May 2020 Issue 138

owichan

2020 MAY ISSUE 138 THINK LOCAL! I MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH I NEW GARDENERS I HOMESCHOOLING 1

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Gratitude & LOVE To all the ESSENTIAL PEOPLE, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, FARMERS, GROCERS, CLEANERS and FRONTLINE WORKERS whose courage, care and commitment keeps our community SAFE, HEALTHY, HAPPY and FED.

W E APPR E C IATE A LL TH AT YOU DO E A C H AND E V E RY DAY !

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May 2020 Issue 138 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Proofreader Calendar Richard Badman Diana Pink Angela Sheppard Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline May 15 for June 2020 Issue 139 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE May 15 for June 2020 Issue 139 E-mail: Date, Event Title, Time, Location and Cost w/ subject “EVENT” to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to, omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Jim Halvorson MD, Craig Spence, Bill Jones, Brad Boisvert, Linda Dirksengale and Heather Kaye, Star Maracle, Victor Vesely, Lauren Cartmel, Ian Blom, Nick Caulford, Miyo Stevens, Amanda Vance, Robyn Dailey, Christina Hamill, Ashley Stevenson, Jane Spencer, Anyes deLaat, Alistair MacGregor, Kathy White, Monica Dockerty, Vida Glaser, Tracey Hanson, Marti Smith, Claire Friedrich, David Suzuki, Jane Kilthei, Lauren Bosch, Kurtis Howes, Debbie Wood, Greg Perry, Nicolette Genier, Cindy Jolin and the lovely Georgia Nicols.

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 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 and Ladysmith.

Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.

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OUR COMMUNITY A Shout Out to All of You in the Cowichan 5 Living with A Virus 6-7 Duncan Farmers Market Adapts 12 Ten Great Mother’s Day Gifts in Downtown Duncan 24-25 Cardino Shoes 26 Flowers This May! 29 The New Way to Retail 30 Think Local 32-35 Alistair MacGregor 52 Economics Should Reflect What Really Matters 59 May Forecasts 62 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Taking a Walk in the Wild 10-11 Stinging Nettle or Dandelion Gomaae 11 Mother’s Day Benny 13 Cara Cara Chop Salad 14 A Cow-op User since 2016 15 Keep it Local! CSA Programs in Cowichan 16-18 CSA: A Great Way to Support Local Farmers 18 Nature Connection 19 Spring Asparagus Strata 20 Local Mother’s Day Pairings 21 Sourdough Waffles 21 Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Frittata with Goat Cheese 22 Duncan Garage 27 HOME, FARM & GARDEN Welcome New Gardeners! 38-39 Cowichan Family Life: Stonefold Gardens 40-41 BC Aquifier – Complete Water Services 42 Play at Home 43 Spring Cleaning your Real Estate Investments and Finances 44 Organization in a time without Routine 45 Backyard Gardening 54 The Seeds of Life 54-55 LOCAL ARTS Arts Showcase, a virtual space 8 Celebrating 50 Years 9 BODY, MIND & SOUL Why We Should Read 23 The Importance of Good Sleep for Infant Development 28 Wool the Miracle Healing Fibre 31 Peace in the Pandemic 37 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE Camp Pringle Celebrates 70th Anniversary 47 Summer Science Camp Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre 48 Kin Park Kid’s Camp 49 Cowichan Bay Heron Colony – Shhh! 53 Lucky Dog U-Bath is Open… 58 What Is A Forest? How Does It Live? How Does It Die? 60

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Niki is the co-owner/ operator of Tatlo Road Farm, and proud member of the Duncan Farmers Market.

armers markets have always played an important role in local food security. Not just as a place where people can buy fresh local food, but also as a way for our small-scale farmers to market their products. Many farmers in our region are small and don’t have access to selling through larger commercial grocery chains.

So when there was talk of stopping the market in light of the current health crisis there was much concern, among local eaters and local producers. Fortunately the Province of BC has included farmers markets in their list of essential services, in recognition of the role they play in our local food chains.

And so our Duncan Farmers Market continues, but it looks quite different these days. To stay in line with Provincial and City guidelines designed to protect everyone, our market is currently (at the time of writing) limited

to 32 vendors of primary food products only. That is to say only fresh produce and farm products such as meat, cheese, honey, and eggs are allowed, as well as vegetable plant starts for those wanting to grow their own food at home. Fishers and food processors, such as bakers, preserves, pasta, and non-alcoholic beverages are also allowed. At this time the market is running solely to provide access to fresh local food. We’re asking customers to come do their shopping efficiently and respectfully and to then return home, all in an effort to maintain social distancing. There is no music or other events that are usually associated with the market, all in an effort to discourage people from “hanging out”.

For the market’s part, we are also practicing social distancing by spacing each vendor 10 feet apart, monitoring entrances and the number of shoppers in the market at any one time, and using chalk to denote where people can safely line up. All vendors are required to sanitize their hands and

We are temporatily closed. If you need any products, or gift certificates please email us at soulescape@shaw.ca, contact info and gift and product requests. Messages are checked on Mondays and arrangements for pick up and payments can be made for your products. Thanks for your patience and support! Stay safe, stay healthy and be kind.

New Hours Mondays 8-12pm

www.soulescape.ca

Duncan Farmers Market Adapts any touch surfaces between every transaction. Just like grocery stores if shoppers bring re-usable bags vendors are not allowed to touch them (customers must pack their own bags). A hand washing station with sanitizer is also set up for the public.

In short, the Duncan Farmers Market is doing everything it can to continue to provide food for our local community while also being vigilant about protecting the health of our customers, staff, and vendors.

Of course you will miss seeing all your favourite non-food vendors at this

time, our local artisans! We encourage you to still seek out these local businesses and support them. You can find an up-to-date list of all market members on our website (https://www. duncanfarmersmarket.ca/ copy-of-visitor-info) with links to their individual web and facebook pages, many of them are offering online sales or listing places where you can still find their products.

Last, as things change daily we encourage you to check out the market website and facebook page regularly for updates. You can find more information at: https://www. duncanfarmersmarket.ca/

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Living With The Virus Submitted by Jim Halvorson, MD

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ongratulations to all!

Because of the manner in which we have come together as people, as a community, as a region and as a nation, we have succeeded in hobbling the growth of this highly infectious contagion. The island has had 102 confirmed cases, the majority of folk have now fully recovered, with 6 people currently admitted in any VIHA hospital. Our goal was to limit spread to ensure that our health care system would not be overwhelmed, averting unnecessary deaths.

You had this. Both you and our government really followed the considered advice of our scientists and health care team.

Who knew? Canadians have often ignored prior health campaigns on cigarettes and alcohol, diet and exercise, fought seatbelt and pollution legislation, but not here. Not that I’m complaining. My job after all largely depends on such independent thinking. But it is amazing what a little bit of fear can accomplish.

Sadly, we have still had deaths: 86 in BC from 1700 confirmed cases. Mostly in vulnerable people even older than me, half in care homes. It has been 6 weeks. Mortality rates throughout Canada are now

declining. Different countries are at different stages of the pandemic and have adopted quite different public health approaches. Swathes of the developing world seem poised for more infection in the coming weeks. Much of the developed world is at a similar place to us. Some countries have been overwhelmed and have suffered higher mortality as a result.

Some countries appear to have attempted to direct the wave of infection toward their least vulnerable, isolating their most vulnerable, while allowing most social interactions, schools and much of their economy to continue. Quite tricky to do, with mixed results.

Our country’s approach has been largely empathic, respectful of all people. No segment of our society was considered less worthy. As a result, we have developed community and minimized what divides us. This compassion will serve us all well moving forward.

Our lockdown also created real barriers to individuals finding healthcare, supports, education, work and commodities. It has created fiscal anxiety and unprecedented national and personal equity and economic loss. This is coupled with ongoing social isolation, particularly for our most vulnerable.

We have also become more aware of how we depend upon

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Our environment. The WHO states that 250,000 people a month die of ailments caused by air pollution. This virus has killed 85,000-170,000 over the last 3 months. There has also been a 30-60% drop in air pollution due to the global economic hit and restricted car and air travel over this period. Many urbanites around the world were able to see the mountains surrounding their cities for the first time in their entire lives. It may well be that far more people globally have survived because of the dramatic drop in pollution than died of the virus.

What now? How to go forward?

How to rebuild our economic and social structures, while avoiding rekindling a plague.

This is a pivotal generational moment. A moment of great grief and enormous opportunity.

We can rebuild a carbon copy of what we had. We don’t need to. Can we perhaps instead build more compassionate, sustainable and joyful structures, expectations and norms than we

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82 countries invoked some form of lockdown. The WHO has suggested only 2-3% of us will have been infected by COVID 19 at this point. We are neither sure if infection confers immunity, nor for how long. A vaccine or specific treatment is still some distance away.

Transitioning our goals to now maintaining the virus at a low level is recommended by the WHO. Isolated cases and clusters are expected to continue to occur and need to be efficiently and promptly detected, isolated, and treated, along with all of their contacts.

The pillars of our current response will soon be loosened in a phased approach, perhaps with restrictions being eased on a biweekly basis. Vulnerable communities will continue to be shielded, and workplace spread prevention strategies employed.

Hospitals will maintain capacity.

We now have mandatory quarantine for returning travellers, handwashing and masks on planes. Moving forward I expect hand washing will remain ubiquitous. Masks for all may well become compulsory in public spaces where social distancing is impractical, as on buses.

Isolation will be required of symptomatic people and contacts. Testing will be broadly offered to symptomatic or vulnerable people, along with their contacts, and will be

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each other, our environment, and how many of us take that all for granted. Our high tech emergency department would cease to function in less than a day without the people who are cleaning, cooking - the people actually looking after our mothers and fathers in care facilities. These people truly keep our infrastructure afloat, though often labouring with few benefits and even fewer options.

quickly processed. Travel will soon resume, possibly with testing. Those with fevers or symptoms will be denied and all of us will quarantine upon our return. Small gatherings will appear. Mass events remain nonstarters. Protocols for working remotely may well remain in some sectors.

time to be together as families.

All also miss socializing and activities with friends. My mother lives alone and feels isolated and lonely. We cannot sit down together. Despite being together at a distance, cycling, hiking and walks, many of us are ready for a change. Just a little patience.

Many countries have now started down this road. Tourism is turning to domestic markets.

Restaurants allow 50% capacity.

Some countries are reopening kindergartens, some universities.

Construction, forestry, non contact sports like tennis, open air markets, all have restarted early on. Effective regulations and practices are arising locally around the world.

Less work. Less pressure.

Hospitals seem to have seen far fewer heart attacks, strokes or trauma in the last 2 months.

I was born into a time of multigenerational households, each responsible for the other.

An adult at home for their children, and one parent who worked outside the home.

Perhaps just nostalgia, but as we move back into our frenetic world, you might consider instead what is truly important to each of you and build towards that with your neighbours. With grace, together, you may make my job quiet and mundane.

My kids, like many of yours, are out of classrooms and unsure of work. Somehow though, the suggested tidy rooms and spotless dishes are still eluding us. We have had more important

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Arts Showcase, A Virtual Space Where Artists Can Converge CraigSpenceWriter.ca

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t takes courage and a little chutzpah to step in front of a camera and reveal an aspect of our inner selves. But with a little help from the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society writers, painters, poets, dancers, sculptors, musicians… artists in all modes, and at every point in their creative journey, will be invited to do just that.

Once a month, the CVCAS will select from its communities a person to be profiled. “The idea is not to always feature established artists, but to focus on the artistic endeavour and spirit in every phase,” said organizer Craig Spence. “What

Artist Peggy Grigor working in studio

we’re trying to showcase isn’t only the art, it’s as much about the art of becoming an artist, the passion, excitement, selftransformation at the core of the creative process.”

Selected artists will be interviewed and videoed, along with representative samplings of their work. Visual artists’ paintings and sculptures will

be photographed, for example; poets and creative writers will do readings; dramatists and dancers will perform excerpts from plays and routines.

The material will be used to produce short videos and fulllength articles, which will be posted on the CVCAS website and to social media.

Everyone benefits: artists gain some profile and, for the uninitiated, the experience of being interviewed by a seasoned multi-media journalist; the community gets to see the kind of talent that calls the Chemainus Valley home, and perhaps be inspired by the stories of the creative types in their midst; the Cultural Arts Society gets to reach out to artists and art lovers.

“A good interview gets the subject thinking,” Spence said. “The best interviews are

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memorable for those ‘Aha!’ moments, when the person you’re talking to discovers a hidden aspect of his own personality or outlook because of the questions you ask. That’s the kind of experiences we’ll be shooting for.”

The ultimate vision is artists from different disciplines working together on collaborative, miniproductions, Spence said. “I’m thinking of calling the activity ‘Art Showcase’ – a place where artistic spirits come together to engage in creative, multidisciplinary experiments.”

If you’d like to get in on the act, go to cvcas.com/showcase and fill in the online submission form. Non-members can put their names into the cue, but will have to join the Cultural Arts Society, if they want to accept an invitation to be featured.

Carmanah by Rory MacDonald

Celebrating 50 Years

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he 50th Cowichan Valley capable of reaching anyone, Arts Council Fine Arts anywhere in the world — and Show May 5 to 22 will go viral online. this year as a virtual event Having expanded this past year to 2,000 square feet of gallery space, CVAC had plans to mark the half-century of Vancouver Island’s largest non- juried art show with a gala opening — hugs and h’ordouvres while pressing the flesh and mingling in large numbers with art and artists and who knows, perhaps a string quartet or even a A Memorial, Susan Edwards juggler.

When the advent of Covid-19 forced planning into “full steam reverse,” however, the CVAC board took panic out of pandemic ‘in an “artbeat.”

“Rather than give up on this milestone we decided to begin the next 50 years using emerging modes and media to showcase body and soul of the arts,” says CVAC President Janet Magdanz. “Audience potential is larger than ever before imagined for what is essentially an exercise in sharing by our exceptionally creative arts community.

Show coordinator Lynda Baker led the show’s logistical aboutface and is confident artists and patrons will enjoy not fewer but more dimensions.

“Art running the gamut of all media will be posted,” said Baker, adding that the show has a 160-piece maximum.

“Viewers can vote for their choice in the People’s Choice awards; purchase artwork; view video clips of artist perspectives and peek in on their studios — all online and interactive.”

Producing a cybershow honouring the need for social distancing promises to be a viable means to sustaining and expanding cultural connections.

Don’t miss it. May 5 to 22 at https://cowichan valleyartscouncil.ca.

Submitted by May Lon Wood

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

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know the day will come when we’re allowed to hug other human being outside the home. But until them we may be forced to look to other ways to comfort ourselves.

You can look at downtime as an isolating burden or view it as an opportunity to expand the horizons of your brain.

For me getting to know the local environment is a doorway into many positive effects on your health and wellbeing.

First of all, go outside for a walk (and resist the urge to hug anyone). You don’t have to go far. Look down at the edges of the sidewalk and path you are on – and behold the world of wild, edible food. You will find plants like dandelions, miners

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lettuce, stinging nettles, dock and hundreds of other edible plants. The edible world is all under your feet and growing above your head. Plants filled with nutrients, medicinal properties and immune system building particles.

Free to those who invest in the knowledge of separating the good from the bad.

Yes, there is some bad news.

The best wild foods are those found farthest away from people. Also, humanity sometimes poisons the plants with pollution, microbes and other applied chemicals aimed at killing the rogue weeds and insects. It is probably not going to harm you if you eat small quantities, but head to the wild for the most healthy foraging. Another issue is that some plants themselves are highly poisonous, some with deadly consequences.

A plant like water hemlock (Cicuta sp.) is seriously toxic

Taking a Walk in the Wild and looks like quite a few delicious plants such as wild carrot or parsnip.

I think the key is to start out with a few popular plants that are easy to identify. The first on my list would be stinging nettle (Urtica diocia). Here is a plant that many people have learned to fear - mainly due to the stinging nature of

small needles on the edges of the leaves. Brush by this plant with bare legs and you will feel a sharp tingle, followed by burning and finally numbness as it wears off. The sting is due to biochemical irritants that cause reactions to the skin. Ironically one of these components is serotonin, a chemical thought to cause a feeling of pleasure

in the brain. Nettles have been used as a medicine for centuries and the custom of whipping yourself with stinging nettles took hold in many different societies to increase circulation, heighten alertness and be therapeutic for ailments like arthritis and allergies.

Hidden under all that is a tasty plant that comes across as a blend of kale and spinach. The secret is to blanch the plant quickly (30 seconds) in boiling water to dissolve the stinging crystals on the leaves. Once that is done the plant can be handled, eaten raw, cooked, pureed or even frozen for several months.

Next on my springtime list is another much maligned plant – the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). I spent hours of my childhood digging these out of my parents garden, because I was told to hate them.

Many years later I took the time to get to know them and came to appreciate the bitter

charms of young greens and the abundance of good nutrients they offer. I still dig them out of some parts of the garden, they are an aggressive interloper is some areas, taking nutrients from other plants. If you spy the dandelion early in life it will have delicate spiked leaves that resemble downward turned fangs. The French in their wisdom called the plant “dente de lion” – which literally translates to lions tooth.

Before the flower heads have opened up, the entire plant, center stem (called a crown), leaves and flower buds are all edible, raw, blanched in boiling water or stir fried.

The French like to add a little bacon or butter to th party, Italians are more partial to a good dose of garlic and a sprinkling of olive oil. We’ve gone a little more global in recent years and like to use dandelions (and stinging nettle) in several Japanese dishes (gomaae) or even Korean dishes (kimchee).

You can start looking in your own backyard for many delicious wild plants.

And when we are finally left off the lease you can explore the back pathways of our beautiful valley and appreciate the environment we are privileged to live in.

Stinging Nettle or Dandelion Gomaae Recipe courtesy Bill Jones, Deerholme Farm Ingredients

1 large pot, salted water 1 large bowl of nettle and/or dandelion tips 1 Tbsp grapeseed or olive oil 2 Tbsp minced garlic 1 Tbsp Japanese soy sauce 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp sesame oil 1 tsp hot sauce (or to taste) 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Method

Preheat oven to 350 F / 180 C Grease and flour 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) metal cake pan; set aside.

Bring the pot of salted water to a boil, add the greens, boil for 1 minute and then drain. Squeeze excess water from the greens and set aside until needed. I like to chop the greens into bite size pieces at this point.

