November 2018 Issue 120

owichan

NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 120 LOCAL ARTS I OUR COMMUNITY FORESTS I GIFTS OF EXPERIENCE 1

cowichanpac.ca $34/ student & CFG $28/ eyeGO $5 Shady Grove Square Dance 730pm Cobble Hill Community Hall 3550 Watson Ave 250 929 8226 $10 Band of Rascals 9pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton osbornebaypub.com $20 adv/$25 door Play with Paint Night, Every Friday at 6:30pm, Bee Alive in the Hive Art Studio, 139 Station Street, $40/person

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World Community Film Festival VIU Cowichan Campus cowichanvalleyfilm.ca Pass $20/student $10/ day pass $10

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Teeny Tiny ArtWorks Mon-Fri 11-2pm & Sat 12-3pm PORTALS 2687 James St FREE runs to 29 Susan Collacott A Tidal Moment Mon-Fri 11-2pm and Sat 12-3pm The Arbutus Gallery 2687 James St FREE runs to Noember 9 Thursday Morning Chanting Circle 1030-1130am address upon registration Ladysmith sacredfiremusic.com $13 also 8/15/22/29 Kaiut Yoga 5-6pm 7999 Glenhurst Dr Crofton kathywhiteyoga.com FREE to new students also 8/15/22/29

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Sarah Jane Scouten RootsCanadiana 730pm Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd eventbrite.ca $20 BC World Music Collective 730pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr

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runs to 17

The Day of the Not Yet Dead Works by Tom Faue and Chuck Armstrong ​2-6pm Shibui Gallery FREE

Communing with Nature practical ecopsychology w/Dr. John Scull 130pm meet by tennis courts on McKinstry Rd 250 715 5261 FREE Brahms & Beethoven Concert featuring Discovery El School Choir & Yvonne Gillespie 730pm C Ref Church 930 Trunk Rd cowichanconsort.com $20 Students under 18 $10

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Cowichan Artisan’s Fall Studio Tour 11-5pm cowichanartisans.com ​FREE

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Auction Action La Petite Auction House 1pm 9686 Chemainus Rd 250 701 2902 Vancouver Island Creative Singing Circle 3-430pm address upon registration Ladysmith sacredfiremusic.com $18 also 11/18/25

Quaker meeting 1030am St. Ann’s Garden Club Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd FREE also 18 Wanda Nowicki Quintet 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15 Hymnbooks to Heritage Heritage Museum 12-3pm 2851 Church Way Mill Bay contact@ CobbleHillHistory.org FREE also 11/18/25

710 9107

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6th annual Fiesta Ethical Trade Fair 10-4pm Ramada Inn 22 vendors $2 140 TransCanada Hwy David Gogo Trio 8pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $20 adv/$25 door James Gordon 730pm Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd eventbrite.ca $20

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Kaiut Yoga 630-730pm 7999 Glenhurst Dr Crofton kathywhiteyoga.com FREE to new students also13/20/27

Parent Christmas Drop and Shop” drop your kids off Saturday art activity days!!, Bee Alive in the Hive 139 Station St $10/hour/child

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Averill Creek Library Lovers Tasting Seminar 1-2pm Averill Creek Vineyard 6552 North Rd averillcreek.ca $26.25

Glass Tiger 730pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr cowichanpac.ca $45.50 Tower of Song a tribute to Leonard Cohen w/Oliver Swain & Glenna Garramo 730 Duncan Showroom $25 door $20 advance Health and Wellness in Retirement w/ Tiffany Brawn 6-7pm Cowichan Incubator Seed Farm on Beverly St 250 748 8506 Happy Birthday Lilian!

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Sensitive Dance Introductory lecture @ the Hub in Cowichan Station $5 250 710 9107 Support group for grandparents & others raising the child of a relative 630-830pm 1 877 345 9777 FREE

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Averill Creek Vineyard Harvest Long Table Dinner 630-9pm Bird’s Eye Cove Farm 5881 Genoa Bay Rd averillcreek.ca $126 Life between death and rebirth in the light of anthroposophy a talk

by Adola Mcwilliam 730pm Sol Ctr upstairs 5380 Trans Canada Hwy FREE New Waves 80’s Night 9pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $5 cover

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Sensitive Dance Workshop #1 @ The Hub Cowichan Station $150 250

Free Yin Yoga Class w/ Nadia 6-730pm Harmony Yoga Ctr 360 Duncan St HarmonyYogaDuncan. com FREE 1st Annual Eagles’ Christmas Craft Fair 10-4pm 2965 Boys Rd FREE Tim Buckley 8pm Duncan Showroom $15 Can you choose a vibrant life? talk by author Cori Ellingson 2-330pm Community Farm Store coriellingson.com FREE Crystal Sound Bath w/Venita Chow 11-12pm Sun Room @ Sol-Centre cfsforthesoul@gmail.com $13 Enrapture Events Community Dance 7pm-12am @ The Hub $15$20 all ages

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Charity Munro 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15 Second-Sunday Market 10-3pm Eagles Hall 2965 Boys Rd FREE

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Cowichan Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group Coffee Hour 2pm 103-225 Canada Ave FREE

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

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Soul Escape Organic Spa & Boutique Holiday party 20 min complimentary facials, door prizes refreshments, & special guests 3-6pm 109-2763 Beverly St 250 748 2056 FREE Solitary Refinement one-man stage play 7-815pm Oasis City Church 3540 Auchinachie Rd 250 746 8457 FREE Succession Planning 6-7pm Cowichan Incubator Seed Farm on Beverly St reg 250 748 8506 FREE The Warmland Book and Film Collective VIRL 5-7PM Read Monkey Beach, Eden Robinson Bocephus King 8pm Duncan Showroom $20 door $15 adv

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CVAC Speaker Series The Evolution of the Chair; Mid-century Modern to Today’s Original Designs w/Cam Russell 12-1pm Island Savings Ctr by donation

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Duncan Christian School Annual Christmas Bazaar 2-7pm Duncan Christian School 495 Beech Ave duncanchristianschool.ca FREE Little Women Chemainus Theatre Festival chemainustheatre.ca runs to Dec 30 Arbutus Roots w/Kevin’s Bacon 9pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $10 cover Harpdog Brown and the Uptown Blues Band 730pm Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. eventbrite.ca $20

Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $10 Blue Moon Marquee w/ saxophonist Morgan Onda 730pm Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. eventbrite.ca $20 Through the Open Lens Ragnhild Richter-Struebe Photograper 11-4pm Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Dr FREE runs to Nov. 25 Art Opening: Topology printmaking, large scale fabric installations & sculpture 5-7pm 3091 Agira Rd theougallery.com FREE runs to Dec 15 Crystals, Chakras and Curiosities w/Dawn Gordon 1-230pm Sun Room @Sol-Ctr cfsforthesoul@ gmail.com to register

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Painting Bold Water Scenes using Acrylics Workshop w/Pauline Dueck 9-4pm Island Savings Ctr 2687 James St $200 CVAC member /$250 non-members

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The Corps w/ Slimeball Wizard and Punk Jams Punk Night 730pm Chapel Providence Farm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd eventbrite.ca $25 NMA Big Band Latin, swing, fusion & funk w/ vocalist Sydney Needham 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $20 Chemainus Classical Concerts: Pianist Shoko Inoue 2pm Chemainus United Church 250 748 8383 $25/$10 adv $18

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Sacred Chant Circle w/ Sadie Bartram 7-830pm Rivendell Yurt in Glenora sdbartram@gmail.com by donation

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Auction Action La Petite Auction House 9686 Chemainus Rd 1pm 250 701 2902

Sensitive Dance Workshop #2 OUR Ecovillage $199-$250

WINTER SUNSHINE! Masimba Marimba and Rogue Wave w/ Paul Ruszel 4-730pm @ the HUBAdults $10; youth 16 and under FREE Soup/ bread $3 and/or bring your own food

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Fabulous Films: The Trial 6:30-9pm VIU Cowichan 2011 University Way FREE

The County Line 9pm Osborne Bay

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Mindfulness and Meditation Skills for Mental Health w/ Island Integrated Counselling Society 6-730pm Duncan Library FREE

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Two

demonstration sessions for registrants of CVAC’s The Art of Gingerbread Exhibit on Building & Baking &Advanced Tips on Icing & Decorating Time TBA Island Savings Ctr 2687 James St FREE

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS November 4 2PM I $15

Wanda Nowicki Quintet

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Watersheds 101: an introduction to watersheds across Cowichan Region 7pm VIU Cowichan Campus Rm 140 FREE

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HUB Film Club Bollywood Film & Food Night home cooked Indian food & the film Om Shanti Om 6pm / 6:45pm@the ​Hub hubfilmclub@gmail.com

A dramatic vocalist touches emotions

November 11 2PM I $15

Centerpiece & Vocalist Charity Munro Swing, ballads, Latin & fusion

November 18 2PM I $20

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NMA Big Band

Young Agrarians and Cowichan Green Community Land Link 1-6pm Cobble Hill Hall 3550 Watson Ave FREE Make your Own Crystal grid w/Kelly Mitchell 12-1pm @ Sol-Centre cfsforthesoul@gmail. com for info & reg $45

Latin, swing, fusion & funk with soulful vocalist Sydney Needham

November 25 2 PM I $15

CanUS Swing, ragtime, blues and three-part harmony vocals.

Blues Night w/The Mark Crissinger Band 8pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $10

Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton

Mill Bay Craft and Gift Fair Mill Bay Community Hall 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road 10am - 2pm Emandare Vineyard Foch release and Christmas Open House 11am - 5pm

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Natalie MacMaster & Donald Leahy A Celtic Family Christmas 730pm Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr cowichanpac.ca $48 CanUS Swing, ragtime, blues 2pm Osborne Bay Pub 1534 Joan Ave Crofton $15

Opening in November www.theainslie.ca

161 Kenneth St., Duncan 250-597-3695

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Visions Group of Artists Mon-Fri 11-2pm & Sat 12-3pm The Arbutus Gallery 2687 James St cowichan valleyartscouncil.ca FREE runs to Dec 7

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CCS 103-225 Canada Ave FREE

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Dean Brody Dirt Road Stories Cowichan Performing Arts Ctr 730pm cowichanpac.ca for tickets Prostate Cancer Support Group Meeting 2pm CCS 103-225 Canada Ave Speaker Connie Degenstein BScN, RN 250 748 4086 FREE

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Westholme Tea Company Open House 10-6pm 8350 Richards Trail 250 748 3811 FREE Also December 1 & 2 Flora Demo, 2-5 PM, Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery 4-180 Central Ave Duncan, BC, Try out popular Flora products! Free

Cowichan Valley Cancer Support Group 1030-12pm

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November 2018 Issue 120 Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Publisher Richard Badman Editor Sheila Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 6514 Wicks Rd, Duncan BC V9L 5V2 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com Distribution Events Calendar Mike Andringa & Heather Lawrence C. A. Linklater Advertising Enquiries Please Contact Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Next Ad Deadline Nov 18 for December 2018 Issue 121 *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE! Next EVENTS DEADLINE November 15 for December 2018 Issue E-mail: Date, Event Title, Time, Location and Cost w/ subject “EVENT” to events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/or edit submitted listings due to space limitations SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLLOWING VALLEY VOICES Peter Sussman, Mark Holford, Heather Kaye, The Hawker Food Dude, Emily, Grant Easterbrook, Joy Emmanuel, Naomi Kunert, Carolina Brand Venegas, Venita Chow, Melissa Brown, Chloe Boyle, Barclay & Donovan, Monica Dockerty, Azja Jones Martin, Caitlin McKenna, Gord Broughton, Elia B Zanon, Paulina Kee, Heather Stannard, Tracey Hanson, Debbie Wood, Miyo Stevens, Yvonne Rigsby-Jones, Anita Willis, Gloria Solley, Alistair MacGregor, Patricia Dawn, David Suzuki, Nicolette Genier and The Wonderful Staff at The Community Farm Store and The Lovely Georgia Nicols We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine reserves the right to omit and/ or edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other contributors. Please send a query e-mail with your suggested topic prior to sending your article as space is limited and may not always be available.

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

November Cover: Singer Ken Lavigne has charmed his way into the hearts of concert goers across North America with his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style. www.kenlavigne.com

The holidays are just around the corner.

Any gift ideas for Santa you’d like to share?

Contact Adrienne for details and a rate card 250 510 6596

OUR COMMUNITY November Events 4-5 World Community Film Festival 13 The Forests on the Mountain and the Valley Far Below 58-60 I Cant’ Believe It 70 What Reconciliation is and What It is Not 71 Rememberance Day November 11 74 Community Farm Store Pages 72-73 Georgia Nicols November Forecast 76 Directory 78-79 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK Delicious Weekends at Blue Grouse Winery 10 Musings from the Vines 11 Westholme Tea Company Open House 21 The Hawker Food Dude Ryecycled Reviewed 25 The Health Benefits of Polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil 31 HOME, FARM & GARDEN Sleeping Warm During the Cold Winter 28-29 Gratitude For The Good Food: So Long 8 ½ Acres Farm! 24 Leave Your Leaves 52 Winter Planters 53 New B.C. Land Matching Program 54 Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approvals - How Brokers Can Help 56 Sharing Your Solar Story 57 iWorks: Apple’s Office Suite 67 Green Living 68 LOCAL ARTS Award Winning Blues Guitarist David Gogo 7 Square Dancing In Cobble Hill Hall 8 2018 Cowichan Artisans Fall Studio Tour 9 BC World Music Collective 12 Ken Lavigne’s HOME! for Christmas 38 A Celtic Family Christmas 40 River of Stone 44 Pianist Shoko Inoue 74 BODY, MIND & SOUL Which Laser Treatment Is Right For Your Skin? 32-33 Re-Conectándonos con Cristales 42 Connecting With Crystals 45 Standing On Your Own Two Feet 46 Reiki Wellness - Debbie Shkuratoff 47 Yoga For Wellness 63 PETS, RECREATION & NATURE Dog First Aid 69 Get Outside And Save The World 77

adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

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

Gogo’s hometown of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Gogo has recorded several albums with Salt, and the new studio has a live, intimate atmosphere, which yielded an overall grittier sound with lots of feeling. The new album also has more of a “band feel” to it than previous albums, making the songs feel more like the live show.

Additionally, Gogo was inspired to make use of a wider range of guitars from his extensive collection and experimented with his newly acquired Gibson Les Paul and a Martin D 35 that had him playing and writing outside of his usual approach.

Award Winning Blues Guitarist David Gogo

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avid Gogo’s groove-fueled blend of blues and rock is the basis for a singular and storied music career. His songs have been featured in film and television and are regularly played on blues radio programs the world over. He has earned numerous Canadian blues accolades, including five JUNO nominations, a Western Canadian Music Award, a CBC Saturday Night Blues Award, and multiple Maple Blues Awards. He has thirty years of performing and hundreds of thousands of tour miles under his belt. He’s played on stage with Johnny Winter, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Albert Collins and Bo Diddley. He has opened for George Thorogood, ZZ Top, The Tragically Hip, Buddy Guy, Charles Bradley, Robert Cray, and Jimmy Vaughan among many others. Gogo can swap road stories for as long as you can listen!

Vicksburg Call is Gogo’s fourteenth release and is poised to add even more acclaim to his already impressive inventory.

Undoubtedly a rockin’ blues album, it was recorded at Rick Salt’s brand new studio in

David played at the former Crofton Hotel (now Osborne Bay Pub), with the great Johnny Winter, when Mr. Mortel reopened it 8 years ago. David Gogo Trio-Saturday, November 10, 8PM $25 door or $20 advance at osbornebaypub.com or Ticketleap.com. Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Avenue, Crofton

Band of Rascals There’s a thunderous noise coming from the mellow landscape of Vancouver Island these days… Mixing vintage southern blues sensibilities with screeching and electrifying guitar riffs, thundering drums and heart/ vibe lyrics, these rock ‘n’ roll brothers-in-arms represent a new generation of North American rock bands. Band of Rascals has created an evocative sound, captivating audiences of all ages.

This distinct sound is matched only by their electrifying live performance. November 2nd Band of Rascals, 9pm $20 adv/ 25 at door. osbornebaypub.com

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FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH EVERYONE AGE 12 AND UP WELCOME

SQUARE DANCING COBBLE HILL HALL

•RECOMMENDED • DONATION • Y $10/PERSON B IC • • LIVHE EMSUHSADY •

T DANCE GROVE BAND

•

For INFO call 250-929-8226 or visit WWW.SHADYGROVE.CA

Square Dancing In Cobble Hill Hall

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s recently as the time of our great grandparents, social events took place in people’s homes, and often included dancing. Rugs would be rolled up,partners chosen, and a fiddle to provide tunes and rhythms would appear.

Broom straws, doubling as”Fiddlesticks”, beaten on the fingerboard provided rhythm for the tunes which, more often than not had their origins in Scotland and Ireland. A caller could always be found to lead the dancers.

A worldwide square dance movement evolved utilizing crinolines for the ladies and Western apparel for the gents, recorded music, and a requirement to attend lessons.

Traditional square dancing, on the other hand, has live music and calling, and no lesson formalities.

In the early 1950s Peter Sussman along with his mentor, Pete Seeger, was a dancer with The American Square Dance Group,which demonstrated and taught traditional square dancing from all regions of North America.

In 2014,with his lifetime of experience, he formed The Shady Grove Dance Band and established the monthly square dance, which has

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continued to date. It has recently moved to the Cobble Hill Community Hall at 3550 Watson Avenue. The dance, with live music, begins at 7:30PM the first Friday of each month except July and August. Singles and Partners age 12 and over are welcome.

Donations of $10 per person are asked for those who can pay, and dances are taught before every dance.

Over the years, three callers from our community, one with many years of experience, have joined us to help provide variety to the evening. His granddaughter delights us with a square dance done in waltz time.

Our dancers have volunteered such comments as,”It was so much fun,” and “I didn’t think it would be so easy,” and there are those who come just to listen to the old-time fiddle tunes. Their memories may harken back to their childhood evenings at community dances, or being subjected to high school gym classes.

For more information please call 250-929-8226 www.shadygrove.ca

Submitted by Peter Sussman

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

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Mary Fox Pottery

Live Edge Design

is a labour of love reflecting the highest professional standards.

2018 Cowichan Artisans Fall Studio Tour

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isit professional artisans at work. Come away with a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Over the course of a weekend, twelve professional, full-time artisans will open their studio doors to share experiences and showcase their work.

2018 Cowichan Artisans Tour – Nov 3 & 4. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eclectic offerings range from fine furniture and pottery to jewelry and Steampunk sculptures. There are also paintings reflecting Cowichan scenes, intricate stone mosaics and smooth wooden bowls and boxes.

Each piece of work is original in concept and design. Each

Artists include: Ancient Art of Stone, Stone mosaics and murals; Bonnie and Arwen Schmaus, Studio on Herd Rd; Cam Russell, Custom Furniture; Cathi Jefferson, Ceramic Artist; Jennifer Lawson, Watercolour Painter; Jo Ludwig, Glass Vessels, Steampunk/Folk-Art Sculpture; Karen Trickett, Custom Furniture, Marquetry and Automotive Woodwork; Ken Broadland, Wood Turning and Woodwork; Laurel Hibbert, Acrylic Painter; Live Edge Design, Custom Art Furniture; Mary Fox, Ceramic Artist; Peggy Brackett, Glass Jewelry;

The Day of the Not Yet Dead at the Shibui Gallery

Information, Brochures and map are available online at www.cowichanartisans.com and observation of world cultures past and present.

I Jo Ludwig

t has been thirty years since Chuck and Tom had their last show in the Cowichan Valley.

The boys are back in town with Guts, Grit and Gusto!

They have been following a common path of discovery, encompassing contact with

A retrospective of their work will be on display at the Shibui Gallery in Maple Bay. Opening reception Saturday, November 3rd, 2 pm to 6 pm.

The show runs from Nov. 3rd through 17th, gallery hours 12 til 5 pm daily.

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Margot Page

Enamelling on Copper and Steel

Jewelery • Vases • Journals • Guestbooks

Frames • Bookmarks • Magnets • Lightswitch Plates

www.imaginethatartisans.com

www.margotpage.com

quaylecard.indd 1

250 746 8446

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Delicious Weekends at Blue Grouse Winery

risp air, pretty leaves, sweaters and boots, comfort food…and don’t forget the wine! Blue Grouse Winery is loving the fall season and for the rest of 2018 every Saturday and Sunday we will have local, homemade lunches available from noon to 3pm.

8/8/2011 3:23:00 PM

Soup Saturdays: For the past two years Janine Duns has been hard at work in our kitchen making warming soups with local ingredients each weekend.

The lovely smells drift up towards the vaulted ceiling of our beautiful tasting room where you can sit up in our cozy mezzanine or downstairs by the fire. Her favorites to make are butternut squash and apple, leek and potato, Tuscan bean and corn chowder and she always tops them with a lovely pesto, gremolata or croutons. The soup du jour is served with warm True Grain baguette slices and your choice of a glass of wine for $16. You can also choose to tuck into charcuterie from CURE or a cheese or vegetarian board with your soup!

