October 2011

For those who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley!

Thanksgiving Recipes • Tango & Tea •Cowichan Valley Artisans •Halloween Events

ISSN 1920-820 0

October 2011•Issue 35

DESIGNER LEATHER • FINE UPHOLSTERY • CANADIAN WOOD

WHIPPLETREE FURNITURE 25TH ANNIVERSARY STOREWIDE SALE!

LEATHER SHOWROOM

Garrett Metal Detector Keene Mining Equipment

Sofas - Loveseats - Chairs Sectionals - Swivel Tubs - Recliners Junction Artists ALL COVERED IN NATURAL & PROTECTED LEATHERS MarketBears in the Cupboard

- all shapes, sizes and colors various suggestions...

Bears are fed before guests arrive Every -Sunday so there is no biting or growlingVisiting hours are from 10AM to 5PM 11am -Friday 5pmthrough Sunday & Holiday Mondays 250 597-1418

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10 AM-5 PM 250 746 4255

The courtyard at Whippletree Junction www.whippletreefurniture.com April 17 - October 16th

Where everyone loves to stop!

Vendors contact Susan Rankin

2

The Loom

Whippletree Antique Mall

yarns, wools, needles, books and notions.

250 746 5250 The home of fine furnishings

Abby Gabby Gifts & More Rare finds, nostalgia, treasures and more.

ctor pment

-

arrive ng5PM day

Specialising in beautiful woods and Canadian furniture.

Unique Home Decor New and Used Furniture

250 597 2220

Located south of Duncan

250 748 2258

Dining Room • Bedroom Living Room • Tables Home Accesories Eco friendly Sofas & Chairs 250 737 1773 www.sassywood.ca

Learn and Experience the joy of textiles.

- Classes - Shared Studio - Weaving and spinning - Community Loom - Gift Certificates - Locally made textiles

Handwoven blankets, shawls and ponchos, toques, story pillows, and more!

Custom products for the little ones in your lives.

Leola’s Studio In The Courtyard leolasstudio.blogspot.com

WHIPPLETREE

Coast Salish Journey

JUNCTION

Native Artist Herb Rice Custom Carved Wood

Learn to carve

250 748 1313 www.coastsalishjourney.com

4705 Trans Canada Highway

Beaver House Fudge

Fresh, Creamy, Home Made Fudge, made with Organic Cream and Butter - Sugar Free Fudge too!

250-748-6647 www.beaverhousefudge.com

www.omagoshdesigns.com.

All shapes, sizes & colors Visiting hours from 10am to 5pm Friday - Sunday & Holiday Mondays 250 - 597- 1418 bearsinthecupboard@gmail.com In the Courtyard @ Whippletree Junction

Ready to serve at 6am!

Fresh baked goods and made to order sandwiches to go. Fresh hot coffee and specialty beverages.

The Wickertree

BC’s Largest selection of indoor and outdoor rattan furniture! thewickertree.com

“At Whippletree Junction” 1-4715 Trans Canada Hwy • Duncan, BC 250.746.1988 duncan@moderncountryinteriors.com www.moderncountryinteriors.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ModernCountryInteriors

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

3

October 2011 Vol 3 Issue 35 The monthly guide to living in the beautiful Cowichan Valley.

Published by Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine Sheila & Richard Badman Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 250 746 9319 Copy Editor Maeve Maguire

Advertising Enquiries Please Call Adrienne Richards 250 510 6596 or e-mail adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com *Non Profit Community Ad Rates available please enquire.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Please upload your information through our website or e-mail the Date, Time, Event Title and Place Please be advised that space is limited to 1st sent, 1st printed.

Next deadline Oct 15th for November Issue. events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Valley Voices

Bill Jones, Brad Boisvert, Brock Windsor, Erin Coulson Morgan, Heather Walker, Margit Nellemann, Rick Dennis, Ajay Appelaar, Tracey Paleczka, Susan Merrett, Catharine Young, Tammy Hudgeon, Linda Billings, Paul Fletcher, Longevity John, Brenda Birch Dumont, Diana Pink, Jo Ludwig, Debbie Shkuratoff, Joanne Sales, Robin Massey, Amanda Marchand, Kenzie Cuthbert,Rick Juliusson, Amanda Marchand, Ray Anthony, Sheila Badman, The Wilson Family, Lynn Short, Jean Crowder, Nicolette Genier, Julia Star, Joan Cobham, Vanessa Goodall, Roger Foucher, Maeve Maguire, Sue McKitrick & The Lovely Georgia Nicols

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Valley Voice magazine reserves the right to 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 authors.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed through 300 + 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, Courtenay and Tofino.

Cover Image, Andrea Johnson Venturi Schulze Balsamic Vinegar

Over 20,000 readers look forward to reading the Valley Voice each month.

Remind readers you are here and advertise locally!

For 2011 Winter Rate Card, please contact the lovely Adrienne Richards!

250 510 6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com 4

Pages Table of Contents 4 Community Events Calendar 5 Thank You Duncan For All That is Good 6 Gourmet Gala 7 Local Food Celebration 100km Thanksgiving 8 Stone Soup Inn Recipe 9 Brine Your ThanksgivingTurkey Brad Boisvert 10 Cowichan Bay Seafood Recipe 11 11th Annual Salmon and Mushroom Festival 11 What’s on The Menu for Thanksgiving? 12 Rosetta’s Tamarind Prawns 12 Deerholme Farm Apple Blueberry Cake13 Island Farmhouse Poultry Chicken Sausage Stuffing 13 Abby Lane Squash 13 On The Farm 14 Food Preservation 14 Singing For The Harvest 15 October Wild Foods 16 Swan Festival 16 Two Young Farming Families 16 BarnRaising at Birds Eye Cove Farm 17 Getting Rid of Broom in The Rainy Season 18 Talking Arts: Tammy Hudgeon 20 Taste of Tea 21 CRAFT by Cowichan Valley Artisans 21 Imagine That Artist Jane Morris Wyatt 22 Chemainus Theatre Festival - Amadeus 23 Green Living: Autumn Checklist 24 Off The Grid: Fall 25 Social Media Simple 26 What would Miss Polly Do? 26 CIS Anniversary Festival 26 Boys To Men Cowichan 27 One Breath Meditation 28 Healing With Amethyst 29 Community Farm Store Pages 30 South Island Fishing Report 31 October Halloween Fun Schedule 33 A Pilates Primer 34 Helpful Garden 34 Local Artist Displays Vintage Collection 35 Autumn’s Peace 35 Crowder’s Corner 36 Moonbeams 36 Website, Emails and Verbal Lint 37 Outnumbered by Sue McKitrick 37 Feature Listings 38-39 Visit us online at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com October Horoscopes (please visit.cowichanvalleyvoice.com)

Community Calendar

October 2011

1 7pm

Women in Fish – a multi-media presentation Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James Street 250 748 7529 $10

13 5:307:30 pm

Intestinal Health Class with Lorene Benoit Duncan White Spot $15, Call to register 748-6802

1 various times

Culture Days FREE CLASSES! www.MoonDanceArts.ca The Art House, 1756 Wilmot Ave, Shawnigan Lake

14 9pm

Kyprios & the Chaperones - Wordsmith, Hip Hop Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

1

5:30pm

Gourmet Gala Tickets $50 Mellor Hall, 7380 Trans Canada Hwy www.duncancc.bc.ca

14 10am 4pm

Local Flavours Marketplace and Train Rides BC Forest Discovery Museum

to October 22

Amadeus Chemainus Festival Theatre 1 800 565 7738

15 9 am 4 pm

Garden House Foundation Charity Book Sale Cobble Hill Hall, Watson Ave 250 743 4627

to October 22

Eva Trinczek and Glenora Farm Artists Imagine That! Artisans Designs 251 Craig St., Duncan

15 9pm

Renovation Blues Band Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

1 - 30

The Best of The Best in 2 D , 3D and Photograph Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Dr, Ladysmith

15 9am -2pm

Fourth Annual Craft Fair Valley Seniors Centre,198 Government St. Duncan

1 -31 10amDusk

UPick Pumpkin Farm and Horse Drawn Wagon Rides 7233 Mays Road, www.abbylanefarms.com

15 10 - 6pm 16 10 - 4pm

Arbutus Ridge Art Club’s Annual Art Show’11 Arbutus Ridge Golf Club 3515 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill

1,8,15,22,29 5:30pm

Field to Table Dinners 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill

17 5:30 6:30pm

Chronic Pain Support Group - All Ages Ladysmith Community Health Centre, 1111 Fourth Ave

2 7:30pm

Wes Borg’s Comedy Night and Auditions Crofton Hotel & Pub, 1534 Joan Ave Crofton 250 324 2245

22 7:30 pm -9:30pm

Community Drum Circle Natasha’s Temple Studio, Duncan 250 748 6750

3, 10 10am - 2pm

Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market Ends Thanksgiving Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay 250 749 7233

22 11am 4pm

One World Festival 30th Anniversary Celebration Si’em Lelum Gym www.cisduncan.ca

3,10,17,24,31

4:45pm

Drop In BINGO Every Monday begins at 6:40pm Chemainus Seniors Centre 9824 Willow St 250 246 2111

22 5:30pm 10pm

Tapestry Gala Quw’utsun Cultural Centre

4 10am 1pm

Storage and Dehydration CGC Workshop Warmland House, 2579 Lewis St 250-748-8506

22 10am11am

4th Annual Walk of the Nations New VIU Campus www.walkofthenations.ca

5,12,19,26 7pm

Cowichan Toastmasters 950 Club Meeting Duncan Travelodge 250 732 3915

23 8pm

Los Morenos ‘spanish erotica laid on a bed of groove Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $15/$20

5 8pm

Snailhouse- Underground Music From Montreal Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $12/$15

25 6 - 8pm

Verse (and vision) Opening Show PORTALS Gallery 2687 James Street, Duncan

5,12,19, 26 8-9:30pm

Hand Drumming with Karin Lewis Natasha’s Temple Studio Pre-register: 250 748 6750

25 8pm

Ann Vriend voice like Dolly Parton Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $15 / $20

6, 13

Thursday Farmers Market Field Beside Cobble Hill Hall Contact Linda 250 510 8343

24 7pm

Reel Alternatives presents The First Grader

6, 13, 20, 27

Thursday Night Jazz at Cow Bay Pub Cow Bay Pub, 1695 Cowichan Bay Road

26 -28 9pm

Tonight Piaf...

Chemainus Festival Theatre 1 800 565 7738

7 8pm

Naughty & Spice Burlesque Troupe Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $15/$20

25 8pm

For The Love of Words with Bill Levity/Dress Rehearsal Tues Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $5 for readers /$10

7 Opening 5 - 8pm

Cowichan Valley Artisans 2nd Annual Show and Sale Benchmark Gallery 28 Station St., Duncan

25 7pm

Ladysmith Camera Club “ Cell Phone Photography” Hardwick Hall, 3rd Ave , Ladysmith $5 250 606 7011

7 -11 10am- 4pm

Creative Journeys by the SSI Painters Guild Mahon Hall, Salt Spring Island

27

Spa Day and “Taste of German Thanksgiving Buffet” Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat 250 749 4252 $85

8 7pm

Cowichan Folk Guild Coffee House Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St

29 8pm

David Francey Trio Dancing Bean Café, Chemainus 9752 Willow St $30

9 10am 1pm

Thanksgiving Brunch at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club 3515 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill 250 743 5100

29 1pm 3pm

Tzouhalem Spinner and Weavers Guild Annual Sale Opening Show Valley Vines to Wines, Mill Bay Centre

8 7-9pm

Drum Circle with Aboubacar Camara Art House, Shawnigan Lake Village 250 743 5846

30

3pm

Tea & Tango at Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan www.teafarm.ca $10

11 10am 1pm

Canning – Pickling CGC Workshop Warmland House, 2579 Lewis St 250 748 8506

31 6pm

Scary Movie Night Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $5 w/ costume / $10

12 8pm

A Tincture of Junkyard Folk and Steampunk Jazz Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan $12/$15

November 6 Palm Court Light Orchestra Concert Cowichan Theatre Tickets 250 748 7529 cjob@telus.net 2:30pm

12 & 26 8 - 11pm

Reggae night with Selecta Jahmeeks & DJ Morgwan Noodles of the World 161 Station St. Duncan 250 597 0313

Ongoing

2 - 7pm

Cowichan Theatre, Proceeds to Cowichan Valley Hospice Services

Cowichan Valley Artisans Year Round Studio Tour Download brochure at www.cowichanvalleyartisans.com

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

5

Dear Duncan, Thanks for all that is good...

