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...