CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Feb 6 - 12, 2023
Mid Vancouver Island Edition
Blue cows: Black, brown, and white cows may not attract much amount of attention, but what about a blue cow? Latvia is home to such a beast. These cows can be light or dark ultramarine in colour from a pigment that affects their fur. At birth, their coats are closer to beige, then later become blue. This cattle breed produces less milk than average, and was near extinction a few decades ago. However, a play called The Blue One, by Latvian Gunars Priede, drew attention to the plight of the blue cow in the 1970s. After organized attempts to save the breed, today these resilient animals can be found in the fields of Latvia.
Standing guard: Three cats in Victoria, British Columbia (Canada), decided to take control of an unopened blender box, with the blender still inside. Max, George, and Lando took turns sitting upon and guarding the box, while owners Jessica and Nikii began posting their pets’ antics on social media, garnering many amused responses. Obviously, the owners only needed to shoo the cats away, unpack the blender, and start making smoothies. But the standoff provided so much laughter that they let the cats have their way for a while. They even contacted the mixer’s manufacturer with the amusing story. The company sent three empty boxes so the owners could have their blender and the cats could keep playing with the containers.
Pineapple or not? Does pineapple belong on pizza? That is what Angelo Mercuri, chef, co-owner, and co-founder of Bàcaro Pizzeria in Montreal, Québec (Canada), wanted to find out. Including the tropical fruit on pizza is a contentious issue for many, so Mercuri devised a survey that drew 5,000 responses. Of all the respondents to the heavily publicized survey, 53 percent voted against pineapple on the Italian favourite, so for now, he took it off the menu of the chain of pizza restaurants. Bàcaro’s “Hawaii Five-0” pizza also had included bacon, ricotta, jalapeno peppers, and tomato sauce. Now the fruit has been banned from the chain for the foreseeable future.
Open trunk: Some petty thieves work by breaking into cars, rifling around in the console and the glove compartment, and stealing change or other valuables that the hapless owner may have left inside. If the car is locked, a thief might smash a window to get inside. This is happening more than usual in San Francisco, California (U.S.), so some vehicle owners have taken the situation into their own hands: they leave their cars unlocked with the trunks open, and they ensure there’s nothing worth stealing in the car. A line of driverless cars parked on the street with trunks open looks odd, and police advise against the practice.
“My father always used to say, ‘Don’t raise your voice.
Improve your argument.’” - Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“Don’t give up on your daydream! That little voice inside is
telling you how to live your life with intent and purpose.” - Dawn Gluskin
FREE listings for non-profit community events. Please email, 25 words or less, to: events@myCoffeeNews.ca (Deadline Tuesdays noon)
Free Drop-in Chair Yoga Classes for Seniors: Mondays at 2-2:45pm, now until April 3. No class Feb 20. St. Columba Church, 921 Wembley Rd, French Creek. Email Charlotte: healthywisdom@shaw.ca
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Volunteer with Island Health: Looking for an opportunity to give back to those in your community in a healthcare setting for 2 hours per week & to support hospital patients & residents, exchange stories, & make a difference in health care? This is an opportunity to support their community & healthcare workers while earning valuable volunteer hours & resume experience. To apply, go to www.islandhealth.ca/volunteer-resources or email us at volunteer@islandhealth.ca
Mid Island Floral Art Club Meeting: Feb. 9, 2pm, St Stephen’s Church Hall, 150 Village Way, QB. Topic: Learning Floral Structures. Guests welcome. Info:mifaclub2000@gmail.com or Joanne 250-757-8969.
The Sixties - Love Songs & Folk Songs: A Craig Bay Choristers Project, held on Saturday, February 11, 2:30pm at Knox United Church, Parksville. Tickets Fireside Books, at the door or online craigbaytickets@gmail.com
Parksville Gem & Mineral Show: Feb.
11, 10am-5pm & Feb. 12, 10am-4pm, 132 East Jensen Ave, Community
Centre. Admission $4 (kids free under 12), Hourly door prizes. Info:
Dragonflydesignbc@gmail.com
Alberni Valley Seedy Saturday: Feb. 11, 10am-2pm, Echo Centre, Dogwood Rm. Meet Island producers with seeds & cuttings. Learn about seed saving. Have fun with lots of kids activities!
Valentines Single Mingle: Saturday, Feb. 11, 7-10pm at RC Br. 211, Bowser, 7095 Island Hwy West. Tickets: $20, includes $5 Bowser Bucks for the bar. Pay at the door. Info: 250-884-0500.
Save the Sensitive Ecosystem along Englishman River at 1465 Greig Road, Parksville. Voice your thoughts at the public hearing to be held on Mon., Feb. 13, re the 800 unit construction. Info: www.greiggreenwaysociety.org
Qualicum Beach Garden Club General Meeting: Tues., Feb.14, 7:30pm, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Guest Speaker: Dixie Deans, Master Gardener. Topic: ‘First The Earth’, if you want to have success in your garden, you need to first look after the earth.
CVIOS Orchid Show & Sale: Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society is holding a sale Feb. 17-19, Nanaimo North Town Centre. Displays, vendors, daily raffle, potting workshops. Details at: CVIOS.org
Making a Mask & Headdress for Carnival (Pro D Day): Using cardboard, paper, fabric & decorative materials each participant (ages 9-13) will create a fantasy mask & headdress. Materials provided, bring a snack. Held Feb. 17, 9am-12:30pm, Cowichan Community Centre, Duncan. Call 250-748-7529.
Raffi in Concert! A family event for all ages. Sing-a-long to faves like Down by the bay, Baby Beluga, Bananaphone & many more wonderful tunes. Held Sat., Feb. 18, 2pm at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Tickets at venue box office or online at cowichanpac.ca
Chemainus Classical Concerts: Clare Yuan, piano; Scott Meek, piano. Held February 19, 2pm at St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus. $25/$10. Reserved $20. For info, call 250-748-8383.
Nanaimo Family History Society AGM: Mon., Feb. 20, 6:30pm, followed by members’ AHA moments from their search for ancestors. Virtually by Zoom & is free to all members. Visit: nanaimofamilyhistory.ca/membership
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling Returns to Port Alberni! February 25, they will invade Maht Mahs Gym. Don’t miss your chance to catch all of the hard-hitting, high flying, keep you on the edge of your seat, action! Doors open at 6:30pm, bell rings at 7pm! Tix avail at www.viprowrestling.ca Food & drink available at concession.
Coldest Night of the Year: A family-friendly walk that raises money for charities serving hungry, homeless & hurting people in the community Feb 25th. Event’s across the mid-island. Visit: www.cnoy.org or 1.877.743.3413.
Cowichan Valley Probus Club: Retired or nearly retired? Come join us at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Mt. Baker Room. First Tues of each month, 10:30am. Visit cowichanvalleyprobusclub.ca or 250-710-7467.
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Join the Nanaimo Social Club: Singles & couples welcome to take part in all activities & meet new friends. For further information call Brenda, 250-585-4643.
Free Technology Training Workshops: We help seniors work with
everything computers, smart phones, tablets, safety, privacy, files,
photos & email management. Oceanside area. Email: tlc@sd69.bc.ca or
call: 250-947-8258.
