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Coffee Time: New board for Chemainus Residents Association, French public speaking winners, and a CHAMP

• A Cobble Hill “Champ” is encouraging kids to play safe. Malcolm Taylor , 10, rode on The War Amps Playsafe/Drivesafe float in the recent Victoria Day Parade, telling kids to “spot the danger before you play!”
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Simon Minkow, second place, Concours d’art oratoire. (submitted)

• A Cobble Hill “Champ” is encouraging kids to play safe. Malcolm Taylor, 10, rode on The War Amps Playsafe/Drivesafe float in the recent Victoria Day Parade, telling kids to “spot the danger before you play!”

Malcolm was born a left arm amputee and is a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program.

Through his role as a Safety Ambassador, he encourages kids to be aware of road signs and moving vehicles in their neighbourhoods. Malcolm is well qualified to pass on the Playsafe message as he knows what it is like to live without a limb and has met children who have lost limbs in accidents that could have been prevented.

• Members of the Chemainus Residents’ Association gathered at the Seniors Centre May 29 to selected a new board and set priorities for the coming year.

The new seven-member board was elected unanimously and includes: Lia Versaevel and Lana Halme, John Stoten, Diana Durrand, Christina Godbolt, John Hawthrone and Bernie Jones.

The board has its work cut out for it. Members at the meeting identified priority issues including: action on the Chemainus Seawalk; affordable housing; library design issues; policing and crime; transportation, and water quality.

• Ten thousand students from across British Columbia competed, 264 made the provincial finals, and two students from the Cowichan area took home top awards in this year’s pan-provincial French public speaking competition, Concours d’art oratoire.

Winners were Macy Wiebe who is in Grade 8 French immersion at Cowichan Secondary, who finished third, and Simon Minkow, in Grade 9 French immersion at Cowichan Secondary who finished in second place.

Other finalists from the Cowichan Valley included Naomi Davies, Cowichan Secondary School; Chantelle Westgate, École Cobble Hill; Seamus O’Leary, École Mount Prevost Elementary; Balqees Jama, Brentwood College; Marie Karekezie, Brentwood College; Liam Manney, Brentwood College; Jack Napier-Ganley, Brentwood College; Issae Rio, Brentwood College; Noah Tayi, Brentwood College; and Felix Wilson, Brentwood College.

“Through participation in Concours, students develop confidence and improve their French but as well their skills in time management, listening and critical thinking.,” said Diane Tijman, president of Canadian Parents for French BC &Yukon.

“We are so proud of all our Concours participants. Bravo à vous tous et toutes pour votre belle participation!” she added.

The provincial finals were hosted Saturday, May 6 at SFU Surrey.

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Macy Wiebe, third place winner Concours d’art oratoire. (submitted)
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Malcolm Taylor, 10, rode on The War Amps Playsafe/Drivesafe float in the recent Victoria Day Parade. (submitted)