T

his year, Thanksgiving is rounding the corner even as summer holds us in a warm, late-blooming embrace. Driving or cycling the forest-guarded roads of Cowichan, or sailing her bright bays, will give you plenty to be thankful for. But what about town? Isn’t there also a thread or two of richer fabric there ... a few stubborn, well loved bastions that keep history like a trusted blanket close to hand while also hinting at a bright future for those of us who see what is special about this city and what can endure, and should. I’m thinking of The Green Door on Ingram Street.

This 1903 heritage house, in the heart of Downtown Duncan, was a labour of love both to save and to restore. The community banded together in the spring of 1999 when plans to level the home and turn the site into a parking lot were made public (following the tragic death of its owner and resident, Mary Newman).

Fundraising efforts of all kinds – from art auction and gala dinner to garage sale and government lobby – gathered cash, supplies, expertise and goodwill. But it was a tight race to the deadline of June 30th and the hardworking troupe of local community labourers and heritage enthusiasts were at risk of losing the Newman home until an 11th-hour donation by businessman Robert Milman* saved the day.

On July 14th, 1999, The Green Door Society was formed. The Society and many volunteers made countless improvements.

David Coulson Design was the primary contractor donating an estimated $100,000 in labour and design/build expertise.

The Green Door was built before plumbing, telephone, or electricity service existed in the City of Duncan. Now, it is home to seven modern offices (among them a naturopath, a lawyer, an architect, and a federal constituency HQ) and one bachelor suite. The house and

grounds have served host to art exhibitions, en plein air seniors’ dining, summer festivals, and live theatre productions.

More than simply one old house saved from the wrecking ball, this project serves as a leadership example in preservation and forms an invaluable part of the architectural heritage of our city.

The Green Door is a vibrant community space for education, arts, and commerce. It is also a much-needed green space downtown, which is open to the

public year round.

In short, The Green Door is something to be thankful for.

Thanks Duncan! *Green Door patron Robert

Millman, 1947-2007, is remembered fondly by all involved with the project. His legacy is the hard work and inspired programming that continue to take place at 126 Ingram St. Erin Coulson, Green Monkey Writing Services

For full design/build service, give us a call

 250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com  6





Gourmet Gala - October 1st

T

he Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Gourmet Gala on October 1 is fast approaching and tickets are selling like cupcakes! Twisted Sifters will be there, and a sample of their superior cupcakes is worth the price of admission.

The Gala, sponsored by Hayes Stewart Little, showcases “Simply Cowichan’s Best!” in food, wine, and art, with proceeds going towards the new Regional Visitor Centre. With 28 participants offering nibbling and sipping opportunities, Shelley Dubois’ incredible musical stylings, and beautiful artworks from the Cowichan Valley Artisans, this evening is not to be missed.

A chef’s competition between Cowichan’s own Brad Boisvert of Amuse Bistro and Steve Duncan-Walker of the popular cooking show ‘Flavours of the West Coast’ will wow you. The chefs’ culinary creations will be auctioned off to lucky bidders. You can also look forward to the launch of Merridale Cidery’s newest beverage, Frizz: a fullstrength vodka made from 100% BC fruits.

This year’s gala will host what may be the most splendid silent auction offered in the Cowichan Valley. At press time, there are 160 unique items from Cowichan’s businesses, merchants, and artists. You can find a list of auction items on our Facebook page ‘Duncan – Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Gourmet Gala’.

Here are two participants you will meet at this year’s Gourmet Gala:

Twisted Sifters: It all started with a hunt for wedding cakes. Sis-

ters Angie Munroe and Tonie Krueger were shocked at specialty cake prices, and figured they could offer the same for less. They did their homework, studied pastry making, added gorgeous cupcakes to their product line, and after lighting on the perfect name, opened “Twisted Sifters” in November 2010. Twisted Sifters have something special planned for Gala, but they aren’t going to tell us what it is – you have to go to the Gourmet Gala to find out! Twister Sifters, 420 Trans Canada Hwy, www.twistedsifterscupcakes.com

Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre

BINGO

EVERY MONDAY!

4:45pm Doors / 6:40pm

Loonie Pot, G-Ball, Bonanza & 50/50 Draw

Satuday Oct 8 & 22 •Doors 7pm $7

Dance with The Esquires Everyone Welcome! Includes Lunch!

Saturday October 15 • 5 pm

Pot Luck Birthday Parties

Everyone welcome! Entertainment October 17 • 9am – 1pm FREE

Flu Clinic

October 19th • 9:30am – 11:30am FREE

Blood Pressure Clinic

October 19th • 11:30-12:45pm $5

Soup & Sandwich Day Entertainment too!

Sunday Oct 22 • Doors 11:30am

Fashion Show Tickets $12

9824 Willow Street, Chemainus 250 - 246 - 2111

True Grain Bakery: Bruce and Leslie Stewart purchased True Grain Bakery in March 2008, and attended their first Gourmet Gala the same year.

It was a great opportunity to meet and connect with their new community

and customers.

Last year, they partnered with Cowichan Bay neighbour, Hilary’s Cheese, at Gourmet Gala. Few things go together as well as local bread and cheese!

Visit these and more great businesses at the Gourmet Gala to sample delicious, locally made foods. www.duncancc.bc.ca

Brenda is President of Social Media is Simple and serves on the Gourmet Gala committee.

Delicious East Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken Curry Chicken Vegetarian Specialties Chana Masala Pakoras Samosas

The Daily Grind Dine in or Take Out 3218 Sherman Road • 250-709-2299 Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

7

Cowichan Thanksgiving

A LOCAL FOOD Celebration

Back in 1621, a casual celebration of food and friendship happened between Native Americans and a group of English settlers. For the local Wampanoag tribe of Cape Cod, this was probably just an extension of their way of everyday life. For the settlers it was a celebration of having survived the first year of their pilgrimage to a new land. Yet here we are almost 400 years later still celebrating that act of sharing food and conversation over a table filled with local delicacies.

Thanksgiving is a catalyst for many things in our lives, reconnecting with How about friends and family – sharing the bounty of local food and drink. Here in a 100km the Cowichan we are particularly blessed (yes, that is the right word) by meal? the local products we produce here in our back yard. Fall is the apex of the harvest cycle, tomatoes are ripe; vegetables (like potatoes, squash and carrots) are peaking, grapes are sweetening and in the forest mushrooms are sprouting. One of my favourite vegetables, brussel sprouts are happily maturing to perfection on the stalks.

This is the time to stroll through the Farmers Market, meet the local producers and fill your basket with raw materials and finished products for a magnificent dinner. Whether you attempt the 100 mile diet, the O mile diet – or whatever distance you choose – the act of thinking about your food and the people who grow will elevate this meal into one of the most important of the year.

Food and beverage go hand in hand. The perfect drink for Thanksgiving is whatever local beverage strikes your fancy. Our local wines like a fruity pinot noir or a luscious Ortega, would not be out of place at any harvest celebration. You like beer, no problem we have lots of artisan brewers at work here on the Isle, you could also quaff a cider or a mead and feel equally at ease. If you don’t drink alcohol try a wonderful local pressed apple cider or go make a batch of iced mint tea. Whatever you do, take a minute to stop and enjoy the act of local eating.

We should also reflect on how fortunate we are to be living and breathing - and able to share our good fortune. Use this meal to connect with people. It’s said that to really understand people you should break bread with them – you will Bill Jones is an have common ground to move forward. Why not make it a local celebration this year. Invite old and author, chef and food consultant who can new friends, connect with family, mend a few fences along the way. It started working 400 years ago be found at Deerand looks like it is still going strong. holme.com

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D n

Shop locally at the farm or market for all your Thanksgiving ingredients!

Stone Soup Inn Crispy Turkey Wings Ingredients

Amount

turkey wings (works with legs also) 4 coarse salt 3 Tablespoons Duck fat (reusable almost indefinitely) 8 cups Hearty herb if desired (ie rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage etc.)

SOL Farm small. organic. local.

Method

1. Sprinkle the salt, and herbs if desired evenly on both sides of the wings. Place in a colander over a bowl refrigerated for 8 to 12 hours.

2. Rinse and pat dry the wings, and place in the duck fat so that it is immersed.

3. Bring to the barest simmer and keep there for 135 to 165 minutes, or until very tender. *Alternately, place pot in the oven at 225F for the same amount of time. When done a skewer will slide easily into the wing.

4. Cool wings in the fat, and when ready to serve fry with the best skin side down in duck fat over medium heat in cast iron or teflon.

5. When bottom is beginning to brown, cover the meat in the pan with a small disk of parchment to avoid the top of the meat drying out and place in a 425F oven for roughly 5 minutes (longer for legs as they are much thicker).

6. Try to crisp up the skin (ie use a burner again if necessary).

Carefully flip wing over to crisp skin on the other side for the last few minutes 7. Pat dry with a paper towel and serve, does not need to rest first.

Chef notes:

I do this with the wings and legs a day or two before, as then you can roast the quicker cooking breast by itself on thanksgiving day. Roasting time for the Guided breast is aSelfthird to aTours halfAnytime! of what it would be for a whole bird, and Tours at 11am, 11:30am juicier as Guided it did not overcook waiting for the legs to be done. Can be and 4pm and 4:30pm stored, immersed in fat, in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Strain the used fat, and when settled and chilled turn out of its container and take off the jelly like liquid and freeze the fat for more uses.The jelly can be used as seasoned poultry stock.

large organic, pasture raised roasting chickens, specialty pumpkins, winter squash www.solfarm.ca

Murphys Orchard pasture raised, antibiotic & hormone free chicken and non certified organic apple cider and pears.

Gill-Power Organic Hobby Farm Rabbits, Omega-3 eggs, Farm Tours, Black Welsh Mountain Sheep. gillpowerhobbyfarm.vpweb.ca

THURSDAY FARMERS MARKET 2-7pm

Cobble Hill Hall to Oct. 13

Local Food, South Cowichan 250 510 8343 thursdayfarmersmarket@yahoo.ca Thanksgiving at the Duncan Butcher Shop!

430 Trans-Canada Hwy

Cranberry Sauce 4 Cups fresh YPC cranberries 2 Cups sugar 1/2 Cup water

Open 11am - 5pm Daily

Organic meats, specialty cuts, spices and rubs.

yellowpointcranberries.com

Combine all ingredients and bring to boil. Turn down to a slow simmer. Cook until berries pop. Serve hot or cold.

Fresh cranberries available from the farm NOW! And also available locally

Oct 1st - Thanksgiving from Merridale Estate Cidery and Averill Creek Vineyard.

Makaria Farm

Daily Farm stand open 11-6.

Organic vegetables 4715 Bench Rd. Cowichan Station www.makariafarm.com

Cranberries • Tours • Homemade Preserves • Gift Shop

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

9

Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Tips 1. Go with what you know. Pick wine that you like.

This is by far the best way to keep the whole process simple and relatively stress free.

2. Serve both reds and whites. Theres no need to worry whether everyone will like red wine - just supply both.

Mix it up with a variety of wines - if someone doesn’t like ortega, you’ve got chardonnay to serve. Pinot noir may be right but many guests love their merlot. Throw in a bottle of bubbly or rosé which pair easier than true reds and whites.

3. Buy Local. It is Thanksgiving, after all. Embrace our local vinters and share your thanks with them. There are plenty of excellent Cowichan wines to choose from.

4. Don’t break the bank. Buy enough. The first part of this tip definitely makes the second part much easier. When serving wine to a large crowd at a big meal like Thanksgiving, there’s no need to break out the super expensive stuff. And there’s plenty of value wine to be found under $20. While you don’t want to go overboard, it’s usually best to be sure you don’t run out of wine. About a half bottle per drinking guest is a good formula – and you can always keep what’s leftover.

Brine Your Turkey

T

his is one of my favourite ways to enjoy turkey over the holidays: the whole turkey is rolled into a roast with a bit of smoked dark meat in the middle—you can not go wrong. I leave the smoked meat as is, brined and smoked, but you could add a bit of cranberry or more herbs. Do not forget to save the bones from the turkey; they make a really nice stock for the gravy or next day’s soup.

I take a whole turkey, remove the breast in one whole piece, then remove the bones from the dark meat and any trim. Place the dark meat and trim in brine for 12 hours. Then, placing skin side down on the turkey breast, make long cuts to even out the thickness, folding these cuts open as you go. Cover the turkey breast with a sheet of plastic wrap, and with a meat mallet gently pound the turkey breast until is even thickness all around.

Refrigerate the turkey. Remove the dark meat and trim from the brine, and pat dry. Place meat in a smoker. Follow the instructions on your smoker. Remove meat from smoker; meat should still be raw. Grind meat on a course meat grinder blade.

