Cowichan Valley Voice December Issue by Cowichan Valley Voice

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DECEMBER 2013 ISSUE 61 COWICHAN VALLEY COMMUNITY I FOOD I ARTS I EVENTS I HEALTH

WE RAISED

$16,500.00!

DECEMBER EVENTS THE TZOUHALEM SPINNERS AND WEAVERS GUILD Vines to Wines, Mill Bay Shopping Centre, Tues.-Sat. 9:30am-5pm. Until Dec 5th CLEMENTS CENTRE SOCIETY 5th ANNUAL SOCK DRIVE. Call Debbie to donate 250-746-4135 ext.226. Until December 11th CHEMAINUS THEATRE FESTIVAL PRESENTS: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Faith, hope and family come together in this delightful story. 9737 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus. 250-2469820 Until December 31

8TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE, Photos with Santa, Crafts, Games, SLBA Hockey, Prizes, Food & Live Music Shawnigan Lake 5-7pm Bring items for Food Bank BRUNCH WITH SANTA, 10am - 2:30pm Adults $22.95, Seniors $18, Kids 6 - 10 $11, 6 and under are free. Wear a tacky Christmas sweater and receive 15% off The Old Fork, 140 Trans Canada Hwy, Dec1,8,15,22 250-597-3027 ADVENT SPIRAL This gift to the community starts the season with a candlelit spiral, music, refreshments. Spirals are 1-2pm or 3-4pm. Donations gratefully accepted for the musicians. Island Oak High School, 5814 Banks Rd, Duncan. 250-701-0400. DECK THE HALL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR 10am-5pm Mellor Hall, 7380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan. FREE. 250-748-0822. SANTA VISITS MERRIDALE 4-6pm Dec 1st MERRIDALE’S ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS ORCHARD WALK Thurs- Sun Self-guided Christmas tour. FREE. 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill. 250-743-4293 Until Jan 5th. AUDITIONS FOR WIZARD OF OZ Kaatza Lakeside Players 1-4pm, Centennial Hall in Lake Cowichan, 309 South Shore Rd.

Visions Studio Tour Group CHRISTMAS SHOW AND SALE At PORTALS, 2687 James St. Duncan. Mon-Sat. 10-5pm until Dec 21st..

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOOD DRIVE 8-9am Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd. Bring food or cash donation and be rewarded with a free pancake and sausage breakfast. LADIES’ NIGHT IN CHEMAINUS 5-9pm An evening of holiday shopping, music and tasty treats. Willow Street

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OLD FORK BY NIGHT DEBUTS WITH LONGEVITY JOHN! 140 Trans Canada Hwy

MEMORIAL COMMEMORATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Noon at VIU Cowichan Campus. This event honours the lives of women murdered in the Montreal Massacre, and all women murdered or missing. Speakers, community gathering, procession of roses, candlelight vigil. CELTIC RHYTHM DANCERS present A CELTIC CHRISTMAS Features over 100 dancers from ages 3 to adult performing a variety of seasonal and secular pieces of choreography. Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. Duncan. 250-748-7529 3rd ANNUAL HOMELEARNERS YOUTH CRAFT FAIR 2-6pm Delicious goodies, crafts, kids’ corner. Proceeds to help the Newman family in Lake Cowichan during their time of need. Amanda hawthornblossom@gmail.com. Vimy Hall, 3968 Gibbins Rd, Duncan TAROT READINGS by Sharon Dec 6, 13, 20 2-4pm at W.I.N.G.S. III in Downtown Duncan. Readings 30 minutes $30. Appt 250-746-9906. INTO THE WOODS Dec 6, 7:30pm, Dec. 7 1:30 & 7:30pm. Tickets $22, Sdts $18 T. Gil Bunch Centre 2735 Mount Baker Rd, Mill Bay. boxoffice@brentwood.bc.ca or 250-743-8756.

SENIOR MEN’S CIRCLE An invitation for Senior men to meet and connect. Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum Assisted Living, 5575 Allenby Rd, Duncan. 250-597-2801

CHRISTMAS AT THE STUDIO-BY-US 10am8pm 226 Grants Lake Rd, Lake Cowichan. Jewelry, paintings, intarsia, cards, prints, glass and turned wood. 250-749-3298

BEAUTY, BUST AND BRAINS Ladies’ Night Old Firehouse Wine Bar, 7-9pm. Discover how the latest technology can make life better. Fun and fabulous prizes! 250-701-0360

TEAFARM+MARGIT NELLEMANN HAND BUILT CERAMICS OPEN HOUSE Fri-Sat-Sun 10-6pm www.teafarm.ca December 6, 7 & 8 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan

DADS MAKE A DIFFERENCE PROGRAM 6-8pm 213-80 Station St, Duncan. Tuesdays info@westcoastmen.org or 250-597-2801.

BC FOREST DISCOVERY CENTRE CHRISTMAS TRAIN 1910 Steam Train runs every 20 minutes starting at 4:30pm and the last train departing at 8:30pm. Adults $8, Children $6. 250-715-1113 or info.bcfdc@shawlink.ca Also running Dec

7,8, 13-15 and 20-23.

7CHRISTMAS AT PROVIDENCE FARM

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at the farm. Vibrant crafters, farm products, hayrides and photos with Santa. Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan. 250-746-4204. SPIRIT OF GIVING OPEN HOUSE SILVERSIDE FARM & WINERY OPEN HOUSE 5 - 9 pm Wine and Cheese tasting with Hilary’s Cheese. 3810 Cobble Hill Rd. 250- 743-9149 CHEMAINUS GARDENS FESTIVAL OF TREES Carol Singing, Music, Ceramics, Silent Auction, Christmas Photos, A fundraiser for the Harvest House Food Bank 3042 Chemainus Road 10am - 5pm Runs to Dec 21 ST. JOSEPH’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR local crafters, artisans, baked goods, A special Children’s Store, where kids can shop! Santa will be at the photo booth! 9735 Elm St, Chemainus. 250-246-3191 10am-3pm DRIFT: A WINTER ARTISAN MARKET 10am4pm. Experience a slow Christmas. Gorgeous handcrafted gifts. 2070 Cowichan Bay Rd / $2. FREE SKATE 1-2:20pm An afternoon skate for the whole family. Free skate rentals and hot chocolate! Island Savings Centre, Duncan O.U.R. ADVENT FEAST O.U.R. Zero-Mile Meal Eatery skill-share starting at 1pm followed by a tour, appies and dinner at 5pm $0-20 www.ourecovillage.org. COWICHAN BAY LIGHT UP, Govt Dock 6pm A CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG Cowichan Consort Orchestra and Choir 7:30pm,Duncan Christian Reform Church, 930 Trunk Rd. Adults $15, Students $10 HOLIDAY MOVIE AFTERNOON FOR AGES 6+ (Shopping for parents!) Movies 1pm/2:30pm. Snacks available for purchase. Proceeds go to Cowichan Valley Performing Arts Foundation Adage Studio, 126 Govt St 250-732-4049

7&8

MY FRIENDS AND I: A CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR 4 Cowichan Valley crafters -jewelry, scarves, baking and home decor. Free 4644 McGill Rd. TRIAL BY FIRE POTTERY 8th ANNUAL SOLO POTTERY SHOW 10am-5pm at the Clements Centre, 5856 Clements St, just west of Library, (off James St., Duncan)

HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET handmade Christmas market Oceanfront Suites 1681

For full design/build service, give us a call

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

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

Cowichan Bay Rd. 10am-3pm.

Duncan. 250-815-0863. Dec 14 & 21

RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT Film screening 7pm Filmmakers, former Cowichan residents Jay and Michelle Brock, travelled ten countries attempting to find out how to end sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Q&A with the filmmakers after the viewing New Life Church, 1839 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan

YOGA FOR THE PHILIPPINES 10 am 12:30 pm Yoga and Chanting to honour the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. With Sadie, Asrael, and Paulina. Admission by donation. All proceeds donated to a relief fund. Stay for tea and conversation after class. Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay 1681 Cowichan Bay Road

KAREL ROESSINGH QUARTET Classical Music and Elegant Jazz Cherry Point Estate Wines, 2-4:30pm, 250-746-8654

5RHYTHMS SUNDAY WITH SHAUNA DEVLINNo experience is needed. Wear loose clothing and bring a water bottle.Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan 10am-12 www.shaunadevlin.com

FINDING OUR COMMON GROUND: An Interfaith World Cafe on Compassion 4-8pm Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St. Join a meaningful dialogue in a casual cafe setting. Free. 250-748-3112.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY Share the world of tea @Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail 10-5pm www.teafarm.ca

MAPLE BAY SAIL PAST Join in or enjoy all the lights on the festive boats! From 5-7pm, starting at the Maple Bay Marina, 6145 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan. Scott 250-746-4670.

CONCENTI COMES CAROLLING 2pm St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus, followed by a delicious “meet the artists” reception. Tickets $15 advance, $20 at door, 250-748-8383 www. ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca.

RUN FOR THE CLAUS, 6km or 3km for United Way Run, walk or shuffle, Meet at City Square, Duncan. $20 registration includes Santa Suit! Register 10am, run at 11am Info 250-748-1312 or office@cowichan.unitedway.ca.

GLENORA FARM CHRISTMAS FAIR 11am-4pm at Glenora Farm, 4766 Waters Rd. Crafts, food, entertainment. Info 250-715-1559.

OVIDE BIGHETTY ART EXHIBIT Cree Artist showcases works at the Duncan Christian Reform Church, 930 Trunk Rd. Dec. 8, 14, 15, 22, 29 1-4pm and Dec. 11&18 5-9pm. Tour info www.reformedrelationships.ca

REEL ALTERNATIVES: THE ANGELS’ SHARE 7pm. Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize winner is a humourous yet tough, off-kilter film about the beleaguered working class. Proceeds to CV Hospice. Cowichan Theatre. Tickets $12, $5 students

LILA MUSIC CENTRE 6TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY 5pm at the St. John Anglican Church in Duncan. Enjoy songs, guitar, choirs, improv and more! Free

MUSIC FOR A MONDAY NIGHT with pianist Emily Armour and Mezzo Soprano Erin Ronningen 7pm St. John’s Anglican Church, 3295 Cobble Hill Rd

LITTLE TOWN CHRISTMAS, 2:30 – 5:30pm Old fashioned family fun. Games, crafts, food, Santa & more. Waterwheel Park, Chemainus Free for the kids – adults by donation!

KEN LAVIGNE: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS IN CHEMAINUS special performance to raise funds for Chemainus United Church, 9814 Willow St. Space is limited; adv tickets 250-246-3463 or 250-246-3592.

CHRISTMAS WALKING TOUR - 12 Days ‘til Christmas, Chemainus 10am – 4pm Tastings, Draws, Win Prizes. Carollers! Christmas characters wandering around town.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL’S ANNUAL WRITE-A-THON Event, Island Bagel Cafe, 48 Station St, Duncan. 10 -1 pm Writing letters saves lives, stops torture, frees prisoners of conscience and sends a message of hope to those who have been unjustly jailed. www.amnesty.ca/write-for-rights 250-510-4644 COWICHAN STATION CHRISTMAS HOEDOWN at the Hub featuring Sweet Low Down. Adv tix $10; $5 kids; under 6 free. Doors 7pm. 250-746-1794. A LITTLE CHRISTMAS WITH ENCORE! WOMEN’S CHOIR 8pm, Duncan United Church. 250-746-0847. DEERHOLME TRUFFLE DINNER A fundraiser for the Cowichan Food Bank Tickets $90 250-748-7450 or bill@magnorth.bc.ca JENNIFER LAWSON GALLERY SALE 10am-4pm 1516 Khenipsen Rd. Duncan. Jennifer’s sale of smaller watercolours, including Bermuda and Whidbey Island. 250-748-2142 Dec 14 & 15 ISABEL O’KANESE, NATIVE SEER, MEDIUM & TAROT 20/30 minute readings $40/60, 10am-4pm Kind Tiger Clinic, 5241 Koksilah Rd,

ALL WRAPPED UP IN STRINGS Cowichan Camerata Orchestra presents an evening of seasonal music at the Duncan United Church. $10 Adult, $25 Family.

LAST CHANCE SALE AT THE STUDIO-BY-US 10am-8pm 226 Grants Lake Rd, Lake Cowichan. Everything 25% off the regular price. To Dec 23 250-749-3298 or the-studio-by-us@shaw.ca

3rd ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE MUSIC CONCERT Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay 3pm and 7pm. Join Cari Burdett and Sarah Marreiros on vocals, Corbin Keep, Richard Moody, Marilyn Rummel on instruments, with Marisa Jackson dancing and Adrian Dolan dabbling in it all. Don’t miss it! Tickets Ten Old Books, Lila Music and The Ridge 250-701-0978.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS STORY: A LIVE NATIVITY PAGEANT Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 6:30 and 7:30pm. Free for all ages. Hot chocolate will be served and there will be a donation box for the Cowichan Food Bank. 1815 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan. Dec 22 & 23 5RHYTHMS SUNDAY WITH SHAUNA DEVLIN The Art Barn Salt Spring Island 10am-12 www.shaunadevlin.com WINTER WONDERLAND AT ISLAND SAVINGS

CENTRE, 1pm to 2:30pm and 2:45pm-4:15pm $12 Family,$5 Adults, $4 Child/Youth/Senior WINTER WONDERLAND: LAKE COWICHAN 5-8pm Cowichan Lake Sports Arena Enjoy skating, shinny hockey (helmets required), a fire on the ice, toboggan run, hot chocolate, and Santa at 7pm! Also Christmas crafts and concession in the Curling Lounge. $3, Family $10. 310 South Shore Rd, Lk Cowichan, 250-745-3712.

23 25 27

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH Seatings 12pm, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm. 140 Trans Canada Hwy, The Old Fork 250-597-3027 CHEMAINUS THEATRE FESTIVAL: THE 13 CLOCKS A KidzPlay Show Reading adaptec from the story by James Thurber, a Prince must unfreeze 13 clocks to rescue the Princess! Ages 8+. This is theatre without costumes or stage sets. 9737 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus. 250-246-9820.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY At the Chemainus Legion. Dance and enjoy the music of “Cat’s Meow Quartet” with vocalist Cynthia Davis. Doors open at 8pm, Music starts at 9pm, Night Lunch at 11pm. Tickets available 250-246-4532. NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE At the Youbou Hall, 9pm-2am. Ring in the New Year with music, dancing and fun! Ticket price includes noisemakers, hats, balloons and a midnight snack. Licensed, must be 19+. Tickets $12. 250-749-6742 or 250-745-3712.

JANUARY 1st GANTAN NEW YEAR’S DAY CEREMONY Nichiren Peace Center, 250-7107594 or visit www.VIReatreats.com ANNUAL MAPLE BAY POLAR BEAR SWIM 11am Maple Bay Rowing Club

Please send January events by December 12th to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Wishing you gifts of love, laughter and joy this holiday season.

