What's Up? A List of Events in Cowichan

Now that the kids are back in school and we're all returning to our routines, the calendar is filling up with activities.  There's a lot going on in and around the valley!  It's a great time to get out and sample what your community has to offer.

The new Autumn 2013 Recreation Program and Schedules guide is now available at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre and Fuller Lake Arena. You can find the guide online at http://bit.ly/1bd7ynI

Starting September 3, Ladysmith will be served by BC Transit through Cowichan Valley Regional Transit.  For route details and information, please see the Rider Guide.

Full maps and route schedules are available at City Hall, the Frank Jameson Community Centre, and other locations.  Tickets and passes are sold at City Hall, the Frank Jameson Community Centre and 49th Parallel Grocery.  Starting September 6, you can also obtain passes online at the Cowichan Ticket Centre at www.ctcentre.bc.ca. Local and commuter day PASS, tickets (10), semester passes and monthly passes can be purchased through the website beginning September 6, 2013.

• Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser for MS Support Group. Drop off your pennies at the MS Society office, Duncan
• Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser in support of four food banks, Wavaw, & The Salvation Army, News Leader Pictorial office, 2-5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan
• Ongoing – Frances Kelsey student art show, Whiskey Point Grill, Mill Bay
• Weekdays, beginning September 16 at various locations throughout the Cowichan Valley - Parent-Child Mother Goose, a free, interactive song, rhyme and story time activity.  For information and registration, please contact Margaret Moss Health Center, (250) 709-3050
• June 1 - October 1 - Stage 1 sprinkling regulations are in place for all CVRD water systems.  For more information on regulations contact the CVRD at 250-746-2513 or visit cvrd.bc.ca
• June 11 - October 11 - The Chemainus River Bridge located on Chemainus River near Pinson's Corner (between Swallowfield Rd. and Ashcroft Road) will be closed to all traffic including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
• June 18 - October 26 - Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society Tapestry Gala, Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Center, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan.  Info, 250-748-3112
• August 8 - September 27 - The east side of Holland Creek Trail in Ladysmith will be closed. Info, 250-245-6424.
• September 3, 10:00 a.m. - September 28, 3:00 p.m. - Photography and Gourds, photos by Gary Chilibeck and artwork by Raven Wyntre-Clarkson, Imagine That!, 251 Craig St., Duncan
• September 4 - 18 - Gourlay Janes Park in Ladysmith is closed.
• September 7 - 15 - Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival.  Info, wines.cowichan.net
• September 13 and 14 - Parent and Child Mother Goose Facilitator Training, Crofton Community School, 8017 York Street, Crofton.  Info, (250) 709-3050
• September 13, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (and every Friday) - Art Beat, a weekly art walk and street party, Willow St., Chemainus.  Info, www.cvcas.com
• September 13 - 28, various times - Chemainus Theatre Festival presents "A Pretty Girl (A Shayna Maidel), Chemainus Theatre, 9737 Chemainus Rd.  Info, www.chemainustheatre.ca
• September 14 and 15 - Events at Merridale Ciderworks for Cowichan Wine Festival, 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill. Info, merridalecider.com/events/cowichan-wine-festival-events-merridale 
• September 14, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Used book fundraiser, Cowichan News Leader Pictorial, between Buckerfields and the Brick, Duncan
• September 14, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Parkinsons Super Walk, Duncan Curling Arena, 3141 Sherman Rd., Duncan.  Info, 604-662-3240
• September 14, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Community Dialogue Session, Inspire! Shawnigan Lake. Info, cowichanculture.ca/speakseasy
• September 14, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery Open House, 1080 Wharncliffe Rd, Duncan.  Info, vancouverisland@gofishbc.com
• September 14, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and every Saturday until Thanksgiving) - Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market, Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay 
• September 14, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Cowichan COb Oven Cook Off Grande Opening, Centennial Park.  
• September 14, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays) - Open Mic, Duncan's Courts Sports Lounge
• September 14, 7:00 p.m. - Junior A Hockey, Cowichan Capitals vs Alberni Bulldogs, Island Savings Centre, Cowichan Arena
• September 15, 10:00 a.m. - Terry Fox Run. Various locations. Info, terryfox.org
• September 15 (and every Sunday through Oct. 6) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Farmers’ Market, 4485 Trans Canada Highway at Koksilah Rd.
• September 15, 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. - 3rd Annual James Barber fundraiser for Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan.  Info, providence.bc.ca
