NEWSLETTERMarch 2016 Culture Heritage

N A N A I M O

I T ’ S W H O W E A R E

What’s New in March

Reserve your tickets now for the April 13 Awards Ceremony!Join us for an evening of recognition and entertainment by Nanaimo’s very own local talent. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Culture & Heritage Awards honour the best of Nanaimo’s culture and heritage. Council has announced the 2016 award recipients, who will be honoured at a special ceremony on April 13 at the Port Theatre.

Click here to reserve your FREE tickets!

W E D N E S D A Y , A P R I L 13 , 2 0 16 7 : 0 0 P M ( D O O R S O P E N @ 6 : 3 0 P M )

P O R T T H E AT R E , N A N A I M O B C

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E B E S T O F N A N A I M O ’ S C U LT U R E & H E R I T A G E

HO S T E D B Y K A I T B U R G A N , S H A W T V

A W A R D S C E R E M O N Y

C U LT U R E & H E R I T A G E1620

C I T Y O F N A N A I M O ’ S

P R E S E N T E D B Y T H E P O R T T H E AT R E

To be Honoured:

Susan Juby - Excellence in Culture AwardDebbie Trueman - Honour in Culture Award

Alyssa Glassford - Emerging Cultural Leader AwardJohn Hofman - John Thomson Heritage Memorial Award

Performances By:

The Footprints of the WolfNanaimo’s Poet Laureate

Wellington Jazz Band

Vibrant Dance StudioBrigadoon Dance Academy

M.E.M. Dance Company

More What’s New...

Nanaimo Art Gallery presents: Ron Tran | Somewhat Mine: A Nanaimo Retrospective Opening Reception: Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 pm

Through a wide range of media including video, photography, performance, sculpture, and installation, Ron Tran’s work addresses shifting understandings of public and private space, and questions ideas of individual ownership. For this exhibition he will create a mini-retrospective of projects that were previously developed in different communities, but will be recreated or reinstalled for Nanaimo. The exhibit will run from March 11 to May 14, 2016. For details, visit www.nanaimoartgallery.com or contact 250-754-1750.

Nanaimo Arts Council presents: 2016 Festival of Banners- Call for Entries

Deadline for entry is Friday, April 15

For the past 28 years, professional artists and amateur painters have come together each spring to create beautiful one-of-a-kind works of art in the form of street banners. These colourful, hand-painted banners are installed on lampposts around Nanaimo for residents and visitors to enjoy from May to October. Festival of Banners brings people together for skill sharing, learning and fun, and adds vibrancy to our city streets. Pick up your entry form today at one of these locations:

•Nanaimo Arts Council (#4 Commercial Street)•Nanaimo Art Gallery (150 Commercial Street)•Nanaimo North Town Centre (Guest Services Kiosk - 4750 Rutherford Road)

For details, visit www.nanaimoartscouncil.ca.

Thank You for Attending the Annual Heritage Summit

Thank you to everyone for attending our annual Heritage Summit and shared information about their group’s latest and upcoming projects and accomplishments.

Special thank you to Aimee Greenaway (Interpretive Curator at Nanaimo Museum) for her fascinating presentation on Nanaimo’s Characters, Con Men & Celebrities!

If you missed this year’s Summit, you still have time to check out the Museum’s exhibit “Characters, Con Men & Celebrities” which will be on display until May 7: Explore the lives of intriguing people from Nanaimo’s past. This unusual exhibit includes both the famous and virtually unknown. Petty thieves, a suspected German spy, murderers, crooked cops and politicians rub shoulders with a nationally renowned poet , a war hero, the world’s fastest man and women who overcame race and gender discrimination. You be the judge of who is a character, con man or celebrity!

More What’s New...

Nanaimo Museum presents: Spring Break Drop-In Activities for KidsFamilies can enjoy two week of activities at the Nanaimo Museum during spring break. The drop-in activities are designed for children ages 5-12 years to participate in, along with their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Caregivers must be present at all times during the programs and museum visits. There is no pre-registration and admission is by donation.

Night at the Museum | March 15 and 22 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Night at the Museum includes lantern tours through the coal mine in the dark and other hands-on activities.

