November 15, 2009.

On Salt Spring today? Check out Fulford Hall for the great gift ideas...artists are there, with their giftcreations. Candles, Skincare products, Kitchenware, Luxurious body lotions, Kids' toys, Chic baby boutique...and more! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Shop Locally is the tag line (and support islanders and their home-based businesses). See you there!

Don't forget it's Jazz night at Moby's (7 to 10 p.m.).

Today, at 2 p.m., is also the last show of the Having Hope at Home play offering (at Mahon Hall). Enjoy this Community Theatre production.

Bach on the Rock is also today, at 2 p.m., at All Saints by the Sea...tickets from ArtSpring (250-537-2102).

Mark your calendars: Scrooge Meets the Duke is at ArtSpring Theatre, on November 21 (at 8 p.m.) and November 22 (at 2 p.m.). The Newman Family Players and Swing Shift present the Billy Strayhorn/Duke Ellington "Nutcracker Suite" and selections from "Christmas with Scrooge". A fun event!

November 17 to 29th, catch the interpretation of five dynamic Salt Spring artists, of "interiors". At ArtSpring's Bateman Gallery, the five artists are: Louise Goodman, Megan Manning, Gillian McConnell, Hamza bin al-Wathan, and Stephanie Denz. Opening reception, with artists in attendance, on the 20th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Such talent on our Island!

The annual Christmas Light Up Decorating Contest is on Friday, November 27th. Categories are Best All Round, Best Use of Lights, Most Creative, Best Use of Materials. Salt Spring Businesses step forward every year, and it's always fun to see the creativity that goes into the windows we walk by, every day.

So many great businesses in the Village...have you been into Laura Roveda's Windflower Moon lately? Lots of super gift ideas, here, for your nearest and dearest, and also treasures for your own enjoyment. Windflower Moon's logo is: Gifts for the Spirit. Check out the Zen alarm clock, the crystals, the gift books, the specialty jewellery, the clothing, the cards...etc.

A softer time of year, a time to slow a little, and to notice the treasures we rush past in the busy summer months...our friends and neighbours are on display, in the Village...enjoy!

This Monday will be my last Monday Morning show on the community radio station (www.cfsi-fm.com) -- streaming audio off the website is the way most people listen, as the 107.9 fm only works if you're in the range of the single tower on Island. I've really had fun doing the two hour show, every Monday, and so appreciated the people who agreed to get up early and come in to be interviewed (most chose the 8 to 9 a.m. time slot!). I had help with the production side (I'm not a techie, and the station makes the presenters also do the "mechanics" of the broadcast) was Mark Voyce, co-owner of Bocados Bistro,in Grace Point Square. Mark has film experience, and is taking on a position with the production of a new film, so will be off island during this time. That means I will be losing my valued "side-kick", and techie guy. Seemed a good moment to bring the Morning Show to a close, and let someone else step to the plate of keeping the Island and the talented Islanders "front and centre".

New owner at Cafe Talia, takes over this next week...if you've been on the Island for some time, you will remember Louis Renaud, and Luigi's. Louis is returning to the food biz, and plans to retain the charm of Cafe Talia. Welcome him, next time you're by for cappucino.

Enjoy the Island's "winter pleasures".....