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Coming up in Cowichan: Seniors Expo, huge book sale, haunted house

Learn how to advocate for kids with special needs
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The Garden House Foundation giant book sale is Oct. 19 and 20. (submitted)

Learn how to advocate for kids with special needs

Free workshop How to Advocate for Kids With Special Needs is scheduled for Oct. 17 at the Clements Centre in Duncan.

It’s a hot topic, says presenter and author Cynthia Lockrey. The evening will focus on how to build your advocacy skills and topics will include getting a clear diagnosis, accessing support at school, navigating the medical system, dealing with roadblocks, learning the importance of building a community of support, knowing when to take a break and being the child’s voice.

The session takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel at 6457 Norcross Rd., Duncan.

To RSVP, contact Kenna Galigan at 250-746-4135 or email kgaligan@clementscentre.org. Space is limited.

Aging Well Expo coming

Volunteer Cowichan is inviting everyone to an Aging Well Seniors Expo on Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room at the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan.

Are you aging well? Are you making healthy choices to lead a fulfilling life? Are you aware of the many resources, supports and services available to seniors in Cowichan?

There are various factors to consider when making healthy choices. Information is a key element to support you and your loved ones. What supports do you require to live life to its fullest as you age? Find out what Cowichan can offer at the Expo.

The event brings businesses and organizations together to support you with a range of information and resources related to health, financial, legal, medical, physical-care, volunteer opportunities and more. Sponsors for the Seniors’ Expo include the Municipality of North Cowichan, the BC Association of Community Response Networks, Valley Health and Fitness, Tim Horton’s, Thrifty’s Pharmacy, Wellness News, Connect Hearing and Smith Smiles Denture Clinic.

All Cowichan Valley seniors and their families are invited to come to this free event where there will be a number of demonstrations, a flu shot clinic, and hearing tests available.

Event schedule:

10:30 a.m. Zumba Gold with Nicolette Morris

11:15 a.m. Post Flu Shot Care Tips from Thrify’s Pharmacy

12 p.m. Back Pain Blues with singer songwriter AugieDawg - Greg Augustine

12:45 p.m. Financial Planning 101 offered by Ken Greig of Freedom 55 Financial

1:30 p.m. Advanced Care Planning role play/discussion facilitated by Cowichan Hospice Society

2:15 p.m. CMRT: Calming the nervous system for people experiencing anxiety, PTSD, trauma such as veterans and first responders presented by Ingrid Kline of Time Out Massage Therapy

For more information contact Volunteer Cowichan at 250-748-2133 or email vc@volunteercowichan.bc.ca

Huge Garden House

Foundation book sale Oct. 19

Organizers of the Garden House Foundation Fund’s 12th annual book sale say their storage space is bursting with 900 boxes ready to suddenly appear organized and attractively displayed on October 19 and 20 at Bonner School in Mill Bay.

That’s what it takes to store 20,000 books according to Jim and Jackie Barker, who began the sale in 2008.

The two-day book-lovers’ delight is created through the support of students, businesses, donors of literally tons of books and loyal adult volunteers. And now is when the buying public comes in — and come in through the door by the hundreds they have, all for a great cause.

Knowing that families and animals in crisis are being helped by the sale, and will continue to be helped forever through annual grants from the foundation fund, has resulted in a loyal and generous following.

“Of course, the bargain basement prices help, too!” quips Jim. “Being able to pick up high quality books in all genres, priced from 50 cents to $3, is a great draw for those wishing to score some terrific fall and winter reading.”

The Barkers have been astounded at the success of the sale, considering that the original goal was to make $25,000 in five years.

“And here we are now,” Jackie says, “anticipating $160,000 to be in the permanent fund by the end of December!”

The sale will have something for everyone, including CDs, DVDs, a silent auction of higher quality books with bids starting at $20 as well as some popular bins of free books that often make perfect stocking stuffers!

Mark your calendar now and remember to head to the bank beforehand as the sale is cash only. The sale opens each day at 9 a.m., but closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20.

For more information, visit www.gardenhousefoundation.wordpress.com or call 250-743-4627 to donate books year-round. The Garden House Foundation Fund is a fund held under the Victoria Foundation.

BIG Shop of Horrors Haunted House opens Oct. 19-30

The BIG Shop of Horrors Haunted House will be opening for it’s third year in Duncan from Oct. 19 to 30.

“We are expecting 2,500 to 3,000 attendees and hope to donate over $15,000 to local charities,” said organizer Daphne Swift.

It takes 25 to 30 volunteers per night to run this event, located at 7305 Bell McKinnon Rd., and it will be open for nine nights in total starting on Friday, Oct 18 with a VIP night (advance tickets only for VIP night).

Island Mini Donuts and Mexican Food Mafia food trucks will be on site.

Parking will be at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds with free shuttle service to the Haunted House provided by Encore Limousine, MYGO Tours and Transportation and Cheers Cowichan.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth, eight to 12 years of age. Children under eight will not be admitted.

Corporate sponsors are Island Savings, 89.7Juice FM, The District of North Cowichan, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Coast Environmental, and Slegg Lumber.