Cowichan Valley Voice

Monthly Guide To Living In The Cowichan Valley

APRIL 2012 Issue 41

Spring Recipes • Greening Your Home Farm and Garden Pages • Buy a Brick for Bench Elementary •

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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

Community Calendar

April 2012

runs to 22

FERTILITY Spring Equinox Exhibit Margit Nellemann Gallery 8350 Richards Trail

17 - 20

8th Annual Aboriginal Festival of Film & Art Quwutsun Cultural Centre, Duncan www.aff.cowichan.net

1 - 14 *2-6pm

Shame Uns- Paintings by Armstrong Birkin & Faue *Opening on 1st Genoa Bay Gallery, 5000 Genoa Bay Road

17

AFF Gala Reception & Coast Salish Dinner Quwutsun Cultural Centre, Duncan www.aff.cowichan.net

1

Joel Fafard Southern roots and blues Shady Grove at the Sussmans 250-929-8226.

19 1-2pm

Play with Me Open House Sunrise Waldorf School To RSVP pls call 250 743 7253

1 11am

Art & Soul Exploring Spirit through the Arts Art House, Shawnigan Lake Village 250 743 5846

19 -25th 9:30 - 4:30

Know Thyself: A Day of 5Rhythms & Council for Women Ganges Yoga Studio - Salt Spring Island 250-709-1921

1,8,15,22,29 8-9pm

Chants, Gongs, Healing Meditations and Toning By donation Lila Music Centre www.joythroughmusic.com

20 7-9pm

5Rhythms Class with Shauna Devlin Harmony Yoga 201-111Station St. Duncan

2 -28

Robin Millan and Terry Harrison showing at Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 251 Craig Street, Duncan

20 - 21 10-5pm

Cowichan Valley Artisans Annual Studio Tour For more info: www.cowichanvalleyartisans.com

3 10am 1pm

Cowichan Valley Artisans Show and Sale (CVA) Portals, the CVAC Centre of Arts 2687 James St, Duncan

21 Doors 5pm

Earth Day Dinner Merridale Ciderworks, 1230 Merridale Road 250.743.4293

4,11,18,25 1-2pm

Women’s Writing Group FREE Cowichan Library Info:ythedges@hotmail.com

21 12-2pm

Burning of the Vines Unsworth Vineyards & Amuse 2915 Cameron-Taggart Rd RSVP 250.743.3667 $18

5 7-9pm

CIS Community Dance Night FREE Kids Welcome!

Girl Guide Hall, 321 Cairnsmore St., Duncan

21 10-3pm

Duncan’s 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration Charles Hoey Park, Downtown Duncan

5,12,19,26 7pm

Open Meditation Every Thursday VIU - Cowichan Campus, Duncan 778 422 0155

23 8pm

Stephen Cooper - Christian Rapper Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $12/$15

5,12,19,26 2-7pm

Thursday Farmers Market Across from Cobble Hill Hall.In Cattle Barn of Fairgrounds

24 7pm

Ladysmith Camera Club “Workshop Night” Hardwick Hall, High Street, 3rd Ave, Ladysmith

6-9 10:30-1pm Easter Egg Hunt by Horse Drawn Wagon Ride

or 2-4:30pm

Abby Lane Farms 7233 Mays Rd 250 709 5405

24 10am-5pm

Celebrate FERTILITY on Earth Day Tea Tasting Teafarm, 8350 Richards Trail 250 748 3811

7 2pm 8pm Show

Poetry Workshop with Jeremy Loveday Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $10-15 Sliding Scale

25 -29

Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show Quwutsun Cultural Centre, 200 Cowichan Way

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9:30-10:30am

Family Easter Brunch, Geocaching and Easter Egg Hunt Merridale 1230 Merridale Road, 250.743.4293

27 7pm

Reel Alternatives - The Guard Cowichan Theatre $12 benefitting CV Hospice Society

8 12-3pm

Family Easter Hunt on TLC’s Keating Farm Keating Farm Estate, 5250 Miller Rd, Duncan

27 7-8:30pm

Sacred Chant Circle with Sadie Valley Yoga Centre 1021 Islay St. www.valleyyoga.ca

8 10am

Free family Easter Egg Hunt Fuller Lake Park 250.246.3811 Chemainus

28 6 pm

Singer-Songwriter-guitarist Mark Crissinger Cow Bay Pub in Cowichan Bay

13 7pm

Om Chanti Kirtan with Karen Allen by donation Harmony Yoga 201-111Station St. Duncan, 250 701-0360

28

9am - 3pm

St Ann’s Garden Club Plant Sale Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan

13-15 10-5pm

Art on the Lake Mollyanne Baker and Jacquie Simons Susan Jean Whyte 1725 Westlock Rd, Duncan, 250 748-1872

28

11am - 3pm

Chemainus Arts & Ethnic Food Fest Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre 9824 Willow Street

14 9am -3pm

Gargantuan Garage Sale and BBQ for CWBS Accepting Donations 1761 Cowichan Bay Rd 250-746-4955

28 1 -4pm

Mad Hatter Tea Party Games and Fun $30 Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre 250 746 4955

14 5pm-9pm

Wild Foods Dinner at Deerholme Farm Deerholme Farm, 4830 Stelfox Rd 250 748‑7450 $90pp

28 6:30- 9pm

Cowichan Catch: A Live-ly Auction Quwutsun Cultural Centre, Comeakin Building

14 7:30pm

Cowichan Folk Guild Fundraiser with Withoutanet Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St

28 10am-3pm

Hand-Crafted Woolen Clothes Sale Hilary Else & Ali Bertin Upstairs in the Duncan Garage - Farm Store Staff Room

14 11am-5pm

Alderlea Farm’s 2nd Annual Stinging Nettle Festival 3390 Glenora Road, Duncan, johnkaty@shaw.com

29 8pm

Elizabeth Shepherd- Smooth Jazz Vocalist Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $15 /$20

14 & 28 10am-12pm

O.U.R Ecovillage Guided Public Tours By Donation $15 31565 Baldy Mtn Road - Shawnigan Lake 250-743-3067

15 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Urinary Health Class w/ Lorene Benoit (bladder, kidney, arthritis) Duncan White Spot $15 250 743-0544

15 10am

Nichiren Buddha Society Second Season Opening # 4 Johnny Bear Road, Duncan For info 250 710 7594

15-21 *1pm

National Volunteer Week hosted by Volunteer Cowichan *Volunteer Fair April 14 Duncan Mall volunteercowichan.bc.ca

various

Home of the Cowichan Valley’s “100 Mile Dawg” A locally based, socially conscious mobile food alternative FOR UPDATES

depotdawgs

@depotdawgs1

To book events call 250 732-5250 or email depotdawgs@gmail.com.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 936 Arbutus Avenue, Duncan V9L 5X4 Copy Editor Maeve Maguire Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 or 250 748 0926 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Please upload your information through our website Please include: Date & Event Title IN SUBJECT Be advised that space is limited to up to 2 spots per business and is prioritized by 1st sent, 1st printed.

Next deadline April 15th for May 2012 Issue.

E-mail to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Valley Voices Bill Jones, Bruce Wood, Marisa Goodwin, Joy Story, David Coulson, Noah Bond, Guy Johnson,Victor Vesley, Aaron Bichard, Ayla Challenger, Janna Jorgensen, Jo Ludwig, Jim Musselwhite, Pat Amos, Pete Stevenson, Sandra Beggs, Rick Dennis,Tracey Paleczka, Dee Kinnee, Elaine Scott, Susan Jean Whyte, Dennis J.A.Brown,Veronica Scott, Roger Foucher, Kristi Seggie, Tilly Lorence, Jean Crowder, Nicolette Genier, Peter Oliphant, Bernice Ramsdin Firth, Bruce Stewart, Simon Pidcock, Ryan Zuvich, Robyn Radcliffe, Kristi Tomlinson, Andrea Reimer,Tom Faue, Robin Massey, Sadie Bartram, Sheila Jones, Maeve Maguire, Sue McKitrick & The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Valley Voice magazine reserves the right to 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 authors.

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, Courtenay and Tofino.

Cover Image taken by Sheila Badman Young lambs and a sheep taken on a local farm.

Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com

PAGES

Cowichan Community

April Community Calendar 3 Table of Contents 4 Dee Kinnee’s Chemainus Report 40 Websites, Emails and Verbal Lint 42 Crowder’s Corner 42 Cowichan Valley Feature Listings 44 Cowichan Valley Directory 46

Local Food and Recipes

Keep Farmers On Our Farms 5 Merridale Cider Hollandaise Recipe 5 Walkabout the Salt Spring Market: Bruce Wood 6

Community Supported Fishery The Triple Bottom Line 6

Cowichan Eating: Foraging Wild Foods 7 Island Farmhouse Poultry: Creamy Chicken Alfredo 8 Growing a Vegetable Lover 9 Cowichan Bay Seafoods: Simple Halibut 10 Taste of Tea 11

Earth Day Greening Your Home Feature Green Building: Green Kitchen Refits 12 Good Day Sunshine: Using Solar Energy 13 Low VOC Paints 14 Water: A Force of Nature 15 Recycling 16 Natural Home Building 17 Green Living: Spring Cleaning Tips 18 Earth Day Celebrations 18

Local Artists, Galleries & Studio News Cowichan Arts Event Highlights 20 CVAC Art Auction 21 Talking Arts: Dennis Brown 22 Impressions of Trees: Susan Jean Whyte 23 Cowichan Valley Artisans Studio Tour 24 An Art & Bike Tour Adventure 26

Sport, Recreation & Healthy Living

Pre Race Guidelines 27 Cowichan Bay Whale Report 32 Spring Tune Up Golf Tips from The Pro 33

Inform over 20,000 local readers about your business!

The summer season is just around the corner.

Are you ready to advertise?

Contact Adrienne Richards for specials to kick off your Advertising season!

Now Booking May 2012 Issue 42 AD Deadline: APRIL 18th 250 748 0926 / 250 510 6596 cell adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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Farm & Garden Pages

Stinging Nettle Festival 28 On The Farm with Makaria Farm 29 Growing Wild 29 April Planting Guide 29 Helpful Garden 30 The Broom Stops Here: April Broom Tips 31

Body, Mind & Soul

Cowichan Valley Healing Touch 34 Community Farm Store Pages 36 Moon Beams: Easter Moon 43 Horoscope with Georgia Nicols 45

Kids Pages

Chalkboard Theatre 38 Moving From Who Cares to That’s Cool 39 All About Our Pets 43 Outnumbered! Sue McKitrick 45

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

Keep Farmers On Our Farms

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any gardeners can grow our own veggies, but few of us can grow our own meat.

For over 25 years, Jesse and Evelyn have been raising animals to sell for meat. For the last 5 years, their farm has been located on Kilmalu Road in Mill Bay, 1 minutes off highway #1.

They raise chicken (and eggs) turkeys, pork and lambs.

Recently they added some berry crops including raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. A u-pick may be offered.

Jessie and Evelyn are committed to raising their animals and food, using organic practices and feeding their animals organic feed. Grazing is also a key to that process and therefore requires more land than today’s farming practices do.

Which means keeping farmers on farms. Most farmers I’ve met have partners who work off the farm to help support the farms activities, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Every time we buy locally grown foods, we keep farmers on farms producing food for

people and doing what they know how to do.Buy Local and Keep Farmers on Farms!

Support local family farms like Terra Nossa!

Joy Story, helps people grow food!

Check out her on-line Magazine and Newsletter growfoodnetwork.com

Future Farmer

Their meat is raised the old fashioned way. Limited numbers, quality feed, sanitary conditions and a real genuine care for the animals well being.

That’s not the case for most meat produced today.

That’s why we need to know who are farmers are and support them when we can.

As Evelyn says, “Even if you eat locally grown meat 2 times a week instead of imported meat 7 times a week, you are contributing to supporting your local community”

For those who Eat,Voice?

Live, Play andusShop in the Cowichan Valley Interested in contributing tolike the to Valley E-mail at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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Walkabout The Salt Spring Market

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Join us for Easter Brunch!

Sunday April 8th from 10am Dine with Us:

Wednesday & Thursday – Dinner from 5pm

Friday & Saturday – Lunch and Dinner from 11:30am

Sunday – Brunch / Lunch from 10 am

Brunch Every Sunday from 10am

5000 Genoa Bay Road, Duncan

Scenic drive under 20 min. from downtown Duncan

Reservations 250-746-7621 • genoabaycafe.com

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Market.

Here you will find a glorious collection of hardworking farmers and food artisans representing all that is produced, grown and made on this Gulf Island.

At one end is David Woods setting up his cheese stand.

Rounds of chevre, some aged hard, some glistening soft all asking to be taken home with a loaf of our “Bread Lady” Heather’s (Salt Spring Bread Co) wood fired oven bread. An early market goer (I step out my door at 7am), an enjoyable ongoing competition is to see who arrives first, myself, or Ron Nordine who owns Ropey Fish. Ron has some

of the most succulent smoked Albacore tuna, sablefish and salmon. All sustainable and all wild.

Right beside Ron are Julia and Susan from Moonstruck with wheels of cheeses made from the milk of their own Jersey cows. Bleu’s with character and great depth, soft camemberts and hard cheeses great for risotto and pasta.

I Am looking forward to beautiful tomatoes, zuchinni and patti pans from Bree from Bright Farm, John Wilcox’s fantastic garlic, potatoes & basil and Falcon Farm’s pickles by Kerry-Lee. These are just some of the wonderful farmers you will meet over the course of the market season.

See you every Saturday at the market beginning April 7th!

Bruce Wood is chef/ owner of Bruce’s Kitchen in Ganges on beautiful Salt Spring Island. www.bruceskitchen.ca

Community Supported Fisheries and the Triple Bottom Line

started Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery (CSF) with my family and friends for a number of reasons. Over 50% of the fishermen I grew up with are gone. We do not have access to fish in the same ways we did in the past, and the industry has not been economical for many fishermen. I wanted a way to be sustainable environmentally, and I needed to be sustainable economically for my family. I also wanted to find ways to connect with my community. Here in Cowichan Bay, the street I

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s a local chef dedicated to preparing food with local ingredients I fervently await the season opening of the Salt Spring Saturday

live on used to include five working fishermen; I am the only one left. As fishermen disappeared so did the industry and its connection to the wider community.

I read about CSFs on the east coast and their philosophy of the triple bottom line. It sums up what we are trying to achieve by having a CSF: 1. Environmental Stewardship: To encourage an ethic of ecological stewardship that results in creative, community-based approaches

to marine conservation.

2. Local Economies: To increase the viability of traditional coastal communities by fostering economic opportunities that support a natural resourcebased livelihood. This includes helping develop tools for other small-boat fishermen to set up CSFs in their communities, to help the fishery continue on into the future.

shore-side communities and urban, suburban, and rural communities by providing access to local seafood.

It’s a new program, so we understand if you have questions. Call me 250 715 6647 to sign up for your community-supported fishery caught fresh, locally.

As a CSF member, you can look forward to prawns, king shrimp, sockeye and pink.

3. Social Improvements: To cultivate ties and establish bonds between

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

Guy Johnston skipper Michelle Rose mrfishing@telus.net

Cowichan

EATING Spring Foraging in the Wild

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Bill Jones is an author, chef and food consultant who can be found at Deerholme.com

ild foods are all around us. Sometimes they are called nasty names like weeds and invasive species (which they can be), but they are actually incredibly nutritious and often very tasty. There are two main types in the valley, Native plants are ones that have existed here for many thousands of years like camus bulbs, grand fir needles and huckleberries – to name a few. The other group is a large and imposing group of Introduced plants. Most of the good edible plants were introduced only in the past couple of hundred years or so. This group includes most of the common weeds such as dandelion, pepper cress and oxeye daisy. These were brought to North America by the early settlers as potage (soup) herbs or as medicinal plants. They escaped and thrived everywhere, and I do mean everywhere.

Essentially it takes a lot of plant energy to survive in the wild. This translates to higher levels of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and something called phytonutrients. These components are becoming more important in maintaining a good healthy immune system and reputed to help fight off disease and in particular cancer. Plus they taste great.

