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Local Investment Co-op Grows Green Businesses

Contributed Article
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Local Investment Co-op Grows Green Businesses

By Transition Salt Spring Enterprise Cooperative

Investing in our own community makes sense, but how does an islander with some savings go about doing that, and how does someone with a small business reach out beyond friends and family for support?

Transition Salt Spring Enterprise Cooperative (TSSEC) provides a unique solution.

TSSEC has been offering microloans for local green projects since 2011. Co-op members can each lend up to $5,000 to projects of their choice and receive modest interest on their contributions. To qualify for a microloan, borrowers must demonstrate that their project meets green criteria in categories ranging from energy use and healthy ecosystems to localization and fair trade practices. Projects must also be financially viable and borrowers pay competitive interest rates on their loans.

To date, TSSEC has issued 14 loans totalling almost $100,000 to Salt Spring non-profits and individuals running small businesses. TSSEC treasurer Donald McLennan comments, “This is a remarkable achievement considering that TSSEC members decide individually how much if anything they will invest in any given project. If no-one wishes to invest, or if insufficient funds are raised, the loan does not proceed”.

One of six current projects is Shepherd Shoes at 320A Upper Ganges Rd. John Shepherd creates high-quality, hand-crafted shoes and accessories, and provides a much-needed island repair service for shoes, bags and belts, horse tack, marine gear, and tarps.

Also helping the community to reduce, reuse and recycle are two consignment stores supported by TSSEC, Bohemia Consignment and Axe & Reel, both at 111 Rainbow Rd. Bohemia’s co-owners Katy Parsons and Katie Burke describe their business as quintessentially local: “It sources locally, sells locally and the consignors generate revenue that goes back into the Salt Spring community. Proceeds from our annual sale go to Stagecoach Theatre School, a local not-for-profit. Lady Minto Thrift Store accepts any leftover items. Everyone wins and everything stays local.” 

TSSEC is one of a handful of local investment co-ops in the province. The Community Impact Investment Coalition of B.C. is seeking legislative change to make it easier for small co-ops like TSSEC to operate. Changes contemplated include raising the $5,000 investment limit per member, and increasing the maximum number of members from the current 150.

Such changes would be welcome, says TSSEC president Elizabeth White: “Some members are reaching their $5,000 investment limit, and it would be good to facilitate more and larger projects. When we first set up in 2011, we anticipated that TSSEC would eventually be able to assist with the financing of community energy projects and affordable housing. With legislative changes we may yet get there. We welcome new members — investors and borrowers — who would like to support or benefit from our green loans.”

For more information, call Elizabeth White at 250-537-2616.

Salmon enhancement group eyes Fulford Creek area

Gail Sjuberg
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Salmon enhancement group eyes Fulford Creek area

The Salt Spring Island Stream and Salmon Enhancement Society wants to purchase the land once occupied by the Fulford Inn to be used as an interpretive centre and park.

The Fulford Creek estuary is a highly sensitive watershed and fish habitat with a long history of being a major resource for First Nations on the island.

Though the project is still in the planning stage, the group hopes to acquire the land through fundraising and public assistance. There are no publicly owned lands along the Fulford Creek, and turning the estuary into public land will greatly enhance the fish population and serve the community.

“As far as Salt Spring Island goes, this is our most important river,” said Chris Acheson, president of the society. “It needs a little help.”

Fulford Creek is the largest fish-bearing stream in the southern Gulf Islands. Having a permanent educational facility on the site will greatly benefit regional fish stocks and provide educational opportunities for children, tourists and the public about the importance of maintaining Gulf Islands waterways and fisheries.

The creek is one of 14 sensitive streams in the province. A “sensitive stream,” according to the B.C. government, is one where special protections are needed for fish populations. Kathy Reimer, the society’s professional biologist, explained that the stream is sensitive due to its water shortage issues combined with its native fish population.

If the group were to acquire the land, the priority would be on repairing the ecosystem and stabilizing the coho salmon population. Besides that, the group hopes to turn to the community.

“We would want it to be a community effort, not just one single group,” said Reimer. “We’re eager to spearhead it because the benefits to our program would be so great.”

For more on this story, see the Dec.  20, 2017 issue of the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper, or subscribe online.

Driftwood welcomes new journalist

Driftwood Staff
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Driftwood welcomes new journalist

The Gulf Islands Driftwood is back up to full strength in its editorial department with the addition of newcomer Marc Kitteringham, who signed on for his first shift as reporter last Wednesday, Dec. 13.

At 24, Kitteringham brings a breath of fresh air to the office but also has reams of professional and life experience to his credit. He graduated with a journalism degree from Edmonton’s MacEwan University in 2016. While there he spent three years working for the university newspaper, moving from writer to opinions editor. He shared editorial duties with three other students when the paper transitioned to a magazine.

