november 12, 2013

Downtown Comox is a wonderful destination with a wide range of services,

unique shops, and enticing restaurants, cafes and pubs for all to enjoy.

There is also a stunning golf course, beautiful parks and gardens

and spectacular beaches only minutes away.

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2 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD COMOX BY THE SEA www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9� e Comox Valley Camera Club Show & Sale Showcase 2013 is at the Pearl Ellis Gallery until Nov 17

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16Comox By the Sea � e Mayor’s Tree Lighting Celebration At the Comox Centre Mall and Comox Town Circle 3:30-5:30pm

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19Antique Show and Sale at the Comox Mall on until Nov 23

Pearl Ellis Gallery Brushworks Show & Sale, on until Dec 8

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23Comox Recreation First Insurance Fes-tival for Families. Entertainment, live demos, retail fair, carnival zone 10am-1pm Comox Community Centre

Pearl Ellis Gallery Brushworks Re-ception Sat, Nov 23rd 1-4pm

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30Christmas at the Filberg Lodge and Christmas Cra� Fair 10am to 6pm

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1Christmas at the Filberg Lodge and Christmas Cra� Fair 10am to 4pm

Decorate a tree for the birds and deer at the Filberg Lodge 2pm to 4pm at the Christmas Café, AKA Filberg Tea House

Pet Photos with Santa atWoofy’s Pet Foods 12-4pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7Visit Santa at the Comox Mall 1-3pm photos by Karen Pantuso Photography

� e Filberg Lodge and Gi� Shop will be open for tours and shopping 11am-4pm

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8� e Filberg Lodge and Gi� Shop will be open for tours and shopping 11am-4pm

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10Pearl Ellis Gallery Christmas Fund-raising Show & Sale on until Jan 26 (Gallery closed Dec 22-Jan 13)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14� e Filberg Lodge and Gi� Shop will be open for tours and shopping 11am-4pm and Santa will visit from 1-3pm

Pearl Ellis Gallery Christmas Fund-raising Reception 1-4 pm Dec 14th

Visit Santa at the Comox Mall 1-3pm photos by Karen Pantuso Photography

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15Cranberry Mama is in the Filberg Lodge Gi� shop, 11am-4pm. � e Lodge will be open for tours.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21Visit Santa at the Comox Mall 1-3pm photos by Karen Pantuso Photography

Calendar of November is a month of change.The weather is cooler, sweaters and boots

are pulled out of our closets. Trees are begin-ning to drop leaves and before you know it, the joyous season of Christmas is upon us.

The Trees along Comox Avenue are decorated with twinkle lights and we should all feel gratitude for the peace and beauty of our small town.

Sadly, our down-town Comox Business Improvement Associa-tion was stunned by the unexpected passing of two prominent members this summer — former mayor and dentist Dr. Jim Brass and Donna Messer, the longtime owner of Arizona Gift Gallery.

Other members have moved on to new adventures and we wish them well: Tia from Otters Kitchen Cove, Heather from Island Treasures, Trish from Glow Beauty Bar and Aigul from the Purple Onion.

New faces downtown are always exciting and we welcome Devon from Twisted Plates Café, Roni from Tulip Spa and Dr. Brian Wong, the new dentist at Dr. Eaton’s of� ce. Jacquie at the Village Yarn Shoppe has moved into a bigger location on Comox Avenue and the Royal Lepage of� ce has moved spaces in the Comox Centre Mall.

And, we are all thrilled about the new gro-cery store, John Your Independent Grocer!

Event-wise, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting

Celebration gets started Saturday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at the Comox Centre Mall. Bring the family for complimentary tasting samples from our Comox restaurant chefs as well as free hot chocolate, activities and a guest ap-pearance from the merry old soul himself!

See you downtown!Valerie Porteous,Comox BIA President

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zena Williams

Feature editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Allan

Photographers and writers . . . . . . . . . . Mark Allan, Erin Haluschak,

Scott Stan� eld, Renee Andor, Earle Couper

Of� ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-338-5811

Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-338-5568

Mailing Address:765 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2Z7

E-mail: [email protected]

All material contained in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is expressly prohibited by the rights holder.

Life is good in Comox

A MESSAGEFROM THE

COMOX BIA

COMOX BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT Association president Valerie Porteous looks forward to seeing you in downtown Comox.

Your community. Your newspaper.COMOX VALLEY RECORD

a division of

www.comoxvalleyrecord.com COMOX BY THE SEA COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 3

Comox grocer gets reinvented

SCOTT STANFIELD Record Staff

Extra Foods has changed its name and expanded its operation at Comox Centre Mall.

After closing for several days at the end of October, it reopened Nov. 1 as John’s Your Independent Grocer.

Comox Mayor Paul Ives, along with Jeff Hampton and Faye Freisen of the Comox Valley Food Bank, were on hand to help store franchisee John Jerczynski and his team celebrate at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the neighbourhood and to serve our customers,” said Jerczynski, who opened the store in 2004, prior to which he worked at Extra

Foods at Park Royal in West Vancouver.

“Customers will be delighted to � nd a wide assortment of fresh items, including organic produce, meat and seafood, bakery and deli offerings.”

With 35 years of grocery retail experience, Jerczynski is passionate about customer service and fresh food. The store re� ects this commit-ment.

The grocery has 35 new positions — including a butcher — bringing the total number of part-time and full-time employees to 104.

