March 2018 Issue 112

owichan

MARCH 2018 ISSUE 112

SPRING BREAK I MUSIC & ARTS I EASTER I FRANÇOIS LÉONARD 1

GRAND OPENING March 2018

Think ReStore Before Waste.

251 Government St, Duncan (former Griffiths Plumbing building) 1.8778.455.1888

www.habitatmvi.org

‘Once’ Chemainus Theatre Festival www.chemainustheatre.ca runs to March 10 30% off Custom Frames Sale Excellent Frameworks 24 Station St , downtown Duncan to 03/08

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“Relocation Celebration” Excellent Frameworks - Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery, 10-4pm, 24 Station St , downtown Duncan Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga 5pm Counselling 10am-3pm Collective Space 166 Station St 250-897-5576 also 8/15/22/29 Annual General Meeting of the Quamichan Lk Neighbourhood Assoc. 7pm Duncan Community Lodge 2244 Moose Rd FREE Introduction to Essential Oils w/Pam 6pm Scoops Natural Foods Whipple Tree Junction Reg 778-422-3310 $15 also 8/15/22/29 Student Art Expo CVAC’s Youth Outreach Program 11am-5pm Portals Island Savings Ctr www. cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca FREE runs to 9

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Paintings by Penny Maday Ciochetti Imagine That! 251 Craig St FREE runs to 30 The Muse of Fire free author event 12-1pm Chemainus Library 2592 Legion St Chemainus 2-3pm Cowichan Library Island Savings Ctr FREE CBC’s This is That Live on Tour 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr 250-748-7529 $30

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Let’s Dance fundraiser w/ Bojoux Du Bayou, Genevieve and the Wild Sundays & Johnathon Churcher 6:30pm The Hub Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd by donation www.cowichanbiodiesel.org Alzheimers Prevention Intensive Workshop w/ Dr. Wickland ND and Red Seal Chef and HN Christina Acevedo 9:30am-3:30pm www. drwickland.com/workshops FREE Cowichan Valley International Women’s Day Rally Charles Hoey Park 11am-1pm Rally IWD Coalition FREE CFUW’s International Women’s Day Luncheon ‘The Evolving Role of Professional Women Over the Past 35 Years in the Fields of Education, Law and Politics’ 12pm Ramada Inn Hwy 1 $35 La Bohème-Met Opera Live in HD Broadcast 9:55am Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr 250-748-7529 Adult $28 Senior $26 eyeGO $5

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Featuring Our Youth Concert w/ Cow. Consort Orchestra 7:30pm Chr. Ref. Church 930 Trunk Rd Adults $20 Students under 18 $10 Messy Church crafts, games songs & dinner 3:30-6pm St.Peters Quamichan 5800 Church Rd by donation From Breakdown to BreakthroughAlternative Approaches to Releasing Trauma, 830-5pm, Sankta Amo Yurt, 4361 Pollock Rd, Duncan 778 257-0152

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The Ladies of Gospel Maria Manna, Maureen Washington & April Gislason 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave 324-2245 $20.

Quaker (Friends) meeting 10:30am St. Ann’s Garden Club Providence Farm FREE also 03/18 Butts Giraud and Friends w/Rob Weaver 4-7pm Bridgeman’s Bistro FREE

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Chow Down Family Cooking Classes w/ Childminding 4-6:30pm Cowichan Green Community 360 Duncan Street Commercial Kitchen cgcf.ca/ projects/chow-cooking-classes FREE also 12/19/26 Ready to Rent BC Rentsmart Tenancy Workshop 1-4pm Literacy Now Cowichan Office #213B-80 Station St. Reg 250-597-1776 FREE

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Chemainus Art Group workshop ‘Mono Prints with application of Colour Theory’ 9:30am-3:30pm 2 days Saltair Centre 3850 South Oyster School Road Saltair happypair@shaw.ca non-members $120

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Upcycling Workshop Garden Totes 10am-2pm or 5:30-9pm Garden Pantry Store 360 Duncan St. leslie@cowichangreencommunity. org $30/$25 with reg Marsh Madness Wetland Planting 10am-1pm York Rd Roundabout www.somenosmarsh.com FREE also 15

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Cowichan Career and Job Fair 10am-2pm Island Savings Ctr Heritage Hall www.gvsjobs.com FREE Masala Sauce with Pam 5:30pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Junction Reg 778-422-3310 $30 Lila Community Choir drop-in 5:30-7pm 3228A Gibbins Rd www. joythroughmusic.com $10- $15/ class Parent and Child Music and Movement w/Cari Burdett 11:45am-12:30pm $100/6 classes

www.joythroughmusic.com also 14/21/28

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International Women’s Day One Billion Rising Cowichan 12pm-12:45 Duncan City Square Craig St VIU’s Fabulous Films Status Quo? The unfinished business of feminism in Canada VIU Cowichan Campus Thtr FREE The World Day of Prayer 1:30pm St. John’s Anglican Church 3295 Cobble Hill Rd Cobble Hill FREE

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The Work of Byron Katie Meditation Workshop Intro Evening 7pm Herons Wood 604-317-7323 surati.ca UNDER|WHERE? 6-8pm The Ou Gallery 3091 Agira Rd. Duncan FREE Kevin’s Bacon 7:30pm 101 A 3055 Oak Street Chemainus no cover Quamichan Fundraising Siamsa w/ Jonathan Churcher & open mic 7–10pm St. Peter’s Church Hall 5800 Church Rd $10 Live Edge Design & Cowichan Valley IWD Lunch & Learn Site Tour at Live Edge Design 1pm 5195 Mearns Rd FREE also 16

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ECE and Kindergarten Open House 10am-12pm Sunrise Waldorf School 2148 Lakeside Rd 250-743-7253 FREE Cobble Hill’s Seedy Saturday, Cobble Hill Hall 3550 Watson Ave 10am-2pm FREE

Marsh Madness Tackling Invasives 10am-1pm 6043 TCH Hwy www.somenosmarsh.com FREE

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Transfer Printing Fabric Workshop w/Gill Riordan 10am-3pm Portals Island Savings Ctr cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca $30, $20 supplies & materials I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr 250-748-7529 $34 Diane Pancel’s From Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave $15 Chemainus Classical Concerts The French Connection Pianists Susan de Burgh & Ed LeBarron.

2pm St. Michael’s Church Chemainus 250-748-8383 $20/$5 Adv.$17 Second-Sunday Market10am-3pm the Hub in Cowichan Station fB2ndSundayMarket FREE La Petite Auction House Auction 1pm 9866 Chemainus Rd

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Westview Learning Camp Lego Boost 250 701-3359 runs to 03/16 IMAC Spring Camp Buzz About Beekeeping 8:30am-4:30pm The Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd 250-8919176 $30imac/$35/day to 03/16 English Traditional Goldwork w/Gill Riordan 10am-3pm Portals Island Savings Ctr $30, $30 suppls. cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

Cooking Class Mastering Stocks and Sauces Deerholm Farm 4830 Stelfox Rd www.deerholme.com

Spring Break Pet-acular South Cowichan Library Mill Bay Ctr 250-743-5436 FREE runs to 03/24

Toronto Dance Theatre 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr 250-748-7529 $42

Art Skool Spinning Ninny 306 Duncan St facebook.com/ spinningninny runs to 03/24

Harpdog Brown & the Travelling Blues Show 7pm the Chapel at Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd www.barelynorth.com $20 13 & under FREE

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Weaving as Fine Art w/Gill Riordan 10am-3pm Portals Island Savings Ctr $30, $30 suppls. cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

Mindful Inquiry using The Work of Byron Katie Four Questions that can change your life!

Weekend Workshop April 21-22 Intro Evening March 9, 7pm

Info: 604-317-7323 I surati.ca “Identify and question the beliefs that keep you stuck, create conflict with others and leave you feeling at odds with the world.

Using this simple yet radical process, we can find peace in all aspects of life.”

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

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Lila Community Choir, 5:30-7pm 228A Gibbins Rd www.joythroughmusic.com $10$15/class. also 21/28

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CVAC Speaker Series The History of Art Markets slide talk w/Dr Melissa Berry 12pm Mesachie Room, Island Savings Centre FREE

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Encore performance of SoulKing/A Concert Tribute to Sam Cooke March 16 8pm, Saturday, March 17 Matinee 2pm + 8pm, Sunday March 18, 7pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave 250-815-5241 $15-$35 Yeoja A’ a pop-up installation of evocative photographsby Korean artist Lena Lee 6-8pm The Ou Gallery 3091 Agira Rd. Duncan FREE Warmland Calligraphers Exhibit Opening Reception 3-5pm Portals Island Savings Ctr FREE daily 11am-5pm to 03/20 Tea with Doulas w/Christina Hamill RCST® The Newborn’s 9 Instinctive Stages 10am-12pm Matraea Centre 170 Craig St FREE

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Crikey Mor St. Paddy’s Day Show 9pm Cobblestone Pub 3566 Holland Ave. Cobble Hill FREE Sounds of Spring! Cowichan Family Caregiver Support Society Fundraiser Duncan Choral Society & Sari Alesh 2-4pm w/silent auction 250-597-0886 $15 under 12 FREE Women and Wheels Wkshp Kiss Me, I’m Sober 2-3pm Cowichan Auto Repair 5275 Chaster Rd/TCH Reg 778-422-3100 FREE w/food bank donation VIU Faculty Association Status of Women Committee & Cowichan Valley IWD Films w/ panel Our People Shall Be Healed-Our People Shall Be Heard 1-3:45pm VIU Cowichan Campus Theatre 2011 University Way by donation Prohibition Dinner Theatre 6-9pm

Merridale Cidery & Distillery 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill merridale. ca $59/person

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Duncan Seedy Sunday 10am-2pm Si’em Lelum Gym 5574 River Rd 250-748-8506 $2 NOLA NightHawks celebrates The Music of Old and New Orleans 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave $20

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Spring Break Camp 9am-3pm The Hive 139 Station St 778-455-4483 $50/day runs to 03/30 Westview Learning Camp Lego EV3 Adventures 250 701-3359 Playtime Public Screening 6:30pm VIU Cowichan Lecture Theatre Rm 140 2011 University Way virl.bc.ca FREE or by donation IMAC Spring Camp Children’s Olympics 8:30am-4:30pm The Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd 250-891-9176 $30imac/$35 per day runs to 03/23

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Upcycling Workshop Gardening Aprons 10am2pm or 5:30-9pm Garden Pantry Store 360 Duncan St. leslie@ cowichangreencommunity.org $30/$25 with reg.

Samosa 101 Parent/Youth Session 3-5pm Scoops Natural Foods Whippletree Junction Register 778-422-3310 $50 also 03/27

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Justice for the Peace-No to Site C w/Arlene & Ken Boon Wendy Holms Guy Dauncey at a Public Forum by Council of Canadians Cowichan & Rolling Justice Bus 7pm Duncan United Church 246 Ingram FREE

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Cowichan Watershed Board Speakers Series w/Gord Baird 7pm VIUCowichan Campus Lecture Hall rm 140 eco-sense.ca FREE CMHA-CVB Fentanyl and other opioids in the Cowichan Valley information night 7-9 pm Duncan

United Church by donation.

Julius Caesar - NT Live in HD Broadcast 7pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr 250-748-7529 Adult $23.50/Senior $22/eyeGO $5

A Jazz Evening w/ Misha Piatigorsky 7-10pm Blue Grouse Winery 2182 Lakeside Rd 250-743-3834 $35

Victory Barbers pop up barber shop 5-8:30pm 101 A 3055 Oak St Chemainus $25 donation haircut w/ beer and a hair cut

Lemon and Lavender Vintage Tea: Lunch $7, Baking, Sewing,Crafts, Treasure table, Raffles! 11am-2pm Mill Bay Community Hall 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd FREE

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Lino Reduction Prints w/application of Colour Theory 2 day workshop w/Anne Jones 9:30am-3:30pm Chemainus Art Group Saltair Ctr 3850 South Oyster School Rd Saltair happypair@shaw. ca Non-members $12

The Borealis String Quartet with The Bergmann Piano Duo Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 250-748-7529 $32

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La Petite Auction House Auction 1pm 9866 Chemainus Rd

Red Superfood Demo 11am-1pm + Amoda Tea Demo Lynns Vitamin Gallery Duncan Village 180 Central Rd FREE An Evening of Messages from Spirit 7:30pm Mercury Thtr 331 Brae Rd www.cowichanspiritualistchurch.com$20 HUB Film Club Movie Night Secret Of Kells 7pm The Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd admission details hubfilmclub@gmail.com

Create your own Easter Basket 9:30am-3:30pm Duncan Reg 250-748-7468 $90

Lust Life Jazz Band w/Bryn Badel & Wayne Kozak 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave $15

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Cowichan Reel Alternatives Film The Divine Order 7pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr reelalternatives@gmail.com $12/$10 series

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Million Dollar Quartet Chemainus Theatre Festival 1-800-565-7738 runs thru to April

Marsh Madness Somenos Creek Planting 10am- 1pm Somenos Creek Dog Park www. somenosmarsh.com FREE

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Spring Heather Sale, Stu Armour Building Cobble Hill Fairgrounds (Fisher Rd) 10 AM – 12 noon cash or cheque onlybcheathersociety.org Free Yin Yoga Class w/ Nadia 6-7:30pm Harmony Yoga Centre 360 Duncan St FREE Spring Break Puppet Show 2-3pm South Cowichan Library Mill Bay Ctr 250-743-5436 FREE Fundraiser for Cowichan Poverty Reduction Initiative w/Scotty Hills Dana Sipos Duncan United Church www.barelynorth.com Spring Wild Foods Dinner Deerholme Farm 4830 Stelfox Rd www.deerholme.com

Sisu Demo Lynns Vitamin Gallery Duncan Village 180 Central Rd FREE

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Beginner Beekeeping Workshop Lenora Bee Apiary register at www.lenorabee.ca Klee Wyck Journal 2-3pm Cowichan Library virl.bc.ca FREE Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra the Chapel at Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd www.barelynorth. com Così Fan Tutte Met Opera Live in HD Broadcast 9:55am Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr 250-748-7529 Adult $28/Senior $26/eyeGO $5

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March 2018 Issue 112 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 Events Calendar Mike Andringa C. A. Linklater

Social Media Flock Social Media

Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline March 18 for April 2018 Issue 113 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE March15 for April 2018 Issue E-mail: Date, Event Title, Time, Location and Cost w/ subject “EVENT” to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Bill Jones, Gerry Giles, Kat Brust, Guy Johnston, Chelsea Abbott, Heather Kaye, Nora Arajs, David Pink, Tina Foster, Sheila Badman, David Coulson, Monica Dockerty, François Léonard, Gayle Hurmuses, Alicia Loewen, Brian Siff, Don McGinnis, Patricia Zuk, Rupert Koyote, Doona Shaw, Cheryl Painter Yonge, Christina Hamill, Elaine Scott, Melissa Brown, Surati Haarbrucker, Steve Unger, Pam Stiles, Richard Badman, Alexa Linton, Deb Wood, Victoria Robinson, Rick Dennis, Chantey Dayal, Melissa Brown, Tracey Hanson, Kailli Pigott, Kendra Thomas, Susan Down, Andrew Brown, Lara Brunchot, Amanda Marchand, Dr Brenda Bernhardt, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville March Cover: The Green Door Takes Flight Again Historic Newman house mural image circa 1930.

Tony Colangelo Photography, www.tcphotography.ca

Choose Valley Voice Magazine to be part of your 2018 marketing plan.

OUR COMMUNITY March Events 4-5 International Womens Day 36 One Billion Rising Cowichan 46 #MeToo and Compassionate Activism 51 Community Farm Store Pages 72-73 Georgia Nicols March Forecast 76 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Beyond Bok Choi 8 Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery 14 A Cowichan Grown Cookbook! 24 Chocolate Pearl of Wisdom: The Mendiant 43 HOME, FARM & GARDEN Lee Valley Tools Coming to the Valley 10 We Learn As We Grow 11 Cowichan Valley Hive Share 23 Mulch More, Water Less! 26 Conserve Water in Your Outdoor Living Room 27 Designing Green 30 Extending the Gardening Season 31 Twisted Vine Landscaping: François Léonard 32 Tax Tips for Moving Expenses 35 Oh Those Wonderful Heathers 54 Are You Water Resilient? 71 For the Love of Flowers 77 LOCAL ARTS Harpdog Brown & The Travelin’ Blues Show 13 Gospel Music to Stir the Soul 15 Barely North Entertainment 16 Art Skool at Spinning Ninny 44 Reel Alternatives Film Series - Great Films for a Great Cause 52 March at the Ou Gallery 70 The Sounds of Spring 74 Million Dollar Quartet 75 CHILDREN & FAMILY Bee Alive In The Hive on Spring Break 42 Baby Potency 49 Spring Break Activities 58 Basic Cooking Skills For Kids By Age 59 Sunrise Waldorf Open House 63 Bigger Kids = Bigger Messes 66 BODY, MIND & SOUL Adding SUPERFOODS To Your Diet 28 The Warming Cleanse 29 Meditation Is Time Management 38 Discovering Vitality Through Breath 55 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE Communicating with your animals is the next big thing... 65

Contact Adrienne for details and a rate card

250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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

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Beyond Bok Choy

lipping through the seed catalogue I see a growing trend is the increase in the number of Asian greens available for local gardeners.

We have grown many varieties for years and I have often wondered why more of these amazing edibles are not available in our local farmers markets.

To get the best of these greens you have to move beyond the generic bok choy found in most of our supermarkets. Not that there is anything wrong with a good choy (particularly the baby varieties). It is like any vegetable – it suffers from increasing the distance from garden to table. A boy choy from the garden is sweet, crunchy and aromatic. From the produce isle it is often bruised, watery, starchy and

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bland. If you search you will find there is a vast world of choices out there that go beyond the limited offerings in the supermarket.

Here are five greens outstanding Asian greens you should explore in your garden: Gai Lan. This is a dark green stemmed plant that is sometimes called Chinese Broccoli. I think it has very little in common with broccoli (other than both being members of the brassica family). It has a fine firm texture with a slight tinge of bitterness on the finish. It has a fibrous stalk that benefits from being cooked until soft. The Chinese often blanch the stalks and serve with a drizzle of oyster sauce.

Yu Choy. On first glance this vegetables looks very similar to Gai Lan. The stems however will be much more

Shanghai bok choy.

Image Bill Jones

tender and are occasionally hollow. This plant is sometimes called Chinese flowering cabbage. It is very delicious and a great addition to both salads and stir-fries. A

favourite Chinese preparation is to quickly blanch the stems and toss the leaves in hot oil and garlic.

Tatsoi. This plant is a cousin to Yu Choy but has a distinct

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

round leaf and grows in a pretty rosette form. The taste is mild and the greens are very tender with a subtle mustard bite. We usually use the young leaves in our salad mix where they shine with their beautiful shape, long shelf life and clean fresh flavor. When we have lots, they make an excellent stirfry or addition to a noodle dish, particularly when there is lots of garlic used.

Shungiku. It is often called Edible Chrysanthemum. This is another plant that is easy to grow and tastes fantastic in a salad or stir fired as a green. The shungiku likes our cool local climate and makes a welcome addition to our meals almost on a year round basis. It is particularly great

chopped up in rice dishes and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Mizuna I love this vegetable.

It has a beautiful shape, a nice mild peppery flavor and is versatile as a salad green or a cooking green. Mizuna also grows like a weed in our garden and seems to be very happy in the Cowichan climate. When we have a bumper crop we also make a mizuna pesto with olive oil and sunflower seeds. It is another great source of nutrients and antioxidants.

Bill Jones is a chef, author and food consultant based on Deerholme farm.

Reach him at www.deerholme.com

Japanese Risotto With Sesame, Avocado And Greens

Recipe courtesy Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm

Serves 4 Ingredients

2 Tbsp grapeseed oil 2 cups sushi rice 1 Tbsp garlic, minced 1 cup mushrooms, diced 1 cup white wine (or sake) 4 cups chicken (or vegetable) stock 2 cups mixed greens (mizuna, shungiku, yu choy, etc) 1 Tbsp Japanese soy sauce 2 Tbsp butter (optional) 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and diced 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 green onion, finely minced 2 Tbsp shredded nori (seaweed) Salt and pepper to taste Method In a heavy saucepan, add the oil and rice. Heat over mediumhigh heat until the rice turns translucent and begins to stick to the bottom. Add the garlic and mushrooms and stir until warmed through. Add the white wine and cook until it is almost evaporated. Add the stock, 1 cup at a time, and stir frequently until the liquid is almost evaporated. Reduce heat if it cooks too quickly. Continue with the remaining stock.

Cook until the liquid is almost absorbed and the rice is softened but still with a little bite in the centre. Add the greens, soy and butter (if used). Stir to mix and season well with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowls and top with the avocado, sesame seeds, green onion and nori. Serve warm as a starter or main dish, great with grilled salmon.

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Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday booth

Lee Valley Tools Is Coming To The Cowichan Valley!

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ee Valley Tools is coming to the Cowichan Valley one time only at Cobble Hill’s Seedy Saturday on March 10th in the Cobble Hill Halls.

