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In this issue:
Farmer Profile:
Farm #3- Glenora Farm
These days, the term 'farm' no longer just describes the red barn, the row crops and the animals out to pasture. While many farms still embody these more traditional pastoral scenes, many groups are combining agriculture with a larger social purpose to create a whole new kind of growing environment.
When it comes to combining raising food and caring for others, Glenora Farm is no exception. Down an unassuming gravel road in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, this unique non-profit organic farm, is also a craft and life-skill community offering adults with disabilities and their care-givers support. This is accomplished by providing learning opportunities and extended family housing where participants can work and live together in a compassionate setting...
Click here to read the rest of Glenora's Farm Profile!
Click here to visit Glenora's Website!
Our EM is Ready and Waiting to Help Your Garden Thrive!
Amanda & Kristi have been busy in the office tending to our EM, and after 6 weeks of curing, our batch is ready today! By Tuesday of next week our E.M will be on the shelves of the Sustainable Living Centre, and will be selling for $12 a bottle.
What is EM?
EM is an acronym for Effective Microorganisms. Essentially EM is a soil ammender and organic fertilizer. By increasing the regenerative bacteria in your soil, EM will allow your plants to absorb more nutrients and will also eliminate any pests in your soil with continued application. The ratio of EM to water is incredibly low and a one litre bottle goes much farther than any other organic fertilizer available (1ml : 1000ml). For more info about EM, please click here!
Help us Help local Food Banks! 
"Care less for the harvest, than how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace."
On behalf of local food banks, we are reaching out to our community to share any abundance of food that is available for donation. Unfortunately, there is a noticeable shortage of food being donated at this time of the year, and many food banks don't have enough food to feed those that are in need. We are more than willing to disperse donated food if you are unsure of where to go. If you are unsure of what to donate, don't hesitate: if you can eat it, the food banks will gratefully accept it. Please feel free to drop off and donations at 181 Station Street and we will take care of the rest. Thank you in advance! We would like to also send a BIG thank-you to all of our Fruit Save pickers who have been out there, collecting fruit to be donated to local food banks. You are truly doing a great service for our community and alongside the food banks, we truly appreciate your time and effort! If you would like to know more, or get involved with our Fruit Save program, please click here!
Ceres Edible Landscaping:
We know its still summer, but did you know that fall is one of the best times to plant a perennial garden? Whether it be an edible garden, native garden, ornamental ,or the English garden of your dreams, consider making fall the time to plant your favorites. Not only will you make it easier on your plants to establish, but you will use less water and will give your plants extra time before the next growing season to get settled in. If you are in need of a plan, or someone to do the work, Ceres Edible Landscaping can help you create a landscape that is pleasing to the eye and your belly. Contact us today to speak with one of our trained horticulturalists and see what we can achieve!
Kinsmen Community Gardens:
Show and Tell?
For those gardeners who will be around on Saturday, August 20th, please feel free to come down and show off your garden plot to participants signed up for the Edible Garden Tour. This could be a great opportunity for you to show and tell everything you have been busy doing in your own garden plot.
Many thanks to Heather Ferris who will be at the Kinsmen Gardens from 10am- 1pm to meet and greet the people on the tour! If you would like to give her a hand, or simply share your gardening history at the Kinsmen Gardens, please feel free to get involved!
This is CGC’s 2nd annual Edible Garden Tour and we couldn’t leave out our beautiful Kinsmen gardens. Many thanks to all the Kinsmen gardeners who have been digging in the dirt and working hard to make this community space an enjoyable experience for everyone in our community! It looks amazing!
Important:
Over the next year, we are trying to help protect the plastic underlay by planting strawberries on the inner edges of the Mandala garden and surrounding beds. Their strawberry leaves will hang over the plastic and help protect the edges from coming undone. If you have a plot in the round Mandala Garden, please contact Amanda if you do not want strawberries on the edge of your bed by emailing:
amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org or by calling 250.748.8506
Sustainable Living Centre:
Honeymoon Bay Soap Works
Many people are in love with homemade soups and there are more than enough reasons to choose quality over quantity. As part of a $170 billion dollar industry, plenty of companies out there, 'green washing' their products by stating they are organic or natural, but buyer beware. Here is a list of 7 deadly ingredients you want to avoid when purchasing any kind of beauty or bath product.
1. Collagen: found in soap, both liquid & solid bars. (Also named: elastin). This substance is derived from animal fat that can suffocate and corrode the skin.
