March 2020 Issue 136

owichan

2020 MARCH ISSUE 136 SPRING BREAK FUN I KIDS FAVOURITES I INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 1

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Photography by Richard K. Schick Imagine That! 251 Craig St, Duncan Runs to Mar 27

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Cowichan Music Festival Highlights Concerts 2pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2685 James St, Duncan Tickets from $10

International Women’s Day Rally Speakers community groups music information fair Charles Hoey Park 11-12:30pm 124 Canada Ave, Duncan internationalwomensday.com

Quaker (Friends) silent meeting open to all 10:30am St. Ann’s Garden Club Providence Farm FREE

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Cowichan Music Festival Highlights Concerts 7pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2685 James St Tickets from $10 Barry Hetschko Cowichan Naturalist & Photographer Fish Health Building 1080 Warncliffe Rd, Duncan

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Sunrise Waldorf School Kindergarten Open House 2:15–3:15pm Limited space RSVP 250 743 7253 Death Café all welcome open discussion on death 5:30-7:30pm VIRL meeting room 2687 James St, Duncan FREE

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One Billion Rising 12-1pm Organized by the OBR Coalition Against exploitation violence human trafficking Duncan City Square Big Little Lions folk-pop 7:30pm Chapel at Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd barelynorth.com $20 My Generation a celebration of the 60s in songs 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2685 James St, Duncan $35 Effective Activism Conference 9-4pm Cowichan Community Centre 2687 James St, Duncan nddlc.org

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West My Friend Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan $15/$20 Kids Free

Row of Crowz Classic Rock 8pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $10 Door

The REDress Project Charles Hoey Park Warmland Women Support Services Society 114pm 124 Canada Ave, Duncan warmlandwomen.org Cowichan Consort Orchestra’s Featuring Our Youth Concerto Concert winners & Ecole Mt Prevost Choir 7:30pm 930 Trunk Rd, Duncan $20/$10 49th Diggers Club Antique Show 8-3pm Cowichan Community Centre, 2687 James St, Duncan $3

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Vita Biosa Fermented Probiotics 2-4pm Community Farm Store 5380 TCH, Duncan FREE

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Reading Together Braiding Sweetgrass 10-12pm VIRL 2687 James St, Duncan FREE Hemp Bracelets 1-3pm Island Gem & Bead Supply 378 Trunk Rd, Duncan $17.50 + materials ages 8+ 250 597 4369

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Warmland Book & Film Collective Why Indigenous Literatures Matter by Daniel Heath Justice 5 pm VIRL 2687 James St, Duncan open to all FREE Cowichan Valley Garden Club w/ Richard Hebda Creating Climate Change Gardens & the Special Role of Irises 7-9pm St. John’s Anglican Church Hall 486 Jubilee St, Duncan

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Natalie MacMaster Acoustic evening of Cape Breton fiddle tunes & more 7:30pm Cowichan Performing

Sustainably Harvested Seafood

from Michelle Rose CSF

Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery

www.michellerosecsf.com

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Arts Centre 2685 James St, Duncan 250 746 2722 $49.50

$15 + materials 8+ RSVP 250 597 4369

Hecate Park Weeding & Native Plant ID 10-1pm 1865 Cowichan Bay Rd, cvrd.bc.ca/275/ Volunteering, FREE

Bright Angel Park Pollinator Meadow Maintenance 12:303:30pm 2643 Riverfield Rd, Cowichan Station cvrd.bc.ca/275/ Volunteering FREE

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Confidential Support Group 6:30-8:30pm Duncan 1 877 345 9777 for more info FREE

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Lazy Mike & Carson Mallon Duo 7pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, no cover

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Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday 10-2pm Cobble Hill Hall 3550 Watson Ave FREE Completely Creedence tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2685 James St, Duncan $42.50 cowichanpac.ca The Soul Shakers R&B 8pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $10 Door Uke’s Misbehavin March Coffee House 7:30pm Open Stage 8:30pm Duncan United 246 Ingram St, $5/$10 Kids Free

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Conviction Traveling World Film Festival 2:30pm Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan $10 https://cowichanvalleyfilm.ca Easy Keto 5 Day Reboot w/ Aafke Karemaker 2-4pm Community Farm Store 5380 TCH, Duncan $20 preregister at Customer Service Quaker Friends silent meeting open to all 10:30 am St. Ann’s Garden Club Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan FREE

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Simple Clasp Bracelet 1-3pm Island Gem & Bead Supply 378 Trunk Rd, Duncan

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Eternal Journey: Yoga & Meditation Retreat all day The HUB 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan $720 incl. meals vanyoga.com Runs to Mar 23 Busy Place Creek Blackberry Bash 12:30-3:30pm Across from 4995 Polkey Rd Duncan cvrd. bc.ca/275/Volunteering FREE Aaron Purdy Threats to Whales & Dolphins how you can become a citizen scientist yourself 7pm Fish Health Building 1080 Warncliffe Rd, Duncan

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Lecture Eternal Journey & Yoga 7 pm The HUB 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan $30, vanyoga.com Also March 19

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The Women of Lockerbie The Mercury Theatre Thurs-Sat 7:30pm 331 Brae Rd, Duncan $17-$35 also Mar 20/21/26/27/28 The Condor & The Eagle documentary film on Indigenous struggles 7pm Duncan United Church Ingram St $5-10 donation Cowichan Valley Stamp Club meeting Valley Seniors Centre, Duncan 198 Govt St, Duncan cowichanvalleystampclub@ gmail.com

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Blue Moon Marquee w/ Darcy Phillips Jazz 8pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $20 Eventbrite $25 Door The Unfaithful Servants 7:30pm The Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan $15/$20 Kids Free

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Sweet Alibi 3 part harmonies 7:30pm Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan barelynorth.com $20 kids free The MET Live in HD Agrippina a gripping rendition of Handel’s classic comic opera 9:55am Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2685 James St, Duncan cowichanpac.ca Intentional Gemstone Bracelet Making Workshop w/ Andrea Celestina 11-1pm Community Farm Store 5380 TCH, Duncan $40 includes supplies registration andreacelestina@ outlook.com Public Newsroom Women in Cowichan Media Organized

by The Discourse Cowichan 4-6pm 122 Station St, Duncan thediscourse.ca/cowichan-valley Creating a Personal Ceremony for Stepping into your Wise Woman Years Gail Peekeekoot, Eileen McGann, Rommy Verlaan 10-4pm $140 peekee@shaw.ca

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Duncan Seedy Sunday Seed exchange kids activities workshops 10-2pm Siem Lelum Gym 5574 River Rd, Duncan $2 Sweet Alibi Diamond Community Hall 4962 Christie Rd, Ladysmith barelynorth.com $20 The Women of Lockerbie the Mercury Theatre 2:30pm 331 Brae Rd, Duncan $17-$35 also March also Mar 29 Chemainus Classical Concerts Anna Betuzzi oboe & Kelly Charlton piano 3pm St. Michael’s Church 2858 Mill St $20/$10 ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca Sacred Chant Circle w/ Sadie Bartram 7-8:30pm Rivendell Yurt 5215 Bills Rd by donation sdbartram@gmail.com

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Maiden Reel Alternatives Film Festival 7pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2687 James St, Duncan $14 facebook. com/reel.alternatives.cowichan/

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Reading Together Braiding Sweetgrass 10-12pm VIRL 2687 James St, Duncan Public invited FREE

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Sunrise Waldorf Grade School Tour A wonderful opportunity to see our grade school classes in session 8:4510:40am Limited space please RSVP 250 743 7253

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Cowichan Valley Cancer Support Group 10:30– 12pm Canadian Cancer Society 103–225 Canada Ave, FREE

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Cowichan Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group 2pm Canadian Cancer Society 103–225 Canada Ave FREE

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Design your natural home workshop 6:30 pm, all day Sat & Sun, optional Monday OUR Ecovillage, Shawnigan Lake ourecovillage.org/courses/ design-your-natural-home Victoria Symphony Music of the Emerald Isles w/ Maria Millar violin & conductor Sean O’ Loughlin 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2685 James St, Duncan $30 The Junebugs Genre bending 8pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton No cover Embrace Gala fundraiser for Cowichan Women Against Violence 6pm Duncan Meadows Golf Course 6507 N Rd, Duncan $100 $750 table of 8 cwav.org Film: Harriet PG The Hub Film Club 7pm 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan facebook.com/ HUBfilmclub/

Kirtanigans & Cedar Rose call & response Kirtan 7-8:30pm 2505 Alexander St, Duncan Kirtanigans@gmail.com FREE 28 Kim’s Convenience hilarious performance of corner store comedy 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre 2685 James St, Duncan $38 cowichanpac.ca Sunrise Waldorf School Kindergarten Open House 9-11am Limited space please RSVP 250 743 7253 Outlaw Country Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings Tribute 8pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton $20 Eventbrite $25 Door Tropic Mayhem Beach Band 7pm St. Peters Church Hall Church Rd, Duncan $15 Vancouver Island Heather Society Annual Sale 10-12pm Stu Amour Building 3550 Fisher Rd, Cobble Hill The High Quadra Ramblers High energy banjo & fiddle The Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan $15/$20 Kids Free Yin Yoga Class w/ Nadia 6-7:30pm Harmony Yoga Centre 360 Duncan St. FREE Oliver Swain House Concert 7pm Lila Music 3228A Gibbins Rd, Duncan $20 Oliver Swain Eventbrite kids by donation OliverSwainMusic.com joythroughmusic.com

OUT OF TOWN

6 Richard Young Solo Exhibition: What Comes To Mind Xchanges Opening Night Gallery 2333 Government St, Victoria Everyone welcome runs March 6-22, weekends only FREE 6 West Coast Farm & Garden Show $2-$40 tofinocommunityfoodinitiative. com Runs to Mar 8 7 Indigenous Leadership Conference Empowerment through knowledge Organized

by Vancouver Island University Office of Aboriginal Education & Engagement, 1-4pm VIU tickets eventbrite 28 Fabulous Fleamarket 10-2pm Fulford Hall Fulford Ganges Rd, Saltspring Island FREE

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March 2020 Issue 136 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Office Admin & Accounts Robin Gale

Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Proofreader Calendar Jasmine Oberste Diana Pink Angela Sheppard Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline March 15 for April 2020 Issue 137 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE March 15 for April 2020 Issue 137 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 Terence Miranda, Sheila Badman, Valerie Dean-Sotham, Gayle Hurmuses, Grant Easterbrook, Kat Brust, Monica Docherty, Gerry Giles, Craig Spence, Tasha Borden, Denise D’Fantis, Julie Pyon, Simon Pidcock, David Pink, Rommy Verlaan, Heather Geddie, Hélène Descoteaux, Tina Mozier, Kurtis Howes, Trish Rankin, Maeve Maguire, Shauna Clinging, Kathy White, Sarah Rosen, Debbie Wood, Venita Chow, Alistair MacGregor MP, Georgia Nicols, Cindy Jolin, Nicolette Genier, We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 450 + select locations throughout the Cowichan Valley- Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island and to Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Victoria, Tofino and Parksville

Cover Image ‘The Harem’ by Craig Golby First printed as a 60x40 on canvas for The View restaurant in Nanaimo. During the spring herring spawn Stellar sealions and California sealions congregate in our waters by the hundreds. Depicted in this image are stellar sealions, when several females are in one male’s territory, they’re called a harem. www.viphotoexcursions.com

Put your business in front of over 25,000 qualified readers each month!

Contact Adrienne Richards for a 2020 Rate Card adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com I 250 510 6596 6

OUR COMMUNITY March Events 4-5 International Women’s Day 18 Growing Sustainability’ For Self-Identifying Girls 36 Mentoring Matters 37 World Community Film Festival March 13-15 39-41 Maritime Kids Camps 42 Spring Break Restoration Camp 43 Gymnastics Spring Camps 48 Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre 49 La Petite Auction House 64 Women Celebrate Yourselves! 68 If Municipalities Are Large Ships 72 We must lead with love 73 Alistair MacGregor MP 76 March Forescasts 77 Directory 78-79 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Hurry Dine Cowichan Festival only runs to March 8 8 Introducing Barnes & Maracle! 17 Duncan Garage Cafe Surprises! 30 Lamb Kabobs 32 Delicious Local Crepes 33 Cowichan Kids Favourite Treats 46-47 Spring is in the air: Snacks & Seeds Sourced Locally! 62 HOME, FARM & GARDEN A Happiness Recipe We Can All Make 28-29 Spring Is Full of Rising Energy 34 Reality Checks For Natural Homes 38 Vancouver Island’s Best Seedy Saturday Is Ready For You! 51 Extending the Gardening Season 54 Garden H20 55 The West Coast Farm & Garden Show: Tofino 63 10 Benefits of built-in Home Storage 65 Spring Has Sprung! 66 Creating Sacred Space 74 LOCAL ARTS Outlaw Country w/ David James & Big River A Tribute to Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings 7 Above & Below 9 The Marvelous Wonderettes Girls Night Out Experience 10-11 Kim’s Convenience 14 Aquamaris Art Gallery 31 Excellent Frameworks and EJ Hughes Gallery 56 Cowichan Camera Club Celebrates 40 Years 59 Artist Richard Young 60 The Mercury Players Presents The Women of Lockerbie 61 BODY, MIND & SOUL Emotions and Sound 12 Understanding the Human Microbiome 13 Celebrating Natural Beauty 20-27 Because It’s Time: Stepping into your Wise Woman Years 27 Spring: A Time Of Movement, Growth, and Renewal 35 Ambassador of Peace and World-renowned Humanitarian 67 Qigong: a practice for the body and mind 69 Why We Should Read 71 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE South Island Whale Report 44 Threats to Whales And Dolphins 45 Lucky Dog The Right Collar 70

Outlaw Country w/ David James & Big RiverA Tribute to Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings

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avid James and Big River are often described as one of the most authentic Outlaw Country tribute shows touring today. Thousands of fans agree with those reviews, as they routinely sell out shows in venues large and small across Canada and the U.S. From the way James holds his guitar to the way he talks to his audience, the legendary musicians live again when James steps to the mike and says, “Hello – I’m almost Johnny Cash,” or plays that classic leather bound Telecaster guitar like Waylon.

The professionalism on and off the stage is a testament to the memory of Cash and Waylon that fans have come to expect from David James and Big River.

The extensive catalog of songs from Cash like Folsom Prison , Boy named Sue and Ring of Fire and Waylons mega hits like Luckenback Texas , Good hearted woman and Mammas dont let your babys grow up to be cowboys , attracts audiences young and old alike to relive the music of these great country icons. “Its not only about the voice ,” James said. “Its about living and breathing the men Their postures ,Their mannerisms ,Their moves and quirks .I want our audiences to go home feeling like they observed the men themselves. Saturday, March 28th, 8pm $20 adv / $25 door Tickets at Eventbrite or osbornebaypub.com

Gypsy Blues plucks the danger from a Tom Waits melody, dances it a little further over the line with dark magic, teases the rhythms & and raises a toast to back alley Jazz” - The Alternate Route Blue Moon Marquee is a Gypsy Blues band born of the wild rose foothills of Alberta, Canada. A.W. Cardinal (vocals/ guitar) and Jasmine Colette (vocals/ bass/drums) write and perform original compositions.

Artists such as Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Minnie, and Django Reinhardt are deeply infused in the soul of their music.With passionate performances and smouldering onstage chemistry as their trademark, they deliver an infectious mix of early blues, jazz, country, and popular songs.

Blue Moon Marquee w/ Darcy Phillips, Friday, March 20th, 8pm $20 adv/$25 door. Tickets at Eventbrite or visit www.osbornebaypub.com

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wenty five restaurants and eateries will continue to offer special menus at special pricing until March 8 during the Dine Cowichan Festival. Whether you like fine dining, pub fare, ethnic cuisine, farm-to-table, comfort food or all of the above, both your palette and your pocket book will be happy to indulge with pricing from $15 - $45 for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Participating Cowichan restaurants are from the Malahat to Ladysmith and Lake Cowichan:

Duncan: Craig Street Brew Pub, Just Jakes, Ironworks Café and Creperie, The Ainslie, Old Firehouse Wine and Cocktail Bar, Original Joes Restaurant and Bar, CVI Restaurant and Lounge, The Farm Table at Providence Farm Lake Cowichan: Farm Table Inn

Hurry Dine Cowichan Festival only runs to March 8 South Cowichan: Malahat Chalet, The Mill Pizza and Grill, Bridgemans Bistro, Unsworth Restaurant, Montra Thai Eatery, Cobblestone Pub, Satellite Bar & Grille at Arbutus Ridge

Cowichan Bay: Cow Café West Coast Grill, Rock Cod Café, The Masthead Restaurant, The Vine Maple Bay and Genoa Bay: Genoa Bay Café, The Shipyard Restaurant and Pub

Chemainus and Ladysmith: Odika Café, Sawmill Taphouse and Grill, Ironworks Café and Creperie A full list of Dine Cowichan menus can be found at www.duncancc. bc.ca

Our Island. Your Pharmacy.

Duncan • Lake Cowichan • Cobble Hill • Shawnigan Lake • Mill Bay • Gabriola Island • View Royal FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY - Nursing In Home Daily Medication Administration Compounded Medication - Veterinary Mixtures - Compression Stocking Fittings

Duncan Locations:

192 Kenneth St. ph (250) 746-4680 I 102-330 Festubert St. ph (250) 746-7494

www.islandpharmacy.ca 8

‘The Harem’ by Craig Golby

Above & Below takes viewers into the natural beauty of Vancouver Island

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he title of Craig Golby’s show, Above & Below, can be interpreted in several intriguing ways.

As a nature photographer, he points his lens sky and landward, capturing eagles in flight, bears pawing along shorelines, and stunning vistas from bird’s eye views. As a diver, he takes you beneath the waves, into the magnificent habitats of sea lions, orca, giant anemones, corals and sharks.

The imagery is awe inspiring.

Golby takes people into realms few ever get to experience directly. It’s a visual feast, zooming in mostly on Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. “Jacques Cousteau rated Port Hardy as one of the top ten places in the world to dive,” he said. “And I find that so many people on Vancouver Island don’t even realize what’s surrounding them.”

For most, the spectacular scenes will be what the show is all about, But the title suggests deeper artistic and environmental dimensions. He hopes a few, at least, might be inspired to take up diving, and experience nature’s beauty for themselves.

He also hopes they will develop

an appreciation for the intricate balance that results in the diversity and beauty of nature.

So, what’s it like to pull on a wetsuit, shoulder your oxygen tank, and immerse yourself in the deep? “For me it’s deep meditation,” Golby said. “The slow, deep breathing, the calmness that it creates… Once they experience that under water, you can just lie there and breathe, you have no sound, no nothing, it’s just you, and you can just relax, it’s so peaceful.”

He thinks people operate under the ‘misconception’ that diving is too expensive. “You could just walk off the shore,” Golby explained. “You don’t need a boat, you don’t need anything, just your gear and a buddy, and you just walk off and you’re submersed in these beautiful images.”

Using his book, Vancouver Island Above and Below, as a platform, he also hopes to draw people into a deeper understanding of the ecology of our region. “The book is like a conservation education platform, using images to draw people into the reading,” he said.

Craig Golby’s Above & Below will be featured at Rainforest Arts during the months of March and April. Rainforest Arts is operated by volunteers of the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society. The gallery is located at 9781 Willow Street, hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. More at RainforestArts.ca. craigspencewriter.ca

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

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

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

Upcoming EVENTS Island Shellfish Cooking Class March 14

Spring Equinox Dinner March 21

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450

Gift Baskets Gift Certificates Meat & Cheese Platters Tourtiere/Ham/Turkey Italian Specialty Foods

Put A Hop in Your Step and See The Marvelous Wonderettes

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ook in for an impressive dinner and a show that will keep you grinning from ear to ear at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. Our date was a girls night for three hardworking moms but the wonderful experience would make a perfect date, catch up with friends and family.

Planning ahead ensures you a table for dinner in the fabulous Playbill Dining Room. New executive Chef Nick Caulfield is setting the pace to help bring the theatre experience into a new era of finer dining. A fantastic menu with a delicious array of salads, entrees and desserts await you and your guests. Dietary restrictions?

Us too! One of our party’s guests Robin is dairy-free, gluten free, vegetarian but will indulge as a vegetarian pescatarian on special occasions. We mentioned this at booking and she was guided to contact the chef directly to let him know specifics which she did in advance of our meal.

