February 2017 Issue 99

owichan

FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE 99 LOVE OLD GROWTH TREES I SWEET PAIRINGS I HEART HEALTH I GETTING GARDEN READY

1

Chemainus Sketch Group - Show of Art, 49th Café Ladysmith runs to February 15

Store) 5380 TCH, Duncan 250-597-4763 also 9/16/23 Free!

1

4

Community Acupuncture Wednesdays w/Frauke McCashin, RAc, 5-8pm#10344 Queens Road, Duncan 250-710-3581 $15-$45 also 8/15/22 Meditation Wednesdays 9 AM Nichiren Buddha Center, #2017- 3906 Johnny Bear Rd. Duncan 250. 710. 7594 By Donation also 8/15/22 Fabrications Jewellery Sale 125 Kenneth St, Downtown Duncan foreverfab.com runs to February 15

2

OPENING Poetic – A collection of oils

by Katherine Stone inspired by Pre-Raphaelite poem Artist Talk 6 - 8pm Excellent Frameworks, 28 Station St, Duncan Show runs to Feb 27. tea farm Season Opening Seconds Sale, 2-4pm Westholme Tea Farm, 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme, 250 748 3811 FREE Community Acupuncture Thursdays w/ Frauke McCashin 12-3 pm RAc, #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan 250-710-3581 $15-$45 also 9/16/23 Adult Handwork Classes/Basic sock knitting - bring your own wool and needles w/ Donna Huston 10am - 12pm Freya Sophia Waldorf Store (next to the Community Farm

Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Andrew Weaver visits Cowichan Valley for official Sonia Fursteneau Green Party Campaign Office opening 12:30 - 3 pm Unit 101, 1760 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road, Shawnigan Lake www.soniabcgreens.ca Basic Fruit Tree Pruning with Bernie Dinter 10am Dinter Nursery 5km south of Duncan on Hwy 1 250 748 2023 Todd McAneeley, Imagine That! Artisans 251 Craig St, Duncan Freedom Is A Callin’ Gospel concert, 2 pm, C.R.C.930 Trunk Rd Duncan $15 Medical Herbalist Rowan Hamilton in Residence Saturdays 10am - 4pm Community Farm Store 5380 TCH

5

Auction Sunday Early viewing 10am - 1pm, Auction 1pm La Petite Auction House 9686 Chemainus Rd 250 701 2902 Chemainus Classical Concerts: Duo BeijaFlor: Charles Hobson, guitar; Marie-Noëlle Choquette, flute.

2pm,St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus $20/$5 Adv$17 250-748-8383

6

Mascara Mondays at Prudence Organics Natural Beauty & Fashion.

Test our Canadian made clean mascaras at both locations South Duncan, Sol Centre next door the the Community Farm Store and 155 Craig St DT Duncan also 13/20/27

7

Meditation Tuesdays 7 PM Nichiren Buddha Center, #4 - 3906 Johnny Bear Rd. Duncan 250. 710.

7594 By Donation also 14/21/28

4

8

Chemainus Sketch Group Meet Up with Guest Artist Carla Flegel 9:30 Fuller Lake Arena new members most welcome

9

Cat Catfe Book a “meet and greet” to play with a feline from Cowichan Cat Rescue 11AM - 2:20PM Cowichan Library 2687 James Street Duncan

10

Steve McKinnon Trio, w/Bent Jensen + John Wade, western swing 7pm, Old Firehouse Wine Bar, Duncan

11

Soil Fertility Workshop 8:30am4:30pm Call 250 748 8506 to register $75 + gst includes lunch Annual Happiness Dinner Deerholme Farm 4830 Stelfox Rd For Reservations call 250 748 7450

11&12

Ongoing Puppetry and Stories from the Golden Cauldron of Nanna Hannah, 2 PM (age 4 & up) Silk Marionette Show 5380 TCH, Sol Centre (beside the Community Farm Store) Duncan

12

Partner Yoga Workshop with Lilian Bianchi, 10am-1pm at Namaste Yoga Studio $45 250 746-0327 www. namasteyoga.ca John Lee Trio 2pm Sunday Jazz Crofton Hotel 1534 Joan Ave $15 Door

13

Shawnigan Lake Heritage Family Day, 10am-1pm, Shawnigan Lake Community Centre, 2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd. FREE Family Day Skate & Sports! Island Savings Centre 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm Skate,1pm 1:50 pm Skate 1pm - 3:00 pm Recreation Activities Island Savings Centre Phone: 250.748.7529 FREE

14

Happy Valentine’s Day! Resthouse Mattress Promotion begins 126 Station St, Duncan

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

15

Cowichan Valley Green Drinks, 5-7pm, Craig St Brewpub 3rd floor, FREE (buy your own beer) fun environmental social/networking event Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austen opens at Chemainus Theatre Festival 1800 565 7738 runs to March 25 chemainustheatre.ca

17

17&18

Glow Juicery Heart Healthy Samples Day! Come in and try our organic heart friendly food, treats and cold pressed organic juices all day 9-5pm 5380 TCH HwyFREE

18

Folk Dances from the along The Silk Road: Basket Dance Workshop 10am - 12 Danse Oriental $30 250 746 1077 Mbira Spirit Blues, Reggae w/ African twist 7pm Old Firehouse Wine Bar Oysters of Vancouver Island Deerholme Farm 250 748 7450 LifeSpan Day Retreat, Nichiren Buddha Center, #4-3906 Johnny Bear Rd. Duncan, info: 250. 710. 7594 or www.viretreats. com/2017 Retreats

19

Auction Sunday Early viewing 10am - 1pm, Auction 1pm La Petite Auction House 9686 Chemainus Rd 250 701 290 Bridal Show mobile fashion, appetizers, cash bar Noon-4pm Ramada Duncan Hotel & Conference Center, 140 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan $5adv/$8 door Fun with Table Puppets & Lap Puppets (age 4 - 7) 5380 TCH, Sol Centre (beside the Community Farm Store) Duncan $5 per child, $10 per adult. Family rates available 250-748-3359 Hannah Creative Drumming Workshop w/ MJ Vermette (SacredFire), 3-5pm, Saidi Sisters Studio, 420 4th Ave., Ladysmith $20.

Express your rhythm with creative impulse. www.sacredfiremusic.com

21

Designing The Labyrinth: Tea And Talk.

Join us to finalize our labyrinth design, walk a mock-up, and sign up to volunteer or donate. Providence Farm Chapel. 4-6 pm

VINOTECA AT ZANATTA

22

Break The Sugar Habit – with Ruth Haynes, 5.30 – 7pm Scoops Natural Foods, Whippletree Junction 778-4223310 $20

23

Essential Oils for Healing with Master Herbalist Robin Round of Botanical Bliss 7-9pm $25 250-710-1276 to register

24

Scotty Hills-Juno Nominee, Live in the Providence Farm Chapel 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan May The Sauce be With You #1 Masala Curry Sauce 5.30 – 7pm Scoops Natural Foods 778-422-3310 Whippletree Junction $15 HUB FilmClub Movie Night “Absolutely Fabulous the Movie!” 7pm The HUB 2375 Koksilah Rd, Admission w/ membership or donation hubfilmclub@gmail.com Dine Cowichan special pricing on dining out around the Valley details online: duncancc.bc.ca>events

25

Scoops Sale Day - 15% off Groceries, Scoops Natural Foods 778-422-3310 Whippletree Junction Free Yin Yoga Class with Nadia, 6-7:30pm, Harmony Yoga Centre, 360 Duncan St Duncan 250.597.1919 FREE Matteric and Bre Quigley Folk Rock Crooners 7pm Old Firehouse Wine Bar

25&26

Streamkeepers 2 Day Course 9am-4pm To register call 250 746 0227 $60

26

Cheek to Cheek w/ vocalists Edie Daponte, Kristina Helene and Susannah Adams Sunday Jazz 2pm Crofton Hotel 1534 Joan Ave $20 Door

Join us for Lunch Wed - Sun. Dinner on the Weekends.

Brunch on Sundays.

Event Shuttle Available through

vinoteca.ca

5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279

27

Reel Alternatives shows, Love and Friendship 7 pm a ‘period piece’ (Jane Austin) which is decidedly modern, at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan.

28

Preparing Grains & Legumes for Enhanced Flavor & Nutrition, 5.30 – 6.30pm (+gst) Scoops Natural Foods 778-422-3310 Whippletree Junction $35 OUT OF TOWN Boomers Week 50+ Ski specials and events Mount Washington www.mtwashington.ca

6-10 13

Jazz on View Fundraiser w/ Misha Piatigorsky, special guest performers and buffet dinner prepared by Chef Bill Jones. Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St. Victoria. $100 Seating 5pm www.jazzonview.com

5

Issue 99 February 2017 Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Proofreader Diana Pink

Distribution Mike Andringa

Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline FEBRUARY 15 for MARCH ISSUE 100 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next DEADLINE FEB 12 for MARCH 2017 Issue 100 Please send event all on ONE line in this order: Date, Event Title, Time, Location, Cost Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Grace Ying Tan, Bill Jones, Guy Johnson, Martine Thomson, Jessica Schacht, Tamu Miles, Suzan Kostiuck, Margit Nellemann, Brandy Mandrusiak, Penelope Griggs, Heather Kaye, Mary Ann Deacon, Elizabeth Croft, C.A. Linkater, Torrance Costas, Irv Bahnmann, Laura Colpitts, Collin Elder, Andrew Brown, Sophy Roberge, Andrea Larsen, Susan Quackenbush, Faye Stefan, Chris Manley, Catherine Macey, David Coulson, Jennifer Yee Fairweather, Reed Gary, Tracey Hanson, Chantey Dayall, Christina Hamill, Alicia Taylor, John Badman, Veronica Scott, Karla Rothweiler, Laura Colpitts, Judith Quinlan, Sadie Bartram, Debbie Wood, David Suzuki, The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols.

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/ or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville Cover Image: “Shed Light” by Collin Elder www.collinelder.com

Valley Voice is celebrating our 100th Issue next month!

If you would like to share a warm and fuzzy message of love for the

100th Issue Celebration Pages

please send up to 25 words to info@cowichanvalleyvoice.com by midnight on February 14.

Please include your name or business.

Space is limited so first come first serve.

6

OUR COMMUNITY February Events 4- 5 Chinese New Year 6 Food For Thought 8 Teafarm Season Opening 15 Intercultural Online Cookbook 19 Reel Alternatives 2017 Spring Series Begins 20 Dr. Andrew Weaver In Town 29 Recycling Ready to Drink Beverage Containers 34 Downtown Duncan 36-39 Selling your Business by Dave Shortill 42 Websites, Emails And Verbal Lint 49 February Events 62 A Conversation with Sonia Furstenau 64 Community Farm Store 66-67 Local Business Directory 68-69 February Forecasts by Georgia Nicols 70 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Community Supported Fishery 9 Sweet Local Pairings 10-11 The Myths and Marvelousness of the Martini 12 Foods for Heart Health 16 Dine Cowichan – First Regional Dine Out Program 21 Cheers Cowichan Tours 43 Valentine’s Around The Valley 64 -65 FARM, HOME & GARDEN Raincoast Aquaponics - A Delicious Balance 18 Fruit Tree Pruning 22 Cowichan Agricultural Society’s Soil Fertility Workshop 23 Winter’s Hidden Design 24 The Fine Craft of Using Traditional Joinery for Tables 31 Designing Green: Staying Comfy Affordably 32 All About Ductless Heat Pumps 33 Breathe New Life Into Stucco Siding 35 Green Living 47 LOCAL ARTS Visiting the Art Studio Of Katherine Stone 13 Talking Arts Ceramic Artist Margit Nellemann 14 Ecologist Painter Collin Elder 30 Chemainus Theatre Celebrates 25 Years! 40 Cheek to Cheek Vocal Trio 41 Mirror, Mirror on The Wall 56 Belly Dancing 59 BODY, MIND & HEALTH It’s Never Too Late To Start Taking Good Care Of Your Heart! 17 Healthy Hearts 44 Healing with Emotional Freedom Technique 45 It’s Time Couples Rest Easy! 46 The “Law of Attraction” in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy 52 A Garden That Heals 53 Pattern Interrupted 57 Yoga For Wellness 63 CHILDREN & FAMILY The Freya Sophia Waldorf Store 50 Early Childhood At Sunrise 51 Mount Washington For Me At 73 54 BEAUTY Demystifying Mascara 58 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE What’s Up in the Walbran Valley? 26 Land of the Giants 28 Be A Streamkeeper 48 Step Cats 60 Puppies…Lucky Dogs 59 David Suzuki 71

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

Chinese New Year

C

hinese New Year, or the “Spring Festival” as it is known in China, is the most important traditional holiday in China. This is the season for the whole family to gather together. The big family dinner on the New Year’s Eve is a very important sign for family reunion. The parents would start to prepare the food for half a month before the New Year’s Day, which would last for at least a week, because all the stores would be closed during the holiday.

Families who have been busy working for the whole year come home to relax with their parents. During this holiday, people do nothing else, but enjoy the family time ---- eating, relaxing, social, playing games, watching movies etc.

We Chinese believe that as we enter a new year, we should have a new beginning, from head to feet. So we would get new haircuts, buy new clothes and new shoes, clean our houses, pay off all debts, etc. in order to have a fresh start for the New Year.

During Chinese New Year’s celebrations, there are many traditional activities, some local and others celebrated universally. Homes throughout China are decorated with special banners or couplets of red and gold-the traditional representations of happiness and prosperity. You may see a big Chinese character on the doors, meaning “blessing”.

Fireworks and firecrackers are indispensible for the celebrations, because one belief is that the noise of the fireworks is supposed to scare away all evil spirits allowing the new year to begin without misfortunes.

and can be up to 100 feet long.

People inside the costume make the dragon move up and down as it zigzags past the spectators.

Children loooooooove the Spring Festival, because they can eat as many candies and snacks as they want. Many get red envelopes filled with “lucky money” from the elders. The dragon is a very popular symbol for the Chinese New Year. It is a symbol of strength and good luck. In some communities, you may see a giant dragon parading down the street. The dragon costume is always very colorful

The “New Year Season” lasts for 15 days, from the New Year Day on the Chinese Lunar calendar, which is known as the Lantern Festival.

On the 15th day, (February 11, this year) people usually eat sweet round dumplings to symbolize a perfect happy ending to the New Year season.

The moon on this day is also a round moon. So everything is round and perfect. It is a good

beginning for the New Year.

2017 is the year for rooster.

People born in the year of rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017) are believed to be reliable and hardworking, with a strong sense of timekeeping and responsibility at work.

Happy New Year!

Grace Ying Tan, Settlement Assistant of CIS. Moved to Cowichan Valley in 2014.

7

T

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

he effect of food on mood has always been an interest of mine. It started when I found out foods like garlic where believed to energize the brain and stimulate social interactions like communication. Then I found out about the world of aphrodisiacs (always a hot topic for the mind of a young man) and then veered off into the world of how certain foods can elevate moods and contribute to our wellbeing. In University I took a fun course called Culinary Anthropology, an exploration of how food and culture influence different

Freshly Picked Truffles

Food For Thought cultures around the world.

It taught me that food plays a huge role in our lives and sharing and enjoyment are key pieces for enjoying our time here on the planet. It all made me think that maybe

Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs and Peanut Sauce Chef Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm 4 chicken thighs 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 tsp minced hot chili 1 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro 1 tsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 head iceberg lettuce (or other leafy lettuce) Lime wedges Cilantro leaves for garnish Sesame Seeds for Garnish

Peanut Sauce 1 can coconut milk 1/4 cup peanut butter 3 cloves garlic 1 Tbsp 1 lemon or lime, juiced 2 Tbsp soy sauce ¼ cup hot water 2 Tbsp brown sugar 2 tsp fish sauces

On a clean cutting board, de-bone the chicken thighs and remove skin and excess fat. Cut chicken into 1 inch strips and place in a small glass or stainless steel bowl. Add the minced garlic, chili, cilantro and sesame oil Add the oil and season well with salt and pepper. Stir and allow to sit for 15 minutes to marinate.

there were deeper mechanism at work when we eat food we enjoy.

Science has also looked at this issue and has isolated several interesting connections. Some foods do provide energy to the metabolism (such as theobromine from chocolate and caffeine from coffee and tea and others). Some chemical reactions such as the caramelization of sugars also form complex products that react as pleasure in the brain. Many foods we crave contain an essential amino acid called tryptophan and one key component is called serotonin. Many foods contain this compound such as dairy, meat and poultry, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, chocolate and many mushrooms. Yes, they all taste good, but there are also chemical transmitters being

sent to your brain sending waves of pleasure around.

This is pretty neat stuff.

Recent research has also revealed another substance called andandamine. You may know it as an active ingredient in cannabis but it also occurs naturally in other plants, notably chocolate and truffles and more mysteriously in local sea urchin roe. Scientists have dubbed this the bliss molecule for its role in lowering anxiety and it’s being studied as a potential medication for treating depression. It is also though to increase appetite and may have a role in the way the body assimilates and stores fat.

Who knew that forkful of food has may have so much impact on our brain? Well – we did; and we’ve been celebrating the fact on our farm for the past few years.

On Saturday, February 11 we will be holding our annual Happiness Dinner featuring foods that encourage feelings of wellbeing and pleasure. The meal will include oysters, truffles, Duck, mushrooms and chocolate. If you feel like being a happy Guinea Pig, come join us.

Details are on our website at www.deerholme.com.

In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, peanut butter, garlic, lemon or lime juice, soy sauce, water, brown sugar and fish sauce. Stir well to make a smooth paste.

Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 10 minutes.

Skewer the chicken thighs to make 8-12 skewers. Heat your BBQ to medium high, place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is firm and browned. Remove from heat.

Serve with large leaves of iceberg (or romaine lettuce) and peanut sauce with a side garnish of lime wedges, cilantro and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

88

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

M

F f t r V R t c f C a s c a f a

Feeding Your Family From The Sea Community Supported Fishery

M

ichelle Rose Community Supported Fishery (CSF) is getting ready for our 7th season thanks to all the support we have received here in the Cowichan Valley and Victoria . Michelle Rose CSF is a chance for you to buy part of the season’s catch directly from me and my family. Much like a farmer’s CSA, pre-season you buy a portion of the upcoming season’s catch instead of crop). We Troll for Salmon and Ling Cod, as well as trap for Prawns, King Shrimp and Octopus, all low impact

fishing methods. As we travel back from the fishing grounds we contact members to come and pick up their share down at the Cowichan Bay Fishermen’s wharf or at the Sidney Fishermen’s wharf in Tsehum Harbour.

We will start the season this spring, prawn fishing in the central coast then come back to Cowichan Bay to supply our CSF members.

Then we switch our gear over for Salmon and Ling Cod trolling. We next head far to the north to troll between Haida Gwaii and the border with SE Alaska. This year we will catch Coho and Pink Salmon. In 2018 we should see a large run of Sockeye coming back to the Fraser River. By the end of the summer we are usually back to Cowichan Bay to distribute the catch of Salmon and Ling Cod. Come the end of September we head back to Johnstone straits

AN EXCELLENT LUNCH STOP

FEATURING COWICHAN VALLEY WINES & ISLAND CRAFT BEERS

DAYLINERCAFE.COM CLOSED TUESDAY & WEDNESDAYS

north of Campbell River to finish our season trolling for Chum salmon which we get smoked for the CSF. Take a look at our website and see what my family’s Michelle Rose Community Supported

Fishery is all about at: michellerosecsf.com Submitted by Guy Johnson, Michelle Rose CSF michellerosecsf.com

9

L

Sweet Local

ocally owned and operated chocolate shop Shawnigan House Coffee and Chocolates has made your Valentine chocolate shopping even sweeter! Owner Martine and her chocolatier Elena offer over 25 chocolates to choose from including special creations for Valentine’s Day such as milk and dark chocolate heart lollipops, cinnamon heart bark, ginger roses and luscious lips. Boxed chocolates here are unique by design so if the darling in your life only loves nut and caramel centres - you can custom order a box to contain just nut and caramel chocolates. How fabulous is that? To make things easy, we have asked a few local winemakers to pair their favourite wines with this trio of Shawnigan House chocolate bestsellers.

P

Rocky Creek Wild Blackberry

Unleash the true aroma and flavour of the wild blackberry. Sweet finish but also a bit of tartness from the natural blackberry. There is wonderful sensual feeling of the mint chocolate melting in your mouth with a sip of the wine. It has a wonderful richness and body.

Truffled Hearts

Not for the troubled heart, or maybe only for em.

Smooth dark chocolate centre. Wrapped in dark chocolate heart, perfection.

