January 2021 Issue 146 by Cowichan Valley Voice

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2020 JANUARY ISSUE 146 THE HOROSCOPE ISSUE I COWICHAN OUTDOORS I LOCAL ARTS

January 2021 Issue 146 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Proofreader Calendar R & S Badman Diana Pink Angela Sheppard Advertising Enquiries Please contact us at info@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for a rate card and print ad specials and offers for 2021. Next Ad Deadline January 15 for February 2021 Issue 147 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE January 15 for February 2021 Issue E-mail: Date, Event Title, Time, Location and Cost w/ subject “EVENT” to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to, omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations Cover Image; Stiched Pictures courtesy Caroline Storie For more of her wonderful pictures and writing visit www.stitchedpictures.com SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Craig Spence, Dominque Eustace, Susan Down, Caroline Storie, Bill Jones, Jill Nessel, Kristy Grant and Patty Abbott, Grant Easterbrook, Chris Turyk, Julika Pape, Leslie Gunning, Hannah Auer, Alistair MacGregor, Laurice and Tim Mock, Steph Stewart, Diana Pink, Gabby Marsman, Cynthia Montgomery, Royce Warren, Miyo Stevens, David Suzuki, Sarah Barnes, Caroline Dreary, Aaron Scally, Grant Easterbrook, Karen Bernard, Caroline Storie, Gina Malkin, Patty Abbott, Jill Nessel, Tina Lee Foster, Hanna Elise, Mariah West, Kendra Thomas, Sarah Smith, Tim Mock, Jackie Cleaves, Hayley Picard, Karen King, Chantey Dayal, Steph Stewart, Dorothea Siegler, Barry Riordan, Miyo Stevens, The lovely Georgia Nicols, Nicolette Genier, Cindy Jolin and the Wonderful Staff at the Community Farm Store. 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

OUR COMMUNITY January Events 5 Experience the Magic of Winter in Cowichan 6 Tourism Cowichan 7 North Cowichan Launches Interactive Survey 8 The Resiliency Project – Rotary Park Restoration 31 Be More Than a Bystander to Sexual Assault 32 Canada Summer Jobs 2021 Funding Applications Open 33 Choosing the Right School for Your Family 36-42 Sol Center 44-45 Cowichan Circular Economy 46 Out with the Megaprojects, In with Local Power 50-51 A Path to Sustainability in the Cowichan Valley 52-53 A Pivotal Year the Beginning of a New 200-Year Cycle 54 Mercury Retrograde in 2021 54 Georgia Nicols Annual Forecasts 55-66 Directory 70-71 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Wild salmon for the future 17 Crisp Salmon patties with Garlic Chipotle mayo 19 What Is in the Bottle 20-21 British Indian Eats at Small Block Brewery 22 Will’s Spicy Tantanmen Soup 23 reFRESH the way you grocery shop this year 24-25 Old Firehouse Cocktail Kits for at Home Blending 30 HOME & GARDEN Uplifting Your Life with Indoor Plants 26-27 Houseplants in Winter 49 LOCAL ARTS Los Colores show sheds new light on Chemainus 12 Cowichan Public Art Gallery Forest: Breath of Life 13 Habit forming Art 14 Welcome to the World of Stitched Pictures 15 BODY, MIND & SOUL Start the New Year with A Clean Slate 10-11 Thieves Oil: Fight the bugs, Stay well 28 Cowichan Women’s Health Collective 29 Spiritual Upliftment and Connection 34 Accessing the Spirit Within According to Chinese Medicine 35/51 Make Your EMF Resolutions This Month 47 Bach Flower Remedies 48 Why We Should Read: The Outside Circle: A Graphic Novel 68 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE Local Hikes for Everyone 9 Grooming Your Dog 43 Canada’s plastics ban should include beverage containers 69 ANNUAL HOROSCOPES Aries 55 Taurus 56 Gemini 57 Cancer 58 Leo 59 Virgo 60 Libra 61 Scorpio 62 Sagittarius 63 Capricorn 64 Aquarius 65 Pisces 66

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North Cowichan Community Plan (OCP) Survey invites community feedback. www.northcowichan.ca/OCP

Cardino Shoes Annual Winter Sale begins. 3 customers at a time, 3 products at a time, 30 minute sessions. 165 Craig St, Downtown Duncan

Prime Rib Night Thursdays at Farm Table Inn 5pm to close Reservations required 250-932-3205 farmtableinn.ca 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd Also Jan 14/21/28

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Off in All Directions artworks Lindsay Burton, Birgit Larsen, Gail Robb, Karen Severson Cowichan Valley Arts Council Annex 2687 James St, Duncan 250-746-1633 Runs to 01/19 Then and Now member art show exploring the heart of the creative journey Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery 2687 James St, Duncan 250-746-1633 Runs to 02/03

Fabrications Winter Sale begins. Open Monday Saturday 10-5pm/Sundays 11-

4pm 125 Kenneth St, Downtown Duncan

Cowichan Valley Naturalists The Resiliency Project Rotary Park Restoration 9:30am Hannah Auer Cowichan Green Community cmilo@telus. net for zoom link Everyone Welcome

Soul Escape Spa and Boutique re opening day. 2763 Beverly St #109, Duncan 250 748-2056

Spiritual Upliftment & Connection w/ 3 Baha’i friends Call for details & link Laurice Tim & Lee 250 748-2585 The Warmland Book and Film Collective. Explore and learn from Indigenous authors. Next book is Son of a Trickster, by Eden Robinson. Questions? warmlandcollective@gmail.com.

Deadline for submissions youth visual artists Cowichan Public Art Gallery Forest: Breath of Life aged 10-19 curator@cvpublicartgallery.ca

Cowichan Valley Naturalists Burning Questions past present future & how to reduce wildfire risks in BC 7 pm Evelyn Hamilton cmilo@telus.net for zoom link Everyone Welcome

Fire large acrylic works Dominique Eustace Cowichan Valley Arts Council Annex 2687 James St, Duncan 250-746-1633 Runs to 02/04

Dinter Nursery Re opening day! Check out what is new on the seed racks! 2205 Phipps Rd., Duncan www.dinternursery.ca

Snacking for Growing Bellies 9:30-11am Prenatal nutrition virtual culinary workshop on healthy snacks Toby Sawyer RHN builtfromscratchnutrition@gmail. com $20

Art drop off date Forest: Breath of Life Cowichan Public Art Gallery finished 2 dimensional works must be presented framed or on canvas stretchers and wired for hanging curator@cvpublicartgallery.ca

JANUARY EVENTS

25&26

Evergreen Independent School Open House Days Please call us to book your private socially distanced tour. Virtual tours may also be available. 250743-2433 www.evergreenbc.net

Cowichan Public Art Gallery exhibition Forest: Breath of Life Theatre Lobby 2687 James St, Duncan curator@ cvpublicartgallery.ca Runs to 02/26 Spiritual Upliftment & Connection w/ 3 Baha’i friends Call for details & link Laurice, Tim & Lee 250 748-2585

Cowichan Circular Economy Lunch n’ Learn 12-1pm Virtual www. ecdevcowichan.com/cowichancircular-economy/ FREE

Duncan Seedy Saturday Featuring Virtual Workshops, Seed Swap and Seed Library Garden Education Centre, 2431 Beverly Street, Duncan

of our local shops for a taste of Cowichan you can bring home with you. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find something to catch your eye, from antiques and fine art to First Nations creations, fashions, arts & crafts, jewelry and more.

Submitted by Jill Nessel

ozy cafes, tasty cuisine and unique local shops – winter in Cowichan brings in a bounty of exciting options to explore (and taste!) As we all look for authentic experiences a little closer to home, the arrival of winter brings in options for everyone. The perfect place for a winter getaway, right here at home.

Experience the Magic of Winter in Cowichan

For nature-inspired and infused plant-based soaps from annual foraging excursions in the Cowichan Valley, visit Cowichan Valley Soaps.

Hot beverages and farm to table cooking The mild winter temperatures in Cowichan mean that our growing season is much longer than anywhere else in the province, resulting in a variety of fresh ingredients you can’t find anyplace else. Owl’s Nest Café is the perfect spot to grab a cozy beverage and hot bowl of soup, for take out or dining in! We recommend warming up with their seafood chowder. Enjoy warm pub fare at Craig St Brew Pub or casual dining at Just Jakes. You will not be disappointed with the local fare found at both these community hot 6

Backwoods Soap & Candle Company is the perfect place to find the nicest smelling things around! Pick up a candle and a bath bomb for the perfect winter evening.

spots in Duncan! Bundle up and get outside

gravel based 2.5km trail is great for little ones, strollers, dogs on leashes and the whole family!

There is no shortage of activities to keep you busy in Cowichan throughout the winter months. Tall trees, mighty flowing rivers, mountain vistas, craggy cliffs, ocean coastlines and waterfalls are just a few of the things you might see while out exploring.

Mt Tzouhalem is popular among hikers and mountain bikers alike! Hiking on the mountain has many options to explore, most hikers are determined to head right to the top to get to the Chase Woods Nature Conservancy of Canada Sanctuary.

If a beautiful hike on the shorter side is what you’re after, check out the Chemainus Lake Loop. The well-maintained

Made in Cowichan January is the perfect time for a little self-care – treat yourself by visiting some

If a hot cup of tea is what you’re after, check out Westholme Tea Farm. Although their tearoom is currently closed you can still visit the teashop or shop online to brew the perfect pot at home. There is so much to see and do, and so many new experiences to have in your own backyard this winter in our locally grown and locally made community!

Images courtesy Tourism Cowichan. Top image; Explore Waterwheel Park and Downtown Chemainus with your family Bottom image; Delightful treats from Backwoods Soap Company in Duncan.

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North Cowichan www.margotpage.com 250 746 8446 quaylecard.indd 1 8/8/2011 3:23:00 PM Launches Interactive Community Character Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan Survey in Next by Arbor Memorial Step of the Official Janice Winfrey Funeral Director Community Plan tel: 250-746-5212 • fax:250-746-7034 Update sandsfuneral.com/duncan email:sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

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orth Cowichan wants to hear from you! In this next step of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Update project, we are asking for community feedback through a short, interactive survey on the various physical features (for example parks, buildings, viewpoints, landscapes and landmarks, and more) that collectively contribute to the character of the Municipality and the communities within it. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to transform how we do business. As a result, staff have worked to find creative ways to engage the community, and we’re hoping

this exercise will be more fun than a typical survey, because we are encouraging people to go outside and walk or drive around North Cowichan’s communities to explore in a safe, physically distanced way,” said Mayor Al Siebring. “We want to understand community character from the perspective of our residents - which will be a critical part of the OCP update. This will help us ensure the qualities and places that people love are sustained into the future,” he concluded. Community Character Survey feedback will be used to compile community character profiles. Once completed, these profiles will inform the policy development process and be incorporated into the final OCP document to provide local knowledge for future community planning, public works, and private development projects. The survey is open to January 17, 2021, and is available on our website, along with more information and project updates, at: www.northcowichan.ca/OCP

Skutz falls, Image Patty Abbott

Local Hikes For Everyone 1. Bright Angel Park situated in lovely Cowichan Station on Howie Road. This is a wellmaintained park with washrooms and picnic areas. This little gem boasts a great play area for children and a variety of walking trails. The focus is the suspension bridge that will take you over the Koksilah River and a lovely trail that meanders along the rivers edge. Easy walking and great for families. 2. Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area is a popular destination for hiking, biking and horse back riding. This park is made up of 26 kilometres of well signed trails with levels of difficulties. Trails are well maintained and once at the top you are rewarded with outstanding views of Cowichan. This park is also equipped with washrooms, bike washing station and picnic areas. It also has a large off leash fenced dog area. Cobble Hill Mountain access is right in the village of Cobble Hill off of Shawnigan-Cobble Hill Road. 3. Osborne Bay Regional Park situated in the seaside town of Crofton offers meandering trails through its Western Red

cedar and Douglas fir forests. The main trail is approximately 600 metres long and leads from the parking area to the pebbled beach. This last part of the trail to the beach is quite a bit steeper for those who have mobility issues. In Crofton take Adelaide and follow until it becomes Smith Road and follow until you see the parking area. This is also an offleash dog park. Great spot for walking along the beach with tide permitting. 4. Somenos Marsh Conservation Area and Trails is home to many mammals including beavers, muskrat, deer, river otter and on occasion the odd bear. Here you can also see over 200 species of birds. Deep soil Garry Oaks found in Somenos are some of the rarest in BC. One of the viewing area and parking is easily found on the east side of TC highway just North of Beverly St. At his location you will also have access to the observation tower. 5. Stocking Creek Park Beautiful trails and waterfall make this park the perfect place to enjoy nature. You will find many meandering trails throughout the forest. The Cowichan Valley trail also runs through the park giving you great access by bike to take on more adventures. The park is not big perhaps a 2 km walk but very pleasant. Two entrances to the park one is at 10786 Chemainus Road and the other is at 11014 Finch Place. 6. Skutz Falls is one of our favourite places to explore. It is part of the Cowichan River Park and a little bit on the wild side but this small section offers exceptional hiking and views

of the river canyon. The terrain is more difficult so proper foot wear is recommended. Hike along the rivers edge and enjoy the West Coast feel of mosscovered trees and wildlife. We recommend accessing this trail is to park at the Mato Road bridge near Skutz Falls, walk across the bridge and you will see this well travelled trail to your left. This trail will eventually take you to Trestle 66 where you will cross

over the river and make your way back. There is also a group picnic shelter where you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch and break. This trail is approximately 7 to 8 kilometres long and can be challenging at times.

Kirsty Grant & Patty Abbott Visitor Centre Coordinators, Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre

t is a fact of life that your body contains toxins. Some of them come from what we breathe in, what we eat, and what we drink. We are exposed to them in daily life, at work, in traffic, just being in the world. Toxins also occur naturally in the body as a result of the many complex reactions taking place in our cells and other systems.

