Dying with Dignity Canada meeting
There are many facets to Dying with Dignity Canada, says Vanessa Rocchio, who is looking to connect Cowichan Valley voices on the subject with the group.
DWDC is advocating for change to Bill C14, she explains, so that those who are diagnosed with a disease that will not let them “slip away” will have assistance in dying with dignity through physician assisted death.
“There has been much in the local news recently about dying with dignity with Noreen Campbell in Victoria and the Sievewrights in Crofton,” said Rocchio. “I lost my mom to dementia in November. Seeing that was the catalyst I needed to get involved with DWDC. In addition to advocating for assisted death they help individuals access information such as how to write advance directives, how to assess your directives and why we should all do that. In June Bill C14 was passed but doesn’t reach far enough. My support for DWDC could be viewed as totally selfish. I want to see dementia included in Bill C14 because with my mom’s diagnosis my chances of getting dementia went up significantly. It frightens me.”
She thinks there are many in the Valley who feel as she does, so she’s organizing an information meeting April 1, from 2-4 p.m. in the Koksilah Room of the Island Savings Centre.
Ellen Aggar and Jeffrey Brooks (co-chairs of the Victoria Chapter) as well as Dr. David Robertson (a local supporter) will be speaking.
“I don’t think we need a separate chapter here but we need voices in order to see change,” Rocchio said. “The Cowichan Valley is full of action people.”
Carnival for Kids to benefit homeschoolers
The Community Learning Centre will host a Carnival for Kids fundraiser on April 1 at the HUB in Cowichan Station.
This event will help raise funds to buy educational materials and host community speakers at the Community Learning Centre.
The CLC provides tutoring to all school-age students, as well as homeschool support and educational programs.
CLC founder Zoë Clement started the Learning Centre after noticing a need for academic support in the homeschooling community.
“Homeschooling is growing in popularity for a variety of reasons. After talking with some parents I thought, how exciting would it be if we created a place where students could come and borrow science kits, learn how to run a farm, or get together with like-minded kids to do themed projects?”
While programs for art, sports and music for home learners are available in the Cowichan Valley, nothing that honed in on academics and the unique nature of individualized learning resources was readily available. The CLC offers experiential education that promotes a joy for learning for children ages six to 16, Clement said.
Through creative projects, imaginative play, building, conducting experiments, playing games, doing art and crafts and taking part in group discussions, students at the Learning Centre discover that learning is creative, collaborative and connective, she said.
“This fundraiser will help supply some of our new programs, but is also let parents interested in homeschooling connect with the homeschooling community,” says Clement. “Starting in April we are excited to offer an ‘Farm to Table’ that brings food from our farm school garden to the community.”
The carnival-themed fundraiser features a silent auction, raffle items, games built by students, music and more. It will also feature refreshments and entertainment.
The Community Learning Centre is located at #16 Valleyview Centre, 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cobble Hill.
Christian Science lecture Saturday
The physical and mental health so many are searching for is the focus of a free Christian Science lecture titled “Divine Love: the Answer to Universal Health”, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 1 at 11 a.m. in Duncan.
It will be given by international speaker and teacher of Christian Science José de Dios Mata at the Island Savings Centre in the Koksilah Room. De Dios Mata will explore the biblical basis of God as divine love whose law Christ Jesus taught and practised in his healing and teaching ministry. It brings out the relevance of his command “to love your neighbour as yourself” and the worldwide healing impact this can have.
De Dios Mata was introduced to Christian Science after losing most of his hearing due to a congenital lesion. Although he was told surgery was necessary, he chose to explore alternative methods.
He now heals others as a Christian Science practitioner.
Final amalgamation public roundtable
The Citizens’ Assembly on Municipal Amalgamation is holding its final public roundable on Thursday, April 6.
During its first three meetings, the 36 randomly selected assembly members heard from a range of voices, including experts on municipal amalgamation, local history as well as representatives of local businesses. The assembly also hosted the first of two public meetings which any area resident is welcome to attend.
Copies of presentations made to the assembly, as well as an interim report containing the assembly’s values, identified issues and outstanding questions, can be downloaded from the assembly’s website: dnc-cama.ca.
“The assembly has worked carefully to consider a range of perspectives and really understand the implications of amalgamation,” says assembly chair Peter MacLeod. “I know our members will be reading the technical report with keen interest.”
The Citizens’ Assembly is a unique exercise in local democracy that provides residents with an opportunity to develop and evaluate the case for amalgamating the City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan. The assembly is an arms-length process that has been commissioned by the elected councils of both municipalities. The support of both councils, a majority of voters during a future referendum, and the consent of the provincial cabinet would be required for amalgamation to proceed.
Cowichan Valley residents interested in learning more about the assembly and sharing their views on municipal amalgamation are encouraged to attend the second and final public roundtable on April 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Somenos Room at the Island Savings Centre.