STRIDING FORWARD!

Since my last post several exciting things have happened that I need to pass on immediately.

First off we had the Jazz night, which was a tremendous success!
You can read more on the Facebook page for Chemainus Gardens, but these photos given by Karen Kimmerly get the feel of it a little.
Karen took a course to be able to serve drinks, the setup was nice for seeing the band and, from what I understand, only the lighting was a bit of a problem.  I'm sure a fix will be forthcoming for the next event, as the overhead fluorescent lights were the problem, the regular lights were fine, but too dim for the musicians to see by!  Seems a few "booklights" would be the solution or something like that.

 


After that total success ( more will be planned I bet) we had a small but great showing of jewelry that Judy Smith brought to Karen Kimmerly's home on a Sunday afternoon. The featured jewelry was designed by Krista Smith! Karen, always noted for great food, had a nice little spread for those attending and I understand the party was also a good success!

 
 



 Judy shows all the pretty things she brought...the girls love them!

















A meeting with Management at the Bistro with 2 reps from the new Residents Association brought a new and more open dialogue between those in the Park and those owning or Managing the Park.  Everyone was pleased with the outcome and old attitudes can be put to rest.  We are looking forward to good or even great results from this new relationship.
A new bulletin board for notices from the Residents Association and Suggestion box in the Bistro is now a reality.It will be checked weekly and anything to the Management should be clearly marked, as we won't open it then.

Mostly everyone is aware that on Tuesdays, at the Bistro, we have a coffee hour.  It is so much fun and anyone is welcome!

 This is a time to meet your neighbors and friends for a friendly chat once a week.  Sometimes it really makes my week!
The    VICTORIA TIMES COLONIST   is always available, as well as a puzzle table set up for everyone.  Books on the shelf are loaners and if you're looking for a coffee or tea or hot cocoa, it's all there for much less than downtown at $1.00 a cup!

Come up anytime to enjoy a time alone or with a friend.








On Thursday evening the new  Emergency and Disaster Committee met at the Pavilion with 22 people joining for the first open meeting to discuss Emergency Preparedness with representative Sybille Sanderson.

Booklets were given out to test us "first" instead of last.  This being to show us how little we are really prepared for an earthquake, fire or flood PERSONALLY.
I could tick off about 4 things I'd done in this regard, but nowhere near what I should have. Great suggestions were given by Sybille for water, food and a "grab and go" bag.  Because we live in an Earthquake zone we had a lot of discussion about what to do... some of the things you learned as a kid aren't always right anymore! I was surprised to learn to stay inside, not run outside!

Sybille

many more surprises for me, too, in the area of home fires. Do you close your bedroom door at night?  You should!  It can mean precious extra minutes of oxygen for your lungs to enable you to get that bedroom window out and yourself too!
 I encourage EVERY member of the Community at Chemainus Gardens to come to the next seminar.  We are encouraged to act as a Community during disaster.  The Army won't be there, but your neighbor will be.  If you do your part, it makes it easier to come together for times you need each other.

And a happy-for-her-sad-for us farewell to Pamela Kimmerly. She has moved on, but is only a short distance away, so we'll see her again. Best wishes for a happy home to her! In her beautiful home we have Al and Laurie Foster now....so Welcome to them and their dogs, Willie and Waylon....

Cheers!

HOORAY, WE DID IT!!

I am just so excited to now be part of an Association for the benefit of the Residents of Chemainus Garden! 

 Some of us "old timers" worked together to propose to the Residents an Association that would be the first to represent the concerns of Residents to the Management and at least try to work as a unit on concerns that affect us all.

Earlier in the month, Barry and Karen Kimmerly, Brian Aaberg, Rick Lenihan , myself and Bruce McRae got together to hammer out a Mission Statement and Agenda for a first meeting to be held on November the 7th. We were a self appointed group that felt that the time had come to have one group represent us to Management. We first needed to know if a majority of people were interested or not. Barry and Karen did a LOT of work to get out ballots and get at least a good majority of Residents polled to see their reaction to the proposal. The return told us there were enough interested people to go ahead and set a date for our first Annual Meeting. The poll told us that there were many and diverse things that people wanted answers to, so Karen summed it up to present to the meeting.  An agenda was drawn up and distributed.
 At 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7th, people started to arrive and talk with their neighbors.  At 1:30 we rolled through the Agenda, deciding how things would unfold and who had the last word so everyone could speak that wanted to.

A vote for 5 persons to be the first Executive was counted and the results were read out:
Barry and Karen Kimmerly, Brian Aaberg, Rick Lenihan and Alayne Anstis were duly elected. Myself and Mary Squire were Alternates ( no voting rights, but available to fill in and attend Executive Meetings).

