About Southern Gulf Islands, BC

November 21, 2009.

Mark your calendars! Santa has a busy schedule, on Salt Spring Island, on November 29th. He arrives, via floatplane (Salt Spring Air), at 1 p.m. Children are welcome to greet him at the floatplane dock! At 1:10 p.m., Santa travels aboard a Salt Spring Fire Dept Truck, and heads to Mahon Hall. From 1:15 to 3 p.m., free photos of the kids with Santa, at Mahon Hall. (Will also be Arts & Crafts activities, Cookie Decorating, big screen Holiday Videos (courtesy of Island Star Video), hot cocoa & goodies). Enjoy! (A non-perishable item or a donation to the food bank would be welcomed).

The IODE is celebrating 95 years of service on Salt Spring Island. So many groups have received help from the fundraising and generosity of the IODE membership, over the years. Don't know much about this group? Check it out! New members welcomed.

Mother Tongue Press launches the latest in their "artist series". This is the book launch of the second Unheralded Artists of B.C., with the opening of the show taking place on November 21st, today, at Mahon Hall. The show remains open until Nov. 28th, daily. Don't miss this, and be sure to speak with Mona Fertig about the impetus behind this series. You'll be glad you did!

At Fulford Hall, on Nov. 28th, enjoy an all-star old-time band, and one of the best callers in North America, for a night of dancing. Never been to an old time dance? You have a treat awaiting you! Admission is $10 at the door, music begins around 7:30 p.m., and Fiddleworks will be providing the concession for the evening. Have fun!

Moby's live music: tonight it's Jazz/Folk/Blues, with James Conway (8 to 11 p.m.), and Sunday it's Jazz (Wanda Nowicki and Friends) 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy!

Don't forget Scrooge meets the Duke, tonight at ArtSpring, at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. show tomorrow, Sunday.

Yes, the Christmas Light Up Decorating Contest takes place again, with judging on Nov. 27th. Such talent on display in the shops and banks...a pleasure to wander the Village.

Salt Spring's newest gallery opens in Grace Point Square, on Nov. 27th, with open house on Saturday, November 28th (11 to 4). Artists in attendance - refreshments served. Called Starfish Gallery & Studio, the space joins J. Mitchell Gallery, Steffich FineArt Gallery, and Frankly Scarlett -- all gems in Grace Point Square. Enjoy dinner, too, at Bocados Bistro and Auntie Pesto's.

Chef's Creations and Live Music, every weekend, at the Harbour House Hotel Tonight, it's Vaughn Fulford and the Folke Fiendes!

Fulford Community Hall's Christmas Artisan Fair is Friday, Dec. 4th (5 to 9 p.m.), and Saturday the 5th, 9 to 5 p.m., and Sunday the 6th, from 9 to 4 p.m. Shop for gifts from Salt Spring's talented artisans, and enjoy fabulous food and decadent desserts, between browsings. Don't miss this, and don't forget to bring a donation for the foodbank. Appreciated!

Did you know that Calvin's Bistro has a 3 Course Special Dinner menu, for only $18.999, called November Blues? Enjoy! Offer expires on Dec. 5th, as Calvin's famous Traditional Christmas Menu starts on December 8th. Book for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve special dinners at Calvin's.

Today is also the Anglican Parish Christmas Bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at All Saints by the Sea, in Ganges Village.

Remember to tune into the local community radio station, too (check out the lineup of programming on their website (www.cfsi-fm.com) at 107.9 on your fm dial.

Yes, it's November, but there's lots to see and to do...enjoy!

November 20, 2009.

Mark your calendars, and take part in the opening of Wintercraft, at Mahon Hall, on December 4th.

Lots happening, with craft sales / artists offerings...gifts for your special ones.

The following was emailed to me, from the organizer of Wintercraft (the alternate to ArtCraft, in the summer season):

"Wintercraft, along with two other traditional Salt Spring Island craft faires at Fulford and Beaver Point Halls, will open concurrently during the weekend of December 4, 5, 6. This festive, weekend-long, island-wide, market of merriment offers an impressive selection of the the finest handmade arts and crafts from the Southern Gulf Islands.

Handmade gifts range from; pocket and kitchen knives produced in Salt Spring Island's bronze foundry, high fashion wearables in silk and local fine wool, earthy & elegant tableware, afforable & astounding jewelry pieces, luxurious body products and everything in between.

The weekend events taking place range from; the seasonal, sell-out lamb feast at Beaver Point Hall on Friday, December 4th to crepes, lunch and decadent desserts produced full-tilt, from two community kitchens all weekend in Fulford. Wintercraft provides live music, weekend workshops and the widest selection of heartwarming gifts from stocking stuffers to dazzling presents Dec 4 - 20th. Travellers to the island please note that only Wintercraft runs through to December 20th.

Fulford Hall: Dec 4 - 6th
Beaver Point Hall: Dec 4 - 6th
Wintercraft at Mahon Hall, Dec 4 - 20th"

Enjoy all these venues! It's our "holiday season" and it's full of elan and verve, island style!

Wow! We're in the middle of a "pineapple express" storm, here.

It's almost noon, and everyone has their lights on, driving...so glad I put up my fibre optic tree and a string of Xmas lights, at the office...helps cheer up the glooming grey.

