Community

Seven-year-old Rowan Walroth (right) donated just shy of $3,000 to a Vernon food bank in March 2021. (Contributed)

B.C. 7-year-old discovers locals are struggling, raises $3K for food bank

Rowan Walroth read a book about boys who dared to make a difference, and decided to become one

Seven-year-old Rowan Walroth (right) donated just shy of $3,000 to a Vernon food bank in March 2021. (Contributed)
“Motorcycle is propped up, but driver is on pavement surrounded by curious onlookers in background as ambulance attendants give treatment following accident Friday. Motorcyclist Rudy Servatius was in collision with a car driven by a juvenile, a police spokesman said Tuesday. Impact tore seat off Yamaha and Servatius suffered broken leg when crash hurdled him over auto.” (Lake News March 25, 1981)

Lake Flashback Police patrols, Pee Wees, and Saywell High?

Remember these stories from Lake Cowichan?

“Motorcycle is propped up, but driver is on pavement surrounded by curious onlookers in background as ambulance attendants give treatment following accident Friday. Motorcyclist Rudy Servatius was in collision with a car driven by a juvenile, a police spokesman said Tuesday. Impact tore seat off Yamaha and Servatius suffered broken leg when crash hurdled him over auto.” (Lake News March 25, 1981)
Delivering special care packages to the elderly is a project idea that would qualify for a Small Neighbourhood Grant. (Clayoquot Biosphere Trust photo)

Neighbourhood Small Grants are open for application

Get your creative, community-driven project funded for up to $500

Delivering special care packages to the elderly is a project idea that would qualify for a Small Neighbourhood Grant. (Clayoquot Biosphere Trust photo)
Sign at Crofton beach tells the tale that there’s some treasures for kids to find. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Bounty of treasures being found along Crofton beach

Kids on a mission to search for wares left behind by generous pirates

Sign at Crofton beach tells the tale that there’s some treasures for kids to find. (Photo by Don Bodger)
The Mill Bay Plantaholics are holding a COVID-safe version of their annual plant sale for 2021. (Submitted)

COVID can’t stop Cowichan’s Plantaholics 2021 sale

More than 1,300 plants have been potted up ready for sale.

  • Mar 25, 2021
The Mill Bay Plantaholics are holding a COVID-safe version of their annual plant sale for 2021. (Submitted)
Devin Meads planned to walk 150 kilometres from Langford to Qualicum Beach in support of the Victoria Humane Society and homeless animals. (Contributed photo)

Vancouver Island walk to help homeless animals takes detour

Devin Meads forced to quit 24-hour fundraiser at 100-kilometre mark due to injury

Devin Meads planned to walk 150 kilometres from Langford to Qualicum Beach in support of the Victoria Humane Society and homeless animals. (Contributed photo)
Carmen Hou joined BC Cancer’s Personalized Onco-Genomics Program, where scientists sequenced her DNA to match her to the best treatment possible for her cancer. Today, she nears the three-year mark of being on a trial drug that’s kept her cancer stable.

Facing Stage IV breast cancer at 36

One in eight Canadian women develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

  • Mar 22, 2021
Carmen Hou joined BC Cancer’s Personalized Onco-Genomics Program, where scientists sequenced her DNA to match her to the best treatment possible for her cancer. Today, she nears the three-year mark of being on a trial drug that’s kept her cancer stable.
Lorne Thickett of the Duncan Knights of Columbus presents a cheque for $50,000 to second prize winner Jennifer Roszell of Duncan. (Submitted)

Duncan woman wins $50K in Knights of Columbus charity draw

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 draw forced the Knights to sell tickets virtually

  • Mar 22, 2021
Lorne Thickett of the Duncan Knights of Columbus presents a cheque for $50,000 to second prize winner Jennifer Roszell of Duncan. (Submitted)
From left, Town of Lake Cowichan mayor Ross Forrest, CVRD Area I director Klaus Kuhn, CVRD Area F director Ian Morrison, and Cowichan Lake Recreation Commission chair Sheila McFarlane, cut the ribbon to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena’s upgrades during a grand opening celebration, Saturday, March 12. (Tyler Clarke photo)

Lake Flashback: Tax hikes, school squabbles and seal-coating

Remember these stories from Lake Cowichan?

From left, Town of Lake Cowichan mayor Ross Forrest, CVRD Area I director Klaus Kuhn, CVRD Area F director Ian Morrison, and Cowichan Lake Recreation Commission chair Sheila McFarlane, cut the ribbon to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena’s upgrades during a grand opening celebration, Saturday, March 12. (Tyler Clarke photo)
Linda Derksen, Universal Access Committee chair, next to one of the signs made possible by a grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation. (Vancouver Island University photo)

VIU making buildings more accessible

Power door openers, wayfinding signage, grab bars in washrooms and plus-size chairs…

  • Mar 20, 2021
Linda Derksen, Universal Access Committee chair, next to one of the signs made possible by a grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation. (Vancouver Island University photo)
“It was written all over her face, Ashley Fothergill was among those who worked at last weekend’s Island Championship playoff games in Lake Cowichan. She sold 50/50 draw tickets but still enjoyed the game, which brought out the area’s hockey fans and community spirit. The Pee Wee A Lakers didn’t take the Island Championship but they do have one shot at the finals.“ (Lake News, March 13, 1996)

Flashback: A bun in Grandma’s oven, night hunting and the Green Machine

Remember these stories from Lake Cowichan?

