March 2019 Issue 124

owichan

2019 MARCH ISSUE 124 WEDDING PLANNER I INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY I OUR SIX MOUNTAINS I NATURAL BEAUTY 1

2

The Secrets of the Si

TZOUHALEM, PREVOST, RICHARDS, MAP

A Public Assembly For Our C And Their Future, Now

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6:3 wi Re

Plea Image courtesy Chris Istace

Guy Dauncey: MC and Eco-Futurist and Author

Daniel J. Pierce: BC ďŹ lmmaker and journalist; Heartwood

Briony Penn: Naturalist, Writer, Educator, And Broadcaster

Peter Arcese: P and Conservat

Jens Wieting: Senior Forest and Climate Campaigner Sierra Club BC

Ray Travers: of Positive I

Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 26 www.cowichanpac.ca I 250.748.

For more information go to Whe 3

March 2019 Issue 125 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 Proofreading Calendar Lucas Goris Diana Pink Angela Sheppard Mindy Goldberg Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline March 15 for April 2019 Issue 126 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE March 15 for April 2019 Issue 126 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 Alistair MacGregor, Guy Johnson, Bill Jones, Jess van den Broek, Tilman Hainle, Pyra Draculea, John Magdanz, David Pink, Karla Rothweiler, Sadie Bartram, Helena Jenichen, Soleil Mannion, Carly Butler, Diana Durrand, Denise D’Fantis, Violet Reynolds, Maria Curtis, Grant Easterbrook, Alicia Taylor, Richard Badman, Bernie Dinter, Tracey Hanson, Vida Glaser, Diana Pink, Kat Brust, Jess van den Broek, Renee Robbins, Carolina Brand Venegas, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols Cover Photo: Khaya Jackson, age 15 Graduate of Sunrise Waldorf School The photo was taken in Cowichan Station. The Junco was in a quince tree. Khaya spent a long time sitting in a lawn chair that he put in the orchard before he took this picture. There were many other little birds.

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

Spring is coming! It’s time to grow your business and bloom like the flowers!

Contact Adrienne Richards for a 2019 Ad Rates Sheet and learn more about marketing offers for local businesses. adrienne@ cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 510 6596 4

OUR COMMUNITY

March Events 6-7 The Secrets Of The Six Mountains 8 It’s Time for a Clean Energy Plan 10 Cowichan Wedding Planner 23-27 International Women’s Day 34 Why We Should Read 40 Calling All Voices And Singers 53 Documentary “A Just Society” 61 Sharing Slow City Values 66 Community Farm Store Pages 67 Georgia Nicols March Forecast 69 Directory 70-71

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK

Community Supported Fishery 14 Keeping Seafood Sustainable 15 Cultu-Rice: A Fermented Food Treat! 17 Cowichan Valley’s Azam Khan To Open At Mt Breton Golf Course 21 Spring Break Snack 51

HOME, FARM & GARDEN

Vineyard Planning 22 Don’t Miss Vancouver Island’s Best Seedy Saturday! 28 Small Fruits – The Under- Utilized Edible 29 Duncan Seedy Sunday 30 Successful Seed Starting 31 Spring is on the Way 32 Why Micro-Irrigation? 33 What You Need To Know About Snow Damaged Gutters: 60 Cleaning For Allergy Season 62 Be Ahead of The Game - Getting Your Acreage Ready for Sale 63

LOCAL ARTS

Triple Shot 9 Toronto’s Chris Wallace Quartet Touches Down in Crofton 13 Curious Incident of the Upside Down Dog 18 Circle Game: Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell 20 Articulation presents: Forest and Sea and the Place Between! 42 Carly Butler: Send All The Lifeboats You Have 43 Artist Soleil Mannion 44 100 Sleeping Dandelions by Diana Durrand 45 Basket Making with Maria Curtis 49 Tiaras from Little Bird! 50 Women Drummers In The Rhythm Of Life 52 Estuary, Cradle of Life 65

BODY, MIND & SOUL

Magnesium Why is it So Tough to Get Enough? 16 Join Us For An Introduction To Connected Living 64 Tónico de Cristal de Quarzo 68

NATURAL BEAUTY

Celebrating Natural Beauty in Cowichan 36 Celebrating the Divine Feminine 37 New Vegan Cosmetic Line at Lynn’s 38 The History of Mascara - The Original Natural Make Up 39 Hypnosis for Weight Loss 41 Traditional Chinese Medicine and Women’s Health 46-47 Goddess Pose To Help You Overcome Obstacles 48

FAMILY

Chemainus Theatre Festival: The Sound of Music 19 Love in A Book 54 Spring Break Staycation Fun 55 In Celebration of Birth Psychology Month: Imagine for Baby 68

RECREATION & NATURE

Acoustic Ecology 58 March at Mount Washington 59

Ocie Elliot Ocie Elliott is musical duo Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy from Victoria. The two met playing music at a festival on the small, wind-swept Salt Spring Island, where their love of music and the chemistry of their voices fostered an instant connection. Jon and Sierra’s voices meld beautifully in a cascade of sound, described by one reviewer as “...the aural equivalent of indigo painted skies and the first summer stars.” Their unique blend of contemporary and indie folk music is influenced by artists such as Gillian Welch, Simon & Garfunkel and Angus and Julia Stone, and born of the natural landscape of Canada’s wild west coast. In late October 2017, they released their first EP to the world, recorded in the woods of Vancouver Island, and immediately attracted an international following. Since then, they’ve opened for the likes of Mason Jennings, Sons of the East, Kim Churchill, Roo Panes, Current Swell and Joshua Hyslop. Their second album, We Fall In is now available.

Friday March 1st The CFG presents Ocie Elliott in The Chapel at Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem rd). Doors 7pm. Tix: $15/20 available at islandsfolk. tickit.ca. www.ocieelliott.com

Evan Overman

Youth Concert Three young Concerto winners will be featured with the Cowichan Consort Orchestra.

Anna Betuzzi oboe, Evan Overman trumpet, and Anjulie Djearam soprano, will perform music by Haydn and Mozart.

Robert Mari conducts. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Featuring Our Youth Concert Saturday March 2, 7:30 pm Christian Reformed Church 930 Trunk Road Duncan

St. Paddy’s Sing Along Last March, as DUBLIN2, Terry Boyle introduced the awesome sound of Martin Nolan with his Irish uilleann pipes and whistles to huge acclaim. In

this fun concert, Terry will be joined on stage

by Victoria fiddle sensation, Ceilidh Briscoe, who brings her own exciting jigs and reels as well as beautiful melodic airs to the evening. Come join us. Sing. Dance if you feel like it, or just listen and enjoy the atmosphere of a truly Irish evening.

March 15, Ladysmith Little Theatre, Tickets Salamander Books.

LIVE IN THE CHAPEL

Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan ALL SHOWS (Except Noted) Doors 7pm I Performance 7:30pm SATURDAY MARCH 2 • $20 GENEVIEVE CHARBONNEAU ALBUM RELEASE

Award-winning Island singersongwriter showcasing her latest collection of heartfelt songs. Part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

SATURDAY MARCH 9 • $20 QRISTINA & QUINN BACHAND

Ashley Wey Trio

Multi-award winning virtuosic sibling duo using styles such as Old-Time, Celtic, Folk and Jazz

SUNDAY MARCH 10 • $25 BIG DAVE MCLEAN

Multi-award winning Canadian

With passion and Blues legend. improvisational SATURDAY MARCH 30 • $20 joy, pianist Ashley BIG LITTLE LIONS Wey’s Trio taps into Juno winning duo known for their intricate harmonies engaging folk/pop and melodies as they breathe new life into Tickets available through jazz standards in their www.barelynorth.com and first performance Duncan Music at Pat’s House of Jazz. Wey, who is www. barelynorth.com also a vocalist and composer, has performed with 2006 Canadian Idolwinner Eva Avila, Juno Awardwinning Brandi Disterheft, vocalist Mae Moore and The Parachute Club. She has also performed on cruise ships around the world with fourtime Grammy Award-winner Manny Kellough. Sunday March 24, 2pm, Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $15 reservations 250 324-224 5

VINOTECA AT ZANATTA

bake bread enjoy a puppet show 10-12pm Space is limited RSVP admissions@sunrise waldorfschool.org Genevieve Charbonneau CD Release Party 7:30pm Providence Farm An Evening Of Messages from Spirit The Cowichan Spiritualist Church of Healing and Light 7:30pm Mercury Theatre, 331 Brae Rd, Duncan $20 Cowichan Consort Orchestrag Our Youth Concert 7:30pm Christian Reform Church 930 Trunk Rd, Duncan Tickets $20/$10

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

Brunch on Sundays.

La Fille du Régiment Met Opera Live in HD Broadcast 9:55am Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 250-7487529 $28/$26/$5

Event Shuttle Available through

vinoteca.ca

Ongoing The Sound of Music Dramatic Family Musical Ages 6+ Chemainus Theatre Festival Various Showtimes Wed-Sun 250-246-9820 www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca

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The CFG presents Ocie Elliott 7pm The Chapel at Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan islandsfolk.tickit.ca $15/$20

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Swingkey with ‘40s classics 2 pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton reservations 250-324-2245 $15

5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279

Quaker (Friends) silent meeting 10:30 am St. Ann’s Garden Club Prov Farm Everyone welcome FREE Discovery Buddha Service 10am Nichiren Peace Center www.

VIRetreats.com also 10/17/24/31

The Last Train Home Documentary 6:30pm Cowichan Valley IWD Festival Event Collective Space 166 Station St $12

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Traditional Square Dance fiddle music by the Shady Grove Dance Band 7-9:30pm Cobble Hill Community Hall, 3550 Watson Ave

Letter Crafting 2 Mon - Fri 11am-5pm Warmland Calligraphers PORTALS 2687 James St, Duncan FREE Runs to 22

Expressions in Pottery by Various Artists Imagine That! 251 Craig St, Duncan Runs to March 29

Estuary Cradle of Life 11-5pm Cowichan Valley Public Art Gallery Society Arbutus Gallery 2687 James St, Duncan FREE Runs to 23

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Sunrise Waldorf School Kindergarten Open House Spend a morning in our Kindergarten play

Mascara Mondays 10% off mascara Prudence Organics Natural Beauty & Fashion 155 Craig St, Duncan also 11/18/25

Camp Fire Jam 7pm Duncan Showroom 133 Station St $5

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The Secrets Of The Six Mountains: Public Assembly w/ Qwiahwultuhw, Andy MacKinnon, Ray Travers, Peter Arcese, Briony Penn, Daniel J. Pierce, Jens Wieting and MC Guy Dauncey Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Duncan Pre Show Chat 6:30pm Event 7pm WhereDoWeStand.ca Tickets $11

Workshop 10-1pm Chilean artist Katy Biele beginners & advanced 3091 Agira Rd, North Cowichan $95 includes materials

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Copyright and the Artist CVAC Speaker Series 12-1:30pm Island Savings Ctr register www.cowichan valleyartscouncil.ca $10/$15 Women’s Music Night 7pm Ramada Inn 140 TCH Duncan, Beverley McKeen Music Open Meditation 7pm Nichiren Peace Center www.VIRetreats.com also 13/20/27

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It’s time for a National Clean Energy Plan Alistair Macgregor Town Hall 6-8pm Shawnigan Lake School 1975 Renfrew Rd RSVP: http://alistairmacgregor.ndp.ca Women’s Dark Moon Lodge 7pm the HUB at Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan Open Meditation 9am Nichiren Peace Center www.VIRetreats.com also 14/21/28

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night -Time 7:30pm Mercury Theatre 331 Brae Rd, Duncan mercuryplayers.org $20/$15 7-9 Open Studio: Reading Family Letters 1-5pm Ontario artist shares photographs & audio recordings 3091 Agira Road, North Cowichan www.theougallery.com FREE

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One Billion Rising 12pm City Square Duncan FB OneBillionRisingCowichan FREE Community Journalism & The Child Welfare Crisis 6pm Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.

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International Women’s Day Rally & Information Fair Speakers Music Community Groups 11-12:30pm Charles Hoey Park, Duncan www. cowichanvalleyiwd.com CFG Monthly Coffeehouse w/ Ross Douglas open stage feature to follow rossdouglassongs.com 7:30pm Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St, Duncan $5/10 100 Sleeping Dandelions Artist Talk Diana Durrand 9-11am Rainforest Arts 9781 Willow St, Chemainus Show runs March 1-April 30 11-4pm daily

March 12 @ 2pm • Coffee Hour March 28 @ 2pm Monthly Group Meeting

Canadian Cancer Society, 103–225 Canada Ave (Canada Building) Duncan

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Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday 10-2pm 2 venues over 45 vendors 3550 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill Contemporary Embroidery

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Connected Living Personal Development Workshop Introduction to Core Awakening Program 250-709-5501 Cowichan Valley 5th Annual Wedding Fair 12-3pm Ramada Duncan 140 TCH by donation goes to Cowichan Women Against Violence Arrowsmith Big Band 2 pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton 250-3242245 for reservations $20 Basket Weaving Workshop 9:30–4pm 360 Duncan St, Duncan register www.ravensjoybasketry.wix. com/home $90 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night -Time 2pm Mercury Theatre 331 Brae Rd, Duncan mercuryplayers.org $20/$15 Salish Eye Studio Launch & Ay Lelum Fashion Show 11:30am 8228-A Chemainus Rd, Chemainus Lunch Included Registration required www.salisheye.com FREE The Klez 8:30pm Duncan Showroom 131 Station St, Duncan www.showroomproductions.ca Chemainus Classical Concerts Elias-Axel Pettersson piano 2pm St. Michael’s Church 2858 Mill St, Chemainus $25/$18/$10

11-15

Duncan Dynamics Spring Break Camp Big Kids and Preschool 2687 James St, Duncan www.ddgc.ca

11&19

Hemp Bracelet Making at Island Gem & Bead 10-Noon Ages 8-11 $15 + materials #2-378 Trunk Rd) call to register 250 597-4369

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Cowichan Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group Coffee Hour 2pm 103–225 Canada Ave, Duncan FREE Morse Code Necklace w/ Sliding Knot at Island Gem & Bead 10-Noon Ages 8-11 max 6 kids $15 + materials #2-378 Trunk Rd Call to register 250 597-4369

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Chemainus Art Group Meet Up 9:30 am 3850 South Oyster School Rd, Ladysmith Guest Artist Laurel Hibbert new members welcome Warmland Book and Film Collective 5-8pm VIRLibrary 2687 James St, Duncan FREE Lila Community Choir Sing for Trees w/Cari Burdett 6-7:30pm www.

joythroughmusic.com Sliding Scale Parent & Child Music & Movement 1:30-2:30pm $90per family www.joythroughmusic.com

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Tom Cochrane w/ Red Rider 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan 250-748-7529 $75 Film: Union Maids 6:30pm VIRL South Cowichan Mill Bay FREE Biggs Killer Whales Our Neighbours in the Bay Public Lecture Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre 7-9pm 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd FREE Buckman Coe 8pm Duncan Showroom 133 Station St. $15/$18

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night -Time 7:30pm Mercury Theatre 331 Brae Rd, Duncan mercuryplayers.org $20/$15

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Cowichan Valley Green Drinks Informal Meet Up for People Who Work in the Environmental Field 5-7pm Craig St Brew Pub green drinkscowichan@ gmail.com FREE A Wives Tale Documentary 6:30 Cowichan Valley IWD Festival Event 6:30pm Collective Space 166 Station St. Duncan $12

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It’s time for a National Clean Energy Plan Alistair Macgregor Town Hall 1-3pm VIU Cowichan Lecture Theatre 2011 University Way, Duncan RSVP: http://alistairmacgregor.ndp.ca Free Yin Yoga Class w/ Nadia 6-7:30pm Harmony Yoga Centre 360 Duncan St. Duncan Effective Activism Leadership Training 1pm Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St, Duncan FREE Daycare provided Local Shellfish Cooking Class w/Bill Jones 12-4pm 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan 250 748 7450 $125 Couples pricing available

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Duncan Seedy Sunday Buy Exchange Kid’s Activities 10-2pm 5574 River Rd, Duncan

Rated PG 7pm The HUB 2375 Koksilah Rd hubfilmclub@gmail. com By Donation

Toronto Drummer Chris Wallace’s Quartet Contemporary Jazz 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250-324-2245 $15

Connected Couples Workshop For Couples who Want to Bring Back the Sacred & Profound in Their Relationship Oceanfront Suites, Cow Bay connectelivingseminars.ca

Sacred Chant Circle w/ Sadie Bartram 7-8:30pm Rivendell Yurt 5215 Bills Rd by donation Quaker (Friends) silent meeting 10:30 am St. Ann’s Garden Club at Providence Farm Duncan FREE St. Paddy’s Sing Along 7:30pm Community Centre 2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd TerryBoyleMusic.com $20

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Film: In Between Fabulous Films 6:30pm VIU Lecture Theatre, 2011 University Way, Duncan By Donation www.virl.bc. ca/event/fabulous-films-inbetween-2016/ Simple Stringing at Island Gem & Bead 9:30-Noon Ages 8-11$15 + materials #2-378 Trunk Rd (by Sports Traders 250 597-4369 Hanna Hall Talks about Sea Otters 9:30am $2 Fish Health Bldg 1080 Wharncliffe Rd, Duncan Bring a mug

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Duncan Dynamics Spring Break Camp Big Kids & Preschool 2687 James St, Duncan www.ddgc.ca

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Learn why Broom is so Problematic 7pm Fish Health Building 1080 Wharncliffe Rd, Duncan Bring a mug $2

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22-24 Pickle Ball Non-Sanctioned Round Robin Tournament 8:30-5pm Cowex Park 7380 TCH, $30/$60 FREE for spectators

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Circle Game: Reimaging the Music of Joni Mitchell Arts Club Theatre on Tour 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan 250-7487529 $38/$30/$5 Blue Moon Marquee 9pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton www.osbornebaypub.com Pacific Seafood Dinner w/ Bill Jones 5-9pm Deerholme Farm 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan Reservations required 250 748 7450

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The Ashley Wey Trio Brings Passion & Improvisational Joy to 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave reservations 250 324 2245 $15 Noteworthy Classical Concert The Bergmann Piano Duo w/ Rebecca Wenham on Cello 2pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 250-7487529 $28/$26/$5 The Lynns Singer/Songwriters CFM Award Winners Duncan Showroom 133 Station St $25/$30

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Forest & Sea & the Place Between An Articulations Presentation PORTALS 2687 James St, Duncan FREE

Women’s Spring Equinox/ Ostara Seasonal Circle Tap into the Renewal & Growth of Spring 7pm the HUB 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan Send All the Lifeboats you Have 6-8pm Carly Butler Nautical Language Iconography to Reflect on Starting Over 3091 Agira Rd, North Cowichan runs to April 13th FREE HUB Film Club The Breadwinner Based on Award-Winning Book

Maria By Callas Reel Alternatives Film 7pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre

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Cowichan Valley Cancer Support Group 10:30–12pm Canadian Cancer Society 103–225 Canada Ave, Duncan FREE Chemainus Art Group Meet Up 9:30am Saltair Community Centre

3850 South Oyster School Rd, Ladysmith New Members Welcome

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A Just Society Documentary Film: The Story of our Opiod Crisis & Substance Abuse 7pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Duncan 1-877-856-0806 Cowichan Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group Monthly Group 2pm Canadian Cancer Society 103–225 Canada Ave, Duncan FREE

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Sunrise Waldorf School Kindergarten Open House Spend a Morning in our Kindergarten 10-12pm Space is limited RSVP admissions@ sunrisewaldorfschool.org Duncan Roller Derby Season Opener & Roller Disco 5-12am Rentals avail. Mellor Hall 7380 TCH brassknucklederbydames.com $10 Culturally Focused Curriculum 9:303:30pm CCRR Clements Centre 5856 Clements St, Duncan $25/$35 Vancouver Island Heather Society Sale 10-12pm Cobble Hill Fairgrounds 3550 Watson Ave cash or cheque only Die Walküre Met Opera Live in HD Broadcast 9am Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 250-7487529 $28/$26/$5

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Jon Miller Quartet Led by Powerhouse Drummer Miller Features Dr. Tony Genge on Hammond B3 Organ 2pm Pat’s House of Jazz Osborne Bay Pub reservations 250 324 2245 $15

OUT OF TOWN

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It’s time for a National Clean Energy Plan Alistair Macgregor Town Hall 6-8pm Belmont Secondary Learning Commons 3041 Langford Lake Rd, Langford RSVP: alistairmacgregor. ndp.ca

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Fabulous Fleamarket 10-2pm Fulford Community Hall 2591 Fulford/Ganges Rd Saltspring Island 2505375482 FREE

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A

t last month’s Council meeting addressing our Community Forests and the budget, Council took a bold step toward fostering change in our forest practices that, over time, could make North Cowichan a world renowned example of ecological forest management that provides sustainable jobs and a growing local economy.