In a skillet or wok over high heat, add the oil and garlic and stir briefly. Add the greens and toss to coat with oil and distribute the garlic. Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil and hot sauce, toss well to mix. You can cook until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve at room temperature garnished with the toasted sesame seeds.

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idea of the dollars required, Nourish Cowichan has gone from spending less than $3,000 a week to over $9,000 a week. Many of you already have an organization that you are helping at this time. And there are also many in a much tighter financial reality than a month ago. Your donation dollars might already be allocated or donating money may not be possible. But if you can find an extra $20 or so, please consider donating to Nourish.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

O

ver 400 carrot cakes (filled with yummy kale and other goodies); 1200 burritos filled with meat, corn, tomatoes and more; hundreds of litres of soup and pots of chicken curry have been prepared and packed. And the menu varies. At the time of writing, over 800 hampers have been delivered to children and families in need

by Nourish Cowichan. All of this is possible and happens because of the generosity of our community.

Normally, Nourish would be feeding breakfasts to children in need in our local schools, the maternity clinic at the Cowichan District Hospital and 3 local daycares. But these aren’t normal times. The COVID-19 virus has changed things. These children, along with their families, still need food. With your help, Nourish Cowichan stepped in. Now, in partnership with the Starfish Pack Program, Nourish is expecting to provide an average of 400 families with meals each week. Without the generosity last year of the

A Shout Out To All Of You In The Cowichan donation by the Cowichan School District of 1800 sq. ft in Ecole Mount Prevost for a commercial kitchen, (built largely by donations from our community), it would be almost impossible to do this work. The District also supports Nourish Cowichan with the logistics of how many families need the hampers and how they will get distributed.

Teachers and teachers’ aides are on hand to help build the hampers.

Your donations are making a difference. Strict safety protocols are in place. You’ve

been donating masks, gloves and visors to keep everyone safe. All of those working at Nourish are taking risks every day to give to our community.

Check out the Nourish Facebook https://www.facebook. com/nourishcowichansociety/ to get a glimpse of all the activity.

Our farmers are donating produce of all sorts. A recent donation of 90 dozen eggs prompted a matching donation of another 90 dozen by another farm. And it’s not just farm produce that’s needed.

It’s money. To give you an

The donation button is on the website: https://nourishcowichan.ca/ I hope all of you are keeping well, taking care of yourselves and giving yourselves lots of love. For those of you out there working on the front lines for us here at home, a heartfelt thank you.

On behalf of those of us on the outside of Nourish Cowichan looking in, a big shout out.

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water is at a simmer.

Cook for 4 minutes: The final cooking time for a poached egg is very much up to you, and it depends on how well you like your eggs done. But 4 minutes, give or take a few seconds, in lightly simmering water, will give you a firm white and a gooey but still runny yolk.

Remove from the water with a slotted spoon onto a towel to drain off water no one likes a watery benny.

Mother’s Day Brunch Boxes Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for details and ordering.

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Mother’s Day Benny’s

M

other’s Day is known for taking mom out for brunch. Well this year it may need to be different. Many may have to take on the task of cooking brunch themselves. For some this maybe exciting for others, down right frightening.

Well let’s see if we can help you.

When I think of brunch, I think of the elusive Eggs Benedict.

What is the star of eggs benny some may say the hollandaise sauce and you would not be wrong, but the real star is the poached eggs! “If the egg is perfect the benny is too; if the egg is not, well neither is the benny.”

How do you poach the perfect egg?

My biggest secret is to start with the freshest local eggs. Bring a large pot about 4 litres of water with 2 tablespoons white vinegar to a simmer. Now a bit of a technical part here; create a swirling vortex. Using a spoon stir the simmering water until a circular movement is happening in the water. Crack your eggs in one at a time. Make sure the

After the perfect egg there are still more choices for that Eggs Benedict. Is it ham, pancetta or one of my favourite spicy capicollo (Italian Cured meat)?

If vegetarian is more your suit maybe try some sundried tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil. You will need a base for all these great ingredients to rest on, traditionally it is a English muffin but nothing is going to be traditional this year.... so maybe try a slice of toasted French baguette. Speaking of the French, I almost forgot the most classic French sauce the hollandaise but that’s why here is the recipe. Enjoy some of the flavours you can prepare for your mother this Mother’s Day. Chef Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

Hollandaise Sauce

Recipe courtesy Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese, Valley View Centre Ingredients 3 2 Tablespoons 2 Tablespoons 1/2 Cup (1 stick) 1/4 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon

dash

large egg yolks water fresh lemon juice butter, melted salt hot sauce pepper

Method 1. Whisk egg yolks, water and lemon juice in small saucepan until blended. Cook in a double boiler over very low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.

2.Remove from heat.

3. Slowly stir in melted butter until and sauce is thickened.

4. Stir in salt, hot sauce and pepper. Serve immediately.

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Cara Cara Chop Salad

Recipe courtesy Barnes and Maracle Dining Al Fresco is one of our favorite things to do at this time of year. So get outside and enjoy the weather! Pour a glass of wine, and relax. To make this more of a meal, preorder some sliced deli meats and some fresh baked bread from The Italian Kitchen for a quick and easy addition.

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Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 tbsp honey salt & pepper to taste 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp chopped garlic 4 cups chopped raddichio 1 cup celery sliced 1 cup segmented cara cara oranges 1/2 cup segmented blood oranges 1/2 cup shredded mint 1/2 cup toasted chopped cashews

Method

For the dressing, mix lime juice, honey, salt and pepper. Shake in mason jar or whisk in small bowl.

Heat olive oil on low in medium sized pan and lightly brown chopped garlic. Careful not to burn garlic.

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Set the garlic aside and turn heat up to medium.

Gently add chopped raddichio into garlic infused oil and quickly heat to wilt the raddichio. About one minute. Stir often and do not overcook so it still has a bite.

Combine dressing, wilted raddichio, celery, oranges, mint and cashews. Saving some mint, cashews and oranges to garnish the top. Serve on a large platter.

Dig in!

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A Cow-op User Since 2016

by Linda Dirksengale and Heather Kaye

H

ave you ordered groceries from the Cowop online farmers’ market yet? If not, this is the perfect time to start!

When I first started ordering my groceries from the Cowop, I was surprised at how simple it was, and how many

products there were to choose from. There are over 80 local vendors who are part of this co-operative with over 200 local food items available at this time of year. All my favourite Duncan Farmer’s Market produce vendors are there, I can also purchase organic chicken, eggs, flour and bread, snacks, pasta, tea, and so much more.

The website is well organized and easy to navigate.

The ordering process is

straightforward and userfriendly. Each week you can place your order until Monday at 11:59 PM, and orders are delivered to your home on Thursday between 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Be sure to leave a cooler out if you are not home. Each time I receive my fresh produce and goodies, the volunteer who delivers my order is very friendly and follows safe distancing protocols to ensure my family’s safety. But the biggest reason I am a regular customer at the Cow-op is, of course, the fresh and delicious local food my family gets to eat!

Eating locally year-round in the Cowichan Valley is quite easy. Our dedicated farmers and processors work year-round to make the most of our MaritimeMediterranean climate and extend the season in a variety of ways. This Spring, why not consider supporting

these local producers from the very region in which you live – what better way to express your gratitude for the abundance we are privy to here in the Cowichan Valley?

Foodies, readers and families, challenge yourselves to create a Mother’s Day in the spirit of the “100-mile diet”, by choosing ingredients that are produced less than 100kms from home. Using the Cow-op.ca as your guide, you can select our ingredients from local food producers and processors for a truly Cowichan-grown feast. The Cow-op online farmers’ market allows you to order all your local fixings in advance for quick and easy meals for delivery all while avoiding the grocery store crowds.

Images above; Linda’s most recent Cow Op order including Heat and Serve meals, fresh locally grown produce, free range eggs and more.

Image below; Contactless order paid for in advance and safely left on Linda’s doorstep in Cobble Hill.

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Keep it Local ! CSA Flora And Fungi Farm FARMER: JJ

We are a flexible choice CSA where you get credit to our farm for the season and choose what you want based upon what’s available that week. Our farm does 30+ varieties of market veggies (from salad greens to tomatoes) , seasonal mushrooms, and flower blooms. What sets us apart?

Seasonal mushrooms! (oysters, shitake, stropharia).

Our CSA runs from JuneOctober and pick up is on our farm in Cobble Hill either Thursday or Friday 10am 6pm. 3 share sizes available: $100, $250 and $500 www.florafungifarm.com or call 778-587-4448 for details.

OUR ECOVILLAGE

FARMERS: Felipe Cervantes, Lee Gates, Brandy Gallagher, Trent Berg, Vitor Mialichi OUR Ecovillage is the North American model of “Lawful Permaculture” and demonstrates a learning centre with 25 acres of ‘field to fork’ integrated/wholistic food systems design. With love and almost 50 years of farming in the Cowichan this is a special CSA unlike any other. OUR team has created a Safe Food Farm - 100% ‘no contact farm’ Food Box “Drive Through” for slow food (not Fast Food!).

Cooperative local Foods

Sustainably Harvested Seafood

from Michelle Rose CSF

Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery

www.michellerosecsf.com Flower & Veggies

250-510-7592

www.dancingdandelion.ca 16

and producers for over 63 varieties of tree/berry fruits, 12 year old ‘Food Forests’, livestock/poultry, and plenty of crafted goodies, plants, herbs, canning, gift certificates, and much much more! Specialties: 12 year old ‘Food Forest’ Heritage/ Rare 62 varieties trees/ berries, canning, value-added products, plant starts, eggs, meats/poultry (if wish), herbs, wild foods....you design.

Veggie and Lifestyle Boxes come in 10 and 20 week memberships. Cost: various and payment plans. www.ourecovillage.org/ourcsa-box 250-743-3067

Compostable Clamshells or 6 - 4-inch Potted Plants/Live Microgreens.

3. Pick your favourite microgreens. We currently offer 40+ microgreen products.

In addition to free delivery, A&S Microgreens CSA members have the opportunity to create their own Micro Custom Mix. Because A&S Microgreens offers fresh local produce year-round, CSA members get to select the length of the CSA membership service.

Weekly Plan - Available every Friday $90/month Bi-Weekly Plan - Available on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the Month $48/month Monthly Plan - Available on the 1st Friday of the Month $27/Month (250) 710-6135 www.asmicrogreens.com

A&S Microgreens FARMERS: Sharlene and Alexandru Ionescu

A&S Microgreens Membership/CSA programs are a great opportunity to have local fresh produce year-round. Become a member and save on nutritious microgreens! It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Select a membership plan: Weekly, Bi-Weekly or Monthly 2. Choose between 180g of Cut Microgreens in LOOKING FOR MICROGREENS?

Boots ‘n’ Roots Permaculture Farm

FARMER: Kelly Raye Boots ‘n’ Roots works really hard at building a healthy, vibrant soil with lots of beneficial microbes, resulting in some of the most nutritious food in the Valley. Healthy We grow plenty of them!

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

Programs in Cowichan soil results in healthy plants and healthy people. BNR is one of the few organic market garden farms in the Cowichan Valley that practices true Permaculture techniques. This is a step up from traditional organic, and is the most sustainable way to grow our food! We never use tractors or other heavy machinery, and practice a ‘no till’ method, where a lot of effort is put into creating a healthy soil food web - loaded with beneficial micro-organisms, fungi, and minerals. We make all our compost and fertilizers from scratch right here on the farm. We grow over 50 different veggies, herbs and berries Our CSA program is 27 weeks from May November. However, you can purchase just 9 weeks at a time if you would like to try it out. CSA program reflects what is in season and will vary from week to week. You Choose CSA program that works like a preloaded card.

Can be used for veggies, eggs and roasting chickens. www.bootsnrootsfarm.com

website or contact us by email mrfishing@telus.net. www.michellerosecsf.com

inputs and we plant a wide variety of flowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects to our garden. To order visit www.dancingdandelion. com or phone 250-510-7592.

MICHELLE ROSE CSF FISHERMAN: Guy Johnston

Do you want to eat tasty, locally and sustainably caught seafood and help support local fishermen involved in sustainable fisheries?

Become a member in the Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery (CSF). A community supported fishery is direct fair trade between fisherman and consumer. As a member of a CSF you get the West Coast’s highest quality seafood at prices fair to both members and fishermen.

My name is Guy Johnston.

I have been a fisherman for over 40 years. I use hook and line to catch salmon and fish and fish by trap for prawns and shrimp: all low impact fishing methods.

As a CSF member you will connect directly with the local fishing community and have healthy and sustainable seafood year around. For more information and to sign up for a 2020 share visit our

Dancing Dandelion Farms GROWER: Kailli Pigott and Zach Johnston

Our farm began in 2017 and grew from our shared passion for plants. We started as a vegetable farm and soon found that we have a true love in both flowers and vegetables. Currently, we grow over 75 types of flowers including everything from dahlias to zinnias to sweet peas. Every year we run our flower bouquet subscription program! We have options for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly bouquets for pick-up at our farm. We grow with natural

SHAWL FARM ORGANICS

FARMER: Rupert Koyote Shawl Farm is a famiiy run, mixed-farm exploring hybrid “horse-drawn” and machinepowered permaculture in the unceded Territory of the Cowichan people: operated by the Koyote family since 2002. When you subscribe to Shawl Farm Organics box programs, you vote with your dollars--accessing and supporting local, humanely raised meat, seasonal fruit and Shawl Farm continued on pg 18

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

Includes eggs and roasting chickens too!

www.bootsnrootsfarm.com

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Shawl Farm continued from pg 17

vegetables. Hybrid “Horsepowered” cultivation and certified organic CSA produce as well as complete season CSA combos including meat and vegetables. Like or follow us on FB so you can check on the development of your 2020 crops: pastured chicken, pork, turkey, lamb, and other CSA offerings. Our CSA runs 15 to 30 weeks, 15 weeks from June 20 to September 22 or 30 weeks: June 20 to December 21st.

Weekly CSA share options available - $30/small, $45/ large, $65/Full Family. Add on options include eggs, chickens, pork and lamb. For more information contact rupert@shawlfarm.ca cell: 250 709 5495

CSA: A Great Way to Support Local Farmers and Safely Purchase Food with Minimal Contact

W

Niki is the co-owner/ operator of Tatlo Road Farm, and proud member of the Duncan Farmers Market.

ith physical distancing measures in place we’re all thinking about where and how to get our food. For most of us this is the first time in our lives when simply going to the grocery store is not a given… even if we are able to go to the store there is no guarantee that the shelves will be fully stocked. So far this has been most notable in the canned food aisle and with staples such as flour, but the fresh produce department could be next as we hear about dire situations in California, Mexico, and Spain-

Featuring flexible CSA with over 30+ varieties of market veggies (from salad greens to tomatoes), seasonal mushrooms, and flower blooms to choose from.

www.florafungifarm.com CSA shares available in 15 or 30 week options CERTIFIED ORGANIC VEGETABLES & MEAT rupert@shawlfarm.ca

places where so much of the world’s produce is grown.

This realization has led many people to reach out to local farmers. One way people have been supporting local farms for the past 30 years is through the CSA model.

“Community Supported Agriculture” or CSA is a term that has come to represent a range of direct farm marketing partnerships where community members support their local farm by pre-paying for a season’s worth of produce.

Members usually pay ahead in the winter or early spring, thereby helping their farmer with all the early season expenses (seeds, supplies, tools, etc). In turn, members then receive a weekly share of vegetables starting later in the spring and over the course of the season, as the harvest comes in.

CSA’s can take many forms, some offer home delivery, others offer customization, and most include newsletters and recipes that connect you directly to the farm. There are also CSA’s for products other than just veggies. For example, here in the Cowichan we’re lucky to also have a CSF- Community Supported Fishery!

Image courtesy Tatlo Road Farm

The CSA model is a great way to enjoy fresh local food all season long. In the case of veggies, items for a CSA are usually harvested just the day before, if not the day of pick up. The contents are also handled by relatively few people (sometimes just one farmer), basically they go from the farmers who pick them directly to you!

So if you’re stuck indoors most days, or at least trying to minimize your trips to the grocery store, consider joining a CSA program here in the Cowichan. It’s a great way to practice physical distancing while also supporting our local farmers and ensuring access to fresh, delicious, healthy food!

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

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

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

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• more • more • more • more • more

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

PRODUCE SECTION

9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 10-4 • Closed Sun & Stat holidays

may offer different opportunities.

T

The current situation has afforded many of us a time to reflect on priorities and on what is truly important.

Westholme has been a trusted source for high quality organic loose tea and herbal infusions for tea lovers near and far.

Our priority has been to support organic tea growers in order to bring you the finest tea experience in our tea blends and pure tea selection. No compromise in what we do or how we do it. Ever.

Nature Connection

he one thing that sustains us all is Nature.

Our relationship with the environment shapes us as individuals and forms the community we live in. Clean air, clean water and clean food is at the core of good health and wellbeing.

In the difficult times we are currently facing and with the uncertainty that lies ahead, where do we find our connection with Nature and the potential to overcome the challenges in our midst?

For over 12 years, our farm location here in the Cowichan Valley has been that connection to Nature to local visitors and folks from around the world. With the directive for people to stay at home we have closed the farm until further notice. We take very seriously our responsibility to do our part to limit the spread of the corona virus.

Living environments have changed dramatically for many people. If you find yourself in the city, access to Nature may be rather limited. Rural/country living

Plant based wisdom in the form of a cup of tea is our effort to connect you to Nature.

Consider all the elements necessary to make that tasty cup of tea; Fire used in heating and preparation of ingredients, Water necessary to steep and infuse the flavours, Earth forming the plant materials, and Air to oxidize and dry those precious tea leaves.

Essentially, wherever you are, a connection to Nature is made accessible to you in a simple and treasured cup of tea. It invites you to enjoy the moment by yourself or with loved ones at home.

Technology has also given us the ability to connect with friends and family at a distance more easily and it can be a vehicle to share your tea moment with others.