“It was written all over her face, Ashley Fothergill was among those who worked at last weekend’s Island Championship playoff games in Lake Cowichan. She sold 50/50 draw tickets but still enjoyed the game, which brought out the area’s hockey fans and community spirit. The Pee Wee A Lakers didn’t take the Island Championship but they do have one shot at the finals.“ (Lake News, March 13, 1996)
Two transient orcas were spotted near the shores of Esquimalt Monday afternoon. (Miller Fernandez/Facebook video)

VIDEO: Orcas spotted close to shore in Esquimalt

Transient brothers give Greater Victoria residents a show

Two transient orcas were spotted near the shores of Esquimalt Monday afternoon. (Miller Fernandez/Facebook video)
Members of the 4-H Horse Club enjoy the annual horse camp at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds. (submitted)

Farm Credit Canada supports Cowichan 4-H club with cash

On the list of recipients is the Cowichan 4-H Horse Club out of Cobble Hill.

  • Mar 8, 2021
Members of the 4-H Horse Club enjoy the annual horse camp at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds. (submitted)
‘It was a great week for Jan Pullinger, MLA. She accompanied Andrew Petter, the new Minister of Health to Lake Cowichan. He credited her with saving the Youbou mill. Left to right, Jan, Petter and Sam Beldessi, president of the Cowichan Seniors. Pullinger and Petter were visiting the Seniors’ Centre.’ (Lake News, March 6, 1996)

Lake Flashback: A new library, Peewee sports, and a resignation

Welcome to Lake Flashback. Reporter Sarah Simpson has been combing through old…

‘It was a great week for Jan Pullinger, MLA. She accompanied Andrew Petter, the new Minister of Health to Lake Cowichan. He credited her with saving the Youbou mill. Left to right, Jan, Petter and Sam Beldessi, president of the Cowichan Seniors. Pullinger and Petter were visiting the Seniors’ Centre.’ (Lake News, March 6, 1996)
Sahtlam Volunteer Firefighters Association has stepped up, in spite of COVID, for a number of charities. (Submitted)

Sahtlam firefighters step up

Sahtlam Volunteer Firefighters Association has a long history of supporting charities

  • Mar 6, 2021
Sahtlam Volunteer Firefighters Association has stepped up, in spite of COVID, for a number of charities. (Submitted)
In years past in-person ceremonies have been held for International Women’s Day. This year the observance is going online on Monday, March 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (file photo)

Virtual ceremony for Women’s Day in Cowichan on Monday

Audrey George, manager of the Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility, will be keynote speaker.

  • Mar 5, 2021
In years past in-person ceremonies have been held for International Women’s Day. This year the observance is going online on Monday, March 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (file photo)
The Kinsol Trestle in Shawnigan Lake is a sight to behold. Funding for the expansion of the Shawnigan Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. (Citizen file)

Shawnigan Museum expansion gets $480,000

Funds from Government of Canada Legacy Fund - Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program

  • Mar 4, 2021
The Kinsol Trestle in Shawnigan Lake is a sight to behold. Funding for the expansion of the Shawnigan Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. (Citizen file)
Chelsea Harry was last seen Feb. 21. Photo via Comox Valley RCMP

Vancouver Island RCMP seeking help locating a missing woman

Missing person last seen in Courtenay on Feb. 21

  • Mar 4, 2021
Chelsea Harry was last seen Feb. 21. Photo via Comox Valley RCMP
Neurologist and medical educator Dr. Alexandre Henri-Bhargava, seen here speaking at the 2020 Breakfast to Remember in Victoria, will delve into the latest in dementia research during an interactive research event exclusively for attendees of this year’s virtual Breakfast. Access to the March 10 research event is included with the purchase of a Breakfast to Remember ticket. (Kevin Light Photography)

Blast off with Chris Hadfield at Alzheimer Society’s Breakfast to Remember in March

The Society hopes people in all corners of the province will make the most of this opportunity

  • Mar 3, 2021
Neurologist and medical educator Dr. Alexandre Henri-Bhargava, seen here speaking at the 2020 Breakfast to Remember in Victoria, will delve into the latest in dementia research during an interactive research event exclusively for attendees of this year’s virtual Breakfast. Access to the March 10 research event is included with the purchase of a Breakfast to Remember ticket. (Kevin Light Photography)
This poster, spreading misinformation regarding COVID-19 restrictions, has been popping up in communities across Vancouver Island.

UPDATED: Poster popping up in Island communities falsely claiming COVID restrictions are over

Unattributed poster claims COVID restrictions ended March 1; Island Health responds

This poster, spreading misinformation regarding COVID-19 restrictions, has been popping up in communities across Vancouver Island.