Cobble Hill’s much expanded 2018 Seedy Saturday will feature Lee Valley Tools and other premium vendors like Dinter Nursery, Perennial Ridge Nursery and Metchosin Farm along with most of the excellent seed suppliers on and off the Island. Saltspring Seeds, Full Circle Seeds, Seeds of Diversity and many others will be on hand to meet the wide variety of gardeners needs.

1st hundred customers only. ExpiresMarch 31, 2018

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Demand for more vendor space to accommodate the more than a thousand eager gardeners who attend Cobble Hill’s Seedy Saturday brought about a major expansion into our three main buildings all of which are within 200 metres of each other. We will also be offering short seminars on a variety of topics including Mason bees.

Our vendors are bringing heritage and organic seeds, vegetable and flower starts, plants and shrubs of all varieties including fruit, bulbs and tubers, mason bees and their houses, tools, interesting garden art and other items.

We also have our famous seed exchange and kiddies plant fun, lots of free parking and we are wheelchair accessible.

We still have free entry, great local food and an opportunity to share the excitement of growing things again after our long wet and cool winter.

Doors open at 10 am and wrap it all up at 2 pm on Saturday March 10 in the Cobble Hill Village on Watson Avenue. Don’t miss this great event!

Submittted by Gerry Giles

Duncan Seedy Saturday booth

We Learn as we Grow Kat Brust, Seed Incubator Farm Intern with Cowichan Green Community

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t all begins with a seed, a seed of an idea, a seed of inspiration, a seed of a vegetable or that of a flower.

My grandmother was a gardener. My Aunt is a gardener. My mom, getting her start from the wise words of my Aunt, “Dig a hole, put a plant in it”, is now a gardener.

Not knowing if the plant was in the right place or planted at the right time, we all get our start somewhere. Just as with life, we do not always know if we are in the right place at the right time. But what we do know is that if we give the love and care that a life needs, we will be rewarded.

It isn’t just the reward of having a beautiful flower to look at, a tree to shade you

or a vegetable to eat. It’s the connection with the Earth and where we came from.

We learn as we grow. We dig holes and put plants in them and we learn if it is the right place or the right time. I haven’t always had a connection with the Earth or where I come from. But the more I grow the closer I feel to those who came before me. Gardening, growing, connects us all, even when we are gone. We work the same Earth, we plant the same seeds. We dance through the seasons, planning, sowing, watching and waiting, harvesting together even though we are apart.

And so I encourage you this spring. I encourage you to dig a hole and put a plant in it. Plant a seed. Let your bare fingers run through the soil and connect with who came

before you. Connect with your community. Connect with me.

You are invited to this year’s Duncan Seedy Sunday on March 18th at the Si’em Lelum Gym (5574 River Road) from 10am-2pm.

Admission is $2 and this event features 35+ local seed and garden vendors, community booths, a seed exchange, food trucks, and activities for kids. This year’s event will also feature a series

of gardening workshops hosted by local experts including topics such as Mason Bees, Permaculture, Seed Cleaning and an opportunity to meet with Dan Jason about his new book ‘Awesome Ancient Grains and Seeds’.

For more information or to become a seed vendor please call Jennifer Dorby at 250-748-8506 or visit: www. cowichangreencommunity.org.

Your one stop shop for natural products for home and body • more • more • more • more • more

sustainable fashions natural make up body products mens products natural pet supply

Come in for great natural products, organic produce and so much more!

• more • more • more • more • more

healthy snacks natural bulk foods cleaning products vitamin selection household for YOU!

PRODUCE SECTION

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

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almost sold out!

SOUL KING Back by popular demand “Soul King” is coming back to town. This unique musical, depicting the music, life and times of Sam Cooke, played to enthusiastic sellout audiences last month.

Encore performance of SoulKing/A Concert Tribute to Sam Cooke March 16 8pm, Saturday, March 17 Matinee 2pm + 8pm, Sunday March 18, 7pm Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Avenue, Crofton, $15 - $35, 250-815-5241

Crikey Mor St Paddy’s Day Show Crikey Mor delivers a whirlwind of tightly arranged traditional Irish instrumentals and songs that will keep your spirit and body moving.

With powerful vocals and rich harmonies provided by all band members,consisting of Nancy Grossert on fiddle, Tasia MacKay on flute, Jeremy Walsh on guitar, Andrew Morris on bodhran and Eric Reiswig on uilleann pipes. March 17, 9pm Cobblestone Pub, 3566 Holland Ave. Cobble Hill

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Misha PiatigorskyVibrant jazz pianist Misha Piatigorsky- Vibrant jazz pianist, composer and producer, hailed by the Boston Globe as the artist who “beautifully merges the worlds of serious jazz and pop,” — Misha blends powerful melodies with an unusual harmonic sensitivity.

Blue Grouse Winery presents a Jazz Evening with Misha Piatigorsky in our upstairs lounge, cabaret style. Tickets are $35 for Saturday March 24th at 7pm at Blue Grouse Winery 2182 Lakeside Rd, Duncan. 250-743-3834 www.bluegrouse.ca

Borealis String Quartet “Light used to be faster than sound, until these people came along.” - The Hamilton Spectator It’s an afternoon of classical music performed

by Morning Musicale hosts The Bergmann Piano Duo accompanied by the internationally acclaimed Borealis String Quartet in a special Sunday Matinée performance. March 25, 2pm Tickets $32 Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St, Duncan 250.748.7529

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

Harpdog Brown & the Travelin’ Blues Show

Blues Fans Won’t Want to Miss Harpdog Brown & The Travelin’ Blues Show

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arely North Entertainment is pleased to present multi-award winning Blues act Harpdog Brown & the Travelin’ Blues Show for a special evening in the Chapel at Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Rd.).

He’s been called a blues evangelist and that is a very fitting moniker. “I speak the blues like it’s the truth, and it is” he was recently quoted. “I do feel like I’m a servant of the people. And I do believe that music can heal people, especially blues music, if they pay attention to the good messages in the songs we perform.” He delivers those messages in the traditional sound of early electric blues.

Think of the old Chess Records and Sun Records of the late 40’s and early 50’s.

Harpdog says “Blues has a healing power. It’s a beautiful celebration of our perfectly flawed lives. We help people forget about their issues for a moment and then they realize that we all have our issues, and that it’s ok.”

Vancouver-based Harpdog Brown was born in Edmonton in 1962. “The blues tapped me on the shoulder years ago and said ‘this is where you belong, son.” They love

the traditional early electric blues sound and they perform that style with authenticity.

Some call it a Chicago Blues sound. They perform mostly originals yetthey often include great songs of the masters from that era. Think Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, Jimmy Reed and of course, Muddy Waters.

Harpdog Brown is a gifted vocalist and an imaginative harmonica player. He is a threetime Maple Blues Award Winner, Fraser Valley Music Award Winner, Juno Nominee and the only Canadian to win the coveted Muddy Award.His latest release Travelin’ With The Blues features a duet with Charlie Musselwhite and was produced by the Beale Street Blues Bopper himself, Little Victor with guest appearances from Kid Andersen, Big Jon Atkinson and other heavy hitters in the American blues scene.

Blues fans won’t want to miss this one. Tickets $20 (13 and under free) at Duncan Music, Providence Farm Store, and eventbrite.ca. Doors:7pm Show:7:30pm www.barelynorth.com

o nt o e 8 Sal arch M

OUR FIRST EVER! Custom Frame Moulding

SALE

30% off all custom frames!

* Matting, glass, labour not included.

Relocation Celebration!

Thursday, March 1 • 10am - 4pm Door prizes and refreshments for all our customers throughout the day!

March Features New Paintings by Thérèse Johnston

Introducing Sculptor Dave Aris Works by Painter Allan Garbutt Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 24 Station St., Downtown Duncan www.excellentframeworks.ca 250 746 7112

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February 23 - March 11

Fabulous Food.

Fabulous Prices.

Dine Cowichan restaurants offer fixed price menus for pub food, farm-to-table, ethnic, fine dining & more. With 25 participating restaurants, everyone can Dine Cowichan. Just ask for the Dine Cowichan menu.

$15 - $45 | Runs to March 11 Participating Restaurants & Menus Online: www.duncancc.bc.ca

Dine Cowichan Participants South Cowichan: Summit Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort, Bridgemans Bistro, Unsworth Vineyards Restaurant, Village Chippery, Cobblestone Pub, Pizzeria Prima Strada, Satellite Bar & Grille at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club Cowichan Bay: Rock Cod Cafe, Cow Cafe West Coast Grill Maple Bay & Genoa Bay: Genoa Bay Cafe, The Shipyard Restaurant & Pub, The Lion Rampant Scottish Pub

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Duncan: The Farm Table at Providence Farm, The Old Fork, River Rock Bar & Grill, The Old Firehouse Wine and Cocktail Bar, Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar, Duncan Garage Cafe and Bakery, Oak Neighbourhood Pub and Kitchen, Royal Dar, CVI Restaurant & Lounge Chemainus: Odika Cafe, Sawmill TapHouse & Grille, Owls Nest Bakery Bistro Lake Cowichan: Farm Table Inn

Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery

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s we edge into spring here at Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery (CSF) we are hard at work. This time of year we are busy repairing and maintaining our fishing vessel, the Michelle Rose.

The past few weeks, we have been up on the hard at Lindstrom Marine in Maple Bay. We have done our normal painting and replacing zincs and this year we had a few larger jobs, such as replacing our propeller, shaft and shaft bearings. Next we will be repairing prawn traps and tying hoochies for the upcoming sockeye salmon season. There is never a dull moment for a fisherman After the boat and gear are all ready, we will head out for the fishing grounds at the beginning of May. The

Michelle Rose is a freezer boat allowing us to roam the coast looking for our catch. Typically we are gone prawning and octopus fishing until sometime in June. We head back to Cowichan Bay and have a pick up day when members of our CSF come down and get their portion of the catch.

Next we switch the boat over to salmon trolling. This means we fish by hook and line for our salmon. This year is a Fraser River Sockeye season, so we will be heading for Johnstone Straits and the north end of Vancouver Island to fish for Sockeye and

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

Pink salmon. As the summer salmon season draws to a close in September we once again head back to Cowichan and distribute salmon to the members of the CSF. We take a brief rest at home and then head back to Johnstone Straits for fall chum fishing for the month of October and sometimes November. After chums, we are finally done for the year and head back home for the winter.

April Gislason, Maria Manna, Maureen Washington

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS

Gospel Music to Stir the Soul

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Hi my name is Guy Johnston and I have been a fisherman for 40 plus years. For the past seven years, my crew and I have operated a Community Supported Fishery or CSF. This is a form of direct marketing from the producer to the community. If this interests you and you would like a share of this season’s catch check out our website at michellerosecsf.com.

Submitted by Guy Johnson

March 4 • 2PM $20 The Ladies of Gospel

ictoria’s Ladies of Gospel, Maria Manna, Maureen Washington and April Gislason, will rock your soul with classic soul and Motown gospel. Individually, these jazz divas pack a powerful punch. Together they are dynamite on stage, playing off each other’s strengths and larger-than-life personalities and adding their own gospel interpretations.

Manna, known for her jazz, blues and Italian vocals as well as her philanthropy, says Washington and Gislason have amazing voices, rich and full, and so were a natural choice when she was assembling the trio.

Washington has won the Black Canadian Award for Best Jazz and Blues Artist. Gislason has collaborated with the likes of David Foster and Bryan Adams and her voice can be heard in thousands of advertising jingles across North America.

Gislason’s Puerto Rico/New York upbringing, Washington’s African-American roots and Manna’s own Italian heritage are an unbeatable musical combination.

Manna, who created the show because she “felt the calling,” says the words of gospel music bring joy and happiness to all who listen, even those who don’t go to church.”

“Many black female vocalists, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Natalie Cole, got their start in a church choir,” says Manna. Some of the songs they’ll cover include Swing Low Sweet Chariot, His Eye is on the Sparrow, Travellin’ Shoes and Down by the Riverside. Manna will also share the history of such well-loved songs as Amazing Grace and It Is Well with my Soul. The show is part of a regular Sunday afternoon jazz concert series at the pub, presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society.

Maria Manna, Maureen Washington and April Gislason.

Rock your soul with Motown & Soul Gospel

March 11• 2PM Diane Pancel’s Cabaret-Style Show From Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood

March 18 • 2PM $20 NOLA NightHawks: The Music of Old and New Orleans Celebrating the city that gave birth to jazz

March 25• 2PM Lust Life Jazz Band

Bryn Badel and Wayne Kozak, jazz, blues, bebop, funk and swing

Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton All shows are $15 at the door unless otherwise stated.

March 4, Pat’s House of Jazz, Osborne Bay Pub. Crofton Hotel, 1534 Joan Ave. $20.

Table reservations are recommended and will be held until 1:30 p.m.

Call 250 324-2245.

ng Sp r i k B re a ls ! ia Sp e c Soup & Sandwich Monday - Friday LUNCH SPECIAL Sunday Night Roast Beef Dinners at 5pm DATE NIGHT - Steak & Lobster Thursdays at 5pm

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

LIVE MUSIC ON SUNDAYS! 4 -7PM

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Thus Owls, presented by Barely North

Barely North Enertainment

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arely North Entertainment celebrated its first year anniversary last month.

Though promoter Andrew Brown has been putting on great shows and sold out house concerts for several years, he began using the Chapel at Providence Farm as his main venue last year. “I like the vibe of the room—with the old wood and rounded embellishments— and the natural acoustics, which can also be a nightmare when trying to tame the stray frequencies.” Andrew shares “I love to share musical experiences with people.

I think it creates a special bond when you are part of an exclusive club for a night and can reminisce about the music you experienced together.”

His shows are intimate and they are great opportunities to visit with friends, meet new people and mingle with the artists in a way you just

can’t in conventional settings.

With a growing audience base, Barely North is actively looking for a permanent local venue to expand what they can offer to the community.

Leads on new venues are welcomed from readers.

A family operation, Andrew’s wife runs the bar, his kids help with many jobs and music loving friends volunteer for the shows.

Props to everyone that has helped along the way he is grateful for all the support.

The Browns are a musical family to the core, everyone plays an instrument. Andrew has been has been playing guitar for over 25 years and his son a promising drummer who is looking forward to further studying music abroad after high school. “You can’t walk into my house without hearing music being played.

The driving force behind the company is an unhealthy obsession with music, and a love of twisting knobs. I like the exposure my children

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

778-422-1034 I chopsdrumschool@gmail.com

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Sweet Alibi presented by Barely North

have have to the interesting and inspiring artists who play our shows and often stay with us for the night. The whole family has formed special bonds with some really great artists from around the world.

I originally became involved in promoting concerts when I was in grade eight when a friend’s dad connected a group of us with the local civic centre in Langley, where I grew up, and we would put on punk shows at least once a month. It was more or less trying to give us teenagers a positive outlet to keep us out of trouble, and help us gain some incredibly valuable tools. We did it for five or six years and had a blast.

I’d love to help generate the lifelong passion for music and the environment for which was so formative for me, and am planning some sessions that I hope will engage the local youth.” shares Andrew.

“I’m mainly drawn to music that tests boundaries or just generally makes me say ‘ wow!’ I love thought provoking lyrics and skillful articulation of the instruments from the musicians. jazz, progressive rock, psych, punk, experimental, folk, metal, classical, all have a place in my library of music.

From his impressive repertoire of concerts that included sold out shows with Winnipeg’s Sweet Alibi, Neil Osbourne of

54-40, Vancouver’s country crooner, David Simard, and Tofino’s Butterflywingtip it is hard to choose a favourite performance. However he highlights Swedish-Canadian experimental indie band Thus Owls from Montreal as one of his best. “Their skill level was through the roof and their music was brilliant. We get a diverse range of artists, that likely won’t all appeal to everyone, but that is what makes it interesting. I try to have a variety of shows each month so that there are always shows that different people will be excited about—and maybe even discover something new!”

If you haven’t checked out a Barely North show at the Chapel shows you are missing out.

Upcoming shows are March 10 Harpdog Brown & the Travelin’ Blues Show and March 31 The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra always a local favourite and absolute must see. Future acts include two time Juno award winner Shari Ulrich Trio, incredible songwriting duo and award winners Big Little Lions and multi nominated international touring Gordie Tentrees are among others being added regularly. Visit the website to keep up to date on all the new music Barley North has enticed to our town. www.barelynorth.com

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

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

Easter Specialties each). All the usual goodies to make your holiday feast amazing will be available in an assortment of wheat and gluten free. 330 Duncan St, Duncan, 250 748-6223.

EASTER FAVOURITES!

Wheat & Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns, Spelt Easter Braid, Bunny Buns, Fruit Pies, Cakes and more!

Bunny buns, Duncan Garage

The lovely bakers at the Duncan Garage Café will be baking their delicious Hot Cross Buns ($2 each or tray of 4 for $7.50) and Gluten Friendly Hot Cross buns ($2.50 each or a tray of 4 for $9.50) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the end of March until Easter is done. Their hot cross buns are made with only organic natural dried fruit and a delightful blend of organic spices. All Easter weekend, they’ll be offering the super cute Bunny Buns ($1 each), a bunny shaped variant on our legendary addictive Butter Buns (also available, 90 cents

Centrepiece, True Grain Bread

A beautiful addition to Cowichan tables are True Grain Bread’s Edible Centerpieces - an Easter specialty composed of 18 buns with a variety of toppings. It is available in 3 different doughs. Spelt Hot Cross buns are available on the weekends, but wheat ones are available daily until Easter. Easter Bread, an Italian sweet bread that contains roasted almonds, raisins and rum, will be available daily all Join us at Zanatta Vineyard Easter week. Preorders available Sunday, April 1 anytime right up Brunch served from to Easter. 10% 10AM to 1PM off for orders pre booked 48 hours Fruit salad with minted honey yogurt in advance. 1725 Portuguese brioche with infused butter Cowichan Bay Rd, or Roasted yam waffle with Cowichan Bay Caramelized apples 250-746-7664.

Easter at VINOTECA

or Creamy polenta with roasted squash, toasted pine nuts, arugula, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce or Smoked salmon eggs benedict on toasted brioche or Steak hash brown with roasted shallots, gorgonzola cheese and sunny side egg

vinoteca.ca For reservations call 5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279

Chef Brad Boisvert of CURE Artisan Meat and Cheese is taking orders for Easter Hams - bone in or boneless.The hams are produced using BC hormone and antibiotic free meats and cured in a custom brine

before being smoked. These full of flavour hams can be ordered in a variety of sizes to suite your needs. Have the crackling left on for an extra little bit of flavour! Also available Smoked turkey breast stuffed with sage and Rosemary sausage stuffing.

So you get both white and dark meat. All rolled into one.

Fully cooked or just smoked. .

For a quick heat and serve gourmet brunch pick up Meat Pies, Quiche, house smoked bacon, Easter Macaroons and sausage rolls. Pre order cheese and charcuterie platter

for a great appetizer or a fondue for fun and Easter weekend meals are a breeze.

Order by March 26 for Bone In or March 29 For Bone out hams. Valley View Centre Cobble Hill, 250 929-2873.

Gift Baskets & Certificates Cocktail Supplies Meat & Cheese Platters Gourmet Foods Dine In & Take Out

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available for purchase along with our pizzas at our out door Cookshed. Admission $5 per person 5881 Genoa Bay Rd Duncan,250-748-6379 www.birdseyecovefarm.com

Start your Easter Sunday fun at Bird’s Eye Cove Farm with flexible times for your family. We will be running Easter egg hunts every hour starting at 10:30 am and the last hunt will be 3:30 pm (gates open at 10 am). There will be two hunts available, one for children under 5 and one for children ages 6-12.Enjoy wood fire pizzas, a hot dog or soup and sandwich, listen to great music by acclaimed artist Terry Brennham and Amoray. Watch the chickens go by while the kids play on the farm. There will be free bouncy castle time and face painting, egg decorating and colouring. Plus adorable farm animals including Mr. Forrest the potbelly pig on site and afternoon farm tours to visit the Berkshire pigs, Highland cows, heritage farm yard and more chickens! Tea, coffee and hot chocolate along with some other goodies will be

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The HUB at Cowichan Station has a volunteer crew organising an Easter Eggstravaganza again this year. Come join in the fun on Easter Sunday with egg hunting in the forest, pancake breakfast, bouncy castle, face painting, crafts, clay play, music and more. “It’s such a wonderful family event that generates huge smiles and community spirit with surprisingly small amounts of chocolate!” Says HUB event organiser, Donna Shaw. To find out more and to get an event map, check out the HUB facebook page. 100% of event profits will go Cowichan Station Area Association to support improvements and programs at The HUB. This is a free community event from 9am – 1pm on Easter Sunday (April 1st). Fair style tickets will be sold so you can pick and choose your favourite activities. The HUB at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Rd.

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

F S s e I L m s S c c s l r o f r L 2

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Farm Table Inn, Easter Sunday Brunch April 1st -11am seating only. Come savour the experience of the Farm Table Inn’s Easter Sunday Brunch.

Local, organic and home made dishes including bacon, sausage, French toast, Shepard’s pie, Italian baked chicken, West Coast seafood chowder, desserts, eggs benny served right to your table and lots more! Reservations are required so please call or email to book. info@ farmtableinn.ca Reservations required. 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd, Lake Cowichan 250-932-3205.

