Until May 23, those who are looking to add art – and doors – to their home can simultaneously support families who need a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s charity art auction, Open a Door, displays dozens of once-ordinary doors transformed into symbolic artworks and visions of a brighter future. “I chose to participate in Open a Door because this worthy organization’s mission addresses the serious lack of housing in our community,” said artist Susan Percival, who donated a piece and has previously participated in the annual fundraiser. “As a low-income...… Until May 23, those who are looking to add art – and doors – to their home can simultaneously support families who need a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s charity art auction, Open a Door, displays dozens of once-ordinary doors transformed into symbolic artworks and visions of a brighter future. “I chose to participate in Open a Door because this worthy organization’s mission addresses the serious lack of housing in our community,” said artist Susan Percival, who donated a piece and has previously participated in the annual fundraiser. “As a low-income...WW…

For her 28th birthday, a Nanaimo jazz vocalist won’t let the world hide from her debut single. You Just Can’t Hide is Vancouver Island University music program alum Teighan Couch’s first single – the first of many original compositions planned for release this year. “The song, and a few songs from that album, were reflecting on a time in my life that was quite difficult for me,” the singer said. “I recently got into recovery from drug and alcohol use which was a pretty big theme in my life from the time I was 14 until I was 25 … And during that time, I went through a difficult...… For her 28th birthday, a Nanaimo jazz vocalist won’t let the world hide from her debut single. You Just Can’t Hide is Vancouver Island University music program alum Teighan Couch’s first single – the first of many original compositions planned for release this year. “The song, and a few songs from that album, were reflecting on a time in my life that was quite difficult for me,” the singer said. “I recently got into recovery from drug and alcohol use which was a pretty big theme in my life from the time I was 14 until I was 25 … And during that time, I went through a difficult...WW…

Sarah Jones knew exactly who Ryan Giesbrecht and his dog, Nahko, were when she spotted them in her neighbourhood last week. “I just saw him walking along Fraser Highway and almost screeched. I turned the car around, bringing my 11-year-old daughter with me, to meet him and ask if he needed anything,” recalled Jones, executive director of Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS). She has been following Giesbrecht’s story since October, the Saskatchewan resident had started hiking across Canada to raise awareness for mental health by sharing his own story. “I think what aligns with...… Sarah Jones knew exactly who Ryan Giesbrecht and his dog, Nahko, were when she spotted them in her neighbourhood last week. “I just saw him walking along Fraser Highway and almost screeched. I turned the car around, bringing my 11-year-old daughter with me, to meet him and ask if he needed anything,” recalled Jones, executive director of Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS). She has been following Giesbrecht’s story since October, the Saskatchewan resident had started hiking across Canada to raise awareness for mental health by sharing his own story. “I think what aligns with...WW…

Murray McLauchlan to play Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo and Victoria After 19 previous albums, Murray McLauchlan wondered each time if he had it in him to create another. It turns out during the COVID-19 pandemic, McLauchlan indeed had a 20th album in him. McLauchlan – singer/songwriter, 11-time Juno Award winner, Order of Canada member – kicks off an eight-city B.C. tour that includes five Vancouver Island stops on Saturday, in support of Hourglass, which has received critical acclaim across North America. “It’s an album I’m very proud of,” said McLauchlan, 75, from...…Murray McLauchlan to play Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo and Victoria After 19 previous albums, Murray McLauchlan wondered each time if he had it in him to create another. It turns out during the COVID-19 pandemic, McLauchlan indeed had a 20th album in him. McLauchlan – singer/songwriter, 11-time Juno Award winner, Order of Canada member – kicks off an eight-city B.C. tour that includes five Vancouver Island stops on Saturday, in support of Hourglass, which has received critical acclaim across North America. “It’s an album I’m very proud of,” said McLauchlan, 75, from...WW…

Langley resident Brett Devloo remembers everything about the day he lost his vision, even though it’s been 12 years since the fateful day. “It was Nov. 23, 2011. I will never forget the day,” he said. “I had no idea what was going to happen.” He was 16 and listening to his history teacher in class when suddenly he could no longer read the overhead projector. At first, he thought the projector was out of focus, but after the room’s lights were turned back on and he still couldn’t see, Devloo realized something else was amiss. He went to the eye doctor that day, and what he thought...… Langley resident Brett Devloo remembers everything about the day he lost his vision, even though it’s been 12 years since the fateful day. “It was Nov. 23, 2011. I will never forget the day,” he said. “I had no idea what was going to happen.” He was 16 and listening to his history teacher in class when suddenly he could no longer read the overhead projector. At first, he thought the projector was out of focus, but after the room’s lights were turned back on and he still couldn’t see, Devloo realized something else was amiss. He went to the eye doctor that day, and what he thought...WW…