Issue 61 DECEMBER 2013

Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 936 Arbutus Avenue, Duncan V9L 5X4 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Copy Editor Calendar Proofreader Distribution Maeve Maguire Diana Pink Linda Dirksengale Cindy Jolin Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 Next Ad Deadline December 12 for JANUARY HOROSCOPE ISSUE 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, space dependant and is prioritized by 1st sent, 1st printed. EVENTS DEADLINE November 15 for DECEMBER 2013 Issue E-mail Date,Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Please list event title in subject with the word “EVENT” Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations VALLEY VOICES IN THIS ISSUE Benni Kelly, David Feys, Lori Treloar, David Coulson, Christine Brown, Tracey Hanson, Mary Fox, Jen Coyle,Veronica Scott, Joan and Aubrey Cobham, Shauna Devlin, Paulina Kee, Swarn Leung, Heather Kaye, Grant M Waldman,Tracey Hanson, Paulette Tarnawski, Pauline Thompson, Julia Hendersen, Anne-Marie Koeppen, Leah Boisvert, Lynda Phelps, Linda Dirksengale, Karel Bossi, Jennifer Barnes van Elk, Michael Burdges, Tiffany Brawn, Gabrielle Lizée-Prynne, Sharon, Henry Landry, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store, Rick Dennis, & The Lovely Georgia Nicols. We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available. Submission deadline for January Issue, December 12. Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith,Victoria, Tofino and from the Victoria International Airport Arrivals Hall. Cover image: Kari Molti, Gingerbread Snowflakes

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN 2014

Our Community December Community Calendar 4-5 What’s Going On In Cowichan Bay 17 Holiday Happenings Around The Valley 18 DBIA Shopping Local 26-31 Time To Review Your Will 34 Anti Radiation Diet 36 Community Farm Store Pages 46-48 Cowichan Valley Feature Listings 52 Cowichan Valley Directory 54-55 Local Food and Drink Eye On Shawnigan 7 Feys & Hobbs Steamed Pudding Recipe 8 Holiday Baking in the Valley 10 Winemakers Picks for the Holidays 12 Island Farmhouse Poultry Recipe by Chef Benni Kelly 14 Cowichan Bay Seafood Holiday Cioppino 16 Community Cob Oven 35 Farm and Garden Healing at Hope Farm 53 Home & Design Designing Green: BC Hydro Rebates Are Back 32 Reno Rebate 33 Green Gift Wrapping Ideas 49 Local Arts December Music 20 Musical Gifts Of Experience 21 Out of Hand Craft Fair 25 Jewelry Artisans at Imagine That 30 6 Cowichan Valley Potters 38 December Arts News 41 Womens’ Features Holiday Looks With Mineral Cosmetics 41 Enterprising Women: Karel Bossi 43 Family What Would Ms Polly Do? 24 Holiday Tips For Dad 19 Making Sense of Anxiety in Children & Youth 50 Recreation, Pets & Healthy Living Horses, Health and Happiness 44 Body, Mind & Soul Meditation Moment 39 Where’s My Tribe? 49 Georgia Nicols December Horoscopes 51

2014 RATE CARDS NOW AVAILABLE

Contact Adrienne Richards

250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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

EYE ON Shawnigan Christmas Has Always Been A Special Occasion For Shawnigan Lake Lori Treloar, Curator Shawnigan Lake Museum

1900, the Koenig Hotel on the Shawnigan Village waterfront hosted the first Community Christmas In Tree event. In 1910, the celebration moved to the

Christmas in the Village Sunday, Dec 1 5pm - 7pm

brand new Shawnigan Lake Athletic Association building and the tradition continued for another 66 years. Every Christmas, supper, entertainment and games were provided for the children. There was a giant Christmas tree to delight the children and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus. For many years, every child, from infancy to 14 years old, received a present. In the fall, a committee of women from the village would canvass the area for donations and then draw up a shopping list of presents for each child. They would shop locally first and then make a trip to Victoria for the remainder of the list. Occasionally, an overnight stay in Victoria was required to complete the shopping. Sometime in the 1940s, the tradition of gifts was dropped from the festivities, and thereafter, the children received an orange and a bag of candy. After Christmas in 1976, it was decided that the village had outgrown the event. The number of children, which had swelled to 500-600, was beyond the regulation capacity of the hall. With the expanding population in the area, it was decided that the Community Christmas Tree event was more suited to a village and no longer applied to the larger community. Over the last thirty years, a community Christmas event has taken place in most years but sponsored by different groups and held in different places. For many of those years an outdoor Christmas tree on the corner of Shawnigan and Shawnigan-Mill Bay Roads was the focus for the Christmas celebration. Here, the community gathered to sing carols and to visit with Santa. Later, the celebration moved to Mason’s Store, again with a special tree and a visit from the jolly old elf. In addition, every year our Shawnigan firefighters provide the community with the much-anticipated Santa Run that brings Santa and his sleigh to local neighbourhoods on the top of a fire truck. For the past several years, the “Village Light Up”, sponsored by the S.L. Business Association, held early in December, has brought a community Christmas celebration back to the village. Food, music, a beautiful tree with lights and, of course, a visit with Santa makes this a special occasion to gather in the village with neighbours and friends. Join the “Christmas in the Village” celebration on December 1st from 5-7pm. Everyone is welcome!

Leave time for a tasty snack or hot chocolate after your holiday walk at the Kinsol Trestle. EVERYONE WELCOME! Photos with Santa, Crafts, Games, SLBA Hockey, Prizes, Food & Live Music (Pony Club with Foreign Roses opening) Please bring non-perishable food items, new, un-opened toys and games, coats, blankets or books to be picked up by the Food Bank.

Fresh, local &/organically sourced ingredients. Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

1845 Renfrew Road (250) 743-5515

www.gathersl.com

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

Open Daily from 11 AM,

Holiday Gift Certiﬁcates!, UK Candy, ﬁsh and chips, burgers etc.

2740 Dundas Road (250) 929-8886 www.villagechippery.com

Offering a Full Menu Open 8am-6pm Sun-Thurs/ 8am- 8pm Fri & Sat

2346 Shawnigan Lake Road 778 356 BUNS (2867)

Emmally’s Bakery and Cafe Ltd

Enjoy 2 for 1 Appetizers with this page. *Not valid with other offers.

2744 Shawnigan Lake Rd (250) 743-1887 www.steeplesrestaurant.ca

Feys+Hobbs Steamed Holiday Pudding Yield: 2-6 cup fluted kugel pans AMOUNT

INGREDIENTS

1 ¼ cups butter, plus additional for buttering pans 6 carrots, peeled and grated 2 potatoes, peeled and grated 1 cup honey ½ cup+ ½ cup brandy 2 tsp vanilla 4 eggs ½ tsp freshly ground nutmeg ½ tsp ground allspice 1 tbs ground cinnamon 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 ¼ cups golden sugar 1 cup each dried cranberry, figs, raisins and currants, coarsely chop the cranberries and figs ½ cup candied ginger, chopped Zest of one orange ¼ tsp salt (optional)

Method:

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Fresh salsa, hummus and pesto and a variety of sauces, sambals, mustards, vinaigrettes, pickles, chutney and jellies. Come shop at our newly opened Farm Store! Holiday Event Catering Services Now Available!

3880 Telegraph Road Cobble Hill, Cobble Hill

1.Choose a deep pot for steaming the puddings in, set empty tuna fish tin or other device to raise the kugel pan off the bottom. Test with the kugel pan that the lid will fit, and the pan sits well on the base. Fill pot with about 4-6” of water, cover and set on medium high heat to bring to a boil. Line pans with soft butter, set aside. 2. Melt butter in pan over med low heat, and cook until it browns.(watch carefully butter is quick to burn). 3. Combine browned butter, grated carrots and potatoes, honey, vanilla, ½ cup brandy and eggs in bowl. 4. In second bowl, combine spices, flour, baking soda, sugar, dried fruits and salt. Toss to mix. 5. Pour wet into dry ingredients, stir to blend well. 6. Divide into buttered pans. Cut a round of parchment paper and press onto the top of the batter. Cover with two layers of tinfoil. Tie a string round the outside and fashion a handle with string across the top. 7.Check boiling pot: if rolling at a hard boil, reduce to a simmer so there is a steady amount of steam. Set the prepared pans onto the rings and cover pot with a lid. Steam 1 hour and 20-35 minutes approx. until a skewer comes out clean. When cool, wrap the whole pan in plastic wrap, hold in a cool, dark place until ready to serve. 8. To serve: rebuild the steamer unit ahead of time. Just before you sit for your Holiday meal, bring the pot of water to a boil. Reduce heat again to create a steady gentle steam. Place pudding pan into steaming pot. Cover pot and allow to steam while you enjoy your holiday meal. Allow at least 45 minutes to heat through. 9. Carefully lift the pudd out of the steaming pot, unwrap the pudd. Loosen edges with a thin knife; place a plate on top and turn out, tapping the pan to ensure it falls onto plate. 10. In another small saucepan, heat the last ½ cup of brandy just until you can smell it. Take to tableside, and light the heat brandy in the pot, and pour it over the pudd as it flames. 11. Serve portions with vanilla crème fraiche.

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

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Can you smell it? No, not the wet dog! The smell of Christmas!

he smell of Christmas has to be one of the most familiar and comforting I know of, perhaps only comparable with the smell of a good roast in the oven. Forget gatherings and presents, it’s the smell of sweetness and delectable goodies that lead to stuffed bellies that make Christmas so memorable. But what’s in that smell? For me it’s my grandmother starting the baking for Christmas not too long after Thanksgiving and filling the house with a festive aroma. My grandmother often visited us for a couple of weeks at a time. Parents working, kids in school, she worked all day loading the freezer with goodness so we always had soups, cookies, stews and her famous donuts, on hand. For Christmastime, she would load us up on shortbreads, thimble cookies, gingerbreads, and more. Large bags of flour, pounds of butter, dried fruits, raisins, brown sugar and spices would be brought into the house. And from this pile would be made delights you could not eat just one of. Heaven. One Christmas, we were living in Toronto, and she was going to make a steamed pudding. The ingredient list was odd: potatoes, carrots, and–of all things–suet. I helped by grating the carrots and potatoes, and mixing the spices in. My grandmother had great intuition about her cooking; knowing her recipes inside out and she cooked and baked by feel. The palm of her hand served as her teaspoon and an old-fashioned teacup for larger measures. Well, a brown goopy batter laced with potatoes was produced. I was not sure if it was going to be appetizing. Into ceramic bowls, buttered wax paper on top, foil and string and set into a steaming pot. For hours

with so many overwhelming distractions that consume our time, especially round the holiday season, this kind of advance preparation is practical and nearly stress-free. A steamed pudding evokes the majesty of tradition and simpler times. The steamed pudding was originally a savory dish boiled in an animal intestine (think haggis) and evolved into the dessert pudding we know today. This etymological lesson illustrates puddings’ meatier past: the word pudding derives from the latin ‘botellus’ meaning sausage; became ‘boudin’ in French; and then some crafty Englishman made it ‘puddin’ – well, with a ‘g’ at the end. The invention of baking powder in Victorian times made it possible to make more cake-like puddings. Pudding basins, now making a fashionable comeback, first appeared in the early 1900s—thankfully the intestines have been tossed. On Christmas day, steamed pudding makes a show for the eyes and the stomach. Warmed again in gentle steam, turned out, it has darkened with age. It is flambéed adding a glow to your celebration table. How grand, oh, and is that melting butter on top? All things old are new again, and many of the treats we grew up eating have come full circle for us to enjoy and share with a younger generation. Steamed pudding is one of those. Nothing has been more oft requested in the past two years from our clients. So, we’ve made a steamed pudding. Not quite like Grandma’s but using her recipe as a base.

the pudding cooked, and the smell of holiday spices hung in the air. Something special was going to come out of that pot. Once cooked and cooled, it was doused with brandy, resealed, and put in the cupboard not to reappear until Christmas Day. Cross one task off the list of to-dos for the Christmas meal. Dessert, done. In today’s modern world,

Mysteaque Tea Farm tea. Maeve Maguire, Describe Writing Services

It takes some time to gather the ingredients and prepare, but it’s well worth it in the end. And remember, our kids will remember the smells of the festive season as part of their own traditions. Heaven. David is a retired professional chef who is pursuing his love of event planning and design. Certain clients keep pulling him back into the kitchen though, so he keeps his skills honed.

Holiday Baking Around the Valley Ensaymada. Similar to brioche,

• Sue from the Duncan Garage Cafe tells us that Christmas baking there begins in October, when they put together their special fruit mix used in all their fruitcakes and stollen. They offer 4 fruitcake varieties- dark, light, vegan, and chocolate. For cookies, you’ll find Gingerbread Persons, Jam Stars, Topolinos, Whipped Shortbread, Glutenfree Shortbread, Snowballs, and Gluten-free Pffeferneusse. Berry, Apple and Pumpkin Pie will be available to order with your choice of wheat, gluten-free or vegan spelt pastry. For the dinner table vegan spelt celebration rolls and butter rolls are available for order as well as Challah on Fridays. On 3 Saturdays (December 7, 14, 21) we’ll be baking Stollen offered in three marzipan levels: Single (3 oz marzipan,) double (6 oz, and the staff favourite level,) and triple (a whopping 9 oz of marzipan and Broa a traditional Portuguese polenta-and-wheat flour bread. On 4 Sundays (Dec 1, 8, 15, 22) they’ll have Gluten Free Limpa baked with an amazing spice blend and combination of gluten free flours. 330 Duncan St, Downtown Duncan 250 7486223

• Cherry’s Bakehaven will be baking Stollen, Ube Cake, a delicous Filipino traditional purple yam cake, and

Ensaymada is made of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, yeast, milk and potato. It is brushed then dipped in sugar and topped with grated cheese . It is similar to Brioche. Ensaymada is very popular among Filipinos especially during Christmas time.These sweet and luscious treats can be served singally or shared. Great served at tea time, for dessert or just as a snack. A2-5838 Trans Canada Hwy, 250-597-3774 (by the Cowichan Aquatic Centre)

• Heike from Westfalian Bakery located in Downtown Duncan will be offering special Christmas cookies and their traditional Christmas Stollen. 187 Kenneth St, Duncan, 250-746-4622 Sara and Ashley from Birds Eye Cove Farm are offering Build Your Own selection of Christmas baking, made from scratch using the finest ingredients including their own farm raised free range, nonGMO eggs. * Half a dozen of each item of your choosing will be added to your holiday tray. Choose from the Classic Gingersnap, Shortbread Cookies, Gingerbread Men, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows. All of the above 6 for 6.50 Plus the following extra special treats are $7.50 for Turtle Cookies, Pecan Squares and Vanilla Sugar Twits “The Sugar Twits are a classic baked good straight from my childhood, full of butter, vanilla bean, sugar and reminiscent of a puff pastry with flaky layers.” Orders must be placed by December 16th and picked up by December 20th. 5881 Genoa Bay Road, Duncan, 250 748-6379

Eat, Drink and Buy Local

2011 Symphony Aromas of cooked red fruit and hints of resonant herbs, give way to earthy layers, flavours of plum, and subtle spice. A blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet-Libre, Symphony celebrates union to achieve a wine that is both balanced & elegant., $22.90, Unsworth Vinyards The 2010 growing season was cool and ideal for sparkling wine production. The Classico Sparkling Pinot Gris made the perfect cuvee (base wine) with natural crisp acidity. The second fermentation was completed in bottle in our cellar. After disgorging the resulting sparkling wine carries the flavours and aromas of our terroir. The resulting fine persistent bubbles are achieved through the traditional methode champenoise. $28.50, Cherry Point Estate Wines

Silverside Farm & Winery has a great selection of dinner wines that will pair wonderfully with your holiday meals. Come and taste our award winning Tayberry as an excellent choice for dinner. It is an intense wine with a logan berry flavour. The tart finish will complement the turkey flavour as wonderfully as cranberry does. In addition, we offer a variety of three types of our “Port Style” dessert wines to complete a gourmet experience. Choose your favourite- is it Wild Blackberry. Blueberry, or Raspberry? “Come Savour our Berry Flavours!” Have a taste at the event on December 7th. All bottles $20, Silverside Farm and Winery

Keep It Local! Blue Grouse’s 2009 Pinot Noir was hand-selected by chef Rob Harrison of Rushton’s Catering to feature with his dish at the Gold Medal Plates’ Canadian Culinary Awards in Regina, Saskatchewan. The wine was named 1st Runner Up for Best of Show by the panel of judges. National wine advisor and competition judge, David Lawrason, described the Pinot Noir as ‘surprisingly deep yet piquant’. Aged in older French Oak barrels, this vintage exhibits elegant notes of ripe black cherry, raspberry and clove with a silken texture and sultry notes of chocolate and spice on the finish. This sophisticated wine is well suited for light cuisines such as salmon, chicken or turkey and is an ideal companion for traditional pasta dishes. $23, Blue Grouse Winery

