Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Remembrance Day Services

Each year, I struggle to find the right words to share with my children about Remembrance Day. I tell them our personal family history and involvement and try to answer their questions as best I can. The Royal Canadian Legion has some excellent information that is appropriate for children here: http://www.legion.ca/Poppy/campaign_e.cfm

I have been fortunate to attend the last few Remembrance Day assemblies at Macaulay Elementary. The teachers and staff are outstanding. They are able to bring children and families together with Veterans to talk about Remembrance Day in a way that is deeply moving. I am always reminded that my children are blessed with health, education and freedom.

Tomorrow, we will have several opportunities to attend Remembrance Day services. In Esquimalt, there is a service at the Veteran's Cemetery at 9:30am. At 10:30 a.m. there is a Remembrance Day parade from the Esquimalt Legion to the Memorial Park cenotaph across from municipal hall, 1229 Esquimalt Rd. A ceremony follows at 10:55 a.m.

Thank You!



A very late, but very sincere thanks to the incredible volunteers that make Esquimalt a great place to raise children. Hosting the Olympic Torch Run and the Hallowe'en Bonfire back to back was an incredible undertaking for our township. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to make it all happen so smoothly!

Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visit CFB Esquimalt

DiManno: Prince Charles gets comfortable - thestar.com
Yesterday, CFB Esquimalt was visited by Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall. I have heard many happy stories from friends who had the opportunity to wave and even exchange a word with our visitors.

I found this story from the Toronto Star quite interesting as it gives a little taste of the rich history of our area. As many long time Esquimalt residents know, Esquimalt was once the home to the Royal Navy's Pacific Squadron. Yesterday was exactly 99 years to the day that the Royal Navy transferred CFB Esquimalt to the Royal Canadian Navy. It was quite significant to have a royal visit on this occasion. It was also marked by raising the flag for the Naval Centennial which will be celebrated next year.

For more on our history please visit our Esquimalt Archives. They are tucked away between the McDonalds and the Archie Browning Sports Centre. The archives are open in the mornings Monday - Thursday and they are well worth the visit!

In addition to that, we have an extraordinary Naval Museum. Details can be found here: http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Victoria News - Church gives from ground up

So great to read this good news story on a rainy rainy day!

Victoria News - Church gives from ground up

Volunteer Positions Available for Esquimalt Committees, Commission and Board

Every Fall Esquimalt seeks volunteers for its Committees, Commission and Board. This is a great way to get involved and provide Council with valuable input and insight into issues affecting our community. I served on the township's Environmental Advisory Committee before running for Council and really learned a lot from the experience! We also encourage youth to apply as youth liaisons to our Parks and Rec Advisory Committee. This perspective is really valuable and we hope to see lots of applicants! Please consider applying for one of the openings in the press release below:

Municipal Appointments to Advisory Committees, Commission and Board
October 27, 2009

Each year the municipality accepts applications from individuals interested in serving the community as a member of an Advisory Committee, Commission or Board. Esquimalt Council will be considering applications for appointments in the following areas:

Advisory Planning Commission (up to 3 vacancies)
Access Awareness Advisory Committee (up to 4 vacancies)
Arts, Culture and Special Events Advisory Committee (up to 2 vacancies)
Environmental Advisory Committee (up to 3 vacancies)
Heritage Advisory Committee (up to 2 vacancies)
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (up to 3 vacancies)
*Youth are encouraged to apply as non-voting liaisons for a semester at a time on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw and Advisory Committee Terms of Reference are available on our website. Anyone interested in being considered for appointment to any Committee or Commission, is invited to submit an application form (available online or at the Municipal Hall) and a résumé listing professional and volunteer experience and interests, to Carollyne Evans, Manager of Corporate Services by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2009. Applicants will be notified of interview date and time.

For more information, please contact:
Carollyne Evans, Manager of Corporate Services
Tel: 250-414-7135

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Busy Weekend in Esquimalt!

There is so much to do in Esquimalt this weekend! I've copied all these events from the esquimalt.ca website:

Open House at Macaulay Point Park

When: October 24th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Buxton Green at Macaulay Point Park, 1111 Munro Street

The Township of Esquimalt is hosting an open house event at Macaulay Point Park to gather input from Esquimalt residents and other park users on future management direction in the park. Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, as well as representatives from the Capital Regional District and the Department of National Defence, will be on hand to answer questions.

The land at Macaulay Point is owned by the Department of National Defence and is managed by the Township of Esquimalt through a renewable five-year licence agreement. The lease agreement requires that the Township take adequate measures to protect the natural areas and federally protected native plant species that exist in the park.

A recent environmental assessment report—commissioned by Esquimalt Parks and Recreation—proposed specific management strategies to maintain and enhance these native plant species. This report, along with public input and other planning activities, will help Esquimalt Parks & Recreation develop a sustainable management plan that will minimize degradation of the areas where these plants exist. It is the parks department’s goal to maintain public access while ensuring that management strategies are consistent with its legal obligation to protect the park’s environment.

Japanese Garden Re-opening in Esquimalt Gorge Park

Please join Esquimalt’s Mayor and Council for the grand re-opening ceremony of the Japanese Garden in Esquimalt Gorge Park. Also in attendance will be Mr. Nozomi Nakamura, Consul of Cultural Affairs for the Japanese Consulate in Vancouver.

The event will feature performances by the Japanese drum group Uminari Taiko and the Furusato Dancers.

Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park
When: Sunday, October 25th at 1 p.m.

The garden is the oldest Japanese Garden in all of North America and was created by Isaburo Kishida, who designed the Japanese Gardens at Royal Roads and Butchart Gardens. The Takata family operated a very successful tea house in the gardens for many years.

Come and celebrate the return of this very special place.

Esquimalt's Harvest of the Arts
Artists, artisans, and art lovers are invited to celebrate Esquimalt’s first “Harvest of the Arts.”

This event, hosted by Esquimalt’s Arts, Culture and Special Events Committee, will feature demonstrations by artists in a variety of media, musical performances, and an exhibition of local artists’ work.

When: Sunday, October 25th, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: In the Esquimalt Recreation Centre (527 Fraser Street)

Building on the successes of the 2008 Spring Awakening, the Committee is continuing to support arts and culture in Esquimalt. This event will provide an opportunity for local artists to promote their work, and to connect with each other and the community.

Admission to this event is free.

Pumpkin Swim
It’s back! Our annual pumpkin swim! Bring your whole family to this fun filled Halloween event. Brave the spooky Halloween games of the pool deck, and take home a pumpkin to carve for Halloween!
Regular Admission Sunday October 25 1:30 – 4:30pm

Pumpkin Carving for the United Way

Saturday October 24
Annual fun day of carving pumpkins and crafts. Fundraiser put on by Country Grocer and Esquimalt Neighbourhood House at the Plaza. Hot dogs by donation and all proceeds go to United Way.

If you're still looking for some fun...you can check out a Cougars game at Archie Browning tonight, Storytime at Beans and Greens on Sunday morning, The Japanese Cultural Festival at the rec centre on Saturday or simply go for a walk at Saxe Point and enjoy the beauty of Fall.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Esquimalt Sunset


Spectacular October evening. Taken yesterday at Fleming Beach in Esquimalt.