The realization of this vision is, however, dependent on ongoing community involvement and interest.

This year, operation windfall will define our commitment to exploring alternative ecosystem based management and harvesting methods. There are as many ways to manage a forest as there are trees on the mountains.

As such, it is important we make informed decisions about how we tackle and execute this operation.

No community exists in isolation. This is our chance, as a community, to reach out to other community forests in the Province and the world to be part of mapping an enlightened sustainable path for our forests while there is still time.

Council has heard the public request for pause and public consultation. They have responded with a commitment to “public consultation, input, openness, collaboration, accountability, and transparency.”

Now it’s up to us, the citizens of North Cowichan, to support Council, staff, and our newly reconfigured Forest Advisory Committee by staying involved and informed.

To this end, Where Do We Stand is hosting a public assembly March 5th, at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Well known experts on the forests will share their knowledge and experience to help us identify the wide range of opportunities that exist to shape the ecological, economic and social futures of our six forests.

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Doors open at 6:30 pm. Erik Piikkila, Forest Ecologist and Historian will give a pre-show chat and be available at the end of the evening to answer questions about all aspects of forestry and forest ecology.

Image Chris Istace

The assembly will begin at 7 pm with Qwiahwultuhw, (Robert George) member of Cowichan Tribes, drumming a prayer song.

Please bring your drums for the closing song.

Next will be a showing of The Community Forests on the Six Mountain—the short Where Do We Stand video viewed by 12,500 people.

Speakers for the evening: Qwiahwultuhw, (Robert George), Cowichan Tribes teacher and community leader .

Andy MacKinnon: Well known Forest Ecologist, Andy worked for the BC Forest Service for three decades and was involved in defining and implementing ecosystem based management in Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest. Andy has co-authored six best-selling books about plants of western North America, including Plants Of The Pacific North West Coast. Andy is also President of the South Vancouver Island Mycological Society—and plays the mandolin.

Ray Travers: A renowned private Forestry Consultant whose career in the public and private sectors spans decades. Ray says, “I have waited my whole career to witness large numbers of citizens acting like owners of our magnificent public forests.”

Peter Arcese: Professor of Forest and Conservation Sciences, UBC. Forest Renewal BC Chair in Applied Conservation, former Chair of Nature Trust BC, and long-time regional ecologist working on plans to insure the persistence of relatively intact examples of our Coastal Douglasfir and Salish Sea Region.

The Secrets Of The Six Mountains: Tzouhalem, Stoney Hill, Maple, Prevost, Richards, Sicker

Coastal Douglas-fir Conservation Partnership Steering Committee.

Briony Penn: Naturalist, writer, educator, and broadcaster well known in BC for her indomitable spirit and tireless devotion to protecting endangered species and sensitive ecosystems throughout the province—also well known for her Lady Godiva ride through Vancouver to stop logging on Saltspring Island, 2001. “I’ve got a PhD and no one listens,” she said to the media, “I take my clothes off, and here you all are.”

Guy Dauncey (MC): EcoFuturist, author of Journey to the Future: A Better World is Possible, will speak on Lubeck, a world renowned model of community forestry.

Dan has been covering BC forestry for his documentary series, Heartwood. Heartwood explores the impact of industrial logging on the landscape as well as innovative, community-based solutions for a new forestry paradigm.

Jens Wieting: Senior forest and climate campaigner for the Sierra Club of BC. His primary focus is on solutions that maintain the ecological integrity and the climate-stabilizing role of BC’s globally rare temperate rainforests and respect Indigenous rights.

We look forward to seeing you at the Six Mountains Public Assembly.

Icel Dobell: Forest Advocate, Where Do We Stand. Writer/ director of The Community Forests on the Six Mountain.

Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St, Duncan.

Tuesday, March 5. Preshow chat 6:30 pm Event at 7 pm. www.cowichanpac.ca 250-748-7529 (748-PLAY)

Daniel J. Pierce: BC filmmaker and journalist. For seven years,

For more information go to WhereDoWeStand.ca.

Three high end tribute acts on the same stage for one night only! Heart [Barracuda] Bad Company [Shooting Star] Pat Benatar [All Fired Up] are the tri-vector of Classic Rock n Roll. Two and a half hours of hit after hit. Over 100 albums sold between these three powerhouses of Classic Rock n

Roll. An intimate rock concert to remember.

Saturday, March 9, 8pm - Triple Shot Classic Rock Tribute Straight from Vancouver Three Acts in One Show - Heart, Bad Company, & Pat Benatar $25 tickets at Eventbrite or Osborne Bay Pub $30 at the door. Limited seating.

Brass Knuckle Derby Dames The Brass Knuckle Derby Dames are a skater owned & managed amateur sports team that delivers strong, positive role models while giving back to our local communities within the Cowichan Valley. The league was established in 2009 and our numbers continue to grow as the popularity of the sport explodes in the Mid-Island region. We operate under the internationally-recognized Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) set of rules and regulations. Our home is Mellor Hall at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating counterclockwise around a track. Roller derby is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide.

Game play consists of a series of

short match-ups (jams) in which both teams designate a jammer (who wears a star on the helmet). The jammer scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to hinder the opposing jammer while assisting their own jammer—in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously Come see it in action at the Brass Knuckle Derby Dames season opener vs the Rink Minx Roller Girls. Doors open at 5. RIOT beer garden, food, music, and after party with skate rentals til midnight!

Tickets $5 for the game, $5 for the after party. Skate rentals will be available at 8:30 for $10 Their season opener party will be on March 30, 5pm start at the Cowichan Exhibition, 7380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan.

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It’s time for a National Clean Energy Plan

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cross the world and here at home, our planet’s rapidly changing climate is resulting in an increase in extreme weather events. Whether it is recordbreaking heatwaves causing devastating wildfires and death to wildlife, superstorms and the resulting flooding, or extended droughts putting stress on agricultural production, it is clear that we are already experiencing the negative effects of human-caused climate change.

Block of 8 hours of customized deep cleaning flat rate - $225 + gst

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The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued an alarming report in December 2018 with a life or death warning for more and immediate action to limit global warming.

However, Canada is still not on course to meet its emission reductions target under the Paris Agreement.

Energy systems in Canada are currently responsible for 80% of our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The ways we transport ourselves, heat our homes, and fuel our industry all urgently need to change.

The sun, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat are all naturally-occurring energy resources that can be harnessed to generate clean renewable electricity and drastically reduce our carbon footprint.

Unfortunately, according to Natural Resources Canada, renewable energy sources currently only provide about 17% of Canada’s total primary energy supply. Given the seriousness of the IPCC’s report, it is critical that we embark on the transition to low-carbon energy systems.

Unfortunately, our federal government is not acting with

the urgency that is required.

Despite a promise to end oil and gas subsides, a report released last year by the Overseas Development Institute concluded that Canada leads the G7 in Oil and Gas subsides per capita, spending $6.25 billion annually. These subsidies are hindering our transition and need to be re-allocated to clean, renewable energy initiatives.

Canada has an opportunity to drive innovation and deliver benefits now and into the future by tapping our vast renewable energy potential and know-how to make the transition away from fossil-fuel-based energy systems.

Federal government leadership and a national plan to transition to clean, renewable energy are vital to our future. Not only will this help with desperately needed climate change mitigation, but the investment in clean, renewable energy resources will significantly increase national energy security and provide long-term economic benefits for Canada.

Please join me and local guest panelists to learn about the work being done in our community and have your say on Canada’s Clean Energy Initiatives.

Shawnigan: It’s time for a National Clean Energy Plan Thursday, March 7th 6:00-8:00pm, Shawnigan Lake School, 1975 Renfrew Road Cowichan: It’s time for a National Clean Energy Plan Saturday, March 16th 1:00 – 3:00pm VIU Cowichan Lecture Theater, 2011 University Way

Alistair MacGregor is the MP for Cowichan-MalahatLangford and the federal NDP’s Critic for Agriculture

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Upcoming EVENTS Local Shellfish Cooking Class Saturday, March 16 Pacific Seafood Dinner Saturday, March 23

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450 Gift Baskets & Certificates Cocktail Supplies Meat & Cheese Platters Gourmet Foods Dine In & Take Out

Happy Hour Daily 3-5pm featuring a weekly cocktail $7.50

JOIN US FOR DINNER

BiG Dave McLean Big Dave McLean is often viewed as an unsung hero of Canadian blues and an inspiration to younger generations of musicians such as Colin James and Wide Mouth Mason. Ever since getting his start with an impromptu guitar lesson from John Hammond at the 1969 Mariposa Folk Festival, this Yorkton-born, Winnipegbased artist has been devoted to his craft, touring relentlessly through Canada’s blues bars, folk clubs and folk and blues festivals, even when it meant supplementing his income in the early days with all manner of side jobs.

Along the way, there have been career highs: opening for his idol, Muddy Waters; earning two Western Canadian Music

Awards, a Prairie Music Award, a Whisky Award and countless Maple Blues honours – including the Blues with Feeling (Lifetime Achievement) Award; sharing a Juno for his contribution to CBC’s Saturday Night Blues Vol. 1 album; and, most recently, garnering his third career Juno nod for his last album, “Faded but not Gone”.

Billboard’s Larry LeBlanc once wrote that Dave “has done more to shape western Canada’s blues scene than perhaps any other artist.” A gifted musician and consumate entertainer, this is a show you do not want to miss!

March 10, Big Dave McLean Live in The Chapel Doors: 7PMShow: 7:30PM Tickets $25 online at barelynorth.com.

OPEN Tuesday to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

Deep Sea Gypsies Fresh, Local and All-Natural Food created from the Heart

Excellent food and Excellent Service

corporate • special events • weddings • fundraising Outdoor Food Truck Service to Full Service Indoor Events Azam Khan (250) 701-8593 www.vieventcatering.com I viec@shaw.ca 12

Born in a modern era with vintage dreams, the Deep Sea Gypsies offer a sound that is all their own. Playing an original, innovative combination of 60’s psych blues rock and 70’s southern rock mixed with elements of funk and soul. With influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Rory

Gallagher, Muddy Waters, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, some might say they have souls much older than their age would suggest. March 16, 9pm Deep Sea Gypsies $10 advance at Eventbrite or at Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton. $15 at the door www.osbornebaypub.com

His band epitomizes the modern contemporary jazz quartet, performing original compositions in the styles of bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer Brian Blade.

Chris Wallace

Toronto’s Chris Wallace Quartet Plays in Crofton

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oronto-based drummer Chris Wallace, once a central figure of the Scottish jazz scene, brings a group of internationally lauded musicians to Pat’s House of Jazz at the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton at 2 pm on March 17 as part of a Western Canadian tour. Admission is $15.

Wallace, originally from Regina, spent 15 years in Scotland before returning to Canada four years ago.

He will be joined by Juno Award-winning saxophonist Jeff King, guitarist Graeme Stephen and bassist Artie Roth.

They will also play such diverse tunes as Alone Together, The Way You Look Tonight, Benny Golson’s Stablemates and Joe Henderson’s Inner Urge, all in their own unique style.

While in Scotland, Wallace toured Spain and Denmark with Scottish Celtic rock legends Wolfstone and became a member of jazz/ hip-hop crossover group Live Sciences, recording the album Bohemian Raps.

Toronto-born jazz bassist Rothhas been an active composer, bandleader, performer and educator in the national and international jazz communities, since his graduation from York University in 1992 with the Oscar Peterson Scholarship.

Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, guitarist Stephen leads and contributes to a multitude of musical projects in Scotland and overseas, playing a wide array of styles from free improvised jazz to Scottish folk.

The show is part of a regular Sunday jazz series presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society. Reservations are recommended.

Saxophonist King has performed and recorded with Tables will be held the likes of Paul Shaffer, Tony until 1:30 p.m. Call Bennett, Randy Brecker, Paul 250-324-2245 or visit http://osbornebaypub.

Anka, Lonnie Smith, Jeff com.

Healey, Joey DeFrancesco, Hilario Duran, Wayne Newton, Doug Riley and pretty much everyone else in the Canadian jazz scene. He also has his own band and tours internationally.

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS March 3 * 2PM $15

SWING KEY

‘40s classics with vocals March 10 * 2PM $20

ARROWSMITH BIG BAND

Driving swing, Latin & more March 17 * 2PM $15

CHRIS WALLACE QUARTET Modern Jazz Quartet on tour from Toronto March 24 * 2PM $15

ASHLEY WEY TRIO Joyful jazz classics

March 31 * 2PM $15

JON MILLER QUARTET

Soulful organ-jazz With Monique Nordine on sax

Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton

ery c Ev m i s u Fro eM Li v u n day 7p m S m4p

SERVING DELICIOUS WATERFRONT BRUNCH, LUNCH & DINNER OPEN MON - FRI 11:30am / SAT & SUN 10am MILL BAY MARINA • 740 HANDY RD • 778-356-3568 www.bridgemans.ca 13

Community Supported Fishery

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y name is Guy Johnston I have been a fisherman for over 40 years and have been running Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery ( CSF) for the past 10 or so years. A CSF is a chance for you to buy directly from a family fishing operation, get some great sustainably harvested seafood and help build the local food economy on the south island.

We set up the CSF in response to a number of factors. First just plain economics, small boat fishermen are having a hard time to make a living and we had to do something different to be able to keep on fishing. As well we wanted to reduce the carbon foot print of our catch and selling it direct to people in the community was a great way to do this. I think it is important to build community and to try and connect the fishing community to the larger communities we live in is an important goal.

People need to understand where their food comes from and have some ideas of the challenges fishermen face in an environment rapidly changing in the face of climate change This year we will have the same crew in the main. Lee Galagher will be coming back as he has most years since he left high school over 12 years ago. My

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daughter Rosalie is coming for prawns as is Jordan who was new last year and a great addition to the crew. Joining us for the first time this year as part of the crew is Phil Ouellette.

Phil has helped us unload and do repair work in the past, but this will be his first year fishing on the Michelle Rose.

Over the winter I have been completing some major projects putting a new aluminum roof over the mid deck to protect the crew and catch. In late March Jordan will join me when the Michelle Rose goes into the shipyard for normal maintance.

After the shipyard work is done, the rest of the crew will start to work repairing traps and long lines and helping get the boat ready for prawn season.

We will leave for the prawn grounds by the end of April and will return to Cowichan Bay by late June or early July to switch over to salmon and to distribute the prawns and octopus to CSF members.

Sustainable fishing practises is something we take seriously.

All commercial prawn gear has larger mesh size than in the sports fishery, so that the undersized prawns are released on the bottom to reduce mortality. Any bycatch is alive and put back in the ocean immediately as we sort each trap as it comes on board. We soak our traps over night to help with the bottom sorting of the trap.

The prawn fishery is recognized

by Ocean Wise as a highly sustainable fishery.

Fishing for salmon we use hook and line to catch our fish. We use different lures and gear to target what species of salmon we want to catch. As well all our catch is alive and we release any non target species before they ever come on board. With the CSF we also have been able to educate our members about the lesser know fish we catch and are able to market these fish to the CSF helping us make better use of what we catch.

If you want more information on our CSF look at our website.

The member share form is on the website for those want to join the CSF for this season. www.michellerosecsf.com Guy Johnston, Fisherman, Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery

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

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rowing up in Nova Scotia, some of my earliest and fondest memories revolve around the ocean. Walking the beaches, swimming in tidal pools and eating super fresh seafood all fueled my childhood dreams.

I still enjoy the fruits of the ocean today, but my enjoyment is tempered with a real concern for the health of our oceans

and the impact we have on the fisheries and resources around us. I have major issues with conventional farmed salmon and I have stopped eating some of the prime predators of the ocean like bluefin tuna and shark. It takes a little more searching to discover some of the lesser know and more sustainable choices from our local fisheries.

I am a big supporter of shellfish aquaculture or some of our emerging closed containment fish farms. They are a hope for the future even though we are

Manila Clams With Grand Fir Needles And Apple Cider Butter Courtesy Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm

Ingredients Serves 4

1 Tbsp (15 mL) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) ¼ cup (65 mL) 2 lb (1 kg) 1 tsp (5 mL)

butter garlic, minced apple butter (or marmalade) grand fir needles, minced (or rosemary) apple cider Manila clams hot sauce

Method

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add the butter, garlic and apple butter.

Saute until mixed and fragarant. Add the cider and bring to a boil.

Add the clams and hot sauce.

Bring back to a boil over high heat and cover with a lid, cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the majority of clams begin to open. Large clams might take a little longer to open. You can remove the opened clams as they open (this prevents overcooking the smaller clams) and transfer to a serving bowl. When all (or most) of the clams are opened, pour the remaining clams and juice into the serving bowl. Remove any unopened clam shells – they may just be uncooked or they may be dead. At the table, transfer clams to individual serving bowls with a slice of fresh bread to sop up the juice.

at a pretty dark place in some of the ways we handle our ocean resources. Most of the more sustainable choices are that way because of the short growth cycle of the product (like crabs, prawns or shellfish) or through regulatory control of fisheries like halibut and fin fish like pacific cod, albacore tuna, sardines and hake.

Salmon health is something that is up for debate – disease from fish farms (despite what our government tells us), complicated resource estimates and habitat destruction (from development and forestry) add to the complex story of our local

salmon populations. The status of all these resources are changing yearly, although not all of the trends are negative. The ocean is a wonderous and dynamic force that seems to churn on despite all the crap we burden it with.

A good place to start thinking sustainability of seafood is to check out a BC program called Ocean Wise (www.seafood. ocean.org) – an organization that keep tabs on the ongoing health of our seafood resources.

Seafood is healthy, life enriching and delicious food that we need more of in our diets. We just have to be a little wiser in our choices.

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9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 930-530 • Sun 12-4 Closed Stat holidays 15

Magnesium Why is it So Tough to Get Enough?

I 31, 2019 /EXPIRES MAR OMERS ONLY ST CU D RE D 1ST HUN

t’s suspected that over 43% of Canadians don’t get the dietary magnesium they need to stay healthy. A deficiency of this multi-tasking mineral can be problematic because it plays a critical role in more than 350 biochemical reactions.

Vital organs like the heart and brain simply can’t function without it. Hundreds of your body’s chemical processes fall apart without this mineral.

When we say our whole body needs magnesium, we are not exaggerating.

These days, magnesium is harder to find in food because of nutrient-depleted soil, thanks to modern agricultural practices. Processed foods have even less. For example, further refining can remove up to 97% of magnesium from foods like breads and pasta.

Symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency: 1. Restless legs syndrome 2. Muscle cramps 3. Insomnia 4. High blood pressure 5. Bowel disease 6. PMS 7. Kidney stones 8. Heart palpitations 9. Fatigue 10. Mental confusion

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Supplementing?

Effective supplementing of magnesium depends on two factors: how much you consume and how much your body can absorb. How much you can absorb depends on your lifestyle, your diet, stress levels, medications you may be taking and age. For most individuals, magnesium bisglycinate is your best bet for an effective source of magnesium that is gentle and absorbable.

CanPrev is a Canadian company that grew out of a desire to make natural medicine safe, effective and accessible to everyone. They offer a variety of magnesium supplements designed with you in mind. Choose between capsules, powder, and our new liquid formula, at the potency that suits your needs.

Or pick a goal-specific magnesium - Sleep, Cardio, Malate, and ElectroMag formulas. All pure, readily absorbed and remarkably gentle.

To read more on Magnesium bis-glycinate absorption you can visit: magnesium.ca

Submitted by Leora Shiff

grow and make their own food; Haru was seeing more and more evidence of the medicinal properties of food from a doctor’s perspective and, in particular, the healing powers of fermented food, not only for gastrointestinal health but for overall wellness (brain, skin, anti-aging and so on).