The Meals to Go depart-ment features fresh, daily items including pizzas, hot entrees, salads, soup and sandwiches. Customers can now take home sliced meats

from an expanded deli area. Rounding out the store is

a full-service drugstore and pharmacy. Services include general pharmacist counsel, prescription services, a Food Allergy Management As-sessment program, diabetes

services and personalized blood pressure checks.

Customers can earn PC points, redeemable toward free groceries or merchandise when using a PC Financial, MasterCard or PC Financial no-fee daily banking debit

card.The store will help raise

food and funds during the Extra Helping Holiday Food Drive in December, which will bene� t the food bank.

The 38,000-square-foot store is open daily from 8

a.m. until 10 p.m.John’s Your Independent

Grocer is a banner store under Loblaw Companies, a subsidiary of George Weston Ltd., Canada’s largest food retailer. ❖

[email protected]

JOHN JERCZYNSKI OWNS JOHN’S YOUR INDEPENDENT GROCER, FORMERLY EXTRA FOODS AT COMOX CENTRE MALL.

★ Blackfin Gift Cards Available ★


ERIN HALUSCHAKRecord Staff

Celebrating 15 years of helping others live healthy lives, Jeanie’s Vitamin Centre is a one-stop shop to improve health and well-being.

The store, situated in the Comox Centre Mall, not only supplies vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements, but also houses an infrared sauna and space for those whom owner Jeanie Bruneau aids in cancer counselling.

Along with being an orthomo-lecular health practitioner (a health-care professional who specializes in maintaining or restoring biochem-istry and physiology in the body for health and well-being), Jeanie is also a certi� ed professional cancer coach and a registered holistic nutritionist.

“I offer mental, emotional and

spiritual support, and use a variety of different steps to help work with the client,” she explained.

Jeanie helps clients with assess-ments, steps to take, homework and sauna visits. Her nutritional assessments involve a questionnaire in which Jeanie assesses individual nutritional imbalances and weak-nesses.

Her in-store infrared sauna is a system in which the body is relieved of toxins and heavy metals. It also can provide relief from pain, � bro-myalgia, arthritis and psoriasis, in addition to other health issues.

Sessions in the sauna can be booked individually or as a group.

In addition, Jeanie offers nutri-tional assessments and live blood analysis by Carolyn Chalmers (these are performed primarily at her Campbell River store location).

Chalmers explained an analysis

can identify a number of conditions directly affecting the blood such as anemia, nutritional de� ciencies and immune system imbalances.

“People are de� nitely more aware of their health now … most people come in with a speci� c

health issue and want to know what they can do or what they can do for preventative measures,” noted Jeanie.

She added about six years ago, she expanded and opened her second location in Campbell River,

and can work directly with clients in both locations.

For more information, or to book a session with Jeanie or Car-olyn, call 250-890-0037 or e-mail [email protected]. ❖

[email protected]

JEANIE’S VITAMINS IN THE COMOX CENTRE MALL, RUN BY JEANIE BRUNEAU (INSET), BILLS ITSELF AS ‘A ONE-STOP SHOP’ FOR BETTER HEALTH. PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

Want to feel well?Jeanie can help

Ensure that you’re well protected.

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www.comoxvalleyrecord.com Comox by the Sea COMOX VALLEY RECORD • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 5

Saturday, November 16

I N V I T E S Y O U T O J O I N U S A T

at the COMOX CENTER MALL and COMOX TOWN CIRCLE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

THE MAYOR’S

TREE LIGHTINGTREE LIGHTINGTREE LIGHTINGTREE LIGHTINGCele� ation

G U E S T A P P E A R A N C E B Y

Santa Claus!

3:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Inside the Comox Mall- Kid’s Craft tables, caroling, magician and face painting. Santa will be handing out special treats to good boys and girls. We welcome the public to partake in our first ever Comox BIA Restaurant Chef’s Complementary Food Tasting.

3.30 pm to 4:00 pm: Tastings featuring Gigi’s Restaurant specialties from Chef Darin 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm: Tastings featuring Twisted Dishes Cafe specialties

from Chef Devon. 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Tastings from The Tee Box Restaurant’s own Chef Adrian. 4:30 to 5:30 pm: Free Hot Chocolate at the Town Circle compliments

of the Salvation Army. 5:00 pm: Follow the parade of caroling with the 7th Komux Brownies and

1st Comox Beavers out to Town Circle for Christmas Carols and the Comox Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mayor Paul Ives and our special Guest, Santa Claus!

HER HAPPINESSOUR BOTTOM LINE

was

Ann was delighted to discoverAnn was delighted to discover

Our experts took a genuine interest in helping Ann achieve her goals and dreams, and great things happened for her.

Our experts are ready to help with your banking, insurance,wealth management or business services needs. Visit us at the

Comox Community Branch or online at cccu.ca.

CRE DIT UNION | INSURANCE | INVESTMENTS | BUS I NESS SERVI C ES

COMOX COMMUNITY BRANCH1797 Comox Avenue

Credit Union: 250.703.4234 | Insurance: 250.703.4201

Chimo Gymnastics“The Valley’s Gymnastics Club”

Located at Comox Recreation Centre: 1855 Noel Ave., ComoxChimogymnastics.ca 250-339-2255

We believe inchildren having fun

while buildingself-esteem & con� dence

through working hard to achieve

personal goals.

FALL GYMNASTICS,ongoing registration where room allows.

Limited availability in some classesfor toddlers to advanced recreational and specialty classes.

WINTER SESSION begins JANUARY 4TH, 2014.Registration opens in December.

Many classes � ll quickly, don’t be disappointed!


