InFocus Magazine

SEPTEMBER 16-18 – Comox Valley Rotary RIBFEST. This is a three-day festival with a Fun Zone for kids, buy amazing food and beverages by up to five professional ribbers plus additional food and beverage vendors. Admission by donation with all net proceeds going to support our local community and the Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise projects. Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, sick 11am-9pm each day. Visit www.comoxvalleyribfest.ca FMI.

SEPTEMBER 18—The New MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre. Come to our Open House from 1:30-4pm. Tour the property, see the plans for the new facility. Meet our Ambassador birds, volunteers, staff and Gary ‘The Wolfman” Allan with the beautiful ‘Tundra’. Free admission. 1331 Williams Beach Road, just off Hwy. 19A, Merville.

SEPTEMBER 18 – Terry Fox Run and Celebration. Registration starts at 9am and the walk begins at 10am. There will be live entertainment and activities to follow. Comox Valley Sports Centre Track, Courtenay. Call 250-890-9116

SEPTEMBER 21 — Dad’s Night Out with the kids—fort-building night. 5:30-7:30. Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

SEPTEMBER 22—Organic Road Show—Value Added Workshop. As part of Organic Week, the Certified Organic Association of BC is hosting multiple workshops in their roadshow across BC. Current trends and opportunities, available programs and services to help business and the new BC regulations pertaining to Organic labelling will be discussed. Free. Vancouver Island Visitor Centre, 3:30-5pm. FMI or to register, contact [email protected] or call 250-334-2457.

SEPTEMBER 23-25 – Comox Valley Fall 2016 Home Show. Do you have a list of home renovations you’re dreaming of? Start with one and get it done before the holidays! Come see what’s new and exciting from local businesses and how you can make your dreams become reality. Comox Recreation Centre, 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox Call 1-800-471-1112 FMI. or email [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 24 — Book launch: Sacred Trees, Sacred People of the Pacific Northwest by Courtenay author Sharon McCann. 2-4pm at the Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

SEPTEMBER 24—MOMAR Race. The Atmosphere Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR) is an incredible weekend experience that will test your mental and physical limits in the wilds of the West Coast terrain. Teams must navigate their way through a series of checkpoints on either the 30km Sport course or 50km Enduro course. This race will require teams to paddle, mountain bike and trek their way through a challenging course with only the aid of map and their wits. Watch for runners and bikers on Cumberland roads and trails between 9 am and 5pm. Visit www.mindovermountain.com FM

SEPTEMBER 24-25—6th Annual Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour. The Comox Valley boasts more than 400 farms and some of the most stunning and abundant agricultural lands in the province; and it only gets better when you can explore it on two wheels. New this year on Friday, September 24—Comox Valley Wine Tours with Ambassador Transportation. Check in at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, 4839 Headquarters Road, Courtenay. Registration is from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Cyclists will sign a waiver at the start location and be given their Farm Cycle Tour Map. Tour goes from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, self-guided. $15 per person; Kids 15 and under free. For more info go to www.cvfarmcycletour.com

SEPTEMBER 25 — 2016 Kidney Walk Comox Valley. This an opportunity for the whole family to have fun and participate in the local Kidney Walk while representing the Kidney Foundation of Canada BC & Yukon Branch. 9am-2pm, Simms Park. Visit www.kidneywalkbc.ca FMI.

SEPTEMBER 26—Trees, Shrubs and Vines for the Kitchen Garden, presented by Karen Cummings. Fall is the time to enjoy the bounty of the perennial fruits available to us. It’s also the best time to plant edible trees and shrubs. Whether you are planning to plant or just want to improve the health and productivity of existing trees, this class will cover selecting, planning and caring for your edible landscape. Contact [email protected] to register. $20 per class. Pre-registration is required.

SEPTEMBER 28 – Tour De Rock. Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Ride raises money for pediatric cancer research and programs for children with a history of cancer. The Tour de Rock team cycles from one end of Vancouver Island to the other, over 14 days, covering 1,000 kilometres. They ride through the Comox Valley Wednesday, September 28. FMI www.tourderock.ca

SEPTEMBER 30 – Open mic poetry and prose reading by the Comox Valley Writers’ Society. 11am-12:30pm at the Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1 – Foggy Mountain Fall Fair, hosted by the Cumberland Museum. The fun kicks off on Friday evening with the Fall Fair Follies at the Cumberland United Church. This old fashioned variety show featuring local musicians, dancers, actors and other mad-capped sorts in a Muppet-Show-like mash up of songs, skits and laughs! On Saturday the action is centred at the corner of 1st and Dunsmuir from 10 am till 4 pm with an old fashioned apple press (bring your apples!), heritage games, Museum tours, a tasty canteen, the Cumberland Pie of the Year Contest, kids hands on art projects, harvest vendors, community groups, artist demos, dance performances, workshops, local artists, live music, and more! FMI visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca

OCTOBER 1-31 – The Pumpkin Patch at Shamrock Farm, open daily October 1-31, 10am to 5 pm. Free admission. U-pick pumpkins, pumpkin barn, farmyard animals, kids’ maze, Halloween displays, weekend hay rides, pumpkin contests, school tours. Fun for the whole family! 2276 Anderton Road, Comox. Phone 250-339-1671 or visit www.shamrockfarm.ca

OCTOBER 1-31 – 3rd Annual Coastal Black Pumpkin Fest will be open every Saturday and Sunday, from October 1st through 31st from 10 am to 4pm including Thanksgiving Monday. Come Rain or Shine! This fun for the whole family, fall festival includes an all-new Hay Wagon Ride and farm tour out to the additional 4-acre Pumpkin Patch at the farm where guests are able to Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Gourds. Kids of all ages will enjoy wandering through the popular Hay Bale Maze, play some Festive Fall Games, and have memorable photos taken in the Pumpkin Photo Booth by Amanda O’Brennan Photography. Visit the Friendly Barnyard Animals and explore the Tractor Alley. Coastal Black Estate Winery & Meadery, 2186 Endall Road, Black Creek. Visit www.coastalblack.ca

OCTOBER 1 — Rotary club of Cumberland Centennial will hold its 12thannual Extravaganza Italiana featuring a family-style dinner and silent and live auctions. Doors open at the Cumberland Recreation Centre at 5:30pm with dinner served at 6:30. FMI www.rotarycc.org

OCTOBER 2 – Bridal Exhibition 2016. The Valley’s largest wedding show . Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. www.bridalexhibition.ca

OCTOBER 2, NOVEMBER 6, DECEMBER 4—Learn how to meditate! The simple and effective techniques of Sahaja Yoga Meditation will allow you to master stress, improve your health, face yourself, and achieve balance in every aspect of life. Ancient knowledge and practices are adapted to modern day needs for people of all ages and walks of life. Free, Courtenay Library from 12:30 to 2:30pm.

OCTOBER 5— Parent Teen Mediation Workshop. For parents who are having a tough time with their teens; get tips on mediation and talk to a mediator. 6-7:30 pm. Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

OCTOBER 8—Indie Authors Day. Featuring a full day of readings, workshops and local authors from 10am to 4:30 pm. Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

OCTOBER 14 — 2016 Rotary Club of Courtenay Beerfest. At the Native Son’s Hall, 7 – 10 pm. $35 – includes 12 – 4oz tastings. Session 1: 3-6pm; Session2: 7-10pm. For more information and tickets visit www.cvbeerfest.ca. Proceeds from this event support various Comox Valley projects. www.cvbeerfest.ca

OCTOBER 19 — Annual Child Haven International fund-raising dinner. Featuring an authentic vegetarian Indian meal. Florence Filberg Centre. FMI see story page 14 or got to www.childhaven.ca

OCTOBER 26 -31 – Halloween at the Cumberland Museum. From Wednesday, October 26 to Monday, October 31 the lower level of the Cumberland Museum & Archives is transformed into the Spooky Haunted Coal Mine! Be prepared for spirits, apparitions, voices, rats, bats and other scary surprises. Suitable for ages 5+ (if they like the thrill of being spooked). Parents requested to accompany children under 10. Admission by donation; proceeds support the Museum & Archives.After-hours at the Museum: Friday, October 28th, 5-7pm the Spooky Haunted Coal Mine comes to life between for older youth and adults, with special ghostly interpretive appearances. Join us… if you dare!

OCTOBER 31—Cumberland Trick-or-Treat Parade, 4pm. Gremlins, ghouls, fairies, and ghosts – gather at the CRI (2665 Dunsmuir) at 4pm to parade down Dunsmuir Avenue showing off your spooky costumes and collecting treats from downtown businesses. Make your way back to the Cumberland Recreation Hall for free hotdogs and juice! All ages welcome. Sponsored by the Cumberland downtown businesses, the Cumberland Recreation, and Cumberland Centennial Rotary.FMI visit www.cumberlandmuseum.ca

OCTOBER 31— The yearly Hallowe’en Parade and Party, hosted by Comox Valley Recreation and sponsored by the Downtown Courtenay BIA. 4-6pm. www.downtowncourtenay.com

ONGOING EVENTS

EVERY SUNDAY — Bluegrass Brunch Sundays with Archie Pateman & Friends. 10:30 am. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322 www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

EVERY MONDAY — Senior’s Program, Halbe Hall in Black Creek. Start with an hour-long fitness class, followed by a homemade lunch provided by the Black Creek Community Assoc. $5 drop-in. 250-337-5190 FMI.