Vigneti Zanatta Allegria Brut

Mint may be a chocolate lover’s dream pairing, but could it be a wine lover’s? It was this question that compelled me to visit and taste the Mint Meltie from Shawnigan Lake Coffee and Chocolate early one Monday morning. When I took my first bite, bubbly wine immediately came to my mind. But not just any bubbly - Vigneti Zanatta Allegria Brut. Allegria is a ruby rosé, made using Pinot Noir grapes and the classic champagne method. This sparkler has spent just 1 year on the lees thus maintaining its fresh raspberry-strawberry bouquet.

But this ruby rosé has more depth than a pink rosé, and an elegant robust mouth feel. These are the qualities that makes pairing Allegria with the Mint Meltie’s rich buttery dark chocolate and subtle mint so delightful. Like all Zanatta wines, Allegria is 100% Island grown.

Mint Meltie Exciting and refreshing. A refreshing mint taste in a smooth milk chocolate centre, dipped in dark chocolate.

10

W w d c

S fl l d h l

l

,

Pairings • Restaurant • Deli • CAFÉ • Grocery •

1751 Cowichan Bay Road 250 748 0020 croweandappel.ca

say ays to

U” O Y E OV ade w

hand m

“I L

Offering fresh seafood, gluten free and paleo friendly menu of soups, broths, pies, jumbo sushi rolls, salads and salad rolls.always wild, pastured and organic.

Ampersand Gin

With it’s bright citrus overtones pairs beautifully with the floral notes of the lavender truffle. The delicate lavender complements the orris and contrasts nicely with the juniper in the gin.

Join us in Cowichan Bay for some great food events!

Saturday Night Dinners with live music celebration Sunday Brunch with wilderness skills for all the family

NEW Winter Hours Thursday through Sunday 11am-5:30pm

Lavender Truffle Smooth dark chocolate centre with the gentle flowery taste of local lavender, surrounded in dark chocolate. Topped with hand dried locally grown lavender.

LET US KNOW IT’S YOUR FIRST VISIT FOR 10% OFF YOUR MEAL

Gift Baskets Gift Certificates Meat & Cheese Platters Cocktail Supplies Gourmet Foods

Blue Grouse Quill Red 2014

The nose on this wine exudes boysenberry, cedar and leather. Flavours of dark, stewed fruit and hints of cocoa with balanced acidity and a strong finish. The Quill Red is soft with smooth tannins, but robust, which pairs well with dark chocolate. A double gold winning wine- it will make a perfect companion this Valentine’s day. Red wine and chocolate is always a winner!

Sweet Orange Truffle For your sweetheart.

A smooth dark chocolate center infused with sweet orange, surrounded in dark chocolate. Topped with candied orange.

Eat, Drink and Support Local

11

WHO DO YOU LOVE? Weʻll be making BABY CAKES for Valentineʻs Day! Available FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 thru the weekend and til’ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14th.

VALENTINE BABY CAKES...

They serve 2-4 people, are 3 inches around, are $18, and will have a heart on them.

YOU SHOULD PROBABLY ORDER ONE. We can’t fit more than about 3 letters on the top of these little guys, but they all say ‘CAKE!’ without even trying. They’re almost entirely organic, too, so you show your love for the earth, too.

GLUTEN FREE HAZELNUT TORTE & BLACKBERRY HAZELNUT TORTE a little square, with the layers of hazelnut covered with chocolate ganache, then layered up with whipped cream or coconut cream. Blackberry version made with local blackberries.

LEMON RASPBERRY TORTE is another little square, a nut free and gluten free sponge cake covered with lemon curd, raspberry jam, and whipped cream or coconut cream.

CARROT SPELT our ALL-TIME favourite, with our not-too-sweet Cream Cheese icing.

The CHOCOLATE CLASSIC, one of our chocolate cakes (choose vegan, which is round, or gluten-free, which is square) filled with cream or coconut cream and enrobed in chocolate ganache, or Chocolate Mocha, which is the same cake with mocha cream or coconut cream.

We’ll also be making some special Valentine’s cupcakes and cookies. It’s sweet to show the love!

Only available at the Duncan

Garage Café & Bakery, 330 Duncan St, Duncan 250 748 6223

12

T

The Myths and Marvelousness of the Martini

here may be no other drink as popular and widespread as the martini, and no drink quicker to get people riled up about the ‘right’ way to make one. Gin or vodka? Shaken or stirred?

Some debate exists over the Martini’s origins. Some say it was created in the mid1800’s during the gold rush.

Another version says that it’s named after Martini & Rossi Vermouth. The original recipe included equal parts gin, vermouth, bitters, and maraschino liqueur. The 1:1 ratio would shock many martini lovers of today, who prefer instead to ‘bow towards France’ a la Churchill.

While it’s true that too much vermouth can drown the drink, 1:1 is worth trying.

Noted cocktail historian (wouldn’t you love that job!)

David Wondrich has recently been touting the “50/50 Martini” bringing the original recipe back into the light.

So how did we get to a vodka martini, shaken not stirred?

Thanks to author Ian Fleming and a hotel bartender. He liked the drink so much he asked if he could use the recipe in a book. The bartender said yes, and the historic Vesper was born. Unlike a traditional martini, the Vesper is gin, vodka, & Lillet, shaken with ice. The rise of vodka in the latter half of the 20th century

led to the James Bond vodka Martini many people know and love (or loathe).

Traditionally martinis are stirred and not shaken. The theory is that shaking a Martini would aerate the gin too much, dissipating those lovely top notes. Vodka has no such delicacy and thus can stand up to the further dilution of shaking.

With its clean expression of simplicity and flavour it’s doubtful the Martini will ever go out of fashion. It embodies that phrase ‘what’s old is new again’. With the local explosion of distilleries in BC there are endless variations simply try a new gin. There are also different vermouths to try, from the classic Martini Dry, the high end Noily Prat, and craft vermouths such as Vya Dry. Remember to enjoy responsibly!

Vesper

2 oz Ampersand Gin 1 oz Per Se Vodka ½ oz Lillet Blanc Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with lemon twist.

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

Jessica is a local writer & co-founder of Ampersand Distilling Company.

A

a K h

Furs, 18” x 26” oil on panel

by Katherine Stone

Visiting the Art Studio Of Katherine Stone

past year or two at smaller art shows coordinated by the Cowichan Valley Arts Council here in Duncan. What caught my eye was not only the exquisite attention to composition and detail, but also the strong connection that her work created between the painting and the viewer. As the recent new owner of Excellent Frameworks and the EJ Hughes Gallery here in Duncan, I knew that a solo show featuring Kate’s work was in order.

Morgan Saddington (my gallery few months ago I had the assistant), my ten year old pleasure of visiting a new daughter and I headed out to artist to the Cowichan Valley.

Kate’s home studio in quaint Katherine (Kate) Stone’s work Maple Bay, at that time of day had caught my eye over the where the edge of darkness begins. Heading up a long and narrow driveway surrounded by both space and land, we parked in front of a massive old farmhouse, where we immediately fell in love with the simple shape of this edifice. Greeted warmly by Kate, her artist husband, David Gluck, as well as their adorable baby son, we were brought into a main floor studio workshop where professional art workshops are held. Beautifully lit with ample space, this was a workshop Painting by Keith Hiscock area designed for the 9768 Willow Street, Chemainus creative mind.

A

250-324 1395 Open Thursday - Sunday 11- 4

Featuring original art by World Class artists from Vancouver Island, British Columbia and across Canada.

Off to the side of the workshop area, a deceptively narrow set of stairs brought us up to Kate and

David’s main studio. For those of you who are not familiar with working with artists, you may have a few preconceived notions of how artists work.

Some may think that artists tend to be a bit, well, unique.

I want to affirm that this is definitely the case for almost all the artists I have had the pleasure of knowing, which is part of the reason why I absolutely love visiting artists on their stomping grounds.

A handmade birdcage of natural branches showcased a few feathered friends. Hung here and there were beautifully framed paintings by Kate, David and other artists from their private collection. The windows and high ceiling allowed for ample natural light in. A large easel with a partially completed painting

by Kate was erected, looking as if she could simply walk over and continue working on it at any given moment. A still life model was set up in front of the easel featuring an old

doll, draped fabric, an array of seemingly random objects such as a candle, ivy, antlers, a bug, all arranged in meticulous appreciation of their beauty.

After receiving the grand tour of the studio, Morgan, my daughter and I all felt we were part of something special. This young family in front of us radiated creativity, love, and commitment.

We all are looking forward to Kate’s show here at Excellent Frameworks – Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery located at 28 Station Street, downtown Duncan.

“Poetic – A collection of oils

by Katherine Stone inspired by Pre-Raphaelite poems” runs February 2 - 27th Artist Talk Thursday, February 2nd from 6 to 8pm. Everyone welcome to the artist talk – please join us and prepare to fall a little in love with art a bit more this month.

Submitted by Suzan Kostiuck, Owner Excellent Frameworks

13

Margit Nellemann Hand building with Clay Image Nik West

Talking Arts Ceramic Artist Margit Nellemann Margit Nellemann Studio & Gallery

8350 Richards Trail North Cowichan T 250 748 3811 Toll free 1 855 748 3811 Studio Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 10-5pm margitnellemann.com

fb MargitNellemann HandbuiltCeramics

I

recently came across an interesting article titled ‘A Movement Back to Our Roots: More Clay Less Plastic’. The article touches on the wastefulness of plastics and brings up issues around pollution. The project is centered around a series of exhibits travelling through Europe backed by a Social

14

Media campaign. The exhibit displays household items, such as storage containers, colanders, cups, bowls, etc., that once were all produced in clay but that are now mass produced in plastic. The initiator behind the movement is Lauren Moreira, a potter from Italy, who felt impelled to raise awareness of how ubiquitous the use of plastics has become.

Years ago, the majority of the housewares in our daily lives were made by hand, many were even produced locally, within each community. Most utensils have long since been replaced by mass produced items. Labour costs obviously played a decisive role in this trend as mass production afforded easier access to these tools.

I started working in clay in

the mid -80’s and didn’t get to experience the back-tothe-roots movement of the 60’s and 70’s during which time ceramics experienced a massive resurgence and growing popularity that allowed many potters to thrive. At that time, many enjoyed adding entire handmade dinner sets to their household and stoneware was in vogue. Then, during the 90’s, the popularity of clay waned once more.

In recent years, there is again a movement towards handmade along with an appreciation for unique, one-off products. In an effort, perhaps to add more meaning or permanence to a wasteful society people are seeking out locally made and produced goods.

An article in the New York

Times – ‘Why Handmade Ceramics Are White Hot’ pointed out that clay is going through another revival and that clay studios are sprouting up all over New York. As a ceramic artist, I certainly welcome this latest trend. There is something unassuming about clay even though, once it has gone through the process of creation, firing and glazing, it might well be around for thousands of years. There is a certain comfort to its timelessness that many mass produced objects don’t possess. We can all appreciate initiatives such as Lauren Moreira’s ‘A Movement Back to Our Roots’ even if it mostly spurs conversation. The hope is that we invite more handmade things into our homes and lives. www.margitnellemann.com

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

and some late winter fun.

The Seconds Sale will feature a variety of ceramics that are WILDLY reduced, including everything from teacups to plates, bowls to lamps, vases to teapots and much, much more. This year’s event will Teafarm Season Opening Seconds Sale 02.02 @ 2Pm also include great savings on select ur Annual Clay Seconds world of clay are slightly organic teas.

If you arrive at the farm Sale started in 2012 with imperfect creations whose in a TuTu you will get 22% off all the idea of opening for the flaws are part of their inherent regularly priced ceramics. season with a fun and light beauty. Because we are closed

O

hearted event that would feel something like an artful Mardi Gras. Seconds in the

Yes. This is for REAL! Come have some fun... you won’t be the only one! This is the not to be missed event of the year. Bring a friend and share in the wackiness.

8350 Richards Trail, Westholme teafarm.ca

for the month of January, choosing the second day of the second month to open again seemed fitting and the event was born.

Thursday 02.02 @ 2PM is when we swing open the gates for our 2017 Season

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

AVAILABLE AT Spinning Ninny 306 Duncan St, Duncan 15

ALL ORGANIC! Organic Cold-Pressed Juices • Organic Superfood Smoothies • Organic Raw lunches • Organic Bulletproof Coffee & Elixirs • Organic Raw Desserts

HAVE YOU DONE YOUR WINTER CLEANSE YET? Juicing with the seasons can help you feel more energized, improve digestion & feed your body the nutrients it needs to cleanse and detoxify.

Come in to Glow Juicery and Raw Food Café in Duncan to book today.

3-5380 Trans Canada Hwy I 250-597-2595

W

ith 1.6 million people in Canada living with heart disease we need to wonder, especially as we get older, what can we do to prevent it from happening to us. I believe food is our best prevention.

Gota Kola

Organic whole foods, fruits/vegetables, fats, proteins and herbs will help when you eat them on a daily basis. Fruits and vegetables lower blood pressure and Foods for Heart Health reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Organic juice Spirilina/Chlorella - lowers cleanses are a great way to blood pressure, reduces get 18 lbs of produce into your daily diet. By doing this, cholesterol, lowers chance of stroke, boost metabolism, it will help decrease your chelates heavy metals, high cardiovascular risk, increase in iron your vitamins and minerals, as well as balance pH levels Chaga -breaks down in your body, all needed LDL cholesterol, antito fight off disease. In one inflammatory, anti-tumor study published in BioMed properties Nutrition Journal, beet juice reduced blood pressure in as little as 6 hours after drinking He Shou Wu- Used to reduce cholesterol, angina it. Every fruit, vegetable and pectoris, bloody stools, herb has it’s own unique healing property. Here are just hypoglycaemia, diabetes, night sweating, schizophrenia, a few of our favourites for chronic bronchitis, epilepsy, juices and other food. head injuries, promotes red Beets - Lower blood pressure, blood cells helps build blood and Coconut oil - promotes heart supports the liver health, increase metabolism, anti viral/bacterial/fungal Ginger/Onion/Garlic* all have anti blood clotting At Glow Juicery we care abilities & prevents the build about your health. We’re a up of toxins place you can come to for healing foods and feel good Gotu Kola- helps circulation about what you’re putting into problems (venous your body. Join us Saturday insufficiency) including Feb 17th and 18th for free varicose veins, and blood samples of our organic heart clots in the legs friendly food, treats, and cold Tumeric - Anti-inflammatory, pressed organic juices all day from 9-5pm. antioxidant, strong antibiotic Schisandra Berry-helps improve cardiac function and boost antioxidant status

16

* all the ood and juice ingredients are organic at Glow.

Submitted by Brandy Mandrusiak

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

A

d f f l a e a

B m p w s w r g a

I c l h C v f I w d f C h t d o a h U f C t u a e O l s t b

With hearts in mind this month, know it’s never too late to start taking good care of your heart!

A

healthy eating plan can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke. Choose fresh foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and added sodium. Also, limit sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat. If you choose to eat meat, select the leanest cuts available.

Be physically active. Regular moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, like brisk walking, and musclestrengthening activities that work all major muscle is recommended. Children should get at least 60 minutes of activity every day.

In addition to above two cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle, consider adding heart health supplements.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance that is found in every cell of the body.

It functions as an antioxidant, which protects the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Antioxidants, like CO-Q10, act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to disease. Our bodies’ production of Co-Q10 drops off as we age, and supplementation can help maintain ultimate levels.

Ubiquinone, the most common form found in supplemental Co-Q10 must be converted by the body into ubiquinol before use. Ubiquinol supplements are available but are more expensive.

Omega 3s, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna & krill, reduce the risk of heart disease, mainly by lowering triglycerides and

countering inflammation. This is only one of many sciencebased benefits of these fatty acids, DHA and EPA. Omega 3s can also be found in spinach, mustard greens, wheat germ, walnuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and pumpkin seeds. A balanced diet includes daily intake of omega 3-rich foods and supplements that supply between 1200 and 1600 mg/ day for kids 14 years to adults, and between 500 and 1200 mg/ day for infants up to 12 year olds (http://www.dhaomega3. org/Overview/DHAEPA-andthe-Omega-3-Nutrition-GapRecommended-Intakes) Fiber is found naturally in fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes, and cuts down the amount of cholesterol your body deposits. 25 to 30 grams every day is generally ideal, but men less than age 51 should aim for 38 grams a day. Psyllium husk, available in both powders and pills, can lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise the “good” kind, HDL (http://www. webmd.com/supplements-hearthealthy#2). If you take a fiber supplement, increase the amount you take slowly and drink sufficient liquids.

Garlic, delicious to some but not all, has been proven to lower blood pressure, improve vascular tone and may slow the buildup of plaque in arteries, lowering the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack (http://jn.nutrition. org/content/136/3/736S.full).

Luckily for those of us keen to get the benefits of garlic but to side-step the taste, odorless pills are available. Aged garlic extract is also available for those who love the taste and want a potent dose of this powerful food.

The greatest wealth is good health! cobnutrition@ countrygrocer.com Penelope Griggs Nutrition Advisor and Manager, Supplements Department Country Grocer, Cobble Hill

Your body has 60,000 miles of veins and arteries.

How this product co developed by a medical journalist and doctor can help you!

• Produces healthy collagen • Dissolves Cholesterol deposits • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease • Increases blood flow to coronary arteries • Prevents formation of free radicals.

Available in 2 sizes of powder (original and berry flavour) or capsules. Also ask us about CoQ10 for heart health. From Preferred nutrition PNO.CA Come on in and see us at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery and our knowable staff would be happy to assist you.

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY

HEALTH FOOD STORE Village Green Mall, 4-180 Central Avenue, Duncan

250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com

17

A

drian Southern of Raincoast Aquaponics laughs and says that it was the idea of not having to weed that got him into aquaponics. “For me, there is nothing altruistic about farming this way... I just hate pulling weeds!”

When Adrian talks further about his business, it is evident, however, that his passion to build a new model for the industry as well as pursue what he considers the most sustainable form of food production is what really gets him excited about his livelihood.

Adrian’s interest in aquaponics was piqued 8 years ago when he was introduced to research at Vancouver Island University

Raincoast Aquaponics - A Delicious Balance to Vancouver Island’s temperate coastal climate.

testing hydroponically grown tomatoes integrated with a warm-water tilapia aquaculture system. Inspired by what he saw, Adrian knew there had to be a way to adapt a commercial system

Since 2013, in a modest 3000 square foot greenhouse, Adrian grows a variety of beautiful produce including tender red butterleaf lettuce, Asian greens, baby kale, celery and watercress. The greens float on trays suspended in water beds where roots access the nutrient-rich wastewater from three adjacent fish tanks, filled with rainbow trout kept in 15 degree water, much cooler than their warm-water tilapia counterparts.

plants need.”

Raincoast Aquaponics’ delicious trout can be found on the menu at the Old Firehouse Wine & Cocktail Bar in Duncan or ordered direct with Adrian at the Duncan Farmers’ Market. His beautiful greens are found at the market, in salads at the Garage Café or order them every week online with www.Cow-op.ca, your friendly online farmers’ market.

“Aquaculture and hydroponics married together solve each other’s problems,” explains Adrian. “Plants help process the fish wastewater replacing the expensive technology that is associated with land-based aquaculture and the fish provide all the nutrients the

FREE LANGUAGE CLASSES, EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE NEWCOMERS

WHERE CULTURES CONNECT

18

www.cis-iwc.org

250-748-3112

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

Heather Kaye Market Manager www.Cow-op.ca

Increasing energy levels and leaving you smelling like a spicy dessert that is impossible to resist. Steep whole cloves in red wine that has been heated on a low setting – steep for 20 minutes and remove cloves before serving warm.

Spice Up Your Love!

Pam Stiles is the owner of Scoops Natural Foods at Whippletree Junction.

778-422-3310

S

o, as it is the month of love and romance, I thought I would share my favourite herbs and spices from what I refer to as the ‘Ooh LaLa’ category. These spicy additions are known to increase libido and fertility and heat things up in the prowess department, wink wink.

Here are a few things you can add to romance up a meal or snack.

Nutmeg – Ooh LaLa testing has taken place in India to determine the aphrodisiac qualities of nutmeg, and it has proven successful in increasing libido on test subjects. This

sweet-smelling spice has been revered by many ancient cultures as the go-to spice to boost stamina in the love department. Grind whole nutmeg fresh each time you use for optimum nutrition.

Sprinkle on coffee and desserts before serving.

Garlic – Don’t laugh, it’s true that garlic breath can be a huge turn off, but this lowly bulb can pack a powerful stamina punch. Garlic is known for helping with circulation and extra blood flow to your love regions, which helps get you in the mood at the same time as taking care of your most important love organ, your heart! Bake a bulb of garlic and serve with warm brie and crackers for a romantic snack.

Cardamom – Ayurveda principles recommend cardamom for low fertility.