Pearl Ellis Gallery has great Christmas gifts

Come on down to the gallery in wonder-ful downtown Comox this November and December.

Take advantage of the three distinctive exhibits that will be offered to help you with a gift choice or just to escape and unwind.

The � rst show currently on display is Showcase 2013 presented by the Comox Valley Camera Club.

This group will treat you to a variety of images ranging from traditional landscapes, wildlife, portraits, seascapes, architecture to abstracts, representing a variety of photo-graphic styles. The last day of this show is Nov. 17.

Our second show of our countdown to Christmas is the annual exhibit by Brush-works Nov. 19 to Dec. 8. Brushworks is a diverse painting group of 28 members in-cluding such artists as Brenda Calhoun, Peter Moore, Juanita Olson, Lynne Sweetman and Betty Boyle.

The resulting artwork is varied and impres-sive. Visitors can expect to see quality pieces of artwork in watercolour, acrylic and oils.

Finally, count down number three, the Christmas Fundraiser event, Dec. 10 to Dec.

21 an art extravaganza of over 50 pieces priced at $400.00 or less.

Visitors can expect to see quality pieces of work by local artists. This is an all-media event so there will be everything from paint-ings in watercolour, acrylic, oil, plus photog-raphy and steel.

Along with the 50 or more pieces being brought into the show there will be a number of donated fundraiser pieces that are part of the gallery’s inventory from current and past artists.

These donated pieces will be changed each Monday during the show and new pieces will be hung in their place. These inventory fundraiser pieces will be sold through silent auction.

The proceeds from this sale go to support the gallery high school bursary program and operation costs.

What would be a better way to start off your Christmas shopping than attending an art show. There is bound to be something for all tastes!

Along with your Christmas shopping don’t forget the gallery offers a large array of cards

DAVID SUTHER’S PHOTO CALLED HERON NESTING WAS AWARDED SECOND PLACE IN THE SHOWCASE 2012 PRESENTED BY THE COMOX VALLEY CAMERA CLUB. THE SHOW IS AT THE PEARL ELLIS GALLERY NOW.

CON’T ON PAGE 7


and several books by local artists. Remember, visitors to the gallery not only

get a chance to see great art displays, but, are able to view the wonderful displays in the Co-mox Archives Museum that shares our space.

Something new being offered by the mu-seum is a newly released copy of a manuscript of Mack Laing that has never been published before. This is an interesting read and gives a great deal of insight into the life of one of Comox’s outstanding characters.

Throughout our Christmas fundraising show the gallery encourages the public, and gallery members to drop off food items in support of the Comox Valley Food Bank.

The gallery is located at 1729 Comox Ave.The Christmas Fundraiser runs from Dec.

10 to Jan. 26. The gallery will close for a Christmas break

from Dec. 22 to Jan. 13.For more information, see www.pearlellis-

gallery.com. We are also on Facebook. ❖— Pearl Ellis Gallery

con’t from page 6

cecIL tUrnBULL’S SHot aUtUmn moSaIc earneD fIrSt pLace In SHoWcaSe 2012.

Fundraiser begins Dec. 10

PARK CHRISTMAS LIGHTSwill be on throughout the holiday

season til January 2nd with the park open until 10pm

for all to enjoy.

FILBERG LODGE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRALL WEEKEND ~ Saturday, November 30, 10am-6pm

& Sunday, December 1, 10am to 4pm.

Join us and enjoy “Unique Christmas Shopping” with items for sale by crafters, in the beautifully decorated Filberg Lodge.

Soap, holiday cards, sauces, yummy holiday treats, coffee, jewellery, Christmas table centers, YANA Christmas crackers, children’s clothes, toys and much more. The Filberg Gift Shop will be open.

AMAZINGRAFFLE

WIN AN ‘EXPERIENCECOMOX’ BASKET

Full of fun adventuresand gift certifi cates

to enjoy around Comox!

SPONSORED BY:

Blackfin Pub at the Marinawww.blackfinpub.com

Comox Harbour Charterscomoxharbourcharters.com

Simon’s Cycleswww.simoncycle.ocm

Comox Recreationcomox.ca/recreation

Baybrook Bed & Breakfastbaybrookbythesea.com

CHRISTMASCAFE

ALL WEEKENDin the Tea House

Stop by for hot cocoa, warm apple cider and

Christmas baked goods,all available for purchase.

DECORATE THE TREE

SUNDAY AFTERNOON,Dec. 1 from 2 to 4pm

Come by with family & friends and bring nature inspired

DECORATIONSFOR THE BIRDS

& ANIMALS

that will adorn a donated treeon the Christmas Cafe Patio.

(ie. pinecones dipped in suet and bird seeds, berries or popcorn strings

~ all materials edible and compostable)

Christmas at the LodgeNovember 30 & December 1, 2013

Christmas at the LodgeF I R S T A N N U A L

61 Filberg Road | Comox

WWW.FILBERG.COM

2400 Cliffe Avenue,Courtenay

250.338.04552056S S. Island Highway,

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250.338.042446-1760 Comox Ave. Comox

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Locally Owned & Operated Since 1977


Pickleball catching on hereEARLE COUPERRecord Staff

Pickleball is the fast-est-growing sport in North America.

So says Pickleball Canada. And according to Pickleball B.C., the Comox Valley is the leader in fastest growth of the sport in the province.

With the encouragement of local sports facilities, ven-ues have been arranged at the Comox Community Centre and Native Sons Hall as well as outdoors at Martin Park and Highland Park.

