Salt Spring Island, 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!

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!

October 9, 2009.

Don't forget the J. Mitchell Gallery 2009 Fall Exhibition opening tonight...5 to 8 p.m. Show runs till November 8th. Along with the stellar roster of artists, at this fine gallery, the Fall show highlights Leroy Jensen, Gerda Lattey, and Karen Reiss. Wave, if you see me!

The Monday morning (7 to 9 a.m.) radio show that I'm doing with Mark Voyce, of Bocados Bistro, will pick up again on the 19th. As this Monday is the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, the station is offering a day / evening of music only. Regular programming picks up next week. To date, I've really appreciated David Young coming in, to be interviewed, and offering so many great ideas in "green design" (his kinetic installation at a major U.S. mall was very interesting, indeed!). Also Tim Cahill, who heads up the Island's emergency preparedness group...call him, for pointers, in how to set up your neighbourhood for emergencies. Enjoyed, too, Bruno Gonzalez' thoughts on the differences between wine making in France and in North America...and the importance of terroir, to French wines. (Bruno and his wife, Brigitte, own Rendezvous Cafe). Maureen Moore also dropped by, to speak about Raffi's Child Honouring Centre, and also to encourage attendance at the 9 writers recent presentation...I did go, and it was inspiring!

Most recently, the very talented Lisa Sliwowska popped in, and gave some illuminating thoughts on design trends. Lisa's interior design company is called, most appropriately, Open Door. All these talented people have agreed to return, and to speak about other things they're involved in. It is community radio, and I see my show as a venue for people to share what they're about. If you'd like to come by, just give me a call...look forward to speaking with you "on air".

Corinne West, with Doug Cox, plays on the 12th, Thanksgiving Monday, at Fulford Hall...it's the Salt Spring Folk Club presentation. Soups, Suppers, Sweets by Fiddlehead Catering. Tickets at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense, or, at the door.

A personal narratives workshop is being held tomorrow, the 10th. If you're a writer, then here's your opportunity to explore the narratives of lives, at a Salt Spring Community Education workshop, with Lorraine Gane. A full day, from 10 to 4. Call Lorraine at 250-537-5294, for more details.

Salt Spring's Weavers and Spinners Guild is staging its first Guild Exhibition and Sale over the Thanksgiving Weekend, at ArtSpring. Open daily, from 10 to 4 -- enjoy!

If you find yourself off island, and close to Sidney, remember the Sidney Fine Art Show -- on October 16, 17, 18 at Mary Winspear Centre, in Sidney. Door prizes every day.

Looking for a turkey dinner out, to celebrate Thanksgiving? Calvin's Bistro, Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Inn, and Rock Salt Cafe are all offering the traditional feast.

The Balkan Babes, an award winning women's vocal ensemble, from Victoria, will play Salt Spring on the 16th, at the Unnited Church and play Pender on the 17th, at the Community Hall. Tickets at the door, and concerts begin at 7:30. Something a little different!

Sunday, the 11th, it's jazz at Moby's, with Sue Newman & friends (7 to 10 p.m.).

Pop by and see what the talented Bruce, at Bruce's Kitchen, in Harbour Centre, is creating for you. Organic is the key to his cuisine. Eat in or take out...the healthy choice, when you're in a hurry, and want to pick up something yummy/head home. He offers a catering service, too.

Enjoy these softer days...yes, it's steadily getting darker earlier, but Fall is harvest time, and the beauty of fruition surrounds us.

I'm having fun hosting the Monday Morning live radio show, on our new community radio station.

It goes out "live", and the volunteers who do the shows have to "do it all". Lucky for me that the owner of Bocados Bistro seaside restaurant has film background, so he's knowledgable about the equipment side of things, and so Mark is my "producer". I am so non-tech saavy!

This coming Monday will be the third show, from 7 to 9 a.m., at 107.9 on the fm dial, or, streaming audio off the station's website (www.cfsi-fm.com).

So far, there's only one tower, and with so many mountains on Salt Spring, blanketing valleys and areas, even on the Island, a lot of local listeners have to use the web. A very "Salt Spring" kind of thing!

The first show, Mark turned on his mic/not mine, and for the first hour you could barely hear me (it was like I was on a bad long distance connection), but Mark could be heard muttering under his breath, as he slotted in the music selections (yes, vinyl and cd versions). Finally, someone burst into the studio to let us know the "glitch". Second hour was at least "heard".

Can't have call-in segment, yet, as the equipment for this won't be up and running until November. Second show I invited the emergency preparedness head in to talk about being ready for disasters, of whatever nature, and also the on island representative of Raffi, the well known children's entertainer, to speak about Raffi's Centre for Child Honouring, which is now his mission in life. (For more info on that, check out: www.raffinews.com).

I get to choose the music, and since I seem to be locked into a 70s time tunnel, there's a lot of Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and Elvin Bishop. Early Stones, too.

i welcome ideas for the show. Yes, i could talk about real estate, after 20 years in the biz, but I wanted to try to share all the interesting stories out there, with the very dynamic and creative people who have landed on Salt Spring, seemingly by accident.

There are no accidents, though, right?

Hope you'll tune in, and Mark and I continue to evolve our style, while the station itself "grows". Third program coming up this Monday, 7 to 9 in the morning!