April issue 77 2015 final by Cowichan Valley Voice

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2015 APRIL ISSUE 77 COWICHAN ART & FILM I LOCAL EVENTS I COMMUNITY I EARTH DAY

www.cabinetbed.ca

107 INGRAM STREET, DUNCAN TEL: 250 746 5527 WWW.MERITDUNCAN.CA INFO@MERITDUNCAN.CA

Happy Easter! Enjoy Shawnigan Lake Village and all of the services before your visit to the Kinsol Trestle.

Rachel Allen 250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

2750 Shawnigan Lake Road TAKE OUT - (250) 743-1669 www.shawnigansushi.blogspot.ca

EYE ON Shawnigan

Shawnigan Lake Flower Show The earliest notation regarding a Flower Show at Shawnigan Lake is made in conjunction with the 1915 Annual Regatta. Although the phrase 1st Annual was used, it is hard to determine how many successive shows followed. We do know for certain that, in 1926, the Shawnigan Farmer’s Institute initiated another annual flower show as part of their “Spring Show”. The Spring Show was a popular event held each April from 1926-1932 (with the exception of 1931, due to the village fire) at the Shawnigan Lake Athletic Association hall. A committee of five local men organized the event in this era. In 1946, the Shawnigan Flower Show blossomed again, this time with women at the helm. The new event, organized by the Shawnigan Lake Women’s Institute became a community event that included handicrafts, a home bake sale and entertainment. Mrs. W.J. Cotsford, founder and convener of the first show felt that, “the growing and

arranging of flowers was something creative which could be done by anyone…”. In 1954, the event became co-sponsored between the Women’s Institute and the Shawnigan Lake Parent Teacher Association. After 1967, a committee from the community was struck to organize the show in 1968 and beyond.

The Flower Show was a big event for Shawnigan Lake that required many volunteers from the community. Some people were involved with the show for decades. Over the years, horticultural heavyweights such as Jack and Hilda Beastall and Helen Chestnut have praised the show in their newspaper columns. In 1986, Helen declared that, “the Shawnigan Flower Show was a highlight of the horticultural world on southern Vancouver Island”. An impressive line-up of people came to open the Shawnigan Flower Show over the years. The Flower Show moved to the Cobble Hill Hall in 2001, after 55 years in Shawnigan Lake, due to the rising rental costs at the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. Many of the beautiful trophies from past flower shows are in the collection at the Shawnigan Lake Museum. The Mill Bay Garden Club now organizes this popular event under the name, Community Flower and Garden Show.

Shawnigan Lake Museum 1775 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road

250-743-8675 Valley Voice Magazine -Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Issue 77 APRIL 2015 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2

Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Distribution Events Calendar Diana Pink Linda Dirksengale Angela Komljenovic Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Or In The South Cowichan Area Please Call Teressa Kathleen 780 880 8308 / email tk@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline Apr 18 for May ISSUE *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Please use this format Event Date, Event Title, Location/Address Contact for Tickets OR Website (not both)Time, Cost DEADLINE April 15 for May 2015 Issue 78 E-mail Date, Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Please list event title in subject with the word “EVENT” Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Pam Stiles, Mark Holford, Sarah Cosman, Steve Elskens, Daniel Cosman, Ian Blom, Victor Vesely, Jason Greenwood, Liz Newton, Jennie Balcombe, Nora Arajs, David Pink, Ilse Sarady, David Coulson, Dawn Howlett, Rupert Koyote, Crystal Sawyer, Carol Sim, Margot Page, Angie Erskine, Al Siebring, Bryan Henderson, Louise McMurray, Michelle Nanouche, Dr. Fei Yang, Christy Greenwood, Carolyn Green, Jane Waterman, Swarn Leung, Rommy Verlaan,Yaz Yamaguchi, Sandra Beggs, Jody Jackson, Allen Scott, Mandy Tinevez, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available. Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith,Victoria, Tofino and Parksville.

2015 Ad Rate Cards Now Available May AD Deadline: April 18 Over 25,000 LOCAL readers pick up the Valley Voice monthly. For a 2015 Rate Card please contact us! Contact Adrienne at 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

South Cowichan businesses please call

TK at 780 356 3388 TK@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

OUR COMMUNITY Eye on Shawnigan 4 April Events 6-7 Bird’s Eye Cove Easter Event 12 Stinging Nettle Festival 17 Spring at Glenora Farm 19 Island Celtic Festival 22 Earth Day Festivities 26 Island Return It 26 Matraea Centre Celebrates 4 Years 31 Experience Downtown Duncan 32-35 Salts Clothing 35 Open House Sunrise Waldorf School 38 Radway Celebrates 10 Years 41 Clothesline Project 47 Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art 48-50 Community Farm Store Pages 54 Georgia Nicols April Horoscopes 60 Directory 62-63 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Gluten Free Flour Substitutes 8 Cowichan Bay Seafoods Spot Prawn Casserole 9 Local Cowichan Pairings 10 For Your Easter Brunch 11 Musings From the Vines 12 Cosman & Webb Townships Organic 13 Maple Glaze Ham 13 The World of Bubbles 14 Island Farmhouse Poultry 15 Sustainabilitea 16 Some Like it Hot 18 FARM & GARDEN Creating Your Dream Garden 24-25 Providence Farm Plant Sale 25 Micro Irrigation 27 Garden Pals 39 Pig Tales 61 HOME & LIVING Help Improve The Air Quality 28 Designing Green 29 Why Choose Organic Cotton 30 LOCAL ARTS Freedom Gospel Choir 20 The Mousetrap 21 April Music 23 Words to Savour 28 Arts Events 36 Talking Arts Margot Page 40 The Native American Love Flute 51 BODY, MIND & SOUL Prayer & Health Explore the Connection 42 Spring Cleansing 43 Holotropic Breathwork 44 Healthy Relationships 45 New Shiatsu & Cranialsacral Practise 46 Yoga For Wellness 47 Chair Yoga 53 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE The Introverted Dog 52 Daytime Visiblity and Cycling 53 Get Your Team Ready - Hike for Hospice 58 Jody Jackson Golf Tps 59

RETURN OF THE BEATS RHYMES & LIFE Local Hip Hop Duncan Garage Showroom 133 Station St 8pm $10/$8 Adv PROVIDENCE FARM GREENHOUSE NURSERY Open for the Season Annuals Perennials Herbs Fruit Shrubs Open 7 Days a Week 10-5pm WEARABLE ART TRADITIONAL TO CONTEMPORARY Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art 2687 James St, Duncan Runs to 29 FREE

TRADITIONAL SQUARE DANCE No Experience Necessary peter@shadygrove. ca The Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan 7:30pm $5

KIDS TODAY Tim Boss w/ His B3 Hammond Organ Duncan Garage Showroom 133 Station St 8pm $15/$12 Adv EASTER EGGSPRESS BC Forest Discovery Centre Steam Train Scavenger Hunt Goodie Bags 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan 10-4pm $8 Adult $6 Child Runs to Apr 6

EASTER EGG HUNT Cobble Hill Farmers Institute Fairgrounds 11am FREE

DAVE CAMBLE COLLECTIVE Funk Groove Duncan Garage Showroom 133 Station 8pm $15 Door $12 Adv

MOSSES OF VANCOUVER ISLAND Cowichan Valley Naturalists Coffee House Freshwater Eco Centre 1080 Wharncliffe Rd, Duncan 9:30-11:00am FREE

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan Frauke McCashin, RAc @ 250-710-3581 Every Tuesday 14, 21, 28 2-3pm

SALISH FUSION The Story & Art of a Knitting Family Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan 7pm By Donation

Church 246 Ingram St 7pm By Donation foodwastemovie.com

STORY SHAWLS ART WORKSHOP Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art Workshop Fri 6-8pm Sat 10-3pm $95 For Registration 250 746 7930

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Palm Court Light Orchestra Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2:30 pm CLOTHESLINE PROJECT Prevention of Violence Against Women Week Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan cwav@cwav.org Runs to 18 FREE

AMADEUS - DANCES WITH WOLFGANG Ballet Victoria Cowichan Performing Arts Centre cowichanpac.ca 7:30pm

YOUTH JAMMERS Presented by The Folk Guild Opportunity For Young Performers To Try Their Talent w/ a Friendly Supportive Audience Coffee on the Moon 501 Canada Ave, Duncan BEVERLEY McKEEN & MARTY JONES Cowichan Bay Marine Pub 7pm FREE

STINGING NETTLE WEEKEND EVENT Alderlea Farm Nettle Walk & Talk w/ Jason Greenwood. Cooking Demo, Hay Rides, Lunch or Dinner Reservations Recommended johnkaty@shaw.ca 3390 Glenora Rd, Duncan $50 Adult $25 Child COWICHAN VALLEY GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE St. John’s Church Hall 486 St, Duncan 10-1pm $2 SUNRISE WALDORF SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Preschool & Kindergarten Children & Parents Space is Limited RSVP 250 743 7253 GARDEN PALS (Parent & Child Gardening) Centennial Park, Duncan 10-11:30am GELINAS CARR FURNITURE Open House & Showroom Sale 6259 Mina Dr, Duncan www.gelinascarr.com 10 - 8pm PETER BRUNETTE & THE LAKE HILL BAND Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St, 7 pm $10 $5 for CFG Members

INTRODUCTORY BONSAI WORKSHOP Dinter Nursery 10am

SUNDAY JAZZ NANAIMO MUSICIANS ASSN. BIG BAND Crofton Hotel & Pub,1534 Joan Ave 2-5pm

FARM WHOLE FOODS COOKING CLASS Using Local Produce North Oyster Community Ctr 13467 Cedar Rd, Ladysmith 6:30-8:30pm $55

TEXTURE TEMPTATIONS WORKSHOP Wet Felting Stitching Stamping & More 778 455 4715 Kaleidoscope Quilting Company 4715 TCH Whippletree JUST EAT IT Documentary The Cowichan Green Community Duncan United

SUCCESS WITH SOIL Barb Kohlman VIU Campus 250 746 3519 6:30-9pm

MORNING MUSICALE BENJAMIN BUTTERFIELD Cowichan Performing Arts Centre cowichanpac.ca 10:30am

EASY TANDOORI CHICKEN & NAAN BREAD Learn Pam’s Easy Recipe’s Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Junction 778 422 3310 6-7pm $40 COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan Frauke McCashin, RAc @ 250-710-3581 Every Wed 15, 22,29 5-8pm

ADVANCED CARE PLANNING Hosted by Cowichan Valley Hospice Ladysmith Eagles Hall 921 1 Ave 1:303:30pm CEDAR GATHERING & PREPARATION FIELD TRIP w/ Fred Roland 9-4pm $75 Register at aff@cowichan.net WAKE UP, BREATHE, MOVE AND SWEAT Matraea Centre. Thursdays 8:15 - 9:15am $12 drop in. 250.737.1800 www.christygreenwood.ca

-19 Holotropic Breathwork Retreat, O.U.R. Ecovillage, Shawnigan Lake www.thesecretofbreath.com

TASTE OF SPAIN Worldly Gourmet Cooking Class w/ Chef Gary Faessler 522 1st Ave Ladysmith 250 245-7307 7-9:30pm $65 CEDAR WEAVING WORKSHOP w/ Fred Roland 10-4pm Cedar Hat 4 Days $250 Cedar Headbands 1-2 days $75 or $120 Register at aff@cowichan.net

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

DUELLING MARIMBAS DANCE Masimba Marimba & Makeke Marimba Mercury Theatre 331 Brae Rd, Duncan 7:30-11pm Adv $12 Community Farm Store Door $15

and Scottish music and dance. Friday (Ceili/ Ceilidh) of musicians 7 pm to midnight. The Hub, Cowichan Station To register bcinbc2004@gmail.com 250 245 5080 Runs to April 26

FINDING GOD FINDING HEALTH Speaker Michelle Nanouche VIU Cowichan Campus 2pm

TASTE OF MEXICO Worldly Gourmet Cooking Class w/ Chef Gary Faessler 522 1st Ave Ladysmith 250 245 7307 7-9:30pm $65

SCOTTISH DELIGHTS featuring Glenora Farm Handbell Ensemble, Jane’s Way, Harp Canada and Paul Ruszel. 3 pm, St. John’s Anglican Church Jubilee St

YOUTH FX FILM AWARDS NIGHT A Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art Event Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan 7pm

SUNDAY JAZZ SUSANNAH ADAMS Crofton Hotel & Pub,1534 Joan Ave 2-5pm

WEAVE YOUR OWN RIB BASKET mariacurtis@shaw.ca Cowichan Green Communities Meeting Room 360 Duncan St 9:30-4:30pm $80 SACRED CHANT CIRCLE Experience the Healing Power of Sound No Experience Necessary sdbartram@gmail.com Rivendell Yurt 7-8:30pm By Donation

FED UP Documentary Night fedupmovie.com Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 6pm FREE

ISLANDS’ CELTIC FESTIVAL WORKSHOP DAY Free day workshops for learning Celtic music on Fiddles, Flutes, Tin Whistles, Guitar and Banjo, Harp, Pipes, Bodhran (drum), singing, and dancing.The Hub, Cowichan Station 250 245 5080 ISLANDS’ CELTIC CONCERT 7 - 9:30 pm HUB (Cowichan Station) (Adults $20, Students $10) CELEBRATING THE SALISH SEA Raincoast Conservation Foundation Presents an Evening of Science Info Music & Inspiration raincoast.org Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney 6pm

COAST SALISH ARTIST’S RECEPTION & OPENING CEREMONIES Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art Special Event Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street 5-7pm $15

GARDEN PALS Centennial Park, Duncan 10-11:30am

WACKY WINE & WILD WHISKEY NOTES Host Bill Levity The Old FireHouse Wine & Cocktail Bar info@theoldfirehouse.ca 8-10pm

GOIN’ HOME Freedom Gospel Choir Concerts St Andrew’s Church 531 Herbert St, Duncan 7:30pm Sat & 2pm Sun $15 Kids FREE

TEA & TANGO Tea Sweets Tango Performance teafarm.ca 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan 7pm $20

THE MOUSETRAP By Agatha Christie The Chemainus Theatre Festival chemainustheatrefestival.ca Runs to May 30 Tickets Starting From $25

FREE YIN YOGA CLASS w/ Nadia Open to All Levels HarmonyYogaDuncan.com 103 360 Duncan St 6-7:30pm

ALEX KOMODORE Classic Guitarist Duncan Christian Reformed Church 930 Trunk Rd, Duncan 7pm $10 Sug Donation

BIRD’S EYE COVE VINTAGE MARKET A Farm Exstravanganza Local Cowichan Artisans & Farm to Table Pizza 5881 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan 10-3pm

BLACKOUT POETRY For National Poetry Month Cowichan Library 2687 James St, Duncan 4-5pm FREE ISLANDS’ CELTIC FESTIVAL Traditional Irish

ST ANN’S GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE Providence Farm Grown Plants & Garden Products 1843 Tzouhalem Rd 9-2pm FREE EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS In the Green

Door Space 126 Ingram St, Duncan Booths Kids Activities Demos 9-2pm FREE

4 STRINGS 88 KEYS 1 REDD Presented by Chemainus Classical Concerts St Michael’s Church 2pm $15 Adv $20 Door chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca SUNDAY JAZZ EL ZOCALO BAND W/ SUE NEWMAN Crofton Hotel & Pub,1534 Joan Ave 2-5pm 9th ANNUAL COBBLE HILL CLASSIC XC MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE Expert Intermediate & Beginner Race Registration 10am islandcupseries.com Cobble Hill Mountain Nature Park

REEL ALTERNATIVES The Trip to Italy cowichanpac.ca Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St, Duncan 7pm All Proceeds to CV Hospice $12 Students $5

45TH ANNUAL COWICHAN VALLEY FINE ARTS SHOW OPENING Cowichan’s Largest Open Art Exhibition & Sale, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St Duncan, BC “Jury Walks & Talks” 6:30-7:30pm Official Show Opening 7:309:30pm Admission by Donation FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPY w/ RCMP Constable Dave Giles Hardwick Hall High St 3rd Ave, Ladysmith LadysmithCameraClub. com 7pm Non-members $5 Drop in

COWICHAN VALLEY FINE ARTS SHOW cvartscouncil@shaw.ca Island Savings Centre 2687 James St, Duncan, Wednesday April 29 10am-8pm Thursday April 30, 10am-8pm Runs to May 3 EVERYTHING IS NUTS Learn How to Make Nut Mylks Flours & Healthy Butters Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Junction 778 422 3310 6-7pm $30

INTRODUCTION TO MELT METHOD Somalila Studio 1584 Stamps Rd, Duncan To Register 250 597 7875 GALS WHO WRITE SONGS Hosted by Beverley McKeen Duncan Showroom 133 Station St 8pm $10 Adv $12 Door

Gluten Free Flour Substitutes for Easter Brunch Favourites

elebrating Easter with family usually means eating lots of delicious traditional holiday foods. If you or someone you love has gluten allergies these alternative flour recommendations will ensure everyone gets to enjoy their favourite dish. Easter Cakes When replacing regular flour for cakes with gluten free options, additional starch is required. Use the following mix in your favourite cake recipes. Makes 3 ½ cups of flour mix 2 cups brown rice flour 1 cup potato starch ½ cup tapioca starch Combine and store in refrigerator until used.

Join us for Easter fun! Hunts in the orchard, Easter Brunch and special kids pricing in the bistro.

