March Issue 64 by Cowichan Valley Voice

owichan

2014 MARCH ISSUE 64

COWICHAN VALLEY EVENTS I FOOD I ARTS I SPRING BREAK I COMMUNITY

A CELEBRATION OF THE GREY WHALE MIGRATION

March 15-23

2014

Whale Watching • Maritime Kids’ Day • Adventure Tours Cultural Events • NEW Storytelling Series • Live Music • Guided Rainforest Walks • Food & Wine • West Coast Art • Authors • Beach Time • Educational Speakers and So Much MORE!

www.pacificrimwhalefestival.com

March Events

until Mar 7 MOMENTS IN TIDE Paintings by Rachel Cruse/Photography by Frank Wall PORTALS 2687 James St Duncan FREE

MATUTO Brazillian beats. Orca Ballroom Duncan Travelodge 8pm $20

until Mar 8 THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820 www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca 1-29 DRAWINGS BY JOHNNY LEE BIRDBATHS BY ROBIN MILLAN Imagine That! 251 Craig St Duncan

DADS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Mar 4/11/18/25 6-8pm WCM Office 213-80 Station St Duncan grant@westcoastmen.org

TUESDAY TALK NIGHT 6:30-8pm Lake Cowichan Library 250-749-3431 FREE DEEPENING YOUR FEMININE ESSENCE 7-9pm lisa@asubtleart.com/ 250-510-1252

COBBLE HILL SEEDY SATURDAY 10am-3pm Cobble Hill Hall, Watson Ave FREE

8&22

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE IN COBBLE HILL W/Frauke McCashin, LicAc 10-4pm ‘Youth/Pixie’ Hall 250-710-3581 Sliding scale

8-23

FAMILY LEPRECHAUN HUNT AT MERRIDALE Prizes! 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill FREE

MEN’S CIRCLE Mar 5/2/19/26 7-9:30pm The Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd 250-597-2801

DIGGERS CLUB SHOW & SALE Displays, prizes, antiques, refreshments 8am-3pm Chemainus Elem School 250-746-7783 $2

COWICHAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION AGM 7pm Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd Duncan

ALICE’S WONDERLAND ICE SHOW 2pm/6:30pm Island Savings Ctr Arena www.duncanskatingclub.com Ad$12 Ch$8

MATILDA: THE HIGH SCHOOL YEARS 2&7pm Queen Margaret’s School, Fine Arts Theatre reception@qms.bc.ca $10 IGOR: THE MET LIVE IN HD 9am-10pm Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St Duncan 250-748-7529 Ad$26 BASIC FRUIT TREE PRUNING SEMINAR 10am Dinter Nursery 2205 Phipps Rd Duncan FREE COWICHAN & DISTRICT SPCA COMEDY FUNDRAISER 6:30pm 140 Trans Canada Hwy 250-746-4646 $42w/Dinner/$20 show only GENEOLOGY CLASS: VIRTUAL RESEARCHING 3-4:30pm Cowichan Library Island Savings Ctr FREE HIP HOP NIGHT w/ Lennon from Subterranean Orca Ballroom Duncan Travelodge WOMEN’S NEW MOON LODGE 7 - 9pm RSVP Lisa 250-510-1252

YOGA & MOVEMENT WORKSHOP W/ Lindsay Campa,RMT, RYT 1:30-3pm Harmony Yoga Studio Duncan lindsay.campa@ gmail.com $30 JON MILLER, MONIK NORDINE, ROB CHERAMY, JAMES YOUNG Sunday Jazz Series 2-5pm Crofton Hotel & Pub 1534 Joan Ave 250-324-2245 $10

-April 14 GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DESIGN: FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY 6:30-9pm VIU Cowichan 250-746-3519

‘MORE THAN HONEY’ Eye Opener Educational Films 6:30pm Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St 778-455-0437 By Donation FARMER TO FARMER CONFERENCE: FARM PROFITABILITY Saanich Fairgrounds For info 250-818-5807

6-21

THE LAST WEEKEND Ladysmith Theatre 4985 Christie Rd 250-924-0658 $20/Members $18

ONE BILLION RISING FLASHMOB Duncan City Square Noon

ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION AND POTLUCK Eagles Hall 5pm All welcome, bring a dish to share.

7&8

MIKE MACDONALD King of comedy! 7- 8:30pm/8 -9pm Orca Ballroom Duncan Travelodge Adv$20/$22Door

7-9

INTERNATIONAL TANKARD Fri 8pm Cowichan Lk Sports Arena-Curling Lounge & Rink 250-749-6742 FREE

SUE NEWMAN & Friends Sunday Jazz Series 2-5pm Crofton Hotel & Pub 1534 Joan Ave 250-324-2245 $10 KITCHENS THAT WORK w/Sharlene G Ionescu 6-9pm Island Savings Ctr sionescu@aestheticc.com $65 FASHION SHOW/DINNER/SILENT AUCTION FOR HOSPICE 6pm Cowichan Bay Pub 250743-1955 $30

BC GOVT RETIRED EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION MTG w/Pat Savage 1:30pm 595 Townsite Rd Nanaimo 250-7223742

11-19

ART! BY PORTALS VOLUNTEERS Island Savings Ctr Meet the artists Mar 13 7-9pm FREE

SUNRISE WALDORF SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE 2-3pm Curious about Waldorf School? Bring your child to play in the classroom and meet the teachers. Space is limited. RSVP 250-743-7253 www.sunrisewaldorfchool.org GROW YOUR OWN FOOD WITH JOY: 3 PT ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE Mar 13/20/27 6:30-8:30pm Mill Bay 250-743-1352 $20

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Susan Marshall Speaker 11:30-2pm St. John’s Hall 286 Jubilee 250-800-0154

CITY OF DUNCAN URBAN FOREST STRATEGY w/Arborist Todd Gesshe 10am St. Andrew’s Church Hall 531 Herbert St / Mar 22 10am Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St FREE

JESSE COOK 7:30pm Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St Duncan 250-748-7529 $45

14&15

MASTER GARDENER CLINIC 10am-3pm/ Pond Installation and Care Seminar 2pm Dinter Nursery 2205 Phipps Rd 250-748-2023

NATURAL LAWN CARE SEMINAR W/John Close-Lush Eco Lawns 10am Dinter Nursery 2205 Phipps Rd 250-748-2023 FREE

BUILDING HOUSING COOPS 14 7pm/15 9am-12pm VIU 250-715-3039 5 RHYTHMS CLASS 7-9pm Chapel at Providence Farm 250-709-1921 www.shawnadevlin.com

ST. PATRICK’S DINNER & SETS IN THE WEST 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill 250-743-4293

For full design/build service, give us a call

 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com 

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

BUDDHIST RETREAT A DAY OF MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS Nichiren Peace Center # 4 – 3904 Johnny Bear Rd www.VIRetreats.com A DAY OF SOUL COLLAGE 10am-4pm Duncan www.hearttohome.ca $85 ‘CUT THROUGH’ FEAR & OBSTACLES w/ Tibetan Monk Lama Gesh YongDong 103:30pm St. Peter Quamichan Church 5800 Church Rd trishgpeebles@shaw.ca $25

8pm Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St Duncan 250-748-7529 BACKYARD BOUNTY: ORGANIC HARVEST ALL YEAR ROUND w/ Linda Gilkeson 9:30am4pm The Hub at Cowichan Station Koksilah Rd 250-743-8874 $25 SPOKEN IN SPIRIT Meditation in Conversation workshop 2-4:30pm Harmony Yoga Ctr 201111 Station St 778-922-2602 $35

CITY OF DUNCAN URBAN FOREST STRATEGY w/Arborist Todd Gesshe 10am CGC 360 Duncan St

INTRODUCTION TO BONSAI SEMINAR 10am/ Perennial Exchange 9:30am Dinter Nursery 2205 Phipps Rd Duncan 250-748-2023 FREE

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE PUBLIC TOURS 9:45am12pm 1565 Baldy Mtn Rd Shawnigan Lk 250743-3067 Sugg Donation $15

SPRING WILD FOODS DINNER: FIRST HARVEST 5-9pm Deerholme Farm 4830 Stelfox Rd 250-748-7450 $90

ST PATRICK’S DAY BRUNCH Begins 10am Merridale Ciderworks, 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill 250-743-4293

YNC- COMPOST WORKSHOP BY CGC 10am12pm Freshwater EcoCentre 1080 Wharncliffe Rd Duncan250-217-0389 FREE

SALMON CONFIDENTIAL: Documentary Night at the Library 6-8pm Island Savings Ctr FREE

BEEKEEPING IN THE WARM LAND COURSE 7 Sessions Mon/Wed 7-9pm VIU Cowichan 250-746-3500 $119

SPA DAY AT HONEYMOON BAY RETREAT Treatments, buffet, refreshments 10028 Park Dr 250-749-4252 $85

MORNING MUSICALE W/Jennie Press-Violin 10:30am Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St Duncan 250-748-7529 Ad$22

COWICHAN BEEKEEPERS MEETING Cowichan Exhibition Office, 5855 Clements St 7pm

REEL ALTERNATIVES: ALL IS LOST 7pm Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St Duncan 250-748-7529 Ad$12

CHEMAINUS THEATRE PRESENTS: JEEVES IN BLOOM 9737 Chemainus Rd Runs to April 26 250-246-9820/ chemainustheatrefestival.ca Ad$25+

5 RHYTHMS CLASS 10-2pm Chapel at Providence Farm 250-709-1921 www.shawnadevlin.com DINING SPACES THAT FIT W/Sharlene Ionescu 6-9pm Island Savings Ctr sionescu@aestheticc.com $65

HAND DRUMMING W/KARIN LEWIS 7:30-9pm Adage Studio Duncan 250-748-6750

HANDS ON @ THE LIBRARY: BASKETWEAVING 3:30-5:30pm Cowichan Library 250-746-7661 FREE

LADYSMITH CAMERA CLUB SEAN SHERSTONE Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Ave, Ladysmith Non-members $5

21-28

OPEN HEART ART Clements Ctr Artists Group Show PORTALS Islands Savings Ctr FREE

DOG RAW FOOD SEMINAR w/Animal Naturopath Debbie Wood 10am-1pm 7661 Mays Rd Duncan Register Lucky Dog U-Bath 250-597-7DOG $25 MEET YOUR POWER ANIMALS Thru Soul Collage Process 12-4pm Duncan www.hearttohome.ca $49 ELVIS, ELVIS, ELVIS: AN AMERICAN TRILOGY

COWICHAN VALLEY YOUTH VOICE AWARDS APPLICATION DEADLINE Visit www.joythroughmusic.com for more information

28&29

LADYSMITH HOME, GARDEN AND BUSINESS SHOW 28 2-8pm/29 9am-3pm Ladysmith Aggie Hall 1110 1st Ave 250-245-2112 FREE

CHUCK WENBERT & USED GOODS 7pm Hub at Cowichan Station Proceeds to clay studio & art room Adv$8/$10Dr

FLEA MARKET 8am-1pm Seniors Activity Ctr 198 Govt St Duncan 250-746-4433 Tables $15 SING FOR PURE JOY! 6:30-8pm The Lodge on Fourth 1127 4th Ave Ladysmith 250-285-3764 $10Dr VEGETABLE GARDENING SEMINAR 10am Dinter Nursery 2205 Phipps Rd Duncan 250748-2023 FREE

BOSS TENORS 2-5pm Crofton Hotel & Pub 1534 Joan Ave 250-324-2245 $10

DUNCAN ANNUAL SEEDY SATURDAY 10am2pm Cowichan Tribes Si’em Lelum Gym 5574 River Rd 250-748-8506 $2 WOMEN’S NEW MOON LODGE 7 - 9pm RSVP Lisa 250-510-1252 SACRED CHANT CIRCLE @ Rivendell Yurt w/ Sadie Bartram 5215 Bills Rd 7-8:30pm sdbartram@gmail.com 30-April 5 2014 PERMACULTURE TEACHERS TRAINING WORKSHOP 8:30am-5:30pm O.U.R. Ecovillage 1565 Baldy Mtn Rd Shawnigan Lk 250-743-3067 Please send your listings by the 15th of the month to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Please send April events by March 12 to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Issue 64 March 2014

Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Editors Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 - 936 Arbutus Avenue, Duncan V9L 5X4 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Copy Editor Calendar Proofreader Distribution Maeve Maguire Diana Pink Linda Dirksengale Cindy Jolin Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 Next Ad Deadline MARCH 15 for APRIL ISSUE e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire. COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Please upload your information through our website Please include: Date & Event Title IN SUBJECT Be advised that space is limited to up to 2 spots per business, space dependant and is prioritized by 1st sent, 1st printed. EVENTS DEADLINE MARCH 15 for APRIL 2014 Issue E-mail Date,Time, Location, Event Title and Cost to: events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Please list event title in subject with the word “EVENT” Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Guy Johnston, Jen Coyle, Mark Holford, Brad Boisvert, Sheila LeClerc, Andrea Jones, Shannon VanHemert, Lesley Fountain, Allen McCulloch, Sharlene Ionescu, David Coulson, Grant Waldman., Sandra Beggs, Morgan Saddington, Johnny Lee, Greer Stewart, Gillian Nicol, Simon Pidcock, Heather Stannard, David Pink,Thorn Brown, Henry Landry, Linda Dirksengale, David Suzuki, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available. Submission deadline for April Issue, March 15. 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 from the Victoria International Airport Arrivals Hall. Cover image: A mature grey whale feeding at the mouth of the world’s fastest navigable tidal rapids. The Nakwakto Rapids have been recognized as the fastest tidal surge in the world, and can run up to 17 knots during peak tidal changes.” Image courtesy Ocean Ecoventures, Simon Pidcock

ADVERTISE TO OVER 25,000 LOYAL READERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

2014 RATE CARDS NOW AVAILABLE

Contact Adrienne Richards

250 510 6596

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

OUR COMMUNITY March Community Calendar 4-5 DBIA Shopping Local 26 - 30 Double Your $ Support Our Local Arts Council 36 Community Farm Store Pages 42-43 Faxes, Mail and Verbal Lint by Rick Dennis 52 March Horoscopes with Georgia Nicols 51 Farmer 2 Farmer Conference Saanich Fairgrounds 52 Cowichan Valley Feature Listings 53 Cowichan Valley Directory 54-55 LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK Eye On Shawnigan: Shawnigan Jens 7 Community Supported Fishery (CSF) 8 The Old Fork Otis Cocktail 9 Musings From The Vines 10 Cowichan Bay Seafood Halibut Pizza 12 Island Farmhouse Poultry Buttermilk Braised Chicken 13 Buy Local! Buy Fresh!14 Local Kimchi Producer Seeks Growers 53 FARM & GARDEN Is Buying Organic Worth The Expense? 9 Omnivore’s Delight 15 Micro Irrigation Saves Water 18 Vancouver Island Heather Society 44 HOME & DESIGN Reno Rebate 31 Green By Design 32 Batteries Big And Small Recycle Them All 33 Kitchen Composting with Bokashi 34 Kitchens That Work 35 LOCAL ARTS March Music News 24 Imagine That! Artisan Johnny Lee 29 Local Author Releases Book 36 Local Arts News 38 Talking Arts:Lesley Fountain 39 Words To Savour 37 CVAC March News 41 WOMENS FEATURES Enterprising Women:Greer Stewart 25 FAMILY Sunrise Kindergarten Open House 17 Simplicity Parenting 20 Animation and Kids 21 WHALE FESTIVAL EVENT PAGES Cowichan Bay Whale Report 45 2014 Pacific Rim Whale Festival 46 2014 PRWFS Schedule of Events 47-49 BODY, MIND & SOUL Begin A Warrior 16 Time To Realign with Janelle Hardy 22 Healthy Relationships 23

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

EYE ON Shawnigan

Explore the ancient forest of Shawnigan Lake. Stop for a coffee, meal or tasty treat.