This led to the birth of ‘CultuRice’, which was established in March 2018 soon after their move to Canada.

Koji is a beneficial microorganism that is a central part of traditional Japanese food culture. It is a key ingredient in making various fermented foods, such as miso, soy source, rice vinegar and sake and is the primary ingredient in their ‘Cultu-Rice’ products. One of their most popular products is ‘Koji-dip’, a probiotic rice dip that is vegan, gluten-free and nut free with a strong umami flavour. They also make a mouth-watering ‘Koji Truffle’, a probiotic, raw truffle (vegan, gluten-free and nut free), available in matcha, chocolate, and strawberry flavours.

Cultu-Rice: A Fermented Food Treat!

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arumitsu Ando and his wife Kiko, the owners of ‘Cultu-Rice’, a food company specializing in traditional, Japanese fermented foods believe deeply that food is a medicine that we have been gifted, to nourish and heal our bodies every day. Holding this strong belief, Haru and Kiko have spent the last several years perfecting the art of preparing traditional Japanese fermented foods and became eager to share their healthy and delicious products with the people of Vancouver Island after they moved here with their young family in 2017.

Haru was a medical doctor in Japan for 15 years specializing in intestinal health, and Kiko was a pharmacist. While both working in the health care field, they realized the limitations of modern medicine especially when dealing with chronic illness as well as with one of their children’s severe sensitivity and allergy to multiple food items. Prior to moving to Cowichan, Haru and Kiko lived a self-sufficient life where they learned how to

You can find Haru and Kiko’s products in markets and shops throughout Vancouver island as well as online through the Cow-op.ca farmers’ market (www.cow-op.ca) for Duncan and Victoria customers.

Jess van den Broek- Horticulturist and Hobby-Farmer. Working as an Intern at the Cowichan Green Community.

Visit us at Lynn’s - Village Green Mall 4-180 Central Ave, Duncan (Save On Foods Mall) 250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com 17

Curious Incident of the Upside Down Dog “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a 2012 play by Simon Stephens adapted from Mark Haddon’s 2003 best-selling novel. The play has won multiple awards for productions on the London Stage and on Broadway.

The story follows 15-yearold Christopher who has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptionally intelligent but illequipped to interpret everyday life. When Christopher falls under suspicion for killing his

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neighbour’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever.

The script is witty, gripping and dramatic and will capture your interest as Christopher embarks on a train odyssey to London. The story unfolds as Christopher’s social worker, Siobahn, reads the compelling mystery book that Christopher has written to record the extraordinary events. The cast of 10 experienced Cowichan Valley actors are keen to give their very best and bring this epic story to our community.

Many of the cast members play multiple roles as the characters that Christopher meets on his street, on the train and in London.

The production is directed by Rien Vesseur who recently appeared in Almost Maine, The Merry Wives of Windsor and directed Anatomy of Grey in 2018. The Mercury Players

use every tool at their disposal to share Christopher’s experiences with the audience: choreographed movements of the entire cast, various special lighting effects, projections, surround sound, and perhaps even some smoke and mirrors.

This production will be an audio-visual spectacle unlike any the Mercury Theatre audience has seen before.

There are plenty of dates to choose in from March 7 - 17 and the Mercury has comfortable new chairs for you! You can get your tickets online at eventbrite. ca or in person at Ten Old Books or First Chiropractic Clinic in Duncan.

A Splendid Musical Performance

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or everyone out there who loves The Sound of Music, the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s production is a show not to be missed!

It has been a week since we viewed this outstanding performance and everyone is still singing! We arrived at the theatre early to dine pre show at the fabulous Playbill Dining Room. A delightful indulgence to add on to your theatre experience.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment as seating is limited. “Raindrops on roses and crisp apple strudel…” sings from the keys as pianist Bernadette Brown sets a light and lively tone for the room. Excitement is in the air and the dining room is bustling with anticipation for this beloved show. A special outing, the children get to order Shirley Temples, a long lost favourite from our past.

If you have never eaten at the Chemainus Theatre - it is a must - a hidden gem that transports you to another time and place. Sunday brunch is highlighted with artisan

spinach salad tossed with sliced strawberries, candied pecans and goat cheese, fresh charcuterie, omelette, waffle and french toast stations, hot sausage, bacon and home fries, delicious eggs benedict, and sustainably sourced baked salmon. Richard enjoys a few servings of vegetarian quiche and roast ham from the carvery. The extensive dessert spread is always something to fawn over featuring crisp apple strudel, tarts, pies and squares. I love the cream puffs that I top with fresh whipped cream, caramel sauce and fresh cut fruit.

We all leave brunch full and satisfied with some time to browse the gift shop and pre order our intermission drinks and snacks. Today’s show is sold out with a happy blend of families, season ticket holders in an array of ages from six to 86.

As the house lights dim, angelic voices beam from all corners of the theatre singing their way down to the stage.

The Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey, led by Stephanie Roth as The Mother Abbess and her accompanying sopranos Cate Richardson, as Sister Berthe, Melissa Morris, as Sister Margaretta and Sabrina Prada, as Sister Sophia engage the audience with perfectly synced harmonies sung in unwavering vocal ranges that set the bar for this performance. This dramatic opening whisks us immediately into the lyrical world of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Austria and into the beautiful realm of one of the most beloved stories of all time The Sound of Music.

I have to admit, The Sound of Music is our family’s favourite production and with this bias I was unsure of my ability to separate the imprint that the film has made over the many decades of watching it. But to my surprise, the stage performance is written with slight differences to the screen play which makes this show a brand new treat for lovers of Maria von Trapp’s story.

Maria, played by talented actress and singer Julia Ullrich, is energetic, quirky and a pleasure to hear sing.

This is a tight and polished cast full of talent, creativity and verve. Director Mark DuMez should be proud of his work in grooming these actors to play these roles so well. Cate Richardson’s portrayal of sultry Elsa Schrader was divine, Nick Preston played Max Detweiler to a tee. All the von Trapp children were remarkable and it was incredible to see such young

talent holding their roles and voices as true professionals.

All the characters were all played strong and quirky with humour coming through the script.

The pace of the show is quick and lively and innovatively choreographed

by Melissa Young. Bravo to Cate Richardson, Melissa Morris, Stephanie Roth, Sabrina Prada, Erik Got, Henry Beasley, Nick Preston, Hannah Price and Jonas Brittain who pulled off their dual roles as actors and instrumentalists seamlessly.

The live orchestra on stage added a special magic to this musical that I have never seen at Chemainus Theatre before.

Special accolades goes to the music director Melissa Morris for ensuring the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein were performed so well. The vocalists sang beautifully- a testament to her directing.

Rated for ages six and up, every member of the family will love this production. A timeless classic, this beloved musical masterpiece plays seven shows a week through to April 6 and if you haven’t booked your tickets yet be sure to do it right away as it will sell out. A perfect family outing for Spring Break. Tickets Adult $66-$77, Student $30, Child $26 with dining package $44 - $100.

Call the Theatre Box Office to reserve 250-246-9820. chemainustheatrefestival.ca

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Image Emily Cooper

Circle Game: Reimagining The Music of Joni Mitchell

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he Cowichan Performing Arts Centre and Arts Club Theatre Company proudly present the award-winning Firehall Arts Centre production of Circle Game: Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell, Saturday, March 23 at 7:30pm.

The enduring music of Canadian icon and renowned singersongwriter Joni Mitchell is reimagined in this energetic musical experience. Conceived and directed by two of Vancouver’s own theatrical powerhouses, Andrew Cohen and Anna Kuman, Circle Game reinterprets Mitchell’s iconic songs such as Big Yellow Taxi, River, California and A Case of You through the ears and eyes of Millennials, connecting them to the politics and world we know today.

Mitchell is one of the most influential female recording artists of the late 20th century.

Her social and environmental ideals, reflected through her music, have endured the test of time endorsing her as the voice of a new generation as the millennial culture celebrates the repurposed and the upcycled. The heartbreak of a failed love affair in River, the fear of imminent ecological disaster in Big Yellow Taxi, and the promise of a generation gathering to ‘get back to the garden’ in Woodstock are topics that resound as heavily today as they did fifty years ago.

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Circle Game: Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell is an award-winning (winner of the 2017 Ovation Awards for Outstanding Professional Production and Outstanding Music Direction) musical theatre performance and features six quadruple-threat talents including Benjamin Millman, Scott Perrie, Adriana Ravalli, Kimmy Choi, Samantha Bourque and David Z. Cohen. Together, they play eighteen instruments, creating modern variations on themes by Joni Mitchell.

“This playful and exuberant interpretation of Ms. Mitchell’s music by co-creators Andrew Cohen and Anna Kuman has wowed audiences since it was first produced in May 2017.” explains Donna Spencer, artistic producer at the Firehall Arts Centre. “I am certain that audiences of all ages will enjoy it as the Arts Club Theatre Company takes our production to communities around British Columbia as part of their Community Touring Presentation program.”

Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell, Saturday, March 23, 7:30pm Tickets $38 / Student $30 / eyeGO $5 Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan, Tickets 250.748.7529 www.cowichanpac.ca

Dine at The New Mt.Brenton Golf Club with Azam Khan and Vancouver Island Event Catering

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f you ask around locally for a caterer recommendation - you will very likely be referred to Azam Khan, Vancouver Island Events Caterer extraordinaire.

He is the go to person for exceptional food and service for local events and he and his family have been part of the Cowichan Valley since 1940.

“We have a lot of history here and love the valley and the small town feel. In fact a book was just written about my grandfather and our family called “Memoirs of a Pakhtun Immigrant” that tells the story of a young man’s struggle for citizenship and freedom in this beautiful country we call home. At the age of 17 I joined the Canadian Armed Forces and did a tour with the Navy in the Persian Gulf War, eventually getting out at 27.

I went on to study business and Hotel Management at UVIC and Comusun College and eventually found myself working in hotels like the Four Seasons, The Wedgewood on Hornby Street in Vancouver and the original Aerie Resort on the Malahat.” Azam shares “After

realizing what I really wanted to do was own my own restaurant I opened a small eatery called the Spice Shack on the Trans Canada Highway in Duncan.

From that small eatery we were providing fresh deli meals to over 50 grocery stores on the Island, and catering services for the average joe. After a few years the restaurant and catering began to really take off, and I found myself having to focus on one or the other if I really wanted to succeed. I decided to take the catering road and opened Vancouver Island Event Catering which now provides services for over 120 different contracts per year from UBC’S Faculty of Medicine department to musical clients like the Barenaked Ladies and absolutely everything in between”.

Currently VIEC serves their delicious foods our of the Duncan Curling Club cafe on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am-2pm - but just until mid March. But don’t fret, if you don’t have a party to cater Azam will be taking over a new 150+ seat Mt. Brenton Restaurant and Lounge located onsite at the Mt. Brenton Golf Club, Chemainus with one of the best fairways views on the island. Their menu will focus on delicious upscale lunch and dinners with the majority of dishes made onsite and from scratch with Azam’s original recipes. Signature favourites include fresh ground chuck burgers, authentic curries,

burritos and drunken fries. Plus delectable desserts like salted caramel cheesecake and orange creamsicles just to name a few.

Local wines, a spacious patio and fabulous bar rounds off the experience.

Scheduled for full service by the end of March drop in from 11 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week. For reservations and catering services please call 250 324 0577 or 250 701 8593. 2816 Henry Rd in Chemainus. www.vieventcatering.com

Little Lions have continuously been recognized for their writing.

Including 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition, Song of the Year in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and Ensemble of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Award, and a Juno. With Austin based on Vancouver Island, and Otten based in Cincinnati, OH, the duo proves that borders do not divide us and that art can bring us together.

Find tickets through www.barelynorth.com.

Big Little Lions Barely North Entertainment is pleased to bring back Big Little Lions for an intimate show in the Chapel at Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Rd.) on March 30th. The pairing of two individually successful songwriters—Helen Austin and Paul Otten—Big

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Vineyard Planning Tilman Hainle is a vineyard and winery consultant for the Cowichan Valley, and internationally.

FirstLeaf.ca

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or years you’ve toyed with the idea of of having your own vineyard. After all, you live on a scenic little acreage in the Cowichan Valley, and you understand that our Maritime Mediterranean climate is quite suitable for certain grape varieties, especially aromatic whites and lighter reds. What finally triggered your decision was hearing that there is a shortage of quality wine grapes on Vancouver Island, with prices increasing substantially recently. Your little daydream has all of a sudden become a viable business plan.

It’s best to do a feasibility assessment, even if it’s a very brief and simple one, and mostly done by yourself. You should

Young Grapevine Shoot, by Tilman Hainle

have your property’s suitability for wine grapes assessed, and draw up a business plan. For a couple of acres you don’t need to expend a large effort, but a written forecast of expenses and income is always a good idea. For a larger operation, do a full-fledged business plan.

Now the fun part – actually planning the vineyard. One of the first questions is the choice of grape varieties, since plants often need to be ordered a year in advance. Is your site among the best in the Cowichan, and suited for the likes of Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris? Perhaps it’s cooler, and a better choice would be an earlier-ripening white? Also check to see which varieties are in demand locally.

In addition to grape variety you will have dozens of other choices to be made, including varietal clone and rootstock, soil preparation, subsurfacing, drainage, trellising system and materials, water storage and

irrigation system, fencing, and necessary equipment.

Also think about whether you want to minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, or even go certified organic. There are planning considerations that help make your patch of grapevines have a lighter environmental footprint, like row orientation and optimized airflow to minimize disease pressure.

Finally, consider climate change. Your planting, if successful, should still be producing high quality grapes in 25 or

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30 years. What are the growing seasons likely to be then? Make sure you include this in your plans.

A good vineyard plan avoids what I call the 30 year headache. Choices so easily made now will be nearly impossible to change until it’s time to replant. It’s worth it to spend the effort to do a proper plan at the beginning.

www.firstleaf.ca

Engaged?

P lanning on tying the knot? many fabulous door prizes being awarded throughout the show.

Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door for brides. Guests of the bride are welcome by donation.

Register in advance to skip the line! Advance tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. com by searching “Cowichan Valley Wedding Fair”, or at the front desk of the Ramada Duncan Hotel. All ticket proceeds are donated to Cowichan Women Against Violence.

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eddings are a special time where family and friends gather from near and far to celebrate the love and union of two people.

With an event so special it’s important to take care in the planning stages to ensure that the day is created to represent the special couple and what’s important to them. This can be overwhelming and time consuming for some. We’ve made it easy for you by bringing together the Cowichan Valley’s top wedding professionals under one roof!

Plan to attend the 5th Annual Cowichan Valley Wedding Fair with your entourage: mother’s, friends, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and grooms-to-be are all welcome! At the Wedding Fair, you will meet with a variety of vendors, from venues to

COWICHAN VALLEY WEDDING FAIR breweries to DJ’s and bakers.

Get an idea for what vendors you would like to support you in creating the wedding of your dreams. Sample food and drink while you take in the mobile fashion show, highlighting the most up-to-date trends in dresses

and tuxes. Acquire new ideas and inspiration for what you would like at your wedding and most importantly, get excited!

The first 50 brides will receive a goodie bag and all brides-to-be will be entered to win one of the

Don’t miss out on an afternoon to celebrate and relish in everything wedding!

Sunday, March 10th from 12:00pm – 3:00pm Ramada Duncan Hotel & Conference Centre 140 Trans Canada Highway 250-748-4311

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will do our very best to provide you with the perfect wedding day that you have envisioned.

HERITAGE FARM WEDDING Many couples tend to seek a venue that is natural, beautiful and resonates within their soul.

Bird’s Eye Cove Farm offers one of the most magical locations to hold the wedding of your dreams. Picturesque in setting, rolling hills and cliffs, ocean views and our beautiful traditional timber frame barn that sits in the middle of our 300 acre heritage farm. Along with our meetings and guidance throughout your planning process, Blue Lily Event Planning and our excellent hands-on staff

to the prosperous COWICHAN rows of and WEDDING vines the stunning PLANNER woodland and valley views, you have www.birdseyecovefarm.com myriad spots for special, capturable moments.

Our idyllic venue is perfect for your wedding; whether it’s the ceremony, the reception, or both. Learn more at info@bluegrouse.ca

addisondesigns@gmail. com

WEDDING CATERING

VINEYARD WEDDING Blue Grouse Estate Winery offers more than amazing wine. The venue is in a romantic, nature-surrounded setting that offers the perfect backdrop for your memories. From the dogwoods, maples, and bright evergreen trees encircling a serene lily-pad covered pond,

has you covered. From her home studio in the Cowichan Valley, Addison loves to design unique and special elements that elevate any wedding style.

Petite Paperie offers digital design, handmade wood and chalkboard signs and hand lettered stationery. Custom and special orders welcome, contact Addison to start discussing your needs today! 403-512-4576

WEDDING STATIONERY Petite Paperie Design Co offers custom wedding stationery and signs for your big day! Signs, invites, place cards, envelopes, menus and more - Petite Paperie

We understand how important your bridal events are, and we’ll work with you to design a menu that’s exactly what you want. Whether it’s your rehearsal dinner, the bridal shower lunch, or the big reception.

From small, intimate affairs to extravagant wedding banquets, our continued pg 26

300 Acre Heritage Farm Award Winning Full Service Wedding Venue www.birdseyecovefarm.com I 250 748-6379 24

Image courtey Anna Forrest from Party Mood

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The Farm Table Inn

he Farm Table Inn is a perfect venue for your wedding day as it offers great menu choices, two spacious B and B rooms plus a cozy farm ambiance with chickens, ducks and cats that roam the property. The Inn is nestled in nature, just minutes from Skutz Falls Provincial Park, the Trans Canada Trail and is also along the Pacific Marine Circle Route The Farm Table Inn offers customized wedding packages and as each bride and groom have different needs, the best option is to book a consultation with Owners Evelyn Koops and George Gates In the consultation details can be discussed, such as budget, whether you would like to have both the ceremony and reception at the Farm or just the reception, menu options, as well as accommodation. The Farm also features a beautiful outside patio which is perfect for summer weddings.

The Farm has a commercial kitchen and offers on-site and off-site catering. Menu choices include a three-course plated meal or buffet style. All dishes are homemade, with items from

their garden and farm. They have also partnered with other local farmers and producers to provide as much farm to table food as possible. They can accommodate dietary restrictions so please make sure to discuss these options during you consultation.

They can also create lovely homemade desserts including the wedding cake.

There are also two spacious Bed and Breakfast rooms which are perfect for the Bride and Groom’s wedding night, out of town guests, or a place for the bridal party to get ready.

Whether you are looking for a lovely location to host your wedding, or a catering company to create your meal on-site or off-site or if you’re looking for a wonderful place to stay, the Farm Table Inn is an excellent choice.

6755 Cowichan Lake Rd, Lake Cowichan 250-932-3205 www.farmtableinn.ca

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wedding catering services can cater at virtually any venue including gardens, ballrooms and even on the beach.

Our services include: Professionally Trained Servers, Equipment Rentals, Full Liquor Bar, Bartenders, Special Event Planning and Entertainment. Contact us (250) 701-8593 to arrange a complimentary consultation for your wedding catering. www.vieventcatering.com

WEDDING TRANSPORTATION Wedding guests today especially value arranged safe transport to and from wedding venues.

Choose from our fleet of 3 different passenger vehicles. Guests can enjoy their own music playlists and the fun hats provided on each vehicle.We also offer popular Stagette/Stag

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Winery, have Craft different Beverage, COWICHAN needs when or Girls comes to WEDDING itsleeping.

Getaway Sip and Spa PLANNER Often one Tours. Out likes the of town mattress guests who firmer, stay for a few days can while the other likes enjoy daily winery tours it soft. One is a hot at reduced rates. Cost sleeper while the other is by the hour for bus feels cold. By investing and driver:$99-159/hour in a customizable depending on vehicle, mattress, where each date, availability and side can be tailor fit distance. Groups, Locals, to each individual and Corporate rates sleeper, both in the available for tours or couple will sleep more island transport. Follow on Instagram or Facebook comfortably. Plus, these brands are made only for special offers and with natural ingredients fun photos of past tours. that are breathable, so Cheers to your special day! 250-710-7391 temperature differences www.cheerscowichan.com are rectified and sleep just got better again.

