October 31, 2009.

Hallowe'en! Free hotdogs and hot chocolate at the Ganges Firehall...thanks to Country Grocer. Fireworks take place at Coast Guard dock, thanks to generous Island supporters, and the Firefighters.

Earlier, though, it's the Olympic Torch, and the celebration at Centennial Park, 1 to 4 p.m.

Remember to turn your clocks back tonight, when you go to bed -- tomorrow, we're back to Standard Time!

Tomorrow, too, at the Harbour House Hotel, 6:30 p.m., there's a fundraiser to benefit the Institute for Sustainability Education & Action (I-SEA), and the Salt Spring Organization for Life Improvement & Development (SOLID). Over 80 items from Salt Spring and beyond, plus a veggie appetizer feast, provided by Harbour House, and music by Stephanie Rhodes and friends. Presentations, too, on the exciting projects underway by both I-SEA and SOLID. Salt Spring entrepreneurial spirit at work!

I know it hasn't turned from Fall into Winter, calendar wise (I see it there, marked as Dec. 20th), but most of us feel that Hallowe'en ushers in a different weather pattern/"feel" to the Island. Now that Standard Time is back, it will be dark by 4:30 -- make sure you pay attention, when driving home from work, as some pedestrians do not wear reflective armbands or other clothing "decals".

Eat your fruit and veggies, exercise, get fresh air, remember to wash your hands/don't touch your eyes, nose, mouth, do not shake hands (smile, nod, bow), and be well. Yes, the H1N1 "flu is around, but prudent health habits will keep you safe...that includes staying home, if you don't feel well. We need to practice positive living elements, and that means we don't go out and spread our germs around!

This Monday is the community radio morning show that I do with Mark Voyce, of Bocados Bistro...we have Jan Rabson as our guest, and you can tune into us from 7 to 9 a.m., every Monday, different guests each week, at: www.cfsi-fm.com or, locally, at 107.9 fm. Jan has a passion for radio, and I'm looking forward to his effervescent spirit!