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Luckily for us, detoxification is something a reasonably healthy body does naturally. It is a process which is ongoing, while we are sleeping and while we are awake. Its efficiency is somewhat

dependent on our personal state of health; what we eat, how active we are, how much water we drink. There are times when even the most efficient of systems could use a little help. After the excesses of the Holiday Season, it is possible that we are feeling the effects of too much rich food, more than our usual consumption of wine, and a little more times spent on the couch. What better time for a do-over?

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The idea of starting in a new year with a commitment to improving our health is hardly a novelty. New Years resolutions exist for a reason. They are easy to make, and usually start out under a head of steam. Some are successful. Many are not. If you want to stack the odds in your favour, doing a cleanse is a great place to start. A Detox kit from a health food store such as Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery is a great way to kick start the journey to better health. These kits usually consist of a set of herbs, (capsules and/or tinctures) to be taken in a specific order at certain times of the day. You may choose to begin with a cleanse that focuses on the liver, or start with a full-body option. There are many advantages to using a Detox product: 1. It is relatively simple, as the ingredients are chosen for their effectiveness, and in the proper amounts. Just follow the instructions. 2. The formula is proven. Cleanses such as the Wild Rose Detoxes have been around for years. They are tried, tested, and true.

3. The instructions include a list of which foods to eat, as well as which to avoid, to ensure that you get the most from your Detox experience. It is helpful to know that there is a specific time of duration for the cleanse; it has a beginning and an end. You can mark off the days and note the changes your body is experiencing as you go. By the end of this time period you will be feeling lighter and more energized. You have probably lost a pound, or two, or more. It is not unusual to find that even in that relatively short time, the food that your body craves has shifted to cleaner, more natural foods, rather than sugars and heavy fats. A cleanse is the closest you can get to hitting the “Reset” button on your body. Feeling the increased energy that is a by-product of detoxing could likely encourage you to pursue other lifestyle changes you may have been wanting to make. It really can be a useful tool to help you along the road to a healthier 2021. Gina Malkin has worked in the Natural Health field for 10 years and is currently working at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery.

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Los Colores show sheds new light on Chemainus Featured artist Rohana Laing will be displaying her works – and giving people a break form the winter blahs – at Rainforest Arts January through February.

he same Winter sun shines down on San Miguel de Allende as on Chemainus, but its hues and intensity are dampened here, the vibrant colours animating the streets of that central Mexican city doused by our moody climate and its subdued light filtered through Vancouver Island’s cloud and mists. But artist Rohana Laing, whose Los Colores, from Mexico to Chemainus show will be featured at The Rainforest Arts gallery January through February, imports some of that

equatorial vibrance almost 20 latitudinal degrees north, her palette brightening dayto-day scenes on the ‘wet coast’. “The most common feedback I get from people, when they look at my paintings is it makes them happy,” Rohana said. “If it helps people feel some joy, then I’m grateful.” She’s fascinated by people going about their day-today activities – both in San Miguel and here. “I tend to be attracted to more ordinary people, people

working on the streets, or people selling things, or people just engaged in ordinary activities, because I particularly find that meaningful.” For many years San Miguel, which is known as a locale where artists from all over the world congregate, has been her winter venue, and it is the setting for many of her works. The festive hues of the town, its culture and art have become part of Rohana’s palette, an influence that vivifies her B.C. canvases.

Plein air drawing is one of Rohana’s favourite modes, and it has led to her latest project, Inspired by Travels, an adult colouring book. “People would often say to me, ‘Your drawings would make a really good colouring book’, and I just thought that was funny,” she recounted. As well as sketches for people to colour, the book is a journal containing completed plein air works, accompanied by Rohana’s thoughts and feelings about the places she has been and people she has met. Winter is here, snow birds and year-rounders need cheering up on those dreary Winter days, so drop in and catch some warming rays at Rainforest Arts, where you can enjoy Rohana’s show and Island artists in every discipline and style. The gallery, located at 9781 Willow Street in Chemainus, is open 11 AM to 4 PM Wednesday to Saturday. More information at RainforestArts.ca or 250-246-4861. You can also email info@rainforestarts.ca. CraigSpenceWriter.ca

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Cowichan Public Art Gallery Forest: Breath of Life

all for submissions for youth visual artists, aged 10 to 19. The exhibition Forest: Breath of Life will explore the multi-faceted nature of forests: as home to a vast number of flora and fauna; as a source of beauty, healing and solace to humans; as a source to be harvested; as an ecosystem under threat; and as a source of every breath we take. [Rebecca Hazell, CPAG] Exhibition dates: January 27 to February 26, 2021 Theatre Lobby, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Submission requirements: • for youth artists aged 10 to 19 • submissions deadline: January 16, 2021 please send: • a jpg of your work-inprogress – not necessarily finished • your full name, age and contact information • 2 or 3 sentences about what your art means to you Send to Wendy Robison at: • curator@cvpublicartgallery.ca Drop-off: Monday January 25, 2021, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. All finished 2-dimensional works must be presented framed, or on canvas stretchers, and wired for hanging. Canvas stretchers must have finished edges.

Cowichan Valley Arts Council Presents Dominque Eustace in The Annex Art is a celebration of life. As a physician, I witness pain and suffering so my art is created to mitigate this. I use colour and brush strokes to evoke feelings and positive emotion. My intention is to be playful with colour, texture and subject in a manner that invites both the unskilled and skilled eye. I have a love of intensity so create art to surprise my audience. Dominique Eustace is a Vancouver Island Artist. She paints primarily with acrylics. As her paintings demonstrate, she uses bold colours with a playful perspective. Ms. Eustace began painting in 1988 with formal training in university. She excels at portraits and figures. She also works with oils, cold wax, pouring paint, ink and clay art. January 21 in the Annex, Cowichan Community Centre, Main Floor, 2687 James Street, Duncan All CVAC shows are FREE and open to the public. Donations are gladly accepted.

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Habit-forming Art

here is no such thing as an overnight sensation when it comes to mastering the arts. A novelist pens a bestseller or a painter creates a collection that wows us. But behind that sudden fame is a long commitment to practice day after day measured in years, not weekends. We, the readers and viewers, are left to marvel, wondering what it takes to refine the process of turning inspiration into the finished masterpiece.

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That creative journey – the result of habitual artmaking – is the subject of this month’s show in the Cowichan Valley Arts Council’s gallery. Called Then and Now, the show features two works by each participant – one early piece and one more recent piece. What links the two is an artist statement explaining how the creator got from A to B. It will provide the same kind of insight as the Emily Carr show at the Royal BC Museum that explores Carr’s work before and after her studies in France.

Next door, in the Portals Annex, 2021 starts with a show called Off in All Directions, featuring a group of women (Lindsay Burton, Birgit Larsen, Gail Robb and Karen Seversen) showing work from photography to collage. Following that, local artist Dominique Eustace displays her large scale and bright acrylics in two themed shows. Her first show is Fire, followed by Water, both with plenty of visual impact. This year is CVAC’s 50th, and we have a full year of creative projects and shows planned in the galleries and the community – and inperson workshops when it is feasible again. Make art viewing a habit! Start planning your creation now for the Cowichan Valley Spring Fine Art Show, May 1 - 25, 2021.

Susan Down is managing director of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.

year I work on a calendar. I am led by my intuition and a theme will begin to show itself. Previous calendars have been; Cozy Comforts for the Soul, Journeying out from under the covers, Pearls of Random for crafty creatives and lastly the happy introvert. They each tell their own story. This year it’s 2021 Fingers crossed. It is a nod to the year we have had, while giving us hope for the next. The pictures are about ways to calm ourselves, to keep dreaming and to nap when things get overwhelming. I like to write encouraging words on some of the days. I might say that a certain day is good for cake or to get in touch with a friend. I might just say it’s ok to not be doing all the things.

Welcome To The World Of Stitched Pictures

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I’m Caroline and I make stitched pictures in the Valley, using fabric, paint, thread, ink and my trusty sewing machine. I started 5 years ago after a period of feeling isolated and down. Pictures would form in my mind of calming scenarios that helped me to feel better. I had sewn for 10 years prior, but this was the first time I had started to express things that were nagging inside me and it helped. In fact I started to find utter joy making scenes and coming up with quirky expressions that helped me to make sense of my world. To structure my process, each

My favourite part of this process is my customers. The feelings I had resonated with other people too. That connection has been very grounding and inspiring. The kindness people show fuels me to keep going. I would say to anyone who has a nagging feeling that there is something they would like to do – to start. Find people who support you and try not to question too much the wheres, hows or whys. Just start and see where it leads, because that is actually the really exciting bit! Caroline Storie For more pictures and writing www.stitchedpictures.com Photo credits; Devon Gillott

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fter a year largely defined by uncertainty and hardship, I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say that most of us are looking forward to the new year and the opportunity for a fresh start. COVID-19 ensured that 2020 was like no other year. It pushed us all to our limits; physically, socially, and emotionally. Yet, despite the challenges, the people of Cowichan came together this year to support one another in a way that I would not have believed had I not lived in this wonderful community and experienced its beauty for the last 10 years. The resilience of Cowichan gave me immense hope during the tough times this year brought. Rather than burying our heads in the sand, we gathered, albeit online, and produced some incredible results for our community. Together, we have worked on addressing problems in our child welfare system, the opioid crisis, the management of our rivers and estuaries, and have secured funding for a new school, hospital and other essential infrastructure.

Through collaboration, we worked hard to keep our families and communities safe for the duration of this pandemic. COVID-19 emphasized the importance of addressing big issues together, and doing so before they become devastating.

Thank you to the people of Cowichan for filling my heart with warmth and gratitude during this strange, unprecedented year. I wish you all a joy-filled holiday, and look forward to connecting with you in the New Year!

Optimism For a New Year While there is still a lot of work to be done, I am proud of what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve accomplished so far. With a vaccine on the way, 2021 is poised to be a better year than its predecessor. Like so many others, I am eager for the chance to see my family and friends again. Technology has done a great job of keeping us connected amidst the pandemic, but the list of people I plan to hug when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over grows larger each day. Thankfully, that time for us to gather again is approaching, but I know that we must remain patient

until then. The health and safety of our community is paramount. I want us all to be there and be well when the day comes for us to venture beyond Zoom and join together. This year has brought us many lessons. Above all, I think it has taught us to be grateful; for our health, our homes, and the people we leaned on during these difficult times. COVID-19 has shown us the value of our relationships and the strength we have as a collective that enables us to persevere and influence change.

Looking forward to the year ahead, I am hopeful that we will take a similar approach to the other major issues that continue to plague our society. Climate change, systemic racism, and income inequality demand solutions that are backed by a comparable sense of urgency. While 2020 may not be a particularly fond memory for the bulk of us, it is in our best interest to learn from it and use the momentum we built to tackle this pandemic to address other meaningful challenges in 2021. I hope you all enjoy a pleasant, safe holiday, and that you share my optimism for the New Year. Sonia Furstenau, Leader BC Green Party and MLA for Cowichan Valley.

Pick up in Duncan, Cobble Hill, Sahtlam & Victoria. Delivery available throughout the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo.

taking one or two small, easy steps to start is far more sustainable.

Adding more veggies is always a good first step and if kale isn’t your thing, Euphoric Juicery makes it easy to enjoy all those nutrients by drinking their raw, organic, cold pressed juices and milks without having to do the planning, prepping and cleaning. Bake My Day is a gluten free baker that offers cookies, sweet and savoury pies, pastries and even flour that you can incorporate into your own recipes. hOMeGrown Living Foods has a wide selection of packaged breads and cookies that are keto and vegan, while also being nut and gluten free. These ready to make packages are ridiculously easy to prepare and enjoy. For those nights you would rather not cook at all, Fam’s Gate offers a vegan, gluten free straight-to- the-table option with their Lentil, Chickpea and Mushroom frozen dinner. This year, support your health while supporting our local producers by ordering these and many other items (even kale!) through the Cow-Op Online Farmers’ Market.

Small Steps to Good Health

appy New Year! 2020 certainly taught us that we can’t control what the universe is going to throw at us, but we can still control over what we take into the fray. Making healthy decisions regarding what we eat is a good first line of defense against illness. And there are many options to consider. A gluten free diet is crucial for those with celiac disease but many people feel better reducing the amount of wheat they eat. The vegan diet is a popular choice and offers the benefits of a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and grains. For others, too many grains can interfere with blood sugar levels and a keto style diet becomes a better option. After years of experimenting, I find fusing several diets together is the best way to address my own health concerns. We often start the year with high expectations of all the changes we will make. Whatever you decide, experience has taught me that LOOKING FOR MICROGREENS?

Karen Bernard is the Wholesale Coordinator for the Cow-Op Online Farmers’ Market.

We grow plenty of them!

A&S MICROGREENS t.250-710-6135 www.asmicrogreens.com 17

Upcoming EVENTS Annual Happiness Dinner February 13 Gift Certiﬁcates Available for Foraging Workshops, Cooking Classes and Farm to Table Dinners

For full details visit www.deerholme.com BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450 Braised Pink Salmon with Black Beans and Asian Vegetables Recipe courtesy Chef Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm 2 lbs (900 g) 1 tsp (5 mL) 1 tsp (5 mL) 2 Tbsp (30 mL) 2 Tbsp (30 mL)

pink (or chum) salmon, cut into strips or cubes minced garlic sesame seed minced cilantro tapioca, rice or potato flour Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce: 2 cups (500 mL) chicken, vegetable or seafood stock 2 Tbsp (30 mL) dried black beans, minced 1 cup (250 mL) dried shiitake mushroom, soaked in hot water (remove stems after) 1 Tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce 1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil 1 tsp (5 mL) minced ginger 1 sweet pepper, seeded and diced 2 cups (500 mL) green or yellow beans, trimmed and cut in chunks 2 cups (500 mL) Asian vegetables, chopped (gai lan, shui choy, etc) 4 green onions, cut in chunks

Method In a bowl, combine the salmon, garlic, sesame seeds and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Add the tapioca flour and toss to coat. In a skillet or wok, combine the stock, dried black beans, mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, ginger, peppers and green beans. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook 4-5 minutes. Add the Asian vegetables, green onions and the salmon mixture. Stir until the sauce thickens and the salmon cooks through 5-6 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve over steamed rice.

logging and development, warming ocean temperature, ocean acidity, micro plastics and others are all impacting the once magnificent food resources of our waters. Open pen farming does appear to be part of the problem – one part we can easily solve.