Brunch over a vineyard prepared by Chef Fatima Da Silva at Vinoteca. Brunch begins with fresh fruit, with honey minted yogurt and Portuguese brioche followed by your choice of main including delicious dishes like, Roasted yam waffle with cartelized apples, Creamy polenta with roasted squash, toasted pine nuts, arugula, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce,Smoked salmon eggs benedict on toasted brioche, Steak hash brown with roasted shallots, gorgonzola cheese and sunny side egg, 5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan, 250 709-2279.

Easter is a time of year that is deeply connected with food traditions. What’s better than

food fresh from the farm, the birds singing, and the blossoms blooming? Along with their regular menu, Cook Katy and Farmer John at Alderlea Farm Café are serving special traditional dishes, including hot cross buns. Celebrate Spring!

Also serving local wine and Red Arrow draft. Wood Fired Oven Pizza served Easter Sunday Evening. Open Friday-Sunday 11am-8pm 3390 Glenora Rd, Duncan, 250-597-3438.

Bridgemans Bistro Sunday, April 1-No Fooling!

Join us for Easter Sunday Brunch. We are open at 10 am so you can enjoy our regular brunch or one of our Easter Specials. Reservations are highly recommended so please call Bridgemans Bistro at 778-356-3568 to book your table.,740 Handy Road at Mill Bay Marina

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Vigneti Zanatta Fantasia Brut Fantasia Brut is made in the tradition of Champagne. Four years on the lees gives it the slightly toasty bread flavours that are associated with Champagnes. But the real reason it is an excellent choice for your Easter Brunch is the bouquet of fresh green apples and an abundance of bubbles. If it is too early to consume Fantasia Brut alone then consider adding orange juice and create a Mimosa with this versatile sparkling wine.

Local Easter Pairings Pinot Gris Rocky Creek Winery This wine is great for brunch for several reasons. It wakes up your palate and matches well with the indulgences of brunch. It has citrus and pink grapefruit tones with a hint of pear. This wine is great for the brunch meals such as eggs benny, avocado toast but also pairs with the meals towards lunch such as seafood, creamy pastas, dips such as hummous and fabulous with turkey or ham.

Second-Sunday

MARKET

Blue Grouse Estate Winery 2014 Paula Sparkling This sparkle starts with aromas of lemon, biscuit and almonds followed by flavours of green apples and brioche with a fine mousse on the palate. Well-balanced and dry with bright acidity and a lingering lemon-lime citrus.

Start your brunch gathering with this sparkle when friends and family arrive. This wine will also pair well with quiche or eggs benedict with your favorite toppings!

Sunday, March 11 10am to 3pm You are invited to join us for a fun day of shopping, and socializing with lots of great, talented local Cowichan Vendors! market info 250 701 3979

Free admission!

Everyone welcome!

The Hub in Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Rd., Duncan

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

Cowichan Valley Hive Share member learning to capture a swarm.

Cowichan Valley Hive Share Chelsea Abbott is a Master Beekeeper and owner of Lenora Bee Apiary www.lenorabee.ca

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egistration for Cowichan Valley’s Hive Share program is now open.

Our Hive Share is for Cowichan Valley residents who wish to experience and learn about the beekeeping season. Our Share involves bi-monthly Apiary sessions from May through September.

These sessions include handson hive management, take home learning resources, pest management and our year-end honey extraction workshop.

During an Apiary visits, our member’s will be managing

a hive within the Hive Share group. Apiary visits will run from 2-3 hours, every second Sunday. These small groups will be encouraged to share their learning experiences and encourage each other in their beekeeping practice.

At Lenora Bee Apiary, we believe in creating a sense of Community for our members, and to encourage a growing network of hive-minded individuals.

Beekeeping has changed vastly in the past ten years.

Beekeepers are now faced with a barrage of new pests and diseases, as well as our ever-changing climate.

Our Hive Share program is designed to give our members a taste of the Cowichan beekeeping season and encourages community through group-learning. This provides new beekeepers

with a support network of like-minded individuals to encourage them in a new world of beekeeping.

At Lenora Bee Apiary, our beekeeping values are simple. We support local bee breeders, and queen raisers who produce the best honeybees for our area. We treat our bees organically for pests and disease. And most importantly, we believe that creating a network of both experienced and new

beekeepers is vital to the health of our local honeybees.

Upcoming Workshops: Beginner Beekeeping, March 31, April 1 To register for our Hive Share or Workshop head over to: www.lenorabee.ca Or email: lenorabee@gmail.com

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

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A Cowichan Grown Cookbook!

he Cowichan Valley Cooperative Marketplace, or Cow-op for short, has much to celebrate these days. Not only is our online farmers’ market (www. cow-op.ca) helping residents of the Cowichan and, more recently, Victoria access local Cowichan-grown produce, baking, meat, fish and more but we are finally ready to unveil our latest project nine months in the making; a cookbook the region can call it’s own: Cowichan Grown Seasonal Recipes and Local Wisdom.

What sets this cookbook apart is it’s unique focus on senior food producers and elder cooking wisdom. The project, funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, saw the Cow-op gather recipes not only from its’ own member farmers and food processors but also from the wider community, especially those with a connection to the Valley’s deep agricultural history.

A dedicated volunteer steering committee made up of a former bakery owner, two farmers, a culinary scientist, an avid gardener, a Farmers’ Market vendor and a chef, then spent countless hours of their time combing through all of the submitted content, testing, photographing,

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editing, tweaking and finally selecting those recipes which most strongly showcase the region’s heritage and feature Cowichan-grown ingredients.

In addition to highlighting seasonal ingredients, the cookbook celebrates the passionate folks behind the food – the Cowichan elders, farmers, wine-makers, chefs, gardeners, cooks and localfood lovers who all took part – with a generous seasoning of their tips and wisdom throughout.

As a result, this cookbook deeply reflects the Cowichan Valley with both new and old recipes that show how people here make the best of the richness of the land they live on. There is a recipe for every season and every taste.

We invite you to dig in and explore the flavours of our beautiful Valley!

As of March 10th, the Cowichan Grown cookbook can be purchased online through the www.cow-op.ca online market, for pick up on Thursdays with your grocery orders, or at Cowichan Green Community’s Garden Pantry Store, 360 Duncan St., downtown Duncan.

To learn more, visit www.cow-op.ca/cookbook.

Submitted by Heather Kaye

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

Cowichan Career & Job Fair

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mployment, skill shortages and finding work in an ever-changing economy are a primary focus across the country. To assist with this issue, Global Vocational Services/WorkBC are hosting the “Cowichan Career & Job Fair 2018” in Duncan on Wednesday, March 7th as part of their efforts to support area employers and job seekers. The event will be held at Heritage Hall in the Island Savings Centre, 2687 James St in Duncan, from 10AM to 2PM and will feature numerous area employers from a range of sectors. This year we are pleased to have representation from education and training providers available to enhance the job fair experience. The Career & Job Fair is free and open to the public. Job seekers are encouraged to bring targeted resumes ready to meet employers and to dress for success.

Employers are concerned about increasing skills shortages and a high number of individuals are still without work throughout BC. In today’s world of online employment applications, having an opportunity for jobseekers and employers to meet in person can make a huge difference

to employment success.

Employers who have confirmed their attendance represent a wide variety of sectors including, financial, hospitality, retail, health and resource based industry. Attendees can expect to meet company representatives, gain industry information, and learn about the skills and training required to gain employment in today’s job market. Job seekers have an opportunity to ask questions and in some cases submit resumes directly for current positions. Most of the employers attending have either current vacancies or an upcoming need for staff. Those interested are encouraged to check out the Global Vocational Services website at www.gvsjobs. com for details on the event including an updated list of employers and training providers who will be in attendance.

Global Vocational Services, in coordination with community partners, delivers a range of employment services through Work BC Employment Services Centre storefront locations in Duncan, Ladysmith as well as a satellite office in Lake Cowichan. Services are diverse and focused on meeting the needs of area job seekers and employers as well as the shifting labour market.

Their mandate is to support eligible British Columbians to gain sustainable employment.

WorkBC is open in Ladysmith and Duncan, Monday to Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

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Mulch More, Water Less!

Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

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

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

We Welcome New Patients!

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Food Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat, Seafood, Produce, Deli & Floral, Supplements Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese 250 929-2873 Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates Pizzeria Prima Strada Cobble Hill 250-929-4655 Wood-fired pizza, meatball sandwiches, local wine & craft beer

Nora Arajs ‘Capture the Rain’ Coordinator Cowichan Watershed www.cowichanwater challenge.ca

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ant a lush garden without using so much water?

Mulch it!

Mulching is the process of adding organic material to the surface of your soil. Applying mulch is a water-wise practice and easy to apply while preparing new vegetable beds or refreshing perennial gardens this spring.

Why Mulch?

Bare soil loses moisture quickly through evaporation. By adding mulch, you’ll have a buffer that keeps the water where you want it - in the soil. Mulch also protects the roots of plants and the billions of microorganisms living in your soil. Mulched plants can hold 25-30% more moisture in the soil than those not mulched. That’s a real watersaving advantage! And as the mulch begins to decompose it returns nutrients to the soil as well as increasing your soil’s organic matter.

How to Mulch Spread mulch 2-6 inches deep around the base of plants and cover the entire garden bed so that there is no exposed soil.

Keep the mulch 2-3 inches away from the base of tree trunks and woody stems to prevent them from rotting. For larger trees you can apply up to 12 inches of mulch around the base of the tree.

What Materials Can I Use? There are a variety of materials that can be used as mulch. One of the best mulches is Big Leaf Maple leaves which we are fortunate to have an abundance of in the Cowichan Region.

• Leaf mold (decomposed leaves) adds nitrogen to your soil.

• Compost is a great all-around nutrient source.

• Wood chips, bark mulch, and sawdust are great for acid loving crops like berries, and rhododendrons. Wood mulch can also be used on other plants, but consider adding an organic nitrogen fertilizer because the wood robs nitrogen from the soil as it breaks down.

• Alder chips are a great longlasting mulch option, and they also help to fix nitrogen in the soil.

• Straw is inexpensive and effective as it is very porous and allows for good airflow. Try to use organic straw when possible.

• Newspaper and cardboard are cheap and easily accessible.

Use only uncoated cardboard and remove all tape, stickers, and staples.

So do your bit to “capture the rain” nature’s way. With a little work and resourcefulness, you can use free mulch to adapt your garden to be resilient in Cowichan’s drier summer months.

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

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Conserve Water in Your Outdoor Living Room

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ater, and the lack of it, continues to be at the forefront of environmental and world news!

In Canada we have grown up in a culture of an abundance of water making us the second largest consumers in the world (329 litre/person/day). A household of 4 people uses a whopping half million litres of water annually. Water is a limited natural resource, learning smart water practices in our homes and gardens is becoming increasingly important due to watering restrictions and environmental concern.

If every person in our community reduced their water use by 60 litres/day (20%) we would save over 1.8 billion litres of water annually.

One place we can conserve water is in our gardens by installing a micro-irrigation system. Micro Irrigation is the precise delivery of water directly to the root zone of plants, keeping it moist, but never saturated. The plants retain their proper air and water balance and avoid the stress and shock of the “drench and dryout� cycle associated with conventional watering methods.

This results in optimum growth and healthier plants and the yield from vegetable gardens increase significantly.

How much water a home owner can conserve using a Micro Irrigation system?

On average, consumption can

be reduced by a minimum of 50% based on comparison to hand watering and typical lawn sprinklers. Add the reduction of water loss due to evaporation, as most of this watering happens during the day, the savings can be as high as 80%.

I offer the following 3 case studies of Micro Irrigation customers in our region: Mr. & Mrs. S reduced their water use by 1,200,000 liters a year for 10 years. A 70% reduction and a $1,200/year savings, easily paying for their system.

Mr. & Mrs. W reduced their bill by 500,00 litres ($400) a year and Mrs. W in North Cowichan had a savings of 900,000 litres ($800) a year for 3 years.

Since having their Micro Irrigation systems installed, these three customers alone have left over 15 million litres of water in our local aquifers.

To complete the picture of savings, we can add several hours a week of relief from dragging hoses and hand watering, reduced soil erosion and minimal leaching of minerals and nutrients. And, a lot less weeding.

Now you have time to enjoy your beautiful outdoor oasis!

David Pink, Warm Land Irrigation Micro-Irrigation Design and Installation 250 597 2102

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Manor Bridge

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Tina Foster, RHN is a registered holistic nutritionist in Duncan MineTheHarvest@ hotmail.com 2507488774

ets face it- our land, soil, and food just isn’t what it used to be. That certainly doesn’t mean we should give up eating healthily, but perhaps we ought to try even harder to give our bodies the nutrition it so needs, especially in our stressful and polluted fast-paced world. Along with where and how our food is produced, this includes adding extra nutrient-dense foods into our diet. Thankfully, these such SUPERFOODS are conveniently available in dried scoop-able form! Check out the following from Prairie Naturals, to amp up your daily quota: FERMENTED TURMERIC is naturally fermented releasing all the nourishment that turmeric traditionally can

deliver. This organic powder is an ideal and bioavailable way to fortify the nutritional power of your daily smoothies and meal preparations.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, aids liver health and digestion, improves circulation and brain health.

RED SUPERFOODS containing organic fruits and vegetables including beets, berries, grapeseed, and bamboo silica, is an excellent source of antioxidants that helps slow aging, reduce inflammation, detoxify the blood & liver, promote gut health, increase energy, promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails, and more! An easy to mix and delicious way to get these vivacious and so beneficial ingredients into your body!

AQUA GREENS SPIRULINA & CHLORELLA combo so you don’t have to choose which superalgae to add

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Adding SUPERFOODS To Your Diet to your arsenal- both are so beneficial! Chlorella is packed with amino acids, peptides, proteins, vitamins, minerals and nucleic acids.

It chelates heavy metals and detoxifies the body. Spirulina consists of 60% protein, rich in B vitamins including B12, essential anti-inflammatory GLA, and acts as a natural body cleanser via toxin removal.

It’s always a good idea to add more of such superfoods to your diet, and without a doubt we all need to be eating fermented foods for the myriad of benefits that having proper gut flora can give you.

Give your cells what they thirst for today!

March 23, Red Superfoods Demo 11 AM – 1 PM Lynns Vitamin Gallery, Village Green Mall FREE

Lynns Vitamin Gallery & Health Food Store

Organic

Red SuperFood Blend

Visit us at Lynn’s!

Located at

Village Green Mall

4-180 Central Ave, Duncan (Save On Foods Mall) 250 748 4421

www.lynnsvitamingallery.com 28

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

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j c I h d p o p a d T d w d 1 w a b o i o s c w L s e l g i g j r f W i o w 1 i e y

All organic! Cold-Pressed Juices + Juice Cleanses + Smoothies + Elixirs + Raw Food + Bulletproof Coffee

Try A Glow Cleanse!

The Warming Cleanse

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he Warming Cleanse just made it’s debut at Duncan’s Glow Juicery. This three day 100% organic cleanse combines, green juices, raw soups, delicious vegan”bone broth” and potent warming boosters. Each day begins with a shot of apple cider vinegar to ready your digestive system by adding rich enzymes essential to maintaining a healthy gut.

Day 1 8am After Glow green

juice- organic spinach, cucumber, celery, kale, apple and parsley.

I warm it on the counter for an hour and enjoy sipping at my desk. Parsley, one of the most potent herbs has a plethora of nutrients and anti-cancer properties It stimulates digestion and has been used as a natural detox remedy for many years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors prescribe it to assist with gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes and urinary disease.

10am Delicious vegan broth. I warm 4 oz on low and pour into a mug. Glow’s vegan “bone” broths are made from 3-6lbs of organic vegetables and herbs including ginger, garlic, red onion, dill, sea salt, apple, kale, spinach, celery, parsley and cracked black pepper. Flavourful, warm and delicious. Noon/ Lunchtime is raw Thai Carrot soup. I warm it slowly on low and enjoy blended organic carrots, lemongrass, coconut manna, ginger and turmeric. After lunch is a delicious 1 oz shot of juiced ginger. Zing! 3pm Pure Green juice blend followed by another raw soup which I enjoy with my family as they eat burritos. 7pm Wowza Glow’s popular antiinflammatory turmeric shot. 8pm - today’s cleanse ends with a cup of warm vegan broth. I finish it with a book and head to bed at 10pm. The rest period is just as important to the cleanse as the elixirs are. I learn that allowing your body to rest while the

Whether it’s to lose weight, get in shape, or to start eating healthy, an Organic Glow Juice Cleanse is a great way to accelerate your health goals.

nutrients are absorbed into your system is essential for effective detoxification.

Day 2 I wake with a headache,

nausea and an extreme thirst.

I have a warm cup of water before my apple cider vinegar.

I bake banana nut muffins for the children for breakfast and their school snack and return to bed after my first green juice Sky Glow. It is one of my favourite Glow juices - organic kale, cucumber, mint, lemon and special added Blue Majik a chemical free extract of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), a Nutrient Dense AquaBotanicalTM. Its stunning blue pigment contains phycocyanin which helps to support healthy joints, antioxidant and cellular protection. Still very tired I return to bed with my turquoise juice and contact the store about my symptoms. I learn that these symptoms are signs of intense detoxification. Much like withdrawal, the body is expelling chemicals and toxins that have been stored in my colon, kidney and liver.

Glow’s Warming Cleanse has carefully calibrated the essential nutrients your body needs to nourish while detoxifying so your organs can just work to eliminate.

Once I understood what was going on I fully surrendered to the symptoms and drank and ate the provided blends of green juice, booster shots and raw soups with even more respect. I join some girlfriends for lunch at the Hub and pass around my ginger shot to check out.

“Mmmm” everyone agrees that one ounce of fresh juiced ginger is a warming and soothing luxury.

3pm Pure Green- 3-6lbs of 100% organic spinach, romaine, black kale, cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger. Delicious raw, unpasteurized, vegetable juice with just a hint of citrus. To end

Call, come in, or book online at www.glowjuicery.ca. 250 597 2595 3-5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan the day I enjoy a recommended add on. A cup of warm Glow Almond Mylk to enjoy in the evening rest phase. Glow’s nut mylks are made from fresh raw sprouted organic almonds. Their fresh organic almond milk is so popular they can barely keep it on shelves. Crushed weekly, light and smooth it makes a delicious evening treat and still in harmony with the cleanse.

Day 3 Don’t forget to ask for

glass bottles when ordering your cleanse. They do take a bit longer to warm up but well worth the time in what you help to save environmentally. Today begins clear and happy. My body has adjusted well to all the different cleansing potions and is loving them all. When I reach for my last ginger shot I feel a bit sad as these fortifying shots have been my favourite part of this cleanse. Ginger is one of the best detoxifying herbs for cleansing.

It has been used traditionally for thousands of years to stimulate digestion, encourage circulation and helps to cleanse the build up of waste and toxins in the colon and liver. Like a lightning elixir, its potency runs straight through

my body. The best thing about a supported cleanse is that the research is all taken care of. You just have to follow your schedule and you can trust your body is getting what it needs at the correct time of day. 6pm Dinner soup is raw Borscht - a creamy garnet concoction of blended organic beets and cashews, lemon and herbs. I have been feeling so satiated I enjoy just a half portion of the provided soup. I complete day three with the last shot, vegan broth and another cup of warm raw sprouted almond mylk.

Day 4 I wake with a feeling of

great accomplishment. My body and mind feel light and cleanand energized like I could continue this cleanse for a few more days to wind down. My first bite of food is half an organic grapefruit and it is bursting with flavour.

Looking forward to my first sip of tea.

For more information on this new cleanse drop into Glow Juicery and Raw Food Cafe, 5380 TransCanada Hwy, Duncan. Cleanses can also be ordered online for pick up at www.glowjuicery.ca Submitted by Sheila Badman

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

DESIGNING

GREEN

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ouldn’t help myself as I finish up the Joni biography. And to think that Yellow Taxi referred to paving the streets of Hawaii. Missed that one but I certainly get it.

This is why the new or revisited style of paving refers back to years gone by. That of cobbles or permeable pavers.

It was not that long ago that people-kind devolved into covering our planet with those endless miles of oil guzzling blacktop.

Remember walking barefoot on freshly laid streets in summer only to find an oily substance on your feet. How did this ever happen?

Well today we have choices once again and many are taking center stage. Thanks in part to tax incentives in municipalities like Victoria to remove concrete or solid surfacing.

Cobbles are back and early evidence can still be found in the streets of most European cities and to think we save our money year round in order to visit there.

Also popular are flagstones or ‘flags’ which have been used for centuries for foot paths,

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patios and even interiors if you owned a castle like structure.

We now have rediscovered that allowing water back into our terroir or soil can replenish and cool the environment and also slow the invasive development of storm sewers and catchments which only divert tap water into sewage and then out to the salt chuck where it feeds bacterial blooms. Certainly a lot of unnecessary work but good if your only goal is job creation and the proliferation of underground piping.

Most cities now find they simply can’t keep up with the infrastructure. Need I remind anyone of the rains and flooding this past winter?