Victor Vesely is Co-Founder and Tea Maker at Westholme Tea Company

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan

by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

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

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Spring Asparagus Strata with Bacon, Leek & Tadwick Cheese Recipe courtesy Lauren Cartmel, Ma Maison

Ingredients

1 bunch Asparagus 1 pkg bacon (400g) ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 cup Haltwhistle Tadwick Cheese, cubed * sub aged cheddar or swiss

10 eggs 1ea leek 2 Tbsp Butter, softened 2 tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper

1 lt heavy cream* sub half and half or milk add 1 extra egg 3 cups country white bread, cubed for croutons

Method

1) Grease 9x13 baking dish with 2 tbsp of softened butter- set aside 2) Croutons- Heat oven to 325f. In a large bowl toss cubed bread with minced garlic and olive oil. Place on a parchment lined baking tray and bake for 10 min. Remove from oven to cool 3) Asparagus- Put a medium pot of water on to boil. Get a bowl of ice water ready to cool the asparagus in. Take one asparagus spear snap the bottom off, this tells you the tough area. Line up the rest of the asparagus and cut the stems off to match the one you snapped off, throw away the tough stems. Taking the asparagus spears cut into ½ inch pieces. Put in the pot of boiling water and cook for 1 min then strain it. Place in ice water bowl to cool, drain once cold.

4) Bacon- Slice bacon in ¼’’ strips, then cook in a large saute pan on medium-low heat until bacon is crispy. Drain bacon through a strainer set over a heat proof bowl to separate from fat.

Cool bacon 5) Filling- In a large bowl crack eggs and cream add salt and pepper then whisk until eggs are fully mixed into cream. Set aside 6) Leek- Cut off the bottom and top of the leek and remove the first layer if thin and tough. Using just the white and light green part of the leek, slice in half legnthwise then slice half moons ¼” thick. Place in a colander and rinse very well to remove any sand or dirt. Shake off any water from the leek. Then in a large saute pan heat 1 tbsp oil cook leek on low heat until softened. Stirring often and trying to not get any brown colour, tune heat down if they start to brown.

7) Turn the oven down to 300F. In the prepared baking pan evenly mix asparagus, cheese, bacon, leeks and croutons then pour cream and egg mix over top covering the ingredients well.

Place strata in the oven and bake for 1hour or until the center is set and puffed slightly. The cream and egg mix will no longer be runny in the middle. Allow to cool for a few minutes before

Local Mother‘s We’ve asked some of our favourite local chefs and vineyards to help readers celebrate Mothers with their own gourmet brunches paired with local Cowichan beverages.

Unsworth Vineyards Charme de L’ile Bubbles can do no wrong and I think Charme de L’île Rosé would do the trick nicely. The fruit character of the wine would balance the green flavour of the asparagus and the bubbles cut through the creamy texture of the eggs. Rosé and smoked salmon is always one of my favourites so I think that would work well.

Averill Creek Vineyard Charme de l’lle Charme de l’lle is a vibrant, crisp, well balanced sparkling wine with pure and elegant aromatic intensity.

The freshness of the acidity is a fantastic pairing with the richness and seasoning of Ma Maisons Spring Asparagus Strata with Bacon, Leek & Tadwick Cheese. $22

serving.

Mustard Dressing 6-8 servings

1 tbsp dijon mustard ¼ cup red wine vinegar ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¾ cup grapeseed oil In a mixing bowl add mustard and vinegar then slowly add oils whisking while you drizzle in the oil. Add salt and pepper to taste

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Help Fight Child Hunger in our Community WWW.NOURISHCOWICHAN.CA I 250 597-7760

Day Pairings Blue Grouse Winery 2019 Quill Rosé This rose opens with aromas of strawberry and rhubarb. Fresh and lively on the palate with a savoury note. This complex, fullflavoured rose will pair well with grilled fish, chicken or pizza.

Every vintage is an award winner, only the best for Mom! $24

Emandare Vineyard 2019 Rosé Bright, soft and oh so juicy.

Think wild flowers, fresh strawberries and peaches.

Whether its brunch, dinner, or over FaceTime this wine will be sure to make your mommy oh so happy this Mother’s Day.

Westholme Tea Company Red Moon A wealth of powerful herbs creates this sensibly tart and uplifting infusion with a gentle, natural sweetness that will soothe the soul. Enjoy hot or cold after a rich meal. The perfect cup of well being for Mom. 75g tin $13

Our delicious new Spring release wines are available with doorstep delivery or appointment pick-up.

250 597-4075 6798 Norcross Rd, Duncan

Sourdough Waffles

Recipe courtesy Ian Blom, The Ainslie This recipe is a favourite around my house of weekends. Our son David is a big fan and so are Kim and I. This is a two-part recipe and taking the time to allow the fermentation process to happen is key in this recipe. The ferment needs to be left at room temperature covered for at least 12 hours.

Overnight ferment

1 Cup live sourdough starter 1 Cup buttermilk (plain yoghurt can be substituted) 1 Cup All Purpose Flour 1 Tablespoon Honey

Sourdough Starter 2 Cups bread flour 1 Cup warm water 1 tsp dry yeast

Overnight Ferment - Combine all ingredients in bowl and leave covered on counter over night.

Sourdough Starter - Add all ingredients together and let sit covered on countertop overnight or until bubbling and alive looking.

Additional Ingredients 1 egg ½ tsp salt 1 tsp Vanilla 1 tsp Baking Soda ¼ cup Melted Butter or Neutral Oil ie. Grapeseed or Canola Method

1. Add these ingredients after the ferment has fermented for minimum 12 hours. Fold together until batter is almost smooth. Don’t be too aggressive as to not remove all the sourdough bubbles.

2. Cook in waffle iron like you would any other waffle Serve with salted butter and warm maple syrup or with berries and whipped cream. Batter will last in fridge for 48 hours, it might split but just fold it back together.

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

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

reception@valleydentalclinic.ca

Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Frittata with Goat Cheese Recipe courtesy Chef Nick Caulford, The Playbill Dining Room, Chemainus Theatre This Asparagus Frittata is the perfect recipe for a spring brunch, featuring leeks and creamy goat cheese. It would be an impressive dish to serve Mom on Mother’s Day.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 bunch asparagus , cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 cup) 1 cup thinly sliced leeks , both white and green parts 1 cup smoked salmon, chopped roughly 8 whole eggs , beaten 1/3 cup heavy cream 2 oz chèvre , crumbled Chives, chopped for garnish Sea salt and pepper

Method

When things get back to a new nor�al, we will be ready to help you Liſt your entire well being with an Energ� Balancing Treat�ent!

Till then... “Be Calm, Be Kind, Stay Safe”

For more infor�ation visit www.janet�aino.com/liſt

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Add the olive oil to oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the asparagus for 5 minutes. Add in the leeks and continue to sauté until both vegetables are tender. Add the smoked salmon and toss with Vegetables.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl beat together the eggs and heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt and several grinds of black pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet once the veggies are tender, and then sprinkle the goat cheese over the top.

3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to bake until the top is lightly golden, about 10 minutes. It’s okay if the middle still has a little jiggle to it, as the eggs will continue to cook for several more minutes once you remove the pan. Slice and serve warm. Garnish with chopped chives.

4. You can keep a frittata out on the table for up to an hour for serving once it’s reached room temperature, but after that you need to store it covered in the fridge.

Leftovers can last up to 5 days, and you can serve them cold or reheated in the stove.

Diana Pink I 250 597-2102 I afreshstart@shaw.ca 22

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Why We Should Read

his is the story of two young girls and the tenacity and love needed to overcome the effects of poverty, injustice and resulting family breakdown.

Social workers and police forcibly remove the Métis sisters from their parents’ home, the last time the little girls will share the comfort of family. Social workers promise the well-mannered Raintree girls they will stay together yet they are placed in separate homes. The first foster families are kind, well intentioned; unfortunately, these placements do not last. April is moved to a family even more injurious than their birth home, and mistreated as a despised servant. The social service system is unable to see, understand or deal with the racism.

April Raintree is about the strength of love between siblings who struggle to identify their individual sense of self, while they grapple their way through severe conditions.

From alternate viewpoints, they try unsuccessfully to protect each other from society’s and their own reframing of reality.

Author Beatrice Mosionier is

herself Métis; she and her two sisters were taken from their family into foster care; both sisters later committed suicide.

Take Out Fri-Sun 12-7

Part of the story is the tension between different aspects of identity. With April’s ability to pass as white, she could choose to live in the white world.

Whites seemed to the young April to be “winners all the way”. For brown-skinned sister Cheryl, this is not a possibility.

Polenta Fries ~ 8 Smoked Cheddar, Lemon Paprika Aioli

In Search of April Raintree, was first published in 1983.

In 1984, Manitoba Education revised it to be suitable for high school students and republished it under the title April Raintree.

It is considered valuable in exploring Métis identity. But it is much more. It uncovers the worst of foster care and circumstances that can define the system of the 1960s, and of today. Rather than listen to the sisters’ truth, a social worker scolds the misunderstood girls with a harsh lecture on the “native girl” syndrome. The social worker’s reprimand reflects stereotypical beliefs and imposes a heavy burden indeed.

April Raintree and its Teacher’s Guides continue as classroom resources. This book “lifts the rug”; truth is an active and powerful advocate for Indigenous women’s rights.

The Warmland Book and Film Collective: a response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – explores, celebrates and learns from Indigenous authors and filmmakers – meets the 2nd Wednesday/ each month. 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Next meeting is planned for May 13 and the next book is Powwow Summer, by Nahanni Shingoose. Questions? warmlandcollective@gmail. com Submitted by Miyo Stevens

Spice Crusted Lamb Shoulder Croquettes ~ 11 24hr Braised Lamb Shoulder, Almonds, Parsley, Mint Sauce Wicklow Winter Beet Salad (gf) ~ 17 Wicklow Farms Greens, Salt Roasted Beets, Pickled Beets, Mixed Nuts, Goat Cheese, Lemon Vinaigrette Unsworth Signature Burger & Fries ~ 21 Two Rivers Ground Beef, Pancetta, Basil Aioli, Spicy Tomato Jam, Chipotle Aioli Gluten Free Substitution ~ 2 Add Smoked Cheddar ~ 2 Smoky Seafood Chowder (gf) ~ Cup 13 / Bowl 20 Carrot, Fennel, Celery, Potato, Parsley, Fresh Local Fish & Shellfish, Bread of the Day Steak Frites (gf) 8 oz ~ 32 \ 10 0z ~ 39 Grilled Ribeye, Garlic Herb Butter, Red Wine Shallot Jus, House Greens, Lemon Vinaigrette House-Made Pasta of the Day ~ Ask about Today’s Selection ~ Pizzas Margherita Pizza ~ 18 Roasted Tomato Sauce, Buffalo Mozzarella, Fresh Basil Tre Carne Pizza ~ 22 Roasted Tomato Sauce, Lonzino, Pork & Fennel Mince, Pancetta, Parmesan, Arugula Fungi Pizza ~ 20 Mushrooms , Thyme , Garlic, Haltwhistle Tomme De Vallee Rotating Seasonal Pizza ~ Ask about Today’s Selection ~ ~10% Gratuity Applied To Every Bill~

2915 Cameron Taggart Rd, Mill Bay www.unsworthvineyards.com Call 250-929-2292 ext 1 to order 23

Ten Great Mother’s Day Gifts in Downtown Duncan Images Ian Locke Story Amanda Vance

T

his Mother’s Day, celebrate your mom while also supporting the local businesses you know and love! It has never been easier to shop local than it is now with so many businesses developing online options for you to order food, services, and other unique gifts.

Whether you want to buy a gift card for future services at Matisse Day Spa, or set up a personalized shopping

experience at Cardino Shoes, Downtown Duncan is brimming with gifts for mom. Read on for more information!

1) Breakfast in Bed with Ironworks Delivery Start your Mom’s day off right with a sweet four berry crepe in bed! Now conveniently available through Dash Delivery, you can make Mom happy in just a few simple clicks.

Aquamaris Art Gallery

2) Zoom Yoga Classes with Lise Duncan

4) Jacuzzis from Sun Valley Spas

If quarantine has left your mom feeling cramped, get an online yoga class with Equipoise Bodyworks! Owner and Founder Lise Duncan is ready to coach you from home with a Zoom class – email her at liseduncan@ gmail.com for more details.

Turn quarantine into a staycation! With everyone spending so much time at home, what a great time for home improvement projects – how about putting in a Jacuzzi hot tub for Mom? Sun Valley Spas can make this dream into a reality with their amazing and affordable payment plans.

For more information, call 250.748.9811.

3) Hair Care Products by EK Hair Though you may not be able to get your usual salon services right away, EK Hair offers a wide range of professional products available for purchase online.

They also offer free delivery anywhere in the Cowichan Valley!

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5) Kitchenware from Pots & Paraphernalia With everyone cooking now more than ever, how about upgrading your kitchenware at Pots & Paraphernalia?

They offer a one on one shopping service available by telephone at 250-748-4614.

Equipose Body Works Lise Duncan

6) Fun Footwear at Cardino Shoes You don’t have to spend all day in your slippers. Surprise mom with that nice pair of shoes she has been eyeing at Cardino Shoes. Shop Blundstone, Miz Mooz, and more unique brands and styles online and benefit from free shipping. Or, contact the shop for a private appointment to view your favourites before making a final decision.

Reach out at 250.746.4333 to book a time now.

7) Peach Bellini Bath Bombs at Backwoods Soap After spending a special day with Mom, what could be more relaxing than a hot

bath and some precious alone time? You can buy mango and green tea bath bombs, Hawaiian paradise, and more fun fizzy flavours of bath bombs at their website.

8) Gift Card for Matisse Day Spa Mother’s Day doesn’t have to end in a day – how about buying a gift card for a massage, sugar scrub, body wrap, or another spa treatment down the line? Visit their website for a quick, easy but pleasing gift.

9) Gift Card from Station Street Tattoos Celebrate mom’s artistic flair and individuality with a gift certificate towards a piece of body art! Station Street Tattoos is accepting etransfers for gift cards. Contact them through email at info@station streettattoos.com or social media for more information or to check out some of the incredible work done there!

10) Artwork from Aquamaris Art Gallery

Pots & Paraphernalia

Have you had a chance to visit this beautiful new gallery

in the Garage? If not, check out some exquisite pieces on their website. If you contact them through their social media they will arrange for delivery or pick up.

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lilies, ranunculus, hydrangeas and roses. As much as possible we like to choose local flowers. Something we love to share with our customers and are really proud of are the roses we use.

While some people tend to think that roses don’t have the longest cut flower life, the roses we use are grown right here on Vancouver Island.

Their quality is stellar and because they are grown here they are very fresh when they get to us.

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shley Stevenson, owner of local downtown Duncan flower shop Willow and Orchid gained her appreciation for flowers at an early age. “I spent countless summers surrounded by flowers that my grandmother lovingly planted, cared for and tended to all summer long. She taught me their names and how to care for them and grow them.

Some of her favourites that instantly bring back endearing memories of her are her sweet peas, poppies, petunias, sunflowers, tiger lilies and wild daisies” smiles Stevenson. “On Vancouver island we are so fortunate to live in a climate where so many flowers can be grown locally. As Mother’s Day falls in the Spring the abundance of early bloomers such as tulips and hyacinths are popular choices.

Flowers are a seasonal gesture to celebrate Spring.

A sign of life and fertility they are a perfect way to honour mothers and show our gratitude to mothers, grandmothers, and stepmothers everywhere.

DOWNTOWN

DUNCAN

250 510 8700

Celebrate Mothers With Flowers Traditionally carnations were given on Mother’s Day to symbolize purity, love and a mother’s strength. Spring flowers bouquets, potted flowering plants and elegant orchids are popular ideas. `We get some really unique and exotic orchid plants in at this time of year. Orders are received from as far away as New Zealand, South America and the UK during the holidays.

This year we will be offering designer‘s choice bouquets • Skin Care Services • Esthetics Services • Natural Sugaring Hair Removal • Onsite Gel Nail Artist • Facial Bar

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance 26

to suit every budget as well as potted hydrangea plants, exotic orchid plants and gift packages featuring local artisan goods. All are available on our website.

This year we have had to adjust our operations, so unfortunately we cannot guarantee specific colours or types of flowers - but as always we will do our best to provide you with the most beautiful arrangements we can. Some of the fresh cut flowers we expect to have available are tulips, hyacinth,

Mother’s Day orders are available online through our website www. willowandorchid.com and we offer contactless payment methods and contactless delivery. This will be the first Mother’s Day holiday that we likely won’t have our doors open for customers to come in and order so we have adapted and are happy that we can still help readers deliver joyful and uplifting flowers to their loved ones. We greatly appreciate the continuing support of our customers and community and hope to see you all again soon! Please checkout our Instagram and Facebook page for the most up to date information and products we have available. www.willoworchidboutique andfloraldesign. vendecommerce.com/

Happy Mother’s Day!

Beautiful NGI, Vegan and Wheat Cakes Available by Pre Order & Pick UP!

Pick Up Some Tasty Take Out! Submitted by Robyn Dailey

M

ay is here and the Duncan Garage Cafe and Bakery looks a lot different than it did this time last year! As the world changes rapidly around we are constantly looking for ways to bring our little community the same beautiful, healthy, organic food we have been making for the last 16 years. Until we are able to open again we will be offering a weekly menu from Wednesday to Saturday, available for pickup from our Cafe. This menu will change each week but will always feature a green salad, fresh bread, fresh soup, a family size casserole, whole pizza and many of our regular sweet

treats fresh each morning from our bakery!

We are happy to announce we will be continuing our tradition of specialty Mothers Day cakes this year! Cakes can be pre ordered by calling the cafe and available for pick up through the month of May. In a time when connecting with others can be hard our Mothers Day Cakes are a beautiful way to say I Love You to the special Mums in our lives!

We hope everyone in our community is staying safe, healthy and finding ways to be kind to one another. We can’t wait to see you all back in our Cafe again soon!

place your order! fB: Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery

Watch our Facebook page for weekly menu updates and call the Cafe at 250-748-6223 to 27

Christina Hamill, Cowichan Valley Craniosacral. She is a member of the APPPAH (Association For Prenatal And Perinatal Psychology And Health and specializes in Prenatal and Child Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) www. cowichancraniosacral.com

S

leep is a sensitive time for a baby both consciously and subconsciously.

Consciously so because the time of falling asleep can feel like a separation that can trigger all kinds of unsettling anxious emotions.

Subconsciously because this is a crucial time when an infant’s body is recuperating, restoring, and developing at the deepest level. One of the best things parents can do for their little one to support sleep is to establish a consistent daily rhythm from morning until night, because this helps cue their baby for what is to come and makes transitions and settling easier.