“This community com-mitment to pickleball makes us the envy of the sport,” a local spokesperson said.

What makes the sport of pickleball so appealing?

Pickleball is a combina-tion of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Games are played as doubles or singles

on a badminton-sized court with the net about two inch-es lower than a tennis net.

The ball is a small poly-mer version of a wif� e ball so it does not travel too fast when hit by a wooden pad-dle (or racquet).

At a recent pickleball ses-sion at the Comox Commu-nity Centre, the action was fast and furious as doubles teams volleyed the ball back and forth across the net.

One of the participants was Jane Austin, the member-ship chair for Zone 2 of the BC Seniors Games Society. She noted the game is ideally suited to the Valley’s wet winter months when being indoors and having fun beats being outdoors and battling the elements.

Austin was one of several Comox Valley competitors who excelled in the sport JANE AUSTIN IS THE PICKLEBALL MEMBERSHIP CHAIR FOR

ZONE 2 OF THE BC SENIORS GAMES SOCIETY. CON’T ON PAGE 9

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at the 2013 Seniors Games in Kamloops. She won silver in women’s singles and teamed with husband Bob to win silver in mixed doubles.

Harold Osbourne (Pickleball Canada’s area ambassador for Courtenay) and Peter Shostak won gold in men’s doubles, and Shostak teamed with Karen Pensiuk to win bronze in mixed doubles.

Competition is just one facet of the game; many enjoy it for the social aspects and to be ac-

tive and stay � t. Those interested in playing can contact their local recreation or seniors centre for more information. Lessons are available.

The sport’s name is a story in itself.

In 1996 American politician Joel Pritchard promised his children he would invent a new game for them. He lowered the net on his backyard badminton court, then went to his shed to fashion paddles out of plywood. Finally he borrowed a wif� e ball from his neighbour and the

game of pickleball was born.The Pritchards named the

game after their dog Pickle, who is said to have chased the ball every time it went out of bounds.

From those humble be-ginnings, pickleball is now an organized sport represented by national and international governing bodies. In Canada it is estimated there are more than 5,000 players in four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Que-bec and Ontario. ❖

[email protected]

Game named for dog

THE COMOX VALLEY IS PICKLEBALL’S FASTEST-GROWING AREA IN THE PROVINCE.

CON’T FROM PAGE 8

10 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD Comox by the Sea www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

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Spinal Decompression TherapySpinal decompression is a non-surgical, computerized, traction-based treatment for herniated disc and low back pain. The TRITION DTS is a leader in spinal decompression therapy systems and is available at Comox Chiropractic.

250.339.4433#203-1723 Comox Ave., Comox BC

www.comoxchiropractic.com

We are nowoff ering Saturday

Appointments

Dr. Douglas Price Dr. Jeremy Buhay

Our Intention: ‘... to create Opportunities for

those individuals who choose to reach for their Optimum Human Potential.’

250.941.8378102-1723 Comox Ave.

www.gordonhearing.ca

Jason Gordon M.Sc., Aud (C)Registered Audiologist

❏✔ Expertise:Only Clinic in the Valley witha full-time audiologist.

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Audiology andHearing Aid Centre

Gordon HearingServices

250.941.0488 101A-1771 Comox Ave.

www.flossdentalhygiene.ca

Book your nextdentAl CleAning today!in a spa-like relaxed atmosphere

Services we could provide:Preventative Dental Treatment

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Sport MouthguardsRadiographs

Desensitization

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Tami Varney, RMTRegistered Massage Therapist

My massage practice is your source for health, healing, and meditation. I am committed to providing you with the opportunity to reach your optimum potential through my hands on care.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Amongst the boutique shops in downtown Comox is a

large variety of professional offices. Comox offers practices

ranging from medical care to business and legal services.

The friendly reception and staff and the wide variety of

professional services that are offered is one of the many

reasons people from all over Vancouver Island visit Comox

by the Sea. These professionals are committed to offer top

quality service and care.

1 2 3 4

Comox Professionals


Now off ering:• Manual & Manipulative Therapy• IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)• Ergonomic Evaluations• Acupuncture

Treatment for:• Sports Injuries• TMJ Dysfunction• Post Surgical Rehabilitation• Neck & Back Injuries• Myofascial Pain Dysfunction

Our Team of Physiotherapists

250.339.1039141A Nordin Street, Comox BC

www.ascentphysiotherapy.com

*Registered Physiotherapists with the College of Physical Therapists of BC.Kendra Mulligan Physical Therapist Corp.

Kendra Mulligan*BScPT, CGIMS, RCAMT

Tannis Harrison*B.MR.(P.T.)

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Dr. Leo C. Johnson Inc.FAMILY DENTISTRY

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A full service Family Dental Practice.• Digital X-rays • Oral & Nitrous Sedation

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Comox Professionals

Comox Recreation Presents the:

Saturday, November 23 10am-1pmComox Community Centre

1855 Noel Avenue, Comox • (250) 339-2255www.comox.ca

FIRST INSURANCE

FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES

with Generous Sponsorship from:

Entertainment

Live Demos

Retail Fair

Carnival Zone

Entry by Donation toSecret Santa

Booth Rentals Available:$45 for One Table$60 for Two Tables1747 Comox Ave., Comox BC ■ 250-339-3911

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SCOTT STANFIELD Record Staff

Les Spilsbury — mainte-nance manager for 30-plus years at the Comox Centre Mall — retires in June.

