Chocolate and Cheese

If you’re looking to find something a little different to serve your guests this season, you may have some fun by slicing up some chocolate cheese. A little goes a long way, as this is a very decadent treat which is paired nicely with wine. This one of the many items that can be found out G&S Quality Meats & Deli on Gabriola. In the deli you’ll also find some of Gord’s fresh home-made sausage,a variety of cheese, premium cuts, and an assortment of marinated meat & chicken. The store is located at #1-590 North Road or you can reach them for any special orders at 250.247.8828.

"Just one more run ?"

This is a common phrase heard by the parents on Gabriola as the current snow conditions are perfect for getting in some sleigh rides. The kids have been busy at work making runs through the yard to find the perfect place to go down with a little extra speed. After a good time in the snow, it's a great feeling to warm up by the woodstove and sip on a cup of hot chocolate. It's not just the kids that are having fun, parents are on sleds, neighbors are out for walks and a few are out making tracks for cross country skis. With people choosing to stay at home and enjoy the winter activities, the spirit around is joyful.

Gabriola Elementary School Christmas Concert

In the midst of a winter snow storm, the show still went on. There were a few changes as the rehearsal quickly turned into the real show as snow accumulated outside of the school doors. In less than 2 hours the school contacted enough parents to notify them of the time change to fill the school gym. It was an impressive display of young talent that included all the children, mice, reindeer & villagers set against a beautiful hand painted back drop. The school’s music teacher Rose Topp was to thank for the heartwarming production that set all in the Christmas spirit !

Mark your Calender!

It's that time of year again, when our friend & well known Gabriola artist, Sheila Norgate will be opening her studio for her annual sale.

Make sure you mark it on your calender, it's an event that you won't want to miss....

2531 Tyee Drive, Gabriola Island

Saturday 13 December 2008

11- 5

For those over in Vancouver, Sheila also has an exhibition currently open at the Atelier Gallery...

SHEILA NORGATE
Mixed Bag: New Work
December 4 – 24, 2008
Opening reception: Thursday,
December 4, 6-8 p.m.
(Artist in attendance)

The Atelier Gallery is pleased to present a small solo exhibition featuring new work by Sheila Norgate. This latest series of text-based paintings sees her menagerie of birds and dogs continue to be a central theme. Working primarily in acrylics, each canvas delivers a narrative stamped with Norgate’s signature wit.

“Over the years there have been what you would call recurring motifs appearing in my work. Hearts and birds have pretty much been there all along, but the dogs are a more recent addition. I’d love to be able to attribute this to some more exotic phenomena, but truth be told, it is a simple case of art imitating life. We adopted a small Maltese-poodle cross in 2001 and life has never been the same.”

Sheila Norgate is a long time resident of Gabriola Island and a prominent member of its vibrant arts community. Despite roots firmly planted on an isolated and idyllic Gulf Island, Norgate exhibits in numerous galleries across North America and attracts a large and enthusiastic audience. Mixed Bag: New Work, will be on display from December 4 – 24, 2008.

Image information:
Sheila Norgate, The Heart is a Fervent Songbird, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 inches, 2008

ATELIER GALLERY
2421 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3G5
604-732-3021
info@ateliergallery.ca
www.ateliergallery.ca

A great place for Animal Lovers

Gabriola seems to draw quite a number of people with a love of animals. It's noticeable by the number of organizations you'll find here that are devoted to helping and rescuing our two & four legged friends or our winged companions.

Gabriola Rescue of Wildlife Society provides care for injured or orphaned wildlife, to find more about them or join them as a volunteer visit http://www.growls.ca/about.php .

Big Heart Rescue recently raised over $4000.00 at the Skol pub in one night, this organization is dedicated to helping animals in BC that are in need, to find out about adopting or fostering one of their rescues please visit http://www.bigheartrescue.com/aboutus.htm .

If you like cats, Gabriola Cats Alive rescues abandoned cats. If you've lost an animal, the first place to check is Gabriola Pet Find the number to reach them at is 250.247.8654.

In addition to the many organizations, the island also has an amazing vetrinary clinic, run by owners Thomas Uhlig & Patricia Leather, Twin Cedars, #250-247-9185. The island is lucky to have their services as they offer exceptional care of our favorite four legged friends!

BC Ferries - Winter Super Sails

BC Ferries Winter Super Sail runs from December 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009

BC Ferries is making it easier for you to visit families, friends and loved ones during the holidays with the BC Ferries Winter Super Sail. From December 1st until January 31st 2009 you can save 33% on all fares and all routes. These savings apply to all passengers and all vehicles on all sailings from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland to the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast.*

On Gabriola, with a pre-paid pass, that means that a car & driver return is now $12.45 reduced from $18.55 - Christmas has come early to the islanders...

If your planning on travelling on the mainland ferries over the holiday season, you may want to make a reservation, and check the schedules for any additional and cut sailings, to help ensure your travel plans go smooth, you can make your reservations online at: https://www.bcferries.com/bcftravelcentre .

*Assured Loading Tickets and reservation fees for the Vancouver-Vancouver Island and Horseshoe Bay-Langdale routes are not included in this promotion.

December 1st - Countdown to the Holidays...

Living on Gabriola, known as the Island of the Arts there is never any shortage of great local gift giving ideas... With the holiday season approaching so quickly, here are a few more of our favorites...

Music CD’s – the Kerplunks http://www.thekerplunks.com/
Kerplunks: If you have kids on your list then the kerplunks CD is a great gift… The Kerplunks play fun and educational kids' music focusing on all the different musical instruments. Toot your horn and strum that bass, The Kerplunks really get you groovin'. The Kerplunks were recently Canadian Folk Music “Children’s Album of the Year”. You can visit their website online to hear a sampling of the cheerful and upbeat music of Dinah D and Tina Jones.


Jewellery @ Artworks
On display & sale currently at Artworks you’ll find a spectacular jewellery shoe featuring some of the islands most popular artists including; Paprika, Moonshine Studio, Yuma Designs, Kate Woods, Lindsey Godfrey & Maureen O’Connor. The stunning creations are sure to light up the face of your loved ones on Christmas morning!


Merrell Shoes @ Colleen’s located at: 580 North Road
Since the island is so full of places to explore a good pair of walking shoes are always appreciated… “MERRELL is dedicated to the outdoor journey of discovery -the search for self-knowledge, meaning, friendship, and fulfillment that links the world's people who enjoy the outdoors. Whether born on the mountain or raised in the city, enjoyment of the outdoor is independent of age, income, occupation or culture.” On the island where we love our time outdoors this may be the perfect gift of comfort & Colleen’s has lots of styles to choose from, in addition to her family fashions & home furnishings…


A Gift of Relaxation Registered Massage Therapist: 250-247-7667
How about an hour or a half hour massage from one of our islands registered massage therapist, Tammy Birch. Melt away your stress. Feel the tension just slip away as you experience a blissfully luxurious session…


Gabriola Elementary School Craft Fair December 6 @ Gabriola Elementary
This is an exciting opportunity featuring a variety of island artists so you can do your shopping all in one place! In addition to the craft fair the famous cookie walk is a great way to support school activities, while avoiding the Christmas baking – but be early the cookies disappear quickly & the doors open at 10:00 am. There is also the very popular silent auction table with all sorts of some of the best the island has to offer, and because the money is going to such a worthy cause, you can feel good about your Christmas shopping!

Happy Holiday Shopping!