We arrived before 6pm and were greeted warmly by the maître d’and showed to our seats. We settled in to live piano performed by Dwight Siemens, warm baked bread served with a plate of delicious Olive Station balsamic and

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 10

olive oil. After ordering our starter Chef Caulfield came to introduce himself to us and to offer a tour of the food stations to talk her through the dishes that were suitable for her diet and allergies and assured her that he had a few things specially prepared for her to ensure she would have a fabulous meal alongside the rest of the table including her own basket of gluten-free bread. Before we got started on soup and salads we peeked at the drinks menu. A few things were on offer to theme the dinner to the show. “ It was really refreshing and nice to see how much local wine was available by the bottle and how well curated the list was illustrating a real understanding of what the Cowichan Valley does best. To see Emandare, a small local vineyard on the wine list was a nice surprise.

Also Alderlea, Unsworth, Salt Spring Vineyards. It is definitely worth buying a bottle with your meal because if you don’t finish it they will save for you to enjoy at intermission.” says Robin Gale. We paired our meal

Stuffed pork loin from carvery station.

with Saltspring Vineyard’s Epicure, a wine rarely seen on menus off the island. It paired perfectly with the selection of artisan salads ranging from simple greens and Tomato Cucumber to Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, Chicken & Jicama Tabouleh and even a delicious Devilled Eggs salad - a dish we had never seen before.

If you like devilled eggs this is one to try! Though hard to choose just one, my favourite was a fresh spinach and watercress salad with crab, shrimp and avocado.

It was so delicious I even went back for seconds after my delicious entree of stuffed pork tenderloin which was the hot carve of the night. Nejma who doesn’t eat pork, really enjoyed the Turkey Leek Pot Pie, succulent and tender French Onion Chicken Breasts, Vegetarian Frittata and Lemon Garlic Salmon.

We all agreed the meal was outstanding. The changes that have come with chef Nick Caulfield are significant in style, menu, presentation and dedication to fresh, local and sustainable ingredients.

Everything was fabulous beginning with our starter and ending with dessert. If our evening ended there with that meal we all agreed it would have been a perfect night out - but it got even better.

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a wonderfully charming, feel good, toe tapping experience.

Bravo to the theatre for bringing in Julie Tomaino to direct such a talented cast of performers. Accolades go to Jessica Oostergo for a warm and friendly set complete with beautiful costumes that perfectly set the tone of the eras. The dresses really enhanced the experience. The first act was phenomenal and pace of the script and the warmth of the cast had us completely drawn

in to the high school story.

“The sheer talent of the performers made it a great show. The way the women harmonized, and played off each other. Beautiful stage chemistry. “ smiles Robin.”You really believed that they were having a great time onstage and this energy carried through to us, the audience.” Special mention goes to soprano Julia Ullrich for hitting those high notes!

This production had all of us smiling, singing and laughing out loud throughout the night.

Take a night off Netflix and grab a friend to experience some outstanding live theatre and music along with a reservation to an exclusive Playbill meal available only with a show ticket. A perfect show to welcome Spring as you are sure to leave the theatre with a hop in your step. The Marvelous Wonderettes runs to March 28. chemainustheatrefestival.ca Sheila Badman, happy wife and mother of two, loves experiencing the treasures of Cowichan, both indoors and out.

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ound can carry information, but perhaps more importantly, it can stir our emotions. Your favourite song, the cry of a baby or the sound of your loved one’s voice are just a few examples. One of my clients recently shared with me a story about his guitar, which he called his best friend. As a young teenager, he had saved up his money for quite a while to buy it. He would play it regularly and he told me of a time when, in his later teens, his girlfriend at the time broke up with him.

He went home and played that guitar for days, tears streaming down his face. He continued to play it over the years and took it with him as he journeyed through life. As he got older and his hearing loss progressed, he stopped playing the guitar; it just didn’t sound right. It’s been a couple of years since he first

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the sound, but the strangeness (including clangs, bangs and jackhammer type sounds) and the unpredictability of their occurrence in combination with the physical experience of being fully encased in a small space which triggered his anxiety.

Emotions and Sound

came to see us and found out that there was nothing wrong with the guitar. He plays regularly again, enjoying the sounds and the memories it brings him.

Sounds can also be loud or noisy and stir unwanted emotions. Another client recently told me of his experience in an MRI

(magnetic resonance imaging) machine. An MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of body organs. One lays down very still in an enclosed cylindrical tube for several minutes. The whole experience can be unsettling, claustrophobic and very loud.

As my client explained, it wasn’t just the loudness of

There is often an emotional component to the sounds of our environment. Whether it is taking the edge off of sound through filtered earplugs or improving our hearing through hearing aids, we have the ability to improve how we experience sound and therefore have a better emotional experience and quality of life.

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

Understanding the Human Microbiome

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avid Perlmutter, M.D., is an expert in the human microbiome, a board-certified neurologist, Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and America’s brain-health expert and #1 New York Times best-selling author.

According to Dr. Perlmutter, the human microbiome is an ever evolving collection of trillions of microbial organisms living in and on the human body. Leading research is only just starting to unlock the vast mysteries of the microscopic world of the human microbiome.

It’s time to take care of our microbiome. It’s up to us to support and nourish it through what we eat, what we expose ourselves to in our environment and the kind of lifestyle we lead.

Dr Perlmutter advocates honoring this system of health through understanding and avoiding the three biggest forces that work against the health of the guts good bugs.

Force # 1: Exposure to substances that kill or otherwise adversely change the composition of the bacterial colonies. These include toxic chemicals used in conventional agriculture, household cleaners, food and even in water.

Force # 2: Unhealthy Diet and poor nutritional support for the diverse tribes of good bacteria Force # 3: Stress.

Probiotics Probiotics are friendly bacteria that live in the digestive tract.

These bacteria help to support a healthy microbiome. There are over 1,100 different species found in the human gut and literally trillions of these microorganisms living in both

the small and large intestines!

Probiotics provide many important health benefits mostly related to digestion and immune health.

Key Benefits of Probiotics • Acidify the bowel (lower the pH) helps to balance the gut flora • Promote healthy digestion and regularity • Make enzymes, up-regulate gastric secretions • Healthy Detoxification • Produce Short Chain Fatty Acids which promote healthy gut lining • Produce Vitamins B & K and certain Amino Acids • Boost Immunity Support a Healthy Microbiome The bacterial landscape of our digestive track is in a constant state of flux due to a variety of factors such as diet, stress, medication, heredity, illness and our exposure to environmental toxins, leaving us vulnerable to various health conditions and diseases.

Three valuable tips that can be integrated into your lifestyle, to optimize your gut microflora: • Consume a high-quality probiotic daily: Probiotics have the potential to supplement missing microbial functions and give us access to essential nutrients • Increase your daily fibre intake: Fiber is the preferred energy substrate of good bacteria and gives them the nourishment they need to do their job well.

• Try fermented foods: The fermentation process enables better absorption of the nutrients found in foods. Extremely rich in living bacteria, fermented foods promote the work between these newly absorbed microorganisms and our own bacteria. Miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, and kimchi are some excellent examples.

Submitted by Valerie Dean-Sotham

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Kim’s Convenience

ns Choi’s hilarious and touching play, Kim’s Convenience, set in a family-run corner store will be presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company, live on stage at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, March 28 at 7:30pm.

VALLEY DENTAL CLINIC Dr. Gordon Levin DMD Dentist Detailed screening for sleep apnea with dental appointments Qualified Dentist American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

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

reception@valleydentalclinic.ca

In this hilarious story, Mr. Kim (James Yi), or Appa, a Korean shopkeeper in Toronto’s Regent Park area, grapples with both a changing neighbourhood landscape and the gap between him and his second-generation Canadian offspring. The world of Kim’s Convenience is real, colourful and urban – a diverse landscape of people and places – with the Kim family at its core, as they find humour in their everyday lives running the store.

“Having the opportunity to bring the show and Appa’s story to Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is incredible,” says CVRD Arts and Culture Manager, Kirsten Schrader. “This is a story about reconciliation, sacrifice, and deep family love.

It’s also hilariously funny, and I know that Cowichan audiences will delight in this wonderful production.”

Kim’s Convenience was originally produced as part of the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival,

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where it won the New Play Contest and the Patron’s Pick Award. It went on to an enormously successful run in 2012 at Soulpepper, receiving the Toronto Theatre Critics’ Award for Best New Canadian Play and spawning a nine-city national tour. The play has since been published by House of Anansi Press and has been adapted into an award-winning television series for CBC and, now, Netflix.

Ins Choi is a Korean-Canadian actor, playwright, and director known for his plays Kim’s Convenience and Subway Stations of the Cross. Born in South Korea, Choi grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, and now resides in Toronto with his family. A graduate of York University’s Theatre Program, Choi has performed with FuGEN, Canadian Stage,the Stratford Festival, and Soulpepper.

“Gut-bustingly funny with a huge heart” —Vancouver Sun Tickets:Adult: $38 Students: $30 eyeGO: $5 Tickets are available in person at the Cowichan Ticket Centre, 2687 James St. or by phone (250) 748-2722 or online at cowichanpac.ca.

Contact Mike, owner & certified technician

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

EMAIL: orcaspaservice@gmail.com

www.orcapoolandspa.com

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so make sure to book your family in over Spring Break! Phone or email to reserve 250-932-3205 or info@farmtableinn.ca www.farmtableinn.ca Adults - $40 / Seniors 65+ $37 / Kids 5 to 12 -$20 / 4 and under eat free

LIVE MUSIC MARCH 6 • 7:30 - 10 pm BIG LITTLE LIONS LIVE IN THE CHAPEL AT PROVIDENCE FARM

SOUP SATURDAYS

Bring a friend or the family to Blue Grouse winery for Soup Saturdays every weekend in March, where Janine Duns will be creating delicious soups with local ingredients. A few upcoming flavours are...Indian spice cauliflower, hearty vegetable chickpea and potato leek, which are always topped with a lovely pesto, gremolata or croutons. The soup du jour is served with warm True Grain baguette slices and your choice of a glass of wine for $16. March 7, 14, 21 & 28 12-3pm 2182 Lakeside Road Duncan, 250-743-3834

FARM TABLE INN FOOD NIGHTS

The Farm’s Sunday Brunch Buffet is a lovely family outing but did you know their Thursday night Prime Rib Buffet is also family friendly? Enjoy local prime rib buffet with all the fixings plus house made West Coast bannock bread, a variety of salads, a seasonal soup, house made desserts and more. They also have gluten-free options including gluten-free Yorkshire pudding. Reservations are key 16

Big Little Lions have been described as ‘a blissful marriage of new folk and sophisticated pop’. Prolific songwriting, infectious folk-pop style, and an offbeat, memorable live show.

Tickets $20

SWEET ALIBI Sweet Alibi have been playing in the Cowichan Valley through Barely North for many years, and have built a strong following. They will be performing a show in the Chapel at Providence Farm on March 21st, and also a Ladysmith show at the Diamond Hall on March 22nd. Known for their soulful three-part harmonies, Western Canadian Music Award Winners Sweet Alibi, have shared their folk roots-pop infused music with listeners across North America and Europe since 2009. Their music has garnered national accolades and awards, has been featured on MTV Canada, CMT and it has received major radio play on college/community and satellite radio, with several songs in the top 20 of CBC Radio 2’s national charts. The band is currently working on their fourth studio album with producers Matt Peters & Matt Schellenberg (Royal Canoe + Begonia), which is slated for release in Spring 2020. Kids 12 and under free!

Tickets are available through www.barelynorth.com.

MARCH 21 • 7:30 - 10 pm SWEET ALIBI LIVE IN THE CHAPEL AT PROVIDENCE FARM

Western Canadian Music Award Winners best known for their soulful three-part harmonies. Folk roots-pop infused music.

Tickets $20 (Kids 12 and under free)

MARCH 22 •7:30 - 9:30 pm SWEET ALIBI LIVE IN LADYSMITH

Diamond Community Hall, 4962 Christie Rd, Ladysmith A show of beautiful harmonies and musical prowess. Their music has garnered national accolades and awards, has been featured on MTV USA and CMT. Tickets $20 For more info visit

www. barelynorth.com

Creating Indulgent Experiences in Cowichan

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arnes and Maracle is a new catering company in the Cowichan Valley. It was developed by Star Maracle and Sarah Barnes both well known in the Cowichan culinary scene. Sarah and Star have complimentary food philosophy’s and cooking styles to bring you a wide range of food possibilities.

With their combined knowledge of food and attention to detail both ladies are passionate about creating indulgent experiences with quality ingredients.

Star grew up in Southern Ontario on a fruit farm, eating peaches that were warmed in the sun.

She learned about luxury food

from her aunt, dining on frog legs and escargot in lavish French restaurants from a very early age. Her professional career began at 15 as a prep cook and she quickly learned and climbed up the restaurant ladder. A sense of adventure led Star to Austria to apprentice on a sheep farm learning how to make cheese and cured meats. Star has worked with local farmers, milked goats for Haltwhistle cheese and helped friends build their culinary businesses.

In addition to her restaurant and farming experience Star has a comprehensive wine knowledge having completed her level 3 WSET and working

as Wine Director of Cabana Bar and Grille in Kelowna.

This knowledge makes Star an excellent person to ask when wanting a wine pairing consultant for your event.

Sarah’s humble roots begin here in the Cowichan Valley learning how to cook from her mom, aunt and grandmother.

Her grandmother taught her to always have enough food on the stove to feed a small army as you never know who may stop by and the door was always open, a philosophy that continues for Sarah to this day. Sarah’s first professional cooking job was on her fathers commercial fishing boat when she was 14 years old.

Eventually her love of food and cooking led to opening NOW restaurant in 2010 a funky venue with spicy noodles and delicious bites. After NOW closed its doors Sarah returned to working for her mentor Fatima Da Silva at Vinoteca on Zanatta Vineyard.

Sarah cherishes the years working of with Fatima and being inspired by her delicious food and generous spirit. Sarah has been wining and dining the Cowichan Valley for the last 15 years and her love of food goes back to the beginning of time.

Sarah and Star hope to feed you well, ply you with wine and make you laugh.

CELEBRATING

10 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN THE

COWICHAN VALLEY Heronwood Custom Cabinetry Inc. Is a local custom cabinetry shop located in the Cowichan Valley.

Heronwood is know for its meticulous craftsmanship and creative design.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

E4-4970 POLKEY RD. DUNCAN

250-597-4701

heronwoodcabinetry.ca 17

It is the fourth year of the Cowichan Valley International Women’s Day Festival. We exist to create a platform to celebrate the contributions of local women and to help advance women’s rights and opportunities, and universal equity.

Cara Hallam March 12, a strong writer, with memorable lyrics, and a powerful voice. On March 21, Diana Braitwaite, & Chris Whiteley, who share a welldeserved Maple Blues Award, bring their Round Midnight Jazz Show to Duncan.

Our acknowledgement of the territory on which we live and work respects the truth that this land was never ceded, is not governed by treaty, and that we are uninvited visitors. Hay ch qa naw tomough Khowichan, we raise our hands to you.

Shows by Barely North Entertainment Sweet Alibi are recording a live album over two nights of performances, on March 21 and 22. The Saturday show is at Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan, beginning at 7:30pm. The Sunday show starts at 7pm at Diamond Community Hall, 4962 Christie Rd, Ladysmith, BC. Films (please see dates and prices on the ad)

This year’s theme is How to Lead. There cannot be a more pressing and important issue today than the continuous development of leadership, choosing wisely who should represent us, and ensuring that all are fully represented.

We have excellent programming this year. Rallies, leadership conferences, films, music shows, books, a dance, a roller derby, and many opportunities for public dialogue. Most events are featured on the facing page, or are detailed below.

Always held on a Saturday, our International Women’s Day Rally this year is on March 7, between 11am and 12:30pm at Charles Hoey Park. We are especially honoured to have Warmland Women share the space with us, bringing the REDress art project to the park.

Please note that many of our exciting events occur on March 6 and 7, with a full day conference: Effective Community Activism on Friday, March 6, at the Cowichan Community Centre, and One Billion Rising at noon at Duncan City Square.

On Saturday March 7, following the IWD rally, there is a student– led conference: Indigenous Leadership: Empowerment through knowledge from 1pm4pm, at VIU Cowichan, while later in the evening, The Duncan Showroom will be hosting Gals Who Write Songs, starting at 7:30pm. More show details below.

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Photo credit: Dora Wilson

by Jasmine Hurmuses

International Women’s Day This year’s rally emcee will be IWD committee member Vicki Miller, also of Women of Steel 1-1937. Vicki was a leader in strike support for the forestry workers in their extended and ultimately successful battle with Western Forest Products.

Our featured guests include three youth: Kyrrah Thomas will sing and drum, Eva Elliot, winner of Cowichan Tribes youth essay contest for “what home means to me”, and youth activist Lexy Lazenby will speak about the importance of leadership.

Lexy will stand with her grandmother Rhoda Taylor, and her centenarian greatgrandmother Sylvia Peecock.

Sylvia lived through the dustbowl and other transformative events in Canadian political and social history. Sylvia extensively and beautifully diarized her experiences at a time when it was difficult for women to pursue a writing career. Rhoda will read from these diaries on Sylvia’s behalf.

Dedicated to the idea that politics is family business, we will have both an elders tent and amenities for children.

Something remarkable and exciting has happened here in the various jurisdictions of the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

Somehow, without fanfare, without a specific slate, or an affirmative action campaign, the Cowichan Valley has achieved gender parity across our locally elected representatives. Out of

62 elected positions, there are 31 held by women, many of which have served multiple terms, and some of which are firsts.

To celebrate, we have invited all local elected women to be honoured on stage at the rally on Saturday, March 7 for their service to the community.

Meanwhile, to all of these women, I say Hay ch qa, we appreciate your service.

Following the rally at VIU Cowichan: Indigenous Leadership: Empowerment through knowledge The general discussion will focus on the different views of what a leader is, how to cultivate leaders in an educational setting, how through our jobs/personal lives/student lives – we intentionally strive to impact others. There will be a panel discussion with local Indigenous women leaders.

Festival Because there were so many, it wasn’t possible to put all of the events on the poster, or any details about the films. This missing information is included here.

Music at Duncan Showroom, 131 Station Street: Jenny Allen and Carla Olive, both folkie singer-songwriters, perform on Friday March 6. on March 7, Gals Who Write Songs, showcases Payan, Cari Burdett, Kelly Girven, and a fourth writer TBA. There is a second Gals show March 19, featuring Cara McCandless, Mary Egan, Beverley McKeen, and Amanda Nixon, both shows 7:30pm.

Conviction envisions alternatives to prison through the eyes of women behind bars and those fighting on the front lines of the decarceration movement.

Part of the Travelling World Film Festival: By Nance Ackerman, Teresa MacInnes, & Ariella Pahlke 2019, 78 min PG - 13 Maiden Exhilarating, suspenseful, and emotionally charged, this documentary from director Alex Holmes chronicles Tracy Edwards’s 1989-90 precedent-setting sea voyage around the world with an all-female crew. UK 2018, 93 minutes – G Harriet Director: Kasi Lemmons - Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. 125 Min PG-13.

Roller Derby Bout with Brass Knuckle Derby Dames Saturday, March 21, at 5:30pm, Cowichan Exhibition grounds. At the end of the month, on March 31, at 6:30pm the Dames will host a Learn to Skate night. They supply the skates.

It’s an exciting program and we look forward to seeing and hearing you at these events!

Submitted by Gayle Hurmuses

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CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY COWICHAN BAY SPA

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s part of our initiative, we choose to partner with brands that practice sustainability and are kind to the environment and it’s inhabitants. They eliminate the use of toxic, synthetic chemicals and only use the safest, natural and organic ingredients possible. They give back to Mother Nature by reducing their carbon foot print by utilizing alternative energy resources and giving back what they borrow. We believe that implementing small fundamental changes in the choices we make everyday will have a large impact on the future of all communities and protect our world for generations to come. Unbelievably, the beauty industry produces 877 pounds of waste Every Single Minute. Through our partnership with Green Circle Salons/Spas we charge a small eco-fee on our services, so that we can recover and re-purpose 95% of all beauty waste created in the spa in order to help protect our planet’s limited natural resources.

Featured Service: Thalassotherapy Body Balancing Ritual Allow the replenishment of the ocean to balance your mind & body as your skin is gently renewed by infusing vital micronutrients and minerals into the body. This treatment is rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidants, bio-available compounds, vitamins and minerals.

Reduce inflammation and nourish your entire being with this truly body balancing treatment. Treatment Length: 75 minutes Cowichan Bay Spa. Located on the lower level of the Oceanfront Suites at 1681 Cowichan Bay Road.

250 597-0668 www.cowichanbayspa.com

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LEXINGTON MOBILE SPA

exington Spa​is the ultimate relaxing aesthetic experience. A boutique spa that comes to you offering professional manicures, pedicures and reflexology treatments in the comfort of your own home. ​Beautiful fingers and toes say so much and feel so good.

Enjoy a classic manicure complete with hand soak, nail shaping, cuticle care,

hand and arm massage and polish. French polish also available for an extra fee.

