Eastern Star sale offers book bounty

Hot on the heels of the museum’s annual book sale is a three-day book event sponsored by the Chas Maria Star Charitable Society, aka the Order of the Eastern Star.

This year’s sale is set for April 15, 16, and 17 (Thursday through Saturday) starting at 10am each day.

The new location is 922B Island Hwy., beside The Bargain Shop and across from the foreshore.  Note that each day has a different closing time: On Thursday it’s 5pm, Friday it’s 6pm, and things wrap up on Saturday at 3pm.

For anybody who’s even remotely into reading, make the time to stop by. I’ll be found in the kid’s section, on the hunt for a couple of Artemis Fowl books. Thanks to lots of hours by a myriad of volunteers, the books are meticulously arranged. It will be simple for me to know if the two Artemis books on my list are for sale. Browsing is of course encouraged too.

Donations of good quality used books are welcome. Please give Margaret a call at 250-923-1760 or Joan at 250-923-0840 to arrange pick up. And starting today, Monday April 12, you can drop books off at the site of the sale. Parking is available across the street at the foreshore.

Proceeds from the sale go towards supporting Eastern Star’s cancer projects. Earlier in 2010, the Order of the Eastern Star, in conjunction with the BC Cancer Agency, which benefits from funds raised by Eastern Star, were jointly honored by BC Lieutenant Governor Steven Point for their efforts in the fight against cancer.

Tweet This Post

Plethora of plants soon looking for new gardens

Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be welcoming spring in one of my favorite ways: visiting plant sales. I’m looking to add a couple of perennials to my north-facing container garden and possibly something house-plant related too. Even if I don’t see anything that screams out, “Take me to Chateau Gina, take me to Chateau Gina”, it’s a pleasure to not only browse but chat with fellow gardeners. I always come away from plant-related events having learned something.

The first of the events, the annual Plant, Jumble Sale and Auction  is this Saturday, April 12 at the Community Centre on 11th Ave. Be there for the 9am start time for the best selection. It finishes at noon. Not only is this an excellent opportunity to add to your garden inventory but you can shop for garden accessories as well as homemade baking and crafts. And don’t forget the “jumble” portion of the day - there will be lots of miscellaneous to choose from too.  I particularly look forward to this event every year as a way to keep myself supplied in comfy handknit slippers since my knitting skills go no further than scarves.  By this time, last year’s slippers are pretty worn out and sad looking.

Another event worth making time for is the Campbell River Garden Club’s sale on Saturday, April 24, from 9am to noon at the Bethany Lutheran church. That’s at the corner of Birch Street and 2nd Avenue.

I’ve got my spiffy new gardening gloves ready and I’m looking forward to putting them to good use after both events. See you there!

Tweet This Post

Library welcomes feedback on its vision

The Campbell River library is looking for your contributions to its strategic planning process. Come on down to your branch on Tuesday December 8th starting at 7:00 pm at 1240 Shoppers Row.

Library borrowers living in Campbell River, Cortes Island, Quadra Island, Sayward, Tahsis, Gold River and area are all welcome to attend.
 
This is an opportunity to bring together the public, the library board and staff to develop a common vision and direction for the next three years.

If you have questions, please call Elaine Julian at 250-287-3655.

Tweet This Post

Global crafts, baking, and an old-fashioned tea make Christmas a ton of fun

One of the things I love about this time of year is the multitude of Christmas related events sponsored bya variety of groups, including non-profit organizations. They feature funky gifts as well as opportunities to socialize with friends and neighbors and meet new peeps. Here are some suggestions:

The Fair Trade Global Craft Fair is an event unlike any other. It’s a chance to browse through a host of fun, environmentally sustainable gift ideas from around the world. Beaded jewellry, journals, brightly colored textiles, handcrafted wooden carvings, musical instruments, and food are just some of the items on offer. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided by students involved in the International Co-op Program. See you at Timberline this Saturday, November 28 from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Give Brenda a call at 250-287-8198 if you need more information.

The Sportsplex in Willow Point is where the Toy and Craft Show is happening this weekend, Saturday, N0vember 28 and Sunday, November 29 from 10am to 4:00pm both days. Call Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-286-1161 with your questions.

 This weekend is a popular time for Christmas events. Step back in time to the Victorian era with the Order of the Eastern Star, Chas Maria Chapter, for their Candlelight Tea at the Masonic Hall at 2:00pm.  There will be home baking and door prizes. The Masonic Hall is just over the bridge at 2905 North Island Highway. Cost is a modest $10 for dainty sandwiches and tea served in a fine bone china tea cup. Wear a hat and gloves and get into the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas. Monies raised support Eastern Star’s cancer projects.

And coming up early in December -

Homemade baking and crafts are the focus for the SPCA Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 5 at Campbell River common. Check it out between 9:30am and 5:30pm. Crafts can be dropped off at the shelter on Merecroft Road. Due to the lack of space at the shelter, please drop off your baking on the morning of the event at Campbell River Common. For further info call the shelter at 250-286-6131.

Tweet This Post

An adventurer’s life brought to you by Erika Grundmann

Join author Erika Grundmann for a slideshow, reading and discussion at Stillwater Books on Saturday, November 21 at 1:30pm about George Dibbern, described at georgedibbern.com as a ”controversial, free-spirited vagabond, visionary sailor-philosopher, author of Quest, friend of American writer Henry Miller…” 

Dark Sun is Grundmann’s biography of German-born Georg Johann Dibbern.

Dibbern’s book Quest is his compelling account of breaking free from the constraints of society and from the beginnings of Nazism. It was first published in 1941 in the US and England. 