Over the years, the 67-year-old has watched the building transform from a strip mall (when it � rst opened in 1966) to an attractive building with sky lights, wood beams and rockwork.

He recalls a time when he placed a bucket in the roof to catch the rain.

“That was my middle name, bucket,” said Spilsbury, who oversees three part-time work-ers. “We had buckets hanging, mostly in the shops.

“And then all of a sudden it started coming in the common area. We had buckets and plastic and everything stacked all over the place, until we � nally got the roof done.”

The affable Spilsbury is on a � rst-name basis with many patrons, some of whom pass through the doors on a daily basis.

He said the mall contains fewer shops than in previ-ous years. Before Extra Foods (recently renamed John’s Your Independent Grocer), he said there were numerous shops at the north end, as many as 15 at one time. Only one year, in the early-’90s, he recalls the entire mall was full of tenants.

“The drop in the markets — it’s a slow recovery and people just don’t want to take a chance,” said Spilsbury, who was born in Victoria. “The big box stores come in and it really scares them — takes away what they sell.”

Spilsbury started the job in the early 1980s, taking over from his father, also named Les, who worked at the mall about eight months to index his

pension. Father and son worked together for a short while.

Previously, he had worked as a cook in a logging camp on the Island, where he needed an industrial � rst aid ticket. He passed with � ying colours but ended up failing due to a glitch.

“I went from around a $25 an hour job to a $5-an-hour job,” said Spilsbury, who calls himself “a poor custodian.

“I would have been retired a long time ago had I been work-ing at the camp.”

On the other hand, he wasn’t expecting to retire until age 99.

“I plan on living until over 100. So I’m going to work ‘til I’m 99 and then I’ll have a year of bliss and then I don’t care what happens after that.”

In the new year, Spilsbury will show the new maintenance manager the ropes, which involves custodial and mainte-nance work. ❖

[email protected]

NEARING RETIREMENT, LES SPILSBURY HAS BEEN THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER AT THE COMOX CENTRE MALL FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. PHOTO BY SCOTT STANFIELD

He’s seen it all at the mall

MALL OPEN: Mon to Sat

9:30am - 5:30pmSun & Holidays,

11am - 4pm

www.comoxmall.ca • 250-339-7344 • “like” us on facebook

ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE: Nov 19-23VISIT SANTA: Dec 7, 14, and 21 - 1pm to 3pm each daySanta Photos by: KAREN PANTUSO PHOTOGRAPHY

GIFTS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • SPECIALITY STORES • EATERIES • FOODS & DRUG • FASHION

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250.941.1986 or 250.702.7682

1801 Comox Ave.,Comox BC

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Our ShowroomOur Showroom

250.941.1986 or 250.941.1986 or

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Tee up your appetite in ComoxMARK ALLANRecord Staff

If you’re like most people thinking about eating out, a golf course isn’t one of the � rst things that comes to mind.

You might want to rethink your approach.

Adrian Merrilees has been chef at the Comox Golf Club’s restaurant for almost a year, renaming it the Tee Box after the previous owner left and took the name of the restaurant.

“We had a competition on Facebook regarding the name of the restaurant and … the Tee Box came up one of the favourites on the list,” the affable Kiwi recalled.

Many changes followed.“We redesigned the

whole menu because it was deep-fried food in the past,” explained Merrilees, who

shared his food philosophy that has developed for 15 or 16 years in the industry.

“I like simple � avours and simple food … we decid-ed to start a winter menu to start us off … and see what the clientele wanted. Once we had that vision of what people wanted – fresh � avours and fresh food — we sort of opened up our menu and created a decent summer menu.”

Although the chef is in the process of unveiling a new winter menu, a recent visit il-lustrated how his philosophy translates in a menu.

Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. features a selection of hearty, basic dishes.

The lunch menu is not exotic, but will reward diners looking for something a little different.

I opened with a bowl of shrimp chowder. I was going

to order something else, but delayed that call thanks to a warning from our waiter, who said some people are satis� ed with it as a meal unto itself.

Scott, my lunch compan-ion, was impressed with his Comox Club salad, which normally comes topped with bacon, egg, chicken and avocado, served with creamy basil dressing on the side.

Chef Adrian added a side of aioli, a sort of French mayonnaise made of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and egg yolks.

“The more I eat, the hungrier I get,” said Scott, complimenting the chef.

In the interest of inform-ing readers, I then ordered the southwest salad, which turned out to be a � avourful dining experience on its own. There was just enough spice to give it an enjoyable zing –

and of course the veggies that I know are good for me.

I was still enjoying the salad the next day. It was the best lunch I’ve packed for myself in months.

Other Tee Box lunch favourites include burgers, sandwiches, wraps and � sh and chips, although the new winter menu will likely be in effect by the time you get there after reading this.

On the lunch menu were sweet treats such as fresh muf� ns, chocolate brownies with ice cream and New York baked cheesecake.

The Tee Box does catering, too.

For more information, phone 250-339-7272, e-mail [email protected], visit www.teeboxcomox.com or drop into the restaurant at the Comox Golf Club at 1718 Balmoral Ave. ❖

[email protected]

THIS SIGN CAPTURES THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE AT THE TEE BOX RESTAURANT AT THE COMOX GOLF CLUB.

