Drumming the Earth with our Feet . . . that was Don Buskirk’s description of the Gabriola Ecumenical Society’s first event for 2020, at the NetLoft on January 5. And it was much more than that, as ? people learned simple traditional dances from several cultures, accompanied by folk music from Greece, Serbia, Romania, and Israel. Each song and dance has a story too - some funny, some winsome, and most joyful, told by Don with warmth and humour. Thank you Gabriola Ecumenical Society, and Don Buskirk, for leading us on such a beautiful path to diversity in culture and unity of spirit!
Spirit in action … with elders of our community, couples, moms with little ones, single women and men, and five ukulele players leading this joyful crowd for three hours of caroling beginning at the Garden Homes, before moving on to other welcoming private homes of Gabriola elders, including two island farm homes.
G.E.R.T.I.E. was a great service, transporting about 20 of us from place to place, in a cavalcade with other cars of carolers.
We were over 40 “spirits in action,” helping each other navigate our way to the next doorway, greeting folks warmly, and caroling with care and with joy in our hearts.
We were a mix of long-time residents, newcomers, folks who knew each other and folks who didn’t – greeting and meeting one another along the way, enjoying little visits between the carols. It was community at its finest!
And it culminated with the traditional and grand-style big pot of hot chocolate, a table of festive edibles, and final caroling near the fireplace at Sue and Eric Boulton’s welcoming home – a tradition for 15 years now!
Giving Thanks Dinner October 20 2019
We give thanks! Once again members of Gabriola Ecumenical Society and community members gathered together at the Gabriola Golf and Country Club to celebrate and give thanks for all we have and who we are. Two 30 pound turkeys were (once again) donated by Eric and Sue Bolton, and deliciously roasted by Del McCarthy, Anne Sims and Carol Hemrich. Everyone attending brought scrumptious side dishes and desserts to compliment the main course. Deep gratefulness for the music of Paul Gellman and friends who certainly contributed to all of
the positive energy in the room. Not only did we enjoy the delectable s food, we had the
opportunity to renew friendships, make new ones and to share our joy by singing and
dancing.
The staff at the golf course, Ev and Tracey, made it so possible to create an easy and
comfortable environment for the 65 people attending. We all had such a wonderful time!
