Welcome to my very first weekly musings as community columnist for what we like to call the Gumboot Nation, a place to let the Coast know what we are up to here in the Creek. Being a rural community, physically removed from the easy entertainment available in the big city (I’m looking at you, Sechelt), we work hard for our fun and are lucky to have a solid group of very talented artists of all types and a dedicated population of volunteers who keep the wheels turning.
We have a new group here on the Coast. The Sunshine Coast Stream-keepers Society is looking for members. They work with Pacific Streamkeepers Federation and are hoping to form groups of citizens to advocate for the many creeks here. Training on Malcolm Creek has already taken place and they plan one on Roberts Creek in the spring. If you want to make sure the salmon and other fish continue to thrive and help protect their habitat, contact them at scstreamkeepers@gmail.com
Wednesday afternoons for the month of October are busy! At the Community Hall, the regular Wednesday Farm Market (1:30 to 6 p.m.) promises to have a cornucopia of the bounty available at this time of year. The bakery WILL sell out, so get there early!
Next door at the Masonic Lodge this Saturday is a pie eating contest. Because PIES! It’s part of the annual Homesteading and Health Thanksgiving Fall Fair, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be local farmers and vendors, workshops, live music, face painting and much more.
Each week I hope to highlight a local entrepreneur who is offering workshops, classes or open house events, so ...
Interested in some hands-on creativity? Sarita at Wolfpups Studios will be doing drop-in art projects each week and you are welcome to come join the fun. Projects and materials will vary, and you can attend any week. Wednesday, Oct. 16 is linocut print blocks. There will be lino in stock, as well as black ink, tools to use and scraps of cloth, paper too. Blank clothing will be for sale, or bring your own clothes to print on. Fee varies depending on design size and clothing options, with a minimum donation of $15. Message Wolfpups on facebook or email wolfpups.studio@gmail.com for address and details, and so they know who is interested.
Need a reason to head down to the #219 (our li’l Legion)? This week’s entertainment is … Friday Night Dance Party, Oct. 11. Free entry for ladies and for members, $5 for guests. DJ Jota will play music to make you move from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Bring your dancing shoes. Did I mention it was free for ladies and members? Double free for ladies who are members!
On Saturday, Oct. 12 is a Legion fundraiser, because we love our Legion. Featuring: S.K.A. (a Vancouver band blending covers and originals focused on ska/reggae, as well as jazz, blues and rock), Kownterpoint (brothers Mike and Kyle Langlois aim to please just about anyone, playing reggae, psychedelic classic rock, blues, funk, jazz, punk and more ska) and local fav, Jeevious Family (alt country, roots, bluegrass, intergalactic space folk). Again, dancing shoes recommended. $8 members, $15 guests.
What’s happening at the Gumboot Café? It’s the third Thursday of the month so that means Creative in the Creek. This coming Thursday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 10:30 p.m., a diverse and entertaining evening of live music, spoken word and performance art hosted by Aaron Fitzpatrick, Sayata Gabriel and Sarah Tomkins, with admission by donation. For more info or to see if you can strut your stuff, contact Aaron at the café or aaron.fitz@hotmail.com.
This weekend is Thanksgiving, and there are so many reasons to be thankful for this place we call the Gumboot Nation. Remember that if you have more than you need, don’t build a bigger fence, build a bigger table. Have a great week!
I guess I’ll saunter over to the bulletin board outside the General Store to see what else is up. Store is open to 10 p.m. until the middle of November.
I look forward to letting you know what my fellow Creekers are doing to make life here on the Coast more of what it already is – fantastic. Contact me with the info you want to share Mondays before noon for the Friday edition of Coast Reporter at kellybacks@rocketmail.com
