Greetings Creekers, I like to walk and I particularly like to walk in the forest. In recent years we have become aware of the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” and there have been scientific studies that prove hanging out in the trees increases our immune systems and lowers blood pressure and stress hormones. I didn’t know that until a few years ago, all I knew was that it made me feel good, so I am grateful for all the options available here. One of the most accessible and beautiful is Cliff Gilker Park. If you have something on your mind, are feeling “off,” or just want to escape the mess in your kitchen, don’t go shopping! Retail therapy is not the answer. Instead take a walk in Cliff Gilker Park and you will be amazed at the positive effect a million shades of green, bubbling streams, and waterfalls will have on you. Also, you will realise how precious this park is and then you might start to think about the work and money involved in keeping up all those trails, bridges and stairs, especially in light of wind storms and floods. That’s the work of the Sunshine Coast Regional District parks department and they have recently recommended a plan for replacing bridges, increasing accessibility and fixing eroded areas. They have some other ideas too and they need to know the community’s priorities. For example, one proposal involves placing signs identifying plants and Indigenous names and uses. I agree it’s interesting information but do not like the idea of my forest experience interrupted by signs. I have made my views known (surprise!) but maybe you disagree. Well, you can make your views known too. All you have to do is answer this survey. They are looking for your input on the future of the parks trail system. If this doesn’t strike you as particularly important, it must be because you don’t go there. Do it! I guarantee it will make you feel better in the world. Then, fill out the survey. You have until Aug. 9.
It’s ironic that I am writing this column on community news because I am often out of the loop. A lot of info comes from social media these days and while I do look at it, one has to be on it regularly to catch what’s going on and I don’t have the time. So that’s why last week I was wrong when I told you the opportunity to paint the mandala was coming up. I walked down there today and it’s done! It’s fabulous as always. You can see the big reveal by looking at a drone shot on Facebook.
I won’t be writing a column next week so let’s look ahead a bit so you don’t miss out on the action.
Creek Daze is just around the corner, so put Aug. 11 on your calendar. All the usual things will be happening with the addition of a Youth Art Show. This event happens because of the amazing support from our community. There are a bunch of different areas to volunteer, depending on your interests and skills from setup/tear down, to traffic control, to photography/social media! If you can’t help the day of but would still like to contribute, please let organizers know. There are signs to be made and pre-production help that is always welcomed! You can sign up at volunteersignup.org/DW9RR. The Gumboot and Pepper Creek Pizza will be providing food for volunteers.
Creek Daze is also the day of the fabulous Library Book Sale! There will be a White Elephant Sale again this year, so look around your house for saleable items to donate to this important fund raiser. You can drop off at the library on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 10 No clothing please.
Slow Sundays continues be the place to be on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
This week’s lineup includes Syd Jorgenson, Dave Harvey, and Megan Mansbridge with Joel Fafard and James Meger, and followed by the Budge Schachte Trio.
Afterwards, walk on over to One Straw Society’s Tiny Farm where they are hosting a casual Sunday Happy Hour starting on the 11th from 2 to 6 p.m. Bring your friends and favourite board games and enjoy in the gardens while you sip on some delicious cocktails and listen to music. Proceeds will help food security on the Sunshine Coast and support initiatives like the Tool Library and newly built community kitchen that will serve as an accessible, mini commissary for food waste projects, preservation, workshops, children’s nutrition programs, informal learning opportunities, and more.
At the Legion this Friday (the 26th) it’s Mad Cow, an acoustic country rock trio with electric base.
Tomorrow is the 13th Annual Peanut Butter Jam. Head down to Henderson Beach at 1 p.m. for some outdoor music with Slightly Twisted and Al Harow, all in aid of the Sunshine Coast Food Bank.
Heads up! Five Alarm Funk is coming back to the Hall for two shows, Sept. 27 and 28. Friday night is an early all-ages show and Saturday night starts later and ends late for those with more stamina. Tickets are $30 in advance but I will have to tell you where next time. If you like to dance, just put it on your calendar.
That’s it for me. I am involved in a frustrating battle with my computer and my technical adviser has disappeared on me.
Have a great next couple of weeks. Write to me [email protected].