Now couples can start their life together, by getting their matrimonial bed designed right for each of them. Resthouse Sleep Solutions, 126 GOOD SLEEP, Station St, Duncan HAPPY COUPLE rwww.esthouse.ca

In our experience at Resthouse, most couples

WEDDING WINE Established over 28 years ago, Great Fermentations was the first business of its kind in the Cowichan Valley. Our rich history has allowed us to perfect the fine art of wine making, providing you with a beautifully crafted product and a pleasurable bottling experience. In addition to helping you choose the right wine, we will also help guide you through the wine making process and introduce you to the pleasure of personal winemaking. Our customers trust Winexpert brands to always produce a wine of award-winning quality.

Plan ahead for red, white or fruit wine ready in 4-8 weeks. Now carrying beer making supplies. Great Fermentations #8-5777 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan 250-748-2085 www.greatfermentations.ca

CUSTOM CAKES AND DESSERTS Indulge in a bespoke masterpiece by Cobble Hill Cake Co. for your wedding or celebration.

Bring your ideas to life in a consultation with our head baker, Susan Rodgers. Each unique cake is designed to complement your event and wow your taste buds.

Using organic flour from locally owned True Grain Bakery, our cakes are baked to perfection and completed with your choice of fresh berries, lemon curd, chocolate ganache, swiss meringue buttercream or a selection of many other delicious accompaniments.

From 3 tiered wedding cakes, cutting cakes, cupcakes, desserts jars and more, at Cobble Hill Cake Co., we do extraordinaire! Visit our website to book your complimentary consultation: cobblehillcakeco.com

WEDDING FLOWERS We consider it to be a privilege, to bring to life the floral designs a couple envision for their wedding day. Whether your style is classic, traditional, unique or modern we can interpret your visions through our carefully curated designs.

We offer couples a free consultation to discuss the details and inspiration for their wedding day.

During a consultation we will go over bouquets, arrangement styles, colour palettes, budget and the seasonal flowers that would be available for your wedding season.

To be able to provide careful attention to the details of your wedding, we only accept a limited number of weddings throughout the year.

Contact Willow and Orchid to book your consultation today.

Willow & Orchid, 101 Station St, Duncan 250-748-9868 willowandorchid@ gmail.com

Wine in 4-8 Weeks for All Your Special Ocassions Now Carrying Beer Ingredients!

Bring in Your Fresh or Frozen Fruit

Wedding Specials Monthly Specials

On-Premise Winemaking

#8-5777 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan I 250-748-2085

www.greatfermentations.ca

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Don’t Miss Vancouver Island’s Best Seedy Saturday!

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obble Hill’s expanded 2019 Seedy Saturday on March 9 will again feature Lee Valley Tools and other premium nursery vendors like Metchosin Farms, Perennial Ridge, Tree Eater Farms, Blueberry Guys, and Green Thumb nurseries along with most of the excellent seed suppliers on and off the Island. Saltspring Seeds, Full Circle Seeds, Rebecca’s Garden, Sweet Rock Farm, Seeds of Diversity, Eagleridge Greenhouses, Good Earth Farms, Ravensong Seeds, and 45 vendors in total will be on hand to meet the wide variety of gardener’s needs.

Our products will help you to grow healthier plants and make every garden task easier

ALDER AND MAPLE BARK MULCH Alder Sawdust Alder Wood Chips Cedar Chips Kiln Dried Alder Lumber

Address: 3353 Smiley Road, Chemainus

Phone:

250 246 8431 250 701 7246

Call to arrange pick up or delivery 28

Demand for more vendor space to accommodate the more than two thousand eager gardeners who attended Cobble Hill’s Seedy Saturday last year brought about a major expansion into our two main buildings which are within 200 metres of each other in downtown Cobble Hill.

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 are offering our new Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday swag, soaps, creams, used gardening books, jams and preserves and much more. We also have our famous seed exchange and lots of free parking. We are wheelchair accessible in both halls We still have free entry for everyone, great local food and an opportunity to share the excitement of growing things again after our long, wet and snowy winter.

Doors open at 10 am and it all wraps up at 2 pm on Saturday March 9 in Cobble Hill on Watson Avenue. Don’t miss Vancouver Island’s best Seedy Saturday.

Small Fruits – The UnderUtilized Edible INCORPORATE EDIBLES INTO YOUR LANDSCAPE

Bernie Dinter, Dinter Nursery 2205 Phipps Rd, Duncan dinternursery.ca

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he concept of what a garden should be is changing to reflect the owner’s values. The desire to grow your food and know what you are eating has increased the interest in edible plants. Consider substituting ornamental plants with edible shrubs and vines. There are many types suited to our climate.

The Cowichan Valley has a thriving wine industry. For the home garden there are varieties of seedless dessert grapes that give a bountiful harvest in September and October. These vigorous vines can be trained on fences, over arbors or on the side of buildings to create shade and privacy. Varieties such as black Glenora, green Himrod or red Vanessa have fruit that is comparable to anything shipped from California.

Kiwi is another vigorous vine that thrives in our area and a mature plant can produce 100’s of kiwi. The fruit must be harvested before it ripens and stored cool for up to 4 months. The fruit is brought into the kitchen as required and ripens in a few days, giving nutritious fruit all winter.

regular summer irrigation. The plant is a bush growing in the 3-5’ range that fits in any sunny location. They are a ‘super food’ that can be harvested from July to September with the right combination of early to late ripening varieties. The surplus berries freeze well for winter use. The plants end the season with bright fall colour.

Raspberry is a fruit that adds flavour to summer. In July these delicious berries bring sunshine to the table in delicious, colourful sweet berries. The upright canes are easy to grow in a row at the back of the garden with simple pruning

requirements. They require well drained, organic based soil and some summer irrigation.

These are just a few of the many varieties of small fruit that grow here. There are many lesser know varieties such as Tayberry, Haskap, Sea Berry and Mulberry available to try. An edible paradise can be as close as your back yard.

The following shrubs and vines will produce abundant crops of berries for years to come.

Blueberry • Raspberry • Strawberry • Elderberry • Grapes • Kiwi • Currant • Gooseberry • Blackberry • Loganberry • Tayberry • Boysenberry •Saskatoon Berry • Sea Berry and many more Saturday March 16 10 - 2pm MEET THE HALLS GREENHOUSE REP.

Quality glass and aluminum structures that extend the growing season.

See our web site for information seminars, nursery events and Master Gardener clinics

FLYER SALE STARTS MARCH 13

Serving local gardeners since 1973

250 748 2023

www.dinternursery.ca 5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

Blueberries thrive in our climate with few pests but need

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Duncan Seedy Sunday

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Dark-eyed Junco

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he name for this species on March’s cover is Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis and it is of the Oregon race. There are many different races of Junco across North America and this is the common one for this area. They are very common in colder weather around feeders and in woodlots. In the spring the majority move back up into the woods to breed, although a small few will breed down in the valley.” shares Derrick Marven, Cowichan Valley Naturalist. ​ Derrick leads a group around the Cowichan Valley for a few hours every Wednesday morning to observe all types of birds especially the bigger ones

Open 9am to 9pm!

DAILY 1606 Joan Avenue 250-324-2249 30

Image Khaya Jackson

like Swans, Geese and Raptors.

It is open to anyone. Bring binoculars or a spy glass and meet at the Beverly Corners Dog Park at 10AM sharp.

An alternative is the monthly Coastal Waterbird count held out at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Center. The March count will be on Sunday March 10th at 8:00am.

t’s spring time again, the time for new beginnings, rebirth and of course the season for growing. We’ve been dreaming of warmer, lighter days. Some of us are eager to begin this year’s garden and have chosen what to plant and where to plant it. Some of us have already purchased seeds, little bundles of life waiting in anticipation. For others, the idea of this year’s garden is still a faint one, as we awake from the darkness of winter. They are the difference between snow drops and crocuses, both early spring but one just a few steps ahead. Whether a snow drop or a crocus, one thing is clear, the vision of fresh vegetables soon to be had.

There is nothing quite like the first snow peas of the season.

For those of us who haven’t purchased this years seed, I challenge you to ask, where is my seed coming from? Are they locally grown and locally adapted? Why choose locally adapted seed you may ask. In this ever changing climate it is more important now than ever to choose varieties that will grow best in our region. Are they organic from sustainable sources?

Maintaining the health of our

natural environment and the health of ourselves plays a big role in how seeds are grown.

Without the use of herbicides, pesticides and fungicides we contribute less to degenerating the environment and support the thriving of our ecosystems.

If your answer to any of these questions is I don’t know, then I encourage you to find out and come out to this year’s Duncan Seedy Sunday.

Seedy Sunday is a yearly event for gardens, farmers and families. There will be seeds to buy as well as exchange at our seed exchange table, bring your seeds in small envelopes.

Our kid’s activity this year is making simple bird feeders.

There will be plant starts, berry bushes and food vendors. We recommend bringing cash as there will not be an ATM on site. On March 17th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, located at 5574 River Road, Duncan Seedy Sunday is an event you won’t want to miss.

Jess and Kat are both certified horticultural technicians who work for the Cowichan Incubator Seed Farm

All new high efficiency machines!

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

Successful Seed Starting

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t’s March and spring is now imminent according to the calendar, but we all know the weather doesn’t always cooperate. After all, February brought ice and snow and the average last frost here in the Cowichan Valley can be as late as April 10. It’s not unheard of to have chilly and soggy weather later than that.

What’s an impatient gardener to do now, then? Simple. Get your gardening fix by starting seeds indoors now to transplant outdoors in late April or early May. Most seeds, be they flowers or vegetables, do well if started indoors between six and eight weeks before the last frost, but don’t panic if your favorite flowers are marked at eight to ten weeks or more. Starting them now simply means a slightly later bloom period; some gardeners deliberately start seeds in staggered intervals to extend the blooming season or harvest, including sowing some directly into the garden at the same time as transplanting. In fact, some flowers and vegetables don’t cope with transplanting and must be sown outside after the last frost. When in doubt, check your seed packets for more information.

To get started, you don’t need much more than a few pots, some starting mix, and a good source of light such as a sunny window.

Peat pots are ideal as they can later be planted directly in the

ground with your seedlings and will break down into compost.

You can use a commercially available starting mix (not garden or potting soil mixes which are denser and may not drain as well) or mix your own from a mixture of one third soil, one third peat moss, and one third vermiculite, sand, or perlite. Grow lights can help keep your seedlings growing straight and bushy rather than bending and reaching for light, especially on shorter or cloudy days. If you do use a grow light, you can put them on a timer to run for twelve to sixteen hours a day for best results.

Margot Page

In a couple of weeks, once your seeds have germinated, you may need to thin out your seedlings by pinching out the weakest ones to avoid crowding.

Enamelling on Copper and Steel

Keep your pots well-watered but not too wet, and be sure to label which variety is in which pots. It’s best to also keep the seed packets for other planting information such as spacing when it comes time to transplant.

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Pyra Draculea is a recent transplant to the Cowichan quaylecard.indd Valley from Vancouver.

Available locally at: Imagine That Artisans Rainforest Arts • Artzi Stuff • TOSH

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

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

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

Spring is on the Way John Magdanz President of the Cowichan Beekeepers www.cowichanbeekeepers.ca

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t has been a colder winter but a lot less rain than last winter. Hopefully your bees have survived and are doing well.

Now that the days are warming up your bees will become more active. They will begin to go out on foraging flights and in doing so they will consume more food. In March there is very little for them to forage so they are still relying on what they stored in the winter. It is important to check their food reserves to make sure that they have enough. If they are low you should feed them a sugar syrup solution.

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At the start of the new year, the queen began laying eggs.

As the weather warms she will lay larger numbers of eggs as she needs to replace the ageing workers. The usual life of a summer worker bee is six weeks and the winter workers are about five months old. To stimulate the queen to lay more eggs some beekeepers will feed a one to one sugar syrup solution to their bees in the spring. This way the colonies numbers are larger when the flowers bloom and the bees are out

foraging.

As the weather warms and the bees population grows so do the mite populations. By the end of March beekeepers should begin monitoring the mite population in their hives.

This can be done by cleaning the bottom board of the hive and then applying a vegetable oil to the surface that will hold the mites. The following day the beekeeper checks to see how many mites are on the bottom board. If you see three or more you will need to treat your hive.

Last month, the Cowichan Beekeepers moved to the Somenos Room at the Island Savings Centre. Our meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month and begin at 7pm. We also have a beginners session that starts at 6:30 where novices can ask an experienced beekeeper any questions that they may have. Our meetings start with a guest speaker.

To find out who is speaking and what they are speaking on please go to our club website: www.cowichanbeekeepers.ca.

On the website you will also find honey vendors and bee suppliers under contacts.

Our club welcomes visitors so please take this as your invitation to come and check us out.

Image courtesy Erdmann Knaack

Why MicroIrrigation?

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or many people, water conservation is key to their decision to install a MicroIrrigation system, realizing an average water savings of 50%. Water conservation is followed closely by peace of mind; planning for staying in place as long as possible; stress reduction; growing their own vegetables, fruit and herbs; and having time to tend their garden instead of dragging hoses around to keep everything alive.

Micro-irrigation/drip irrigation was invented by three young men in Israel as a result of their quest to grow food commercially in the desert and increase yields. The product is a poly pipe with high tech emitters inserted inside the line at 6 or 12 inch spacing.

The emitters are self-flushing, pressure compensating and deliver water at a rate of either a 1/2 or 1 gal/hr.

Emitters allow for slow, precise release of water, keeping the moisture content of soil relatively constant ensuring oxygen remains available to the root system.

Traditional overhead or hand watering methods deliver water faster than most soils can absorb. When water exceeds the soils absorption/ percolation rate, it can only run off the surface, taking valuable topsoil and nutrients with it.

Micro-irrigation is used in all types of landscapes: trees, perennial beds, ground covers, annuals and lawns. It is the only choice for deck/patio planters, hanging baskets, and kitchen gardens... the parts of your paradise most vulnerable to water stress. A drip system assures healthy, vibrant and beautiful plants.

Commercially it is used for row crops, orchards and vineyards. On a slope, drip can be designed for minimal run-off and, is often the only means of bringing a hillside into cultivation.

The system delivers water exactly where it is needed, when it is needed in the root

zone, keeping paths and areas between plants dry. Many gardeners report a significant decrease in weeding requirements!

Micro-Irrigation is so efficient it is EXEMPT from all watering restrictions!

Additional benefits include: • increase the value of your home • reduce plant loss and stress — healthy plants equal less pests and disease

• system is long-lasting, easy to maintain and easily added to or altered as your garden evolves • self-sufficient — no need for someone to water your gardens when you are away

David Pink has lived in the Cowichan for 50 years. He and Diana are celebrating the 11th season of Warm Land Irrigation.

Please call for a free estimate 250.597.2102

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Gayle Hurmuses is the founder and coordinator of the International Women’s Day Festival Committee.

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hree years ago, the Cowichan Valley International Women’s Day Festival was five events over seven days, and that felt like a huge success. This year, by the time it was all settled, it had grown to 24 events over two months!

How that happened is less a mystery than one might imagine.

In some ways the IWD Festival is only 3 years old, but that’s not quite accurate. The Cowichan Spirit Of Women held a potluck for 30+ years at which they would honor a local woman of note. The money raised would fund a bursary for local students.

Even after “the Spirits” decided to retire the dinner, there remained many local events in the window between February 14 and through the end of March that fit into a celebratory and commemorative feminist calendar. The festival was already a fact, but had not been declared as such.

In creating the new International Women’s Day Rally, reaching out to its natural partners and “tying a bow around” some existing events, we were able to reveal an important fact. There is a strong feminist impulse in the Cowichan Valley. Quickly, others were inspired to create new events designed specifically for the festival.

Continuing into March there are 17 events listed on the calendar, and they include six films (not including the recent and exciting

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girlpower lineup at The Caprice), five music shows, including a CD release, and a women’s music night. There will be two rallies: One Billion Rising and the International Women’s Day Rally, a studio opening, a fashion show, a conversation about community journalism and child welfare, and a leadership seminar. The closing event is a roller derby bout featuring a beer garden and dance after party.

Dates and times for all events are on the website and in the ad on the facing page, and descriptions are on the IWD website listed at the bottom of the ad.

Each event is organized by a separate local group that has generously themed and shared their event to create this larger collection of women’s self expression.

One of the important goals of the Cowichan Valley IWD Festival is to illuminate the work of local women and inspire others to realize that they too can do important work here. At the rally we will be hosting the REDress project and honoring the women it represents, there will be speakers, music, spoken word performances, and an information fair. Presentations will address food production, the importance of education, and personal voice.

This year we budgeted a $500 bursary for a student in this program to be a keynote speaker.

In keeping with our founding principal of respect for the unceded territory upon which we are uninvited guests, this bursary was made available to First Nations women students studying in a masters program in Community Planning. Our

It Takes A Village choice was Lisa Webster, who recently graduated with a Masters in Community Planning from VIU. We are excited about this relationship. The Community Planning students are our local intellectual product (in a manner of speaking) and worthy of celebration.

Lisa Webster has a 25-year background with the federal government as a senior environmental specialist. She brings this experience to her new commitment to work with First Nations municipal governments in the area of housing for those individuals with special needs in rural and/ or Gulf lsland communities. Lisa is also a spoken word artist and her presentation will take the form of a performance about placemaking, introductions and the establishment of space Cherene Palmer will also speak at the rally. Recently elected President of the Nanaimo Duncan District Labour Council, Cherene also represents Hospital Employees Union members from across our region. She promotes education for members and encourages HEU members to be active in their communities and their union.

Katy Ehrlich, another of our featured speakers, was awarded Rural woman of the Year by the Lieutenant Governor of BC five years ago. She was recognized for making a difference as a farmer who embodies the principles of sustainable food production, distribution, stewardship for the earth, and building community. Her book, Katy’s Farmhouse Kitchen will be published in April. Katy will preview some of this in her talk about farming, cooking and working in the Cowichan Valley community for the past sixteen years.

Joanna Lord of VIU will speak on the importance of education.

After we decided to ask her to speak at the rally, she was acclaimed to the recently vacated Executive Vice-President role at B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union and we are also excited to celebrate this recognition of her leadership by her peers.

Sonnet L’Abbé, poet, literary critic, teacher (VIU), is this year’s singer/poet. Sonnet will be singing Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise, and performing a short selection of her own poetry. Sonnet’s poetry explores themes of ethnicity and environmentalism influenced by her Franco-Ontarian father and Guyanese mother. Her third collection of poems, Sonnet’s Shakespeare, a translation of Shakespeare into modern idiom, will be published by Random House in August of this year.

We will also be joined by Kiara Child, Natalya Child, Mariah Child, Talia Child, who represented the Kwakiutl Dancers at the United Nations General Assembly, in New York as part of the 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages.

The MC for the event will be Laxelewetstnaat Thomas of Salish Eye Productions.

Introductions and greetings will be given by: Debra Toporowski Cowichan Tribes and North Cowichan Council, Alistair MacGregor MP, Sonia Furstenau MLA, Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples, Duncan Councillor Jenni Capps, and CVRD Area Director Lori Iannidinardo.

Please join us at Charles Hoey Park at 11am on Saturday March 9.

Images above from left to right; Sonnet L’Abbe, Katy Ehrlich, Lisa Webster, Lisa Webster

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Celebrate Natural Beauty!

NATURAL PERFUME Wild Coast Perfumery traditionally creates natural perfumes inspired by scent memories from some of our most loved locations around the West Coast, using the fragrance palettes from these locations as a guide. Adhering to the ethics of the international natural perfume organization they belong to, Wild Coast perfumes are blended using only pure essential oils, absolutes, plus wild harvested tinctures and distillates made from needles, leaves, flowers, and moss from our forests. Purely plant based, completely natural, and never containing synthetics, phthalates or chemicals, unlike commercial perfumes.

