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In this issue:
Growing Food, Growing Jobs, Growing Community
The Cowichan Green Community (CGC) is excited to announce the start of its latest initiative – the Edible Winter Wonderland project. A grant of nearly $100,000 from the “Skills Link: Employability Skills through Community Service” program will allow CGC to not only provide valuable life skills for youth, but also engage in a community project that will provide increased access to local, nutritious, fresh food.
“We are looking forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community,“ says Project Supervisor John Milne. “The project provides us the unique opportunity to provide skills development and training to youth with barriers to employment at the same time as providing an important community service through the creation of 6 visually pleasing vegetable-growing gardens.”
If you are interested in taking part in the design or construction of the gardens please contact John at Cowichan Green Community at 250-748-8506 or john [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org.
For more info click here.
Bottles for Sustainability
 If you live in the Properties in Maple Bay, start your New Year off “green” by donating your refundable containers to the Cowichan Green Community! CGC staff, members, and volunteers will be coming around between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm to do your dirty work for you!
Leave your refundables curb-side for us to pick up (separate from your recycling please). If you are unable to leave them on the curb, not to worry. We’ll come a-knockin’.
We will take away: Aluminum pop cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, tin juice containers (no meal, or soup), juice bag in a box (ie: Sun-rype 6L), foil drink pouches (ie: Capri sun), gable tops, beer and cider cans, beer, cider and cooler bottles, wine and liquor bottles (glass or plastic), wine in a bag box. Absolutely NO milk, milk substitutes, soup or meal containers.
The next time you visit the Cowichan Valley Bottle Depot, please consider donating your refund to the CGC account. Your donation will support CGC sustainability initiatives.
 Wednesday lunch hours at Quamichan Middle School are busy with students enjoying hot lunches made with local, farm fresh food, all part of the Cowichan Green Community’s Farm to School Program. Yummm! On the menu this week: Baird Brothers Farm's beef meat balls, Terra Nossa Farm's roasted sweet potatoes and Providence Farm’s salad greens. Check out more Farm to School news on our blog.
The deadline for listing and advertising on our second annual edition of the most comprehensive food guide in the Valley to date is fast approaching and spots are going quickly. Sign up today! Listing on the map is not only a cost-effective marketing tool to connect consumers to your locally produced food products but a great way to support the food security initiatives of the Cowichan Green Community. For more details about pricing or to download a participation form,
click here.
Buy Local! Buy Fresh!: Profiles from the Field
 What is CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) fosters a closer link between local families and their food. CSA members make a commitment to the farm at the beginning of the season by paying in advance for a portion of the farm’s products throughout the season. This guarantees the farm a market for its products, provides members fresh food at a discount, and fosters responsible relationships between farmer, eater, and the land where the food is grown.
Some of the farms on the Buy Local! Buy fresh! Cowichan food map, currently offer CSAs like Makaria Farm. Farmers Heather Walker and Brock Mcleod are now accepting registration for their 2011 CSA. This is the 4th year running, and it promises to be better than ever! If you are interested in subscribing to 19 weeks of fresh-picked, organically grown vegetables from Makaria from June-ish through October-ish, contact Heather or Brock at 250-597-3276, makariafarm [at] gmail [dot] com; 4715 Bench Road, Duncan, B.C., V9L 6L7; www.makariafarm.com
The CGC Sustainable Living Centre
Product of the Month: Reishi Mushroom Kits
 With snow on the ground and people reaching for that trusted box of Kleenex, CGC would like to suggest a little extra love for your immune system with a locally-made Reishi mushroom kit. Amidst its long history in oriental medicine for beneficial health effects, Reishi mushrooms can be used to stimulate the liver, clean out the impurities from our blood, and help our bodies fight the effects of stress. From strengthening our immune system to curing respiratory problems, Reishi mushrooms also improve our liver functions while they work as an anti-allergen, antioxidant, and cancer fighter. For more detailed information please visit: http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/herbal-supplements/reishi-mushroom.php
To get your own Reishi mushroom kit, stop by CGC’s Sustainable Living Centre at 181 Station Street, or email: Amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org. Cheers to a new year of healthy living!