2. Formaldehyde: found in hand and skin creams, shampoos and nail polish. (Also named: formalin, formic aldehyde, oxomethane, oxymethylene). Known carcinogen that can cause allergies, allergic reactions, and respiratory asthma.
3. Hydroquinone: Found in sunscreens, skin lighteners, hair bleaches, concealers, facial cleansers, etc. (Also named: 1,4-Benzenediol, 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene, P-Dioxybenzene, 4-Hydroxyphenol, P-Hydroxyphenol,1,4Benzenediol). This is a known carcinogen, neurotoxic substance, endocrine disruptor while also being toxic to developmental and reproductive organs.
4. Mineral Oil: Found in lotions, lipstick, chap stick, make-up remover and liquid foundation. (Also named: liquidum paraffinum, paraffin oil, paraffin wax). This substance is derived from petroleum. Enough said?
5. Phthalates: Found in perfumes, fragrance, soaps and shampoo. (Also named: DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP) Mimics estrogen having unnatural effects on the endocrine system.
6. Propylene Glycol: Found in toothpaste, cosmetics, shampoo. (Also named: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium, SLS, SLES, MSDS, ALES, ALS.). This is used in industrial antifreeze. Can cause skin irritations, liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
7.Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Found in toothpaste, cosmetics and rich foamy shampoos. (Also named: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium, SLS, SLES, MSDS, ALES, ALS. Known carcinogen)
Luckily, we have plenty of natural beauty and skin care products, including Honeymoon Bay Soap Works. Located in Honey Moon Bay, Linda has over 35 years experience making healthy soaps that will enrich your day and your life. Be sure to come by the store at 181 Station Street, Linda directly at the Honey Moon Bay Farmers Market!
Cold Frames and Reclaimed Windows Available!
Although CGC has been promoting our reclaimed windows and cold frames, we still have way too many windows than we are able to house. Instead of paying for storage, we are hoping that there are a few of you out there who are still interested in these windows?
These wood framed windows were removed from the Vancouver City Hall as part of their building retrofit, and have been donated to CGC to be used for fundraising and food growing purposes. Windows are being stored in Sahtlam. These windows would be perfect for cold frame or greenhouse construction.
To have a look, or pick up some up, please contact: john [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org. Suggested donation: $5 for small quantities. Bulk options also available.
P.S. We still have one built cold-frame left available for purchase.
Community Events:
August 28th, Glenora Farm Community Summer Fair: 11am - 4pm. Live music and special entertainers, including the acclaimed award-winning 'Glenora Farm Handbell Ensemble', children’s activities, dancing, farm tours, weaving and lapidary, workshops and demonstrations, home cooking and baking, art and craft stalls, auctions and a raffle. Join the fun and festivities at 4766 Waters Road, Duncan. For more info call Pierre at 250-715-1664.
Community Drumming Circle w/ Karin Lewis: Fri. Aug 26th: 7pm-9pm @ Natasha's Temple Studio (123 Station Street, Duncan, B.C.) By donation, drums to share or BYO. For more info call 250.748.6750 or emailplayfulrhythms [at] msn [dot] com"> playfulrhythms [at] msn [dot] com
Two week Permaculture Workshop: August 17th-31st @ Mossy Banks Farm in North Cowichan: Learn how to install a grey water system, plan a food forest, put in an aquaculture system to restore soggy land to full use. Create the miracle of a shower right there beside your garden when you are hot and grimy. Week one focuses on planning, surveying and implementing a full aqua-culture system,
including planting the banks, planning a 1/2 acre food forest (to be planted in October.) Week two we will put in a grey water system, and construct an outside solar shower. Camping on site and meals can be provided. (Lunch included). The program is open to both those who have studied permaculture and those who have not. Long-time Permaculture teacher and practitioner Brandon Bauer will lead the first week, while permaculture educator and enthusiast Javan Bernakevitch will lead the second week. For more info and registration, go to http://www.earthenbuilt.com/learning-opportunities/practice-permaculture or call 250 597 3513.
Read about Cowichan Valley Resident Sarah and her family's efforts to live plastic free: http://afamilysjourneythroughplastic.blogspot.com/
Cowichan Land Trust presents a weekend of Fundraisers to Save Sansum Point: Saturday, August 20, 12-5pm: A Sampler for Sansum Point: An afternoon of delicious wine tastings, appetizers, music, and silent auction; this event takes place at the beautiful Godfrey-Brownell Vineyards on Marshall Road in Glenora.Tickets are $10 each and include tokens for food and drinks at the event.
