I assumed there was always a financial premium to be paid in supporting small business and a viable downtown. Last week, however, as I was about to make an online purchase, I stopped just before hitting the "buy" button and called the Laughing Oyster on Fifth Street. They were able to get the book, at a less-expensive price to me, than what I was about to pay direct from the publisher. Something to think about when you see empty storefronts downtown.
In a recent visit to the emergency department I had the unfortunate experience of overhearing several nurses that lacked apathy towards some poor sod that was pulled from the river, apparently quite confused. Lots of laughter at the poor man's expense. I understood a crisis nurse was coming to attend to him. Finally some help. Her disgusted look was very apparent. I thought that was the worst of it but no, upon my leaving I heard that same “crisis” nurse say “what do women expect when they are raped when they are drunk and wearing skimpy clothing.” Tell that to all those family members that
lost a loved one who took their life over a rape. A beautiful 17-year-old girl from Nova Scotia took her life just yesterday. Disgusting. No wonder people don’t reach out for help. Perfect example. Be careful what you say; we are only a curtain away from hearing and seeing!In my quest to find good eating places in the Comox Valley, I recently was directed to the new Cappuccino Grande Café, in the heart of downtown Courtenay on Fifth Street. Over a cappuccino and piece of Sacher torte, I chatted with owners Edmund and Danielle. Austrian pastry chef Edmund tells me he is committed to quality, making the sandwiches, soups and pastries daily, and using local ingredients. He says the Austrian style cheesecake sells out early. I haven't come across Kaiserschmarm outside of Austria until now and will definitely try this traditional pancake-like dish on a future visit. The coffee, one of the top two Italian brands, was also very good. I eat out most days so this find is a lovely surprise, one that I heartily recommend to your readers as well as my friends. The café is closed on Mondays.
Huge thanks to all who helped our Habitat For Humanity Women Build team, Desperate Housebuilders, make our recent Beautiful Me fashion show fundraiser such a success. The Bridge Lounge was alive with fun, fashion, and firefighters. Our first hurrah goes to our teammate, Laurel Bazett, for not only initiating this event, but for her incredible commitment in making it happen. Thank you, Laurel, for giving so generously of your time and expertise over many weeks. Laurel brought on board five of our local retailers: Ricki’s, Penny Tyme Fashions, Cherry Wine Fashions, Shoebiz, and Alberni Outpost. Many, many thanks to these businesses for their exciting presentations, draw prizes, and discounts. They all demonstrated that our Comox Valley offers a great shopping experience! More cheers and great appreciation to those brave guys from the Courtenay Fire Department whose modelling talents were so enthusiastically received — you’re the best! Our sincere thanks also go to the following businesses who supported Beautiful Me with lovely draw prizes: Spa Roché, Victoria’s Esthetics, The Romance Shop, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Carolyn Parker/Mary Kay Cosmetics. For their generous support and services, we are grateful to Claude Bigler & Friends for wonderful dance entertainment, Jessie and Courtney Pozzolo of Undiscovered Photography, Liz at Extreme Ends Salon, Comox Valley Record, Canadian Tire, and of course Nicola at The Bridge Lounge. Bouquets to all! For information on the Women Build project, go to www.habitatnorthisland.com.
I would like to thank Phil of Kean's Auto Service, who took over from Chuck's One Stop, for amazing service, care and generosity. At first I was concerned because Dan Timms retired. Well, in Dan's way, he left his clients in good hands. Welcome aboard, Phil. I look forward to bringing my car in to your shop!
Cheers to our manager of our golf course for coming to us from Campbell River as the members of Storey Creek say thanks for accepting him into our club. Since coming to our club he has closed our unsafe cart storage sheds as well as closing the asbestos-filled club storage facility and destroying all the storage lockers. Well done!Now he is working on saving the club by reducing member activities and increasing green fee players. What an innovative idea I wonder where he came up with such a great move. He is also working on saving the clubhouse by cancelling all the Xmas parties and laying off staff, which has saved untold dollars. Closing on Easter Monday was pure genius. It not only saved us wages but knowing that stock would run out so nothing for patrons to buy was certainly looking to the future. Well done again. Maybe Storey Creek is wishing they never gave him up. The future is bright for our members, so three cheers for our manager and may he continue to come up with these great ideas.
A bucket of rotten potatoes to those daffy Ducks Unlimited and participating farmers who dumped truckloads of rotten potatoes on the old Farquharson farm. Even after repeated requests to remove the potatoes, their solution was to spread them out, which made it worse. We on Comox Road can’t take it anymore. Help, we’re drowning in stink.