Please join us in congratulating Rene (pictured with granddaughter Anya), the winner of the $1,500 Shopping Spree in Sidney!

The two were overwhelmed with excitement at winning (especially Anya!) and entered the contest at Buddies Toys. 

The contest was sponsored by Seaside Times and the following merchants: Bubba Loo Children's Wear Gifts & Toys, Buddies Toys, Cameron Rose, Canada Scooters, Christine Laurent Fine Jewellery & Gifts, d.g.bremner & co., Dig This, Donatello's, Dragon Horse, Flush Bathroom Essentials, Haven Spa, Hemp and Company, In Touch Cards & Gifts, Knickerbocker's Seaside, Marmalade Tart, Mineral World, Muffet & Louisa, Papyrus Cards & Gifts, Riverbank Design, Sweet Talk & Lace, The Dancing Orchid and Waterlily Shoes, Bags and Accessories.

Thank you to all who took part.

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.

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