September 2014 issue 70 by Cowichan Valley Voice

owichan

2014 SEPTEMBER ISSUE 70

SAVOUR COWICHAN - CELEBRATE FOOD, DRINK, FARMS & PEOPLE!

SEPtember 26OCTober 5, 2014 Over 40 artisan producers hosting more than 50 epicurean feasts and tastings

barge on in! September 26, 6-9 pm

The Savour Cowichan Festival Kick-Off Bash Off the dock at Bridgemans Bistro, Mill Bay Marina • Public tasting event • Featuring Cowichan Valley wines, ciders, spirits, beers, local chefs and artisanal food producers • Tickets $25 available at savourcowichan.com

SEP. 27 th

, d o o f f o n o i t a r b e l A ce and farms in the drink chan Valley! Cowi

12-5 pm • Local food & drink tasting/BBQ • Silent & live auctions featuring sports, travel, food and more! • LIVE Concerts on a Barge featuring WIDE MOUTH MASON • Tickets $75 available at canucksautism.com/support CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK FUNDRAISER All proceeds from this event will support families living with autism in the Cowichan Valley

2014 Wine Releases Al Fresco Dining Apple Orchards Artisan Spirits Artists in Action Barge BBQ Barrel Tastings Breads Casual Fare Celebrity Chefs Chefs Survival Challenge Chemainus Tastings Cider Sips Coffee Breaks Complimentary Wine Cowichan Valley CAN Ride Demonstrations Divine Desserts Dungeness Crab Fall Harvest Farm Stands Farm Tours Grape Stomp Handmade Chocolates Island Beer Live Music Local Gin Local Meat Marina Tours Prosecco Party Sangria Slow Food Sommelier Suggestions Sparkling Toasts Tea Tastings Vegetarian Cuisine Vineyard Tours Waterfront Dining Whiskey Tastings Wide Mouth Mason Wine and Jazz Winemakers Dinners

Event and ticket information at www.savourcowichan.com

party going live Jazz canapés bubbles & more Restaurant open $20 person 2915 CameronTaggart Rd Mill Bay unsworthvineyards.com 6pm-Late Cheers Tours Shuttle bus PROVIDENCE FARM OPEN HOUSE Art Show viewin, self-guided historical tours, General Store and Nursery Greenhouse. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds. FREE 10am- 2pm

SEPTember & OCTober FoOD & DRINK events For up to date events listings and more information on the festival visit www.savourcowichan.com

BARGE ON IN! PUBLIC TASTING EVENT SAVOUR FESTIVAL KICK OFF PARTY! Swig popular potations sample gourmet goodies & mingle with makers of Cowichan Valley’s celebrated food, beverages and farms while floating on a barge in Mill Bay. Musical stylings by DJ Mark Leung. Limited tickets- $25 person online ticket sales savourcowichan.com 6-9pm Cheers Tours Shuttle bus pick ups 5-5:30pm returns 9:30pm PROVIDENCE FARM 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS ART SHOW Entertainment, guest speakers, cheese and refreshments to enjoy 1843 Tzouhalem Rd For more info provfarm@ providence.bc.ca or 250 746-4204 7pm-10pm Tickets $20 5 DAYS, 5 COURSES LOCAL FOOD & WINE PAIRING 5 local wineries garnished with local food www.stonesoupinn.ca September 25th to September 29th

SIP SAVOUR & SUPPORT WIDE MOUTH MASON & HAYLEY MCLEAN CONCERT Sip local wines & ciders savour creations of local restaurants & chefs. Enjoy chef Bill Jones’s gourmet BBQ victuals while supporting the Canucks Autism Network on a floating barg in Mill Bay Marina. Sampling available 12-2pm After 2pm guests are invited to purchase drink tickets 12-5pm www.canucksautism.ca/ support Cheers Tours Shuttle bus pick ups 5-5:30pm returns to pick or continue to Unsworth UNSWORTH VINEYARDS UNOFFICIAL AFTER PARTY & PROSECCO RELEASE Keep the

MERRIDALE COMPLIMENTARY DISTILLERY TOURS Learn the art of distillation Samples Available at the cider bar 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill, 12pm & 2pm www.merridalecider.com

27&28

BUBBLES AND BRUNCH Enjoy a sampling of Cowichan’s Bubbles with brunch at Hudson’s On First Reservations are recommended 250-5970066 163 First St Duncan www.HudsonsOnFirst. ca 10am-2pm TOURS AND TASTINGS AT THE CREAMERY AT CHEESE POINTE FARM The Creamery lovingly known as Hilary’s Cheese Farm will be open for tastings and informative tours of where and how cheese is made 1282 Cherry Point Rd Cowichan Bay,11am - 5pm CHERRY POINT AND AMUSÉ SPANISH PAELLA & SANGRIA Free Spanish Paella & Sangria in thanks to the community for their continuous support 840 Cherry Point Rd Cobble Hill www. cherrypointestatewines.com 11-5pm

COWICHAN VALLEY CAN RIDE Annual bike ride begins & ends at Merridale. Cyclists choose 50km or 100km Cowichan Valley winery and farm tour. Partial proceeds raised goes to support Canuck Autism Network activities with Cowichan Valley families affected by autism. Between 100 -200 riders expected Organized by Cycle Therapy cycletherapy.ca 10-5pm GENEVIEVE CHARBONNEAU at BLUE GROUSE Winery live music performed by the talented singer/songwriter Genevieve Charbonneau 4365 Blue Grouse Rd Duncan bluegrouse.ca 1-4pm Cheers Shuttle 3 Vineyard Tour AMPERSAND DISTILLERY OPEN HOUSE This is a great opportunity to sample their gin and check out their one-of-a-kind custom built stills Distillery Tours Gin Tastings & Farm Harvest SOL Farm 4077 Lanchaster Rd Duncan

PURPLE SANGRIA PAELLA PARTY AT DAMALI LAVENDER FARM Seafood paella and a glass of Sangria for $40 jazz and Latin rhythms by Wayne Kozak Eric Smith & John Robertson In keeping with our purple theme for the week wear Purple Only 40 tickets available 3500 Telegraph Rd Cobble Hill www.damali.ca 1-4pm ARTISTS IN THE ORCHARD Merridale Estate Cidery Painters Potters Woodcarvers & more showcasing local talent 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill www.merridalecider.com 11-5pm Cheers Shuttle 3 Vineyard Tour SMOOTHIE SAMPLING AT THE DUNCAN GARAGE CAFÉ & BAKERY Learn about the health benefits of adding local fruits and veggies like kale, blueberries, hemp and more. 330 Duncan St Duncan Noon-2pm SILVERSIDE FARM & WINERY LATE SUMMER PICINIC Live Entertainment featuring Terry Brennan w/ Earl Grey Full gourmet buffet lunch Tickets $35 person available online www.silversidefarm.com 3810 Cobble Hill Rd 12-4pmCheers Shuttle 3 Vineyard Tour AVERILL CREEK VINEYARD WINEMAKER’S DINNER Join winemaker Andy Johnston for dinner and wine pairings The Quamichan Inn. 6pm 250-746-7028 1478 Maple Bay Rd, Duncan www.quamichaninn.com

5 DAYS, 5 COURSES LOCAL FOOD & WINE PAIRING 5 local wineries garnished with local food www.stonesoupinn.ca

GRAPE TO PLATE COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF HUDSON 6pm Hudson’s On First, Cost $70 / person plus gratuity and tax. Call for reservations 250-597-0066

CHEMAINUS TASTINGS & THEATRE EVENT Sip &Taste the best of the Cowichan Valley in the Theatre’s Playbill dinning room for a nominal charge of $5 per person. This will be deducted from the ticket price $22.00 for those going into the preview of the show. The show is Over the Woods &Through the Woods a family comedy. There will be a local artists showcase. Main St & Willow St will stay open late and the Festival of Murals will host a walking tours of the Murals. chemainustheatrefestival.ca/our-shows/ river-woods Tasting 5:30-7:30pm Show 8pm Cheers Shuttle 5-5:30pm

JACK’S WHISKEY CLUB A private reserved evening in Merridale distillery discover the art of whiskey making enjoy exclusive first taste of

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

our whiskey & appetizers finish in the bistro with a pig roast Tickets $49 person 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill www.merridalecider.com 6pm-Late CittaSlow MEET YOUR MAKER COWICHAN BAY Come and meet your local artisan makers from the Valley. Bruce, True Grain, Nicole, Wedderspoon Organic Farm, Linda, Rocky Creek and more. Hilary’s Cheese Cowichan Bay (250) 748-5992 7-9pm LOCAL FOOD & PAIRINGS The OceanView restaurant and Lounge at The Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd Reservations 250-715-1000 www.oceanfrontcowichanbay.com CHEERS GREYLAG BOAT TOURS to Genoa Bay & Cherry Point Shuttle rides to Cherry Point Winery Venturi-Schulze Rocky Creek & Merridale events www.cheerscowichan.com 11-5pm GENEVIEVE CHARBONNEAU @ BLUE GROUSE 4365 Blue Grouse Rd Duncan www.bluegrouse. ca 1-4pm

Genevieve Charbonneau and Wild Sundays performs Free Family Friendly Event 4365 Blue Grouse Rd Duncan bluegrouse.ca 1-4pm Cheers Shuttle Service

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 5

TROPICAL PARTY W/ TROPICAL MAYHEM live music family fun Hawaiian hamburgers 3280 Telegraph Rd Mill Bay enricowinery.com/ 1-4pm Cheers Shuttle Service

AVERILL CREEK VINEYARD Tours & Tastings 6552 North Rd Duncan averillcreek.ca 11-5pm Sept 26 - Oct 3 1pm Pinot Tastings & Winery Tours with winemaker Andy Johnston

TOURS AND TASTINGS AT THE CREAMERY AT CHEESE POINTE FARM The Creamery lovingly known as Hilary’s Cheese Farm will be open for tastings and informative tours of where and how cheese is made 1282 Cherry Point Rd Cowichan Bay 11am - 5pm

BLUE GROUSE ESTATE WINERY Complimentary tastings 4365 Blue Grouse Rd Duncan bluegrouse.ca 10 -5pm

MUSHROOM FORAGING WORKSHOP W/ BILL JONES Deerholme Farm A fun day exploring the wild foods of the Cowichan Valley informative talk then head out to Trans-Canada Trail return to the farm for a sampling of local food $141.75 person deerholmefarm.com 11-4pm

WINEMAKER’S DINNER AT ARBUTUS RIDGE Pinot Grape and Variations Three course meal with four wine pairings from Averill Creek and Unsworth Vineyards. Winemakers will be speaking about each pairing. $67 Reservations 250.743.5100 satellitebargrille.com 6pm

COWICHANS’ PERFECT PAIRINGS DINNER AT HUDSON’S ON FIRST A unique five course dinner locally sourced and artistically prepared by award winning Chef Daniel Hudson. This dinner will showcase a minimum of 10 different Cowichan Valley wines of different Vineyards Varietals and Vintages Reservations required 250-597-0066 163 First St. Duncan www.HudsonsOnFirst.ca 6pm

4&5

COWICHAN COMMUNITY KITCHEN CULINARY FESTIVAL Taste local food recipes prepared by the Cowichan Community Kitchens team Located at the Centennial Park Cob oven Free Family-friendly event Centennial Park 175 Ingram St Duncan cowichangreencommunity.org 11-2pm SAVOUR DOWNTOWN DUNCAN as the merchants of Downtown showcase what they have to offer to the culinary scene. Come shop, eat and play Downtown! ROCKY CREEK WINERY PICK AND STOMP Join the winemaker to help pick this year’s actual harvest, followed by a winemakers lunch pick and finish with a grape stomp. Leave with a souvenir bottle. Space is limited. 9 am training 9:30 -12:30 3 hours hands on picking, 12:45 Picnic lunch, 1 pm Grape stomp. Tickets $50 pp rockycreekwinery.ca COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING LIVE MUSIC & PIG ROAST Blue Grouse Estate Winery

BUBBLES AND BRUNCH Enjoy a sampling of Cowichan’s Bubbles with brunch at Hudson’s On First Reservations are recommended 250-597-0066 163 First St Duncan www.HudsonsOnFirst.ca 10am-2pm MERRIDALE COMPLIMENTARY DISTILLERY TOURS Learn the art of distillation Samples Available at the cider bar 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill merridalecider.com 12pm & 2pm

DAILY EVENTS

CHERRY POINT ESTATE WINES Ongoing Tastings 840 Cherry Point Rd Cobble Hill cherrypointestatewines.com 10-5pm DAYLINER CAFE Cowichan Valley Wine Tastings 3 Glasses of 2 oz. pours Mix n’ match your choice of White, Blush, Rose or Red Wines $9 Full menu available. www.daylinercafe.com DAMALI LAVENDER & WINERY Free tastings Self guided farm tour. Think Purple! In honour of the completion of the lavender harvest and the grape harvest to come wear purple and receive 10% off wine and essential oil purchases. 3500 Telegraph Rd Cobble Hill damali.ca MERRIDALE ESTATE CIDERY Complimentary Cider tastings & tours for parents & children free gnome and faerie hunt 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill merridalecider.com ROCKY CREEK WINERY Complimentary tasting & salt/pepper chocolate pairings 1854 Myhrest Rd rockycreekwinery.ca SILVERSIDE FARM & WINERY Complimentary tastings & self guided tours 3810 Cobble Hill Rd silversidefarm.com

FAMILY FUN ENRICO WINERY Appetizers & fun all net proceeds will be donated to Canadian Diabetes Society 3280 Telegraph Rd Mill Bay enricowinery.com/ 1-4pm

DOWNTOWN DUNCAN’S PASSPORT TO DINE Dine at Downtown eateries listed in the Passport to collect stickers and become eligible for excellent draw prizes! Visit www.downtownduncan.ca

GENEVIEVE CHARBONNEAU & WILD SUNDAYS at BLUE GROUSE Live Music 4365 Blue Grouse Rd Duncan bluegrouse.ca 1-4pm

CHEERS COWICHAN TOURS Daily routes to all events Call to schedule pick up 250 710 7391

For September Community Events Calendar please see page 60 - 61

Wishing all our local FOOD & DRINK ARTISANS a great 2014 Savour Festival! 5

t’s my great honour to welcome visitors and residents alike to Savour Cowichan, a festival where all of you can partake of everything this magnificent valley has to offer. When I moved to the Cowichan Valley more than a decade ago, I knew I was in for years of exploration of great ingredients, artisan food and beverage producers, and a passionate commitment to fine flavours. Savour Cowichan brings all of these delicious elements together in a number of venues for your enjoyment. I can think of no better way to dive in than the kick-off events of Barge On In, and Sip, Savour, and Support, which take place on a huge barge moored on Mill Bay that will be loaded with wineries, chefs and farmers, all tempting your tastebuds in a setting that will take your breath away. And the fun doesn’t stop there, with free food, music and sips throughout the festival at our fabulous vineyards, and our restaurants will make that farm to table connection for you whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Please, if you drink, don’t drive. Leave your keys at home and take advantage of the rides made available by Cheers Tours and Island Time Tours. I hope you will find as much delight in discovering the flavours of our valley over the ten days of Savour Cowichan as I have over the past ten years. I guarantee you’ll be back for more… Cheers!

SAVOUR COWICHAN festival events 5 wineries paired with 5 courses of local food

SEPT 25-29

Welcome To Savour Cowichan Festival! Don Genova is a food and travel journalist based in Cobble Hill, Cowichan Valley. His latest radio 6755 Cowichan Lake Rd. (250)749-3848 column with CBC Victoria is called ‘Food Matters’, and delves into the world of sustainable eating in British Columbia. His first book, Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, was published in April 2014 by TouchWood Editions.

www.stonesoupinn.ca

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

Sip, Savour & Support Fundraiser, Floating Barge, Mill Bay

See You On The Barge Sept 26 & 27!

orty artisanal food-andbeverage producers will host more than 50 epicurean events throughout the Cowichan Valley during the Savour Cowichan Festival from September 26 – October 5, 2014. Tickets for the marquee events are being snapped up fast! On September 26th, 400 tickets are available for Barge On In, the tasting event that kicks off the 10-day celebration with local wine, cider, beer, and food, hosted under a tent on the water off the dock at the Mill Bay Marina. Back on the barge on September 27th, chef Bill Jones of Deerholme Farm is on the BBQ serving up delicious bites alongside 30 of the Cowichan Valley’s local best food, drink, and farm producers. Worldrenown band Wide Mouth Mason headline the Sip, Savour & Support tasting event fundraiser for the Canuck Autism Network (CAN). 100% of the proceeds from this event will support Canucks Autism

Network programs for families living with autism in the Cowichan Valley. Other signature events include Cowichan Valley CAN Ride (September 28), Chemainus Tastings at the Chemainus Theatre (October 2), CittaSlow Meet Your Maker, Cowichan Bay (October 3), and Savour Downtown Duncan (October 4). Every day of the festival, visit orchards, farms and vineyards to sample ciders, wines, spirits and beer of the region with barrel tastings, tours and new releases. Participate behind the scenes; meet master winemakers, cider makers, brewmasters and the sommeliers who love them. Indulge your taste buds with seasonal fare at a myriad fine restaurants with special drink and food pairings, winemakers dinners, chef demonstrations, cooking classes and multiple tasting events showcasing the freshest flavours of the Cowichan Valley produced by the region’s top chefs.

