Fri., Mar. 4 – 2 p.m. World Day of Prayer gathering at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. (Log church across from Silva Bay). For more information call Kathy Fretheim at 247-9671.

Fri., Mar. 4 – “Be Kind to Your Spine” workshop. Alleviate back pain. Improve mobility. 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $50. Register by Feb. 28. For info: naomi@nowyoga.net. www.nowyoga.net. 247-7550.

Sat., Mar. 5 – Ladysmith author Connie Kurtenbach will read from her collection of short stories entitled In My Mother’s Garden, about growing up on a Saskatchewan farm. Admission free. 7-9 p.m. at The Roxy. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gabriola Library.

Sat., Mar. 5 – Seedy Saturday Spring Fair at the Commons. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Seed exchange and sale. Master Gardeners’ advice corner. Demos and Games.

Sat., Mar. 5 – Ladysmith author Connie Kurtenbach will read from her collection of short stories entitled “In My Mother’s Garden,” about growing up on a Saskatchewan farm. Admission free. 7-9 p.m. at The Roxy. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gabriola Library.

Sun., Mar. 6 – Raspberry’s Jazz Café presents Live Music: The remarkable Steve Smith (on piano) with friends Art (sax) and Dick (sax). 2-4 p.m. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Thurs., Mar. 10 – Gabriola Ratepayers will be hosting a discussion with Mike Odowichuk, Area Manager Roads, operations manager Jim Symington and Emcon’s road superintendant Rob Heaslip at the W.I. Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any discussion items you wish to bring up that might fit into a limited budget, please email ranyoung@shaw.ca.

Sun., Mar. 13: Raspberry’s Jazz Café presents Live Music: 2-4 p.m. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Sat., Mar. 19 – The Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra performs Pearls of the Classics at the Haven featuring classical guitarist, Oscar Clemotte, in a concert of engaging and beautiful music for strings. The program includes works by Vivaldi, Webern, Massenet,Scarlatti and Suk. Advance tickets are available at Fascinating Rhythm on Commercial St. and The Quilted Duck Gift Cottage on Rutherford Rd. Performance begins at 2 p.m. Tickets at the door. Admission is $20 adults, $10 students, children under 12 free.

Thurs., Mar. 31 – GIRO Work Bee. Always on the last Thursday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please call 247-9257, Tues., Wed., Fri. or Sat. to confirm your attendance.

Weekly Events

Mondays – 5-6:15 p.m., Pilates & Yoga @ Rose Crystal Studio. $10/drop-in. Strengthen you core, align your posture, open your body and heart. More classes throughout the week. See nowyoga.net for info or phone 247-7550

Mondays – Taoist Tai Chi – Drop-in at the Community Hall, 9:45-10:30 a.m. We do 2 sets, $3. Contact Tsiporah, 247-8350.

Wednesdays – The Gabriola Island Singers practice from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Community Hall on South Road at Garland. The choir is accepting new members. Registration fee is $35 per season.

Wednesdays – Gabriola Women’s Group – A social service group. Meets at Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar at 7 p.m. Contact Diane at dianepeloquin@hotmail.com or phone at 250-797-4891.

Thursdays – Preschool Storytime at the Gabriola Public Library. Everyone is welcome to our storytime every Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 3:45.

Fridays – Drop-in teen centre open from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Gathering Place, 790 North Road. Call 247-7668 for more information.

Saturdays – Teen Movie Night at the Gathering Place from 7 p.m. to Midnight.

Saturdays: There will be work bees at the Commons for the rest of this month on Saturdays. Soup will be provided. Work will be on erecting the new greenhouse. If you have some time and want to work with other Commoners come on out and lend a hand and when your done take a spoon in that hand and have some soup.

Fridays – Open House at the Silva Bay Shipyard School from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

We are apparently falling behind on things but better late than never, here is our events blog for January 2011.

Tues., Jan. 11 – Regular Meeting of the Volunteer Committee of the Official Community Plan Review. 7 p.m. at the Agi. Hall.

Wed., Jan. 12th – Free Herbal Series at The Commons. Liver and Skin Herbs. Phone Heather to register 250-247-8514. 7:30-8:30 pm.

Sun., Jan. 16 – Raspberry’s Jazz Cafe presents live music. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the new full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Wed., Jan. 19 – Women’s Full Moon Circle. 7-9 p.m. at The Commons 675 North Road. No cost community event. Bring a pillow and item of beauty (returning home with you). Contact: michele.fireriverheart@gmail.com or 250-668-7046

Wed.-Sat., Jan. 19 – 22 – The Vancouver Island Symphony presents the Old Wine in New Bottles Festival. Four days of events, celebrating with feasting, wine tasting, art and music. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. Blind tasting competition. Thursday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m. Grand Gala Winemaker’s Dinner. Friday, Jan. 21. Riedel Crystal Glass Tasting Challenge (4-6 p.m.). Festival Concert I (7:30 p.m.)  guest conductor: Ivars Taurins. Saturday, Jan. 22. Explore wine tasting and grazing (6-9 p.m. and 9:30-11:30 p.m.). Festival Concert II (7:30 p.m.)  Conductor: Pierre Simard. Info: www.vancouverislandsymphony.com. Passes and Tickets: 250-754-8550.

