by Paula Kully
News, changes, updates, launches? Email pjkully@gmail.com.
Timing is Everything
Christmas is Coming Early!
With pandemic restrictions still in place for indoor gatherings, many of the usual Christmas craft shows and markets have been cancelled. But, good news! Westcoast Impressions is bringing the “Sidney Outdoor Christmas Market” to the Mary Winspear Centre on Sunday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If it’s raining, bring your umbrella and do some Christmas shopping locally.
Second Time Around
Author Teoni Spathelfer has just released the children’s book, White Raven, the second in a trilogy that follows three generations of women in her family. The book is illustrated by W̱SÁNEĆ artist Natassia Davies and tells the story of Teoni’s mother’s experience at St Michael’s Indian Residential School in Alert Bay. White Raven is published by Heritage House and is available in bookstores and online.
Guess Who Found What They Lost?
Famous local resident Randy Bachman has found his cherished 1950s Gretsch archtop guitar that was stolen 45 years ago. The whole story is amazing and can be found online but in a nutshell, after more than four decades of searching and purchasing 385 Gretsch guitars trying to replace the instrument, it has been located. Through the ingenuity of a neighbour who used facial recognition software, the guitar was found in a YouTube video being played by a young man in Tokoyo! Congratulations, Randy, on the return of your prized possession.
Picture This
Saving Memories
The Sidney Museum has received a grant from the Terry Reksten Memorial Fund that will be used to purchase a negatives scanner. The archives include many photo negatives that have not been digitized. Over time these negatives will degrade and the images would be lost forever. Thankfully the new scanner will ensure they are preserved!
Picture Perfect
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation has launched its annual fundraising campaign titled, Picture Perfect. The goal of the campaign is to raise $2 million to purchase a new, state-of-the-art, X-ray machine for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital along with some other smaller pieces of equipment. The existing X-ray machine is 16 years old and is in need of replacing. To support this worthwhile initiative that will help many people, visit www.sphf.ca/x-ray.
It’s Hard to Say Goodbye
The Snow is Leaving Mattick’s Farm
Sunday’s Snowflakes at Mattick’s Farm is closing as of December 1st. After 40 years in business, owner Wendy Graham has decided to retire. Wendy acknowledges that she has made many friends over the years. She states: “Saying farewell is the hardest part. I would like to take a moment to thank you all for the great time. I have had a fabulous ride!”
Farewell to the Calendar Girl
On October 10, 2021, the community and the Sidney Sister Cities Association lost a valuable member when Brenda Whittingham passed away. Longtime member of Sister Cities Bob McLure referred to Brenda as their “Eagle Eye Calendar Girl, Niimi stalwart, SSCA Socials host, photographer and ‘Now hear this’ meeting closer.” From that description, you know she was well loved and a driving force within the Sister Cities.
Taking Care of Business
Onesies
Let’s take the time to recognize two thriving businesses on the Saanich Peninsula that are celebrating their one-year anniversary. Making a business succeed is hard work that deserves notice. Congratulations to Patricia Pearson and Ashley Stelck of Hansell & Halkett and to Peter Zwaag and Erik Twisk from Dutch Green Design for celebrating one year in business in Sidney!
A Cut Above
There’s a new set of scissors making men look their best. The trendy Mankind Barbers, formerly known as The Cut Cartel Barbers, is under new ownership. Aleatha Hozjan took over the shop in August and invites customers to sit and relax in their licensed lounge and enjoy a beverage and play a round of darts before their appointment.
Wednesdays Just Got a Whole Lot Yummier
Fall means the return of Fondue Wednesday at The Farmer’s Daughter. And, to top it off, after a year and a half, the stools have been returned to the bar and the outdoor patio has heaters. This is great news as it means more space inside and out to enjoy this amazing experience in Sidney.