Remove turkey breast from refrigerator and, placing skin side down again, evenly spread ground smoked meat inside. Roll up and tie every 3 inches with butchers twine.

Place rolled turkey on roasting rack and roast in a 375° preheated oven until the internal temperature is 165° on a meat thermometer (approximately 35 minutes). Let the turkey roast rest 20 minutes in a warm place before you slice.

Brine Recipe Ingredients

Yields: 6 litres

Water Salt

Amount

Brown Sugar

5 Litres 1 ½ Cups

¾ Cup

Sage leaves

10

Apple cider

1 Litre

Apple cider vinegar

¼ Cup

Method

1. Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan heat until sugar is dissolved.

2. Chill well. Add turkey and brine for 12 hours.

10

A Culinary Institute of America trained chef, Bradford Boisvert combines his passion for local food with his passion for French cuisine at his restaurant Amusé Bistro in Shawnigan Lake.

Lk Cow 250.7

Cheese Filled Dungeness Crab Mushroom Caps Recipe courtesy The Wilson Family

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5:30 pm. Closed Mondays.

Ingredients

Amount

Method

Dungeness Crab Mushroom Caps Parmesean Cheese Cream Cheese Breadcrumbs Salt Cracked Pepper Chives, finely chopped Fresh Parsley Dry white wine Lemon juice Garlic Egg Olive Oil Butter

1 Pound 48 Medium 2 Cups, grated 6 Oz 1/2 cup 1/8 Teaspoon 1/8 Teaspoon 1/8 Cup 1/8 Cup 2 Tablespoons 2 Tablespoons 4 Cloves, minced 1, lightly beaten 1/4 Cup 6 Tablespoons

1. Clean mushrooms and remove stems out of the caps.

Scrape gills to make more room for filling.

2. In a large bowl combine cream cheese, 1 cup parmesean, breadcrumbs, salt, lemon juice, crushed garlic, white wine and beaten egg mixing well. Fold in crab. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Dot each mushroom cap with a drizzle of olive oil. Roll crab mixture into a ball and place firmly inside cap. Place stuffed mushrooms on buttered cookie sheet or baking dish with space around each one.

4. Cover lightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes until heated through and crab mixture is lightly browned. Remove foil, top with extra grated cheese and breadcrumbs and bake for 5-10 minutes more. If necessary place under the broiler for a few minutes. Serve immediately on a warmed platter.

Reserve a few for yourself. These won’t last long!

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

Preheat oven to 375F

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

There’s Magic at the 11th Annual Lake Cowichan Salmon & Mushroom Festival Lake Cowichan Salmon & Mushroom Festival October 29 & 30 10am - 4pm Tickets $2 - Kids Free Centennial Hall 309 South Shore Rd Lake Cowichan

S

almon and Mushrooms…a perfect combination. Come celebrate the “Wild Edibles” of the Cowichan Valley with us and learn all about the wonderful large variety of fungi growing especially in the Cowichan Valley. Have a chance to enjoy both “Fish and Fungi”. Our mushroom identification display will have experts explaining the benefits of edibles and caution about toxic ‘look-alikes’. Slide shows will compliment this each day by two mycologists. This year you will have a chance to buy our Wild Mushroom Cookbook, featuring recipes we have served over the last decade as well as Mushroom Growing kits. Naturally, there will be again a chance of buying ‘fresh wild mushrooms’. And don’t forget to bring a healthy appetite for wild mushroom delicacies provided for a nominal fee.

As for the Salmon – the volunteers of the Lake Cowichan Salmonid Enhancement Program will offer, for a donation, barbequed DONATED wild salmon. Various interesting products and art work will be offered by popular island vendors.

And to top all this there will be three different Guided Tours into our local forests to enable you to experience ‘the magic of our forests’ yourself.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

11

What’s On The Menu for Thanksgiving?

Caramelized Brussel Sprouts

This crowd pleasing recipe highlights several of Cowichan Valley’s local* foods. Everyone at our Thanksgiving table always has seconds! For me, cooking is a meditative dance, one step magically flowing into the next.

As you prepare your meal let your love for your family & friends flow into your food. LOVE is the most important ingredient in any recipe and is always in good supply!

Ingredients (for 6 -8) Medium Brussels Sprouts Thick Bacon Thinly Sliced Sweet Onion Butter Brown Sugar or Honey Apple Cider Vinegar Vancouver Island Salt Freshly Ground Black Pepper LOVE*

Amount 1 pound 4 slices, in 2 cm pieces ½ cup 2 Tablespoon 2 Teaspoons 1 Teaspoon 1/2 Teaspoon

Method Trim the bottom end of the Brussel sprouts, leaving the core intact, & pull off the dark outer leaves. Halve through the core.

Boil the Brussels sprouts in salted water, uncovered, until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain & rinse under cold running water, then pat dry. (This can be done a day ahead, if needed.)

Saute the bacon & onion in a very large skillet or pot, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy & the onion tender & slightly golden. Remove with a slotted spoon & set aside.

Drain off the bacon fat, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the butter & sugar. Add the Brussels sprouts & cook, stirring occasionally, until they brown & the edges get crispy, about 10 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, salt, pepper, bacon, onions, & LOVE. Serve warm.

Recipe from Sunflower Cafe’s upcoming cook book!

ROSETTA’S TAMARIND PRAWNS 1 Lb. Local Prawns shelled & de-veined (leave tails on!)

1 Tbsp. Tamarind Paste 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil Freshly ground Black Pepper Salt to taste before serving.

On a Soapstone pan, warm the Olive Oil. With a wooden spoon, blend the Tamarind Paste with the Olive Oil and the freshly ground Black Pepper.

Raise temperature to sauté the shrimp on one side until golden brown. Turn Prawns onto the other side and sauté until golden brown (cooking length varies depending on the size of prawns). Remove Prawns and place onto a warm dish while quickly adding ¼ cup of water to the cooking pan (other options: fish broth/chicken broth or white wine). Reduce liquid by mixing well with a wooden spoon so that it becomes a smooth sauce consistency.

Put the Prawns back in your Soapstone pan and bring to the table.

Serve accompanied with Rice or any other grain and vegetables of your choice.

Licking the fingers is a must!

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Cowichan Apple and Blueberry Cake

This is a dense, sweet and moist cake that cries out for vanilla ice cream. The cake is best the day it is made as the berries will put a lot of moisture into the cake as it sits – not usually a problem as this cake never seems to last long.

Serves 6-8 Preheat oven to 375 F (180 C) 12” round cake pan or 13”x9” baking pan

Ingredients

Amount

Butter (or olive oil) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup eggs 3 sour cream 1/2 cup vanilla 1 tsp flour

2 1/2 cups baking powder 2 tsp cowichan apples, cored peeled and chopped 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen 2 cups For pan: butter (or oil) 1 tsp flour

1 Tbsp Variations: chopped fresh rosemary Add 1 Tbsp cinnamon instead of the vanilla Add 1 tsp Add blackberries instead of blueberries

In a mixer bowl, add the butter and sugar and blend until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add the sour cream and vanilla and blend until smooth. Add the flour and baking powder together and add in two or three stages to the batter.

Mix in between additions until the batter is just blended together, try not to over work the batter.

Add the chopped apples and blueberries to the batter and fold gently to mix. Rub the baking pan with a little butter or oil and add a spoonful of flour, coat pan evenly with flour and shake out excess. Pour in the batter and place in the hot oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean of batter.

Transfer to a cooling rack and serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream.

Recipe courtesy Bill Jones of Deerholme Farm.

Baked Sweet Dumpling Squash Ingredients

Sweet Dumpling or Delicata Squash

Amount 2 2

Cut 2 Sweet Dumpling or Delicata Squash in half, spoon out insides.

Cover bottom of baking pan with about 1 cup of water. Place Squash in pan halves face up.

Spread quarter cup butter and sprinkle quarter cup of brown sugar over top. Cover whole pan with tin foil.

Bake at 350 for 40-45 min. Remove tin foil just before serving.

Serves 4.

Alternate toppings: Olive oil with garlic and pepper or butter with syrup or honey drizzled over Squash.

Recipe courtesy Catharine Young, Abby Lane Farms

“It’s fresher from here” Local Cranberry, Apple and Farmhouse Sausage Stuffing Ingredients

Amount

Island Farmhouse Chicken Sausage 1 Pound Cubed Bread, Toasted 6 Cups Onions, Diced

1 1/2 Cups Garlic 1 - 2 Cloves Celery, Chopped 1 Cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped 1/2 Bunch Fresh Sage 5 leaves Fresh Rosemary 2 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme 2 Tablespoons Local Apple 1 Medium Dried YPC Cranberries 1 Cup Dried Apricot 1 Cup Chicken Stock 1 1/2 Cup Butter 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 4 Tablespoons Dry White Wine 3 Tablespoons Salt & Pepper To taste *Pecans, Chopped 1/2 Cup

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F. Cut about 1/2 loaf of your favourite bread into cubes. In a very large mixing bowl toss cubed bread with 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread on baking sheet and lightly toast for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

2. Chop chicken sausage into cubes and saute over medium heat with onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Heat until sausage is cooked throughly. Remove from heat, deglaze with white wine and add celery, garlic and chopped herbs heating for a few more minutes until blended.

3. Coarsely chop cranberries, apricots and *optional pecans. Peel, core and chop apple. Mix fruit and *nut with toasted bread cubes, prepared sausage and parsley in large mixing bowl. Add stock slowly to moisten mixture and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey and cook remainder in buttered baking dish for 45 minutes.

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163

www.farmhousepoultry.ca Sausage available from Cobble Hill Country Grocer, Amuse Bakery and Island Farmhouse Poultry.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

13

On The Farm Saturday October 1st • Culture Day Free classes and Workshops 10am-10:45am Creative Dance for KIDS 11am-11:45am Big Play Dance for Big Kids 12:30 - 1:45pm Hula Hoop Dance 2pm - 3:15pm Flamenco 3:30pm - 4:45pm North African Dance 5pm - 6:30pm Family Dance

Thursday October 6 • 7:30pm Film Night Social Postponed till new screen is available.

Saturday October 8 • 7- 9pm Drum Circle with Aboubacar Camera Come enjoy participating in the cultural beat.

Bring your drum or any instrument and your dancing feet. All levels and ages are welcome.

By donation. Immerse yourself in a rhythmic journey. This is a night not to be missed.

Thurs October 20 • 7:30pm - 9pm

The Year of the Flood Margaret Atwood Book Club - New Members Welcome

Thurs October 27 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Chant Circle By donation

The ART HOUSE • 1756 Wilmot Avenue Shawnigan Lake Village 250 743 5846 www.MoonDanceArts.ca

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hen I first began farming, one of the things I was most thankful for was being able to work alone. But after spending this summer with three full-time apprentices, I am now most thankful for having such great company on the farm.

It has been a pleasure to work with Mike and Tim and Jill.

One of the things I appreciate most is that each of them cares about doing a quality job. I can’t emphasize how nice it’s been to work with people who are committed to doing things right, whether they were keeping a high standard grading carrots or ensuring that a row had been weeded thoroughly. They each bring unique skills and personalities to the farm.

Tim is a finisher. He never leaves a row half-weeded just because it’s time to quit. And when he took on planting a small garden to sell to chefs, he stuck with it and did very well, which is no small feat for a first-time grower. Not to mention, Tim often started his day after finishing a half marathon. Really. Jill is quite possibly the most efficient person ever. I thought no one would ever make soil blocks as fast as me. I was wrong… after only two days in. And I’m still trying to figure out how she is so fast at transplanting. If there’s a way to do something faster, Jill will find it. She’s a mean artist to boot.

Mike is a people person. He has an easy-going way about him that puts others at ease. As coordinator of the farm’s many pickers, Mike excelled. One day he noticed a woman struggling in the heat to pull carrots out of the dry, hard ground. He went over and helped her finish the job.

The following week she brought him homemade peanut brittle. Oh, and keep an eye out for Mike’s upcoming novel: Mike. On a Farm.

Heather Walker and Brock With their apprenticeships ending shortly after Thanksgiving, Heather and I would like to say: thank you Jill and Tim and Mike. You’re the best!

McLeod own and operate Makaria Farm Heather is a writer, editor and passionate seed starter. www.makariafarm.com

Food Preservation

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his fall the Cowichan Green Community (CGC) will be hosting its’ third annual food preservation workshop series “Preserve the Harvest.” A great opportunity for anyone wanting instruction on the art of food preservation, this workshop series will provide participants with the skills to extend the bounty of the harvest season throughout the year!