These seeds encourage blood flow to the nether regions and increase desires. Not only that, often chewed after meals, the cardamom pods leave your breath smelling and tasting great – because, well, stinky breath doesn’t help in these situations! Add whole crushed cardamom pods to your favourite herb tea and chew afterwards.

Ancient Peruvians, maca is known to increase fertility, libido and stamina. This superfood is loaded with nutritious goodness that enhances mental clarity, longevity and endurance. For optimum nutrition use raw – add a teaspoon of powder to smoothies, granolas or protein bars.

For more information on spices and the health benefits, call or visit us at Scoops Natural Foods, Whippletree Junction!

Maca Powder – Not exactly herb or spice, but this root was highly regarded as a potent aphrodisiac by the

Cloves – Another aromatic spice that warms things up and gets the blood pumping!

19

Reel Alternatives 2017 Spring Series Begins February 27

T

he series begins with Love and Friendship, from Jane Austin’s unpublished rather cheeky novella Lady Susan and finishes June 26 with Maudie, the story of Nova Scotia’s own well known folk artist Maud Lewis. Mid way, to celebrate Canada’s 150 years, TIFF Film Circuit’s

Canada on Screen shows Atom Egoyan’s The Sweet Hereafter with two showings, 2:30 and 7:00. April 19 all of Canada watches one of 14 Canadian films, free admission, tickets required from CPAC’s Ticket Centre.

Tickets are available now at the Ticket Centre.

20

Love & Friendship is an adaptation of young Jane Austen’s novella Lady Susan, believed to have been written

in the mid 1790s but revised up to a fair copy prepared in 1805 and finally published by her nephew, James Edward Austen-Leigh, in 1871.

Set in the 1790s, earlier than most Austen tales, Love & Friendship concerns beautiful young widow Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) who has come to Churchill, the estate of her in-laws, to wait out colourful rumours about her dalliances circulating through polite society.

Whilst ensconced there, she decides to secure a husband for herself and for her daughter, Frederica, played by Morfydd Clark. Chloë Sevigny plays Lady Susan’s friend and confidante Alicia Johnson, with Stephen Fry as her husband, the “very Respectable” Mr. Johnson.

February 27 Reel Alternatives Love and Friendship 7:00 Tickets $12, Students (Rows A-C) $5 Spring Series Feb.27-June 26, all five for $50.

Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, James Street, Duncan.

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

Dine Cowichan – First Regional Dine Out Program

P

roduced by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, Dine Cowichan is the region’s first dine-out program. Running February 24 – March 12, it’s designed to get people dining out during the post-Valentine’s lull. Says Chamber President Julie Scurr, “It’s a win-win.

Diners enjoy new menus and new restaurants, or return to their old favourites at very attractive prices. Restaurants can create new offerings and welcome more customers.”

The Chamber also partnered with the Tourism Cowichan Society and is the “Eat” in the Society’s “Eat. Stay. Play.” program (ESP). While the Chamber promotes dining out

at local Cowichan restaurants, ESP brings diners and visitors to Cowichan from other markets.

The Chamber anticipates 15 – 20 participating restaurants. The Dine Cowichan restaurants at time of writing are: Farm Table Inn, Merridale Bistro, The Old Firehouse Wine & Cocktail Bar, Restaurant at Unsworth Vineyards, Original Joe’s, Bridgeman’s Bistro, Oak & Carriage Pub, the Lion Rampant Pub, Duncan Garage Café, The Village Chippery, Owls Nest Bakery | Bistro, and the Black Swan Pub. Sponsors thus far include

Special Menu for Valentines Day… Call us today to book your table

Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures.

Economic Development Cowichan Manager Amy Melmock notes that Dine Cowichan honours our culinary heritage. “It’s rooted in the agricultural and First Nations traditions of this region, and the love of place that people feel.” says Melmock, “The hospitality we extend here is an expression of the fact

that we’ve always brought people together around the experience of sharing local food.”

All the details, including restaurants, menus and prices are on the Chambers website. Or come into the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre for details and book your reservations for Dine Cowichan.

2896 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan 250 746 4636 www.duncancc.bc.ca.

JOIN THE UNITED EATERS & DRINKERS OF MILL BAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN VIP PASSES TO SUNFEST!

AT MILL BAY MARINA 740 HANDY ROAD MILL BAY 778-356-3568 www.bridgemans.ca OPEN MON-FRI 11:30 AM / SAT & SUN 10 AM

21

Bernie Dinter winter pruning

www.dinternursery.ca

TIME TO PLANT FRUIT TREES!

Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 am Saturday, March 4 at 10 am BASIC FRUIT TREE PRUNING

Demonstration of basic pruning of fruit trees and small fruits with Bernie Dinter

Shipments of new fruit trees arriving weekly.

Will be fully stocked by mid-February.

Adding fruit trees to your garden gives home grown food that increases every year as the trees grow.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 10am -3 pm MASTER GARDENER CLINIC

Bring your questions for detailed answers from local gardeners.

Catalogues Now Available Serving local gardeners since 1973

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

F

ebruary is optimal as the roots have not begun to push energy or sap into the tree. By April the cuts will have started to heal.

Different varieties (apple, pear, plum, etc.) require slightly different considerations when pruning but there are a few basic principles that can be followed for every fruit tree.

The basic objective is to allow light to reach all fruiting branches and create air flow between them. One third of one-year-old wood should be cut back each year. Create scaffold branches to support the fruiting wood and thin out competing branches while also controlling the size and shape of your tree. Fruit spurs form on two-yearold wood and these short branches will continue to produce flowers and fruit for several years. This results in a fruit bearing zone on the outer, younger area of the tree.

Fruit Tree Pruning from buds at the base of a tree), and the Three D’s: dead, damaged and diseased branches. Remove branches growing toward the centre and remove or head-back upright branches. Seek to space branches evenly around the tree to give it balance.

There are also a few pruning techniques one should know before starting. Always make your cuts above a bud pointing in the direction that new growth is desired. Cuts should be at an angle just above the lateral branch, and if you are removing an entire branch, leave the swelling or collar at the base. If the cut requires a saw, you may want

to use pruning paint to reduce the chances of rot setting in, however this product may slow the healing of the wound. Using the product from an aerosol can, the thin layer will weather away as healing occurs.

Following these basic principles should guarantee a healthy, bountiful fruit tree for years to come. Of course, any further questions should be directed to your local nursery or arborist.

Remove suckers (shoots that grow

22

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

Tamu Miles, Novelist, blogger, and employee at Dinter Nursery

W

s t s t m t m t o p p a t n o

O 1 A h f a m r w p f a n

Cowichan Agricultural Society’s Soil Fertility Workshop

W

e all know that soil is a critical element of successful agriculture, and is the original source of the nutrients used to grow plants. The nutrients move from the soil into plants through the movement of moisture. Too much or too little of certain types of nutrients can create a poisonous environment for plants. Farmers are always adjusting … trying to find the optimal balance of nutrients in the soil to support optimum plant health.

On Saturday, February 11, 2017, the Cowichan Agricultural Society is hosting a workshop to provide farmers with information about good practices for managing soils under high rainfall conditions. The workshop will combine presentations about strategies for different types of agriculture, and then visit a number of farms to look at

specific issues, depending on soil types. Lunch will be provided by the Somenos Women’s Institute.

Featured speakers include DeLisa Lewis, Research Associate at UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Bob Maxwell, retired soils scientist from the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, and Wayne Haddow, formerly the Regional Agrologist for the Cowichan Valley.

This event is supported by the Cowichan Green Community, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

For more information, see the Cowichan Agricultural Society’s website: www.cowichanfarmers.org.

To register, contact Larissa at Cowichan Green Community, 360 Duncan Avenue, Duncan, 250-748-8506 Cost $75+gst

ALL CLASSES $25 7-9PM in DUNCAN Call Robin at 250-710-1276 for INFO & to REGISTER www.botanicalbliss.ca

23

C.A. Linkater arborvitae gardendesign.com

L

ike the hidden buds within stems and the sleeping roots under the ground, the dreaming gardener is awakened to the potential season to come next: Spring. Thoughts and plans center around ordering seeds, whether to expand existing gardens, trying a new food plant or new ideas percolate about landscape changes, flowering plants, renewal or brand new projects. This time of the year along the coast is normally mild and still lush green, but a real Canadian winter has put a new look and feel on the gardening community. It has transformed the landscape and vistas into blank canvases with stark images of trees and shrubs against the frosty earth. For some, this evokes the Zen state of simplicity and its accompanying wisdom of natural form, but for others, it implies an Andalusian fantasy and the promise of bounty and the fragrance of blossoms to come.

However you imagine it, winter and the new year are the perfect times to begin a design for the coming year’s garden projects. A well made garden design and planting plan gives one

the opportunity to make a clear visual representation of a desired outcome, easily tweaked, played with, budgets planned and plants and seeds ordered, ready to implement once spring and the nursery season begins.

The West Coast is a perfect climate for the full expression of amazing garden designs and techniques from around the globe.

The Zen garden informs a design of usefulness through simplicity, a place with nature as the best designer, and Kaizen, or continuous improvement that is gradual and careful. This develops a commitment to continuous learning and improvement within the elements of earth, stone and the living green; weakness and strength, a flexibility of mind and spirit at ease with the seasons, and the gifts they bring with them.

This season brings that clarity of Zen to the landscape, and allows us to examine our spaces with an uncluttered view, an excellent time to design following the now revealed lines and textures of the earth beneath the garden, or imagine the establishment of pleasing new forms to come. The Island’s climate is very similar to the home of the Zen garden, and more plants specific to

Outdoor patio and garden design by CA Linklater

Winter’s Hidden Design Japan are becoming available through local specialty nurseries, giving the gardener a greater pallette of choice.

El Andalus, or Andalusia, is often something associated with Spain, horses and home décor style, but for gardeners throughout the northern hemisphere, it should be a household word. Historically, Andalusian garden design and agricultural/nursery techniques were the most advanced in the Arabic and European world, and still remain a benchmark today for diverse, productive, creative and beautiful gardens with a complex simplicity through usefulness, a wonderful mirror of the Zen way.

The promise of bounty some dream about this season is the craft of the Andalusian method. Using a seamless

blend of beauty and function, the design for an Andalusian garden uses a permacultural sensibility to create a rich diverse landscape with edible, medicinal, useful and beautiful communities of plants, placed with care in a pleasant and ageless intention. Our Cowichan Valley is very similar to the mild Mediterranean climate of Andalus and nurseries across the island are filled with choices for this design method, with more and more appearing every year.

So sit back with a hot drink, imagine, envision and bring a new life to your garden even before the snow has left.

This is the most appropriate time to bring farm and yard ambitions to the fore, and the diversity of design styles and methods throughout the world

Cedricks Coffee House We serve light breakfasts and lunches & a delicious selecton of fresh baked goods.

All profits made at Cedrick’s Coffee House in Crofton will be used to support education, healthcare, medical services and clean drinking water for thousands of children facing challenging conditions through the Kids International Development Society

Winter hours: 8am-4pm Open Every Day! 1610 Joan Avenue Crofton 250 324-1064

24

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

T

H g s

W H e c c g p f

T a

d

can help lay the foundation for an alluring and delightful

garden which will only grow better with time.

Medical Herbalist in Residence at the Community Farm Store

T

he Community Farm Store has invited Medical Herbalist Rowan Hamilton to give short consultations at the store.

Working with a Medical Herbalist is often a new experience for those seeking complementary natural health care. These short consultations give an introduction to the potential of Herbal Medicine for individual needs.

Trained in England and China as a Medical Herbalist, Rowan

Hamilton brings 35 years experience in clinical practice.

He has been Department Chair of Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver and professor of Herbal Sciences at Bastyr University, Seattle. He has recently made his home in the Cowichan Valley.

Rowan will be at the Community Farm Store, 5380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan, on Saturdays from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Custom Andalusian and Zen Garden Designs for Home and Business

C.A. Linklater I 1 250 709 7114 arborvitaegardendesign.com

February Clothing Sale until February 28!

30-50% all in stock clothing!

Natural eco fibers Great styles available!

All sales are final.

BIG selection of natural gifts, cosmetics, eco clothing, organic food and more!

9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 930-530 • Sun 12-4 Closed Stat holidays

25

Where is the Walbran Valley?

An hour and a half southwest of Lake Cowichan stands the iconic Walbran Valley.

Accessible by logging road via Honeymoon Bay (and Port Renfrew) the Walbran is within the unceded territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation, who have utilized the forest’s resources since time immemorial.

Why does it matter?

The Walbran is one of the most spectacular intact tracts of old-growth rainforest left in BC. Trees that were hundreds of years old when Columbus set sail for the Americas tower above a forest ecosystem that hasn’t been disturbed since the last ice age. The lush undergrowth and crystal clear waters of the Walbran River provide habitat for countless

W t

Unprotected Castle Giant (Photo: Shane Johnson)

The Majestic Walbran Valley - How Much Do You know? species that can only thrive in old-growth environments.

In a changing climate,

the Walbran Valley is of unparalleled importance – old-growth forests store more climate-changing carbon than younger forests, and leaving these giant trees standing is a key step to fight climate change in BC. The Walbran contains intact old-growth rainforest (undisturbed by industrial logging), which has now been removed from over 90% of Vancouver Island.

What’s going on in the Walbran?

Somehow this incredible rainforest is still unprotected, and is at risk of being destroyed forever.

26

The neighbouring Carmanah Valley and part of the Walbran Valley were protected in the early 1990’s after an extensive public campaign by the Wilderness Committee and other activists. But much of the most important oldgrowth rainforest was left open to logging and is still being cut.

In 2015, we learned that logging company Teal Jones was targeting the Central Walbran Valley – the last intact tract of old-growth of its size on southern Vancouver Island.

The Wilderness Committee launched an extensive campaign to prevent the company from pursuing these plans, and to pressure the BC government to deny any cutting permits in this sensitive ecosystem.

Teal Jones has refused to alter its course, and the BC government has shown no leadership on the issue, despite an escalating situation in the Valley.

Last year Teal Jones logged 1000-year-old old-growth trees to the south of the Walbran River, and they could move into the heart of the Walbran Valley at any time.

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

W

W G l C p r h

W i l e

T o g o N M C a o f

B i p n p p

I d c c o

ENVIRONMENTALLY BETTER THAN BURNING!

s are down! y when the chip We’re eco-friendl

VICE CHIPPING SER

Storm Clean Up Minor Tree Limbing Complete Clean Up & Haul Away Services We Chip up to 6” in diameter and 12”slabs

Wilderness Committee campaigner Torrance Coste in a fresh Teal Jones clearcut in the Walbran Valley, with the intact Central Walbran in the background. (Emily Hoffpauir)

We need your help to save this place, before it’s too late.

What can you do?

We’re calling on the Government of BC to rescind logging permits in the Central Walbran Valley and protect the intact old-growth rainforest, and we need your help.

We need to protect this forest in a way that works for the local First Nation and the ecosystem.

There is widespread opposition to continued oldgrowth logging thousands of citizens, several First Nations, the BC Union of Municipalities and the BC Chamber of Commerce have all called for the protection of the Walbran Valley and forests like it.

But in BC forest management is the jurisdiction of the provincial government, and neither of the two major parties has committed to protecting the Walbran Valley.

In the run-up to the election, demand that your local candidates listen to our communities and take a stand on this issue.

You can also help spread the word – if you tell ten friends and family members what you’ve learned about the Walbran, then challenge them to do the same, that will go a long way to create the kind of momentum no government could ignore.

We all feel more passionate about things we’re connected to, so get out to the Walbran Valley and see for yourself what is at stake. Directions can be found with a quick Google search or by contacting the Wilderness Committee.

www.weechipcowichan.ca

INTUITIVE HEALER • Certified Clinical

Hypnotherapist • Certified Quantum Touch Practitioner

HEATHER LAUZON

250-732-1405

www.emeraldhealingplace.com

Finally, you can help by volunteering for or donating to the Wilderness Committee. We’re Canada’s largest people-powered environmental group, and our work isn’t possible without people like you.

Follow this campaign at wildernesscommittee.org/ walbran and get involved if you can.

The Walbran needs your help, and we can save it, together.

Torrance Coste, Vancouver Island Campaigner

27

Irv works in ecosystems restoration, log salvage and milling. bahnmanntimber.ca

T

he world renowned old growth forests of coastal BC are somewhat familiar to all of us who live here, but what exactly does the term old growth mean, how are these forests recognized, and what is their condition today?

Moving along a remote logging road, and looking from a distance, you will see that the upper edge of a hillside shows irregularly branched tree tops in profile, with a darker green coloring, in contrast with lighter greens of 2nd growth forests which have shorter uniform conically topped trees.

Coming closer, one sees the long strands of light sagecolored lichen and the tall dead standing trees or “snags”.

Entering this mature forest, large diameter trees, from 2 to 8 feet or more with pillarlike stems and high canopies which reach to the heavens will shrink you down. It is a humbling, exciting experience and can be extremely difficult country to travel through by foot. To the trained ethnobotanist a vast community of plants, lichens, mosses, mushrooms, insects, birds, trees, reptiles, and animals great and small will become evident. There may be large moss covered logs on the ground, huge pulled up root wads and soil from fallen old trees, and dead standing

28

branchless trunks ideal homes for insects and birds. In this forest, trees will likely die of old age, after anywhere from 200 years to 1000 years of life depending on the species.

These forests are packed with animal, insect and plant lifethousands of species. They are vast, living, breathing, vibrant entities.

High elevation forests are close cousins to valley forests but are host to a different set of characters. A trip to Mount Washington or any other higher mountain with winter snow pack on Vancouver Island or coastal BC will tell us why. All of the plants, animals and insects must cope with incredible snow loads and colder temperatures for long periods of time. Species that thrive in the valley may not even survive in the mountains so the entire suite of life forms are those that prefer or can handle tougher growing conditions. The trees are much smaller, the shrubby vegetation sparser and shorter with low shrubs, ground hugging mosses, lichens and wildflowers. You will see Grey Jays instead of Stellar Jays, Yellow cedar instead of Red cedar, and Mountain Hemlock instead of Douglas fir.

Now imagine. Imagine an unbroken forest. Unbroken except for the odd south-facing hillside where a fire has come through, or where a slide or big wind has taken down a strip of trees. Amazing.

The coast as we all know, has been under the influence of an economically driven civilization for the past 150 years. Today we call it harvesting or forest management, 100 years ago they were more candid and called it logging. Logging began in earnest just after the turn of the last century with a railroad laid down up the valley center connecting to the north-south E and N Railway in 1913.

The biggest low elevation Douglas fir grew to heights of 250 to 300 feet maximum, some of the finest trees on the planet it has been said, were taken out by rail on the various lines branching off of the E and N line running up and down Vancouver Island.

Recent image of deforestation north of Port Renfrew on crown land.

Land of the Giants

Valley bottoms were cut first and the logs shipped out for processing at BC saw mills, the rail line was pulled up and this was followed by truck logging which worked its way up the slopes.

Today you will be hard pressed to find an old growth forest profile on a Cowichan mountainside. Gone are the long strands of lichen, the myriad species and countless lives both great and small that lived there. Less than 1 % of these forests remain in the Cowichan Valley. In it’s place are 2nd and 3rd growth forests, logged in ever more frequent “harvesting” cycles.

Take a trip to Port Renfrew, the views while crossing the height of land are stunning, and informative, revealing first hand how logging is being done today.

These areas now that they have been altered for good, can be the base from which we move forward, by logging in a manner that truly respects sensitive areas, allows some stands to age, retains some older forest, and provide safe solid work and wages for valley residents while leaving the remaining great old forests on the island untouched. All of this can be accomplished, while keeping the work at home instead of shipping raw logs off shore for other countires to process.

The challenge ahead then is to support those whom we have elected to implement what forest ecologists, First Nations, and the people of BC are asking for. In September of 2016 the Union of BC Municipalities, 80 % of mayors and councilors, passed a motion to formally oppose old growth logging on Vancouver

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

continued next page

continued from page 28

“I’m not your typical MLA, but I made the shift from science to politics because I want to use my background in science, policy and the community to offer vital perspectives that will strengthen our province and its future.”

island. “An excellent first step” says ecologist Andy MacKinnon.

“Now it’s time for the provincial government to take action on this - our opportunities to protect the last tracts of old-growth rain-forest decrease by the day”.

To learn more about the forests, and have a great adventure while you are at it, take a drive to Port Renfrew, observe, enjoy the ride, the rivers, the enormous Harris Creek Spruce and some great coffee and food in the town.

Cross the high bridge over the Gordon River, check out the Avatar Grove trails and see some spectacular old forest.

This area was saved from logging by the Ancient Forest Alliance, give them your support if you are able.