Babies thrive when they are gently and lovingly supported when crossing the threshold into sleep. They need a calming consistent sequence of actions that prepares and cues them for sleep. It’s practical for parents to learn by heart a short nursery rhyme and lullaby and to include soothing touch.

Babies love repetition, so I encourage parents to choose a nursery rhyme and song they like! Hearing their own parent’s voice nurtures and strengthens baby’s social nervous system, reassures their sympathetic and

28

The Importance of Good Sleep for Infant Development parasympathetic nervous system AND activates the neural pathways for speech and language development.

Another very important aspect of restorative healthy sleep is to provide babies with 100% natural breathable sleepwear and linens, as well as chemical free bedding, whether using a crib, cosleeper, or co-sleeping directly on their parents’ bedding. Synthetic materials are not breathable and result in energy expended in negotiating body temperature which competes with the body’s intuitive time to restore. A baby’s sleep time is a sacred time. It is wise to protect babies from chemicals because

when toxicity bombards the nervous system it weakens a baby’s vital forces needed for optimal growth and development. Our community is fortunate to have Resthouse Sleep Solutions carry a variety of organic and wool baby blankets, all season wool comforters, organic cotton crib sheets, organic waterproof crib protectors, eco wool puddle protectors and natural wool fleece toppers, all to help support your baby’s healthy sleep.

The good news is that customer service and their inventory is available online.

Babies show us through facial language, body language and crying when they are struggling with feeling Felted wool makes for a great natural puddle protector in a crib or for co-sleeping with your baby.

tired. They tend to have droopy eyes, rub their eyes, disengage from eye contact, rub their ears, pull on their ears, get irritable, nuzzle their head into mum or dad’s chest or a blanket, and can look lethargic or like a floppy rag doll. It is best for babies to receive consistent coherent signals from their parents previewing them for sleep BEFORE they are overtired.

Gradually establishing a daily rhythm helps support healthy sleep habits and ideally prevents struggles with sleep.

With my maternity clients, I actually encourage sleep rhythms to get established during pregnancy. Parents can start reading a story and singing a lullaby to their unborn baby at regular times.

Parents who do this notice how quickly their baby is soothed and ready for sleep when the same story and lullaby are used after birth.

Basic struggles with sleep can be the result of the daily rhythm being interrupted, such as travelling or too much stimulus. When parents keep this in mind, they can be calm and integrate strategies, such as taking pauses to connect with their baby in a quiet place, which can help soften the impact of the rhythm being off.

Adjusting to having a newborn in the home is so much easier when lots of support is in place ahead of time for the first 6 months: meals in the freezer, diaper service, someone to clean the house for you, etc. If mum is stressed and tired, baby, who is like a sponge, will feel it and become stressed and tired too. Infants are a whole sense organ—they feel everything.

I’m a huge advocate for

Premium Eco Wool™ Crib Comforters keep baby warm without overheating, while a fleece topper will keep the crib dry while being washable as well.

WILLOWANDORCHID.COM

Weekly and monthly floral subscriptions • Weddings & Events • Customized Gift Crates • Floral Design Classes and Workshops • Sympathy Arrangements • Online, Telephone and Email Ordering • Delivery layers of support for the parents, which allows the parents time to be relaxed and have skin to skin time with their baby. This establishes a sense of calm and safety in the baby’s amygdala (the part of the brain that detects emotions and prepares for survival situations), making it easier to settle into deep sleep. I realize mums have

heard time and time again to sleep when baby sleeps, but maybe they haven’t heard the why! Sleep is fundamental for recalibrating the whole nervous system and because infants mirror the state of their mother’s nervous system, they deeply benefit when mum also gets her much needed sleep.

101 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250-748-9868 willowandorchid@gmail.com www.cowichancraniosacral.com www.resthouse.ca

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Jane Spencer, Owner of Fabrications

H

appy Beautiful May everyone. Is it just me, or can you all hear the birds a little louder? Yes, and like it or not, the majority of us have had our everyday routines and lives turned upside down. But as a community and world, we have certainly rediscovered so many splendid things. As a business owner, the first couple of weeks felt like a staycation. I was

supposed to be in Germany for a trade show, so my backyard, wasn’t such a hardship. Then, came week three and panic set in! Like so many retailers, I have spent years doing a really good job at how WE want to run a business. Now the rules have all changed! The new question is HOW? I had to be dragged, kicking and screaming to create an online shop, but I am proud to say, it’s truly up and running! A brand new website too, www. foreverfab.com now completes our make over by Zuk Design.

Walking thru that paralyzing fear of what now, allowed us to reinvent ourselves.

As I write this, we are selling online, offering local, free delivery and curb side pick up. But when you read this article, we will be having appointment shopping available and have protocol in place for how we can do what we love! Which is personally serve our customers. Sourcing a safe spray to sanitize our clothing, hand cleaning lotions and learning safe distancing for both staff and our customers. And still be a full service, fun loving shop!

The New Way To Retail (Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks) Conway Scarf by Joules

Mother’s Day may come with less celebration, but this year’s may be more important than ever.

Think of how you feel, when you see the hearts in the windows of homes and businesses. As a Mom, a heart back to me from my kids is all I need. A photo of one drawn at the beach by them, a phone call or just anything that sends a symbol of love. This is the time to pass along your love and kind words to everyone you care about. It’s about families and community.

www.theainslie.ca 161 Kenneth St., Duncan 250-597-3695 30

Gift certificates are a great way to support all local businesses!

Your purchase really helps them keep afloat and tells them they are still valued and that they

haven’t been forgotten., Right now in the shop, we are loving all the easy, relaxed styles. Anything that feels cozy, makes you happy and brightens your day, is really what we are reaching for.

Whether you are dressing to walk the dog, putter in the garden or sit with a book in the sunshine, choose natural fibres ;linen, cotton, cashmere and silk all get better with age and wear.

Layering is our West Coast thing!

A 100% cotton Velvet brand tee, Mac or Liverpool jeans, Joules sweatshirt or pullover and a happy scarf. Now you are ready for a great day!

Hang in there everyone! We love our community, Island and country! www.foreverfab.com

A single wool fibre

Wool The Miracle Healing Fibre

W

ool has more benefits for the body by far, than any other fibre. 100% wool helps alleviate many common medical conditions including, but not limited to, arthritis, diabetes, menopause, pressure sores, ulcers and so much more.

Whether your loved one is in homecare or hospital, wool is the answer to this needless suffering. Medical experts agree 95% of bedsores are preventable. The human body loses an average of 1L of moisture per night.

Skin integrity requires it to breathe to prevent breakdown.

Moisture creates bacteria, which thrives on our skin, causing skin to deteriorate.

Wool fibre wicks away moisture and releases it into the air through evaporation, works to regulate and maintain a constant body temperature of 37 C/98.6 F, and is naturally bacteria, fungus and mold resistant. Dust mites and bed bugs can’t live in wool!

Wool is effective at treating and preventing the three main causes of skin breakdown – moisture, pressure and chafing – by absorbing 3040% of its own weight in moisture, keeps the contact skin area dry, and the person comfortable (synthetics absorb 0-4%). Wool fibres are

coiled, spring-like, tubular, flexible structures, thus giving gentle support, enhancing circulation to prevent chafing.

Once an area of the skin is compromised, known as a pressure wound, you have a window of 24 to 36 hours before a skin breakthrough.

The coccyx is usually the first area of concern and if you apply a wool comfort pad in the early stage, it will return to its normal healthy skin colour within 24 hours. Two new videos on our website show a testimonial from a husband and wife. Cliff suffered needlessly for 2 1/2 years’ while healthcare professionals treated his diabetic heel ulcers with “traditional medical” methods. The Diabetic Store in Victoria recommended they get in touch with Anyes de Laat, owner of Soul Comfort Sheep’s Wool. Wool supports the body in healing itself, 2 1/2 months after starting treatment with sheep’s wool placed directly on the ulcers his heels where completely restored. The body has a tremendous capacity to heal, it is a phenomenal piece of mechanic. Cliff’s heels remained intact for the last 14 months of his life. Senior nurses still swear that it worked BEST for the prevention of skin breaks.

In addition to being anti-static, wool fibres are fire and stain resistant, odour reducing, durable, machine washable and quick drying. Since most footwear is synthetic, using a wool insole will help prevent bacteria and fungus (athelete’s foot).

“Soul Comfort started with the gift of my first born as I did not want her to have cold feet.

I had trained with a furrier in Quebec and learned how to work the hide. I designed her first little sheepskin booties and gave them to all my friends with their new babies as a gift.

Before I knew it, adults were asking for a pair and my little hobby grew into a business.

As time went on, clients would request footwear for their parents as they many had such foot swelling, they could not find anything to fit. Hence the beginning of the health and wellness line of goods. Today we have three wool densities of medical sheep’s wool fabric

and more than 50 accessories to comfort and alleviate the body. Our machine washable and dryer friendly medical wool comfort mats have been approved by Cathy Munford, president of infection control for use in Senior Home Care facilities for almost 20 years.

Soul Comfort Sheepskin & Wool is open Tuesday to Friday 11 to 4 pm with all physical distancing measures in place.

Mail order delivery also available. For more info call 250-737-1281 190 Fourth st, Duncan. www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com

Submitted by Anyes deLaat

31

Here are a few of the ways local businesses have adapted to serve you in better and safer ways. The following THINK LOCAL guide aims to share who is OPEN for business and identify what new safety protocols in place to help keep you safe too.

GIFTS

Little Bird rose4littlebird@gmail.com Gift store featuring great cards, Roger’s Chocolates, custom wire tiaras, organic soaps & lotions, beeswax candles, local jewelry, journals etc!

Ph/o O/o D/v p/u C/$

A Memorable Gift 250-710-3088

All gift products are wiped down and kept in a clean environment. Canada-wide shipping available. www.amemorablegift.com Ph/o p/u O/o C/$ d/v

Dancing Dandelion Farms 250 510-7592

Drop by our farm stand at 3204 Drinkwater Rd. for beautiful locally grown flower bouquets. Order via cow-op.ca Ph/o p/u O/o C/$ d/v

32

Think

BEAUTY

Wild Coast Perfumery 250-701-2791 100% natural perfumes blended, aged & bottles in Cowichan Bay. The perfect Mother’s Day gift! wildcoastperfumes.com O/o, p/u, d/v C/$

FOOD

Unsworth Vineyards and Restaurant 250-929-2292

Take out menu, including wood fire pizza, Friday – Sunday from noon – 7 pm.

Call to order. Order wine online, free shipping for full cases on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Less than 12 bottles pick up during special pick up www.unsworthvineyards.com Ph/o O/o C/$ d/v p/u T/o

Soul Escape Spa and Boutique soulescape@shaw.ca

Beginning in May open Mondays 8-12pm only for pick up of skin, bath, body and gift certficates. Email orders only.

O/o C/$ p/u

Gourmet frozen meals. Free delivery within Cowichan Valley. Code VVMAY2020 for 10% off online order. www. farmsgatefoods.ca/home-delivery Ph/o, O/o C/$ d/v

Vancouver Island Event Catering Food Truck 250 701 8593

Viva Medical Aesthetics 250-746-6512 (mornings) Effective, medical-grade skin care products delivered to your door and FaceTime consults with Dr. Pascoe. www. vivamedicalaesthetics.com Ph/o O/o D/v C/$

Farm’s Gate Foods and Catering 250 466 5412

Bridgemans Bistro 778-356-3568

Take Out and Local Delivery of Food and Alcohol. Check Facebook @bridgemansbistro or www.bridgemans.ca for specials Ph/o C/$ d/v p/u T/o

Delicious made from scratch curries, burgers, tacos, and more. Tue-Fri 11- 4pm Home Hardware Parking Lot, Duncan www.vieventcatering.com Ph/o C/$ p/u T/o

Art To Eat Catering 250-701-1683

Ph/o, O/o C/$ p/u d/v Cakes, gourmet meals and baked goods for pick up or delivery. Payment by e-transfer. arttoeatcatering.com Ph/o, O/o C/$ p/u

DRINK

GROCERY

Duncan Garage Bakery & Cafe 250-748-6223

Offering fresh organic take away food to keep you and your family nourished during these times. Call and place your order 7 days a week.

Pick up Wed-Sat 12-2pm only.

Check fb for menu updates.

Ph/o p/u T/o P/D C/$

Emandare Vineyard 250-597-4075

Holy Cow Indian Eats 778-422-3310

Riot Brewing Co. 250-324-7468

We are now offering delivery of frozen entrees at www. holycowindianeats.com Minimum $30 order for free delivery. Beer from Small Block Brewery also available with any meal delivery.

Ph/o O/o C/$x d/v T/o p/u

Our delicious new spring release wines are available with doorstep delivery or appointment pick-up. www.emandarevineyard.com Ph/o p/u O/o C/$ d/v

The Community Farm Store 250-748-6227

Sign up for our free membership and order your organic groceries online!

Pay over the phone and we will place your order in your trunk when you arrive.

Celebrate mom this May with a beautiful hand woven Baraka basket filled with her fairtrade chocolate, handmade beeswax candles, plant starts or seeds, or the fixings for her favourite meal. www. communityfarmstore.ca O/o p/u C/$ T/o

Chemainus Health Food Store 250 246-9838

We are collecting all items for customers and all bulk items are prepackaged. Debit and Credit payment only. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm 1 person in store at a time. Stay safe!

Ph/o p/u C/$

Lynns Vitamin Gallery 250-748-4421

Our lounge remains open for take out sales and we now offer home delivery service Monday - Friday. Order by phone or at riotbrewing. square.site Ph/o O/o C/$ d/v p/u T/o

Safe shopping available for our customers. Pre Order, Pre Pay and Pick Up available too.

Open Mon-Fri- 9:30-5:30pm O/o P/D C/$ p/u

CHOCOLATE The Olive Station theolivestation@shaw.ca

Blue Grouse Winery 250-743-3834

Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese

250 929-2873

We are open 7 days a week and preparing delicious fresh food for take out or for the freezer. Home delivery service at www.cow-op.ca Ph/o p/u d/v P/D C/$ T/o

Ph/o PHONE orders

New releases and your favourite wines are available online, phone or email orders.

Free local delivery or Winery pick up. Free shipping for 6+ bottles throughout BC www.bluegrouse.ca Ph/o O/o C/$ d/v p/u

O/o ONLINE Access

p/u Pick Up

Simply send us an email and we will deliver or arrange pick up. Visit theolivestation.com for product information.

O/o C/$ d/v p/u

Chocolate Pearl

cpearlduncan@gmail.com We are offering pick up at the shop or free local deliveries.

Check out our web site for selection and pricing.

Ph/o O/o C/$ d/v p/u

T/o

Take Out

C/$

d/v

Contactless Payment

DELIVERY 33

GARDEN CARE

Think Orca Pool & Spa 250-466-4050

Dinter Nursery 250-748-2023

Open 6 days a week from 10 to 4:30 CLOSED Wednesdays.

Allowing 20 cars to shop at a time with up to 20 cars waiting in a holding area. 5 acres of retail area for social spacing.

On site customer service available and doing our best to handle phone and online inquiries. dinternursery.ca Ph/o O/o p/u d/v C/$

HEALTH & FITNESS

Kathy White Yoga

kathy@kathywhiteyoga.com

Lunar Bloom Landscaping 1-250-210-1705

Lunar Bloom Landscaping specializes in Eco + Ornamental Design where our focus is on creating beautiful, enduring food & medicine producing systems by applying aesthetically pleasing stonework with sensory engaging plants for your landscape. www.lunarbloom.ca Ph/o O/o SW P/D C/$

FASHION

MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL

Invest in your happy place.

Installs, upgrades plus service, maintenance & supplies for your at-home stay-cation oasis. Pools & hot tubs. orcapoolandspa.com Ph/o, O/o P/D SW C/$, d/v

Live online kaiut yoga classes via zoom. New students $15 for 3 classes. Yoga for everyone. www.kathywhiteyoga.com O/o Ph/o C/$

Lise Duncan 250 701 3731

On-Line Health & Wellness Studio. Holistic Health & Resilience Coaching.

Instruction in Yoga, Pilates, Bodywork Therapies equipoisebodyworks.com O/o Ph/o C/$

Mid Island Ink Depot inkdepot@shaw.ca

Delivering Printer Ink & Laser Toner Cartridges to your door at the best prices in the area.

Call 250 732 6955 www.inkdepot.ca O/o Ph/o P/D d/v C/$

Paul’s Pump & Treatment 250-510-7006

Certified maintenance, inspections, repairs, installations, testing and treatments for all clean water needs. Competitive pricing and 30+ years local experience. www.paulswater.com ph/o o/o P/D C/$

LAUNDRY SERVICE BC Aquifer 250 748 4041

Well pump installs & maintenance, water testing & water filtration systems.

Regular & emergency service available. www.bcaquifer.ca Ph/o P/D

Crofton Shop & Wash 250-324-2249

Fabrications fab125@shaw.ca

Featuring the best boutique brands from the UK, Europe and North America. Shop online!

Pick up and free delivery within the Cowichan Valley. www.foreverfab.com p/u d/v O/o C/$ P/D

34

Mindful Yin Yoga

HarmonyYogaDuncan.com Soothe your nervous system and process what is arising. Offered online everyThurs evening through HarmonyYogaDuncan.com

Island Drone Services 778-584-5753

Aerial video and photography, 3D mapping, animation & more. Licenced & insured. www.islanddrone.ca Ph/o O/o P/D SW C/$

Drop off Laundry service available or book an appointment to do your own laundry. Allowing one customer at a time in order to maintain safe social distancing.

Phone orders and online shopping also available with contactless payment Ph/o O/o SW P/D C/$

HOME & INTERIOR DESIGN

Resthouse Sleep Solutions 250-597-7378

Offering natural bedding products for an eco fabulous sleep. Try our Kakun body pillows, now available in 8 sizes. www.resthouse.ca Ph/o O/o p/u d/v C/$

documents and signatures.

Personal, email or phone consultations. www.vidaglaser.ca Ph/o O/o P/D SW C/$

LOCAL ARTS

Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society 250-416-1205

Great Circle End of Life Planning 250-732-6452

A non-profit, bringing Chemainus Valley communities together through the arts: Music, Painting, Sculpture, Literary, and more.

See CVCAS.ca O/o C/$ Ph/o

We provide guidance and resources for end of life planning, tailored for your individual needs.