Sunday EATS: Join us on Sundays for a local, seasonally curated menu prepared by Chef Chey Peterson from Kaleidoscope Creative. The

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foursome - Chey and Susie Peterson and Morgan and Karen Newington are a local catering collaborative that focus on quality and flavour, with inspiration coming from around the globe – escape on a culinary adventure without leaving the Valley!

The weekly menu consists of two or three seasonal items, ranging between $10 and $15, such as Wild Mushroom Dumplings in warm dashi miso broth. Ask us for our suggested wine pairings, the dumplings are delicious with our Quill Pinot Gris or our Quill Red! Make a date with friends and meet up at Blue Grouse Winery this fall and winter.

We are open 11-5pm from Wednesday through Sunday every week up to the 23rd of December.

Holiday Open House December 1st and 2nd from 12-4pm Free and Family Friendly Get into the holiday spirit with Blue Grouse! Join us for a special holiday wine release of our 2016 Estate Pinot Noir, 2016 Black Muscat and NEW Fortified Black Muscat.

Enjoy holiday music, lunch, wine tastings, and stock up on holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. 2182 Lakeside Road Duncan 250-743-3834

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

Musings from the Vines

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hew. Harvest is done.

Both the most satisfying and most terrifying time of the year. Juggling timelines, schedules, and trying to hit the curveballs that Mother Nature throws your way.

To give some perspective, we are growing 17 different types of grapes on three different vineyards, all of which are ripening at different rates. Trying to juggle when to pick each to get optimal ripeness, and maximizing yield is profoundly difficult. Do you leave the grape to ripen a little longer? Will the coming rain storm wipe out your crop if you do? How much damage are the birds doing? Is mold or mildew going to ruin your grapes right before you pick? Add into that labour that is unpredictable (we use wwoofers and workawayers for a lot of our help) and it is no surprise that my hair has become quite gray over the past few years.

Despite all those variables, this year’s harvest has turned out to be pretty exceptional.

The hot sunny summer weather helped get our grapes ripened relatively early. The wet September wasn’t so wonderful, but our grapes held on and the beautiful October helped to finish off our later grapes. So quality

from 2018 is great. Quantity was down this year at all three of our vineyards. The silver lining though is smaller crops usually mean bigger flavours.

A slight decrease in quantity is also good news for my back and shoulders. Every grape we pick (roughly 22 metric tonnes) I lift on average 3 times personally during the harvest process. Although we use small bins that only hold 11 kg of grapes, overall I’m lifting/carrying/pouring 66 tonnes over six weeks.

Speaking of gray hairs... over the years, I’ve always joked that I’m never going to get old, that I’m going to be a modern day Peter Pan and always stay young. Well, this harvest period I passed a milestone and have entered my fifties. And while I don’t feel old (mentally), my body is starting to show a little

more wear and tear, and I certainly notice all those tonnes of grapes. I no longer feel quite so invincible, and I can’t pull off 16 hour days without consequences down the road.

It has started us thinking hard about our long term strategy, and the need for an exit plan at some point. Our oldest daughter will be graduating with her Winemaking degree in the spring, and will be joining us next summer and fall. Our youngest is graduating next fall with a Communications degree, and worked this summer in our tasting room and does all our social media work. So hopefully we will be able to scale back gradually and make room for our next generation to move into the forefront. I’m personally very excited as Robin will be getting her own wines to make next year, without interference from me so we’ll have some new and exciting products coming out in the next few years.

Now that harvest is done – it’s time for a break, right?

Guess not. Christmas is just

around the corner and the hectic pace will continue right until the end of the year.

Lots of Christmas markets to attend, and wines to be sold. Speaking of which, I hope to see all our readers out supporting local businesses in their holiday shopping decisions! Remember buying local supports your local businesses and keeps those purchasing dollars in the local community.

Mark Holford, owner and winemarker,.

Rocky Creek Winery, Cowichan’s most awarded winemaker garnering 105 medals at National and International Competitions.

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ringing together musicians from Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Africa and London, the BC World Music Collective takes audiences on a worldwide journey without ever leaving their seats! Friday, November 2 at 7:30pm, thirteen musicians, all with their own professional music career, will weave their musical traditions together to create a unique experience in the ultimate celebration of cultural collaboration.

The BC World Music Collective is made up of musicians from around the world who all make their home in beautiful BC. The collective is comprised of:

• Adonis Puentes - Cuba (Singer, bongos, percussion) • Celso Machado – Brazil (Singer, guitar percussion) • Tonye Aganaba – London (Singer, rapper) • Kurai Blessing – Africa (Mrimba, percussion, vocals) • Tom Landa – Mexico (Jarana, guitar, vocals) • Malcom Aiken – BC (Trumpet) • Pedro Mota – Mexico (Guitar, vocals, percussion) • Robin Layne – BC (Marimba, congas, vocals) • Liam MacDonald – BC (Drums, percussion, pandeiro) • Nick La Riviere – BC (Trombone) • Kalissa Landa – Chile (Fiddle, vocals) • Ronnie Swirl – BC (Bass)

• Ostwelve – Coast Salish First Nations (Stō:lo/St’át’imc/ Nlaka’pamux Territories) rapper from Chilliwack.

This is truly an exciting band with some impressive talent. Their performance is very much a collaboration that sees all the musicians playing with each other, and backing each other up as they sing their own songs and tell the stories of where they are from, and how they got to BC. They take listeners on a worldwide journey without ever leaving home.

The eclectic collection of instruments that these musicians play ranges from percussions, guitars, bongos, trombone, jarana, pandeiro, fiddle, marimba, congas, bass, trumpet and mbira. With vibrant individual careers, these talented performers have created something greater than their individual talents.

Bringing together their individual world music experiences, they combine their unique styles of musicianship to create their very

Port Theatre

Nanaimo

125 Front Street

Saturday

December 15, 2018

7:30PM

For Tickets 250-754-8550

cedricks.ca presents

BC World Music Collective own style. Together, this group of spectacular musicians create an unforgettable evening of cultural celebration.

BC World Music Collective Friday, November 2, 2018 at 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Tickets $34.00 / Student & Cowichan Folk Guild $28 / eyeGO $5 (250) 748-7529 or online at cowichanpac.ca.

“Soul King a delight...”

Cowichan Valley Citizen

Soul King A Concert Tribute to Sam Cooke The Man, The Music, The Murder

EARLY BIRD PRICES 20% OFF until November 15th Rows A-J $43.50/K-W $38/ Balcony $32.50 After Nov. 15th: Rows A-J $54/ K-W$47/Balcony$40

tickets.porttheatre.com 12

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

World Community Film Festival – November 2-4

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he Cowichan Valley Film Society is excited to partner with VIU this year to bring the Travelling World Community Film Festival back to Duncan November 2-4. We will be screening 18 documentaries from around the world, with a focus on environmental, social justice and human rights issues.

The film topics include the anti-gentrification fight in Vancouver, environmental effects of cargo freighters, the evolution of organic agriculture, an unsung life-long farm workers’

activist, redress for Japanese internment in Canada, a world famous comic drag ballet troupe, First Nations elders passing on wisdom, a community’s successful fight against natural gas fracking, reuniting First Nations siblings who were victims of the 60’s scoop, the power of the cooperative enterprise model, auto industry influences in the demise of streetcars, how population explosion and over-consumption are straining the earth’s limits, a resistance cell of forgers who saved thousands of Jews, and

a queer filmmaker’s take on her evangelical upbringing and homophobia. These films will educate, entertain and inspire.

drink into the theatre. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle to fill up on site.

The Festival takes place at the VIU Cowichan Campus with all films screened in the lecture theatre. The schedule runs Friday from 5:30 to 9:00pm, Saturday from 1:00 to 9:00pm and Sunday from 12:00 to 8:00pm. The concession (cash only) will offer homemade soups, buns, cookies and other treats, as well as coffee, tea and cold beverages. Filmgoers are welcome to take food and

Full Festival passes are $20 ($10 for students).

Single day passes are $10.

Tickets are available at the door throughout the Festival – cash only. Please visit our website for film schedule and descriptions: cowichanvalleyfilm.ca

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

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PRODUCE SECTION

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

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November 2-4 – Documentary Films history, their connection deepens, bringing laughter with it, and their family begins to take shape.

Showing Sat, Nov. 3 @ 1:15

116 Cameras 2017

Director: Davina Pardo As the Holocaust survivor community ages, an ambitious project transforms survivors into 3D digital holograms that will interact with generations to come. 116 Cameras follows Eva Schloss, stepsister of Anne Frank, as she tells her story.

This creative project addresses the pressing question of what might happen when witnesses are no longer with us.

Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 1:20

19 Paper Cranes 2017

Director: Michael Joseph In this short film we meet Sachiko Tanaka, a woman living with an intellectual disability. Sachiko, makes recycled paper, as she does every day, but this time she is recycling the letter on which a young mass murderer justified his actions. She uses the finished paper to make nineteen Origami cranes. This heartwarming film is a tribute to the victims and a challenge to assumptions about people with different abilities.

Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 2:15

Birth of a Family 2017

Director: Tasha Hubbard Three sisters and a brother, adopted as infants into separate families across North America as part of the Sixties Scoop, meet together for the first time in this deeply moving documentary. They were four of the 20,000 Indigenous children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or to live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared

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Showing Fri, Nov. 2 @ 7:00

& Special Jury Award, Hawaii Int’l Film Festival Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 4:35

Children of Redress 2013

Director: Greg Masuda In 1942 the Canadian government ordered the uprooting of 22,000 Japanese men, women and children in one of the nation’s largest and cruelest dispossession and dispersals ever. A generation later, Japanese Canadians fought back – and won. Using rarely seen archival footage and interviews with members of the negotiation team Children of Redress calls on today’s generation to stand up for what is right.

Showing Sat, Nov. 3 @ 4:05

Evolution of Organic 2017 Director: Mark Kitchell This is the story of organic agriculture, told by those who built the movement. It’s a heartfelt journey of change – from a small band of rebels to a cultural transformation in the way we grow and eat food. The next generation of organic farmers is broadening their scope to include methods such as “no till” and carbon farming as a climate solution.

Regenerative agriculture is the new frontier.

Showing Sat, Nov. 3 @ 5:20.

Sponsored by Alderlea Farm & Cafe

Finding Kukan 2015 Dolores 2017

Director Peter Bratt Producer: Carlos Santana Dolores Huerta is among the most important, yet least known, activists in American history.

She co-founded the first US farm workers’ union with Cesar Chavez. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labour justice alongside Chavez, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century. At 87, she continues the fight. With intimate and unprecedented access to this intensely private mother of eleven, the film reveals the raw personal stakes involved in committing one’s life to social change. “Exuberantly inspiring… makes you want to march and dance.” San Francisco Chronicle Audience Award, San Francisco Film Festival; Best Documentary, Seattle Int’l Film Festival

Director: Robin Lung In the late 1930s China is in dire straits and will collapse under Japan’s military juggernaut if it doesn’t get outside help. Chinese American firebrand Li Ling-Ai jolts Americans into action with a new medium - color film. She hires photojournalist Rey Scott to travel to China and capture a citizen’s perspective of the war-torn country. Their landmark film KUKAN screened for President Roosevelt at the White House and received one of the first Academy Awards for a feature documentary in 1942. Why have we never heard of this remarkable woman, Li LingAi? And why have all copies of KUKAN disappeared?

Filmmaker Robin Lung goes on a 7-year quest to find the answers. Best Documentary

Footprint: Population, Consumption and Sustainability 2017

Director: Valentina Canavesio Footprint takes a dizzying spin around the globe, witnessing population explosion, over-consumption, limited resources, and expert testimony about a world straining at its limits. We spend time with indigenous health workers, activists, and ordinary people in the Philippines, Mexico, Pakistan and Kenya.

All of them challenge the idea that our world can continue to support the weight of humanity’s footprint on it.

Showing Sat, Nov. 3 @ 7:15

The Forger 2016

NY Times Documentary In occupied Paris in 1944 four friends spend their days in a small Left Bank apartment.

The neighbours think they’re painters — a cover story to explain the chemical smell.

In fact, they are members of a Jewish resistance cell making false passports for families about to be deported to concentration camps. Their heroic actions helped save the lives of thousands of Jews.

One of them went on to forge papers for people around the

All Films at VIU, Duncan www.cowichanvalleyfilm.ca

world in practically every major conflict of the mid-20th century. Audience Award for Short Documentary, Hot Docs Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 1:40

Freightened: The Real Price of Shipping 2016 Director: Denis Delestrac The cargo shipping industry brings 90% of the goods we consume in the West, yet the regulation of this business remains largely obscure. The film answers many questions: Who pulls the strings in this multi-billion dollar business?

To what extent does the industry control our policy makers? How does it affect the environment above and below the water?

Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 12:15

Stonewall riots. The troupe has a passionate cult following around the world. The film juxtaposes behind-the-scenes access, rich archives and history, engaging characterdriven stories, and dance performances shot in North America, Europe and Japan.

“Laugh out loud funny!”—POV Magazine. Best Documentary, San Louis Obispo Film Festival and Miami LGBT Film Festival Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 6:10

The Right to Remain

2015

Director: Greg Masuda A look at Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents and their fight to save their community from development.

The documentary is told from a Japanese-Canadian perspective of those who remember their own displacement and internment and are guided by solidarity with their neighbours.

Showing Sat, Nov. 3 @ 4:25

Love the Sinner 2017

Filmmakers: Jessica Devaney & Geeta Gandbhir This is a personal documentary exploring the connection between Christianity and homophobia in the wake of the 2016 shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Queer filmmaker Jessica Devaney grew up deeply immersed in Evangelical Christianity in Florida. She later left Florida and built a far different life.

The mass shooting was a wake-up call - by avoiding hard conversations with church leadership, had she missed opportunities to challenge homophobia?

Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 2:00

Seeking Wisdom: Students and Elders in the Sea to Sky 2017 Director: Ed Carswell Students from School District 48’s Aboriginal Leadership Group travel throughout the Sea to Sky to interview Elders from both the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. Elders share stories, poetry, and deep wisdom surrounding issues of language revitalization, reconciliation and forgiveness.

Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 2:55

Rebels On Pointe 2017

Rebels on Pointe celebrates the world famous Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the notorious all-male, comic, drag ballet company founded over 40 years ago in New York City on the heels of the

A Silent Transformation 2017

Filmmakers: Simon Brothers,

Luke Mistruzzi, Anton Smolski, & Mark Preston This is a film about the transformative power of the co-operative enterprise model.

As the modern economy increasingly denies the basic amenities for a decent life to vast sectors of the population, this co-operative spirit is as critical as ever. The film explores the innovative self-help efforts of different communities across Ontario.

In these communities are the seeds of economic democracy, global solidarity, and a movement to transform society.

Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 3:30

national culture.

Showing Sat, Nov. 3 @ 2:50

Vancouver: No Fixed Address 2017

Director: Charles Wilkinson This film focuses on the global housing bubble in a city often voted to be the ‘Best City in the World’. But the reality on the ground is that many residents are deeply concerned about their ability to stay here. This film engages with a group of experts who explain exactly what’s happening. It puts a human face on the housing crisis and the gross inequality it has left in its wake.

Showing Fri, Nov. 2 @ 5:30

Water Warriors 2017

Taken for a Ride 1996

Director: Jim Klein Taken for a Ride examines the competition between highways and streetcars in the US beginning in the 1920s. The film remains relevant today and provides a view of the political and corporate influences (particularly General Motors) which affected the demise of the streetcar and catapulted the automobile to the center of the

All Films at VIU, Duncan www.cowichanvalleyfilm.ca

Director: Michael Premo Water Warriors is the story of a New Brunswick community’s successful fight to protect their water from natural gas fracking. A multicultural group of unlikely warriors–including First Nations members, Frenchspeaking Acadians and white English-speaking families–set up a series of road blockades preventing exploration. After months of resistance, their efforts not only halted drilling, they elected a new government and won an indefinite moratorium on fracking in the province.

Showing Sun, Nov. 4 @ 2:35

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focusing on writing new music and crafting her richly unique sound, which has led her to become country music’s best kept secret. An Evening with Glass Tiger with special guest Jessica Mitchell Wednesday, November 7, 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Tickets $45.50 by phone (250) 748-7529 or online at cowichanpac.ca.

Providence Farm

Glass Tiger Classic rock fans are invited to An Evening with Glass Tiger. With five JUNO Awards, a Grammy nomination, 4 platinum albums, 14 hit singles and over 5 million albums sold worldwide, Glass Tiger has solidified itself as a truly iconic Canadian act. Glass Tiger is synonymous with great songs such as “Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone”, “Someday”, “Thin Red Line”,” My Song”, ‘I Will Be There” and many more, and the band will be performing them in an amped up acoustic format that will show the audience just why these legendary songs have stood the test of time.

After venturing into the studio, Glass Tiger has come out with 12 of their best songs totally reimagined. These iconic songs will be presented with all the exquisite charm, honesty and simplicity as the day they were written.

“Our performances have never been tighter, and we are playing at our highest level ever. We are re-ignited, recharged, and looking forward to every single show on the tour,” says lead singer Alan Frew. Joining Glass Tiger is special guest Jessica Mitchell. This countryfolk songstress is, at heart, a storyteller – an open book. Based in Toronto, and Nashville TN, she has spent the last decade digging deeper into her artistry,

LIVE IN THE CHAPEL

1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan ALL SHOWS Doors 7pm I Performance 7:30pm NOVEMBER 2 • $20 SARAH JANE SCOUTEN

International touring Roots-Canadiana known for hitting hard and close to home.

NOVEMBER 10 • $20 JAMES GORDON

JAMES GORDON Barely North Entertainment is pleased to present renown singer-songwriter James Gordon for a special show in the Chapel at Providence farm on Saturday, November 10. In his forty-year career as a solo singer-songwriter and with the ground-breaking trio Tamarack, James Gordon has released forty albums and toured relentlessly around the world. He has penned over 1500 songs (Frobisher Bay, Mining for Gold, Looking for Livingstone), some of which have been famously played by Cowboy Junkies, James Keelaghan, Miranda Mulholland, and international choirs. In addition to compositions for symphony orchestras, musical theatre, dance, and film scores, James was heard on CBC radio for over ten years as songwriter-inresidence for the ‘Basic Black” and “Ontario Morning” programs. Tickets $20 at Duncan

Forty-year career as a solo singersongwriter and with the groundbreaking trio Tamarack.

NOVEMBER 16 • $20 HARPDOG BROWN AND THE UPTOWN BLUES BAND

The Bluesman himself back again after a stellar show last year…this time with a whole new band!

NOVEMBER 17 • $20 BLUE MOON MARQUEE

Back after a sold-out show this Gypsy Blues duo are bringing saxophonist Morgan Onda for a show that won’t be forgotten.

NOVEMBER 18 • $15 THE CORPS W/ SLIMEBALL WIZARD AND PUNK JAMS Punk night with three great bands—expect pop, shock, and high decibels.

Tickets at Duncan Music, Providence Farm Store, and eventbrite.ca

www. barelynorth.com Music, Prov Farm Store, and www.eventbrite.ca.

Rock I Funk I Blues I Reggae I Latin I Metal

Paul Jutras

DRUM KIT AND HAND PERCUSSION LESSONS 35+ years experience- Private / One 2 One / Customized / Fun

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

778-422-1034 I chopsdrumschool@gmail.com

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

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6th Annual

WORLD CRAFT BAZAAR

Unique Fair & Ethical Trade Crafts and Products from around the World

OVER 20 VENDORS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

RAMADA

(by Silver Bridge)

140 Trans Canada Highway

Duncan

NOT JUST TOFINO ANYMORE

NEW SCHEDULE NOW IN EFFECT

Ethical Trade & the Global Village

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ou may be familiar with the terms Fair and Ethical trade. They are “alternative” trading models that use “profit” in the service of people and the planet – not to line shareholders’ pockets. But, if you are like me, there is always more to learn about these respectful business practices and the positive impact they have.

Here are six good things to know about ethical trade and six good reasons to come to the Duncan Fiesta Ethical Trade Fair.

1. Fair and ethical trade translates into greater equality in the market place. It’s a way of doing business that recognizes the true costs of producing goods.

2. Ethical trade offers a more direct link between consumers and producers who live far away in our global village. We can know more about a product than what’s on the label.

3. Fair and ethical trade supports part of the profits going back to the producer, his family, or community.

4. Fair trade helps end cycles of poverty. Working with a fairtrade company can mean having decent work conditions and secure housing.

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5. Fair trade seeks to empower women and girls

through raising the standards of gender equality in the supply chain.

6. Through supporting sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and more, ethical trade has a positive impact on the planet.

There are many good things to say about fair and ethical trade but the best way to learn more is to come to Fiesta Ethical Trade Fair and meet some of the wonderful people involved in these direct trade relationships. Okay, here is a 7th good reasons to support ethical trade – you are supporting small business owners who live right in our back yard in the global village.