From canning jams and pickles, to freezer and dry storage techniques, preserving your own food can help to increase your consumption of locally grown foods. For example, this year, in my attempt to learn the basics of canning, I soured

ingredients for pickles (vinegar aside) from the Duncan Farmers’ Market, I pickled beets that my family grew, and picked my own blackberries and apples for homemade preserves.

Additionally, preserving your own food gives the producer control over the ingredients used, allowing for individual health and taste preferences to determine the outcome, and generates a sense of accomplishment as new skills are honed and as individuals take ownership in the preparation of their own food.

For those interested in either building or brushing-up on their

food preservation skills, CGC will be hosting two workshops this October. Cost for each individual workshop is $20 for CGC Members and $25 for nonmembers. Pre-registration for these workshops is required as spaces are limited. Participants are asked to bring an apron, a cutting board, a paring knife, and plenty of enthusiasm!

All workshops run from 10am to 1pm and will be hosted at Warmland House, located at 2579 Lewis Street in Duncan. Workshops will be led by guest facilitators of the Somenos Women’s Institute.

For more information or registration please contact the

Cowichan Green Community at 250-748-8506 or vanessa@ cowichangreencommunity.org Upcoming Workshops: Storage and Dehydration Tuesday October 4th 10am to 1pm Canning – Pickling Tuesday October 11th 10am to 1pm

Vanessa Goodall has a background in food security and is a Seed Literacy Coordinator from the Cowichan Green Community

Weekly Meditation • Buddha Services • Spiritual Counseling • Nichiren Buddha Society

Calmly established in the ways of wisdom, I meditate on the way to health, happiness and prosperity Welcome to Vancouver Island Retreat Garden & Peace Center www.VIRetreats.com 778 422 0155 14

Singing For The Harvest

The Harvest has always connected humanity to nature - a profound bond which universality inspires songs of prayer, passion, gratitude and celebration. Songs are a beautiful musical reminder of our place in the food chain and of the ‘hands and seeds which make food grow’. (quoted from Harvest Song: Music from around the world inspired by working the land.)

Stings’ - stunning “Fields of Gold” Bela Bartok’s -famous bimodal “Harvest Song” #33 in his 44 Duos for violin, Charles Ives’s – “Song for the Harvest Season” - in which the four parts—for voice, trumpet, violin, and organ—were in different keys. Folk Song - All of a Row, Classic Children’s song Oats, Peas Beans and Barley Grow – best done with the movements

Community Music Programs:

There is a joy of singing in the garden while reaping in the fruits of the earth. Song is as ancient as we are, it accompanies us through our life’s journey through work and play. Song gathers us and brings rhythm and harmony that inspire and encourage us to keep ‘movin’ an workin’, while bringing a festive joy after all the hard work.

Better yet, create your own true harvest feast and celebration. Invite your community and continue the ancient tradition of giving thanks to the fruits, earth and the hands that work the land. Inspire friends to bring a song, poem, dance to share and create a compilation of harvest songs, or buy the CD mentioned above ‘Harvest Song’.

Turn it up and dance and sing all night long.

•Sing for Joy Choir - Songs from around the world •Threshold Singers - Songs to open the heart for the end of life journey; Bedside singing for palliative patients & memorials.

•Vocal Improvisation Class - Dive in and explore your creative voice •Helios Song - Meditation, songs, gongs, crystal bowls, chants •Deep Listening Evenings - Relax and let the sounds bathe you •Gong Choir - Play, Listen, Learn and Discover the sound world of metal & silence •Music for Children - Moms and tots music class; Babies in arms are welcome.

•Intuitive Pedagogy: Movement & Musical Games Workshops for educators, parents, children, homeschool groups.

Neil Young’s - a favorite “Harvest Moon”Here are some songs to inspire and accompany you in your hard harvest work and play.

Cari Burdett opens our hearts with song, Everyone can sing! 250 701 0978 . www.joythroughmusic.com

Breathing Life Into Music and Music Into Life

Voice Lessons

with Cari Burdett BMUS, MMUS from Royal Academy of Music London, England

Folk, Musical Theatre, Classical, Improvisation

Thursday Nights in Cowichan Bay

with Massimo Pintus -

Werbeck Singing, Uncovering the voice

Guitar Lessons

with Massimo Pintus

Folk, Pop, Classical, Jazz, Flamenco, Finger independence

Now accepting new students Register now for fall programs

Cow Bay Marine Pub 1695 Cowichan Bay Road 250-748-2330

Visit Joythroughmusic.com Call to Register 250 701 0978

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

15

Swans Festival

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he Cowichan Swans Festival is coming! A month long series of valley-wide events

October Wild Foods

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he cycle rolls on, seeds are shed from many of the wild foods but some retain them and new growth starts afresh, refreshed by the autumn rains.

Hairy cat’s ear flowers and leaves have new life, try some flowers with plantain seed they taste like a chocolate wafer together, and if you like the thought of ginger with it eat some wild carrot before that. No wild carrot seed for pregnant women. As we go away from the juicy sweet fruit of summer cooling our bodies we head to the drying effects of pungent oily foods warming our bodies., many with their trace salts. The

Two Young Farming Families

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or local food sources, it is comforting to know two young families are earning a living from small farming.

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to celebrate wildlife and the nature of the Cowichan Valley.

The festival first appeared as the Great Blue Heron Festival, a day long event hosted by the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society in 1996. The SMWS, believing very strongly in the potential of off-season wildlife viewing as a potential Cowichan economic generator, resurrected the festival two years ago when it was presented as the Return of the

Swans Festival to celebrate both Somenos and the SMWS’s 20th anniversary. Last year the festival returned as a two-day event with tours and a celebratory maskarade dance. The event was launched with our first ever marsh beer, WildWings brewed locally by one of our strongest supporters the Craig Street Brew Pub. This years month-long event again launches with the year 2 version of the

WildWings beer and ends again with the November 5th celbratory maskarade dance. In between is a wildlife art show, the grand opening of the recently completed Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom, tours of the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area, and a boating tour of Quamichan Lake with our newest partners, the Quamichan Stewards. www.somenosmarsh.com

food doesn’t stop it’s just in another drawer. Significant wild foods in October are plantain seed, wild carrot seed lambs quarters seed and new plants, cleaver seed, stinging nettle seed. Rose hips are happening with the first a very small hip in the Douglas fir forests that has a big seed in it that is deliciously oily. Oregon grape fruit once it has matured and shriveled balances the sweet and sour so that you would relish the taste like a sweet and sour candy, but it is not bad for your teeth or body. English hawthorn berries. Wild Carrot is of the most significant food plants around us for its effect.

Eating this plant opens to your body a food source unmatched by any other around. Eating the seed will warm you on the coldest days, clear your mental perception, aids your digestion.

Pregnant women should not eat wild carrot seed. The seed has long been used as a morning after tea. James Duke attributes these benefits to Wild Carrot/Queen Ann’s lace: analgesic, anti-arthritic. antidepressant, anti-psychotic, anti-schizophrenic, antidote, anti-inflammatory. antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-diabetic, anti flu, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, anti-PMS, antiviral, cancer preventative,

diuretic, fungi stat, MAOinhibitor, sedative, tranquilizer and more. The root, leaves, flowers and seed can all be eaten of this ancient food.

Come and read more at the wild food education garden.

James and Cammy Lockwood of Lockwood Farms inherited a farming tradition going back four generations to a homestead in England. They have two sites producing farm-fresh vegetables and plant starts, turkeys and eggs, and free-range, non-GMO roasting chickens. James’s vision for success includes diversity of crops, year-round availability, variety to satisfy buyers, and efficient growing methods, such as inter-planting compatible crops. This was their first season taking produce to markets.

rented acreage and other sites.

Along with business partner, Thomas, they produce chicks, meat birds, vegetables, berry crops, and fruit; they collect wild berries and nettles, and raise meat rabbits, lamb, and beef for themselves.

saving seeds, and managing 400 chickens. The long-term strategy for these two hard workers is to barter for land use, produce larger quantities of non-certified organic, and keep the prices affordable.

Lizetta Hanley of Nature’s Candy uses her extensive greenhouse experience to cultivate a small,

Lizetta, her two young sons, and Thomas have attended markets for three seasons. Lizetta believes success lies with providing a little bit of everything, keeping prices as low as possible, and keeping her market table orderly with farm-style charm. Thomas and Lizetta run a labor-intensive operation making their own soils, breaking new ground,

*The Ancient wild Food Garden

is one block from the Cowichan Community centre in the Kinnsmen Park on Alderlea st in Duncan,under a big Cherry tree in the back corner next to Chowichan High school.

Roger Foucher is a wild food enthusiast who is persuaded by all the creatures around us that they see it right.

Thanks to Lockwood Farms (james_lockwood99@hotmail. com) and Nature’s Candy (naturescandy@hotmail.ca) for taking up the challenge of farming.

Image James and Cammy Lockwood at local market.

Linda Billings, Coordinator, Thursday Farmers Market, Cobble Hill 250 510 8343

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f k R u fi r f s d r c i b A f f t f o E A o t f i S

L L C i M c w i t a s a g f b t

Sunday October 9

noon

Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom • OAC Grand opening celebration

Sunday October 16

9am -noon

Sunda

Somenos Marsh Conservation Area • Somenos Garry Oak nature walk with the Cowichan Valley Docents • Quamichan Lake boat tour with Quamichan Stewards

S • Somenos G Cowichan • Quamicha

Sunday October 23rd 9am - Noon

Somenos Marsh Conservation Area • Birding on the Boardwalk with Derrick Marven • Somenos Lake boat tour with SMWS and Affinity Guesthouse canoe

Barn raising at birds eye cove

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and not be subdivided and parted n the 1860’s the William Chisholm family bought and paid out. Heather’s goal was to build a barn, traditional in style so that for the trek of land which today is it would fit well5th with the current known as Bird’s Eye Cove Farm.

Saturday November 8pm structures.

The building was to be Records of theseQuwut’sun early days tell Centre, Comiaken Room Tickets $25 constructed so that it would become us that William Chisholm was the •WildWings maskarade dance and celebration a lasting fixture on the property for first ‘white’ farmer to cultivate this hundreds of years to come. rugged land. Over the years, the family grew, they built barns and At the end of the summer, the several homes and continued to raising of the ‘barn’ began. After develop the farm lands. Out of the several weeks of hand cutting and rough land, surrounded by steep fitting the frame in their workshop cliffs that sweep down to the ocean on the Bamberton site, the timber in Bird’s Eye Cove, the Chisholm framers began to erect their work built a sustainable farm. on the Bird’s Eye Cove Farm.

As happens with most homestead Last month the company and farms, eventually there are no Skoretz family joined in celebration family members left to pass on with their friends, neighbours to. Such was the case with this and community to witness the family farm. It was then turned dedication of the timber frame. over and put through several hands.

Eventually a family man from Over the course of the next few Alberta came upon the nugget and months, the frame will be closed once again, picked up the ‘family’ in and the final barn will emerge tradition. Several years later the into it’s final form. From there farm still resides in the family, now on, it will be in the careful and in the thoughtful care of Heather thoughtful hands of the Skoretz Skoretz and her family. family. Immediate uses for the barn include Christmas and wedding Last winter, Macdonald & parties and could include everything Lawrence Timber Framing of the from art shows and farmers markets Cowichan Valley were to bluegrass festivals. Macdonald introduced to the Skoretz family.

M&L is a traditional timber framing & Lawrence will then move on to work on other frames, for other company who builds structures families and communities – this with heavy timbers (timber framing barn however will always remain as is a structural way of building and the highlight of their portfolio. though today many applications are more ‘trim components’ than For further information structural, M&L makes the timber an integral part of the building). The contact Lynn Shortt: lynn@ macdonaldandlawrence.ca or visit goal was a simple one; give to the www.macdonaldandlawrence.ca . farm, a means for the stewards to build a sustainable future allowing the farm to remain in whole

Sunday October 23

9am -noon

Somenos Marsh Conservation Area • Birding on the Boardwalk with Derrick Marven • Somenos Lake boat tour with SMWS and Affinity Guesthouse canoe

Sunday October 30

2pm

Just Jakes, 45 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan • WildWings Nature and Wildlife Art Show Opening Reception Show continues to November 13

Saturday november 5

8pm

Quwut’sun Centre, Comiaken Room Tickets $25 •WildWings maskarade dance and celebration Somenos marsh wildlife society

3rd Annual

Swans Festival For more info contact Paul Fletcher: 250 732 0462 info@somenosmarsh.com

THE ARBUTUS RIDGE ART CLUB PRESENTS THEIR ANNUAL

SAT. OCT 15TH - 10am - 6pm SUN OCT 16TH - 10am - 4pm AT THE ARBUTUS RIDGE GOLF CLUB

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

17

Broom in the fall.

