About Southern Gulf Islands, BC

This is the Labour Day Holiday Weekend, and it's a holiday in both Canada and in the U.S. I always think of it as the last burst of "real" summer.

Students are back to school, the day after the Monday holiday, and that always seems to signal the beginning of a new year, too. My psyche is on a September to August cycle, clearly!

Lots to do and see on Salt Spring, though, on this holiday weekend!

The Saturday Market in the Park continues, ArtCraft is still showcasing Gulf Island artistic works, the Gallery at ArtSpring is still presenting works, the Summer Shows are still in evidence at the various Ganges Village galleries, and the Studio Tour map guides you to artists studio spaces all over the Island!

Live music continues at the Treehouse, in Ganges Village, with the eclectic and energetic Sunyata playing this evening!

Al Fresco dining pleasures can still be caught -- Calvin's Bistro, Harbour House Hotel, Bocados Bistro, Moby's, Seaside Kitchen, Auntie Pesto's, Piccolo's, Marketplace Cafe, Rock Salt Cafe...coffee/tea light meals outdoors? Try: Cafe Talia, Rendezvous Cafe, Jana's Bakeshop, TJ Beans...lots to enjoy and to savour as we slowly enter early Fall.

If you can't hear the new local radio station (107.9 on your fm dial), then you can find it via streaming audio on their website: www.cfsi-fm.com (Check it out!).

Picnic at Ruckle Park or at Mt. Maxwell or at Burgoyne Bay park! Some last minute swimming in St. Mary Lake, Cusheon Lake, Stowell Lake, Weston Lake, or the ocean at Cranberry Outlet (Bader's) Beach or at Vesuvius Beach.

Whatever it is that sums up summer for you, get out there and enjoy it, this holiday weekend!

Mark your calendars -- the annual Terry Fox Run starts at 11 a.m. (registration at 10 a.m.), from Salt Spring Elementary School, on Rainbow Road, on Sunday, Sept. 13th.

Run, walk, skateboard, rollerblade, alone or with friends, with or without dog...the cause is cancer fundraising, and the event also remembers Terry Fox, a brave Canadian, and one who inspired others.

Terry lost a leg to cancer, and in his rehabilitation, he decided to run across the country, from East to West (he was from Vancouver), to raise money for cancer research. He began with little fanfare at all, and his support camper vehicle was always well behind him, in his race with himself.

I saw Terry running, in the empty wilderness of Northern Ontario, the mid-point in his projected run across Canada, and just the day before he had to give up/return to Vancouver, with a flare-up in his cancer.

An unforgettable sight, the intensity on his face, the lopsided gait, no one else on that stretch of wilderness road, lined with the northern Ontario forest...he was a message of endurance, commitment, and courage.

Be there, on September 13th! Remember Terry, and keep up the funding for research.

August 31, 2009.

Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands offer splendid opportunities for travel enjoyment as we enter a "shoulder season".

September can be every bit as warm as August, and it's still a great time to arrive by private boat, too. The Southern Gulf Islands are in the heart of the best protected boating waters in the world, and September kayaking, or sailing, or power yachting can be wonderful.

The beaches and parks can be less crowded, with children back in school. Swimming in the sea and in the lakes remains a joy.

Fall Fairs, farmers markets with bounteous local produce/fruit, much of it certified organic, Salt Spring's annual Apple Festival, al fresco dining pleasures still enjoyable at the restaurants and coffee houses...we know Fall eventually melts into Winter, but September is always a gift, in the Islands.

Come discover!

Looking for real estate? Give me a call!

liread33@gmail.com

August 27, 2009.

Don't know if it's just a hold-over from the years I was in education (used to teach grades 8 to 12), but I always think that the year "really" starts in September, and this January to December demarcation seems quite artificial, to me. The Fall is a signal for new beginnings, to me. Evening classes offered, symphony and opera seasons, theatre playbills, yoga classe beginner levels (no excuse not to try it!), book club meetings, Fall schedule at the pool, you name it/there's something, and September seems to unleash that creative spark that summer's softer rhythm submerged.

It is "back to school" time, though, and in some areas they've already started/in others, it's right after Labour Day (which is "late", this year). Pay attention to crosswalks, to distracted children, and to inattentive motorists...it's suddenly busy again on the streets/sidewalks, after the summer lull. Keep alert, and remember those speed zones.

Locally, remember to thank all current members of the Lions Club...they do such good work on the Island, and support so many things. It's their 50th Anniversary on Salt Spring Island! Appreciated!

