June 2021 Issue 151 by Cowichan Valley Voice

owichan LAST STAND FOR THE LAST STAND

JUNE 2021 ISSUE 151 ONLY 2.7% OF BC’S ANCIENT OLD GROWTH REMAINS - ACT NOW

June 2021 Issue 151 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 Richard Badman Diana Pink Angela Sheppard Advertising Enquiries Please Contact us at info@ cowichanvalleyvoice.com for A rate card, monthly offers and print ad specials. Next Ad Deadline June 15 for July 2021 Issue 152 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE June 15 for July 2021 Issue 152 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: Will O’Connell These trees once stood in the Caycuse old-growth forest and is believed to be now clear cut by industry, while RCMP held back and arrested peaceful protesters and media. SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Mervon Brown, Kathy Code, Georgia Newsome, Jessica Schacht, Susan Down, Patricia Berry, David & Ranji, Craig Spence, Tim Fairbairn, Chris Turyk, Chef Brad Boisvert, Karen Bernard, Terence Miranda, Gina Malkin, Silvia Graber, Amanda Vance, Grant Easterbrook, Dr. Lyn Pascoe, Denise D’Fantis, Tina Foster,Winter Koyote, Cindy Savary, Marcus Paladino, Alistair MacGregor, Rick Stordeur, Alicia Fall, Claire Sear, David Coulson, Hilary Huntley, Nora Livingston, Sheila Badman, Emily Bjornson-Skelly, Monica Dockerty, Paul Robinson, Jane Kilthei, Brian Horwitz, Chris Rafuse, Shiloh Badman, Madeline Southern, Tamara Dinter, John Magdanz, Joanne Sales, Debbie Wood, Patty Abbott, Icel Jane Dobell, Jane Kilthei, 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 email with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

OUR COMMUNITY Will BC’s Old-Growth Become Nothing But A Faint Memory? 7 The Public Market in Chemainus 12 Father’s Day Gift Guide - Stay Loyal to Local 27 Back to the Future: Area 51 30-31 Bill C-208 Amend the Income Tax Act 40 One Cowichan 58 June Forecasts 77 Community Directory 78-79 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Better Than Salad- Caesars for Father’s Day 12 Choosing A Vineyard Site 18-19 Delicious Food Made to Order Right to Your Home 20-21 Local Pairings for Grilling Surf & Turf 22 Father’s Day BBQ 23 Patio Dining Around The Valley 26 Espresso Balsamic Steak Marinade 32 Support Your Community One Frozen Dinner At A Time 35 Growing Tea, Knowing Tea 44 Charcuterie in The Vineyard 45 Fresh Food comes from Local Farms 55 HOME & GARDEN Life Under The Oak 24 A Deeper Look into The Flowers of June 38 Dad’s Dream The Outdoor Kitchen 46 Creating A Simple Kitchen Herb Garden 48 The Mediterranean Garden 49 Paul’s Pump and Treatment 53 Affordable Homeownership in a Time of Need 58-59 Soil Texture Why it matters 71 What’s In Your Shopping Cart? 74 LOCAL ARTS Food for the Soul 11 Joyful Spring Mural Mosaic on display at Chemainus Library! 13 Julie Nygaard creates Layers of Meaning 16 Mosul: May, 1980 17 Artist Ken Campbell Brings A Quintessentially Canadian Theme 42 Birch Bark Bitings by Pat Bruderer 43 Man Mugs by Hilary Huntley 47 BODY, MIND & SOUL Bamboo for Dad Chemainus Health Food Store 14 Why We Should Read 15 Food For Thought 28 Broccoli Sprouts: The Summer Superfood 29 Ask The Doc 33 President Nixon, China, and Acupuncture 34 Supreme Fighter in the Battle of Inflammation 36 Longer Walks, Shorter Labour 37 Anxiety - How to Deal With the Bully 41 Feed Your Skin 56-57 Brain Injuries Don’t Care! June is Brain Injury Awareness Month 60 Brain on Wheels Launches June 1st 61 We Love Wonderful Water 75

PETS, RECREATION & NATURE Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations Are Birds the Key to Happiness? 25 throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Cold Comfort: Surf Photography from Canada’s West Coast 39 Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus CowichanValley’s Six Mountains Forest: War or Peace— The Choice is Ours 50 and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Fathers of Low Tide Day 51 Tofino and Parksville Who’s That in the Rivers? 52 Cowichan Summer Camp Planner 64-69 Paddling Adventures in Cowichan Bay. Beginners Welcome! 70 Bee Facts 71 Broombusting in June 72 NEXT VALLEY VOICE AD DEADLINE Lucky Dog Should you shave your double coated dog? 73 Picnic Parks with Water Features and or Playgrounds 76

JUNE 15 for JULY 2021 ISSUE 152 4

JUNE EVENTS 1 8 Joyful Spring Art mural mosaic Chemainus Library window www. chemainusartgroup.com/muralproject Runs to 06/30 Brain on Wheels Launches! Cowichan Brain Injury Society Contact Tracey Nyhan 2507597-4662 for appointment Moments of Joy sculptor Bev Paterson abstract painter Marsha Batchelor CVAC Gallery 2687 James St, Duncan Mon-Fri 11-4pm Sat 12-4pm Runs to 06/19

Off the Wall: Redefining the Map A book art exhibit CVAC Annex 2687 James St, Duncan Mon-Fri 11-4pm Sat12-4pm Runs to 06/19

North Cowichan Growth Management Survey Deadline Have your say! www.northcowichan.ca/OCP

Treasures by Local Artisans Your Search is Over

Cowichan Valley Arts Council Annual General Meeting online 7pm Members sign up on website cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/ whats-on/

1765 Cowichan Bay Rd. Cowichan Bay Village Waterfront

Spiritual Upliftment & Conversation 3 Baha’i friends Topic: Oneness of Mankind call Laurice Tim & Lee 250 748 2585 Warmland Book & Film Collective Speaking My Truth: Reflections on Reconciliation & Residential Schools 5-7pm online WarmlandBFC@gmail. com

Plein Air painting Roger Jackson online introduction before field trip in July CVAC cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/ whats-on/

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Introduction to Drawing Pets in Coloured Pencil 4 sessions online CVAC register at cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca Runs to 07/10

Youth Programs

Cowichan Hospital Foundation 50/50 Draw date June 30! www.cdhf5050.ca

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads and father figures that show their love and make a difference in our lives.

Spiritual Upliftment & Conversation 3 Baha’i friends Topic: Progressive Revelation call Laurice Tim & Lee 250 748 2585

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A Tree sitter dedicated to saving the trees. She remained in place for 4 days, despite industry clearcutting trees within one to two tree lengths of her perch. This is true bravery and courage in the face of great adversity.

Will BC’s Old-Growth Become Nothing But A Faint Memory?

alk in an old-growth forest. Close your eyes. Breathe the air. Listen to the sounds. Birds, water, the rustle of the trees. This is a place of peace, meditation, of just being. British Columbia is well-known for its majestic rainforests and with fewer than 400,000 high productive hectares left, it’s now become a race between the peaceful protesters who will save it and the industry/government partnership who will work to clear cut it all. At current rates of harvest, that means that industry will run out of old-growth in five to seven years. Old growth forests are the lungs of the planet, storing and sequestering huge amounts of carbon. They filter our water systems and provide habitat for huge range of flora and fauna. In fact, we have yet to research all the life and life cycles of the oldgrowth canopy. Dr. Suzanne Simard has conducted research that demonstrates how the intricate webs of mycelium connect the trees, with Mother Trees sending nutrients to direct offspring. Forests are not just standing fibre but living breathing communities on which our existence depends. Commercial tree plantations are not a substitute for magnificent 2,000 year old cedars that soar skywards and support so much life. The ancient systems are essential to fight the climate change crisis.

And while the initial goal of the Rainforest Flying Squad was to save these old trees as a precious and rare environment, we are now beginning to understand more about the issues that relate to the trees. First Nations title, culture and sovereignty are integral to old-growth, and are one and the same. OG provides food and medicine resources and are regarded as spiritual and sacred places, as Mother Earth. To lose the OG, is to lose who they are and to force the eradication of tradition and culture, an ongoing continuation of the genocide already shamefully visited upon First Nations by state and church. Now it’s industry and government who appear willing to continue that work. Clearcutting destroys all the biodiversity of the area and in this era of such great biodiversity loss, we cannot afford to be doing this on purpose. OG provides us so many gifts if we just know where to look: air, water, food, medicines, wildlife, health and well-being. Industry is now having difficulties with replanting clear cuts, as the soils are so heavily degraded and become compact with increasing drought and lack of shade and nutrients. Tree planters have reported they have to go back on site four or five times to replant. It is

estimated that tree plantations can go through three rotations before the soil is finally too degraded to support further life. Wood from tree plantations is poorer quality wood than old-growth, fed with engineered fertilizers, instead of the natural coarse wood debris that occurs in a natural forest. Then there are the social and economic injustices associated with the model designed by corporations and governments. Government has deferred to industrial “expertise” so we now have the fox guarding the henhouse. Penalties for breaches are minor and simply the cost of doing business. The Forest Practices Board can only “suggest” practice changes to industry. Industry and government both cry about jobs, revenue and profits lost if they don’t clear cut the forest, but these are false arguments. According to research conducted using the government’s public accounts, industrial forest companies are receiving $365 million in subsidies a year. And that was before government lowered the stumpage fees – in the face of currently high lumber costs. There are plenty of community jobs to be had in a standing forest, where harvesting can be done on a selective tree basis. Small business can flourish such as ecotourism

operations, educational programs, recreational activities, health and wellness programs, woodcrafting and arts. In the face of embedded government and industryendorsed practices and procedures, the citizens of BC must take a stand to ensure the NDP government transitions its approach to one that respects the public interest and enforces responsible stewardship of our most precious resources. Old-growth is not a renewable resource. Once it’s clear cut, it’s gone. We have a responsibility to Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples to save what remains of our old-growth forest. To support the Rainforest Flying Squad, go to https:// laststandforforests.com/ and Google the Rainforest Flying Squad Gofundme to donate. For ongoing updates, visit the Fairy Creek Blockade Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ FairyCreekBlockade/ Kathy Code has an extensive environmental background and is a long-time Rainforest Flying Squad member engaged in legal and media activities. She is Vice-Chair of the Ecoforestry institute Society and has a Master’s degree in Environment and Management.

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omato juice and clams – who thought that was a good idea? Well, Walter Chell for one. He is credited as inventing the Caesar for the opening of a Calgary restaurant in 1969. The drink that has become known as a Canadian classic took its inspiration from a pasta dish – Spaghetti alle vongole – which mixes clams and tomatoes. Chell decided that those ingredients would make a good drink. I can’t say I would’ve thought the same, but I appreciate the vision. Now, I clearly am not taking strong enough inspiration for my cocktails from mealtime (though cooking with spirits is an easy jump) but this Fathers Day I will be mixing up Caesars for the dads in my life.

Image Danika Sea

BETTER THAN SALAD - CAESARS FOR FATHER’S DAY To craft the Caesar you can follow the 1, 2, 3, 4 rule to keep it simple (1 oz vodka, 2 dashes hot sauce, 3 dashes salt & pepper, 4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 4 oz of clamato juice) or try this version with a little extra. Because, bacon.

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2 oz Per Se Vodka 6 oz Caesar mix (Walters is a great one) 2 dashes hot sauce (try siracha) Squeeze of lime Cilantro stalks Garnish Celery stick Crispy bacon Pepper/salt rimmed glass Run a slice of lime around the rim of your glass. Dip half the rim in a mix of salt and pepper. Muddle cilantro stalks in the bottom of a shaker. Add the rest of Jessica Schacht Ampersand the ingredients and shake Distilling Co. with ice. Strain into an ice ampersanddistilling. filled glass. Garnish with com celery stick and slice of crispy bacon.

Trisha Klus part of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists show called Off the Wall: Redefining the Map

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

ooks are artists, many would agree after consuming a fine dinner. And great artists nourish us in the same way, adding beauty and seasoning to our daily lives. That means the Cowichan Valley Arts Council is a virtual gourmet restaurant, a place where you can have a fine art sampling or go into the studio and learn some skills yourself. In June, we are offering a buffet of different works. A book art exhibit called Off the Wall: Redefining the Map (June 5-19) is presented by the BC Islands chapter of the Canadian Bookbinders and Artists’ Guild (CBBAG). A map can mean the visual representation of an area, whether real or imaginary. Maps are the inspiration in this exhibit of artists’ books, calligraphy, fine binding, letterpress printing, marbling and more. Human sculpture in bronze next to abstract painting is the other satisfying smorgasbord in June (Runs to June 19). The show is called Moments

of Joy and features work by two Gulf Islands artists: sculpture by Bev Paterson and painting by Marsha Batchelor, also an author and book designer. Finally, in the DIY category we have an online course on drawing pets with coloured pencil, starting June 19, given by an outstanding instructor from Salt Spring Island. Plein air painting is the subject of a June 15 presentation by Roger Jackson, who will lead a field trip in July. And if you have artistic kids, CVAC is planning summer camps, each week with a different theme from recycling and sculpture to puppets and theatre. Sign up through the CVRD Recreation Cowichan. Or check out these and other events on our “menu” https:// cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/ whats-on/ Susan Down is managing director of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.

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he Public Market is located in the picturesque Cowichan Valley, nestled in the exquisite little seaside town of Chemainus. This beautiful town has always been a popular destination for all on Vancouver Island. With its strong support of the arts, wonderful local shops, fabulous restaurants, cafes, and world famous murals, the town is the perfect destination for a little rest and relaxation. The new addition of this exciting, thriving indoor marketplace is another enticing reason to stop by Chemainus any day of the week! The Public Market is a beautiful collaboration of local businesses who wanted to create something special under one roof. The old Chemainus Foods building was vacant for a number of years and provided the perfect location for this project. 12

The Public Market in Chemainus Vancouver Island’s Premier Indoor Marketplace The plan was put into action in 2019 when the respected island builder Tony van de Mortel started the design and development, which was completed in early 2020. The Market opened its doors in June and has flourished since day one, growing and expanding even through this difficult time. This has been thanks to so much wonderful support from the Cowichan Valley. Local entrepreneur Patricia Berry bought into the business in December, and she is very excited to see this project blossom even further. With strong ties to

the Cowichan Valley and a passion for the island, she is thrilled to be a part of this exciting endeavour. In the market you will find an amazing assortment of stores, services, and food. There is definitely something for everyone in this dynamic and diverse marketplace.

The market is home to many talented local artisans, a speciality lego store, a salon, clothing stores, jewellery stores, a pet store, books, antiques, candles, paints, cards, chocolates, soaps, a British candy shop, a video arcade, and so much more! And to tickle your tastebuds…there is Coffee Row Café, Archies Retro Diner & Ice Cream Parlour, and Captain Andy’s Fish and Chip restaurant. We look forward to seeing you soon at The Public Market! Mall hours are Tuesday thru Sundays 9 am to 7 pm, this is the cafe, arcade and restaurants. The other businesses in the mall are from 10 am to 5 pm.

Submitted by Patricia Berry

Joyful Spring Mural Mosaic on display at Chemainus Library!

hemainus Art Group is excited to display a new mural mosaic in the Library street-side window for the month of June. From the Chemainus waterwheel, look across Willow Street to the library, to see the “Joyful Spring” heart flag mural. Artists put their hearts into developing a cheerful collaborative work of art during the dark months of winter. Thirty-two participants created individual masterpieces on one-foot squares, which is now a four-foot by eightfoot mural mosaic. The artists were given some guidelines, but the overall design that their squares would create was kept a secret until they completed their work. At completion of the artists’ masterpieces, the delighted artists watched (by zoom) as their single pieces of art joined in the middle to become a vibrant mural mosaic. Visit https://www. chemainusartgroup.com/ mural-project to see the full

mural mosaic, and view the pieces dance to the centre to form the design. Click on one square of the interactive website photo to see individual artists’ detailed work. Participating artists: Natasha Baronas, Lynda Sangster, Brenda Grice and Douglas Anderson (Shared square), Heather J. Kent, Leslie Baronas, Lauren Spilsbury, Kay Hogberg, Josslyn Meyers, Richard Bocking, Colleen Graham, Laura Rasmussen, Jo-Anne Hamel, Gayle McPherson, Susan Beaubier, Gaileen Irwin, Alison Millward, Mark Hird-Rutter, Wanda Truesdell, Ragna Watt, Grace Lewis, Mary Ann Gerwing, Kathryn Huse, Lizzie Pocock, Pat Smith, Elaine Grodaes, Jane HirdRutter, Helen Stephen, Jetta van Westen, Joanie Winnitoy, Maria Chau, Jayne Noftall, Astrid Notte

oody was conceptualized by two best friends who combined their passions for fashion and health to create an eco clothing brand with comfort, style and health at its core. The four pillars of Boody are: Sustainability, Ethics, Quality and Giving Back.

From the initial bamboo crops that yield our exceptional viscose fabric to the delivery of Boody into the customer’s hands, they are committed to maintaining a responsible and transparent process every step of the way. Boody’s search to re-define the essence of comfort has led them to uncover the unparalleled benefits of bamboo viscose. Easy on the skin, superbly soft, and highly breathable, this miracle plant produces one of the softest

yarns available. “Besides the fact that it is a great product, their line of clothing appeals to a large group of our customers with its simple lines and is so comfortable!” shares Lulu, co-owner of Chemainus Health Food Store. Since bringing Boody in two years go, their customers love it so much they have expanded their selection to include new colours and more products. Though not all styles are available in all the colours Boody garments are now available in white, black, nude, olive, navy grey and pink. Customers in Chemainus now have the largest selection of Boody Eco Wear in the Valley for customers to choose from in an array of sizes and styles for both men and women. Though many are already familiar with they underwear the Boody sock line is a a huge favourite of staff and customers. Socks come in a number of styles: sport, hidden, ankle, working and come in black, white and grey.

Bamboo for Dad Chemainus Health Food Store

A special treat for Father’s Day, the Boody men’s line is all about ultra-soft, cooling underwear, socks, crew necks, long sleeve shirts, base layers and beanies. Made using viscose derived from bamboo, their underwear, socks, and tees are great for sensitive skin. Their boxers and briefs won’t bunch, pinch, or roll. The shirts are all-purpose as cooling sleepwear, sleek, clean activewear, or worn as a daily undershirt. Chemainus Health Food Store, 9738 Willow St, Chemainus Open Monday-Saturday 10-5pm, closed Sundays.

a matter of writing down what is said. There is a real skill to replicating the pacing and atmosphere of a fireside telling, a feat that Velma Wallis executes marvellously in this book. In this slim volume - the whole book can be read in a couple of hours - she captures an evening of legend telling perfectly. Like many legends, on the surface it is a deceptively simple story, but there is Two Old Women: An a depth of lessons Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, to be learnt if you Courage and Survival look more deeply. An unusually harsh The Warmland Book & Film winter has pushed a nomadic Collective – a response to group into a desperate the Calls to Action of the situation and the chief decides Truth and Reconciliation to leave behind two elderly Commission of Canada – women who are not seen as next meets online June 9th to contributing. What happens discuss Speaking My Truth: next surprises both the Reflections on Reconciliation women themselves and the & Residential School, rest of the band. selected by Shelagh Rogers, et al. Email WarmlandBFC@ Wallis explains that this gmail.com for zoom link. story was told to her by her mother, who heard it hen was the last time from her mother before her. you heard a good In this way, legends are story, from the mouth of a teachers, reminding us of real storyteller? Even though what is important in life. In we have access to immense Two Old Women, Wallis amounts of information, that reminds us of the importance experience has become rare of elders and the strength for most of us. As the subtitle and resourcefulness of indicates, Two Old Women women. The legend asks us is a legend, a story handed to broaden our definition of down through the generations, what contribution is, drawing forming a part of the oral attention to the power of the tradition of the Gwich’in knowledge keepers. Today people of Alaska. when elders are routinely relegated to the fringes of our There is a great difference society, we would do well to between oral and written pay attention. storytelling; it is not simply Submitted by David & Ranji

Why We Should Read

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here are many ‘layers’ to Julie Nygaard’s photoart creations in both literal and figurative senses of the word – layers of meaning, of personal trauma, symbolism, belief and imagery. But what it all comes down to are the layers she assembles in the digital realm of Adobe Photoshop. “I’m like a photographerpainter, I guess is the best way to describe it,” she said of her works, which will be featured at Rainforest Arts from June through August. Most of us are familiar with the term ‘photoshopped’, a digital manipulation of photographic realism to make the world brighter, more vibrant and prettier than life; Nygaard pushes Photoshop and other digital media way beyond the limits of subtle tweaking, transforming her imagery into altered realities that often have a mystic quality to them. “I am inspired by life,” Nygaard says. “Life is art.” Her fascination with photography began early. “It was quite an incredible feeling to see my work, my way of seeing a world through a lens, captured in a photograph,” she said. A

Julie Nygaard creates Layers of Meaning serious car crash in 2006, and a subsequent life threatening illness, convinced her to make art her life-focus. Nygaard wants people to ‘walk away with their own vision in their minds’ of what her work represents. Works like Strength, an image of a white wing against a concrete surface, have a profound impact. “People love this image. It’s giving them hope, and it’s giving them strength during this time,” she said, referring to the COVID pandemic.