Pie Crusts For sweet pies, consider using walnuts and dates as an alternate bottom crust. For a 9.5 inch crust grind 2 cups toasted walnuts and ½ cup dried pitted dates in a food processor until it forms into a sticky dough. Use wet fingers to press it into a greased pie plate. Allow to set in the refrigerator for one hour before filling. This makes an

excellent crust for raw pies, cheesecake or baked open faced fruit pies. For savoury pies or quiche use a healthy whole-grain flour mix combining 1 cup of millet, rice or sorghum flour with 1/3 cup each tapioca starch and potato starch and just follow your favourite recipe. Gravy & Sauces Traditionally, flour is often used to thicken gravies and sauces. A good roux (flour and butter mix) is the basis of these great condiments. You can skip making the roux and thicken your gravy by whisking in 1 heaping tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of hot gravy base. A better option is to make a roux using 3 Tbsp. of white rice flour, 1 Tbsp. tapioca starch and 4 Tbsp. butter cooked until it is slightly browned then whisked into your stock and pan drippings.

Pam Stiles is the owner of Scoops Natural Foods at Whippletree Junction. (250) 715-6888

Come to Chemainus and see what we have! Now carrying NEW Organic Fair soda syrups in 6 fabulous ﬂavours. Made in the Cowichan Valley! 9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 930-530 • Sun 12-4 Closed Stat holidays

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SPOT PRAWNS AND MORE!

BC Spot Prawn Baked Brunch Casserole

Amount

Ingredients

1 Lb 6 2 1/2 Cups 2 Tablespoons 3/4 Teaspoon 1/2 Teaspoon 10 Slices 1/2 Cup 2 Cups

BC Spot Prawns Eggs Milk Minced Fresh Parsley Ground Mustard Salt & Pepper Bread, Cubed (remove crusts) Panko Bread Crumbs Mixed Cheese, Shredded (Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere)

Spring Hours Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 am to 6pm

Method Peel and roughly chop spot prawns and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, parsley, mustard and salt. In a greased 11” x 7” baking dish, layer with bread cubes, shrimp and 1/2 shredded cheese; pour egg mixture over top and add in spot prawns. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes top with remaining cheese and sprinkle panko crumbs. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Check centre for doneness. Let stand for before serving. Perfect for a special brunch.

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay 250-748-0020 Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas St, 778-433-4385 E-mail: info@cowichanbayseafood.com

Local COWICHAN Pairings Primavera 2012 Venturi-Schulze Vineyards

OPEN TUES TO SAT FROM 11-5PM

Gewurtzraminer Cherry Point Estate Winery

Venturi-Schulze Primavera 2012 is a perfect wine for this time of year – that’s why we call it “Spring”. It complements with a wide range of fare, including meats and seafood, and pairs well with mild curries. It is equally good with friends outside on the porch on a lovely spring day. It is deliciously fruity, slightly off-dry with a lovely bright finish. Price is $20 per bottle, but mention Valley Voice when you come in for an instant 10% credit. venturischulze.com

Gewurtztraminer: a rare wine on the Island. Peach and lichèe dominate this wine. These flavours are very indicative of the Cowichan Valley. A Germanic style wine with characteristic aromas which are indicative of our terroir. cherrypointestatewines.com

Quill White, Blue Grouse 2012 Quill White is a bright and lively blend of Pinot Blanc, Ortega and Riesling, boasting generous notes of apple, peach and lime with an underlying mineral nuance and a lush, round mid-palate. Hints of sweet tropical fruit and a crisp, racy finish complete this well-balanced wine. A perfect pairing with your baked Easter Ham! On Sale!! $150/case or $125/case if you buy two or more! $17/bottle bluegrouse.ca

Glenora Fantasia,

My first pick Zanatta Winery for an Easter brunch where the kids are running around searching out those decorated eggs and screaming that their cousin got way more than they did is Glenora Fantasia made into a mimosa. On mornings like this, so close to lunch, adults need a little island bubble. Drop a little orange juice into your champagne flute and top it up with Glenora Fantasia. The Fantasia lends itself well to this classic brunch drink because it has a fresh apple bouquet and excellent lively bubbles. Naturally light in alcohol you will still be able to sort out the confusion at the Easter egg hunt! Glenora Fantasia Brut: $28.50 at the winery, zanatta.ca

For full design/build service, give us a call

 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com



FOR YOUR EASTER BRUNCH 2010 Cuvée de L’ile Unsworth Vineyards

Ham, the centerpiece of most Easter dinners, pairs perfectly with Unsworth Vineyards 2010 traditional method sparkling, Cuvee De L’ile. Hints of apples, citrus and cloves make this wine a thirst-quenching partner for ham’s salt cure. The acidity and dry finish also complement side dishes such as creamy scallop potatoes with artichokes. $23.90 bottle unsworthvineyards.com

Pinot Gris 2014 Rocky Creek Winery One of our best sellers. Fantastic with all sorts of foods. A short skin contact has enhanced the mouth feel and results in a beautiful hint of salmon color, which is what we are getting known for. Full and smooth on the palate with loads of fruit flavours that continue through a long, tangy citrus finish. This wine has won multiple gold medals over the years and sells out quickly. rockycreekwinery.ca

Charm de L’ile, Averill Creek A delightful Proseccostyle sparkling wine with lively flavours of apple & pear, topped by hints of apricots, vanilla and toast - the perfect complement to a holiday brunch. Charm de L’ile, $19.90 bottle averillcreek.ca

Monarch Cider, Merridale Ciderworks

The champagne of cider! It is dry, bubbly and created from a balanced blend of full bodied cider apples. Worthy of royalty but perfect for everyday celebrations. Large enough to share, but we think you won’t want to! Silver medal winner, 2014 Portland international cider competition Food Pairing Suggestions: Chicken, pork, or drink on its own! merridalecider.com

Eat, Drink and Support Local

2012 Celebration Enrico Winery

Made in the Charmat method, from a blend of our Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir grapes. This refreshing Sparkling wine can be enjoyed immediately, through its floral & citrus aromas, gold/champagne colour and elegant finish with a touch of sweetness at the end. $24 bottle enricowinery.com

Musings From the vines

Bird’s Eye Cove Farm Easter Event

tart your Easter Sunday fun at Bird’s Eye Cove Farm with flexible times for your family. We will be running Easter egg hunts every hour starting at 10:30am and the last hunt will be 3:30pm. Two hunts are available, one for children under 5 and one for children ages 6-12. There wil be face painting, egg colouring and decorating, and adorable farm animals on site from 10-4. Miniature horse rides will also be available at an extra cost and a bouncy castle (weather permitting) will also be on site.

We are firing up the outdoor oven for our famous wood fire pizzas which can be ordered all day from 10am till 3:30pm. Our pizzas feature our farm to table produce and are made from scratch. We raise free range Highland beef, Berkshire pork and chicken with care and consideration. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate along with some other goodies will be available for purchase along with our pizzas in our out door cook shed. We love sharing the farm with our community and we will be excited to see you rain or shine!

pring is such a busy time at the vineyard and winery. We are busy finishing up winter pruning, getting our vineyards ready for another season. This takes top priority as spring is coming early this year, and as the buds start to swell they become very fragile and can be knocked off the plants very easily. Luckily we have a big crew of WWoofers so the pruning goes very quickly. No... we don’t get our vineyard crew from the BCSPCA, wwoofers stand for “willing workers on organic farms” and we get volunteers from wwoof to help with our work around the farm. People from all around the world come stay at our winery, enjoying good food and good company, and contribute their time to help us. Mostly they help in our two leased vineyards, as our estate vineyard needs essentially no maintenance during the summer, as it is greener than green, needing no sprays at all, exceeding even organic requirements. In addition to pruning we are busy bottling all of our spring releases. This is exciting work for a winemaker, as once we put the wine in the bottle, responsibility for it passes from me (the winemaker) to my wonderful wife Linda – who is responsible to sell it! It helps that last year was amazing weather wise, so the wines being bottled are some of the best we’ve ever made. It’s our tenth year anniversary as a winery this

Visiting wwoofers - Domenic, Max and Freddie. year, so all our wines are being bottled in special anniversary bottles, which have a new and really exciting design. We’re also preparing our gardens and tasting room for our April opening. Lots of work to get our gardens looking great, and working on our veggie garden to make sure we have lots of organic veg for our WWoofers during the summer. Unfortunately the veggie garden is always low on the totem pole, so it struggles to get the attention it needs. Last but certainly not least, we’re attending the Duncan Farmer’s Market every Saturday. What a great venue! The government finally changed the rules to allow wineries to attend farmer’s markets. There are many of your local wineries represented at the market now, what a great opportunity to come and taste samples from a wide variety of your local craft wine producers. Come and say hi, taste our new releases, and bring home some locally made wines for dinner with the locally grown products you can pick up at the market. Support your local farmers! (and trust me, after slogging through wet & muddy rows pruning grapes I certainly consider myself a farmer.)

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Mark Holford Owner/ Winemaker at Rocky Creek Winery for the past 9 years

a M a t t d i c f s

T h f m r a i t t s I t f s

L r ( f u b f

Cosman & Webb Maple Glazed Ham

Recipe Courtesy Steve Elskens, Unsworth Restaurant

Amount

Ingredients:

1 Butt Ham Bone In

Bringing A Taste Of The Townships To The Cowichan Valley

Cosman & Webb Townships Organic

he Eastern Townships are located in Southern Quebec approximately two hours east Montreal. Maple syrup has a very long tradition here, as the Townships are located at the center of the great eastern deciduous forests renowned for its maple trees. This is a tradition continued by The Cosman family farm, producing organic maple syrup for the last 30 years. The 2015 maple syrup season has arrived in Quebec. The freeze and thaw of early spring moves the tree’s sap from the roots up the trunk to the branches and back again. It is changes in atmospheric pressure due to temperature change that helps the sap flow, moving the sugars stored in the roots up to the buds. It is a long and cold spring with temperatures hovering just above freezing that produces the best syrup. Long time Cowichan Valley residents, Daniel and Sarah (Webb) Cosman, and their young family hope to one day build up enough maple syrup sales to be able to return to the family farm in Quebec where they will

continue to produce maple syrup. For now they have endeavoured to package and market the families’ maple syrup directly from farm and bring it to the Cowichan Valley. This past year they have released an organic, single forest, and unblended maple syrup. The delicate flavour of this maple syrup is the perfect ingredient for your granola, sweetener for your tea, and of course, topping for your waffles. Only a limited supply will make its way west. You can currently find Cosman & Webb maple syrup at a number of local wineries, organic health food stores, and independent locally owned businesses in Cowichan; a full list of retailers is available on their web-site at www.coswebb. ca. Sales will also be available on-line by May 2015, and if it’s in the stars, you will find them at the Saturday farmer’s market in Duncan come summer.

Glaze:

1 Cinnamon Stick 200 ml Cosman & Webb Maple Syrup 1tsp Peppercorns 2 Tbsp Coarse Grainy Mustard 1 tsp Coriander Seeds 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce 2 Bay Leaves 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce 2 Sprigs Rosemary Chopped 25 Whole Cloves

Method:

Put the Ham in a very large pan and cover with cold water. Add the spices and bay. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for around 2 hours (depending on size of ham-approx. 40 minutes per pound), topping up the water level with boiling water, if necessary. Scoop off any scum that rises to the top every now and then. Carefully pour the liquid away (I like to keep it for making soup), then let the ham cool a little while you heat the oven to 350F/gas 5. Lift the ham into a large roasting tin, then cut away the skin leaving behind an even layer of fat. Score the fat all over in a crisscross pattern, then stud cloves all over the ham. Mix the glaze ingredients in a jug. Pour half over the fat, roast for 15 mins, then pour over the rest and return to the oven for another 35 mins, basting with the pan juices 3-4 times as it bakes. Turn the pan around a few times during cooking so the fat colors evenly. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 15 mins before carving.

Submitted by Sarah Cosman General Manager Unsworth Vineyards

he English invented sparkling wine. More precisely, an Englishman. Not a Spaniard, nor an Italian, and dare I say it, nor was it a Frenchman. I suppose it might be fair to say that an Englishman ‘discovered’ sparkling wine, rather than invented it, as wines had been refermenting in the bottle since the invention of glass. It gets better. The English also invented the heavy glass it takes to resist the high pressures of sparkling wine. Amusingly, France has been singing the praise of Dom Perignon and his invention for over three hundred years, and continues to do so despite it having recently emerged that the process of adding sugar was learned from one Christopher Merret. Champagne, you are welcome, yours truly, England. Christopher Merret:

naturalist, metallurgist, and wine aficionado, wrote of adding sugar to white wines to achieve a sparkling wine in the mid seventeenth century – nearly half a century before Dom Perignon was on the scene. As for the glass, industrialization in England ushered in the era of stronger less faulted glass, which was essential for retaining bubbles. Of course, neither Merret nor Perignon knew precisely what was occurring. It was not until Louis Pasteur discovered yeast two centuries later that a more accurate understanding of fermentation was formed. These early experimentations in sparkling wine production consisted of adding sugar to each individual bottle, and if there were enough viable yeast cells the wine would referment. This was the beginning of what is now called the ‘Traditional

The World Of Bubbles A Brief History Of Champagne Method,’ a now tried and true approach to making sparkling wine employed by all of Champagne and many other sparkling wine regions in the world. In the mid 19th century sparkling wine took a turn towards a more efficient and industrialized process with the invention of tank-fermented wines. Rather than refermenting the wines in individual bottles, refermenting large quantities of wine in tank had begun under the innovative Maumèné and then Martinotti. Eugène Charmat then industrialized the process with the creation of stainless steel tanks capable of withstanding high pressures. The wines were then transferred from tank to bottle

as delicately as possible in order to retain as much of the carbon dioxide as possible. Sparkling wines are now produced in every wine producing country in the world, and a few new regions have emerged outside of the traditional wine regions of Europe as producers, including Coastal BC. For the first time, you can now find Charmat method sparkling wines at Unsworth Vineyards, Averill Creek Winery, Enrico Winery, as well as Mistaken Identity Vineyards on Saltspring Island.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Written by Daniel Cosman Winemaker, Unsworth Vineyards

“It’s fresher from here” Roasted Island Farmhouse Chicken Breast Supreme With Apple Ginger Puree and Watercress Salad Recipe Courtesy Chef Ian Blom, Old Firehouse Wine Bar

Chicken

2 10-12Oz Island Farmhouse Chicken Breasts 1000G/ 1L Water 60G Salt 60G Sugar 2 Tbs Fresh Ginger 2 Cloves Garlic 2 Bay Leaves 2 Star Anise 1 Dried Chili Or 1 Tsp Chili Flake ½ Stalk Of Lemongrass (Chopped) Small Bunch Of Thyme

Apple Ginger Puree

2 Granny Smith Apples Peeled And Diced ¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Ginger 2 Shallots Finely Chopped 1 Star Anise Salt And Pepper 500Ml Chicken Stock 4 Tbs White Wine Vinegar

Watercress Salad Fresh Local Watercress Lemon juice Olive oil

Method

For Brine - Add 750 ml of water to pot with the rest of the ingredients. Place brine on medium high heat, whisking the brine until all the salt and sugar has dissolved into water. Bring to boil and turn off. Let the brine cool before pouring brine over chicken breasts. Brine the chicken breasts for no less than 30minutes but up to 2 hrs for best results. Remove chicken breasts from brine, discarding the brine, and pat dry with towel. Season the chicken breast with cracked black pepper, no salt due to the brining process. Preheat heavy bottom skillet or cast iron pan on medium high heat until almost smoking, add vegetable oil to pan and place chicken breast in pan skin side down and sear until golden brown, once golden place chicken in 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Let rest before serving. For Puree In a preheated pot add the apple, ginger, shallots and anise and sweat until shallots and apples begin to soften. Season with salt and pepper. Deglaze pan with white wine vinegar and reduce until liquid has absorbed. Add the chicken stock and simmer until solids are very soft. Strain, reserving the liquid, and place solids in blender. Blend untl very smooth. The reserved liquid can be used for a jus or sauce Season with salt and pepper, then fold in mustard. Keep in warm area until ready to use. For Salad Trim watercress to desired length, toss gently with small amount of lemon juice and olive oil and season with salt and cracked black pepper.

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 • www.farmhousepoultry.ca Chicken available from Country Grocer, 49th Parallel, Duncan Butcher, Chemainus Foods, Crofton Foods and Thrifty Foods

North America’s BEST SELLING

TOTAL BODY CLEANSE year after year!

Why you should cleanse: 1. Improves overall health 2. Decreases risk of disease 3. Increases energy 4. Improves digestion 5. Helps control weight A 30 DAY CLEANSE that deeply cleanses the entire body without the need to follow a strict diet. It will help to ease elimination, improve digestion, and increase energy. It is is formulated to stimulate the detoxification process of the body’s 7 channels of elimination: the liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, blood, skin, and lymphatic system.

hen we planted tea on our farm in the Cowichan Valley in 2010 we did so with the intention of reducing the ecological footprint of tea as a product and to create a local tea experience unique to Vancouver Island and Canada. The teas we import from different tea growing regions around the world are certified organic and some are biodynamic. We support the artisan tea growers and pickers who choose not to use chemical fertilizers or pesticides and we believe this is better for the workers and the families who live where the tea is grown. Our goal is to do everything we can to make the tea industry better by offering the best quality product possible. We do not think tea should have synthetic essences or flavourings and do not use flavourings of any kind in our teas. The world of flavourings (both natural and artificial) is very unclear and to some degree un-regulated. Did you know MSG (monosodium glutamate) is considered a natural flavouring and is used by some tea companies? Glucose is also considered a natural flavour used to enhance some flavoured teas.

