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Gumboot Nation: Remembering Hans

Also, Art Crawl highlights to hit in Roberts Creek
roberts creek-COLUMN

Greetings Creekers! 

Well, there is no shortage of things to tell you about this week but before I get started I would like to pay tribute to Hans, who died suddenly last week. Some of you will be thinking “Hans? Who the heck was he? Didn’t he have a last name? “He surely did but I am embarrassed to say that I never knew it. He was simply “Hans” or sometimes known as “Second Hans.” He was a fixture in the Heart of the Creek for many years and I first got to know him years ago when I worked evenings at the Roberts Creek Store. Not the most dynamic or interesting job but Hans saved me from boredom. He drank a lot of bad coffee, played a lot of Keno and sparred with Walter. Two men who enjoyed a good discussion. I love it when people are not at all what they seem and in passing; Hans might have seemed like a scruffy hangabout with a strong accent but if you had the oppportunity to know, him you would have discovered a very well read, intelligent man who spoke five languages, understood history and politics and had an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music. He also played chess at a high level, and he would tell me stories of going to Park Royal to play with the “Russians.” He was an interesting, kind and helpful man, a “Creeker” and I along with many others will miss him.  

So, it’s Art Crawl weekend and I hope you listened to me last week and made your plans. But no worries if you haven’t because even if you just stay in the Creek, you will have an amazing experience. This is an artistic community and there are no fewer than 36 participants. You will find painting, jewelry, leatherwork and all types of ceramics. I counted seven artists/venues that are new to me, including Boom Studio, where a sneak preview convinced me not to miss that. So be sure to check out some of the new venues along with your old favourites because it’s so great to be surprised!  

If you want to start out your Art Crawl weekend with a bang (or actually a boom) head to the Hall tonight for a Bass Banquet where wubby bass, dubstep house music, Dnb and techno will rule. I am not sure what all of these are but apparently it will be deep, dark and dangerous and that has its appeal, but it goes to 2:45 a.m., so too late for me. Tickets are available at [email protected] or at the door. Also, tonight the Ween tribute band Captain Fantasy, will be playing at the Legion. If you haven’t heard this local band they are worth going out to hear. They will be sharing the stage with a band from Vancouver called “Daddy Issues” who I understand are wild and headed by an outstanding female vocalist. Advance tickets at the Legion and at the door starting at 8 p.m.  

Tomorrow night XRCCA presents their second laser light show. This one features the music of The Beatles. I understand that the previous showing of The Wall did not turn out to be great for kids but this one certainly will be. There will be great snacks available and you are asked to bring a blanket and pillow. Tickets are $15 and $20 with a family combo pack for $50 and are available at tickettailor.com. and at the door. If West Coast blues are more your style you can head down to the Legion where the Steve Kozak Trio will be playing.  

If you find you need a break from too much art (is that possible?) you can go to Skeena Lodge at Camp Byng at 2 p.m. on Sunday to see a presentation on the World Scout Jamboree that took place this last August in South Korea. Some members of the Roberts Creek 6th Scout Troop attended and they would like to share their experience.  

Halloween is coming up so get your dress up trunk out and bring the kids and grandchildren to EEK the Creek at the Hall on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a free event is put on by the RCCA and there will be treats, games and a Monster Mash Dance party.  

If you have been enjoying the made from scratch chocolate, amazing ice cream and other products for sale at the Folly Artisan you will be sad to hear that they are having to vacate their space behind the Gumboot. I do not know the details of this but received a letter from someone asking me to bring this to the community’s attention.  

Just a quick follow up on the issue of speeding drivers on Lower Road. I did contact the RCMP and got a sympathetic response but I haven’t noticed any patrols. I would like to suggest that others who are concerned contact them too.  

Wishing you all a week filled with art and other pleasures. 

Write to me! mounseyyvonne @gmail.com