Bowling Rolls Out
Along with back-to-school days, regular play returns to the bowling alley for the fall and winter seasons. Ladies night is slated to start on Thursday, September 12th at 7 pm. Just show up and join in as we play 2 or 3 games and socialize. If you prefer to play with your partner, mixed bowling nights start on Sunday, September 8. Men can channel their bowling talents with the other guys starting on Tuesday, September 17.
For fun family bowling, first Fridays of the month are Toonie nights, starting at 6:30. The third Saturdays are Toonie nights for older folks, starting at 7:30. Open bowling is every Friday and Saturday.
Our 73-year-old bowling alley is a treasure, no matter what the score. Even if you’re not a champion bowler, you’ll love seeing the pinsetters set the pins by hand, the fifties-era artwork, and the old trophies and Youbou memorabilia. Hope to see you sometime this fall!
Witch’s Paddle
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble! It’s time for our second annual Witch’s Paddle, organized by Julie Madden. Your vessel may be a stand-up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe, as long as it floats. Wear a pointy hat or come in full spell-binding regalia, just be sure a pfd is part of the costume. Meet at Arbutus park to paddle with other spooky characters. The goal is to have the witch’s paddle on Saturday morning, October 5at 10 am, but if rain or wind prevail, the organizers may reschedule. Keep an eye on the Youbou Community Association facebook page for any updates to the event.
Halloween at Youbou Hall
Youbou Hall is haunting headquarters on Halloween night! The renowned Youbou haunted house is open all evening until the fireworks start. Come in your own ghoulish get-ups and Cowichan Lake Recreation will reward the most creative with prizes. Doors open at 5:30, with costume judging at 7:00 pm. Fireworks will follow, courtesy of the Youbou Volunteer Fire Department and the owners of the former Yount School Property.
In the weeks preceding Halloween, join us in the decorating of our Haunted House. The magic starts upstairs at Youbou Hall the second week of October. If you’ve got an hour or two to pitch in, just come to the hall upstairs. Volunteers are generally there mid-morning to mid-afternoon. If we’re ready early enough, we hope to open the hall for a few hours on the October 27. Watch the Youbou Association Community facebook page for details on any early viewings.
From Karen’s Desk,
Karen Deck, Area I Director
The Youbou Regatta reminded me how a small community celebrates old traditions while creating new ones. It’s an opportunity to express our gratitude to the first responders who step up for their neighbours in good times and bad.
The regatta is also a time to reflect on the beauty and increasing fragility of the place we live, work and play. Emergency Management Cowichan’s website offers great information: emcowichan.ca. FireSmart BC provides tips and services that are designed to protect you and your home: firesmartbc.ca . I highly recommend checking out these sites and taking advantage of the services they offer.
It’s also very important to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun with sunscreen. Although it can be more expensive, sunscreen that doesn’t contain “oxybenzone” is your best bet for protecting the environment as well. It’s a chemical that is harmful to fish.
With many hot days ahead and water restrictions that make lush, green lawns impossible, I applaud those who are watering responsibly. If your lawn is as crunchy and yellow as ours, I invite you to send an email to me at (Karen.Deck@cvrd.bc.ca), including your contact information and a photo of your lawn. I’ll draw 3 names when the rains come. The winners will each receive a $25 gift certificate to a shop in Youbou or Lake Cowichan.
Cowichan Lake Arts Centre (CLAC)
Step into our vibrant Arts Centre, where imagination meets expression and community thrives. Nestled in the heart of our small but spirited arts and culture community, our Youbou centre is not just a place – it’s an experience. Treat yourself while supporting your local artist/artisans by purchasing one of the many beautiful items at our Art Shop at 10375 Youbou Road (next to Arise Restaurant). The Centre is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Arts at Cowichan Lake is in the process of setting up new workshops for the Fall/Winter season. Keep an eye on the website (cowichanlakeartsandculture.org) or visit the store for the latest opportunities to have fun.
Pottery Class with Coloured Clay (Nerikomi)
Dive into the art of Nerikomi pottery, where vibrant clay hues dance together to create personalized, marbled masterpieces in our immersive and innovative classes. The classes are suitable for all levels of expertise. Classes are at the CLAC Centre on September 14 and 15 and October 12 and 26 from noon to 4 pm and cost $105 for nonmembers and $85 for members.
Buy tickets online at https://www.cowichanlakeartsandculture.org/event-details/nerikomi
Regatta Rave Reviews
Saturday, August 10 was our annual fun day in the sun. We love reconnecting with neighbours at the Fire Hall breakfast, courtesy of the Youbou Volunteer Firefighters. Shiny red fire engines are also always a hit in the parade, along with all the cars and kids dressed up for the stroll. At Arbutus Park, swimming events, face-painting, chalk artwork and watermelon eating rule the day, with a corn-hole toss added to the mix this year. Kent Ball and Trip ’n Me rocked the music scne. And the Youbou Community Association kept everyone well fed and hydrated. Thanks to Youbou Volunteer Firefighters, Youbou Community Association, Cowichan Lake Recreation, musicians, judges, and everyone who participated! The YCA would also like to thank Save-On-Foods for their contribution to our concession. Check out the photos in this newsletter.