Sustainabilitea

Tea blends can be created using pure organic ingredients that nourish as well. Loose tea also offers you the visual pleasure of the ingredients and the option of controlling the strength of your brew. How you store your tea is also important to maintaining the quality and health benefits of what you consume. Exposure to light and humidity will negatively affect your tea. Although tea never goes bad it will certainly diminish in taste and nutritional value. Airtight tins and sealed bags kept away from moisture is best. Storing tea in glass or other clear containers exposed to light will compromise your tea significantly. We continue to grow the love of tea everyday and, in our small way, strive to improve the quality of life in the Cowichan Valley and beyond.

There are toxins all around us so it is important to cleanse to feel in top form for our health. Come on in to Lynn’s and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best cleanse for you!

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY HEALTH FOOD STORE

4-180 Central Avenue, Village Green Mall Duncan

250 748 4421

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Margit and Victor grow tea culture in the Cowichan Valley. www.teafarm.ca

y. a

Stinging Nettle Festival

any people remember their first encounter with stinging nettle. Mine was on my Grandpa’s farm at the young age of five. As soon as I arrived he told me to stay away from the tall plant in his chicken coop and to not touch it. I was completely overcome by curiosity and after much consideration I touched one of her leaves. I felt an intense burning sensation and ran inside with tears streaming down my cheeks. My Grandpa chuckled and I learned my lesson. Little did I know then that nettle would become one of my supreme plant allies and the most beautiful thing is, the whole plant is medicinal, from the roots to the seeds. After every winter I am so tremendously happy to see her vibrant green leaves poking through the rich black soil as spring approaches. She reawakens my physical body with her abundance of nourishing nutrients and my energetic system with

her sharp stings that cut loose old patterns. I harvest nettle without gloves and she only stings me when my mind wanders from the present moment. I have also used nettle’s sting to cure an arthritic thumb that had been swollen for five months. I had tried everything and was getting desperate so I stung myself daily for three weeks while drinking one litre of nettle infusion every morning. By the end of the three weeks my thumb could bend again and it was no longer swollen!! Most recently I have been using nettle to balance my body after quitting caffeine. Nettle heals kidney cells and is an excellent tonic for the adrenals. After three weeks away from caffeine, I am now feeling my natural energy re-emerging thanks to nettle, dandelion and yellow dock root. Upcoming Nettle Talks: Alderlea Farm, April 11 & 12 at the Stinging Nettle Weekend Event

Stinging Nettle Weekend Event April 11 & 12 • Stinging Nettle Walk and Talk with Herbalist and Permaculturalist Jason Greenwood •Artisan Nettle Lunch or Dinner •Stinging Nettle Cooking Demonstration •Hay Ride with Farmer John $50 Adult/$20 Child Reservations Recommended For info or reservations 250 597 3438 I johnkaty@shaw.ca

3390 Glenora Rd, Duncan

www.alderleafarm.com

Jason Greenwood is a plant & permaculture enthusiast & lifetime herbalist. www. greenwood earthcare.com

Your local source for organic Yerba Mate and accessories.

Tea & Tango

Saturday April 25 @ 7pm Experience a traditional tango performance! $20/person-limited seating-call to reserve Open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm

8350 Richards Trail North Cowichan

250 748 3811 www.teafarm.ca

ver the last couple of decades, Canadians have really come to appreciate a little heat on their palate and, over and beyond a growing selection of hot sauces, we can now find chocolates, potato chips and all manner of other snacks flavoured with chilies. And, more and more of us local, small-scale food producers are getting into making hot foods. When we, Dad’s Westcoast Awesome Sauces, sell our edibles at markets, we inevitably find ourselves deep in conversations about why people like ‘hot’ - and why some people like ‘stupidly hot’ - and whether hot sauce and hot foods could help you lose weight. Over the years, scientists have actually tried to come up with answers to those exact questions, but no clear consensus has been reached, and the various hypotheses run the gamut from personality theory (extroverts and “controlled risk”) to a genetic basis for the preference for ‘hot’. As for their findings on the weightloss effects of hot foods, read on. To clarify the point, we need to remember the heat, or burn, we experience when eating hot foods is not at all a taste sensation. It’s a feeling of pain. Upon ingestion, capsaicin - the chemical compound which gives

the bite to hot peppers - binds to pain receptors in the nerve cells of the mouth. These nerve cells scream their message of pain to the brain, and because our brain wants to re-establish balance, it triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s own opioides, which produce a feeling of well-being. And, to me - hot sauce diva at Dad’s - there’s probably a key reason people like hot sauce and some like it incendiary. It’s not the pain chili-heads relish, it’s the feeling of pleasure the endorphin release brings. After all, in these days of plenty, few of us in Canada need to eat to survive, so we eat for the gustatory delights offered by different flavours. If hot sauce, by triggering endorphins, enhances that experience, it’s no wonder Canadians are increasingly acquiring a liking for it. As for differences in heat sensitivity, some people obviously register pain at very low levels (of capsaicin) while others have a higher tolerance for it. We now make five different heat levels of hot sauce, including our mild Rainforest sauce, and we are always amazed when someone turns red in the face and chokes out that Rainforest is hot. On the other hand, we find our two hottest sauces - Armageddon and OMG! - beyond our tolerance, and wish

those who enjoy them well. The final two sauces in our line-up are Embers (medium) and Wildfire (hot), the latter being our inhouse favourite. All of the above of course is only addressing the question of the ‘burn’ in hot foods. If you are capable of eating hot peppers, for example, you become aware pretty soon that each one of those peppers has a taste of its own. Which is why, at Dad’s, we chose to use a selection of hot peppers - jalapenos, fresnos and habaneros - in our hotter sauces, to get a more rounded flavour. And, when people are trying our sauces we can tell when they’ve reached their burn limit if they can’t taste any flavour any more. By the way, those who like our hottest sauces invariably comment on how tasty they are.

Some Like It Hot

That’s because the birth of Dad’s Westcoast Awesome Sauces was in my husband’s decades long search for a hot sauce that was hot, but more importantly, also tasty. We firmly believe eating hot sauce should be a pleasurable experience.

However, the one study which might had shed light on the question was disappointing in that it found the “purposeful inclusion of [capsaicin and its nonpungent analog, capsiate] in the diet may aid weight management, albeit modestly”, Ludy et al, 2011. Put simply, do by all means eat hot sauce, but if you want to shed pounds, put it on tofu or in a kale stew rather than on cheese toast. Although, cheese toast with Wildfire is yummy.

Now, the moment of truth: do hot foods help you lose weight? It’s known that spicy foods speed up one’s metabolism, and that they induce sweating, thermogenesis, which is presumed to increase energy expenditure by the body. It all looks good, doesn’t it?

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Liz Newton recipe developer, chief cook and bottle washer wildfiresauce.com

Sunday. Then, Easter morning dawns, and the tables are covered with chocolates and flowers, and Easter cards. We bake sweet, braided Easter bread and dye hard boiled eggs and bake ham, and each house has a big, colourful Easter brunch. Then we have egg hunts and singing and sometimes a long walk through the greening woods of our land to enjoy the spring.

Spring At Glenora Farm

pring came early to Glenora Farm this year. Already, the daffodils are out, the cherry tree is budding, and the gardeners are preparing for the busy summer season. Spring is a lively time on the farm; greenhouses to water, garden beds to plant, Easter creations to finish in the felting and weaving workshops, and pregnant animals to care for. Life on the farm is full of comings and goings, new volunteers arriving and others sad to say goodbye. Easter on Glenora Farm is a special time. Each home suspends a budding branch above the table, and hangs from it a bright array of painted eggs. Some are kept from last year, and some we blow empty and paint and hang as they dry. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is quiet and contemplative. The core group of long-term careworkers meets each evening to read together, and we practice Easter songs in the morning meeting each day. The houses are cleaned especially thoroughly and kept simple and undecorated until

This year, we will also be busy practicing for a very special Spring concert; Scottish Delights, featuring the Glenora Farm Handbell Ensemble, Celtic band Janeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way, Harp Canada students and local musician Paul Ruszel. This wonderful event is to benefit 9 year old Sofia Lampson, a staff child at Glenora Farm who has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, which leads to tunnel vision. If treated now, while she is young, her gradually worsening condition can be reversed, so we are raising funds to help the family with travel costs to and from Vancouver and the medical costs themselves. So please join us for a wonderful afternoon of music and entertainment and to support a worthy cause; the concert will be on Sunday, April 19th at 3 pm in St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church on Jubilee Street, Duncan. Submitted by Jenni Balcombe

HAPPY EARTH DAY ! Celebrate our region with games, storytelling, info booths and more on:

Saturday, April 25, 2015 10am-2pm The Green Door, 126 Ingram St. Downtown Duncan For more information, please visit: www.jeancrowder.ca

Jean Crowder, MP jean@jeancrowder.ca 250-746-2354

Unique Garden Design Consulting Arborist Pruning Specialists Ecological Restoration Garden-Care

www.cascaradesigns.ca 250-710-7461 THE SECOND HANGER BOUTIQUE CONSIGNMENT

Like us on for details on events.

Now accepting spring & summer by appointment. 3541 COBBLE HILL ROAD, In the heart of Cobble Hill

250 743-7802 thesecondhanger@shaw.ca

Freedom Gospel Choir: “Goin’ Home.”

he Cowichan Valley is well-known as a place with lots of artistic talent, both in terms of visual and performing arts. And there’s a new addition to that landscape. After more than 30 years of choral conducting in the Valley, Ann Antonides has started a new endeavour – a gospel choir. “A few years ago,” she says, “I was at a choral conducting workshop that was specific to the ‘gospel’ genre, and I knew I’d found my niche. I’m fairly physical in the way I do my conducting – I move around a lot – and that always felt strange with regular choral music. But with gospel, physicality is what’s expected of both the conductor and the choir members.” Since being introduced to the gospel format, Antonides has travelled to Toronto every year for the “Power Up” workshops put on by the Toronto Mass Choir. “This year was the 11th annual workshop,” she says, “and it

was an absolute thrill to see conductor Karen Burke put her group through their paces, and to actually be part of that experience.” The choir – with special guest Dale Manason – has two season-ending concerts scheduled for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church later this month. Saturday, April 25th at 7:30pm, and Sunday the 26th at 2pm. The concerts will be themed on the notion of “Goin’ Home.” “A lot of this music has its roots in the African-American experience of slavery”, Antonides says. “On one level, these people wanted to ‘go home’; back to Africa. But on another, they were looking forward to their heavenly home. That’s really how this genre got started.” The choir’s inaugural concerts last year were both sold out, so Antonides is advising everyone to get their tickets early. “Based on the experience last year, there won’t be many tickets available at the door.”

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

The Mousetrap, returns to The Chemainus Theatre Festival

gatha Christie’s masterful and nerve-rattling whodunit, The Mousetrap, returns to The Chemainus Theatre Festival this spring. The legendary play has run for over 60 consecutive years in London, and is one of the Festival’s most memorable and requested productions (originally performed in 1999). The reprisal, playing April 24 to May 30, will tempt audiences with rich drama, dark humour, and well-woven intrigue. Tickets to see the phenomenon known as the “cleverest murder mystery of British Theatre” (The Telegraph) are available now for evening and matinee performances. Audiences are easily caught by The Mousetrap’s comedic intrigue. The story takes place in Britain in the 1950s, where people are recovering from the upheaval of War and strangers are perceived with great suspicion. On one snowy night at Monkswell Manor, newlyweds Mollie and Giles welcome a group of peculiar strangers to their guesthouse, only to discover news of a murderer in their midst. It’s the ultimate form of entrapment. Everyone is suspect, including the newlywed proprietors, the

curious spinster, the wanna-be chef, a retired Army major, the miserable jurist, a strange lost motorist, and a police detective whose arrival offers anything other than safety. As the investigation unfolds, sordid details from each guest’s mysterious past begin to unravel. The guests must sort out whom to trust, before the killer strikes again. Artistic Director Mark DuMez speculates that the longevity of the play, which has been performed well over 25,000 times worldwide, is due to Christie’s unique style. The quick drama, wit, and surprise draw audiences into and through its doublebarrelled mystery to identify the murderer, and detect the next victim before it’s too late. Tickets are available for evening and matinee shows from April 24 to May 30 at The Chemainus Theatre Festival box office, 1-800-565-7738 or chemainustheatre.ca.

Island Celtic Festival

he Islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Celtic Festival began 30 years ago, on Hornby Island, with a gathering of enthusiasts of traditional Irish and Scottish music and dance. This year the Festival is taking place at the HUB (Cowichan Station), April 24 to 26th. On Friday night, everyone is invited to join in or just listen to Gathering (Ceili/ Ceilidh) of musicians playing Jigs, Slides, Slip Jigs, Polkas, Hornpipes, Reels, and Aires, from 7 pm to midnight. On Saturday, there are free workshops for learning Celtic music on Fiddles, Flutes, Tin Whistles, Guitar and Banjo, Harp, Pipes, Bodhran (drum), singing, and dancing. A Slow Session is available for new musicians to get used to the

format of a Celtic Session. The day ends with a Concert (2 hrs.)and Ceili (1 hr.) from 7pm to midnight, all for $20 per person. On Sunday morning, more impromptu sessions and workshops will be available until noon. This is a Festival for all ages and experience to participate and listen. We encourage novice and young musicians to attend. Any offers of Billets for our Concert Musicians would be much appreciated (contact Bryan Henderson: bcinbc2004@gmail.com, 250 245 5080).

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

april music

Sunday, April 12 • 2-5 pm Nanaimo Musicians Association Big Band 18 Piece Big Band $15

Duelling Marimbas Dance! Spring and Marimba! Two bands! Dance! On April 18th Masimba Marimba from the Cowichan Valley and Makeke Marimba from Lasqueti Island are joining forces to play a dance benefit at the Mercury Theatre for Nhemamusasa North, a 5 day music camp which brings Zimbabwean teachers to share their music, drumming and dance. Masimba Marimba and Makeke Marimba will raise the roof. 7:30 to 11:00. Mercury Theatre. 331 Brae Road, Duncan. Advance $12 Community Farm Store. Door $15.

Susannah Adams Allow yourself to be bathed in Susannah’s sweet, soulful sounds and be transported to a lost world of secret gardens and smokey jazz clubs. “Susannah is a wonderful story-teller and an accomplished improviser who puts her own interpretation on the lyrics and melodies of the Great American Songbook,” said Crofton jazz series organizer Pat Selman, Adams, whose musical influences range from Nina Simone and Chet Baker to Eva Cassidy and Diana Krall, with Rick Sanches on guitar, Alec Lee on bass and Ron Joiner on drums.April 19, 2-5pm Crofton Hotel & Pub - 1534 Joan Avenue

All Jazz Shows $10 unless stated

Sunday, April 19 • 2-5 pm Vocalist Susannah Adams Smokey jazz with a hint of the blues

Sunday, April 26 • 2-5 pm El Zocalo band with vocalist Sue Newman

Tea & Tango Experience an evening with the sound, dance and taste of Argentina. Discover Yerba Mate served in gourds, dulce de leche and other traditional sweets. Enjoy an alluring performance by Tango experts Vanessa Winn and Roland Grittani with live music. Your exotic and tasteful journey to South America awaits. This intimate evening has very limited seating and we recommend reserving now to avoid disappointment. Teafarm is your local destination in the Cowichan Valley to experience tea culture from around the world. Saturday April 25 @ 7pm Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan $20/person 250 748 3811www.teafarm.ca

Scottish Delights Fundraiser Concert Scottish Delights, features the Glenora Farm Handbell Ensemble, Celtic band Jane’s Way, Harp Canada students and local musician Paul Ruszel. This wonderful event is to benefit 9 year old Sofia Lampson, a staff child at Glenora Farm who has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, which leads to tunnel vision. If treated now, while she is young, her gradually worsening condition can be reversed. Sunday, April 19, 3 pm St. John’s Anglican Church on Jubilee Street, Duncan.

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

Celtic Concert The Islands’ Celtic Festival will have a Concert of traditional Irish and Scottish music, song, and dance. Following the Concert, the audience is invited to watch some Celtic Dance Performance, and then participate under the leadership of an experienced Caller. Saturday, April 25, 7-9:30pm Cowichan Station (HUB), on Koksilah Road. (Adults $20, Students $10)

Creating Your Dream Garden

W www.dinternursery.ca

TIME TO PLANT!

Great selection of quality plants, your ONE STOP for all Spring gardening needs. Fruit trees, fruiting bushes and vines, vegetable transplants, seeds, organic fertilizer, insect predators, flowering trees, roses, rhododendrons, hedging plus gardeners tools and more. Catalogues Now Available

Saturday April 11 10am BONSAI INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP

Cowichan Valley Bonsai Club

Saturday April 11 & 25 10-3pm MASTER GARDENER CLINIC Bring your garden questions for a detailed explanation.

Serving local gardeners since 1973

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

ith the early spring upon us I’ve received many calls from people new to gardening, wishing to create their first garden. But some are puzzled by where to start. It’s a big undertaking to start a garden, making that first plunge of the spade into uncultivated soil. So to make it a little less daunting, here are a few simple steps to consider as you get underway with building your dream garden.

