Community

A sea anemone in the Discovery Passage Aquarium on June 8, World Ocean Day.

VIDEO: Island aquarium spreads the word about World Ocean Day

Highlights importance of marine conservation and what people can do to help the ocean

Greyson Miller is loving the response to his campaign for gates to be installed on the gaga ball pits at Chemainus Elementary School and others across the school district. (Photo by Robyn Plumsteel)

Fundraising for gaga ball pit gates easily surpasses goal

People get on board with young student’s idea to make them accessible

Bike Fest Series returns to Vancouver Island next week. Hosted by multiple award winning humanitarian engineer and top mountain biking coach Anita Naidu of Whistler (pictured). Photo supplied

Bike Fest Series coming to Cumberland, Cowichan Valley

Bike Fest Series returns to Vancouver Island next week. Hosted by award-winning…

  • Jun 9, 2021
Elizabeth Pete is a survivor of St. Joseph’s Mission in Williams Lake. (Patrick Davies photo - 100 Mile Free Press)

WATCH: Kamloops bound convoy greeted by Canim Lake Band in 100 Mile House

More than two dozen members of the Tsq’escenemc people (Canim Lake Band) showed up

Elizabeth Pete is a survivor of St. Joseph’s Mission in Williams Lake. (Patrick Davies photo - 100 Mile Free Press)
A fundraiser intended to fund the search of Vancouver Island’s five residential school for children’s remains topped $100,000 Friday (June 4). Pictured is a church at Chawathil First Nation on Highway 1, on May 31, 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

Fundraiser to search more B.C. residential schools tops $100,000

Indigenous leaders hope to use radar technology to search for lost children on Vancouver Island

A fundraiser intended to fund the search of Vancouver Island’s five residential school for children’s remains topped $100,000 Friday (June 4). Pictured is a church at Chawathil First Nation on Highway 1, on May 31, 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)
Volunteers work on a past year’s poppy fund activities at the Trafalgar/Pro Patria Legion on Gorge Road in Victoria. The provincial government announced $1.5 million in one-time funding for B.C. and Yukon legions on June 2 to help them stay open through the remainder of the pandemic. (Black Press Media file photo)

B.C. government announces $1.5 million in pandemic relief for struggling Legion branches

Property tax exemption is what Legions really need, Victoria branch president says

Volunteers work on a past year’s poppy fund activities at the Trafalgar/Pro Patria Legion on Gorge Road in Victoria. The provincial government announced $1.5 million in one-time funding for B.C. and Yukon legions on June 2 to help them stay open through the remainder of the pandemic. (Black Press Media file photo)
“A clown for every occasion, and this occasion was the Lake Cowichan Co-op’s warehouse sale held last week. For the fun of it, free hamburgers and hot dogs were available as well as the clown, Stacci Hickling who showed up to give out balloons and do a bit of face painting for children. In the photo, Bailey Haywood, 6-years-old is getting a rainbow on her cheek.” (Lake News, June 5, 1996)

Flashback: New wheels, a suspicious male, and Lady of the Lake

Remember these stories from Lake Cowichan?

“A clown for every occasion, and this occasion was the Lake Cowichan Co-op’s warehouse sale held last week. For the fun of it, free hamburgers and hot dogs were available as well as the clown, Stacci Hickling who showed up to give out balloons and do a bit of face painting for children. In the photo, Bailey Haywood, 6-years-old is getting a rainbow on her cheek.” (Lake News, June 5, 1996)
BGC Williams Lake staff includes youth outreach worker Dylan McGuire (back from left), youth engagement worker with NOOPA Jo O’Connor, youth engagement worker Mycaela Ryckman, independent living co-ordinator Derek Godin (front from left), manager of club operations Krista Harvey and harm reduction co-ordinator Laurel White. The group is welcoming the organization’s, formerly Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake and District’s, new name, BGC Williams Lake. (Greg Sabatino photo - Williams Lake Tribune)

Boys and Girls Club rebrands to ‘BGC Canada,’ citing push for gender-inclusivity

Club says it already opens its doors to all kids and teens and its name should reflect that

BGC Williams Lake staff includes youth outreach worker Dylan McGuire (back from left), youth engagement worker with NOOPA Jo O’Connor, youth engagement worker Mycaela Ryckman, independent living co-ordinator Derek Godin (front from left), manager of club operations Krista Harvey and harm reduction co-ordinator Laurel White. The group is welcoming the organization’s, formerly Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake and District’s, new name, BGC Williams Lake. (Greg Sabatino photo - Williams Lake Tribune)
BC Cancer Foundation canvassers are recognizable by their teal vests and ID badges. (Foundation file photo)

B.C. Cancer Foundation canvassers going door-to-door

Residents asked to support monthly donor program, but warned canvassers do not take cash

BC Cancer Foundation canvassers are recognizable by their teal vests and ID badges. (Foundation file photo)
Chelsea Mackinnon is giving a webinar on June 9 that looks at the effects of music on the brain and dementia. (Submitted)

Music and dementia featured in June webinar

“Music and the brain: Key considerations for dementia” takes place on Wednesday, June 9

  • May 31, 2021
Chelsea Mackinnon is giving a webinar on June 9 that looks at the effects of music on the brain and dementia. (Submitted)
Sweatin’ for Science participants have collectively clocked 90,000+ kilometres during the fundraiser – the equivalent of more than one lap around the perimeter of BC and Yukon.