“It means so much to me, that I know my image is giving somebody else hope and understanding and love and support, and that gentle hug that we’re all needing at this time.” The importance of art to society can’t be underestimated, Nygaard believes. She also thinks there’s an artist in all of us, just waiting to be unleashed. “For me, being an artist, there’s no word to describe how much it means to me to be able to express myself, and

to be able to share my images, and my work with other people,” she said. Julie Nygaard’s Through My Eyes - A Visual Journey show will be Featured June through August at Rainforest Arts, 9781 Willow Street, Chemainus. There’s more information, including a video, in the ‘News’ section of RainforestArts.ca, or by calling 250-246-4861, or emailing info@rainforestarts.ca. CraigSpenceWriter.ca

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Mosul: May, 1980

Say nothing of Saddam’s dream to become one of Nineveh’s cruel Babylonian kings

by Tim Fairbairn

Editor’s note: This is an abridged version of Mousul: May, 1980. Go to CVCAS. ca>The Arts>Literature>Valley Voices for the complete version and video reading. Abdel wakes me on his way to the bathroom, the hiss of his slippers against the sandy floor. There is always sand; it seeps in under the door, gets carried in on our feet and clothes. He fumbles with the knob on the bathroom door. Then his Arabic curses that hang like pronouncements in the cool morning air. “I hate you cockroaches,” he shouts at them as though if they only knew how much they are not wanted they would not just scatter when he flicks on the overhead light but choose never to return. Behind this one-bedroom apartment and buried in millennia of sand is the ancient wall of Nineveh, the world’s first empire. From the kitchen window, I can see it roll away into the infinite desert. ~~~ The orange trees have recently borne fruit. Our neighbor, Mr. Majid is amused that I pluck an orange from his tree on my way to the university. He apologized. “No good kind. No sweet.” As sour as grapefruit, the warm globe fits in my palm like a tiny sun and bleeds its syrup onto my fingers as I struggle with the peel. This morning, I prepare myself for the exit visa interrogator, to present a respectable self and conceal my irreverence for the officer with his mustache and ribbons. I will not look at my watch. I will not ask questions. Like the sand, Saddam is everywhere and we carry him with us, his omnipotence occupying our thoughts. ~~~ The table is the only important thing in this room. I could sleep on the floor if I had to. Except for the orange trees, there is nothing

worth seeing through the window. The table is where Abdel instructs me on how to survive. Each of us is the foreigner the other supports, justifiably paranoid in this nation with its would-be emperor, armed with his Baath Party and vast security web, a nation of spies. Last night, Abdel instructed me on what not to say to the security officer who may grant the exit visa so I may purchase the Air France ticket to get from Baghdad to Paris then Air Canada to Montreal. Once I have learned what not to say, what to say will become clear. “Saddam wants war with the ayatollahs. Tomorrow, show no sign of wondering what has become of your Iranian students. Now they are disappeared so assume they never existed. Say nothing of Saddam’s dream to become one of Nineveh’s cruel Babylonian kings. Also, you know nothing of the Kurds, whose villages are occupied by Iraqi soldiers and enclosed by barbed wire. Pretend they too do not exist. You understand?” ~~~ Then he wrote his letter to Hannah who is waiting in Berlin and I wrote mine to Nadine waiting in Ottawa. He wept as he folded the sheet and inserted it into the envelope. His tears no longer upset me. “Soon, you will see Hannah” I said. “She waits for you.” That is really all he needs from me in exchange for guiding me on my long journey home, the one that begins at the table. Now, it is morning. He has made the strong Turkish coffee. The copper pot with its long spout curved like the neck of a swan sits in its position of prominence at the center of the table. To its left is bread from the local bakery; to the right, a jar of apricot jam. They and last night’s letters belong on the table, the only important thing in this room.

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mbitious accurately describes vineyard establishment at the best of times. in most regions given their terrain. Besides pointing out the apparent lunacy required in initial vineyard establishment, worth exploring is the reasoning behind why vineyards are established where they are. Some vineyards work with the existing landscape using slope to maximize sun exposure, while others tailor the landscape to suite their needs; most sites entail a combination of the two. For those who have travelled classic wine regions you’ll agree that, the slope of least resistance, hardly describes where these vineyards are. Slopes that exceed 45 degrees are not unheard-of which makes it near impossible to stand let alone tend to a vine. Figuring why farmers would subject themselves to this remains a mystery - until you taste the results.

Most of these vertical vineyards reside short distances from perfectly reasonable, arable gently sloping land, easily able to host a vineyard and at the risk of offending any vineyard managers - vines will grow practically anywhere. Initially the Phoenicians and later the Romans knew this fact and took full advantage. Traditional flat farmland was reserved for various other agricultural products from grains to livestock to annual and perennial crops. This practice followed the Romans for millennia and we owe some of the greatest vineyards in the world to it as they used the vine to accommodate for the landscape. Tailoring the landscape to meet vineyard needs shows another historical lesson in vineyard establishment. During the 1600s the Dutch had a penchant for a winelike-beverage from what is now Bordeaux. Desiring more cultivatable land, seeing a swamp, and leading the world in engineering, they decided to dam and drain what is now the most successful wine region of all time. They achieved their

goal of creating more vineyard land out of a marsh and gave hope to subsequent generations of wine producing regions by turning swampland into the world’s most renowned wine appellation. These historical examples mirror common decision making in the modern day wine industry when a prospective vineyard owner looks to put roots down. A large part of the wine industry is centred around tourism. It is no coincidence that new world wine regions pop up close to major hubs. In North America, Napa and Sonoma are a short drive from San Francisco and the Willamette Valley is an afternoon trip from Portland. In South America, Santiago boarders the Maipo Valley’s 7000acres of vineyard, and within a couple hours drive from Adelaide are a handful of world famous Australian regions. Most of the aforementioned regions have rich agricultural histories outside of wine. Many vineyards were chosen based on a track record of fruit production, so swapping out crops isn’t a tall order. Look at BC’s Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley where hefty percentages of vineyards were established where cherry, apple and stone fruit orchards existed before. Foresight in observing domestic wine

consumption and tourism trends, pioneers of modern BC wine history have paved the way for BC being known as a diverse and high quality collection of growing regions. As there are only a few dozen producers between Vancouver and the Gulf Islands with only a couple hundred acres of vineyard it is hard to generalize to what major considerations are driving our vineyard site selection besides availability. Growing on the fringe of acceptable northern latitude of premium grape growing possesses many considerations for ripening grapes. Maximizing sun exposure is a high consideration, as is a gentle slope and free draining soil. We need every photon of sunlight to ensure every atom of sugar get accumulated in the fruit. To give you an idea, most world leading wine regions have anything from citrus fruit to persimmon and pomegranate growing in close proximity to their vineyards, where here in Cowichan lofty goals it would seem to ripen those fruits without aide of controlled environment like a greenhouse. This remains part of our charm but doesn’t come without its own challenges. Other considerations are things like slope, a gentle slope will allow rains, especially in the spring, to be shed away from the farm allowing the soils to dry out which is beneficial for the fruit. Free draining soil types also aide in the ability to dispose of unwanted moisture in this key time of year.

for the kids and the thought of all that prep work coming straight to our home sealed the deal. Topped with bacon, green onions and fresh grated aged cheddar these stuffed taters pop into the oven to bake and come out golden and hot. Smooth, cheesy and delicious. Perfect finger food for watching sports. These potatoes come boxed in two layers so you may even have a few leftovers for lunch the next day.

Sheila Badman, happy wife and mother of two, loves experiencing the treasures of Cowichan, both indoors and out.

n our household going out for a meal is a big deal. As foodies, our home cooked dishes always incorporate the best of local bounty so eating at home is already pretty darn good. Until… Barnes and Maracle, the newest game changer for delicious simplicity in the Cowichan Valley. Take out food is one thing - but delivery too? When deadlines loom, shortening the list of responsibilities becomes the norm, though we rarely sacrifice good food for more time. For this busy production week Barnes and Maracle fit the bill.

A bit about Barnes and Maracle

Sarah and Star met while working at Vinoteca. They became fast friends and realized over glasses of wine and cookbooks that they shared similar passions and dreams. Their kitchen was inspired by a shared dream to make and serve delicious food from scratch. Many of the menu items stem from Italian and French influence from Star’s time in Europe where she learned traditional methods from raising livestock, to butchering, to cheesemaking. This, combined with farming experience and horticulture studies enables her to complete the circle. Everything is made to order - just as if you were in their restaurant only your “table” is

BARNES & MARACLE Delicious Food Made to Order Delivered Right to Your Home your home or office. Sarah’s Dad gave them the opportunity to transform the Barnes family shop space into a commercial kitchen and Barnes and Maracle Catering was born. Lucky for us, the pandemic shifted their original vision of event catering to adding weekly food delivery and now we don’t have to wait for a party to enjoy their incredible food.

How it works

Order your meal from Sunday to Wednesday and choose Friday or Saturday for delivery dinner drop off. Deliciously simple.

Our Saturday Night Meal

We are anticipating a very busy weekend. Kids are not looking forward to eggs for dinner, again.

I eagerly type in their website barnesandmaracle.com. The menu is offered in five courses from starter to dessert. Create a fabulous multi course meal or opt for a family size main. On this occasion, Mum decided that full tilt was the way to go. We always eat family style so it felt good to choose a variety that everyone would enjoy. The meal began with their infamous crispy spring rolls served with a chili garlic-lime sauce. Full of minced pork, ginger, garlic, carrot, and water chestnuts, these spring rolls are twice the size that you usually see in restaurants and there are four in an order, not two. Based on a traditional Laos recipe these Spring Rolls have been a part of special occasions in Sarah’s family for as long as she can remember. Potato Skins come next as the Saturday party snack! We couldn’t resist ordering them

I love citrus anything year round but especially in sunny weather. Our palette cleanser before the main was a shared Citrus Salad. Organic garden greens with shaved fennel, blood orange, goat cheese, and roasted peanuts with preserved lemon vinaigrette. This unique and refreshing salad has quickly become a favourite. Each forkful bursts with the juice of fresh peeled orange, the smooth luxury of goat cheese and the crunch of roasted nuts. We tossed ours with the fresh blended dressing and voila! a wonderful restaurant salad served fresh in the comfort of home. The piece de resistance. Sarah’s signature Five Spice Hoisin Ribs was our main which heated up while we enjoyed our starters. After a few minutes the beautiful aroma of simmering ribs filled our kitchen and drifted to the

dining area. Eating with Barnes and Maracle is a multi sensory experience. One of the bonuses in sight is that there is none of the usual ‘made from scratch mess’ around but you still get all the comforting and warm cooking smells. “Are they ready yet?” the children ask as the fragrant dish beckons. I pop open a bottle of their suggested Pinot Noir to breathe. “This dish was inspired by Chef Fatima DaSilva’s (Bistro 161 and Vinoteca) amazing pork and beans.” shares Sarah “I had the privilege of taste testing hers for many years. Star Anise and pork are a beautiful marriage. I put a lot of everything in this recipe- garlic, ginger, 5 spice and hoisin.” After a quick broil to finish them off to crisp, I carry this piping hot pan of ribs, mashed potato and roasted vegetables to the dining room of eager mouths. Richard loves the juicy, garlicky

flavour of this popular Asian spice combination. “These ribs are so tasty right from the first bite” he adds. Scoops of creamy potatoes are plated as a bed for the tender, fall off the bone ribs. Crunchy carrots and bok choy add colour and roughage to our plates. Extra ladles of delicious sauce are spooned from the pan over everything on our plates. All four of us enjoy these in silence, eating to our hearts content and still there are a few leftovers to enjoy for a tomorrow snack. In case you haven’t already guessed, EVERYTHING you order at Barnes and Maracle is prepared fresh the day its delivered so the heating up of your menu takes place quickly with all the freshest flavours intact. We pause for tea before we serve dessert. Two vegan Chocolate Coconut Pot de Creme chill in the fridge. Decadent, chocolatey and creamy this indulgence is just the right size to enjoy after our big supper. Also on the menu is a family favourite Caramel Apple Cake. A lovely comforting cake moist with butter and apples and superbly sticky with the rich caramel drizzle. Two perfect endings to a gorgeous meal. Don’t take our word for it, try them in your home. As I write this I am already planning my next order! Barnes and Maracle Food Specialists barnesandmaracle. com

Wednesday - Saturday 11-7 Sunday 11-3 21

Local Pairings To Serve with Grilled Foods Zanatta Winery Damasco

Blue Grouse Winery Quill Q Red

Damasco is my go to wine when the menu consists of BBQ. This is the wine you start the dinner off with. Damasco is a blend of 4 different grapes, Auxerrois, Ortega, Madelyne Sylvaner and Muscat. It is fresh with melon, peach and floral notes. Serve it chilled and you have a perfect sipper while tending the BBQ. Pairs great with oysters, mussels, and chicken satay.$20

Rocky Creek Winery On The Mark – Tempranillo Blend This wine made by the winemaker’s namesake and his love to BBQ. Tasting tobacco notes with black pepper. Finishes with darker fruits such as plum and smoky notes that match well with BBQ. BBQ Oysters and Grilled Rib Eye (Chilled for the Oysters and Room Temperature for the steak) $25/bottle

This delicious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Marechal Foch is perfect for any big protein cooked on the BBQ but not so big that you couldn’t enjoy with some fabulous seafood. $26.99

Ampersand Distilling Emandare Vineyard Company 2020 Rosé Per Se Vodka A Juicy fruit bomb certain to tame any master of the grill. Our Rosé is not your typical Rosé, anything fresh off the grill on a hot sunny afternoon will work wonderfully with this chuggably delicious wine. $25.00

Winner of World’s Best Varietal Vodka at the 2020 World Vodka Awards. Clean vodka with creamy mouthfeel, body, and slight sweetness on the palate. Per Se fits right in at the BBQ, whether you’re mixing up a Caesar or spiking some refreshing lemonade. $40

Sustainably Harvested Seafood

from Michelle Rose CSF

Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery

www.michellerosecsf.com

make is the meat; to me, besides spending the time with Dad, choosing the meat is the most important part. Pork is a great choice for the barbeque (classic southern BBQ). Ribs, brisket, pork shoulder for the famous pulled pork. All super delicious and made for the barbeque as well. Some times over looked but a great cut of pork for the barbeque is the pork tenderloin, which also needs much less preparation than previous cuts of meat mentioned. A quick rub or even just some salt and pepper and when finished with your favour BBQ sauce and the tenderloin is going to be tasty. The number one rule with pork is do not over cook. While the classic cuts like the shoulder and the ribs are a low and slow cooking, the tenderloin is a lot quicker as it is lower in fat and will be dry if not treated properly. You are going to want to cook over a medium high heat for about 15-20 minutes until brown on all over- remember to turn as each side brown until an internal temperature of 135 degree is met. Let rest for 8 minutes before slicing. Many people over cook pork thinking it needs to be cooked all the way thru. In Canada we no longer have trichinosis in our pork and we can eat pork cooked medium rare.

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

Father’s Day BBQ Chef Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

hat a better way to kick off the Summer season but around the barbeque enjoying tasty grilled meats. The time with Dad is truly the most important part. But there are many other factors to consider. Are you a hardwood, charcoal or gas barbeque kind of person? With hardwood you get more flavour from the wood and a nice smokiness to your food. If you choose charcoal a lighter smoke and not so much wood flavour but probably that nostalgic BBQ smell you were used to as a child. A gas barbeque no added flavour or smells just the food, but a bit more control on the heat for cooking. Whether hard wood or charcoal or gas it is all a matter of personal preference. The next choice you have to

Mole Rub

Courtey Chef Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese This rub is great on Pork beef or chicken

Ingredients 1 teaspoon brown sugar 2 teaspoons cocoa powde 2 teaspoon allspice 2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cumin 3 teaspoon ground coffee

1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon chili powder Pinch cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Method 1. Mix it. rub it. enjoy it. (I like to mix them all in a jar and shake to mix) 2. Mix with a few tablespoon olive oil for a wet rub or leave dry and coat meat for a dry rub.

Well that is a lot about pork, there are many other meats for the BBQ, chicken, and of course beef. If trying beef, I recommend talking with your butcher. Many people go for tenderloin or ribeye which are great cuts but if you talk with a chef or your butcher you will be amazed at what cuts they may offer up.

Lastly your butchercharcuterie maker can have many pre- rubbed or marinated meats or even sausages and sauces. Making the barbeque time spent with Dad more about spending that time with Dad and less about preparation - cooking.

month with the four adults focusing on one project and the kids providing food and keeping each other entertained.

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

ife sometimes takes an unexpected turn from a well laid-out plan. Heather Young enjoyed an established chiropractic practice after eight years of study. A third child convinced her that working out of the house wasn’t ideal. While moving her practice to her home may have been an easy solution, Heather has never been about easy. She is about having a long-term goal and the determination and grit to see it through. She had seen firsthand that health outcomes need a stronger foundation in the food we eat and set about establishing an agroforestry farm. She wanted to build on regenerative farming practices that constantly refeed the earth she would harvest from to feed us the most nutritious food available.

Life Under The Oak So she and her husband purchased thirty-five acres of neglected farmland and hacked out thirty years of third growth forest to create a home, food forest, orchards, herb gardens, perennial fruits and vegetables, with pastures for her birds and eventually cows and donkeys. The mountain of wood chips they created is still working hard as mulch

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

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

on the gardens and for creating hedgerows. In the true style of farm families, a brother and his wife and children live on the property and Aiyana farms the market garden under the name of Acorn Veggies. While the big picture is primarily Heather’s job, the whole family gets involved on one work weekend a

Four years and untold hours of backbreaking toil later, her dream is taking shape and the fruits of her labour are going to market; maple syrup, hen and duck eggs, and potatoes for now. This year she has planted saffron, asparagus along with more strawberries and hopes to be selling strawberries shortly. Having finally finished the interior of the house, they have moved to farm infrastructure and are hoping to build a sugar shack/commercial kitchen/ wash and pack station in the next couple of years. An unexpected bounty of their hard work is an amazing view of Mount Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, and the peaks of Salt Spring Island. Heather’s decision to change everything about the way she and her family live was not an easy one to make or to accomplish. Does she have any regrets? Only that she did not purchase a tractor earlier! Check out Under the Oak Farm this month on Cow-Op Online Farmers’ Market for fresh strawberries and new potatoes. Log in to cow-op.ca between Thursday at noon to Monday at midnight to place an order that will be ready for pick up or delivery the following Thursday.

Terence Miranda is a Doctor of Audiology and the owner of Resonance Hearing Clinic

esearchers from the Goethe University in Frankfurt analyzed data from 26,000 adults across Europe from the 2012 European Quality of Life Survey. They found that diversity in nature, especially in birds, had the greatest influence on people’s moods. In general, people were more than 50% happier from a 10% rise in bird species than they were with a 10% rise in their income. According to the World Bird Database, we have 298 species of birds in the Cowichan Valley! The frequency (pitch) of birdsongs is unique to the species of bird. The “hoo hoo-hoo” of the Barred Owl or the “rat ta tat tat” of the Pileated

Are Birds the Key to Happiness? Woodpecker is quite different (and of lower frequency) than the high pitched “chirp-chirp” of the Rufous Hummingbird or “cheep-cheep” of the Yellow Warbler. The majority of the birdsongs in the Cowichan Valley however, are higher pitched. The most common causes of

hearing loss, such as losses that are age-related or due to noise exposure, are high frequency hearing losses. Often, people with hearing loss may be hearing some of the birds, but not all of them. Given the number and variety of birds in the Valley, it’s hard to know what we are missing.