A pineapple express is our term for the storm, straight from Hawaii, across the Pacific and into the Pacific Northwest Coast region. High winds can also accompany this, it's very mild, but it's the rain....comes in sideways, very "thick", and flooding can be a problem.

Can't see the top of the hills surrounding the Village...lost in fog/low cloud. The forecast says this is going to be with us for the next five days.

I have bright yellow rain clogs, plus an old fashioned yellow slicker that has a hood, and comes down to my ankles. Umbrellas don't cut it!

I know it's November, and supposed to be rainy and grey skies, but I'm glad there is a holiday celebration looming, so I can put lots of lights "everywhere"....sparkle is what's needed!

November 15, 2009.

On Salt Spring today? Check out Fulford Hall for the great gift ideas...artists are there, with their giftcreations. Candles, Skincare products, Kitchenware, Luxurious body lotions, Kids' toys, Chic baby boutique...and more! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Shop Locally is the tag line (and support islanders and their home-based businesses). See you there!

Don't forget it's Jazz night at Moby's (7 to 10 p.m.).

Today, at 2 p.m., is also the last show of the Having Hope at Home play offering (at Mahon Hall). Enjoy this Community Theatre production.

Bach on the Rock is also today, at 2 p.m., at All Saints by the Sea...tickets from ArtSpring (250-537-2102).

Mark your calendars: Scrooge Meets the Duke is at ArtSpring Theatre, on November 21 (at 8 p.m.) and November 22 (at 2 p.m.). The Newman Family Players and Swing Shift present the Billy Strayhorn/Duke Ellington "Nutcracker Suite" and selections from "Christmas with Scrooge". A fun event!

November 17 to 29th, catch the interpretation of five dynamic Salt Spring artists, of "interiors". At ArtSpring's Bateman Gallery, the five artists are: Louise Goodman, Megan Manning, Gillian McConnell, Hamza bin al-Wathan, and Stephanie Denz. Opening reception, with artists in attendance, on the 20th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Such talent on our Island!

The annual Christmas Light Up Decorating Contest is on Friday, November 27th. Categories are Best All Round, Best Use of Lights, Most Creative, Best Use of Materials. Salt Spring Businesses step forward every year, and it's always fun to see the creativity that goes into the windows we walk by, every day.

So many great businesses in the Village...have you been into Laura Roveda's Windflower Moon lately? Lots of super gift ideas, here, for your nearest and dearest, and also treasures for your own enjoyment. Windflower Moon's logo is: Gifts for the Spirit. Check out the Zen alarm clock, the crystals, the gift books, the specialty jewellery, the clothing, the cards...etc.

A softer time of year, a time to slow a little, and to notice the treasures we rush past in the busy summer months...our friends and neighbours are on display, in the Village...enjoy!

This Monday will be my last Monday Morning show on the community radio station (www.cfsi-fm.com) -- streaming audio off the website is the way most people listen, as the 107.9 fm only works if you're in the range of the single tower on Island. I've really had fun doing the two hour show, every Monday, and so appreciated the people who agreed to get up early and come in to be interviewed (most chose the 8 to 9 a.m. time slot!). I had help with the production side (I'm not a techie, and the station makes the presenters also do the "mechanics" of the broadcast) was Mark Voyce, co-owner of Bocados Bistro,in Grace Point Square. Mark has film experience, and is taking on a position with the production of a new film, so will be off island during this time. That means I will be losing my valued "side-kick", and techie guy. Seemed a good moment to bring the Morning Show to a close, and let someone else step to the plate of keeping the Island and the talented Islanders "front and centre".

New owner at Cafe Talia, takes over this next week...if you've been on the Island for some time, you will remember Louis Renaud, and Luigi's. Louis is returning to the food biz, and plans to retain the charm of Cafe Talia. Welcome him, next time you're by for cappucino.

Enjoy the Island's "winter pleasures".....

November 7, 2009.

Tonight, at Fulford Hall, a fun evening of hot Cuban rhythm and dance with the Jose Sanchez Cuban Party, part of the fund-raiser for Terralingua, awaits your pleasure! Traditional Mexican food plus a silent auction of 50 items supplied by local businesses. Call 250-538-0939 for more information!

Sunday, November 15th, shop locally and support islanders and their home-based businesses -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Fulford Hall. The perfect gifts, for family and friends, await your browsing pleasure.

All Saints by the Sea is showcasing the talented Chris Jarrett, in a concert that begins at 7:30 p.m., tonight. Tickets are available at Salt Spring Books. Classical to Jazz is showcased by this unique pianist.

November 13th is the date when Seonagh Odhiambo will be on island, offering a movement development workshop for dancers and non-dancers. For more information about this event and the overall project in bringing artful attention and healing intent to St. Mary Lake waters, check out www.islandinstitute.com (the project will evolve over the coming year, with a grand presentation in June, 2010).

Terrific that Richard Murakami was honoured, recently, as Citizen of the Year, on Salt Spring Island -- very well deserved award!

Don't forget to listen into my Monday Morning radio show, on the new community station. If you're in tower range, you can catch it at 107.9 fm, or, if not, it's streaming audio off the website (www.cfsi-fm.com). It's live, I interview lots of Islanders, and Mark Voyce, of Bocados Bistro, in Grace Point Square, is my co-host/producer. Any glitches get to stay, as it's not taped! 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Monday. Thank you!