral artist who blends her own unique style with cutting edge European methods. Petals n Buds provides flowers for all occasions. Check out their website for details: www.saanichflorist.com.