I have always preferred the dry laid flagstones where possible allowing indigenous growth to weave between to create a beautiful bordered contrast. Thyme is a common herb used for this purpose and it helps to hold the sandy compounds in place therefore stabilizing the flags. The rounded, tumbled or naturally worn edges of some products are also foot friendly. Photos show one of my favourites, a cowboy tumbled limestone.

Another method which utilizes thinner flags or gauged slabs is installed by pouring a very basic cementitious slab (even compacted clay surfaces with compacted crush and sand), something so crude that even the DIYer can muster up on a cloudy afternoon. This allows

for the use of a multitude of locally acquired slates.

Generally sold by the pound, the thinner they are, the farther they cover.

And larger slabs will be more stable but require a bit more finesse to install flat.

This also provides a flatter surface using slates or slabs with broken edges that fit better without having tripping hazards. If you want to slow the plant growth, you could consider polymer sand between the joints which aid in slab stability. Or again, use any form of cementitious material as a grout between once laid. My other patio was poured over our old water well of yesteryear so with the ground being so unstable (it often caved in after heavy rains), it required a reinforced slab to be poured over first with thin gauged slabs of mica limestone over.

Note these methods are not suited as well for automobile traffic where you need a thicker and tightly woven product that stays more stable under the heavy workload.

And more care should be given to prep the subsurface to deal with drainage and the installation of important bacterial layers that diffuse and capture oil products that seem to forever enter the system.

Image David Coulson dry laid cowboy tumbled limeston Image David Coulson

To Pave Paradise?

Here, cobbles, pavers, thicker tight fitting flags or the grass grid products that blend recycled plastic cartons with soil and freshly planted grass give a broadly based support system that are truly permeable and very green for the environment.

All the above can be tackled on a small scale at home by following some basic methods of grading and careful fitting. But when in need for a larger more durable and lasting installation call Creative Custom Landscaping locally and say hi to Lucky for me.

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

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View display Growing potential galore! Halls Greenhouses available at Dinter Nursery.

Extending the Gardening Season: Cold Frames, Hoop Houses, and Greenhouses Monica Dockerty, Dockerty Gardens horticulturist and Dinter Nursery employee.

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any gardeners find themselves restless in late winter, eager to get back into the gardening season.

Utilizing cold frames, hoop houses and greenhouses is a fantastic way to extend your growing season, options and excite even the most seasoned gardeners.

Cold frames are ideal for gardeners who are limited by space and looking for a low-cost way to extend the season. A simple wooden or straw-bale frame with a light-permeable roof is all you need. In winter, cold frames are an excellent way to overwinter dormant plants.

In the shoulder season they can be used to give seedlings a head start, harden off tender seedlings, and extend the season past frost. They’re a great place to grow greens in early spring/ late fall, and root crops in the winter. Also, in

summer cold frames can be a heat sink for heat loving crops like melons.

If you’ve tried using a cold frame and found yourself needing more space, consider building a high tunnel or a larger hoop house. These simple structures are easily built with PVC piping, rebar, 2x4’s and greenhouse plastic, with minimal carpentry skills required. A great introduction to greenhouse growing, high tunnels offer much more than the obvious advantage of protection from frost. A high tunnel provides solar gain, as well as protection from excessive rain, snow, or wind.

Optimize high tunnels with multiple succession plantings starting in late winter with greens, radishes, and peas.

Transition to summer cropping, heat-loving vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, and conclude the season with winter cropping vegetables like sprouting broccoli, chard, kale, and other greens. High tunnels can also offer protection from pests, and they are excellent at protecting tomatoes from late season blight. Building a potting bench in a hoop house greatly enhances the space by creating a peaceful retreat from winter rains, and an excellent place to start seeds in spring.

Glass greenhouses are more durable than hoop houses and high tunnels.

A more permanent and structurally sound building, with more heating and ventilation options than a high tunnel, greenhouses offer even more seasonextending abilities.

Generally, the cost of greenhouses per square foot is greater than that of high tunnels, but with year-round growing capabilities a greenhouse can offer green thumbs and plant geeks the opportunity to delve deep into horticultural pursuits.

Propagation, overwintering tender plants, orchidgrowing, and growing vegetables year-round are just some of the possibilities.

Living in the Cowichan Valley already offers gardeners an excellent climate for growing, but for those gardeners who just can’t seem to get enough, consider these season-extending options. Dinter Nursery has a great selection of cold frame, hoop house and greenhouse accessories. For the serious home gardener, they also sell a selection of high-quality glass greenhouses. 2205 Phipps Rd, Duncan 250-748-2023.

HOBBY

GREENHOUSES! Made in England

Glass and Aluminum www.hallsgreenhousesbc.ca

View the display model at Dinter’s.

Kits are delivered direct to your home.

Saturday, March 10 10-2pm

MEET THE REP!

Bring your greenhouse questions and discover which is the best fit for your space and garden needs.

Catalogues Now Available

www.dinternursery.ca

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

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O

riginally from France, François Léonard moved to the Cowichan Valley with over a decade of experience in landscaping, woodworking and construction.

“I’ve mostly learned and worked in Brittany, France in the beautiful Golf du Morbihan where the climate is very similar to that of the Cowichan Valley. My training has included understanding plants and their needs, design, creation of landscape features such as rock walls, patios, walkways, pergolas, decks, etc.”

Growing up and playing in the countryside inspired this landscaper to incorporate an ecological mindfulness into his business. “Observing and learning from the elders, being surrounded by old stone and cob buildings were the origins of my appreciation for nature and how to work with it in harmony. As I grew to understand the impacts that humans have on the earth I have come to believe that it is important for each of us to do what we can to bring our relationship with the environment back into balance. It has just been a natural extension to incorporate this way of thinking into my business.

One of my favorite types of plants to work with besides native plants are ornamental grasses, of which there are over 2000 species. They are

tolerant of cold and they keep their esthetic value throughout the fall and winter. They are also easy to take care of and need a small amount of maintenance. I also like to encourage my clients to plant many native plants to harmonize the garden with the local ecosystem. Some of my favorites are Oregon Grape, Kinnikinnick and Lupines, Tiger lilies, Ferns, etc…

Native plants are adapted to our ecosystem and provide vital habitat and food for many species.

Xeriscaping is something I particularly appreciate. This refers to the conservation of water through the use of specific plants, depending upon the climate (e.g. sage, lavender). It requires less maintenance due to limited turf area; mulching keeps the plant roots cool, minimizes evaporation and reduces weed growth. The mulching can be organic such as wood chips or inorganic such as rock or gravel.”

Twisted Vine Landscaping offers a wide range of services.

They can do everything from designing from scratch, renovation of existing gardens, and creation of small landscape projects to full maintenance and gardening services.

“I like to encourage my clients to use their imagination in thinking about how to enhance their outdoor living space.

For example, from the front

Small garden renovation by Twisted Vine

Twisted Vine Landscaping François Léonard yard border, passing through a pleasant passage of scented and colorful plants that will bring you to a shady hideaway where you can have a cozy retreat in the corner of your yard. Think of the different areas of your garden as rooms. Maybe you want to create something different and unique by adding an outdoor kitchen, a solar shower, a wood shed using natural materials.” Skilled in construction and woodworking

Pergola and retaining wall by François Léonard

Francois has the expertise and resources to help with landscape projects that combine many elements. Follow-up visits are standard to ensure that the results of his work are to the client’s liking and to make any changes necessary.

Already have a garden you love? Francois also offers regular yard and garden maintenance including mowing, weeding, mulching and pruning for new and regular clients.

Consultations for ecosystem restoration, including slope erosion prevention and other environmental mitigation also available.

François Léonard, Twisted Vine Landscaping 250-710-2652 twistedvinelandscaping@ gmail.com follow us on facebook

For full design/build service, give us a call

p 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com 32

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

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Après projet. Ces barrières en saule retiendront le sol grâce à leurs systèmes racinaires puis favoriseront le rétablissement d’espèces propres à ce milieu

ECOLOGICALLY ORIENTED • Landscaping & Design • Property maintenance • Ecosystem restoration

François Léonard 250 710 2652

twistedvinelandscaping@gmail.com

MARGOT PAGE

Enamelling on Copper and Steel

Qu’est-Ce Que La Restauration D’écosystème?

François Léonard est le gérant de Twisted Vine Landscaping est réside dans la vallée depuis 4 ans.

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a definition de restauration écologique, est le fait de restaurer des écosystèmes qui ont été endommagés voire détruits par les activités humaines, par des évènements climatiques ou catastrophes naturelles.

A l’échelle de mon entreprise c’est faire de la prevention d’érosion pour stabiliser les côteaux ou berges, et qui ainsi participera à une ré-introduction d’éspèce naturelle et d’une biodiversité.

Il peut aussi très bien s’agir de la creation de petite mare, qui, elles favoriseront le retour des amphibiens.

En ce qui concerne la restauration d’écosystème vous n’abordez pas le sujet de la même manière que

Avant projet. érosion de la pente en cas de fortes précipitations celle-ci ayant été trop conpactée

Studio Visits by Appointment 250-746-8446 7113 Osborne Bay Rd, Duncan I www.margotpage.com

pour un projet paysagé, il faut garder en tête le côté sauvage et naturel du projet, la restauration écologique et une aide; une assistance au rétablissement d’un écosystème et non la création de celui-ci.

C’est pour moi quelque chose de très important, vous participez de ce fait à la creation d’un habitat vital pour tout type d’espèces au fil des années et vous marquez en quelque sorte un peu l’histoire.

Ce qui est vraiment intéressant c’est de s’imaginer le projet dans les 20 ou 50 prochaines années. J’ai par exemple eu la chance de participer à la création de

Open 9am to 9pm!

DAILY 1606 Joan Avenue 250-324-2249

parcelles agricoles en plantant différentes éspèces d’arbustes, arbres, fruitiers, etc… Dans 10/15 ans on aura une haie bocagère en place avec tout type de vie.

C’est pour moi un moyen de transmettre quelque chose au generations futures.

Je ne suis en aucun cas biologiste et je n’ai pas cette prétention, la restauration d’écosystème me tient à coeur et l’ayant pratiqué en France, j’aime mettre en pratique les connaissances et savoir faire que j’ai pu aquérir durant toutes ces années.

All new high efficiency machines!

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

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Payback on Solar Panels

hen I first provide solar assessments to clients, their first natural reaction is to calculate payback period. I would like to propose to you that payback may not be the only financial metric to assess the value of solar panels to you and to your home.

Solar panels give you the ability to generate some of your own electricity and thereby reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, BC Hydro, and other external agencies. Every kilo-Watt-hour (kWh) of electricity that you produce for yourself is one that was generated locally and did not have to come from a Peace River hydro dam or coal-fired generator or imported oil. Solar panels allow you to be part of the solution, and to make a statement to kids and grand-kids that you want to be the change that you want to see in the world and live differently. They allow you to power a new future. What is the payback on that? There is inherent value in all of that if any of that matters to you. And really, you are paying it forward.

Installing solar panels today, you are in fact buying electricity at today’s prices for the next 30 years. You are fixing your electricity rate at 2018 levels for the life of your solar panels. This helps those on fixed incomes deal with inflation and costs increases.

Solar panels build resilience and community. Your surplus electricity will help to power your neighbour’s homes. You are keeping it – the energy - local.

If I have not already convinced you that there is more to solar than payback, then I submit the following financial analysis to you.

Your new solar system costs $20,000 is going to save $1,000

of electricity per year. The simple payback period is 20 years. However, payback period is anything but simple. The electricity savings increase with escalating BC Hydro rates – estimated to be 3.5% per year.

So year one you save $1,000, year two $1,035, year three $1,071, and by year 30 your annual savings are $2,700. This brings the payback period down to 15 years.

However, this payback calculation assumes that your initial investment of $20,000 disappears into a black hole after the solar panels are installed.

In fact, that is not the case.

The $20,000 is transferred into equity in your home - like a kitchen renovation. This has been confirmed to me by BC Assessment, real estate agents and by several articles.

“Homeowners appear to recover approximately 97% of their investment costs – in addition to the savings associated with reduced energy bills,” says Forbes magazine. “Home and condo owners who have invested in solar arrays have much to look forward to; lower hydro bills, a smaller carbon footprint and higher home values,” says Scotiabank. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ ashleaebeling/2011/08/01/howmuch-do-solar-panels-boosthome-sale-prices/#419ac43d11f2 https://ecoliving.scotiabank. com/solar-good-investmentresidential-homes-canada/1101 Steve Unger, P.Eng. of Viridian Energy Co-operative viridianenergy.ca 1-888-386-0116

Tax Tips for Moving Expenses

household effects, including items such as boats and trailers.

Alicia Loewen operates Coastal Tax and Accounting Services from her 5-acre farm in North Cowichan.

Travel expenses, including vehicle expenses, meals, and accommodation, to move you and members of your household to your new residence - either keep your receipts or use the simplified method based on days of travel.

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ave you recently moved or are you planning on moving this year but don’t know what receipts to keep?

The Moving Expenses tax credit is a fantastic credit that a lot of people are not aware of! I, personally, have been able to save a few thousand dollars in tax by claiming moving expenses when I sold my home in AB and purchased a home in BC. How do I know if I am eligible to claim moving expenses?

You must have moved at least 40 kilometers to work or to run a business at a new location, or if you moved to take courses as a full-time student. Your new home must be at least 40 kilometers closer to your new place of work or school. Now, this may sound like a long distance, but here are some examples of possible moves over 40km: Vancouver to Victoria, Cobble Hill to Ladysmith, and Duncan to Nanaimo!

Meals and temporary accommodation near the old and the new residence for you and members of your household for a maximum of 15 days after the move - you stayed in a motel or another short-term accommodation.

Cost of cancelling the lease for your old residence you had to pay out rent for cancelling the lease before the lease term was up.

Fees paid to change your address on legal documents - replacing your driver’s license.

Utility hook-up/disconnection fees Interest, property taxes, insurance premiums, and the cost of heating and utilities expenses you paid to maintain your old residence when it was vacant after you moved, to a maximum of $5,000.

The CRA may request copies of receipts and a letter from your employer stating that you were not reimbursed by your employer for your moving expenses. Please be prepared to provide this.

Fees related to selling your old residence, including advertising, notary or legal fees, real estate commission, and mortgage penalty when the mortgage is paid off before maturity. (Big $$$ here! - no maximum)

What kind of expenses can I claim?

Transportation and storage costs - such as packing, hauling, movers, in-transit storage, and insurance for

Fees related to the purchase of your new residence, such as legal or notary fees What income can I use to claim the moving expenses

250 715 6174 Are You Rent Smart?

against? If you are an employee, your income from your T4 and/or T4A slips that relate to the new work location will be used. If you are self-employed, it is your net self-employment income at the new location. If you are a student, your net eligible income is equal to the amount of scholarships and bursaries you received. If you are a full-time student with a paid co-op or a summer job, this income can also be used.

What if I moved in a previous year and had no idea I could claim all these expenses?!

Is it too late now? Not to worry, Coastal Tax can file a T1 Adjustment for you for a previous year! Especially if you have sold and purchased a home, this could be a very valuable tax credit.

Check out Coastal Tax’s online and paperless tax preparation service on our website coastaltax.ca. This is the easiest way to have your taxes professionally filed without leaving the house!

Do you know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant? Are you new to the rental market? Have you had trouble with renting or with a landlord in the past? Do you dream of a successful tenancy? If you can identify with these questions please join us for a Free Ready to Rent BC RentSmart Tenancy Workshop. This workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to find and maintain a good home.

Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Identify what landlords look for when choosing tenants.

Learn about budgeting and building communication skills to become a successful tenant.

All participants will receive a letter of completion to give to potential landlords.

Cowichan Housing Association and Literacy Now Cowichan are pleased to present this free workshop on Monday March 5th, from 1 – 4pm. This workshop is open to the general public and will be held at the Literacy Now Cowichan Office #213B – 80 Station Street, downtown Duncan. Please call Literacy Now to register at 250-5971776. Refreshments will be provided. Some childcare and transportation funds may be available, please ask when registering.

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Organizer, Gayle Hurmuses Cowichan Valley International Women’s Day

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n March 3, at 11am, we will gather for the second annual Cowichan Valley International Women’s Day Rally at Charles Hoey Park, in Duncan, on the unceded territory of the Cowichan People.

In saying this, we are taking on all of it. It includes our understanding of the role of colonialism, the atrocity of the residential school system, the tragedy of child abduction, the challenges of reconciliation, and of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women inquiry, and the need for mutual understanding and support in order to advocate for a world in which all can thrive.

International Women’s Day is truly an international event with over 100 years of history.

Beginning in 1909 in the US, it swept across Europe during the early 1900’s and today is celebrated throughout the world.

We meet to build a series of events advocating for women’s power, women’s rights, and for social progress for all.

The rally on March 3, will focus on the objectives of being heard, being believed, and being safe.

For us, this idea of safety means living without fear in any aspect of life. Safety at home, at school, at work, in the community, and in aging, is a universal right without exception. Our goal is to see this become a universal fact.

Our wish to be believed does not negate our appreciation of the importance of due process. It means that we expect all accusers to have a benefit of belief that balances the right of the accused to a benefit of doubt. Cowichan Valley has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the province, and an unacceptably high rate locally of “unfounded” cases with no charges laid. This has a direct impact on safety in the community. Violence without

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consequence perpetuates more violence, and must end.

Everyone should have access to a safe home, to affordable housing and food, to safe jobs that pay a wage sufficient to local costs. Everyone should to be able to walk at night without fear, have adequate sidewalks and transportation, and complete healthcare, including dental and pharmacare.

Speakers at the rally will address the critical issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, of family integrity, of sexual harassment and exploitation, and of union and community activism as important elements of remedy. In addition to speakers, we will have information tables from community organizations, unions, and cultural groups.

Throughout March are several other events by women’s support and community groups, cultural organizations, and businesses, which we are promoting alongside of the rally, to create a women’s festival. Some of these are events that have occurred before, and others were created specifically to support the festival element.

These include: The Red Dress Project by Warmland Women commemorating Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, One Billion Rising at Duncan City Hall at Noon on March 8, rallying against exploitation of and violence against women and girls, later on March 8 at 6:30pm, VIU’s Fabulous Films presentation of Status Quo? The unfinished business of feminism in Canada (film) 2012 – Dir Karen Cho, at VIU Cowichan Theatre, on March 2, historical novelist Carol Cram’s reading of The Muse of Fire at Vancouver Island Regional Library: Noon at Chemainus library, and 3pm at Cowichan library, Cowichan Auto Repair’s Women & Wheels seminars on March 17, Lunch & Learn sessions on career options in furniture design and fabrication at Live Edge Design on March 9 and 17, I Am Woman Hear Me Laff, Cowichan Valley

International Womens Day Women Against Violence’s fundraiser at CPAC on March 11, and finally, a wonderful film event, also at the VIU Cowichan Theatre, Our People Will Be Healed~Our People Will be Heard, a screening of Alanis Obomsawin’s 50th film, revealing how a Cree community in Manitoba has been enriched through the power of education.

This will be accompanied by four short films produced by Vancouver Island Indigenous youth.

Over time, we plan to enlarge the festival program and shine a wider light on the wonderful and inspiring work being done locally by and for women and girls and our community. In doing so, we will present children with role models walking paths that they may someday follow. Please reach out to us if you would like to participate in future years by creating an event or assisting with one. iwd@agoodmind.ca We welcome all who are motivated by a desire to serve the community, and who reject

marginalization in all of its forms.

That a rising tide lifts all boats is more than merely a figure of speech, it’s an essential truth. We are stronger together, not because of what we’re against, but because we are for each other.

Our wonderful sponsors include: Alistair McGregor MP, Nanaimo Duncan & District Labour Council, Valley Voice, a good mind marketing and business development, Matraea Centre, David Coulson Design, Cherry Point Estate Wines, Cowichan Auto Repair, Federation of PostSecondary Educators (FPSE) Status of Women Committee, Vancouver Island Faculty Association (VIUFA) Status of Women Committee, DOXA Festival, Unifor BC Regional Council, Unifor BC Women’s Committee, Cowichan Valley Women Against Violence, Warmland Women, and anonymous.

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s I settle in to write this article I am suddenly aware of how much I have to do, and feel time pressured. When I suggest people might benefit from a meditation class, they often look to the left and right furtively and then say, “I will, another time.” Time is an issue for most of us, in today’s world, there’s a demand to do more with a limited commodity, time.

When I first sit down to meditate, my ‘to do’ list looms up. The pressure of the unconscious, which holds all of our incompletions, has the opportunity to assert itself. The list itself begins to create inner tension and anxiety, because it suddenly seems that everything else is much more important than sitting and ‘doing nothing.’

Sitting doesn’t seem to do anything for my ‘to do’ list, or does it?

Meditation Is Time Management that sense of inner space that helps us develop inner time.

Inner time is the awareness that we have enough time and space to handle what is actually important to us, and confidence we can develop the ability to handle things as they arise.

The irony here is that meditation creates time, and can establish the quiet, spaciousness and stillness we need to be clear.

When we’re simply observing, without grasping or judging, an inner alchemy begins to dissolve and transform negativity and worry, creating more clarity and balance.

