RSVP ~ Community Workshop Feb 6 on First Nations Culture

Dear Thetis Islanders,

Thetis Elementary school and the Thetis Island Parents Association (TIPA) are hosting a full day workshop on Thursday, Feb 6th called "Understanding the Village".  It is a participatory workshop on understanding the First Nations culture before and after colonization.

The event will be presented and facilitated by Denise Augustine, Director of Aboriginal Education for our School District and another District Staff member. Thetis Island school children (grades 3 and up), parents, teachers and interested members of the community are encouraged to participate in this powerful learning experience.

This is a full day workshop (8:30-2:30) that includes sharing lunch together as part of the event.  In the morning, the session will focus on the First Nations culture prior to the arrival of colonizers.
After lunch, the session will focus on changes that happened after the arrival of colonizers. The purpose of the workshop is to build cultural connections and understanding in a supportive environment. It is not about blame or shame.

We hope you will join us for this special learning opportunity. There is no fee but donations appreciated to cover lunch. Any offers to assist with lunch (prep, serving, clean up) or bring desserts are welcome, please let us know in advance. RSVP required by Sunday, Feb 2. Please RSVP by email to Arlene Kasting at info@overburyresort.com

--Kelly Bannister (on behalf of our school community)

New Non-Stop Service between Nanaimo & Seattle - Kenmore Air

Starting March 3rd Kenmore Air will be starting a new direct service flying two round trips daily from Seattle’s Boeing Field to Nanaimo Airport.   The flight takes only one hour!  Kenmore Air has a co-ordinating shuttle service to Seattle Airport about 15 minutes south of Boeing Field.  Boeing Field is also very close to downtown Seattle.

Anna Gullickson, Nan Beals Niece, could be one of your Pilots : )

Click here for more information and flight times.

Suspicious Boat

On Wednesday, I noticed a suspicious boat cruising the shoreline by our place. When the boat operators saw me watching them they turned around and left. They had approached the shoreline to within a few feet and one of the fellows had a boathook ready for use. 

The boat was a large orange-red inflatable, similar to a whale watching boat, single large engine with a tow arch over the stern. I would say the length was about 24 to 26 ft. Just in case there is a threat, please make people aware.

Thank you, P. Pardee 

Traditional Herbal Medicine Making

A learning workshop sponsored by the Thetis Island Nature Conservancy (ThINC) with Della Rice Sylvester.

When: 1:00 pm, Sat. February 15, 2014

Where: 81 Blue Heron Road, Thetis Island, BC 

Cost: $80

This 3-4 hour workshop lead by Coast Salish Elder, Culture Keeper, and Traditional Herbalist Della Rice Sylvester will introduce you to basic herbal medicine making. Take home new, transferable skills as well as a natural respiratory aid and powerful anti-infection blend of mullein, comfrey, and more for your personal health support. Materials, tea, and snacks will be provided. 

There is limited space for this workshop. Please call ahead or email to pre-register.

Contact:  Stephanie Cottell            250-246-5269          stephanie.cottell@gmail.com

Islands Trust News Release ~ Input on Proposed Budget

Click here to find attached news release re Islands Trust Seeks Input on Proposed 2014-2015 Budget.

Camera Club ~ January 27th

Reminder -  Camera Club meets again:

Monday January 27th  7pm at Forbes Hall

Everyone welcome - info: Carol Sowerby 246 4042

Burn It Smart ~ Wood Heat Workshop

The CVRD is hosting a free public education workshop on residential wood heating on Februaryb 13th. 

Please click on the woodstove for more information.

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck

Thetis Island Fire Dept.

Box 14-6, Thetis Island

BC, V0R 2Y0

cell:  250-252-0544

Burns' Night ~ Thank-you

Very many thanks to all who came out to help celebrate the life of Robbie Burns, and a special thank you to the many wonderful helpers whose efforts made the evening the great success it turned out to be.

Hope to see you all again next year!

Photos submitted by Adrienne P.  

If anyone else has photos of the night that they'd like to share, please send them to editor@thetisblog.net.

Visit with the Bolsters ~

I will be visiting the Bolsters next week for a couple of days and would be happy to add a few more items like greeting cards, notes and/or photos to my little bundle of Thetis mementos I am packing up for them.
I am leaving the island on Thursday January 23, 2014 so if you wish to add something please put them into the drop box by 5PM on Wednesday January 22, 2014, attention Glenda Petersen.

Yoga Schedule

NEW this year is a change to Chair Yoga, we have moved the class to 11:15 am on Tuesdays and shortened it to 45 minutes.  This class has seen many come and go. It really is a lovely and gentle way to stretch and strengthen older muscles and keep them from disrepair.  The old adage goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”  Don’t lose your flexibility in life, you are warmly invited to come try your first class for free.  Helps reduce high blood pressure, safe and healthy for those with blood sugar issues and arthritis.  Leave this class with a sense of peace and joy, and a little more zip.

NEW this January is Chakra Yoga from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Wednesday nights.  This week we will start in the middle with the heart chakra.  Did you know that chakra means “Wheel of Light”.  The heart is about compassion and growth, and it vibrates to the colours pink and green, the emotion is unconditional love.  The endocrine gland that is associated to this chakra is the thymus gland, so there is a direct link between our heart’s happiness and our health.  You are invited to come out and enjoy this relaxing and restorative yoga class.  We will be doing a meditation and gentle yoga postures to open our chest and our heart centre.

Ongoing Hatha Yoga is Tuesday from 9:30-11:00 am, this is our most popular class, come on out and give it a try – there is always room for more, and Thursday are a great class for those who just wish to try out yoga from a basic, beginner level.  This is an open ongoing class that is adapted to the abilities of each individual.   Safety and fun are two very important foundational pieces of all the yoga classes. 

… also through the grapevine, I heard there is another yoga instructor moving to the island, how exciting, who knows what type of class she might be willing and open to teach.  I can hardly wait to meet her.  Collaboration, let’s all work together for the greatest good for all.

Hope to see some new faces out to inspire new growth in yourself for 2014.

Warmly, Dawn Gordon

Dawn_gordon@telus.net

250-210-0826

Dr. Gordon Neufeld Speaking in Chemainus

Internationally renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld will speak at the Chemainus Theatre on Jan.31(7-9pm).Tickets are $25.00, available on line from the Chemainus Theatre website.

Dr. Neufeld who specializes in childhood development, will speak on How to Keep Children Safe in a Wounding World.

Septic Tank Pump Out

We have two signed up for septic tank pump-outs this Wednesday morning ( Jan.22 ) by Coast Environmental. With more participants, costs can be significantly reduced for everyone. If you are interested, please contact Henry Benskin as soon as possible at 250-246-1212.