Here are some of the folks you will meet: Louise who imports Mayan crafts to support projects around education and sustainable agriculture in Guatemala.

Dave who volunteers for a NP and sells products made by the Hope for Uganda Widows project. Ba Cis sells fair trade shay butter from west Africa. Sandra will be selling products in support of schools in Myanmar. And almost 20 other vendors! Come out and learn more while you shop for a fair and just world.

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

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Winter Sunshine With Masimba

ime for some winter sunshine! Masimba Marimba will host its 2018 Village Gathering on November 17th, from 4 to 7:30 PM, at the HUB at Cowichan Station.

We’re looking forward to playing many of our favourite soulful, lively songs from the rich cultures of Zimbabwe and southern Africa. We are also excited to be sharing this event with Rogue Wave, Paul Ruszel, Eric Desaulniers and Perry Williams, playing their unique mix of Celtic, Quebecois and contemporary music.

together to relax, laugh, play, eat and dance. The HUB is a great place to share music and community!

Have a bowl of hot homemade soup with fresh bread for $3 and/or bring your own food!

Adults $10; youth 16 and under free. The HUB is at 2375 Koksilah Road, Cowichan Station. Hope to see you there!

Our intention this year is to bring families and friends

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Teeny Tiny ArtWorks Show and Sale (TTaW)

his iconic teensy-weensy art show is back by popular demand! The show and CVAC fundraiser opens with a bang – well with tea, actually. Victor, from the Westholme Tea Company, has a special blend in mind for the arts council to accompany delectable treats served in high tea fashion, on a Sunday afternoon.

Fifty, lucky ticket-holders will be delighted with first-view shopping, sweet treats and a cuppa on Sunday, November 4, (12:00 – 5:00) at the first ever Teeny Tiny Tea. Tickets are on sale online at cowichanvallayartscouncil.ca or in PORTALS on a firstcome, first-served basis until tickets last. $10.00 each Valley Christmas shoppers know that the TTaW is the best place to pick up original artworks ranging from $25 - $150 that will wow your friends and relatives in the holiday season. The show runs the whole month of November.

Local artists find this show exciting for several reasons, not the least of which is the challenge of the tiny size limits. Well known valley artist, Kaye Smillie says, “This year I am pleased to offer boxes of art cards with

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six images per box. Some are from my old car series and two are from a new series of paintings derived from market scenes, which I am hoping to expand on in the coming years.”

While, show coordinator and long time Cowichan Valley Arts Council volunteer, Judy Brayden, writes, “I enjoy the challenge that TTaW presents for the ‘out of the box’ thinker. This year I have collaborated with Cheryl Painter of Duncan’s Chocolate Pearl and Very Vintage Upscale Chic of Nanaimo, to create unique gifts for $25 - $150, embellishing each of these collectables with a Teeny Tiny ‘Judy’ canvas. Hope that you enjoy! This year, my sale profits will go directly to CVAC.” The show runs 11:00 – 5:00 daily except Sundays, with several late-night openings (see website for details) from Monday, November 5th to Thursday, November 29th at PORTALS, the CVAC Centre of Arts, Culture and Heritage in the Island Savings Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan. The show also runs concurrently with the community craft fair, Christmas Chaos.

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

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F N f w c s t C t y a n

Pairing Menu service during the open house).

Westholme Tea Company Open House

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ou are invited to our annual open house Friday+Saturday+Sunday November 30 + December 1+2 from 10am-6pm. This is our way of saying thank you to the community who continues to support our dream of creating the home for tea culture in the Cowichan. Share the warmth of the season by the wood stove as you enjoy complimentary teas and delectable sweets. (We will not be offering our usual Tea

If you have never been to the farm then this is a great opportunity to see the tea garden and enjoy what we have to offer. Bring a friend and experience organic loose teas, handbuilt ceramics, farm grown Canadian tea, artisan jams, beeswax candles and more. Our 2018 ADVENTure CALENDAR will also be available just in time to start your 24 days of journeying through the world of tea! This year we are featuring an all Herbal Advent Calendar.

Relax and take your time to find the perfect local gift and treat yourself to the taste that always feels like home.

Our website has great gift giving ideas, selection of all our teas, directions to the farm and more...

November 30 + December 1+2, Westholme Tea Farm 10am - 6pm 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme 250.748.3811 www.westholmetea.com

Upcoming EVENTS UPCOMING Local Food Dinners Pine Mushroom Dinner Saturday, November 10 Deerholme Trufe Dinner II Saturday, December 22

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan

For ReservationS 250 748 7450 21

VINOTECA AT ZANATTA

and their personal experience with the joys and pains of growing up during the American Civil War. With their father off to fight, the four March sisters have many imagined and real adventures. As they dream of their futures, encounter growing pains of youth and rise with courage to face their destiny, the March girls learn the true value of hope and family.

For 150 years, Alcott’s tale has motivated people to come together to celebrate family. The sisters in Little Women have Event Shuttle Available through a unique ability to inspire and encourage vinoteca.ca everyone to commit 5039 Marshall Rd, Duncan I 250 709 2279 to their dreams and pursue their ambitions, ome join us in sharing this timeless and enduring classic while supporting those who mean the most to them. Whether featuring the journey of the during the Civil War, or in March Sisters’ transition from modern times, the March sisters’ childhood to maturity in the and their journey will leave you time of the American Civil War. celebrating dreams and family Louisa May Alcott’s beloved with a warm impression of holiday story is a buoyant unconditional love. musical of romantic escapades,

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

Brunch on Sundays.

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sibling rivalries and Christmas wishes.

Little Women follows the lives and adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo, known among the four as the highspirited Tom-Boy, is trying to sell her stories to publishers; however, they are uninterested.

When a friend suggests that she write more personally, Jo begrudgingly begins to pen the story of herself and her sisters,

Over a year in the making, Little Women had its world premiere on our stage in 2006. Once more, we have the privilege of telling one of the most beloved stories in American literature.

The play opens with Christmas in 1862, and follows the lives of the March family through to the spring of 1865. These characters act out of ambition or desire, jealousy or noble self-sacrifice, but below the surface each choice

La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday NOVEMber 4 & 18 • 1pm

Little Women Comes To The Chemainus Theatre comes directly from their love for the people around them. Together with them, Little Women reminds us that sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true, during a season when every wish and dream feels all the more magical.

Bringing the March family and others to life on stage for you this holiday season are Georgia Bennett as Beth March, Samantha Currie as Meg March, Julien Galipeau as Laurie Laurence, Chris D. King as Fredrick Bhaer/Private H. P. Meeks, Karyn Mott as Jo March, Ryan Reid as Newyork Man/Mr. Brooke, Gordon Roberts as Mr. Dashwood/James Lawrence/Mr. March, Seana-Lee Wood as Mrs. Prudence/”Marmee” March, and

Kaitlyn Yott as Amy March.

The creative team consists of Director Julie McIsaac, Choreographer Melissa Young, Composer/Co-Lyricist/Musical Director/Pianist Jim Hodgkinson, Set Designer Carolyn Rapanos, Costume Designer Jessica Oostergo, Lighting Designer John Webber, Stage Manager Nicole Lamb, Assistant Stage Manager Liz King, and for our Musicians, Brendan Millbank on Cello.

Matinee and evening shows for all ages run November 16 - December 30. Call the Box Office at 1-800-565-7738 or visit chemainustheatre.ca to book your tickets.

BEADS BEADS BEADS

Accepting goods throughout the week

Viewings

9686 Chemainus Rd, 250-701-2902 22

Etc!

9752c Willow St

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

Chemainus

250 324 2227 Open 7 days a week

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

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

Through the Open Lens– 10 Years in Canada–A Retrospective

Ragnhild Richter-Struebe

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agnhild was interested in seeing the world through the camera lens as early as ten years old, when her father gifted her a box camera. A few years later, a “Rolleicord” medium-format twin lens reflex camera came as a gift from her grandparents. It was evident, at a young age, that photography was her passion.

She went on to graduate in a 3 year program, apprenticing with the renowned German Event Photographer, Ilse Hamann in Hamburg, Germany. The

system was such that students work in their field of study as well as attended classes, exams and give regular presentations.

Here Ragnhild excelled in Reportage Style. One of her final presentations included a show of an “Industry Museum” showing its history as well as the demolition of the building.

She happened to be in the right place at the right time to document this historical event.

Immigrating to Canada ten years ago with her family Ragnhild first studied English with the Cowichan Intercultural Society.

The photographer was able to

Ford by Ragnhild Richter-Struebe

build her confidence learning another language, attend bridging programs, served on the Board of Director’s for 7 Years in addition to volunteering her professional skills documenting events and programs.

Early Bird by Ragnhild Richter-Struebe

The series of photos taken during this involvement captures the aliveness of this community’s journey.

The last three festival photos were on display this year at the 4th One World Festival.

This years festival marks a ten year anniversary that Ragnhild has lived in the Cowichan Valley. A solo show Titled: A retrospective - 10 Years in Canada – opens 1 pm–4 pm November 17 in the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery. The collection includes photos of antique cars, local events,

nature, the CIS Collection and more. The Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 610 Oyster Bay Drive, before Transfer Beach. Gallery hours: 11 – 4 pm daily. The Solo Show runs Nov 17 – 25.

For more information contact ragnhildphotography@gmail.com or curator Barbara Sobon sobondecor@gmail.com.

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Gratitude For The Good Food: So Long 8 ½ Acres Farm!

owichan’s cooperative food hub, the Cow-op online marketplace, relies on a number of local growers to keep it’s supply steady and customers coming back for a consistent offering of high quality produce at all times of the year. When a member decides to hang up their shovels and hoes for good, it’s hard to not feel the hole that is left behind.

When we lose a farmer or farm, we lose a vital supply of nutrient-rich, locally adapted food that is an integral part of our region’s economy, our stewardship of local arable land, and our long-term food security plan for Vancouver Island as a whole. Big boots to fill!

Mike Shelton and Talyn Martin of 8 ½ acres, have been a fixture on the local farm scene for the last eight years. They started at the Duncan Farmers’ Market in 2011 with, as Talyn says, “a table full of chickweed and rhubarb.”

Their offerings would grow 100-fold over the years including regular items like their winter salad mix, free-range eggs, and sweet carrots.

Now that these young agrarians have decided to close their sweet little farm-stand, sell their farm and move on from the soil and toil to start a new chapter in their life (Costa Rica here they

come!), we cling to the hope that their farm will be bought by another aspiring farmer who can continue to grow good food on their property’s rich soil.

“Farming has a way of taking over your life for better or worse,” says Talyn. “We will miss the food more than anything, being able to wander the fields to decide what to make for dinner - year-round access to fresh organic veggies is an amazing way to live.”

The Cow-op market thanks Mike and Talyn for all that good food they have produced for our community. We feel nourished and blessed to have been in their care!

Authentic Mexican Tacos Thursday - Sunday 4-8pm

10445 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus I (250) 324-3777 24 Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley

THE HAWKER FOOD DUDE RYECYCLED REVIEWED The Hawker Food Dude Lover of Beer, Coffee and all things edible!

Follow me on Instagram!

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s the seasons change, I’m always looking for that perfect pint of locally crafted beer that signifies Fall is here! I think I have found it at Small Block Brewing.

Located off the Trans Canada highway, just south of Duncan, their hot rod-garage themed tasting room is ideal for sampling their craft.

Their newly brewed Rye Cycled Dry Hopped IPA is a beer worth trying!

After asking for a pint, it pours a deep amber,

with a half inch of foam which slowly dissipates releasing a floral hop aroma.

It has delightful caramel notes with an earthy, spicy rye character, delightful but not overly hoppy! I found this a very relaxing IPA, no bitter after taste, a lovely touch of spice that made me want another sip.

This could easily be a two pint IPA night.

This IPA would also pair well and bring out the flavours when paired with a Margarita Pizza or even a nice South Asian Curry.

This unique collaboration between Small Block Brewing, the Cowichan Green Community and True Grain Bread is definitely a success. By using rye bread that is not sold or eaten, this very sustainable process of reclaiming and up cycling the artisanal rye made of organic grains is cleverly repurposed into a very aromatic and perfectly complex IPA. I will certainly go back for another, and perhaps a growler to take home!

Ciao for now!

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Red-hot CanUS Jazz Band Covers all the “trad” bases

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t’s jazz! It’s Dixieland! It’s swing! It’s ragtime! It’s the blues and New Orleans jazz with three-part-harmony vocals. It’s CanUS Jazz Band, a red-hot band that is coming to Pat’s House of Jazz at the Osborne Bay pub in Crofton on November 25 at 2 p.m.

Admission $15.

For 15 years this Victoria jazz band stole show after show on the “trad” jazz circuit all over North America. Triangle Jazz of Seattle called them “a hot band with a swinging rhythm section and a great front line.”

The highlight for CanUS was being invited to play The Millennium Theatre at The Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C., cosponsored by the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The fact that CanUS served an international audience and is composed of musicians from both sides of the border gave rise to the unusual spelling of its name.

Formed in 1991, they’ve since retired from the road, giving them more time and

opportunities to share their music locally.

The band, led by Tony Blodgett, features some of Victoria’s best musicians in its front line, including Bob Cadwallader who adds his musical voice on trombone, trumpet virtuoso Mike Broadley and Al Pease on clarinet and tenor sax.

A Victoria jazz icon over the past 50 years, Pease brings his trademark swing to all genres and groups he performs with. Steeped in the music of Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Lester Young, and Coleman Hawkins, he draws on the essential roots of jazz to bring his swinging style to the stage.

Blodgett on piano, Joey Smith on bass and Don Leppard on drums.

A Seattle jazz critic once described CanUS as having “wonderful vocals and the most diversified book of music in the business.”

Valley Cultural Arts Society at the Osborne Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. in Crofton.

Reservations recommended.

Tables will be held until 1:30 p.m. Call 250-324-2245.

Sunday’s concert is part of the Pat’s House of Jazz series, presented by the Chemainus

The front line is backed by a driving rhythm section of

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

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

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

Dramatic vocalist Wanda Nowicki Effervescent. Dramatic.

Sultry. Seductive. That describe Gibsons vocalist/ actress Wanda Nowicki, returning with her Salt Spring Island band to light up the stage at Pat’s House of Jazz on November 4 at 2 p.m. “If I can touch someone with a mutual understanding of an emotion — loss, loneliness, joy, courage — then I feel I have done my job. Well, that and singing well,” says Nowicki. She does that in spades. Osborne Bay Pub, 1534 Joan Ave. in Crofton.

Admission is $15. Call 3242245 for reservations.

SOLITARY REFINEMENT How can someone survive fourteen years of imprisonment and torture with nearly three years in solitary confinement? How can they emerge smiling?

Discover the answers in a fascinating journey of reallife inspiration. The Voice of the Martyrs presents Solitary Refinement, an immersive live stage experience based on actual events.

Wednesday, November 14 / 7-8:15pm / Ages 13+ / 3540 Auchinachie Rd, Duncan / Oasis City Church / Free Admission / Voluntary contributions toward touring costs gratefully accepted / Show currently touring across Alberta and BC

Transcendental Genius” - Shoko Inoue , piano Pianist Shoko Inoue, uniquely among today’s performers, draws listeners into her innermost thoughts and intimate, spiritual approach to the music. Reviewers speak of her “emotional contact,” “electrifying communication” and “exuberant radiance” on stage. Anyone hoping to step deeply inside music of transcendental beauty should not miss this concert.

Sunday, November 18, 2:00 pm at Chemainus United Church Tickets: At the door $25. Under 18: $10 To reserve phone 250-748-8383 chemainusclassicalconcerts/. ca

The Corps w/ Slimeball Wizard and Punk Jams Barely North Entertainment is bringing a night of Punk Rock to the Chapel at Providence Farm on Sunday November 18. Headlining is Vancouver pop-punk heroes The Corps, with support from the always debaucherous and painfully wonderful Punk Jams, and local boys Slimeball Wizard.

Tickets $15 at Duncan Music, Prov Farm Store, and www. eventbrite.ca.

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Sleeping Warm During the Cold Winter

A

s we settle into the cooler months, our thoughts turn toward the question, “How do I stay cozy and warm throughout the night?”

At Resthouse we often hear the following two concerns, “I want to keep warm but I always overheat” and “My partner is a hot sleeper but I’m always cold. What should we do?” No need to fret, the simple answer: this winter choose warm and breathable

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bedding.

Let’s start with wool Wool bedding supports the body’s microclimate by regulating its temperature through wicking our heat and moisture away from the body and into the wool’s hollow fibres. Wool holds 1/3rd of its weight in moisture (especially compelling for those of you with night sweats) and

generously serves as a natural insulator, keeping warmth in and close when needed. Your heat can actually rise and pass freely out as more heat comes in from below.

Wool bedding comes in many forms: comforters, blankets, toppers and mattress protectors. The experts at Holy Lamb, producers of quality eco-wool bedding, suggest a comforter is the best

way to tackle temperature concerns and can keep your body’s microclimate “just right”. They also offer dualweight comforters where you and your partner can have differing temperature choices based on your individual needs. The best thing about it? You both can have the warmth/coolness that you each desire while sharing the same comforter. No more nights of thermal suffering or compromising for you or your

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

partner!

Organic cotton flannel sheets Flannel (brushed cotton) is widely known to be the coziest sheet for winter. It is warm, welcoming, and extra soft. Make sure you get flannel that is no higher than 200 gsm, if you don’t want your flannel to be too heavy and hot.

TIP: If you’re not up for flannel surrounding you completely, try putting a single sheet of flannel underneath you, and another type of cooler cotton, such as percale or sateen above you or vice-versa. Don’t limit yourself to same type sheet sets. Mix it up.

Linen is another natural sheet fibre that is nice for winter.

It is thicker than sateen and percale, while remaining very breathable. Linen is also durable and will last for years, getting softer with every wash.

If you are using a wool comforter, then choosing sateen and percale sheets and duvet covers will also work nicely. Sateen cotton is drape-like and silky soft, and percale cotton is crisp to the touch. The most important thing to consider when choosing an organic sateen or percale is the thread count; 200 - 400 thread count will

ensure that it is breathable and will support temperature regulation. You don’t have to get stuck on exact numbers, just remember that natural fibres, lower thread counts, and breathable textiles are better at keeping us warm and comfortable.

What surrounds us throughout the night deeply impacts our warmth and comfort.

Since hot air rises, what lays on top of us is the most important aspect of our sleep system which we can control and manage. Improve your temperature regulation this winter with breathable wool, organic cotton and linen. Snuggle in and stay comfortably cozy for the whole night.

Emily from Resthouse enjoys unwinding in bed with a good book and cup of tea

COLD OUTSIDE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Open Sunday-Friday. Sunday Shoppers save 7% ALPACA WOOL, CASHMERE, MERINO WOOL, ORGANIC COTTON KNITS, SILK, BAMBOO

Prudence

155 CRAIG STREET, DOWNTOWN DUNCAN

www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Resthouse Sleep Solutions 126 Station Street, Downtown Duncan

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An Amazing LIttle City Downtown Duncan

N

ew job, new season, new mayor and new council. If you had asked me even just 6 months ago if I could ever see myself living and working in Duncan, I would have laughed my way through a casual, “no way!”

Nonetheless, life has a very special way of upending all of your expectations in a spectacular fashion.

Since moving to Duncan and taking over the Executive Director role at the Downtown Duncan BIA (Business Improvement Area), I have been blown away by all of the incredible aspects of this amazing little city.

Downtown Duncan has so much to offer, incredible restaurants, cafes and bars, a diverse range of retail, free parking and greenspace. I feel it an honor to represent and promote such a unique business environment; it’s practically built like an outdoor mall.

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Here at Downtown Duncan, we’re embracing the spirit of renewal as we close out 2018 and have begun some very exciting projects you should keep your eye out for. A new television and social media push is being planned for the new year in an aim to give greater media access to the incredible community of small businesses. I truly believe the if we work together to champion the best parts of what we are we can, as a collective, change the way we, and outsiders view ourselves.

Stay in touch and stay tuned!

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

The Health Benefits of Polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

P

Grant Easterbrook is passionate about Quality Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars.

The Olive Station Duncan

eople are often surprised when they experience a slight cough or tingling in the throat after taking a sip of extra virgin olive oils.

What is this strange reaction I’m having? they wonder.

Actually, it’s not strange to cough or feel a tingling in your throat after tasting an extra virgin olive oil. It’s quite common, in fact—as is the spicy bitter flavor that usually accompanies a highquality extra virgin olive oil.

This sensation stems from a type of antioxidant called polyphenols.

Polyphenols are one type of numerous health-protective antioxidants that are found in extra virgin olive oil.

Like other antioxidants, polyphenols fight oxidative stress and may fight against aging-related diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and certain types of cancer.

In addition to the anti-aging properties of polyphenols, they also contain strong anti-inflammatory properties.