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals that are known hormone disruptors that can be absorbed into the body and act like a hormone. Phthalates affect our hormones by either mimicking or blocking our body’s natural hormones, which can lead to the disruption of the body’s normal functions. Wild Coast believes that consumers should be able to educate themselves and choose what goes on their skin. So unlike commercial brands, they have boldly listed on their website all of their ingredients that they use under “transparency”. Wild Coast is fully plant based and cruelty free! You can visit the perfumery in Cowichan Bay. They are open seasonally May to December 31st, or you may find their natural perfumes in their exclusive retail partners listed on their website under “find us”. Follow them on social media @wildcoastperfumery Wild Coast Perfumery www.wildcoastperfumes.com 36

HEALTHY SKIN Feeling confident in the skin we are in can be a game changer for many of us. These days, we are fortunate to have many options available to us to achieve that goal. Gone are the days of wondering which products and treatments may be helpful to us. Now we know that targeted regimes for your skin type, evidence based medical grade skin care, new technologies such as laser, radio frequency, medical grade facials, and gentle chemical peels can be used to clear acne, improve rosacea, and remove signs of sun damage.

A qualified medical professional needs to diagnose your concern first, and then can prescribe a treatment regime for you to achieve your desired results. You now have the choice to have natural glowing skin.

Make up can be optional! Call for a complimentary consultation. Viva Medical Aesthetics, 177 Fourth St, Duncan 250. 746.6512 www.vivamedicalaesthetics.com

JUICE CLEANSING A Glow Juice Cleanse is a custom created plant-focused liquid superfood experience that just might change your life forever! Our unique packages of raw, cold-pressed Juices are creatively combined to ensure you receive over 30 lbs of veggies and fruit, and in every colour in the rainbow! We provide detailed instructions & support to make it super simple for you to just focus on achieving plantbased enlightenment. Fasting is a natural process that has been practiced for centuries all over the world. Cleansing with our coldpressed & raw Juices gives your beautiful guts a chance to focus on digesting only plants. This encourages healing on a natural, cellular level. A Cleanse is not a quick fix ~ it’s a reset, a moment to focus on digestive health, and the start of a new experience of wellness for your whole body. Cleanses available in 1, 3 and 5 day programs. Glow Juicery and Raw Food Cafe, #3 5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan www.glowjuicery.ca

Spring Cleanse

Refresh And Rejuvenate For Your Well-Being Benefits from the Spring Cleanse: * Remove excess body waste, fat and toxin * Increase mental clarity, motivation * Increase physical energy * Enhance nutritional balance and metabolism

DR. FEI YANG (Dr. TCM) Traditional Chinese Medicine

www.drfeiyang.ca

250-733-2917 Let go of the old and welcome the new

Celebrating the Shreem This is the Bija Mantra for Divine Feminine Lakshimi, the energy of Mantras are sacred sound formulas that create healing vibrations. Chanting mantras evokes healing within ourselves and also sends these vibrations out into the world, connecting us with the universal energy of the mantra. Some people’s mantra yoga practice may focus on chanting to a particular Goddess/God, or deity. There are many reasons why a person may chose this form of mantra practice including: celebrating and honouring a particular deity; focusing the mind; connecting to the Divine; invoking/strengthening in ourselves the qualities of the deity we are chanting to.

In honour and celebration of International Woman’s Day on March 8th, I wanted to share some Bija Mantras for the Divine Feminine. Bija means seed in Sanskrit. Bija Mantras are seed sounds and are experiences of energy in their own right. Chanting the Bija Mantra for a particular deity helps to connect us with and invoke the energy of that deity.

Eim

(pronounced I’m) This is the Bija Mantra for Saraswati. Saraswati is the Goddess of mantra, music, poetry, art, education, knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration. In Sanskrit, Sara means Essence and Swa means self, so Saraswati can be translated as “The Essence of the Self.” What are some of the creative aspects of your life that you are grateful for? How can you tap into and/or strengthen the creative Essence and wisdom within yourself?

abundance in all her many forms (healthy relationships & support, material abundance, spiritual and physical health...) What forms of abundance are you grateful for in your life?

What forms of abundance would you like to call into your life?

Dum (pronounced doom)

This is the Bija Mantra for Durga, the energy of protection and boundaries.

Durga is a fierce Goddess and helps to destroy the veils of ignorance and illusion. In what areas of your life may you need to strengthen your boundaries to create more balance and well-being for yourself ?

May all women be safe and protected. May the lives of all women be filled with creativity and abundance.

May all women be happy.

AUM

I write this in memory and honour of Marina Halleran, one of my Yoga Teachers, who shared her love of chanting and sound with me and so many others.

Dhanyavad

Thank you.

Sadie Bartram offers a Sacred Chant Circle the third Sunday of the month (March 17), as well as weekly Chakra Yoga Classes. She can be reached at 250-748-2089 or by email at sdbartram@gmail.com.

Visit us at Lynn’s - Village Green Mall 4-180 Central Ave, Duncan (Save On Foods Mall) 250 748 4421 www.lynnsvitamingallery.com 37

New Vegan Cosmetics At Lynn’s

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any would believe that “going green” when it comes to cosmetics is difficult due to the challenge of maintaining the standards that we have become accustomed to. Whatever the cost, the priceless benefits of “going green” are made evident through improvements in the environment and our health, which leads to our natural beauty shining through.

Unfortunately, consumers have continuously been disappointed with natural and organic beauty options that lack the ability of other makeup made available to us.

We should be able to maintain our high standards of beauty, without needing to include materials that are environmentally unfriendly.

In response to this awakening the natural beauty makeup industry has progressed tremendously!

Cruelty-free cosmetics is becoming increasingly popular as people seek to feed and nourish the skin with products that promote their natural beauty but also contribute to better environment. A product that is truly cruelty-free means that we do not test or experiment on animals while manufacturing.

Thanks to this new awareness and modernized technology, companies like Emani Vegan Cosmetics can provide beauty products that we can all trust and enjoy. Emani strives to provide an alternative for anyone who has been searching for a clean replacement to modern makeup or anyone who simply wants to live an eco-friendlier life. With natural ingredients such as Cocos Nueifera Oil, Aloe Barbadensis, Asiatic Ginseng, Chamomile, and Cucumber, Emani Cosmetics provides nourishment for the most sensitive skin while still providing a high impact. A huge part of natural beauty depends on not only what you are eating but also what you are putting on

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your skin and what your body is absorbing. Toxins can be found everywhere, so it is critical that we attempt to lessen the amount of harmful inorganic influences in our daily living. These ingredients aid in the luminosity, hydration, balance, and overall appearance of the skin tone assuring a healthier skin inside and out.

For over a decade, Emani Vegan Cosmetics has believed in a beauty experience that is completely 100% cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan certified.

When it comes to production of non-vegan makeup a substance that is derived from gluten can be found, this can pose an issue for people with sensitive skin or people suffering from Celiac disease-causing flare ups and red skin. When non-vegan cosmetics contain collagen, elastin and keratin, just to name a few, they can often contain ground up chicken feet, animal horns, hooves and feathers. Keratin is a protein which is extracted from the neck ligaments and aortas of cows, according to PETA. Emani provides a sophisticated cosmetic line that can last all day, while creating timeless beauty through an infusion with nature, without taking a toll on our animals and environment. Inspired by creator and founder Michelle Doan’s journey to find beauty products that were expressly good for her sensitive skin in order to treat her cystic acne. Emani is a company energized by eco-friendly manufacturing, green technology, and ethical suppliers. We are making a positive impact on the planet through our cosmetics in hopes that it will begin a chain reaction throughout humanity.

Emani is now available at Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery, 180 Central Rd, Duncan (Save On Foods Mall) 250 748-4421.

Submitted by Camala Macleod, Ecoideas

The History of Mascara - The Original Natural Make Up

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xactly where the word “mascara” comes from is unclear, but it is thought to be based from the Spanish word mascara meaning mask or stain.

Records from ancient Egypt refer to a substance called kohl that was used to darken the eyes, eyelashes and eyebrows.

It was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the soul, worn by both men and women.

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

Makeup was considered unsightly and uncouth in Western culture until the Victorian era, when social opinion shifted radically towards the promotion of cosmetics. Wealthy women were known to spend their days occupied with beauty regimens and great efforts were made to create long, dark eyelashes.

Victorian women would make a type of mascara in their own homes. They would heat a mixture of ash or lamp black (pigment made from soot) and elderberry juice and apply the heated mixture to their eyelashes.

Over the next decades mascara would come in many forms from cakes to creams to the modern day self contained tubes. The product that people today would recognize as mascara, was not developed until the 19th century by a chemist named Eugene Rimmel using the newly invented petroleum jelly.

The pigmentation for black mascara in conventional (non-natural) make up, is carbon black (the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products). There are a variety of oils used, like mineral, linseed, castor, eucalyptus, lanolin and oil of turpentine and are most frequently in typical Brand formulas. Waxes usually found in mascara are paraffin, carnauba, and beeswax.

The desired effect of mascara attributes to the most variations of ingredients. The most basic effect is whether the mascara will be water-resistant or not.

Water-resistant mascaras have substances that repel water, such as dodecane (an oily liquid of the paraffin series) Non water-resistant natural mascaras have ingredients that are watersoluble. Mascaras designed to

Prudence

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Sunday 11-4pm, Monday to Thursday 10-5pm Friday 10-5:30pm • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

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Elate Vegan Make Up made in Victoria

Monday-Friday 9-5 Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – Closed 109-2673 Beverly St., Duncan (Thrifty’s Plaza) 250 748-2056 I www.soulescape.ca lengthen or curl the eyelashes often contain nylon or rayon microfibers.

Cosmetics are loosely regulated, this leaves a great deal of freedom for the conventional beauty industry and their formulation of ingredients. For example, mercury compounds are used as a preservative in eye makeup and are found in non natural mascara. For these reasons woman are turning to natural and clean cosmetics, organic and botanical skincare that promote wellness.

The natural cosmetic industry is growing and prices are coming down as more companies are sprouting up in local regions. Thus eliminating the need to import products.

This is great news for local economies and woman that like to enhance their natural beauty, naturally.

You can find clean, natural,

toxin free mascara at Prudence in Downtown Duncan.

Prudence carries Canadian made mascara by Pure Anada Natural Cosmetics from Morden Manitoba, and local BC brands Elate Clean Cosmetics from Victoria, and Sweet Leilani from Langley.

Prudence is hosting Mascara Mondays for the month of March, so come in for your Natural Mascara on a Monday to receive 10% off! You can explore our full line of skincare and cosmetics here: www.prudencenaturalbeauty. ca and come in and visit our downtown boutique. We would love to meet you and help you with all your skincare and cosmetic needs!

Karla Rothweiler Wild plant medicine maker, advocate of all things sacred and proud Mother. loveplantmedicine@ gmail.com

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Traditional Chinese Exercise for Health Wild Goose Qigong (Chi Gong) Gentle movement Calms your mind Heals internal organs Develops flexibility Tuesdays 7:15pm-8:30pm Wednesdays 10:15am-11:30am Thursdays 8:45am-10am (HUB) Fridays 10am-11:15am (Victoria) Northern Shaolin Chun Yuen Quan Dynamic movement Improves posture Increases energy Strengthens bones Tuesdays 6pm-7:15pm Wednesdays 9am-10:15am

250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca

www.WildGooseQigongCentre.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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Why We Should Read

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racey Lindberg gifts the reader with an absorbing story. This is the fictional tale of Bernice Meetoos (Birdie), a big, young “Halfbreed” Cree woman who has spent too much of her life in her room under the real and metaphorical stairs, unable to be peaceful in wakefulness or sleep, the result of familial sexual violence. It is well worth the care and attention that reading it requires.

Painfully, as we know so well, sexual violence against women and girls is universal in all cultures, as is the silence that many times accompanies the destructive acts. This book is not about the violence. This well written story deftly follows this intelligent young woman through the silence and eventually her individual and self-directed healing process.

It is Birdie’s intention and strength to mend that prove inseparable.

Lindberg shows us the profound depth of character and interconnectedness of five women, family and not, as they draw together to make the space for one of them, Birdie, to come back, to become whole.

The author uses a non-linear concept of time. Events and experiences do not occur in sequence, but as thoughts; the expression of emotions surface and operate in the interior of Bernice Meetoos’ mind and heart.

She is in search of her spirit.

What transpires in Birdie’s surroundings, and in the lives of these other four women is a multiplex of experience.

The flow of the narrative is complex and full of connections, while Lindberg delicately exposes the reality of this journey.

Lindberg’s impressive and creative use of language and metaphor allow the author to shape meaning, and the reader to build understanding between characters, between concepts, such as smellmemory, nunbitches, and thinkdreaming. Her relationship with her sistercousin is described as “the funhouse mirror of their childhood”. At one point “days rubbed the edges of the nights smooth”.

Birdie never gives up.

Somewhere she wonders, and we wonder, who would she have been had there been more women in the house that night.

Well worth the read!

The Warmland Book and Film Collective is called to action to explore, celebrate and learn from Indigenous authors and film -- meeting the 2nd Wednesday/each month. VIRL 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Next meeting is on March 13th and the next book is by James Daschuk, Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation, and the Loss of Aboriginal Life.

Hypnosis for Weight Loss With Helena Jenichen

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hen people are seeking help in losing weight and find out that I am a Hypnotherapist, they become curious and want to know if I can “make” them lose weight.

Hypnotists can not make anyone do anything against their will. However, Hypnotists can help you change bad habits and create positive new ones. They can also help you overcome negative feelings that you have created by yourself or may have been installed by someone else.

Hypnosis can help a person change their body shape and size by accessing the subconscious part of the mind. The critical factor is the barrier between the conscious and the subconscious part of the mind and during Hypnosis a person can access the subconscious part of the mind. Hypnosis is natural altered state of awareness that everyone goes through at least twice a day, once when you are falling asleep at night and again as you are waking up in the morning. Hypnosis is also achieved when you are absorbed in a good book, an emotionally intense movie or anytime that you use your imagination.

can give attention to the things that you do want. It is your imagination that is the key to getting what you want.

Some people seem to be able to decide to reduce their body shape and size easily and joyfully, while others suffer with food cravings, feelings of being deprived or even punished. Why is it easy for some and so hard for others?

The answer is hypnosis and the power of suggestion. The easy way to release weight is to repeat a suggestion that feels good while in the trance like state. This will allow the suggestion to go into the subconscious (emotional) part of the mind and either strengthen or replace the previous programming.

Try saying this as you first wake up or as you are falling asleep: I am in the process of becoming slimming and slimmer and healthier and healthier. Then really enjoy the pictures in your mind and all the feel-good feelings of you being that ideal size and shape. Or you can do it the hard way and repeatably tell yourself at every opportunity that “losing weight is going to be hard and I am going to be irritable without my alcohol, chips, sweet beverages, deserts and forced to consume smaller portions.

You always have a choice and I bet choose the easy and joyful way. So, if you want to release that excess weight, consider hypnosis and the power of your mind, to get you what you want.

You can choose to either focus on everything that you don’t want, or you

Helena Jehnichen, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.

FlourishHypnosis.com

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Articulation presents: Forest and Sea and the Place Between!

the Salish Sea biosphere during two week long study sessions.

Members were inspired by multiple ecosystems where living organisms exist in the geosphere of soil and rock, the hydrosphere of lakes, rivers, and oceans, and in the weather systems in the atmosphere.

Articulation Textile Group is currently composed of six Canadian women fibre artists, the core of which, has been exhibiting since 2004. The original group met while studying the prestigious City and Guilds of London four-year curriculum in Embroidery and Design. At the completion of City and Guilds, the group formalized a program of mutual support that included an exhibition schedule to explore and promote textiles as a contemporary fine art medium.

In her tree Wind Drawings, Lesley Turner examines the interaction of humans with natural biological and climatic processes. Wendy Klotz expresses the joy of being at the shoreline and also despair, when witnessing destructive and polluting human behaviour.

Ingrid Lincoln presents her emotional responses as an internal dialogue while in the presence of different living ecosystems. Amanda Onchulenko’s response to the Pacific Northwest focuses on the creative process and evokes memories, comparisons and parallels with a childhood spent growing up in the very different South Eastern Australian ecosystem. Donna Clement uses a micro view to focus on the

Annual study sessions in different Canadian environments inspire further study, fellowship and new bodies of work.

Articulation members have explored multiple locations in

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complexities of tree life while Leann Clifford, as a prairie dweller, entertains a macro view to explore this new environment.

The Salish Sea biosphere is a living organism supporting many interconnected parts. The artists’ different viewpoints, backgrounds and media serve to highlight the diversity and unity within while also drawing attention to the critical role every small element plays in the Salish Sea’s continued well being.

Articulation Artists: Donna Clement - Calgary Leann Clifford - Regina Wendy Klotz - Calgary Ingrid Lincoln - Winnipeg Amanda Onchulenko - Winnipeg Lesley Turner - Victoria Articulation, March 26th at PORTALS art space, Island Savings Centre, Duncan. Runs to April 17.

‘Carly Butler: Send all the Lifeboats you Have’

100 Paintings of Gratitude

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Carly Butler: Send All The Lifeboats You Have

arly Butler is an interdisciplinary artist who lives and works in Ucluelet.

Her practice reinterprets nautical knowledge around navigation and survival to reflect on longing, regret and nostalgia. Carly has an MA in Art History and studied fine art at Central Saint Martins in London. She recently completed a BFA at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and was a finalist for the prestigious RBC Canadian Painting Competition in 2014.

Recent exhibitions include Anywhere Else at Campbell River Art Gallery, and S.T.E.P. at Queens Museum, New York.

The root of the title for the exhibition ‘Send all the Lifeboats you have’is from the 1949 story of Ann Davison who lost her husband at sea when they were shipwrecked on the southernmost point of Dorset, England. Four years later Davison became the first woman to sail solo across the Atlantic. In her book about the journey, ‘My Ship is So Small’, she tells how she accidentally signalled ‘send all the lifeboats you have’ when

entering a port in Spain.

‘Being of an economical turn of mind and knowing no better I had flown the Q and G flags on the same halyard, one above the other, making a two letter signal QG, “send all the lifeboats you have.” But I could not get red in the face about it.’

SOLEIL MANNION soleilmannion.ca

“Fire Horse” 36”x 48” oil on canvas Regular $6,000 Sale Price: $1,500

Her story is one of tragedy, human folly, and ultimately, resilience and courage. As Blumenberg reminds us, the shipwreck has stood in for the frailty of life and precariousness of survival for centuries. As someone who survived a shipwreck, Ann Davison lived the metaphor, literally leaping into the waves, constructing a new vessel, and carrying on.

Friday March 22, 6-8pm ‘Send All the Lifeboats you Have.’

Ucluelet artist, Carly Butler uses nautical language and iconography to reflect on the process of starting over when our lives are shipwrecked.

Runs until April 13th FREE. 3091 Agira Road, North Cowichan www.theougallery.com 43

“Mill Bay April Morning” 24”x 60” oil on canvas Regular Price: $4,500 Gratitude price $1,300.00

Artist Soleil Mannion Expresses Her Gratitude “Two years ago I came across a book of 100 Love Sonnets by Pablo Neruda, as I read through the pages I was awe struck by the intensity and commitment of the love that this man felt for his wife.

Imagine 100 love poems for one person. Celebrating every inch of her, the way she moved, the sound of her voice, their connection, their laughter. When I finished the book, I will admit I felt a little envious.

What would it be like to have someone love you like that, what would it feel like to love another person with such passion and devotion?” shares artist Soleil Mannion.

“I began to think…have I ever

loved like that—enough to write 100 sonnets? I love my children enough that sometime my heart feels like it encompasses the world, but I don’t think I’d write them sonnets, a limerick or two and some very heartfelt letters, but not 100 sonnets. Then it came to me—I love painting that much”.

European born and Cowichan based Mannion’s paintings are in collections around the world.

Her patrons include a prominent British stage actor, a world famous West Coast singersongwriter and the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. She has been busy completing a series called 100 Paintings of Gratitude inspired by Chilean poet Pablo

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Neruda’s (1904-1973) book.

“I love the colours, the dance of the brush, the scrape of the pallet knife, the smell of the paint, the textures, the challenges. I could paint every day, all day. When I stand with my brushes and paint, I am one with the universe, I am complete. I walk on beaches in my paintings, I smell roses, gaze on stars, moons, storms, waves, wild horses. I feel truly alive.