Ph/o O/o d/v C/$

PETS & ANIMALS Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Online cowichanpac.ca Live Edge Design 250 748 0763

Home office furniture solutions including sit/stand desks.

Locally made in a safe P/D workplace with curbside delivery. liveedgedesign.com P/D Ph/o O/o d/v C/$

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Vida Glaser B.Sc. Realtor Pemberton Holmes 778 966 9177 Offering Virtual and InPerson home viewings with health protocols. Online home evaluations, electronic

Ph/o PHONE orders

CPAC has launched an online portal to showcase local artists during this strange time. Dancers, singers, instrumentalists, writers and visual artists have all reached out with exciting artistic contributions to the Cowichan community. You can view these videos at our facebook page or on our website.

Steph Stew’s Dog Do’s Professional Dog Grooming 250- 597-7364 Social distancing protocols for drop off. Eight years of experience. All breeds and sizes welcomed. Dogsafe Canine First Aid Certified.

P/D SW Ph/o C/$

Top Shelf Feeds 250) 746-5101

Cowichan Valley Virtual Fine Arts Show cvartscouncil@shaw.ca

Call in orders or stop by with cash or debit for all your garden and animal needs! We carry poultry, horse, livestock, pet feeds and supplies, fencing material, lawn and garden tools. topshelffeeds.ca P/D Ph/o C/$

O/o ONLINE Access

ART SUPPLIES, CRAFTS, TEXTILES & BOOKS

From the safety of your couch, check out our talented Island artists celebrating 50 years of the visual arts in the Cowichan Valley.

O/o

p/u

Pick Up

P/D

Freya Sophia Waldorf Store FreyaSophiaWaldorfstore @gmail.com

Three fabulous rooms of Waldorf inspired art supplies, crafts, clothing, fibers, textiles, toys, dolls, accessories and more! Storybooks for preschool to primary, gradeschool to adult and an extensive selection of books related to parenting, teaching, gardening, health and growth. Open Wednesdays 11-3pm Email orders to Nicolette for pick up Ph/o O/o P/D SW C/$

SHEEPSKIN & WOOL

Soul Comfort Sheepskin & Wool

wool@ soulcomfortsheepskin.com

We specialize in Sheep Wool and Sheepskin products for comfort and healing: Palliative Care, Personal Care, Babies, Bedding, Footwear and Pets.

Open Tues - Fri 11-4pm www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com Ph/o O/o P/D SW p/u d/v C/$

Physical Distance

d/v DELIVERY 35

Music

NEW AGE SESSIONS

Sacred Silence Modern Day Oracle 250-710-5287

Psychic/Intuitive Card Reader, Medium and Energy Healer.

Call today for insightful guidance and empowerment.

Tapping EFT Sessions also available. SacredSilence.net Ph/o O/o C/$

Ph/o

PHONE orders

36

David Yaeger Emotion Code/Body Code/Quantum Touch Practitioner 250-597-3686

Removal of obstacles to being the best person you can be.

COVID-19 special: Immune Function tune-up.

Ph/o C/$

O/o

ONLINE Access

P/D

Lila Community Choir joythroughmusic@shaw.ca

Want to Sing? Join us on Zoom Sings. Connect to breath, Sing at home or at park, Sing for Joy, Release your Voice.

Sun & Wed. By Donations www.joythroughmusic.com joythroughmusic@shaw.ca Ph/o O/o P/D C/$

Physical Distance

SW

Hermanns Jazz Club info@hermannsjazz.com Continue supporting local live musicians from the comfort of your home. Hermanns Jazz Livecast. Shows 4 times a week! Show schedule on www.hermannsjazz.com O/o C/$ P/D

C/$

SOLO Worker Contactless Payment

Peace in the Pandemic

T

he current global crisis asked us to make overnight adjustments to our lives, to our families, to our work, we were asked to be flexible. To adapt and adjust. To meet these new conditions and make the most of them, even when surrounded by uncertainty.

Dis-ease, being ill at ease with something is often made worse when we resist it. When, on top of our suffering or illness, we add another layer of stress by worrying if it will get worse in the future, comparing our illness to the past. Reading about illness on our phones or computers and imagining what we have is the worst. If we feel anxious or worried, that creates and adds stress to our bodies.

Luckily, very few of us here on Vancouver Island have suffered from the physical symptoms and contagion of Covid-19, however all of us have had to adjust our lives quite dramatically. And with those adjustments if you resist them, if you argue with reality, you end up losing. You lose your peace of mind, you stress yourself out, you get angry or depressed and none of those reactions will do anything to change your situation.

What you can change is how you adapt to your situation.

If you can simply learn to breathe a few deep breaths every time you feel anxiety, fear, worry or anger grow. Take a break from your screen, get off social media, give yourself a break from T.V. My response to Covid-19 lockdown as a yoga teacher was to immediately move my classes

online. I opened a zoom room and my students joined me there.

It is not the same as having students join me in my studio, however its got some advantages.

My students don’t have to commute. They adjust to doing yoga in a different environment (their kitchen, bedroom, living room).

They learn to adapt and improvise with props, scarves, belts, cushions, books for bolsters, straps and blocks. They can have their family join (I’ve had dogs, cats, babies, spouses and kids all take the classes with me!) and the class gives a routine, a regular spot in the week, when so many of our regular routines are currently disrupted.

And I’m grateful that I have always taught my yoga students to listen to me not to watch me.

When I teach a class, I very rarely use my body to demonstrate, as that can create an image or idea of a perfect posture in the mind of my student. So teaching yoga on zoom, I am not asking my students to stare at (yet another) screen. I’m watching them via their camera and they are listening, hearing my voice and instructions, then adapting, changing, being flexible in their movements to find their own place where they can meet their restrictions, any lack of mobility then rest and settle the nervous system to relax. To find some peace amidst all the uncertainty.

Relaxed, we can find ways to be adaptable and flexible. It we are tense, tight or stressed, our body and our mind is on full alert. In order to be functioning well in our lives, we want our minds to be present to each moment as it arises. We want to feel our bodies and to move as nature intended.

We want to live in peace. And I love that many practitioners in our Valley continue to offering yoga, meditation, dance and other mindfulness opportunities online, all helping to create Peace in the Pandemic. www.kathywhiteyoga.com

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

250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca

www.WildGooseQigongCentre.com

Kathy White is a yoga teacher, certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, mother of two and moved to Crofton from the UK two years ago.

37

Monica Dockerty, Dockerty Gardens horticulturist and Dinter Nursery employee.

S

elf-isolation and more time spent at home this Spring has many Cowichan Valley residents turning to vegetable gardening for the first time. Vancouver Island growers are barely keeping up with the demand for vegetable seedlings, and a trend in vegetable gardening is surging.

Let’s hope this trend doesn’t fade away when schedules begin to return to normal becausegrowing your own food is sustainable, therapeutic, and without a doubt tastes so much better.

Welcome New Gardeners!

The month of May is when many new gardeners will have their first harvests, first pests, and their first failures.

Growing food is not a simple task; there are endless varieties of seeds, tools, and gardenrelated products, and even more opinions on how to optimize yields, deal with garden pests, and dig or not dig the soil.

pests, timing in the garden, and tonnes of useful information.

Go to her website to sign up: www.lindagilkeson.ca

Gardening is both a science and an art. It is also a very personal activity so sometimes it is best to simply experiment, ignore the rules, and learn by failure.

Also, doing your research goes a long way. Salt Spring Island gardener Linda Gilkeson releases a fantastic monthly newsletter educating readers on

Tools Watering Wands and Irrigation May is when watering begins to be crucial in the garden.

Consistent watering is essential to limit plant stress and to increase plant yields. When plants have inconsistent watering, crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are more likely to have split fruit.

Crops like broccoli, lettuce and kale will also be more likely to bolt (begin producing flowers), which results in these vegetables becoming more bitter in taste. Avoid letting soil dry out for more than a day.

Welcome new gardeners to the vegetable gardening world!

Here are some essential tools to use, pests to expect, seeds to sow, and vegetables to consider growing:

The most efficient way to water, and the most ideal way to water for the health of the plants is using micro or drip irrigation. Drip tape is easy to install and a timer can be used to ensure you don’t forget to water your crops. It is also worth investing in a kink-proof hose and quality watering wand. Watering wands with a mist option are very useful for small seedlings that can’t handle high pressure flows.

Reemay Cloth, Insect Netting and Shade Cloth Last year in early May we had temperatures soar into the high twenties. These are difficult conditions for newly planted seedlings and can cause wilting and leaf burn. During the first heat wave using shade cloth can reduce stress to crops, which allows for a healthier

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Vegetable Seeds to Sow in May • Beans, bush & pole • Beets • Broccoli • Carrots • Cauliflower • Celery/Celeriac • Corn • Leeks • Lettuce • Mustard • Onions and scallions • Pac choi & choi sum • Peas • Parsnips • Spinach • Swiss chard • Squash • Turnips plant and better yields.

Insect netting is another essential garden fabric.

Brassicas (kale, cauliflower, and broccoli) are the favourite food of cabbage moth larvae.

These larvae are small green caterpillars that munch on brassicas, often to the point of no return. Using insect netting or reemay cloth/row cover can protect these vegetables from moths laying their eggs on the leaves of these crops.

Insect netting is also very effective at stopping carrot rust fly from laying eggs on carrot seedlings (carrot rust fly larvae tunnel through the roots of carrot plants and make these vegetables unsightly and potentially inedible). When using insect netting for carrots, place it when you are sowing seeds. Carrot rust fly will affect the smallest the of seedlings,

so in this case an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. *Note: carrot seeds take at least seven days to germinate, so be patient. Also, do not let the soil dry out.

Weeding Tools Save your back and buy a hoe. Hoeing weeds when they are still small saves time in the garden, reduces soil disturbance, and is better for your body. I prefer a stirrup hoe, but every gardener has their own preference. When it is necessary to get on your hands and knees a trowel or a digging fork is essential.

There are many new gimmicky weeding tools out there, but the standards are often the best. I use a hori-hori for hand weeding and it is great at pulling even the deepest taproot out.

If you are starting a new garden in a weedy area, consider tarping it for the Summer.

Digging all the weeds up may be the faster solution but you will undoubtedly expose a large bank of weed seeds and rip roots of existing weedy plants, which often results in more weeds!

Garden Pests • Late season blight: This disease initially appears on the stems of tomato and potato plants. Stems will go black, then the foliage will die back, and fruit will eventually deteriorate. The best way to reduce the risk of late season blight is to keep the foliage of plants dry. July and August rains are especially effective at spreading late season blight from neighbour to neighbour.

Growing tomatoes in a hoop house is an almost sure-fire way of avoiding blight on tomatoes. If blight does appear on your crops pull them and do not compost them, because you will simply be overwintering the disease.

• Aphids: When it comes to

aphids, we all need to take a deep breath. Aphids are everywhere, they are one of the first garden pests to appear in the Fall, and the last to go asleep in the winter. Inspect your plants regularly, and spray aphids off with water. It is rarely necessary to use any insecticide for aphids in the home garden.

• Blossom end rot: Appearing on tomatoes as a black water spot on the base of the fruit, blossom end rot is entirely preventable. Be sure to fertilize your tomato plants with a fertilizer that contains Calcium.

It’s as simple as that.

• Wireworm: If you turned a grassy area into a new vegetable garden this spring you may have an established wireworm population in your garden. Wireworms eat the roots of seedlings, and burrow into carrot and potato crops.

Wireworms burrow deeper in the soil in the warmer Summer months because they do not like the heat, so if you do have an infestation avoid planting young seedlings until the soil has warmed up in May. Potato traps can be very effective at catching the wireworms, and then you can give the birds a delicious treat.

• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white residue on the leaves of plants. It often appears in June when plants are stressed from heat and lack of water.

Cut off foliage and destroy it when possible. For severe cases fungicides can be used.

Best Vegetables for New Gardeners Rule #1: Grow what you want to eat. Rule #2: Start small. Even if you only have a small patio or balcony a well-loved and tended space can be much more productive that a large garden patch.

Tomatoes are a great crop for new gardeners and can easily be grown in containers or in the ground. Dinter Nursery

has lots of seedlings and their variety list is available on their website: www. dinternursery.ca Peas can be sown every two weeks from March through to June, and they can also be easily grown in containers. Peas are a great crop for the shadier garden, though they will have the highest yields with 6-8 hours of sun per day.

Other crops to try if you are new to vegetable gardening are lettuce, radishes, beans, zucchini and kale. There are some vegetables that are a little trickier to grow in our climate, corn and eggplant for example.

This Spring has certainly been a Spring like no other. Many of us are spending more time at home, in our gardens, and with our families. You may have dived headfirst into the vegetable garden this spring.

Perhaps you went a little overboard on the Westcoast Seeds website, or you thought the weeds wouldn’t grow quite so fast. Gardening is not as simple as producing food.

It is therapy and play. Gardens are an ecosystem and a learning space. Be sure to give yourself some grace, and most importantly enjoy your time in your garden this Spring, whether it is in your backyard, on your porch, or on your windowsill.

Plant Summer Colour in May

Everything you need from pots to soil to create the magic of garden colour that lasts to October.

We also carry vegetable starts, seeds (West Coast, Metchosin and Pacific Northwest), potting soils and fertilizers. www.dinternursery.ca Serving local gardeners since 1973

250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

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Garden Story submitted by CFLA Garden Tour Volunteers Al and Sandy Campbell

(Trientalis borealis), Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla), and trillium ovatum began to emerge. We let Mother Nature and the lay of the land guide our plantings and pathway plotting.

Image courtesy Al & Sandy Campbell

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andy and I became owners of our property, Stonefold Gardens, 26 years ago after purchasing the home from Sandy’s parents who had owned the property for 24 years. The house has seen many extensions and renovations over its 100 year history. Built below the E&N Railway and its Cliffside Station the house was once known as the Little Dutch Tea Room. Even though the property had some nice garden features we began to expand and refurbish the gardens with not so much a vision but rather a naïve intent.

The most labour intensive revision was the eradication of approximately one quarter acre of English Ivy (Hedera helix) an evergreen vine recognized as a serious invasive plant of Vancouver Island. Removal was slow but steady and involved getting to my hands and knees with secateurs, clipping through layers of vine, cutting a small area the size of a sheet of plywood then rolling it up like carpet and carrying it away.

Even after the small area was clear it demanded that I go back over it with a pair of pliers to pullout remaining roots. I was not giving the ivy any chance of re-growing. Something that came as a surprise was uncovering the remnants of an old pathway

Cowichan Family Life Garden Tour Stonefold Gardens and dry stack rock wall. The remains of a gardener’s dream long past. Once a section of ivy was removed we reconditioned the old path and rock wall adding irrigation and plantings as we progressed. In all it took us five years to remove the ivy that needed to be gone.

The second large undertaking was on the 5 terraces that took up the sloping front yard. These terraces I expect were the work of the same long ago gardener who seemed to have a penchant for ground covers. One being the afore mentioned ivy and now here on the terraces, spreading junipers (Juniperus horizontalis).

The terraces are 10 ft. wide by

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50 ft. long and these ‘ancient’ junipers covered the whole area to the extent that one could not freely walk the terrace. The junipers were also so old and perhaps neglected that they seemed to be dying in the centre with only greenery showing at the tips. They had to go! At that time our 15 year old son was given leave to use our small 4 wheel drive and pull the junipers out. If pulling the shrubs out caused damage to the stacked rock fronts of the terrace we replace the damage with rock slab steps to access the different terraces without having to walk to either end.

These two ’new and improved’ sections are what we refer to as our Spring or woodland garden. The west sloping feature ensuring good drainage and with dappled to deep shade gave rise to our plantings of the majority of our 500+ rhododendrons.

We also found that the soil that was exposed with the removal of the ivy was very rich due to countless years of decaying plant material. Much to our surprise once the ivy was removed it allowed dormant native plants to thrive. Masses of starflower

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Our new plant acquisitions were acquired visiting local nurseries and talking ‘plants’ with the owners. Our biggest leap in plant knowledge came from joining the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society (CVRS), a Chapter of the world wide American Rhododendron Society (ARS).

The amount of knowledge that is held in garden societies is vast.

Joining the CVRS led us to ARS conventions and conferences held in Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Scotland. We quickly learned that there were specialty rhododendron nurseries and began our collection. As my rhododendron ’addiction’ took hold I found it more and more difficult to locate the hybrid and species plants that I desired so I built a greenhouse and propagating bench with which to begin rooting cuttings.

Even here I didn’t have access to the species plants I was after so I became a member of the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG) located in Federal Way, Washington which holds the largest collection of species rhododendrons in North America and second only to the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh world wide.

If you ask a rhododendron grower which is his or her favourite the answer mostly likely would be “ the one on full bloom today” . It would be easier to say which is the favourite sub-section of the genus. My affection leans toward the Triflora and Cinnabarina subsections. These include the species R. augustinii along with its hybrids and R, cinnabarinum and its hybrids.

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That being said we do grow species of most sub-sections and their hybrids as well.

Sandy has always been a gardener and has a love of all plants. Her forte is with herbaceous material and the ‘backyard’ of our property with its greater sun exposure became her domain. We revamped the patio garden at the house keeping existing Spring bulbs and adding more. Clematis varieties were added along fencing, my favourite being the yellow flowering ’Lemon Bells’. Multitude of polys/ primulas (Primulaceae), old and new varieties of various colours added and over time divided and replanted. Peonies (Paeonia), herbaceous low and tall varieties along with tree peonies have been planted where they do not get too much water. Where a little more shade was needed smaller trees were planted, among them being Magnolia stellata, M. wilsonii, and M. sieboldii. A dove tree (Davidia involucrate) was added along with the flowering cherry Mt. Fuji (Prunus shirotae). Next were the sweetly scented Viburnum carlesii and V. bodnantense ‘Pink Dawn’. We also added some dogwoods with our favourites being Cornus ‘Eddy’s White Wonder’ and the Japanese C. Kousa ‘Milkyway’.

With the added shade, hostas could be planted varying from the extreme ‘Blue Angel’ to the tiny ‘Mouse Ears’.

For the 43 years that Sandy and I have been married she has always been a keen gardener and with being members in garden clubs meeting knowledgeable people Sandy’s own knowledge expanded at an astounding rate. As time passed Sandy also became a ‘go to’ person with gardening questions. Her friendly nature and willingness to pass along her horticultural passion inspired her to start a landscape business which she carried on for 20 years. I personally concentrated on my infatuation with rhododendrons, taking executive and advisory

Original grounds with invasive ivy patch..

