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Cedar Grove: Home for a new gnome

The long-awaited new Old Book Gnome was unveiled to the students of Cedar Grove Elementary the day before school ended. Teachers and principal Barry Krangle led everyone out into the sunshine to where the old gnome sits beside the Cedar Grove sign.
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Master carver Darcy Gertz and Cedar Grove principal Barry Krangle with the new Old Book Gnome.

The long-awaited new Old Book Gnome was unveiled to the students of Cedar Grove Elementary the day before school ended. Teachers and principal Barry Krangle led everyone out into the sunshine to where the old gnome sits beside the Cedar Grove sign. Vel Anderson, who spearheaded fundraising, told those assembled that the old gnome was carved by Terry Chapman, possibly in the 1990s (if someone has more information, we’d love to know). Vandals destroyed his hands along with the book he was holding many years ago, which led to the proposal that he be repaired or replaced. Given that repairing was almost as pricey as carving a new gnome out of a donated log, the Elphinstone Community Association decided to go ahead with a new gnome. 

Master carver Darcy Gertz did a superb job and the students thought so too, as the unveiling drew unanimous oohs and aahs. Afterwards, students eagerly inspected the new gnome with his expressive face and strong hands holding a large tome. Some tried to count the pages in the book while one boy approached Darcy to ask him how old he was when he started carving along with other questions. If you’d like to check out the new old gnome (Vel says he’s the grandson of the old one who will stay on), he’s installed to the left side of the Cedar Grove sign, anchored in place on a slab of concrete donated by Swanson’s Ready-Mix. Vel also thanked the Sunshine Coast Credit Union and Gibsons Building Supplies along with everyone who donated. A special thank you to Dean Riggs of Coastland Wood Industries who organized the donated log and Brian Prizzey who transported the gnome to Cedar Grove. Perhaps future classes of students will decide on a name for this newest addition to the Cedar Grove community. 

With our community now on Stage 3 water restrictions, now is the time to fix leaky faucets! Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth (I know most people already do this) and put a basin in your sink to catch wash up water. I use it to keep shrubs and flowers alive in drought months – mild soapy water does not harm plants. Let me know your own special water-saving tips to pass along. 

Check out Feeling the Textures of the Forest, an all-ages drawing workshop facilitated by Marleen Vermeulen on Sunday July 7, 1 to 4 p.m. This and other workshops/concerts will take place in the Clack Creek Gallery Forest on the lower slopes of Mount Elphinstone. For more information, see www.livingforestinstitute.ca.

Everyone is invited to a community potluck at Chaster House on Saturday, July 13 from 4 to 9 p.m.; bring your own plates and cutlery. The Elphinstone Community Association will provide coffee, tea, juice and items for the barbecue. There will be games and activities for children. Come out and enjoy an afternoon at the beach with your neighbours. 

Contact me with any news at elphin@coastreporter.net