SEASON’S GREETINGS! DECEMBER HOURS Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11AM-5PM

4365 BLUE GROUSE ROAD, DUNCAN WINERY PHONE: 250.743.3834 INFO@BLUEGROUSEVINEYARDS.COM

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

Winemakers Picks

Rocky Creek Winery’s Pinot is recognized as one of the best reds on the island. It has a sultry aroma and finishes off with a hint of black pepper. There is cherry fruit but also hints of cloves and pepper. A versatile red that goes with everything including holiday turkey and ham. “ A treat well worth searching for” Jurgen Gothe, Georgia Straight “89 Pts” – John Schreiner. Pricing varies at retail outlets. Special holiday pricing in the Tasting Room. TastingRoom open Fridays and Saturdays until Dec 21st. Rocky Creek Winery,

Glenora Fantasia Brut Made in the traditional method, this sparkling wine has been aged on the lees for a minimum of two years. We use 100% Cayuga grapes, gently pressed immediately upon harvest to produce this very unique sparkling wine. The result is a bouquet of green apples carried through in the small persistent bubbles. Zanatta Winery, $26.95 Winter Apple Cider – A fresh and velvety sipping drink with an aroma of baked apples and buttery brown sugar. Serve this “apple pie in a bottle” straight, in the tradition of the finest ports, and pair with cheddar or blue cheese, melons, fruits, desserts, and dark chocolate. Sipping on the new Stair’s Pear Brandy is exactly like biting into a fresh pear – Exquisite. Aged in oak for 6 years, this is the oldest pear brandy made in Canada. Winter Apple Cider $38 per bottle Stairs Pair Brandy $25 per bottle, Merridale Cider

Saturday, December 7th 5 - 9 pm

OPEN HOUSE

We would like to give you a taste of our products as our thank you for your support this past year. Come join us at Silverside Farm & Winery and try our unique and fabulous berry wines along side some of Hilary’s cheese or for those with dessert in mind we have “Port Style” Dessert wines that pair deliciously with our local Rembrandt’s Chocolate. If you are looking for gift ideas, come check out the Wine and Cheese baskets or some of the divine chocolate boxes from Rembrant’s Chocolatiers. In the spirit of giving... donations for the food bank would be gratefully accepted. Holiday Shopping Hours: Dec. 18 - 23rd. 12-5 pm Dec. 28 -30 12 - 5 pm Dec. 24 & Dec. 31st 11 - 3 pm 3810 Cobble Hill Road Closed January. We will re-open 250 743 -9149 Sat. Feb. 1st. 11 - 4 pm . Venturi-Schulze’s Brut Naturel 2009 is a delicious dry bottle fermented sparkling, tiny creamy bubbles, no sulphites or other preservatives added. It pairs well with all manner of appetizers and main courses, including turkey, and a natural for New Year’s Eve! $32 for full bottle, $18.90 for half bottles. Venturi- Schulze

‘Rhubé Lavande’ is a table wine made with Damali farm rhubarb and a subtle hint of lavender. The natural tartness associated with rhubarb is beautifully balanced and presented in an off dry style. Rhubé excites the palate and pairs well with spicy foods including tuna tataki, Thai food and curries. An extremely versatile wine, it also is a great accompaniment to turkey and other poultry dishes. $21/bottle, $227 per case Damali Farm and Winery

Margot Page’s animal themed enamel on steel magnets, from Imagine That! Artisans Co-op, Heather Kay CGC

store, stocked with many ideas to help in your gift-giving this season, from culinary treats, unique art, and of course….our very own ciders and spirits that you know and love. The store is open seven days a week from 11am – 5pm.

Enchanting Christmas Orchard Walk

“It’s fresher from here”

Crispy Confit Chicken Leg and Pesto Squash Risotto

Thursday to Sunday Evenings Until January 5th

Submitted by Chef Benni Kelly, Merridale Bistro

Amount

SANTA at merridale December 1 4 -6pm 1431 Merridale Road Cobble Hill www.merridale.com

Imagine twinkling lights on the trees, perhaps a dusting of snow on the orchard floor and a cup of mulled cider to warm the soul. Our Christmas Orchard Walk will surely enchant the whole family, but also provide romantic overtures for couples looking for a sentimental stroll. Along the lit path, you will encounter familiar favourites such as Santa’s Workshop, elf helpers, Frosty, Rudolph and many more surprises. Wear mitts and boots to keep warm The journey begins at the ciderhouse, where you will be provided with a map to guide you. Mulled cider and goodies are available for purchase and packaged “to go”. When you return from the orchard, gather your family and friends in the bistro for a delicious and affordable family-style meal. And be sure to pop into the farmhouse

For Chicken

OUR Advent Feast Saturday December 7 Tour 1pm/5pm Dinner 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd, Shawnigan Lake 250-743-3067 www.ourecovillage.org

Join us in celebrating the winter holidays and the soft opening of OUR Zero-Mile Meal Eatery at OUR Advent Feast on Saturday December 7. A skill share starts at 1pm followed by a tour, appies, and dinner at 5 with casual holiday carolling after the local foods feast. New sustainers (who contribute monthly to the day-to-day running of the Village) receive this event free with their first month’s donation. $0–20. www.ourecovillage. org or info@ourecovillage. org for more info and to sign up.

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

Now serving Nani’s Secret speciality condiments! To book events call 250 732-5250 depotdawgs@gmail.com

4 4 to 5 Cups 2 Tablespoons ½ tsp 1 large

Ingredients Island Farmhouse Chicken Legs Canola Oil to fully submerge legs Salt for dry curing Crushed Black Pepper Bay Leaf Crushed in hand

For Roasted Squash, Pesto and Kalamata Olive Risotto 400g 2 tbls 1 2 2 Cups 1 ltr 2 Cups 6 Tbs p 6 Tbs[ 1 small

1 Cup To Taste

Risotto Rice Olive oil Onion finely chopped Garlic cloves finely chopped White Wine Stock (i.e. Chicken or veg) Parmesan, freshly grated Butter (cold diced) Pesto Butternut Squash diced and roasted Kalamata olives (optional) Salt and pepper

Method

1. Before cooking rub chicken with Salt, Pepper and Bay leaf. Set aside on plate in refrigerator and cover with saran wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. 2. Pre heat oven to 350 f. This is a quicker version of conﬁt for the home chef. Brush excess salt and spices off chicken. 3. Place chicken legs in baking dish, submerged in oil and bake in oven for 1 hour or until soft and tender. Let chicken cool in oil on counter until needed. 4. Heat a large pot on high heat. Add oil, onions, garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Deglaze with white wine and stir until absorbed. 6. Turn heat down to low and start adding stock 1 cup at a time, each time waiting for the stock to be absorbed while stirring before adding the next cup of stock. 7. When stock is all but gone and the risotto has a lovely creamy look, stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until well combined. 8. To ﬁnish risotto stir in pesto, squash and olives and season with salt and pepper to taste. 9. Turn oven to 400 f. Once chicken has cooled remove from oil and drain excess oil. Place chicken legs on a lined baking tray skin side up and place in oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until skin is crispy and golden. 11. Serve risotto in large bowl and place crispy leg on top. Pairs well with Merridale’s Stair’s Pear Brandy.

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

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

Eat, Drink & Buy Local

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SPOT PRAWNS • DINE IN AND MORE! Winter Hours

West Coast Cioppino Serves 3-5 People Perfect for Entertaining over the Holidays Base:

1 1 1Cup 3 Tbsp 2 Tbsp

Onion, medium diced Garlic bulb, minced Fennel, small dice Extra Virgin Olive Oil Smoked Paprika, hot or sweet 1 Tbsp Dried Thyme 1 Cup Red Wine 1 Litre Halibut Stock 1 Large can Diced Tomatoes 1 Bay Leaf 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley Salt and pepper to taste

Before Serving: 1/2 LB 1/2 LB 1/4 LB 1/4 LB 1/4 LB 1/4 cup 1 Tbsp

Mussels Clams Shrimp or prawns Scallops Fish of your choice, chunked Fresh tomato, small dice Fresh herbs

Open Wed - Sunday Closed Mon & Tues 10 am to 6pm

Method The base for this hearty Italian style seafood soup or stew can be made ahead and frozen, thaw, reheat and add the seafood and fresh herbs and tomatoes when you’re ready to eat. In a large heavy bottom pot on low heat cook the onion, garlic and fennel in the olive oil until it is aromatic. Stir in the Smoked Paprika, this is available in Hot or Sweet and the recipe will work with either depending on your preference. Continue to cook until the paprika begins to brown slightly. Add the dried thyme. Add the red wine, bring to a boil and reduce by 1/3. Add the halibut stock, canned tomatoes and bay leaf, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the fresh parsley, salt and pepper. If you are making this ahead you can remove from heat and cool completely at this time. When ready to serve bring the base back to a boil and add your clams and mussels, cover and cook until opened. Add the remaining seafood items and cook for 1 minute. Add the fresh herbs and tomatoes right before serving. Spoon into bowls and serve with fresh bread. The seafood items are suggestions based on our favourites but anything goes based on your imagination!

1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

250-748-0020 E-mail: info@cowichanbayseafood.com

$5 APPETIZERS

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!

LOCATED AT BLUENOSE MARINA

COWICHAN BAY VILLAGE

250-597-4353

NEWLY RENOVATED • NEW MENU

Fat Chili Farm Opens Farm Store Fat Chili Farm is pleased to announce the opening of a new farm store at 3880 Telegraph Road in Cobble Hill where you can sample fresh hummus, salsas, pestos hot sauce, sambals and mustards. They have great ideas for stocking fillers and fresh platters for holiday parties. Visit the store anytime before December 22nd and enter our draw for

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

Gina of Community Kitchens shows Renaissance Woman Linda how to light a fire in the oven part of the community oven. Image Heather McLeodd

Centennial Park’s Cob Oven: A Recipe for Community

n a brisk Sunday afternoon, a small coterie of Renaissance Women, a local Cowichan Valley group dedicated to re-skilling, gathered to learn how to use the new cob oven at Duncan’s Centennial Park. Perhaps it was the smell of our handcrafted pizzas - Maeve’s quinoa dough combined with goat cheese, local bacon, Makaria farm squash and garlic, and kale - wafting through the park or maybe it was the camaraderie, laughter, and busyness that captured people’s attention as our group waltzed about the open-air kitchen stoking the fires, stirring soup or taking pizzas in and out of the oven. Either way, by the time we were taking our first bites, we had several curious onlookers. The kitchen, an initiative of Cowichan Community Kitchens (CCK) was designed to do just that. “The cob oven naturally draws people in,” explained our guide for the day, CCK’s Gina Talbot. “And, being located in a busy family park where there are community gardens and an active seniors complex is the perfect place to cook and share food with others.” While the kitchen is wonderfully functional for groups of all sizes, it is also beautiful to look at. A huge marble slab prep surface buts into the cobwork which is adorned with intricate tile artwork. The oven, cast iron

grill, and single cob burner are heated by rocket stoves, a super-efficient cooking system that burns kindling in a simple chamber containing a chimney and a secondary air supply which ensures the wood has almost completely combusted prior to the flames reaching the cooking surface. The oven reaches 500 degrees in less than 30 minutes and the high heat makes quick baking for pizzas and breads. There is no formal charge to use the oven; a small insurance fee, appropriate paperwork from Island Health if you intend to share or sell the food to others outside your group, a basket full of dry kindling and a suggested donation to CCK and is about all that is required to get you going. Accessibility is, after all, a key mission of CCK. A community volunteer will train you on your first use, including how to properly clean the surfaces and get the fires lit. At least one person in the group is required to have a valid Food Safe certificate. Above all, make a little extra food as there is sure to be someone wandering through who would like to have a taste. Heather Kaye, is supervisor for Kin Park Youth Urban Farm. She lives with her family on Maple Mountain.

Your One Stop Source for Computer Help in the Cowichan Valley Computer Consulting | Software Sales Computer Repair and Maintenance Computer Training

Phone: 250-929-1199 E-mail: ian@sentinelridgeconsulting.com Web: www.sentinelridgeconsulting.com

I love the Glenora Christmas Fair for handmade and organic food gifts, Linda Dirksengale,Cowichan Valley Voice

Festive Fun In December

St. Joseph’s Christmas Bazaar Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair Saturday December 7 9am-3pm FREE 1843 Tzouhalem Rd Duncan www.providence.bc.ca

Imagination Station In Cowichan Bay through the Spinning Ninny hobbit door you’ll find a new neighbourhood location for holiday creation! Make your own Cards, participate in the daily craft, take how- to-art lessons and have fun being creative. We have all the tools you need all you have to bring is some imagination. Be inspired 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at the farm full of vibrant crafters, farm products, hayrides and photos with Santa taken by professional photographer Al Burnet. Farm Crafts will be for sale in the St Ann’s building – follow the path through the candy cane gardens. We will be selling woodworking, Christmas baking, farm preserves, an assortment of hand crafted products from the textile program including reversible children’s dresses, Christmas cactus hanging baskets and hand painted Faberge eggs great gifts or ornaments for the tree. In addition there will be a wide range of local crafters selling a variety of hand crafted items including, felted hats, soaps, baking, woodcrafts, blown glass jewelry and pottery just to name a few. Christmas trees will also be available. Choose from balsams and firs. And of course refreshments and hearty lunches from the Providence Farm kitchen will be served all day.

Saturday, December 7 10am-3pm FREE 9735 Elm St, Chemainus Join us for a magical event! Shop under one roof and support our school’s local crafters, merchants and artisans. Stock your freezer with home made Christmas treats to share with family and friends this season.The traditional “children store” will be open for kids only. Children can shop for parents, siblings, family members, friends and teachers. All gifts are appropriate, affordable and wrapped with love. And of course a special visitor will be at the photo booth.

Maple Bay Sail Past

Sunday, December 8 9am-3pm FREE Leaves Maple Bay Yacht Club 6:30pm To join 250 746 4670 Boats in the sail past ‘Carols Afloat’ are scheduled to leave leave the dock from the Maple Bay Yacht Club at 6:30pm lead by the 120’ sailing vessel, HMCS’Oriolle’> Boats will sail down in to Bird’s Eye Cove, then turn and come back out into Maple Bay,

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

heading along the shore to almost Arbutus point and then back in to ‘mill’ around in front of the Maple Bay Rowing Club. Santa Claus comes ashore here with candy canes for the kids. Anyone wishing to decorate their boat and join in.are most welcome. Contact Scott McIvor for more details.

There will also be an outdoor barbecue, so bring warm clothes! This family-friendly event will be held at Glenora Farm.For more information please call 250-715-1559 or email Lynda Phelps at events_itaweg@shaw.ca

Glenora Farm Christmas Fair

Sunday December 15 11- 4pm FREE 4766 Waters Rd, Duncan 250 715 1559 Experience the true Christmas magic, when things were simpler and gifts came from the heart. Our big house will surround you with the scent of evergreens, the warmth of home-cooked food, the light of candles and the music and songs of bygone Christmases. As you wander from room to room, there will be gifts galore, all handmade by local crafters - beeswax candles, handweaving, crystals, jewellery, toys, musical instruments, children’s clothing, artwork, and fragrant herbal and body care products. The very popular goat cart rides for the children will here again this year.

Winter Wonderland Island Savings Centre Sunday December 22 1pm - 2:30pm or 2:45pm to 4:15pm

Bring the whole family down for a fun, festive themed skate. Arts & crafts, crazy carpet slide, fish pond, shinny hockey and a fireplace on the ice! $12 Family/ $5 Adlts, $4 Child/Youth/Senior

Winter Wonderland Cowichan Lake Arena Monday December 23 6-8pm Santa 7pm

On ice fun for the entire family including a toboggan run, fire on the ice, skating, shinny hockey (helmets required please) one free hot chocolate for each person and then........SANTA arrives at 7pm!