Image courtesy Al & Sandy Campbell

positions within the CVRS, the Rhododendron Species Foundation in Washington State and the new Greig Rhododendron Species Garden at the Milner Garden and Woodlands in Qualicum Beach.

Both Sandy and I are retired now but as you can see we both are kept very busy. What better way to wait out COVID-19 than in ones garden.

Cowichan Family Life Garden Tour Cancelled For 2020 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Cowichan Family Life Association programs. “We are celebrating half a century of the Agency giving Valley people hope, new beginnings, a sunrise, and a way forward.” shares Rick Stordeur, clinical supervisor.

Karen’s mom died recently, the police are looking for her son, and her landlord is evicting her.

Bert is suicidal after his wife left him for another man. Sid has a childhoodsecret tearing him apart and now he’s bursting to tell someone. Laura’s family depends on her, but she’s burning out from looking after her mom with Alzheimer’s. Now Laura is being forgetful. Is it the stress, or is she, too, cursed with the same disease?

For 50 years, these are the kinds of real challenges that Valley people brought to the Counsellors at Cowichan Family Life Association (CFLA). Referrals

for counselling services are sent from the legal community, doctors offices, and mental health authorities and the organization has been quietly helping in the background.

Cowichan Family Life grew out of a grassroots movement driven by concerned and caring people, who believed counselling services should be available to everyone and that people like you and I could learn the fundamental skills to provide quality counselling support.

The outcome of counselling can be dramatic. Improved mood, less anxiety, better sleep, a feeling of finally moving forward, out of suffering and into thriving. People become more productive and contribute more to their families, their jobs and the community.

Monies raised from the Annual Garden Tour fundraiser are are one of the main sources of much needed funds that helps to keep this registered charity running. “We counsel families and children under 13 years of age, and individuals.

We are the last resort for some and we do it with heart, often for free or for minimal cost as people can afford. ” adds Tina Short, CFLA Garden Tour Coordinator “Now more than ever people need help getting through this crisis.”

Donors – big and small – can contact the Agency to help keep it moving forward. CFLA is lean!

It does a lot with a small amount of money! www.cowichanfamilylife.org

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Their commitment to ensuring clients have access to healthy, clean water has made them a trusted and essential business for all island communities.

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& the Gulf Islands. From front office staff to certified installers, their team takes pride in providing clients with the recommendations & information needed for you to move forward on your project with confidence.

They also offer: • Free project consultations • 24 hour emergency services Visit them on their website at www.bcaquifer.ca , Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for more information.

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Play At Home

he buzz word “stay-cation” is very popular right now. One can either bemoan the cancellation of vacation plans, or choose to embrace this stay home directive as an opportunity to make your home a vacation haven of it’s own. Hey, if you’re going to spend 24/7 there (practically) for an indefinite period of time, then how about really enjoying your space?

Whether you’re winding down from your life of service in the work force, you’re in the throes of growing your happy family, or you’re somewhere in betwixt, focus your resources into creating a space that fosters and nurtures contentment.

Consider the benefits of investing in a pool or hot tub, either of which can be a vessel for; Fitness, Stress Relief & Hydro Therapy.

Imagine swimming laps or lazing around on an air

mattress as it gently bobs about, or doing a little jointfriendly aqua-fit and then positioning that lumbar region of yours over a water jet.

Sound good?

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Pools and hot tubs turn fam time into fab time – a playcation right in your own back yard - and when kiddies spend a day frolicking in the water, they exhaust excess energy, often making them far more inclined to fall asleep at bedtime (or even before nudge, wink – affording you some well-deserved quiet time for…)

If you think you can’t afford a pool, you might be pleasantly surprised by the price for an above-ground option over an in-ground. Could be less than what you would have spent on those 2 weeks in Mexico or Disney, plus a pool will give you return on your investment year after year and likely in your home value, when you sell.

Orca Pool & Spa can offer you options to create your backyard haven, whether it’s a brand new install or the upgrading, service or maintenance of your existing pool or hot tub. Visit our

website, or give Mike a call, email or text (see our adjacent ad). Let’s get you ready for your summer stay-cation!

Be well! www.orcapoolandspa.com 43

Spring Cleaning your Real Estate Investments and Finances Vida Glaser is a REALTOR with Pemberton Holmes Real Estate living in the Cowichan Valley.

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f you have seen a change in work circumstance and find that you have more time than usual, here are some things to do to get ready for future opportunities in Real Estate and investments.

Fortunate few? Do you have additional real estate that you may own as rental? You are very fortunate to be in that position. As you have seen,

your real estate value has not seen the drop that the stock and mutual fund markets have seen. More so, if you have rental properties, there will not be any over supply of rentals in suppressed financial times. Hang onto your rentals, as there will be more need for them in the future.

Nest egg-ers? Are you are

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fortunate enough to have saved a nest egg of finances, to support you or your personal real estate? That 6 month nest egg of savings will tide you through financial pinches, such as unexpected home repairs, lost rental revenue, or monthly living expense loss. You are some of the few who have learned, through difficult financial times, to save a nest egg for the future.

Down-sizers? Are you are fortunate enough to have owned a home and find that it is time to down size?

Spend the time to recalculate your investments, including savings, RRSP, TFSA’s, cash investments and home equity, to plan for your future.

Don’t forget to leave that 6 months nest egg of savings somewhere safe. There are opportunities in the real estate market for you. Be prepared, by talking to your lender, to act and be ready to purchase that well priced home at an opportune time.

Growing families? Are you are finding that finances are very thin, now, and your family is growing and you would like to upsize? Consider buying a home with a rental suite.

It will provide some extra income, and your lender will have special processes to get

you ready to buy a home that will be both and investment and rental revenue. In the future you will own a home that you can grow into when finances are secure.

Feeling the pinch? Take advantage of mortgage deferrals, but keep in mind your deferred interest will have to be paid back at the end of your deferral term.

Try not to asks for deferrals, if a purchasing a home is in your near future. This may affect your credit rating and ability to purchase. Apply for currently offered COVID-19 related government income subsidies or supplements.

We want you to bounce back when Canada springs into action again.

Help the Cowichan Valley be a better place to live. If your mortgage is paid off or if you have extra cash, consider buying a home for the purpose of renting the property. Provide homes for those who cannot afford to purchase a home and keep your finances invested at the same time. Consider using your home equity to re-finance to take advantage of lower interest rates.

Always consult financial experts or advisors before refinancing or making a real estate purchase.

Organization In A Time Without Routine Tracey Hanson, proud Cowichan Valley community member and business owner www.cleanchoice cleaners.com

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e ran a series of articles on organization a few years ago and it occurred to me some of the ideas may be useful now to anyone who finds themselves with the time and motivation at this time.

Children’s items: The first step is to sort through it all. Choose one category at a time, don’t try to tackle the outgrown clothes, toys, books and art supplies all at once. Get rid of the obvious throw away or donate items first. For the items your child isn’t quite ready to part with, use a clear bin with a lid. The removed items are still visible, but space has been cleared for the things they are currently using. The rule with the clear bin is that if they want something from it, they must put something in to replace what they’ve taken out so the items rotate. You may even find they don’t miss those things at all and with time, accept getting rid of them all together.

I’m a big fan of containers; baskets, totes, decorative boxes.

Similar items placed together

in a container turns chaos into order. For the things that you think should be trash and your children think are treasures, give them a “treasure” chest. It should be a shoebox or gift box size. If they want to keep something, and can fit in their treasure chest, they get to keep it – contained order.

Another good tip is for all that fabulous artwork. Choose 2 of the larger pieces, staple them together closing 3 sides and presto you’ve got a personalized art folder.

Small spaces: My strategy is to pick one area per week. A closet or junk drawer or cupboard in the laundry room….you get the idea.

Pull everything out and make 3 piles. Keep, donate/discard, and not sure. After everything is sorted go through the not sure pile and sort into keep or donate/discard. If you have trouble deciding whether or not to keep some items put them in a box out in the garage or attic and write the date on top. In six months if you haven’t needed it or missed it, get rid of it. Normally the next step is to pack up the stuff you’re not keeping and take it to donate or discard but it may have to be stored until such places are open again. All that’s left is to replace the items you’re keeping. Might need to get some containers or baskets or dividers to keep everything neat. Yay! What a great new space you’ve created. For me when I open that cupboard door from then on its like it sings to me, so rewarding.

Order in Your Work Space Whether you normally work from home or find yourself needing to create a workspace at home during this time of social distancing, keeping everything in order is a common source of frustration for many of us. The primary problem in an office space is usually paper. The first thing we need to do is reduce the amount of paper coming in wherever possible. Many bills have an e-bill option, only print necessary documents and emails, and keep a recycle bin near by so that you can clear out things out on the spot. Next you need to determine the various categories you need to sort and store paperwork into. Such as, work in progress, work pending, new ideas, to be filed, to be paid etc. Then decide whether you need a filing cabinet, accordion file folders, in/out box file sorters, etc. Choose something that allows you to make up your own headings and set up very specific categories so that things are easy to find later.

The next tip is to make use of your calendar or scheduling software. Mark down when bills are due, update your digital contacts so you can recycle all those business cards, set a time when you submit expenses and pay bills etc. Be realistic with yourself, if you know you’re not the type of person who will go through and file your receipts on a daily basis that’s o.k. but you need to have a designated place to put them in the meantime

(you can create a folder for this) and you need to commit to a regular time that you will deal with them. Set all these events up as repeating tasks, you won’t have to rely on your memory and you’re sure to stay on top of those piles. Oh wait, you don’t have piles anymore because everything is sorted and alphabetically labeled right?! Once everything has a “home” that is specific and easily accessible you can play with other things like choosing a comfortable chair or an inspirational quote on your desk maybe. In these times with everyone home and needing my time and attention I find it is necessary to have clear boundaries with family members around my work time.

If the door to my office closed I am working and I put a sign on the door of suggestions for what they may need in case they feel the need to open it. “I don’t know what’s for dinner yet”, “its in your room”, “you wore that hoodie yesterday, its in the wash”, “you may have a piece of fruit”. Fingers crossed they keep it closed and you can get some work done!

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Marti Smith is a freelance writer living in Cobble Hill and is the assistant teacher at the Sunrise Waldorf Preschool.

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hen we began our unexpected homeschooling journey mid-March, like so many other families all over the world, my son perhaps fittingly was reading a survival tale by Farley Mowat about two boys who lose their way on a hunting trip in the Canadian wilderness. They have encounters with grizzly bears, must find food and build a shelter and learn to make their own clothes. “A wolverine just destroyed their food,” says my son Sam, who carries his books around like an extension of his hand, awkwardly opening the freezer door to retrieve frozen blueberries. With reports in the news of potentially interrupted food supply routes, I can’t help thinking in the early days of this widespread homeschooling experiment that another kind of education might be necessary in the years ahead. Who knows, maybe it’s time to teach our children how to set a snare, tap a maple and make pemmican.

there are instructions on how to milk a cow, bake your own bread and build your own log cabin.

According to the book, settlers made their own leavening by boiling hop vine flowers, then adding two capfuls to each batch of dough. But not every parent has time to prep sourdough starter. “For every person able to use the time to rediscover the joys of breadmaking, there are overburdened parents of restless children” reads an editorial in Saturday’s Globe and Mail. As I wrote this article while also homeschooling my 10-year-old, my compassion grew for the working parent, especially those with multiple children.

While teachers initially scrambled to send home lesson plans and adapt curriculums, my own homeschooling efforts were a pressure prompted flourishing of haphazard creativity. I remembered some advice from a seasoned homeschooling parent back when I’d tried my hand at it for grade one. “Everything is homeschooling,” or nearly everything, she said.

Many families seem to have similar ideas as a surge of self-reliance practices have been sweeping the globe. Some people are buying baby chicks, or stripping garden supply stores of kale, broccoli and tomato seeds. Others are putting on aprons to try their hand at bread baking, as grocery stores struggle to keep up with a demand for yeast. Meanwhile, my son pulls another book off the shelf that was collecting dust – A Pioneer Story: The Daily Life of a Canadian Family in 1840. Inside,

So, we began our days reading about mouse armies, wise frogs, children who are detectives and solve mysteries, a brother turned bad who builds a brain washing machine, and a bunch of children who save the day. My son practiced cursive by writing letters to grandparents in Ontario and Alberta and also wrote to pen pals. We took turns creating limericks about different family members and then called them on the phone. We practiced our times tables while throwing the football on the front lawn (my aim is improving along with his memory).

• Recognize that learning happens all the time • Replace the term homeschooling with life learning • Spend time in nature • Set manageable goals with your child • Limit screen time which dampens

creativity

When my son was at “school school”, I would often think we don’t have enough time for one of the most important skills: learning to cook. So began a flurry of activity in the kitchen.

He cracked and scrambled eggs, washed and chopped veggies for soups and help make jars of nettle pesto (gathered on daily hikes), some of which we gave away to neighbours and a family needing food support. Our kitchen table was transformed into a seed planting endeavor.

When assignments started rolling in from his teachers, it gave more

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structure to our day but damped freedom and creativity somewhat.

To say these experiences were free of resistance, complaining and other undesirable behaviors would be telling a mistruth. My son’s most repeated phrase is: “It’s impossible!”

He utters it during difficult or undesirable tasks, but it’s become a bit of a joke at our house; even he can see the humour in it.

In my case, I’ve found lists to be useful, which includes chores to be completed. But our best moments are always afternoon hikes up the mountain, where he can climb arbutus trees, listen to the ravens, take risks, munch on Oregon Grape or maple blossoms and watch the pollen falling like mist.

Sam in homeschool

Changing Homeschooling to Life Learning

Unschooling Freedom is something unschoolers value more than almost anything. Unschooling is a word that spell check doesn’t recognize. But for Sascha Kalivoda, a mom and nutrition expert who is passionate about healthy living, it’s the perfect way to raise her 11-year-old son Kai. “He can cook, start a fire, knows how to use tools, he understands fermentation. These skills may come in handy one day,” says Sascha who talks to me over the phone from her kitchen in Calgary. When Kai was a five-year-old and public school kindergarten kids were learning numeracy skills, he was stomping his feet in giant sauerkraut crocks, like an Italian winemaker.

“Unschooling allows you to customize learning based on the child’s style and needs and he’s also being guided by my values,” says the mom, who runs workshops about the immune building properties of medicinal mushrooms, bone broths and fermented foods.

Many families in her neighbourhood reported feeling stressed trying to replicate what they do at school. “I think we need to be flexible right now with our kids,” she says. Her son recently built a trebuchet, a type of catapult that uses a long arm to throw a projectile with his dad in the garage. ‘It’s this massive thing in my garden. I came home from a walk and all of these kids were in our yard taking turns launching it into the dog park.

They had to learn about angles and forces, they didn’t have a worksheet.”

She says unschooling works great for them, though she wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. “Parents have to be willing to trust in the long term outcomes and the natural process of learning that daily life provides,” she says. “The beauty of unschooling is that you let the child’s interest guide you.”

Wholeness and Theme-Based Learning Another framework for home learners is inspired by the Waldorf curriculum. Sietske Changing Homeschooling To Life Learning continued on page 52

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his historic camp is located on the West Side of Shawnigan Lake on a beautiful 22 acre waterfront property. It features a dining hall overlooking the lake, rustic summer cabins and dorm style accommodations plus a chapel, archery range, two ropes courses, a rock climbing wall and a private beach for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and sailing. During the summer months we host a variety of programs including day camps, overnight camps, teen leadership programs and a weekend family camp.

At Camp Pringle we create a welcoming environment for people of all ages, abilities and identities where they can form friendships, build self-confidence and engage in outdoor recreational programming in a safe and supportive environment. In 2018 we began a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society and are proud to host 2 weeks of camp every summer for kids, teens and their families affected by cancer. In 2019 we offered our first Gender Inclusive camp, a week that offered children and teens of all gender expressions and identities the opportunity to enjoy an overnight camp experience. Annually we give $10,000.00 in bursaries to campers with financial need to ensure no child is left out.

Every child deserves a camp experience.

Camp Pringle has been the site of memorable camping experiences since 1950 and this year we celebrate 70 years of summer camps! This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our history and reflect on an amazing 70-year journey.

Camp Pringle Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Images; Camp Pringle Summer Campers enjoying the Pringle waterfront in the 1950’s (below) and in 2019 (above).

The camp property was purchased in 1949 by Chris Spencer of Spencer’s Department Store (now known as the Bay Centre in Victoria). Spencer was a member of the Metropolitan United Church and turned over the property to the Victoria Presbytery of United Churches to manage. A team of dedicated volunteers got to work and in the summer of 1950 the George Pringle Memorial Camp (Camp Pringle) welcomed its first campers!

Camp Pringle was opened with the intention to provide young people with life-long skills and an enriched spiritual experience in nature. The camp was officially named the George Pringle Memorial Camp on July 22, 1951. It was named to honour a father and son, both named George Pringle, who

served as United Church ministers in British Columbia.

When the camp opened it looked very different than it does today. When it was purchased in 1949 the camp property consisted of a farmhouse (built for late Captain Armstrong and his wife, Australian opera star Dame Melba) and “The Gatehouse” for their hired help. The Gatehouse is still used at camp today and is known for being one of the oldest buildings on Shawnigan Lake. After Mr. Spencer bought the camp, a team of volunteers bought up all the surplus WWII aluminum paint from Capital Iron and repainted the old farmhouse silver. It became known as “The Silver Castle” and this was where the first campers slept, and the campers shared their meals un-

der a rented marquee tent. The Spencer Dining Hall dining hall was constructed in 1951 along with 4 summer cabins.

With major fundraising from the Victoria United churches and generous donations from individuals, construction on site continued in the years ahead as the camp grew and changed to become what we know today. The buildings at Camp Pringle remain named for individuals who have contributed to the camp. Though the buildings have changed over time, the legacies of their namesakes live on.

At Camp Pringle, the safety of our campers, renters and staff team is our top priority as we navigate covid-19. We will continue to make decisions at our facility that reflect the advice of public health officials. While we may have cancelled our Spring rental season, online registration for our summer camps is OPEN. Follow us on social media for updates on our organization’s covid-19 response and visit www.camppringle.com for a list of free resources for families at home and links to our bi-weekly VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE! Every second Thursday from the comfort of your home you can join us as we host an evening program of campfire stories and songs. More than ever before we are committed to creating experiences that last a lifetime at Camp Pringle.