Tired feet? Lexington spa Pedicures all begin with a warm luxurious foot soak, followed by nail shaping, cuticle grooming, massage, hydration lotion, polish and hot towels. For those looking for deeper relaxation Cindy is also a certified Reflexologist and will work on pressure points on the feet and legs to stimulate and increase blood flow to improve the body’s natural ability to heal itself. 30 minute sessions available when combined with a pedicure.

60 minute treatments when booked alone. *​ A minimum $50 service is required. *Additional travel fee may be added depending on location.

Call Cindy to book your pedicure today! For some extra fun invite your friends and make it a pedi party!

Cindy Beam, 250 -514 -1380, www.lexingtonspa.ca

The Luxurious Organic Retreat in the heart of Cowichan Bay Village.

ENJOY 15% OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT. Valid for the month of March.

www.cowichanbayspa.com I 250 597-0668 20

Located on the lower level of the Oceanfront Suites at 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd.

CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY

WILD COAST Perfumery

WILD COAST PERFUMERY

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ild Coast Perfumery is an artisan, all-natural perfumery who have created a collection of fragrances blended from pure botanical elements. Going far beyond “clean” natural means there are no synthetic ingredients used. The fragrances are 100% botanical extracts.

Perfumes inspired by some of our most loved West Coast and Canadian locations, using these location’s fragrance palettes as a guide and containing at least one wild harvested element such as needles, leaves, flowers, and lichen from our forests. Real plant extracts that are alive with vibrancy and wildly provocative nuances of nature.

Being purely plant based, cruelty free, completely natural, and never containing any synthetics, phthalates or fragrance molecules reproduced in a lab that are so commonly used in beauty products and candles.

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 other commercial brands, they have boldly listed on their website all their ingredients that they use under “transparency.

The perfumery’s season opening is April 4th! You can visit the perfumery in Cowichan Bay or find their perfumes in their exclusive retail partners listed on their website under “find us”.

Follow along on social media @wildcoastperfumery Wild Coast Perfumery Ltd. 1721 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cowichan Bay, BC www.wildcoastperfumes.com

Natural perfumes blended, aged & bottled in Cowichan Bay

wildcoastperfumery www.wildcoastperfumes.com Open for the season April 4th

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Celebrate with a Pedicure Party!

Free 1 hour pedicure for the host Have two others over and ALL enjoy getting pedicures by Cindy 1 hour SPECIAL $50 each Owner, Cindy Beam, 16 Years Experience THE PROFESSIONAL SPA THAT COMES TO YOU!

Lexington Spa

www.lexingtonspa.ca

(250) 514-1380 21

CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY

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

Megan Waddy B.Sc, Dip. Phyt

Medical Herbalist

166 Station Street, Duncan I 250-710-9367 Ancientoriginsmedicinals@gmail.com

Ancientoriginsmedicinals.com

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SOUL ESCAPE ORGANIC SPA & BOUTIQUE

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oul Escape Spa Owner Eva Bickerton felt inspired to bring in Elate Cosmetics because it is made locally, it is vegan, and the company makes great efforts to create sustainable cosmetics.They stand for everything we do so it is a great addition in our Green Spa. “My two favourite products from Elate is the mascara and their Universal (3 in 1) cream blush that makes make- up very simple as it can be used on lips and eye shadow as well.” shares Eva “All of their products are very popular as they are skin friendly and work great for all skin types.They are nourishing, calming, and very easy to use.”

From Victoria, Elate Cosmetics are committed to empowering everyone to use

the best possible products for their daily rituals. They create safe, effective beauty products using cruelty-free ingredients and sustainable practices. With a goal of becoming the first waste free cosmetic company, their products offer innovative solutions to the otherwise wasteful practices of the beauty industry, and fill a gap in your beauty ritual. The company’s aim is to allow their customers to buy well, use less, and love themselves (and the Earth) more.

Soul Escape Organic Spa and Boutique, 109- 2673 Beverly St, Duncan (Thrifty’s Plaza) 250 748-2056 www.soulescape.ca

CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY

LISE BROWN COSMETICS

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e know that taking good care of your skin is a vital part of overall health and wellness. Our specialty is creating products that care for your skin. Our beautiful skin care lines and cosmetics are made right here in Duncan and are surprisingly affordable.

At Lise Brown, we make natural products that are made from flower and plant extracts, naturally derived oils and butters and skin loving botanicals that nourish our body and are great for keeping skin soft and supple.

Taking it one step further, we

include innovative science based actives to increase efficacy and add a luxurious texture and feel to our products.

If you’re ready to re-write your skin care script, we’d love to see you at our Lise Brown store on Station Street, in downtown Duncan where we can help make it make sense. We understand that sometimes seeing is believing and for our new clients, we have a limited supply of try it out first samples.

Lise Brown Cosmetics 139 Station St #2, Duncan lisebrowncosmetics.com

SOLEIL MANNION soleilmannion.ca

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CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY GLOW JUICERY & RAW FOOD CAFE

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Glow Juice Cleanse is a custom created plantfocused 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 plant-based 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

Diana Pink I 250 597-2102 I afreshstart@shaw.ca

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

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

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

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• more • more • more • more • more

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

PRODUCE SECTION

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

CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY

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VIVA MEDICAL AESTHETICS

erving Vancouver Island, Viva Medical Aesthetics offers the most advanced and effective skin rejuvenation in a professional and soothing environment. 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.

Dr. Pascoe brings over 20 years of medical experience to her consultations. You will receive a thorough assessment of your skin and possible treatment options will be offered. A customized treatment plan, including a detailed timeline, will then be offered to you for your consideration. Consultations complimentary!

Viva Medical Aesthetics, 177 Fourth St, Duncan 250 746 6512 www. vivamedicalaesthetics.com

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HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY!

Liſt Microcur�ent Rejuvenation Treat�ents for enhanced youthf�lness & overall well being

Give yourself a Liſt!

* look and book online www.janet�aino.com/liſt *

778-356-2846 778-356-2846

Book your intro Treatment NOW at the *2020 Lift Off price for a limited time* time*

LIFT MICRO CURRENT

P

ut a Spring in your step with a microcurrentt treatment!

If you were to ask me why I chose to become a microcurrent practitioner, my answer would be, “Because I love making people feel good about themselves!”

Microcurrent makes you feel good and – when used by a qualified practitioner stimulates your natural healing and rejuvenation responses through several techniques using the microcurrent wands (magic wands, in my opinion).

It produces the following benefits; soothes soft tissue; reduces inflammation; moves lymph; triggers production of energy for cell repair and regeneration from bones to skin; retrains muscles to either lengthen where tight, or shorten where slack, and more. It is also used to stimulate acupressure points for profound relief from conditions.

A cornerstone protocol in microcurrent treatment is

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Meridian Balancing, which harmonizes your autonomic nervous system, plus other tangible benefits. Each person responds according to their body’s needs.

After success in correcting facial symmetry for Bell’s Palsy, microcurrent has become mainstream as an aesthetics treatment that equates to a subtle, holistic, non-surgical face lift, energizing skin and muscle, while softening what lifestyle, expressions and gravity have done to your face.

Usual results from just an Intro Treatment for Facial Rejuvenation include an overall energized feeling in your face with brighter, more open and lifted eyes, plumped-up glowing skin that feels fantastic to the touch, and an irresistible urge to smile (and look in the mirror). PLUS a general sense of elevated well being!

So, whether you are seeking to enhance feeling good about yourself through your appearance, or something deeper than the skin you’re in, visit www.janetraino.com/ lift ...where you can look AND book online!

778-356-2846 www.janetraino.com/lift

CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY

Because It’s Time: A “How-To” Workshop on Creating a Personal Ceremony for Stepping into your Wise Woman Years.

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oon we’ll celebrate the Spring Equinox when day and night are almost equal in length. While it’s time to get seedlings started for the gardens, this point of balance is also seen by many as an opportunity to plant personal “seeds” of intention.

BOTANICAL BLISS

H

erbalist Robin Round of Botanical Bliss is the creator of the International Award-Winning Wild Hip Face Cream. This moisturizer is made with Wild Rose Hips and skin soothing herbs grown organically at Robin’s extensive gardens in Duncan.

Rose hips are recognized as one of the richest plant sources of Vitamin C, which is anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory and collagenbuilding on the skin.

The moisturizer also contains calendula, comfrey, lavender, plantain and mullein, herbs renowned for their ability to strengthen and repair the skin.

Only pure essential oils are used to scent the face cream.

Robin uses no petroleum, parabens, phthalates or artificial scent in her cream,

and women notice the difference on their skin.

This moisturizer is well loved by even the most sensitive, tender and troubled skin. The silky texture is a hallmark of the cream and took Robin four years to achieve. Wild Hip is safe anywhere on your face any time of the day or night - no need for day, eye and night creams!

Made in small batches, this cream is a local favourite and the company’s best-selling product.

Just as the seasons on Earth change, so do the seasons of our lives. Celebrating these personal changes can help us connect more deeply with ourselves, bringing renewed vision and energy.

In the last few decades, women who are past their child-bearing years have been creating rituals – also known as rites of passage – to honour themselves and each other as Wise Women or Crones. They are reclaiming their position as graceful, playful, joyful Elders whose experience and wisdom is needed in the world.

If you feel called to honour yourself in this way, please consider joining Gail Peekeekoot, Eileen McGann,

and Rommy Verlaan for a fun and meaningful “howto” workshop on preparing for your own Wise Woman / Croning ceremony. .

Gail is a certified Life Cycle Celebrant who creates meaningful ceremonies for the turning points in peoples’ lives. She did her thesis on Croning Rituals for a Masters in Nursing at the University of Victoria.

Eileen is a certified Belief Re-Patterning practitioner, a Juno-nominated singersongwriter, Celtic traditional Singer, and a professional artist. Much of her work focuses on celebrating and expressing our connections with the natural world.

Rommy studies Qi Gong through the lens of Chinese Medicine. She encourages people to participate in their own healing. Rommy also creates Native American Flutes and teaches people how to play these sacred healing instruments.

This workshop will be held March 21, 10 am to 4 pm in Duncan. Attendance is limited to 20 women.

Registration is $140 including lunch.

Please contact Gail at: peekee@shaw.ca for more information and registration

Find it at the Duncan Market, Prudence, The Community Farm Store and on line at www.botanicalbliss.ca. Watch for her NEW Wild Hip Facial Oil, coming soon!

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A Happiness Recipe We Can All Make:

H

ow happy would you consider yourself to be?

What makes you get excited and click your heels? Is your quality of life something that you would like to enhance?

I recently discovered that the Danish people rank amongst the happiest in the world (Happiness Research Institute, Copenhagen), and that’s all while living in a country where it rains 174 days a year.

Sound familiar? The Danes are known to meet often with family and friends and are characterized as having calm and peaceful demeanours.

The Danes actually have a name for their way of living well, and it is called Hygge (pronounced HU-guh).

What can Hygge teach us about happiness?

Hygge is a term that defines the unique Danish cultural outlook and lifestyle.

This Nordic word means “wellness” and exemplifies an attitude towards cozy contentment, creating familial connections within the home, and nurturing feelings of comfort and wellbeing.

The Danes bring spirit and

mindfulness into their more mundane routines as a way of celebrating them; enjoying each present moment as it comes. Most ideally, it is about connecting with their loved ones and creating a home environment where all can feel safe and let their guards down.

Here are some specific ways to create and encourage happiness culture: Togetherness: Gathering with friends and family is a big part of Hygge culture and the strength of your social relationships is the best predictor of whether you are happy or not. Regular social get-togethers (mostly in smaller groups) where you can share your thoughts and feelings and give and

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receive support, makes us feel understood and accepted.

This Hygge attitude works equally well for introverts and extroverts, with lots of relaxed thoughtfulness. It’s more about the “we” than “me”.

Collaboration: Come together for a shared experience.

Think potluck or baking together. You could organize an arts and crafts day or throw a board game party. Aim to make meaningful and fun memories while also sharing the workload.

Create your atmosphere: Shaping your home into a place you feel happy and comfortable is key. Try draping a soft wool blanket on the couch, creating a comfy nook for reading or

meditating. Arrange your furniture in a pleasing way and hang photos you love.

Surround yourself with those things that remind you of what makes you happy.

Lighting: Nothing creates a Hygge mood more than carefully chosen lighting.

Shoot for the warmest spectrum, to provide soothing pools of light that are similar to colours found in a sunset.

Candles, twinkle lights or lamps create the softest glow that can make any room into an inviting and relaxing space.

Embrace simplicity: This sounds easy, but for some slowing down to enjoy the simple things can be challenging. Try brewing a cup of cocoa and sipping it in your favourite chair without distractions. Relish it while taking a break from your phone or device.

Warm drinks: The enjoyment of comforting warm drinks rate the highest amongst Hygge activities, with coffee holding the highest prize.

Hung out in a coffee shop lately? Invite a friend or two and find a cozy Hygge type cafe to savour some quality time together.

Try out new rituals and routines: Feeling occasionally stuck in your everyday routine is normal. Going straight to the couch to watch TV after work can be an easy habit to fall into, and can leave us feeling isolated.

Creating plans that involve community and socializing keeps us off the couch to instead soak up warm connections with others.

is the hub of your social scene, so make it a place you and your friends will enjoy hanging out; a place where you all feel warm, relaxed and safe. Relax near a fireplace or in a room lit with candles.

Think about utilizing natural and tactile elements such as wood, ceramics, cotton throws, wool rugs and soft pillows to inspire your guests and bring the comforting elements of nature indoors.

How do you know if you are having a Hygge moment?

You’ll simply know it when you feel it. It will be characterized by a contented feeling and a bubbling up of excitement about what you are about to do. Having a Hygge mindset will soon become natural to you, bumping your happiness quota to new levels.

Establishing new habits about how we hang out together will benefit everyone in our social circles.

Let’s embrace more happiness and share it with others.

By doing so, we will make Hygge a household term where everyone knows its meaning. Happiness can be easily attainable with a few tips from a culture that has a proven track record. We all deserve happiness. Enjoy!

Chantel and Dawn from Resthouse co-write on subjects that promote health and wellbeing.

Resthouse Sleep Solutions 126 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250 597 7378

Set up your hygge headquarters. Your home 29

around the Valley. (we’re calling it our Living Forest Room). More seating for the Garage community!

SURPRISE THE KIDS WITH A SPRING BREAK VISIT TO THE CAFÉ!

WHOLESOME SNACKS & TREATS DELICIOUS BOWLS, SOUPS and SPECIALS Come see the new space!

Duncan Garage Cafe Suprises!

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t the Duncan Garage Café and Bakery we promise to serve local, organic, nutrient rich, unprocessed food, always made from scratch in our very own kitchen. From our breads, sauces, catsups, jams to our homemade smiles.

WILLOWANDORCHID.COM

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

This has been our recipe for success and the reason we just finished our 5th renovation since opening 16 years ago.

We were literally bursting at the seams and when the Community Farm Store left their beautiful space in the Duncan Garage (we are still sad about that) it seemed a perfect opportunity to expand.

Here are some things for our customers to get excited this month!

1. NEW Express Lane for coffee/tea and all other beverages 2. More cooler and freezer space to hold more offerings from the kitchen like frozen burgers, casseroles, pizza and pastry doughs and cute little trays of squares.

3. A cozy new space to eat and drink in featuring wooden tables and counters from

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4. A fermentation station where we’ll be culturing our sauerkraut, lactofermented veggies, natural carbonated summer drinks and of course kombucha.

5. A beautiful new fir live edge counter area. This will be dedicated to demos, samples and hopefully a few cooking classes!

6. We’re hoping one day soon this new space could double as a community meeting space.

We are so excited about all the updates to the space and hope you like it as much as we do.

Please, come on down to the hub of Duncan, where you’ll be met with the same smiling faces and delicious food, we’ve been serving for over 16 years.

Thank you to all our customers for the incredible support and dedication to eating and living organically here at the Duncan Garage.

We look forward to serving you for another 16 years!

Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery 330 Duncan Street Downtown Duncan 250 748-6223

John Stuart Pryce

Aquamaris Art Gallery Welcomes Esteemed Canadian Artists John Stuart Pryce and Rose Tanner into Its Talented Assembly

Viewing at Aquamaris Art Gallery

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quamaris Art Gallery opened in November 2019 proudly representing the initial assembly of nine awardwinning regional artists: Kristina Boardman, Claire Christinel, Eunmi Conacher, Jutta Kaiser, Aleksandra Kalinic, Ed Oldfield, Lisa Riehl, Sharon A. Stone and Sandy Terry. Shortly afterwards, the encaustic works by Lynn Harnish were introduced.

The gallery is delighted to announce this Spring’s addition of eloquent landscapes by John Stuart Pryce and life-like oil paintings of birds by Rose Tanner.

as an architectural illustrator whose renderings were used in projects around the world.

Today, John Stuart Pryce is recognized as one of the foremost Canadian landscape painters. His seemingly loose yet eloquent technique is the result of years of experience in the disciplines of drawing, color and composition. John currently resides in Victoria and divides his time between painting and sharing his artistic knowledge with others through his highly sought-after painting workshops. John is an Honourary Signature Member of International Plein Air Painters Organization Worldwide and the Signature Member of Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA)

Rose Tanner, a resident of Mill Bay, is an award-winning artist John’s life-long love of art who loves the outdoors and solidified his educational and studying birds. Rose studied professional directions, from illustration at the Academy of becoming an art major at the Art University in San Francisco highly acclaimed H.B. Beal Tech. and oil painting with Daniel in London, Ontario, working Keys as well as several other and studying in Montreal, contemporary master painters.

Chicago and Toronto, to a She has a solid professional successful 35 year long career background in publishing and software design, utilizing her talent to develop and promote the work of others.

Rose is dedicated to portraying her subjects using traditional oil painting techniques, but she believes it’s her attention to their inner “The Golden Years” by John Stuart Pryce, being that gives them Oil on Canvas, 36” x 48”

Rose Tanner

“Northern Red Cardinal” by Rose Tanner, Oil on Linen, 14” x 11”

330 DUNCAN ST SUITE 202, DUNCAN (upper level) (250) 597-2798 I www.aquamarisartgallery.com

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

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776 their life-like quality in her paintings. She travels widely for her subjects and is active in supporting endangered birds and their habitat. Rose loves to teach and share her knowledge of classical oil painting. She is a Signature Member of Federation of Canadian Artists (AFCA).

Street Open Tuesday - Friday 10am-5:30pm Saturday 10am4pm CLOSED Sunday & Monday (250) 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com

Aquamaris Art Gallery, Upstairs in the historic Duncan Garage Building (Level entry from the back) Suite 202 - 330 Duncan

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Lamb Kabobs

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

Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds trimmed boneless leg of lamb, cut in 1” pieces 2 large zucchini cut in 1” chunks 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms 2-3 medium bell peppers in assorted colors, cut in 1” pieces 8 large skewers - metal or wooden and soaked in water for 1 hour For the Marinade 1/2 cup rosemary (fused) agrumato olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 cloves garlic minced 2 teaspoons kosher salt fresh ground pepper to taste

SWEET & SAVOURY CRÊPES DAILY SPECIALS Italian Coffee & Espresso Drinks Iced Drinks & Italian Sodas & Pastries KETO, Gluten Free & Vegan Options NEW SPRING HOURS

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

8AM - 5PM

64 Station St., Downtown Duncan 250-748-9371 422 Esplanade Avenue, Ladysmith 250-912-0064 32

Method Combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk well. Toss the lamb, mushrooms, and veggies with the marinade and coat well. Place the kabob ingredients into a zip lock bag or large covered bowl, refrigerated for at least 2 hours, and up to 6.

Prepare a grill and over medium, indirect heat, assemble the kabobs with some lamb and assorted veggies on each skewer. Grill for 8-10 minutes for medium doneness. Serves 6-8

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f you are walking around Downtown Duncan you might notice some new bustle coming from the historic Whittome’s building on Station Street. The former travel shop is now home to the new Ironworks Cafe and Creperie, a bright and spacious room filled with conversation and clinking cutlery. Upon entering you’ll be greeted with a friendly hello and a few large menu boards displaying an impressive selection of savoury, sweet and healthy crepes along with a full hot and cold drinks menu to enjoy them with.

Now, we LOVVVVE crepes.

Richard makes them every weekend in the warmer months and we enjoy them the same way each time. Nutella, lemon and sugar or butter and maple syrup. As we gaze up at the Ironworks menu we are all immediately transported into a whole new world of crepes.

“Four berry, that’s the one I want” exclaims Shiloh, 10 years old. Filled with organic strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, folded with a sweet cream cheese icing. “Actually I want to try the lemon coconut one” he changes his mind as he spots another flavour on the healthy menu. I ask owner and entrepreneur Dina Stuehler what her favourite one is.

