By the way, did you hear:

Hope you enjoy our Canada Day-flavoured Valley Picks above.

• Volume One’s Merrin Penney tells us the book selections were selected through a staff discussion and “do not necessarily reflect national sales, public opinion, or the what price of maple syrup ought to be.”

“L. M. Montgomery and Margaret Laurence both helped us rethink society — Montgomery’s spunky Anne Shirley and Margaret Laurence’s portrayal of real people in a real Canada were breakthroughs and both still sell regularly; Farley Mowat did the same and got Canadians thinking differently about the environment.

“Bonus points for them all is that they’re not based Back East, thus proving that there’s more to Canada than Ontario...”

Meanwhile cowichannewsleader.com video blogger Rick Dennis stresses his picks are his personal faves, as opposed to a “best” list.

And Mike Coleman points out his second choice of Lester Pearson may be a dark horse, but if you look at a list of things Canadians say defines them (peacekeeping, medicare, the flag) tmany happened under Pearson’s watch.

• A trio of valley students were honoured at North Cowichan’s regular council meeting and given gifts for their terrific woodworking skills.

The task was to take discarded Douglas fir wood and create an end table.

Davis Pegg, of Chemainus Secondary took top honours — and a $500 Canadian Tire gift certificate — for his inventive work.

Matt Griffiths and Aaron Van Boven, both of Duncan Christian School, won second and third, respectively. The two also received gift certificates for their work. The tables are on display in the main entrance at the North Cowichan office.

• It’s easy being green when you’re learning about the importance of sustainability from an eco-focused group of Frances Kelsey students.

Carly Sawatzky, Rachel Saunders, Caitlin Millwater, Jenna Askey, Jasmine Gabriel and Natalie Anderson are energy ambassadors who take their message to everyone from elementary school students to, most recently, Cowichan Valley School District trustees.

• Norma Plato, warden of St John the Baptist Church in Duncan tells us Bishop of the Diocese of .BC., Rt Rev James Cowan and other clergy of B.C. were here June 24 for the induction of St John’s new rector, Rev Canon Dale Huston.

Exciting things happening for you, your friends or your family that you want to share with your community? Send us a quick email at editor@cowichannewsleader.com. We’d love to spread the word.