Money awarded to Camosun women
The Canadian Federation of University Women Victoria distributed thousands of dollars in scholarships and bursaries to students from Camosun, UVic, and Royal Roads this year. Nine students from Camosun were honoured at a special lunch for award-winners last month. The federation is now fundraising for two more bursaries focused on trades and science. Remember, kids, you can’t win if you don’t apply! Go to cfuwvictoria.org for more info.
Sports teams back in zone for 2014
The Chargers season is in its last stretch this month, after the return to league games in January. Charger Mariah Holmstron recently earned the PACWEST women’s volleyball athlete of the week for her exceptional teamwork. The team had a strong month of wins, while men’s volleyball, featuring recent PACWEST athlete of the week Alex Wolf, also showed well as the third-ranked team in BC. The women’s basketball team has also been playing for keeps, only losing a single, closely scored game last month, while the men’s team was around 50/50 in wins.
Camosun students provide free fine dining
Students in the Hospitality Management Training program at Camosun recently had the opportunity to practice their skills and help those in need. Patrons of the Our Place community center were treated to a gourmet meal with professional service in the fourth annual event last month. The event gave many homeless and disadvantaged people a chance to have a really special dining experience and no doubt Camosun will be invited back next year.
Camosun Express shuttle bus reminder
Getting to Camosun from Langford is a pain if you take the bus or drive the highway in the crawl. If you haven’t tried the new minibus service yet, as reported on in our last issue, which runs from Westshore or between Lansdowne and Interurban campuses, don’t miss out on the pilot program, which runs to the end of March. See our full story on the Camosun Express bus at nexusnewspaper.com.
Chinese medicine program in public school
Previously, anyone wanting to learn traditional Chinese medicine in BC needed to attend a private school, but the province’s education minister has announced this month that it will soon be available at a public institution. Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been chosen as the first public BC school to offer a traditional Chinese medicine program. The program advisory committee will be created later this year; the program start date hasn’t yet been announced.
Children’s camp needs help cheering cancer patients
Camp Goodtimes is looking for volunteers to work with kids with cancer this summer. The camp provides kids with a fun and positive environment for themselves and their families. This is a great opportunity for anyone in the health care programs or who just loves working with children. Go to campgoodtimes.org for more info on how to get involved.
Court maintains that compost smells bad
Last year, the Foundation Organics Ltd. compost facility had its license suspended after complaints from nearby residents about the unpleasant emissions. In January, the BC Supreme Court upheld the CRD’s decision, finding the facility noncompliant for the bylaw that ensures a lack of ground contamination and nuisance odours.
TV show filming in Victoria
The Gracepoint series, based on the British show Broadchurch, just started filming in our fair city. The American producers found exactly what they were looking for to recreate the crime drama here. David Tennant, formerly on Doctor Who, will be reprising his own role from the British version, but this time with an American accent. Shooting locations include Oak Bay Ave and Sidney and the filming is expected to last for three months.
Plastic bags into fuel source
Finally an alternative to high-priced oil; well, technically, it’s also a petroleum product, but research has given new life to used plastics. Scientists in India have developed a low-temperature method to convert plastic bags and other products into a liquid fuel similar to petrochemical fuels. At only 400Đ500 degrees Celsius (not much hotter than a conventional oven), they have achieved a 70 percent conversion rate using a clay mineral catalyst. Less plastic in landfills, less gas at the pump: sounds like a win.
Skittles millionaire
Local resident Chelsea Middleton is swimming in rainbow riches after winning a candy contest of epic proportions. She directed her social-media savvy towards gaining video views on the getskittlesrich.com website, and ended up with almost twice that of the runner-up. She intends to share much of the loot, possibly donating some to local charities. A couple thousand pounds of Skittles goes a long way!