SERVING COWICHAN VALLEY WINES & ISLAND CRAFT BEERS

Where in the Valley is Hilary? Is he still making cheese? What have he and Patty Abbott been up to?

t’s been an interesting year as Patty and I adjust to life without the busy-ness of our cute-funky retail shop in Cowichan Bay and our quaint Fort Street shop in Victoria.

DAYLINERCAFE.COM

Hilary and Patty Abbott are proud to introduce...

1282 Cherry Cherry Point Point Rd. Rd. Cowichan Bay Cowichan Bay The Creamery at Cheese Pointe Farm @cheesepointfarm

Open 3:00 - 6:00 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday or call 250-715-0563 to book an appointment

It all started a year ago when we choose to downsize and take some much needed time off. Last August, we loaded up our big yellow van (which also serves as a milk truck) with camping gear and headed north not really knowing where we were going. We had never seen Northern British Columbia nor the Yukon. This was our chance to visit our greater backyard and parts of neighbouring Alaska. We hadn’t really camped in the past 15 years, so this was a new adventure and an opportunity to dust off the old camping equipment, tour beautiful British Columbia, visit family and friends and get to know the newest member of our family - a large Leonberger named Heidi. When we returned from our travels in September we decided to continue making cheese, but the way we used to in a simpler more artisan fashion. We re-branded our

company “The Creamery - at Cheese Pointe Farm”. However, everyone still refers to us lovingly as “Hilary’s Cheese Farm”. Here we make all your favourites in both goat and cows milk. Our farm store is open late afternoons Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Mondays. We can often be found at the Duncan, Cedar, Nanaimo and Langford Farmers’ Markets. Alternatively, you can call ahead to book an appointment. We look forward to showing you what we’ve been up to and where and how we make cheese. Please look for our products at our farm store or local Farmers’ Markets. In Victoria we are pleased to have our products available at The Little Cheese Shop on Fort Street. Please join us at the 2014 Wine & Culinary Festival on the Barge or at our farm. This is bound to be another great Cowichan event. We look forward to seeing you then. Submitted by Hilary Abbott.

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

Branding Cowichan’s Wine Region, With New Bubbles at Unsworth

reshness is key when it comes to Prosecco; a trait that distinguishes this Italian bubbly from Champagne and other quality sparkling wines. The process of producing Prosecco involves a secondary fermentation in a pressure tank - this process known as Method Charmat. The wine will resemble Champagne, but the result is a lively beverage often tasting of pear, green apple and citrus, meant to be consumed within one year of bottling. Unsworth Vineyards, the most recent winery to open in Cowichan (2011), has invested in the equipment necessary to produce the Method Charmat wines, which are now officially coined Charme De L’île, on Vancouver Island. Leading the collective branding effort is Daniel Cosman, winemaker at Unsworth Vineyards, and Andy Johnson, owner and operator of Averill Creek Vineyards. “Bringing Method Charmat to the island is a way for affordable and high quality sparkling wine to become available to Vancouver Island,” says Sarah Cosman, General Manager at Unsworth Vineyards. “Traditional method sparkling wines from Vancouver Island have captured a lot of

attention; we now hope to keep that attention by introducing Charmat Method wines - not only in quality but with a regional brand.” Unsworth Vineyard’s Charme De L’ile uses a base of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Epicure, and Amiel, which will be released for the very first time on September 27th at the “Unofficial After Party” of the Sip, Savour, & Support event on the barge in Mill Bay. The After Party starts at 6pm and offers full glasses of Unsworth’s Charme De L’ile, canapés made by Steve Elskens - Restaurant Chef at Unsworth, and live music that will take you into the night. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at their website, www.unsworthvineyards.com, or at their wine shop or restaurant at 2915 Cameron-Taggart Road in Mill Bay.

Pick ups: Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Mill Bay, all area marinas, hotels, B&Bs, Cowichan Visitor Centre

Cowichan Savour Festival tours daily

• Guided tours to valley wineries and all Cowichan attractions • 18 passenger bus with driver and guide • Special events & custom tours • Wedding transport/stagettes

CHEERS COWICHAN TOURS

cheerscowichan.com 250-710-7391

are now supporting the Canadian Cancer Society and will donate $10 from every Tempranillo sold. Our passion is to make a bold red wine that is true to the region. It takes work to make this wine. Enjoy the hard work, dedication + passion. This wine will have characteristic flavours of plum cherry and strawberry with that earthy minerality that is so much a part of our region. Cheers! Suggested pairings: Tapas, Paella, Filet Mignon, Gruyere and Blue Cheese, Fruits such as strawberry, apple and banana.

ROCKY CREEK WINERY JOSE’S TEMPRANILLO $50 – RARE only 200 bottles! Only available at the winery. Silver Medal: Northwest Wine Summit. Because José passed away from cancer and never got to see his grapes harvested into this wine, we feel that we also need to give back. This story has been touched by cancer, so we

MERRIDALE CIDERWORKS MONARCH CIDER, $6.25 To celebrate our 25th year of making craft cider, we crown this cider “monarch” - the champagne of cider! It’s dry, bubbly, and created from a balanced blend of full bodied cider apples. Worthy of royalty, but perfect for everyday celebrations. Large enough to share, but we think you won’t want to! Pairs well with pork dishes or other salty meats.

LOCAL

BLUE GROUSE ESTATE ORTEGA $19 Ortega is a cross of Siegerrebe and MullerThürgau; it is one of the most planted grapes on Vancouver Island. The grapes for this wine are grown entirely on our Estate and are a reflection of the warm Cowichan Valley summers. Lean and steely, with crisp, citrus herbed fruit, bitterkissed wildflowers anise and stone. Nice orange pith on the finish. Food Pairings: Cowichan Bay spot prawns, oysters, halibut and any soft, young local cheeses. SALT SPRING WINERY AROMATA $21.90 Delightful dry, fruity, refreshing white wine produced from BC coastal grapes (Gewürztraminer,Sch onburger,Ortega). Pairs with crab,mussels in light curry sauce and especially well with Thai food.

September Hours 7 Days A Week 10 am to 6pm

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

Whitefish Cakes (fritters)

Great for leftovers, or start with fresh fish, most whitefish will work but I prefer sole or halibut. Feel free to mix and match.

Amount 300g 1 tbsp 1/4 2 150gr 1/4tsp 1 tsp 1

Ingredients

Fish (skinned and boned) Lemon Vinaigrette to coat meat* Onion, small diced Garlic cloves, sliced mashed potatoes, cooled chili flakes fresh parsley, chopped Lemon (zest only) Olive Oil *Lemon vinaigrette = 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. (Leftover ﬁsh may be used)

Cowichan Bay Seafoods

If you are using fresh fish, bake in foil with lemon vinaigrette, onions and garlic at 350F for 20min, or until cooked through. Gently cook onion and garlic in olive oil on low-med heat until aromatic, set aside to cool. Toss onion mixture with cooked fish and lemon vinaigrette. For leftovers, gently cook onions and garlic in olive oil on low-med heat until aromatic, set aside to cool then toss with fish. Combine fish/onion mixture with mashed potatoes, chili flakes, lemon zest and fresh chopped parsley. Form by hand into 1/4lb cakes or 1-2oz fritters. Coat bottom of pan in oil, heat on med high and add cakes, brown on one side and then turn over. The cakes should be heated through when both sides are brown. Serve with a salad for a nice light lunch and use leftover lemon vinaigrette as salad dressing!

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

picks UNSWORTH VINEYARDS OVATION $21.40 Rich, smooth and balanced, this port style wine is a blend of several years of Unsworth’s estate grown Marechal Foch. Perfect on its own or as an accompaniment to savoury pâtés, blue cheese and delectable but not too sweet desserts such as fruit tarts, cheesecakes and shortbreads. DAMALI RHUBÉ LAVANDE $21 Gold medal, All Canadian Wine Competition, Silver medal North West Wine Summit, Bronze medal, Finger Lake International Wine Competition. Rhubé Lavande is a blend of 80% Cowichan Valley rhubarb and 20% pinot gris with a subtle hint of lavender. The natural tartness associated with rhubarb is beautifully balanced and presented in an off dry style. Rhubé excites the palate and in addition to pairing with spicy foods is a great accompaniment to turkey and other poultry dishes. CHERRY POINT ESTATE WINERY LÁGRIMAS NEGRAS, $28 (means Black Tears in Spanish) Crafted from the best performing blocks of the Castell and Agria varieties. Here you will find the finest expression of our land, along with the flavours of the Cowichan Valley and, most important, our terroir. Aged in Old French Oak for 18 months, giving the wine a velvety texture, cherry aroma and hints of plum and raspberry, it pairs well with red meat, close friendships and hearty conversation.

SILVERSIDE FARM & WINERY TAYBERRY WINE $20 Tayberry wine has a unique bold and taste similar to a loganberry flavour. It is fantastic with Curry ~ or with a salty feta cheese on a spring green salad. Delicious with most cheeses and is a natural pairing with a pork tenderloin or pulled pork dish.Great choice for holiday dinners, as it has a tartness that pairs nicely with Turkey. Savour our berry flavours.

AVERILL CREEK VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2010, $26 This silky medium bodied red is expressive and alluring on the nose with layered aromas of roses, cherries, white pepper, and tobacco leaf. On the palate, bright red berry flavors mingle with delicate clove spice, earthy minerality, and soft tannins to finish with length and finesse. Delightful alongside cedar plank salmon, seared duck breast, or wild mushroom risotto. DOMAINE JASMIN 2013 PINOT GRIS, $19 Made from grapes grown organically on the estate on Thetis Island. The wine was hand-made in the gravity flow winery using a classical aromatic method from grapes that were harvested after the longest possible hang time.....Soft acidity rooted with spicy tannins provides the backbone of this blush, berry to stone fruit flavoured wine, which is excellent as a sipper or served with seafood.

Eat, Drink and Support Local

ZANATTA DAMASCO, $17.15 We kick off harvest with our Madeleine x Sylvaner. Following the Madeleine x Sylvaner harvest is always the Ortega grape and then our Muscat grape, and these are the 3 dominant flavours of Damasco. If you don’t already know this wine, it is slightly effervescent, has a fruity bouquet and an elegant crisp acid. AMPERSAND GIN, $38 Juniper forward followed by citrus and a hint of spice. Great as an aperitif or in cocktails. Made locally in the Cowichan Valley.

Looking for A Whiskey Adventure?

o you have an acute sense of curiosity? An appetite to enjoy and learn about the finer things in life? Our budding interest in distilling began on a trip to France. After years of research, we opened our own distillery in 2007, and began distilling a wide array of products. With whisky on the list, we found an organic barley mash from a craft brewer. We left the whisky to mature in French oak for 5 years.

the bottle strength. Receiving samples of 3 proposed finished By 2012 our efforts in the strengths at 40, distillery were 44 and 48%, It is not just a single on brandys guests can malt. It is a single malt, customize to made from single barrel, single local apples, their particular release whiskey. pears and palette. As blackberries, there will be so although we less than 30 loved the whisky, we decided cases made, ever - this is the it would not be part of our perfect opportunity for those product line up. Knowing we wanting to add something would only have this one barrel different to their whisky to play with, we decided to do collection. The evening something no one else could finishes with a feast benefitting do. We moved the whisky into the occasion– a dinner of a 5 year old Cowichan Cider roast pig and fresh harvest Brandy barrel. The result is a vegetables from the Cowichan very distinctive whisky with a Valley. merridale finish. It is one of the One last thing to mention, we smoothest 7 year old whiskys called it Whisky Jacks in loving that we think most will ever memory of our fathers and drink. It is not just a single grandfathers. All named Jack. malt. It is a single malt, single All enjoyed whisky. So our barrel, single release whisky. first and last barrel is for the This is a rare opportunity for Jacks in our lives. one night only. Jack’s Whisky Club Private Join us in the distillery with Reserve event, October 3rd, whisky samples and hors 6pm, 1230 merridale road, d’oeuvres. Guests will learn cobble hill, Reservations about the reduction process Recommended 250.743.4293 and why our slow chilled batch – we are certain to sell out. methods make a difference Tickets $49 for the whisky to the smoothness. Then it adventure, sampling, and feast. will be time to decide upon www.merridalecider.com

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

Perfect Pairing

s the hot humid nights gently transition to September’s refreshing breezy eves our appetites re emerge and cravings for flavourful rich cuisine grows as we enthusiastically welcome the bounties of the Cowichan Valley’s harvest. Our farmers are tirelessly harvesting, foragers are treading lightly through quiet nooks and shadows with well trained eyes as they search out the delicate fungi that appears. Vinters are poised with anticipation, their scientific instruments at hand and a watchful eye on the daily forecast as their fruit burst into maturity. The Cowichan Valley is blessed with an incredible aray of locally grown and produced wine boasting a spectrum of grape varietals and even more distinct characteristics specific to the ground the vines root deep in. Now that I have you craving rich, flavourful, locally sourced cuisine and thirsty to try the many carefully crafted local wines we are ready to talk about perfect pairings. Food and Wine that is. Of Course!

Four tips to consider when pairing food & wine 1.Consider Weight. It is always best to match light bodied wine with light food and rich/heavy food with full bodied wine. 2 Consider Acidity. With acidity you can pair your wine in two different ways, one way is to allow acidity to refresh and cleanse your palate as it counterbalances sweetness, oiliness, creaminess or fattiness, or your can provide balance to a dish high in acidity by pairing a wine with an even highter level of acidity. 3.Consider sweetness. It is awlays best to try and match the sweetness of the wine to be equal to or greater than the sweetness of the dish. 4.Complexity and Quality. When pairing a wine you want to allow for only one star. If the wine is complex, the food should reamin simple, or vica versa. However, you should always match quality as both should be equal.

WE BUILD HOMES FOR LIFE What is a perfect pairing? When it comes to food and wine there is always a subjective side but in almost every circumtance there are some ground rules and tips to follow. Hudson’s On First will host Perfect Pairings - Several different Cowichan Valleys wines will be showcased amongst a unique five course dinner prepared by Chef Daniel Hudson.

a minimum of (ten) different Cowichan Valley wines from different vineyards, varietals and vintages as we pair two side by side with each course. This dinner will wrap up the Savour Cowichan Festival on Saturday October 4th. Resservations recommended. A Hudson. Food and Drink at Hudson’s On First is what I do and love

This is your opportunity to try

For full design/build service, give us a call

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



David Coulson - Straight To The Heart Of Kitchen Design

his month I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Coulson to talk about pie baking (he is a pro), secrets to good gravy (coffee) and kitchen designs. As we discuss the design features of the Coulson’s beautiful heritage kitchen, David’s wife Ulla is finishing off a batch of jam with her trusty assistant, their young grandson. “When it comes to home renovations my number-one rule is kitchen first,” David exclaims. “It is the most important room of the house.” We are not talking about importance for re-sale value; we are talking about the kitchen being the place where the heart of the family will beat. “This is where you will see your family and children grow. It is where you will see their projects, meet their friends and hear their headaches and heartaches.” “If you can make as generous a space as possible, then your kitchen will be both welcoming and inclusive.” David achieves this in his own home by opening up doorways and adding more light through both a conservatory and additional skylights. Warmth is established by bringing in colorful, but complimentary colors, one point five inch thick butchers-block wood counters and repurposed leaded windows for display cabinets. My favorite

addition is the custom-designed, wood-surround refrigerator, with retro-style reeded glass.

Designer David Coulson at Home

David’s advice when thinking about a new kitchen is to design the space as efficiently as possible. There is nothing that can be described as “dead space” in the kitchens designed by David Coulson Design Ltd. Composters, neatly embedded on countertops, wine chillers fitted under the back wall of the kitchen bar and sleek, Blumotion pull-out corner drawers, eliminating the need to ever put your head in a cabinet or wave your arms frantically for missing container lids again. Spend your money wisely and you can make savings. “Don’t cheap out on cabinetry,” warns David. “For just 10% more in price you can have cabinets made from solid Canadian, natural, birch wood. There are no harmful chemicals in this material and instead of the typical 5-year life span, these are built for a lifetime.” It is sadly time to leave the Coulson home, but as I turn to go, I see the family chatting and laughing around the central island, batch of jam ready. It is just as a kitchen should be. Caroline Storie Writes, draws and stitches In a land called My Noisy Boys Designs

Zak Stolk Violin Maker

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

Have you tried the Pate?