A recent study showed that

extra virgin olive oil contains a certain phenol compound called oleocanthal, which acts similar to ibuprofen in the body. This shows the potential for olive oil’s ability to help reduce the risk of strokes, It’s thought that two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day is enough to provide these anti-inflammatory benefits.

There are several factors that contribute to how many polyphenols are present in any given olive oil. Earlier harvest olives (unripe) typically contain more polyphenols than late harvest (ripe) olives. The older an oil becomes, and the longer it sits in storage, the less polyphenols will be present, due to oxidation. And above all else, the quality of the oil itself matters: The more an oil is refined, the fewer phenols it will contain.

For an extra virgin olive oil with a powerful punch of polyphenols, explore Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oils, which are made from early harvest olives and are rich in peppery, spicy flavors. The Olive Station oils are all high in Polyphenols but some extremely high in polyphenols are: Coratina from Chile with a count of 644.8 ppm ,

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

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776 a Cabroncosa from Portugal with 476.7 ppm and a Picual from Spain with 430.2 ppm of Polyphenols. Their flavor profile complements traditional rustic dishes like hearty winter soups, stews, pasta, and greens. Many.

Medium Extra Virgin Olive Oils also have a peppery finish, and they’re great for those who like a milder flavor in their olive oil.

The Olive Station.

7-225 Canada Avenue Duncan, 250-597-8808 theolivestation.com

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Photofacial

Submitted by Dr. Lyn Pascoe, Viva Medical Aesthetics, 250 746 6512

E

ven when you use effective skin care products that are targeted to your skin type and you combine that with effective in-office facials, you might still have some skin concerns that need a little extra help.

The field of laser technology has advanced significantly over the last 10 years and there are now a number of laser treatments to treat most skin issues. The question I am often asked is, “Which laser treatment is best for my skin condition?�. Here are my choices for effective results for a variety of concerns:

To Treat Redness 1. Cutera Execl V Laser

Redness is caused by a variety of factors including genetics, sun damage, hormones and rosacea. Many people with red cheeks and veins on their nose, cheeks, and chin actually have rosacea.

Physicians sometimes treat redness with prescription creams, but the most effective treatment is laser therapy.

Specific laser wavelengths are delivered to the capillaries and small blood vessels in the skin to coagulate and close them down.

2. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial For generalized redness, sometimes IPL treatments can also be effective. An IPL treatment feels like a small rubber band being snapped on your skin. Expect some swelling for 1 - 4 days post treatment. A series of treatments is usually needed (3 - 5) for best results especially with extensive rosacea. After the initial series, most people like to

Which Laser Treatment Is Right For Your Skin? have a maintenance treatment every 6 to 12 months.

Home maintenance is very important. Daily sunblock and the use of antioxidants such as Vitamin C topically is important for best results.

To Treat Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots 1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial For general sun damage and hyper pigmentation, a series of IPL Photofacials (3 - 5) will fade brown spots. IPL will also boost collagen production for a brighter and more even toned skin.

2. Cutera Excel V Laser With its targeted wavelength, Cutera Excel V laser can be used to selectively remove brown spots. Again you may experience swelling for 1- 4 days post treatment. These treatments should be followed by effective targeted skin care on a daily basis. Sunblock is essential and the use of a high grade retinol serum at night is very helpful. There

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are various skin brightening serums that are plant based and very natural that are also effective when used daily.

To Treat Excess Hair

1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light ) Highly concentrated pulses of light are delivered to target the pigment in actively growing hair follicles. The laser heats the follicles until they are destroyed. Since only a percentage of hair follicles are active at any one time, a series of treatments is needed.

Most people achieve desired results with a series of 5, but some people do require more. The treatment works best on those with light skin and dark hair. Occasionally, some clients have a medical condition that is causing excess hair growth. This needs to be diagnosed with blood work and then can be dealt with effectively.

For Overall Skin Smoothness & Plumping 1. Laser Genesis This is one of my favourite

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

y

.

treatments! There is no downtime and it is a very pleasant procedure that achieves results. A 1064 laser is used to deliver heat to the dermis. The heat stimulates fibroblasts to make more collagen and tighten the collagen we already have. As with other treatments, best results are achieved with a series of 5 spaced a month apart. This treatment can be combined with a Hydrafacial. We call that combined treatment a HYDRAGENESIS. It will have your skin feeling smoother and silkier than when you were a babe in arms!

To Treat Acne Scarring, Large Pore Size, & Uneven Texture 1. Sublative Fractional Resurfacing Fractional resurfacing uses radio frequency to selectively heat the dermis and produce powerful collagen building and remolding of the dermis.

This is different from a CO2 laser. CO2 laser completely ablates the epidermis to give great results but there is 3 - 4 weeks of downtime.

With fractional resurfacing treatments, there is a 4 day social downtime (redness).

For my lifestyle, I prefer the fractional resurfacing because I can have a treatment done and continue on with my work and life which is difficult to do with ablative resurfacing. Again, a series of treatments is needed. We usually suggest 3 and then re-evaluate in 6 months. For some people, their condition may require another 3 treatments. I can always tell when a client comes into

the office after a series of sublative treatments; my usual comment is “WOW, your skin looks amazing!”.

What Else Do You Need To Know Before A Treatment?

1. Tanned Skin IPL treatments for hair removal, photofacials, and Cutera Laser cannot be done on tanned skin. We are now entering into Laser Season, but it is important that you have no tan and you continue to use good sunblock containing either Zinc or Titanium dioxide (or both).

2. Downtime With IPL and Cutera Excel V, you may experience some swelling for 1 - 4 days. With Sublative resurfacing, there will be 1 - 4 days of redness and swelling. Laser Genesis has no downtime at all and can be done on a lunchtime break from work.

DOWNTOWN

DUNCAN

3. Will The Results Last?

The original series of treatments, as outlined above, is for corrective measures.

We are all subject to ongoing sun damage and rosacea is a genetic condition that needs ongoing management. With correct effective home care, your corrective results should last, but you may require a 6 - 12 monthly maintenance treatment to address ongoing sun damage and signs of ageing.

Correct Diagnosis Of Your Skin Concern Is Very Important Not all brown spots are just

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

250 510 8700

#105 80 Station Street - Please use Craig St entrance sun damage. Brown facial pigment may be melasma which will be made worse with IPL Photofacials. Be sure to obtain a correct diagnosis from a physician before proceeding with any type of deeper corrective treatment.

and find out which corrective treatment is right for you.

Viva Medical Aesthetics #4-177 Fourth St Downtown Duncan 250-746-6512

With effective skin care products & laser treatments, your skin will look fantastic!

Call for a complimentary consultation with to have your skin concern diagnosed

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open on remembrance day NOVEMBER 11• 8am - 5pm

*Closed on Monday, November 12

Come on in and warm up with our nourishing fall selections of soups and stews.

The Act of Remembrance

T

he Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of all who have fallen. Together, we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.

The Act of Remembrance They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

We will remember them.

Two Minutes of Silence Honour. Thank. Remember.

The most sacrosanct and central element in Remembrance is the Two Minutes of Silence at 11AM on November 11. During this time of reflection, Canadians pause to honour, thank and remember our Fallen.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! GREAT GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS NOVEMBER 23-26

NEW WINTER HOURS CLOSED MONDAYS OPEN TUES-SAT 10 – 5:30pm

Happy Holidays TO ALL and thank you for your patronage!

360 Duncan St, Duncan I Tues - Sun 10am - 5:30pm I 250 597 0097 I info@cycletherapy.ca I www.cycletherapy.ca

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

“We are at a critical moment in the development of human civilization in which we are faced with crucial choices in a planetary crisis that seems to place our actions as human beings in direct conflict with the foundations of life on Earth, at every level of the biosphere.

It is from a profound awareness of these choices that Sensitive Dance® is created. A goal of Sensitive Dance® is to transmit to present and future generations the value of the precious connection between our bodies and Mother Earth – an all encompassing relationship that includes body and spirit.”

Claude Coldy, creator of Sensitive Dance

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

JOIN US FOR DINNER

OPEN Tuesday to Saturday

look for our daily specials on 40 Ingram Street

www.theoldfirehouse.ca

Downtown Duncan

(250) 597-3473

DELICIOUS MEALS MADE FROM SCRATCH

Sensitive Dance Workshops

S

ensitive Dance® is a movement practice that aims to increase awareness of self, body, emotions and perception through conscious movement. It trains body and mind to listen deeply to the messages of the body.

It also proposes revisiting some of the key stages of our evolution – consciously re-living the process of the human being’s becoming upright so as to rediscover the meaning and the potential implicit in the form and structure of our bodies.

The characteristics and qualities needed to form the basis for a truly ecological way of being are implicit in the human body. Before concepts and ideas, we need to have a foundation informed by our genetic heritage.

Sensitive Dance® is an invitation and a doorway to an experiential exploration of the wisdom in our DNA that can offer a guide to a starting point for the creation of a new society that respects the gifts and limits of our being human on the Earth.

Sensitive Dance Introductory lecture, 8 November at the Hub in Cowichan Station, $5 Sensitive Dance Workshop #1, 9-11 November- for movers, at The Hub, Cowichan Station, $150 Sensitive Dance Workshop #2, 16-18 November - for everyone, at OUR Ecovillage, $199-$250

Saturday & Sunday Brunch Featuring our famous crêpes & bennys!

1765 COWICHAN BAY RD • 250 597 7373

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

For info and registration contact Patrick Jackson: rootedbeingsimply@gmail. com, cell: 250 710 9107 Or see https://www. danzasensibile.com/en/ and https://ourecovillage.org/ sensitive-dance/ Patrick Jackson is a dancer and wanderer of this ancient and achingly beautiful earth.

He and his wife, Marisa, are coordinating the November visit of Claude Coldy, creator of Sensitive Dance.

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

imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

O Christmas Tea Steeps Holiday Hilarity to Rave Reviews Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss... Grab your teacups!

UK

comedy legends James & Jamesy are bringing their wildly popular holiday classic O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy back to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on December 2nd at 7:30pm.

Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an uproarious holiday theatrical comedy that delights thousands every Christmas.

Reminiscent of classic British pantos, O Christmas Tea is rich with wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, yet it is James & Jamesy’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic of this play.

It truly is a marvel to behold.

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“The Christmas season is a magical time of year that brings people of all ages together; a time when we are encouraged to dream big, embrace imagination, and celebrate a childlike excitement for merriment,” explained Alastair Knowles, who plays Jamesy, the quirky and playful half of London’s three-time Impresario Award-winning duo. “O Christmas Tea’s joyous holiday spirit sweeps spectators into an immersive adventure, leaving them bubbling with laughter and brimming with holiday cheer.”

“O Christmas Tea has become a tradition not only for audiences, but for us as well,” reflects Aaron Malkin, who plays James. “For the entire month of December, our lives are completely immersed in Christmas Tea, and each fall, we have a particularly thrilling time researching new stage effects that will help transform theatres into Christmas wonderlands. These effects help serve our constant search for new ways and more effective ways to help people of all ages embrace the power and joy of imagination.”

“The Christmas season is the time of year when we are encouraged to dream big, embrace imagination, and celebrate child-like excitement for magic and merriment,” says Jamesy (Alastair Knowles).

James and Jamesy have already won just about every comedy award they can, and the reason is obvious: these two are exceptional.

Stepping away from their OffBroadway debut in New York, the duo will perform 19 shows across Western Canada this December.

Leap to get tickets.

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy, Sunday, December 2 nd at 7.30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan ctcentre.bc.ca, (250) 748-7529, Monday, December 3, 7.30pm Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay BC Tickets: sidwilliamstheatre.com, (250) 338-2430

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Natalie MacMaster

A Celtic Family Christmas

T

his holiday season join Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, the awardwinning fiddle virtuosos, in an intimate and unique Christmas concert you will never forget.

Sunday, November 25 at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, the duo, accompanied by their talented children, share a glimpse into the wonderful world of a true MacMaster Leahy Christmas celebration with A Celtic Family Christmas.

To fans of fiddle music, Natalie needs no introduction.

Over a recording career now spanning 25 years, this Order of Canada recipient has released 11 albums that have notched sales of over 200,000 copies. She has won two JUNO and eleven East Coast Music Awards and been nominated for a Grammy, and has collaborated with artists as diverse as Yo-Yo Ma (on the Grammy-winning album Songs of Joy & Peace), Alison Krauss, Jesse Cook, and Bela Fleck.

Donnell is no stranger to the awards podium himself. He was the incendiary music leader of the internationally acclaimed family group Leahy, winners of three JUNO Awards. Widely recognized as one of the best fiddlers in the world, his high-energy playing style also makes him a highly popular performer.

“If you really love fiddle music, there are performances here that are nothing short of

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jaw dropping ... performances that will raise you up and performances that will leave you misty–eyed.” The Guardian.

Not surprisingly, their last Christmas concert sold out.

This year, A Celtic Family Christmas will exceed all expectations with riveting performances by this fierce fiddling duo, and their children, bringing the Cape Breton Christmas to you.

Through a mix of both song and dance, they will take you on a journey of virtuoso performances, telling the story of the night before Christmas in the Leahy/ MacMaster household.

“Christmas is where this whole concept started and we are excited to be travelling as a family,” says Donnell. “It’s a perfect time to travel across Canada and bring light and happiness to families and fans across the country.”

With a lineup of familiar Christmas songs intermingled with classic Celtic songs, A Celtic Family Christmas brings you in the door and welcomes you in as part of the family. Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy | A Celtic Family Christmas Sunday, November 25, 7:30pm Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Tickets $48 at the Cowichan Ticket Centre, 2687 James St. or by phone (250) 748-7529 or online at cowichanpac.ca.

Ken Lavigne’s HOME! for Christmas

K

en Lavigne’s HOME! for Christmas is about home spun Christmas traditions, drawn from both the season and its music.

Join Vancouver Island’s own favourite tenor, Ken Lavigne, the Vancouver Island Symphony, and special guest, Nadya Blanchette, to help unwrap the holiday season! They will be performing in Nanaimo on Saturday, December 1st at the Port Theatre at 7:30 pm, Sunday, December 2nd at the Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River at 2:30 pm and at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on Monday, December 3rd at 7:30 pm.

Let the rich timbre of Ken Lavigne’s voice melt away the icy winter blast and envelope you with the promise of a cozy Christmas.

Soprano, Nadya Blanchette, will bring a whole new layer of warmth to the night with her sparkling voice and dynamic presence. The bow on the top of this musical duo is the Vancouver Island Symphony – they bring that

extra special holiday magic to the night!

The evening will feature seasonal traditions - including stories - told with humour and love. There will be memories of Christmas’ past and the music that shapes and surrounds it. You will hear songs like: White Christmas, O Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard on High, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Sleigh Ride and many more pieces that will bring the Christmas spirit to life.

We promise lots of holiday joy! There will be audience participation – carol sing-alongs and everyone gets to enjoy a Christmas tradition on Vancouver island - the annual indoor snowball fight extravaganza.

Tickets go fast for the Vancouver Island Symphony’s Christmas performance, so purchase your tickets soon at www. vancouverislandsymphony. com. Keeping Music Live.

D C S C B

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D w 9 o C f t o d i t t s f f A b g s a t a y t s m a C 3 W N

Duncan Christian School Annual Christmas Bazaar

D

CS has such rich history! 58 years ago Duncan Christian School was physically moved from 930 Trunk Road, the home of the Christian Reformed Church, when its founding fathers picked up what was the one room school house on their shoulders, walked it down Beech Avenue and set it in place on the site where the elementary campus is today. Parts of that school still remain to this day! The families loved to get together for the Christmas Bazaar/ Auction where they would bring their livestock, baked goods, handmade wares, share a meal and enjoy a live auction where they could sell their prize cows, chickens and pigs. Here we are 58 years later, with 2 campuses, the elementary and the high school. Although there is no more livestock being brought and no live auction at the Christmas Bazaar, we have 30+ vendors, such as Dora Wilson of Cowichan Knitters, Norm & Estherina Brandsma

with their woodworking and quilting, Alice & Klaus Storteboom with their canning, sewing and are also our caterers! Then there is our extremely talented Art teacher Jen Tinsley of Tinsley Design and so many more talented vendors, such a great place to get your Christmas shopping done!

The DCS Christmas Bazaar is a family event with a Fun Fair for the kids from 3:306:00 pm (so easy for adults to shop while the kids are well looked after and having fun!) a White Elephant Sale starting at 3:00 pm, the ever popular Scholastic Book Fair, Bake Sale and a Cake Walk where you can win an entire cake! This wonderful Bazaar takes place on Friday November 16, 2018 from 2 – 7 PM at 495 Beech Avenue, Duncan. We’d love to have you! Any questions don’t hesitate to ask: bcaron@ duncanchristian.com also: www.duncanchristianschool.ca

ARTtoEAT Baking & Holiday Catering by Michelle Plain

Delicious Christmas Baking Sold by the Dozen!

• Cranberry Pecan Turtle Bar drizzled with Chocolate • Pistachio Caramel Thumbprints • Home - made Mincemeat Tarts Traditional • Old - Fashioned Shortbread Stars Baking Cost per • Toasted Pecan & Almond Butter Tarts dozen ranges • Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles from $10 - $20 • Dark Chocolate Rum Balls dunked in chocolate • Birds’ Nests with Raspberry Jam rolled in Pecans • Cranberry & White Chocolate Biscotti • Gingerbread Person (individually sold & wrapped pretty) • Sugar & Spice Pecans (sold by 1/2 pounds) • Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Macaroons • Chocolate Dipped Espresso Shortbread Hearts • Chewy Ginger Cookie dipped in White Chocolate

Please place your orders by December 5th michelle-arttoeat@shaw.ca 250-746-4310

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SAVE THE DATE

LOCAL GIFT

Annual Winter

SOLSTICE Music Concert

FESTIVE FOLK SONGS & FIDDLES

•Dec 14th, Duncan United Church 7pm •Dec 15th, Mill Bay United Church 1pm Matinee

Cowichan Valley Youth Concert Choir (Dec 14th) Kim June Johnson PK Tessmann Micaela Pereira Tai McGillivray Quin Etheridge-Pedden Nick Mintenko (Dec 15th) Tickets and info - www.joythroughmusic.com

HOLIDAY PARTY

*Door

Prizes

L ALs off ct % odu 0 *1 pr

Join us Wednesday the 14th of November from 3pm-6pm for Delicious Refreshments and *20 Minute complimentary facials with Eminence Educator Katie Rattray *Complimentary Make-up Application with Elate Make-up Artist Amanda Gangoso *30 Minute Reflexology with Joy $30 Spaces are limited, please book ahead!

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

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1. BUY FRESH...BUY LOCAL! Give the gift of Cow-op. ca, Cowichan’s only online farmers’ market. Gift certificates available. Cow-Op Online Marketplace 360 Duncan St www.Cow-op.ca

2. On the Rocks with Jack Knox

by Jack Knox Jack Knox’s most memorable, heart-warming, and off-beat stories about Vancouver Island people. Volume One Bookstore 149 Kenneth Street

3. Custom frame your experiences! Family trips, mementos... Frame those memories to treasure for generations to come!

Excellent Frameworks EJ Hughes Gallery 24 Station St 250.746.7112 www.excellentframeworks.ca

4. Combine your ultimate experience with a Reiki & Chakra Balancing session fallowed with a Relaxing Detox Foot Spa Reiki Wellness Debbie Shkuratoff Valleyview Center 250 743-8122 www.reikiwellness.ca

5. Give the gift of health.

Glow’s organic juice cleanse or gift certificate. 5 options to choose from. Glow Juicery And Raw Food Cafe 3-5380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250-5972595 www.glowjuicery.ca

6. Give the gift of pampering.

Natural hair removal, gel nails, lashes and more. AhZenya for all your aesthetics needs. #10580 Station St 250 510-8700

Duncan, 250 748-1533

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

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EXPERIENCES CREATE MEMORIES

7. The Gift of Relaxation so complete you enter into your ego-less core to listen, and heal. Shiatsu: Heaven & Earth Martha Lescher 250-748-4006 marthashiatsu@gmail.com

8. Give the experience of 5 x 3 course dinners or 10 x 2 course lunches or a combination of both to be enjoyed Nov– April.

