Merry Christmas Gabriola

Berry Point Branch Library, Gabriola Island

Merry Christmas Gabriola....  The Lynch Group has gifted a small library, a great place to go pick up a book, or take your recycled books to share!  Just a small gesture to thank our amazing community....

Just 2 more sleeps - Gabriola!

Merry Christmas Surprise....

Thumbs up to HOLLY TREE DENTAL

We've taken our children to Holly Tree Dental in Nanaimo, about a 10 minute walk from the Gabriola ferry and I must say that I have been very pleased with their service.  They are great with the kids, have an inviting lobby and they are creative !  One of my children had the habit of being a thumb sucker at night and at the last check up they let her know that it would soon cause her some long term damage, they then showed her a "gold thumb trophy" that she would receive if she could make it 30 days without popping that thumb in her mouth.  It's now been 30 days since that appointment and we went in today to have her thumb cast so that they could make her trophy- trust me we had tried a lot of techniques to get her to stop.  I also like the phone calls they make the day before the appointment, reminding clients of their appointments, how long the appointment should take and how much it will cost.    They get two thumbs up from us!

Cards ! we have a few extra

We just received some cards today and we'd be happy to share some with  you.  If you have a little note that you want to send to someone, just swing by the office and pick one up.

A message from Santa...

One of our favorite family traditions in the past few years has been creating amazingly special video messages from Santa, (yes he even knows where Gabriola is),  with the help of: http://www.portablenorthpole.com/home . These customized videos are designed for both adult and children, and you choose whether they are on the “naughty” or “nice” list. The good news is that there is still a little time before Christmas and so the elves are busy creating gifts so any behavioral modifications can still be made. Hope you have as much creating, sending and watching them as we do!

Advent - Day 3

Today, Randi and I took the Foreclosure and Court Ordered Sales course that is offered as a continuing professional education course through the BCREA.  Satnam Sidhu gave a dynamic presentation on this difficult subject and lots of insights into some very complicated real estate matters.
If you're interested in knowing your credit score, once a year you can go to Equifax and get it for free.

Advent - Day 2

The kids signed up for the school choir and have been practicing on their recess breaks with Mr. Bradbrooke, the music teacher at the Gabriola Elementary School.  On Sunday, the kids choir sang at the United Church on South Rd, I think it was a treat for all that attended.

Advent - Day 1

Nothing like starting the advent season by sorting almost $2,000 worth of Purdy's chocolates for a local fundraiser.

A new take on ADVENTS & post its

When Dec. 1 rolls around, we immediately hunt around for the kids advent calendars so they can begin celebrating the magic of the season.  They open the little "windows" leading up to Christmas, the windows remind me of post in notes, just saying a little something.  So this year, I've decided I would share a little insight in our (the Lynch's) Live with you over the 25 advent days.
It's our 25 day "post-it"advent celebration!

'Tis the Season

     It's holiday time, and there seems to be no better way to celebrate than giving back...  We love this community we live in so we are spreading the joy this holiday season...  On behalf of our clients we've been busy filling donations for a couple of  Christmas Good Samaritan boxes...  In our creative life we've been busy making donations for  the fundraiser for the Gabriola Elementary School, as well as cookies for the famous cookie walk.  In hopes to bring one of our clients a fabulous Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, we purchased raffle tickets for all of our clients actively listed for sales - names, and even if they don't win - there is a silver lining that all the funding goes to the school.  December 1st will mark the convoy of lit up fire trucks that will make there way collecting food & toy donations for PHC and families here on the island and we'll be in the support vehicle collecting the totes - so we hope to see you out there!  Being passionate about gardening, but never having enought time, we've also put together a donation for our friends at the Gabriola Garden Club - as many of the gardens we all get to enjoy.  This community is amazing - thanks Gabriola for all your support throughout the year, and for all you do to make this home!

The GYM @ Twin Beaches

It's been a bit wet on the trails lately and when the rain pours in the morning I sometimes reconsider my plan to put on my runners and step outside.  I've been contemplating a gym membership but because I love to be in the outdoors, I've kept putting it off. Yesterday, after I finished a course my husband picked me up with this punch card to the gym @ Twin Beaches on Gabriola.  As you can see I haven't used it yet, but it looks like a great gym that I look forward to going to.