Also, you may want to check out the Ecoforestry Institute Society website to learn about how the late Mr Merv Wilkinson maintained a mature Douglas fir forest while making part of his living from it by selective logging.

Logging has played a big role on the coast and will continue to do so. Let’s get it right this time.

“There is new life in the soil for every person. There is healing in the trees for tired minds and for our overburdened spirits, there is strength in the hills, if only we lift up our eyes. Remember that nature is your great restorer.”

Calvin Coolidge

Dr. Andrew Weaver MLA, BC Green Party

Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Andrew Weaver In Town To Celebrate Opening of Sonia Fursteneau’s Campaign Office

C

owichan Valley Green Party MLA candidate Sonia Furstenau will be joined by Green Party MLA for Oak Bay - Gordon Head, Andrew Weaver to celebrate the official opening of Sonia’s campaign office.

made the shift from science to politics because I want to use my background in science, policy and the community to offer vital perspectives that will strengthen our province and its future.” Like Sonia, Andrew is driven to serve his

community, and to make a difference.

Come down to meet this interesting and inspiring Victoria MLA, and to see why Sonia will be the game changer Cowichan Valley needs. Saturday, February 4, 12:30 - 3 pm Unit 101, 1760 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road, Shawnigan Lake. For more info: www.soniabcgreens.ca

Dr. Weaver is a climate scientist, holding a B.Sc in Math and Physics, as well as a Ph.D in Math. Prior to being elected in 2013, he was the Canada Research Chair (Climate Modelling and Analysis in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences) at the University of Victoria, where he worked for 25 years. He has authored and co authored over 200 peerreviewed papers in climate, meteorology, oceanography, earth science, policy, education and anthropology journals. As well, he has received numerous awards for his work, including a Nobel Prize for work on climate, an award he shared with other researchers in 2007.

With his background, Dr Weaver has brought a fresh voice to BC politics. “I’m not your typical MLA, but I

29

Collin Elder collinelder.com fb @collinelder

I

began painting after leaving the realm of ecological conservation, which, along with a degree in wildlife biology, has focused my artwork on our indefinable connections with the natural world. I see my work as being a transition from conservation and how we relate to the past, into the redesigning of reality, inspiring a shift in our anthropocentric vantage-point.

My paintings reflect a desire to see the world outside of the human language, reimagining the relationship between nature and our contemporary experience. I paint stories of re-inspiring our reciprocity with the non-human, hoping to provide a window to release the senses from their normal constraints, imposed by cultural norms that isolate us from the environment.

At the same time I explore, through landscape painting, the idea of overcoming the sense of isolation in wilderness by engaging with the silent dialects of the natural world. These stories are a reflection of an ancient desire to re-unite our mental concepts with our bodily

Chloroplast, oil on canvas.s 30” x 48”. 2013

Backshore, oil on birch 36” x 36” 2016

Painter Collin Elder awareness, placing them in nature. The paintings play with the idea of looking through our classifications, technologies and ideas of separateness, into active, subjective participation with the natural.

I have never studied art, but studied wildlife biology in university in Alberta. I focused a lot of my attention on marine ecology, knowing that I wanted to live on the west coast where my parents grew up. I was always super intrigued by the mysteries of the ocean, and hoped to play some role in marine conservation. But my first real job leaving university was with an NGO doing ecological restoration of Garry Oak savannahs in the Cowichan Valley. It was an important

ecosystem to the First Nations of the coast. They had maintained it for thousands of years, so I got to learn a lot about the impacts of colonization on the people and ecosystems of this region.

This work has inspired both my desires to paint landscapes and to, hopefully, find ways to use art to raise awareness about environmental conservation issues and to support First Nations in their efforts to stand up to neo-colonial actions by our governments and corporations.

The cover image “Shed Light” was painted for Canada’s Raincoast at Risk: Art for an Oil-Free Coast, a Raincoast.org project. The fundraising project included some of Canada’s most celebrated landscape artists to

bring international attention to the potential impact of Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline on the Great Bear Rainforest, its First-Nation Communities and the Coast of northern Cascadia. We travelled as a group of artists up to Calvert Island in Heiltsuk territory to experience the coast and forests to be able to portray them for the project.

Collin Elder is headed to Australia this month to live paint and show his work at three festivals near Melbourne and Brisbane. His original landscapes can be viewed locally at Gallery 8, Salt Spring Island and at Lovecraft, Tofino.

Reproductions of his work can be purchased on his website collinelder.com.

“Building furniture while building lives”

F

Wo o d w o r k s

rom pens to kitchens, the Providence Farm woodworking program is eager to design and craft a one of a kind piece for your home or office. We use a blend of traditional and modern building techniques to meet our high quality standards, so that your furniture can be enjoyed for generations.

Our commissions directly fund therapeutic programming, providing our participants with materials, tools and machinery, and high quality artisanal instruction.

30

Contact: woodwork@providence.bc.ca 250-746-4204 ext.27

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

Pegs being inserted through mortise and tenon joint

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition.

The Fine Craft of Using Traditional Joinery for Tables Andrew Brown is the Woodworking Program Manager at Providence Farm

W

hile teaching woodworking to participants at Providence Farm, I like to start off by demonstrating the “old world” techniques used to build the antiques of today. Not only is there a tremendous amount of therapy standing in a pile of wood curls from planing rough wood to a smooth surface

Making, repair and restoration of Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and all manner of Stringed Instruments.

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

using nothing but a full body of muscles and a razor sharp hand tool, but also a special aesthetic and functionality that I personally find superior.

I am the first to admit that many of the modern innovations that woodworking has seen over the past few decades— the Festool Domino Joiner, biscuits, etc.— have improved production speed and some even improving strength, and I use them regularly, but I still have a love affair with tradition.

While building tables, I tend to lean exclusively towards the traditional joinery methods.

The mortise and tenon joint, which has been used for thousands of years, is most commonly used to join the skirt to the legs of a table, where a tongue is cut on the ends of the skirt or rail pieces (tenon) and joined into a rectangular hole (mortise) in the leg. Glue is usually spread inside the joint before joining them, but is not crucial if if pegs are used. A “pegged” mortise and tenon joint

2017 Call for Entries

Cowichan Valley Arts Council presents

Cowichan’s largest open exhibition and sale May 3-7, 2017 Portals and Cowichan Suite in the Island Savings Center On-line and in person registration

April 5-8, 2017

www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca Email : cvartscouncil@shaw.ca Phone: 250 746 1633 simply has holes drilled through the assembled joint and has pegs that intersect through the side walls of the mortise directly through the tenon.

There are several different ways to fasten the table top to the base, but avoid directly fastening them together with screws or brackets as would expands and contracts

with changes in temperature and humidity and will can cause table tops to crack. An easy method is to cut a groove on the inside of skirt with a biscuit cutter or table saw and use a mounting clamp, found easily and inexpensively at Lee Valley, that has a tang that fits in the groove and is screwed to the top, allowing the wood to move as the environment changes. Happy building!

31

B

y the time you read this we will be just half way through one of the coldest winters in decades.

I think, for portions of it anyways, it will also be the wettest on record. Yes its global warming Mr. T and it comes in mysterious ways.

How to prepare for what’s ahead?

Well let’s revisit some of the homeowner tasks that you can finish before this season is out and put those savings towards your new back yard upgrades this spring (more on that in a couple months). Having worked with BC Hydro and the Power Smart Program back in the mid nineties, we learned some very basic physics.

Nature is in constant motion and hot wants to mix with cold and cold wants to be with hot. And that pressure to move is nearly unstoppable.

And pressure plays a huge factor like when those winds come blowing through announcing a change in weather.

That is not a draft you feel on a cold and windy day, but the heat leaving your house quicker than before and at an exponential rate.So therefore, it’s all about solving the leakage in a home.

Start at the basement level as those are the areas you can detect easily because cold air enters at this point and you can sense it without using fancy equipment.

Start by insulating and caulking all joints in your basement. Pay extra attention to the joist end pockets whether your basement is finished or not.And

32

remember, insulation is a warm blanket and adds little in the way of stopping air flow. It must be sealed in some way or use closed cell styrene or a vapour barrier to achieve this.

Caulk all penetrations from floor to floor. This helps to slow the ‘stacking effect’ which is a constant flow of air rising from the cold bottom and pushing your valuable heat out the top. If you can stop or even slow this air movement, you will dramatically increase your comfort level.

Adding a door to the basement and to each level also helps this locomotive of air slow in its tracks. If you are on a crawlspace, consider insulating the entire floor from below with up to R32 batted insulation but not without first plugging every possible air passage from that area.

If you have central heating pipes down there, then you might be forced to wrap all those pipes (and water pipes) and the hot air plenum of the furnace in insulation as well.

This will maximize the heated air delivery to your home and minimize heat loss to an unused portion of the home.

Remember, this crawlspace can be equivalent to 50% or more of your entire home if you have a rancher so that’s 50% of the heating costs.

So if you have it full of unwanted storage, time to evaluate the real value in those collectables. These crawlspace areas have to be closely scrutinized. There can be moisture issues that lead to mould and rodent issues that are not properly dealt with so it’s important that an entire

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.

DESIGNING

GREEN STAYING COMFY AFFORDABLY

plan is made that suits your home individually the best.

Back to basements, I use a glass French door to optimize light while still being an effective air block between levels.

Once you think you have given the basement a good ‘draft-proofing’, then you are ready to move to the top floor to see where all that hard earned money of yours is filtering away in the form of heat loss.

Most of it leaves through the most unexpected spots. Pot lights adjacent to the attic are the worst. If not properly bagged or isolated with vapour sealed boxes, these are chimneys of heat loss.

All light fixture bases are leaky and should be sealed in one of several ways from the underside or from the attic side. Simple tuck tape, that very sticky red stuff can do large areas quickly and effectively. Expanding spray foam carefully installed works very well but a non hardening butyl caulking is simply the best for small but cumulative holes. Remember, every wire needs a hole that

comes from a switch below and ends up leaking into the attic. These holes add up to huge leakages throughout a home. Simple boxing or bagging around a fixture from the attic side and then buried in heaps of insulation is the code compliant method.

And don’t forget to seal the attic hatch when you are done. Removable caulking is available for annual sealing as well.

The key here is doing a balanced amount of leak stoppage in the basement and the attic. This brings the air into equilibrium so you don’t have too much coming in or out at any given time. The flow of air movement stops or slows down so you no longer feel cold drafts and are driven to turn up heating equipment.

So often my clients would remark about how the new windows we installed stopped all their drafts. Funny thing is new windows do little if anything in that regard.

Air cannot pass through glass.

It’s really the heat leaving your body so quickly trying to get to that cold surface is what is felt. So one cannot defeat nature, but we can help bring it into balance for more comfort.

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

All About Ductless Heat Pumps What are they, how do they work, and how do they benefit me?

D

uctless heat pump technology is fairly new to North America. Although the idea of having multiple zones at different set points in your home all running from the same outdoor heat pump is something that may be foreign to most Canadian homeowners, this technology has existed and been used widely in Europe, Asia, and Australia for many years.

First of all, what is a ductless heat pump?

A ductless heat pump is a heating and cooling system that consists of an outdoor heat pump unit and also includes one or multiple indoor “heads”. There are dedicated refrigeration lines that link the outdoor unit with each indoor head.

These indoor heads come in many shapes, styles, and configurations. Some may be wall-mounted, some may be ceiling mounted, and some may even have a small ductwork attached to them.

Whatever style or size of home you have, it is very likely that there is a ductless system that will work for you.

Secondly, how does a ductless heat pump work?

Ductless heat pump’s are similar to the conventional heat pumps that we are familiar with but with the benefit of added technology.

This new technology that is being put into these ductless heat pump is nothing short of amazing. They analyze all sorts of information including indoor temperature, outdoor

temperature, and humidity.

Most of these systems are utilizing inverter technology which allows them to increase or decrease the output of the system according to your comfort needs.

Lastly, how does this benefit me?

There are several exciting benefits that ductless heat pump’s bring to the table.

Quiet - ductless heat pump’s that utilize inverter drive technology are generally running at as low as 40 decibels. To put this in perspective, if they were running in the library you may not know they were there.

Energy efficiency - ductless systems are offering some of the highest efficiencies of any heating system for your home. In many cases ductless systems can save you 60% or more on your home heating costs.

Zoning - with ductless

systems you can create different zones inside your home. This allows you to have your heating or cooling set to different setpoints at different times of the day depending on where you plan on spending your time. Each zone is controlled with its own handheld remote control.

Air movement - with heat sources such as radiant heat or electric baseboards the lack of air movement can cause rooms to feel stuffy or stagnant. Because the ductless system is constantly moving air, your home feels fresh and more comfortable.

No ductwork required - unlike other forced air heat pump systems, there is no ductwork required. Homes that have inadequate ductwork or no ductwork at all can take advantage of all the benefits of a ductless heat pump.

Reed Gary, Owner 360 Comfort Systems Inc. Proudly Providing Comfort with Integrity

For full design/build service, give us a call

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

p 33

All About Recycling Ready to Drink Beverage Containers

T

250 715 6174

Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

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

34

Food

Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat, Seafood, Produce, Deli & Floral, Supplements

Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

here is an ever growing list of products that can be recycled-from electronics to small appliances, light bulbs and power tools.

However, what recycling centres are still best known are beverage containers. So in honour of that, here is a crash course in bottle and can recycling.

A question we get asked a lot is, what happens to the containers once they are brought in to be recycled?

The answer, of course, varies by container type. Nonrefillable beer, wine, and spirit glass bottles get crushed and ground down into small pieces that are used to make a variety of products, including fiberglass insulation, road aggregate, and concrete.

Refillable beer bottles (standard brown bottles and others) get reused over 13 times before being crushed and recycled into other products.

Plastic bottles are cleaned and then shredded into tiny pellets. These pellets are then sold as a commodity on the international market and get reused to create a host of new products such as oil containers, new bottles, or even park benches.

Aluminum cans are a fascinating product. First off, cans are sorted into two streams: alcoholic and nonalcoholic (pop, juice). The two types are processed in separate facilities as they are part of two different recycling programs. However, all aluminum containers can be melted down, reformed, and

back onto the shelves as new cans in less than sixty days!

It takes 95% less energy to manufacture a new can from recycled aluminum than it does to make it from brand new material. The best thing about aluminum cans, though, is that they can be recycled almost indefinitely!

We also get asked about U-brew bottles from time to time, specifically why we don’t pay a refund on them.

The reason is quite simple: when people buy U-brew bottles there is no deposit or environmental fee collected, so there is nothing to refund.

The bottles are sold with the assumption that they will be reused by whoever bought them.

Have you ever noticed the bar codes on drink containers?

These are actually an important part of the recycling process for us at Island Return It. The barcodes let us know if the container is registered with the Return It program in BC or was sold out of country, which means that no deposit was paid into the local system.

So there you go, hopefully you learned something about the world of recycling. If you have any more questions for us please come and visit any of our six locations, including our newest facility in South Cowichan.

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

Gogo Will Breathe New Life Into Stucco Siding - Affordably!

Before

Cowichan Valley born and bred, builder Henrik ‘Gogo’ Knuth grew up on a local dairy farm. His farm boy practicalities has bestowed him with the integrity of hard work and the imagination to think outside the box. He has spent over a decade in the construction industry and owns G&G Design which specializes in Home Repair and Renovations.

“About three years ago I

After

became interested in the stucco industry. There were not very many choices for people looking to upgrade the exterior of their house. Most people felt stuck with dated pastel colours from the 80’s or rock and glass embedded in the stucco from the 50’s and 60’s.” he explains “I’ve seen some try and paint their stucco themselves, but stucco actually needs to breath and once the paint goes on it seals the stucco and

eventually the paint will start to push off. Another option cut the stucco off and replaced it with cement board siding.

This is extremely labour intensive and comes with high Acrylic stucco resurfacing by Custom Stucco Solutions labour costs and tipping fees. Plus Interested in having it puts more pressure on the your stucco updated? environment with all that material unnecessarily ending Here are a few things to up in a landfill.” consider before you have your house resurfaced.

“While renovating a home with tired, dirty white stucco 1. Have you up graded exterior, I discovered that your windows to vinyl resurfacing would give this thermal? Stucco will get damaged in this process homeowner the biggest so your window should be bang for the least cost.” His switch out first. brilliant method has brought satisfaction to his clients and 2. Are your soffits stucco helped to increase the values or plywood? It is beneficial of their homes. to change to the more modern look of aluminum He quickly became the before the resurfacing expert on stucco repair and process starts. resurfacing and opened a new business specifically for 3. The average house will stucco clients. Custom Stucco usually take 6 working days to resurface.

Solutions. “I would like to thank the many customers that have trusted me with this 4. Acrylic stucco can only be applied about 8 stucco system over my first months of the year during few years and have helped drier weather and warmer make my business a success.” temperatures. (It can not smiles Gogo “ We are now be applied during colder in the process of bringing in tempatures or heavy rains.) some great new ideas on how to transfer your dated house 5. Colours are not limited.

Acrylic stucco offers a in to the modern age.” www.customstuccosolutions.com range to choose from.

35

Travel trends for 2017

A

ccording to a recent article on the Lonely Planet website, a 2016 study predicted international travel to increase by 35% over the next decade. The reasons for the anticipated increase are the significant rise of the global middle class and the increasing affordability

36

of international travel. So with that in mind, we asked Downtown Duncan’s 3 travel agencies – Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Marlin Travel and Whittome’s Travel to share their thoughts on travel tips and current trends.

Lisa Smith, manager at Expedia CruiseShip Centers noted there was a definite increase in river cruise popularity in 2016, but at this cold time of year, sun destinations are the hot (pun intended) ticket. Lisa confirms that cruises are a great value, offering as they do, transportation, accommodation and meals for one price. Her best travel advice is to book with a

Lisa at Expedia Cruise Centre

professional – someone who can take the confusion out of

trip planning and replace it with confidence. Many people think they will pay less if they book things themselves, but it could end up costing them more and they have no backup if things go awry. Without a doubt, Europe would be Lisa’s go-to destination because of the history and stunning architecture.

Over at Marlin Travel (which has just merged with Hill Travel) manager Cindy Jones agrees that river cruises were very popular last year and notes that ecotourism continues to grow as people become more drawn to adventure and unique experiences. As far as offthe-beaten-path destinations go, Cindy mentions Namibia, Slovenia, and (surprisingly) Eugene, Oregon. Her travel advice includes booking with an agent and buying good insurance including health and trip cancellation. Cindy’s personal dream trip would be a cruise on the Adriatic.

Whittome’s Travel manager Kathy MacLellan noted that Italy seemed to be on a lot of people’s bucket list last year

and that Mexico and Cuba packages also continued to be popular.

Whittome’s is booking a lot of cruises, both ocean and river, for 2017 and is seeing an increase in family groups booking multi-generational trips or destination weddings. Kathy believes China is good value, but also points out that anything that can be prepaid in Canadian dollars is a good buy (eg. allinclusives or cruises). Her best travel advice is to make sure your passport is always current because you never know when you’ll get an opportunity to travel.

Kathy’s dream trip would be around-the-world…because it’s too hard to pinpoint one destination.

Once you’ve booked your trip, here’s a few other downtown shops that can help you with travel essentials: • Peacock Photo – best place in town for passport photos. $10 (taxes in) and ready the next day at 9am.

• Sheer Essentials Swimwear – year-round extensive selection of swim, beach and resort wear. Mix & match tops & bottoms in a large range of sizes.

• Volume One Books: large selection of travel guides.

• Monk Office, Wishes and Volume One: assortment of journals to record your adventures.

• Station Street Eyecare and Eye Design Optometry – for quality sunglasses.

This year, let Downtown Duncan be the source of your travel dreams: visit with any of the friendly, knowledgeable agents at Expedia, Marlin or Whittomes’s…and let the adventures begin.

37

DDBIA: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business?

ML: At 18 years old I started my business with the help of Genevieve Grieve, owner of EK Hair Design. I started with Gel Nails, but shortly after found my true passion and talent in Eyelash Extensions.

Q&A with Marissa Lockhart from Allure Lashes

DDBIA: What tweaked your interest in beauty?

ML: The beauty industry always had my attention. I’m not one to spend hours doing my hair and makeup everyday, but being a girl, I like to look and feel pretty too!

DDBIA: Why eyelashes?

ML: I love doing Eyelash Extensions because it can so dramatically change someone’s appearance by simply brightening up their eyes or giving them a youthful glow.

DDBIA: Are there any misconceptions or myths around eyelash extensions out there?

ML: The main myth is that they ruin your natural lashes. This can happen if someone hasn’t been properly trained – so do your research and see a professionally trained and certified lash technician.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want, we can use our professional styling techniques to give you a custom set of lashes that will best suit your face and lifestyle.

DDBIA: How long do they typically last?

