Car Share : another transportation option for Gabriola residents.

There is a great transportation option for those Gabriola Island residents going to Nanaimo.  The Nanaimo Car Share has a vehicle parked within a few minutes walk from the Gabriola ferry terminal at Port Place.  You sign up and purchase a refundable share, book your reservation online and pick up the vehicle, if your on an errand and need to extend your booking time a simple update from your smart phone allows you to check if your booking can be extended.  This is a great option for those that want to walk on the ferry, reduce their costs and avoid line ups on the commuter runs. To learn if this might be an option that suits your lifestyle, visit : http://nanaimocarshare.ca/.

Snow and wind in the Gulf Islands

We were watching the weather forecast closely yesterday as we braced ourselves for snow. The kids we're delighted when they saw that the schools in School District 68 would not be open today, although they promise me they do love school. My daughter made a snowman with my parents, while my son and I studied the branch that lodged itself half way through our metal gutter- thankfully stopping before the window. I'm about to get some rest, the crashing branches, high winds and dropping wet snow kept me on my toes through the night.

Posted by Tina Lynch

Daytrip to Newcastle Island

The Gabriola Elementary School Kindergarten and Grade 1 students headed over to Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park for one of their year end events. The ferry to Newcastle Island leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park, near the sea wall in Downtown Nanaimo. During the summer the ferry leaves regularly between 9am and 9pm. Newcastle Island is a 10 minute ferry ride from Nanaimo, and is a beautiful park with great walking trails, camp sites, a dance hall, camp store, concession, biking and no cars.
The students went to Brownie Bay where a marine biologist met with them, had them set up a net in the eel grass and discussed the marine life they found in the net. It was a great day trip from Gabriola and all within walking distance to the Gabriola Ferry, a memorable event for the kids and a great day for the parents that were able to attend.

Fairy Fridays

When my daughter was 6 weeks old, one of my neighbors started a small group on the island for moms with newborns. We met on Fridays for lunch, exchanged parenting ideas from books and experience, shared little milestones, passed along clothes and toys to each other, and supported each other when parenting presented a challenge. Each Friday we would rotate lunch dates at one of our homes.
It’s now been over 6 years, and the 4 girls that started this group still meet on Fridays, now they often meet without their mom’s in tow. It’s amazing to watch them grow together, see how the play and interact, play sports, and create art.
It’s been a special group and a great way to make life long connections. If you have children but haven't been in a play group, I'd definitely suggest that you start your own- I think you'll be happy you did !

The first photo was taken of the girls when they were 6 years old, the second photo shows them when they were between 6months - a year. (submitted by: Tina Lynch)

Fireworks are in the air!

We have absolutely loved the tradition of going to the Gabriola Sands Provincial Park (the “twin beaches”) on Halloween to watch the Fireworks since Jennifer and I were about 4 years old. This is a great community event, where the kids can get some treats, the firefighters serve hot chocolate, there is a large bonfire (well under control), and a fantastic display of fireworks to delight the eyes. The Gabriola Volunteer Firefighters have been treating islanders to this event for over 30 years. It’s always been a strong family tradition for us to attend, and with youngsters in the family we will surely continue to attend for years to come. If you’re looking for Jen on Halloween, she’ll be “dressed up” in her firefighting gear helping out at the Fireworks.Saturday, October 31. Fireworks start at 7pm.

Working with Glass

I had the opportunity of taking a fantastic Mosaic workshop offered by Karen Aaker (www.purpledoormosaics.com ) through Artstart on the weekend. She had the supplies & equipment well organized, and taught two classes with 12 in attendance. I choose a fairly simple design, and became excited about the possibilities of this art form. Well, I'm now hooked, I'm signed up for one of her courses that she's offering on Sundays from 11-1, November 8-29. My goal is to make my Christmas gifts this year, and this will help me take one off the list.

Art : The Local Buzz

Well, if you we're out on the Gallery Tour during this past weekend you will have noticed that a lot of studios had a great energy buzz happening. After a 6 year break from being on the tour (2 children born during this time), I was excited and nervous to go back on. This is what my studio/living room (#14 on the tour) looked like for the weekend. If your looking at coming to the Island to immerse yourself in the arts and develop your own artistic endeavours, then I'd have to say this is the right place to do it. The tour was great, I met a lot of people, had a great time, appreciated the feedback and made some sales. I have a lot to be thankful for and I'll be back on again next year.

My 6 yr old daughter, displayed a few paintings and made 4 sales, proof of the supportive community here.

Get stARTed !

The Gabriola Arts Council has a fantastic program called “ArtStart” which will be held on the weekend after the gallery tour (Oct 17 &18). For all those that get hit with inspiration on the tour, this is your chance to try a new art technique – and for only 10 bucks (under 18 is free).
Look at the list, choose your workshop and run to the artworks coffee bar with your cash to get you name on the list before it’s too late.

