- Events on Pender Island - Thurs May 8 to Sun May 11
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The sun, the sun, I see the sun! The weather forecast is for sun through most of the weekend, so why not wander over to Pender and have a look? Here's a list of some of the happenings we have going on this weekend:
Thursday, May 8
7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents
King Corn - Two recent college graduates plant a single acre of corn in America's heartland and set out to follow it on its journey from the seed to the dinner plate. What they find raises troubling questions about what we eat and how we farm.
Friday, May 9
8:00pm - Hope Rising Trio in their debut concert. Alison Vardy, Harp; Bryce Woollcombe, Tin Whistle, Flute, Sax; Paatrick Smith, Vocals, Whistle, Guitar, Mandolin, Hammmer Dulcimer. Tickets $15.
Saturday, May 10
Sunday, May 11
9:00am - Mothers' Day Brunch at the Legion Hall, to 12:00pm
10:00am - Community Garage Sale benefitting the Medical Centre at Thieves Bay to 2:00pm
1:00pm - Family Movie Matinee at the Hall presents
Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang - When an eccentric professor invents a revolutionary car, a foreign government becomes interested and resorts to skullduggery to get their hands on it.
1:30 - Texas Hold-em Wind-up Bash at the Legion Hall
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- Sittin' by the Side of the Road
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Pender Island is home to about 2200 full-time residents, including artists, woodworkers, writers, musicians, and even real estate agents! In a community with so many creative people, it's not surprising that some homeowners choose to express themselves by making their address markers a little special. Today I thought I would share with you some of my favourites, plus some other Pender photos that I took recently...
A hand-formed masterpiece by a local clay artist.
The entrance to the world famous Pender Island Disc Golf Park:
A local artist's studio sign:
A gorgeous rendition of the sunsets visible from this home's deck!
OK, so it's not a sign, but it is a handcrafted, split-rail fence made bya local artist from reclaimed cedar:
Free range eggs anyone?
The (now closed) Pender Island General Store, located in Port Washington
We even have our own library, run by a dedicated staff of volunteers!
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- BC Ferries Extends Paper Ticket Conversion Deadline
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If you travel to Pender or any of the Southern Gulf Islands from Swartz bay on a regular basis, you may have a book of Prepaid Ferry Tickets. These tickets offered reduced fares for passengers and vehicles on the Swartz-SGI routes.
On April 1, BC Ferries introduced the new Experience Card -- an electronic, prepaid swipe card that can be used to pay for ferry travel, including reduced fares, wherever they're available. The new cards offer some advantages over the old prepaid paper tickets. Here are a some of the benefits of the new cards:
Earn a bonus by converting your old paper prepaid tickets to the new Experience Card by May 31st, 2008. If you convert by the deadline, BC Ferries will exchange them at the value of the new prepaid ticket price as of April 1. After the deadline, you will still be able to convert your tickets, however, the conversion will be at the old prepaid rate as of March 31. Read this Service Notice for more information, and for a list of participating terminals.
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- BC Ferries - Queen of Nanaimo Out of Service -- Make Reservations!
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If you are planning a trip with your vehicle to Pender (or any of the Southern Gulf Islands for that matter) in the next few weeks, please be aware that the boat which regularly services our little piece of paradise, the Queen of Nanaimo, will be out of commission from May 3 to June 6 for her scheduled maintenance.
The replacement vessel, the Queen of Tswwassen is a lovely old gal, and a real workhorse. However, you should know that she is considerably smaller than the QON -- therefore, it is important that you make reservations for any travel between Tswwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands. There is no charge for reservations on this route.
Read the official Service Notice from BC Ferries here.
For information about our beautiful island, please see me new Pender Island Guide. Check out all of my office's Pender Island Real Estate Listings
Hope to see you on Pender soon!
