Signs

A quick post while I prepare for the PAC BBQ tonight....where are all the Federal Elections Campaign signs in Esquimalt? Is anyone campaigning in this neighbourhood?

I have heard that Brian Gordon from the Green Party is knocking on doors, but is anyone else? Let me know if you hear from any candidates.

I find it a little odd. I work in Saanich, and once I cross the highway, I see all the big signs. Here in Esquimalt there are just a few on private property.

Any thoughts?

P.S. if you're interested in the bonspiel...call or email Lorie now. We'll be putting it all together soon and there are only a couple of spots left!

Fundraising Events

In the past two days, I've had lunch at the CPO's Mess in beautiful Esquimalt twice. Looking out over the ocean, enjoying a meal, I've been acutely aware of how fortunate I am.

Yesterday, I attended an event put on by the FASD community circle. 9/9 was Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. Over the years I have worked with children, youth and families, I have watched awareness about FASD grow. I hope that in my career I will see understanding and support grow too.

The FASD community circle is doing some amazing things to support families affected by FASD. They have also set a goal to reduce the number of babies born prenatally exposed to alcohol on Vancouver Island from 1% to 0.5% by 2018. If you are planning on running the Royal Victoria Marathon this year, they are one of the charities that you can run for and collect pledges for. Every single week, a baby is born with FASD on Vancouver Island. The website is: http://www.royalvictoriamarathon.com/sponsors/charities.php#charities

Today I attended a Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock Fundraiser. Childhood Cancer is a terrifying thought to most parents. When my own children were little, I worked at Victoria General Hospital as a Child Life Specialist. On days when families had just been told that their child had cancer I would rush home just to hug my own children and check their temperature. Despite the horrors of this disease, progress has been made. In the past 20 years, survival rates have improved dramatically. Research has made life possible for many more children. Treatment is still very hard though. Things like Camp Goodtimes make life for children with Cancer better. Cops for Cancer aids both research and support programs for families. For the next event near you check out: http://www.kintera.org/faf/help/helpEventInfo.asp?ievent=270703&lis=1&kntae270703=002CAEB5EB5F403DACB8CB3A6EF616EC

Shorty Bonspiel and Pub Night

We're having a campaign fundraiser! On the left is a picture of me listening very intently to Dave and Ed as they taught me to curl during the PAC spiel last February. Once again, incredible volunteers from the Esquimalt Curling Club will share their energy and enthusiasm for the sport!

Please join us for a very fun evening Saturday Oct 4th at Esquimalt's Archie Browning Sports Centre. Curling is from 8pm-10pm and the(cash)bar will be open until midnight.

This shorty is designed for beginners but all curlers are welcome! The focus is on having fun and promoting this great sport! People who don't want to curl are welcome to watch from the lounge. Tickets are only $30 per person or $100 for a team of four.

Your ticket buys:

a free curling lesson

two end games of curling

snacks

fantastic door prizes

For more info contact Lorie Hall at lorie.hall@shaw.ca or 250.386.5471

Taking the Bus to Shoreline

I just received an email from a very happy Esquimalt parent whose child goes to Shoreline middle school. Apparently the new BC transit schedule makes it possible for Esquimalt kids to take the bus!

In Esquimalt, students who are in the French Immersion program attend Macaulay for elementary and then go to Shoreline for middle school. Unfortunately, the bus schedule has traditionally given the students two options: arrive for school an hour early or ten minutes late. Neither option is feasible so parents have been driving their kids. It is a long way to walk in the morning and the bike routes aren't really "kid friendly".

Many parents have been strong advocates for a better bus schedule over the last year. They have written letters, appeared before Esquimalt Council, the School Board and the Transit Commission. They have worked very hard. I'm so thrilled that their efforts have finally been rewarded! Families finally have a way of getting to school on time without driving the car.

Many thanks to all the parents and to BC transit for changing the schedule!

Cougars Home Opener

Last night the Cougars had their Home Opener at Archie Browning Sports Centre. Once again, they let all Esquimalt Residents in for free. What a great night! They even had some Olympians come and help celebrate! We saw Brian Price (rowing), Kevin Light (rowing), Kyle Hamilton (rowing), Malcolm Howard (rowing), Ravinder Kahlon (field hockey), and Riley McCormick (diving). All six athletes were available in-between intermissions to talk to the fans and give autographs. My kids were thrilled with the entire event and even more thrilled to share it with many kids from the neighbourhood.

My favourite part of the night was seeing my friend Ravi - a two time Field Hockey Olympian. I've had the pleasure of knowing him since he was a teenager. It was a treat to have a visit and catch up on his travels. He is a guy that has given back so much to the community. He has volunteered many hours over the years, including coaching my Div. 1 women's team for a season. It was the year after I had my first child and I was sore, miserable and woefully out of shape. Ravi was always positive, upbeat and encouraging. He is an incredible athlete and an incredible person - I'm so impressed with all he has accomplished!

As usual, the Victoria Cougars put on a great show. They ran into trouble in the last period....but I think we'll see another championship banner hung at ABSC this time next year!

These Cougar games happen because they have a large group of dedicated volunteers. I was honoured to be a volunteer last night. They demonstrate commitment and it shows in the players. Last night, several residents shared their personal stories about how the Cougars attended their special event or helped out with their child's hockey practice. The Cougars are a part of what makes Esquimalt a great place to live. We need to save our arena AND our Cougars!

September!

Its been a few days and I'm sorry for not blogging earlier! We've been to the Saanich Fair, the Labour Day picnic AND we've got the kids launched off to school for another year. Between writing names on tiny parts of pencils and comforting the first day jitters we've barely had a spare moment to breathe around here! I'll report more after the Cougars Home Opener tomorrow!

Cougars Home Opener

The Victoria Cougars are gearing up for another championship winning season over at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Once again, they are offering Esquimalt Residents FREE admission to the home opener Thursday, September 4th! This year it is going to be a big bash - some of Canada's Olympic team will even be in attendance! Bring proof of Esquimalt residency to enjoy the game for free. Otherwise, tickets are a very reasonable price.

REGULAR SEASON
TICKET PRICES
ADULTS $7.00
SENIORS & STUDENTS $5.00
CHILDREN 6-12 $2.00
5 & UNDER FREE
TICKET PACKAGES
REG. SEASON (24 GAMES)
ADULTS $140.00
SENIORS & STUDENTS $100.00
REG. SEASON 10-PACKS
ADULTS $60.00
SENIORS & STUDENTS $45.00
On sale at all Cougars home games
or contact Debbie Boyer (592-0386)
gdboyer@telus.net

See you at the games!