The act of just sitting activates thinking, and this is frustrating for many beginners. But the truth is, thinking, being aware of thinking, noticing breathing while thinking is the way we assimilate experience and start to create inner space, and it’s

Meditation itself prunes away the psychic clutter, and helps us to more clearly see what’s important to us. A heartfelt meditation or contemplative practice shows the way and begins to bring forward what is essential. It assists with the rhythm of time; everything arrives in the right timing. No need to tense up about it.

As we deepen into meditative practice, we enter the matrix of life, where that part of us that is greater than the little ‘I’ can orchestrate our lives. What’s truly important gets delivered in perfect timing because we are in greater alignment with our higher purpose.

When I first started meditation, I’d suddenly find myself standing at the sink doing the dishes or on the phone, calling a friend. The pressure of the ‘to do’ list kept pulling me away. Many of our ‘to do’s’ are old and redundant: When you were six years old you said you’d write a letter to your grandmother and you never did.

Although insignificant now, it may still hold psychic weight.

Many of our ‘to do’s’ we’ve developed to create or maintain an image, or were promises made and never kept. When we just sit, we stir up a miasma including basic needs, fears and dreams, essential maintenance, other folk’s ideas of what’s

There are excellent resources available relating to setting and achieving goals, that’s not the focus of this article. However, to approach our beingness, we first learn to handle our busy ness, and begin to bring our actions in line with our values. Meditation can support us by creating the space to decide what is meaningful to us.

Don McGinnis is at the Collective Space, 166 Station St in Duncan every Thursday, teaching Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga at 5 PM, and one on one body centered counselling sessions from 10 AM to 3 PM, For more information contact Don at 250-897-5576 or email info@movingpresence.center movingpresence.center

INTUITIVE HEALER

Kum Nye

• Certified Clinical

A Vehicle for Deep Meditation

Hypnotherapist • Certified Quantum Touch Practitioner

HEATHER LAUZON

250-732-1405

www.emeraldhealingplace.com

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As we learn to concentrate in a light and joyful way, and as our awareness expands, time itself seems different, more spacious, there’s more to notice. And, the less distractible and more attuned we become, the more we can genuinely accomplish.

right, forgotten promises, and a few genuine treasures. It creates pressure and discomfort that is challenging to sit through.

One suggestion for anyone struggling with getting to, or staying in your seat is this: First, take care of yourself physically. If you are agitated, angry, restless, or anxious, exercise first. Handle basic stresses. Have a notepad or journal beside you, and as you sit, write down you’re ‘to do’ list, as items come up. Once you’ve written it down, you can tell yourself that its handled.

(But in order for this exercise to be effective, after you’ve finished your meditation, cut the list down to create spaciousness inside. What do you really need to do? What’s important? Out of a list of fifty items, maybe ten are relevant and timely. Take care of those.)

Tibetan Yoga

The Collective Space 166 Station St., Duncan

Every Thursday at 5PM Drop-ins Welcome 250-897-5576 Email: info@movingpresence.center Web: movingpresence.center

Mindful Inquiry What might be the gifts in challenging situations?

Surati Haarbrucker Certified Facilitator For The Work Of Byron Katie www.surati.ca

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story from my life…

Over the course of 18 months, I experienced the gradual loss of physical abilities culminating in having difficulty walking and keeping my balance.

Various tests ruled out a number of illnesses and for a long time, we simply didn’t know. Finally, after seeing a neurologist and an MRI, we learned that a tumour inside the spinal column was compressing the spinal cord and responsible for the symptoms.

How to make peace with not knowing, with disability, with death? As a practitioner for The Work of Byron Katie and mindfulness meditation, I looked at my beliefs… I’m doing something wrong.

It’s my fault. I will become a burden to others. My life

is over. My body betrayed me. I want the medical system to be more effective. It’s not fair. My family can’t handle this.

Etc. Seeking understanding I asked myself: 1. Is it true?

2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?

3. How do you react, what happens when you believe that thought?

4. Who would you be without the thought?

When I believe stressful thoughts like the ones above I suffer. I panic, freak out, get frustrated, sad, or depressed.

My breath shortens, my body tightens up, my heart races.

I treat myself and others poorly. The future looks like a scary place. Without the thoughts, I’m more present, open, relaxed, and feel capable of facing what’s in front of me. I notice that I am okay and taken care of. I’m kinder to others and myself and trust life. I can find that the opposite of what I thought is just as true or even truer which blows my mind open.

Instead of fighting and staying stuck, I let go of the past and future fears and space opens up for simple being, for stillness, for peace and joy.

I have been a student of The Work since 2007 and Certified Facilitator since 2011. I’ve tested “Inquiry” on a variety of frustrations: issues in my relationships, health, self-judgments, work/career, sex, food,

Julia Allen R.C.C. MCP, IMHA, BA

Masters Counselling Psychology Registered Clinical Counsellor

Shamanic Practices, Therpeutic Altered States Therapy

250-709-9673 www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com judgments about corporations, politicians, god, death, etc.

What I realized is that it’s not the person, situation, or illness that brings me stress, it’s what I’m believing about it that creates my suffering.

This is good news!

Learn more at www.surati.ca Intro Evening March 9, Workshop April 21-22, Duncan, Herons Wood Info/Registration: 604-317-7323

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Historic Cards Help Raise Funds For Green Door Society

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here is a beautiful story behind this new series of fairy cards recently released in Downtown Duncan. Not only are they perfect for birthdays and Easter​,​but their story is one of discovery that ties the sender and receiver to a historic local past.

As reported by Peter Rusland in the Cowichan News Leader in 1999​, ​​​​the hand painted mural was found in Duncan’s historic Newman house, a turn of the century home saved from being turned into a parking lot by the Green Door Society, a group of committed, skilled and passionate volunteers working to restore and revitalize the downtown core. Coulson​,​one of the founding members of the society​,​is interviewed in the article about the find. “We’re just getting warmed up with this project” said David Coulson, adoring the colourful artwork found behind a main floor wall by volunteers.” The ride we’re getting from renovating this house is like an archeological

dig.”​ ​According to Rusland​ ,​the intricate mural - painted on wallpaper - was unearthed in what was likely a nursery room in the 1930’s. The mural depicted a fairy world with images of fairies riding sparrows and bumble bees, a frog blowing a horn and iris flowers. Stuffed into the walls beside the mural were copies of the Vancouver Sun, dated June 24,1949, hinting the mural was covered when 126 Ingram St was converted into a rooming house. Coulson,

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Google Review

• Lunch & Dinner • Takeout/Catering • Gift Certificates • Local Wines & Craft Beers • Vegan & Gluten-Free Choices 148 Third St, Duncan 250-597-1483

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lead renovator for the project​,​ sought advice on preserving the artwork and is still instrumental in sharing the story today.

Thanks to Coulson and the society’s vision the 1908 home was saved just in the nick of time from becoming a parking lot almost twenty years ago.

Most recently​,​the mural images were brought out of safekeeping because the society saw a possible opportunity for provincial funding. “We always wanted to restore the plaster panels that we have carefully stored now for nearly 20 years.

They were sections of plaster up to 48” square that were once in the Margaret Moss Nurse Clinic (then called the Cowichan Health Centre) at 126 Ingram Street” shares Coulson​,​“A local art restoration specialist, Cyndie Lack offered to help with the detailed restoration. When the funding failed to materialize, I decided I wanted to capture the best images before we crated then back up and forgot about them. Then Janet Truelove Jones, previous owner of the EJ Hughes Gallery, moved onto our property as a tenant and decided she wanted to volunteer for something at the Green Door and between us, we came up with this marketing plan to reignite interest in the history of the Green Door.”

This house stands as a reminder of historical activism that

sparked the Duncan Downtown Revitalization Committee and the movement that followed.

In fact, the Green Door Society received an award in 2000 from the BC Museums Association for ‘exceptional efforts to raise awareness of the importance of heritage in the community’. In 200​​3​,​ it was followed by twin awards from the BC Historical Society for the restoration of the site and ‘outstanding achievement for heritage advocacy’. The building is currently fully leased (with a standing list of interested parties) and fully owned by the not​-​for​-p​ rofit society that has demonstrated what a community can do to rally against city development plans.

The City of Duncan is now happily on board and have assisted with funding for exterior iron fencing and​have recently partnered with the Downtown Duncan BIA on​ a new $1000.00 contribution for façade repairs and paint.

The house is in desperate need of further funds for exterior maintenance, a new metal roof, new paint and some structural wood repairs totaling over $40K. All proceeds from the sale of the cards will go to continuing the restoration and maintenance of this landmark home. There will also be new permanent information signage added throughout the garden explaining some historical facts that include the story of the

‘kitty cat’ graveyard that still​ bears t​he names of resident cats buried along the marble stone wall up to half a century ago.

Duncan, The Duncan Train Station Museum and at Coulson Design or direct from the Green Door Society.

Thanks to photographer Tony Colangelo who took the original photographs of the murals and to Printcraft, who supplied us with the cards at such a great price locally. These beautiful fairy cards sell for $5 each or a set of five for $25 and are available at Little Bird boutique

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Bee Alive in the Hive

Bee Alive In The Hive on Spring Break

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ello fellow creators!

I am so excited to be offering a community art space in our small but very artsy downtown Duncan. I have been a “creator” using a variety of mediums as long as I can remember and have always been inspired by the immense beauty of the natural world.

NEW STYLES FOR SPRING ARE ARRIVING!

I have worked with children in many capacities and cocreating art out of mostly natural and recycled material with them is a true joy for me and my fellow instructors here at The Hive.

FAIR TRADE, NATURAL FIBRES, BAMBOO Open Sunday to Friday

Prudence

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

We believe that living a creative life is the best most enriching life. So sign up one and all! Let’s leave our inner critics at home and just come

• 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

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

DOWNTOWN

DUNCAN

250 510 8700

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance

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out and create because we can and once you start, your soul will thank you.

can now sign up and pay online or come visit us in the Studio (Mon-Wed 9:30-3pm) to sign up and pay.

We will be offering Spring Camps during March. Full days 9-3 will be offered from the 19th - 30th for $50/day… offering a variety of art projects and multimedia art for ages 5+. Everyone will have some exciting projects to take home.

Come one day or come all five!

Check out our morning and afternoon workshops running the week of March 12th - 16th.

On the 12th and 13th there will be Caregiver and Me workshops.

Come and visit us at 139 Station Street in downtown Duncan or call 778-455-4483.

Look forward to seeing you in the Hive!

Workshops & Camps We are excited to be offering regular after school andweekend workshops. You

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

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2

Handmade Mendiant, Chocolate Pearl

Chocolate Pearl of Wisdom: The Mendiant

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ou may already be familiar with Chocolate Pearl’s celebrated “Pearls”, including “Coffee Caramel Pearls”, “Strawberry Caramel Pearls” and “Blackberry Caramel Pearls”. But situated between them and the equally-popular “Melties”, is a dark chocolate disc topped with dried fruit, nuts and green seeds. It’s called a “Mendiant” and it has an interesting history.

“Mendiant” is a French word that refers to those people who follow an abstinent, monastic lifestyle. Centuries ago, and in recognition of these frugal people, French chocolatiers developed a confection to recognize the four main monastic orders: Augustinians, Carmelites, Franciscans and Dominicans.

French tradition dictates that each of the ingredients placed on top of the chocolate represents the color of the robes

of all four monastic orders; a raisin for the Augustinians, a hazelnut for the Carmelites, a dried fig for the Franciscans and an almond for the Dominicans.

At Chocolate Pearl we’ve followed French tradition with our mendiants, but have taken some liberties. We still use hazelnuts, but have substituted raisins, figs and almonds with local cranberries, dried apricots and pumpkin seeds (vive la différence). It’s a delicious combination that has gained its own following, That’s a brief history of mendiants and their connection to Chocolate Pearl in Downtown Duncan. As for the near future and to answer what many of you have been asking lately, (“What delicious and creative confections is Cheryl preparing for Easter?”) well, just you wait!

Chocolate Pearl 133 Craig Street downtown Duncan. www.chocolatepearl.ca Notes on chocolate

by Duncan Chocolatier, Cheryl Painter Yonge chocolatepearl.ca

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T

he Spinning Ninny is run by the most loving, silly, supportive eclectic woman named Lara.

Follow the yellow brick road at 306 Duncan Street to her playful community space filled with one-ofa-kind handmade and harmonious creations. The Spinning Ninny is also home to the Imagination Station, your neighbourhood location for creation. Open daily for children of all ages.

Lara and her dog Keelo welcome you to Spinning Ninny.

The Spinning Ninny was founded in 2010 by Lara Brunschot. It is a unique boutique focused on selling quality handmade clothing and other products created by local artisans. She believes that it is important to showcase local talent to support the creative community. Lara contributes her own artistic skills to the store by making pants out of sweaters, mosaics out of broken material, jewelry out of nature, among other eco-friendly and upcycled creations. Lara is also a professional belly dancer of over 15 years and teaches a variety of dance classes weekly at StudioB, located behind the Spinning Ninny.

Art Skool at Spinning NInny

In the Spring Break Art Skool children of all ages can enrol in a series of classes which will inspire, energize, and create positive experiences through art. The craft classes will include making pouches, needle felting, collages, card making, shoe planting, and much more. Other activities and workshops include conscious communication, clay creature making, circus arts, sword play, Spirit Tag (board game), and various dance, movement, theatre and music workshops.

The Art Skool will run from March 12th to 24th and the full schedule will be available at facebook.com/spinningninny.

Drop-Ins, Creativity Passes, and day rates are available. You can sign up in advance by sending a message to the Spinning Ninny via Facebook or email at spinningninny@fastmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Spinning Ninny, 305 Duncan St, downtown Duncan

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

Crib Mattresses: Are they all the same?

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

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abies. We can’t resist stroking and nuzzling a baby’s soft skin. It’s so freshly new and free of life’s scars, flawless and full of potential.

A baby’s skin takes about 9 months to fully develop in the womb. The outer layer, known as the epidermis, is incredibly thin compared to ours, about 20 - 30% thinner to be exact. A baby’s skin also contains less oil and melanin (pigment), so it is very delicate, making infants extremely vulnerable in the world and requiring our vigilant attention and love to keep them protected.

Unfortunately, our world has become a host to many harsh chemicals most of which have not been properly tested for human safety. As parents, we have to become more aware of what products we allow into our children’s lives. We might be concerned with having the right toys and the right foods, but what is often overlooked is what our little ones are sleeping on. Babies sleep for 10 - 14 hours a day on their crib mattress. They

breathe in and absorb through their skin whatever is in their mattress, so it’s important to make sure we know the facts.

What you may not know about crib mattresses: Since the 70’s, fire retardant chemicals have been added to mattresses and furniture.

Chlorinated Tris (TDCPP) is a commonly used flame retardant, which is listed as a carcinogen and has been found to change the DNA of people exposed to it.

Polyurethane foams that make up the bulk of mattress ingredients often include formaldehyde, paraquat, acetone and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Many of these chemicals used have been proven to cause endocrine, reproductive, thyroid, developmental and neurological disorders in humans including hyperactivity, and learning disorders.

Most crib mattresses are made waterproof by using a vinyl covering. Vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) is one of the most toxic plastics in use and is a known human carcinogen.

Chemical plasticizers are added to make the PVC soft and flexible. These plasticizers are not bound to the vinyl, and end up off-gassing. Plasticizer chemicals can cause health concerns including asthma, early onset of puberty, cancer, kidney and liver damage.

In 1976, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was

created. Since then, only a few hundred of the 85,000 chemicals used on the market have been fully tested for human safety.

The breakdown of chemical foams have been found to bond to household dust, which is then breathed in.

North America is still using chemicals that have been banned in other countries.

Many companies “greenwash” by claiming to be organic, when only a portion of their product contains chemical free materials.

New parents rejoice. New organic options have arrived in downtown Duncan.

Resthouse has partnered with Savvy Rest, and Naturepedic to bring healthy options in every price range to make sure the choice is easy. We carry crib mattresses, toddler pillows and waterproof mattress covers, all made without the weird science.

With third party certifications, you can rest easy knowing you’ve taken the best care to protect your sensitive little ones from harmful chemicals that occur in conventional baby products.

So, make sure your baby is safe by choosing third party certified organic. Please, share your new knowledge with all the expectant parents you know and together we can protect the babies of the world.

New Zealand Inspiration There have been scientific studies in New Zealand looking into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and whether it may be in part caused by baby breathing in mattress chemicals or absorbed them through their skin. Although this has not been scientifically proven, the country created a task force comprised of midwives and health professionals that have been running a successful SIDS prevention campaign for the past two decades. Throughout the country, they advise wrapping baby mattresses in a natural protective cover, to provide a barrier between mattress and baby. Of the approximate 200,000 families who adopted this method of prevention, there has not been a single SIDS death reported amongst them since implementing this program. This result has led many to believe that more research desperately needs to be done. It certainly warrants caution until such a time as further studies can be taken further.

Resthouse, 126 Station Street, downtown Duncan 250 597 7378

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One Billion Rising Cowichan

O

ne Billion Rising is a Global Action Against Violence Against Women. It draws attention to the staggering statistic that worldwide, 1 in 3 women will be raped and/or abused in their lifetimes. This is Cowichan’s 6th Annual Event.

JOIN US FOR

LUNCH + DINNER

OPEN Tuesday

Happy Hour 3-5pm

to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

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Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

Conceived by Vagina Monologues author Eve Ensler, her message and leadership have traversed the globe--inspiring actions in over 200 countries.

Since launching five years ago, organizations from grassroots community groups to governments have staged events--taking to the streets to dance and demonstrate, to empower and speak out—calling for an end to the injustices of sexualized violence and inequality.

In the current context of #metoo, and the “outing” of harassment and inappropriate behaviour across Western society—One Billion Rising Cowichan serves to connect the dots in our own home— bringing together community with frontline workers and organizations witnessing the challenges that we continue to face in the Cowichan Valley.

The Matraea Centre and partners Cowichan Women Against Violence, The Cowichan Intercultural Society, and Cowichan Green Community invite you to gather in City Square with an inter-generational crowd that includes Elementary School Students from Discovery School in Shawnigan, the Senior School from Queen Margaret’s School, studentleaders from VIU and other local schools--to dance the Flash Mob “Break the Chain,” to hear from speakers about local developments, connect with programs for survivors here in the community, and get updated on the work our MP, MLA and others are doing to change the situation here at home.

Thursday, March 8th: One Billion Rising Cowichan Duncan City Square: Craig St. Downtown Duncan Noon to 12:45pm, Rise Up Against Violence Against Women

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

Habitat For Humanity Opens in Duncan

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The new Duncan Habitat for Humanity ReStore is now open in the former Griffith’s plumbing building. This is your opportunity to purchase new or used building materials, discontinued, end of the line items and so much more at incredible prices. Plus you can donate items. Drop them off or have them picked up. Your donations help families

in need and by providing affordable homeownership.

Plus eliminate waste in local landfills. Visit the Duncan ReStore often as inventory is constantly changing.

Visit the ReStore on Facebook or at habitatmvi. org today! 251 Government Street – former Griffiths Plumbing building www.habitatmvi.org

MARCH 2018 The new Habitat for Humanity ReStore Opens March 1st, in the former Griffith’s Plumbing building. This is your opportunity to purchase new or used building materials, discontinued, end of the line items and SO much more at incredible prices! Plus you can donate items to our ReStore – drop them off or have them picked up. Your donations help provide affordable homeownership right here in our community.

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LOCAL BIRTH AND INFANT SPECIALISTS

March Is Birth Psychology Month!

NUTRITION FOR MAMAS Pregnancy and motherhood present unique and demanding challenges to staying nourished, healthy and energized. What you eat is critical to your health and the health of your baby and family. I can help you realize your specific nutritional needs, design a diet that incorporates real food solutions and optimizes health and well being.

Whether you are newly pregnant or a seasoned mama, I have the information you need to eat well and stay nourished! Kate Segall, Holistic Nutritionist 250-7327384 www.katesegall.com

toppers, comforters and pillows.

Everything you would need to support your child’s healthy sleep habits from the start. All our products are third party certified safe, from reputable companies that put people’s health before profit. Visit Resthouse at 126 Station St. in downtown Duncan or shop online at resthouse.ca 250-597-7378

BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY NATURAL BEDDING & MATRESSES Resthouse provides natural sleeping products for babies and children. Mattresses, nonplasticized protectors, sheets,

Christina Hamill RCST® is a registered biodynamic craniosacral therapist with a family practice in downtown Duncan. She provides Biodynamic CST to all ages and notices extensive pre and perinatal issues benefiting from Biodynamic CST. She now offers free

SARAH JONES

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Pre-natal / Post-natal 250-746-7463 startlinephysiotherapy@shaw.ca

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

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newborn ATLLF™ screenings (by appointment). Christina also enjoys guest speaking at Hiiye’yu Lelum Society— House of Friendship (Healthiest Babies Possible), Tea with Doulas, and the Community Farm Store. She is a member of the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America and the Association for Pre and Perinatal Health and Psychology (great resources for parents).