Ceres garden project

First decide on your garden’s purpose – food, flowers, medicine, entertaining, privacy buffer, or all of the above? Also consider how much time you’re able to spend maintaining your garden space? The answers to these two questions will guide the next steps in how you plan the first phase of your new garden. Next, consider location – do you have adequate sun exposure or are you in the shade of trees? Is the ground space adequate for what you wish to accomplish? Consider the vertical space as well along fences and even up trees. It’s worthwhile to note how the sun travels across your garden. Do you have easy access to water? Is there a slope to contend with that may affect water run-off, or the need to build terraces? What about wildlife in the area? Do you have adequate fencing? Also get familiar with your growing zone and the microclimate of your own neighbourhood.

much tending the garden will need. Know what you’re planting and understand the plants and their needs – from water to soil. Sketch a map of your proposed garden area. Now that you know what you’d like to plant and where, it’s a useful exercise to roughly sketch your vision for the area you will plant. Think about all the elements that you’d like to include. Will there be fruit or nut trees, a berry patch, or a kitchen herb plot? Or a cottage garden packed with flowers? Do you want privacy or an open space? Or perhaps you prefer an evergreen setting with just a few color accents? Do you want a large pond or smaller water feature? Also think about how you will move through the space – is it

Research plants. Consider the plants you like most and learn about them. I highly recommend going through gardening books and magazines and look at pictures. (The Garden Pantry Thrift Store has a wide selection of used books and magazines on gardening.) If you’re focussed on growing food, get to know the conditions needed for the veggies you desire. Most vegetables need a good sunny location - Does your site provide the proper environment? If you’re envisioning a cottage flower garden, create a list of the flowers you’d like and imagine them in your location. The plants you choose will also determine if your garden will be low or high maintenance. Keep in mind how

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

efficient and accessible? Also ensure pathways are wide enough for a wheelbarrow. Be sure to also plan on a compost pile or a black composting unit. Place the compost in a very sunny spot so that it can cook. Too often the compost is relegated to a shady corner because the warm sites are a premium. It’s easy to hide it behind perennial shrubs if you wish to disguise it. Compost is also one of your most important garden inputs and you want to have a healthy, working pile so

that you can use the finished product to replenish your soil through the year. Building your dream garden is an ongoing creative process. Be patient as it evolves with each season and as you discover things about your soil and the plants you’re tending. Nora Arajs manages Ceres Edible Landscaping for the Cowichan Green Community, a permaculture-based social enterprise.

Providence Farm Plant Sale

rovidence Farm’s Annual Plant Sale and Farm Garage Sale are being held on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This annual fundraiser takes place outside in the beautiful St. Ann’s Gardens at Providence farm. You’ll find a wide selection of Farm raised and donated plants including divided perennials and house plants as well as garden and landscape decor. In addition to the well love annual plant sale Providence Farm will be holding a Farm Garage sale which is sure to produce an assortment of treasures just waiting to be discovered While you’re out at Providence Farm why not

stay for a light lunch (refreshments for sale at the plant sale), visit the General Store, wander the grounds doing a historical walking tour or stop by the Greenhouse Nursery. The Providence Farm Greenhouse Nursery will be in full swing for the season starting April 1st. Check out their great selection of bare root fruit shrubs including gooseberry, currants, raspberries and jostaberry among other plants. All proceeds support programming for adults and seniors with developmental, intellectual, mental health and age related illnesses. Check out Providence Farm’s website for details at www.providence.bc.ca

Ongoing Knitting and Weaving Workshops. Drop In and See!

Leola’s Studio 250-597-0820 Whippletree Junction www.leolasstudio.blogspot.com

Earth Day Festivties Downtown Duncan Saturday, April 25

ince 2008, Cowichan Green Community (CGC) has taken part in celebrating Earth Day every year by bringing awareness to the importance of our Earth. CGC’s Earth Day celebrations have been a great opportunity for community to gather and celebrate together. Children, youth and families can enjoy green themed activities, listen to music, learn valuable information, and enjoy yummy healthy food. On April 25th, CGC will be hosting its 7th annual Earth Day celebration at the Green Door, on Ingram Street. Our Earth is important to us, and should be celebrated every year. Come gather with us and celebrate the magnificence of our planet.

as simple and The Earth should not process straightforward as be celebrated just one possible. Five years ago, Louis passed day a year, this away, and his son Vince is an ongoing mindset. Spronken now oversees operations. Vince is This is more than a about about business; to us it is a passionate reducing, reusing, and lifestyle. of course recycling - so much so that he was named a Zero Hero by or this Earth Day issue Zero Waste Cowichan! of the Valley Voice, we In 2013, after numerous were asked by the editor conversations with customers to talk about our favourite and staff, we decided to topic...us! As a local service change our name to Island that actively promotes and Return It Recycling Centres facilitates green living, we’re to reflect the variety of proud to tell you a little bit recycling services we offer about ourselves and why today and those we hope to we’re so committed to the add in the future. We are environment. much more than a bottle In 1995, Louis Spronken depot, and now recycle started a pilot project that electronics, small appliances, became the Cowichan Valley light bulbs and lamps, power Bottle Depot. He felt that tools, batteries, flammable people would appreciate being able to return their cans liquids, and paint...all for FREE. And of course, we pay and bottles to a convenient, full refund for all bottle and clean, well-organized depot. cans, even beer products. He was right! We have since Having an holistic sense of expanded to Esquimalt, sustainability means that we Sidney, Campbell River, are just as committed to our and Salt Spring Island, local community as we are staying true to the vision to the environment. Island of keeping the recycling Return It supports local

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O c o a A d t t h

Island Return It - More Than Just A Bottle Depot! charities and community groups dedicated to helping people help themselves. We support Cowichan Green Community, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Cowichan Sportsplex, just to name a few! We have also streamlined the process for charitable organizations to open accounts with us. All it takes is a quick phone call and people can start donating their sorted refundables for your group to collect the refund. Completely FREE and ridiculously EASY! The same goes for bottle drives...

just give us a call and we will help you get organized and even provide materials free of charge. These are just a few examples of how by making the recycling experience positive and convenient for our customers, we hope that we are able to encourage more individuals to do their part in recycling, benefiting all of us both locally and globally. Island Return it Recycling Centres - recycling today for a better tomorrow.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Sophy Roberge is the Marketing Manager for Island Return It Recycling Centres.

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Micro Irrigation Is The Answer to A Limited And Valuable Resource

eople often ask me just how much water a home owner can conserve using a Micro Irrigation system. On average, water consumption can be reduced by a minimum of 50% based on hand watering and typical lawn sprinklers. Add the reduction of water loss due to evaporation, as most of this watering happens during the day, the savings can be as high as 80%. I offer the following 3 case studies of Micro Irrigation users: Mr. and Mrs. S reduced their water use by 1,200,000 liters a year for 5 years. A 75% reduction and a $1,200/year savings. Mr. and Mrs. W reduced their consumption by 500,00 litres ($400) a year for 4 years and Mrs.W in North Cowichan had a savings of 900,000 litres ($800) a year for 2 years. Since having their Micro Irrigation systems installed, these three customers alone have left over 10 million litres of water in the local aquifer. To complete the picture of savings, we can add several hours a week of relief from dragging hoses and hand

watering, reduced soil erosion and leaching of minerals and nutrients. Water is a limited resource! Even here where it seems to be abundant, we all need be mindful and diligent every time we turn on a tap! The average Canadian uses 329 litres/day (over 120,000 litres/year). If every person in our community reduced their water use by 60 litres/day (20%) we would leave over 1.8 billion litres of water annually in our aquifers. For a starting list of ideas for your home, please visit www. cowichanwaterchallenge.ca Micro Irrigation is the precise delivery of water directly to the root zone of plants, keeping it moist, but never saturated. The plants retain their proper air and water balance and avoid the stress and shock of the “drench and dryout” cycle associated with conventional watering methods. This results in optimum growth and healthier plants and the yield from vegetable gardens increase significantly. David Pink and his wife Diana own Warm Land Irrigation, and grow and sell food as Fresh Start Edibles @ Affinity Farms

BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE?

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250.748.5000 2610 Beverly Street Duncan, BC

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Vegetal Puzzle Poem Not Savoy, or, the more affordable green, but, organic, purple: an elegant orb, balanced mid-roll between red and blue, on my kitchen counter-top; a weighty globe of scalloped, tender leaves (the outer ones - ragged and pocked with dirt and moistureto be removed before eating); and inside, tightly coiled Tyrian petals, a maze of white-veined royal shells crisp blooms unfurling.

Golda Lewin is a former Cowichan Valley resident. She is currently taking a creative writing course at Camosun College.

GOLDA’S LITERACY NUGGETS “Learning to read after so long is like walking into light from darkness.” A young woman of Jahan Shah, Afghanistan

info@gopesto.com I www.gopesto.com

Help Improve The Air Quality In The Valley

oving to the Cowichan Valley from a big city I was surprised to find out that the air quality in this rural Valley is often very poor. In fact, hospital admission rates for kids with respiratory problems in the Cowichan Region are consistently more than 20% higher than the provincial average. Older, inefficient woodstoves and open burning contributes to smoke pollution in the Valley. In an effort to help improve local air quality, and with support from the BC Ministry of Environment and the BC Lung Association, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) offers a regional Woodstove Exchange Program. This program provides qualifying residents with a rebate toward exchanging an old, non-certified woodstove (pre-1994) for a new, EPA emission-certified wood, pellet, or gas-heating appliance. With warm sunny days ahead of us, we are likely thinking more about what to plant in our garden

than how to heat our house, but dry and warm weather offers a great opportunity to make heating upgrades. If heating with wood is what you enjoy the most, new EPA emission-certified woodstoves reduce smoke pollution by up to 70% and use 25% less wood than an old non-certified stove, saving you money and time. Don’t wait too long before deciding to replace your old stove, as funding is only available for 90 exchanges and is offered on a first-come first-serve basis! For more information on smoke pollution and health impacts, tips on wood preparation and woodstove operation, alternatives to burning and details on the Wood Stove Exchange Program visit cleartheaircowichan.ca

Ilse Sarady burns it smart in her woodstove and works at the CVRD.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

DESIGNI NG green SPEAKING TO THE FIBRE OF IT ALL

Image Ulla Coulson

es, for Earth Day, my first choice of materials to celebrate is the humble grass. Whether we are feeding our livestock or building our houses, the grass family can come in all sizes and literally support nearly all of our needs with little or no maintenance other than harvesting. And of course, you know me, my favourite of them all is the 1500 or so different species of bamboo grasses. Bamboo is becoming very integrated in nearly every household today. From it’s quiet beginning as Edison’s famous filament in the world’s first light bulb and the finest reed in every jazz wind instrument, it was the simple chopstick that likely exposed most American households to this industrious plant’s uses. I got excited back in 1996 when they advertised the World Bamboo Symposium was taking place on the Big Island of Hawaii in Hilo. Besides being my favourite getaway, I saw the opportunity to learn first hand and work alongside a worldwide culture of alternative builders and designers.

We met and workshopped along with the likes of Oscar Hildalgo, the dean of architecture at Bogotá University and his renowned protégé, Simone Velez. We thought the idea of bamboo gutters and down pipes would be such an inspiring addition to homes. It never dawned on us that some of the worlds biggest homes and structures could be built entirely from this grass! We listened in awe as Velez took us through the process of harvesting and curing the giant Guadua bamboo, native to Columbia and most of Central America, and demonstrated how it could be lashed together to form massive geometric roof trusses to support concrete sheathed roofs with cement roof tiles over unsupported spans of more than 20 meters. The overhangs alone were 7 meters! Or the commercial bamboo handrails that were filled with liquefied concrete and steel reinforcing rod that could run continuously for hundreds of meters or more simply by adding the Guadua end to end. The conference was filled with artisans who took strips of bamboo and like the process of veneering, made surfboards and boat hulls using organic sugar based epoxies (from fruit) to make literally biodegradable ocean sports toys. There were those who grew the plants and shipped them in special transport trucks fully grown to 15 meters or more and installed them in interior landscapes for a children’s hospital in California to create 14% more oxygen in recovery wings of the hospital, as bamboo takes in carbon dioxide and

converts it to oxygen. The Europeans were there introducing a building code through the help of a Swedish engineering firm, to provide affordable housing and emergency shelters for third world disaster zones. I personally took a bamboo gate building course given by a formally trained Japanese bamboo master. The experience was life changing. Today I continue to harvest from 30 or so temperate varieties I have cultivated in our yard and with the very tools I acquired at that workshop, I split, carve and saw this bountiful beauty with precision. For the third world and developing world, this plant is bountiful in its supply of manufacturing jobs, foodstuffs and shelter. For us, the endless

beauty to see it grow and the endless possibilities for a renewed and sustainable source of sturdy fibre still remains a possibility within reach. Image above shows the abundance of products in my studio that range from bamboo cabinetry, to butcher block cutting boards, kitchen utensils and flower vases. Many of these commercially produced products were a result of the inspiration garnered at that conference twenty years ago by groups of alternative entrepreneurs. David Coulson has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the island for over 20 years.

hen we think about organic products, there are more things to consider besides the food we consume. It also includes the clothes we wear, the sheets and pillowcases on our beds, and the mattresses on which we sleep. These are closest to our skin and what we breath in as we sleep 7-9 hours a night. People often are committed to purchasing local and organic food, but often forget to consider organic when purchasing a mattresses or bedding. Soft, luxurious and ethically produced organic bedroom products are now available that are mindful of costumer’s health as well as their environmental impact. SOME CONVENTIONAL COTTON CONCERNS: According to the Organic Trade Association, conventionally grown cotton is the fourth most heavily sprayed crop in the world. CHEMICALS Agriculture is the largest source of pollution in most countries. 2.4% of the world’s crop land is planted with cotton and yet it accounts for 24% and 11% of the global sales of insecticide and pesticides respectively. Unsafe

use of agricultural chemicals has severe health impacts on workers in the fields and on ecosystems that receive the run-off from cotton farms. GENETIC ENGINEERING The use of genetically-modified (GM) cotton varieties has increased considerably in recent years, reaching 20% of the global crop area. Several of the major cotton-producing countries cultivate a significant percentage of their cottonfields with GM varieties that are resistant to some insects, pests and are tolerant of certain herbicides. Yet GM is still generally not labelled on these products. WATER WASTE It can take more than 20,000 litres of water to produce 1kg of cotton; equivalent to a single T-shirt or pair of jeans. 73% of global cotton harvest comes from irrigated land (as documented in the WWF report: The Impact of Cotton on Freshwater Resources and Ecosystems) depleting valuable water resources in regions where it is often already scarce. The solution? You have a choice.

Why Choose Organic Cotton for Your Home?

Cotton, when organically produced is a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre where the certification standards benefit cotton producers and farms in developing countries by eliminating the use of these harmful pesticides and insecticides. It also reduces the cost of production, which in turn improves social conditions for those farmers producing the crop. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a certification (http://www.global-standard.org), which represents the most rigorous organic standards worldwide. It

ensures that GOTS grown cotton uses no chemical pesticides or insecticides. It does not allow GM cotton crops. GOTs also ensures a reduced environmental impact. All of this results in better heath for cotton farmers and for the consumer. Look for the GOTS certification symbol when purchasing organic bedding products. Chris Manley and Dawn Howlett share their passion for healthy bedrooms at Resthouse in Duncan. www.resthouse.ca

Celebrates its 4th Anniversary on April 1st, 2015 and completion of

Energy Efﬁcient Renovations Warm thanks to all of our Community Partners! We wish to specially thank these local businesses:

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

systems. Thermoproof Manufacturing joined-in, installing new main floor windows to replace the old single panes. Thermoproof returned this winter to complete the upgrades, installing 7 new lower floor windows on the Kenneth and Craig St. sides in the course of a single day.

Matraea Centre Celebrates 4 Years!

such as prenatal classes, yoga, or personal training opportunities. And the availability of Midwifery care has increased with six Registered midwives now caring for over 40% of the Valley’s birthing population through the Cowichan Midwifery Group. In the years since the Matraea Centre’s beginnings--taking over the 1927 BC Telephone Building and renovating it inside and out—all of the tenants have benefitted from family-centred healthcare the transformation of the in an integrative, alternative building from its most recent model. Now celebrating its 4th Anniversary, the Matraea historical use as a Hair and Aesthetics School to its Centre continues to offer choice and excellence through present day incarnation, none of which would have occurred its many practitioners, and without the collaboration of has become a central feature many local partners. of Downtown Duncan. Owner/partner Nika Stafford Available services include who, until last September, Naturopathic Medicineoperated Lalita Salon from -Dr. Rikst Attema ND; the Centre, and husband Acupuncture--Denise de Juergen Suelzle--owners of Fantis DTCM; Massage-JS Plumbing-- joined the Christy Greenwood C.B.P., team in the initial stage of Counselling--Swarn Leung, purchasing the building, and RCC; Tax accounting and Juergen’s contacts in the Bookkeeping--Amanda building trades have enabled Slydell; as well as Art the Centre to capitalize on Therapy and Family significant energy efficiency Counselling provided by improvements. Optimus Rebecca Christofferson Electric, Exchange Energy, RCC,and Heather Ferguson and JS Plumbing led the RCC. There are numerous charge: updating the HVAC other practitioners too, system with twinned heat working one day or more a pumps and high efficiency week, hosting sessions in gas furnaces and hot water the Community Classroom he opening of the Matraea Centre’s doors on April 1st, 2011, realized the dream of founders Selina Boily and Kate Koyote to provide interdisciplinary,

We are also grateful to our municipal partners. Many of these improvements have been in partnership with the City of Duncan and the DBIA (Duncan Business Improvement Association) through their Façade Improvement Grant. This grant is designed to incentivize building owners to keep our downtown looking its best and has contributed to the cost effectiveness of installing new windows, paint, and awnings to minimize heat gain in the summer--which add to the comfort of tenants and patients/patrons alike, while minimizing the cost of cooling and at once adding to the overall appearance of this historic building. Proudly, our partnerships with community stakeholder groups also continue to build and grow. The Matraea Centre sponsors Red Willow Womyn’s Circle: an advocacy and support group committed to the wellbeing of local families and collaborated on Cowichan’s 3rd Annual “One Billion

Rising” Event with Cowichan Spirit of Women, Cowichan Intercultural Society, Cowichan Women Against Violence, Lorene Benoit and Lynn Weaver to fill the City Square with 200 participants. This event coupled with a letter writing campaign urging the government to initiate an inquiry into the disproportionate rate of disappearance of Aboriginal women were among the events highlights. Come visit the centre in person to shop at Matraea Mercantile, our maternity and baby boutique. New and exciting things are afoot with the expanded distribution of Matraea branded perinatal products and organic teas across BC and Alberta! We will be celebrating International Day of the Midwife, with a gathering and walk at Jubilee Park on Saturday May 2nd at 11:00am. We welcome you to stop by, and warmly thank you all for our continued success. As we enter our fifth year, we remain committed to our founding principles of providing excellence and choice through embracing wellness, family and community.

