By the way, did you hear:

• Six Cowichan businesses are nominated for Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council awards to be announced at a gala banquet Nov. 5 in Nanaimo. The businesses are Boulter Machine Works, EcoSIP Industries, Purica, Woodshop Recording Studio, Realty Promoter Software, and Cherry Point Vineyards

• Peter Lockhart Gordon of the Cowichan Valley Bar Association tells us Cowichan-connected students pursuing an education in law-related fields are encouraged to apply to the group for a $500 scholarship. Address your application to “The Cowichan Valley Bar Association Bursary Committee, Suite 204, 126 Ingram street, Duncan B.C., V9L 1P1.”

• Jason Lowe of Arbutus Ridge Golf & Country Club in Cobble Hill is back representing Cowichan as a director for Tourism Vancouver Island, Joining him on the board is Don Barrie of Warm Rapids Inn in Lake Cowichan.

• Two Cowichan companies will be in the spotlight during the Olympics at Robson Square in Vancouver. The B.C. Showcase features innovative displays of leading B.C. industries. Living Edge Design produced the pavilion ceiling under the direction of president John Lore. Meanwhile, anaging partner Mark Syme’s Sonora Technologies helped develop the B.C. Stories Kiosk.

• Maureen Shayler of Cowichan’s chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women tells us the club honoured three women with scholarships. Club vice-president Jo Keeping posed with Shannon Page and Susan Gilman during a presentation ceremony in September, while Meghan McIllfaterick was attending classes at UBC and was unable to attend.

• Chemainus weather observer (and long-time News Leader Pictorial weather expert) Chris Carss lost an Oct. 19 answering machine from someone in the local area who wants advice about setting up a weather station. “I’m hoping the caller will see it and phone me again. I don’t want to become known as one who doesn’t return phone calls!” he said.

• Duncan hair stylist and sometime-country singer Irene Fedun is chasing her dream of learning to play a musical instrument and she’s chosen the banjo. Fedun recently bought a Degas banjo. She’s taking lessons from local picker Jeff Ellis and touching base with renowned valley banjo luthier Jason Romero.

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.