The Goldstream News Gazette was very pleased to host their first Women of the West Shore event on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Publisher Christine Scott welcomed everyone to the beautiful ballroom of the Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway. A copy of the publication accompanying the event was on every table for attendees to enjoy.
The panel of four West Shore business women, Micky Fleming, Cherish Community Living; Dale Collins, Prosperity Planning; Tracey Gibson and Carolyn Barter of Baja Rosi’s Consignment Clothing each gave a short bio and then fielded questions from the floor.
Astrologer Kelly Benson gave us all a peek into what 2015 and 2016 holds in store for business.
As well as the Gazette, major sponsors of the event were Thrifty Foods, Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway and View Royal Casino. Leigh Ann Stephenson, Catering Manager at the Four Points gave a brief overview of what the hotel and their Metropolitan Restaurant can provide. Gwen Richardson, Marketing Co-ordinator of the View Royal Casino told the audience about a couple of upcoming events the Casino will be holding which are geared specifically for women, including astrology birthday parties.
Yolanda Meijer, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity spoke on what Habitat does and how women could get involved. As the chosen charity for the event, over $200 was raised with a silent auction and raffle.
Following the formal part of the evening, a social time was held in which the women were encouraged to stay and network and enjoy the appetizers and refreshments. This publication and event will take place every year. Please call the Gazette office for further details.
• Don’t forget the WestShore Lions Decades of Rock show tomorrow evening, Saturday, November 15th at the Royal Canadian Legion #91 (761 Station Ave., Langford). This is to benefit the West Shore Christmas Hamper Fund and there will be a donation box at the event for non-perishable food items and unwrapped gifts.
• Highlands Winter Craft Fair will be held on Sunday, November 16th at Caleb Pike Heritage Park (1589 Millstream Road) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hot apple cider, fresh baking and local artisans … a great way to spend a Sunday and get in some early holiday shopping. Admission is free.
• A new child and family therapy practice called Rising Sun Counselling is launching this week in a unique location–a rural farm and animal sanctuary in Langford, B.C. As the only known privately practicing child therapist in the West Shore and Sooke, Rising Sun owner Elinor Bazar is a Registered Clinical Counsellor aiming to fill a need for services in the region. To learn about the services of Rising Sun Counselling and Mary’s Farm & Sanctuary, community members and health practitioners are encouraged to attend an Open House on the farm this Saturday, November 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1128 Finlayson Arm Rd. For more information, visit risingsuncounselling.com.
If you have a business story you'd like people to know about, contact Shelley Westwood (swestwood@goldstreamgazette.com).