Broom Pods close up.

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bye bye broom! he rains have returned, and Scotch broom is growing again. Scotch broom, that aggressive alien invader, is spreading farther and more densely each year on our islands – except where people are taking action to stop the spread. Thank you to those who do so! You can make a difference. Qualicum Beach is now almost broom free.

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In the spring, when broom is in bloom, it is best to cut broom down at ground level; it will die in the summers dry heat. (Cut Broom in Bloom!)

But if you cut broom in the rainy months of fall and winter, it will grow back with multiple stalks – a real nightmare. So, to get rid of broom through the winter, you need to remove it by its roots. It is best to use a woody

Cold Wine & Beer & Liquor Store

Getting Rid of Scotch Broom In The Rainy Season

weed removal tool, such as the Shawnigan Lake based Extractigator. When you lift the Extractigator up by the handle, the jaws automatically open- ready to wrap around EVERY SUNDAY to pull out the plant.

Oct 2,9,16, 23,30 • 4 - 8pm Acoustic Jam Move the Extractigator Voice, guitar, banjo, fiddle, flute... so the jaws are around All are welcome! no cover the base of the tree or shrub...

Come Home To The Crofton! and then use your body weight to push the handle down... TADA! and the plant is uprooted.

Easy broombusting with a tool designed and created in the Cowichan Valley. It is made in Canada and comes in 2 sizes so everyone can feel comfortable getting the broom out, not just dad! (extractigator.com)

Saturday October 1 • 9pm

Thor and the Thundercats Blues guitar and bass to dance to

Artist Rece 4th- 6:00 pm runs the mo

Sunday October 2 • 7:30pm Wes Borg’s Comedy Night & Auditions A mainstay in the Victoria comedy scene Saturday October 8 • 9pm Live Music Thanksgiving Weekend TBA Friday October 14 • 9pm / $15

Kyprios & The Chaperones West coast rapper / hip-hop beats

June 20

Celebra

Saturday October 15 • 9pm

Renovation Blues Band 4 piece band out to rock the blues world

The key any time of year is to not disturb the soil, for disturbing the soil invites a whole new generation of broom seeds to sprout.

First year broom is easy to remove, especially in the rainy season. So go out and pull out the young ones now!

Remember to burn old broom plants you cut last summer.

In the spring, check out www.Broombusters.org for tips.

Cold Wine & Beer & Liquor Store Check our website for Entertainment Schedule

Saturday October 22 •9pm Joanne Sales is the Director of Broombusters an organic blueberry farmer, writer and founder/ director of Broombusters.

Hope King Country vocalist.

Saturday October 29 • 9pm Live Music TBA

All shows $10 (or 3 for $25 ) unless otherwise stated Pub/Cafe Open 7 Days a week from 11am

Beer on Tap • Daily Menu Specials

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton

www.croftonhotel.ca

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

250-324-2245

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Talking Arts • Tammy Hudgeon

Tammy Hudgeon Studio www.tammyhudgeon.com 1790 Seymour Road Gabriola Island 250-247-0104

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ammy Hudgeon lives and works on Gabriola Island.

Her unrestrained use of colour is truely inspired by nature and her passion for art, music, dance and nature keeps the colours in her work vibrant and alive.

Her glassworks celebrates her lifestyle in recurring themes: sea life, flowers, gardens, people, music and animals. She is also inspired by fabric artists, painters and by her own travels to countries with traditional cultures and spiritual beliefs. Her personal life journey combined with her extensive travels are reflected in the spiritual nature of many of her pieces. She has begun exploring painting and mixed media and is receiving tremendous support for her work in this new medium. She is endlessly fascinated with the creative process and all of the exciting possibilities. Her studio is open by appointment

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and guests are always welcome to visit, however they must be prepared to still see a full working studio with all that entails. Hudgeon’s work are found in both national and international collections. Her upcoming open studio show is part of the Thanksgiving Studio Tour taking place on Gabriola Island. October 8, 9 10 from 10am-4pm. 60 or more artists open their studios to the general public for viewing. Visit gabriolaartcouncil.org for more details. The studio tour is one of just two times in the year when Hudgeon’s studio is open as a gallery.

Top image; Artist and Buffalo, Steel framework and slumped glass.48” x 30” Bowl image; Tulips, slumped glass 21” diameter, Painting Image; Trust Your Instincts, Acrylic 12” x 24”

Taste Of Tea

craft The Cowichan Valley Artisans are proud to have Venturi-Schulze Vineyards as one of their members, because respect for tradition, governed by unrestrained dedication to the natural, are qualities that Venturi-Schulze are felt to be extremely important and worth preserving, especially in an age of instant gratification.

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have a friend from Argentina who years ago introduced me to yerba mate. I was already an avid tea drinker at the time but not yet familiar with mate.

Through her daily and continual, almost ceremonial use of mate, my friend opened my eyes to an old and very loved tradition of drinking yerba mate tea.

Although not technically tea, yerba mate – Ilex Paraguariensis – is a native plant to subtropical Paraguay and is related to the holly family. Originally, it was enjoyed by the native people of the region before European settlers helped spread its use to most of Eastern South America. It is a tree whose leaves are harvested and processed for consumption.

As a stimulant containing slightly more caffeine than tea, yerba mate also boasts high amounts of antioxidants and is known to have additional antiinflammatory and cholesterol lowering benefits. This may

explain why mate has become a great and popular substitute for coffee here in North America.

In South America, yerba mate is a social drink. Mate is typically prepared by pouring hot water over the yerba. A calabash gourd, once hollowed, serves as the most customary beverage container. The straw, also known as a bombilla, also functions as the strainer. In Argentina sugar is usually added to the infusion.

Once the water has been poured the gourd is passed around the table. The yerba is shared and the gourd will be refilled several times with water. The grassy and earthy, slightly bitter flavour of the yerba may be an acquired taste to some whereas in the cradle of South America it is a ritualistic habit for millions.

Margit Nellemann is a tea farmer and ceramic artist. teafarm.ca margitnellemann.com

Listen Globally, Play Locally.

Venturi-Schulze’s Ancient Method balsamic vinegar is one of only a few products still made following old traditions. And they make it from their own sustainably and organically grown grapes, whose juice is simmered to a luscious concentration over an open fire, and converted to vinegar by a natural and very, very slow and ancient process. Unlike commercially available balsamic vinegars, a blend of wine vinegar, grape juice concentrate, caramel colouring and flavourings (peek at the label of commercial balsamic vinegar), Venturi-Schulze’s balsamic vinegar is aged, requiring many years and over 100 barrels: from 2,500 litre custom made French oak barrels through 227 litre barriques, to several small series of barrels which, as dictated by tradition, are custom made near Modena, Italy.

Each of these series ranges from 20 to 50 litres in size in five different varieties of wood: acacia, ash, cherry, oak and chestnut, each adding its own unique character.

Venturi-Schulze balsamic vinegar is a product that demands a large reserve of patience and passion, a belief that their vinegar will, in time, be worth the many years wait, and a certainty that they are leaving an important legacy and a unique message for the coming generations. It is an expression of one family’s commitment to, and passion for, tradition and the pure and natural, from earth to bottle.

Such passion, dedication and restraint becomes apparent when one tastes their vinegar for the first time: in the indescribable combinations of the accumulated flavors one can feel the ages slide into the fruity tastes of the new.

Usually the vinegar is available only at the vineyard, but on October 7th, from 5 to 8pm, one case will be available for sale or at the Artists Reception of the Cowichan Valley Artisans Call email to register: 2nd Annual Show and Sale at Benchmark Gallery.

737-1331 or info@bopoma. org Information to visit Venturi-Schulze or any of the Cowichan Valley Artisans’ studios is available from Excellent Frameworks, 28 Station Street and Experience Cycling, 482 Trans Canada Highway, both in Duncan. www.cowichanvalleyartisans.com

African-rooted community music... for everyone!

250-737-1331 www.bopoma.org Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Jane Morris Wyatt

B

eing involved in art is such a privilege. Once you get a taste of it you enter into this wonderful journey.

I started out painting in oils and encaustics. Acrylics seem to be my first choice at this time. Throughout the years there have been some great workshops and attending Victoria Art College gave me a solid grounding to move forward.

Some years ago for Christmas I decided to paint chef aprons for all the men.

Slowly friends would ask me to paint them an apron and the journey began!

My aprons, especially my chef’s aprons have travelled the world - China, Kuala Lumpur, South America, Africa, Hungary, France, British Isles, Sweden,

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Alaska, West Indies and of course, United States and Canada. Meeting people and hearing their stories of why and where they are sending my aprons has been so delightful. To mail cheaply--fold into a 12x9 brown envelope with a small note so it will slide through the magic slot.

My aprons have given back to me in so many ways. They are very colourful and make people smile. I support many special fund raisers, especially cancer events and the Cowichan Hospital.

A selection of Jane’s painted aprons will be on display at Imagine That!

Artisans’ Design, 251 Craig Street from October 24 to November 19.

Tea & Tango

Amadeus

Chemainus Theatre To October 22nd Various Showtimes 1 800 565 7738 I have always been fascinated by the lives of great figures.

Peter Shaffer’s production of Amadeus offers you a good peek into Mozart’s life as it took place in classical Vienna.

It is here that this cheerful and frivolous prodigy meets envious Salieri, played by actor Martin Sims. Sims energetic and performance of Salieri keeps his audience captivated through both acts. Not an easy feat!

The beginning of the first act goes quickly, so pay attention.

Great performances by Jeremy Crittenden, a convincing Mozart complete with his signature laugh, David Thompson as Count Orsini-Rosenberg a subtle but well played character and by Bernard Cuffling as the noble Van Swieten. Bravo to set designer Kevin McAllister and his crew for creating this beautiful and poetic set possibly the most interesting set that I have seen on this stage.

The story of Salieri and Amadeus is a challenging plot for any production company to portray, but this company of actors and designers under the direction of Mark DuMez have produced a very good performance that should be seen by everyone, not just classical music lovers.

Sunday October 30th 3 pm Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail North Cowichan $10 person Limited space 250 748 3811 www.teafarm.ca Experience a traditional tango performance while enjoying yerba mate tea served the authentic Argentinian way.

You will be swept off your feet on a 2-hour journey to South America. Yerba mate and gourds will also be available. Teafarm is your local destination in the Cowichan to share tea culture from around the world.

Printmakers Only Group 20th Annual Show & Sale PLATE, INK & PAPER October 17 - 22 10 am - 5 pm PORTALS 2687 James St Duncan

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Green Living - Autumn Checklist

D

eep cleaning is not just for spring time! Many annual tasks actually need to be done more than once a year and some are specific to preparing your home for the cooler months of fall and winter. Here is a helpful checklist:

OFF THE GRID Changing Seasons

Inside the House - Pull all the appliances away from the wall to clean under and behind them. Vacuum out the lint catcher in your dryer as well as the refrigerator coils.

- Have your carpets, area rugs, and upholstered furniture steam cleaned.

- Clean fabric window coverings and dust/wipe blinds.

- Take down the shower curtains and launder appropriately.

- Go through your kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers, discard anything expired, sort and reorganize.

- Sort through the freezer, rotate items as needed and discard anything with signs of freezer burn, order your Thanksgiving turkey!

- Flip and rotate your mattresses. Launder the bedding that doesn’t get done weekly such as: duvets, pillows, mattress pads etc.

- Have your chimney sweep out to cleaned, inspected and ready for winter use. Change the filter on your furnace.

- Replace batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and check dates on your fire extinguishers.

Outside the House - Wash the windows inside and out. Summer can be as hard on windows as winter and there’s no sense peering through dirty glass when the light is already diminished by the season.

- Have your gutters and downspouts cleaned to clear them of debris so they’ll be flowing well for the rainy weather.

- Wash down the patio furniture and outside toys and store or cover with plastic.

- Clean out the garage and organize it so that you have room to store the summer items.

- Drain and store the garden hoses.

We’re headed into a season full of festivals and holiday entertaining. Hopefully with a little effort now your home will be clean and organized and you’ll feel ready for all that comes.

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Tracey Paleczka, local mompreneur and owner/operator Clean Choice EcoFriendly Cleaning Services www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

I

t has always surprised me that New Years is January 1. To me, the natural start of the year is September – right after the Labour Day weekend.

It is signalled by the abrupt change in the weather, that breath of cool night air, and suddenly ‘it feels like fall’.

The trees have changed colour unnoticed and spider webs glisten with morning dew. When I look out of my bedroom window, Orion with his three-star belt and dagger blazes down, suddenly much higher in the night sky.