“It’s fresher from here”

Hunter Style Chicken

Recipe Courtesy Chef Steve Steve Elskens, Unsworth Vineyards Restaurant Ingredients Amount Island Farmhouse Poultry Chicken pieces Dried Porcini Extra virgin olive oil crimini mushrooms, trimmed and quatered sweet vermouth chopped white onions carrot, peeled & greated chopped ripe plum tomatoes tomato paste red pepper flakes dry red wine chopped fresh herbs (thyme, savory & flat leaf parsley) Kosher Salt

3 lbs

1 Cup 8 oz ¼ Cup 2 Cups 1 small 3 Cups 1 tbsp Pinch 1 Cup 3 tbsp To Taste

Method

1. Heat oven to 325 2. Arrange the chicken pieces on platter and pat dry – season with salt & pepper 3.Cover porcini with 1 Cup boiling water and let steep until soft 4.Remove mushrooms and finely chop – strain liquid through a coffee filter and set aside 5. Heat olive oil over medium in a heavy oven proof pot and brown chicken in batches – pour off almost all of remaining fat 6. Add cremini mushrooms to pot to brown, add chopped porcini and vermouth and cook until liquid has evaporatedremove and set aside 7. Add chopped onion, salt and more oil if necessary and cook until soft. Add the carrot, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, wine & reserved mushroom liquid. Stir and bring to simmer. 8. Add chopped herbs and mushrooms stirring well. Adjust seasoning. Add chicken pieces to top cover and transfer to oven. Cook at least 1 hour or more until chicken is falling apart tender and sauce is thick and reduced.

ight years ago Bradford opened highly rated Zagat Amusè in Shawnigan Lake with a brief stop at Unsworth Vineyards, Amusè is now located at Cherry Point Vineyard. With training from prestigious New York city’s Culinary Institute of America Brad has elevated the standards of fine dining in the Valley since opening in 2006. “I have always had a love for the art of Charcuterie it was one of my favourite classes when I was in culinary school” Brad says when asked about his delicious Amusè pate which has been on their menu since the beginning. “The ingredients do change from season to season slightly, I guess the key ingredients I would say in the method are the liver and of course butter. Look for the Chanterelle pate this fall.” Diners at the restaurant will find it on the menu served with a variety of house cured meats, sausages, bacon, terrines, beer mustard and house chutneys. For

those looking to pick pate up for home, you can buy direct from the restaurant or just announced! - readers will be able to pick up their own Amusè charcuterie items at their new store Cure, an Artesian Meat and Cheese shop opening in October in Valley View Centre. Inspired by customers who repeatedly requested their fine gourmet products for dining at home, the Boisverts decided a shop was the most natural solution. Tips for serving Bradford’s pate: Serve pate chilled to slight room temperature with a sweet and tangy condiment like our red onion jam and some good crispy crackers or bread. A wine with a bit of acidity is nice to cut thru the fatty richness. Sample some on the barge at Savour Cowichan, Saturday September 26 & 27. www.amuseonthevineyard.com www.savourcowichan.com

VISIT US AT BARGE ON IN! September 26 6-9pm Mill Bay Marina

1615 Koksilah Road Cowichan Bay BC 250-746-6163 • www.farmhousepoultry.ca

Chicken available from Country Grocer, 49th Parallel, Duncan Butcher, Chemainus Foods, Crofton Foods and Thrifty Foods

Downtown Duncan: A culinary journey for your palate By Ana Francisco & Laura Nessman

he Cowichan Valley region is a culinary destination and Downtown Duncan is home to many of the fantastic restaurants and cafes in the area! Come Downtown and experience it yourself! The variety of options available is truly incredible – there is something for every palate. JIMgerbread Café is conveniently located on Canada Avenue right across from Charles Hoey Park, the train station, and the main Downtown bus stop. This café is full of charm and the service is great! Favourites include their famous Gingerbread cookies, and daily soups and sandwiches. This is an ideal spot for lunch. The Twisted Mug Café offers certified organic fair trade coffee. They make excellent espresso, lattes, specialty drinks and smoothies. Try their panini

Power Lunch on Canada Avenue

sandwiches and enjoy their free WiFi. Look for the Twisted Mug on the Passport to Dine during Savour Downtown Duncan!

authentic Thai food made by a real Thai chef. Favourites include their Noodle

Chari-Teas was started to support children in need. Located on Craig Street in City Square, Chari-Teas offers a wide selection of teas and tea paraphernalia. Favourite brews include their Three Flower Burst, Chocolate Coconut Chai, and Yerba Mate. Sai’s Place Spice Café on Station Street offers delicious, fresh,

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

Jimgerbread Cafe on Canada Avenue

Salad Bowl, Bangkok Pad Thai and their ever-changing Curry of the Day. The Crepevine on Jubilee Street is open for breakfast and lunch. Try their incredible crepes. They have gluten-free options too! Dine inside or at one of their outdoor tables. Head in to the Crepevine during the Savour Cowichan festival and collect a sticker for your Passport to Dine! Craig Street Brew Pub is well known for its local house-made food and fresh hand crafted brews. Did you know they offer a complimentary shuttle service on Fridays and Saturdays? The Duncan Garage Café and Bakery’s menu is full of creative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Head over to the Duncan Garage building for breakfast or lunch. Sandwiches, salads, pizza, quiche, wraps, soups, rice bowls, casseroles … the list goes on and on! Come to Downtown Duncan and experience (and taste!) all we have to offer!

SAVOUR

Downtown Duncan Saturday, October 4 The Savour Cowichan festival will be held September 26 to October 5 throughout the Cowichan region. This festival is a celebration of food, drink and farms in the Cowichan Valley. On Saturday, October 4, come and Savour Downtown Duncan as the merchants of Downtown showcase what they have to offer to the culinary scene. Come shop, eat and play Downtown! Participate in Downtown Duncan’s Passport to Dine over the course of the entire Savour Cowichan festival. Dine at Downtown eateries listed in the Passport to collect stickers and become eligible for excellent draw prizes! Passports will be made available at participating businesses as well as online mid-September. Watch for more details on our website, www.downtownduncan. ca, and on our Downtown Duncan Facebook page.

Soups • Stews • Croissants • Crepes & more!

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Step Through “The Royal Doorway”

our first glimpse of the Royal Dar is sure to convince that you are about to embark upon a memorable culinary experience. Duncan’s authentic, high-quality Indian restaurant on Third Street is a true Downtown gem. Set in a beautifully restored heritage house, the Royal Dar provides Downtown Duncan with the opportunity to enjoy the tastes of India. Family-owned by Kam and Gurb Gill, the Royal Dar first opened in 2004 in Ladysmith. It was here that their menu took shape with the help of their chefs from northern India. The restaurant then moved to Duncan in May 2012 into a heritage building dating back to 1908. This building, now over 105 years old, has been home to several Duncan families over its lifetime. When Kam and Gurb moved in, they restored the building while keeping the original structure beautifully intact. Dining at the Royal Dar is a unique experience. Visitors love the atmosphere, as

they say it feels like they are enjoying a meal in someone’s home, rather than in a restaurant. Providing a memorable dining experience is high on Kam and Gurb’s priority list, and the restaurant’s setting plays a key role. The Royal Dar’s menu is sure to make your mouth water just reading it! Everything on it is made from scratch. Enjoy Pakoras, Dahl, Tikka Masala, Samosas, Butter Chicken, and Curries. You will find all your Indian cuisine favourites, plus dishes you may have never thought to try! Don’t forget to pair you meal with a local wine from their extensive list. The Royal Dar prides itself in offering excellent, authentic Indian dishes in a friendly and comfortable environment. The Royal Dar is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch (11:30 am – 2:30 pm) and dinner (5:00 pm – closing). Hope to see you through “The Royal Doorway”! Card readings available – call for more details and to book a time (250-597-1483).

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

Power up Your Day at Power Lunch

ower Lunch Café, located on Canada Avenue, is the ideal stop for your coffee pick-me-up, a breakfast to fuel your day, a snack between appointments, or lunch with a friend. With generous portions, great prices, and friendly service, you are sure to be converted into a regular Power Lunch customer in no time! Power Lunch’s current owner, Robin Duke, owned and managed the Quamichan Inn for four years and worked at the Genoa Bay Café for a season, prior to purchasing Power Lunch over three years ago. It is clear that her culinary and business management expertise has served her business well -- under Robin’s ownership, Power Lunch has grown by over 30%! Robin aims to run a café that offers high-quality food, a warm and comfortable atmosphere, friendly service, and of course, great coffee. Power Lunch has weekly features that sure make it challenging to choose which day to pop in! You could be faced with choosing between their Prosciutto and Brie

Sandwich, Citrus Infused Avocado Salad, Carrot Ginger Soup, or their best-selling Chicken Wrap made with oven roasted chicken … good luck with that decision! Power Lunch’s delicious treats baked in-house are perfect to pair with your PEAKS coffee, roasted locally on Norcross Road. If you’re feeling too full after lunch, we advise you to take one to go. You can thank us later! The Power Lunch team also offers catering services. They have catered lunches for groups as few as four people to as many as 150! Big or small, they can do it all. When asked if she was willing to share one of her favourite recipes, Robin explained that her and her team do not use recipes very often, but instead store them in their heads. Plus, the really good recipes are a secret! You’ll have to head into Power Lunch yourself to enjoy her fantastic food.

The Valley’s First Gin Distillery

mpersand Distilling Company is the latest venture from the folks at SOL Farm. Stephen and Jeremy Schacht are a father and son team who pooled their experience, knowledge, and ingenuity to build an incredible craft distillery right here in the valley. Trained engineers with an ability to design and build virtually anything they could imagine, their combined forces have created a distillery capable of producing a fine handcrafted gin. Ampersand Distilling Company is founded on the idea of bringing things together - great ingredients, great ideas, and great people. The distillery is one of BC’s new class of Craft Distilleries,

meaning they use BC agricultural goods and traditional techniques to make their spirits from scratch. BC grown organic wheat & organic botanicals combined with pure spring water from their own artisian spring come together in a process that is part science and part art to produce a superior spirit and a sublime sipping experience. Pure spirit extracts the flavour from classic gin botanicals such as juniper, coriander, angelica, lemon and orris, to make a dry gin packed full of flavour. They plan to launch their product at “Savour Cowichan” Sept 26 & 27 but for a preview, you can find them at the Duncan Farmers Market starting the end of August. They are hosting an open house at the distillery September 28. Located at SOL Farm, 4077 Lanchaster Rd. in Duncan, this is a great opportunity to sample their gin and check out their one-of-a-kind custom built stills. Ampersand Gin will also be available at local liquor outlets, bars and restaurants. For more details check the website at www.ampersanddistilling.com.

Let’s Not Forget Our Traditions Traditions are important elements in keeping communities together. Canada is a young country with very young traditions. Just think how young our flag is. Here in the Cowichan Valley the Wine and Culinary Festival, which since 1999 has been bringing our communities together, presenting a wine and culinary experience to all, is an important tradition that must be supported and never forgotten. Fifteen years ago five wineries banded together to launch it under the name Annual Wine Festival in the Cowichan Region: Alderlea, Blue Grouse, Cherry Point, Vigneti Zanatta and Chateau Wolf. Although beginning this year the festival will go under the name of Savour Festival, Cherry Point will continue, for the fifteenth consecutive year, the Wine and Culinary Festival tradition offering the community free Spanish Paella and Sangria as a modest way to thank the community for their continuous support. Xavier Bonilla, Cherry Point Estate Wines

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

The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet Eat More at the Duncan Garage Cafe!

egetarian chef, Susan Minette’s inspiration to own a vegetarian restaurant began in grade 11. She discovered a vegetarian lifestyle through her biology teacher while attending Salt Spring High. Now many decades later, Susan owns the only vegetarian cafe in the Cowichan Valley the Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery. A plant-based diet including plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as whole grains and legumes, is an extremely healthy and beneficial way of eating. This is becoming a well-known fact, as many studies have shown its benefits, particularly for heart health and in preventing various cancers and other disease. A diet that includes many raw vegetables and fruits, has a very cleansing effect on the body, being great for anyone wanting to detox or even lose some weight. Well-balanced vegetarian eating correlates with lower incidence of cancer than in the meat-eating population, as well as with clean arteries, when the diet is higher in vegetable proteins and lower in saturated fats. Vegetarians tend to have lower levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower blood pressure and risk of arteriosclerosis, as a result. This leads to greater longevity and an improved quality overall. Another wonderful cleansing aspect of such a diet is the greater amount of fiber being consumed from the watery fruits and vegetables, and from complex carbohydrates. This helps keep the colon healthy and can improve one’s digestion. When a vegetarian diet is coupled with avoiding harmful substances, such as refined and processed non-foods, this is

Pizza Nights end in September. Thanks for a great season!

especially awesome for your body, mind, and spirit. It is also a more alkanizing way of eating, and provides more vitamins and minerals for your body. Besides benefiting from the good stuff a healthy vegetarian is putting into their mouth, you must consider what is not going in. Typical factory-farmed meat nowadays is loaded with antibiotics and hormones, as is high-scale dairy products and eggs. These are so harmful and unnatural to our bodies, weakening the immune system, and adding many toxins to our already strained and hardworking liver, and stressing all organs. Also, such methods and practices on these large farm operations, are grossly inhumane. The pollution these ‘all about profit’ factories produce is gigantic and contributing much to the world’s problems. If you do consume meat, eggs, and/ or dairy, it is in you and your family’s best interest to purchase and support small-scale organic suppliers(or raise your own). This not only benefits you, but the animals and the planet too! “The health, social and environmental benefits changed my meat eating conditioning instantly. I had also been cooking and baking in local restaurants and well prepared vegetarian food is so delicious.” smiles Susan. A high-fiber, high-complex carbohydrate diet, rich in nutrients from whole grains, legumes, fruits, lots of vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds, can provide all we need. Balance is key, and so is an abundance of these good things that nature has to offer. Variety

is important too- try a new grain you’ve never thought to eat, or cooking different beans. Eat more mineral-rich leafy greens everyday. Eating healthy can be and is fun! If you eat a lot of meat, try cutting back and enjoying more plant-based meals several times a week. Along with daily exercise and doing things that you enjoy, you can feel great! And remember, no matter what you choose, listen to and honour your body and what it is telling you. You can tune into your dietary intuition and discover some answers to some questions you may have regarding your body and what it needs.

satisfying vegetarian fare to be had, at the neighborhood Duncan Garage Cafe and Bakery, where love is the FIRST ingredient to every dish!” says Tina Foster nutritional expert. Susan cooks and bakes delicious vegetarian food using organic and local ingredients. They serve noodle bowls, grain and veggie patties and raw desserts,homemade baking, hearty breakfasts, healthy lunches, specialty coffees and smoothie. Great food using great ingredients.

Submitted by Tina Foster

“There is much wholesome and

Providence Farm Celebrates 35 Years Of Service!

n 1864, the 400 acres on which Providence Farm sits today was purchased by the Sisters of St. Ann. For the next 100 years, the Sisters operated a school on the site until 1964 when the school’s bell rang for the last time. In the late 1970s a group of people with varied backgrounds and interests got together with the Sisters to discuss building community at the old St. Ann’s school site and farm in Duncan. By July 12, 1979, agreement had been reached to establish a registered charity named the Vancouver Island Providence Community Association (VIPCA), named in the memory of Sister Mary Providence, the founder of the school and programs in Duncan in the 1800s. The goal of VIPCA was, and remains today, to serve the needs and foster the talents of people in the Cowichan Valley, especially of those not easily accepted elsewhere. To commemorate Providence Farm’s 35th anniversary as a non profit association Providence Farm will

be holding an art exhibit launching September 26th with the theme of interpretations of Providence House. Work from community members and local artists in a variety of mediums will be displayed in conjunction with art created by Farm participants. Members of the public are invited to view the showing on either the evening of Friday September 26th during a wine and cheese gala event or during the public open house on Saturday September 27th. Friday evening join us from 7pm until 10pm to enjoy cheese and nibblies as you wander the halls and rooms of the historic 1921 Providence House viewing the art pieces as you go. The evening will include entertainment, guest speakers and beer and wine available to purchase and enjoy. This ticketed event is $20 per person, with only 200 tickets available, and tickets can be purchased at the Farm’s General Store or reception office.

During the day on Saturday the farm invites you to bring the whole family to the Providence Farm’s public open house. Tour the historical Providence House while viewing the art show, take a self-guided historical walking tour of the site, visit the General Store and Nursery Greenhouse or enjoy a fair trade organic coffee and ice cream as you sit back in enjoy the country air. We encourage you to bring a picnic lunch and stay a while. This free

event runs from 10am until 2pm on Saturday, September 27th. We look forward to seeing you at the Farm as we celebrate our 35 years of service in the Cowichan Valley! For more information visit www.providence.bc.ca or to book an interview please contact Anne Burnet, Providence Farm Fund Development Manager at 250-746-8906 or anne@ providence.bc.ca.