Beginnings...

Lori Treloar Curator – Shawnigan Lake Museum weekend, and Village Site 1911-photo courtesy of the Shawnigan Lake Historical Society the lake became a popular resort destination.

ate in the 19th century, the government encouraged homesteaders to settle in the Cowichan Valley. Not many headed for Shawnigan Lake. For Shawnigan, it was the advent of the E & N Railway that was instrumental in the development of the community. In 1885, a year before the E & N Railway was completed, Charles Morton built a hotel on the waterfront at Shawnigan Lake. Morton built his hunting and fishing lodge in anticipation of the railway passing through Shawnigan and carefully positioned it next to the imminent E & N railway line. This placement established the foundation for the future commercial development of Shawnigan Lake. Once the rail line was finished, Morton House benefitted from regular train stops that allowed “thirsty” travellers to refresh themselves. By September 1900, a second hotel, Strathcona Lodge, was in operation on the lake. Both of the Shawnigan Lake hotels relied on the railroad to bring hundreds of people from Victoria every

2750 Shawnigan Lake Road TAKE OUT - (250) 743-1669 www.shawnigansushi.blogspot.ca

Not long after Morton’s arrival, William Losee (E&N Railway employee) who recognized the value of the timber around the lake, arranged a timber lease with Robert Dunsmuir and Open Daily from 11 AM, built a sawmill on the lakeshore. The Featuring daily specials, Family meals, mill was in operation by the fall of 1890. UK Candy, ﬁsh and chips, burgers and more! Check them out on FB! Losee’s decision to place his mill next to 2740 Dundas Road the railway was deliberate. (250) 929-8886 Most mills of the day were located www.villagechippery.com near to their market or at an ocean port facility. Thinking outside the box, Losee decided to transport his product by rail. He knew that it was cheaper to transport lumber than to ship logs. The railway connection gave him access to several markets close by, including Victoria, Nanaimo and Cowichan. In addition, he was central to four ocean-going ports on the island. Losee’s personal success at Shawnigan was short lived, but the mill and logging operations were taken over by a group of experienced businessmen and provided work for the community until the mid 1940s. This operation became the successful Shawnigan Lake Lumber Company – an integrated company that owned its timber, and the mill that processed it.

Fresh, local &/organically sourced ingredients.

Enjoy 2 for 1 Appetizers with this page. *Not valid with other offers.

2744 Shawnigan Lake Rd (250) 743-1887 www.steeplesrestaurant.ca

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

1845 Renfrew Road (250) 743-5515

www.gathersl.com

Help Wanted We are looking for two talented individuals to join our team in the following areas:

Kitchen Assistant

This position requires a self-motivated hard working individual that will assist in the production of our fresh local foods. This permanent part-time position offers approx. 30 hours per week. We will provide training to the right candidate. Experience and Foodsafe would be considered an asset.

Customer Service

As the front-line person you are able to organize and prioritize activities, enjoy a fast pace, and like working with people. This is a weekend permanent part-time position. We offer competitive wages and benefits that are based on experience and skills. Please submit your resume to Saison Market Vineyard 7575 Mays Road, Duncan or email saison@shaw.ca

Michelle Rose CSF Fisherman Guy Johnston

michellerosecsf.com

Interested in buying the freshest catch of the season straight from your local fishermen?

Become a member of Cowichan Valley’s first Community Supported Fishery for access to top quality, sushi grade seafood mindfully caught using low impact fishing methods. As a member you commit to buying a share of the year’s catch before the season commences at prices that are fair to both members and fishermen.

2014 Prawns • coho • sockeye • pink • For more info contact mrfishing@telus.net or 250-715-6647

Try A Community Supported Fishery!

ocal fisherman Guy Johnson has been fishing for over 3 decades. Inspired by Alderlea Farm’s first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program in the Cowichan Valley he thought it would be a good idea for fisherman. “Both farmers and fishermen have seen their expenses going up and up, but the prices slashed to the levels of 30 years ago. CSF members help broaden out what the local food community is by buying direct from their local fisherman too.” Successful for 4 years, the Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery (CSF) has been happily providing fresh fish directly to families and restaurants. “I fish by trap for prawns and shrimp and use hook and line to catch salmon, all low impact fishing methods.” says Guy. “All the catch is frozen at sea at the time of capture, meeting the highest level of quality - sushi standard. Prawns and shrimp are packaged in 1 lb lots immersed in salt water and frozen. Salmon is dressed, frozen and glazed in chilled sea water for the freshest taste.” How it works: Members pre purchase a share of the year’s catch before the season begins. A share is made up of shellfish (prawns and shrimp) or various species of salmon or a combination of shellfish and salmon. Pick Up days take place in Cowichan Bay or Victoria. Shellfish is available early summer and salmon pick up is late summer. “The CSF has strengthened my ability to keep fishing. It builds the bonds that make a community a healthy place to live. It teaches us something about the lives of the farmers and fishermen that grow and catch our food. I fish with my 2 children Sebastien and Rosalie. Both of them are studying at university in the off season and being able to fish salmon and prawns has paid their way through school.” Guy shares proudly. This year marks the “Cycle Year” of the LARGEST SOCKEYE RUN IN 97 YEARS. His crew are hopeful that they will be fishing their sockeye on the south coast - the first time in 3 years, to add to their plump catches of Northern Coho and Pinks. “The CSF is one way for me, as an independent fisherman, to remain viable, feed my family and reduce the carbon footprint of my catch. I can sell direct at a fair market price. When CSF members commit to buy the catch for the upcoming season, I know how much fish to bring home, ensuring that we are not over fishing beyond our demand.”

www.makecheese.ca

Visit michellerosecsf.com for more info about the different types of membership shares.

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

Roll using two glasses Pour over ice Top with soda, finish with an orange slice Amounts

Ingredients

1oz Stoli Vanilla Vodka .5 oz Simple Syrup 1 oz Orange Juice .5 oz Soda Water

When to Shake

Otis Cocktail After a hard day at work there’s nothing more refreshing than an Otis to lift your spirits!

• If the drink has fruit juice (that includes citrus): tiny air bubbles created by shaking help cut the sweetness of juice. • If the drink has cream or eggs in it: shaking is a more aggressive form of mixing, which is what it takes to combine thicker ingredients.

When to Stir

• If the drink is made only with spirits, such as a martini. Stirring gives spirituous cocktails a smooth and heavy mouth-feel because it introduces less air than shaking. Shaking adds air into the drink, creating a lighter texture. • If you want the drink to stay clear.Vigorous shaking will cause a cocktail to look cloudy.

When & How to Roll

The third mixing technique called rolling is where you pour the drink and ice back and forth between two glasses or mixing tins. It’s the middle ground: a vigorous mixing, yet not too much froth going on. Some people think that shaking causes more dilution, but ultimately dilution is a product of how long you stir or shake, not so much which method you use. While these are generally accepted guidelines, in the end, shaking or stirring still comes down to personal preference.

COme in from the cold

Come in from the cold and enjoy the view Join us every SUNDAY 10-4 (MAR 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) We are moving our farm gate inside The Barn.

Warm up with a Hot Beverage and Fresh From the oven treats.

5881 Genoa Bay Road, Duncan, 250-748-6379

Musings From The Vines

o we’ve been tending vines on and off for the past few months. The weather we have been having has been ideal to get out and make some serious headway on our spring pruning. One cold snap is necessary before we begin to ensure the vines are truly dormant. Usually we get a cold snap before new year, and pruning can be started any time after. It’s always a shock when we get out for the first pruning sessions of the year. The grapes are cut back severely to ensure the right number of new shoots are left for the coming year. Approximately 90% of the previous years’ growth is removed – leaving just enough shoots to have one bud every 4 cm or so. This gives

a nice balance of fruit and shoots for the coming year. It also ensures the canopy of leaves isn’t too dense and allows air flow and sunlight to reach the growing grapes. Typically we don’t start until March. This is partly because my daughters help and we usually accomplish a lot during spring break. My daughters have helped a lot with the vineyard, and Robin is our vineyard manager – helping throughout the year and even supervising our

temporary helpers. This year the weather has been so nice that we started much earlier. A

Pruning is a family affair.

big concern is that with all the warm winter weather, spring would come quite early and buds could be pushing out in early April rather than early May – which is good except if you haven’t finished your seasonal upkeep. So this year we are well ahead of any other year since we’ve started. Once the essential first pruning is done you have set the maximum crop load for your vineyard

for that year. With 30 rows that average 90m in length, and 2 fruiting wires per row there are 5.4km of fruiting canes, with a bud every 4 cm that’s approximately 135,000 new shoots for the coming year – each with an average of 2 clusters of fruit. Unfortunately there are some gaps to be filled – the rabbits and voles have caused damage to some of our young vines – eating the roots or stripping the bark from the main trunk. So I’ll have to replace vines, again, and keep up my battle with the rascally rabbits. The work is hard on the hands and wrists. I have a battery operated pruner to help reduce the risk of Carpel Tunnel syndrome – a real issue with vineyard work (and computer work). They are great but boy are they powerful – the could cut your finger off in a heartbeat. So much so that they only sell the unit with a leather and metal gauntlet to be worn on the free hand. I can cut through 2 inches of wood (grape trunk) with

them without any real effort… quite scary… but essential if you are pruning 10 acres of grapes. It also cuts through vineyard fruiting wires without hesitation – so every year I end up repairing at least one wire that I’ve nicked with the pruner. Once I’m done all the grapes then it’s on to all those fruit trees…. and the vegetable garden… and all those flower gardens….Oh and get some wine ready to bottle…. Is the work ever done? Mark Holford Owner/ Winemaker at Rocky Creek Winery for the past 9 years

Eat, Drink and Support Local

Seedy Saturday Cobble Hill March 8th

he 14th annual Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday invites you to help us celebrate our ‘100 Mile spring’ with everything a gardener could need - or want! Over 30 vendors will offer a full range of organic and heritage seeds, plant starts, flower and fruit shrubs and bulbs - and mason bees to fertilize them - native grasses and ferns, edible sprout seeds and even organic salves and mineral soaks for sore gardeners’ bods! The most obscure and esoteric plant questions can always be answered by our knowledgeable Master Gardeners, while the permaculture people have all kinds of ideas about how you can make your garden more

sustainable and interesting. Everyone is always itching to share their plant lore, and Mums and Dads can unleash the kids on the the childrens’ activities while they visit with friends, take advantage of free seeds at the seed exchange table, and load up those cloth bags with wee envelopes of summer’s garden joy. We are open until 3pm, so you can enjoy a delicious light lunch or snack, care of our own Womens’ Institute, and soak up enough inspiration to propel you into the garden! This extremely popular community event is sponsored by the Shawnigan Cobble Hill Farmers Institute, which celebrated its 100th anniversary a few years ago and continues to blossom from deep roots in our bucolic Cowichan agricultural tradition.

Waterfront Dining serving Modern-Comfort Inspired West Coast Cuisine.

WEDNESDAY – Halibut & Chips $10 THURSDAY - $5 Appetizers 4-9pm SATURDAY – Surf & Turf, $5 Off Wine

Call for Reservations 250-597-4353

LOCATED AT BLUENOSE MARINA 1765 COWICHAN BAY RD

Submitted by Beth Lischeron

LIVE CRAB • FRESH FISH • LOCAL SPOT PRAWNS AND MORE!

Halibut Pizza with White Sauce, Potatoes & Bacon

Amount

Ingredients

1 pound ¼ 2-4 1/2 2 Tablespoons 1 Cup ½ Cup To Taste 1 Tablespoon 4 Strips 1

Fresh Halibut, cubed in chunks Red onion New Potatoes, cooked Lemon, to squeeze Olive Oil Mozzarella, grated Monterey Jack Cheese, grated Salt and Pepper Chopped Parsley Cooked Bacon, sliced (optional) Pizza Crust

3 Tablespoons 2 Tablespoons 2 2 Cups 1/4 Teaspoon 1/2 Cup 3/4 Cup

Sweet Butter Olive Oil Garlic Cloves, minced Cream White Pepper Parmesan Cheese, grated Mozzarella Cheese

Alfredo Pizza Sauce

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

COME TRY OUR NEW MENU!

Spring Hours Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 am to 6pm

Method For the Sauce: Melt butter in medium saucepan with olive oil over medium/low heat. Add the garlic, cream, white pepper and bring mixture to a simmer, stirring often. Add grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for 8-10 minutes until is smooth. When thickened, add Mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until well blended. Set aside. For the Pizza: Sprinkle halibut with salt and pepper and saute over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain excess liquid and set aside. Toss potatoes in fresh squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and chopped rosemary. Once coated slice potatoes ﬁnely. Spread Alfredo Sauce over pizza crust. Add mozzarella cheese and top with sliced potatoes, cooked Halibut, red onion, and sliced cooked bacon. Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese on top and bake in hot oven at 425 until cheeses have melted and base is crisp and golden about 10 minutes. Sprinkle parsley garnish and serve hot. Served on its own or with a green salad.

1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay 250-748-0020 E-mail: info@cowichanbayseafood.com

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

“It’s fresher from here”

Buttermilk Braised Chicken Chef Bradford Boisvert, CFO (Chief Food Ofﬁcer) Amusè On The Vineyard This is a great peasant style dish similar to a fricassee. Once a favourite dish of mine as a child that my mother would make us in the winter served on toast. At Amusè we serve with our cornmeal waffles and sunny side up hens egg on our weekend brunch menu.

Ingredients

Amount

Island Farmhouse Legs and Thighs 6 Pieces Bacon 4 ounces Garlic, minced 2 cloves Onion, minced 1 White Wine 1/4 Cup Chicken Stock 2 cups Buttermilk 2 cups Brandy To deglaze Bay Leaf 2 Cinnamon Stick 1 Flour 3 Tablespoons Butter 2 Tablespoons Salt as needed pepper as needed

Method

1) Over low heat cook bacon to render fat out. 2) Season leg and thighs with salt and pepper, sear on each side until skin goes firm but no colour. Remove from pan. 3) Sauté garlic and onion until translucent 4) Remove pan from heat and deglaze with brandy. 5) Return to heat add stock, wine, buttermilk, bay leaves, cinnamon stick and chicken bring to a boil. 6) Turn down to a simmer on low heat, on stove top or in oven for 45 minute or until chicken is tender when pierced with a fork. 7) Remove chicken from pan onto serving platter or desired plates, cover chicken with foil or lid let rest for 15 minute while you finish sauce. Return braising liquid to heat bring to a rolling boil. 8) Mix together flour and butter in a bowl until well incorporated. 9) As braising liquid from chicken is boiling whisk in tablespoonful’s of flour butter mixture until sauce begins to thicken let cook 10 more minutes at a low simmer to cook out the flour. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. 10) Adjust seasoning of sauce. Strain sauce thru fine mesh strainer. Ladle sauce over chicken and serve.

