Category: Community Futures of Mount Waddington

Children Inspire Through the Power of Music

Published on by orcalandLeave a comment

Welcome to the May long weekend. What does that look like for you? Perhaps 3 whole days to sleep in, go camping, hiking, gardening or something else that you’ve been daydreaming about that brings you joy. Thanks to Queen Victoria whose birthday we’re celebrating for that extra day.

Want to get your weekend started by supporting local farmers and artisans? From 10am-2pm head down to visit the outdoor market at the harbour in Port McNeill. Hint from a local — for the best selection of baked goods, jams, produce, arts and crafts be sure to get there early. For information on upcoming summer dates join the Port McNeill Farmers and Artisans Market Facebook page.

Port McNeill’s municipal outdoor pool is now open for another splashing good summer. They’ll be closed Monday May 20th for Victoria Day but otherwise the pool offers a seven day a week schedule including length swim, public swim, aquafit classes, swimming lessons and there is also rental time available. Visit the pool’s Facebook page, email them at: pool@portmcneill.ca or phone 250-956-3638 for more information.

All those interested in exploring the software program Sage 50 (Simply Accounting) Community Futures of Mount Waddington has a class starting May 30th. Running for five weeks from 6-9pm the course cost is $150 and covers all the basics with lots of hands on practice. To register or for more information call 250-956-2220

The world Famous African Children’s Choir is coming back to Port McNeill. Over the past 30 years the choir composed of children 7 to 10-years-old has wowed audiences around the world performing traditional hymns with African cultural sounds. Funds raised through concerts and sales of CDs have provided thousands of children with education and leadership skills. https://africanchildrenschoir.com/

Port McNeill Logger Sports Society is celebrating their 10th anniversary. It’s truly amazing to watch all ages (including first timers) take part in timed events including: axe throw, hot saw, springboard and underhand chop. Bring the whole family to this year’s logger sports at the waterfront on Broughton Boulevard just past CAB Auto Parts. For more information visit https://pmloggersports.com/

Word of mouth. Bulletin Boards. Newspaper classified ads. Signs in business windows. A few of the ways ways to find out about local job openings. Another option is North Island Employment Foundation Society (NIEFS) an agency serving the whole North Island. Besides posting jobs with all the details on their website https://www.niefs.net/job-postings counsellors can assist you with a resume, cover letter, interview prep and more. They’re open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Tuesdays until 7:30 pm in the Thunderbird Mall on Granville Street in Port Hardy.

Happy Long Weekend !!

For the Love of Beads

Published on by orcalandLeave a comment

“It’s an eclectic mix of local artists that’s just amazing to behold.”  That’s the enthusiastic response I got from shop owner Carol Ellison when I asked her for the store’s elevator speech.  Located in the Pioneer Mall since 2014, Carol aka The Bead Lady has been creating for most of her life.  And for those who have never visited the store don’t let the bead part of the name fool you.  The emphasis is definitely on gallery.

The short story is:  while running Windsong Marina near Simoom Sound out in the Broughton Archipelago Ellison started selling her beadwork at the gift shop.  That’s where she sold her first beaded hummingbird back in 2000.  Once the marina sold Ellison moved to Shawl Bay and opened a gallery of her own.  Eventually making the move to Port McNeill in 2014, Ellison settled into the old Pacific Coastal Airlines office. Admitting, “people just weren’t going by my place that much,” Ellison picked up and relocated to her current location.  She says, “here I get everybody.  Not just my old-time clients that are boaters but I get visitors that are driving past.  It’s the best exposure area in town.”

IMG_3489

Ellison may have started off selling her own beadwork but soon branched out carrying other artist’s work.  Fifteen different artists are now exclusive to the store.  Over time the store has morphed into carrying a few small antiques and eventually expanded into ladies clothing as well.  Wish I could come up with a flashier cliché but you really have to see it to believe it.  The gallery includes: ceramic & glass art, mosaics, First Nations carvings and woven hats, teas, soaps & lotions and jewelry.

IMG_3517.JPG
Artwork, clothing, jewelry and more…
Ahh the jewelry.  Rings and bracelets and hundreds of pairs of earrings.  An explosion of sparklies.  Buy them ready-made or poke through the drawers full of beads to make your own.  Trying to get enough people together for classes didn’t work out but Ellison kindly offers, “if someone wants to learn beading I will teach them.”

IMG_3484.JPG
Carol Ellison “The Bead Lady” working on her latest bead creation
Funding from Community Futures of Mount Waddington has allowed Ellison to buy stock and to expand her line of clothing.  Colourful flowing dresses, tops, leggings, wraps and scarves.  Stylish and comfortable clothing for every day or a special occasion.Carol keeps a wish list for customers if you’re not sure what to buy your special someone.

IMG_3482.JPG
Funky & comfortable clothing for mature figures
According to Ellison loyalty is the number one reason customers select her store over others.  “We try to make the customer’s visit enjoyable.  The whole ambience is to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.”  She adds, “just a small thing like the fireplace being turned on makes a difference.”  Admitting with a smile that there’s no heat coming from the fireplace — people just want to sit there.

IMG_3481.JPG
C’mon in and stay awhile
There are challenges to being the owner/operater of a small shop in a small town. Ellison has a friend and fellow artist who steps in to take care of the store occasionally but the feisty senior vows she’ll run the business until she’s not able to anymore. Ellison adds, “with the economic state the way it is on the North Island and sitting afraid of the softwood tax and what it’s going to do to the logging industry — people are holding their money close.” Another challenge is people spending their money down island or on the internet.  Stating very matter of factly, “shop local and support your local businesses or one day we’ll wake up and find there are no local businesses left.”

Things you may not know about Carol Ellison & The Bead Lady’s Gallery.  She donates to local groups…a lot !!  Whether it’s a purse or hand crafted jewelry Ellison does what she can to help local groups and their fundraising efforts.  And in a previous life she was master florist for 27 years specializing in wedding flowers.

Slow down next time you’re walking by the shop.  Ellison’s creativity includes the ever changing window display.  There’s something fresh and new for each occasion or sometimes display ideas just pop into her head, that she thinks “are funny or would be cool.”  Just wait until Christmas !!  The store goes all out for Christmas.  A few hints – trees, teddies and a train.  You’ll just have to wait.

Bead Lady’s Gallery

15-1705 Campbell Way (Pioneer Mall), Port McNeill

250-956-4050

https://m.facebook.com/beadladysgallery/