Greetings Creekers!
Sometimes I have no idea how to begin this column so I am starting with the entertainment side of things. It is the season for socializing and many of you will gathering around tables of appetizers with a cocktail in your hand but if you are in the mood for live entertainment there a couple of options for this weekend.
Tonight, at the Legion, The Duke of Earles will be playing a Gordon Lightfoot Tribute and I am thinking there just might be a sing along opportunity. The kitchen is open for dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. and then the music will start. No cover for this event but donations for the food bank and tips for the band are being collected.
If you are looking for something different, you just might want to head to the Hall on Saturday night where Subzero is having a Christmas Rave! The lineup will include KOL, Lex and Prezzy and Bridge. All this means nothing to me but I am very certain you will not have to put up with “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” or “I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus.” Also, there will be a fully mapped immersive lighting experience with Michael Heavy, so all your senses will be entertained. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/subzero-a-christmas-rave.
And then we move on to Christmas Day and the Community Potluck Dinner at the Hall. This is a great way to celebrate with your neighbours. The turkey is provided by the xRRCA along with potatoes, stuffing and gravy. All the rest is potluck and Creekers outdo themselves in this department. But here is the most important thing, anyone is welcome regardless of your ability to contribute. There will food for everyone along with entertainment and games before and after. An RSVP is helpful but not required. [email protected] and you can volunteer to help out at volunteersignup.org/9J9DK . Doors open at 3 p.m. with dinner at 5 p.m. Please bring your own dishes and cutlery, if possible.
Looking ahead to New Years, it’s time to get your tickets now for Midnight Magic at the Hall featuring DJs little d and Buzy B. The hall will be decorated to the nines and you can dance the night away to a mix of infectious beats. buytickets.at/robertscreekcommunityassociation/1080095.
So this is a generous time of year when we think about people in need and a primary one is food, so many of us donate to the Community Food Cupboard. This is an initiative of the Salvation Army and they stock it with some basics, the rest coming from community donations. Most people are donating good condition, thoughtful and useful items. However, there are some who are using the cupboard as place to drop off old food and random items and I received a letter from a Salvation Army volunteer requesting that I bring this situation to your attention. These items have recently included very rusty cans, half used jars, open packets and bottles along with random toiletry items. First of all, this is a “food cupboard” and is intended for donations in that category only, with the exception of sanitary supplies. Secondly, and most importantly, the food should be safe to consume. Open jars, bottles, packets and rusty cans are subject to contamination and not considered safe by any food bank. Leaving those items could result in the cupboard being removed. If you are wondering what to donate, protein is often missing. Canned fish and meat, nuts, nut butters, lentils and beans, jerky and protein bars are all good sources. If, like me, you are fortunate to have a vacuum sealer, it can be used to safely package dry foods such as nuts, rice, dried fruit, flour etc. Just don’t donate anything that you would not consider eating yourself and we will have a food cupboard we can be proud of.
While on the topic of my favourite subject (that would be food), I was planning to end with a Christmas dessert recipe but apparently people who talk too much also write too much and I am out of space. I will however give you a fast and tasty appetiser idea. Sardines! Yes, you read me right. Open a can of sardines (in oil), drain and mash them with some mayonnaise, minced onion and capers or chopped dill pickles, maybe some lemon zest and lots of freshly ground pepper. Serve with crackers or crostini. Merry Christmas!
However you celebrate this season, I hope it involves good food, laughter and the warmth and joy of being with people you care about. See you in the New Year! [email protected]