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 • www.farmhousepoultry.ca Chicken available from Country Grocer, 49th Parallel, Duncan Butcher, Chemainus Foods, Crofton Foods and Thrifty Foods

Do You Grow or Raise Local Food in the Cowichan Region?

re you looking to find new customers or expand your market? Are you looking for a low cost way to advertise your farm business? If so register for the 2014 Buy

Local! Buy Fresh! Food Map, a direct marketing tool for farmers. Buy Local! Buy Fresh! is a colour map and guide of Cowichan Region farms. Farm listings include the

Family Fudge Boxes for Spring Break! Whippletree Junction

Beaver House Fudge PLUS Puzzles • Plush Teddy Bears • Crystals • Mohair Socks • Slippers • Cards • Windchimes • Pottery • Fair Trade Sweaters and more!

Next To Nature Trading 250 748 6647

www.beaverhousefudge.com

food and farm products available, farm hours (if applicable), and purchasing information. Each spring 10, 000 copies are printed and distributed. The farms are also featured in an interactive online version, which can be found at cowichangreencommunity.org/ foodmap. As people become increasingly interested in where their food comes from, the Cowichan Green Community (CGC) wants to make sure they are aware of the farmers in our region. By informing consumers what food is available locally and how they can access it, the map allows people to buy direct from regional farmers and keep more dollars in our local economy. CGC updates the map annually to give new farmers the opportunity to join, and returning farmers the chance to update or refine their listing. If you are a farmer located between Shawnigan Lake and Cedar looking to highlight your food, farm products, events and attractions, pick up a registration form from the CGC office in The Station, located at 360 Duncan Street. Forms are also available

at Buckerfield’s, Dinter Nursery, Shar-Kare (Duncan and Ladysmith locations) and Top Shelf Feeds. You can also register online at: www.cowichangreencommunity. org/foodmap/register. Registration forms and payment must be submitted before March 15 2014. Businesses interested in advertising on the map, please email raelynn@ cowichangreencommunity.org for more information.

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

Raelynn is thrilled to be a part of the Cowichan Green Community.

Changing a Dilemma to a Delight It’s Shannon VanHemert’s third year farming the Island Shire. www.IslandShire.com

t’s a dilemma. How do we avoid the toxins, the sprays, the funny chemical additives that might compromise our health? Here lies the conundrum that Michael Pollard discusses in The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat. He breaks food choice into four groups: industrial, industrialorganic, local sustainable, and

hunter-gatherer. Our island landmass limits our local production choices to the last two. While some folks have

space for a small vegetable garden, what about the rest of their diet? How to acquire the protein that most of us want, yet ensure it’s free of antibiotics or other strange inputs? The answer is “know your farmer.” After six months in Cowichan Bay, my city-reared husband commented that everyone seemed to know everything about what we were doing. I, the country-mouse, laughed and said, “Of course! They can see every single thing we do just by driving by!” And there lies the delight of eating directly from the Warm Land, from your local small farmer. You can see them. You can talk to them anytime. They are out there, working the land and touching the animals. The “hidden costs to the environment and the taxpayer that make cheap food seem cheap” do not exist, because the “costs are figured into the price” of the food your small farmer raises. Small farms strive to keep alive the vision of local sustainable. It’s not cheap food. But like boutique clothing or a sweet car, this fine food, hand-picked by farmers or reared in the back barn, has a quality of taste

Cobble Hill

March 8th

free admission

Cobble Hill Hall, 3550 Watson Ave organic & heritage seeds • plants • flowers snacks and more! For more info

10 am - 3 pm

call 250-743-7305 or 250-743-8036 cobblehillseedysaturday@gmail.com

and freshness that you cannot find anywhere but locally. So consider supporting this

vision by joining a small farm CSA, such as the Omnivore’s Delight.

Support our local artists. They make our world more beautiful to live in.

Trevor Husband teaches Spiritual Warrior Training, a class to awaken your inner warrior. For more details visit orcahealing.com

Being A Warrior

s a child, one of my earliest, most powerful memories was going to see a double feature of Star Wars/The Empire Strikes Back. I was blown away, as were many of my generation, at the combination of stunning effects, far away imaginary worlds, and the spirituality of the Jedi. Much of it was over my head, but I knew that there was something special when Yoda spoke of the “force”, an energy that is in everything and binds all of us together. Like most boys my age, I wanted to be a Jedi. As I got older my role models expanded to athletes, musicians, action heroes and martial artists. Indiana Jones and Bruce Lee became inspirations. To my young mind they all represented our modern warriors. With my pacified, civilized upbringing, something deep inside me longed to be a warrior hardened through training and adversity. I remember walking home from the beach by myself when I was about 12, and the wind and rain came up. A part of me hoped that it would be the storm of the millennium, that it would sweep me up and take me to a place unknown, where I would have to pit myself against the elements and all odds to survive, like the books I had read about people stranded on desert islands. What I was missing was the part of our culture that has been lost-the art of the warrior. In pre-modern cultures, as boys became men they were put through rites of passage, to build mental and physical toughness so that they could succeed in their roles as men. The men took the boys under their wing, taught them to hunt, to fight, and how to face their fears. Women did the same for girls. There were ceremonies and rituals, where people would have to do uncomfortable, sometimes painful things, and it was an honor to take part. These were initiations. When we challenge ourselves in these ways, it bleeds into everything we do. When we face our own fears, the outside world looks less scary. We are more inclined to persevere, to try

YOU DESERVE HEALTHY SKIN! Host a Home Facial Party this Month! Call Robin at 250-710-1276

Visit us at botanicbliss.com

new things, and to chase our dreams. This doesn’t mean that we need to try and re-live the past. There are many ways today to train your inner warrior. A physical practice such as yoga, martial arts, or a sport are all ways to challenge ourselves physically. This, combined with an inner practice of meditation, being involved in spiritual ceremonies, and trying new things keeps our inner warrior sharp. Being mindful of our breath, our thoughts, what we put in our body and mind, how we move, and how we affect others and our environment is being a modern warrior. An elder once told me that every morning when he gets up, he smudges and prays, and feels happy and excited to be able to serve for another day. To serve the Creator, his family, his community, and Mother Earth. This is the final piece to being a warrior-being of service. The warrior gladly gives him/herself for the betterment of others. And by doing this, we serve ourselves and all of creation by living to our highest standard.

AhZenya the newest salon and spa in the Cowichan Valley

Join us for a relaxing ZEN EXPERIENCE

• Full Hair and Esthetics Services • Joico hair color and products • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist

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

Restore Your Health with

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Diet Therapy

Dr. Fei Yang 250-733-2917 www.drfeiyang.ca

Tiller Badman enjoying a snack on Pancake Tuesday.

Sunrise Kindergarten Open House March 13

t Sunrise Waldorf School we lay the groundwork for future success in the Kindergarten years by developing gross and fine motor skills through movement, creative thought through imagination, and positive social skills through a young childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innate capacity for imitation of worthy role models. Our experienced, caring teachers and the daily use of the natural, protected outdoor play areas are the foundation for our Kindergarten programs. When parents first see one of our Kindergarten rooms they often take a deep breath and tell us they wish they had attended a school like this. We have two kindergarten classes at SWS. They both run Monday through Friday from 8:15am

to 1:30pm. With Aftercare being offered from 1:30pm5:30pm. Curious about Waldorf Kindergarten for September 2014? Join us for Sunrise Waldorf School Kindergarten Open House on Thursday, March 13th from 2pm-3pm. Bring your child to play in the classroom and meet the teachers. This event is not drop in as space is limited. Please RSVP to admissions@ sunrisewaldorfschool.org or 250-743-7253. www. sunrisewaldorfschool.org

Weeding, Feeding and Watering Simplified

pring is in the air, the bulbs are up, the birds are back and the garden is beckoning! With the passion of an unbridled child and great intention, we prepare and plant the beds with seeds and plants that will be this year’s bounty. As the lazy days of summer knock on the door, our lives get full and our priorities shift, especially if we have children. This is about the time our future bounty requires our steady attention to weed, feed and water. Unfortunately in many cases, this is the time the garden becomes overwhelming and takes a back seat - stressing the plants and reducing the abundance we planned for the fall. Today’s advanced irrigation technology provides affordable solutions that allow us to have our food garden and eat it too. A simple micro-irrigation system provides the following benefits: • provides the plants with the water they need when they need it, no missed waterings

• water is applied to the root zone, significantly reducing weeds and weeding • with a few additions to the system, you can feed the plants while watering • a significant savings of personal time and energy Regular watering, feeding and no weed competition are the three key requirements to happy, healthy, productive plants. As an added bonus, healthy plants tend be disease and pest free. While an irrigation system does not replace us in the garden, there will still be some casual weeding, it reduces our time commitment down to tending our plants and harvesting - the things we enjoy most! The system and benefits are equally applicable to flower beds and landscapes. Image courtesy Warm Land Irrigation. Micro-irrigation amongst happy celery and green onion plants at Damali David Pink and his wife Diana own Warm Land Irrigation, and grow and sell food as Fresh Start Edibles @ Damali

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

Beekeeping in the Cowichan

he Cowichan Valley is home to many species of bees, but the most familiar one is the honey bee, an introduced species from Europe. Our moderate climate makes beekeeping relatively easy, compared to more continental regions of Canada. People keep honey bees to insure pollination in home gardens, orchards and berry farms, make local honey, “bee pollen” and produce wax which may be turned into candles or used to make hand creams. If you have a hankering to try beekeeping, come to a meeting of the Cowichan Beekeepers. This club is very supportive of new beekeepers and welcomes beginners. The club has an excellent lending library, including some DVDs on beekeeping topics. There is

no obligation to join. The next meeting is on March 20 7:30pm, at 5855 Clements St (the old Agricultural Office). Another way to get into beekeeping is to take the introductory beekeeping course offered by Vancouver Island University (Cowichan Campus) this March. This 8-session course eases beginners through honey bee biology and management practices. In early April, there is a field trip to a local apiary (bee yard) where all students can see, hear, touch, and smell the marvels of this social insect. March 17 Beginner Beekeepers Course VIU (Cowichan Campus) 250-746-3519

Is Vancouver Island Facing Food and Water Shortages? ‘Three Sisters’ Initiative Addresses Critical Sustainability Questions supplies here on Vancouver

ith the Pacific west coast in the midst of one of its driest winters three Vancouver Island organizations are taking positive proactive steps to help ensure the Island is prepared should there be food or water shortages this summer. “We’re concerned that California has just declared a drought emergency,” notes Gillian Butler, a Director of the Vancouver Island and Coast Conservation Society, “and that it’s so severe the State will not be distributing water to local authorities. We only have to look at Mt Washington’s ski closure in the Comox Valley to understand that the Island may also be facing water challenges this year.” “Along with a need to assess the health and availability of our ground and surface water

Island, there’s a need to be certain we are prepared if this dry spell continues,” adds Laurie Gourlay, president of VICCS. “There are implications for the Island’s food supply as well, especially since we are so dependent on imported products.” Barbara Ebell agrees. Working with VICCS ‘Buy Island’ campaign Ms Ebell, owner of Nanoose Edibles Farm, made a presentation to the District A Farmers Institutes of BC’s Coastal Region in mid-January. “Less than 3% of the $5.4Billion that Vancouver Islanders spend annually on food is Island grown,” Ms Ebell stated. “Food security is becoming a serious issue, and if weather conditions change here we may be in trouble.” The need for local governance

that will see watersheds protected and sustainability measures addressed are of particular importance on the east coast of Vancouver Island, according to Scott Akenhead, coordinator of the Vancouver Island Province initiative, and chair of VICCS’ Island Governance Committee. “We need to coordinate efforts across jurisdictions, and find ways for local Island governments to partner with private corporations who own the lands where our drinking water comes from.” With these challenges in mind the Island Roundtable on the Environment and Economy has just been registered as a society. “We will be reaching out this spring to identify business, academic and community leaders in all sectors and across Vancouver Island,” states Dorothy Woodhouse, a new IRTEE Director. “We’d like to have a dozen experts working together to assess and advise on our Island’s resource and

sustainability needs.” Kathy Wachs, a Director of the Chemainus Residents Association, has also joined the Roundtable Board. “Ideally the professionals on the ‘Inner Circle’ of the Roundtable will look at the choices we face as an Island, and recommend research and appropriate steps that will help Islanders. We’d like to see the Roundtable addressing immediate needs, along with fostering long-term goals for our growth and prosperity.” VICCS, the IRTEE and VIP initiatives see themselves working for the three-sided coin of sustainable development the economy, environment and social/cultural development in balance. These ‘Three Sisters’ will be looking to partner with organizations and institutions across Vancouver Island over the next six months, with the intent of solidifying working relationships for the benefit of all Islanders.

Simplicity ParentinG: Using the

Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and more Secure Kids

Kids Eat Free in March!

he Satellite Bar & Grille at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club announces the latest addition to its kid and family programs: Kids Eat Free. Kids Eat Free is a new trial to help support existing family programs and build on the success of the Satellite Bar & Grille restaurant business. “The Satellite Bar & Grille has been very successful, we want to add to this success by attracting more families”, says General Manager Jason Lowe. “The Kids Eat Free also ties into many other existing programs at Arbutus Ridge such as: Kids Play Free, Sunday Family Golf Day, Wednesday Night Juniors and more”, he added.

Kids twelve and under will dine for free with a paying adult and choose from five menu selections. Menu selection includes: Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Tenders and Fries, Chicken Quesadilla, Grilled Cheese and Fries, Grilled Chicken Breast with Rice and Vegetables and a beverage. The Satellite Bar & Grille has a special family friendly license where kids are welcome in the lounge or dining room areas. Kids Eat Free is a trial offer expiring March 31, 2014.

ith Spring sports leagues already underway, and Spring Break sports camps coming soon, many parents are asking themselves, “How do we keep what’s great about sports for kids and lose what is not?” It seems these days that everyone has a troubling youth sports story: An overbearing coach who only plays the ‘best’ kids on the team, or a parent who publicly berates her child for failing to score a goal. So often the media contains stories about youth sport injuries, concussions, steroid use, even deaths. This toxic sports culture affects us all, as it sets a strong cultural tone that WINNING IS EVERYTHING. As loving parents, we may find ourselves unwittingly reenforcing this soul-trampling cultural misconception, as we enthusiastically ask our children after the game; “Did you win?” “What was the score?” “Did you score?” It’s up to us, as parents, to create a healthier, less toxic youth sports culture. Our children need us, and we need each other. We know the youth sports culture must change. But how? Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting in a Toxic Sports Environment offers an alternative approach to teaching sports to kids. The authors, Kim John Payne, Scott Lancaster and Luis Fernando have personal experience as junior elite athletes and as coaches. They have gathered together the most common conundrums and questions that parents have asked over the years. Each of these questions is then

discussed and a possible, very practical solution is given. The approach de-emphasizes short-term goals like winning and youth championships, and discourages adult-oriented, league-structured competition. This practical, holistic approach to the development of young athletes expands the definition of Success. Yes, winning is incorporated. But the primary focus is fun, training, practice, safe and developmentally appropriate play, and healthy competition. Everyone is warmly invited to join this crucial conversation and become a part of the Whole Child Sports movement to change youth sports for the good of all of our children. Share your stories, concerns and successes at https://www.facebook.com/ WholeChildSports. Warmly, Kim, Scott and Luis (Edited by Linda Dirksen-Gale, with permission from Kim John Payne).

