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In this issue:
Preservation Workshops:
Start Tuesday, Sept. 20th!
Make the most of your summer harvest! Learn the basics of food preservation including jamming, dehydration, storage and pickling at our third annual preservation workshop series “Preserve the Harvest”. Get hands-on experience and learn how to improve your access to locally preserved foods.
The workshops will be led by Ruth Fenner and guest facilitators of the Somenos Women’s Institute, and will hosted at Warmland House located at 2579 Lewis Street in Duncan.
Admission is $20 for CGC members or $25 for non-members. Participants are asked to bring an apron, a cutting board, a paring knife, and plenty of enthusiasm! Spaces are limited, so please contact us to pre-register or for further information.
Workshop Schedule:
Canning Jam & Jelly: September 20th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Canning Fruits & Vegetables: September 27th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Storage & Dehydration: October 4th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Pickling: October 11th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Ceres Edible Landscaping:
Enter to Win!
 Need a boost for your compost or garden? If you haven’t already heard; the Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival is this weekend at various locations in the valley. While you’re out, come visit the Ceres booth this Sunday at Providence Farm . By the end of the day we will be giving away a free bottle of E.M. retailing in our store for $12. Enter the Draw and you could win!
Also: If you are going to be out for the day also come and check out our sheet mulching demonstration from 11:00-1:00 Learn about the various layers that make up a healthy sheet mulch, and how you can easily transform grass into a garden bed.s.
P.S. CGC and Ceres Edible Landscaping are still looking for a few pieces of equipment to assist us in our day to day operations for our landscaping team. We are wondering if there is anyone in Duncan or surrounding area that is willing to donate a leaf blower, or any items that could raise funds for us to purchase one. Please contact Kristi at 1.250.748.8506 or email kristi [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org
Kinsmen Community Gardens:
Prescription Glasses Found!
A pair of prescription glasses was found in the compost heap beside the Kinsmen Garden Shed. If you are missing these, or you know who has lost them, please call Amanda @ 250-748-8506.
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
Sustainable Living Centre:
Electric Bikes Have Arrived!
The Electric Bikes and Scooters have arrived and we are so happy to be a part of this global change, and you can too! Without producing any carbon emissions and paying only pennies a charge, you can have the mobility of a vehicle without the lasting footprint- not to mention the cost of auto insurance. But we know that we don't have to convince you why electric bikes and scooters are a sustainable way of transportation. However, we should let you know that all of our e-bikes and scooters are equipped with high quality lithium batteries, come with a 6 year warranty, and are distributed out of Nelson, B.C. If you're interested in taking one for a FREE test ride, come down to 181 Station Street and ride into the future. A little cheesy we know, but this form of transportation is literally the wave of a much more sustainable future for us all.
In the meantime, check out this website for more information on the Pedego and Wisper Electric Bikes!
Reclaimed Windows Need You!
We are seriously trying to give these reclaimed windows away, so if you are interested, please call us at 250-748-8506. We still have hundreds of them that need to find homes because soon enough, we will have nowhere to store them!
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:
Offshore - an art installation about overfishing, globalization and food security. Located at Portals Island Saving Centre (2687 James St.) in Duncan. Exhibit runs September 12th - Sept 23rd 2011. Monday - Friday 10 am to 5 pm; until 1 pm Saturdays.
O.U.R. EcoVillage - Insight into GMOs: Sept 17-18th
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
GMO Mandatory Labelling Petition: We are happy to inform you that Jean Crowder's office has initiated a petition you can sign for the implementation of mandatory labeling on food products that contain genetically modified organisms. Show your support by either coming into our store front at 181 Station Street to sign the petition, or you can click on the link below and print off a sheet that you and your friends, family, neighbour's, co-workers, etc can sign. Please get involved because this petition could radically change the health of our future, as well as our choice to eat GMO Free Food!
http://www.jeancrowder.ca/petitions
Help improve walking and cycling in Duncan!
Do you have concerns about cycling and walking conditions in Duncan? Come to the next Cycle Cowichan meeting to share your thoughts and hear ideas from a transportation consultant working on the new Active Transportation Plan. Free desserts for those who attend! Thurs, Sept 22 at 7pm at CGC (181 Station St.)