Unfortunately the actions of our governments only seem to add confusion to the situation. Much of the farmed fish in our markets is mislabeled (avoid ambiguous terns like “pacific salmon”). I like to buy my wild fish locally and support the small fishermen of the area. To add to the clouded future of salmon, return levels are entering phases that sometimes seem unpredictable. For example we are not too many years removed from one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in recent memory. So that is potentially one bright beacon in a sea of fog, but it is certainly not a strong trend.

Bill Jones is an author, chef and food consultant Deerholme.com

Private Dinners are available • Minimum 8 people – custom menu

Ingredients

Wild Salmon For The Future.

rowing up in Nova Scotia, we generally had an abundance of wonderful fish on the dinner table. Cod, trout, bass, Pollock and Atlantic Salmon were favourties of the family. Once I left, the east coast experienced a collapse of several of these key fishes with Atlantic cod and salmon at the top of the list. Looking from my home on the west coast, we are now starting to see the signs of future fishery collapses. It is also ironic that the magnificent Atlantic salmon of my youth are now vilified as the potential cause of many of the fisheries issues on our coast. The link to the problems with farms appear to be one of concentrated populations of fish that create pollution, encourage disease and allow marine pests like sea lice to proliferate. I haven’t knowingly eaten farmed salmon for more than 25 years, at first I was concerned by the use of many pounds of wild fish to create 1 pound of farm salmon. Since that time we have seen the worldwide weakening of fish populations centered around open pen salmon farms. The effects of disease and parasites are starting to have dire consequences on native populations of fish. It is not by any stretch the only challenge facing salmon – overfishing (both legal and illegal), spawning ground destruction through

We need to celebrate and value the wild salmon we do see in our stores, particularly the lesser valued species like pink and chum. When we create an economic incentive for these fish we are creating interest and motivation in helping with their preservation. Pink and chum salmon are also excellent food sources when handled correctly and cooked to highlight the good qualities of these species. Please speak up for the magnificent salmon - talk to your elected officials, champion groups that encourage conservation, habitat restoration and ocean health. It is still possible to make a difference to the health of our oceans and enjoy a meal of delicious and health benefiting food.

Crisp Salmon Patties with Garlic Chipotle Mayo Low Carb and Keto Friendly!

Recipe courtesy Grant Easterbrook, The Olive Station, 225 Canada Avenue, Downtown Duncan Ingredients

6 oz Salmon (Canned or freshly cooked) -Please drain salmon completely if using canned. 1/2 cup flour. - For a low carb or Keto friendly version use a 1:1 ratio of almond flour. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise. Easy Olive Station version below 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground corriander

Directions

1. In a large bowl mix together salmon, and remaining ingredients. Be sure to mix well breaking the salmon down. 2. Divide mixture into 5 equal portions, roll in balls and flatten into 2-3 inch wide patties. 3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. 4. Place patties into frying pan and fry until they are crisp and brown on the bottom (about 5 minutes) 5. Flip patties and crisp the other side. Serve patties on a bed of mixed greens and top with a spoonful of tangy chipotle mayo!

Olive Station Garlic Chipotle Mayo 2 large egg yolks 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons cold water 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cup Garlic olive oil 1/2 cup Olive Station Chipotle olive oil

Re-opening January 11

Take your senses on a journey in this cold winter month!

Directions:

1. Combine garlic & chipotle olive oils and place into the fridge. The secret to a good emulsification is a very very cold oil! 2. Once your oil is nice and cold you can begin the rest of the process. 3. Put all ingredients but the oil in a food processor (with blade attachment) and blend until evenly combined. 4. With the food processor running slowly add in the cold oil. Take your time in this step, it should take a minute or so. 5. Once all oil is incorporated, the mayo should be thick (emulsified) Serve a generous dollop on top of homemade crisp salmon patties!

Monday-Friday 9-5 Saturday, Sunday and Holidays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Closed

109-2673 Beverly St., Duncan (Thriftyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plaza) 250 748-2056 I www.soulescape.ca 19

ackaging decisions are historically intrenched in the wine industry; largely based on consumer perception, very little thought has gone into the environmental impacts these decisions make. Sustainability in the wine industry goes well beyond seeding a cover crop, metering water usage and embracing renewable energy. Manufacturing and transport of glass bottles accounts for roughly 60% of the carbon footprint of the wine industry. For those who like to open a nice bottle of local wine, this will be hard to swallow - but it’s true. Fortunately, there are a myriad of packaging decisions a winery can make to reduce their carbon footprint. The overwhelming majority of wine for sale globally is neither

Alas, we cannot get rid of wine bottles altogether. Many wines do benefit from cellaring. Something transformative occurs in bottles, especially magnums, when age-worthy wine is allowed to mature.

Chris Turyk - I love wine, a lot. I’m a Certified Sommelier, WSET Diploma graduate, and get in everyones way at unsworthvineyards.

What Is In The Bottle intended for, nor will benefit from, further aging. After a few days opened, and with a few obscure exceptions aside, wine will not taste as the winemaker intended whether it comes in a bottle, bag or can. Unfortunately, it isn’t very beneficial for the producer or consumer when the perception is that basic quality commodity wine is exclusively reserved for alternative wine

packaging. Recently, however, we have seen premium wines packaged in cans and even bagin-box and I say “Bravo”! Over the past decade in BC, kegs of local wine have become commonplace in restaurants, hotels and the like. In this format, they offer numerous other advantages such as eliminating bottle specific flaws and ease and speed of service. The kegs hold 19.5L, which makes most restaurant wines by the glass very affordable. Once tapped, a keg has an almost indefinite shelf life and the whole system can be fitted into something the size of a wine barrel; tower, taps and all. If you are a creature of habit and have a favourite local wine you routinely stock up on, a home tap system might be worth considering.

Ridding the world of the majority of wine bottles would also ruin one of the biggest contributors to atmospheric carbon sequestration that humans can take credit for the cork industry. Cork is the bark of an Oak species native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa and wine cork production is largely centralized in Portugal. Cork oaks grow for almost a decade before their first harvest and are over 40 years old before they are harvested for premium natural corks. Estimates indicate that for every ton of cork produced, the forest has sequestered 73 tons of carbon dioxide, making total Portuguese cork oak forests sequester 4 million tons a year. These forests are also some of the most bio diverse ecosystems on the planet. Their story is a compelling one and more than just a simple packaging decision. Corks take more than their fair share of flack. After a perfectly good wine is put in bottle, many things can go sideways. One of those things is commonly referred to as ‘cork taint’, a bacterial flaw that can, in varying degrees, imbue an otherwise innocent wine with unmistakably unpleasant aromas. The bacteria,

readily found in soil and decay, may smell familiar to gardeners or those raking leaves. During most of the current golden age of wine the agricultural and production methods of the industry have been lackluster, unsanitary and have resulted in an abundance of contaminated corks. The suspect batches were certainly not sent to neighbouring Spain, France, or Italy. They were, instead, sent half way around the world to New Zealand and Australia, who quickly grew weary of the

problems. Once the screw cap closure became available and accepted, who jumped on board first? After losing a great deal of faith from wine consumers, leaders in the cork industry got the message. In the past few years, due to decades of expensive industry overhaul, the instance of cork taint has plummeted. Cork taint does still happen, but at a rate of well under 1% and claims of total eradication in the near future have been made. Several other things can go sideways post bottling, so not all wine imperfections should be blamed on the cork. As a whole, the wine industry can not take much credit for bettering the Earth from which we harvest our crop, and entrenched are the accepted packaging norms. With evergrowing interest and eyes of an environmentally conscious generation on us, perhaps it is time to rethink the ways we bring wine to market.

Wishing all our customers a healthy and Happy New Year ahead. Restaurant closure: January 1 - 27 Taking reservations for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dinner and pre-orders for Romance Baskets.

Call (250) 929-2292 ext 1 restaurant@unsworthvineyards.com www.unsworthvineyards.com

CELEBRATING

13 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN THE

COWICHAN VALLEY Heronwood Custom Cabinetry Inc. Is a local custom cabinetry shop located in the Cowichan Valley. Heronwood is know for its meticulous craftsmanship and creative design.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

E4-4970 POLKEY RD. DUNCAN

250-597-4701

heronwoodcabinetry.ca 21

Gift Baskets Meat & Cheese Platters Gourmet Foods Italian Imports Take Home and Serve

Find us at the Duncan Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market on Saturdays!

Charcuterie, Grazing Boxes and Entertaining Ideas

www.picklespantry.ca I 250-266-2464

British Indian Eats at Small Block Brewery

s you stroll through the door malty aromas of brewing beer intertwine in an elegant dance with the heady scent of cumin seeds, amchoor, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, dry Kashmiri red chili, and black pepper. Heads turn toward the soft tinkling of the kitchen as customers wonder if the aromatic dish tickling their noses is being prepared fresh just for them.

One of the greatest strengths of the United Kingdom is still the fantastically quaffable ales: from Irish Red Ales and Stouts to India Pale Ale, palates will delight at the offering of comforting malty libations with mild to high hop levels. Particularly at this time of the year, there is nothing so comforting as a strong and dark malty beer. The deficit comes in coupling it with, wait for it, the butt of so many jokes, British Cuisine. South Asian cuisine comes to the rescue. Did you know that

Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number three national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala? If Britain paid the favour of giving cricket to India, India repaid tenfold by sending the Brits home with a taste for butter chicken, lamb phaal, tika masala and savoury samosas and pakoras. There has never been a stronger coupling of beer and cuisine than the British East Indian pub culture of the United Kingdom, and it is an experience you can find right here in Duncan. Small Block Brewery has joined forces with Holy Cow Indian Eats Traditional British Indian Cuisine to offer savoury delights and malty libations in their comfortable taproom on Chaster Road. Holy Cow offers weekly specials, take away, and frozen entrees to prepare at home: all available in the Small Block Taproom at 203-5301 Chaster Rd. Eat in, or take some curry and a 4 pack of beer to go. Check Facebook and Instagram for latest info @ smallblockbrewingco

Aaron Scally, Small Block Brewery

Comfort Food

Will’s Spicy Tantanmen Soup Recipe Courtesy Barnes and Maracle

Ingredients

Submitted by Sarah Barnes

ith the new year comes new beginnings. It is a time to reflect on our hopes and dreams and of course our bad habits ha ha. The exuberance of this past month was exhausting and January never fails to make me think it is time to become my best self. Yoga, meditation, turmeric cleanses and a gluten free existence summons me. However, I am a master of indulgence because I love everything! Over the years I

have been honing my wine drinking skills for longer than I will admit (a lady never tells her age) and I am very good at eating cheese. I will not shy away from a rib-eye steak with beautiful, golden, fried frites and a gigantic glass of wine or three. I am lucky to know and be in close proximity to some amazing cooks and I will always enthusiastically devour their decadent offerings. Star with her luxurious delicacies, my mother in-law with her roasts and sumptuous baking, my aunt and her wonderfully timed soul food and my husband with his zeal for making rich and unctuous ramen. I was going to put a salad recipe in for sober and hungry January but I have changed my mind. How can I betray my soul for cauliflower crust pizza and abstinence? Instead, I will share my husbands rich and delicious Spicy Pork Tantanmen recipe that is both great to get the party started and even better to nurse a hangover. The name translates to “red hot chili noodle” which I think is quite fitting. Enjoy!

1 red bell pepper 2 tbsp cooking oil 3 tbsp sesame oil 2lbs ground pork 2tbsp minced garlic 2tbsp minced ginger Start with 2 tsp chili oil add more to taste 1 tbsp brown sugar ½ cup low sodium soy sauce ¼ cup tahini Start with chili 2 tbsp chili add more to taste 2L chicken or pork Stock Approximately 2 cups udon or ramen noodles

Toppings

1 bunch green onion 1 cup crushed roasted peanuts 1 cup chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil or both!

