Non-profits benefit from local financial support

Local non-profits are under increased pressure these days provide enhanced levels of service on budgets that don’t stretch as far as they did in years past. Enter the Campbell River Foundation! It offers the opportunity for funds to contribute to meeting local needs.

The Foundation is accepting grant applications until Friday, April 2 to partially fund projects, programs and events in our area.

Visit their website at www.crfoundation.ca to review the grant criteria on the CR Community Foundation’s website. After you’ve done that, application forms are available on the ‘Net or in person at Seymour Pacific Development, #105-300 St Ann’s Road, on the corner of Alder and St. Ann’s.

Contact Cheryl Mailman via email at cherylmailman@aol.com if you have questions that aren’t answered through the website.

Approved grants will be distributed the week of May 24, 2010.

Campbell River Community Foundation strives to use the income from the funds entrusted to serve the Campbell River region in the areas of education, health and welfare, culture, environment, youth and seniors. Community volunteers are involved in the grant approval process.

Annual awards bring together aquaculture friends

The aquaculture industry gathered in Campbell River on Saturday night to honour its own and celebrate the industry at the eleventh annual awards gala sponsored by Positive Aquaculture Awareness.

Aquaculture Business of the Year went to Walcan Seafood, the largest employer on Quadra Island. The other two finalists in this category were AKVA Group North America and Aztec Freight.

German Campos of Mainstream Canada, Grant McCreathe of Creative Salmon and Marine Harvest’s Ryan Gregoire were the finalists for the Leadership Award. The award, sponsored by JLH Consulting,  went to Ryan Gregoire.

Creative Salmon’s Morris Meikle was recognized as Outstanding Employee. Jean-Luc Williams from Grieg Seafood and Melissa St. Louis from Mainstream Canada were also in the running.

The Environmental Award is sponsored by the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences and was presented by Paula Galloway. She congratulated Skretting Canada on its win.

Outstanding Performance by an Area Manager is always a hotly contested category. This year’s nominees were Brock Thomson from Mainstream Canada, John Mills from Grieg Seafood, and Marine Harvest’s Kelly Osborne. The award went to Brock Thomson.

The Long Term Recognition Award is an opportunity to honour an individual who has contributed to the development of the aquaculture industry over an extended period. This year, Dave McKirgan from Aquametrix Research, was recognized. Dave began his career in the industry in 1994. Peter Gibson from Grieg Seafood and Scott Garside from Sea Roamer Marine Services rounded out the three finalists. Special mention was made of Peter’s upcoming retirement and his contributions to aquaculture since joining the industry in 1997.

The Rookie of the Year category recognizes an individual who has been in the aquaculture industry for less than five years. This year, Nick Schoenfelder from Marine Harvest, Ray Anderosov from Mainstream Canada, and Lauren Edgar, also from Marine Harvest, were the three finalists. Lauren Edgar came away with this award.

The top quality dinner was again provided by Rose’s Country Catering and featured both farmed salmon and black cod. The cod, donated by Sablefish Canada, was prepared with a maple syrup and sake glaze. It melted in your mouth.

The ever popular and entertaining Heads and Tails fundraiser was again a hit. Dustin from Sea Roamer Marine Services won first prize – $2,000 in travel from The Travel Place. Melissa St. Louis from Mainstream took second prize – $600 in travel, also donated by The Travel Place. Proceeds went towards the PAA donations to the Campbell River Salmon Foundation and the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences in conjunction with Quinsam Hatchery.

A variety of silent auction items were donated by industry, including pottery, clothing, tool kits, and gift certificates. It raised about $1,700.

Entertainment was again provided by Fish Farmer Overdrive, a band made up of industry members from a variety of companies including Grieg Seafood, Walcan Seafood, and Power Serve. This year’s members were Ian Roberts, Blair Billard, Clare Backman, Wayne Jacob, Tom Skillman, and Stefan Schendler.

Thanks to Cory Percevault, Leanne Brunt, and Ian Roberts for their huge volunteer efforts in putting together such an enjoyable evening.

Positive Aquaculture Awareness was created in 1998. Its mission is to promote positive awareness of the aquaculture industry through public education and community involvement.

City survey seeks input

In advance of annual budget deliberations scheduled for later this month, the City wants to know not only which services are  particularly valuable to you and your family but where you think  cuts could be made. 