CERES: Pruning 101
 Winter is a great time to slow down after a growing season, but don’t forget that it is also an important time to prune various trees and shrubs in your yard! Although people do not normally think of it, winter is the healthier time to prune, because very little energy is being expended by the plant, and a great deal of energy is stored in root tissues. Whether it’s for increasing fruit yield, ease of harvest, improving structure, or for reducing further damage to our trees due to snowfall; there are many great reasons to prune. Generally winter pruning is done on trees and shrubs that flower during summer and early winter months, so make sure you are not pruning anything that is spring flowering. It would be wise to reference a few reputable gardening texts before you get too “saw-happy.” The last thing you would want to do is harm your plants…or yourself! If you are ever in doubt consult with a professional horticulturist, or certified arborist.
Have our experienced and knowledgeable pruning staff provide the best care for your yard and property. Here is a list of our pruning services:
• Small tree and shrub pruning
• Fruit tree pruning
• Cane pruning
• Dormant Oil Application
For more information on our services and consultations check us out online at http://www.cowichangreencommunity.org/ceres, contact us at 250-748-8506, or email ceres [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org
Honorable Mention for 2010 Canadian Eco-Leader Award
CGC is proud to announce that we received an honorable mention for the 2010 Canadian Eco Leader Award. This award was created to recognize the efforts that Canadians are pursuing within their communities to create greener, more sustainable lifestyles for themselves, their families, and future generations. We were nominated for our efforts throughout the Cowichan Valley, though in particular, the Warmland Community Gardens. We invite you to be inspired by the other amazing organizations and groups that are doing everything they can to create a more sustainable future by clicking here: http://www.boschecolution.ca/index.html
CGC Bike Raffle Winner!
 CGC is proud to announce that the winner of the Norco Bike Raffle is Kendra Stiwich! The winning ticket was drawn on Monday, December 20th. Congratulations Kendra!
Community News:
Here we Grow Again!
For four Wednesdays starting January 19th, Joy Story will be gardening at the Sunflower Cafe with a four part series on Growing Food. The cost is $50.00 for all four workshops, or $15.00 each. Drop payment at Sunflower Cafe, 149 Canada Ave, Duncan, BC. or mail to Grow Food, 545 Voutrait Rd., Mill Bay, BC, VOR 2P3.
For more info, contact Joy Story at growfood [at] shaw [dot] ca
Mindfulness Training Workshop
Join Heather Ferris M.Ed. CCC to improve physical & mental conditions for individuals and physical or mental health practitioners on Saturday, January 22nd, from 9am to 4pm, at the United Church, Ingram St., Duncan.
The fee is $50 per person. You can pre-register at Cowichan Family Life, 28 - 127 Ingram St. Duncan, by phone at (250)748-8281.
GAIA College Spring 2011 Courses
Registrations for our Winter and Spring courses are in full swing, and it looks like most courses will be full again - we're just thrilled by the rapidly growing interest in organic practices. So please be sure to register quickly if you have your heart set on a particular course!
All details and registration information can be found at http://www.gaiacollege.ca.
Stop Coal Coalition
Join the Stop Coal Coalition in Victoria on January 25th in their plight to stop the mining and export of BC coal by 2015. Visit their website, http://stopcoal.ca/, and take the pledge to find out more. They also want to help you organize and promote events in your community.
For more info, contact The Stop Coal Team (Jane, Kevin, Caitlyn, Cliff, Will, Peter, Matt and Cameron) stop [dot] coal [dot] bc [at] gmail [dot] com
Creating Community: Richness in Diversity Workshop
The Richness in Diversity Workshop will explore various questions on multiculturalism and the community. This event will take place on Friday, January 28th from 9 am – 3 pm (Lunch is included) at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Center, Comeakin Room, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan, BC. Workshop is free, but requires registration. To register contact: Ray Anthony, Dialogue Coordinator. Phone: 250-748-3112; Email: ray [dot] cis [at] telus [dot] net
Introduction to Ayurveda Workshop: Bringing Balance to Your Being
Come and join Asrael in this empowering workshop about Ayurveda, and to open yourself to the magic of your own being. In this workshop you will learn about the 5 elements and how to work with them to create the balance, harmony, and rhythm necessary for health and happiness.
