As I write this week’s column, Diana Krall serenading me and my salad of local produce nourishing me, I feel far removed from war. Even with news of today’s conflicts filling my newsfeed and as I reach out to comfort friends who are impacted by the violence, I still find it hard to imagine.
This life of peace we enjoy in Canada was made possible by the brave men and women of wars gone by. In 1919, King George V asked citizens to engage in “for the brief space of two minutes, a complete suspension of all our normal activities. So that in perfect stillness the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.” You can pay your respects at local Remembrance Day events. Information can be found in the special feature section of this week’s paper. If you can’t attend, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, wherever you are, please pause and remember.
With respect…I promised to share news about some local community holiday events – fundraisers and some fun family entertainment.
The Halfmoon Bay Community School’s Purdy’s Chocolates fundraiser is under way. Erin Wilson (Lt., HMB Fire Department; FireSmart representative and director for the HMB Chatelech Community School) encourages you to place an order “with the money raised going directly to the community school programs.” Go to fundraising.purdys.com/471574-112009, enter your email address, click on “join a campaign” [#16596] and follow the instructions. Orders are open until Nov. 26 with pickup Dec. 9. Erin can be reached at [email protected].
The Halfmoon Bay Branch of the Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary is having its monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Coopers Green Meeting Hall from 9:45 a.m. to noon. Members and guests are welcome.
The “free for the whole family” second annual Holiday Market + Kids Craft Fair will take place at the school on Dec. 8. Get into the holiday spirit with shopping, games, contests, hot chocolate and food! Please consider giving a donation of gift cards, products or services for the gift basket contest! Once again, the Sunshine Coast Credit Union is sponsoring the Kidpreneur Cash – it guarantees sales for the kid vendors who work so hard, and makes their night a huge success. Sign up as a “kid” or “main” vendor on their website at inkdesign.ca/clients/HMB-holiday-market/. I just checked out the “kid” vendors list and I am seriously impressed by the talent of these young people! If you want to make a donation, or to obtain more information, email organizers at [email protected].
Michelle, proprietor of the HMB Nursery, confirms that the Winter Market will take place on Dec. 9. If you are an artist, food vendor, musician, grower/producer, or crafter, email [email protected] for more information and to sign up. I thoroughly enjoyed last year’s market and came away with some beautifully crafted holiday ornaments.
Boaters and spectators – you won’t want to miss the 2023 Halfmoon Bay Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 16 (rain date 17th). Starting at Secret Cove around 3 p.m., boaters will sail to Merry Island and then close to Halfmoon Bay shore at dusk. There will be a prize for the best decorated boat. Contact Lynn at [email protected] to sign up.
