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This weekend a sustainability workshop was held on Gabriola at the Community Hall. With approximately 50 participants it was a lively event. The focus was to bring together individuals and organizations committed to long term sustainability of a healthy community. The format was small groups dedicated to such topics as affordable housing, water, food security, emergency response and community preparedness, art and culture, youth, waste management, and protecting natural areas and ecosystems. This was a grassroots effort and all were welcome to participate in crafting a plan for the future. Contact this group at communitysustainablityplan@gmail.com.
October 24, 2009 marks the second annual 350 Action Day, a day dedicated to joining thousands of people around the globe to call for strong climate action. Wonder where the 350 number comes from? 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in “Parts Per Million” in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it’s the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. We are currently at 387 and Saturday is a call to action to bring about awareness and get that number down.
The website 350.org is a valuable resource in determining what you can do whether it is creating your own action or joining an already planned action. Search for the location closest to you and see if any event for Saturday peaks your interest. Dance, sing, hike, walk, jump, swim, do whatever it takes to help bring awareness to this event. Become part of the solution…the children of the world will thank you!
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It is day two of the three day Gabriola Studio Tour 2009, this free self guided yearly event is a favorite of islanders and visitors alike. 40 artist studios are open from 10-4 over the Thanksgiving weekend with art from the whimsical to the useful including paintings, glasswork, woodwork, leatherwork, metalwork, stonework, jewelry, quilting, books, pottery, photography, textiles – meet the artists and experience a grand display of their art in quaint little artist gallery settings throughout the island. This is a well planned event with a fabulous tour brochure map available everywhere and on line. We find 1/2 hour per gallery is a good expectation. On our first day we each bought a purse from Indian Summer and some little gifts. With day two and three ahead of us we are sure to find more treasures to make our own.
It is that time of year again when the Gabriola Commons hosts the Fall Fair. It is a fun filled day full of animals and cotton candy, games, contests, demonstrations and more. It is wonderful way to spend the last day of summer, we hope to see you there!
For more info visit the Gabriola Commons website.
A couple of days ago I was visiting with a friend who turned their 8 x 10 electical shed into an animation studio. It is a fantastic little space with insulation and drywall and even a cute little window. There is a fair amount of room and it functions as a great space for him to escape and get work done. On an island such as this where so many people work from home it is a cost effective way to turn a small outbuilding into a usable space. Outbuildings under 107 square feet can be built without obtaining a permit. If you decide to turn them into work spaces with electricity or a sink you will need the appropriate permit for either plumbing or electrical. Recently we have been looking into the idea of a workshop space outside for me and are having a great time looking at all the ideas for very nice “sheds”. Books such as Shed Chic give great design ideas for outbuildings such a gypsy caravan or barn style while keeping it small. Take a look at some of the pictures and form your own ideas but be warned that it will be hard to decide what to build!
ps There are also pre-fab versions, check out Modern Shed for some ideas
The children found this little traveling circus very entertaining. There were no animals, just lots of clowning with jugglers and acrobats, music, hoola hoops and more. These performers generously donated the ticket price to the Gabriola Commons and the Medical Clinic. We were also treated to a release of Kelly’s doves, the white birds in the light of the setting sun were absolutely stunning!
Being a both parents work family we have to divide our time up wisely. One thing that we have done to create more time and feel good about the outcome is to start using the Spud grocery delivery service. Spud is a local Victoria company that allows you to order all your food online and have it delivered to your door weekly. We started receiving a delivery 3 weeks ago and received our 4th delivery last night. We ordered fresh pasta from Bagga Pasta in Victoria, Mount Royal Bagels also from Victoria as well as a plethora of fresh fruits and veggies which have been wonderful quality.
When you look at your statement not only does it give you the price you paid and the quantity received but it also gives you the distance traveled. Last week I managed to have my average distance that our food travel come out at 750 km, the average to a typical grocery store is 2500 km. This week didn’t come from as close being that I received Turbinado sugar which had to travel a whopping 10490 km! If you are interested go to www.spud.ca and if you decide to order use this promo code CRVIC-MCMCAR to receive $25 off over your first four orders.
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This Saturday at 8:30 pm you can “Vote Earth” by switching off your lights for one hour. Earth Hour it is called and it helps increase awareness about our consumption of energy and the effects of Global Warming. The goal for the 2009 Earth Hour is to reach a total of 1 billion people, and this is my way of spreading the word.
Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
I know I will be dining by candlelight that night, maybe you will too. For more information visit www.earthhour.org
THIS SATURDAY 28 MARCH AT 8.30PM SWITCH OFF YOUR LIGHTS FOR ONE HOUR- EARTH HOUR.
Robyn & Carly McMahon and unlicensed assistant Lesley McMahon, your Gabriola Island Real Estate Sales Team
Located at The Folklife Village, #1-575 North Road, Gabriola BC, Canada V0R 1X3
Toll Free 1.877.422.8455 or Local 247.2088 or email mcmahon@gabriolaproperty.com
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