Our sense of hearing is often overlooked when we consider our overall health and happiness. We know that the majority of people with significant hearing loss don’t seek expert care when it comes to their hearing. People may be missing a connection with nature that only comes from being able to hear our resident wildlife. Add to that the trickle of a stream, rushing of a waterfall or the fluttering of leaves in the trees, our auditory connection with nature is as important as our visual connection. The effect it has on our wellbeing can’t be beat, even by a significant rise in our pension or paycheck.

Image above; The Pacific Wren. Its birdsong is 4-9 kHz.

Patio Dining Around The Valley

GENOA BAY CAFE The Marina at Genoa Bay

FARM TABLE INN Skutz Falls Lake Cowichan

Covered oceanfront patio, as well as extended patio with umbrellas. Enjoy our house battered, coconut crusted prawns served with a chipotle aioli or crispy skin sockeye salmon, pan seared in lemon butter and served with a warm quinoa salad and seasonal vegetables. Both dishes served at lunch and dinner. If grill is what your’re craving, try our 8oz ribeye with baked potato, seasonal vegetables, and red wine demi or tasty braised pork back rib served with garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a sweet and sour bbq sauce. 5000 Genoa Bay Road, 250-746-7621 12-8 for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week www.genoabaycafe.com

Enjoy a Prime Rib Dinner at the Farm Table Inn, every Thursday night. The Farm’s prime rib is local, from Quist Farms in Duncan and features 4 sizes to choose from—6oz, 8oz, 10oz and 12oz. Each meal comes with Chef’s vegetables, buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted garlic jus and housemade Yorkshire pudding, horseradish and/or hot mustard on the side. Other options for those that don’t eat prime rib such as fish and pasta. First available seating 5pm, and reservations every half hour. Reservations are key and space is limited so please make sure to book early. “You can also enjoy our seasonal a la carte menu Friday to Sunday nights. See our website for menu details www.farmtableinn.ca located at Skutz Falls, 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd 250-932-3205

Alderlea Farm & Restaurant

Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday Noon - 8pm Licensed Organic Farm Restaurant

Come eat on our new and improved outdoor patio! Take Out & Outdoor Patio Dining Menus at www.alderleafarm.com/menu Call for Reservations 250-597-3438 I 3390 Glenora Road, Duncan 26

FATHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE - STAY LOYAL TO LOCAL

OUTLOOKS MENSWEAR Style Dad out with some new shirts in from National Standards, 7 Downie, White Stuff, Casa Moda, Matinique, Horst 53 Station St, Downtown Duncan 250-597-2848

MERRIDALE CIDERY & DISTILLERY Gifts for dad - Spiced Rhumb & Father’s Day Brunch or Dinner on June 20th – Visit merridale.ca for details 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill 250 743 4293

Spoil Dad with an organic robe and towel update. He’ll be pleased as he’s been secretly craving a spa day. RESTHOUSE: YOUR ECO FABULOUS BEDDING STORE 126 Station St. Duncan resthousesleep.com

New Release at TEN OLD BOOKS Cold Comfort Surf Photography from Canada’s West Coast. Marcus Paladino’s stunning portfolio contains some of the photography world’s most compelling surfing images. 330 Duncan St, Duncan 250 715-1383

We have all of the ingredients for an awesome Father’s day!

MADE IN MEXICO Treat Dad to an authentic Mexican experience. Real traditional food made fresh. Open Father’s Day from 11-3pm. #3-4715 Trans Canada Highway 250-597-TACO Whippletree Junction www.madeinmexicobc.com

SOUL COMFORT SHEEPSKIN Moccasins for Dad - Genuine Buffalo Hide Leather - Made for Dad. Made with care. Other styles available in Deerskin and Mooseskin. 190 4 St, Duncan 250 737-1281 www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com

Potter Colleen Underwood has been busy making big mugs for everyone! Lots of styles and glazes to choose from. THE MUD ROOM CLAYWORKS Cowichan Bay waterfront 250 710-7329 cowbaymudroom.com

BBQ boxes from CURE ARTISAN MEAT & CHEESE Available for pre order and pick up. $60 Basic Cure BBQ/$75 Busier BBQ Box/$100 Premium BBQ 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill Valley View Centre 250 929-2873 27

THE OLIVE STATION 225 Canada Ave #7, Downtown Duncan 250 597-8808 www.theolivestation.com

GIVE YOUR BRAINS WHAT THEY NEED

Food For Thought

W Memory Boost promotes mental clarity by enhancing both memory and cognitive function.

4-180 Central Rd, Duncan - Village Green Mall www.lynnsvitamingallery.ca 250-748-4421

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 Qualified Dentist American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

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

reception@valleydentalclinic.ca

Hidden Gem Reiki Studio

Judy Johnstone, Reiki Master 250-661-0192 www.hiddengemreiki.com 28

e all have days when it feels like we are not on top of our game, mentally. We feel slow and out of step. Brain fog can occur for many reasons; late nights, poor diet, personal or environmental toxicity, ageing .We may feel like some of these factors are beyond our ability to change... Obviously, we can change our diets and work to improve our sleep quality, but there’s not much we can do to stop the passage of time. So are we doomed to an inevitable ever-increasing dullness of mind with the passing of the years? Luckily, the people at Assured Natural Distribution, a Canadianowned company that provides quality products to health food stores, have a great line called Three Brains, whose sole focus is improving the health and function of the brain. Take Memory Boost, for example: A carefully thought-out formula specifically engineered to improve the brain’s ability to receive, process, and retain information. All the ingredients in this product play their part in helping the brain achieve optimum cognitive function.

• acetyl-L-carnitine an amino acid used for sustained mental energy • vinpocetine and Ginkgo biloba, which clinical research suggests supports healthy blood flow to the brain. • Huperzine A is the active ingredient in the traditional Chinese herb Huperzia serrata. It has been shown to improve memory function, as it plays a role in the management of acetylcholine, one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain. • Memory Boost also contains the antioxidants N-acetylL-cysteine and alpha-lipoic acid, which help defend brain neurons from free radical damage. The next time you find yourself walking into a room and forgetting why, visit a store like Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery, and ask about the excellent Three Brains products. Our brains are important, and their level of functioning will determine a lot about our quality of life in the years to come. Good food, good habits, and good supplements will go a long way to helping us maintain memories that were a lifetime in the making. Submitted by Gina Malkin

Broccoli Sprouts: The Summer Superfood

Silvia Graber, Registered Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in digestion and mental health.

uffering from estrogen dominance? PMS? Extra weight around your middle? Poor libido? History or risk of breast or other cancers? The unassuming broccoli sprout might just be something worth considering in your arsenal of daily healthy habits. Broccoli sprouts can support these conditions and many more, when included in your daily diet, and can be grown in the comfort of your own home, quickly and easily. Broccoli sprouts were quite unassuming in the nutritional world until an article in the New York Times in the 90’s expressed the cancer-fighting properties of this wonder food. Since then, many more benefits have been found, from helping support estrogen-dominant conditions such as PCOS, PMS, and some cancers, to fighting some aggressive gut bugs such as H Pylori, and helping to heal and protect the gut lining. How does the lowly broccoli sprout do this? It is actually far from lowly, and comes packed with a nutrientrich wallop, as well as a generous amount of sulforaphane, which has been shown to be the main player in supporting these conditions, as well as the liver and its detoxification pathways. Sulforaphane has pretty impressive cancer-preventing and cancer-fighting properties, and has been shown in some studies to support heart and

respiratory conditions. Research also suggests it might have an influence on the genetic factors that influence your susceptibility to acquire certain cancers. Broccoli sprouts have been shown to help protect the gastric lining from oxidative stress and damage, which occurs with ulcers, and can help prevent re-occurrence of H Pylori overgrowth in the stomach. Nutrient-wise, broccoli sprouts contain Vitamins A, C, calcium, and fibre, all in a bio-available form. Of note, they also carry about 10-100 times the sulforaphane found in regular broccoli. No wonder they are called a super-food!

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

Inspired? Here is the basic process for sprouting: • Soak seeds 4-6 hours in water. • Rinse seeds 2-3 times daily, allowing them to drain via sprouting jar or in tilted bowl. Keep jar covered until sprouts start emerging and yellow leaves appear, and then you can keep on windowsill during the day to allow their green colour to emerge. • Sprouts will be ready in 2 to 4 days, when sprout is ¼ inch. • Dry completely; store in fridge for about 3 days. You can add sprouts to any dish, raw or cooked. Have fun experimenting! You can book a consultation with Silvia at sageheartnutrition@ gmail.com or visit her website at sageheartnutrition. wordpress.com

Back to the Future: Area 51 and the Making of the Biggest Online Skate Shop in Canada Written by Amanda Vance Images courtesy Ian Locke

ince 1992, Area 51 has been the go-to skate shop in downtown Duncan for brands like Vans and Volcom. How did it also become the largest online skate shop in Canada? When Area 51 owner Gord Chow first opened up shop in the early nineties, his business was first and foremost a record store. That was “before the Internet was a thing,” Gord notes, and before the arrival of iTunes and Spotify shook up the music industry. At the time, Area 51 carried skateboards in the back and records out front, but as streaming music grew in popularity, his business focus

“flipped. The music went to the back and the skateboards moved out front.” “You can’t download skateboards yet,” Gord remarks on the decision to shift the focus of his shop. That being said, you can get pretty close to downloading a skateboard with Area 51’s online skate shop - where in a few simple clicks, you can purchase boards by brands like Enjoi as well as apparel by companies like Brixton. Carrying skateboards was just the beginning, and now Area 51 is a premier source for shoes (carrying over a thousand models on the walls) as well as skateboarding streetwear for men, women and children.

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 30

Not only is the shop full of options, the site offers free shipping in Canada on orders over $99, and services people from Nunavut down

to the United States, and even overseas. Area 51’s success in selling to customers in the U.S is remarkable given that the site “caters to Canadians,” where Gord feels the skateboarding market is “really underserved” even as skateboarding has become more mainstream. Today, Gord observes more and more women are enjoying skateboarding, and dads are getting back into it with their daughters and sons. “Kids, and not just teenagers, are into it,” Gord explains. As skating culture has

As the site grew in popularity, Gord decided to hire a professional to rebuild it, which “took the site to the next level,” though he also says “getting in there early was really helpful,” as is updating the site every day.

exploded onto the mainstream, the sport will now be a category in the Olympics this year for the first time. Area 51’s online shop and physical location at 191 Station Street have grown alongside the popularity of skateboarding. “The site was set up in 2002. It was just a hand coded site I did for fun to get an online presence, and I learned a lot just from doing that,” Gord explains. “I started putting up products just to see what would happen.” Quickly, Gord noticed that “a lot of kids in town would look at the site and pre-shop” before coming into Area 51’s physical location. So too would customers in Victoria and Nanaimo. In some cases, cutsomers would order online but come into the shop to pick it up rather than have it shipped.

Driven by passion and the urge to do what he loves for a living, Gord - who started skateboarding in the eighties, inspired by movies like Thrashin’ and skaters like Christian Hosoi - is also an adaptable businessman. When selling music in store went to the wayside with the development of the Internet, he found a way to use the Internet to benefit his skate shop. He notes that while small business is sometimes “scared of the Internet, retail is all about adapting and finding your groove within the changes” in the market.

100 percent Hemp Vest

Wool & Hemp A Marriage in Heaven Bacteria, mold, and fungus Naturally resistant!

Soul Comfort Sheepskin Sheepskin & Sheep Wool

190 Fourth St. Duncan I wool@soulcomfortsheepskin.com

www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com I 250-737-1281

As a longstanding downtown business owner, Gord has also seen Duncan change a lot. “The totems, tourism and the [Duncan Farmers] market have brought a lot of new flavours out which has been great.” At the same time, Gord’s love of downtown Duncan has remained constant.

Area 51 191 Station Street Downtown Duncan www.a51.ca

The site is “a really great way to stay connected with my customers and let them know what is available in the shop,” Gord acknowledges.

Espresso Balsamic Steak Marinade

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

Ingredients 2 steaks (skirt steak are the favorites here, but I’ve done this with all cuts) 1/2 cup Espresso Balsamic 2 tbsp Rosemary Olive Oil or spice it up with Chipotle Olive oil 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp chili powder sea salt and pepper to taste Directions: Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Place the steaks in a ziplock bag or a dish that will allow them to be fully covered by the marinade. Pour the marinade over the steaks, coat all sides and allow to marinade for one hour or up to one day. The longer they marinade, the more intense the flavours will be! To cook: heat a grill or pan to medium high heat. Allow the excess marinade to drip off before cooking. Cook on both sides until desired doneness is reach. Add an extra pinch of sea salt before serving.

Ask The Doc: Skin Care & Exposure Dr. Lyn Pascoe Viva Medical Aesthetics

1. Which Facial Lesions are Benign? There are many types of facial lesions. The majority are benign and can be treated for cosmetic reasons. These include seborrheic keratoses, which are typically brown and can be slightly raised or significantly raised with a wartlike appearance. Your physician can treat these with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen). Melasma is a skin condition triggered by sunlight and hormones, which appears as dark patches on the forehead, upper lip, and cheeks. The best treatment for melasma is prevention using a physical sunscreen and always wearing a hat when sun-exposed. Once it has occurred, melasma is best treated with a combination of lightening lotions, glycolic peels, Retin, and topical Vitamin C. 2. Which Facial Lesions are Cancerous? The lesions we need to be on the watch for are Actinic Keratoses, Keratinocyte Carcinoma, and Melanoma. Actinic Keratoses appear as rough, red, and scaly patches on sun-damaged skin. In the course of a year, 0.1% of these will

become skin cancer, 20% will resolve, and 80% will progress. Because of this, they should be treated by a physician. Options are cryotherapy or a prescription cream used under supervision. It is IMPORTANT to note that the daily use of a physical sunscreen (think Zinc or Titanium Dioxide) will increase the chance of an actinic keratosis spontaneously resolving on its own. Keratinocyte CarcinomA is a group of skin cancers that may be either Squamous Cell or Basal Cell. These need to be diagnosed by a physician and will require a biopsy. These are usually treated with excision.

development of skin cancer. Ultraviolet B (UVB) makes up 5% of the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface. UVB can cause sunburn, skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and skin inflammation.

in their formulation. They have an excellent safety profile, and studies show that they are not systemically absorbed. Physical sunscreens are the preferred choice for children, and I prefer them for all my patients.

Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and needs aggressive treatment.

Sunscreen Agents are broadly classified into two groups Chemical And Physical. Chemical Sunscreens contain a variety of ingredients to provide coverage against both UVA and UVB radiation. Studies show that these ingredients are absorbed into your system. Research is ongoing as to whether there is harm from the absorption of these ingredients. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are believed to impair coral reef growth and are now banned in Hawaii.

To recap: * If you have facial skin lesions, have your physician examine and diagnose them . *Always wear sunscreen. I strongly suggest that you use one of the newer physical sunscreens that are now formulated to be non-greasy and light. They do make a difference.

3. How do I Protect Myself from Sun Damage and Possible Skin Cancers? While genetics and skin type play a role in the cause of skin cancers, the effect of sun exposure and subsequent sun damage cannot be ignored. The use of an effective sunscreen daily is very important. 4. What is a Topical Sunscreen Agent? Ultraviolet A (UVA) makes up 95% of the UV radiation we are exposed to. UVA leads to photoaging, hyperpigmentation and may contribute to the

Physical Sunscreens Contain commonly contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They reflect light in the visible light range, but work as chemical filters in the UV range. They are stable in the sun and so do not need chemical stabilizers

Viva Medical Aesthetics #4-177 Fourth Street Downtown Duncan 250 746-6512

President Nixon, China, and Acupuncture Denise D’Fantis Cowichan Valley Acupuncture

hen US press corps journalist James Reston of the New York Times received an acupuncture treatment in China for pain after an emergency appendectomy during President Nixon’s visit to China in 1971, he undoubtedly did not realize how his unanticipated medical experience would shape the way that acupuncture would be introduced to North America.

“Now, About My Operation in Peking”, (New York Times, July 26, 1971), an article Reston published following his unexpected foray into the world of Eastern Medicine, is credited for introducing Traditional Chinese Medicine, in particular the ancient practice of acupuncture, to mainstream society in North America. While acupuncture had been used in the US before 1971 (solely the result of Chinese immigrants bringing their ancient medicine to the US), it was not until Reston’s article was published in the New York Times that mainstream society learned of the strange practice of inserting needles into human skin and muscle to initiate a therapeutic response. Since then, acupuncture has slowly merged with western

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contemporary medicine across North America and Europe. In 1979 the World Health Organization held a symposium on acupuncture, where a list of 43 diseases that acupuncture can help with were presented. In 1997, along with several National Institutes of Health, the WHO produced a Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, summarizing the current understanding of acupuncture, based on the research that was available at the time. Currently, the WHO recommends acupuncture for over 100 conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, acute and chronic gastritis, and morning sickness. At the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine, acupuncture is one of the most popular and utilized services offered, and at the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture is offered by doctors trained in acupuncture and by licensed acupuncturists trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2008, British Columbia’s provincial health care plan, MSP, began reimbursing eligible citizens $23.00 per

acupuncture session received, (up to a maximum of 10 treatments per year), and as of 2016 British Columbians were most likely to have used an alternative therapy (including acupuncture) during their lifetime (89%) amongst all Canadian provinces. (Fraser Institute) In 2021, acupuncture continues to be a popular therapeutic modality, and almost all extended health benefits plans in British Columbia provide some level of coverage for acupuncture. As more people discover the effectiveness of acupuncture for a variety of ailments and conditions, acupuncture will likely continue to “complement” western medicine, providing patients with balanced and effective recommendations and treatments.

Cowichan Valley Acupuncture 103-255 (Unit 212) Ingram St, Duncan 250 715 5649

DONʻT FORGET DESSERT! fresh organic fruit pies DELICIOUS CAKES & Squares NGI & VEGAN OPTIONS TOO!

Support Your Community One Frozen Dinner At A Time

owichan Green Community’s (CGC’s) commercial kitchen has had a busy spring thus far! Not only have new clients been added to the Meals on Wheels roster, but the amount of prepared meals sold in the reFRESH Marketplace has also increased significantly over the past months. In addition, reFRESH Cowichan frozen meals are now available on Cow-Op.ca - the region’s popular online farmers market. This means the kitchen, run by Kitchen Manager Tony Monk, is constantly working on creating and packaging entrees, soups & desserts. The kitchen’s work ties in closely with CGC’s Food Recovery Project that picks up surplus produce from five grocery stores in Cowichan. In addition, local farms donate freshly harvested vegetables regularly. As soon as donated produce arrives at CGC, staff sort it and select vegetables to use in the kitchen. Another small portion of the recovered produce from select stores goes into the reFRESH Marketplace, while about 80% is sent to service providers supporting vulnerable community members. This process helps to prevent food waste, and ensures surplus food goes to people first, before being used as feed for livestock or compost.

py H ap e r ʻs h Fat ay ! D

staff sort, cook, preserve, and process, often coming up with new recipes on the spot. When the dinners for Meals on Wheels and the temporary housing sites are made, the focus turns to creating meals for reFRESH Marketplace; the Comfort Food Series offers affordable yet delicious frozen meals of great quality easily heated up at home. Turkey Dinner or Vegetarian Lasagna have been just as popular as the Island Curry or Cauliflower Soup. A special perk of shopping in the reFRESH Marketplace is all proceeds go back into CGC’s programs to increase food security in the Cowichan Region. It’s a great way of shopping at affordable prices while supporting our community! The reFRESH Marketplace is located at 360 Duncan Street and open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 3pm. You can also visit www.cow-op. ca to find a selection of meals and soups!

reFresh Cowichan 360 Duncan Street Downtown Duncan 250 748-8506

Based on what is received,

Supreme Fighter in the Battle of Inflammation Good health to you! Tina Foster, RHN Essential Remedies

nflammation- we’ve all got it, however it manifests differently in every body.