Kitteringham most enjoys writing in-depth profiles and features in which he can spend time with the subjects and get to know their stories more fully. He looks forward to working on issues such as housing and food sustainability.

He has already been out and about interviewing people and capturing images from Merry Monday and other events, and experienced Salt Spring’s treacherous snowy road conditions.

Kitteringham is also an athlete and outdoor enthusiast, with many of his teen years put into lifeguarding and competitive lifesavings sports. In between graduating high school and finishing his journalism degree he spent time working as a beekeeper for industrial-level honey production and spent three months planting trees in Africa as a volunteer for a nonprofit organization. He spent the last year in Victoria working at a bike shop while doing freelance writing and photography, and is an avid cyclist and climber.

Kitteringham moved to Salt Spring with his girlfriend Kristen and their pet rabbit Marvin. They were happy to find housing close to town.

Darby McIntyre retires from competitive gymnastics

Contributed Article
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Darby McIntyre retires from competitive gymnastics

By MARCIA JANSEN

DRIFTWOOD CONTRIBUTOR

Darby McIntyre had to make one of the hardest decisions in her life so far.

The 17-year-old Salt Spring girl retired from gymnastics to focus on her last year in high school.

“It was definitely not an easy decision to make. I was struggling with it for months,” said McIntyre. “I started gymnastics when I was three and I was on a competitive level for 12 years. I trained for hours every day. Gymnastics was a huge part of my life.”

McIntyre started gymnastics on Salt Spring Island 14 years ago.

“I loved it, and was devastated when I heard that our coach had to stop and the program ended on the island. I didn’t want to quit and my parents were supportive and let me go to Duncan with three other girls from Salt Spring Island.”

Things went quickly from then on. Darby started at level 3, skipped two levels and qualified for her first Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships in 2013. A year later she was the all-around winner on four events — vault, floor, bars and beam combined — and voted Provincial Athlete of the Year by BC Gymnastics.

McIntyre focuses now on her last year in high school, preparing for graduation and her plans for the future.

“I want to go to university and become a sports physician or a chiropractor. I also started to play volleyball at school and I want to play soccer in March. I miss gymnastics a lot, so I am glad that I am coaching at Salt Spring Gymnastics now. I absolutely love to do that, to share my passion and work with young kids. Gymnastics is so much fun!” 

For more on this story, see the Dec.  20, 2017 issue of the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper, or subscribe online.

WEBB, Joyce Constance

Driftwood Obituary
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WEBB, Joyce Constance

Joyce Constance Webb
Nov. 10, 1928 – Dec. 16, 2017

Born in 1928 Joyce Webb lived her life to the full.

One hour commutes to London,England to work at the age of 14.

A post war immigrant to Canada in 1956, with her husband Syd and 4 young children.

Opportunities took the family to Alberta, Saskatchewan, Florida and for the last 35 years to Salt Spring Island.

Joyce worked for Hastings House and volunteered for the Sendial group at Thrifty’s

She was a major contributor to organizing neighbourhood gatherings and will be missed by all her friends and her large family of children, grand children and great grand children.

The family wishes to thank Dr. David Beaver and staff especially Pat for their compassion and support.

Well Done Mom, We Love You.

SELLAR, Claire Maureen (nee Tennant)

Driftwood Obituary
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SELLAR, Claire Maureen (nee Tennant)

Claire Maureen (nee Tennant) Sellar
February 16, 1941 – December 1, 2017.

It is with profound sadness that we announce Claire’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by her mother Florence Tennant (Woods), and father Carman Tennant. She is survived by her beloved husband John Sellar, brother Colin Tennant (June), nephews Christopher, and Jeffrey (Jenn), great nephew, and niece Eadan and Brooke, half-sister Karen Hollywood, brother in law Iain McGilveray, and niece Jeanie McGilveray (Chris).

Claire was a generous, loving, compassionate woman with a wonderful sense of humour who excelled in her profession as a Registered Nurse for more than 40 years at the Ottawa Civic, Royal Jubilee, and Lady Minto Hospitals. Claire, and her laughter will be lovingly remembered by her family, and many close friends including her nursing colleagues, and those from Salt Spring Island, BC.

A special thank you to all the professional, and compassionate staff at Island View Place, Saanichton, BC.

A celebration of Claire’s life will take place on Salt Spring Island in the new year.

Rainy Merry Monday with Valdy

Gail Sjuberg
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Rainy Merry Monday with Valdy

This year’s Merry Monday was a wet one! That did not stop Valdy from leading the crowd at Fulford Harbour in a holiday sing along.