ML: It depends on each person’s lash growth cycle and how well they care for them, but the average time in between fills is 3 weeks.

DDBIA: What’s it like working with your sister Virginia?

ML: It’s great! We are so different in just the right ways that we compliment each other and truly make a great little team!

DDBIA: What would you like women to know about extensions?

ML: They should be totally weightless and comfortable, not itchy or painful. Proper application is huge, but the client also has to properly clean them at home. Be hygienic and your lashes will not only be healthier and prettier, but they will also last longer.

DDBIA: What do you like best about your downtown location?

ML: The Duncan Garage building is over 100 years old and has so much character; there is no other building around like it. Our shop features stunning brick walls and a unique wooden floor and beamed ceilings – it is a must see!

DDBIA: What choices are available in lashes?

ML: Lots of choices – colour, curl, style, length and more!

valentines specialS DOWNTOWN

DUNCAN

250 510 8700

Skin Care Services Esthetics Services Natural Sugaring Hair Removal Onsite Gel Nail Artist Facial Bar

GIFT CERTIFICATES

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance

38

privilege not only to operate our small business here, but to raise our family here as well.”

Dr. Ryan Audenart

Dr. Audenart hopes a visit to his clinic will have patients feeling at home too. He says he understands how uneasy some patients may feel about a visit to the dentist. “I’ve yet to have anyone say that visiting the dentist is their favorite pastime!” laughs Dr. 170 Craig St. Audenart. “Our entire team Duncan, B.C. is dedicated to providing 1 844 MATRAEA patients with excellent, (628 7232) personalized care and service www.matcentre.ca to make their visits as www.matraea.com comfortable and pleasant as possible.”

Mountview Dental

I

t was nearly two years ago when Dr. Ryan Audenart was looking for a new practice to call home that he first visited Duncan. When he visited the clinic of retiring dentist Dr. Sandra Sudmant on Ingram St, he knew he’d found something special.

“Being right in the heart of downtown alongside so many other vibrant businesses and services is exciting! Duncan does a tremendous job of maintaining its small town, community driven feel, while still offering a dynamic downtown core that I knew I wanted to be a part of,” says Dr. Audenart.

And so in June 2015, Mountview Dental at #1-223 Ingram Street opened its doors. 18 months later, Dr. Audenart still feels like he’s part of something special.

“My wife and I feel so fortunate to be able to call the Cowichan region home.

The kindness of the people and the beauty of the area are really unparalleled. It’s a real

“We recognize that our patients are unique individuals who have placed a great deal of trust in us.

We truly value each and every patient relationship. It is an honour when patients demonstrate their trust in us by referring their friends and neighbours to our care. We always appreciate referrals and new patients are warmly welcomed!”

Embracing wellness, family and community Acupuncture Birth Shop Counselling Massage Midwifery Naturopathy Tax Accounting LIFT Resource Centre

Find us at 306 Duncan St. nestled bet ween the Duncan Garage and Rayʻs Antiques, One of a kind, Clothing, Accessories and gifts for the whole family.

Each piece is handcrafted with love by artists from around the corner and across BC. For more info or to register call 778-455-4888

To book an appointment with Dr. Audenart and his team, Aldine, Vanessa and Kathy at Mountview Dental, call 250-748-6888.

JOIN US FOR

LUNCH + DINNER

OPEN Tuesday to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

39

T

he Chemainus Theatre Festival releases an applause-worthy line-up of 25th Anniversary shows. To celebrate their 25-year legacy of acclaimed performances, The Chemainus Theatre Festival will headline six Mainstage shows, one Studio show and one Theatre for Young Audience show in 2017. The line-up offers audiences a wide selection of great theatre - quirky character comedies, toetapping musicals, stories that plum the human experience, big-time musical tributes, and shows tailor-made for Vancouver Island patrons.

To kick of the season, one of the greatest romantic comedies ever written, the classic Jane Austen tale Pride and Prejudice, sees a desperate Mrs. Bennet scramble to find suitors of a certain social standing for each of her five daughters.

Next, we meet competitive musicians Ted and Richard in 2 Pianos 4 Hands, and witness their prodigious skill as the story of their head-tohead high-energy battle for musical fame and fortune resounds across the piano keys.

entertainment welcomes back some of the Festival’s favourite characters. Rock Legends, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Twist and Shout, is a terrific tribute to famous early rockers from the past century: Elton John, Sonny & Cher, Tina Turner, the Beatles and many more. Returning with wit and wisdom is everyone’s best-friend-Butler, Jeeves, played by Bernard Cuffling, who arrives in New York City to save the day (again) in the calamitous comedy Jeeves Takes a Bow. As a tribute to their history, the first play ever produced at the theatre, Talley’s Folly, will hit the Studio Stage.

Spring and summer

“Live the Island Dream”

In the Fall, the Festival will produce Silent Sky, a revealing cosmic love story about relation ship and science as one woman explores a universe of brilliance. Finally, the celebratory year will close with the return of the much loved, yet completely idiosyncratic Cornwall family in the cheerful comedy-musicalromp, Cornwalls’ All Inclusive Cancun Christmas.

Chemainus Theatre Celebrates 25 Years!

Young theatre-goers can take part in the Festival’s imagin-ationinspiring kids summer camps, as well as see a special production of childhood classic The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Single tickets are on sale now and special savings season ticket packages for the 25th are available now.

Call 1-800-565-7738 or visit chemainustheatre.ca online.

Over the past 25 years, The Festival has held thousands of professional performances, with now over 300 performances per year. As one of BC’s largest performing arts organizations, they welcome over 70,000 annual patrons to enjoy live theatre experiences by notable directors, talented actors, and imaginative designers in sound, set, costume, lighting, and production.

BEADS BEADS BEADS

Nick Brown

Realtor/Associate Broker

Etc!

9752c Willow St Pemberton Holmes 23 Queens Rd, Duncan, BC 250-710-3732 nickbrownrealestate@shaw.ca

40

Chemainus

250 324 2227 Open 7 days a week

Best prices on the island • HUGE Selection • Workshops & Classes Beading I Kumihimo I Bead Weaving I Viking Knit I Herringbone and more!

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

Misha Piatigorsky and Chef Bill Jones Fundraising Benefit For Hermanns Jazz Bar

H

ermann’s Jazz Club was established in 1985, and has become a cornerstone for live musical performance in Greater Victoria (and Vancouver Island). In 2015 the owner Hermann Nieweler passed away, and the operation and facility have been managed by the estate (family) and a committee of volunteers, with support from the community. In operating the Club Hermann’s generosity to the music community has been realized, as the operation as a stand-alone business is unsustainable. The intention of the Jazz On View Society is to secure this venue and to continue its tradition of all ages live music performance, in a way that is sustainable, advances the public’s appreciation of the arts, and contributes to the commerce of the arts.

This special fundraising benefit, the first of many bring together the best of the senses. Special visiting jazz player NYC’s Misha Piatigorsky is coming in just for the event. Hailed by the Boston Globe as the artist who “beautifully merges the worlds of serious jazz and pop,” Misha blends powerful melodies with an unusual harmonic sensitivity.

This concept gives his sound a deeply personal yet cosmopolitan dimension, reflecting his experience as a RussianJewish émigré growing up in urban America. The great nephew of legendary cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, with international upbringing followed by international acclaim, he works in New York City to advance the modern jazz sound beyond the standards.

Chef Bill Jones , owner and chef of Deerholme Farm has delighted food lovers for over a decade. Bill has cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants in France and England. He is also a renowned author and expert on the foods of the Pacific Northwest. Bill’s unique specialty is wild foods from the forest, fields and oceans.

Join us in support of the first Jazz On View benefit, Monday, February 13 at Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St. Victoria. Seating 5pm. Limited tickets so please get them early. Entry will be prepaid tickets, ordered on line at https:// jazzonview.com.

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS February 5 • 2PM Sky Valley Quartet

February 12 • 2PM John Lee Trio February 19 • 2PM Dave Stewart Quintet February 26• 2PM $20 Special Performance: Cheek to Cheek Vocal Trio:

Edie Daponte, Susannah Adams, Kristina Helene, Jan Stirling (pno), Joey Smith (bass/guitar), Damian Graham (drums)

Swinging Jazz “Cheek To Cheek”

C

heek To Cheek” arrives at the 1534 Joan Avenue Crofton Crofton Hotel following a sold out All shows are $15 at the door. show at Hermann’s Jazz Bar in Victoria.

An engaging swinging jazz concert, the show features 3 of Victoria’s finest with ease. Young, Kristina Helene’s jazz singers on one stage; Kristina voice is is a complex and beautiful Helene, Edie Daponte and Susannah mix of folk/pop/soul/jazz. Artistry and Adams. Accompanied by some top tier integrity to the music are constantly musicians, Joey Smith on bass, Damian at the forefront of Susannah Adam’s Graham on drums and Jan Stirling on intention as she shares her lyrical verse. piano, the show delivers an exquisite, Sunday, February 26, 2pm Crofton Hotel toe-tapping and elegant variety of & Pub, $20 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton. vocal styles and solos. With her sultry tones and soulful singing, Edie Daponte’s Saturday, February 11 voice lends itself Annual perfectly to a Happiness Dinner wide range of jazz standards, seamlessly moving Saturday, February 18 from jazz to Bossa For full details visit Oysters of Nova and back www.deerholme.com Vancouver Island again, switching BY RESERVATION ONLY between English, Portuguese, Spanish and French numbers

Upcoming EVENTS

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

41

COWICHAN BUSINESS We meet weekly, Tuesdays at 8:30am Sands Funeral Chapel Conference room, 187 Trunk Road, Duncan

Interested in growing your business? Meet us next Tuesday!

RSVP to Lyn Bull, lyn.bforbnetworks@gmail.com or Susan Quackenbush Cheerscowichan@gmail.com

Dave Shortill

“Saving Friends and Family since 1987” Insurance • Savings • Advice Call for free financial check up

250-732-5355

• • • • •

Website Design & Development Social Media Solutions Search Engine Optimization Internet Marketing & PPC Consulting & Training

250-732-2937

info@MAC5.ca www.MAC5.ca @MAC5WebDesign

1- 855-622-5932

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan

by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

tel: 250-746-5212 • fax:250-746-7034 sandsfuneral.com/duncan email:sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com 187 Trunk Road, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 2P1

42

N

ow a best selling author, Dave Shortill entered the financial services industry in 1987 after taking Economics and Psychology at the University of Winnipeg. After more than twenty five years of serving families, Dave has created a “Value of advice” book series.

“While the concept of achieving a balance between work and leisure has Selling your Business by been traced back as far as the early Dave Shortill 1800s, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the allocation style, investment phrase “work-life balance” management style, geographic found its way into common bias, market capitalization parlance. Today, it’s what and rebalancing parameters.” everyone seems to want. The If you want to get top dollar same concept of balance can for your business, this book be applied to investing. But will show you how. instead of a choice between A business owners guide work and leisure, investment to selling your business for balance is based on a mix of greatest value and creating risk and return. A balanced the retirement lifestyle you portfolio requires weighing desire. It is full of systems an investor’s objectives, and stories of successful time horizon, risk tolerance business owners and how and investment knowledge. they built exit plans for top Once these factors are well dollar. For a consult or to buy understood, an advisor his book locally contact Dave should consider the following at 250 732 5355. variables: asset mix, asset www.riskdoctor.ca

F

FOR BUSINESS

which Corporate staff visit all their locations, spreading good cheer.We can bus your guests or group to and from any location. Let us put together a package for any price range, be it for a few hours, or a full day.

Show Your Staff Some Love!

Susan Quackenbush is a farm girl and wine enthusiast

T

here’s a saying, “Who is most important to your business? The customer? No, it is your employees! If you empower and reward your capable staff, THEY will in turn,take good care of your customers.”

Small and Large employers alike have treated their staff to an afternoon or evening out with us to reward and motivate the troops. “Accountants gone Wild”, was one favorite. We scooped them up just outside their offices at 10:30, visited a few wineries and enjoyed a lovely lunch at Vinoteca at Zanatta Winery. After some merriment and good humour on the Cheers bus, we returned the smiling bunch to their offices from where they walked downtown for dinner.

What would a few hours off-site do for you and your team? Consider having your

next meeting somewhere you haven’t visited. Have you seen the view from the newly re-opened Villa Eyrie, atop the Malahat? Stunning vistas, great food and beautiful meeting areas.

Cheers Cowichan Tours and Transport has been operating for 3 years, touring and transporting for events large and small on Vancouver Island. Vancouver and Seattle options too.

A tasting and tour of Averill Creek Vineyards, Blue Grouse or Unsworth may brighten the spirits. Choose from our abundance of great restaurants for a meal. Visit Riot Brewing and enjoy a meal at Sawmill Taphouse or the newly opened Farm Table Inn. In the photo above, Cheers Cowichan staff are enjoying lunch at Hudsons on First while planning for 2017.

Team-building can take place at Spirit Gate Farm with horse and trainer as your guides.

There are lots of other unique experiences and private locations available for your Staff Reward Day. Do you have clients or other locations you’d like to visit?

We do an annual 3 day tour in December for Island Savings Credit Union in

#301- 394 Duncan Street Duncan, BC V9L 3W4 250 748-1426 Fax: 250 748 2805 PO Box 1396 #101-626 First Avenue Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A9 250 245-1429 Fax: 250 245-1421 1-800-818-5703 www.palmerleslie.ca

43

Andrea Larsen RNCP & Herbalist of Nutrition Matters

F

ebruary is heart health

awareness month. It is also the time we celebrate Valentines Day. Given all this focus on love and the heart, I wanted to bring attention to what we can do to improve our heart’s health and help prevent heart disease.

To understand how certain factors affect the health of your heart and circulatory system- it is necessary to know a little bit about the nervous system, particularly the divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system has two primary subdivisions called the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. In general, the sympathetic division is our “fight or flight” division which is stimulated during periods of

exertion, stress or perceived emergency of some kind.

The parasympathetic division predominates when we are in resting conditions.

When the sympathetic division is stimulated, our body prepares itself to literally be able to fight or flee if necessary. We become more alert, our metabolic rate rises to nearly twice it’s resting level, blood flow is directed to our skeletal muscles, digestion and urinary activities are suspended and our heart rate and blood pressure increase. In contrast, the parasympathetic division promotes rest and activation of this system results in lowered heart rate and blood pressure, increased blood flow towards digestive and eliminatory organs, and increased digestive secretions.

Dr. Cowan MD, in his book “Human Heart, Cosmic Heart” notes risk factors for developing heart disease such as hypertension, smoking,

(New Service) Jan Stock - Intuitive Massage Therapist

Pathways of Connection Hellerwork & Somatic Counselling • Freedom from Chronic Pain & Injury • Expanded Energy Vitality and Aliveness • Creating New Connections & Pathways Embodying Heart Mind and Spirit

Melissa Brown www.pathwaysofconnection.com I 250-661-1687

44

diabetes, physical & emotional stress, a sedative lifestyle and a poor diet. He suggests that these factors contribute to heart disease because every one of these activities reduce parasympathetic nervous activity and over-stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Dr. Cowan states “it is the imbalance of these two branches [of the nervous system] that is responsible for most heart disease” (56).

According to Dr. Cowan, the true cause of heart disease is in the chronic depletion and downregulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Dr. Cowan points to four studies showing that “patients with ischemic heart disease have, on average, a reduction of parasympathetic activity of more than a third. Typically, the worse the myocardial infarction [(heart attack)], the lower the parasympathetic activity” (56).

This means that to prevent heart disease, we must “protect our parasympathetic activity” (58). Cowan states that the “known things that nourish our parasympathetic nervous system are contact with nature, loving relations, trust, economic security, and sex” (59). It is also critical that dietary considerations are made to improve parasympathetic activity and promote a healthy

E

Healthy Hearts cardiovascular system.

Two keys to nourishing the heart are by consuming a diet rich in healthful fats and low in sugar.

As a nutritional consultant, it is my mission to help people discover foods that are both in keeping with disease prevention and a healthful lifestyle yet delight the senses and have your taste buds dancing with enthusiasm. As an herbalist, I can also make recommendations about herbs that may benefit your specific constitution and needs with a focus on cardiovascular health. This Valentines day, help prevent heart disease by spending some time in nature with the person(s) you love.

1. Cowan, Thomas MD. Human Heart, Cosmic Heart.

Vermont, USA. Chelsea Green Publishing. 2016.

2. Martini, Frederic H. Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 7th Edition. San Francisco, USA. Pearson Education Inc. 2006.

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

Call or Email

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

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

t t m c e a t e a a l a t t h T t p a n p t s p s o i a c a c t T c n m r w a t o f p n e t w i

E

Healing with Emotional Freedom Technique

motional Freedom Technique (EFT) combines three different systems of treatment connected through mind body interactionism to create relief from challenging emotional, psychological and physical symptoms. The technique incorporates the use of exposure, cognitive behavioral and somatic therapy to deliver an overall treatment that once learned can be implemented by any individual, thus empowering the client and allowing them to be at the helm of their own healing.

The basis of the technique is tapping on acupuncture meridian points in the upper body while at the same time focusing on the negative emotional, mental or physical issue that is creating the problem. The negative statement is coupled with a positive statement while at the same time tapping a sequence of meridian points. The tapping is the somatic therapy, focusing and verbalizing the negative content is the exposure therapy and the positive statement is the cognitive behavioral aspect of the treatment.

These meridian points are connected to the upper vagus nerve which is myelinated, meaning they have a very quick response to any stimuli. This works in conjunction with the amygdala in the brain which is the “old brain” responsible for our survival and flight, fight or freeze response. Tapping these points and activating the vagus nerve has a naturally soothing effect on the body. When tapping is done in combination with focusing on an unresolved issue and framing a positive

JODIE MCDONALD, MSW RSW 250-580-2252 jodie@livingandbreathing.ca

statement to offset it, your body remains relaxed which in turn nullifies the associated traumatic emotion from the unresolved issue. Tapping on the meridian points balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic regions of your brain and produces a neutral emotional state which when linked with previous traumatizing symptoms brings the body out of the hyper or hypo arousal state.

This essentially calms the body, mind and emotions related to the issue so it no longer has control over the client’s state of health and wellbeing.

Working with a qualified therapist while using this technique can bring even greater results. A therapist can assist you in honing in on the small nuances of an issue and break it down to it’s smallest components so it can effectively be dealt with through the tapping technique.

Some individuals can achieve long lasting results from just a few tapping sessions while others may need more detailed treatments to create a sense of well being.

As a Heilkunst practitioner and Counsellor Faye Stefan combines EFT with Sequential Timeline Therapy. The use of EFT can assist the client in alleviating symptoms immediately while Sequential Timeline Therapy ensures the root cause of the symptoms are extinguished and movement toward personal growth can flourish.

Faye is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Heilkunstler and Homeopath: fstefan59@gmail.com or 250815-5029. Dynamicpathways.biz

Dynamic Pathways

Faye Stefan MA, RCC, DHHP Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Homeopathic Practitioner

Path to Wellness: Combining counselling with homeopathy for your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs utilizing Heilkunst Sequential Timeline Therapy.

Dynamicpathways.biz | fstefan59@gmail.com | 250-815-5029

Julia Allen MA

Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

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

IBP INTEGRATIVE BODY PSYCHOTHERAPISTS COUNSELLING AND HEALING BREATHWORK

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

SYBILLE WEBB, MEd 250-715-6957 sybillewebb@shaw.ca

45

It’s Time Couples Rest Easy!

I

t’s crazy to think how out I recently gave my son one of whack the mattress of our Resthouse mattresses industry has become. This and he was over the moon. one-size-fits-all mattress He would previously lie down mentality is really hurting on our our sleep. mattress Couples and make “When I sleep on my go into a comfy side, it hurts, when I mattress noises, “Oh sleep on my back, it store and dad, I love hurts, and when I go to see rows of your bed mattresses, my tummy, it hurts.” so much,” the he’d say. expectation He’s a All of these statements being that growing from him indicated to they will boy and we me, “Mattress too firm.” find a decided to mattress get him the that works firmness for both of them. This is that Dawn has, which is a bit unrealistic and to be blunt, firmer than my side. He was not good for most customers. so appreciative and couldn’t There is a different way! wait to go to bed the night it

Return to a clean home and workplace.

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

Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

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

Home Cleaning Gift Certificates available for Family & Friends!

46

was set up.

After seeing he was still tossing and turning a lot by the second week, I asked him, “How’s your sleep, buddy?”

At first he said fine, but I kept prying. He finally said, “I really like it Dad, but when I sleep on my side, it hurts, when I sleep on my back, it hurts, and when I go to my tummy, it hurts.” All of these statements from him indicated to me, “Mattress too firm.”