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

Linda is a certified Simplicity Parenting Facilitator, living in the Cowichan Valley.

Why is the art of animation and film making an important part of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literacy repertoire?

nformation comes in the humans through all of our senses: our eyes through print, images, and ongoing movement; our ears through sounds of chaos, conflict, resolution, and nature, our skin through sensations of touch from our frets to the tip of our head, our nose through smells, and powerful connections to the rich variety of tastes we experience. Current brain research about how humans learn identifies the importance of social learning to build language and concept development. Through play, team building, collaborative and cooperative learning tasks, students develop language around concepts as they struggle to first make meaning of new information combined with existing understandings, and then share new connections, new learning through a variety of expressive arts. The creation of animations, either digitally drawn or utilizing photos for stop motion, develop amazing skills in critical and creative thinking as participants must abstractly design a 2-D and 3-D story map combining images, voice, print, and sounds, to tell a story, or express a concept. Creating an animation is not just playing a simple game, but actually creating an incredibly complex web of connections around cause and effect on multiple levels with language development firmly intertwined. Movie making can be even more challenging and

rewarding. It can be easier to be simpler in animation and stop motion story board design and realization, because of the many, many steps required to create frames and photos. When you gather video footage, it is challenging to learn to leave more to the imagination of the viewer by finding a delicate balance between the perspective of video takes, slick editing, supportive sound effects, and sometimes, deliberately leaving the message to be said without words. Effective story telling and problem solving through animations and movie making is a skill set that is acquired through social opportunities to co-create animations and movies, share and accept feedback from peers, and continue to sharpen skills and develop a style that matches their genre of expression. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for ages 5+ who enjoy examining their world from a variety of perspective and are attuned to the joy of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;going back to the drawing boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to see if there is a different way to improve the response to the message.

Submitted by Heather Stannard of Westview Learning

“ I focus on catalyzing big changes for people who feel stuck in their lives. I use deep-tissue massage (myofascial release), movement lessons and dialogue, in the context of an 11-session series, to realign people within the field of gravity, achieving better posture and giving clients the tools and skills to carry the changes on themselves.” Janelle smiles “This is done through movement lessons - re learning how to walk, stand and sit in healthy ways. Emotional holding patterns affect us, and this can be changed.

Which Figure Do You Resemble? It may be time to realign with Janelle Hardy

A sub specialty that has come up in her practice arises from her empathy with people who experience pain and tension from TMJ syndrome, tooth grinding and clenching. “I am a tooth grinder myself, and so know how uncomfortable and painful the mouth, face, jaw, neck and shoulders can feel as a result, and offer specifically focused sessions that help release that.” says Janelle.

here is a solution for those who are feeling stuck physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Entirely unique to her practice, Janelle Hardy works with long-term postural correction, and getting people seriously ‘unstuck’. “Clients come to me when they are in some degree of pain both physically and emotionally. People who feel flat and unhappy. Some are depressed. Some are suffering from the effects of bad posture, too much sitting or an accumulation of injuries. One commonality is that they they’re frustrated with feeling bad.” shares Janelle Hardy of Hellerwork Structural Integration based in Duncan. Inspired by the changes she saw in herself after going through a Structural Integration series Janelle pursued her own certification to become a practitioner. This certification, enhanced with a Masters Degree in Dance and Bachelor in Anthropology gives her a multi faceted understanding on how to help others realign their bodies, lives and spirits.

Each Hellerwork session is 1 1/2 hours long and can be applied to any age group. Janelle has worked on children all the way up to seniors. Everyone wants to come across well, to have poise, to feel vibrant and alive in their movement and their bodies. My work gives people these skills.” www.timetorealign.com (250) 466-4316 hellerwork@timetorealign.com

“My ideal client is seeking an intense catalyst that will shift them out of this stuck place and give them the tools to change and continue making change after finishing the 11-session series.” Janelle tells us “They are generally at the beginning stages of a healing journey, and they are at the point of recognizing that ‘bandaid’ approaches just don’t work anymore. They want to go deep. “People come to me for a variety of ailments. The most common experience is that of pain, tension, stress, and a building desire for help feeling free and well in themselves and their bodies again.”

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

Image Erica Breau

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Swarn Leung, Registered Clinical Counsellor, works with individuals and couples in her Duncan office.

ow do we develop a sense of self? There are three main ways that a child’s sense of self is “awakened” by the caregiver: through a loving eye gaze, a gentle voice, and a caring touch, all of which are attuned to the present needs of the child. The child receives the sensory perceptions in her body—and this information travels to her brain, which then organizes it into a coherent “self.” It is through these perceptual channels that a baby FEELS seen, heard, and felt by another—and therefore KNOWS that she exists. Sometimes caregivers are unable to provide sufficient empathy and attunement to the child, usually due to their own relational trauma. We call this “emotional neglect” because the child’s emotions are not attended to—instead they are ignored, denied, dismissed, or punished. For the child, whose brain is rapidly developing, this causes a gap or a severing between his bodily experience and his thinking. He must disconnect from his

feelings and live only in his thoughts. As an adult, a lack of sense of self can feel like an emptiness inside, or not knowing one’s true essence, which leaves a person vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse from others. A weak sense of self also makes it difficult to know one’s needs—let alone express them to another. Working with an empathic, attuned counsellor can be a way to re-weave the connections in the brain-between sensations and imagination-- that did not fully develop in childhood. When the body is reconnected to the brain, a person has a direct experience of himself or herself and the world, and can make sense of life in a way that was never before possible.

march shows

Matuto Brazilian Beats and Southern Roots It’s Carnival in Recife. It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans. And watch out: That just may be the Devil spinning through the drunken, dancing crowd, trying to get friendly with the saint in disguise, with the diamond in the rough. The rolling drums and quicksilver accordion licks, the earthy vibe and thoughtful reflections mingle on Matuto’s latest refinement of their Appalachia-goneAfro-Brazilian sound. Matuto are part of a broader, loosely defined movement of hard-to-define acoustic innovators, musicians savoring their own heritage as they commune across genre and cultural bounds. Hailing from different parts of the country, Ross and Curto first met in Brooklyn’s genre-defying music scene. After laying down tracks on each other’s albums, they headed to Recife together and became fast friends as they played music, listened to local ensembles, held workshops in favela community centers, and won over local fans. March 4 8pm$20 Duncan Travelodge Hotel 140 Trans-Canada Hwy.

The King of Comedy Mike MacDonald MacDonald has had many successful and well received live performances all over North America. In addition, he has appeared on numerous TV shows including Late Night with David Letterman, The Arsenio Hall Show, Just For Laughs, Showtime’s Comedy Club All-Star Show, A&E’s An Evening at the Improv,

All Jazz Shows $10 unless stated

Sunday, March 2 • 2-5 pm Jon Miller And Friends Sunday, March 9 • 2-5pm Sue Newman Saltspring Island

and Comedy Central’s The A List. His popularity continues to soar in both the US and Canada. He has hosted both the Gemini Awards and the Just For Laughs 10th Anniversary Special for the CBC. MacDonald also holds the distinction of being the only comedian to perform at each and every Just For Laughs gala show March 7th, 8:30pm and March 8th, 9pm Dinner shows seating from 7:30pm. $20 adv/$22 Door The Orca Ballroom, Duncan Travelodge Hotel 140 Trans-Canada Hwy.

w/ Special Guests

Sunday, March 16• 2-5pm Carol Jarvie and Jerry Bryant and friends Sunday, March 23 2-5pm Belmont Avenue Trio with vocalist Susannah Adams Sunday March 30 • 2-5 pm Boss Tenors Connor Stewart, Dan Craven, Patrick Courtin, Andrew Janusson and James McRae

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

Sue Newman and el Zocalo Quintet from Salt Spring From Saltspring Island, the group infuses Jazz tunes and Originals with exciting versatility. Sue’s silky yet brazen vocal style evolved growing up with professional Jazz musician parents. She morphed into Rock, Blues and Motown as a touring youngster and has sung with Monik Nordine, James McRae, Hugh Fraser, Karel Roessingh, Valdy, Bill Henderson and Tom Bowler. From the lustrous strings of Peter Taschuk’s Classical Jazz guitar at a Lake Louise nightspot to the neon glow of Tom Martin’s foray on the Bangkok Jazz scene; from the solid and harmonic mind of bassist Ian Van Wyck and his connection to the World Percussion of drummer Laurent Boucher, to the brash and beautiful blasts of Derrick Milton’s trumpet.....you’re in for a musical trip.

March 9th,2pm Crofton Pub 1534 Joan Avenue.

Monday Morning Musicale Sarah Hagen & Jennie Press The Season Finale of the inaugural season of the Cowichan Theatre’s Morning Musicale series hosted by Sarah Hagen features violinist Jennie Press. Morning Musicale is a series of intimate classical music concerts on Monday morning. Onstage seating allows the audience an up close, personal musical experience. Cowichan Theatre, March 25, 10:30am Tickets $22 Box Office 250 748 7529

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

Enterprising

Women Sponsored by Oilcheck

Filled with metaphysical and new age treasures, Lobelia’s Lair offers handmade local artisan and fair trade creations; unique gifts, jewelry, art work, tarot cards, books, beeswax candles, herbs, oils, goddess oriented materials, crystals, and much more.

Personal Readings in Tarot and Astrology also available.

Greer Stewart, a grandmother, nurse and motorcycle enthusiast began riding in Metchosin at age 7. “ I loved the exhilaration of danger, speed and freedom. We used to borrow my mom’s Yamaha V-Twin for quick toots to friends and Sooke. Back in the 70’s you could do that. We we’re young and foolish and the roads we’re mostly gravel and open with little traffic.” she laughs. Greer opened West Coast Roar because of the total lack of all things feminine driven by a male dominated motorcycle market. After a less than supportive shopping trip to buy a street bike (cruiser) Greer did some research and discovered that women are the fastest growing part of the industry, zooming to 33% with future forecasts that women will make up 50% of the riding ratio in the next 8 yrs. West Coast Roar specializes in education and empowering women to add riding as a part of their positive lifestyles. With a focus on safety though skill and awareness, the shop offers free, pre rider confidence education and expert new rider fittings with everything you need. WCR also stocks a great assortment of ladies helmets, boots, gloves, accessories and maintenance parts. “We offer free advice and the best technicians to help keep bikes running smooth.” says Greer “We teach, listen, laugh and learn together and at the end of the road it’s all about relationship. Every day we break down attitudes and push stereotypes off the door step. Our favourite clients are the ones who dare to get back up. Many are mid lifers, who have had their challenges, but are looking towards an open road and new bonds. Women who are looking forward to the third act of their glorious lives, for adventure, belonging and safety all while being thrilled by the power and challenges of riding the open road. We meet many professionals who are done with corporate life and want something raw, energizing and true to nature. Many are mothers or grandmothers that simply want to laugh and engage and connect. “What I love about riding is the West Coast Roar Women’s ultimate free feeling I get from Motorcycle Gear & Clothing being omnipresent and aware. It’s 2490 Trans-Canada Hwy, as comfortable as breathing-it’s my Mill Bay life breath. It doesn’t get any more 250-733-2141 inspiring than that. Women start www.westcoastroar.com your engines!

Open 7 Days A Week. Find us in Nanaimo’s Old Quarter

Suite 8-321 Wesley St

250-753-5440 www.lobeliaslair.com 25

Break Out Of Your Home!

new smiles of discovery when they receive a new game or craft supplies.

The ladies from Indigo Children’s Consignment provide a large, safe toddler play area for the kidlets, to give the parents an opportunity to leisurely browse through their gently used children’s items! From furniture, to toys, to seasonal gear, to costumes and baby stuff galore, you’ll find it here.

By Jen Coyle

ith Spring Break right around the corner, it’s a great time to reacquaint ourselves with children and youth based shops in our downtown. We actually have a lot to offer here, in our gorgeous downtown, all with a great deal of quality and diversity, for the different wants and needs of the families found in our community. The Red Balloon Toy Shop can help parents to create a great indoor activity centre for your family. Owner, Ian Fairwell, has a vast inventory of interactive and engaging product with sections of board games, puzzles, building blocks and crafts for the kids to enjoy. There’s nothing like seeing

WELCOME SPRING WITH A FRESH FACE!

Anyone from our community, would know that whether out shopping for your own kids or picking up that baby shower gift and Birthday present, the place to find some of the most adorable, stop-you-in-your-tracks little outfits, is Giggle Gear Clothing on Station Street. You only have to walk by their window, to see the appeal on wanting to come in

to browse…. even if your kids are well past the night light stage! It must give Krista, the shop’s owner, a constant smile to see the reactions from the parents and Grandparents, that wander through the racks of exquisite little outfits and accessories. Another storeowner I would think enjoys that same benefit, is Wanda from Body Wrapsody Dance and Fitness Wear, which you’ll find heading towards Joe’s Tire Hospital and further up Station Street. Providing chic dancewear, streetwear and trinkets for the budding performer, you’ll find a few ruffles, sequins and the most colourful dance duds around! Even their socks are irresistible… Did you know they even carry ballroom shoes and dance sneakers? Their main focus

Image Jen Coyle

is dance, but they also direct their inventory towards other fields, such as gymnastics and swimming too! They consider themselves to be a “small business in a small town with a big community with bigger hearts” and they do their best to give back to the community that gives to them, by using services provided by our local Cowichan Recyclists, to help make their environmental footprint a little smaller.

VISIT US FOR SPRING BREAK! DUNCAN’S ONLY ALL VEGETARIAN CAFE!