Stemming from poor diet, genetics, toxins, stress, lack of sleep, lifestyle choices, and even as a normal response in your body’s defence mechanism, chronic and untackled inflammation often leads to an escalation of issues, pain, and further disease. There is alot you can do to keep inflammation in check. Eating a whole natural foods diet, rich in antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients is the very first thing! Stress management, sufficient sleep, exercise, and

a positive outlook all are part of a healthy inflammatory response as well, and together will help you mend from whatever ails you. And whether it be arthritis, joints, muscles sprains, sports or surgery recovery, digestion, skin issues, we can turn to a special remedy given to us from Nature! Turmeric root is really an all-panacea, being excellent for liver health, digestive function, brain and cognitive health, and of course a top anti-inflammatory. It has been known and utilized as medicine for centuries. This time-honoured root-spice is now available to us in the form of a potent extract known as the component curcumin, for enhanced absorption and therapeutic use. This means a multiplebenefit, easy to take and effective supplement to quell the inflammation and enhance your health amd wellbeing, movement, and vitality! The curcumin extract in the BDMC30, and also in Recovery 3.0 products is not just any curcumin- it is the strongest and most potent, effective curcumin on the market. We can take a closer look at these two supplements and how they differ: CURCUMIN BDMC30: Extra strength, 30%bisdemethoxycucumin (most are 1% BDMC30 in regular curcumin extract). This is type 3 curcuminoid that helps quell inflammation before it occurs in the muscles of cells, acting as an adaptogen, helping prevent an inflammation, and then carries out into the bloodstream to clean out free radicals. Survives longer in the blood and has increased stability and bioavailability. Works quickly to alleviate joint pain and other inflammations. Super antioxidant at 565,000

ORAC units/gram. Other benefits include detoxification, healthy skin, balanced cholesterol and blood sugar, and brain function boost. RECOVERY 3.0: contains that same BDMC30 Curcumin in addition to a wonderfully unique set of other powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and immunity optimizing. Supports joint health, cardiovascular and muscle function, reduces stress, fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability, and lack of concentration. Targets the root cause of your inflammation and revitalizes the body and mind, increasing your energy metabolism and vitality. Helps in collagen formation and development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Facilitates connective tissue and wound healing. Contains Chaga, hyaluronic acid, magnesium, Vitamin C, Sensoril Ashwaghanda, Applephenon(polyphenol extract), and the super BDMC30 curcuminoids. Whatever inflammatory battle you are in, be sure to take the initiatives of proper healing. You know what changes you have to make. And adding in a good curcumin supplement is such an integral part of giving your body what it needs to mend and thrive! You can turn to, and count on, PURICA, our local wellness product champions. Essential Remedies 141 Craig Street Downtown Duncan (250) 748-9632

now unity.

Cindy Savary is a certified flower designer at Willow & Orchid.

he flowers for the month of June are Roses and Honeysuckle. Roses have many different meanings depending on the colour and variety. Many are grown for their beauty or for their amazing fragrance. A few are both fragrant and beautiful. Did you know that a red rose means “I love you”? Pink roses say perfect happiness, gratitude and grace. Yellow is all about friendship, while orange roses convey passion and enthusiasm. White roses are a symbol of innocence and purity but if you combine them with red ones and tie them together the message is

Fun Facts About Roses There are 150 species of roses and thousands of hybrids found in many shapes and colours. All roses are considered shrubs and their petals are edible and organic rose petals can be added to salads and desserts. Rose hips are full of Vitamin C and make a wonderful tea. Florist Tips for Cut Roses If you get a rose and its head has drooped, this is because of an air lock in the stem. Cut about an inch up the stem and immediately put into a vase of warm water. Gently tap the stem a few times at the bottom of the vase. This will help water to get up the stem. Within 20 minutes to half an hour the rose will come back beautifully. Another tip - the shorter the stem, the longer the rose lasts as a cut flower. Another lovely flower, the honeysuckle symbolizes everlasting bonds of love. There are close to 200 different varieties including vines, shrubs

A Deeper Look into the Flowers of June and bush varieties, The vines are great climbers for shade but need support to climb up a wall. Their vines twist around themselves and can grow on fences with no support. The shrubs can be grown in pots and containers. Choose carefully as the bush varieties are more invasive. When your honeysuckle is blooming, remove the flower from the stamen, and taste the sweetness of the flower, and you will know why it’s called honeysuckle. Not all

the parts are edible on the flower. The berries are extremely toxic, and should NOT be eaten. Please note that all parts of this plant are toxic to dogs, but hummingbirds and bees LOVE them. Enjoy the flowers and embrace their beauty!

Willow & Orchid 101 Station St Downtown Duncan 250 748-9868

TEN OLD BOOKS

Always something for everyone

Pete Devries, Tofino

Cold Comfort: Surf Photography from Canada’s West Coast

ocky Mountain Books is pleased to announce the release of Cold Comfort: Surf Photography from Canada’s West Coast by Marcus Paladino, now available in bookstores and online. Marcus Paladino’s unique and stunning

portfolio contains some of the photography world’s most compelling surfing images. Surfing is why Marcus Paladino moved to Tofino. It’s an integral part of his lifestyle and contributes to his livelihood. Bumpy boat rides, long drives, getting skunked, scoring good waves, chattering teeth, numb feet, blacking out, drowning cameras, mental frustration, and chasing serotonin are all part of the game when surfing the cold waters off Canada’s West Coast. Dedicated to capturing highperformance surfing at its best and finding split-second action and beauty in lost moments of time combine to help

Gwaliga Hart, Haida Gwaii

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

craft a portfolio of energetic and meditative photography like few others. With a keen eye for the unique and the almost forgotten, Cold Comfort is an amazing collection of imagery that skilfully communicates the photographer’s deep love and respect for this western Canadian coastal landscape. Marcus Paladino is a professional photographer specializing in cold-water surfing on the West Coast of Canada. He grew up on Vancouver Island, where he went on to receive a diploma in photography in 2010. Shortly after, he moved to Tofino for a summer and hasn’t looked back. Marcus’s work has been featured in various publications around the world, including SURFER, Surfing Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal, Explore magazine, Tracks, and Carve. He has also worked with clients

internationally, including Hurley, Monster Energy, Red Bull, Hydro Flask, Clif Bar & Company, Reef, Yeti, O’Neill, and Vans. His dedication to showcasing high-performance surfing that continues to be pushed north of the 49th parallel, along with his distinctively artistic approach, has made Marcus one of the most desired water photographers to work with in Canada. Available at Ten Old Books inside the Duncan Garage.

Ten Old Books 102-330 Duncan Street Downtown Duncan 250 715-1383

and local suppliers. Making the legislative changes necessary to allow the generational transfer of a small business, farm, or fishing corporation without penalty is a meaningful gesture towards equity and fairness.

JOIN US

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

www.theoldﬁrehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

WILLOWANDORCHID.COM

BILL C-208

Amend the Income Tax Act (transfer of small business or family farm or fishing corporation)

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

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

171 Canada Ave, Duncan (250) 597-8168

Alistair MacGregor, MP Cowichan-Malahat-Langford NDP Critic for Agriculture and Agrifood, Rural Economic Development, Deputy Critic for Justice

he House of Commons recently voted on and passed Bill C-208, which will make it easier to pass the family business on to the next generation. Currently, when parents decide to sell their business to their children, the difference between the sale price and the price originally paid is currently considered a dividend. If they sell their business to an unrelated individual or corporation it is considered a capital gain. Unlike capital gains, a dividend does not include the right to a lifetime exemption and is taxed more heavily. While this issue affects all small businesses, it also has a significant impact on farming and fishing corporations, both of which are important sectors in our riding. Family-run small businesses are the bedrock of many communities, and they have developed extensive relationships with residents

The average age of Canadian farmers is now above 55, and the challenges and opportunities these businesses face will carry into the next generation. It is a sector in which most remain family-owned; maintaining their financial health across generations is critical. Many farms must chase income from off-farm work or taxpayer support programs just to get by. What is also concerning is that we have lost two-thirds of our young farmers since 1991. We are looking at $50 billion in farm assets that are set to change hands over the next 10 years. 8,000 family farms have disappeared over the last decade. With increasing debt loads, family farms are being systematically destroyed in Canada, and we need to put measures in place that are going to help. The Covid-19 pandemic has also disproportionally challenged small family-owned businesses, many of which did not qualify for government assistance and continue to navigate the challenges of provincially mandated restrictions. Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, responsible for 80% of the jobs in our economy. I appreciate the farming and fishing families and what they contribute to our region. I was proud to vote in favour of Bill C-208, which will have a measurable and positive impact for family-run businesses, when it was passed by the House of Commons, and I look forward to its speedy passage in the Senate.

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

Anxiety - How to Deal With the Bully Rick Stordeur, M.S.W., R.S.W. is the Clinical Supervisor at CFLA.

eing able to predict and be aware of danger keeps me safe. If I walk through lion territory, I know to be wary of lions. I have to get it just right, though: too little caution increases danger; excessive worry, however, can paralyze me. The COVID pandemic put another layer of anxiety on my everyday worries and concerns. It added pressure to be extra careful, to wear a mask, sanitize hands, and keep my distance, and it takes a toll. Below are six methods to help handle the bullying of anxiety. 1. Live more often in “what is” instead of “what could be.” Mindfulness teachings help focus more on the present moment and less on an imagined negative future. Consider signing up for a mindfulness course, meditation, or yoga. 2. When I’m too anxious, I’m out of balance. I think of anxiety as having too much energy coursing through my body. If I can find a way to drain that energy, I will soothe myself. Activities such as writing, painting, talking, crying, puzzles can help. 3. One of the best outlets is aerobic exercise – something that makes me breathe heavily, my heart beat faster, done 20 minutes, three or more times per week. Really!! There is sound science behind this. When I look beyond the exhausted feeling after intense exercise, I notice a feeling of well-being, meaning I’ve re-balanced myself. 4. Going outside and noticing what is around me shifts the focus from my inner turmoil. I focus on the feeling of the wind and sun on my face, the structure

of a leaf. I might even count the number of birds – anything to be more externally oriented. 4. When anxious, I often have an ominous feeling about something that might happen. For example, if I’m afraid I will lose friends because of social distancing, I make it worse by believing, I can’t make it through this. Instead, I can put things into perspective, remind myself that I’ve made it through some challenging things before. I got through them, I will get through this as well. This is not lying! If you are still alive, you have made it through some tough things. 5. When I’m anxious, I will notice my breath is shallow and fast. I focus on breathing slowly and deeply, inhaling to the count of 4, until I notice my abdomen push out slightly. Then I pause for just a moment then slowly exhale. After just a few minutes of this, I notice that I am calmer.

Providing affordable individual counselling and personal development workshops for adults.

COWICHAN FAMILY LIFE

Suite 28, 127 Ingram Street, Duncan BC V9L 1N8 Phone: (250) 748-8281 Visit our website and our Facebook page! www.cowichanfamilylife.org We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

6. Have you noticed that nothing is perfect in this pandemic? Things are messed up. I don’t have to be perfect either. If I am prone to perfectionism, I will be less anxious if I can accept my imperfections. We all are living with extra anxiety in this pandemic. But I don’t have to let it run me over. If you need extra help, please connect with Cowichan Family Life for affordable counselling services.

Cowichan Family Life Association 127 Ingram St #28, Downtown Duncan 250 748-8281

NEW LOCATION! Visit us in the Coastal Oﬃces building 103-255 (Unit 212) Ingram St, Duncan 250 715 5649

www.cowichanvalleyacupuncture.com

A Thriving Arts and Cultural Community

ARTIST KEN CAMPBELL Brings A Quintessentially Canadian Theme To Aquamaris Art Gallery Born in Ontario into a “creative home” and growing up around Thunder Bay, Peterborough and Port Hope in 1950’s and 60’s, West Coast artist Ken Campbell was inspired to express his passion for art from a very young age. His mother worked in kilnformed glass and his father was an independent filmmaker and artist working in ceramics, welded steel, photography and painting. Within this supportive family environment, Ken was given a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of visual arts under the mentorship of his father, HK Campbell, who remains one of his most important influences.

Ken Campbell, Stoney Bay, Water’s Edge - II, Oil on Canvas, 36” x 84”

Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with a minor in psychology from Lakehead University, Ken returned to his pursuit of art, bringing his interest in humanities with him. Like his early influences, Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven, many of whom were also commercial artists, through different stages of his painting career Ken wore many creative hats including editorial cartoonist, production artist, graphic designer, art

director, creative director and book illustrator. In these too he was largely self-thought, embracing the on-job training that resulted in the emergence of a distinctive style and recognition in television, display, print, publishing and fine arts. Working as a full-time fine art painter from his studio in Victoria since 2001, Ken has also been teaching painting and drawing and conducting workshops in art school and atelier settings.

Created in a style based in realism with notes of impressionism and abstraction, Ken’s oil and acrylic canvases encompass seascapes, landscapes, figurative, still life and wildlife themes. Ken Campbell is broadly recognized for his distinctive canoe series and we are honoured to introduce him to the art lovers in the Cowichan Valley through his unique interpretation of this quintessentially Canadian theme, infused with the spirit of adventure and reflecting his passion for remarkable places and contemplative moments. Aquamaris Art Gallery Upstairs in the historic Duncan Garage Building (Level entry from the back) Suite 202 - 330 Duncan Street June Hours: Tuesday Saturday 10am-4:00pm (250) 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com

Ken Campbell, Stoney Bay, Water’s Edge - I, Oil on Canvas, 30” x 84”

JUNE ARTS

BIRCH BARK BITINGS

EJ Hughes Gallery & Excellent Frameworks

by Pat Bruderer at Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery Pat Bruderer - Halfmoon Woman represents the preservation of one of the rarest and most threatened indigenous art forms in North America. The art form is called Birch Bark Bitings and Pat is one of the few current practitioners of this ancient first nations art. She was born and raised in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada and is of Cree ancestry. She is the mother of five children, and currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Halfmoon has always been an active community member, teaching art, volunteering, and creating programs to assist Indigenous communities in Canada. Half Moon Women, is self taught in the ancient art of

birch bark biting, and was inspired by the work of Angelique Merasty of Flin Flon, Manitoba. Halfmoon feels great responsibility as a carrier of this valuable art form, and strives for its preservation, and for the teachings that it holds. A birch bark biting is a very unique piece of Indigenous artwork. They are made from biting an image, using only the teeth, into a thin, single layer of birch bark from the birch tree. Birch bark had many uses historically, from making canoes and cooking pots, to medicinal uses. Birch bark bitings were used as a means to create bead work patterns on clothing and moccasins, to share stories and to record ceremonies. Birch bark biting is an extremely rare skill in modern times, and the rarity of the art form makes them even more special. Excellent Frameworks (new location at 115 Kenneth Street in

Stop by to pick out a favourite local scene by EJ Hughes for Dad. Choose from larger reproductions, open edition giclees on canvas, poster prints, limited editions, and art cards. Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 115 Kenneth St, Duncan 250-746-7112

Aquamaris Art Gallery

The month of June brings new arrivals by the West Coast artist Lisa Riehl and the fine-art floral artist Sandy Terry, along with expressive and dynamic pieces by Eunmi Connacher and landscapes by John Stuart Pryce. Visit our website anytime, or stop by our physical location during our regular business hours. We look forward to welcoming you and assisting you with finding that perfect piece of original art that will suit your needs, taste and budget.

beautiful Downtown Duncan) has five of her original Birch Bark Bitings framed and available for viewing and sale. No two are alike!

June hours: Tuesday Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. By appointment outside of these hours. quamarisartgallery.com

VISIT THESE DOWNTOWN DUNCAN GALLERIES Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 115 Kenneth St, Duncan 250-746-7112 excellentframeworks.ca ejhughes.ca

Aquamaris Art Gallery in the historic Duncan Garage Building Suite 202 - 330 Duncan Street 250-597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com 43

Growing Tea, Knowing Tea

Plucking in the Westholme Tea Garden

pring marks the beginning of tea harvest season all around the world, including right here in our little Valley. Often, we closely associate the transition into Autumn with harvest time. But for tea, the time is now, and our team has been busy plucking the first flush of tender new leaves and buds in the Westholme Tea Garden. Of course, when we refer to tea, we mean the one and only tea plant: Camellia sinensis. Spring harvested teas are some of the most prized in the world. Although harvests in most tea regions will continue into the height of summer, spring teas are unique and generally synonymous with superior quality. There is a short, few-day harvest window in which the first two leaves and a bud can be picked. Held within this first new growth of spring is an experience of distinct flavours, which the tea plant develops throughout the restful winter season. We patiently wait until the tea leaves presents certain characteristics that align with the types of tea (blacks, greens, whites) we hope to produce. For certain types of teas, the stage at which the leaf should be plucked is so precise that if the harvest window is missed, the farmers would have to wait for the next season to produce that type of tea. As soon as the leaf is picked, the process of tea making begins.

As we spend more time in the tea garden, sporting sun hats and satchels, our perspectives of tea are shifting and expanding. At this time of year, we also receive spring harvested teas from around the world: Darjeeling from India, Matcha from Japan, Black teas from China. Our team gets to taste teas harvested by hands on the other side of the world, and then taste teas harvested by our own hands here. If the leaves are destined to be a white tea, we may be tasting our tea within hours after harvest. We can see that around the world, tea is crafted from the same plant matter yet remains a unique expression of the land upon which it is rooted. From this perspective, tea is a medium to view the lines of connection that exist in the world - like contour lines across time and space. We are not just growing tea, but a deeper reverence for the traditions of tea and cycles of nature that connect us to the landscape and to each other. Alicia Fall is an employee at Westholme Tea Company, farmer, and ceremonialist in the Cowichan Valley

Charcuterie In The Vineyard

anatta Winery is thrilled to announce their new partnership with Cobble Hill’s Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese. Guests can now enjoy a glass of wine along with cheese and charcuterie boards on Zanatta’s beautiful verandah and garden patio overlooking the vines. Sip, savour and relax in the heart of Cowichan Valley. Celebrating over fifty years of growing grapes, Zanatta was the first winery to officially open on Vancouver Island. The vineyard origins date back to the 1950’s when family patriarch, Dionisio (Dennis) Zanatta, who was originally from Italy decided that the Cowichan Valley’s warm climate was perfect for growing grapes. He decided to add grape vines to his dairy farm and the rest is Canadian wine history. The Cowichan Valley’s local wine industry has blossomed thanks to the vision and dedication of the Zanatta family. Today, the Cowichan Valley is recognized as an official wine region by the British Columbia Wine Authority and is now home to over a dozen local wineries. Zanatta remains a small family owned winery and uses only grapes that have been grown in their own vineyard to make their wines. Zanatta is known for their award-winning wines including Damasco a local favourite and their exceptional sparkling

wines made in the traditional champagne method. “Growing up with my father, cheese, charcuterie and wine was a family tradition” says Loretta Zanatta. “Our partnership with Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese allows us to share this tradition by offering the best of Vancouver Island charcuterie and cheese. “ Brad Boisvert and his wife Leah opened Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese in the Valleyview Centre in 2014. Here they make their own dry-cured meats as well as heavenly house-made pâtés and sausages. Cheeses are sourced from local producers as well as the best from around the world. “Our charcuterie and cheese boards are specially curated for Zanatta’’ says Brad Boisvert. “Wine, cheese and charcuterie on Zanatta’s patio is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.”

Experience old world tradition. Wine, Cheese and Charcuterie. TASTING ROOM & PATIO OPEN WED TO SUN 5039 MARSHALL ROAD, DUNCAN 250 748 2338 I TASTINGROOM@ZANATTA.CA

Design Services & Colour Consultations Specializing in Bathrooms & Kitchens Aging in Place READY TO START YOUR DESIGN JOURNEY?

www.janenaresdesigns.com I 250 252-0501

For the month of June, Zanatta is donating 10% from all charcuterie and cheese boards sold at the winery and all bar tastings to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. Zanatta Winery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00am to 4:30pm. Reservations are recommended. Phone: 250 748 2338 Email: tastingroom@ zanatta.ca. Submitted by Claire Sear

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

cedar’. So dense, it cannot float or even burn.

othing says Father’s Day dreaming like an outdoor cooker. And make that an all-weather unit for our climate. But where is it situated, and how much fun can you have in that surrounding home space?

It is sustainably harvested, helped along by its rapid growth in the Brazilian climate, and these tiles can be made of small pieces -- making waste next to nothing. Thanks to Lars at Westwind Hardwoods for these.

I was approached by a local couple who live near town and have this strangely arranged home that you have to climb a long flight of stairs to enter. But when you get to the top, oh my god! You look over the edge and 35 to 40 feet straight down there is a tumbling creek careening directly below and parallel to the home, twisting and cascading over rocky falls. An eager Blue Heron perched nearby to lunch away the afternoon.