Fresh Organic Artisan Pastas & Pasta Sauces SPRING COOKING CLASSES

One of the best spring tonics is the Stinging nettle. Look in many of the ditches around the valley and you will likely see a deep lush green bouquet of nettle lining the bottom.

The stinging part comes from the edges of the leaves, which has tiny needle like barbs which inject histamine into your skin. The effect lasts for a few minutes and is not really painful. In fact many folk remedies for arthritis relief (temporary) involves purposefully rubbing the leaf on infected joints for a beneficial effect. Local First Nations also used the nettles to keep themselves alert and awake for rituals that required their attention for many hours of mediation.

Closer to home, you can pick nettles that are growing in clean and wild areas, the farther from civilization the better. Pick them before they have a chance to flower.

The spinach like flavour is wonderful in a number of dishes. Local chef Matt Horn of Cowichan Pasta Company makes a great stinging nettle pasta that is available in a few of the better shops around the valley.

Give these wild foods a chance, try them sauted as vegetables with your evenings meal. You might be surprised how good a weed can taste.

On April 14, Deerholme Farm will be holding a special Wild

Apr 17 FRENCH BISTRO Chef Ryan Zuvich $60 + tax Apr 23 DELIGHTS OF SPAIN & MOROCCO $75 + tax Chef Heidi Fink $75 + tax May 3 SUNNY SICILY Don Genova $65 + tax May 15 SPANISH TAPAS Chef Ryan Zuvich $60 + tax May 24th THE ODD BITS Don Genova $65 + tax June 8

SOUTH EAST ASIAN VEGETARIAN Chef Heidi Fink $70+tax

Check kilrennyfarm.com for details & call 250-743-9019 to register.

An Unparalleled bread experience Check out our NEW Rustic Loaf made with Vancouver Island wheat.

Cowichan Bay 746-7664

Mill Bay 929-1119

Visit truegrain.ca for hours of operation.

Foods Dinner, featuring many of our amazing wild foods and of course featuring our wonderful Morel Mushrooms.

See Deerholme.com for more info.

For more information about Stinging Nettles, the Stinging Nettle Festival and great nettle recipes please turn to Page 28!

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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“It’s fresher from here”

Creamy Chicken Fettucini Alfredo Ingredients Island Farmhouse Boneless Skinless, Chicken Breasts Butter Local Garlic,minced Onion, Mushrooms Oregano Basil Marjoram Rosemary Thyme All-Purpose Flour Salt and Ground Pepper Milk Half and Half Parmesan cheese Marbled cheese Tomatoes,diced Sour Cream *Fresh Local Pasta

Amount 3 6 Tbls 4 cloves 1 1/2 lb 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1/3 Cup To Taste 3 Cups 1 Cup 3/4 Cup 3/4 Cup 3 1/2 Cup 1 lb

* Look for fresh Kilrenny or Cowichan Pasta made locally!

Method 1. Over medium heat saute 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 minced garlic cloves and diced chicken breast until chicken is done. Remove from pan and set aside.

Listen Globally, Play Locally.

2. Using the same pan, melt remaining butter and fry mushrooms, remaining garlic and onions until translucent. Sprinkle in flour, salt and pepper and combine until well blended. Slowly add milk and half andor half, stirring until sauce is smooth.

Call email to register: 737-1331 or info@bopoma.

3. Add in grated cheeses and stir until cheese has org fully melted into sauce. Stir in chicken mixture, diced tomatoes and sour cream. Serve over cooked fettuccini.

2. For 1Lb of pasta, bring 4 L of salted water to a boil.

Add pasta and cook for about 5 minutes or until al dente.

Drain and serve. Do not rinse for better flavour.

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 • www.farmhousepoultry.ca African-rooted community music... for everyone!

250-737-1331 www.bopoma.org

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Chicken available from Country Grocer, 49th Parallel, Duncan Butcher, Chemainus Foods, Crofton Foods and Thrifty Foods

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

THE ORGANIC

F OODIE Growing a Vegetable Lover

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pring around our farm is noisy. It has a very particular sound, the sound of a multitude of baby chicks peeping and the sound of two little girls begging to hold every single one Goodwin Girls every single minute of the day. We need distraction from this obsession and it is cured by garden work. Being that my obsession is my girls being vegetable eaters this garden work has an ulterior motive. I believe that to sucessfully raise a life long vegetable lover you start them as a vegetable grower. You can do this on whatever scale possible - even a single tomato plant could start a minor food revolution at your dinner table, try it!

Every Day is Earth Day at True Grain Bread!

Did you know?

Each True Grain bakery loaf is made with Organic flour to protect our fields and waterways. Many of the signature loaves baked are made with grain grown close to home on Vancouver Island or regional BC. We partner with local farms to reduce CO2 emissions. Our Sweets are all made with organic cane sugar and butter and all our cereal and cookie packaging are 100% compostable. We use organic coffee of course, that comes in a biodegradeable take-away cup and lid and they are served with organic cane sugar and organic milk and cream. Plus all of our recyclables are taken away by the Cowichan Recyclists by bicycle! And for the earth especially, we practice a strict composting regime where we work with local farmers to put our compost to good use. Happy Earth Day!

The arrival of seed catalogues are a fun event around here and an opportunity for the kids to pick out something appealing.

Like maybe Purple Dragon carrots or Lemon Cucumbers (delicious round yellow cucumbers) & Sugar Snap peas are always a favourite-all these seeds are available organic from www.westcoastseeds.com or some local retailers. This year my 4yr old wants to grow Brussel Sprouts because they look so cool and I’m excited to cook them for her in October.

Little fingers are very good at doing seeding and not only does this develop fine motor skills but it is one of nature’s magic tricks. Put the seed in the soil, add water, sunlight, more water etc. and you get some big gorgeous plant you can eat?! Even I think this is still profoundly amazing. Even if there is no way for you to do any growing they are many farms to visit here in the Cowichan Valley. It’s neat to visit in the spring and then again in the height of summer when the farms’ are lush with crops. Even the farmer’s market is a must experience for children, they have the opportunity to meet the source of their food and pick out something tasty.

As part of an ongoing series on my blog www.organicfoodie. com, I‘ve been offering vegetables for dessert. This month’s recipe is for Sweet Potato Power Cookies which are a delicious snack after digging in the garden. Growing food is pretty romantic and is great way to start an early love affair with vegetables.

Marisa Goodwin co-owns Organic Fair and is immersed in food,farm and family. www.organicfair.com

See Page 43 for Marisa’s recipe for Sweet Potato Power Cookies

Michelle Rose CSF Fisherman Guy Johnston

Interested in buying the freshest catch of the season straight from your local fishermen?

Become a member of Cowichan Valley’s first Community Supported Fishery for access to top quality, sushi grade seafood mindfully caught using low impact fishing methods. As a member you commit to buying a share of the year’s catch before the season commences at prices that are fair to both members and fishermen.

2012 Prawns • king shrimp • sockeye • pink • For more info contact mrfishing@telus.net or 250-715-6647

Interested in For contributing theto Valley E-mail at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com those whotolike Eat, Voice?

Live, Play andus Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Fresh fine

Halibut now available - Fishery opening March 17th

Super Simple Fresh Halibut Ingredients

Amount

Halibut Fillets about 1” thick, skin on

6 oz. portion per person

Mayonnaise Brown Sugar Salt and Pepper

1 Tbsp per fillet 1 tsp per fillet To Taste

Spring Hours Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5:30pm. Closed Mondays.

Method Lightly season fillets with salt and pepper.

Spread 1 Tbsp of mayonnaise on top of each fillet and lightly sprinkle with brown sugar. *If the sweet does not appeal to you, substitute a fresh herb, finely chopped, such as dill, cilantro or parsley, or season your mayo to taste with a little wasabi paste.

Place in a greased oven proof dish and bake in a preheated 375 F oven for approximately 10 minutes or place skin side down on a well oiled BBQ at medium high heat, close cover and grill for about 6 minutes.

It is critical not to overcook halibut so however you choose to prepare it, remove fillets from heat just before you think they are done, or immediately they begin to flake. Let them sit for a minute or two and the residual heat will finish them off nicely.

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

Burning of the Vines Unsworth Vineyards & Amusé

April 21 12pm - 2pm $18 (includes soup & wine) Unsworth Vineyards Mondays: 2915 Cameron-Taggart Rd RSVP 250 743 3667 arent + Child Music 30 - 10.30Aam tradition originated in classes 150$ per the famFrance, Burning of the Vines marks the end of winter

pruning and the start of budburst. The tradition involves collecting grapevine cuttings then burning them to ensure that any disease from the dead cuttings cannot spread to the nude vines; a symbolises of death and rebirth by fire.

This April 21st, join Unsworth & Amusé in the vineyard for their first annual Burning of the Vines Ceremony. Enjoy a gourmet cauldron of soup cooked over an open fire lit from this years vineyard prunings, paired with Unsworth wine & fresh baked bread.

Bring your friends (and boots!) and celebrate the start of a new season in the vineyard.

1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay 250-748-0020 E-mail: info@cowichanbayseafood.com

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xperience an evening of rustic French cuisine with Nanaimo’s Markt Artisan Deli’s Chef & Owner Ryan Zuvich at Kilrenny Farm on Tuesday, April 17. Learn how to prepare classic French bistro fare, including Salade Lyonnaise, Pommes Anna and Tomato & Zucchini Gratin. Enjoy handson instruction and the reward of tasting what you’ve created! with Massimo Pintus Ryan Zuvich has spent over Werbeck Singing, Uncovering the voice half his life working in kitchens around the world to hone his culinary skills, including Michelin-rated restaurants in Germany, France and the UK, before settling in Nanaimo to open Markt Artisan Deli in 2009. Students will benefit from his passion for food and his focus on the use of seasonal, fresh and local ingredients. For more info: 250 743 9019

Community Music Programs & Workshops • Sing for Joy Choir •Threshold Singers • Music for Children • Gong Choir Vocal Improvisation Class • Helios Song • Deep Listening Evenings • Parent and Child Music • Intuitive Pedagogy: Movement & Musical Games

Voice Lessons

with Cari Burdett BMUS, MMUS from Royal Academy of Music London, UK Folk, Musical Theatre, Classical, Improvisation

Offering Private and Group Music Classes

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Guitar Lessons with Massimo Pintus Folk, Pop, Classical, Jazz, Flamenco, Finger independence

Visit Joythroughmusic.com Call to Register 250 701 0978

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

Taste of Tea

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ne of the more interesting facts about tea, which seems to regularly surprise people, is that all tea comes from the same plant - Camellia sinensis. Essentially, black tea and green tea are the same, its simply how they are processed which distinguishes them.

Black tea is 100% oxidized and green tea is not oxidized at all.

Enzymatic oxidization is the decay of the leaf and introducing heat through baking, steaming or pan-frying will complete the process. This is an oversimplification of a very intricate manufacturing process. Making tea is more of an art than a science. Experience, intuition, and care are the skills that tea masters/artisans apply when hand-crafting tea.

The range of tea types, including white tea and oolong tea, all have varying levels of oxidization. White tea is the bud and the first leaf and is approximately 10% oxidized. Oolongs, which are pan fryed and cooled are anywhere between 20 to 80% oxidized. Green teas are processed in drying rooms using circulated air. No direct heat is applied.

A type of Chinese black tea called puerh is actually the only tea that is fermented. A bacteria is introduced during the processing of the tea that allows age, improves storage and gives it a very distinctive taste.

Different geographic regions, altitude, moisture and terroir are elements of what gives various teas unique flavours and composition. We planted two terraces of tea in May of 2010. The experiment to see if this type of camellia would grow in the Cowichan uncovered through the winter has proven positive results. We are Victor Vesely is a tea still several years away from farmer and purveyor our first harvest and by then of fine and fun organic teas. www.teafarm.ca the tea will hopefully let us know what it wants to be.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

Teafarm tea plants

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BU I LDI NG green Green Kitchen Refits

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our kitchen, the focal point of all gatherings often sees the most wear and tear. It should be the first and foremost room to plan, when considering a green refit without exception. Unless Greening Your Home it’s pre 1930’s, and not oil painted, it’s likely harbouring toxic materials. Such a space that has to function in many ways should be built to last. Kitchen materials that come to mind: concrete, recycled glass, stainless steel, local stone and definitely wood.

Start with a good plan that takes advantage of clever storage options and offers an inviting space for family and friends to gather close, but not under foot. This is often the large island concept which can double up as an entertainment bar or relaxed buffet for appetizers. It is also great for family discussions or school projects that require parental input.

Counter top choices are probably the most important because of the use, followed by flooring, then cabinet finish. Historically, the oldest counter tops were made of butcher block maple, a product proven at MIT to be the most antiseptic of all food preparation surfaces due to it’s natural ability to kill bacteria. Again, simple food grade mineral David Coulson custom kitchen project. oil can be applied monthly (or even yearly) to keep it in great shape.

Many 30’s vintage homes sported Douglas fir counter tops with built in drain boards. I guess if they are good enough to lay on the deck of the Bluenose, they should be good enough for your kitchen. I caution the new DIY concrete counter tops because of the porosity factor. Professionally made, they can be great and very durable. One of my faves- Vancouver Island Marble from Matrix Marble and Stone. Timeless, local and warm to the touch in the slightly honed finish. A must for any pastry chefs.

Wood floors are low maintenance even in the busiest of kitchens. If oil finished, they can be easily maintained and only look better with age. My original wood floors are Douglas Fir and are turning 100 years old this year and the grandson still slides from one end to the other safely. Lino or more newly named Marmoleum or Forbo products are linseed based natural clay floor sheathing products you see commonly now in schools, hospitals and airports. A two hundred year old product still naturally made in Scotland. It is warm and tireless to the feet and maintained with little or no natural wax it will last for decades. If you must go ceramic, slate or other, stone so be it. Hard wearing for sure and great at keeping your inventory down on excess china and stemware.

The key to a good cabinet is the core. Be sure your actual cabinet boxes are made of sturdy and sustainable prefinished Canadian made birch plywood or solid wood (if you can afford solid). This coupled with well crafted butt hinges, Blum or Blumotion hardware (made in Germany, sorry) are so important to David Coulson is a local certified Built Green a lasting and durable kitchen that will take a real pounding after years of good use. If you are design builder. He has after that “Dwell” or modern look, consider using birch ply for the faces as well. Very modern, a staff of 25 that have very durable and very affordable. built throughout the island for over 20 years.

So on your way to tear it all out? GOOD, that’s the easy part. If you are looking for a good kitchen designer now to do all the hard stuff drop me a line, I’m sure I have one to pass along.

For full design/build service, give us a call

 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com  12

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

Good Day Sunshine

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he concept of solar energy is not new. In 1921, Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize for his experiments with solar energy.

Today, consistently rising costs of energy, and the desire to reduce our carbon footprint, give reasons to choose energy-efficient plumbing alternatives, such as a solar hot-water heating system.

There are two ways to harness the energy of the sun: To produce electricity (photovoltaics) and to heat water (solar thermal). Jim Musselwhite, a local plumber who has provided eco-friendly options to his customers for the past 20 years, says that although photovolaics are becoming more popular, solar thermal options have been popular since the 1970s due to their faster payback.

Jim is a SolarBC and CanSIA-accredited eco-friendly journeyman plumber. He says; “In an average house, 25% of each energy dollar goes towards heating water, and a family of 4 typically spends $500 per year to heat it. A solar water heating system aims at reducing that bill by 70%.”

To see a list of some noteworthy BC homeowners who are recognized as BC Solar Champions visit: http://www.solarbc.ca/learn/solar-champions.

Currently, LiveSmart BC is offering a $500 rebate to homeowners interested in purchasing solar water heating systems. Although G.E.T. Solar Solutions offers services for all budgets, Jim’s most popular install is a new maintenance-free and glycol-free stainlesssteel system for about $7600. Jim adds, “There are a number of other ways to be ecofriendly; in fact, the quickest most cost-effective way to save both money and water is to install a low-flow shower head. The reduced water consumption means there is less water to heat and their combination offsets the cost of the new head in just one month.”