250-748-5551 cowichancraniosacral.com

PRE NATAL & POST NATAL PELVIC HEALTH I am a physiotherapist at Start Line Health & Wellness, and my primary area of practice is pelvic health. This includes incontinence, prolapse, pregnancy-related pain, painful intercourse, endometriosis, and pain in the pelvis, hips, and back (to name a few). Although I treat people of all ages, I really enjoy treating women pre- and postpartum. Pregnancy is a normal part of life, but can leave women with multiple types of pelvic injury. I love helping women get back to feeling strong and confident in their bodies postpartum! Sarah Jones, Start Line Health and Wellness Group 250-746-7563

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here is a feeling of joyful excitement that surges in me when I’m treating a newborn with biodynamic craniosacral therapy, whether it be in my downtown clinic or when making a home or hospital visit.

Infants have an amazing volume of potency eager to serve them in rebalancing any events that may have disturbed the harmony Nature intended for them.

It’s one thing for me to feel tension patterns begin to soften during a session and reorganize their way into realignment with the infant’s midline and another to see the look on a mother’s face when she sees and feels her baby’s physical and/or emotional state make a shift right before her eyes.

The first is a delightful experience that sends tingles through me in celebration of the inherent wisdom and health within the body, guiding a healing sequence of transformation from the inside out, and supporting this little being into feeling a sense of freedom and wholeness. The second is a deeply moving experience unlike any other, witnessing a mother witness her baby unwinding tension patterns from the birth and/or gestational experience while also noticing the awe, joy and relief on the mother’s face AND in her very own body! During a session, there is definitely a mutual process of healing taking place as well as an unfolding sense of renewal for both mother and her newborn.

One of the amazing attributes of biodynamic craniosacral therapy is its direct and rooted connection with embryology, the very precious time when a soul is moment by moment purposefully building a body in utero while simultaneously seeking love and connection. Vulnerable to the unprocessed experiences of its mother, father and generations back, it is reassuring to know that this developing sentient being nevertheless has profound healing qualities residing within.

It can seem quite overwhelming to parents to even begin to contemplate the immensity of this beginning, yet it can also stimulate them to recognize the support they need even before conception and be motivated to reach out and ask for it. This is what babies want and it will physically and emotionally benefit the wellbeing of each family member both individually and collectively. As mentioned before, infants are so full of potency and the wonderful news is that they have direct access to it even when there have been layers of trauma past or present.

When a newborn is treated with biodynamic craniosacral therapy, every cell in their system gradually begins to remember

Baby Potency the quality of their original health, whether it seems near or far. This holistic recollection and interchange is so powerful that it has the ability to inspire a magnificent process of seeking, stilling, and reorganizing towards a congruent state of balance, not just in babies, but within every human being.

When I’m in the presence of a newborn it feels very much like noticing the sun shining through the clouds and gently clearing the sky, reminding me of the potency blueprint we all have access to, which supports and restores us into feeling whole.

Christina Hamill RCST® is a registered practitioner with a family practice in Duncan.

cowichancraniosacral.com

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La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday MARCH 11 & 25 • 1pm

Accepting goods throughout the week

Viewings

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY 11am-4pm SATURDAY 1-4pm SAME DAY viewings 10am-1pm To consign email dawngeddie@gmail.com

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902

FLOCK SOCIAL MEDIA • specializing in brand awareness • growth strategy • events and promotions • targeted campaigns

caroline manuel

M: 604.754.0271 E: carolinemanuel@gmail.com

Have a sound body and a sound mind...

“ Commit to be Fit!” Our passion is Fitness, Our success is Helping You! Please sign in online for classes.

Your first class is always FREE!

5301 CHASTER ROAD, DUNCAN I 778 677 3749 WWW.FITYOURWAY.CA

I am Woman, Hear Me Laff!

Returns For The 4Th Year

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t’s another night of stand-up comedy when I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff! returns for it’s fourth rib-tickling year. A stellar comedic line-up led by 4-time Canadian Comedy Award winner Debra DiGiovanni leading the charge of this farcical collection of incredible talent that includes emcee Jan Bannister, Nic Enright Morin and Syd Bosel.

It’s a funny show raising funds for a serious cause.

Over the past three years, this comedy showcase event has raised over $3,700 dollars for Cowichan Women Against Violence.

This year’s line-up is expected to leave the audience in stitches. Comedian Debra DiGiovanni has been called the “Best Comedian to see after a Messy Break Up.” Debra is regular at all the comedy festivals, and clubs across the country.

Jan Bannister will host the evening as the night’s emcee.

She is a comedy favourite with her wild and whacky style and her quirky honesty about the world around her.

A former Psychiatric Nurse, Janice has been on the comedy scene for 15+ years.

She likes to combine her “scientific nerd side” with her “giving the bird side”.

Rounding out the night’s line-up are funny women Nic Enright-Morin and Syd Bosel. Nic Enright-Morin is not only a renowned standup comedian, but regularly cracks up audiences during her tours across the province and within the UK. And Syd Bosel … an observer of parenthood and her aging body … came in 2nd in the last year’s, BC’s Funniest Female” Competition.

I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff! promises be another hilarious night revelling in womanhood and all its glory – and it’s all for a great cause. An annual fundraiser in support of Cowichan Women Against Violence; this event continues to reinforce the strength and confidence it takes for women to follow their dreams and be successful.

I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff!

Sunday, March 11, 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Adult $34 / Student $30 cowichanpac.ca Image above; 4-time Canadian Comedy Award winner Debra DiGiovanni

FREE LANGUAGE CLASSES, EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE NEWCOMERS

WHERE CULTURES CONNECT

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www.cis-iwc.org

250-748-3112

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J W S s A I s A t Y h i b a A o a e y a y p l

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#MeToo and

Compassionate Activism

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hanks to funding from the Department of Justice Canada, Warmland Women’s Support Services Society is offering various services under our Sexual Assault Advocate Program.

If you choose to report a sexualized offense, our Advocates can go with you to offer emotional support.

You are not alone. We can help you connect with an investigating officer who may be able to take your statement at our office. Through the Advocacy program, survivors of sexualized violence have a place to ask questions and explore options. We can help you understand your rights as a victim of crime, assist you to develop your response plan, and connect you with local resources.

The Sexual Assault Advocate Program supports adults 18+ of all gender identities and members of the LGBTQ community who have experienced recent or historical sexualized offenses.

In addition to advocacy,

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

emotional support, crisis and non-crisis accompaniment, other services include Honouring Resistance Sexual Assault Counseling which uses a client-centered approach to cultivate dignity for survivors. Limited to 12 sessions and available by appointment, counseling is free and confidential.

Honouring Resistance Therapeutic Art Group is for survivors of sexualized or domestic violence who identify as women. Guided art exercises support survivors to discover their strengths and believe in themselves.

The Saturday morning dropin group is free, supplies are included and no artistic expertise is required!

If you have a passion for helping others during times of distress or feel a desire to shift the Cowichan Valley into a culture of consent, consider registering for our spring Advocate training. Screened applicants complete 78 hours of specialized training over the course of one year.

Training is free and grounded in feminist theory with a client-centered approach that explores rape myths, impact and neurobiology

of trauma, psychology of victim blaming, colonization, affirmative consent, community engagement through social action, and coordination with criminal justice system partners.

activism! Contact Kendra Thomas 250-710-8177 kthomas@warmlandwomen. org to become part of a specialized team transforming rape culture and cultivating dignity.

#MeToo can become an action of compassionate

Submitted by Kendra Thomas

IBP INTEGRATIVE BODY PSYCHOTHERAPISTS COUNSELLING AND HEALING BREATHWORK

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

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UK fabric expert Gill Riordan

By creating a dedicated space for the arts, the ISC commission and management are showing they understand the value of creativity, arts and culture in the community.

It isn’t a case of hockey versus painting, or recreation versus culture. They know that most of us enjoy a bit of both.

Value of Art Susan Down is a freelance writer and president of CVAC.

H

ow much is art worth?

Last year, a buyer paid over $450 million for a Leonardo da Vinci portrait at auction. Prices for art seem to have gone up faster than Vancouver real estate in recent years. How art markets were developed starting in the 19th century is the topic of CVAC’s next Speaker Series talk by Dr. Melissa Berry from the University of Victoria on March 15 at noon. She’ll have some great tales to tell on this fascinating subject.

To invite more people to get creative, CVAC is hosting three more fabric workshops in March: on fabric transfer dyes, traditional English goldwork stitching and fine art weaving, all taught by UK fabric expert Gill Riordan. These workshops are exceptionally fun and satisfying, even if you have no experience.

Yes, we know the value of art in this community. Not every painting brings in millions of dollars, but collectively it enriches us, whether it is dance, music, film or painting.

Even the most conservative budget forecasters know that supporting creative enterprises can boost local economies through tourism and small business.

The CVRD is proving that it understands the value of art this month as workers renovate the Island Savings Centre lobby and refresh the Cowichan Valley Arts Council’s Arbutus Gallery with a new paint job. Watch for the debut show,

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Five Voices in the Valley, in the gallery beginning March 24.

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

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id you know that you can view acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) films right here in Cowichan? Not only do you have the opportunity to view great films locally, in addition, the price of your ticket supports a whole range of services offered through Cowichan Hospice. Cowichan Reel Alternatives, as the film series is known, has been screening critically acclaimed films, made available through TIFF’s national film circuit, since 2004, raising over $200,000 for local, ongoing hospice services.

It all began with an initial inquiry into the Toronto International Film Circuit and its mission to spread access to interesting films across the country, while assisting community groups with charitable fund-raising. An avid Cowichan Valley Hospice Society volunteer at the time, Janet Hicken, gathered a group of volunteers and acquaintances to explore possibilities to bring this opportunity to the Cowichan Valley. The group spent a year planning and organizing the launch of Reel Alternatives, with their hard work coming to fruition, as they welcomed an inaugural crowd of just over 100 at the first screening at the Caprice Theatre in January, 2004.

Committed audience numbers

historical fiction. Each film is sponsored monthly by a local individual or business.

Reel Alternatives Film Series - “Great Films for a Great Cause soon grew to over 300 and people had to be turned away.

That problem was soon solved with a move to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in September, 2010. Attendance has continued to soar with even the occasional sell-out. When Janet Hicken retired from active duty, the Reel Alternatives torch was soon taken up by committee member and committed Hospice volunteer, MaryAnn Deacon, as she stepped into the role of Reel Alternatives Committee Chair.

MaryAnn recently stepped down from this role in 2017 but remains actively involved on the committee.

Both Cowichan Hospice and the Cowichan community continue to benefit from the initial and ongoing efforts of all the incredible volunteer committee members who have been

willing to dedicate countless hours to firmly establish Reel Alternatives in its 14th year of locally screening ‘great films for a great cause’!

The Reel Alternatives Committee is an entirely independent, volunteer-driven group which researches new film circuit offerings for films they hope will inspire, educate, and entertain the growing audience in the Cowichan region. The committee strives to offer a balance of films over time by choosing amongst various genres: dramas, comedies, foreign films, documentaries, suspense, and

Films are usually shown on the fourth Monday of each month (September through June) at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre at 7:00 p.m.

Reel Alternatives Cowichan maintains a blind-copy email list to alert enthusiasts about upcoming films, including background information about the production and cast of each film to enhance audience enjoyment. If you wish to be included in these email updates, all that is required is to send an email request to reelalternatives@gmail.com.

Film tickets can be purchased individually ($12) or as a series ($10) at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Ticket Centre or online at www. cowichanpac.ca. The next film “The Divine Order” airs on Monday, March 26th, and is a modern comedy produced in Switzerland.

All proceeds support the ongoing services at Cowichan Hospice. Please consider joining fellow community-minded film lovers to enjoy “great films for a great cause”!

ARTS EVENTS FABRIC WORKSHOPS

Play with fabric design from weaving to goldwork. Workshops March 11,12 and 13.

SPEAKER SERIES March 15 at 12 noon in Mesachie Room at ISC. CVAC Speaker Series: The History of Art Markets, an entertaining talk by UVic’s Dr. Melissa Berry.

Artisan Designs PENNY MADAY CIOCHETTI

Paintings MARCH 2-30

Love Flies Free

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

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

2687 James St, Duncan (250) 746-1633 I cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca

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Saturday March 24, 2018

VANCOUVER ISLAND HEATHER SOCIETY

SPRING HEATHER SALE

NEW

UE!

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Stu Armour Building

Cobble Hill Fairgrounds (Fisher Rd) 10:00 AM – 12 noon (or until sold out)

Unusual varieties will be available. Society members and Master Gardeners will be on hand to help to make you and your Heathers Happy.

CASH OR CHECK ONLY

www.bcheathersociety.org

T

Elaine Scott Vancouver Island Heather Society

he Vancouver Island Heather Society is once again getting ready for its March sale, so it is time to tell you about some interesting activities in the Heather World.

One of the success stories in recent years is the breeding and introduction of the Gardengirls series by Kurt Kramer of Germany. Kurt has worked extensively over the years breeding heathers and many of you will know one of his most famous varieties “Kramer’s Red“, which is an Erica x darleyensis.

However, his work with the Calluna hardy bud-bloomers has been outstanding.

The bud-bloomers show and keep colour from August – winter, depending on the variety. In order to market

these cultivars he called them Gardengirls and registered the brand. All of these cultivars possess the highest garden suitability. Nowadays, the Gardengirls varieties (note a registered name) provide colour over a very long period of time. The foliage colour range from silver, green, yellow, red to blackish-green.

Some bud bloomers, such as Zoe and Zeta, do not have flowers but add great foliage colour to the garden. Others provide bud colour over a long period as the buds do not fully open.

So, watch for “Golden Angie”, “Zeta”, “Zoe”, “Agnes” and “Claire” at the sale.

One other exciting introduction this year is a variety of Cassiopes. These are evergreen shrubs with nodding flowers. They are members of the Ericacea family and are native to

Heather Hill” at Earl Jenstad garden. Photo by Earl Jenstad

Oh Those Wonderful Heathers British Columbia. They are often called “Mountain Heathers”. Cassiopes prefer a cool well drained nook in the garden with protection from the summer heat. They also appreciate a cooling mulch such as crushed shale. Growing conditions are similar to that of other heathers – acidic, moist but well drained soil. However, avoid planting them beside vigorous heaths and heathers as they will be overtaken by them. There will be six different cultivars of Cassiopes available for purchase at the March sale.

Plan to attend the March 24, 2018 annual Vancouver Island Heather Society sale at the Stu Armour Building, Cobble Hill Fairgrounds (Fisher Road). Note the slight change in venue. The sale will begin at 10:00 AM and last until noon or sold

out. Experienced buyers will advise you that it is essential to get to the hall prior to the sale starting in order to get the best selection.

There will be many unusual varieities on hand including Calluna vulgaris spring tips, foliage colour and bud bloomer varieties, Daboecia and Ericas. In addition, starter kits consisting of nine plants and a planting diagram will be available. Members of the Society will be on hand to help you make your choices and members of the Victoria Master Gardener Association will be there to answer general gardening questions.

For more information on the sale and on the Vancouver Island Heather Society visit the website at www.bcheathersociety.org

ISLAND HELLERWORK

HELLERWORK AND COUNSELLING

MELISSA BROWN www.islandhellerwork.com islandhellerwork@gmail.com 250-661-1687 50% off first session for new clients ALIGN, CONNECT, EMBODY

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

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pening your breathing structures in the body allows for more breath to move to all areas of your system. During the Hellerwork Structural Integration Series, Session One is called Inspiration.

Through out this session we work together to open your breath and explore your vitality. What makes you come alive in your body?

When you imagine the spaces in your life that make you feel truly alive what would that be?

Yes that is a question for you.

What makes you feel alive?

Happy? Free? For me it is being deep in nature, sitting

in silence, dancing, music, swimming in the water, hearing my three year old have a deep belly laugh and hearing the eagles sing. As you imagine your vitality now what happens? What is the felt in your body?

In Session One we will explore your breath and how it moves in your body. We will get curious about where you feel it most and where the breath feels constricted, playing with expansion and contraction, two states that we are constantly being with in our bodies and our minds, which reflects throughout our daily emotions. Play with this now if you’d like. Bring attention to your breath for a

r

SOU L ESCAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

#4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan BC 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca

moment, allow it to fill your lungs, deep from the belly up to your upper ribs, notice how it feels to slow down with your breath, do this a few times. Do you feel contraction or expansion in your body? Notice where you feel this in your body.

Now have a thought that is un-comfortable something that may irritate you. Notice how your breathing may change and notice if you feel contracted or expanded.

Also where do you feel this in your body now?

Now allow yourself to explore and imagine being in your vitality place, what happens to your breath now and what are you noticing in your body?

We will explore these movements in Session One as well as exploring the layers of your fascia that are directly related to breathing.

An example would be your diaphragm and your pectoral fascia as well as other functional diaphragms of the body. By releasing the fascia in these areas and with guided breathing and self exploration, one can experience a more embodied sense of being and wellness.

The breath may become fuller and easier by the end of the session. People often comment that they feel more open and free, sometimes even a bit taller and better posture.

By connecting your breath with your body and exploring your vitality. we are able to create tools right here and now which may help you

Discovering Vitality Through Breath when feeling triggered, out of balance, anxious or depressed.

These tools are very simple and direct and when applied to our lives can be super potent and transformative. We can learn to move through the world in a more embodied way.

When we connect with our breath we connect more deeply with ourselves and others around us. Breath is the one element we can’t live without.. We can inspire and be inspired, opening ourselves up to the primary source of energy for the body. Take the time to consciously breathe today!

This article introduces the Hellerwork Structural Integration Series.

Hellerwork is an 11 Session Series and I look forward to sharing with you each Session and how Hellerwork works and the benefits you may receive in your body and mind.

Melissa Brown, Certified Hellerwork Structural Integration practitioner,Massage Practitioner nd Somatic Counseller.

250-661-1687

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Music To Raise Funds For Poverty & Hunger Prevention Program

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Upcoming EVENTS Spring Wild Foods Dinner March 24 Cooking Class Mastering Stocks & Sauces March 10

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

• • • • •

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

250-732-2937

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

n Saturday, March 24th the United Way and Barely North Entertainment are teaming up with musical artists Scotty Hills, an award-winning and Junonominated artist and who is also a main organizer of the event, and Vancouver Island darling Kendall Patrick, to present a special concert in the Sanctuary at Duncan United Church to raise funds for a grass-roots initi-ative for homelessness prevention in the Cowichan Valley. The musicians will be joined by dis-tinguished guest speakers Cowichan MLA Sonia Furstenau, community activist Minister Keith Simmonds, and Debbie Williams Executive Director of Hiiyeyu Lelum House of Friendship. Each of these community leaders will speak to the current homelessness crisis in the valley, and lend perspective as to what we as individuals can do to create social equity in our community.

Funds are being raised to assist the initiative spearheaded by the Social Justice Out-reach Team

responding to homelessness and poverty in the Cowichan Valley. They have cre-ated this fund to help families and individuals who face an imminent risk of homelessness, as current programs in the valley are far from meeting the needs in our area. The goal is to in-crease this fund substantially, while presenting a night of great music and conversation, leaving audience members with a deeper sense of empowerment, and connectivity to their community.

We invite you to join us for a memorable and impactful night of music and stories, while supporting a cause that has a direct and immediate impact in our community.

Doors open at 6:30pm and show begins at 7pm. Tickets are $20 and will be available in advance at Duncan Mu-sic (488 TCH), United Way (135 Third St), Duncan United Church (246 Ingram St), and www.eventbrite.ca. Tickets will also be available at the door, until capacity is reached.

1- 855-622-5932

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

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a glaze and rich earthy tones.

This process creates a variety of textures on the same object, and, just like the nature it depicts, it provides wonderfully unpredictable results.

Cathi Jefferson Pottery 5656 West Riverbottom rd.

Duncan BC Canada V9L 6H9 cathijefferson.com Studio hours: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily or by appointment.

C

athi Jefferson has been creating salt fired stoneware for more than thirty years. Her studio and gallery is located in the heart of the beautiful Cowichan Valley on the banks of the Cowichan River and surrounded by parkland. Cathi takes inspiration from these natural surroundings to create unique visions of nature in clay. The unique look of her art is created through a salt-firing process.

The salt vaporizes at a high temperature in the kiln and interacts with the clay to create

Salt fired stoneware hand-built cream and sugar set with a close-up leaf vein pattern.

Cathi’s creation of functional dishes is grounded in her belief that it’s important to have handmade items in our lives to help us remain connected to the natural world and to each other.

Most of her work is wheelthrown and altered into square or triangular shapes.

Come on a journey with Cathi as she describes her natural inspiration; “When we moved to the Cowichan Valley 11 years ago I never imagined how amazing spring would be - how spring would inspire and affect my work. We built our home and studio on the Cowichan River near Stoltz Pool. Amongst the Douglas Firs on our acre on the river there is the most amazing patch of white fawn lilies that heralds the start of every spring. Then the chocolate lilies appear amongst the ever greening flora and a succession of other fragile beauties.

I walk the trails along the Cowichan River watching the procession as spring progresses continually getting greener with trilliums, calypso orchids, shooting stars, sea blush, then larkspur and camas in May and tiger lilies in June. It’s all so

Talking Arts Cathi Jefferson magical!