Dad’s Dream The Outdoor Kitchen We actually had to raise our voices over the sound of the crashing water as we discussed the future build. Where the heck did this stunning place come from? It was truly magical. I was inspired. What was missing was a proper overlook, and one sheltered from the elements in this dark cavernous gulch that was chock a block in giant Douglas-firs and Bigleaf Maples. The entry had to change, as well. The stairwell needed to be designed into the inner part of the home and the client wanted to share this precipice with family and friends, so the upper deck needed to be generous, sheltered, and comfortable. Broad enough to cook, entertain, lounge under cover -but not so foreboding that it would be too dark in an area of dappled light. The design solution: we created a large, 750-square-foot timbered deck with a 400-square-foot timbered roof over it, for shelter. This still allowed an open area for those balmy evenings,

to stargaze, and an outer deck adjacent to the long side, overlooking the rapids below. It also provided a covered, elegant threshold entry to the home’s lower level followed by discreet lighting and raised stone planters. The design delivered extra value by providing additional shelter for a large one-and-a-half-car garage below. With the kitchen and master bedroom both adjacent to this upper terrace, we wanted the toys to cook with and the comfort of a pre-bed lounge area for late evenings. And we wanted it friendly, to walk on and lounge on from bare feet to slippers. The first thing you will notice when you visit this redesigned space are the 50 cm x 50 cm IPE deck tiles. IPE is a Brazilian hardwood they call the ‘new

When we needed a built-in barbeque for this new deck, Roger at South Island Fireplace helped us to create weatherproof cabinets clad in slate for the counters, sink area, and barbeque; and eventually for the open-pit gas firepit, as well, which DCD co-designed with South Island. Next, a TV over the bar, a standup bar (upcycling a nice timber slab from my collection), and the furnishings to complete the lounge encircling the gas firepit. Once you find your seat, with a libation of choice, you look up at the 28-foot clear-span timber trusses; you admire the uplighting we installed to minimize evening glare but maximize the visual effects of the massive vaulted roof above; you breathe, slowly, and savour the delicious taste of clean, Cowichan air. Now it’s all done but the crying, as they say. What father could not resist this?

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

Man Mugs by Hilary Huntley

ilary was born in Fort St. John, the youngest of 5 kids, in the late 1970s and lived there until high school graduation. Hilary introduced herself to clay in 1996 in Bonnyville, AB and the insatiable appetite for making pots was ignited. Hilary moved for work and college and then university but always kept a hand in the mud. Hilary and David moved to Vancouver Island in 2006 after falling in love with island life during a race (of course) and Hilary has been making pottery full time ever since. While selling pottery at several farmers’ markets around the Island (Duncan, Cedar, Nanaimo, Sidney) it quickly became apparent that each person holds their mug slightly differently and they feel comfortable with a mug that suits them for different reasons. Some like the colour or the tactile texture or the surface

decoration of a mug, some folks close their eyes and hold each mug by the handle and care only how it fits their unique hand. Some folks have very large hands and need a very generous handle while others have shape preferences relating the shape to the use of the mug. Hilary has committed to making a very wide variety of mugs with great attention to quality and sturdy construction of each hand thrown mug. Mugs are as unique as the person who uses them. Hilary makes larger mugs for tea or coffee and extra large steins for beer and even tiny ones for a quick espresso. Cork mugs with small holes for drinking while keeping the beverage hot will also be available at the farm stand this summer. Hilary’s pottery is fired to cone 6 and is absolutely fine to go in the dishwasher and microwave. Mug prices range from $25 to $65. The farm stand on George Road, in Cowichan Bay, is stocked for contactless shopping on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. There is plenty of parking off the small rural road and folks are easily able to stay distant from others at the outdoor farm stand. Payments can be made by etransfer, cash in the little tin, and by debit/credit on the square tap gizmo. Hilary has a very small selection of pots on the website www. trialbyfirepottery.ca which can be purchased ahead of time and boxed up for contactless pick up at the farm stand if required. www.trialbyfirepottery.ca

JUNE 30

soil from your garden, it is always a good idea to add in some compost. This will help provide nutrients for your herbs as they continue to grow throughout the summer.

une is the perfect time to get your creative juices flowing and have some fun around your home planning a simple kitchen herb garden for you to enjoy, and your taste buds will thank you later. Even though it may seem like we’re nearing the end of the optional growing season, there is still plenty of time left for growing many edible plants, especially herbs. My first recommendation for new gardeners is to start small and keep it simple. Tuck a few successes under your belt in year one, and scale up little by little. When adding herbs into your garden, try sticking to the basics. Start off with a checklist. Light, space, soil, water, and the most exciting part of all - plants! Lighting plays a very important role when it comes to choosing your plant location. If you have to choose between a sunny spot or a shadier spot in your yard, pick the sunny spot! The best location for a new herb garden is one receiving full sun (6+ hours of sunlight a day). Some of my favourite easy sun loving herbs include rosemary, basil, thyme, chives, and oregano. Although most herbs thrive best with 6+ hours of sun a day, there are many herbs that can still tolerate partial shade. Cilantro, mint, dill, and parsley will still produce tasty leaves even with limited sunlight. While they may grow more robust if they receive full sun, they’ll still provide your family with enough harvests to satisfy your herbal appetite with just a few hours of sun per day. If you’re tight for space, don’t fret! Herbs do exceptionally well in containers and pots. Not only does this mean you can have quick access to your culinary planter while prepping a meal, but you also get to enjoy the bounty of fragrance and colour your planter will display right next to your door. Choose a pot with enough depth to encourage your plants to root out, as well as enough space for them to flush out and expand. Overcrowding plants into a small space can lead to stunted growth and inadequate air circulation, which can sometimes result in unwanted pests and diseases. My ideal herb planter would be

Next comes watering. A simple way to help keep your plants hydrated is to start a watering routine. This will ensure you’re watering the plants efficiently and effectively. If your herbs are located in full direct sun and they’re in a container, it’s pretty safe to say you will have to water your pot multiple times a week, or even on a daily basis during the warm summer months.

Creating A Simple Kitchen Herb Garden 12+ inches deep, with 4-6 inches of space between each plant so they have room to flourish. Don’t let the lack of outdoor space deter you from growing your favourite herbs. If you live somewhere with no access to an outdoor area, try growing herbs such as basil, dill, cilantro, and parsley along your windowsill where they can still get direct light from outside. These are easy cut-and-come-again herbs that can handle our indoor temperatures. It is always a good idea to grow herbs such as oregano, thyme, and mint in pots instead of directly in the ground. This will help contain them from spreading throughout your garden into unwanted areas. The main ingredient when it comes to creating a successful kitchen herb garden is choosing the right soil. Think of soil as food for your plants. This is where your plants will gain most of their nutrients that will help them continue to grow all season long. You want to make sure your soil has optimal drainage which will allow for more direct movement of water and air down to the roots of the plants. Choosing a well drained soil such as a container mix, will help guide you from under or over watering your herb plants. I recommend using an organic container mix, however any all-purpose potting mix will do the trick. If you’re working with any existing

Containers in general dry out a lot faster than plants that are growing directly in the ground. I recommend watering your herbs first thing in the morning before the heat of the day takes over. It can be reassuring to know you’re giving the plants a head start to the day. The majority of herbs need water when the soil feels dry to the touch. A great way is to check the first few inches of your soil with your finger. If it feels dry, your plants need some water. Starting some herbs from seed can be a gratifying process and starting them now will still allow you enough time to enjoy them throughout this season. I personally like to get a head start when it comes to herbs and buy the herb starts that are ready to be transplanted into a large pot or directly into the garden. As exciting as it may be to buy them all, remember to start off simple. A great guide to follow is begin with plants you know you will use. Whether you’re growing your herbs to use fresh, dried, or to simply add an edible flare to your patio, remember the last and most important step of all - have fun with it! Enjoy the rewarding and therapeutic process of gardening. So go ahead and give it a go! Get your hands in that soil, and add a little spice of life to your garden, and to your plate. Submitted by Emily Bjornson-Skelly Dinter Nursery employee, mother of two, and edible garden enthusiast

Monica Dockerty, Dockerty Gardens horticulturist and Dinter Nursery employee.

hen people think of Vancouver Island gardens, they typically envision beds full of rhododendrons, Japanese Maples, and lush foliage. With seasonal water restrictions, hot summers, and periods of drought, the Cowichan Valley is also suitable for other styles of gardens, more specifically Mediterranean gardens. Despite Cowichan Valley receiving more precipitation than Mediterranean climatic regions, the rugged topography, yearly rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations and summer dormant vegetation of the Cowichan Valley are characteristic of many Mediterranean regions. For gardeners seeking a lower maintenance garden, consider the garrigue style of Mediterranean gardens. A garrigue garden mimics the low-growing vegetation on the limestone hills of the Mediterranean coast. This style of garden is strongly seasonal, with an appearance that changes profoundly between flowering and dormant periods. Plants suitable for this style of garden often have a great diversity of foliage colour, amazing scents, and an incredible ability to withstand tough conditions, extended periods of drought, strong coastal winds, and poor, stony soil. Most effort involved in creating a garrigue is mental, since many of the horticultural lessons gardeners are taught must be ignored. If plants are to thrive in the Mediterranean garden, they require conditions that mimic their conditions in the wild. Many of these plants thrive in thin, nutrient-poor limestone soil, with sharp drainage. If you garden on heavy, moistureretentive clay this is the time to cut your losses and choose a more suitable style for your garden. Mulches should be inorganic, to not add nutrients to the soil. Gravel or rock is ideal. The water requirements of these plants are minimal, and water should only be given until plants

Kitchen Gardens Start with a Collection of Herbs

The Mediterranean Garden are established. Full sun is ideal, but many Mediterranean plants grow in partial shade. Weeds are less likely to spread aggressively, and maintenance will focus more on thinning self-seeding perennials adapted to these nutrient-poor conditions. All this being said, the Mediterranean garden aesthetic is not for everyone. No lawns, no roses, beds of annuals, or lush foliage will be seen in a garrigue-style Mediterranean garden. Instead, the silver shades of lavenders, sages and rockroses, the leathery leaves of Olearia haastii, Viburnum davidii and Arbutus unedo, and fuzzy foliage of Phlomis, Perovskia and Stachys will dominate in the garden. One special aesthetic quality of this style of Mediterranean garden is that it remains visually attractive through the year due to evergreen foliage. A bonus of all these durable and highly adapted plants is that deer often avoid them. If this style of garden sounds like something that appeals to you here are five plants to get you started: Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage): This perennial produces yellow dome shaped flowers atop evergreen foliage in summer. The seedheads persist well into winter. Grows 2-3’ tall and 2’ wide. Teucrium chamaedrys (Wall Germander): The subshrub has semi-evergreen foliage (dependent on winter minimum temperatures). Rosy lavender to

pinkish purple delicate blooms appear at the ends of the fragrant green foliage. Grows 1-2’ tall and 2’ wide. Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ (Purple Sage): This subshrub is grown for its ornamental and culinary foliage. Purple flowers are produced in midsummer. Grows 2-3’ tall and wide. Stipa gigantea: Native to Spain, this grass is well-suited to Mediterranean gardens. Seed heads grow six to eight feet tall above evergreen tufted foliage. Arbutus unedo ‘Compacta’ (Strawberry tree): A relative to our native Arbutus, the strawberry tree has evergreen glossy green leaves, peeling dark brown bark, small white flowers in winter, and orange-red fruit. Grows to 10’ tall and wide. Image above; Garden of Olivier Filippi, nurseryman and author of Bringing the Mediterranean into your Garden

Easy to grow and most overwinter Parsley Sage Rosemary Thyme Bay Chives and Dill Tarragon Oregano Marjoram Chamomile Mint, many flavours Cress Basil Stevia (Sweetener) Catnip (for cats) Serving local gardeners since 1973

250 748 2023 5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

COWICHAN VALLEY’S SIX MOUNTAINS FOREST: War or Peace— The Choice is Ours

Image Chris Istace

The problem is that public consultation is stuck between governments. The Municipality and First Nations are negotiating. About what? How to protect the forests for future generations? We’ve been told nothing. We’ve been waiting more than a year.

By Icel Jane Dobell

istory shows that how we treat people mirrors how we treat nature. Most nations have warred against other nations—so we war against the forests. When we fall forests we sever vital root and mycelium connections; then we replace ecosystems with timber plantations. Disconnected, the next generation of trees are susceptible to drought, erosion, wind, fire, and viruses. As in nature, so in our nations, and so in our Valley—to be strong, vibrant, healthy and happy, we must be connected. In this beautiful valley we are disconnected and divided about the fate of the Six Mountains Community Forest. We have the

power and right to stop logging Tzouhalem, Prevost, Richards, Sicker, Maple Mt and Stoney Hill. If we come together, we have an opportunity as no other community on the continent. No other level of government or forestry company owns these forests. We can protect them to become old growth. It is a historic moment. And yet, if we don’t rise together above the division running through our community, our roots and blood lines, our children and future generations will take the fall. Whether we are newly arrived, have been here generations, or trace our ancestry back millennia, if we keep logging the Six Mountains, our legacy will be tree plantations of diminishing quality. There is no financial justification. UBC’s Forestry Department says we can earn as much or more from carbon credits as logging. The federal government is seeking to enhance a domestic carbon offset market to apply to municipalities and Indigenous groups. Carbon taxes will increase and so will the market. But there’s more to it. When we log, our short term profit doesn’t include the inestimable long term cost of coping with

tidal waves of invasive species that logging leads to. Then there is the incalculable cost benefit of the forests revealed by the pandemic. When we hit the wall and our reality crumbles—when we need reason to hope, to have faith in something greater than ourselves, we will flock to the forests for sanity, sanctity and sanctuary. The health of our community is our backbone, our essential resource, a priceless “commodity.” A town is being built on Tzouhalem. We’re at the beginning of a population explosion. People are arriving to be in nature. Developments are popping up. Trees, with no bylaw to protect them, are coming down in clearcut hectares. Trails are becoming crowded. It doesn’t take a visionary to see what’s coming. We can’t afford to log trees we can protect. So what are we fighting about? Recently, CBC National reported on tree-poaching in our forests. I was interviewed and said (not included): These thieves are nothing in comparison with what our community will be stealing from future generations if we keep logging. We’d be gobbling up the last crumbs that could grow into a banquet for them. But there’s good news. If we opt for carbon credits, the money would be used to manage and protect the forests. Going forward there’d be no financial incentive to war on the forests or to fight about them.

In pubic meetings, First Nations’ Elders, advocating to stop logging, have said that to honour and serve nature is a First Nations’ value. They say trees are family to their people. So are all living-beings in the forests. And, they say, their people traditionally plan for many generations. Every time I hear these words I’m filled with hope. I understand there are other points of view. As in North Cowichan, so in the First Nations: some want to log. But I believe most people, of all backgrounds, want to protect the forests—that most are motivated by love for children and nature: it’s the universal language. In our hearts we know what is true. The forests are sacred and should be accessible for all people, with NO “No Trespassing” signs. It’s time to share what we know about the rare, endangered forest ecosystems surrounding us— time for understanding, time for our roots to connect together through the forests, before time runs out. In an ecosystem, different species of trees, appearing to be competitors for resources, often join their roots to share, nourish, anchor, and warn each other about viruses and aggressors. Thus connected they overcome hardship and flourish. As in nature, so be it in our Valley. As a community divided, if we come together now, we may be remembered as ancestors who declared peace on the mountains and in the valley far below. We can vote for old growth forests to be our legacy. We can let Council know where we stand: council@northcowichan. ca

Fathers of Low Tide Day roaming Kil-pah-las beach. They run up to biologists eagerly asking them to see what’s in the buckets or to identify a clam or worm found while counting critters in their quadrats.

Eric Marshall

Citizen science helps scientists track changes in the natural world, so we can live in a safer, healthier, cleaner world - because there’s only one planet Earth and we all live downstream. Jeff Quinton

nternational Low Tide Day has been celebrated in Cowichan Bay since 1999. This piece honours four community members who’ve been “Father’s of Low Tide Day” since it began. Have you ever stopped to wonder what’s under the mud on a beach at low tide? Fielded questions from an inquisitive child about life in the ocean? Does marine life inspire you with wonder? If your answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Low Tide Day might just be the community celebration you didn’t know you needed. Bill Austin and John Scull,

Image Linda Hill

The Estuary Nature Centre hosts citizen-science-based events like Low Tide Day for anyone interested in learning, understanding and helping protect our natural environment, locally and globally. For these celebrations we gather as many scientists and families as possible and make muddy magic. Packs of excited, muddy, happy children, with their parents tagging along behind them, can be seen

For anyone new to the area, every year on the May Saturday with the lowest tide – Low Tide Day - our Cowichan community celebrates the wonders of the intertidal zone. Our first local Low Tide event in 1999 was co-sponsored by the Marine Ecology Station, Cowichan Land Trust, Cowichan Estuary Preservation Society, Cowichan Bay Improvement Association, and Cowichan Valley Naturalists, with support from Cowichan Tribes. Since the beginning, Low Tide Day celebrations were led by Bill Austin, John Scull, Eric Marshall and Jeff Quinton. These four fathers, three scientist-naturalists and Jeff, dedicated their time, energy and commitment to our community and its natural environment to create a celebration that inspires and raises awareness about our local marine environment. Since the Estuary Nature Centre opened in 2012 we’ve carried on that tradition with gratitude for their legacy.

Images courtesy Linda Hill

Spiritual Upliftment and Conversation

Join us in oﬀering prayers for the healing and upliftment of the world, and conversation on topics that challenge the establishment of unity and peace. We are three local Baha’i friends who currently meet on Zoom. 7:30 to 8:30 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month

All are invited and welcome, whatever your spiritual path. Please call us for details and link:

Tim and Laurice Mock – (250) 748-2585 Lee Masters – (250) 748-4060

So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. Baháʼu’lláh On June 9th, the topic will be Oneness of Mankind and on June 23rd, it will be Progressive Revelation 51

Field Crew in Koksilah River. Photo by Chloe Mitchell, Cowichan Watershed Board

WHO’S THAT IN THE RIVERS?

Field Crews Comb for Clues in Twinned Watersheds Study

rom time immemorial, salmon have used the rivers of the Cowichan Valley to spawn, to overwinter as little eggs, to grow into strong little sea-going fry. But climate change isn’t just changing weather patterns and making life on land more difficult, it’s also changing our watersheds and endangering the lives of wild salmon and everything that depends on them. Fish need water to survive. This sounds simple. What isn’t simple is knowing how little is too little; how much water is needed in each part of each river during each week of the year to support each of the salmon species. This summer you may see fashionably wader-clad folks on our rivers. They will look a bit different than the usual tubers, paddlers and fishers. They are hard-working technicians from Cowichan Watershed Board, Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, and Khowutzun Forestry Services. Working together in the ChemainusKoksilah Twinned Watershed Salmon Sustainability Project, these fishy-friends will be using innovative and truly exciting science to understand how to make our salmon habitats more resilient in the face of climate change.

These technicians will be observing how different water levels affect the various pool, riffle, and glide habitats that salmon need, gathering information about the roles of various plants on the riverbeds and shorelines and, taking population surveys of the fish themselves. Another very important element of this program is understanding the history of these rivers when they were healthy. What plants thrived here? What were salmon populations like? Through interviews with Indigenous knowledge holders, the project team hopes to learn about how the watershed functioned when the people lived in reciprocity with the rivers. To capture and share all of this excellent work, two roving reporters and a giant chinook salmon mascot will be interviewing everyone and posting these reports from the field, to help you be part of this unique program. This summer look for the Chinook and the technicians. They have hope and so should all of us. Nora Livingstone Cowichan Watershed Board’s O-fish-al Mascot Coordinator. www.CowichanWatershedBoard.ca

S evolution of my career has brought me up to this point in which I am able to offer expert service in line with my values of treating people right. Hanging on my office wall are relevant certificates, dating back to the late 80’s, and more recently, the Water Sustainability Act registration card issued by the government, and now required for anyone working on groundwater systems. However, it is the years of experience, and the acquired network of suppliers and related trades people that I can trust to do the job right that gives me confidence in guiding clients through making informed decisions, laying out their options, and getting the necessary work efficiently done.