Saturday, August 20, 5pm onwards: A Winemakers Dinner for Sansum Point
Following the "Sampler for Sansum" event at Godfrey-Brownell, join us for a 5-course gourmet winemakers dinner. Tickets are $50 and spaces are limited to 30 people!
Sunday, August 21, 9am-3pm: A fun and active day of kayaking and exploring Sansum Point. The experience begins at Wilderness Kayaks in Maple Bay and costs $100 per person including a guide, all necessary kayak gear, and boating insurance.
This is the perfect way to support the cause, while experiencing the waterfront seascapes and ecological diversity first hand.
For tickets: call 250-746-0151.All proceeds from these events go toward the Sansum Point acquisition.
CVRD Agricultural Plan Community Meeting: August 23rd- 7pm @ Glenora Hall. Please attend and lend your support. The area agricultural plan will demonstrate economic, environmental, cultural and sustainable community development benefits, in particular, the new A-5 zoning laws which will enable farms like Alderlea and alike to grow and distribute food on more than one piece of land. For more info or to express your opinions on the matter, contact the CVRD Planning and Development department by emailing Rob Conway: rconway [at] cvrd [dot] bc [dot] ca">rconway [at] cvrd [dot] bc [dot] ca or phoning: 250-746-2618. You can also email Loren Duncan-Area E CVRD director :loren_duncan [at] telus [dot] net"> loren_duncan [at] telus [dot] net
Cowichan Agricultural Society BBQ Dinner - Wed. Sept 14, 4:30-7:30pm
Who’s your farmer? Come to the annual Cowichan Agricultural Society BBQ and find out! Spend the evening rubbing elbows with the Cowichan Valley’s finest farmers and fest on a delicious, locally sourced BBQ dinner. And be sure to bring your friends, family and neighbours… because agriculture is in all of us! Live music and a display of our community’s agricultural history will also be part of the event. Call Dan Ferguson at 250-746-3970 for more information.
Veggies Available: Growing Opportunities is a non-profit collaborative. We work with
collectively with people of all abilities to learn and gain experience of growing food on a farming scale. We share the food with members and sell our food to finance the expenses of the farm.The harvest is on! We have veggies for sale. Anyone interested in
veggies can email orders to jenandbearit [at] gmail [dot] com or phone and leave a message at 250-753-3070. As of August 5, we have available: Basil, Beans, Yellow, Dragon Tongue,Purple Beets (tops on), Beet Greens, Carrots (tops on), Cilantro, Garlic, Snow Peas, Swiss Chard and Yellow Zucchini.
O.U.R. EcoVillage: Sept 17-18: Insight into GMOs: Symposium featuring keynote speaker Dr. D Huber & Jon Steinman. Local yummy treats, edible landscaping, local producer kiosks, exquisite natural buildings, and our annual local food feast FUNdraiser sit-down dinner. Drop in during the festival, or reserve early for the dinner and symposium. For info/ register please visit: http://ourecovillage.org or call 250-743-3019
Thursday Farmers Market from 2pm-7pm: Buy some locally grown, fresh fruits and veggies every Thursday from 2pm- 7pm @ the Cobble Hill Hall Field. For all inquiries call: 250.510.8343 or email: islanderstrading [at] yahoo [dot] ca">thursdayfarmersmarket [at] yahoo [dot] ca
Wanted: Plastic poly (clear or black) for renovating an older barn. Please email amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org if you have any materials you would like to donate.
Permaculture Certificates from the leading minds on sustainability (e.g. seed saving, organic farming, permaculture design, greywater systems, food forestry, regenerative financial systems, food production, natural building, mushroom and mycelium production, business models and ecovillage design) + the highest hands-on to theory ratio of any residential permaculture course on the Canadian west coast + three weeks with the glorious backdrop of Salt Spring Island off the coast of British Columbia? Visit: http://www.permaculturebc.com/permaculture-design-certificate-british-columbia-salt-spring-island for more info!
FoxGlove Farm Presents 2011 Workshops, Retreats & Events: Make your own homestead cheese, build a wood-fire oven, photograph the great outdoors, learn how to graft and prune trees or discover the art of fermentation + many other workshops. Visit http://www.foxglovefarmbc.ca for more info! Contact: programs [at] foxglovefarmsbc [dot] ca or phone: 250.931.5336.
Casual Farm Help Available. Weeding, planting, general farm labour. Contact CGC for more information. 250.748.8506.