Self-Guided Family Discovery Tours | March 14, March 18 and March 21. These tours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Drop-In Programs | The popular drop-in heritage programs are from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The hands-on activities are designed for children in elementary school but each day will have one activity suitable for preschool aged children. Each afternoon has a different theme with related activities: March 16 is Chinatown, March 17 is Coal Miner, March 23 is Space, and March 24 is Vikings.

For details, visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca, email program@nanaimomuseum.ca, or call 250 753-1821.

International Women’s DaySunday, March 6 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Celebrating and showcasing the diversity in our community. Join Keynote Speaker Tracy Samra for afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel (4898 Rutherford Road).

Tickets are $35 and RSVP is required. For details, contact the Grand Hotel at 250-758-3000 for details. Partial proceeds will support the Syrian Refugee Community Fund.

Immigrant Welcome ReceptionSaturday, March 5 at 2:00 pm

Mayor Bill McKay and Nanaimo City Council invite you to an afternoon reception to welcome new immigrants to our community. Light refreshments will be served. To be held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (101 Gordon Street) in the Newcastle Island Lobby. Please RSVP by contacting 250-755-4491 (Social Planning Department) or john.horn@nanaimo.ca.

Featuring a reading by our Poet Laureate, Naomi Beth Wakan!

Island Short Fiction ContestDeadline for entries is Monday, March 21

Co-sponsored by the Nanaimo Arts Council, the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and VIU’s Department of Creative Writing and Journalism, the Island Short Fiction Contest is seeking entries of up to 2000 words in three categories: Adult (19 and over), Youth (13 to 18), and Junior (12 and under).

Over $2,000 available in cash and prizes! The competition drew over 100 entries last year, with winners and finalists hailing from Fanny Bay, Nanaimo, Salt Spring Island, and Victoria, among other communities. By the way, the entry fee for the youth and junior categories has been removed! For details, visit www.isfc.ca.

More What’s New...

Miners Killed by No. 5 Pit Explosion January 24, 1888 (about 8:30 a.m.). List taken from Minister of Mines Report published in 1888.

Forty-six Chinese miners were also killed in the explosion. Twenty-nine of these were assigned payroll numbers by Chinese gang bosses. In this case, a single name was also recorded for each miner. Neither the names nor numbers were recorded for the remaining seventeen miners who died in the explosion.

* Minister of Mines Report Courtesy of the Nanaimo Community Archives.

Erected, 2005 by:

This historical marker is located on the site of the No.5 Pit of the Wellington Colliery; just one of over 50 mines opened in the Nanaimo area. In the Wellington coal field,

numerous shafts where dug in an approximately 2.7 square mile area. The mine workings varied in depth from just under the surface to almost 300 feet, stretching just

west of Jingle Pot Road, eastward almost to Spencer Road, (not far from Departure Bay), and from the centre of Diver Lake, south to a line about 400 metres beyond the

Nanaimo Parkway.

The Wellington coal field was discovered and developed in the 1870s by Robert Dunsmuir, who became one of the province’s wealthiest men. The town of Wellington

rivaled Nanaimo in population and coal production until its demise in 1900, when coal operations were moved south to Extension and Ladysmith. At that time, many of

the buildings (located between Wellington and Jingle Pot Roads) were moved by railcar to the new communities. Unlike Nanaimo, which was developed predominantly

by English and Scottish settlers, Wellington was a more ethnically diverse community that included many Italians, Finns, Belgians and Chinese. Wellington was

amalgamated into the City of Nanaimo in 1975.

At this spot on January 24, 1888, around 8:30 a.m., a methane gas explosion ripped through the eastern section of the mine where 168 men were working, killing 77, and

injuring others. The force of the explosion broke the hoisting shaft. It was three hours before the first man surfaced, and soon it was clear no one in the eastern workings

had survived. Because dangerous levels of gas were still present, it would be May before the last body would be pulled from the mine.

The Nanaimo Free Press of January 25, 1888 recorded, “The scene of the disaster is situated on the side of Diver Lake, and about 5 miles from the City of Nanaimo, and is

the mine to which the E&N Railway is connected. It has been looked upon as the best arranged and ventilated mine belonging to Messrs. R. Dunsmuir & Sons, and was

always thought to be secure. Only a few days ago, in accordance with the custom at these mines, a deputation of miners visited every portion of this mine and

pronounced it in excellent order.”

