The big news this vigil was:  we had 10 people out and a visit from a photo/journalism studentfrom Sheridan College. She’sagreed to send her project to CAir.

Still lots of snow and cold.  The snow banks vary in height along the road, 1.5 to 2 feet high.  In the past few weeks these snow bermshave been handy because we can stand the pickets in them in a row along (creditAnn Barber) the street. Thisweek the berms were frozen so hard we couldn’t jam the pickets in far enough tomake them stand on their own. 

The weather was nasty. Snowy pellets for at least an hour of ourtwo-hour vigil.  One bus was almostfull leaving the airport. Nota Porter bus or Northwest bus, probably a charter arranged to deal with a grouppackage contract. Theregular Porter busses have been about the same as previous weeks.  An average of 3-5 passengers leavingthe airport and empty busses coming into the airport.  The occasional bus might have 10passengers leaving the airport.  Lots of empty taxis.  And around 15 cabs occupied.

The police are leaving us alone.  They don’t show up as often.  They must be getting the idea that weare not a threat and are truly maintaining  peaceful vigils.

The snow/ice pellets piled up and the drummers kept drumming. “That song” was sung over and over.  The two Davids, Smiley and Pellettier were leaping into the air,and the laughter rang out….I think madness is setting in.  Nice way to keep warm.

And Rod came by.  Good to see!   The regulars, Michael, Rick, Maya, on drums, David Smiley on theever present camera AND David Pellettier on pickets.  We’re collecting a lot of data.  I think that’s good.

A new woman showed up from the West Wind neighborhood and wonderedif there was  a sign for herbalcony. ( remember our plan to have a sign in every window? ).  Rick took one for her and his balconiesat the end of the session.   A sailor who is living on the island for winter came by too.  Good to see.

We are strangely enjoying ourselves, the vigils are peaceful andthat makes us content to count and play. The worst part of the evening was tosee the big Airport bus idling for more than an hour , leaving empty and thenreturning to idle more, even the Porter busses are sitting with their enginesrunning, along with all the cabs. It makes us so sad and angry.  So we keep singing and drumming. Thanksall you stalwarts. Oh yes the “gerbil” tea and the chocolates that Leidabrought were great.

I find the vigils help to keep me focused.  It’s easy to get angry and want to lashout but those of us who are regulars trying to hold down a small poke at theissue help to keep the project on my front page and it gives people somethingto talk about.   People remember andwish us well.  The ferry crewremembers.  Every Friday theymake a comment, usually supportive, respectful, and encouraging. 

It’s definitely a good social vibe.  Strangers are always welcome.  Participation in the music making isembraced.  If you want, you canlearn the song “Close that Island Airport Down”, or stroll along Eireann Quayand engage pedestrians coming off the flights and enquire about the number ofpassengers.   We want and neednumbers of users!

Next blog I’ll tell you more about what we are planning for thefuture.

CLOSE THE CITY CENTRE AIRPORT

Until next Friday @ 5:30 it’s Leida and Jerry from the front.