“Spinach, artichoke and brie crepe” she smiles “I love this one. The flavours play really well together, pickled artichokes are sautéed with garlic, chilli peppers and melted parmesan.

We fold the mixture in a crepe with fresh spinach and brie and finish it off with our delicious sweet honey drizzle.” Sold. I’ll have that one please! I look at Richard “what about you?” He smiles sheepishly and before he says it I know. Classic ham and swiss. He didn’t even look at anything else. His favourite sandwich available as a crepe? No brainer. Tiller, a bit overwhelmed as he loves his crepes with only butter and maple syrup decides to share in

Hot Local Crepes Filled With A Myriad Of Delicious Things many amazing businesses here that have wonderful unique offerings.” she smiles.

our bounty for his first tastes.

We pull up stools and watch as Dina expertly prepare our crepes. Of Dutch and German heritage, she grew up eating and cooking crepes. Though she has no formal training as a chef she loves food and has a natural aptitude for putting flavours together to create fun recipes.

With some quick tutelage from former boss, chef Daniel Vandenwildenburg and his wife Ruth of The Vine restaurant in Cowichan Bay she felt ready to open her own creperie.

After the success of opening her first Ironworks Cafe in Ladysmith, it was her love of downtown Duncan that inspired her to open another location here soon after. “I always had my heart set on owning a business in Duncan. I love the little downtown. There are so

Awed by how quick a turnaround crepes can be plated we sit back down to enjoy our hot crepes. I gently cut into mine and am pleasantly surprised by the spinach, artichoke and brie pairing. Yum. The rich creamy flavours paired with the fresh spinach and honey drizzle are scrumptous! Tiller digs into the Lemon Coconut and remarks how tasty and creamy it is.

Soft, nutty and sweet. Shiloh devours his quickly (and looks like he isn’t going to have any to share) and he cannot believe how yummy the berries and cream combo is. Better switch!

I receive Richard’s ham and cheese next. Wow. It is really good. I quickly take another bite and then another - then worry that I will finish it before he gets it back. Who knew those classic flavours would merge so well in a crepe? We share our thoughts with Dina and ask her what makes her crepes so good?

“Firstly it’s the ingredients!” she exclaims “ We support local as much as possible so we use True Grain’s amazing organic flour, local free range eggs from Page Point Farm and Island Farms milk and butter. When we carefully pour the batter on the crepe grill, it’s all in the

amount and the flick of the wrist to spread it evenly. I’m very specific with cooking times.

When you start making crepes you see the subtle nuances that tell you when the crepe needs to be flipped. We have developed wonderful techniques to ensure great crepes each and every time.”

Though we enjoyed regular organic flour crepes - specialty crepes are also available for restricted diets. Gluten-free, organic buckwheat, vegan substitutions, Keto (made from almond and coconut flours, butter, eggs and coconut milk) options are also available. She has designed her menu to be able to suit everyone’s diet with interchangeable toppings, batters and multiple substitutions.

Along with the fabulous crepes Dina has also carefully sourced delicous Umbria coffee from Seattle.” I’m very much a traditionalist when it comes to coffee. I can easily say I’ve had coffee in 103 countries around the world and always my favourite has been Italian coffee, they just have a way with it. From the moment I tried Umbria’s espresso I was hooked!”

Can’t decide which one? Order three and pass them around!

This way eventually you can try them all!

Family friendly with a great menu that certainly has something for everyone, Ironworks Cafe and Creperie is a perfect choice for your Spring Break staycation.

Ironworks Cafe and Creperie 64 Station Street, Downtown Duncan Open 7 days a week.

Submitted by Sheila Badman

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Spring Is Full of Rising Energy

March 22 • 10am - 2pm L

ife teaches us that nothing stays the same. Change is all around us, from our daily lives, to the changing of the seasons, to the great cycles of Life and the movement of the Universe. As our West coast home shifts out of the dormancy of winter, the dark time of resting, into the warming of springtime and new growth, we can feel the shift inside of our bodies as we change through our connection with the Earth.

Spring is full of rising energy.

One can feel the turning of the seasonal tide, an energetic ebb and flow. Spring feels precious as if everything is still contained but ready to come forth, ready to come alive. It is a time of new beginnings that carry the seeds of hope. Each breath we take, each thought or action, each day we wake is a chance to start fresh, to start something new. Starting anything new carries with it hope for what is better as well as the challenges that come with any change. This Spring take a moment to contemplate what seeds you are planting, seeds in the ground, or intentions, thoughts, actions, and be filled with the feeling of hope for your new beginnings.

If your new beginning includes planting a garden, making new friends and connections, or just having a good time, then you do not want to miss this cool Cowichan Valley event!

On March 22 from 10am until 2pm, Cowichan Green Community brings you the

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12th annual Seedy Sunday taking place at the Si’em Lelum Gymnasium 5574 River Road in Duncan. There will be locally grown seeds for sale, a kid’s activities, three workshops: Canabis is legal so what do I do with it? Vermiculture workshop and Cowichan Seed Library Information Session. This event features a seed exchange, plant starts, and mason bee homes.

Admission is $2.00, with kids under 12 and CGC members getting in for FREE!!

If you would like to know more about this event, kat@ cowichangreencommunity. org, visit www. cowichangreencommunity.org or call Cowichan Green Community at 250 748 8506.

Tasha Borden, an avid promoter of homeschooling and gardening, is currently pursuing a Masters in Writing.

of natural law, and the universal order underlying everything in our world. Each element was denoted a specific season, direction, climate, stage of growth, internal organ, emotion, taste, and colour.

Spring: A Time Of Movement, Growth, and Renewal

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Denise D’Fantis, Registered Acupuncturist Cowichan Valley Acupuncture, Matraea Centre

he Spring Equinox, the moment when the Sun crosses the equator from south to north, occurs on March 19, 2020 and marks the beginning of the season of Spring and the end of the dark and cold cycle of Winter. Warmer temperatures and longer days of sunshine bring with it new plant growth, budding leaves, and a gradual return to the splendour of nature as vegetation and flowers begin to bloom.

While the seasonal cycles of nature have been studied and documented by European scientists for many years, earlier cultures associated planets and moons with spirits and gods, and the earliest astronomers who were actually priests, interpreted celestial objects as manifestations of the divine.

In China, between 476-221 BC, the theory of the Five Elements was born, and with it consequential social and medical implications. This theory organized five “natural elements” (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) into patterns found in nature, reflecting a deep understanding

According to this ancient theory, the season of Spring is associated with the element of wood. The Chinese philosophers purported that the characteristics of the season of Spring, (warmth, growth, new cycles, rising energy, rebirth, etc.) mimic the natural properties of the wood element. For example, the “movement” of Spring is upwards, and outwards.

This is seen in nature with the regeneration and growth of vegetation as plants push upwards out of the earth’s surface and reach towards the sun. Trees begin to “leaf out”, and we see an explosion of newfound energy released in fresh growth. As the new cycle of spring pushes upwards and outwards, we see life reawakening with the renewal of nature in all it’s grandeur.

The internal organ associated with the element of wood and the season of Spring is the Liver.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the liver’s main functions is to ensure the free flow of energy, or vascular movement in modern terms. A healthy liver, according to this ancient view of the human body, is crucial for optimal physical and emotional health and activity throughout the entire body. A healthy liver allows us to make good decisions quickly. The Liver is fed by the element of water, and drinking plenty of pure, fresh water helps to improve liver function and to move stagnant physical, mental and emotional energy.

As the liver is also responsible for clearing toxins from the body, this overworked organ can easily become congested from exposure to the chemicals found in personal care and household cleaning products, over-the-counter and prescription medications, pesticides and

environmental pollutants. It is important to take care of our liver, and to not overwhelm it with toxins that it must remove.

Spring is an excellent time for a gentle detoxification to cleanse the body, mind and spirit.

Choosing healthy, light foods, avoiding toxins and drinking plenty of water brings renewed mental clarity and optimism.

While we find ourselves emerging from the dark and contemplative days and nights of winter, we discover a natural celebration of renewal. Spring is a time of growth, change, taking action, and decision making.

Spring encourages us to release what no longer serves us and to make room for the new. As we “spring clean” our homes, we also clean our inner bodies and minds, clearing away behavioural patterns that have created blocked and stagnated energy.

to the new growth of Spring.

The Wood, which has been at rest, storing and concentrating its energy under a winter blanket, now bursts forth with new buds, new life piercing Earth’s crust. The swelling Wood of Spring initiates rebirth - a surge of rising energy, like the young lamb staggering up to nurse, like the dandelion whose growing edge can burst through concrete if it must.

Wood is the energy of youth and growth: a new beginning, a vision of a whole new cycle.

The Wood energy of Spring is an expression of life at its strongest.”

Cowichan Valley Acupuncture 170 Craig St, Downtown Duncan 250 715-5649

As Neil Gumenick, Five Element Acupuncturist profoundly states: “As the days become warmer and brighter, nature rouses from her winter slumber and looks ahead

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Growing Susteenability’ For Self-Identifying Girls

inpark Youth Urban Farm is launching a new program called ‘Growing Susteenability’. This is an exciting opportunity for selfidentifying ‘girls’ ages 13-18 to connect with resources in the community, gain volunteer and work experience, and learn loads of useful skills. It is a series of workshops and hands-on sessions over the course of 8 months, every Thursday from 3:30pm4:30pm, starting on March 5th. There will be food provided at these after-school meetups, and the best part?

It’s free!

DOWNTOWN

DUNCAN

250 510 8700

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

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance 36

The goal is to support participants in starting their own sustainable small business, through weekly workshops on topics such as finances and business planning, leadership, public speaking, working with children, growing food, DIY natural cosmetics, stress management, food safety, cooking, horticulture, carpentry and more. Some of these workshops will be led by guest facilitators, some by the Kinpark farm team, and some will be led by peers (i.e. other girls aged 13-18). In addition to the workshops, participants will work together outside on garden, farm and construction

tasks. Cowichan Green Community will provide additional opportunities for both volunteer and paid work in our Kitchen, reFRESH store, and KinPark Kids Summer Camp. The hope that every participant in this program discovers something they love, or gets to develop a new skill.

Do you have a teen girl in your life who is ambitious, fiercely independent, worried about the future, wants to start making money, loves to be active outdoors, would benefit from support and mentorship from other girls and women, needs a safe space to snack and hang out after school, or just wants something different to do on Thursday afternoons? Invite them to visit 360 Duncan St. this Thursday at 3:30pm. Let’s grow a sustainable future together!

Contact laura@ cowichangreencommunity. org to register, and follow us on Instagram @kpyouth for regular updates.

Mentoring Matters

hat we know about mentoring is that it impacts positive youth development. We understand the benefits of mentoring when we hear the powerful stories of families, mentors, and the young people whose lives have been changed by a single caring adult.

reading, and growing plants.

Pip thoroughly enjoys spending time with such a “lively youngster,” having “missed playing games and doing projects” with her own grandchildren. Pip enjoys most being able to show Julia “things she may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise,” explaining that “I like to think that I am opening up her world beyond school and home and bringing out her creative spirit - which is the best part of mentoring.”

In-School Mentoring: Pip is a grandmother whose five grandchildren live far away.

She has been mentoring Julia in school for several years and thoroughly enjoys their weekly meetings. The pair enjoy many activities including baking, sewing, knitting, word searches,

Community Mentoring: Dan is an outdoors-enthusiast with an active social life and a great job. Once a shy kid, Dan credits the positive male role models in his youth with helping him to build confidence and become the man he is today. He decided to enroll as a Big Brother and

Julie Pyon Program Coordinator Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley

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March 26 @ 2pm • Monthly Support Group Meeting

Meetings take place the last Thursday of every month except December Canadian Cancer Society, 103–225 Canada Ave (Canada Building) Duncan

was matched with Alex, a 13 yearold who had been waiting for a Big Brother for 6 years.

The two were soon off on countless adventures, growing a strong and supportive friendship. Dan explains that “by becoming a part of Alex’s life, I have gained clarity on what it is truly important to me.

Reflecting on their friendship, Dan says that “Alex is one of the most multi-faceted people I know.

It’s always a good time hanging out with him – especially the rare moments when I know something he doesn’t and I get to gift another tool to his toolbox.”

Group Mentoring: Carolyn’s mother enrolled her in Go Girls! because it was a great opportunity for her daughter to build self-confidence at a time in her life when bodyimage, healthy relationships, and self-worth are very important. She feels that sometimes young girls “don’t hear” the encouragement of their parents over the noise of negative social pressure.

Carolyn shared that she “was excited to attend each week, and felt like she was an equal team member with the group of girls”. Carolyn became more aware of her physical activity, began making healthier food choices, prioritizing sleep, and grew to appreciate her body and develop her overall selfconfidence. Carolyn’s mother

feels that Go Girls! created the perfect opportunity for her child to develop and practice the life skills and self-respect she needs to thrive during this time of growth and transition.

Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley to find out how you can get involved in the mentoring program that’s right for you.

Call 250-748-2447 or visit www.bbbscowichan.ca.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley 60 Ingram St Suite. 1, Downtown Duncan

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Reality Checks For Natural Homes

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aking good choices for you, your family and the environment as you plan to build your home is a complex process. The construction industry may lead you to believe that you can build a Mexican style house in the rainforest , yet when you stop to think, it doesn’t make sense to transfer a dry climate design to a wet climate.

A plan for a cool moist climate like ours requires heating, insulation and moisture management.

Your original dream of a cozy cob cabin might leave you rather cold, if you scale up to a full size house without some adjustments.

Natural homes can give excellent performance regarding carbon footprints of materials. This is due to use of local materials (eliminating distant transport) , reduced processing (i.e. round wood instead of milled) , and by the nature of the material itself. But it’s difficult to get motivated by carbon calculations. The intention is to create a home that you love and that can love you back.

There are reality checks with every choice: examine your lifestyle currently and consider where you are planning to be in the future.

How much or how little are you willing to engage with daily activities like monitoring

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your energy use, managing your heating and controlling waste water contents?

No matter how ‘smart’ the design - it’s the behaviour of the occupants that will ultimately influence the outcome.

At OUR Ecovillage in Shawnigan Lake we have built several natural buildings over the past 20 years. I personally have lived in natural homes both locally and abroad.

This, and my experience as builder and designer, is what I bring to the ‘Design Your Natural Home ‘ workshop. We will discuss, explore ideas, ask and answer questions and look at and into some real buildings to gain understanding of the materials that we call ‘natural’ and how they may be used.

Whether you own land or not - this workshop is designed get you started.

March 27 -29 , optional Design Lab on Monday 30.

Single: $275 + $80 for the optional Design Lab Monday + applicable taxes Couple: $500 + $130 for the optional Design Lab Monday + applicable taxes OUR Ecovillage, 1565 Baldy Mountain Road. Visit www. elkecole.com or ourecovillage. org for more information.

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dining room throughout the Festival. We will offer homemade soups, buns, dahl and rice, muffins, cookies and other treats, as well as coffee, tea and cold beverages. In the interest of the environment, please bring your own beverage mug.

he World Community Film Festival is returning to Duncan March 13 to 15.

This year the films will be screened in the Chapel at Providence Farm. There are 20 documentary films from around the world, many of them focusing on local environmental, social justice and First Nations topics.

The Festival is hosted by the Cowichan Valley Film Society. We are a small group of dedicated volunteers who love documentaries and work hard to share these amazing stories with our community.

The films are informative and inspiring. We hope to motivate people to engage in lively discussions with one another about the films.

Friday evening we are screening films with an eye to LGBTQ topics and facilitating a discussion

World Community Film Festival March 13-15 after the film Beauty. On Saturday a number of the films are centered on First Nations themes, including The Whale and the Raven, which addresses the proposed

LNG plant at Kitmat. Sunday offers several films dealing with agricultural issues.

Screening times are Friday 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 8:30pm and Sunday 10:00am to 8:30pm.

Friday, admission is free to all. Two-day Festival passes are $15, single day passes are $10. The full Festival is free to ages 18 and under.

Tickets are available at the door throughout the Festival.

Please note that tickets and concession are cash only.

For the full schedule, film descriptions and trailers visit www.cowichanvalleyfilm.ca

Our volunteers will operate a concession in the Providence

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World Community Film Festival Schedule – March 13-15

2040 2019 Filmmaker: Damon Gameau The filmmaker embarks on a journey to explore what the future would look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions to the climate crisis already available to us. Gameau blends traditional documentary footage with dramatized sequences and high-end visual effects to create a positive vision of what the planet could look like in 2040. Jury Award, Adelaide Youth Film Festival Showing Sat. March 14 @ 3:05pm Artifishal 2019 Filmmaker: Josh Murphy This film is about the fight for the future of wild fish and the environment that supports them. It explores the high cost of our mistaken belief that engineered solutions (fish farms and fish hatcheries) can make up for habitat destruction.

Showing Sat. March 14 @ 10:00am Assholes: A Theory 2019 Filmmaker: John Walker This intellectually provocative film takes a playful approach to investigating the breeding grounds of contemporary “asshole culture” and why its on the rise. Best Documentary Script, Writers Guild of Canada; Best Documentary, Nova Scotia Screen Awards Showing Sun. March 15 @ 7:15pm

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Beauty 2017 Filmmaker: Christina Willings Beauty explores the lives of five gender-creative kids, each uniquely engaged in shaping their own sense of what it means to be fully human.

Whether it’s dealing with bullies, explaining themselves to their parents, or navigating relationships, Bex, Lili, Fox, Tru and Milo talk about their experiences and struggle to live in authenticity. Audience Choice Award, Reel Pride Film Festival. Facilitated discussion to follow the film.

Showing Fri. March 13 @ 6:15pm

Conviction 2019 Filmmakers: Nance Ackerman, Ariella Pahlke, Teresa MacInnes The film examines the troubling worldwide tendency to criminalize and imprison the most vulnerable in society - those affected by poverty, addiction, childhood trauma, and mental illness. Four incarcerated women collaborate with the filmmakers to answer a deceptively simple question: What would you have needed to avoid incarceration?

Showing Sun. March 15 @ 2:30pm Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts 2019 Filmmaker: Lisa Barry The Doctrine of Discovery, proclaimed over 500 years ago by the Pope, continues to profoundly impact Indigenous and Settler people worldwide.

He ruled that the lands being discovered by European explorers at the time were “empty”, ignoring millions of Indigenous inhabitants.

Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission released 94 Calls to Action in 2015, with many of them

referring to the Doctrine of Discovery and calling for its repudiation.

Showing Sat. March 14 @ 5:04pm Fashion’s Dirty Secrets 2019 Filmmaker: Lucy Siegle ‘Fast fashion’ has factories churning out affordable versions of the latest runway fashions as we’re pressured to keep up with the trends.

While many of us are aware of the poor labour conditions in these factories, we aren’t aware of their huge environmental impacts as one of the worstpolluting industries in the world.

Showing Fri. March 13 @ 5:00pm Finding Solitude 2019 Filmmakers: Jaiden George & Tristan Hinder-Hohlweg Finding Solitude illuminates traditional outlooks, spiritual connections and land use principles of the Ahousaht, Tla-O-Qui-Aht and K’omoks peoples of Vancouver Island.

Through interviews with scientific, environmental and indigenous cultural leaders, the film explores the importance of these critical eco-systems.

Beautiful cinematography.

Showing Sat. March 14 @ 11:30am

Five Acres 2019 Filmmakers: Paul Manly & Laurie MacMillan The Five Acre Farm in the Harewood area of Nanaimo is one of the last intact farms in BC’s first planned agricultural community. Samuel Robins, Superintendent of the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company had some visionary ideas. In 1884 he purchased Harewood Estates, subdivided the area into five-acre lots, and made them available as homesteads

that mining families could afford. Today, this surviving farm provides food and opportunities for a wide variety of people. Sponsored by Cowichan Green Community.

Showing Sun. March 15 @ 6:10pm

From Seed to Seed 2017 Filmmaker: Katharina Stieffenhofer In southern Manitoba, Terry and Monique are pouring their hearts and energies into a small, organic farm.

Depicting both large and small operations, the film shows what farmers are up against with climate change and how determined many are to adopt environmentally responsible strategies despite the seductive conveniences of modern agricultural practices.

Best of the Fest, Colorado Environmental Film Festival Sponsored by Cowichan Green Community.

Showing Sun. March 15 @ 4:00pm

Gay Chorus: Deep South 2019 Director: David Charles Rodrigues In response to the divisive 2016 election, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on a tour of the American Deep South. The tour brings a message of music, love and acceptance to communities and individuals confronting intolerance.

What emerges is a vision of a more hopeful US, through

the soaring power of music, humanity and a little drag.

