Lexi Bainas

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A delightful display of Christmas lights at 6795 Somenos Road glows in the darkness of a December night. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Check out all the Christmas cheer in Cowichan

Displays of bright lights and colourful figures abound in the Cowichan Valley…

A delightful display of Christmas lights at 6795 Somenos Road glows in the darkness of a December night. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
European gypsy moths (note the feather-like antennae) are an invasive species in North America, but the province is attempting to keep them from getting a foothold in B.C. by spraying for the moths in various parts of the province, including Lake Cowichan. (Photo by Marian Goldsmith/Used Under Common License)

Aerial spraying planned to prevent gyspy moth problem at Lake Cowichan

Invasive insects can travel widely, and cause significant damage: province

European gypsy moths (note the feather-like antennae) are an invasive species in North America, but the province is attempting to keep them from getting a foothold in B.C. by spraying for the moths in various parts of the province, including Lake Cowichan. (Photo by Marian Goldsmith/Used Under Common License)
‘Play the Bells to Celebrate’ offers young drummers from Divisions 14, 15, and 16 at Tansor Elementary a chance to show off their skills. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Tansor Elementary School children present ‘Winter Wonderland’ concert

‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’, ‘Up on the Housetop’, even ‘Shopping Christmas Blues’ in this show

‘Play the Bells to Celebrate’ offers young drummers from Divisions 14, 15, and 16 at Tansor Elementary a chance to show off their skills. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
The Langley Ukulele Ensemble are performing two concerts at the Duncan Showroom on Sunday, Dec. 22. (Jennifer Love photo)

VIDEO: Talented youth group presents pair of Duncan concerts this Sunday

Plenty to enjoy as these young players and singers perform twice at the Duncan Showroom

The Langley Ukulele Ensemble are performing two concerts at the Duncan Showroom on Sunday, Dec. 22. (Jennifer Love photo)
‘Which one of you is my dad?’ asks Sophie (Veronica Meyer) as she confronts Harry (Grant Mellemstrand), Sam (Graham Brockley), and Bill (Aiden Holt) with the all-important question. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

LEXI BAINAS COLUMN: Get those ‘Mamma Mia!’ vouchers now, plus a bonanza of holiday treats from the Showroom

Lots of performers enjoy dropping by the Showroom for Longevity John Falkner’s unusual events

‘Which one of you is my dad?’ asks Sophie (Veronica Meyer) as she confronts Harry (Grant Mellemstrand), Sam (Graham Brockley), and Bill (Aiden Holt) with the all-important question. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Maureen Hodgson and Poppy, her three-year-old Burmese mountain dog happily deliver a fresh-cut Christmas tree Saturday, Dec. 14 during a U-pick event on Barnjum Road. For more, see page 14 (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Hauling Xmas trees in Cowichan: it’s a dog’s life

Pooches enjoy a day outside giving tree buyers get a helping hand/ paw

Maureen Hodgson and Poppy, her three-year-old Burmese mountain dog happily deliver a fresh-cut Christmas tree Saturday, Dec. 14 during a U-pick event on Barnjum Road. For more, see page 14 (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Tiny villagers learn to ski while a Christmas train whizzes past. Fun for the whole family! (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)

Huge Youbou Christmas village display continues this weekend

Organizers Donna and Dennis Jones are delighted that their display of Christmas…

Tiny villagers learn to ski while a Christmas train whizzes past. Fun for the whole family! (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)
In this photo from the ‘Gazette’ of Dec. 16, 2009, we see Rev. Vikki Marrs leading a group of 25 Youbou and Meade Creek residents in singing Christmas carols at Sunset Place in Meade Creek. This special festive gathering led to other locations in Youbou as part of the You ‘n’ Me Nights social group.

Lake Flashback: Drenching rainfall, 300 houses, hamper campaign

And there’s a picture of locals going out to sing carols. Why not gather the gang and do the same?

In this photo from the ‘Gazette’ of Dec. 16, 2009, we see Rev. Vikki Marrs leading a group of 25 Youbou and Meade Creek residents in singing Christmas carols at Sunset Place in Meade Creek. This special festive gathering led to other locations in Youbou as part of the You ‘n’ Me Nights social group.
When Canadian country charmer Madeline Merlo was at Sunfest a couple of years ago, she was such a crowd pleaser that she’s been invited back for 2020. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

Dallas Smith, Madeline Merlo lead ‘second wave’ of artists at Sunfest 2020

Keith Urban will be joined on the big stage by a host of great acts, some well known to Sunfesters