Submitted by Rupert Koyote

This April…Go Green And Thrifty!

f you look up the word “thrift” in the dictionary you will find the following definition: Thrift (noun)– the quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. Historically, the word thrift has not had positive connotations and synonyms such as cheapskate and tightwad certainly didn’t help this perception. But, times have changed and being thrifty is in. Who wants to waste money or resources? And if you haven’t been in a thrift store recently (or ever)

now’s the time to go because they are cleaner, brighter, more organized than ever before, and full of great finds! If saving money alone isn’t enough to make you rethink second-hand stores – how about shopping as a charitable act? In Downtown Duncan there are four thrift stores run by non-profits (all staffed by incredibly dedicated and hardworking individuals) who give 100% of all profits directly back to our local community! So, in honour of Earth day and all that is good and green

IT’S AN EARLY EASTER THIS YEAR, JUST AFTER APRIL FOOLS DAY!

Come in and place your baking order for Easter Favourites! Wheat and Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns! Stollen Doves, Spelt Easter Braid, Bunny Buns and more.

here is a rundown of some great places in Downtown Duncan to go “thrifting” (verb). At Cowichan Family Life Thrift Store (531 Canada Ave.), their mandate is to “support individuals and families to strengthen relationships and reach their full potential.” This fabulous little gem supports many wonderful programs including workshops on healing anger, on

self-esteem, and a great peercounseling program as well. Open Monday – Saturday, just down from Coffee on the Moon, come on by to see their excellent selection and presentation.

TREK FEST SPRING SALE APRIL 9 -13 CYCLETHERAPY.CA FOR DETAILS

Located at 164 Kenneth, The Sassy Lion Thrift Store is always a hubbub of activity! Run by the Duncan Lions Club, the list of community groups who have benefited from this store is long and varied – from the Sportsplex to the Hospice Society, from the House of Friendship to Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Circle – many organizations have benefited from this energetic operation. Open Monday – Saturday and they do pickups and deliveries of home furnishings too – no wonder they are always so busy! Over at 79 Station, the dedicated volunteers at H.A.T.S. (Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store) donate all monies raised through this storefront to “offer services for the care and comfort of patients at both Cowichan District Hospital and

Cairnsmore Place.” And since they opened their downtown doors in 2008 that figure is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars! Come on in (open Tuesday – Saturday) and check out this tidy little store where every single item is spiffed up before it even gets a price tag! And if your green thumb is raring to go this time of year, head over to 360 Duncan St. to meet the newest thrift store in town. Located in the beautifully recycled “Station” building, the Cowichan Green Community’s Garden Pantry Thrift Store is full of all things gardening, farming, cooking, and food preservation. Open Tuesday – Saturday and all proceeds go to local community projects. This month in honour of Earth Day make the rounds with a friend. Happy thrifting!

hoodies I skirts I tops I dresses accessories I childrens & more

FIND us LOCALLY at Spinning Ninny 306 Duncan St, Duncan

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Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

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Q & A with the Duncan BIA and Simon Warne of Sweet Art Studio at 131 Jubilee St. DBIA: Tell us a little bit about Sweet Art Studio – what goes on here? SW: We are a public drop-in art studio primarily for painting and decorating ceramics. We offer the space and materials for glazing and firing, we source paint by number kits, and offer art lessons for beginners or budding artists.

Inspire Your Inner Artist at 131 Jubilee St. With Simon Warne

DBIA: What is bisque wear? SW: Bisqueware is formed when liquid clay (slip) is poured into a mold and allowed to set and dry. It is fragile, but can be handled freely. It can be painted with a variety of coloured underglaze or overglaze before being dipped in clear liquid glaze and fired so that the glaze turns to glass and gives those beautiful rich colours. DBIA: Why Downtown Duncan? SW: We believe the Downtown core has become a great location for boutique businesses. A good fit for our type of shop. DBIA: What is your favourite thing about your business? SW: The best and most satisfying thing about our work is seeing people discover their artistic side and kids doing something constructive and creative without the use of a screen and keyboard.

DBIA: Why do you think so many people are intimidated by art and afraid to try their hand at it? SW: Some see it as being a little mysterious and think only those who are “gifted” are able to produce works of art. This is not the case as we have seen many amazing artworks produced by people who have never touched a brush. DBIA: What do you think is important for people to know about art? SW: Art is all around us and the more we surround ourselves with good art the better we will feel. DBIA: Looking ahead - any new ideas or plans for the business? SW: Sweet Art Studio is developing plans for the summer, which will involve more of the “senses”, and we will be announcing our plans during the spring. It will be aimed at people within the age range of 7 – 17 and will definitely benefit parents!

w d s b S d h f t y h a m

S n c o l o a

THE BEST FOUNDATION YOU CAN WEAR IS GLOWING HEALTHY SKIN

Salts Clothing

warm Downtown Duncan welcome to Salts Clothing who have recently opened the doors to their fabulous studio shop upstairs in the Garage building (#206-330 Duncan St.). All the clothing is designed and manufactured in house and the styles are suited for the busy woman on the go that wants to look put together, yet still feel comfortable. Salts has won several eco-fashion awards and used 100% organic materials in all their clothes. Salts design of garments is not typical to what has been come to be known as the look of eco-fashion. Instead, they look to make clothing that is on trend with current fashion and made to help the client

look tailored and professional. Salts strives to make items that can translate well from your beach holiday with the family to your professional office. Salts Clothing is designed on site within the store, which makes it a fun experience for the customer, and new designs are released weekly with fresh screen prints done in the space as well.

• Filler • Botox™ • Soft Tissue Filler • Laser Hair Removal • Rosacea Treatments • Photofacials • Spray Tans • HydraFacial MD® • Acne Treatments • Mineral Makeup • Latisse™ WWW.VIVAMEDICALAESTHETICS.COM

#4 -177 FOURTH ST, DUNCAN 250 746 6512

Owner Jennifer has a fashion production and design education and is inspired by creating looks for real women and helping them find their unique style. She believes that great clothing can inspire women to not only feel better, but live better! It was love at first sight when Salts Clothing saw the beautiful bright space in the Garage building and they are thrilled to be surrounded by the excitement, good people, and inspiring work of others in the community. Be sure to drop by and check out the fabulous clothes!

arts events

work. In-person registration will take place during the “CVFAS Registration Window” held Wednesday April 8th to Saturday April 11th, 2015 from 10:00am to 5:00 each day at PORTALS. No mailed in registrations forms will be accepted. Artist Registration Fee is $25.00. Final deadline for entry is Saturday April 11th, 2015. All students, emerging and professional artists and artisans, aged 16 or older, who are members in good standing with CVAC, are eligible to enter one (1) piece of original artwork that has not been previously shown in any other venue. Entry and show information is available at PORTALS, located in the Island Savings Centre, on the CVAC website at www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil. ca or please call the CVAC office at 250.746.1633 CVFAS Opening Night, Tuesday April 28th, Open to the Public Wednesday April 29th - Sunday May 3rd, 2015

Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show Registration April 8 - April 11 The Cowichan Valley Arts Council (CVAC) is busy preparing for the 45th annual Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show - one of Vancouver Island’s largest open art exhibitions and sales . It will be held at the Island Savings Centre in the Cowichan Suites and PORTALS The CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage located at 2687 James Street in Duncan, BC. The show runs from Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 through Sunday May 3rd 2015. CVAC is proud to provide this wonderful opportunity for artists and artisans to showcase their

Artisan Vintage Market The second annual Vintage Market at the beautiful Bird’s Eye Cove Farm is slated to happen. This market will feature 20 local talented Cowichan Valley artisans that produce amazing handmade, one of a kind upscaled, repurposed treasures

and vintage goods. For those of you that joined the original 8 vendors last year, we will see the sun not the snow. I cannot say enough positive things about Bird’s Eye Cove Farm. It has breathtaking scenery, delicious farm to table food and a warm, cozy, family atmosphere. Rain or shine, we look forward to seeing you there. April 25th, Saturday 10am-3pm,5881 Genoa Bay Road Duncan

Shakespeare With A Twist (And Shout) This year’s senior class play by Brentwood College students is set in the “summer of love”, 1969. Two young teens in love ignore their parents’ wishes and run away to get married. They spend a confusing night in the woods beleaguered by lovesick friends, meddling fairies and magical potions. These flower children from the “Age of Aquarius” have a wild, chaotic and hilarious adventure in Brentwood’s very groovy interpretation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This fast-paced hip version of the classic comedy includes music from the 60’s, an abridged version of the text and a rockin’ dance finale. Fun for all ages!!!! Tickets ($10) may be purchased at the door April 15, 16, 17, 18 or online: theatre. brentwood.bc.ca or phone (250) 743-8756. Curtain 7:30pm at T. Gil Bunch Centre for the Performing Arts, Brentwood College School

Specializing in young children’s movement, ballet and hip hop Artistic Director Leah Burley All proﬁts made at Cedrick’s Coffee House in Crofton will be used to support education, healthcare, medical services and clean drinking water for thousands of children facing challenging conditions through the Kids International Development Society

warmlanddance@gmail.com http://warmlanddance.wix.com/cowichan

CLAY CLASSES AT THE HUB

The Trip To Italy Barton and Leier Grant Leier and Nixie Barton are iconic Vancouver Island artists and beloved across Canada, not just for their art but for their generosity and support for their community. Ask almost anyone if they know Barton & Leier and they respond with an affirmative “YES” . “Aren’t they the best” slips off lips at lightning speed. This year Grant and Nixie were the recipients of the Excellence in Culture Award in Nanaimo. Grant and Nixie will be hosting an exhibition and sale at the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, Leier said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our new body of work at the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery. I am revisiting figurative work from thirty years ago but with a dark twist, you may even see yourself. Nixie is working in encaustic and mixed media on paper, investigating landscape based imagery with domino motifs and sewn embellishments. This will be an exciting winter of painting in our new studios”. This dynamic duel always creates a buzz wherever they exhibit. A peek of what is on the canvas for this show indicates a new and exciting direction for both artists. Always exploring new avenues with robust intelligence and fearless energy it will be a great show. April 23-26, 2015. www. ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com

Reel Alternatives’ The Trip To Italy highlights Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s culinary tour through Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri retracing the steps of the Romantic poets’ grand tour while indulging in some sparkling banter and impersonation-offs. Cowichan Theatre Monday, April 27, 7p.m. All proceeds benefit CV Hospice.

9. April WHEELTHROWING All Levels 10 week class, $250 Thursdays 6pm - 8:30 pm

13. April WHEELTHROWING All Levels 10 week class, $250 Mondays 6pm - 8:30 pm

15. April INTRODUCTION TO CLAY

8 week class, $200 Wednesday 9am-11:30 am or Wednesdays 6pm - 8:30 pm

15. April Children’s Clay Class Age 7-12 yrs 8 week class, $120 Wednesdays 3:15pm - 4:45 pm

16. April Children’s Clay Class Age 4-6 yrs 8 week class, $120 Thursdays 3:15pm - 4:45 pm

Forensic Photography “Forensic Photography” by Constable Dave Giles of the Nanaimo Forensic Identification Section of the RCMP will give us an insight into the role that photography plays in real crime scene investigation in today’s policing environment. Cst. Giles’ presentation will disclose the specific photographic equipment he uses and his special tricks and techniques that will be of interest to all photographers or anyone looking to become one. “Forensic Photography” will be presented at Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave. in Ladysmith, BC on Tuesday April 28, 2015 at 7pm.

21. April SERVING PLATTERS/PLATES & IMAGE TRANSFER 8 week class, $200 Tuesdays 6pm - 8:30 pm

The Clay Hub Collective The HUB 2375 Koksilah Road, Cowichan Station Email us at theclayhubcollective@gmail.com for any further questions theclayhubcollective.weebly.com

Delicious East Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

The Daily Grind Dine in or Take Out 3218 Sherman Road • 250-709-2299

f you’ve ever wished your child’s school felt more like a safe and caring family; asked yourself what kind of learning environment may best nurture your child’s development; wanted more support to help your child to navigate the fast pace of our modern world; or, yearned for a place where your child can truly reach his or her full potential, perhaps it’s worth a look at Sunrise Waldorf School. “My daughter was very, very shy,” recalls parent Tina Hamill. “But through the grades, we saw this amazing thing happen. She went from being super shy to, in Grade 2, having the lead role in the class play. When I saw that, I just couldn’t believe it. That’s the teacher noticing when she is ready for that.” Situated on seven acres of peaceful, rolling land in Cowichan Station, Sunrise is celebrating 35 years in the Cowichan Valley. Fostering a holistic approach to education from early childhood through

eighth grade, Sunrise programming integrates movement, art, and music throughout the academic learning objectives. For example, children in Class One can be seen marching around their classroom while reciting times tables...a practice that helps them to integrate lessons more quickly and easily, while having fun. The aim is to cultivate a love of learning through the head, heart, and hands. “A love of learning is pretty much essential in today’s workplace,” says Nathaniel Spohn, a Sunrise Waldorf School alumni, TEDx presenter, and 3D printing entrepreneur. “You have to innovate by playing into situations and being comfortable failing before you succeed. Use your hands, work with people. I feel pretty lucky because that’s the training I got at Sunrise Waldorf School.” Along with reading, writing, and mathematics, Class Three children have been busy

Open House Sunrise Waldorf School building a garden and making sushi, and have begun creating models of human dwellings found throughout the world. Class Seven is packing for its field trip, where students will spend a week living on a tall ship with SALTS (Sail and Life Training Society). Lessons at Sunrise are taught in three- to four-week blocks, whereby all main and extra curricular activities are woven into those learning objectives to help children understand at a very deep level. If Class Five students are learning about India, that may mean incorporating map-making, reading and writing about India’s history and stories, cooking the food, and integrating experiences with traditional forms of dance, music, and art. Rather than placing heavy focus on homework and testing, highly trained Waldorf teachers work together to continually

assess a child’s development. Parents remark that teachers notice a child’s individual strengths and challenges, and are able to identify creative strategies to best support that growth. Fully accredited and recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Education, Sunrise is a Group One Independent School. Most students transition easily to and from other public and private schools. Sunrise is hosting an Open House for preschool and kindergarten children and parents on Saturday, April 11th. Space is limited, RSVP to 250-743-7253 or admissions@ sunrisewaldorfschool.org. Crystal Sawyer is a parent at Sunrise Waldorf School, and operates Triveni West Communication & Design.

GardenPals at Jubilee Community Garden in Centennial Park

s a school program, GardenPals has been successful for 9 years and this year we are opening it up to the community at large on Saturday mornings-- more chances for learning about gardening and, we think, more fun! The program began 9 years ago when Jubilee Community Garden (JCG) was 2 years old. The City of Duncan provided a large space in an urban park, as part of an effort to transform the downtown area. Our outreach began with a proposal written by Carol Sim, Horticultural Therapist, and received immediate support from the City of Duncan and many other donors. We wanted to: -teach children where food comes from -allow kids to learn about growing food by doing it at JCG -provide a meaningful activity for nearby Seniors -allow Seniors to share

their knowledge of gardening with children -promote stewardship of the garden by young people

Kids will come to the garden in April, May, June and September. This will give them a chance to see the changes of the seasons, help with the seasonal work and learn what is required to successfully grow food. In April the children will seed lettuces and carrots in a communal bed. In May we will plant radishes and beans. By June they will be able to pick salad ingredients to take home to share with their families. In September, they will collect seeds, do fall clean-up and composting. The children will work with a Senior in charge, either to plant and weed or to learn about various garden/ environmental topics like bees, butterflies, soil, organic gardening. A healthy snack will be provided April dates are Saturday, the 11th and 25th. Time is 10:00-11:30. We plan to have something for the children to take home each time. Please phone 748-0580 for more information and to register.

.com Jennifer Shelley

â&#x20AC;˘

250 710 5674

We encourage any parent and child to come and grow with us!

