Showing posts with label Beans and Greens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beans and Greens. Show all posts

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.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Storytime at Beans and Greens on Sunday


Date: Sunday May 31st
Time: 10am - 11am.
Cost: Free!
Coffee: Delicious!

I'll be telling stories, singing songs and hosting some fun for you and your teddy bear!

This week the theme will be Hospitals/X-rays and Casts. If you bring a stuffed animal or doll (one that you don't mind getting dirty) I will put a cast on it for you and give it a little "check up"

Before politics, before my new wonderful job, before having children actually....I was a Child Life Specialist. It is always with joy that I get a chance to play with kids again and talk about going to the hospital. Child Life is an incredible career and you can find out more about it here: www.childlife.org

See you at Beans and Greens! Don't forget your dolly!
Admirals rd, across from the Tudor House, in beautiful sunny Esquimalt!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Breastfeeding Friendly Business Awards!

I am much delayed in posting this....but I am absolutely thrilled that two businesses in Esquimalt have received Awards for being the Best Places to Breastfeed in Victoria. Both Serious Coffee in the Esquimalt Plaza and Beans and Greens on Admirals rd. have been recognized in this important way! These businesses were nominated by parents and should be very proud of what they add to our community. Details on this and other businesses can be found here: http://www.islandparent.ca/island/bestplaces.html

I have often said to Peg at Beans and Greens that I wish her business had been around when my kids were little and still nursing. It would have been such a treat to relax on her comfy couch and sip a nice warm cup of tea in the company of people who were accepting and understanding!

Congratulations!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

January in Esquimalt

There are lots of great things happening in Esquimalt to start the New Year off right.

WATERSLIDES!!! The pool has re-opened with two waterslides. We tried them out and the kids definitely approve!

RECYLING!!!! Pacific Mobile Recycling is back in Esquimalt on the 2nd Saturday of every month. The new location is the parking lot behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Opening day is Saturday, Jan 10th from 10am-1pm.

KIDS ART!!! Beans and Greens is hosting a childrens' art show. Submissions are being accepted throughout the first week of January. Come down after that and enjoy the show!

PARKS AND REC SAMPLER!!! On Saturday, Jan 10th from 9am- 1:30pm there are sample classes and demos of many programs at the Esquimalt Rec Centre. Stop by and check out some of the great things for 2009!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Children's Art Show

Beans and Greens in Esquimalt is hosting a Children's Art Show in January. Each month, our local coffee shop has featured local artists on its walls. This month, those artists will all be children!

If your child would like his or her artwork included bring it down to the shop on Saturday, January 3rd.

After that, come back and enjoy the show!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Esquimalt Roads

Today I went for Coffee at Beans and Greens. There was one topic of conversation - snow. Everyone I spoke to agreed on one thing - Esquimalt has done an incredible job of clearing the roads! Callers on CFAX were saying the same thing at noon.

Thanks so much to our Esquimalt crew for keeping us all safe! You make this a great place to live!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Rusty Buttons and All...

As I handed out my last flyer today, this quote sprang to mind:

"Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely
and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


This campaign is over now. There were blunders. There were absurdities. There was certainly nonsense. Most of all though; there was laughter, there was friendship, there was unwavering support.

I hold so many moments in my heart:

Standing on the steps of municipal Hall on April 23rd, 2007. Waiting to address Council. Taking turns watching the children as parents took their turns at the microphone inside.

Laughing over coffee in Beans and Greens as the suggestion of me running for Council was discussed.

Announcing my decision there a year later.

Hearing my announcement on the news. Reading it in the paper. Seeing my own writing in a magazine.

There are moments I know I will always remember. There are people I know I can never forget.

The man who gave me his old signs to recycle as my own.

The man who salvaged wood and hardware to put them together…and volunteered to take them apart.

The people who called to ask for a lawn sign.

The people who delivered flyers.

The people who knocked on doors with me.

The friend who knocked on doors with me on the wettest day of the year. Who stood beside me for so long that her “Vote Alison Gaul for Esquimalt Council” button rusted in the rain.

The people who opened their doors and invited me in.

The people who opened their doors and hugged me and said “I already voted for you at the advance polls.”

The long time Esquimalt residents who shared their stories and their wisdom with me. To have the generous gift of their time has helped me foster an understanding of where we’ve been and where we hope to go.