• September 15, 2:00 p.m. (and every Sunday) - Sunday Country Jam, Eagles Lounge, 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan
• September 17, 9:30 a.m. (and every Tuesday through June 10) - Maple Bay Painters Artists' Club, Cowichan Exhibition Centre, 7380 Trans Canada Highway.  Info, (250) 748-9682
• September 17, 12:00 noon (weekly on Tuesdays) - Toastmasters Noon Hour Club, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Hwy.
• September 17, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. (and every Tuesday until fall) - Ladysmith Make it, Bake It, Grow It Farmers Market, 1st Ave., Ladysmith
• September 17, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Organic Master Gardener Course Info-Session, Cowichan Green Community, 360 Duncan St. Info, 250-748-8506 
• September 17, 6:30 - 7:55 p.m. - Tim's Tuesday free swim, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith.  Info, 250-245-6424
• September 17, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Tuesdays) - Dads Make a Difference, 213 - 80 Station St., Duncan. Info, 250-597-2801
• September 18, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. (continuing weekly on Wednesdays) - Choir with Cari Burdett, all welcome, M'akola Centre, Ts'i'ts'uwatul'Lelum Assisted Living, 5755 Allenby Rd., Duncan.  Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
• September 18, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (and every Wednesday) - Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Square, Chemainus.  Info, 250-246-3944
• September 18, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Toastmasters Club 950, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan.  Info, 250-743-1785
• September 18, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Men’s Circle, The Hub, Cowichan Station.  Info, 250-597-2801. 
• September 19, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month) - Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery and Handwork Group, 3696 Gardner Rd., Saltair
• September 19, 2:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Chronic Pain Self Management Program, MS Society of Canada, 204-394 Duncan St., Duncan.  Info, 1-866-902-3767 (toll free)
• September 19, 2:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Multicultural Leadership Group, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
• September 19, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Family Choir - 100 Voices for One World, Cari Burdett, 3228A Gibbins Rd., Duncan.  Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
• September 19, 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - South End Seniors Social Club, Kerry Park.  Info, glodav@shaw.ca
• September 19, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. - TOPS (Take of Pounds Sensibly) meeting, KIDZ Co., 2-2731 James St.  Info, (250) 748-7548
• September 19, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Free Alzheimers/hospice seminar sponsored by Chemainus Health Care Auxillary and BCAHA Vancouver Island Area rep, Chemaius Legion (upstairs), 9775 Chemainus Rd. Info, 250-245-2335
• September 19, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (and every Thursday through December 12) - Random Acts of Kindness Teen Group, Crofton Community Centre.  Info, (250) 246-4217
• September 19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Triple P Preteen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan.  Info, www.triplepvip.ca
• September 19, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Meditation, VIU Cowichan Campus.  Info, 250-710-7594
• September 19, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Strata Owners' Seminar on Depreciation Reports, open to all strata owners and interested parties, Island Savings Centre. Info, (250) 746-4171
• September 20, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. - Seniors' Zumba, Island Savings Centre.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• September 20, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Harvest Dance at the Gardens, Community Gardens, High Street, Ladysmith
• September 21 - 29 - Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.  Info, shorelinecleanup.ca
• September 21, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Peace in the Valley Global Mala Yoga Event, Cowichan Station Hub.  Info, (250) 709-3744.
• September 21, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Duncan United Church Harvest Fair, 246 Ingram St., Duncan.
• September 21, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Golf and curling speil, March Meadows Golf Course and Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.  Info, (250) 749-6742
• September 21, 10:00 a.m. - Fall gardening seminar, Dinters Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• September 21, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - St. John's Church, Cobble Hill September Festival, 3295 Cobble Hill Rd.  Info, 250-743-3095 or info@stjohnscobblehill.ca
• September 23, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Seniors Tai Chi - Short Form, Island Savings Centre.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• September 23, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Meditation, the Art and Act of Mindfulness, Island Savings Centre.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• September 31, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Ocean to Table Family Fun Day, Cowichan Bay Maritime Museum.  Info, (250)746-4955
