Recycling - It's All About Us
by Janet LeBlancq

On September 25th, Stevi and Elizabeth hung the Recycled Art Show and I think this caused a magic spell to fall on the island. The art show was fabulous; the creative spirits of island artists was evident in all forms. The only criticism - it should have been a longer show! This was the beginning of the party that celebrated 25 years of community recycling.

We are still basking in that same magic that became the Re-Fashioned Show. Anne Ngan had vision, Laura May had know how, the Free Store had the materials, Lynn Smith had great hair days and a supportive family - (if your name was Smith, you were there!) Bonita Thornsbury assisted the models on stage; John Grunwald constructed stage sets, Clair turned on the lights, the hall ventilation system worked and the new outside paved area was a god send for the over flow crowd. Thanks to all the models and designers; we plan to host a premiere showing of Dale's video with the fashion show cast, crew and creators as guests. Thanks also to Donna Tuele for her tough job at the door as the people streamed in under the watchful gaze of the Fire Chief. The hall held approximately 187 people. The jar held $795 in donations and that covered all our costs. Michael Hills, Judith Lawrence and June Crichton handled the bartending and cake service - what a trio! Donna duPlessis managed the coffee and tea service -a warm solo! Our gratitudes are infinite. I couldn't possibly name all of you here. You know who you are, and so do your cheering friends and neighbors who were the audience.
The music was total imagination and tone setting and as avant-garde as there ever has been. I am amazed at the sounds and rhythms Bill Smith, Tony Wilson, Michael Lobban and John Yearsley created on pot lids, glass jars, propane tanks, plumbing pipe and the kitchen sink…I'm sure it was there too! We estimate that 400 people came to the event. When the hall was crammed to the rafters, (with 187 people) and it was necessary to refuse admission, some went home, but a lot seated themselves at the front entrance and the models carried on, out the front door, and displayed their creations under the stars. The summer-like evening was perfect. Dale Devost video taped both the dress rehearsal and the show….what a precious record this will be!

Happy 25th Birthday, to all Hornby Islanders who have supported the recycling program since 1978, you deserve a most special thank you. The Recycled Art Show and "Refashioned" were visible celebrations of the best parts of all of us.

The summer at the depot was very busy, with the campgrounds at seemingly full capacity the entire time. Many tourists visited and the Free Store's book section was empty by the third week of July. The clothes racks were quite bare for a time, but you have since replenished the supply.

Good news..there is a computer-recycling project starting in Cumberland. We strongly support this and encourage islanders to take that really old computer to public drop off depots in Courtenay or Cumberland as advertised.

I'll attend the Coast Waste Management conference in Victoria where Aden Crane's computer part art will be featured and there are plans to show the Refashioned video. It's always an honor to wear the Hornby Island colors at these events - colleagues admire and emulate our initiatives. Aden's art will emphasize what I believe is one of the greatest challenges of our day, the deconstruction of electronic waste.