Island Life - October 6, 2008 - An Island Kitchen - Desolation and me (Part I) Roxy Raves Storm Warning Teen Peer Helping Program Registration Happening Now 2008-2009 Peaceful Relationships Before school care comes to The Hope Centre - September 29, 2008 - Roxy Raves Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmas to Grandmas knitting project Soccer season begins Violence Prevention and Response Program (VPR Program) presents “Office Hours Referrals” service Solar trees

The mere thought of spending three weeks boating with kitty and husband and at least eight other boats should send any Virgo into hiding; especially one like me who has honed the skills of harrumphing and general orneriness to medal-winning perfection. Now, throw in a dash of agoraphobia, claustrophobia, and kymophobia (fear of waves) and you can just imagine the type of vacation that lay ahead for Jordan. «more»

Gabriola is amazing in so many ways. One need only walk the trails and roads to appreciate the natural treasure this island is. The upcoming artists’ studio tour should give everyone a great overview of the talented artists on the island. The writers are everywhere with authors tuned into every interest imaginable. Then there are the musicians - Nathan Tinkham, Victor Anthony, Gary Fjellgaard, Dinah d and Tina Jones, Tony Gradanti and Brad Shipley, Lou Gradanti, Jeremy MacDonald, Rick Cranston, John and Ken Capon, Steve Smith, Dick Smith, Steve Elder, Kathy McIntyre, Terry Hedges, The Molloys, Myles Black, and so many more. And don’t even get me started on the theatre and playwrights - that’s for another day. Such a quiet little island, imagine if it were busy! «more»

Gabriola’s U11 boys’ soccer team, the Storm Cats, played the Stingers from Oceanside on Saturday, September 27th. «more»

Start Date: October 17/18 2008 Kick Off Weekend «more»

For many years, in my work as a School Counsellor, I was responsible for anti-bullying programs. Like many of us involved in non-violence, I tended to focus on the negative; the “anti” the response to…. It took me many years to realize that we need to promote the positive. What is healthy? What are the positive attributes of a relationship? This week I want to work from the positive and describe major components of a peaceful and equal relationship. «more»

Do you have to catch that 7:50 ferry in the mornings? Or need a morning break? We are now offering licensed before school care at our Gathering Place Child and Youth Centre facility. Each child will receive a wholesome breakfast and some play time with other children. Then at 8:30 am they will be escorted by our morning care facilitator directly to their class at 8:50 am. This service is offered daily from Monday to Friday, drop-off time is 7:30 am. The fee is $10 per child per morning and subsidy is available for qualified families. Please call the HOPE Centre at 250-247-8730 for more information or to register your child «more»

Nathan Tinkham - now that he’s off the island I can talk about him. Most Gabriolans know Nathan as a fine local musician, less know of his world class playing in famous bands and recording projects to numerous to mention. Up to now I thought his best work was with Ian Tyson, Great Western Orchestra, Cindy Church and the Belfast String Band. But his latest, may well be his best yet. “Nathan Tinkham sings Wilf Carter” is an absolute joy from beginning to end - I’ve almost worn it out in just two days. I have a perma-grin on my face from all the wonderful songs, sounds and stories on the album. Wilf Carter is an almost forgotten national treasure from the Canadian music scene of the 1930’s and 40’s. His music is much in the vein of Jimmy Rogers, Hank Snow and Marty Robbins. Nathan is now in Nova Scotia on the first leg of his Wilf Carter Tribute Tour and hopefully he’ll gift Gabriola with a concert when he gets back. Wilf wrote and performed songs of hobos riding the rails and cowboys riding the trails. Much in the vein of Woody Guthrie he was a genuine man of the people. There is a special joy to this music, no tear in my beer hurtin stuff here - it’s life reaffirming and invigorating. If any album deserves a Juno this is it - Wilf Carter songs, Nathan Tinkam’s exquisite singing and playing, wonderful song selection and extraordinary sound - it’s all aces. If you buy only one CD this year make it this one - hell, the song Big Rock Candy Mountain is worth the price of admission alone - you can thank me later. Meanwhile back at the Roxy «more»

Attention Knitters: Please contact Karen Cain at 250-247-9392 regarding pickup/delivery of knitted projects for the foundation sale. «more»

While the school’s elementary Bantam Eagles girls’ soccer team travelled for their first match last week, Gabriola’s club sponsored Nanaimo league teams opened their seasons on Saturday, September 20th. «more»

People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola is pleased to announce a new service for women experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, violence. Under the supervision of the Coordinator of the Violence Prevention and Response Program (VPR Program), we are providing “Office Hours Referrals” to match women at risk with our trained Volunteer Peer Counsellors. «more»

Avoid what could happen on many island communities around the world, the visual pollution done by Wind Turbines! Now there is an alternative, interesting news for Island Communities, as it can provide effective electricity and leave your landscape looking great. «more»