BESWICK, Ian Montague

Driftwood Obituary
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BESWICK, Ian Montague

IAN MONTAGUE BESWICK
12-02-44 – 18-12-16

In Loving Memory of Our Dearly Loved and Amazing Ian.
Beloved Dad of Sam and Sophie. Forever in our hearts.
We miss you more than you could have ever imagined.
Love you always.
Rest in peace precious one, until we meet again!

Sam (Jen), Sophie (Rob), Joyce

Family and community shocked by death

Gail Sjuberg
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Family and community shocked by death

A Salt Spring family and the community as a whole is in shock after lifelong island resident Heather Jones, 47, was found dead in her Maliview Drive home last Wednesday.

According to Salt Spring RCMP, her son, 22-year-old Martin Vandenberg, was arrested at the home on Wednesday, released from custody Friday and then apprehended under provisions of the Mental Health Act. He was taken to a psychiatric facility in Victoria. He has not been charged with a crime.

Paul Large, the fiancé of Jones’ sister Tammy Walker, is the designated family spokesperson. He said other family members are unable to speak about the tragedy, except to provide a short tribute piece, which is at the end of this story. Large said they are still dealing with “the shock and the utter devastation of it because it’s so out of left field and so surreal. I think ‘surreal’ is the best word to use,” he said on Monday.

The Jones family is extremely close, said Large.

“I’ve never experienced such a tight-knit family,” he said. “They are just loving, loving people.”

Large said the family wants people to remember Heather as the wonderful person she was.

“You couldn’t not like her. She was just one of those people.”

For much more on this story, see the Dec. 13, 2017 issue of the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper, or subscribe online.

 

Family Tribute

Chelsea Jones has provided the following piece to the Driftwood about her sister Heather Jones on behalf of the Jones family.

On Wednesday, Dec. 6 we all lost one of the most amazing people anyone ever knew: Heather Jones; loved by all. My best friend, sidekick and the greatest auntie my kids could ever ask for.

Every day I spent with Heather was such an honour. I can still smell her, feel her, hear her. Her beautiful smile, her long golden hair, her big brown eyes, the way she danced around our house with many children. Man, we all looked silly. Always fun and smiling, even if she is hurting inside. 5’2” with the biggest heart.

Her whole life she worked so hard. She loved hard and she played hard.

I miss our coffee dates we had every afternoon and evening. Always young, happy, smiling, her favourite thing to do was to play on the swings. If you were sad, Heather would make your heart hurt less.

Her greatest wish was to hold her new granddaughter. Her biggest dream to have her children back in her life. Her greatest accomplishment Amber Cab Co.

Heather, you will always be in our hearts. You will always be by our side and you will never be forgotten.

New donor program invests in island arts

Driftwood Staff
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New donor program invests in island arts

As the Salt Spring Arts Council gets ready to celebrate 50 years of supporting the local creative community in 2018, the board has started the festivities early by announcing the new Salt Spring Arts Council Endowment Fund.

The SSAC Endowment Fund is a special form of donating that will contribute to the stability of the organization and the ongoing success of its many programs. It will be managed through the Salt Spring Island Foundation.

“The SSAC will receive an annual ‘dividend’ from the endowment fund that will be held by the Salt Spring Foundation in perpetuity, in the same way that the Rosmarie Behnke Fund is held by the foundation. Both will provide annual disbursements to support SSAC community programming,” a press release from the arts council board states.

The Salt Spring Arts Council is a not-for-profit 200-plus member organization that supports and promotes the arts through events, education, partnership and advocacy. Alongside ArtCraft — B.C.’s longest-running fine arts and craft exhibition — SSAC delivers a wide array of cultural programs and workshops. It initiated the Salt Spring National Art Prize in 2015, operates a successful gallery and provides funding to emerging and established visual, literary, performing artists and artisans.

The new endowment fund was initiated with a $10,000 donation from Janet Halliwell, a former arts council board member and long-term supporter.

“I am continually impressed by the dynamism and impact of the SSAC programs,” Halliwell stated. “From Art Jam, through youth-oriented programming like Artists in the Class to SSNAP, the SSAC programs provide rich cultural benefit to all parts of our community.

“At the same time, I am enormously sensitive to the challenge of ensuring the sustainability of these programs through external grants. I encourage others to contribute to this fund and through it the cultural health of Salt Spring.” 

The board says the fund is suitable for donors wishing to make larger donations, who would like to leave a legacy and provide for the long-term future of SSAC. Arts council supporters can make a donation of cash or securities to the Salt Spring Foundation for the SSAC Endowment Fund. They will be pooled in sustainable funds managed by the foundation.

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