Riot Brewing has named its latest beer creation after an up and coming drag queen star from Vancouver Island.
The new beer, called Jimbo: Boysenberry Blackberry Sour, is named after Jimbo, one of the participants on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, a reality competition television series based on the American series RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“Like much of Canada, Riot Brewing Co. was impressed by the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of all the participants on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race,” a release from Riot Brewing, which operates in Chemainus, said.
“In particular Riot Brewing was blown away by Vancouver Islander and local favorite, Jimbo. It’s a rare thing to see such a dedicated and groundbreaking artist like Jimbo, and this year all of Canada got to share in the Jimbo experience.”
Jimbo: Boysenberry Blackberry Sour is now available in bars and restaurants, and will be sold in 650 ml bottles in liquor stores across the Island starting Oct 15.
“I’m so excited to be collaborating with Riot Brewing to create my special beer,” Jimbo said.
“Vancouver Island is home to so many amazing creators and visionaries, people with strong character and an unusual determination, forging their own unique path. I’m so proud to call the Island my home.”
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Anyone looking for handcrafted poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day on Nov. 11 should check out the handiwork of Laura Dickinson.
For the second year in a row, Dickinson is making poppies out of felt, wool or any other available material as a fundraiser, with all proceeds split evenly by the Royal Canadian Legion branches in Duncan and Shawnigan Lake.
She said her family has a long tradition of service in both the British and Canadian armed forces, and this is her way of giving something back.
“They retail for $8 each and are all unique and crafted by me at my home, in the car, truck, waiting rooms, and anywhere I can sit for two minutes,” Dickinson said.
“As of Oct. 31 until Remembrance Day, they will be available from Fabrications, Willow and Orchid and Sun Valley Pools and Spa.”
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Tin Cup Espresso & Coffee on Canada Avenue has new owners.
Sia Xia and her partners took over the Tin Cup, touted as a vibrant and happening café, on Oct. 1.
“We do have a lot of new plans for the future, but we need to take some time to finish them,” she said.
Tin Cup’s new hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Monday and Tuesday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
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The Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce had to cancel its annual Spring Fling fundraiser, which usually involves a silent and live auction, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
So the chamber is holding one online in the fall instead, called the Fall Fling, with items on auction listed at www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/Cowichan-Lake-District-Chamber-of-Commerce-Fall-Fling-Auction—13741.
The auction will run from Oct. 9-17.
A press release from the chamber said every cent raised helps it support businesses and the community, and some of the proceeds are also used to support two scholarships to students graduating from Lake Cowichan School every year.
“We appreciate any support you can give us as we know it has been a tough year for many,” the release said.
“The second part of the Fall Fling, the awards night, will be a small socially distanced ceremony. We have time slots set up in order to make it as safe as possible for our nominees.”
The chamber also offers congratulations to the award nominees in numerous categories:
• Youth of the Year: Simone Hinojosa and Aidan Sidhu
• Nichole Stock Community Service Award: Ginny Saboe, Jim Spice and Parm Birk
• Customer Service Award: Erin Butler of Butler Locksmithing, Michelle McCoy of Country Grocer, Joseph Pearson of Canada Post and Jodi McKenzie of Lake Cowichan Chiropractic
• Citizen of the Year: Melanie Livingstone-Hamilton and Aaron Hamilton, Carolyn Graham, and Cathy Craft
• Island Savings’ Business of the Year: notary public Patricia Thompson, Mesachie Lake Automotive Repairs, and Cassy’s Coffee House
• Above and Beyond winner: Dr. David Froese
• Lifetime Achievement Award winner: Dick Orman
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The Cowichan Housing Association is seeking board members to round out its team of dedicated volunteers to help steer the CHA ship towards a new horizon of affordable housing development and homelessness initiatives in the Cowichan Valley.
A release from the CHA asks that if you are concerned about the lack of affordable housing in Cowichan, if you are interested in being part of a team that has a real opportunity to make a difference in the community, and if you have time and skills to contribute, you should apply to be a board member.
To get applications forms, contact admin@cowichanhousing.com, or go to www.cowichanhousing.com.