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

SAVOUR CHEMAINUS – a feast for the senses Savour Cowichan Festival celebrates Food, Drink & Farms. Chemainus adds music and art to the mix!

By Dee Kinnee, Chemainus Business Improvement Association

Afterwards, attend a preview of Over the River and Through the Woods, a Chemainus Theatre family comedy. Apply your event admission to a theatre ticket – same night only. Or, purchase advance tickets 250-246-9820 or 1-800-565-7866.

SAVOUR CHEMAINUS – taste wine, food, music & art Thu Oct 2, 5:30 to 8pm Chemainus Theatre www.visitchemainus.ca Meet the wine makers of the Cowichan Valley – one sip at a time. Taste the offerings of the region’s best chefs. Listen to mellow music as you view the work of local artists & artisans. Admission at the door only: $5 (ID Required). The first 50 parties will receive a free Chemainiac Goody Bag

Make It A Getaway! Stay at a charming B&B www.cabba.ca Or, Book a Festival Package package at the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn 250-246-4181. The Polka Dot Trail – Chemainus Valley Studio Tour Oct 3 – 5 Drive the scenic, gently winding roads of the Chemainus Valley to visit over a dozen artist and artisan studios. Meet the artists, watch demos and view paintings, pottery, sculpture, fabric & glass art and more www.polkadottrail.com

La Petite Auction House Auction Sunday

September 7 & 21 Auction begins at 1pm

Viewing from 11am to 1pm same day To consign call 250-701-2902 I dawngeddie@gmail.com

9686 Chemainus Road 250-324-4119

Sculptor Daniel Cline Image Ken Paul Odika Restaurant Image Ken Paul

CHEMAINUS THEATRE FESTIVAL • Les Misérables - Epic Musical - Held over to Sep 20 • Gallery Exhibit - Landscapes by Christine Reimer, to Sep 7 • Over the River and Through the Woods- Family Comedy Oct 1 – Nov 8. www.chemainustheatre.ca

This page sponsored by the Chemainus BIA www.visitchemainus.ca ECO CLOTHING Nomads/Maha Devi NATURAL & ORGANIC COSMETICS ORGANIC GROCERIES

Gluten- free Dairy-free Vitamins Supplements Household and more! 9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 Hours Mon-Sat 930-530 • Sun 12-4 Closed Sat holidays

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Wide Mouth Mason

Rifflandia Festival Victoria, BC Rifflandia Festival returns for its 7th year with four days of music featuring over 150 artists at venues all across Victoria. Acts include Death Cab for Cutie, Serena Ryder, Girl Talk, The Airborne Toxic Event, Danny Brown, Zeds Dead, The New Pornographers, Dragonette and so many more. It’s all taking place Thursday, September 11th to Sunday, September 14th. Visit Rifflandia.com for tickets and full event details. See you there! www.rifflandia.com

Wide Mouth Mason Sip, Savour & Support Mill Bay September 27 Wide Mouth Mason is a soul power trio comprised of Shaun Verreault (lead vocals/guitar), Safwan Javed (vocals/ drums) and Gordie Johnson (vocals/ bass). Wide Mouth Mason’s unique approach to jamming has earned them two invitations to the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland (which resulted in the acclaimed 2009 DVD/CD release “Live! Montreux, Switzerland”) and tours with AC/ DC, ZZ Top and The Rolling Stones. They became one of the first North American rock bands to tour China in the 21st century. Previous albums have yielded such hit singles as “Midnight

Rain”, “My Old Self”, “Why”, “Smile” and “Change”. Wide Mouth Mason will be performing live in Mill Bay at Sip, Savour & Support a fundraising tasting event that will showcase 40 local food and drink participants. The event takes place on floating barge at Mill Bay Marina and tickets are limited to 400. Opening for WMM is guitarist Hayley McLean. Acclaimed for her “remarkable guitar chops”, Hayley has recently celebrated being listed #1 of the Hayley McLean

Top 10 Guitar Goddesses by Fender as the notable “Canadian beauty [who] is positively bursting with talent.” The quintessential chick-with-guitar, Hayley (born Hayley Rita McLean) throws a striking and dramatic silhouette on stage while cradling her Fender guitar, cross-referencing Bonnie Raitt roots-vibes with Keith Urban virtuosity. 100% of the proceeds raised at the event goes directly to support autism programs in the Cowichan Valley. Tickets $75 www.canucksautism.com/support

Photo by Darshan Stevens

Listen Globally, Play Locally.

African-rooted community music... for everyone!

Fall

Registration NOW ON!

250-737-1331 info@bopoma.org

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

Image courtesy Darshan Stevens

Community Music For Everyone

s a long-time teacher and lover of African music this is one of my favourite

“If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk with friends.” Ghanaian proverb sayings, because it perfectly sums up the experience I’ve had playing Zimbabwean-style marimba music these past 21 years. Discovering the songs, structures, and culture of the music is a fascinating and never-ending journey. And, marimba music is community music; you need people to play with to bring it to life. Chances are if those people weren’t your friends when you started out, they will be before long! All of us who play marimba are on the journey, enjoying this enlivening and exciting music

that brings us together and enriches our lives and spirits. As Fall approaches we at Bopoma eagerly look forward to gathering together again to continue our journey learning and sharing the music. If you’ve ever enjoyed listening to those big wooden xylophones at the Duncan Farmer’s Market or at events around the Cowichan Valley, and thought it might be fun to try - now is your chance! Bopoma has several classes that begin this month, for all levels from advanced players to those who’ve never played any instrument before. The marimbas are all provided, and are easy to get started on - we’ll be playing a song together by the end of your first class! As the Fall Session progresses we’ll gradually build up your technique and song repertoire. Classes are made up of folks

like you from across the Cowichan Valley (last year’s students ranged in age from 12 to 72!) looking to bring some music and fun into their lives. And for those wanting to just try the marimbas out without committing to a class, we’ll be offering an introductory workshop on Sunday, September 7th - bring a friend and come wail on some wood! Who knows - maybe you’ll end

up joining us on the journey! Ted Wright has been studying and performing the music of Zimbabwe for over twenty years, and is the founder and director of Bopoma Community Music. To get involved or for more information contact him at info@bopoma.org or 250-737-1331.

flower garden. The atmosphere is quiet and tranquil here.

Resthouse Here to Help You Sleep!

he desire to open a business “close to home”, to make available products that we ourselves wanted to own, and to help people discover what they needed to attain a better state of relaxation and sleep....these were the ingredients that have come to define what Resthouse, our new sleep consulting business, located in the heart of Duncan is all about. It is a pleasant walk down a cobbled drive and past a pretty

Sept 5th& 6th

Chris has 17 years sales experience in the mattress industry. I have 23 years experience behind the scenes at the popular Banyen Books in Vancouver. We both knew that much more could be done to bring together information, services and products to help solve sleep issues.This particular health issue was the number one complaint coming from customers seeking help. Chris saw the quality of the mattress industry change dramatically over a 10 year span, from beds that used to last 20 years (remember when you could flip a mattress to prolong its lifespan?) to mattresses loosing their shape sometimes within the first few years. We knew we could throw our hat into the ring and offer up some great quality alternatives and do it while also providing support resources and specialized customer care. At Resthouse you can book a private sleep appointment, where you receive all the time you

need to explore the things you need to improve your quality of sleep. This includes taking an optional sleep survey, being custom fitted for an organic pillow or bed, as well as receive the latest support material to help address any unproductive sleep habits you may be experiencing. We provide a well rounded and wholistic approach to getting rest, relaxation and sleep! We only endorse and carry organic and fair trade products. We feel it is possible to completely transform your bedroom and sleep experience on all levels, while still doing what is right for the environment. It

• Draws and giveaways • Nibbles and summer punches • Mattress and pillow fitting demos

is the way to rest easy...knowing you are making the best choices for your health and well being, while doing what’s right for the planet. We aim to help you find it in a friendly, caring and well informed environment. Resthouse is having our Grand Opening Friday September 5th and Saturday Septenber 6th, 340 Brae Rd. in downtown Duncan. visit www.resthouse.ca for all event details. *Rest house is not a sleep clinic. We don’t address sleep disorders. We direct clients to local sleep clinics if needed

Rest, Relax, Sleep Customizable organic beds, pillows, linens and more

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340 Brae Rd. Downtown Duncan

250-597-REST (7378)

IslandSavings.pdf 1 2014-08-20 9:32 PM

ALTERNATIVE WOODOWORKS CALL 250-701-2771 OR CHECK OUT WWW.ALTERNATIVEWOODWORKS.COM

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

music events Experience A Sound Journey Sound Journeys hail from Vancouver as an improvised musical relaxation experience, created by singer Laurel Murphy, who originally created this form of seamless and ethereal sound work as support for cancer patients. It was so well received that she started to offer sessions to the general public, focusing on deep relaxation and offering a unique musical experience that allows the listener to reconnect with their inner world. After getting comfortable, participants are literally surrounded by sound. A group of experienced singers create live music with singing bowls, atmospheric instruments and the human voice. The musical “landscape” shifts and changes throughout the 45 minute session, yet always remains soothing and grounded. The overall experience produces a deep state of relaxation. This session is ideal for those looking to slow down and experience a place of rest, while enjoying a live improvised musical experience. As part of Resthouse’s grand opening event, 3 complimentary Sound Journey sessions, will be offered on Friday September 5th 1-2 pm, 3-4pm and 7-8:15pm, Mercury Theatre, 331 Brae Rd, Duncan Please call to reserve your space in advance, as spaces are limited to 12 people per session 250-597 REST (7378) www.resthouse.ca

All Jazz Shows $10 unless stated

Sunday, Sept 7 • 2-5 pm Full Moon Quartet

Miles Black(piano), Conn Stewart(saxes), Andrew Janusson (guitar), James McRae (drums)

Sunday, Sept 14 • 2-5pm Sean Drabitt and Friends Sunday, Sept 21• 2-5pm Andrew Janusson and Friends Sunday, Sept 28 2-5pm Dave Lang and the Twin Oughta’s

Lila Music Open House Event Lila Music Centre opened the doors of its Red Cloud Yurt one year ago and is finally ready to have it’s first Grand Open House. We are thrilled to be located so close to downtown Duncan (just up past the hospital on Gibbins Rd), yet we are located on rural land right next to the Cowichan River and the rain forest. We have a working farm, organic garden, and are home to alpacas, chickens and children too! This is truly a unique and wonderful setting to learn, teach and play. This fall we have a brand new line up of talented guest teachers that will be sharing their passions and gifts throughout the season with us here in the Cowichan Valley. At the Open House you can meet and greet these teachers, have a feel for their offerings, register, enjoy a picnic lunch and blanket, and enjoy listening to home grown Cowichan musicians, Tad Ruszel and Miki of One Bright Morning. They will perform at 12pm and again at 2pm as a special treat for you. Registration, Meet and Greet Teachers, and Music Concert, Saturday September 6th, 11am - 3pm, Lila Music Centre, 3228A Gibbins Rd, Duncan, Suggested event donation is $10 - $20 per family. Please bring a picnic lunch. Please see ad for more

1534 Joan Avenue Crofton info, class listing of teachers and times for demonstrations. www.joythroughmusic.com

The Joy of Body Percussion Stomp stomp CLAP! Stomp stomp CLAP! Combine a whole lot of fun, rhythm and playful movement and you get Body Percussion! Did you know that any human body could be turned into a beautiful musical instrument? Well it can be! Music is all around us and in each one of us. The human body is the original instrument... all you need is YOU. Through clapping, snapping, patting, stomping, clicking, tapping and vocalizing, anyone can turn his or her body into a musical drum kit anytime and anywhere. The health benefits are enormous! Its an upbeat way to sharpen your mental and physical precision, improve coordination and balance while connecting joyfully with others. Body percussion playfully brings you into the present where you become part and heart of the music. Karin Lewis teaches body percussion as part of her fun ongoing

drumming programs for schools, weekly specialized classes and private lessons for children and adults throughout Vancouver Island. Come try a free introduction to Hand Drumming & Body Percussion at Lila Music Studio’s Open House on September 6, 11:30am - 12pm, 3228A Gibbins Rd, Duncan (by donation). Weekly classes begin September 9th. To register call 778-356-4448. Musicians young and old in the Cowichan Valley who play a string instrument can perform in the valley’s own orchestra, The Cowichan Consort. We are a mix of semiprofessional, retired professionals, amateurs, and students. If you like to sing, there is a choir with the orchestra as well. All voices are welcome, especially men. New Wind players can join as well when a seat becomes empty. This fall’s 2014-15 Season begins in October with an all Beethoven Concert, December “Christmas from Britain” featuring music from Vaughan Williams, Handel, the hugely popular The Snowman with Bench El. School Choir, March is “Music from Scandinavia” and our annual Youth Concerto Winner, and Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah in May. The choir will perform in the Dec. and May concerts. Please visit our website cowichanconsort.com for our history over the past 23 years, events, past soloists and music performed, photos, etc. The orchestra rehearses Monday evenings (starting Sept 8) and Choir on Wednesdays (Sept 10) at Sylvan United Church in Mill Bay. Car pooling can be arranged. Please call Robert Fox for more info on “chairs” in the orchestra 250-748-8982.

Cowichan Consort Invites Musicians

JUST DUETS is Andrea Smith and Dave Lidstone, wonderful vocal harmonies with solid guitar accompaniment. Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse, Saturday Sept13 Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St. Doors 7 pm/Open Stage 7:30 pm.Admission $10/$5 for CFG members.

Lila Music Centre

3228A GIBBINS RD, DUNCAN

250 701 0978

THINKING OF ADDING MUSIC AND MOVEMENT TO YOUR LIVES? Come to the Open House!

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, SEPT 6 11am - 3pm

GUEST CONCERTS -12:30 and 2pm One Bright Morning (Tad & Miki)

Try a DEMO CLASS with teachers Check website for details of day. UNIQUE MUSIC CLASSES & MORE

For The Whole Family!

Cello - Corbin Keep Children Creative Dance and Yoga (ages 3-5)- Paulina Kee Chant - Barbara Slater Drumming - Karin Lewis Guitar - Massimo Pintus Violin - Richard Moody Yoga & 5 Rhythms - Chantell Foss Parent & Child Music & Movement Voice, Choirs, Threshold Choir, Vocal Improv- Cari Burdett Intuitive Pedagogy

Call for Singers!

ONE WORLD CHOIR SEPT 10, 17, 24 6pm-7:30pm For ONE WORLD FESTIVAL - OCT 18

Sliding scale $70-$105 for 7 Sessions

www.joythroughmusic.com *All classes sliding scale. No one turned away due to lack of funds.

EYE ON Shawnigan S

hawnigan Scarecrow Trail will be running from September 1 to 21. Preparation has begun with people encouraged to participate by registering ($10 fee) creating and displaying a scarecrow in Shawnigan. Once the scarecrows are complete, they are put on a map for enthusiastic folks to locate and vote on their favourite. All the registration money collected goes to the charity chosen by the winner. Over $500 has been donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and CV Food Bank by previous winners.

Shawnigan Scarecrow Trail September 1 - 21st Join in with a scarecrow or vote for your favourite! Organic gardening Design Installation Maintenance

CedarCoast GardenScapes

Sylvia Carruthers 2810 Gregory Rd cell (250) 710-2689 cedarcoastgardenscapes@shaw.ca

The trail has turned out to be a great annual event, with families and friends taking a Annual Scarecrow Trail is Fun For day to explore Shawnigan and find their favourite scarecrow. The Whole Family! We have seen a family gearing up on their bikes with map Shawnigan has to offer. in hand to find the scarecrows. With such Maps and ballots are available at Masons a variety to choose from, a final decision Store, Inspire Gallery and the Village can be hard to make. It has also been a Chippery. Simply pick up a map, take a tour way for businesses to show off their wares of the Scarecrow Trail and vote for your and encourages people to look past their favourite. The winner will be announced scarecrow. For many of the businesses at Inspire Gallery on Sept. 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the participating, it has created new customers International Day of Peace. You can bring as the voters take time to explore the gems a t-shirt to get tie dyed by donation to the gallery. It is International Day of Peace, and nothing says peace like a refurbished tiedyed shirt!

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

For more information and to see previous contenders and winners visit www.scarecrowtrail.ca To join in with a scarecrow contact patty@scarecrowtrail.ca.

