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A whole lot of green

When I was young, one of the largest employers in the town I lived in was the Provincial Hospital, a mental health institution that serviced the needs of the entire northern end of New Brunswick.
roberts creek-COLUMN

When I was young, one of the largest employers in the town I lived in was the Provincial Hospital, a mental health institution that serviced the needs of the entire northern end of New Brunswick. At some point, both my parents worked there as psychiatric attendants, caring for the needs of patients who, for the most part, had learning disabilities. It was a different time and although my mother had no psychiatric training, she was instrumental in changing some of the more archaic treatments to something less “shocky.” She was also in charge of the entertainment budget for her ward and seeing as there was a “Use it or lose it” policy when it came to annual spending, she needed to up her game on the events available before the end of the fiscal year. It just so happened that the fiscal year began on April 1 and this turned their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations into the biggest event of the year! Everything on the ward had some green bunting and the drinks were green and hats for everyone and I was always amused at the thought of it, but apparently the patients looked forward to St. Paddy’s even more than Christmas.

The Roberts Creek Legacy Garden steering committee and RCCES have big thanks for Lehigh Hanson and D Kennedy Trucking (for the donation and delivery of crusher dust for the pedestrian walkway), Salish Soils (for fresh soil at a significant discount), Periplum Garden Construction and Design (for ongoing consultation), and to all the volunteers who help prepare the beds, dig out blackberries, and more, to keep this wonderful project moving forward and bring heart to the land. If you are interested in volunteering with the garden, or are a business wishing to donate, please connect with Sheila Wilson, coordinator of Roberts Creek Community School Society, at rccs@dccnet.com.

The Roberts Creek Directory of Everything 2021 edition is ready to list your Creek business, service, farm or community organization. Are you an artist, musician, or do you flog your wares at the Wednesday market or Slow Sundays? Get listed! 5,000 copies of this annual directory will be printed and distributed throughout the Coast to help tourists and locals know Roberts Creek. It’s $20-$40 (sliding scale) to be listed, so sign up at www.robertscreekdirectory.ca or contact Lesley directly at lesley@ecofreako.ca or call/text 604-399-8103.

We are so lucky to be living in a place filled with talent and when one of those talents offers one-on-one instruction in their super hot craft, you should jump at the chance! Spring break is on and it’s time to try your hand at hot glass! Molten Spirit Glass Studio Spring Break Glass Class runs March 13-28. Experience the forbidden syrup firsthand and make a glass starfish or heart in the hotshop at Byng and Hwy. 101. Visit moltenspiritglass.com/glassclass to sign up before all the spaces are filled. Half-hour session for ages 8 and up are $57.75. Mask protocols in place.

Till next week, kellybacks@rocketmail.com