• Rosacea • Acne • Sun Damage • Botox and Fillers • Photofacials • Medical Microdermabrasion • Hair Removal • Spray Tanning

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

Dance and yoga centers are found throughout our downtown, with many ladies stores now carrying essential and stylish separates for staying comfortable and dry. Who doesn’t love to pop down to the local grocery store wearing their fashionable, yet practical pull-ons (NOT the ”I’m a big kid now” ones, you’ve just thought about. And sorry in advance, for putting THAT jingleworm into your head!)? To think of something way more creative, Katie from 4Cats Arts Studio on Station Street, can definitely help by signing the kids up for her workshops and parties! It is absolutely inspiring to see the works that come out of the instructional classes. Anytime you combine creativity with learning and hands on fun, you’ve hit the “Joy Jackpot”! It stirs emotions and communal pride when you see a small child pulling on their father’s hand, with their little chubby finger pointed skyward, while screaming, “That one’s mine, Daddy!” Even as they grow older, it seems they’re always reaching for that next achievement to proudly show to their parents and friends what they’ve accomplished. Like the tail-whips my son likes to eagerly and effortlessly perform at our local skate park. As a parent, it’s good thing to know that we have a store like Gordon Chow’s, Area 51 Skateshop, to find the essential safety gear and apparel that we can both agree on. Heading over to Kenneth Street, you’ll find a broader spectrum of safety gear for the big and little adventurers in your life, at Bucky’s Sports Shop. Since 1947, this family owned and operated business provides supplies and items for activities such as fishing equipment and fly tying, archery, camping, Martial Arts, hiking gear and quality outdoor footwear and clothing. Any of their knowledgeable staff can provide anyone inquiring, with a great array of local information for clubs, organizations and sports events in the Cowichan Valley. They even have extremely helpful links on their website, listing wilderness and rural experiences, Vancouver Island tide schedules, protected habitat regulations, maps,

guides, fishing charters, and up to date local and Island wide notices. Another favourite type of store to browse, are our local bookstores, encouraging those next generations to build lifelong appetites for literature appreciation. Many of our downtown shops carry specialty book selections, but there’s nothing like stepping inside the doors of a long established emporium of the written word. One such independent store is celebrating over 40 years of service, since opening their doors in 1972, at Volume One Bookstore, right here in our downtown. The owners and their longtime staff love to “unite the right book with the right person” and are always on hand to assist in any inquiries you might have. If there’s a new and emerging children’s author or series, these are the people to ask. They even offer online searches, reservations and orders through a personal account you can set up on their website, enabling you to simultaneously shop locally and online, with the option of having your books put aside for the next time you come into town. What a modern day convenience! While you’re in that mood for exploring aisles of paperback and hardcovers, perhaps you’ve been searching for a hard to find edition of an antiquarian publication, with pages painstakingly sewn together and bound in covers. Then Gallowglass Rare and Used Bookstore on Canada Ave might be exactly what you need. And just when you thought your search might be over, you can head over to Duncan Street, for an organic coffee and pastry at the Duncan Garage Café, while sitting at a table, nestled right inside the historical Garage building, in another downtown bookstore: Ten Old Books. And of course, you can’t forget about our Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives, located at the Duncan Train Station, when you’re thinking of our local history. The Museum holds a wonderful collection of artifacts from pioneer families and businesses in the Valley, and illustrates settlement and First Nations history in their temporary and permanent galleries. If you’ve missed the Museum’s hours of operation, you can even take a stroll through the outdoor exhibits in two of our historical

alleyways, depicting Duncan’s once flourishing Chinatown and Duncan’s V.I. – the story of the settlement of Duncan, both erected to assist in preserving the valley’s history. Another impactful experience to be had is a self-guided tour throughout the streets of our downtown, to see and read about the beautiful stories told through the artwork of the Totem Poles. The poles and their interpretive signage bear witness to a proud heritage of carving amongst the First Nations people of the Pacific Northwest. To mention history and traditions in the month of March, I’d be remiss not to mention Ireland and their upcoming celebration of their most well known Saint. “Ach, ye had to ‘ave seen that one comin’!” Join in the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day

with the adult crowd at the Old Firehouse Wine and Cocktail Bar beside City Square, where Jeff, the proprietor, and his chef customize the daily food and drink specials to reflect a certain theme or mood. Contrarily, if you’re looking to meet up with some of your pals at the Craig Street Brew Pub, for a couple of fresh hand-crafted brews while you sit back and enjoy the social bantering of those around you, or listening to local live entertainment, then this is the meeting place for all of you! So there you have it, everything you could possibly need for a leisurely Spring Break with your family, yourself, or your friends…. It’s all right here, in Downtown Duncan, the Heart of Cowichan – A downtown that is anything but ordinary!

State of the Art Bike Fitting Technology Comes to Duncan

Fire & Bones

Mens Inner Mentor Training The passage to adulthood can be tumultuous and difficult. Many men still carry the scars of adolescence. Left unaddressed, these wounds can limit a man’s full potential and be a lasting source of great pain. West Coast Men’s Support Society is delivering a program that is a profound experience for men who desire to clear up lingering behaviour patterns that they adopted to protect themselves from harsh experiences during their own adolescence. It will touch dark and difficult places related to adolescence, but will also celebrate the joy, excitement, and exhilaration. Men who participate will become clearer and more powerful forces in their own lives, and in the lives of the young men they will mentor (if they choose to mentor). “We believe that a solid connection with this Inner Mentor connects us with the healthy mentoring energy in mature men that is so desperately sought by boys and young men.” says Grant Waldman “This is an opportunity to join a progressive, non-sectarian, non-partisan community of adult men and young men who are exploring what it means to be an honorable, mature man.” Step fully into being the man you were meant to be, and help the next generation of men to step fully into becoming their own extraordinary men. *This training is a prerequisite for all Fire & Bones mentor candidates, but not limited to them. All men are invited to participate. March 29th 9am to 9pm The Hub Cowichan Station 2375 Koksilah Rd For more info 250-597-2801 grant@westcoastmen.org

Grant M Waldman is the Executive Director of Westcoast Mens Support Society.

any people love cycling and now-adays increasing numbers of people are commuting, exercising, and competing on their bikes. However, when people purchase a bike, they are often “sized” by the sales person, but may not have been properly “fitted”. People will sometimes get on their much loved bike and experience numb hands/feet, leg/arm pain, back pain, or neck pain, consequently getting on their bikes less often. Triathletes or cyclists who race will want to maximize their efficiency which translates into speed and power. Fine tuning their contact points (saddle, pedals, and handlebars or arm-pads) will achieve that goal. All of these issues can be addressed by having your old favorite, or shiny new bike properly fitted just for you. In our new location, next to the Duncan Garage, Cycle Therapy will have a fully equipped bike fitting room with a state of the art Precision Fit Motion Capture Dynamic Analysis (MCDA). David Beggs was recently professionally certified to fit cyclists using the MCDA.

The recreational cyclist may choose to have a modified version of a bike fitting done whereas the more competitive cyclist may choose to go for the whole enchilada, and the road cyclist may fall somewhere in between. The entire MCDA includes a thorough custom analysis of rider biomechanics and movement through the use of high speed video, resulting in the best analysis of your position on the bike. This includes: shoe sizing and cleat placement; saddle selection; saddle height; saddle fore/ aft position; stem length and position; handlebar width and position; and video analysis of cycling position. Add the Aerobar pad height and reach, for the triathlete, and you have a full spectrum of bike fitting possibilities to improve the quality of your ride. Find our Renovation blog at www.cycletherapy.ca and look for us to open the first week of March! Sandra Beggs owns and operates Cycle Therapy in Duncan. wwwcycletherapy.ca

Helping Men, Families and Community to create Full, Healthier Lives!

www.westcoastmen.org 213-80 Station St, Duncan

Urban Forestry Project

ave you noticed some of the incredible trees in and around the City of Duncan? These urban trees are actually part of our urban forest. An Urban Forest is more than just trees and forest cover. It is a system which includes water, soil, vegetation, wildlife and natural processes that are all integral to ecological health. In October of 2010 the City of Duncan made a progressive move and commissioned a comprehensive study to assess and analyze the urban forest within its boundaries. The study reviewed the economic, social, and environmental values and benefits of the urban forest with an additional focus on the need for policy and management framework.

urban forest as a top priority of the Urban Forest Strategy, as the role of the urban forest is so significant to issues like protecting local ecosystems, stormwater management, and water and air quality,” says City Planner, Michelle Geneau. This spring the City of Duncan is holding a series of free workshops for landowners to raise awareness of the key benefits of our urban forest, tree care basics, and management strategies. You can read the Urban Forest Strategy document and a recommended planting list at www.duncan.ca.

The resulting report, City of Duncan Urban Forest Strategy, put forward a vision and strategy to maintain and sustain this urban forest, along with an exhaustive list of recommendations for implementation over the short-term and the long-term. Among the top priority recommendations PLEASE ATTEND ONE identified are: the need OF THESE FREE to raise awareness and PRESENTATIONS: educate the public on the value and benefits Thursday, March 13 of trees and the urban 10am - 12 noon St. Andrew’s Church Hall, forest, promote proper 531 Herbert Street tree health, and encourage planting and Saturday, March 15 retention of trees on 10am - 12 noon private land. “The City of Duncan Council and Environment Committee have chosen to focus on public education on the

IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEY ARE ON THE MOVE TO 360 DUNCAN ST (We’ll be Next toThe Duncan Garage!)

OPENING MARCH 8TH

Cowichan Green Community, 360 Duncan Street Saturday, March 22 10am - 12 noon Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram Street

Sai’s Place

Real Thai food. Real Thai chef. Curries • Salad Rolls • Noodles • Satays & More!

Thai? 161 Station St Duncan street level 250 597 2511

Vegetarian and Gluten Free Menu Items For full menu visit www.spicecafeduncan.com

Imagine That! Artisan Johnny Lee

t is with respect that Johnny pays tribute to all the great photographers throughout the ages who captured expression and a time with their camera lens, thus allowing artists like Johnny to re-interpret the many wonderful faces of our tribal people of yesterday and today. “History lies but faces do not.” Johnny Lee’s work steps out from the shadows of another time and place. Impeccably rendered drawings of growling grizzlies, willowy horses, and proud native warriors peer into our souls. Beautifully crafted in graphite on board and often using historical photographs of First Nations individuals for inspiration. Lee’s art is as dramatic as it is aesthetically accomplished. He shifts from brooding figural studies to airy summer landscapes, beckoning us toward a simpler existence. His work often takes the form of

classic portraits, yet other pieces become dynamic collage-like compositions replete with headdresses, tribal abstractions, birds of prey, buffalo skulls, and proud men on horseback under endless skies. Recently Lee’s work has transformed, now drawing from his own personal experiences and expressing his stories in colour. Lee has been represented by galleries spread across Canada and in New York. Johnny Lee’s custom framed originals, along with limited editions, artist proofs and reproductions can be found at Wisdomstick Studios (www. wisdomstick.com). A selection of Johnny Lee’s artwork is on display from March 1 – 29 at Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs, 251 Craig Street in downtown Duncan.

conds. Or give them CANADA’S RENO REBATE INC. a call and in just a few minutes they can determine if you continues to spread the word about qualify. Everyone seems to knowfor someone who has built a home or government rebates new-home done a renovation so if you know homeowners who might purchases, owner- built homes and qualify for this rebate make sure to let them know before substantial renovations to existing homes they miss their deadline. Canada’s Rebate Inc. HST handles all the paperwork and during theReno tenure of the throughout follows through with the government until you receive your the cheque. province. Happy clients Because Sean and hisare staffreceiving know the forms, the and who to call, they upper collect the information effiupprocesses to $42,500 which is the limit ciently and quickly a homeowner can receive for a project. and submit exactly what the government agencies need. Together with the Ontario-based The company charges no upfront feecompany and if you don’t receive a rebateCanada’s the application costs you nothing. Rebate4U, Reno Rebate Inc. “So give us a call or check out our website,” Sean says. “What have you has already helped homeowners apply got forto lose?” rebates totaling over $8 million. “There is a misconception that if your home is worth more than $450,000 you are not entitled to government rebates but this is just not true—you are entitled to a portion of the PST embedded within the HST,” says Sean Leitenberg, manager of the Victoria office of Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. “Do I qualify?” has to be the most frequently- asked question my staff gets,” says Sean. “Each renovation or new build is not exactly the same, so we have to determine that the best we can on a caseby-case basis.” There are definitely some clear-cut rules though. There is a deadline of two years to apply, from the time you completed your major renovation or new build, though there are a couple of exceptions to that rule too. To qualify for a major renovation you must do substantial work to the majority of the inside of your home. If your work was limited to a small portion of your home, such as a bathroom or kitchen, or if you just painted and put down new floors, you would not qualify. The end result of your renovation should be substantial enough that your home or condo is like a new home. The money spent on the exterior qualifies for the rebate but only if you have done enough work to the inside of the home first to qualify. A new roof or landscaping is not enough on its own but would be included in the rebate if the

inside of the home qualifies. If you purchased a new home from a builder, the builder may have claimed the rebate and credited it back to you by lowering the price. In this case the rebate has already been claimed. If your home is worth more than $450,000 you are not entitled to a federal rebate but you may be entitled to a provincial rebate if a portion of the construction took place while the HST was in effect. If your home is worth less than $450,000 you are entitled to both a federal rebate and provincial rebate for the portion spent during the HST period. A new home built or renovated for yourself, or for a family member’s primary place of residence, qualifies if it was completed within the last two years. If the home’s value is more than $450,000 then the homeowner is only entitled to a rebate for money spent between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013. Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. currently has representatives throughout the province who are happy to help clients with the forms that need to be signed and the brief questionnaire that needs to be filled out. If you live in an area where the company does not have a representative, or if you

would prefer to download the forms from the comfort of your home, you can find everything on their website and use their courier service at no charge. The time involved is minimal and your rebate could be huge. Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. also has a brief questionnaire on their website that allows you to see if you qualify for the rebate and only takes 60 seconds. Or give them a call and in just a few minutes they can determine if you qualify. Everyone seems to know someone who has built a home or done a renovation so if you know homeowners who might qualify for this rebate make sure to let them know before they miss their deadline. Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. handles all the paperwork and follows through with the government until you receive your cheque. Because Sean and his staff know the forms, the processes and who to call, they collect the information efficiently and quickly and submit exactly what the government agencies need. The company charges no upfront fee and if you don’t receive a rebate the application costs you nothing. “So give us a call or check out our website,” Sean says. “What have you got to lose?”

DESIGNI NG green THE HAND MADE SPRING

e’re in the last stretch, just days before spring equinox. “I’m so excited! I just can’t hide it! Boom, boom , boom, boom, boom boom, I like it!” Alright, break out every tool you have. I love to start this most celebrated season in tradition. Dad always prepared me with the essential basics. Take everything apart, clean it, burnish it, then put back together and oil it or grease it up for the season. These were days gone by when families were large and we had to share limited resources. A bike lasted a lifetime. Mine was a 1935 CCM handed down from my aunt Pat. So did a tool, a shovel, a ball glove and often a special home made project around the house that says “I did it”. The ‘hand made spring I’ll call it’

I really think that everyone should exercise their creative bone and build, plant, wreck, paint, nail or assemble just about anything to mark the spring of 2014. Start with preparing soils in the yard. All compost in layers and layers. Lasagne style with sheet cardboard, mulch, compost and prunings. Vegetarian style regardless of your habits. Aerate. Dig small holes everywhere and fill with breathable material. Again, compost, sand or just about anything new. Dig in and dig it. This applies to your work, your relationships and your friends. Stir it up a bit but infuse good fresh ingredients. How about a friendly fence? Even just to speak through to your neighbours , never mind keeping out the critters. Maybe the design will create some new neighbourly

chatter. Or a bench to sit and reflect why you should not build a fence at all. A weekend in the bush will

net you some discarded organically shaped cedar limbs, some split cedar rails (if you find a tall burnt out

stump) or even recycled or up-cycled materials from discarded demolition sites to some of those fancy imported Asian hardwood pallets. Now we are ready to assemble. The ground is soft and moist so with a good enough sledge, you can drift most anything straight into the ground without the bother of digging and concrete mixing. Come June, our clay soils will return to concrete like status and hold your fence in place for generations. Just to illustrate, I built a 28 foot hexagonal raised deck around a 15 foot above ground pool for my girls in 1990. No concrete, no holes, just a bit of levelling so the pool looked like it was level. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used now

happily for 23 years and replaced three deck boards and one pool liner in the meantime. A climbing rose and hydrangea has made it a spectacular home in spite of our summer fun and now the next generation is testing our savvy built structure. After having this much organic fun, we can get serious about home improvements next month. This is your time for fresh air, stretch your limbs and assess what we really want to do next that has lasting impressions in our built environs. David Coulson is a local certified Built Green design builder. He has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the Island for over 20 years.

