Monday, August 31, 2009

Growing tall on Gabriola

The Vancouver Island Exhibition (VIEX) was held over the August 20-23 weekend in Nanaimo and drew in a number of visitors. My kids took part of the “sunflower” competition; sunflower seeds were given away in the spring along with the entry forms. We eagerly set them in the ground and began watering, soon we could see them from our living room and we dug them up to take them in. The kids we’re over the moon to both receive a big blue ribbon for their age category and I was pretty happy to have the reassurance that Gabriola is a great place to garden.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Childcare Options on the Island

If you’re looking for the perfect place for your tiny tot on Gabriola there are a few options to consider:

Hope Center offers a few options, they have a daycare, preschool and after school programs. You can visit their website at www.gabriolahopecentre.com or phone them at 250.247.8730. They are located in the North End of Gabriola near the Elementary school and Village.

Perry Road Preschool is in the South End of the Island and is open on Monday and Wednesday mornings for 2.5-5yr olds, Christine Watt is ECE trained and can be reached at 250.247.7478.

Gabriola Co-Op Preschool is run out of the Community Hall in the South End of Gabriola and is held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. If you’d like more information leave a message at 250.247.9292.

Private you’ll also find people that will care for your children in your home, if you’re looking for some names let me know, I’d be happy to pass them along.

You’ll find lots of activities posted on the bulletin boards and in the Sounder to keep your little one busy, some are run privately and other are run through the Gabriola Recreation Society (www.gabriolarecreation.org). These include, swimming lessons (summer only), gymnastics, yoga, and art and dance classes.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Big TENT !

There will be a lot of entertainment this weekend, August 21, 22 & 23 - presented by the Gabriola Theater Festival, with productions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There are 8 productions offered in a variety of locations on the Island. Single show tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, except for the Itchy Fish production of “A midsummer night in Oz” which will only cost you $5 at the door. To find out show times and places to get your tickets visit : www.gabriolatheatrefestival.ca .

There are a lot of other events as well, Zigster the trickster will perform some magic in the Village between 10-1 on Saturday, and you can stroll down Lochinvar between 10-4 on Saturday,the street will be closed to traffic for 50 local artists that will have booths set up to share their creativity.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A trip to Oz…

Well firstly, I have to start off by stating that this is all about being an Auntie, which gives me HUGE bragging rights, which will be apparent in this blog…

Last weekend, at the home Tina & I grew up in on Gabriola, we celebrated by neice Bianca, and nephew MicGill’s birthday party and WOW, what a spectacular celebration. Our friends & families came to take a walk on the yellow brick road where they met Oz, the wicked witch of the East (aka Tina my sister), the good witch, Tin Man, and hosts Dorothy (B) and Lion (M). Along the journey their were games to keep the munckins busy and it truly felt like we had left Kansas and ended up in the magical world of Oz (Gabriola).

Guy stole the show, as the Tin Man who kept telling everyone he only wanted a heart, but he couldn’t resist blurting out to our local Dr. that he also wanted his spleen back!

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate, and to our hostess Dorothy(Bianca), and Lion (MicGill) – I am SO proud to be your Auntie, you guys are both amazing kids!

Happy Birthday!

XOXXO Your Auntie, Jen




Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ever thought of Joining the Circus???


Well today on Gabriola the New Old Time Chautauqua came to the island with its crew of 61 performers to give Gabriola Islanders a full day of circus events…

The musical vaudeville circus in its 28th annual summer time tour, came through the Village in full costume and musical instruments, and I mean through the Village leading the parade… Everyone was welcome and there were many familiar faces in the crowd, mostly behind big red noses… No sooner did they enter the parking lot at the Folklife then the parade carried on through Village Food Market, gaining yet more unsuspecting shoppers who soon became lured by shiny instruments, and the vibrant costumes. In front of Artworks they did a teaser of what’s in store for their big performance at 7:00 tonight at the Commons, and tickets are available right at the Entrance to the Commons.

But before the show these merrymakers led the parade, first through the office & out the back window, back to the Commons. All those who had ever thought about joining the circus were welcome by the performers both adults & kids had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills including juggling, acrobatics, mask making, clowning, etc.

For those that can’t get enough tonights “Big Show” is going to inspire – bring a blanket or a chair, the performance take place on the lawn...

The New Old Time Chautauqua is a non profit organization, whose mission is to nurture and build community through laughter, entertainment and education. They present family-oriented events in diverse communities, especially to rural and under-served populations. The traveling troupe partners with local organizations and service groups, with the intention of inspiring creativity and supporting community.

This summer Aqua Chautauqua will travel by boat and bus to maritime communities in Canada and Washington State. The merry band of performers and educators will create community events with colorful
Parades, creative and informative workshops and vaudeville shows with all the bells and whistles.

This show will benefit the fund raising efforts of the Commons to reduce carrying charges for the mortgage and enable renovation projects to get underway sooner. Thus the motto at "The Commons... a Place For Everyone" can be truly implemented!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Picnic Place

The Descanso Bay Regional Park is a great little spot on the North-West side of Gabriola to go for a picnic, if youre catching the ferry from Nanaimo it’s just a short 1.5km walk from the ferry landing. You’ll find an idealic setting with picnic tables in a meadow with the sandstone shores just in front. There is also a campground located here, for more information or to reserve a campsite phone 250.247.8255.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Dancing Man Festival- It ‘Haint going to be boring !

This year the Dancing Man Festival is being held in the summer, and it kicks off on Friday July 10th with the HAINTS at the Community Hall. Tickets are being sold at Artworks, and if you sign up in advance you can take a lesson before the Country Barn Dance starts rolling.

There ya go pardner! Cowboy Up...