Audience Award for Documentary, TribecaFilm Festival Showing Fri. March 13 @ 7:25pm

The Guardians 2018 Filmmakers: Ben Crosbie & Tessa Moran A visually dazzling meditation on the delicate balance between humans and nature, this film interweaves the lives of the iconic monarch butterfly with an indigenous community in Mexico. Both depend on the same ancient forest for their survival, the monarchs migrating 3,000 miles to hibernate. Once loggers of this forest, the community has made a radical decision to now protect the forest and the monarchs against illegal logging. Awards: SF Green Film Festival and Berkeley Video and Film Festival Showing Sun. March 15 @ 10:00am Hayashi Studio 2019 Filmmaker: Hayley Gray Hayashi Studio follows the diverse lives that came to Cumberland BC in the 1900s and the Japanese photographer who took their photos. During internment many of Senjiro Hayashi’s photos disappeared, but almost a century later the photos were found and exhibited, showcasing a piece of Pacific Northwest history rarely seen.

Showing Sun. March 15 @ 6:40pm Nae Pasaran 2018 Filmmaker: Felipe Bustos Sierra The film reveals the incredible impact made by Scottish factory workers 40 years ago against the repressive dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. In 1974 they refused to work on a Chilean Air Force jet engine that had arrived at the Rolls-Royce

factory for maintenance.

Not until decades after their defiant stand in protest do these pensioners discover the dramatic consequences of their solidarity. Recently, three of the labour activists were awarded the highest honour the Chilean government can bestow on foreigners. Best Feature: 28th British Academy Scotland Awards Showing Sun. March 15 @ 12:45pm

nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up 2019 Filmmaker: Tasha Hubbard What starts off as a detailed look into the 2016 farmland killing of Colten Boushie, a 22 year old Cree man – and the outcry that resulted after Gerald Stanley was acquitted of second degree murder – turns into an intimate portrait of generations-long grief and raises questions about racism embedded within Canada’s legal system. Sensitively directed by Tasha Hubbard, this is essential, riveting viewing. Colin Low Award for Canadian Documentary, DOXA; Best Canadian Feature, HotDocs Showing Sat. March 14 @ 1:15pm The Superfood Chain 2019 Director: Ann Shin The film explores the story behind the rise of superfoods like quinoa, teff, coconuts, and wild salmon, revealing the ripple effect the superfood industry has on the lives of farm families in Bolivia, Ethiopia, the Philippines and Haida Gwaii. The documentary examines serious issues and unintended effects related to the globalization of superfoods.

Showing Sun. March 15 @ 11:10pm

The Tree of Life and Its People 2019 Filmmaker: Ria and Lee Milliken Renowned First Nations carver Rande Cook says “As indigenous peoples, our language, culture and art are deeply rooted to the land.”

The goal is protection of the land from old-growth logging and land revitalization for the Indigenous peoples. Regarding the cedar tree, Cook says “to destroy that living organism is to take away the essence of who we are.”

Showing Sat. March 14 @ 11:52 am Way of the Hunter 2019 Filmmaker: Robert Moberg Deep in the Great Bear Rainforest, against the backdrop of BC’s breathtaking wilderness, a former hunter comes to terms with his past and looks with hope towards the future. Exploring one man’s evolving relationship with the natural world, a hunter who ultimately traded his gun for a camera.

Showing Sat. March 14 @ 4:47pm

The Whale and the Raven 2019 Director: Mirjam Leuze This is a cinematically calm, beautiful movie that speaks volumes about the risks whales on BC’s Coast face from the proposed LNG plant in Kitimat and increased tanker traffic and noise. Whale researchers founded the Cetacea Lab on Gil Island to study this unique marine environment. Through sublime cinematography, the film immerses us in a truly majestic world and makes an emphatic argument for its preservation. Best Artistic Merit Award, Vancouver Int’l Film Festival Showing Sat. March 14 @ 6:40pm

Yalis Rising: Celebrating the T’lisalagi’lakw School 2020 Filmmaker: Ed Carswell The students of T’lisalagi’lakw Elementary School learn traditional songs and dances in anticipation of a yearend Potlatch celebration.

For the Elders, teachers and community this event is a sign of Yalis (Alert Bay) rising.

With vivid west coast imagery, this film reveals one of the best examples of cultural revitalization on the Pacific Coast.

Showing Sat. March 14 @ 12:17pm www.cowichanvalleyfilm.ca

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

JOIN US FOR DINNER

OPEN Tuesday to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

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Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre

SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Maritime Kids Camps March 9 – 13 & March 16 – 20 9am - 4pm AGES 5-9 cost: $215 per week I to register contact: camps@classicboats.org or 250.746.4955

The Clay Hub Collective 2375 Koksilah Rd. Cowichan Station

Spring Classes and Workshops Visit website for more details and schedule www.theclayhubcollective.weebly.com

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

The Mud Room Clayworks • Potter Colleen Underwood 1725 Cowichan Bay Road, 250 710 7329 42

S

pend your Spring Break making some maritime memories and a few new friends along the way!

Learn skills like crabbing, knot tying, basic woodworking and more.

Build a boat and make fun crafts.

Explore Cowichan Bay and its history through games.

Learn water safety and go out in a rowboat.

The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre’s Pier promotes the area’s maritime heritage and is an important tourist attraction. Over 10,000 visitors tour our facility annually from all over the world. Our most popular activity for children is the wooden boat building booth located in the second pod along our pier. Wood, string, nails, and hammers are provided. This is a free activity for all ages. The second pod was recently dedicated to life time member Len Mayea who put in many hours cutting boats for children. Wooden Boat Kits are also available for purchase for a low cost of $10 in the reception area. These are a perfect gift for people abroad or for a fun activity at home.

The Cowichan Bay Maritime

Crabbing, Knot Tying, Woodworking and More!

Centre also runs Pro-D Day Camp, Spring Break Camp, Summer Camp, Teen Woodworking and more. By attending these programs, you are giving the youth a chance to embrace the maritime heritage history, learn water safety, woodworking skills and so on.

Dates: March 9 – 13 and March 16 – 20 Time: 9 – 4pm Ages: 5 – 9 Cost: $215 per week Contact: camps@classicboats. org or 250.746.4955

Spring Break Restoration Camp “Have you always wanted to learn how to transform spaces back to the wild? To feel a part of nature and make a difference?

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his is a 2 day Spring Break camp at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Center to inspire young people to learn skills in the field of Ecological Restoration. By renewing and restoring degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems and habitats in the environment we will work as a group to learn the skills and transfer them into a real restoration project!

The first day will be spent at the Nature Center exploring, learning finding our own unique style. The second day we will travel to Stoltz Bluffs and take part in making a difference in our home watershed. This is a spring break camp you don’t want to miss!

Ages: Aimed at youth ages 11 - 16

DELICIOUS MEALS MADE FROM SCRATCH

Older teens with prior restoration experience are invited to apply to be part of the team, both to learn and to act as youth mentors and get volunteer credit.

Time: 9 am to 3 pm Thursday & Friday, transportation from the Estuary Nature Centre to the restoration site and lunch included in cost.”

Cost: $25 per person (let us know if you need a bursary

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Featuring our famous crêpes & bennys!

1765 COWICHAN BAY RD • 250 597 7373 to participate) please register using the eventbrite link https://springbreakrestoration. eventbrite.ca

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Biggs Killer Whales charging down the Strait of Georgia Image Simon Pidcock

Pacific Herring and Biggs Killer Whales

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very year in late February Pacific Herring return to the Salish Sea to spawn and this is the same time of year that the Biggs Killer Whales start showing up in larger numbers. Pacific Herring are the keystone species in the Salish Sea ecosystem, they serve as an intermediary between plankton at one end and all the seals, sea lions, seabirds, chinook salmon, humpback whales on the other.

As the Pacific Harbour Seals, Steller and California Sea Lions gorge on herring the Biggs Killer Whales arrive to hunt and feed on the seals and sea lions. The killer whales’ timing is uncanny and they are rewarded with a literal pinniped smorgasbord.

One of our favourite families of Biggs Killer Whales has been making their presence know in the Salish Sea for the past two weeks. The T137’s are seen in our area frequently throughout the year but usually they show up a little later in the season. They have been traveling with the T099’s who are also prolific hunters. Early this week the T137’s and T099’s were found hunting multiple Steller Sea Lions at the same time. Usually these hunts are a very coordinated and measured predation event, as the Steller Sea Lions tend to fight back and it can be dangerous for the killer whales. The Steller Sea Lions have the same muscular and skeletal system as a Grizzly Bear and can weigh upwards of 2000lbs; they are one of the few marine mammals that fight back when the Biggs Killer Whales

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decide they want a meal. It’s extremely rare to witness two Steller Sea Lion hunts taking place concurrently but with both families working together in two separate groups the sea lions didn’t have much of a chance and the Biggs Killer Whales were successful in both hunts.

As we more further into the spring we will start to encounter more and more Biggs Killer Whale families in our area. This population of killer whales is flourishing in the Salish Sea, their population is growing at 4% a year and there has been almost 500 individual Biggs Killer Whales documented and photo identified in B.C. waters. In the past 5 years there has been over 90 new calves born to this population and we are excited and gearing up to document any new births this spring. This growing population of mammal eating killer whales is singlehandedly reducing and bring the seal and sea lion population into check. It’s great to see Biggs Killer Whales being the balance and negating the need for a pinniped cull that some local fishermen are calling for.

Our season starts on March 1st and we are looking forward to our upcoming season on the water with the whales and wildlife of the Salish Sea.

Simon Pidcock Owner / Captain, Ocean Ecoventures www.oceanecoventures.com

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id you know that whales, dolphins, and porpoises are “deliberate breathers”?

Unlike us, if they fall asleep they will stop breathing, and they have to be awake to go to the surface to get air.

One way is to sleep with one side of their brain at a time, while the other side of their brain stays awake to breathe consciously, swim and avoid predators. All of these beautiful iconic creatures are part of a family of mammals called Cetaceans. We all know how much time babies sleep right? Other animals, from fruit flies to humans, suffer severe and sometimes fatal consequences if they do not sleep. Cetacean babies grow and develop just like

Threats To Whales And Dolphins other babies, despite hardly sleeping at all.

In the Salish Sea, Cetaceans face a number of threats to

Trial By Fire Pottery Studio 4-6 Week Wheel Classes

Hilary Huntley

www.trialbyfirepottery.ca I 250-710-8758 www.trialbyfirepottery.ca

their survival. Ocean Wise works with kids and adults both, to mitigate these threats through research and conservation efforts. Aaron Purdy joined the Ocean Wise Marine Mammal Research team in 2019.

He engages communities around Vancouver Island to increase awareness of

Cetaceans in our local waters, talk about the conservation issues they face, and what community members can do to help protect them. He will also describe how you can become a “citizen scientist” by acting as an observer for the BC Cetacean Sightings Network while out on your next coastal adventure. After this talk, you will have all the tools you need to jump in and do your part to protect BC’s Cetaceans! So bring the whole family out to hear Aaron speak on Tuesday, March 17th, at 7:00pm, when the Valley Naturalists host his talk at the Fish Health Building, 1080 Wharncliffe Road. Meanwhile, for a preview, check out this and other video’s about Ocean Wise: https://youtu.be/ rkUMs4Ps2nA

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 EVENTS

2148 LAKESIDE RD, DUNCAN

250 743-7253

sunrisewaldorfschool.org

RSVP Required

• KINDERGAR TEN •

Wednesday March 4th – 2:15 – 3:15 pm Saturday March 28 – 9:00 – 11:00 am Wednesday April 15 – 2:15 – 3:15 pm Saturday May 2 – 9:00 – 11:00 am

• GRADE SCHOOL TOUR •

* Tuesday March 24 – 8:45 – 10:40 am A wonderful opportunity to see our grade school classes in session.

We asked a GROUP of Cowichan Kids aged 4-17 to share their favourite local treats for Spring Break

So Delicious Coconut Frozen Sandwich Communtiy Farm Store

Frozen Key Lime Pie Bridgemans Bistro Delicous frozen pie in a graham cracker crust. Perfect blend of sweet and tart served with or Margherita Pizza Prima Strada without whip cream. $8.25 Wood fired oven baked tomato, fresh mozzarella, parmigiano, basil. Dine in or take out par baked tofinish off at home and enjoy piping hot! $16.50

Smooth, creamy coconut sandwiched in rich, delicious chocolate. Available in singles or in a box of 8. .99/ each or $7.55 for box of 8

Cultured Kombucha Lynns Vitamin Gallery Healthy bubbles for everyone!

Favourite kid flavours Raspberry Lemonade, Mango and Peach

Peanut Butter Square Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery

Creamy combination of oats, peanut butter and delicous chocolate chunks dotted throughout this delight. $3.75

Hardbite Chips Communtiy Farm Store Crunchy, non GMO, glutenfree, made here in BC chips!

Comes in 8 flavours and 4 root vegetable options. $3.45 each

Gelato Prima Strada House made gelato available in a variety of delicious flavours.

Choose from two sizes and enjoy it in a cone or cup. $4.50/$6.50

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Strawberry Fields Smoothie Duncan Garage Bakery & Cafe Healthy vegan frozen drink blended with banana, local strawberries, coconut milk and ice $7.25

Almond Butter Cups Glow Juicery & Raw Food Cafe Locally made with organic maple syrup, raw cacao butter and filled with creamy raw almond butter.

Healthy “PB� cups you can feel good about eating. $3 each

Cheesy Pretzel Stick True Grain Organic chedder baked in fresh German pretzel dough for a delicious savoury snack. They used to love the pretzels now they love these with cheese! $3.95

Bistro Burger Bridgemans Bistro House burger with lettuce, tomato, and a deep fried pickle. Comes with fries or salad. (*Kid request no burger sauce or onions please!) $15.25

Spanakopita with Tzatziki Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery Light, flaky filo pocket a favourite of all ages but especially little hands. Filled with delicious spinach and feta served with a side of creamy house made organic tzaziki. $6.50

here is what THEY had to say and where to find them.

Warning: This page will make you hungry.

Vegan Lavender Latte Glow Juicery & Raw Food Cafe

Vegetarian Pizza Slices Duncan Garage Cafe

Pain au Chocolat True Grain

Delicious, hot vegetarian or vegan pizza at the Garage comes in sourdough, spelt and non gluten ingredients. Available by the slice daily or pre order a day in advance and take a whole one home for supper! $6.75/$27 whole

Flaky, organic butter pastry with Callebaut chocolate surprise in the middle! $3.95

Chocolate Bun True Grain Little people simply love this bun! Organic bun dotted with organic choolate chips. $2.25

Fun blue drink! Vanilla, Blue Majik, lavender, organic fresh pressed raw almond mylk,. Honey option $5.95

Hornby Island Energy Bars Communtiy Farm Store Grab some Hornby Island in Cowichan!

Organic, gluten-free, dairy free and soy free.7 flavours to choose from! $3.29 / $31.99 box

Dairy Free Sorbetto Prima Strada Dairy-free house made sorbetto using traditional methods and fresh, local ingredients. 2 sizes Dine in or take out! $4.50/$6.50

Nachos Bridgemans Bistro Tri color tortillias, mixed cheese, feta, black olives, green onion, tomato served with salsa, sour cream. Ask for the jalepenos on the side. $17.75

Chocolate Avocado Pudding Glow Juicery & Raw Food Cafe Vienna Strudel True Grain Authentic traditional apple strudel, baked using local apples and Granny Smiths. $3.95 slice

Butterfly True Grain Also known in France as Palmier (Palm Heart), this puff pastry treat features a hint of cinnamon and organic cane sugar, baked to a perfectly caramelized crunch. $3.50

Chocolate Mylk Euphoric Juicery Yummy combo of fresh organic almond mylk and raw cacao, Very healthy source of calcium, magnesium and antioxidants Find some at the Satudray market. $13 16 oz /$7 for 8 oz.

Raw cacao and avocado blended for a smooth healthy pudding treat.

Topped with cocoa nibs and coconut. They can’t believe it’s not pudding! $7.50 cup

Other Faves!

Mint & Hazelnut Melties and Lime Coconut chocolates (Chocolate Pearl), Ice Cream - any flavour! (Udder Guys), Butter Chicken Curry, (Heritage Indian Restaurant), Scones & Brownies (Well Bred-Saturday Market), Calabrese Salami and Delice Triple Cream French Brie (Cure at Valley View), Butter Tarts (Art to Eat), Hot Dogs (Depot Dawgs-Saturday Market) Natural Wine Gums (Community Farm Store) 47

Week 1 March 9-13

$45 Full Days 8:30-3:30 $25 1/2 Day 8:30-12:30

Week 2 March 19-23

$45 Full Days 8:30-3:30 $25 1/2 Day 8:30-12:30

PRE SCHOOL

Week 1 March 9-13

$12.50 2 hrs 8:30-10:30am $25 4 hrs 8:30-12:30pm

Gymnastics Spring Camps

3 to under 5

Offered only on Mondays & Wednesdays

Week 2 March 19-23 $12.50 2 hrs 8:30-10:30am $25 4 hrs 8:30-12:30pm

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pring is in the air and the kids still need something to do while schools out.

Preschool and Big Kid gymnastic camp sessions are available throughout spring break in half day and full day sessions and 2 hour pre school sessions. During camp children practice basic gymnastics skills through drills, games, equipment time and will focus on gymnastics skills training, co-operation skills and social interaction.

Camps are not 100% free play time due to other groups who use the gym, but the camps are always fun, energetic and a great time! Big Kids will also participate in small daily craft activities.To prepare for camp we ask girls to wear a bodysuit or snug shorts and boys are asked to wear snug

t-shirts and shorts. Please do not send campers in baggy clothes for safety reasons.

All long hair needs to be tied back and secured. For each four hour please bring a small quick to eat snack.

For a full day camp please provide 2 snacks, a lunch and a water bottle which can be refilled on site.

Camps are divided into Ages 5-12 for Big Kid camps and ages 3-5 for Preschool Camp. All gymnasts must have Insurance/Membership with Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club. Full day cost is $45 per day. 1/2 day cost is $25 per half day.

Register online at www.ddgc.ca or call our office at 250-746-0193

BEADS BEADS BEADS

Etc!

9752c Willow St

Chemainus

250 324 2227 Open 7 days a week

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

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Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre

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ueen of Angels Early Learning Centre “Encourages the full development of children in a caring and nurturing environment steeped in the love and teachings of Christ”.

Our play based program follows the guidelines of the Early Learning Framework and believes that the “first 5 years are the key foundation” in a child’s life. We encourage the development of the whole child so children can develop to their full potential.

Our Program highlights are: • Music and movement program with specialist teacher

• Child centred curriculum Our full day program for 3 and 4 years operates from 8:45-3:00 daily.

We offer a variety of flexible programs: Monday/Wednesday/Friday Tuesday/Thursday Or 5 days a week For more information or for registration call 250 701-0433 Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre 2085 Maple Bay Road, Duncan 250 746 5919

• Library program with School librarian • Hand Writing Without Tears Pre K program that focuses on communication, language, literacy, and Mathematics • Daily routine that includes: art activities, songs, stories, music and movement, gym time, outdoor time, and religion 49

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Vancouver Island’s Best Seedy Saturday Is Ready For You! Mark your calendar and don’t miss Cobble Hill’s 2020 Seedy Saturday, March 14th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Both of our Seedy Saturday venues are full of exciting vendors offering everything needed for your garden!

Lee Valley Tools will again be featured along with many other premium nurseries like Metchosin Farms, Perennial Ridge, Tree Eater Farms,

Denman Island Heritage Apples and Green Thumb Garden Centre. Most of the excellent seed suppliers on and off the Island will also be here: Saltspring Seeds, Full Circle Seeds, Rebecca’s Garden, Sweet Rock Farm, Seeds of Diversity, Eagleridge Greenhouses, Saanich Organics, and Brother Nature Organic Seeds to name just a few. In total, over 50 vendors will be on hand to meet every gardener’s needs.

Our vendors are bringing heritage and organic seeds, vegetable and flower starts, plants, shrubs and trees of all varieties including fruit trees, bulbs and tubers, mason bees and their houses, tools, interesting garden art and other items like soaps, creams, used gardening books, jams and preserves and so much more.

To accommodate all of the vendors and several thousand eager gardeners our event is housed in two main buildings within easy walking distance of each other. Both are located in the heart of the Cobble Hill Village.

Also featured is our famous seed exchange and lots of free parking. Both halls are wheelchair accessible and still have free entry for everyone.

Great local food is offered by the Women’s Institute and

by the Rotary Club of South Cowichan. We hope you take this opportunity to share in the excitement of growing things again after our long, wet and sometimes snowy winter.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and it all wraps up at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 14th 2020.

Don’t miss Vancouver Island’s best Seedy Saturday.

For information contact cobblehillseeds@gmail.com

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• All things natural and beautiful for you and your children • Beautiful and inspiring books for all ages and levels of interest • Wonderful organic merino/silk, wool clothing from age 0 - adult • Wooden toys, puzzles, games, silks, dolls, cards, calendars, prints • Birthday rings, craft kits, musical instruments and much more.