Thi s p l a q u e c o mm e m o ra t e s t h e p i o n e e r in g sp ir i t o f t h e e ar l y s e t t l e r s f r o m m an y c o un t r i e s

w h o c am e t o min e c o al a n d h o n o ur s t h e 7 7 m e n w h o p e r i sh e d d e e p in t h e min e b e n e a t h

t hi s p ar k .

WELLINGTON COAL MINES

John Bark i (Breca)John Bel loniJoseph Chenat (Chano)El isha DavisWi l l iam DawberWil l iam FinchRober t Greenwel lEzra GodfreyDavid GordonWil l iam Horne

James JonesJacob K le inJohn Marshal lFrank McCoyDuncan McDonaldJohn McNei lJames Morr isonJohn NessLeopold RejardXavier RejardRober t Robinson

Lance RobsonAlexander RossJohn Stewar tChar les Ti l larS i lv io Valer ioR ichard VincentJohn WienkotterWi l l iam Wi lksJohn Wi l l iamsRober t Wi l l iams

No. 14 , BunNo. 15, SoonNo. 16, S ingNo. 17 , FueNo. 22 , ChungNo. 23, GinNo. 34 , JowNo. 37, EyeNo. 62 , LockNo. 63 , Wing

No. 64, FongNo. 65, PadenNo. 66, FueNo. 67 , TateNo. 68 , J imNo. 69, AckNo. 70 , HenNo. 71, Sam SugNo. 72, Ah LenNo. 73 , Ah Kee

No. 74 , Ah FoieNo. 75 , I YonNo. 76, YonNo. 78, TonNo. 79, FieNo. 81 , DanNo. 91, SaulNo. 99 , YooNo. 100, S ing Fom

They are remembered. . .

CITY OF NANAIMO

D E PA RT M E N T O F PA R K S R E C R E AT I O N & C U LT U R E

H A R B O U RT H E C I T Y

No. 5 Mine Pit Head ca. 1890Image Courtesy of Nanaimo Community Archives

Wellington - Settlement ca. 1890Image Courtesy of Nanaimo Community Archives

Wellington - Settlement ca. 1890Image Courtesy of Nanaimo Community Archives

Wellington Settlement Map ca. 1883Image Courtesy of Nanaimo Community Archives

This interpretive sign is located at the end of Black Franks Drive in Diver Lake Park.

Nanaimo Historical Society’s Annual General Meeting and Presentation:Shipwrecks of BC’s Early Coal TradeThursday, March 10 at 7:30 pm (Bowen Park Complex Room 1)

The Nanaimo Historical Society meetings and monthly public lectures are held on the second Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend. This month’s presentation: BC’s coal mining industry depended on ships moving the product from Nanaimo to Pacific Rim markets. Unfortunately many of these coal carriers were lost at sea, near and far from our harbour. Underwater archaeologists have located and explored several local wrecks, and we’ll learn about their stories too. Presented by David-Hill Turner. Everyone is welcome to attend. Check out their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NanaimoHistoricalSociety.

Festival Nanaimo 2016Explore Nanaimo this March!

Festival Nanaimo is a new multi-dimensional community festival that takes place in Nanaimo throughout the month of March through to April 2, 2016. It will showcase all the things that we love about the city where we live, work and play. The Festival includes entertainment, concerts, theatre, art and crafts, culinary delights, sporting events, guided walks, runs, cycling tours, Easter Weekend events, and more!

View a full listing of events: www.festivalnanaimo.com.

Check out the Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/festivalnanaimo?ref=bookmarks.

More What’s New...

1-6 Dine About Mid Vancouver Island Mid island culinary specials at 25 participating restaurants. Presented by the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce2-12 Office Hours presented by the Nanaimo Theatre Group The Bailey Studio • 8pm • March 2-5, 9-12 • Matinee 2pm • March 6 • Tickets: 250-758-7224

4 13th Annual Wee Tipple Party presented by Crimson Coast Dance Society 7-10pm • The Grand Hotel • Info: 250-716-32304 Harpdog Brown & The Travelin’ Blues Show presented by Nanaimo Blues Society 7pm • The Queen’s • Tickets: Port Theatre & Door4 Business Achievement Awards presented by the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce 7:30pm • Port Theatre7 SIGNATURE EVENT: Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra 7:30pm • Port Theatre • presented by the Vancouver Island Symphony (See Page 3)