Batteries; Big or Small, Recycle Them All!

ost people know that they can recycle empty beverage containers and milk cartons at recycling centres. However, very few people realize that batteries are recyclable too. To be more specific: All batteries are recyclable, from teeny tiny hearing aid batteries to regular household batteries to large automotive and marine batteries. We can collect these for you free of charge and send them

off to processing plants where they join all the other batteries that get recycled in BC and enjoy a 100% recovery rate! The recovery rate of batteries is so high because of the commodity value of the lead which can be reused over and over again, forever. When batteries first arrive at the processing plant they are sorted according to the chemical makeup of each battery. Next, they get the spa treatment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by way of a giant furnace. The valuable core is removed, if Zinc is present it is extracted and used to make new things like cars, for example. Old casings even get a new life when they go to steel plants to be reused. Lead batteries come in all shapes and sizes and some of the more common types that we recycle are rechargeable,

Ask Allen

Allen McCulloch is a BCIT graduate, professsional renovating contractor with over 40 years experience. Ask Allen for professional tips and tricks for repairs around the home and office.

How can we prevent outdoor stairs from rotting at the bottom? Usually the stringer, the long structural length of wood that carries the weight of the whole stair does not have a barrier protection between the bottom of the stringer and what it is resting on often a concrete pad or sidewalk. Before the stair is built put a piece of roofing shingle on the ground and let the stringer rest on that, thus preventing the water from penetrating the wood and rotting the bottom. If damage is already done, have a helper lift the stair assembly, it only needs to be raised a bit to slip the roof shingle in. This inexpensive simple trick will save you lots of money so you don,t have to replace the entire staircase which I have done many, many times. Have you got a question for Allen? Email him at allen_2004@consultant.com. laptop batteries and automotive batteries. We usually suggest that folks make a habit of keeping expired batteries near their recycling so that when they come in to drop off other end of life products theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll remember to bring

the old batteries too! Happy recycling! www.islandreturnit.com Sophy Roberge is the Marketing Manager for Island Return It Recycling Centres.

DID YOU KNOW GREENS DETOXIFY THE BODY AND INCREASE ENERGY? Enerex Greens come in Original, Mixed Berries and are GLUTEN FREE! A powerful synergy of raw super foods. Made with certified organic juice powders of live Alfalfa, kamut, barley,and oat shootsnot powered grasses- grown in 90 feet of highly mineralized volcanic topsoil. Contains a special 99% oil free NON GMO soya lecithin an essential Omega 6 super food that protects the entire nervous system. Perfect for the WHOLE FAMILY! Enerex greens products have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, boost immune, metabolism and brain function, enhance energy, endurance, solubilize fats and lowers cholesterol, aids in detoxification, digestion & elimination. Enerex greens are perfect for the whole family. www.enerex.ca

MARCH IS GREENS MONTH! Come into the store for a free sample!

Lynn’s

VITAMIN GALLERY HEALTH FOOD STORE

4-180 Central Avenue, Village Green Mall Duncan

250 748 4421

Made in Cowichan!

BOKASHI Originating from Japan, Bokashi supplies beneficial bacteria that assists fermentation to quickly speed the composting process. All you have to is sprinkle! BOKASHI CAN TO ORDER • Compost Meat and Dairy • Eliminate nasty smells and bugs 250 732 6264 • Eliminate your compost pile Use with Municipal Compost to reduce smell and flies. USE FOR COMMERCIAL OR HOUSEHOLD COMPOSTING

FARMS • RESTAURANTS • CHICKEN COOPS

Kitchen Starter Kit - $35 I Bokashi - $10/lb

www.cowichancompost.com

Safe Kitchen Composting Bokashi!

ver wonder if there is a better way of dealing with the food waste that is generated in our day to day living? Bokashi just may be the answer. Developed in the Far East, is made from the by products of grain processing, which are inoculated with food grade beneficial bacteria, creating a sweet smelling compost accelerator. In Japan, Korea, India and other nations, Bokashi is used successfully in large and small scale farming operations to eliminate odours and create an environment free of harmful bacteria, where bedding and manure become clean healthy compost , which is used as a nutritious additive to vegetable gardens and orchards. We, in the West, are starting to discover the benefits of Bokashi. A new company run by Thoran Brown and Jennifer Impett, of the Cowichan Valley is gearing up to supply indoor Bokashi compost systems that can be used in your kitchen, apartment or

Home and Living

garage. With this system food waste is placed in a sealed composting container where microbes anaerobically ferment the organic matter fast and efficiently, without generating heat, foul odours or greenhouse gases. Even food that you wouldn’t normally add to your outdoor compost, such as raw or cooked meat, citrus and dairy can now be safely composted without attracting flies or other pests. Bokashi fermentation restores the bacterial balance in your compost, killing e-coli, salmonella, parasites and other dangerous pathogens. In about two weeks in the Bokashi System, the food that was waste, is transformed into a nutritious, probiotic, rich compost that can be safely added to your garden, restoring the balance of the soil, and breaking down the nutrients so that they can be easily absorbed by your plants.

Do You Have A Ktichen That Works

n most households the kitchen area is the heart of the home. Over the years the kitchen has gone from an enclosed space designed for the preparation of meals to a living area where families eat and entertain. For this reason, the meticulous planning of your kitchen is essential. Because you want to make the most of your kitchen, it is important to ask yourself the right questions before making any changes: Are you making the best use of your kitchen? How could this kitchen be more functional? Is more space really necessary or is there simply a need to improve the storage system? Could this kitchen be bigger? Keeping in mind that your kitchen contains immobile appliances and fixtures, it should also be easy to maintain and capable of sustaining high-traffic. The amount of space devoted to your kitchen and the amount of money that you are planning to spend on it will affect the decisions that you will make. If your kitchen is being redecorated, remodeled,

renovated or newly built, there are endless ideas for equipping your kitchen to meet your unique requirements. The selection of your cabinet styles, major appliances and fixtures, countertop and flooring materials, and lighting should be made during the planning of your new kitchen. This is to prevent delays during the construction phase of your project.

• Wood Doors • Wood Windows • Service to All Types of Doors & Windows

250-743-4011

www.kwdoorsandwindows.com Heritage Homes a Specialtyom

Kitchens continue to sell houses so you’ll want to make the most of your space. The quality and functionality of the design will make a big difference in your home’s value and will produce the biggest return on your investment. A “kitchen that works” will adapt to your lifestyles while catering to your family living needs and will be a beautiful and functional space. Sharlene G. Ionescu is a Certified Interior Designer & Consultant in Cobble Hill.

Support CVAC, Your Local Arts Council and ArtsVest Will Double Your Money!

Local Author Releases Environmental Thriller What happens when a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement goes bad? uthor Norm Hamilton lived in Whitehorse, Yukon for 40 years. A few years ago he moved to Lake Cowichan, with his wife, Anna, where he is meeting people and experiencing new adventures to write about. He trusts that retirement will afford him the time to delve further into his writing.

Here’s how it works:

Norm Hamilton’s new novel, From Thine Own Well, draws the reader into a dystopian Canadian society. About The Book Noxious substances in the watershed brings a society to its knees; fracking by oil companies has taken its toll. Canadian society has been altered, seemingly irrevocably; water resources have become scarce and individual freedoms cast off. It is now 2036, only 24 years since the most devastating of a series of international accords, one simply known as The Agreement, set the precedent for many that followed – effectively causing the federal government to collapse into ruin and dependency on corporatist rule. Unrestricted fracking and irresponsible mining practices have caused major watersheds and underground streams to become contaminated, the precious fluid - noxious. The sole purpose of The Coalition, a regulatory body created by the world-wide conglomerates that took over the governing of the country is to ensure the profitability of its corporate members. In Yukon, Canada’s far north, a baker’s dozen of unknown, everyday people and one dog are loosely thrown together in

a an effort to resist The Coalition and its impact on Canadian lives and the environment. Join Landon, Nora, Galen and the others who, through no design of their own, have become the unknown hope for Canada’s future. Will they prevail in the small jurisdiction they reside in and set the bar for the rest of Canada?Only time will tell. From the Author Norm Hamilton “A society that doesn’t have potable water, and that cannot feed itself, is doomed to be beholden to, and controlled by, whomever it is that provides these necessities. The subject matter is highly contentious. From Thine Own Well is a piece of fiction created by the fertile fields of my imagination, observations, fears, concerns and biases. It is an account of a Canadian society that evolved as a result of unregulated, unsupervised, irresponsible development. The difficulties began with the signing of international agreements that put Canadian taxpayers at risk. It is not intended to be prophetic in any way, merely to present one possible outcome.” The book is available as a paperback on Amazon, and as an eBook on Amazon Smashwords, Kobo and other online retailers.

rtsVest™ is Business for the Arts‘ signature matching incentive and sponsorship training program, designed to spark new business sponsorship of arts and culture and to build capacity in Canada’s cultural sector. artsVest provides small- to mid-sized arts and culture organizations with the expertise and tools needed to develop sponsorship opportunities with local business, through in-depth sponsorship training, matching incentive funds and community networking events. The artsVest program is made up of 3 components. Sponsorship Training, Matching Incentive Funds and Community Building Events. Here at home, CVAC - The Cowichan Valley Arts Council has been pre approved for a “matched funding” grant from artsVest™ BC. In this artsVest™ will match sponsorships that CVAC garners from community business partners in the amount of $7,500.

“If businesses have sponsored a local arts and culture organization before, but have never before partnered with CVAC, artsVest™ will match 75% of cash sponsorships. If a businesses have never sponsored a local arts & culture organization OR have not sponsored a local arts & culture organization in at least 3 years, artsVest™ will match 100 % of cash sponsorship.” shares Judy Brayden, CVAC past president. Most recently, CVAC is extremely proud to announce their Youth Outreach Program has received matched funds support from TD Bank Group with a 100% match from artsVest™. A big thank you to the TD Bank group for their continued commitment to “youth in the arts”. If you are a business interested in supporting local arts through this matched funds incentive program please call Morgan at Cowichan Valley Art Council 250-746-1633. For more information on artsVest™ programs visit www.artsvest.com.

Double your money! What a great way to support local arts!

You supply content. We’ll set it up. You do the rest!

site set up services GET YOUR IDEAS ON THE INTERNET IN LESS THAN A WEEK!

250 746 9319

rbadman@gearth.com

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

A Day of Meditation & Mindfulness – Saturday March 15 Nichiren Peace Center Oneness Meditation “Though a cave may be dark for a thousand years, bring a lamp into it and lo and behold the cave is no longer dark.” Ancient Saying The lamp of Buddhist philosophy is the concept of Oneness. The oneness of the person and the law, the oneness of life and it’s environment, the oneness of body and mind, the oneness of birth and death. We cannot separate the individual from the community, the community from the country, there is One earth. One cannot separate the self from the environment. An awareness of this Oneness is obtained through meditation. Learn about the Seven Classic styles and Ten Qualities of Meditation at this one day Retreat. Enjoy the beauty of the Peace Park and the Meditation benches, enjoy like minded Cowichan

Valley persons interested in peaceful means in their lives. EveryOne welcome. Plus an opportunity for your sharing to help others grow in the inner spirit of Meditation. View the layout of the day at www.VIRetreats.com/retreats or call TMHenry 250. 710. 7594

Dog Walk # 3940

Jeeves Comes To Chemainus Theatre Festival Opens March 21! Comic Adventure! The peaceful English countryside will never be the same after Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves, pay a visit. The stakes are high as romantic entanglement, hilarious escapades and begrudging burglary come together and only Jeeves can save the day! “...about as delightful a respite as one could hope for...one knows everything will work out, because Jeeves knows best.” Chicago Tribune Visit chemainustheatrefestival. ca for showtimes.

And so, once again we are on the dyke beside the mudflats where the river slinks into the bay. We walk along a dusty white path bordered by bobbing Queen Ann’s lace, scrubby broom, dried grass and wild roses, the wind coming in from the bay. The water is that tasty blue I call luminous teal when the wind roughs it up, and adds a slight haze to blue-green ripples. My hair is blowing in my eyes. We move quickly, dog and I. He trots gracefully still, despite middle age, dips down to the river for a swim, ignoring, or not seeing, a nearby flock of Canada Geese. Soon it will be blackberry time but now the fireweed is still pink, although withered. We jog along, one walk out of thousands, each perfect and complete as a story. Karen Severson is a poet, visual artist and dog-walker, living in Mill Bay.

Registration is now open for ages 15 - 29.

march

art news Fearless Knitting /Crazy Socks Workshop Leola’s Studio at Whippletree offers instruction in many textile arts, weaving, dyeing, spinning, felting, knitting, crochet and other fabric arts. Leola has taught for over 35 years in all these techniques and offers artistic discovery through her instruction. This March, gain confidence by knitting with panache! A creative and fun way to discover your unique style. Fearless Knitting Students should know knit and purl stitches $40 and materials included Bring 24cm circular needle 5-8 mm, lunch. Crazy Socks Workshop Students should know knit and purl stitches $40 and materials included Bring set of double point needles 4-6 mm, lunch. Both classes at the Studio in the Whippletree Junction Courtyard Fearless Knitting, Sunday March 2nd, Crazy Socks Workshop Sunday March 9th an March 16th 11-3pm To register contact Leola at 250 597-0820 or leolawitt@gmail.com.

Raffle Tickets for Experiencing The Best Tickets for Experience the Best of the Cowichan Valley raffle are now available! The total value of the prizes to be won is a whopping $1343.43! All proceeds raised are used to offset the cost of the Cowichan Valley’s Annual Fine Arts Show and Sale taking place April 30 – May 4, 2014. This annual show represents the unique artisanship that is the pride of our community. Visit

www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca for a complete listing of sponsoring business and a look at all the great prizes to be won. For more information or to reserve tickets please call PORTALS at (250) 746-1633 to reserve a book for your group.

Youth Voice Awards Deadline March 26 Lila Music Centre and The Cowichan International Aboriginal Film and Art Festival (CIFFA) are inviting creative youth to apply for the 2nd Annual Youth Voice Awards. “ I developed the Youth Voice Awards as a way to encourage collaborations between all of the diverse cultures we have in our community through the expression of our voices” shares Cari Burdett, Director of Lila Music Centre in Duncan “ It is open to all vocal artists, both soloists and groups, between the ages of 15-29. All forms of vocal artistry are strongly encouraged; song, verse, choral, hip hop, spoken word, anything that expresses your voice! The emphasis is on collaboration, community and diversity within their art. This year will include a couple of new categories in connection with film, voice in animation and stage performance.”

Interested applicants are asked to submit a short recording or video that contains a sample of their work in addition a short interview will be conducted with each applicant. All selected candidates will be called in for a full audition on April 5th and judged by a panel of arts and vocal professionals. This is an open performance that all applicants and community members are invited to attend and support. More information can be found in the Application Package. Selected candidates will be given the opportunity to perform in the closing ceremonies of the Cowichan Aboriginal Film and Art Festival and qualify eligible for the recognition awards. Past winners include Hebecca Montoril (singer song writer) and Stephen Najera (beat box artist). Both were awarded recording sessions at Woodshop Recording Studio with Zack Cohen. In addition, the Cowichan Valley Arts Council (CVAC) awarded three youth spots in their two year Youth Outreach Program (YOP). This mentorship program was developed to support high school students in their final two years, giving them a unique opportunity to explore and envision future careers in the arts. New to this year are performance opportunities performance opportunities on the main stage of the Cowichan Theatre, as an opening act in the 2014 season and other performance spots at local festivals. There are recognition awards for youth displaying ‘Cultural Unity ‘ in voice, awarded by the Walk of Nations, as well as ‘Youth Voice in Community’ awarded by OUR Ecovillage. Voice lessons from CVMTA teachers. A coaching with poet Gareth Davies. A professional workshop for stage presence, speaking and acting with director/actor Michelle Tremblay just to name a few. “ The Youth Voice Awards fortified my passions as a singer songwriter and connected me to community in a new a meaningful way. I feel very grateful.’ says Hebecca Montoril past recipient of the award. A complete listing of the awards and application guidelines can be found at www.joythroughmusic.com.Deadline March 26th, no late entries.