1. The largest island of the Philippines is __________.
2. This Egyptian frog goddess represents fertility.
3. What refrigerant destroys the ozone layer?
4. The French horn is a woodwind instrument—T/F?
5. The word “cappuccino” originally referred to what brown item?
2. This Egyptian frog goddess represents fertility.
3. What refrigerant destroys the ozone layer?
4. The French horn is a woodwind instrument—T/F?
5. The word “cappuccino” originally referred to what brown item?
(see bottom for answers)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Have you reached a place in life where service to others is a consideration for you now? In this process, try to find an opportunity to align your service with your values. Lucky numbers: 3, 7, 12, 40, 42, 47.
Do you want to break free and pursue something new? Perhaps you should take a small step in the new direction, to make sure it is the right one for you. Lucky numbers: 21, 25, 33, 35, 41, 48.
Resist any temptation to get into a fight with someone you perceive as an obstacle to your plans. What might be a better way to meet this challenge that will avoid conflict? Lucky numbers: 6, 17, 25, 35, 37, 43.
You may find yourself busy and stressed now. Expressing yourself is important but try not to get into unnecessary ego conflicts with others. How are you contributing to the issue? Lucky numbers: 13, 14, 33, 34, 43, 45.
How do you define the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? In pursuing it, just be sure your path is in alignment with what your heart wants. Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 6, 10, 21, 39.
Virgos are usually happiest when they feel grounded and things are running smoothly. The energy at the beginning of the week is supportive, so you may wish to proceed forward now. Lucky numbers: 10, 11, 13, 16, 24, 46.
Seek out the beauty that is all around you in the world. Perhaps take a museum trip? Use this energy to reinforce the natural grace, kindness, and empathy within yourself. Lucky numbers: 2, 15, 17, 33, 36, 41.
Are you feeling a bit paranoid about the thoughts and actions of those around you? Take a deep breath, wait a few days, and the feeling will most likely pass. Lucky numbers: 14, 20, 21, 28, 33, 35.
You may find yourself thinking now about what legacy you want to leave behind. Whatever you decide, be sure to incorporate your personal philosophy and belief system into your plans. Lucky numbers: 5, 14, 16, 19, 32, 36.
You may have been undergoing a long period of personal transformation, which often might have been confusing. At mid-week, you could receive some insights about the process. Look for them. Lucky numbers: 4, 15, 33, 39, 42, 44.
You may find that you need to make an adjustment now to your work style. Keep your Aquarius antenna alert for new information that could help you in this process. Lucky numbers: 7, 24, 29, 30, 36, 42.
You may be feeling that you are on information overload right now, and you would be correct. It may be best to wait a few days to assimilate it before acting. Lucky numbers: 12, 14, 18, 21, 33, 40.
Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Virgo winners with the luckiest number being 11.
Scottish saying: Most people have had the embarrassing experience of forgetting someone’s name when making introductions. Scottish people ease these awkward situations by saying, “Pardon my tartle!”
Maple leaf: The Canadian Flag has a red maple leaf in the middle, which is flanked by two vertical red rectangles. Designed by Canadian George Stanley, it became official in 1965.
Start Your Own
Woodworking Business...
Poetry time: To write an acrostic poem, just pick a word or name. Then use each letter of the word or name as the first letter of each line of the poem. The word can be any length and the poem does not have to rhyme.
Bad bread move: Don’t put a loaf of bread upside down on a table when dining in Italy. An Italian belief is that bread is a symbol of life, and therefore placing it upside down will bring bad luck.
Pesky stump: Tree stumps take years to rot on their own. To accelerate the process, drill holes in the stump and sprinkle Epsom salt on it. Keep the stump covered to protect from rain, and apply more salt every few weeks.
Do you LOVE Coffee News? Consider buying us a virtual coffee. Thanks SO much!
Why did the student throw away his lunch? It was full of junk food.
Tom: “I got over it.”
Tom: “I used to have a terrible fear of hurdles.”
Tim: “What did you do?”Tom: “I got over it.”
I know a woman who used to be a train driver, but she got sidetracked.
Remember: Models of dragons are not to scale.
Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Bertha. Bertha who? Happy Bertha-day to you!
Trivia Answers:1. Luzon 2. Heqet 3. Freon 4. False 5. Capuchin monks’ clothing
PDF Versions of our Publication
(just like the ones you will find displayed in restaurants)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Print versions are currently available in:
Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Nanoose, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay & Victoria. More areas coming soon!
Jan 30 - Feb 5, 2023
Mid Vancouver Island Edition
Big tater: A couple from a farm near Hamilton, on New Zealand’s North Island, unearthed a potato they named “Doug.” While weeding their garden, Colin Craig-Brown and his wife Donna discovered the gigantic tater. All lumps and bumps, it weighed 7.9 kilograms (17.4 pounds). The pair had to use a pitchfork to excavate the enormous vegetable. At first, they didn’t know what they’d uncovered. They only use ordinary fertilizers to help their garden, and so they were bewildered by the size of the potato. The couple is talking to the folks at Guinness World Record to see if their potato could beat the current 4.9-kilogram record holder.
All the same: People all around the globe are familiar with the experience of attempting to cut a cake, pie, or pizza into equal portions so that all diners receive the same amount. Getting the slices to be the same size is hard. Students from Kundong High School in the Oita Prefecture of Japan have found a way to do it. They designed an award-winning device that figures out the angle the cut needs to be, based on the number of slices necessary to feed the party of eaters. The student group called their device, “Get Along Well With Everyone.” It uses a laser beam to direct the server where to make the cuts to obtain equal-sized pieces.
Underground swim: If visitors know where to look, they can enjoy a soak, sauna, and swim in a charming but hidden public bathhouse in Stockholm, Sweden. Called Storkyrkobadet, the bathhouse is located in the basement of a building dating back to the 1700s. Once used as a convent, the building later became a primary school. The area that is now the bathhouse has been used in the past as a wine cellar and for coal storage, with a pool added later, along with sauna, showers, and lockers. The route to Storkyrkobadet involves a narrow, cobblestone street, but visitors are rewarded with the piece of history, along with a relaxing swim.
Small quarters: Travelers who need a place to stay while visiting Colorado (U.S.), and don’t mind a spot without much floor space, could stop in the town of Lyons and check out the WeeCasa Tiny House Resorts. There, guests can choose to rent one of 23 reasonably priced “tiny houses,” each with a different theme. For example, the Gnome Home, which was designed after a Hobbit home in Lord of the Rings, has a front door in the shape of a circle. The houses are not all the same size or shape. Some are really tiny at 170 square feet (15.8 square metres), while a larger one is 418 square feet (38.8 square metres). The company also has locations in Tennessee and South Dakota, and plans more tiny house resorts soon.
“Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you.” - Aldous Huxley
“Everyone talks about age, but it’s not about age. It’s about work ethic. Winning never gets old.” - Lisa Leslie
FREE listings for non-profit community events. Please email, 25 words or less, to: events@myCoffeeNews.ca (Deadline Tuesdays noon)
Free Drop-in Chair Yoga Classes for Seniors: Mondays at 2-2:45pm, now until April 3. No class Feb 20. St. Columba Church, 921 Wembley Rd, French Creek. Email Charlotte: healthywisdom@shaw.ca
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Volunteer with Island Health: Looking for an opportunity to give back to those in your community in a healthcare setting for 2 hours per week & to support hospital patients & residents, exchange stories, & make a difference in health care? This is an opportunity to support their community & healthcare workers while earning valuable volunteer hours & resume experience. To apply, go to www.islandhealth.ca/volunteer-resources or email us at volunteer@islandhealth.ca
Cowichan Musical Society presents Shrek The Musical, Jan 29, 2pm, Feb 3 - 4, 7:30 pm & Feb 5, 2pm at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St, Duncan. Tickets www.ctcentre.bc.ca
2023 Island’s Agriculture Show: Vancouver Island’s largest agriculture event of the year, showcasing the latest & most innovative equipment & technology for the agriculture industry. Held on Fri., Feb. 3 & Sat., Feb. 4 at Cowichan Exhibition Park.
19th Annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday: Held Saturday, Feb. 4, 10am-3:30pm, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, QB. Come out and enjoy a taste of spring!
Mid Island Floral Art Club Meeting: Feb. 9, 2pm, St Stephen’s Church Hall, 150 Village Way, QB. Topic: Learning Floral Structures. Guests welcome. Info:mifaclub2000@gmail.com or Joanne 250-757-8969.
The Sixties - Love Songs & Folk Songs: A Craig Bay Choristers Project, held on Saturday, February 11, 2:30pm at Knox United Church, Parksville. Tickets Fireside Books, at the door or online craigbaytickets@gmail.com
Parksville Gem & Mineral Show: Feb.
11, 10am-5pm & Feb. 12, 10am-4pm, 132 East Jensen Ave, Community
Centre. Admission $4 (kids free under 12), Hourly door prizes. Info:
Dragonflydesignbc@gmail.com
Alberni Valley Seedy Saturday: Feb. 11, 10am-2pm, Echo Centre, Dogwood Rm. Meet Island producers with seeds & cuttings. Learn about seed saving. Have fun with lots of kids activities!
Qualicum Beach Garden Club General Meeting: Tues., Feb.14, 7:30pm, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Guest Speaker: Dixie Deans, Master Gardener. Topic: ‘First The Earth’, if you want to have success in your garden, you need to first look after the earth.
CVIOS Orchid Show & Sale: Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society is holding a sale Feb. 17-19, Nanaimo North Town Centre. Displays, vendors, daily raffle, potting workshops. Details at: CVIOS.org
Raffi in Concert! A family event for all ages. Sing-a-long to faves like Down by the bay, Baby Beluga, Bananaphone & many more wonderful tunes. Held Sat., Feb. 18, 2pm at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Tickets at venue box office or online at cowichanpac.ca
Chemainus Classical Concerts: Clare Yuan, piano; Scott Meek, piano. Held February 19, 2pm at St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus. $25/$10. Reserved $20. For info, call 250-748-8383.
Nanaimo Family History Society AGM: Mon., Feb. 20, 6:30pm, followed by members’ AHA moments from their search for ancestors. Virtually by Zoom & is free to all members. Visit: nanaimofamilyhistory.ca/membership
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling Returns to Port Alberni! February 25, they will invade Maht Mahs Gym. Don’t miss your chance to catch all of the hard-hitting, high flying, keep you on the edge of your seat, action! Doors open at 6:30pm, bell rings at 7pm! Tix avail at www.viprowrestling.ca Food & drink available at concession.
Coldest Night of the Year: A family-friendly walk that raises money for charities serving hungry, homeless & hurting people in the community Feb 25th. Event’s across the mid-island. Visit: www.cnoy.org or 1.877.743.3413.
Cowichan Valley Probus Club: Retired or nearly retired? Come join us at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Mt. Baker Room. First Tues of each month, 10:30am. Visit cowichanvalleyprobusclub.ca or 250-710-7467.
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Join the Nanaimo Social Club: Singles & couples welcome to take part in all activities & meet new friends. For further information call Brenda, 250-585-4643.
Free Technology Training Workshops: We help seniors work with
everything computers, smart phones, tablets, safety, privacy, files,
photos & email management. Oceanside area. Email: tlc@sd69.bc.ca or
call: 250-947-8258.
1. What British Isles language is widely spoken in Chubut, Argentina?
2. Robert Peary is known for exploring the North or South Pole?
3. ___________is the science of human societies and culture.
4. What was Elvis Presley’s first released single?
5. Who wrote the novel Anne of Green Gables?
2. Robert Peary is known for exploring the North or South Pole?
3. ___________is the science of human societies and culture.
4. What was Elvis Presley’s first released single?
5. Who wrote the novel Anne of Green Gables?
(see bottom for answers)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
If you look deeply, you may uncover a hidden opportunity to manifest something you are passionate about. Doing so might require that you forgive yourself for a past issue. Lucky numbers: 1, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20.
Taurus is known to be a hard working, no-nonsense personality. Do you want to expand beyond that image? It’s a good instinct, but you may need to wait to implement it. Lucky numbers: 10, 11, 12, 32, 33, 40.
Are you experiencing a disconnect or conflict between what you think you should want in life, and what you actually want? This may be a good time to resolve the dilemma. Lucky numbers: 8, 10, 15, 24, 30, 45.
Cancers have a deeply emotional nature that can drive their decisions in a positive or negative way. This week, you might try to be aware of this dynamic and adjust accordingly. Lucky numbers: 5, 15, 18, 20, 28, 43.
Completion of a project may be in process now. It would be good to look back and evaluate how things went. Then you can begin to plan the next six months. Lucky numbers: 7, 19, 27, 38, 40, 44.
Right now you may not be feeling satisfied with how your life is going. It is important to understand whether the issue is something within yourself or in your environment. Lucky numbers: 3, 13, 16, 22, 27, 42.
You may find yourself in an ongoing examination of how well you nurture yourself and others. If so, making progress now might require you to let go of some old experiences. Lucky numbers: 9, 22, 23, 32, 37, 39.
Does a past karmic issue keep resurfacing in your life in different forms? Perhaps facing it head on would be best, along with doing the work necessary to heal it. Lucky numbers: 6, 8, 12, 13, 26, 38.
Are you feeling blocked from achieving something, whether a project or just communicating a change within yourself? You may have to stand up to a person acting as an obstacle. Lucky numbers: 14, 16, 18, 41, 43, 46.
The past few weeks you may have experienced problems with cars and technology, as well as in your communications with others. You now could have a green light to proceed normally. Lucky numbers: 13, 15, 20, 42, 44, 47.
The humanitarianism of Aquarius sometimes can have an overly detached quality in the endeavours. Seek a hidden opportunity to incorporate more warmth and passionate drive into your efforts. Lucky numbers: 2, 17, 26, 30, 42, 48.
You soon may reach the end of a period where your intuitive and empathetic skills have been focused on others rather than yourself. What might you have learned during this period? Lucky numbers: 4, 10, 17, 36, 38, 40.
Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Capricorn winners with the luckiest number being 20.
Great player: Born in 2000, Bianca Andreescu of Canada learned to play tennis when she was only 7 years old. In 2019, she became the first Canadian to win a grand slam singles title.
