This edition of Take 5 marks a very special milestone — we’re celebrating our 29th anniversary! It’s hard to believe that what started as a small community publication has grown into the trusted local voice it is today. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

CONTEST! $10,000 up to value

While you’re flipping through the pages, don’t forget to nominate someone deserving for the Rusty Shovel’s $10,000 Yard Makeover — what a incredible gift that would be for someone in our community! Full details are inside.

HOMETOWN TOURIST – $500 in Prizes

Summer is here and along with it comes the annual HomeTown Tourist Weekend June 20 & 21. The Nanaimo Airport joins us as a sponsor for our NEW giveaway of five $100. gift certificates!  Make sure you visit our event on Facebook and post your photos to WIN! #iamtaking5.

We love hearing from you if you have any story ideas, events or just suggestions on what you’d like to see covered, contact us at editor@take5.ca

If I remember anything from my mornings in January, February and March at TAKE 5 Newsmagazine, it will be the wide smile and heart-warming greetings from Nadine Wong as I stepped into the office.

It is said people remember not what was said to them over the years, but how they treated you.  As Nadine announced her well-deserved ‘retirement’ from three years of sales and marketing at the magazine in March, I felt a tinge of nostalgia.

Many in the region know Nadine for her many roles in the arts, and I will always remember the first time I met her in my small office four years ago at Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA).

I was involved in the LRCA’s communications and fundraising, and the well-attended Sunday summer concerts at Transfer Beach amphitheatre.

Nadine at that time was organizing Ladysmith Marine Association concerts on the dock at the community marina and went out of her way to connect so we weren’t stepping on each other’s toes with concert nights and band duplications.

She is, and will always be, one of the kindest people I ever met.  All the best Nadine, and I kind of expect to see your byline make its way back into TAKE 5 sometime soon.

As I bid adieu for a few months, enjoy reading the stories of our annual Green Edition.

Always so much more to tell you …

• Rick Rake and the TAKE 5 greenthumbs

My mind is on tapas, tacos and tequila as the March edition of Take 5 Magazine hits the streets.

Must admit I am mourning the loss of the Maya Norte restaurant in Ladysmith after it ceremoniously closed its doors on Feb. 28.  Culinary luminaries Anne Manning and Peg Montgomery introduced the restaurant to Ladysmith in 2017 and added a comfortable patio in 2019.

With change comes new opportunities.  Now opening in town are Owl’s Nest Bakery + Bistro (at the former In The Beantime building) and Sushi Kura Japanese Cuisine.  And Karen Love, owner of Beans and Banter Café and Creperie, reminded me that her eatery is celebrating its first year in April.

In February, I enjoyed succulent appetizers at the renovated 1948 Bar & Bistro at a Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce mixer, and I know visitors there will enjoy what’s waiting for them. Look for the Manana Resort & Marina dock expansion story inside today’s edition.

As St. Patrick’s Day inspires many to fill their glasses this month with drinks of all kinds, alcoholic or not, Take 5 writer Gabrielle Lee offers us on a tour of three local brewery/cidery businesses to see how they respond to market adjustments.

Thanks for allowing me to interact with you these last couple of months. I’ll be here for another couple of weeks, but I can assure you a publisher/editor (Marina Sacht) sighting in Ladysmith is definitely in the cards.

– Rick Rake and the Take 5 leprechauns

Also in this issue is the heartwarming tale by Kerith Waddington of a North Oyster Farm that is a sweet sanctuary for animals.

Francesca Pacchiano writes about the growing crisis in our backyard. This is not just a municipal problem, but requires more effort by all levels of government. Many unhoused people suffer from poor mental health and addictions and need more than a bed for the night. There have been ongoing fire incidents downtown and the potential loss would be a blow to this community. This complicated problem needs a new plan.  In the meantime, you can help out by making a donation to Ladysmith Resources Centre or Harvest House or any of the charities and foodbanks, and send an email to your local representatives and council asking for action.

On a lighter note, we are kicking off a series on Gulf Island living and Gabrielle Lee discovers the beauty of Ruxton Island. There are many special places to explore indeed.

Don’t forget to visit the beloved Cedar/Yellowpoint Artisan Tour, showcasing the area’s best artists and artisans just in time for Christmas.

See you at Light Up,

              -Marina Sacht and the TAKE 5 elves