It is hard to believe that just a few weeks ago we were swimming in the ocean, enjoying drinks on the beach and slathered in sunscreen.

Now jackets and proper shoes have re-appeared out of the closet.

At least teachers got the date right. The new school year begins at the proper time. I don’t miss school, but as I watch my five-year old grandson check out his school sup-

plies for kindergarten, I must admit to a flash of nostalgia.

Nostalgia for a pack of new, unsharpened pencils, and pristine, undecorated notebooks. Nostalgia for my old wooden pencil box with its hard piece of eraser in its own special compartment, and my fountain pen with the ink now dried up that lives under its swivel top. I wonder, did my grandmother feel that way about her school slate? And will today’s kids be as nostalgic about their tablets and cell phones as my 30-year old techie son is for his old Atari and Commodore 64? Or my father for his much used slide rule.

Looking ahead to the ‘new year’, there is much satisfaction at the sight of our old wood shed stacked with split, dry wood – a testament to Aubrey’s hard work this summer – home grown tomatoes, blackberries & crab apples wait to be canned.

I haven’t put away my swim suit yet, I’m still hopeful for some hot ‘Indian summer’ days, and a last few hours on the beach. Procrastination?

Sure! Fall is here to stay, so it’s time to wish everyone ‘Happy New Year’, at least by Joan and Aubrey Cobham are the parents of 7 and grandparents of 4.

They live in their “off the grid” cabin in the Sansum Narrows

Giant Charity Booksale

Saturday, October 15 9 am - 4 pm Cobble Hill Hall, Watson Ave 250-743-4627 gardenhousefoundation. wordpress.com Attention booklovers! Come on out to the Cobble Hill Hall on October 15th from 9 am to 4 pm to the Cowichan Valley’s largest quality used charity book sale.

Pore through the terrific selection of 10,000 plus books in all genres including recent fiction, history, cooking, sports, youth, romance and art. Prices begin at fifty cents for children’s books, one and two dollars for pocketsized and large soft covers and three dollars for hard covers.

This popular charity sale is hosted by The Garden House Foundation, formed in 2008 with the purpose of supporting Cowichan Valley families in crisis and animals in need by providing annual grants to local organizations forever.

The Duncan SPCA, Cowichan Family Life and Cowichan Women Against Violence will benefit from each purchase, while leftover children’s books will be donated to the Community Resource Bus. Special thanks goes to Gallowglass Books, Ten Old Books and Bucknucks Books for their donations of books as well as to the many businesses, organizations and volunteers who donate equipment, advertising and time. Starting this year, tax-deductible cash donations to the foundation of up to fifty dollars will be matched dollar for dollar.

4th Walk of Nations October 22 10 - 11 am New VIU campus Duncan 250.746.1004 x 250

It is hard to believe that it has been over 4 years since Cowichan hosted the 2008 North American Indigenous Games. In addition to the tremendous success of the largest ever NAIG, we were able to witness our First Nations and non-First Nations communities come together in such a meaningful way. The Walk of the Nations was initiated to celebrate the spirit of the games and to continue the important work of co-creating a Cowichan where we all feel a sense of belonging and value.

This year, the organizers of the Walk of the Nations have teamed up with the Cowichan Intercultural Society to make this year our best walk ever!

The Walk of the Nations will commence at 10am in front of the main entrance of the new Vancouver Island University Campus and will finish at the Cowichan Tribes Si’em Lelum Gym where we will join the Cowichan Intercultural Society’s One World Festival.

For more information, please contact: Ray Anthony at 250748-3112 or Linden Collette at 250-746-1004 ext. 250.

Stumped By Social Media?

Let Brenda show you the way to prosper

S

ocial Media is Simple’s founder, Brenda Burch Dumont’s career covers Human Resources, Recruiting, and Marketing.

Owning a search firm dedicated to the retail industry and Canada’s only retailfocused job board transitioned into an early adoption of social media platforms and practices.

Communicating using social media is now so pervasive, the question for businesses is no longer, “should I be using social media to communicate?” but “how should I?” It is estimated that over 80% of online users now use social media.

Brenda decided to focus her efforts locally after decades of national scope and opened Social Media Head in the Clouds.

is Simple earlier this year.

Brenda’s mandate for the company is, well… simple.

She introduces Cowichan businesses to social media through effective training and coaching. Brenda starts with a straightforward overview of communicating using social media, and then works with the client to develop a workable plan. Finally, Brenda works with her clients to put that plan into action.

Social Media is Simple offers tailor-made programs, coaching, and both webinar and classroom training.

Social Media is Simple’s Fall calendar includes: free session for those just getting started with Twitter – The Perfect Tweet; Building Fans on your Facebook Fan Page; and two sessions – one in South Cowichan and one in North Cowichan – covering the very basics of what is Social Media, how to get started, which social networks for which purpose, how much time is needed, etc. You can view the entire workshop schedule at http://tinyurl. com/3gmco42 The concept of using Social Media to communicate may feel different and new, but it isn’t complicated and with some smart preparation, it can be simple. Social Media’s Website www. socialmediaissimple Facebook: www.facebook. com/socialmediaissimple and Twitter. @smissimple Isn’t it time to get started?

Our sincere apologies to Tina Nordstrand of Cloud 10 Esthetics. In our glowing article review on her pedicures, we incorrectly described her as ‘just a foot specialist’. She is actually a brilliant and thorough licensed esthetician who specializes in feet, jade roller massage and skincare.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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I

What would Miss Polly do?

met my neighbour for lunch last week. He was wearing a beautifully tailored suit and he looked well turned out. A few years ago I had watched him heave clear bags of suits to the curb with “Goodwill” notes pinned to them. He declared then that he did not even own a tie! Clearly, as I see him today he has returned to the suit phase. Perhaps he must wear a suit a little longer to work through that phase.

I wonder how leaving a phase before we are ready works on our psyche. I have looked at a multitude of children’s drawings and I know that a child who draws dots and circular scribbles is not able to draw a more complex scheme of a tree or a house.

Developmental theorist Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) recognized abilities and labelled the act of learning a new phase the zone of proximal development, facilitated by a technique called scaffolding. That is when an adult on another child model the very next developmental ability which is crossed lines for the child and a retirement plan for my neighbour. To go beyond this to a more complex ability may cause frustration.

Sometimes we need to revisit a phase in order to move forward. We can gently be guided to a new phase but, to move into a place when one is not ready may encourage regression.

Paulette Tarnawski ECCE, WECE is an Educator of Parents and Children in the Waldorf Philosophy.

Cowichan Intercultural Society 30 Years Strong!

T

he Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS) is proud to be celebrating 30 years of vision, services and programs for the diverse cultural heritage that makes the Cowichan Valley.

“As we approach our celebration events on October 22nd, we are reflecting on the rich and colourful thirty year history that has inspired our success, ” enthuses Deborah Conner, Executive Director.

CIS began in 1981 when a large influx of Vietnamese refugees underwent tremendous peril to escape post-war Vietnam. Valley volunteers, including government employees, church and community groups, teachers and YN

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concerned citizens, assisted newcomers with all aspects of the settlement process. The Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society was hatched from this effort.

To celebrate the achievements of the community and organization, on Saturday October 22nd CIS is hosting: One World Festival and Tapestry Gala.

The Third Annual Walk of the Nations will kick start the day`s events at 10:00am. Beginning at the new VIU campus, the community is invited to walk for acceptance, understanding, respect and reconciliation of all peoples living in the Cowichan Valley. The Walk of the Nations began in 2008 as a legacy of the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games and is organized by a diverse committee of

community members.

The Walk will walk to the Si`em Lelum Gym where the One World Festival will be in full swing from 11-4. This free community event will highlight CIS`s 30 year anniversary with 30 door prizes, 30 entertainers, 30 cultural costumes, 30 community service organization booths, 30 silent auction items, 30 local vendors, 30 ethnic food booths and 30 fun gaming activities.

A formal evening event, Tapestry Gala at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre will round out the day from 5:30 – 10:00. Featuring a silent and live auction, ethnic food and multicultural entertainment.

Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club We host Children’s Indoor Birthday Parties!

Contact us for more information or to book a birthday party today!

Island Savings Centre, Duncan – 250-746-0193 – www.ddgc.ca

Boys To Men comes to the Cowichan The final “Rites of Passage” camping weekend provides a rich, safe ritual sorely lacking in our society.

Weekly drop-in men’s circles meet at the old United Church in Mill Bay, 7-9:30pm on Wednesdays.

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o, not the 90’s band – something even better.

It’s the Cowichan Men’s Resource Centre, and it’s music to the ears of any man needing support.

They started as a simple men’s circle to share stories and brotherhood, but quickly realized they had something too good to keep to themselves. So in 2005 they formed a non-profit society “to create a place where men could be authentic and assist each other through struggles and help to grow as community members, fathers and partners.”

Six years later, that “place” runs 3 major programs: “Dads Make a Difference” is a peer support group that meets Tuesday evenings, 6-8 in the board room above Thrifty’s at Beverly Corners (by donation).

“Boys to Men” mentorship program pairs volunteers with 12-17 year-olds. They meet in a group setting where young men learn that it’s OK to talk, and hear perspectives of many adult mentors.

Like most of the men involved, Executive Director Grant Waldman volunteers most of his time because of the “gratifying results. We see men supported by their peers; young men blossoming and feeling supported. It just makes such a difference in their lives.”

There’s a mentor training this fall, for volunteers ready to commit 1 evening per month.

They also envision opening a physical location to offer oneon-one counselling services, if you know of a possible location or funding source.

And of course, all men young and old are encouraged to participate.

“These programs are for everyone,” says Waldman.

“Men who are desperate situations and men who are prepared to make changes to their lives. We all learn compassionate communication, listening skills, and empathetic speaking from the heart, not head. We turn judgement into understanding.”

S L OU

ESCAPE

ESTHETICS Est. Since 2006

The first and only green spa in the Cowichan Valley.

Offering Certified Organic skincare Eminence from Hungary. We specialize in skin care, foot care and offer a full range of spa treatments. #4 -5777 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan BC 250.748.2056 www.soulescape.ca

WINGS III Opportunity Store You’ll always find a treasure!

Donations Gratefully Accepted

Bring your quality womens and childrens clothing, natural fibres, household gadgets, jewelry, nick nacks and small furniture.

250 746 9906 Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm 193 Station St at Jubilee, Downtown Duncan

Learn more at: www.cowichanmen.org Image Grant Waldman and his son at Rites of Passage Rick Juliusson supports non-profits with sustainable fundraising and organizational development.

FreeRangeConsulting.ca

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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One Breath Meditation

M

any people believe that mediation is a running away from the world. But the truth is-meditation is a running towards the world.

Greeting all that you see, hear, feel and know, in the moment, without preconcieved judgments or attraction towards trying to fix or change it.

The meditator trains her mind towards an openness and acceptance of life and death that requires discipline and

audacious courage.

Instead of “water should taste like this...” or” you should love me like that...”, the spiritual person just notices what is. “Water tastes like this… ummm.” Or “I appreciate you as you are.”

Mediation does not have to be done on a pillow nor for long periods of time. Sometimes it is more enlightening to stop in middle of an every day activity and take one mindful breath.

Buddhism speaks about transcending the dualistic reality of subject and object.

For example, “I (subject) hear rain (object) falling.”

Most of every day thinking is like this-and most of the time it is a rightful state of mind. We need this kind of earthy thinking to survive, but our soul needs wisdom moments without judgement or attraction or repulsion towards action. Each being has spiritual aspects that yearn to be recognized. Just observe a cat mediating! We must have these moments of wisdom for our physical and emotional health. Without this joining with the great oneness, we can become sick and focus on addictions towards someone or something.

In these wisdom moments, subject (I) and object (the

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world) become one and dualistic thinking falls away instantly (We). We experience these moment like putting down a great burden, of coming home, of familiarity, as love and compassionate belonging, of emptiness of ego and overflowing of spirit. “I hear the rain falling.” becomes, “rain falling” which becomes simply, “falling” Julia Star is a spiriutal counsellor in the Cowichan Valley.

For appointments call 250 709 9673.

Try This!

1. Some times during the day, when an experience touches you deeply, take a moment to notice it-fully.

2. Stop you activity mind and take one breath-in and out slowly. Don’t think about anything else; just notice the phenomena which had attracted your attention. Don’t try to understand it, or think about why it seems extraordinary.

Just breathe it in. In and out.

3. Drop away subject (I) and object (it).

Transcend dualistic mind.

Don’t try to do anything else.

Nothing else is required.