Garden Spaces/ Greenhouses & Rental Suites:
Available: Large fenced backyard vegetable plot (10.5 x 14.5 metres) in the Seine Road area. There is easy access from the back driveway. Lots of tools including a roto-tiller to share. There is a greenhouse and easily accessible water available. Would like to see this area used by someone who practices organic gardening as it has become too much for me to maintain by myself. I will provide the space, tools and water in return for a share of the produce. Please call 250-748-0527 or email mwhitwill@ shaw.ca to discuss a mutually beneficial opportunity. I hope to have plans in place for next year's growing season.
Small Rental Cabin/ Cottage/ Lot on Acreage Needed for Sept. 1, 2011: Moving to the Valley w/ 3 friendly dogs and a cat. Have own live-in trailer w/ phone jack, electric hook-up, but need space for pets and access to clean H20 supply. Willing to pay for hook-ups, otherwise, i am willing to rent a cabin or cottage. Please contact Gina Son at reguarmat [at] yahoo [dot] ca">reguarmat [at] yahoo [dot] ca or phone 250-359-7999.
Hope Farm has two tubing benders for loaning out to local growers wanting to make covered growing areas. We have one 4' low tunnel bender and one high tunnel bender. Please contact Michael Burdge at mike [at] hopefarm [dot] ca or 250.510.2111
Job Opportunities: (Note: Please reply directly to the job posting)
Sorry, there are no jobs currently listed.
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Events:
2nd Annual Edible Garden Tour:
Saturday, August 20th
10am -4pm
What's your neighbour growing? Find out during CGC's second annual Edible Garden Tour. From tasty and unique heritage varieties to wild options like Hairy Cat's Ear, our tour hosts have a lot to show off. Learn how people have turned residential yards into an edible oasis, or how about sheet mulching (a.k.a. a no-dig, back-saving approach to building garden beds), using fig hedges to keep out those pesky deer, and much more! Talk with the gardeners about their own unique take on edible landscaping and meet other keen green thumbs in the community as well. Tickets are $10 each for members, $15 for non-members and $20 for couples or families. Kids under 13 yrs are free. Please contact us at 250-748-8506 or email: alyssa [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org for more information or to reserve your ticket today. P.S. Many thanks to Richard D. for your generous donation towards the Edible Garden Tour. Your support towards to this event means so much to us! Alexander Community Garden Work Party Recap:
 Many, many thanks to all that came out to the Alexander Work Party! It was so great to see volunteers, and CGC staff all working together. Throughout the day we enjoyed weeding, topdressing the plants with compost, mulching and spreading gravel (as well as eating tasty egg-salad sandwiches and watermelon, while sipping on lemonade). Thanks to Ian for donating a bunch of perennials to the garden! We just love our volunteers! If you would like to see the progress this garden has made, please check it out at the end of Beverly Street near Alexander School Gym. You might even find a strawberry or two!
Support CGC through the Peninsula CO-OP!
Would you like to support CGC, but aren’t sure how? An easy way to donate to CGC could be the next time you go to fill up with gas. If you stop at your local Co-op gas station, just tell them you want to donate your gas purchase points to Cowichan Green Community's account (#49620)! It will quickly add up for us, we can put the points to great use, and the Peninsula Co-op is a Vancouver Island based co-operative! Awesome!
Become a Fan for CGC on Facebook!!
CGC knows that we have many more friends than our Facebook page says we do, so we are asking our members and supporters to simply click on the link below and become a fan of CGC. Having a presence in the online world helps us further spread the word about our great programs, current initiatives and future programs!
Like Us by Clicking Here!!
Green Volunteer Appreciation: 
In no particular order, here is a list of the amazing people we would like to acknowledge with a special thanks for their support. Please note that if we missed your name, you are still amazing!
All of our volunteers that helped out for the Alexander Community Garden Clean-ups!, our Fruit Save Pickers who have been helping us deliver fresh fruit to many different groups in need, Helen Nation & Peggy Dickson for new books to add to our lending library, Eric Morten and the Cowichan Recyclists!
Yearly Memberships: 2011  Members are the driving force behind everything we do here at Cowichan Green Community. Your support will: create a stronger voice for change in our community; help fund locally-focused programs that make our home a more sustainable place to eat, live, work and play; provide opportunities for community members like yourself to get involved.
Memberships also include: 10% off everything in the Sustainable Living Centre; access to our great selection of books in our Lending Library; discounts on CGC workshops and events; and the opportunity to vote at our AGM.
Register at 181 Station Street or online by clicking here.
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