Mar 10 - May 14 Art Exhibition Opening (10th) at 7 pm at Nanaimo Art Gallery: Somewhat Mine - a Nanaimo Retrospective by Ron Tran & Guests.12 Heritage Walking Tour hosted by Culture & Heritage Department, City of Nanaimo 1-3pm • Meet at The Bastion 12 SIGNATURE EVENT: Barrage 8 7:30pm • Port Theatre (See Page 3)13 Janina Fialkowska - Solo Piano presented by the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music 2:30pm • Port Theatre • Tickets: Port Theatre14-24 March Break Activities offered by Crimson Coast Dance Society, Nanaimo Art Gallery & Nanaimo Museum (See Page 2)17 Downtown Historic Pub Tour led by Kevin Storey, Nanaimo Walking Tours 6:45pm • Meet at The Bastion • $25 includes Pizza & Beer17 St. Paddy’s Pedal with the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition 6:15pm at the Tap House, 321 Selby Street18 Amos Garrett presented by Nanaimo Blues Society 7pm • The Queen’s • Tickets: Port Theatre & Door19 SIGNATURE EVENT: De Danann 7:30pm • Port Theatre presented by the Port Theatre (See Page 3)20 Nanaimo Bar Sunday Drop by for a special Taste of Nanaimo featuring the famous Nanaimo Bar! 1:30-4:30pm see Page 2 for locations

20 The Sweet Ride - Nanaimo Bar Chocolate Cycle Tour the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition 1:30 • Diana Krall Plaza20 Mirror Image Body Talk Finale Performance presented by Crimson Coast Dance Society 7:30pm • Port Theatre • Tickets: Port Theatre21 & 22 SIGNATURE EVENT: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Big Band 7:30pm • Port Theatre (See Page 3)25 9th Fletcher’s Challenge Trail Race Family Cookie Run/Walk • Easter Egg Hunt at Westwood Lake • various times for details see www26 Easter Bunny Populaire with the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition Meet at Diana Krall Plaza • 9am for 75 kms ride • 9:15am for 50 kms ride • 9:30am for 25 kms ride • Register by March 2526 Hop on Downtown for Easter Spring Fling - Fun - Fun - Fun! presented by the DNBIA 10am - 3pm • Diana Krall Plaza26 SIGNATURE EVENT: Boots ‘n’ BBQ - Feast & Barn Dance Beban Social Centre • (19+ Event) (See Page 3)29 Toddler Tuesday 5 yrs & under • 10 - 2pm • Nanaimo Museum30 Jazz Trumpeter, Bobby Shew presented by VIU Music Dept. 7:30pm • Malaspina Theatre, VIU • Tickets: 250-751-818930 & 31 Take Off or Take The Fall An Original Dance Opera by Sarah M. Wood Port Theatre • Tickets: Port Theatre & Door31 Opening Night of Isle of the Arts Festival - Worlds through Words with words by William Deverell, sonnet L’Abbé, Joan Macleod,

Jill Talbot 6:30pm • Surf Lodge, GabriolaMar 31 - Apr 10

Isle of the Arts Festival Ten days of arts and culture events and programs including more than 50 hands-on worshops, concerts, and literary

readings. Drama, painting, culinary arts, dance, voice pottery, writing and so much more - something for everyone! www.artsgabriola.caMar 31 -

Apr 3 Nanaimo Boat Show Hosted by the Waterfront Suites & Marina Info: 250-753-7111 Apr 1 Downtown Historic Pub Tour led by Kevin Storey, Nanaimo Walking Tours 6:45pm • Meet at The Bastion • $25 includes Pizza & BeerApr 2 Musical Instrument Zoo presented by the Vancouver Island Symphony for ages 6 & up! 11-12 noon • Port Theatre Apr 2 Open Symphony Rehearsal Event 12:30 - 1:30pm • Port Theatre • FREE but ticket is required, call Port Theatre Box OfficeApr 2 SIGNATURE EVENT: PirateFest Family FunDay 9:30am - 3:30pm • Downtown • FREE Activities ALL DAY! (See Page 2)Apr 2 Nanaimo Food Truck Festival presented by the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce 11am - 4pm • Diana Krall PlazaApr 2 Music & Comedy with Joe Trio & Vancouver Island Symphony 7:30pm • Port Theatre • Tickets: Port Theatre

4

2016 EVENTS All Events Take Place - Rain or Shine!Info: www.festivalnanaimo.com

FREE Heritage Walking Tour!