• September 21, 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Inspire Fest, Shawnigan Lake Village.  Info, inspireshawnigan.com/events/
• September 21, 7:00 p.m. - Junior A Hockey, Cowichan Capitals vs Victoria Grizzlies, Island Savings Centre, Cowichan Arena
• September 21, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - CommUNITY Dance, The Hub, Cowichan Station.  Info, (240) 748-7312
• September 21, 7:30 p.m. - Victoria Symphony at the Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• September 22, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Duncan Flea Market, Eagles Hall, 2965 Boys Rd, Duncan.  Info, duncanfleamarket@hotmail.com
• September 22, 2:00 p.m. - Junior A Hockey, Cowichan Capitals vs Surrey Eagles, Island Savings Centre, Cowichan Arena
• September 23, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Hospice Society presents a Reel Alternatives Film, The Sapphires.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• September 26, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents National Theatre Live from London, Othello.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• September 27 - Tour de Rock Spinathon Fundraiser, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith.  Info, (250) 245-6414, extension 6237
• September 27, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Dive In Cinema, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424
• September 28 and 29, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Salmon and Mushroom Festival, Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall.  Info, salmonmushroomfestival.com 
• September 28, 10:00 a.m. - Create your own fall planter, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• September 28, 7:30 p.m. - One Night Stand in Cowichan Valley with Don Burnstick, Cowichan Theatre. Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• September 28, 8:00 p.m. - The Stand Up Show, Aggie Hall, Ladysmith
• September 29, 1:00 - 2:20 p.m. - Free Skate, Cowichan Arena.  
• September 29, 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m. - Free supervised, unstructured sports, Multi-Purpose hall, Cowichan Arena.
• September 30, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - ProD Camp for Kids (ages 5 - 12), Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• October 5, 9:55 a.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents the Metropolitan Opera in HD, Tchaicovsky's Eugene Onegin.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 5, 10:00 a.m. - Cuttings and plant propagation, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250)748-2023  October 7, 7:30 p.m. - The Shangi-La Chinese Acrobats, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244  
• October 8 - November 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Organic Master Gardeners Course, Cowichan Green Community, 360 Duncan St. Info, 250-748-8506
• October 12, 10:00 a.m. - Potting and re-blooming orchids, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• October 16, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 18, 7:30 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre and Ballet Victoria present Frankenstein, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 19, 10:00 a.m. - Winterizing your Pond, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• October 19, 7:30 p.m. - John McDermott Looking Back 20th Anniversary Tour, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 20, 2:30 p.m. - Palm Court Orchestra, "Flying Down to Rio," Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 21, 10:30 a.m. - Morning Musicale, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 24, 7:30 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents National Theatre Live, MacBeth.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Halloween Monster Bash.  Info, 250-245-6424.
• October 19, 6:00 p.m. - Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce "Howl," Eagles Hall, 921-1st Ave., Ladysmith
• October 23, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Community Launch Celebration, Cowichan Theatre. Info, cowichanculture.ca/speakseasy
• October 26, 9:55 a.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents Live at the Metropolitan Opera, Shastakovich's "The Nose."  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Hallowe'en Monster Bash, Ladysmith.  Info, (250) 245-6414
• October 27, all day - Shawnigan/Kinsoll Half Marathon (21.1 km) and Half-a-Half Races (10.5 km).  Information and registration, ceevacs.com
• October 28, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Hospice Society presents a Reel Alternatives Film, NO (adios M. Pinochet), Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• November 22, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Dive In Cinema presents "Brave!" Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• November 30 - Sports Day in Canada.  For information on events in Ladysmith contact Sue Glenn, (250) 245-6414, extension 6237
• December 1 - Cinnamon Bun Fun Run, Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• December 23, 27, 30 and January 2 & 3, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Christmas break activity days, Frank Jameson Activity Center.  Info, 250-245-6424.