Submitted by Carol Sim

Talking Arts Margot Page

Margot Page Enamelling On Steel 250 746-8446 Studio Visits available by Appointment www.margotpage.com

s a kid In England, I was fascinated by how my mother as a hobby would sketch still life fruit, using charcoal, and make it look real. When I declared I was going to be an artist, she warned me that there was no future in it, no money to be made. At age eleven, my family moved from England to Montreal. What better place to be inspired? I drew all the time. I daydreamed. Instead of studying, I drew. Later, I enrolled at the Fashion Arts Academy in Montreal. Though I’m not formally trained, the one class I never skipped was Illustration. At 18 I landed my first job as a fashion freelancer, drawing ads for Montreal clothing stores. Then Sheridan College in Ontario hired me to teach their fashion design students.

It was heaven in that Studio, guiding the students progression as they drew their designs. Enamelling was taught In another Studio at the College. Brilliant colors, metal cutting, precise sifting and firing of powdered glazesI found this too appealing. For Forty years, it has been my sole medium: enamelling on steel and on copper. We sailed from Ontario in 1982, and dropped anchor in Maple Bay in 1996. Here we set up a boatbuilding workshop, and my enamel studio. A classified ad in the Duncan newspaper looking for artists to join their start-up co-operative, intrigued me. Thus, Imagine that! Artisans’ Designs became the first outlet on the West Coast to market my enamels. Other gift shops on Vancouver Island have approached me. Currently I am producing enamels for The Butchart Gardens. They requested steel

glazes from other artists. Most bookmarks, recently Qualicum’s John magnets, Agg’s beautiful old glazes have copper pins. and my newest come to life in my own studio. item. I am now firing my In return, I have donated my enamel onto the old Canadian glazes to emerging artists. copper penny, to be worn as a I am proud to be an operating pendant or a lapel pin. member of downtown Entranced by the wild life I Duncan’s Imagine that! had seen in the ten years of Artisans’Designs where I traveling onboard our sailboat, continue to learn from the my images are now the heron, other skilled artists of the black bear, raven, quail Co-operative. and chickadee. These have completely replaced my earlier For more on Margot’s work: figurative drawings. www.margotpage.com or In the enamelling process, my www.imaginethatartisans.com favorite tool is a tiny sifter. It wafts the dry, finely ground glaze onto the metal surface. This finicky work requires precision and challenges me to stay focused. Wearing UV glasses when opening Botanical Bliss my hot kiln, protects me. I horde my is honoured to be a glazes as they are so expensive. Enamel Black Tie Award is now a rarely used Finalist medium, so it is gratifying to receive Come see what the donations of unused

Friendly Neighbourhood Painting Helping you improve your space Serving the Cowichan Valley

Specializing in Residential Interior and Exterior Services

fuss is about at the Duncan Market this Saturday - 10 - 2 pm!

Eric Stiwich 250.709.2680

ericstiwich@gmail.com

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

soy, regenerated and organic cotton, hemp, up-cycled fabrics and more. “Years ago it was hard to find a cute summer dress, or a patterned top that was also earth friendly or fairly traded, but now there are dozens of options. There is much more awareness today about the importance of sustainability, which means more suppliers to chose from.”

Other items in the store include locally made jewelry, handcrafted soaps, beeswax candles, African baskets, baby clothing, and a small men’s section. For cozy coastal feet, wool slippers from Padraig Cottage are a best seller that people come from far and wide for. “Their natural wool slippers have become a customer favourite. They range in size from newborn to men’s xlarge so there is really a pair for anyone.”

Radway Celebrates Ten Years!

en Years ago Angie Erskine quit her full time job as a graphic designer and took her chances on an empty little retail space in Cowichan Bay. “The space started out as my “Studio” where I hand printed my own designs on t-shirts. When the first summer rolled around I was shocked by the traffic flow! I couldn’t keep up with the demand, so I started offering eco-friendly and fair trade clothing.” says Angie, “I always knew I wanted to do something good for the earth, and to help people. Supporting fair trade and buying organic just made sense.” Still a part of the original concept of the store, Radway’s signature Cowichan Bay and Buddha screen prints are continual customer favourite. “ I still try and find time for my own printing. I love the creative aspect, and people love the designs.” Customers can purchase these unique prints on bamboo tees that are made in Canada. Radway doesn’t stop at bamboo fabrics, Angie also sources clothes made out of

“I feel so blessed to be a business owner in the Cowichan Valley. It’s because of our loyal customers who appreciate and understand the importance of shopping local that we are still open and thriving in today’s economy.” smiles Angie. “Radway is a place to get everyday clothing you can live in; soft on the earth, and soft on your body. We offer a lot of classic staples you can keep on wearing no matter the current trend, plus a handful of fun and edgy pieces you won’t find in your everyday store.” Radway Studio & Boutique is located at #2 1759 Cowichan Bay Road in the heart of Cowichan Bay Village • Phone 250-746-8444 or visit www.radway.ca for more information.

La Petite Auction House

Auction Sunday April 12 and 26 Early viewings Wed - Fri 10am- 3pm. Plus same day viewing from 10am -1pm. To consign call or email dawngeddie@gmail.com

Auction begins at 1pm

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902

We are now carrying Jody’s Naturals Handmade soaps, lip balms and body butter!

Handcrafted Natural Soaps, made from scratch in Victoria

#4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca The ﬁrst and only Green Spa in the Cowichan Valley.

Prayer and Health Explore the connection

Valleyview

Centre

So much to oﬀer!

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Books Bucknuck Books 250-929-2665 Used books and Local authors Fitness Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes Spa and Wellness Reiki Wellness 250 743-8122 Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared, Acupuncture, Reﬂexology Monet Spa 250-743-6114 Professional Spa services for parties, groups or individuals.

Food Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat, Produce Deli & Floral Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

South Cowichan Physiotherapy & Sports Rehabilitation 250-743-3833 Physiotherapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Acupuncture, Orthotics

any people are looking for health and a deeper, more meaningful way of life. International speaker Michelle Nanouche says, “Spirituality isn’t just a lifestyle choice. I believe it is the basic element of true being. I’ve found that prayer and a constantly growing understanding of God is a reliable way to maintain health and bring joy and fullness to one’s life.” Nanouche will present a lecture titled, “Finding God, finding health” Saturday April 18, at 2:00pm at VIU (Vancouver Island University) Cowichan Campus, located in Duncan. “This lecture explains the living God as active, present and accessible,” says Nanouche. “No one is, or can be, cut off or left out of the divine presence. The unique revelation of God’s full nature, as explained in Christian Science, unlocks the potential in us to not just survive, but to thrive!” Nanouche’s ideas are based on the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Bible, and as discussed in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Michelle Nanouche began her

training to become a Christian Science Nurse while she was still in high school. She nursed for 10 years before opening her first office as a practitioner of Christian Science healing. She brings over 30 years of professional healing experience to her work as a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing. She has lectured on the subject of prayer and healing throughout the US, and was the point person for information on Christian Science to public authorities, the legislature and the media for several years in New Jersey, USA. Michelle Nanouche is a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. She travels from her home in Paris, France. This lecture is sponsored by Christian Science Society, Duncan For more information 250 597 7554 christianscienceduncan@gmail.com christianscience.bc.ca/duncan/

Spring Cleansing With Dr. Fei Yang chemicals or emotional stress (which can also accumulate bad acid). It is a season calling all life to wake up from the hibernation period to get ready for the summer and the rest of the year.”

he Spring Cleanse is a common traditional practice in many cultures. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is one of the most important cleanses of the year. Over the winter season, we tend to eat heavier food, and due to lack of physical activity, we store our energy or fat. This can leads to energy stagnation or weight gain, accumulating toxins in the body. In TCM, Spring is related to the wood element, which is represented by the liver and gallbladder. The liver is an organ that can process a lot of toxins for the body. It takes a lot of abuse processing bad fats, chemicals, parasites, and other invaders and these toxins can cause liver imbalance. Liver blood deficiency will cause chronic futigue, depression, hypertension, insomnia and more. If liver energy is stagnated (Liver enzyme deficency, or bile production congestion) it can cause depression, agitation, sluggish digestion, gallstones, sugar issues and more. “Spring in my practice offers a transitional period when internal energy rising and expanding provides the nature of growth and movement for the body.” says Dr. Yang “Spring cleansing is a process which purifies our body from all collective bad

For those seeking a liver cleanse, it is very important to conduct this under professional guidance. “With my Spring Cleanse clients, I usually begin with a kidney cleanse to first filter the blood. We then move to a liver cleanse, a parasite cleanse and whatever is needed next. Each client is assessed with a thorough TCM diagnosis and is prescribed an individual program for their needs. Thought TCM dignosis, I will find one’s nutritional levels, enzyme conditions, blood ph balance and more. If a harsh cleanse been done without consideration of ones constitution or internal balance, it can be cause imbalances that can be harmful to your body.” Generally speaking, a diagnostic Spring Cleanse can be completed with Dr. Fei Yang’s program within 3 to 6 visits. Each body’s needs are different and your cleanse all depends your own individual state of health. Often her Spring Cleanse program also includes dietery changes which supports the process for the best results possible. Benefits of a TCM Spring Cleanse: • increase energy and clearity • increase motivation • relieves unwanted emotions • prepare for the summer and rest of the year • enables you to welcome new changes and opportunities

“The meaning of Mantra, is protector of the mind, which is the treasure house of our wisdom” Nichiren Buddha Society

6 Week Spring Cleanse Program REFRESH & REJUVENATE YOUR ENERGY FOR THE YEAR

* Start April 1 to July 1st * Natural healing process * Cleanse the body and mind * Making dietary change * Acupuncture and much more …

Feeling better and connected with your body Dr. Fei Yang( Dr.TCM, Reg, Ac)

Traditional Chinese Medicine

“Let go of old and welcome the new.” 250-733-2917 www.drfeiyang.ca

Prayer and Health Explore the connection! International speaker, Michelle Nanouche is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing and a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. “Finding God, Finding Health” Saturday April 18 at 2:00pm VIU Cowichan Campus For more information contact the sponsor Christian Science Society, Duncan 250 597 7554 christianscienceduncan@gmail.com “After a Spring Cleanse, you will feel refreshed - just like drinking a fresh glass of water.” smiles Dr. Fei Yang “ It will relieve all stress from the body and give one

a new experience with the body. The renewal will stimulate new perspectives, new ideas and open more doors for positive changes.”

2015 RETREATS SAT 16th May A Day With the Buddha’s, A Day With Nichiren Info: www.VIRetreats.com 2015 Retreats 250. 710. 7594

here are people on mats and others close by. A facilitator oversees everything. Music fills the atmosphere of the room. And then directed breathing starts. Grof Holotropic Breathwork is a chemical-free way to explore one’s psyche or potentially heal emotional wounds developed by Dr. Stanislav Grof and his wife Christina. The profound nature of the experience has been likened to the psychedelic experience but the method itself is completely legal. Locally, Carolyn Green facilitates Holotropic Breathwork sessions through the group “The Secret of Breath.” Carolyn--with a background in physiotherapy, research, and education-completed the two-year Grof Transpersonal Training

Carolyn Green

program and joined the Association of Holotropic Breathwork International in 1999. She started “The Secret of Breath” with Jane Cooper. Carolyn works around the southern Island and the lower mainland. Jane is in Alberta. “You start it off just by doing the breath,” says Carolyn. “You start breathing. You get a chemical shift. Then the body, like with any chemical drug, will try to clear that stuff and move you back to a neutral pH. And you have a window of about an hour and a half. If you open up something huge, it’s going to carry on until it’s done.” Powerful shifts into nonnormative states occur often for the participants. These are the states a person hopes will open the possibility of epiphany or catharsis. There is the potential to experience uncomfortable situations from these states. “If we have a wound or anything that’s been a bad or negative experience, it can come up and be a bummer trip,” says Carolyn. “The healing principle is that the Inner Healer is always going to serve up these things. Your job on the mat is to open up, to allow, to become a puppet of the experience. There are very few places where

you can open up, vocalise, move and be supported in whatever the body or the psyche needs to do to clear.” The work and role of a facilitator is taken very seriously. “There is a commitment as a Holotropic facilitator, that you will the session to the end. You’re not going to ring the bell after 50 or 90 minutes and because it’s not safe to try to pull somebody out that has activated something,” says Carolyn. “Holotropic Breathwork has really been my personal path. I’m waiting for the breathing to start and the music to start so I can go non-ordinary,” says Carolyn, regarding her personal experience as the one on the mat.

Breathe In, Breathe Out: Grof Holotropic Breathwork

To get a first-hand understanding of this fascinating process, it’s best to experience one of the workshops. There will be a weekend retreat at O.U.R. Ecovillage in Shawnigan Lake during the weekend of

April 17th-19th. It’s possible to take in just the Saturday workshop on the 18th, but it’s recommended to attend for the full weekend to get a deeper understanding. For more information or to register, go to: www.thesecretofbreath.com. Randall is a meat cutter, radio show host, writer, and family man.

•Release trapped emotions and find health and happiness •Take down your heart - wall and welcome in your hopes and dreams •Achieve self-confidencePioneering reflex inhibition and integration work

Call or Email

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

Certiﬁed Emotion Code Practitioner 250-597-3686 davidyaeger650@gmail.com

Healthy Relationships Anger

nger and its relatives, frustration, rage, and annoyance, are highly misunderstood and stigmatized. It’s hard to find examples in our society of healthy anger. Is there even such a thing? Part of the confusion around anger comes from how, in general, men and women are conditioned and socialized differently. Men are trained by parents and society to be strong and stoic. They are not supposed to cry, feel sad, vulnerable, or hurt. The only socially acceptable emotion for men, at least in my generation and older, is anger. So all of the other feelings get channeled through the “anger funnel,” and what results is often an explosive, unpredictable, and potentially violent expression. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be nice (and, of course, pretty). They are allowed to express all the emotions of life, all except for anger. If they do let a little rage slip out now and then they are labeled the “b” word. The result? Both men and women are afraid of their own anger, and of everyone else’s. This a big problem because anger is an important signal that something is wrong and you need to do something to take care of it. Anger provides the energy and motivation to overcome

obstacles to your wellbeing and assert your boundaries for protection. If you are a man, anger may also mean that you have some unacknowledged and unexpressed grief, hurt— or, heaven forbid, fear—lurking beneath the surface of the anger. The next time you feel anger arise, take some time to just notice the sensations in your body. Do you feel a boiling cauldron in your belly? Perhaps some energy in your arms? Tight jaw? Follow the cues of your body. Do you need to speak up? Make space for yourself? Defend your territory? Or do you just need a good, long cry in the presence of a caring person? Once the heat has subsided a bit, see if there is a way to use the energy to create some good. Swarn Leung, Registered Clinical Counsellor, works with individuals and couples in her Duncan office.

Julia Allen MA

Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

Holistic approach to psychotherapyMind, Body and Spirit Weekly blog for insights and personal transformation

250-709-9673 www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com

disorders and neurological conditions. Our cranial bones make subtle, rhythmic movements continuously, in response to cerebrospinal fluid fluctuations. Pressure changes around the central nervous system result in a subtle movement of the whole body. With this modality, I use my hands to detect disturbances in the body’s natural rhythm, and to guide restoration of harmony. Any part of the body may be worked on. The pressure applied is merely the weight of a dime, and yet I have witnessed some dramatic effects.

New Shiatsu & Craniosacral Practice In Duncan

was born in Japan, and as a young boy I performed simple massage techniques on my parents. I remember being fascinated by how my hands could help relieve them of tension. Later I was introduced to shiatsu, and perused formal study with passion. I graduated from the Shiatsu School of Canada in Toronto, and developed a full-time practice. In working with thousands of people over fifteen years, from highperformance athletes to those nearing end-of-life, my style has evolved. I describe it as free style, deep tissue work, using kneading, tapping, stretching, as well as the sustained deep pressure of traditional shiatsu.

Denise McLean

CERTIFIED LIFELINE™ PRACTITIONER Activate the subconscious mind and have a direct impact on genetic expressions affecting the health of your body and the relationships in your life.

Infinite Love & Gratitude

250-732-0247

azstarplays@yahoo.ca

By Appointment in Cobble Hill

My style has also been influenced training in craniosacral therapy. This is a gentle, hands-on technique, developed for pain, stress

While I generally work with these two modalities in separate sessions, occasionally I get a sense to combine them: the effect is like a flowing river meeting a still pond. With both modalities, clients lie on a massage table, and remain fully clothed. I use no oils or scents. Sessions are generally 60 – 90 minutes. Clients are welcome to come to my studio on Salt Spring Island, and a location in Duncan will be available in April. For more information, or to book a session, I welcome your call or email. Tel: 250 538 7093 yazyamaguchi@gmail.com yazshiatsu.tumblr.com

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

yoga for wellness

Shiatsu & Craniosacral Therapy Yaz Yamaguchi Salt Spring Island & Duncan 250-538-7093 yazyamaguchi@gmail.com http://yazshiatsu.tumblr.com

“Next time you feel angry go and run around the house seven times. After, sit under a tree and watch where the anger has gone. You have not repressed it, controlled it, or thrown it on somebody else.”

the inspiration to take action which is all governed by the liver.