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Artists In The Orchards

Island Invitational: Clay,Paint,Metal Four Valley artists, Bernadette McCormack, Coco Jones, Mimi Roy, Susan Whitham and Judy Weeden from Salt Spring Island will be showing south of the Malahat at Coast Collective Gallery. A spiritual richness is present in the current works of these 5 fabulous local artists. Each brings her special connection to our stunning area into her work. Interpreting the spiritual in diverse mediums will give this show depth and weight. Come meet the artists and see the new works at the show opening on Saturday, September 13th, 1-5 pm Coast Collective Gallery, 3221 Heatherbell Road, Colwood. Show runs September 10 - 21st. www.coastcollective.com

Merridale Cidery will host painters, potters, woodcarvers and more showcasing some of the locally grown talent that the Cowichan Valley is renowned for. Cowichan Valley Artisans that will be in attendance: Painter, Cheryl Painter uses escapades with her family for inspiration. Local parks, various spots in the Lower Mainland, and the BC Interior provide a kaleidoscope of subject matter.Glass artists Jo Ludwig & Peggy Bracket with art glass forms and jewelry. Jo specializes in “ToB” short for Thing of Beauty. Each ToB is a one-of-a-kind art glass vessel that is eye-popping and captivating inside and outside. Furniture designer Karen Trickett. All of her work reflects the fine detail and high quality customary in hand crafted furniture. September 28, 1231 Merridale Rd.

This unique art show will feature works created by local artists as well as

Our Award Winning Face Cream is now available in Courtenay at Edible Island. Find it at the Community Farm Store in Duncan too! Visit us at the Duncan Market, Cedar Market, Chemainus Market, Bastion Square Market & the Nanaimo Downtown Farmer’s Market in September.

botanicbliss.com 250-710-1276

Providence Farm 35th Anniversary Celebrations Art Show Providence Farm participants all themed interpretations of Providence House. Join us to enjoy cheese and nibbles as you wander the halls and rooms of the historic 1921 Providence House viewing the art pieces as you go. The evening will include entertainment, guest speakers and more. Tickets $20 and available at Reception or General Store. September 26, 7pm-10pm For more information email provfarm@providence.bc.ca or call 250 746-4204.

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Inspired by Batiks from Bali, Indonesia

Clare Carver and Sandra Greenaway

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atik is one of Indonesia’s most highly developed art forms. Its origins have been traced to Egypt and the Middle East--about 1500 years ago-but the current process for batik originated in Indonesia. Batik is the process of waxing and dyeing cloth. Once the artist has stamped or drawn the design or motifs on the fabric, he pours on the first dye. The number of colors in batik represents how many times it was immersed in the dye bath and how many times wax had to be applied and removed. When finished, the fabric is put in boiling water to melt the wax off. Inspired by the beauty and vibrant colours of Bali batiks, textile artists Clare Carver and Sandra Greenaway share their love of fabrics. In 2008, Clare went on holiday to Bali and, while there, took a course on batik with a watercolour artist. .”I was hooked!” She started to paint on fabric using the traditional batik method. After much research, she moved on to a water-based resist (instead of wax), exchanged wooden

frames and duct tape for a proper frame, and then to painting with silk dyes. At present Clare is painting pillow covers, wall hangings, scarves and purses. Sandra turns Bali batik sarongs into jackets and scarves. Her garments keep the sarong’s original qualities – easy fitting, graceful drape, fringes and collage of bold colours. Each jacket and scarf is one-ofa-kind, individually handmade Sandra Greenaway

with a style that makes you feel special. A selection of works by Clare and Sandra will be on display at Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs, 251 Craig Street in downtown Duncan from to September 28.

Ongoing Knitting and Weaving Workshops. Drop In and See!

Leola’s Studio 250-597-0820 Whippletree Junction www.leolasstudio.blogspot.com

Attention marketeers! Fallen Olive and Friends invite you to the first annual Make it VINTAGE Affair. We are excited to be hosting this event with vendors who have all found their niches with a surplus of creative juices to flow. Here you will find a range of vintage goods - from up cycled furniture, Make It Vintage Affair vintage finds, jewlery, organic foods, and accoustic music! Maven Creations, Highberry Dew, Ruth And Nelly, Cameo Boutique, Lockheart Collections, Ginger Sheep Creations , Three Little Birds ,Bandit Bags, Taste By Kimm and more! The Make it Vintage Affair will be a beautiful way to start a Saturday market. Hope to see you there! September 20, 11-4 pm, 8012 greendale Rd Lake Cowichan ( Greendale Cabins)

he Waldorf High School aims to present a balanced, enriched education which challenges the mind through rigorous academic courses, nourishes the spirit by unveiling the visual and performing arts, and engages the body with physical and outdoor education, including two camping trips and a ski trip, frequent community service and work experience every year. In my own subject, English, students read and write about mythology, the history of drama, the epics of Homer and Gilgamesh, the story of the English language, the Romantic poets and the medieval romance, the plays of Shakespeare, and the modern poets, novelists and playwrights. In each of the grades, students make illustrated books of essays, stories and poems, working with careful penmanship and calligraphy. These colourful books are treasured for years, imaginatively bound and saved.

Simliar care is taken with the other academic subjects. In history, the focus is on ‘why’ and ‘how’, rather than ‘when’. Great personalities from the past come to life with careful research from multiple sources, and teach their lessons to us once again. A full range of sciences and mathematics is presented, using a phenomenological, discoverybased pedagogy. The illustrated book of essays and experiments is especially well-suited to the Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Astronomy lessons, but the experienced mathematics teacher will also find the pictorial values in Ratio and Proportion, Plane and Solid Geometry, Trigonometry and Algebra. The combination of thought, art and writing reinforces the learning of the lesson material. When we perform our plays, the great works of comic and tragic literature have appeared on the stage: Shaw, Brecht, Shakespeare, Duerrenmatt,

Waldorf Education at Island Oak High School Wilde, and Ionesco. We think the great achievements of human genius and the thoughts of the brightest minds should be the material for our students’ attention. They thrive on these challenges.

curriculum is a carefully designed course of study to develop socially aware, integrated, responsible and creative adults and it covers all 12 years of schooling to age 18. www.islandoak.org

The high school years broaden and deepen the work of earlier years, appealing to the growing intellect, the curiosity and the questioning mind of the 14-18 year old. The full Waldorf

Richard Tibbetts Head of School Island Oak High School mail@islandoak.org

GRADE 8 -12 WALDORF EDUCATION

ISLAND OAK HIGH SCHOOL OFFERS AN EDUCATION WHICH

• Fosters clarity, conviction and freedom of thought

• Teaches artistically and experientially • Models sensitivity and respect for all forms of life • Provides community that nourishes healthy relationships • Contributes to the development of ethical social forms • Embraces all races and creeds • Brings strenghth, new thinking and responsible leadership to our students

For more info 250-701-0400

Email: mail@islandoak.org

Cowichan Valley Arts Council Youth Outreach Program

igh school fine arts students, who wish to become more serious about their art practice, are invited to apply for a 2-year mentoring and portfolio development program sponsored by the Cowichan Valley Arts Council. Application deadline is September 30, 2014. Dedicated portfolio development in the YOP has helped Valley students to: gain admission to theatre schools at both George Brown University and at UVic;

ome and school seem like different worlds, separated by a bus ride and a packed lunch. But for some families in the Cowichan, homeschool erases this boundary and opens up the possibility for a more personalized education and a fulfilling family experience. Our family chose homeschooling when our boy would have gone into kindergarten, but families can start or end homeschooling at any point in the child’s education. While there are

pursue an emerging career in photo journalism; enter arts management studies at the University of Mexico; study at innovative private university, Quest; work and travel with a Hindu guru; attend summer workshops at world-renowned Berklee School of Music in Los Angeles; record and sell a CD of original songs; receive paying commissions, and begin selling works in YOP exhibits. We’re a peer support group of 12-14 passionate artists, 15–17 various homeschool options, we work within the B.C Self Design program. Families are paired with a Learning Consultant and together, work through weekly on-line reports and feedback. If a child is slower in one area, or more advanced, parents can work at a suitable pace. Families are given a modest annual stipend that can be applied to educational programs or materials--books, piano lessons, swimming lessons, art classes, etc. There can be many reasons

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yrs. old, working in one or more mediums across the spectrum of performance, technical, literary and visual arts. We inspire each other to trust and explore our unique creativity, and have the rare opportunity to work with professional artists in their studios. Each year we stage exhibits and performance events, technical and curatorial workshops, and professional critiques. Once a month we meet at PORTALS, in the Island Savings Centre, for stimulating conversation about our current projects, the philosophy of art, and the creative life. Has Wonder Water Woman flashed her dewy blue eyes at you recently in the Square? Or a joyful swirl of flamenco orange danced across your meander through the Saturday market? Have you heard the sweet blue guitar notes of a young singer-songwriter, her powerful voice searching the 39 days of summer? Or have you cooled off with an iced drink at Java World, mesmerized by a young painter’s image of The Joker? All these are the creative results

of students in CVAC’s Youth Outreach Program. “I can say that it really helped her in critical ways to discover that she has abilities hiding in wait, hoping they will be called on . . . and she actually pushed through that shadow and activated the process herself. That was an incredible thing for me – as her parent – to watch.” (Beth Lischeron speaking of daughter YOP student Kate.) Applications forms are available at PORTALS – The Cowichan Valley Arts Council Centre for the Arts, Culture and Heritage in the Island Savings Centre, and on-line at cvartscouncil@shaw. ca. Attention: Wendy Robison, YOP Co-ordinator. CVAC’s Youth Outreach Program is generously funded by the TD Bank through its Youth in the Arts projects.

Wendy Robison CVAC Youth Outreach Program Co-ordinator 250 748-0286

that a family chooses homeschooling: the desire to instill particular values, the need to accommodate special needs, or simply the realization that education can be an extension of home and community life without the need for a separate, institutionalized setting. The most common fear parents’ harbour is of socially awkward kids separated from their peers and slow in math. Far from it, with the right support, homeschool kids develop strong peer relationships and group skills. Homeschool kids are often characterized by an ease with adult interaction and a calm selfconfidence. My own son, Asher, is frequently exposed to “regular” school and understands what it is about, but he appreciates the freedom and independence of our homeschool program. Do we struggle sometimes over math sums and writing practice? Yes, but in the

process, he develops a stronger sense of his own abilities and a greater internal motivation. There’s lots of support for homeschooling in the Cowichan Valley: including parent-led groups, and educational programs that provide some support working through the curriculum. If you are curious, check out the B.C. Homelearners’ Association bchla. bc.ca. Zane Parker, BA, BEd, MRM is a homeschooling parent and leads the Homeschool Learners’ Team at The Hub in Cowichan Station.

Simplicity Parenting: Using the

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

oing back to school in September can be bittersweet, but I love settling back into the predictable routine of fall. While I miss our lazy beach days, autumn always feels like a welcome change from the summer schedule of squeezing in the maximum number of fun outdoor activities. Going back to school (and those countless hurried mornings) can also be daunting for parents. Over the last few years, I have made a great effort to make school mornings more relaxed. I have also tried numerous strategies. When mornings are stressful, it is invariably because I didn’t stick to the plan! When used consistently, I have found the following routines very successful for simplifying mornings. 1. Tomorrow boxes: Kids of every age can benefit

from the ‘tomorrow’ box. If my children want to pick out their own clothes for school, they have to do it the day before. Even socks, underwear and hats go in the box. At our house, this gets done as part of the AfterSchool routine because I learned that choosing outfits at 7pm is cause for great procrastination. Even if you have very young children, you can still use tomorrow boxes – they always save time! 2. The After-School routine: (We use a white board…) • Coats and shoes away properly. • Lunch containers in sink and emptied backpack is put away. • Wash hands. • Fill ‘tomorrow’ boxes. I have younger children, so our after-school routine is simple and I tried to make the checklist

fun (see photo). This system can grow naturally and creatively with your children, and can evolve to incorporate homework, chores, music lessons, etc. The nicest part of using a checklist is that expectations are clear and consistent, so your children can depend on it. If your child wants to play/ ride a bike/call a friend; you can first quietly refer them back to their checklist. 3. Breakfast and Lunch plans. I now use a white board for this too. My kids know (the night before) what breakfast and lunch will be. Predictability is calming for children and I am more organized. The bonus is that meal planning also eliminates a ‘discussion’ about it in the morning, when time is precious.

Back to School Simplified

4. Get yourself ready before your kids wake up. (This one is so obvious and simple, and works so beautifully….if only I could do it every morning!)

Simplicity Parenting founder Kim John Payne once said in a lecture, “Yelling through the house for your kids to do something (while you are busy doing something else) is like yelling at them to do whatever they want.” So true. Getting yourself ready first allows you to stay focused on keeping the kids focused. Good luck and happy Back to School! Linda is a certified Simplicity Parenting Facilitator, living in the Cowichan Valley.

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

September Separations

hether you’re a preschooler or big kid, September usually involves a big transition from the long luxurious days of summer to school, schedules, and routines. That means many of our children are facing separation – not just from their favorite summer activities but also from the most significant people in their lives. Feeling close and connected is a preeminent human need, the most powerful need we seek. The transition to daycare, school or even between Mom and Dad’s houses can be too much for some kids. The threat of not being with those who really matter is too much to bear. Even if they love school, or love Dad’s house, navigating the change into fall rhythms can be tumultuous. Our cultural habit is to push kids into separation, to try and coerce their individuation. We want them to grow up! Be independent! And be able to handle life’s everyday challenges. In fact, the very opposite is usually what’s needed: rather than pushing them to be independent, we need to generously provide for their dependence. The more we try to unhook their desperate, clinging arms and push them teary eyed toward the classroom door, the more they hold on for dear life. They can become so alarmed that they become preoccupied with holding on to us. If we push independence, it only creates insecurity in a child. Instead, we need to take care of their emotional needs so they can be freed up to walk out on their own inspiration. Once they can depend on our warm and generous provision of their needs, they feel the luxury to explore, and become independent. Only

by giving them a strong sense of belonging, of mattering, of being significant, of being loved and being known—not in a piecemeal fashion, but all they need and a little more, will their energy switch from being preoccupied with holding on to us to wanting to walk through the classroom door “all by themselves.” If we do our part well, their own inner springs will naturally take over and encourage them to venture forth to be themselves. On the other hand, if we’re stingy about providing for them emotionally and psychologically, they go to school “hungry” – and more often than not, they look to their peers to fill their dependency needs rather than their teachers. Although this can fool the parents of preschoolers as well as adolescents, they have simply transferred their dependency needs to each other. This can actually arrest the development of true independence and eventually makes it harder for us to parent them, because they are no longer looking to us for direction. We worry that if we indulge their dependence they will never grow up. They are meant to lean on us; it is our job as a parent to provide that. We need to invite their dependence and fill their hunger for contact and closeness so that they experience enough luxury to naturally and spontaneously pursue independence “on their very own.”

Heather Ferguson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and mother of two. heartmatters@shaw.ca

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Authenticity “I just want to be ME!”

hese words are music to my ears. As a counsellor, one of my greatest joys is helping people to live more authentic lives. What gets in the way? Why is it so hard to just be oneself? To understand why we sometimes wear masks, hide our real feelings, and pretend to be something other than who we really are requires entering into the worldview of a child. Children are completely dependent on their parents/ caregivers—for food, shelter, safety, and love. This dependency makes them incredibly vulnerable to losing their connection to their caregivers. At the same time, children are unable to take another person’s perspective. Therefore, if mommy or daddy (or other significant adult) violates the trust in the relationship, children will not blame the adult, they will blame themselves. If these breeches of safety and trust are ongoing, children will

come to believe, “There is something wrong with me. I am unlovable as I am.” By the time we are adults, each of us carries some amount of this woundedness, believing that somehow we are deeply flawed and unworthy of love. This false belief makes it difficult to trust our feelings and desires and instead we look to others to let us know if we are OK as we are. We try to mold ourselves to other peoples’ expectations to gain approval, and in the process, we lose touch with who we really are. The process of reclaiming your truth is a powerful journey. It involves healing the wounds of early relational trauma and reclaiming your right to be here, just as you are. It means being able to speak your mind, trust your gut, and pursue your passions. It means letting your little light shine! Swarn Leung, Registered Clinical Counsellor, works with individuals and couples in her Duncan office.

or the last few years Wendy (age 46) has complained of frequently recurring bladder infections without apparent medical reason. Therefore she received treatment with multiple doses of antibiotics, which helped in the short term, however she continues to suffer from occasional attacks, which leaves herself very frustrated and out of control. Thomas (19) has suffered

periodic sore throats since the age of three. He received medical attention for this over the years. His mother, who had been accompanying him, states that every time he goes on holidays he gets sick. Katherine (31) suffers from irritable bowel syndrome her whole life and has no know underlining allergies. She had a traumatic upbringing and had seen councillors in her youth. She

was okay until a recent acute illness which has reignited her IBS. She tried recommended diets which had worked in the past, but not this time. To compound this, she currently suffers from fatigue, anxiety and depression. Peter (54) has psoriasis and was diagnosed last year with colon cancer. While he was undergoing treatment with chemo, his psoriasis cleared up. Now he is cancer-free, however, his psoriasis returned eight months after completion of his cancer treatment. Margaret is significantly overweight and has tried different diets, spending excessive amounts of money over a period of many years. On a recent visit she admitted that none of the diets provided a lasting result. Might these stories have something in common? A common theme? Do you, or someone close to you have a similar experience? Modern medical doctors and researchers are discovering more connections between physical, emotional, mental, and energetic aspects of human health and how they correlate with each other.

