The Eden Philosophy of Care
The old adage it takes a village to raise a child as a unique and specific relevance here in the Comox Valley. In this region, the aging population is one of the most deserving of our attention. The populace aged 75 years and older will nearly double in the next 20 years, which will bring increasing demand for access to quality residential care and other services for seniors. The Views, a not-for-profit residential care facility at St. Joseph’s General Hospital, is currently home to 117 residents all of whom are at different stages in life related to age, ability or mental and physical...
Read MoreLawn to Food
It’s a very unsuspecting location to find Lynda Smith’s business. In the middle of a Comox neighborhood where homes sit on lots not much larger than a quarter acre, an active vegetable farm is in production year-round. Lynda, founder and operator of Lawn to Food, is immersed in a small business that not only brings fresh, organic and plentiful food to her family’s table, but allows her to educate and coach others to do the same all while sharing the fruits of her labour for others to enjoy. “We had always gown food but I was always the one doing it and the one preparing it and I...
Read MoreNew Emergency Resource.
An untapped resource is ready and available here in the Comox Valley,able to respond to medical emergencies in the event of disaster. Throughout the region there are approximately 100 physicians and specialists of which a substantial and increasing number do not carry privileges to perform duties at St. Joseph’s General Hospital. Physicians not attached to the hospital, however, provide essential treatment and care within the Valley’s medical clinics. Should a state of emergency be declared, in essence they become a necessary resource to the community. As a physician belonging to the...
Read MoreA Brush Full Of Colour
Two remarkably talented women and reputable West coast authors have in common a connection with a very special artist among Canada’s rich culture and history. Both held a unique relationship with an iconic Canadian painter and shared their experience to create a beautiful piece of literature that has recently earned them The Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada 2015 Information Book Award. Combining their passion for story-telling with their own personal account of the painter, it’s not surprising the result is nothing short of award-winning. The children’s novel is titled ‘A...
Read MoreLocal Sourcing Brings Rewards
Scott DiGuistini and Merissa Myles set out on a five year business plan to bring wholesome, high quality food to the community while doing their part in land stewardship in support of local agriculture farming. Yet, in less than three years, the Comox Valley couple surpassed their goals and have taken their business, Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt, to a whole new level. Production has grown beyond the ‘mom and pop’ shop initially set on their Old Island Highway site to become a yogurt supplier for top restaurants, to 125 independent and franchise grocers on Vancouver Island, now with the...
Read MoreFarewell To The ‘Gentle Giant’
In what best can be described as awe-inspiring, the military funeral of Sergeant Mark Salesse on February 28 drew crowds in the hundreds at 442 Transport and Rescue (T&R) Squadron. On a vibrant sunny Saturday afternoon, the squadron hangar floor was filled with family, friends and colleagues, both military and civilian, from near and far who gathered together to pay respect to a fallen soldier. Mark Salesse, 44, was killed during a military training exercise at Polar Circus near Banff, Alberta. He and three other Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) from 435 T&R Squadron, Winnipeg,...
Read MoreBack To School Nutrition
It’s been about a month now of making lunches and sending our children off to school with a decent amount of food to keep them energized for the day. By now, somewhat of a routine has been established, focused around meal planning and preparation. But how much emphasis has been placed on actual nutrition. We are talking about the quality of the food and not just the quantity. Feeding some of the fussiest of eaters can be a chore in itself, let alone ensuring they are getting a properly balanced meal. And once that brown bag leaves the house, there’s no guarantee the kids will even eat...
Read MoreDependent: A Novel
At first I hated it. I cannot tell a lie. The notion of reading about “a dependent” despised me. The term conjures up visions of this pathetic, clingy housewife of a service man who lives vicariously through her husband’s career, yet wears the rank as though she were the one serving in uniform. I will admit, I came to this conclusion through my own personal bias toward service “dependents.” I too once served in uniform and could neither understand the attitude of some of my colleagues’ spouses nor care to venture into their shoes. I couldn’t fathom not being a careerist,...
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