Jim has other green ideas for his customers. “Contributing an old hot-water tank to a landfill once a decade doesn’t have to happen. Buying and installing an electric hotwater tank with a 25-year warranty and is incapable of rusting makes both economic and environmental sense. Alternately, an on-demand water heater has a life expectancy of 20 years and the potential for a lot more maintenance.” And then it’s time to pay that plumber again…

Visit Jim’s website www.getsolarsolutions.ca or call him at 250-686-0286 if you are interested in a free estimate or more information on how to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

SolarBC accredited Jim Musselwhite lives happily in Shawnigan Lake with his wife and 2 children. He has been a journeyman plumber for over 20 years.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

13

Start With Low or No VOC Paints

VOC chemicals. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound, which is organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at ordinary room temperatures.

Most paints are made of aliphatic hydrocarbons, ethyl acetate, glycol ethers, and acetone.

The paint industry is shifting towards aqueous solvents, which are basically just pure waterbased paints.

S

Noah Bond is craftsman and painter for Level Painting He lives on Thetis Island raising animals and planting seeds for his farm Jolity.

pring is a perfect time to freshen things up and bring in some colour. When it comes to paint you have choices: healthy ones and not so healthy ones— the choice is yours. It has taken years for me to figure this out.

When I paint a room in my home or for a client, I choose to use paint with little to no

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Low VOC, eco-conscious paints are for anyone concerned about the health of their family and home, work space, animals, plants, and the environment.

These paints are typically used inside the home or office where concerns about off-gassing and odor are highest.

Eco paints have been on the market for some time. As with many other products, innovation and testing in the industry are

improving the quality and making the products more readily available.

Where can you find reliable lowVOC paints?

Benjamin Moore, Natura is a zero-VOC paint. This interior paint is available in primer, eggshell, and semi-gloss in any colour or tint. It is trusted for its durability and almost no odor.

Most paint stores offer environmentally friendly options, and their staff can help you choose.

Price may sometimes be an issue

when it comes to choosing a zero- or low-VOC paint.

These more natural Greening Your Home paints are typically higher in price than their standard counterparts. It is worth paying the higher price when you consider the potential cost of illness related to longterm exposure to emissions from potentially harmful chemicals.

When it comes to your health and the environment, the choice is simple.

Transform your home‌ with custom soft-furnishings and blinds. Many eco-friendly options available.

Call 250 245-4238 or visit: www.nikkidesigns.ca

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

Water: A Force of Nature

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eonardo da Vinci said that, “water is the driving force of all nature.” Yet measuring, monitoring and understanding patterns and trends for water is complex and difficult. The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Environment Commission’s 2010 State of the Environment Report set out to establish a scientific baseline of information on our environment with the understanding that, “if you don’t measure, you can’t manage.” We discovered some important things about water in the CVRD. What did the report find? Based on relatively localized and short-term information, there is a general sense that, most of the time, there is lots of water of reasonably good quality within the CVRD. However, some of the key groundwater aquifers in the Cowichan region are naturally vulnerable, and an increasingly large number of them are becoming heavily developed. In addition, at critical periods and particularly in dry years, the conflict for water can become acute – leading to the potential for significant conflicts between values. The level of pollutants, as measured using standard monitoring, typically is low; however, major rivers are no longer considered fit to drink due to fecal coliform counts, and cumulative downstream impacts have

led to the closure of shellfish fisheries since the 1970s.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate these impacts.

Drying trends, especially during current low-flow periods, and increasing air and therefore water temperatures, will result in a myriad of future impacts. The collective understanding of how such changes affect the basis of ecological food chains requires more work.

All these trends are cause for concern. The Environment Commission believes that we need to re-double our environmental stewardship efforts to turn the troublesome indicator measurements from negative to positive. To that end, in the spring of 2012 the Environment Commission will be teaming up with CVRD staff to develop our region’s first Regional Environmental Strategic Plan. That’s where you come in!

Although we may not have all the answers yet, we all hold a piece of the puzzle. In the coming months, we will be reaching out to the community for input into the Regional Environmental Strategic Plan.

Please watch our website (www.12things.ca), newspapers, local magazines and websites for announcements on how you can get involved, or drop us a note at 12things@cvrdenviro.com.

Nika’s Natural Hair and Relaxation Salon

I am commited to providing high quality services using natural and organic products in a peaceful atmosphere that benefits both you and the environment in which we live.

Services for the Whole Family!

★ Haircuts ★ Color/Hi-lites (featuring Eco Colors Hair Color) ★ Hair and Scalp Treatments ★ Special Occasions ★ Indian Head Massage (includes Neck and Shoulders) ★ Hand crafted shampoo and conditioners made with pure essential oils for your specific hair type.

Every service includes a 15 minute Indian Head Massage.

New! Take Home Line Makes touch ups between appointments easier!

April Special One hour! Indian Head and Shoulder Massage $35 (reg $45)

Gift Certificates Available! Call for Appointments.

Matraea Centre 170 Craig Street Duncan 250 710-7339

those whotolike Eat, Live, and us Shop in the Cowichan Valley Interested inFor contributing thetoValley Voice?Play E-mail at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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Recycling

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ecycling, while definitely a household word, isn’t always a household practice.

Depending in which municipalities you’ve hung your hat, it’s possible you’ve honed your Greening Your Home home recycling system for the past 20 years.

But despite region-wide programs in Cowichan boasting high levels of participation, not everyone thinks recycling is simple.

If you want to recycle with ease, the first thing you’ll need to know is what is recyclable, what is compostable, and what is trash.

In Cowichan, recyclables collected curbside are all one stream — paper, cardboard, metal, and plastics can all go into one mixed container. All of the materials need to be clean — no peanut butter left in the jar — and plastics must be numbered 1 to 7.

Soft plastics, such as grocery and bread bags, are the accepted exception.

While glass is not collected curbside, Cowichan Valley Regional District provides drop-off locations.

Styrofoam is another confusing one; it is labeled #6 but it is not accepted curbside or in the CVRD white multi-bins. It is, however, free to recycle at Bings Creek Transfer Station.

Clay Finishes

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n support of Earth Day and “greening your home”, I thought it would be interesting to share some knowledge I have acquired during my time at O.U.R Ecovillage. Clay plasters and paints in the home can be applied over a number of different surfaces including drywall and painted walls. Clay finishes are gentle on the Earth. They are free of harmful chemicals and toxins. The primary materials include clay, sand, and fibre. These materials are often sourced locally, have minimal packaging and processing, are inexpensive and can be eternally reused. The clay is the binding agent, the sand provides structure, strength, and bulk, and the fiber (usually chopped straw or cattails) provides tensile strength to the mix.

Clay plasters and paints are permeable and breathable and will regulate internal humidity. They emit negatively charged ions which help improve our mood and contribute to our physical health. Clay finishes enliven the senses. Their texture encourages us to touch their beautiful surfaces and in an indirect way bring us back into contact with the natural world. O.U.R. Ecovillage is a great place to learn about natural finishes and how to successfully complete your own project.

Submitted by Ayla Challenger (former intern/current teacher at O.U.R Ecovillage)

An important part of this step is becoming informed and educated.

The information on the CVRD’s website — www.zerowastecowichan.ca — is very impressive and comprehensive and we’re happy to answer questions to point you in the right direction.

The second step is to set up a collection area that works for you.

The systems that have the most success are the ones placed next to existing garbage bins. This can make you pause before tossing items in the trash and think about where it should go instead.

Next, involve everybody and make recycling a family affair. It’s easier to get people involved if they know what they’re supposed to do. Have a practice session for the family and give members a recycling job.

www.cowichanrecyclists.ca

Aaron Bichard is an avid, yearround cyclist, pedaling waste alternatives as co-owner of Cowichan Recyclists.

S L OU

ESCAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

The first and only green spa in the Cowichan Valley.

Offering Certified Organic skincare Eminence from Hungary. We specialize in skin care, foot care and offer a full range of spa treatments. #4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan BC 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca

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

Natural Home Building

Patrick Amos, M.A. is a process worker, natural builder, husband and father of two who is deeply committed to nurturing balance between the human and more-than-human world.

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ountless studies have shown the health enhancing effects of abiding in natural environments. As anyone who gardens and/or enjoys a walk in the forest can attest, interacting with the wild natural elements helps to diffuse our intensities and restore balance to our body/mind. Meditative skill is not required – natural environments offer their medicine freely.

The Canadian Mental Health Association identifies ‘stress’ as the most prevalent disease of the 21st century. With this in mind, anything we can do to dispel our intensities is of immense value. Spending time in natural environments therefore makes much sense.

But with the ever-increasing busyness of life, getting out to such places can be challenging. Ideally, doing so should require no effort at all.

Enter Natural Building.

Throughout history, humans have gathered together to

create living spaces from readily available naturally occurring materials. Clay, sand, and plant fibre, mixed with water and dried by the heat of the sun have been the primary ingredients in shaping walls, floors, plasters, heaters and other features of buildings all over the world. And for good reason – they help us unwind. Of particular benefit is the effect of including clay in the building’s envelope.

Non-fired clay is extremely ‘hygroscopic’, meaning it can absorb and release large quantities of moisture without wetting out. Clay-rich interior surfaces naturally breathe to maintain indoor air humidity at 50-60% levels that are ideal for the mucous membranes of our skin and respiratory system.

By drawing excess humidity from the indoor atmosphere, clay inhibits the migration of moisture into the nooks and crannies, which inhibits the growth of mold. Clay also draws moisture away from wooden materials, which can preserve the structure for hundreds of years. When clay releases moisture back into the atmosphere it also releases negatively charged ions that neutralize free radicals

within our bodies – much like swirling water and the feeling in the air when Sunshine warms the land after rain.

What a relief to realize that one of the most common materials on earth is a natural

medicine that can also offer us shelter…

Greening Your Home

Hand-Crafted Woolen Clothes Sale Hilary Else and Ali Bertin

Saturday April 28th 10am-3pm Upstairs in the Duncan Garage Farm Store Staff Room light-clay work party’ photographer credit - Kuan Foo

Men • Womens • Childrens • Clothes Available

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Green Living

Spring Cleaning Tips

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hat a beautiful time of year Spring is!

Everything is fresh and new. It’s an excellent opportunity to renew things indoors as well. I am often asked what tasks should be conquered in a deep, annual clean so here are some suggestions. Equipment needed will be vacuum, microfiber cloths and mop, squeegee, concentrated citrus cleaner, bucket for water and a step ladder.

1. First and foremost clean the windows, inside and out. What an amazing difference it makes with the season’s bright sunshine beaming in through crystal clear glass. It is really worth doing the outsides as well so if you have windows out of reach, hire professionals. Be sure to remove screens and gently spray clean with a garden hose. Take this time to also clean out the window tracks, vacuum first then spray with citrus cleaner and wipe clean. If you have any mold or mildew built up from the damp winter months, use a diluted teatree spray (1tbs/500ml) to kill the spores.

2. Dust everything in all rooms. Most surfaces, vacuum first then wipe clean with a damp cloth. This includes hard to reach places, books and other items on shelves, ceiling fans, light fixtures and lamp shades, tops of cabinetry, window and door casings and remove cobwebs as you go.

3. Pull all furniture and appliances out away from the walls and thoroughly clean under and behind them. Clean the floor and baseboards back there as well as the backs of the furniture pieces, which may not look dirty but will have been collecting and holding dust, pet dander, pollens etc. Gently beat cushions and throw pillows outside as well.

4. Roll up area rugs to clean under them. Small rugs can be shaken/ beaten outside and vacuumed, larger ones need to be steam cleaned along with the wall to wall carpets.

5. Fabric draperies hold dust and odors, some can be vacuumed with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum, or taken down and washed in your washer, others need to be professionally cleaned.

Check labels if you’re washing them yourself that they are pre-shrunk before tossing them in your dryer. Blinds can be dusted or damp wiped, slat by slat on both sides. If they are metal or plastic and are very dirty the citrus cleaner will help remove the “greasy” dust that tends to accumulate on these.

5. Flip and rotate your mattresses, launder pillows, duvets and blankets then swap them out for summer weight bedding.

Have a plan for your deep cleaning projects and work in logical sequence so as not to undo all your hard work. Compete all your dusting before having carpets cleaned for example and clean blinds before doing Tracey Paleczka, your windows. Whether you local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean take on the job yourself or Choice Eco-Friendly hire help, completing a deep Cleaning Services www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Spring clean will be rewarded with a fresh, healthy home.

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Image by Chris Boucher

Bopoma Plays Earth Day

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n honour of our Mother earth, the Cowichan Green Community (CGC) invites you to celebrate this year’s Earth Day Celebration! Earth day is a world renowned day that began on April 22, 1970 to raise environmental awareness and to create sustainable changes for our future. Ever since, Earth Day celebrations around the world have been devoted as a time to revere and reflect on our planet, our environment and the ways in which we can actively help to keep them healthy.

From planting sunflower seeds to riding a tandem-seated bicycle, or building a potato tower to trying your skills in a can-struction contest, this is guaranteed to be a fun, family day to spend at Charles Hoey Park on Saturday, April 21st.

Featuring green groups like Transition Town, Grow Food, U Fix It Bike Works and the Cowichan Valley Bottle Depot to name a few, there is no shortage of inspiring groups to connect our community with the meaning of Earth Day. Of course a party wouldn’t be complete without some live, local entertainment including Beverly McKeen and the Bopoma Marimba band to dance into another year of sustainable living!

CGC and its partners are proud to offer their community an opportunity to be engaged and inspired by those who are making a difference in the Valley because the heart of Earth day is all about people working together to create positive change for our future.

Every day is Earth Day, but events like these are bound to be inspiring when you look around and see the connection that we have to each other and our planet.

Duncan’s Annual Earth Day Celebrations Saturday, April 21 noon - 3pm Charles Hoey Park, Duncan For info: 250 748 8506 www.cowichangreencommunity.com

South Cowichan Chamber Business Luncheon Topic: Incorporation in General, The Municipal Auditor General and the Economy

GUEST SPEAKER: - Minister Ida Chong Thursday April 12 •11:45 am –1:30 pm AND Gerry Giles, Area Director, Cobble Hill and Ron Hutchins, CVRD Chair/Mayor of Ladysmith

Arbutus Ridge Golf Club 3515 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill

For more info: 250-743-3566 or email: southcowichanchamber@shaw.ca

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

Reception and dinner featuring Coast Salish foods and Opening Ceremonies is always a highlight for festival goers. This year’s opening film will be Killerwhale & Thunderbird, a short film directed by Caroline Trudel that features the Tzinquaw Dancers. Cowichan dancers have brought to life the story of The Thunder Bird and the Killer Whale for many, many years. In the 1950s an opera was created, and remounted in 1979, a collaboration between the late Abel Joe and Frank Morrison, a non native. Many local 2012 AFF highlights From Festival stories associated with Director Louise McMurray the Tzinquaw Dancers and the Tzinquaw Opera Here I Am, is an Australian film directed by Becky Cole; A young exist. On this special woman works to rebuild her life after getting out of prison; Every night we will honour the Emotion Costs directed by Darlene Naponse, about an estranged Elders that were part of young woman returns to her home for her mother’s funeral. Charlie the original Tzinquaw Zone is a gritty film where a broken down native boxer is hired to Opera, providing a kidnap a young girl from the streets, a thriller, with many twists unique opportunity for and turns. Path of Souls, directed by Jeremy Torrie starring Adam the community at large to Beach is sure to be a local favourite. Grace Hudson and best friend hear the story behind the Brandon Eckhardt, embark on a cathartic road trip which takes dances and the songs they them deep into Indian country to sacred sites across Native North have seen performed.”

Smoking FIsh

Cowichan International Aboriginal Film Festival

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he Cowichan International Aboriginal Film Festival , hosted with the generous support of Cowichan Tribes, is an event which showcases the work of independent indigenous film makers. The 8th annual festival will take place in a new venue this year, the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre, in Duncan, April 17-20.