Web survey for public input on the Active Transportation Plan: We would, of course, like to generate as many responses as possible to gain information on concerns for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Please click on the link to give your input for active transportation plans in Duncan. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DuncanATP
Cooking Classes at Foxglove Community Garden:
Monday Sept 19th: Vietnamese Cooking
Sunday Sept 25th: Chinese Cooking
Please call (250) 246-4967 or email info [at] foxglovecommunitygardens [dot] org">info [at] foxglovecommunitygardens [dot] org for reservations. Cost for each class is $25.00 or four classes is $85.00. Includes all art and cooking supplies, including printed recipes for each lesson. You get to enjoy the great meals the chefs create.
Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup: Sept 21
The Cowichan Land Trust has signed up to participate in this year's Shoreline Cleanup on Shawnigan Creek and are looking for volunteers who want to help out! On Wednesday September 21, starting at 1:30pm meet up at Mason's Store, 1885 Renfrew Rd, Shawnigan Lake. WHAT TO BRING: Please bring a pair of gloves and rubber boots. If you have a row boat that you could offer for the work party (to get the hard to reach garbage), please contact us directly! Click here to register! For more info contact Jen at (250) 746-0227 or email jen [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca.
Cowichan Land Trust AGM: Sept 28
Learn about our successful projects and partnerships this year, which have included:
Quamichan Watershed Project, Friends of Cowichan Creeks, Sansum Point Acquisition, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, Western Toad Migration Project, Annual reports of the Society and the election of Directors will also take place. Refreshments will be provided. 7pm Wednesday, September 28 in St. Ann's Building at Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Road.
Contact info [at] cowichanlandtrust [dot] ca for more info.
Sat. Oct. 1st, 2011: 6th Annual Gourmet Gala The Gala showcases Cowichan’s fine artisanal foods, specialty beverages and art all under one roof, on one perfect day! This year we really want to shine the spotlight on our local farm products and the folks behind them…… and encourage people to buy local and buy fresh! For more info, check out www.gourmetgala.ca or call the Chamber office at 250-748-1111.
Veggies Available!
Delicious veggies are for sale from Growing Opportunities, a non-profit collaborative. Growing Opportunities works collectively with people of all abilities to learn and gain experience of growing food on a farming scale. To order veggies or get involved email jenandbearit [at] gmail [dot] com or phone and leave a message at 250-753-3070.
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.
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: thursdayfarmersmarket [at] yahoo [dot] ca
Casual Farm Help Available. Weeding, planting, general farm labour. Contact CGC for more information. 250.748.8506.
Garden Spaces/ Greenhouses & Rental Suites:
Needed: Home to rent in rural setting. Two respectful, responsible and hardworking adults w/young child looking for bright, cozy, private space w/ wood stove, land to keep chickens and create a market garden. Also willing to share labour on an existing farm. Excellent references available. Please call Steph @ 250.815.5488 or email: takkojak [at] hotmail [dot] com">takkojak [at] hotmail [dot] com
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.
Wanted: Plastic poly (clear or black) for renovating an older barn. Please email amanda [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org if you have any materials you would like to donate.
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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Join us for live music, local food, garden-related workshops and demonstrations, a pie baking contest, corn roast and more!
Providence Farm will have its’ wood-burning pizza oven fired up for lunch, and will also be offering
hay rides, hands-on
kids’ activities, as well as guided and self-guided tours of the historic property.
Seed Stories: A History and How-to on Seed Saving in the Cowichan Valley.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011
6:30pm - 8:00pm @
Vancouver Island
Regional Library
(2687 James Street)
Did you know that the Cowichan Valley was once a hot bed for seed production? Curious about how you can start saving seeds?
Come to the Cowichan Public Library on Thursday, Sept 22 from 6:30-8:00pm to learn more about our agricultural past from long-time local farmer Auke Elzinga, and the basics of seed saving with Jen Cody and Craig Evans of Growing Opportunities Community Co-op Farm. This event is FREE and all are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Vanessa at 250-748-8506 or email vanessa [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">vanessa [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org
Jean Crowder Petition:
Mandatory Labelling on Foods containing GMO's
(Genetically Modified Organisms)
We are happy to inform you that Jean Crowder's office has initiated a petition you can sign for the implementation of mandatory labeling on food products that contain genetically modified organisms. Show your support by either coming into our store front at 181 Station Street to sign the petition, or you can click on the link below and print off a sheet that you and your friends, family, neighbour's, co-workers, etc can sign. Please get involved because this petition could radically change the health of our future, as well as our choice to eat GMO Free Food!
http://www.jeancrowder.ca/petitions
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!
Thank You's:
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!
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