As Walt Whitman would say: ‘I defuse my flesh in eddies and drift in lacy jags.

I defuse myself in paint and drift in azure glazes.’

Each painting in the series is done out of a deep sense of thankfulness that Mannion has for the ability, time, and means to be creative.

“My paintings capture and celebrate the sense of wonder and awe that I feel when I view my community and the world around me.

They are the tranquil manifestation of my lived experience, a representation of the light within us all.”

smiles Soleil The completion of 100 Paintings of Gratitude launches with a gratitude sale this March to express her appreciation to the wonderful community she lives in. Oil works on her website are 75%. Use promo code GRATITUDE with your enquiries.

Paintings can be viewed at www.soleilmannion.ca.

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merican philosopher and naturist Ralph Waldo Emerson eulogized weeds as plants ‘whose virtues have not been discovered.’

It’s in that spirit that Artist Diana Durrand portrays the common dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale), using bold paintings, delicate drawings and elegant sculptures, all intended to override our entrenched suburban bias against this much maligned species.

Her tribute, 100 Sleeping Dandelions, will be on display at Rainforest Arts, Chemainus, where Diana Durrand will be the featured artist for the months of March and April.

“From root to flower the dandelion is an edible, useful plant, its medicinal properties common knowledge among herbalists the world over,” Durrand says.

100 Sleeping Dandelions by Diana Durrand Yet, universally categorized as a noxious weed by homeowners and gardeners, the dandelion is mown down, poisoned and uprooted whenever it pops up on North American lawns, it’s hardy, prolific and incredibly adaptable nature is the only things keeping the species from eradicatication.

“With this eclectic body of work my goal is to represent the many aspects of the dandelion I have experienced, from my earliest delights as a child, to the nihilistic

adult attitude that has been cultivated by the home and garden industry,” Durrand says. “I’m hoping viewers can tap into some of their own childhood memories of picking, smelling, tasting and exchanging dandelions.”

Is the dandelion an ‘invasive species’, introduced to North America and the rest of the world by the planet’s most pervasive invader, European Homo Sapiens; or is it a hardy, totally edible plant that has adapted to its new environments and flourished against all odds, to the benefit

of human kind?

100 Sleeping Dandelions will shed some golden light on that question. You can preview the works at DianaDurrand.com 100 Sleeping Dandelions Exhibition Artist Talk with Diana Durrand March 9, 11am Runs March 1 to April 30 11am to 4pm daily, Rainforest Arts, 9781 Willow Street, Chemainus www.rainforestarts.ca

La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday MARCH 10 & 24 • 1pm

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 45

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Women’s Health

By Denise D’Fantis

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raditional Chinese Medicine, which dates back approximately 5,000 - 7,000 years ago, has a long history of addressing women’s health issues.

The earliest records of gynecological medical writings in China date from the Shang Dynasty (1500 - 1000 BC), while “The Treasure of Obstetrics”, written during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), constitutes the earliest book dedicated exclusively to obstetrics.

During the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), the Imperial Medical College in China contained nine individual departments, including Obstetrics and Gynecology.

This is undoubtedly the earliest medical school department dedicated exclusively to women’s health.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) many important gynecological books were written by doctors, including Standards of Diagnosis

Exquisitely hand-crafted works of art Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 251 Craig St., Downtown Duncan

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and Treatment of Women’s Diseases in 1602. This medical textbook summarized the experience of doctors from previous generations including their treatment of gynecological conditions.

In 2019 both women and men in the west are increasingly seeking acupuncture for the treatment of their conditions. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, (part of National Institutes of Health in the U.S.), in 2007, 3.1 million people in

the U.S. tried acupuncture, one million more than in 2002. By 2014 more than 10 million acupuncture treatments were being administered annually in the United States alone.

(Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2014 Jul; 3(4): 6–8.)

Acupuncture is an appealing alternative approach for many women who have had unsuccessful results with conventional medicine when it comes to their specific concerns.

Some of the conditions that acupuncture may assist women include

endometriosis, infertility, irregular menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, pregnancy concerns such as back pain and nausea, depression, and menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and anxiety.

While anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that acupuncture is a viable and potentially effective treatment modality for women’s unique health concerns, there is an increasing volume of scientific data that mirrors these claims. For example, according to a 2014 analytical study by the International Journal of Women’s Health and published in the US National Library of Medicine, “There is preliminary data indicating acupuncture may improve menstrual health and coping for women experiencing delays falling pregnant.

There is experimental data showing that acupuncture can influence female reproductive functioning, although the actual mechanisms involved are not yet clarified.” (Int J

Womens Health. 2014; 6: 313–325.)

While North American women continue to experience positive results with acupuncture, there is a simultaneous merging of acupuncture with modern, conventional medicine. For example,

Dr. Tara McElroy, an OB/ GYN from the Cleveland Clinic has incorporated acupuncture into her practice. According to Dr. McElroy, she is seeing greater success in treating problems that often resist Western medicine, such as female sexual dysfunction and compulsive overeating.

“Physicians feel helpless in these areas. I needed something more for my patients.” (‘Acupuncture Goes Mainstream: Why Doctors Are Increasingly turning To Acupuncture To Help Their Patients’, WebMD, Archives)

As acupuncture continues to gain legitimacy in mainstream medicine, the trend to incorporate modern western medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine will undoubtedly persevere, echoing the opinions of Dr. Tang Xong Hai (1862 - 1918) and Dr. Zhang Xi Chun (1860 - 1933), who both strongly advocated for an integration of Western medicine with Chinese Medicine.

Indeed, an integrative approach, one that encompasses the brilliance of modern medicine with the history and effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is one that will ensure that women receive the “best of both medical worlds”.

Cowichan Valley Acupuncture 170 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan 250 715 5649 47

Violet Reynolds, RMT, CASE, RDYT500 Classes: Somatics and Somatic Yoga Individual Appointments:Clinical Somatics

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the most gentle level you could do this in a chair and focus on the sense of the contact of your pelvis on the chair and the feet on the floor while opening the knees to comfort, keeping the chin level to the ground and extending the crown of the head toward the ceiling. Turn the toes outward at 45 degrees or to a position of comfort that allows the knees and toes to be facing in the same direction while you maintain comfort in the groin. People with knee pain can modify this asana by bending the knees less. Those with comfort and the strength to rise upward can bend deeper into the squatting position but not past a 90 degree bend at the knee.

The pose can be done statically by holding and breathing for 3 to 6 breaths, or it can be done dynamically by alternating between squatting and rising upward. Remember to build up your strength gradually over time and consult a professional if you have concerns.

Goddess Pose To Help You Overcome Obstacles Violet Reynolds RMT, Somatic Educator and RYT 500*, helping others in their wellness journey.

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et us all explore Goddess Pose as a way to celebrate International Women’s Day. This yoga form is also known as Temple or Horse and is not exclusive or gender specific. On a physical level this yoga asana strengthens the leg and pelvic muscles to help stabilize the joints of the hips and knees, as well as opening the inner thigh.

It is a practical way to keep ourselves strong enough to squat and rise again, as is required to come out of a chair or off the toilet. In countries that lack toilets people squat to relieve themselves. By incorporating this asana regularly you can maintain your independence and ability to use the toilet without needing assistance as you age. The strength gained from this pose can be helpful for those who use squatting as a birthing position.

The pose can be modified to suit your ability and comfort. At

The hands and arms can be held in a ‘cactus’ like position as in the photo or you can choose a version of holding the palms of the hands together at the area of the heart. If your low back has a tendency toward an increased curve or lordosis, gently draw the abdomen in toward the spine to engage your transversus abdominal muscle. *RYT 500 is when a teacher has successfully completed a 500-hour yoga teacher training registered with Yoga Alliance.

Basket Making with Maria Curtis

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y first basket, made 24 years ago, was fashioned from moist bendable leaves, vines and stalks interwoven with reed spokes. It still exists and serves as a prototype for some of my classes. The joy of weaving natural fibres into unique artful, useful, beautiful shapes, led me to a passion to find out all I could.

I joined a basket weaving guild. Members taught each other techniques, shared lots of information and together went gathering natural materials.

When one member found a basket that was particularly interesting, patterns and techniques would be shared.

Teachers from near and far were invited to gave classes in their specialties.

In my search to learn about cedar bark I came to the west coast. Local First Nation teachers kindly shared with me their deep respect for the sacredness of cedar. Watching a Sto’Lo Elder in the Fraser Canyon , the whole class became spellbound watching as she rhythmically wrapped ribbons of cedar root round and round with her bone awl making a waterproof container of intricate design. All the while she told us stories of her youth, of nature’s gifts and how valuable these kind of baskets once were. In those days, folks would trade horses for them. Working with cedar bark is a true joy, but gathering cedar bark and

cedar roots now has become a challenge because of the effects of logging and climate change. It really is a precious commodity.

I tend to work eclectically with local materials that are easier to gather. Some of which are: Leaves from cattail, bog iris, garden iris, gladiola, tule reeds, sedges, twigs and bark from willows, dogwood, maple, birch, vines from honeysuckle, English ivy, Virginia creeper and vinca. In our region there are also commercial growers of willow rods. Respectful and sustainable harvesting of basket materials requires knowledge of the plant’s cycles and its eco system.

Traditionally baskets are made in cultures all over the world.

All are hand-made using local fibres. They come in many shapes and sizes designed for functionality. A flat winnowing basket woven from grasses or

bamboo is quite different from the potato basket made from sturdy willow, or the flowing woven branches of a wall hanging. A finely coiled pine needle basket is so different from an ash splint storage basket, or a market basket. It is truly remarkable how extensive the creative possibilities are!

Her work can be viewed at http://ravensjoybasketry.wix. com/home Please register by contacting mariacurtis@shaw.ca or phone 250-748-7468 Basket Making Workshop With Maria Curtis Sunday, March 10th 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Cost: $90 360 Duncan St, Duncan

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Custom Tiaras from Little Bird!

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he tiara story began a few years ago when I wanted to give my Mum a gift for Mothers’ Day, and at 90, she didn’t really want for anything.

Now Open

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

Mum was born in London the same year as Queen Elizabeth, so she’s always felt a kinship with her. I decided to make her a tiara with some flexible aluminium wire I used to work with in my previous floral design days.

I created the simplest little wire crown spelling out “Mom” with a few rhinestones stuck on that I gifted her.

After first saying, “oh no I couldn’t” she wore it out to the restaurant and looked cute in it, where staff and patrons smiled at my Mum and commented on it.

The 2nd tiara that I made 6 months later was for my friend Jayne for her 60th birthday party. Buying wire and random beads in her favourite colours, I twisted together a pretty tiara and packed it in tissue and a box to bring to the party.

It was an instant hit! Jayne loved it, wore it all night, had photos taken and comments on it and she stood out in the crowd. I knew that night I was onto something and would love to sell them if possible.

A few years later that became a reality in my gift store Little

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Bird in Duncan. Over 14 months since opening I’ve made several hundred tiaras - custom orders, or ready-towear!

Handmade with shiny colourful aluminium wire, glass flowers, metal and ceramic charms, each one is unique and the best thing is they are customizable with many colour combination, names, words and ages.

They have been worn by -1 year olds to 95+ year olds and are size adjustable.

I’ve made a fun 2 tier “Queen of the Jungle” crown for a woman’s twin baby shower and added a life size silver fluttering butterfly to a 70th birthday tiara for a woman having her first birthday since becoming a widow. All sweet moments.

Recently a customer reminded me of a “Princess” tiara I made for her elderly Mother-in-law and apparently when she passed away she “wore it on the way out”- not sure exactly what that meant, but I felt honoured to have made it nonetheless!

They have been enjoyed locally, and mailed or carried all over the world.

Little Bird, 153 Station Street Downtown Duncan Submitted by Rose Wagner

SPRING BREAK SNACK Dark Chocolate Popcorn Drizzle Recipe courtesy Grant Easterbrook,

Visit us for delicious and healthy treats during

SPRING BREAK

The Olive Station, 225 Canada Ave, Downtown Duncan

This popcorn recipe is fun and creative for families to try. Kids can mix and match make their own custom popcorn creations

Ingredients

1/2 cup un-popped popcorn kernels 1 tbsp Butter or Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 tbsp Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot on medium-high heat 2. Pour in the popcorn kernels and cover with a lid, leaving a tiny bit of space to allow it to vent.

3. Remove popcorn from heat and pour into large bowl.

4. Our balsamic is thick, you can skip this step if you like - Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium heat, then lower heat to a simmer for 2-4 minutes until it thickens 5. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to mix!

Any of our 20 balsamic vinegars will work for popcorn.

As well as adding herb or fruit infused olive oils Vanilla, Strawberry, Blueberry, Blackberry Ginger, Espresso Balsamic are only a few that make fun popcorn.

Orange, Lemon, Lime, Dill,Chipotle infused olive oils, bring popcorn to a new healthy level.

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to 6” in depth. Most often the skin/head, commonly goat hide, was stretched across one side only. The drums were painted red or green, and bells or jingly rattly implements were often attached to the shell, very similar to modern tambourines.

Women Drummers In The Rhythm Of Life

T

here was a time in our history when the primary percussionists and drummers were women. In 2380 BC the first named drummer in history was a Mesopotamian priestess named Lipushiau.

She was the spiritual, financial and administrative head of the most important temple in the city state of Ur. Her emblem of office was a round frame drum, played by hand, to lead ceremonial chanting. As a leader and drummer, Lipushiau ruled.

The frame drum is defined by the diameter of the drum head being larger than the depth of its shell/frame. Ranging in diameter from 4” to 30” and 2”

In Mesopotamia, “the cradle of civilization”, the frame drum was the primary percussive instrument.

For more than 5,000 years, goddesses and priestesses in Mesopotamia, Turkey, Egypt, Greece and Rome, lead by celebrating the universe in her feminine form. The goddess and the drum were the core trance for these mystical religious traditions. These rave like gatherings were the oldest technology for altering consciousness, they would last for days, with non-stop drumming and dancing. In perspective, this was church.

My first drum teacher was Karen Lonsdale, a prominent musician in Duncans live music scene for decades.

She taught out of Dr Dykes old horse barn, at 163 Kenneth St, which was attached to her family‘s music store “Carters Music”. Drumming was a dominant force in her life. She taught with patience, passion and a large depth of knowledge.

As a 14-year-old drummer, she was exactly what I needed in a mentor.

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 52

The last 100 years, has seen a dramatic rise in the number of professional women musicians.

Starting in the roaring 20’s, this decade brought in new attitudes toward equal participation in a variety of societal activities, including playing popular music. The soundtrack of the era was jazz, and its popularity lead to the growth of music programs in schools.

This offered women new opportunities to learn to play an instrument, including the drums. The popularity and talent of this new generation of female musicians could no longer be denied.

By the mid 30’s, big bands were the rage, and several all female organizations rose to the top. Pauline Brady, known as “the queen of drums” was one of the best drummers of the era. Viola Smith, who’s showmanship, speed and chops earned her the title “ the fastest girl drummer” in the 1940’s. At 104, she still had a successful playing career, today she is 106.

The 60s ushered in a counterculture, with women heavily influencing pop music, and the girl groups of Motown were dominating.

Tina Ambrose, at the age of 17, and Honey Lantree, were the beat behind many British hit songs. Inspired by Honey, Karen Carpenter picked up the

sticks, driving 27 hit songs into the charts for “The Carpenters”.

Of these incredible women, Sheila E and Cindy Blackman are absolutely inspiring.

Sheila E, best known for her work with Prince, has forged an incredible career since 1976, as a drummer and percussionist.

Cindy Blackman, a stellar jazz drummer, has been the percussive force powering Lenny Kravitz’s band since 1993.

Contrary to popular perception, Women drummers are not short of role models. Mindy Abovitz, drummer and founder of “Tom Tom”, a quarterly magazine for and about female drummers, is one of thousands.

She started the magazine to celebrate women, change the music Industry, and create a supportive community to offer women and girls equal representation in the arts.

There’s so much about being a drummer that teaches you how to be a strong and independent person. Musical, artistic and poetic inspiration has always sprung from the divine feminine, and one of the main techniques for connecting to this power, is drumming.

Paul Jutras, founder of CHOPS, drumming is my passion, and teaching is from my heart.

Runs to March 10

Calling all voices and singers Sing For Trees

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oin Lila Music Centre’s Community Choir and share the joy of music in our annual fundraising concert! All voices and levels are welcome. No need to be able to read music as songs are taught collectively by ear and sound recordings. Choir director Cari Burdett creates a fun and friendly atmosphere.

She believes everyone can sing and is passionate about building community through music.

Wednesdays starting March 13th 6-7:30 pm experience the benefits of singing with others. Studies show that choral singing improves our mood, decreases stress, depression and anxiety. Singing in a choir improves feelings of social wellbeing and supposedly increases life expectancy!

Come join our choir and live longer!

The choir sings gospel, world, folk, pop, and a mix of different styles. This term there will also be a children’s choir from the

nature homeschooling group and all youth that would like to join the choir are welcome to come and give it a try.

This choir session culminates in the Sing for Trees fundraising concert in June (DTA) with professional musicians, children’s choir and adult choir combined. Funds raised will go towards the www.WhereDoWeStand.ca group, who have been raising awareness in our Cowichan Valley about the importance of taking a pause in logging of North Cowichan Municipal Forests to allow time for public consultation and to learn about ways in which North Cowichan can support and maintain our six Community Forests in the best way imaginable.

The choir meets at 3228a Gibbins Rd Duncan BC. Fees are on a sliding scale. www.joythroughmusic.com

Fabulous Food.

Fabulous Prices.

With 26 restaurants, countless culinary adventures and unbeatable prices, everyone can Dine Cowichan. Ask for the Dine Cowichan Menu at participating restaurants.

Festival runs to March 10 Participating Restaurants & Menus Online: www.duncancc.bc.ca

Dine Cowichan Participants South Cowichan: Summit Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort, Bridgemans Bistro, The Mill Pizza & Grill, Village Chippery, Merridale Cider & Distillery, 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

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, Royal Dar, CVI Restaurant & Lounge, Just Jakes Restaurant, Craig Street Brew Pub, White Spot, The Ainslie Chemainus: Odika Cafe, Sawmill TapHouse & Grille Bistro Lake Cowichan: Farm Table Inn

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Love in A Book

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he Waldorf Book of Poetry – Here, in one place, is one of the greatest collections of poetry ever brought together.

The love that has gone into the selecting this anthology is evident on every page. There isn’t a single great poem you won’t find inside the covers of this book. There are classics, modern poems and some of the “old favorites” — written

especially for Waldorf schools.

In addition, the design of the book is meant for years of use, with a sturdy hard cover and bond paper. It’s organization is gifted, leaving anyone who even glances at the table of contents hungry to read more.

In addition to the hundreds of beautiful, engaging poems to share with students of all ages, there is a Foreword by Eugene Schwartz that anyone who is teaching children will love. Here Eugene shares his classroom experience and methods of using poems such as these. For those teaching at home, or who are new to the classroom, this foreword is a gift that makes The Waldorf Book of Poetry into a resource not just to be loved, but also used.

This is the book that will feed the hearts and minds of children for years to come.

books at The Freya-Sophia Waldorf and Steiner Book Store in the Sol Centre open 10 - 4 Monday through Saturday.

Nicolette can be found lovingly and enthusiastically tending this wonderful gem of a store every Wednesday 10 - 4 p.m.

To be notified of Steinerinspired events and study groups in the valley contact nicolette111@icloud.com.

Website coming soon!

Just one favourite from the extraordinary selection of

PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

OPEN HOUSE

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 to admissions@sunrisewaldorfschool.org

Upcoming Open House Dates

MARCH

OPEN HOUSE KINDERGARTEN 2148 LAKESIDE RD, DUNCAN 250 743-7253

KINDERGARTEN Saturday, March 2 - 10am - 12pm Saturday, March 30 - 10am - 12pm PRESCHOOL Saturday, May 4 - 9:30am - 11am

www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org

RSVP54Required

Spring Break Staycation Fun

Duncan Dynamics Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club is your “Go-To” for Spring Break activity for kids ages 3 to 12! Kids who attend our camps will focus on gymnastics skills training, co-operation skills and social interaction. They will play gymnastics games, run obstacles, learn new skills and jump & play! Preschool Camps are available for your 3-5 year old Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week from 1-2pm or 2-3pm or you can choose to do both for a full 2 hour class!

