Greetings Creekers!
Fall has arrived along with our first wind storm and finally some rain! I love fall walks in the forest and I like the wind in moderation but the combination can be scary. The creaking and cracking of drought stressed trees makes me nervous, so I am waiting for calm. One of the bonuses of a fall walk is fungi, of all kinds. Last fall was a barren year but the word is that they are popping up again.
Another fall event is the arrival of spawning salmon. This year, there is a large run of pinks in Chapman Creek. An update from Streamkeepers announced that two creeks, including Metcalf Creek, will be getting fish friendly culverts to allow easier access to spawning grounds. The Roberts Creek run is starting and they are looking for volunteers to help with the count. It’s a nice fall Sunday activity and if you would like to participate email [email protected]. Streamkeepers would also like to point out that studies show a relationship between clear cutting, extreme weather and downstream flooding. They are encouraging us to educate ourselves and use our voices to protect our ecosystems by writing letters and making phone calls to political representatives.
So the above is a way we can use our voices to affect change in a productive, positive way. Heckling and yelling is a negative way to express our opinions and by all reports this is what happened at a Sept. 12 public meeting to discuss the proposed development of a medical clinic on Roberts Creek Road (I mistakenly said Lower Road last week). I was unable to attend but it was described to me as a “gong show.” There were people with input and valid questions whose right to be heard was taken away. There is protocol for public meetings that should allow everyone to be heard and the lack of respect for that process at a meeting in Roberts Creek does not reflect well on our community. Let’s hope that any future meetings have a different tone.
Let’s get disappointing behaviour out of the way. Last Friday, evening both lock boxes were cut off the Hall doors. Fortunately, it did not allow the vandals access to the inside of the building. On the same evening presumably the same people hit the firehall and siphoned all of their diesel. The RCMP are investigating and hopefully they will find the people responsible. In the meantime, security cameras are being installed at the Hall in hopes of discouraging further vandalism.
Oops! One more thing before I move on. I got two letters this week and one approach in a shopping aisle on the subject of speeding on Lower Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are experiencing scary, close calls. I have written about this before so here I am, being a broken record. If you don’t want to go 50km/hr, take the highway! I plan to contact the RCMP about patrolling Lower Road and if others did the same, perhaps they would do it. Word of speeding tickets would be a good deterrent.
Whew! Now let’s talk about fun and entertainment. For you trivia buffs, Sept. 25 marked the 48th anniversary of the first screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Forty-eight years and people just never get tired of this horror/comedy about a “Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania,” scientist Dr. Frank-n-Futer. And so it is returning to the Hall with two all-age shows (no alcohol) at 7:15 and 9:45 p.m. Oct. 13. Part of the experience is the opportunity to reveal your “inner goth” and dress up but if you are too embarrassed you don’t have to. I plan on going but you won’t recognize me. Advance tickets are $15 at Melomania, Reasons to Live (in Molly’s Lane now) and Strait Music.
Another great family friendly event is happening at the Hall the week before. (I know it’s out of sequence, but I got your attention.) On Oct. 7, Xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Association will be presenting a laser light show set to Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” Bring a blanket and pillows to stretch out and look up. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Snacks available. Tickets at wwwtickettailor.com. Special rate for seniors! We are the ones who remember this album and I plan to be there but with a thermarest for my old bones.
Let’s not forget the Legion. Tonight it’s a multi-instrumentalist one man band, Douglas Campbell; 8 to 11 p.m. Admission $5 / $10. Tomorrow night ( Sept. 30) it’s “Nice it Up!” Strictly reggae with Deano, Funk Dealer and Tuffa Dan. Tickets $15/ $20. Also, remember the Wednesday Jam and Thursday Night Jazz. Both good reasons to go out on week night.
Have a good week! Write to me: [email protected].
