For as long as I can remember I’ve had at least one of my nieces and nephew visit for the Canada Day long weekend. It’s become somewhat of a tradition, however unintended the creation of that tradition has been. This year my niece came over but we had the good fortune of being able to go watch my nephew play junior B lacrosse in Nanaimo on one of the days as well.
So my husband and I, along with my niece and two children were minding our own business as we headed north through Ladysmith on the Trans-Canada Highway when we passed a minivan with two young men rocking out. They were completely unaware we were cracking up as we watched them enthusiastically jamming — no doubt to some top 40 hits us parents wouldn’t recognize now that we are of a certain age. They made us laugh because they were so committed to their moves.
With the ebb and flow of traffic they passed us and then we passed them multiple times. I told the occupants of my vehicle that we ought to be dancing, too, the next time we passed them. Of course the young men in the minivan would have no idea we were grooving away to children’s music: specifically a song called ‘Ice Cream Tiger’ by Parry Gripp. That part didn’t matter.
Well, eventually we pulled up alongside the young men and everyone aside from me (I was driving) began performing their best seated dance moves with the hopes that the young men would look over and notice us joining them.
They sure did. Our vehicle’s dance party prompted the biggest grins and their continued rocking out. We danced together as long as traffic permitted before we went our separate ways. The young men thought it was hilarious. I’m pretty sure we made their day. In return, it made our day to see how much something so small and unexpected made them smile.
It was kind of a reciprocal arrangement, I suppose.
The same type of thing is happening in Cowichan Bay, though it has nothing to do with moving vehicles and dance parties. One simple act of thoughtfulness is leaving a lasting impression with many in the Bay.
“A number of us in the village down by the bay wanted to establish a community pantry for those in need,” said Al Vaisius. “At the same time, our book-nook disappeared. I wrote up an application for a Neighbourhood Small Grant, which was successful.”
It took no time at all for Tony Owen to volunteer to help build the structure and the Maritime Centre to offer to host it.
“It was installed this week, and it has been already well stocked by the community and well used,” Vaisius said. “Importantly, our book-nook section has a tall shelf for children’s books. This has been a huge bonus. In our first week the kids’ books have come and gone at a rapid rate.”
Young adult books have also been a hit. What’s more, the pantry side is being well used, and being kept well stocked for those in the village in need.
“There are good community people in the Bay who have fallen on hard times. Some of these people have done community service that deserves recognition,” Vaisius explained. “The fact is that Cowichan Bay has a number of old and young salts who can make use of the pantry/book-nook. We have been able to reach some but others still need to know about it.”
So, to those in Cowichan Bay who may wish to use or help stock up the book-nook and pantry, consider this your invitation.
When a community takes care of itself in this way, nobody carries the burden alone. The addition of a book or something for the pantry may seem small or insignificant, but to the one using it, that thoughtfulness makes all the difference in the world.
Way to go, Cowichan Bay.