Community

Joanne and Trevor Halliday from Maple Ridge took second and third at the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at Langley’s Krause Berry Farm on Saturday, Oct. 8. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)

VIDEO: Pumpkin growing champion wins B.C. Giant Pumpkin weigh-off

Record holder submitted a small-for-him 1,676 lb. entry

Joanne and Trevor Halliday from Maple Ridge took second and third at the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at Langley’s Krause Berry Farm on Saturday, Oct. 8. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)
Members of the South Cowichan Healthcare Auxiliary hold garage sales, among other fundraisers, throughout the year for their numerous causes. Pictured, from left, are Valerie Townsend, Jackie and Jean Marsh and Carol Rothnie. (Submitted photo)

South Cowichan Healthcare Auxiliary celebrates 50th anniversary

SCHA also looking for new members

Members of the South Cowichan Healthcare Auxiliary hold garage sales, among other fundraisers, throughout the year for their numerous causes. Pictured, from left, are Valerie Townsend, Jackie and Jean Marsh and Carol Rothnie. (Submitted photo)
Thanks to United Way BC donors, 2.5 million meals were provided to families and individuals in need last year by their 16 Regional Community Food Hubs and seven Food Recovery Organizations. United Way BC photo

United Way BC funding goes a long way in boosting local food security

It’s Friday, payday, and you need groceries. You’ve worked out the budget…

  • Oct 10, 2022
Thanks to United Way BC donors, 2.5 million meals were provided to families and individuals in need last year by their 16 Regional Community Food Hubs and seven Food Recovery Organizations. United Way BC photo
“Frazer Willmott concentrates as he prepares a fish in order to make a print at the first annual Cowichan Valley Rivers Day on Sept. 30, at Stoltz Pool. Activities like this for kids were just one aspect of the two day event.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 3, 2012)

Flashback: Rivers Day, a forestry lull, a tiny turnout and rubber stamps

A look back at the history of the Cowichan Lake area

“Frazer Willmott concentrates as he prepares a fish in order to make a print at the first annual Cowichan Valley Rivers Day on Sept. 30, at Stoltz Pool. Activities like this for kids were just one aspect of the two day event.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 3, 2012)
Numerous beer varies are produced in British Columbia. Do you know which country leads the world in beer consumption? (Black Press file photo)

QUIZ: A celebration of wine and beer

Raise a glass in a toast to these popular beverages

Numerous beer varies are produced in British Columbia. Do you know which country leads the world in beer consumption? (Black Press file photo)
Island Health public forum was held in Chemainus Thursday. (Photo by Don Bodger)

No clear answer for keeping Chemainus Urgent Care Centre fully operational

Island Health addresses pressing concern in the community, but without a timeline

Island Health public forum was held in Chemainus Thursday. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Rachelle Cole of Ucluelet does the ride of shame through the Chemainus Legion for an alleged “offense” on the Tour de Rock. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Chemainus Legion hosts Tour de Rock riders for breakfast

Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary donates $10,000 to the cause

Rachelle Cole of Ucluelet does the ride of shame through the Chemainus Legion for an alleged “offense” on the Tour de Rock. (Photo by Don Bodger)
The Halloween Train is back at the BC Forest Discovery Centre this October. (Citizen file)

Coming up in Cowichan: Halloween Train is back; Oktoberfest; candidates debate; Big Bird Bioblitz, big book sale

There’s lots of fun coming up in Cowichan in October

The Halloween Train is back at the BC Forest Discovery Centre this October. (Citizen file)
Ucluelet Fire Chief and Tour de Rock rider Rick Geddes proposed to Donna Monteith at a fundraising event held at the Ucluelet Co-op on Saturday. (Andrew Bailey photo)

Tour de Rock rider proposes to now-fiancé at Island cancer-fighting tour stop

Ucluelet Fire Chief Rick Geddes pops the question to Donna Monteith at fundraising event

Ucluelet Fire Chief and Tour de Rock rider Rick Geddes proposed to Donna Monteith at a fundraising event held at the Ucluelet Co-op on Saturday. (Andrew Bailey photo)
“Doug Liske (centre) decides to add a new aspect to the idea of shaving one’s head for cancer research by dying his hair blue and pink on Sept. 23, outside Country Grocer. Here, he stands with the finished product with (from left) Wanda Weirsma, Amanda Sawatzky, Jannina Russell, and Laurie Johnson, all volunteers who helped him raise cash for the Tour de Rock cause by selling hot dogs this past Sunday.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette/Sept. 26, 2012)

Flashback: Fired school board rallies support, teachers take days without pay and more

A look back at the history of the Cowichan Lake area

“Doug Liske (centre) decides to add a new aspect to the idea of shaving one’s head for cancer research by dying his hair blue and pink on Sept. 23, outside Country Grocer. Here, he stands with the finished product with (from left) Wanda Weirsma, Amanda Sawatzky, Jannina Russell, and Laurie Johnson, all volunteers who helped him raise cash for the Tour de Rock cause by selling hot dogs this past Sunday.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette/Sept. 26, 2012)
M’akola Housing Society, through funding from BC Housing, will build a five storey affordable housing building at 603 Main Street in Penticton. (Rendering)

QUIZ: How much do you know about housing and homes?