This unique film festival was built on one of the greatest strengths of this region, our First Nations communities and culture. Throughout Canada and internationally, the work of indigenous film makers is growing rapidly as more and more film makers are able to access equipment and skills.

Through the AFF the public has a unique opportunity to see films, meet talented film makers and actors and take part in meaningful and critical discussions. This combination of forces help shape lives and provide directions for all who participate.

America into the world of the supernatural, and the Path Of Souls, as they attempt to complete the work of the recently deceased Ojibway graduate student Jon Beardsley (Adam Beach).

Some outstanding documentaries screening this year, Awakening Spirit which takes looks at the impact of the oil and the agriculture industries on the environment, and how it ultimately affects us all. Smoke Traders, an excellent film that takes us into the billion dollar tobacco industry, and how it is controlled. Peace Out,an award winning documentary, looks at the impact of the hydro electric dams on the Peace River. One of my favourite films this year is Smokin Fish, a fun look at the serious business of smoking fish, a must see for anyone who has spent time or aspires to spending time in a smokehouse.

Each year the AFF showcases We are also very excited to be presenting two Coast Salish film a selection of carefully chosen documentaries, shorts, makers, cj Rice and Derek Jones, with their directorial debuts, Same Same but Different, an insightful look into the challenges, experimental and full length the hopes and the dreams that are part of a First Nations students’ feature films. While most of reality of going to University. Season in the Rain is an extremely the films come from across sensitive portrayal of a young person’s discovery of herself. A Canada and the US, films coming of age film by a very talented young film maker. entries come from Norway, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, and many Here I Am South American countries. “I would recommend planning to attend as many film screenings as possible. There will be many excellent feature films, insightful documentaries, some with speakers in attendance, the directorial debuts of local film makers. All make for everything you would want in a night out; interactive, entertaining, thought provoking experiences” shares Louise McMurray, Festival Director and Cowichan Region Film Commissioner. “The Gala

Tickets for the Gala Reception and Opening Ceremonies are available through the festival offices or online. To pre purchase or reserve tickets for any screening event, contact festival office or online.

For any seats not sold out, there will be entry to all film screening by donation at the door, first come. For more information and a complete schedule visit www.aff.cowichan.net.

Cowichan International Aboriginal Film Festival April 17-20 Gala Reception and Coast Salish Dinner Tuesday, April 17 Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre For tickets 250.746.7930 For more info please visit www.aff.cowichan.net

those whotolike Eat, Voice?

Live, Play andus Shop in the Cowichan Valley Interested in For contributing theto Valley E-mail at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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Cowichan Valley April Arts Events Highlights

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

Art Auction Highlights Annual Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show

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he word is out! The Cowichan Valley Arts Council (CVAC) is in full swing gearing up for the Cowichan Valley’s premier Fine Arts Show on Wednesday, April 25th to Sunday April 29th, at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan.

A highlight of the show is the annual “Cowichan Catch” live auction. This year, it will be held on Saturday April 28th, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm., in the Comeakin Building at the Cultural Centre. Everyone is welcome! Admission is by donation.

If you would like to take a peek at the auction items ahead of time, and put in a silent bid, they will be on display the week of April 16th – 21st at PORTALS, the Centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage, in the Island Savings Centre. The auction pieces will then be moved to the Quw’utsun Centre for the Fine Art Show.

Silent bidding will continue until the Saturday evening when the auction goes ‘live’.

Donated works by well-known artists such as painters Sharron Campbell, Carolyn McDonald and Jen Tinsley, carver Herb Rice, potter Mary Fox and jewellery designer Morgan Saddington will be up for bidding.

The live auction at the Cultural Centre promises to be a whole

lot of fun - friendly and casually elegant - with live music, local wines and delectables.

“We’re looking forward to another top notch cultural evening in the Cowichan Valley,” notes Auction Coordinator Sophie von Herrmann. Once again, Bill Levity has graciously agreed to be Master of Ceremonies.

“And perhaps best of all, funds raised from the auction go toward helping CVAC support a wide range of art groups including theatre, music, visual art and youth outreach programs,” she explains.

Shame-Uns, a collective of three artists takes to the floats at Genoa Bay Gallery April 1-14.

The trio formed in December 2011, features the work of sculptors Chuck Armstrong April 1st - 14 of Moloka’i Hawaii’ , Tom Opening April 1 • 2-6pm Faue of Genoa Bay and painter Jeffrey Birkin of Stoney Hill.

Genoa Bay Gallery Genoa Bay Gallery, on the 5000 Genoa Bay Rd floats of Genoa Bay Marina, 250 746-5506 is operated by Colleen Irwin who invited the artists to be the feature show for the inaugural exhibition of the 2012 season. The gallery despite its remote location has attracted viewers from far and wide and enhanced the collections of many an aficionado. Armstrong’s sculptural work represents over 40 years of globetrotting adventures absorbing the universal archetypes of the many cultures encountered and the commonalities of the human condition and their corresponding forms. Faue’s sculptures are inspired by the many Faeries and spirits who inhabit the shores and waters of Genoa Bay where he has resided since the 1970’s.

Found objects with a sophisticated flair and erotic edge push the viewer to the depths of their perceptions. Birkin’s paintings represent captured ecstatic moments of his existence in Sansum Narrows on the Stoney Hill peninsula and beyond. Although on the surface representational, Birkin’s brushstrokes evoke the symbolism of the universal dilemma. Alongside the Shame ‘Uns exhibit there are sculptural features gracing the grounds of the Genoa Bay Marina of works by Tom Faue at the Mile Zero Sculpture Garden and “F” dock art walk. All are invited to the opening reception April 1, 2-6.

Viewer discretion is advised.

Shame Uns Featuring the artworks of Chuck Armstrong, Jeffrey Birkin and Tom Faue

Last year, local artists purchased and creatively transformed donated chairs for auction. This year the theme is mirrors. The mirrors will be up for auction, so don’t miss the opportunity to go home with a one of a kind, “made in the Cowichan Valley” mirror.

For more information please contact Sophie von Herrmann at 250-746-1633, cvartscouncil@shaw.ca, www. cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca Image courtesy Julie Nygaard

member of CVAC.

Veronica Scott is a retired professional writer. In her current life she is a glass mosaic artist and

Dessert Flower, Tom Faue

Why not make it a day in Genoa Bay! Stop in at the Genoa Bay Cafe for a waterside drink or some great food.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Lonliness, Watercolour

Dennis J. A. Brown Unit “D” 610 Oyster Bay Dr, Ladysmith Visits are by appointment only, please call 250-245-9918

New Day, Acrylic

www.northstarartstudio.com

M

y grandmother put me on this journey. When I was four years old she encouraged me to paint with a basic set of watercolours. Fortunately, she kept the result of my efforts and I still have one today. It is a significant reminder of my start as an artist. From my early childhood I can remember creating images of familiar objects and landscapes.

After much experimentation and art education, I settled into painting landscapes on location. Recently I have progressed to abstract shapes, design and strong color pattern.

My images are prompted by emotion, feelings, ideas and dreams that through painting I will involve the viewer in this personal statement I have created. I have always produced art. I grew up in a rural area of Northern Saskatchewan and my

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Talking Arts • Dennis J. A. Brown grandmother allowed me to free wheel and produce images that were important to me. I’m sure I didn’t realize at the time what a great gift she gave me. That painting of mine that she kept has been a sustaining factor in my work and a constant source of inspiration to me. I was also greatly influenced and inspired by the countryside near my home. This love of the land has remained with me and shows up in paintings from time to time with shapes, design and color. For many years I followed this theme, painting at outdoor locations through all kinds of weather. Around 10 years ago I experienced a breakthrough in my painting and switched from realistic images to abstract shapes and design. This has opened

many new roads of creative expression that has fueled my personal pursuit of my mark. I have also been influenced and inspired by abstract expressionists such as Robert Motherwell and Mark Rothko who were instrumental in breaking new ground in abstract painting in the USA. What is next in my artistic journey?

Only the paint, canvas

Eliza Hemingway Writer’s Class Thursdays, 6pm - 7:30pm Cowichan Library, Duncan Free- Everyone welcome Details: www.elizahemingway.com and brushes know!

Eliza Hemingway Art and Design Studio 9752-F Willow Street, Chemainus Hours: Open 11-4 Thursday to Saturday Studio now open for 2012 Season. email: elizahemingway@shaw.ca Phone: 250-324-2212

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

Impressions of Trees

Susan Jean Whyte

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he texture that inspired Susan Jean Whyte to start her jewelry series “Impressions of Trees” is seen when you leave the roads and venture into the trees. Walking through a forest, it is a saturation of texture.

Susan takes impressions from the bark of Vancouver Island’s trees. “I choose the trees based on several reasons. Normally an anomaly will catch my eye, a knot, or a texture change. One of the Fir trees I chose because a spider web caught my eye. A shaft of light, as corny as that sounds, lit up the Maple tree. It was enough to make me fall in love. Once I have a possible subject, I see if I can get to the tree without shredding my jeans (lots of blackberry on the Island). I decide if I can take a nice photograph of the tree. My earrings come on a card with the tree image on it, so this must be beautiful.”

She makes molds from the trees and uses these molds to create the textures for her jewelry. The designs are kept simple, to keep the textures as the main focal point. Fine silver, copper and bronze are used together to add color and interest. Patinas on the metals transform the surfaces to mimic the wood.

Metal clay is the technique that Susan uses. Metal clay is an organic binder with very fine particles of metal in it.

The product looks and works just like clay. With metal clay you can form your pendant, let it dry and throw it into a kiln. The binder burns off, the metal particles sinter together, and out comes a perfect pure silver (or any other metal) pendant.

Susan’s work can been seen at Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs, 251 Craig Street, Duncan or online at www.SusanJeanWhyte.ca.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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craft April is a busy month for the Cowichan Valley Artisans

To begin, from April 3rd to 12th we are showcasing new fine crafts at Portals – the Arts Council’s Centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage located in the Island Savings Center. This exhibit and sale offers a sneak peek at what is produced in our studios. Then, on the third weekend in April, all CVA studios will be open to the public on Friday, April 20th and Saturday, April 21st, from 10am to 5pm: we welcome you to come see the artists in action and discover more about what, why and how we create our works.

We are thrilled to welcome painters Peter Spohn and Nan Goodship, furniture maker Karen Trickett and artisan farmers Alderlea Farm and Cafe to the CVA tour. Peter is a noted acrylics and oils painter and together with watercolourist and ceramics artist Nan Goodship, operate Sacred Mountain Studio on Khenipsen Road in the Tzhouhalem area. Karen Trickett, located in Cobble Hill specializes in veneer marquetry, a skill she developed while restoring vintage wooden car dashboards! John and Katy Ehrlich of Alderlea Farm and Cafe on Glenora Road practice biodynamic organic farming and offer community supported agriculture.

Finally, the Arts Council’s ‘A Cowichan Catch’ fundraiser takes place on April 28th and, to show our support, we have donated a salad set to help raise funds for the cause. Also on the 28th, the Chamber of Commerce hosts their Black Tie Awards.

Not only will we be presenting the new ‘Art in Business’ award, but all of this year’s award winners will receive an original CVA work of fine craft.

We look forward to seeing you at Portals, A Cowichan Catch, and the Black Tie Awards but especially at our studios!

An Art & Bike Tour Adventure

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hough the weather at the moment may not be ideal, by mid April it is bound to be warmer and dryer . One thing to look forward to come spring time is the beginning of the Year Round Studio Tour of Cowichan Valley Artisans, a tour of some of the valley’s finest artisan studios. So with warmer weather on its way and some great places to visit, why not jump on your bicycle, get some exercise, and visit the Cowichan Valley Artisans the scenic way.

Before you plan your excursion there are a few things you may want to consider. If you haven’t been on your bike in a while, make sure it is in proper working condition. Check that there is air in the tires and that all of the gears and brakes are operating normally.

If this sounds like too much work just drop in at any of the Cowichan Valleys fine bike shops and ask one of the technicians to give your bike a tune-up.

but will also make for an easier and more enjoyable ride. Having spare tools and knowing how to use them can also help in case of a flat tire or mechanical breakdown.

In addition to tools, water, a cellphone, and a spare tube are great items to carry in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Now that you are geared up it is time to get riding.

This valley is hilly and the artisan studios are quite spread out from one another. For a more leisurely ride, it may be a good idea to split your tour up into three days. Day one could cover the Ladysmith and Crofton artisans, day two Glenora and Khenipsen road area, and day three Cobble Hill and Shawnigan Lake area.

While on your tour make sure to ride responsibly, obey the rules of the road, be aware of traffic, and most of all have fun and enjoy the scenery and the artisans this valley has to offer.

Make sure that you have the appropriate cycling gear before making your journey. Wearing proper cycling shorts, shoes, gloves, and helmet not only will make riding more comfortable,

Pete Stevenson is a long time resident of the valley and an avid cyclist in many disciplines. He currently races and leads group rides for Experience Cycling.

Tofino Waterfront Vacation Rental • A wonderful property for a family get together or a peaceful retreat • Beautiful custom built home features post and beam interior

Our new 2012 brochures are available at Experience Cycling (482 Trans Canada Highway) and at the Duncan Garage (100 – 300 Duncan Street) in Duncan.

• Fully equipped gourmet kitchen Tofino is a bird lovers’ paradise with herons, eagles and jays.

Just a minute walk to Chesterman’s Beach for sand, surf and amazing sunsets.

Spring Couples Special $99 a Nite

www.blueheronhouse.ca

1-877-906-2326

www.oceanoutfitters.bc.ca

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

Situa walk

cause of the speedier recovery associated with cycling. Volume is harder on the body than intensity so reduce training volume but maintain intensity in the last week prior to your race. The amount of volume reduction is dependent on the “race priority” and your previous training experience.

Pre-Race Guidelines

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f you are planning to race this season there are a few things to consider prior to any race. If you are 30 years old or more, you may wish to consider becoming a member of the BC Masters Cycling Association and join in some of their very fun races. Details at www.bcmasterscycling.net .

Cycling preparation is slightly different than running prep be-

Your fitness is not going to improve in the week prior to a race. By pushing yourself you have the potential of arriving at the race tired with the associated reduction in performance and enjoyment.

For a Sunday race, a common training practice is to take the previous Friday off and concentrate on good hydration and eating lots of high quality “energy” foods. By this I mean not too much fat, adequate protein intake and lots of complex carbohydrates.

Register for the Cowichan Challenge Tri; the Tour de Victoria; the Ride to Conquer Cancer; or the Whistler GranFondo and save • 25% off professional bike Fitting • 50% off your Bike Tune Up

It’s important to go for a short side on Saturday to “open” the legs. Short is the key word so you don’t deplete any glycogen stores in muscles, liver etc. which you have been working so hard to top up in the previous couple of days with extra eating.

The shorter the race the longer the pre-race warm-up. This warm-up will be different for different riders depending on fitness levels and race goals, but it should include some time at each intensity level from easy to hard. For a Time Trial a 30 minute warm-up should be seen as a minimum, while you may wish to use the first part of the longer road race as your warm-up. Raise your heart rate with high cadence rather than high force pedalling and then save your leg energy for the final sprint.

And remember to take along lots of fluids and food for the race.

See you on the road.

Sandra Beggs owns and operates Cycle Therapy in Duncan. wwwcycletherapy.ca

TREK FEST Spring Sale Select TREK Bikes April 12 -16

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Stinging Nettle Recipes Curried Stinging Nettle Soup

Hayride at Alderlea Farm

Serves 4-6 Quantity 8 cups 4 cups 1 cup 1 1 1 Tbsp 1 tsp 1 cup optional

Ingredients Stinging nettles chicken or vegetable broth potatoes, diced onion, peeled and diced stalk celery, chopped garlic, minced curry powder or paste whipping cream (or coconut milk) Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the nettles.

Cook 1 minute then transfer to a bowl of cold water.

When cool, drain, squeeze nettles in a ball and set aside until needed.