PAUL ROBINSON Paul’s Pump and Treatment

orn and raised on a hobby farm in the Cowichan Valley, I have early memories of my father cursing at the old Duro piston pump on more than one occasion. Over the years, I have had the occasion to curse at a few pumps myself. My career in the water well industry started quite by chance, as many careers do. At 15 years of age, I had a weekend job at a local commercial greenhouse facility as a general labourer. One day, the owner appropriated my help, as an extra set of hands, to help some fellows lift a deep well pump from a well. Since that day, over 40 years ago, I have invested well over 50,000 hours in a career of moving and treating water in the Cowichan Valley. Although valuable knowledge was acquired, a short stint on the drill rigs proved that I was better suited to the task of pump installation and the treatment of water. The

We lead busy lives, but as consumers of products and services, if we are willing to carve out some time to get informed about the choices available to us, it is money better spent. If you are having water issues, it is prudent to gather information from various sources before committing to a plan. Often there is more than one option available to you and knowing this option will increase the likelihood that you spend well and only get what you need. Gathering information is generally free, or at a minimal expense; it is what you do with it that is the investment. Once a plan to fix the water issue has been settled on, I keep clients in the loop as the process unfolds. I have found this business practice to be of great use to help people understand their unique water system regarding operation, maintenance, longevity, as well as, the outcome of a satisfied costumer. Periodic maintenance, or check-ups, on water supply equipment, when properly performed, can identify any changes occurring. This especially holds true if prior check-up stats have been recorded. Some treatment equipment requires annual service, but not all.

with greater frequency. A common culprit is what is called ‘rapid cycling’ of pump motors and controls. This, in fact, may not be a sign of faulty equipment, but just equipment that is in need of servicing. A service checkup may be good investment if no previous services show any recorded information other than the price paid. Repair or replace? Water systems are made up of many parts varying in longevity due to their particular circumstance. Sometimes the answer is obvious but not always. A follow up question is often: Do I spend as little as possible, or spend as much as they say they want? Figuring out this dilemma brings me back to a conversation I overheard years ago between my employer and a prospective customer: Customer: “Wow!” How come your pump price is so expensive?” Employer: “Because it’s the Cadillac of pumps.” Customer: “Well, 15 years ago I bought the economy VW Bug model from ****” So tell me, what does this one do other than pump the water that I need it to” Point being made: Get what you need and not what you are being sold: Be informed and get treated right!

Come Spring and Summer, water usage goes up. As a result system faults begin to happen

Fresh Food comes from Local Farms

Alderlea farm

FARMERS: Farmer John and Ms Katy Alderlea Farm had been providing veggies to the community for nearly twenty years. The farm has always followed biodynamic and organic practices. For many years we were certified. Still following the same practices, we offer a great selection of seasonal veggies every week. Easy, safe pick-up is Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Located 5 minutes from Duncan in the heart of Glenora. When you pick-up, you may be tempted to enjoy a delicious feast of food at the farm-to-table restaurant located right on the farm! There is no upfront payment. Pay $20 by the week. You can really taste the difference! We will have vegetables until the end of November. 3390 Glenora Rd, Duncan. www.alderleafarm.com

PROVIDENCE FARM

FARM STAND FARMER: Pete Stacey The Farm Stand at Providence Farm: Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 3pm Horticultural Therapy is one of the Foundation Programs at Providence Farm where our participants find the benefit of

observing, tending and care of plants, starting from seeding to transplanting plants into our gardens. When ready assorted greens, squashes, garlic, as well as veggie starts are on sale. Come get our farm fresh eggs and freshly frozen apple cider. All can be found Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 3pm on our self-served Farm Stand (stocked twice daily) and located at the front of Providence House. www.providence.bc.ca

Boots ‘n’ Roots Permaculture Farm

FARMER: Kelly Raye Boots ‘n’ Roots works really hard at building healthy, vibrant soil with lots of beneficial microbes, resulting in some of the most nutritious food in the Valley. Healthy soil results in healthy plants and healthy people. BNR is one of the few organic market garden farms in the Cowichan Valley that practices true Permaculture techniques. This is a step up from traditional organic, and is the most sustainable way to grow our food! We never use tractors or other heavy machinery, and practice a ‘no till’ method, where a lot of effort is put into creating a healthy soil food web - loaded with beneficial micro-organisms, fungi, and minerals. We make all our compost and fertilizers from scratch right here on the farm. We grow over 50 different veggies, herbs and berries Our CSA program works like a preloaded card, and runs year ‘round. Can be used for veggies, roasting chickens and non-GMO eggs. CSA program reflects what is in season and will vary from week to week. www. bootsnrootsfarm.com

OUR ECOVILLAGE

FARMERS: Brandy Gallagher, Trent Berg OUR Ecovillage’s Healthy Lifestyle Box: Weekly fresh farm produce and more! Learn about “Food, Farming, and Medicine Making” during OUR 2021 season. Expect the same abundance of fresh, in-season produce, eggs, meat and meat-alternatives, baking, and other goodies we’ve offered in past CSA seasons along with an expanded commitment to education and, of course, community. Plus: new this year is OUR online TV show: Foodies, Farmers, and Medicine Makers, and CSA members receive priority access. OUR 20-week season starts in June, with full and half shares available. https:// ourecovillage.org/our-csa-box/

Dancing Dandelion Farms GROWER: Kailli Pigott and Zach Johnston

We grow over 75 types of flowers including everything from dahlias to zinnias to sweet peas. Our flower bouquet subscription program runs from June through October! We have options for

weekly, bi-weekly or monthly bouquets for pick-up or delivery to your door. We grow using natural inputs without synthetic pesticides and we plant a wide variety of flowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects to our garden. You’ll receive a wide array of gorgeous local blooms throughout the season. Flower subscriptions make the perfect gift or treat for yourself. Length of CSA: 16 weeks, 8 weeks or 4 weeks. Starting in mid-June. Cost range $86 to $335 + tax Sign-up at: www.dancingdandelion.ca or 250-510-7592.

Flora And Fungi Farm FARMER: JJ

Our farm is a 9 acre mixed vegetable, fruit, herb and mushroom farm. We offer 30+ varieties of vegetables a year, herbs, apples, and seasonal mushrooms and other foraged goods from the property. Our CSA is a $20 weekly box (4-6 items) with specialty add ons available weekly. We offer medicinal herbs and mushrooms and plan to have weekly seasonal specialty add ons available from other producers (berries, bread, meat,etc.) Summer season CSA: 15 weeks (starting in June) $300 www.florafungifarm.com

Try a CSA this year for something new!

Farmship Growers Co-op FARMERS: Isabelle Morris & Wyndlow family & friends

Farmship is a group of farmers growing cooperatively on a 50 acre family farm in Yellow Point. We use growing methods that respect the land, the water, our pollinators and other beneficial beings. We grow over 70 different crops from Asparagus to Zucchini. We also have the longest CSA season of any of the farms in the region i.e. May to December! Free pick-up options or delivery to your door (for a fee). Length of CSA: 9 months separated into 3 seasons: Spring 7 weeks, Summer 13 weeks and Fall 13 weeks. Cost varies by season and by size of box ordered (small box $23 weekly and large box $30 weekly). www.Farmship.ca

MICHELLE ROSE CSF FISHERMAN: Guy Johnston

Do you want to eat tasty, locally and sustainably caught seafood and help support local fishermen involved in sustainable fisheries? Become a member in the Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery (CSF). A community supported fishery is direct fair trade between fisherman and consumer. As a member of a CSF you get the West Coast’s highest quality seafood at prices fair to both

members and fishermen. My name is Guy Johnston. I have been a fisherman for over 40 years. I use hook and line to catch salmon and fish and fish by trap for prawns and shrimp: all low impact fishing methods. As a CSF member you will connect directly with the local fishing community and have healthy and sustainable seafood year around. For more information and to sign up for a 2021 share visit our website or contact us by email mrfishing@telus.net. www.michellerosecsf.com

Green Fire Farm FARMERS: DeLisa Lewis and Jana Kotaska

Green Fire Farm is a diverse, family-owned certified organic farm in the Cowichan Valley. Our mission is to engage with

local communities and help rebuild regional food systems by producing high quality food, stewarding ecosystems, and building knowledge and skills. We offer a classic farmers’ choice CSA and as a member, you will receive a weekly Harvest Box of 5-7 fresh vegetables and fruits from mid-June to early October. Our produce is certified organic and our CSA members love our strawberries, melons, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and snap peas. 17 weeks, from mid-June to early October. $595, which is $35/ week Please visit our website for more information and to sign up: www.greenfirefarm.ca.

Visit our

FEATURING Assorted Greens located by the Plants Providence House Local Eggs roundabout $5 dozen 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan I Open Daily 9am - 3pm

FARM STAND

A&S Microgreens FARMERS: Sharlene and Alexandru Ionescu

A&S Microgreens/Edible Flowers grows 65+ microgreen products and edible flowers yearround from non-GMO certified organic seeds without pesticides, insecticides, or manure, and we use eco-packaging made of plants. Our CSA runs 52 weeks per year, and becoming a member is easy as 1, 2, 3. 1. Select the plan that works best for your family: Monthly - 4 weeks each month $100/month Bi-weekly - 1st and 3rd week of the month - $55/month Monthly - last week of the month - $28/month. 2. Every order includes (value of $32): 100g microgreen shoots 50g mighty microgreens 50g microgreen mix 15g micro herbs/edible flowers. 3. Let us know what you prefer:

FARMSHIP GROWERS COOPERATIVE 3 SEASONS CSA - SPRING/SUMMER/FALL

FRESH FOOD • MAY - DECEMBER

More information, recipes and things that inspire us at www.farmship.ca CSA with over 30+ varieties of market veggies (from salad greens to tomatoes), seasonal mushrooms, and flower blooms to choose from.

www.florafungifarm.com Boots ‘n’ Roots Permaculture We offer a ‘You choose CSA’ with pick up at the Duncan Market or at our farmgate stand in Glenora

Includes eggs and roasting chickens too!

www.bootsnrootsfarm.com

LOOKING FOR MICROGREENS?

We grow plenty of them!

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

Pick up available at our farm in Cobble Hill or free delivery. www.smicrogreens.com

Eminence Vitamin C Anti-Oxidant Facial with complimentary eye and lip treatment $98 (regular $125)

Monday-Friday 9-5pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – Closed 109-2673 Beverly St., Duncan (Thrifty’s Plaza) 250 748-2056 I www.soulescape.ca

Providing the Cowichan Valley with Raw Cold Press 100% Organic Juices & Nut Mylks NEW Bone Broths with Medicinal Mushrooms! Available EVERY DAY at The Community Farm Store or WEEKLY online at cow-op.ca. Direct orders can be placed to hello@euphoricjuicery.com

Feed Your Skin

here’s no better gift to your skin to welcome the change of season than a facial. For some facials are a luxurious treats reserved for birthdays and special occasions, for me now that my skin has been around the block a few times seasonal facials have become an essential part of my ‘ageing graceful’ routine. Much like going to the dentist once or twice a year, going for a facial is my preventative action for ageing skin. Soul Escape organic spa’s newest ultrafacial offering is The Vitamin C. A specialty lymphatic drainage and collagen boosting treatment. After a season of dry, flaky, acne prone skin I was ready for some TLC. I book in with Verity, Soul Escapes newest aesthetician with over eighteen years of full service spa experience in many of Canada’s major capital cities. She warmly welcomes me into the sunlit reception area with a mandatory contactless temperature check to ensure everyone is kept safe and healthy. Cleanse The treatment room is dimly lit and ready for my arrival. Verity gives me a few minutes

to change and get settled on the cozy blanketed table. The ebb and flow of nature scapes play in the background serenely settling me to another place far from Duncan. She begins with a hot cloth and a gentle lemon milk cleanser that cleans, hydrates and nourish with vitamins. My pores and senses come alive with a burst of fresh lemon. A hot towel is applied before the next step, an international award winning Mangosteen cleanser. This organic Eminence product is a favourite of aestheticians throughout the world due to its natural effectiveness to slough off dead skin cells. The unique tart and sweet scent of tropical mangosteen uplifts my mood and cradles me in memories of tropical beaches from holidays in my past. Another hot cloth is pressed on my face and décolleté before a pH balancing spritz of organic lime toner. This hot cloth lingers with warmth to full open my pores before the upcoming peels. Facial Peel Now that Verity has had some time with my skin, she is able to asses why type it is and where my problem areas are. Taking into consideration my personal needs, she mixes together a fresh alpha hydroxy acid fruit pulp peel specific to my skin type. AHA’s are water soluble acids made from sugary fruits that help peel away dead surface on

ultra facial and we are only midway!

your skin so new skin cells can thrive. This pro formula contains antioxidant boosters of organic apple, grape, quince and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). These ingredients combined reduce the effects of sun damage and renews the skin by adding moisture and nourishment. While the peel penetrates Verity works on my arms and hands attentive to the full length of each limb. Verity’s expert fingers massages my cheeks, chin, nose and forehead as she applies a stimulating lime, nettle and lemon masque to increase healthy blood circulation. “I like to use a cool towel to bring down the warm tingle feeling on your skin after this part of the treatment.” Verity shares with me in advance of the next cloth “It feels really nice after having so much heat and also helps tighten up your pores.” A gentle camomile toner readies my skin for extractions. Extractions are one of my favourite segments of a professional spa facial. Protection is laid over my closed peepers as Verity scans my face for clogged pores and blackheads to remove. Her expert method unclogs the problem pores gently and efficiently leaving my face so clean and renewed. I lie back and relax into the fruity halo that surrounds me. She tones again and I prep myself for the end, but to my pleasant surprise learn that this is an

Masques, Massage and Moisturize I stretch like a cat under the blanket as I get ready for the next steps. I am feeling fully cared for and cosy today in Verity’s expert hands. Next comes one of her favourite blends a Citrus and Kale masque. “When you have L-Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid you have a very potent powerhouse. The ferulic Acid helps stabilizes vitamin C to retain its full potency.” Verity shares as she applies this masque with a firmer touch concentrating on facial manipulation to help tighten the skin. Another glorious hot cloth is laid as she blends a formula of Linden and Calendula with a few drops of organic apricot oil for a massage of my décolleté and shoulder areas incorporating digital pressure on the face followed by specialized lymphatic drainage. “The lymphatic system in the body allows us to get rid of excess fluids and built-up toxins through the lymph nodes. It can improve client’s circulation and reduce puffiness.” Verity softly informs me as the pressure, still gently but more directed increases “It helps stimulate sagging facial muscles which can allow features to appear fuller and plumper. “ Another hot towel and then we moisturize with organic potent Citrus and Kale facial serum for my fine lines and wrinkle prevention The leafy greens in this serum helps to improve elasticity and the avocado helps with deep hydration. This serum is nourishing for any skin type. Feeling fully satisfied, the treatments rounds to a close with an application of organic mineral red currant moisturizer

Giving you back the luxury of time and a naturally clean home to enjoy it in! Providing professional, eco friendly cleaning services.

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

with SPF. After a facial, your skin, now freshly glowing is more sensitive so the sun so protection is applied to the face and Neroli Eye Serum applied to the delicate eye area. I revel in the last steps as she finds pressure points on my scalp after moisturizing my arms, hands, shoulders and neckline with a fresh stone scented cream. She quietly lets me know that my facial is done and leaves me to get ready to float out of the spa.

I lie there for a few minutes easing back into reality. Feeling lighter and cleaner, relaxed both physically and mentally. The best spent hour and fifteen minutes I’ve had in a long time. The Vitamin C Ultra Facial which includes eye, lip and neck treatment is on special this month at Soul Escape Spa. Book in for one. You certainly deserve it! www.soulescape.ca Submitted by Sheila Badman

Is North Cowichan’s Growth Management Survey Luring Us Down an Unsustainable Path? DEADLINE JUNE 6 Submitted by Jane Kilthei, One Cowichan

“H

ow Should We Grow?”, asks the Municipality of North Cowichan. I just completed the North Cowichan Growth Management Survey, which the municipality is asking local citizens to do by June 6th. It’s open to input from anyone who lives in Cowichan Valley. www.northcowichan.ca/OCP The survey offers three growth scenarios. The backgrounder says, “All of the scenarios preserve North Cowichan’s agricultural, natural and rural areas outside the Urban Containment Boundary (UCB).” Sounds reassuring right? Until we recall that the urban containment boundary, and the last OCP’s never -implemented rezoning recommendations that went with that boundary, haven’t effectively contained development or protected agricultural or ecologically sensitive land inside or outside of that boundary. When I read the three growth scenarios, this is what I believe they mean for the future of North Cowichan. Scenario 1 (Business as Usual): This scenario will allow continued widespread development of what are now agricultural and natural lands, including rare, forested ecosystems. For example,

much of the minimally developed farmland and Garry Oak savannah around Quamichan Lake will be designated for urban development, as will the 130acre mostly forested Stonehill property which forms an ecological corridor between the Quamichan watershed, Mt Tzouhalem and Cowichan Bay. Scenario 2 (Focused Growth): This scenario focuses new and denser growth in much smaller areas in existing cores, consistent with previous OCP recommendations. This scenario will enable the protection of many rural and natural lands from development, protecting the community’s food security and sequestered carbon while allowing more affordable clusters of apartments and townhouse developments. Scenario 2 will allow much greater protection and regeneration of forests and other natural ecosystems throughout the municipality in and beyond the municipality’s forest reserves. Scenario 2 also means more walkable, bikeable and transitaccessible communities and less reliance on GHGproducing transportation. This scenario will meet the needs of our existing population in addition to providing housing for future residents in an ecologically sound way. Scenario 3 (Multi-Centre Growth): This is the one where I believe we are at risk of being misled. At first this scenario can sound benign, even attractive, with its promise of “15-minute neighbourhoods”. However, when one digs into the Is North Cowichan’s Growth Management Survey Luring Us Down an Unsustainable Path? continued on page 76

Affordable Homeownership in a Time of Need

Brian Horwitz is a licensed real estate agent and a proud Dad dedicated to making landshare purchases more accessible.

ore than ever, affordable housing seems to be a prominent concern within our housing sector. Interest rates may be at all time lows, yet getting approved for a mortgage these days is not easy. It’s common for renters to pay more in rent than what a mortgage payment would be. As a result, homeownership is starting to feel completely out of reach for so many people. Not everyone has the equity, financial backing from family or savings for a down payment and ever since the housing crash of 2008, it has become much more challenging for buyers to get approved for a mortgage. And now, as more people realize they can work from home, it seems that rural areas are becoming highly desirable. People are cashing out in the bigger cities and realizing how far their dollar goes in places like the Cowichan Valley.

Yet, among all this, the time is now, for us as a community to remain hopeful and look to solutions that support affordable homeownership. Let’s take a look at a relatively new program, created by the Province of British Columbia through BC Housing, called HousingHub. Established in 2018, HousingHub focuses on creating partnerships with the development industry to facilitate the creation of new affordable rental housing and homeownership options for middle-income British Columbians. One of the programs offered under HousingHub is called the Affordable Homeownership Program. This program provides low-cost construction loans and facilitates partnerships between developers and municipalities in order to create savings. These savings are then offered as a no payment, no interest second position mortgage to eligible homebuyers.

The Affordable Homeownership Program offers eligible middleincome individuals and families an opportunity to purchase new homes between 5 to 20 percent below market value. Buyers don’t need to put as much money down and their monthly mortgage payments can be lower than in a typical home purchase situation with the same purchaser’s down payment. The construction loans are repaid once construction is complete, allowing HousingHub to reinvest in additional housing. As part of the approval process for a proposal under the Affordable Homeownership Program, a Memorandum of Understanding between the municipality and BC Housing is created. This Memorandum of Understanding is an agreement between BC Housing and the municipality, laying out the terms for the support that will be provided to the project. Municipalities buy into this program by providing assistance to the project in the form of municipal contributions that could be in the form of relaxations, easing density restrictions, a streamlined

process, deferment of fees or anything else that helps lower the cost of the project.