With this in mind, a survey is available on-line at http://www.campbellriver.ca (look on the left side of the home page,  click on What’s New and then scroll down to “Tell us what you think - Campbell River Community Services Survey”).  A paper version was  in the newspaper last Friday, February 5.

The survey took me 10 minutes. Do your part and make time for it  before the deadline at noon on Friday, February 19.

Words on the Water offers wealth of words

The days are longer, bulbs are beginning to poke their green heads through the cool soil in some lucky gardens, and Christmas is off the radar for another year. For this avid reader, that combination means only one thing: it’s soon Words on the Water time again. This year’s event is Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20 at the Maritime Heritage Centre.

This year’s lineup  promises to be another winner. Campbell River is fortunate to welcome the following authors:

* Annabel Lyon,  author of The Golden Mean, which was a finalist for the 2009 Rogers Writers’  Trust Fiction Prize, the 2009  Scotiabank Giller Prize, and also in 2009, the Governor General’s Literary Awards – Fiction. The interview I heard on CBC Radio in the fall was compelling and I’m so looking forward to hearing about Aristotle and Alexanders the Great from the writer who brought them to life. Oh yeah – The Golden Mean won the Rogers Writers’  Trust for fiction.

* Gabor Mate, author of In the Realm of the Hungry Ghost – Close Encounters with Addiction. It was published in 2008.  He’s a doctor at a harm reduction facility in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

* Children’s author Kit Pearson, who wrote the brilliant Awake and Dreaming as well as the Guests of War trilogy that tells the story of Nora and Gavin, a brother and sister pair who are sent from England to live in Canada during WW2. I can’t wait to meet her.

* Andreas Schroeder has been a freelance writer for more than 40 years. He’s published poetry, literary critcism, and and and. His most recent book is Renovating Heaven.

* Current Haig-Brown Writer-in-Residence Harry Thurston, whose most recent book is A Place between the Tides, A Naturalist’s Reflections on the Salt Marsh.

* Ronald Wright is the author of What is Amerca, a BC Book Prize finalist. He’s published in more tan 15 langueas. His first novel, A Scientific Romance, was a Globe and Mail Book of the Year.

This ninth annual event gets underway on Friday night. Throughout Saturday, enjoy readings by all the authors and ask questions. Books will be available for sale and you can have them signed too! (I love that).  Saturday night is always tons of fun – it’s the literary cabaret, featuring  the guest writers, music by local musicians, laughter, and gourmet appies.

Be sure to get your Early Bird Pass quickly – they’re bound to sell out. At $65, it gets you into all events and is a terrific deal. They go on sale at the Tidemark theatre Tuesday, February 2. Find out more at www.wordsonthewater.ca . Get ready for a literary bounty that Campbell River hasn’t seen since last year’s Words on the Water!

Hospice’s “Celebrate a Life” comforts and honours

Amidst the festive ho-ho-hos and the fa-la-la-las, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that Christmas isn’t joyful for everyone.  The Campbell River Hospice acknowledges this can be a difficult time for some and offers a way to remember those who have died and who are still lovingly remembered.

Again this year, the 22nd in a row, the hospice is offering their “Celebrate a Life” project at Campbell River Common, formerly Ironwood Mall. The concept is a simple one: Christmas trees are strung with lights and for a donation, people write the name of the person they wish to remember on a paper shaped dove, place it on a tree, and turn the light on. It’s a quiet yet meaningful way to take time out at this busy time of year and honour those we love who are no longer with us.

This year the volunteers and the trees are available from 10:00am to 7:00pm starting tomorrow, December 15, until December 24 (they close at 3:00pm on Christmas Eve).

The trees are left up through the holidays so you’re welcome to take your dove home during the week after Christmas. After that, please feel free to stop by the hospice office to pick it up if you would like it as a remembrance.   The office is located at #104 - 301  Dogwood Street, near the curling club. Call them at 250-286-1121. Office hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday.

Thanks to the hospice for offering this opportunity. It’s important to a lot of people.