Method Heat whole pepper over open flame on gas stove or broil in oven until sides are charred. Remove skin, stem and seeds from pepper. Puree pepper in a food processor or in a pinch chop pepper finely with a sharp knife. Heat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium high heat. When the pan is hot add ground pork and brown. Add garlic and ginger and stir occasionally until pork is cooked. Add the soy sauce. Stir in red pepper puree, sugar, chili paste, tahini and sesame oil cook and stir occasionally for 3-5 minutes. Turn pot of water on to boil noodles Add Stock and bring to a boil then turn down and simmer for 10 minutes Boil noodles for 3ish minutes, add prepared noodles to soup Garnish with all the good things and serve to your loved ones. If you are really in the mood fry up an egg for each bowl of soup served and plonk on top.

reFRESH the way you grocery shop this year Submitted by Julika Pape

he Cowichan Green Community’s reFRESH Marketplace is ready for the New Year and fully stocked for all your healthy resolutions! Whether it be produce, healthy snacks or local meat - you might just find what you are looking for in our newly renovated storefront in Duncan. Thanks to our custom built shelving we have been able to increase our inventory over the last months and we now offer a much greater variety of products than ever before. Besides fresh fruit and vegetables, we also carry pantry staples, herbs & spices, dairy products, prepared meals,

frozen goods and much more. Our line of ‘value added’ products includes homemade frozen soups and prepared dinners, frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as dehydrated fruits and nut mixes that make for awesome healthy snacks. We also highly recommend trying our very own Apple Juice: Made with 100% local apples and pears that were picked during the fall by our staff and FruitSave volunteers, we can guarantee that this will be some of the best apple juice you’ve ever had! Being the only grocery store in Downtown Duncan, our mandate is not only to provide affordable and healthy foods for the whole community, but also to help prevent food waste: The Marketplace is part of the Cowichan Green Community’s reFRESH Food Recovery project. The project was established through a Government of British Columbia Job Creation Partnership in early 2018 to both ‘recover’ food from large food retailers and to serve the community by delivering produce

to vulnerable community members at no cost. We now collect thousands of pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables from local grocery stores every week that would otherwise be wasted. We then

sort the donated produce and split it up into 3 sustainable streams: the distribution to local service providers, our reFRESH kitchen and the reFRESH Marketplace. To date, the project has redistributed

reFRESH Hot Apple Cider recipe Ingredients 5 cups unsweetened apple juice 3 cinnamon sticks 6 whole allspice berries 1/2 tsp whole cloves 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1 orange peel, cut into strips optional: maple syrup or sugar for added sweetness

Method Combine allspice, cloves and cinnamon sticks in a sauce pan and cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until aromatic. Stir frequently. Add the nutmeg and stir to combine. Then, add in the apple juice and orange peel. Reduce the heat and let the cider simmer for 15-20 minutes. Pour the cider through a sieve, allow to cool slightly & enjoy!

over 250,000 lbs of fruit and vegetables to all corners of the Cowichan Region. Most of the recovered food goes to regional partners such as food banks, daycares, soup kitchens, shelters, and schools. With a transport vehicle and sufficient cooler and freezer space, the program delivers up to 1000lbs of fresh food daily to more than 15 local service providers and community organizations. We also send some produce to our onsite commercial kitchen, where we are able to process, cook & package a large variety of fruit and vegetables in all kinds of ways. The kitchen is always busy cooking daily meals for Duncanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meals on Wheels program, as well as preparing warm dinners for local housing sites each week. In addition, we make the frozen meals & soups that are for sale in the Marketplace, and we dehydrate or freeze fruit to preserve them before they go bad. A small small percentage of the recovered food from specific retailers is made available for purchase in the reFRESH Cowichan Marketplace, where the whole community can benefit from affordable prices. Proceeds from these sales help us cover some of the necessary ongoing operational costs of our projects.

One of the projects that have been crucial, especially in 2020, is the reFRESH Coupon Program that provides 100 lowincome families, seniors, and individuals a $25 voucher to shop for groceries in our store every week. Since the program started in February of 2019, more than 2300 vouchers have been used for a combined value of over $54,000! Participants have voiced that this program is essential to them and their families as it provides them fresh produce and groceries they might otherwise be unable to afford. One of CGCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priorities is to secure further funding to keep this crucial program going. As part of our fundraising campaign we have created beautiful CGC 2021 Calendars highlighting our many projects and initiatives. The calendars are for sale at the reFRESH Marketplace while quantities last, and all proceeds go directly to the coupon program. By shopping at our store, you can help us prevent food waste AND keep providing our community with healthy and nutritious foods at the same time. We are located at 360 Duncan Street in Duncan and we are open on Mondays through Fridays from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.

reFresh Marketplace 360 Duncan St Downtown Duncan 250 748-8506 25

SHOP WITH US Tuesday - Friday 11am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 251 Craig St., Downtown Duncan

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

Uplifting Your Life With Indoor Plants

At the Garage, we are dedicating January to Veganism.

YAY! to VEGANUARY

Dawn is passionate about healthy interiors and making home a place that she loves to be. resthouse.ca

Take Out or Take Home delicious

VEGAN SPECIALS ALL MONTH

’ve been observing a recent surge in people buying houseplants, and I think it is due to the increased amount of time we are spending at home. This is a great instinct. Studies show that caring for houseplants raises our spirits and helps us relax. We are effectively bringing nature inside, when we may not be able to get outside as much as we’d like. Spending time in nature has been known to calm the sympathetic nervous system which in turn helps us feel happier and more content. Living with house plants brings a little bit of that goodness right to us, where we can easily access it. Looking after another living thing brings out the best in

www.theainslie.ca 161 Kenneth St., Duncan 250-597-3695 26

us. We all can relate to those warmhearted feelings that arise when we see a baby animal. Bringing home a new plant also strikes a certain tenderness, and looking after it and fostering its growth, can give us a deeper sense of purpose and even pride. Plants may not be as cuddly and interactive as animal pets, yet they do offer us something else that is equally important. Plants release new oxygen into the air through the process of photosynthesis and can supplement our oxygen levels, especially in the winter months when we may have less fresh air coming into the home. Make sure to put your plants in a bright, light-filled spot for co2 conversion to

reach its maximum potential. Did you know that some plants also have the capability to filter the air, minimizing some toxins that can be harmful to us over the long run? Some examples of these chemicals in our homes are formaldehyde and benzene, that can be found in everything from cleaners, cosmetics, furnishings and carpets. Tropicals such as the spider plant and the many varieties of the dracaena will sift out some of these potentially harmful ingredients, and replace them with healthy, usable oxygen. Snake plants and aloe vera are extra unique in that they release oxygen at night, so they are beneficial to have in our bedrooms to help keep a healthy balance between co2 and oxygen. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget that plants will lift our mood by bringing

natural design elements into our living space, while making any display in our home literally come alive and pop. Everything from a small plant on our kitchen window sill, to a tree sized living room tropical, will help us enjoy the rustic design aesthetic that draws upon nature, to help make our homes feel soothing and extra special. Regardless of which reason you may choose to bring greenery into your home, picking a house plant and caring for it will add a wonderful dimension of enjoyment to your abode. Resthouse Sleep Solutions 126 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250-597-7378

limited time, as needed). - can also be added to a carrier oil for topical use

Submitted by Tina Foster

hieves oil is a traditional medicinal recipe rooting from medieval France and still ever-popular today. Reportedly used since 1413, it is a traditional remedy for all that ails ya! In legend, it had the ability to ward off the plague.

Thieves Oil: Fight The Bugs, Stay Well Today Thieves oil is a very useful remedy to keep on hand in your household medicine cabinet, car, purse, etc. It has many uses for many ailments, safe for family and friends in everyday life. A timeless blend of 5 therapeutic pure essential oils combine in this beautiful-scented and mystical medicine- clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cinnamon bark.

TEN OLD BOOKS

Always something for everyone

Great Selection of Used & New Books • Bestsellers & Award Winners • Classic Novels & Timeless Favourites • BC & Canadian Authors Plus Local Cards • Crafts • Children’s Books • Jewelry • Unique Gift Ideas and More!

102-330 Duncan St 250 -715-1383 Find us inside the historic Duncan Garage 28

Uses for Thieves oil: - diffuse in your diffuser at home, office, or in car - clean and purify the air, fight airborne sickness, kill pathogens - dab a small amount on infections and inflammations - dab on tooth aches and pains, mouth infections - mix with soapy water to clean, sanitize, and kill mold - mix with carrier oil and apply to wood surfaces to polish - mix with water and/or soap to wash hands and body in sink or shower - take a few drops in water or as a tea during cold/flu season, fight bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, or other bodily ailments. (take only for

Thieves balm is the thieves oil blended with arnica, menthol, camphor, and Canadian beeswax. Use on: - rub into aching and sore muscles, joints, sprains, bruises - bug bite relief - antispasmodic and analgesic - hand sanitizer - clears airways, chest rub - topical antifungal for hands/ nails, feet, etc. - aid in prevention of pestilent ailments - all natural and gentle on skin Marseilles Traditional Thieves Co. was founded a decade ago on wonderful Salt Spring Island. Salt Spring Naturals continues the tradition of combining these 5 essential oils to make highquality, handcrafted, smallbatch products- thieves oil blend and thieves balm. Try Thieves Oil today for your health and wellness! Essential Remedies 141 Craig Street Downtown Duncan (250) 748-9632

Cowichan Women’s Health Collective “I really believe that to heal our feminine selves we need to connect with the cycles of the body…”

For Leslie Gunning, who has spent years as a midwife working with women and their bodies, a woman’s womb is the “seat of the feminine.” It is a place that holds personal power and invites a connection to self, Mother Earth, and the healer within.

“I really believe that to heal our feminine selves we need to connect with the cycles of the body… namely the menstrual cycle. Even into menopause there can be profound healing of past disconnect to the cycle,” she says. There are many women who never receive any teachings about the menstrual cycle. If you are never taught, learning how to care for yourself during your bleeding time can feel challenging. Try to create space in your life to nurture yourself. Eat warm, nourishing foods. Take a bath or put a hot water bottle on your belly… even if it is only for fifteen minutes. These are important acts of selfreclamation and of healing, especially in a culture that consistently informs us to just “keep going” and supports us when we ignore our needs. Often, intense pre-menstrual symptoms can indicate an imbalance in the body. Leslie explains that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, particularly if there is imbalance, can have a real affect on your mood and energy levels. “I think it is incredibly important to rest,” she says. She also recommends not exercising for the first couple of days that you bleed, depending on the length of your cycle. “This is how we reclaim the connection to the feminine, by acknowledging ‘I’m bleeding right now, physiologically my body needs me to just rest.’” Being curious about what your body needs when you are bleeding is a way to learn how to care for yourself. Our culture can encourage self-abandonment, or disassociation, which are survival strategies that perhaps we can outgrow. “There is a lot of individual and collective grief that we hold in our wombs. The centuries of disrespect and dishonouring of the feminine… we all have that in us. Sometimes the menstrual cycle can be an opportunity to let go of some of that grief,” Leslie says.

Honouring the Moon In some cultures, the sun is understood as Nature’s embodiment of masculine energies, while the moon is that of the feminine. Creating a relationship with the lunar cycles can be another way to connect with your menstrual cycle. For example, you can try making a ritual practice with each new, or full moon. The ritual can be as simple as taking out a pen and paper with the intention to write or lighting a candle. Be curious!

The practice of relating to your menstrual cycle, even in small ways, will create powerful change not only in your own life, but also in the collective. In Leslie’s words, “as women start to connect with their own innate feminine ways, I really believe there is a ripple-out effect in healing the collective wounds of humanity, Mother Earth, and all of the living world.”

The Cowichan Women’s Health Collective acknowledges our settler relationship to the unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking peoples upon which we live. Leslie Gunning has been a midwife since 2008 and is passionate about holistic women’s health and healing of the Feminine. Alongside midwifery she is an herbal apprentice, Holistic Pelvic Care™ practitioner, and Innate Traditions postpartum care provider. She looks forward to offering her services in 2021… website coming soon!

Hanna Elise (she/they) Cowichan Women’s Health Collective

PRACTITIONER & SERVICES AT MATRAEA CENTRE: Denise D’Fantis, Registered Acupuncturist, Rebecca Christopherson R.C.C., Hayley Sinai Youth & Family Counsellor and Intuitive Reader, Registered Midwives Jane Ballaro, Talia McKenzie, Kate Koyote and Elizabeth Morrison, Amanda Slydell Tax Preparation, Two Moons Lactation with Candice Wray, Naturopathic Physicians Dr Attema ND & Dr. Waddy, ND, Amber Burwash and Erin Sheen, The Place to Mortgage, Cowichan Valley MLA Ofﬁce.

www.matraea.com I 170 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan I 1-844 Matraea 29

Visit our new Gallery space featuring Local Artists - next door @ 165 Station Street!

JOIN US

WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldﬁrehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

WILLOWANDORCHID.COM

Old Firehouse Cocktail Kits For at Home Blending

ur new home cocktail blends are the next best thing to being here! The syrup blends are made from scratch in house here at the wine bar. They can be purchased on their own or paired with the spirit of your choice. These cocktail blends are available in both alchohol and non alcoholic “spirits”. The cocktail kits come in 2 sizes - 14 oz containers for 7 cocktails $14 or 28 oz containers for 14 cocktails $28. *Alcohol not included.

Weekly and monthly floral subscriptions • Weddings & Events • Customized Gift Crates • Floral Design Classes and Workshops • Sympathy Arrangements • Online, Telephone and Email Ordering • Delivery 101 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250-748-9868 willowandorchid@gmail.com 30

A large cocktail blend with bottle of Ampersand Gin costs $67. Other spirits also available for varying cost. Now taking Valentine orders for gift baskets and Craft Cocktail blends. The Old Firehouse Wine & Cocktail Bar, 40 Ingram St, Duncan (250) 597-3473

Cocktail Recipe Courtesy of The Old Firehouse Wine and Cocktail Bar

Ingredients 2 oz Housemade Old Firehouse Cocktail Syrup 2 oz choice of Spirit ice shaker and cocktail glass sliced lemon or lime for garnish Method Mix cocktail syrup and your choice of spirit into a shaker. Shake gently and pour over ice. If you don’t have a shaker you can pour both over ice and stir. Serve with a garnish. Refrigerate syrup after opening.

s a part of The Resiliency Project at the Cowichan Green Community, Hannah Auer has been working with a group of committed volunteers on the creation of a native plant meadow in Rotary Park – Duncan. The project was created in partnership with the Cowichan Valley Naturalists’ Society and Saanich Native Plants, with the goal of supporting the health of local pollinators and other beneficial insects integral to the whole foodweb. The hope is this site will help educate community members about the importance of native plants in our landscapes and will be used by the community as an outdoor classroom space for years to come. In connection with this meadow site, Hannah initiated a Native Plant Nursery Program where participants are invited to grow native seeds in small nurseries in their own yards. Half of the plants will be returned to the meadow-site and half are for the participants to keep and plant in their own gardens and yards. The larger vision of this project is to create pollinator pathways throughout

Hannah Auer – a mother, homesteader, fibre artist and lover of wild places – believes in the power of storytelling and art to help transform our relationship to each other and the earth. In 2018, she co-founded the environmental arts collective Mother Rising. Through her work on The Resiliency Project, Hannah hopes to creatively deepen our ecological and community resilience through the Covid crisis.