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

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

instrument making classes; mandolin, 250-749-6563 violin and carving zakviolins@shaw.ca classes. www.zakviolins.com

• Full Hair and Esthetics Services • Joico hair color and products

Join us for a relaxing ZEN EXPERIENCE • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist • All natural facials & peels

Gifts Certiﬁcates Available! Give the gift of pampering!

Direct Equitable Fair Trade

december music Mondays

6:30pm -8pm 5 Rhythms with Shauna Devlin

Tuesdays

Parent and Child Music and Movement Class 9:15 - 10:15 am

$15 - $20/class per family

Lila Family Choir 4:15 - 5:15pm

$10 - $20 per family per week

6:45 - 8pm Somatics with Judy Lamontagne

Christmas Cirque The Port Theatre Nanaimo What Tchaikovsky does for the ears, Cirque de la Symphonie does for the eyes in their exciting return visit to Nanaimo (after last year’s sold out performances). In this colourful festive celebration, world class aerialists, acrobats, dancers, contortionists and jugglers present breath-taking, jawdropping performances above and on stage while the VI Symphony performs all-time Christmas favourites – The Skater’s Waltz, highlights from the Nutcracker and Swan Lake, Sleigh Ride, Polar Express Suite, Little Bolero Boy, and Deck the Halls. Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 7, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, The Port Theatre, Nanaimo, 1 250-754-8550

costume designers, visually create the imaginative world of fairy tales. Directors Tilly Lorence & Michelle Tremblay, and music director Laura Cardriver, combine their talents of music and story telling techniques to create a memorable experience with the participation of 27 local youth actors. Age recommendation: 8+ December 6th at 7:30pm, December 7th at 1:30pm and 7:30pm $22 adult/ $18 student Brentwood College School’s T. Gil Bunch Centre for Performing Arts, 250 743-8756

Wednesdays Lila Choir

9:30 am - 11am or 6:30 - 8pm $10 -$15 per class

Vocal Improvisation

Mezzo Soprano Erin Ronningen Visits FromToronto

8pm - 9:30pm $10 -$15 class

Thursdays

6 - 9pm - once a month

the HEart of Community - with David Weinstock

Fridays Threshold Singers 9:30 am - 11am $10 -$15 per class

5 pm- 7pm The music of Capoeira with Federico Vallin $10

Lila Music Centre

3228A GIBBINS RD, DUNCAN

250 701 0978

www.joythroughmusic.com *All classes sliding scale. No one turned away due to lack of funds.

Family Musical Theatre Into The Woods A musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, is based on four familiar fairy tales: “Cinderella”, “Rapunzel”, “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Little Red Riding Hood”. In the show Sondheim & Lapine develop several themes and characters through text, music and use of fairy tales motifs. The themes of “Into the Woods” include: taking responsibility, ambivalences of right and wrong, opportunism, and lessons that pass from parents to children. James O’Leary and Helga Trinczek, professional set and

Back from Toronto for 3 Vancouver Island performances. Cobble Hill native, Erin Ronningen will be singing Mezzo Soprano in the Messiah in Nanaimo on the December 15th with the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra. If you can’t make the Nanaimo show see her in Cobble Hill as she will be performing works by Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, Pucini and more with pianist Emily Armour. Music for A Monday Evening will be at St. John’s Anglican Church, 3295 Cobble Hill Road, Cobble Hill, 7pm, December 16. Admission by donation. * Erin will also be peforming on Thursday, December 19th 8pm at Hermann’s Jazz Club 753 View St, Victoria with the Tom Vickery Trio Tom Vickery, Sean Drabbit and Kelby MacNayr. Cover $10 Reserve advance tickets by calling 250-388-9166.

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

musical gifts of experience

Award Winning Drummer Teaches New Rhythms Winner of the drum solo competition at last year’s Victoria Drum Festival. Allan Cameron teaches drumset and percussion to adults and children of all ages. He specializes in Afro-Cuban percussioncongas, bell patterns, clave, timbales and more. How about an opportunity to finally bang on a drumset! Great gift idea for those who love the drums. Allan can help everyone follow the beats to favourite rock, funk, jazz, blues, country, New Orleans, Afro-Beat, hip-hop and reggae tunes. For Latin lovers, learning Samba, Bossa Nova and Afro-Cuban

can be fun. Students will learn beats and grooves, fills and to read music. Students can also learn how to play to recorded music and loops via electronic sequencer and computer programs. Studio Lessons start at 1/2 hour: $20, 45 minutes: $30, 1 hour: $40 for individuals. (at my studio in Duncan) Home lessons $50/hour 250 737 1757 www.allancamerondrummer.com

Fine Instrument Making With Luthier Zak Stolk Zak Stolk originally from the Netherlands, learned from his father at a very young age how to build, carve and do just about anything with wood using hand tools and time honored techniques. Over the next 50 years, Zak an Artisan in his own right with a style all his own, would continue to create many public wood sculptures and carvings, heirloom fine furniture, cabinetry and fine interior woodwork. He has also designed and planned the architecture of magnificent Homes. For the past 25 years Zak has also been known for his beautiful String Instruments. Having trained under a Cremona Trained Luthier, Zak creates exquisite Violins, Cellos, Double Bass, Mandolins, Harps, as well as string instruments from a variety of other countries. Zak is now sharing his expertise and skills by holding instrument making classes as well as carving classes at his home in Lake Cowichan. “ I look forward to my weekly class where we spend hours with Zak in his workshop.” shares Marsha Champoux. “I am making a violin.

At the beginning, all the tools are provided and directions given on the selection of the appropriate tools for the trade.” Stephane her partner is a guitar player and is learning how to make a custom mandolin. “Our biggest take away from our lessons is learning how woodworking tools are used, the properties of the wood we use and the assembly. We have gained much experience during each of our sessions in the proper handling of tools (planes, gouges, scrapers, finishing techniques, etc.) and how to measure the quality of our work technically and intuitively.” Stephane Champoux says. As students of Zak themselves, they think that giving someone the experience of learning the skills of how to carve their own beautiful violin or mandolin is so valuable. For more information about pricing, schedules and lessons availalable contact Zak at zakviolins@shaw.ca 250-749-6563 www.zakviolins.com

Drum Lessons with Allan Cameron

Specializing in Rock, Funk, Latin & Jazz Drumset and Afro-Cuban Percussion. GREAT EXPERIENCE GIFT IDEA!

For more info 250 737 1757 or visit allancamerondrummer.com

5 Rhythms® Duncan and Salt Spring Island

Yoga To Raise Funds For The Philippines December 15 10am Cowichan Yogis! Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 15th when we will all come together to practice yoga and chanting to honour and support the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. With Sadie, Asrael, and Paulina leading our practice, this is guaranteed to be a heartfull event ♥. Admission is by donation. All proceeds will be donated to a relief fund. Stay for tea and conversation after class. For more info FB Yoga for the Philippines 10am - 12:30pm Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay 1681 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay

As we enter the winter months there is a natural turing inward that occurs. Following Nature’s wisdom, we can tune into the gift of darkness that winter offers. This is a time when we can rest and renew, take time to explore our relationship to ourselves. Dive into our own darkness and discover our light, “you have to kick at the darkness ‘till it bleeds daylight.” (Bruce Cockburn) For me, consciences free dance offers the same exploration. And when we come together to dance

we create a space of connection, where we see that we are not alone in our darkness but together. Transformation Through Dance with Shauna Devlin. Sunday classes are held once a month on Salt Spring Island and in Duncan. We will use the map of the 5Rhythms®, a dancing meditation practice, where we come to dance deeply together tapping into a connection to ourselves, to the other and finding our place in community. No experience is needed, there are no steps to follow. Wear loose clothing and bring a water bottle. 5Rhythms Weekly Class For Newcomers & Fanatics, Mondays, 6:30-8:15pm, The Red Cloud Yurt at Lila Music, 3228 Gibbons Road, Duncan $13. 5Rhythms Sunday Morning Sweat, December 15 10am-Noon, The Chapel at Providence Farm Duncan, and December 22 The Art Barn, 150 Suffolk Road Salt Spring Island 10am-Noon. For more info visit www.shaunadevlin.com

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

Celebrate Solstice With Music Join Cari Burdett (voice) and Sara Marreiros (voice) with special guests Richard Moody (violin), Corbin Keep (cello), Marilyn Rummel (harp), Marisa Jackson (dance), Adrian Dolan (multi). The range of talent in this ensemble is exciting and inspiring! Check out the website for more info and links to each artist. www.joythroughmusic.com Not to be missed! Bringing together ancient traditional acapella songs from around the world, to all time jazz classics, a little gypsy violin, romantic harp, a ribbon of dance interweaved throughout, the lush sounds of the cello and two beautiful singers - this concert will bring you to tears and have you dancing in your seats with laughter from the pure joy. The last 2 years have been sold out with great feedback for it to continue as a tradition in the Valley! Thank you for the ongoing support! This production is brought to you from the same group that created the sold out music -dance show - Red Blue Yellow! Come along and enjoy the darkest night of the year in style, community, comfort and joy and let your inner light shine brightly! Winter Solstice Music Cabaret Concert, December 21 3pm/7pm Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan – Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay, For Ticket info visit FB Page website or call 250-701-0978 or buy at Ten Old Books, The Ridge and Lila Music Centre$15 Adv/ $20 Door/ $10 Children/Need

A Perfect Night At The Chemainus Theatre Festival

Imagine entering a large seasonallyappointed restaurant, with attractive waiters and waitresses efficiently seeing to your every wish. Imagine further a buffet table that would rival the best, thanks to Chef Stephen Hewson. With a rhubarb & lavender wine from Damali Winery of Cobble Hill, and a lavish selection of musical treats courtesy of Dwight Siemens throughout the meal. It can’t get better than this. Such I thought as I entered. I was wrong. From the moment brilliant pianist Nico Rhodes began the opening scoffs of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue”, with his equally capable bassist Marisha Devoin and Alicia Murray, drums, I was hooked. Peter Jorgensen’s cleverly chosen songs for the story “It’s a Wonderful Life” unfolded more naturally than the movie. Mark Eugster (lighting), Marshall McMahen (set), Paul Tedeshini (Sound) with Jessica Bayntun (Costumes), combined to create the perfect background for a perfect Musical. David Marr, an excellent choice, played Narrator and Clarence the Angel striving to earn his wings. Becky Hachey (Violet), Alison MacDonald (Mary Bailey) and Barbara Pollard (Mrs. Bailey) presented three heartwarming and convincing roles with excellent singing and acting. Renowned Canadian actor, Jeff Hyslop was outstanding as Uncle Billy. David Leyshon as George Bailey, gave a commanding AUTHENTIC GREEK DINING performance in this demanding role. The children performed over their age level. It’s a Wonderful Life is a production, Souvlaki • Tzatziki • Donair • Kalamaria well not to be missed! Submitted by Joan and Aubrey Cobham • Dolmades • Pizza • Salads and More! It’s A Wonderful Life has been held over till December 31st! Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820 Visit www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca for more information, show times and ticket availability.

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arel Bossi is dedicated to supporting local artisans and home based business entrepreneurs. Next To Nature Trading, the cute little log hut at Whippletree Junction specializes in a great selection of hand crafted, artisan goods. “ I choose products which are fun, functional and universal. Everyone loves comfort! So our sheepskin slippers and mohair socks are popular gifts. I also carry stained glass and crystals. One can never have too many crystals.” smiles Karel. The shop also stocks mindfully chosen fair trade products such as the popular warm, fleece lined, Kyber sweaters from Nepal. These warm sweaters feature reflective fibers - warm, fashionable and promotes safety for dog walkers! Other items:puzzles, bees wax candles, incense, humorous cards, dream catchers, ladies accessories, pottery and more. Readers with a sweet tooth might already be familiar with Karel’s other venture Beaverhouse Fudge. In operation for almost 15 years, her fudge is now found province wide and reaches as farm north as Prince George! Gift packages can be sent across North America via their webstore www.beaverhousefudge.com. Her best seller is Pumpkin Fudge and for chocolate lovers only award winning Swiss chocolate is used in their fudges. Other ingredients include Avalon Dairy certified organic cream and butter, high quality spices and organic peanut butter. “Many of the nuts and fruits come from farms in BC and we support BC agriculture wherever possible.” shares Karel proudly. Until Christmas, fudge fans can buy Egg Nog, Candy Cane and Pumpkin Fudge and extra chocolate flavours- Swiss Hazelnut, Ebony Bliss, Wild Bolivian, (high quality dark chocolate made with native harvested cocoa from the Amazon Basin in Bolivia). “I feel strongly that the economic base of our province and country depends on the support and expansion of small businesses, keeping control of production at home and building strong, self-sufficient communities.” If you’ve never visited Next To Nature at Whippletree, you’ll soon find out why the shop is a destination for travellers coming south from Victoria, or Next To Nature from the north island. That little log Whippletree Junction cabin is one of the Cowichan Valley’s 4715 Trans Canada Hwy best kept secrets for gifts and the Duncan, BC freshest most delicious fudge in beaverhousefudge.com Canada.

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

foundation powders. They can add subtle light reflective finishes – just perfect for festive parties. Don’t forget the nails! Some wintery nail polish colours include berry tones, gold sparkle, greens and icy blues and silvers.

Holiday Worthy Looks with Mineral Cosmetics

ven the best quality makeup won’t be appealing on skin that’s dry and flaky. Cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin to create a foundation for beautiful makeup applications.

Kick the “smoky eye” technique up a notch using a touch of metallic, but don’t mix your metals; silver is cool, flattering fair fair and lighter skin while gold is warm and looks best on olive and darker skin tones.

December makeup bags should include some “go for it” holiday looks. It’s a time for glamour and even a little drama. Shiny, jewel tone micas and pigments help create your special holiday shadows and nail colours.

The holidays are a fun time to add a little sparkle to your look. If using glitter, use products with very small flecks for the most flattering outcomes. Avoid large fleck glitters as it is easy to overdo it. Try highlighting radiance using mineral

Mineral cosmetics are formulated without chemicals, fillers or synthetics, they are flattering, versatile, lightweight and irritant free so even sensitive and mature skin wear it well. Come learn more wearable organic skin care and mineral cosmetics lines created right here in the Cowichan Valley by Christine Brown. Try some on at Luxe Organics at Whippletree Junction.