We explained to him that we wanted to get it right. All sleepers are different and the perfect firmness was available for him with a bit more fine tuning. After we switched the top layer to a softer piece he was ecstatic, and the ooh la la was back for him.

My point of the story is, why do so many adults compromise when it isn’t right? We have to start looking at our sleep as an individual responsibility.

I can’t even begin to list how many couples have compromised on their sleep systems because one person wanted it firmer or softer, leaving the other sleepers to go with a mattress that was not good for them. In this

world of increased tension and less sleep, it is imperative to get it right for each individual. We have been told that the majority of mattresses on the market are the same on both sides without realizing that there are other options now available.

If a couple has one sleeper who is 5’2, 125 pounds and the other is 6’1, 215 pounds, chances are they need different firmnesses.

Customization is key. Pick your individual firmness/ softness and enjoy quality sleeps for each of you. Or, if you are choosing the mattress for yourself, pick the firmness based on your particular build, habits and mannerisms.

The beautiful thing about Resthouse mattresses is that each side can be customized for the individual, and layers can be changed if they aren’t just right at any time in the near or distant future.

Everyone sleeping on the bed can get it exactly right, just for them. The Three bears had choice, why can’t we?

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

By Chris Manley, owner of Resthouse a locally owned Natural Sleep shop. www.resthouse.ca

Green Living

Thoughts for the to-do list

I

know that many of us live busy lives with a never ending to-do list so I don’t want to add more to your list, but chatting with some girlfriends recently I was embarrassed to realize there are some tasks, like cleaning the dishwasher filter, that never get done at my house! It started me thinking about other appliances and equipment with filters that work hard for us on a daily basis and these need attention to continue to work well.

citrus cleaner to the water and let soak (you can use lemon juice or vinegar and baking soda if you don’t have citrus cleaner)

To clean the dishwasher filter:

• pull down the plastic cover until you can see the spring loaded wire clips found on two sides of the cover and remove them from the slots in the fan housing

• start with an empty dishwasher and take out the bottom rack • if your model has a removable filter, unscrew it and wash it in the sink, if it doesn’t remove take a damp cloth and wipe all the debris away from the filter • pour 1 cup of vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle • this is also a good time to use a damp cloth to clean the seal around the door and any other cracks and crevices inside the machine

To clean the exhaust fan filters in your range hood: • the 2 filters underneath the range hood pop out quite easily, put them in the sink with boiling water • add ½ cup of concentrated

• when the water has cooled down use a soft bristled brush to scrub both sides of the filters • rinse the filters in hot water, dry with a clean cloth, and replace them To clean the exhaust vent fan in the bathroom: • turn off the circuit breaker at your electrical panel for the fan

• vacuum the plastic cover with a soft brush attachment and clean thoroughly on both sides • use the same vacuum attachment to vacuum inside the fan housing and use the crevice tool to get to the hard to reach spots • replace the plastic cover by slipping the wire clips back into the slots and push the cover up until it is flush with the ceiling It is suggested these be cleaned on a monthly basis to keep them working well.

Tracey Hanson local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice EcoFriendly Cleaning Services cleanchoicecleaners. com

47

Be A Streamkeeper

T

ART e HE illage h t V in Bay ated Loc wichan o of C

We’re looking phorward to serving you

Phantastic Phood

on Phamily Day Phebuary 13th!

•ALL DAY BREAKFAST •HEARTY HOT SOUPS •Hot Drinks •Nasi Goreng •Jamaican Patties

OPEN

weekdays 7:30am - 5pm weekends 8am - 5pm Closed TUESDAYS

Delicious food made fresh right HERE!

he Cowichan Land Trust offers the Streamkeerpers course as part of their Friends of Cowichan Creeks Program. The Streamkeepers Program began as an initiative of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. FOC created the Streamkeepers Handbook and Modules. The objectives of the program are as follows: Provide volunteers with the training and support required to protect and restore local aquatic habitat; Educate the public about the importance of watershed resources; Encourage communication and cooperation in watershed management.

The Streamkeepers Handbook and Modules is the program flagship, and a comprehensive education and awareness program has developed around the manual. While the program will continue to evolve in response to community interest and action, much of the development is now completed.

Why “Streamkeepers” Over the years, many programs have been started to engage the public in environmental causes.

For over 20 years, thousands of British Columbia residents have been trained using the Streamkeepers methodology. As volunteer streamkeepers, citizens are able to monitor and evaluate stream conditions, alert authorities when there are problems with local streams.

There are 14 activity modules in the Streamkeepers Handbook and

VALENTINES POTTERY GIFTS

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

Modules. Modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 11 are the modules that are most often covered in the training.

Module 1 Introductory Stream Habitat Survey Stream ecosystems are complex interactions among plants, animals, and their physical environment. Human activities in watersheds make these systems even more complex. This module provides a starting point for studying your stream. It tells you how to find existing information, identify watershed boundaries, and then work on site to identify and map problem areas in your stream.

Module 2 Advanced Stream Habitat Survey The survey methods show you how to collect consistent data so you can compare sites or streams with confidence, even when different people or organizations have collected the information.

Module 3 Water Quality Survey Water quality surveys provide information about the chemical composition of water. The background water chemistry determines the kinds of plants and animals that can live there. Water quality changes reflect watershed changes. Urban, agricultural, resource, and industrial developments often remove natural vegetation along streams and in other areas of a watershed.

Located between True Grain Bread and Get Phil’d Up in Cow Bay

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

48

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

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis BLASTS FROM THE PAST: “Everyone has memories of things they collected, things they cherished,” says Bernie Kramski, “ things that bring back warm memories ....”. He would know. Together with his partner Dallis Macrae he has been collecting antiques, jewellery, DVDs, vinyl records, comics, vintage issues of “LIFE”, “VOGUE”, “MAD” and other magazines (to mention just a few of the items) and now the cream of the proverbial crop is available for sale at their shop, Soulful Memories.

The majority of items have come from estate sales, auctions, garage sales and global travels (Bernie and Dallis have journeyed to Cuba, Peru, Morocco and Europe, to mention a few destinations.). Inevitably the collection became huge and the pair began to sell some of the inventory on eBay and at flea markets until setting up shop in downtown Duncan in July of 2015.

Module 4 Stream Invertebrate Survey Pick up a rock from a stream and turn it over. Those wiggly critters you see are benthic macroinvertebrates - bottom dwelling, spineless creatures that are small but visible to the naked eye. Most of them are insects at immature stages of development, but worms, snails, and clams also can be found. The kinds and numbers of invertebrates give a good indication of stream health.

Module 7 Streamside Planting Trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, and primitive plants such as mosses and lichen form riparian or streamside vegetation. These plants tolerate occasional flooding. The riparian zone includes the immediate bank of the valley bottom or flood plain.

Stream size and valley topography help define the width of the riparian zone.

Module 11 Juvenile Fish Trapping and Identification Salmon and trout all belong to the salmonid family. They are considered good indicators of a healthy watershed because they require good water quality and habitat.

Salmonids are among the first fish to relocate or disappear when an aquatic habitat starts to deteriorate. Documenting their presence helps identify and protect good quality streams and watersheds.

The upcoming Streamkeepers course is a combination of classroom sessions and field work in a local stream. Participants learn the skills required to evaluate, measure, and monitor potential fish-bearing streams.

Upon completion, participants will be ready to join a local streamkeepers group or to care for a creek on their property. The course will cover modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, & 11 of the streamkeepers handbook.

Most of the cost is covered by grants though participants are asked to help cover expenses with a donation of $60 for members and $90 for non-members which is to be paid at the time of registration. They can also purchase the streamkeepers manual at the workshop for a discount price of $20. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

February 25th and 26th, 9am to 4pm, register by email at info@ cowichanlandtrust.ca or by phone 250-746-0227 Classroom location TBA

Of course, antiques and collectibles alone won’t pay the bills so the shop began to import swords, helmets, armor and various artifacts obtained through contacts from the pair’s world travels.

There are so many fascinating revelations when you go deep into the research and history of various items, Bernie says enthusiastically, and he is more than willing to pass on his insights to his customers.

For complete details browse the website at soulfulmemories.ca The shop also has its own Facebook page complete with some rave reviews from satisfied customers.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE (THE BELLYDANCE SHUFFLE)... Dallis Macrae is also an accomplished belly dancer. Now there is no need to go somewhere else for your gear. Dallis has imported costumes and other accessories for the many belly dancers on the island.

49

50

Sunrise Waldorf School ECE Program Image Cara Bjornson

Early Childhood At Sunrise Waldorf School

H

ave you ever walked into a room and felt yourself exhale? Have you ever experienced a song or a story that continued to unfold in your mind for several days? Have you ever played in the rain and felt the drops on your skin? As adults, when we walk into the Preschool

and Kindergarten Classrooms in a Waldorf School, these are some of the sensations that we notice. A feeling of peace, a sense of wonder and a remembering about what childhood is all about... playing.

Sunrise Waldorf School Early Childhood Education

classrooms are revered for their simplicity, warmth, and the feeling of coming home. From the soft woolen dolls, to the colourful silks, from the blocks, stones, shells and flowers, to the smell of bread baking and oatmeal cooking, our Early Childhood classrooms are brimming with opportunities to play with total abandon and freedom of imagination.

Play is the work of the child.

It is through movement and play that children sense fully into their bodies, and keenly into the pictures of the mind. Skipping, climbing, jumping and outside play (no matter what the weather) is an integral part of the rhythm of the day in our Early Childhood classrooms.

Splashing through puddles, rolling down grassy hills, and swinging are some of

the other ways that children start to know their bodies and explore the world around them. Here is what one parent had to say after visiting our classrooms for the first time: “I walked into the Kindergarten classroom, and was completely taken by the beauty. Richly coloured velvet robes hung on a coat rack for playing dress up, and beside it a basket of silk scarves and knit belts. A simple, yet finely handcrafted wooden kitchen was set up for play with miniature wooden cups, plates, and spoons. We were still familiarizing ourselves with what Waldorf education was about, but I knew without a doubt, that this warm hued classroom environment, rich with textures, natural materials and void of plastic, prints and stark institutional

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool & Kindergarten

OPEN HOUSE

Art Credit - Jasmeen Olya Arts A Morning in the Kindergarten Saturday March 4 • 10 am - 12 pm Saturday March 25 • 10 am - 12 pm

A Morning in the Preschool Saturday March 11 • 10 am - 12 pm Saturday May 6 • 10 - 11:30am

After school in the Kindergarten Wednesday April 26 • 2 - 3 pm Tuesday May 16 • 2 - 3 pm

Space is limited - Please RSVP to admissions@sunrisewaldorfschool / 250.743.7253 www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org

51

continued from pg 51

decor, was where my precious children would get their start in school. What a loving start it has been.”

The young children at Sunrise Waldorf School also immerse themselves in activities that are reflective and imitative of the adults that are caring for them. Needing and baking dough for bread, setting and clearing the table for snack, folding and stacking cloths and napkins. Moving slowly and speaking mindfully, the teachers offer a soft voice and a safe loving environment.

Strong rhythms and repetition allow the children to sink

deeply into their play. Our teachers bring emphasis to the rhythms to the day, the week, and seasons of the year, all of which creates the foundation for the young child to feel safe and free to explore. In an ever changing and fast paced world, the Waldorf Preschool and Kindergartens are a place where childhood is preserved and held with love If you’d like to come and see our Early Childhood classrooms for yourself, or are interested in hearing more about why Waldorf Education works, please feel free to contact Chantey Dayal – Admissions Coordinator for a tour or a meeting today.

250.743.7253

The “Law of Attraction” in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

D

ropping into stillness and trusting in the wisdom and nature of the human condition are foundation principles in biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST). They become like a daily meditation for the BCST practitioner who welcomes the role of embodying stillness and trusting in the original health that grows and shapes our bodies in utero. It is a fundamental part of the facilitation taken up by the practitioner, not only for the purpose of being present and tuning into the client, but also because of the immense value of what the law of attraction can provide in a session.

When the practitioner is living and breathing stillness during a session and trusting in the wisdom and nature of the human condition, the client’s whole system is greeted and honoured in a way that is similar to that of a Namaste: “The divine light in me bows to the divine light in you”. The practitioner’s stillness and trust work together like an axis which merges with the vastness of the universe and groundedness of the earth. It is because this state of centeredness and neutrality imbues a sense of calm, warmth, and safety while also acknowledging the wholeness of the client, that there is an attraction to it. So much so, that it inspires the original health, also known as

52

potency, within the client to awaken, initiate, and participate in its own process of healing as it begins to communicate with the whole body via the fluids and connective tissues. This also contributes to the nervous system renewing a healthy baseline which not only supports all the internal systems of the body to collaborate in seeking a state of homeostasis, but also results in deeply resourcing the client in maintaining good health.

Like bees to honey, when the BCST practitioner sits in stillness and connects with the body’s intelligence, trusting it whole heartedly, a magnetism is created which attracts health.

And so potency emerges and gravitates to where the body is calling for support. This meditative state is very much a loving receptive environment, free of agenda and free of judgement, where patterns of disturbance can begin to dissolve, where inertia can regain freedom of movement and where the internal landscape of the body can reorganize, all of which take part in creating a wealth of love and caring of Self.

Christina Hamill Registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist Cowichan Valley Craniosacral cowichan craniosacral.com

I

t a s a i Y p a b f y a

into the foreground of forest. Without going much further you let out a sigh.

And just as you hear the breath leaving your mouth you hear the sweet call of a blue bird just off your right shoulder.

A Garden That Heals: Looking towards it, notice a path.

Building a Living Labyrinth you The opening is wide at Providence Farm and welcoming, and with a sense of direction you move magine walking into a towards it. Soon finding space, a garden. The smell yourself weaving through that sweeps past your nose a beautiful array of sounds, as you enter is sweet and scents and colours. Plants subtle, and leaves you taking you can identify as medicinal, a slow deep breath to draw edibles and sacred, line the its delightful scent back in. pathway, reminding you of Your eyes are drawn to a your own wellbeing. As you plant just ahead. Its colour, arrive at the end of the path, a beautiful shade of purple, and what appears to be the brings a smile upon your centre of the garden, there is face. As you look beyond it, a bench. It is there that you sit you see an ocean of blues and notice how the questions and greens gently melding

I

and worries you entered the garden with have some how abated. Resting here for a few moments, taking it in, before you make your way back out the labyrinth.

At Providence Farm, this is an iteration for the dream of our living labyrinth, a garden that heals. With thanks to the Victoria Foundation, we have embarked on a venture, seeking to understand how certain landscapes, sounds, and spaces create ease and health. And we aim to arrive, by the end of summer, with a healing garden, accessible to all that visit the farm, and beneficial to as many if not more.

From designing, to installing pathways, building benches, removing invasive species, rehabilitating soils, and planting, it will be a project requiring the creativity,

dedication and effort of many. Knowing there are plenty within our community who share in this awe of labyrinths, and respect for fostering healthful environments to the plants and people, we invite you to participate. To begin, our garden will benefit from your donations of times, skills and funds, and upon completion, July 2017, it will benefit from your visiting.

Please join us at our open house February 21st, visit our website www.providence. bc.ca or email us at alicia@ providence.bc.ca to support.

Healing Circle Labyrinth, photo by Sean

Alicia Taylor, Nature Based Therapy Coordinator, Providence Farm

Float effortlessly on the surface of 1000L of water saturated with 1200 lbs of Epsom salts heated to 94.5 degrees. Experience life without sensation and distractions in this unique light and soundproof environment.

662 Herald St. I Victoria, BC I V8W 1S7 I 778 433 3166 I hello@floathousevictoria.com I oathousevictoria.com

53

W

February at Mount Washington

inters at sea level are often rainy, grey and dreary. But in a 2 hours drive northbound on the Trans Canada Highway, a trip to the local ski hill can turn that plundering rain into wonderful, fluffy falling snow. This month Mount Washington has some great events and special offers great for families and seniors.

Boomers Week takes place February 6-10. “Boomers Only!” is a program taught and designed especially for those 50 plus who are active and love to ski and ride. After a morning of fun on the slopes, Mount Washington pros will escort participants to a delicious meal. Package

includes an all-day lift ticket, a group lesson from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, and a delicious lunch.

Includes après. No gear? No experience? No problem! Rental options and lessons are available for all ability levels. Bookings required. For more info contact the resort.

BC Family Day is always special at the mountain. On Monday, February 13, from 9am - 3:30pm all alpine lifts and nordic trail passes are 50% off! Come down and spend a great day tubing, cross country skiing, snowboarding or skiing together.

For more information visit www.mountwashington.ca

“

G f o

G y i d o s w c i t a a s

I J w h W w C w

T t t I n c L m a v

www.explorecowichan.ca 54

T i l c g

Mount Washington For Me At 73

“A

bsolutely excellent” was the summing up by Grandpa, who had come over from UK to ski with his 7 year old grandsons.

Grandpa John started skiing 60 years ago, in the Alps. Taught in the strict Swiss ski school, he developed a very elegant style on seven foot long wooden skis, no safety bindings, boots were leather and laced and just covered the ankle. His style is still with him today but not the equipment! Modern skis and boots are easier,safer and a great advantage for today’s skiers.

It had been several years since John put on skis, so it was with caution he approached his initial runs on Mount Washington. Snow conditions were favourable and the 5 day Canadian Skiing Experience was a joy.

The chalet accommodation, in the Alpine village, shared with the family was a high standard.

It was situated conveniently near to the Lodge, Hawk chairlift and ski school. The Lodge provided all facilities for meals, ski and boot hire, WIFI and a comfortable “time out” venue.

The ski school had provided instruction for the twins for the last 3 seasons. They are now competent skiers for their age group.

The slopes were ideal for the boys and also for a 73 year old gentleman coming back to skiing. The grading of the runs from green to double black was very suitable, and many of the runs finished at The Lodge.

As the days progressed, green runs became blue runs and then a taste of red. Commonsense prevailed and black runs were left for those skiers in their prime!

This is an ideal place for those who have skied in the past and want to try again along with the younger generations. The pistes were well maintained but at times, in a blizzard, it was hard to follow the correct trails, so being accompanied was important. More markers would have been appreciated.

Many thanks are due to Richard for encouraging his father to have this wonderful experience, and to all the family for the care and concern they bestowed.

When it was time for John to return home he left the boys with the golden memory of skiing with Grandpa. They had a final comment to their father, “ Do you think you will be skiing with us, Dad, when you are 73! “ We all hope so.

John Badman lives in the UK with his wife Carol. He is a very experienced skier, sailor and avid fisherman.

55

Before

Mirror, Mirror on The Wall

Works of Art by Todd McAneeley

Call for January class dates

F After

La Petite Auction House

Auction Sunday FEBRUARY 5 & 19 • 1pm Accepting goods throughout the week Early viewings Wed-Fri 11am- 5pm Plus viewings on Sat pre auction 1-5pm SAME DAY viewing 10am-1pm To consign email dawngeddie@gmail.com

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902

or most of us there is nothing particularly attractive about our household mirrors. They are simply framed rectangles of glass hanging on the wall to serve a purpose.

For professional woodworker Todd McAneeley, however, mirrors are a perfect opportunity for artistic expression. In fact, each of his mirrors is an original work of art reflecting the rugged, natural beauty of the west coast.

A furniture maker with more than twenty years of experience in the Cowichan Valley, Todd works with wood offcuts, mostly big leaf maple, to craft rich, warm frames, smooth to the touch.

Some of his creations are simple designs highlighting the natural gain of the wood, while others are more sculpted and abstract. Each frame is a work of art, the result of hours of planing, sanding and sculpting.

Todd began his wood working career in 1997 after receiving his Benchwood-Joinery certification at Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University). Over the course of his woodworking career, he has owned and operated a cabinet and furniture making business in the Cowichan Valley. Since

56

2011, he has worked for Live Edge Design, a nationally renowned local company that creates one-of-a-kind furniture from salvaged trees.

In addition to mirrors, Todd also creates artistically carved doors that reflect the grandeur of life on the West Coast. Todd will have one of his doors on display at the Imagine That display. For those wanting something a little special, he will take custom orders.

Like most artists, Todd absolutely loves what he does.

He aptly sums up his feelings with three words: ‘love, freedom, and creativity.’

Don’t miss this exceptionally unique show!

Todd’s mirrors will be on display at Imagine That in downtown Duncan from February 4 to March 3.

