Sam Duerksen

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Veteran Edwin “Ted” Adye at the Trafalgar/Pro Patria Legion Branch in Victoria. His battalion was awarded the United States Presidential Unit Citation for fighting off thousands of Chinese at Kapyong, Korea, preventing the capture of Seoul. (Samantha Duerksen/BlackPress Media)

From the front lines of the Korean War to total darkness near the North Pole

Veteran Edwin ‘Ted’ Adye shares his life and legacy as one of Canada’s remaining Korean War vets

Veteran Edwin “Ted” Adye at the Trafalgar/Pro Patria Legion Branch in Victoria. His battalion was awarded the United States Presidential Unit Citation for fighting off thousands of Chinese at Kapyong, Korea, preventing the capture of Seoul. (Samantha Duerksen/BlackPress Media)
Veteran Gordon Usipiuk outside the Langford Legion on Station Avenue. (Sam Duerksen/BlackPress Media)

Greater Victoria veteran an uncelebrated hero of the Battle of Medak Pocket

Hero Gordon Usipiuk reminds the importance of ‘lest we forget’

Veteran Gordon Usipiuk outside the Langford Legion on Station Avenue. (Sam Duerksen/BlackPress Media)
Standing in front of her father’s medals and holding up his autobiography that focuses on his time in the army, Elizabeth Macrae recalls how it was a struggle for her parents to get the support they needed after serving (her mother was also a decoder in the army). Macrae is the president of the Victoria - Fred Whitehouse Branch at the National Association of Federal Retirees. (Samantha Duerksen/BlackPress Media)

‘I fought fiercely’: Victoria organization helps veterans find support

National Association of Federal Retirees, whose founder was from Victoria, celebrated its 60th anniversary

Standing in front of her father’s medals and holding up his autobiography that focuses on his time in the army, Elizabeth Macrae recalls how it was a struggle for her parents to get the support they needed after serving (her mother was also a decoder in the army). Macrae is the president of the Victoria - Fred Whitehouse Branch at the National Association of Federal Retirees. (Samantha Duerksen/BlackPress Media)
A woman stands on the Sooke flowline shortly after it was built. Some hikers still use the flowline trail, though it is marked as off-limits to the public. (Image provided by the CRD)

Hidden, high-rated Vancouver Island hiking trail designated as hazardous

While the Sooke Flow Pipe Trail has an interesting history, the CRD says to appreciate it from afar

A woman stands on the Sooke flowline shortly after it was built. Some hikers still use the flowline trail, though it is marked as off-limits to the public. (Image provided by the CRD)
Murchie’s customers lined up at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon, with cruise ship season’s end on the horizon. (Samantha Duerksen/BlackPress Media)

‘Take me to the black squirrels’: Victoria cruise tourists set a record

Local shop owners noticed differences in numbers and cruise visitor trends compared to last year

Murchie’s customers lined up at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon, with cruise ship season’s end on the horizon. (Samantha Duerksen/BlackPress Media)
The Cridge Centre for the Family is managing a new BC Housing development for women and children fleeing abusive relationships. (The Cridge Centre/Facebook)

Safe homes open in Victoria for women, children leaving violent situations

7 second-stage spaces and 12 permanent affordable apartments in new development

The Cridge Centre for the Family is managing a new BC Housing development for women and children fleeing abusive relationships. (The Cridge Centre/Facebook)
This image, released by HBO Max, shows Chelsea Hander during her comedy special ‘Chelsea Handler: Evolution.’ (HBO Max via AP)

Comic Chelsea Handler extending tour to include Vancouver Island stop

Tickets go on sale Friday for March 8 show at Victoria’s Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre

This image, released by HBO Max, shows Chelsea Hander during her comedy special ‘Chelsea Handler: Evolution.’ (HBO Max via AP)
TV, video games and movies dominate adult costumes. (Glen Butcher/BlackPress Media)

‘Kidults’ – thrilling ways adult Islanders are having fun on Halloween

Adults embrace the latest costume fads and spooky celebrations

TV, video games and movies dominate adult costumes. (Glen Butcher/BlackPress Media)
From premiums and lifetime costs, to specific medical challenges that come with certain breeds, there are things to consider before getting pet insurance. (Contributed photo by the Animal Protection Society)

Things to consider when deciding on insuring your Greater Victoria pet

In 2020 only 2.74 per cent of almost 16 million pet cats and dogs in Canada were insured

From premiums and lifetime costs, to specific medical challenges that come with certain breeds, there are things to consider before getting pet insurance. (Contributed photo by the Animal Protection Society)
The National Institutes of Health stated that roughly 20 per cent of dogs experienced separation anxiety pre-pandemic and vets estimate that number to be higher post-pandemic. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)