It will take place on January the 29th, from 10am to 1pm, at Natasha’s Temple Studio on 123 Station Street, Duncan. There is a suggested donation of $25. For more information call 250-597-3973, or visit: www.anandaayurveda.wordpress.com
Streamkeepers Course
In this 2 day course you will learn the skills required to evaluate, measure, and monitor potential fish-bearing streams. It includes practical in-class training and field work on Kelvin Creek. The class instructor Dave Clough, R.P. Bio has been restoring fish and stream habitat, and training habitat stewards for over 25 years.
It takes place on February the 5th and 6th, 9am – 4pm. The location is at Fairburn Farm, 3310 Jackson Rd., near Bright Angel Park.
The cost is $60 per person, which includes a lunch. The course manual is $20. To register contact the Cowichan Land Trust by phone, (250)746-0227, or by e-mail, info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca
Bioengineering Workshop
Come learn how to use natural materials to restore eroding creek banks. The instructor David F. Polster, MSc, RPBio., is a national expert in plant ecology with over 30 years of experience.
Pre-registration is required. For more information contact the Cowichan Land Trust by phone, (250)746-0227, or by e-mail, info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca
Issues in Non-profit Management
This course is designed to introduce students to the areas of responsibility of managers of not-for-profit organizations, and is intended to provide a broad overview of the management challenges of the not-for-profit sector.
TRMT 312
$378.36 + Student & Activity Fees = $457.77
Students must apply to VIU.
Free for 25 sponsored seats.
Looking for Tenant in Exchange for Home Reno Work
I live in Cowichan Bay with my three kids and am looking for a skilled tradesperson to be a tenant and exchange some work for a lowered rent. This person must be kind, upright and used to cooperative situations. Please call Cathy (250)732-4743, or email her at cathyresponds [at] gmail [dot] com.
Plastic Free Cowichan Valley
Local Cowichan Valley Citizen, Constance Moerman has started a Facebook fan page. It is a place to bring awareness and inspiration to plastic alternatives and resources. Check it out!
Cycle Cowichan — Building bike culture in Cowichan
Are you concerned about cycling in the Cowichan valley? Do you want to make a positive change with cycling infrastructure, are you interested in cycling culture in the valley? You should join Cycle Cowichan.
For more information, to get involved or to become a member, visit www.cyclecowichan.ca.
Quamichan Watershed Community Meeting
On February 2 at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm) the Quamichan Stewards will be bringing together the community to discuss recreation and public lake access in the Quamichan Lake Watershed. At the Maple Bay Fire Hall on 1230 Maple Bay Rd. For more information contact Kai Rietzel by phone at 250-746-0227 or email kai [at] quamichanlake [dot] ca
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Members are the driving force behind Cowichan Green Community:
Members help to create a stronger voice for change in our community, fund locally-focused initiatives that make our community more sustainable AND provide opportunities for inspired people like yourself to get involved.
Memberships are $20 for individuals, $40 for families and $10 for youth. Your support is greatly appreciated!!
Events and Opportunities
LIRN Workshop #2 (FREE!)- Making Space for Everyone: Toward an Accessible Community
Thurs. Feb. 3rd from 8:30 - 1:00 PM
Workshop takes place at the Duncan Fire Hall, 468 Duncan St. Allow time for community discussion after workshops.
Alexander School Community Garden Kickoff Party
Sat. Feb. 5th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
In order to build a community garden, we need your input. If you want to voice your opinion, come join us! Free lunch and beverages will be available as well as children activities. Bring your kids and your appetite!
Food Security: It's in Your Hands Movie Premier and Panel Discussion
Sat. February 12th from 2:00 to 5:00PM
at the Duncan Christian Reform Church on 930 Trunk Rd. Come out and figure our answers, and solutions to questions that affect us all!
“Sharing Our Love Stories” What Makes our Home?
Sun. Feb. 13th from Noon until 6 pm
at the Maple Bay Rowing Club on 6735 Beaumont Ave.
Maple Bay is set to celebrate the people and love stories that make up the colourful fabric of the Cowichan Valley with a community gathering in time for Valentine’s Day.
CGC Donor Breakfast
Thurs. March 3rd from 7:00 - 8:30 AM
We are pleased to invite you to our Donor Breakfast. In the hopes of your continued community and financial support, this event will highlight how far we have come since our inception.
Seedy Saturday
Sat. March 26th from 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Celebrate the start of the gardening season at the Mercury Theatre on 331 Brae Rd. by bringing along some of your own organic seeds or cutting sprouts to Duncan’s third annual Seedy Saturday!
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