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Yule Make A Difference

By Jen Coyle

Image C McCulloch

hether you want to like it or lump it, consumers shape the world. And whether you know it or not, how each dollar is spent today, is a vote in deciding what your community will look like in five years. For example, as we approach the Christmas season, if you are one to favour online shopping for a certain product, then you are in essence, advocating a community without that kind of shop. And to build onto that thought, if enough people share your preference, it soon may become a scary reality. Our lives are gradually becoming busier all the time, and the argument for this new way of spending your hard earned money is convenience. But is it? Is it convenient to not have awareness of what can be found in your own community, or how your dollars ensures the economic viability of our Valley? There are more and more independently owned business starting up their own online services to try and gain a foothold within that sector of electronic commerce, so why not start your Google

search here, where we live? Look up Area 51 on Station Street, or Wall Street Clothing on Craig, for example. We had some friends stay with us from Ireland this past Summer, and we took pride in being able to point them out to specific shops that carried exactly what they were looking for. He’s a salmon fishing

fanatic, who could not wait to check out our Cowichan River & Pacific Ocean, so we knew that Bucky’s Sport Shop on Craig Street would be perfect, and his artist wife wanted to grab some sketching supplies, which she found on Station Street, at Scott’s Toys & Hobbies. They were genuinely impressed with not only the selection and variety we have in our local

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

businesses, but the focus we had on keeping our money where we live. With the cost of fuel, concern for the environment and the carbon footprint that we leave, shopping locally is ever more critical. And living in the Cowichan Valley we are truly blessed with the abundance of products and services available to us. Personally, as much as I like doing online research for what’s available in the Valley, I find you just can’t beat finding that special item all on your own, strolling through a store and waiting for that moment of discovery and triumph. When something jumps out at you that practically screams the name

aloud, of the person it should belong to! “DAVE!” (Oh come on….we all have a Dave in our lives. Or two, or seven…) The excitement in knowing the thought and care you took in choosing something so suited for that friend or family member, will be recognized for your purposeful choice. The gift of giving. I treasure and relive those moments every time I see that purchase, whether it’s something they wear, or have placed somewhere in their home. (And hopefully it’s not what ‘Dave’ brought out ahead of time, knowing you’re coming for a visit!) This power to purchase, is even greater than just helping to

define the contents of a few of your favourite stores. Healthy businesses attract others that cater to the customer base that is reflected in the existing stores. There are so many examples of that in our downtown! The Duncan Garage Café, Ten Old Books and the Community Farm Store on Duncan Street. How about Martin’s Menswear and Outlooks for Men on Station Street? For the local art procurers, there’s Station Street Gallery, Judy Hill Gallery and Excellent Frameworks, all on Station Street. What you support will grow. It’s important to realize how the success from excellent retailers, services and

restaurants have highlighted and extended past the downtown core into a healthy and vibrant corridor reaching up to Beverly Street. Perhaps that growth will occur in ways you did not imagine, but your previous support will have left a residue of your wishes that will help to direct any new ventures. Again our downtown has proven that, with some of our well established & successful boutiques, such as Cardino’s Shoes, Embellish Home Décor, Fabrications Clothing Store, Wishes Gift Shop, Sheer Essentials Lingerie and Shades Ladies Clothing, they have paved the way for some of

Sai’s Place Spice Cafe Real Thai food. Real Thai chef.

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Curries • Salad Rolls • Noodles • Satays & More! For full menu visit www.spicecafeduncan.com

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our newer merchants. Stores and specialty shops, such as Station Street’s Skanda - rare gemstones and unique findings, Black Door Décor, and LeLe Custom Fashions. In addition, downtown Duncan is also proud to show off their newest women’s clothing shops, Archer + Arrow, and Pursuit of Happiness Yoga Wear, on the ever-popular Craig Street. Changes are slow and the connections between your choices and a new business are hard to join with a straight line, but make no mistake, how you spend your dollars today will certainly define your community more powerfully than you may realize with the actions you take. That is certainly evident in our local dining establishments. Allow yourself to momentarily consider just some of the stand out places to

enjoy local culinary creations and satisfying beverages you may find yourself in during this festive season. Just Jakes and The Craig Street Brew Pub, obviously come to mind, the very successful Bistro 161 on Kenneth, Vancouver Island’s premier Indian restaurant, The Royal Dar, the award winning Hudsons on First, and of course the incomparable Old Firehouse Wine & Cocktail Bar. They have all blazed through on pure vision, and unmatched talent, with their commitment to sustainability and supporting one another, knowing that our community stands behind them with loyalty and pride. We’re all hoping that everything falls together at Christmas, to enjoy that special time with family, loved ones and close friends. Let the merchants of

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downtown Duncan help take the stress out of your holiday shopping. Our businesses provide an intimate, friendly alternative to crowded shopping malls, department stores and wholesale warehouses. What you’re offered is personalized, knowledgeable service by the owners and their staff, to help you find the gift you’re looking for. Skip the long line-ups and the frustrations with the inability to find an employee willing to answer your queries, and allow yourself to enjoy the extended hours in December, that our stores will be offering for your convenience. Another alternative to consider is our Downtown Dollars. It seems Gift Cards & Certificates are a growing trend that’s developing into an acceptable way of gift giving in today’s world. The appealing quality of these Downtown Dollars specifically, carries many excellent benefits. ~ They keep dollars in our local economy ~ You embrace what makes us unique ~ You support local jobs ~ It helps the environment ~ You nurture community ~ You create individual choice

~ You’ll take advantage of our expertise ~ You invest in entrepreneurship ~ You make us a destination ~ You help to shape our Downtown! These embossed dollars are accepted in all of our downtown businesses, and because of the variety of merchandise, services, products and places, they’re the ideal gift for those hard to buy for. The Dollars are purchased through us at the Duncan BIA office & we in turn, reimburse the shop owners where the dollars are spent. It’s such a great way to invest in your community and know you’ve contributed to the growth of a vibrant and dynamic downtown. You can get a heads up of all the businesses in our downtown to know where to spend the Dollars, by visiting our website www.downtownduncan.ca or you can direct any questions to our office by calling 250-7151700 at the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society. Wishing you a safe and joyous Holiday Season!

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Are You Prepared For The Inevitable?

Do You Have? • • • • •

A Will An Enduring Power of Attorney A Medical Representation Agreement An Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) An Estate Plan (that deals with jointly owned property, corporate property, trusts, registered accounts, life insurance, income tax and probate fees)

R. Brian McDaniel – bmcd@mcdancolaw.com Julia E. Henderson – jeh@mcdancolaw.com

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am sure that many if not most of you are familiar with the concept of holidays = family & friends time.

with people rather than being in debt for the next 6 to 12 months? How about making gifts for loved ones?

My questions are: What happens when someone doesn’t have any friends and family around?

4. Connect with your children – whether your kids are 5 or 35, the holiday season is a great time to spend quality time with your children. Maybe try to build something with a younger child or go see a movie with an older child. I would invite you to bring creativity into the discussion What can we do differently this year compared to what we usually do? Maybe you both enjoy certain sports or music – enjoy it together. What inexpensive ways can we enjoy one another’s company?

What happens if someone’s association with a holiday experience is negative? Then what? My response to this is self care and here are some ideas around this: 1. Reach out for help – there are many wonderful agencies in your local community that are there to help. A great place to start is a volunteer office because they usually have a resource directory/listing. 2. Take care of yourself – holiday traditions often include food and drink. My invitation to you is moderation. Why overdo it and cause your body to become unwell? Better to enjoy beauty of winter rather than being in bed sick. 3. Watch your dollars – there is a lot of pressure during the holiday season to spend $$. My question is: Is it not better to spend quality time

I have connected with far too many men who spend holiday time alone. I truly hope that this holiday season will be different – that you will find ways to reach out and enjoy some connection. The best of the season to you all! May 2014 be filled with much joy, health, and prosperity. Grant M Waldman is the Executive Director of Westcoast Mens Resource Centre.

The Best of the Season!

Helping Men, Families and Community to create Full, Healthier Lives!

www.westcoastmen.org 213-80 Station St, Duncan

Hand made, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry is a Thriving Business in Duncan

umans have been producing and wearing jewelry since the dawn of time – with 100,000-year-old Nassarius shells thought to be the oldest known jewelry. While you won’t find ancient shells in Duncan you will find just about every other kind of material for jewelry. If you are on the lookout for a one-of-a-kind gift of jewelry that is purely original and hand crafted you will likely find it at the downtown Duncan artisan cooperative. Amy Hughes, for example, creates necklaces with colourful polished stones entwined in sterling silver coil. Each design is unique. Alasha Lantinga and Eva Trinczek create classic designs featuring silver and gem stones. Damaris Oakley works with fused glass “My current collection reflects and is inspired by my love of the sea and theWest Coast landscape,” she says. Glass is also the preferred medium for Peggy Brackett of KilnArt Glass Studio. Beth Ridell creates intriguing

hand painted pendants from dominos, while Susan Jean Whyte makes her delicate pendants inspired by the bark of Vancouver Island trees. She does this by creating molds to replicate the textures of the wood. Robert Walton works with arbutus wood – from fallen tree branches. His free hand cut designs are inspired by the natural West Coast, he explains. Rene Deerheart, makes a beautiful bold statement with copper creations, while Alexandra Frederick reflects a love of nature with her ceramic pendants. Imagine That! Artisans Designs features the work of more than 95 West Coast artisans. This includes original art, wood carvings, pottery, enamelling on copper and steel, painted furniture, photography, weaving, glass mosaics, silk scarves and pillows, sewing, handmade soaps and sculptures.

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For more information, call 250-748-6776 or drop by the store 251 Craig Street, Duncan www.imaginethat.com Image and Jewelry Staging by Eva Trinzcek Submitted by Veronica Scott

Time To Review Your Will

he New Year often makes us reflect on our lives. One area to consider is whether your estate plan is still current and relevant, particularly your will. It is wise to review your will every 3-5 years to make sure that its terms are still appropriate in light of your current circumstances. Small changes can be done through the use of a “Codicil”, although major changes may require a new will, revoking the first one.

Reasons to make changes to your will. 1. If a named executor dies or becomes incapable, it is wise change the named executor. If, on your death, the named executor is unavailable, an application to the Court to appoint an Administrator will be required, causing delay and more distress to your family.

2.If a spouse has died it may not be necessary to make any changes if the will is drafted well. However, if you have divorced or separated it is wise to update the will to remove that person’s name and make sure the remaining beneficiaries are appropriate. Currently, an existing will is revoked by a subsequent marriage, unless the will is made in contemplation of that marriage. New rules to come into force in 2014 provide that a subsequent marriage will not revoke a current will. 3.On remarriage your will should be reviewed. If you intend for your estate to pass to children of your first marriage, it is essential to ensure your will reflects those intentions, to avoid the situation where your estate passes to your new spouse and, by default, to that spouse’s family. On the death of a spouse, divorce or separation, changes to the designated beneficiaries of investments and insurance

policies are required, or these may pass to the original persons named. 4.If you have had children or adopted since making your will, a provision for a guardian for your minor children is advised. To provide for your children, creating a trust in your will would be appropriate. 5.If your spouse or children have become disabled and receive disability benefits, it is wise to create a trust in your will to protect any inheritance and to allow benefits to be received without deduction. 6. A change in your financial status may make the provisions in your will outdated. A loss in your fortunes may make the provisions of your will inappropriate, such as large cash benefits to friends, leaving little in estate for your family. An increase in fortune should stimulate you to explore techniques to minimize taxes payable on death, such as

charitable gifts or testamentary trusts. If changes are to be made, professional financial and legal advice is recommended. A will is not set in stone. It can be changed any time prior to death or the mental incapacity of the Testator. Regular review is essential to ensure it is relevant and up to date at the date of death, allowing the terms of the will to reflect the final wishes of the Testator. Julia Henderson is a lawyer with McDaniel & Company contact her at 250-748-663 or by e-mail at jeh@ mcdancolaw.com

he magic number of $42,500 has been popping up all over Vancouver Island, thanks to the representatives of Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. They’ve been spreading the word about government rebates for newhome purchases, owner-built homes and substantial renovations to existing homes during the tenure of the HST, and $42,500 is the upper limit a homeowner can receive for a project. Together with the Ontario-based company Rebate4U, Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. has already helped homeowners apply for rebates totaling $8 million at time of printing. Many clients hesitate on their way out of Canada’s Reno Rebate principal Sean Leitenberg’s Fairfield office, where they have just handed over a sheaf of paperwork and receipts for a major home renovation. “Is this for real?” they ask Sean. That’s the most common question Sean gets, and his answer is a firm, “Yes, this is real.” Sean understands the skepticism, though. He asked the same thing when his brother-in-law in Ontario called him and said, “You might be entitled to a rebate on the HST you paid when you did your reno.” This rebate has been available for the last three years and it’s about to disappear. It must be claimed within two years of the purchase of a new house or condo or completion of an owner-built home or a major renovation. Even if you have sold your home, you are entitled to a rebate if your intention for the build or renovation was to keep the home. “There is a misconception that if your home is worth more than $450,000, you are not entitled to any government rebates, but this is just not true,” says Sean. Canada’s Reno Rebate has teamed up with builders, trades, designers and

Realtors to share the good news about the potential rebate with their qualifying clients. “We know several contractors and Realtors who are going through their files and calling everyone they helped to fix up or buy a house between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013 when the HST was repealed,” he says. It comes down to this: if you built or purchased a new home or did a substantial renovation to an existing home for yourself or for rental during that period, you are entitled to a rebate for a portion of the provincial sales tax embedded within the HST. Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. handles all the paperwork and follows through with the government until you receive your cheque. Because Sean and his staff know the forms, the processes, and who to call, they efficiently and quickly collect the information and submit exactly what the government agencies need. The company charges no upfront fee and if you don’t receive a rebate, the application costs you nothing. Because all the required paperwork can be done via email and fax, “clients are

visit renorebate.ca

coming to us from all over this great province,” says Sean. If you know someone who might qualify, you can pick up a postcard at Glen Lake Liquor & More or the Commons Liquor & More store in Duncan and pass it to your friend; if your friend receives a rebate through Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc., you’ll both receive a $50 gift certificate to help celebrate! “Handing people cheques for thousands of dollars that they had no idea they were entitled to is our goal,” Sean says. “We are happy to answer any questions that potential clients have, so give us a call. What have you got to lose?”

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Making Sense of Anxiety in Children and Youth Why is anxiety becoming an epidemic among children of all ages? Dr. Gordon Neufeld has shed fresh light on this problem, paving the way for natural interventions that focus on the root causes as opposed to just managing the symptoms. There is currently an epidemic of anxiety affecting children of all ages. Differing estimates suggest that one in five to one in eight qualify for an anxiety disorder diagnosis, making this the most common diagnosis in children. Anxiety can take many forms including obsessions, compulsions, phobias, panic, as well as a host of perplexing seeking and avoidant behaviours. Various strategies are emerging on how to treat anxiety problems, but most interventions are hand-me-downs from adult treatment and are questionable in terms of their appropriateness with children.

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Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat & Produce

Bucknuck Books 250-929-2665 Used books and Local authors

Healthcare

Fitness Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes Spa and Wellness Reiki Wellness *New Location #13 250 743-8122 Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared, Acupuncture, Craniosacral

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

We cannot treat something that we do not understand; making sense of anxiety is foundational to its cure. This is where Dr. Neufeld begins, putting the pieces of the anxiety puzzle together to reveal roots deep in separation alarm. Dr. Neufeld’s comprehensive model of attachment provides new meaning to the construct of separation and lays the foundation for effective treatment and cure. In mapping out the separation complex, Dr. Neufeld also reveals the relationship of anxiety to other common childhood issues including dominance, aggression and attention problems. Dr. Neufeld brings a fresh and promising perspective to one of our most troubling and perplexing human problems. Dr. Gordon Neufeld is a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist who consults with parents and professionals regarding children and their problems. He brings to us his unique synthesis of the developmental literature and his exceptional ability to make children understandable. He has a widespread reputation for being able to make sense of difficult and complex problems and for opening doors for change. His style is dynamic, his approach is refreshing and his effect is to affirm intuition.

How To Keep Children Safe In a Wounding World An Evening with Dr. Gordon Neufeld Followed by Q & A and Book signing.

JANUARY 31, 2014 • 7-9PM Tickets $25 250 246 9820 9737 Chemainus Road • Tickets Available at Box Ofﬁce

A gift certificate from Cardino’s Shoes. I do it every year for my girls. David Coulson

Say Yes To Less This Simplicity ParentinG: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and more Secure Kids Christmas!

he magical Christmas season is upon us….but twinkling lights and carols can bring with them the stress of Christmas shopping. Few of us enjoy it, yet most of us do too much of it! We spend more than we meant to, and end up buying too many gifts for our kids. Why does this happen?! The short answer is that we have all been raised in a culture that espouses “more is better”. We know this. But the deeper motivation is one of love…and our deep yearning to provide everything we can for our children’s well being. Yet these impulses can be easily manipulated, and advertisers know it. Repetitive messages

showing gleeful children (reaching their full potential), combined with parental guilt (or self doubt) leads to overbuying….and too much stuff! If your children are young, Christmas can start simple now. What a blessing! If children are older, some families may not be able to drastically reduce the presents all one year, and that’s okay. But, if you can start giving less slowly, it will have longterm positive results on both your wallet and your children’s outlook. Kim John Payne agrees. To a child, a mountain of toys is more than something to trip over.