Unsworth Restaurant 2915 Cameron-Taggart Rd Mill Bay, 250.929.2292 ext 1 www.unsworthvineyards.com

9. Experience our Tea Pairing Menu with gift certificates for 2 or 4 people @ Westolme Tea Company 8350 Richards Trail, Duncan 250) 748-3811 www.westholmetea.com

10. We offer gift certificates for dinners, cooking classes and foraging experiences. A unique and fun day of learning and eating. Deerholme Farm 250 748 7450 www.deerholme.com

11. Jewelry serves the purpose of ceremony to inform others of our celebration or to help mark a personal triumph. Designer Taryn O’Gorman can create your personal piece! www.tarynogormandesigns.com

12. Whether it’s dinner, Sunday Brunch Buffet or a cozy stay at the B and B, let them choose their experience with a Farm Table Inn gift card. Farm Table Inn 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd 250-932-3205 www.farmtableinn.ca

13. Cheeselovers Dream! The big cheese cheese of the month club membership. Different cheese and condiment each month. Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese Valley View Centre 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill (250) 929-2873

14. Give the gift of world famous fish and chips! Hooked for Life! Gift certificates in all amounts. Rock Cod Cafe 1759 Cowichan Bay Rd 250 7461550 www.rockcodcafe.com

15. Give the gift of time and a naturally clean home to enjoy iit in! The ultimate gift for new and busy moms! Clean Choice Eco Friendly Cleaning Services www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

16. Experience the healing and life changing affects of learning to play the Native American Flute. Heart Song Flutes www.heartsongflutes.ca

17. Give the gift of a deep tissue hot crystal massage, soothing heat & magical hands = bliss Natasha’s Temple 6776 Somenos Rd 250-715-8325 www.natashastemple.com

18. Eminence Ultra Facial $100 75 minutes Our signature facial with lip eye and neck treatment included. Soul Escape Spa & Boutique 109 2763 Beverly St. Duncan 250 748 2056

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Re-Conectándonos con Cristales

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ristales y piedras de todas partes del mundo están siendo cada vez más apreciados, no tan solo por su belleza sino tambien por su uso práctico. Lo que nos lleva a preguntarnos en vez de Qué hacen, Qué pueden hacer ellos por nosotros.

Cada cristal posee vibraciones energéticas que los hacen únicos y que pueden ayudarnos de forma específica entregando algo particular a cada persona, lo que no quita que varios de nosotros sintamos algo similares con un mismo cristal. Cuando nos sentimos atraídos a un cristal o piedra especifica es siempre una buena señal y podemos conectarnos con este con solo sostenerlo en la mano y ver que se siente o que sensación provoca. Puede hacernos sentir con mas energía, relajados, feliz o calmados. Ser consciente de qué bienestar nos proporcione es clave para poder usarlo en forma efectiva. Mientras más profunda es la relación que creamos con nuestros cristales, más potente y profunda es la ayuda que nos proporcionan.

Podemos incluso entregarles tareas con solo sostenerlos en nuestra mano y ajustarlos con una intención, como ayudar a estar mas enfocados en el trabajo o colegio, abundancia, alivio en situaciones de stress, etc. A esto se le llama programación.

Cuando los días se vuelven cada vez mas cortos y menos soleados la falta de la luz y el calor del sol nos vuelve nostálgicos de los días de verano. Cristales como el Cuarzo Citrino (del francés “citron” por su color amarillento, en español significa limón) pueden ayudar a traer de vuelta la luz y el calor tan añorado por nosotros que venimos de tierras más cálidas. Antiguamente, en las civilizaciones Griega y Romana se creía que el Citrino guardaba en su interior la luz y energía del sol en su interior proveyendo luz, energía y

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optimismo a quien la poseía y usaba con este propósito, y como consecuencia atrayendo nuevas oportunidades, prosperidad y abundancia. El Citrino es uno de los pocos cristales que no absorbe energía negativa sino que la limpia, dejando espacio para la felicidad y permite abrirse a nuevas posibilidades de crecimiento a nivel monetario, espiritual, emocional entre otros. Considere este cristal maravilloso como un amigo que siempre estará ahí para iluminar su día, cuando necesite que le suban el ánimo, para sobrepasar obstáculos o lograr metas propuestas.

En conclusión, Citrino es un excelente compañero debido a sus propiedades y puede ayudarnos siempre que lo necesitemos y en toda estación.

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

Carolina Brand Venegas, Fibre Designer of Handmade Clothes and Accessories CFS for the Soul Employee Crystal Store - Sol Centre

Untitled Origami Print, Janine Duns

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Landscape II, Marina DiMaio

Polymer Sculpture I, Roxanne Martin

Topology Opens November 17 Ou Gallery Duncan

pening November 17th at The Ou Gallery – ‘Topology’ features three contemporary female artists from Sooke, Victoria and Cowichan who investigate the light and layers of natural & manmade landscapes through printmaking, large scale fabric installations and sculpture.

From Cowichan, printmaker Janine Duns folds hundreds of origami chatterboxes from a series of her linocut prints, pulling them together to form ecosystems that comment on our relationship with nature and frenetic cityscapes. With a printmaking degree from Emily Carr College of Art & Design in Vancouver, Janine has spent the last 30 years exploring rural regions and incorporating nature into her work.

Using the cross-section of plant stems (like bamboo) as her printmaking tool, she will be showing a series of gorgeous monoprints with repetitive mark making alongside her origami ‘canvasses’.

A recent MFA grad from UVIC, Marina DiMaio builds large fabric landscapes; stretching the material from wall to wall, and floor to ceiling. To Marina, this undulating world with it’s layers of light is akin to “drawing or weaving in space,” and is unlike anything we’ve seen before! Her dream-like installations “explore spirituality and immersive space” and they invite the viewer to imagine both internal and external landscapes that are not only visual, but sensory.

Carving with both paper books and polymer clay, Roxanne Martin is inspired by the sea & sky from her vantage point in Sooke. Her smooth abstract sculptures play on our perception of subtracted space – is the sculpture concave, or convex? Her diverse and impressive portfolio spans a number of mediums; graphite drawing, painting and photography among them. What brings these practices together is her love of

process.

Starting from an ink drawing, clay is then shaped and sanded to perfection. The forms hint at our internal anatomy, and our external natural landscapes.

The Ou Gallery is a welcoming creative space that hosts monthly exhibitions, artist residencies & studios just outside of downtown Duncan. Our goal is to expand how people experience art in the Valley, so if you’ve never been in a contemporary art gallery before, this is a great place to start!

Exhibitions are free and open to all, Tuesday – Saturday from 1 to 5pm. 3091 Agira Road, North Cowichan. www. theougallery.com. ‘Topology’ runs until Saturday December 15th– call to book an appointment or follow us online to learn more! Facebook and Instagram: Theougallery

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River of Stone

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e are not just artists working in stone, but artists weaving and forming connections. Connections between natural materials like river rock, crystal and wood. Connections with our clients, connections to their life story, deeper connections to the stones and how they can speak for us in our lives.

We love engaging our clients in this creation process and immortalizing their story in stone, leaving a legacy for them and their family.

Our most recent creative adventure took us to Montana where a fireplace we made in the Cowichan Valley was hoisted and put into position by a massive crane. This was the culmination of a years worth of toil in our Duncan studio and a truly epic fireplace project. The structure was four sided, 10’ wide by 6’ in depth and its height soared to 22’. We had an engineered sub-structure

Choosing A Vibrant Life

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ori has been a lifelong seeker of truth. Her quest of 30 years included various studies of body, mind, spirit and emotions. She offers international ceremonies and workshops inspiring us to claim our own power. Her book, “Choosing a Vibrant Life,” draws on her lifetime of experience and passion for keeping a healthy vibe. It combines wisdom from well-known pioneers with fresh exciting sources. Her simple inspiring ideas help us claim the life and health we really want.

The choice is in our hands.

Excerpt from the introduction: “I thought I was healthy, for I had more energy and zest for life than people around me. But what does

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custom made to support our artistic stonework. This giant megalith now forms a central focal point and is integral in the whole structure of it’s home in the mountains of Montana.

We created a winding pebble river through thousands of Rocky Mountain stone flats.

The river represents the owners lives together. We carefully selected unique crystal pieces that included the birthstones of the couple and their children. The crystals and beach pebbles created a spectacular display of colour and movement throughout the life force of the river. One of our challenges was to make the stone seamlessly wash around the corners. The final touch was the addition of a 150 million year-old petrified wood mantel and hearth.

Our love and passion of stone has taken our lives down unexpected

roads and blessed us with phenomenal opportunities and unique individuals.

health really mean? Just because I still had all my body parts, had never suffered a major illness, took no medications, had never worn glasses and had abundant energy, I thought I was okay. I even became a Zumba instructor in the same class as my daughter and began offering local classes in my fifties.

standing up straight.

Five years ago, I was having health challenges that I was just accepting. Honestly, I did not know it was possible to turn them around. The paradigm of expecting declining health is strong. My challenges included 10 years of incontinence, and digestive issues somewhat like irritable bowel symptoms. I was carrying at least 30 extra pounds of body weight with a lot of it held in a muffin top above my waist. I was developing a dowager hump that kept me from

www.AncientArtofStone.com Submitted by Naomi & Andreas Kunert

My journey on a holistic path cited in the chapters ahead includes reversing all the previously mentioned conditions.

I am now living a vibrant life.

My passion for health and openness to walk my talk has shifted me to new levels of vibrant living in all aspects of my life. Synchronistic events have taken my holistic expression of

what is possible far beyond my imagination. It is exciting to feel so light, radiant, fit and free.

Join Cori Saturday, November 10, 2:00-3:30pm at the Big Community Farm Store for a talk “Can we choose a vibrant life?

Yes. The choice is in our hands.”

INTUITIVE HEALER • Certified Clinical

Hypnotherapist • Certified Quantum Touch Practitioner

HEATHER LAUZON

250-732-1405

www.emeraldhealingplace.com

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

Connecting with Crystals

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s crystals become more popular some of us may wonder, other than looking beautiful, what they do!

Perhaps it’s not a question of what they do, rather what they can do for us. At their foundation, crystals carry different vibrations of energy, which may help raise our own energy when we’re feeling low. Each crystal is unique and can ignite different feelings for different people, although many experience similar feelings (hence the general benefits that one may read about in a crystal book). Citrine for instance, can brighten our day with its sunny attitude- it is known as a stone of light,

happiness and abundance.

It can also be a powerful manifesting stone, that may attract wealth and prosperity.

The best way to connect with your crystal is to simply hold it and notice how it makes you feel. Does it make you feel happy? energized? inspired? calm? As we build our relationship to our crystal friends, they often become eager to assist us on deeper levels. You can assign certain jobs to your crystals by holding one in both hands and setting an intention you would like it to carry- perhaps we wish for our crystal to assist us in receiving abundance or being more confident. You could also place it in a grid to amplify the energy of your other crystals.

Find citrine and many other special stones at CFS for the SOUL located in the SOL-Centre beside the big Community Farm Store at 5380 Trans-Canada HwyOpen 7 days a week from 11am- 3pm.

Venita Chow is a Integrative energy healer, meditation guide & crystal keeper.

Island Hellerwork & Somatic Counselling ALIGN - CONNECT - EMBODY

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

islandhellerwork.com I 250-661-1687 Bioenergetic Balancing with Magnets & Energy Healing

* Boost the immune system *

Prevent illness & fatigue * Feel healthier

Kathryn Lowther - Biomagnetism & HUE Energy Healer 250-891-5138 www.biomagcanada.ca

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Standing On Your Own Two Feet

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at maple bay marina

Opening Special 1hr Jade Stone

Signature Massage

$50 250-619-5423 call or text #107 6145 Genoa Bay Rd

www.jadestonespa.ca

hat does this mean for you? To be able to stand on your own two feet. How do you find stability and grounding in your llfe?

Living in a world with so much uncertainty and constant change it can be difficult for one to feel stable and grounded. It is easy to get pulled out of our centre and into the chaos of what is happening in the world and in our own personal lives.

In Hellerwork Structural Integration we explore this idea of Standing on your own two feet. During this session we not only work on your feet and legs to get your feet and arches balanced, as well as your legs having a solid foundation under your pelvis, but we also explore the emotional and mind connection between your feet and legs and your connection to yourself, your life and how you find this stability and grounding in your daily life and relationships.

Living in a climate where we have to wear shoes most of the time and also most of us having busy lives running from one place to the next, we often get disconnected from our feet, from the ground beneath us. When we don’t have this ground to support us we can feel off balance or disconnected, we may also feel the lack of support in our lives or the real need for grounding and connection.

A practice focused on health solutions through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Online booking & direct billing.

Kevin Ianson R.Ac, R.TCMP, D.DTCM

4705 Trans Canada Hwy I 250-889-9066 I www.pestleandpins.com

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If you feel like you need more grounding, support and connection I invite you to explore this little exercise with me.

do your feet move? How do they feel on the ground? Which parts of your feet do you walk on? Do you tend to walk on the outside edges, or the perhaps the inside? Do you feel your ankles when you walk? Do you feel your toes when you walk or stand? Our feet do so much for us and we often don’t pay very much attention to how they actually move and support us.

After you have connected to your feet, I invite you to stand and to allow yourself to feel the ground beneath you. Connect with your breath and feel how the earth supports and holds you from the bottom up. You can imagine a line that starts from the core of the earth, moving up through your feet, coming up through your legs and into your pelvis.

Feel that energy line coming up through the belly, the heart, throat and head, allowing for the energy to come up to the top of your head. This energy line will continue up into the sky and you can imagine a star that you can hook your line onto.

This is called your line. When you are connected to your feet and allow the energy to move up, you can find support from beneath and above allowing gravity to support you, as well as lift you up.

When you find your line you may notice more ease and connection in your life. You may also notice that your posture will improve and you may feel more lifted and grounded at the same time. You may also feel more ease with your breath.

Try and connect with your line each day, especially if you start to feel stressed or disconnected.

It will make a significant difference on how you may move through your day and you will definitely feel more connected to your body, mind and spirit!

Standing with bare feet on the floor preferably the earth, feel your feet, walk around your environment and notice how

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

Melissa Brown, Certified Hellerwork Practitioner r of Hellerwork and Somatic Counsellor. islandhellerwork.com 250661-1687

Reiki Wellness - Debbie Shkuratoff

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ebbie is a Reiki Master -Teacher of the Usui/ Tibetan/ Karuna/Komyo/ Seichim/Holy Fire styles and traditions...Also an Advanced Practitioner of EMF Balancing Technique and a Certified Detox Foot Spa Practitioner. After watching her son struggle with health issues, mainly asthma as a child, other friends and family with health issues, she started to look into diet, nutritional suppliments, detoxing and other alternative therapies. Debbie took some Reiki Classes to start, and continued over the years taking a variety of courses then decided to open Reiki Wellness & The Zen Room at Valleyview Centre in 2004 with the intent of assisting people in finding ways to improve their health, relax and detox, with a choice of alternative and natural therapies..She has attained 6 Reiki Master levels in different styles.

Debbie has found using Reiki, Chakra Balancing and Clearing with Emotional Release and other healing modalities along with diet, exercise, detoxing, nature, meditation, vitamins and herbs, essential oils and alkaline water are very

beneficial to one’s health.

Total well being involves balancing your mind, body and spirit. This will boost your mood, help your body heal itself as well as have a dramatic effect on the way you live, experience life, and each effects the other. Reiki is a non-invasive technique that uses the laying on of hands as well as clearing the aura or field, surrounding the body. Energy, which is the vital life force essence, is moved through the energy system of the practitioner to facilitate the flow through the energy system of another person.. Accessing this higher frequency allows the recepient the opportunity to use this healing frequency to balance and facilitate healing of mind/body/spirit. The energy is warm, relaxing and balancing.

Services offered: Reiki classes & treatments, Chakra Clearing and Balancing, EMF Balancing, Detoxifying Foot Spa, Infrared therapies, Herbal supplements/classes..

Young Living Essential Olis/suppliments/classes..

Teaching all levels of Reiki - Usui, Karuna, Komyo, Tibetian, Seichim, Holy Fire.

Reiki Wellness #13 Valleyview Centre, 250 743-8122 reikiwellness@shaw.ca www.reikiwellness.ca

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

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

Somenos Lake by Catherine Taron

Folk Guild Coffee House

Cowichan Folk Guild Coffee House presents Kim June Johnson from Hornby Island. She is a performer with angelic vocals and superior craftsmanship whose songs are universal and timeless and sung with an intimacy and openness that are unmistakably her own.

November 10 doors at 7pm - $10 Public/$5 Members Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St. Duncan

Harvest Long Table Dinner Join us for a Cowichan harvest feast in the stunning timber barn at Bird’s Eye Cove Farm. Share the experience of a genuine family style, farm-to-table dinner prepared by Chef Dan Shipley of Farm’s Gate Catering. Savour five courses of locally-sourced ingredients and sip wine from Vancouver Island’s largest estate winery, Averill Creek Vineyard.

November 9, 6:30pm Bird’s Eye Cove Farm, 5881 Genoa Bay Rd $126 per person, includes 5 course meal, wine pairings, tax & gratuity Purchase tickets at Averill Creek Vineyard or online https://www.averillcreek.ca/ event-tickets/harvest-longtable-dinner

Visions Show & Sale Seventeen Visions Artists will be part of art in action at their Seeing Visions Show and Sale Each day artists will be on hand demonstrating what they do best: Their Art. Visions Artists are all members of Visions Art Tour Society which was formed more than 20 years ago for the purpose of presenting studio tours to showcase their members. They now not only hold the yearly Studio Tour all over the Cowichan Valley in July, but also stage gallery shows throughout the year as well.

Meet all 29 of the members at visionsarttour.ca November 26 to December 8 in the Arbutus Gallery in Island Savings Centre in Duncan. For more information: visionsartists@ shaw.ca or 250-743-3862.

Paint Nite With Dinner

Doors open at 5:30pm for a special Paint Nite Dinner and Drink Menu. Painting starts at 7pm.

Tickets must be pre-purchased through Paint Nite Vancouver Island. Thursday November 29 To reserve for dinner call 250-9323205 https://www.farmtableinn. ca/events Farm Table Inn, 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd

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Bring colour to your winter garden.

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• Winter flowering Camellia • Winter heather • Sweet Box • Witchhazel • Christmas Rose (Hellebore) • Viburnums

No need to leave your pots empty for winter See our table for ideas on hardy winter planters. www.dinternursery.ca

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

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Leave Your Leaves

here’s no denying the Cowichan Valley is beautiful during the autumn season with the golden and auburn hues of the changing leaves. For many residents, this is the time of year when the rakes and leaf blowers come out to battle the fallen leaves. However, these fallen leaves provide many environmental benefits if left alone. By letting your leaves stay where they fall, you are creating homes and food sources for many beneficial critters. Fallen leaves also provide organic nutrients to your soil, reducing the need for lawn fertilizers later. Finally, by not burning your leaves, you help keep the air quality in your neighbourhood clean.

We love leaves because: • Leaves provide homes for wildlife.

Insects, small mammals and reptiles find protection hiding amongst the leaves.

• Leaves are an important part of the food web and certain small critters completely rely on leaves for their survival. Birds, small mammals and bigger insects also feed on the critters hiding under the leaves.

• Leaves add free nutrients to your soil and suppress weeds.

• Leaves help insulate plants and shrubs from winter freeze damage as garden bed mulch.

• Leaves add valuable composting material to backyard composters or vermi-composters.

• Leaving leaves where they fall protects air quality. Smoke from damp leaves and other yard waste creates harmful smoke pollution. Because the Cowichan region is a valley, smoke does not dissipate very easily. By leaving your leaves on the ground, you’re doing your part to improve our air quality.

To avoid slipping hazards, remember to clear leaves from walkways. If you cannot compost your leaves, you may drop them off for free at any CVRD Recycling Centre for composting.

This article gives you a free pass to go outside and enjoy the beautiful Cowichan Valley without feeling guilty about skipping out on yard work!

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

Chloe Boyle is an employee with CVRD in the Recycling and Waste Management division, and a strong advocate for waste reduction

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d o a w c e b

Y f h w h t c

A c p i c u p i b i o a i y

S s t

draining then soil in containers.

Containers need to have drainage holes and be sure they do not become clogged with soil.

Winter Planters Monica Dockerty, Dockerty Gardens horticulturist and Dinter Nursery employee.

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hen the weather is rainy, and the garden has slowed down for the season, containers offer colour and cheer. Plant up a container now for colour all winter long. Planting a winter container is a fun activity, and easy to do if you follow a few basic things.

Your container will need to be frost-proof. Fiberglass, stone, heavy plastic, and iron are great weather-proof options. Terracotta holds water, and in freezing temperatures it will expand and can crack.

Another important thing to consider when designing your planter is plant hardiness. Plants in containers have cold air circulating around their roots, unlike plants in the ground, so a plant hardy to -10 degrees Celsius in the garden will probably only be hardy to 0 degrees Celsius in a container. There are plenty of plant options that are hardy and will provide superior winter interest, so don’t less this deter you from getting creative.

Soil in containers can act like a sponge and hold water. Soil in the ground is much more freely

For those new to container gardening, follow the demystifying thriller-filler-spiller design method. This threeingredient recipe is a fail-proof way to create a beautiful container garden! Begin with your thriller.

This will be your centerpiece and provide a focal point or vertical interest. Filler plants are mounding plants that surround and enhance your thriller. Use these plants to fill the empty space in your container. You can use one filler, or two or three. Spiller plants complete the planting by cascading and tumbling over the sides of the containers.

Here are some of our favourite plants for winter containers.

Remember, depending on the size and style of your container a plant could fit into more than one thriller-filler-spiller category.