Take the drained nettles and squeeze into a ball. With a chef knife, chop the ball into slices and chop the slices into a rough dice. In a large pot, add the stock, potatoes, onion, celery, garlic and curry powder. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are soft. Add the cooked stinging nettles and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Puree with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree. Add cream (or coconut milk) and season well with salt and pepper. Reduce until soup thickens to a nice texture and the colour is still bright green.You may thicken the soup with a little cornstarch, tapioca four or potato starch mixed with a little cold water – whisk over heat until the soup thickens. To serve, ladle soup into a bowl.

Recipe Courtesy Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm

Best Ever Stinging Nettle Chips courtesy Alderlea Farm & Cafe

Stinging Nettle Festival

Saturday April 14 11am - 5pm $10 per family or $3 Per Person Alderlea Farm & Cafe 3390 Glenora Road 250 715 0799

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y first experience with stinging nettle was that familiar burning and itching that happens after it lightly touches the skin. It took years to muster up the courage to use this wonder food for cooking nutritious and very delicious seasonal dishes such as soup, pesto, chips, stir-fries, fritters, and tea. Now when I smell the sweet fresh scent of spring and hear the birds singing their song, I can hardly wait to harvest and cook stinging nettle. It is like a spring tonic that my body craves.

This wild plant is found on the boundary of sunlight and shade in soil that is high in nitrogen.

Succulent shoots appear around the Spring equinox. All you need is gloves and scissors to snip the first two inches of the plant which are the tender sweet leaves. Once it is steamed,

baked, or cooked, there is no worry of being “stung”.

The health properties of stinging nettle include alkalizing an acidic condition in the body, increasing lactation, relieving anemia, and relieving seasonal allergies and respiratory ailments. Nettles are probably the best possible cure for winter.

Nettles are usually the first greens available in the spring.

Just when the root cellared vegetables are getting musty and soft, the nettle provides an intense infusion of chlorophyll, protein, high fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals, as well as extremely high amounts of vitamin C and Vitamin A. In biodynamic agriculture a nettle preparation is used in the compost pile and will make the soil sensitive to the needs of the growing crops.

Celebrate spring with Alderlea Farm’s Stinging Nettle Festival.

Learn about stinging nettle, attend a cooking demonstration, brew a stinging nettle wine, order stinging nettle menu items from the Alderlea Farm Café menu, listen to live music, and enjoy a hayride with the children. Entry includes all activities. Menu food items available for purchase at the café.

John has been practicing biodynamic farming for twenty years. Currently, he owns and operates Alderlea Farm together with his wife, Katy.

Remove the leaves and heads off the stems using gloves.

Evenly spread heads and leaves out on baking tray.

Lightly rub with light oil and salt Bake at 300 degrees or until crisp and green.

Watch carefully that the chips do not brown.

They taste best when green and crispy.

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

on the farm

With Makaria Farm

Farm and arden Pages

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“Why

are my tomato seedlings so leggy?” asked Dan. We had gone over to his place on Leggy seedlings Gabriola Island for Photo Brock McLoed a housewarming.

I looked over at a flat of three-inch tall seedlings. Their stems were no thicker than a stick of spaghettini. One gentle breeze and they would have crumpled to their death.

Like many of us, Dan was an eager seed starter and took great care to raise healthy transplants.

He had given them the best soil mix, kept them well-watered and generally pampered them. He was doing everything right. Right? In fact, he was confusing them. The seedlings were indoors and very warm. If plants could think, these seedlings were thinking: “It must be summer. Let’s get growing!” But the seedlings weren’t getting a lot of sunlight. They were inside Dan’s house, and it was only April. Therein lay the problem.

The level of light did not match the level of warmth. So the plants thought, “We’re not getting our fair share of sunlight.

Someone taller must be shading us!” They grew really fast, thinking they were competing for sunlight. They put their resources into growing tall instead of making a strong stem.

To avoid leggy plants, then, you need to balance the levels of light and heat better. You can do this by increasing the amount of light (e.g. with grow lights) or by decreasing the temperature (e.g. by moving the seedlings into an unheated greenhouse during the day, where it’s cooler. They’ll also get more light out there). Another tip to encourage sturdy seedlings is to brush the foliage with your hand once or twice a day, or let a small fan blow across them. This mimics the wind, and tricks your plants Heather Walker and Brock into growing a stronger stem.

McLeod own and operate Makaria Farm. www.

Watch out for over-crowding makariafarm.com your seedlings too. The shade and support of their neighbours can lead to legginess.

April Planting Guide

www.growfoodnetwork.com

Direct Seeding Into the Garden Peas, Broad Beans, Potatoes, Beets, Parsnips, Broccoli, Onion sets, Cabbage, Radishes, Carrots, Lettuce, Corn Salad, Arugula, Broccoli Mesclun, Endive, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Turnips Edible Flowers & Herbs- Direct Seed Borage, Catmint, Chives, Lavender, Marjoram, Calendula, Sunflowers, Nasturiums Seed indoors in pots: Summer squash,Winter squash, Pumpkins, Cucumbers, Melons, Bush Tomatoes(determinate types), Celery/Celeriac, Egg Plant, Peppers Edible Flowers & Herbs- Indoors Dill, Summer Savory, Sweet Basil

Growing Wild

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here is nothing more satisfying than choosing the perfect plant and watching it thrive. As a horticulturist I find this to be one of the most exciting parts of my job. You may be thinking of a particular problem area of your yard and may be asking yourself: what can I plant that requires little maintenance, looks attractive and doesn’t require a lot of water? To this question I would recommend that you look into native groundcovers. Hardy native species will cover your ground, thrive, and create a feeling of natural balance.

So where do you start? First of all determine your sun exposure, your soil texture (sandy, clay, loam) and determine what characteristics you are wanting out of your groundcover ie.)evergreen, flowering, edible, etc. This information will help you to make a suitable groundcover choice. Some of my favorite native groundcover choices include: * Kinnikinnick- Arctostaphylos uva - ursi *Yarrow- Achillea millefolium *Strawberries – Fragaria woodsii *Yerba beuna (for rocky slopes getting part sun-vine)-Satureja douglasii *Salal-Gaultheria shallon *Foamflower-Tiarella cordifolia *Miners Lettuce-Claytonia perfoliata (edible) It might be an adventure finding these little gems at your local nursery but they may be able to order them for you. There are also several small native plant nurseries on the island that you could source out too. For the first year you will have to tend to these plants, but once established they will flourish and you will have more time to relax and tend to the rest of your garden.

For more info on groundcovers Kristi Tomlin is a trained horticulturist please contact www. ns an employee of eco cowichangreencommunity.org friendly garden and maintenance to book an onsite assessment company Ceres Edible for planning your garden.

Landscaping,

Wednesday, May 2nd, 7:00 pm “Landscape design in our acid soils using heathers and interesting companion plants.”

Presented by Avid Gardeners Barb Kohlman & Elaine Scott www.bcheathersociety.org St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 5800 Church St, Duncan Members free. Non members $5

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Helpful Garden

Malawi farmer

I’m baa aa aaack! R

ain. Snow. Wind. Calm.

Sun. Sleet. Mist. Clouds.

Hail. Sun… and that’s just in the last hour! Unstable air masses have been blowing through the Cowichan Valley for the past few months creating what I like to call the “Good grief” syndrome. I look out the window in the morning and think “good grief” and go back to bed. It’s like I’m the groundhog and have indeed seen my own shadow. Six more weeks…

In between these weather systems we’ve have some mild and inspirational stretches of sunny, calm skies. Many gardeners are well ahead of the curve for this year because we’ve been able to get out and do chores in January and February that we normally would leave until now.

Fits of weeding, mulching and pruning followed by days of storm cleanup have been sighted. Bare root fruit trees are being planted, perennials are being divided. Yesterday I heard the distant drone of a lawnmower. As I write this it’s only halfway through March!

Holy Cow! Unbelievable! The worst winter forecast in Canadian history never happened! I never met a meteorologist I didn’t like but I’ve also never met a meteorologist that I believed. Okay, I’ve never really met a meteorologist but you get my drift.

Even with these wild unstable air masses we’ve been assaulted with, it seems to me to be the mildest winter in eight years. I shoveled snow exactly once this year, and it was so light and fluffy it was like a thousand down jackets exploded in my driveway.

The next day it was all gone. That was it. That was winter.

Very little measurable snow and warmer temperatures had Mother Nature awake and busy in January. Hellebores, snowdrops, even a crocus or two showed their early blooms a month ahead of schedule. Stupid big leaf maple seeds caught between the boards in my deck sent out exploratory white roots into the open air. Together, nature and people were inspired to get busy!

So get out there. Clear out those fir cones and maple seeds, branches and old leaves. Cut back last years fern fronds. Split up that giant clump of perennials (making sure to pot up some to donate to the Mill Bay Garden Club for their annual plant sale at the Community Flower and Garden show on June 16th at the Cobble Hill Farmers Institute Hall. Contact me for more information or go to www.millbaygardenclub.com ). Plant those fancy schmancy new hybrid lily bulbs you got from the garden centre.

Get yourself ready for May planting by mulching in compost and manure to your garden beds. Start those vegetable seeds indoors or in a cold frame.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go outside and get to work.

It’s raining but the sun is out…

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Ajay Oppelaar is an experienced horticulturist and President of the Mill Bay Garden Club.

Contact him at arkengardens@gmail.com

Seeds For Malawi Sale Saturday, April 28 9am -2pm 2836 Oceanside Lane Mill Bay (at Kimalu) 250 743 0965 www.seedsformalawi.org.

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owichan Valley residents avidly interested in sustainability should learn about Seeds for Malaw(S4M). This program enables AIDSaffected families in rural Malawi to become selfsufficient in food production.

A group of women in Mill Bay have a plant sale every year to support Seeds for Malawi, a project of the Salt Spring Island Garden Club.

Created in 2003, this year the funds sent to Malawi

will support 80 households to grow enough food to feed their families for a year, assist 30 orphaned children with secondary school fees, and provide nutritional support for a small number of HIV-positive women to increase the effectiveness of their drug therapy. A total of approximately 530 people in Malawi are directly impacted by these funds. This project is run entirely by volunteers, both in Malawi and in Canada. A wide range of interesting plants will be available for sale and Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer general gardening questions. This sale is a great opportunity to support a very good cause and obtain healthy and interesting plants at a reasonable cost. The sale is at 2836 Oceanside Lane (east off TransCanada Highway at Kilmalu, south on Church Way, east on Welch Road and south on Oceanside Lane)

Amusé on The Vineyard Now Open!

Lunch | Dinner Foch Casual Dining Lounge Two Fine Dining Rooms Private & Group Dining Cooking Classes/Cooking School

Join us at: Unsworth Vineyards 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd | 250.743.3667 amusebistro.com

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

The broom stops here!

April Broom Tips • Adopt a piece of road, field, park or beach.

• Gather tools and pick dates.

• Arrange pick up, chip up or drop off.

• Talk to papers and gather volunteers.

• Check www.broombusters.org • Cut Broom in Bloom!

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t last. Something we individuals can do to help the earth.

In fact, there is no one but you and I that can do it! We’re the ones.

Scotch broom aggressively crowds our native plants, stops trees from growing, and makes people with broom allergies absolutely miserable for 2 months of the year! No wonder. It’s a toxic weed that has become so established on Vancouver Island that many think it belongs here. Not so! But only you can stop its spread where you live. No one else is going to do it. And NOW is the time. And it’s fun! (I’m not kidding.)

Broom is soft wood and easy to cut, even for children. Use long handled loppers and make a huge pile of those big flowering bushes. You’ll feel quite strong!

In late April, May and early June, while in bloom, all the energy of the broom is in the flowers. So if you cut the stem all the way to the ground (and slightly below), it will die in the summer’s heat.

Broom can be taken to the dump, burned, or composted if Joanne Sales is a blueberry farmer, writer cut before the seed pods form. & founder of Some towns will help. Cut the Broombusters in Bloomin’ Broom!

Qualicum Beach

Farm and arden Pages

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Robyn Radcliffe is a falconer at the PN Raptor Centre, responsible for the care, maintenance and well being of over 75 birds. www.pnwraptors.com

The Goshawk Story

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ngus is a Northern Goshawk that lives with us at The Raptors. Although many of our birds are bred and raised in human care, Angus is a special case. We do house a few non-releasable birds, who cannot fend for themselves, and thus require a special home.

Angus was found as a juvenile, with an injury to his wing, unable to fly. Upon closer exam, it was discovered that he had been shot; in fact to this day he still has the shot in his wing.

He spent over a year in rehabilitation facilities undergoing treatment, and having time to heal. When the injury had healed and all was said and done, a good chunk of flight feathers on his wing did not grow back. The feather follicles had been too damaged. Now, some species may be able to survive without the use of these feathers. However, Goshawks are an accipiter, which means they are forest hawks who survive and hunt using their agility. Their ability to dart through bushes, trees, and chase down little birds, rabbits, squirrels etc., is almost unparalleled. So our wonderful vet, Dr. Ken Langelier, finally made the call that Angus should not be released back into the wild – it would be almost certain death for him, as his ability to hunt would be significantly compromised.

However, that doesn’t mean he can’t fly! So we have been working with him here at The Raptors, and he is flying (although not perfectly). We are thrilled that he can still fly.

Northern Goshawk’s on Vancouver Island and the coastal mountain areas are a red-listed species, which means they are endangered. Angus will be an ambassador for his wild, endangered cousins, helping to show people why these birds need protection and reminding us of ways we can help support efforts to preserve their habitats.

You can meet Angus daily at the centre; we are open 11am4:30pm with a daily flying demonstration at 1:30pm.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Whale Report from Cowichan Bay

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ecently we have been seeing both Transient and Southern Resident Orca Whales in the Salish Sea. Gray Whales have started their long northward migration and are showing up earlier and in greater numbers. We have not seen a Humpback Whale yet this spring but are expecting them to arrive in our waters in the near future.

Transient Orcas are staying in our waters more and more each year. They are not dependant on our salmon stocks for survival as they are mammal eaters. Primarily the transients feed on Harbour Seals, Sea Lions, Porpoise and occasionally larger cetaceans (whales) in our local area. As these marine mammals are found in great abundance in the North Pacific the transients are thriving and their numbers are steadily growing. Transient Orcas are extremely roving and will regularly travel over 160km a day with no set travel pattern. They are not migratory and basically travel anywhere between Southeast Alaska and Southern California. Unlike resident orcas, the transients’ live and travel in small families or pods. This enables them to use the element of surprise when they are hunting for food.

The first north-bound Gray Whales have begun to appear in our waters with recent sightings in the Juan de Fuca Strait and off of Whidbey Island. There are several Gray Whales who are particularly fond of our local waters and return every year to spend the summer months here. These whales seemingly prefer to forgo the annual migration to the Bering Sea with other Gray Whales.

Please remember if you are on the water and encounter whales of any species, maintain 100 meters and give the whales the space they need. I also love to hear about any local whale sightings. I forward all sightings information on to local whale researchers in both Canada and the United Simon Pidcock is States. This information is vital Owner/Operator of Ocean Ecovenfor researchers, as their time tures in Cowichan on the water has been greatly Bay www.Oceanreduced lately.

EcoVentures.com

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

Valleyview

Golf Tips From The Pro

Centre

spring tune up

So much to offer!

Is this the year for you to improve your golf?

Lower scores, better ball striking, whatever? Here is a sure fire way to do it.

1. Set a realistic goal for yourself (how will you know you’ve arrived if you don’t know where you’re going) 2. Find a qualified CPGA coach you’re comfortable working with to help you achieve your goal.

3. Practice with a purpose and dedicate 50% of that practice time to your short game.

Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott of ‘Vision 54’ fame challenged 2011 British Open champion Darren Clarke to get up and down 18 times in a row from random locations around the green. It took him 6 months to complete this task!! Maybe set your goal at getting up and down 3 or 4 times in a row in a short Peter Oliphant Director of game practice session.

Instruction GBC This is a fun effective Golf Academy at way to improve your short Arbutus Ridge Golf Club game

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owichan Valley golfers welcomes Peter Oliphant to Home Arbutus Ridge Golf Club as new Director of Instruction.