Kundalini Yoga Classes Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Denman Island 250-701-8448 SunriseYoga@shaw.ca www.Awakened-Heart.ca

Julia Star BHD.BEd

Spiritual Counsellor Solving life’s problems with your own inner guidance.

Working with the Whole Person

250-709-9673 $60 / hour www.longboatcounselling.com info@longboatcounselling.com

be the master power switch, which activates the body’s cellular system and makes every body function work better. Laying on the Bio-Mat for 1/2-1 hour feels warm and soothing. It reduces stress and fatigue, eases joint pain and stiffness, improves the immune system, removes toxins and speeds recovery.

Local Healing With Amethyst

T

here is a treatment available in the Valley that uses amethyst stones for healing- it is an Amethyst Bio-Mat. The mat expands blood vessels to carry away toxins, reducing inflamation and bringing nutrition to damaged areas. It also has a special function that generates a discharge of negative Ions into the air and transforms positive Ions inside the human body. This process changes the acidic condition of the body to alkaline which is its natural healthy state.

Relax in a tranquil setting, feel rejuvinated, while the Bio-Mat does the work.

The Bio-Mat is a unique innovation in bio technology containing 17 different layers and more than 30lbs of amethyst crystals which naturally produce and are super conductors of Far Infrared Rays. When the Mat is turned on pulses of energy radiate throught the layers, which penatrates the body up to 6 inches through the skin, to the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, joints and bone. Relieves tension and pressure, feels so good, during a session most people fall asleep. .

Debbie Shkuratoff Reiki Master, Teacher, Foot Spa Detox Practitioner, Natural Health Consultant. www.reikiwellness.ca

Negative Ions are shown to

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Mitsuko Sugimoto from Japan with beauty Coho

Fishing Report

South Island

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nother season comes to an end. But an incredible ending it was. The very hot temperatures late summer and through to the middle of September lured a lot of folks out onto the waters for some excellent fishing. The ocean fishery died off quite quickly but the rivers and lakes picked up nicely.

Those anglers out looking for some great fall salmon in the rivers action were not disappointed as the salmon came in early. Catches of Chinooks to the 40 pound range and some early run Coho to 20 pounds where not uncommon.

The cooler than normal river temperatures offered some local anglers as well as some of our off shore (England, US and Japanese) anglers excellent fishing through to early fall. Large insect hatches allowed the anglers to fish dry flies with great success.

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What can we expect next ?

The ocean opportunities will be limited to some late run Coho fishing from now through to mid November as the fish make their way to their home rivers to spawn.

For the rivers the fall salmon season will continue right through into December.

This fishery generally fishes well along the west coast Vancouver Island streams in October and then picks up on the east side of the Island in late October/November. *Check your fishing regulations for in season changes The lake fishing generally picks up in mid September through to December. Weather fishing for small mouth bass or trout look for the drop offs and structure or recommended lures, flies and fishing techniques check with your local tackle shop for what’s hot and what’s not for the area you are going to be fishing.

Tight lines.

This report as provided by 23 year local guide Kenzie Cuthbert.

hal loween Fun For october

10/01 - 10/31 U-Pick Pumpkins at Abby Lane Farms. 7233 Mays Rod. 10am - Dusk Daily 7233 Mays Rd off Herd Rd. 250 709 5405 Pick your own farmfresh pumpkins from this local organic pumpkin patch with over 20,000 pumpkins to choose from! A great experience, visits to the patch are led by horse drawn wagon. Try smashing pumpins with their specially designed medieval catapault.

ANYONE can pick a pumpkin up at the grocery store, challenge yourself to choose just one! *Visits to the patch are by horse drawn carriage only - no walk ins please.

Fri - Sun 10am to Dusk McNabs Corn Maze 4659 Yellowpoint Rd Ladysmith One of the greatest all ages activities in October are the specialty corn mazes. Though we don’t have one yet in the Cowichan Valley McNabs, just north of Ladysmith offers a 7 acre corn maze, petting zoo and hay rides.

10/28 - 30th 2:30pm - 8:30pm Hallowe’en Train BC Forest Discovery Museum How about a steam ride close to home? After 4:30 pm, costumed spooks will be mingling with the visitors and creeping up in unexpected

places! The performers are provided by the South Island Musical Theatre Society. Spooky exhibits and live Hallowe’en music will take place in the main gallery. Samson, the 1910 steam locomotive, leaves the station every 30 minutes from 3:00 pm - 8:30 pm (*with the exception: there is NO 4:30pm train) 10/ 29th Masquerade Ball at Providence Farm 8pm-12am Tickets $30 Advance Tickets Only.

Celebrate the harvest in costume.

This year’s theme - Fact or Fiction? Past or Present? Last year there were over 150 people in attendance, costumed as everything from The Scream, Batman and Ozzie Osborne to clergy, cavemen and clowns. The dance promises once again to be a howling good time for a great cause.There will be prizes for great costumes so dress your best!

1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan.

250 746 4204. Licensed EventCash Bar. No Minors Permitted.

Fire Department. Locals are encouraged to join in the making of the haunted house. begining Oct 17th. Bring your own ghouly gadgets, we provide the space & will award the most hair raising room with prizes Decorating Call Vicki for details. 250 745 3712.

10/31 The Pumpkin Path Sunrise Waldorf School 6pm Start, Entrance Fee $4/child up to a maximum of $10/family If you want a truly magical experience visit Sunrise Waldorf School off Lakeside Road in Cowichan Station. The Pumpkin Path is a wonderful candy free experience created for children under 8 years old, and is held by Waldorf schools across North America. Angel guides lead you on a journey in celebration of autumn, through a land of

pumpkins. Many delightful surprises await visitors as they stop at each tableau to encounter friendly and funny characters found in nursery rhymes and stories of old, alive and well on this very special Pumpkin Path.

Families with younger children start at 6pm, with 8 year olds going last at 7:30pm. Storytellers, music and a bonfire make waiting for your turn down the path a special treat as well. Each child will need a bag or basket to collect a bounty of healthy natural treats along the way and please bring a mug for apple cider.

Vistors are asked to come dressed in warm costumes without masks, very scary effects, or television characters.

10/31 Halloween Party, Haunted House and Fireworks Youbou Community Hall. Doors at 6:30pm Free hotdogs, pop and coffee! Costume Judging begins with the 0-2yrs at 7 pm followed by Fireworks hosted by the Youbou Volunteer

Abby Lane Farm U Pick Pumpkin Patch OPEN 10am to Dusk Daily All of October. Last tour leaves at 4pm.

Take a horse-drawn wagon tour to an authentic pumpkin patch!

Thousands of pumpkins to choose from!

Scarecrows - Farm Gate Stand - Smashing Pumpkin Catapault - School & Group Tours - Horse Drawn Wagon Rides - Picnic Area - Halloween Fun!

www.abbylanefarm.com 7233 Mays Road, Duncan 250-709-5405 Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

Group Tours and Schools Welcome! Please download our request form.

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Helpful Garden Keep Your Pants On!

killed the lawn. It was a frozen desert under those drifts of leaves.

Get out there now while you still have a chance! Cut back seed stalks on ornamental grasses so the don’t become invasive self-seeding headaches next year.

A Pilates Primer

J

oseph and Clara Pilates (pillah-tees) came to New York in the mid 1920’s and began teaching dancers, athletes and movie stars as well as ordinary people.

Pilates sometimes tailored his exercises to individuals. When one student, dancer Eve Gentry, had a radical mastectomy, he helped her regain full motion and strength to continue her dance career, wowing the skeptical medical community.

Gentry belonged to a core group that carried on his work with his blessing. She founded my “branch” of Pilates. Pilates is now used in fitness and rehabilitation programs worldwide.

Stott Pilates is one style.

Joe studied sports, philosophies, yoga, and other paths to wellbeing. He and Clara tirelessly demonstrated that flowing, breath-infused, mindful movements build a healthy and joyful body. He created Mat exercises and designed equipment that expands on them. All exercises are fun, varied, and they

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strengthen the “powerhouse” core—not just tummy muscles!

To be internationally certified

by Pilates Method Alliance, instructors must pass a 450+ hour training program on all equipment teach under supervision and pass an exam.

Like yoga, Pilates emphasizes breath, flow, and precision, but Pilates also strengthens and balances all muscle groups, often lessening chronic pain.

As with any workout, get a doctor’s OK first. Pilates is not cardio or a weight loss program but supports both. One leaves a session feeling challenged but refreshed, not wobbly and wrung out. When one of my students says with wonder, “I can dress myself!” or “My game has improved!” or “The pain is gone!” I thank Joe and Clara for their insight and dedication.

Candace Ammerman PMA Certified Instructor Gentle Strength Pilates & Dance www.gentlestrength.ca 250 597 3016

W

hat happened to summer?

Seems folks were just beginning to enjoy time outdoors with some long awaited sun. And now?

Argh, it’s time to get the garden ready for winter.

Don’t do what I did last year. I enjoyed our mild autumn, thinking that come November I’d have time to get outside and do it. What happened? I got caught with my pants down! Not literally, because most neighbours would have complained and I’d have suffered severe frostbite on tender parts as temperatures dropped to –12 degrees and the snow began.

After the thaw, the garden was trashed! Faded perennial stalks turned into slimy black mats of smelly schmootz. Stupid Big leaf Maple leaves were compressed into water and light repellant blankets that

Dig up dahlia tubers, hose ‘em down and dry them in the sun. Label these and store in the garage in dry peatmoss or sawdust.

Cut back to the ground herbaceous perennials like Shasta daisy, euphorbia, gaillardia and echinacea to prevent rampant volunteerism by their seeds in the spring.

For lavender and sage, remove only the flower stalks now. In early March, cut the whole plant down to just above the woody growth.

Once things are cut back and cleaned up, do a quick overall weeding and mulch around roses and other easily winter damaged plants like hardy fuchsia and rosemary.

Doing a good fall clean up now will allow new spring growth to develop undisturbed, and ensures the skin on your bum remains frostbite free.

Ajay Oppelaar is President of the Mill Bay Garden Club. For club membership information or other questions contact him at arkengardens@gmail.com.

was informed. The restrained exuberance in the display made me smile as it was so reminiscent of the era which I was a part of.

Local Window to Display Artists’ Collaboration

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ne of the few remaining bonuses for the private retailer is the freedom to inform the public via their display window. Window display soared as an art form in Montreal in the late 60’s as expo ‘67 was announced. A great scuttle went about as suddenly a race to beautify began. One store owner in downtown Duncan who takes full advantage of her oeuvre, is Sarah van Rossum, owner of Eclectic Avenue Vintage Boutique, at 132 Station Street.

One evening lately when the store was closed, I noticed a lonely cardboard dressmaker

Autumn’s Arts of Peace

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or the many talented fibre artists of the Cowichan Valley, the month of October is happiness itself. Skeins are wound, looms are set, spindles

dummy standing behind the glass. It faced an easel which held a notepad with a confidently penciled graphite rendering of the same dummy.

On the floor scattered around, were many sketches, all accomplished renditions, with a stack of art reference books placed alongside. I

Sarah is an artist, born in the Cowichan Valley, with a degree in fine arts from Den Bosch, the Netherlands. Her preferred medium is “installation”, using drawings, videos, photographs, and sculpture. Sarah changes the windows of Eclectic Avenue every two to three weeks, choosing from the store’s large mix of quality vintage, retro and modern consignment items to elaborate a new idea. Inside, the store itself is maintained like a set design, where garments are poised like marionettes among an array of lovingly placed collectibles.

are spun, and knitting circles commence once again.

As we bend to these lovely tasks, we take our place in an ancient flow of human creativity and skill. While early records from ancient Greece name weaving as one of the ‘arts of peace’, evidence of woven threads stretches back to the Paleolithic era.

From Europe to Asia, the Americans to the Middle East, Oceana to Africa, our ancestors have discovered diverse ways to spin and ply the fibres of plants and animals into functional and beautiful textiles. As fibre

artists, our collective heritage is astonishingly rich.

Today, when my hands are filled with the rustic twist of wool and the cloud-like softness of angora, alpaca, and silk, I slip into a space of peace and contentment.

Working at my loom I feel connected to the countless generations of women who have done the same before me, to the other artists who continue to nourish the ethical evolution of these crafts, and to the animals who have for millennia given us these brilliant materials for survival and adornment. I believe

During early October, The Eclectic Avenue Window will feature a collection of retro and vintage inspired creations from Brenda Laine, a fashion designer living in the Cowichan Valley. Brenda Laine designs and manufactures contemporary womens’ fashion, but she, like Sarah, maintains a love of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, and over the years has created many one-of-a-kind pieces to express her retro enthusiasm. Don’t miss this fine collaboration of two of the Cowichan Valley’s exceptional artists.