Gabriola's coffee culture

We are lucky to have some fantastic places to sit and have a tea, coffee or hot chocolate with friends.  On rainy afternoons, we like to make a little stop and sit down at Mad Rona's.  It's a beautiful, upscale coffee bar with great coffee, lots of atmosphere and delicious baked treats as well as soups and sandwiches.  Next time your feeling like a little treat or catching up with friends, I'd suggest a stop here.  My kids we're pretty ecstatic to see their hot chocolates coming out with orange sprinkles and chocolate syrup on top of the whip cream (there's also a great little green space right outside in case they hit the sugar wall).

The Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department recognizes that there are families on Gabriola that could use a little more help this year so we are conducting Christmas Food and Toy drive. Donations will go to the Christmas Bureau for families on the island.

On December 1st, Fire Fighters will be dressing up some of our trucks to make them a little more festive, and at 5:30pm we depart north hall to drive around the island in a Christmas convoy of lighted trucks, music and candy canes for those who come out to see...

us!

On our route, we will be picking up from clearly marked totes distributed to various locations around the island. Totes will be set out before 9am the morning of the 'parade' so there will be plenty of time to drop something in one during the day. We will be printing and posting a map of the route and pick up points shortly!

Requested donations include new, unwrapped toys for infants, youth and teens, including books, games, sports equipment, arts and crafts kits, cars and trucks, dolls etc.

The greatest needs for nonperishable food include: canned meals, canned meat, cereal, dry beans, fruit (canned or fresh), pasta, peanut butter, rice, soups etc. in original packaging. Turkey vouchers can also be purchased at Village Foods.  Thanks for participating!

A walk in the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve

The Elder Cedar Nature Reserve is located just off North Road in the southern end of Gabriola, near Degnen Rd.  There is a walking loop that leads you through the the forest wetland and some rare species.   The terrain is fairly level, with a small bridge and stepping stones to cross the stream, it is single track trails and they ask that you walk carefully and stay on the paths.  We recently walked the trails and it's approximately a 25 minute walk.

Did you get a LYNCH calendar ?

 Lynch Calendar Envelope (Back)

We've just sent off our Lynch calendars and they should be in your mailbox any day.  If these images don't look familiar, then we may not have you on our list.  We'd love to include everyone, so just send us an email with your mailing address and we'll pop one in the mail for you next year. 

Night RIDE on the trails

There are so many adventures waiting right outside the door, it's just finding enough daylight hours.  We ran out yesterday, so we decided to try out the bike lights and head out on the trails.  We went on the trails off Degnen & South Road, the paths are wide and have a few good size puddles, which just make for more of an adventure.  We'll definitely make this an activity that we do more often and hope to drag some of our friends with us on our next night ride.  One more thing to do on Gabriola !.

New Business on Gabriola

Metal Roof Cleaning on Gabriola 

Before

After

Is your metal roof covered in pollen and debris? If so why not have it professionally cleaned. You will be amazed by the dramatic change in the appearance of you home. If you collect rain water then having your roof cleaned will help ensure you get the maximum amount of clean water into your storage tanks this season.

Island Power Washing has been providing professional cleaning services in the SouthernGulf Islands since 1997 and is now taking bookings for roof cleaning on Gabriola. For a free no obligation estimate call 250-539-0282 or toll free at 1-855-ISL-WASH.  For more photos go to www.islandpowerwashing.com

Moonshine Mollys at the Old Crow Cafe

We have the Moonshine Mollys coming to the OLD CROW CAFE on Gabriola Island this Friday night (Oct. 26) from 8-10pm.  Cassandra Yeomans is a friend from my university days and has recently started up with this trio.  If you'd like a sampling of what they sound like, here is one of their songs.  The Old Crow will have a full dinner menu until 8pm, then an appy menu until 10.

Home made Halloween

Fall has arrived on Gabriola, and there is no better place to celebrate Halloween than on the island.

The mornings right now are full of mist, adding a sense of mystery. Spider webs can be found on the old split rail fencing and the “Haunted Hollow” holds promise of the pumpkins to be displayed in just a few days that will light up the tunnel on the island.

The natural elements encouraged us to start our home-made Halloween creations. On Saturday, we picked apples fresh from the tree and created Candy Apples, thanks to a Martha Stewart recipe!

We had so much fun that we decided to do Halloween treats for the class, mummified drink boxes – these turned out more cute than scary, but fun to share. We finished up the weekend by making some costumes, you may have an owl or a vampire bat show up at your doorstep this year.

Come celebrate Halloween with us on Gabriola there’s lots to do; a haunted house on Lyngail, fireworks display & hot chocolate sponsored by the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department starts at 7pm at the Twin Beaches, the pumpkins on display in the tunnel (North Road & Elgie), trick and treating (on the Strand or Islands View areas)– just to mention a few! Hope you have a spooktacular time!