Salt fired stoneware wheel thrown bucket with a native spring flower design

Writer Thomas Moore wrote: “Let Nature stun you and creative energy will flow in to you without any effort on your part.” I sure appreciate how lucky I am to live in this beautiful valley where nature surrounds and inspires me so.” Cathi Jefferson Cathi is a full-time ceramic artist teaching and displaying her work locally and internationally. She is member of the talented tour group ‘Cowichan Artisans’ that offers year round studio visits as well as an upcoming

spring tour. Her gallery on Riverbottom Road is open 7 days a week. www.cathijefferson.com

BEADS BEADS BEADS

Etc!

9752c Willow St

Chemainus

250 324 2227 Open 7 days a week

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

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SPRING BREAK

At DDGC Spring Camp, children will focus on gymnastics skills training, co-operation skills and social interaction. Big Kids will also participate in small daily craft activities. All gymnasts must have Insurance/ Membership with Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club.

Register online at www.ddgc. ca or call our office at 250746-0193

SPRING CAMPS

For Ages 30 months - 5 years at the Hub, Cowichan Station.

Week 1 - March 12-16

Buzz About Beekeeping Your kids will learn through many different activities all about the mason bees.

Week 2 - March 19-23

Children’s Olympics Activities will include crafts, baking, and outdoor games!

Regular hours 8:30 am-4:30pm $30IMAC/$35 a day Before/Aftercare 7:30 am-5:30 pm $35IMAC/$40 a day Limited Registration - For information or to register: Contact Kassy Aubut (250) 891-9176 I kassandrafla7@hotmail.com or Tara Mundy Taraem35@gmail.com I (250) 884-3492

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The Spring Break Puppet Show is Saturday, March 24, 2-3pm at the South Cowichan Library in the Mill Bay Centre. Are you ready for a groovy adventure? Join us for a rockin’ show and STEAM activity based on Pete the Cat

by Eric Litwin. Suitable for all ages. FREE Spring Break Pet-acular is

two weeks of purr-fect fun at the South Cowichan Library in the Mill Bay Centre, March 12-24. Drop by for a howling good time with a scavenger hunt, colouring pages, and more. FREE

This exciting spring camp designed for children 30 months-5 years will run out of the Montessori classroom at the Hub, but will not consist of any Montessori practices! The first week will be “Buzz about Beekeeping”. Your kids will learn all about the mason bees through many different activities. The second week will be “Children’s Olympics” Activities will include crafts, baking and outdoor games! The children will get to experience new adventures, and activities every day! Week 1- March 12-16, Week 2- March 19-23 8:30am- 4:30pm Before and after care available. Contact Kassy Aubut (250)891-9176 or Tara Mundy (250) 8843492 to register.

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

W C C u l p r l L t a o s M A n – t

COWICHAN FUN!

The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is ready for a Spring season full of fun, learning, discovery, and exploring our watershed. Open to the public from 12pm-4pm, Thursday through Sunday and every holiday Monday. The Nature Centre has activities for all ages, including wildlife watching, a microscope station, craft station for kids, interactive map exhibits, and a touch tank where you can get up close and personal with estuary creatures. This Spring Break we will be offering workshops for youth and families - check our Facebook Page or website for more info! www.cowichanestuary.ca.

Westview Learning Camps: March 12-16: Lego Creators City Builders: using cardboard, tape, paint, lego and the Lego Boost, participants will transform our room into a Lego Adventure land for themselves and the Lego Boost robot! Three days to find our favourite robot, and create the space! Hands on fun, lots of group problem solving and movement!

March 19-23: Lego EV3 Adventures – New robots, new courses, new challenges – students work together to create the challenges

Working to see families thrive.

Supporting individuals to achieve their goals.

that will first stump the robots, and then build the robots that will conquer the courses! Hands on fun, lots of group problem solving and movement! 250 701-3359 www.westviewlearning.ca

LIVE WITH AFFINITY

Florie Varga, MPA

florie@affinitycoaching.ca I 250.709.7063

www.affinitycoaching.ca local wetlands. Tools and gloves provided or bring your own. Treats included! Meet at the Somenos Creek Dog Park for this free event. To register please contact us at programs@somenosmarsh. com or 778-401-8460.

Bring the whole family to Somenos Creek for a planting party! On Tuesday March 27, 10am to 1pm, join the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society in caring for our

Samosa Building 101 Scoops Natural Foods, Learn how to make these delicious Indian pastries. We show you how to make and roll out the dough & build the shells for a prepared vegetarian filling.

Hands on workshop.

Max 5 pairs per session.

Minimum Age: 10yrs. Pair must include 1 adult. $50/pair - includes 2 dozen samosas to take home Tuesday March 20 or 27 3pm -5pm Registration Required 778-422-3310 Whippletree Junction

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Ready Set Learn! At Queen of Angels

ur Early Learning Centre is a very lively, happy place where children are encouraged from the onset to be confident independent learners in a structured, child-friendly and stimulating environment. The manner in which the children work and play reflects the ethos of the school. This provides a firm foundation for their personal growth and the skills required to become lifelong learners in an every changing world.

Our full day Early Learning Centre program goals are to: • Provide an age appropriate program of academic and social enrichment • Develop manual skills within each child’s individual capacity • Provide a daily routine which involves free play,

art activities, circle time (songs, stories, music, and movement), gym time, library, prayer and teaching time with the pre-school handwriting without tears program, as well as other interactive activities.

• Develop Kindergarten readiness skills.

• Surround the child with Gods love and guidance as an integral part of his or her daily lidfe.

We believe that the development of the whole child encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched full day program for 3-5 year olds. Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre We offer a variety of flexible programs: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, Tuesday/Thursday or 5 days per week Schedule your tour today!

Call (250 701-0433 Office Hours 8am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday

The Clay Hub Collective 2375 Koksilah Rd. Cowichan Station

New classes for adults and kids in April

Experience a sawdust firing with Cathi and Tina

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rolling down grassy hills, and swinging are some of the other ways that children start to know their bodies and explore the world around them.

“Seeing my daughter grow into herself over the last eighteen months at Sunchild Preschool is a gift for which I am profoundly grateful.

The loving care of the teachers, their ability to see the individual strengths in each child, and the wholesome rhythm of the days and the week has provided my child with a sense of security and belonging. Our family life is enriched by the ECE through the support of like-minded parents, the educational tools and inspiration, and the rich culture of song, games, life skills and outdoor play that come home with our daughter each day.” Sunrise Parent

Early Childhood Education at Sunrise Waldorf School “When I walk through the doorway or into the playground of the Preschool classroom, I can’t help but feel the warmth of the space and the teachers, the joy of the children. It truly is a place of wonder, exploration and early development for both children and parents alike”.

Sunrise Parent

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unrise Waldorf School Early Childhood Education classrooms are revered for their simplicity, warmth, and the feeling of coming home.

From the soft woolen dolls, to the colourful silks, from the blocks, stones, shells and flowers, to the smell of bread baking and oatmeal cooking, our Early Childhood classrooms are brimming with opportunities to play with total abandon and freedom of imagination. Play is the work of the child. It is through movement and play that children sense fully into their bodies, and keenly into the pictures of the mind. Skipping, climbing, jumping and outside play (no matter what the weather) is an integral part of the rhythm of the day in our Early Childhood classrooms.

Splashing through puddles,

ECE AND KINDERGARTEN

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY MARCH 10 10AM-12PM

Sunrise Waldorf School (SWS) is an independent school, supporting choice in education for discerning parents. We welcome your family to visit and see what we have to offer. Space is limited. Please RSVP.

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

Strong rhythms and repetition allow the children to sink deeply into their play. Our teachers bring emphasis to the rhythms to the day, the week, and seasons of the year, all of which creates the foundation for the young child to feel safe and free to explore. In an ever changing and fast paced world, the Waldorf Preschool and Kindergartens are a place where childhood is preserved and held with love.

If you’d like to come and see our Early Childhood classrooms for yourself, or are interested in hearing more about why Waldorf Education works, please feel free to contact Chantey Dayal – Admissions Coordinator for a tour or a meeting today.

250.743.7253

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Come Play at Mount Washington!

ooking for something that everyone can do for Spring Break? This season Mount Washington has seen great snowfalls which also means extended snow play!

TUBE PARK The resort offers 5 lanes of incredible tubing thrills. Each lane is 215m long and depending on your comfort level, tube staff can direct you to the best lane.

Conditions permitting, cluster riding in a group is our favourite because it’s propensity for speed is unparalleled. Multiple riders link together for a hair raising ride as one. This guarantees speed. Adventurous single riders can ask staff for a spin before heading down the icy hill. The whole family can partake in tubing especially the wild wee ones under 42” - they can ride free on an adult’s lap! Extremely safe, each tube run ends on a runaway of straw to slow you down. Then effortlessly up the magic carpet with your tube in tow to enable everyone to easily ride again. Open 10am - 6pm, 7 days a week. 1-hour Tube Park Pass $17 (includes tube rental) Under 12 $12 and kids under 42” are free!

TERRAIN PARKS For skiers and snowboarders of all levels, Mount Washington offers 2 terrain parks. For kids and beginners Easy Acres Terrain Park, with smaller rails and fun boxes provides the perfect stepping stone for beginners. The mini terrain park is introduced to kids in Level 3 Snow School by certified Terrain Park instructors but as it is only one aspect of the

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lesson. For kids wanting to learn more terrain park lessons are available from the Snow School to help kids and adults learn to fine tune technique and tricks.

With a private instructor, our 6 year old twins took a session in the terrain park to extend their time and expand their skills. By the end of the 2 hours they were literally able to ride the mini rails, land higher jumps and give themselves the foundation of proper technique for the features.

In the learning park, the rails are shorter and the jumps are smaller which gives riders the opportunity to progress in a fun and safe environment. Building confidence equals long lasting enjoyment. But it’s not just for kids!

STAY TO PLAY With all these wild ways to play in the snow you might consider visiting for more than a day. Cozy ski in and ski out accommodations can be found right on the hill in the Alpine Village. Staying on the mountain enables time for night skiing, tubing, snowman making, snowshoeing and more! Most accommodations on the hill require 2-3 consecutive nights for booking, but it is well worth it.

Even the dog loves to come!

There’s nothing like staying on a big snowy mountain to truly slow you down. Beautiful, serene and you can’t beat the stars at night.

See you at Mount Washington!

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

Richard Badman loves sailing, kiting and snowboarding on Vancouver Island

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F I a i p a f b o a r s o a a s m a d i t c

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Communicating with your animals is the next big thing...

Image Devon Gillott Sessions

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e live in a pretty great time (for some things).

For years, I hid the fact that I could talk with animals, and if I did share, I risked interesting looks at dinner parties, and playful teasing at family re-unions. A far cry from a witch hunt to be sure, but definitely not rating high on many’s career list. A bit of a hidden profession for a few reasons. It’s only in the last several years, with the release of a beautiful documentary on animal communication and a noticable and far-reaching shift that sees more and more people relating to their animals in new ways, that doing animal communication is becoming, if not normal, than at least interesting and cool!

Now, rather than hiding this skill, I am open about it, and seek to help animal lovers develop their own communication skills and tool-kit. What changed for me? Not only has our culture become more open to the idea that yes, we can actually communicate with animals, but I had the realization that this type of connection with animals was key to deepening our empathy and connection when it comes to all of our pets. This deepening, I realized, had the side effect of creating animal stewards that think about the needs of their animals, that practice better self-care, who have more resilience, and healthier boundaries, and who create better connections with the people in their

lives. In short, learning animal communication had the wonderful effect of cultivating happier, healthier, more open, and thoughtful humans. If that’s not a reason to share a skill, I don’t know what is!

Many of the people that are curious about learning to communicate with animals have a few common reservations. First, there is the prevailing myth that only “special” people can communicate with animals and you must be gifted in this way to be able to do it. The second is that other people might think they are odd for doing it (I get it!). And third, many are scared that their animal might share something awful and they don’t want to know. Let me ease your mind on all three accounts.

First, every single person has both normal and subtle senses which they can develop with practice and over time.

Sometimes we’ve been a little cut off from those senses and need support to bring them back online. Second, the more people that are doing it, the more normal something becomes. I was scared about judgement for a long time

and when I started to share I realized that most people were actually fascinated and wanting to know more.

And third, your animals will always be happier when they feel listened to, and we are then able to meet their needs more easily. Animals don’t deal in judgement or criticism, so you don’t need to worry about either, they just know what they need to feel their best and want to share with you.

If you’re an animal lover and you’ve been wanting to communicate more clearly with your animals, I am excited to share that Laura Bird creator of the Animal Translator program and I will be offering the whole Animal Translator Program at Firefly Farm this spring/summer.

For more information head to: www.alexalinton.com/animaltranslator-program or email alexa@alexalinton.com

Alexa and her animal crew live, work and play at Firefly Farm on Quamichan Lake. Learn more at www.alexalinton.com

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David Yaeger

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner davidyaeger650@gmail.com https://www.healerslibrary.com/global-practitioner-map/ (find me just north of Duncan)

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Bigger Kids = Bigger Messes

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Green Living

hen my children were little I assumed that those would be the busiest times in parenting. After all they are so dependent when they are little and require support for literally everything they do. Eating, dressing, bathing, even playing, we must facilitate it all. Strangely enough, looking back at those years my house was much tidier. The meals were all homemade from organic ingredients, the laundry baskets weren’t overflowing, the floor was clean (because it had to be with small ones crawling around on it) and I even found I had more down time to myself because they went to bed so much earlier.

How blissfully naive I was. Children grow and as they get bigger the bigger their messes get! How I long for the days of sorting blocks and little trucks into their appropriately labeled baskets. Nowadays my home is consumed by the stench of hockey gear airing out in my living room, we never have enough cutlery or plates because they are all hiding out under piles of god knows what in the teenager’s bedroom, meals are eaten on the run and as for personal down time, not so much. A friend of mine compared living with her teenage son to living with a big, stinky man who she’s not married to, doesn’t pay rent, and she doesn’t even like most of the time!

Recently as I scrubbed the globs of toothpaste off the sink in the boys’ bathroom it occurred to me it was time

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to raise my expectation of their responsibilities around the house. My boys do quite a bit, all their own laundry, dishes and cleaning up after meals, they know how to vacuum and dust, feed and care for pets and livestock etc.

But for some reason running water as they spit toothpaste into the sink day after day eludes them and chiseling it off has been my job, until now that is.

It’s a good time to teach more life skills and it has to be done with a little different approach with older kids. Asking them which jobs they would like to take on is a good start, you might be surprised what they are willing to do, and offering them an allowance is certainly motivating at this age as they start to want to have a little pocket money on them. Assign the daily or weekly tasks, teach them how to do them properly and then I think it is important to let them manage their time and follow through on their own.

If they don’t get it done they don’t get paid. It’s a real life consequence, just like having responsibilities of a job. I see a tidier house and possibly a little more “me” time in the near future.

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

A Pet Crisis

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he species on the planet with the highest incidence of cancer is now our beloved canine companions. Let that sink in, on the whole planet, we’re losing our best friends. At the beginning of my veterinary career in 1994, the incidence of canine cancer was well under 10% and these were typically senior patients.

The current stats are 2/3 dogs (65%) are developing cancer now, some as young as 3 months!

This cancer epidemic is tragic in so many ways. These precious beings are our family members, our pals, our workmates, our very best friends.

What’s happening??

I’ve been asking that question throughout my veterinary career.

The sad news is that vets don’t receive training around preventive medicine and healthy lifestyles for our pets. We’re taught surgical techniques and we’re taught what drugs to administer based on a patient’s symptoms.

These skills can be lifesaving and are critical for trauma patients but they are clearly not what makes a healthy pet, not what fosters a strong competent immune system and not what builds resilience and vitality in a dog or cat for a long and happy life. The veterinary community is being questioned about its traditional practices like recommending high carb diets (sugar feeds cancer) for our carnivorous pets to recommending annual vaccinations that have never had any science to back up their benefit but much to question their

potential harm - like cancer!

Standing at this crossroads of seeing traditional veterinary medicine as being part of the problem, part of the reason that we are currently in a pet health crisis, I have chosen to close Cowichan Veterinary Services, after 17 years serving the Cowichan Lake Communities.

When I read: “Of the 12 million new cases of dog and cat cancer that will be diagnosed this year … 95% are caused by lifestyle and environment factors which can be eliminated.” I want to be part of the solution. So instead, I am offering holistic pet wellness consults drawing on my 23 years of veterinary experience and decade of holistic experience. My mantras, like Hippocrates are ‘Above all do No Harm’ and ‘Let Food be their Medicine’. Consults focus on species appropriate nutrition, detoxing, ketogenic diets, and cancer prevention and support.

Together we formulate a plan to foster resilience and wellness in your pets. Dr Brenda’s Holistic Pet Wellness provides education and support to you by telephone or house call. Organic sourced detox and wellness products are also available to build strong immune systems in our pets during these toxic times. This transition, providing holistic wellness consults for pets is how I’m making lemonade from my veterinary experience and being part of the solution.

Submitted by Dr Brenda Bernhardt www.DrBrendasHolisticPet.com

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

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o c q w h W s b T c m i s T a t h n s y r h h s D p T i i v y

Lucky Dog Tuning You Out...

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

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here is a phenomenon at social gatherings of people. Amongst the chattering people will be one quite person who is engaged with the conversation, but holding back his responses.

When the quiet guest does start to talk, the others will become quiet and listen.

There is a belief, usually correct, that the quiet person must have something important and meaningful to say.

This happens with our dogs as well. If you are constantly talking to your dog, correcting her behaviour, saying her name, or calling her to you; she will tune you out. What you are saying is dull and repetitive. Your dog may also have learned that she doesn’t have to respond until you’ve said something three times.

Dogs aren’t stupid, they learn patterns.

There is more information in your body language and intention than there is in your voice. If you are trying to get your dog to understand you,

you need to communicate fully; voice, body, and intention. High end dog training involves videotaping the training sessions and reviewing all of the trainer’s communication skills. The subtlest of actions can change what you’re saying to your dog. Be mindful.

I was fortunate enough to be trained to teach adults literacy when I was much younger. The gem I got from that training is “If the student isn’t understanding you, you need to shift the way you’re teaching.”

If your dog is tuning you out, chances are that she has learned from you that it is okay to do so. You can teach your dog to be respectful if you are respectable and fair.

Your dog may be tuning you out because you’re boring. If you’re all talk and no action, you might be the problem.

There’s no need to be a treat dispenser; a nice scratch behind the ear and a quiet “thank you” can be a reward.

It’s never too late to deepen your relationship and have the sweet companion you desire that has other dog owners wondering what your secret is. Being able to take your dog anywhere without making excuses is freedom for you and your dog.

Some dogs truly are hard of hearing. This can be quickly assessed by opening a cheese wrapper of tuna can in another room. (That was easy…)

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And finally, my latest favourite book comes from my favourite dog trainer, Monique Anstee. “As a Dog Thinketh” is a gem of a book that will be on my bedside table for years to come. You’ll want your own copy, so buy it.

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Woodstove Home Heating in the Cowichan Region

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iving in rural Cowichan surrounded by forests and farmland, it may come as a surprise that the air quality in our communities is often poor.

Unconvinced? Check out the real-time air quality data from the Cowichan region’s sensor network at cvrd.bc.ca/air.

Air quality gets particularly bad in the winter when we heat houses with wood and weather patterns trap the smoky air in the valley.

While woodstoves provide a cozy living room atmosphere, “old uncertified woodstoves are especially problematic and can contribute to both poor indoor and outdoor air quality” says Earle

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Plain, Air Quality Meteorologist with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy.

“Heating with wood has always been part of BC’s culture, but scientific studies confirm that burning wood releases air pollutants that are harmful to human health.”

“Particulate matter (PM2.5) released from activities such as wood burning has been found in many studies to impact the body, especially the lungs and heart,” says Dr. Shannon Waters, local Medical Health Officer with Island Health.

“Young children, the elderly and those with chronic heart and lung conditions are especially vulnerable.

The high hospital admission rates for children with respiratory diseases is a potential impact of this in the Cowichan region.”

Older woodstoves are not as efficient as new heating appliances at heating your home. Inefficient woodstoves waste money, time and energy. Just think about all the time and energy spent on hauling and chopping wood. Indeed, inefficiency means more fuel (e.g.

wood) is required to produce the same amount of heat.

smoke by drying wood in your woodstove.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), 2018 Woodstove Replacement Program is providing up to a $600 rebate to help replace your old inefficient woodstove with a new home heating appliance. This rebate program is offered in collaboration with the BC Lung Association, the Ministry of Environment and local heating appliance retailers.

After 15 minutes of starting the fire, there should be no visible smoke coming from your chimney. A $20 moisture meter can show you the moisture percentage of a firewood log; insert the probes in the firewood log to obtain a reading. If you don’t have a moisture meter, check the firewood log ends. Dry, seasoned wood should have cracks and split ends. Also, if you knock dry wood together, you should hear a hollow sound, not a wet ‘thud.’

CVRD 2018 Woodstove Replacement Program

Residents who have previously participated in the program have found their new certified woodstoves and pellet stoves burn up to 24 hours without having to add more wood. And residents who switched to gas stoves and heat pumps are thrilled they can heat their homes with the flick of a switch, benefitting the elderly and busy families especially.