EVERY MONDAY — The Woolgatherers. A guild-style fine fibre group with equipment, a library and skill sharing for spinners, weavers, knitters etc. 11:30am-3pm, Fallen Alders Hall, Royston. Everyone welcome. Call Meta, 250-339-0676 or Norma, 250-890-1218 FMI

EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY — Al-Anon for people concerned about a loved one’s drinking. Mon, Tues and Fri 8 pm; Thurs 10 am. Call 250-334-2392 FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — Fun Euchre, Courtenay Legion, 1:30 pm. Mixed pub darts at 7 pm.

EVERY TUESDAY — Drop-in meditation with Lucas every Tuesday, 7 pm at Ocean Resort, Oyster Bay (by $$ donations to the food banks). Call 250-792-3165.

EVERY TUESDAY — Universal Devotional Chanting and Meditation. Mystic Valley Voices Chanting Community. Little Red Church Healing Centre, 2182 Comox Avenue (at Alpine). 6:45-8:30pm. Everyone welcome! ChantMaster Oliver Clarke, 250-218-1688. Visit www.mysticvalleyvoices.org FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — Regular Drop In Meditation and Teaching with Geshe YongDong at the Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre. By donation. 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.

EVERY TUESDAY — Tech Tuesday at the Courtenay Library. Drop-in and get help with technology issues (iPads, tablets, readers, laptops, etc.). 2:30-4pm. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

EVERY TUESDAY — A Good Yarn Knitting & Crochet Circle meets at the Comox Library, 101-1720 Beaufort Avenue on Tuesday from 6-8 pm. Lessons, refreshments and some supplies are provided. All ages. Drop in. 250-339-1240 or [email protected] FMI.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Drop-in darts at 1pm. Courtenay Legion.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — The Woolly Mammoth Craft Club is a free, all ages knitting circle ongoing Wednesday nights at Lake Trail School. 6:30-8pm at Lake Trail School (805 Willemar) in the school library. [email protected].

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Family Storytime. Drop in for songs and stories for kids ages 0-5.10:30-11am. Comox Library, 1720 Beaufort Avenue. Comox

EVERY WEDNESDAY — Regular Drop In Silent Meditation Practice; two sessions: 7-7:30 pm & 7:35-8:05 pm. Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre, 407A 5th Street, Courtenay. www.sherabchammaling.com FMI.

EVERY THURSDAY — Family Storytime. Drop in for songs and stories for kids ages 0-5. 10:30-11am att he Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

EVERY THURSDAY — Crib & Gucci, Courtenay Legion, 6:30 pm. Men’s darts at 7 pm.

EVERY THURSDAY— Thursday Jazz Club. In the past year the Jazz Club has had over 20 different host combos with 200+ musicians aged 13 to 80 years on the stage. The Avalanche Bar and Grill on Eight Street, Courtenay, 7:30-10:30 pm. www.georgiastraightjazz.com

EVERY THURSDAY — Thursday Night Open Jam. Stellar house band, ready to play music in almost any style! 9 pm. No cover. The Waverley, 2692 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland • 250-336-8322. FMI visit www.cumberlandvillageworks.com

EVERY FRIDAY — CCTSC Cycling. Come join us one one of our weekly rides. We are a road cycling group of active adults and members of the cross Canada Cycle Tour Society. Meet at Florence Filberg Centre lower parking lot at 10am. We cycle at a medium pace of 20km/hr for a 40 to 80km ride.

EVERY FRIDAY — Family Storytime. Drop in for songs and stories for kids ages 0-5. 10-10:30am. Cumberland Library, 2746 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland.

EVERY FRIDAY — Conversation Group—a great opportunity to practice English in a safe and welcoming environment. Sponsored by the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Courtenay Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Every Friday, 1-20 pm. Last Friday of the month, 1:30-3pm. Call Jean, 250-338-6359 FMI.

EVERY FRIDAY — High Five Kids. An after-school prgram for kids aged 6-9 who have recently relocated to the Comox Valley, in partnership with the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Courtenay Library. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay. 2:45-4:45pm.

EVERY SATURDAY — Drop in play group for ages 0-5 at the Courtenay Library. 10am-12pm. Wraps up with a story before noon. 300 6th Street, Downtown Courtenay.

EVERY SATURDAY — Come and join the fun at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm. You will find the freshest produce and the best selection of seasonal vegetables, free-range poultry and eggs, ethnic foods, seafood, cheese and honey, fresh baking, natural skincare products, pet treats and more from the 50+ vendors. Come and meet the producers of your local food and enjoy live music every week. Every Saturday from 9am-1pm at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. The Market moves indoors for the winter on October 22, to the Native Son’s Hall in Downtown Courtenay. FMI: www.cvfm.ca

EVERY SUNDAY DURING SEPTEMBER — The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market will be in Cumberland Sundays from 11am-2pm. You will find the freshest produce and the best selection of seasonal vegetables, free-range poultry and eggs, ethnic foods, seafood, cheese and honey, fresh baking, natural skincare products, pet treats and more. FMI: www.cvfm.ca