Both books will be available for purchase – perfect gifts for the adventurer on your Christmas list.

Stillwater Books and Art is at 1260 Shoppers Row, beside Photo Tech. Call them at 250-850-3103 or drop an email to info@stillwaterbooksandarts.ca. Check out www.georgedibbern.com for more on Dibbern.

Tweet This Post

Order of the Eastern Star’s book sale enormous success

The hard work of many volunteers has paid off for the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Their recent book sale, held over three days earlier this month, raised $2,359.00. What an impressive amount when you realize the most expensive books were only two dollars each!

Used Book Sale Convenors Valerie and Ev send a special thank you to Dr. Larry Chen for donating the space on Shopper’s Row for this event and to the people of Campbell River for their donations and support.

Tweet This Post

Talking about poetry and fiction at library

Help get the Friends of the Library’s “Let’s Talk about Books” monthly series off to a positive start on Saturday, October 24.

Trevor McMonagle, a poetry fan, will recite his favorites, and then lead a discussion focusing on his insights and interpretations of what he’s read. “Finding Mentors in Fiction” is the topic for another McMonagle – Ruth – the friendly face around the corner at Stillwater Books. Ruth has chosen Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage as a focal point.  

 The event runs from 1:30pm to 2:30pm in the multi-purpose room of the library on Shopper’s Row. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Tweet This Post

My heart belongs to Quatchi

The 2010 Olympic mascots were introduced in November 2007 and since then, I’ve been enchanted with them. Well, to be honest, only one of them: Quatchi the sasquatch. The other two, Sumi and Miga, the sea bear and animal spirit respectively, leave me cold. Quatchi is, quite simply, pretty keen. His ear muffs crack me up every time I see him and the small Quatchi who lives with me is used to my giggling now.

So, imagine my delight when I discovered that the Campbell River Spirit of the Flame Committee is hosting a Meet Simi, Miga, and Quatchi event this coming Saturday, October 24, 2009, at the Campbell River Community Centre from 12 noon until 4pm!!

The appearance of Quatchi and friends is the lead up to the arrival of the Olympic Torch on Monday, November 2, when a ton of events and entertainment are scheduled for downtown. From the official opening of Spirit Square at 10:45am and Spirit Village at 11:45am , to food and beverage vendors, a parade,  fireworks, and music and art vendors, it’s going to be a unique opportunity to mark the Olympic Torch’s appearance in our community.

But back to this Saturday. In addition to having a chance to meet the mascots, there will be face painting by Magical Faces, mascot-related crafts, a concession by the Salvation Army, and athletic challenges by Bounce a Rama.

And if you feel it necessary to tell me they’re just people dressed up in suits, I’ll sic my sasquatch friend on you.

P.S. I betcha didn’t know that Quatchi’s favorite color is “chill blue” and his favorite sport is hockey.

Tweet This Post

Tibetan monks offer variety of gifts

Starting next Tuesday, October 27 through to Wednesday, November 4, five exiled Tibetan monks will make Campbell River their home as part of their Sacred Art cross country tour. A variety of community programs are happening during their stay.

Join the monks every day except Sunday at the Art Gallery in Tyee Plaza between 10am and noon and again from 1:30pm to 5:00pm for chanting in the morning and to watch the creation of a sand mandala. The suggested donation is $5.00. Timberline  Secondary is the place to catch them on November 3 at 7:00pm for music and blessings. Call 250-923-9500, ext. 218 for more information.

For those outside of the Campbell River area, be part of this unique opportunity at 7:45pm on Quadra Island, at the Community Centre, for Tibetan music and dance followed by a screening of “Unmistaken Child”, a current documentary. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for seniors and students. If that day doesn’t work for you, how about Saturday, November 1 for a talk and meditation at the Community Centre starting at 11am? Admission is by donation. And for those on Cortes, come on down to Manson’s Hall on Sunday, November 1 at 7:00pm for Tibetan music, debates, and chanting. Admission is by donation for this event too.

The sand mandala the group creates as part of their meditation practice will be dismantled at a ceremony starting at 1:30pm on Wednesday, November 4. Following this, there will be a walk to Discovery Pier to release the sand.

The monks are also available for private blessings of people or places during their stay in our area. Give the Campbell River Art Gallery a call at 250-287-2261 for details or email them at contact@crartgallery.ca.

Monies raised from their time in Campbell River will benefit the monks’ monstery in India. The monk’s appearance on Cortes is sponsored by Hollyhock and the Squirrel Cover Trading Co. Their residency at the Campbel River Art Gallery is sponsored by Klari Varallyai and the Campbell River Physiothearpy Clinic.

Welcome to Campbell River. We are blessed to have you here.

Tweet This Post

Let Eastern Star ready your reading for fall

It would appear the rain, wind and cooler weather has arrived. The five day extended forecast is for a Campbell River-typical fall so haul our your umbrella and boots (and maybe even your duck feet).

Despite the gloominess, one of my favorite events starts tomorrow and will certainly brighten my week: the annual used book sale sponsored by the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. The selection is broad – from a variety of fiction to non-fiction with kid’s books too. There’s an exciting selection and it’s sure to satisfy the rabid readers in Campbell River.

Funds raised go to towards fighting cancer.

Please note: the location has changed. The sale is no longer happening at Campbell River Common but on Shopper’s Row, in the former location of Inner Odyssey, beside San Marcos.

The bibliophile can browse for three consecutive days starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 15 from 10am to 5pm. On Friday, October 16, hours are 10am to 6pm. They’re  back to 10am to 4pm on the final day, Saturday October 17th.

Tweet This Post