Registration is now open for our 70th anniversary Summer camp season. Register and pay in full by June 1st to receive our 15% early bird discount! www.camppringle.com Claire Friedrich is the Director of Camp Pringle in Shawnigan Lake

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Learning about the salmon life cycle from our salmon nursery!

SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP COWICHAN ESTUARY NATURE CENTRE

Trial By Fire Pottery Studio 4-6 Week Wheel Classes

Hilary Huntley

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

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Join our Summer Science Camp at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre! Our popular five-day Nature and Science day camps run from 9am -3pm during July- August for children ages 5-9.

We’ll explore the beach, clam beds, eelgrass mudflats, and Hecate Park. Children will use scopes on the observation tower, do beach seines and plankton tows, and use shovels and buckets to care-

fully find out who lives here.

They’ll explore the region’s only sea creature touch tank and engage in other fun ageappropriate hands-on science activities, games, hikes, and crafts. Due to Covid 19 uncertainty we’re also planning exciting interactive online components where parents and children can explore nature in their own backyard… stay tuned for details.

Camp fees are $225 per child.

Single Day Attendance: $45 per day per child only if the camp is not fully booked.

Register at cowichanestuary. ca. ph: 250-597-2288. Email: coordinator@cowichanestuary.ca

leadership-taking, team building, reading and telling stories as well as swimming and bowling. Be sure to bring your best outdoor summer gear, including lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen, and your best swimming gear!

Harvesing basil at Kin Park Camp

KIN PARK KID’S CAMP KinPark Kid’s Camp is a great opportunity for children ages 6 – 10 to learn about gardening, nature and food while making lasting memories and friendships at KinPark Youth Urban Farm downtown Duncan. Each day focuses on a different theme that is reflected in the day’s activities, discussions, and games. Our goal is to teach children how to grow, harvest, and cook healthy food in a fun, hands-on, and engaging way, and provide them with opportunities to expand their physical, social and practical skills in order to live sustainably.

Aside from gardening, planting seeds, harvesting crops, and cooking, other activities include yoga, sports, crafts, skill-building,

KinPark Kid’s Camp will be starting July 6th to September 4th. Costs are $150/week or $35/day ($120 for week of BC Day), and caregivers can register in our reFRESH Store on 360 Duncan Street, or go online for our registration form at www. cowichangreencommunity. org/project/kinparkkids-camp-2/and submit via email to camp@ cowichangreencommunity. org. For more information please call 250-7488506 or email camp@ cowichangreencommunity. org.

The Clay Hub Collective 2375 Koksilah Rd. Cowichan Station

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

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

• Painting, drawing, knitting wool, felting, beeswax, craft & lots handwork books & supplies

Dear friends, For the coming month we ask that you please check facebook for updates to our hours and services. You can also direct your questions and purchase inquiries to: freyasophiawaldorfstore@gmail.com. We are happy to process your orders by phone or email. Blessings to you and your families and Happy Mother’s Day.

Proudly carrying a full line of school and art supplies from Mercurius along with quality organic clothing lines for the whole family; A great selection of wooden toys, puzzles, play cloths and games from Sarah’s Silks, Londji, Grimms, Ostheimer, Camden Rose and more. Amazing ointments and Home Remedies from Uriel; Beau-tiful cards and hundreds of book titles for children and adults from Wynstone Press, Floris Books, Steiner Press, Hawthorn, Lindisfarne, Temple Lodge and much more. The Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store is here to nurture the gentle unfolding of childhood through the seasons. An intentional alternative to our high-tech world.

BOOKS, SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS, HOMESCHOOLERS, CARERS AND ALL STUDENTS OF LIFE (SOL)

250-597-4763-LOCATED NEXT TO THE COMMUNITY FARM STORE Here at the Freya-Sophia Waldorf store we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and committed to meeting the soul needs of our children and our community by providing books, toys, supplies, resources, classes, workshops, instruction, support and conversation to those who visit us. We are here to help and to support.

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

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In the universal sense, we all have the capacity to birth, to nurture and to create. This makes us all mothers. No matter what our station in life, we are all responsible for the children of our village. We are all educators. We are all “pregnant” with unrealized potential and capacities. We are all on the hero’s journey to birth our higher self and to give our own unique contribution to the world. We are all responsible for mother earth. We are in this together. Each of us is on a path of lifelong learning and here at the Waldorf Store we have many resources to help you along the way. Resources that make the heart sing and remind us of what it is to be human…. For every age and every stage of life. Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!

BEST MOTHER’S DAY GIFT! AURUM LAVENDER ROSE CREAM

This cream is the best selling product from our line of Uriel Home Remedies. It offers fantastic sooth-ing support for staying centered and promoting well-being. Aurum Lavender Rose Cream is a great product for the moments and days you or your loved ones may need emotional strength. Children love it too! Contains homeopathic potencies of horse chestnut, horsetail, St. Johns wort, gold and myrrh. Also contains peat extract, lavender oil, ge-ranium oil, rose oil, and frankincense in a non-greasy cream base. The scent is heavenly.

HOMEMAKING AS A SOCIAL ART, Creating A Home for Body, Soul and Spirit.

Taking a spiritual perspective inspired by Rudolf Steiner, Veronika van Duin suggests that homemaking needs to be undertaken consciously as an honored and valued area of work, as nothing less than a “social art.”

She asserts that, by elevating our regard for the homemaker, we can enjoy a happier and more contented family and home life.

The author addresses the significance of rhythm, relationships, artistic environment, caring, self-development, and much more in this invaluable book.

Veronika Van Duin is also the author of Rainbow across the River is a glorious celebration of life, illumined through a knowledge of death and the eternal nature of spirit.

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Changing Homeschooling to Life Learning continued from page 46

Fichter, a homeschooling mentor with Heartwood Learning Community. Her tips for homeschooling include setting a daily rhythm, self-care for parents, and working with meaningful stories and themes to inspire children and deepen their learning experience. “Having a daily rhythm will help reduce anxiety for both parents and children,” says the mom of two teenagers. She recommends talking with children the night before about how the next day will unfold so they know what to expect.

For parents who are working full-time from home, don’t sweat it. Even if anchors are simply regular family meals shared together, along with lots of free play for children and limited screen use, it will still provide great results. “The reason I suggest limiting screen use is because it’s a passive experience and actually dulls children’s ability to be creative,” she says.

Limiting screen use, although it’s tempting to use it, tends to work against us. It’s passive, not participatory.

She underlines the importance of self-care for parents, because all of our indigested material related to Covid-19 news will affect the learning environment for the children. For Sietske, that means eating healthy food, getting enough rest, and taking time to reflect and question all the conventional and alternative news about Covid-19 that is flooding our psyches daily.

Regarding themes, Sietske gives the example of working with a Waldorf grade four curriculum.

She begins by telling her

• • • • •

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250-732-2937 52

students a story about the King of fractions. Children practice cursive and engage in language arts by writing story summaries, and expanding their vocabulary with word lists, followed by creating a drawing related to the story. The theme of fractions can be carried into the day through the practice of gardening, dividing up the land, and baking, measuring ingredients. “The child can notice, oh I have five members in my family so I’m 1/5 of my family; they relate themselves to the whole. Or one month is 1/12 of the year. Where else do you see fractions around you?”

She adds: “It’s exciting for the children to explore learning in this way; it’s tactile, hands-on and experiential.”

“We don’t just want to fill children up with knowledge; we want them to have a part in the discovery,” she says. “That means sometimes we have to let our children’s questions hang in the air, unsolved.”

These unsolved questions help children live into the mystery of life and undertake a life-long search for answers.

“Kids are born learners,” said Judy Arnall recently, the president of the Alberta Homeschooling Association in a CTV news article online. “So don’t worry, don’t panic about keeping up with their curriculum and education.”

Still, it makes you wonder, what do we actually need to teach our children now in order to be prepared for an uncertain future.

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

1- 855-622-5932

Normal Was Never Good Enough Alistair MacGregor is the MP for Cowichan-MalahatLangford and the federal NDP’s Critic for Agriculture

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s the COVID-19 outbreak continues, the desire to return to a state of normalcy grows with every passing day.

Little rituals— a morning coffee at the café, chatting with a neighbour in the grocery store, taking the kids to the park— have faded away, replaced by daily press briefings on rising case counts and a never-ending stream of news articles. It’s so easy to long for life to go back to exactly the way it was before this all happened – back to ‘normal.’

‘Normal,’ however, isn’t good enough. It never was. ‘Normal’ was millions of Canadians making difficult decisions, month after month, if they should get their medications or pay rent. Insulin or food.

Inhalers or hydro bills. It was ‘normal’ for seniors to return to the work force, aged 70, 75, even 80, because the Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement wasn’t enough to pay the bills. ‘Normal’ was Indigenous communities across the country without clean water, without access to appropriate medical care.

‘Normal’ was parents working multiple minimum wage jobs to pay for childcare and being told to “pull themselves up by the bootstraps,” as if that could somehow break the generational cycle of poverty.

I wonder how many people with chronic health concerns are living in fear right now, not just because of COVID-19, but because they still can’t afford medication. I wonder how many essential service employees are grandparents, scared they’ll never see their grandchildren

again because they had to work at the grocery store to pay the bills. Regular hand-washing, critical to prevent the spread of this virus, isn’t possible for the thousands of communities under boil-water orders. And every day, more stories emerge of the families now on the frontlines, of parents being forced to choose what level of risk is acceptable to them and their children for $13.85/hour.

With every passing day, the cracks in our system, and in the neo-liberal ideology responsible for many of its shortfalls, are growing into chasms, as COVID-19’s impacts become so much more profound for those in precarious economic situations.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Our system is flawed, deeply so, but it is not beyond repair.

We can invest in our nation’s healthcare system, and ensure that should another pandemic ever hit, we will be more prepared. More than that, we can ensure that our fellow citizens, even in ‘normal’ times, never have to go without needed medicine. We can invest in our seniors by ensuring that our retirement system can meet their financial needs, or we can finally take the steps needed to implement a Universal Basic Income. We can fight for Indigenous communities to get the support they need, be it clean water or culturally appropriate health care. We can remember that when we needed them, nurses, grocery clerks, bus drivers, sanitation workers, and other essential services personnel were there and that they all deserve a living wage.

Above all, we can invest in our communities, and build both a social safety net and a resilient economy that supports everyone and works in harmony with our environment.

‘Normal’ was never good enough. Let’s ensure that together, when we get through the COVID-19 crisis, that we build a new normal, reflective of what our communities and our people need.

Image Zan Stenhouse

us nearby watched them flying overhead with sticks to refurbish their nests.

Pacific Great Blue Herons, fannini subspecies, are only found on the Pacific Coast between Prince William Sound and Puget Sound.

Due to habitat loss and degradation, they’re a “species of special concern” under Canada’s Species at Risk Act and their nests and eggs are protected by the BC Wildlife Act. The Migratory Birds Convention also protects them from hunting.

Their colony is in a CVRD sensitive ecosystem development permit area with noise restrictions. They also nest within Cowichan Bay’s internationally designated Important Bird Area and the colony is regularly monitored by a Species at Risk Biologist with the support of local volunteers.

As important as these protections are, we all have a role in ensuring our

Cowichan Bay Heron Colony – Shhh!

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he Heron’s are back!

Cowichan Bay’s Wessex Ravine, across from the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, is home to one of the largest Pacific Great Blue Heron colonies on Vancouver Island, with upwards of 100 nests. In mid-February the Herons returned with their first noisy order of business finding a mate. Then those of

Image Rachel Penney Image Zen Stenhouse

Herons survive and thrive.

During nesting season, from mid-February through September, it’s important to not make loud or sudden noises nearby and to give our Pacific Great Blues lots of space - especially not walking in the ravine under their nests. They’ll think we’re predators and could abandon them. Predation by Bald Eagles is also a threat.

Luckily the Estuary’s three pair of Ospreys defend their fishing territory from Eagles, inadvertently helping Herons protect their young.

Another way you can help protect our Herons and their young is to keep your clangorous and well deserved thank-yous to our valiant health care as far away from the Herons’ nests as possible.

Submitted by Jane Kilthei

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

First appointment free!

David Yaeger

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

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Tools needed ● Gloves ● Shovel ● Wheelbarrow

Backyard Gardening

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e’re finding ourselves amongst times of immense changes that urge positive shifts.

Gardening offers several benefits.

The soil is full of beneficial microbes, the earth provides grounding, the growth gives us hits of dopamine, and in the end we receive the nourishing harvest. We have the opportunity of creating self-sufficiency even with small spaces and budgets.

Sheet Mulching: No tilling/digging or weeding necessary. The cardboard will decompose, while smothering grass and weeds underneath.

Straw Bale Gardening: A self-contained raised garden bed that requires little work and less bending than planting in the ground. Perfect for peppers, tomatoes, leafy greens, squash, cucumbers, annual herbs, peas/ beans (with lattice at the back of the bale), and trailing flowers like nasturtiums (edible flowers and deters pests).

Preparation ● Get soil, compost, fertilizer, straw bales, seedlings Tools ● Trowel/Hori Hori ● Wheelbarrow ● Optional: ○ Wire fencing to hold bales in place ● Optional: Wrap bales in thick plastic a couple weeks before using to kill off weeds ● 7-10 day before planting ○ Set bales in a sunny location

Planting ■ Tall plants are not suitable for straw bale gardening (like corn), tomatoes should be pruned to bush out as well so that they don’t lean over and snap ■ To plant seedling, dig in your trowel and wiggle it into the bale and plant ■ Seed as the package indicates ○ Water regularly and more so in the heat of summer\ ○ Fertilize as well to encourage healthy plants ○ If taken care of, these could last several seasons, but if depleted and decomposing, they can be used as mulch

The Seeds Of Life

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can’t help but notice the tremendous and much overdue shift towards growing our own food! I have had the privilege to witness garden centers selling out of seeds! The ability to tend my own garden and eat food from the soil is an integral part of my life and the way I raise my family. With food security being a front-line worry for many people, I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about the importance of growing your own food –and describe the differences between annuals, biennials and perennials and how they can each add something special to your garden.

Annuals These beauties are your typical veggie plants and most flowers that aren’t bulbs. You plant these each year, then they go to seed and die off at the end of the season. You can save the seeds of these plants to plant out the following year. An exception to this is if you’ve planted cultivars of squash from the same group (kind of like a family) close together; the plants will cross pollinate and the resulting seeds will yield some interesting though sometimes not very tasty results. Other examples of annuals are tomatoes, cucumbers, pea, watermelon, corn and many greens.

Submitted by Lauren Bosch Ceres Edible Landscaping, Intern

Kurtis Howes 250-210-1705

Preparation ● Find cardboard (lasts longer) or lots of newspapers ● Find or use dry leaves, wellrotted grass clippings or straw bales(less weeds than hay) ● Have compost handy ● Get soil

Directions 1. Strip cardboard of staples and tape 2. Lay it down where you’d like to plant - thick layers if using newspaper 3. Mix compost and soil and add on top (about 6 inches worth) 4. Plant seeds as per the directions on the package.

5. Add leaves, leaf mulch, or straw on top (about 4 inches) 6. Water lightly

where water won’t pool (this will drown your plants and cause the bale to compost quicker) ■ Place near a hose/water source for ease-of-use ■ Set them so that the twine is horizontal to the ground ■ Place them sheared side up one side looks like the straw is folded, make sure that side is face-down ■ Spread fertilizer on the top water daily to saturate the bails for several days ■ Add more fertilizer every couple days, and saturate with water ■ Add 2-3 inches of potting soil and compost on the top of the bale

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Biennials Biennials are a unique group of plants that produce only leaves the first year then flower and set seed the second year before dying off. You might be surprised to know that a fair amount of the veggies you consume will keep growing over the Winter months then flower the following year. If you’ve ever grown parsley this should turn on a light bulb: the first year the leaves are wonderful and green all season – into Winter – then they flower, set seed and die.

At this point you might think you’ve done something to kill it…well you’re off the hook – it’s a biennial! Some other biennials include kale, chard, endive, collards, kohlrabi, parsnip, rutabaga, leeks and many more.

Perennials Per + ennial = “through the years.” Here’s where food security gets serious. If there’s a category verging on “more important” it’s this one. These are the plants that mature over time and last for years. If properly tended, the plants provide long term food security to your family. To me, there’s a huge importance of having nutrient dense protein sources like nut trees on your property.

These plants are pretty low maintenance once established, though will usually require an annual pruning to maintain

health and vigor of the species. A reliable water source is essential to their initial growth, though will require less in subsequent years after planting.

Forming the land to catch and store water can help mitigate the need for irrigation, but where that’s not possible microdrip irrigation is a reliable, virtually maintenance free source for establishing your perennial crops.

Imagine no tilling and back breaking shoveling! Also, once established they’re more resistant to diseases, weeds and pests. They serve many functions within the ecosystem and are a nice addition to landscapes: they act well in place of and amidst ornamental plants and can help build healthy soil ecology from the leaf debris most perennials cast onto the ground in Fall.

Perennials include most fruit, nut trees & berry bushes like blueberry, currant, elderberry, strawberry, salmon berry, asparagus, rhubarb, artichoke, peach, gooseberry, huckleberry, fig, grape, goji berry, walnut, hazelnut, chestnut, Korean stone/nut pine, oak (acorn) and many more.

These plants can be challenging to grow from seed so it’s best to purchase established plants from a nursery. Most shrubs/bushes grow quickly so you can skip the large pots and opt for smaller ones to save some money, though the larger the potted plant the sooner you’ll get a harvest. We want to make sure to plant by Fall to ensure the plants have a bit of time to settle before cold weather sets in.

Don’t know where to start?

Growing a garden to a new gardener can be quite

overwhelming. What plants do okay together? How much sun does each plant need?

Which trees will do well in your yard? Which plants work together in guilds? Luckily there’s a vast amount of info in books and on the internet to help! Or if you happen to be like me and need to see things happen in order to learn I’m here to help! I’m offering consultations, design and installation work to those looking to create more food security in their lives.

What you can expect from a Lunar Bloom garden visit.

I will likely ask you questions about your lifestyle and what it is you’re looking for in terms of food security to make sure we’re creating a sustainable long-term plan.