Taking Charge of Shopping 4 Toys Not To Buy 1. Toys that claim to give your child a developmental edge: This is a red flag. If this makes you want to buy the toy, then the ad agency won. In spite of what marketing companies want you to believe, it just simply is not true. Thirty years of child psychology and developmental research about how children learn and how their brains develop has proven this. Repeatedly. There is NO single toy that can make your child smarter. Good books (read often) can. 2. Conceptually Fixed Toys: Molded plastic characters or gadgets do not allow for truly free play. They dictate the play to the child. Tested time and again, children will act like the character of the toy, instead of developing her/his own imagination. Toys should be a platform for creative ideas that come from within. 3.Annoying or offensive Toys: The noisiest toys with

It’s a “topographical map of their emerging worldview”. A big present can be a wonderful gift to give if it’s appropriate, but BIG (and many!) shouldn’t be expected. I loved giving my daughter a bike one year. The next Christmas she received a doll. Gifts can come in all shapes and sizes. Regardless, a child should naturally feel a sense of gratitude when receiving the gift. If gratitude has been replaced by a search under the tree for the next present; beware! The Entitlement Monster is creeping into your house.

recommend mostly consumables; pomegranates, toothbrushes, chocolates, crayons, etc. Let that ‘big’ gift be from the person(s) who worked so hard to provide it! Companies spend billions of dollars annually trying to influence our children. But we are the adults in our children’s lives and we have the power to say no. We can just say no to the sense of overwhelm and Linda is a certified Simplicity Parenting Facilitator, living in the Cowichan Valley.

For Santa’s stockings I

What Would Ms Polly Do?

the most flashing lights are bound to get your child’s attention; that is what they are designed to do. But it doesn’t mean they are good for them, or you. As the parent, you really do get to choose what to buy. If you think it’s terrible, you get to say no. “I love you, and I am not buying that.” Two months from now, no one will remember. 4.Toys that Inspire Corrosive Play: Guns, violent video games, etc. These toys are easy to spot and should simply never be purchased. Plenty of research has been done on this topic and can be easily found online. Children may still pick up sticks and turn them into weapons. That is different; those sticks can be transformed into other toys as well. And when they are done playing with the stick it can become a stick again. Buying violence of any kind sends only one message; that violence is acceptable to you.

Play Dates

hen I was a kid my mom only allowed other children to come over and play with me when I was mature enough to telephone my friend and invite them to my home. My mom wanted to know what we would do together and what was my idea of how my friend would get home safely. I was in grade four when I was able to invite a friend over to play. I was socially ready to host a friend and mature enough to share toys, introduce the friend to my family and to recognize when my friend may feel ready to go home. Before this maturity developed, I freely played in the neighbourhood with the kids on my block and with my cousins. Today adults arrange “Play Dates” for their children. The parents decide who their children will play with, when they will play together and what they will play. The overtures are in the hands of the adults. Young children who are not socially adept are being managed far to early to be exposed to situations they are not able to handle. Either one child will have his or her heart broken by the date or the the kids will gang up and become so unruly that the adults pledge to “never again”. The concept of Play Date is only about 30 years old. Before that children invited friends to come over and play. The adults were busy with their work and the children made their own fun.

Submitted by Linda Dirksengale

Our Community

Paulette is an Educator of Parents and Children in the Waldorf Philosophy. She lives in Victoria.

t this time in history and as an entire race we have the unique opportunity to imagine the safest possible outcome for the cleanup at Fukushima. It is time for governments and for people around the world to come together for a common, peaceful goal – a vision of what we truly want, for the Uni-verse gives us what we spend time thinking about regardless if it is positive or negative. What is clear is that the nuclear disaster at Fukushima Daiichi is far from over. We, as individuals, cannot control the process of such events, but we can control our thoughts and how we protect our bodies. It is well known in metaphysical circles that thoughts are things; what you think about grows and comes back to you. You cannot add to the solution if you are focused, with passion, on the problem. After the initial blow of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in March 2011 our staff put their knowledgeable heads together and created the first Resilience Newsletter. We wanted to help our community protect themselves from the damaging effects of nuclear radiation by choosing foods that are well documented to nourish, detoxify and fortify the human body. We found that the foods that protect us from radiation are the same as those that prevent many of the major diseases afflicting the human race today. The following is a very condensed list of the protective foods we promote the most. If you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to come in and chat with our educated staff and be sure to ask for our revised, updated and expanded second edition of the Resilience Newsletter in early 2014. 1) First and foremost: Miso

Miso broth is the classic food for prevention of radiation damage and can offer twice the protection if 5 grams of dried kelp seaweed is added to the soup. In scientific studies, seaweed was able to neutralize radioactive isotopes in the human body. Researchers at McGill University say radioactive strontium binds to the algin in brown seaweeds to create sodium alginate, a compound easily and harmlessly excreted. Although the reason for miso’s protectiveness is not really know, it was observed that the Japanese who ate miso everyday did not die from radiation induced cancer after the bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Remember: Do not add miso to soup that is boiling or you will kill the good bacteria in it. 2) Sea Vegetables: Kelp and dulse are excellent natural sources of iodine and highly recommended for protection and detoxification. Taking kelp as a source of iodine is much safer than drinking iodine or eating potassium iodide, which can be toxic, especially dangerous for pregnant women. Kombu cooked with grains adds trace minerals and increases the digestibility. Other available seaweeds are Wakame, Hijiki, Nori, and Arame (sea oak). 3) Mineral-rich Nettle Infusions: High in iodine, as well as many other nutrients including vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chromium, silica, silicon, selenium and sulphur. Spring is the perfect timing to start watching for young nettles, but we always have dried nettles in stock. 4) Reishi Mushroom: Eating any amount of reishi (a wood-eating mushroom) is said to reduce damage from

Anti Radiation Diet

First and foremost eat Miso. radiation. We have excellent reishi products as well as locally made tinctures. We have full lines of medicinal mushrooms from Purica and Host Defense. 5) Burdock Root (Arctium lappa): Removes radioactive isotopes from the body. 6) Orange and Dark Green Vegetables like kale, spinach, collards, sweet potatoes, and winter squash: According to herbalist Susun Weed, “Japanese researchers found that diets high in carotenes significantly reduced DNA damage in humans exposed to radiation. Supplements of beta-carotene (or of vitamins C and E) did not show this effect. Eating lots of orange and dark green foods can protect you from radiationinduced cancers.” 7) Brassicaceaeor Cruciferae: (Broccoli, cabbage, mustard greens, arugula, cauliflower, bok choy, radishes, kale, etc.) also known as the crucifers (the mustard or cabbage family) is a family

of flowering plants that can help protect your cells from radiation damage. (Sprouting broccoli seeds on your counter is easy and ohhh sooo good for you.) Japanese researchers found that diets high in carotenes and I3C significantly reduced DNA damage in humans exposed to radiation. 8) Black and Green Tea: Steven Schechter N.D. says that both black and green tea showed “radio-protective effects” whether taken before or after exposure to radiation, partly due to its high selenium content. Black Tea and honey is said to be used for radiation protection in China. Other teas recommended are Pau d’ Arco, Saffron tea, Thyme Tea and of Holy Basil Tea. 9) Blue-Green Algaes: Foods containing chlorophyll like barley grass and chlorella are very protective; especially blue-green algaes from Klamath Lake in Oregon. Chlorophyll closely resembles human blood and is used to cleanse, detoxify, purify and heal many conditions.

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

It retards bacterial growth, detoxifies heavy metals from the body, inhibits radiation and the metabolic activation of many carcinogens. It is one of the most nutrient dense foods available. 10) Barley and Wheat Grass: Are totally balanced foods. They contain all of the nutrients required for life; vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other proteins (amino acids), essential fatty acids and chlorophyll. Many important minerals can be found in wheat grass including iodine; it has more B-12 than liver and is an excellent source of betacarotene. A true miracle food. You can get wheatgrass frozen at the CFS or sprout wheat or barley kernels and make your own. 11) Fermented (Lactic acid) Foods: Lactic acid fermented foods possess medicinal properties. Sources include sauerkraut (we have a customer who teaches people how to make their own – please inquire), beets, carrots, green and red peppers, beet tops, Swiss chard and celery. Yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, unprocessed cheeses. Longevity studies indicate that groups of people who use cultured milk products in their diets live longer. We also carry Bio-K for those wanting a mega hit of these friendly bacteria! 12) High Fiber Foods: whole grains, fruits and veggies add to high fiber diets that protect you from large bowel cancer by diluting bowel carcinogens, decreasing colon transit time and changing the composition and metabolic activity of the fecal flora and certain carcinogenic substances in the colon. That’s why it’s healthier to eat whole grains containing the bran, germ and the fiber and whole fruits and

vegetables instead of their processed counterparts (which decrease health and make us susceptible to disease). 13) Selenium: protects DNA from radiation damage and helps prevent damage to the skin surface too. Get plenty of selenium by eating a daily dose of nettle infusion (2200 mcg per 100 grams), kelp (1700 mcg/100 g), cooked burdock root (1400 mcg/100 g), and organic yogurt daily. Shellfish and garlic contain significant amounts of selenium, as do many mushrooms, catnip, ginseng, Brazil nuts and astragalus. Paul Bergner quotes Japanese researcher Dr. M. Yonezawa as saying that “ginseng appears to be the most useful agent available for protection against radiation damage.” 14) Mindful Eating: Eat what you have available to you with mindfulness and gratitude – imagining your body receiving the nourishment it needs and envisioning yourself as a most worthy recipient of protection and grace. Remain calm, present, proactive, strong and resilient. Empower yourself with good thoughts, good food and of course, good company.

The holiday season draws near. If you are looking for

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the staff at Lynn’s Health Food Store invite you to come in.

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• Custom Baskets • Salt lamps - great prices • Candles - non-toxic • Harlan’s Chocolates • Ionizers • Fair Trade Chcolate, Coffee and Herbal Teas

• Natural Fragrances • Natural Soaps & Beauty Products • Organic Skincare & Cosmetics • Natural Make Up

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May Your Holidays Be Happy & Healthy

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY HEALTH FOOD STORE

4-180 Central Avenue, Village Green Mall Duncan

250 748 4421

Here at the Community Farm Store we continually promote the use of organic, fresh food to achieve strong, resilient bodies that exude health and wellness. A few more products we have in the store that we recommend for the Anti-radiation Diet are Zeolite: with Fulvic and Humic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Holy Basil Teas, Grape Seed extract, Bee Pollen, and Essential Fatty Acids. As we, the staff at The Community Farm Store, have always advocated; Let Food Be Your Submitted by Tiffany Brawn and Nicolette Genier

Australia and finally Canada. www.jovicpottery.com

6 Cowichan Valley Potters

Jo Vic Pottery JoVic Pottery has been a professional studio for well over three decades. Inspired both by each other (Jo was Vic’s first pottery teacher) and by the beauty of their surroundings, this couple have won numerous awards, with the most recent being 2nd prize in the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery MultiMedia Show for 3-dimensional art (won by Jo for her modern art series of work, September 2013). Open to the public, Jo and Vic both delight in sharing their excitement about some of the labourintensive work required to produce their very fine line of quality functional stoneware, decorative raku pottery, and unique garden sculpture. Inspired by the lichens found in nature, Vic delights in creating functional stoneware pottery using multiple firings to layer on his original glazes, creating pieces that he hopes will be treasured heirlooms celebrating special occasions for ages to come. Jo becomes most excited creating one-of-a-kind clay art and especially likes a “painterly” approach to glazing with colors celebrating a well-traveled childhood and upbringing in Europe,

HIlary Huntley Trial By Fire Pottery, artist Hilary Huntley is a potter who has had many unusual occupations including fIrefighter, oil rig worker, silage truck driver and barn girl at QMS. Needless to say, Hilary is very lucky and honoured to be able to focus time on her studio. Her pots are as straight forward and practical as the artist and studio. The surfaces are durable, easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing. The shapes are simply designed to feel pleasant in the hand and elegant on the table. Hilary’s studio is the definition of a cottage industry measuring in at a whopping 8ft X 11ft. That micro space includes three standing shelves, a potters’ wheel, a wedging table and one window. Tight ship is an understatement, with each spatula, trimming tool and batt is in a special compact spot, the space is incredibly productive having birthed most of Hilary’s 12,000 plus pots over the last seven years. Her upcoming 8th Annual Solo Show will take place on December 7th and 8th, at The Clements Centre 10am to 5pm 5856 Clements Street, just west of the library, off James Street in Duncan. The show is always shockingly well stocked with a wide variety of pots all carefully crafted. www. trialbyfirepottery.ca

Margit Nellemann During a recent trip to Denmark, I had the opportunity to visit a local craft store situated in the building of an old clothing factory now restored and the home to a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops. The craft store had a lot of ceramics on display. I was particularly delighted to see the focus was on handbuilt work, including both functional and nonfunctional pieces. I fell in love with clay as a child and happily rediscovered it again over twenty years ago. I am a fervent handbuilder and now produce mostly functional ceramics. I am in love with form, I honour function and I am enthralled with the very process of building with clay. What storytelling is to the world of

Mugs • Tea Pots • Plates • Bowls •Vases • Vessels • Honey Pots • Salt Pigs • Urns • Shakers & more!

Located between True Grain Bread and Zoe’s Espresso in Cow Bay

Choose CLAY for Christmas!

The Mud Room Clayworks Potter Colleen Underwood 250 710 7329 1725 Cowichan Bay Road

Support our local artists. They work hard to make our worlds beautiful.

You Can Visit & Buy From literature is what handbuilding is to the world of ceramics. It is rooted in very ancient traditions, bound only by certain technical principles and otherwise vastly uncontrolled. I love how it assists me in pushing boundaries, mine as well as those of certain objects. I invite you to come by my studio to explore the world of my functional and wacky handbuilt works. Open House Friday Dec 6, 7, 8 Sunday Dec 8 10am -6pm Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan. www.margitnellemann.com

Mary Fox

Pursuit of beauty is a constant in my life. It infuses everything I do.When working on vessels created to adorn our tables I derive pleasure from knowing that, through the subtle intimacy that grows from their daily use, these pieces will become treasures in people’s lives. Creating beautiful vessels for people to use or contemplate is a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend one’s life. I have been potting since I was 13 and have yet to grow tired of any aspect of my job. I love going into my studio every day full of energy and inspiration to create anew. Mugs, bowls, jugs, casseroles—I make them all in a variety of solid colours designed with the user in mind. I have always loved making functional ware, love that people start their days with

coffee in one of my mugs or cereal in a beautiful bowl. www.maryfoxpottery.ca

Thanks to Everyone for our Best Year EVER!

