First on the Sunshine Coast, first in Pender Harbour – a little charitable dispensary popped up at the Pender Harbour Community Church for neighbours in need. A Blessing Box offers non-perishable food items, toiletries, and other necessities. With a policy “Take what you need” and “Leave what you can,” everyone can be blessed practising neighbourliness in a time when social distancing is our new normal. The Blessing Box does not take the place of the Food Bank which meets at the church every Monday; rather, it fills a need for people on a fixed income when families need a “hand up” until payday. This community pantry is not stuffed for a purpose, allowing other neighbours to contribute. We are grateful to the creative hands that built and painted this little treasure to our community.
Have some more Madeira, my dear! Four generations, descendants of the legendary Joe Gonsalves, were proudly present May 11 at the Pender Harbour Community Hall for the unveiling of the beautiful sign portraying the history of their famous relative. With a vision for the future, Joe purchased 260 acres, now the heart of Madeira Park. The sign erected more than a century after Joe Gonsalves purchased his property honours Joe and his descendants and the rich history of Madeira Park. Come by the Hall and enjoy the story of our colourful heritage.
This Saturday, May 16, the area’s first responders – including BC Emergency Health Services and the Egmont Fire Department – with the Lions Club and Coasters Car Club will drive through the Harbour.
The parade will depart the Madeira Park Fire Hall/Ambulance Station at 11 a.m. The convoy will then drive along Francis Peninsula Road, loop around Murdock and back down Francis Peninsula to Highway 101. (Note: the first responders vehicles will not be travelling down Warnock Road; however, the Coasters Car Club will be doing so.) The parade will then proceed along Highway 101 to Garden Bay Road as far as the Panorama Drive loop, then back down Garden Bay Road. Come out in front of your homes and safely celebrate, social distancing two metres from each other. Dress up, make some noise, have fun and enjoy!
The music continues with two of our famous Coast performers entertaining us with weekly live-streamed concerts. Simon Paradis comes on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Joe Stanton, Thursdays at 6 p.m. with a second set at 7 p.m.
Make it a date night and support your local restaurateur with a takeout dinner: Mamas Japanese Kitchen for fabulous sushi, bento boxes and specials; Aquí Es México, authentic cuisine and margaritas, Tamales To Go, sooooooo good to pick up and steam. I just discovered The Farm online, a sumptuous offering of breads, vegetarian sausage and patés, fresh produce, plants, jams (the raspberry dark chocolate is heaven in a jar).
I found treating myself, after receiving my frightening water bill, with something special was a magic tonic. Cindy Cantelon of Earthly Creatures Design just debuted her new collection. I have a new star in my jewel box and feel incredibly happy! Highly recommend this treatment for these unsettling times. Support our local stars, be they musicians, artists or businesses finding ways to provide us with what we need and enjoy.
Be safe, be kind and follow the simple but necessary protocol. We are in this together. Our community has been outstanding in responding to the pandemic. COVID-19 has not gone away. We must now more than ever be 100 per cent committed to stopping the spread. Be patient and positive.
To the frontline heroes, health workers, retail staff and all other essential service providers: thank you! You are amazing and beyond appreciated. We all need to do our part to be there for your podium finish.
Contact me with your news at dilysanne@hotmail.com for the Friday edition of Coast Reporter.