L to R: Barry, Karen, Alayne, Rick with Brian behind

Today, November 9 the first Executive Meeting took place. Barry had made a list of things to tackle with the first item being " Elect chairperson to run meetings".  Since he was so very organized, he was duly elected with lots of laughter.  So Barry is your first Chairperson on your first Executive. A Secretary was soon found in the person of the very able Karen Kimmerly, who didn't mind being put to work immediately.  Other things that were necessary to do before the meeting could work were decided upon, including having the Alternates attend the Executive Meetings in order to smooth any transition at any time in the year that a vacancy fell open.
 Discussion about Committees for a variety of interests that people in the Gardens have tried to put together now have an umbrella under which to operate.  These include: Social Committee, Emergency Committee, Garden Committee and Communications.

 An email will be sent out as soon as possible from the Executive. 

My job is to give a "human touch" and dialogue. 

I am very optimistic about this and am looking forward to having our voice heard by Management by people who represent many. 

Please feel free to contact and deal with the Park Management about any issues, just as you did before. The Association would like to know about the issues as well so that they can help with them.  The preferred way of hearing about issues is by email 
( chemainusgardenresidents@gmail.com)  
  The Association will make efforts to aid and help with issues that affect the residents. 


Cheers for now!

NOVEMBER COMING DOWN

                             The Rain is raining all around,
                             It falls on field and tree.
                             It rains on the umbrellas here, 
                             And on the ships at Sea

                                        Robert Louis Stevenson

This is one of my favorite poems, made up by a very small boy who had to stay inside most of his life.  I used to say it to myself while looking at the California rain and the sodden gray skies and see the "ships at sea" in my imagination.
 I truly rejoice to see rain.  Not just to have grey, leaden skies above me, but to know the Earth needs it so badly and we've had so little in the past 4 winters.  And, since those California days, I've had my fill of snow and am now thankful for puddles and drips and umbrellas to hide under as the rain thunders off the top!
Sunday I was strolling around in the rain and chanced upon the Bistro Rain Spout, taking a photo of the splashing water gushing from the roof.

There are 2 important get-togethers  that I'd like to promote.

Number one, coming this Saturday, the 7th of November at 1:30 p.m., is the Chemainus Garden Residents Association's first meeting.  It will be at the Pavilion. Please come ready to vote in a group of people to represent you. There is a full slate of people willing to stand for election.  There are posters on the Mailbox bulletin board and in the Washhouse.

Number 2 is the upcoming Jazz Night. If you are at the meeting for the Residents and would like to purchase tickets, come ready to get those.  Jazz night is on November the 13, doors open at 6:30.  Tickets are $25.00 and on sale at the office or Kolleen can help you.  Sounds like a lot of fun for those who love a good band of Jazz players.

Now another thing that I've mentioned to several people that they did not know about is the Christmas Craft Fair at Providence Farm.  It is the best of the best in this area and has lots to do for a family or a couple. I've put the poster in here for information.  2 of our own artists are going to be there: Lyn Rose and Charles Van Gorkom.  Lyn will be offering hand painted wooden eggs, an assortment of Christmas ornaments and dog sweaters....probably lots more, but that'll give a clue.

Charles is offering his coin purses in differing colors. Both have been busy making their wares and they can be seen there. From 9-3 it is open and it is a wonderful event. Everything is handmade and not just the tired old stuff.  Some real works of art there and made on the Island. If you've never been...try it. You won't be disappointed! If you need directions go online or call them.Hay rides, tree sales and food are all part of the offerings.

Providence Farm itself without the magic of Christmas all around, is a beautiful old place with lots of local History. I could suggest a few people go together and have a day of it.

I wanted to recognize Larry Duckworth for doing a really Community Friendly thing:  making the dog water bowls in the Dog Park and also a place for the dog bags to go. He did this at his own cost, so a big thank you is in order. Thanks, Larry!

Remember to please pick up after your Dog!

Cheers for now...

PLANTING IN THE FALL

This is from Nettie van Wingerden, owner of Neater Plants and Homes.  She comes to the Duncan Farmers Market and to several garden centers in the Valley.  I picked up a flyer on pointers for the Cowichan Valley at the Duncan Farmers Market last week and thought I'd share her thoughts on Fall Gardening.

PLANT  PERENNIALS  NOW

 Most our garden planning and planting is usually done in the Spring. But did you know that the autumn is the best time to plant perennials?

Here are seven reasons why you should plant your perennials, shrubs and trees in the Fall.