What foods do you eat a lot of? Are you interested in medicinal herbs and how they can be incorporated into a food producing system?

Do you travel and need irrigation? Do you want a nice patio or quiet space in

the garden to hang out in? A sand box for the kids? All of these things can be worked into the perfect garden plan.

I look forward to chatting with you about how we can better equip your land to yield a large amount of your food needs and take a step closer to food security on the Island.

Kurtis Howes is the owner/ operator of Lunar Bloom Landscaping, an Eco + Ornamental Design business with a focus on creating beautiful, enduring food & medicine producing systems by applying aesthetically pleasing stone-work with sensory engaging plants for your landscape.

For more information contact Kurtis Howes at 1-250-210-1705 lunarbloomlandscaping@ gmail.com www.lunarbloom.ca

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DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES

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Discussion Group on 5G A concerned group of citizens in the Cowichan Valley are looking for a moratorium on 5G until proven safe for our communtiy. If you are interested in more discussion on this topic with others please contact dorotheasiegler@gmail.com

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Pet Care & Grooming Lucky Dog U-Bath, Duncan Now accepting new grooming clients.

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LUCKY DOG Celebrating 7 Years!!!

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hen all this started Lucky Dog was low on daycare dogs because Spring Break had many of our regulars home with their families. We expected that.

And then they didn’t return.

Our daycare is a big part of our business and governments were deciding daily who should close their shops. A handful of our regular dogs continued to come daily for play and socializing. These dogs belong to our essential service providers. Hospital workers, medical clinic staff, gas station managers, home fuel delivery drivers, corrections staff….I knew we needed to stay open as long as we could to help these people out.

Our U-Bath services and We-Bath services dropped for a couple of weeks until people couldn’t stand the smell of their dogs and reached out to us. Like everybody, we have found ways to stay safe with constant bleaching of all touch surfaces (Jeez we touch a lot of things!) and staying a safe distance from humans. We have found ways to have dogs safely be dropped off for bathing with new gating

systems in place and you can still wash your own dog, but our usual assistance is limited.

Toe nail trims are still being done, just a little differently.

Dogs that are dropped off for any reason have their gear wiped down with bleach. We mask up if there is a reason for closer contact with a human.

Lucky Dog still accepts cash or debit/credit. We have “tap”. We have bleach and we use it.

Steph Stewart is our groomer and possibly the only groomer working at the time I was writing this. She has strict distancing protocols in place and only accepts e-transfers, and many overgrown dogs are getting their Spring cuts done. You can call us to book a grooming or you can book online through www.luckydogubath.ca or from Steph’s Facebook page where you can see dozens of her before and after pics. Steph Stew’s Dog Do’s.

Business is slow and we will all take a hit through this. I am fortunate to stay open and keep my staff working. I have sincere thanks to the clients that are able to keep coming in and trusting us to do the right thing.

includes the stories we tell, the knowledge we share, the making, exchanging and trading.

It describes how we experience and govern our collective lives on a shared planet.

Economics Should Reflect What Really Matters

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hen you pause to reflect on what’s truly essential and meaningful for you to thrive, what comes to mind?

Is it about having more? Or having better? Is it about all the buying or the genuine caring?

Is it about over-consuming or connecting and sharing?

Is it about loving stuff and status or simply loving? As we experience disruption on a scale not seen since the Second World War, people in Canada are taking note of what’s really important to them. That can lay the foundation for new ways of thinking about a better economy for tomorrow.

We often confound “economy” and “economics.” Words matter. In this time of crisis, we’re hearing rhetoric aimed at convincing us that caring for our personal health and that of our loved ones is locked in an antagonistic tension with protecting the economy’s “health.” Yet the word “economy” refers to all the interconnected social actions every person does daily. It’s about the way you live your life and the way everyone around you lives theirs. It

“Economics,” on the other hand, is about how we think about the economy and what its purpose should or could be. As we’re witnessing at this extraordinary moment in history, often what we feel matters most in our times of need is not aligned with the purpose we gave our economy before this crisis.

It’s also interesting that the words “economy” and “ecology” both come from the Greek “oikos,” meaning “domain” or “household.”

Ecologists seek the principles, rules and laws that enable species to flourish sustainably.

Economists are meant to “manage” our activity within the biosphere, our domain — ideally within the rules and strictures ecologists find.

Before the pandemic, we thought of our economy as an engine, the main purpose of which was to burn through natural resources quickly to produce as much money as possible using the cheapest, most abstract notion of labour.

That equation omits human beings with all our complexities and the “pale blue dot” on which we all depend. It wasn’t exactly intentional.

Now, many politicians are ascribing war language to the pandemic response. But what will we do when this “war” is over? Will we allow an old equation to continue to guide us, or could we choose to come together to define a new purpose?

People everywhere are in distress. Our health and livelihoods are threatened. The social fabric of togetherness is impeded by a need to stay physically distant from each other. The old systems haven’t been able to respond to our needs in meaningful ways, so governments have had to use unusual interventions to ensure the collective good. The old way of thinking about the economy, the established economics, has been exposed as inadequate and flawed.

But through this distress and disruption, we’re seeing glimmers of transformative potential. Over a few weeks, incredible acts of kindness and collective caring have become normal. People are applying novel means of digital creativity to support each other. Some businesses are pivoting from short-term, profit-first motives

to purpose-driven actions in response to real needs.

We’re witnessing the surfacing of tangible inspirations for the re-imaging of a Canadian economy — one explicitly designed to deliver the wellbeing and resilience people need to flourish — and that nature can provide today and for generations to come.

At the end of the Second World War, it took just three weeks for a small group of men to design what would become a new purpose driving the postwar global economy. As this crisis comes to an end, will we embrace the opportunity to do better?

Together, we can design an economics for what matters.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and cofounder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Ontario and Northern Canada Director General Yannick Beaudoin.

Learn more at davidsuzuki.org

This equation was agreed to at the end of a war, under the assumption that more trade between nations would ensure global peace and prosperity.

In 1944, representatives from 44 countries met in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, to create a more efficient foreign exchange system and to promote economic growth. Out of crisis, a new way of managing our economics emerged. Although the system was changed in the 1970s, it maintained its earlier purpose.

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There is an extraordinary phenomenon occurring in North Cowichan and the world because of Covid-19. The unanticipated implications for our forests are an advocate’s dream come true. In this time of isolation, uncertainty, grieving and fear, people are returning to the place where we have always sought solace—nature. In the cities, residents gravitate to their urban parks; here in North Cowichan, we are surrounded by the Six Mountains Community Forest.

People of all ages fill the trails as never before and the sound of children laughing echoes like songbirds through the forests. It gives reason to hope—as long as young people have their eyes open.

And this is the caveat, for it is the young—people younger than me and others over 55—for whom the future most heavily hangs in the balance.

Just as our lives have been paused, so, too, there is a

suggested it’s premature to ask citizens what their vision of the forest is until people have had time to inform themselves of all the issues that have arisen these past 18 months.

What Is A Forest? How Does It Live?

How Does It Die? brief pause of logging of our Six Mountains to allow the community to decide the future of our 5,000 hectare forests.

The future of B.C.’s most endangered landscape— known to forest ecologists as the coastal Douglas fir biogeoclimatic zone—also hangs in the balance.

Enlightened change begins with knowledge. Before we exercise our moral right and duty to advocate for the highest use of our forests, we must first understand what a forest is—not a tree plantation, not an industrial tree lot—and how it lives, how it dies.

GORD FROST COLLECTOR / HOBBYIST

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In October 2018, a grassroots movement of citizens came together to advocate for the protection of our local forests from further logging until public consultation determined their highest value. For 18 months, many people have been publishing forest facts. After a year and a half, you might think that everyone who reads the Citizen and Valley Voice know the issues. How wrong you would be. There is so much to know.

A few months ago, Council listened to the public, took time to consider, and voted for pause and public consultation, deep and broad. Before information about Covid-19 went viral in the world, Lees and Associates, hired to lead the way, was beginning to interview stakeholders. On March 10, representing Where Do We Stand, I was one of them.

The consultant posed a series of questions, ending with: What is your vision for the future of the forests? I said I dreamed of a real pause, not a few months, (logging decisions may be made in September), but one to three years. Long enough for the story of the Six Mountains Forest to reach the whole valley—before more irreparable damage is done—long enough for better research about forests and climate change, long enough for people to explore the forests and learn about the ecology and complex issues.

I said we needed time to consider the role of the forests in the face of a growing population. I said it’s wrong to make decisions until people understand the full importance of the forests, (not just the standing trees, but everything from the wildlife to toad stools to living stumps and the unseen world of mycorrhizal and root networks). I

During this time, Where Do We Stand has served as a meeting place for members of our community to ask for a pause of logging and consultation. It gathered 1,500 signatures, 900 comments, organized public meetings, documented forest events and issues, (and no, no one chained themselves to a tree), filled council meetings, made a little film that reached 14,000 people.

It wasn’t enough. We didn’t reach enough younger people.

When we talk with this demographic, most admit they don’t know much about the forests; they say they don’t read local papers and don’t have time to get involved in politics and public consultation. They are grateful to those old people—this would be us over 55—who are advocating for them.

As for the Lees interview, in the end, I said if Council makes logging decisions in September—if we go too fast—mistakes and decisions may be made that we will regret. What’s needed is a real pause. (I didn’t say we need a miracle—I don’t think I did, even though I was thinking it, but I was not thinking of a pandemic—and believe me, I’m not saying Covid-19 is a good thing.)

The day after the interview, a Scandinavian leader, in response to Covid emerging, said in these times of ecological crisis, we have been given a reason to pause to consider where we are heading, what we are leaving for future

generations. Spontaneously, leaders around the world were saying the same.

If I were to write a manifesto on behalf of the forests who can’t write for themselves, this would be the moment and it would be for one group of people—young parents and young could-be-parents. It would say: “You will have to face your children, like my generation has had to face yours, and you’ll have to answer their questions about what you did to protect their future world—including their life-line: the forests.

“In this time of pause, you— as the demographic least at risk from Covid—have the opportunity to appreciate the forests and all they represent.

Now, is your opportunity to educate yourselves. The best way to do it, as you walk through the forests, is to be inquisitive and observe. Arm yourselves with in-depth questions—the type children might ask: How do tall trees stand with such small roots?

How do they withstand huge winds and lack of water? Who protects, feeds and teaches the children trees? Do they have mothers? Why did we cut down their mothers? Why are there trees? Where do they go when they die?

“As an adult, you might ask other questions, like: What about invasive species? What is the real fire hazard—mature trees or low brush like fields of Scotch broom? What are the different ways of valuing forests?”

by more than four million people (https://bit.ly/3bdf0Ea).

Then visit (wheredowestand. ca) to watch videos from the Secrets of the Six Mountains public meeting where forest experts from around the province presented to our Valley and 700 citizens who spontaneously showed up.

Send in your questions and observations. Forest experts, from biologists to foresters, are available for more information through WDWS. Covid-19 has thrown a wrench in the spinning wheel of the human race. Nature has a platform to speak for itself and is doing so most eloquently: The canals of Venice are blue; fish previously invisible are manifestly there. The skies over India and other cities that were brown now sparkle azure.

When we feel imprisoned within physical confinement, what we value, what actually matters may surpass everything we had previously thought most important. We have largely taken nature for granted.

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Because of Covid many eyes are opening and we are realizing what we have been blind to, what we are on the verge of losing.

It’s not too late to change.

In the Cowichan Valley, we are surrounded by something infinitely more valuable than gold—forested mountains wrapping around bays and narrows. We are blessed to live There is wisdom and power in in the embrace of what most personal observation, curiosity, people now yearn for: nature in abundance. Now we must intuition, contemplation. act to protect it, for today and the future.

Experts can help guide one’s journey. Start with Suzanne Simard’s Ted Talk, How Trees

By Icel Jane Dobell Talk To Each Other, viewed

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Aries (March 21-April 19) This month is about cash flow, earnings and assets. You’re a pioneer and a warrior. As a warrior, you expect your queen or government to provide you with your horse and kit so you can do their bidding. It’s always been this way, which is why you need security. Fear not! If your future looks uncertain, you only have to meet it one day at a time. Who is more resourceful, brave and resilient?

The drastic changes taking place will create vacuums that need to be filled by those who act fast!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) No matter what obstacles you face this month, know this: You have the advantage of having the Sun in your sign, which happens only once a year. This gives you power and boosts your confidence! It attracts good fortune to you as well as influential people. It not only gives you an edge to deal with what you face – it also gives you the chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. You will attract money to you (and many will buy pretty things).

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Keep a low profile this month.

By nature, you’re curious, active and busy cultivating your adoring peanut gallery.

But since your birthday looms ahead, it means your personal year is ending. The Sun is “hiding” in your chart before it steps forth on your birthday.

This means this month is the perfect opportunity to think about your future and what you want for your new year ahead.

Ideas? Incidentally, you will charm anyone you encounter because fair Venus is in your sign.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) This month, something will happen that makes you appreciate friendships and the people in your life. This

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appreciation might also apply to a group. You will welcome a chance to use a friend as a sounding board for your ideas about your future. If you’re involved in a group, you might flex your muscles and exert your influence in a leadership role. Secret love affairs might occur for some of you. Avoid disputes about inheritances and insurance.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Oh wow! This month the Sun is at the top of your chart.

(Happens only once a year.)

This thrusts you into the spotlight of the Sun, which is a flattering light! Expect to be asked to take on increased responsibilities, even if you don’t do anything special. Yes – good lighting is everything. (“Are you ready for your closeup, Miss Garbo?”) Meanwhile, although Mars makes you impatient with partners and close friends, fair Venus makes you charming and diplomatic with everyone.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month is both challenging and refreshing. The challenging part is that you want to get outta Dodge. You want to travel and expand your world to discover adventure and be turned on by life! However, many are staying at home for the benefit of ourselves and others. This puts the kibosh on travel. But hey, you can still explore new ideas, study, learn or travel online by seeing exotic places and fascinating cities. Meanwhile, keep plugging away because bosses and parents are impressed with your efforts. (They really are.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You will explore your emotions and psychological makeup this month. Perhaps it’s all this extra time? The solitude of home isolation? Perhaps it’s triggered by thoughts of impermanence and your own mortality. Whatever the cause, you are passionate and intense!

You want to experience life at a feeling level not just an intellectual grasp of things.

You might encounter a teacher or a set of circumstances that provokes this inner exploration.

Focus on finances, shared property and inheritances. You might try to get a loan.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) The Sun is opposite your sign this month. (This occurs only once a year.) This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about yourself through your one-to-one relations with others. Examine your relationship with your spouse or partner to see how it does or does not fill your needs. Are you happy? Are you unhappy?

How do you fill their needs?

This is your chance to be more aware of what’s going on.

Intimate relations look good now because Venus favours sex and romance. Be patient to avoid domestic tension, especially with parents.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You’re in work mode this month. Not only will you check your immediate surroundings to see what needs to be done, you will also strive to be better organized and more efficient.

This is your quest! You will set such high standards for yourself that in addition to wanting to be better organized, you will want to be healthier as well. “I

want it all!” Great! Motivation is everything. Be aware that you will also want to work on behalf of others. Fortunately, Venus opposite your sign makes you cooperative and diplomatic.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Oh joy! This month, the Sun will be in the most fun-loving part of your chart. This means your focus on home and family will shift (although you might still be at home); nevertheless, you will feel freer to express yourself and be who you really are! You will want to get out and have a good time but you will figure out ways to amuse yourself at home. (You’re smart.) You will feel lighter than usual. Dare we say happier?

(We did.) Enjoy playful times with kids.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Even if you’ve been staying at home this month, you will focus on home and family more than ever. You might be involved with a parent. You will feel good being in familiar surroundings because you want to establish a base for your activities. This doesn’t mean you won’t live up to the demands of your outer world because you will. Memories of the past will come up. In fact, this will help any psychological self-evaluation that you might explore. (It’s easiest to train children when they’re Jung, and easily Freudian.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This month, it’s challenging to stay at home because, you’re restless! You want to learn and explore new ideas. You’re eager to reach out to others.

This is why you will talk to siblings and neighbours more than usual (via Zoom, Skype, whatever). Note: It will be easy to write, study and learn something new! Your challenge is that you can’t travel, which is what you really want to do.

Fortunately, Venus will pave the way for warm family relations.

Meanwhile, Mars encourages working alone or behind the scenes. It’s all good. www.georgianicols.com

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

Each year at The Community Farm Store, we dedicate the month of May to celebrate, advocate for, and educate on all things Fair Trade.

It really is one of our favourite events - we usually have demos every day, amazing prizes to win, loads of samples, and a lot of fun. This year will be a little different, but please follow us on Facebook & Instagram for our daily featured product and lots of awesome information about the companies we support. We have loads of fair trade products in our store; please consider adding them on to your online order or grocery list during May (and always). We have the power to change the world every day – how wonderful is that!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Celebrating Mom might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show her how much you care.

Bring Mom fresh baking or a home cooked meal, safely dropped to her door step.

Enjoy a physically distanced chat through the window, or spend some time Skyping or FaceTming where you can all be in the comfort of your homes. Fresh flowers, garden seeds or plant starts, beeswax candles, sweets or chocolate (maybe tucked into a beautiful Baraka basket...) will make her day a whole lot brighter. Those hugs will feel really good soon.

Order Online

Take time to create just one comprehensive online shopping list to support your grocery needs for about a week ($75 minimum).

We will do our very best to fulfill your order but will not be calling or emailing for substitutions. This service is for members only and is subject to availability. Head to our website to get your order started. Not a member yet? Sign up for our free membership there too! www.communityfarmstore.ca We recommend viewing our CFS Shopping photo album on Facebook for inspiration.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall

The Community Farm Store

Organic Health & Whole Food Market www.communityfarmstore.ca

2-5380 Hwy 1, Duncan BC V9L 6W4 250-748-622

CFS Hours

Monday-Saturday 10-6 Closed Sunday Please follow our Facebook Page for the latest information

Pickup & Payment

We will call you when your personal shopping order is ready for pickup at which time you pay by credit card over the phone. Please ensure that you are available on the morning you are picking up your groceries as we will be calling! You will only be charged for the items we have in stock. We have two parking spots reserved for grocery order pickup in front of the store. Please call us when you arrive and we will bring your order to your vehicle.

Thank you to our wonderful customers and community.

We appreciate everything you are doing to help us and each other.

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