Preschool Camp classes cost $12.50* each. For the big kids, kindergarten to grade 7, full day and half day classes are offered Monday -Friday each week from 8:30 - 12:30pm or 1 - 5pm or full day from 8:30am- 5pm. Each class costs $25.* 10% off if you book full days and full weeks $225.* All gymnasts must have membership and insurance with Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club. The cost is $22 and is valid up to August 31st. Register through our Parent Portal on our website www.ddgc.ca.

COWICHAN ESTUARY NATURE CENTRE A Day in the Life of a Camper is Hard to Beat

We wanted to make sure your kids have another chance to get outdoors and soak up the beauty and joy that nature exploration offers. This spring break Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is soaring high with two fun filled days lead by our amazing educator, and ornithology expert – that is right for all you bird lovers we have our first bird expert camp instructor! Your kids will come home tweeting, and hooting new bird calls!

ISLAND GEM Island Gem have some fun and creative classes for ages 8-11 with beading instructor Sandie.

Hemp Bracelet- A multi strand braided and beaded bracelet that speaks to the inner jewellery designer within you. Class fee is $15 + materials. Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 19 from 10 am- noon.

Morse Code Necklace with Sliding knot-Come in with a phrase that speaks to you. “I am amazing”, “My Name Is ....”

We will teach you about Morse Code, and you will write that phrase on your own necklace in Morse Code. Tuesday March 12, 10 am-noon. Class fee $15 + materials.

Simple Stringing- Create your own necklace or bracelet and learn how to crimp and finish properly. Monday, March 18 9:30 am - 12 noon. Class fee: $15 + materials. Up to Parents and child to choose the beads on the morning of or a day prior to class. Please come in on time to choose as it may take some time.

Maximum 6 children for all classes For more information or to register call 250-597-4369.

Island Gem and Bead #2-378 Trunk Rd by Sports Traders

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Spring is just around the corner and we’re buzzing with excitement as we prepare for our road trip to the Crystal Pyramid to peruse the beautiful new gems and treasures and make some special selections for our soul-full little shop...expect to see some unique and vibrant finds! In honour of the coming energy of Spring, we focus our attention on the life giving waters of our precious earth hOMe- giving gratitude for this cleansing, purifying and healing element. Enhance your water to heavenly gem-water with our stunning collection of VitaJuwel gem-water bottles and accessories - 10% off the entire line for the month of March. New from Wild Woman Medicine Show... locally made “smudge pots”for on the go energizing and clearing. Visit us to learn more and explore our unique sacred gemstone jewelry, Autumn Skye artworks, locally handcrafted eco-clothing & accessories, precious crystals and more! Find us on Instagram @cfsforthesoul and like us on our Facebook page ‘CFS for the Soul’- for product info, events, announcements and more!

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“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them” ~ Albert Einstein What do we need to move ourselves past the brain-bound materialistic thinking that is resulting in the demise of our planet?

We all see the problems … but what are the solutions? Where do we go from here? Well, first of all, we must realize, like Einstein said, that the same thinking that got us here is not going to help us arrive at the solutions. Based on a true understanding of man as a threefold being; body, soul, spirit, the work of Rudolf Steiner sheds new light on every subject from education, medicine, economy, art, science, nature, artificial intelligence, farming, agriculture, learning disabilities, aging, death, adolescence, conflict, addiction and so much more. Here is but a small sampling of the excellent, very much recommended books we carry. You are welcome to come in for a book or just a conversation. Browsing is encouraged. ~Nicolette

Initiative, a Rosicrucian Path of Leadership, Torin M. Finser Finser calls for individual initiative.

Drawing on a variety of rich cultural and spiritual traditions, he makes the case for social change that begins within; new innovative solutions for contemporary challenges.

Confronting Conflict; first aid kit for handling conflict by Friedrich Glasl.

Conflict costs! When tensions and differences are ignored they grow into conflicts, injuring relationships and organisations. So, how can we confront conflict successfully?

Vision in Action; Working with Soul & Spirit in Small Organizations by T. Voors & Chris Schaefer.

A workbook for those involved in social creation-- This is a user friendly, hands-on guide for developing healthy small organizations-ones with soul and spirit.

The Spiritual Guidance of the Individual and Humanity, by Rudolf Steiner What--or who--is this wisdom with which we begin our earth life? Looking within ourselves and at human history, we are able to understand the spiritual guidance of humanity and human beings.

Education in Search of the Spirit, by John Gardner: Real education will always seek to strengthen what is best in the human soul and address it’s true longing for spiritual truth, an affinity with the rest of humanity, with planet Earth, and with the great cosmos above and beyond.

To Look on Earth with more than Mortal Eyes by Marjorie Spock, an environmentalist, eurythmist, biodynamic gardener, Waldorf teacher, author and poet, best known for her influence on Rachel Carson when the latter was writing Silent Spring.

Here at the FSWS we carry a very large selection of books to help parents and teachers with all stages of childhood from pre-birth, conception, infancy and toddlerhood right through to adolescence. Other subjects include education, science, agriculture, gardening, bees, music, poetry, nature, water, death, autism, addiction, Eurythmy, movement, philosophy, ancient mysteries, mythology, esoteric Christianity, meditation, nutrition, elementals, medicine, economics, Camphill, art, form drawing, handwork, felting, knitting, painting, celebrating festivals, seasonal activities and so much more. We hope you will come visit us soon.

“If we do not believe within ourselves this deeply rooted feeling that there is something higher than ourselves, we shall never find the strength to evolve into something higher.” ~ Rudolf Steiner Anthroposophy is a path of knowledge, to guide the Spiritual in the human being to the Spiritual in the universe.

~Rudolf Steiner

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Acoustic Ecology, How Discovering True Silence Might Be Our Next Great Act

Heron who has made its annual return to their nesting grounds above the Bay. The call of this magnificent bird is a sound as familiar to those of the Bay as the roar of the California and Steller Sea Lions who typically make their appearance after the fall equinox.

ook overhead today, and in many parts of Canada one might see those familiar white flakes. But on the shores of Cowichan Bay it is more likely you’ll see the wings, spanning close to 6 feet, of a Great Blue

In the past, the sounds of nature were perhaps something we would use more frequently to guide our day, or even our year. But today, I wonder if those sounds are being missed, lost behind ear buds or time spent indoors, or drowned

L

Image courtesy Barry Hetschko

out by the concentrated mind searching for something on a smart phone.

I once reached for a phone call, having heard the duck ringtone I’d assigned to the incoming calls of a close friend, only to realize quite shamefully that it was not the sound of my duck ringtone but in fact a real duck flying overhead! I laughed in disbelief, and embarrassment; how far I had gone from my connection to real time nature.

Over the years we hear more and more about how important it is that we get outside, get back to nature, bathe in the forest, but I wonder how often we hear about the need to notice, or even preserve, our natural soundscape.

Acoustic Ecologist, Gordon Hempton, believes that silence is an endangered species. By silence, he doesn’t mean the absence of sound, but an absence of artificial noise, and more particularly noise pollution. He considers that we are losing the places on the planet where we can simply hear the earth, the raven call, the fledging of a barn swallow.

Down in the bay it’s hard to consider getting away from

58

noise altogether. But, there is a cornucopia of natural soundscape to soak up if you are willing to shed a device or two and turn your ears towards the skies or sea. Listening might not be just a skill for building our emotional intelligence, but could also be a key factor in enjoying, and potentially preserving the spaces that house such natural and real time sounds. I’d like to think we could begin to explore listening more broadly, maybe one day making a sound map in our community.

For now, we are working towards offering chances for kids to have their own sound discoveries in nature, by getting them onto the shores and looking up to the skies in our Soaring Eagle Spring Nature Camp, a one day immersion for children 5-7, and 8-11. We are also interested to hear what sounds you are enraptured by, and invite you to share your discoveries by visiting us at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, located in Hecate Park, Cowichan Bay.

By Alicia Taylor, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre

March at Mount Washington

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pring is a fantastic time to visit Mount Washington Alpine Resort just two hours north of the Cowichan Valley. The winter crowds have dissipated, the days are longer and the weather milder.

Spring snow conditions are perfect for beginners learning to ski or ride and optimum for advanced enthusiasts looking to fine tune a few more skills.

But hey! You don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy spring in these snow capped mountains. The resort also offers snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fat biking and tubing for all ages. Specially designated trails are available for all winter activities and Raven and Alpine lodges both have rental shops and retail shops to set you up with everything you need.

Have a dog? Mt Washington’s Nordic area has two dog friendly trails to explore.

Off leash and on leash areas

are clearly marked with signs so responsible pet owners know exactly where they are welcome. After picking up a trail pass in Raven lodge we ventured along the Snow Paws trail with our mini retriever for a senic adventure through the trees. A great activity to do with the dog while the kids have fun in ski school. Raven’s Revenge is another dog friendly route with a challenging cross country ski and fat bike trail with stunning views.

Don’t let spring conditions fool your good sense. Though the days may be warm and sunny, the nights are still often very cold. This can create thaw and freeze like conditons on the slopes. Mornings can be icy, so always begin with a few easy warm up runs to assess the conditons. Consult the local forecast and dress in layers prepared for the coldest temperatures of the day.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses! Adequate sun protection for your face and lips are essential this time of year. Remember on the mountain the sun reflects off the snow and the rays are stronger making you more susceptible to burning. Lastly, drink water throughout the day. The resort has many water fountains and hydration stations at Alpine and Raven Lodge to help you stay hydrated while you have fun.

Submitted by Richard Badman

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Valleyview

Centre

So much to offer!

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Wellness

Food

Reiki Wellness 250 743-8122 Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared, Acupuncture, Reflexology Flourish Hypnosis 250-929-0202 Stop Smoking, Lose Weight, Remove Fears, Boost Confidence

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

We Welcome New Patients!

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

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

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

Delicious East Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

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

What You Need To Know About Snow Damaged Gutters:

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s you are well aware, the Cowichan Valley received the most snowfall on the South Coast this winter. And now that the white stuff has begun to melt you may notice some damage to your gutter system.

As you assess this damage, note that it is usually caused by one of three factors: Debris filled gutters cause ice dams that do not allow water to flow freely to the ground and add extra weight to the system.

Gutters have not been fastened securely to the fascia or truss ends, or inadequate hangars have been used.

Ice build-up caused by a warm, improperly insulated roof has cause added weight to the system, buckling gutters or causing them to break away from the building.

Prevention: Clean gutters at least twice a year, with one of these cleanings taking place before the first snowfall. Debris build-up can cause ice dams that not only prevent water from flowing properly to the ground, but also add extra weight to your system that can cause gutters to buckle, warp, and even break away from the fascia.

Make sure your gutters are secured properly. Gutters are secured to your fascia or truss ends by hangars that generally

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come in three different types: quick screw on, stamped, and spikes. Spikes are generally seen on older systems and will not withstand heavy snowfall.

Stamped hangars are the most widely used, and though they are a definite improvement on spikes, they tend to allow the outer lip of the gutter to pull away under the weight of ice or snow. With their reinforced design, quick screw-on hangars provide the best protection against bending, twisting and crushing.

A quality gutter guard such as Gutter Sentry or Alurex can replace hangars and add exponentially to the strength of a gutter system. They also prevent ice build-up and allow melting snow and ice to be directed through the system and away from your building’s foundation.

Make sure your roof is properly insulated, and that any and all hidden air leaks are sealed.

A poorly insulated attic melts snow too quickly and causes it to form ice on the edge. The ice accumulates, pushes under the shingles and leads to major damage when the ice melts.

If you have a metal roof, it is recommended that you also install snow stop. Melting snow, with or without guard, can slide off the roof and become a hazard to anything or anyone who happens to be below.

Tamu Miles, Freelance journalist, blogger, and office manager at Vancouver Island Gutter.

250 715 6174

C

Documentary - A Just Society

anada is one of the riches countries in the world. It rates each year as one of the top countries to live in. So how is it possible that in 2017 in Canada 3,987 people died of opioids related abuse...1399 in British Columbia alone!

This is the question that documentary film producer Nick Versteeg asks in his latest documentary “A Just Society”.

In the film Nick and Geoff Johnson interview a wide range of people to let the viewer understand that we are all in this together. This crisis affects all of us. Nick feels it is time that we start dealing with the stigma surounding substance abuse.

Governments, health authorities, first responders, addiction workers and medical personnel struggle to cope with the opioid epidemic and shocking rise in overdose deaths.

The leaders of this country have to start listening not only to the people on the street but to the people at the heart of this challenge. Knocking down the walls of silence that keep people from talking about substance abuse is an important step towards addressing the overdose crisis in Canada. Recognizing that people who use drugs are real people, can helps to put a human face behind the numbers of so many preventable tragedies.

Nick’s goal is to have a frank discussion on stage and questions from the viewers after the showing of the documentary on what we need here in the Cowichan Valley.

Let’s talk about ideas, the entire goal of this documentary is to make the viewer understand that we are all in this together, as all of us want a Just Society.

Nick Versteeg has been a producer for the past 38 years.

He has produced documentaries for the Discovery Channel, A&E, CBC and CTV and ten years for the Food Network in Canada and the US. On the Island Nick is well known for his award winning “ Once Upon a Day Cowichan”, “Resilience”, the story about the Cowichan river. “Seventy One Years” the story about a second world war plane that was found a few years ago and “The History of the Malahat” a comical look at the building of the Malahat Hwy. His last two documentaries on Nepal featured the earthquake in Nepal and the rebuilding two years after.

DELICIOUS MEALS MADE FROM SCRATCH

A Just Society Documentary Film: The Story of our opiod crisis and substance abuse, March 28, 7pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 1-877-856-0806

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Featuring our famous crêpes & bennys!

1765 COWICHAN BAY RD • 250 597 7373 61

S

Cleaning For Allergy Season

pring time will soon be upon us and with any luck warmer weather will bring pollenating trees and flowers to accompany the ever present mix of dust bunnies and west coast mould and mildew. You can help reduce allergy sufferers’ symptoms in the home by incorporating a few regular house cleaning tips.

• First and foremost as much as it’s tempting to throw open the doors and windows to air out the winter stuffiness, it’s better the keep them closed to keep out airborn allergens. Some studies show that pollen counts are lower on rainy days and days without wind and other studies state pollen counts are lower before dawn and later in the evening so if you crave fresh spring air open windows on a calm, rainy, evening.

your home it is definitely worth buying a good quality vacuum with True Hepa Filtration, the “True” part is important. Many lesser quality vacuums boast hepa filters but only True Hepa is hospital grade and effective at trapping micro sized allergens that become airborn when sucked up through the vacuum and are not released through the vacuums exhaust back into the air that you breathe. Make sure to get under and behind furniture when vacuuming.

• Replace HVAC air filters regularity.

• Steam clean carpets and upholstered furniture.

• Launder and damp dust window coverings.

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to prevent dust mites.

• Take shoes off and clean entrance ways regularity to limit what gets tracked inside.

Fuzzy the hawt dawg guy is now Fuzzy The Realtor

• I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, microfibre is awesome.

A damp microfibre cloth will trap dust, pet dander etc. instead of releasing it into the air.

Microfibre dusters should be used instead of feather dusters for the same reason. Also invest in a microfibre mop frame with pads for dry and wet, the dry pad should be used instead of sweeping to capture debris.

Pro tip • vacuum the dry pad off before washing it to keep clumps out of your washer.

• Residential • Agri Business • Strata I www.aedisrealty.ca I (250)797-7770

• Speaking of vacuuming, if you have allergy sufferers in

We’ve a whale of a good reputation!

• Pool installs, service & maintenance • Hot tub service, including bio-film flushes • Equipment repair/replacement & supplies • Inspections & consultations Mention this ad for a 10% discount on service or supplies

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• Shower and wash your hair when you come inside or at least before crawling into bed.

In addition to cleaning my house, as an allergy sufferer, I always seek advice from a nutritionalist or naturopath prior to allergy season to cleanse my body as well.

Wishing you and your family less sneezing and sniffling this season!

Tracey Hanson, proud Cowichan Valley community member and business owner www.cleanchoice cleaners.com

Contact Mike, owner & certified technician

CALL: 250-466-4050 TEXT: 778-837-0138

EMAIL: orcaspaservice@gmail.com

www.orcapoolandspa.com

Be Ahead of The Game Getting Your Acreage Ready for Sale

CUSTOM CLOSETS CABINETRY AND HOME STORAGE Our innovative custom closets, walk-in wardrobes and cabinets solutions ensure that we utilize all of the space available to its best advantage. Choose from a wide range of colours and finishes, we provide a superior product manufactured here in Canada.

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irst impressions are important. A tidy acreage with open spaces free of “junk”, trimmed trees an inviting yard make your acreage look cared for and move in ready. Prospective home buyers will take less time to “think it over” and more time to act, in preparing an offer for your home, when home systems, zoning information and lot/land plan is presented neatly in a binder at first viewing. This takes some preparation time. A maintenance list shows your home has been cared for.

Water Quality Testing: A potability test (microbiology and chemistry) takes arounds 2 weeks to get full results back. A water treatment company can supply a bottle and suggest treatment options. Improving water quality takes time, start 2 months prior to sale. Follow professional advice on how to test and treat your water. Keep a copy of results for your sale binder.

Septic System: A “pre-sale inspection” is suggested. Septic systems do not require a full inspection at the sellers expense since buyers will have to satisfy themselves on the condition of the septic system. Septic fields over 20 years may not meet current standards. Keep a copy of last maintenance and pre-sale inspection in your sale binder.

Septic system capacity should be considered when marketing your home as a multiple family dwelling. Honesty is the best policy when reporting your septic system information.

Tree Pruning: Trim back bushes, weeds and give the fruit trees a good pruning. Trim in the dormant, cool months. (See the February pruning article ) You don’t want to miss showing off your beautiful spring fruit tree blossoms.

Yard Clean Up: Sell off or haul away all extra junk: “ vintage” tools, cars, machinery, barn wood…. there may be charities that will pick it up. There’s money in that yard, but finding the right buyers takes time. Start at least 2 months before you list your home for sale.

Exterior Clean Up: Power wash your buildings and sidewalks. Get rid of moss on roofs, to give your roof a newer look A bleach solution in your sprayer will get the mold off north facing walls, Rinse them well. If the paint peels easily its worth touching up with primer then paint.

Decks and Patios: Clean, refinish or resurface outdoor deck spaces. Prospective buyers are viewing your property because they love the outdoors. Consider buying new or updated patio furniture that you can take with you when you move or use as a bargaining tool during the sale.

Place a bright potted plant as a focus in your outdoor space.

Wondering where to start?

Give Vida a call on how to get more appeal and value in selling your acreage or farm.( 250) 7430043.

Vida Glaser is a REALTOR with Pemberton Holmes Real Estate living in the Cowichan Valley.

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Join Us For An Introduction To Connected Living...

Y

ou are your most valuable asset. Your life, your potential and your possibilities are the most precious personal assets you have. We all need help in our stressful adult lives to reach these potentials, clear out blocks, embody resilience, and build our emotional, spiritual and mental capacities. Connected Living personal growth seminars help you to connect in a deeper and more meaningful way to yourself, to others around you, and to your fellow citizens in the larger community.

Dr. Margie Gayle and Shawna Hett invite you to join them for a two day transformational workshop in Duncan on March 9th and 10th. You will be

introduced to the principles and concepts of the Core Awakening Program, and explore what it means to be connected — on the inside, and in relationship with others. You will discover the more authentic, vulnerable part of you that you keep hidden out of fear; understand the lens you’ve developed from your unique life experiences; uncover the way your lens prevents you

Island Hellerwork & Somatic Counselling ALIGN - CONNECT - EMBODY

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

islandhellerwork.com I 250-661-1687

from enjoying more satisfying and fulfilling connections; and experience a deeper connection with yourself and those around you.

Connected Living personal growth seminars focus on a strength-based “whole person “ approach featuring Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP) practices that cover all elements of the human experience -- the mind, body, emotion and spirit.

Our seminars are educational, experiential, and therapeutic.

The facilitators, both Integrative Body Psychotherapists and teachers, lovingly provide a safe container for you to experience profoundly transformational work and insight into yourself.

