Have something for New & Noteworthy? Email noteworthy @seasidemagazine.ca.
Words June Murray Dagnall
Blooming Victory
The Vancouver Orchid Show celebrates the beauty of orchids in bloom, expert judging, education, artistic expression and conservation. At this year’s show, Peninsula local Leda Bower’s Dracula gigas stood out among hundreds of entries and earned the prestigious Best in Show title and received an Award of Merit from accredited judges of the American Orchid Society (AOS). The show featured nine displays and vendors from Taiwan, Malaysia, Ecuador and Canada, offering a diverse selection of orchids. A testament to the remarkable talent within our orchid growing community.
Journey Through Space
Victoria International Airport is excited to introduce the YYJ Solar System Pathway! This one-of-a-kind outdoor educational experience invites residents and visitors to embark on a fun and interactive journey through our solar system. The Loop Path spans nine kilometres in a clockwise direction. There you will find a scale model of the solar system, where both planet sizes and distances are accurately proportioned. The display showcases artwork contributed by children from the Greater Victoria area, and was conceptualized by Evan Papps, a Grade 12 International Baccalaureate student at Glenlyon Norfolk School.
@yyj_solar_system_pathway
Calling All Creatives
The Sooke Fine Arts Show is now accepting submissions from both returning and new artists for review by their distinguished jury panel, marking the exciting start to this year’s event! This annual, community-driven exhibition celebrates the art and culture of Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal islands. Artists whose work is selected will have the opportunity to sell their unique creations in the show’s gallery gift shop and are encouraged to share their skills and techniques through talks, demonstrations or guided tours during the event. June 1 is the deadline for artists from B.C.’s coastal islands, including Haida Gwaii, who work in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, fibre arts and handcrafted jewelry.
The show will take place at Sooke’s SEAPARC Leisure Complex from July 26 to August 4 with over 270 artists presenting their works. Mark your calendars!
www.sookefinearts.com
Peninsula Singers Making a Difference
The Peninsula Singers’ Artistic Director, Leno Palermo, and President, Dianne Taafe, recently presented a generous cheque for $2,500 to Heather Edwards, CEO of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation, in support of the SPHHF Music Therapy Program. For over 10 years, the Peninsula Singers have been a dedicated supporter of this program, with donations totaling more than $60,000 to date.
www.peninsulasingers.ca
Compassion at Your Doorstep
Veterinary visits can be stressful for pets; however, their anxiety – and yours – can now be eased with personalized, professional house calls. Dr. Browne specializes in pet care with love, trust and personalized attention and offers in-home visits to Greater Victoria and surrounding areas. Services for your furry companion include in-home and phone consultations regarding examinations, vaccinations, laboratory testing and quality of life assessments.
https://bestfriends veterinaryhousecalls.com
New Business of the Month: SmØr Scandinavian Bakery
Seven days a week, the team at Smør is whipping up delicious Scandinavian treats. This quaint bakery is located on Bevan Street, specializing in a delightful selection of baked goods from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Smør offers Scandinavian imports such as herring and salt licorice, house-made soups and sandwiches, and baked goods and traditional rye breads. Smør is excited to share Scandinavian culture with everyone in the community through their high-quality baked goods and warm Scandinavian hospitality. “Tusen takk“ – a thousand thanks to all!
Hope In Every Heart
Thank you to everyone who purchased a Hearts for Hope box. The keepsakes were individually hand painted and hand cut in Victoria with TLC by Laura Waters, who donated the proceeds of $450 to the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank.
Be a Beacon of Hope
Beacon Community Services has launched its “Be a Beacon of Hope” Campaign and the great news is that donations will be matched! Tecnet has kindly announced that they will match dollar for dollar up to the first $10,000 raised. The campaign will run for three months and there will be three videos released within the next three weeks, as well as short commercial versions seen on Chek TV.
www.beaconcs.ca
Sidney BIA Reports Robust Growth
The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (Sidney BIA) has recently published its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of significant growth, collaboration, and sustained momentum. Sidney welcomed 111 new businesses last year, highlighting the town’s vibrant business landscape and continued economic strength.
www.distinctlysidney.ca
Red Art Gallery is Back!
Red Art Gallery is back with a new retail outlet in Sidney – a space to discover upbeat contemporary art by artist Marion Evamy and others. Established in 2011, the gallery has garnered thousands of fans who appreciate the authentic paintings and genuine service offered by Marion and her husband Bobb Hamilton. Find them at #108-2506 Beacon Avenue in Sidney.
www.redartgallery.ca