The Resiliency Project – Rotary Park Restoration our community – on boulevards, in front yards and gardens. As a community, we have the power to support the regeneration and health of our local ecosystems through the simple act of sowing native seeds. The Cowichan Valley Naturalists’ is pleased to invite all community members to attend Hannah’s presentation on January 11th (9:30 am). Email cmilo@telus.net for zoom link.

January 11th – Cowichan Valley Naturalists’, ‘The Resiliency Project – Rotary Park Restoration’, 9:30 am. Hannah Auer, Cowichan Green Community. Email cmilo@telus.net for zoom link. Everyone welcome!

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Be More Than a Bystander to Sexual Assault

isclosing sexual assault is not a simple thing to do. Survivors bear the brunt of others’ responses to their disclosures, so the choice needs to be the survivor’s. Investigations are complicated. Evidence is not always easy to uncover or collect. Evidence includes statements given to police by victims of crime. Statements are often the primary source of evidence. But what if a victim is reluctant to provide police with a statement? Does the absence of a statement mean the evidence doesn’t exist? Does a lack of evidence mean the crime didn’t occur? Or does it simply mean evidence is unavailable to support an investigation? Why would victims of sexualized violence be reluctant to provide a statement to police? Fear of the offender, fear of being shamed, blamed or discounted, workplace ramifications, sexual assault myths, pervasive rape culture that sexually objectifies women, pits women against women, views rape as inevitable, defines masculinity as aggressive and sexually dominant, identifies men who don’t “hit it and quit it” as weak… and worse. Our entire narrative focuses on the survivors – who are predominantly women, with questions about what she was wearing, what was she thinking, why she was at that party ad nauseam. Rape is very dangerous so survivors resist in ways that are invisible to the offender hoping the violence will not escalate further. These hidden acts of resistance make it easy for society to form negative opinions about the survivor. Sexual assault is a violent physical assault that is sexualized. It is dehumanizing and traumatic. It is never the victim’s fault. Every time a survivor discloses the details of sexualized violence they endure flashbacks, intolerable fear, and fracturing emotional and psychological pain. Be more than a bystander to rape culture. Challenge victim blaming when you hear it. Challenge toxic masculinity’s harmful impact on men, women and particularly

young men and boys. Advocate for survivors. Ask questions on their behalf. Search out traumainformed resources and victim services so survivors have an idea of where their healing journey can begin and what their rights are as a victim of crime. It is absurd that in a country as rich in human rights as Canada, survivors of sexual assault face consequences when reporting. There is no time limit on when a survivor of sexual assault can report to police. When new evidence comes forward police can re-open an investigation. Other resources survivors can report to include WorkSafeBC and/or unions if the assault occurred at the workplace, doctors, counselors, faith-based advisors, anonymous third party reporting processes through community-based victim services. The Crime Victim Assistance Program is another anonymous and safe resource providing victims of crime with various benefits such as the cost of counseling or protective measures. VictimLinkBC 1-800563-0808, Cowichan Women Against Violence 250-748-7000 and Warmland Women’s Support Services 250-710-8177 can respond to anonymous inquiries. If you know anyone who has information about a sexual assault you can make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522. Do your part. Help keep our community safe for everyone. Sexual violence is a societal issue and it is not the survivor’s sole responsibility to stand up to that. Together against violence. Together we are stronger. Submitted by Kendra Thomas

Canada Summer Jobs 2021 Funding Applications Open Alistair MacGregor is the MP for Cowichan-MalahatLangford and the federal NDP’s Critic for Agriculture

he Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2021 application period launched last month and will remain open until January 29, 2021. Last year, in response to the COVID-19 situation, flexibilities were introduced to respond to the needs of employers and youth. As a response to the ongoing pandemic, similar temporary flexibilities will be applied this year to help small businesses operate. These include: • a wage subsidy, so that private and public-sector employers can receive up to 75 percent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee (not-for-profit organizations will continue to receive 100 percent); • an extension to the end date for employment to February 26, 2022; and allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis. I encourage all employers in the Cowichan-MalahatLangford riding who are interested in applying for CSJ 2021 funding to prepare their applications in advance of the deadline. Applicants who do not have an account on the secure Government Grants and Contributions Online Services portal are encouraged to create one prior to the launch

of the application process. Registration is a one-time process that allows employers to submit their applications for CSJ funding and other funding opportunities offered through Employment and Social Development Canada. “I am pleased to learn that Employment and Social Development Canada is renewing the flexibilities to the Canada Summer Jobs program that assisted employers as they navigated the COVID-19 pandemic last year,” said MP MacGregor. “While we all look forward to a less chaotic year ahead, it is vital that the government continue to assist employers through the culmination of this crisis.” The Canada Summer Jobs program objectives align with the redesigned Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and are as follows: Provide quality work experiences for youth; Respond to national and local priorities to improve access to the labour market for youth who face unique barriers; and, Provide opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills. Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app. “Particularly during these extraordinary times, I realize the impacts small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector employers have on our community. I encourage all interested local

Offering: •Drinks •Take Out •Frozen Meals to Go 100% Plant Based Comfort Foods With a Vegan Twist!

171 Canada Ave, Duncan (250) 597-8168 organizations to apply for Canada Summer Jobs 2021 funding,” stated MacGregor. For more information, please visit: https://www.canada. ca/en/employment-socialdevelopment/news/2020/12/ csj0.html

Alistair MacGregor, Member of Parliament 126 Ingram Street #101, Downtown Duncan

Spiritual Upliftment

Spiritual Upliftment and Connection

and Connection

Join us bi-weekly to share prayers and writings from the Baha’i and other Faiths that uplift and unite. We three Baha’i friends meet on Zoom and would welcome your company. Call us for details and link: Lee Masters (250) 748-4060 Tim and Laurice Mock (250) 748-2585

Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. Baháʼu’lláh 34

e are three Baha’i friends who meet regularly for shared spiritual support and nourishment and are welcoming you to join us to share in creating community and bonds of friendship. All around the world devotional gatherings are hosted by one or more Baha’is who create an informal space in their homes, without ritual and with no individual having a special role. Due to the pandemic, gatherings are currently held online. Neighbours and friends not-yet-met are invited to join in a spiritual atmosphere to share prayers, read and reflect on the Holy writings from the Baha’i Faith and Scriptures from other Faiths, as well as inspirational poetry and passages. Devotional gatherings usually last about 45 minutes to an hour. We meet in a meditative atmosphere beginning with uplifting music followed by prayer and reflection. For those friends who are not comfortable with offering prayer, simply listening is

also a beautiful experience. In sharing together in this spiritual atmosphere, elevated discussion often occurs, feelings of fellowship and inclusiveness are engendered, a spirit of acceptance and compassion blooms and connections deepen. Devotional meetings are occasions where any soul may enter, inhale the heavenly fragrances, experience the sweetness of prayer, meditate upon the Creative Word, be transported on the wings of the spirit, and commune with the one Beloved. We meet regularly on the second and fourth Wednesday evening of each month at 7:30 pm on Zoom. We hope that you will consider joining us. To do so, please contact one of us at the numbers below and a link and details for the session will be sent. Laurice and Tim Mock – (250) 748-2585 Lee Masters – (250) 748-4060

Accessing The Spirit Within According to Chinese Medicine Sarah is a registered acupuncturist at Summit Acupuncture. She practices Japanese lineage & moxibustion style TCM.

ith 2020 behind us and 2021 ahead, and a whole different paradigm in which we live with COVID, I want to address the spiritual wellbeing of our Cowichan Valley members. What are the spiritual hygiene practices you are partaking in to up-keep your spiritual health? There comes a point for many folks who find themselves midway through a day during the winter months asking, “How many hours before bed time? ” This was undoubtedly the clinic room catchphrase from patients in 2020. What I have found most interesting reflecting on the clinic’s year-end is how this sentiment was there in all my patients, not just the working demographic. I actively cultivate opportunity to work in diverse demographics and am trained with techniques that allowed the age range of my patients to span from 6

REIKI WELLNESS 250-743-8122 Debbie Shkuratoff Reiki Master-Teacher-All Levels Usui-Karuna-Komyo-Seichim

months old to 95 years old. For these reasons, I found it particularly noteworthy that it was more than just a busy work/life balance that was burning my patients out. If my 14 and 82-year-old patients were equally talking to me about their concern of their lack of drive and lack of will to do anything, there was a link other than factors such as age and work. Most people come to the clinic for physical reasons. What I aim to address in clinic are patient’s physical concerns as well as the more subtler realms of their being that have an effect on their everyday lives. The Chinese saw human beings as body, mind, and spirit all at once. What my experience of being in clinic continues to humbly remind me is that there is more to our beings than the pores that sweat, the eyes that cry the tears, or the muscles that run us to the sea. There is a force within us beyond physical that engages us in the game of life. It is this wellness of this force that brings us on the court or keeps us on the sidelines everyday. This force I am referring to for the purpose of this article, I would also like to label as our spirit. There are over 500 points on the human body that we use to heal and support with,

SARA TILLIE ACUPUNCTURE 250-812-9813 Sara Tillie Registered Acupuncturist Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reiki Therapy & Classes - Detox Foot Spas Acupuncture - Amethyst Mat - YL Essential Oils Daytime • Evening •Weekend • By Appointment Only #13- Upper Level • Valleyview Centre • Cobble Hill www.reikiwellness.ca • reiki-wellness@shaw.ca

and there are four points amidst them that have enchanted me and wowed me during the COVID 19 Pandemic. My belief is that all people should have equal rights to health care, and in case you cannot get into the clinic, we will bring some of these ancient power tools of acupressure points to your own healing hands now. With your thumb and index finger of your dominant hand, hold both left and right sides of the following points at the same time if you’re able and count for 60 seconds with about a 3 pound pressure. Repeat as needed to boost your spiritual energy stores. For Acupuncture point location note the picture measurements: 2 cun= 2 thumb widths away from the midline. These 4 points also have a strong effect on supporting the lungs, which is another added benefit as we adapt and find harmony in our masks. KID 24- ‘Spirit Burial Ground’: This is for the patient who has been so heavily burdened or traumatized that they have virtually given up and seem

unreachable. This point has the ability to resurrect the drive to live, even in the hard times. It is able to restore and revive one’s spark of joy. KID 25- ‘Spirit Storehouse’: Think of this point filling you up like a weekend retreat! It is a place of refuge to fill up your reserves in hard times. The patient needing this point will be nearly empty; lacking the will, drive, or determination to carry on. Many times, when a patient describes “fatigue” for which there is no physical explanation, it is a call for this spirit storehouse to be filled leaving one hopeful and uplifted. It is an excellent point to reawaken hope and wonder. continued on page 51

ACUPUNCTURE MASSAGE THERAPY HERBAL MEDICINE

Online Booking & Direct Billing www.pestleandpins.com DR. KEVIN IANSON, Dr.TCM (R.Ac)

AMANDA KNAPP, R.TCM.P (R.AC) CHELSEA RANEY, R.TCM.P (R.AC) EVAN MONCRIEFF, RMT DR. BREWSTER SCOTT, ND, R.TCM.P

4705 Trans Canada Hwy I 250-889-9066 I Whippletree Junction

Choosing The Right School for Your Child

arents seeking good private and independent education in the Cowichan Valley are very lucky. The area is home to nine excellent private and independent schools to choose from that take more than just academics into consideration. This 2021 local school guide offers insight into a few select schools in the area that are currently accepting applications for enrolment. Besides a thriving educational environment, looking closer at what each individual school has to offer may reveal a better school fit for your child as related to shared values, social and emotional health, safety and security, recreational and specialty programming and more. Here are some suggestions to helping you find a good school

fit. Make a shortlist of the schools you are interested in and get in touch with the Admissions office. Schools are often ready to welcome visiting parents for a tour and interview. Be ready to ask questions. What is the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy? How does the school communicate with families? How does the school measure progress and achievement? What is the student to teacher ratio? What type of student is the school looking for? What does the school expect from its students? Does the school offer bursaries or scholarships. Visiting a school with your child will help give your family a sense of what campus life is like. You may meet a teacher or the principal and have an opportunity to ask questions about the school and curriculum. Enjoy the process. Each one of these private and independent schools offer excellent education that already serve a multitude of diverse and local students.

VALLEY DENTAL CLINIC Dr. Gordon Levin DMD Dentist

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Please see our YouTube Video: “How We Made Our Dental Ofﬁce Completely Safe for Patients and Staff “ https://youtu.be/tMvTDHfTP10 Queen Margaret’s School Duncan (All Gender) Preschool – Grade 12

or almost 100 years Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) has offered an exceptional and rigorous education that builds confidence, character and compassion. Boys and girls develop and grow through signature programs that focus on experiential and inquiry-based learning, entrepreneurial thinking and equine-facilitated leadership development. What makes QMS unique? The School’s values of justice, curiosity, integrity, connection and courage anchor students in becoming trailblazers of tomorrow.

Opportunities abound for students to engage in programming and extracurricular activities that foster wonder and excitement for learning, inspiring a passion to look deeper. Whether in the classroom or in the equestrian ring, we create new generations of confident leaders empowered to create a more just and connected world.

Qualified Dentist American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

# 101-321 Festubert St Duncan, British Columbia V9L 3T1 250-746-9697

reception@valleydentalclinic.ca

Specialized Programs: • Equestrian Riding & Academic Program • Equine Facilitated Leadership Development • Entrepreneurship Tours: Virtual and in-person tours are available by appointment. admissions@qms. bc.ca | www.qms.bc.ca | 250.746.4185 New world. New challenges. New learning.

Queen of Angels Catholic School Duncan Early Learning Centre Kindergarten Grade 9

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition.

