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In this issue:
Farmer Profile:
Farm #35: Kilrenny Farm
Delightful, is the impression left by a trip to Kilrenny Farm! This nine acre farm, which produces seasonal organic vegetables, free run chickens and free range turkeys has expanded to bring a taste of Italy to the Cowichan Valley – with a local flair.
This year, Deborah and Russell Fahlman, owners of Kilrenny Farm, have combined their passions for local organic food, cooking, and Italian cuisine to create a line of fresh artisan pastas and pasta sauces to suit an array of recipes, palates and dietary needs. From a Garlic-Basil Tagilatelle to their Kamut Linguini, the Fahlmans have committed to sourcing all their grains from within Canada, to choosing organic first, and to ensuring that they produce both pastas and sauces that include as many fresh, local and organic ingredients as they can. In doing so, the Fahlmans offer the community a healthy, preservative-free alternative to store-bought pastas and pasta sauces.
Click here to read the rest of Kilrenny's Farm Profile!
Click here to visit Kilrenny's Website!
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:
Tip of the Week!
 Are you ready to start a winter garden? Although autumn is fast approaching, there are many activities in the garden that one can do to get prepared. If you haven’t already, consider planting garlic, corn salad, pac choi, lettuce, radish, scallion and spinach this month. If protected, these vegetables can be harvested throughout the winter, or be an early bumper crop next spring. For areas of the garden that will be dormant over the winter, consider cover-cropping with fava beans or fall rye. Also, make a trip out to your favourite local nursery since there are often good deals to be had. Look for specials on tree and shrub material, as well as pots and other gardening supplies.
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:
Time to Collect Fallen Leaves
Fall is fast approaching and although we are in denial, it's time to start collecting fallen leaves over the next few weeks to use a mulch for your garden beds. You can use whatever medium of mulch you prefer, but collecting leaves is a cheap and efficient way to protect your plants in the cooler months of the year. Mulch helps protect the soil from compaction and erosion caused by rain, while it also provides a carbon source that will break down and provide more organic material throughout the soil. The more organic material and beneficial microorganisms present in the soil, the healthier your plants will be come spring!
P.S. 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 and Scooters coming soon! Many thanks to Peter Nix for helping us make this happen! Please stay tuned for more details...
In the meantime, check out this website for more info on E-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:
City of Duncan Community Meeting: Proposed backyard chicken regulations: Sept. 12th - 7pm @ City Hall
Join city staff and give us your thoughts about the proposed regulations. This is the second community meeting to receive feedback from citizens regarding regulations for the keeping of chickens. Draft regulatory elements include: Max no.: 6 chickens, No permanent roosters, Min. lot size required: 450 sq. m. Coops: Restrict to rear yard, 1.5 m setback from rear and interior side lot lines, 0.37 m2 per hen, Max size 8 m2, Max 3 m height, Min. 2.5 m from any dwelling. Pens: Secure enclosures with 0.92 m2 per chicken, No slaughter, On line registration. Contact: James van Hemert, Director of Development Services by phoning: 250-746-6126 or e-mail: jvanhemert [at] duncan [dot] ca">jvanhemert [at] duncan [dot] ca for more info.
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.
Sept 14-18th The 2011 Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival is presenting five NEW major festival events in addition to our traditional weekend celebration. Designed as a self-explore experience, visitors are encouraged to pick up or download a festival map before sipping and tasting their way through the Cowichan. All 26 festival participants will have something special going on over five days, and most daytime activities are free of charge.Visitors can also choose to purchase tickets to the festival participants' events on Thursday through Sunday. Ticketed events range from $25 to $225 per person and in size from dinners for 24 to parties of up to 200. Reservations required and tickets are limited.
VICTORIA -There’s still time for Victoria residents to get a free permit to Shape Your Space for PARK(ing) Day on Friday, September 16. For the second consecutive year, the City of Victoria is participating in PARK(ing) Day, a global initiative that encourages citizens to create temporary parks and open spaces out of downtown parking spots – challenging us to rethink how we use space in the urban core. This non-commercial event also provides an opportunity to raise awareness on what individuals can do to lower their carbon footprint. For more info about the worldwide PARK(ing) Day movement, visit www.ParkingDay.org To apply for a PARK(ing) Day permit, residents may call 250.361.0257 or email parkingservices [at] victoria [dot] ca. For more info visit: www.victoria.ca and click on What’s New?
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
Oceanview and Foxglove Community Garden and Kitchen's September Cooking Class schedule:
Sunday Sept 4th: Chinese Cooking. Authentic recipes from China presented by Liping and Anna
Sunday Sept 11th: Chinese Tea Ceremony and Chinese Brush Painting Class. Take part in the gracious and senuous Tea Ceremony and Learn the ancient art of Chinese Brush Painting.