Tooth exchange: When children in North America lose a baby tooth, they put it under their pillows and the Tooth Fairy exchanges it for money. In France, children hope La Petite Souris (The Little Mouse) will leave money or treats.
Start Your Own
Woodworking Business...
Nocturnal attraction: Barnyard pests such as mice can be kept at bay if owls are present. To attract owls, property owners could consider keeping their property dark at night by using motion-activated outdoor lighting.
Green space: A five-floor condominium building in Turin, Italy, brings nature to its residents. Designed by architect Luciano Pia, the extra-wide terraces of “25 Green” hold trees and shrubs planted in large pots, turning the building into an urban jungle.
Different coffee: It’s possible to make dandelion coffee out of dandelion roots. First, the roots have to be roasted in the oven, boiled in water, then strained. The beverage tastes similar to coffee without the acidic flavour.
Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Oscar and Greta. Oscar and Greta who? Oscar silly question, Greta silly answer.
Why did the mail arrive wet? There was postage dew.
Jack: “Just one big factory makes all the perfume in the world.”
Jill: “Yes, it makes sense.”How do bees communicate? They use buzz words!
How did the road feel when twin chickens crossed it? Double-crossed.
Trivia Answers: 1. Welsh 2. North 3. Anthropology 4. “That’s All Right”
5. L.M. Montgomery
PDF Versions of our Publication
(just like the ones you will find displayed in restaurants)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Print versions are currently available in:
Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Nanoose, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay & Victoria. More areas coming soon!
January 23 - 29, 2023
Mid Vancouver Island Edition
Fun houses: Parents who want to impress their kids with a playhouse that will tickle their imaginations need only call a company in Lethbridge, Alberta (Canada). The brainchild of Tyson Leavitt, Charmed Playhouses produces custom-made structures that can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand. One might resemble a castle, while another might look like a cabin in the woods. They even make “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” structures. But whatever form they take, the attention to detail is amazing, from windows to furnishings to interior design details. The Charmed Playhouse team builds the structure, takes it apart to move it to the buyer’s location, then puts it back together. Leavitt and his team also have plans of creating resorts where all families can come and enjoy the experience.
Pet problem: When Wyverne Flatt got his beloved potbellied pig Ellie in 2018 when she was quite small, as an emotional support animal, he was living in the U.S. state of South Carolina. But when he moved to the town of Canajoharie, New York, he ran into trouble. Officials in that area consider Ellie a farm animal, and keeping her in the town is illegal. But Flatt refused to give up his 110-pound (50-kilogram) ovine companion, whom he claims is affectionate, smart, and clean. The pet owner, who also has two dogs and a cat, is willing to go to court in an attempt to keep Ellie as part of his household.
False alarm: A concerned driver spotted something that caused her great worry. She thought she saw a swan caught on a fence in the flooded River Stour, in County Dorset, England. The animal lover called the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which immediately sent help. As Officer Graham Hammond prepared to summon a rescue team, he found a closer vantage point to check out the swan’s predicament. Luckily, he was able to cancel the team before they started on their way because he discovered that the trapped feathered friend was actually a white plastic lawn chair. In its topsy-turvy position in the water, it did indeed resemble a swan.
Balcony living: People have been known to live in vans or motor homes or lean-to huts, but how about paying rent to live in a tent on the balcony of someone’s apartment? That is what a woman is advertising in Zurich, Switzerland. Places to live in this city are scarce and expensive, so the apartment dweller decided to try subsidizing her rent while providing “living space” for someone in need. The lucky candidate will receive a two-person, waterproof tent, with bedding, and will have access to the kitchen, bathroom, and living room of the apartment. Her advertised rate for the opportunity is 500 Swiss francs per month. The unusual idea apparently is legal in the city.
“Every exit is an entry somewhere else.” - Tom Stoppard
“If you keep going with a definite purpose, you will find the way and reach the destination.” - Debasish Mridha
“If you keep going with a definite purpose, you will find the way and reach the destination.” - Debasish Mridha
FREE listings for non-profit community events. Please email, 25 words or less, to: events@myCoffeeNews.ca (Deadline Tuesdays noon)
Free Drop-in Chair Yoga Classes for Seniors: Mondays at 2-2:45pm, Jan 23 to April 3. No class Feb 20. St. Columba Church, 921 Wembley Rd, French Creek. Email Charlotte: healthywisdom@shaw.ca
Mid-Vancouver Island Region Alcoholics Anonymous: If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help! www.NanaimoAA.org 250.753.7513 or Toll Free 1.833.753.7513.
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Free Drop-in Chair Yoga Classes for Seniors: Mondays at 2-2:45pm, Jan 23 to April 3. No class Feb 20. St. Columba Church, 921 Wembley Rd, French Creek. Email Charlotte: healthywisdom@shaw.ca
Cowichan Musical Society presents Shrek The Musical, Jan 27 - 28, 7:30pm, Jan 29, 2pm, Feb 3 - 4, 7:30 pm & Feb 5, 2pm at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St, Duncan. Tickets www.ctcentre.bc.ca
Cassie & Maggie offer a Celtic performance. Sun, Jan 29 @ 3:00pm at The Duncan Showroom, 131 Station Street, Duncan. $15 advance $20 door
2023 Island’s Agriculture Show: Vancouver Island’s largest agriculture event of the year, showcasing the latest & most innovative equipment & technology for the agriculture industry. Held on Fri., Feb. 3 & Sat., Feb. 4 at Cowichan Exhibition Park.
19th Annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday: Held Saturday, Feb. 4, 10am-3:30pm, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, QB. Come out and enjoy a taste of spring!
Mid Island Floral Art Club Meeting: Feb. 9, 2pm, St Stephen’s Church Hall, 150 Village Way, QB. Topic: Learning Floral Structures. Guests welcome. Info:mifaclub2000@gmail.com or Joanne 250-757-8969.
The Sixties - Love Songs & Folk Songs: A Craig Bay Choristers Project, held on Saturday, February 11, 2:30pm at Knox United Church, Parksville. Tickets Fireside Books, at the door or online craigbaytickets@gmail.com
Parksville Gem & Mineral Show: Feb.
11, 10am-5pm & Feb. 12, 10am-4pm, 132 East Jensen Ave, Community
Centre. Admission $4 (kids free under 12), Hourly door prizes. Info:
Dragonflydesignbc@gmail.com
Alberni Valley Seedy Saturday: Feb. 11, 10am-2pm, Echo Centre, Dogwood Rm. Meet Island producers with seeds & cuttings. Learn about seed saving. Have fun with lots of kids activities!
CVIOS Orchid Show & Sale: Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society is holding a sale Feb. 17-19, Nanaimo North Town Centre. Displays, vendors, daily raffle, potting workshops. Details at: CVIOS.org
Raffi in Concert! A family event for all ages. Sing-a-long to faves like Down by the bay, Baby Beluga, Bananaphone & many more wonderful tunes. Held Sat., Feb. 18, 2pm at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Tickets at venue box office or online at cowichanpac.ca
Chemainus Classical Concerts: Clare Yuan, piano; Scott Meek, piano. Held February 19, 2pm at St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus. $25/$10. Reserved $20. For info, call 250-748-8383.