Join our Heritage Planner, Chris Sholberg on a free guided walking tour of historic downtown Nanaimo.

Rain or shine! Meet Chris at the Bastion at 1:00 pm

Take a Walk Through TimeTake a self-guided heritage tour (by walk, bike or car) through one of Nanaimo’s most historic neighbourhoods, any time, all at your own pace. We have tour brochures available for:

Want your very own copy? Pick one up at City facilities or get a special delivery to your door, by sending your request to us at cultureandheritage@nanaimo.ca.

• Downtown • Newcastle • Harewood • Old City

• South End • Nob Hill/Chinatown • Downtown Bike Tour • Historic Cemeteries, Burial Areas & Memorial Sites

Nanaimo Poetry Mapwww.nanaimo.ca/goto/poetrymap

We’re seeking your poems that relate to a certain location in Nanaimo.

Inspired by Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, the Nanaimo Poetry Map provides a creative perspective of the city. It asks readers to explore the city through poetry, to understand the spaces within it differently because of the poems. Each poem is related to a spot on the map. Want to submit a poem? Check out the Nanaimo Poetry Map and view the Submission Guidelines.

Highschool Poetry CompetitionTo encourage young poets, Naomi Beth Wakan, suggested asking High school students (Grades 10-12) to submit poems about Nanaimo. She had twice worked with students at NDSS in previous years and this year she went into Woodlands and Dover Bay to work with those students as well.

The completion opened in January and closed at the end of February. Winners will be announced by the middle of March. Winner will also be reading to Mayor and Council at the Mayors City Poetry Challenge on April 18.

Poetry in Transit ProgramWe’re seeking poems for the “Poetry in Transit” program. The theme is “Riding the Bus”. Send us a poem that is some way related to a particular point on a bus route, a site in Nanaimo, or an experience shared while riding the bus. Want to submit a poem? View the Submission Guidelines.

Poet Laureate’s Upcoming EventsFull schedule @ www.nanaimo.ca/goto/poetry

Find Poet Laureate Naomi Beth Wakan at one of these upcoming events:

March 5 Reading @ Immigrant Welcome Reception

March Workshop @ Vancouver Island University

April 13 Reading @ City of Nanaimo’s 2016 Culture & Heritage Awards Ceremony Click here to reserve your free tickets online!

April 18 Reading @ Council Meeting for Mayor’s City Poetry Challenge

all things poetry

Nanaimo Evening Waterfrontby Gary L. Hampson as featured on theNanaimo Poetry Map

The once busy harbor, it does now rest;With the evenings, near-sunset.

The water ripples against the hull;While atop the mast is the lonely seagull.

The shops are now closing, their day is done;The people are fewer, now one by one.

A busker’s cello plays a sad melody;The bold pirate stands guard, from the city to the sea.

More What’s New...

(Re)Focus on Nanaimo’s Heritage: From Banks to BeansOn the corner of Wallace and Albert sits a well-known downtown landmark. Built in 1912, this classic Free Renaissance-style building originally housed the Merchant’s Bank of Canada and was designed by famed architect, Francis Rattenbury.

As can be seen in the blended picture, the building’s exterior originally featured a combination of a banded brick base and quoining that framed the edges, windows and entrances. A later coat of stucco may have covered these features but some of the details, including the prominent cornices typical of this style, are still noticeable.

There may have been some changes to the facade but the eclectic elegance can still be seen inside and out. In recent years, the building has become what has been described as Nanaimo’s answer to Central Perk (the iconic coffee shop on the TV show, Friends), the Vault Cafe.

To learn more about this and other buildings that are quintessentially Nanaimo, search the online Heritage Register.

(Historical photo courtesy of Nanaimo Community Archives)

More What’s New...

Superman and Godzilla are big names of big movie productions that have caused commotion in Nanaimo. Have you ever heard of or seen “Gone” or “Framed” though? These are short films made in our lovely hub city of Nanaimo by local filmmakers that have made waves beyond the harbour. Filmmakers have been making movies in Nanaimo for many years. You just might not have known because they were few and far between. Three years ago though, the Hub City Cinema Society was created by a collection of filmmakers to foster and support local filmmaking. Since the society’s inception, the local film scene has burgeoned and a lively community of passionate filmmakers has formed. In the past three years, we have experienced many great developments, and as we continue to grow we have much more to look forward to.