Bad Comiks

Once this formal agreement is in place between BC Housing and the municipality, a three-way Project Partnering Agreement is formed between BC Housing, the municipality and the developer, outlining the details of the specific project.

by Shiloh Badman

All design procedures, permits and conditions need to be in place and approved before interim construction loans are granted and it is essential that municipalities are on board in order for these types of developments to take place. These ventures are not typical and require a firm understanding of the step-by-step process involved. Having said that, the potential is there, and so is the opportunity for financing. As part of Budget 2021, the Province increased HousingHub’s borrowing capacity to $2.8 billion, which will increase the number of homes built for middle-income households over the 10-year lifespan of the program. Through HousingHub, and with the support from our municipalities,

there is great potential to access this provincially financed program, giving hope to middle-income earners who just can’t seem to get into the market as a homeowner. For more information on HousingHub and how the

Affordable Homeownership Program works go to bchousing.org/housinghub For all other Real Estate inquiries email brian@ realocityrealty.com

BRAIN INJURIES DON’T CARE! JUNE is Brain Injury Awareness Month

B Release trapped emotions Resolve sleep problems Manage stress and pain Achieve self-confidence 250-597-3686

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

Emotion Code Body Code and Quantum Touch davidyaeger650@gmail.com

https://discoverhealing.com/practitioner-map/ (ﬁnd me in Duncan)

Island Hellerwork & Somatic Counselling ALIGN - CONNECT - EMBODY

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 • Affordable Drop Off Services • Large Capacity Machines • Ask About Pick Up Service

1606 Joan Ave Crofton 250-324-2249 60

rain injuries make no appointments, nor does it matter what age you are, race, ethnicity, or gender. A brain injury takes anyone, anytime of the day or night. They happen suddenly and in a second change your life. One day you are completely independent. The next, you’re trying to relearn the most basic skills like walking and speaking. They are caused by trauma from falls and car accidents, or stem from other health issues, like a stroke. The brain controls everything we think, feel and do, how we move, what we smell and see. Everything is controlled by our brain. Rehabilitation for acquired brain injury (ABI) is like building a tower of blocks. One block at a time provides stability and everyone must work together. Imagine your child driving their bike and being struck by a car. Or getting hit in the head with a ball travelling 100 miles an hour. Or driving and an elk comes through your windshield. Or waking up to discover you had a stroke while sleeping. Or driving the Malahat and the RCMP corral what they think is a drunk driver; only to discover someone having a stroke. Then there are concussions. Without help, those living with an ABI and their families face a lifetime of frustration, hardship and isolation. 180,000 British Columbians live with an ABI. There are 22,000 new ABI’s in British Columbia every year. Every day

OPEN: 9am to 9pm! 7 Days a Week

there are 60 new cases in British Columbia. In 2017, Statistics Canada reported 3,400 people in the Cowichan area had brain injuries. Programs at CBIS start with “Let’s” (Let Us) because rehabilitation for ABI is life long and not a journey to travel alone. Let’s Connect is a community-based peer support initiative. Programs maintain and/or increases cognitive and functional levels, provide emotional support, and inspire hope. ‘Rebuilding After Brain Injury’ is a 24-week education program, starting in September, providing tools, coping strategies, and tips. Contact Christine Smith, Case Manager and Education Facilitator by email christine@ cowichanbraininjury.org or call 250-7597-4662 for an intake appointment. When an ABI happens, everyone connected to the loved one is affected. Affected by a flood of emotion, feelings of expectation, and the desire to do something … anything to make things better. What’s your something? Is it to volunteer, give a donation, be a program sponsor, or participate in an event? However, you choose, YOU will make a difference in someone’s life.

Collectibles Eclectibles Estates & More! Come Snoop Around!

BRAIN ON WHEELS Launches June 1st

rograms at Cowichan Brain Injury Society uses the systematic process of therapeutic recreation (TR). The purpose is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. TR provides treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. Recreation therapists treat and help maintain physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. Recreation therapists should not be confused with recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment. Assessment Process for Brain On Wheels: The MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) determines interventions to increase cognitive skills. For example, Tic Tac Toe gains basic skills. Connect Four gains more skills. The next gradual level is

Checkers. Then chess at a child’s level. Skills taught using these interventions are: focusing (observing and concentrating); visualizing (Imaging a sequence of actions before it happens); thinking ahead (developing patience and thoughtfulness); weighing options (identify alternatives and consider pros and cons); analyzing concretely (evaluate results of specific actions and sequences); thinking abstractly (take patterns used in one context and apply them to different but related situations); planning (re-evaluate plans as new developments change the situation); and juggling multiple considerations simultaneously (weighing various factors all at once). Through guided leisure it is possible to enjoy yourself but relearn or build skills for critical thinking, better problem solvers, and more independent decision makers. Brain On Wheels is not just about games. It’s planned interventions and Enhanced Respite Care for a caregiver. Contact Tracey Nyhan, Program Facilitator by email tracey@cowichanbraininjury. org or call 250-7597-4662 to book an appointment for Brain On Wheels. Minimum two-hour sessions. We come to your home. Below are examples of cognitive interventions while having fun.

COWICHAN BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY CBIS Launches New Service June 1st

BRAIN ON WHEELS

BRAIN ON WHEELS is not just about

games. It’s planned interventions and ENHANCED RESPITE CARE for a caregiver.

Minimum two-hour sessions. We come to your home. Peers Teaching Peers Peers Teaching Students WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER Partly Funded by Brain Injury Program Contact Tracey Nyhan, Program Facilitator

Chris Rafuse Executive Dirrector Cowichan Brain Injury Society

tracey@cowichanbraininjury.org or call 250-597-4662 to book an appointment 61

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

• All things natural and beautiful for you and your children • Beautiful and inspiring books for all ages and levels of interest • Wonderful organic merino/silk, wool clothing from age 0 - adult • Wooden toys, puzzles, games, silks, dolls, cards, calendars, prints • Birthday rings, craft kits, musical instruments and much more. • Painting, drawing, knitting wool, felting, beeswax, craft kits & lots handwork books & supplies is important for young children. We carry the ROLF line of sand toys which has been a favorite in the Waldorf Kindergartens and preschool for years. All of them are made from indestructible plastic (red or blue) and can remain in the sandbox without the material being affected. There are no sharp edges or ends on these “sandbox tools” which makes use completely safe, even for the little ones. See you all at the beach. Happy Summer!

We are

OPEN 11-3 Here at the Freya-Sophia Waldorf store we 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, art and handwork supplies, resources, classes, workshops, instruction, support and conversation to those who visit us. We are here to help.

Monday to Saturday Closed Sundays and Stats

Located next to the Community Farm Store — Something for all ages and stages of life! 62

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

FREYA-SOPHIA WALDORF ~ STEINER BOOKSTORE LOCATED IN THE SOL CENTRE, 3, 5380 HWY. 1 ~ DUNCAN ~ 250-597-4763

June is water month!

WE LOVE WATER!

Here are a few of the amazing books we carry to help us appreciate, explore and understand the miraculous and mysterious qualities of water.

If you have questions about the mysteries of life you will enjoy our store. We have a vast selection of books on all subjects from art, nature and parenting to medicine, myths and metamorphosis. 63

Cowichan SUMMER We are very excited to be offering Summer Arts Day Camps for youth ages 4-8.

Warmland Summer Arts Day Camp

Led by Warmland Dance Artistic Director and Waldorf Educator Leah Burley, M.Ed., campers will play outside on the hub grounds and in the forest, explore singing, dance, drama games, and quality arts and

crafts. The cost is $75/ day including all supplies and fees, or $180 for all three days. Space is very limited, please email warmlanddance@gmail. com to reserve your spot today! Youth Arts Camp Dates: Camp 1: July 6-8 Camp 2: July 27-29 Camp 3: Aug 10-12 Camp 4 Aug 24-26

Camp PLANNER

• Learn caring and positive training with animals • Enjoy interactive nature activities • Discover eco-literacy in the garden

Gaia Stewardship Summer Camp

Fostering ecological imagination combines emotional, and social learning, building our sense of interdependence with the earth. Awareness of connections, critical thinking, independent thoughts and kind hearts will shape our future community. Through gentle mentoring we teach animal communication, care and training with baby goats and ponies, using positive reinforcement. Garden lessons will consist of learning about systems thinking, growing organic foods at home, harvesting and preparing simple plant medicine remedies. We will explore Gaia consciousness through eco art, story-telling, experiential and nature activities set within our 28acre nature sanctuary. Each child will receive potted plants to grow at home, nature-based art projects, homemade herbal remedies,

Gaia Stewardship Summer Camp

and a Gaia Stewardship certificate. Michelle Atterby, Environmental educator, permaculturist and animal behaviourist offers engaging, experiential, creative immersions into ecological literacy for youth. For more information and registration please contact michelle at ecowisdom11@gmail.com Kin Park Kids Camp

Engaging the Imaginative Ecological Self Through Connection, Compassion and Creativity Program Dates: June 28 - July 2 (ages 7-9) • July 5 - 9 (ages10-12) August 16 - 20 (ages 13 - 15) 9 am - 3 pm $495 Limit of 12 youth – (Covid protocol in place)

ecowisdom11@gmail.com I 250.588.8323

KinPark Kids Camp

is excited to bring another fabulous outdoor summer experience for children ages 6 – 10 at KinPark Youth Urban Farm on Alderlea Street downtown Duncan! Our goal is to teach children how to grow, harvest, and cook healthy food in a fun, hands-on, and engaging way, and provide them with opportunities to expand their physical, social and practical skills in order to live sustainably. These activities include growing, planting, harvesting, cooking, building, learning, and much more! Kin Park Kids Camp continued on page 66

Kin Park Kids Camp continued from page 65

Camp runs from July 6th to September 4th. Costs are $175/ week or $40/day ($150 for week of Canada Day, and BC Day), Register in our reFRESH Marketplace on 360 Duncan Street, or go online for our registration form at www.cowichangreen community community.org/project/ kinpark-kids-camp-2/and submit via email to camp@ cowichangreen

Cowichan SUMMER

Kin Park Kids Camp

community.org. For more information please call 250-748-8506 or email camp@cowichan greencommunity.org.

Rock I Funk I Blues I Reggae I Latin I Metal

Paul Jutras

DRUM KIT AND HAND PERCUSSION LESSONS 35+ years experience- Private / One 2 One / Customized / Fun

Beginner to advanced - In your home or in my studio in Duncan

250-732-7735 I chopsdrumschool@gmail.com

Mulberry Lane inspire create educate

Kathy Lassche 250.709.2541 Music Education Specialist

mulberrylanemusic@shaw.ca

Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre

Mulberry Lane

is excited to offer summer camps with Kathy Lassche. Kathy is a music education specialist who created and developed the award-winning music studio, Mulberry Lane. The studio has been offering inspiring, creative, and educational camps, classes, and private lessons for over 25 years. Mulberry Lane is located in Maple Bay and has a large studio as well as a beautiful outdoor garden classroom. “Acting Up!” is a drama camp for 11 to 14 years, July 19 to 23, 9AM to 3PM, $250. Students will be making a production available online for family and friends.

“Piano Pizazz” July 26 to 30, 9AM to 3PM, $250. Students need to have 3 years + piano lessons. Includes video performance. “Let’s Try It Out”. Thinking about lessons for you or your child? Why not try it out this summer. 4 lessons $60. Call Kathy 250-709-2541 mulberrylanemusic@shaw.ca

Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre

Summer Camp We’re offering our Estuary Nature & Science Day Camps again this July and August! Being outdoors with appropriate distancing is one of the healthiest places to Mulberry Lane

Camp PLANNER Wilderness Kayaking

Wilderness Kayaking LESSONS • TOURS • RENTALS • SALES

www.wilderness-kayaking.com

Summer Youth Programs From Maple Bay • KAYAK KIDS - INTRODUCTION TO SEA KAYAKING July 6-9; July 20-23; Aug 10-13 Sessions Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm • YOUTH TOUR N’ LEARN - GULF ISLANDS 3 DAY OVERNIGHT TRIP July 13-15; Aug 17-19 AGES 13-16

be these days, and we offer outdoor day camps with Covid protocols in place! In our 5-day camps small groups ages 5-7 and 7-9 will explore the clam beds, eelgrass meadows and mudflats of beautiful Cowichan Bay, and learn about pollinators, shoreline plants, inter-tidal species and coastal birds. They’ll practice their discovery skills through creative play, while learning gratitude and respect for self Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre

and others. Registration Details Timing: 9am - 3pm Mon-Fri. Fee: $240 /child. Bursaries available application and registration links on our website: http://www.cowichanestuary. ca/programs/camps/ or contact camps@ cowichanestuary.ca.

Wilderness KayakING SUMMER PROGRAMS Bring your

friends to Maple Bay and try Sea Kayaking, Stand up Paddle Boarding or join in on a Youth kayaking day trip.

Kayak Kids camp ages 6-12 - an introduction to kayaking $135+tax

• YOUTH DAY TRIP ADVENTURES - Paddling in the Maple Bay area July 10, July 24, Aug 14 Fridays 9am - 3pm ALSO OFFERING: family paddles, sup rentals, harbour tours, moonlight paddles, birthday parties, day tours, multi day tours, double kayaks, single kayaks, rentals, sales, lessons and more. Call for more info or to reserve.

6683 Beaumont Ave, Maple Bay 250 746-0151 Cell: 250 715 7482

info@wilderness-kayaking.com

Trial By Fire Pottery Studio Pottery Classes

NEW ONLINE SHOP AND FARM STAND www.trialbyﬁrepottery.ca I 250-710-8758 www.trialbyﬁrepottery.ca

July 6-9;July 20-23; Aug 10-13. Learn kayak skills and safety, basic weather interpretation, on water games and more.

basic sea kayaking skills, trip planning and preparation while paddling to a local Gulf Island for the overnight adventure. $225+tax

Youth Tour ‘N’ Learn kayak tour ages 12+ - this 3 day/ 2 night trip combines all the

For more information call 250746-0151 or email info@ wilderness-kayaking.com

Cowichan SUMMER

Camp Pringle

Camp Pringle is a

United Church camp located on 22 acres on the shores of Shawnigan Lake. After careful consideration we have made the decision to cancel our overnight summer camps. We are grieving the loss of these overnight summer programs but we look forward to another fun summer of day camps. Our day camps are open to children of all abilities & identities with programs for ages 6-14! Teens ages 1417 interested in leadership opportunities can consider joining our CREW or CIT programs. Our outdoor adventure-based camps feature low-contact activities including archery, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, orienteering & more! Please visit our website for a complete list of covid-19 Camp Qwanoes

safety protocols in place at our facility. Day Camps run Monday-Friday from 8:30am5:00pm and start at $270.00. To register for summer camps or for more information on programs and our COVID-19 safety plans visit www. camppringle.com. We hope you will join us this summer for an Experience that Lasts a Lifetime! Summer Day Camps at

Camp Qwanoes!

Yes - summer CAN still happen! Why stay home when there’s a world of adventure just around the corner? Rain or shine, everyday will be action-packed and friend-filled! All with an amazing staff in a spectacular setting. All we need is you! Look forward to tonnes of activities! Choose from our giant floating Aqua Park, Airwalk Village, the Triple

since 2012 in the Cowichan valley, with inspired children returning annually, with some progressing onto leadership rolls as instructors. Our Day camps provide a mixture of water and land-based activities that include beach front programs for the younger ages, Paddle Canada instructional programs and journeying for the older groups in: Kayaking, canoeing, Stand-up-paddleboarding, as well as landbased outdoor activities

Camp PLANNER Coastal Bliss Adventures

Biscuit, Screamer zip lines, archery outdoor laser tag… and many more options await! Qwanoes Beach, our Challenge Course and Land Activities are ready and waiting. All star games! Everyday is something wild and new… and everyone’s a star. Prepare for action and a bit of summer craziness! And lots more! Enjoy our band in “Q-Town,” counselors, the Tuck Shop, Ice cream Island, Shave Ice Palace, hanging out

at Carpetball, your day will be filled with fun and discovery.

such as shelter building, beach exploration, chart and compass reading and environmental stewardship. We hope to be able to offer some of our youth multi – day overnight programs again in the near future. Register early online or contact us for more details. Programs fill up quickly! Programs are listed on our website Coastal Bliss Adventures Kids Adventures with for various age groups starting at 8 years. www.coastalbliss.ca

Day camps go from Monday to Friday throughout the summer. For more info call 250-2463014 or www.qwanoes. ca. Watch our video! www. qwanoes.ca/summer/media/

Coastal Bliss Adventures /

Cowichan Bay Kayaking summer kids and youth camps have been running

Summer Kids Camps

Day Programs & Youth Adventures Register Online Now at coastalbliss.ca

1 800 896 9525

coastalbliss@shaw.ca 69

utdoor enthusiasts Gary Ward and Georgia Newsome share a deep passion for adventure and connecting with nature and the outdoors. They are not just owners of Coastal Bliss Adventures in Cowichan Bay, they live their passion as operators too, by getting into outdoor spaces as often as they can, sharing this experience with others and training their fantastic team of guides.

“It is from this passion and the understanding of the positive effects on quality of life from engaging in the natural environment that has inspired us to share this passion with others” smiles Georgia “we hope that they too will find moments of bliss, through their participation in nature, through slowing down and breathing in the beauty by allowing all the senses to awaken.”

COASTAL BLISS ADVENTURES Offers Everyone A Chance to Get on the Water! Coastal Bliss Adventures offers a wide variety of tours for a variety of groups. Children and youth can enjoy summer kayak, canoe and Stand-up paddle boarding, backpacking and mixed activity camps. “We can also work with families to design custom programs that best suit their age group and interests. Our scheduled coastal trails and kayaking tours are an excellent way for adults to take a break from their busy professional lives and to allow the spirit to soar, as the beauty and magic of nature is discovered, and personal challenges overcome. The most popular tour is without a doubt the ‘West Coast Trail’, sold out for the 2021 season. However, there are other multi-day tours coastal trails and kayaking destinations such as Juan de Fuca, Cape Scott, North Coast Trail, and the Sunshine Coast Trail, the Gulf Islands and Broughton Archipelago. All of these are equally stunning and remote. While some of the other popular locations are currently still closed due to the pandemic, and the travel

restrictions make planning difficult for all we have rebuilt our launch dock in Cowichan Bay at Cowichan Bay Kayaking, making it wider and more spacious. At the Cowichan Bay Kayak dock, we are open by appointment and pre booking, offering tours rentals and instructional programs to help get people active in the outdoors, while observing covid protocols. As part of their pivot to increase business and opportunities for those that are keen to design their own adventures, we have a selection of paddle sports products available for sale from the home-based store for drive through pick up and will soon have an online retail store bringing paddle sports products back to the Cowichan valley. There’s something for everyone! www.coastalbliss.ca 250 597 3031

Georgia, Owner of Coawichan Bay Kayaking has been observing the Osprey in Cowichan Bay.

SOIL TEXTURE Why it matters Tamara Dinter, Dinter Nursery General Manager and Soil Enthusiast

oil is made up of 50% water or air, 45% mineral content and 5% organic matter. The mineral content consists of small rock fragments, which are classified as sand, silt or clay depending on their size. The relative proportion of each rock fragment size is referred to as soil texture. For example, soil containing 55% clay or more is usually classified as a clayey soil. The ideal soil texture for gardening is known as “loam”, which consists of 20% clay, 40% silt and 40% sand. Other soil texture classes include clay loam, silt loam or sandy loam, if the proportion of any of those rock sizes is higher. Sandy texture soil has the advantage of draining water quickly, but sand particles do not hold nutrients well. Silty textures hold more nutrients but wash away easily. Clay textures hold nutrients very well, but compact easily and do not allow for the free exchange of air and water. An easy way to test your soil drainage is to dig a 1ft sq

hole, fill with water, and see how quickly it drains away. If the hole drains in less than one hour, your soil is fast draining, likely with a high proportion of sand. If your soil takes over 24 hours to drain, it likely has a high proportion of clay, and/or may be compacted.

The best thing you can do if your soil is too clayey or too sandy is to add organic matter. This will improve the drainage of clayey soil, the nutrient holding capacity of sandy soil, and the structure of both classes. As it is not really possible to change a sandy soil into a clayey soil or vice versa, determine what your soil texture class is and grow plants destined to thrive in it. Plants that can handle more clayey soil include willows (Salix), Viburnums, Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), Weigela, Echinacea, Bergenia, Ajuga, Goldenrod (Solidago) and Daylily (Hemerocallis). While apple trees prefer a well-drained soil, they can handle clayey soil better than other fruit trees. Plants suited for sandy soils include Pines, Mountain Ash (Sorbus), California Lilac (Ceanothus), Smoke bush (Cotinus), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus), Rock Rose (Cistus), Yarrows (Achillea), and Rudbeckia.