Veronica Scott is a mosaic artist and freelance writer.

he online Jude’s eggs babies Intercultural Community Cookbook is a remarkable collaboration between the Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS) and Vancouver Island University (VIU), built from an existing partnership project established several years ago with a VIU anthropology summer intern at CIS. Last spring, CIS and VIU – Intercultural Online Cowichan Campus – brainstormed Cookbook: A Collaboration possible community And Common Ground research projects for the Department Through Intercultural Recipes of Anthropology’s second year cultural and team members of anthropology class and the VIU were at the heart of idea of an online intercultural this project. With their community cookbook was contributions, we have an born. incredible account of the diversity in Cowichan and The online cookbook of the family traditions we will recipes and cultural stories cherish for generations to is the result of hundreds come! of hours of interviewing

by Anthropology students, CIS is grateful and proud of coordination of transcribing the long standing partnership the interviews and uploading with Vancouver Island to the website by an intern University. Indeed this online student and the keen cookbook project would technological expertise of not be possible without the VIU’s Centre of Teaching for students and staff of VIU Excellence in Learning – all Department of Anthropology, adeptly coordinated by VIU’s Cowichan Campus and Department of anthropology VIU’s Centre for Innovation professor Helene Demers. and Excellence in Learning.

Particular acknowledgement Many individuals, students, goes to Lianne MacWatt, Michael Paskevicius Mara’s Scotch Eggs and Helene Demers!

The Intercultural Online Cookbook can be found at http://cis-iwc.org/ online-communitycookbook/.

Gift Certificates Available

T

Valentine’s Day Special

3x 1 HOUR SESSIONS for $120

Choose from FOOT REFLEXOLOGY or REIKI Sessions - mix and match!

Melt the Stress • Release Tension and Headaches • Improve Circulation Soothe the Soul

Terri 250-701-8962 • 1453 Algonkin Rd, www.terriswellness.com

Delicious East Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

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

57

Gift Certificates for face and body care, make most women and lots of men happy.

SEAFLORA facials & products are LOVE from the sea!

CONTOURS AESTHETIC STUDIO Upstairs at 3515 Cobble Hill Rd • 250-715-7935

www.contoursaesthetics.com

L

NOW OFFERING PERMANENT COSMETIC E S CAPE ESTHETICS TATTOOING Est. Since 2006 • Eyebrows • Eyeliner • Lip Contouring

S

OU

The art of implanting small amounts of pigment into the dermal layer of the skin to enhance and define the natural features!

FEBRUARY SPECIAL

with 1 procedure save $50 with 2 procedures save $100 with 3 procedures save $150 #4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca The first and only Green Spa in the Cowichan Valley.

58

E

xactly where the word “mascara” comes from is unclear, but it is thought to be based from the Spanish word mascara meaning mask or stain. Records from ancient Egypt refer to a substance called kohl that was used to darken the eyes, eyelashes,and eyebrows. Believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the soul, worn by both men and women.

Often composed of galena (an ore of lead and silver), malachite and charcoal or soot, crocodile stool and honey.

Makeup was considered unsightly and uncouth in Western culture until the Victorian era, when social opinion shifted radically towards the promotion of cosmetics. Wealthy women were known to spend a majority of their day occupied with beauty regimens. Great efforts were made to create the illusion of long, dark eyelashes. Victorian women made a type of mascara in their own homes. They would heat a mixture of ash or lampblack (pigment made from soot) and elderberry juice and apply the heated mixture to their eyelashes. Over the next decades mascara would come in many forms from cakes to creams to the modern day self contained tubes.The product that people today would recognize as mascara, was not developed until the 19th century by a chemist named Eugene Rimmel using the newly invented petroleum jelly. The pigmentation for black mascara in conventional make up is carbon black (the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products) There is a great deal more variety in the oils used, like mineral oils, linseed, castor, eucalyptus, lanolin and oil of turpentine can be found most frequently among the formulas.

Waxes usually found in mascara are paraffin, carnauba, and beeswax.

The desired effects of mascara account for the most variations of ingredients.The most basic

Demystifying Mascara effect considered is whether the mascara will be water-resistant or not. Water-resistant mascaras have substances that rebuff water, like dodecane ( an oily liquid of the paraffin series ) non water-resistant mascaras have ingredients that are watersoluble. Mascaras designed to lengthen or curl the eyelashes often contain nylon or rayon microfiber.

Cosmetics are loosely regulated, this leaves a great deal of freedom for the conventional beauty industry in the formulation of cosmetics. For example, mercury compounds are used as a preservative in eye make-up and are occasionally found in mascara.

For these reasons woman are turning to more natural and organic clean cosmetics and botanical skincare that promote health and wellness not detract from..The natural cosmetic industry is growing and prices are coming down as more companies are sprouting up in local regions, therefore eliminating the need to import products. This is great news for local economies and us women that like to enhance our natural beauty, naturally. Buy Canadian and buy locally made!

Mascara Mondays at Prudence Organics Natural Beauty and Fashion. February 6, 13, 20, 27 Test our Canadian made clean mascara’s available at both locations south Duncan in the Sol Centre next door the the Community Farm Store or 155 Craig St, Duncan.

Submitted by Karla Rothweiler

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

Lynene with Isis wings

especially Egypt was the melting pot of all these cultures. Where all the trade between Europe the East and Middle East came together.

There are many theories about Belly Dance about why and how including many books and articles written on this very topic.

This is my brief theory.

During the time of great trade as I mentioned above in the Middle East and Egypt there was also trade of music and dance which the people adopted into their dances, it is believed the Roma people travelling from India to the Middle East and Europe brought a lot of the ancient dance movements which was adopted by others along the way.

Belly Dancing

S

o what is “Belly Dance”. Is it the oldest dance? Where does it come from? Most of us conjure up an image when we hear the term “Belly Dance” .

Images of perhaps intrigue and passion, or images of nudity, and maybe of uncertainty or mystery about the Middle East.

Music and dance has been an integral part of society since the early dawn of time.

Reaping of crops, celebrating weddings, births are some of the early celebrations all over the world. Every culture have their “folkdances” . These early dances were usually done in circles or lines. As man became more developed and “civilized” there were dances to honor the “gods and goddesses” and these become more formalized. Today you see this in the Temple dances of India, China, Thailand, etc.

These dances were indeed passed down to today and kept as close to the original dances. They were codified. But the Middle Eastern Dances and dances along the silk road were not codified probably because this area

Orientalism in Europe began in the 1800’s and curiosity abounded in the undulations and belly movements of the dancers from Egypt’s Of the Dancers in Egypt. This is thought where the term “belly dance” was 1st heard to describe the dance. In 1893 the Worlds Fair in New York featured “Belly Dancers” from Egypt, influencing many.

Hollywood greatly influenced early costuming such as the Bra and Belt that is the standard costume today called the “Bedlah”. Badia Masabni in 1926 opened a night club in Cairo that featured Arab music and “Belly dancers” and catered to the European audience was greatly influenced by Hollywood and her dancers adopted the Bedlah and this became the Golden Era of bellydance. Then it became popular in North America.

(dances of the east), Folkloric, American Tribal Style (ATS), Tribal Fusion, and Fantasy. The root basic moves remain to be of ancient origin.

This is why belly dance remains today.

Belly dance is more than a series of movements, technique and isolations it truly is a body, mind, spirit dance. The music itself is an integral part of the dance.

There are many reasons why people take a belly dance class, for fun, toning, social, curiosity but there is deep meaning in the movements that appeal to some of us in a deep primal way and we can never look back. There are all types of people who Bellydance, from all walks of life there is never one kind of åperson it is for everyone.

This is why is teach Belly dance, it is more than just a dance. It calls to me and must answer. I love the culture, music, history, movements and love all the folkloric styles.

Did I say I love Belly dance?

Submitted by Lynene

Danse Oriental Teaching Middle Eastern Dances and Dances from along the Silk Road.

NEW CLASSES!

Danse Oriental dance studio is moving to YUM YUM YOGA STUDIO in Cowichan Bay.

TUESDAYS 6pm – 7pm

Cost: $90.00/sesssion 3 – 6 week dance sessions Session 2

Mar 7 – April 11 Belly Dance – dancing with props and veils

Session 3

April 25 – May 3 Belly Dance – Dancing with feeling

Upcoming Workshop Classes:

Folk Dances from along the Silk Road • February 18 Basket Dance • March 25 Bandari Dance Time 10 am -12pm Cost: $30.00

miragedanse@shaw.ca

250-746-1077

Belly dance today is not what you would of seen in the 1800’s or before but some of the movements...the ancient movements that have survived over time is still part of the dance. Belly dance is not static it is a dynamic dance that has evolved over time still being influenced by other dance disciplines. Some styles are; American Cabaret, Raqs Sharqi

59

Pattern Interrupted.

H ave you ever taken a close look at the sacrifices you make in your life as well as the payoff you receive from these sacrifices? All of my clients are sacrificing something without stopping to assess if that pattern of sacrifice is still serving their current life. Life is always changing: they have changed, the circumstances have changed, but the sacrifice is still firmly in place.

I often sacrifice alone time for family time. This can be a tricky balancing act because if I don’t get the space I need to recharge, how can I truly show up for my family?

Of course, to make things trickier, when I feel like I’m not getting the time I need to recharge, my mind will fool me into believing that I need days or weeks to myself when actually a 10-minute reboot lying down on the couch can do wonders!

So the dilemma is this: how and when do we say no to others and yes to ourselves?

Or take one for the team and simply recover later? There is no quick answer. This is an art. So make your life your art! Get out the metaphorical canvas and paints and start being an artist…of your life!

Life is a creative endeavour, isn’t it? If we don’t approach life as an art form, we will be stuck on the hamster wheel, going ‘round and ‘round. And that is a total bummer, right?

So here’s how we begin: the art of sacrifice is about getting consciously clear - on paper or with someone who can be an honest and compassionate feedback loop - about what sacrifices you are making in your daily life, big and

60

Step Cats

Szos helps people interrupt the unconscious fears and beliefs that have them never open the door to the core of who they really are.

It can be scary and it’s one of the most rewarding things we can experience!

small, and then see what the benefit of the sacrifice is.

In my example, the benefit of sacrificing alone time is fostering a deeper connection with my family. That’s a great benefit! Then I have to ask myself if I am getting the alone time I need to sustain this type of sacrifice? If the answer is no, then I have to design more alone time or the sacrifice will bring everyone down.

Let me repeat that: when I don’t honour myself to the degree that I need (not want), regardless of my good intention, my sacrifice will sabotage the experience for me and everyone else.

Does this sound familiar to you? Everybody does it unconsciously. So let’s make it conscious! It’s like being a computer with an old operating system and your computer keeps crashing.

So update your system! You are an awesome person and you’re likely pushing yourself too hard. Get specific on what you need that you haven’t been giving yourself and then design that into your life.

Start small, if that feels more comfortable. Just keep getting back on the horse. Life is very forgiving! If you really want to experience more freedom, involve your relationships in this process. This will create spaciousness and new opportunities. Creative solutions are already alive in you right now. So go forth and update your system! www.SzosStGermain.com Szos is a master coach of individuals, couples, and businesses who are ready to challenge their old ways of doing things for the sake of something better.

O

K, so you are adding another cat to your family, and you want it to get along with the cat already living with you. What can you do to make this newcomer feel welcome?

The first thing you should do is observe your present cat. Know the signs of fear or aggression, and how they differ. Know what your cat enjoys doing, where he likes to sleep, and where her important territories are. Try a few experiments (games) to figure out what distracts her or what his favourite treats are. The more time you spend getting to really know your cat, the better you’ll be at predicting the new behaviors that will be coming soon to live with you.

Now observe the territory.

Are there high places as well as low places? Does every possible hiding place have an escape route? (it should, or block it). Are there blankets or toys that your cat claims already? What you need to do before the new cat arrives is expand the available territory. Buy its own blanket and toys. Build high places that create a super highway for cats. It might be just a few wall shelves connecting high furniture, or you can go wild with tunnels and castles and winding corners. The important thing is that you are expanding the available cat space, so that when your new cat arrives, your old cat doesn’t mind giving up some of it.

The next thing is the 3 big cat needs – food, sleep and toilet.

Set up a sleeping space, a

feeding place and a litter box in places that are separate from your present cat’s.

Eventually, as they get to know each other, these spaces can be moved closer together.

The first step would be to make them visible to each other, then gradually moved beside each other. If you are really lucky they will actually share everything in the end.

Now you can introduce your new cat. The hardest part is letting them work out their own arrangements. More than 90% of the time they will do this as long as you don’t get in the way. That’s hard for you, easier for the cats!

If there are a few spats, try to distract your first cat with toys and treats. Don’t put them in separate rooms – as long as the territory is well set up, they shouldn’t need this.

Having separate enclosed spaces will only increase the stress for both cats. Now sit back and enjoy them both equally. Domestic cats have evolved from predators that could live either a solitary life or could be members of a pride. Both possibilities are contained in your two house cats. You can now be the proud parent of 2 little beasties!

Appendix: If both your cats are part of the less than 10% that can’t get along with other cats, the outcome is not lost. It just takes more work, and possibly a visit by a cat whisperer to assess the possibilities. I’ll leave that for another article.

Judith Quinlan a retired physio therapist and the owner of That Cat Hotel www.

ThatCatHotel.ca

P

L P

a a a l s f a y o P

A p a f a n u t y h t c t m w P t a s p P e b d t t a i g u

Puppies

Lucky Dogs...

P

uppies are great. People love puppies. Grown dogs aren’t as keen on puppies, but they adapt. Every puppy is unique and will need assistance to learn the ins and outs of human society. Imagine being pulled from your pack at a tender age and brought into a world where you don’t know the language or customs of your new family.

Patience is required.

Always look at life from your puppy’s perspective. Puppies are not trying to “get you back” for some infraction. Puppies are not “stubborn”. Puppies are not stupid. Puppies just don’t understand what you’re trying to say. It is important that when you are teaching your new dog how to communicate to you that you also learn how a dog communicates to you. Our dogs tell us what they need, we just misread the messages. This is where puppy classes are great.

Puppy classes are more about teaching you, the human, than about teaching your puppy. Take several classes from several places.

Puppies need to go out for potty every two hours or so. Their bladders are very small and dogs are hard wired to not soil their den. This is one of those times where its your job to pay attention to the cues your puppy is sending you. She will want to go outside to pee; don’t set her up to fail.

Open 9am to 9pm!

DAILY 1606 Joan Avenue 250-324-2249

Puppies need lots of new experiences. Car rides, boat rides, walking on different surfaces. Visits with people of all ages, with hats and umbrellas and shopping carts. Bridges and tunnels and trips to the store.

Noises of all kinds; chain saws, fireworks, barking dogs, horns, and heavy metal music. Having your puppy learn that noises aren’t dangerous will bomb proof your dog for a life without anxiety.

Your puppy becomes an adolescent when their adult teeth start to come in, around six months. Then it’s no longer fair to excuse puppy behaviour.

You want a calm and confident dog for the rest of her life.

It’s so much easier to correct small mistakes now, than to over explain to strangers why your dog is being such a jerk for years later. Get professional help if you aren’t sure how to help your puppy get over some struggles.

My life is fairly routine, but I also like to throw in surprises from time to time. My dogs have adapted to this very well and never know when an adventure will be in store, but they are keen to join me every time. They are confident and they trust me to show them a good time. Keeping some spice in the relationship, as it were.

When you get a puppy, you have made a promise to protect and guide the creature for the rest of it’s life. Do your best, don’t make excuses, see it from her perspective, ask a professional.

If something isn’t working, try something else. You made a promise.

Debbie Wood is a certified Small Animal Naturopath and can be reached at 250-597-7DOG.

Lucky Dog U Bath Just north of

1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Fido rolled in dead fish?

We can help!

U Bath or WE Bath

Grooming!

250 597-7DOG

www.luckydogubath.ca

Life and Leadership Coaching…

Inspired by Horses • Experiential Learning with Horses • Corporate and Personal Programming • Developing Horsemanship Skills • Centered Riding Lessons • Equine Behaviour Consulting • Mindfulness Retreats • Youth and Adults

www.spiritgate.ca michelle@spiritgate.ca 250 737 1484

Sheryl Jardine REALTOR®

Cell: 250 661 9754 Bus: 250 746 6621 Fax: 250 746 1766 sheryljardine@royallepage.ca

Results that Move You Duncan Realty

INDEPENDANTLY OWNED & OPERATED BROKER

481 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan www.royallepage.ca/duncanrealty

All new high efficiency machines!

DOUBLE, TRIPLE & QUAD front load washer extractors Oversize gas dryers

61

“Costas” - Duo Beija-Flor Duo Beija-Flor, whose music “surprises and energizes,” (Global TV’s Montreal Morning News) presents a program of repertoire from the Latin countries that border the Atlantic Ocean. From the passionate Argentinean tango and the lively rhythms of Brazilian sambas to the longing sounds of the Portuguese fado and the Jewish sephardic melodies of Spain, Costas is certain to fill you with all that embodies the Latin world.Tickets: At the door $20.

Under 18: $5 adv $17. Available at:Ten Old Books, Duncan. Or by phoning 250-748-8383, Sunday February 5, 2pm at St Michael’s Church, Chemainus.www. chemainusclassicalconcerts/.ca

Looking to adopt a cat or kitten? Book a “meet and greet” appointment to play with a feline from Cowichan Cat Rescue and fill out an application form.

For information about adoption fees please visit http://www. cowichancatrescue.org/adopt/ adopt-our-tame-cats/ Thursday February 9th 11AM - 2:20PM Cowichan Library 2687 James Street Duncan 250-746-7661

Partner Yoga Workshop An opportunity to work together in pairs or in groups, supporting one another in the practice of postures and breathing. Come with a partner or work with fellow students in the class. All levels welcome, but previous Yoga experience necessary.

February 12 10 AM -1PM, Namaste Yoga Studio 2424 Heather St., Duncan $45 Pre registration required 250 7460327

Green Drinks Cowichan

Cat Catfe Back by popular demand!

Green Drinks is an agenda-free social meet-up for people doing work or otherwise interested in the environmental field. It is open to everyone and the purpose is to have fun while networking and building community. Green Drinks happen in cities world-wide, now Cowichan

will be part of this phenomena.

Cowichan Valley Green Drinks will occur quarterly on February 15, Join us for the 1st one ever, this month at the Craig St. Brewpub, 3rd Floor, from 5-7pm.

Iranian/Persian Folk Dance Workshop Basket Dance from the Caspian Sea. A folkdance about the women working in the rice fields and daily life.

Wear a big skirt. No dance experience necessary and all ages welcome. February 18, 10am -12pm, $30, Yum Yoga Studio, 1401 Pavenham Rd, Cowichan Bay To Register 250-746-1077 or email: miragedanse@shaw.ca

Creative Drumming Workshop In this fun, empowering workshop, we explore STORYTELLING to create a collective rhythmic piece, using djembe drums and other percussion. We use

february events improvisation to express our uniqueness and weave healthy relationships.Let go of tension.

Express yourself with creative impulse. Learn hand drumming and percussion techniques. No drumming experience needed.

February 19, 3-5pm, Saidi Sisters Studio, 420 4th Ave., Ladysmith $20. 604-848-9543 www.sacredfiremusic.com

LifeSpan Day Now is the time to review our hopes and dreams for 2017, and what better way than a Day Retreat that allows us to take part in a Workshop on our “Quest” for this year, a Walking Meditation to help us see with clarity, a sharing on how to deal with “My Karma,” all in the company of a few like minded new friends. For full information and registration follow the link LifeSpan Day Retreat, Saturday, February 18 Nichiren Buddha Center, #4-3906 Johnny Bear Rd. Duncan www. viretreats.com/retreats Or txt./ Phone: 250. 710. 7594

Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly!

OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

*Award Winning Chowder* Grilled Seasoned Fish & Chicken Great Burgers, Fries, Wraps & More!

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

62

B d V w 3 W m & 4 C C f p W

Bridal Show Brides, plan the wedding of your dreams all in one place! The Valley’s top wedding specialist will be under one roof at the 3rd annual Cowichan Valley Wedding Show. There will be a mobile fashion show, appetizers & cash bar. February 19, noon4pm Ramada Duncan Hotel & Conference Center, 140 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan Entry fee for brides: $5 adv$8 door. All proceeds donated to Cowichan Women Against Violence.

Essential Oils 101 Join aromatherapist and herbalist Robin Round, owner of Botanical Bliss for an Essential Oils For Healing class. We will learn about essential oils including what they are, how they are made, their history, uses and tips to add them to your life. You will make your own blends to take home. Thursday, February 23, 7-9 pm Botanical Bliss, 6119 Lakeview Drive off Sherman Rd in Duncan.. Cost is $25 + tax ($28) and includes all supplies. . Register early - call Robin at 250-710-1276.

