Greetings Creekers!
I am back from travelling and just finally surfacing from prolonged jet lag. I had a fabulous trip and could have just kept going, seeing new places. However, I recognise my good fortune and now that I am back, I am happy to be here. It’s a beautiful time in the Creek, so many fresh green colours punctuated by bright, blooming rhododendrons and blossoming trees. It’s a sight worth taking a walk to appreciate.
I opened my inbox to find a letter from Sunshine Coast Streamkeepers and it was the most important thing there so let’s start with that. Streamkeepers are those dedicated volunteers who protect our salmon runs by taking care of stream habitat and they are raising concerns about six proposed cut blocks in the headwaters of Roberts Creek, planned for 2025 and 2026. It is their view that the associated watershed changes will cause flooding that will have an effect on lower-level spawning grounds. Additionally, they say this activity will affect the upper areas of the creek by destroying the healthy riparian area required to keep the creek cool. This sounds to me like something I would like to know more about and have the opportunity to comment on but BC Timber Sales are not making this easy by having a public comment portal that is confusing and time consuming and only one month was allotted for public engagement. That period ends May 4. Those with concerns can email [email protected]. If you would like help with your email, contact https://sunshinecoaststreamkeepers.com.
Last week’s Coast Reporter featured an article about community development grants including $100,000 received by the xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Association. This is a very exciting grant that will be used to hire an economic development officer but this is not the only grant that the RCCA has received over the past few years. Most of you will be aware of the renovation projects done on the hall. The new commercial kitchen, new washrooms, sound system, sewer system and new patio are just some of them. All of that money came from grants and those grants would never have been received without the work and dedication of Karen Spicer, grant writer extraordinaire! It takes a tremendous amount of knowledge and work to successfully apply for these grants and those funds have helped maintain the hall as the centrepiece of our community. So a big public thank you to Karen and members of the previous board for making this happen.
Alright, let’s see what fun and entertainment is coming up in Roberts Creek.
Tonight at the Legion, it’s the Rolling Stones tribute band Sticky Fingers who are on their “She’s So Cold” tour. I’m not sure if there will be tickets left but if you read this in time head down early and see. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35.
Tomorrow night it’s the Jason Lane Band, fronted by singer Chantal Sayers. They will be playing danceable rock and blues from the ‘70s to the ‘90s. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 - $20.
Canucks fans! The Legion will be showing the Canucks Games as they race to the cup.
Tuesdays it’s ukulele night with the BUGS strumming, singing and spreading joy, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, don’t forget it’s jam night. Bring an instrument to join in or just come and listen and Thursdays it’s Jazz!
There are some upcoming big events at the Legion that I should mention now so you have a chance to get tickets, at the Legion website.
May 10 it’s Cousin Harley. This Rockabilly trio has been playing for 20 years, including in Europe, and they are back to play the Roberts Creek Legion. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
May 11, Soundcheck! will feature LSN from the UK along with support from local bass wizards playing the first show on the Legion’s new speakers.
May 31, it’s Chest Fever! This official revival of The Band is officially approved by Robbie Robertson and is comprised of members of the award-winning rock group Mrs. Henry. Fans of The Band might not want to miss this . The skeptical can check them out on the Legion website, they sound pretty good.
In other Legion news, Semir will be back with his fabulous hot dogs Friday and Saturday nights and Benji’s Kitchen is open Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Put Saturday May 25 on the calendar! It’s the 90th anniversary celebration of the Hall. Roots Roundup will be playing in the evening and there will be other events that I will try and have information about for next week’s column.
In the meantime, have a great week and donate to our food cupboard if you are able. It was completely empty yesterday save for two bags of rice and two chocolate bars which I am sure were gone five minutes later.
Oh, one more thing: elderflowers are out. You can pick some and make cordial. It’s wonderful and easy. Look up a recipe!
