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Coming up in Cowichan: Music, photography, Blessing of the Animals and more

Medford Singers, Farm Fest, Art Afternoon

The Medford Singers is beginning a new season with a new director, the choir said in a press release.

Connie Masson will be taking over the baton for the 35th season of this community choir.

"The choir was started by Beverly Medford, and has continued her legacy by performing a wide variety of folk, musical theatre and classic pop tunes each season," the release said. "Connie brings her 40 years of experience as conductor, vocal and piano teacher, and musical director to the position. Practices are sure to be energetic, educational and fun! She is also wondering where all the men who sing are hiding, and is encouraging them to come out of seclusion and join the choir."

New members are welcome to Wednesday night rehearsals, 7-9 p.m. at Duncan United Church.

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In the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals, Rev. Greg Darjes, the minister at the Chemainus United Church on Willow Street, will be conducting a Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, Sept. 29, beginning at 10 a.m.

"This service is an acknowledgement and celebration of our relationship with all creatures," said a press release for the event. "People are welcome to attend in the sanctuary with their companion pets (on leash or in a carrier), ashes/photos of past/present pets, or even favourite stuffies to be blessed during the service. Attendees with their pets will receive a small St. Francis of Assisi medal which can be attached to a collar or draped over a picture frame."
 
This family friendly service will include the story of St. Francis who considered all creatures to be his brothers and sisters and singalong family favourites, such as, 'All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir' and 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight', with ukulele accompaniment, the release said. Light refreshments will be offered following the service and there will be an opportunity to mingle with the animals, including Belle, a 24-year-old Austrian mountain pony.

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Cowichan Green Community is celebrating the harvest and their 20th anniversary with a Fall Farm Fest on Sept. 27 and 28 at their facility at 2431 Beverly St.

"Experience the beauty of autumn while enjoying local food, live music, and family-friendly activities," said a press release for the event. "Explore the farm, meet the staff, and learn about sustainable agriculture. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about where your food comes from, this event is perfect for everyone."

Friday there will be farm tours, local food tastings, workshops, live music, and access to the farmer’s market and plant nursery. In the evening there will be a long-table dinner.

On Saturday there will be farm tours, as well as local food tastings, educational activities, live music, scavenger hunts, demonstrations from Vermcomposting, a Soil Food Webs workshop, and more kid’s fun, said the release.

People can also bring their home-grown seeds and have them cleaned at no cost with Farm Folk, City Folks’ Mobile Seed Cleaner.

The event will run on Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. (get tickets to dinner at cgcfallfest.eventbrite.com). Saturday starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.

For more information email info@cowichangreencommunity.org or go to www.cowichangreencommunity.org

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The Duncan library is hosting a Truth and Reconciliation Art Afternoon with Stuart Pagaduan on Sept. 27.

The event runs from noon until 5 p.m.

Pagaduan, who is a local Quw'utsun artist, will unveil a new artwork for the library's multi-purpose room that "honours learning together where 'Every Child Matters'."

Orange Shirt Day activities will be provided all afternoon for all ages. No registration is required. Activities will be available while supplies last.

For more information call 250-746-7661.

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Orca Cove Media is presenting a special celebration of the Tzinquaw Opera in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Friday, Sept. 27 at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15.

"Through the traditional story, music, and dance of today’s Tzinquaw Dance Group, we celebrate the creation of the Tzinquaw Opera in the 1940s-50s and its widespread acclaim, leading to the present-day revitalization of Cowichan culture," said a press release for the event.

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Coffee on the Moon is hosting an art show titled "A Photographer's Dream".

Works featured are by Cowichan Bay photographer Ducharme.

"I feel honoured to showcase Vancouver Island's landscape and wonders," the artists said on his website (www.hosting4hosts.com/photography). "I have never thought of myself as a photographer; I just always loved taking pictures. It is only the feedback from others that prompted me to do something public, and I now feel excited to share."

The show runs until Sept. 30.