PHOTO BY MARK ALLAN

Sushi KoboTake-Out SushiFRESH made to orderTues. - Sat. 11:00 am - 7:00 pmCLOSED Sunday, Monday & Holidays

250-339-3222 Fax: 250-339-32801773 Comox Avenue, Comoxwww.sushikobo.com1775 Comox Ave., Comox • 250-339-6111

ArtSupplies

BlueHeron Books

A great selection of • Cards• Day Planners• Journals• Books


Knitting gets noisy in ComoxRENEE ANDORRecord Staff

Knitting in the Village is not simply about knitting a fancy new hat or scarf — it’s also a friendly get-together many women look forward to each week.

Noticing a lack of daytime knitting circles, Village Yarn Shoppe owner Jacquie Nicholson started the social knitting group about � ve years ago.

Also, “I noticed that there was ladies coming in the store that were new to Valley or living on their own, and looking to meet like-minded friends and things like that,” recalls Nicholson. “So, I just started having it and it’s just grown from there, and it’s just been great.”

The group meets each Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Village Yarn Shoppe, located at 103A, 1705 Comox Ave. Nicholson notes the group started out small with three or four ladies, but now sometimes as many as 25 women show up to knit and chat.

“It gets pretty noisy in here,” Nicholson says with a laugh. “It’s very popular. A lot of great friendships have been made through it, and it’s been a real good thing.”

She adds about 60 to 70 per cent of the participants are regulars, attending every week.

“Some of them have said that it’s just really made a big difference in their lives,” she continues. “You know, they’ve moved here and not had any connections or friendships, and they’ve really connected with other ladies here and made friends that go outside the shop.

“So, it’s been a real good experience for a lot of the ladies, outside of the knitting itself.”

As for the knitting, Nich-olson says everyone simply brings whatever project they’re working on and sits and knits together. Crochet-ers are also welcome.

She adds the knitting group is a good way for par-ticipants to grow their skills.

“It’s not a class where peo-ple come to learn formally but there’s always learning to be had because, basically if there’s 24 people here and one person asks a question, you’ll get 23 answers, so it is a place of learning as well,” she explains.

“And people will get inspired and motivated by what other people are work-ing on, so it’s interesting to watch some of the beginner knitters — how they go out-side of their little safety zone and start something more challenging.”

Though the odd young person has attended, Nicholson says most of the women are retired, due to

the daytime schedule of the group. Men are welcome, too, though Nicholson says it’s been uncommon for men to show up.

Meanwhile, Nicholson started another knitting group, this one called Pints and Purls. On the � rst Monday of each month the group gets together at a local restaurant for dinner, knitting

and visiting. “People can just show up

and they just buy their own dinner and drinks or whatev-er they want — whether it’s tea or beer, it doesn’t matter,” she says with a laugh.

For more information, stop by Village Yarn Shoppe at 103A, 1705 Comox Ave. or call 250-339-2474. ❖

[email protected]

CAMARADERIE IS CLEARLY ONE OF THE ATTRACTIONS OF ATTENDING A WEEKLY SOCIAL KNITTING GROUP CALLED KNITTING IN THE VILLAGE AT THE VILLAGE YARN SHOPPE. PHOTOS BY RENEE ANDOR

EARLE COUPERRecord Staff

He likes baseball, hockey and soccer.

But when prompted, Diesel McGill Baum has no problem saying he enjoys dodgeball. Why?

“It’s athletes versus coach-es, and they get to bean the coaches,” says Susan DeGryp.

“And the coaches always win, right Diesel?” DeGryp asks. And Diesels’s broad smile leaves no doubt that is most de� nitely not the case.

That exchange took part Tuesday at the École au-Coeur-de-L’ile gym, where instructor DeGryp was pre-paring for the weekly Special Olympics Comox Valley FUNdamentals session with her � ve-person class.

The program is in its third year in the Valley, and the bond between the partici-pants, parents and coaches is readily apparent. As is the tear in DeGryp’s eye when she says she is moving to Victoria and will miss her Special Olympics friends big time.

“I work for the school dis-trict, but my favourite hour every week is right here,” De-Gryp said of the weekly 5 to 6 p.m. gathering. “The kids

are fantastic and the parents are fantastic, too.”

The feeling is more than mutual, says Diesel’s mom Brooke McGill, who along with husband Wil Baum owns Smitty’s Restaurant in Comox.

“FUNdamentals is abso-lutely wonderful,” McGill said. “If it fell apart because Susan is leaving, I’d be very sad. All the parents would be very sad. We all enjoy Tues-day nights together. We just love it. It’s great.”

The search is underway to � ll the big shoes left by DeGryp’s departure. Those interested in being part of a rewarding experience can contact Bobby Debrone, manager of community development for Special Olympics British Columbia on Vancouver Island at 250-208-5402 or [email protected].

“Experience is considered an asset but not mandatory,” Debrone said.

Smitty’s Restaurant in Comox is a big booster of both Special Olympics and the Comox Valley Thera-peutic Riding Society, where 12-year-old Diesel is also active. He also enjoys weekly bowling and swimming with Bob Gamble with Comox

Valley Child Development Centre.

FUNdamentals is a sports program for athletes between the ages of seven and 12. It introduces the values of positive movement experiences during childhood

development, the importance of nutrition, and sport-speci� c activities aimed at improving basic motor and sport skills.

The program is geared toward a sport speci� c ad-aptation of soccer, softball,

athletics and basketball. There are 85 athletes reg-

istered with Special Olympics Comox Valley, and many have proudly represented the Valley on the provincial, national and international level.

Randy James is the local coordinator and can be reached at [email protected]. More information on Special Olympics is available at www.specialolympics.bc.ca. ❖

[email protected]

For more info (250) 941- 2838 or gigi-comox.ca

1832 COMOX AVENUEMON 11:30-2:30; TUES-SAT 11:30-2:30 & 5-8; SUN CLOSED • FULLY LICENCED

Come in and try out our new menu,

which contains gluten free items.