Peter has been coaching golf since 1986. For the past 12 years Peter has been with ClubLink, at Glen Abbey as the Head Teaching Professional. During his time at ClubLink Peter had the fortune of working alongside notable teaching professionals such as Sean Casey (current Director of Instruction at Glen Pets Abbey) and Sean Foley (current coach of Tiger Woods). Prior to his time in Ontario he was the Director of Instruction at the Kloppeinersee Golf Club in Austria. In his 25 years Peter has also conducted many golf schools in the United States and Asia. Before turning professional Peter attended Southwest Spirits, Beer & Wine Missouri State University on a golf scholarship.

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Food

Books Bucknuck Books 250-929-2665 Used books and Local authors Fitness Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes

Cobblecinos 250 743 8158 Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat & Produce Dragon Yuan 250 733-2335 Chinese Eat In/ Take Out

Spa and Wellness Reiki Wellness 250 743-8122 Relax, Rejuvenate, Detox, Nutrition, Ionized Water Home Prolink Mortgage (BC) Inc Marla Daniels 250-733-2201 Best rates, Friendly Free Service

Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

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

Pets Dunkin Dogs 250 743-3935 Grooming, daycare, food/raw and more

Computers Teky.ca 1-888-843-8359 Computer service & sales Websites & print design

Liquor Plus

Rob’s Lighthouse 250-929-1999 Wine, beer and spirits Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly!

• Fish, Veggie and Beef Burgers • Fresh-cut Fries • Fish & Chips • Lavazza Espresso and more!

Dine In on our heated patio or Take Out!

Cowichan Bay Waterfront For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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T

hat is what we call the weekly Meditation Moment sessions at VIU Cowichan Campus.

In this weekly meditation practice you will find five modes, divided into one hour, Awareness, Walking, InSight, Concentration and Contemplation.

This is for everyone from ‘Never before meditated’, to ‘I have meditated for several years’. Meditation is an art, a discipline and an offering. Obviously something of this nature takes effort, time and work to be successful. First timers, please arrive by 7 pm so we can introduce you to our meditation format. Meditation is from 7:15 to 8:30pm. Being on time or early is a key to meditating so you do not disturb the small group meditating once we get started.

A Moment For You...

Our April Open Meditation practice dates are on Thursdays-5th, 12th, 19th and 26th. If you are more interested in learning about Sound Meditation, you are invited to our One Hour chanting meditation, Third Friday of each month and in April on the 20th.

The VI Retreat Garden will soon be opening for Season Two. You are invited to come offer some time to help with the Meditation Walkways. This beautiful two hectares of land borders the Provincial Heritage Cowichan River. We look forward to opening “Lotus Land” as a permanent Retreat Garden and Peace Centre open to everyone. Administered by the Nichiren Buddha Society.

Please join us for a cup of Tea, to walk the land and to learn more about our 2012 opening.

For Monthly Schedule visit our website at www.VIRetreats.com

Henry Landry is an Author, Teacher, who supports youth at risk, hospice, and mother nature.

DIETS DON’T WORK! CLINICAL HYPNOSIS DOES FREE 15 Min Phone Consultations Book Your Appointment Today Stress Reduction

Dependencies

Fears

Depression

Live Smoke Free

Relationship

Lori Austein Clinical Hypnotherapist 250 743 5685 • laustein@shaw.ca

Local Treatments for Tired Bodies

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had a nasty crick in my neck. I tried sitting up straight at my desk, I stretched my neck throughout the day, and did yoga moves during work breaks. It all helped a little but the crick never went away.

Then one morning I had an epiphany: Yoga and stretching can take you so far, but touch heals. So I booked an appointment for an Indian Head Massage at Nika Stafford’s esthetically tasteful hair salon located in the Matrea Centre, of which she is a co-owner.

My crick and I were looking forward to Nika’s healing hands.

Indian massage isn’t deep, nor is it painful; it’s directed to specific points along your upper torso. It’s sometimes firm; sometimes light, like the kind of massage my friends and I gave each other as kids. Remember the kids’ game where you pretend to break an egg over your friend’s head, and the “yoke” trickles (tickles!) down their head and shoulders? Nika applied that same light healing touch, which put me to sleep three times during the massage. It was heavenly.

Nika provides this as a one-hour massage, or a 15-minute freebie with each hair styling session. Hmmm, are those split ends I see? Sign me up! 250 710 7339 Tina Nordstrand of Cloud 10 Esthetics, on the other hand, offers a different kind of healing touch. I had heard rumours the woman who owned Cloud 10 gave amazing pedicures and facials, so when I was given a gift certificate to have a salt scrub and seaweed wrap I was hoping those rumours were true. I’ve never been scrubbed with salt or wrapped in seaweed; when it’s your first you want to make sure the other person knows what they’re doing, right? Not only did I survive the treatment, I can’t wait to be scrubbed again.

The secret to Tina’s success is her firm-yet-gentle pressure.

She started from the end of my fingers and with two strong hands massaged salt all the way to the top of my shoulder.

That first limb set the stage for a treatment that left my whole body buzzing and rejuvenated. Tina told me that until the end of April she’s offering the saltMaeve Maguire is a and-seaweed combo AND her technical writer who amazing (I believe it!) pedicure works and lives in for ... wait for it ... $125.

Maple Bay. Hmmm, is that a callous I see on www.describewriting. com my heel? Sign me up!

250 597 3333

Weekly Meditation at VIU Cowichan Campus Website: www.VIRetreats.com

uction, Dependencies, Relationship, Fears, Depression and Live Smoke Free packages.

“Since the mind contains all things, contemplating on a single thought can be a very difficult discipline” 2012 Retreat Schedule, Reserve Your Space Now: One Day InSight - Sat. 26th May Buddha In the Park - July 21, 22, 23; Moon Glow Silent Retreat, Fri. 31st August

Nichiren Buddha Society Vancouver Island Retreat Garden Peace Center Phone: 778. 422. 0155

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

Spring Retreat

E

arly spring was traditionally the time for retreats. In the Christian tradition, this became Lent, a time to give up things, most commonly indulgences and frivolities. However, traditionally, before Christianity came to northern Europe, the pagan people also took early spring as a time to fast, cleanse the digestive system and enjoy time away from labour and production.

Retreat is still an important part of being a balanced person. There are three important aspects of retreat. First, we should try to get out into non-human environments as much as possible. It is a characteristic of humans to become obsessed with the human world- our relationships, technology, toys, plays for control, domination and security. This is a good time to step away from this aspect, put it on a diet and let it shrink in size.

This holiday away from the human world is like a long deep sleep, we come back refreshed because those parts of ourselves which are connected with the environment are feed and fulfilled. Then these aspects will not become hungry ghosts- addictions, accidents, unhappiness and mental illness.

Julia Star BHD.BEd Spiritual Counsellor

Take your life to a whole new level.

Rate $60/hour 250-709-9673 www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com

Working with the Whole Person

The second element of retreat is to strengthen our spirituality in some way. The word “religion” means to re-bind. Therefore, retreat is an opportunity to remember our connection with the All. Each person is different, so each person is connected to the All in a unique way. Rebinding to spirituality may be to do yoga, read a spiritual book, draw or dance. Don’t confuse these retreat activities with things you haven’t had time for before such as taxes, paperwork, spring cleaning etc.

These retreat activities should have neither purpose nor product, other than being in the moment with devotion and joy.

The third aspect is the physicality of your retreat. Ensure you are eating lightly, preferably vegetarian, simple whole foods or fasting.

Consume lots of spring greens, Julia Star’s holistic bitter foods, herbs which stimulate approach unifies the the liver and clean the blood. Unwhole person in her unique quantum plug the phone, put your tasks to reflection therapy. one side for one to three days.

Try This 1 Plan your spring retreat. You don’t have to go anywhere, just set up your schedule so you have some self-care time.

2

Spend time in the non-human world. Study fractal patterns in nature, hang out with a dog or horse, study the way a stream takes its course.

3

Engage in spiritual ritual of your own choosing or making. Walk up a mountain and bless the land, leave flowers at a power spot, walk

a life-circle. Re-commit to your life as a

spiritual being interconnected with all

other beings. Bless that inter-dependence with love, compassion and caring.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

35

By Chantey Dayal, CFS Staff Writer As we approach the warmer months and the light begins to cast into the windows, we cannot help but wake up, smell the buds and begin clean-ing.

We look forward to getting more active and perhaps cleansing our internal organs, but we also start looking around our living spaces and look forward to lightening up and cleaning house.

As many of you have already noticed the Farm Store has expanded into a third room where we are offering a wonderful array of self care, pet care and cleaning products. Over the past several months, we have taken the time to look very carefully at our own shelves and have chosen to simplify and improve the choices being offered to our customers.

Only the best for Farm Store shoppers: As we began scrutinizing the products we carried we realized that many no longer met our standards. Many companies have made claims that were not entirely true in terms of earth friendliness, and many products were not Canadian let alone local. We looked closely to see if products were third party certified and whether or not the clever marketing matched the quality of the product.

As we dove further into the process we discovered the most amazing products are being produced right here in the valley as well as on the island and in BC. After some diligent research, testing, and a gradual process of sifting and sorting, we are proud to offer high quality products (tested in our own homes on our own families) from the following local suppliers: Organic Traders – Bulk Shampoos, Conditioners, Dish Soap, Laundry Soap, and Body Wash. Now available for refill!!!! NO More buying plas-tic bottles each time you shop -- manufactured in Mill Bay, reducing shipping and plastic consumption. www.OrganicTraderCanada.com Dragonfly Dreaming – An amazing cottage industry business from right here in Duncan. Beth’s products are made in small batches with much care and integrity. www.dragonflydreaming.com Gentle Earth – Out of Victoria. Certain products also available in bulk. Combining the healing of aromatherapy from real essential oils with an excellent line of all purpose cleaning products. www.gentleearth.ca Dusting Divas – Out of Victoria. A great line of cleaners from glass cleaners and toilet scrub to laundry powder. www.cleanconscience.ca Live For Tomorrow – Out of Vancouver. This company is cutting edge in offering their line in glass rather than plastic. All containers are reus-able, refillable and returnable. LFT take full responsibility for all of their packaging, so even the plastic spray bottles or plastic refill pouches can be returned for reuse. LFT offers a full line of cleaning products with no harmful chemicals and a focus on true sustainability. www.live-for-tomorrow.com We love these lines in particular because they are truly local, requiring little transportation. The ingredients are simple, clean and biodegrad-able within hours (not days or months). We are very fortunate to have such ethical, high quality products being manufactured so close to home.

One last word on cleaning. It is a misconception that we need to clean our hair and skin so often. Reducing the amount of product we use has a strong and direct impact on the health of our water systems and environment. Your skin and scalp produce important oils that should not be stripped away on a daily basis. This only leads to a further need for products to re-moisturize and “treat” problem skin and hair. Try to cut back slowly and find the right balance for your hair and skin. (Less is more!) Questions about any products? Please come and talk to us.

We’re happy to help!

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

By Tami Popp, CFS Staff writer We love our Farm Store shoppers and we are always looking for ways to serve our community better.

One of the recent gifts to our customers, and ourselves, was the expansion of our store last summer. How wonderful it feels to have more space; we have been able to spread out the products we were offering, get those bags of dog food off the floor and we even had some room left over to offer a new bulk cleaning section.

If you haven’t had a chance to explore, get curious and check it out! Here is what you’ll find — when you take a walk on the “new” side.

Hair & Body Care, Spa ~ We have shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, bar soaps, liquid soaps, body brushes, complexion brushes and epsom salts. Staff favorites include the Ferlow Botanical shampoos, Dr. Bronner’s and locally made soaps by Sophie’s Choice and Shea Butter Market.

Food Storage ~ You will find tinfoil, plastic wrap, parchment paper, muffin cups, sand-wich bags, water bottles, stainless steel baby bottles, coffee cups, stainless steel tiffins, 100% recycled food storage containers, bamboo cutlery sets and the staff favorite… Abeego! Definitely the most natural and beautiful reusable food storage product in the store, Abeego is made from hemp/cotton fabric, infused with a blend of beeswax and plant extracts and comes in three styles to choose from. Check it out at www.abeego.ca.

Household Cleaners & Laundry Products ~ We have done our homework and now offer you a selection of cleaning and laundry products you can feel good about using. We also sell everything you may need to make your own…we’ll even give you a FREE booklet on how to do it.

Personal Hygiene Products ~ The planet friendly version of all the usually stuff… toilet paper, facial tissue, diapers, feminine hygiene products, air fresheners and then some really cool stuff, too… Diva Cups (available in two sizes) and Luna Pads. Check out the amazing work this company is doing to help educate girls here and in the developing world about creating a positive relationship with their bodies and the earth. Reusable menstrual products are eco-friendly, money-saving, healthy alternatives to disposable pads and tam-pons. www.lunapads.com Gifts Galore ~ Looking for that perfect gift? We offer locally made beeswax candles by Sophie’s Choice, tye dyed socks and underwear for men and women, salt lamps, prayer flags, a small selection of books, beeswax tapers from our very own Robin and a selection of CDs including Skagway (Wine In The Cupboard), Ensemble Laude (Inspirata) and Cari Burdett (Winter)… and I can’t forget the one-of-a-kind stools and tables from our funky farm store carpenter, Doug Marsh! And we can’t talk about gifts without talking about our African Baskets. Gifty and Wayne Dunn from Mill Bay have a direct connection with the village in Northern Ghana that lovingly weaves these baskets for the wonderful customers of the Community Farm Store!

Pet Care ~ Food and supplements for your pets, including Organix, Natural Value and grain free options from Holistic Blend & Taste of the Wild. Also for your furry friends we carry Omega oils, probiotics, green powders, a full line of Omega alpha healing products, flea remedies and yummy organic treats.

You will also find the headquarters of our Wellness Advisory Team. We always want to have someone available to help you with your self care inquiries and if you don’t see someone walking the aisles ready to help, this quiet new corner of the store would be the place to look.

Please know that we always looking for ways to improve your shopping experience at The Community Farm Store and as we filter through our selection to ensure that our products truly reflect who we are and what we believe in, we are always appreciative for your knowledge and input. To have such incredible support from our community to be a store that can stand true to it’s mission to be socially and environmentally respon-sible — putting people and the planet before profits — is truly hearten-ing.

We are honored to serve you!

For those who to Eat,Voice?

Live, Play andusShop in the Cowichan Valley Interested in contributing to like the Valley E-mail at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

37

Buy a Brick for Bench Elementary and Make Your Mark The Bench PAC are planning a fabulous new playground expansion for everyone in the Cowichan Bay area to enjoy.

To help us fund this project personalized bricks, or bench plaques can be purchased.

The engraved bricks will be a beautiful pathway leading from the school to the new playground and bench area.

Proudly display your business or family names forever in stone!

For more info about buying a brick : www.benchelementary.com 250-743-2260 tanyarick@shaw.ca

FUN

Buy a Brick for Bench Elementary

B

ench Elementary is building a beautiful brick path and YOUR name could be on it! To help fund the remaining $13,000 needed for our playground expansion.

and this equipment has been chosen with their needs in mind.

Over the last 25 years, obesity rates among children and youth in Canada have nearly tripled. By encouraging physical activity and helping our children form healthy play and lifestyle habits while they are young, this initiative stands to benefit the entire community at large in the future.

Why an expanded playground? Our playground is in constant use not only by the students at our school, but also by the community at large as there are no other similar playgrounds in the area. The current playground is about 12 years old and we thought it was time to liven Please check out our website things up! On order are 3 at www.benchelementary. disc swings, rotating climbing com to see pictures of the net, fabulous X-wave and new equipment and for order more. Another reason for forms. You can also contact the expansion is to offer Tanya at tanyarick@shaw. access to those with special ca or 250-743-2260 for more needs. We have a number of information.

Bench’s Annual Fun Fair developmental special needs students currently at Bench

Bench Elementary’s Annual Dramatic Arts • Musical The at re • Camps Committed to providing quality drama education to youth.

FUN FAIR Saturday, May 12th 10:30am-3:30pm

Drama Camps for Actors 8-11 and 12 & Up Register In Person April 14th 10am-Noon Cowichan Theatre

A musical drama based on the classic tale

Once Upon A Mattress!