Chamber members elect board, eat and enjoy

Andy Leitch of Canaccord Capital will lead the Chamber’s volunteer Board of Directors for the coming year, ably assisted by:

* Gary Thulin, First Vice President, Pioneer Home Hardware

* Cyriel DeBruyne, 2nd Vice President, Quality Foods

* Diane Rogers, Secretary/Treasurer, Total Concept Management and Realty

* Colin Buss, Director, Sonora Forestry

* Tom Conlon, Director, Marine Harvest Canada

* Ed Falstrem, Director, Periscope Promotions

* Tanya Hofer, Director, Stonehouse Teas

* Dave Keiver, Director, NVI Mining

* Colleen McClure, Director, Oceanside Dental Spa and

* Heidi Peterson, Director, Chameleon Creative and Web Design

The board was elected at the Chamber’s 78th AGM November 26 held at the Carriage Room of the Royal Coachman.

Thanks to Past President Kim Vokey, Campbell River Hospice, and Director Linda Krug from Discovery Hot Tubs for their service to the board.

And the evening had its share of fun. The Wall of Wine, an exciting variety of both red and white wines from around the world donated by Chamber members was won Cyriel DeBruyne.  This was a really cool fundraiser, with ticket proceeds going to the Chamber. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Colleen Evans, Executive Director, highlighted the busy year the Chamber had and gave members the scoop on what to expect in 2010, including  a possible visit from BC Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell in January.

Steve  Watson from BC Hydro was the keynote speaker. He provided an overview of some of the projects they’re curerntly involved in Campbell River, including the upgrade to John Hart dam, which started in 2007. And did you know – 2/3 of the power generated on Vancouver Island comes from Campbell River?! I didn’t.

A shout out to pub staff for the great food. A personal highlight was the “prawn tree” and miniature beef dip.

Learn more about your Chamber at www.campbellriverchamber.ca or call 250-287-4636.

Busy day for our new Writer-in-Residence Dec. 5

There are two upcoming chances to meet Harry Thurston, our new Writer-in-Residence, both this Saturday, December 5, 2009. 

The first is at a meet-and-greet at Haig-Brown House from  1:00pm to 3:00pm at Haig-Brown House, 2250 Campbell River Road. It’s organized by the Museum at Campbell River, which is also the sponsor of the Writer in Residence program. Call 250-287-3103 for more information.

And then that evening, catch Harry at a reading from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at  Still Water Books and Art, #120-1260 Shoppers Row, between the library and PhotoTech. This literary event is sponsored by The Writers’ Union of Canada. Phone 250-850-3103 or email info@stillwaterbooksandart.ca for more information.

For more information about Harry Thurston, check out    http://www.writers.ns.ca/Writers/hthurston.html

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.

Book signing features “Mountain Timber”

Do you have a local history buff on your Christmas list? Have I got a top-notch book suggestion for you.

Join author Dr. Richard Mackie for a presentation and signing featuring his new book, Mountain Timber, on Saturday, November 28 at the Campbell River Museum from 1pm to 3pm. 

Get a glimpse of the lives of loggers, families and the communities that were employed by the Comox Logging Company. Dr. Mackie’s  slide show presentation reveals never before seen images of Vancouver Island’s logging heritage from over 60 private collections

Check out a review in the Times-Colonist at  http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/This+book+sees+forest+trees/2225735/story.html

Call the Museum 250-287-3103 to reserve your spot. Cost is $5 per person.

Art Gallery’s Christmas Arts and Crafts Market offers cool gifts

Let the Art Gallery’s Christmas Arts and Crafts Market help you this Christmas shopping season. 

Last Christmas there was one person on my gift-buying list who was a particular challenge. I wanted something fun but without a hefty price tag, to be honest. I was doing errands one afternoon when the Christmas Market sign at the Art Gallery/Visitor Info Centre building caught my eye. I made a quick detour and came out a few minutes later with a huge smile on my face.

I found the most funky handmade magnet that included local driftwood. The recipient was absolutely thrilled and I was pleased to give a gift that was so genuinely well received.

The Christmas Market is now open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5:00pm until Christmas Eve. Enjoy late shopping until 9:00pm on Saturday, November 28 as part of the Downtown Starlight Shopping evening.
They’re located at 1235 Shoppers Row, in the Tyee Plaza, right beside the spiffy new Spirit Square. Call 250-287-2261 or visit online at www.crartgallery.ca.

When you shop at the Gallery‛s Christmas Arts & Crafts Market  you get a classy handcrafted gift that reflects
our local arts and culture community. You support not only your local artisans but Art Gallery programs too. You can’t beat that for value!