Our Chinese Hot Pot, new to the valley, is

a must try! A heathy and fun way to eat and

entertain.

• Brick Oven Pizza by the slice

• Wood Fired Artisan Breads

• Fresh Doughnuts, Pastries & Muffins

• Coffee, Soup & Sandwiches

250-890-3200

221-A Church St.

Mon. to Fri., 8 - 5:30

The Comox Valley’s

OnlyWood Fired

Artisan Bakery


FUNDAMENTALS PARTICIPANT DIESEL McGILL BAUM IS FLANKED BY COACHES MACKEY FAIRWEATHER (LEFT) AND SUSAN DeGRYP. PHOTO BY EARLE COUPER

Learning theFUNdamentals

We are located downtown Comox right on the main streetacross from the Comox Centre Shopping Mall.

1729 Comox Avenue, Comoxwww.ComoxMuseum.ca

Comox Museum& Archives

FREE ADMISSION ~ Donations Gratefully AcceptedTUESDAY-SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM • SUNDAY 1PM - 4PM

...Where Local History Lives

~Sympli~Cutloose~Tribal

~Kooi~Metalicus~Icelandic Designs

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cottage2041797 COMOX AVE., DOWNTOWN COMOX • 250.941.2001

MONDAY TO SATURDAY • WINTER HOURS: 10:00 TO 5:00


RENEE ANDORRecord Staff

Dr. Bryan Wong instantly liked Comox and Dr. Joan Eaton’s dental practice, so he leapt at the chance to move here.

Wong, 25, completed a practicum in 2012 at Eaton’s Comox practice, Dr. Joan Eaton Inc.

“I had a great experience. I really, really liked, not just the fact that the of� ce was great, but Joan herself is really, really good — all the people that work here made me feel really welcome,” recalls Wong. “And then on top of that, Comox really got to me.”

After � nishing his dental studies at the University of British Columbia in May, Wong moved to Comox in June to join Eaton at her practice. Eaton notes she hadn’t considered adding another dentist to her practice before.

“However, he was such a good � t,” she explains. “We all liked him, we enjoyed having him here, his work was good — I had a chance to supervise his work and know that he was good — and the fact that he wanted to come here.”

As well, Eaton says the of� ce can now offer more extended hours thanks to Wong’s help. The of� ce at 1-1822 Comox Ave. is now open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. It’s closed Friday to

Sunday.Wong adds Eaton’s personality adds to the

quality dental care patients receive at Dr. Joan Eaton Inc., and he believes his personality contributed to her decision to take him on.

“Joan just has that extra personality and ability to communicate with the patients in a fashion that makes them feel as if they’re in control of their own situation or their own oral health care,” says Wong. “I’m fairly patient-centred as well, and I think a lot of those qualities Joan probably saw in me, too, and so that’s why she did offer the position to me.”

Wong enjoys the slower pace of Comox, noting he appreciates a change from the hus-tle and bustle of Vancouver. He also appreci-ates the outdoor activities the Comox Valley has to offer.

“I’m a big skier, really big skier. I like biking quite a bit,” he says, adding he joined a squash league at the Comox Recreation Centre, too.

“You have the mountain, you have hiking, you have the ocean right by here, � shing and all that — there’s just a lot that Comox and Courtenay offer.”

Dr. Joan Eaton Inc. provides general dentistry services. For more information, visit www.drjoaneaton.ca, e-mail [email protected] or call 250-941-2200. ❖

[email protected]

DR. BRYAN WONG JOINS DR. JOAN EATON AT HER COMOX PRACTICE. WONG COMPLETED A PRACTICUM WITH EATON IN 2012 THEN CAME BACK TO COMOX TO STAY AFTER HE FINISHED HIS SCHOOLING IN VANCOUVER. PHOTO BY RENEE ANDOR

Glad to be in Valley

Welcome to COMOX!

Town of Comox

The Town of Comox, in partnership with the Comox BIA, welcomes both residents and visitors alike to our beautiful revitalized downtown.

Come browse in the many shops in the downtown core, participate in the mix of special events in and around the marina, and experience the uniqueness that is…


RENEE ANDORRecord Staff

Performer Marlene Oolo brings a wide array of local entertainment to Comox’s Ber-wick during Entertainment Hour.

Oolo has volunteered to organize Enter-tainment Hour, (formerly called Story Time), at the retirement community, Berwick, for several years, and she says she does it because she loves entertaining people and likes to make them happy.

“I’ve got a saying written on my wall,” says Oolo. “’If I can brighten someone’s day, and chase their weary cares away, morning, night and afternoon, my heart would sing a happy tune.’ That’s my mandate.”

Berwick’s marketing manager Linda Ruth-erford says attendees certainly appreciate the acts.

“Really it’s just been a wonderful, wonder-ful program for our residents,” says Ruther-ford. “Our residents absolutely love Entertain-ment Hour and we also have a very dedicated following of residents from the community.

“It’s not just for our residents; it is open to Comox Valley seniors to come to Berwick, to have an afternoon program of entertainment of some kind, and then Berwick, for our part, we provide afternoon tea following.”

Entertainment Hour happens monthly except for the summer months and Decem-ber. From 2 to 3 p.m., usually on the third Tuesday of the month, local entertainers put

on a show. Content varies greatly; sometimes an author reads from a book, (hence the orig-inal name of Story Time), sometimes a singer or a group of singers performs and sometimes a scene from a local theatre production is shown.