Summer Camp July 30th - August 18th

Performance August 17 & 18 • 7:30pm Cowichan Theatre

Our Gym is FULL of fun games & prizes!

Our famous Haunted House and Cake Walk

HUGE Plant, Book & Clothing Sale We are building a brick path and YOUROnline name could be on one! The “The Princess Vendor Market, Food Vendors Registration path will lead from the playground Deadline • April 28th and the Pea” Petting Zoo and MORE!!! to the school, full of names of past, present and future Bench Families.

What a memory leave at 2560 our well For more information please callto250 597 lovedwww.chalkboardtheatre.com school. Businesses are also For more programs visit 1501 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan welcome to buy a brick. See our Buy a BRICK for Bench! website www.benchelementary.com Valley Voice Magazine -Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley 38 for order forms. You can also buy a Bench for Bench!

Everyone Welcome!

Bay

F

Chalkboard Theatre is Looking For Youth Actors for Summer Camp Production

C

halkboard Theatre was established in June 2010 by Cowichan Valley theatre arts educators and parents to provide greater performance and educational opportunities to youth regardless of ability and income. Over the past two years, Chalkboard has produced summer camps, musical theatre performance classes, a student written show call “The Show Must Go On,” and two workshops with Broadway and Television veteran, Jeff Hyslop (Broadway’s “A Chorus Line” and the Canadian Tour of “Phantom of the Opera.”) Chalkboard Theatre employs accredited and/or professional experienced theatre arts educators and encourages the personal, social, and cultural growth of young people and their families. Come join us in performing our very first full length musical “Once Upon A Mattress,” a comedy based on “The Princess and the Pea” this summer! www.chalkboardtheatre.com

M

The Children’s Space

y daughter looked at me with an agonized expression of extreme boredom as she read out a question from her social studies worksheet: “Why did Chief such–and-such do suchand-such in the year suchand-such?” Then she wailed “Who caaaaaaares???” I laughed, but I was thinking; here’s an example of “education”, ironically, becoming a barrier to learning.

After she switched schools I asked one of her new teachers, Regina Montag, how she Moving from “Who got her students to care about what they learned.

Cares?” to “That’s Here, essentially, is what Cool!” she said:

Link Subjects and Connect it All Back to the Student

• Accept students where they are at developmentally and meet them there.

• Intertwine subjects so that material is whole and in context.

• Make sure material is relevant to the students’ own lives and encourage their contributions.

“We link subjects to each other constantly” says Montag, a teacher at Island Oak High School, “for example, in Biology when we study the digestive system we also bring in Chemistry to explain how nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats affect the body. This way, students make conscious choices about what they put into their bodies.” The personal relevance sparks an interest that extends beyond the classroom to impact life decisions. I recently witnessed a senior English class discuss Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Parzival—the 13th century epic poem of the Arthurian knight and his quest for the Holy Grail. It’s a long poem and it could have been a long and boring class. But the class discussion made it evident students related to the complexity of emotions and moral struggles of young Parsival as he journeyed toward maturity. In a single English class, teacher Richard Vivi de Graff is the Tibbetts successfully engaged Communications Coordinator at Island students in Mediaeval History, Oak High School, where language, verse, the art of her daughter attended storytelling, psychology and self grades 11 & 12. development.

Haresend Publishing has announced the release of The Night Visitors, an exciting new novel by Chemainus writer Bernice Ramsdin-Firth, the first in The Other Side of Magic series.. Designed by Ladysmith’s Brad Grigor and well illustrated with colour plates and black and white drawings by the author, Bernice Ramsdin-Firth’s novel is sure to enchant both young and old alike.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

39

shopping IN

April Fools to Allsorts May Day In Chemainus * British

CHEMAINUS Y Willow Street Merchants

*

Antiques & Collectibles 9756 A Willow Street 250 246-4333 English & European Antiques

* The Pottery Store 9745 Willow Street 250 246-2594 Gifts with love, mugs to fine art

Chemainus Health Food 9738 Willow Street 250 246-9838 Natural Grocery, Vitamins, Hemp Fashions

* Toad Hall Emporium 9738 A Willow Street 250 246-4400 THE fun place to shop for all ages

* The Crafty Cuppa 9747 Willow Street 250 324-3338 Drop In Ceramics Studio

* The Wine Den 9779 Willow Street 250 324-2215 Wine Kits, Equipment and Supplies

Eliza Hemingway Art and Design Studio 9752F Willow Street Open Thursdays-Sundays 250-324-2212 Etc. 9747 Willow Street 250 324-2227 Gifts for all ages

* Utopia Bakery A-9780 Willow Street 250 246-9992 Fresh Bread and European Pastries

See you soon!

Seasons Tickets on Sale Now!

*

We Accept Chemainus Dollars

Come to Chemainus; where the people are friendly and the parking is free! Enjoy shopping, excellent eateries, live music, professional theatre and special events.

Come for a day or make it a getaway.

www.visitchemainus.com

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9776 Willow Street

* Karens Uptown ou simply can’t miss All Shook Up, Chemainus Bistro 250 246-9737 Sweets, Treats and Teas Theatre’s musical comedy.

Romance, Rebellion and 9779 Willow Street 250 246-1059 Rock ‘n Roll. Closes April 7. chemainustheatre.ca Local and Seasonal Chemainus Open Mic has found its forever home at the Willow Street Café. The first Saturday of the month. Sat Apr * Hansel Gretel’s willowstreetcafe.com 7, 7pm. Hosted by &‘Skellig’.

Candy Company Easter Egg Hunt!

Sun Apr 8, Fuller Lake Park. Free for 9748 Willow Street 250to246-1059 children up 3 years old. 10am – noon. 250-246-3811 Assorted specialty Friday the 13th is your lucky day! The Clubhouse Partay, Willow Street Café Sweets 9749 Willow Street a hosted jam, takes place at Mount Brenton Golf Course 250 246-2434 Clubhouse the second Friday of the month. 7:30pm.

Homemade Lunch, Snacks, clubhousepartay.com Pizza, Dessert Have a great time at the Chemainus Rotary Annual Dinner and Auction. Sat Apr 14, 5:30pm, at the Chemainus Theatre Dining Room. cedarridgegang@shaw.ca ‘Who Dunn It? - A Roaring 20’s Musical Comedy’.

Apr 19, 20, & 21 evenings. Sun Apr 22 Matinee.

Doors 1pm, Showtime 3 pm.Food Chemainus Legion Hall. chemainuslegion191.ca.

Sat Apr 21, Garage Sale. 8:30am -1:30pm, St. Joseph’s School. Find bargains galore while supporting the school’s program! stjosephselem.ca The Concenti Singers present an evening of a-cappella. Sat Apr 21, 7pm,Willow Chemainus StreetUnited SoapsChurch. By donation.

Willow Street Apr 26 – 29,9748 ‘Noises Off’.

A hilarious play-within-a-play.

246-4230 Life imitates250 art with high jinks, Fine Imported Soapsslammed doors, flubbed lines and sardines.and Chemainus Theatre Luxury Bath ItemsFestival. chemainustheatre.ca Take an imaginary trip to China with musician and healer Xiaochuan Pan. ‘Ancient China Interlude’, Sun Apr 29, 2pm at St. Michaels Church. chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca

Chemainus Arts & Ethnic Fest The 4th Annual Arts & Ethnic Fest: will take place on Sat Apr 28 from 11to 3 at the Chemainus Senior Centre. “This is one of the most anticipated events in Chemainus,” Photo Warren Goulding says organizer Shelley Rouse. “It’s a celebration of the diversity that is the Chemainus Valley, with music, dance and great food,” adds Rouse. “Various local restaurants provide a wide array of ethnic taste treats”. Organizers are thrilled about the lineup of entertainers that add so much life to the event. Local art vendors will showcase their talent in various mediums and offer their work for sale. “There is always a good crowd and we know this year will be no different,” says Rouse.

Admission is by donation and food samples range from $1 - $4 so it is affordable for all. Arts & Ethnic Fest is organized by the Chemainus Dee Kinnee is the Valley Cultural Arts Marketing and Event Coordinator for the Society. Info: contact Chemainus BIA. ChemainusBIA@gmail. Shelley at: advertising@ com chemainusvalleycourier.ca or 250 246-1484.

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

CIS Community Dance Night

Thursday, April 5 FREE 7 - 9 pm Girl Guide Hall 321 Cairnsmore St. Duncan 250 748 3112 The Community Dance Night is a monthly event sponsored by the Community Bridging program.

The Dance Night is free and open to everyone. It’s a great occasion to bring together newcomers to Canada with long-time residents.

The music is multicultural and often features a different dance that everyone can learn. Snacks and refreshments provided.

CWBS Gargantuan Garage Sale

Saturday April 14th 9am – 3pm Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, Cowichan Bay 250 746 4955 Rain Or Shine! Bring the family for a fun day. Tools, furniture, books, rowboats, toys, and lots of treasures. There will also be a bbq and free coffee. Donations accepted of anything except clothing and electronics. All proceeds go to the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre programs.

Start SPRING with a clean home and workplace.

Giving you back the luxury of time and a naturally clean home to enjoy it in!

Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

250 929 8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com Licensed - Insured - Bonded

Home Cleaning Gift Certificates available for Family & Friends!

Guided Tours at O.U.R Ecovillage April 14th and 28th 10am - 12pm 1565 Baldy Mtn. Road Please call in advance to confirm your space!

250.743-3067 www.ourecovillage.org

O.U.R Ecovillage - “One United Resource” - a sustainable living community, demonstration site and educational center.

We are offering guided public tours in order to educate the public about our initiatives and accomplishments. An information session plus a walking tour of the grounds are included. This opportunity is open to anyone who is interested in the following areas: permaculture, organic gardening, green building projects and community living. We also would like to invite anyone who is interested in one of our many exciting summer internship programs - or anyone looking for more information about donating to our non-profit and becoming an “O.U.R Sustainer!” Recommended donation - $15 A fresh, homemade lunch is also available upon request for an additional $9. It is easy to find us - just follow Shawnigan Mill Bay Road to Sylvester Road - then turn off to find us at 1565 Baldy Mtn Road.

Sacred Chant Circles

Sunday, April 15, 7- 8:30pm Rivendell Yurt in Glenora Friday, April 27, 7- 8:30pm Valley Yoga Centre 1021 Islay St 250-748-2089 sdbartram@gmail.com The Sacred Chant Circle offers people a safe, supportive space to come together to experience the healing power of sound. In the circle, we chant Sanskrit mantras.

Mantras are considered sacred sound formulas, and Mantra yoga is considered one of the oldest and highest forms of yoga. Chanting mantras creates healing vibrations that have a positive effect on body, mind and spirit. Chanting mantras can help calm the mind and silence some of the subconscious mind chatter. The Chant Circle is open to anyone interested in sound and music (no previous chanting/singing experience is necessary). The Sacred Chant Circle happens the 3rd Sunday of every month at Rivendell Yurt in Glenora. (by donation). This month, people will also be able to enjoy a second opportunity to chant together on April 27th at Valley Yoga Centre.

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT WHAT YOU SHALL SEW YOU SHALL KEEP: Originally focused on “reconstructed” fashions, ReThreads Custom Clothing Company now work primarily with uncut vintage fabrics. Bring your ideas and pictures to their new location (#201 262 Station St. in Duncan) and Sue Lindgren and the gang will help you design your own custom creations.

ReThreads is also part of a mentoring program helping Valley teens get school credit for work experience. “Sara Gillis is our newest photographer and we couldn’t be happier to have her on our creative team! She’s been accepted into the exchange student program and is heading off to Rome Italy this summer!,” Sue writes. “Megan Salter, our previous photographer, has been working furiously on her hair designs for cosmetology school.” Sue would like to thank “contributing persons and organizations” Drew Bishop (Excellent Frameworks & NV Design), Cowichan Theater/ Island Savings Center, Stephanie Ferris, Amanda Komen, Brian Manhas, Isabella Arthurs-Morgan, Savanah Munzar and Jessica Wonder. Log onto www. rethreadscustomclothingco.co for complete details on this worthy local business.

“LONG” MAY HE RUN: Local arts & entertainment entrepreneur Longevity John Falkner tells me, with his trademarked enthusiasm, that BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS are revisiting Duncan Garage Showroom April 22nd.

(By the time you read this, the gig may already be sold out!) The Canadian supergroup (Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden, Tom Wilson) was one of the first acts I saw at the Showroom and the quirky little venue continues to survive, against all possible odds, thanks in large part to Long John’s spirit and tenacity. In a way he’s like a secular evangelist, sacrificing material comforts to spread the gospel of live original music seven days a week. Check out www. duncangarageshowroom.ca for upcoming gigs.

Jean Crowder has been the NDP Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan since 2004. Crowder.J@parl.gc.ca 1-866-609-9998

The recent decision of Coke and Pepsi to change their recipe to avoid adding a cancer warning to their label is one example of why consumer protection is top of mind for many of my constituents.

That’s why New Democrats introduced Private Member’s Bill C-408 that would require all consumer products that contain hazardous or toxic substances be clearly marked with warning labels specifying the toxic contents.

Canadians have a right to know whether the products they are buying can be hazardous to their health.There is increasing evidence that such legislation is necessary and effective.

There are numerous examples of possibly harmful chemicals in consumer products, such as formaldehyde in cosmetics, and methylene chloride in paint strippers. Both of those are chemicals that can possibly cause cancer, but there are currently no regulations requiring that they be identified as hazardous.

Bill C-408 would change this, requiring warnings on products, and giving stiff penalties to individuals who disregard the new regulations.

There is existing legislation that requires similar warnings on chemicals in the workplace, but it does not extend to consumer products.

Under the Bill, failure to follow the new regulations would be a criminal offence, resulting in fines or imprisonment.

FOLK MUSIC AND ALL THAT JAZZ: “I was wondering what would happen if we brought one of Canada’s premier gypsy jazz groups to the Islands Folk Festival this July,” Islands Folk Festival talent booker Robert McCourty muses in a recent email by way of announcing that Montreal-based violinist Briga and her band will be visiting the annual Providence Farm folkfest. Sure, it’s not until this summer but after watching the fiery, raven-haired beauty and her band on You Tube (type “Briga: Hora Martisorului - from Groove CD, Diaspora” into search engine) I can understand why he can’t wait to tell us. By Rick Dennis

WINGS III Opportunity Store You’ll always find a treasure!

Donations Gratefully Accepted

Bring your quality womens and childrens clothing, natural fibres, household gadgets, jewelry, nick nacks and small furniture.

250 746 9906 Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 193 Station St at Jubilee, Downtown Duncan

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Crowder’s Corner

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

dio

B

e aware of the word “by-product” when listed as an ingredient in pet food. They are possibly parts of slaughtered animals, which are not meat and could be diseased organs and unusable materials.

About our Pets

Do you buy organic food? To avoid by-products, purchase certifiedorganic food or, at minimum, buy organic. If feeding a raw diet, check several pet food stores for different opinions and source of food products as prices and serving portions differ. A store clerk who is willing to spend time with you explaining their product and answering any and all your questions would be a good source of information.

Is your dog running away? If you have a dog who runs away for any reason, please always welcome them home. My last rescue dog ran away many times before I found where she was escaping. She was climbing on top of my compost and taking herself over the nearby fence. She was a “street” dog and had been rescued numerous times. She would leave for hours, and always bring me home a treat! Each time she returned, I would praise her and make her welcome and loved.

I was tired of waiting for hours in the middle of the night, so left my door slightly ajar, and taught her how to push it open when she came home — this helped my sleep considerably! If a dog is punished after returning from running, they will eventually hesitate to come back, as their feelings and emotions are sometimes even more tender than ours can be.

Remember, always love them; they aren’t doing wrong things on purpose, there will always Sheila Jones offers be an underlying reason. holistic consultations for both people and pets. www.holisticnc.ca

Is your dog digging? Try putting Cayenne pepper in the holes; dogs are turned off by the sensation it gives them. If it rains, add more pepper. I tried this with cats and came home after a rain and found a cat sleeping on the Cayenne!