Laird Campbell is an artist who lives in the Cowichan Valley, and worked as an exhibition artist in Montreal in the late 60’s.

weaving, knitting, felting and spinning remain the arts of peace today, offering us nothing less than those eternal qualities of happiness and health: warmth, beauty, and connection.

Jessica Kerr is a local fibre artist.

Her Luma Handwovens are on display in the tasting room of Cobble Hill’s beautiful new Unsworth Vineyard 2915 Cameron Taggart Road, tel: 250 929 2292 until the end of November. www. lumahandwovens.etsy.com

Soul Comfort Factory Store On discontinued line of goods 20 to 50 % off

50% off - Decorative pillows, Hemp men’s vest, Hemp women’s vest, Dog jackets (8 styles) Long wool vests (breathable nylon/reflective) 20% off - Decorative blankets, ALL baby goods, Slip-on Slippers(hard sole only), Rubber Sole Ankle Slippers

www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com • Corner of Jubilee and 4th Street, Duncan • 250 737 1281 Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Jean Crowder has been the NDP Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan since 2004. Crowder.J@parl.gc.ca 1-866-609-9998

Crowder’s Corner

New Democrats are gearing up to fight the Conservative’s proposed snooping law at every level this fall in order to protect the rights and privacy of Canadians.

The “lawful access” legislation will allow police to track every e-mail sent, every website visited and every comment left on Facebook – all without warrants or judicial review.

Telecom providers would also be forced to install surveillance software giving police the ability to track internet and mobile phone activity.

While the NDP supports modernizing policing powers to deal with digital issues, removing the requirement for warrants altogether opens the door to all manner of abuse by security officials.

Experts and citizens say this new law gives the government and police way too much power to snoop into our lives.

Canadians are right to feel that the Conservatives are not protecting their privacy and that we need to curb this bill.

Over the summer the NDP has put in place a team of MPs to work with civil society groups, stakeholders and citizens to fight against lawful access legislation both in and out of parliament.

For smaller rural Internet providers, the cost of this new technology may be prohibitive. And that may reduce our choice as consumers.

Moon Beams: Earth Shine

J

anet Ruth Heller is the author of a beautiful little book called How the Moon Regained Her Shape. In light of school recommencing last month this little gem provides a wonderful metaphor of sorts in the topic of bullying. The story is about a situation where the sun bullies the moon who then becomes sad and disappears. The moon’s journey to regain her ‘shape’ is guided by loving friends to help to increase self-confidence and overcome adversity. The book comes with a ‘Creative Minds’ section which has facts, games and crafts about the moon.

Most wonderful for everyone.

This month the moon is known as: Hunter’s Moon (Old Farmer’s Almanac/Algonquin/Colonial), hunters begin to stockpile food for the upcoming winter season now that the fields have been harvested and game can be spotted clearly. Blood Moon (Medieval/English/Neo-Pagan), named for the same reasons as the Hunter’s moon as well as being the first full moon after the Harvest Moon (September). Note: The full moon name that causes the most confusion is the Harvest Moon which is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. If it occurs in September, then the September full moon is the Harvest Moon. If the October full moon falls closer to the equinox, then October will host the Harvest Moon.

October 11th @ 7:06pm (Victoria) the Full Moon in Aries, the Ram, is ready for action. Aries energy is in feelings of wellbeing but at the same time has a tendency to be abrupt and impulsive in expressing emotions. Aries shows love through action but must also keep busy and challenged most of the time.

What can you do under this Moon’s influence to move beyond self-imposed comfort zones?

Robin Massey is a yoga & junior bellydance Hmmm, I can hear those mind instructor in and around wheels turning!

Shawnigan Lake. www.theomtree.com

Sunday Morning Meditation 10:30 am to noon The focus is on calming abiding practise and cultivating mindfulness.

1555 Longwood Road Cowichan Bay

250 709 9673

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O

h NO! They’re not here!

Our sincerest apologies to horoscope readers, Due to circumstances beyond our control, the October Horoscopes weren’t available by our press time for printing in this issue.

Please visit our website: cowichanvalleyvoice. com to read Georgia’s October forecast. Or visit georgianicols.com for more detailed horoscopes weekly or daily forecasts. Sorry for the inconvenience. Editors, Valley Voice Magazine

Tonight... Piaf

Chemainus Theatre October 26 -29 Special Performance 1 800 565 7738 Tonight...Piaf is the highly acclaimed hit show written by Joëlle Rabu and Ted Galay, and is an intimate musical drama, re-creating Edith Piaf’s final New York concert at the Waldorf Astoria in 1961.

BURNING AMBITION: According to the official website, trying to explain what Burning Man is to someone who has never been there “is a bit like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind ... to truly understand, one must participate.” After years of hearing about it, Lake Cowichan resident TABATHA LUNDHOLM made her first pilgrimage to Black Rock desert in Nevada to experience it firsthand.

50,000 people attended this year’s event Aug. 29th to Sept. 5th. For Tabatha it was “a new way of seeing the world. At Burning Man, people refer to the world outside as the ‘default world’ and the goal is to bring back who you are on the playa ... I can say for sure that I have learned new ways to understand and interact with friends and strangers.” Yes, she plans to go again. “It is a way of life, it is home.” Log onto burningman.com for text and photos on the event.

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND VERBAL LINT

ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Seems CHRIS PANAS is always posting an item about the local SPCA whenever I see his name on Facebook. So I decided to ask him: what’s the big deal?” “The Cowichan & District (Duncan) SPCA is all about the animals,” he enthuses. “The staff are passionate about the cats and dogs in their care. It’s a great place to visit! There is a large cat room where the kitties get to roam around and there are outdoor exercise areas for the pooches.” The organization is always looking for volunteers “to help with the Community Council (basically the fundraising committee) and events, with dog walking & cat socializing.” Chris says there are lots of wonderful cats looking for homes. PS The SPCA is a non profit group and runs solely on donations with no help from the government. For the complete scoop log onto spca.bc.ca/branches/cowichan/ WALK OF LIFE: RHODA TAYLOR reminds everyone about the Walk of the Nations Oct. 22nd. “It starts at 10:00 at the new VIU campus and works its way downtown. The walk is a legacy of the North American Indigenous Games. I am no athlete, and this is not a competition or a race but our community coming together and having fun and walking together. This year’s walk leads to the One World Festival the Cowichan Intercultural Association is holding at the Si’em Lelum gym. If you want to join us call CIS at 250 748 3112 or check out www.cisduncan.ca

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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Cowichan Feature Listings Welcome to the Valley Voice Feature Listings! Consider including your business in these Feature Listings... they are affordable! Black and White Ads 1X: $85,11X: $50per issue Colour Ads 1X: $125, 11X: $75 per issue. Contact Adrienne Richards at 250.510.6596 adrienne@cowichanvalleyvoice.com for more information and to book your ad for the next issue! View Valley Voice magazine on-line at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com High quality handwoven traditional rugs and carpets made by Tibetan refugees from Nepal.

Hand-knotted and made of 100% Tibetan wool in a family run venture that houses workers and educates children to alleviate poverty.

Small World Imports Tibetan Rugs and Carpets www.smallworldimports.ca 250-748-6570

Professional,eco-friendly cleaning services for residential & commercial properties in the South Cowichan Valley. Giving you the gift of time, and a naturally clean home to enjoy it in!

Insured ~ Licensed ~ Bonded.

Free in-home estimates.

Gift certificates make a great gift for new moms and busy people!

Tracey Paleczka 250-929-8381 www.cleanchoicecleaners.com

Do you have mold, moisture, dust, asbestos, or are you suffering from allergies or respiratory problems?

Bring us your indoor air quality questions at the Nanaimo Home Show October 14–16.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Nikki MacCallum – providing high quality, unique home décor Studio will be closed Oct 1 - Oct 16 solutions since 1995.

Enjoy a seasonal, evolving menu in our warmand cozy café.

Serving breakfast, lunch, snacks,baked goods, smoothies, teas and lattes.

All made in house and with love!

Fresh, Local, Organic!

Located at 149 Canada Avenue across from the Caboose in Duncan Join Us! 250-746-5233

MAKE YOUR MOVE! with Tom Andrews

George Staples Residential Indoor Air Quality Investigator CMHC Accredited phone 250-746-0382 geo.sta@shaw.ca www.islandiaq.ca

Fall is the best time to: • Renovate your lawn • Lime and Fertilize • Power rake • Over seed • Aerate • Topdress Book your free consultation!

250 597 0408 www.lushecolawns.com

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Vancouver Island’s best source for ecofriendly roman blinds, roller blinds and curtains. Window coverings cool down your house and protect your furniture and flooring. Visit www.nikkidesigns. ca for more info. Book your free in-home consultation today! Call Nikki at 250-2454238 or email nikkidesigns@shaw.ca.

Helping buyers and sellers live their dream one home at a time in the Cowichan Valley!

Call Tom at 250-245-1111 ext. 304 Tom@IslandHomeSales.com 410A 1st Avenue, Ladysmith www.IslandHomesSales.com

Memory foam yoga mat with skid proof, bottom layer as well as textured, top neoprene labor for extra grip. PVC Free.The extra thickness provides additional support for those who require more protection for their joints, wrists, knees, head and ankles. Ideal for pre/postnatal yoga, pilates and those who need more support.

Suitable for all types of yoga including, Vinyasa Flow, Power, Bikram, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Gentle and Kundalini. Visit www.vvitayoga.ca

Contact Richard 250 746 9319 for more info.

Cowichan Feature Listings

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SING FOR JOY- CHOIRS VOICE & GUITAR LESSONS - ALL AGES

Lila Music Centre was created in 2007 to serve our community from the heart with professional calibre music-making and education.

Joythorughmusic.com 250 701 0978 To find your spiritual centre in these difficult times, consult one of our readers. Each one has more than 20 years experience in astrology, tarot, aura readings and energy healings.

h m

www.cowichanvalleyhypno.com 250-709-7380

Our mission is to inspire, motivate and most of all...to have fun!

We offer encouraging, experienced tap dance instruction for beginners to advanced of all ages.

Lynda Allen 250-748-0934 lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca

4 m

250 715 1020

Leola’s Studio

Whippletree Junction 4705 Trans Can Hwy In The Courtyard leolasstudio.blogspot.com

Find out your true potential in mind-body wellness.

Offering hypnosis, hypnotherapy and reiki treatments by appointment only.

Call us at 250 324 2679

m !

- Offering on-going classes in many forms of textile arts - Working/teaching studio - Weaving and spinning - Community Looms - Gift Certificates for classes - Unique locally made textiles

Now located in Duncan...

Hypnosis with Danette

Learn more about Us and the readings by visiting our web site www.starmystic-arts.ca/ascentia

s

Come in, Learn and Experience the joy of textiles.

Slice of Life Cafe is worth the search! As new owners, we welcome everyone who enjoys great coffee (we proudly serve Caffe Umbria), delectable gourmet pizza by the slice, hearty soups, savory rice bowls, delicious paninis, and baked goodies.

171 Jubilee Street – Downtown Duncan

CLOUD 10 ESTHETICS We offer skin care and facials, manicures and pedicures ~ including french polish, and all-over body care such as citrus scrub, waxing, and soothing jade stone massage.

Licensed and certified esthetician, Tina Nordstrand, believes in providing the highest quality of service using the Tina Nordstrand latest natural products and up-to-date techniques. Come visit Cloud 10, and 250-597-3333 enjoy relaxation in an idyllic setting www.cloud10esthetics.ca at 1529 Khenipsen Road, Duncan.

9747 Willow Street Chemainus 250-324-3338 craftycuppa@gmail.com

The Crafty Cuppa in Chemainus is the perfect place to come and paint your choice from a wide range of Ceramic Bisque-ware. Our studio has all you need to create a personal work of art on pottery.

Painted ceramics can be sealed or glazed & fired.

Great place for birthday parties!

Open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday and late on Wednesdays to 7 pm.

Need HOSTING?

Contact us for domain searches, registration, and local hosting.

Home and business packages include custom e-mail addresses, ftp accounts, C Panel access and secure payment services.

250-746-9319 – Duncan

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Richard Badman rbadman@gearth.com

*Ask about combination web and print advertising specials.

Happiness -the most sought after human condition!

Learn practical, down-to-earth strategies and tools in the 3-hour Happiness Generator workshop that will help you experience happiness from the inside out! Call 250.733.2635 or email warmland@shaw.ca for more information and to register.

Valley Voice Magazine. For people who love to eat, live, play and shop in the Cowichan Valley.

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