Lesley Fountain; Top left Home Is Where I Am Found, Right Reflection. Image of artist with Rising Above It. All works acrylic on canvas.

ou can’t help feeling inspired when standing in front of painter Lesley Fountain’s whimsical, colourful and energetic works. “Art Lesley Fountain has always Tangerine Dream played an 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd important role in my life. Early Open Tuesday -Sunday experiments 11 am - 4 pm with finger 250 737-1106 painting and lesart@weallr1.org papier mache led me to painting on silk, cotton, canvas, wood, ceramics and paper. I love both the visual experience of working with vibrant colours and the tactile experience of moving paint - I still enjoy painting with my fingers the most!” smiles Lesley. The artist has shared her love of art with students of all levels for over 20 decades. “I find great satisfaction in helping others connect to their creativity. A student of mine in a workshop this week thanked me for inspiring her to get back to painting after a 40 year hiatus. This was heartwarming. Creating in community - sharing our unique talents and helping others to explore theirs - is equally as important to me as creating my own art. I believe that everyone is creative, and that it

Talking Arts Lesley Fountain is very important for all of us to express ourselves through some type of artistic endeavour.” Constantly experimenting, Lesley moved to Great Britain in her 20’s where she began working with dyes and resists on silk and cotton fabrics. Here she designed original cushions, wallhangings, scarves and jewelry. Upon her return to Vancouver she began working on large papier mache sculptures and mixed media artwork and taught these techniques as an art teacher through community centres there.

and my style is spontaneous and intuitive. I never begin a painting with a plan of any sort, I just start laying down the layers of paint and see what shows up! I enjoy the combination of hidden and exposed, images and text, and densely layered textures and colours. My favourite tool is my left pointer finger, but I am also having fun right now using a credit card. I like to load one edge of it up with paint and drag it across the canvas for a surprising and unpredictable effect. Feeling inspired to make some art? Lesley currently teaches classes and workshops at her studio Shine Art in Mill Bay and at Tangerine Dream Gallery in Cowichan Bay.

Despite the array of materials she has worked with her favourite medium is acrylic paint. “I love the versatility of Crazy Socks, Fearless Knitting the paint and the way and Dyeing Workshops you can increase the CHECK OUT LEOLA’S STUDIO ON FB FOR depth of a piece by MORE UPCOMING WORKSHOPS! laying down multiple layers. My work is Leola’s Studio 250-597-0820 vibrantly coloured,

Meditation Thursdays at VIU Cowichan Campus 7 PM Rm. 210

“With determination and zeal we find the true grain, finding the wealth of wisdom” Nichiren Buddha Society & Peace Center Phone: 250. 710. 7594

Whippletree Junction

A Day of Meditation & Mindfulness

Saturday 15th March Register today www.VIRetreats.com/retreats

Be a Winner - Shop Chemainus Over $5,000 worth of prizes!

eginning Monday March 3 Islanders who shop at Chemainus BIA Member Businesses could win: a Grand Prize of $3,000 Chemainus Dollars*; a 2nd prize of $500 Chemainus Dollars; a 3rd prize of $500 Chemainus Dollars; and, Monthly Early Bird Prizes.

TOELESS SOCKS WILL ARRIVE MARCH 5TH! *For Spa wear....keep your feet warm after your pedicure! *For Yoga....keep feet warm but still able to grip the mat! *For Dance....allow your heels to glide while letting your toes grip the ﬂoor!

S OU L E S CAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

Over $5,000 in prizes will be offered throughout the contest which ends June 20, 2014. The Grand Prize, 2nd Prize and 3rd Prize winners will be announced at a celebratory event. Time and place to be announced. Winners of the Monthly Early bird draws prizes will be announced the following month in the Chemainus Valley Courier newspaper. The March Monthly prize is a Cart of Groceries from 49th Parallel Grocery & $50 Chemainus Dollars In April, Sandpiper Garden and Glass will provide a fantastic prize (To be announced!) Residents of Vancouver Island and surrounding smaller Islands are eligible to win! It is easy to enter! Purchase a product or service at a

participating Chemainus business to receive a contest entry form. Fill out the form and drop it in a draw box. Enter often! No minimum purchase required. Participating businesses include members of the Chemainus Business Improvement Association located within the following geographical area. • South: Henry Road roundabout business area • North - Pine Street • East – Stuart Channel • West – Chemainus Road Please see the map at www. visitchemainus.ca for the specific location. Read the Contest Rules at www.visitchemainus.ca *Chemainus Dollars are legal currency equivalent to Canadian Dollars. It’s real money and you can use it to buy almost anything available in Chemainus or you can exchange it for CA$ at par. Submitted by Dee Kinnee

Return to a clean home and workplace.

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

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

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

Home Cleaning Gift Certiﬁcates available for Family & Friends!

MARCH 2014

* winner does not have to be present for the draw

Experience the Best of The

Cowichan Valley

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Annual fundraiser for Cowichan Valley Arts Council’s Annual Fine Arts Show (April 30 – May 3, 2014)

The Cowichan Valley Arts Council (CVAC) 44th annual Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show – one of Vancouver Island’s largest, open art exhibitions and sales, will be held at the Island Savings Centre in the Cowichan Suite and PORTALS – The CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage located at 2687 James Street in Duncan.

WIN OVER $1343.43 in LOCAL PRIZES! • Chemainus Theatre ($206.43) 2 tickets, dinner, show and backstage tour Les Miserables • Cowichan Green Community ($40) 1 year FAMILY membership, 10% off Green Store plus member benefits • The Perogy Factory ($36) 6 dozen frozen gluten-free perogies • Beverly Corners Liquor Store ($50) 2 certificates ANY COWICHAN VALLEY WINES • The Cowichan Theatre ($75) gift card towards 2014 shows • BC Forest Discovery Centre ($136) 2 FAMILY day passes. • Maple Bay Rowing Club ($110) 2 hour rowing instruction with personal rowing coach, Richard Young, Inc. + insurance • Hellerwork Structural Integration ($125) 1.5 hour deep tissue massage • Station Street Gallery and Frame Shop ($50) product or service • Gerard’s Specialty Foods Ltd. ($48) (120 pieces) Partypak strudel • Odika Café ($50)- toward product • The Honey Tree Bistro ($25) bag of fudge • The Flowering Tree Natural Spa ($65) certificate Kao No facial • Nikki Designs ($50) interior design, sewing, fabric or blinds • Spinning Ninny ($20) certificate for product • Soul Comfort ($42) 2 pairs sheep’s wool and hemp insoles • Utopia Bakery ($25) certificate for product • Fairburn Farm ($30) water buffalo tour and cheese tasting for 4 • Crofton Pub ($60) – 6 @ $10 vouchers for Sunday JAZZ shows • Bamboletta Dolls ($25) certificate for product • Reﬂections Retreat ($45) certificate 30 minute “Body Talk” or massage • Vancouver Island Salt Company ($30) 4 pack Organic infused salts inc. shipping anywhere on the island

2 WAYS TO ENTER!

WHITE TICKETS @ $5 enters you in the BIG

RAFFLE PRIZE DRAW for your chance to win the fantastic local prize selection totalling $1343.43

YELLOW TICKETS @ $10 enters you in the above draw PLUS receive a $5 CV Fine Arts Show Entry Pass and $5 off coupon towards food purchase on any of these show dates: Wednesday April 30th, Thursday May 1st, Friday May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd at the Cowichan Bay Marine Pub, Cowichan Valley Inn’s Station Pub Bar & Grill, and the Craig Street Brew Pub.

THE CVAC

The show opens Wednesday April 30 at 7:30 pm and runs thru to 3:00 pm, Sunday May 4th, 2014.

APRIL 1 - MARCH 31

All students, emerging and professional artists and artisans, aged 16 or older and who are members in good standing with CVAC, are eligible to enter 1 piece of original artwork that has not been previously shown in any other venue. In Person Registration Deadline for entry is Saturday April 5th, 2014.

MEMBERSHIP YEAR RUNS

Get the most for your investment by renewing immediately after April 1st each year. • Take Advantage of great Member Benefits and Discounts • Enroll your arts group for group membership to receive EXTRA artist benefits!

FOR MORE ARTS INFORMATION www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca I 250 746 1633

Community Farm Store Pages

The Bees Will Thank You If You Plant Heathers

SATURDAY EVENTS www.dinternursery.ca March 1 •10am

Bernie Dinter BASIC FRUIT TREE PRUNING Demonstration of the basic pruning of fruit trees.

March 8 •10am

John Close Lush Eco Lawns

NATURAL LAWN CARE How to establish and keep your lawn healthy.

March 8 & 22 •10am -3pm

Cowichan Valley Master Gardeners

MASTER GARDENER CLINIC Bring your gardening questions for a detailed explanation.

March 15 •10am -2pm

Brian Russel BUILD A GLASS GREENHOUSE Learn how to put up your own glass house. Hands on project. * Pre-Registration Required

March 15 •10am

Beth of Applied Bio-nomics NATURAL INSECT PEST CONTROL

Use predator insects to control pest insects in the garden.

March 22 •10am

Cowichan Valley Bonsai Club INTRODUCTION TO BONSAI Learn ancient Japanese way of turning plants into miniature works of art.

March 22 9:20am Set Up/ 9:30am Start PERENNIAL EXCHANGE

Exchange perennial roots with other gardeners for free plants in trade.

Saturday March 29 •10am

Nora Arajs, Ceres Landscaping VEGETABLE GARDENING

Tips on timing, variety and soil to maximize food production year round.

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

ave you ever watched the bees working the heathers on a nice sunny day? It is a wonderful sight at this time of the year. One year at the Cobble Hill Fair, I explained to a bee keeper where my garden was situated and that I had many heather plants. His reply was “I thought there was heather in my honey – my hives were near your garden a few years ago. I also believe that my heathers help to feed the hummingbirds all year.

to bronze and many shades in between. As well, there are several varieties that develop cream, red, yellow or pink spring tips. Depending on the varieties that we plant, we can have flowers from January to December, again with a wide range of colour

To give you a start with the heather and heaths in your garden, plan to attend the annual Vancouver Island Heather Society’s spring sale which will take place on Saturday March 29 at the Cobble Hill Farmer’s Institute Hall. The sale will begin at 10:00 AM and last until noon or until sold out. Experienced buyers will advise you that it is essential to get to the hall prior to the sale starting in order to get the best selection. We always have unusual varieties on hand. Heathers are workhorse plants that In addition, starter kits consisting of add much interest to the garden and ten plants and a planting diagram will are relatively resistant to deer. Many be available. Members of the varieties change their Society will be on hand to help foliage to very bright Annual Spring you make your choices. colours during the winter and spring. Elaine Scott. Heather Sale Vancouver Island Foliage colour ranges Heather Society March 29 from greens to yellow

More Than Honey March 6 7pm Over the past fifteen years, numerous colonies of bees have been decimated throughout the world, but the causes of this disaster remain unknown. Join Eye Opener Films for the upcoming community screening of More than Honey, a must-see film for all who care about humanity and our dependent relationship with bees. This compelling and beautifully shot film reveals the bees’ inner world and leads us to see their survival as our own survival. Film starts at 7pm. Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St. Duncan, Admission free or by donation. Information:Tracy 778 455-0437, cowichan.friends@ gmail.com

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition. Making, repair and restoration of Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and all manner of Stringed ALSO offering Instruments.

instrument making classes; mandolin, 250-749-6563 violin and carving zakviolins@shaw.ca classes. www.zakviolins.com

Saturday March 29 2014 Annual Heather Sale

Cobble Hill Farmers ‘Institute 3550 Watson Avenue, Cobble Hill, B.C. 10:00 am – 12 noon (or sold out) Featuring over 1400 plants for sale in vibrant colours for all seasons. Starter Kits consisting of ten plants and a planting diagram will be available. Members’ discount on sales.

www.bcheathersociety.org

The Salish Sea’s Winter Whales

his spring the southeastern side of Vancouver Island has had a huge increase of cetacean sightings. The weather until recently has enabled me to get out on the water fairly regularly to do some winter whale watching with guest from around world. The sightings have been nothing short of incredible with herds of up to 1000 Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Humpbacks feeding ten minutes from Cowichan Bay for over two weeks and Biggs Killer Whales (Transient Mammal Eating Killer Whales) taking a tour of Cowichan Bay. Historically Pacific Whited Sided Dolphins are rarely seen in the southern Georgia Strait. This winter has proven to be very different, massive herds of dolphins have been stampeding between Nanaimo, Cowichan Bay, Saanich Inlet and Vancouver. In the early 1980’s Pacific White Sided Dolphins started showing up more often in our inland waterways. Scientists believe that their long absence was related mainly to a shift in their prey distribution. Over the past few years the southern Salish Sea has experienced a real comeback of small baitfish; herring, anchovy and sand lance. This come back seems to answer why the dolphins still have not left our area, it’s all about the food! For two weeks a pair of humpbacks graced Saanich Inlet

feeding heavily to bulk up for their southward migration. It’s amazing that the humpbacks are spending so many months each year in our waters. It wouldn’t surprise me to see humpbacks staying year round in the Salish Sea in the next ten years. Biggs Killer Whales (Transient) sneak into to Cowichan Bay more often than anyone realizes. We were lucky enough to find two huge mature males orcas traveling together right in the middle of Cowichan Bay recently. We had a guest onboard whose birthday wish was to see Orcas; it made her day as well as ours! The sightings keep on getting better and better. We are running daily whale watching tours from Cowichan Bay weather permitting. Please call us for reservations – 250 748 3800. Simon Pidcock is Owner/ Operator of Ocean Ecoventures in Cowichan Bay Image courtesy Simon Pidcock Caption: “Humpback Whales have make a huge comeback in the Salish Sea this year. We are expecting even greater numbers this coming season. They should start to show up in early March.”

28th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival March 15-23 Kicks Off West Coast Vancouver Island Whale Watching Season

he Pacific Rim Whale Festival and Tourism Tofino have announced an extensive calendar of educational, culinary and cultural arts events —many of them free — planned for the 28th Annual Whale Festival http://www. pacificrimwhalefestival. com being held in Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, from March 15-23, 2013. The Pacific Rim Whale Festival marks the opening of the region’s famed whale watching season and the annual migration of over 20, 000 grey whales on their 13, 000 km journey from the waters of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to the Bering Sea. The 2014 Pacific Rim Whale Festival welcomes wildlife enthusiasts, and lovers of the arts, food and music to come and be inspired by the world’s largest whale celebration. Except where indicated,

advanced tickets to all events are available online at: http:// www.pacificrimwhalefestival. com/purchase-tickets. Event highlights include: The Pacific Rim Whale Festival Gala and Silent Auction with Chef Warren Barr, Ucluelet Recreation Commission’s 18th Chowder Chowdown, Radiation: Impacts and Issues presentation, ArtSplash! Spring Art Show, First Nations Cedar Weaving, Sweet Indulgence Dessert Reception, Paddle to Echachis, Whale hunting village site with T’ashii Paddle School, Orcas Acoustics of Vancouver Island with Ocean Networks Canada, Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers, Ucluelet and Tofino Maritime Kid’s Days, Electric Gumboot Bash Annual Rubber Fish Race & Hatchery Tour, Whale Festival BBQ & Bannock Gathering and more!

www.pacificrimwhalefestival.com

Lucky Dog Lucky Dogs... My dog is a carnivore? DUNCAN 1059 CANADA AVENUE

DROP IN

250 597 7DOG

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

www.luckydogubath.ca

U-BATH

OR WE BATH!