In many communities, finding a place to buy or rent can be a challenge

M’akola Housing Society, through funding from BC Housing, will build a five storey affordable housing building at 603 Main Street in Penticton. (Rendering)
Members of the Surrey Beavers rugby association participate in the Cloverdale Terry Fox run in 2019. This year the run was held Sept. 18. (Photo: Malin Jordan)

B.C. man ‘will do everything’ to keep Terry Fox’s legacy alive

Bill Vigars, who was Fox’s publicist during historic Marathon of Hope, spoke at SFU Surrey

Members of the Surrey Beavers rugby association participate in the Cloverdale Terry Fox run in 2019. This year the run was held Sept. 18. (Photo: Malin Jordan)
Cowichan Lake’s Lady of the Lake ambassadors were on hand to paint faces and hand out special Canada Day cupcakes to visitors to Central Park on July 1 as part of the Canada 155 celebrations. (Sarah Simpson/Gazette)

Cowichan Lady of the Lake program evolving to include all

Program re-branded to ‘Cowichan Lake Ambassador Program’

Cowichan Lake’s Lady of the Lake ambassadors were on hand to paint faces and hand out special Canada Day cupcakes to visitors to Central Park on July 1 as part of the Canada 155 celebrations. (Sarah Simpson/Gazette)
School District 71 office

Vancouver Island school board trustee candidate distributing anti-SOGI material

A candidate for one of Courtenay’s two School District 71 trustee positions…

School District 71 office
Lesley Fox will be giving a presentation to the Cowichan Valley Naturalists on Oct. 3, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Cowichan Valley Naturalists)

Coming up in Cowichan: Every Child Matters March; Coexisting with wildlife; volunteer visitors wanted

Some of what’s coming up in Cowichan

Lesley Fox will be giving a presentation to the Cowichan Valley Naturalists on Oct. 3, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Cowichan Valley Naturalists)
The Georgina Falt Memorial Trophy and a photo of Georgina, whom the tournament is named after. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Having fun and raising money the bottom line of music trivia tournament

Alzheimer’s fundraiser a No. 1 hit with supporters from around the Island

The Georgina Falt Memorial Trophy and a photo of Georgina, whom the tournament is named after. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Port Hardy raised $16,000 for Tour de Rock this year. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)

Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock ride kicks off in the North Island

RCMP Cst. Kyle Dornan had half of his head shaved and was given a $16,000 cheque

Port Hardy raised $16,000 for Tour de Rock this year. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)
”From left: Chloe Bergman, Lauren Nelson, and Jerry Edson were fire chief for a day on Oct. 15, after having correctly answered all fi re safety questions and colouring their ‘I will Learn not to Burn’ posters given to Palsson Elementary School students by the Lake Cowichan Volunteer Fire Department. The kids got a tour of the fire department building, received a bag of goodies including a flashlight, stickers, a t-shirt, and safety pamphlet, and were treated to Tim Hortons treats.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 24, 2012)

Flashback: Christmas hampers, foreshore leases, and a sign of the times

A look back at the history of the Cowichan Lake area

”From left: Chloe Bergman, Lauren Nelson, and Jerry Edson were fire chief for a day on Oct. 15, after having correctly answered all fi re safety questions and colouring their ‘I will Learn not to Burn’ posters given to Palsson Elementary School students by the Lake Cowichan Volunteer Fire Department. The kids got a tour of the fire department building, received a bag of goodies including a flashlight, stickers, a t-shirt, and safety pamphlet, and were treated to Tim Hortons treats.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 24, 2012)
“A vehicle involved in an accident along the 9000 block of the Youbou Highway is pictured here engulfed in flames. Three occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. One was ejected out of the vehicle, it is not known how the other two got out.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 10, 2012)

Flashback: Fiery crash, arena floor costs, pay TV possibilities

A look back at the history of the Cowichan Lake area

“A vehicle involved in an accident along the 9000 block of the Youbou Highway is pictured here engulfed in flames. Three occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. One was ejected out of the vehicle, it is not known how the other two got out.” (Lake Cowichan Gazette, Oct. 10, 2012)
”It was reportedly inaccessible but Stewart Mossman’s log salvaging equipment went where no man would go — nearly 300 feet down into Lake Cowichan to salvage the Republican Sea Bee Float Plane which crashed into Lake Cowichan and sank on Sept. 27. Sole occupant and pilot was rescued from the plane before it sank and it had been determined to leave the plane in its resting place as most divers are only licensed to go to a 150 foot depth. But, with the aid of a sonar, Mossman located the plane and was able to raise it. Mossman will salvage what he can for his own costs.” (Lake News, Sept. 24, 1997)

Flashback: New dock, speeding, back to work and village expansion

A look back at the history of the Cowichan Lake area

”It was reportedly inaccessible but Stewart Mossman’s log salvaging equipment went where no man would go — nearly 300 feet down into Lake Cowichan to salvage the Republican Sea Bee Float Plane which crashed into Lake Cowichan and sank on Sept. 27. Sole occupant and pilot was rescued from the plane before it sank and it had been determined to leave the plane in its resting place as most divers are only licensed to go to a 150 foot depth. But, with the aid of a sonar, Mossman located the plane and was able to raise it. Mossman will salvage what he can for his own costs.” (Lake News, Sept. 24, 1997)