May I ask you a question?

Do you know everything there is to know about our chosen place to live, Gabriola? Bet you don't!

Here's another one.

Did you know everything you needed to know about living on an island, before you arrived here? Bet you didn't!

In between these two queries is the reality of choosing to become informed in a friendly, social, and educational atmosphere by people sharing what they know.

To this continuum, the Gabriola Island Newcomer's Club. We welcome all Gabriolans, men and women to join us.

Set under the guidance of Carole Phinney, our founding past president, a growing array of willing and able islanders meet monthly to learn more about living in this wondrous place. Speakers from all walks and expertise raise our consciousness to the whys and wherefores of what makes Gabriola tick.

Let me give some examples: Steve Jackson, Gabriola Emergency Social Services; Phyllis Fafard, Landscape Architect and proponent of healthful gardening; EJ Hurst, Chamber of Commerce; Monica Wind, GIRO; Mike Hale, Astronomy at Brickyard Beach; Liz Ciocea, GROWLS; and I could go on and on. My apologies if you didn't see your name here. We have valued your sharing of knowledge and your dedication to your areas of interest.

Resourceful, sustainable, responsible! We are, we do, we believe, and we are spirited in our endeavours to go forth. But, this is but a part of the whole scene. We meet, we talk, and we laugh.

Wednesday lunches at our local restaurants are well attended, and usually set other patrons on their ears, if they came looking for a quiet solitude. Thanks to Roger and Chrissy delighting us with their Valentine's Day impromptu, romantic ballad. Sigh! ....

Come out and join us! We meet monthly at the WI Hall from 11:00 - 2:00, the 3rd Tuesday of each month excepting July and August. Bring your lunch and be our guest for the first meeting.

Without a doubt, this year's schedule of speakers are well worth putting us, the Gabriola Newcomer's Club, on your calendar.

See you there!