Skip to content

Coming up in Cowichan: From bike rodeo to ‘A Word About Consent’, lots on the calendar

Christian Science event coming to Duncan Saturday, May 25
16959669_web1_bike-rodeo-Cowichan-file
The Kerry Park Recreation Centre is hosting a Bike Rodeo for kids on Sunday. (Citizen file)

Christian Science event coming to Duncan Saturday, May 25

“Breaking News: Freedom is Ours Now” is the title of a free Christian Science lecture scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m., in the Heritage Hall of the Duncan United Church.

It will be given by international speaker Patricia Woodard. Her lecture will explore the practicality in today’s world of Christ Jesus’s life and works as recorded in the Bible and as discussed in Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy.

“What we’re looking for,” says Woodard, “is a view that uplifts our thoughts, changing our perspective to one that makes a difference for the better, that heals.” She will share the way Christian Science has brought healing to her own life, freeing her from the effects of an accident and rescuing her from a troubling situation with her teenage daughter. She will also give examples of how it has helped others.

Woodard discovered Christian Science as an adolescent. Underlying all her experiences, is her desire to bring healing to mankind, to show each individual their God-given freedom, their right to happiness and health, and their inherent ability to feel God’s love.

Bike Rodeo set for this weekend

The Kerry Park Recreation Centre is hosting a Bike Rodeo for kids ages two to 12 on Sunday, May 26.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. South Cowichan policing will be there to teach bike safety, and bikers will also learn about bike maintenance from Experience Cycling’s Will Arnold. There will be a bike wash, bike decorating, and a bike craft.

If it rains, participants should meet at the Kerry Park Curling Club. Admission is free.

Craniosacral therapy event looking for breastfeeding moms, babies

Local craniosacral therapist Christina Hamill will be hosting internationally renowned practitioner, researcher, author and teacher, Alison Hazelbaker in two trainings on infant breastfeeding and tongue-tie assessment on May 27-31 and June 3-4.

Mothers and their babies from newborn to six months are invited to the free sessions taking place during the trainings, which will be conducted for approximately 40 practitioners.

“I met Dr. Hazelbaker two years ago when I went to Portland to take her craniosacral training on infant breastfeeding and then several months later I went to her lactation clinic in Columbus, Ohio to take the tongue-tie assessment training she developed and then stayed on to shadow her in her clinic for 10 days,” said Hamill. “It was an impactful learning experience to be able to return home and bring these skills back to my community and support mothers and babies locally.”

Those interested must call or email and reserve a timeslot: 250-748-5551 or wellness@cowichancraniosacral.com

Event at Showroom centres around ‘A Word About Consent’

Warmland Women’s Support Services, a sexual assault advocacy centre in the Cowichan Valley, would like “A Word About Consent” on May 30.

During the Victims of Crime Awareness Week, funded by the Department of Justice Canada, the event will take place at the Duncan Showroom.

In this #MeToo era of transparency, accountability and healing, “A Word About Consent” invites community members to learn about rape myths and victim blaming, helping to shift from a rape culture to a culture of affirmative consent.

“Rape is an act of physical violence that is sexualized. It is about power and control, not sexual attraction,” said Kendra Thomas, Society coordinator for Warmland Women. “We live in a judgmental culture that silences survivors. Our attitudes about sexual assault make it difficult for survivors to talk about their experiences and seek out help, particularly from the criminal justice system. Survivors are often shamed and blamed for what they were doing, saying and wearing.”

Celebrate enthusiastic consent with “A Word About Consent” — a highly engaging open mic and jam session of slam poetry, song, music, art displays, games and information welcoming survivors, service providers, and community members to gain a new perspective about rape culture.

In a world of hyper sexualized portrayals of women and men trying to navigate toxic masculinity the evening will explore the often murky and confusing issue of “consent”. Admission is free and the event is open to everyone. The intention, say organizers, “is to have fun, be irreverent, furrow our brows and maybe swallow a lump or two in our throat as we work together to create a community that is safer for survivors of sexualized violence to seek support and healing.”

Sexualized assault, harassment and exploitation can be an overwhelmingly traumatic experience. Now more than ever efforts assisting survivors’ recovery are needed as there is growing societal acceptance for disclosure and accountability. With a giddy levity, sex-positive Emcee Shirley Gnome uses the power of satire to make these issues easier to look at in a way that’s still really honest. Joining Gnome on stage are local favourites Cara McCandless and Beverley McKeen.

“A Word About Consent” — great sex begins how it ends with yes, Yes, YES!” say organizers.

For more details contact Kendra Thomas: kthomas@warmlandwomen.org