Sat., Jan. 22 – The Gabriola Historical and Museum Society will be hosting an Open House and Information Meeting at the WI Hall from 12 to 4. The board will be there and available to address questions and inquiries from members of the public. Those wishing to will have an opportunity to sign a petition supporting the Museum’s request for operational and maintenance funding through the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Sat., Jan. 22 – Robbie Burns Night at the Gabriola Golf Club. A fundraiser for the Anne Reid Highland Dancers who are preparing to qualify/go to the Canadian Highland Dance Competition in Antigonish N.S. Tickets $30 at Artworks and from Alexa Emerson. 247-7250. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 23 – Raspberry’s Jazz Cafe presents live music. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the new full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Thurs., Jan. 27 – Local Trust Committee Meeting. Begins at 10:15 a.m. Gabriola Women’s Institute Hall.

Sat., Feb. 5 – Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers of the Gabriola Historical and Museum Society. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roxy. All are invited to attend, membership forms will be available.

Weekly Events

Mondays – Taoist Tai Chi – Drop-in at the Community Hall, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. We do 2 sets, $3. Contact Tsiporah, 247-8350.

Wednesdays – The Gabriola Island Singers practice from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Community Hall on South Road at Garland. The choir is accepting new members. Registration fee is $35 per season.

Thursdays – Preschool Storytime at the Gabriola Public Library. Everyone is welcome to our storytime every Thursday afternoon from 3:15 to 3:45, starting Jan. 20.

Thursdays – Yoga drop-in at Rose Crystal Studio. Resumes Jan 13. 5-6:30 p.m. Explore and restore with this fun and inclusive class. Experience the benefits of infusing your yoga practice with a strong focus on core strength, postural alignment and heart-centred consciousness. $10 drop-in. 8 consecutive for $75. www.nowyoga.net.

Fridays – Drop-in teen centre open from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Gathering Place, 790 North Road. Call 247-7668 for more information.

Fridays – Open House at the Silva Bay Shipyard School from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

November 3 – 10 am – Gabriola Walking Group walks every wednesday, for information call 250-247-9774 or check the local newspaper.

November 4 – 7-8 pm – at the Gabriola Library, join a book club and learn about the Vancouver Island Regional Library book club resources.

November 4 – 7:30 pm (doors open at 7) – at the Agi Hall, Garden Club presentation ‘Managing Your Soil’ with Thierri Vrain of Innesfree Farm.

November 6 – 2-4 pm – at the Community Hall, Women’s Institute Bazaar and Tea.

November 7 – 2pm – at The Commons, launch of  ’Up Close and Personal: Confessions of a Backyard Birder’ by Sharon Innes, rsvp islandbookshoppe@gmail.com.

November 9 – 7pm, at the Agi Hall, annual general meeting of the Gabriola Ambulance Society.

November 11 – 10:50 am – at the Gabriola Memorial Cairn, Remembrance Day Ceremonies.

November 11-14  -  at the Dragon’s Lodge on Dragon’s Lane, 7th annual Poetry Gabriola Festival, 4 days, 24 artisits, 12 events. For information go to poetrygabriola.com

November 17 – 6 pm – at the Community Hall, annual Healthcare Auxillary Doctors’ Appreciation Dinner.

November 26 & 27 at 7pm/November 27 & 28 at 1pm – Gabriola Players Christmas Pantomime, Scrooge – A Christmas Carol at the Community Hall. Tickets at Artworks, adults $12, age 5-12 yrs $6, under 5 yrs non-perishable food item for foodbank.

November 30 -  annual general meeting of the Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce, speaker Andrew Peters of  BC Sounderliners Inc., a marine tourism company. Limited seating, rsvp before November 22 by calling Carol 250-247-9235.

October 2nd, 9th – 10 am-4 pm – Gabriola Commons Workbee, every Saturday for four weeks

October 3rd – noon-4 pm – Gabriola Island photography Club  ’Shoot to Thrill’ photography show and sale at the Rollo Center on North Rd.

October 4th – 6:30 pm – Agi Hall, Regional District of Nanaimo hosted public workshop regarding well water entitled ‘Get well Smart’, www.RDNwellSMART.ca , register by calling 1-888-828-2069

October 6th – 7:30-9:30 – the Gabriola Island Singers practice each Wednesday at the Community Hall, this choir is taking on new members, yearly registration is $35.

October 7th – 7-9 pm – Opening at Gabriola Artworks in the Village, Studio Tour preview gallery and three artist’s shows.

October 9th – 9 am-4 pm - Book sale for the food bank, People for a Healthy Community, 675 North Road

October 9th – 4-6 pm, Wine tasting at the Village Liquor Store, home to specialty wines.