Guest Blogger:  Jennifer

Buying Local

I just love to go by the local road side stands on Gabriola to see what the local farmers have been growing.  It's such a gift to be able to collect your produce from the island.  Here are some of the carrots I picked up today from Sal's stand near the corner of Price and Coho.

Gabriola's Annual Studio Tour - Thanksgiving Weekend

If you are lucky enough to be visiting the island you are in for a real treat!!!

Gabriola Island — the “Isle of the Arts” — has one of the highest concentrations of artists in Canada. And while every day is a celebration of art on this lush and lively island, on Thanksgiving weekend the festivities reach dizzying heights. Island artists throw open their studio doors to tempt your senses with dazzling arrays of art! On October 6-7-8, all of the artists listed in the brochure are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlight the must-see stops on your map and use the distinctive road signs to guide you to each studio.

This is a unique opportunity to see artists — many with national and international reputations — up close and personal. Rarely do art fans get a chance to make such an intimate connection with so many artists and their art in the space where it’s created. While the treasures you might take home will be with you for years to come, the memory of talking with the artists will stay with you forever.

Free, self-directed tours of artists’ home-based studios and galleries can happen all summer long when Island life-in-the-sun is in full swing.

Fascinated by things that shimmer? Scope out the studios featuring award-winning jewellers.

Do canvasses make you swoon? From contemporary to landscape, Gabriola has a painter for every taste.

Driftwood furniture, ceramics & pottery, woodworking, photography, leatherwork, hand-woven textiles, stone work and more — it’s all here, waiting for you to discover and enjoy.

Get your studio tour map online or come by the office!

Garden Bulbs on Sale.

This just came across in my emails this morning, and I couldn't help myself from sharing it with you.  400 bulbs for the garden on sale for $57.99 with shipping & handling included.  Apparently they are deer resistant (although you can never be sure).  Here's the link, with planting instructions :
http://www.costco.ca/Spring-blooming-Bulbs-Assortment.product.10352482.html

Of course, I'd still recommend hitting our local Gabriola nurseries with their fantastic knowledge, but if you're looking for a little supplement these might help.

September: back to school or the beach ?

Well it's officially back to school and most people are back into their routines and schedules.  We were taking photos of 392 Decourcy today, and the clear water and empty beaches just looked too beautiful not to share with you.  If you have the time, it's worth making the trip to Gabriola and stretching out your summer, you may just end up with a beach to yourself.  If you'd like to make it into a picnic, I would suggest getting a takeout lunch from either Mad Rona's coffee bar or the Old Crow in the Folklife Village. 
Submitted by: Tina Lynch

FORAGE: Gathering Artistic Ideas on Gabriola

Gabriola is a great place to delight in the artistic endeavours of the local residents. We were royally treated this past week to an influx of talented artists from near and far for a three day event “Forage” at Feedlot Studios. This community of about 50-60 artists was inclusive, open, sharing and supportive and I really had the sense that the participants of Forage wanted to create success for each other. It was a chance to look at the business side of art, something that often seems overlooked and taboo to discuss. Mariko & Bryan McCrae of Feedlot studios organized this enriching event and brought in the talents and generosity of The Surf and MadRona’s who hosted the evening presentations.

Gabriola - on the water

We've found something to entice the kids to go fishing with us, tubing !  the last few nights we've managed to have a few hours to go fishing around Thrasher and the fishing has been excellent.  It's the perfect combination for everyone in the family and we've been lucky enough to bring home dinner from the sea both nights.

Ever thought of MOVING a house ?

Ever thought of being offered a house for free ?  Achitrave, a local architect company on Gabriola is doing just that.   If you have a property but were waiting to build, this might be your chance to get started.  If you haven't purchased a piece of property on Gabriola yet, but find this opportunity too amazing to turn down, then come talk to Randi, Jennifer or myself and we'll find you the perfect property to set the house on.
Here's the details from Architrave, please contact them at the email below for further information.

1,000 square foot Log House in excellent condition to be claimed free.

Needs to be moved off Gabriola property by the end of September 2012.

Removal is at takers expense.

Nickel Brothers has assessed viability of move and provided estimated cost.

Architrave has assessed costs for new foundation and services hook up and would be happy to work with purchaser to facilitate all aspects of the move.

Brochure available at Architrave office.