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling Returns to Port Alberni! February 25, they will invade Maht Mahs Gym. Don’t miss your chance to catch all of the hard-hitting, high flying, keep you on the edge of your seat, action! Doors open at 6:30pm, bell rings at 7pm! Tix avail at www.viprowrestling.ca Food & drink available at concession.
Coldest Night of the Year: A family-friendly walk that raises money for charities serving hungry, homeless & hurting people in the community Feb 25th. Event’s in Nanaimo: www.cnoy.org/nanaimo or 1.877.743.3413.
Cowichan Valley Probus Club: Retired or nearly retired? Come join us at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Mt. Baker Room. First Tues of each month, 10:30am. Visit cowichanvalleyprobusclub.ca or 250-710-7467.
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Join the Nanaimo Social Club: Singles & couples welcome to take part in all activities & meet new friends. For further information call Brenda, 250-585-4643.
Free Technology Training Workshops: We help seniors work with
everything computers, smart phones, tablets, safety, privacy, files,
photos & email management. Oceanside area. Email: tlc@sd69.bc.ca or
call: 250-947-8258.
1. What is a group of islands called?
2. Who was Gerardus Mercator?
3. What colour tongues do Chow Chows and Shar-Peis have?
4. What is the acronym for the colours of the rainbow?
5. Who was the first U.S. president to hold a live TV press conference?
2. Who was Gerardus Mercator?
3. What colour tongues do Chow Chows and Shar-Peis have?
4. What is the acronym for the colours of the rainbow?
5. Who was the first U.S. president to hold a live TV press conference?
(see bottom for answers)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Aries are often very focused on self achievements that provide a sense of success. Right now, though, it may be time to expand your sense of self through humanitarian endeavours. Lucky numbers: 9, 17, 19, 21, 46, 48.
Aries are often very focused on self achievements that provide a sense of success. Right now, though, it may be time to expand your sense of self through humanitarian endeavours. Lucky numbers: 9, 17, 19, 21, 46, 48.
While Gemini thought processes are rapid and insightful, execution of plans can be spotty. If you are presented with an opportunity that resonates with your nature, resist the urge to procrastinate. Lucky numbers: 3, 8, 10, 13, 14, 17.
Protecting yourself and those you love is an important focus for the Cancer-born. Are you feeling confident about your life situation now? If not, what can you do to improve it? Lucky numbers: 6, 9, 11, 12, 21, 39.
Leo is known as the Pied Piper of the zodiac for your ability to draw people to you. How can you make sure your interactions with others are a win-win for everyone? Lucky numbers: 8, 10, 16, 19, 38, 40.
The work Virgo chooses to do is often a form of service to others. Do you need to make an adjustment in the type of service or how you provide it? Lucky numbers: 1, 7, 20, 22, 42, 43.
Right now a focus may be on your relationship to your mother or your children. Remember that how well you were nurtured influences how well you are able to do so yourself. Lucky numbers: 12, 19, 27, 29, 41, 47.
Scorpios sometimes have difficulty reaching out and connecting with others. However, the Universe may be asking you to do exactly that right now. How can you feel safe in doing so? Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 20, 30, 35, 45.
A personal philosophy or belief system is important to many Sagittarians. Now may be a good time for you to explore and then act on those beliefs to help humanity. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 6, 7, 23, 44.
Capricorns usually focus on practical accomplishments. Now, however, you may have the opportunity to unearth a different type of success that is in alignment with your heart, perhaps in the arts. Lucky numbers: 15, 16, 30, 31, 42, 46.
The planetary energies right now are strongly Aquarian. How might you be able to use this energy to shine a spotlight on yourself, so that others can see who you truly are? Lucky numbers: 11, 12, 25, 40, 42, 45.
You are entering a period of several months where you may want to be sure that you see any romantic partner clearly. Dig deep to understand the truth of a relationship. Lucky numbers: 13, 17, 18, 27, 37, 42.
Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Gemini winners with the luckiest number being 17.
Friendly goat: Originating in the Cameroon Valley of West Africa, pygmy goats have been found to make good pets. They are cute and playful, and also very friendly and social. They need a big yard with a high fence, and grass or hay to eat.
Smelly basement: One way to reduce the musty smell that sometimes plagues basements is to use a dehumidifier. These appliances remove mildew-inducing moisture from the air, which contributes to the musty odor.
Start Your Own
Woodworking Business...
Very big berry: Eggplants are considered berries because they come from a single flower. However, with all the grilling, frying, baking, and roasting that occurs in the kitchen, they are often thought of as a vegetable.
Busy volcano: Mauna Loa in Hawaii (U.S.) is the largest volcano in the world. It is 13,681 feet (4,170 m) above sea level. Although its last eruption was in 1984, it has erupted 33 times since 1843, an average of every five years.
Moldable toy: Silly Putty was created in the 1940s, and is still available today. Made from boric acid and silicone oil, its invention was an accident. When it didn’t work as a synthetic rubber substitute, it was marketed as a toy.
Did you hear about the skeleton comedian? He tried tibia little humerus.
Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Zombies. Zombies who? Zombies make honey, others don’t.
When I saw the pile of free pants on the street, I really picked up the slack.
Student: “The moon was full the other day, but now it’s only a crescent.”
Teacher: “Don’t worry. It’s just a phase.”What kinds of haircuts do sponges get? Bobs.
Trivia Answers: 1. Archipelago 2. Cartographer 3. Blue-black 4. ROYGBIV 5. John F. Kennedy
PDF Versions of our Publication
(just like the ones you will find displayed in restaurants)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Print versions are currently available in:
Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Nanoose, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay & Victoria. More areas coming soon!
January 16 - 22, 2023
Mid Vancouver Island Edition
Dog lover: Michael J. Baines never thought he’d become known as “The Man That Rescues Dogs” when he moved to Thailand from his home in Sweden nearly two decades ago. A talented chef, he went to this Asian country to open a restaurant, and in doing so noticed the large number of stray dogs who would come looking for scraps. At first, he fed one or two, then a few, and the next thing he knew, 100 dogs depended on him for food. In 2017, The Man That Rescues Dogs shelter was founded. A team of 25 shelter staff, along with volunteers, now care for hundreds of homeless canines. Funding comes entirely from donations.
Scary sight: On a certain downtown street in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, anyone who looks up will see a scary sight. Hundreds of dolls’ heads peer down at passersbys from the third-floor balcony of a house. This curious sight, which has become known as the “Balcony of the Dolls,” is the creation of Etanís González, a visual artist and collector who owns the house. He and his family are dedicated to turning the building into a museum, and they consider the doll heads to be an art installation. González spent three years working on this piece, painstakingly placing each of the heads into position.
Song name: A village called Kongthong, in the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India, has a wonderful tradition. Each villager not only has a name, but also has a song that is their name. The practice is called jingrwai iawbei. At birth, mothers give their newborns a unique melody, which becomes their identity. If the person is far away, their whole tune, which is between 10 and 20 seconds long, is sung to call them. If they are close by, a shorter version, sort of like a nickname, is sung. Recently, outside interest in this tradition has brought more tourists, and the hiking trail to the village has been replaced with a road.