• Painting, drawing, knitting wool, beeswax & handwork supplies • Resources for Parents, Teachers, Carers and Homeschoolers Our store and it’s selection of all things warm and wonderful is growing and growing! More clothing, toys, books, cards, prints and handwork supplies. Bring your questions and your children. We have a lovely gnome-home where your children can play while you browse. Ongoing handwork, knitting and doll making classes, please inquire.

250-597-4763

Open 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Monday - Saturday

Closed Sundays & Stat Holidays Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

3, 5380 Hwy 1, Duncan ~ Adjacent to The Community Farm Store

THE SOL- CENTRE

UPSTAIRS HEALING COMMUNITY features affordable

PRACTITIONER ROOM RENTALS

Great space for yoga, movement, meetings, weekend workshops, massage and/or artistic gatherings..

By the hour or the day. For tours or rental inquiries:

Proudly carrying quality organic clothing lines for the whole family; A great selection solcentreduncan@gmail.com of of wooden toys, puzzles, play cloths and games from Grimm’s, Sarah’s Silks, Londji, Ostheimer, Camden Rose; Amazing ointments and Home Remedies from Uriel; Beautiful cards and hundreds of titles on every subject for children and adults from Wynstone Press, Floris Books, Steiner Press, Hawthorne and much more. The Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store is here to nurture the gentle unfolding of childhood through the seasons. An intentional alternative to our high-tech world.

Here at the Freya-Sophia Waldorf store we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and committed to meeting the soul needs of our children and our community by providing books, toys, supplies, resources, classes, workshops, instruction, support and conversation to those who visit us. We are here to help and to support.

Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher, playwright and artist who lived between 1861 and 1925. The influence of Steiner’s multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, education, philosophy, religious renewal, movement, speech, drama, agriculture (biodynamics), beekeeping and the arts. We carry a vast selection of titles on these subjects and much more at the Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store.

New books arriving all the time!! Here are a couple new releases from Hawthorn Press that we are excited about. We hope you will come browse our selection — truly something for everyone!

Darning: repair, make, mend

by Hikaru Noguchi

Climate change is making us rethink how we use resources and not subscribing to fast-fashion and re-using and mending our clothes has become a mark of pride.

This is visible mending, more akin to embroidery and embellishment that will make your favourite clothing even more personal and save it from landfill. Traditional English darning is covered as well as several variations, including reversible darns for cuffs and collars, sashiko mending for jeans and tambourine darns for just about anywhere. This is the first UK edition of the cult darning book by Hikaru Noguchi who has become a guru of visible darning in Japan. Fully illustrated with colour photography throughout and detailed step-by-step images by photographers Wakana Baba and Noriaki Moriya.

“The humble tradition of darning is elevated to an artform in this guide by Hikaru Noguchi. She explores fundamental techniques to repair worn-out socks and moth-eaten sweat-ers, and also provides ideas for making your darning stitches into attractive features on your clothing. This guide has step-by-step tutorials and beautiful photography.” ~ The Knitter

The Children’s Forest

A rich and abundant treasury in celebration of the outdoors, this book encourages children’s natural fascination with the forest and its inhabitants. The authors have produced an enchanting book where imagination, story and play bring alive the world of the forest. Full of games, facts, celebrations, craft activities, recipes, foraging, stories and Forest School skills, The Children’s Forest is much more than a manual: it is an invitation. Ideal for ages 5-12 it will also be enjoyed by adults, families and younger children; organised into the eight Celtic seasons of Imbolc, Spring, Beltane, Summer, Lughnasa, Autumn, Samhain and Winter. The appendices at the end of the book cover woodland skills, safety, the Ogham alphabet, story sources and further resources.

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

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any gardeners find themselves restless in late winter, eager to get back into the garden. Utilizing cold frames, hoop houses and greenhouses is a fantastic way to extend your growing season, your growing options and excite even the most seasoned gardeners.

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

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

root crops in the winter. Also, in summer cold frames can be a heat sink for heat loving crops like melons.

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

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

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

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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in Spring.

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

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

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

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

Living in the Cowichan Valley already offers gardeners an excellent climate for growing, but for those gardeners who just can’t seem to get enough, consider these seasonextending options.

HOBBY

GREENHOUSES! Made in England

Glass and Aluminum www.hallsgreenhousesbc.ca

View the display model at Dinter’s.

Kits are delivered direct to your home.

Saturday, March 14 10-11am • SEMINAR ON HOBBY GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT

Contact nursery to register.

Limited space.

11am-2pm •MEET THE REP! Bring your greenhouse questions and discover which is the best fit for your space and garden needs.

Catalogues Now Available

www.dinternursery.ca

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

Garden H20

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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 and healthy.

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 delivery 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.

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!

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.

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

Additional benefits: • 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

Providing quality care services

to fit you, and your family’s needs

Candace McKay

250 929 7916

• Companionship • Personal Care • Meal Preparation • Housekeeping • Transportation • Insured / Level 2 First Aid / CPR

candacegailmckay@gmail.com

• self-sufficient — You won’t need someone to water your gardens when you are away.

We invite you to call for a free estimate.

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

250 746 0706 24/hr Service 55

A Thriving Arts And Cultural Community Excellent Frameworks and EJ Hughes Gallery Relocation Celebration

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xcellent Frameworks is in celebration mode!

With our NEW location at 115 Kenneth St (next door to “Fabrications” and across from “Bucky’s”), we have tripled our space for our contemporary art gallery, EJ Hughes Gallery, and (of course!) our excellent custom framing services.

We are proud to offer original works of art by over 20 artists, including local and regional artists. From jewellery by Morgan Ann Designs and Azenya Designs, to bronze sculptures by Ati Emmerick and paintings by Marianne Enhorning and Phil Robinson, you are sure to find a new artist to add to your living or work space. (please note that original works of art are considered a tax deduction for businesses!) We will also have many other painters PLUS five potters and ceramicists

“Cups Pendant with Maille and Pearl” by Morgan Ann Designs Jewellery

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“Ceanothus Silkmoth” by Nik Sylvester, layered linocut with letterpress

prints guaranteed to charm you with his pure and bold palette.

“Perfect Solitude” by Marianne Enhorning, mixed media

offering new lines of work.

Our EJ Hughes Gallery has also been completely revamped and his iconic reproduction works of Western Canada will be featured in a dedicated 30’ gallery room. We have a new line of art cards available, plus a new grouping of affordably priced framed

Our custom framing department has a new boutique feel and we want to say a very special “Thank You” to everyone who custom frames with us. We love seeing your treasured works of art and it feels like Christmas when we see someone come in with an armful of art! Both Nik and I have strong education backgrounds in art and design. Our skills, experience, and enjoyment of art combined with your ideas and vision guarantee that your art will suit your home or work

environment.

With over 45 years of art in the Valley, we are hosting a “Relocation Celebration”, an open invitation to the public to come share our new space. Food and drink will be offered, and artists will be on hand to introduce their works of art to you. Come celebrate with us! Everyone welcome!

Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery, 115 Station Street Duncan, 250-746-7112 www.excellentframeworks.ca www.ejhughes.ca

(250) 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com & Monday (250) 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com

Introducing Aquamaris Art Gallery Situated on the upper floor of the historic Duncan Garage building, Aquamaris Art Gallery is a recent addition to the Cowichan Valley’s arts scene. This locally owned commercial gallery showcases contemporary original fine art by some of the region’s best artists.

Luminous florals, still-life, seascapes and West Coast themes, impressionist figurative paintings, dynamic abstracts, evocative encaustics, Raku pottery and sculpture, represent diverse expressions of creativity with a broad appeal.

Aquamaris Art Gallery in the historic Duncan Garage building Suite 202 -330 Duncan St. Open Tuesday-Friday 10am 5:30pm Saturday 10am-4pm CLOSED Sunday & Monday

Still Life Artist Phil Robinson at Excellent Frameworks “Flowers and the beauty of individual elements of nature caught my attention and called out to be rendered in all their natural splendor. The human face beckoned me to paint it; to faithfully capture its full expression.” Phil Robinson specializes in still life and portraiture. Inspired

by Mark Carder, Robinson found his niche using his limited palette of four colours, with the occasional use of a power color.

Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 115 Station Street, Duncan, 250-746-7112 www.ejhughes.ca www.excellentframeworks.ca

Introducing Descendants First Nations Art Gallery in The Heart of Downtown Duncan Shawn Johnny and Suzan Kostiuck are proud to introduce Descendants First Nations Art Gallery located in the heart of Downtown Duncan. Featuring original works of art, prints, Cowichan sweaters, carvings, moose hide earrings....plus more! All works are created

by First Nations artists living in Canada. Grand Opening Saturday, March 21 10am to Noon. Food and drinks offered, everyone welcome to attend!

Descendants First Nations Art Gallery 24 Station St. Duncan Find us on Facebook and Instagram!

Image aboe; Frogs and Sun by Shawn Johhny, digital print in hand carved frame

MARCH ARTS EVENTS • Relocation Celebration! EJ Hughes Gallery & Excellent Frameworks

Saturday, March 21, 12-3pm, 115 Kenneth St. (old Embellish location)

• Descendants First Nations Gallery

New Gallery Opening!

Saturday, March 21, 10am to 12pm, 24 Station Street

• Aquamaris Art Gallery

Featuring paintings

by John Stuart Pryce and Rose Tanner as a part of the Spring showcase commencing March 21st.

Suite 202 - 330 Duncan St., Duncan

Image above; New York Aster, acrylic by Phil Robinson

VISIT THESE DOWNTOWN DUNCAN GALLERIES Excellent Frameworks Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery 115 Station Street 250-746-7112 excellentframeworks.ca ejhughes.ca

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

Descendants First Nations Art Gallery Featuring the Work of Shawn Johnny 24 Station St. Duncan Find us on Facebook and Instagram

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Unfaithful Servants The Cowichan Folk Guild is excited to present one of our favourite island based groups The Unfaithful Servants for an intimate performance in the Chapel A dynamic community organization at Providence Farm on Friday, March 20th. dedicated to bringing great music The Unfaithful Servants to our community. have quickly gained a • MARCH 7 • reputation in Western Canada as a must-see Doors 7pm I Show 7:30pm act. With an original WEST MY FRIEND and exciting approach Live in the Chapel to acoustic music, the Achingly poignant folk music group serves up explosive • MARCH 14 • $10/$5 CFG instrumentals, compelling story-telling and highDoors 7:30pm I Open Stage 8:30pm powered vocals.

UKE’S MISBEHAVIN Their debut album,

March Coffee House

Jazz Standards in Baritone, Bass & Tenor Ukuleles Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St, Duncan

• MARCH 20 • Doors 7pm I Show 7:30pm THE UNFAITHFUL SERVANTS

Live in the Chapel explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling and high-powered vocals

• MARCH 28 • Doors 7pm I Show 7:30pm THE HIGH QUADRA RAMBLERS

Live in the Chapel High energy banjo-fiddle duo with beautiful vocal harmonies All Shows $15 CFG / $20 and at Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. unless posted

Kids 12 and under free CFG Members special rates

BECOME A MEMBER! www.cowichanfolkguild.ca

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released June 2019, is a stunning collection of bluegrass / folk songs that traverse borders and (at times) genres. The group knows something about drawing inspiration from rebellion and restlessness.

This struggle with finding a solid footing in life manifests itself within

their process, and gathering from their myriad travels and connections - they have created something that is both familial and engaging.

Tickets available through www.cowichanfolkguild.ca.

Mai Ikemura Winner Intermediate 2020 Concerto Young Mai Ikemura has won the Intermediate 2020 Concerto category and will perform with the Cowichan Consort Orchestra March 7th. Mai will play the Martinu Rhapsody for viola and orchestra.

She will be joined on the concert program by the junior winner, pianist Keisha McKay of Victoria playing Grieg, and U Vic saxophonist Ayari Kasukawa senior winner, performing Glazunov. Guest Conductor will be Nathan Jacklin. Ecole Mt Prevost School Choir directed by Odette Williams, will also perform with the Orchestra on this ‘Featuring Our Youth’ annual concert.

Mai was previously runner up in the 2018 Concerto Competition. She studies with Guyonne LeLouarn in Victoria and also plays chamber music at the Vic.Conservatory of Music.

Tickets are available at Volume One Bookstore and at the door Saturday March Rock I Funk I Blues I Reggae I Latin I Metal 7th, 7:30pm, Chr. Ref. Church, DRUM KIT AND HAND PERCUSSION LESSONS 930 Trunk Road, 35+ years experience- Private / One 2 One / Customized / Fun Duncan.

Paul Jutras

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

778-422-1034 I chopsdrumschool@gmail.com

Cowichan Camera Club Celebrates 40 Years

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t the 1979 Cowichan Exhibition, those who entered the Photography section were given a slip of paper asking them if they were interested in forming a Camera Club. The first meeting was held at St. John’s Church in October, 1980 and with the enthusiasm of John Sargeant, Charles Worsley and Denny Wagg and others, the Cowichan Valley Camera Club was born. Trish Rankin is the only original member still active in the club today.

Members learned how to use their cameras effectively and John provided technical instruction and his fully equipped darkroom. Early days were film, slides

and cibachrome but now it’s the digital age with computers and phones. We met everywhere from the Agricultural Hall, Hospital Annex, Clements Centre to Wallace’s Hall today.

Meetings were held monthly but today there are three meetings with critiques, competition judging, technical instruction, visiting experts and members’ travelogues or showcases.

One of the most popular events is a weekend Field Trip which can range from overnight in Tofino, ferries to Riefel or Abbotsford and day visits to many venues on the Island from Comox to Royal Roads. Coffee Klatch afterwards is always fun.

Sharing our photos is done in two ways with a worldwide gallery called pbase.com/ cvcc and by hanging in local venues such as the old Ecomuseum, Genoa Bay Cafe, Just Jakes, Enrico Winery and the Library. We were one of the first to show in the Telus Lobby of the Theatre using wires, chains and hooks - taking us a day to arrange and impossible to hang straight!

Through all the ups and downs of 40 years with 20 members to 120 members, the Camera Club has survived and we are proud to share this Showcase of images by past and present members.

Cowichan Valley Camera Club Show and Sale, Mon-Fri 11am-5 pm & Sat noon - 3pm, PORTALS Gallery, 2687 James St Duncan cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca FREE Show runs to March 27

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What Comes To Mind

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aple Bay artist Richard Young is excited to hold his first solo exhibition, entitled “What Comes to Mind”. The show runs from March 6 – 22 at Xchanges Gallery in Victoria.

Young has prepared six large metal works in a variety of shapes and colours. He bends and cuts the metal to achieve crisp lines and inviting curves that he says, “evoke movement and hopefully inspire the imagination.”

Young is dyslexic, so it has been a challenge for him to explain concepts in words.

Instead, he found a way to express his ideas in a physical form. Young says these forms are a representation of how he sees the world — a place of joy and wonder in contrast to so much negativity and fear in the news. He applies warm and lively colours reflect his optimism. “My hope is that people will see these saturated hues and unpredictable contours, and it will reinvigorate their spirit.”

Young attributes his success in reaching this significant step in his career in part to having participated in Connie Michele Morey’s arc.hive mentorship program. “The kind-but-critical community Connie creates in her mentorship group gave me confidence in what I had to offer as an artist.” Young says it was Morey’s program that helped him to apply for the Xchanges show, and gave him the tools to submit a successful application to be one of 13 sculptors in Oak Bay’s ArtsAlive program: a year-long outdoor sculpture exhibition starting in June 2020. “Connie gives us the

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space to talk about our work, our process, and we collectively provide feedback and support to each other.

It’s been invaluable to me.”

What Comes To Mind is the culmination of 18 months of exploration of form and process for Young. His inspiration for the title of the show is Barbara Hepworth, a well-known sculptor who was based in St. Ives, Cornwall, not far from where Young spent his youth. An interviewer who was examining how Cornish landscapes have influenced Hepworth’s work said, “Her sculptures may call these things to mind but never describes them.” Struggling as a dyslexic who often could not describe his ideas in text, Young connects with the idea of sculpture as the medium for communication.

Everyone is welcome at the show opening at Xchanges Gallery, 2333 Government Street March 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Young will hold an artist talk on March 15 at 1:00 p.m.

Follow Richard Young’s art journey on Instagram at @ richard.young.art. Works will be available for purchase at www.huxterdesign.com.

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The Mercury Players Presents The Women of Lockerbie

he Mercury Players, under the direction of Sylvia Swift, will be presenting The Women of Lockerbie as the second play of their 2019/2020 season. The award winning play by Deborah Brevoort finds a couple wandering the hills near Lockerbie, Scotland. Bill and Madeline Livingston lost their son on December 21, 1988 when PanAm Flight 103 crashed onto a residential street in Lockerbie, Scotland. Seven years later they have come to a vigil in Lockerbie to try to heal so that they can carry on.

Maddie relentlessly searches the hills to find some sign of her missing son. They meet “The Women of Lockerbie” who are also struggling to come to terms with the fallout from the Lockerbie Bombing.

In their efforts to find closure the women of Lockerbie have come into conflict with the rule-bound American administrator who is in charge of the storage and disposal of all items that were held for the investigation of the bombing.

In spite of the tragedy that is the foundation of the play

the Mercury Player will bring humour and hope to the stage when presenting this lyrical play. Although the play is about specific incidents in the 1980s and 1990s the messages are relevant today.

The play is a fictional work inspired by the Lockerbie Laundry Ladies who laundered the passengers’ clothing so that it could be returned to the families. It is a one act play that is presented in the Greek style. Adrian Ingham (Almost Maine, Anatomy of Grey), Bronwen Thorburn (in her Mercury Theatre Debut), Jan Ovans (Shawnigan Players regular), George Jones (in his Mercury Theatre Debut) and Lori Appleton (Almost Maine, Anatomy of Grey) have been cast as the main players. The chorus is played by Leslie Sanchez, Jennifer Cleough, Megan Bourns, Lisa Read, and Bethanny Brooks.

Tickets $22 Seniors & Students $17 Show runs Thursday to Saturday March 19-21 and 26-28, 7:30pm and Sundays March 22 & 29 at 2:30pm mercuryplayers.org 61

W

e are approaching the tail-end of Cowichan’s winter and it is exciting to see the days growing longer, cloudless skies teasing our horizons and flower buds beginning to plump-up on the most keen and early bushes.

Kids’ laughs echo again from the outdoor playgrounds, Spring break draws near and our dormant gardens whisper their desires of being fed, planted and tended.

Did you know that the Cowichan Valley is full of hard-working and innovative farmers, food processors and health conscious folks who are well prepared to provide our community with all of Spring’s necessities? From right here, in your own backyard, it couldn’t be easier to source healthy and delicious snacks for school lunches, freshly pressed juices, and bio-regionally adapted seeds that have been grown, packaged and produced in the heart of Duncan.

Here we feature 4 local producers that will kickstart the colour of Spring in your homes, bellies and gardens. Find these producers on Cowichan Valley’s only online farmers’ market, www.cow-op.ca. Every week, shop online between Friday at noon and Tuesday at midnight. Pick up your Cow-op orders on Thursdays in Duncan, Cowichan Bay, at Sunrise Waldorf School or in the heart of Victoria at the Zero Waste Emporium.

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Spring is in the air: Snacks & Seeds Sourced Locally!

hOMe Grown Living Foods was founded in 2008 with a passion to provide nutrient dense Organic, Sprouted, Plant Based, Gluten & Grain Free, Ketogenic Snacks to fuel an active lifestyle. Nestled in the forest of Lake Cowichan, all their products are hand-crafted in small batches in their Farm to Shelf Certified Organic Facility.

Founders Willy & Shani moved to the Valley in 2000.

Slow & Low is a core value to

hOMe Grown Living Foods.

Permeating their processes ~ dehydrated at low temperatures for many hours, as well as their business model ~ low overhead and slowly adding 1 shipping container at a time to their hOMe based Facility. They also offer locally sourced, seasonally inspired catering for retreats and workshops here in the Cowichan Valley.

Their new line of Keto U-Bake products are a healthy, simple way to get the kids involved ~ just add oil, water, shape & bake!

By Staying immersed in nature, their inspiration flows into the finished product. They hope you can taste Love & Gratitude in every bite. Learn more about this local Farm to Shelf, high vibe company at homegrownlivingfoods.ca.

Good Bite started in May 2013 by a local Cowichan Valley mom, Tina, who was born & raised right here! Good Bite has two food products: the Good Bite Bar and the Vegan Bites.

The Good Bite Bar is a delicious snack bar made with organic ingredients and a new vegan option. They are soft & chewy with a little crunch around the edges… like a cookie but with less sugar, brown rice flour and healthy ingredients! The perfect “grabn-go” breakfast bar or midafternoon snack.

