Hoping for a week where the Harbour would return to a quieter norm as families anxiously prepare for school was more than a long shot. Vehicles were broken into and obscenities shouted at young women in residential areas. Catalytic converters continue to be stolen from vehicles throughout our area. “COVID HOAX” was the large message declared on a van parked in downtown Madeira.
As the washrooms at the Visitors Centre by the PH Community Hall reopened Sept. 8 after closing in March, new signs – a mandate from WorkSafe BC – were stolen, as was the mirror from the women’s washroom and two hand-painted signs, the work of artist Ken Walters. Raising funds and producing the signs was quite an effort.
Prior to reopening, the men’s washroom was broken into twice, the door handles destroyed, and all the paper products stolen. Postings on Facebook and community networking asked for the signs to be returned to IGA, no questions asked. To date, no signs or leads. Police report filed. Repairs are once again completed and the washrooms now open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thank you Annelise, manager of Madeira Park Info Centre, PH Chamber of Commerce for handling these disgusting acts of theft and vandalism.
Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Centre opened Sept. 14. You must register for the 45-minute sessions. No drop-ins. Go to www.scrd.ca/recreation-guide-on line to book.
Pender Harbour Community School Society’s Facebook page includes a fantastic “Family Checklist,” a most helpful guide for easing into the return and routine of school.
Starting Sept. 21 all customers shopping at IGA will be required to wear a mask/face covering. Thank goodness and long overdue.
Downtown Madeira Park has enjoyable weekend offerings including Madeira Market 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the courtyard at the Hall, The Bargain Barn at the Legion noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays, Harbour Gallery Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations for The Bargain Barn are accepted Wednesday’s at the home location noon to 3 p.m. Two bags per person limit and folks must sort clean, saleable items.
Sunday, Sept. 20 for a very good time head to the Clubhouse at the Pender Harbour Golf Club. The food, the service the ambiance is top drawer and just to top all this off is the music 2 to 5 p.m. with Half Cut and the Slackers. Reservations recommended.
Harbourside Friendship, Thursday, Sept. 24 has special guest speaker Sharon Gilchrist-Reed LPN presenting “Importance of Good Foot Health.” Bring your own chair. Pack a lunch and join the gathering at 10:30 a.m. at the Hall’s courtyard.
Our community has remained strong and together practising COVID protocols. Our frontline workers, warriors have survived extreme conditions and we thank and applaud them. Now another, additional challenge. Let us all stay vigilant, observe, report and stop this assault on our precious Harbour. Contact me with your news at [email protected] for the Friday edition of the Coast Reporter.