Making, repair and restoration of Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and all manner of Stringed Instruments. 250-749-6563 zakviolins@shaw.ca www.zakviolins.com 38

ueen of Angels Catholic School is a faith-based school which has been operating in the Cowichan Valley since 1964. We have an Early Learning Centre for 3 & 4 year old preschoolers, plus students in grades K through 9. All are taught in a family environment that is academically challenging. We have specialist teachers in French, Music, PE, and Cowichan cultural studies. Each child is encouraged to develop their individual talents in academics, athletics, fine arts, and social responsibility. Our Catholic traditions of respect, stewardship, social justice, and prayer help students to develop to their full potential. We are determined to be the school of choice in the Cowichan Valley, raising well-rounded students guided by a strong moral conscience. During these Covid19 times, we rigidly follow the Provincial Health & Safety guidelines to ensure that both students and staff thrive in a safe environment. The school is sanitized twice a day and

health checks are conducted on a daily basis. We provide many opportunities for leadership through liturgical celebrations, helping others, buddy classes, conflict/resolution clubs on the playground, student government, house teams, and community service. Our athletic programs such as wrestling, rowing, running club and basketball will resume after the pandemic. Other students develop their musical talents by participating in band, guitar class, or choral classes. Queen of Angels also has many opportunities for using technology. Students have access to laptops or Ipads in their classrooms. There are also computers in the library and in the computer lab. Technology is often included in the elective classes for the older grades as well. Other electives include cooking, robotics, bicycle maintenance, hand textiles, electronics, and entrepreneurship. We are a busy school. We are a happy school. Please remember that Queen of Angels is a place where children learn to love and love to learn. Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary and Middle School, 2085 Maple Bay Rd, Duncan 250-746-5919 www.queenofangels.ca

DISCOVER

Now Accepting Applications for * Preschool (ages 3-5) * Kindergarten * Grades 1-8 • Aftercare available

DISCOVER WALDORF EDUCATION

Our vibrant curriculum is abundant with the arts, rich in immersive learning, and oﬀers connection to nature through plenty of outdoor learning. Please call us today for a tour and talk to ﬁnd out more about our school and programs. Established in 1980, our 7 acre rural campus is located in beautiful Cowichan Station. With a holistic approach to education, our students develop a love for learning and the ability to problem solve through creative and critical thinking.

2148 LAKESIDE RD, DUNCAN I 250 743-7253 www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org

THE GLENORA STORE & CAFE IS A LOCAL CORNERSTORE WITH A TWIST! Stocked with basic groceries and produce. The cafe offers fresh baked goods, hot lunch specials, drinks, and snacks. We also sell hand-woven products, beeswax candles, and prepared herbs from Glenora Farm Outdoor heated seating 5090 Indian Road (corner of Glenora Rd & Indian Rd)

250-746-5313 I www.glenorafarm.org

Sunrise Waldorf School Located in Cowichan Station, Quw-utsen Valley Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-8

unrise Waldorf School had its humble beginnings as a one class Kindergarten on Sunrise Road. Since those early days in 1980 our school has grown to become a fully certified Waldorf School with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and we are also a Group 1 Independent School allied with the BC Ministry of Education. Our seven acre campus offers gorgeous and expansive

grounds for outdoor learning, plenty of play, as well as gardening and farming opportunities for students. Sunrise school is a wonderful community of parents, students, teachers, and administrators dedicated to education with heart. At Sunrise Waldorf School we approach learning holistically, offering a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous Waldorf curriculum. The arts are integrated in all academic disciplines from pre-school through the grades, which enhances and enriches learning. We value childhood, and we aim to inspire students towards life-long learning, and to enable students to fully develop their unique capacities. Families can begin their Waldorf Experience with our Parent and Child Program which offers free play opportunities for their little ones while parents or guardians learn about the Waldorf early childhood approach through crafts, story telling, and more. Our Pre-school and Kindergartens are

a home away from home. They offer foundations for learning with an emphasis on learning through free play and developing the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagination. Through the grades, students are offered an amazing variety of practical arts and special subjects along with inspired academics allowing us to meet Provincial requirements and develop creative and critical thinking.

To learn more about Waldorf Education, our upcoming Open House events, or to book a tour and talk, please contact Chantey Dayal at admissions@ sunrisewaldorfschool.org or call 250.743.7253. We look forward to speaking with you. www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org

Evergreen Independent School Cobble Hill Preschool - Grade 7

hirty-eight years ago, a group of parents in Cobble Hill were searching for an alternative learning environment for their children. Evergreen Independent School was established with an eye towards building community while providing a safe and supportive learning setting for students. The parents and teachers of Evergreen Independent School are committed to a philosophy that develops the full potential of each child. Small class sizes, innovative teaching, and multi-grade classrooms enhance individual learning and create positive socialization across all grade levels. Evergreen has a structured learning environment where academic excellence is fostered. At Evergreen we take a thematic approach to learning. At the beginning of each year staff identify 8 monthly themes with suggestions from our

students, that will be integrated into various subjects, giving them context and meaning. Past themes have ranged from: Medieval times to Robotics, with countless other fun ones in-between. The school also boasts a robust food literacy program for students, as well as a fully gluten-free kitchen to accommodate special dietary needs for our students and guests. We are extremely proud of our beautiful garden space where students gain the skills needed to grow and harvest their very own vegetables. Evergreen is home to the Cobble Hill Community Pavilion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a gorgeous timber-framed, shared community space for the school, parents, and local residents. Students and staff enjoy the use of this covered space for sports, playtime and as an extension of the classroom for outdoor learning. We are proud to offer programs for younger students; Evergreen Explorers program for 3-year-olds (2 days/ week) and Junior Kindergarten for 4-yearolds (4 days/ week). Find out why families choose Evergreen! Open House January 25-26, 2021. Please call us to book your private socially distanced tour. Virtual tours may also be available.

LUCKY DOG Grooming Your Dog

’ve been a dog groomer for nine years now (Steph Stew’s Dog Do’s on Facebook) and I’ m hoping to “shed” some light on a few things. First step - get your dog used to grooming when it is a puppy (3 months). If you have a breed that is going to need regular grooming, help make it a good experience for them by getting them used to the grooming process young. Getting your dog’s nails trimmed in between groomings is important. Dewclaws don’t touch the ground and can grow right into the pad if they aren’t cut regularly, ouch! There are many different lengths of hair for a dog to be clipped or scissored. For a dog to be left a long length their coat must be matt free. You need to be willing to comb at home regularly with the proper brushes and get your dog groomed every four to six weeks .If you like your dog’s hair shorter, every 3 months is suitable and the maintenance at home is easier.

Slicker brushes make a dogs coat look very fluffy, which is a great first step of combing. But, to make sure you are getting down to the base of the coat so that your dog is tangle free you also need a steel comb. Any groomer will be happy to show you a combing demo. It’s not that we don’t want to give you the haircut you want, it’s that your dog’s coat must be in the right condition. Severe matting on a dog’s skin is similar to having an elastic band wrapped around your finger, it can cut off blood circulation. If a dog is matted, I have to get under the matt to remove it. This is very close to the skin, so that is why they need to be shaved short. Bathing a matted dog will cause it to get more matted and possibly cause hot spots. Hotspots form because moisture will get trapped under the matts and they cannot dry fully. The skin can’t breathe. It is important to make sure that your dog is fully combed out before bathing. For the new year, make a schedule to comb your dog regularly at home to make sure you get the haircut you want for your dog. Steph Stewart is a dog groomer and is accepting new clients. Check out her Facebook page to book online or call 250-597-DOG

We’ve a whale of a good reputation!

• • • •

Pool installs & liner replacements Hot tub service, including bio-film flushes Equipment repair/replacement & supplies Inspections & consultations Contact Mike, owner & certified technician

CALL: 250-466-4050 I TEXT: 778-837-0138 orcaspaservice@gmail.com

www.orcapoolandspa.com

LUCKY DOG Celebrating 7 Years!!!

Thank you to all our clients!

U Bath or WE Bath

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

We have professional grooming! ALL BREEDS + SIZES

250 597-7DOG

Book online!

www.luckydogubath.ca 1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN

Just north of Pots & Paraphanelia

“ Sol-Centre & The Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store ~ A Community Farm Store Initiative ”

WINTER HOURS:

Open 11—3 daily closed Sundays

• • • • • • • • • •

All things natural and beautiful for you and your children Beautiful and inspiring books for all ages & levels of interest Wonderful organic merino/silk, clothing from age 0 - adult Wooden toys, puzzles, games, silks, felted toys, dolls Lovely cards, calendars and prints Birthday rings, candles, craft kits, beeswax, wool Art supplies for painting & drawing; musical instruments Great selection of felting, knitting and handwork supplies Resources for Parents, Teachers, Carers and Homeschoolers Anthroposophically inspired books and resources Check out the amazing selection of wooden animals and toys from Grimms, Holztigger, Ostheimer, Tenderleaf and much more…..Our selection of all things warm, wise and wonderful is growing and growing …. it’s a new shopping experience everytime! We do not (yet) have a website but we are happy to take your orders by phone or email to be sent by mail or to have it ready for drive-by pickup; facebook message, call or email us fsws@communityfarmstore.ca.

In the SOL CENTRE, 5380 Hwy. 1 ~ Duncan Located Adjacent to Community Farm Store

Phone 250-597-4763

PLACE ORDERS FOR DRIVEBY PICKUP OR TO BE SENT BY MAIL BY PHONE, EMAIL OR FACEBOOK MESSAGE.

Time to play, knit, create, cook, bake, read, paint and learn. Let us help keep you warm and inspired! Handmade slippers made locally by the Art of Zen. Wonderfully warm leggings, underlayers and other woolens for babies, children and adults. Huge selection of wooden toys for imaginative play! Starting at $4.00 each — a toy for every budget!

Capes, wands, giant playcloths, wings, skirts, crowns and much more from Sarah’s Silks

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

Hundreds of titles for children including titles by Astrid Lindgren, Isabel Wyatt, Elsa Beskow, Sybille von Offers, classic Grimm Fairy Tales and all the Findus stories by Sven Nordqvist too! Something for everyone!

We carry lots of candles, locally made, as well as Beeswax and Wicks for Candle Dipping & Rolling

Here at the Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store (FSWS) we, the staﬀ and management, are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and committed to meeting the soul needs of our children and our community by providing books, toys, supplies, resources, support and conversation to all those who visit our store. We are here to help and to support. You can call 250-597-4763 or email fsws@communityfarmstore.ca with questions. 45

local and global businesses operating within the circular economy, and identify local opportunities to increase economic opportunity and resilience while having a positive impact on the environment.

COWICHAN CIRCULAR ECONOMY Virtual Lunch n’ Learn to explore opportunities to strengthen the regional economy

conomic Development Cowichan has partnered with Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Synergy Foundation to host a virtual lunch and learn exploring a vision of a thriving circular economy in Cowichan. A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products

and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Learn the basics of the circular economy concept and how it can increase economic opportunity and resilience in Cowichan. This free event takes place virtually on Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 12 – 1 pm.

communities to thrive, business and the environment need to work in concert,” said Barry O’Riordan, Manager of Economic Development Cowichan. “Business leaders that understand this tool may find innovative ways to drive business growth that aligns with their customers’ values”

“The circular economy is a new mindset for business which recognizes that for

The lunch and learn will cover circular economy basics, explore examples of

“In many ways, shifting to a circular economy is a combined effort to leverage our innovation and technology of the new green economy era, while drawing on inspiration from traditional and natural processes,” said Jen Fraser of Synergy Foundation, facilitator of the session. For more information and to register for this event, visit Economic Development Cowichan’s website at ecdevcowichan.com.

Make Your EMF Resolutions This Month res o lu tion, noun Intentions that one formulates mentally for virtuous conduct

t has been tradition to make resolutions on December 31 or January 1. Some say “setting intentions” which can be done at any pivotal time of year. We want to take care of ourselves so that we function from a place of health and well being. Cowichan Citizens for Safe Technology have some ideas which you may want to incorporate into your own plans for the New Year. Let’s look briefly at why we want to practice safe technology. Cell phones, cordless phones, and wireless devices such as tablets, laptops, baby monitors and wi-fi routers all emit the same type of waves also known as microwave radiation. In 2011 a group of scientists hired by the WHO classified this invisible pollutant as a possible carcinogen. The Ramazzini Institute study of 2018 labelled it as “strongly carcinogenic” and the National Toxicology Program’s 2018 10 year study echoes this clear statement of concern. The study’s senior toxicologist Dr. Ronald Melnick stated: The NTP studies were conducted to test the widely

held assumption that cell phone radiofrequency radiation could not cause cancers or other adverse health effects (other than tissue heating) because this type of radiation (nonionizing) did not have sufficient energy to break chemical bonds. The NTP findings that cell phone radiation caused cancers in the heart and brain, DNA damage in brain cells, heart muscle disease and reduced birth weights, clearly demonstrate that the assumption that non-ionizing radiation cannot cause cancer or other health effects is wrong. So, in light of thousands of studies world-wide, protect your children and yourselves with 4 simple resolutions compiled by the Environmental Health Trust: 1. Practice Safe Tech Airplane mode ON with WiFi OFF stops the radiation. No laptops or tablets on laps. 2. Safer Phone Use Get a corded landline phone for your home. Children should not use cell phones for calls except for emergencies. 3. Maximize Distance Hold cell phones away from the head and body by using speakerphone. No wireless devices near reproductive organs or near a pregnant woman’s abdomen. 4. Choose Wired Turn off WiFi and use cords to connect routers, phones, computers, gaming consoles and other devices.

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We’re in this together!