H o me o

t h e $10f To e Na i l Tr i m !

NO appointment needed!

Le a v e T h e M e s s Wi t h U s !

COME WATCH CTRA’s HORSES PERFORM!

Join the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) for our Annual General Meeting, Wednesday March 7 2014 starting at 7pm at the CTRA facility located on Providence

Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan). This year’s event will feature the CTRA therapy horses in the inaugural performance of “Hoofloose” – an equestrian ballet performed in the style of a musical ride. There is no charge for this event and the public is welcome ~ bring a friend or two! For more information contact the CTRA at info@ ctra.ca or 250-746-1028.

ippocrates said “Let food be they medicine & let thy medicine be food”. Now although current standards have dismissed this formula for health, it is still very true. No amount of drugs, natural or synthetic, can replace proper nutrition. Our dogs are no different. There is confusion about what is our dog’s perfect diet, though. Is feeding a “premium” kibble better than homemade food? Unfortunately we have been marketed to for a couple of generations insisting that we are unable to feed our own dogs without a degree in animal nutrition (yet somehow we have been able to feed our own children!). You do not need a specialized education to feed your dog, but some solid knowledge can definitely help you to avoid some common pitfalls. Dogs are carnivores. Their teeth, jaws, and enzyme production all point to this fact. Dogs are made to eat raw meaty bones and those should make up the bulk of their diet. Organ meats, fish, eggs and fruit help to balance it all out. Carbohydrates, the bulk of most commercial dog foods, are problematic for our carnivore friends and need to be avoided. The effect of an improper diet is rarely immediate. Usually our dogs do their best to perform on limited fuel and poor health shows up slowly

without an obvious reason. Healthy dogs do not have doggy odour, bad breath, or digestive upset. Proper nutrition also supports the natural immune system against naturally occurring pathogens. Are you looking to avoid parasites? Support your local immune system! Fortunately, there is more and more information available about feeding your dog a raw diet successfully. Food should be the first medicine you reach for and you can learn a lot more at the upcoming seminar hosted by Cedar Ridge Complete Canine on March 22. Debbie Wood, certified Carnivore Nutrition Coach, will teach you why to feed raw and how to do it well. Topics will include: Sourcing raw meaty bones, balanced nutrition, supplements, switching to raw, creating a menu, and much more! To learn more about the three hour seminar, contact Debbie at Lucky Dog U-Bath 250597-7DOG or call Cedar Ridge 250-715-0689. Debbie Wood is currently studying animal naturopathic health and is certified through the American Council of Animal Naturopathy ww.luckydogubath.ca

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

Georgia Nicols M.A. is Canada’s most popular astrologer. A Buddhist, this Vancouver-based astrologer is featured in regional papers across Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. www.georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19) Your year is coming to an end. It’s time to plan for your new year. Naturally, it will be different from last year because some planets are in different parts of your chart. Mars is opposite your sign until August creating tension with partners and close friends. The way to handle this is to be patient and tolerant with others. Jupiter will attract real-estate opportunities and improved conditions with home and family. Use this month to think about what you really want for your coming year. Taurus (April 20-May 20) You’re popular and focused on groups and clubs. Examine the role friendships play in your life. Now is the time to work with others because cooperation with others will benefit you. You can also use this time to establish who you are in your friendships. You will be more aware of your future goals and how to make your hopes and dreams a reality. Why not combine your increased popularity with your thoughts about goals by sharing your ideas with others to get their feedback? Gemini (May 21-June 20) This is the only time all year when the Sun is at the top of your chart making others notice you more than usual. Because this light is flattering, they see you in positive terms, and will ask you to take on increased responsibilities. If so, say yes because you won’t have to do anything special to succeed. Examine your life to see if you are going in the direction you want. Where you want to be five years from now? What you have to start to do this year to achieve your Five-Year plan.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You want a change of scenery! You want to expand your world through study or experiencing new and unfamiliar experiences. Travel is a good choice. However, you might take up a new hobby or sign up for a course – it could be anything. What is important is to break free from your everyday routine. This will satisfy your urge to be Agent 007. Some of you will be involved with the law or negotiate deals in publishing, the media, medicine and higher education. You want more out of life!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Now that the holiday fuss is settled, you want to be organized! Make a To-Do list and do what you can to get better organized -- repairs, file papers, put things in order, even paint, clean and redecorate. Later, you’ll have a warm feeling in your tummy. Not only do you want to achieve better physical efficiency, you want to achieve better health as well. Therefore, many of you will establish new exercise regimes and scrutinize your diet. Then after you reign supreme once again – you can party and socialize!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This month you will probe deeper feelings, emotions and passions. You might think about sex a lot; you might also be sexually aroused. All your feelings will be more intense. On a mundane note, you will have more to do with debt, taxes, shared property, inheritances, insurance matters and anything that is jointly held, especially credit. You might also attract someone who is strong and powerful; someone who provokes further self inquiry or forces changes in your life.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) It’s party month for Scorpios! Accept invitations to schmooze. Enjoy sports events, plays, the theatre, movies, art openings, long lunches, entertaining dinners and playful times with children. If you work in a creative field, you will be productive. This is a wonderful time for a vacation, especially because you’re keen to travel and expand your horizons. All your relationships will be more lighthearted and fun loving because you feel free-spirited and will seek out relationships that allow you to do this.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This is the only time all year when the Sun is as far away from you as it gets all year. Since the Sun is your source of energy, you will need more sleep. (Go to bed.) However, this also means you can learn more about yourself through partnerships and close friendships. Examine relationships to discover what needs they fill or do not fill. For your own good, you must be as good for your partner as she or he is for you. Work with others. Consult experts. Figure out why you want others in your life – or not. According to Stendhal, “One can acquire everything in solitude but character.”

Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly! OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

*Award Winning Chowder* Grilled Seasoned Fish & Chicken Great Burgers, Fries, Wraps & More!

Dine In on our heated patio or Take Out! Cowichan Bay

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month your attention turns to home and family. You might be involved with a parent. You’ll want to cocoon at home and relax among the familiar surroundings. Even though you love to travel, it comforts you to know that you have a home base --someplace where worldly contacts can send cards, letters and invitations. Thoughts about your youth and early family members will bubble to the surface of your mind. It’s time to get together and trade lies about the bad old days. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Short trips, errands, discussions with everyone, more time with siblings and relatives plus

March

increased reading and writing will create a jam-packed schedule this month. You’ve got things to do, people to see and places to go! This is an excellent time to shop for wardrobe goodies because you like what you see in the mirror. You feel charming, diplomatic and especially sociable. Because of all this to-ing and fro-ing, you will have a fun opportunity to observe your style of daily communications with others. Enjoy this increased tempo. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Money, cash flow, finances and possessions will your focus this now. You want to establish a greater control in your life through what you value and own. This is why some of you will make major purchases or shop for something that gives you a sense of power. However, it’s also why at a psychological level, you will reflect upon your values and what it is that you think really matters in life. You will also scrutinize what you own and ask yourself if it serves any purpose. Do your belongings make your life easier? Do you own your stuff or does it own you? Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) The Sun is in your sign, recharging your batteries for the rest of the year. The Sun is in your sign attracts important people and favourable circumstances to you. Furthermore, it means that you can more easily project yourself out into the world. Obviously, this is a great time to make an impression on others. Lookin’ good! Plus you have a strong need to express yourself and you should do so. This month, your first duty is to yourself; and if you don’t fulfill that, you will be of little use to anyone. www.georgianicols.com

Delicious East Indian Cuisine Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas The Daily Grind Dine in or Take Out 3218 Sherman Road • 250-709-2299

Farmer2Farmer March 6

armers like to learn from other farmers. That’s because other farmers understand the complexities of making even just one decision on a farm. While an academic might be an expert on a particular topic, such as pest management, the farmer has to balance every decision with myriad factors that might not come into the academic perspective. That is why farmers will often look to each other for answers. The Farmer2Farmer conference is packed with practical presentations, mostly from experienced local farmers. It’s goal is to be a learning and networking opportunity for farmers from across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands- farmers of all ages, backgrounds, farm sizes and types. This year’s conference theme is “Farm Profitability” where workshops will cover topics

related to production, marketing, business management, and farm financing- all with an eye for how to make your farm more profitable. Dan Ferguson of Dragon Fly Farm will be speaking about selling to restaurants, Evelyn Pereira of Terra Nossa will be speaking about putting her farm into organic certification as well as taking the Good Agricultural Practices course, and Niki Strutynski of Tatlo Road Farm will be facilitating a workshop on how to increase farmer’s market sales in the Victoria area. Farmer2Farmer, Saanich Fairgrounds, and is brought to you by the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRFAIR) and supported by Vancity, and a number of municipal partners. The cost of the day is $35, including a delicious lunch made with local ingredients by the Island Chefs Collaborative. For more information go to http:// farmer2farmer.ca or call 250-818-5807.

Valleyview

Centre

So much to oﬀer!

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Books Bucknuck Books 250-929-2665 Used books and Local authors Fitness Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes Spa and Wellness Reiki Wellness *New Location #13 250 743-8122 Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared, Acupuncture, Reflexology

Food Country Grocer 250 743-5639 Bakery, Meat & Produce Healthcare Cobble Hill Dental 250-743-6698 Friendly, Family Practice We Welcome New Patients!

South Cowichan Physiotherapy & Sports Rehabilitation 250-743-3833 Physiotherapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Acupuncture, Orthotics

Seedy Saturday Duncan March 30th

ith spring just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your garden and seed purchases. In doing so, don’t forget to stop by the Duncan Seedy Sunday to source locally adapted heirloom seeds, plant starts, gardening advice, and inspiration! Whether you’re a master gardener, or considering growing your own vegetables for the very first time, Seedy Sunday is a welcoming environment where you’ll find locally produced seeds, vegetable seedlings, herbs, native plants, and garden accessories. Join a free seed

saving or gardening workshop, bring your gardening questions to the Duncan Master Gardener’s info-booth, or come by the seed exchange table to swap your seeds or share your seed saving stories – this day promise to be fun for everyone! Now in its 6th year, the Duncan Seedy Sunday will be hosted by Cowichan Green Community at the Cowichan Tribes Si’em Lelum Gymnasium (5574 River Road, Duncan BC). This family friendly event runs from 10am to 2pm. Admission is $2 at the door, children under 13 enter for free. For more information call CGC at 250-748-8506 or email: info@ cowichangreencommuntiy.org, or check-out our website at: http:// www.cowichangreencommunity. org/content/duncan-seedy-sunday

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT By Rick Dennis BIGGER AND BETTER AND IT’S FREE! Every Friday I stop by the new Cowichan Lake Library on my way to do my jazz’n’blues airshift (3 pm - 6 pm) at CICV (98.7 FM in Cowichan Lake and area, www. cicv.streamon.fm everywhere else.) The new library boasts an expanded “graphic novel” section (everything from Wonder Woman to Wuthering Heights) plus lots of CDs and DVDs. And, of course, books. Plus six internet stations, expanded kids area, laptop bar and comfy chairs to read the library’s newspapers and magazines. “The additional space and staff allows us to run more programs than ever before,” writes librarian Kristen Rumohr (who supervises the new facilities. assisted by Diana Hutton, Penny Leach and student page Bailey Calihoo. “We are enjoying our new library, especially the space and light.” And, yes, there are more people getting library cards and borrowing from 17,000 items on display (compared to 12,000 in the former building.) Visit the new location on South Shore Rd and see for yourself. A NATURAL WOMAN: I first met Ali Bertin when she and hubby Chris were at their Moonrise Music booth during Duncan-Cowichan Summer Festival Days years ago. These days she is not only a busy wife, mom and staffer at Community Farm Store, she is also designing her own clothing line, made from sustainable fibers including hand dyed merino wool, organic cotton and bamboo. “I allow the colour of each 3 yd. piece of hand dyed wool to guide me and inspire each ‘one of a kind’ design,” she explains. “Wearing clothing made from sustainable fibers is very complimentary to my organic lifestyle and feels wonderful on the skin, breathable and natural.” To find out more about Ali and her unique creations visit her comprehensive website at www.ancientfutures.ca

Cowichan Community

Seeking Local Kimchi Growers

imchi is a Korean staple and considered one of the world’s healthiest foods. The Spanish introduced chilies in the 1500’s to the Japanese, and Koreans were exposed to them during the Japanese invasions 15921598. It took nearly 200 years for Koreans to begin adding chilli peppers to their kimchi, but today chilies makes this garnish famously spicy. There are over 180 documented varieties of kimchi, though the bright red cabbage variety is most familiar to westerners. It is generally flavoured with garlic, onions, chilies, and a few other items depending on region and household. There are also radish, cucumber, leek and squash kimchi and kimchi that has whole oysters or fish fermented in it. And let me tell you, it’s all delicious. Sour, spicy, salty and yes, you could use the new buzzword “umami” to describe the taste. Kimchi is preserved with

a salt ferment that utilizes Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). LAB is the main provider of the sour flavour and is helpful in providing beneficial bacteria to the gut. It has been recognized as a super food, an antioxidant, and is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, trace minerals and is a great source of fibre. Capsicum from the chillis helps to stimulate the bowels as well as warm your body. Zed Squared, a local kimchi company is looking for local, small scale, organic farmers to help supply produce required for production. Sui Choi, Daikon, garlic, peppers, soy beans are just a few things needed. Please contact Zac for more information. zedsquaredfood@gmail.com

COWICHAN FEATURE LISTINGS

Metal Artist Brad Allen MEDDLEART.com • Metal Wall Hangings • Free Standing Sculptures • Garden Art & Custom Works Studio located in Duncan by appointment Brad Allen 250 748 0934

Lynda Allen 250-748-0934

lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca Our mission is to inspire, motivate and most of all...to have fun! We offer encouraging, experienced tap dance instruction for beginners to advanced of all ages!

Want to learn how to make your own jewellery? Etc! offers a wide range of classes from introductory classes in Beading, Kumihimo and Bead Weaving to more advanced techniques and workshops. We have a fantastic range of beads and supplies as well as unique gifts. Call for prices and dates 250 324 2227 Hours Monday - Saturday 10 - 5 and Sunday 11 - 4

9752c Willow St Chemainus 250 324 2227

Home of the Cowichan Valley’s “100 Mile Dawg” A locally based, socially conscious mobile food alternative

Now serving Nani’s Secret speciality condiments! To book events call 250 732-5250 depotdawgs@gmail.com

Custom Carpentry by Doug Marsh

Journeyman, earth friendly carpenter available. Specializing in creative renos, artistic designs and live edge creations for your home, garden, farm, business or neighbourhood.

Builds gates, fences, sheds, garden beds, tables, shelving, arbours, pergolas, chicken coops, greenhouses.

FREE CONSULTATIONS Duncan: 250 737-1852 53