• Skimmia ‘Rubella’ – This evergreen, deer resistant, shade tolerant shrub grows 3 feet tall and wide and has vibrant glossy, green leaves. This male clone bears red buds all winter long opening to fragrant white blossoms in spring.

• Dwarf Alberta spruce – A hardy conifer, this dwarf spruce gives containers structure and a Christmas appeal. Eventually this spruce will outgrow the container, but it performs just as well in the garden, providing excellent winter interest.

• Sky Pencil Japanese holly – This narrow, upright broadleaf evergreen is a staple filler, providing structure in a container.

An excellent choice for a formal design.

• Heuchera – An excellent foliage plant for the shade container. From deep purple, to chartreuse heuchera’s offer

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

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

Address: 3353 Smiley Road, Chemainus

Phone:

250 246 8431 250 701 7246

Call to arrange pick up or delivery containers a cheerful burst of colour.

• Winter blooming heather – Providing containers an early splash of colour, and evergreen foliage, this deer-resistant subshrub offers is an excellent filler in a container. Prefers full sun to part-shade.

leaves of the sedum are tough and drought tolerant. Perfect for lowmaintenance, full sun containers.

• Pansies and Cyclamen – Don’t forget to add some eyecandy. Pansies and cyclamen offer pops of colour and are great at filling those patches of bear soil in containers.

• Carex ‘Prairie Fire’ – This evergreen sedge is ideal for modern designs. Upright slender green-bronze foliage does well in full-sun and is deer resistant

• Be Creative! Adding cut branches, lights, and your own touch will make your winter container that much more fun and personal

• Wintergreen – A staple in winter containers, wintergreen holds bright red berries above glossy green evergreen foliage.

Perfect for spilling over container edges, the groundcover is an essential in winter containers.

Follow these tips to plant a winter container with colour and interest.

Brighten up your front door, porch or that corner of your garden you are always looking at from your kitchen window. Have fun and be creative!

• Angelina Sedum – The chartreuse, evergreen, succulent

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A

spiring farmers in BC are facing a significant challenge in starting farm businesses: access to land.

As land prices on Southern Vancouver Island climb, the lack of secure land access is an obstacle that can make the goal of establishing a career in farming seem unattainable to many looking to enter the industry. Meanwhile, many farms are sitting underused by landowners who don’t farm themselves, and 66% of farmers plan to retire in the next 10 years, almost half of whom don’t have a

succession plan, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Leasing farmland to the next generation of farmers is an innovative solution to this gap in access. Ariella Falkowski of Sweet Acres Farms in Langford farms on leased land and recognizes the value of this approach, “Leasing is often the only feasible way for a farmer to get started.

An added benefit is that this keeps valuable farmland from development, as it is being used to produce food for our

New B.C. Land Matching Program local communities.”

Launched this fall on Vancouver Island, the B.C. Land Matching Program is now providing support to farmers looking for land and farmland owners who want to see their land farmed.

The B.C. Land Matching Program is delivered by Young Agrarians, a grassroots farmerto-farmer resource network whose mission is to grow new farmers, and provides personalized matchmaking services for new farmers and landowners.

A partnership with FarmFolk CityFolk Society, Young Agrarians also offers educational events, resources, and an online and searchable inventory of B.C. land opportunities. At the upcoming Land Linking Workshop on November 24 at the Cobble Hill Hall, Young Agrarians will bring together farmers and farmland owners to network,

talk leases, and learn about the B.C. Land Matching Program.

It’s a great opportunity to meet the Young Agrarians Land Matcher, and maybe even meet someone to farm your land or who has the land opportunity you need to get your farm business running. The Land Link is a free event and runs from 1-6 pm, followed by a community potluck and farmer slideshows from 6-9 pm.

If you are looking for a piece of land to start your farm business, or have land you would like to see farmed, reach out today to azja@ youngagrarians.org. For more information on the B.C. Land Matching Program and the November 24 Land Link and to RSVP please visit: youngagrarians.org/land Azja Jones Martin Young Agrarians Land Matcher, Cowichan Valley Vancouver Island

OUR MISSION

To preserve the unique identity of the Cowichan Bay area while continually improving the quality of life for residents and visitors by: • Celebrating our community’s rich history and traditions • Promoting craftsmanship and environmental stewardship • Maintaining our community’s distinct character • Engaging our community in creating and sharing a good life

Cittaslow Cowichan Cittaslow AGM January 2019 www.cittaslowcowichan.org

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

Citta Slow Brock McLeod Best Farm Practices Nominee Manna Farm

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anna Farm is a year-round, full-diet, organic farm.

An ambitious project started

by Elia in 2016 after working for Makaria and Alderlea Farm since 2012 and graduating from UBC with a Bachelor Degree in Plant and Soil Science. Being interested in food and nutrition after becoming a vegetarian at 14, this city-raised girl got exposed to agriculture through the Land and Food Systems Faculty at UBC where I was enrolled in Nutrition before switching into Agriculture. Discovering where food comes from and how it is grown was empowering. I knew shortly after that discovery that I was meant to be a farmer ... physically, mentally, spiritually.

I now run Manna Farm with my two-year-old strapped to my back, a baby growing in my belly, a small team of farmhands, and the support of my partner Mark. Together, we grow 40+ different vegetables on 8 acres right in Duncan. We also grow grains, oilseed and confectionery sunflowers, flax seed, ornamental and medicinal flowers, and dry beans on an additional 5 acres, along with raising poultry and laying hens. And best of all....we make Bigleaf Maple syrup in the winter! All of which contributes to providing a seasonal full diet all year

round for our CSA members.

We follow strict organic practices in everything we do (veggies, poultry, etc), though are proud to admit we are not certified. Want to know why? In short, certified organic standards are not the “be all and end all” as most people are led to believe... there is better. For example, certified organic farmers are permitted to use non-organic fertilizers if they cannot find an organic source. At Manna Farm, we would never put a non-organic product into our soil or food simply because that is important to us on a ecological and emotional level, not because we are concerned about aligning with “standards”. Plus, we feel the certified label prevents customers from talking to their farmers...asking questions, learning more about their food and how it is grown. I feel education is currently the biggest barrier to the organic food movement so want to do all I can to encourage people to ask questions about their food!

Free Workshops for Aspiring Seniors

The Cowichan Green Community in partnership with the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program is very pleased to announce the holding of two workshops for seniors.

Facilitated by Tiffany Brawn, Manager of the Community Farm Store’s Wellness Advisory Team, presenting: Health and Wellness in Retirement. Tiffany will discuss digestion for mature people, supplementation, and Spirit-centred practices to stay strong, healthy and independent for many years. Facilitated by Leslie and Palmer Accounting; presenting Succession Planning. Succession planning is an important part of retiring when one owns a business.

What will happen to the business? Who will take over? In this workshop we will cover an overview of the process of Succession Planning.

Health and Wellness in Retirement is scheduled for November 7th with Succession Planning the following Wednesday on November 14th. Both workshops will run from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, held at the Cowichan Incubator Seed Farm on Beverly Street, watch for the green building!

Please contact kat@cowichangreencommunity.org to register for a workshop or call 250 748 8506.

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Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approvals - How Brokers Can Help

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he Cowichan Valley housing market continues to thrive, thanks in part to our fantastic climate, warm sense of community, and proximity to urban centres. As more young families, former Mainlanders, and Canadians across the country look to the Valley to escape harsher winter conditions, many people thinking of purchasing can find themselves overwhelmed and unprepared when it comes to understanding their mortgage options.

In British Columbia, mortgage brokers are highly trained licensed professionals who work to evaluate the financial capacity of a potential borrower. Brokers have access to valuable market information, preferred lower interest rates, and are up to date on changing financing rules and regulations. Like real estate agents, mortgage brokers have a legal obligation to act in their client’s best interest.

When discussing pre-approvals, brokers initially review client information including records of employment such as T4’s, or personal income tax returns from the last two years, various banking and investment account information, proof of assets (RRSP’s, vehicles, boats and more) as well as proof of liabilities (credit cards, lines of credit, car payments and leases). Often your broker will ask to have your credit checked, which can help you identify any misreported items in advance, as well as help you plan how to manage your debts in a way that will hopefully enable you to qualify for the amount you require.

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Based on the review of these findings, brokers then work with a large network of lenders, banks, and credit unions to present lending options and rates that are tailored to that borrower’s unique circumstances. These findings often dictate the maximum amount an institution will lend based on the borrowers financial status and credit history—helpful for keeping a realistic budget in mind when you set out to look at properties.

It can be tricky to understand the slight differences between preapproval, mortgage qualification, and a rate guarantee, as financial institutions can interpret their meaning differently.

Increasingly, lenders will provide a rate guarantee in order to draw your interest, but this does not mean you have qualified for a loan. This is why it is important to ensure your mortgage broker is reviewing your entire financial picture, rather than simply informing you of the lending rate.

While pre-approved mortgages are always subject to conditions, if you work with your broker to verify your financial information upfront, you’re setting yourself up for success where you will be that much closer to having the loan secured in a timely, effective manner.

Whether you are a first time homebuyer, looking to purchase a hobby farm or lakeside retreat, or even require additional funds to renovate a rental property, start the process off on the right foot by meeting with a qualified mortgage broker who can help provide you with information you need to know – as it could very well save you money in the long run.

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

Caitlin McKenna is a licensed real estate agent with Sutton Group West Coast Realty serving the Cowichan Valley.

Sharing Your Solar Story

I

retired and moved to Vancouver Island two years ago with my wife. I enjoy the Cowichan Valley for the people, weather, great food, and peaceful lifestyle. I spend my time gardening, golfing, cooking, doing yoga, reading, walking the dog, travelling, seeing my grandchildren, and monitoring my solar panels.

I have been interested in solar heating and power for nearly 40 years; the idea always fascinated me, and I even acquired a plans kit for a solar water heating panel, though I never got around to building it. A year ago, I took an introductory two-day course through Solar Installers Canada to learn as much as I could.

When I became a grandfather, I began to think about the world we are leaving to future generations, and to read more deeply about environmental issues. Installing solar panels is one bold step I can take to reduce my carbon footprint. It’s not just the short-term investment

– increasing our property value and offsetting hydro costs – but a long-term investment in a cleaner, greener world. There is no perfect solution, since even the manufacture of panels comes at an environmental cost, but it’s one solid step along the way. We really liked the fact that Viridian Energy Co-operative has a cooperative business model. They were so helpful in educating us about how solar panels worked, what it could mean for us financially, as well as the bigger picture of renewable energy trends, and they make it easy by taking care of all aspects of the installation.

In July 2016, we contacted Wes Hyde from Viridian for a site inspection and quote, and after talking to him we were sold on the idea. At the same time, we knew our roof had a limited life left but we hated to send it to the landfill before its time, so we delayed for two years. Much to our surprise, this turned out to be to our benefit. In the Spring of 2018, we got new quotes from the roofing company and from Viridian: the roof cost was about the same, but the solar system was going to cost 20% less for a more efficient system.

Kuan-Jian Foo updated the quote and managed the project, including a BC Hydro permit for the changes to our electrical system. Six weeks later, the solar panels were installed. Then the

fun began as we watched the panels generate electricity via a computer program. As the sun comes up, the light fires up each panel. We learned it is light and not heat that makes the panels work, so on very hot summer days they are not as efficient as on very long, cool June days.

We also check our BC Hydro stats and see that, for now, we are generating more power than we are using, for which we are credited. In the winter, we expect to use more than we make. Our system has 34 panels. Each panel can generate a maximum of 330 watts. Overall, the system will

generate around 11,000 kilowatt hours per year. Our cost was $25,000. While it remains to be seen, the best guess is that we will pay less than half of what we had previously paid to BC Hydro. Several people have stopped in front of the house to ask about the panels, so we really hope to have started a trend in the neighbourhood.

Gord Broughton lives in Mill Bay

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The Forests on the Mountain and the Valley Far Below Part One. Abridged.

Anonymous

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ne day in the forest, in an area traveled by locals, and like the underworld otherworldly caves of the north island, guarded by an unspoken covenant, trails left unmarked, appearing on no map, suddenly, as if by way of a visitation in the night, there appeared the prophetic flags of demarcation, fluorescent orange, inscribing in letters of black the imminent fate of the trees.

On the fatal day they were discovered, the plastic markers were seen to be wrapped around Arbutus—massive, majestic, contorted, (“pests to be controlled,” warn forestry signs); Coastal Fir—multilimbed to the ground, (too many knots for timbers, say some loggers); beside Maples crowning the forest, groaning in

the wind, like animals rocking from side to side, tagged, corralled, awaiting their end, (slated to be cut down).

The ribbons followed fragile and tree-less moss beds, like rivers running down the mountain, deep, emerald, expansive—(not a penny worth of twigs).

They appeared like banners knotted around trees, small, struggling, (second-growth, barely a mouthful for a saw)— growing on a stoney hill, rising into a mountain of rock.

Formed in the beginnings of time, as though a line of defense, a warning that not in all places will a forest re-root and re-cover in such a way as to justify its removal, the peninsula rises from sea to distant cliffs, glacial mounted, an enigma of rock formations and tree contortions. As is the affect of growing in and around rock, trunks spiral and branches zigzag. In defiance of gravity, the mind, (and the saw), roots of trees cling to lichen murals on rock faces. Composites of granite and sandstone, giants, balance on fulcrums and float in the air. Boulders big as ships are anchored in moss. Planetary bodies emerge in moonlight.

In this beautiful world, there are visionaries who may, by way of an extraordinary legacy, set a purposeful, potential course for

generations. It is the way many of the great parks and public places have come into being.

In a little valley set apart from the outer world, as if nature had conceived the perfect distance and multi-faceted veils to protect one of the last enclaves of paradise on earth from the irrevocable encroachment of civilization, such a story begins.

It begins, not so long ago, in an enchanted land sheltered within encircling forested mountains, on an island, with a backdrop of more forests on more mountains rising out of an archipelago, a subterfuge, a maze of islands.

It begins in isolation: To the East, the straits, a barricade between the mainland—enshrouded in fog and mist, spreading, separating, rising through valleys cut off by the great turbulent rivers racing from out of mountain

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range after mountain range, and finally the rock-peaked glacial divide.

To the South, a border, a foreign land.

To the North, the great ice fields.

To the West, the open Pacific.

It begins, an isolation hardly to be imagined today, with the rains. Enveloping the coast—encircling and yet remaining at the periphery of the valley—the towering black clouds of the fabled rainforests; so dark, so impenetrable, so wet, that the civilized folk on the other side of the divide visiting, (until recently, until the great change—the heat, melt, and dry), would feel the reproductive spores of life embed themselves in crevices, between fingers and toes, and bones aching with damp, would beat a hasty retreat from nature.

In the beginning, there were trees, ancient and massive, and

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

Was there one visionary among them who returned to the valley and saw on the mountains not saws and stacks of the diminishing diameter of the forest—match-stick replicas of former giants entangled in vines and blood-letting thorns of invaders from other lands—and said nothing, but saw another way?

The nature of a true legacy is that it be bestowed not with rules and warning but rather with faith in the wisdom of the ones who receive.

Human nature is such that the greatest legacies, those which appear to be our inherent rights, the immutable rights of man— water, clean air, a forest; in short nature—we are likely to take for granted and thus forfeit.

So it happened in the valley.

the people of the valley saw the trees and said they were good.

Then came people from across the sea who cut down all the trees on the mountains, and saw the money they made, and said it was good.

Time passed. Fortunes were made and fortunes were lost.

The Great Depression came and went. The land was passed from hand to hand. And then there was the war.

By 1946, a quarter of the land of the district had reverted to the public domain and in that year there came a group of people possessed of foresight who saw into the future, saw the forests growing anew, saw it was good, and they did not divide the land.

And they did create a forest reserve of rare value, owned not by the province, nor the crown, nor any private company, as almost every other forest on the continent, but owned by the people of the valley: six forests on six mountains, never to be sold, always to be managed and maintained for the good of the people, now and forever more.

The years passed. Foresters of the woods, of the earth, of the solace of solitude, came and went, and in realizing the growing value of the forests and the responsibility for their protection, set forth the enduring principles of a true democracy, including transparency and consultation with the citizens who owned the forests, not for themselves but for all in perpetuity.

Their names long forgotten, whom among the foresters, the defenders of the legacy, were visionaries?

dissonance and discord, the continents and divides, all connected, one body, one foot rooted in the earth, one floating in space.

Whom among them had traveled far and wide, had visited the deserts where forests used to stand, witnessed the waters retreat, the forests fall before the heat of the sun, and foresaw the migration of humans back to the final forest stands?

Like a fog that settles slowly, a creeping blandness that rises unnoticed, encroaching, enveloping the powers of perception, the amnesia of unconsciousness set in.

After its creation, with the passage of time most people forgot about the legacy, did not teach their children, did not remember that no commercial enterprise (requiring immediate short-term profit), and no other government (with conflicting interests) owned the land, but they themselves, the people.

Forgetting their ownership, they forgot their responsibility, even

Whom among them had listened and learned in no classroom but from nature that no tree stands alone in proximity with another in a forest, never solitary, nor disconnected, but nurturing, warning, sharing, through the wordless language of trees?

Whom among them understood that as above, through stumpfists joined, so below, by root and fungal networks, all of the one living being. And as in nature, so in humankind, beneath the surface, beyond

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to their children, and did not consider or imagine the possible good and profit of a greater vision than its systematic removal in sections of everdecreasing value.

the good is for all, and the way is in every one of us; for we are all of the trees in the forests.

They are our lifeline. As they breathe, we breathe. As they die, we die.

Behind the yellow gate, down an old dirt road, a country road, what was once a logging road—and, it turns out, still is—locals first discover the ribbons. They are tied to the perimeter and lead through the trails, local trails, secret trails, peaceful trails, those trails that some would guard over like sentries, like gargoyles, like bears; and above all, rising far above the rest, the trail of ascendance, never to be visited by the uninitiated, (for of course nature would obscure the way).

Nothing about the way of the forest can be taught. Logic produces facts and figures but the way is beyond the mind whose facts are never, in retrospect, enlightened. The way is beyond numbers and projections—(20,000 cubic metres annual allowable cut?

Sometimes less? Could be more? How much more?).

The way is greater than our assumptions of where we are headed. (Will there be more drought in future summers?

More winters of deluge? Will trees always grow back? In how many years? Amongst invasive species? Without a canopy to hold the moisture? In depleted soil and wind erosion?).

Would that one could hide behind the impersonal one, we, they, and even thou; for I am a local. I am a wanderer of the forests, a traveler of the trail, in dark, in light, in green, in silence, in the peace that is rooted deep within the earth and in and of every rock and stone.

I am human, so I am torn. On the day that the alarm sounds and the warning goes out in the forest, I am minding my own business. I stop my ears. But the words begin on the inside.

If I write the words, I will break the covenant. Will they blame me?

If I write the words and the way becomes crowded with voices and signs, “No dogs off leash,” and I counter with my own, “No walking on the moss,” will I blame myself?

Once upon a time, it was simple. I saw fluorescent ribbons coiled like serpents around the beckoning, nestembracing, uplifting limbs of the greatest friends of my youth, those generous giants who would let down their ladders for me to climb to the heights, who talked to me, sang to me, nurtured and carried me

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beyond the pain of living in an incomprehensible world. I climbed into the branches and before my God that is nature, ready to face the consequences, to die for what I loved, buried the ribbons in a trunk, and when discovered, was sent to bed without dinner.

were not born to. What if they saw the ribbons? What would they do? What can any of us do? What can I do?

We are not given rules and road maps to follow, but rather the heart that we may feel. When the heart is open, the way is clear. Above all, as below, we must become as the trees, with our roots beneath the surface, within the silence, joined.

I am no longer a child. I am a grandmother confronted with the destruction of the most beautiful, life-sustaining, beneficent place in the world to me. I am not alone. We are not alone.

They come from across the seas; they come from across the lands, from out of the cities and deserts—the people.

For we are all one people of the earth, and in the end, what choice do we have?

In the end, what choices do we leave our children? In the end, what choice do

They arrive from distant lands.

They cannot believe how beautiful. They tell others and others come.

The less we build the more they come. They write stories in newspapers across the continent and across the seas. They come to spend a moment in paradise.

They come in peace.

On the trails, we meet. They cannot believe how blessed we are. They are the witness, the reminder of the legacy that they

Now that I am no longer a child, I do not perceive enemies. I do not rip serpents from trees.

I unstop my ears. The voice breaks through. There are visions in the voice. It shows that there is not one way but many. The ways are good and

I have?

I pick up the pen.

To be continued… wheredowestand.ca

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

Why We Should Read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

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herman Alexie’s story of Arnold Spirit, Jr. is masterful and presented in an inventive manner. It has been banned in some US school districts. Interestingly, Alexie’s own story is similar to Junior’s. The fourteenyear-old central character writes a diary, and because he thinks the meaning of words are unreliable, he illustrates his diary with cartoons.

Everybody recognizes a flower, he says. With his drawings he converses with the world, making “tiny little lifeboats” in a world of “broken dams and floods”.

