The Cowichan Valley Naturalists will take you under the sea on May 18.
The presentation, “Formation and Recovery of Glass Sponge Reefs: a case study”, begins at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Those interested should email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the link.
So what’s it all about?
“A number of myths exist in literature on glass sponge reefs (GSRs), largely because of their recent discovery and speculations both in literature and among those interested in the subject,” a press release for the event says. “Since 2007, a Vancouver Aquarium research dive team has focused on repeated diving at one GSR in Howe Sound. Their observations have led to some different viewpoints on life history of GSRs.
“Jeffrey Marliave from the Vancouver Aquarium will provide photographic evidence to demonstrate that changes occur rapidly on the Howe Sound reef. Jeff will also document the damage that can be caused by sport angler down-rigger trolling. Capacity for tissue recovery in damaged sponges will be illustrated, and aspects of climate that affect the sponges will also be discussed.”
•••
The Cowichan Musical Society AGM is coming up.
The Society will be hosting their annual general meeting on Monday, May 17 online. It starts at 6:30 p.m.
“As always, we will be choosing the team to be on this year’s executive,” says a news release about the meeting.
Nominations are open to fill the positions of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. To nominate someone email cowichanmusicalsociety@gmail.com
•••
Author Ruth Spencer has released a timely book.
Titled The Thirteenth Overdose: Parenting My Son Through FASD and Addiction, it promises to be a raw read.
“Tim is an adult with drug addictions and FASD. Living on the streets, he overdoses so often the first responders know him by name. He steals to buy himself heroin. He serves time, breaches probation, and returns to jail. His health deteriorates. With broken bones, infections, hep C and heart failure, Tim gains the help of police and other support systems to triumph over his addiction. In an honest portrayal from a mother’s perspective, Spencer puts us in the front seat of her family’s daily struggle with her son’s addiction,” reads the synopsis for the book.
Spencer has three adopted children with FASD, and has been a parent advocate for 50 years.
Her book can be ordered through your local book store, and is also available on Amazon, Kindle or Indigo as a paperback or ebook.