Is it time for a Change? How can the interplay of lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, emotions, mindsets, and bioindividuality contribute and help us in maintaining a state of wellness? Where can different treatment modalities like medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, holistic bodywork, etc., help us in restoring our state of wellness? Intrigued? Come join us for an introductory evening on September 9, 7pm Beverly Medical Clinic 201-2763 Beverly St For info call 250-597-3390. Dr. Joachim Fuchs MD.

September Festival In Cobble Hill

Unique Garden Design Consulting Arborist Pruning Specialists Ecological Restoration Garden-Care

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aturday 13th, September is the date and from 10am to 2pm the time, for St. John’s Annual September Festival at 3295 Cobble Hill Road. New venues at this year’s community event include a Soda Fountain, Ye Olde Coffee Shoppe, Silent Auction, Food Court in front of the church and Kids Korner Store. Guides , Brownies, Scouts, Kerry Park Skating Club, Cobble Hill Fire Department, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and other Community Groups will be in attendance. As always to honour our mandate to REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE there will be the enormous Yard (over 50 tables), Book, Jewellery, Plant, Bake and Clothing Sales. No need to go hungry or thirsty as

there will be hamburgers, the delicious Divine Desserts, coffee, cold drinks and much more. While you shop your young ones can have fun in the Bouncy Castle, playing games, taking part in races, buying treasures at Kid’s Korner and generally having a good time. As usual we shall be supporting local, national and international charities with some of the proceeds, Mark Saturday, 13th September from 10.00am to 2.00pm down on your calendar as a FUN DAY for all the family. For further information phone: 250-743-3095 www.stjohnscobblehill.ca Image above; Browsing the Country Store. Photo Jim McBride

Ick On A Stick

f all the fruiting trees in our region, the humble plum – Prunus domestica is among the most dependable and prolific producers. In addition to their tremendous flavor and sweetness, plums have numerous health benefits; they contain antioxidants in a quantity comparable to blueberries, are a gentle digestive aid, and source of dietary fiber. The success of plums has been largely in part to their robust vigor and comparative resistance to many insect pests and disease, though I am concerned about one fungal perpetrator that I am seeing on Todd Gesshe is a consulting arborist and garden designer www.cascaradesigns. ca

the rise in the Cowichan Valley: the vile Dibotryon morbosum aka. “Black knot” or what I like to call “ick on a stick”. Black knot is a wind-dispersed fungal organism that colonizes the branches and stems of plums (and other Prunus sp.) creating hideous, tumerous swellings not unlike leprosy. There is something about the visual appearance of black knot that offends the very core of my being. It seems unjust that a tree should suffer such an abomination. Infections begin in spring, and light green swellings are detectable early in the summer – this is the best time to prune them out. As the season progresses, the infections enlarge and take on their characteristically nefarious black bumpy texture all the while hi-jacking the plants food supply and reducing plant vigor. In the fall, mature tumors spew their spores in the wind to start new infections. It’s all very sad and gross. To manage black knot, the best strategy is good tree sanitation. Prune out infections as early in the summer as you can. Make your cuts at least 4 inches back from the infection with a clean sterilized pruning saw. If your saw comes in contact with a black knot – sterilize again. All too often, I have seen poor neglected plum trees sitting on properties that are absolutely dripping with the black knot – this is just poor stewardship and unfair to others in the area that might be trying to grow plums. Severely infected trees should be removed from orchards and hedgerows. To dispose of infected wood, I recommend burning the branches in your wood-stove, fireplace or in a large bonfire whilst dancing and cackling maniacally.

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Life on the Farm: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so beautiful here... How does it all get done?

or the past eight years, Damali Lavender Farm and Winery in Cobble Hill has welcomed hundreds of volunteer workers from around the world to assist with the myriad of daily farm jobs. We enjoy the variety of people we attract to the farm, the experiences and stories that we share as we work, and the relationships that are built on learning, real farm life and intentional community. There are three ways volunteers come to the farm: WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), through www. workaway.info (a website connecting hosts like Damali with traveling workers), or a School Internship that is organized with the student and teacher. Our on-line listing is popular (everyone wants to work on a lavender farm!), we screen the applicants for relevant experience and skills, and generally have the schedule somewhat confirmed early in the year. The average stay is 2-3 weeks, although we prefer longer stays which means less retraining.

Damali offers a stimulating and rewarding learning/working opportunity, and in exchange the volunteers assist on the farm for 30 hours a week with projects such as lavender harvesting and bundling, weeding, fruit, veggie and herb harvesting, product making, painting, mulching, planting, wine bottling, garden bed building, mowing, cleaning, more weeding, raking, etc. We provide the volunteers with a comfortable, independent living space with a full kitchen and weekly groceries (plus fresh food from the gardens), and we get together for community farm dinners, celebrating the abundance of the land. We also teach and show the volunteers about the wonders of lavender, wine making, and growing food year-around -- sending the volunteers back out into the world with new skills, experience and knowledge to apply in their own lives. Volunteer programs, plans and schedules have their challenges and sometimes the volunteer farm worker that arrives is not entirely suitable for life on the farm... in this case, we do what we can, realizing that

everyone has their own journey and not everyone is cut out for farm life... everyone gets points for trying it once though! I enjoy telling visitors to the farm about the volunteer work program at Damali, as folks love hearing that the property has been built with international hands representing many countries. The years of journals and recipe books in the Lavender Loft where the volunteers stay, are filled with heart-warming penned memories and appreciation, as well as notes about their experiences for other travellers. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure the owners of Damali would agree that transforming the property from a run-down sheep farm to the beautiful vision that is Damali today, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been possible without the contribution of the volunteer farm workers over the years, for which we are all grateful. Farmess Diana Pink is living her dream growing food as Fresh Start Edibles @ Damali with her wonderful farmer and irrigation specialist husband and partner David. dianaj@shaw.ca

Amelia Kinkade

Peace in the Valley

Learn To Communicate with Animals

e all love our animals and often talk to them like they are our children. But have you ever wondered what your animal is actually thinking or feeling? If you could hear them what would they be saying? I recently attended a workshop in Animal Communication with internationally acclaimed animal psychic, Amelia Kinkade and discovered that an open heart and still mind is the key to animal communication.

In order to connect with the animal we quiet our bodies and minds to a ‘zero point’ and allow ourselves to ‘hear’ from our hearts what the animal wants us to know. You may have to read Amelia’s books (Straight from the Horses’ Mouth is her first book) or take her course to understand and experience this. Amelia was once skeptical as many have been and yet her technique has made the ‘impossible’ possible for us all. Amelia is brilliant of mind and always leads with heart. She teaches that once we still our mind and open our heart, the natural psychic ability that is in each of us is revealed. Amelia is coming to Duncan in September to facilitate a Level 1 Animal Communication Certification course. Should you want to really get to know your dog, cat, horse, bird, or any other animal, visit www. ameliakinkadeevents.com. Submitted by Lesley Young

In these lands there are hands that reach out with love. Kids singing and frog songs ringing in the mist and rain. Our home is a haven, playground of the raven— Deer walk among trees In the evening breeze. Kids’ laughter rings out with a whoop and a shout. At the river, friends splashing; on water cool, sun-flashing. We send out peace. We are lucky ones. We live in a land of tall trees, of salmon, cougar and Canada Geese; a land of quiet and a land of peace. So from Cowichan to Kurdistan, to Mozambique to Mali, to New Zealand, to China, to Argentina and Bali. From this people, from this place, from these voices, from this valley, we send an invisible dove carrying a quiet sound of peace and a shining light of love. The Koksilah Home Learners 2014

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

REEL DEAL: The “Reel Alternatives” folks have made their selections for the upcoming Fall and Winter season beginning with the charming Canadian comedy The Grand Seduction with veteran British actor Brendon Gleeson (he played “Mad-Eye” Moody in the Harry Potter flicks) and Kelowna BC native Taylor ofKitsch (TV’s Friday Night Lights) Sept.22 at 7 pm. Admission is twelve dollars, screenings take place in Cowichan Theatre and all proceeds go to Cowichan Valley Hospice Society. For a complete list of upcoming films check Reel Alternatives Cowichan Valley on Facebook. (All of the features have played at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.)

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

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MAY I HAVE THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE: Thanks to Reel Alternatives Committee chair MaryAnn Deacon here are the volunteer members of RAC past and present (They deserve some credit, too.) They are (in alphabetical order) Diane Branter, Gwyneth Evans, Leanne Forest, Annette Gupton, Janet Hicken, Brian Hosking, Eleanor Jamieson, Mona Kaiser, Louise Ketilson, Allan MacInnes, Jane McAllister, Howard Martin, Maeve Maguire, David Minkow, Kathy Neer, Darlene Taylor, Charles Rowley and Dianne Whetstone. SPEAKING OF COWICHAN VALLEY HOSPICE: Executive director Gretchen Hartley tells me the organization will be training a new group of volunteers this month “and so are looking for people who might wish to be trained to offer compassionate peer support or who might want to support hospice care in other ways”. For more information email cvhospice@shaw.ca or call (250) 701- 4242. And check out their website at www.cowichanvalleyhospice.org

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Lucky Dogs... Carbs and Your Carnivore

ogs are carnivores. This is evidenced by their teeth, their jaw, and their digestion. Dogs are designed to thrive on raw meat and bones, but they do love to eat carbohydrates; and often we don’t give them a choice but to eat carbs when it comes to commercial dog foods, but what’s the harm? Well, carbs are difficult to digest because dogs do not have any of the digestive enzyme (amylase) in their saliva to start the process and very little of the enzyme further along to finish it. Dogs have a short gut without the fermentation system of digestion that we omnivores have, so there isn’t enough time to break open the plant cell walls; dogs don’t have access to the nutrition inside plant cells. Carbohydrates can lower the naturally strong acid levels in the carnivore stomach that are supposed to be highly acidic to kill off parasites and bacteria; carbohydrates can leave you dog susceptible to internal

Carbs end up just coming out the other end as voluminous, soft, and stinky poop. Dogs do not use fiber to keep their intestines clean, they use raw bone to form hard stool that also keeps their anal glands cleared out and feeling fine. Carbs can also cause gas; that alone should convince you to cut way back on the offending food. There are many grain free products coming out for our carnivores, but carbs are also in sweet potato, peas, potato flours, tomato pomace, beets, carrots, and fruits. Even if these items sound healthy, your dog just can’t digest them enough to get at the nutrients, so you’re just paying for more poop. Most carbs are added to dog food to help with processing the product , not because there is any nutritional benefit. Read the ingredient list, or better yet, provide a fresh diet that your dog is designed to consume. Investigate the raw diet and honour your dog’s inner carnivore.

Debbie Wood is currently studying animal naturopathic health and is certified through the American Council of Animal Naturopathy www.luckydogubath.ca

Time To Detox ? Boost your Energy With A Foot Spa

fter all the summer fun, BBQ’s, late nights and hot days it will be back to school, routines and schedules, so time to Detox and Energize. Get your energy charged up again with cleaning out the body from daily and accumulated toxins. We are all exposed to various sources of chemicals, toxins and pollutants on a daily basis.These toxins enter the body through the skin, the lungs and the digestive system. Toxins interfere with your body’s ability to function properly. As they accumulate over time, due to various environmental exposures, over load and not properly being released, the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection increases. This results in a build up of toxins, a stressed system as well as low energy. The benefits of detoxing are improved circulation, acid/ alkaline balance, increase metabolism, improved organ and grandular functioning, as well as more energy.

The Detox Foot Spa system also assists in removing accumulated heavy metals. You will notice a decrease in acidity, benefiting organ and cellular functioning, stress reduction, improved sleep, and an overall feeling of well being. Every BODY and health situation is different as to determine the appropriate amount cleansing and detoxing to improve your energy and health. We offer various ways to detox, balance, and energize, whether you choose Acupuncture, Reflexology, Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared Therapy, Herbal cleansing with exercise, clean water and diet..Fall is the time to detox and clean out the system once again.. Call with any questions or book a consult with one of our Practitioners, your body will thank you. Debbie Shkuratoff Owner/Practitioner Reiki Wellness www.reikiwellness.ca

Neptunes Collecion

Cheryl Painter Yonge For studio visits phone 250.510.7899

cpainterartist.com FB cheryl.painteryonge

heryl Painter was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley and yes - as uncanny as it may seem, “Painter” really is her surname. Her post secondary schooling included an introduction to Fine Arts at the University of Victoria followed by a year at the Victoria College of Art. She later moved to North Vancouver to attend Capilano College where she earned a diploma in Graphic Design. After a successful career in that field, Cheryl quit the business to focus on raising a family. In breaks during that endeavour, she would resume what would ultimately be her career calling - painting. Recently she and her family heeded the call to return to roots on Vancouver Island, specifically The Cowichan Valley. Here, amidst the area’s pristine beauty, she continues to paint and use escapades with her family as inspiration for her works. Some of these can be as rugged as a mountain vista of Mount Tzouhalem, or as delicate as a clutch of local egg shells. A case in point is her four-painting series entitled “Eggsploration” – a wonderful study of blue and brown eggs. Cheryl’s subject matter isn’t just limited to still life. In fact, much of her “oeuvre” includes landscapes, gardens, and unique takes on the things you might

Talking Arts Cheryl Painter Yonge Cowichan Bay Marsh

encounter on beaches, in forests and orchards. The medium that Cheryl works in is acrylic, a water-based alternative to oil paints that offers immediacy and versatility. Once she has her drawing on the canvas, she paints a very loose acrylic ‘watercolor’ foundation. She then glazes and builds the painting, finishing up with layers of thicker opaque paint. One of her trademarks is to allow traces of these layers - bits of the sketch and the wash - to show through in the final product. This creates a lot of light and luminosity in her work allowing it to be very expressive. Cheryl’s next series of works will be inspired by the many adventures she and her family

have been on during our recent hot summer to local swimming holes; beaches, rivers and lakes. Her next showing will be at the “Savour Cowichan Festival” with the Cowichan Valley Artisans in Mill Bay on September 26th and 27th. She will also be appearing at Merridale Estate Cidery on

Sunday September 28th. You can view her works any time online, at www.cpainterartist.com or in person by arranging a visit to her studio. Just give her a call at 250-510-7899. Follow her on Facebook at cheryl.painteryonge.