Clean Choice hopes that everyone is keeping healthy and safe. During these ever-changing times, we have been busy monitoring recommendations issued by Health Canada and have updated our products, equipment and services accordingly. In order to provide the most safe and effective cleaning, new policies have been put in place that include 10-Point Disinfection with every clean, PPE for staff, equipment saintized after every clean, committed to keeping staff home if they show any signs of illness. Call to find out more about our all-surface, wholeroom disinfection service for home or office. Totally green, health Canada registered disinfectant. www.cIeanchoicecIeaners.com

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Heal Trauma Increase Vitality Improve Posture & Alignment Freedom From Chronic Pain & Injury Improve Movement & Flexibility Heal Anxiety & Depression Better Sports Performance

islandhellerwork.com I 250-661-1687 and wireless—Dean’s lecture 2015 at Melbourne School of Engineering.

In addition to these, watch these 2 talks and check these websites for science based information.

2. Dr Martha Herbert Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard: Wireless Radiation and its impact on children.

1. Dr Devra Davis—The truth about mobile phones

3. Canadians for Safe Technology

4. Environmental Health Trust Health risks are downplayed by some. Persevere and seek the truth. And remember, “Love is the absence of judgement.”

Submitted by Dorothea Siegler

ne of the best less-travelled roads I wandered down this crazy year, is to learn more about Dr. Edward Bach who was a British doctor, bacteriologist, pathologist, homeopath and a prolific spiritual writer born in 1906. He is best known for developing Bach remedies, a simple selection of 38 flower remedies covering all aspects of human nature and moods that he intuitively derived based on his psychic connections to the plants. “…those herbs of the field placed for healing, by comforting, by soothing, by relieving our cares, our anxieties, bring us nearer to the Divinity within. And it is that increase of the Divinity within which heals us.” — Dr. Edward Bach, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., D.P.H I have known about and used Bach Flower remedies for many years, especially Rescue Remedy®. I have always had a desire to dive deeper into this work, so a few months ago, I registered for an amazing intensive on-line workshop. I learned so much about Dr. Bach’s individual healing remedies, and how to use them in every day life for people, plants, and animals — truly inspiring and uplifting for our troubled world. In 1928, Dr. Bach began experimenting with medicines

Bach Flower Remedies made from flowers, as he had always been more interested in the people suffering the dis-ease than in the diseases themselves; a fact that made him unusual at that time. His work with the flower remedies convinced him that true health could best be maintained by treating the individual personality, instead of concentrating exclusively on the diseases of the body. He discovered that by selecting flower remedies according to the personality and emotional states of the individual he was able to resolve these imbalances — noticing that well-balanced people got better physically because their bodies were quite literally free to heal themselves. Dr. Bach developed 38 flower remedies that cover the full spectrum of emotions humans experience in 7 key areas: despondency + despair; overcare for others welfare; fear; uncertainty; lack of interest in present circumstances; loneliness; and over-sensitivity. Within each category are

TAI CHI CLASSES

FOR BEGINNER OR CONTINUING STUDENTS DUNCAN and CROFTON locations

Contact: duncantaichi@shaw.ca 48

several remedies that assist in acceptance and integration of our deep emotions. Each remedy is associated with a basic human emotion ~ Mimulus for example, is for when we are anxious or afraid about something specific; taking the remedy helps us to overcome our fear and face it with courage. More examples include: Elm for overwhelm; Pine for guilt and self-blame, Honeysuckle for living in the past; and Larch for lack of confidence… fascinating! By the time Dr. Bach left the physical realm in 1936, he had contributed greatly to the natural, self-heal movement, and I am grateful for his insight, intuition and the beautiful healing gifts he left us in his work and writings. Using the remedies myself through the years, and intensively these last intense few months, has given me increased confidence, peace, patience and a growing sense of personal power and well being. I also made a special remedy mix for my husband David, and for several friends and clients. I notice that I am right on time with my learning and sharing of Dr. Bach’s work with the world, as most humans can benefit from these beautiful and simple flower remedies these days, especially Rescue Remedy®, my go-to and favourite remedy, which is used to help cope with every day stress, and especially at times of crisis and emergencies for people and animals. I have carried a spray bottle of this truly remarkable combo remedy in my purse for almost 20 years, and I have used it to assist others I have met in my travels as well. I have also witnessed the rich rewards of using the Rescue

“The treatment of tomorrow will be essentially to bring four qualities to the patient. First, peace: secondly, hope: thirdly, joy: and fourthly, faith.” Dr. Edward Bach Remedy® on our feral cat and kitten -- truly remarkable and calming for the animals. Rescue Remedy® is a combination of five different Bach Flower remedies: Star of Bethlehem for shock; Rock Rose for terror and panic; Clematis for faintness; Impatiens for undue agitation; and Cherry Plum for hysteria or loss of self-control. This remedy is a must have these days with so much anxiety, depression, trauma and mental health issues. https:// www.rescueremedy.com I am continuing with my Bach studies this year, and I’m passionate about sharing Dr. Bach’s remedies with humans and animals. I am adding this offering to complement my other healing modalities, and I welcome you to contact me to discuss how a personal Bach Flower remedy blend can gently and simply help you, and balance your emotional needs and well being. A fantastic way to step forward in personal strength, renewed peace and real confidence in 2021! Be in touch by email at afreshstart@shaw.ca or by phone at 250 597-2102

Diana Pink is a Holistic Health Mentor, offering ways to detox and balance your life to restore vitality and health.

NURSERY OPENING

Thursday, January 21

Houseplants in Winter Gabby Marsman

ouseplants have increased in popularity greatly, with many of us making investments into our indoor jungles this past year. As the weather changes in the coming Winter months, the needs of our indoor plants change as well. The biggest change for indoor plants in the winter is lower light levels. One of the most simple ways to combat lower light levels is by moving plants closer to the windows in our home. Cacti and succulents if not already, can be placed directly on windowsills. Other foliage plants can be brought closer to windows but should be kept out of drafty areas. Another way to supplement the lack of sun is through artificial lighting.

We have many options of different grow lights, some of which can be installed into decorative lamps. Dry air in our homes is another issue that arises in the winter and can cause various problems. Grouping plants together can help increase humidity levels. Misting these plants regularly or setting plants on trays of pebbles that are filled with water will also increase humidity levels. Dry air provides ample breeding grounds for pests like spider mites. Check plants regularly for signs of infestation and treat accordingly. Insecticidal soaps are an easy solution to control pests. Spray pests directly and check back

often to ensure the infestation has been controlled. Alternatively, plants with smooth leaves (not African violets, begonias or Cissus) can be wiped down with dish soap and water to keep any pests at bay. Much like us, our houseplants take a rest during the Winter, meaning that they do not need as much to keep healthy. Avoid repotting indoor plants during the Winter months to give them a chance to rest. Issues from overwatering are much more common during the Winter months, so be vigilant to not water wet plants and air on the side of keeping things dry. From the months of October to March, most houseplants should not be fertilized as they are no longer actively growing.

• Seed rack from West Coast and Paciﬁc Northwest plus other speciality suppliers • Pick up a free West Coast Seed Catalogue with lots of how to advice • Seed starting supplies: soils, trays, heat mats and more • Tropical and indoor plants • Fruit trees arriving by early February

www.dinternursery.ca

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

Cynthia Montgomery is a concerned citizen who loves living in the Cowichan Valley

ow quickly things are changing in our world today! How we communicate and inform ourselves, how we cook and feed ourselves, how we raise our children, even how we grow old--everything seems to be in shift. We can publish our own books, produce our own full-length movies, and now, perhaps, provide electric power to our own homes. But until then, we have BC Hydro. And BC Hydro has the Site C Dam. The Site C Dam Thirty years before the first monster dozers arrived, geophysicists warned that the ground was unstable under the proposed Site C dam “due to the very weak sedimentary rock” underneath. Soon after the BC Liberals approved its construction, at a cost of $3.5 Billion, tension cracks emerged on the left (north) bank of the dam site. Undeterred, the NDP took it over. No one should have been surprised that “at the end of December 2019, a … geological risk materialized

Out With The Megaprojects, In With Local Power on the right bank” (BC Hydro) threatening the dam’s powerhouse, spillways and earth fill dam. The estimated cost of the project was then put at than $12 Billion. When he was in Opposition, John Horgan railed loud and long against this expensive and dangerous project. But a few months later, he changed his mind, as the cost of breaking contracts with the builders would be around $60 Million. Seems like small change now. The projected cost, Hydro now says, will be “much higher than initially expected” How high, they don’t yet know. “So, to recap, there’s a stability problem under the foundations for the powerhouse, the spillways and the dam itself and nobody knows what it will take or

how much it will cost to fix.” (Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun, Aug. 2020) Meanwhile, the work continues, at $100 Million a month. You-know-who will have to pay for this mess. It’s my fervent prayer that the damage will only be financial! But what’s the alternative? BC needs more energy capacity. We can continue to harvest energy from the rivers (safely!), so why not from the sun? If everyone who was able could cover their roofs with solar panels, would that not make a difference? Many property owners in the Valley have already done that. In 2015, Peter Nix built a solar farm of 192 panels after BC Hydro agreed to pay him 9.9 cents / kWh for any excess electricity that he produced. For five years, his solar-produced energy was

fed into the grid, his own power usage was subtracted, and he received a yearly dividend as well as not being charged for his own electrical usage. This arrangement has given him back an annual dividend of 3 - 4% of his original investment. Peter is a long-time, committed “Carbon-buster’, whose goal was to use this solar farm as a retirement income and to provide leadership for others to invest as a way of reducing our community’s carbon emissions. Twenty other property owners in our midst are also selling solar power back to BC Hydro under similar arrangements. Some have invested $100,000 $200,000! But in 2019, BC Hydro changed its mind. It now says that in 2024, it will reduce that rate from 9.9 cents to 4.5 cents and that it will limit new sellers of solar-power to the grid, above their own usage. BC Solar Community Coalition is appealing that decision. Wouldn’t you think that, with Site C in jeopardy, Hydro would be seeking more capacity? Even better, capacity that it doesn’t have

to install or pay for? On this and other fronts, it’s hard to figure out who BC Hydro is working for--but that’s a story for another day. What about going off-grid entirely? The problem is that summer is when we have lots of the sun’s rays to feed our panels, but winter is when we really need the energy for heat and light! This is all a new, developinig technology. Solar panels and batteries to store the power are improving all the time. There’s lots of research being done into improving efficiency, batteries, but until batteries can provide energy storage for almost the entire winter, going off-grid means using fossil fuel-fed generators. Seems ironic, doesn’t it? It may not yet be possible to live off your solar panels all year, but it should be possible to be almost entirely drawing from the sun during the sunny months. Then, when the dark, rainy days arrive, to draw from Hydro when necessary. And maybe we can even learn to use only as much energy as we need. Sometimes it seems like the world is becoming more impersonal, unmanageable and out of control. The more we can localize the systems around us, the more we will be able to call them our own.

...continued from page 35 Accessing the Spirit Within According to Chinese Medicine

KID 26- ‘Amidst Elegance’: Think of this point as an inspiring hike in the forest on a sunny day, with light filtering through the leaves. The patient needing this point feels as though they are simply going through the motions of life rather than feeling enchanted or joyful in the everyday existence of being alive. They may not feel connected to anyone, not even themselves. Using this point can bring senses of beauty, mastery, self-respect and humanitarian love. KID 27-‘Spirit Storehouse’: This point is like a COSTCO on coupon day. One will find everything here for almost every need. This is for the patient who needs support on an over-arching depletion level; all shelves in their figurative pantry are bare and need restocking, even the spice cabinets. Using this allows access to new vitality and creates accessibility for and abundance of resources to be utilized. Each day in clinic I am enchanted by my patient’s beautifully complex bodies, brains and spirits. I hope these wee tools allow you to fill your spiritual cups so they are overflowing. Without spirit, there may be existence, but there can be no real enchanted everyday life.

Sarah is a registered acupuncturist at Summit Acupuncture. She practices Japanese lineage & moxibustion style TCM.

Traditional Chinese Exercise for Health All Classes in the Cowichan Valley *unless stated

Wild Goose Qigong (Chi Gong) Gentle movement Calms your mind Heals internal organs Develops ﬂexibility Mondays 9:30 -10:30 am Wednesdays 10-11:15 am Fridays 10-11:30 am (Victoria)*

Northern Shaolin Chun Yuen Quan

Dynamic movement Improves posture Increases energy Strengthens bones Tuesdays 6 pm - 7 pm Wednesdays 9 am - 10 am

250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca

www.WildGooseQigongCentre.com 51

he Cowichan Valley Regional District has a large corps of community activists working on their own time and dollar to save various parts of the natural environment. These volunteers really are the backbone of the community. From old growth forests to salmon streams, aquifers and our priceless estuary, people are working diligently trying to preserve what remains of our natural endowments. Collectively, these people represent a formidable political base, both in numbers and energy. One problem in getting anything done is the fractured nature of our environmental approach. Each group represents a different interest and sometimes they get in each other’s way and split the effort for change. The many attempts to consolidate our environmental efforts in the past have had little effect, but there may be a way to focus the energy of these what each alone cannot. May I offer a new approach? Over the past couple of years, I have developed a pyramid of environmental, economic and social requirements for a sustainable and resilient society. Each layer depends upon the health of the layers below it. A trip to Mars, for

Mars Advanced Socio-Economic Structure Infrastructure and Non-renewables Commerce