1.  The ground is still quite warm, which gives the roots a good chance to grow before the winter.  In Spring they benefit from a strong root system and you'll immediately see a good result.
2.   The Cowichan Valley always has enough rain in the Fall so it isn't necessary to water the plants.  In the spring, you are forced to baby the plants much more, since they dry out more quickly, especially if we have another year like this one.
3.  Perennials are often combined with spring bulbs.  Save time to plant them all at the same time.
4.   The best time to install shrubs, roses and trees is when the leaves fall naturally from the plants.  Ask your nursery about very vulnerable plants.
5.  The biggest advantage of planting in the autumn is that you can immediately enjoy the results in the spring.  From March to May, there is already enough work to do.
6.  The weather is still very nice to work in the garden.  Additionally, you can carry out the new ideas you picked up this summer.  It feels like you have a whole new season to enjoy your garden!
7.   Many hedges and trees can be dug up and moved in the fall.  These plants, when the leaves are fallen, are dormant and can be replanted.

Fall planting can start when the summer heat is over and it starts raining.  You can plant throughout the whole winter as long as the soil is not frozen.

In the past 4 years all of the above I have tested and it's totally correct.  I have planted or moved plants from October to December and again from January till March.  Many of my shrubs that hated their first location loved the second or even third one!

 I have many perennials that I'd be happy to share with anyone wanting them.  Just ask!

  I also wanted to plug for Gerry MacLeod's glass numbers for out in front of our homes. Gerry can make them different colors, according to what you'd like.  I find they are big enough to read from the street and meet the "easy to read" criteria! If you are interested, please contact Gerry. He will give you a quote on price. Or leave a message for him at the Office with Kolleen.

All for now....

Cheers!

OCTOBER ALREADY

 Have you ever spent a pleasant afternoon on the Bistro deck?  Reading the paper or just relaxing and taking in the scent of the season..when it's too hot outside, it is a refreshing thing to go up and see something different or just gaze about at the beauty of the place.      Hearing the different birds, the faint bark of a dog or the sudden appearance of a rabbit, squirrel or snake...all are part of  the opportunity we have living  here at Chemainus Gardens. Every day I am thankful for where I live and who I live around!  

On October 3 we had a great time together at Honeymoon Point at our annual October get together.  It's been a tradition begun 3 seasons ago when we felt the touch of frost and hadn't had a good wiener roast for awhile!
  Those who couldn't make it, I am sad not to have seen you, but...maybe next year?! I realize that some are away at work and all, but it is a lot of fun to meet your new neighbors and do things together when you can.

Collin and Doreen Wynne

We had newcomers that were very welcome, some from the RV site Woodlands and some from the new Park Model homes.  

Alayne

Con watching the legs of Lens desk burning....

Using the same to roast with!

Agnes and Liz greet Fran..

Dorothy and Laurie chat 

The most wonderful zucchini relish was served by Dorothy and I just loved it with Triskets and cream cheese..mmmmm Just have to get that recipe.  Dorothy got a lot from her deck garden in the way of tomatoes, zucchini and I think potatoes too.  She's a real green thumb....

Jane brought around Kolleen's specialty, smokies with a great dip..Here Pat tries it out.  It's hard to go from that to wieners....

Gerry and Linda

Barry and Karen

Charles, Lynn and Norm

Con, Trevor, Corina and Brian

 A great time was had by all!  Thanks to our Social Committee for their hard work!

Around MY house one big tree came down...Many hours of labor were put in, as the fir was a big one.  In August a huge branch came straight down, burying itself in the lawn, and I admit I was scared. I work under that tree a LOT and a branch like that would have at LEAST knocked me out, if not worse.  I was thankful that the management agreed to take it out.  The guys that did the work said it was a bigger job than they had imagined.. and they did a good job, too. I am very grateful, though usually I'd never cut down a tree, I could see it had to be done to live here.

So now it's the job of mine to clean up the front...first cleaning out the eves-troughs and getting up stuff in front of the door. 

Phase 3 is beginning!  clearing and bulldozer work has begun.  The removal of Alder that had sprung up opened it all up.  

 

The front of Sharon and Carlo's place is getting quickly landscaped by them. Of course they have previous experience and are working with neighbors Karen and John in making it at least one of the prettiest corners in the Park! Both couples have a real commitment to making their homes  lovely for all.

 We are certainly lucky to have them working for the benefit of everyone and the beauty of the Gardens.
I just hope the trail maintained by the Gardens beneath their place on the pond will be replanted with suitable trees and flowers too. Especially on the other side of the pond across from their homes.It has become rampant with blackberry vines and canes and needs a good cleanup.

 May everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving!




I'll close with this thought:

I have this on my desktop.....

Cheers!