Just when I thought the sweet smell of spring was in the air, Skidegate gets another snowfall. I'm not really complaining, though, because it makes me feel more at home (this time of the year in Nova Scotia could leave you up to your knees in snow, 7 days a week). The weather has been a bit off in the past week, resulting in lots of de-icer and sand being sold, as well as some of our villagers being trapped in Sandspit due to stormy waters. Last week, Jackie Casey and a busload of travelers were graciously taken in by the people at the golf course when their ride home was storm-stayed until morning. Nuni Pat (Gellerman) and Dave (Brock) were also stranded but received hot tea and spaghetti from a resident who also offered his guesthouse to them. Shouldn't there be some type of backup lodgings in case of an emergency like this? Somewhere people can get warm, get fed, and get some much-needed sleep? Get on it, BC Ferries!
The stormy weather did not impede the Dinner and Loonie Auction held at the community hall on February 25. Those who attended, ate and bid on the many donations there helped raise over $6000 to help Dena Russ and her family with travel and breast-cancer treatments in the near future. Hawa'a to the cooks, the runners, the family, and Sera Russ for taking charge and organizing the event. Don't forget to come dance the night away for Dena on Friday March 4 at 9pm at the Skidegate Community Hall. There will be live music as well as a DJ to keep things fresh. If that isn't incentive enough, there will be door prizes, raffles, and shooter sales! I will understand and graciously accept being kept up by sounds of a great turnout Friday night.
It seems as a lot of people from our community are having health issues lately, and I'd like you to take a moment and send out healing thoughts to those you know and those who you have yet to meet. And a big hawa'a to the wonderful staff at the Queen Charlotte Hospital for taking good care of our community. A big shout-out to Nurse Dana, and Nurse Bonnie from Newfoundland, who gave me a cup of tea while I waited to see the doctor in the E.R last Wednesday. Now that is East Coast hospitality!
For anyone who is needing employment help or wants to become more computer savvy, keep an eye on upcoming workshops held by Haida Gwaii Community Futures. Willie Russ just held a workshop to help participants set up Gmail accounts and become familiar with email, uploading pictures, creating new files, and more. If you can't wait for the next workshop, don't hesitate to call him to arrange an appointment on Tuesdays or Fridays at the Skidegate office, 250-559-4443.
On the fitness front, I must say things are pushing on in spite of the weather. Two members of our SunRun group, Bev Yovanovich and Lauren Brown, attended the Walk for Hope (5K) in Masset on February 26. It was blustery and cold, with a chance of hail, but there were over 100 people registered. This was a great tribute to the late Hope Setso, who as “always busy walking”. On February 27, a brave group of us walked/ran through the fallen snow and started our 6th week of training for the SunRun 10K. And that afternoon, a growing group of us braved the chilly waters to experience kayaking in the snow. It was a beautiful day and I'm so glad Pam Hill, Kristen Moraes and Willie Russ joined our little group to explore the islands. Jo, our guide, and I took extra time to watch an eagle take down a water-bird and hover above while its' young eagle ate. Pretty amazing stuff! The March session begins next Sunday, so come out and experience our fascinating surroundings.
And I am happy to report that Tosha Pearson and Gary Russ welcomed baby Taija Jacqueline Pearson-Russ into the world on February 23. Her big sister, Lexi, is very excited, as is Aunty Tanya. Congrats, everyone and Happy Birthday Taija. A very Happy Birthday also goes out to Kuuyas Robertson who celebrated her 6th birthday on February 24, to Ooka (Michelle Pineault) who celebrated the big 4-0 on February 25, and to Ian Ferreira who isn't home on Haida Gwaii but celebrated this week also.
Well, another week has come and gone here in Skidegate. My goal in the next week is to get to the yoga class offered at the George Brown Rec. Hall on Wednesdays from 12:10 – 12:50 pm. Come and join me and instructor Jennifer Pigeon for some good stretching and bring a donation! Mats are available for use and I apologize in advance for Noora taking over your mat. This is a test run to see how she fares! Hawa'a and enjoy your week, everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment