As 2024 draws to a conclusion, it’s time to look back over the year and review the highlights, the challenges and our achievements.
Without a doubt, the highlight has been the successful completion of the Lund Gathering Place and its inauguration at the 69th Annual Salmon BBQ on August 10th – a joyous and festive gathering that saw record numbers in attendance and in funds raised. Our thanks go to so many who helped transform this dream into reality: a permanent outdoor community space which is both beautiful and functional. There is still work to do but for the moment we can relax and be grateful for a job well done!
The Gabriola Singers performing at the BBQ
On November 16th the Hall held its AGM preceded by a Community Thank You Tea, recognizing all the volunteers and donors whose contributions have made such a difference. A slate of directors was elected by acclamation, as follows:
- Joyce Babula*
- Laurie McDonald*
- Brenda Upton*
- Elizabeth Iachelli*
- Diana Moher*
- Anna Paletta*
- B J Godson*
- Sandy Lucken*
- Duncan Low*
- Lynda Toews
(* incumbent)
A warm welcome to Lynda as the only new director this year – we look forward to having her on the team.
The AGM also saw Gordon McDonald step off the board after a lifetime (literally!) of involvement in the Hall. Gordon’s contribution to the Hall cannot be overestimated – nearly 70 years ago, as a ten year old he helped his parents, Tom and Francis McDonald, organize the first salmon BBQs. For those early BBQs, Gordie would go out in a boat with his father to catch the fish to be served. His father was elected Hall president for a time and Gordie has certainly carried on the family tradition of dedication and service to the Hall. From helping with the construction of the “new” Hall in the 80s, to fish filleting and snow clearing and providing the wisdom of an elder statesman, Gordie has been a pillar of the organization and we are tremendously grateful for his contributions.
Gordon at the 1995 Salmon BBQ
Our thanks also go to departing directors Kathy Anderson, Charleen Wells and Janet Bates for their service.
And the end of an era: Joyce Babula stepped down as President but will remain as a trustee. Joyce’s involvement with the Hall, like Gordon’s, spans decades and without her inexhaustible capacity for community building, friend-raising and creating a collegial atmosphere in which board members can flourish, the Hall would not be what it is today. Facing health issues, Joyce has more than earned the right to take it a little easy and let others pick up the pace. But it remains to be seen how long she can stay away from the centre of action – a lady of leisure, she is not! Case in point, she is organizing the Olde Fashioned Christmas Faire at the Hall on Saturday, December 14th, from 10 to 3. Grateful thanks to Brendalee Astells for working so hard with Joyce to ensure its success. We hope to see you there!
So we are currently without a President, having been unable to find anyone willing to step up but we are working on it and though these are big shoes to fill, we look forward to engaging with the community and together forging a path forward. If you’re interested in helping out by joining our board, serving on a committee or having your name added to our volunteer list, please drop us a line at: info@gabriolacommunityhall.com.
The Gabriola Island Community Hall welcomes all Gabriolans, so we hope, as the year end approaches and thoughts turn towards tax receipts, that you will keep the Hall in mind when you’re considering donations. You could send a cheque to Gabriola Community Hall Association, PO Box 205, Gabriola Island BC V0R 0X0 or donate online here : https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/gabriola-island-community-hall-association/
Tax receipts will follow.
We are always grateful for the support and goodwill of our community. A particular thank you goes to our renters whose continued usage of the Hall – and their willingness to make the space fit their needs and their flexibility when their schedule is bumped to allow the vaccination clinics to take place – provides much of the operational funding to keep our doors open. Thank you for your support!
A reminder that a great Gabriolan Christmas tradition takes place at the Hall on December 7th at 2.30pm when the Gabriola Singers present their Christmas Concert. Tickets are $25 at the door.
And once again PHC will work their magic on Christmas Day at the Hall with the Annual Spirit Feast. All are welcome to enjoy a delicious meal complete with the company of friends and neighbours. Let PHC know if you’d like to attend – it’s FREE!
Finally,
Our heartfelt thanks for everything!
Happy Holidays and enjoy a well deserved time to rest and reflect on the year gone by and greet the next with all the optimism we can muster!
The Board of Directors