Adult Winter Reading Club at the Cowichan library
As the rain pours down and the clouds settle in for the long haul, what could be better than cozying up with a good book and a hot drink? Prizes, that’s what could be better, and thanks to Vancouver Island Regional Library’s first ever Adult Winter Reading Club, participants can win some fabulous stuff just by doing something they already love.
“We’re really excited to use the always popular Kids Summer Reading Club as a model for this great winter blues buster for adults,” says Melissa Legacy, VIRL’s director of Library Services and Planning. “I hope everyone will participate in this fun and innovative program that encourages our adult customers to get in on reading club fun.”
Participating in the club couldn’t be easier. Simply pick up a reading record at any VIRL branch and record what you read for the months of January and February. Bring in your reading record any time and get a draw ticket for each title recorded for a chance to win weekly book prizes, a $30 gift certificate at a local bookstore, or a Kobo eReader.
Who ever said reading clubs were just for kids? Visit your branch and start reading your way towards some fabulous prizes.
Visit any local branch for more information.
Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival this weekend at Forest Discovery Centre
The Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival is coming to the BC Forest Discovery Centre on Saturday, Feb.1 and Sunday, Feb. 2.
Billed as “2 Days of Maple Syrup Fun!” the annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days with tapping demonstrations, mini-workshops, live entertainment, a syrup competition, train rides and a marketplace filled with all kinds of yummy maple syrup and associated products. There are also crafts to keep the little ones occupied.
The BC Forest Discovery Centre has partnered with the Vancouver Island Sapsuckers, a group of local maple syrup producers, to put on this event for the community.
Admission is $10 for adults, seniors and youth (13-18 years old), $8 for children and children under two years old get in for free. If you have a membership to the BCFDC, this festival is included in your membership.
As the purpose of the festival is to educate the public, this event depends on community support for organizing, sponsoring, and hosting. Businesses, community groups and individuals interesting in helping are asked to call 250-715-1113 ext. 23 to find out how to get involved, or to purchase their 2020 Memberships.
For more information check out www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com.
Free presentation on stress and burnout Wednesday, Feb. 5
The BC Psychological Association is hosting 21 free public presentations across the province during February, and there will be one in Duncan on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
February marks Psychology Month in British Columbia, an annual campaign that raises awareness about the role of psychology in shaping mentally healthy communities. Each of the talks will be facilitated by a registered psychologist, with topics ranging from stress and its impact on mental and physical health, managing anxiety, mindfulness, helping children chase away worry, time management, how to upgrade relationships in our disconnected world, and many more.
In Duncan, Dr. Barry Stein will present “Stress, Hassles and Burnout” from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Duncan library, 2687 James St.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada notes that mental illnesses and problems affect one in five Canadians in any given year, regardless of age, background, or geographical location. Mental health problems have a high economic cost (estimated to be $51 billion per year) and take an even greater human toll. Mental health is more than the absence of illness, it is a resource that gives us the capacity to enjoy life and deal with challenges.
“Mental illness does not discriminate — anyone can experience mental illness, and the burden of untreated mental illness can have negative effects on families, the economy and the health care system,” says Alexina Picard, operations manager of the BC Psychological Association. “Many people affected by mental illness do not know where or how to seek help. Our referral service can help connect them to a highly trained, local registered psychologist who can provide assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.”
There is a growing need for mental health services and resources across Canada. The BCPA hopes the presentation series will raise awareness that effective psychological treatments exist for the vast majority of mental illnesses and identify where British Columbians can access treatment.