Third Annual Crabfest
Friends, neighbours, and visitors tucked into plates of crab, baked potato, salad, roll, dessert and all the trimmings. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event. Eva and Debbie ran the 50/50, which netted over $500 total. The crab-cracking-and-cooking team consisted of Randall, Garry, Brent, and Kim. The greeters, cooks, and servers were Cheryl, Julia, Debbie, Margie, and Bee. Handling drink tickets and bar sales were Sandra, Adam, Joelle, and Steve. Bruce Bunting provided the tunes. A salute to everyone who helped put away chairs and tables afterward, speeding clean-up along. That’s what this event is all about! See photos in this newsletter.
Stay Safe During the Rut
As the leaves change and the days shorten, the elk in and around our village start thinking of one thing, and it is not you! We’re all pretty elk savvy, but it’s a good time to review the basics:
- Steer clear of any elk in your area. This is not time for a selfie.
- Do NOT feed them. Pick ripe fruit from your trees. Make sure any bird feeders are not a source of elk food.
- Put away any clotheslines, hammocks, hoses, etc. that can get trapped in antlers.
- If you see an elk on the road, alert other drivers by putting on your hazard lights. And do not stop for photos, please.
- Drive within the speed limit. It is 50k in town for a reason, especially during the rut!
- If you have any concerns or questions, contact wildsafebc.com.
Summer Fire Restrictions
As part of a Coastal Fire Centre Ban announced by BC Wildfire, Area I is under a fire ban until October 31, or until the order is rescinded by BC Wildfire. This restriction prohibits fireworks, exploding targets, burn barrels and air curtain burners. Small campfires are allowed. For more information, go to www2.gov.bc.ca.
Firesmart IQ
The last thing you want is a fire near your home. Have you taken all precautions to make sure the area around your home is safe? Did you clean your gutters? Have you removed all combustible material (even woody shrubs and dry grass) within 1.5 meters of your house? To find other ways you can reduce your home’s fire risk, schedule a free Firesmart Home Assessment by calling 250-252-8898 or emailing FireSmart@EMCowichan.ca. Or, check online at firesmartbc.ca.
Level 3 Water Restrictions
Unless the weather changes drastically, Cowichan Valley is currently under Level 3 Water Restriction. Water restriction levels can change quickly, so for the latest information, it’s best to refer to the cvrd web site. Level 3 restrictions mean no sprinkling of lawns is allowed. You may use micro or drip irrigation or hand-water food gardens for up to 2 hours a day and ornamental gardens up to 1 hour daily. Filling pools and hot tubs is not permitted. Washing vehicles, boats, driveways, houses, and sidewalks may be permitted under certain circumstances.
For residential properties, washing driveways, houses or sidewalks is only permitted during Stages 2 and 3 in preparation for applying paints, preservatives or for pouring concrete. Residential washing (i.e. not at a car wash facility which reuses water) of vehicles and boats is only permitted in Stage 3 in preparation of applying paints or preservatives.
Weekly Garbage Pick-Up Ends
Friday, October 18 is the last day Youbou will get garbage picked up on a weekly basis. There will be no collection on Friday, October 25. Starting on November 1, garbage and recycling will be picked up every other week through the fall, winter, and spring. It is bear berry-eating, raccoon-foraging, and elk-rutting season, so remember to store your containers in a secure location. And never put your totes out before 5 am on collection day or you may be subject to a $100 fine.
Are You a YCA Member?
The Youbou Community Association is involved in helping community activities happen, such as the monthly newsletter, Crab fest, New Year’s Eve, and other events throughout the year. While we love our facebook friends, an official family lifetime membership in the organization is just $10 and involves filling out a form. It is a key to knowing what’s going on around Youbou as well as giving you a vote at our annual meetings. We’ll email you our colourful community newsletter every month. To join, reach out to cherylmtutor@gmail.com
Got News?
If you’d like to contribute news for the newsletter about a public event happening in or around Youbou and Area I, please send particulars about date, time and place to julia@raedwulf.org, by the 20th of the month, please. You can also check our web site at youbouyca.com and our Youbou Community Association facebook page for the latest information.
Your YCA Board
Chair: Julia Martinusen
Vice Chair: Sandra McAfee
Secretary: Randall Wilson
Treasurer: Steve Watt
Membership: Cheryl Morgan
At large:
Joelle Belanger
Adam Khomsi
Patrick Miller
Debbie Smith
Dates
September 8: Mixed Bowling starts, 7 pm
September 12: Ladies Bowling starts, 7 pm
September 14 and 15: Pottery class, CLAC Centre, noon
September 17: Men’s Bowling starts, 7 pm
October 5: Witch’s Paddle, Arbutus Park, 10 am
October 12: Pottery class, CLAC Centre, noon
October 18: Last day for weekly garbage pick up
October 26: Pottery class, CLAC Centre, noon
October 27: Haunted House preview, Youbou Hall, 2 to 4
October 31: Halloween and Haunted House, Youbou Hall
Sundays: Brunch, Pub, 11 am to 2 pm
Fridays & Saturdays: Open Bowling, Youbou Lanes