When Canadian country charmer Madeline Merlo was at Sunfest a couple of years ago, she was such a crowd pleaser that she’s been invited back for 2020. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)
Some of the cast of the Shawnigan Lake Players’ panto, Beauty and the Beast, have fun at a rehearsal. (submitted)

Get your panto tickets now, or ‘Beauty and the Beast’ may slip away from you

Shawnigan Players’ annual Christmas pantomime hits stage Dec. 26-31

Some of the cast of the Shawnigan Lake Players’ panto, Beauty and the Beast, have fun at a rehearsal. (submitted)
You can get 30 per cent off tickets for the 2020 version of the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival right now, just in time for Christmas gift giving. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

Lexi Bainas column: Specially priced tickets, sending a karaoke Xmas carol to far away friends on tap this week

And how about ‘a toilet paper gathering’? It’s all here for you

You can get 30 per cent off tickets for the 2020 version of the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival right now, just in time for Christmas gift giving. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)
Pampas grass planted in the medians at Lake Cowichan’s entrance needs to go to improve driver safety, mayor says. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)

Cut down pampas grass on medians for road safety? Council’s looking at it

Neva Road derelict house is finally demolished

Pampas grass planted in the medians at Lake Cowichan’s entrance needs to go to improve driver safety, mayor says. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette)
Zachary Stevenson, one of North America’s top Buddy Holly tribute acts, is hosting a special pre-Christmas treat at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. (Dean Kalyan photo)

VIDEO: In time for gift giving: Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas show in Cowichan

Ben Klein as Elvis, Cassandra Frie as Brenda Lee join Zachary Stevenson in a great evening of music

Zachary Stevenson, one of North America’s top Buddy Holly tribute acts, is hosting a special pre-Christmas treat at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. (Dean Kalyan photo)
The Wonderheads present their unique take on A Christmas Carol with giant puppets, masks, and more at the Cowichan Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. (Submitted)

VIDEO: Giant masks, whimsical puppets and more add up to a Wonderheads Christmas Carol

If you’re thinking Pixar meets Jim Henson, you’re on the right track

The Wonderheads present their unique take on A Christmas Carol with giant puppets, masks, and more at the Cowichan Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. (Submitted)
Internationally acclaimed soprano Eve Daniell is ‘home for Christmas’. (Seb Charlesworth photo)

Eve Daniell ‘Home for Christmas’ with concert at Chemainus Dec. 15

Fans and friends can enjoy Daniell’s exciting voice in the warm atmosphere of St. Michael’s

Internationally acclaimed soprano Eve Daniell is ‘home for Christmas’. (Seb Charlesworth photo)
Chuck McCandless celebrates his banjo recovery on his Facebook page with this photo of himself in 1967. (Bii Hamilton photo)

Lexi Bainas column: Music, miniature masterpieces, and a long-lost banjo

Some truly heartwarming news last week: Chuck McCandless has his banjo back!

Chuck McCandless celebrates his banjo recovery on his Facebook page with this photo of himself in 1967. (Bii Hamilton photo)
‘Christmas is coming’ is the name of this selection that opens ‘Holiday Magic’.

VIDEO: ‘Holiday Magic’ when Celtic Rhythms and Summit Dance joined forces in Duncan

Fun and frolic combined with more serious selections to make a satisfying evening for everyone

‘Christmas is coming’ is the name of this selection that opens ‘Holiday Magic’.
Roger Helfrick is one of the superb musicians who present Christmas magic onstage in Winter Harp. (Submitted)

VIDEO: Celebrate magic of the holidays as Winter Harp returns to Cowichan Sunday

Wonderful Winter Harp is back at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on…

Roger Helfrick is one of the superb musicians who present Christmas magic onstage in Winter Harp. (Submitted)
Equipment sprawls in the street after hitting the CN trestle on South Shore Road during the rush hour. (The Lake News Dec. 5, 1979)

LAKE FLASHBACK: Remember swine flu? Bosnian conflict? Moving St. Christopher’s? It’s been a while

From worldwide stories to those close to home, we’ve a real cross-section this week

Equipment sprawls in the street after hitting the CN trestle on South Shore Road during the rush hour. (The Lake News Dec. 5, 1979)
As seen in this picture from 2018, Cowichan Lake folks are always generous at the fire department Christmas toy drive. This year, the event is held Dec. 13-14. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette file)

Lake Cowichan fire department back with annual toy and food drive on Dec. 13-14

As Lake area gets ready to fill Christmas hampers, firefighters call for donations of toys and food

As seen in this picture from 2018, Cowichan Lake folks are always generous at the fire department Christmas toy drive. This year, the event is held Dec. 13-14. (Lexi Bainas/Gazette file)