Vegan Bites are made of simple clean organic ingredients and shaped in a small round disc. They are raw, healthy, vegan sweet treats! Delicious!!! Compact dessert treats without the high sugar contents. Compostable packaging is available only through www.goodbitebar.com or www.cow-op.ca. It will not be offered in retail stores.

Euphoric Juicery has been providing the Cowichan Valley with tasty and nutritious, cold pressed, organic juices and nut mylks since 2015. They have earned the respect and love of their customers by never compromising their values.

Euphoric only uses the highest quality and most fresh organic ingredients available. They love to support local, organic farmers when possible and thrive on the appreciation from their customers when the produce is picked and transformed into nutrient-dense juice products within 12-24hrs.

For more information on juicing and their full menu find Euphoric Juicery on Facebook.

The Cowichan Agricultural Seed Hub (CASH) is happy to announce that Spring is in the air! How do we know?

Because it is time to start seeds! They are very proud and excited about their varieties of peas that can be started outside in March. Try out their new beautiful purple podded shelling pea, Carruther’s Purple Podded Pea, an heirloom variety from Ireland.

They also have a beautiful snow pea, Green Beauty which grow 7-8 feet tall with 5-8 inch long pods!

CASH is dedicated to maintaining sustainable and organic practices while providing the local community with only the best quality seed possible. As an initiative of Cowichan Green Community their purpose is to promote local food security by furthering local seed security.

Find out how you can get involved by contacting kat@ cowichangreencommunity.org.

Submtted by Derrick Pawlowski Cow -Op Market Manager

that will be selling gardening/ farming tools, equipment, & supplies throughout the weekend.

Visit the booths of community organizations that support food growing and food security initiatives to learn more about how you can get involved in the local food movement.

The West Coast Farm & Garden Show: Tofino “We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the highest order, a kind of artist.” ― Wendell Berry

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he West Coast Farm & Garden Show is a grassroots, community driven event that brings together farmers, backyard growers, and food enthusiasts of our region. Through workshops and presentations, we will be providing the skills and inspiration needed to tackle the challenges of growing food on the west coast.

Eating local is not only delicious, it also reduces our carbon footprint and helps support farmers in our neighbouring communities. With Spring planting just around the corner, join us as we come together to celebrate the craftsmanship of local food growing.

Attendees can expect a lineup of workshops with celebrated food growing experts from across Vancouver Island. Feature events include a Fundraiser Dinner with Chefs Zane Caplansky and Willa Bradshaw, a screening of “Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story”, and a Panel Discussion “Small Farms, Big Impact” with innovative community-based growers from Amara Farm, Cowichan Green Community, Nanaimo Foodshare Society and the Ucluelet First Nation WYA Junction Garden.

Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their children: we will have hay rides, facepainting and other family friendly activities. Solidarity Snacks will be providing lunch, available for purchase.

For farmers, this weekend is an opportunity to meet other producers in our region, expand your toolkit of agricultural knowledge, and connect with markets on the West Coast. Food lovers can stock their pantries and gardening sheds by visiting our Farmer’s Market Co-op table, Seed Swapping table, and the many other regional vendors

The Tofino Community Food Initiative is a non-profit community group dedicated to fostering food security on the west coast through gardening workshops, community gardens, and food literacy programs.

We continue this work with the support of our community partners and incredible volunteers.

March 6th-8th, Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino $2 entry donation; $10 per workshop; $25 workshop day pass; $40 workshop weekend pass www.tofinocommunityfood initiative.com/west-coast-farmgarden Like us on Facebook Tofino Community Food Initiative & Follow us on Instagram @ tofinolocalfood.

organic craft coffee and mmmore by the sea across from Salt Spring ferry terminal

1532 CHAPLIN ST, CROFTON

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2015 the bright lights of Chemainus called to them.

Inspired by their new community’s passion for recycling and re-using, and recognizing a need and a business opportunity, they opened La Petite Auction House.

F

La Petite Auction House

or many years, Dawn Geddie, a certified auctioneer, and her partner Morgan Bristol ran a successful furniture/home décor business and an auction house on Haida Gwaii. In

But going to this auction house is not like shopping at a store; it’s an event. It’s fastpaced action, thrill-of-thechase competition for the next item on the block, the sellers make money and the buyers take home their newfound treasures. Best of all, Dawn and Morgan and their team make the auction a whole lot of fun. Some folks come just for the entertainment, and usually find something they want to bid on.

La Petite Auction House, located at 9686 Chemainus Road, accepts a great variety of consignment items ranging from the kitschy and cool, funky and fabulous, modern, vintage, antique, and the totally unexpected. You’ll find furniture and home

décor, works of art (life-size statue of David, no fig leaf!), clean carpets and area rugs, collector’s items and so much more.

Our showroom floor is open for viewing or dropping off items from 11am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday, Saturdays 1pm to 4pm. When you find an item you’d like to bid on in the auction, place a yellow tag on it to ensure that it’s put up for bidding.

Auctions are held every second Sunday. You may wish to contact us in advance to pre-book your seat. If you can’t attend the auction on the day it’s held, absentee bids are welcome. Viewing on the day of the auction goes from 10am to 1pm. The auction will start at 1pm sharp and run until 3pm.

On auction day, each bidder

LA PETITE AUCTION HOUSE 9686 Chemainus Road

NG? CLEANI SPRING h$ Need Cas

March 1st March 15 March 29

For INFO or to CONSIGN

250 701 2902

Too much FUN! 64

GORD FROST COLLECTOR / HOBBYIST

SERVING VICTORIA & SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND WANTS TO BUY YOUR UN-USED, UN-WANTED FIREARMS Instructor / Examiner Estate Appraisals Phone: Gord Frost 778-676-7253

will be given a numbered card to place their bids. The auctioneer will explain the process, the crowd will take their seats, and the excitement begins!

Second Sunday Auctions 1pm, March 1, 15, 29 La Petite Auction House, 9686 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus submitted by Heather Geddie

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.

10 Benefits Of Built-In Home Storage 1. Customizable and flexible thus maximizing space 2. Fabulous range of colours and finishes 3. Built-in storage is unobtrusive 4. Keeps area’s organized and clutter free 5. It fits into any area 6. Customized drawers, cupboards and hanging rails for linens, towels, toys and clothing etc 7. Can include integrated seating 8. Designed to work with your homes décor and furnishings 9. Built-in storage with adjustable shelving will provide storage flexibility 10. Storage, exactly how you want it.

H

aving the correct home storage can be essential in helping to keep our homes functional, uncluttered and to also enhance its appearance.

Every home requires and functions better with the correct storage space. A custom organized closet is the perfect solution for seeing all of your clothing and accessories at a glance.

Built-in cabinetry can be customized to fit your home’s design, and can be used in any room of the house. Built-in cabinetry can keep your entertainment area clutter-free and organized while built-ins can also make small bedrooms seem larger and more efficient.

Built-in custom storage ensures that all of the space available is used to its best advantage, including those unused nooks and corners.

By using adjustable shelving and today’s innovative storage organizers these areas become incredibly storage efficient.

By using a professional Custom Storage company to design, supply and install, you can choose to make your

custom storage solutions stand out and be a talking point or they can blend in seamlessly.

Submitted by Tina Mozier Professional UK Interior Designer Tina Moizer now lives in Maple Bay

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

First appointment free!

250 715 6174

David Yaeger

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

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Garden Tips & Tricks From Lunar Bloom

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pring has Sprung! Well, almost...I can’t help but get excited this time of the year. Waking up to birdsong and witnessing the majesty of hellebores and snow drops are among some of my favourite pre-Spring signs that the Earth is slowly getting ready for another season of growing.

Most of you will be ordering seeds and planning your gardens for the year, whereas others, perhaps, will be diving in for the first time. I want to share with you all some of my favorite, basic tips to keep in mind as we approach the growing season.

Soil is EVERYTHING!

Know your Seeds.

Like most life here on Earth, plants need the best start they can possibly have. This means seed varieties matter.

Organic seeds matter. And proper storage of seeds matter. Get your seeds from reputable companies or local farmers. As I write this article we are ten weeks from the last frost date of April 18, 2020 here in the Cowichan Valley. This means that we’ll be able to start some seeds in the greenhouse now.

Foxglove, here I come! Seeds like warmth to germinate so tucking seeds on top of a refrigerator or radiator or purchasing a warming pad is always a good idea.

Remember that seeds also love light! Whether it be a windowsill or shop lights plants need an abundance of light to grow.

Garden Planning

Be creative. Even if you have a small space it’s possible to grow many things. It’s rewarding to eat from your own garden and satisfying to

witness the plants development over time. Some quick tips I have for small space growing are to space densely.

When soil has an abundant amount of nutrients you can usually plant plants closer together than the package states – this is especially true for flowers.

Image Shannan Hazard

Go vertical!

There are many things that can grow upward: you can trellis squash, cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, peas and beans among other plants. A little bit of chicken wire can go a long way.

The last tip I have is to grow in containers. You can grow many vegetables in containers, including, but not limited to, tomatoes, egg plants, many pepper varieties, radishes, onions and many culinary herbs right on your deck. Limited growing space needed. You can even throw some wildflowers out for the bees in containers on your patio. The growing world is your oyster. And one last bit of advice: have fun.

Gardening is a good way to get outside and soak up the season.

If you’re looking for a great place to get seeds or would like some more detailed advice on growing your ideal garden come and see me March 14 from 10-2 at the Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday.

I’d be happy to help you live your garden dreams. Happy growing everyone.

Kurtis Howes is the owner/ operator of Lunar Bloom Landscaping providing eco + ornamental landscape design, installation & maintenance for people throughout the Cowichan Valley. www.lunarbloom.ca Kurtis Howes, owner Lunar Bloom Landscape and Eco Design www.lunarbloom.ca

Kurtis Howes 250-210-1705

’d first off like to emphasize the above statement: soil is the foundation for a hardy garden, whether it be cut flowers, a permaculture food forest or a veggie garden.

Good, fertile soil will yield a fair amount more food than a garden with no added nutrients. A good place to start is to do an at home soil test to see the ratio of clay, silt, and sand in your garden (bcfarmsandfood.com has a great example of this soil test on their website). Once you know the ratio you can

amend accordingly. Another good place to start is to get some manure and/or organic compost to add nutrients to your garden space. Seaweed is a favourite additive to soil and is in abundance here on Vancouver Island.

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Ambassador of Peace and World-renowned Humanitarian hosts Yoga Retreat in the Cowichan Valley

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oga practitioners, spiritual aspirants, peace advocates, teachers, parents, couples, children, and all those who inherently intuit a different way of being than what is modelled in our current society are invited to “Eternal Journey and Yoga: A Yoga and Nature Retreat.”

Practice yoga and meditation against the backdrop of the stunning vista of the Cowichan valley. This Retreat offers a pure, undiluted form of authentic and classical yoga which includes postures, meditation, relaxation techniques, wisdom from the sanskrit scriptures, living and being in community, and best of all, the opportunity to be in the presence of a living Master, rooted in an ancient Lineage.

Vishwaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda was born on August 15, 1945 in the district of Pali, Rajasthan. He spent most of his early childhood years devoted to prayer and meditation and as a teenager was ordained a swami by his Guru Hindu Dharmsamrat Parahmans Sri Swami Madhavnanandji.

In 1970, he came to Europe where we was inspired to create the system, “Yoga in Daily Life”, an internationally acclaimed system of yogic practices for the mind, body, and soul. Despite the communist disdain for spiritual teachings, Vishwaguruji was invited into many communist countries and he worked tirelessly to spread the message of love, respect, purpose, non-violence, protection of the environment, and a vegetarian lifestyle. Due to his distinguished charitable, humanitarian, religious and environmental work as well as his selfless efforts for harmony and world peace, Vishwaguruji has been acknowledgeed by social, medical, religious, and political leaders and dignitaries in many different countries.

In a divisive political climate in Eastern Europe, he created ashram communities comprised of women, men, and children from all different countries who embraced the ideal of love, living in harmony, and who dedicated themselves to a life of purpose and service.

In a world where yoga has been appropriated, commercialized and sexualized, this Retreat and the evening lectures offer a rare and precious opportunity to receive the pure and undiluted teachings of yoga from an internationally recognized Spiritual Master.

Yoga and Meditation Nature Retreat, Tuesday March 17Monday March 23 2020 The Hub @ Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Road Wednesday March 18 7pm Evening Lecture, Yoga: Medicine for the Soul Thursday March 19 7pm Evening Lecture Yoga: An Eternal Science for HeartCentered Living Information and Registration 604-646-0134 contact @ vanyoga.com www.vanyoga.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 Mondays 9~10:15am (Rivendell) 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

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I

Women Celebrate Yourselves!

nternational Women’s Day on March 8th is a chance for women to celebrate ourselves, our grandmothers and the long line of female ancestors who all helped us to be the women we are today, and to honour those (both male and female) who do their part in the global women’s movement to help women gain more rights, more power, more freedom and more choice in their lives.

In this day and age of gender neutrality, gender bias, gender politics, trans gender trends, it can feel like a minefield of trying to say the ‘right’ thing about women that doesn’t offend, suffice to say I want to celebrate and include all women, whether or not they are biologically born as women.

When I was a teenager I read “Our bodies Ourselves” a book that started in 1969 as a pamphlet, was produced and distributed by women for women. It is still in print, with the latest edition published in 2011. The book’s emphasis is about advocating our rights as women to determine our own path, especially when it comes to making choices regarding our bodies, our health and our well being.

Reading the book had a dramatic effect on my life.

To this day I have had the perspective that I need to take responsibility to look after myself by following my own intuition and sense of inner knowing.

That perspective has led me to a 25+ year practice of yoga. On the yoga mat many of the world issues that can adversely affect women are set aside. For that time on your mat you are safe. You are held. You can relax.

You can gently explore parts of your body, joints and sensations that maybe you try and avoid because of pain.

You get to feel how you are and to check in with yourself.

Yoga is not a fitness exercise (although it certainly helps you stay fit) it is a way you can grow in body awareness, stay connected to your inner knowing and join to your body through you breath, mind and spirit. You get to become a powerful creator of your own health and longevity.

The type of yoga I teach – Kaiut – was developed in the past 30 years in Brazil and is an excellent method for women to get inside their own skin, to get underneath the busyness of their lives, and to create joint health, bone strength, cardiovascular flow and a calmed nervous system.

It is a systematic approach to counter the processes of aging. And it is all about learning and practicing to stay present in this moment now.

So as we celebrate women all over the globe on the 8th of March, I invite all women to celebrate their body and themselves and to follow their intuition as to what best can bring them to greater health and well-being.

Kathy White is a mother of two, yoga teacher in Crofton, and she teaches both men and women in her classes - more details www.kathywhiteyoga. com

Qigong: a practice for the body and mind

M

y mother, whose love of and appreciation for her Qigong practice runs deep, informed me that it took her about three Qigong classes to become fully ‘hooked’. Given her apparent passion for her practice, I imagined that, sooner or later, I would adopt a Qigong practice of my own. I wasn’t keen to copycat her without developing my own relationship to Qigong independent of her contagiously-enthusiastic one; regardless, I presumed the skill was something I would enjoy once I began. So I tried it out.

The three-class mark soon passed, and I began frantically to reflect: am I hooked? This was going to be my ‘thing’, right?

Am I enjoying this to the degree I expect to enjoy my ‘thing’? I was disappointed to discover that initially, the answer was no. I was grateful for the guidance of my Sifu and was moderately engaged in my own practice outside of class, but the shadow of expectation loomed so big that I had not yet managed to extricate myself from under it.

Last Spring, I returned from several months of travel abroad, determined this time to give my full attention to Qigong once more. The resolve came to me unexpectedly. I recall sitting atop the cliffs at Dún Aonghasa, an ancient fort on the Irish island

of Inis Mór, looking out across the Atlantic Ocean. The sky opened up above me in that fateful way a stormy day gives way to light and heat and as I sat, now blinded by the shining sea below me, I realized that what I found myself lacking, in a life which I previously considered to be perfectly full, was a spiritual practice. My understanding of Qigong at the time was limited simply to the physical component and I did not fully expect it to deliver me any spiritual experience; despite that, I resolved in that instant to return home, attend regular Qigong classes, and practice the skill every day. At this time of writing I have done so for 269 consecutive days.

And it has been so deeply rewarding. The changes I experience in the ability of my body to move are profound; the resulting sense of awareness insistently encourages deep mindfulness. Though I consider myself an athletic person and played many sports during high school, I have never, before starting to seriously practice Qigong, had the experience of a body that feels alive.

I previously understood Qigong to be something that was practiced by older folks to ease the physical pains of aging; while this is certainly true, I too find it immensely helpful in increasing the strength, endurance, and flexibility of my body. It is gentle, yes, but also rigorous, posing both a mental and physical challenge.

The Great Wild Goose (Dayan) Qigong skill, practiced for more than 1800 years, is taught only by three certified instructors in North America. We are lucky to have a very good one right here in the Cowichan Valley: Sifu (teacher) Lee Masters. And in fact we are doubly fortunate: Master Michael Tse, founder of the Tse Qigong Centre in England, comes to the Cowichan Valley every May to teach seminars in Qigong, Taijiquan, and more.

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Services Offered: Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Formulas, Cupping, Tuina Frequency Specific Micro-current for recent injury, strains, sprains, post-op healing Chronic conditions: carpal tunnel, whip-lash, shoulder & back, sciatica, post concussion, post stroke recovery, scar reduction Energy/Light Facial Rejuvenation regime: combines micro and colour light I offer my personal story in the hopes that it gives prospective students permission to try Qigong, pause, and try again until they choose to engage in the practice on their own terms.

I feel very grateful to be able to practice this skill, and I hope many others feel inspired to do the same.

Submitted by Sarah Rosen

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ith all the choices and all the opinions on gear for your dog it can be overwhelming. You want to do the best for your dog, but do you use a collar, a harness, a head collar?

Like all things, it depends.

For walking on lead I prefer a harness. They are easier on the dog’s body and you have more control. For heavy pullers I recommend an “Easywalk” harness that lets you attach the lead to the chest; this cuts pulling down to a reasonable level.

There is another style called “step-in” harness and another called an“H” harness. Much depends on the body shape of

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your dog. I find the step-ins better for barrel shaped dogs and the H-harnesses better for long narrow bodies. Whatever harness you choose, have it fitted in the store. Having the correct fit will make all the difference in comfort and control. Dogs can slip out of an improperly fitted harness.

If you are comfortable walking your dog on a collar, meaning she isn’t yanking, lurching, or making bad decisions which can damage her neck and damage your shoulder, I prefer the Martingale style. Martingales combine the control of the old fashioned “choke chain” with the comfort of a flat collar. When not in use the Martingale hangs comfortably on the dog’s neck. When you hook a lead to it a short chain or strap of nylon pulls the collar tight, but stops short of choking the dog. They slide easily over the head (and this is how loose the Martingale should be when not on lead).

Unless your dog is in the show ring, there is never a need for a choke chain. If your dog is pulling that much, you have other options. My

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experience is that the choke chains don’t even stop the dog from pulling. Traditional flat collars have a place and are common. The leather and buckle types are attractive, but not practical. They are difficult to remove and can be dangerous in an emergency.

Flat collars or Martingales must have a clasp that can have the collar removed in an instant. I have personally dealt with dogs that got a jaw caught under another dog’s collar during play and panic ensues. With that clasp you have a better chance of releasing the pair. (Ultimately, if your dog likes to wrestle, remove any collar for play time. Trust me.)

If you want to stick with a basic flat collar, please tighten it so the head cannot slip out.

Every dog, even yours, will have a moment of “nope” and back out of her collar and take off. It is a disaster that can so easily be avoided. This is where the Martingale shines.

It hangs loose until you need control.

Specialty tools like head collars and pinch collars are tools that you need to know how to use. There is no bad tool, just ignorant users. A professional trainer should help you learn how to use these tools positively for both of you.

Finally, don’t bother spending lots of money on puppy’s first collar; it will get chewed up.

Get the glamorous gear after she’s grown up.

tales, she recounts their family’s history, perhaps an attempt to reckon with her own life. The stories she tells are disorganized, but in telling them she instills in him pride in their culture. He learns from his mother to seek solace or message from the visits of crow, eagle, owl and whiskey jack.

Why We Should Read Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age by Darrel J. McLeod

D

arrel McLeod has achieved a remarkable degree of success in his life, but nothing came easily to Darrel, the child or the young man.

Baby Darrel is a surprise gift born after his father’s death.

Shortly after Darrel’s mother Bertha is widowed, her mother Cucuum Adele dies, followed by the death of her brother. Despite Bertha’s sorrow, she is strong and determined. With baby Darrel and her two older children, she stays with her father Mosom Powder in his trapping cabin and draws on the energy gained from the teachings of her father, their family and culture; she uses all her power to care for and protect her children. Bertha fights to keep them from the firsthand pain of the residential school she, her siblings and cousins experienced. She also succeeds in keeping the children from being taken into adoption.