As we creep closer to midnight, and election day dawns, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I am struggling for words to adequately express how I feel. I only know this: I love my husband more today then when we started on this campaign. I am more proud than ever of my incredible children. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many amazing friends. No matter what the polls say tomorrow…I am glad that I did this.

Thank you all so much for sharing this adventure with me.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Focus Magazine November 2008

In September, I was asked to submit my vision of a "dream city" in 150 words or less. I was excited....but terrified. I can't say ANYTHING in 150 words!

I started writing and at least 10 thousands words came out. With some cutting and snipping I arrived at something just under 150.

This month, Focus published it. Here is what I submitted:

My "Dream City"

People of all ages are active and engaged citizens. Committees and commissions never lack for volunteers. The work is valued, respected and meaningful. Public consultation is frequent. Voter turnout is over 70%.
Development reflects the diverse cultures and values of the community.

Small businesses are places of lively conversation. They prosper.

Sports facilities, schools and parks are focal points. They foster connections and life long friendships. They are never considered “surplus to need.”

Music and the arts are affordable and accessible for everyone.

Public Transit, walking and cycling are the most popular options for travel. Residential streets host more road hockey than traffic.

Local food is abundant. All children have the opportunity to tend the soil.

Local newsletters welcome newcomers. The stories of our history and the possibilities of our future are shared.

We have more than a sustainable city. We do more than just sustain. We thrive.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Gratitude Tree

Each year around Thanksgiving, since my oldest was really little, we've drawn a bare branched tree on a big piece of paper. Then we write something we are grateful for and glue on it on a branch. The last couple of years, we've shared this tradition at the Beans and Greens storytime.

It is always a surprising, humorous and touching experience to hear what the children have to say. This year we had leaves that said, "superheroes" "hugs" "mum" "peace" "daddy being home" "clothes" and even "pink monkeys"

My own personal tree "runneth over" with leaves. The health and happiness of my children, the strength of my marriage, the love of my family and friends.... I am so grateful for you all.

There are also things to be grateful for that I never imagined this time last year: the kindness of strangers who volunteer to put my signs up on their lawn. The incredible opportunity to meet so many new people in my community - residents and other candidates for Council. The incredible team of volunteers that are keeping me on track...

Although it has been stressful at times...I know that this experience of running for Council has already enriched my life. Thank you Esquimalt - I am so grateful!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Coffee Talk

In the last two days I've had a lot of coffee. Today alone, I've been for coffee at three different coffee shops. Fortunately, its not just the caffeine that is sending my head spinning...its the conversation too.

Recently I posted about the community visioning process that Ladysmith has been taking. I was particularly intrigued by their attempts to engage youth in the planning process. I am grateful that an incredibly interesting woman named Sarah has taken the time to chat with me over the phone about some of their innovations. She is not only a fellow storyteller, she is also a lover of quotes. The website, www.definingthefuture.ca opens with this one:

"A strong sense of place begets a strong sense of community. In an ideal situation the community pulls together, cooperates, takes care of its people, develops its village pride, its cuisine and accents, tolerates and supports its local eccentrics and characters, and has in some cases an indigenous music, or a literary style – and, above all, a sense of itself." - John Hanson Mitchell from Walking towards Walden: A pilgrimage in search of place.

I am fascinated with their use of strategic storytelling to engage youth and I'll be following along with keen interest.

Today I had the opportunity to sit down with someone whose work I have read and admired for a very long time - Bernard von Schulmann. His writing can be seen in several places on the Internet. I check www.victoriavision.blogspot.com daily. It is the most comprehensive source of information on the different municipal candidates that I have found.

He generously cleared a little time on his busy calendar to meet. I really enjoyed it. Like all good discussions I left with much "food for thought" and inspiration to dive into more research. Learning, exchanging ideas, meeting new people....this is what I love most about running for Council.

What I loved most about this day though, was starting it off at Beans and Greens with a few of my closest friends. I am so fortunate to know real friendship and feel real community.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Children Welcome

As a Mother of two, finding safe and inclusive places for my kids to play is important. As a woman who stays up way too late at night reading reports and studies, finding good places to drink coffee is important too. This is why Beans and Greens in Esquimalt is one of my favourite spots.

I am thrilled that Beans and Greens was just awarded an Early Years Community Appreciation Award by Play Victoria for best independent restaurant or cafe. I think Peg is doing an amazing job creating an atmosphere that really does welcome children. She welcomes people of all ages! Please check out www.playvictoria.org for more info.