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
- Events on Pender Island, BC May 1 - May 4
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Welcome to May everyone! It seems as though the weather gods think the new month is cause for celebration -- the Pender forecast is for sun and warmer temperatures right through the weekend (unless you count a bit of rain on Friday...which I choose not to count, as it disturbs my "right throught the weekend" assertion.) Anyway -- enough of my ramblings...
What's on this weekend:
Saturday, May 3:
9:30am - Farmer's Market at the Community Hall. Come out and support local farmers and artists. Find produce, tasty treats, beautiful island-made crafts and more! Until 1pm
10:30am - FREE Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off at the Recycling Depot. Please note there is no regular recycling today
11:00am - Pender Pirates' first game of the season. Come by to watch the kids play ball, have a snack at the concession and for your chance to win the 50/50 draw!
7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents The Golden Compass - Based on the novel by Phillip Pullman. In a parallel universe, a young girl journeys to the far North to save her best friend and other kidnapped children from terrible experiments by a mysterious organization.
As a bonus, I thought I would give you idea about all of the group meetings that go on here on Pender. I don't usually include them in my Events List, but if you are considering a move to Pender, you may be interested in reading about some of the many groups that you can join to meet your neighbours and get involved in the community:
Thursday, May 1:
Friday, May 2:
Let's Go Walking Group meets Fridays & Mondays in the Anglican Church parking lot
Floral Art Designs workshop at the Plum Tree Court community Room
Free Friday Drop-in Sessions at Playgroup
Newcomers Graduates meet for lunch at Chippers Restaurant at the Golf Course
Saturday, May 3
Paths on Pender Transporation Committee meets at Firehall #1
Legion Executive meets at the Legion Hall
South Pender Islands Trust Information meeting at Firehall #3
For more information about any of the groups listed above, please contact me. A full list of groups and activities is included in my Pender Community Information page, which is a part of my new (and extensive) Pender Island Guide -- here you will find general Pender Information, maps, photos and island news.
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
- Price Reduced on 3603 Jolly Roger on Pender Island, BC
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Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - Announcing a price reduction on 3603 Jolly Roger, a 2,052 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story. Now 
MLS® $399,000 CAD - B&B Potential.
Property information
For all my listings and more information about Pender Island, please visit my website at HomesOnPender.com
- Pender Island Events - Thursday, April 24 to Sunday April 27
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If the last 2 days are any indication, it appears as though "normal" spring weather patterns are reasserting themselves here on Pender. Our mediterranean 
climate pretty much abandoned us for the past 2 weeks, but we're tough! We can handle snow in April! (As long as there's some promise of sun on the horizon...)
If you are planning to make your way over to Pender this weekend, you may be interested in what's on over the next few days. Here's the schedule:
Thursday, April 24
7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney & Marisa Tomei. When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelery store the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that sends them, their father and one brother's wife hurtling towards a shattering climax.
Friday, April 25
10:00am - Nu-To-Yu's world-famous Stuff-A-Bag Days. Get a paper bag from the front counter, then dive into our fabulous thrift store's inventory of clothing, fabric, yarn and more. As much as you can fit into a bag for only $5.00. Get there early for the best selection! Also on Saturday. 10am to 4pm on both days.
7:30pm - presents Missa Gaia - A Celebration of the Earth. Featuring the Pender Island Choral Society, Lester Quitzau, Mae Moore and Mark Miller. Also on Saturday, April 26 (same time) and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $20 for Adults and $10 for Children under 10. See you there!
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For more about Pender Island and PI real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- NEW Listing! Artisan 2 BR Home For Sale on Pender Island, BC
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Artistic Craftsmanship
• 2,052 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® $439,000 CAD - B&B Potential
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - Artistic Craftsmanship throughout! This comfortable 2+ BR home in Magic Lake Estates has a completely finished lower level with family room that could be a separate self contained guest accommodation. Located on a Cul-de-Sac at the end of a quiet road. Features include: extensive use of finely crafted wood for finishing, soaker tub, ceramic tile shower in ensuite, wood floors, slate floor in entry, custom kitchen cabinets, new top of the line kitchen appliances, airtight woodstove in family room, designer lighting throughout,one step entry to main living area.