Monday Sept 19th: Vietnamese Cooking Learn and enjoy the foods of Vietnam Offered by Lone and Liping.
Sunday Sept 25th: Chinese Cooking, using authentic recipes from Liping’s and Anna’s homeland.
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.
Sat. Oct. 1st, 2011: The Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce invites Cowichan Valley food producers to participate in the 6th Annual Gourmet Gala fundraiser.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! As a vendor, you provide samples of fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, or meat products, and can sell your products at your table. For more info, check out www.gourmetgala.ca or call the Chamber office at 250-748-1111.
Tables: Member price: $25, Non-Members: $50
GROW FOOD is publishing a Monthly on-line Magazine for People Who Love to Grow Food. We collect stories and share ideas on "How To Grow Great Food." To download your first FREE copy go to www.growfoodnetwork.com We also have a FREE Gardener's Classified Ad Section. Send to growfood [at] shaw [dot] ca "Plant a Garden - GROW FOOD"
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.
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:
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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Events:
Share the Harvest:
A Family Day of Local Food and Fun at Providence Farm
Sunday, September 18th
11am - 5pm
It is our pleasure to announce that we're hosting our 4th annual harvest event, entitled "Share the Harvest: A family celebration of local food and fun". This year we are proud to be partnering with Providence Farm as an official stop on the 7th annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival. "Share the Harvest” is a family-friendly event that will take place on Sunday, September 18th from 11am to 5pm, at Providence Farm. Included in the day's events are: live music, food and garden-related demonstrations and workshops, a local-ingredients pie 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 including birdhouse-building and face-painting, as well as guided and self-guided tours of the historic property.This celebration of local food and fun is guaranteed to entertain the whole family! Be sure to participate, as local pie experts submit their very best to be judge by our panel of local personalities. Not only must these bakers excel in their pie's taste and presentation, but also in the amount of locally grown ingredients they use to make their pie. The heat is on! For more information about the local food pie contest, contact Debra at 250-748-8506 or via email at debra [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">debra [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org Admission is FREE, while tickets can be purchase for food and activities. For further information, or if you would like to be a vendor, please contact Emily at emilydy [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">emilydy [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org or call 250-748-8506.
Click here for more info on this event!
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)
In homage to our community’s seed-rich past, the Cowichan Green Community’s (CGC) Seed Literacy team is excited to announce a public event dedicated to seeds. Joining us will be long-time local farmer Auke Elzinga, who will share stories about our community’s agricultural past, and Jen Cody and Craig Evans of Growing Opportunities Community Co-op Farm, who will walk participants through the basics of saving seeds. This event is FREE and will be hosted at the Vancouver Island Regional Library (Cowichan Branch), located at 2687 James Street, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Thursday September 22nd. For further information, please contact Vanessa with the Cowichan Green Community at 250-748-8506 or email vanessa [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">vanessa [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org P.S. If you're confused about the dates for this event because you read it differently in this month's Valley Voice, please note the above dates are correct. This was a mistake on our behalf and we thank Sheila for all the hard work she does. We are sorry for any inconvenience!
Preservation Workshops:
Preserve The Harvest!
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 vanessa [at] cowichangreencommunity [dot] org">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
Edible Garden Tour Recap:
Thanks to all the help from businesses like Dinter's Nursery, the Newsleader Pictorial and the Citizen, we are pleased to announce that this years Edible Garden Tour was the best one yet! The feedback from our tour patrons and garden hosts was very encouraging, and we look forward to doing this event again next year! Everyone on the tour had a great time and we were blessed to have a beautiful sunny day that made their experience that much better.
We would like to thank all of our garden hosts who took the time out of their weekend to prepare their gardens, and then share them with everyone on the tour! We know this takes a huge commitment on your behalf, but this year's Edible Garden Tour was very successful and we couldn't have done it without your support. Thank you to everyone who participated! We look forward to adding even more gardens next year!
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!
Sarah Mathison and all of her special guests that came to her birthday party and made a donation to CGC instead of buying Sarah a gift. We truly appreciate your support and Sarah, you are one amazing woman. We love you!
We would also like to thank Dinter's Nursery, the Citizen and the Newsleader Pictorial for helping us promote our Edible Garden Tour event. This day was a huge success for CGC and we couldn't have done it without your support.
Many thanks again to our Fruit Save Pickers who have been helping us deliver fresh fruit to many different groups in need, and of course, 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 and 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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