Standing in line: Most people sometimes must stand in line to get what they want, at the grocery store, the theatre, the bus stop, and everywhere in between. But what if you could afford to pay someone else to do it instead? A British man named Freddie Beckitt will be that stand-in. He lives in London, where there is no shortage of queues or wealthy folk who don’t want to stand in them. Beckitt charges £20 an hour for his services, which he does on a part-time basis to supplement his income as a writer. Getting tickets for shows is a big reason people hire him, and he will do the job in all kinds of weather.
“Don’t quit because you are not good enough; keep going because you are not good enough yet.” - Richelle E. Goodrich
“Real courage… is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” - Harper Lee
“Real courage… is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” - Harper Lee
FREE listings for non-profit community events. Please email, 25 words or less, to: events@myCoffeeNews.ca (Deadline Tuesdays noon)
Mid-Vancouver Island Region Alcoholics Anonymous: If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help! www.NanaimoAA.org 250.753.7513 or Toll Free 1.833.753.7513.
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Snowed In Comedy Tour: Canada’s biggest stand-up comedy tour is coming to Port Alberni on Monday, January 16, 7:30 to 10pm at The Capitol Theatre.
Nanaimo Family History Society (NFHS) January Meeting: Mon., Jan. 16, 6:30pm, via Zoom Genevieve Weber, Archivist, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, talks about resources available to family researchers at the Royal BC Museum. Info: nanaimofamilyhistory.ca/membership
Nanaimo Quilters’ Guild next meeting is Wed., January 18th, at 1:30pm & 6:30pm., Nanaimo Curling Club, 106 Wall St.
Meet Those with Hearing Loss: Held at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library on Jan. 19, 3:30pm to learn about resources for better hearing. Contact Barb at 250-667-6615 (text).
Special Olympics FUNdraiser: Music, dancing, silent auction, loonie-toonie & more. Join us for a fabulous evening of great fun, all in support of Port Alberni Special Olympics! It’s a great way to support this 100% volunteer organization, that makes such a difference in the quality of life of it’s participants! Held at Char’s Landing, Jan. 21, 6pm. Call 250-730-1636 or visit: www.specialolympics.ca
The First Open Heart Society - Mid Island Branch meet Sat., Jan. 21, 1:30-3pm. Dr. Hector C. Baillie, internist will be our guest speaker. Everyone is welcome. 4235 Departure Bay Rd., Nanaimo near Country Club Centre. Refreshments follow the 50/50 draw.
Free Drop-in Chair Yoga Classes for Seniors: Mondays at 2-2:45pm, Jan 23 to April 3. No class Feb 20. St. Columba Church, 921 Wembley Rd, French Creek. Email Charlotte: healthywisdom@shaw.ca
Cowichan Musical Society presents Shrek The Musical, Jan 27 - 28, 7:30pm, Jan 29, 2pm, Feb 3 - 4, 7:30 pm & Feb 5, 2pm at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St, Duncan. Tickets www.ctcentre.bc.ca
Cassie & Maggie offer a Celtic performance. Sun, Jan 29 @ 3:00pm at The Duncan Showroom, 131 Station Street, Duncan. $15 advance $20 door
19th Annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday: Held Saturday, Feb. 4, 10am-3:30pm, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, QB. Come out and enjoy a taste of spring!
Parksville Gem & Mineral Show: Feb.
11, 10am-5pm & Feb. 12, 10am-4pm, 132 East Jensen Ave, Community
Centre. Admission $4 (kids free under 12), Hourly door prizes. Info:
Dragonflydesignbc@gmail.com
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling Returns to Port Alberni! February 25, they will invade Maht Mahs Gym. Don’t miss your chance to catch all of the hard-hitting, high flying, keep you on the edge of your seat, action! Doors open at 6:30pm, bell rings at 7pm! Tix avail at www.viprowrestling.ca Food & drink available at concession.
Cowichan Valley Probus Club: Retired or nearly retired? Come join us at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Mt. Baker Room. First Tues of each month, 10:30am. Visit cowichanvalleyprobusclub.ca or 250-710-7467.
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Join the Nanaimo Social Club: Singles & couples welcome to take part in all activities & meet new friends. For further information call Brenda, 250-585-4643.
Free Technology Training Workshops: We help seniors work with
everything computers, smart phones, tablets, safety, privacy, files,
photos & email management. Oceanside area. Email: tlc@sd69.bc.ca or
call: 250-947-8258.
1. What central Canadian city is considered the Slurpee capital of the world?
2. The Gateway Arch is located in which U.S. state?
3. Jellyfish and corals belong to what phylum?
4. What year was the Odyssey Video Game first released?
5. Disney opened Euro Disney in 1985, 1992, or 2000?
2. The Gateway Arch is located in which U.S. state?
3. Jellyfish and corals belong to what phylum?
4. What year was the Odyssey Video Game first released?
5. Disney opened Euro Disney in 1985, 1992, or 2000?
(see bottom for answers)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
The balance of power in relationships may be a focus right now, especially for Aries women. Are your partnerships emotionally healthy, or are they out of balance in favour of one partner? Lucky numbers: 8, 10, 19, 24, 34, 41.
Over the past four months, you may have had unusual experiences. What have they taught you? If you need to make some changes, you might want to wait a few weeks. Lucky numbers: 5, 9, 11, 19, 32, 37.
Are you feeling stressed by weird, changing issues about communications and equipment that hinder your ambitions? These could begin to change this week, but may take a while to shake out. Lucky numbers: 6, 7, 18, 27, 31, 32.
You may feel eager to start a new endeavour now. Be aware of anything that is holding you back. Are you focused outside of yourself, when the obstacle is within? Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 30, 33, 44, 47.
How well have your plans from six months ago worked out? If you need to make a change to them now, consider one that is in alignment with your values. Lucky numbers: 4, 6, 9, 12, 26, 44.
Work is an important focus for Virgos. Right now, though, it may be causing an issue in a relationship. Consider what adjustment you might need to make to balance the two. Lucky numbers: 7, 8, 10, 26, 31, 46.
If you are in a romantic relationship, are your needs being met? This is particularly important for Libra women. Work with your partner toward an honest discussion that doesn’t become an argument. Lucky numbers: 13, 17, 23, 34, 39, 40.
At the beginning of the week, your intuitive ability to receive insights about the emotional issues of others may be particularly strong. Be sure to use discretion in sharing what you see. Lucky numbers: 1, 4, 7, 27, 36, 39.
Your natural enthusiasm and optimism may be heightened during the middle of the week. Use the energy to accomplish something positive, but be careful not to overreach regarding risks. Lucky numbers: 15, 23, 37, 39, 41, 46.
This may be a good time to make plans for the next six months. However, you may also experience some temporary confusion now, so consider waiting until next week to finalize them. Lucky numbers: 3, 17, 18, 22, 31, 43.
This month the Sun will return to its position at your birth. It’s a good time to plan out the year. Be sure your goals are in alignment with your values. Lucky numbers: 11, 17, 18, 24, 28, 33.
At mid-week, you may begin to find a good opportunity to connect more fully with others. This might be on a work or a romantic basis. Keep your eyes open for it. Lucky numbers: 9, 18, 24, 25, 35, 38.
Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Sagittarius winners with the luckiest number being 23.
Weather protection: The first umbrellas may have been sun protection in ancient Egypt, over 3,500 years ago. Now made from waterproof material, umbrellas keep users dry during rain. Ones that protect from the sun’s rays are called “parasols.”