Property information
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
- First Quarter 2008 Sales Statistics for Pender Island, BC
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27 properties sold on Pender Island from January to March 2008. Of those, the Dockside Realty team sold 16, making us the top selling office on Pender to date this year. I was involved in 4 of those sales, putting me near the top of all agents on Pender Island in terms of sales.
(Source: Victoria Real Estate Board)
Residential home sales are stronger than bare lot sales so far this year, however, the 2 bare lots that sold went for close to, or at, list price.
Looking to buy on Pender Island? Please view my listings, as well as those listed by my office, Dockside Realty. Then call or email me to book an appointment to view or for more information. I love showing our beautiful island off to prospective new residents or investors!
If you are considering selling your Pender Island property, please contact me, or request a FREE, no obligation Current Market Evaluation of your home or lot. I will tell you how much your property is worth in today's market, and about my unique and effective real estate marketing strategies, which include traditional printed advertising and extensive internet exposure for your Pender Island real estate.
More than 80% of people looking to buy property now start their search on the internet. List with me and make sure they see your home first! My website consistently ranks at or near the top of the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN and AOL.
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- Events On Pender Island - Earth Day, Saturday April 19, 2008
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What are you doing this weekend? Why not make some plans for a last minute getaway to Pender this weekend? The natural beauty will leave you refreshed and renewed!
As you may know it is Earth Day this Saturday, so while you are here you can take some time to enjoy a walk on one of our many forest trails, or public access beaches. For a map and some local tips, please drop by my office at Dockside Realty in Hope Bay. While you're there, you can also visit the Artist Gallery, have some lunch at Hope Bay Cafe, and do some souvenir shopping!
Also on the go are some events for Earth Day. Here's the rundown:
Saturday, April 19
9:30am - Pender Island Farmers' Market - The market continues with locally grown/made food and crafts every Saturday until 1pm.
10:00am - Beach Cleanup - Join the Beach Buddy group and help with the BC Coastal Cleanup's 20th year. Meet at 10am at the Driftwood overflow parking lot. Dress for the weather and bring gloves. Bags are provided.
12:00pm - Earth Day Celebration - Return to the Driftwood to dispose of the garbage you collected, then gather under the tents to celebrate Earth Day with
displays, prizes and live music.
7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents Earth Day film Garbage Warrior - The story of renegade architect Michael Reynolds who uses beer cans, water bottles and other assorted garbage to produce thermal mass and energy-independent housing. New Mexico-based Reynolds have devoted the last 30 years to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony. Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century.
Come see us here on Pender! If you've never been, now's the time! Check the ferry schedules, find a place to stay, and you're golden!
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- 4 BR For Sale in Pender Island - Lake AND Ocean Views
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Great Price!
• 2,100 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $370,900 CAD - Ocean and Lake Views
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - All the house & double the views! This south facing, approx 2100, 4BR, 2BA home is renovated, updated, and ready to move in. From the giant sundeck you will get a rare bird's eye view of both the ocean & nearby Buck Lake. With a NEW kitchen, NEW appliances, NEW bathroom, NEW flooring & NEW fixtures throughout, you won't be disappointed! Easy-care property, quiet street, on water & sewer with marina, beach access and swimming nearby: what more do you need?
Property information
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- It Ain't Easy Being Green (Especially These Days)
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Right from the start, you should know that this post has nothing to do with Pender Island. Or real estate. It's all about amphibians -- you know, frogs and friends -- and what is happening to them.
In a much earlier life, I worked as a Keeper at Whipsnade Zoo in the UK. Then I went on to work as a photographic safari guide in Zambia. As you can gather from this, I love animals. All animals. Even the ones other people refer to as "slimy and gross."
Which is why this post is about the Amphibian Ark. The Ark is project of the combined efforts of the global conservation community -- among them zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, natural history museums and organizations (large and small) -- dedicated to protecting and preserving this vulnerable population.