Where Junior comes from, Hope is a “mythical creature”.

After one more “broken dam” Junior decides to leave his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend the all-white public high school in the nearby community of Reardan. His decision is triggered by an incident of extreme frustration after receiving his “new” geometry book, a thirty-year-old textbook. He knows this

is the very same book his mother used because it is selfinscribed with his mother’s maiden name on the inside front cover. At Reardan, Junior is the only Indian, if one doesn’t count the school’s Mascot.

This novel deals with adult issues in a compelling and approachable way. The characters are accessible.

With both compassion and vitality, Junior’s narration points out the effects of the state’s normalization of poverty, racism, lack of health care, lack of educational choices, and lack of dreams that are the experience of Indigenous Peoples. Through Junior, his family and his relationships, we experience the overabundance of familial love, the love of community and the love of education. The resiliency of the protagonist holds up a mirror to the reader. It is likely the reader, whatever their background, will see some part of their own life with new eyes if they are attentive to Junior’s experiences. As Junior himself shifts, by degrees, between being an insider and an outsider, he observes the two communities from both perspectives. Alexie’s portrayal of Junior is both perceptive and skillful.

The book is both an easy and a poignant read -hilarious, tragic, uplifting and courageous. Alexie’s words and Ellen Forney’s illustrations make the story unforgettable.

The Warmland Book and Film Collective – explore, celebrate and learn from Indigenous authors and film – meeting the 2nd Wednesday/ each month. VIRL 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Next meeting is November 14th and the next book is by Eden Robinson, Monkey Beach.

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Two Hoots Celebrates Two Years

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wo Hoots Gift Gallery in Cobble Hill turns two years old this month, and you’re invited to the celebration. “We want to thank our community for

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the amazing support,” says Anita Willis, who runs the business with her husband, Michael Giles, a professional potter.

At their anniversary event on Saturday, Nov. 10, there will be free cookies, instant prize draws, and storewide discounts. “We’ll pay the taxes on all purchases that day—that’s 12% off everything,” says Willis. “And customers who spend over $100 will also get $10 in ‘Hootbucks’ to use on their next visit.”

Two Hoots Gift Gallery has earned an enthusiastic following since opening in 2016. Online, customers praise the store’s carefully curated selection

of local and handmade gifts, art, and pottery. There’s a whimsical quality to many of the items—from carved wooden ducks in polka-dot boots to the limited-edition art prints of quizzical owls and chickens by celebrated Cowichan printmaker Edie Miller.

“We love it when a new customer walks in, takes one look, and says, ‘Oh, I’m going to need more time,’’’ Willis says, laughing. She shakes her head at the idea of selling Two Hoots products online and shipping them out like Amazon. “Getting to know the people who shop with us, seeing them enjoy the bright, cheerful space we’ve created, and hearing them laugh, ooooo and aaaaa over our collection of fun and beautiful things—that’s what matters to us.”

This year hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing

for the business. Since the neighbouring Cobblestone Pub closed in June for fire restoration, there have been fewer visitors to Cobble Hill village. Then, at the end of August, Giles fell and broke his left arm, imposing an 8- to 12-week hiatus from pottery.

“I can’t wait to get back in my studio,” he says. “I’m like the kid who gets a cast on his arm the summer his family gets a swimming pool.”

For Willis and Giles, these are temporary setbacks.

“We really love what we’re doing here, being part of this community,” says Willis.

“Working here, living above our shop in this little rural village, we sometimes feel like a couple of Dickens’ characters. It’s wonderful.”

Two Hoots Gift Gallery is located at 1490 Fisher Road, Cobble Hill village.

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

YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Get the Sleep You Need This Winter

W

e can help make the world a better place one night at a time by getting enough sleep. When we get the rest we need we are happier and healthier; we are able to share our talents with others so they too can be happy and healthy.

Also, sleeping allows us to experience more meaning in our lives because we actually feel awake and alive during the day. It is a relaxed alertness we experience that helps us notice and appreciate details we would otherwise miss.

Just as we fill our being with intentions like aligning or expanding when we practice yoga poses, we can fill our being with the intention to rest and nourish ourselves through sleep.

Falling asleep takes skill; when you prepare to sleep, position yourself for maximum relaxation. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath into the collar bone and back of the neck. Exhale to release tension in the neck and shoulders. Soften your face, jaw, eyes, and throat.

Soften your shoulders, chest, back, hips and hands. And then take slow deep breaths into the belly. Make sure your exhale is longer than your inhale. The other way revs you up. During deep belly breathing, the diaphragm massages the digestive organs which sends a message to the brain to relax. The longer you do it, the deeper

the relaxation reaches into the nervous system. This is key because it is the nervous system that allows us to genuinely experience relaxation. Take as many breaths as you like and then let go of your breath control but continue to relax and keep your belly soft. The soft belly allows your emotions to rest.

Bring your focus to the dark space you see under your eyelids. This allows your thoughts to rest. Explore this state until you eventually fall asleep. Your deep sleep will help you return to your life with more energy and creativity.

As you practice this technique for falling asleep, you’ll be able to use it in different situations to get the rest you need. For example, fitting in a nap or getting the sleep you need when you’re traveling. Any amount of rest is effective.

I wish for you that you get the rest you need to live your great and purposeful life.

Spirit Touch Yoga and Wellness

ses las ay C l Al ill B M in

Gentle Restorative Yoga and Mindful Movement Classes Suitable for Seniors and Persistent Pain Sufferers First Class is Free! Affordable classes! Start any time!

Visit our website for class details.

Rhonda Maguire – 250-661-7309 spirittouch@live.com I spirittouchyoga.ca

Sands Funeral Chapel

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan

by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey Funeral Director

Paulina Kee currently teaches at the HUB in Cowichan Station and teaches private group and individual classes around the valley.

For more info visit yogawithpaulina.com

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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The warranty you’ve paid for

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n just about new every product, we as consumers purchase, there is a warranty built into the price we pay. Whether that is a digital camera, a car or truck, a waffle iron, or a heating and cooling system, there is usually a warranty or guarantee available to us if the product has issues or fails entirely. We have to remember that we have already paid for this warranty and that we are entitled to it if we take the proper steps to claim it. Here I am going to talk about the HVAC, also known as comfort systems, warranties and the processes that manufactures

use to approve or deny their warranties.

When a homeowner is looking at purchasing a new comfort system for their home, the warranty coverage offered can be a large part of the motivation to go with a particular brand or company.

For example, Brand A may offer a 10 year warranty while Brand B may offer a 12 year warranty. This may add to the motivation to go with Brand B because of the extra two year warranty. This is good reasoning as long as what is promised is actually delivered.

Be sure that your equipment is registered.

In the world of HVAC, product registration is incredibly important and

drastically effects the length of coverage. Remember that you have paid for this warranty but if you don’t act quickly you will never receive it. What I mean by this is that most manufacturers have a stipulation stating that that the model and serial numbers of the products have to be registered within 60 days of the initial install or it will revert to a warranty with drastically reduced coverage.

The most unfortunate part about this is that somewhere in the neighbourhood of 50% of all warranties go this way.

The homeowners paid for a 10 or 12 year warranty and will only ever receive 5 years or less of coverage.

one of the largest purchases you ever make for your home and it needs to be taken care of. This is true not only for your peace of mind but also to maintain your warranty. Most manufacturers have a clause in their warranty agreement that excuses them from warranting any equipment that has not been maintained on regular intervals. Annual maintenance is a small price to pay in order to make sure that the warranty that you have already paid for remains intact.

Be sure you know what kind of contractor you are getting into business with. Most quality contractors will either register the warranty for you or will help you through the process of registering the warranty. Never assume that the warranty is registered.

This can usually be done or verified online but sometimes some paperwork and may need to be sent through the mail. I can’t even tell you how many times our office has talked with homeowners that should have a warranty to cover a costly repair but the contractor they hired didn’t even inform them that the warranty needed to be registered. Now this homeowner is stuck with a piece of equipment that is not working or a costly repair bill.

This feels very unfair. It’s the homeowner that is the one that loses out.

1. Verify that your equipment has been registered: Make sure you get an email or paperwork on your exact equipment including the correct model and serial numbers and the stated length of coverage.

I say all this to give you a few tips when you are looking at purchasing a home comfort system.

2. Know your contractor: Do they have the staff and the means to help you through the purchasing process, registration process, and the warranty claim process should the situation arises.

3. Maintain your investment by having a qualified contractor clean and check the system at least once per year.

Maintain your investment.

A comfort system may be

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

I T B

R

S A A D c t i c b m y t p t … c d

B e w w p h a

B o e t w s g b

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o

Is Your Hot Tub Truly Bacteria-Free?

R

ead on. Introducing BIOFILM!

So what is biofilm?

According to the The American Heritage® Science Dictionary, biofilm is “a complex structure adhering to surfaces that are regularly in contact with water, consisting of colonies of bacteria and usually other microorganisms such as yeasts, fungi, and protozoa that secrete a mucilaginous protective coating in which they are encased. Biofilms … are typically resistant to conventional methods of disinfection.”

Biofilm forms naturally, especially in dark and warm water environments typically within the network of plumbing and equipment in hot tubs, jetted bathtubs, spas and pools.

Bathers introduce a plethora of organic contaminants exfoliated skin, sweat, etc. that feed biofilm. Couple this with other substances, like soaps and lotions, and you’ve got a ripe environment for biofilm to proliferate.

People mistakenly think that the sanitizing chemicals they

use will kill all the bacteria in their hot tub. Not so.

Sanitizers, such as chlorine or bromine, can only reduce the free-floating bacteria in water. The remaining bacteria can become lodged within the biofilm matrix. It is difficult for sanitizers to get through the slime layers of biofilm to kill all the potentially harmful organisms.

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So what can you do to purge your hot tub (or other recreational water vessel) of biofilm?

Ahh-Some is an ecofriendly, unique product that performs a cleaning, scrubbing, clarifying action along with removal of odours and contaminants caused by biofilm and other organic substances.

For a DIY fix, you can purchase this product direct from the Ahh-Some website or from Mike at ORCA Pool & Spa. However, if you’re a bit squeamish about taking this on for yourself, Mike can undertake the job for you and leave you with a biofilm-free hot tub!

A note of caution to anyone who has acquired a hot tub with a home purchase or purchase of a used tub, it’s highly recommended to do a biofilm flush. Learn more in Mike’s video on the home page of www. orcapoolandspa. com Healthy tubbing from your friends at ORCA Pool & Spa! Remember to mention this article

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Valley Health and Fitness 250-743-0511 Full service gym/classes and receive a 10% discount on the biofilm product or flush service.

This photo is a relatively mild example of biofilm extracted during a flush performed by Mike at ORCA Pool & Spa.

Visit www.orcapoolandspa. com to see a video demonstration of what’s entailed to perform a successful biofilm flush or call Mike to do it for you 250-466-4050

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

Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery & Art Gallery Fresh, friendly, affordable and pet-friendly!

OpenED Daily 8am-6pm Heated patio or take out

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

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locally grown, organic and delicious

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hirty years ago when I finished high school, few people were familiar with personal computers. At the time, I had never seen one.

When the Dutch government offered me an Information Technology scholarship, I jumped at the chance. A whole new world opened up.

The next five years were amazing. I studied while implementing Unix-software in dozens of offices all over the Netherlands, training staff to use the software in the best way possible for their particular situation.

In 1990 I started my own computer-training business.

I assisted individuals with their hardware and software questions, individually in their homes and sometimes in groups around my kitchen table. During the next years as I raised four boys, I also taught computer lessons in their elementary school.

One important truism that I’ve learned over the years is: people value one-onone communication when it comes to their computer.

I’ve built In-Home Computer Lessons around this concept.

One of my favorite teaching sessions is to build a website or blog with a customer.

We discuss the layout of the website, the text that will be written in it, the photos we’re going to use, the predominant color scheme of the site, and so on. It’s up to the customer whether we both work on the website or whether it’s just me working from home. Later in the process the customer takes a look online and accepts the work, or we tweak the site.

For many people, especially older Canadians, organizing a home computer is a tough job. Lots of computer desktop screens are covered in icons of file folders and documents.

Many owners have no clue where in the system the file or folder is located.

Another project I’ve assisted is spreadsheets. I love spreadsheets. Within seconds they recalculate complicated formulas and can give a customer instant feedback.

Let me know what you would like to learn, from filling out online government forms to crypto trading, connecting with friends on social media or HTML-coding…

Nettie van WingerdenLeeflang Serving the Cowichan Valley from Mill Bay to Ladysmith 250-510-0408 www. inhomecomputerlessons.com

Ol’ MacDonald Farm Red Russian seed garlic it’s not too late to plant!

Plus roots, greens and more.

Delicious, local grown food with love.

Available Saturdays at Duncan Farmers Market or from www.cow-op.ca - pick up Thursdays.

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

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M i e b t s A o P M i c u b N a t a c a

I 2 d s s t m m a

P f p d

iWorks: Apple’s Office Suite

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hat is an office suite of applications?

MS Office, Open Office, and iWorks are three popular examples of office or business applications, used to create documents, data sheets, and presentations.

Almost everybody has heard of MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint. They are part of Microsoft’s Office 365, which is an extremely well known collection of applications used in government offices, businesses, and schools.

Not many computers users are familiar with Apple’s trio of applications that are free once again for Mac computers, mobile devices, and directly in iCloud.

Introduced as iWorks in 2005, Apple has continued to develop a word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation suite which empowers users to easily integrate graphics, movies, and sound to create multi-dimensional documents and projects.

Pages is the Apple offering for a powerful word processing and graphic design application. Pages

can be used to create crisp business correspondence or fancy pamphlets, posters, and booklets.

Keynote is designed to create stunning slideshow presentations which can be used in a slide show format with handouts, or exported as a movie for looped display or shared as an mp4.

Finally, Numbers is a graphically impressive spreadsheet program used to record and represent numerical data with impressive graph options.

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://www.healerslibrary.com/global-practitioner-map/ (find me just north of Duncan)

Join WestView Learning on Wednesdays in November to learn how to use these

three applications. Bring along your laptop and/or iPad to learn how to present your ideas in each of these applications.

Submitted by Heather Stannard, Westview Learning

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Green Living

Natural Disinfecting for Cold & Flu Season

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t’s that time of year again.

The cooler, damp weather has set in and school is back in session, with that our exposure to all those nasty little germs and viruses is increased. Brings to mind that old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Cleaning with natural disinfectants offers some preventative measures you can take to help protect you and your family.

Fuzzy the hawt dawg guy is now Fuzzy The Realtor

• Residential • Agri Business • Strata I www.fuzzyrealtor.com I (250)748-5000

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

There are a variety of disinfectant sprays you can easily make at home, see recipes below, whichever one you use the main objective is to regularly clean all the “high touch” surfaces in your home.

Think about all of the items the get handled frequently, these include doorknobs, light switches, phones, TV remotes, cupboard and drawer handles etc. If someone in your home is already sick pay particular attention to all the bathroom and kitchen surfaces to prevent the spread to other family members.

Home Recipes – mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well

Lavender & Tea Tree Spray - 2 cups of distilled water - ¼ cup of white vinegar - ¼ tsp lavender essential oil - ¼ tsp tea tree Lemon & Thyme Spray - 3 tbsp vodka or witch hazel - 4 oz. of distilled water - 18 drops of lemon essential oil - 7 drops of clove essential oil - 10 drops of Thyme essential oil Microfiber has quickly become commonplace in most homes and for good reason. When it comes to disinfecting, studies show that a damp microfiber cloth, without any additional cleaning agent, actually picked up more bacteria from test surfaces than bleach killed.

Definitely valuable to have in your cleaning kit, just be sure to have multiple cloths for different surfaces and launder them regularly to avoid cross contamination.

Of course, diet and other healthy lifestyle choices are important factors in maintaining good health but being proactive in limiting exposure to illness is certainly a step worth taking.

25 Years Experience of Lutherie in the Italian Tradition.

Making, repair and restoration of Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and all manner of Stringed Instruments.

250-749-6563 zakviolins@shaw.ca www.zakviolins.com

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

Tracey Hanson is a local mompreneur and marimba musician in local band Masimba.

LUCKY DOG U Bath or

Lucky Dog Dog First Aid…

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

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

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ll of the staff at Lucky Dog U-Bath have taken the Dogsafe first aid course and I can recommend it to dog owners as well. I have taken other dog first classes, but I found Dogsafe to cover more things in a short day.

Time flew by.

Two weeks after taking the Dogsafe course I had a bath dog start seizing and I knew what to do. That one incident paid for the course.

Dogsafe Canine First Aid 101 is a one day course that covers most situations you may find yourself in when you need the skills to save your dog’s life. Choking, bleeding, seizures, shock, injuries, prevention, and more.

The Dogsafe course gets quite graphic as dog wounds can be extreme. But it is these horrifying times when you need to know what to do and how to keep your cool. Even eyes popping out of sockets and intestines outside of the body are covered. (Sorry if

Open 9am to 9pm!

DAILY 1606 Joan Avenue 250-324-2249

you were eating.)

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

STEPH STEW’S DOG DO’S Stephanie Stewart

My favourite part is the life size rubber dogs we got to perform CPR and mouth to nose resuscitation on.

We learn what is needed in the dog first aid kit and they even sell kits ready to go.

At the end of the course you receive a certificate of completion and a comprehensive handbook for reference.

There are two certified instructors in the Cowichan Valley, one in Nanaimo and one in Victoria. Classes are held regularly at different locations. Check out the website www.dogsafe.ca to find one.

You can also take their online course and get the information you need to be a lifesaving hero.

Professional Dog Grooming Services Over 5 years’Experience

250 597-7DOG

www.luckydogubath.ca Just north of

1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch SPACIOUS SUITES • PICKUP AND DROP-OFF SERVICE • KITTY CAMS Cowichan’s Exclusive Boarding Resort for Cats

That Cat Hotel Moira Mercer

250 749 6263 hbcathotel@gmail.com

www.ThatCatHotel.ca

All new high efficiency machines!

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

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he sad part is that it’s true, when I tell you about babies being removed at birth, watching Elders pass away with broken hearts.

Families are suffering; youth are missing, and Mothers and Fathers are dying of grief.

This I witness as an advocate every day working alongside families, outreach workers, other advocates, agencies, social workers, health care providers, lawyers, politicians and very concerned citizens. It’s a long nightmare that has never ended and no one is getting out of it untouched, it’s a double edged sword of the continual colonial residential school holocaust.

So how do we have reconciliation when the truth isn’t held in the light for us to see by?

Is it reconciliation first and then truth? Or can we actually handle the truth, honour it, grieve it, release the pain shame and blame and turn towards a healing pathtogether?

Elder Joe says, “There is a whole new page waiting for us to write on. Let’s turn the page.”

What is the story of truth and reconciliation?”

For me it would be: All nations of the four directions rise and lift one another into returning to the ways of sacred

law. Where all families are sacred, all people are important and our children realize how precious and valued they really are. Imagine honouring ourselves and each other again, living with the seven teachings beginning with respect for ourselves and each other. I wish a time where our First Nations relations can breathe for a moment and possibly experience that there really is hope and that we, the mixed nations are more than apologies on camera. Where our actions showcase our words and our hearts and minds align as one. Nutsa mut swallowin the Cowichan People say.

We are losing so much. All of us. We are losing our connection to the land, to one another to the inner golden hum of our humanity. It feels like one of the most desperate times. For our community to have one of the highest rates of child removal in the province of BC for years on end is difficult to digest. This means that those babies, tiny vulnerable babies, little children with innocent eyes, tiny feet and imaginations filled with wonder - are gone. A child being placed into care is being instituted into packaged harm and it hurts – everyone.

Yet- I have also witnessed incredible generosity. Citizens standing up with courage and faith to do their best and offer what they can- to want to change this and be a part of it. We care, share and become aware

Cowichan Valley North is Ladysmith and Chemainus – 15 children and youth in care per 1000 children Cowichan Valley West is Lake Cowichan, Youbou, Mesachie Lake, Honeymoon Bay – 28.2 children and youth in care per 1000 children Cowichan Valley South is Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Duncan and North Cowichan – 22.3 children and youth in care per 1000 children These are all higher than the rate of children and youth in care on Island and the provincal overall. *Data is from the Ministry of Children and Family Development

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I Can’t Believe It knowing this cannot go on. I have seen local citizens take a mother and baby into their home for 30 days.

The Mothers thrived, babies stayed close and possibility was birthed. I have seen citizens gather together, join in meetings, ask questions, send emails, make phone calls and offer their own resources. I have also seen gratitude, grace and shared space where we all arrive in the moment - together - accepting one another just as we are working together side by side allied.

I have experienced the gift of forgiveness, for myself, from others, for others and sense it sparkling on the edge of the Truth and Reconcilliation conversations. I have listened to the Native and Non Native Grandfathers and Grandmothers talking with each other, always sharing the common purpose: our children and our children’s children – all children- matter.