Scotty Hills Scotty Hills is bringing his soulfully unique, genre bending music to one of the Valley’s best sounding venues. Scotty has had an impressive career thus far, working with some of music’s biggest names, and continues to hone his own path as a solo artist with an approach to music that needs to be heard. Doors 7:00, show 7:30. Tickets are $20 (kids free) and available at the door, Duncan Music, or at www. eventbrite.ca Presented by Barely North Entertainment with partial proceeds benefiting Providence Farm. Friday, February, 24 Scotty Hills Live in the Providence Farm Chapel 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan

Spring Fine Arts Show A call to all 2D and 3D artists to be a part of the largest Cowichan Valley open show and sale. The Fine Arts Show is a unique celebration for artists to exhibit their work in an elegant, professional setting. Because the jury process occurs after the registration, it is a perfect opportunity for budding artists to show their art and an opportunity for experienced artists to be recognized with the award designations. Details www. cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

Table Talk

By Richard Neftin

The Cowichan Valley isn’t entirely blanketed in fluffy snow, not even on the highest of hills and treetops; nor are we quite glaciated - though there are spots where it is icy and one has to tenderly negotiate a blinding patch of sidewalk or have more than four legs to arrive where they want to go. This doesn’t mean that we two-legged tumbly types shouldn’t be outside at this time enjoying the refrigerated atmosphere. We don’t have the Narnian snow-mountains in our yards we had as kids, but that shouldn’t stop us from skidding into the unforgiving board or in-flexi-glass shield at one of the local arenas with giggles and hot coffee splashed on our brand new Nordic sweater.

This may be the perfect time to grab the kids and head to the local rinks in Duncan, Chemainus or at Kerry Park in Shawnigan Lake. Or better yet, skate around in the arena for a jolly afternoon occasionally grabbing one of your kids and hanging on to them so that you don’t embarrass yourself much. Check out their hours for a fun and healthy public skate. There may be a lateafternoon public skating time when your little one’s are so sleepy you get to push them around on a sled and they don’t get to see you slip up, er, down. It is possible to feel like the Coast is part of Canada sometimes, even in winter, without joining the millions watching the Ducks beat the Canucks in your den.

63

I

have been a keen observer of politics for most of my life, and a participant in community and grassroots-based advocacy and activism. My parents encouraged us to pay attention to the world around us, to be informed and engaged in current events, and to participate in our community. It seemed that CBC radio was on 24 hours a day – so whether in the car or at home, we were listening to unfolding stories all the time.

But I never saw myself as a participant in the political arena – I was more comfortable working to affect change as an advocate. If someone had told me five years ago that I would be a CVRD director and BC Green candidate, I would have laughed at the outlandish suggestion. (It certainly was not on the radar further back, when I was a single mother trying to pay bills, raise my young son, help run a small business, and complete my education). At the same time, it is natural conclusion to my long-held belief that it is my responsibility, as a citizen, to be in service.

So how did I get here?

Many years ago, before heading out on an early date with my now-husband Blaise, he suggested I write a letter to the editor. He was then President of Results Canada, a citizens’ advocacy group working to end the worst aspects of poverty in the world by lobbying government to invest in the most effective forms of foreign aid, including basic education and healthcare, sanitation, and microfinance. I accepted his challenge and sent a letter off to the National Post, which called for better funding of education for girls in developing countries.

It was a long shot to get my first ever letter to the editor published in a national newspaper, but they published it (much to my surprise).

I soon became a volunteer with Results Canada, and then Treasurer and National Administrator. My bookkeeping and small business skills were useful in overseeing a budget in the hundreds of thousands of

64

dollars, a task I took seriously and managed well. Best of all, I felt I was making a difference.

Blaise and I built a life and a family together, based in part on our shared passion for social justice and belief that individuals – especially when they work together – can make a positive difference in the world. Over the next ten years, I had more than 75 letters and op-eds published in newspapers across Canada.

I was developing an effective voice.

As we became increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change, we became involved in another advocacy organization, Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL), a citizens’ group that has been calling for a steadily rising, revenue neutral, price on carbon pollution.

For both Results and CCL, we made numerous trips to Ottawa and Washington, DC to meet with elected officials and present to them the evidence-based arguments for our proposals.

Over the course of many years, we built lasting relationships with many MPs and MLAs. Most importantly we learned to work across all party lines – believing that basic human rights and a life-sustaining climate are social justice issues, not political ones, and learning that forming productive alliances was the best way to achieve positive outcomes.

Over the same time period, in addition to taking care of our growing family, I completed my education degree and started teaching. After teaching in the Victoria School District and serving as Social Justice Chair for the Greater Victoria Teachers Association, I was offered a job at Dwight School in Shawnigan Lake. It was an appealing move to make, as Blaise’s parents and siblings live in Shawnigan, and so we relocated to the area.

It was seven months after I started teaching at Dwight (now Brooks Shawnigan Lake) that the Ministry of Environment issued a draft permit to Cobble Hill Holdings for a contaminated

Sonia Furstenau walking in downtown Duncan Image Laura Colpitts

A Conversation with Sonia Furstenau MLA Candidate For Cowichan Valley landfill at the headwaters of Shawnigan Creek. Our family spent the Easter holiday in Tofino, with Blaise and I reading and re-reading the draft permit, incredulous that the government could even consider such an outrageous proposal.

And yet, consider it they did – and their ensuing decision to grant the permit has in many ways shaped the course of my life over the last three and a half years. I have brought in the tools we learned from advocacy, and I have applied the skills I learned studying history and teaching. But most importantly, I have learned that the key to sustaining a concerted effort is building a strong, connected, compassionate, and resilient community.

The efforts to stop the contaminated landfill have been a significant part of what has moved me into the public eye, and into public office – and those efforts have been a culmination of years of working for social and environmental justice, and a long-held belief that it is my responsibility, as a citizen, to be in service.

And I have also learned that sometimes the right thing to do is to step into a leadership role.

To that end, I have accepted this latest challenge, which is to earn a seat in the legislature as the next MLA representing the citizens of the Cowichan Valley.

I am excited by the prospect of serving the larger community, for it is my profound desire that I leave this world a better place than how I found it.

Sonia Furstenau, CVRD Area B Director, is running as the BC Greens candidate in the upcoming May 9th provincial election. Since declaring her candidacy, she has been named both Deputy Leader of the BC Greens, and Environmental Critic for the party.

Holding a Bachelors of Arts (History), a Bachelor of Education, and a Masters of Arts (History), she has been an outspoken advocate for removing the contaminated soil dump on Stebbings Road. Sonia and her family live in Shawnigan Lake.

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

YOGA FOR WELLNESS ANAHATA – THE CENTRE OF UNSTRUCK SOUND

F

A beautiful practice for connecting with the Heart Chakra is through repeating the mantra Ahum Prema. Ahum means ‘I am’ and Prema means ‘love’.

Prema translates as love for the Divine, for God. Prema is selfless; prema heals; prema leads to karma yoga; prema is bliss.

Take time this month to connect with Divine Love, first honoring yourself and then moving out into the world from this place of love for/of Self.

Happy Valentine’s Month Namaste

Sadie is a member of the Forest Yogini Collective. She teaches weekly Chakra Yoga classes and facilitates a monthly Sacred Chant Circle. She can be reached at sdbartram@gmail.com

“The rays of the sun, moon and stars which nurture our spirits, and the five grains of the earth, which nourish our bodies, we receive with gratitude.”

Meditation Tues/Thurs. 7 PM - Wed. 9 AM - Txt.&Ph. 250.710.7594

ROWAN HAMILTON MEDICAL HERBALIST

Diploma in Phytotherapy, MNIMH, SCS, DTCM

at a healing place...

250 510 0062

Cowichan Valley

Blue Tree Creative

By Bonnie Tytel

ebruary, this month associated with the heart, is a perfect month to tune into Anahata Chakra – your heart energy centre (Fourth Chakra).

Anahata is our healing centre and our feeling centre.

On the physical level, the Heart Chakra is related to the organs of the lungs and the heart, the circulatory system and the thymus gland. When our Heart Chakra energy is strong and balanced, our immune system is also strong and healthy. The color associated with Anahata is green, reminding us of the relationship we have with the plants and trees through our breath and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Spend time outside this month in the forest, using conscious breathing to fill your heart and body with healing, nourishing energy. With your inhale, imagine breathing energy into your heart, with your exhale imagine/visualize this energy flowing from your heart out into the rest of your body.

On the emotional level, we connect with feelings of love, acceptance, joy, empathy, and forgiveness. We have the urge to reach out and help people.

The yoga of this energy centre

is Karma Yoga, the yoga of right action. The practice of Karma Yoga goes beyond helping or offering service from a place of ‘should’ or obligation into offering service from a place of compassion, selfless service, balance and self-awareness.

Anahata translates as ‘the centre of unstruck sound’. On an energetic/spiritual level, as we connect more deeply from the quiet place of the heart, we can hear more clearly the sounds of our inner landscape; from the blood pulsing through our veins, to the voice of our own inner teacher, to the sounds and vibrations of the cosmos.

We become more aware of the feelings associated with the inner workings of our physical as well as our energetic bodies. We move into the direction of the west, the place of dreams and intuition.

Custom made wood signs hand painted on pallet wood or cedar

bluetreecreative@gmail.com I 250-507-6922 FB: Blue Tree Creative by Bonnie Tytel Saturday 18th February LIFESPAN Day Retreat, Confirm Your 2017 Goals Info: at www.VIRetreats.com/2017 Retreats Nichiren Buddha Center

65

66

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

67

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

Valley Voice Magazine readers directory a great way to discover local services and businesses. 2 sizes of ad space are available to suit every business message and budget. Affordable, stylish and straight to the point.

Directory Size A - 1 logo + 8-12 word listing Full Colour 1 X $63 6X $53 12X $43 Black & White 1 X $52 6X $42 12X $32

Contact Adrienne Richards for more info 250 510 6596 or by phone to adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Deadline February 12 for March 2017 Issue 100 Advertising

Beauty

Choose us to promote your business and services. Over 30,000 readers!

Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for a 2017 Rate Card.

SKINTASTIC FACIAL SPA and Organic Spray Tan Studio www.skintasticmedispa.ca

PUT YOUR FACE IN MY HANDS Jane Knight 250 514 2223

Computers Repair

Childrens Music Programs

Engaging & Entertaining weekly program for parents & children 6 months - 4 years.

Drop Ins welcome!

www.jumpintomusic.ca 778.835.4541

Concrete • Polished Concrete • Placement & Finishing

250 884 1658

Counselling

Anxiety, Depression,Trauma, Chronic Stress, Self-Esteem, Life Transitions Alison Etter RPC, RTC, MEd 250-324-3040 www.breakthroughcounselling.ca

• Decorative Concrete • Leveling and Repair

Call For A Free Quote

www.concrete-evolution.com

Education and Tutoring MID-BRAIN ACTIVATION

FOR CHILDREN 6-12 YEARS OLD Unlock your Child’s Inner Genius

250-889-9732

Robin Gale 250 732 5859

infinitemind.org

More than a Meat Shop

Natural Food

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

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377 Framing and Local Art

• Bulk Natural Foods • Bosch Kitchen Centre • Workshops • Take Out Dahl & Rice WHIPPLETREE JUNCTION 778 422 3310 Gardens

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

68

PRE NATAL CLASSES:

- 6 week series - weekend series - one day intensive workshops

Arborvitae Garden Design

Custom Garden Design, Outdoor Living Spaces and Chillatoriums for Home & Business

C.A. Linklater 1-250 709 7114 arborvitaegardendesign.com

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

Health and Healing Acute or Chronic conditions • Substance dependency • Facial Rejuvenation • MSP & extended health coverage if applicable

Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens Locally made Platform Beds and Furniture

Wu Wei Acupuncture & Acupressure Clinic Frauke McCashin, R.Ac., Dipl.TCM 1 - (250) 710 3581 Mill Bay & Duncan www.worldwuwei.com

126 Station St. 250-597-REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

ISLAND ROLFING

REALIGN YOUR BODY • better balance • increase flexibility• improve posture • re alignment • eliminate chronic pain and more NEW client special! - 50% off your first rolfing visit

BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818 Reflexology, Reiki, Indian Head Massage

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self

Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

TO FEEL BALANCED AND CENTRED

Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com

www.naturalheelingreflexology.com 250-732-7988

Join Brett Holland for Jingui Golden Shield Qi classes every Wednesday 50% off your first month of Qi Gong!

Sol Centre, 5380 TCH, Duncan Ph: 250 920 8818

WWW.GOLDENSHIELDQIGONG.CA Help Wanted

Horoscope

ASTRO GUIDE

Experienced day cook needed 2-3 days a week for bistro lunches.

Plan for Success

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please send resume to: gailirwin@shaw.ca

“It made me a happy millionaire” First contact/session FREE astroguide1936@gmail.com Arie:250-619-1277

Natural Beauty

Photography Services

Prudence

Raindog Camera Services

2 locations!

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Photos that help tell your stories.

• 5380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.facebook.com/fotomatic5/

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Pet Care Spacious suites, pickup and drop-off service, kitty cams

Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

That Cat Hotel 250-749-3728 www.ThatCatHotel.ca Lucky Dog U-Bath & Urban Daycare Open 7 days a week. DROP IN www.luckydogubath.ca 250-597-7DOG 1059 Canada Ave, Duncan Leave The Mess With Us!

Debbie Wood Certified Animal Naturopath Carnivore Nutritionist

Support from the inside Monday-Thursday 250-597-7364

Roofing ROOFING & CONTRACTING INC. Roofing • Fences • Landscaping • Home Renos

Glyn Williams 250-466-5201 white.rhino@outlook.com 69 Interested in contributing to the Valley Voice? E-mail us at editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a popular month!

Many of you will be involved with groups more than usual, which is excellent because this is a good time to work and cooperate with others.

Because friendships and your relations with groups are more prominent, this is also the perfect time to examine the role these relationships play in your life because the people you associate with are a reflection of who you are.

(This can be sobering.) It’s time to recognize and define what you want your life to be.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This month the Sun is at the top of your chart. (The only time all year this occurs.) As such, it symbolizes a spotlight shining on you and light is flattering, which means people in authority see you in a positive way. This is why you will be given increased responsibilities. Please note: It’s important to know you don’t have to be a super hero to fulfil these responsibilities.

Don’t pretend that you are something that you aren’t.

You will shine!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Grab every chance to broaden your horizons this month. If you can travel – do so. You want adventure and a chance to learn something new. If you don’t travel, explore educational opportunities and take a course or go back to school. The main thing is to stimulate your intellect and give yourself a broader perspective of life. You might meet different people and discover metaphysical,

70

spiritual and religious experiences.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You will feel passionate about everything this month.

You want to experience life at a deeper level. You’re not satisfied with an intellectual understanding of things because you are thinking about life, death, mortality and “What’s it all about Alfie?” You are also dealing with the values of others, which differ from your values. Yup, it’s time for some serious self inquiry. (Wow.) Does this mean you have to grow up? Maybe.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This month you need more sleep. Don’t worry; you’re not losing it; you just need more rest. No biggie. This is also the month to focus on your closest relationships. You might wonder if a particular relationship fulfils your needs. Perhaps you also need to look through the other end of the telescope? How much do you fulfil the needs of your partner? After all, for a successful relationship, you must be as good for your partner as he or she is for you.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) With both Venus and Mars opposite your sign, one moment you are irritated with others, then in the next breath, you are grateful to have them in your life.

Go figure. Meanwhile, the energy of this New Year makes you want to manage your life as well as possible.

You want to be efficient, productive and effective in everything you do. You’re making lists. You’re setting goals. The bottom line is you want to make every action help your life to run more smoothly.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You will work hard this month; and relations with coworkers are positive.

Nevertheless, you want to party! This is why this is the best month to take a vacation and enjoy social outings – the theatre, musical performances, the arts, sports events and playful activities with children. Romantic adventures will thrill! You might begin a new romance or a flirtation. Just remember that you can relax and just be yourself. Don’t apologize for who you are. You’re not a day over adorable.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Explore romance and playful times with friends this month because you want fun, pleasure and a chance to enjoy the arts. Nevertheless, you are focused on home and family; and your interactions with a parent could be important. Yes, you are pulled in two directions. This is a good time for personal selfevaluation that sets you on a path of new personal growth.

(Some of you will discuss this with a professional counsellor or a good friend.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This is a busy month for you as you juggle short trips, errands, increased reading and writing plus talking to everyone. Many of you are still involved with redecorating projects and real-estate opportunities.

Chaos and activity at home mean you have to be patient with others. Communications with everyone are important, which is why you should let clear communications be your goal. Examine even your casual relationships.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The main theme for this month is money. Where is it? As you ponder your money and earnings, you

FEBRUARY FORECAST will think about your values and what really matters.

You will wonder about your possessions and whether or not they serve your needs or they drag you down.

Possessions and wealth are such an illusion, and yet, it’s all we think about. The bottom line now is that you have to know what really matters for you in life.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month the Sun is in your sign. It energizes you and attracts favourable situations and important people to you; plus it’s your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Because of this personal focus, it is okay to put yourself first.

You’re not being self-centred – it’s what happens naturally when the Sun is in your sign.

(The only downside is it can make working with others a bit difficult because you are so focused on your own needs and development.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Because your birthday is a month away, this means your personal year is ending.

This, and the fact that you’re beginning a New Year, mean this is the perfect time to make goals for the future.

Where do you want to be five years from now? Where do you want to be one year from now? Keep in mind this is a good time to benefit from the wealth and resources of others, which means you can ask for a loan or a mortgage because things will come your way. (“I want a pony and a trip to Disney World.”) www.georgianicols.com @end

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

Rooftops are another place to generate power using existing infrastructure. Elon Musk’s company Tesla is making shingles that double as solar panels. Although they cost more than conventional asphalt shingles, they’re comparable in price to higher-end roof tiles, and can save money when you factor in the power they generate.

We Can Learn So Much From Nature SOLAR AND BIOMIMICRY If you fly over a forest and look down, you’ll see every green tree and plant reaching to the heavens to absorb the ultimate energy source: sunlight. What a contrast when you look down on a city or town with its naked roofs, asphalt roads and concrete sidewalks, all ignoring the sun’s beneficence!

Research shows we might benefit by thinking more like a forest.

Solar roads could be a step in that direction. Roads, sidewalks and parking lots cover massive areas. Using them to generate power means less environmental disturbance, as no new land is needed to house solar power operations.

A French company, Colas, is working with the French National Institute for Solar Energy to test its Wattway technology under various conditions, with a goal of covering 1,000 kilometres of existing highway with thin, durable, skid-resistant crystalline silicon solar panel surfacing over the next four years. They estimate that could provide electricity for five million people. Although critics have raised questions about cost and feasibility, it’s not pie-in-the-sky.

The technology is being tested and employed throughout the world.

These developing technologies show that, as the world continues to warm, we can and must move beyond our outdated ways.

In Canada and elsewhere, the political approach to climate change has often been to avoid discussing it — in part by firing government scientists or vetting their public statements — and maintaining the status quo by lavishly supporting unproven and risky technologies like carbon capture and storage that keep us tied to fossil fuels for years to come. It’s nonsensical to dig up and melt oilsands bitumen, transport and burn it, and attempt to capture the emissions and stick them back in the ground, where nature had already stored the carbon. Nature took millions of years to do it, but we aren’t a patient animal.

U.S. science writer Janine Benyus coined the term “biomimicry” to describe technologies based on nature’s ability to solve problems or exploit opportunities. It’s an important concept because it requires humility and respect for natural processes rather than the imposition of our crude but powerful technological innovations.

Every species shares the same challenges: how to get energy and food, avoid predators and disease (even bacteria get viral infections), what to do with waste and how to reproduce.

Over long periods, numerous strategies to solve these challenges have evolved. We are a species magnificently adapted for survival, with a massive brain relative to our body size. Unlike any other species, we have the ability to ask questions and seek answers. We can find a treasure

trove of solutions in the ways other species have dealt with challenges.

Biomimicry has inspired applications ranging from producing energy through artificial photosynthesis to building lightweight support structures based on the properties of bamboo.

By learning how nature works and how to work within it, we can overcome many problems we’ve created by trying to jam our technologies on top of natural systems. Fossil fuels were formed when plants absorbed and converted sunlight through photosynthesis hundreds of millions of years ago, then retained that energy when they died, decayed and became compacted and buried deep in the Earth, along with the animals that ate them. Rapidly burning limited supplies of them is absurd, especially when they can be useful for so many other known and possibly yet undiscovered purposes.

Surely, with our knowledge and wisdom we can do better than rely on the primitive idea of burning things to stay warm and comfortable without regard for the consequences — pollution of air, water and land with its related impacts on health, as well as climate change, which is putting humanity’s survival at risk.

Our economic systems don’t often encourage the most efficient and least harmful ways of providing necessities. They aim for the quickest, easiest, cheapest and most economically profitable paths. We can do better than that. Harnessing the sun’s power and learning how nature solves challenges are good places to start.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and cofounder of the David Suzuki Foundation.

Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.

71

72

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