Renewable Resource Base

Nurseries

A Path To Sustainability in The Cowichan Valley example, requires that we have some form of advanced socio-economic structure, which in turn depends upon infrastructure, commerce and resources. The healthier each layer is, the better able society is to accomplish its ultimate goals. So, how do we use this pyramid to coordinate a public approach to sustaining society? Start at the bottom. The ‘Nurseries’ are the foundation of society, the key to its resilience and are indispensable to social and economic progress. They are the cradles of life from which literally everything comes, including jobs, technology

and space flight. ‘Nurseries’ include spawning streams, watersheds, rearing and nesting sites, kelp forests, estuaries, soil health and forest growth for biodiversity, oxygen and water control. The problem is deciding which ‘Nursery’ issue is the priority. Here is where science comes in. This Region has some excellent people who are skilled in the sciences and have an understanding of the role that ‘Nurseries’ play in the development of society. From this broad group, the CVRD should select an independent and qualified Board of Science

to identify and prioritize the various biological functions of the Region. There may need to be pressure from the various groups to get the CVRD to adopt this initiative. No-one wants their power to be shared or in any way diminished, however wise it is. Those selected should be scientists, not political operatives, corporate leaders or union reps. This is not a ‘stakeholder’ exercise. We cannot manage or compromise our way out of this. Let this Board of Science decide freely which components should be included based on facts and evidence. Prioritizing these components will identify the one that is most critical to the ultimate survival of our society. It could be old growth forest for biodiversity, water management and CO2 sequestering. Or it could be the estuary, or the Cowichan River. A basic rule of management is to work only on the number one problem without getting sidetracked on secondary issues, however important. Solve the first priority. Once the first priority has been identified, coordinated pressure by all environmental groups should have a decent chance of convincing the

CVRD to adopt that particular measure. The point is that politics and economics should be left out of it. Remember Covid-19 and the roles of science and politics? This problem is infinitely worse. Let us assume they select the estuary for repair and enhancement based on its superior rearing capability, water filtration, bio-diversity and carbon sequestration. That selection is then presented to the CVRD for meaningful action. Then the pressure begins. The groups I have mentioned have thousands of members and tens of thousands of supporters. The recent 20,000 person petition to eliminate hunting in the estuary is testimony to the number of people who are concerned. Put the entire weight of the environmental community behind that effort both now and during each subsequent election. Every Director must know that their continuing role in Council may depend upon how they respond to each environmental priority. The thing is that we must be successful for the sake of our children. Without a healthy ‘Nurseries’ component, society will fail. Assuming the groups are successful with implementing corrective policies on the first priority, then look at the next component on the list and go hard for that. It, then, becomes the number one priority of the groups. One step at a time, but always with an eye to the next step in the process. All of the environmental stakeholders will have their interests addressed eventually. In the meantime, the general health

of the Region improves. Although there is considerable overlap between levels in the pyramid, each has its own unique characteristics. The important point in this diagram is that no action be taken at any level that undermines that below it. Commerce must never result in the permanent depletion of the renewable resource base or, especially, the ‘Nurseries’. Sustainability is a tough mistress demanding wisdom and courage to attain it. Think about the consequences if society is not sustainable. Presently it is not! We often hear arguments why things can’t be done. One argument is that we are only a small part of a big world and what China does affects our lives more than we can correct, so what’s the use? Another is that senior governments are responsible for our well-being and we have no legislative authority to deal with it. Both are excuses. We do have the power to control our own part of the world to a large degree, and our elected representatives, through us, have a clear legal responsibility to look after our collective personal health and safety. We really do have the ability to make change. Regardless of the difficulty, this can work if all of the environmental groups throw their weight behind one thing at a time. Elected officials just need prodding. Remember that if the wind is strong enough even turkeys can fly.

Submitted by Royce Warren

A Pivotal Year The Beginning of a New 200-Year Cycle)

he year 2021 is a pivotal year because we are entering a new 200-year cycle. According to astrology, the last

200 years have been based on “Earth” values, which means that status and wealth have been related to structures, land, bricks and mortar, borders, real estate, manufacturing and the accumulation of tangible assets. This is a world of top-down management where a few have all the wealth. The new cycle we’re entering is based on “Air” not “Earth”. “Air” symbolizes egalitarian values and a global concern for the everyday person. Universal income, medical care and education for everyone will become a reality. We will experience a renaissance in technology. We will interact virtually – social sharing and appointments with our doctor perhaps by hologram. Millions will continue to work from home. Some of these trends are already apparent because COVID accelerated this change

Does this new breed of socialism mean we are becoming a more caring society? Not really. It’s a question of survival. These changes are the only way to keep society from running amok. Any government – liberal or conservative -- knows we need hospitals, functioning firehalls, garbage pickup, law enforcement, airports, planes in the sky and reliable highways and bridges. The old ways are crumbling. We are out of balance. “The one with the most toys wins” will no

longer be the motto above the door. It’s time to pivot. Georgia Nicols’s wisdom and wit have made her a popular international astrologer whose horoscope columns appear in the National Post, Vancouver Province, Calgary Herald, Winnipeg Free Press, Victoria Daily News, Philadelphia Sun, Chicago Sun-Times, Press Democratic (Santa Rosa, California), China Daily (Beijing), and San Miguel (Mexico) as well as smaller weekly and monthly publications. She is a regular columnist in Elle Canada, The San Francisco Examiner, Washington Examiner (D.C.), and The Examiner (Baltimore), among others. Georgia’s book, You and Your Future is a best seller in Canada, and has international printings in three languages. (In Australia, it is published under the title “Your 40 Year Horoscope”).

Mercury Retrograde in 2021

ercury retrograde occurs three times a year. This is when Mercury appears to go backwards in relation to planet Earth. (In reality Mercury always moves forward.) During these so-called retrograde times, the areas that Mercury has domain over inexplicably suffer from errors and delays. These errors are small but frustrating! Mercury has domain over everything that moves forward: (1) All forms of ground transportation, (cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, buses, taxis, trains) (2) The mail, parcels, packages (Post Office plus Courier and Delivery Services) (3) Communications – email, social media, phone calls, conversations (4) It also includes daily living (the people we encounter, the items we deal with, the

into the future like a slingshot. Big systems will become decentralized. The rights of the individual will be more important. Countries will work together, starting with the challenge of climate change. The world will become a global village.

transactions we make and how we relate to others.) During Mercury retrograde, all the areas under the domain of Mercury tend to go “backwards.” (They certainly have trouble going forwards!) Expect transportation delays, missed buses and car breakdowns. Mail will be delayed or lost. Daily items like keys and papers will be misplaced. Communications with others will be confused and misunderstood. People from our past will pop up into our lives. “Boris?” “Natasha!” However, we can make good use of Mercury retrograde times to finish things, study the past, do research and reflect. But do not open a business or begin new projects. Mercury retrograde is also a bad time to buy cars, trucks, bikes, computers, printers and phones.

The dates below are the actual retrograde dates plus the buffer times. This is because Mercury starts to slow down before it goes retrograde. Then afterwards, it needs more time to catch up to where it was at when it first went retrograde. The craziness (delays and errors) is most pronounced during the actual retrograde time. However, if you are buying a big ticket

item like a car or a computer, I recommend that you play it safe and avoid these purchases during the buffer times as well. You’ll be glad you did. • Jan. 29 – Feb. 21 (Buffer times: Jan. 21 – March 13) • May 28 – June 22 (Buffer times: May 16 – July 8) • Sept. 26 -- Oct. 18 (Buffer times: Sept.16 - Nov. 2)

The Community Farm Store Pages — Your Organic Health and Whole Food Market in Duncan — 250-748-6227

This new year is the perfect time to take a step back and make new commitments towards our health, our families, our communities, and ourselves. We all have the choice to re-calibrate our hearts and minds in gratitude and joy for the many blessings that we have and to learn to live as deeply in the present moment as possible. We are resilient! Happy New Year, Everyone.

Let’s focus on health and wellbeing! For ourselves, for our community, for our planet. Choosing organic, locally produced foods and reducing our reliance on singleuse products are great places to start. We are your planet-friendly headquarters; visit us for Ayurvedic copper water bottles, Onyx, Klean Kanteen, EnviroGlass Straws. UKonserve, and more. We are here to help you on this journey, now and always!

The Community Farm Store

Organic Health & Whole Food Market www.communityfarmstore.ca 2-5380 Hwy 1, Duncan BC V9L 6W4 250-748-6227

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**Both stores are closed on New Year’s Day, 2021 ** Pollow our Facebook Page for the latest information

We wish you all happiness, health, and love in 2021! Love from the Farm Store Family 67

The Outside Circle: A Graphic Novel by Patti LaBoucaneBenson, Art by Kelly Mellings Submitted by Miyo Stevens

he Outside Circle (2015) is, in all aspects, a beautiful book. It tells of a courageous path that leads to new beginnings. Patti Laboucane-Benson, (Métis), draws on her “twenty years of work and research in healing and reconciliation of gangaffiliated or incarcerated Aboriginal men”. She writes a book that explains and clarifies the importance of this healing path of personal discovery. The program is called “In Search of Your Warrior”. Laboucane-Benson is aided by illustrator Kelly Mellings. Together they skillfully communicate the uncontrollable societal hornet’s nests that emanate from racism, loss of identity and colonialism. The author and the illustrator are explicit and authentic. They present within these relatively few pages a journey supported by knowledge, cultural tradition, and identity, a path that assists in the search for recovery of self, family, and community.

In the fifties, books with few words and graphics were called comics. This graphic novel reaches a higher level. Technique and colour are effective in setting mood and temper; Kelly Mellings’ artwork fills one with awe. This novel uses this expanded art form to tell the truth of Canada’s colonial past and present. On the surface, it is Pete and his young brother Joey’s story. Two brothers are sons of a young Indigenous mother on her own in the inner city. Pete, after trying to protect his family with all that he knows, is sent to prison, Joey to a group home. Their mother is dead. What emerges is a painful process of renewal as Pete is offered the path that will help to begin to restore what this seemingly small family has lost through centuries of historical trauma. Pete’s strength in exploring history, culture and tradition allow him to transform and find within himself what will begin to reclaim what was taken from him and his family. In this work, the graphic novel is an especially effective medium which provides a different way of seeing. It brings the truth of the tale to life and gives the reader a closer understanding of what lies below the surface. Some drawings

depict in one frame what could have taken innumerable pages to explain with words alone. After 500 years of occupation of this continent by colonizers,

The Warmland Book and Film Collective – a response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Explore, celebrate, and learn from Indigenous authors and filmmakers – meeting the 2nd Wednesday/each month. Next meeting is January 13, 2021 and the next book is Son of a Trickster, by Eden Robinson. Questions? warmlandcollective@gmail.com

• Permaculture Design + Food Forests • Lawn Care / Pruning / Hedging / Irrigation • Gabion Systems • Flagstone Pathways & Patios • Erosion Control / Habitat Restoration • Therapeutic Medicinal Plant & Zen Gardens • Fungal / Herbal Medicine Products & Consultation • Compost & Soil Fertility Management

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corporations, and companies of armed troops, Indigenous Resistance still exists. LaBoucane-Benson and Mellings give us Pete’s story in honour of that truth.

Kurtis Howes 250-210-1705

WHY WE SHOULD READ

the ban’s “first wave” because they’re easy to recover and recycle and are necessary in communities that don’t have access to clean water. It’s proposing recycled content requirements for plastics not subject to the ban, but the focus ought to be on reducing plastic packaging in the first place.

Canada’s plastics ban should include beverage containers

hat we refer to as “plastic” hasn’t been around for long. But its usefulness has caused production to skyrocket — from about two million tonnes in 1950 to almost 400 million tonnes a year now, and rising steadily. It’s a problem. Although much of it can be recycled, most isn’t. That’s led many local and national governments worldwide to ban or consider bans on nonessential “single-use” plastics. Canada plans to prohibit many items by the end of 2021, but the list isn’t comprehensive. Plastic grocery bags, cutlery, straws and stir sticks, beveragepack rings and a few more items will be prohibited. Garbage bags, snack-food wrappers and beverage containers won’t. The exemption for beverage containers, in particular, is controversial. Many argue they’re unnecessary and are petitioning government to include them. Others note that bottled water is sometimes needed in emergency situations. And some communities, especially Indigenous communities, still lack access to safe tap water. The federal government, says beverage containers won’t be included in the proposal for

We note that the government committed to ending long-term boil-water advisories on First Nations by March 2021, but the pandemic has put that deadline in question. As for recycling, of the 5.3 million bottles of water Canadians buy each day, more than 90 per cent end up in the environment, as do the enormous quantities of other plastic-bottled beverages. Recycling requires a lot of energy, and plastic polymers break down in the recycling process. That, along with low fossil fuel prices, makes new oil-derived materials more costeffective than recycled plastic. But it takes more water to create a plastic bottle than the bottle will hold, and the energy required to produce a bottle of water is 2,000 times that to produce the same amount of tap water. The government says it wants to work with provinces to ensure more plastics are recycled, but it will be challenging. Although many concerns around banning single-use plastic beverage containers are valid, ban proponents argue they aren’t insurmountable — and the reasons to include them in a ban are compelling. To start, alternatives based on “reduce and reuse” distribution are available and could be expanded. Most people in Canada have access to safe tap water, even though 20 per cent continue to drink water from bottles. Some beverage companies already offer the option to refill reusable containers, which will be part of the solution. Furthermore,

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even in the realm of single-use packaging, aluminium and glass are easier to recycle than plastic, as they don’t degrade in the same way as plastic during the recycling process. But we must prioritize “reduce and reuse” if we’re going to make progress toward zero waste. The truth is we don’t need most of the sweetened beverages sold in single-use plastics, and our bodies might be better off without them! Water is the exception. But Canada has the infrastructure to provide high quality tap water to most communities, at much lower cost than bottled water. Tap water is also far more regulated and tested than bottled water, which can contain microplastics and other contamination. In fact, most bottled water is obtained from municipal or public water supplies, at little or no cost to corporations like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestlé. Studies also show that people ingest the equivalent of a

plastic credit card every week. And the impacts of plastic pollution on oceans are a major threat to marine life and to human health and survival — not unlike the impacts of fossil fuels, from which plastics are made. At the very least, all singleportion plastic beverage containers should be banned and no effort should be spared to ensure everyone in Canada has access to safe tap water. Canada is fortunate to have plentiful water and the capacity and knowledge to deliver it to people. Beverage containers are among the most ubiquitous of environmentally devastating plastics. We don’t need singleserve plastic bottles. David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.   Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.