The season is changing the leaves are falling and with them the stories of the four directions of this time, ‘returning to dust as we must, in the organic process of decay weaving into the roots gestating and deepening into the richness of the soil inviting us to listen to our own inner depth for

we are all connected to the life cycle of the Earth.

We are more than a ‘conquer and divide mentality’. We are more than an economy built on suffering. We are more than where we are in this old story with no glory.

We are the ancestors of the future.

What affects one family affects all families. As we bow to the unknown of the dark sacred night entering into the winter wisdom – we can join together truly honouring the celestial celebration that presents its way into the final days of the year and to include remembering those who are living everyday wondering about their children and those children who are missing them. We can offer our generosity, whatever that may be, keeping an open heart and mind to inspire great change that we all benefit from.

It is time to gift the grace of our humanity and its eternal light of love.

And this I can believe!

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

Patricia Dawn Red Willow Advocate Follow us on Facebook- Red Willow Womyn’s Family Society.

What Reconciliation is and What It is Not

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hat is reconciliation?

What is not reconciliation?

Discuss these and other important issues with Yvonne Rigsby-Jones, Reconciliation Canada Ambassador and member of the Snuneymux’w First Nation, during this free event done in partnership with VIRL and Cowichan Tribes.

“Vancouver Island Regional Library is committed to advancing reconciliation in Canada,” says the library’s Executive Director Rosemary Bonanno. “This event is an opportunity for everyone to come together to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our country today. We are honoured to be working with Reconciliation Canada, Yvonne RigsbyJones and the Cowichan Tribes on this important initiative.”

The event, called What Reconciliation Is and What It Is Not. Yvonne Rigsby-Jones will give her presentation, followed by a question and answer session with the audience. A panel of Elders from the Cultural Connections program at

Social Planning Cowichan will also talk about the work they are doing locally in building relationships and working together. Afterwards snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Space is limited for this free event. To secure a seat, attendees are encouraged to call the Library at 250746-7661, to register at the Library’s front counter, or register online at virlcowichan.eventbrite.ca More information is available at virl.bc.ca/reconciliation.

What Reconciliation Is and What It Is Not, Saturday, November 3, 1pm 2687 James St Island Saving Centre’s Heritage Hall Yvonne Rigsby-Jones is Snuneymux’w First Nation, Coast Salish, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and Reconciliation Canada speaker. She was previously employed as the Addictions Specialist for the First Nations Health Authority bringing a background of working in Addictions and Trauma Healing.

The HUB Film Club ventures into a new experience with the first ever Film & Food night!

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he Club is partnering up with Pam Stiles of Scoops Natural Foods (soon to become Holy Cow Indian Eats!) to bring you a feast for the eyes and the senses; delicious, mildly spiced Indian food and a fantastically colourful Bollywood movie! Pam will be serving both meat and vegetarian options which will include butter chicken, chana masala and her mom Suki’s famous lentil dahl. There will also be beverages for purchase at the concession.

The night will begin a little earlier than usual with the doors opening at 5:30 and meal at 6pm. The film will begin at 6:45 - Bollywood films are famous for their lengthiness!

Our Bollywood movie for this special night is Om Shanti Om (India 2007/ rated PG/ clearly subtitled), an extravaganza-of-a-film, a crash course in all that is Bollywood. This colourful melodrama is a tale of love across two lifetimes that laughs at itself and at the same time pays homage to this art-form, it features almost every single famous Bollywood actor from the last 40 years in one song and dance number! It is directed by Farah Khan, who got her start in Bollywood choreographing many well-known films including Monsoon Wedding. She has since become a very wellrespected director as well as a mother of triplets.

Tickets are available only in advance for this event - $15

for film club members and $20 for non-members and can be purchased on eventbrite, and through the Hub Film Club Facebook page. Tickets in real life are available at Volume One Bookstore at 149 Kenneth St, Duncan 250-748-1533. If you are wondering about the club, we are now in our 3rd year of showing films on the 4th Friday of every month at the Hub in Cowichan Station, club memberships are still available for this 2018/19 season ($20/ Family $40) and can be purchased at the door at any film night! Please contact hubfilmclub@gmail. com for more information.

If you cannot come for the meal, you are still welcome to attend the film at 6:45pm, space permitting, this option is not ticketed. Admission is by donation or free with club membership.

Look for the new Holy Cow Indian Eats sign on the way to Whippletree Junction, Pam will be serving up home style Indian Take Out cuisine offering both a “Fresh Delhi Menu!” and a bigger frozen entree selection. The Hub Film Club is very happy to introduce a selection of Holy Cow’s menu items to the community!

November 23, 6pm Film 6:45pm The HUB Film Club is located at the HUB at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Rd. Find us on FB or www,cowichanstation. org. Holy Cow Indian Eats is at 4715 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan.

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

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Malahat Historical Society NEWS Malahat Historical Society invites members of the public to join the white cross placement ceremony, honouring area veterans buried at St. Andrews Cowichan Station November 3, 11am, Shawnigan Cemetery 1pm, St. Francis Xavier Church Mill Bay 2pm, reception to follow. More info contact Jim at 250-743-2686.

Every Sunday in November from 12-3pm- The Mill Bay - Malahat Historical Society (formerly Mill bay United Church) welcomes members of the public to view an exhibit on the rich history of the church, and recent renovations that have been completed to the building into a museum. 2851 Church Way, Mill Bay.

Christmas Craft Fair The Eagles of Duncan are having their 1st Annual Christmas Craft Fair. There will be a variety of locally made crafts; including dollhouses, native carving, baby linens, jewellery, wood craft, handmade Christmas cards, homemade doggy treats and teddy bears made of recycled materials. November 10, 10AM4PM 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan.

MILL BAy craft and gift fair South Cowichan Healthcare Auxiliary is hosting their annual Mill Bay Craft and Gift Fair Saturday in the

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officer and a member of the R.C.M.P. But like most of the wounded who returned to Canada refused to talk about their war experience.

There will be baking, sewing, crafts, local artisans and gifts for the season, hourly draws, mini-auction, prizes!

The kitchen is open all day: homemade soup and bread, tea, coffee and goodies. Free admission! It’s for a good cause!

November 24, 10AM to 2PM Mill Bay Community Hall 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road, next to Kerry Park Arena

Rememberance Day November 11

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ovember 11th is not just a day that most Canadians get the day off as a stat holiday. November 11th is set aside to honour the veterans who lost their lives in war.

1914 - 1918 1939 – 1945 1949 – 1953 1992 – 1995 2001 – 2014

Christmas Market Shop our juried line up of clothing, jewelry, ceramics, skincare, bath & body care, soy candles, chocolate, toys, leathers, holiday decor, pet treats, soy candles, knitwea and so much more, and you are supporting local and Island independent artists, makers and brands. RSVP by joining our event online at Inspired Crafted Markets, follow along for event announcements and more. Saturday December 1 at the historic Cobble Hill Hall and Stu Armour Barn from 10 to 3pm.

Christmas Craft Fair at Providence Farm Providence Farm’s Annual Christmas Craft Fair is on We take great joy in creating this community event full of Holiday fun for everyone!

December 1, 9am - 3pm 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan

During the World War I, our soldiers were mainly foot soldiers, living in trenches. They would then climb out of the trenches and run across the “no mans’ land” only to face the enemy with what we would now call “antiquated equipment”.

During World War II, the war was fought mainly by the navy and air command.

Service women flew the

World War I 66,944 World War II 45,300 Korean War 516 Bosnia War 20 Afghanistan War 158

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT OUR VETERANS? Mainly through the Poppy Campaign held each year from the last Friday in October to November 10th.

The money raised provides aid to Veterans in financial distress, as well as funding for medical equipment, medical research, home services, and long term care facilities. All money raised during the Poppy Campaigns is held in a trust and expenditures must be approved by B.C. Yukon Command.

My neighbour’s father was in both W.W.1 and W.W.II. He served with the Canadian 50th Battalion, Calgary.

In 1914 he went overseas and fought from Belgium, Flanders to France. In1917 he was wounded and returned to Canada after he was shot in 1919. In 1939 he rejoined and was put in charge of Field Security and Intelligence in Aldershot England. After the war he became a police

lost lost lost lost lost

+ 172,000 wounded + 55,000 wounded + 1,042 wounded + unknown wounded + 635 wounded

planes from Calgary to England and then they had to return to Canada by sea.

Seven members were behind the scenes for every soldier, most of the women as they were not allowed to fight in the actual war.

Soldiers were dropped off by sea and then they had to make their way to Germany.

“Pathfinders” planes went ahead to find the “enemy”.

Over 12,000 planes were lost.

Each airplane that went down contained 8 men.

During World War II Canadian civilians sold war bonds and stamps to help the cause. From January, 1942 to September 1947, every Canadian was issued a ration coupon book. Sugar, peanut butter, tea & coffee, butter and other food items were rationed. This was done to make sure our military and allies could survive overseas.

Submitted by Gloria Solley

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

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that is regularly called upon to debate and vote upon missions that put these people into harm’s way.

Lest We Forget Our Own Duty Alistair MacGregor is the MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford and the federal NDP’s Critic for Agriculture

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e mark Remembrance Day this month, looking back on the past generations who have served during times of war, conflict, and in times of peace, with many having paid the ultimate sacrifice to uphold justice and freedom in our world.

The Cowichan-MalahatLangford riding is proud to have so many active and retired service personnel call it home. They have my deepest gratitude, and I know all residents will join me in honouring them on Remembrance Day. As we reflect back, so too do we look forward, to the many veterans and service personnel serving in military operations today and acknowledge the sacred oath they have taken in defence of our country. As a Member of Parliament, I had the honour of being invited to sail with the Royal Canadian Navy aboard HMCS Vancouver last year, and I witnessed first-hand the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who wear the uniform. I also feel the weight of responsibility for being a part of the Parliament

But our commemoration and celebration of this bravery is incomplete without a commitment to ensuring veterans and their families are well cared for and receive all the services and support they are entitled to. This means the Department of Veterans Affairs, in its effort to look after those suffering from physical and emotional trauma like PTSD, must provide more effective and supportive case management and work to reduce the longer and longer wait times.

Those who serve in our armed forces have a duty to our country, but we also have a duty to them – a duty to ensure veterans who face unimaginable circumstances with bravery and courage in times of conflict have the supports they need when they return home. They deserve so much more than just our gratitude and our remembrance.

Veterans have helped shape the history of our country, solidifying our reputation around the world today as a nation that upholds human rights, and stands steadfastly to protect the most vulnerable.

Present and Future

Climate Change Impacts Geoff Strong of Cowichan Bay is an Atmospheric Scientist and will be speaking to the Cowichan Valley Naturalist Society and any others interested in “Present and Future Climate Change Impacts”. Greenhouse gases are NOT atmospheric pollutants. In fact, without the natural balance of GHGs in the atmosphere, Earth’s mean global temperature would be about -20 °C instead of the present +15 °C, and life could not survive on our planet. However, the excessive GHGs that we have added and continue to add to the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels, are unquestionably non-sustainable. Even current impacts occurring in other parts of the globe are frightening, to say the least. But much worse lies in the future, including on Vancouver Island, if we cannot (or will not) solve the climate crisis.

The solution to global warming need not be difficult, involving very little change to our standards of living. However, it needs to start at the grass roots, with each individual, and therefore requires a change in attitudes throughout all of society. Now! Those solutions may be finally starting to take place, but progress is too slow, and the question remains: Will it be too late?

Geoff has also written a Climate Change thriller called “Convenient Mistruths” and may have a few copies on hand for signing.

Monday, November 5 at 9:30am in the Fish Health Building, 1080 Wharncliffe Rd, bring a toonie and your coffee mug

So, as we remember them this month and recite the words: “lest we forget,” we must also ensure our government does not forget the duty it has to our veterans.

This will be one of the most important ways to show we truly honour them.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month, you want to experience life at a more feeling level. You’ll be compulsive. This is because a hidden part of yourself is getting more energy. Naturally, this promotes psychological self inquiry, perhaps with a counsellor or professional who can help you understand your inner world.

This influence lasts for a month once a year and often produces a psychological transformation. It also increases your involvement and concern with finances, shared property and anything you own jointly with a spouse or a business partner. Life is passionate and intense!

NOVEMBER

cultivating healthy ones. Go for a walk! (Take some M&M’s because let’s be honest here.)

goal. However, be aware that communications are a two-way street, so remember to listen!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) The Sun is now in one of the “happiest” parts of your chart, which means you’re free to express yourself and be who you are! Do what you want to do and set your own priorities. Obviously, your main goal will be to get out and have a good time! Romance will flourish. A vacation would be perfect. You will enjoy sports events, movies, musical performances plus eating out and meeting friends for Happy Hour.

Your relationships will be playful.

You will enjoy fun activities with kids. And if you walk near a vending machine, two Kit Kats and a bag of Hawkins’ Cheezies will fall out.

You rock!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month there are four planets in your Money House of Earnings.

The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter.

This means you have moneymaking ideas and you’re negotiating financial deals. Venus will attract money to you and enhance your ability to negotiate. Jupiter will increase your earnings, especially with foreign interests. The Sun makes you assess how you use your asset to be happier in your life.

This is why you will also ponder your values. For example, which is better? Netflix or Amazon Prime?

These are soul-searching questions.

Don’t even mention Hulu.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The only time all year that the Sun is opposite your sign is this month.

This means you will learn more about yourself through your intimate one-to-one encounters. You will examine your close relationships to see if they do or do not fulfil your needs. This is not the time to go it alone. Consult an expert – lawyer, psychologist, doctor or astrologer.

You might experience conflict personally or legally. Meanwhile, you need to get more sleep because you will need it. Go to bed.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) The flashy part of your life will slow down this month as you focus on home and family. What you want now is a solid base for what you’re doing. You might also be more involved with a parent. Welcome the chance to have some privacy, especially in familiar surroundings.

Basically, not only are you giving yourself a home-base to accomplish what you want to do, you are also giving yourself a chance to regenerate. Memories from your youth will bubble to the surface of your mind. (Remember when they took the toilets from the boy’s washroom and put them on the roof of the high school?)

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Think about how to best manage your life and what duties and responsibilities need your attention.

You want to be productive so you can get the most bang for your buck.

This is why you will refine your technique or procedure for doing something. (Note: You might also have to work according to someone else’s wishes.) Since you’re on this efficiency kick, focus on your health and think how you can be the best you can be. Why be less? Begin by stopping harmful habits and

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Fasten your seatbelts because, your daily pace will accelerate!

You face a jam-packed schedule of short trips, errands, tasks, meetings, conversations with siblings and relatives plus increased reading, writing and studying. Slip away on a vacation. Note: Your primary thrust for the month ahead will be communications. You want to enlighten others. You want to tell someone how you feel about something. This is excellent. Let clear communications be your

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) This is a dazzling time because the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter are all in Scorpio! This is the classic example of “Make hay while the Sun shines!” The Sun energizes you and attracts people and favourable situations to you. Mercury makes you sound smart. Venus makes you diplomatic and charming; and Jupiter attracts good fortune to you and makes life easier, richer and more rewarding. That’s why this will be one of the most powerful birthday months you’ve ever had.

Admittedly, home is chaos and frantic activity.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month, you will withdraw from the busyness of your everyday world not because you feel downcast or antisocial – but because you feel the need for privacy and getting in touch with your subconscious self.

Childhood behaviour patterns that have outlived their usefulness will be apparent. You realize they’re no longer relevant. As your birthday looms ahead, this is the time to look back over the last year to see how well you are managing the art of living. What changes do you want to make for your new year ahead?

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You are more popular this month!

However, you want to be who you are without violating your integrity.

You will be more involved with clubs and associations. You’ll find it rewarding to cooperate with others.

However, once again, examine the role that these organizations play in your life. Do they exemplify your own goals? After all, the people you associate with are a reflection of yourself. Romance with a friend might develop. (A friend could become a lover.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) A gaggle of planets is at the top of your chart! The Sun casts you in a flattering spotlight, making you look capable to bosses. (Use this to push your agenda forward.) Mercury at the top of your chart makes you plan for your future and encourages discussions. It also helps you to undertake a new study. Venus at the top of your chart attracts people and circumstances to you that will help you. Venus will also trigger a romance with a boss or someone older or in power. Jupiter at the top of your chart brings good fortune to get ahead in your career! A powerful month!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You want to break free of of your daily routine. Anything that offers stimulation and excitement and a chance to learn something new will appeal this month. This is an excellent time to take a course. It’s also great time to get outta town.

Mercury will make it easy for you to study. Venus will enhance your appreciation of beauty, which is why you will enjoy museums, art exhibits, college campuses and architectural buildings. You might broaden your experience of the world by falling in love with someone different. Jupiter will attract opportunities to travel and broaden your views on life because Jupiter is a maturing influence. www.georgianicols.com

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“feel happier, healthier and more productive when they are connected to nature,” but “74 per cent say that it is simply easier to spend time indoors and 66 per cent say they spend less time in nature today than in their youth.”

Get Outside And Save The World Renowned biologist Edward O. Wilson says to protect nature, people must regain their innate love for it. That means spending time in nature. While the concepts in Wilson’s book Biophilia have gained widespread acceptance since its publication more than 30 years ago, we’re still facing serious problems based on a lack of understanding of and attention to the natural environment.

The only nature connection some political representatives and media influencers have appears to be time on the golf course (hardly natural) or excursions into wild areas to kill animals for trophies.

Many people, especially in Western societies, are spending less time in nature than ever before.

A Nature Conservancy of Canada survey found almost 90 per cent of respondents

Young people are also spending increasingly more time glued to electronic devices and less time in green spaces.

The personal benefits of spending time in nature are well known. Research shows time outdoors can reduce stress and attention deficit disorder; boost immunity, energy levels and creativity; increase curiosity and problem-solving ability; improve physical fitness and co-ordination; and even reduce the likelihood of developing near-sightedness!

But as screen time replaces green time, humans are increasingly suffering from what author Richard Louv calls “nature deficit disorder.”

An even bigger issue is that many people making decisions that profoundly affect all our lives have so little connection to nature that they fail to understand the consequences of their policies and actions on the natural systems on which our health, well-being and

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survival depend. As Wilson told PBS Nova, “I doubt that most people with short-term thinking love the natural world enough to save it.”

What could be more shortterm thinking than rushing to exploit as many fossil fuel resources as possible before cleaner energy sources and the realities of global warming make them economically unviable?

Ever-growing human populations, consumer-driven economics, short political cycles and narrow thinking have fuelled an alarming rate of environmental degradation and destruction.

The Nature Conservancy survey found “more than 80 per cent of Canadians worry that accessible natural areas will not be there for future generations to enjoy.”

It’s a legitimate fear. We base many of our activities on an incomplete understanding of natural systems. Industry — with government approval — clear cuts a forest and thinks replanting it with a single species will make up for the loss of a complex, diverse ecosystem. Not long ago, fungi were classified as plants, but in the mid-20th century, scientists discovered they’re closer to animals than plants but different enough from both that they merited their own classification. Even more recently, we have begun to learn about their crucial role in forest ecology.

It’s only recently that science has started to catch up on what Indigenous cultures have known for millennia: that everything in nature, including us, is connected.

Short-term thinking justifies putting a salmon population

at risk to get more money for bitumen on international markets. But when the salmon are gone, so too are the whales, bears and eagles that eat them, and the rain forests their nitrogen-rich carcasses fertilize as they complete the cycle of life and death from the oceans to spawning grounds.

If you spend time in nature, your senses open to its intricacies and beauty, from the complexity of a leaf or dragonfly to the majesty of an old growth forest. You start to see how many of our priorities are petty and limited. It’s also easier to understand how affecting one part of an ecosystem affects the entire ecosystem and the surrounding environment.

It’s tragic that so many “leaders” fail to understand their connection with nature or appreciate its importance and intricate beauty. Many would be happier and healthier if they spent more time immersing themselves in nature. They’d also make better decisions.

Understanding that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves is a necessary step to healing this wonderful world that we have treated so badly. So, get outside — for your own sake and the sake of the planet.

Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and cofounder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Editor Ian Hanington.

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Baking & Holiday Catering by Michelle Plain

Delicious Christmas Baking Sold by the Dozen! michelle-arttoeat@shaw.ca

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Relax, Rest & Repair, to help your body heal naturally

• Denae Field Registered Clinical Counsellor • Compassion Focused - Individual, Child and Family Therapy through grief and loss, managing anxiety, emotional regulation, separation and divorce and behavioural challenges

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Pet Care

Amra offers 35 years of Telephone: Intuitive Tarot-Angel Readings, Distance Reiki-Kofutu, Grief Counselling

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Nutritionist

WAKING WELLNESS NUTRITION

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In holistic nutrition, a complete approach of mind, body, and spirit is taken for improving your ailments. The state of these all play a part on the way to dis-ease, and so therefore must be considered important on the pathway to wellness. Contact Tina for guidance in achieving your greater health and wellness potential. Enjoy the journey!

Property Services

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