“This workshop helped me realize that I already have aliveness –- I just didn’t have the tools to access it and my habits were numbing it. Tools for a healthy sense of self to take into personal and professional relationships, parenting and in fact, being in this world.” ~ Participant

Oceanfront Suites in Cowichan Bay -- A three-day workshop for couples who wish to rediscover the sacred and profound in their relationship.

Become a more connected partner, parent and individual, and reconnect with your core sense of Self on a deep level.

“Every couple deserves to deepen their blessed union and love this way. My aliveness, joy, connection with myself and my beautiful sexuality have been awakened -- the one who longs for reconnecting on a deeper level with my incredible life partner and best friend. Our lives have been deeply enriched and we are grateful.” ~ Participant Register today at www.connectedlivingseminars.ca or call Shawna at 250-709-5501 • Visit www.ibponline.com for more information about IBP.

In addition, on March 22, 23 and 24, Connected Living are presenting our Connected Couples workshop at the

Nichiren Peace Center Retreats - 2019 Sat. 9th March “A Day of Meditation & Mindfulness”• Sat. 13th April “A Day of Faith” • Sat. 15th June “Kundalini Energy” • Sat. 13 July “Buddha Now” • Aug. 11 - 18 “Tien Tai, Silent Retreat • Sat. 21st Sept. “A Day of Meditation & Mindfulness”

Visit us at www.VIRetreats.com for full information and registration I 250. 710. 7594 64

Diana Pink is a Holistic Health Practitioner & Mentor -A Fresh Start ~ Detox Your Life dianaj@shaw.ca 250 597 2102

Image above; Salmon Run, by Dr. Goetz Schuerholz.

Estuary, Cradle of Life

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riends of the Cowichan Valley Public Art Gallery (CVPAG) and the Cowichan Estuary Restoration and Conservation Association (CERCA) have come together to organize and implement an art show in Duncan. Focus of this show will be art work related to the estuary under the title “Estuary, Cradle of Life�. Artists from Vancouver Island and beyond have been invited to see and understand our estuaries in fresh ways. Artists interested in contributing to the show have been guided by scientists through the Cowichan Estuary with the aim of opening their eyes, hearts and minds to this unique ecosystem which continues to attract artists from all over to settle and produce exquisite art in the inspiring ambience of the Cowichan Valley.

Artists have submitted previous and new art objects; if chosen by the jury they will have the opportunity to show their work at the art exhibition in March. Both contemporary and traditional work from more than fifteen contributing artists in a variety of media will be on display in the Arbutus Gallery of the Island Savings Center.

mobile estuary exhibition in the joining Mesachie Room which also will serve as a venue for lectures on the estuary and talks by contributing artists as part of the overall agenda. The high quality mobile estuary exhibit, produced by CERCA in close cooperation with the Royal BC Museum, will provide visitors with the opportunity to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the estuary.

This exciting art show and estuary exhibition, open to the public throughout March, is expected to please art lovers and visitors alike. It is hoped that the show will contribute to raising awareness of the ecological and socio-culturaleconomic importance of estuaries encouraging visitors to register and take part in guided estuary walks offered as part of the show program.

This show promises to become a unique experience seeing the fascinating aspects of such a dynamic ecosystem through the eyes of artists, be it as a painting or threedimensional object.

March 4-23, Arbutus Gallery, Island Savings Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan

CERCA will install its 65

LUCKY DOG U Bath or

Book your professional grooming online through our website or on facebook.

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1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch

SPACIOUS SUITES • PICKUP AND DROP-OFF SERVICE • KITTY CAMS Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

That Cat Hotel Moira Mercer

250 749 6263 hbcathotel@gmail.com

www.ThatCatHotel.ca

T

he Cittaslow, or slow city movement was born 20 years ago in Italy and this year marks ten since Cowichan Bay joined the international community. Currently there are 252 Cittaslow communities worldwide, (4 in Canada) and our very own Cowichan Bay holds the distinction of being the first Canadian city designated!

Sharing Slow City Values

Cittaslow communities are unique in many ways but they all share certain common values.

Protecting the environment, preserving local history and traditions, supporting arts and craftsmanship, and especially the production and consumption of local food and wine are all fundamental Cittaslow values.

These communities desire uniqueness, and quality over quantity in their public spaces, restaurants and shops.

Even if you are not officially a Cow-Bay resident, I’d guess that the spirit of Cittaslow exists in many Voice readers.

Our micro-communities and ‘towns’ here in the Cowichan Valley are full of people with slow city values. Many of us choose to live here because we desire access to nature, and we care about protecting it. Many of us are craftsman, gardeners and do-it-yourselfers. We grow food and we make stuff and we play outside. We slow down at local markets and farm stands and wineries because we care about eating local and we want to support our neighbors. We are proud of the history and traditions and incredible unique identity of where we live.

Does this sound like you? Do you brake for egg stands, get a weekly CSA box or even grow your own food? Do you swear by your favorite local winery or bakery? Do you pro-actively support local small businesses

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and artisans? Do you think that living in a community of like-minded people who share these common values could improve your quality of life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have the Cittaslow spirit inside of you!

Dorothea Siegler is a local member who is proud to embody slow city values in her daily life. She made a wonderful video to showcase her Cittaslow lifestyle and we invite you all to watch it. You can find it online on at: https://www.facebook. com/CittaslowCowichan/ videos/142819736673585/ Cittaslow is really about all about community and we would love to stay connected with the people who make up ours. Follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts, both @cittaslowcowichan to stay updated on our news and events.

Want to share with us? Try using #cittaslowcowichan to share and show off your Cittaslow lifestyles and values. Share what you ate, drank, grew, built or made locally. Show off your environmentalism. Brag about your favorite sustainable business, winery or farm. Show off something you slowed down to enjoy about Cowichan today.

Renee Robbins Holistic nutritionist, whole foodie, Cittaslow Cowichan board member, homegrownnutrition. ca

Are you getting away this March break?

Be sure to stock up on all your holiday essentials!

The CFS Wellness Department carries many effective tools to keep your family safe, healthy & happy while travelling to sunny destinations.

We have a large selection of toxin free and coral reef friendly sunscreens to protect your winter skin from those rays. Travelers’ probiotics can help to prevent gastro-intestinal upset common when eating in foreign countries. Activated charcoal can alleviate symptoms of a virus or food poisoning should this occur.

The CFS Wellness Advisory Team is a unique group of compassionate, knowledgeable & committed Holistic Health Care professionals. We strive to meet each of our customers where they are at, in their uniquely individual journeys, with curiosity and humility.

Our enthusiastic team is stacked with credentials in Holistic Nutrition, Herbology & Energy Medicine. It is our collective calling to serve and we are always here to help!

Free Wellness Seminars Thursdays 5 - 6:30 pm on the CFS Mezzanine March 7th: Herbal Medicine for Viral infections in Children with Andrea Larsen ***** March 28th: Tissue Salts for Pain and Illness with Mitch Mahler, featuring Ki Hay-fever & Allergy Control tablets.

Load up now and suffer less when the pollen flies!

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!”

Sitting Bull

The Community Farm Store Organic Health & Whole Food Market www.communityfarmstore.ca TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:

HIGHWAY #1 250-748-6227

DUNCAN GARAGE 250-597-3644

Essential Oils for Travel The original antibacterial, anti-fungal & antiviral Marseille’s Remedy Thieves’ Oil can be diluted into many handy travelling tools— hand sanitizer, effective fungicide for feet & hands, pest deterrent (think mites, lice, worms & fleas), pathogen & odour remover, and inflammation, oral pain & congestion reliever.

It can be used in the same way as Tea Tree or Oregano Oils, plus the organic essential oils of Clove Bud, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Rosemary smell amazing!

HIGHWAY 1 250-748-6227 #2-5380 HWY 1 Next to Sol-Centre

DUNCAN GARAGE 250-597-3644 330 DUNCAN ST Downtown

8—7 Monday 8—7 Tuesday 8—7 Wednesday 8—7 Thursday 8—7 Friday 8—7 Saturday 10—6 Sunday

8-5:30 Monday 8-5:30 Tuesday 8-5:30 Wednesday 8-5:30 Thursday 8-5:30 Friday 8-5:30 Saturday 8—5 Sunday

OPEN 10—6 HOLIDAYS

CLOSED ON STAT HOLIDAYS

10,000 square feet of one-stop organic, planet friendly, family friendly, market-style shopping -- here to serve you 7 days/week!

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In Celebration of Birth Psychology Month:

Imagine for Baby

Christina Hamill RCST® supports pregnant mothers, new parents and newborns, offers breastfeeding support and free newborn screenings. She is registered with the BCTA/NA and is a member of APPPAH. Discover more about her services at cowichancraniosacral.com

Imagine if all maternity caregivers and parents recognized that the birthing process is not actually finalized until the 9 instinctive stages of the newborn have been achieved, one by one, during skin to skin contact with their mother. Imagine if it was recognized that reaching all these significant newborn stages strengthens attachment between mother & baby, which supports the ignition of maternal instincts that will contribute greatly to intuitive mothering and optimize breastfeeding success. Imagine if it was understood that yielding to the full completion of these 9 primary milestones gives babies their best chance at thriving from birth through childhood and into adulthood.

The 9 Instinctive Newborn Stages: • birth cry • relaxation • awakening • activity • rest • breast crawl • familiarization • suckling • sleep

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Imagine if all birth attendants and all parents had this insight and consequently prioritized giving babies the time they need to rest on their mother and reorient themselves from having been in utero to now being an outside baby. They first and foremost need to secure their attachment to their mother at their own pace, in order to feel safe and ready to gradually meet their new surrounding world with a sense of warmth, acceptance, belonging, and achievement.

Imagine if it was common knowledge that moving through this process helps in preparing infants to learn and become conscientious citizens wishing to grow and contribute something meaningful of themselves to the world.

I invite you to imagine because as adults, using our imagination is one of the best tools we have to relate to what a baby’s experience might be and it invites a necessary pause in order for that to happen. In the pause, a curiosity awakens that opens the door to new ways of seeing, listening, thinking and understanding what might be happening for a baby who cannot verbalize what is going on for them. Awareness of what a baby’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs are depends greatly on the adults in the room slowing down and taking a genuine interest in protecting and connecting with the wellbeing of the baby’s body, mind and spirit I recommend exploring more information about Birth Psychology by visiting the Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH) at birthpsychology.com

Tónico de Cristal de Quarzo El cuarzo y el agua son dos de los elementos más simbólicos de nuestro planeta. Ambos abundantes, están íntimamente relacionados con la naturaleza y sus ciclos y por supuesto con los nuestros.Nuestro organismo forma aparte de un TODO. Esta pertenencia al TODO hace que en cada uno de nosotros haya un pedazo de ese TODO al igual que lo hay en el Cuarzo y el Agua. Es precisamente ese “algo” común lo que desata la sincronía del ser humano con estos en apariencia, inanimados materiales.

Se considera que el cuarzo blanco nos protege contra la falta de energía y vitalidad, lo que nos ayuda a potenciar nuestros aspectos positivos y minimizar las influencias negativas. Sus tiene la capacidad de sanar las enfermedades provocadas por cambios bruscos de temperatura durante la primavera, favorece la circulación linfática, es un excelente diurético y estimula la lactancia.

También recibe, transmite y nos amplía las energías positivas en todos los niveles, mejora la memoria, y se la considera una de las piedras universales que mejoran estados de ansiedad, ayuda a meditar, alivia estados de confusión.

Existe una teoría acerca de la capacidad del agua para memorizar. Parece ser que si sobre un determinado volumen de agua, proyectamos... digamos

que el dibujo de la imagen que un microscopio pueda darnos, por ejemplo, de algún virus o veneno, el agua que recibiría tal proyección, pasado un tiempo quedaría impregnada de las características del mismo. Parece como si nuestro más preciado elemento tuviese una conciencia de organismo VIVO y evolucionase de forma muy acorde con su entorno.

Para preparación de agua cristalina necesitamos: • Cuarzo transparente que sea de aproximadamente un 8ª parte del tamaño del recipiente que vamos a utilizar.

• Un recipiente de vidrio transparente • Agua de manantial lo más pura posible.

Limpio y seco la recipiente, llenamos de agua en su 3/4 partes.

Sumergimo el cuarzo bien limpio en el agua y cerramos el recipiente herméticamente. Encontrar un lugar que tenga un buen número de horas de sol o luz solar al día (el que mas tenga de toda la casa) y dejemos allí nuestro recipiente inmutable durante al menos 8 días. Transcurridos los cuales, podremos trasvasar el agua que necesitemos sin sacar el cuarzo a un vaso o taza que tomaremos tal cual 3 veces al día, el tiempo que deseemos.

Carolina Brand Venegas es una artista de fibra y cuidadora de cristales en CFS para el alma.

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) As you can see, your personal year is coming to an end.

Why not use this time before your birthday to think about what you want for your new year ahead? Some people love to set goals while others hate to make a commitment for fear of failure. But hey, studies show that clearly defined goals with deadlines improve your chances of achieving success. Hint: We both know you will travel this year and perhaps get further education to prepare for next year when you will shine!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Your future is bright and promising! Fiery Mars is in your sign boosting your energy, drive and enthusiasm.

This will help you to accomplish much! Make the most of this favourable influence because it comes only once every two years.

You are more popular this month! You will be more involved with others, especially younger people.

You might also have more interactions with clubs and organizations. This is an excellent month to define some goals and begin to actively pursue them. Ideas?

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month the Sun is at the top of your chart casting a flattering spotlight on you.

(This happens only once a year, so use it to your advantage!) This flattering lighting makes bosses and parents see you as capable and talented, even if you don’t do anything special.

Yep, good lighting is everything! If you have an idea about how to boost your income with a raise or a

promotion, this is the month to act! Make your pitch!

You might also get funding, help and favours from others.

People will endorse you and give you financial assistance.

Bring it on!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You want to travel and explore this month because you want stimulation and adventure! It’s also a great time to take a course or a workshop. Keep in mind that this is your year to improve your job or get a better job!

It’s also your year to improve your health. Your physical health can affect your mental well being, and your mental well being can get a nice lift if you learn more and find new ways to be delighted with the world around you. When you change the way you look at the world, it changes, too.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This month you’re ambitious to get things done – and you will because a triple combo of Mars, Venus and Saturn will push you to work hard.

Fortunately, coworkers will be supportive. Focus on taxes, debt, shared property, insurance issues, wills and estates. Discussions about these matters will take place and you will have strong opinions. Incidentally, your sex drive is amped as well.

(But who has time to keep a diary of all these juicy details?) Financial matters might come to a head early this month.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month the Sun is opposite your sign, which symbolically speaking means it is as far away from your sign as it gets all year. Since the Sun is your source of energy, this means you will need more sleep. (Go to bed.)

This placement of the Sun plus Mercury opposite your sign as well, will promote discussions with those who

are close to you. Now is the time to clarify issues. Fun getaways and vacations look promising! Why not have it all?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Roll up your sleeves because you’re busy! You have an agenda plus you want to refine your techniques and reorganize your life to make it run more smoothly. You don’t want to waste your time.

You want as much free time as possible to fun instead of working with less efficiency, which means working more for less results. Step one is to de-clutter your home or your office, which is a wise idea because more than any other sign, you are affected by your surroundings.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This month promises pleasure and fun-filled times at sports events and social outings.

Enjoy schmoozing, especially in a flirtatious way. Grab a vacation because you want to have a good time and the freedom to do your own thing! You will also appreciate your surroundings more than usual and realize just how much love there is in your daily world. Nevertheless, with fiery Mars opposite your sign, you must be patient with those who are closest to you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month you cannot ignore home and family. Many of you will be more involved than usual with a parent. You might also attend to home repairs. Family discussions are on the menu; plus you yourself will want to cocoon more at home and relax.

Having said that, fiery Mars will give you lots of energy to work; and Venus might give you a raise. It will certainly encourage you to spend money on beautiful things and activities that please you.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Brace yourself for a fastpaced, busy month full of short trips, errands, appointments plus more time spent with siblings, relatives and neighbours. Of course, you want to be free to do your own thing, which is why you will explore romance and fun times. Make note that this is an excellent time to buy wardrobe items for yourself.

Do this because you care about the image you project on your world. According to Mark Twain. “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Take stock of what you own.

Do you own your belongings – or do they own you?

Because you want greater control of your life through your money and possessions, you might buy or acquire things to get better organized.

You might also want to show something off because you’re pleased and proud of it. You can think of ways to boost your earnings; and yet, at the same time, you might feel possessive about what you have. “My precious!”

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month is all about you dear Pisces because the Sun is in your sign. This literally attracts people and favourable situations to you, which gives you an advantage. Since this happens only once a year –use this! The Sun will boost your energy and make you feel invigorated and give you a great need to express yourself. This is the one time of year when your first duty is to yourself, and if you don’t fulfil that duty – you will be of little use to anyone. ‘Nuff said. www.georgianicols.com

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DIRECTORY

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 O F L O C A L S E R V I C E S 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 15 for April 2019 Issue 125

Acupuncture A practice focused on health solutions through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Online booking & direct billing.

Kevin Ianson R.Ac, R.TCMP, D.DTCM

“Well behaved women rarely make history.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

4705 Trans Canada Hwy I 250-889-9066 I www.pestleandpins.com

Ayurveda

Natural Beauty

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com Childcare Services

Prudence

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

Sunday 11-4pm, Monday to Thursday 10-5pm Friday 10-5:30pm • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Be Creative and Express Yourself

Need childcare?

Taking care of children?

Call the Cowichan Valley Child Care Resource & Referral 250-746-4135 Local 231

Employment

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

Dolly Parton

Framing and Local Art 139 Station St. 250-748-3311 ssgfs@telus.net Professional Framing •Local Art •Unique Gifts

Help Wanted Mt. Brenton restaurant & lounge looking for servers. Please call 250-701-8593 or send resume to viec@shaw.ca 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 70

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

Contact Adrienne Richards

250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Health and Healing Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens Locally made Platform Beds and Furniture 126 Station St. 250-597-REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

* Boost the immune system *

Prevent illness & fatigue * Feel healthier

Kathryn Lowther - Biomagnetism & HUE Energy Healer 250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

ISLAND ROLFING

REFLEXOLOGY

Indian Head Massage Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

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BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818

Call Helga 250-732-7988

Reflexology & Chi Wellness

STOP SMOKING, LOSE WEIGHT, REMOVE FEARS

Reiki, Thai Foot Reflexology, Indian Head Massage

3-1 Foot Reflexology sessions for $120

Helena Jehnichen, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

TERRI LEWIS 250-701-8962 www.terriswellness.com

Call 250.929.0202 for a free consultation

www.FlourishHypnosis.com

Relax, Rest & Repair, to help your body heal naturally

• Denae Field Registered Clinical Counsellor •

Restore your digestive system with Colon Hydrotherapy.

Your health is the only wealth that matters!

Compassion Focused - Individual, Child and Family Therapy through grief and loss, managing anxiety, emotional regulation, separation and divorce and behavioural challenges

Michelle Bird Colon Hydrotherapist

250-732-8220 I bestpossibleself@gmail.com

3x 1 HOUR SESSIONS of FOOT REFLEXOLOGY for $120 3x 1 hour of PEMF Therapy for $60. 1/2 price

TERRI LEWIS 250-701-8962 www.terriswellness.com

250-510-3540 Sol Centre 5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan I www.thecleansingroom.com

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

— Margaret Atwood

Psychic

Spiritual Medium - Psychic * Spiritual Mediumship * Energy Healing

* Card Readings * Empowerment Sessions

Call Sacred Silence 250-710-5287 or facebook: Sacred Silence

Pet Care & Grooming Lucky Dog U-Bath, Duncan Now accepting new grooming clients.

Book online www.luckydogubath.ca Or call 250-597-7364

Amra offers 35 years of Telephone: Intuitive Tarot-Angel Readings, Distance Reiki-Kofutu, Grief Counselling www.steppingstonestohealing.com 403.454.0556 Appointments

Property Services

Perfection Property Services

Home & Yard : Maintenance & Cleaning Specialists Landscaping - Exterior Cleaning - Junk Removal

Chris Abbott , B.Sc. @ 250 - 732 - 4490 Perfection Property Group . Com

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