Shoe rationing: During World War II, Americans could not amass a closet full of shoes. That’s because footwear was rationed so that supplies of rubber and leather would be available for the needs of the military.
Start Your Own
Woodworking Business...
Tea time: Bubble tea was created in Taiwan in the 1980s. Originally, it was made by pouring brewed black tea, milk, and sugar over ice and tapioca balls. Now, there is more choice with different teas and flavourings.
Good spot: Happyland is the actual name of a rural municipality in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Local yore says it was named by an early settler who was so glad to live there that he called it a “happy land.”
Similar names: American talk show personality Johnny Carson, who hosted The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, was married four times. His first three wives had similar names: Joan (known as Jody), Joanne, and Joanna. His fourth wife was named Alexis.
What happened to the mad scientist’s plan? It fizzled out.
Rapunzel and her hair had an understanding: they never wanted to be a part.
Here’s to the guy who invented zero. Thanks for nothing!
Bill: “I just climbed to the top of the world’s biggest mountain.”
Will: “Wow, Everest?”
Bill: “Sure, about every 100 feet or so.”
Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Nana. Nana who? Nana of your business!
Rapunzel and her hair had an understanding: they never wanted to be a part.
Here’s to the guy who invented zero. Thanks for nothing!
Bill: “I just climbed to the top of the world’s biggest mountain.”
Will: “Wow, Everest?”
Bill: “Sure, about every 100 feet or so.”
Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Nana. Nana who? Nana of your business!
Trivia Answers: 1. Winnipeg 2. Missouri 3. Cnidaria 4. 1972 5. 1992
PDF Versions of our Publication
(just like the ones you will find displayed in restaurants)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Print versions are currently available in:
Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Nanoose, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay & Victoria. More areas coming soon!
January 9 - 15, 2023
Mid Vancouver Island Edition
Lonely house: On a rocky outcrop high in the mountains in Italy, a structure has become known as “the world’s loneliest house.” Called Buffa di Perrero, it is in the Dolomite Mountains on Monte Cristallo. The brick dwelling, with windows, two doors, and a slanted roof, is embedded on a ledge nearly 3,000 metres (over 9,000 feet) above sea level. Italian soldiers are thought to have built the house during World War I as a place to hide and rest. To reach it, visitors must travel on the Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona (“iron path”), which consists of steel ladders and cables. For the original builders, getting materials up the mountain would have been quite a feat.
Cow virtual reality: Virtual reality (VR) headsets aren’t just for people to use to experience simulated scenes. Cows can use them, too! Izzet Kocak, a farmer from Aksaray, Turkey, wanted to encourage his cows to produce more milk in the winter, when they are cooped up in a barn. He used technology developed by veterinarians that fits VR headsets to the animals and plays scenes of green pastures. A study conducted on this unique idea showed that the cows grew calmer and less stressed. Kocak tested the devices with two cows in his herd and found that with the VR goggles they did, indeed, produce more milk.
Dancing driver: A bus driver in Orlando, Florida (U.S.), knows how to bring joy to one little girl. Mom Brette-Ashley Schmitt of Rochester, New York, was on vacation with her family, including her young daughter Emerson. As their bus arrived at their stop, Emerson’s favourite song, Taylor Swift’s “Shake if Off,” was playing through the public address system. Excitedly, she told the driver she loved the song and started dancing. Despite what was probably a busy schedule, the driver chose to enjoy the moment; he turned up the volume and started dancing in his seat, smiling and laughing along with Emerson. Schmitt was thankful to the driver for taking the extra time to make her daughter smile.
Fingerprint island: Baljenac (or Bavljenac) Island is a fingertip-shaped island in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia’s coast. The island also looks like a fingerprint when viewed from above. That’s because this 0.14-square-kilometre (0.09-square-mile) island has over 23 kilometres (14 miles) of waist-high walls made of piled-up rocks. From the air, the long rows of walls look like the labyrinth of ridges on a fingerprint. The walls protect crops from the high winds common in the area. No one lives on the island, and farmers come from Kaprije, another island nearby, to plant the crops. Most likely, the walls have been there since at least the 19th century.
“Every right is married to a duty; every freedom owes a corresponding responsibility.” - Russell Kirk
“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” - Simone Biles
“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” - Simone Biles
FREE listings for non-profit community events. Please email, 25 words or less, to: events@myCoffeeNews.ca (Deadline Tuesdays noon)
Coombs Flea Market & pancake breakfast, Sun., Jan. 8, 9am, Coombs Rodeo Grounds. Phone Val 250.752.9735 to rent a flea market table.
Mid-Vancouver Island Region Alcoholics Anonymous: If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help! www.NanaimoAA.org 250.753.7513 or Toll Free 1.833.753.7513.
Qualicum Beach Garden Club AGM: Tuesday, January 10, 7:30pm at
Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Special Guest Speaker: Alexey Tretyakov
will speak to us about the hobby of orchid growing.
Donate Blood, Get Free Snacks! Canadian Blood Services is asking for winter heroes in Port Alberni to support patients by booking & keeping their appointments to donate blood at Best Western Barclay Hotel Tues., Jan. 10; Wed., Jan. 11 & Thur., Jan. 12, 2-6:45pm. Book your appointment at blood.ca, by downloading our GiveBlood app, or by calling 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills St., has 6 large rooms & small offices available to rent for meetings, workshops or gatherings. Check us out at www.parksvillecentre.ca or call 250-248-6234.
Snowed In Comedy Tour: Canada’s biggest stand-up comedy tour is coming to Port Alberni on Monday, January 16, 7:30 to 10pm at The Capitol Theatre.
Meet Those with Hearing Loss: Held at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library on Jan. 19, 3:30pm to learn about resources for better hearing. Contact Barb at 250-667-6615 (text).
Special Olympics FUNdraiser: Music, dancing, silent auction, loonie-toonie & more. Join us for a fabulous evening of great fun, all in support of Port Alberni Special Olympics! It’s a great way to support this 100% volunteer organization, that makes such a difference in the quality of life of it’s participants! Held at Char’s Landing, Jan. 21, 6pm. Call 250-730-1636 or visit: www.specialolympics.ca
19th Annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday: Held Saturday, Feb. 4, 10am-3:30pm, Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, QB. Come out and enjoy a taste of spring!
Parksville Gem & Mineral Show: Feb.
11, 10am-5pm & Feb. 12, 10am-4pm, 132 East Jensen Ave, Community
Centre. Admission $4 (kids free under 12), Hourly door prizes. Info:
Dragonflydesignbc@gmail.com
Cowichan Valley Probus Club: Retired or nearly retired? Come join us at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Mt. Baker Room. First Tues of each month, 10:30am. Visit cowichanvalleyprobusclub.ca or 250-710-7467.
Parksville’s Everyday Market Now Open: 7 days a week, 9:30am-4:30pm, 1210 Industrial Way, Parksville, next to Shar Kare. Info: 250-248-3613. Presented by Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce.
Free Technology Training Workshops: We help seniors work with
everything computers, smart phones, tablets, safety, privacy, files,
photos & email management. Oceanside area. Email: tlc@sd69.bc.ca or
call: 250-947-8258.