2008 has been named "The Year of the Frog" -- a campaign to generate public awareness and understanding of the amphibian extinction crisis. Amphibians are severely affected by habitat loss, climate change, pollution and pesticides, introduced species and over-collection for food and pets. They currently face the most signicant mass extinction since the dinosaurs. Without an immediate and sustained conservation effort, up to half of the world's 6000 species of amphibians could be gone within our lifetime.
The most immediate threat to amphibians is a deadly parasitic fungus called Amphibian Chytrid, which may have been exacerbated by climate change. Currently untreatable and unstoppable in the wild, the fungus can kill up to 80% of native amphibians within months. 
It is wildly thought that the fungus will run its course by 2017. In the meantime, the Amphibian Ark's purpose is to collect and maintain, in captivity, select species that would otherwise go extinct. These species will be kept in zoos and aquariums around the world until they can be reintroduced securely into the wild.
For more information, or to see what you can do to help, visit their website, and for up to the minute news about the crisis, visit the aptly named Frog Blog.
Thanks for listening.
And for those of you who came looking for Pender Island real estate information -- please visit my site @ HomesOnPender.com
- Have You Heard of Eco Balls?
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REDUCE YOUR LAUNDRY BILLS BY UP TO 80% AND HELP SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT TOO!
What are they and what are they for?
Eco-balls are the environmentally sensitive way to do your laundry. You simply place 3 eco balls in with your wash, INSTEAD of your regular laundry detergent.
Together, they produce ionized oxygen that activates the water molecules naturally and allows them to penetrate deep into clothing fibres to lift the dirt away. Imagine: no detergent going into the water supply...now that's a GREEN idea!
According to this website, there are many benefits of switching to eco balls:
One set of eco balls will last for about 1000 washes -- how much would your detergent cost you for that many loads?
They soften clothes without fabric softener
They work in cold water and in a quick wash cycle
They are antibacterial and hypoallergenic, so they are suitable for those with sensitive skin
They are kind to your clothes (less fading and wear)
I found these last night when I was surfing around the web -- the only problem I can see is that I could only find them for sale on UK sites! How can I get my hands on some to try them out?
If you know where these are available for sale in North America, please let me know. I would love to try them out to see if they are truly as good as they claim!
- Check out the NEW Pender Island Guide
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I just put the finishing touches on a few new pages on my website.
Collectively called the "Pender Island Guide," these new pages give everyone considering a permanent move to Pender, as well as those just coming for a weekend visit, a one-stop-shop for Pender information.
You'll find general information such as climate and history, road maps, natural area maps, community information and links to accomodations, restaurants, weather info and community activities here on Pender - the gem of the Southern Gulf Islands!
I have also linked my photos and virtual tour to the Pender Guide -- and of course this blog...but since you're reading it, you've already found it -- no need to point you here!
A calendar of events is listed in the guide, but is still in the works. When it is done, you will be able to check in from time to time to see what is coming up on Pender!
The last component of the Guide I'll mention here is a Pender Island Information Kit that is available by email. This kit is intended for potential Pender Island property purchasers, and includes details about Pender amenities, schools, real estate listings and local maps.
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
- What Did You Do for Earth Hour '08?
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Over here at our place, we had the fire burning in the wood stove. We lit a few candles for some extra lighting, and then we got out the dice and scorecard for a few rounds of Yahtzee!
Add a beer for me and a glass of wine for my wife, and the hour passed almost too quickly...
Because we lose power more often than you city dwellers (trees blown over during windstorms can cause havoc with power lines)...we have a regular routine that we quickly pick up when the room goes dark. The candles, wind-up lantern & radio, and headlamps are all in a shoebox in the laundry room.
That said, turning out all the lights voluntarily was a bit different. I heard some cynic on the news today call Earth Hour a "gimmick," but from my point of view it was more about making a statement.
What did you do for Earth Hour?