Participants also noted improved indoor air quality, reduced insurance costs and less time cleaning up dirt and debris from hauling wood indoors.

If you must burn, burn it smart While not everyone can be convinced to make the switch from old, non-EPA certified woodstoves, ensure your burning practices result in minimal smoke and maximum heat. Use only dry wood, i.e. wood with less than 20% moisture content. Otherwise your fire won’t burn as hot and you will be creating harmful

To learn more about woodstove rebates and available funding, check out cvrd.bc.ca/woodstove or email es@cvrd.bc.ca or telephone 250.746.2530.

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

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oin The Ou Gallery & their newest artist in residence, Lena Kyounghee Lee from Seoul, South Korea, for the opening of her pop-up photography exhibition, ‘Yeoja A’. Yeoja is the Korean word for woman and ‘A’ prompts the viewer’s own interpretation: art, anonymity, adultery, ‘a’ person. Influenced by modernist female artists & writers, Lee’s photography installation explores themes of womanhood, gender bias, and a woman’s fight

for representation on her own terms in both creativity and society. The show will run for two weeks and the artist will be in studio throughout the month working on a new series.

Come by to meet her and talk about her process Tuesday to Saturday from 1-5pm. The Ou Gallery just completed the setup of their artist studios, making it a fun place to visit to connect with visiting artists, see work in process, and spend some time in an inviting and creative environment.

Later in the month, tintype photography duo, Rainika PhotoGraphik, will be here for a series of demonstrations and portrait shoots! A tintype photograph is an amazing, hand crafted artisan process where the image is taken

using a specific wet plate camera (which looks a little like an accordion with a photo lens) and then developed chemically on a metal plate within a 10 minute window. You’ve probably seen them at flea markets or antique shops – misty & beautiful photos on a cardboard backing.

The wet plate collodion photo process was invented in 1851

by Fredrick Archer and was the first instant photography process. Rainika PhotoGraphik stays true to the original analogue tradition by setting up a small darkroom onsite. There are no negatives, so these really are one of a kind photographs that preserve a moment in silver. Come learn more about

March at the Ou Gallery the process or sign up to have your photo taken onsite Friday March 22 & Saturday the 23! More information on our website: www.theougallery.com

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

Are You Water Resilient?

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n March 22 each year, people around the world take a moment to appreciate the thing we all need most… water. In the Cowichan Region, several events are planned to mark UN World Water Day throughout the week of March 17-24 (see page xx). One of these events is a free slideshow presentation by Gord Baird, of Eco-Sense, co-hosted by Cowichan Watershed Board and VIU-Cowichan Campus.

Eco-Sense is a multiaward winning green home and business in Victoria’s Highlands neighbourhood, providing regenerative design in the areas of water, food, energy, and lifestyle.

Gord will be discussing responsible water alternatives, covering the gamut of rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, composting toilets, soils, plants, food forestry, ponds and policy.

All apt topics on World Water Day. Gord and Ann Baird have

become synonymous with integrated sustainability when it comes to connecting lifestyle, food, economics, policy, community water, and resources otherwise considered by many to be waste. Their life is a snapshot documenting what is possible in a changing world, building the first legal 2-storey load-bearing cob residence in North America, and becoming the first building to receive the Living Building Challenge recognition. Every design decision is made to serve multiple purposes, benefit multiple capitals, as in the living roofs that grow food, collect and pre-filter rainwater, cool the solar panels, enhance electrical output, provide habitat replacement, as well as added fire-resistance, decreasing fire insurance costs.

Within 7 years they transformed a rocky hilltop parcel of land in the District of Highlands, previously owned by a junk collector, and now produce 100% of their fruit and veggies, transforming non-agricultural land into a productive young farm. Their

orchards include 90 fruit trees, 70 nut trees, and over 300 different species of edible perennial plant. And, they use 60% less water than the average farm to pull this off.

With water a topic of concern, Gord and Ann have had to learn how to live within their own water footprint. They conserve by using greywater for their orchards, and have composting toilets in their home and outbuildings. They collect rainwater in cisterns and ponds, and are experimenting with plants - trying to grow those that are adapted for our expected climate, from olives to their own extremely droughtresistant apple rootstock apply named ‘Boo’, after their dog that planted it.

They use their knowledge to help others, delivering workshops around integrated systems in food, water, energy, and lifestyle. Gord was involved in the Province of BC’s Manual of Composting Toilets and Greywater Practice (making it legal in BC).

They both sit as municipal

councillors for the Highlands which affords them the ability to educate and inform policy makers around the Capitol region. www.eco-sense.ca Thursday, March 22, 7pm, VIU-Cowichan Campus, Room 140. FREE

MILLION LITRE CHALLENGE World Water Week is coming to Cowichan March 1724. Watch for Cowichan Watershed Board’s “Million Litre Challenge” including handouts, and discounts on water saving gear, and a cash rebate offer.

Details via capturerain@ cowichanwatershedboard. ca or at www. cowichanwaterchallenge.ca

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

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The Sounds of Spring

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hat are the sounds of Spring? Perhaps it is the soft pitter patter of drizzling rain and the chirping of birds? For the Cowichan Family Caregivers Society, the sound this Spring is one of community coming together in a loving musical effort to raise funds to support caregivers in the Cowichan Valley.

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On Saturday March 17th a benefit concert, “Sounds of Spring” will be held in the Duncan United Church’s beautiful Sanctuary. Jodie McDonald, CFCSS Executive Director enthuses, “It’s our mission to acknowledge, appreciate and support people in their caregiving role, to alleviate stress and to advocate for the rights of caregivers. This event not only will raise spirits, it will provide resources for the various programs and services that directly support caregivers in our communities.”

The event will feature the well-loved Duncan Choral Society. Under the direction of Sue Doughty, this choir has delighted valley residents through their upbeat choral arrangements.

The event will also feature Sari Alesh. Alesh is a 31-year-old classically trained violinist from Damascus, Syria, who toured Europe and the Middle East with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra for six years.

Alesh was displaced with millions of other Syrians during the war and came to Canada in 2016 as a refugee.

Alesh has quickly found ways to give back to the community while studying music at the University of Victoria, including developing a program to teach music to students with autism and performing in many fundraising concerts.

Recently Sari performed solo at the Belfry Theatre in a play called Children’s Republic written by Hannah Moscovitch; he wrote the musical score for the show.

Admission for the afternoon event is $15 per person, with children under 12 free.

Doors open at 1:30 to a silent auction with the event starting at 2pm: 246 Ingram Street, Duncan.

Tickets are on sale now. For additional information or to get tickets call 250.597.0886 or write amanda@ familycaregiverssupport.org.

Tickets are also available at the door.

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

Million Dollar Quartet

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ockabilly Jukebox legends Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash are back by popular demand at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, with the return of Million Dollar Quartet from March 23 to April 14, 2018.

Originally a popular Broadway musical which garnered Tony nominations in 2010, Million Dollar Quartet was inspired by actual events that happened at famous Sun Record Studios in 1956, when four of music’s legendary greats came together unexpectedly and recorded an impromptu jam session together.

Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash played one red hot mix of spicy rhythm and blues, gospel, and country that was nothing short of a raucous hillbilly homecoming. The musical explosion that became rock and roll was ignited by Sam Phillips, the independent music producer with his own unique vision for the future of the music industry. It was his vision and mentorship that started the careers of all four of these ‘good ole’ boys,’ launching them into a lifetime of success and becoming the kings of their genres. Phillips’

Sun Records recording studio in Memphis, Tennessee, is the place of origin for rockabilly greatness and the story that is Million Dollar Quartet.

Unlike traditional musicals, Million Dollar Quartet forgoes the orchestra pit in favour of actors who play their own instruments. They are talented musicians in their own right and, says director Mark DuMez, “The Million Dollar Quartet is like drafting the ultimate musical team.”

The show is a lively concert punctuated by flashbacks of showbiz life at the time – with insecurity, violated contracts, business intrigue, good and bad deals, and romantic ordeals.

“It’s been a fun challenge to work with the arrangements and instruments as part of the action on stage,” says music director, Kraig Way. “Instead of simply supporting the show, the songs themselves are a starring role.”

Featured hits include: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog” – and more pop, soul, rock and roll, and country music mixes.

Matinee and evening shows for all ages run Mar 23 – Apr 14. Call the Box Office at 1-800-565-7738 or at chemainustheatre.ca

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis Reading about marriages in the last issue of Cowichan Valley VOICE (and a wedding DJ ) brought back memories playing canned music for weddings and parties weekends for Mike Gale’s DJ service in Victoria back in the day. I was also resident DJ at the former “Jolly Rancher” in Duncan during its country rock heyday in the 1990s. (When I wasn’t DJ’ing I was working in local media.)

But I wouldn’t compare myself with George Neilson.

“I had a close friend who was in the DJ business with two other partners,” George writes from the Caribbean, where he is enjoying a cruise with his wife. “They broke up and he asked me if I wanted to get into the business. I said yes on the proviso that we did it professionally, bought professional DJ equipment, and conducted ourselves like businessmen. That was back in about 1993. “ George trained in Las Vegas and San Francisco with Mark Ferrell, one of the foremost trainers of DJs and emcees in the States. ( In addition to his DJ gigs Mr. Neilson is also a chartered accountant and a realtor with RE/MAX. “ I like to keep busy.” ) And, no, he doesn’t have a favorite track. “ I try not to let my ego get in the way of things. It’s all about my customer and the guests---whatever satisfies them. Whatever works for the particular crowd that night.”

George’s DJ service plays music for staff parties, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties etc. but he likes to concentrate on weddings. “ I wanted to do elegant events where everyone was happy and there wasn’t drunken bar fights at the end of the night.”

George says he has some memorable gigs playing at venues like the Empress, Olympic View, the Grand Pacific, and other high end venues.”

For more info log onto allnightlongDJ.net.

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Georgia Nicols M.A. is Canada’s most popular astrologer. A Buddhist, this Vancouver-based astrologer is featured in regional papers across Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. www.georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19) You have four weeks to think about what you want for your new year ahead when your “soon to happen” birthday takes place.

Ideas? We know two things: This is a time of harvest in your life (in a 30-year cycle). Even though you have a lot of responsibilities, you can steer your life however you want. The second thing is that this year you get the financial and practical support from others that you need. Amazing head start, eh wot?

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is a popular month! People want to see you! Your interaction with friends will increase as well as your involvement with clubs, groups and organizations. This is also one of the best times of the year for you to make goals. What are your hopes and dreams for the future? What do you have to start to do now, to go in the direction of making those dreams a reality? In the next four weeks, if you bounce your ideas off someone, their feedback could help you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month the Sun is at the top of your chart. This is the only time all year this occurs. It means you have a symbolic spotlight on you that is flattering. This is why bosses, parents and people in authority think you are competent, successful, witty, intelligent and maybe even fabulous. (Fabulous is nice.) And you don’t have to do anything special to look fabulous!

Demand the advantage! Be the

conflict to see your role in the drama. (Yikes!)

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You want to get away from all this! Grab every chance to get a change of scenery this month. Expand your world intellectually and experientially.

Study something new. Experience different situations. Be open to adventure! Try new things. Enjoy the stimulation of talking to people from other backgrounds and different cultures. Visit ethnic restaurants but remember the advice of Miss Piggy: “Never eat more than you can lift.”

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You’re gung ho to be efficient and productive because you want to manage your life the best way possible. You want to make every action count! Meanwhile, you might also have to satisfy someone else’s wishes or needs.

And while you fine-tune your physical efficiency, you will also give thought to your health as well. How can you improve your health? What can you stop doing that is unhealthy? What can you start doing that will benefit you?

A balanced diet is more than a cookie in each hand.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Fasten your seatbelts because this month is busy! You have a jam-packed schedule full of appointments, meetings, unscheduled moments with siblings, relatives and neighbours, increased reading and writing plus short trips! You’re not sitting around getting dusty. Enjoy a vacation if you can. This is an excellent time to tell someone how you feel. You’re eager to enlighten others about your ideas.

Churchill once said, “There are a lot of lies going around, and half of them are true.”

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Lucky Scorpio! This month is all about play, romance, vacations, parties, social outings, long lunches, sports events, the arts, movies, the theatre and rewarding times with children. Get out and have a good time! You feel lighter and more fun-loving! Your relationships with others will be more enjoyable. Some of you will discover new love. Others will awaken the playful side of an existing relationship. You won’t feel a need to run the show but you will oppose anyone who tries to stop you from doing what you want to do.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month you are more concerned with money, cash flow, assets and wealth. But at a deeper level, you want to know if you benefit from what you own.

Does your stuff serve your needs or is it an albatross around your neck? So the question you need to ask yourself is what is your relationship to your resources in life? You want to have better control over your life through what you own. And another question you want to ask is what is it that you really value? Remember – after the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your concern with home and family will be stronger this month.

You will continue to meet the demands of your outer world, but you will enjoy relaxing at home.

You might want to contemplate or meditate. You will enjoy your own company. You will also enjoy talking about your past and your youth and recalling childhood memories with someone. (It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.) Use this window of time to remember what it is that you really wanted in life.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Well, well – the Sun is in your sign this month giving you glamour on steroids! This is your turn to replenish and re-energize yourself!

It’s okay to be self-centred because it’s all about you! The Sun is your source of energy, which means it will boost your personality and how you project onto your world.

You’ll be larger-than-life! You will attract people to you as well as favourable situations. You want to express yourself to others. You want to do your thing.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) You are more observant of your subtle feelings and emotions this month. You might identify some compulsions you have that you weren’t aware of before.

You might undergo some kind of psychological transformation.

Sounds trippy but it could happen.

Something might occur that challenges your value structure.

Or something might happen that forces you to examine shared resources, finances and the wealth of your partner. We’re not talking frivolity. This stuff is subtle but maybe life-changing.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month, the Sun is opposite your sign, something that occurs only once a year. This is a chance to learn more about yourself through your one-to-one relationships with others. You might examine your relationships and ask yourself what need this relationship does or does not fill in your life. What need do you fill in someone else’s life? What makes a partnership successful? You will think a lot about your relationships this month. And if you have conflict – you will examine that

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MARCH FORECAST

squeaky wheel. You’ll get the attention you want.

www.georgianicols.com @end

Serving delicious breakfasts and fresh lunches Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8am-2pm Duncan Curling Club, 3191 Sherman Rd, Duncan www.vieventcatering.com I 250 701-8593

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

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t h o a t s a m F d p “ i i c f a i t o d c fl o i a fl t w s o fl r a s s t h t l A

Kailli Pigott, Dancing Dandelion Farms has a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology. www.danci ngdandelion.ca

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round the world, across many cultures and throughout history, people have been drawn to the beauty of flowers. But the flower is an assemblage of organs put together to attract pollinators, so why do humans find them so alluring, and attribute so much meaning to them?

Flower shapes are incredibly diverse, and a former botany professor of mine once said “if you can dream up a flower, it probably exists somewhere in the world”. These beautiful colours and patterns are guides for insects, telling them that there are nectar rewards to be found inside. Perhaps that diversity is the reason that flowers intrigue our species. With their elaborate designs, fragrances, shapes and colours, the beauty we observe in flowers is simply the byproduct of the plant’s effort to attract insects and animals. Keep an eye out for three common flower shapes you’ll likely see this spring. First is the daffodil, which has a unique trumpet-like structure, called a corona. One of its functions is to protect the flower’s pollen and nectar from rain, so that these food sources are readily available for early spring bees. The second flower shape you may come across is the urn-shaped flowers of a grape hyacinth. As the name suggests, the tiny bluish purple flowers look like small clusters of grapes.

A third flower shape to watch

For the Love of Flowers out for comes from hellebores.

These flowers have five distinct petal-like appendages that form a saucer. What appears to be the petals on hellebores, are actually called sepals because they are composed of leaf cells rather than the typical cells that petals are derived from. Some hellebores have been bred to have multiple rows of sepals and therefore have greater than five sepals.

Culturally, flowers are found in all aspects of our lives, from the most mundane to important and life-changing events. Whether it’s a kitchen table bouquet, a bountiful gift to the gleeful new parents of a newborn, or a wreath to mourn the loss of a loved one at a funeral, flowers are found everywhere. What is about flowers that makes us want to bring them indoors? Is it simply their beauty or more? Research suggests that, by surrounding ourselves with nature, we can see beneficial results on our wellbeing and on human health. For example, hospital patients with

flowering plants in their room have been shown to have lower ratings of pain, lower anxiety, more positive feelings, and less fatigue than patients without plants in their rooms. Displaying cut flowers and greenery inside our homes is our way of bringing the outdoors in, when we can’t always be outside. Whether you are buying flowers or cutting your own stems, one of the best ways to preserve your fresh blooms is to change the water every day.

The gift of flowers also provides a message to the receiver without any words exchanged. Even a single flower can be gifted to show friendship or love for another. Because different flowers only bloom during certain times of the year, this is another attribute that makes them so special.

These are just a few of reasons why many people can’t help but smile when they see an armful of flowers or go for a walk in wildflower meadows. Here in the Cowichan Valley, we are lucky to have a diversity of native and cultivated flowers throughout most months of the years, so remember to take some time to “stop and smell the roses” that are all around you.

ROWAN HAMILTON

SKINTASTIC

MEDICAL HERBALIST

COLD LASER SERVICES

FACIAL SPA

Diploma in Phytotherapy, MNIMH, SCS, DTCM

at a healing place...

250 510 0062

Cowichan Valley

Jane Knight 250 514 2223 www.skintasticmedispa.ca

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

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

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

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

Deadline MARCH 12 for APRIL 2018 Issue 113 Ayurveda

Natural Beauty

Prudence

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

• 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Childcare Services

Growing Together Childcare

A home childcare program inspired by nature and the Waldorf philosophy for ages 3 to 5

FULL TIME Spaces Available Now

Ages 3-5 year olds 8:30am-3pm 1033 Nagle Street, Duncan 250-748-9754 or visit us via

250 710 4062 www.hhchildcare.com Computers

In-Home Computer Lessons

Organizing your computer Office Programs Business Office Assistance

Social Media Website Building PC’s and Mac’s

Call Nettie: 250-510-0408 Website: www.inhomecomputerlessons.com E-mail: nettekevw@gmail.com

Employment

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

Photography

Raindog Camera Services Photos that help tell your stories. www.facebook.com/fotomatic5/

Promotions

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

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

Farms & Food

More than a Meat Shop

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

The Duncan Butcher 430 Trans Canada Hwy 250 748 -6377

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• Bulk Natural Foods • Bosch Kitchen Centre • Workshops • Take Out Dahl & Rice WHIPPLETREE JUNCTION 778 422 3310

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

Health and Healing Acute or Chronic conditions • Substance dependency • Facial Rejuvenation • MSP & extended health coverage if applicable

Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens Locally made Platform Beds and Furniture

Wu Wei Acupuncture & Acupressure Clinic Frauke McCashin, R.Ac., Dipl.TCM 1 - (250) 710 3581 Mill Bay & Duncan www.worldwuwei.com

126 Station St. 250-597-REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

REFLEXOLOGY

Indian Head Massage Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

FEEL BALANCED & CENTRED naturalheelingreflexology.com

Call Helga 250-732-7988

Unwind and release the body’s own healing potential Cranialsacral Therapy RCST • Integrative Energy Healing Therapist • Kundalini Terri Bishop 1-778-288-7533 Yoga Classes

ISLAND ROLFING

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BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818

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Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

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Kathryn Lowther Certified: Biomagnetism & HUE Energy Healer

Tina Foster, RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist

250 748 8774

MineTheHarvest@hotmail.com

Sol Centre, 5380 TCH, Duncan Ph: 250 920 8818

In holistic nutrition, a complete approach of mind, body, and spirit is taken for improving your ailments. The state of these all play a part on the way to dis-ease, and so therefore must be considered important on the pathway to wellness. Contact Tina for guidance in achieving your greater health and wellness potential. Enjoy the journey!

Receive Relaxing Reflexology and Empathic Listening On a pay what you can basis!

Relaxing your body to increase your bodies ability to heal itself!

In My Studio or Your Home.

Stephanie Cerins 250-732-4599 or happinessishealthy@gmail.com www.happinessishealthy.com

Pet Care Spacious suites, pickup and drop-off service, kitty cams

Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

50% off your first month of Qi Gong!

WWW.GOLDENSHIELDQIGONG.CA

250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

WAKING WELLNESS NUTRITION

Join Brett Holland for Jingui Golden Shield Qi classes every Wednesday

That Cat Hotel 250-749-3728 www.ThatCatHotel.ca

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY

Reiki, Thai Foot Reflexology, Indian Head Massage

PEMF Mat/pad

30 Minutes for $20.00 (& FOR PETS)

TERRI LEWIS 250-701-8962 www.terriswellness.com

Relax, Rest & Repair, to help your body heal naturally

Yoga

VITASANA YOGA & WELLNESS CO-OPERATIVE Classes in Mill Bay on Tue, Wed, Thurs Morning/Evening

Yin, Hatha Flow, Restorative, Chair Yoga...

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION:250-217-6255

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