As we kick off 2012, it’s a great time to show gratitude for those (like community volunteers) who have helped make past years wonderful. You can do that by nominating someone for a special volunteer award – nominations are being accepted for the Peninsula’s 14th annual Hearts of the Community Volunteer Award. All nominees will be honoured at a February 16th public ceremony and community luncheon.

Co-sponsored by Beacon Community Services and the Peninsula News Review, Hearts of the Community honours individuals and groups who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism in one of six award categories: service to seniors, service to children and families, overall service to the community, community service/project by a group, lifetime service and outstanding youth volunteer (the winner of the youth volunteer award also receives a $1,000 scholarship). Residents and groups are eligible for volunteer work they do, or have done, on the Saanich Peninsula (the area north of Sayward Road).

So excited!

We've just received the exciting news that Seaside Times has been nominated, and is a finalist

in the category of Entrepreneur of the Year in the 12^th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards!

by Devon MacKenzie

For much of 2011, 15-year-old Jorge Costa’s trek to school each day began before most people were even out of bed. He walked and transited from his home in the Western Communities to get to the Independent Learning Centre in Saanichton before classes started.

Why did he go to all the trouble? Because the Saanich School District had something Costa wanted. He'd long dreamed of becoming a hair stylist, and last year he got a chance to sign on to do just that, for free, and all while still earning high school credits toward graduation.

Costa is one of 16 students accepted into Saanich School District’s specialized trades program in hairdressing and cosmetology. Offered in partnership with Vancouver Island University and the Industry Training Authority, it's comprised of comprehensive technical training and a gradual introduction to working in a community-based salon. The program includes a full-time apprenticeship for two months and ultimately leads to continuing full-time employment in the field.

Read more...

 Central Saanich Police Service Community E-Alert Bulletin

Shortly after midnight last night, two Central Saanich Police officers tracked a cougar from the 7100 Block of West Saanich Road in the Brentwood Bay business district.  

The two police officers were on routine patrol on West Saanich Road when they saw the cougar cross the road in front of their police cars.    The officers followed the cougar into a small retail area on the east side of the West Saanich Road near Clarke Road.   The cat eluded the officers and was last seen northbound from the 7100 block of West Saanich Road in Brentwood Bay.

Read more...