Easter Moon

Moonbeams

E

aster dates can be so confusing! Why do they change? According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the timing of Easter is based on the full moon closest to the Vernal (Spring) Equinox.

In Western churches Easter never occurs before March 22nd or after April 25th, but in Eastern churches Easter can happen between April 4 and May 8th (based on the Gregorian calendar). Christian churches typically follow the Gregorian calendar and celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the equinox occurs (March 21st). Eastern Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar (Roman). And due to the differences in the two calendars, they may even celebrate on different days.

Continued from “Organic Foodie” Page 9

Just sixteen days before Earth Day on April 22nd, the full moon will appear on April 6th in Victoria at 12:19PM. She is known as the Planter’s Moon (Colonial American), Growing Moon (Celtic), Seed Moon (English Medieval), and Awakening Moon (Neo-Pagan).

This moon represents our Earth Mother opening her arms to receive the new seeds of renewal and regeneration.

In addition, April’s full moon is in the sign of Libra which indicates time for self-study and observation, taking care of your physical self and working on your sense of teamwork and cooperation. Sounds like a fantastic spring project!

Robin Massey is a yoga & junior bellydance instructor in and around Shawnigan Lake. www.theomtree.com

Eliza Hemingway Writer’s Class Thursdays, 6pm - 7:30pm Cowichan Library, Duncan Free- Everyone welcome Details: www.elizahemingway.com

Sweet Potato Power Cookies (Gluten Free) Loaded with good ingredients for healthy snacking Submitted by Marisa Goodwin of Organic Fair Active prep time 15 mins Bake time 15mins Makes 24 cookies Ingredients

Quantity

Sweet Potato (oven roasted and mashed smooth) Unsalted Butter (room temperature) local Honey Free Range Egg (room temperature) Brown rice Flour Toasted Quick Oats (dry toasted in a pan) Unsweetened Shredded Coconut Baking Soda Good Sea Salt True Cinnamon (Ceylon) Unsweetened Raisins Raw Pumpkin Seeds Dark Chocolate Chips

1 Cup 1/4 Cup 1/2 Cup 1 large 1 Cup 1 Cup 1/2 Cup 1 tsp 1/2 tsp 2 tsp 1/2 Cup 1/3 Cup 1/2 Cup

Method

1. Blend together the sweet potato mash and butter till smooth then blend in the honey and mix in the egg 2. In a separate bowl blend together the rice flour, oats, coconut, baking soda, salt and cinnamon 3. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet then add the pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips and raisins. Chill for 30 minutes 5. Preheat oven to 325F and using a small ice cream scoop portion 6 cookies onto a sheet pan 6. Using a slightly wet hand gently flatten the cookies ( kids like this part) Bake for 15 minutes 7. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before eating 8. This dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days and baked off as wanted. Enjoy!

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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Cowichan Feature Listings Offers individual and couple counselling sessions related to grief, stress management, conflict resolution, communication and personal growth.

Specialized in addiction issues.

Mes services sont aussi offerts en francais si desire. N’hesitez pas a appeler pour avoir de l’aide!

331 St. Julian Street Duncan, BC 250- 510 - 0182

Sophie Barbant - Hayward, M.A. Registered Professional Counsellor Bilingual French and English

Small World Imports Tibetan Rugs and Carpets www.smallworldimports.ca 250-748-6570

Want to learn how to make your own jewellery?

Etc! offers a wide range of classes from introductory classes in Beading, Kumihimo and Bead Weaving to more advanced techniques and workshops.

We have a fantastic range of beads and supplies as well as unique gifts.

Call for prices and dates 250 324 2227 Open 10 am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday.

High quality handwoven traditional rugs and carpets made by Tibetan refugees from Nepal.

Metal Artist Brad Allen

Hand-knotted and made of 100% Tibetan wool in a family run venture that houses workers and educates children to alleviate poverty.

- Metal Wall hangings - Free Standing Sculptures

9747c Willow St, Chemainus 250 324 2227

With a torch,welder and array of metal finishing tools, Brad creates joyful, nurturing and thought-provoking pieces.

Studio located in Duncan by appointment Brad Allen 250 748 0934 www.meddleart.com

Our mission is to inspire, motivate and most of all... to have fun! We offer encouraging, experienced tap dance instruction for beginners to advanced of all ages.

Decor and Design at historic Whippletree Junction Lynda Allen 250-748-0934 lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca

Furniture

Craft and Design

Leola’s Studio In The Courtyard

WHIPPLETREE

JUNCTION 4705 Trans Canada Hwy The Loom

yarns, wools, needles, books and notions.

250 746 5250

The Wickertree

BC’s Largest selection of indoor and outdoor rattan furniture! thewickertree.com

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The home of fine furnishings

- Classes - Shared Studio - Weaving and spinning - Community Loom - Gift Certificates - Locally made textiles Learn and Experience the joy of textiles.

Specialising in beautiful woods and Canadian furniture.

Dining Room • Bedroom Living Room • Tables Home Accesories Eco friendly Sofas & Chairs 250 737 1773 www.sassywood.ca

leolasstudio.blogspot.com

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

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) Hubba hubba! It’s your turn to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. The Sun in your own sign now will attract people and favourable circumstances to you.

Make the most of this! Demand the advantage. Ask for what you want. Meanwhile, continue to work hard. Many of you are improving your health through changes in diet or exercise. Perhaps we’ll be looking at the new you by the end of this year?

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Every year, this is your time to work behind the scenes and ponder profundity. With your birthday just one month away, this is the ideal time for you to plan or strategize what you want your new year to be all about. Are you pleased with last year? How do you want things to be different? With Jupiter in your sign for the next several months, you can expect favourable conditions and pleasant surprises. Then later this year and into next year, you will boost your income!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You’ll love the next six weeks because by nature, you’re curious and social plus you like to be out there in the thick of it. This is very popular month! Get out and schmooze. Accept all invitations.

Join groups, gatherings, clubs and associations. You’ll find it beneficial to share your hopes for the future with others because their feedback will help you.

(Almost guaranteed.) You might need to touch base with a good

friend to talk about the insanity or conflict and chaos that is going on at home.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22) The Sun is now at high noon in your chart acting like a spotlight on you. This is why people notice you more than usual, in particular bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs and the police. Fortunately, this is great lighting for you, which is why you’ll be perceived as being unusually talented, capable, industrious or clever. This is why others will ask you to take on increased responsibilities. Just say yes. You can do the job. Furthermore, your ability to be assertive (surely you have noticed) will no doubt serve you well.

Leo ( July 23-Aug. 22) Your desire to travel and explore more of the world is heating up.

You want to grab more of life!

This is why any kind of exploration will please you, be it physical, i.e. through travel or exploring your own city, or mental, i.e. travelling through books and film and learning more about the world.

This is a great time to study and read. It’s also a good time to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine and the law.

You’ll love meeting people from different backgrounds. “Hola!”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) It looks like you’re going to stay intensely focused this month.

(Get ready, world.) Naturally, this gives you a greater drive for self-improvement and for improving your surroundings, especially dealing with shared property, other people’s resources and anything you own jointly with someone. You want to clear up the mess! However, this same energy will also make you sexually passionate. (Woo-woo!)

And with fiery Mars still in your sign until the summer, you are all systems go!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The Sun is our source of energy, and this month the Sun is as far from your sign as it gets, which is why you’ll need more sleep. (Your sign is funny when it comes to sleep. Your sleep patterns are all over the map.) Just remember to get more rest. You might feel easily confrontational with partners, and close friends as well. Instead of being annoyed with them, be the change that you want to see in them. If you want them to be loving and flirtatious, be loving and flirtatious! (Get it?) Got it.

(Good.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You want to work! (You might as well make the most of this urge because it comes only once a year.)

Act on this by giving yourself the right tools to do a bang-up job.

Buy cleaning equipment, paint, file folders, hangers, shelving, closet organizers or whatever you need to de-clutter where you live and work. Give yourself a feeling that you’re more in control of your life and on top of your scene.

By the way, many of you want to maximize your health as well. Focus on a healthier diet and doing more exercise.

Sagittarius(Nov.22-Dec.21)

This month you’ll have opportunities to flirt, party, play and travel for fun. You’ll also enjoy arts and crafts, the theatre, movies, show business and exploring opportunities in the hospitality industry. Playful activities with children will also delight. That’s because anything to do with fun and play (ironically, this includes financial speculation because technically, that’s playing with money), is tops on your menu for the entire month. Enjoy yourself!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You will travel for pleasure and delight in flirtations, vacations,

April Horoscopes

love affairs and romance this month. You’re keen to expand your world. The irony is that coupled with this desire to travel and expand your world you’re also focused on home and family in the next month. Some of you might travel with family or to see family. Others will do both: travel somewhere and then later enjoy “hiding” at home to do some serious thinking. Some will create a new home in another country or a different location.

Aquarius ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re busy! You’ve got things to do, people to see, places to go. Interaction with siblings and relatives will increase. So will your involvement with reading and studying. “I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date.” You’ll be doing the White Rabbit thing.

You’re eager to inform others about something or enlighten people. That’s why you’ll find yourself talking and writing more than usual. Home decorating projects will also appeal. Nevertheless, disputes about shared property or inheritances lurk in the wings.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re revved up about money and ideas about how to boost your earnings. Some of you will explore new job possibilities or ways to make money on the side. At a deeper level, you might wonder what your true values in life are. In other words, what really matters?

(We know your shoes matter but, aside from that, what are the top five things that matter the most?)

The more you are aware of what you value, the more you will live your life in a way that makes you happier. (I just made that up but I think it’s true.)

www.georgianicols.com

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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DIRECTORY

Valley Voice Magazine now offers readers a new directory to discover local services and businesses. 3 sizes of ad space are available to suit every business message and budget. Affordable, stylish and straight to the point. Contact Adrienne Richards for more info 250 510 0596 or adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Deadline April 16th for May 2012 Issue 42.

Accommodations

Business Services

Shawnigan Lake House

GREAT for ALL Businesses!

Year round waterfront vacation rental with dock. Great for a family holiday or a getaway with friends. www.shawniganlakevacationrentals.ca kpemberton@shaw.ca or call (250) 743-5941

Does your business have ‘Good TASTE’?

MAKE SURE IT’S LISTED

www.TASTEtheCowichan.ca

Clothing, Consignment and Sewing Spring Sale! 20% off on all New Spring Arrivals. 40% to 75% off balance of the store.

Sale begins Wednesday April 4th thru to Saturday April 7th (Friday and Saturday open 10-4 only) The Second Hanger Consignment 15-850 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd. Cobble Hill 250 743 -7802 www.thesecondhanger.ca

Accepting Spring and Summer Consignments Learn how to turn your closet into cash.

Farms and Food More than a Meat Shop

Gluten Free/Organic Pasta’s, Organic Meat, Homemade Sausage, International Foods.

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377

The Valley’s 1st Certified Organic /Biodynamic Community Supported Agriculture Program Year round availability or 24 weeks Come eat at our Organic Farm Cafe - Child, Celiac and Vegan friendly!

Alderlea Farm and Cafe Open Tues, Fri, Sat, 11am-5pm 3390 Glenora Road, Duncan, 250 715-0799 Special seating for family meals!

Health and Healing Learn Self - Hypnosis! Enroll for the Weekend of April 21-22nd, in Duncan.

Call Now to reserve your seat!

Danette Noble, RCH, CCHt 250 709-7380 www.cowichanvalleyhypno.com

For more information on how to be part of the

NEW 2012 Valley Voice Directory

please contact the lovely Adrienne Richards by phone 250 510 6596 or by e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Vitamin And Herbal Supplements Organic Bulk Foods & Herbs Health & Beauty Aids Herbal Medicine & Food For 4-180 Central Duncan Dogs And Cats (Located Beside Sears in Village Sports Nutrition & Weight Loss Snack Bar Green Mall) 250 748-4421

SENIORS!

15% Discount Every Day! on Supplements *Unless Already Reduced Last Tuesday of Every Month Seniors receive 15% off most food items as well as supplements.

Reflexology and Chi Wellness by Terri AWAKEN YOUR SPRING VITALITY * RELEASE DISEASE CAUSING STRESS * STIMULATE IMMUNE FUNCTIONS COMPLIMENTS ALL CLEANSES April Specials : 3 x 1hr sessions $159 (regular $180) - 3 X 90 min sessions $225 (reg$255) Offering: Indian Head Massage, Chair Massage , Foot and Thai Reflexology, Energy Work Terri 250 709-2388 Gift Certificates Available Hours: Mon - Thurs 9am - 8pm 1453 Algonkin Rd, Duncan Registered * Licensed * Insured * Certified balancedbody@shaw.ca • www.terriswellness.com

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

Health and Healing (continued)

IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN 141 Craig Street, Duncan 250 748-9632 www.mercias.ca

•A Large Variety Of Supplements, Flower Remedies •Homeopathics, Tinctures •Aura-Soma Colour Therapy, Bath and Body Products •Hair Care Products, Specialty Creams, Bulk Soap and More!

•Duncan’s Largest Selection Of Bulk Medicinal Herbs Amazing Lines Of Professional Natural Cosmetics including: Zuii Organics Make Up and ZUZU Luxe: luxury color cosmetics line - spa inspired - VEGAN!

APRIL SPECIAL

DIETS DON’T WORK! - CLINICAL HYPNOSIS DOES

Trim Life Weight Release Program Eliminate stress eating Lori Austein Clinical Hypnotherapist * Never feel Guilty or Deprived 250 743 5685 laustein@shaw.ca 4 Sessions ,Trim Life Workbook, Four CDs 15 Min Free Phone Consultations Book Your Appointment Today Reg $350 - Book by the end of April - receive all this for $189!

Treat your little bunnies to HEALTHY CHOCOLATE this Easter loaded with antioxidants, vegan, vegetarian & diabetic friendly.

Delicious, medicinal coldpressed Xocai chocolate will change what you thought you knew about chocolate!”check out www.chocolatetemple.com or call 715 8325 or come to our Taste & Learn mon April 9th at 6:30 in Cowichan Bay.

Home Maintenance

Pet Health and Care Holistic Care For Pets and People Specializing in Holistic Nutritional Education, Acid/Alkaline Balance, Food Buddy Shopping Services, Alternative Healing, Home Care SHEILA JONES chp Holistic Practitioner MOBILE SERVICES www.holisticnc.ca 250-597-3212

Prenatal, Birthing and Maternity “Learn Deep Relaxation Hypnosis & Anaesthesia for Natural Childbirth - Private Classes now for the Group Price! Call for details.

Danette Noble, RCH, CCHt 250 709-7380

www.birthwithhypnosis.vpweb.ca

Contact the lovely Adrienne Richards by phone 250 510 6596 or by e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com to find out effective ways to promote your business this summer season!

Professional Framing and Local Art 139 Station St. 250-748-3311 ssgfs@telus.net Professional Framing •Local Art •Unique Gifts

Web Services and Hosting • Domain Names & Registration • Web Hosting, E-Mail Management • Wordpress Set Up and Tutorials • E-Commerce Marketing, Secure Online Payments, Shopping Carts • Blogsites, Site Changes & Rebuilds

Helping small businesses online

Professional Internet Services LOCAL HOST Richard Badman rbadman@gearth.com 250.746.9319 Duncan, BC

Yoga Classes, Studios and Instruction Yum Yoga & Dance Studio 1701 Pavenham Road, Cowichan Bay To Register 746-0390 or email yogaerin@telus.net New Year Schedule starts, Mon, Jan 9th/ 2012.

Variety of Yoga & Dance classes, Mon-Fri, 9am, 5:45pm Nia Dance, Sundays 10:30am.

Sadie Bartram - Inspiration Yoga

Chakra Yoga and Sacred Chant Circle at Rivendell Yurt Prenatal Yoga and Mom and Babe Yoga at Matrea Centre, 170 Craig St Duncan sdbartram@gmail.com/250-748-2089

For those who like to Eat, Live, Play and Shop in the Cowichan Valley

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