Colleen Underwood The Mud Room Clayworks is a working studio in Cowichan Bay run by Colleen Underwood. She took over almost 6 years ago from the founder, Jana Kaminski, and continues to make her signature yellow dragonfly line along with lots of other fun and functional pieces! As a trained fisheries biologist with a studio tucked away by the sea Colleen loves to incorporate nature themes into her pots. The stoneware pottery is created and fired on site in electric kilns and is finished in a wide range of colourful glazes. You can find anything from mugs and jugs, to teapots, pieplates, butter dishes, salt pigs, garlic jars and much more! Next time you’re strolling through Cow Bay come on down and see the magic of how these beauties are made! www.cowbaymudroom.com

Peggy Grigor

Find us this Xmas Season at these fairs: Shawnigan Lake, Deck the Halls, Last Chance (Sidney), Providence Farm, Glenora Farm & the Duncan Market (Dec 14 & 21). Visit us at botanicbliss.com or call 250-710-1276

handmade pottery helps contribute to the specialness of your day. When not in use, your pottery doubles as a home décor item. Proudly display that spectacular bowl, plate or vessel on its own or fill it with fresh fruit, candles or flowers. Today’s modern potters ensure that glazes are safe, tough and user friendly. Unless otherwise stated, most glazes are safe in ovens, microwaves and dishwashers. As a functional potter, it is my pleasure and privilege to offer you beautiful items to use and enjoy daily. May you share love, nourishment and strength of human spirit at your table every day. Peggy Grigor is an award winning potter and author whose home studio, Turning Point Arts, is located in Saltair. To find out more please visit www.potterybypeggy.com

It has been stated that the simple beauty of functional pottery has the power to nourish and give strength to the human spirit. Whether marking life’s milestones with family and friends or simply enjoying your morning cereal, using

Meditation Thursdays at VIU Cowichan Campus 7 PM Rm. 210

“Buddha wisdom is illuminated and unlimited with solutions to all of life’s challenges.” Nichiren Buddha Society & Peace Center Phone: 250. 710. 7594

January 1st, GanTan New Years Day Ceremony, Nichiren Peace Center, info: 250. 710. 7594 visit www.VIRetreats.com

DESIGNI NG green

BC Hydro Power Smart Home Loan is Back!

here is no better time to invest in the future with this new low interest loan of up to $10K in energy efficient upgrades to your home. We were very instrumental in delivering this program back in the mid 90’s when the last energy crunch was on. The stats say that over 60,000 homes were powered up by the savings we collectively made in BC by upgrading older homes. As a registered qualified contractor, we upgraded nearly 1000 homes alone in the Cowichan region. Now a 4% loan might not sound great by todays standards but it sure beats the rise in energy costs that are just around the corner. Start with weatherization or air sealing. This is the best bang for the dollar in terms of improving comfort and lowering costs. But do get a blower door test done on your home first by an energy advisor through Livesmart BC. Much of this work can be done by the DIY guy or gal but it is imperative you balance the air leakage in your home so the pressure is balanced. You run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or worse if you only plug the incoming leaks and not the outgoing leaks. These can best be illustrated

• Wood Doors • Wood Windows • Service to All Types of Doors & Windows through the blower test that depressurises your home and shows you all the leaks at once. Next would be insulation and with all the new eco friendly and recycled materials now on the market, doing a lot of this work is easy and safe for the homeowner. Just be cautious in the attic areas where latent layers of toxicity have gathered over the years. This area is best handled by local blow in insulating firms and their prices are unbeatable by even DIY standards. Of special note, use caulking or for larger gaps, that grey closed cell foam rope they sell at lumber yards in varying thickness. It’s

250-743-4011

www.kwdoorsandwindows.com Heritage Homes a Specialtyom cheap, safe and won’t make a mess and is far more effective than almost all other products including the expanding foam. Next on my list would be a good central bathroom fan to act as an exhaust and circulation system to rid your home of moist dirty air in the heating season. Wet air is far harder to heat and although it sounds strange to exhaust heat, it is far healthier and energy saving to rid the moisture to about 55% when paired up with an automatic dehumidistat control. Always have a handy 30 minute timer as well. It’s a good way to teach the whole family how important the negative effects of moisture can be on a home in the heating season. Heating system upgrades run about a tie in terms of cost benefit along with new windows and doors. They both are bigger investments and usually require professional installation. However, the low maintenance and fresh new look comes as a visual improvement

Support Our Local Artists

for some homeowners. With windows, be sure to specify Energy Star status as a minimum standard or don’t bother at all. Vinyl frames are best priced but still somewhat off gassing so consider fiberglass frames and combination wood/fiberglass as well if your budget allows. I still prefer the warmth of all wood sash. For heating, consider the new ductless split heat pump systems that are so easily retrofitted especially into small open floor plans. With the added bonus of air conditioning, again, the homeowner feels like they get something for their investment. Call LiveSmart BC 1-866-3819995 or savings@citygreen.ca to sign up right away! Image Foam backer rod for window insulation Image; David Coulson

David Coulson is a local certified Built Green design builder. He has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the Island for over 20 years.

The Jolly Green Christmas

s the holiday season grows nearer and people start preparing to celebrate with loved ones we, at Island Return It begin to think about waste reduction. Okay, we’re always thinking about waste reduction but now we’re humming Jingle Bells too. During the holidays it is not uncommon to accumulate a lot more garbage than usual, what with decorations, gift wrap, packaging, beverage containers and even food waste. Having a plan will help make clean up easy so that you aren’t scrambling to find a way to recycle everything responsibly. I’m sure that you know you can return your empty ready-todrink beverage containers to any Island Return It location but did you also know that you can recycle old Christmas light strings too? It’s true. When you replace that x-box or flat screen TV this year, all the packaging can be recycled with us as well as any older electronics, small appliances or electronic toys that your family no longer uses. Bringing these items into Island Return It for recycling ensures that no part of these products ever winds up in landfills or in overseas “processing plants”. We only work with certified processing plants located in North America and nothing gets shipped to third world

Here are some Island Resources to help you responsibly dispose of your holiday waste. Styrofoam: Mobile Pacific, monthly. Bings Creek Food Waste: Bings Creek Unwanted Electronics, Toys & Small Appliances: Island Return It Burnt Out Light Bulbs including Christmas lights and LEDs: Island Return It Empty Beverage Containers: Island Return It countries. One of the best ways to reduce your holiday waste is to be mindful of your purchases, try to find gifts that have less packaging and consider making your purchases at craft fairs, farmer’s markets or from local artisans and retailers. Above all else, make sure your holiday season is filled with joy and happiness. Spend time with those you love doing things you enjoy. Merry Christmas from Island return It! “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” - Charles Dickens Sophy Roberge is the Marketing Manager for Island Return It Recycling Centres

Return to a clean home and workplace.

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Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly! OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

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Dine In on our heated patio or Take Out! Cowichan Bay

Organic Fair Chocolate: better get a few to decide what’s best. Monica Finn, Cowichan Library

The Three H’s of Volunteering at CTRA: Horses, Health, and Happiness!

Jennifer Barnes van Elk works at the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, and is a life-long horse nut living in the Cowichan Valley.

olunteering is, as Martha Stewart says, “a good thing.” It is easy to see the positive things that volunteers do for the community, but did you know that volunteerism is good for the volunteer? Research out of the United States demonstrated that people who volunteer have reduced post-traumatic illness and decreased incidents of heart disease and cardiac-related illness, contributing to longer lives. A recent study out of Michigan published in the APA journal Health Psychology agrees: altruistic volunteers live longer than those who do not volunteer. Additionally Imagine Canada reports that volunteers gain valuable interpersonal experiences, learn new skills, and face improved job opportunities. Last month’s article focused on the wholistic health benefits that participants derive from therapeutic riding and equinebased therapies. These benefits naturally extend to the volunteer. Volunteers at the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association

often report that work with horses is their own kind of therapy. When you consider the proven benefits of these equine interactions alongside the profits of volunteerism in general, it is easy to understand why so many people give of themselves to the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA). Individuals 16 and older can apply to volunteer with CTRA. No experience is necessary, and all the training is provided. While the primary opportunities are working with the horses are as “sidewalkers” (help steady and support the rider) and “horse-handlers” (assist with the command of the horse), volunteers help out in countless other ways – from the board to the barn. CTRA strives to find a suitable role for anyone looking to help out – depending on availability, skills, and goals. CTRA runs on volunteer power. With approximately 125 active volunteers at any given time, the vast majority of personnel making the CTRA program possible are those donating their efforts. As such, CTRA depends on volunteer power and there is a high demand for new volunteers. Research suggests that individuals discover tangible personal benefits by donating at least 40 – 100 hours per year. Last year, CTRA’s volunteers contributed approximately 5000 hours to the program. No wonder CTRA volunteers look and feel so good!

Photo Lisa Pink

To learn more about how you can become involved with the CTRA program please visit online at www.ctra.ca, email info@ctra. ca, call 250-746-1028, or visit the CTRA facility on Providence Farm.

Photo Lisa Pink

Events Outside The Cowichan Valley

Canada World Youth The Canada World Youth : Youth Leaders in Action program is a unique 6-month program for youth between the ages of 17 to 25. In this particular program, a group of 9 Canadians and 9 Mozambicans spent 3 months in Nampula, Mozambique and are currently volunteering in the Cowichan Valley. During the program, the youth volunteers contribute to community-driven development projects which focus on health, the environment or gender equity, live in host families and take part in youth-led educational activities.

Being in a new community is never easy. New surroundings, unfamiliar people and for many of us, a different language. Although adapting to Duncan and the Cowichan Valley wasn’t always easy in the beginning, the support and incredible welcome from the community made it much more enjoyable! Through volunteer work in the community and meeting new people both young and old, our group has learnt a lot and gained so much experience from our time spent in the Cowichan Valley. For myself (from Saskatchewan) and Isabel (from Mozambique), our placement with the Valley Voice offered us the chance to get involved with the Cowichan Valley Arts Council PORTALS A Centre for Arts, Culture and Heritage. Meeting and approaching businesses through the Duncan DBIA and assisting the Sunrise Waldorf School Parent Association to finish over a 100 handmade gnomes to give to children at their Christmas Fair. Our entire group has also had the chance to sing in the Lila Choir with Cari Burdett, dance with Aboubacar and we kept very busy planning an Africa Night party. Each day brings a panoply of new events and activities to participate in and familiarize ourselves with the community. For our Mozambican participants as well as the Canadians, we have come to understand the culture and values in this area of Canada. Discovering a new way of life is very exciting and enriching from the local food, drastic change of temperature, new language and overall change of environment. It offers a new perspective on life, from how to think more positively, how to compromise and share ideas as a group and how to greet and meet so many amazing people in a day to day life. When the project comes to an end, we will all leave with the lessons we have learnt about the importance of helping each other and sharing our strengths and skills. After all, you can always learn something new and there is always room for improvement in our lives! Gabrielle Lizée-Prynne, Regina, Saskatchewan 18 years old, Canada World Youth Participant

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Chantey Dayal’s beautiful blank page journals available at the Community Farm Store.

december arts news

Cree Artist Ovide Bighetty Shows In Duncan

Lake Cowichan Artists Invite You to the Studio

Art Show To Raise Funds For Saving Salmon Artist Lulu Marie is currently touring her Save The Salmon series hoping to bring awareness and raise funds for Alexandra Morton’s tireless work for protecting wild salmon. “I hope to educate and inspire change through art, I call this artivism” says Lulu. See her paintings at Island Bagel beginning December 1st. Fundraising art prints and cards will be for sale. Proceeds raised will be donated to SOS (Save Our Salmon) to help support the efforts to clear our waters and protect the salmon migration routes from mass feedlots. Opens December 1st, Island Bagel, 48 Station St, Duncan

Creator’s Sacrifice’ in Woodland style. A style of artwork brought to prominence by Aboriginal artist Norval Morriseau in the 1960’s. The woodland style uses “a kind of ‘X-ray vision’ to respectfully illustrate the spiritual energy and interconnectedness of living beings” The Kisemanito Pakitinasuwin will be shown for the entire month of December. This exhibit was originally commissioned in 2002 by the Indian Metis Christian Fellowship in Saskatchewan and has been travelling across Canada for the past two years. The re Forming Relationships tour creates space for listening, dialogue and building relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada. A traditional teaching is that before Europeans reached the eastern shores of Turtle Island, their elders had visions of people coming from the east with messages from the Creator. Inspired by that tradition, Ovide Bighettty created these paintings depicting the visions of those Aboriginal elders. Duncan Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Rd, Duncan Opens with special Welcome,10am Dec 8. Show times December 8,14,15, 22, 29 1 4 pm. December 11,18 5- 9pm. www.reformingrelationships.ca

FREE SHIPPING to any destination in Western Canada, on any purchase at our studio during the Dec 6-9th sale. Studio-by-us is the ideal place to find a unique gift which will be treasured. Dave creates in wood using intarsia and turning; Pauline uses glass and calligraphy for her creations; Loretta’s offerings are in oil, acrylic, watercolour and encaustic; Trudy specializes in printmaking and calligraphy as well as cast paper; and Karola uses semi precious stones and chain maille in her silver and copper jewelry while her sumi-e paintings are exotic. All works are original creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Treat yourself by coming and enjoying a stroll through the studio to view items both practical and decorative. Every guest can enter our monthly draw – no purchase necessary. December 6-9 10 am to 8pm Special Holiday Sale December 20th to 23rd 10am – 8pm 25% off regular Weaving and Textile Arts for price 226 Grants After School and Home Lake Road, Lake Cowichan, Schoolers of All Ages and Levels. 250-749-3298

Leola’s Studio 250-597-0820 Whippletree Junction

HEALTHY relationships

Where’s my Tribe? For the overwhelming majority of our evolutionary history, we have lived in semi-nomadic tribes. As the human nervous system evolved over tens of thousands of years, we lived in small, highly-bonded groups of approximately forty to one hundred people. For each child in the tribe, there were about sixteen adults available to provide them with care and attention. If you consider your own childhood, how many adults were available to you? For most of us, it was one or two. And at school we shared one adult with about thirty other children. So while we have evolved to be very social beings, we rarely get our basic social needs met. This is especially critical in childhood, when our nervous system is still developing. The vagus nerve, a.k.a. the “compassion nerve,” is what controls our ability

to engage with others and to give and receive love. In the last trimester of gestation and in the first 6 months of life, the vagus nerve grows a fatty sheath, a process called “myelination,” which allows the nerve to transmit signals very quickly. Stress, trauma, and neglect during this phase of life results in incomplete myelination and hence a lessthan-optimally functioning social engagement system. This is one aspect of “attachment trauma,” which leaves a person even more vulnerable to the effects of “shock trauma.” When we compare our long history of tribal living with our modern lives, it becomes clear why there is a pervasive sense of loneliness and insecurity in our society. We all have a deep need to belong. The more we heal our own trauma and improve the functioning of the vagus nerve, the more we are available for connection with others. And the more we extend ourselves to accept and include others, the more we can heal our collective pain of isolation and fragmentation. Swarn Leung, Registered Clinical Counsellor, works with individuals and couples in her Duncan office.

Restore Your Health with

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Diet Therapy

Dr. Fei Yang 250-733-2917 www.drfeiyang.ca

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Puzzles • Mohair Socks • Sheepskin Slippers • Sweaters • Cards • Pottery • Salt Lamps • Mittens • Hats • Crystals • Handmade Soaps • FRESH HOMEMADE FUDGE and more! www.beaverhousefudge.com

250 748 6647 Whippletree Junction

S OU L E S CAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

The first and only green spa in the Cowichan Valley. • Eminence Organic Skin Care for Face and Body • Holiday Gift Sets... great stocking stuffers • Gift Certiﬁcates

(also available on-line through our website)

#4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan BC 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca Presence instead of Presents! Nicola Cosi, Kali Yoga

Green Living

Green Gift Wrapping Ideas

t’s always great to find new and creative ways to be more environmentally friendly, especially during the traditionally excessive holiday season. Here are some unique, green gift wrapping ideas for the season and the really great thing is that you likely have most of the materials already in your house. It’s fun to use pages from magazines, catalogues or different sections of the newspaper as wrapping with a hint as to what’s inside. For example, the hardware section for dad’s new tools. Newsprint can be extremely versatile. Match the various sections to the person you’re gifting it to, like the travel section for the travel bug or the entertainment and fashion sections for the teenagers in your life. Cut into strips, newsprint even makes curly ribbons with scissors just like regular ribbons. Try googling “how to make gift bags from newspaper”, who knew?! Save up the empty packages from your kid’s favorite foods. Cookie, mac and cheese and other snack food boxes will keep them guessing. Recycled brown paper, available by the roll or reuse the paper grocery bags as

wrapping. Once the package is wrapped let the kids decorate it with crayons, stickers, or stamps. Or use children’s artwork, who doesn’t have stacks of that around looking for a good home! Makes great wrapping, especially for grandparent’s, or auntie and uncle’s gifts. Fabric can make beautiful gift wrapping and is the ultimate in reusable! Decorated with a colorful yarn bow and a sprig of greenery, very festive. A pretty new dishtowel makes great wrapping for a kitchen item gift, top it off by tying a Christmas cookie cutter to the ribbon as decoration. That brings us to the finishing touches. Get creative with gift tags and decorations. I always save last year’s holiday cards and cut off the back half, saving the front picture as a name tag. A photo adds a nice personal touch and keepsake too. A tree ornament is pretty and will be used year after year. Everyone loves a Christmas cookie! Wishing you the very best of the holiday season, from my family to yours. Tracey Hanson local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services cleanchoicecleaners. com

DONATE TO THE PHILIPPINES

small group of local Filipinos with family and friends who have been adversely affected by Typhoon Haiyan are collecting cash donations and coordinating Balikbayan Boxes to be sent directly to relatives in the Visayas region. “ There will be no harvest now, so things will be pretty tight, food wise. It looks like the media and foreign aid are concentrating mainly on Tacloban, but the rest of the Visayas who were also hit badly are being neglected and not receiving food and water that they need just as badly.” says Maria, preschool teacher at St Joseph’s School in Chemainus. “My mum flew back to her village of Tapaz last week, as did her cousins from Alaska. I spoke to her via someone’s cell phone on Saturday and she said that they have been told not to expect electricity for 3 months. Though our family is generally ok, houses all need repair and rebuilding. Most have no roofs. She told us that neighbouring villages on the outskirts were hit really, really bad.” says Sheila Badman, editor of Cowichan Valley Voice. The Canadian government is matching all funds donated to registered charities such as Red Cross, Unicef and CARE Canada until December 9th. To take advantage of the matched funds, please donate before December 9th. If you’ve missed the deadline and would like to donate directly to help families, friends and neighbours in the Philippines please see box.

Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine

WE ARE CURRENTLY COLLECTING DONATIONS Non Perishable Food• canned foods, dry fruits, crackers, powdered milk, fruit bars, noodles • chewable vitamins for children and adults Household Goods • CANDLES! emergency glow lights, headlamps towels, light blankets Other Necessities• toothbrushes, soap, toiletries, crayons, art and school supplies, colouring books for children Cash Donations • for building materials and supplies • for basic food and water • to help cover freight costs from Vancouver Boxes will take 35 - 42 days to reach Visayas region. Money is sent via Western Union. To donate please contact Sheila at info@ cowichanvalleyvoice.com or Maria at crossleymalou4@gmail. com We will be sending the 2nd set of Balikbayan boxes in the first week of December and will continue to send them based on need and what is donated. *Balikbayan is a mix of two Tagalog words - balik, meaning to come back or return, and bayan, which is city or home country.

Guidance By Tarot

Chemainus Health Food

Saltspring Soapworks

Eliza Hemingway Art & Antiques 9756C Willow Street 250 416-0363

* Utopia Bakery

9748 Willow Street 250 324-2226 Handmade Soaps, Natural Body Care

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

A-9780 Willow Street 250 246-9992 Artisan Bread and European Pastries

Etc.

9747 Willow Street 250 324-2227 Beads and Beading Classes

See You Soon!

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.

arot has been used since the mid 15th century. It began across Europe as a regular card game. In 1781 Antoine Court de Gebelin, believed that the deck contained mystical knowledge that was encoded in the symbolism of the Trumps and he theorized that this magical wisdom was by Thoth,the Egyptian God of Inspired Written Knowledge. The first published divinitory meanings for the deck came in 1770 when Jean-Baptiste Alliette(a.k.a. “Ettiela”), a well-known Cartomancer, used them in readings.The deck(s) have since taken on many forms throughout the years reflecting specific trends in region, culture, philosophy, and sexuality. There are literally hundreds of interpretations including tones from serious to dream-like.A good reader chooses a deck that suits their personality as well as other variables such as the Guides/Angels/Spirit (s) that they work with and/or the specific client that they are reading for. I have been doing readings for 23 years with a deck of cards that I was guided to create. The cards act as a “springboard” for the reading. The “True” messages come from Spirit. Spirit could be MY Guides/Angels, the clients Guides/Angels, crossed over

loved ones, Archangels, Totem animals, or any other “Light” spirits. I have been psychic all my life, first being aware of it as a child when my Grandfather stood in my closet and waved “goodbye” when he died. I can remember “knowing” the words to songs before they came out on the radio as well as “future” events which came to pass. I am honored to do this work whether it be a private reading or group session.I consider myself the “Telephone” for Spirit, allowing them to share their messages through me. Spirit, in its Wisdom, can answer ANY question- all you need do is ASK and be OPEN to the answer. Namaste.

Tarot Readings by Sharon

December 6, 13, 20 2- 4 pm WINGS III 193 Station St., Duncan For Reservations please Call 250 746 9906

Delicious East Indian Cuisine Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas The Daily Grind Dine in or Take Out 3218 Sherman Road • 250-709-2299

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) A delightful month ahead awaits you because the Sun is now in your fellow Fire sign. (It’s like having snug, cozy slippers that fit your feet.) Travel anywhere if you can because you want to push the sides of the envelope. You want to meet new people, see different cultures, learn new things and discover adventure! You feel lots of positive energy, which makes you keen to work as well as improve your health. Opportunities to flirt and schmooze with someone older or richer exist. (This could lead to something more serious.) Taurus (April 20-May 20) Because you have excellent financial savvy, you’re the banker of the zodiac. This month, you’re focused on shared property, taxes, debt, insurance matters and inheritances. However, all is not about the coin of the realm. Privately, you’re hatching a secret plot to become a better person. You want to improve yourself in every way – financially, healthwise, with friendships, at work, and in developing further skills, talents and training. You want it all! (A promising, sexy month ahead.) Gemini (May 21-June 20) The Sun is now as far away from you as it gets all year. Since the Sun is your source of energy, this means you will be tired and need more sleep. (Go to bed.) However, you will put out lots of energy on the home front this month due to residential moves, renovations or visiting guests. Whatever you do will improve your home scene. Meanwhile, gifts, goodies and advantages from others will come your way. A ask for a loan or get a mortgage. (Back

in the boudoir, romance will be passionate.) Cancer (June 21-July 22) You’re determined to get organized. You want every action to count. This means you want to be efficient, effective and productive. This high standard that you set for yourself will apply to your health as well. This is why you will start to eat healthier and exercise more because you want to be the best that you can be. (Exemplary aspiration.) Relations with others will be smooth. You find it easy to be forthright, yet charming and diplomatic. Killer combo. You’ll get what you want – most of the time. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) With the Sun in a fellow Fire sign, sports, the arts, social invitations, parties, lunches, dinners with friends and romantic getaways are on the menu. Your first choice will be a vacation. (Leos love great hotels. They want their life to be like a movie with fun clothes, gorgeous cars, hot sex, good food and scintillating company.) This is why, even though you will work within the limitations of your own environment, you will introduce this “movie” into your life. Naturally, this costs money, but Leos believe “Lots of money is only useful if you spend it.” Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Now your attention turns to home, family and your domestic environment. You might be more involved with a parent. You want a chance to relax and cocoon at home. Nevertheless, with fiery Mars in Virgo, you will demand what you want and be physical in your approach to life. (No wonder you want to go back home to rest.) Venus will foster romance, social fun and a chance to express your creative talents — and your popularity continues. This is a good time for you.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You’re busy with short trips, increased reading and writing plus talking to everyone. This white-rabbit pace is a tad frantic. You’re working behind the scenes to boost your career and reputation, plus reorganizing, redecorating and entertaining at home. Discussions about how to boost your income or get a different job are also on the table. How stretched can you be? One thing in your favour is Jupiter is high in your chart, allowing you to make a great impression on bosses and VIPs. You can do no wrong. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your focus now turns to your job, your earnings and your possessions. You will identify with what you own. True, society judges people by appearances and possessions. Meanwhile this is a social time for you because you’re active with groups, even competitively, eager to communicate to others and you’re charming as hell. And on top of this, opportunities to travel and explore further education look great, as does publishing, the media, medicine and the law. You wanted more? Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) It’s all systems go for you because the Sun is in your sign. This happens only once a year and it energizes you and helps you recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. It also attracts favourable circumstances and important people to you. Two fortuitous influences are at play: Mars makes you ambitious now and Venus attracts financial opportunities to you. (However, Venus will also encourage you to spend on clothes, jewelry and art objects to beautify your home.) Others continue to offer you support. Life is good. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your personal year is coming to an end. Therefore, now is

December

an ideal time to strategize what you want your new year (birthday to birthday) to be all about. Think about this. After all, people with goals succeed because they know where they’re going. Travel and educational opportunities look good now, as does publishing, medicine, the law and mediarelated issues. Keep a low profile and work behind the scenes as much as possible before you step out onto centre stage next month.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You will love this month because your focus is on friendship and dealing with groups. You value friendships. This is also an excellent time to formulate long-range goals. To test the wisdom of these goals, why not share your hopes for the future with others to get their feedback? Meanwhile, secret love affairs might take place. You have an increased sex drive now. You are also making future plans for your professional life. For several reasons, you’re concerned with your future. (Basically, the future is much like the present only longer.) Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month the Sun slowly travels across the top of your chart acting like a spotlight casting a flattering light on you making you look good to bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. Because they admire you, you will be approached by others to take on increased responsibilities. Say yes because you will continue to impress them with little effort. Be patient with partners because Mars opposite your sign can make you judgmental and easily annoyed with others. Fun times with creative people will please you now. Don’t leave home without your sketchbook. www.georgianicols.com

COWICHAN FEATURE LISTINGS 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 Hours Monday - Saturday 10 - 5 and Sunday 11 - 4

9752c Willow St Chemainus 250 324 2227

Metal Artist Brad Allen

With a torch,welder and array of metal finishing tools, Brad creates joyful, nurturing and thought-provoking pieces. - Metal Wall hangings - Free Standing Sculptures Studio located in Duncan by appointment Brad Allen 250 748 0934 www.meddleart.com

• WORDPRESS Set Up services. • Automatic installation. • Personalized e-mail addresses.

Volunteer Opportunities in the Cowichan Valley Cowichan Neighbourhood House - Youth After school support volunteers Contact info and details at: www.cnha.ca

Exclaim Domain and Hosting Services

• Local technical support

FREE DOMAINS! 250-746 9319 I www.exclaim-domain-hosting.com

St John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program - Animals Dog program volunteers needed Judy Wood: 250-746-4058 or Judy.Wood@bc.sja.ca

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.

Cowichan Valley Arts Council - Arts Culture, and Heritage PORTALS Volunteer Host Contact: Morgan 250-746-1633 Cowichan Intercultural Society - Intercultural ESL Tutoring volunteers Contact: Emma Koch Phone: 250.748.3112 or relationships@cis-iwc.org West Coast Men’s Support Society - Community Admin/PR volunteers Contact: Grant M. Waldman Ph: (250) 597-2801 or email: grant@westcoastmen.org Handmade Hugs Society - Community Volunteer Knitters & Sewers Contact: handmadehugs@shaw.ca

Lynda Allen 250-748-0934 lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca

Cowichan Station Area Association - Community Website Design Guru Volunteer Contact: Madelaine at mamac@telus.net Abbeyfield House, Non profit housing for seniors, - Seniors Gardening volunteers Contact: 250 748 1352 or abbeyfield@ live.com. Cowichan Land Trust - Environment Membership Coordinator volunteer Contact: 250-746-0227 info@cowichanlandtrust.ca

• State of the art DATA centre

Cowichan Community

Contact Adrienne Richards for more information and a Winter 2014 Rate Card 250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

even other faith-based centres. The mission of Hope Farm is to be ‘a restorative farming community grounded in Christian practice that offers a sanctuary of hope.’ How that is lived out is a community of staff and residents who arrive as individuals and are offered the opportunity to live as a member of an accepting community and to leave restored to live in a way they have chosen, a way free from addiction.

Healing At Hope Farm

erhaps you have bought eggs or chickens from our farm gate, or you have eaten bread made from the wheat grown here. Or perhaps you have driven past it on your way to Lake Cowichan or Bings Creek, and wondered what this place is about. Like many farms in the valley’s burgeoning local-food movement, Hope Farm Healing Centre grows a number of organic food items, as well as hay, straw, and firewood. Perhaps best known for eggs and broiler chickens, Hope Farm also sells a variety of vegetables and pork, and occasionally beef and lamb. But the farming is only part of what Hope Farm is about. In 2006, the Mustard Seed in Victoria purchased the dairy farm on Drinkwater Road and formed a centre for men to recover from addictions and other life-damaging patterns. The six-month to one-year residential program offers to the residents the space and the time to discover and confront core issues in their lives. While many other residential addictions programs exist, Hope Farm’s unique character distinguishes it from

Hope Farm was born out of a Christian commitment to resist the deadly power of addiction, and it retains that conviction as it operates as a working farm. Drawing from the deep well of historical community traditions, such as the Benedictine tradition, Hope Farm creates space for healing without a climate of proselytizing. And while there is a common, and unfortunately often fairly earned, reputation of faithbased recovery centres pressing an agenda of personal religious conversion, Hope Farm operates out of a commitment and lives out its core values of faithfulness, community, stewardship, and shalom, and incorporates practices such as daily prayer, forgiveness, and the ethics of Jesus without making belonging to the community or the program contingent on any sort of personal faith. Many current and former residents who have been to other treatment facilities remark that Hope Farm feels different; perhaps the smaller size (6-11 residents), or the eclectic program, or the commitment to avoid a hyper-macho climate common in some other predominately male environments, or perhaps the relaxed, humour-filled family atmosphere of the farm contribute to this feeling. Regardless, for the approximately 100 residents who

have participated in the life of the farm, Hope Farm has offered an alternative to recovery that many have found compelling. The program at Hope Farm is spread over three stages of engagement. Stage One is four months, and in it the resident engages fully in life at the Farm. He meets weekly with the farm’s registered clinical counsellor, and has medical and dental care as needed. He is assigned chores and other house duties, and participates in classes on a variety of subjects related to addiction and forging new life patterns. In time, he can receive visitors and eventually visit off-site with friends or family. At four months, the resident enters Stage Two, which gives him the opportunity to work or go to school off-site up to twenty hours a week, while still connected to life at the farm. Many residents have taken the opportunity to upgrade their education at this point, opening up opportunities previously closed to them. And while many residents choose to move off the farm at six months, and either return to their jobs and lives they left to come to the farm or embark on new paths, others elect to stay at Hope Farm for another six months in Stage Three. In Stage Three, the resident can work or go to school full-time

and remaining engaged with farm life in the time they are not working at their vocational goals. Once a resident leaves, his involvement with Hope Farm does not end. After-care is resident-led, with an open invitation to re-engage with the farm through dinners or even drop-in visits, and an alumni meeting and continued engagement with staff are options for him to pursue. The farming, organic and small-scale, is an opportunity to practice the values espoused at Hope Farm, an extension of an approach to addictions recovery that seeks to restore and steward the lives of each resident and demonstrate respect to all others who encounter the life of Hope Farm. So the next time you drive past our red barns on Drinkwater Road, or stop to buy eggs or vegetables, feel free to take a moment to talk to either a staff member or resident about the farm. For more information on the farm, or to volunteer or enquire about residency, visit www.mustardseed.ca, or call 250.748,4479 or email info@hopefarm.ca.

WINGS III

Will be hosting Tarot readings on Fridays December 6,13,20 from 2-4 pm. Readings are 1/2 hour long and cost $30. Reservations can be made through the store. 250 746 9906 Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 193 Station St at Jubilee, Downtown Duncan

Custom Carpentry by Doug Marsh

Journeyman, earth friendly carpenter available. Specializing in creative renos, artistic designs and live edge creations for your home, garden, farm, business or neighbourhood.

Builds gates, fences, sheds, garden beds, tables, shelving, arbours, pergolas, chicken coops, greenhouses.

FREE CONSULTATIONS Duncan: 250 737-1852