But after Mosom dies, and the institutionalized racism continues to uncoil, Bertha’s determination cannot persist, and life becomes chaotic.

As Darrel develops into a young boy, and then a teenager, Bertha tells him stories. In nocturnal narrations of cracked and broken

Part of McLeod’s story is a gut-wrenching recounting of his experience of sexual abuse by a trusted brother-in-law.

He also struggles with doubts about his religious and sexual identities. This coming of age story is sometimes a hard read; McLeod’s remembrances paint a family splintered and bruised. But overall, it is an acknowledgement of strong familial love coupled with the strength of Darrel’s inner determination.

McLeod’s greatest accomplishment is his working through the effects of traumatic systemic racism, to transform his lifelong aspirations into reality.

The epigraph, attributed to Jean-

Paul Sartre, states “Freedom is what we do with what is done to us”. This is demonstrated in these pages. The honesty, frankness and immediacy of the telling make McLeod’s resilience ultimately inspiring.

The Warmland Book and Film Collective, a response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – explore, celebrate and learn from Indigenous authors and filmmakers – meets the 2nd Wednesday/each month. VIRL 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Next meeting is March 11, 2020 and the next book is Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice.

Questions? warmlandcollective@ gmail.com NEW!! Read Aloud, Discuss Together, Special Books – meets twice a month, VIRL Mondays March 9th, and March 23rd, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, Robin Wall Kimmerer

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Submitted by Icel Dobell

Public consultation begins any moment.

C

ouncil has voted to pause all new logging to allow for the first stage of public consultation and the UBC Forestry Review. Fifteen hundred people asked for change; Council listened.

But we have only just begun.

If Municipalities Are Large Ships, Councillors Must Become Large Tugboats: Update

Councillors trying to bring about change we have asked for need our support. If citizens are to have a voice in how the Six Mountains Community Forest is managed we must all show up; every voice counts.

when trying to turn it in a new direction.

“Council’s desire to have an environmental lens on everything we do,” says Ted Swabey, Chief Administrative Officer, is a “cultural shift.”

He calls the Municipal Government of North Cowichan (MNC) a “large ship” and implies there will be consequences and stresses

Several Councillors were elected on promises to chart a new course with environmental issues top of the list. Still the ship lumbers on. It’s not the ship’s fault— the vessel is a reflection of our community, what we have asked for, the direction we have given, or not given.

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In the beginning of a new course there is inertia, but where there are determined tugboats at work, the ship can turn. For the MNC is not only a ship but also a living breathing organism and all life forms are born of the universal imperative to survive. As we evolve, imagination and reason take the helm. Without the ability to imagine the greatest possibilities, there would be no wheel of invention to propel us forward. It’s why our Valley elected Councillors with vision.

We are a Valley of visionaries.

From the forests on the mountains to the rivers and the bays, connected, we are ecologists, biologists, teachers, students, people who know the land and people who love it, people born here and people who saw paradise and came. We have all been given the greatest gift—we are each and every one of us caretakers of one of the most beautiful places in the world.

All we have to do is sign up, sign on, listen, read, pay attention.

By the time you read this, it may have begun.

Where Do We Stand will publish all updates as they are made available by the MNC. To be kept up to date, to learn what you can do, subscribe to our email newsletter on wheredowestand.ca.

March will be the most critical month.

A working group will quickly be appointed.

Every one can apply.

WE STAND WITH THE

WET’SUWET’EN Emma-Jane Burian and Grace Sinats are Climate Strike organizers with Our Earth, Our Future.

A

s was printed in recent headlines, Canada has been overcome with many actions in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs in their fight to be heard in conversations of good faith with the federal and provincial governments.

We are Grace Sinats and Emma-Jane Burian, we are part of a group of youth who organize climate strikes on the unceeded homelands of the Lekwugen and W̱ SÁNEĆ peoples.

As settler-colonial climate activists present at various actions in Victoria last week, we take inspiration from the powerful messaging, and togetherness, that numerous communities have shown.

Whether it’s the actions on railways or the sixday occupation at the BC legislature. Whether it’s the important calls from the band councils or hereditary chiefs we feel there is a common thread that many current members of government are missing. There is a deep divide between government actions and people’s expression that current approaches and systems are failing them and their communities.

If you’ve been online or watched the news over the past few days, you will have probably heard about the

We must lead with love:

Two youth describe their views on the Wet’suwet’en territory conflicts and actions. conflict on Wet’suwet’en territory. We definitely are not experts on indigenous crown relations and do not claim to be experts on any of the complicated conflicts that exist in Canada today.

However, we feel it’s important to share what we have learned.

While the conflict on the Wet’suwet’en territory has been ongoing for some time now and so has the conflict between the crown and indigenous peoples for centuries, the situation on Wet’suwet’en territory escalated yet again on February 6th 2020. On this day in the early hours of the morning, RCMP officials outside of Houston, B.C, conducted a pre-dawn raid on one of three camps set up on the territory. These camps are occupied by Indigenous land defenders who are blocking construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline in Northern B.C. Since the initial raid, the RCMP have reportedly arrested 28 unarmed people, with officers given permission to use lethal force on these land-defenders if necessary.

It’s imperative that all Canadians have all eyes on this issue. That we watch what is happening on sovereign indigenous land and inside the walls of our

public institutions. However, we have felt a lot of the time to be very lost in this issue and confused by many media articles. Sadly, the majority of Canadian media and elected officials paint a picture where this issue is black and white.

Using terms like “radical activists” and “anti-pipeline protesters.” Painting this single-story turns a blind eye to the fact that this issue at the heart is not about pipelines and resources, or about being on one side of a project or another. This issue is deeply rooted in conflicts that have fraught this place now known as Canada since contact. This issue is about conversations that need to be had, and the failure of government to actually listen. We must not gloss over the real issues at play by pitting groups against each other or making this seem to be all about an infrastructure project.

We have spent many hours this past week sitting on the legislature steps, doing our best to listen and lift up the voices of indigenous youth in our community.

This experience has given us more insight into the work of solidarity and what that means for us as settlers in this place. We have witnessed a lot of events at the BC legislature over the past week. One very important

highlight was indigenous youth directing actions at the BC legislature. They articulated to all participants the importance for love to be the guide. To walk in love and a sense of shared humanity. It is in this way, we must together confront the foundational conflict that has divided this country for generations. Elected officials, communities, individuals, and the media must be willing to have difficult conversations.

We must confront our own biases and assumptions.

As young people, we are deeply saddened by the fact that the provincial and federal governments are looking at this issue from the same lense that has historically oppressed and silenced indigenous peoples. They are looking to the past instead of the future and in doing so not listening to the diverse cries for change ringing across BC and indeed this country. As young people in 2020, we are ashamed that yet again the BC government has chosen so far to care more about getting their way at all costs then recognizing we must address the process of indigenous self-determination and jurisdiction in this province and across the country.

Together we can and must change what is so deeply broken. We must let love be our guide As individuals, we can rally our communities and have conversations about these issues. As young people, we know the importance of looking to the future. We need to be able to look our children in the eye and tell them that BC is a province that upholds human rights.

For updates on what is happening our website is: ourearthourfuturevictoria.com 73

Making space in our environment for beauty, intention and contemplation, can help us live more in flow with the life we wish to create. This can be as simple as placing a found object in nature on a dedicated shelf with a candle, in your home or office.

Take time (whether it’s 10 seconds or 10 minutes) in your day to connect with yourself in this place by meditating, journalling or pulling an oracle card (or whatever else your heart feels inspired to do at that moment). Remember that this is your time and space, just for you!

Creating Sacred Space

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s new life begins to stir awake and we slowly shift into Spring, it is a good time to clear out the cobwebs and re-inspire your inner fire.

‘Spring cleaning’ can happen on a physical level by having a thorough clear out of your home or office, and giving away items that no longer serve a purpose- creating space for new energy to come into your life!

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‘Spring cleaning’ can also occur on a mental, emotional and spiritual level as well.

Meditation is a wonderful tool to help clear space in our minds- by noticing our selftalk, we can aim to introduce more kind ways of speaking to ourselves. It can also support us emotionally by helping us become aware of our thoughts and felt senses, and learning to embrace our present experience.

Spiritually, meditation can help us connect to our inner sense of peace - from where we can tap into the flow of infinite creative energy within.

Add as little or as much as you like to your special space- plants, flowers, salt lamps, art, crystals, incense and special oracle boxes and holders, make great additionsuse objects that bring you joy and reflect your heart. Allow your sacred space to evolve over time- perhaps changing it seasonally and changing out objects when you feel they have served their purpose.

Venita Chow is an Integrative Energy Healer and Crystal Keeper at CFS for the SOULnow located upstairs in the Community Farm Store in Duncan- Open 7 days a week from 10am- 6pm.

Venita Chow is an Integrative Energy healer and Crystal keeper at CFS for the SOUL.

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

Spring is in the air! It’s time to enjoy the sunshine and get back into the garden. We have a full collection of organic, open-pollinated Salt Spring Seeds to inspire creative cultivation, and local plant starts are on their way.

You can already find several Cowichan grown offerings down the Produce Aisle, with many more to come!

Spring Break Essentials

Visit our Grab & Go Cooler to stock up on yummy snacks for your adventures, including lots of tasty house made items!

We love traditional Japanese Roly Poly Rice Balls and locally made, fresh pressed Euphoric Juicery Juices.

Sunday, March 1st from 10-6 Intuitive Oracle Readings with Kelly Mitchell Draw a sacred stone with your purchase to receive a special discount: Rose Quartz: Love + Compassion - 11% Amethyst: Wisdom + Protection - 22% Citrine: Abundance + Prosperity - 33%

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CFS for the Soul Hours Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-6

CFS Spring Wellness Seminars Vita Biosa+ Lecture Series Sunday, March 8th from 2-4; FREE Keto 5-Day Reboot with Aafke Karemaker Sunday, March 15th from 2-4; $20 fee

New at the CFS Café

We are proudly serving Westholme Tea as well as Drumroaster Community Blend and Single Origin Coffees at the Café!

Enjoy Chef James’ amazing Chicken Bone Broth & Soups- available Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Look forward to our Tincture Bar and Deli Boards (CFS Charcuterie) coming very soon too.

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

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ow more than ever, it is critical that young people have the opportunity to be heard in a political context.

With climate change and other growing concerns on the horizon, today’s youth face an uncertain future, and they deserve the chance to be able to shape the policies that will affect their lives for years to come. However, Canadian politics can often feel overwhelming, and the complexities of the legislative process can be challenging to grasp if the opportunities to engage with federal policy are limited to just a classroom setting.

With this in mind, I am pleased to share the return of the “Create Your Canada” contest, an opportunity for secondary students within the riding of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford to share their ideas for legislation on a range of critical issues. This contest provides youth with the ability to engage directly with the federal legislative process and to have their voices heard by those in government. Last year, Chemainus Secondary students Hannah Pachet and Morgan Bottomley travelled to Ottawa to see their idea, Bill C-430: Organic Farming Tax Credit, become a reality in the House of Commons. If you’re in Grade 11 or Grade 12 and live within the riding, now is your

opportunity to share your ideas for legislation, and if selected, to travel to Ottawa and have your idea drafted into a Private Member’s Bill.

We welcome any proposals relating to federal jurisdiction, including proposals related to environmental issues, foreign affairs, Indigenous rights, national defence, or criminal law. Youth are encouraged to study existing legislation on their chosen topic, and to consider the relevant stakeholders who would be affected should their legislation be implemented.

Flights and accommodation will be provided for, and the selected winners will also enjoy a tour of Parliament, including the House of Commons’ Chamber, a meeting with the Speaker, the Library of Parliament, and more!

Full details of the contest can be found online at https:// alistairmacgregor.ndp.ca/news/ create-your-canada-contest, with March 31, 2020 at 9 PM PST as the final deadline for submissions. Educators are encouraged to share context details, with a guide on “Fitting ‘Create Your Canada’ into Your Curricula” also available on my website.

Any and all ideas relating to federal jurisdiction will be considered, and there is no minimum or maximum word count. I look forward to reading all of the submissions, and learning more about what our community’s youth would like the future of our nation to look like.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month the universe gives you contradictory messages.

Fiery Mars, your ruler, is at the top of your chart, which means your ambition is aroused! You want to move ahead in your career, status and reputation.

(Avoid being overbearing especially with bosses.)

However, a contradictory influence from the Sun (which is hiding in your chart) is encouraging you to get in touch with your subconscious mind.

Because your personal year is ending, it’s time to look back over the past year to see how well you are doing at the art of living.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is a fascinating month!

Mars will urge to travel and explore the world. Plus, it energizes your desire to expand your mind. Meanwhile, the Sun is boosting your popularity, which makes you more active with friends and organizations.

It will be easy to work and cooperate with others.

Obviously, this is the perfect month for team efforts. Grab every opportunity to socialize with others as well as study and learn new things because this is what will give you pleasure and joy!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month the Sun is at the top of your chart, which occurs only once a year. This symbolizes that you are in a flattering spotlight, which means others (especially bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs) admire you. They see you as competent, capable and talented (even if you don’t do anything special). Ah, the power of good lighting! This gives you an advantage over all the other signs. Meanwhile, Mars might trigger conflict about shared property, taxes and debt. On the upside, sex will be hot!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Mars is opposite your sign this month. (This occurs only once every two years.) This can create conflict with those who are closest to you. It makes you impatient because others seem to be annoying! However, this month the Sun wants you to travel and broaden your horizons by exploring new and unfamiliar experiences. This is a great time to study or take up a new hobby or intellectual discipline. You might also be focused on legal matters. Be patient with loved ones and open to learning something new.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) You will accomplish a lot this month because Mars will give you the energy to work hard and get things done! Yeah! You will take pride in how much you achieve. (Note: Guard against accidents, infections and fevers as Mars moves through your House of Health.)

Meanwhile, the Sun will encourage you to take a new course of study or a new hobby or do anything to expand your experience of life. Travel will be perfect because you want to do something different from your normal routine. Ideas?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month, you need to pace yourself and be aware of your energy and health. The Sun is opposite your sign, which means it’s as far away from you as it gets all year (symbolically) and this means you need more sleep. However, fiery Mars wants you to play, socialize extensively, party with friends and be active in sports plus enjoy playful activities with kids! ex-partners and old

friends are also back on the scene. (Gasp!) Busy you!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You want to pull your act together and get better organized this month – in every aspect in your world. (That will feel so nice.) You want your life to function more smoothly and run more easily.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mars will create increased activity and chaos on the home front. (This could be due to renovations, redecorating or visiting relatives.) This means you will have to deal with these obstacles while you work to reorganize your world. Good luck!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This month is a lovely time!

The Sun makes you want to socialize with others. You will party more and explore the arts and appreciate the creative activities of others as well as find ways to express your own creative talents. Sports events and fun times with kids will appeal. Romance will flourish! It’s a great month for a vacation! Fortunately, Mars will give you the energy to do all this. This means you can handle all this new, fun activity.

Oh yeah!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Money will be a big focus this month. This could be because home, family and your private life are a primary theme. You might be more involved than usual with a parent. You might be more involved with relatives or family members you have not seen for a while. Home repairs and old domestic issues will need to be addressed.

However, your involvement with increased cash flow might

also have something to do with boosting your ego. That’s okay.

Nothing wrong with a healthy ego!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This month is a fortunate time for you. This is because the Sun will encourage all kinds of new activities. (Suddenly, you’ve got things to do, places to go and people to see!)

The pace of your days will accelerate as you juggle short trips, appointments, increased conversations with relatives plus more reading and writing.

Fortunately, like the cavalry to the rescue, fiery Mars is in your sign giving you a huge boost of energy to do all these things.

Well you know what they say – when you’ve got it, baby -flaunt it!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Money is a big focus this month. Look around at the things you own to determine whether they help you or hinder you? It’s time to establish a greater control through the things that you own. Meanwhile, there’s a strong chance that you will not get the true recognition that you deserve for your efforts this month. (Annoying.) When you try to correct this wrong impression and assert yourself, you will be undermined by obstacles and others. Fear not, at the end of this year lucky Jupiter enters your sign for 2021. Yay! Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This is a strong month because the Sun is in your sign. (This is the only time all year it happens and when it occurs, it’s your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year.) Not only that, the Sun will attract people and favourable situations to you.

You’re the winner! You can best achieve these goals by working cooperatively with others.

Physical activities, especially through athletics and exercise will be rewarding. Expect to accomplish a lot! Yahoo! www.georgianicols.com

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

A great way to discover local services and businesses. 2 sizes of ad space are available to suit every business message and budget. Affordable, stylish and straight to the point.

Directory Size A - 1 logo + 8-12 word listing Full Colour 1 X $63 6X $53 12X $43 Black & White 1 X $52 6X $42 12X $32 Contact Adrienne Richards for more info 250 510 6596 or by phone to adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Deadline for April 2020 Issue 137 - March 18

Acupuncture

Artist Studio

A practice focused on health solutions through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Online booking & direct billing.

Clearwater Studio, on Clearwater Farm Open By Appointment or Sundays, 11am to 4 pm, June through September.

Visit clearwaterstudio.ca

Dr. Kevin Ianson, Dr.TCM (R.Ac)

3915 Clearwater Road, Cobble Hill

4705 Trans Canada Hwy I 250-889-9066 I www.pestleandpins.com

Ayurveda

Advertising in Valley Voice SEE and BE SEEN! Target over 25,000 local readers for your business.

Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Ayurvedic Life Transformations

Uniquely Tailored Explorations Into The Self Coaching, Counselling, Yoga Therapies & Bodywork

Asrael 250 597 3973 www.ayurvedicbliss.com Cat Care

Natural Beauty

Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

That Cat Hotel

Prudence

SPACIOUS SUITES • KITTY CAMS

Natural Skincare & Cosmetics

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

250 749 6263 hbcathotel@gmail.com

www.ThatCatHotel.ca

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

End of Life Care

THE PROFESSIONAL MOBILE SPA THAT COMES TO YOU!

Let us help you with: •advance care plans •celebration of life •legacy projects

•downsizing •support networks •family meetings

250 732 6452

www.greatcircleplanning.ca

Lexington Spa

• MANICURES Cindy Beam, Owner • PEDICURES • REFLEXOLOGY 250 514-1380 lexingtonspa@shaw.ca I www.lexingtonspa.ca

Wise Words

Discussion Group on 5G

“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”

A concerned group of citizens in the Cowichan Valley are looking for a moratorium on 5G until proven safe for our communtiy. If you are interested in more discussion on this topic with others please contact dorotheasiegler@gmail.com

Rainer Maria Rilke

Food & Nutrition 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 78

Health and Healing Customizable Organic Mattresses, Pillows, Linens Locally made Platform Beds and Furniture 126 Station St. 250-597-REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

* Boost the immune system *

Prevent illness & fatigue * Feel healthier

Kathryn Lowther - Biomagnetism & HUE Energy Healer 250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

Reflexology I Indian Head Massage Lymphatic Release Technique Enabling your body to heal itself, naturally.

naturalheelingreflexology.com Call Helga 250-732-7988

What’s your story around body image/ food/health?

Did you know?

It’s not so much WHAT you eat that affects you, but what’s EATING YOU! Lifestyle Mentor I Certified Eating Psychology Coach

AMANDA CHARTRAND

778 678 1705 I mbodympowermbrace@outlook.com

The good news is that Eating Psychology can help you understand.

Hidden Gem Reiki Studio

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

We i g h t L o s s Hypnosis

• Virtual Gastric Band Program • Valley View Centre & Uptown Mall • 250-929-0202

www.FlourishHypnosis.com/WeightRelease

Restore your digestive system with Colon Hydrotherapy.

Your health is the only wealth that matters!

Michelle Bird Colon Hydrotherapist

250-510-3540 Sol Centre 5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan I www.thecleansingroom.com

ISLANDROLFING.COM

Restoring Fascia Health and Wellbeing

Advanced Rolfer™ Visceral Manipulation Practitioner

BRETT HOLLAND I 250.920.8818

Reflexology by Joy Relax and rejuvenate each and every part of your body, including the glands and organs. specializing in toes•calves•lower legs• knees jstalinski@shaw.ca I 250 246 1401

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Pet Care & Grooming Lucky Dog U-Bath, Duncan Now accepting new grooming clients.

Book online www.luckydogubath.ca Or call 250-597-7364

Psychic

Modern Day Oracle * Spiritual Mediumship * Energy Healing

* Card Readings * Empowerment Sessions

Call Sacred Silence 250-710-5287 www.sacredsilence.net or facebook: Sacred Silence 79

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