October 9th thru 11th – 10 am-4 pm – Gabriola’s 14th Annual Studio Tour, more than 50 artists in 41 studios, self guided tour. This art extravaganza is a favorite event and showcases Gabriola’s unique and varied artists. Download a brochure at www.gabriolaartscouncil.org

October 12th – 7 pm – Arthur Black booklaunch at the Haven’s Phoenix Auditorium, sponsored by The Friends of the Library, free admission.

October 15th – 7-10 pm – Murder Mystery Dinner, 2010 year of the clinic fundraiser event, Gabriola Golf and Country Club, South Rd.

October 17th – noon-4 pm – Nanaimo Pumpkin Festival 2010 at Beban Park Fairgrounds, Nanaimo – this is a free event www.nanaimopumpkinfestival.com .

October 31st – after dark at the Twin Beaches, Halloween Fireworks over Taylor Bay is organized by the Gabriola Fire Department. This special event has been taking place for over 30 years and is always a fantastic display!

Plus regular events at The Roxy, Skol Pub, Silva Bay Resort, Raspberry’s Jazz Cafe, Gabriola Golf and Country Club.

September 2nd – 7:30 at the Agi Hall - Garden Club talk, cob garden structures, green roofs and permaculture.

September 3rd – 1:00-4:00 - Silva Bay Shipyard School Open House

September 4th – Kids Fashion Show at The Roxy

September 10th – 12th - Spiritual Film Festival at The Roxy, tickets at Art Works

September 12th – The Agricultural Fall Fair, 2010 – noon to 3:00 at the Gabriola Commons, displays, animals, food and music, fun for all.

September 18th – Gabriola Museum, 15th anniversary open house

September 25th – 3:30 – 6:30 – 7th Annual Wine Festival at the Surf Lodge

September 26th – Sunday Hocky Charity Challenge at Huxley Park

Every Saturday from 10:00 to Noon – Agi Hall Farmers’ Market

Every Sunday Silva Bay Market

August 1st – Silva Bay Market, every Sunday all summer, outdoor crafts market at Silva Bay Resort

August 3rd – Spanish Lessons start, a fun interactive class that will change your Latin experience, contact Helen at elena_aqui@yahoo.com or call 250-247-8550

August 5th – 14th annual Concert on the Green featuring The Timebenders, 4 pm at The Gabriola Golf Course, tickets available at the gate.

August 5th – 7 pm at Gabriola Artworks, new works in glass by Tammy Hudgeon

August 7 – the 55th annual Salmon BBQ at The Gabriola Community Hall

August 7 – 2 pm at The Commons, raffle draw. 9-5 Sporting Clays Shooting Competition at the Rod and Gun Club

August 11 – 7:30 pm at The Phoenix Auditorium, Lulu presents A Summer Recital, tickets at the door

Aufust 19th – 80′s Dance Night at Silva Bay Resort

August 20th – 22nd – Gabriola Theatre Festival, three days, twelve theatre shows, kids program, outdoor stage, pancake breakfast, street art, buskers and more, tickets at Artworks coffee bar or online at gabriolatheatrefestival.ca

August 22 – 11:30-2pm, Garage sale and lunch counter at the Agi Hall, a fundraiser for Gabriola Home Support

Also, regular summer events, Saturday Farmers Market 10-12 at the Agi Hall, Dinner and Music at Silva Bay, Raspberries Jazz Cafe, Skol Pub, and the Surf Lodge. Music and entertainment at The Roxy. Fabulous pizza at Woodfire Pizza and Pasta, fine dinning at Roberts Place and the A Frame Restaurant and regular events at The Gabriola Commons.

Enjoy a fantastic summer on Gabriola Island, get out to our many beaches and walk in our parks!

July 1 – Canada Day Events take place at numerous locations on Gabriola

Every Saturday – Gabriola Farmers Market at the Agricultural Hall 10 am to noon

July 2,9, 16, 23 and 30- Summer Studio Tour, a self guided tour of several select studios will give you a taste of what is to come on Thanksgiving weekend at the 14th annual Gabriola Studio Tour, featuring 50 artists in 41 studios. Get your full color brochure, Gabriola Arts Council, Folklife Village 1-4.

July 5-9 – Kids Club “Heart of Africa”  for ages 3 through grade 7, 9 am – 11:30 am at the Gabriola Fellowship Church, call Chris 250-247-7971

July 10 – Once Upon a Time Art Extravaganza, an art in the garden event featuring 10 local artists – free family fun – 10 am to 4 pm, 539 Wildwood Cres.

July 10-17 – Shipyard Raid, annual week-long staged rowing and sailing race for traditional small boats. Starts at Silva Bay on Gabriola.

July 17-18 – 22nd Gabriola Men’s Amateur 2010 at the Gabriola Golf Club

July 24 – 11 am – 2 pm, Pie Day at The Commons – Fun, Food and Fundraising – come hungry for sweet or savory pie and donate generously to 3 non profit organizations.

July 25 – Haiku Galore, 10 am to noon at the Commons

July 1 - tickets go on sale for the 2010 Gabriola Thealter Festival which takes place August 20-22. www.gabriolatheatrefestival.ca

Movies at the Roxy on Gabriola www.roxyclassic.com