Hometown champs!

Ken Boshcoff M.P.
T.Bay-RR

While we engage in dealings with the big issues on forestry, energy, transportation and trade we can still keep ourselves positive by building up our own communities. I have talked about involvement and participation and I would like to point out how we can win small battles while the big war of economic revitalization is being fought.
Let’s start, as hometown champs, with music. Our own vocalists and musicians can use all the support live music deserves. Attend concerts and buy their recordings. It will work to demonstrate appreciation and nurture their creativity. When someone sponsors an event – check it out to let the organizers know you appreciate their efforts.
For all events your own municipality should be sponsoring a centralized and organized calendar. I would be glad to help publicize your event in any of my riding publications or website – just call please.
We in the Northwest are surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery of earth. That is why so many artists, artisans and craftspeople live here. Our quilters, potters, painters, sculptors, photographers all could use a little boost from us. Instead of cash for a wedding gift how about supporting a local artist with a tasteful bit of hometown creativity? It will help. There’s nothing like a little financial support to encourage initiative!
Every municipality should have a gifting policy that ensures that dignitaries receive items made by the representative artisans of the community.
Much to the surprise of many visitors - culture is alive well and thriving in the North West. Our concerts, our orchestras (high school or symphonic), our art galleries, our museums all can grow from our understanding and our love of the Northwest. They need our interest to thrive but when we bring visitors we also benefit directly.
Our multicultural diversity is an enormous strength – it is something by which we can measure our progress. Our respect for other cultures and their heritage and history is what makes the Northwest so great!