House viewing Wednesday, August 22, 11am. Contact margot@architrave.ca for directions.

Submitted by: Tina Lynch

Kayaking around Silva Bay

We like to do a group activity for our family celebrations, so last week we celebrated my moms birthday (no, I won't say which one, i do like to work with her) by taking her on a kayak adventure.  We had Hilary Mason from Silva Bay Kayak Adventures take us on a 4 hour guided paddle.  I must say that at the kids request, the paddling portion consisted of about 40 minutes in total and the beach, swimming and snack time took up the remainder.  We ventured from the Silva Bay Inn, around Vance Island and stopped on Carlos Island for a few hours before returning home. 
It was a beautiful day and we all had a great time, they offer week long camps, sunset paddles and overnight stays.  If you're interested in a kayaking adventure off the shores of Gabriola Island, Hilary and Ryan are sure to come up with a safe and relaxed adventure tailored to you. 

Ready, set, go SAIL !

There are lots of great activities and camps for kids of all ages to attend on Gabriola.  This week, my kids are attending the "sailing camp".  The instructor Tom Bradbrooke is great with children and is teaching them about points of sail, knots, safety and how to tack and gybe.  My 8yr old daughter and a new friend have been busy sailing across Silva Bay on their own.  I'm really impressed with what they've been taught and the weeks not even over yet!
If you live on the Island or if your planning a trip, you may want to look at some of the camps that the Gabriola Recreation Society offers.  (Submitted by Tina Lynch)

Celebrating on the Islands!

Last week we decided to have our son's birthday a little earlier than usual, so within a week we planned and hosted his party.  We found planning it within a short time was very liberating and forced us to be a bit more creative.  This year the kids were old enough to help us paint signs on pieces of driftwood we collected from the beach.  We silk screened a few shirts (that we picked up at the GIRO) with our "outback tour koala logo" and got busy turning a little "reef" in front of McConvey Road on Gabriola into the Australian outback.   You can walk to this beautiful stretch of sand when the tide is low from the Descanso Bay Campground picnic area, or take a kayak or raft in high tide. This is a beautiful place that feels like a deserted island, we've all decided it's one of our favourite spots on Gabriola. (Submitted by Tina Lynch)

Ride to Conquer Cancer

 Vanessa, Tina, Guy & Mike - our Gabriola Heroes

This past weekend marked a pretty special occasion for our family, my sister Tina Lynch & husband Guy Parcher participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, in honour of our dad Jack Lynch.

Our dad who was diagnosed with terminal, asbestos related lung cancer in July 2011 and I remember how happy he was when Tina and Guy told him that they were doing this ride for him – he was hopeful that it might make a difference for others.

Right now, 2 in 5 people will hear the words: "You have cancer' in their lifetime, and the ride works to change that.” The ride raised over $11.2 million dollars for the BC Cancer foundation, and monies raised went back to the communities that they were fundraised in.

The journey took them from Vancouver down to Seattle and despite the downpour of rain, there were people all along the way to cheer on and provide some much appreciated encouragement to the riders. There on the finish line we watched them cross the line on Father’s day – my dad’s spirit with them, it was so moving watching all the riders come through – I know he would have been so proud of them all!

To all those of you who supported the riders - thanks so much for your generosity...

The change to "Designated Agency"

Effective June 1st Designated Agency became the provincial industry standard.

So what does that mean to you as a Buyer or Seller?

On Gabriola, with Coast Realty Group (Gabriola Village) Ltd. being the only physical office on the island, and our relatively small geographical area, two teams and a selling managing broker, when the office lists & sells a property there will be many times we will continue to be in a Limited Dual Agency as before, where the brokerage represents two parties impartially.

However, when there has been no previously agency relationship, & depending on circumstances we may also see where your individual agent is designated to work for you, instead of how it previously was as the brokerage being your agent. We have a new “Working with a REALTOR form” which helps outline our duties and obligations.

the last... Tour de Gabriola

The weather held out yesterday, and it was a fantastic day for the final tour de Gabriola.  It's hard to believe that it was 7 years ago that Randi and I rode in the Good Heart Ride which raised much necessary funds for a defibrillator.

The following year, the Tour de Gabriola was created to start to raise money for the Gabriola Health Care society & over the years raise money it did nearly $25,000.  With the clinic nearing completion, this was the last year of the ride.

It was absolutely amazing to be there in the beggining and finishing it up yesterday!  The organizers and volunteers did an amazing job.  I'm so glad for the opportunity to participate.