Nanaimo and the rest of Vancouver Island is full of character of locations and talent that has a lot of potential for film, but filmmaking is an expensive medium that requires lots of resources - financial and material. One of the Hub City Cinema Society’s main objectives is to help foster the resources needed for local filmmakers to make movies. Since the beginning the society has been striving to acquire professional filmmaking equipment (which is expensive) for local filmmakers to use. Quite recently the society has received a great package of film gear which it will now be able to rent to its members. This is a very exciting development. Perhaps even more exciting though was the development the society had back in October 2014 with the opening of the Hub City Cinema Studio, a shared co-working space for filmmakers, which can be found right downtown Nanaimo at 15 Lois Lane.

There is always something exciting happening locally with film. This past month of February, Nanaimo had the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival (a Hub City Cinema Society partner) which celebrated triumphantly its 11th year. The festival this year had a great show of 13 films that came from around the world from Malaysia to Africa. There were also several great films

from right here on Vancouver Island. The festival had 700 attendees and people loved the films. Most exciting of all for many attendees was that local filmmaker Michael Chen and his team won both Best Film and People’s Choice for their film “LOST” - a stirring short about a young girl dealing with abuse who discovers a lost stuffed rabbit. This film is the first film made in Nanaimo to ever win both Best Film and People’s Choice at the VISFF. Look out for your next opportunity to see “LOST”!

There are a lot of great events to look forward to with the Hub City Cinema Society for those interested in filmmaking. The society hosts weekly events to allow filmmakers to connect and earn. In March there will be workshops on lighting and sound with experienced professionals.

Also in March the society is excited to be launching its very first Monthly Movie Challenge. The challenge will be for filmmakers to make a one minute movie using a mobile phone in one month from March 1 to March 31. The objective of the challenge is to motivate filmmakers to make a movie following the standard filmmaking process while having very simple requirements that are possible for anyone whether you are an experienced professional or an absolute beginner. Anyone is welcome to participate!

For those not so much interested in making movies but are very interested in seeing the films that are being made locally, the Hub City Cinema Society is organizing a showcase of purely local short films which will be on Saturday April 23, 2016 at the Vancouver Island University’s Malaspina Theatre. In the end, getting the great work made by local filmmakers seen on the screen is the major aspiration of the society. Every year local films keep getting better and better. As the community continues to grow and homegrown filmmakers learn more together we get to look forward to watching and enjoying even greater works of cinematic art and entertainment. Hopefully you can come and enjoy it too.

For more information, visit www.hubcitycinema.ca.

Film in the Hub City: Local Community Growing StrongWritten by Zachary Tanner, Hub City Cinema Society President

Connect With UsOur office is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us:

Phone: 250-755-4483

Email: cultureandheritage@nanaimo.ca

In Person: Service & Resource Centre (411 Dunsmuir Street)

By Mail: 455 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6

Follow us on Instagram! www.instagram.com/cultureandheritage. Stay updated on culture and heritage happenings, programs and events.

More What’s New...

Wordstorm Society presents: Tina Beillo, Patricia Young and Terrence YoungTuesday, March 29 at 6:30 pm (595 Townsite Road)

Join the Wordstorm Society at the First Unitarian Fellowship Hall for their monthly meet, featuring performers Tina Beillo, Patricia Young and Terrence Young. Open mic starts at 7:00 pm. Bring a poem (3 minutes) or prose (5 minutes) or sing an original song of your own. Live music at 6:30 pm and during the first set. Full details @ www.wordstorm.ca.

Heritage BC Announces 2016 Award RecipientsThe 2016 Heritage BC Awards, honouring the outstanding and significant achievements of British Columbia’s heritage conservation heroes, were presented at an awards gala at the Imperial in Vancouver on February 18. View the full list of recipients at www.allianceforthearts.com.

Nanaimo Community Archives on YoutubeFind historic information and records online

Established in 1991, the Nanaimo Community Archives acquires, preserves and provides public access to the historical records of Nanaimo.

On their website (www.nanaimoarchives.ca) you can find historical videos and images, transcripts and recordings, mine deaths and accidents, links to helpful resources, and so much more.

Check it their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCx4lkFax0RKmOFt9KwQck5A.