Saturday, October 17th
** "DRAWING FOR FOLKS WHO THINK THEY CAN'T DRAW" with Gerrit Verstraete ** www.gverstraete.com
A special workshop for people who "can't draw" but who are about to discover they do have talent. All under the capable supervision of Gabriola artist Gerrit Verstraete and with the help of some jelly beans. "Back in my commercial studio days," Gerrit says, "I once challenged a Toronto taxi driver that I could teach him to draw in one session. I won." Bring your enthusiasm and leave your fears at home. Some may remember hearing about his infamous "jelly-bean" method of cartooning - one of the simplest ways to learn to draw. So c'mon down.
TIME: Saturday, 10am to Noon LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 20 participants Ages 8+)

** "WATERCOLOURS WITH MELINDA" ** ` www.melindawilde.com
Let's take it from where we left off last year. This will be a slightly more intermediate workshop so if you are a painter, come on along and if not, I will mentor you through....what have you got to lose? We'll splash paint around and have a good time exploring where it takes us. Materials provided.
TIME: Saturday, 10:30am to 12:30pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 18 participants Ages 12+)

** "THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MOSAICS" with Karen Aaker ** www.purpledoormosaics.com
Join Karen Aaker of Purple Door Mosaics for an introduction to mosaics. Learn to create a beautiful mosaic using our tools, vitreous glass, porcelain, and other materials (supplied).It’s a lot easier than you think, Karen will show you how to cut and transform the colourful pieces into your own mosaic art! Bring safety goggles if you have them, and rubber gloves for the Sunday grouting session. Start a piece on Saturday afternoon. Complete it on Sunday morning. Most materials provided, bring safety goggles and rubber gloves.
TIME: Saturday, 2 to 5, Sun 10 to 11 LOCATION: Agi Hall (Maximum 12 participants Ages 14+)

** "WANNA PLAY IN MUD? " with Simone Bell ** (Maximum 6 participants Ages 12+)
Get your hands dirty making a decorative or functional hand-built item out of clay. Discover texture, form and color... the possibilities are limitless! Start a piece, then return for an hour two weeks later (Simone will set a time that works for the group) to glaze/paint your piece for the final firing. Materials provided.
TIME: Saturday, 2 to 5pm LOCATION: Simone’s studio at 390 Tamarack (247-0166)

** "INTRO TO MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE" with Lynette Harper ** www.lynetteharper.harpfin.ca With her unique style, developed over 3 decades of teaching and performing Middle Eastern dance, Lynette will introduce the vibrant, sensuous and passionate rhythms and movements of Middle Eastern and Roma (gypsy) dance. Men and women welcome – in the Middle East, everyone takes part! Wear clothing that lets you move freely, bring a long scarf or decorative belt to wrap around your hips, and be prepared to have fun!
TIME: Saturday, 2:30 to 5pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 25 participants Ages 12+)
NOTE: The A-Frame Restaurant is preparing a special Middle Eastern meal on Saturday evening beginning at 6pm. Lynette will perform. All are welcome. Please reserve your table! 247-8224

** "SINGING FOR THE TERRIFIED" with Penny Sidor ** www.pennysidor.ca
You think you can't sing and you're scared to death of trying? Come to this workshop and get your feet wet in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. We'll breathe, make some noise, and start the process of turning those noises into music. It won't hurt a bit, and you’re guaranteed to have some fun!
TIME: Saturday, 3 to 5pm LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 25 participants Ages 12+)

Sunday, October 18th

** " THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MOSAICS " ** (This is a continuation of Saturday`s workshop.)
TIME: 10 to 11am LOCATION: Agi Hall

** " KNIT ONE, PURL ONE" with Noni Fidler **
Get ready for a winter of knitting with this introductory workshop. Noni will get you going on a cotton dishcloth that will introduce you to the basics – casting on, increasing, decreasing, basic stitches and casting off. Leave the session with some primer sheets and the skills to tackle a bigger project. Yarn provided; you may purchase needles at cost.
TIME: 10:30 to 12:30pm LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 10 participants Ages 12+)

** "DRUMMING WITH VOODOO DAVE" ** www.voodoodave.com
Experience the profound effect that drumming can have on your life. Mudge Island’s Voodoo Dave is an experienced and enthusiastic drum circle facilitator and teacher. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Dave will take you through some hand drumming rhythms. Drums provided or bring your own along.
TIME: 11am to 1:30pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 30 participants Ages 10+)

** "HAPPY HOOKING" with Lois Anderson and Marilyn Geater **
Lois and Marilyn have been creating rugs from canvas and wool for many years. This demonstration and hands-on workshop will allow you to get started on your family heirloom right away. Canvas and wool provided; you may purchase hooks at cost.
TIME: 1pm to 3pm LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 12 participants Ages 12+)

** "FROM FLEECE TO YARN" with Taylor Turrie ** www.alpacas-pif.com
In this ―hands on‖ workshop at Paradise Island Alpacas, learn how the fleece from the alpacas is turned into beautiful, soft and silky yarn. Try your hand at carding and colour sorting...then test your dexterity with a turn at the spinning wheel.
TIME: 1pm to 3pm LOCATION: Paradise Island Alpacas 785 North Road (Maximum 6 participants Ages 5+)

** "WINGING IT!" with Hayden Harvey & Genni Cooper **
Faeries, Dragonflies, Angels, Demons – this is the season for costumes! Create your very own pair of wearable wings! They make wonderful costumes, gifts or decorative art. We will play with wire, nylon, paint and faerie dust to create a unique and magical set of wings. Wings are fun for everyone! Materials provided.
TIME: 2pm to 5pm LOCATION: Agi Hall (Maximum 15 participants Ages 8+)

** "BEACH TREASURE SUNCATCHERS" with Kathy McIntyre **
Learn to shape wire to create a unique sun catcher that will show off your tiny beach treasures. Bring your found objects—beach glass pieces, shells, tiny pebbles, feathers and pieces of driftwood—to create your own one-of-a kind window charm. Other materials provided.
TIME: 2:30pm to 4:30pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 12 participants Ages 12+)