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Inspired by Nature:

The Art of Healthy Boundaries

ave you ever had the chance to watch horses interact in a balanced herd? If not, I highly recommend the experience! Other than the fascinating dance that determines hierarchy, their capacity to set healthy and clear boundaries is a sight to behold. In fact, a horse that does not understand or accept herd boundaries often ends up covered in bite marks and at times, even hoof prints, indicating the strength and power exerted to make the line as clear as possible. Watching my mare Diva practicing this art, I’m reminded of the truth about boundaries. If applied without malice or anger, in a loving way, they serve as an essential piece to the puzzle of happily living in community while ensuring your needs are understood and met. Boundaries can be a grey area, an aspect of life we would rather have mapped out for us, that we avoid at our own expense, or that feels intensely confusing or even awkward. Because of this, they can become exceedingly foggy if not non-existent. And yet, in our increasingly busy lives, healthy boundaries are an essential for finding a balance, playing Image Christy Greenwood

well with others and creating a truly healthy lifestyle. So, what can horses teach us about the art of setting healthy boundaries? Here are five nuggets of wisdom straight from the horses mouth... 1. Saying “No” is key. Observing horses over the last 25 years, I know that this one tiny powerful word can be the difference between, to put it quite bluntly, life and death. A lead mare relies on her herd’s respect of her “No” to provide effective leadership and safety to its members. As riders, we learn early on that when a thousand pound animal does not regard your “No” as important, things can go very wrong in a hurry. 2. Life is not over after a boundary has been set. Sometimes it can feel like setting a boundary creates conflict. Horses get that boundaries are not personal and a reaction is just that, a reaction. When I first started setting clear boundaries with Diva, she threw a tantrum or two. By staying strong in my boundary, we were able to achieve a new level of coolness in our relationship. In life, things are the same. Sometimes a person might be initially upset by the change in the status quo but life will be so much better because of it! 3. The best boundaries are fair, subtle and crystal clear. Watching horses set boundaries gets really interesting when you see a horse that is trying too hard. They might be bossy, even overtly aggressive in trying to assert themselves. The result? A bunch of horses that don’t really want to hang around them. In order to be truly effective, a boundary needs to be clear, fair and as subtle as possible while still achieving the desired result. You don’t need to yell and scream when a whisper will do the trick just as handily. The best leaders are able to set clear and effective boundaries without really doing much of anything. Their presence says it all. 4. Boundaries actually create freedom rather than limiting it. It is easy to get caught in the trap of not setting boundaries because you don’t want to limit the freedom of yourself or others. In fact, healthy boundaries do quite the opposite. In horses, boundaries serve to keep the herd safe from predators. Expression is encouraged, with the understanding that when the lead mare

Weekly Meditation Thursdays, VIU Cowichan Campus, 7PM, Rm: 210

“Joy is found in our Cowichan Valley through nature and quietude” Nichiren Buddha Society & Peace Center Phone: 250. 710. 7594

“speaks” you listen. In my relationship with Diva, setting boundaries has allowed us to do more cool stuff together. If she was unable to respect my boundaries, it would be impossible to go trail riding or trailer her all over the place without putting us both at risk! 5. Life is just easier with boundaries. Watching our little herd here at Firefly Farm reminds me of this fact every day. When communication is clear there is so much less confusion and everything is more peaceful. These three mares know what works and are unabashed about letting each other know when a line has been crossed. The result. A very happy herd! Isn’t it cool what we can learn from our animals? For more on healthy boundaries be sure to head to alexalinton.com or join Alexa and the herd starting September 18th at FireFly for a 4-Session Series all about recovering this lost art. Alexa Linton and her animals help women find their spark! www.alexalinton.com

A Day of Meditation & Mindfulness Saturday 20th September Info: 250. 710. 7594 www.VIRetreats.com

Giddy Up Cowichan!

he Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association is delighted to bid “happy trails” to summer with our first ever “Round Up” event this September! The Round Up will be held Saturday September 20, 2014 at Avalon Equestrian Centre in Duncan (2442 Herd Road) thanks to the generosity of the Winship family. The day kicks off with a poker ride and continues through the afternoon and evening with a barbeque, beverage gardens, auctions, and entertainment (including dancing to Thor and the Thundercats!). There will be prizes for high hands and incentive gifts for pledgeriders as well as 50/50 tickets and a raffle for a chance to win a pair of tickets anywhere WestJet flies! Attendees are

also welcome to camp the night alongside their horse – talk about a safe “ride” home! The proceeds of this event will benefit the programs of the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA). CTRA provides therapeutic riding and equine-based therapeutic services for persons with disabilities. CTRA’s highly individualized opportunities include riding for therapeutic, recreational, and paracompetitive purposes as well as therapeutic horsemanship and vocational development programs. Approximately 100 participants are welcomed during each of the 6 sessions per year. Horse Camps for children of all abilities are offered during spring break and summer

vacations. The program welcomes participants from all ages 4+, but the majority of the clientele remain children and youth. Fundraising events like the Round Up help CTRA cover the costs of maintaining a large therapy horse herd and equine facility. You can support this event by joining

as a participant (for the full day or just the evening fun), pledging a rider, making a donation, or sponsoring the event. All the information you need is available on our event website at www.ctra.ca/2014-round-up or by calling the office at 250-746-1028. Giddy-up for a good cause!

Ocean EcoVentures

Whales in The Wild A Memorable Experience

re you ready for aweinspiring whale watching memories?

Restore Your Health with

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Diet Therapy

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

Look Who’s In The Lonely Planet!

Ocean Ecoventures Whale Watching tours focus on the southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. Guests will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your eco tour. A small, owner-operated family business, Head Captain and Owner Simon Pidcock has spent his whole life on and around the ocean. He had his first boat at the age of four and grew up in a west coast wooden boat repair yard and spent his younger years sailing, fishing and exploring the waters around Vancouver Island. He has guided over 1200 adventure marine tours and is considered one of the best captains in the whale watching industry. His passion for the ocean and everything that inhabits it shows from the minute you meet him, he truly loves what he does. When not guiding or spending time with family Simon sets off for epic whale searching expeditions offshore of the west coast of Vancouver Island looking for

exotic transient orca whales and other cetaceans sharing his discoveries and images with local and international whale researchers. “We consider our vessel a floating classroom. Our captains/naturalists have a vast amount of knowledge of Vancouver Island’s and the Gulf Islands’ local natural history. As well as the most up to date science regarding our local whales and wildlife. The more we learn about our local ecosystem, the harder we’ll work to protect it.” smiles Simon. Private charters, Corporate Retreats, Marine Photography Safaris, Wine and Whales and Butchart Gardens Whale tours are also available. All guests are provided with appropriate marine gear to stay cozy while viewing. Local whale watching excursions depart twice daily at 12pm and 5pm from the seaside village of Cowichan Bay until September 15th. After the 15th one tour is offered daily at 2pm until mid November. www.oceanecoventures.com

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

Simon Pidcock is Head Captain and owner of Ocean Ecoventures.

Yoga For The Coast Fundraiser Event

alling all yoga lovers! The International Day of Peace is fast approaching and it’s time to gather together! You may remember last year we joined together to practice 108 Sun Salutations for Peace, guided by nine local yoga teachers. People loved experiencing all the different teachers and meeting new yoga friends. This year we will once again feature multiple teachers and create that friendly group vibe. Instead of the Sun Salutations, however, our six teachers will guide you on a seamless yogic journey to inspire peace, unity, and effective action. Our theme is Yoga for the Coast and our intention is to raise consciousness and money for an oil-free coast! The event is by donation ($20 suggested) and all money raised will go to support BC First Nations in their legal challenges against Enbridge. Environmental group Sierra Club BC and RAVEN Trust are helping raise $125,000

for First Nations’ legal challenges following the federal government’s approval of Enbridge Inc.’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline and tankers project (PullTogether.ca). “Yoga is about unity—connecting with our oneness with all things. Mind, body, and spirit are one. We are one with our planet and all its inhabitants. As yogis we feel called to take action when this relationship is threatened, such as with the Enbridge pipeline proposal. We want to lend our support to the leadership of First Nations who are resisting these unsustainable developments,” says Swarn Leung, one of the organizers of the event. Saturday Sept 20, Yoga for the Coast fundraiser, 9:30am-noon, @ THE HUB at Cowichan Station, by donation hosted by the Yogini Collective, for information contact 250-7093744 or check the Peace in the Valley facebook page.

share your ideas for the design of this exciting project that will be a flagship for groups nationwide. Submitted by Rick Juliusson

Seniors Helping Seniors - Cowichan Elder Care Co-operative Do you ever need some help at home and not know where to turn? Someone to fix a broken window, cook you a meal, take you out shopping, help with your meds... Cowichan Elder Care Co-operative is an emerging group of seniors helping their fellow seniors find safe, reliable help. When fully launched in spring of 2015, seniors who become members will have Peace of Mind when accessing services - fellow co-op members who have been carefully screened and constantly evaluated by their fellow seniors members. All interested seniors and care providers are invited to a series of community consultations to learn more about seniors’ needs, affordability and accessibility issues, and how the co-op can best serve your needs. Community meetings will be held in 6 locations around the Cowichan Valley in late September. Please find the meeting near you at: http://www.cecc.coop or call 250-748-2133. The development of this co-op is funded in part by the Government of Canada through its Social Development Partnerships Program and the Vancouver Foundation, as a pilot project for elder care co-ops across Canada. So come

United Way Community Kick-off Pancake Breakfast United Way Cowichan is excited to announce their Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast is set to take place on Saturday, September 13th from 9am to 12pm. New this year; the Kick-Off is moving into the community and will take place at Charles Hoey Park in downtown Duncan, by the train station. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please join us in celebrating the Cowichan community with a big pancake breakfast and entertainment for all ages. “We are bringing our Campaign KickOff event into the community for the first time and we are very excited to celebrate with the people of the Cowichan Valley. Spread the word! Come and join us for some good times, great music, and delicious food on September 13th!” says Tammy Isaachsen, Resource Development Associate with United Way Cowichan. United Way’s annual campaign runs from September through December. All dollars raised by United Way Cowichan stay in the Cowichan region and fund

essential local programs. United Way has three priority areas; Helping Kids Be All That They Can Be, Healthy People and Strong Communities, and From Poverty to Possibility. By identifying our community’s greatest needs, a donation to United Way Cowichan means that your dollars are invested in the areas that need it most in the Cowichan Valley. United Way Cowichan improves lives and builds community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. Since 1969, United Way Cowichan has strengthened the community it serves. Because of the generosity of donors and volunteers, United Way Cowichan is able to fund 16 charities supporting over 45 programs in the Cowichan region this year.

Food and Water Security in The Cowichan Valley Members of the Council of Canadians share many values, including wanting a Canada that is a fair and just place for everyone to live, with a clean and

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healthy environment today and in the future, and where there is the proper balance between the rights of companies and the rights of people. Members who are lucky enough to live in the beautiful and bountiful Cowichan Valley also want to see that our valley remains a wonderful place to live, especially because of the pressure development is putting on our scarce farmland, with changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve rules, and because of the increasing threat of water scarcity, notable this year with our rivers so low. Active members of the Cowichan Valley Chapter of the Council of Canadians meet regularly every month to discuss issues like these, and to come up with ways to bring them to the attention of the public, and to take action on them. We would like to invite you to join us at a special event on October 1st that will focus on food and water in the Cowichan Valley. Our two speakers, Rodger Hunter of the Cowichan Watershed Group, and Dan Ferguson of the Cowichan Agricultural Society, are well known and knowledgeable about conditions in our area. Their presentations will be followed by group discussions and hopefully raise more

COWICHAN FEATURE

awareness of what is required to ensure our valley remains sustainable. We are asking attendees to bring finger food to share, and we will provide coffee, tea and juice. Please come and give voice to your opinions and suggestions.To assist in planning, we would ask that you RSVP to Donna Cameron 250-748-2444 or email CofCevent@gmail.com

also open to the public Thursday to Sunday afternoons. Displays include a touch tank of intertidal creatures, craft activities for children, short films about the estuary, microscopes, a telescope, and a model of the Cowichan Watershed.

Volunteering at the Estuary Centre

Do you want to do something fun, meaningful, interesting, and free now that summer is winding down? The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre offers many different volunteer opportunities, and not just for biologists or naturalists. An information and orientation session for volunteers will be held LISTINGS at the Nature Centre from 9:30 to noon on Saturday, September 20.

Metal Artist Brad Allen MEDDLEART.com

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

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Lynda Allen 250-748-0934 lyndaallentapstudio@shaw.ca Our mission is to inspire, motivate and most of all...to have fun! We offer encouraging, experienced tap dance instruction for beginners to advanced of all ages!

The Nature Centre, in Hecate Park in Cowichan Bay, offers educational programs to schools and other groups, film nights and other public events, and citizen science opportunities. The Nature Centre is

Programs are provided by a professional nature interpreter assisted by volunteer docents. Open hours are staffed entirely by volunteers. Training and support are provided to docents, so no special knowledge is required, just a desire to be helpful. Educational activities are at the heart of what the Nature Centre does, but they can’t happen without plenty of support. Like any building, the Nature Centre needs to be maintained, repaired, and improved. The programs and the building need to be supported by people doing all the things an organization needs: fundraising, promotion, publicity, bookkeeping, management, scheduling, event organizing, and record-keeping. Plus there are unlimited opportunities for volunteers to be creative, designing imaginative displays, signs, programs, and activities. For more information about joining the team at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, or if you want to volunteer but cannot attend the September 20 session, call Meg or Kai at 250-746-0227, email info@cowichanestuary.ca, or visit www.cowichanestuary.ca and fill out a contact form.

Happy 6th Birthday Valley Voice Magazine!

ardha matsyendrasana

have been enjoying Ardha Matsyendrasana, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;half lord of the fishes poseâ&#x20AC;?, named for a curious little fish that overheard the teachings of yoga, who was transformed by Shiva into Matsyendrasana. The pose has many benefits to the physical body, as encouraging a supple, flexible spine in twisting poses in an integral part of a complete yoga practice. With the sit bones deeply rooted, and one heel to the opposite hip, the other foot finds a secure root into the ground by crossing the shin over the lower knee creating a firmly rooted base for the pose. If the lower

knee is injured or feels compromised, the lower leg can be extended with the opposite foot crossing over a straight knee. One takes a deep inhale, which fills the body with breath, naturally lengthening the spine, then exhaling into the twist, pushing the breath out from the belly. At the same time, gather up the upper knee into the crook of the opposite arm, squeezing the thigh into the torso. Rotating the neck carefully, one can complete the twist by opening the chest to calmly gaze back over the shoulder, as if leaning an ear to Shiva to hear the precious teachings. By twisting deeply

with the spine, one begins to feel the deep massaging and toning action in the abdomen, gently squeezing the eliminatory organs and for women, toning the uterus, bringing blood flow to the ovaries to help massage and balance the reproductive organs. Once in the twist, one can stay for 5 deep breath cycles, before carefully releasing and twisting over to the other side in the same fashion. This pose also offers a nice stretch for the outer hips, and can be repeated

Yoga For Wellness again on both sides to explore more opening of the body. Debbie Stapleton, RYT 200, has trained and taught yoga in Duncan, and will continue to practice and offer classes in Victoria BC.

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

water falls to Earth, it’s filtered through tree and other plant roots, soil fungi and bacteria, cleansing it so it’s safe to drink. All the energy in our bodies that we use to move, grow and reproduce is sunlight captured by plants in photosynthesis and converted to chemical energy, which we ingest. We eat plants and animals for our nourishment, so whatever they’re exposed to ends up in our bodies. We need clean soil to give us clean food.

Leaders Must Put People Before Politics

hen we elect people to office, we give them power to make and enact decisions on our behalf. They should have a vision that extends beyond the next election and the latest Dow Jones average — to our children and grandchildren. We expect our leaders to have a clear picture of our world and the conditions necessary for human life and well-being. If they don’t, how can they make informed decisions? So let me outline some simple, scientifically validated truths about us and the world we live in — truths that should guide our political decisions. We are, above all else, biological beings, with an absolute need for clean air from the moment of birth to the last death rattle. We take air deep into our lungs and filter whatever’s in it. Plants on land and in the ocean take in the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis, creating the atmosphere we depend on. We are about 60 per cent water by weight, so we need clean water to be healthy. When

These are basic, biological facts and should be the prism through which any decision is made at individual, corporate or government levels. Protection of air, water, soil and the web of life should be the highest social, political and economic priority. We’re also social animals. Scientists have shown that love during childhood is essential for healthy development. Children who are deprived of love at critical points can develop a variety of physical and psychological deficits. To avoid those, we have to work for strong families and supportive communities, full employment, justice, greater income and gender equity and freedom from terror, genocide and war. Finally, we are spiritual creatures who require sacred places, a sense of belonging to the world and a recognition that we are not in charge of nature, but dependent on the biosphere for our health and well-being. We are not outside of nature; we are part of it. To be fully healthy and human, our most elemental needs are biological, social and spiritual. Politicians ought to know this. Their role is to protect and enhance those necessities of life; otherwise there is no vision, direction or leadership. That’s why it’s absurd for

a politician or government representative to speak about any aspect of the economy without acknowledging the threat of human-induced climate change. Many oppose doing anything on ideological grounds, but the science is overwhelming and compelling, and the need for action is clear. What can you say about “leaders” who choose to ignore the best available evidence to the detriment of the people they are elected to represent? Surely those who act only for short-term economic gain, imposing destructive consequences on generations to come, must be held responsible. We must also consider the consequences of rapid and excessive exploitation of fossil fuels on the world’s poorest people, who have done little to create climate change but are most affected by it. Even though Canada ratified the legally binding Kyoto Protocol, which spelled out our

obligations to reduce the risk of climate change, many of our “leaders” have wilfully ignored scientific evidence and urgent calls to meet the protocol’s targets, and Canada eventually abandoned the agreement. What should we call that? And what can we say about “leaders” who can see something is wrong and have the means to respond but choose not to? This is what Canada is doing — in the face of overwhelming evidence and pleading of other industrialized nations. Our elected representatives deserve respect for their commitment. But the elevated status and power of politicians also carries responsibilities. Many are abrogating those responsibilities for ideological reasons that have nothing to do with our well-being. Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.

NOMINATE HILARY ABBOTT

Cowichan - Malahat - Langford

WILLING, ABLE AND WANTING TO WORK FOR YOU!