“I’ve had singers come in. I’ve had practi-cally all the theatre groups doing teasers for me. I’ve had a couple of wonderful people who tell stories. I’ve had a couple of gentle-men who have wonderful singing voices,” says Oolo, who books entertainers months in advance due to their often-hectic schedules.

“And if I can’t get anybody, well I just get the people who are in the audience to talk about themselves, and the hour goes so darn fast,” adds Oolo.

Entertainment Hour is free to attend but registration is requested as seating is limited to 50 people. To register, call Berwick’s recre-ation department at 250-890-2338.

Oolo had a long and successful career in dance and theatre in Toronto before she retired in the Comox Valley. For 40 years she worked in television, performing on various live CBC television shows. She’s performed in countless dance and musical theatre produc-tions.

Though Oolo of� cially retired when she moved here in the ‘90s, she’s still very much involved in the Comox Valley arts scene; currently she’s preparing for the Co-Val Cho-risters’ production of Les Misérables, showing later this month. ❖ [email protected]

LONGTIME PERFORMER MARLENE OOLO IS THE WOMAN WHO MAKES ENTERTAINMENT HOUR HAPPEN AT BERWICK COMOX VALLEY. PHOTO BY RENEE ANDOR

Berwick days brighter

LOCAL ARTISTS

SHOWCASING

A VOLUNTEER RUN NON-PROFIT SOCIETY

1729 COMOX AVENUE • 250-339-2822www.pearlellisgallery.com

Countdown to Christmasat the PEARL ELLIS GALLERY.

GALLERY EVENTSComox Valley Camera Club “Showcase 2013” (Last day Nov 17th)

Brushworks – Nov 19th – Dec 8th (Reception Sat, Nov 23rd);

Pearl Ellis Gallery – Christmas Fundraising Show Dec 10 to Jan 26Reception Dec 14th

Gallery closed Dec 22 to Jan 13 ~ Reopening on Jan 14

221C Church St., Comox BC

250-941-7824www.blindsbilliardsandbaubles.com

† Purchase any combination of 4 Silhouette,® Duette® or Vignette® shades with LiteRise® between September 1 and December 15, 2013 and receive a $200 manufacturer’s rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades you’ll receive an extra $40 for each.To learn more about LiteRise,® please visit hunterdouglas.ca. Valid at participating dealers only. *Shades of Joy manufacturer’s rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of Hunt Diversifi ed Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

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Filberg festival for Christmas

ERIN HALUSCHAKRecord Staff

Christmas is coming early for the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, and this year, they are offering a crafty twist on the holiday.

Val Graham of the Lodge’s Gift Shop, explained they are opening the historic building later this month and in De-cember for a Christmas Fair, which will feature a variety of gifts and items throughout the building.

“We will use most of the main � oor; the bedrooms, the kitchen and the dining room will have displays and there will be a bake sale as well in the tea house,” she noted.

Fresh table centres will

also be for sale on the porch of the home and the gift shop will be open, Graham added.

“We’re really excited about this, it’s raising the level of adrenaline of volunteers, and it’s great to have the support of the board.”

The inaugural fair will take place Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. respectively.

Graham said the variety of vendors will include sewing/handicrafts, a honey supplier, jewelry, clothes and more.

She added popular local charity You Are Not alone (YANA) will also have a booth for their annual Christmas cracker campaign.

The gift shop upstairs will feature collectibles, glass

and pottery, many which are donated; Graham noted the shop will also be open Dec. 6 and 7, and 14 and 15 for Christmas shopping.

Additionally, Kathy Jerritt

of Tria Fine Catering and Gourmet Eats will cook in the lodge’s kitchen during the fair.

“The smells will evoke Christmas,” added Graham.

All funds from the gift shop are returned for the maintenance and preserva-tion of the lodge and park.

To donate items for the gift shop and to arrange pick

up, contact Val at 250-339-7659.

To schedule a tour or for more information, contact the lodge of� ce at 250-339-2715. ❖

A CHRISTMAS FAIR HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE TYPICALLY FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE AT FILBERG PARK FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR.FILE PHOTO

20 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • COMOX VALLEY RECORD Comox by the Sea www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

OUR HOSPITALITY

YOUR HOME!

The Comox Valley’s premiere retirement residence offers seniors…Independent climate control in each suite (Heating and Air Conditioning)Three delicious meals daily prepared by our Executive Chef and his team

Weekly housekeeping and linen laundry serviceSocial and recreational programming for your body, mind and spirit

… all offered in luxurious surroundings in the heart of downtown Comox.Call today for more information and to book your personal tour.

Find out how you could be living here!

OUR HOSPITALITYOUR HOSPITALITY

YOUR HOME!

The Comox Valley’s premiere retirement residence offers seniors…Independent climate control in each suite (Heating and Air Conditioning)Independent climate control in each suite (Heating and Air Conditioning)Three delicious meals daily prepared by our Executive Chef and his team

Weekly housekeeping and linen laundry serviceSocial and recreational programming for your body, mind and spirit

… all offered in luxurious surroundings in the heart of downtown Comox.Call today for more information and to book your personal tour.

Find out how you could be living here!

BERWICK COMOX VALLEY1700 Comox Avenue, Comox BC V9M 4H4

Tel: 250-339-1690www.berwickretirement.com

Bright SpaciousONEBEDROOMSUITE

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november 12, 2013

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