Pet separation anxiety grew amid the pandemic: here’s how to help

Pet experts give advice on helping reduce problematic behaviours

The National Institutes of Health stated that roughly 20 per cent of dogs experienced separation anxiety pre-pandemic and vets estimate that number to be higher post-pandemic. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)
The first Ukrainian Arts and Culture Celebration featured traditional Ukrainian dancing, music and art at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, April 15. The Society is hosting a similar fundraising event titled the Sunflowers for Ukraine Concert on Oct. 15, 2023. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)

Ukrainian society in Victoria celebrates 45 years with Oak Bay event

Over 55 Ukrainian performers, including those the organization helped flee from the war in Ukraine, will perform at fundraiser

The first Ukrainian Arts and Culture Celebration featured traditional Ukrainian dancing, music and art at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, April 15. The Society is hosting a similar fundraising event titled the Sunflowers for Ukraine Concert on Oct. 15, 2023. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)
Union members and activist take part in the Labour Day Parade in Toronto, on Sept. 5, 2022. A record labour shortage and rising wages may seem like good news for workers, but labour leaders say workers aren’t seeing the gains that corporations are experiencing amidst sky-high inflation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin

Labour Day in Canada about more than just a day off – it’s workers’ rights

While many focus on using the day for leisure time, it once had a more significant role

Union members and activist take part in the Labour Day Parade in Toronto, on Sept. 5, 2022. A record labour shortage and rising wages may seem like good news for workers, but labour leaders say workers aren’t seeing the gains that corporations are experiencing amidst sky-high inflation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin
Belinda LeBlanc, who volunteers as a chef at the legion every day, is all smiles about her new kitchen. (Samantha Duerksen/Black Press Media)

Langford Royal Canadian Legion rewards selfless volunteer with new kitchen

Former military member Belinda LeBlanc has dedicated her life to feeding the community

Belinda LeBlanc, who volunteers as a chef at the legion every day, is all smiles about her new kitchen. (Samantha Duerksen/Black Press Media)
Artist Tanya Bub with driftwood sculpture. (Courtesy Tanya Bub)

Victoria art show uses conversation pieces to raise awareness for unhoused

Greatest Show on Earth debuts circus-themed conversation pieces at Victoria’s Gage Gallery

Artist Tanya Bub with driftwood sculpture. (Courtesy Tanya Bub)
Approximately one in four people experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss, according to BC Women’s Hospital, and one in six struggle with infertility. This year’s Healing Hearts run and walk takes place Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Royal Roads University. (Black Press Media file photo)

Healing Hearts run on West Shore brings awareness about infertility

The fundraiser hopes to raise $55,000 for support programs

Approximately one in four people experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss, according to BC Women’s Hospital, and one in six struggle with infertility. This year’s Healing Hearts run and walk takes place Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Royal Roads University. (Black Press Media file photo)
The 29th annual Great Canadian Beer Festival will run from Sept. 8-9. (File contributed)

Islanders offered first taste of the Victoria Great Canadian Beer Festival

The festival, which runs Sept. 8-9 and features 80 breweries, has announced its lineup

The 29th annual Great Canadian Beer Festival will run from Sept. 8-9. (File contributed)
Spanning 18 venues, Flavour Trails gives locals and visitors a chance to interact with and learn about the region’s food and beverage producers. (Courtesy Flavour Trails)

North Saanich Flavour Trails Festival is about experiences

With 18 vendors, there is a range of activities and locally produced farm-fresh goods to explore

Spanning 18 venues, Flavour Trails gives locals and visitors a chance to interact with and learn about the region’s food and beverage producers. (Courtesy Flavour Trails)
Flowers in bloom at The Chinese Cemetery. (Sam Duerksen)

Victoria’s cemeteries hold hidden messages

Local historian says cemeteries were designed as places to visit

Flowers in bloom at The Chinese Cemetery. (Sam Duerksen)
Willows Beach offers views of Mount Baker. (Samantha Duerksen)

6 amazing beaches in Greater Victoria to experience

Here are some of the region’s best beaches and some lesser-known facts about them

Willows Beach offers views of Mount Baker. (Samantha Duerksen)
The Roasty Toasty at Little Jumbo. (Harry Tham, @_harrytham)

Goat cheese? Fire? These are the wildest cocktails in Greater Victoria

Horchata foam, goat cheese, fire and more to excite your palate in ways you never thought possible

The Roasty Toasty at Little Jumbo. (Harry Tham, @_harrytham)