by Paula Kully –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email news@seasidemagazine.ca.
THEY’RE BAAAACK
Come Sail Away
May 12 to 15 sees the return of the BC Boat Show to the Port Sidney Marina. Hosted by the British Columbia Yacht Brokers Association, the BC Boat Show is the largest in-the-water boat show on the West Coast with around 200 boats of all sizes. Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite and children are free.
Lobsterfest!
The Rotary Club of Brentwood Bay and the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation have announced the return of Lobsterfest, scheduled for June 4! This highly popular annual event is held at the Mary Winspear Centre and raises funds to support local community organizations. Watch the SPCF website and social media for ticket information, as they sell out fast! www.sp-cf.ca.
MAKING STRIDES
Twice the Charm
The popular Tonolli’s Deli on East Saanich Road has opened a second location in Sidney where customers can enjoy their European-inspired bakery, breakfast and lunch menu. They are open for business seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the corner of Bevan Avenue and Fifth Street.
To Bee or Not to Bee
Nature Bee, located in Saanichton and locally owned by Katie Gambler, is a top-five finalist for two Small Business BC provincial awards! Nature Bee produces beeswax wraps as an alternative to single-use plastic products. The business has grown from a one-person endeavour to a fully staffed, growing production company that distributes across Canada and the United States. Check it out at www.naturebeewraps.ca.
GAME TIME
Team Spirit
Congratulations to the Peninsula Panthers, who recently won the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League Championships at Panorama Recreation Centre, defeating the Oceanside Generals 4-3 in an overtime game. This is the team’s first championship in more than a decade and comes after the team dedicated the season to their teammate, 18-year-old Grant Gilbertson who died in a car accident in January.
30 Years of Field of Dreams
Peninsula Baseball and Softball Association celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Rotary Park-Field of Dreams on April 9. The opening of the season was marked by the first pitch by past president Eric Van Rooyen.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Your New Board
The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (BIA) held its Annual General Meeting on March 31 resulting in the election of a new Board of Directors. Replacing outgoing President Brad Edgett, who has been on the Board since 2014, is Devon Bird, owner of Moden Boutique and Moden Essentials. Other Board members include Nick Coates, Vice-President (Travelodge Victoria Airport); Robyn Walle, Treasurer (Baker Tilly); Cathy Larsen, Secretary (Departures Travel); and Directors Sarah Scheller, (The Five & Dime Diner / The Surly Mermaid); Christina Georgeadis (Waterlily Shoes); Jessica O’Brien Cameron (CIBC Wood Gundy); and Jessica Sommers Dai (The Farmer’s Daughter).
New Kid on the Block
The Sidney BIA also welcomed a new Business Development Manager, Natalie Bobrowich. Natalie comes from Beacon Community Services, has a background in hospitality and recreation, and has owned her own business in the past. Welcome, Natalie!
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Unpacking a Part of History
The Sidney Museum is currently hosting the travelling exhibit “The Suitcase Project.” This multimedia exhibit from the Nikkei National Museum in Burnaby explores the history of Japanese Canadians and Americans during the Second World War, highlighting why this history is relevant more than 75 years later. The exhibit poses the question to fourth- and fifth-generation Japanese Canadians and Americans: what they would pack if uprooted from their homes in a moment’s notice?
Dance by the Light of the Moon
Join the Peninsula Full Moon Dance Party on May 16 from 8:30 to 9:45 p.m. at Beacon Park under the bandshell. Dance the night away under the full moon in the open air to music provided by DJ BoomKitty. This monthly event is open to everyone for some fresh air, boogie-woogie, and twist and shout dancing. Dress up; dress down; glow-in-the-dark; anything goes!
Signing Off
I want to take this opportunity to thank Sue Hodgson and Allison Smith for the opportunity and support they have afforded me over the past five years of writing for Seaside Magazine. This is my last edition and the last few words I will pen for this much-loved publication. Thank you also to everyone on the Saanich Peninsula who read “my stuff.” You were always so complimentary. I intend to continue writing in some form, so you haven’t heard the last of me!