Sweatin’ for Science group collectively travels the distance of one lap around the perimeter of BC and Yukon

Funds will make science fairs more accessible for those who might not otherwise be able to take part

  • May 31, 2021
Sweatin’ for Science participants have collectively clocked 90,000+ kilometres during the fundraiser – the equivalent of more than one lap around the perimeter of BC and Yukon.
“Youbou volunteer fire fighter Derrek Powell hoses off a vehicle, Monday, May 23, during a car wash fundraiser at the Youbou Fire Hall. The car wash helped raised funds for the annual June 18-19 Muscular Dystrophy Slo-Pitch Tournament, hosted by the Mesachie Lake Fire Department at the Mesachie Lake Skydome.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, June 1, 2011)

Flashback: No water, rocks thrown at RCMP, giant flagpole, water sport season

A look back into Lake Cowichan’s history

“Youbou volunteer fire fighter Derrek Powell hoses off a vehicle, Monday, May 23, during a car wash fundraiser at the Youbou Fire Hall. The car wash helped raised funds for the annual June 18-19 Muscular Dystrophy Slo-Pitch Tournament, hosted by the Mesachie Lake Fire Department at the Mesachie Lake Skydome.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, June 1, 2011)
Tubing on the Cowichan River is a popular summer pastime. A group of researchers is looking into how sunscreen is affecting the Cowichan watershed. (Gazette file)

Non-profit groups monitor for sunscreen contamination in Cowichan watershed

With all of these human bodies comes plenty of sunscreen

  • May 28, 2021
Tubing on the Cowichan River is a popular summer pastime. A group of researchers is looking into how sunscreen is affecting the Cowichan watershed. (Gazette file)
Andy Hutchins contributed to the Cowichan Valley in uncountable ways, including as vice chair of KidSport Cowichan for the last 10 years. (Submitted)

Cowichan’s Andy Hutchins mourned by sports community and beyond

Rugby, rowing, football, KidSport, Wall of Fame, Maple Bay FD all touched by community titan

Andy Hutchins contributed to the Cowichan Valley in uncountable ways, including as vice chair of KidSport Cowichan for the last 10 years. (Submitted)
“Long-time Wilmer Gold photograph steward Al Lundgren speaks to the history and the challenges related to taking care of the massive IWA 1-80 archive, which includes upwards of 6,000 photographs that Kaatza Station Museum curator Barbara Simkins is currently registering.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, May 25, 2011)

Flashback: Chronicling history, death, taxes, and housing

Welcome to Lake Flashback. Reporter Sarah Simpson has been combing through old…

“Long-time Wilmer Gold photograph steward Al Lundgren speaks to the history and the challenges related to taking care of the massive IWA 1-80 archive, which includes upwards of 6,000 photographs that Kaatza Station Museum curator Barbara Simkins is currently registering.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette, May 25, 2011)
Russ Ball (left) and another team member work to extract an ancient turtle fossil from along the Puntledge River in January 2021. (Credit: Derek Larson)

84-million-year-old turtle fossil being studied at Royal B.C. Museum

Discovery made by fossil hunter in Courtenay in January

Russ Ball (left) and another team member work to extract an ancient turtle fossil from along the Puntledge River in January 2021. (Credit: Derek Larson)
Michael and Isabel Philips are sharing their experience on the dementia journey to raise awareness for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Island family sharing their story to support British Columbians affected by dementia

When Isabel Phillips crossed the finish line at her first Times Colonist…

  • May 17, 2021
Michael and Isabel Philips are sharing their experience on the dementia journey to raise awareness for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
“Keeping fit for Mother’s Day: Participants of Cowichan Lake Recreation’s Mother’s Day hiking event make their way down the Trans Canada Trail, Sunday, May 8. The morning event later wrapped up with snacks and prizes.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette May 11, 2011)

Flashback: Bears, elk, salmon, candidates, and lumber graders

This week around Cowichan Lake in years gone by

“Keeping fit for Mother’s Day: Participants of Cowichan Lake Recreation’s Mother’s Day hiking event make their way down the Trans Canada Trail, Sunday, May 8. The morning event later wrapped up with snacks and prizes.” (Tyler Clarke/Lake Cowichan Gazette May 11, 2011)
Sign up to fundraise to help those affected by dementia. (Submitted)

Not too late for Cowichan residents to join Alzheimer’s Walk

Set a walking or fitness goal for May and raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

  • May 16, 2021
Sign up to fundraise to help those affected by dementia. (Submitted)
Can you dig it? Crofton In Bloom volunteers certainly can. From left: Trayci Lepp, Tony Lamley, Bonnie Lamley, Mary Patient and Jane Grueber. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Community pride grows from volunteer group’s beautification efforts

All ages contribute to Crofton In Bloom’s objectives

Can you dig it? Crofton In Bloom volunteers certainly can. From left: Trayci Lepp, Tony Lamley, Bonnie Lamley, Mary Patient and Jane Grueber. (Photo by Don Bodger)