Catch J. Mitchell Gallery's summer show -- runs till Sept. 20th. Talented roster of artists...welcome the new owner, and his manager. A new look to the gallery's displays.

Drop by Auntie Pesto's, nearby, to view photographs by Gillean Proctor (from his Botanical series).

Tree House Cafe continues the live music, nightly -- tonight, catch Sharon Bailey; on the 28th, it's Julia Beattie; on the 29th enjoy Lisa Maxx; on the 30th it's Billie Woods; Monday the 31st, enjoy Gene Grooms. The popular Open Stage is on the 1st, with Stephanie Rhodes holding down top spot on the 2nd. Always something great at Treehouse!

More music at Moby's, with Classic Rock, by Paxton Bachman, from 8 to 11, and jazz with Henry Boudin & Friends on the 30th (7 to 10 p.m.). Enjoy!

Drop by ArtSpring, or the Chamber/Tourist outlet, and pick up the brochure of ArtSpring's lineup for their Fall/Winter season...some great events coming to Salt Spring, from September 16 to May 4. Don't miss out!

Tomorrow, at Salt Spring Vineyard, their new release, 2008 Pinot Gris & Merlot Rose, takes place...live music on Fridays, too, from 2 to 4 p.m.

September 2, the Music & Munch series, at All Saints by the Sea, showcases Black Velvet Band (concerts are free, in this series, and begin at 12:10. Optional lunch, to follow, for $5.50. If you haven't attended this series, start now!

A special evening with Valdy and The Usual Suspects at MarketPlace Cafe, in Harbour Centre, on the 30th, at 7 p.m. Enjoy the food and the sounds!

Mark your calendars for the annual Terry Fox Run -- Sept. 13th. I saw Terry on his run, in northern Ontario, heading west, just before he had to call off his race across the country. It was both heart-breaking and inspiring, and is not something one ever forgets. Terry Fox 09, for cancer research. Call 1-888-836-9786 for more information.

This Sunday, the 30th, there's a half-day Zen meditation retreat, at Ango Retreat, with Peter Levitt. Contact Simon at 250-537-1721 for more details. An opportunity to feed your soul?

If you can't dial in the local radio station (107.9 on your fm dial), then catch them over the web at: cfsi-fm.com Have your ideas for programming? Give them a call!

Winding down summer/gearing up for Fall...it's a hiatius moment. Tread lightly!

August 21, 2009.

Tonight is the opening of J. Mitchell Gallery's 2009 Summer Exhibition. The opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. Drop by and say hello to the Gallery's new owner and the manager of this great artistic venue. New work from all the outstanding artists will be on display. The Summer Exhibition runs from August 21 to September 20. Enjoy!

Since you're in the Village, catch the live music at Treehouse Cafe! Man Cubs play rock and pop classics this evening.

Auntie Pesto's restaurant is showcasing the photographic works of Gillean Proctor, from his Botanical series. Don't miss this!

Did you know that you can rent (or buy) the DVD of As You Like It, performed beautifully by GISS students? Pick up a copy at Island Star Video!

A world music dance party takes place on the 29th at Beaver Point Hall. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show from Salt Spring Books or at the door. More info? www.shanephillip.com

The Dharma According to Fifi continues Thursdays to Saturdays, until Sept. 5th. Don't miss this Flying Dreams gem!

Ryuzanji Company returns with High Life by Lee MacDougall, at ArtSpring, Sept. 1 and 2, at 8 p.m. Hosted reception at 7 p.m.

Did you know that every Wednesday is pasta night, at the Harbour House Hotel? New menu, new chef...check it out! Alfresco dining on the patio, too. Tonight, there's jazz offerings by Ted Hickford and Friends, plus a Crab Dinner Night.

Bluesman KC Kelly returns to the stage at Moby's this evening, too. He will be showcasing his new CD!

Done the Studio Tour yet? It's a treat to be a tourist in your own home area...don't miss this! Wandered the galleries in the Village? Steffich Fine Art Gallery, Jill Louise Campbell Gallery, J. Mitchell Gallery, Martinus Fine Gems Gallery, ArtSpring Gallery, ArtCraft, plus the artistic expressions showcased at Cafe Talia, Salt Spring Roasting Company, TJ Beans, Auntie Pesto's, Rendezvous Cafe...check it out! We are so lucky to be surrounded by such talent.

Lots to do and to see this weekend!

Enjoy -- it's still summer!