Gentle calming, cooling yoga or spring green tonics with cucumber, veggie, nettle and dandelion -Osho leaf juice nourish the liver and support emotional health motions move through us through the pathway of like the weather moves physical health. through the land. Sometimes we can distract ourselves Toddlers are a brilliant from them or choose to example of moving an overlook their natural pull emotion through the body to feel what is there waiting to process. They have a for our simple presence. No tantrum, let it out, and then, wonder many of us don’t before you know it, are want to feel many of these completely over it. We can emotions! They can be learn from this. Anger, like uncomfortable, painful and all emotions, is processed even excruciating. by the whole body, not just the mind. Get on your yoga Anger is powerful. From mat, dance, breathe, sport it the Chinese 5 Element up and move. This emotion perspective, spring is the needs motion! season where anger naturally rises up from our watery winter hibernation to get us sprouted into the new growth of the season. Anger mirrors the nature of motivation and

Christy Greenwood, from the Forest Yogini Collective, is a BodyTalk Practitioner & Healing Artist offering sessions, retreats and online programs that invite people to embrace their true nature and potential. www.christygreenwood.ca

Clothesline Project - Paint a T-shirt! “Prevention of Violence Against Women Week” is April 12th – 18th 2015. The Clothesline Project is a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a t-shirt. T-shirts hang on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the impact of violence against women. Cowichan Women Against Violence Society is creating a made-in Cowichan clothesline project to be displayed during the Prevention of Violence Against Women Week. The

Clothesline will be displayed at the Cowichan Library in the Island Savings Centre. Details are available on www. facebook.com/CWAVSociety and www.facebook.com/ togetheragainstviolence Cowichan Valley residents – women, men as allies, and youth are invited to paint a t-shirt expressing your experience of violence against women. Contact CWAVS for details of donating your painted t-shirt to the Clothesline 250-748-7000 cwav@cwav.org

11th Annual Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film and Art

ump into an exciting month of Films, Art, Workshops, presentations and performance, with the 11th Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art. The festival is a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant indigenous culture that surrounds but often eludes us. Its a chance to meet new friends and experience through all your senses; food, film, dance, song, art, and hands on workshops. Once again, we are honoured to be offering from April 22-25, a range of inspirational and heartwarming films, from international award winning shorts to the feature films “Shana- The Wolf’s Music” and “If I Had Wings”, produced by Cynde Harmon of the Cree Nation. These films represent the coming of age and power of aboriginal film making and acting in BC

and beyond. Each year the festival offers two days of youth workshops (12 and up) for emerging film makers and actors. They cover such areas as filming, animation and editing, creative movement, acting, and provide youth with an opportunity to work with leading actors and film makers. The Youth FX Program culminates with the Youth Performance and Awards Night, on Friday April 25, hosted by actors Nathaniel Arcand, Dakota House and internationally acclaimed Metis dancer, Madelaine McCallum. This is a FREE event, which we encourage all to attend. “Wearable Art” is the theme for this year’s art show. This is a creative and innovative art show you will not want to miss, for the history presented and for the artists represented, offering both traditional and

Artist Deb Hunt

contemporary pieces. The festival is offering a number of very special hands on workshops and free film screenings in association with the art show. Spaces are limited, so register early. The festival welcomes everyone, with many free events included. This non profit event relies on the generous donation from the developed over a 4 year period of time, during which these survivors share the memories and stories of their lives before being taken to residential school. Through these stories, they began to connect with their inner strength and humour, and to reconnect with their traditions and culture and ancestral sites. The Elders hope this reconnection with traditions and nature will inspire others

FILM DESCRIPTIONS powerful and timely message.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22 5pm - 7pm Opening Ceremonies Film “I’ve Just had a Dream” (Acabo de Tener Un Sueno) Spain, Director Javier Navarro Two girls. Two cultures. Two visions. A dream. This award winning short film delivers a

THURSDAY APRIL 23 7pm “We Are Champions” Director,Tama Gempton In attendance. This gentle documentary connects us to residential school survivors from Lytton in a heartwarming and personal way as they continue their personal journeys of healing. It was

community and its patrons. We look forward to seeing you all there. For more information on all the events, aff.cowichan.net. To register for workshops, contact the Festival Office at 250:746-7930. Tickets for the evening film screenings are available through the Cowichan Ticket Centre: 250-748-7529. to remember and share their happy memories as a way to building strong family ties within their communities. THURSDAY APRIL 23 8:30 pm Our Healing Journey (50 mins) Director, Anthony Perzel Lutsel K’e is a Chipweyan Dene First Nation community of 300, on the east arm of Great Slave Lake, in Canada’s Northwest Territories. It can be reached only by air or water. In 1989, following an event that resulted in the deaths

PROUD TO HOST THE 2015 COWICHAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL OF FILM AND ARTS. WELCOME TO ALL FESTIVAL ARTISTS, AND AUDIENCES.

Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

COWICHAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL FILM SCHEDULE TIME

WEDNESDAY 04/22

THURSDAY 04/23 Youth Film& Performance Workshops

9:00am-2:00pm

FRIDAY 04/25

SATURDAY 04/26

Youth Film & Performance Workshops

Youth Film Presentations

1:00pm-3:00pm Coast Salish Artists Reception. Meet the artists participating in the “Wearable Art” Show . Coast Salish Tapas served. By Donation

Wearable Art Show Wearable Art Show Film: South American Film: Chilcot Weaving Weaving

Wearable Art Show Film: Cowichan Knitting

(FREE Event)

7:00pm

Opening Ceremonies Film short: “I’ve Just Had a Dream (Spain)” (8 Minutes)

Film Screening: “We Are Champions” (40 Minutes)

Youth Awards Night, with actors Nathaniel Arcand, Dakota House, Maddy McCallum

Film Screening: “Shana - The Wolf ‘s Music” (96 Minutes)

8:30pm

Opening Ceremonies Guest Speaker, film producer Cynde Harmon

Film Screening: “Our Healing Journey” (50 mins)

Youth awards Night cont’d FREE Event

Film Screening: “If I Had Wings” (89 Minutes)

5:00 pm

of many youths, the community reached a turning point. A Band Council Resolution was passed making it mandatory for anyone elected to sit on council to enter treatment if he or she had a substance abuse problem. Their innovative resolution was a first in North America. This film documents the result of the Lutsel K’e Chief and Council’s decision over a period of twentyfive years. It is a unique story of courage and understanding, creating a way for each individual and a community to move forward.

SATURDAY APRIL 25 7pm Shana - The Wolf’s Music (feature) Director, Nino Jacusso, Producer Cynde Harmon (in attendance) Twelve-year-old Shana is a talented musician who lives with her father on the Lower Nicola Indian Reserve near Merritt, B.C. Since the death of her mother, she has retreated into her own world, stopped going to school, and hardly ever plays her violin. Shana’s life takes a decisive turn when her new teacher discovers her musical talent and registers her at a Vancouver music school.

A few days before the entrance exam, Shana’s father sells the ‘wolf’s head violin’ that her mother played. During her adventurous search to retrieve the violin, Shana plunges deeper and deeper into the forest where she encounters the white wolf - and the spirits of her ancestors. SATURDAY APRIL 25 8:30pm “If I Had Wings” (feature) Director, Alan Harmon- In attendance. Sixteen-yearold Alex Taylor dreams of running for his high school’s cross-country track team. His

dreams are out of reach as Alex has been blind since the age of two. Living on the reserve, Brad Coleman, spends most of his time running from the law. Brad is caught in a daytime robbery attempt and faces incarceration for repeat offences. Geoff, his probation officer, makes a deal to keep Brad out of jail and back in school. He pairs the two boys to train to run together. Brought together by circumstance, Alex and Brad develop an unlikely friendship that allows each of them to face their challenges.

Congratulations to all the creative and talented Artisans and Filmmakers showing at the11th Annual Cowichan Aboriginal Festival of Film and Art

See you there! April 1 - 29 49

Wearable Art From Traditional to Contemporary - Workshops April 1-29 WEARABLE ART-FROM TRADITIONAL TO CONTEMPORARY. For Group Tours contact Festival Office: 250-746-7930

Wednesday April 8, 7pm SALISH FUSION-THE STORY AND ART OF A KNITTING FAMILY - Special Presentation with Sylvia, Adam & Joni Olsen. Sylvia Olsen married into a Coast Salish knitting family at a young age. Her family grew from these roots and have developed a thriving business that applies Coast Salish inspired designs to new applications, both knitted and felted. She is the author of two books that have brought out much of the story of Coast Salish knitting and knitters, Cowichan Theatre Suggested Donation $5 -$10 Friday April 10, 6-8pm Sat, April 11, 10am-3pm STORY SHAWLS-ART WORKSHOP WITH CHARLENE GEORGE (2 Day Workshop) $95 Since time immemorial, ancestral stories have been portrayed through art. In this workshop, artist Charlene

George works with participants to identify and create their personal stories through imagery and colour; art created with fabric. You will learn some of the teachings and elements of portrayingfamily history through art. You will also learn the techniques of fabric appliques and over the course of two days will create your own scarf or small wall hanging. Materials & and lunch are included. April 16-19 (see below) CEDAR GATHERING & CEDAR WEAVING WORKSHOP WITH HWIEMTUN (FRED ROLAND) ON BOYS ROAD - An opportunity to learn about gathering and preparing cedar to make a cedar hat or headbandwith Hwiemtun (Fred Roland) on Boys Road It will include a field trip to harvest cedar.

Limited participants. $75/Day, Day 2 - 4: $75/day includes materials + potluck lunch Multi day savings 2 days/$120 3 days/$180 Thurs April 16 9am-4pm DAY 1: CEDAR GATHERING & PREPARATION - FIELD TRIP $75 A unique opportunity to take part in a field trip to harvest cedar using traditional methods. Participants

registered for 4 day workshop will be given preference. Bring your own lunch. Limited participants. By Registration. April 17,18,19 10 am-4 pm LEARN TO WEAVE CEDAR HEADBANDS (1-2 DAYS) WITH FRED ROLAND Participants of these one or two day workshops will learn how to prepare cedar and weave a cedar headband. You will have the opportunity to create one or two headbands, depending on the complexity. Cost $75/day or $120/2 days or $180/ 3 days Pre register. April 16 -19 FOUR DAY WORKSHOP: WEAVING A CEDAR HAT A rare opportunity for those that are wanting to make a traditional cedar hat, using either West Coast, or Coast Salish hat forms. This 4 day workshop will take place on Hwiemtun’s land, on Boys Rd., specially created for workshops and ceremonial gatherings. Each day will bring a sharing of teachings, of song and of weaving. Potluck Lunches. We will be working both indoors and outdoors weather dependent. $250/ 4 Days Sunday April 19 12:30pm-4pm INTRODUCTION TO APPLIQUE BEADING MAKING THE METIS FLOWER with Barb Hulme Beading has many applications. In this workshop you will learn the two needle beading technique to make the traditional Metis flower. Create a beaded barette or

COWICHAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL OF FILM & ART Art Show Theme: ‘Wearable Art From Tradtional to Contemporary’ All events hosted at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan (unless noted) For Group Tours, workshop registration and tickets call 250-746-7930 Show Runs April 1-29

www.aff.cowichan.net broach. Learn about the Metis traditions and culture. A collaboration between Victoria /Cowichan Metis Associations. Limited space. Pre Register. Cost $30 Materials included. Wed April 22 5pm -7pm COWICHAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL OF FILM & ART COAST SALISH ARTIST’S RECEPTION & OPENING CEREMONIES $15 Tickets: 250-748-7529 Friday April 24 7pm YOUTH FX FILM AWARDS NIGHT with special guests, Nathaniel Arcand, Dakota House and Madelaine McCallum Performing Arts Centre Duncan.FREE Event 250-748-7529

Huy ch q’u

WWW.COWICHAN.AFF.NET FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARTISTS, FILMS, ARTS AND WORKSHOPS

2015 FESTIVAL RUNS APRIL 1- 29

The Native American Love Flute

how he can capture the attention of the women he loves. He will learn to recreate those beautiful soothing, harmonious sounds into a song, and play it to her. And so begins the journey of the Native American Flute, The Love Flute. That was over 2500 years ago.

ver 2500 years ago, under a large tree deep in the woods, a young Native American man sits despairingly. He yearns for the affection of a young woman he dearly loves. He knows not, how to get her attention. He sits watching the light moving among the trunks and branches of the trees. He listens, as the birds seem to whisper to each other of his presence. Not afraid, more concern, sensing his sadness. He feels the wind on his face, as it gently sways the branches back and forth. A wood pecker swoops by and begins pecking over head. He can see her on a branch that hangs down from a larger branch. It’s quiet except for the persistent knocking of her beak. One hole is done, she jumps down to start another and then another. The young man sits still as the woodpecker works until she seems satisfied with her work and flies away. Alone again with his back settled in on the trunk of the tree he feels the wind getting stronger, the branches swaying a bit faster. Another sound,…… subtle………. a whistle? A young animal’s cry? What is it? First high, then lower………He stands up now curious and intrigued. It’s………..soothing………. harmonious,,,,,… Coming from over head, he looks up into the branches, the sun in his eyes, the sound seeming louder as the wind blows stronger. It seems to be coming from the branch the woodpecker was working on. He stretches and grabs hold of the bottom of the hanging branch. The beautiful sounds stop. Cradling the branch in his hands he blows into one of the holes and once again hears the subtle beautiful sound. With the help of the trees, the birds and the wind he knows now

time.

Having been creating these flutes for almost 10 years, I have noticed the affect they have had on hundreds of people in OUR

Helping animals and people find balance.

Rachel Allen Tellington TTouch

250 882 4198

Reiki Practitioner Animal Communicator

BeingsInBalance@gmail.com

Some are awestruck at the sound, ours excited, some are brought to tears. The sound of the Native American Love Flute is a sound that seems to stir up something very deep inside of us. Some want to learn to play songs, others want to learn to play their own songs, allowing the notes to just flow out. Some play by the river, others play on the mountain, yet others play on their back porch, or by the fire. Others gather together to revel in the history, to learn and to play in a group. The haunting yet familiar sounds of the flute, rather than being sent out to attract another, seems to be wanting to call us back to us a part of ourselves, a soulful self that was once connected to the sounds of nature, to nature itself. If you would like to learn how to play these flutes you can join Ed Peekeekoot, (Nominated for award winning Native American musician, and song writer), along with Rommy Verlaan (local maker of Heart Song Flutes), on Sunday May 3rd,, 11:30-2:30 in Lake Cowichan.. No experience or flute necessary. Rommy is also looking for flute players experienced or not, to participate in a Native American Flute ensemble. Having been mostly a solitary instrument Rommy is looking to have people learn to play songs together with a variety of flutes playing in various keys together and in harmony. For more information on either of these please contact Rommy:rommyflutes@shaw.ca

Learn more at one of our public Advance Care Planning Info Sessions.

• April 16th 1:30 – 3:30pm Ladysmith Eagles Hall, 921 1st Ave, Ladysmith • June 17th 1:30 – 3:30pm Cowichan Lake Primary Health Care Service, 58 Cowichan Ave W, Lk Cowichan

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition. Making, repair and restoration of Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and all manner of Stringed ALSO offering Instruments. instrument making classes.

Mandolin & Violin.

250-749-6563 zakviolins@shaw.ca www.zakviolins.com

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The introverted Dog Debbie Wood is currently studying animal naturopathic health and is certified through the American Council of Animal Naturopathy www.luckydogubath.ca

he more time I spend with dogs, the more I see the similarities between dogs and humans. Our personalities, our social structures, our emotional capacities; it’s no wonder our lives dovetail so well together.

It’s a great place to meet (or take) friends, listen to some timetested songs and (if you wish) order a beverage or two and/or some snacks from the friendly bar staff.

Our human culture is currently in celebration of the extrovert. Just the term “healthy and outgoing” is used to describe the pinnacle of good mental adjustment. The introvert is viewed as unhappy and in need of repair. What a shame, because the introverts are the level headed thinkers and peacemakers in our world. Introverts are part of the natural balance.

Local musicians are invited to display their chops from 4 - 5pm. Even Pat gets up onstage during the last hour. (Last time I was there she performed “Georgia on My Mind”.) It’s only ten bucks to get in. Heckuva deal! (The Crofton Hotel is close to the Saltspring Ferry. For more info log onto croftonhotel.ca and click on “Jazz”)

Dogs can be introverted too and just like people, it’s not a bad thing; it just isn’t popular right now.

Looking for a place to go on one of those long, lazy Sunday afternoons? I can heartily recommend the weekly Sunday Jazz at the Crofton Hotel series from 2 - 5 pm. Every week there is a different act ... and you don’t have to be a jazz buff to appreciate the music. Booker Pat Selman keeps it light and accessible.

“The best thing about singing jazz to me is the ability to tell the story as the composer intended and to create imagery for the listener”, she says. Pat tells me she has been listening to jazz since she was a child listening to her parents play records at home. Her favorite singers/influences include Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Kurt Elling and Cassandra Wilson. Mmmm! .... tasty choices. For the past eleven years she has been promoting live Jazz at Sylvan United Church in Mill Bay including Jazz Vespers once a month and Church Mice Productions, a concert series at Sylvan United. She also initiated a bursary program at Sylvan in 2009 for Youth-and-Mentors-in-Music and the arts awarded each June to a graduating secondary student. And if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy she recently joined the board of Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society as a volunteer.