Bee Facts

John Magdanz. A Cowichan Valley beekeeper

he demise of bees has been on the news for several years now. As a beekeeper I am surprised at the lack of knowledge that many of these reporters have on the subject. Listening to them one would assume that the bees will soon be gone. Unfortunately these reporters are only talking about honey bees and seldom if ever mention the wild bees. Honeybees are from Europe and are immigrants to North America. In some of the warmer parts of the continent they are able to survive without our help, but in general we treat them like domestic livestock to help their odds of survival. The main enemies of honeybees are the varroa mite and people. The varroa mite was introduced to the European honeybee from Asia when Asian honeybees were being introduced as an alternative to the European honeybee. Unfortunately the European honeybee has no resistance to the varroa mite. People effect honeybees and wild bees in many ways. We change the local environment and displace the wild bees. Pesticides, herbicides, neonicotinoids and a host of other chemicals kill not only bees but a lot of beneficial insects. The main reason we use these chemicals is due to our insistence on monoculture agriculture. In nature we do not see monoculture so we do

not have the problems that are so pervasive in modern agriculture. Bees are instrumental in our everyday lives. This is because one out of every three bites of food that we eat is due to bees and other insects. The argument that we need chemicals to control harmful insects so that we have enough to eat is counterintuitive as chemicals cannot discern between harmful and beneficial insects. Instead we need to rethink how we do agriculture and there are alternatives. We can help wild bees by leaving as much land in its natural state as possible. This gives wild bees a home and preserves native plants that they rely on. To help honeybees we can plant flowers, shrubs and trees that are bee friendly. It is important to note that not all plants are bee friendly. This is why catalogues specify the ones that are. Another source of knowledge is local nurseries who can direct you to the best plants for your area. You can play a part in the future of bees by landscaping in a nature friendly way. Another thing that we can do is put pressure on our governments to limit the use of chemicals. More can be done by the news media by giving facts and not sensationalizing. It is important to remember that a poor beekeeper can do as much harm to honeybees as someone using chemicals. 71

Joanne Sales, Director of Broombusters Invasive Plant Society

cotch broom is spreading everywhere – tragically taking over places where our native plants and grasses and young trees had thrived. But some communities, like Chemainus, have been successfully turning the tide. Thank you to volunteers! The best time to cut broom is in bloom (April – May) because the plant’s energy is above ground producing flowers. If cut at ground level, in bloom, the stressed plant will die in

Use lopppers to cut at the base of the broom plant.

Before

If you don’t cut at the lowest part of the base, broom can grow back.

summer’s dry heat. And no seeds! People are asking, will broom plants cut in June still die? The answer is yes. But we must be careful not to spread the seeds. It helps to understand the plant. How does broom spread so quickly and densely? The SEEDS! Broom does not spread from the roots, like blackberry or knotweed. Broom roots die easily, which is why you don’t need to pull them. But the seeds are prolific and remain alive

Valleyview

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

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Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates

Island Pharmacy 250 743-1448 Open 7 Days a week for all your pharmacy needs.

Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes

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

Fitness

After

BROOMBUSTING IN JUNE and ready to sprout for decades. Broom seeds love bare soil and sunlight – so don’t disturb the soil. Shade keeps the seeds from sprouting. So, protect and increase your ground cover and trees. Broombusters stop cutting broom when seed pods form. But there are still places and ways to continue to cut broom, especially on your own property. Broom can be piled on top of itself, in an already infested area. Cut the broom into smaller lengths to shrink faster. The important thing is: don’t drag broom branches with seedpods across clear areas! Remember, broom is a fire hazard alive or dead. Never leave piles where people pass.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN JUNE?

• Do not transport broom with seedpods. You don’t want to spread these long living seeds! But you still can: • Recut previous cuts if you see green sprigs. • “Cut & drop” small amounts of broom in pastureland, trails, forest cleared areas, transmission lines, and private properties. • Broom can be stacked on top of itself to compost. • Do not create fire hazards!

Broombusters is here to help you succeed! Be ready next April. “Cut the Bloomin’ Broom!”

• Make plans to cut broom in April-May 2022.

www.broombusters.org

• Contact Broombusters in advance so you are ready!

LUCKY DOG Celebrating 8 Years!!!

Thank you to all our clients!

LUCKY DOG Should you shave your double coated dog?

f you have a double coated dog; Huskies, Pyranees, Collies, Spitz breeds and more, you have probably come across the information to NOT SHAVE them. I was in this camp for years and actually refused to shave down these dogs (unless they required it because the matting was so bad). Days later I would see the same owner with their dog…shaved down from a different groomer. I had passionately explained to the owners that the double coat acts as insulation whether it’s cold out or it’s roasting hot. The coat would not grow back properly, I pleaded. The dog just needs regular grooming!! Soon enough I realized that people wanted their dogs to be comfortable and that these couple-of-times-a-year shave downs WAS their way of regularly grooming their dog. So, I jumped on board and now our groomer regularly shaves double coated dogs. And y’know what? No damage done! Their coats grow

back just fine. And the dogs actually are more comfortable in the heat. Where had I received the former information about not shaving these dogs? The internet. (Face palm.) My curiosity about this hot debate took me back to the internet where page after page of passionate articles appear to be cut and pasted from each other. I searched until I found some science. The internet shouts about the coat growing back in patches, or not at all! The science says that the odd time a dog has patchy growback after a shave it is caused by an underlying hormonal issue or a disease; it isn’t the haircut. The internet rages on about the dangers of sunburn! It turns out that there is always enough hair left after a shave down to avoid sunburn (it isn’t a shave, it’s a close crop.) And it will. Grow. Back. It is true that the soft undercoat grows quickly and the outer “guard hairs” grow slowly, so your dog may look fluffy for up to six months before those guard hairs come back. The speed of guard hairs returning has to do with when they were cut during the growth cycle. And it is true that she is not as waterproof as she was until those guard hairs come back but she won’t be a sponge. Dogs that get shaved are not working dogs or show dogs, they are

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Help Fight Child Hunger in our Community WWW.NOURISHCOWICHAN.CA I 250 597-7760 porch dogs, ride in the car dogs. They are sack out on the coach dogs. I don’t think shaving a double coated dog is ideal. In a perfect dog world, your dog would come get a professional bath and blow out four times a year. You would comb your dog down to the skin daily to keep the coat loose. This allows air to reach the skin and allows heat to dissipate, but… life happens. Mats happen. There we were enjoying Christmas dinner and next thing you know it’s Easter and your dog is a

messy, stinking mop. I get it. My garage resembles my humanity. I can’t judge. So, should you have your double coated dog shaved? It’s up to you. If you decide to give it a try, we can help. For extensive and excellent scientific reading, please check out: The Educated Groomer: Shaving-doublecoated-breeds. Debbie Wood owns Lucky Dog U-Bath. She can be found on trails in the Cowichan Valley with her BF, Bonnie.

bellies are full, but if we want everybody in our community to thrive we need to pay attention to what kind of food they are filled with. To put it simply: it’s got to be delicious and it’s got to be nutritious! Local farmers and food producers can help ensure that some of the food that goes into everybody’s shopping cart—and our bellies—is both tasty and nutrient-dense.

If you’d like to be involved see Ol’ MacDonald Farm, Duncan Farmer’s Market macdonaldcam@gmail.com

Earth is bountiful--Gaia’s very nature is one of creation, of gifts. The temperate rainforest of the Northwest Pacific Coast has historically been one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. And the Cowichan Valley? It’s a pretty darn nice place to live. It’s 2021 and history has delivered us to a very comfortable place.

At the Saturday June 5th Duncan Farmer’s Market Ol’ MacDonald Farm is starting a pilot program by donating ten $25 food boxes of fresh vegetables and eggs to those with limited access to whole food. We are inviting willing market customers and vendors to join us with contributions so we can continue this program for the season.

But it depends on who you’re talking to. So: what is in your shopping cart? Grass fed beef, fresh organic vegetables, wild caught salmon, quinoa and coconut water? Or instant noodles, frozen vegetables, Kraft dinner and soda pop? Maybe this week there’s nothing in your shopping cart. It seems that despite our best efforts to treat one another equally and to help those in need, when it comes to the food we eat, late stage capitalism has created a two tier system. One tier is served by the health and

What’s In Your Shopping Cart? wellness food industry and allows those of means to eat the best and healthiest food on the planet. Think Farm Store. The other is the child of Big Agriculture (Big Oil Big Sugar etc.) and has many eating what they can afford: processed foods, fast

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

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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 74

food, stale bread--whatever is cheap. Think Dollar Store. Think Food Bank. Social programs and charitable organizations go a long way to addressing this disparity and thank goodness for them. Cash donations and bulk buying ensure that more

Please come down to the market on June 5th to see the beautiful living painting that we have created to mark this occasion; and let us know if you’d like to get involved. Because everybody deserves to eat healthy food.

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

June is Water Month at the CFS; join us in celebrating this powerful life force! Water is essential to our health & vitality. We are committed to protecting our world’s water and supporting sustainable choices for seafood, sea vegetables, salts, water vessels, puriﬁcation systems, and reusables, not to mention reeffriendly sunscreens and natural body care products so you can enjoy water in all its glory. Our highly anticipated Spring Crystal Collection has arrived! Stunning crystal clusters, raw crystal points, crystal grains, tumbled stones, and more!

The CFS Café is open for takeout from 11-3 Tuesday-Friday and we have patio seating! Come enjoy great food in the sunshine!

CRYSTALS • BOOKS • ORACLE DECKS • GIFTS

The Community Farm Store Organic Health & Whole Food Market

www.communityfarmstore.ca

2-5380 Hwy 1, Duncan BC V9L 6W4 250-748-6227

CFS Hours

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21st! We have great

gift ideas in store for the special guy. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads and father ﬁgures out there!

Monday-Saturday 9-6 Closed Sunday

Soul Hours

Monday-Saturday 11-3 Closed Sunday

5. Arbutus Park in Youbou is described as an awesome swimming spot which incudes a slide and diving board. Great swimming spot for families! As the weather warms mark this as a must for you and your family.

Is North Cowichan’s Growth Management Survey Luring Us Down an Unsustainable Path? continued from page 58

implications of what is described, it’s more of a reprise of “business as usual” enabling a huge expansion of development on good farmland and in ecologically sensitive areas. Scenario 3 envisions many new centres, including numerous highdensity clusters of apartments and townhouses that will not be in existing cores but in now largely natural, rural and heavily treed areas like Maple Bay, Quamichan and Bell McKinnon.

are equally urgent. A healthy environment is essential to our children’s and our community’s wellbeing, now and into the future. This means we have a responsibility to plan our development in ways that protect our farmland, our forests, our watersheds, and other ecologically sensitive areas. These lands and waters ensure the future of our food, clean water and breathable air - the basics necessary to the wellbeing of all of us.

In these times we all need to consider the rapidly changing world our communities are part of – we are emerging from a pandemic when the needs of the under-housed and/or precariously employed in our communities became more visible to us. These inequalities need to be addressed. The need for affordable housing and food security are real and urgent. At the same time, the dual crises of biodiversity loss and the climate emergency

Please consider our collective future and complete the growth management survey with these thoughts in mind. Have your say! www.northcowichan.ca/OCP Credit Jane Kilthei, One Cowichan

Picnic Parks with Water Features and or Playgrounds 1. Bamberton Provincial Park located in Mill Bay fronts on the west side of the Saanich Inlet and offers warmer water and a sandy beach. Bring the family and a picnic and enjoy this ocean front park that is easily accessed off of Mill Bay Road. From the parking lot the pathway down to the beach is steep but is paved and includes stairs and a wheelchair ramp. 2. Hecate Park located in Cowichan Bay is the jewel of the Bay. This little gem is located beside the boat launch and boasts a natural playground area and several picnic tables to choose from. This little park has become popular for picnickers who want to enjoy the scenery and nature around them. It is a perfect place to launch your kayak or enjoy a quiet date. 3. Jack Fleetwood Park is nestled under the single lane old Koksilah Bridge in Cowichan Station. This little park boasts several picnic tables and river frontage to wade around in on those warmer days. Perfect little spot for cyclists looking for a spot to rest. Limited parking. 4. Glenora Trail Head Park in Glenora has so much to offer. It boasts a wonderful sheltered picnic area and great washrooms. The playground has a little something for everyone and is spaced out nicely for those playing. This park is located on the Trans Canada Trail so bring your bikes along and do a little family jaunt and then relax with a picnic.

6. Transfer Beach in Ladysmith is the IT place to gather on the waterfront. Some activities can include swimming, picnicking, beach volleyball etc. For the young ones there is a playground and a water spray park. You get all this plus a sandy beach and swimming. This park also has picnic shelters and washrooms. 7. Bright Angel Park has many features to offer on those warm days from picnicking to swimming. The park is equipped with washrooms and a great playground for the younger set. 8. Sandy Pool Regional Park located on Riverbottom Road is well known for its sandy beach and great swimming holes. This park also has over a kilometre of trails. Very popular in the summer with families and for tubing down the river. 9. Maple Bay east of Duncan is a favourite amongst locals as the water is usually calm and warmer. This beach is a combination of sand and small pebbles and also a grassed and shady area. Popular for families and close enough to take advantage for a quick dip on those hot days. Boat ramp near by and easy to launch your kayak. 10. Fuller Lake just north of Duncan is a fresh water lake and is a popular swimming spot. Warm water and sandy beach as well as picnic areas makes this little gem a favourite for many. Turn off of the Trans Canada Highway at Fuller Lake Road and then left on Poplar Road. If time permits take in the Chemainus murals. Image above; Jack Fleetwood Park Submitted by Patty Abbott Visitor Services Coordinator

Georgia Nicols M.A. Georgia’s book, You and Your Future is a best seller with international printings in 3 languages. georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month you feel Mercury Retrograde because it occurs in the part of your chart that is Mercury’s home. (Gulp.) Expect car problems and transportation delays (flat tires, failed engines) along with missed appointments and confused communications. Nevertheless, you will enjoy this fast-paced, exciting energy because you will easily finish studying or writing papers. You also will appreciate the beauty of your daily surroundings and feel more warmly connected to others. It’s all good. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Your focus on money, cash flow and movable possessions is strong now. (“I can’t believe I own all this stuff.”) Expect to catalogue, organize and get rid of what you don’t need. You will be focused on money, cash flow and earnings. Although cheques in the mail will be late and other delays might be irksome, nevertheless, a moneymaking idea that you had in the past might be worth reconsideration? You will attract money, goods and favours to you as well as shop for antiques and pretty things. (It’s who you are.) Gemini (May 21-June 20) Zooks! The Sun, Venus and your ruler Mercury are in your sign this month. This means the whole world will experience a dazzling display of Gemini energy! Obviously, this is your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. It’s also why you will feel vigourous, energetic and enthused about life; while Venus will make you smooth, charming and diplomatic. Of course, Mercury Retrograde will attract friends and expartners back into your world. Get ready. Virtual air hugs! Cancer (June 21-July 22) Your personal year is ending but your new year is not yet here, which means this is the perfect time to look back over your shoulder. Hmmm. How

well are you doing at the art of living? What changes do you want for your new year ahead? What goals do you want to make? Goals make future decision-making easier and they keep you on track and give you focus. This month is great for research. Meanwhile, some of you are swept up in the throes of a secret, passionate, love affair. “Daphne.” “Simon!” Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This month brings a welcome change into your life because you’ll be more popular and more involved with younger people as well as creative, artistic types. You will enjoy talking to groups and friends online or in person. You’ll be excited about creating new goals for the future. It’s as if you’re waking up after hibernation. “Life! I remember what that was!” Mercury retrograde will attract old friends to you and help you to accomplish old goals. Relations with friends will be cozy; in fact, a friend could become a lover. “Masks off!” Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Life will be increasingly thrilling this month because this is the only time all year the Sun is at the top of your chart. This thrusts you into the limelight! Everyone will notice you more than usual, and -this light is flattering. Everyone admires you especially parents, bosses and VIPs even if you don’t do anything special. This is why you will be asked to take on increased responsibilities, and others will come to you for your advice, especially about how to make something look better. All hail the valiant Virgo!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month will be like a breath of fresh air for you because you will do something to satisfy your urge for adventure, stimulation and a chance to learn something new! You will appreciate the beauty of art, architecture and the crafts of other cultures. Due to COVID restrictions, you have to travel in other ways – through books and film. Talk to people from different cultures. You might hear from people far way because Mercury Retrograde will attract them to you. Do what you can to satisfy your love of beauty and learning. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You are an intense sign and this month, your life will become even more intense. (“Her knuckles are very white.”) For starters, romance and love affairs will be passionate! The stuff of movies. This could be because ex-lovers are back on the scene. (Sigh.) Romantic passion aside, details about inheritances, shared property and insurance matters will be a strong focus. Fortunately, Mercury Retrograde will help you wrap up old business in these matters. You will also receive a gift in the next month. Major bonus! Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month, the Sun and Mercury retrograde are opposite your sign, which is a sure indication that you will hear from ex-partners and friends from your past. This will give you an opportunity for closure and a chance to learn more and catch up on old news. (Trade lies about the bad old days.) You might even learn more about your values and your style of relating with your closest one-to-one

relationships. Meanwhile, your sex drive is amped because of the placement of Mars in your chart. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) “No slackers allowed!” You like efficiency and you hate waste. Sure enough, your goal this month is to get better organized. You want to work smart and be effective in everything you do. You will make lists and tackle old jobs that you’ve been meaning to get to for a while. Not only will you work to organize your world, you want to improve your health as well. “I want it all!” Coworkers will be supportive. Please note: Your ability to finish old jobs and work that has been dragging on and on will be stellar. What’s your superpower? Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re entering one of the most fun-filled months of the year! Mercury Retrograde will attract old flames from your past. Meanwhile, parents might hear from kids who wandered off the block. Your personal goal will be to enjoy yourself and express your creative urges. (“Look, ma! No hands!”) Social outings, the arts, sports, playful activities with kids and the freedom to be just who you are and express yourself without hesitation will be the order of the day! In another time, you would go away on a vacation. “We’re booking male dancers and ordering a case of wine.” Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Your focus on home, family and your personal and private life will be strong this month. Your interaction with a parent will be significant. You might also be in touch with relatives you haven’t heard from in a while. If they’re in your bubble, they’ll be at your place eating out of your fridge. Some of you have a strong urge now to redecorate and make your digs look prettier. Fiery Mars will urge you to be active in sports and fun athletics, especially with your kids. Despite these busy distractions, you will value quiet moments to cocoon at home. Nice. www.georgianicols.com

June 2021 Issue 151

Articles inside

Feed Your Skin

Broombusting in June

June Forecasts

What’s In Your Shopping Cart?

Paddling Adventures in Cowichan Bay. Beginners Welcome

Picnic Parks with Water Features and or Playgrounds

Brain Injuries Don’t Care! June is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Fresh Food comes from Local Farms

Paul’s Pump and Treatment

Creating A Simple Kitchen Herb Garden

Who’s That in the Rivers?

The Mediterranean Garden

Cowichan Valley’s Six Mountains Forest: War or Peace— The Choice is Ours

Man Mugs by Hilary Huntley

Dad’s Dream The Outdoor Kitchen

Charcuterie in The Vineyard

Growing Tea, Knowing Tea

Artist Ken Campbell Brings A Quintessentially Canadian Theme

Bill C-208 Amend the Income Tax Act

Birch Bark Bitings by Pat Bruderer

Anxiety - How to Deal With the Bully

Cold Comfort: Surf Photography from Canada’s West Coast

A Deeper Look into The Flowers of June

Supreme Fighter in the Battle of Inflammation

Support Your Community One Frozen Dinner At A Time

Ask The Doc

President Nixon, China, and Acupuncture

Espresso Balsamic Steak Marinade

Father’s Day Gift Guide - Stay Loyal to Local

Broccoli Sprouts: The Summer Superfood

Are Birds the Key to Happiness?

Father’s Day BBQ

Life Under The Oak

Local Pairings for Grilling Surf & Turf

Delicious Food Made to Order Right to Your Home

Choosing A Vineyard Site

Mosul: May, 1980

Julie Nygaard creates Layers of Meaning

Why We Should Read

Joyful Spring Mural Mosaic on display at Chemainus Library

Will BC’s Old-Growth Become Nothing But A Faint Memory?

sessions online CVAC register at cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca Runs to 07/10

Food for the Soul

Bamboo for Dad Chemainus Health Food Store