WWW.HILARYABBOTT.CA 250-715-8565

Hilary Abbott

@HILARYNDP

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

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) You’ve been in party mode and it’s been fun; but it’s time to pull your act together. This always happens when you see September looming on the calendar, right? You want to become more efficient and more effective in everything you do. Many of you will make To Do list and be eager to accomplish a lot. Give yourself the right tools to do a good job. Set your standards high because, you’re working to improve your life. Taurus (April 20-May 20) If you can slip away on a vacation this month – you will love it! Many of you are involved in music (Taurus rules the throat), which means you will love the chance to express your creative talents. Enjoy movies, the theatre, sports events, the arts, cultural events and musical performances. You will also enjoy entertaining at home. You love your creature comforts. Romance will flourish! Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your attention now shifts to home, family and your domestic scene. This might mean family reunions and increased interaction with relatives. However, September will also offer a chance to cocoon at home and enjoy

quiet moments in familiar surroundings. You can use this month to replenish and restore yourself, which is a good idea because October will be full of social engagements and plans to have fun.

the Sun is in your sign (this happens only once a year for four weeks) it has the ability to attract favourable situations and important people to you. Make the most of this. Milk this for all it’s worth! Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Fasten your seatbelt for a busy month ahead! Your schedule will be jam-packed with people to see, places to go and things to do. Short trips will be a factor along with increased study, reading and writing. You’re keen to talk to others because you want to enlighten them. You’re full of bright, clever ideas you want to share. One reason, you might be wheeling and dealing is you see financial opportunities you want to explore.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month is a good time to pull in your reins and get some serious R&R. Grab every opportunity to seek solutions so that you can start to plan your new year ahead (from birthday to birthday). Make a plan, Stan! You can either approach your future willy-nilly, responding to what happens and putting out fires; or you can set some goals and march to the beat of your own drum. What’s it going to be? Ideas?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This is an excellent time to shop for wardrobe treasures because you feel good about yourself. “Look at me – I’m hot!” And that is the frame of mind you want to have when buying clothes. September will focus on money, cash flow and earnings as well as your possessions. It’s time to take stock. Ponder your values and what really matters in life. It’s vital to define what matters to you, so that you can make the right choices.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A popular month! Everyone wants to see your face. Invitations to clubs, organizations, parties and social events will pour in. Say yes, because it will benefit you to interact with others. This is a good time to share your hopes and dreams for the future with others because their feedback will help you. Don’t work in a vacuum. Get the benefit of think-tank discussions where ideas build to new levels with new perspectives and vistas.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) For the first time in a year, the Sun has returned to your sign, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the next 12 months. This will be a fortunate time for you because when

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This is the only time all year when the Sun slowly crosses the top of your chart. This phenomena acts like a spotlight on you, which means you are noticed! Furthermore, this lighting is flattering, which means people in authority (as well as others) see you as competent, desirable and talented. Don’t do anything to correct this impression. (Kidding!) This placement of the Sun is an excellent time for you to think about your life direction in general. Are you headed in the direction you want to go?

September Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Suddenly, you’re keen to travel and explore more of the world because you want adventure and a sense of being alive and getting the most out of life. Travel if you can, but September is also perfect for signing up for a course or undertaking studies that broaden your understanding of anything. Talk to people from other countries and different cultures. Explore opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine and the law. Do anything that gives you a thrill, a sense of adventure and a chance to learn something new and exciting! Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month is more intense and focused in two directions: Sex and money. Oy! Physical relationships will be powerful and transformative – for sure. (The stuff of movies.) But you will feel equally as intense about taxes, debt, inheritances and shared property because you want to sort these things out. Your ambition is strong now with Mars at the top of your chart, which means you will easily defend your own best interests. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Now the Sun is opposite your sign. This is the only time all year this happens and because the Sun is your source of energy, and it is as far away from your sign as it gets all year, you will need more sleep. Factoid. Respect your need for more rest. Meanwhile, this polarized position of the Sun will focus your attention on partnerships and close friendships. For a relationship to be successful, you must be as good for your partner as he or she is for you. And remember, a rich partner is wonderful labour-saving device. www.georgianicols.com

September Events LES MISERABLES Chemainus Theatre Festival Tickets from $25 Runs to Sept 20 chemainustheatrefestival.ca SILK PAINTINGS BATIK & MOSAICS by Clare Carver Sandra Greenaway & Veronica Scott Imagine That! 251 Craig St Duncan Runs to Sept 28

SCARECROW TRAIL Create a Scarecrow or Join the Trail Vote for your favourite $10 Registration Fee all Money Collected Goes to Winners Çharity of Choice scarecrowtrail.ca Shawnigan Lake Runs to Sept 21

/9/16/23/30 DADS MAKE A DIFFERENCE 80 station St Suite 213 westcoastmen.org Free 6-8pm 2/9/16/23/30 Community Acupuncture #103-44 Queens Road, Duncan Every Tuesday 12 -3pm Frauke McCashin, RAc 250-710-3581 3/10/17/24 and Every Wednesday from 5 - 8pm

/10/17/24 MEN’S CIRCLE Cowichan Station Hub 2375 Koksilah Rd Free for guests westcoastmen.org $5 regular attendees 7-9:30pm

&10 5RHYTHMS The Chapel at Providence Farm shaunadevlin.net $10-15 Sliding Scale 6:30-8:15pm

Sound Journey an improvised musical relaxation experience, created by singer Laurel Murphy 1-2 pm, 3-4pm and 7-8:15pm, Mercury Theatre, 331 Brae Rd, Duncan Space limited to 12 people. Please reserve 250-597 REST (7378)

5&6

RESTHOUSE GRAND OPENING Mattress & Pillow Fittings Gift Baskets Complimentary Hand & Foot Massages Live Music Refreshments 340 Brae Rd Duncan www.resthouse.ca

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2014 COWICHAN EXHIBITION Celebrating 146 years of Fairs in the Valley cowex.ca 5-7 SOLAR PHOTO VOLTAIC DEMO Interested in Discounted Bulk Buy? Green Party Booth Cowichan Exhibition Cowichan Carbon Busters 250 748 7954

/13/20/27 HONEYMOON BAY OUTDOOR MARKET Old Fashioned Country Market

Southshore Rd Honeymoon Bay 10-2pm LILA MUSIC CENTRE OPEN HOUSE 11 -3pm REGISTRATION MEET THE TEACHERS 3228A Gibbins Rd Duncan joythroughmusic.com ONE BRIGHT MORNING CONCERT Tad Ruszel & Miki klaver Lila Music Centre 3228A Gibbins Rd Duncan joythroughmusic.com Suggested $10 12:30 & 2pm sets INTRO TO HAND DRUMMING & BODY PERCUSSION Open House @ Lila Music Studio 3228A Gibbins Rd Duncan karinlewisdrum@ gmail.com By Donation 11:30-12pm VIOLIN/ FIDDLE GROUP Intermediate class first of 4 classes Lila Music Centre 3228A Gibbins Rd Duncan contact Richard Moody soundrich@ hotmail.com $25 person 3:30-5:30pm

MOROCCAN TEA EXPERIENCE Authentic Moroccan Tea Service with Locally Made Moroccan Sweets Teafarm 8350 Richards Trail North Cowichan $15 Person Limited Seating Call to Reserve 250 748 3811 1-4pm MERRIDALE SUNDAY PIZZA NIGHT with Roland Michael Barrett Merridale Ciderworks 1230 Merridale Rd Cobble Hill 250-743-4293 No Cover Charge 5pm – 9pm BOPOMA INTRODUCTORY AFRICAN MARIMBA WORKSHOP Instuments Provided $15 Pre-Registration Required 250-737-1331112:30pm

&10 COWICHAN CONSORT ORCHESTRA &CHOIR REHERSALS New Members Welcome Sylvan United Church Mill Bay 250748-8982

FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH & WELLNESS Free Introductory Evening Beverly Medical Clinic Duncan Foundationsof Health and Wellness.com Free 7pm 9/16/23/30 RHYTHMIC YOU Hand Drumming and Body Percussion Music Studio 3228A Gibbins Rd, Duncankarinlewisdrum@gmail.com $15 7:30-9pm

DIVORCE CARE & DIVORCE CARE FOR KIDS REGISTRATION Hope and Healing for Parents and Children St Andrew’s Church Duncan Register by phone 250-746-7413 Begins Sept 17 Wednesdays 6:30pm SPANISH TAPAS COOKING CLASS with

Resident Chef Gary Faessler The Worldly Gourmet Kitchen Store 522 1st Ave Ladysmith 250-245-7307 6-9pm SCAMS & FRAUD RCMP PRESENTATION Learn about the Latest Scams & Fraud whether Door to Door by Phone or email Free at the Chemainus library 12-1pm

QUAMICHAN LAKE TROUT REFUGE GRAND OPENING info@quamichanlake.ca 4pm IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD CONCERT We Ain’t Quittin’ the World We is Diggin’ Lennon & his Compadres By Donation Duncan Showroom 330 Duncan St 8pm

COMEDY NIGHT WITH DAVID DJ ROY Vancouver’s King Of Filth and guests $10 Duncan Showroom 330 Duncan St 8pm

ST JOHN’S ANNUAL SEPTEMBER FESTIVAL Silent Auction Ye Olde Coffee Shoppe Food Court Kids Corner Family Fun Guides Brownies Scouts Skating Club Fire Department Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue In Attendance stjohnscobbblehill.ca 3295 Cobble Hill Road 10-2pm UNITED WAY COMMUNITY KICK OFF PANCAKE BREAKFAST Charles Hoey Park cowichan.unitedway.ca $8person $15/2 people $25/family 9-12pm 5TH ANNUAL FREE COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY Join Us For Free Hot Dogs Carnival Games a Bouncy Castle Candy Face Painting a Dunk Tank Free family fun 931 Trunk Rd duncanchurch.com 1-3pm BERRYMANIA Fun Family Festival Fundraiser of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Waterfront at Transfer Beach Ladysmith berrymania.ca 10am-10pm by Donation BBC’S LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS (Live Broadcast) Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St Duncan 250-748-7529 Tickets $5-$22 11:30am JUST DUETS Presented by Cowichan Folk Guild Coffeehouse Duncan United Church 246 Ingram St Duncan Admission $10/ $5 for CFG Members Doors open at 7pm Open Stage 7:30pm

SPIRIT GATE ENCHANTED SUMMER MARKET Spirit Gate Farm 2541 Herd rd Duncan Free Admission 250-737-1484 10-4 pm

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

DUNCAN TERRY FOX RUN Marathon of Hope 10km 3km 1km Suitable for Bikes Wheelchairs Strollers & Rollerblades Dogs on Leash Welcome BC Forest Discovery Centre 2892 Drinkwater Rd Duncan terryfox.org Registration 9:30am Start 10am Finish 1pm

ON THE LINE DOCUMENTARY NIGHT Frank Wolf & Todd McGowan Followed the GPS Track of the Northern Gateway Pipeline Find out What They Saw. Discussion after the film. Free at the Cowichan Library 6-7:30pm 15/22/29 CHAKRA YOGA CLASSES Rivendell Yurt Please Contact Sadie to register sdbartram@gmail.com 6:30-8pm

round-up Poker Ride 9-5pm BBQ & Dance 5:3012am Pre Registration $50 Day of $75 Child $40 YOGA FOR THE COAST FUNDRAISER Hosted by the Yogini Collective The Hub at Cowichan Station by Donation 250-709-3744 9:30-12pm MUNAY-KI HEALERS RITES Initation of First Two Rites Nine Rites in Total with Earth Keeper Sue Peters Based on the Work of Alberto Villoldo rallen00@shaw.ca $100 9:30 – 5:30pm ONE DAY MEDITATION RETREAT Nichiren Peace Center VIRetreats.com AWAKENING THE GODDESS Part 1 of 4 Dance Ceremony Circle Location TBA shaunadevlin.net 250-709-1921 $30/$100 for all 4 5-8pm

MODERN DAY COWGIRL Four Session Body Talk Series for Setting Healthy Boundaries with Alexa Linton CBP FireFly Farm Duncan alexalinton.com/modern-day-cowgirl $197 7-8:30pm

ORGANIC MASTER GARDENER COURSE Free information session Understand the Connection Between Soil Health Plant Health Human Health & Environmental Health 360 Duncan St nora@cowichangreencommunity.org 6pm

FROM BROKEN TO BETTER THAN EVER Four Session Body Talk Series for Healing the Heart Runs to October 8 with Alexa Linton CBP FireFly Farm Duncan alexalinton.com/heartseries $197 7-8:30 pm

COWICHAN COHOUSING NEW MEMBER MEETING All Welcome Community Meeting Room at Thrifty Foods,Duncan. Tea at 6:45 Meeting starts at 7 pm. VITAL VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT & GROOMING VOLUNTEERS FOR LEADERSHIP Workshops VIU Duncan $15 Per Workshop anne-marie@volunteercowichan.c.ca 9am

MAKE IT VINTAGE AFFAIR Vintage Upcycled items Organic Food Farm Goods 8012 Greendale Rd Lake Cowichan 11-4PM VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Workshop for New Volunteers Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd call Meg or Kai at 250746-022 9:30-12PM COWICHAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION ROUND UP! In Support of the Therapeutic Horse Herd Avalon Equestrian Center 2442 Herd Rd Duncan ctra.ca/2014-

FALL EQUINOX SACRED CHANT CIRCLE Rivendell Yurt By Donation Contact Sadie For More Information sdbartram@gmail.com 7-8:30pm THE GRAND SEDUCTION REEL ALTERNATIVES Canadian Film Directed by Don McKellar Starring Gordon Pinsent Cowichan Theatre Tickets $12 Fall Series 5 Films $50 Students w/card (rows ABC) $5 7pm GRAPE TO PLATE TUESDAY COOKING CLASS With Chef Hudson at Hudson’s On First Call For Reservations 250-597-0066 $70 Person Plus Gratuity & Tax 6pm FEERMENTED PROBIOTIC BEVERAGES WORKSHOP Clements Centre Duncan Andrea andreajonesrncp.com 5-7pm SPANISH SEAFOOD PAELLA DINNER Kilrenny Farm Cooking Class with Chef Gary Faessler Kilrenny Farm 1470 Cowichan Bay Rd 250-743-9019 $65 6-8:30pm EXPLORE & EXPAND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WITH US LadysmithCameraClub.com Hardwick Hall High St Ladysmith Non Members $5 Drop in Fee 23&30 5RHYTHMS FALL SESSION Harmony Yoga Centre shaunadevlin.net 250-709-1921 $10-15 Sliding Scale 6:45-8:00pm

5 DAYS, 5 COURSES LOCAL FOOD & WINE PAIRING 5 local wineries garnished with local food www.stonesoupinn.ca September 25th to September 29th

BARGE ON IN! PUBLIC TASTING EVENT SAVOUR FESTIVAL KICK OFF PARTY!

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

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

Swig popular potations sample gourmet goodies & mingle with makers of Cowichan Valley’s celebrated food, beverages and farms while floating on a barge in Mill Bay. Musical stylings by DJ Mark Leung. Limited tickets- $25 person online ticket sales savourcowichan.com 6-9pm Cheers Tours Shuttle bus pick ups 5-5:30pm returns 9:30pm PROVIDENCE FARM 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS ART SHOW Entertainment, guest speakers, cheese and refreshments to enjoy 1843 Tzouhalem Rd For more info provfarm@ providence.bc.ca or 250 746-4204 7pm-10pm Tickets $20

SIP SAVOUR & SUPPORT WIDE MOUTH MASON & HAYLEY MCLEAN CONCERT Sip local wines & ciders savour creations of local restaurants & chefs. 12-2pm After 2pm guests are invited to purchase drink tickets 100% of proceeds raised go directly to support autism in the Cowichan Valley. www.canuckautism.com/ suppot GREAT CANADIAN SHORE CLEAN UP Meet at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd Sign Up At shorelinecleanup. ca/en/cleanup/event/fall2014/cowichanbay-hecate-park For More Info info@ cowichanlandtrust.ca 10am PROVIDENCE FARM OPEN HOUSE Art Show viewin, self-guided historical tours, General Store and Nursery Greenhouse. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds. FREE COWICHAN VALLEY INDEPENDENT LIVING SEMI FORMAL FUNDRAISER Quamichann Inn cvilrc.bc.ca Dinner, Silent Auction $60pp 5pm

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LAKE COWICHAN SALMON MUSHROOM FESTIVAL Learn About Wild Mushrooms & Salmon Variety of Salmon & Mushroom Delicacies Vendors Roving Minstrels Children’s Art Table Admission $2 Children Free Centennial Hall 309 South Shore Rd Lake Cowichan salmonmushroomfestival. com 10-4pm

CONTAINERS FOR FALL & WINTER Instructor Barbara Kohlman Register at VIU Campus 250-746-3519 6:30-9pm

COWICHAN VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE Portals Island Savings Centre James St Duncan cvartscouncil@shaw.ca

sutton group • west coast realty

250.748.5000 2610 Beverly Street Duncan, BC

toni@tonib.ca

www.ToniB.ca

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