On this website you can also find The Esquimalt-View Royal Early Years Report - December 2007. It is an interesting read (worth staying awake for - especially if you can make a trip to Beans and Greens in the morning)

The report gives us some demographics and statistics on children in Esquimalt. It lists some of our community assets. It shows us some strengths and some challenges families face in our township. I think that this is a valuable resource.

Below is an excerpt I found particularly relevant:

Factors that Promote Physical Health and Well Being:

• Lots of safe outdoor play areas, both formal and informal

• Pregnancy care (health care, social supports, smoking, alcohol and drug use prevention programs, nutritious food, healthy workplaces for pregnant women)

• A variety of accessible recreation programs

• Recreational opportunities in both urban and rural settings

• Limiting time spent with TV and video games

• Food security programs in places that are friendly to children and families (such as nutritional education for expectant and new mothers, community kitchens, free or low cost community lunches and dinners etc.)

• Provision of accessible health services such as public health and medical care

• Children are seen, and there are places where people knowledgeable about normal development observe children. This is important to ensure any delays result in early referrals to professional services. (Early Childhood Educators, nurses, family doctors, infant development workers etc.)

Monday, August 11, 2008

One More Launch Party Photo


I am so lucky that I married the kindest man on the planet.
Thanks for always being right beside me Andy!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Launch Party Photo



It rained a great deal yesterday...but as the website launch party ended, the sky cleared and a brilliant triple rainbow stretched across Esquimalt.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Beans and Greens "Where Community Grows"

Tonight there was a launch party for my campaign website www.alisongaul.ca at Beans and Greens in Esquimalt. It was a great night and I couldn't have done it without the help of so many friends! This is just a quick, informal thank you...but I couldn't head to bed without expressing how grateful I am.

Louise from Dreaming In Colour was the real star tonight as she designed my website. I'm sure you'll agree she did an incredible job. Right up until the last minute I was emailing her additional thoughts and she was always so willing to do whatever it took to make it work. She was incredible to work with and I am so fortunate to have gotten to know her during this process. Thank you!

John from Finding Charlotte Photography has accomplished the impossible. He managed to take photos of me that I like enough to publish. I'm usually the one ducking in the back row or hiding behind a tree in the photograph. I hate having my picture taken....but John made it fun. Thank you!

Boulay put together some beautiful business cards for me to give out. I had hoped for a small handful to give away...but he arrived with a box of 500. Thank you!

If anyone reading this is interested in a website, photos or graphic design; contact me and I will give these three people the highest of recommendations.

I would also highly recommend Krisna and Lorie...but I'm afraid you can't have them. We have so much work to do yet! I'm so lucky to have these two women in my corner. Lorie has planned dozens of PAC events with me and Krisna has been a huge support with the Esquimalt Residents Association and the Sewage Treatment Forum....so I knew I was working with exceptional people. However, I have no words to adequately express how great they were this week. They literally forced me to relax while they took care of all the details. Thank you!

I was literally overwhelmed with the support from family, friends and neighbours tonight. It was amazing to see Beans and Greens filled with so many people - old friends and new. I believe I got a chance to speak with everyone...but I would have loved to have spent more time with each person. It was wonderful. People have offered to help out by doorknocking, putting a sign on their lawn, distributing flyers, and even making donations to the campaign. Thank you!

I'm also overwhelmed by the number of kind emails and phone calls I received from those that were unable to attend. Thank you!

I loved that several candidates for Council also came tonight. We're all active in the community and I know that we'll be working together in some capacity for many years. It feels right to start this journey with the spirit of co-operation. I look forward to each of your announcements in the weeks to come. Thank you!

I also loved that people from all across the political spectrum came tonight. It was a really pleasant evening and I hope we'll have many more in the years to come! I love debating the issues with each of you and working together to find solutions. Thank you!

Last, but not least, I need to thank Peg from Beans and Greens for handing me the key to the shop tonight. I felt a bit like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory when I stepped through the curtain and into the kitchen area. Seeing how the magic happens won't make it any less special when I show up tomorrow morning for a latte. I'm so honoured to be the first private rental of the shop. Thank you!

I'll have more to say soon...tonight all I can say is Thank You! Thank you! Thank you! I won't forget this night!