As we wrap up another year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our readers, contributors, and advertisers for their support. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Here’s to a new year filled with your stories. Because community matters.
And here it is – the brightest month of the year. November is when the annual Festival of Lights opens our festive season. And oh what a wonderful event this has become. Not only does it bring thousands of visitors to town, but garners priceless promotion for local businesses, and reminds us of the commitment that volunteers have made.
TAKE 5 online edition is available readily and is delivered in a monthly email- along with a curated selection of local events as an extra bonus. Along with a lighter footprint on the environment, they are enjoying direct web links to the advertisers and content, as well as embedded videos, and photo galleries. We urge you to give it a try. Visit us at take5.ca and subscribe.
September – there is so much to love about it.
For one thing, the kids are back in school. And in keeping with that theme, you will find some earth-friendly tips and advice by Pamela Walker on how to make the transition in a greener, gentler way.
Our cover story this month is on a remarkable restoration of a Deuce coupe and a pickup truck by local car enthusiast Fred Bell. There are so many events happening — Ladysmith Celebration Days, Arts on the Avenue, Petunia & the Vipers concert in Cedar, and the Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival in Chemainus. A big shout-out to all the volunteers who put on these events. It’s truly an Awesome August.
Welcome to the July issue – packed with summer vibes, live music and plenty of reasons to get outside.
We have an issue filed to the brim with news, good readings, and – one of my personal favorites – the Hometown Tourist campaign, where we encourage locals to explore their local attractions and events with fresh eyes.
Then, there are all the wonderful volunteers who operate our galleries, museums, clubs and societies that host events such as the Sailpast at Transfer Beach Park. Don’t miss this chance to see boats on parade and enjoy the entertainment ashore. This is thanks to the Ladysmith Yacht Club, which is celebrating its 40th year. The Ladysmith Maritime Society is also celebrating 40 years, despite its challenges and has lots planned for our community this summer.
Another milestone this month is the Ladysmith Rotary Club’s 25th anniversary of their Garden Tour. You’ll get to meet the big boy on this month’s cover and unearth more garden delights on their tour – all while helping raise funds for projects in your community.
In this special “green” edition, TAKE 5 with Y.E.S. is celebrating our first Green Citizen. Also in these pages, we discover rebates on rainwater catchment and share some sage stories and advice in keeping our beautiful planet. As we move closer to Earth Day, on Tuesday April 22, 2025, please do your part, big or small; it all counts, and if you can help, join the Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club annual Watershed & Area Cleanup on April 26. These volunteers who give their time for our planet are true heroes.
But what a strange time we are living in. Earthquakes, tariffs, universities censoring students, and a mayoral by-election that resulted in the Town of Ladysmith “distancing” itself from social media comments made by one of its own Councillors. As you’re reading this, Ladysmith may already have a new mayor. And one thing that all the candidates had in common was their call for transparency. We hope that the new mayor will remember that pledge.
