Skip to content

Coming up in Cowichan: Workshop, fundraiser, and a wrap-up and kick-off at the Forest Discovery Centre

Plan your leisure time in the Cowichan Valley
13621600_web1_coming-up-FDC-train
The BC Forest Discovery Centre is holding a celebration this weekend to mark the end of the season, and on Tuesday will kick of Community Living Month. (Citizen file)

Forest Discovery Centre celebrates end of season

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is holding a Tree-Mendous Forestry Celebration this weekend to mark the end of the season.

On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there’s lots to do from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, enjoy kids logger sports, a romper room climbing wall, BCWS fire fighting demos, and a performance by the Tzinquaw Dancers from 1-2 p.m.

All three days will feature activity books and crafts, free tree seedlings and unlimited train rides.

All admissions are $5, with children under two getting in for free.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre is located just outside Duncan.

Panel discussion on Israel in Duncan on Sept. 25

Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St., will host an examination of Canada’s “human rights blind spot” in the matter of Israel.

A panel will feature Dr. Michael Carpenter, Fellow at the University of Victoria Centre for Global Studies, Adrian Fine, retired physician and member of Independent Jewish Voices, and Prof. William Geimer, advisor to Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and author of Canada: The Case for Staying Out of Other People’s Wars.

The panel will be moderated by Eva Manly, former producer of cable TV’s Pressure Point, and participant in the 2016 Women’s Boat to Gaza. The public is invited free of charge.

Organizer Linda Taffs observed, “This is an important event. We Canadians pride ourselves in supporting human rights. The public needs to address the reality of Canada’s conduct and take action. Seventy years of Israeli disregard for international norms is too long.”

Clements Centre kicks off Community Living Month

The Clements Centre is inviting everyone to kick off Community Living Month (October) at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

“This is a time to raise awareness about and celebrate the contributions of individuals with diverse abilities in our community,” said Dianne Hinton in a press release about the event. “Inclusion happens when the talents and contributions of all community members are accepted and celebrated. Simultaneously we want to recognize the leaders in our communities — our friends, work colleagues, employers and neighbours who every day welcome diversity.”

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can enjoy a train ride, food, face painting, craft tables, music and more. The event is free of charge and fully accessible.

Sponsors include the BC Forest Discovery Centre, Island Savings Credit Union, TimberWest, Shriners and BeConnected Support Services.

For more information contact the Clements Centre at 250-746-4135.

Free workshop on advance care planning for LGBTQ2S+

A free workshop is coming to the Cowichan Valley focused on advance care planning for LGBTQ2S+ people.

“Ready for the unexpected?” reads a press release about the two-part workshop, which will take place Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “How do you want your care and affairs managed when you are unable to speak for yourself?”

Unexpected illness and death happen to people of all ages. There are unique concerns for LGBTQ2S+ people planning in advance for care.

“Some of us will die younger and experience more physical and mental health conditions, and they differ from those of our peers,” says workshop organizer LOVE CRN. “Many of us live alone and rely on friends instead of our families of origin. Some of us have experienced intense oppression, often in health care settings. These examples, and more, could influence your planning.

“Advance care planning should mean your values, beliefs and choices will be respected when you are unable to participate in decisions.”

Advance care planning involves talking with those you wish to represent you; friends, partners, family, health care, financial and legal professionals. It includes writing down your wishes and choosing a representative to speak for you when needed, workshop organizers said.

Email lovecrn1@gmail.com and say which community session you wish to attend.

The workshop is being offered in collaboration with Cowichan Hospice Society and will be held at the Cowichan Hospice Society building at 3122 Gibbins Rd. in Duncan. Registration is required.

Therapeutic Riding holding a Parking Lot Party Sept. 29

Get your tickets now for a Parking Lot Party on Saturday, Sept. 29.

This fundraiser for the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association runs from 3-9 p.m. at Small Block Brewery, 5301 Chaster Rd.

Tickets are $25 and include food truck items and a beverage.

A cask of specially-made beer will be opened for tasting and there will also be a signature cocktail by Stillhead Distillery and Small Block Brewery. Live music will be by the Cam Stiles Trio from 4-6 p.m., then Kevin’s Bacon takes over from 7-9 p.m. There will also be prize raffles.

It’s a kid-friendly venue, organizers say, and everyone is welcome.