Whistler is due some spring showers this week and while gardeners and firefighters might have breathed a sigh of relief, the wider Whistler population is going to have to be a bit more creative on the entertainment front.
This week’s installment of the Feel-Good Whistler series includes a caremongering activity in line with the current weather, suggestions for reading material with a local twist and encouragement to put your feet up every Wednesday because it’s #TakeoutDay.
However, unlike a certain fictional character, we don’t actually melt in the rain so just get out there and enjoy the temperate rainforest that surrounds us, one witchy-looking wood at a time.
Creative Distractions
In Need of Reading Material?
If you fancy curling up with a good book while Mother Nature gets her watering can out, then check out the reviews by Whistler Public Library’s program coordinator Jeanette Bruce on Armchair Books Whistler’s Facebook page. A punk-ass book jockey, Jeanette leads our community book club, which is open for anyone to join and is being held via Zoom. Book club members receive 15% off at Armchair (currently open) and this month’s book is City of Thieves by David Benioff.
If you’re looking for a Whistler-based author then check out Loreth Anne White’s new book Into the Dark. The Whistler Writers Festival just highlighted her nomination in the 2020 Arthur Ellis Awards Shortlists for Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing and her book is in stock at Armchair.
Pausing for Poetry
Talking about the literary arts, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has announced the winners of their 2020 Poets Pause competition; Kate Heskett for Meet Me at the Lake and Victoria Crompton for The Eve of Destruction: December 26, 1980.
The winning poems will be displayed by the sculpture art in Alta Lake Park at the large metal wind chimes and giant Adirondack chairs. Be sure to look out for those on future strolls along the Valley Trail.
Kate Heskett’s entry was chosen for its theme of togetherness, which couldn’t be more fitting at a time like this. Close your eyes and imagine yourself at the edge of the lake as you listen to her read it aloud.
Fancy a Giggle?
Local writers, actors and well, comedians, Angie Nolan and Jonny Fleet teamed up with singers Chad Oliver and Beth Currie to produce a pandemic parody of a well-known Journey song. Titled “Don’t Stop Isolating”, this will give you a good giggle and you’ll see that creativity is alive and well in the mountains.
Caremongering Kindness Clouds
Arts Whistler has pushed its Krafty Kids series online highlighting crafting activities that can be done at home with minimal materials. The kindness cloud activity seemed fitting to highlight given the weather, but also because of the current need for some caremongering (acts of kindness). Maybe there’s someone you know who could do with a kindness cloud? It’s just a simple way to make someone smile and we could always do with more of those.
#TakeoutDay
In support of our local restaurant scene, we’re joining in on the Canada Takeout action happening every Wednesday, all over the nation. So, if there’s a local delicacy you’ve been dreaming of recently then treat yourself and feel good about it at the same time.
Glowing Hearts
From Craft Gin to Hand Sanitizer
We all know that made-at-home cocktails have been flowing, but along with picking up a batch of something handcrafted for your next bartending extravaganza, you can also grab some much-needed hand sanitizer. Montis Distilling, located in Whistler’s Function Junction neighbourhood, has raised $1,000 so far for the Whistler Food Bank by giving away hand sanitizer by donation. Keep your eyes on their Facebook page for more information about when and where you can pick up your sanitizer (with a side of craft gin or vodka of course).
Feeding Frontline Workers
The ABC Eats Whistler team, led by Toptable Group’s Executive Chef James Walt, has been making weekly lunches for the staff of the Whistler Health Care Centre to say thank you for their hard work on the front lines caring for our loved ones. They should definitely get some kindness clouds.
Free Yoga, Fitness and Meditation Classes
We’ve been avidly following the LUNA team on their Facebook page as they’re running free, online yoga, fitness, meditation and bike maintenance clinics. Their name stands for Late and Unique Nighttime Alternatives and is an initiative run by the RMOW to provide events that are affordable and alcohol-free for 18- 35-year-olds in Whistler. Knowing the in-person events would be missed, they’ve worked hard to switch to an online format and they’re pumping out the videos for everyone to enjoy.
We got some special love from Switzerland last week when they projected the Canadian flag onto their most famous mountain, the Matterhorn. It was a beautiful symbol of solidarity and hope, and a reminder that we’re in this together.
Like you, we’re passionate about exploring Whistler, but now is not the time to travel. Please stay home and follow the advice of health authorities to keep yourself and others safe.
If you follow our social media channels, you’ll notice we’re continuing to share photos of Whistler. We hope to inspire feelings of calm and happiness during a time when we all need it most.