Introverts as humans and as dogs usually like the company of others, they just

don’t feel the need to be in a constant state of chatter or play. They are well versed in the comfortable silence of certain friendships. Some people prefer to quietly observe extroverts and all of their entertaining follies; dogs are no different. Introverts are comfortable in their quiet skin and we need to be comfortable with them. Sometimes the introvert is accused of being antisocial or fearful, but I have found that introverted dogs have plenty of confidence and are not fearful of other dogs; they just prefer to be left alone to watch. And that’s okay. Forcing an introverted dog to engage with others past their comfort zone can backfire into aggression. I am all for giving our dogs a little push through their fears, but be respectful of their ultimate boundaries and take small steps. The end experience needs to be positive and they will need some down time afterwards. Celebrate and appreciate the introvert. Understand that not every dog wants to party all the time. Respect their desire to be left alone. There’s nothing wrong and in another one hundred years the term “healthy and introspective” will be all the rage.

a c y p c t B y w p p o P c l

Daytime Visibility

o, I don’t know about you, but when I’m riding my bike pretty much everywhere except the trails these days, my mind harbors an intimidating image of vehicular drivers engaged in texting; phoning; putting on make-up; drinking hot coffee; dealing with unruly kids and swerving all over the place. I don’t think on it too deeply or I wouldn’t go out there…but it’s a consideration for sure.

hair yoga is simply a yoga practice done seated in a chair, or standing using the chair for support. Like the yoga blocks and bolsters many people are familiar with, the chair is simply a prop to make the practice more accessible. B.K.S. Iyengar, one of modern yoga’s founding fathers, was well known for using any props at hand to make the practice fit the student - not the other way around! People of any age can do chair yoga, especially those living with chronic illnesses

According to Statistics Canada about 7,500 cyclists are injured or killed each year. These fatalities and injuries are more likely to occur at intersections. One frightening statistic indicates that two thirds of all cyclist deaths occur during the day and that 40% of cycling fatalities are hit from behind. I’ve been hit twice in minor incidents. Once at an intersection whereupon the such as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, depression, anxiety, or physical injuries and limitations. People living with chronic illnesses often deal with symptoms such as widespread muscular pain, joint pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, dizziness, “brain fog” and general loss of fitness. “Flares” of illness often require long periods of rest, which result in the body becoming deconditioned. Attempts to do

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driver just didn’t see me. It was a four way stop in a quiet Vancouver neighborhood and even though I was knocked off my bike, my bike and I were fine. I was lucky. I did yell at her though. As she looked at me perplexedly and drove off, I hollered, “Why didn’t you LOOK?” I was pretty angry. The other time was in the Park Royal parking lot. Drivers seem to use a different set of rules in parking lots. Now I avoid them like the plague. My solution to worrying less about the distracted and dangerous driver is to LIGHT UP LIKE MAD ALL THE TIME! A simple blink option light can go a long way in protecting you by catching a driver’s attention. The trend a regular yoga class, even a gentle one, may result in frustration or injury. People become discouraged, especially if they injure themselves or experience increased pain, and give up on a practice that ultimately offers many benefits. Chair yoga gives a safe, accessible way for people to explore all the benefits of a regular yoga practice, including asanas (postures), breathing practices and meditation. Yoga has been scientifically shown in many studies to improve the relaxation response, reduce stress, pain, anxiety and depression, and improve strength, flexibility, balance, range of motion, breathing and sleep. Above all, yoga helps to build a sense of personal mastery and peace, which is often hard to find when dealing with challenges. Chair yoga is offered twice a week at Harmony Yoga &

to light up in daylight is growing and catching on with manufacturers. Bontrager now makes a powerful, compact, and rechargeable daylight specific taillight. The Flare R is a vibrant 65 lumen taillight designed to be daylight visible and can make cycling safer. Don’t overestimate your visibility on the road like I used to. Be visually loud and LIGHT UP! Sandra has dogs, a bike, a business, and not enough time.

Chair Yoga Wellness Center on Tuesdays at 2pm and Fridays at 2:30pm. More information can be found at www. harmonyyogaduncan.com/ chair-yoga/. Jane Waterman is a writer, editor, artist and yoga teacher. Website: www.janewaterman.com.

ike for Hospice encourages you to gather your team together to raise funds for hospice palliative care in Cowichan. Participate by hiking as an individual or as part of a team in memory of a loved one and support the work Cowichan Valley Hospice does for families in our community. Your participation will help deliver compassionate care to Cowichan families at no charge. Families like the Allan Scott’s who will be rallying together ‘Team Gillian’ for this year’s Hike for Hospice. Two years ago, Allan Scott and his wife Gillian received the devastating news by their doctor that Gillian’s blood count had climbed alarmingly and her cancer was spreading to other organs. They both agreed they would need guidance and moral support for the inevitable. At their doctor’s recommendation, Allan and Gillian met with a Cowichan Valley Hospice client services coordinator who explained the support services available to the Scotts. At this time they also began a spiritual path with church Minister Deborah

Revit’s beautiful dog. As Allan remembers, “Felix literally led us to the front door of St. Peters Quamichan. We felt confident we would go through a very difficult and terrifying journey surrounded by love and support.” Allan and Gillian learned about ‘Hike for Hospice,’ a friendpledged fundraising initiative being held at Providence Farm. They felt it was an excellent way for Hospice to raise funds as well as an opportunity for he and Gillian to contribute. They organized a team of family and friends who would raise funds and hike under the banner, ‘Team Gillian’. Gillian was able to attend the event but did not have enough energy to hike the trail. She did however wander over to the spiritual labyrinth with their son where they walked in peaceful silence. This was a very emotional and inspiring site for us to see. Three months after the Hike, dedicated hospice vigil volunteers gave the family much needed relief in Gillian’s final nights. Their beloved Gillian,

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Cowichan Valley Hospice Invites You to Lace Up and Hike for Hospice lover of life and dog groomer extraordinaire passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, friends and St. Peters ministry. Allan recalls, “I joined a Hospice bereavement support group of likeminded grieving individuals to which there was wonderful support, understanding and friendship. During this time, Allan and their son Alex rallied and began organizing ‘Team Gillian’ because we had made a solemn promise to his mother that for the next Hike for Hospice we would organize the biggest team that had ever walked the grounds of Providence Farm.” Last year, Team Gillian became a team of 60 hikers, raising over $6,000 for Cowichan Valley Hospice. Allan was thrilled with the result. “We know Gillian would have been very proud of not just ‘Team Gillian’ but all the wonderful teams who braved the spring rain to hike the trails united in peaceful thought of their loved ones. It was truly wonderful to be there.

Once again Hike for Hospice will take place on Sunday, May 3rd, on the beautiful rambling trails at Providence Farm. Lace up for a gentle 2 or 4 km hike along the trails, or, some may prefer a stroll through the labyrinth. Need more information? Contact:Jennifer Yee Fairweather Community and Donor Relations.Cowichan Valley Hospice events.cvhs@shaw.ca cowichanvalleyhospice.org 250-701-4242 3122 Gibbins Rd, Duncan

The Hike is an easy 3 steps away: 1) Please register your team at events.cvhs@shaw.ca or with a phone call to 250-701-4242. 2) Visit the Cowichan Valley Hospice website at www. cowichanvalleyhospice. org to print the brochure and pledge sheet. 3) Follow the weblink to set up your own online fundraising page to collect pledges

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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

Spring Golf Tips With Jody Jackson

elcome to Golf 2015! Over the next 6 months, I hope to bring insight to your complete game development. I have decided to pick a topic per month that corresponds to the following formula: Physical + Technical + Mental + Emotional + Social + Spirit of the Game (Resource: Vision54) This month is all about the Social element of the game. As we welcome the wonderful spring weather, I really hope us golfers out there are doing our best to welcome all to this great game. Over many years in the golf scene, I have witnessed so many quit due to both an overly strict, outdated structure and disrespectful playing partners. So, I am excited to share my Top 10 social tips for welcoming all players to golf:

WELCOMING ALL PLAYERS TO GOLF 10. Be prepared and ready to play 10 minutes before your tee time 9. It’s okay to not keep score, modify the rules and play for fun 8. It’s okay to play less than 18 holes 7. It’s okay for a beginner golfer to tee up the ball from anywhere 6. Be aware of your playing partners game and celebrate their good shots 5. Golf is a game of honour, so when playing by official rules, post your score honestly 4. When on the putting green, fix your mark and do not stand on another players line of putt 3. Leave your golf bag between your current green and your next tee box, to help with pace of play 2. Be ready to play your shot when it’s your turn 1. Demonstrate courtesy and sportsmanship to all ages, genders, cultures, levels of play, etc.

all can PLAY. Participation numbers are declining and quite frankly, we are running out of time. Let’s make a collective effort this year to be social because when you get right down to it, whether you are recreational or competitive player, its the people you meet and the friends you make that are the most important thing about the game of golf.

Training Task: Sharpen up on your golf etiquette with www.golfcanada. ca/play/getting-started/ etiquette/)

Jody Jackson is a LPGA Teaching Professional at Cowichan Golf and Country Club. jodyjackson.com

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Georgia Nicols M.A. is Canada’s most popular astrologer. A Buddhist, this Vancouver-based astrologer is featured in regional papers across Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. www.georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19) This is one of the most powerful years in your life. You have the support of lucky Jupiter and reliable Saturn; and this month, the Sun and your ruler Mars are in your sign. It doesn’t get better than this! Plan a vacation at some point this year. Some might expand their family. This is a time of preparation as you approach 2018, when you will be proud of your accomplishments. Shop for goodies for yourself and loved ones and get physical exercise to burn off some of this pumped-up energy! Hooah! Taurus (April 20-May 20) You can strengthen family and real estate, as well as reduce debt and be successful in negotiations about inheritances and shared property. Right now, your personal year is coming to an end because your birthday is just a month away. That means this month is the perfect time to set some goals for your new year ahead. Studies show that if you define your goals, especially with deadlines, the odds of you achieving those goals are way better. Got any ideas? Grab a pen and start writing. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Youíre popular; and everyone wants to see your face. Grab every opportunity to share physical activity and sports because you’ll love it. Some of you are dabbling in a secret love affair (you love an adoring peanut gallery). All of you need to be delicate with close friends and partners because Saturn opposite your sign demands this kind of attention and care. Relations that have

outlived their usefulness will end this year. You are very serious about partnerships now. Cancer (June 21-July 22) This is the only time all year when the Sun is at high noon in your chart acting like a spotlight on you. And this light is flattering! This month, you can do no wrong in the eyes of others especially bosses, parents and teachers. Obviously, this is your moment to go after what you want. Demand the advantage! But do know that you are high viz. People notice you. Meanwhile, Venus will ensure that relations with friends are cozy. In fact, a friend could become a lover. (Thatís real cozy.) Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Even though lucky Jupiter will be with you until August, this month is powerful because the Sun is in a Fire Sign as well. This bodes well for publishing projects and anything to do with higher education, medicine, the law and the media. Travel opportunities will drop in your lap. And travel suits you just fine because you’re eager to expand your world. This is the perfect time to sign up for a course. Enjoy fascinating discussions with interesting people. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You like to have your ducks in a row. This doesn’t mean you always do, but it would be nice if they were. And this is exactly what you will aspire to this month because now your focus is on taxes, debt, insurance matters, inheritances and shared property. Suddenly, youíre keen to be a better person. You want to improve your life and get better organized. You need to solidify your home base and figure out where you want to live. Meanwhile, back in the boudoir, your sex drive is amped!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This is the only time all year that the Sun is opposite your sign. Because it is 180∞ away from you, this means it is as far away from you as it ever gets; and because the Sun is your source of energy you will need more sleep. Take naps or get to bed earlier this month. (Librans have sleep patterns that are all over the map. You stay up and party forever; and then stop, and for the next three days you live in your robe.) Your year ahead is social definitely; but the next four weeks are extremely social! Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is the month to strike! You are so ambitious, you will delegate to others. Take advantage of the fact that people are impressed with you. This month you want to get better organized. Give yourself the right tools to do a bang-up job because when you have the support material you need, things are easier and your results are superior. The next four weeks are a good time to think about how to improve your health through better eating and exercise. (Be careful: Perfection can be offputting.) Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) It’s your month to party! Enjoy vacations and fun times with children. Romance and love affairs will flourish. Anything to do with sports will also please you because you want to express yourself creatively and freely. Artists will flourish because they are in touch with their talent and feel courageous about expressing themselves. This is timely because you’re setting off on a 30-year journey to reinvent yourself. This month of confidence-building enthusiasm and freedom is just what you need. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your attention now turns to home, family and

your personal life. Expect increased chaos and activity at home (visiting guests and redecorating?) Naturally, this will stress everyone at home so patience will be needed. Be a beacon in the night to others. Demonstrate grace under pressure. Fear not because Venus promises romance, parties and social diversions. You deserve some fun! Continue to look for ways to benefit from the wealth of others through inheritances, money back from the government and shared property. Ka-ching! Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You hit the pavement running with a month that is jampacked with special events, a busy calendar, errands, short trips and conversations with everyone. Some will spend more time with siblings and relatives. This is also an excellent for writing, selling, talking, teaching and acting because your communication skills are tops. Furthermore, you will speak with energy and decisiveness! Plan to entertain and redecorate at home. Enjoy warm relationships with partners and close friends because this month is all about relationships with others. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month is the perfect time to focus on jobs earnings and how to best handle your cash flow and your possessions. You will work hard to earn money and spend it as well! This year is one of the best years in decades for you to get a better job and improve your career and reputation in your world. Look for ways to do this because they certainly exist; and it won’t be as easy at a later time. Mercury in your sign makes you eager to communicate; and Venus ensures you can make money from your words. Looking swell! www.georgianicols.com

Pig Tales is a new series of pig stories from around the Valley inspired by our local farmers and friends who have shared their captivating, informative and often hilarious experiences with pigs. If you have a short story to share about a drift of piglets, a sounder of pigs or even just one notable pig please email us at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com. Wordcount 300 - 750 words.

oving from Vancouver to the Island was the best thing we ever did. The noises of sirens were replaced with the songs of frogs; we swapped the belched exhaust of trucks for sweet, clean breezes. The endless search for a parking spot ended, and we became friends with our neighbours. The kind of friends that help each other out in a pinch. This is the story of the first pinch. It was springtime. We were living amongst working farms, enchanted with the magic that comes with new life. Down the road we visited newborn kids on the goat farm, calves seemed to arrive almost daily on an adjoining property, and a hundred downy chicks in a neighbour’s barn became a favourite attraction for the children. While the city offered a hygienic petting zoo (once you found parking and purchased a $9 ticket from the “farmer” in overalls), Glenora delivered the authentic experience, complete with the smell of ‘money’ (a.k.a. manure). We were hungry to fit in, taking great pleasure in every opportunity to feel like locals and shed the formalities of city ways. We smugly referred to Vancouver as “The Big Stink” though, truthfully, springtime in Glenora had a unique pungency. Arriving home one afternoon with groceries, I was met with an urgent cry from a neighbour. My adrenalin rising, shopping bags dropped, I raced to see what catastrophe

had occurred. I reviewed CPR training in my head. I was practically removing my shirt to wrap around a compound fracture when I arrived down the hill at the source of the alarmed calls. Two piglets had arrived that day, and they were both on the loose. My relief was quickly replaced with the need to spring into action. There was absolutely nothing in my previous experiences to draw from. But my neighbours, seasoned and capable farmers, appeared at no greater advantage. The farmers and their teenage son, arms spread open, were moving together and closing in on a piglet. Probably sensing my lack of competence, the piglet swerved and made a run at me. The voices of my neighbours rose in urgency, inciting me to dive on the animal. Seizing the opportunity to prove my neighbourliness, I reached for the terrified piglet, gripping its haunches. The sense of triumph quickly faded. For all the panic expressed by the farmers, the piglet easily out-panicked them, belting out a squeal I was unprepared for, and wriggling with a force that jolted me out of my make-believe, farm-life reverie. And so the evening ensued. A gorgeous spring evening… the sun setting peacefully over the peach-kissed hills and trees. More neighbours got involved. I traded my street shoes for rubber boots. We created traps and ineffectual

Pig Tales

barricades; we cursed the still: Pigs = 1, People = 0. holes in the My feet were The ten-acre fences. The tenaching in my acre chase soon fashionable, chase soon became a wider rubber boots. became a wider geographical I saw the challenge. We teenage son geographical split into teams make tracks challenge. We of five, one for his house, split into teams team for each devising piglet. Every of five, one team more near success exciting for each piglet. was met with prospects for disappointment the evening, as we were outsmarted, while the rest of us limped up outrun, and out-squealed. and down the hilly property, maintaining a small shred of The teenage son was keen to imagined superiority over the show his competence and, pigs. probably for that reason, decided to disregard or do We had failed, but we had the opposite of whatever failed together, and there was instructions his mother something redeeming in that. offered. Each cry of “Don’t This was the kind of shared chase them!” was received experience you couldn’t (and as a command to chase wouldn’t) have hoped for, yet faster. And each time the the sense of belonging and pigs sped up, so did all the friendship was now certain. people, in efforts to corral and contain them. All of our My husband arrived home military manoeuvres were from the office just as we fruitless and we resigned had given up. Without any ourselves – utterly exhausted, pig-handling prerequisites, he mud-smeared, and defeated soundly captured both piglets – to release any notions of by throwing a blanket over domesticating these animals. them, himself with it, and They had never received a carried them to safety. As we meal on the farm to identify fed and watered the piglets, it as their home and, of any the farmer shook her head. local farms, this one was “This happens every year,” now undoubtedly the least she sighed. desirable… inhabited (in Submitted by Mandy Tinevez, Glenora the eyes of the piglets) by resident screaming, bumbling humans. After two hours, the score was