1. Canada has 2,860 of these? Twice as many as the U.S..
2. Canada has more of these than the rest of the world combined.
3. The Le Mans car race was first run in 1923, 1934, or 1950?
4. Which elephant has larger ears - African or Asian?
5. Who is the Scottish author of Treasure Island?
2. Canada has more of these than the rest of the world combined.
3. The Le Mans car race was first run in 1923, 1934, or 1950?
4. Which elephant has larger ears - African or Asian?
5. Who is the Scottish author of Treasure Island?
(see bottom for answers)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
You may be experiencing difficulty communicating with others, especially a romantic partner. Consider putting aside any old emotional wounds. Look for an opportunity that will be agreeable to all involved. Lucky numbers: 12, 16, 27, 32, 35, 44.
An unusual or unexpected event may make you see something in a relationship that was never quite visible before. Now might be a good time for a gentle conversation about it. Lucky numbers: 6, 8, 19, 21, 31, 48.
You may have a strong desire to explore possibilities for projects that are in alignment with your values. However, waiting a few weeks to implement your plans may be best. Lucky numbers: 3, 6, 16, 17, 34, 35.
Cancer natives sometimes prefer to be foot soldiers rather than generals. At this time, however, you may willingly assume the mantle of leadership to achieve something important to you. Lucky numbers: 15, 16, 22, 28, 30, 37.
How have you defined good fortune in life? Now may be a good time to re-examine that definition and to see how it fits in with your sense of self. Lucky numbers: 2, 15, 20, 23, 40, 41.
Virgos are known for being practical and well grounded. Those qualities might receive a boost in the middle of the week, and you may use them to complete detail-oriented tasks. Lucky numbers: 9, 21, 34, 35, 44, 45.
You may find that your natural ability to be diplomatic will be highlighted at the end of the week. This may be a good time to plan a social event. Lucky numbers: 11, 19, 23, 39, 41, 42.
Is there an issue that keeps resurfacing and blocking you from making progress? Perhaps it is the effect of an old karmic event. Consider what steps you can take to clear it. Lucky numbers: 7, 12, 14, 15, 27, 39.
For the last couple of months, have you felt that your normal level of energy and ambition has been diminished? This dynamic could begin to abate over the next couple of weeks. Lucky numbers: 1, 4, 5, 8, 18, 46.
Your natural Capricorn leadership qualities may be highlighted now. You might use this to accomplish much, if you are careful not to get into an unnecessary conflict of ego with others. Lucky numbers: 16, 17, 20, 27, 31, 38.
Are you feeling out of sync now with those closest to you? Strive for clear communications and a willingness to adjust your viewpoint about something important to all of you. Lucky numbers: 10, 11, 31, 34, 40, 47.
You might consider taking a retreat day at the end of the week. Quiet contemplation may give you practical insight into a situation that has been confusing you until now. Lucky numbers: 6, 12, 14, 17, 18, 33.
Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Capricorn winners with the luckiest number being 27.
Japanese treat: Sashimi, the Japanese specialty, is thinly sliced, fresh, high-quality food (typically fish and seafood) that is served raw, usually with soy sauce. The types of fish used in this dish are often tuna, yellowtail, mackerel, and salmon.
Tricky trickster: Leprechauns are part of Irish folklore. In popular imagination, they wear green, have beards, and stand about three feet tall. The mischievous creatures make shoes for a living and keep a pot of gold in the forest.
Start Your Own
Woodworking Business...
Dryer solution: For environmental reasons, some people are avoiding using dryer sheets to reduce static cling in their laundry. An alternative is multiple-use, natural wool dryer balls, which fluff up the wet clothes, reducing friction.
Rubber duckies: In 1992, containers with almost 30,000 rubber duckies, the bath toys that kids love, fell off a cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean. The currents took them around the world, helping scientists learn about ocean movements and waves.
Cute as a puppy: When puppies are born, they don’t have teeth, and they can’t see or hear. They find their mothers by using their sense of smell.
Mutt: “I’m learning to be a barber.”
Jeff: “Will it take long?”
Mutt: “No, I’m studying all the short cuts.”
Why are pickles so slow? They tend to dilly-dally.
I know lots of jokes about pole vaulters, but none of them go over well.
Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Gucci. Gucci who? Gucci-gucci-goo!
What do you call a food court when you’re on a diet?
A craveyard.
Jeff: “Will it take long?”
Mutt: “No, I’m studying all the short cuts.”
Why are pickles so slow? They tend to dilly-dally.
I know lots of jokes about pole vaulters, but none of them go over well.
Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Gucci. Gucci who? Gucci-gucci-goo!
What do you call a food court when you’re on a diet?
A craveyard.
Trivia Answers: 1. Hockey rinks 2. Lakes 3. 1923 4. African 5. Robert Louis Stevenson
PDF Versions of our Publication
(just like the ones you will find displayed in restaurants)
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Print versions are currently available in:
Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Nanoose, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay & Victoria. More areas coming soon!
December 26 - January 8, 2023
Mid Vancouver Island Edition
Cat museum: A Dutch cat lover adored his pet feline so much that, when the animal died, he founded a museum in its honour. Called KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet), the museum is a tribute to a cat named John Pierpont Morgan. Owner Bob Meijer was known to buy gifts for Morgan’s birthdays, and he enjoyed the company of this feline, who lived from 1966 to 1983. Located in Amsterdam, KattenKabinet displays works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and books, which reveal the roles of cats over the centuries. Today, five cats call the building home. The museum is open to visitors, who might spot one of the live felines amongst the artwork
Lifesaver: Who says dogs don’t have a sixth sense? A couple from Glastonbury, Connecticut (U.S.), absolutely believe that they do. Jeff and Kelly Dowling have a Boston terrier named Henry who alerted Kelly to the fact their baby girl was in distress in her crib. The baby had a cold, which didn’t seem too serious, but Henry kept butting at the nursery door with his head. Kelly ignored the behaviour at first, but then the baby woke up and her cry was unusual. Her mom saw that she was badly congested and struggling to breathe. The baby was treated at the hospital and is now fine. The Dowlings credit Henry with saving their child’s life.
What’s in a name? A couple loves the Irish name “Sean” (pronounced “Shawn”) so much that they christened both of their twin boys with the moniker. One is spelled “Sean” and the other is spelled “Seen.” As the family’s surname is “Sean,” the boys will be “Sean Sean” and “Seen Sean.” The story got out on social media, and lots of people responded to the couple’s decision with criticism. Amused by the comments, the couple admitted that they’d possibly made a mistake in the naming process. Baby “Sean Sean” will keep his moniker, but baby “Seen Sean” might get a new first name.
Rock movers: Anyone who wants to try moving a gigantic granite rock with their bare hands should visit the Huelgoat Forest in western France. This forest includes many large boulders and rocks; one is known as La Roche Tremblante (Trembling Rock). The rock, which weighs about 137 metric tonnes (about 150 U.S. tons) and is 7 metres (23 feet) long, can be made to teeter a bit with just a push, due to how it rests on a large, rocky base. To rock this rock, someone has to know exactly where to push it. The area gets many visitors, most coming to try to move the hunk of granite, which is also known as the Logan Stone.